SOMETHING WRONG SOMEWHERE

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIII, Issue 1887, 11 August 1920, Page 4

SOMETHING WRONG SOMEWHERE

Apparently there has been a very considerable shortage of benzine and kerosene oils in the Dominion during the last few months, many Users of both having found it difficult to obtain supplies, although the Board of Trade controls the distribution on lines that are supposed to secure equitable consideration for the user throughout the country. In view of the facts disclosed by the trade returns of imports into New Zealand it is. to say the least, remarkable that th 6 shortage complained of, which has been very real in some places, should bo more marked this year than in either of the two previous years. But the New Zealand Trade Review, in the tables it publishes from time to time, shows that the quantity of benzine imported into New Zealand during the half-year ended June 30th last, was more than double the quantity imported during the first half-year of 1018, and very largely in excess of the quantity importer! during the corresponding period of 1919. The quantities in gallons thus imported during the periods stated (that is for eacli six months) are given by the Review as under:—

If the figures are reliable (and taken from such a source they should be regarded as unimpeachable), they almost suggest that there must be hoarding of some kind going on. either on the part of large users of the oils referred to. or by the vendors. The latter, however, are called upon to furnish returns showing the stocks they have in band, and it may, therefore, be assumed that they are not large holders of either benzine or kerosene. What, then, is the explanation of the seeming mystery, disclosed by the fact that there has been an appreciable shortage in the supplies of such essentials for power and lighting purposes? It has been suggested, in certain quarters, that a very serious mistake was made in constituting the Board, which is supposed to control the distribution of benzine and kerosene oils. From whatever cause arising, however, some explanation should he forthcoming of the facts disclosed. There was certainly no appreciable shortage of either benzine or kerosene last year, nor yet in 1918, when the importations were so very much smaller. What, then, is the reason for the recent shortage? The situation, it is true, is easier today. but it is more than possible that a shortage will recur again. Is it proposed to take any action to safeguard the interests of the public in that event?

Benzine Kerosene (gallons) (gallons) 1918 ... 3,564,463 1,782,137 1919 ... 4,240,417 1,096,287 1920 ... 7,733,355 2,085,080