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Pelorus Guardian and Miners' Advocate., Volume 29, Issue 40, 25 May 1917, Page 5

Wellington people received a mild shock when they learned that the City Council intends doubling the tram fares, curtailing the service and reducing street lighting. Though the coal danger is apparently over, the Gas Company announces that it recently had to use reserves which had been in store for some years. At this time of the year the company is carbonising 120 tons a day. The scarcity of coal hud tended to increase the demand for gas when everybody was looking for economy. In regard to what might be done in curtailing gas supplies, no definite decision has been arrived at, although it is possible that the company will work in harmony with the Corporation. No differentiation could be made in regard to consumers. The company has already supplied coke to the Corporation to enable it to keep its boilers going. A very large quantity of gas is used for gas engines utilised in connection with some of the most essential industries. Three million feet of gas is required every month for the 110 gas engines in the city. The Mayor understands from the chairman of the National Efficiency Board that all coal supplies in the Dominion are to be pooled. The "New Zealand Herald" states that a veteran of 74 years, who has seen service in many lands, and who has worked on survey parties in the King Country for the past quarter of a century, presented himself at the Taumarunui recruiting office the other day and said he wanted to enlist. In answer to a question regarding his age, he was not sure, he said, whether it was 46 or 47 years. He passed the medical examination, his sight and all his other faculties being quite good. Just as ho was about to leave the office in triumph, the sergeant of police happened to enter, and gave the man’s real age. To all appearances the would-be recruit is perfectly sound, but there seems to be no doubt about his ag3, for a trustworthy Taumarunui resident states ho knew him forty years ago, when ho looked very much the same ns he did to-day.