Montana oil and mining journal. [volume] (Great Falls, Mont.) 1931-1953, 1942-06-13
Oil Men Voice Opposition TO-
Gasoline Rationing in Montana
continue from Page one

Montana and all districts thereof and
probably in greater extremes. For only
one such round trip, a distance Of 300
miles, the average car is required to
burn 20 gallons Of gasoline. Compare
this one trip consumption to the al
loWance granted car owners on the
Atlantic seaboard of TO gallons per
week and 1t illustrates the imprac-
ticability Of any such similar plan In
Montana.
4. Investigation win show that In
the state of Montana, composed large
ly of rural communities, very little
so-called Joy riding or Sunday driving
of automobiles exists and therefore no
appreciable reduction in car driving
would be achieved by gasoline ration
ing from this cause
5. Investigation shows definitely
that there is not sufficient bus and
train transportation facilities in the
state of Montana to handle the nee
eSsary civilian travel from point to
point or to displace the necessity for
the use of private car travel.
6. If all private car usage were to
be completely abandoned in the state
of Montana, the result would be an
almost complete stoppage Of all in
dustry necessary to the war effort
such as farming, livestock ranching,
mining, and oil operations, as it would
be impossible for those engaged in
these industries in Montana to trans
act their business and TO transport
their products and supplies the great
distances necessary to travel without
the use Of automobiles and motor
transportation. The question then
arises, in what way can any saving
or reduction in the car and motor use
be made without interfering with the
operation of such vital in
because of the great distances
involved.
In conclusion, the Montana Oil &
Gas Producers association submits
that, first; there is no need Tor ra-
tioning gasoline in Montana because
Of lack of gasoline or transportation
facilities for gasoline, and; second,
that the conservation of rubber which
might be brought about by restricting
the use of gasoline would have the
effect rather of gripping the produc-
tive activities of this state, and; third,
that we believe that the people Of
Montana can be trusted individually
to do all in their power without en-
forced rationing to reduce the use of
motor transportation and car travel
in the interest of conserving tires and |
thereby promoting the war effort.
1t is our studied opinion that there
exists a dangerous over-zealousneSs on
the part of some governmental agen-
cies as demonstrated by their desire
TO create critical situations and short
ages, particularly in the instances OF |
gasoline and rubber at a time in our |
national affairs when the need for |
planning and actual sur
vey Of the true situation would be Of |
much more benefit to the war econ |
omy. A shameful example of the lack |
Of coordination in government fact |
finding agencies is known to exist in
The instance Of conflicting reports and
as to the availability Of |
scrap rubber supplies throughout the |
nation. No co-ordinated effort has |
been made up to this time to collect |
salvage rubber and no definite and |
information has been
given to the American people as to |
The potentialities of a salvage rubber /
collection campaign. The American
people are eager and willing to CO.
operate in such a campaign if given
,he proper encouragement and leader
ship.
JAMES w. JOHNSON.