ARMY VEHICLES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 25 May 1943, Page 2

ARMY VEHICLES

SALE IN CHRISTCHURCH.

CONSIDERABLE DEMAND REPORTED.

(By Telegraph—Press Association.)

CHRISTCHURCH, May 24.

Used Army vehicles valued at about £ 27,000 have been sold in Christchurch in three days. These sales are believed to be the - first held in the Dominion following an announcement some time ago indicating that the Government was about to release a number of used trucks and similar vehicles for distribution to private transport operators. Many of the vehicles now being sold were impressed for the. Army at the outbreak of war. Many of the sales effected have been to various Government departments, •the remainder of the vehicles going to licensed transport operators and essential users. A few 15cwt. trucks have been sold to farmers. Trucks have been made available in a wide range of makes and models, all of which were manufactured before 1938. With few exceptions, it was stated, they are in first-class order and all have good tires. Light delivery vans may be purchased through dealers without a permit. For heavier types of vehicles, however, a permit is required from the licensing authority. “This sale of vehicles should give security to the licensed transport industry and transport users for the next 18 months,” said Mr T. H. Langford, No. 3 Licensing Authority. He said, there had been a considerable demand for the vehicles released. The requirements of transport operators south of Christchurch, including those at 'A’imaru, would have to be met fredn the Christchurch pool, and till they were known it was impossible to say what number of vehicles would be available for sale to farmers. “Everyone has cooperated splendidly in the scheme,” added Mr Langford, “and it should have a very beneficial effect on the transport industry.”