MUST BE OBEYED

Wairarapa Times-Age, 15 March 1941, Page 4

MUST BE OBEYED

ORDERS FOR IMPRESSMENT OF VEHICLES WARNING BY MINISTER OF DEFENCE. SOME OWNERS FAILING TO COMPLY. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, This Day. A warning that owners of vehicles could not be allowed to ignore warrants for impressment, and that if they did not comply with them immediately appropriate action for enforcement would be necessary, was given by the Minister of Defence, Mr. Jones, last night. He said that large numbers of vehicles had been inspected, and many appeals decided, but results in Auckland and Wellington clearly showed that some owners were neglecting to comply with their warrants. \ “The country is at war arm the troops must have the means to defend it,” Mr. Jones said. “The troops must be properly trained and modern transport is absolutely essential. The Government would not disturb anyone in the possession of his vehicle except under pressure of the most compelling necessity. I want vehicle-owners to grasp that fact. The Government has found it necessary to issue warrants of impressment for a number of vehicles. “Unfortunately throughout the North Island, many owners have failed .to comply and as a result the army manoeuvres are seriously jeopardised. The Government had provided ample machinery for appeal to meet cases of undue hardship and I must make it clear that vehicle-owners cannot be allowed to ignore warrants of impressment. If they feel that they have a genuine case for exemption they should appeal at once. In the event of their appeal not being allowed, or in the event of there being no appeal, the owner must without delay deliver his vehicle in terms of the warrant.

“I appeal to vehicle-owners as citizens to recognise the country’s necessity in this critical time. Every ounce of effort is required and co-operation as never before in the history of this country is essential. Hundreds of owners have already handed over their vehicles under warrants, and I cannot think that other owners will refuse and so hinder the war effort. But. if they do not respond to the warrants of impessment they are doing just that.

“In the interests of national security, the must ensure that the army’s requirements are met,” Mr. Jones concluded. “It would be failing in its duty if it did anything less.”