PETROL RATIONING

Wairarapa Times-Age, 13 October 1939, Page 4

PETROL RATIONING

ALLOWANCE FOR HOLIDAY TOURS. ANNOUNCED BY MINISTER. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, This Day. Arrangements for. the granting of special petrol allowances for genuine holiday tours Were announced yesterday by the Minister of Supply, Mr Sullivan. The holiday allowance, for which special licences will be issued, will be in addition to the supply allowed under the coupon system. “When the petrol rationing scheme was first introduced, I made it clear that the restrictions would be relaxed as soon as adequate reserves were created and further supplies assured,” said Mr Sullivan. “The Government's scheme of oil fuel conservation has built up essential reserves, and with additional supplies arriving it will be possible to make a further allowance of petrol for use in private cars.” The Minister said that those who desired to make holiday tours between October 13 and December 1 should lodge application for a special licence with the district postmaster. All applications would be considered on thenmerits, and where justified, special licences would be given authorising the consumption of not more than 30 gallons for cars of more than 14 horse-power (R.A.C. rating) . and 20 gallons for cars under this rating. This allowance for special holiday trips was in addition to that covered by the coupon system. “I am sure that this relaxation ol the restrictions will have the support not only of all motorists but those connected with the motor industiy and with holiday resorts,” said Mr Sullivan “I would make a special appeal to all motorists | not to make application for special licences unless they have genuinely planned to make a trip of at least five or six days. The scheme is not intended for weekend excursions. Unnecessary applications arc not conducive to the proper conservation of petrol supplies and they unnecessarily occupy the time of postal authorities. An announcement will be made later regarding the petrol supplies for private cars subsequent to December 1.” Mr Sullivan said that he hoped the spirit of the announcement would be strictly observed, and he would appeal to all motor associations and private motorists to assist the Government in preventing any abuse of this concession. It would be realised that he concession covered only genuine cases, and if it were abused it would necessitate its cancellation.