GAS CONSUMPTION

Evening Post, Volume XCIV, Issue 27, 1 August 1917, Page 8

GAS CONSUMPTION

COMPLAINTS AND A REPLY.

,A number of complaints have been made by consumers of gas during the recent trouble that not only is the gas of indifferent quality and of lower calorific value, but that largo quantities of air have found their way into the pipes and through the gas meters. It is said that the meters have not only registered air, but that, whatever'the cause, the "rush" through has been accelerated, and consumers have been called upon to pay for gas that they have never received, apart from the low quality of'that which they have been able to use. The matter was referred to the secretary of the company (Mr. J. H. Helliwell}, who remarked that in certain cases better heating results, and therefore more economical use of gas in cookers or rings, could be obtained by placing a rag round the airhole near the nipple, so as to reduce the inrush of atmospheric air. This he demonstrated,' and any person could do it. The result was to increase the heating value of the flame. This applied only to while the gas is in its present condition. The company did not deny the indifferent quality of the gas at the moment, but the use of. coal which had been under the weather for ' some time explained that. This would now be remedied as fresh coal supplies came to hand. With respect to the recent increased charge of 5d per thousand feet of gas, Mr. Helliwell said the public should know that increased cost of coal, increased taxation, ' arid higher wages, accounted for an increased prospective expenditure on the part of the company of fully £15,000; in fact, he thought it would be much more. Tha extra 5d per 1000 ft would, return the company on the basis of its usual sales of gas £6000. That would leave the company with an increased burden of £9000 to c*my,as.its share in the greater taxation, enhanced cost of production, and higher working expenses. Mr. Helliwell was asked if the company contemplated making any refund or allowance to consumers who had paid or would be called upon to pay for gas which they had not received, whatever the accusing meter might record. He said that would be a difficult matter for adjustment, but it was at present being considered by the directors.