EARLY RELAXATION?

Taranaki Daily News, 24 September 1940, Page 8

EARLY RELAXATION?

BELIEF IN CANTERBURY Christchurch, Sept. 23. A belief that there would be a relaxation in the petrol restrictions early next month was expressed at a meeting of the council of the Automobile Association (Canterbury) . Mr. F. W. Freeman said it seemed that New Zealand was aiming at a petrol reserve of 40,000,000 gallons, about half the present restricted annual cbnsumption, to give a six months' supply. It was thought that such a position would be reached soon, or early in October, when, it was understood, motorists would get another coupon. Restrictions were discussed at length by members, and in the course of the debate there were frequent references to the statement of Sir Harry Batterbee, High Commissioner for the United Kingdom in New Zealand. On the motion of Mr. W. R. Carey it was decided to support any move to secure relaxation of the present harsh restrictions now imposed on the motoring community." "I believe, after balancing the matter, that there should be a relaxation," said the president (Mr. H. C. Harley). "Our members are looking to us to make a move." Referring to Sir Harry's statement, Mr. Carey said they were advised that the headquarters of the Dutch Government were in London, and that the Netherlands East Indies were now in the sterling bloc. "Sir Harry Batterbee's statement was very guarded," said Mr. Carey. "He says it may require dollars — but it may not. You see, it isn't quite conclusive. It appears that we are doing more than the United Kingdom and much more than Australia, and I don't think even Sir Harry Batterbee would ask us to do more than Britain. I don't think this council could be accused of being less loyal than the British motorists, if we indicated that we don't see why we should submit quietly to a greater degree of rationing than is imposed on our affiliated motorists in Britain." Mr. G. S. Morris: I look on it'with the deepest suspicion. It is known that the coupons were printed before the war broke out. It looks as if the Government used the war to suit its own book. Mr. Carey: To meet the situation that had arisen. Put it that way. "There 3s no doubt that the public is seething with resentment," said Mr. Freeman. "I think it behoves us as motorists to take some action. • The North and South Island Motor Unions should jointly approach the Government, asklng for an improvement." Mr. Carey said the case was now being put before the authorities. The council need only pass a motion supporting any move to secure relaxation of the harsh restrictions now imposed on the motoring community.