PETROL RATIONS

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20056, 30 September 1939, Page 16

PETROL RATIONS

RELAXATION URGED DOMINION WELL STOCKED STORAGE HEAVILY TAXED As New Zealand is considered to be well stocked with petrol, a suggestion is being made among members of the Auckland motor industry that the fuel restrictions which have been in force for three weeks should be further relaxed, states the Auckland Herald. It is claimed that there is no reason why New Zealand should expect petrol supplies from overseas to cease immediately, and that in the meantime many sections of trade and industry are being unnecessarily, handicapped.

Within the past two and a half years petrol storage space throughout New Zealand has been more than doubled, according to the Auckland manager of a petrol company. Before the outbreak of war a considerable reserve was built up, with the result that the Dominion was well stocked for all ordinary purposes. There were places in New Zealand where further supplies could be accepted for some time, but 'the position in Auckland was that the majority of storage tanks were filled to the brim.

Future Supplies

Future imports depended entirely on the situation in Europe, said another petrol company manager. At present, he added, New Zealand had nothing to worry about as far as quantities were concerned. The Government had wisely taken control of distribution, but he said he would not be surprised to find within a month that the regulations were to toe re--* laxed to some extent, so that coupons, instead of being worth 10 gallons a month, might entitle the private motorist to 20 gallons a month. “Another month will pretty well clarify the whole situation,” he continued. “Tankers are still on their way with further stocks for New Zealand, and as storage space is already heavily taxed it seems doubtful whether the reserve capacity will be sufficient for needs in 'the hear future. Saving For Christmas

The regulations, it was stated, were accepted in a patriotic spirit, although they were actually drafted before war broke out. Some people were saving their coupons as much as possible in order to have a reserve of petrol for Christmas. It was suggested that the Government’s action was not entirely aimdd do -conserve supplies, but was for economy in overseas exchange funds; and ' that on that account rationing might safely be moderated. The' more petrol that was sold the more revenue there would be for the Government.,