PETROL ALLOWANCE

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 5, Issue 9, 28 January 1942, Page 5

PETROL ALLOWANCE

ATTENDANCE AT COUNTY MEETINGS

COMMUNICATION WITH

CONTROLLER

The County Council was able " to hold a full meeting yesterday • (although; it was thought at the December, meeting that this might not be possible and an Emergency Committee had been . • set up. All members found a meanis of transport to town and' negotiations continue between, the) Council and the Oil Fuel ' Controller with a view to an allowance being made to permit councillors to attend monthly meetings. The following was the text of a telegram to the Oil Fuel Controller dated 15th December: "What provision made for benzine allowance to permit councillors attending essential meetings. Please telegraph re-

ply to-day." A telegram was received on' the 22nd December from the Oil Fuel Controller: "Reference your tele gram regret unable approve petro 1 allowance to councillors attend meet Ings where reasonable transport facilities exist."

The Sub-District Oil Fuel Controller on the 19th January advised that the Oil Fuel Controller has ruled that licenses to Chairman of Hospital Boards, etc., cannot be issued where alternative means of transport are available even if it is necessary for the men concerned to be away from home overnight; The Ministerial replies to N.Z. Counties' Association Executive remits states, as follows: — "During the holidays representations were made to the Oil Fuel for the granting of petrol supplies to County Councillors 'attending County Council meetings. At a recent interview, the Oil Fuel Controller stressed the point that 'County Councils were not the only •organisation concerned, as he had had similar requests from Hospital Boards, Harbour Boards and Electric Power Boards. A supply of petrol for several thousand men would be involved. However he l agreed toi consider the question of supplying petrol to County Councillors living ■more than 10 miles from the County •office." It was resolved that the matter be again referred to the Oil Fuel Controller and that blanket County benzine license be recommended, councillors to draw on permit for benzine to replace actual benzine used i.ln attending meetings.