KEROSENE AND PETROL.

Marlborough Express, Volume XLIX, Issue 205, 31 August 1915, Page 7

KEROSENE AND PETROL.

EXPLOITING THE/PUBLIC

LAW TO BE PUT IN MOTION

Lpbom ottb correspondent.} WELLINGTON, Aug. 30. The imposition of the new duty on kerosene, petrol, benzine, and similar power or illuminating oils is already being paid by the public. "Big Tree" .brand of kerosene has advanced 2s lOd and the same brand of benzine products (motor-spirit petrol) has advanced 2s Sd per case. Paterson and Co., distributors of this brand, say that there are nojstocks in store, every case they hold teing already sold. The Wairuna arrived to-day, but the duty is being paid on her shipment of "Big Tree" oils and spirits. The local manager of the Vacuum Oil Company declined to say anything as to the increase in price or otherwise on kerosene, and benzine marketed in New Zealand by that company. The agents of the British Imperial Company, handling "Shell" kerosene and motor-spirits (Goilin and C 0.,) also declined to discuss prices. They explained, however, that "the position is a very difficult one, owing to the rush of abnormal orders. If these were all' supplied it would seriously /inconvenience consumers throughout New Zealand. We are endeavoring to conserve our stocks." There cloes not at present appear to Ijo any protection afforded the purchaser in reta'l against the payment of 2s 8d to 3s per case extra, or the equivalent of the duty, even though the article purchased had not paid duty when it was sold. In thf circumstances the State will not receive the duty, but the consumer will pay it—i.e., in cases where oil bought by him was already in the count:y before the duty was collected. Instances have already come under \ notice of prices of petrol and. kerosene having been raised by 20 per cent., even though the specific stocks upon which the additional id rice had been put have- been in shop or store for some time and have not been subject to the new duty. The Government has firmly decided not to permit of the public snfrc-Hng victimisation in this wav and has placed the matter in the hands of the Solicitor-General. It is understood that cases reported to the authorities have been noted, and the law will be put in motion. Already information has been obtained of instances where customers have been charged an additional 20 per cent; for petrol and kerosene. It-r.ppears that the Government Ikis power to act under clause 2(> of the Regulation of Trr.de and Commerce, Act of 1914. The danse roads as follows:—"At any time when his Majesty is at war with any foreign Power or State it shall be lawful for the Governor, whenever lie deems it jjocfT.su ry in tlie public interest so to do, by warrant under his hand, to fcuithons-c-. and direct any person to whom tl'o warrant is addressed to seize ami take possession in behalf of and for the nse of his Majesty any good.:, or clasr, of goods specified or tle.sci i-)oc! ;n tho warrant."