MOTOR SPIRIT.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 5 March 1925, Page 7

MOTOR SPIRIT.

NEW ZEALAND SUPPLIES. .TO BE TINNED IN DOMINION. How many motorists give a moment’s thought to the absolute waste involved in the continual discarding of empty petrol tins ? The loss of money in this way was commented upon by Sir AValey Cohen, managing director of the Britisn imperial Oil Company, in an interview with an Auckland Star representative. “The non-returnable tin which is thrown a-way is very expensive for the user of petrol,” stated Sir Robert, but conditions in New Zealand axe such that I am doubtful whether the returnable tin would be as convenient. The ideal method is to abolish packages altogether and supply in bulk, as. is universally done in America and largely in Britain.” The huge tank which the British Imperial Oil Company have erected in Wellington was mentioned, Sir Robert sta/ting that the motor spirit would he taken to the southern city in oil tankers. For the present, the distribution of the spirit from Wellington would be in the ordinary non-returnable tins, but one important change is- involved, for Sir Robert hopesvthat these tins will be manufactured within the Dominion. If this object is realised there will be a new industry created in the Dominion in the manufacture of the ting and the cases. “Does your firm propose to establish distributing centres throughout the Dominion?” asked the pressman. “We have no intention of establishing retail service stations,” replied Sir Robert. “We. want to make our motor spirit available anywhere in' New Zealand, but our distributing depots will deal with the existing motor traders and stores, from whom the public will get their supplies. The moment conditions warrant it we shall establish a chain of wholesale distributing facilities up and down the two islands. It will involve large capital expenditure, but 1 am satisfied the time is rapidly approaching when such a move will he justified. 'Hie first thing is to push on with thq good roads policy.” “AVe are doing that. AVte have a Highways Board,” remarked the reporter. “That is not sufficient,” replied Sir Robert. “Such a, board requires a strong public opinion behind it, and the good roads- movement should he encouraged everywhere. The first thing I observed when I came ashore was a 1 horse-drawn lorry, and I at once thought this- must be a wealthy country to- indulge in such relics of a. bygone age. Antiquated means of transport and bad roads will soon make a rich country poor.” “Why should there lie such a great disparity between the price w r e pay for petrol here and the price the Americans pay—fid or lid per gallon?” “The price in America is considerably more than that,” said Sir Robert. “In any Case, the Americans use a. poor quality of petrol, which is by no means economical when used in good machinery. Another point to remember is that five gallons in America only equals four imperial gallons.” “AYlit about the Taranaki oilfields?” “AVha-t would l you do if you found oil in your hack garden?” replied Sir Robert, answering the pressman’s question in the Scotsman’s fashion by putting a further query.

“Oil,” said Sir Robert, “is most inflammable, and its removal about the country is a very difficult and involved task. 'My firm is always interested in oil supplies. Blit findiug oil is the least part of the business. The development of an oilfield is the problem, and it involves the;' expenditure of enormous sums of money. When oil is discovered my firm does its best to assit in developing the supply. We have an expert research department, and can make use of almost any crude oil which by our method of treatment we can bring up to . the standard 1 of all our products. The whole business is of a most technical nature and involves enormous experiditure.”