GAS SERVICES STILL CUT

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 90, Issue 168, 23 July 1946, Page 4

GAS SERVICES STILL CUT

NEW PLYMOUTH COAL TO TIDE WORKS OVER HOLMLEA DELAYED

By obtaining 50 tons of coal from the Kata’s cargo delivered at New Plymouth yesterday, the Wanganui gasworks may manage to carry on with the present restricted service until the Holmlea arrives at Wanganui from Greyniouth with coal. The New Plymouth consignment, sufficient only for a couple of days’ gas, will he delivered here on Wednesday, the manager of the gasworks, Mr. W. J. Stone, stated last night. Mr. Stone added that (he latest advice he had was to the effect that the Holmlea had not yet: left. Greymouth, although two other vessels which had been held there, the Gabriella and the Poolta, had got away yesterday. Until the Holmlea’s cargo arrived, it would be impossible to improve the gas service here, Mr. Stone said, and the afternoon cuts would have to be continued.

“I had promised to put the gas on again at Castlecliff to-night,” Mr. Stone added, “but this was impossible when I learned that the Holmlea had not left Greymouth. We simply have not enough gas to give the necessary pressure to put the Castlecliff holder in commission again yet.”

Mr. Stone added that as soon as he heard that the Holmlea was on its way to Wanganui he would endeavour to effect an improvement in the service immediately with the coal received from New Plymouth.

The situation had eased slightly by the co-operation of the public in restricting the use of gas as far as possible, and by the receipt of about 20 tons of coal from private stocks. The position was worsened over the week-end, however, by the fact that the water gas plant broke down on Saturday, and was out of commission until repairs were completed yesterday. The assistance possible from this plant is limited in any case by the shortage of coke, which is used in' the water gas process. Residents of Castlecliff and part of Gonville dependent On gas for cooking have been hardest hit by the restricted supply, and they have had to adopt various compromise methods to obtain even a cup of tea at times. One result has been an additional call on the electricity services in the affected areas where householders have had electrical appliances. CUT IN MARTON SERVICE. The Marton gas service will be cut off between 8.45 and 9.45 a.m. and 1.30 and 2.30 p.m. to-day, to-morrow and Thursday. No relief will be possible u iith supplies of coal arrive from the Scutl; Isiand. Some small consignments have been obtained to keep the service going, but these supplies have been practic "y exhausted.