RATIONING

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLVIII, Issue 21559, 23 January 1940, Page 6

RATIONING

USE OF PETROL Effective On February 1 Eight And 12 Gallons A Month Light And Heavy Cars Bv PeiegraDh-Pres? Association WELLINGTON, January 22. The reintroduction of restrictions on the use of petrol was announced by the Minister of Supply (Hon. D. G. Sullivan) to-night. The restrictions, which become operative from February 1, apply solely to private cars, and no mention was made by the Minister of rationing petrol for commercial vehicles or for cars used for business purposes. Under the new scheme, owners of small private cars will receive eight gallons of petrol a month, and owners of larger cars 12 gallons.

“To-night I have the rather unpleasant task of announcing that it will be necessary to restrict petrol as from February 1, and I feel sure that all of our citizens will support the Government in the step that is being taken,” -Said Mr Sullivan. At the outbreak of war petrol restrictions were Introduced to build up necessary reserves in the country. The reason was obvious to all, and the Government appreciated the spirit with which the motoring public accepted the restrictions. As soon as it was felt that an adequate stock had been accumulated the restrictions were lifted, and it was then hoped that no further restriction would be necessary. The British Government, however, had impressed on the Hon. P. Fraser during his recent visit to England the desirability of the Dominion conserving petrol supplies as much as possible. Reduction of 30 Per Cent, New Zealand hoped to be able to show a 30 per cent, reduction on normal consumption. Mr Sullivan said he regretted that he was not at liberty to give full details of the messages that had passed between Mr Fraser and the Government, but details had been supplied in confidence to the Press, the Farmers’ Union, transport organisations, employers, workers and others interested. In every case the necessity was fully recognised and generous offers of cooperation were received. He knew that New Zealanders were anxious to play their part in the war, and when he told them that the consumption of petrol had an important bearing on the outcome he was confident that the restrictions would be accepted as a patriotic duty.

Mr Sullivan went on to say that the Government was fully aware of the importance of petrol in the national life. It was realised that the livelihood of many thousands was directly or indirectly involved. They had accordingly framed the restrictions with the following aims in view:— 1. To secure a reduction of, approximately 30 per cent, on normal usage. 2. The maintenance of all essential services and national industry. 3. To avoid as far as possible hardship to those in the motor industry. With the full co-operation of the motoring public, it was anticipated that the scale of rationing adopted would remain in operation for many months, subject, of course, to adverse changes in the international situation Privilege Granted The occurrence of two important events had induced many to request the Government to postpone the introduction of petrol rationing until later in February, Mr Sullivan continued. They were the Waitangi celebrations and the Eucharistic Congress in Wellington. However, the Government felt that its duty to the country and to the Empire was so clear that it must introduce the restrictions not later than February 1. Special arrangements for those intending to participate in those events had been made, for which application should be made to the Local Sub-District Oil Fuel Controller, generally the postmaster. At the same time it would help the Government if such persons would utilise suitable alternative means of transport wherever possible. Those who had heard the recent speech of Mr Fraser must have been impressed with the spirit with which the people of England were accepting restrictions and hardships. New Zealanders should be just as keen. Mr Sullivan claimed. By so doing they would help in a small way to win the war. The Government looked forward to the co-operation of the people with every confidence.

Mr Sullivan appealed to road users to help the Government by avoiding breaches of the regulations. Where, for instance, they tried to induce petrol station hands to give them petrol without producing coupons or licences they were rendering the hand liable to prosecution. He had been informed of one case where a farmer had procured 144 gallon drums of petrol and had buried them on his farm. That and other instances of hoarding were really sabotaging the nation’s war efforts. But not only should motorists not hoard petrol, they should also endeavour to save petrol, for instance, by keeping down their speed and cutting out any unnecessary running.

The Government appreciated the big part played by transport and cars in the life of the community and realised the inconvenience and hardshin entailed by petrol restrictions. Mr Sullivan concluded. But in war hardships were inevitable and sacrifices necessary. In the present struggle freedom was at stake and the maximum effort was demanded. New Zealanders could only do their best to conserve petrol and help to win the war.