REIMPOSED

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

REIMPOSED

“HAPPY ABOUT IT” TIMARU GARAGE PROPRIETORS “We are quite happy about it,” sums up the impressions of Timaru garage proprietors on the introduction of petrol restrictions announced by the Minister of Supply (Hon. D. G. Sullivan) last night. Restrictions on the use of petrol have been regarded as inevitable in the motor trade and. in contrast to opinions expressed when rationing was imposed in September last, the present scheme is considered fair and equitable, imposing a minimum of hardship on motorists and no undue dislocation on the motor trade. “It is not altogether a surprise, as we knew that petrol restrictions were to be imposed,” said Mr C. R. Hervey, president of the South Canterbury Motor Traders’ Association. “It was a question of how much the use of petrol would be reduced. The experience gained in the previous rationing scheme and the period which has intervened has enabled the Government to give us a much more equitable rationing under the new scheme than was enjoyed previously. By that, I mean that notice has been taken of horsepower, and to that extent the owner of the larger car has not been penalised in comparison with the owner of a car with a lower horsepower who can secure more mileage. “The Minister said that the allowance made would permit cars to travel approximately 240 miles a month. That is a fair mileage and reasonable, if people use their cars for necessary transport instead of running hither and thither,” Mr Hervey continued. In 1939 the petrol consumption in the Dominion was 102,000,000 gallons and the Government had budgeted and rationed to reduce that amount by approximately 30 per cent. That would serve to give some indication that there would still be petrol available, and while the rationing would affect some more than others, the result would not be so severe as that experienced in September last.

Commercial Cars “The Minister did not make any mention of commercial users, but referred solely to private car owners,” Mr Hervey went on. We have been led to believe through the manufacturers that the commercial user will still continue to enjoy the use of petrol for the purposes of his business, consistent with economies which can be instituted. The Minister does not wish that unemployment should result from the restrictions, and to the extent that users require petrol for the conduct of their businesses they will receive every consideration. “The whole trend of the Minister’s remarks.” Mr Hervey said, “was ‘Save petrol and not waste it.’ If motorists and others follow that dictum they won’t be unduly penalised and at the same time we will be doing our bit to help in the war measures.” Effect on Garages Mr Hervey remarked that it was only to be expected that the restrictions would have some effect on the garage business. The rise in the price of petrol had in itself been a means of restricting the use of cars, and the petrol restrictions would tend further to curtail usage. The garage business would suffer to some extent through a falling off in car sales, goods and servicing. The effect would be no more detrimental than was feared. The measure was reasonably in accordance with what the Imperial authorities expected the Government to achieve.

Commenting on the possibility of unemployment resulting, Mr Hervey said that on the long view some displacement of workers was probable, but it was difficult to gauge the extent. Some of the effects of the last restrictions were still present, so it was unlikely that the effect on employment would be as severe as it would have been had the restrictions been imposed for the first time. The Minister had made no distinction about the use of super and ordinary petrols, Mr Hervey continued. That distinction had been made in Australia where no more super petrol would be available after existing stocks were exhausted. When he left Australia 10 days ago there had been no restriction on the use of petrol, nor was any restriction anticipated in the near future. Australians, however, did expect some restriction sooner or later, but not so soon as February 1. Incidentally, the price of petrol in Australia was lower than in New Zealand.

“No Cause to Grumble’’ "Motorists have no cause to grumble at all,” said another garage proprietor. “If the consumption of petrol is going to be cut down by 30 per cent., it means that the motor trade will have to tighten their belts and carry on with 30 per cent. less. That is not a very great hardship when the country is at war.” Continuing, he said he was sure motorists generally would be satisfied, although there would possibly be some hardship on those who had not already taken their holidays. But with eight gallons for small cars and 12 for larger cars for pleasure, there, would be no great hardship, while business cars would still be able to get what they were m the habit of receiving formerly. It was perfectly plain that the Government did not want to disorganise business. “The restrictions are reasonable and will serve to keep the private cars on the road, which is the main thing so far as we are concerned,” was another comment. “It must, however, cut down the amount of work for garages considerably—l should say approximately 30 per cent.” “I think that the restrictions are .favourable and in a way give the private car owners rather more than we expected,” said another garage manager. "I don’t think the effect on garages will be greatly detrimental. Small cars will continue to be sold.”