ARMY VEHICLES

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23487, 26 October 1939, Page 13

ARMY VEHICLES

ASSEMBLY SCHEME

CO-OPERATIVE SYSTEM 1 COACHBUILDERS' AGREEMENT WORK FOR AUCKLAND FIRMS Tlio preparation of 62 motor-lorry chassis as Army Service vehicles lias begun, and the work is expected to alleviates for the ten Auckland coaclibuikling firms concerned tlio trying position created by the war. A sum of about £6OOO is involved in a unique co-operative plan, ageed upon between the Government and tho Auckland Coach builders' Association. When tenders were invited some time ago, difficulties arose over the wide range of prices submitted. A conference of body builders was held, and it was decided to do the work on tho costing basis of material, labour, overhead and profit. Tho material and labour accounts will bo handled by a sub-committee, which will also assess the overhead and profit percentages on a figure which has been agreed upon. "The industry lias met tho needs of the Government in the emergency in every possible way," said Mr. A. P. S. Hell, secretary of the Coachbuilders' Association, yesterday. "Tho firms engaged in the work aro satisfied with the arrangement, and are assisting each other with supplies of materials and services to ensure tho satisfactory completion of tho job. Labour is being planned to eliminate overtime and make tho work economical." Hanging from lOcwt. to three tons, the trucks aro British throughout and conform to army design. They embrace all types of vehicles, including special radio and anti-aircraft trucks. The fir>;t batch was delivered in Auckland on Tuesday to tho Government's new depot in Newmarket, and actual work began yesterday. The task has to be completed by November 3. As delivered, tho lorries were equipped with army cabs and painted a uniform khaki. Different types of bodies have to bo assembled, after which the vehicles will bo camouflaged and issued for service in military camps and to other units. Supplies of essential materials have been made available, so that there will ho no hitch in construction. In addition to coachbuilders, engineers and painters aro sharing in tho work.

FIRE SERVICE ENLISTMENT OF MEN EFFECT ON EFFICIENCY APPROACH TO AUTHORITIES A suggestion that fire brigades should bo regarded as an essential service was made at a meeting of tho Auckland Metropolitan Fire Board yesterday, when it was reported that fire-fighting services might be endangered if many members of the staff were to enlist in the special military force. Tho chairman, Mr. J. J. Kingston, will confer with Colonel N. W. McD. Weir, officer commanding the Northern Military District.

The superintendent, Mr. W. L. Wilson, reported thnt one fireman had enlisted, and tendered his resignation. Ho said certain occupations wero being treated as essential services, from which acceptance of recruits was being discouraged, if not actually forbidden, and lie suggested that the fire service should be included in the list. Mr. Wilson referred to the detrimental effect upon the efficiency of brigade work which would result from any largo withdraw of the staff. The board discussed the matter in committee, and the fireman's resignation was accepted, pending further consideration.