PETROL REGULATIONS

Otago Witness, Issue 3510, 21 June 1921, Page 60

PETROL REGULATIONS

DEFENDED BY THE MINISTER. WELLINGTON, Jm.e 16. In reply to a deputation concerning the effect of the now petrol regulations upon the typewriter industry, the Minister of Interna! Affairs said lie thought there had been considerable misapprehension as to the effect of the regulations. He had no desire to damage any industry. Tie did not think the regulations would have the effect that was being suggested. The use of petrol in open vessels admittedly was dangerous. The regulations provided that before it was used in this way the inspector jnust. satisfy himself that the premises were reasonably safe. The Minister (the lion. W. Downie Stewart) remarked that many people wore apt to alarm themselves unnecessarily about regulations. Protests were being made all over New Zealand at the present, time against the regulations governing the storage of petrol in private garages, and an agitation was beingworked up. The regulations were being described as “absurd” and “arbitrary.” and a deputation was being arranged. The new regulations worn more liberal than the law that had been in operation since 1908. The people who wore protesting had not asked for an interpretation. The Minister added that he felt sure the inspectors v <>nlrl assist in seeing that the terms of the I’cense were reasonable.