PETROL PRODUCTION.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 217, 12 September 1940, Page 9

PETROL PRODUCTION.

35,000 GALLONS DAILY. AUSTRALIAN ENTERPRISE. The first petrol produced on a commercial ecale in Australia from Australian crude oil was distilled at Glen Davis on August 2G and used in a car which carried the Minister for Supply, Sir Frederick Stewart, 150 miles to Sydney. The full battery of 108 retorts will soon be absorbing nearly 500 tone of shale a day, and producing 58,000 gallons of crude oil, which will be converted into about 33.000 gallons of petrol. Sir Frederick said the occasion was a milestone in Australia's industrial history. "The great importance ef locally produced oil in peace time is magnified in war. Oil is a vital requirement for victory, and Glen Davis adds greatly to our security," he said. "Faced with the rationing of petrol supplies, and with uncertainty about the future, this petrol pouring from the plant is a very welcome sight." j It is stated that the plant is capable I of great development, and though able to deal with only about 500 tons of shale a day at present, the mine could produce up to 3000 tons a day." MASTERTON DECISION. MASTERTON, this day. The serious effect of the petrol restrictions on the motor trade and those employed in it was emphasised at a large meeting of and garage and service station employees, embracing all parts of e Wairarapa. It was contended that in the light of facts the restrictions were not warranted. It was decided to present a petition and to forward the following motion to t"-e Prime Minister: "That this meeting of motor trade employees, representing all branches of the retail motor industry in the Wairarapa district, strongly urges the Government to give immediate attention to the matter of increasing and stabilising the present petrol ration to private and commercial users. While ( realising that some measure of; conservation is necessary, we would" point out that our livelihood, and that of thousands of New Zealand workers and families, depends on an adequate supply of petrol, and the continued existence of the motor trade in general."—(Press Assn.)