All in a Day's Work

Twenty-one Nelson "knights of the road" met at the Transport Nelson yards to joust for the honour of representing Nelson district at the national truck driving finals to be held in Hamilton next week. The event, the first to be held in Nelson, was hurriedly arranged, but a tremendous amount of energy and enthusiasm expended by the organising committee ensured its success. Drivers had to put a rigid truck, an articulated truck and a truck and trailer through two tortuous courses simulating conditions they meet in their everyday driving.

The top three drivers to go to the finals: Larry Kells (third), Baden Biggs (second) and Murray Teece (first).

Mr Peter Maplesden, Nelson Conservator of Forests, congratulates Murray Teece on his win

The scoreboard (the points represent points lost)

One of the tests, with truck and trailer (the trailer had to be backed in, if possible in one swing, and uncoupled before the truck negotiated another obstacle and returned to pick up the trailer)

J. Delaney inches back oh so slowly

The organising committee. Back: Barry Duncan, Baden Biggs, Val Gardiner, Pat Lennox, Maurie MacAdam. Front: Murray Teece, Neil Merritt (chairman), Laurie Gyde.

Making a measure after a truck has backed into a parking space

The zig-zag was a shocker.

D. Bothwell in action

There was little room to edge out of one bridge into another with a rigid truck

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The Nelson Photo News

No 119 : September 19, 1970

All in a Day's Work