SERVICE STATIONS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXII, Issue 214, 10 September 1931, Page 20

SERVICE STATIONS.

SHORTER HOURS WANTED.

SIX O'CLOCK CLOSING,

A.A.A. EXECUTIVE SYMPATHETIC.

A deputation comprising Messrs. J. S. Dickson and E. J. Schofield, representing the Auckland service station proprietors, waited on the council of the Auckland Automobile Association last night with a view to enlisting the support of the association in securing regular and shorter hours for the owners of service stations throughout the Dominion. Mr. Dixon said that the service station proprietors were feeling the slump as much as any at the present time and that it was for the purpose of economy in lighting, etc., that they had decided upon the step. One hundred and fourteen proprietors had signed a. petition that had already been forwarded to Parliament and Was under consideration by the Labour Bills Committee. As evidence that the "great majority of owners of service stations in Auckland were in favour of the step, only two had failed to sign the petition. Eleven others, though not against the move, had decided to adopt the policy of "sitting on the fence." Conditions Sought. When asked what conditions were sought, Mr. Dixon said that they wanted either six o'clock closing or to be open to the public live days a week, with one late night. The proprietors of service statipns also wished to remain closed on Sunday. It would not in time greatly inconvenience motorists, who would soon become accustomed to six o'clock closing, just as the man in the street had accepted the restriction on the hotels for the sale of liquor after that hour. Mr. Schofield, the other representative of the deputationists, said that he did not think that the move would be imposing a hardship on the motoring public. The 105 to 115 hours the service station proprietors worked was far too long a period, and even with double shifts the hours could only be reduced to 88 hours per week. He did not see that the proprietor of a bowser should have any more duties to perform during the week than anyone else. Under present conditions service stations could not exist a great deal longer. The petition had been signed only by Aucklanders, but it was, nevertheless, asking for the same conditions for the whole of the service statipns throughout the Dominion. Mr. H. J. Butcher said there would have to be some service station opened on Sundays for the convenience of the public. Arrangements would have to be made for. the opening of one station while-the others closed. Mr. Skeates: What would happen to the country garages ? _ They depend on Sunday trade for their existence. Mr. Dixon replied that the countryservice stations appeared even more anxious for the earlier hours and Sunday closing than the city stations. With regard to an all-night service station in towns and cities, he said that the Motor Garages Association would arrange for one or two service. stations to remain open all . night. Ifo Need for Present Hours. ; -Mr. T." J. Farrellr deputy-Chairman, said: "The service stations are working long hours and there is no need for it. I am in favour of the closing as suggested , with, the proviso that one or two central stations be kept open by the Motor Garages Association, as stated by Mr. Dixon. The parking departments would still be open, but petrol would not be sold." • ■< On the Joint motion of Mr. J. R. Self and Mr. H. J. Butcher the following resolution was passed: "The association is in sympathy with the limitation of hours,. providing adequate provision is made for emergency, and co-operative service stations are established at suitable intervals throughout the country, for the convenience of motorists, after ordinary • hours and on Sundays and holidays. . It was decided to notify the clerk of the Labour Bills Committee and also the. several North Island automobile associations of the step taken.