IMPRESSMENT OF TRUCKS

Press, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 23537, 15 January 1942, Page 6

IMPRESSMENT OF TRUCKS

METHOD OF VALUATION CRITICISED PROTECT MADE BY FARMERS’ UNION The methods used in the valuation of farmers’ trucks impressed by the Army were criticised at a meeting of the executive of the North Canterbury branch of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union yesterday. One of the farmers’ representatives on the truck impressment committee, Mr A. M. Carpenter, described the methods as not fair, just, or equitable. The executive decided to protest to the Minister for National Service against the method of valuation, and to suggest that the farmer be allowed his own valuer. . Mr Carpenter said that the truck impressment committee had received an assurance from Wellington that notice of the impressment of farmers’ trucks would be given, and that trucks would remain on the farm until mobilisation took place, but many had been impressed at very short notice. This might have been necessary, but it was done without any consideration for national welfare by Gestapo methods. "The method of valuation adopted in many cases was most unjust, and contrary to the Government’s usual procedure,” said Mr Carpenter. “The trucks were not taken on their present-day value. Trucks valued by the farmers’ valuer at £340 were taken for £175. For trucks five years older and mechanically unfit for the Army, dealers are asking as much and getting as much as £370.” Mr Carpenter added that the mechanics’ job in overhauling the trucks for the Army in many cases was a farce, and a waste of wages, as the condition of the truck and thte amount spent on it by the farmer were not taken into account in paying for it. Every farmer should have his truck valued by an accredited firm before submitting it to the Army valuers. The method of appeal was too costly, too cumbersome, and too one-sided_ to do justice to the farmer, as it was impossible to replace the truck taken. "If the farmer is to carry on his production and provide food for the people, there must be some equitable system evolved,” said Mr Carpenter. "Already I have had many instances where farmers have spent as much as £175 on grass seed to sow down their farms where wheat is growing to-day, because of their trucks being taken by the methods I have described." Mr Carpenter suggested that there should be liaison between the oil fuel, truck impressment, and valuation committees. The president (Mr R. G. Bishop) said the method of valuation was not very satisfactory. Some farmers had been treated satisfactorily, but others were not getting a good deal at all.