PETROL REQUEST

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21214, 10 September 1940, Page 7

PETROL REQUEST

ADDED ALLOWANCE 1,000,000 GALLONS MONTHLY TRADERS’ NEED OF RELIEF (By Telegraph.—Special to Times) AUCKLAND, Tuesday A meeting of motor trade representatives organised by the Auckland Allied Motor Traders’ Association decided last night to request from the Government an additional monthly allowance of 1,000,000 gallons of petrol for private motoring. A further request will be made that the situation be re-examined, consideration to be given to factors so far overlooked because of the financial aspect, and that a directly affirmative or negative statement be made whether legislation introduced as war emergency regulations will be abolished on the cessation of hostilities. Figures showing losses to the industry caused by the war and petrol rationing were quoted by Mr N. C. Nimon. He referred to 19 garages scattered throughout the province, which employed 375 hands a year ago and paid wages totalling £86,733. In July there were 234 employees, and this number would be reduced by half if immediate relief were not forthcoming. Petrol sales for the July-August period of this year and last showed decreases ranging from 50 to 66 per cent. “This is a national matter, with nothing political about it, and you will have my help to the full,” said Mr F. W. Schramm, M.P. Support was also promised by Messrs P. Carr, W. P. Endean and A. S. Richards, M.’sP. Cash On Delivery Reference to the new system whereby petrol resellers and garage proprietors are required to pay tank drivers when petrol is delivered, was made by Mr W. A. Nehaff. Mr W. T. Anderton, M.P., said it could not be suggested that the Government was responsible for the oil companies’ measure, which appeared to be unjust and unnecessary.