Kapuni Gas As Fuel

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30823, 7 August 1965, Page 3

Kapuni Gas As Fuel

(N Z. Press Association) WELLINGTON, August 6.

The Minister of Mines (Mr Shand) confirmed today that the final report on the use of natural gas from the Kapuni field recommended that it be piped as a premium fuel to North Island cities and towns, “subject to the satisfactory conclusion of negotiations.” Mr Shand said the use of the gas would have to be an attractive proposition, taking the advantages and cost into account. “Otherwise the project could not be the subject of expansion which would be necessary if we are to sell the gas.” Mr Shand will present the report, from Mr J. G. Shattuck, senior executive of H. Zinder and Associates, the American consultants engaged by the Government, to the Cabinet on Monday. “It would not be proper for me to comment any further

on it, before it has gone to the Cabinet,” Mr Shand said. He was satisfied there had been no breach of confidence concerning the report. Mr Shattuck left New Zealand last night to return to the United States. His report is believed to recommend

) that the gas be piped to . Auckland, Hamilton, Hawera, I Wanganui, Palmerston North, : Levin, New Plymouth, Wellington and the Hutt Valley. Interim use of some of the ) gas for electricity generation t is also expected to be con--1 sidered by the Cabinet.