Gas Department In Marton Serves Over 600 Consumers

Wanganui Chronicle, 10 November 1950, Page 3

Gas Department In Marton Serves Over 600 Consumers

The gasworks in Marton were a borough facility that was providing a good service to over 600 consumers, said the mayor, Mr. T. E. Barton, when reviewing his term of office. The importance of the gas department to the residents could be gauged from the fact that over the past three years £3103 had been invested by consumers in modern gas appliances. Mr. Barton said that when he assumed oliice, he found there were many problems affecting the administration of the gas department. For some years difficulty was experienced in obtaining supplies of meters, and meters out of action could not be replaced, resulting in the averaging of accounts of consumers. During the war period and up to July 1949, the council was called upon to supply gas and residuals to the consumer at prices operative in 1929, and had no power to increase selling prices. Having regard to increases in wages, sales tax and materials over this long period, the department was faced with substantial yearly losses. During this time, the total amount of Government subsidy received was £227. Subsequently the Government removed th n coal subsidies and the cost of coal into the works almost doubled from £3'9'9 lon in 1947 to £6/5/1 ton in 1950. The council was then ferrod to increase the price of gas a-d residuals in an endeavour to meet increased costs. During his term of office canital works completed included: Bed of eight refoHs rebuilt, installation of improved facilities for the staff, erection of motor garage and storeroom, nurchase of new motor truck, purchase of £lO9O work of now gas meters and installation of new station meter. Because of housing difficulties, the council decided to build a new employer’s dwelling at the works.