CARS FOR E.P.S. WORK

Southland Times, Issue 24651, 24 January 1942, Page 4

CARS FOR E.P.S. WORK

PETROL ALLOWANCE ARRANGED

(P.A.) WELLINGTON, January 23. In the course of a statement outlining the arrangements for the supply <of petrol to cars that would be needed by the E.P.S. organizations throughout the Dominion in the event of an emergency, the Minister of National Service, the Hon. R. Semple, said that twogallon sealed tins of petrol would be delivered to the owners of cars selected for use to enable the cars to be driven to the source of the main supply, which would be. made available through the use of special blue coupons marked “Emergency Coupon.” These coupons would be distributed by the chairmen of E.P.S. organizations. Each service would have a depot where the coupons could be delivered to a man called out for a job. Arrangements were being made to keep the batteries of the cars concerned charged. Mr Semple said that each chairman would receive a number of coupons in proportion to the number of vehicles in his area and would be responsible for distributing them to the heads of the various services in the organization, such as medical, first-aid, demolition and communication services. Each service would have a depot where the coupons could be delivered to a man called out for a job, When he arrived to collect his coupons the amount of petrol in his tank would be checked he would be given coupons for an additional amount sufficient for the running required. He would get that and no more. He would sign for the coupons received, so there would be a double check. The coupon would then be negotiable as notified by the local but when the emergency had ceased the special coupons would no longer be negotiable. Every precaution would be taken to see that .this privilege was not abused and the system, of distribution would prevent congestion in any one place, as congestion during an emergency would be fatal. “The whole system has been well thought out to give, the maximum amount of action when it is needed,” he said. “Arrangements have now been made to keep the batteries of the cars concerned charged so that the vehicles will be usable at all times. The! Government’s aim is to have work done by electricity rather than by running engines, as we produce the power required in the country.”