QUALITY OF GAS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21342, 17 November 1932, Page 15

QUALITY OF GAS

LABOUR MEMBERS COMPLAIN

NO SUPPORT FROM MINISTER

[BY TELEGRAPH —SPECIAL REPORTER]

"WELLINGTON, "Wednesday Complaints about the quality and price cf Auckland gas were voiced in the House to-day during consideration of the Estimates.

The subject was raised by Mr. M. J. Savage (Labour— Auckland West), who raid the quality of gas was a common complaint in Auckland, and he considered there was anv amount of room for the enforcement of the gas regulations. He stressed the desirability of an immediate nnd searching inquiry into the question Mr. W. E. Parry (Labour —Auckland Central) made a similar complaint, adding that objection was also taken to the dearne.ss of gas in Auckland. All that was said on "the subject in the annual report of the Department of Industries anrl ! 'mumerce was that a very affectionate feeling existed between the gas companies and the departmental inspectors. There was real dissatisfaction regarding the quality of gas in Auckland and complaints had been made to him. However, It., was difficult for a member to prosecute inquiries, as he had not been able to find vvhcje tho examiners in Auckland weie [orated. . , Replving. the Minister in charge of the vote, the Hon. A. Hamilton, * ho department had an office in Audwiiu. and he presumed the exarnineis w< | l6 0 be found there. The department bad a good man in Auckland and he made an inspection every few days. The depai - ment bad never had a complaint about tho quality of Auckland gas. Mr. Hamilton said the gas companies had to compete against electricity and he often wondered how they were able to stand up against that pressure. Mr. Parry: As long as the people get the pressure I don t mind. Mr. Hamilton said the pressure and heating qualities of gas were frequently tested and the keenness of competition was itself sutiieient to keep gas companies up to i lie mark. Mr. Parry : But people arc always ringing up and complaining. Mr. Hamilton : We have had no complaints.