City's Gas Department

Manawatu Times, Volume 64, Issue 153, 1 July 1939, Page 4

City's Gas Department

That the Palmerston North gas plant has a very large unused capacity and that considerable economy would result from increased consumption, are two salient points in a report submitted to the last council meeting by Cr. AV. B. Tennent, chairman of the lighting committee. It was a practical, welldetailed report upon which Cr. Tennent and the department officers are to be congratulated.

The report and its recommendations originate not from any fears as to the financial soundness of this undertaking, which is one in which ratepayers have a very great sum invested, and loans liability, which must ever be met, but there is seen an opportunity to sell a great deal more gas and thus gain more revenue at little or no additional cost apart from that of coal consumption. The council is, therefore, about to embark upon a campaign to “boost” gas consumption. In so doing it will well serve citizens, Jor gas is an ideal medium for all heating purposes. For cooking, water heating and heating of buildings it is highly efficient and cheap. There is but one most needful requirement that must be met in another quarter. That is an assured supply of coal, and it is the responsibility of the coalmining industry to see that this is provided unfailingly. The council is to be commended upon its businesslike determination to develop the gas department’s output and revenues. This is the first or second most important undertaking controlled by the council and its financial success and good service given affect every citizen.