Reg Mayer

Pioneer haulage contractor who started up in partnership with elder brother Len in 1919. Capital was provided by father J.T.Mayer who was a 'sleeping partner'. Initally second-hand vehicles were used (probably ex W.D.) These gave rise to endless mechanical problems and week-ends were spent doing repairs.Len became disenchanted with the arrangement whereby J.T. pocketed the profits and paid his two sons subsistence wages as reward for doing all the work.So in 1927 Len left the partnership to become a representative for Russian Oil Products.

Reg carried on after insisting that he become an equal partner with J.T. During the 1930's the business steadily expanded and it was now standard practice to buy new vehicles. By 1939 the fleet consisted of 12 vehicles of which at least four were 6-wheelers carrying loads of 12 tons.Regular services were operated to Liverpool docks, London and Birmingham. during the war operations were steadily reduced as most heavy industry was devoted to the war effort. Some of the heavier vehicles were sold off (while retaining the licences for later use) which was a shrewd move. In 1946, following a disagreement Reg bought out J.T.'s share and became sole proprietor able to make decisions quickly. New vehicles were purchased to replace vehicles worn out during the war years. Reg now decided to concentrate on using small 6-ton lorries to carry high value goods which could be carried for much higher rates.

At the time of compulsory nationalisation in 1949 (when the Labour Government wrongly thought it could run more efficiently if centralised) Mayer Bros. fleet consisted of 10 lorries

and was such a good business that the Road Haulage Executive paid three years profits profits plus the asset value of the lorries. Reg said it was ' a good price if I had wanted to sell'.Reg performed the post of Depot Manager for a year although his heart was not in it because it was so bureaucratic. When the depot was closed, Reg decided it was time to get out especially as his health was now failing.Reg was a sidesman and PCC member at Norton Church for many years and was a Churchwarden from 1948-1950.Details of the personal life of Reg will be added later by DLM.