CHRISTCHURCH NEWS

Greymouth Evening Star, 10 December 1928, Page 3

CHRISTCHURCH NEWS

PETROL PRICE RAISED. (Special to “Star.”) CHRISTCHURCH, December 10. Within a few days, it is probable that all service stations, and garages in and around Christchurch, will increase the price of petrol by one penny a gallon, thus bringing to an end the price-war that has been waged for the past six months. An agreement has been circulated among all retailers of petrol, during the past week, stipulating the price for- first grade petrol shall be Is lid per gallon, second grade Is 9d per gallon. Almost without exception, this was signed by those in the business. The agreement however, did not lay down the date on which the increased prices would come into force. Most retailers are following the policy of watching what the others are doing, all being prepared to raise their prices as soon as the others do. The initiative was taken by one or two service stations today. Motorists were surprised when they were called on to pay more for their supplies. Now, some are charging the higher prices, it is expected that, all will do so within a few days. Retailers are not yet in agreement about the rebates to commercial travellers, who in the past, have obtained petrol at a cheaper rate than the general public. This however, is not holding up the main portion of the agreement, which relates to the price of petrol to the public. MT. ROLLESTON.

An ascent of Mount Rolleston was made on Thursday by Miss Kate Johnston, of Christchurch, accompanied by Oscar Coherger, the newlyappointed guide at Arthur’s Pass. The party left the Hostel at 5.45 a.m., traversed the Healey Valley to the Glacier which they crossed. The followed the snow face leading to the main ridge, well above the Goldney Glacier, and continued along it to the lower peak. No very hard climbing had been encountered up to this point, but when approaching the higher peak, a crevasse extending the full length of the snowfield had to be negotiated. It proved difficult, but eventually a place was found where it could be crossed safely. The summit was reached at midday. With a clear atmosphere and bright sunshine, a wonderful view was obtained of the surrounding district. The feturn journey was made via Otira Valley, the party striking the Gorge road at Lake Misery. The Hostel was reached at 5 p.m., after a record trip of eleven and a quarter hours. The weather conditions during the day were perfect, there being very little wind. Guide Coberger had not previously climbed Mount Rolleston, although he has ascended several other mountains in the