FULL VALUE PETROL COUPONS

Evening Star, Issue 25344, 28 November 1944, Page 7

FULL VALUE PETROL COUPONS

THE HOLIDAY CONCESSION

MINISTER STRESSES THAT SHORTAGE STILL ACUTE

' (Special.) WELLINGTON, Nov. 28. . In stating yesterday that the petrol ration for private motorists for the months of December and January will be coupons Nos. 6 and 7 at their face value, both available at any time dqring the two months,,the Hon. A. meyev said the petrol position was fully reviewed and all factors surrounding the prospective travelling facilities of the public during the holiday period were examined. " L am sure, said Mr Nordmeyer, " that motorists will welcome the decision which .1 have announced, as there has been considerable anxiety among the public generally that, in view of transport difficulties, it will not be possible for them to go away from their homes for their annual holidays. I would like to stress, however, that the petrol position is substantially still as difficult as it has been for a long time past, and, in fact, during the past Jew months our stock position has at* times been at very low levels. The granting of this concession during December and January, which is on the same basis as last year, has been made solely with a view to assisting people to have their well-deserved holidays at least a short distance from their homes,- and the decision does not imply that there will be" any easing whatsoever in the issue of commercial and other special licenses. " The reviews of which have taken place during "recent months have resulted in a considerable saving of petrol, and it will be impossible to relax our present policy in regard to refusing licenses for unessential purposes, at least until the war in Europe is finished. " I need not say," concluded the Minister, " that as soon as the supply position warrants it the restrictions which have been imposed on the motorists of New Zealand will be progressively removed."