RUBBER SUPPLIES

Grey River Argus, 1 May 1944, Page 6

RUBBER SUPPLIES

MINISTER STRESSES NEED FOR CONSERVATION.

PA WELLINGTON, April 29 “An official statement from the United States War Production. 'Board advises that very careful estimates have been, made of tne quantities and types of tyres and rubber products required to be produced during the current year, said the'Minister of Supply (the Hon. D. G. Sullivan) to-day. “The board states that the authorities both in Britain and the United States are reducing to a minimum the amount of natural rubber which manufacturers will be permitted to use in meeting this programme. Nevertheless, the amount of crude 'rubber which must be released it essential needs are to be met wil dangerously deplete our natural rubber reserves and leave our stock position at the end of the year below the minium. , “Even at the lowest rate to which we can compress consumption, the supply and requirements of natural rubber will not balance. It is, therefore,- essential that the greatest possible economy in the use of of nay I ural rubber should continue to be maintained.” Commenting on the statement, Mr Sullivan added that Mr. H. C. Chapman, special representative or , the United Kingdom Ministry of I Production, who recently visited i Australia, had also reported that the rubber shortage was acute and had I stated that the present nosition 1 might be appreciated when it was known that without synthetic rubber there would be no tyres for essential civilian use and probably very few for military needs. Mr. Sullivan said he made these facts known to mve the people a clear picture of the gravity of the position, and he appealed for full co-operation in rubber conservation to ensure the maintenance of essential transport services and to assist the defence forces to carry out efficiently their main duties.