Convoys Of Lorries

Northern Advocate, 25 June 1946, Page 6

Convoys Of Lorries

(Special) AUCKLAND This Day. Reminiscent of the war period when army convoys travelled the country, was the departure from Auckland early this morning of a fleet of military vehicles being used to supplement the curtailed railway goods* services. Twenty trucks carrying about 100 tons of general merchandise for stations as far as Maungaturoto in the north to Ngaruawahia in the south were used for the first time today. The vehicles were loaded in the Auckland outward goods shed yesterday rcid before 7 a.m. all were on the way to their destinations. After unloading cargo into goods sheds, the trucks will be backloaded for the return trip to the city late this afternoon and early this evening they will be again loaded ready for further trips tomorrow morning. 14 MORE TOMORROW Another 14 trucks obtained from the army park at Ngaruawahia camp have been brought to the city and prepared for extension of the fleet should this prove necessary. It is thought likely that within the next few days all 34 vehicles will be on the road with 28 drivers now avail-! able and more offering their services. ! Officials of the department said that j any demand for increased services; could be fulfilled quite easily. i The operation 0 f a road service to j Maungaturoto would eliminate the ■ heavy hail over the Waitakeres. it was! explained today, and for this reason j trucks were transporting goods to i stations between Henderson and Maungaturoto in order t f) effect a farther saving in coal. Arrangemenrts are being made to extend goods services by road to | Paeroa and Thames, trucks travelling by the Hauraki Plains.