PETROL RATIONING

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 114, 12 April 1940, Page 6

PETROL RATIONING

A NEW BASIS. MORE EQUITABLE BE AN. Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, April 11. To allow owners of different types of motor-vehicles approximately the same mileage on their petrol rations a change will l>e made in the method of rationing from June 1 next, the Minister of Supply (Hon. D. G. Sullivan) announced to night. “New petrol coupons arc to l>e issued with the new number plates at the end of next month,” said Mr Sullivan. “No reduction is to be made in the total amount of petrol allowed for pleasure purposes, hut to remove the anomaly in the present rationing system up to the 14.5 horse-power class is to be divided into two classes: Up to 9.5 horse-power and 9.5 horsepower up to 14.5 horse power. The monthly rations have been . fixed on the basis of approximately 220 miles of pleasure running for each class of motorvehicle. The allowance of 12 gallons per month for cars of over 14.5 horsepower remains unchanged, cars between 9.5 horse-power and 14.5 horse-power will receive nine gallons a month, cars of up to 9.5 horse-power six gallons a month, and motor cycles three gallons a month. “It will generally be agreed that this is the most equitable basis ol rationing and gives each car-owner as nearly as possible the same mileage, hut to provide too many classes would be unduly cumbersome,” said Air Sullivan. “Though there is naturally a variation in the mileage to the gallon between certain cars in the same class, tile croups have been arrived at with the idea of making the allowances as equitable as possible. These proposals have been submitted to the executives of the North and South Island Motor Unions, and both executives support the action being taken. “The coupons will be issued in denominations of one, two, three and four oral lons, and where an amount less than the face value of the Coupon is purchased return coupons representin'’ 1 the balance will be given. After June 1 the present coupons will not be required. , . “As I have stated before, petrol rationing will not be allowed to interfere with national production. We have set out to keep our consumption "'Ruin 6.000.000 gallons a month, and u rationing results in the consumption of less than tin's amount over a period the saving will he made available in the form of an extra ration, concluded Mr Sullivan.