CITY GAS SUPPLY

New Zealand Herald, Volume 81, Issue 25000, 16 September 1944, Page 6

CITY GAS SUPPLY

OUTLOOK IMPROVED COAL NOW ON THE WAY RESTRICTIONS CPNTINUE After being held up for days, the Kiwitea, laden with coal for the Auckland gas works, crossed the Greymouth bar yesterday morning, and is expected to reach Auckland on Monday afternoon. The general manager of the Auckland Gas Co., Mr R. Worley, said yesterday that it was not likely that the gas restrictions would be lifted before Wednesday., A further announcement would be made on Monday. Mr Worley said that the extent to which the public had responded to appeals for economy in the use of gas had assisted the company to eke out its coal stock, and it appeared that the fresh supply would arrive just in time. The daily consumption of. gas had been considerably lower than during any previous period of restrictions. Oi Thursday the draw-off was 2,800,000 cubic feet and in other restricted periods it liad not gone below 3,000,000 that some Waikato coal would be used on Monday morning to serve as a until the fresh_ supplies arrived, said Mr \\orley. He stated that there was actually no reserve ot coal at Devonport, as had been statea by the Minister of Mines, Mr Webb. There was about enough to last until Thursday. Considerable inconvenience > was caused to housewives at Orakei last evening as a result of the gas supply failing to come on at 4.30 p.m., the hour specified by the company, it was stated that trouble was experienced at the Orakei holder, and the .sxipply started at 7 p.m. Mr Worley stated that during restricted periods there was always a danger of minor irregularities.