PETROL RATIONING

Evening Post, Volume CXXXII, Issue 75, 25 September 1941, Page 10

PETROL RATIONING

HELPING EMPIRE

MINISTER'S DEFENCE

Petrol rationing', although distasteful to the Government, had been adopted and continued in New Zealand solely in the interests of national security and of the Empire's war effort, the Minister of Supply (Mr. Sullivan) stated today when commenting on remarks made by Mr. P. W. Breen in •his presidential address to the Automobile Association (Otago). "Last April," said Mr. Sullivan, "a representative conference comprising the New Zealand Employers 1 Federation, the Associated Chambers of Commerce New Zealand Farmers' Union, public road transport organisations, North and South Island Mbtor Unions, Motor Trade Federation, Manufacturers' Federation, Drivers' Federation, and the Motor Mechanics' Union, was convened, and had placed before it the full facts of the petrol situation. The conference unanimously decided that 'after a full discussion with the Oil Fuel Controller and a study of the whole petrol situation, we are unanimously of the opinion that a further, reduction in petrol consumption will be of real assistance to the Empire in the prosecution of the war.' " "New Zealand does not suffer the heaviest restrictions in the British Empire, as those in Australia both for private cars and commercial vehicles are more severe. For instance, while the larger private cars in New Zealand get six gallons a month similar cars" in Australia are allowed five. The point made by Mr. Breen that increased allowances are necessary to keep, private cars on the road is not in accordance with experience. The number of cars on the road today shows no falling away since last year. As regards the allowances for business cars, these are carefully considered by the local advisory committees, the members of which are fair-minded and publicspirited citizens. TREATMENT OF SOLDIERS. "The Government has always endeavoured to treat soldiers on final leave fairly in the matter of petrol," said the Minister. "Local oil fuel controllers throughout the Dominion have all received the same instructions regarding these allowances, and soldiers in the South Island have received the same treatment as those in the North Island. "The Government has expected and has received the greatest assistance and support from the motor organisations in petrol rationing," Mr. Sullivan said, in conclusion, "and I feel confident that had Mr. Breen attended the conference and studied the confidential information relating to the petrol situation he would have no doubts as to the necessity for rationing as part of the Empire war effort."