DRIVERS CALLED INTO FORCES

Press, Volume LXXIX, Issue 23970, 10 June 1943, Page 3

DRIVERS CALLED INTO FORCES

DIFFICULTIES OF BUS COMPANIES (P.A.) AUCKLAND, June 8. The extent to which bus companies operating in and round Auckland have suffered by the calling-up for military service of the majority of their most capable drivers, and the additional problems operators have to face through the employment of drivers who were not physically fit, were emphasised before the No. 2 (Auckland) Armed Forces Appeal Board, when appeals for various bus company employees were reviewed. All decisions were reserved, pending the hearing of evidence from other bus operators. For the Auckland Bus Company, Ltd., it was stated that the employment of drivers directed to the company by the manpower authorities had seen a considerable falling-off in the standard of driving. As a result of less capable drivers being employed, there had been a number of major accidents involving the company’s vehicles. As actions concerning a number of the mishaps are still pending, the evidence was taken in camera. Experience had shown that the safest and best drivers were going into the forces, said the manager of L. J. Keys. Ltd. He lodged appeals for 19 employees, mainly drivers, 18 of whom were married. The standard of health was low among drivers, and 25 drivers had lost 176 days’ work between them through sickness over the 'last year.