MOTORISTS’ AFFAIRS

Grey River Argus, 20 September 1945, Page 5

MOTORISTS’ AFFAIRS

TYRE CHARGES Too Dear in N.Z. P.A. WELLINGTON, September 19. Some concern has been expressed at the abnormally high retail 'price of tyres in the Dominion as compared with the price ruling in Australia, from where they have been imported, said Mr A. Grayson'/ presenting the annual report of the North Island Motor Union at' the annual meeting to-day. In consequence, the Union, he said, after thoroughly investigating the position, had made representations to the Minister of Supply, Mr Sullivan, who had advised tnat consideration was being given to the matter. The report referred to the proposed manufacture of tyres in the Dominion. The Union, while not .objecting to such industry being established, made representations in the interests of motorists asking that particular attention be paid to ensure that the quality, price and availability should tee at least equal to the pre-war standard, and that there be no prohibition of imports.

N.Z. TYRES TO BE CHEAPER

F.A. WELLINGTON, September 19. - The New Zealand-made tyres will be sold at competitive prices. To-day. in the House of Representatives the Hon. D. G. Sullivan, replying to Mr E. B. Corbett (Nat., JSgmont), said that the formulation of New Zealand specifications for locally made tyres and tubes, based on overseas standards, was under action by the Standards Institute. Each firm which has been granted a license has stated that the locally manufactured tyres will be sold at prices either lower than, or equal to the prices of imported tyres of a similar grade and quality. The prices of tyjres would be subject to investigation by the Price Tribunal. Answering another quesiton about tyre supplies, Mr Sullivan said that the Ministry of Supply was at present negotiating with the Army Department to release reconditioned and used tyres. There is a special representative of the Supply Department at present in London, where' he is endeavouring to obtain additional supplies, but (he Tyre Control in London has advised that rubber is still a critical item, and that immediate arrivals of increasing quantities is still unlikely; PETROL COUPONS.

P.A. WELLINGTON, September 19. In the House to-day, notice of a question to the Minister of Supply was given by Mr W. A. Sheat (Nat., Patea) as follows: Whether the Government intends to abolish petrol rationing as soon as availability of supplies to New Zealand made this possible, or to retain petrol rationing indefinitely as part of a general plan whereby .the Government would control imports, and determine what the people should buy? If there is no intention of abolishing petrol rationing in the near future, will the Minister consider extending the availability of coupons for a period of at least six months, so that motorists may save their coupons with a view to undertaking a long tour during the lioli'' days? Mr Sheat suggested that this procedure would ease a strain on rail transport during the next Christmas period. PRICE OF PETROL.

P.A. WELLINGTON, September 19. It is the Government’s desire to remove restrictions as soon as possible, and to that end we are negotiating with supply authorities overseas at this moment, stated the Minister of Supply, Mr Sullivan, in a letter read at the annual conference of the North Island Motor Union to-day. As soon as I am in a position to do so, I will make a public statement, and also let you know the result of our negotiations'. Mr Sullivan’s letter, dated September 13. was in reply, to a request by the Union that all restrictions on petrol be removed by October 1, the Union pointing out that war conditions had passed. It was decided that urgent representations be made to the Government to have restrictions removed, and, failing success, to publish a case in support of their request.

The price of petrol was the subject of a long discussion, at the conclusion of which the following motion was carried: “That a request be made to the Government that the importation of petrol revert to the oil companies forthwith, and that at the same time steps be taken to reduce the retail cost to the public at. the price prevailing at June 30, 1939. In making this request we are aware of the downward movement in freights and war risk insurance as a result of which the price to the public in Australia has already been reduced.” During the discussion it was stated that the' landed cost was Bd. and that the price in Palmerston North was 250 per cent. ■ above the landed cost. It was stated that the price had been reduced by lid a gallon in Australia. The acting-secretary. Mr W. O’Callaghan, said that only the Government could say what the landed cost of petrol was, but reduction in freights and insurance" could be proved. A reduction of 3d or 4d in freight alone had occurred.

WANDERING STOCK.

F.A. WELLINGTON, September 19.

Statements that the law for the prevention of stock wandering on roads was not rigorous enough were made at the annual conference of the North Island Motor Union to-day. It. was decided that, though previous representations to the Government to have the law amended had failed, they should be renewed. It was also decided that in the' interests of public safety strong representations should be made (a) that local authorities be requested to take strict measures to enforce the penal provisions of the Impounding Act relating to stock wandering on highways, and that the Act should be arpended to provide higher penalties for repeated offences; (b) that legislation should be introduced to oblige owners or occupiers of land adioining roads to fence it and keen fences in repair: and (c> that the common law should be amended to provide that in legal actions arising out of a collision on a highway between motor vehicles and unattended stock, the owner of the stock should be deemed to be neg igent in allowing it to he on the highway till the contrary be proved, the onus of proof to be on the owner of the stock and not on the motorist.