SALE OF PETROL

Wairarapa Times-Age, 24 August 1938, Page 5

SALE OF PETROL

NATIONALISATION PROJECT DENIED. GOVERNMENT NOT INVESTING IN CHAIN STORES. By Telegraph—Press Association. CHRISTCHURCH, August 23. A denial of suggestions that the Government intended to nationalise the retail motor spirit trade, and also embark on a chain-stores project was given by the Minister of Industries and Commerce, the Hon D. G. Sullivan, in a statement made today. “Certain statements are apparently in circulation in Christchurch and Canterbury concerning the alleged intentions of the Government to engage in certain forms of trading,” the Minister said. “One of these statements is that it is the intention of the Government to nationalise the retail sale of motor spirit. It is absolutely incorrect,” he said, “and the Government has no intention whatever of entering into the business. We have, of course, licensed the retail sale of motor spirit and fixed the price in most districts in accordance with some undertakings that we gave to the public before the last election, but that is as far as we are going.”

Another rumour being spread, he said, by opponents of the Government, and which he had previously denied, but which apparently was still being circulated was that the Government intended to invest in a system of chain stores. “This too,” said the Minister, “was an idle rumour without any foundation in fact.” SERVICE STATIONS. SUGGESTED SUNDAY CLOSING. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) AUCKLAND, August 23. Proposals that petrol stations in the city and surrounding areas should close on Sundays or that, alternately, there should be considerable restriction in hours are now being considered by petrol station owners. Voting on the question is stated to be now in progress. It is pointed out by advocates for total closing on Sundays that it would be only in very exceptional circumstances that motorist' would not have sufficient petrol for Sunday driving if they filled their tanks on Saturday.