PETROL.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume IV, Issue 1162, 1 November 1917, Page 6

PETROL.

QUESTION OF SUPPLIES. For some time past motorists have been concerned about the question of petrol supplies, a feeling, being abroad that the position was becoming acute. That, there has been a shortage is beyond doubt, the difficulty arising from the lack of shipping space. From inquiries made yesterday from firms handling the oil, it appears that a more confident tone now prevails concerning available stocks. Just ..recently a shipment diverted from Sydney arrived at Auckland, and it is expected that this will considerably relieve the position in New Zealand, which iias been more acute in the North Island than in the South. Recently a computation was made by one of the principal firms handling the line, comparing the quantity imported into the province with the recognised average consumption. The result of this computation goes to show that there should be considerable stocks scattered over the province, and that if care and economy are practised these should be sufficient to last for some time. One gentleman interviewed stated that he knew- of an instance in which the owner of a pleasure car had 50 cases stored, and he expressed the opinion that this was by no means an isolated instance. Some time ago the Efficiency Board investigated the question, but concluded that the position was not sufficiently acute to justify its taking action. A scheme, however, was prepared to meet such an acute situation should it arise, the principal feature being a limitation of the quantity to be allowed per mouth for various classes of vehicles. The scheme, however, was not completed, and would have to be revised before being applied. The proprietor of a large garage gave it as his opinion that there was nothing alarming in the situation. A parcel of 9000 cases had arrived at Lyttelton within the past few days, and he thought that there was sufficient stocks on hand to last comfortably for a couple of months. Timaru, however, was very short, and he thought that, provided they could get petrol to come here, there would be a large influx of cars into Christchurchduring race week, owing to the curtailed train service and the desire to obtain petrol supplies. He agreed that a good deal of petrol was being hoarded, and stated that he knew of instances iu which fanners had stocks of 300- and 400 cases. They all had to go carefully, but as a shipment was expected here very shortly he thought they would get along all right.