STRONG EXCEPTION TAKEN

Waikato Times, Volume 128, Issue 21371, 15 March 1941, Page 8

STRONG EXCEPTION TAKEN

WAIKATO BUSINESS INTERESTS TELEGRAM TO MINISTER Activities in connection with the impressment of vehicles in the Waikato district caused such concern in and around Hamilton that a hurriedly convened meeting of business interests was held to consider the situation. The meeting was held yesterday before it was known that the authorities had cancelled the whole plan for mobilisation in North Auckland. The meeting was representative of business companies operating in the Waikato, and the strongest exception was expressed at the method of impressment of motor vehicles, and the following resolution was passed unanimously to be transmitted by telegram to the Minister of Transport. “In the event of National emergency, truck owhers are prepared to meet in every way the requirements of the Government, but at the present time it is felt:— “That it is wrong that impressment be effected without reference to the value of the truck to the community and to the businesses engaged in essential industry; that in many cases the impressment of trucks as at present carried out would completely disorganise business and industry, arid compel business to cease functioning. “That no indication is given to owners concerned whether the vehicle will be returned after lapse of time. “That in the case of vehicles commandeered the value should be determined and the price fixed before the transfer is signed. “That the Emergency Precautions Scheme are making arrangements for the supply of vehicles under which it is considered that sufficient vehicles can be obtained at short notice without dislocation to the businesses of the country.” The meeting urged that the Minister of Transport immediately institute drastic alterations to the present unsatisfactory procedure, and that wider powers of appeal against impressment of vehicles be granted to truck owners*