PAHIATUA GAS SUPPLY.

Pahiatua Herald, Volume XIX, Issue 4831, 8 May 1914, Page 5

PAHIATUA GAS SUPPLY.

“SIMPLY SCANDALOUS!.” INDIGNANT SHOPKEEPERS. BIG AIEETING OF CONSUMERS. A very largely attended meeting of gas consumers was held at the Commercial Hotel this morning to protest against the present unsatisfactory supply of gas in Pahiatua. Air E. Baueke presided, and stated that judging by the large and representative attendance they were all affected in the same way. He characterised the supply as “simply scandalous,” and instanced how his own firm’s works had been hung up on several occasions, because the power for driving the plant was not sufficient. On three occasions they had to close down tho works in consequence. Yesterday the gas supply was again very bad and he had to growl at the manager. Air Dailey and himself had decided to summon shopkeepers to decide what was to be done. Air Baueke asserted that the consumers were not getting what they were paying for, and he termed it absolute robbery. The Gas Company had evidently discovered the art of cornering up air. It was time consumers got on their legs and objected. Air E. Dailey stated that the Pahiatua Herald was the largest consumer of gas at the present time; He cited several instances of failure of the gas supply at publishing times, and the resultant vexatious delays. They had since found that by shutting off the air from the engine they got more speed. Air Baxter and others complained of the large amount of air in the gas. Air I). P. Davidson also complained of the failure of the gas for power purposes. The light was also deficient. The gasworks were run too close to the wind altogether. He declared that there was no storage capacity, and if anything happened at the works the town would he left in darkness. He declared that the late manager was the best that had been here. He held that the new manager should have been made conversant with the works before the late manager left. Alessrs Donald, Pringle, Aloore and AA’ebster spoke of their experiences. AlanuaJ power had to he resorted to in some cases, and the lighting was also very indifferent. Air Baueke said that it was the proprietors the consumers had to deal with, not the manager. The manager was* then communicated with and invited to attend the meeting. In reply to questions, he stated that lie was new to the place and the whole trouble was with the stokers. One had left him in a hole, and he had difficulty in getting men. AA’lien he was away from the works things went wrong and air had got into the meter. He admitted that it was pretty hard on the consumers. AL- Baxter: Pretty hard on the pocket. Paying for what we are supposed to have free from heaven. (Laughter), The chairman suggested that the gas accounts should not he paid unless consumers got a reduction of 50 per cent. The manager said that there would be no trouble if he got good stokers. He was offering good wages. Mr Hosking said the Company should have a competent staff. The local manager was thanked for attending the meeting, and assured that no reetcion was intended on him. Mr Baueke mentioned that an Bii p engine at his works was only producing 2 h]) energy, owing to the poor supply of gas. It. was unanimously decided, on the motion of Mr Baueke. seconded by Air Dailey, that the Atayor communicate with the proprietors of the gasworks. demanding an immediate siqv ply of pure gas to consumers for both power and lighting, as the present supply is unsatisfactory. Mr Baueke also proposed, and Air J. H. Richardson seconded, that the Borough Council lie requested to take imediato action jvith the view of supplying adequate lighting for. the Borough.—Carried unanimously. it was also decided, on the motion of M essrs Richardson and Longmore, that a deputation from the meeting, consisting of Messrs Tosswill, Moore, Dailey, Larsen. Baueke, Sullivan and Hoskingo wait on the Borough Conned at its next meeting and urge the desirability of the Borough taking into consideration the question of instalIng an up-to-date electric lighting plant. Mr Baueke expressed his approval of the Council turning down the Gas Company's offer for the sale of the works. He expressed great satisfaction at the splendid meeting. Messrs Tosswill and, Crewe paid a tribute to Air Baucke’s energy in public matters, and a hearty vote of thanks wa.s passed to that gentleman.