GISBORNE GAS COMPANY

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19044, 18 June 1936, Page 4

GISBORNE GAS COMPANY

ANNUAL MEETING

INCREASED BUSINESS

IMPROVED SERVICE

The annual general meeting of the Gisborne Gas Company, Limited, was held yesterday afternoon, Mr. H. I). Chrisp, the chairman, presiding. In moving the adoption of the report and accounts', the chairman said the principle alterations in the figures of the balance sheet were in connection with the debenture issue and preference share capital. The prevailing low rate's of interest had enabled the company to make a considerable saving in boih these items, which should be reflected in the future accounts. Over 5,000,000 ft more gas was being consumed, and during the last four years an increase of 15 per . cent in the number of consumers had been obtained.

"It is very pleasing to be able to record a substantial increase both in the sales of appliances and consumption of gas," Mr. Chrisp added. "Those who follow the statistics of the gas industry closely will recognise that these figures are most impressive and indicate that an energetic and progressive policy is being followed. The past year has,been noteworthy on account of the installation of gas: in hotels, restaurants, hostels, the Cook Hospital, nurses' hortie and Memorial Home, besides a ready and increasing demand by householders. A gas company serving very many families in the town and many trades has great responsibilities, and we have endeavoured to fit ourselves to discharge those responsibilities to the extent that we have merited the title of 'Public Servant No. I.' MUCH RESEARCH WORK

"The. gas industry promotes much research in the consumers' interest whose needs have been anticipated. As regards domestic supplies, the consumer, nine times out of ten, is a woman doing all her own housework, administering 75 petcent of the family revenue, shrewd in her buying, but house proud and desiring to improve her house within* the limits of her purse. It is for such consumers that the gas industry has produced enamelled cookers with automatic control, automatic water heaters, selflighting fires, gas coppers and a "highly efficient refrigerator,, besides numerous other useful gadgets. Naturally, these new and improved appliances use less* gas for more service, and the effect is seen in the reduced quantity of gas required by, the individual consumer. "Although this 'is regrettable from a financial point of view, we have no reason to be fearful as to the ultimate results. On the contrary, we are proud to have been able to provide improved service at lower rates, and as the public comes more and more to appreciate the benefits of gas service—to learn by experience that it is reliable, Virtually automatic, and not an extravagance—so will- their -demand '■•• upon that*service increase as an. important contribution to a higher standard of comfort. ■ '' • "I wish to make it clear that the gas industry by a close study of the present day mode of life of the people finds itself in a position to offer a service at a highly competitive price. Appliances have improved to suck an enormous extent that its adaptability is becoming more and more appreciated. As a heat agent it is difficult to beat.

. GROWING DEMAND "To meet the growing demand for gas, extensive additions to our mains have been made and our reticulation is now in a very efficient state. Side by side with the improvements in appliances is our gas tariff. The special gas fire rate is as attractive as the fires themselves in their different colours to meet the tastes of all. One can satisfactorily' heat by gas a room at a remarkably '■' low cost with all the convenience and cleanliness required, not forgetting the proper ventilation of the room, for it must not be forgotten that proper ventilation is just as important as warmth. Yentilation is the particular attribute of a modern flued gas fire. • "We ask all our consumers to study our tariff because it is to their advantage to do so. Our hire-purchase terms are also very easy and brings within the reach of all these highly efficient appliances, which have a long and useful life. This company, a public utility concern, continues to give of its best to its consumers and contributes towards the employment and welfare of the people in this town and district. We are entitled to take an optimistic view of the future, given a fair field and no favours, which it is surely fair to expect.

CO-OPERATION OF STAFF "Before closing,' I should "refer with appreciation on behalf of our shareholders to the loyal co-operation and efficient service of all the officials arid staff of the company. It is upon them that we must rely for the practical application of our ideals of co-operation and management, and the satisfactory results achieved) during the past year are a good indication of keen and efficient service. Finally, I would like to thank my fellow directors for the help they have given me in the past year, » which, as usual, has not been without its problems and difficulties." The motion for the adoption of the accounts was seconded by Mr. A, J. Barnard, who commented on the excellent attention given by the employees and the good work of the company.

The retiring directors, Dr. R. MGunn and Messrs. P. W. Bushnell and D. E. Chrisp, were re-elected, and Messrs. M. J. White and W. Hamilton Irvine were appointed auditors.