WASTE RUBBER

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 77, 11 August 1942, Page 2

WASTE RUBBER

COLLECTING CAMPAIGN GREATER EFFORT WANTED NELSON A.A. DISCUSSION The Automobile Association (Nelson) wants a greater effort made in salvaging old rubber. Members of the executive at last night’s meeting considered that in view of the present shortage the request to the' public to hand in waste rubber to garages was not enough, and that a vigorous collecting campaign should be organised. The president (Mr C. M. Rout) said that the efforts of the average individual in handing in waste rubber had not been very striking. Arrangements had been made for the acceptance tif old rubber by garages and dairy companies but only a small amount bad been handed in and altogether the effort had been meagre. “The A.A. should stress on its members the importance of getting their waste rubber handed in. b* hook or by crook.” said Mr Rout “We should ask the S.LM.U. or the Government to provide for the employment of men to collect the rubber.” The individual’s wish was to give but the inspiration was not coming from above. Some people had old tyres still fit for some use but they did not know what to do with them. He considered it within the province of the Automobile Association to get the collection going on a house to house basis. Mr E R. Neale (secretary) commented that a strict interpretation of the regulations made it an offence for a person to give up possession of old tyres. Mr J. p- Ingram said that the motor trade haa been concerned about the position for some time. No provision had been made for the collection of the rubber. So far Nelson had eight tons of waste. The chairman: “Only a fleabite. We want a house to house collection. If the Government spent £20.000 on it it would be worth while. Money does not count in these circumstances.” Mr Ingram agreed. He said the motor trade was willing to give its fullest co-operation. The rubber position was one of the most serious things lacing New Zealand to-day. It was decided to ask the South Island Motor Union to make representations to the Government urging an immediate collecting campaign, and asking for the regulation concerning possession ofjild tyres to be clarified.