GAS CONFERENCE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 18942, 13 February 1925, Page 12

GAS CONFERENCE.

INTERESTS OF ENGINEERS. IMPROVING THE INDUSTRY. The conference of the Gas Institute of New Zealand was continued yesterday, Mr. J. Lowo presiding. The annual report and balance-sheet presented by the secretary, Mr. H. Rands, stated tho total membership was now 65. As the total number of gas works in tho Dominion was only 54, this was a very gratifying result for the first year. The main portion of the report dealt with the new gas regulations, tho provisions of which were explained in detail. Tho report and balance-sheet were adopted. A paper on the selling of gas and gas appliances was read by Mr. J. J. Rogers, Auckland. The main points emphasised wero the principle of good service to consumers, methods of successful salesmanship, and the necessity for guaranteed quality in all goods offered for sale. At a time when electricity competition was keen, it was essential that the best methods should bo used if customers were to bo retained. Tho Gas Institute could help the industry in many ways to give better service to the public, and thus maintain the position of gas as one of tho most important utilities. A paper on " The Suitability of Vertical Retorts for small Gasworks" was read by Mr. G. D. Stone. Members visited tho Auckland Gas Works in tho afternoon, and later wero taken for a motor drive. The business sessions of tho conference will conclude to-day, when the new council will bo elected, and technical papers read by Mr. G. H. Collins, Auckland, and Mr. J. Learmouth, Waihi. Visits will bo paid to the Devonport and Northcote gas works this afternoon. The first meeting of the now council will take place this evening.