TRADE STIFLED.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 222, 18 September 1940, Page 5

TRADE STIFLED.

PETROL RATIONING. UNREST AMONG MOTORISTSL "If the Government desired to increase the ration of petrol to a quantity sufficient to permit motor transport to function and the motor trade to carry on, it could do so with the full approval of the British Government," declares the New Zealand Garage Proprietors' Association, in its September journal. It adds: "The reason why this is not done is simply because it does not suit the plans of the Government." The association states that the unrest which exists in motor trade circles should "not surprise the Government,

which must have known well what would be the results of its policy. "As the position develops it seems evident that the policy of the" Government is to obtain absolute control of motor transport, and that private enterprise, which is in the way, will be wiped out," _ continues the statement. "The rationing of petrol is one means of bringing this about, and it appears unlikely that the motor trade will receive much sympathy from the Government. "Private enterprise is now fighting for its existence, and the calamity which has befallen the motor trade will later on be experienced by others. Under such conditions the motor trade has no option but to continue its effort to educate the public to the true position. Public opinion is slow in action, but it is sound and sure, and will not tolerate injustice. "Motor transport is so important a factor in the life of the community that any undue restriction imposed on it must react on those responsible, and we are confident that the matter will rectify itself eventually."