GAS FOR HUTT VALLEY

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 119, 13 February 1935, Page 4

GAS FOR HUTT VALLEY

Proposal For Price Reduction With a view to effecting a reduction in the price of gas to consumers, Mr. E. T. F. Hogg moved the following motion at last night’s meeting of the Petone and Lower Hutt Gas Lighting Board: "That the board ascertain whether the Wellington Gas Company, Limited, would supply gas to the board in bulk. If so, at what price, the board remaining owners of and responsible for its own undertaking as at present.” , Mr. D. IV. Campbell, who is employed by the Wellington Gas Company, withdrew from the discussion, but remained in the room. The question, said Mr. Hogg, arose out of the recent poll for the reconstruction of the manufacturing plant. That loan was turned down by the ratepayers. At that time and since it had been stressed that a reduction in the price of gas was an impossibility with the present plant, which already required a heavy expenditure to put it in order. Some twelve months aro he had made a calculation as to what the saving would be to the valley based on Wellington's retail prices, and the figure was iu the vicinity of £6OOO a year. Actually he had no knowledge of what the bulkprice would be, but it was common knowledge that the 'Wellington Gas Company’s retorts were far from working at full capacity, and maybe the saving in the figure mentioned would be shown. He thought of this avenue as a means of effecting a reduction, which _ otherwise would be remote. Mr. Hogg said the staff and supplies of coke to the valley could be taken care of if any change were made. . , , Mr. W. G. Meldrum said at the present time he was not too keeu on the idea, but suggested the price should be ascertained from the gas company. . Mr. A. Scholefield said he was against the resolution. Mr. C. P. Brockelbank said he was sorry the question had been brought up, for he could not see that any good purpose could be served. With the price the’Gas Company would give and the additions that would have to be made at the Pe.tone works he did not see that the people would be better off. He believed in keeping things under their own thumb and taking full responsibility. He was solidly against the proposal. Mr. Meldrum said that Mr. Hogg’s figures hud to be disproved, and for that reason he would like information from the Gas Company. He had no doubt about the future of the Petone gasworks, but at the same time be would like to know definitely what Mr. Hogg’s scheme would cost. At this stage Mr. Scholefield said : We may as well be candid. We can have a freer discussion if Mr. Campbell goes out.

Mr. Campbell: It’s all right, Mr. Scholefield. Mr. Scholefield : It’s not all right. , Mr. Campbell then withdrew, and Mr. Seholefiolu read a statement in committee.

The motion was finally lost, Messrs Hogg and Meldrum voting for it, and Messrs. Clendon, Scholefield and Brockelaank against it.