SENTENCED FOR MISUSE OF PETROL LICENCE

Press, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 23819, 12 December 1942, Page 6

SENTENCED FOR MISUSE OF PETROL LICENCE

* ff A.) AUCKLAND, December 11. ■Two months’ imprisonment was the sentence imposed on Thomas William Matthews, a single man, aged 26, by the Magistrate (Mr J. H. Luxford) to-day on two charges of using oil fuel pui chased on a consumer licence for purposes other than set nut in the apnlleaUon, The police described the case as a particularly flagrant breach as it nctrol “ Ti" 1C nf ‘ ,o ° Wllmis of ictiol The defendants counsel (Mr T Henry) said that Matthews succumbed" Ible to fnends! 0 " l ° ™ ke petrol

preference shares. Last year the rate was 10 per cent, on ordinary and 8 per cent, on preference shares. The report states that a shortage in stocks of raw leal, domestic and imported, had restricted the company’s output and rationing had become unavoidable. The company v vas contributing annually more than £400,0(10 in excise and customs duties. Net pionts showed a return of under 11 per cent, on capital employed in the business, and to pay the dividends recommended recourse to reserves would again have to be made.

GRAIN AND PRODUCE

CANTERBURY MARKETS

The only subjects of live interest in the local grain and produce market this week were the statement by the Hon. J. G. Barclay on the relaxation of the proposed ban on small seed importations into England and the outstanding prospects of the ensuing harvest. Merchants consider that the consent of the British Government to accept rape seed which had been contracted for by British merchants is unlikely to confer much benefit, as very heavy quantities were shipped after last harvest, when ample shipping was available. The demand ceased some months ago, and it is unlikely that with its non-revival many contracts have been entered into. The matter of small seeds is somewhat different. as licences arc to be granted for all other 1942-43 season seed which can find a market, with the exception of uncertified Italian and perennial ryegrass. It will take time to discover the extent of this market, but with stocks of last season's white clover still fairly substantia! in New Zealand merchants’ hands, and the prospect of another heavy production next season, it is thought that The finding of a market for the bulk of the seed mav be attended with difficulty. In the meantime merchants are not disposed to suggest probable prices. It is understood that there are considerable stocks of American potatoes in Pie North Island, but so far none has been offered to the public for sale in the south, although they are procurable by merchants. With the increasing supplies of new potatoes coming forward the high cost of the imported potatoes Is not making them appeal to merchants at the moment. The American potatoes are cf good quality. The following quotations are for produce on trucks unless otherwise stated, Wheat (final payment).—Tuscan, 6s 2d: Hunters. 6s 4d: Pearl, 6s 6d; Marquis. 6s 8d (all f.0.b.1. Oats.—A Cartons, 3s fid; B’s 3s 3d: Algerians, 2s fid; Duns, 3s to 3s 3d a bushel. Chaff.—£4 to £4 ss, according to station, a ton.

Potatoes.—Sutton’s and King Edwards. £l2 10s a ton; whites and Dakotas, £l2 f.0.b., sacks in.

EXPORT PIGS

CHANGES ANNOUNCED BY MINISTER

(P.A.) WELLINGTON, December 11. The Minister of Agriculture (tire Hon. J. G. Barclay) stated to-day that as a result of the recent conference with representatives of the National Pig Industry Council he had decided to extend the date of acceptance for heavy-weight pigs from January 1 until January 9. This arrangement will mean that pigs up to 1801b in weight delivered at the works up to and including January 9 will be accepted at the current export schedule price. As from January 10 the maximum weight for export pigs will be reduced to 1601b, and as was the practice last season, operators will be requested to allow a tolerance of 51b and pay file export schedule price (up to a maximum of 1601b) for pigs which actually weigh up to 1651b and which can be converted into Wiltshire sides of suitable weights. The reason for this alteration was to allow pig producers sufficient time to dispose of their heavy-weight pigs and to adjust their programme of production to tile amended limits without undue hardship.