LYTTELTON NEWS

Press, Volume LXXXII, Issue 24868, 7 May 1946, Page 3

LYTTELTON NEWS

GAS SUPPLY That the chairman ol the gasworks oomrruttee Cr. R. E. Cairns, worked as a stoker at the gasworks for two hours on Sunday morning was revealed at the meeting of the Borough Council last night when the failure of the gas supply last week was under discussion. It was also reported that the council would interview its selected applicant for the position of gasworks manager this morning, and it was hoped that he would take up his duties shortly. A letter was received from two of the gasworks stokers * urging that improvements be made to the building and plant. If h3s been stated that the gas has been cut mf at the midday maal hour and at the tea hour. I wish to give this an emphatic denial,” said Cr. Cairns. “The gas has never been cut off deliberately, except for two hours last Friday night while an expert made an examination of the valves and mains at the works. With two of the stokers off sick, leaving only one experienced stoker and two relieving men on the job, we have simply been unable to make enough gas to meet the demand.” Cr. Cairns said he had long advocated the appointment of a gasworks manager, but it was only at its last meeting that the council had decided to do something, "I am sorry to say that some residents telephoned the gasworks and ‘blew up’ the stokers about the gas failure. That Is most unfair. These men are doing a very arduous job and are working long hours.” He said that Lyttelton was not the only town that was having trouble with its gasworks. Cr. C. A. Walker said that he had inspected the gasworks and was perturbed at the working conditions of the men. The men had been working under great difficulties in what he would say were shocking conditions. On the motion of Cr. D. G. Miller,* the following committee was appointed to deal with the gasworks with power to act:—the Mayor (Mr W. T. Lester), Crs. Cairns, Walker, and F. H. Heal. Sports Club

The Lyttelton Boxing and Sports Club wrote stating that it was endeavouring to secure the use of the former Z Company s building adjoining the Drill Hall. The club asked that. In the event of it being successful, the council would grant financial assistance towards the cost of fitting up the building. The council had tried to get the building for converting into flats to relieve the housing shortage, said Cr. G. Briggs, but the Army authorities said they it for their own use. The council had 20 or 30 applications for the flats. How was it that the Army was now prepared to lease it?

Cr. C. A. Walker said the Railway Department was also desirous of taking over the building for flats for railway employees. The Army did not want to give up the building, said Cr. R. E. Cairns, but would grant sports bodies the use of the rooms in the meantime. The application was deferred until the council considered the estimates.

Lyttelton Main School There was an attendance of 33 at the adjourned annual meeting of householders of the Lyttelton Main School last night. Mr G. Ticehurst presided. . The following committee was electea:— Mrs D. Boyd, Messrs L. Shuker, D. McKendry, A. Rennie, W. Adams, R. Parrott, A. Martin, R. Jones, and E. Paulsen. At a meeting of the committee later Mr Poulsen was elected chairman and Mrs Boyd secretary.