CUT IN GAS SUPPLY

Press, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 25162, 18 April 1947, Page 8

CUT IN GAS SUPPLY

EFFECT OF COLD WEATHER

STATEMENT ISSUED BY COMPANY

The recent cold weather which brought about a demand for gas usually attributable to the winter months was, in the main, responsible for the interruption of the .gas supply, said a statement issued yesterday by the Christchurch Gas Company. An extra hour during which full pressure would be maintained was also announced by the company. The supply until 7 p.m. was primarily to assist housewives whose preparation of meals might be badly hampered by the original intention of imposing the restriction from 6 p.m.

“The company has made provision to meet the anticipated winter load, but the installation of the new plant is as yet not completed,” says the statement. “Hence, the volume of gas available for distribution will not at present meet the full demands of consumers.

“The position has been made worse by a diminution in the volatile hydrocarbon content of coals available for carbonisation, combined with a cessation of supplies of special Canterbury lignite coal which has been used during the last five years for diluent gas production. Notice to Consumers “Adequate notice to consumers was prevented by the rapid and continuing incidence of the load during the early part of the week, because of the sudden break in the weather, combined with the non-arrival of urgent deliveries of special lignitous coals which were expected. “New plant to the total value of approximately £30,000 is at the moment lying at the works awaiting installation. The unprecedented shortage of labour is delaying this work, but the company hastens to assure its consumers that the loyalty of its existing staff is unquestioned. “The company is making every effort to ensure that normality of supply will be regained at an early date, but this, to a great extent, depends on factors beyond its control. “Given the loyal co-operation of our consumers and normal seasonal weather conditions, it is anticipated that the present restrictions will be considerably minimised.”