TRUCKS IMPRESSED

Waikato Times, Volume 128, Issue 21370, 14 March 1941, Page 4

TRUCKS IMPRESSED

FOR ARMY PURPOSES WANTED FOR MANOEUVRES OVER 600 FROM WAIKATO Over 600 light delivery trucks have been impressed on behalf of the Army Department in the district south of Mercer, and possession is being taken at once. That briefly is the position so far as can be ascertained today in regard to the impressment of trucks owned by farmers, business men and firms, in and around Hamilton. Impressment orders were received by many owners as late as yesterday afternoon, and delivery was ordered for today at the Showgrounds, Claudelands. The time of delivery varied throughout the day, with the first batch timed for 9 o’clock this morning. Punctually at the appointed time three trucks were delivered, but steadily there developed a stream of all kinds of delivery vehicles, most of them apparently fairly new and in good running order. Record of Vehicles A squadron of men in uniform, under Lieutenant J. D. Todd, with three women clerks, was ready to take delivery and prepare records of the vehicles, and any other particulars concerning equipment, spare parts, tools, etc. It appears that impressment orders have been issued through the post offices lor about 3000 light motor trucks from all parts of the Auckland Province, and oi this number Waikato and Bay of Plenty are estimated to have requisitions for well over 600. In addition, there are a few motor-cars and approximately 30 motor-cycles from tne Hamilton military district. The vehicles are being delivered at Claudelands, where a staff of men in uniform takes possession, par King them in long assembly rows. Tne intention is to remove them, first to the North Auckland area, in the next day or two, for it is reported they are to be used in military manoeuvres in the north as from Monday next. When the manoeuvres in North Auckland are completed, the vehicles will be transferred to other military districts throughout the North Island for similar work. Indignant Owner One very indignant owner this morning brought his truck nearly 40 miles, and when told that any protests should be made to the No. 1 Transport Licensing Authority at Auckland he was most indignant. At first he refused to sign any papers. A hint that there was a war on fell on almost deaf ears. He had business commitments to meet, and nad expected at least a day or two to arrange his affairs. However, very tactful officers who obviously were not to blame, calmed the objector and he was last seen leaving the depot with a rail warrant that would land him safely back in his home centre this afternoon. One young farmer, who delivered his truck as instructed, said that it was the only vehicle on his farm, 25 miles from Hamilton. He added that he had purposely bought a handy truck instead of a car. and was going to miss it considerably. However, if the Army authorities really had a greater need for it than he had, they could have it. The inference to be drawn, though, from o-ther remarks was that if he later finds that there was no great need he will be “a very wild man.”

Another attitude noticed was one of “don’t care—there’s a war on, and we all must help,” but more apparent was the feeling of frustration and not a little disgust that the whole scheme had been “sprung on” the public at such short notice.

Going To North Auckland No motor-cars were irf evidence at the depot today. Similarly, motorcycles were not there, though the story goes that one young man earlier in the week completed the purchase of a cycle that he had desired lor quite a long time. Imagine his surprise and chagrin to have his machine impressed within a few hours! Asked how the impressed vehicles were to be conveyed to North Auckland, a non-commissioned officer on duty at Claudelands this morning said that a party of experienced drivers from the north would be arriving to undertake the driving. Claudelands is not the only receiving depot in South Auckland. There are also depots at Paeroa and Tauranga, and possibly also at Rotorua and in the King Country, according to the officers at Claudelands. AUCKLAND FIASCO CHANGE IN PLANS AUCKLAND. Friday Stated to be caused by a change in plans in the manner of the impressment of motor vehicles in Auckland, chaos reigned in Auckland yesterday, and it is doubted if tne Army will have one in six of the vehicles required for Monday. Orders were received to impress motor-trucks, motor-cycles and fiveseater cars a fortnight ago and the local impressment officer had everything planned. Of the 400 trucks that had been inspected only 50 appeals had been made. Then orders were received yesterday from the Army Department in Wellington that the Government had decided that the impressment should be done by the Transport Department. The hearty acceptance of the invitation to appeal which was forwarded with the orders was evident at the office of Mr P. J. Phekin, the No. 1 Licensing Authority, yesterday. Officers who had urgent business with Mr Phelan found it hard to pass through the throng of appellants in person, and, having done so, to make conversation above the clamour of I the telephone, while there was a V steadily growing heap of written and telegraphed appeals.