ELECTRICITY OR GAS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19510, 14 December 1926, Page 15

ELECTRICITY OR GAS.

HEATERS* FOR NEW SCHOOL, PROTEST BY POWER BOARD. The protest which the Waitemata Power Board has made against the proposal tc> instal gas heaters in the Grammar School now in course of erection at Takapuna was pursued further at a meeting, of the Power Board yesterday. The secretary, Mr, S. Brittain Bull, reported that the following letter had been sent to the Auckland Grammar 'School• Board and had been acknowledged 'lt has been. reported that your board pro< poses to instal gas heaters in the new Griammar Sichool at Takapuna. If the report is correct my board much. regrets that such a decision has been arrived at without an opportunity being given of discussing with your representatives the relative advantages, such as. portability, durability, freedom from fumes and the cost. Ail a public body, supplying a public commodity where the question of earning a dividend does not enter into considratioi'i, my iboard is naturally anxious for the support and co-operation of other public bodies." Mr. T. Lamont, one of the recentlyelected DeVonport members of the Power Board, said that as children were expected to be educated up to the minute, it stood to reason that electricity should be the medium used in the school. It was cleaner and safer than gas and was tins most modern means of heating and light; ing. "1 have had some nxpenencfo of'thii Grammar School Board," he add»d, "and in my opinion there is not a business-like man among them, What is required is new men on the board," The secretary said his information was that th® architects who designed the new schol had arranged for gas heaters because they wore found very satisfactory at Mount' Albert, where the teachers had reported favourably upon them. Sir. M. E, Thompson suggested that a, quotation should be supplied for electric heaters. Mr. H. A. Robertson remarked that when the Arapuni scheme was embarked upon the Prime Minister laid down the policv that hydro-electric undertakings of a public nature should be supported by all public institutions, Mr. A, E. Greenslade suggested that a deputation might wait upon the Grammar School Board. . The idea was supported by Mr. J. Mackie, who said the. Grammar School Board might have a different complexion to put oh the matter if it could explain to a deputation. Mr. Greenslade's suggestion was adopted.