INCREASED PETROL RATION

Waipawa Mail, Volume LXVIIII, Issue 32, 6 December 1940, Page 3

INCREASED PETROL RATION

TIME INOPPORTUNE IN VIEW OF ENEMY ACTIVITY IN THE PACIFIC. Unanimous approval was given by the executive of the Automobile Association (Wellington) to the proposal of the chairman (Mr E. A. Batt) that, in view of the changed position in the Pacific owing to enemy activity, the association should make no further move at present to obtain an increase in the petrol ration. “This is a burning question at the present time among automobile association members and motorists generally, that they are unable to purchase all the petrol they require, and particularly for the holiday season,” said Mr Batt. 11 My own view is this: there are very rapid changes taking place in world affairs to-day, especially in the Pacific, and xve have had very striking evidence of that in the past week or two. There are indications of the enemy being practically at our doors with raiders, and my own opinion is that the present is not a time for us to say anything more about the petrol position while this danger exists in the Pacific. (Hear, hear). “I hope you will agree with me on this point, because I think it would be unfair to the defence of this country, and against our own interests to do otherwise,” Mr Batt continued. “Although I feel we have had good reason in the past to take up the attitude we have done with other interests, I feel there is a bigger question at issue to-day, and that it is our very safety. “I think a position has been arrived at that was not in existence before where there should be conservation of petrol. lam not prepared personally to advocate that petrol that may he very difficult to bring across the Pacific in the near future should be used unnecessarily at the present time.” Mr IP F. Toogood said that he thought the authorities could he relied upon to use their discretion. Mr Batt: We must co-operate as an important institution, vitally eon- • corned about petrol, certainly, but 1 more vitally concerned in the safety 1 of our country and of the Empire generally. The proposal was adopted without : further discussion.