THE CITY SERVICES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVI, Issue 17254, 2 September 1919, Page 6

THE CITY SERVICES.

OUTLOOK BECOMES SERIOUS. Any further reduction in the already inadequate supplies of coal may mean a reduction in the tramway lighting and power services of the city. The position revealed at a conference held yesterday between the Deputy-Mayor, Mr. A. J. Entrican, the city electrical engineer, Mr. A. Wyllie, and the engineer for the Gas Company, Mr. J. Lowe, was far from encouraging. Such conferences have been ! held frequently during the last few weeks, but the prospects have never been so bad as those of the present moment, on account of the decision of the coal miners to limit the output of the mines. It was stated at the meeting that th© Gas Company expects to receive about seven days' supply this week, therefore its position will remain the same, with the prospect of it becoming worse should the Westport supplies decrease. Normally, the company uses equal proportions' of Newcastle and Westport coal. The only coal at present in sight fop the Auckland Gas Company is that aboard the Karori, which is expected to arrive from Newcastle on Thursday, and the Katoa, due from Westport on the same day. A portion of the Kaituna's cargo, now being unloaded at the wharf, will also be at the disposal of the Gaa Company. After discharge this vessel will go into dock to be refitted, and Mr. Lowe stated last evening that the company would require more coal before she resumes running. "Although we have at present sufficient coa: in sight to last us for seven or eight days." said Mr. Lowe, "the public is fully aware of the fact that at any time a few days' notice to conserve gas supplies may be given uy tha company." The position in regard to supplies for the City Council's powerhouse is slightly worse than has been the case for some weeks, and as it depends entirely upon Waikato coal, the prospects in regard to power will be anything but bright" should the Waikato supplies decrease. From the City Council's powerhouse some of the supply for the tramway services is drawn and it is announced that if coal require! ments are n-.. Jet there will be a reduction in thi wan.-vay services, and also in the amounv of power for machinery and lighting throughout the city

CONCERN IN GANTEEB-SBY. SERIOUS EFFECT ON SUPPLIES. [BY TELEGRAPH.— CO-RESPONDENT. J CHBISTCHURCH. Monday. The effect of the go-slow policy at-ths Blackball, Paparoa, and State' minss on the West Coast will be serious in Christchurch. Several vessels are loaded with coal for Lyttelton, however, and it may be some days before there is any appreciable effect here. A decided opinion is expressed by those associated with the trade that the policy will reduce the West Coast supplies for Canterbury by at l&asU 50 per cent.