MOTORISTS DISCUSS RESTRICTIONS

Southland Times, Issue 24238, 23 September 1940, Page 7

MOTORISTS DISCUSS RESTRICTIONS

EASING NEXT MONTH PREDICTED

The figure of 40,000,000 gallons as the petrol reserve aimed at by the Government was given at a meeting of the council of the Automobile Association Canterbury). The. belief was also expressed that this reserve would be attained soon, and that a relaxation of the restrictions would take place early in October.

The statements were made by Mr F. W. Freeman), who said he had been talking to a member of Parliament “As I understand it, the position is that we lack storage in New Zealand,” he said. “I understand that we are aiming at a reserve of more than 40,000,000 gallons, about half the present restricted annual consumption, to give us six months’ supply; and that the position will arrive soon, or early in October, when, it is understood, we shall get another coupon.” -Mr Freeman spoke during a long discussion on the restrictions, in which there was frequent reference to the statement of Sir Harry Batterbee, High Commissioner for the United Kingdom in New Zealand. It was decided, on the motion of Mr W. R. Carey, to support any move to secure relaxation of “the present harsh restrictions now imposed on the* motoring community.” The president (Mr H. C. Harley) said that wherever he went he heard complaints by members that the restrictions were too severe. “I believe, after balancing the matter, that there should be a relaxation,” he said. “Our members are looking to us to make -a move.”