AID IN DEFENCE PLANS

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 19918, 21 April 1939, Page 14

AID IN DEFENCE PLANS

PUBLIC WORKS PLANT QUICK WORK OF .MAI'MINES EFFICIENT OPERATION (Per Press Association.) NIBW PLYMOUTH, this day. Engines which can make trenches, forts and roads overnight are among the resources which Hie Public Works Department can utilise in the dele nice of New Zealand, according to the Minister of Public Works, the Hon. iR. Scrapie, who arrived at New Plymouth last night to inspect the municipal airport. The Minister said that when he returned to Wellington he would discuss with his colleagues ti scheme for a detailed plan of organisation which could be put into Operation in the event of an emergency.

Commenting on the part already being played toy the department in the defence preparations. Mr. Semple said ttoait roading improvements were a vital factor. " A roading system was important in mobilising, not only man power, but also equipment and goods as quickly and as safely as possible. It was important, too. in evacuating people from danger zones. Referring to his statement a'bout the share which the 24,000 employees of the department could take in the defence of the Dominion, Mr. Semple .said 'the job now was to organise them and he intended to discuss the question with his colleagues. He had already mentioned it to the Prime Minister.

With their huge machines they could build fortifications in days. whereas the work would take weeks with the .old equipment. Experts from makers of mechanical devices had told him .that the department's men were the best operators of the plant in the world.