PETROL RATION

Waikato Times, Volume 126, Issue 21041, 17 February 1940, Page 8

PETROL RATION

AUSTRALIAN PROSPECTS RESTRICTION HELD LIKELY INFORMATION TO MINISTER (By Teleg-raph.—Press Association) CHRISTCHURCH, Saturday Tlie attitude of the Australian Commonwealth towards petrol restrictions, and the bearing on the question of what Australia would do what New Zealand had done in that regard, was the subject of a question to the Minister of Supply, the Hon. D. G. Sullivan, today. He said he understood the same request for conservation of petrol, in order to conserve dollar funds to aid the purchase of munitions in America by the British Government, had been made to Australia. The New Zealand Government decided to respond to the appeal of the British Government and render that form of assistance. Australai would, of course, make its own decision. Ministers’ Opinions The Minister added that he had discussed the matter with the Commonwealth Assistant Minister of Commerce, Senator Mcßride, and with the Attorney General, Senator Casey, on their recent visit to New Zealand. Mr Mcßride said he was definitely of the opinion that the Commonwealth Government would make a contribution to the British cause by imposing petrol restrictions, and had no objection to Mr Sullivan saying so. “Mr Casey declared the Commonwealth authorities were discussing the matter,” continued Mr Sullivan, “and I gathered the impression from him that no decision had been made, but he too seemed to think that when finality was reached there would be petrol restrictions in Australia as in New Zealand. Mr Casey’s opinion did not appear to be quite as definite in the matter as that of Mr Mcßride.”