USE OF PETROL

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23748, 30 August 1940, Page 8

USE OF PETROL

ECONOMY ESSENTIAL DEFENCE AND EXCHANGE NO HINT OP RELAXATION [BY TELEGRAPHI—RPECIAL 1 —RPECIAL REPORTER] WELLINGTON, Thursday A statement that it was now more necessary than ever .to conserve petrol supplies, both from the point of view of New Zealand's defence and of easing the drain on dollar exchange, was made by the Minister of Finance, the 'Hon. W. Nash, in reply to an urgent question asked by Mr. A. E. Jull (Opposition—Waipawa) in the House of Representatives to-day. The Minister quoted cablegrams exchanged with the High Commissioner in London, Mr. W. J. Jordan, in support of his statement. Mr. Jull asked whether the Minister could give a. definite statement to the motor industry in particular and the public generally on the possibility of easing the petrol restrictions, even to the extent of an additional 1,000,000 gallons a month as requested by deputations to the Government; Position in Motor Trade The Minister was also asked whether the restriction of 25 per cent in the quantity of motor spirits imported into the Dominion for the first half of 1910 compared with the same period last year was due first to New Zealand's inability to supply the necessary foreign exchange, or to an opinion held by the British Government that there was more urgent need for its foreign exchange holdings than to porvide for the maintenance of the 1039 level of importations. "Jn the absence of a definite reply to the many representations made to the Government on this subject, there is great uncertainty throughout New Zealand," Mr. Jull added. "Thousands of motor trade employees have already lost their means of livelihood and there is a prospect of still further unemployment." Reasons for Restriction The reasons for the restriction on the use of petrol, the Minister said, were, firstly, the imperative necessity of building up reserves for the defence of New Zealand. Secondly, it was essential in the interests of the United Kingdom to conserve dollar exchange, because every charge that New Zealand made on dollar exchange reduced the ability of the United Kingdom to buy munitions. It had been suggested, Mr. Nash continued, that as the Dutch East Indies were now on sterling it might be possible to relax the restriction on petrol obtained from that source, but a cablegram he had received from London definitely discounted that belief. The Minister added that in reply to nn inquiry made by him on August 5 whether relaxation of the restrictions could be granted, since supplies- could now be obtained on a sterling basis, the High Commissioner had sent the following message:—"The United Kingdom Government still desires you to restrict. Sterling area as a whole has to find a very heavy sum in dollars for oil and from this point of view the necessity for restriction is greater than ever owing to the increased purchase of munitions in the United States." Effort to Help Motor Industry "There has never been any restriction on the importation of petrol into the Dominion," Mr. Nash added. "All there has been is a restriction on the use of it, for the reason that it is not paid for until it is sold for-use." Mr. S. G. Holland (Opposition — Christchurch North): What about easing it ? '•I know of no way of increasing the [ use of petrol without affecting the j United Kingdom's purchase of munitions," the Minister replied. "The Govt eminent will do all it can, however, to assist the motor industry to ameliorate any difficulties that may have arisen through the defence situation"." SEPTEMBER SUPPLY ALLOWANCE UNCHANGED AVOIDING INCONVENIENCE USE OF' COUPONS' TO-MORROW [BY TELEGRAPH —PRESS ASSOCIATION] WELLINGTON, Thursday The Minister of Supply, the Hon. D. G. Sullivan, announced to-day that coupons numbered eight and nine will be available for motorists during the month of September. The Minister also stated that, as the first day of September was a Sunday, ancl as many of the petrol stations would, under the new closing-hours regulations, bo closed on that day, coupons for September would bo accepted as from Saturday, August 31. This was being done in order to obviate inconvenience to the motoring public. CUT IN ALLOWANCES RETAIL DELIVERIES BUTCHERS AND GROCERS 'Petrol allowances for Auckland retail grocers and retail butchers are to be substantially reduced from Sunday under conditions provided by the Delivery Emergency Regulations issued this month. Some reorganisation of delivery methods is essential under the new ration scheme which has been decided upon after committees of the trades affected have gone closely into questions involved. Grocers are being informed by the oil, fuel control office of cuts in their petrol licences. The new assessments for grocers aro on an individual basis, and it is not yot possible to give an estimate of the average reduction. Butchers have been assessed on the new system of a basic maximum. They aro to be allowed up to 25 gallons a month on a motor vehiclo up to 10 horsepower, and up to 35 gallons a month for one of over 10 horsepower. Some butchers, carry oil a wholesalo business in the supply of meat to large institutions and 1 hotels. This trade is not affected under the regulations. Neither is the delivery of goods to grocers by wholesale merchants, - nor: the delivery of meat to butchers.