SELF-SERVICE PETROL
Shell service stations at Hurstville and Carlton led the way when self-serve petrol was introduced in 1976.
It’s hard to believe that, up till then, motorists would stay sitting in their car while an attendant pumped the petrol and, if you were lucky, checked the oil and tyre pressures, as well.
Six service stations in Sydney and Melbourne were chosen to begin the radical change.
They included the Shell outlets on Princes Highway, Carlton, near St George Leagues Club, and at the corner of Forest and Gloucester roads, Hurstville.
Rhonda Fletcher, of Carlton, was photographed at Hurstville not only filling up, but also supposedly checking under the bonnet and using a tyre pressure gauge.
Note the gloves provided for these tasks.
When it came to pay, the original photo caption reads: “She is pictured paying the console operator, Mrs Suzanne Shelley, who can read from a computer the amount on any petrol pump on the station”.
FLASHBACK FRIDAY
Every Friday we delve into the Leader archives to embark on some time travel.
We will bring you a photograph of a news event from 57 years of Leader news coverage that you may or may not recall.
Flashback Friday submissions are also welcomed.
Feel free to share your recollections with us on our Facebook page @stgeorgesutherlandleader or email leaderletters@fairfaxmedia.com.au