PETROL RATIONING

Wairarapa Times-Age, 3 February 1940, Page 4

PETROL RATIONING

SUPPLIES FOR ESSENTIAL USERS. COMMITTEES TO CONSIDER APPLICATIONS. (Bv Telegraph—Press Association.) WELLINGTON. This Day. The procedure to be followed by essential users of motor vehicles other than public motor vehicles who wish to apply for more than the basic allowance of petrol granted them under the petrol rationing scheme was outlined last evening by the Oil Fuel Controller, Mr G. L. Laurenson. These applications are to be considered by special committees.

Mr Laurenson said that essential users of cars were given a basic ration of 30 gallons a month for larger cars and 20 gallons for the smaller cars, in addition to the amount allowed under their coupons; the existing licences of all private trucks were being cut 33 1-3 per cent, and motor-cycles were being allowed four gallons a month.

“It is realised that in some cases the full amount will not be required, while in other cases more than the basic ration may be essential to enable the owner to carry on his business,” said Mr Laurenson. “To. meet these cases, committees consisting of people with good local knowledge have been set up throughout the country to advise tire local controllers. The procedure is that, on application, an essential user will be granted his basic ration. If he feels that this amount is inadequate he should write to the local controller fully stating his case for additional petrol. His application will then be considered by the advisory committee and any necessary adjustments will be made within a fortnight.” Mr Laurenson added that the Government’s policy, as announced by the Minister of Supply, was to make available adequate supplies of petrol for essential services and for national production. SPECIAL OCCASIONS. AN APPLICATION WITHDRAWN. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, This Day. “A number of organisations have arranged for special functions to be held in Wellington in connection with the centennial celebrations,” said the Minister of Supply, Mr Sullivan, last evening. “I regret very much that it has not been possible to arrange extra supplies of petrol to cover all these events. On behalf of the Government I would like to express appreciation of the way in which the organisations concerned have accepted the position. “In this respect thanks are due to the Presbyterian Assembly, who are to hold special centennial celebrations from February 20 to February 23, and who voluntarily withdrew their application for special supplies of petrol for this historic event.”