CONVENIENCES OF GAS.

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 16256, 5 July 1918, Page 8

CONVENIENCES OF GAS.

WHAT THE CHRTSTCHURCH GAS COMPANY IS DOING. INTERESTING INTERVIEW WITH MR BISHOP, GENERAL MANAGER.

'It has been well said that if men were the housekeepers there would be more gas conveniences in homes" —this was the characteristic remark of Mr Bishop, general manager of the Christcliurch Gas Company, when waited upon yesterday by our reporter. To learn something of the service of the Company in view of the popular cry for efficiency and reliability was the mission of our representative. Incidentally, it was explained that the Company had now been carrying on its vigilant work for over half a century, and never once had it failed to supply its consumers. This was a record concerning which the directorate felt-justly proud. In attaining this, due credit was given the efficient and reliable staff, the individual members of which reflected the service policy of the Company. This readiness and willingness to servo and give their best was undoubtedly the reason of the popularity of the Company with its customers. I

It was interesting also, to say the least of it, to see before one, as our reporter did, a chart portraying the advancement of the Company. Established in 1804—54 years ago—the consumers of gas were a very modest number. Up they mounted, however, showing steady and sure progress. In 1915 and 191(j the same uniform progress was not registered, but in 1917 all leeway was more than made up, and this year is going to send up the "thermometer" further than was ever anticipated. It is reported, in fact, that such is the demand for gas that very shortly the ; position may be that, for want of requisite material, it may be impossible for the Christchurch Gas Company to extend its operations during the period of the war.

It was thus admitted readily by our representative that the Company had just cause to feel pleased with the result of the labours of all concerned. To have met with such success necessarily led to an examination of "the reason why" of the popularity of gas in the home for all purposes, and in questioning Mr Bishop and listening to his anwers it was quite apparent that tne idea of efficient service in the home was the thought which had permeated both him and the Company's trained staff.

HEATING BY GAS. "In these days when time, money, and labour are so valuable," said Mr _B:shop, no one would dream of adhering to the old system of coal fires!"" And here he turned in his chair and pointed to the beautiful gas fire glowing so invitingly in his own room. It was readily understood by the pressman that time, money, and labour are indeed saved by the conveniences of gas. All the labour and time of preparing fires and cleaning grates is dispensed with, and money also is sayerlby reason of the fact that for whatever purprse one uses gas, one pays for what is used and uses only what is accessary. On the subject of gas fires, Mr Bishop spoke as a. man who had apparently had ample experience of their convenience. The advantages were fully appreciated bv the reporter, who, alas'l knew more ox the negative discomforts than .the positive pleasures of the more favoured gas consumers. Imagine the_ comfort and convenience of simply turning a tap and applying a match to a gas fire in your. bodroom these cold wintry mornings I The icy atmosphere of the room is dispelled ina few moments, and just such a condition created as makes one feel it's just as ' nice to get up in the mornin' " as it is to lie in bod. .This applies also, .in afternoon and evening hours. To ladies nothing is more risky in winter than to leave a warm room for a cold bedroom, where one must spend a certain time in dressing. Here, again, the gas fire scores, for it creates a comfortable atmosphere with the maximum of conveni•ence.

. To fathers and mothers of families a consideration fully appreciated is the mission of gas fires in children's bedrooms. Convenience and safety are their outstanding recommendations, while in cases of sickness their value has bcon" frequently proved. In most cases an equity of temperature is essential to assist in a complete recovery of the patients. And if perchance one has been out late the evening the thought of returning home to "no fire" need never, trouble one if the_popular gas fire has been installed. TJhe pleasure of the evening can be re visualised and reentoyed as one sits before the gas fire before getting into bed. A hot drink can be made in a few moments to add to one's pleasurable reflections and make one cosy for the night. Without gas fires the rale is to retire supperlcss and cold rather than go to the trouble of kindling a firo. Hea'th and happiness thus go hand in hand with the conveniences of gas in the home. IN THE BREAKFAST ROOM, Imagine also what it. means in the .breakfast room—the room that is only used for an hour or so, but in which during that hour one appreciates the comfort and heat of a fire. It's too much trouble to kindle a coal fire, and in any case one must wait the best part of an hour before a coal fire is appreciably hot. Here again the gas fire scores— immediately it is lit it radiates its cosiness and . warmth and puts each member of the family in that cheery mood which spells optimism and success during the day. Simply turn off the tap when breakfast is finished and all is over—there's no ashes to clean up afterwards. IN THE DRAWING ROOM.

