SUPPLY OF GAS

New Zealand Herald, Volume 82, Issue 25216, 31 May 1945, Page 4

SUPPLY OF GAS

BBIGHTEK OUTLOOK

COAL FROM THE SOUTH After several gloomy days when it appeared that the acftte shortage of coal was going to cause a complete cessation of the Auckland gas service, the prospects have brightened considerably. Bituminous coal arrived by train from Wellington yestertlay morning and the (jollier Rata' left Westport shortly after midday with coal which will bo sent by rail to Auckland from New Plymouth. With these two consignments the Auckland Gas Company expects to be able to maintain the restricted service until Tuesday. Gas consumers fared much better yesterday than they did on Tuesday. The holders were not drawn on so heavily and the morning servidfe was maintained without interruption from 6 to 8.30 a.m. In the afternoon it started at 4.30 and continued lor two hours. Ihe general manager of the company, Mr R. Worlev, said last night that it was hoped that a similar service would be available today.

By the time part of the consignment from Wellington arrived in Auckland the company was reduced to less than half a dav's effective supply of coal. The new stock from Wellington was immediately rushed to the gas works and placed in the hoppers. It was good gasniaking coal, but. to make it last longer, it has to be mixed with lignite coal which reduces its gas production. The remainder of the Wellington consignment has*vet to arrive. The first train load of coal from the Rata is expected to arrive in Auckland on Friday afternoon. If it does it will be just in time to keep the restricted service going. The Kiwitea and Kartigi, which have coal for the gas works, were still bar-bound at Greymouth yesterday, but there appeared to be more chance of them getting away early this morning. Mr Worlev said there would he an easing of the restrictions as soon as possible after either the Kiwitea or Kartigi got away from Greymouth, but even if tney cleared the bar this morning it was' not likely that a full gas supply would be available until well into next week.