POSITION REALISED

Waikato Times, Volume 126, Issue 21035, 10 February 1940, Page 6

POSITION REALISED

RATIONING OF PETROL SPECIAL LICENSE HOLDERS MOST OBJECTIONS REASONABLE Contrary to the experience in some other centres, the Oil Fuel Controller in Hamilton has found that holders of special licenses appreciate that some sacrifices are expected of them in the national interest. Although to date 397 objections have been received in respect of special licenses, most of these have been reasonable. From information that has been supplied it is evident that in a large area like the Waikato where holders of commercial licenses such as stock and station agents have to cover big mileages, inconvenience is not being spared to effect economy. The largest number of single objections to date refer to special licenses issued to persons who use their cars travelling to and from business. Of the 397 objections so far received, 31 refer to these licenses, 28 to commercial travellers’ licenses, 25 to stock agents, 17 to insurance agents and 10 to doctors. Contrary to expectations, objections received in connection with farmers’ trucks have been few, only 10 being lodged at the Hamilton office up till today. Resellers’ Quiet Week

Petrol resellers in Hamilton have experienced a very quiet week, and it is estimated that sales are down fully 50 per cent on average prewar weeks. It is stated that this week has undoubtedly been affected by the action of most motorists in filling their tanks prior to the restrictions coming into force, and it is expected that as supplies are exhausted sales will be better. One service station proprietor expressed the opinion that the restriction was not felt as drastically as when it was first introduced in September, as commercial licenses were available almost immediately the rationing commenced. This had helped to maintain sales at a time when private car owners were buying very little benzine. OPERATORS ASSIST CONSERVING FUEL SUPPLIES (Special to Times) AUCKLAND, Saturday An acknowledgment of the cooperation received from all sections of the transport industry in an endeavour to conserve oil fuel sup- f plies was made by the No. 1 Trans-’ port Licensing Authority, Mr E. J. Phelan. He said many suggestions had been made toward reducing runing and he intended to adopt these. “I am asking operators to make suggestions as to how they can alienate some running,” he added. Should operators co-operate, as he was confident they would, it might be possible to avoid endorsing their licenses and making their schedules hard and fast.