RUNNING REPAIRS

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20054, 28 September 1939, Page 7

RUNNING REPAIRS

LADY DRIVERS TRAIN 131\IERG ENCY SERVICES NOT A AVAR-WORK SCHEME Under the supervision of an experienced foreman mechanic, and re-pair-shop manager, a group of women motorists in Gisborne is preparing for service in any emergency which may call for the driving of ambulances or light trucks, and for keeping them on the road without recourse to male assistance. The object of the class, which is being supervised by Mr. E. McKenzie, of the staff of Messrs. Ormonds Motors,. Limited, is to give the student-drivers a sufficient knowledge of the general run of machines to enable them to do running repairs. Those enrolled are under the obligation to complete the course, to which Mr. McKenzie is giving up his Saturday afternoons. At present there is nO intention of offering the services of members of the class tor general war work, the prime objective being to have available a group of experienced drivers who can undertake emergency service in their home districts or in any other part of New Zealand where they might be required. No Restrictions on Enrolment The scheme is part of the national emergency organisation, promoted in the first place by the Government, and made applicable to women as well as to men. It is possible, however, that if a call for ambulance drivers and chauffeurs is made for overseas service, a few of the studentdrivers new enrolled may take up the call. j No restrictions are imposed upon the enrolment of women drivers in the class, and already the number has climbed to a point at which the instructor may need to call in the assistance of trade colleagues. There are now 26 women drivers anxious to qualify, and the rale of increase during the past week promises further evidence of interest in the course.

Gisborne is not the only provincial centre where this type of instruction is offered to women drivers. In New Plymouth 32 women are receiving a preliminary course of lectures upon car management and the characteristics of the internal-combustion engine. with a view to detailed study and practical work in running repairs and maintenance. The members of this class are preparing to become drivers of transport trucks, ambulances, and service machines in the event of a demand for experienced drivers arising.