ARMY TRANSPORT

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

ARMY TRANSPORT

WARNING TO OWNERS ORDERS BEING IGNORED (By Telegraph.—special to Times) WELLINGTON, Friday 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, the Hon. F. Jones, tonight. 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, and 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. In the interests of national security, the Government must ensure that the Army’s requirements are met. It would be failing in its duty if it did anything less.” MINISTER’S REPLY STATEMENT’S RESENTED (By Telegrapn.—special to Times) AUCKLAND, Saturday Strong exception to statements published in the press referring to the fiasco in Auckland owing to the change of the method of impressing trucks for the army was taken by the Minister of Transport, the Hon. R. Semple, to-day. “I have discussed the points raised in the outburst with the responsible officers of my department and it is difficult to see, in view of all circumstances, how the obstacles about which so much has appeared in the press could have been avoided without using the ‘iron fist,’ ” the Minister said. “This I am- not prepared to do. I have heard of no cases where any member of the public has considered that the officers of my department have acted other than courteously and discreetly. “In assisting the Army in .getting the vehicles for training purposes, these officers have worked long hours in trying circumstances, using tact and doing all within their power to, meet the urgent demands of the Army Department, and the best they v are entitled to is helpful co-oper-ation, not carping, irresponsible criticism.”