MOTORISTS BEING QUESTIONED

Dominion, Volume 33, Issue 282, 23 August 1940, Page 8

MOTORISTS BEING QUESTIONED

Curs On Hutt Rond

SOURCE OF PETROL SUPPLIES SOUGHT

Motorists using the Hutt Road more or less regularly are being noted by inspectors and asked by letter from the sub-district oil fuel controller to ex-plain the source of their petrol supplies, it was stated at a meeting of the executive of the Wellington Motor Trade Association. The association decided to bring this to the notice of the oil fuel controller and to ask him to state the authority under which it was being done. A copy of a letter from the Wellington suit-district oil fuel controller, reading as follows, was placed before the meeting:— “I have to advise that on several occasions recently your car, No. ——, was observed travelling on the. Hutt Rotul between Lower Hutt and \ve.lington during the hours of 7 a.m. and 915 a.m. It would appear, therefore, that the vehicle is being used for the purpose of conveyance between your residence and place of business. I shall be glad, therefore, to be informed whether such is the position, and if so to be advised as to how sufficient oil fuel is being obtained to enable this running to be done.” Interchange of Coupons.

It was recalled that the statement had been made officially that interchange of petrol coupons among motorists was approved, so that one car might do more time the average amount of running that the ration allowed. The opinion that the restrictions were drastic enough in themselves and that there was no need to harass motorists further was expressed. . . It was the general opinion of the meeting that if there was to be rationing of petrol there should be no need for the Government to call for voluntary rationing as well. There should be either conscription or voluntary effort, it was said, for the two did not mix, either in petrol conservation or personal service. . The statements on petrol restrictions issued by the New Zealand Motor Trade Federation were endorsed, and it was decided that the plea of the federation for an easing of the restrictions should be supported. The Wellington members of Parliament are io be asked to discuss the position with the association’s representatives.