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34
PETROLEUM ACT, 1881, AND ORDERS IN COUNCIL
THEREUNDER.
These Acts provide for the safe keeping of petroleum, which
when tested in the manner prescribed by Schedule One of the
Act, gives off an inflammable vapour at a temperature below 73◦
Fahr. Petroleum having a flash point below this figure must be
stored under the provisions of a license, except when kept in
separate pint vessels, the quantity kept not exceeding three gallons,
or when kept for fuel for light locomotives under the Secretary of
State's Regulations, the limit then being sixty gallons, in two-gallon
vessels for one store house.
During the year five applications for licenses to keep petroleum
and one for permission to increase the amount of petroleum kept
from 1000 to 2000 gallons were received and reported upon. The
latter application was refused and in the other cases the licenses
were granted on the usual conditions.
Eight notices have been received from owners of motor cars
giving notice of their intention to keep motor spirit under the
Provisions of the Secretary of State's Regulations made pursuant to
Section 5 of the Locomotives on Highways Act, 1896.
The licensed premises, stores, and motor garages have been
inspected, and the conditions upon which the licenses were granted,
have been with few exceptions, well carried out.
In one instance, however, having reasonable cause to believe
that motor spirit was being kept at the Cinematograph Theatre,
Market Place, I obtained a warrant from the Justices to enter the
premises and to search for petroleum therein. A quantity of motor
spirit found on the premises was seized and a summons was
preferred against the occupier for keeping petroleum without a
license from the Council. The defendant was fined £5 and £1 2s.
costs and the petroleum forfeited.
Other contraventions of the Acts and Orders have formed the
subject of special reports.
Twelve licenses are now in force covering 3266 gallons of
Petroleum Spirit.
During the year fourteen samples of oils have been purchased
and tested all of which were found to be above the flash point
prescribed by the Act.
CONCLUSION.
In conclusion I desire to express my appreciation of the support
which has been extended to me by every member of the Council
and the Medical Officer of Health in my efforts to carry out the oft
times difficult and dangerous duties which I am called upon to
perform.
I am, Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
H. COLEMAN,
Sanitary Inspector.