PETROL AT QUEEN’S PARK

Southland Times, Issue 24864, 2 October 1942, Page 6

PETROL AT QUEEN’S PARK

Sir, —I see that 34 gallons of petrol and kerosene have been stolen from the Queen’s Park Golf Club. I think this is the second time such a theft has occurred. Now, sir, can Mr Lindsay explain why this club, or any other as far as that goes, has petrol issued to it. Is it an essential industry? Or is it a case of one for the heads and none for the tails. I would like to know how the club received a licence to store petrol and who issued it. I understand it is very hard to get a licence as bombs may be on us at any time with this terrible war on. My reason for writing this is that a soldier down on final leave was refused petrol to go into the country to say goodbye to his relations. I may say that bus and train would not suit him. He was told that it was impossible. Now, sir, that man is away doing his bit for all of us, and was denied the chance of going to the country to say goodbye, and now we have a golf club getting 40 gallons to be stolen. I ask you, sir, is it a fair go? I am not ashamed of my name.

A. MATHESON. Tay street, Invercargill. [When this letter was referred to Mr J. Lindsay, District Oil Fuel Controller, he stated that a minimtun quantity of oil fuel is granted in order to maintain public parks and sports grounds in reasonable condition. Soldiers on final leave are required to furnish certain necessary particulars in their applications for special oil fuel licences, and each application is dealt with on its merits. If particulars of the case referred to by the correspondent are furnished the matter will be investigated.]