PETROL RESTRICTIONS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 77, 4 February 1942, Page 2

PETROL RESTRICTIONS

EFFECT ON PRODUCTION ULTIMATE SLOWING-UP OF WAR EFFORT Wellington, This Day. The following letter has been forwarded to the Prime Minister and the Minister of Supply by the New Zealand Employers’ Federation: — “At a meeting of the executive of the New Zealand Employers’ Federation, held on 29th January, the question of the dislocation of the economic life of the Dominion resultant on the severe restrictions in the use of petrol was discussed. It was evident from this discussion that the effect of the severe restrictions on the use of petrol was being increasingly felt in the slowing down of industry, which must ultimately affect the war effort of the Domion. “Under these considerations the executive of the New Zealand Employers’ Federation resolved that this matter should be brought to your attention in the terms of the following resolution: “ ‘This federation i.s concerned at the apparent discrimination in the issue of

petrol licenses, and as it has been represented that an issue of two to four gallons a month for each motor-car in the Dominion would involve only the capacity of two tankers a year and represent a cost in sterling of only approximately £250,000 annually, the Minister be asked further to consider the matter with the object of arranging a general issue to all motorists. It desires to point out that the immobilisaion of motor cars is a most serious national matter, in that very many of the vehicles will not be available should an emergency arise. It is understood that a complete prohibition of petrol for private motor cars does not exist in any other part of the Empire. This federation further urges the Minister to take full advantage ol' storage capacity which exists throughout the country.’ ” It was also decided to ask the Prime Minister and Minister of Supply to receive a deputation from the federation to discuss the position.—P.A.