PETROL RATION.

Evening Star, Issue 23686, 20 September 1940, Page 2

PETROL RATION.

TO TUB EDITOIt. Sir, —The Minister of Supply, Hon. D. G. Sullivan, must have been in expansive mood when he told the gathering at the motor trade conference dinner (in strict confidence) the amount of petrol which was already in the country and asked for the information not to be published. 1 think it would be a safe bet to say that every reseller in the country knows what stocks are held, but the public don’t. The further remarks that the sacrifices which were necessary for the trade to make weref to the advantage of New Zealand, did not go far enough. From the information which has been given through the Press we all know that the advantage to New Zealand is in sterling exchange, and sterling exchange only. That this is so is proved by the statement made by Sir Harry Batterbee at the same function, which answers itself, if the facts are known as they should bo. Sir Harrv says, in the opening paragraph;—“The more the people of New Zealand deny themselves the use of petrol the greater their contribution to the common war effort.’’ In other words, New Zealand is 150 per cent, loyal. In your correspondence columns in to-night’s ‘Star’ there is a letter signed by C. 11. Edmond (president, New Zealand Motor Trade Federation), in which lie states that petrol restrictions will be introduced in Australia on October 1. Am I to believe that while New Zealand is 150 per cent, loyal by submitting to unwarranted restrictions, Australia has been 150 per cc%t. disloyal by not imposing restrictions until October 1 and even then giving a greater allowance to both trade and private vehicles than was ever allowed to users in New Zealand? No, sir! Looked at in any light. Mr Edmond’s letter is more than interesting.—l am, etc., R KSKII.EE. September 20-