SALE OF PETROL

Wairarapa Times-Age, 1 December 1939, Page 4

SALE OF PETROL

RESTRICTIONS LIFTED TODAY BUT ECONOMY IN USE STILL NEEDED. SUPPLY MINISTER'S APPEAL TO MOTORISTS. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, This Day. An appeal to motorists to conserve petrol was made last evening by the Minister of Supply, Mr Sullivan, who said that though the petrol restrictions were being lifted as from today the necessity for economising in the use of oil fuel was still important. Coupons should be kept in a safe place in case it should be necessary to reimpose the restrictions at any time. Motorists should do their utmost to reduce their petrol consumption by keeping down their speed and by eliminating all unnecessary running. "Owing to the recently passed American neutrality legislation,” said Mr Sullivan, “every gallon of petrol that we use in New Zealand means one gallon less for the prosecution of the war overseas. The floating of war loans in the United States to pay for purchases of American arms and munitions is prohibited by the neutrality legislation. ‘The ‘cash and carry’ doctrine requires that dollar funds should be available for every purchase made in the United States by Great Britain. France and the Dominions. These funds are depleted by our purchases of petrol, and it is up to all of us to do our bit by helping to coflserve supplies. The present struggle is even more a war of resources than a battle for military objectives. This war is being fought on the home front as well as on the battlefield. “It is necessary for those of us who are not in the military forces to make sacrifices, and one of the best ways we can help is by reducing our consumption of oil fuel. Petrol has to be brought considerable distances and every possible endeavour should be made not to waste it.” The Minister expressed the hope that the lifting of the restrictions would permit many families to take a vacation that would not otherwise have been possible. He wished all motorists an enjoyable Christmas holiday.