Voluntary Form May Be Adopted

Chronicle (Levin), 21 August 1947, Page 5

Voluntary Form May Be Adopted

Press Associatlan)

(Per

WELLINGTON, August 20. "WMIe. New Zealand has undertaken to reduce4her petrQl conr stimption for- the purpose oi assisting in the present dollar crisis, it must necessarily be some time hefore details of any rationing > seheme are eompleted," said the Minister of Supply, Hon.,A. H, Nordmeyer tonight. The Minister added that iio good purpose was therefore served by raiding petrol stations and filling containers with petroL Such a practice was not only a deplorable exhibition of selfishness in a time whieh called for willing self-saerifice but may render the persons concerned liable to prosecution. The keeping o"f petrol in containers was a dehnite fire risk and in most cases rendered a fire insurance policy void. It is understood the Government is anxious to avoid a return to the coupon method of petrol rationing in vogue during the war period. While the Minister is retifeent about cuts likely to be made, it is believed these will not be very severe. It would not be surprising if efforts were made in consultation with the trade and motor interests concerned, tq adopt a form of voluntary rationing at least in the next few months. No doubt the Government's deeision will be largely _ influenced by the cooperation oi! motormg interests, representatives of which the Minister will meet tomorrow morning.