TIMBER JACKS

Evening Post, Volume CXXX, Issue 157, 31 December 1940, Page 8

TIMBER JACKS

USE IN RAIDED AREAS

FEATHER FOR NEW ZEALAND

(From the Official War Correspondent with the Second N.Z.E.F. in England.)

BRITAIN, December 27,

Timber jacks patented and made in New Zealand are being added to the standard equipment of the Royal Engineer construction units engaged in demolition and rescue work in London. A demonstration last week by men of the New Zealand Forestry Unit opened the eyes of the authorities to the usefulness of the timber jacks for 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 London under present conditions." Accordingly a

supply is being ordered from New Zealand by cable.

Meanwhile the War Office requested the use of a dozen jacks from the Foresters. Each of the three companies of this unit came overseas equipped with fourteen. A dozen were sent to London today in charge of two expert New Zealand bushworkers who are being attached to the Royal Engineers for several weeks as instructors. Thus the new equipment was niade immediately available for urgent rescue work and British troops were given an opportunity to become accustomed to its use before the general issue of the jacks arrives from New Zealand.

Suggestions for the use of the timber jacks in bombed areas were first made by Colonel J. G. Elliott, Officer Commanding the Forestry Unit. In the opinion of a'"Salvage Corps engineer and senior officers who have seen it working in the woods, it is probable that demolition gangs in all the big cities will shortly be provided with the New Zealand product.