RATIONING OF PETROL.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 217, 12 August 1940, Page 6

RATIONING OF PETROL.

Petrol rationing has been in force in this country more or less since the outbreak of war. In various stages consumption has been reduced to restrict the total to six million gallons of petrol monthly. There is no doubt but that the latest decision of the Government has been pressing very heavily upon the public generally and the motor industry. With the object of impressing upon the Government the fact that, while fully appreciating the implication of the war effort, evidence, in its opinion is accumulating that the present policy requires revising, the Motor Trade Federation recently met the Minister and urged an increase in the allowance of one million gallons monthly. Its view was succinctly stated in the words that petrol rationing could be carried to _ a point where it would defeat its own ends as a contribution to the war if it vtere “imposed to such an extent that it resulted in the partial wrecking of the second largest industry in New Zealand, created widespread unemployment in New Zealand, and’ prevented support of Britain’s war policy.” By easing the restrictions to the extent stated, and assuring the public the quantity would be maintained, the Federation said the grievous harm done to the industry and others dependent upon it could be partially rectified by the Government. There is a very great deal to be said for the Federation’s statement. No one wishes to hinder the Government in its war effort, least of all the motor industry, but the position surely demands a clear cut statement from the Minister. Acceptance of the request would not only mean higher State revenue, but considerable help to one of the country’s greatest assets; at the same time overseas exchange would be affected to a really triflinqr extent and the war effort not hindered.