Brighter Holiday Prospects

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23489, 28 October 1939, Page 9 (Supplement)

Brighter Holiday Prospects

ABOLITION OF PETROL RATIONING

MOTORISTS are literally in the seventh heaven of delight at the prospedt of casting petrol ration coupons from them, and being able to obtain whatever supplies they rcquirp to go as far as they care. With the holiday season in the ofiing the promise of further supplies next month, and the banishing of restrictions alto-

gcther later on is good news for the private driver. Much of tlie pleasure of this assurance, however, has been marred by the imposition of additional petrol tax. If it were not sufficient that Now Zealand motorists should have been compelled by the last Budget to pay almost as much as people in the highest-taxed countries in the world, they now have to face an extra burden —one demanded by the petrol companies, which have heavier freight commitments because of the war. Petrol now sells in the centres at 2s 4d and 2s od a gallon. The margin of taxation amounts to Is 3 7-10 d n gallon. Why the restrictions have not been abandoned immediately, it is difficult to understand, but it is assumed that there is sufficient reason. Many persons in a position to know, as well as visitors particularly from Australia, where there are no restrictions, have said all along that Xew Zealand was

too hasty in imposing the ban. Events have proved that supplies have not ceased to arrive, and because of the conservation tanks have often been so full that tankers could not always empty their loads. .Motor organisations have not been lax in urging for some measure of relief in the strict enforcement of the regulations. They recently made application for unrestricted holiday supplies, and an immediate promise was given. Hut the latest suggestion that the whole matter concerning petrol will soon be as it was before the war gives motoring a happier outlook. All the joys which motoring brings within the compass of the average family will seem better this Christmas than in years when war clouds did not east their shadow. Already, it is reported that holiday touring inquiries iiavo increased considerably, indicating that people intend to take full advantage of their motoring privileges.