NO FURTHER CUT

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 4, Issue 110, 26 May 1941, Page 5

NO FURTHER CUT

PETROL RATION

FUTURE DEPENDENT' ON USERS

! The question uppermost in the minds of all motorists in the Dominion at the present time is whether or not there is likely to be any further cut in the petrol ration in the near future. They will, therefore, be gratified to learn that from information made available from a very reliable quarter no further reduction is contemplated and the present ration will continue so long as there is no serious deterioration in the present position sio far as reserves are concerned.

It has been ascertained that there is no intention of placing any further restrictions on the users of petrol in the meantime and proving Consumers demonstrate their willingness to co-operate in preventing waste there is every reason for hop-' inji that no further cut whatever ;viil be necessary. The future, therefore, will depend to a very large extent on the users themselves.

It is pointed out that the Government in framing its policy with regard to petrol supplies is desirous of keeping as many cars as possible on the road. EVery motor vehicle taken otf the roads is detrimental to the garages, many of which have already suffered severely as a result of the petrol restrictions. Quite apart from the fact that the closing cf the garages would throw many men out of work, it is oointed out that they are essential to the Dominion's war effort and should be kept functioning.

There are, it is stated, many ways in which petrol can be saved, and farmers, in particular, are being asked to assist in this, direction. Compared with certain other sections of the community it is stated that some farmers are fairly liberfilly treated, but unfortunately some of them are breaking the spirit of the license under which supplies are made to them by passing no petrol they do not use themselves to others. This practicc, it is hoped, will not continue.

Other avenues by. which petrol can be conserved,, are the elimination of unnecessary running about by transport vehicles, and by the adoption of zoning wherever possible.