KERB PETROL PUMPS.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 226, 24 September 1928, Page 5

KERB PETROL PUMPS.

REMOVAL BY COMPANIES.

IN UPPER HUTT DISTRICT.

DISPUTE OVER INDEMNITY.

(By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.)

WELLINGTON, this day.

After October 8, it appears, Upper Hutt will have no more kerbside petrol pumps; in fact, most of them nearly disappeared this morning. A small army of men arrived to remove the pumps, but some question ot a signed agreement cropped up and the pumps wifi stay till the date mentioned, when the agreement expires. When the various companies decided to extend their operation to Upper Hutt permission had to be obtained from the Borough Council, and this was granted., but now the council insists on bein" indemnified against any claim for com* pensation. This the oil companies refuse. It is well known that other local bodies are inclined to look with disfavous on the kerbside pump, but although the question has been seriously considered it has been decided not to insist on any indemnification clause. It remains to be seen whether the action of the Upper Hutt Council will encourage othei local bodies to take the same stand, and also whether the oil companies are entirely united on the subject of opposition to ineemniilcation, rumour having it that one company may leave its pumps within the coniines of Upper Hutt.

The removal of pumps from the Upper Hutt is interesting from the point of view of motorists, as the pumps were supposed to reduce the price of petrol, instead of whicn It is possible to petrol cheaper by the case. °