NSW Restrictions To Be Lifted

Northern Advocate, 11 August 1948, Page 4

NSW Restrictions To Be Lifted

SYDNEY, Wed. (1 p.m.)—The Minister of Public Works (Mr J. J. Cahill) told the Legislative Assembly that gas. electricity and transport restrictions will be lifted today. Supply authorities are expected to confer with Mr Cahill to decide how far the restrictions can be modified. It is likely that domestic gas bans will go, that electricity supply will become normal except for a probable ban on outdoor and display lighting, that a limited Sunday tram service, amplified by buses, will be restored, and that 500 extra wheat trucks will be placed in service on the railways, though restricted steam and electric services will continue. MYSTERY GUARANTEE

Mr Cahill told the Assembly that the Government had pressed on the Coal Board the need to lift the restrictions.

“The Joint Coal Board which, seven weeks ago, imposed the most severe rationing in history, now says it can guarantee sufficient coal for gas and power and some transport restrictions are to be lifted, comments the Sydney Morning Herald. “How the board is able to give this guarantee is a mystery.

“Since rationing was imposed there has been no reduction in miners’ strikes.

“In fact, the board's own figures show that the rate of strike losses has increased from 37.000 to 39.000 tons a week.”