PETROL RATIONING

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24415, 28 September 1940, Page 12

PETROL RATIONING

THE PATRIOTIC ASPECT MOTORISTS SCEPTICAL EASING OF RESTRICTIONS REQUESTED (Per United Press Association) CHRISTCHURCH. Sept. 27. “The finger of patriotism has been pointed at us, and we are not going to take it,” said Mr W. R Carey, president of the South Island Motor Union, when discussing the agitation for an easing of the petro] restrictions at a meeting of the union to-night. “ You can analyse the record of any Minister of the Crown and compare it with that of members of this union. We stand in a favourable comparison, and w e will hot take it.” The meeting heartily endorsed Mr Carey’s attitude The union had before it the latest letter from the Minister of Finance Mr Nash, in reply to a telegram advising him that it was currently reported that he had said that the sale of petrol would require to be rationed or controlled even if war had not come. Mr Nash’s reply received this morning, was:— “While it is not possible to determine now what would have happened in connection with the import Of petrol had not war broken out, it is likely to the extent that it may have been necessary to utilise our sterling resources on the import selection policv that preference would have been given to essential requirements and raw materials for primary and secondary industry that some licences would have to be curtailed and to the extent that petrol is used for luxury purposes it may have been necessary to limit the sum which would have been available for it? purchase overseas.” Mr Carey said he wanted to know how Sir Harry Batterbee was brought into the argument. Mr C. R. Edmond (president of the Motor Trades Association): He came in. . . “Well, he was not very convincing.’ commented Mr Carey. He added that he had asked two bankers how the restrictions cn petrol conserved the dollar exchange, and they were unable to assist him. “The morale of the people is being undermined, and there are murmurings from one end of the country to the other.” said Mr F. W. Johnston (Christchurch). “The Government is doing the work of a thousand Fifth Columnists. The radio from London is buttresing us up and asking us not to be pessimistic, but the Government here, by restrictions which, to any free-minded tribunal are incomprehensible. is undermining morale. Its petrol policy has been vacillating and inconsistent, and it is now appealing on patriotic grounds.” NEED FOR STRONG ACTION PRESSURE ON GOVERNMENT (Per United Press Association) CHRISTCHURCH, Sept. 27. “That, we definitely consider that the question of petrol allocation, especially in view of the trade statistics for the first five months of 1939 and 1940, and also in regard to the disruption of the industry and commerce of the Dominion and the consequent effect upon the general morale of the community, should be taken up strongly by the motor unions, with a view to aiming at an allowance consonant with what is proposed to be given in Australia,” was a resolution passed by the South Island Motor Union at its annual meeting to-night. The Government was attacked by delegates, who alleged that there were changes of policy and an unwillingness to give the real reasons for the restrictions. Both the North Island and the South Island representatives expressed their determination to fight the Government. A petition is to be sent to Parliament, and, if necessary, a delegation will press the Ministers of Finance, Transport and Supply for categorical answers. MOTOR TRADE PETITION (Per United Press Association) WELLINGTON. Sept. 27. The New Zealand Motor Trade Federation is promoting a petition for circulation among petrol users and addressed to Parliament asking for an increase in the present rationing quotas. The petition sets out a number of grounds justifying the motorists’ case, and suggests an allowance for private users equivalent to 320 miles a month — namely, motor cycles, four gallons; cars up to 9.5 h.p., 8; up to 14.7, 12; and over 14.7, 16.