GAS SUPPLIES AT SUMNER

Press, Volume XC, Issue 27374, 12 June 1954, Page 9

GAS SUPPLIES AT SUMNER

RESTRICTIONS MAY BE IMPOSED

If the consumption of gas by Sumner residents continues at the present high rate during the week-end, it is expected that several restrictions will have to be imposed. Consumers in the .area have been asked to refrain from using space heating appliances and to use other appliances as little as possible, otherwise it may be necessary to lower the pressure. The cold weather during the week caused heavy drains on gas supplied. New retorts have been installed in the Sumner gasworks in the last few months, and they are now almost ready to produce. The City Engineer (Mr E. Somers) said yesterday that it would take some time for the new retorts to heat up and become fully effective.

During the last few weeks the gas supply has not been the best at Sumner, but the works have been able to meet demands. This week, however, there has been a heavier drain on supplies and Mr Somers now fears that if consumption continues at the present rate pressure will have to be lowered over the week-end.

There would oe a flame but there would be no heat, because the works would have to lower the pressure if consumption was too heavy, he said. He asked all consumers to co-operate. “If they play the game everything will be all right,” he said.