MOTORISTS AND PETROL

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24604, 12 May 1941, Page 4

MOTORISTS AND PETROL

EARLY STATEMENT DESIRABLE In fairness to motor car owners an official statement should be made, before the month has advanced much further (says the Dominion) on the probable position of petrol supplies in the hear future. Motorists were urged recently to assist the authorities by applying early for their new licences. No doubt the majority of vehicle owners are prepared to assist, in this way, to overcome difficulties caused by shortage of departmental staff. On the other hand there may be many cases in which owners are postponing relicensing as long as there is uncertainty about their chance of retaining the amount of the present fuel allowThe Government cannot, of course, be expected to predict the supply .position of the : comparatively distant future: but a statement concerning present stocks and immediate prospects could be made—and would be a timely service to the motoring public. 11, in view of the shipping position or the situation in the Near East or for any other reason, further restrictions are being planned—or even contemplated—motorists should be told this frankly, and without delay.