USE OF PETROL

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23773, 28 September 1940, Page 13

USE OF PETROL

MINISTERS AND TROOPS COMMENT ON DIFFERENCE MOTOR UNION'S PROTEST [by TEIjEGRATH PRESS ASSOCIATION*] CHMSTCHURCH, Friday "There is something wrong when Ministers of the Crown can roam round the country at large in cars and enjoy themselves, while soldiers on final leave cannot get petrol," said Mr. P. F. Harris, secretary of the Otago Association, at the South Island Motor Union's annual meeting. He protested vigorously against the ruling of the Oil Fuel Controller that a special petrol allowance could not be made available for soldiers on final leave to enable them to visit relatives in country districts. The meeting was invited by Mr. Harris to make a strong protest against "this bit of nonsense." "Whether the Oil Fuel Controller or the regulations are responsible I do not know, but it does seem to mo that persons sitting comfortably in high places can arbitrarily turn down a reasonable request like that," Mr. Harris Raid, "although they may not come back and they want to have a last look round the country. Petrol is allowed for up to 300 miles in England, where there is a real war, and it should be done here." Mr. ,T- H. Main (Oamaru) suggested that there had been a change of front, as he knew of a case where a pilotsergeant on final leave had obtained 14 gallons in Christchurch to visit Oamaru. The union decided to make a protest and to ask for a universal rule. HIGHER ALLOWANCE SOUGHT DETERMINED EFFORT PLANNED [by TELEGRAPH —PRESS ASSOCIATION] CHRISTCHURCH, Friday The South Island Motor Union carried the following resolution at its annual meeting to-day:— "That we definitely consider that the question of the petrol allocation, especially in view of the trade statistics for the first five months of 1939 and 1940, and also in regard to the disruption of the industry and commerce of the Dominion, and the consequent effect upon the general morale of the community, should he taken up strongly by motor unions with a. view to aiming at an allowance consonant with what is proposed to be given in Australia." The Government was attacked by delegates, who alleged changes of policy and unwillingness to give the real reasons for the restrictions. Both North Island and South Island representatives expressed their determination to fight the Government hard. A petition is to he sent to Parliament and, if necessary, a delegation will press the Ministers of Finance, Transport and Supply for categorical answers.