THE PETROL FAMINE.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIII, Issue 7, 6 May 1912, Page 5

THE PETROL FAMINE.

AN AMATEUR CORNER

(Per Press Association.!

Christchurch, May 5

Nothing has changed in connection with the petrol famine except that the quantity of motor fuel available has decreased, and the price of the spirit has increased. The lowest price quoted is 40s, but some firms aro obtaining 455. One or two cars have been laid up, but the number of cars has not changed appreciably. One of the difficulties of the position is the amateur financier who has been operating in petrol. A number of private people who received information of the approaching shortage a week or so ago invested in petrol, buying for a rise. These amateur manipulators are now holding for greater profits.

To realise an eight thousand pound stock in three months is a Inigo task, nevertheless, that is the one which confronts me in consequence of the expiry of the lease of my promises at the end of June. The great relinquishing sale forced upon me has now been running for one month, resulting in the disposal of a large amount of goods, for which I have to thank my numerous patrons. The stock, however, is still very heavy, and, as all the new goods contracted for have not yet been delivered, my efforts to empty the shelves must he intensified rather than relaxed. It is hardly necessary now to speak of the greatness of the" concessions being niven : hundreds of customers can testify to that. —A Spence, x