Motors in Time of War.
Page 13
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The Secretary of the Motor Van and Wagon Users' Association has circulated copies of the following letter from the War Office to members. We will deal with the matter, at some length, next week :— " I am directed to inform you that the Mechanical Transport Cominittee has under its consideration the question of the registration of heavy motorcars, such as light tractors, lorries, motor omnibuses, etc., for the service of the country in time of war.
2. It will be known to your Association that for many years horses have been registered at the War Office for this purpose; the owners, in return for an annual payment of 5s. per animal, agreeing to sell horses so registered to the War Department in time of war for a sum agreed upon.
3. It is thought that, with the co-operation of your Association a somewhat similar class of registration as regards heavy motorcars might be entered into. 4. The following are the broad outlines of such a scheme :.
(a) The owner of a heavy motorcar should agree to give. the War Department the right to make use of for a time, or to purchase under conditions to be agreed upon, such heavy motorcar, or in the case of the owner possessing more than one heavy motorcar— either all such cars, or certain specified cars—or a proportion of such cars.
(b) The War Department to pay to the owner for the above right a small sum in respect of each heavy motorcar so registered.
(c) Heavy motorcars so registered to be available for War Department use :—
TIMES OF PEACE.
(I.) For mancettvres, when they would be hired for a continuous period not exceeding a maximum number of days in any one year.
The price paid for hiring to include the provision of drivers, upkeep of vehicle, and all stores except water, fuel, and lubricants, and to be per diem.
TIMES OF WAR.
(II.) For home defence, when they would be purchased by the War Department and be bought back at a valuation by the owner on the completion of the War Department's use.
(Iii.) For war service abroad, when they would be purchased outright by the War Department. (d) No compensation for disturbance of trade would be considered in any case.
5. I am instructed to request that you will be so good as to lay this outline proposal before the members of your Association, and to inform me whether any of them are prepared to consider it favourably ; if so, it is suggested that your Association might appoint a small committee to confer with my committee as to the details.
I have the honour to be, etc.,
(Signed) PRRD. W. BENSON,
Director of Transport and Remounts."