Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1942-12-22

Today in DC.
Fuel Oil Crisis
Hundreds of Families
Reported Without
Central Heating

With hundreds of washington
families reported without fuel
oil today, officials at the ONCE Of
Price Administration planned a
conference this afternoon to dis
cuss means Of relieving the sit
uation.
Lester Scott, chairman Of the
heating oil division of the Mer-
chants and Manufacturers Associa-
ton, said after comforting with oil
dealers that he regarded the esti-
mate that hundreds of families were
without central heating probably
an understatement" There were
no exact figures available, but deal
ers reported that it was not so much
the rationing tangle, though that
was confusing enough, but they
were so swamped with orders they
could not fill half of them.
Will Attend Conference.
Mr.. Scott was to attend the OPA
conference. He has suggested that
period 8 ration coupons, which are
valid beginning January 4, be made
valid at once, so that customers may
20 direct to their dealers with or
ders. OPA, to meet the cold spell.
authorized consumers to turn IN
half their period coupons and
receive in return current coupons.
But this measure is reported to
have led to delay and confusion.
National OPA officials have been
investigating Washington's ration
ing system, though similar difficult
ties are reported from cities all
over the East
Meanwhile, 1t was learned the Dis
trict fueel oil situation will be con-
sidered by a special Senate COM
mittee investigating the problem.
Senator Radcliffe. Democrat, OF
Maryland, a member of the COM
mittee headed by Senator Maloney
of Connecticut, said he did not know
when the group would start, but it
was expected they would begin
shortly after the new Congress con-
venes in January.
He invited any one to appear who
has a worthwhile contribution to
make to the study and has sent a
special invitation to Mr.. Scott to
appear as witness.
Government Feels Restriction.
Not only were private families hit
by the oil shortage, but the Govern
ment began to feel the restriction.
More than 100 War Production
Board employees at 470 Indiana ave-
nue. NV. had to be sent elsewhere
to work yesterday because their
Offices were cold. Later the WPB
got some oil for the Indiana avenue
Offices and they were expected to be
comfortable today
Mrs. Earle F. Gill OF 3275 Arcadia
place NV, telephoned The Star
that her family plans to move IN
with relatives in New Jersey who
burn coal. Mrs. Gill has three chill
dren, one only II months old, and
she said their 10-room house was
unbearably cold.
Mrs Gill said her husband, per-
sonnet official with the services Of
supply at the War Department, had
tried without avail to get additional
coupons from their ration board.
They used 2,790 gallons of oil last
winter and were allowed 1.540 for
this winter. An oil company deliv-
cred 81 gallons to the Gill home on
Sunday, Mrs. Gill reported, but re-
fused to give them more because
she had used all her coupons for
the period.
Long Lines at Ration Board.
Dealers pointed out that in past
winters consumers had kept their
tanks pretty well filled, 80 that
there was no sudden large demand.
Under rationing, they explained,
many householders ran out Of oil
before they could use additional
coupons and get more.
There were long lines at ration
boards, with many consumers watt
ing hours to obtain their emergency
coupons. Then, in many instances,
they faced an indefinite delay in
getting oil delivered.
In homes without fuel, gas ovens
were being used, open fires built
and electric heaters put to use.