GAS LOSSES AT SUMNER

Press, Volume LXXXIX, Issue 27092, 15 July 1953, Page 3

GAS LOSSES AT SUMNER

METERS INSTALLED ON MAINS

The mystery of the loss of gas produced from the Sumner gasworks in mains to consumers was not solved yesterday. Meters are being placed on the mains in Sumner to determine the actual loss.

The works are producing between 40,000 and 45,000 cubic feet of gas daily, and although City Council officials know that losses are occurring, they are unable to give any assessment of the losses until readings of consumers’ meters against records of production are compared over a period. The possibility of a big leak in the main outside the Hollywood Theatre was investigated yesterday. A hole was driven into the ground and a meter installed to measure the quantity of gas escaping. Only a slight leakage was recorded, and the joints of the mains were tightened. Because of the cold weather and the possibility that Sumner residents are using more gas in preference to electricity. consequent on the increased charges for current by the M.E.D.. the increased consumption of gas is difficult of assessment. The age of the retorts at the works is not blamed for the loss of gas. The production from the old retorts is less than that from efficient beds and allowance has been made for that in the computation of a serious loss of gas. City Council officials expected yesterday that the cause of the loss of gas would be located,in a few days.