FOR AN EMERGENCY

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 76, 25 October 1941, Page 4

FOR AN EMERGENCY

RESERVE MOTOR TRANSPORT ORGANISATION ANNOUNCED BY MINISTER VALUABLE PART IN DEFENCE Wellington, This Day. The organisation of reserve motor transport for use in an emergency was announced last evening by the Minister of Defence, Mr Jones. This, he said, was expected to play a very valuable part in the defence of New Zealand. The Minister expressed appreciation of the "spontaneous response received from members of the transport industry who have so generously given their personal services and vehicles for (his important adjunct to the Army.” “As a result of the assistance of llr.! Minister of Transport. Mr Semple, the Commissioner of Transport and 11is Department, the New Zealand Carriers’ Federation, and the New Zealand Road Transport Alliance, the formation of 32 Lines of Communication Motor Transport Companies has now been accomplished,” said Mr Jones. “The companies will provide transport services along the lines of communication and will be controlled by the Army Depart ment. Rapid movement of troops, supplies, and materials is one of the essential characteristics of modern warfare. and the Army attaches great importance to the development of these companies. In addition New Zealand will have an organisation which in the event of any breakdown of normal transport facilities will be able at short notice to undertake the maintenance of essential supplies to any area where they may be required. The value of such an organisation during wartime will be appreciated by everyone.” The Minister said that for the purpose of administration the Dominion was divided into four districts, each of which was in the charge of a district commander, assisted by his sec-ond-in-charge and an assistant adjutant. In addition, the Army had made arrangements for the appointment from its own staff of a full time adjutant to be attached to each district. The companies were formed and organised in each district so that their loadcarrying capacities fitted in with the special requirements of the Army. The personnel of the companies were attested as members of the Horne Guard and were being recruited from the road transport industry. Special courses of instruction for officers hod already been held at the Army School of Instruction. Trentham, and the courses had been attended by personnel from all over the Dominion. Mr Jones said that the officers of these units, who would have exactly the same status as other Home Guard officers, were being selected and that the names of those already appointed had been published in the "Gazette” t !s week.—P.A.