PETROL DISTRIBUTION

Greymouth Evening Star, 12 August 1942, Page 4

PETROL DISTRIBUTION

CONFERENCE AT HOKITIKA

Representatives of transport farming dairy factory, and sawmilling interests met the Minister for Transport, Mr Semple, and the Commissioner of Transport Mr G. L. Laurenson, at Hokitika, ’ yesterday, to discuss the distribution of petrol in * he district, South Westland, and other parts of tht West Coast. Mr T. • O’Neil, Chairman of the Vv estland County Council, presided. The main subject for discussion was the proposal of the oil companies to distribute petrol in the areas entirely by road tank-wagon from Greymouth. It was pointed out that 50 per cent, of the petrol\had previously been brought from Wellington by ship, and another proportion by rail tank-wagon from Christchurch, and distributed in drums. It was contended by the various speakers that the new method of distribution proposed would involve much more use of petrol and tyres than was formerly the case. The Minister, in his reply to the reprsentations, gave an assurance that the motor vessel, by which petrol was brought to Hokitika formerly, would be. kept on the run, and that he would investigate the position thoroughly. Mr M. Wallace said that those at the meeting would have no complaint if it were shown that the P lO posed system of distribution of petrol was in accord with Government nolicv. However, under the proposed

system of distribution the return transport to Hokitika would involve 50 miles, to Kokatahi 72 miles, and to Ross 90 miles, as compared with a negligible amount of road transport if the petrol were brought by sea to Hokitika as formerly. Mr Semple said that the oil comnames’ scheme was not instituted under his jurisdiction, and when he went back to Wellington he would meet the oil companies and tell them where they get off. If they could justify their proposed system, it would be allowed, but if not all their wealth and influence would have no effect on him. Mr E. W. Heenan said that benzine freights constituted two-thirds of the revenue of the Hokitika Harbour Board, and the Board had built a depot accommodating 600 drums, lor the use of the oil companies. The Board, he said, would not mind going out of existence if it meant helping the war effort, but he failed to see how the new plan could save tyres and petrol. Mr M. Dawe, Secretary oi the South Westland Shipping Company, appealed for the retention of the services of the motor vessel for die transport of petrol to Hokitika. He

said that sea transport meant a saving of 16,500 gallons of petrol annually. m . The Commissioner of Transport said that the companies had supplied him with figures, which showed rnat their new system would save 421 gallons a month. The total used a month would be 1,400 gallons. The figures had been checked by the Department. The Europa tank-wagon would use 600 gallons a month, according to the figures. Mr J. M. Eadie (Westland Transport) said that his company operated the Europa tank-wagon, and it used 1,200 gallons a month. After hearing all the speakers, the Minister thanked them for the manner in which they had. made their representations, and said that tne case demanded the most careful investigation. He was not satisfied that the oil companies had gone to the limit in conserving petrol, and he thought they could do better. He would discuss the mater with them, and he thought it would be advisable to have Mr O’Brien and possibly another representative of the district present.