Motor Transport in National Emergency

Manawatu Times, Volume 66, Issue 264, 6 November 1941, Page 8

Motor Transport in National Emergency

MINISTER EXPLAINS PROCEDURE Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, Nov. 4. District motor-vehicle controllers have now been appointed in a.number of districts to arrange for the supply of motor transport in a national emergency, Hon. R. Bemple announced to-day. “In such au event vehicles will be required both by the army aud the Emergency Reserve Corps,” said the Minister. “The vehicles considered suitable for the army will remain with their owner until the army is mobilised. I feel sure that if such au event occurs owners will be only too anxious to make their vehicles available for the defence of New Zealand. Such vehicles will be duly selected by the district controller, who will act with an advisory committee and the owners will be notified by the chief impressment officer. “If the army does mobilise, the vehicles 'will be purchased or hired by the defence authorities. Vehicles required for the Emergency Reserve Corps will be needed for the period of the emergency only and will then bt returned to the owner, compensation being arranged between the owner and the hiring authority. Owners of sufh vehicles will also be advised by the district controller to this effect.

“Although provision has been made for the right of appeal to the district licensing authority in both cases, I hope that this may never have to be exercised.

4< As the Home Guard is now part of the Army the transport required by the Home Guard in the event of mobilisation will be supplied by the Army authorities,’’ said the Minister. “As a number of Homo Guard units have made satisfactory voluntary arrangements for raining purposes, however, these arrangements will not if possible be upset.” The Minister expressed appreciation of the valuable voluntary work now being carried out by controllers and their advisory committees.