"LUCKY TO GET ANY”

Evening Star, Issue 23698, 4 October 1940, Page 4

"LUCKY TO GET ANY”

PRIVATE MOTORIST AND PETROL MR MEACHEN CAN'T UNDERSTAND PROTESTS [From Quit Parmamektarv Reporter.] WELLINGTON, October 4. “ I can’t understand the mentality of those persons who criticise the Government for restricting petrol,” deedared Mr Meachcn in the House of Representatives this morning. “ People with private cars can think themselves very lucky that they get any measure of petrol at all.” Mr Meachen referred to the amount of petrol required for war purposes, and particularly in the training of airmen. “ The amount needed is simply staggering,” ho said. He pointed out that with "a certain type of plane in use in Now Zealand each 100 horse power required six gallons of petrol an hour. A machine of 000 horse power therefore would require nearly 40 gallons for an hour’s running, and some of that was required before they were warmed up on the ground. “ I think it is time that the Government took action against some of the statements made and the literature issued,” said Mr Meachen. “ 1 have here a pamphlet giving twenty reasons why the restrictions should be relaxed. Who are these people? ” Mr Holland: They are the people whose living is taken away. Mr Meachen: There will he no living for anyone if we do not keep on with the methods we have adopted.