SAVING RUBBER

Wairarapa Times-Age, 1 May 1942, Page 4

SAVING RUBBER

URGENT NEED FOR ACTON IN NEW ZEALAND

REQUIREMENTS OF THE NEW

REGULATIONS.

AN OFFICIAL STATEMENT.

It is estimated that nine-tenths of the world’s chief sources of supply of raw rubber are now in the hands of the Japanese. This fact, taken in conjunction with the greatly increased demand for rubber arising from the huge armaments programmes being carried through by the Allied nations, makes it clear that rubber is very precious. In the manufacture of tanks, battleships, and so on, rubber plays a large part. The mechanisation of armies and the countless thousands of planes and cars, trucks and tired guns used by modern fighting forces makes the problem of maintaining the supply of tires one of major magnitude. There is a message in all this for New Zealanders (says a Ministry of Supply statement). In the interests of the country, of'their own business, all motorists should save their tires to the utmost. To extend the life of the tires and to keep availabie vehicles on the road for as long as possible, there should be a get-together movement. Grocers should combine. deliveries over the same area. Resources could be' pooled. Business cars could be used to the minimum and not the maximum. Users should co-ordinate their travelling and co-operate by using one car wherever possible instead of individual ears. All misuse of tires such as underinflation, overloading and speed should stop at once to lengthen the life of tires. Carriers could pool their resources. The position is clearly too serious for trifling, and facts must be faced. Remember that the United States —the world’s greatest consumer of rubber — cut down on tires to less than nine per cent of normal consumption. In January only 357,000 tires were issued, and it is significant to note that a normal monthly issue is over 4,000,000. Some countries get no tires at all —no matter how urgent the need or for what purpose. The United States rationing is so stringent that no hearses, taxis or private cars are allowed new tires. The lesson for this country is plain. We must save tires to the utmost.

Arrangements are being made to salvage old rubber for reclaiming, and any person who has any old tires or other rubber must hold it pending further instruction as to its collection. Do not destroy old rubber or used rubber, whatever its' condition.

One final point. Every person or firm who possesses any new tires in excess of normal wheel equipment for any vehicle must report immediately to the Secretary of Supply, Wellington, the size and other particulars relating to such tires. Meantime, get the most out of the tires you now have. Co-operate with the other fellow. Pool resources wherever possible.