BENZINE SHORTAGE

New Zealand Times, Volume XLVI, Issue 10559, 9 April 1920, Page 5

BENZINE SHORTAGE

ALCOHOL FROM BANANAS. (Special to the “Times.”) The shortage of benzine, coupled with the steady increase in motor traction, naturally creates a feeling of uncertainty as to tho reserves of oil for the years that are ahead. Ono thing is certain —that in respect to coal and petroleum, Nature’s reserves are being drawn upon, and the stocks like metals, cannot ho. replaced. This raises the question of-procuring motor Spirit from a vegetable source which can be reproduced. A gentleman who has gone into the matter from a scientific point of view stated recently that tho motor spirit of the future must necessarily he alcohol, lie pointed out that alcohol could bo produced in any quantity from bananas, which would open up a big industry in the isles of the South Pacific; where the trees could bo grown and tho spirit distilled. Another source of supply ho indicated is, a tree that has been "largely planted in India as a provision against famine when tho rice crops fail. Tin's tree bears a largo magnolia-like flower, with thick petals. which can be dried, and will keep well. These petals contain a lot of sugar, and arc. therefore, a valuable food in time of famine. In one district, whore some 20,000 tons of dried petals had boon stored, and no famine had occurred for several years, the authorities decided to utilise tho stock for the manufacture of alcohol, and the quantity _ obtained was so large that it is evident this plant has a-great value for 'supplying the spirit required for motor tra'ction.