TYRE SHORTAGE

Grey River Argus, 2 June 1943, Page 6

TYRE SHORTAGE

AUCKLAND, May 31. The motor tyre position in the, grocery trade had reached a state where, unless satisfaction regarding future supplies was received within a week, the grocers would have to take steps towards the complete cessation of deliveries, stated the secretary of the New Zealand Master Grocers Federation, Mr R. M. Barker. When economies in the use oi tyres were first asked for grocers responded immediately, said Mr Baiker. A scheme for one delivery a week for each house and the elimination of deliveries of parcels of less than 81b. in weight or less than three cubic feet in size was prepared and forwarded to the authorities. While it agreed to the single weekly delivery. the War Cabinet did not agree to the weight and measurement restrictions, on the grounds that hardship would be imposed on some people. “In March the Commissioner of Transport, Mr G. L. Laurenson, and the Minister of Supply, the Hon. D. G. Sullivan, gave an assurance that tyres would be forthcoming for retailers,” Mr Barker continued. “Although representations have been made since then, the federation has received no satisfaction regarding further supplies. Some grocers are now practically down to the canvas and will not be able to carry on their deliveries for long under present conditions. Rather than penalise them for circumstances beyond their control we will take action to cease deliveries.”