The Bay Of Plenty Beacon. Published Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. MONDAY, JULY 1ST 1940. CONSERVATION OF PETROL

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 2, Issue 180, 1 July 1940, Page 4

The Bay Of Plenty Beacon. Published Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. MONDAY, JULY IST 1940. CONSERVATION OF PETROL

WARNING that unless economies are made voluntarily the Government will be compelled to place further restrictions upon the use of petrol has been given by the Hon. D. G. Sullivan, Minister of Supply. The Minister is wise in giving early notice of the position, because it is apparent that further economies can be made voluntarily by private users, who are in a position to render a valuable service to those who earn their living largely by using petrol. The way is open to the operators of purely private motor cars, to assist their fellow citizens and their country, thereby perhaps avoiding any further imposition on those who must use: petrol. Already motor firms, contractors, tradesmen, and others whose business depends on petrol have been called upon to make heavy sacrifices. It would be exceedingly unfortunate if motoring for pleasure or unnecessarily using motor vehicles were allowed to further prejudice the livelihood of those to whom the use of petrol means economic stability. For that reason it is to be hoped, that if any further restrictions are found to be necessary the Government will proceed very carefully, and cause the restrictions to fall where they can most easily be borne. The whole problem is hedged about with difficulties and precipitate acfion might cause untold damage. The people themselves have the most satisfactory remedy in their own hands, and they have a duty to the country to perform. Mr Sullivan has intimated that the restrictions have already resulted in a saving of 12,000,000 gallons of petrol and the conservation, of about 1,368,000 dollars in exchange. That saving has not been - possible without considerable hardship. Certainly a grej,t deal of unnecessary travelling about the roads has been eliminated, but at the same time many businesses have had their opportunities for earning curtailed. Many owners of private motor cars have loyally co-operated in the service of their country by using even less petrol than they are allowed under the rationing system. More can be done in that direction, and if it is done promptly and conscientiously it may be possible to avoid any further restrictions.