Sunday Petrol Service

Dominion, Volume 34, Issue 27, 26 October 1940, Page 13

Sunday Petrol Service

Sir, —I feel exception must be taken to the letter in Friday's “Dominion” signed by “Major.” While the letter itself is quite contrary to the facts, the postscript displays a complete ignorance of the whole position and is most misleading, to say the least. It is to be regretted that “Major” rushed into print without first of all Checking up on the position. Labour Day is not a holiday under the requisition and petrol stations will be open as usual from 7.30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Referring to the letter itself, “Jerry” will need someone a bit better informed than “Major.” otherwise it will be a case of "the blind leading the blind.” The statement that only a few voted for the arrangement is altogether wrong, more than two resellers out of every three in the area voted in favour; those who did not vote for automatically counted against the proposals. It Is hardly credible that anyone should suggest that no major stations in the area voted in favour of the proposals. .More than SO per cent, of the major stations in the central city area supported the proposals and for the whole of the motor trade in the area concerned the ratio was very much the same. It so happens that the class of people who “Major” claims were responsible ;for the requisition, i.e., commercials, shops, etc., were not so anxious for closing hours as the ratio was less in this class —however, more than half were in support, and it should be remembered that all the above figures are based on the total number of resellers in the area, not only those who voted or, as inferred by “Major,” the members of the Petrol Resellers’ Association.

The question of earlier closing hours has been a live one ever since petrol rationing was introduced more than 12 months ago. Motorists will appreciate the effect rationing has had on the motor business, not only petrol sales but repair work, servicing and sales. It is in an endeavour to permit the industry to carry on that the present restrictions have been arranged. Given the support and co-operation of the motoring public, this should be possible without undue inconvenience. If motorists would buy early from their local resellers, using the after-hour stations for emergency purposes only, the job would be done. —I am, etc., for Wellington Petrol Resellers’ Association (Inc.). F. A. KNIGHT. Secretary. October 25.