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Wairarapa Times-Age, 27 September 1940, Page 2

The extent to which firms engaged in the motor trade had been forced to reduce their staffs as a result of petrol restrictions was discussed at a meeting of representatives of employees of the associated motor trades in Auckland. A petition containing the signatures of 1140 employees came before the meeting, praying for an increase in the petrol allowance. Examples of the manner in which staffs were being drastically reduced were given by speakers, one saying that a firm had put off 100 men. The employees in the motor trade were definitely behind the Government in its war effort, btit it was felt that the trade had more than its share of restrictions. In comparison with times when there was no restriction on petrol, sales of cars had fallen by about 85 per cent. During last October, when the restrictions were in force, one firm sold five used cars, but in November, when they were temporarily lifted, sales totalled 81.