PETROL RATION.

Evening Star, Issue 23699, 5 October 1940, Page 6

PETROL RATION.

TO THU EUITOK. Sir, —Mr Sullivan’s reply to public criticism of the Government, like Mr Nash’s, is just too awkward to swallow. In my answer to Mr Nash’s statement regarding tankers not being at our beck and call, ] pointed out that petrol supplies in Australia have never been so largo, So much is Ibis tho case that oil companies have offered petrol resellers special terms of repayment if they will fill their underground tanks to capacity to allow the tankers to discharge and leave part. Some of these tankers were in New Zealand waters, and should have discharged in New Zealand, but were not allowed to do so. Tho Government’s supposed reason for petrol restrictions was to build up a reserve supply in case of national emergency, yet after nearly 12 months of restrictions we had approximately 17,000,000 gallons less on hand, • •wing to the restricted , imports. If the Government wanted a reserve supply why did it not take advanlago of one or more 500-gallon tanks in each petrol station in New Zealand, which would have given it a reserve supply of a very great quantity stored in thousands of places and much safer than oil depots—practically safe from the action of raiders by sea or air. In tho light of all the facts -the Government deserves the severest criticism for its promiscuous reasons for this over-restriction of petrol. None know bettor than the Government the reasons for such, which are not altogether in common with war exigencies. Tho whole system of petrol restrictions and petrol was) Ago by (he Government and officials is a great discredit to anybody,—l am, etc., OVEK-KESTBICTED. October 5. TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —Mr Meachon’s statement in the House, reported in last night's ‘ Star,’ referred to the amount of petrol required for war purposes, and particularly in the training of airmen. Referring to the latter, ho said “ the amount is simply staggering.” It is not my intention to take up Mr Sfcachen’s statement, hub 1 do desire to disabuse the- mind of the public of any wrong impression which may have been created. Air Force machines in New Zealand . use “ aviation spirit,” which is distinct from petrol used in motor vehicles. —I am. etc., October 5. Reseller.