PETROL RATIONS

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21210, 5 September 1940, Page 4

PETROL RATIONS

REPLY TO MINISTER CASE FOR INCREASE (By Telegraph.—Press Association) WELLINGTON, Wednesday The New Zealand Motor Trade Federation has issued a statement in reply to the Minister of Finance, the Hon. W. Nash’s statement in Parliament on August 29, on the question of petrol rationing. The statement says that far from there being no restriction on importation, there was the greatest restriction—restriction arising out of the refusal of the Government to make funds available to pay for petrol as it was received despite the willingness and ability of the oil companies to carry large stocks, far beyond their present sales and needs without payment. The Government’s present policy would deprive the country ox any safety margin. Petrol From East Indies With regard to dollar conservation, the truth was still obscure. It had been stated that 69 per cent, of the petrol imported into New Zealand came from the Dutch East Indies and it was noted in the statement that. Mr Nash does not deny that payment can be made in sterling. However, the case for an increase in petrol rations was not dependant on the argument about dollar exchange. The Federation was definitely of the opinion that a monthly ration of 7,000,000 gallons would solve the main problems and the amount of sterling involved would only be in the region of £25,000 a month. As an alterriative the motor industry in New Zealand would be very happy to accept the proposed Australian rationing scheme.