PETROL ALLOWANCES.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 262, 3 October 1940, Page 6

PETROL ALLOWANCES.

Since it is anticipated that by the end of the present month the reserves of motor spirit will have reached an amount that will permit of an increase being made in the petrol allowance granted for private motor-cars, the Minister of Supply (Mr Sullivan) has announced a higher ration will be granted in November. The Government’s decision, which recalls the relaxing of' the restrictions in the holiday period last summer, will be welcomed by the motorist as well as the motor trade, which has been hard hit by the petrol restrictions, but it leaves more to be desired —no indication is given of the extra allowance to be made available. As has repeatedly been emphasised by the motor trade, an increase of one million gallons a month over the six millions at present being made available is very desirable in the ifiterests of all engaged in the trade, particularly from the viewpoint of employment, and should it be found possible to make an extension to that figure, or even more, it should do much to relieve a position that has become acutely unsettling to many employers, provide more employment, and have general economic benefits. There have been frequent accusations of a lack of frankness on the Government’s part in its replies to questions as to /how far the British Government lias asked New Zealand to restrict its petrol importations ; answers on the point of sterling funds and their relation to such imports have not convinced those whose livelihood is bound up in the motor trade; and these aspects have left the impression that a much greater allowance of petrol could be made than has been the case, without interfering with the country’s contribution to winning the war. The naming of the increase to be granted next month ; will, be keenly. awaited, also an answer, ] to the question whether- it will be continued for the rest: of the summer season which many are bound to ask.