PETROL RESTRICTIONS

Greymouth Evening Star, 20 September 1940, Page 2

PETROL RESTRICTIONS

MR. NASH’S STATEMENT [per press association.] WELLINGTON, September 20. Mr. Nash, in a long statement today, reviewing the petrol restrictions, declared that the belief which appeared to be held among motorists and organisations associated with the motor industry, that the Government had been harsh and unjust in restricting the use of petrol, was not justified by the facts. “If our stocks of petrol get low, he said, “we cannot be sure of replenishing them at a moment’s notice. Oil tankers are not waiting at our beck and call. They, also run the risk of enemy action at sea. The State does not possess vast reservoirs of petrol which can be kept intact for defence purposes. It is regrettable that the protests against the restrictions have warmed up to resentment and a sense of injustice, for which there is no valid reason.” It would be helping the enemy, Mr. Nash declared, to give detailed information about petrol reserves , and requirements. He frankly admitted that the restrictions this year had caused material loss and inconvenience to many people. It had been shown beyond dispute that the motor industry was hit heavily, but every restriction imposed had been weighed in the balance of national needs. needs for conserving the dollar ex-' change were and must remain, paramount, in order to avoid embarrassing Britain. When it was suggested in New Zealand that increased supplies could be obtained in the Dutch East Indies, inside the sterling area, the British Government cabled a reply, that it still desired us to restrict. Mr. Nash reiterated that the Government would take steps to investigate the position of motor industry employees, and ameliorate any hardship. When the Defence requirements were fully met, the allocations could be adjusted. PREMIER’S PROMISE. NAPIER, September 20. The Premier, speaking to a deputation of re-sellers, said that the Government would reconsider the petrol restrictions next month. He" was asked for another million gallons per month.