TYRE CHAINS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24297, 14 May 1940, Page 6

TYRE CHAINS

PROTECTION FOR MOTORISTS SHORTAGE OF SUPPLIES Some difficulty is being experienced by motor firms in procuring sufficient supplies of tyre chains to meet local demands. These chains are subject to an import restriction of one-third for the present period, but it is not considered likely that a serious shortage will develop unless the winter is abnormally severe. During the record snowfall last year, there was, of course, a tremendous demand for chains, which in many cases did not last long through insufficient care being taken, and some motorists who have been trying lately to stock up with chains to make themselves secure against winter conditions have not been able to obtain them. One wholesale supplier stated yesterday that he had a fairly large order of chains on the water at the present time, and the whole shipment had already been sold. In the past week or so, owing to floods and the start of winter weather,, there had been a considerable demand for chains from Central Otago, which there had been difficulty in meeting, but most motorists, having stocked up during last year's snowfall, should be sufficiently equipped to deal with normal winter conditions. The likelihood of there being considerably fewer cars on the road shortly owing to the petrol restrictions would also ease the situation, so that unless there was abnormally severe weather there should be no serious interference with motor traffic.