PETROL RESTRICTIONS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23773, 28 September 1940, Page 15

PETROL RESTRICTIONS

Sir, —The point of view expressed by your correspondent "Motorist" is interesting, but very misleading. There can he no more loyal citizens in the Empire than the motorists of New Zealand and the *IO,OOO workers who earn their daily bread in the motor industry. The increasing agitation for some modification of the present' unduly drastic restrictions is supported by a very largo and well-informed section of the community. It is readily agreed that sacrifices must bo made, but that does not give any justification for singling out one section for far greater sacrifice than that which others are required to make.

j Thousands of workers have already boon thrown out of employment, and large numbers of traders have lost overvtk'ing and closed their doors. The position is deteriorating daily and thousands of traders and employees are in very precarious positions and must fall by the wayside unless some relief is granted. There appears 110 logical reason for the severity of the present rationing, which far exceeds the restrictions imposed 011 private motorists in England. The motor trade organisations have never opposed the requests of Groat Britain for conservation of dollar funds; but we are convinced that Great Britain would not agree to, far less request, the present severity of control. This opinion is supported by the knowledge that the control is less severe in England, and that no control lias been exorcised by Great Britain in her Crown colonies. We arc convinced that the dislocation of our internal economy which has ! now readied alarming proportions will hamper rather thant assist the country in its all-in war effort. K "FT, Everett. For Allied Motor Traders' Association (Auckland Province), Inc.