TRANSPORT FOR EMERGENCY

Press, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23515, 18 December 1941, Page 4

TRANSPORT FOR EMERGENCY

E.P.S. CONTROLLER’S COMPLAINT

“BLOCKED BY OFFICIALS IN WELLINGTON”

Complaint that he had been “blocked by Government officials and departments in Wellington” in his efforts to make vital transport arrangements for coping with an emergency was made by Mr W. Machin, controller of the transport section of the Christchurch Emergency Precautions Services, at a meeting of the central committee yesterday. Mr Machin .outlined situations which members of the eommittee described as Gilbertian, and he was asked to take up these matters with the Minister for National Service this afternoon. In the event of an emergency, said Mr Machin, a special corps of skilled men would have to be sent to Lyttelton to carry out certain technical work. It was one of his tasks to arrange transport for those men. “I go to a high official and ask if I can have sufficient petrol. The reply is that instructions have been issued that no petrol is to be authorised for Journeys that can be made by train.” Mr Machin’s reply to this was: “What if there is no train? Do you seriously suggest that if an emergency occurs five minutes after midnight these men, who are urgently needed at Lyttelton, must wait until the first train at 6.20 in the morning?” The official’s reply was: “That appears to be the purport of the instruction."

Delays in Impressment

A week ago, Mr Machin said, he took to the District Transport Controller (Mr H. P. Donald) his first sheets of cars and trucks required for the Emergency Precautions Services. The District Controller, he explained, had the power, after tlje needs of the Army authorities had been filled, to issue notices of intention to use Such vehicles for the emergency organisation. Unfortunately, he had not yet even received those forms, and when urgent requests were made by Mr Machin for this to be expedited, the representations’ were referred from one Government official v to another, until they reached the Government Printer. “Don’t be in a hurry; there is no urgency for this,” was the substance of the Government Printer’s reply. “The sheets which I took in a week ago are being prepared by the District Controller, to go to Wellington to-night for the consideration of the Transport Controller. So before Mr Donald has a chance to issue his notices of intention to use these vehicles somebody in Wellington is going to peruse them for a week or two.” “Ludicrous Position” The most ludicrous position of all, went on Mr Machin, arose over the issue of petrol coupons for the E.P.S. They were told on “the very best authority” that the only petrol supplies to be issued would be made available through special coupons. “These were going to be sent in a package to Christchurch, and when an emergency arose they were to be given to me to hand out to 1300 or more drivers. “I have told them it is utterly foolish, but I cannot get them to shift,” said Mr Machin. “It is nothing but sheer foolery to spend hours and days organising for an emergency if we have got to wait until the bell rings before we can apply for petrol.” He said E.P.S. cars should have their coupons issued in advance, and there should also be an issue of two gallons to be kept in the tank. Mr Machin moved that strong representations be made to the Government on the following points:—(l) Urgent provision of the necessary notice forms for the District Transport Controller. (2) The provision of an adequate staff and telephone and office equipment for the District Transport Controller. (3) That the requisitions for transport should not have to be sent to Wellingtonfor consideration. (4) That petrol be issued to E.P.S. vehicles in advance. The Mayor (Mr E. H. Andrews) said the position as outlined by Mr Machin Was “absolutely Gilbertian,” and other members of the committee supported the suggestion that strong representations should be made to the Government. It was decided that Mr Machin should discuss the points raised with the Minister for National Service (the Hon, R. Semple) at the E.P.S. conference this afternoon.