MILITARY CAMPS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23436, 26 February 1938, Page 7

MILITARY CAMPS

TRAFFIC ON COUNTRY ROADS PROTEST BY COUNTY COUNCILLOR / The mechanisation of the defence forces found an opponent at the meeting of the Taieri County Council yesterday, when Cr Howell expressed his concern at the damage caused to country roads by the heavy lorries and guns at the military camps at Sutton. It had been stated, he said, ■_ that there were about 20 defence lorries in that district at the present time, some sixwheeled lorries and some with heavy guns attached, and one road in particular, Kidd’s road, was being used to a great extent. The department did not pay a penny towards the damage caused and the riding became responsible. The damage might not sho.w at the present time but, if there was any rain, it would soon tell on the surface. “ They are not Hitler’s yet in supreme command,” he remarked, “ and they should pay something.” Cr Findlay remarked that this certainly came under the heading of extraordinary traffic and some payment should be made by the department. Cr Howell admitted that it would be hard to estimate the damage, but it stood to reason that there must be wear and tear with such heavy vehicles. If everyone was allowed to run about in the same way there would be an outcry. The clerk (Mr J. Logan); But they are going to be our protection against Japan. “Ye gods!” remarked Cr Howell.