PETROL ALLOWANCES

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26780, 25 May 1948, Page 6

PETROL ALLOWANCES

Sir, You have printed several letters re the inadequacy of a local medical man s petrol allocation. In fairness to all parties concerned I consider that certain relevant information should have been sought before the publication of these letters. It is natural that the man on the street will assume that the fault lies with the local department and its officers, and although no direct accusation has been made against same, the inference is there. Therefore, I would ask that you publish these following facts:—(l) The local department and its officers are acting under instructions from Wellington. (2) Every user of petrol, if not satisfied with the basic ration, has the right of appeal. (3) The appeal is lodged with the local office and is then attached to the appellant’s file and sent forward to Wellington with a recommendation from the local office. (4) The New Zealand Fuel Controller then makes a decision and advises the local office, whose officers have no option but to carry out the instructions given them. In no way can the blame be attached to the local office or officers. The delay and bungling is caused in Wellington. It is a matter of very grave concern to the people of New Zealand that because of red-tape and unnecessary delay and bungling in Wellington, a doctor, of all people, should have to waste time arguing, wrangling, wiring and ringing Government departments to obtain sufficient petrol to visit his patients, and then finally to have to ask the public to give him coupons. I want to make it very clear that I am no way connected with the Government or fuel control, nor with the medical profession, and have only come into the picture in fairness to the local department, and I am sure that if approached the doctor concerned would state that he is aware that the fault lies with the Wellington department and not locally.—l am, etc.. Fair Flay.