GAS SUPPLY

Greymouth Evening Star, 18 October 1946, Page 2

GAS SUPPLY

MORE HEATERS INSTALLED BOROUGH COUNCIL’S POLICY QUESTIONED RESTRICTION MOVE DEFEATED Reference in the report of the gas manager (Mr. A. J. Fairmaid) to the installation of three cookers, two water heaters and eight space heaters, of a total value of £3lO/10/- during September prompted Cr. P. Blanchfield, at a meeting of the Greymouth Borough Council last evening to propose that no new gas heaters be installed until the report of Mr. F. J. Kennedy on improvements to the gas works is received, but the motion was lost.

Cr. Blanchfield said he did not think it was good policy to connect extra customers when difficulty was being experienced in coping with the present demand for gas. Mr. Fairmaid said that gas heaters were to be installed at the courthouse and the Land and Income Tax Department also intended to instal gas heaters.

Cr. Blanchfield said that the works had to get only one setback, such as a shortage of coal or the absence of a skilled man or two, and the council would be in a serious position concerning the gas supply.

“Very Close to Limit.” Mr. Fairmaid said that an interim report had been given by Mr. Kennedy. The works at present was very close to the limit of its manufacturing capacity. Cr. Blanchfield suggested that, until the council found out what the possible output of the works would be if the new proposals were put into effect, no more heaters of any description should be installed. Cr. F. F. Boustridge proposed that no action be taken until Mr. Kennedy’s full report was received. There were not likely' to be many heaters installed during the summer. Cr. G. R. Harker suggested that that in the meantime the engineer should proceed with his investigations concerning extra storage facilities. Mr. Fairmaid' said he could get a price for the job of increasing the holder storage, but he did not think there would be a chance of the job being done before next winter. After further discussion Cr. Blanchfield moved that no new gas heaters be installed until the report of Mr. Kennedy was received. The motion was seconded by Cr. J. E. Stokes, and was also supported by Crs. AV. Herring and A. L. McKay, but was lost on the casting vote of the Mayor. Gas Manager’s Report. The gas manager, in his report, stated that, the gas sold during August totalled 4,194,900 cubic feet, an increase of 154,600 cubic feet on the total for August last year. Cash receipts for September totalled £ 1509 10/4, compared with £1462/5/2 in September, 1945. The cash receipts from April 1 to September 30 totalled £9804/2/2, compared with £8933 0/3 in the corresponding period last year, an increase of £B7l/1/11. “With regard to improvement of the works, Mr. F. J. Kennedy placed at my disposal correspondence and drawings relating to the report to be made and these are available for perusal by councillors,” The engineer was empowered to employ two youths for training in the meter-repairing' and fitting department.