ARMY TRANSPORT

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20493, 1 March 1941, Page 4

ARMY TRANSPORT

STATE PURCHASE PRIVATE VEHICLES DEFENCE MANOEUVRES PLANS FOR MOBILISATION (Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, this day. “It is recognised that the rapid completion of the Dominion’s defence measures if of supreme importance at present,” said the Minister of Defence, the Hon. F. Jones, in a, statement issued last night. "The stage has now been reached’when it becomes essential to draw upon the transport resources of the country. Army manoeuvres are shortly to take place, and these will require the use pf large numbers of vehicles. Plans must also be made for a complete mobilisation in event of a major emergency. As circumstances prevail to-day, it would be the height of folly if we did not take precautions to work out plans for all emergencies now. For that reason the Government has giyen instructions that preparations for a general mobilisation must be brought well forward. “After full consideration by the War Cabinet arrangements are in hand for providing the transport facilities required for defence purposes. For the moment we are mainly concerned with finding adequate transport for the forthcoming manoeuvres. In acquiring motor vehicles for the army, every endeavour is being made to disturb civil transport as little as possible. I would like to assure the public that the utmost discretion will be-exercised in the application of the impressment regulations. ' Arbitration Plan “The transport licensing authorities have been brought in to assist, and 1 they will closely - examine lists of vehicles it is proposed to acquire. This arrangement should minimise the inconvenience - which may be suffered by owners. . Provision has also been made, in event of a dispute, for immediate reference to the licensing authorities who, by their particular knowledge of the transport requirements of their areas, will be in a position to exercise helpful judgment. “The Government has endeavoured to ensure that the prices to be paid for vehicles acquired for defence purposes shall be settled with the fullest measure of fairness to all concerned. A valuation committee has been constituted, consisting of two prominent members of the motor trade, Mr. Hope • Gibbons, of Hope Gibbons Limited, and Mr. George i Seers, managingdirector of General Motors, and two experienced Government officers. The composition of this committee will, I am sure, command the confidence of the motor industry. Furthermore, if the valuation, as assessed by the committee, is not acceptable to the owner, provision has been made for final determination by arbitration.

“The numbers of vehicles required immediately for the manoeuvres will not be very large, but a general mobilisation, should it ever be necessary, would make very far greater demands. An opportunity is therefore now being < taken to classify, examine and value such privately-owned motor vehicles, lorries, cars, vans and motor cycles as would or might be required in the 1 event of a major crisis. Owner’s Obligation “Wherever the vehicles are earmarked, the owners will be given information about the point, of delivery and such other information as will enable the whole scheme to be put into operation smoothly, efficiently and with all the speed that such emergency would inevitably demand. i l “It should be borne in mind always that the failure of one vehicle might have a serious effect on a wide range of operations. An owner who has received a notice that his vehicle will be required has a duty therefore to maintain it in a good, serviceable con-dition-’and to notify the local military authorities always regarding such matters as change of ownership or accident. “Preliminary work for this scheme will be completed within a few days, and I would like to take this opportunity to make an earnest appeal for the co-operation of vehicle owners. “Circumstances beyond the control of any one in this country have rendered necessary action of the nature I have outlined. The Government will do everything possible!to ensure that this unavoidable disturbance shall be reduced to a minimum and that all parties shall be treated fairly. The machinery that has been set up should enable these objects'to be attained.”