The Waterbury Democrat., 1942-07-13
Breezing Round New York
Where What See; Where Eat and What to Do

1 for free. They seem little con- cerned over possible loss of use of the car by insufficient gasoline or rub Der. One hard-boiled individual bragged that he would steal tires if necessary to continue his business. Others concerned with making a few dollars without sightseeing bus or private automobile offer circuit trip as guide for a small fee. They point out all interesting sights to groups willing to go by nickel sub way, bus or dime Fifth Avenue Coach routes. There is an advantage in these trips. You can finger where you will or skip along If not con- cerned with more than quick lock- see.
 was interested in the gasoline shortage near New York. Wherever one went, pumps seemed to be dry. The largest quantity one could buy was three gallons unless the attend ant knew the driver as a steady customer.
 It has been poor system com- pared to that of sugar rationing. One person seemed to get all the gas desired. The next none. Filling stations hang up signs proclaiming "No Cas-. A close watch revealed that "No Gas" pumps were used for certain people. Several attendants at stations have been surly and grumpy to motorists that drive in. I have been in a few myself. It sur- prised me that no one refusing me gasoline had the presence of mind to inquire the condition of my oil or grease. No courteous explanation or regret. Not even a hopeful ex- pression that I might have good luck at the next place.
 There was no polite offer to wipe the windshield or fill the radiator. By contrast I stopped at the first gas station on the Hutchinson River Parkway near my home. There a young lady attendant in coveralls regretted regulations prevented her from giving me more than six gal Ions. She was smart enough to sell can of Essolube to make it more productive. The windshield was quickly wiped.
 I was impressed with her remarks as she filled the radiator. They sold me can of flush and water regul- ator in order to get greater per- formance from my car. It seemed as though she was thinking of our safety when she volunteered to check the oil, making two extra sales by detecting my self-lubricating sys- tem would have to be refilled soon and any oil left over could be given | to the motor.
 She punched my gas rationing car,.. Some difference, remarked, ito this system and that of getting sugar. If a dealer buys sugar he must have ration card coupons for the amount purchased as replace ments. This way gasoline dealers have nothing to show for making sales" A few oth,r pleasantries and we were wished a safe journey.
 It was 8 pleasant surprise to find less than ten miles from several business sections with many dealers claiming to be out of gasoline, a station that had plenty for all corners. The well supplied station was doing a poor business. Other parkway stations seemed well sup piled and had few patrons. Most cars were sticking to commercial thoroughfares in fear of an empty tank. They seemed to have forgot 1 ten the high speed roadway sta tions built exclusively for mobile customers.
 I am convinced from observations that if drivers were obliged to give a coupon for gasoline which had to l be turned in for refills, there would be less favoritism and great deal more cooperation from average motorists.
 J. Jay.