TYRE POSITION

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIII, Issue 126, 30 May 1942, Page 8

TYRE POSITION

MINISTER EXPLAINS ZONING AND RATIONALISATION (P.A.) CHRISTCIIUKCIT. this day. The seriousness of the tyre position in New Zealand was explained by the Minister of Transport, Mr. Semple, at the request of the War Cabinet, to a meeting in Christchurch this morning, at which were present representatives of various interests anil organisations. The Minister declared that if transport was not zoned and rationalised there would be serious trouble. That could be avoided if the logical thing was done. "Xo Ifs And Itiits" "I have come with complete authority to see that a zoning system operates forthwith," said Mr. Semple. "There are no 'ifs' and huts.' It has got to operate to save this country. It is essential for our defence that the army transport system be maintained. We have to keep the fighting line supplied with up-to-date transport facilities, and we have to keep the second line intact too. so that it may supply the wherewithal for the men to fight and food to live on. "I can tell you something of the petrol problem, too." went on the Minister. "That is going to be more grave in the next few weeks." "Another thing we have to consider is that the Coral Sea battle is not yet over. There has been one splash and we got the best of it. but you can bet your sweet life the Japs are mobilising to have another go. "We are not asking for the zoning principle to be operated for fun. It will mean inconvenience for people, but if we don't face up to our responsibilities and do what we think ought to be done to preserve what we have got. there will be a I state of chaos and confusion before I very long." I