PRICE OF PETROL

Hokitika Guardian, 22 November 1928, Page 2

PRICE OF PETROL

NO LIKELIHOOD OF REDUCTION

AUCKLAND. November 19,

On a busines tour of New Zealand is Mr J. V. Blair, a director of the Vacuum Oil Company in Australia, arrived from Sydeny by the Aorangi. He is accompanied by Mr J. L. Brcnmau, warehouse' manager for the firm.

Mr Blair, who received his early training in New Zealand—ineidently lie states the Dominion is the finest training ground for any young man wishing to take up a business career—is anxious to combine business with a little pleasure in New Zealand. Nineteen years ago 1 was a keen tennis player.” lie said. “I met Wilding ?evora! times in Now Zealand in championships, and later in Victoria 1 played a good deal with Norman Brookes. Now I have transferred my attention to howls, and I hope to takepart in the Dominion Bowling Chainp’onships in Wellington during the Christmas season.”

The Vacuum Oil Company was not concerned with prospecting tor oil in Australia. Mr Blair said. Admittedly it would he a pi cut tiling for both Australia and New Zealand if oil could bo found in workable quantities in either of the two countries dr both of them. However, there Was tio need for excitement if oil wore struck. Before it could become a valuable asset it would have to he struck in sufficont quantities to enable the construction of pipe lines from’the well to sea and the erection of the complicated machinery and refining plant. A few gallons of oil trickling from the ground would not main- a fortune. There was hardly likely to In- a reduction in the price of benzine, although there was im-rea-ed competition in the oil business. The priceat present were almost down to tin-pre-war level. Immense overhead charges prohibited any further reductions.