THE PETROL FAMINE.

Colonist, Volume LIV, Issue 13412, 9 May 1912, Page 6

THE PETROL FAMINE.

OIL LAUNCHES IDLE

[United Press Association.]

Auckland, May 8. . Further inquiries made with regard to the shortage of benzine- indicate that opinions as to tho position arc diverse, and conflicting statements were met with. The proprietors of one or two large motor garages stated that the position was by no moans acute, and that they were not alarmed as to being able to procum sufficient supplies until the next -shipment arrives. On the other hand, wholesale merchants and large retailers definitely, stated that the Vacuum Oil Coy has been totally unable to supply any benzine, a.nd that the(y in turn afe compelled to" refuse customers who order it.

One large distributor informed a "Herald" reporter, that up. to last week about a-tenth of his orders had been filled, but now not a single case was procurable. The immediate-consequenc-es income eases were extremely serious, as river launches, which collect and convey daily supplies of milk to factories in the country, wero useless, and consequently milk was being wasted. The ordinary/price of benzine is lls 6d per case, but owing to the scarcity it would be possible, a merchant stated, to sell hundreds of case« at the present time at anything from 20s to 30s per case. It is understood that those who still have■■«.--f»w cases left in stock are asking about £1 per case.