More Regular Supplies Of Coal Building Up Gas Works Reserves

Wanganui Chronicle, 3 November 1949, Page 4

More Regular Supplies Of Coal Building Up Gas Works Reserves

Mor? regular supplies of coal arriving at Wanganui from West Coast mines have enabled the Gas Department to builo up better reserves than have been the case at this season of the year previously. Two colliers discharged at Castlecliff this week and a third is due at the wpek-end, bringing the total tc more than 2600 tons. Not ail this coal is for the city Gas Works, but the next collier due will bring practically a full shipment for the City Council and if the present rate of supply is maintained the position at the works will be very satisfactory. The Rata, which arrived at Castlecliff from Greymouth toward the end of last week, brought 759 tons of coal, less than her usual quantity. The vessel completed discharge on Monday nignt and sailed for Westport. While the Rata was at Castlecliff, the same company’s new coastal motor-ship Puriri arrived with 880 tons of coal from Greymouth, bringing the total by two vesels to 1639 tons. The Puriri has a carrying capacity of 1000 tons and was not fully loaded. On Monday of this week a new record for post-war years was established at Castlecliff, in that two large colliers were discharging simultaneously. Both vessels brought a considerable quantity of coal for the Gas Works. The Puriri was still discharging yesterday, but was expected to complete last evening and sail on her return to Greymouth, where she will load again for Wanganui. The vessel is due back at the week-end. It is expected that on her next trip the whole of the Furiri’s cargo will be consigned to the Gas Works, where an effort is being made to build up reserves before the Christmas and New Year holidays. The demand for gas usually slackens off in Wanganui with the coming of warmer weather, but the output for September was an all-time i-ecord. This was disclosed when the meters were read during October.