LOCAL PRODUCTION OF MOTOR FUELS

Press, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23318, 2 May 1941, Page 12

LOCAL PRODUCTION OF MOTOR FUELS

Sir,— Surely some thought should be given at this election to the production of a variety of motor fuels in Christchurch. Either the city should purchase, lease, or plan some joint action with the Christchurch Gas Company. The huge income tax which is passed on to the consumer acts as a break on motor fuel production in Christchurch: but apart from that tax, it would need a by-law to boost the sale of smokeless fuels in Christchurch, which in turn would bring economy to the citizens. Four to five times the amount of coal that is now processed in t]jis town should be handled if three large economies were made, thus—income tax elimination in like manner to Dunedin, large smokeless fuel volume,, concession in freights for continuous fuel trains. The Gas Company’s plant would need scrapping when the modern plants are established, because they are not equipped for motor fuels. The only decent fuel for gas producers produced, in New Zealand has _to be brought from the Waikato. City gas companies cannot supply the grade. Diesel oil, gas compressed in cylinders, and a cellular anthracite for gas i producers can be produced with a modern gas plant, without any elaborate secondary handling. Such fuels would do much to supplant imported petrol. . ■ The Diesel oils in turn can be further 'processed, into high octane fuels, but tramway, and other demand would absotb ;all Diesel oils in early stages of development. Franklyi’ the whole field is exact and technical. What is wanted from all Parties 's a guarantee that an exaustive inquiry will be made into the whole question, and that they are wtilliiig vto act’ in a manner that will give local motor fuel production municipal- backing when economy and potentiality are proved.—Yours, etc. , L. C. WALKER. ■April 26. 1941.