PETROL SUPPLIES

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 72, 22 February 1940, Page 6

PETROL SUPPLIES

POSITION IN CITY. COMMITTEE’S. WORK. Anomalies and shortcomings which were hound to arise on the remtroduction of petrol rationing have been dealt with steadily by the advisory committee working in co-operation with the Post and Telegraph Department’s officials who are in charge ol the scheme and, to date, it is stated, nearly 400 licenses have come forward for review. In many cases, after lull enquiries have been made, the allocations have been increased, but other applications have been refused. the committee has a certain reserve to work on and, where increases have been adjudged necessary, they have been made to the full extent possible, considering the extra amount the committee has been allocated. Six representatives of various sections of the community give a wide coverage of experience in petrol requirements, representing city interests, farmers, carriers, other commercial users (covering tradesmen operating vehicles), the Transport Department and the Railway Department. Where petrol is required for national production, or where it is the basis of the means of livelihood of the applicant, the maximum amount possible has been granted, it was explained to the “Evening Standard” to-day. banners have been enabled to secure all the petrol they require for seasonal work, although investigations are made to check the actual needs. Seasonal operations are covered by “blanket licenses covering a lengthy period, or a year, so that the petrol can be acquired as it is needed. Everything is being done to see that there is no stoppage of agricultural tractors and other farm machinery. Gratification was expressed at a meeting of the advisory committee, yesterday, at the fact that no definite complaints had been received, and the public appear to have settled down well to take the rationing as a war measure. A commencement has been made by departmental officials with the inspection of filling stations to see that the regulations are being complied with, and to- date the results have been satisfactory.