PETROL SHORTAGE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25563, 16 June 1944, Page 2

PETROL SHORTAGE

POSITION SERIOUS

TANKERS SENT ELSEWHERE

The seriousness of the petrol position in New Zealand was emphasised by the secretary, Mr A. R. Donaldson, at the monthly meeting on Wednesday of the Wanganui District Council of Primary Production. Mr Donaldson, who is also a member of the Wanganui Oil Fuel Advisory Committee, said that the reserve stocks of petrol in New Zealand were being reduced considerably because of tankers being diverted elsewhere. He believed that if the true position were made known the authorities would have 100 per cent, backing from the public. “ The position is very serious, and it is quite uncertain when the next supplies will come to hand,” Mr Donaldson added. The oil fuel controllers in Wanganui and elsewhere were reviewing all business and private car licences with a view to making reductions where .possible. At present petrol supplied to farmers was not being cut, but the Oil Fuel Advisory Committee was aware of abuses in certain cases—for example, a petrol licence might be granted for a tractor, and the fuel so obtained used for other purposes. Primary production councils were now being asked to report on applications made by farmers for petrol licences, said Mr Donaldson. But whether this scheme would operate successfully was another matter. Awkward positions might arise, particularly in the case of a member of the council doing this work voluntarily having to report on a neighbour. “It is hardly fair to ask a man to do that.” Mr Donaldson added. *

The regulations were emphatic that something must be done to prevent wastage of petrol. “ This must be done* urgently, and many people are going to feel hurt, but there is no other way out,” he said. “Primary producers will be the last to be touched, but they are being urged not to waste petrol. It will also mean that representatives on the Farmers’ Union and other organisations will not be able to obtain petrol to attend meetings, and a bush ness man who has a petrol licence for business purposes will not be able to take his car home at night.”