CUTS IN PETROL LICENCES

Southland Times, Issue 25748, 11 August 1945, Page 4

CUTS IN PETROL LICENCES

CONCERN EXPRESSED BY FARMERS

Concern about cuts in the oil fuel licences of dairy farmers and the cancellation of oil fuel licences up to four gallons was expressed at a meeting of the Southland Provincial Executive of the Farmers’ Union yesterday. The following remits from the Dairy Committee and the Lochiel branch, respectively, were carried: “That this executive asks that all recent cuts in dairy farmers’ oil fuel licences be restored.” “That petrol for all farmers’ business licences —up to four gallons—be reinstated.” Mr R. F. Dickie said that in the Edendale and Brydone districts dairy farmers had had considerable cuts in their oil fuel licences for trucks and tractors. It was likely that before long a protest meeting would be held. In supporting Mr Dickie, Mr J. McLeary said that in the Seaward Downs district considerable cuts had been made in farmers’ licences. One man who used his truck to cart his milk and also lime had had his licence reduced considerably. This man had also had his licence cut last year and had had to make several applications during the year to obtain more petrol. He thought that before they could judge these cuts they would have to know what work was being done with trucks and tractors, added Mr McLeary. LICENCES CANCELLED

Mr A. L. Adamson said that people holding business licences for up to four gallons had had them cancelled. Those with licences fox- five gallons and more had not been affected. The oil fuel controller in Wellington pointed to the fact that there had been an increase in the value of the coupons. Those who had lost theix- licences had the right of appeal for the re-instatement of those licences, but when applications were being considered the extra coupon value would be taken into account.

“The position seems to be that an election is coming on and the Government wants to please as many people as possible without giving any more petrol,” said Mr A. G. Diack. If some people were entitled to from six to eight gallons of petrol for pleasure then everybody should be, added Mr Diack. Mr A. Napper said that he had had a licence for four gallons and a coupon for three gallons. The coupon was now worth six gallons, but the licence had been cancelled. He had seven gallons before and now had only six. It was also pointed out that a man without a business oil fuel licence was not entitled to new tyres or even retreads.