Miramar’s ‘wonderland of industry’

It is not generally known that the British Imperial Oil Company, who yesterday opened their new installation at Miramar, are the pioneers of bulk distribution.

Yesterday’s opening ceremony signalled the completion of the first step of the Shell Company’s comprehensive bulk scheme for New Zealand. Although the British Imperial Oil Co’s new works are situated at Wellington, it must not be assumed that the company’s enterprise is one of purely local interest, and of benefit only to consumers in the capital city. The completion of the Miramar works lays the foundation stone on which will be built up a comprehensive scheme for the distribution of bulk from North Cape to the Bluff. This new era of the oil industry’s expansion will therefore benefit all consumers throughout the Dominion, whether they are distantly removed from the city or not, as by reducing the cost of distributing motor spirit under the Shell Co’s bulk scheme a reduction under case price can be anticipated.

The ever-growing importance of the petroleum trade in this country, coupled with the natural desire of consumers to support really British enterprise, renders the present moment particularly opportune to refer at some length to the Shell Co’s organisation and their present extensive operations in Wellington and other centres. The Miramar works comprise a vast manufactory, developed on the most modern and efficient lines, and an inspection of the site, well-known in earlier years as Miramar’s "Wonderland", arouses every instinct of pride in New Zealand effort, as the Wonderland Recreation of old has certainly been replaced to-day by a Wonderland of Industry.

Asphalt spreads through city

Several big programmes of work in the improvement of the city are now being formulated in the office of the city engineer, stated Cr Wilson, chairman of the Works Committee, yesterday. The most important work at present is the laying down of Bond street with Trinidad asphalt. One block has already been completed, and the gang is now near Jetty street. It is expected that Bond street will be completed within two weeks. When that work is finished, the asphalting gang will commence laying Trinidad on the Anderson’s Bay road from Crawford street to Wilkie road. The remainder of the Bay road will be tar sealed. This will minimise the dust nuisance, which has been in existence. At present, surface drainage is proceeding, and as no similar work had been done on the road previously, an expenditure running into thousands of pounds is involved. Wilkie road to King Edward street will also be covered with Trinidad asphalt. On completion of that work, a start will be made to asphalt King street from Frederick street northwards.

Flying off the shelves

We are assured that the experience of the local bookseller, which was mentioned yesterday, that there is a general dullness in his trade and that there is only a small demand for the better class of works is not shared by all his competitors. One bookseller has informed us that his business during the present month has doubled that of January, 1925.

— ODT, 27.1.1926