TYRE SUPPLIES

Grey River Argus, 1 February 1946, Page 8

TYRE SUPPLIES

EASEMENT IN VIEW. PA WELLINGTON, January 31. “In the first half of 1946, the general supply position in regard to tyres will be as difficult as it has been during the last year or two, but there are indications which give ground for restrained optimism that the supply position will case in the second half of the year, and particularly is this likely to be the case wit htiuck tyres,” said the Minister of Supply. Mr. Sullivan to-day. The Minister also indicated that the petrol position did not give an vindication of immediate improvement; in fact the present stock position in the Dominion was causing anxiety in certain areas owing to delay in the arrival of tankers. “Despite efforts made by the Government to secure additional tyres, the supplies which we have been able to obtain leave us far shore of the total requirements,” said the Minister. “During the war Australia has been New Zealand’s main source for both car/ and truck tyres, and although larger quantities will be shipped from that country supplies are still very restricted and on a definite quota basis. We were fortunate in obtaining a share of England's export, quota for 1946, but her own requirements are extremely heavy, and, as a result, car tyres from Britain will far from meet our requirements in the first half of 1946, and the general supply positiin will be as difficult as ever.' 1 am fully aware of the difficulties which confront motorists at present, and they can rest assured that the Government is doing all possible to obtain tyres from abroad. So long as the present complex supply position exists, however, New Zealand will be forced to maintain a rationing system. “There is an impression that tyres and rubber generally are being made available in greatlj’ increased quantities, but this is not so. Rubber and tyres are still under control and allocation from, an organisation known as the Combined Rubber Committee in London. This committee, which has to endeavour to satisfy the demands of all claimant countries, finds it impossible to do more than allocate its availability in the same way as in the war period.” The revocation of the bicycle tyre and tube restrictions also depended upon the stocks of raw rubber which would be available in New Zealand, he added. The priority list had been substantially amended in regard to bicycle tyres, but, unfortunately, it had not been possible to remove rationing completely. This would be done immediately sufficient rubber was available to local factories. Restrictions on the re-treading of tyres would also have to continue until raw rubber was abailavle in greater quantities. PETROL STILL HAND TO MOUTH. “Our present petrol store,” continued Mr. Sullivan, “is extremely difficult. At the present, moment we are living hand-to-mouth. The British authorities still allocate supplies and tankers to all Empire countries, and the New Zealand Government has again decided to press for increased supplies as early as possible. I feel that Britain is doing the best she can under the circumstances, but the tenor of overseas cables indicates that petrol rationing will have to remain in the meantime. Owing to the delayed arrival of tankers, bulk supplies at Auckland will be seriously depleted during February, but on the basis of the present allocation of tankers, which at present is the subject of strong representations to overseas authorities, the petrol supply position will continue at its present level for at least a month or two. I will issue a statement immediately any material improvement is likely.