SAVING PETROL

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 77, 18 February 1942, Page 6

SAVING PETROL

fTo the Editor] Sir, —On sth February you published a letter under the above heading from your correspondent “Disgusted ’ and yesterday the 10th a correspondent “Petrol Economy” alludes to it and says “The explanations to ‘DisgustedV letter were laughable. They were worse—they were incorrect. “Disgusted” refers to the misuse of petrol. Let us see what happened and then we will se what the denial by the Air Force authorities is worth. The charge made against them in “Disgusted’s” letter is that, “On Monday evening after attending the presentation of the V.C. to Sergeant Hulme three Air Force officers returned to their headquarters for their meal. After their meal they immediately returned to the city, both these journeys being done in an R.N.Z.A.F. conveyance.” Now a great deal of attention is always paid to these conveyances by those to ■whom petrol is denied. The conveyance received careful scrutiny by those denied petrol and was seen to leave town with the officers. Later it was noted by members of a certain transport organisation the same evening when it returned to town. It was suspected this might happen and a watch was kept for the return of the vehicle until it was again seen in town the same evening by members of the transport organisation mentioned. Now, Sir, you state in a footnote to “Disgusted’s'’ letter that when this matter was referred to the Air Force authorities, they stated “most of the statements made in it are without foundation.” In spite of this declaration by the R.N.Z.A.F. I think we can say “Disgusted’s” statement stands.—l am etc., “X.Y.” Nelson, 16th February. (This letter has been abridged.)