BREN CARRIERS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 3 June 1939, Page 8

BREN CARRIERS

ARRIVAL IN MASTERTON THIS MORNING CONSIDERABLE INTEREST SHOWN BY PUBLIC. FAST TRAVELLING FROM DANNEVIRKE. Low and massive, painted in slate and dark green and with a small gun projecting from the front two Bren carriers arrived in Masterton this morning from Dannevirke. As they passed through Queen Street, where they attracted, considerable attention they were travelling at a slow speed. The facility with which they are handled is surprising and the speed which is attainable for a vehicle of this type is amazing. “They have gone through here like greased lightning, I only got a peep at them,” telephoned a Pahiatua resident to Masterton this morning. Rumbling over the highway between Eketahuna and Masterton was a new experience for a 'Times-Age” representative this morning. The most notable feature of the journey was the comparatively comfortable travelling but no doubt it would be a different matter across country. Seated in the gunner's position beside the driver, and shielded on the front and side by thick plating, it is possible to get a glimpse only of the road in front, either through the two small peep holes on the side or through the hole from which the Bren gun projects. The driver, however, has a clear view. On the journey from Eketahuna this morning a speed of 25 to 30 miles an hour was maintained but a speed of about 40 miles an hour may be reached on similar roads if desired. Over open country speeds up to 25 miles an hour are attained. When travelling it is possible to converse by shouting, though actually the carriers travel much more quietly than would be imagined. The carriers passed through Pahiatua at 9.30 a.m. and arrived in Masterton at 11.15 a.m. That lime included a five-minute stop near Eketahuna, so the expedition with which they can move from point to point can readily be seen. On their arrival in Masterton the carriers proceeded along Queen Street to Jackson Street and thence to the Drill Hall, so that many shoppers and others had an opportunity to get a glimpse of them. The carriers are in charge of Sergt. G. T. Seecombe and Private R. G. Hart. This afternoon a demonstration of cross-country travelling is being given on the rifle range at Te Ore Ore. The carriers were met near Eketahuna by Sergt.-Major C. E. Rogers and Mr P. F. Fagan, of Masterton.