MOTOR ASSEMBLY

Hokitika Guardian, 13 September 1940, Page 7

MOTOR ASSEMBLY

THREAT TO PLANTS

EARLY CLOSING FEARED

AUCKLAND, Sep. 10,

“Motor assembly plants in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch must -lose entirely within the next few .reeks unless the Government is prepared to implement the recent promise •> fthe Minister of Finance, the Hon. W. Nash, to ameliorate the difficulties that have arisen because of the unreasonable' excessive restriction on the use of petrol.” says a statement issued oy the New Zealand Motor Trade Federation. “The motor industry can look bask over 12 months of war without being '.file to discover aiiy action on the part of the Government that has indicated veil the remotest desire to ameliorate difficult conditions.” the statement continues. “This year, the trade will surrender between £4.000,000 and £5,000,000 worth of exchange which was available last year for importation •vf vehicles, parts and equipment, while less vital industries are receiving increased allotments.

“It must be remembered that the motor industry lias provided practically all the mechanics for the Royal New Zealand Air Force and the mechanised units of the Army,” the statement adds. “The trade is obliged to restore these men to their positions when they return from the war. If the present policy of the Government is maintained, there will he no place for the .men when the war is over.” The statement asserts that the case for increased petrol rations is not dependent on the argument about dollar exchange. The Government fixed TOOO.OIJO gallons a month as the quantity of .petrol necessary to meet essential needs. The usage permitted in July was much below this, and it is contended that when figures are available it is likely that the August consumption will prove to have been lower still.

“The monthly figures include the greatly increased quantities of petrol required for defence training,” adds the statement. “At the expense of the commercial and private motor owners, and at great economic cost to the country, the Government is stretching the quantity of petrol it previously considered necessary for essentia] services to include the extra defence deand the requirements to create reserve stocks. The New Zealand motorist is actually allowed less petrol than the private owner in England, and considerably less than private motorists in Australia, Canada, and South Africa