People Make Own Petrol

Manawatu Times, Volume 66, Issue 186, 7 August 1941, Page 3

People Make Own Petrol

SYDNEY, July 23. Reports have been made to the New South Wales Apnister for Mines, Air. Baddelev, that small plants for the extraction of oil from shale are being set up throughout New South Wales to overcome the shortage of petrol.

“These plants are springing up like mushrooms, and something will have tc be done to control them,” he said

“Many people are making their own petrol. ”

A blacksmith in the country, the Minister added, was obtaining enough petrol by his own treatment of shale to enable him to drive a waggon and a lorrv.

Air. Baddelely discussed with officers of his department, tho question of converting coal and shale into oil. He will visit the Newnes oil fields with officers

of his department soon to see the pro gross of the industry.

Tho minister said that the Federal Government had asked him to appoint

two (geologists to survey the coal and shale resources of the State. He had promised his co-operation, but had asked the Commonwealth to set out in a letter its request and the reasons for it. He could then consult the Premier, Mr. McKell, before making a decision.