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In estimating overhead expenses the conventions adopted by the Goods-service Charges Tribunal have been used. The decrease in operating-costs in 1949 is due to a reduction in the cost of petrol and tires during the year. RETAIL DELIVERY SERVICES During the year departmental officers carried out surveys into the extent to which retail delivery services by butchers and bakers are available to the public. These investigations were made in all towns with populations of over 2,000 persons and in a number of the smaller centres. As from 30th April, 1948, the wholesale and retail delivery of bread in the North Shore suburbs of Auckland was placed under the provisions of the Transport Licensing Act, 1931. Transport licences were issued to the bakers, and as a result retail deliveries in the area have been maintained on an efficient basis. Adequate petrol has been made available for retail delivery services, and every effort has been made to assist in the expansion of these facilities. The over-all position appears to have improved slightly during the year. AID FOR BRITAIN : PETROL-RATIONING It is estimated that petrol rationing, which was introduced in its present form in March, 1948, resulted in a saving of approximately 10 million gallons during the year. The petrol allowance for private cars which remained unchanged during the year is as follows :—- Horse-power. Monthly Ration. Under 9*5 h.p. .. .. 6 gallons 9-5 to 14-5 h.p. .. .. .. 9 Over 14*5 h.p. .. .. .. 12 „ During the months of December and January coupons Nos. 16, 17, and 18 were made available at double their face value. CHANGES IN TRANSPORT LAW DURING YEAR The following, in chronological order, are the principal enactments passed during the period Ist April, 1948, to 31st March, 1949 Motor-vehicles Insurance (Third-party Risks) Regulations 1939, Amendment No. 7 I(Serial No. 1948/77). —This contains changes in the annual third-party insurance premiums for motor-vehicles and defines the term " mobile crane." Traffic Regulations 1936, Amendment No. 4 (Serial No. 1948/129). —This amendment permits fire-engines to reduce speed to ten miles per hour at traffic lights and then proceed. It also provides for use of a bell as alternative to a siren for ambulances. Traffic Regulations 1936, Amendment No. 5 (Serial No. 1948/170). —This amendment provides enforcement of parking zone restrictions and adds steering-gear to the list of equipment requiring to be checked before issue of a Warrant of Fitness.

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