PETROL RATIONING.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LXI, Issue 130, 3 May 1941, Page 6

PETROL RATIONING.

With the return to the basis of petrol rationing in force prior to the holiday season there have been several warnings to the motoring public to conserve the use of oil fuel in the national interests. At its repent meeting the War Council noted with approval the statement of the Minister of Supply that an agreement had been reached with representatives of motoring and other industries and organisations regarding the "necessity of further reducing the consumption of petrol in view of the need for economy." National safety and defence arc the compelling reasons for the wisest use of petrol, and the Council urged all users to conserve their supplies. So far the Government has not made any announcement of a reduction in the rationing basis, bin it may be inferred from the warnings that it is not unlikely in the near future. At the present time, however, the registration of motor-vehicles is proceeding and a reduction at this time would have some effect upon the number again licensed. In spite of appeals from the motoring' public since the inauguration of 'the system the Government, like its predecessors, maintains the costly and often vexatious procedure of issuing fresh plates each vear. The explanation lately made was that the plates were ordered some time ago and nothing could be gained by a change. It will be hoped, however, that in the next period the Government will crive more consideration to the representations so frequently made, and permit the use of existing plates at least for the duration of the war. Surely a better use could be made of the material, or the money required to - purchase it. .The matter presents no difficulty and this addition to the substantial taxation imposed upon the motoring public could well be dispensed with.