PETROL STOCKS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 4 September 1939, Page 4

PETROL STOCKS

RATIONING SCHEME ADOPTED IN NEW ZEALAND

NO FUEL FOR PLEASURE.

PERMIT FOR PURCHASES REQUIRED.

Regulations came into force at 11 a.m. today restricting the use of petrol, with a view to conserving New Zealand’s supplies. This action has been considered necessary on account of the possibility of the curtailment of supplies from overseas. Until further notice no petrol can be purchased without a permit from the Post Office nor can any petrol be procured for cars used solely for pleasure purposes. The official statement of the position observes: It is in the interests of the whole country that industry should receive preference over individuals whose vehicles are not required for essential purposes. But for certain action taken recently by the Government, in anticipation of an emergency arising, the position may have been such that a very much more drastic system of rationing supplies would be necessary. The regulations give the oil-fuel controller, appointed by the Government, absolute control of the importation, sal'e, distribution, and use of 'oil fuel.

The Government believe that all members of the public will co-operate wholeheartedly and patriotically, and so assist the Dominion in the present emergency period. In view of the object to be served it is felt by the Government that owners of cars used solely for pleasure purposes cannot be granted licenses at the present juncture. Others; whose private cars are used for business purposes, may assist by applying for quantities smaller than those which they have- been accustomed to obtain in normal times. They will not be allotted supplies unless they can advance very good reasons. As soon as it is known that the supplies which' can be procured from overseas, added to the stocks then remaining in the Dominion, will meet the needs of essential users for a reasonable period ahead, the restrictions now necessary can be lifted, either partly or altogether. It is the earnest hope of the Government that all restrictions can be lifted in the near future. Application forms for a licence are obtainable at any Post Office until midnight on the second day after the gazetting of the Oil Fuel Regulations. Unless the applicant has received his licence or notification of refusal, he may obtain his supplies in the normal manner but owners of private cars will not be supplied with more than two gallons at a time. Vendors will record particulars of all supplies so made. The regulations provide for a strict check on all petrol supplied.