BACK TO RATIONS PETROL SUPPLIES

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20152, 23 January 1940, Page 6

BACK TO RATIONS

PETROL SUPPLIES

RESUMPTION ON FEB. 1 UP TO 12 GALS. MONTHLY CONSUMPTION CUT AIM AIDING WAR EFFORT (Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, this day. The reimposition of petrol restrictions from February 1 was announced by the Minister of Supply, the Hon. D. G. Sullivan, last evening.

Small private cars will receive eight gallons monthly and larger cars 12 gallons.

Licenses for special rations will be available from the local sub-district oil fuel controllers for those desiring to attend the Waitangi celebrations or the eucharistic congress.

“At the outbreak of war, petrol restrictions were introduced for the sole purpose of building up an adequate reserve of petrol in the country,” said Mr. Sullivan.

“As soon as we felt we had a satisfactory reserve stock of petrol, the restrictions were lifted and I had hoped that no further rationing would have been necessary. However, the British Government dx-ew the attention of the Minister of Education, the Hon. P. Fraser, to the desirability of New Zealand conserving petrol supplies as much as possible.

“I regret I am not at liberty to give you the full details of - the cables which passed between Mr. Fraser, who was in England at the time, and the New Zealand Goveniment, but information has been made available in confidence to the representatives of the press, the Farmer's’ Union, xnotoring and transport oi-ganisations, employers and workers and other bodies directly interested. In evex-y case the necessity for the rationing of petrol was fully recognised and generous offers of co-operation were received.

Patriotic Duty

“When I fell you the Government is convinced that the conservation of petrol will have a vex-y important bearing on the result of the war, I feel you will all cheerfully accept rationing as a patriotic duty. New proposals for rationing have been very carefully worked out on this basis. The first is to secure a reduction of approximately 30 per cent of our normal consumption; secondly, to maintain all essential services and national pi’oduction and, thirdly, to avoid as far as possible hardship and unemployment to those engaged in the motor industry.

“Fuller details of the proposed scheme will be announced befoi'e the end of the month, but I would like to make it clear now that a small private car will receive eight gallons a month and larger cars 12 gallons a month. This allowance will enable motorists to travel approximately 240 miles a month for domestic and pleasure purposes. With the full co-operation of the motoring public, it is anticipated that the proposed scheme will continue in operation for quite a number of months, always, of course, subject to any adverse change in the international situation. Special Rations “There are two important events occurring early in February, and strong representations were made to me that the imposition of rationing should be postponed until the Waitangi celebrations in North Auckland and the eucharistic congress at Wellington had taken place. However, the Government feels that the duty of the country to Great Britain and the Empire is so clear that it is essential the restrictions should be introduced not later than Februai-y. I realise the amount of time and trouble that has gone into the preparations for these great celebrations, and to 'cause as little disappointment as possible I am arranging for special rations for those who desire to participate in the Waitangi celebrations or the eucharistic congress. Licenses will, therefore, be available on application to the local sub-district oil fuel controller, who is generally the local postmaster, for those who desire to attend either of these events.

“At the same tiine it woud help the Government to conserve petrol if any suitable alternative means of public transport were utilised.” The Minister appealed to road users not to hoard petrol. Pie said that cases had come to the notice of the authorities of farmers hoarding large quantities. He also asked the public not to use up to the limit if it could be avoided, because evei’y gallon of petrol saved was a gallon for war purposes.