SHORTAGE OF TYRES

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 85, Issue 34, 10 February 1941, Page 6

SHORTAGE OF TYRES

POSITION SERIOUS SOME UNOBTAINABLE [ Per Frees Association. ] CHRISTCHURCH, Feb. 7. i A serious shortage o£, motor tyrws which is threatening to force many vericles off the road if it is not eased, was reported yesterday by representatives of the tyre ana motor trade., in Christchurch. “For resellers the position is very serious,’' said Mr, G. W. Fairweather, Christchurch, president of the New Zealand Retail Motor Trades’ Association. “There ate no stocks al all in the country, and many sizes are today absolutely unprocurable.'’ This position, which was growing progressively worse, had been brought about largely m the first place by import restrictions, and in the second place by loss of shipments through enemy action, said Mr. Fairweather. When restrictions had been imposed the tyre companies had naturally imported sizes which would turn over quickly and baa not worried about sizes which were not quick sellers. The position to-day was that no more of these sizes were available. Though older types of cars were particularly affected, it was difficult was difficult to get tyres for some new cars. Every make of car was affected. “If the shortage is not eased quite a lot will have to go off the road,” said Mr. Fairweather. "You can run a car in a bad mechanical condition but not without, tyres.” There were some very well-known types still in service which would either have to go off the road or change their wheels, and the latter colurse was not practicable. There There were no cars coming into the country and they had to keen the old ones going.