THE CITY SERVICES.

Auckland Star, Volume LI, Issue 104, 1 May 1920, Page 7

THE CITY SERVICES.

TRAMS AKD ELECTRIC POWER. ■WATER FOR HIGH LEVELS. DEPEXD ON PROMPT COAIi SUPPLIES. The seriousness of tho position with regard to the cessation of supplies of coal owing to the railway strike, was referred Ito by the Mayor, Mr. J. H. Gunson, tliis morning after a conference with the City Electrical Engineer, and ■the General .Manager of the City Tramways. "The position with regard to the tramways, electric power, and light service," eai£. the Mayor, "is the same as previously indicated. WWh another 30 tons of coal secured this morning the electric station will be able to run until Monday night, and possibly Tuesday morning, therefore so far as can be e*en ■at present, the light and power will be all right over tho week-end. With regard to the tram eervice the consumption of coal is one-ithird more than at itfhe electric station. A s far as can et present be eeen the trams should be kept Tunning until next Monday night." "The Prime Minister was Trired to on Thurediiy regarding the shortage of ecal stocks for Auckland City eerrlcee. Another telegram wae sent ith'is morning, in which it was suggested that ac '.the stoppage of train s had conserved the coal stocks at the AtrcWand Kailway Staltion, that the Government should let the City have 500 tons for local requiremen'te. If this request ie granted, it will be •possible for both services to be kenlt going -without a break. Coal for the Council is on trucks -waiting engines to bring it to Auckland. "Another matter which citizens should be made awaTe of is that if the Oity power etaltion has to close on Monday for wan* of coal, it will mean stoppage of the pump at Ehyber Base, which raises the water to the reservoiT on Mt Eden for the supply cf the Jhigh JeveK This pump is dependent upon electric power, and if Steam taaa to be substituted, it will mean a reduced pressure of water —say about one-third in Mt. Eden Borough, Remuera, and tie higiher levels of the City. I may say that in regard *o all these important services, the Council is doing all that is possible to keep them going, but continuance depends upon the supply of coal If coal does not come to hand promptly their stoppages are unavoidable."