PETROL POSITION

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23759, 12 September 1940, Page 11

PETROL POSITION

THE PEICE INCREASE PROTEST BY MOTORISTS DESIRE FOR BETTER RATIONS Petrol prices and rations were discussed by the council of the Automobile Association (Auckland) at a meeting last night, when a protest was made against the latest price increase of Jd a gallon, and it was decided to ask the Minister of Supply, the Hon. D. G. Sullivan, how soon the increase would be removed. "We must regard the increase with alarm," said the president, Mr. F. G. Farrell, "and should seek an assurance that it will be wiped out at the earliest possible date." Mr. A. Grayson said it was hard to justify the increase in view of the fall in the prico of petrol overseas. Mr. H. J. Butcher suggested a public meeting of protest against the conditions governing petrol, and particularly New Zealand's meagre private rations, should bo arranged and held in the Town Hall. He said other centres would probably follow with similar meetings, which would surely demonstrate the feelings of motorists. Mr. Farrell said a public meeting called by the association might be considered political, and that was contrary to the constitution of the association. He suggested it would be better if a resolution were considered at the association's annual meeting next month, when members would have a full opportunity to express themselves. "I have an idea in my own mind," Mr. Farrell added, "that something will be done by .the Government to relieve the position by October 1. In the meantime the North Island Motor Union, in accordance with the decision reached at its recent conference, is working for a more liberal ration." . The president's suggestion was adopted.

CONCERN IN THE TRADE EMPLOYEES' PETITION [by TELEGRAPH —OWN correspondent] WELLINGTON. Wednesday Employees of the motor trade and allied trades have requested permission to take a delegation to the Prime Minister, Mr. Eraser, to present a petition asking for increases in the petrol ration. Some 1600 members of the industry in the Wellington city and suburban area have signed the petition, which asks the Government to give the matter urgent consideration. It was stated to-day that dismissals of staff and disorganisation of the industry have prompted this action, and that employees view with grave concern their precarious position created by the rationing of petrol.