The Government of Madras have issued the following Press Communique, dated Ootacamund, the 10th May, 1918: The Government desire to invite the attention of the public generally and of owners of motor vehicles in particular, to the necessity of exercising all possible economy in the use of petrol. The supplies of petrol are through various causes insufficient for the needs of the country and at present there is a serious shortage. A ship bringing a limited supply is expected to arrive in Madras early next week, but this supply will be sufficient only for a few weeks and it is impossible to forecast the arrival of another ship. In these circumstances, economy in the use of petrol has become an urgent necessity and all owners of motor vehicles are urged to avoid the unnecessary use of their cars and unnecessary consumption of petrol. They are particularly requested to refrain from using their cars merely for amusement or for pleasure excursions, this applying especially to those on the Hills, and the undertaking of long journeys by road, when the railways will serve, should, under present conditions, be avoided. His Excellency the Governor in Council desires to avoid, if possible the introduction of a fixed system of rationing under which no petrol will be issued without a certificate, but it may be necessary to adopt that method unless it is found that the consumption is voluntarily reduced.
