No More Local Associations
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WE have observed, here and there, tendencies to form local haulage associations. This, we believe, is a most unfortunate procedure. The question of the wisdom or otherwise of such a course has arisen several times during conversations which we have had with hauliers, and it has been obvious for some time that a great deal of interest is taken in the subject. Apparently the underlying reason for the attraction of local associations is the impression that in that way matters of local interest which most nearly and directly affect the members are more likely to receive close attention. There is a feeling abroad that a national association concerns itself only with matters of nation-wide importance. It is also considered by some that the parent bodies require too high a proportion of the receipts from subscriptions.
Such an attitude is entirely wrong, and there is no substantial ground for the feeling of discontent, or if there be such ground in any particular area, the fault lies with the local hauliers themselves and not with the national association. It is up to the local hauliers to assert themselves and to insist that local affairs be dealt with as sincerely and energetically as those of wide concern. The C.M.U.A.-A.R.O. is sufficiently subdivided to enable every locality to have its own area committee. If it be felt in any district that there is a lack, then the remedy is obvious and easy.
The founding of separate local associations is wrong in principle. It weakens the national bodies, because those hauliers who can afford to be members of both are few in number. Preference for the local association robs the national organization of members and of the strength which accrues from a big membership. The principal essential for success in the efforts which are being made to strengthen the cause of road transport is unity. That, it was hoped, has recently been largely attained by the much-to-be-commended union of the C.M.U.A. and A.R.O. It would be a thousand pities if the results of that union were to be adversely affected by such secessions as would result from the formation of more local associations.