LOCAL AND GENERAL

Wanganui Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 160710, 24 July 1920, Page 7

LOCAL AND GENERAL

It will be at least a fortnight before the vertical retorts at the Gasworks are in commission again, and then the present difficulty of shortage of gas will be at an end. A “Herald” representative, on making inquiries as to the likelihood of the new vertical set arriving shortly, was informed that strikes had delayed the manufacture of the plant, but the Gas Manager hoped to have it installed before next winter. The cylinders and material required from No. 3 engine at the power-house were sent away to Wellington to-day for re-boring. Cable and Co., who are to do the work. Lave been instructed to work day and night till this is completed. The Transport Committee are endeavouring to provide better facilities for suburban residents, and negotiations are in progress for the Lire of a large passenger bus which was purchased by Mr James Hodson restorday. The Council is also having fitted up one or two motdc lorries to provide for a degree of comfort not now obtainable on some of the runs. Another difficulty which has to be overcome is that of benzine. As everyone hnowc, this fuel is in short supply just now, and tho Council is in cumininication with Wellington for further supplies. Alterations and adjustments to “Buffing Billy” are to be completed to day, and as socn as possible it is hoped to get the engine running 011 the Gonville-Castlecliff service. It will probably commence running on Monday. Overhaul to the steam-engine at the power-house was completed yesterday, and sufficient electricity was generated from a small dynamo last night to light the Dublin Street bridge. As soon as mure current is available the street lights in town wdll be restored. The supply of light will enable a double shift to be put to work. The staff ’s working very hard, and every endeavour is being made to have the necessary work carried out with despatch. It is hoped to have the first engine from Napier metalled before No. 3 is in running order again, and it may be found possible to run a very limited service then.