AMPLE STOCKS

Waikato Times, Volume 125, Issue 20906, 11 September 1939, Page 2

AMPLE STOCKS

ISSUE OF PETROL SAFE ARRIVAL OF SUPPLIES PROVISION FOR FUTURE (Bj Telegraph.—Press Association) WELLINGTON, Monday Referring to the new allowance of ten gallons of petrol a month for private car owners, the Minister of Supply, the Hon. D. G. Sullivan said: “The object of the whole scheme is to ensure that whatever eventualities the future may hold there are sufficient stocks of petrol available to carry on the essential aviation, transport, commercial, and defence services of the Dominion. It is a question of building up satisfactory reserves, and holding them until the eventualities of war can be forecast in the light of circumstances as they develop. “I am fully aware of the important part that petrol plays in our social and economic life, and of the large number of citizens who depend on the motor trade for their livelihood. However, I am sure all agree that our national security must be recognised as being of paramount consideration. Btocks Above Normal “A careful review has been made of the whole situation, and New Zealand Is very fortunate in that stocks of this essential commodity were above the average of normal stocks on the outbreak of war; moreover, certain supplies which were afloat on the outbreak of war have safely reached our shores, and as a result some relaxation of the existing complete prohibition of motor spirit* to private users may now be considered. “The system of issuing the allowance decided upon to the private motorist Is now being completed.’ added the Minister, “and will be so arranged as to give the least possible degree of trouble to the trade, the motorist, and the Post and Telegraph Department, whose officers have made a most valuable contribution to the scheme of control by their efficient handling of the task of implementing the rationing scheme in three days.” Mr Sullivan added that he hoped the announcement would have a stabilising effect on the motor industry, and remove the uncertainty that had been inevitable as a result of the rationing of petrol. The Government, he said, appreciated the spirit in which the whole country had accepted restrictions on a commodity so closely affecting our national life, and the way in which they had co-operated with the Oil Fuel Controller in carrying out his oneroUF task. NO DETAILS RELEASED PRESENT CONTINUES No details of the plans for the administration qT the revised regulations for the issue of ten gallons of petrol a month to private car owners, which come in next EYiday, have been received in Hamilton by the oil fuel control authorities. In the meantime, petrol licenses arc being issued on the same basis as previously so that, when the new’ regulations are known, some relaxation of the rationing imposed may become necessary.