STORAGE OF PETROL

New Zealand Times, Volume XLVII, Issue 10961, 25 July 1921, Page 3

STORAGE OF PETROL

AUTOMOBILE CLUB AND MINISTER. Correspondence has taken place between the Wellington Automobile Club and the Minister for Internal Affairs with regard to the objections raised by a deputation representing the oil companies and the club to the regulation under the Explosives and Dangerous Goods Act, 1920, prescribing that not more than Si gallons, of benzine may be stored without a license under the Act, except in a depot maintained by a local authority, and to the regulations requiring the labelling of the packages of dangerous goods and that provision be made to prevent outflow. The . Hon. W. DownieNjStewart pointed out that the Act of 1908 forbade any person storing more than ten gallons of petrol without\ ia license; and that, since, it cannot be obtained in packages containing mb re than 8£ gallons, the first regulation complained of 'has practically the same effect as the section of the 1908 Act; while, under the new Act, a local body which is a licensing authority may, without fee, grant a license for a quantity of dangerous goods exceeding 8£ gallons. Motorists were only indirectly affected by the othei regulations; and the Minister argued that the cost entailed w T ould be ©o small as to be neglible as a factor in the cost of petrol.

In reply, it was urged, on behalf of the cßib that the prohibition under the Act of 1908 against storing more than ten gallons of petrol without a license had never been enforced, and its existence was unknown to the majority of motorists.; The club's executive also considered that the labelline of packages was unnecessary, and would undoubtedly ln many cases cause delay, inconvenience, and increased cost; and drew attention to the fact that the oil companies proved that if special attention was drawn during the discharge of petrol to any special danger, the waterside workers might, claim higher ratos. It wa9 contended also that the handling of oil in stores and by means of gravity-conveyors would result in loss of time, inconvenience, and greater cast to the companies, and consequently to motorists. The committee, it was stated, fullv appreciated the Minister’s desire to protect the public and propertv from Possible danger and loss, but after a full and long discussion and several interviews with the oil companies, was unanimously of the opinion that the regulations objected to mi edit with safety be withdrawn at least until a further r»roof sho*\Ving the necessity for their enforcement was available.