GAS TURNED ON

Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 139, 8 March 1929, Page 13

GAS TURNED ON

MAKARA AND JOHNSONVILLE ANOTHER MILESTONE IN PROGRESS About six months ago, at the request of the Johnsonville Town Board and the Makara County Council, Parliament passed a measure which gave the Wellington Gas Company authority to supply gas in these districts. Yesterday afternoon, the ceremony of turning on the supply was performed by the chairman of directors of the company, Sir Harold Beauchamp, who mentioned that the provision of the many conveniences of a gas supply marked an important advance in the history of these rapidly-growing districts. “Our policy,” said Sir Harold Beauchamp, “has always been to provide gas as soon as possible in outlying districts, and during the last four years we have laid 66 miles of mains. Although it will probably be some years before a return will be received on. the heavy capital expenditure that has been incurred, we look forward with, confidence "to receiving generous support from the residents, and I feel sure that the gas-cooker will be popular in these districts as soon as its advantages become known. the past four years we have fixed 7987 gas-cookers, and last year was a record, when 2577 were fixed.

“The Wellington Gas Company will celebrate its diamond jubilee next year, and the residents of Johnsonville and Makara may rest'assured that we will make every endeavour to provide them with good service,” Sir Harold added. “The price of gas will be the same as that charged in the city. It is a pleasure to acknowledge the good services of our men engaged on this work, who will be granted a holiday this afternoon on full pay.” Mr. F. Moore, chairman of the Johnsonville Town Board, congratulated the Gas Company on supplying the district with a long-felt want. One could not help but admire, the optimism with which the task had been tackled, he said. He was sure that the service would be appreciated by all, because ft marked another milestone in the progress of the district. He hoped that it would not be long before the railway line between Wellington and Johnsonville would be electrified. The Gas Company was to be thanked for having done something towards inducing more people to live in Johnsonville. He wished the new venture the success it deserved.

Mr. E. Windley, chairman of the Makara County Council, who joined with the previous speaker in complimenting the Gas Company on its initiative, prophesied a great future for the district. : During the past five years, he said, remarkable progress had been made, and there was no reason why it should not continue. On the motion of Mr. Moore, a hearty vote of thanks was passed to the manager of the company (Mr. M. J. Kennedy), who, in replying, expressed the wish that every advantage would be taken of the new service. Afternoon tea was then handed round.