FEELING THE PINCH

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 5, Issue 1, 9 January 1942, Page 5

FEELING THE PINCH

PETROL, LIFE-BLOOD OF INDUSTRY

ALL BUSINESSES SUFFER

The deserted nature oJ' the streets of Whakatane, during the week, yesterday prompted a newshound to obtain a few opinions and views on the subject of the petrol cut and the manner in which it has affected business generally. There can be no doubt but that the sudden cutting oft' of the private allowance, has had most drastic results. In all branches of industry it has been felt, and but for the timely reinstatement by the local Petrol Committee of several very necessary licenses in order to maintain key industries, there would have 1 been a very critical tying uj) of local affairs. Never a Busy Month January, is never a busy month from a business point of view. This 3 r ear however, what little business there has been offering in the past has been cut in half by virtue of the restrictions. Shop trade is almost at a complete standstill. No undue worry is felt as yet, on, this account, as shopkeepers have on the main experienced a splendid shopping season over the festive and New Year periods. Trade shops are however carrying on much the same, the only difficulty being the question of delivery, which is growing more difficult day by day.

The individual businessman appears to be suffering most. Travellers are also badly hit, along Avith agents, salesmen and the like. One Insurance Agent informed us that whereas he was able to draw a comfortable living from rergular visits to Opotiki, his income now is cut down to a third. The only hope of maintaining figures at all is by concentrating on the immediate district, which is already combed by other agents based on this centre.

Can't Killl Some

There are as ever the hardy shellback motorists who despite all restrictions manage somehow to defy fate, and keep their cars on the road. We have heard of the 'methylated spirit kings' but now they seem to have a new standing, and by dint of a secret process with a small base of petrol are able to produce a sjjirit with kick enough to turn the engine over. Sc<me of the ingredients Ave have heard of are turps, ether, kerosene, and in one isolated instance — diluted petroleum jelly. There are many patentees, but all are jealous of their compounds and we have no wish to beat them to the market. If they have solved the problem they will mcst likely have a fortune coming to them, if not they) will sit tight and carry on producing from nowhere. Pleasure Crowds Dwindle The pleasure loving jDublic have suffered perhaps more than any others. This however was to be expected and most people will gladly sacrifice a little pleasure these days. Theatre crowds must necessarily be smaller than before the restrictions, while socials, dances and other similar gatherings have been curtailed to an extent hitherto unknown.

The Summer Show in Whakatane has been abandoned for the first time in history, but its Winter counterpart hopes still to carry on. The possibilities of being able to promote the fixture will largely depend upon the manpower remaining in circulation, for after the Gazette on the 20th of January, there will not be many males with small responsibility on their shoulders left.

Knuckling Under

In spite of the cut, there has been little grumbling—something new for Colonials. It is generally recognised that the step was necessary, and that hitherto the people of the Dominical have enjoyed singular immunity from res!.virions of any nature —in brief, that they coukl still, be a long way worse ofl.