Gas Lighting Board

Hutt News, Volume 11, Issue 12, 18 August 1937, Page 5

Gas Lighting Board

MATTERS OF INTEREST The monthly meeting of the Petone and Lower Hutt Gas Lighting Board was held last week. There were present the chairman, Mr W. G. Lodder, and Messrs E. T. E. Hogg, R. M. Russell, J. Cumming, D. W. Campbell, V. £.■ Jacobson and C. J. Ashton. Mr Russell moved that the engineer bring down a report on me best method of treating the board's tar to bring it up <.0 Government specifications. Mr Ashton, in seconding the motion, said the question of making oil from the tar should be investigated. There was a big demand for it. The chairman did not think the works were big enough to give consideration to the manufacture of oil from tar, but he agreed steps should be taken to bring the tar up to Government specifications. It was decided to ask the engineer to prepare a report on the question. NEW GASOMETER. EXISTING STORAGE NOT ADEQUATE The engineer, Mr Duncan MaciJflcrson, reported that consideration would have to be given to the provision of a new gas holder for storage, in the near future. The existing complete storage capacity was 361,000 cubic feet, with ia working capacity of about 330,000 cubic fe"3t. The present average daily output of gas was about 365,000 cubic feet. When Griffen's factory commenced operations, this figure would be increased by about 30,000 cubic feet. The completion of the Government housing scheme would further increase the daily output substantially. A further amount must be added for the natural increase. A new holder would provide a safety margin in case of a breakdown.

Mr Macpherson said the existing concrete tank at the works could be utilised in the erection of a mediumsized holder. A spiral guided steel holder of 166,000 cubic feet capacity could be erected complete in the tank at ail estimated cost of £8265 delivered ready for use in 12 months. Mr Russell suggested that the holder should be erected at Lower Hutt. Mr Hogg said the industrial area would be the best place to erect it. The chairman said the board would consider the best site for the holder before anything definite was done. At the present time the board had to provide an adequate supply for the next nine months. Mr Hogg said that if a breakdown occurred, there would be barely enough gas to keep the suppb for 24 hours. Mr Russell asked where the money was coming from to do the work. The chairman said the Government would have to be approached for its authority to increase the overdraft. It was decided on the motion of Mr Russell, that the Government be approached with a view of making arrangements concerning the financial aspect, and that the engineer prepare plans for a new holder.

"AN INJUSTICE." CONSTITUTION OF BOARD The proportion of representation of the Lower Hutt and Petone boroughs on the board was described by Mr Ashton as "an injustice to Lower Hutt, which had three consumers to two in Petone." He suggested that the board should consider an alteration in the constitution to remove this injustice. (At the present time Petone and Lower Hutt borough have each three representatives on the board with an independent member who is chaiiman). Mr Ashton said if the constitution were amended in the direction he suggested the injustice could be righted at next election. He would like the chairman to make recommendations on the matter. He was sure that whatever the chairman suggested would be acceptable to the boaid and he hoped to the consumers. Representation should be on a consumei basis which was fair to all. There were other methods whereby the board could reconstitute itself, continued Mr Ashton. Another step would undoubtedly come in the gas industry, as well as in all others, was the direct representation of emmight be early yet f r r thai, but the ployees on boards of management. It next best thing in the meantime, as far as their board was concerned, was to arrange the constitution on a consumer basis. The chairman said that should amalgamation take place the matter would be remedied at once. Mr Ashton: That is so. The board would be washed out. Mr Ashton moved that the Minister of Internal Affairs be written to asking if amalgamation was near or was still on the far horizon. The chairman said that Parliament, would probably do something about •amalgamation this session. Mr Russell believed the Government would only bring down legislation on amalgamation. As far as Petone and Lower Hutt were concerned he believed that amalgamation would not come for five years at least. Mr Russell supported Mr Ashton for a revision of the constitution. The larger proportion of those who were responsible for the board's liabilities and for the consumption of its product were in Lower Hutt. The motion was carried.

TAITA HOUSING SCHEME BOARD WANTS INFORMATION Mr Russell moved the Government Housing Department be asked to state its intentions' regarding the land it had taken under proclamation at Taita. Mr Russell said he moved the motion because if the scheme went ahead the board would be faced with considerable expenditure, running into six figures There would be a principal main to be run to a gasometer in the vicinity, 25 mile's of small mains and other expense. Ihe board was now only a baby. It would have a city thrust on it in the future and should be ready to face up to what that involved. The present board or its successor, inust have some information about the future, so it could make its plans. Mr Russell's motion was carried. DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS The engineer, Mr Duncan Miacpherson, reported that during July 11,306,000 cubic feet of gas were manufactured, an increase over July 1936, of 478,000 cubic feet,, an average make per ton of coal of 15,659 cubic feet. During the period 381 tons of coke and 3095 gallons of tar were sold. The secretary, Mr O. Silbery, reported that during July, 28 new services, 25 new cookers, 5 coppers, 3 caliphonts, 5 gas fires, 4 hotplates and 29 new meters were installed.