MASTERTON GASWORKS.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXVIX, Issue 8130, 2 May 1906, Page 5

MASTERTON GASWORKS.

■ ->* IMPORTANT REPOEU' UY THE MAN AG 10 K. A NEW AND LARGKK HOLDER TO BE PROCURED. The following is n copy of tbe report submitted by tbo Mnnager of tbe Masterton Gasworks to she meeting of tbe Boroußb Coinoil last evening on improvements required at the Gasworks:— The present storage consists of two single life gas holders, No. 1 being 50 feet in diameter and 12 feet in de.ith; No. 2 50 feet in diameter and 10 feet iu depth, witb an available capacity ot 35,000 cubic feet. Both of these gasholders are in a fair state of repairs. Tbe average daily make for the months of May, June, July and August, 1905, was 46,000 feet. Tbe maximum day's output was GI,OOO cubic feet. The maximum day's output this coming winter is likely to reaob 70,000 feet, with an available storage of only 35,000 feet. There will te another 30,000 to 35,000 feet to provide from the daily make. With reference to the size of the proposed new gas holder, for economical working, it is necessary thßt storage accommodation should be at leash equal to tbe maximum day's consumption. 1 have gone carefully into this matter. Taking last year's output witb an annual inorease of per cent, as a basis, I find that the maximum daily output for the six years would be as follows:—1906, 68.000 oubio feet: 1907, 77,000 cubio feet; 1908, 87,000 cubic feet; 1909, 98,000 oubio feet; 1910, 110,000 cubio feet; 1911, 124,000 oubio feet; 1912, 140,000 oubio feet. This indicates that if a gas holder with a capacity of 100,000 cubio feet is installed in six years time tbe maximum daily would b 5,000 feefc in excess of the storage capacity. I would, therefore, recommend that not less than 100,000 cubio feet additional storage be provided for. This would rreet all possible requirements for the next ton years nnlesa an abnormal inorease of consumption tabes place. I would, also, recommend that tenders be procured for delivery, 0.i.f., Wellington, of a single lift standard guided trussed gas holder, to hold riot less than 100,000 cubio feet, and to be of such design that the maximum pressure given shall not exceed three inches. The approximate cost of a gas holder, 100,000 cubio feet capacity, delivered ar d erected in Masterton, would be between £2,750 to £3,000. To be in time for next winter's nonsamption this holder should be delivered on the ground ready for erection not later than December next; earlier if possible. I would suggest that the Council's London agents be cabled to secure quotations for delivery, ci.f.i Wellington, single lift trussed gas holder, standard guided, 80 feefc in diameter and 20 feet in depth, with and without brought iron, or steel tank. This would enable tenders to be laid before the Council within three months, and on tbe acceptance of any tender the necessary excavation for tank wetter, concrete, brick or metal, could be proceeded with. Mr Biaokman stated that he had based his calculations on an inorease of 12% per cent. Ira the consumption of gas within the next ten years, and from what he ku«w of the town he though!;, that that amount of an increase would have to be allowed for. Or Temple stated that the Council, in making an estimate of the increase in tbe consumption of gas, had calculated that the present bolder, with a capacity for 38,000 feet, with an additional hoPer of 50,000 feet capacity, would be sufficient, and for this purpose £2,300 had been provided for on tbe loan schedule.

Cr Ewingtou stated thattbe Manager was to be congratulated on submitting such a preoise report, and showing tbe responsibility wbicb rested on tbe Council and tbe danger of a shortage of gas. He thought that the. Manager's estimate of an inoretose of 12% per cent, in the consumption of gas was a, modest one. It might te more, but be thought it would not be less. It was ' false economy to put in a small holder, and storage was the oheapest tbiag the Council could provide for. The difficulty would have to be faced, and tin money would have to be found for such an important work. He would certainly support tbe recommendations of the Gas Manager, and he would sugeest that the Council go' into the ways and means at once. Or MoEwen endorsed the last speakers' remarks. The late Gas Manager bad informed him that the supply of gas bad nearly doubled itself within the last five years, viz., from eight millions to fourteen millions of cubio feet. He would certainly support obtaining a larger holder as recommended by the Manager. Cr Eton looked upon the financial aspect of the question as a serious matter, aud one that would have to be considered. The Mayor remarked that if the Council wanted the money, it could be obtained. Cr Morris spoke in support of the Manager's report. On the motion of Cr Pauling, seconded by tbe Mayor, the report was adopted. It was then deoided, on the motion of Cr Pauling, seconded by Cr McEwen, that tenders be called at once for a new gas holder.