PETROL MUST BE SAVED

Chronicle (Levin), 3 November 1947, Page 5

PETROL MUST BE SAVED

Press Association)

Rationing If System Does Not Suceeed

(Pcr

WELLINGTON, NQV. 3. An immediate reduction of ten per eent, on the present normal supply of petrol from supplying companies to resellers, is to be ^ffected, said the Minister of Supply, Mr. Nordmeyer, today. The Minister added that petrol coupons and licenses were already printed, and if the present system did not achieve. the desired saving compulsory rationing to the consumer would be enforced. Mr. Nordmeyer said that Mr. Attlee, in his message to Mr. Fraser on the means of saving dollar funds, had stressed the neeessity for New Zealand reducing her cpnsumption of petrol, but despite considerable pubiicity' voluntary eonsumption had not sucoeeded. Indeed in some cases eonsumption had gone up. Mr. Nordmeyer said it was desired to avoid coupon rationing to save labour and avoid inconvenience to the public, but the present petrol eonsumption had to be curtailed. - As from today, therefore, petrol stations would be allowed only a certain amount and it would be no use motorists rushing the bowsers. All classes of motorists would have to reduce eonsumption. Government vehicles had already reduced eonsumption. The whole burden would not 'f all on the private motorist, but everybody would have less. .There would be a special obligation on the petrol reseller to ensure adequate supplies for essential users and fair play for regular customers. The basis of supply to the reseller would be a normal month's turnover. This system would make allowance for stations which experience a greatly increased demand during the holiday period. "It is up to the oublic and resellers to honour the system and do all they can to avoid coupon rationing," said the Minister .