ARMY TESTS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 36, 12 February 1937, Page 9

ARMY TESTS

MOTOR TRANSPORT SATISFACTORY RESULTS [ Per Press Association. ] WELLINGTON, Feb. 11. During the present week tests are being carried out by the regular army at Waiouru for the purpose of ascertaining whether the motor transport available in New Zealand can be used instead of six-horse teams for the hauling of guns. A change in this direction has already been made in the British Army, but in New Zealand it calls for the adoption of slightly different methods. Various types of tractors and sixwheel lorries have been tried out under arduous and often exciting conditions, and the men engaged have gained valuable experience while the department will also gather mucn useful information. ‘ The Defence Minister, accompanied by the G.0.C., Sir Sinclair Burgess, and Colonel Standish, commanding Central Command, witnessed the trials yesterday. The Hon. F. Jones to-day expressed • appreciation of thf ready co-operation shown by the various motor firms concerned. He said they rendered excellent assistance and in addition had ungrudgingly given the department the benefit of their experience and knowledge on technical matters. The results of the tests had been most gratifying, and would prove of value. Mr. Jones also stated that the recent experiment of forming of motor-cycle i Lewis gun platoons in each infantry battalion was proceeding very well, and consideration would be given to a gradual extension of mechanised transport for all military units. Mr. Jones also inspected the Sth Howitzers Battery, carrying out annual camp practice at Waiouru.