GAS BOARD

Hutt News, Volume 17, Issue 24, 17 November 1943, Page 7

GAS BOARD

—• A meeting of the Petone and Lower Hutt Gas Lighting Board was held on Tuesday, November 9. There were present the chairman, Hon. J. Gumming, M.L.C., and Messrs. Muir, W. Toomath, V. A. Noble, H. Y. Horlor and G. Cook.

The works manager, Mr. J. Adams, reported that during October 15,351,000 cubic feet of gas were manufactured, an average make per ton of coal being 17,000 cubic feet. During the periocj 407 tons of coke and of tar were sold.

The secretary, Mr. O. Silbery, imported that during the month four new services, 7 new cookers, 4 coppers, 1 caliphont, 1 water heater, and f> new meters were installed.

Mr. Adams, works manager, was granted leave of absence on account of ill-health, and Mr. W. Toomath was welcomed back to the boaru after an absence on account of illhealth.

The secretary gave fin outline of the proceedings of the conference of the New Zealand Gas Association, wllich dealt with such matters as soles tax on meters and gas appliances, an increase in the cliarga of gas to large industries and question of gas cookers in Government houses. The chairman confirmed the statement of the secretary, and referred to the discussion on the coal position. A member of the conference said he had visited Westport and Greymoutli and was astounded at the 'amount of coal at the wharves at these towns. The position was due to shipping. People were of opinion that there was an unlimited supply for the gas industry, but that was not the case. It was suggested that representation be made to the Mines Department that lignite be supplied to householders in the South Island. It would be a help to the industry, particularly as no coal was obtainable from Australia. The position was acute, and he was afraid it would be a bad time next winter. The conference was well worth while and the Wellington Gas Company had been very generous in its hrepltality. On the motion of Mr. Horlor, a vote of thanks was accorded to the chairman and secretary for , the able way they had represented the board and for the report presented. The secretary Reclamation of Waste Material, Mr. A. G. Steffensen) wrote asking for a gas service to be installed In their new waste material house in Bouverie Street. On the motion of Mr. Cumming the request was agreed to. Mr. Duncanson, who was clerk of works, has resigned his position, and in appreciation of his services the board has granted him four weeks pay.