National Representation Imperative
Page 29
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AS each day passes, the urgent need for -the representation, to the fullest possible extent, of every branch of road transport makes itself more apparent. The next few months will probably prove the most vital in the whole history of road transport, particularly in respect of the haulage side of the industry, but the ancillary user would be ill-advised to cormider himself likely to be unaffected by what may happen during this period. Only by co-operation and the presentation of a united front can the operators of commercial vehicles hope to put forward their full strength and prevent the undue curtailment of their essential activities.
There is no doubt that the country as a whole wants, and benefits by, the use of road transport. Trade and industry are constantly expressing appreciation of its utility, but the transport must be on a sound basis. What is required is more internal reconstruction than penalizing legislation, but to attain this object all parties must put their shoulders to the wheel. Discord at this stage borders on the suicidal, and is merely adding strength to the arms of those interests which are always endeavouring to find the Achilles heel.
There should be a ruthless weeding out of all personal interests liable to bring the industry into disrepute. Representation of the industry must be on the most solid foundation, otherwise it will soon be undermined. This soundness must apply not only to its per sonnel, but to its financial status. Individual members of any national association should not always expect immediate personal advantages; they should be brought to realize that their contributions are, to a considerable extent, in the nature of a fighting fund—the sinews of war.
Unfortunately there are not wanting suggestions of the breaking away of sectional interests from the bigger associations. This, to our mind, would be a retrograde step, and one which would bring to nought the ceaseless efforts which, during the past two years, have been made towards unity.
Our most urgent advice to the industry as a whole is that, whatever temporary checks may occur, ultimate co-operation should continue to be the aim of all who have the interest of road transport at heart.