PRICE OF PETROL

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20017, 16 August 1939, Page 8

PRICE OF PETROL

OPINION OF CHAMBER STANDARDISATION SOUGKT ’ TRIBUTES TO FIREMAN The opinion that a standardisation of the price of petrol, to be operative throughout the Dominion, was desirable was voiced by members of the Gisborne Chamber of Commerce, held yesterday afternoon. Members also paid a tribute to the 50 years of civic service given to the community by Mr. A. Thomson, who retired recently from the Gisborne Fire Brigade after 50 years’ membership. Those present at the meeting were Messrs. H. H. De Costa, chairman, H. Gilmer, C. W. Muir, Jas Chrisp. M. F. Robinson, W. E. Mcllwaine, M. J. White, L. Miles, S. T. Gray, F. Wise, F. Tolerton, A. A. Fraser, R. H. Berge, H. W. T. Buckley, K. W. Bull, R. P. Baigent, L. T. Burnard, R. W. J. Edwards, and J. W. Fergie. In response to a communication from the Army headquarters, the chairman said that-.he felt sure that employers in Gisborne would assist in the drive for recruits by allowing members of their staffs to take part in military training courses.

Charges for Fetrol

Support of the view that a standard price for petrol should *be operative throughout the Dominion was expressed by the chairman, who said that a remit to this effect should go forward to the annual conference of the Associated Chambers of Commerce of New Zealand.

It was pointed out that the member for the Bay of Plenty, Mr. A. G. Hultquist, M.P., was endeavouring !o bring into fruition a standard petrbl price, and the matter was left to the executive of the chamber to deal with, a remit along these lines to be sent to the Associated Chambers, should the executive see fit. The chairman suggested that the chamber should try meeting in the evenings, claiming that this would suit shop-keeper members and might result in an increase in the membership.

This suggestion was opposed by members of the chamber and the matter lapsed without a motion being taken.

Reference to 50 years of civic service given by Mr. A. Thomson as a member of the Gisborne Fire Brigade was made by Mr. Bree. who said that Mr. Thomson had an unequalled record of public service and the chamber should make some recognition of it, Mr. Bree moving to this effect.

The motion was seconded by the chairman, who commented on the splendid service given to the town and district by Mr. Thomson during his 50 years’ service.