CITY GAS SERVICE

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVI, Issue 264, 6 October 1936, Page 9

CITY GAS SERVICE

MASSEY COLLEGE EXTENSION

REQUEST BY DEPARTAIENT

Following an enquiry from the Department of Agriculture for a gas supply for proposed new buildings at Massey College, the Palmerston North City Council, last evening, adoirted a recommendation from the lighting committee that supply be given on certain terms.

The report of tho gas manager (Mr J. AV. Muir) included the following: “I took this matter up with the Agricultural Department and the registrar at Massey College (Air C. C. Y T ates). I explained to them both that the existing main was fully loaded. I also asked Air Yates if lie thought hie council would consider or agree to the City Council taking over the existing main which, of course, was installed at their expense, the council agreeing at the time to make a rebate to be assessed on the amount of gas used, should others desire to connect to the main. Air Yates stated that he would require a letter setting out the City Council’s proposal, whatever that may be, to place before his council. I gathered that the college authorities would probably be prepared to forgo their interest in the present main providing that this council, whenever necessary, increased the size of the main, and took over any future maintenance and passible extension in the size of the main on the part of the college. He stated that such action would, of course, mean writing off their books tho present main, which cost £670 (being the main from the bridge to the college gates). The main from their gates to tho college building would, of course, remain the property of tho board. “I estimate that it would cost £863 to replace the existing 3in. main between the bridge and the college gates, with a Gin. main (a 6in. main would have approximately four times the capacity of a 3in. main), less the value of the existing 3in. and 4in. main reclaimed, £438, making the cost of replacing the main £425. .It would also he necessary to improve the gas supply to the bridge and this would mean the laying of 36 chains of 4in. main in Te Awe Awe Street to complete the main from Albert Street to Fitzherbert Avenue. This would cost, I estimate, £287, and I am also of the opinion that it would be necessary, sooner or later, to increase the capacity of the existing main in Fitzherbert Avenue, from the Square to College Street, by laying a.n additional 6in. main for this distance of 28 chains. At the present time there is only a 3iu. main and it has to feed Ferguson Street each way, Ohaytor Street and College Street, besides the balance of I itzherbert _ Avenue. This 28 chains of Gin. main 1 estimate would cost £414.

“Outside of any increased load at the college, 1 consider this is a job that should be done as soon as possible ill any case, to reduce the number ot complaints regarding low pressure received from the area between Fitzherbert Avenue and Cook Street.” The report of the lighting committee, whieu was adopted, included the following:—“lt was decided that the Department of Agriculture be advised that the council is prepared to mstal a Gin. main in place ot the 3in. pipe to be taken over from Alassey College provided that the department guarantees an additional consumption through the main of gas to a value of £6O per annum tor a period of ten years, subject to the council making satisfactory ■arrangements with the college regarding the disposal of the Sin. main. It was further deckled that the College Council be advised of the inquiry received from the Department of Agriculture and that it be informed that the city is willing to take over the existing 3in. main and replace it with one of Gin. capacity. Further, the council will relieve the College Council of the necessity for the maintenance of the main, provided the Department oi Agriculture is agreeable to guarantee a certain yearly minimum consumption of gas.” '