PETROL SUPPLIES

Grey River Argus, 8 November 1939, Page 3

PETROL SUPPLIES

POSSIBILITY OF SHORTAGE. CHRISTCHURCH, November 7. The possibility of the Government having to reimpose the petrol rationing scheme should difficulties be met, in procuring fresh and regular supplies was mentioned oy the Minister for Industries and Commerce (the Hon. D. G. Sullivan), yesterday. ‘The introduction of the restrict’ons,” the Minister said, in defending the Government’s earlier action, “was a course which any prudent government would adopt under the circumstances, and until we were assured of regular and frequent supplies some such steps were absolutely necessary. People are now, no doubt, fully a quainted with the Government’s proposals on future supplies of motor- spirit, and I fee! certain that the statement that the restrictions will be lifted in December will be much appreciated by all motorists. "The position generally will be watched closely from time to time, and as long as regular supplies keep coming forward the public may be assured that the restrictions will not be reimposed. Should, however, difficulties be experienced in procuring regular supplies the Government will have to give consideration to the reimposition of the rat'oning scheme.” LIE NAILED. The statement that the Government had no knowledge of the ( arrival of a large tanker reported to have left New Zealand without discharging her products because purchasing arrangements could not be made, was made by the Minister for Industries and Commerce (the Hon. D. G. Sullivan). “I would advise you that the Government has no knowledge that a large tanker arrived in New Zealand and left without discharging any ol her products because financial arrangements for the purchase of the products could not be made,” the Minister said. “Such a suggest'on is entirely contrary to fact.”