N.Z. TIMBER JACKS

Dominion, Volume 34, Issue 81, 30 December 1940, Page 5

N.Z. TIMBER JACKS

Useful In Clearing Up

After Raids WAR ORDER FROM LONDON (From official war correspondent, second N.Z.E.F.. England.) BRITAIN, December 27. New Zealand timber jacks patented and made in the Dominion, are being added to the standard equipment of the Royal Engineer construction units that are engaged in demolition and rescue work after the bombings of London. A demonstration given last week by men of the New Zealand Forestry Unit opened the eyes of the authorities to the usefulness of the timber jacks in making heavy lifts from awkward positions. “I am convinced." wrote the War Office engineer in charge of this work, "that the New Zealand jacks would be invaluable for use in Loudon under the present conditions.” Accordingly, a supply is being ordered in New Zealand by cable, and in the meantime the War Office has requested the use of a dozen jacks from the foresters, each of three companys of whom came overseas equipped with 14 of' these.

The dozen was sent to London today from the country in the charge of two expert New’ Zealand bushw’orkers who are being attached ot the Royal Engineers for several weeks as instructors. Thus the new’ equipment is made immediately available for urgent rescue work and British troops are given an opportunity to become accustomed to its use before the general issue jack arrives from New Zealand. Suggestions for the use of timber jacks in the bombed areas were first made by Colonel J. G. Eliott, officer commanding the Forestry Unit. In the opinion of the salvage corps engineer and the senior officers who have seen it working in the woods it is probable that demolition gangs in all the big cities will shortly be issued with the New Zealand product.