TOO DRASTIC.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 196, 19 August 1940, Page 4

TOO DRASTIC.

PETROL CONTROL.

CONTRAST WITH AUSTRALIA.

"New Zealand's liareh measures against motorists must be!, contrasted with the reasonable precautions taken in Australia," said a prominent Auckland motor trader this morning. "Australia, has had a year of complete freedom from petrol rationing and the restrictions to be introduced next month arenot* only framed with due coneideratiOn for the interest* of motorists, but aiabi pro-' vide a guarantee, of supplies-for three months ahead."' ;•'->'. r. ■ ■ T He pointed out that the Australian Government proposed to allow 10 to 23 gallons a month, according to the-horse-power of cafe, whiletoeNet Zealand Government was limiting the supply to between four and eight gallons, with threats of further reductions. "We are continually hearing complaints fro'm motorists that they are being unduly penalised" he added, "and they feel that the automobile associations should now make strong and united representations to the Government. For the past year the associations have endeavoured to assist the Government, in view of war conditions, but when the position in New Zealand ie compared with that in Australia to-day there is a growing feeling that the war is not the real reason for the excessive restrictions." Reviewing Xew Zealand's experience of petrol control since September of last year, the New Zealand Garage Proprietors' Association states,'' in its monthly journal, that the motor trade in the Dominion, in common with other classes of the community, has accepted this action of the Government as being neceseary on account of war conditions, and its members have been very loyal in carrying out all the demands made on them in spite of the adverse effects on their business.