MEAGRE QUOTAS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26719, 13 March 1948, Page 6

MEAGRE QUOTAS

PETROL ALLOCATIONS OPERATORS CONCERNED EFFECT ON GENERAL PUBLIC Although petrol rationing, coupons and licences were introduced only a fortnight ago and adjustments may no doubt be made in the monthly quotas granted to commercial operators, there appears to be fairly widespread concern at present over the monthly allocations of petrol to many sections of the community. Apart from grocers, who have already registered a sharp protest over their monthly allocations, carrying firms, heavy transport operators, bakers, taxi firms, and coal merchants are all concerned over the licences given them. In some cases transport operators have received such meagre allocations that they will have to curtail their running to almost a half unless they are granted some relief. For them the rationing is far more serious than during the war, and many are threatened with a substantial loss in revenue. Many of the heavy operators are engaged in essential work, such as supplying builders, carrying wool, and transporting produce, and they require considerably more petrol than they have been allocated. Effect on Coal Deliveries The method of applying for a review of licences is not proving as satisfactory as during the war, when local committees heard requests for increased quotas. Carrying firms point out that rationing during the war was on scientific lines, whereas the general allocation made to operators at present is haphazard, and is proving far from satisfactory. They state that unless allocations are increased in certain cases, the public will be caused considerable inconvenience.

Coal merchants are another section of vehicle operators serving the public who are deeply concerned over the monthly allocation of petrol. Those approached by the Daily Times stated that they were receiving less petrol than during the war. They considered that they were entitled to as much as they were given then, but their quota had been reduced to 35 gallons a vehicle. They had already applied for a review of their case and their allocations had been increased to 50 gallons. “ I cannot see how we are to operate our vehicles on that allocation, one merchant stated. “It was difficult to maintain supplies on our war-time quota, but it seems unlikely that we shall be able to make deliveries throughout the month on the present allocation. Probably our trucks will be immobilised for some days at the end of the month, unless our allocation is increased. The public finds it difficult enough to obtain winter coal supplies without having our trucks forced off the road through lack of petrol. Right of Appeal

Taxi drivers are also concerned over the allocation of petrol, and bakers, while admitting they. had not been granted sufficient petrol to enable them to maintain their deliveries, expressed the opinion that the oil fuel controller would be certain to grant them an increased allowance so that householders would receive their normal delivery of bread. , . i , , When the complaints were referred to the Dunedin oil fuel control office, a member of the staff explained that the operators concerned were given a basic allowance, and if they considered this insufficient to meet their requirements they could immediately appeal to the oil fuel controller, Wellington, through the local controller. While the appeal was being considered in Wellington, the Dunedin office would issue a supplementary grant to carry the applicant on until the result of the appeal was made known.