IMPRESSMENT OF VEHICLES

Press, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23300, 9 April 1941, Page 6

IMPRESSMENT OF VEHICLES

REPRESENTATIONS TO GOVERNMENT HIRE SYSTEM SUGGESTED Representations for a better scheme for the impressment of motor vehicles for military needs .have been made to the Government by the Canterbury Chamber of Commerce, according to a statement by the secretary (Mr J. Roy Smith) yesterday. The representations, which include a suggestion for the introduction of an improved hire system, were discussed in committee by the council of the chamber at its njeet-' ing last week. The attitude of the chamber is that, while the Army’s need for vehicles is rebognised and it is realised that busipess and farmer users must be drawn upon, it is considered that a better scheme can be evolved.

According to the chamber, the Government should purchase the minimum number of vehicles required by the Defence Department, and hire the greater number needed for special and emergency occasions on suitable terms and enabling the military authorities to obtain their use at short notice.

Hire paid in the past is considered to .-have been on too lavish a scale* leading to abuse, .whereas an improved hire system would serve military needs while allowing New- Zealand’s normal transport facilities to be maintained — which would, it is thought, be of benefit .to the country’s war effort, especially as first-quality transport at present is limited.