This morning’s correspondents turn their attention to the road haulage industry, the Rev Mike Erskine, the ‘Forgotten Army’ and services for travellers.
Cartel won’t solve hauliers’ problems
Sir,-Responding to a previous news article, your correspondent Jim Smith (August 18) seems to be endorsing some sort of price-fixing cartel for the road-haulage industry, which would be illegal under competition law.
Indeed, given the fragmented and highly competitive nature of the sector, even if this practice was legal the chances of the industry getting together to form an effective cartel would seem remote.
Either way, Mr Smith should perhaps bear in mind that such arrangements are generally concluded secretly and not initiated by way of publication in the Press.
In any case, Mark Cessford’s comments (August 12) about the standardisation of taxi fares where there are good public-interest reasons for government regulation perhaps illustrate the ultimate futility of what they propose because if the official tariff is set too high, then this will merely lose the trade business, while at the same time attract more drivers into the sector.
Many in the taxi trade seem to think that a 50% fare rise would mean 50% more takings but basic economics, if not mere common sense, dictates otherwise and eventually a rise of that magnitude would just mean drivers spending significantly more time waiting for passengers.
Thus, if haulage rates were standardised, officially or otherwise, then there is little to suggest that the industry would be more profitable in the long-term.
Stuart Winton.Hilltown,Dundee.
Uncertainty at Fife church
Sir,-I am disappointed that you chose to give almost a full half page to the suspension of the Rev Mike Erskine after receiving a letter from a most un-Christian-like member of his congregation saying that this should be made public.
It is already well known by everyone who should know and needs to know his two congregations and probably all the villagers of Crail and Kingsbarns.
It is a very sad and disturbing time for us, having been left in limbo not knowing what was going to happen after this came to light a few months ago when Mike was first suspended pending further investigation.
We have had a succession of preachers and have still not had any satisfactory answers to our questions from St Andrews Presbytery.
You must understand this is very upsetting for us and it is not helpful having this displayed prominently in your newspaper.
(Mrs) Gill Pairman.14 Bells Wynd,Kingsbarns.
Understanding and forgiveness
Sir,-Your heading ‘Disgraced Fife Minister…..’ (August 18) may well be the last straw for this well-liked man of the cloth.
I do not know Mike Erskine, the minister you refer to, but I have heard nothing but praise from anyone lucky enough to be one of his congregation.
The Church of Scotland can ill afford to lose men of his ability and I hope that he appeals his suspension.
I also think it is a wee bit rich for the Judicial Commission of the Church of Scotland to suspend one of their better ministers. From the end of the second world war up until her death in 1977, Dora Noyce ran Edinburgh’s most infamous house at 17 Danube Street, Stockbridge, and once quipped that her busiest week was when the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland was in session.
What a shame that those who sat in judgment on Mike Erskine could not find it within their hearts to offer any forgiveness.
Gordon Rennie.Stenton Farm,St Monans.
‘Forgotten’ army recalled
Sir,-Your article Forgotten Army Remembered (August 16) took me back to the 1940s when I was a young lad living on a jute mill compound north of Calcutta close to the Burmese border.
Towards the conclusion of hostilities when our soldiers were on their way home via India, the jute-wallah ladies of Megna compound organised tea-parties for injured soldiers.
My mother asked me to serve sandwiches out to our soldier guests, which I did but not without trepidation, for some wore mask-like contraptions over facial injuries, while others had missing limbs.
To all those brave souls go my heartfelt thanks, for without their sacrifice I and many others may not have survived.
May they be forever remembered.
Kenneth Miln.22 Fothringham Drive,Monifieth.
Cater for travellers
Sir,-I am a traveller and write in response to Clark Cross (August 16).
Travellers don’t mind paying rent, if there are transit sites for them to go.
But councils opted to build permanent sites instead because the grants were bigger.
Sheila Stewart.42 High Street,Rattray,Blairgowrie.
Get involved: to have your say on these or any other topics, email your letter to letters@thecourier.co.uk or send to Letters Editor, The Courier, 80 Kingsway East, Dundee DD4 8SL.