SOURCE OF FUEL SUPPLIES

Press, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23177, 14 November 1940, Page 6

SOURCE OF FUEL SUPPLIES

Transport Department’s Inquiries ABUSES DISCLOSED (press association tei.f.oham.) AUCKLAND, November 13. A denial that Transport Department traffic inspectors had been given any instruction by the Transport Department to stop private motorists driving outside their registration districts and interrogate them regarding their petrol supplies was recently given by the Oil Fuel Controller (Mr G. Laurenson) to the president of the Automobile Association (Auckland), Mr F. G. Farrell. Reporting on the matter at a meeting of the association, Mr Farrell said an assurance was also given that the department had no intention of ever harassing motorists in this way. A letter was received from the district oil fuel controller (Mr R. G. May) giving an assurance that information received in future regarding motorists driving beyond the limits of their district would be investigated; but inquiries would only be made after all doubt of the genuineness of the complaint was removed. It was not the intention of the controller or his officers to be a cause of motorists suffering any undue hardship; but occasions arose when it became necessary to investigate the source of supply of petrol. Any such future inquiries would be made in the most discreet manner.

Mr Farrell said the department recently undertook a special check on cars on the Hutt road, within the Wellington registration district. Inspectors were instructed to record the registration numbers of cars for three mornings and evenings. In consequence, 300 motorists and business firms operating vehicles were asked for explanations as to where they obtained sufficient petrol to run their vehicles beyond the mileages made possible under the monthly ration. It was found that much abuse of special fuel licences was being made by commercial travellers and other drivers using their cars for private purposes. Surprise was expressed by members that the controller had no knowledge of oases concerning which complaints had been addressed to the association. It was stated that it was obvious that there was a certain amount of dual authority, because the inspectors acted under the instruction of some authority. “I hope there will be no further complaints in this direction,” said Mr Farrell.