"I am directed by the Methylated Spirit Controller to inform you
that the class of necessary household affairs for which methylated
spirit may be employed as a motor fuel comprises the conveyance
from the nearest convenient source of supply of foodstuffs, fuel
and medical requisites, provided that they cannot be obtained
without undue delay by any means of conveyance other than a motor
car."
My interest thoroughly stimulated by this time, I made yet one more
attempt. I wrote:--
"DEAR SIR,--Referring to Methylated Spirit (Motor Fuel)
Restriction Order, No. 2, 1917, I wish to sell my car"--which was
true--"but how, as I am now practically debarred from driving it
on the road, am I to give an intending purchaser a trial run?"
This was evidently a shrewd thrust, which required consideration, and
I heard nothing for a fortnight, during which I disposed of the car to
the proprietor of the local garage. At last the well-known O.H.M.S.
envelope gladdened my eyes. The letter within it, apologetic but
dignified in tone, is, I fancy, the most popular in stock. It said:--
"I am directed by the Methylated Spirit Controller to express
regret that there is no trace of the correspondence to which you
refer."