RESERVE MOTOR TRANSPORT

Southland Times, Issue 24575, 25 October 1941, Page 8

RESERVE MOTOR TRANSPORT

ORGANIZATION NOW COMPLETED LINES OF COMMUNICATION COMPANIES (P.A.) WELLINGTON, October 24. The organization of reserve motor transport, which is expected to play a very valuable part in the defence of New Zealand, has just been completed, the Minister of Defence, the Hon. F. Jones, announced today. As a result of the assistance of the Minister of Transport, the Commissioner of Transport and his department, the New Zealand Carriers’ Federation, and the New Zealand Road Transport Alliance, the formation of 32 lines of communication motor transport companies had now been accomplished, said Mr Jones. The companies would provide transport services along lines of communication and would be controlled by the Army Department. The rapid movement of troops, supplies and materials was one of the essential characteristics of modern warfare. The Army attached great importance to the development of these companies. In addition New Zealand would have an organization which, in the event of any breakdown of normal transport facilities, would be able at short notice to undertake the maintenance of essential supplies to any area where they might be required. The Minister said that for the purpose of administration the Dominion was divided into four districts, each of which was in charge of a district commander. “The Army has made arrangements for the appointment from its own staff of a full-time adjutant to be attached to each district,” he said. “Companies were formed and organized in each district so that their load-carrying capacities fitted in with the special requirements of the Army. The personnel of the companies are attested as members of the Home Guard and are being recruited from the road transport industry. Special courses of instruction for officers have already been held at the Army school of instruction at Trentham. The courses have 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 were published in the Gazette last night. He expressed appreciation of the “spontaneous response received from members of the transport industry who have so generously given their personal services and vehicles for this important adjunct to the Army.”