USE OF GAS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26816, 6 July 1948, Page 4

USE OF GAS

ECONOMY URGED COAL STOCKS DWINDLE IN DUNEDIN EFFECT OF MINERS* STRIKE The need for the greatest economy in' the use of gas in Dunedin was emphasised by the acting chairman of the City Council Gas Committee, Cr T. K. S. Sidey, in a statement to the Daily Times yesterday. Although no serious shortage of coal had yet occurred, Cr Sidey explained, he had considered it advisable, in the absence of the committee chairman, Cr R. F. Barr, to inform the public of the position, so that no surprise would be caused if any further deterioration in the stocks of coal at the gas works were announced The Liverpool and Strongman State mines on the West Coast, which were the main sources of supply for the Dunedin gas works, had been idle for the past two weeks, and the strike was not yet settled, Cr Sidey said. As a result, the small stock of coal at the gas works was-rapidly diminishing, and a supply sufficient for 10 days only remained. Endeavours were being made by the committee to obtain coal from other mines, but it was unlikely that sufficient quantities would be secured. When the two West Coast mines resumed production, a further week would elapse before the first consignment of coal reached Dunedin, Cr Sidey explained. If there was a further deterioration in the position, he would again inform the public. In the meantime, however, he emphasised the need for economy in the use of gas.