PETROL PIRATES

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 5, Issue 99, 2 September 1942, Page 4

PETROL PIRATES

WHERE they get' it and how they get it, is what their neighbours would like to know, but, the fact remains that there are in Whakatane town and district people who seem to have an inexhaustable supply of petrol to enable them to go almost anywhere and everywhere so often as they wish. We have recently brought to our notice instances of young people travelling 80 miles in order to attend dances, of farmers and businessmen making regular week-end pleasure trips. No one wishes to deprive the public of its share of amusement and recreation, but in these days when so many are being denied the usual comforts of life, and when even, foodstuffs are rationed, it is galling to have to sit down under restrictions while others (usually the lightei headed section) flout them with impunity. The No. 1 Transport Licensing Authority issued a warning regarding the: irregular use of petrol for dances, scenic trips, picnic parties and, the like and it is only fair that if this is to apply— it should apply to everyone and not merely to some. Most of those who offend as far as distant dances are concerned belong to a class of young people who either by appeal or defect have escaped service in military camps. Their behaviour is not calculated to assist the attitude of those who have sons in the fighting forces, and who are endeavouring to loyally do their bit by strictly adhering to the

regulations. Only by abuse of the petrol licensing schema would most of these trips be possible and if this is so then - it is high time the position was investigated and the allocations honestly overhauled.