PETROL RATIONING

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 84, Issue 85, 12 April 1940, Page 6

PETROL RATIONING

CHANGE IN METHOD ANNOUNCED STATEMENT BY MINISTER [ Per nm Association j WELLINGTON. April 11. To allow owners of different types of motor vehicles approximately the same mileage on their petrol ration; a change will be made in the method of rationing from June 1 next, the Minister of Supply. Hon. D. G. Sullivan, announced to-night. “New petrol coupons are to be issued with new number plates at the end of next month, said Mr. Sullivan. “No reduction is to be made in the total amount of petrol allowed for pleasure purposes, but to remove an anomaly in the present rationing system up to 14.5 horse-power class is to be divided into two classes, up to 9.5 h.p. and 9.5 h.p. to 14.5 h.p. Monthly rations have been fixed on a basis of approximately 220 miles of pleasure running for each class of motor vehicle. An allowance of 12 gallons per month for cars of over 14.5 h.p. remains unchanged. Cars between 9.5 h.p. and 14.5 h.p. will receive nine gallons per month, cars of up to 9.5 h.p. six gallons per month, and motorcycles three gallons per month. “It will be generally agreed that this most equitable basis of rationing gives each car-owner as nearly as possible the same mileage, but to provide too many classes would be unduly cumbersome,’’ said Mr. Sullivan. “Though there is naturally a variation in mileage to the gallon between certain cars in the same class groups, they have been arrived at with the idea of making allowances as equitable as possible. As these proposals have been submitted to the executives of the North and South Island Motor Unions, both executives support the action being taken. “Coupons will be issued in denominations of 1. 2, 3 and 4 gallons, and where the amount is less than the face value of the coupon purchased, return coupons representing the balance will be given. “After June 1 the present coupons will not be required. As I have stated before the petrol rationing will not be allowed to interfere with the national production. We have set out to keep our consumption within 6.000.000 gallons per month, and if rationing results in consumption of less than this amount over a period, a saving will be maae available in the form of an extra lation.’’