Rehabilitation Dept. Is Importing Motor Cars For Ex-Servicemen

Wanganui Chronicle, 29 March 1949, Page 4

Rehabilitation Dept. Is Importing Motor Cars For Ex-Servicemen

WELLINGTON, Last Night (P.A.> -Explanation of the procedure whereby new motor cars are being imported by the Rehabilitation Department specially for ex-servicemen needing them for their successful rehabilitation, has been given by the Minister of Rehabilitation (Mr. Skinner). Regardless of the compvatively few cars being so imported, all ex-service-men -.. ere entitled to every consideration from dealers when seeking new vehicles in the same way as ordinary members of the public, said Mr. Skinner. Only 269 cars were being imported by tlie department in the current licensing year. They would be allocated by the Rehabilitation Board strictly to the most deserving cases among ex-servicemen needing them. Eligibility for loan assistance will be a necessary qualification even if such assistance is not required. "The rehabilitation Board decides who gets 269 cars and importeri have agreed to abide strictly by that decision,” said Mr. Skinner. The department have full particulars of each applicant and there is no need for the successful ones to place orders with any dealer, and certainly no need to make prior deposit. Unsuccessful applicants of course should negotiate with the dealer in the ordinary way, Mr. Skinner said. "There had been reports that some ex-servicemen requiring cars have been asked for deposits of up to £5O by some agents. This procedure had nothing whatever to do with the cars being imported and allocated by the Rehabilitation Board. The 269 successful applicants would need only to arrange payment for vehicle on delivery. Full particulars of their circumstances, including details about any cars they already owned, would be required from all applicants to the department. This was the only way in which fair and just allocation could be made and all questions were relevant and necessary. If ex-servicemen obtaining one of the specially imported cars wants to sell again within two years of allocation, he will be required to sell at a fair price to another exserviceman nominated by the Rehabilitation Board. This is only fair if we are to do the best possible for all ex-servicemen with strictly limited supplies available.”