THE PETROL FAMINE

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 204, 8 May 1912, Page 5

THE PETROL FAMINE

AUCKLAND LAUNCHES IDLE. »r Telegraph—Press Association. Auckland, Tuesday. Further inquiries made with regard to the shortage of benzine indicate that opinions as to the position are diverse, and conflicting statements are met with. The proprietors of one or two large motor garages stated that the position was by no means acute, and that they were not alarmed as to being able to procure sufficient supplies until the next shipment arrives. On the other hand, wholesale merchants and large retailers definitely stated that the Vacuum Oil Company has been totally unable to supply any benzine, and that they in turn are compelled to refuse customers who order it. One large distributor informed a Herald reporter that up to last' week about a tenth of his orders had been filled, but now not a single case was procurable. The immediate consequences in some cases were extremely serious, as river launches, which collect and convey, daily supplies of milk to factories in the country, were useless, and consequently milk was being wasted. The ordinary price of benzine is lis 8d per case, but owing to the scarcity it would be possible, a merchant stated, to sell hundreds of caßes at the present time at anything from 20s to 80s per case. Tt is' understood that those who ! still have a few cases left in stock are asking about £ 1 per case.