RATIONING OF PETROL

Press, Volume LXXV, Issue 22823, 23 September 1939, Page 4

RATIONING OF PETROL

ALLOWANCES FOR TRUCKS AND LAUNCHES

MINISTER ANNOUNCES PROVISIONS

(PEESS iSSOCIAnOK TIlIGBiJI.)

WELLINGTON, September 22. Further information on the issue of oil fuel to a number of different types of consumers was released by the Minister for Supply (the Hon. D. G. Sullivan) to-day. The recently instituted coupon system. Mr Sullivan said, had received considerable praise both because of its simplicity and its efficiency. Car owners had advised him that they had been able to obtain their coupons without the undue inconvenience and delay which they had expected in the institution of a scheme affecting more than 200.000 persons. “It has been reported to me,” he said, “that some hardship has been caused to owners of light trucks who do not hold licences issued by district controllers for business or commercial purposes. These light trucks are used for private and pleasure, purposes, and I have arranged that the coupon system as applicable to private cars will be available for those coming in this class. “Also, certain owners of light trucks, who hold licences for petrol for commercial use, to a certain extent use their vehicles for private running. I have arranged that upon application being made these cases will be considered on their merits, and where it is justified coupons will be issued. I would point out that this_ does not apply to heavy lorries carrying ‘H’ plates. “The case for a certain amount of petrol for pleasure launches has also been brought to my notice. Instructions have been issued to district controllers to make available to launch owners a reasonable amount of petrol for the duration of the season. On making application launch owners will, of course, submit evidence of their ownership. “It is my desire in administering the oil fuel 'regulations to interfere as little as possible with the normal life of the community,” said Mr Sullivan. “Any cases involving exceptional circumstances will be sympathetically considered.”