Evening star., 1943-01-07

week or adopt any other measures
they see fit. Similarly, theaters, Of
flee buildings, factories, schools and
churches can choose whatever con-
servation measure that suits them.
The order banning pleasure driv-
ing left unchanged the gallonage
value Of A, B and c coupons. It
follows quickly, however, the move
reducing coupon value by Is per
cent. 1t makes it illegal for an
Eastern motorist to devote any part
of his ration to pleasure purposes.
Mr.. Henderson declared that
strong measures to restrict use CT oil
were caused by the demands from
the military and the civilian popu-
lations which are using oil supplies
more rapidly than 'our over-bur-
dened transportation facilities can
replenish them" He added:
"The measures taken over the past
week were forced on us by circum-
stances of war. Failure to act
swiftly and boldly could mean seri-
Gus threat to war production in the
East, a breakdown of vital trans
portation, and tens of thousands of
homes utterly without heat. No
American could face these alterna-
tives and fail to act There simply
isn't enough fuel oil or gasoline to
go around"
Chief Abuses on B and c.
OPA stated that the presence of
passenger cars at any gathering for
purposes of.sport or amusement will
be taken as prima facie evidence
that gasoline rations are being used
illegally. In such instances, OPA
inspectors or other Federal enforce
ment officials, are authorized to con-
flscate the ration book on the spot
and turn it in to the rationing board
for whatever action may be deemed
fit.
Mr.. Henderson said that while
considerable amount of gasoline is
to be saved from curtailing A book
pleasure driving, the chief abuses
occur among holders of B and c
books. He added that under new
regulations B and c rations will be
more difficult to obtain. New appH-
cants for supplemental rations not
only will have to obtain approval
of local boards, but the boards de-
cislon will be subject to review by
the nearest OPA office. Likewise,
holders of B and G books who seek
to regain the recent Is per cent cut
in gallonage value will have to OBJ
tain approval of the nearest OPA
Office as well as that of the board.
OPA stated that decision to make
the latest fuel oil ration cut across
the board" instead of by selective
method was reached after thorough
examination of all factors involved.
1t was pointed out that many OIL
heated structures containing non
essential" users also house essential
businesses or have residential quar-
ters, Theaters and other amuse-
ment places often are in Office build
ings or are combined with stores.
Likewise, most hotels have restau-
rants and stores, and many store
buildings have living quarters above.
No Time for Reviews.
Immediate action was imperative,
it was said, and there was not suf-
ficient time to review all of the cases
involved.
Officials said that considerable
impetus to OPA's program to compel
conversion of oil-burning CONNER
cial equipment to the use of coal is
expected to result from the new
order.
OPA estimated the new fuel oil
cut will make available for home
heating purposes 10000 barrels, or
100000 gallons of additional oil per
day. No estimate was given for the
expected saving from the ban on
pleasure driving.