TOWN WITHOUT GAS

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 112, 5 February 1935, Page 10

TOWN WITHOUT GAS

Hot Sun Causes Gasometer to Partly Overturn

WOODVILLE’S PLIGHT

'Dominion Special Service. Palmerston North, February 4. The Woodville Borough Council’s gas supply failed shortly before 10 o’clock on Sunday night, as the result of the fierce sup during the day causing the gasometer to rise unduly and partly overturn/ Over 13,000 feet of gas was liberated, and since then the town has had no gas. The gas manager stated to-day that he made the usual amount of gas yesterday. In the afternoon the gasometer rose suddenly three and a half feet, due to the tremendous heat. The shade temperature was 91 degrees, and the rapid expansion of the gas caused the 15-ton shell to rise rapidly. The manager adjusted the weights which control thg balance of the gasometer. He kept a close watch on the position, and shortly after 9 p.m. noticed a list. He adjusted the weights, but owing to a defect apparently due to earthauake damage the shell responded too rapidly, and despite efforts to adjust the balance the shell gradually tipped ever until the side nearest the town was above the water level. With a roar gas rushed out, lifting the gasometer from its guides and toppling it at an angle of 45 degrees, the bottom portion resting on the tip of the concrete tank. Several steel plates were buckled. An effort was made this morning to right the gasometer, a block and tackle being used. In the meantime the council got into touch with an expert in this class of work, who was expected to arrive this afternoon.