TOWN EDITION.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XLIV, Issue 14441, 30 October 1917, Page 4

TOWN EDITION.

In the Follies* patriotic entertainment last night Mr J. Harold Cato's character sketch "Jim" was nicely executed, .and although short -was well received. The Harry Lander contribution by Mr F. Cooze (cleverly given m costume) added some variety, to the programme. The credit for the excellent -stage management was entirely due to Miss L. McDonald and Miss Howie Stuart. The programme will be repeated again this evening. . . , . Mr A. S." Malco'in (Clutha) stated m Parliament that ho had received a complaint from a. motorist, stating that, on running out of petrol, he had been informed that he would be allowed only live cases at a time; and the price was 36s a case, though the Prime Minister had stated, that there was a plentiful f-u-pply m the' country. Mr Massey said that, briefly, the position was that the Department was making inquiries with regard to the supply. They had taken a sort of numerical oil census, which went to show that there Was- -just about .sufficient to last till December 31st. line Government had arranged for .a steamer to com© from Uritain and load ' mineral oil m the States for New Zealand, but she had been commandeered. . They wore now, however, • aa-ra-n-ging for another steamer, which should arrive about the end of. the year. It was just possible that a supply would come--forward--from private ■ source®, .» but ho was ; notcertain. He believed that- some small consignments, were afloat. There was no need for alarm. They would gefc sufficient to meet the needs^of the counti;y- .Mr T. M. Wilford, M.P., asked the Prime Minister if ho thought it ad-visa-b.e that his answer should be published through the press. It might lead to an .increase of prices. Mr Massey replied that he did not think there would be any serious difficulty. He believed that some oil was on the way to New Zealand, and the Hoard of Trade were taking the matter m hand.