PETROL ALLOWANCE

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20184, 29 February 1940, Page 4

PETROL ALLOWANCE

REDUCTION UNLIKELY SAVING IN EXCHANGE TANKERS FREED FROM N.Z (PeT Prtrss Association.) WELLINGTON, this day. “Unless there is a serious deterioration in the international situation, it is the intention of the Government not to reduce the present petrol rations,” said the Minister of Supply, the Hon. D. G. Sullivan, when announcing yesterday that coupons 19 to 22 inclusive would be available for petrol purchases during March. “I would like to thank the, people of New Zealand for the way they have accepted the petrol restrictions,” said the Minister. The restrictions were imposed at the request of the British Government to conserve dollar funds and to release petrol tankers. The restrictions are having the desired results. Estimated Savings The rationing scheme, on its present basis, would result in an annual saving of approximately just over £1,000,000 in foreign exchange. It would also result in a saving of at least 15 complete shipments of petrol to the Dominion, this being equivalent to freeing two tankers from the New Zealand trade for use elsewhere. The case of Australia had been mentioned a number of times. He had just received a cablegram from the Government of Australia that methods of petrol conservation were under consideration in that country at the present time. The Minister quoted figures showing that India and South Africa used less petrol than New Zealand. “The British Government has told us that petrol and dollar funds are likely to be two of the most vital factors in winning the war. It is our duty to accept this assurance and to do our bit towards saving funds that may provide our own airmen with planes and fuel to fly them,” he added.