BACK TO HORSES

Grey River Argus, 2 June 1942, Page 1

BACK TO HORSES

MOTORS GOING 01-t, CHRISTCHURCH, June 1 The opinion that, because of the petrol shortage, few private motorcars would be on the road in a few months was. expressed by the Minister for Transport (the Hon. R. [Semple) on Saturday at a conference in Christchurch. I A “back t 0 the horse’’ movement Tor short-run transport, advocated by Mr. H. S. S. Kyle, M.P., was commended for consideration. Horses .would have to be impressed if necessary, and that blacksmiths and saddlery and shoeing supplies would have to be found. .Mr. Kyle advocated the use of horses for short deliveries. Bread and milk zoning was . being initiated and perhaps meat zoning would come later. “Everything,” commented Mr. Semple. Mr. Kyle Paid he believed the delivery of newspapers might have to be zoned. Mr. J. R. D. Johns said he was going back to the horse and he asked that horse vans should be permitted to go under the Styx overhead bridge, which was a difficulty in frosty weather. Mr. Serirple: That permission will be given to-morrow for essential services. . . . Mr. Johns also told the Minister that no blacksmith was available between Christchurch and Rangiora Mr. Semple said blacksmiths were necessary to maintain services. Ithey were going back to the horse and he did not think there was anv doubt about it that Ln -the cities milk, meat and bread would be carted by horses—blacksmiths would have to keen the horses shod. It there was any obstruction to the transport system he would put it

right in. five minutes. Mr. H. BFss said impressment of horses might be necessary. Mr. Semple: We have had tn conscript, .mm and there should be no trouble about impressing horses. We have impressed rifles and trucks, so one or two. other sins won’t hurt us. (Laughter.) The Mavdr. who said the City Council had relaxed its bv-laws against the stabling of horses in the citv, was asked by the Minister to undertake the organisation of a, “Back to the Horse” movement.'