MORE COAL, MORE TRAINS, LESS PETROL

Chronicle (Levin), 11 September 1947, Page 6

MORE COAL, MORE TRAINS, LESS PETROL

(N.Z.P.A.-

Reuter , C

Jopyright)

AUCKLAND, Sept. 10. "If every miner in the Waikato worked at the coal face until 3.30 p.m. each day and avoidable absenteeism was elimii^ated, enough coal would be produced to provide a full restoration of the railway services within two weeks," said Mr. E. J. Richwite at a meeting of the council of the Auckland Automobile Association, when methods of saving petrol voluntarily to assist Britain were discussed. Members stated that there were many motor trucks on the road today carrying goods long distances that could be carted by rail if the department had a sufficient coal supply to operate trams. A letter received from the North Island Motor Gnion urged the necessity for a saving by private motorists in the consumption of petrol by ten per cent. to avoid the imposition of rationing. Conegrn was expressed at the large increase in petrol saies after it was suggested that rationing might be reintroduced. The Government had instructed its departments to make a 33J- per cent. reduction and 'transport operators had also promised to use less petrol. The union points out the danger of storing ,large quantities of petrol and said a conviction for a breaeh of the Dangerous Goods Offenders Act carried heavy penalties. The president, Mr. F. G. Farrell, sug-gestedd-hat the Government should give a lead by instrueting pump operators to ask motorists as they ordered petrol whether they could do with less. The rationing of petrol was irksome and brought.many abuses. He hoped there' were no reversion to rationing. If it came back it might femain for a long time. The council decided to support the Government in its efforts to save petroi to assist Britain and urged members of the association to save petrol where possible. It was also resolved to write to Members of Cabinet and the Leader of tne Opposition, Mr. Holland, suggesting that efforts be made to increase the supplies qf coal to save petrol.