LOWER PRICE FOR PETROL

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Issue 207, 17 September 1937, Page 4

LOWER PRICE FOR PETROL

Government Fixes Rate For Hawke's Bay The announcement this morning of the Government fixing the price of petrol - in the Hawke 's Bay , province did not come as a surprise to petrolsellers iu Hastings, who for some months have been anticipating such" a development. No surprise at the fact ■that the minimum prices fixed are below those at present being charged was expressed. "Tlie fixation of tho I'etail prices will be welcomed by most of the resellers becatise there will be a real safeguard now against any price-cut-ting," said tbe proprietor of one 'service station. "During the past few years we have been working under an arrangement amongst ourselves and it bas proved quite satisfaetory to all concerned — tbat is tbe consumers and ourselves — but it was tonly an amicable agreement and really was not binding. "We do not want another price-cut-ting war under any consideration for the last one was most disastrous to all of us," he said. "Now that the Government has stepped in and fixed the prices, we will be relioved of any fear of another war developing in the trade. ' ' Though apparentJy there has been 1 110 specific date fixed for the new j charges, it is assumed that the new j prices, which are a halBpenny lower than. those at . present charged, will cO'iio into operation to-morrow. The handling of a halfponny is not greatly appreciatcd, for it has beeu i'ound that eonsiderable time is lost to motorists as well as to the re-sellcrs in the handling of the small change, .and the introduction of a halfpenxiy xvill mean that another coin will havo to be included in the ready cash held on tlie premises.