NOT JUSTIFIED

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21223, 20 September 1940, Page 6

NOT JUSTIFIED

FEELING ABOUT PETROL MR NASH IN DEFENCE NO VAST RESERVOIRS EXCHANGE PARAMOUNT (By Telegraph.—Press Association) WELLINGTON, Friday In a long statement reviewing the petrol restrictions the Minister of Finance, the Hon. W. Nash, declared that the belief which appeared to be held among motorists and organisations associated with the motor industry that the Government had been harsh and unjust in restricting the use of petrol was not justified by the facts. “If our stocks of petrol become low we cannot be sure of replenishing them at a moment's notice,” said Mr Nash. “Oil tankers are not waiting at our beck and call. They also run the risk of enemy action at sea. "The State does not possess vast reservoirs of petrol which can be kept intact for defence purposes.” No Reason For Resentment It was regrettable that protests against the restrictions had warmed up to resentment and a sense of injustice, for which there was no valid reason. It would be helping the enemy, Mr Nash declared, to give detailed information about petrol reserves and requirements. He frankly admitted that the restrictions this year had caused material loss and inconvenience to many people. It had been shown beyond dispute that the motor industry was hit heavily. But every restriction imposed had been weighed in the balance of national needs. The need of conserving dollar exchange was and must remain paramount in order to avoid embarrassing Britain. Request From Britain When it was suggested in New Zealand that increased supplies could be obtained from the Dutch East Indies, inside the sterling area, the British Government cabled in reply that it still desired us to restrict. Mr Nash reiterated that the Government would take steps to investigate the position of motor industry employees and ameliorate any hardship. When defence requirements were fully met the allocations could be adjusted. REVIEW NEXT MONTH MR FRASER’S STATEMENT (B, Telegraph Preee Aeeoclatlon) NAPIER, Friday The Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. P. Fraser, speaking to deputation of resellers, said the Government would reconsider the petrol restrictions next month. He was asked for another million gallons a month.