FIVE JET BOATS FOR PUNJAB

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30630, 22 December 1964, Page 1

FIVE JET BOATS FOR PUNJAB

(New Zealand Press Association)

WELLINGTON, December 21. Five New Zealandmade jet boats will be given to the Indian Government for flood relief work in the Punjab, the Prime Minister (Mr Holyoake) announced today. “The Indian Government’s request comes as a direct result of the remarkable exploits of a New Zealand Pres-

byterian missionary during the exceptionally heavy Punjab floods earlier this year,” he said.

The Prime Minister paid a tribute to the Rev. D. M. Riddle, whom he described as a “gallant man.” “Working in the worst affected areas with a jet boat which had been provided by C.0.R.5.0., he evacuated flood victims, transported doctors and supplies, set up relief camps and carried men and materials to mend breaches in stopbanks,” said Mr Holyoake.

“In so doing he saved countless lives and made a deep impression on the people and Government of India. “Mr Riddle’s boat ultimately met with an accident and sank—nearly drowning him in the process.

“It was then the Government of India decided to ask for more boats to be provided under the Colombo Plan,” said the Prime Minister.

“While the jet boats would be used primarily for flood relief work, a secondary role would be research into the be-

haviour of flooded rivers with a view to preventative action for the future,” he said. The Prime Minister said the manufacturers of jet boats, C. W. F. Hamilton Marine, Ltd., of Christchurch, hoped to ship the first of the five boats to India before Christmas.

“Indian crews are being trained by Mr Riddle,” he said.

Jet boats are the only craft which can operate effectively in flooded areas and on rivers in high spate.