Criticism of Petrol Restriction Policy

Northern Advocate, 26 December 1940, Page 3

Criticism of Petrol Restriction Policy

The following letter has been sent to the Frime Minister by Mr J. H. Edmundson, president of the North Island Motor Union (to which unions all automobile associations in New Zealand are affiliated): —

“At a recent meeting, consideration was given by representatives of the motor unions to the present position in relation to petrol rationing in this country. All relative information available, including official published statements on the subject, was taken into account. Members were obviously fully conscious of the shipping dangei’s, which have become more evident during recent weeks, but the following points could not be disregarded: (a) As far as is known, New Zealand consumei’s of petrol suffer more inconvenience in relation to that commodity than consumers anywhere else in the Empire. (b) That the l’ationing is more severe here than elsewhere, there being no restriction xn Fiji, for instance, while the Australian ration jc very much greater than ours.

(c) That restriction in sales alone does not result in stocks being built up, and, in fact, reduced sales are causing vendors of petrol to carry smaller stocks.

(d) That much idle storage space is available at service stations in tanks not being used now that there is a standard grade, and throughput is so greatly reduced. Bulk storage points are so much more vulnerable than scattered tanks.

(e) That the present harsh restrictions, which allow many motorists to acquire petrol in only hand-to-mouth fashion, would render ineffective a large proportion of transport in the event of an emergency as envisaged by the emergency precautions scheme. (f) That the conditions referred to in paragraph (e) above would be further intensified by the difficulty that would result from attempts to obtain urgent supplies from service stations, the hours of which are restricted and the stocks at which can be expected to be light. “The attitude of the motor unions is expressed in the following resolution, unanimously accepted, which is l'espectfully submitted for your favourable consideration:—

“ ‘That this meeting of the council of the North Island Motor Union, associated with delegates representing the South Island Motor Union, having considered official statements published on the subject of petrol rationing, avers that the representations made by the motor unions for more liberal treatment have been wholly justified, and the fact that during recent days greater menace to our shipping communications has developed, has demonstrated the soundness of the urge that has' been made to the authorities to build up and maintain petrol stocks in the Dominion, which end could, in the opinion of the union be more. effectively attained by enabling wholesalers, resellers and consumer's to secure larger supplies than have been possible under the harsh restrictions imposed. “ ‘That it must be evident that those engaged in the industry would be disinclined to maintain sufficiently large stocks to handle the much reduced demand occasioned by restraint. It is, therefore, maintained that y regular throughput on a coupon basis cf 16, 12 and 8 gallons respectively for private cars, as advocated by the unions last September, is sound practice. and this viewpoint is commended to the Government for favourable action.’ ”