PETROL RATION

Press, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 23753, 26 September 1942, Page 7

PETROL RATION

MOTOR UNIONS SEEK FULL QUOTA The petrol supplies of New Zealand were discussed at the annual meeting of the South Island Motor Union in Christchurch yesterday. North Island Union delegates were also present. Dr. S. A. Gibbs, of Nelson, said: “In order to anticipate criticism following the cabled advice from London that private motoring has been suspended, I would point out that the conditions are not analogous. If we had the narrow roads and the density of population of Great Britain, say 45.000. or so. together, with some 3.000. men under arms (quite apart from the question of tyres and petrol), such action might be necessary from a military transport point of view, in the same way that the civilian population at Home has been ordered, in case of emergency, to keep off the roads. However, the same arguments do not apply t 0 this country.” Dr. Gibbs moved the following resolution:—“ That in the opinion of the North and South Island Motor Unions it is essential in the national interest that transport be kept mobile and the present petrol allowance has proved inadequate for this purpose. Therefore in view of the present petrol stocks and general conditions prevailing, it is urged that the full face value of cou-pons-be restored at the earliest possible date.” This resolution was carried unanimously.