TYRE POSITION SERIOUS

Southland Times, Issue 24758, 1 June 1942, Page 4

TYRE POSITION SERIOUS

Need For Transport Zoning (P.A.) CHRISTCHURCH, May 30. The seriousness of the.tyre position in New Zealand was explained by the Minister of Transport, the Hon. R. Semple, at the request of the War Cabinet to a meeting in Christchurch this morning.. Invited representatives of various interests and organizations were present. Stressing the gravity of the situation, the Minister declared that if transport was not zoned and rationalized there would be serious trouble. That could be avoided if the logical thing was done. “I have come with complete authority to see that a zoning system operates forthwith,” said Mr Semple. There are no ifs and buts: it has got to operate to save this country. It is essential for our defence that the Army transport system is maintained. We have to keep the fighting line supplied with up-to-date transport facilities and have to keep the second line intact, too, so that it tnay supply the wherewithal for the men to fight with and the food to live on. PETROL PROBLEM “I can tell you something of . the petrol problem, too,” said the Minister. “That is going to be more grave in the next few weeks. Another thing we have to consider is that the Coral Sea Battle is not yet over. There has been one splash and we got the better of it, but you can bet your sweet life that the Japs are mobilizing to have another go. We are not asking for the zoning prin-

ciple to be operated for fun. It will mean inconvenience for the people, but if we don’t shape up to our responsibilities and do what we think ought to be done to preserve what we have got, there will be a state of chaos and confusion before very long.. . . “The private car position is under consideration and it appears that there won’t be many on the road in a few months’ time,” said the Minister. He made this statement after.a representative of the Fresh Milk Association had said it did not seem right that cars should be going round for pleasure when commercial and Army needs were so acute. “That matter is under consideration right now,” replied the Minister. “The Government did not wish to rush in and cut off every vestige of the people’s amusement unless it was imperative, but it„is now imperative to do these things.”