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GAS PRODUCERS.
Need to Conserve Fuel.
The deputy-chairman of the
Liquid Fuel Control Board (Mr T.
H. Bath) said yesterday that act
ing under instructions friom the
Commonwealth board many orders
had been issued to prlmasry pro
ducers to fit producer gas units to
their essential vehicles within a
specified period. The main reason
for insistence upon the use of pro
ducer gas by primhry producers.
and other essential users was to en
sure that in the event of possible
severe reduction in petrol stocks
services of distinct value to the
community could carry on.
It had been claimed. said Mr
Bath, that extreme hardship would
be caused if the orders were to be
obeyed withln the period specified.
as many fitments had been ordered
to take place during the harvesting
period. Some claimed that their re
hicles were not in a fit state to en
able gas producers to be fitted,
while others pleaded financial in
ability. In every case where an ap
plication had been made for an ex
tension of time, until after the har
vest, for the fitment of a unit. the
request had been granted. Where
financial inability was proved con
sideration would be given to an ap
peal and to cases of vehicles unfit
for the fitment of a gas producer
unit.
Where claims were made for ex
emption from fitting and the fit
ment orders were cancelled, it was
expected that all who obtained this
concession would reduce their petrol
requirements to a minimum. Where
this was done and the applicant
agreed to accept a reduced ration
the board did all it could to help.
Mr Bath said it should be unneces
sary to stress the necessity, under
present conditions, to reduce to a
minimum the use of imported fuels.
The --loss of the Netherlands East
Indies, which was the main source
of petroleum supply had necessi
tated the drawing of supplies from
more remote sources. The menace
to our overseas supply line was ever
present and it was incumbent upon
all vehicle owners to economise in
the use of imported fuel, and to
take steps wherever possible to use
locally produced fuel.
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