“The ideal member of the M.A.C. is one who never says anything at meetings,” observed Tim Rowkins, representative for Depts 640, 654 and 680. He meant that a member should not be un-interested, but should have matters so well organised in the constituency that everything could be dealt with on the spot instead of waiting for the meetings.

Tim is well suited for his work as an M.A.C. member, because he has always been keenly and actively interested in welfare activity, having been an Essex County Council welfare officer. He is an accredited Methodist local preacher and looks after a Sunday School.

“Of course,” he said, “some matters have to be talked about at meetings. But it is always best to try to get them settled beforehand - or at least talk them over and decide what to do.

“The M.A.C. is notable for one feature which I am sure all its members appreciate specially - it is a medium by which workers and members of the management meet - and speak - on equal terms. And when matters are raised, and asked to be looked into, there is always a fair hearing, with no coercion and no refusal except for a fully-stated reason.”

Tim has been loading lorries from the despatch department for the two years he has been with British Bata. It is his first year on the M.A.C. “There is a spirit of co-operation here that is very encouraging,” he said, “and I feel that it makes for a very happy atmosphere.”