THE CITY GAS SUPPLY

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XXXVII, Issue 85, 25 April 1903, Page 2

THE CITY GAS SUPPLY

COMPLAINTS OF NAPHTHA LENE.

EARNEST CONSIDERATION ORDERED.

At the meeting of the Nelson City Council last evening a letter was read fram Mr O. W. Hanhy, Hardystreet, complaining of the inferiority of tbe gas supply, and of the frequent annoyance caused by naphthalene. The pipes connected with his house were brand new, and that they ' have heen properly laid with good fittings was proved' by the gas for the first few weeks of occupancy, being all that could be desired. But three times in less than two months he had had to obtain the services of tihe Corporation plumbers to explode naphthalene and enable the family to use the service for cooking and lighting. Cr Webley said it was; an important thing, and should he discussed in Council. There were other sufferers as well as Mr Hanby, and he did not think the matter should be referred to the Gas and Water Committee.

Cr Harley thought the Council's employees should go and examine the fittings within houses for naphthalene.

Cr Fairey said he read the leader in the "Mail," and thought it was overdrawn. He would like to know haw many complaints have been received at the Council.

Towards the end of the discussion;, evidently to the surprise of the Councillors, the Town Clerk said that 74 complaints had been received during the last fortnight. ■'..' Cr Hudson said the naphthalene question was becoming a serious question, and considered the Corporation should look after the interests of the public.

Cr Piper said the Council should fit all the gas, and if they have not control the gas will never be right.

Cr Harley said a by-law should be passed to this effect.

Mr Henderson, City Engineer, said that Trafalganr-street was free from naphthalene, hut in Nhe Wood, where it was damp, there was more naphthalene than in any other place. Damn and moisture was to blame for this. Once the new gasworks were completed there would be thought be no room for grumbling. He suggested that shale. should'.'-; 'fie procured and So enrich the gas. The Mayor thought something should be done.

After furifter discussion it was resolved that Mr Hanby's letter and qther complaints be referred to 'the Gas Committee for earnest consideration.