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paraffin, kerosine, crystal oil, etc., flashes above the
temperature of 73 degrees Fahrenheit, and is therefore
exempt from the operations of the Act.
Nineteen applications for licenses to keep petroleum
spirit, and two for carbide of calcium were received and
reported upon, and in each instance a licence was granted.
Seven of the applications were in respect to premises which
had not previously been licensed for the keeping of this
commodity.
The licensed premises have been occasionally inspected in
order to ascertain that the "Conditions" annexed to the
licenses were being properly carried out. The quantity of
petroleum spirit allowed to be kept varies from 20 to 1,000
gallons.
On one occasion during the year I visited certain private
premises in the district, and found thereon nearly 4,000
gallons of petroleum in two gallon tins. The premises were
not licensed, and when the occupier was informed that it was
not lawful to keep more than 60 gallons in one place of
storage for use on light locomotives, he immediately had the
petroleum placed in lots of 60 gallons each in the grounds,
each lot being more than 20 feet apart. This arrangement
complied with the Regulations made by the Secretary of State
under Section 5 of the Locomotives on Highways Act, 1896.
He also applied at once for a license to keep 1,000 gallons of
spirit, and constructed a suitable storehouse. Under these
circumstances it was not considered necessary to take proceedings
in respect to the infringement of the Petroleum Acts.
Legal Proceedings.
Legal proceedings were taken in the following cases, viz.:—
(1) For slaughtering on unlicensed premises, namely,
in a stable.
The defendant was fined 40s. and costs.