I The experience of most ladies is simiI lar in so far as the' proverbial aftcr- | noon caller is concerned. A friend calls —usually late too—and has but half-an-hour to spare. To light a coal fire is out of the question, it's a pity to do this for the sake of thirty minutes only, yet the only alternative is for hostess and friend to sit shivering in the cold. Not so, however, where a gas fire has been installed, and wh«re the gas ring and Btove does duty. While the kettle sings its readiness for afternoon tea the social chat has been enjoyed in comfort before the red glare of the gas-fire. THE GAS STOVE FOR COOKING. In the kitchen the gas stovo has been triumphant, it is positively the system wuicii has been universally proclaimed a "winner." The gas etove prpvides every mechanical auvantage to assist perrection in cooking being attained. It needs the least possible

ittention and provides just wLatever leat is required, and that with absolute :ertainty and ease, it is totaLy (liferent from a coal oven and gives the irimary essential for goou cooking—an sxact heat that can be regulated at will. No longer need one worry over : anreliable coal fires.* Tiie steady, uni- ; form heat of the gas stove can be depended upon whether for sponge raising, c&ke taking, or meat roasting. ,

No longer need the unexpected guest be feared, as with a gas stove there's no trouble in simply "putting through" a batch of scones in a few minutes. The convenience of gas throughout a home means to be always fortified against the unexpected and frees the modern housewife from tho begriming and fatiguing duties of coal fires.. And this means a happier frame of mind on the part of the mistress of the house and a more pleased attitude on the part of the husband of the home as the economy in expense becomes 4 apparent.

GAS COOKING IN HOTELS. It is gon orally admitted that nowhere has expert labour been more acutely felt than in hotels and restaurants. This fact, however, has but provided further occasion, for. the local Gas Company to prove its powers in efficiency and economy. Not only the cooking beon efficiently done, but all sorts of ingenious devices have been thought out and'carried into effect to keep the various articles on the menu hot—a very important matter in first-class hotel and restaurant service. In several instances the local Gas Company have undertaken the complete reorganisation of hotel kitchens, and by they work have effected wonderful savings in time, labour, and expense. This department promises, in fact, to be one of great importance in the immediate future, recognising the shortage of coal, and taking into account also the fact of the spare taken up by its storage, and the dirt caused by its handling. Tt is worthy of note, also, conking by eras ' has been universally adopted in Great Britain, where, without modern gas conveniences, it would have been simnly impossible to have rooked for and fed the ereat armies not only of cnldiers in training camns. Tint of Ttiinitfon workers also. Tho war bis indeed brought cooking by gas into its own.

COOKERY DEMONSTRATIONS. . It was with pardonable pride that the ( geuerai manager of the Gas Company drew the attention of the pressman to the conveniently arranged demonstration hail, where regular weekly oookeiy demonstrations are given on Wednesday afternoons. The fact of conducting these demonstrations was simpiy in keeping with the general policy of the film to not only supply the latest in gas conveniences, but to demonstrate in practical form their uses to their consumers. These demonstrations are .presided over by-a most efficient lady demonstrator, who not only presides over this department but whose services are constantly in request by the users of gas cookers throughout the city and suburbs. By thus visiting the people in .their own homes the best of instruction in cooking and baking in • the most economical way is given gas consumers at no extra charge whatever. The popularity of this department is such as has helped tremendously in making many friends for the local Gas Company.

HOT WAT&t BY GAS. Of the many facilities afforded a family none is more popular than that which gives an "ever ready" supply of hot water. With a convenient Geyser placed over the kitchen sink, or with one of still larger • dimensions situate over the bath, one need never worry over the problem of hot water. ' In some homes it is necessary to Btoke up the fire —and at what a cost! —to get enough water for a bath. With a modern gas Geyser attached in the bathroom, all'that is necessary is to apply a light to the gas, turn on the water tap, and there it flows —as much or as little hot water as you want. HOUSE LIGHTING BY GAS. The fact that to-day the local Gas Company • have more consumers than ever is proof positive of the efficiency of gas as: the best means of house lighting The reason is that gas gives brilliance without glare-Hhe true test of efficiency in a light. Gas is soft and restful to the eyes, and enables one to work for long periods without feeling the slightest strain on the delicate optical muscles. Dr. Meredith Young, I> P.H., an eminent English authority, has already issued a warning against a form of "ophthalmia," which is coming to be recognised ~as a prevalent affection of the oyes, following upon the universal use of glaring lights in homes and factories. Doubtless this fact helps to make it plain why so many residents of this city have recently had to resort to gas litrhtine in private residences and public buildings. IRONING BY GAS.

It would almost seem as though one use of gas vies with another as to which is most important. Ironing has certainly been a convenience which has tremendously assisted in popularising the use of gas in the home, and with the improved irons shown our representative, one could not help thinking what a convenience they were to busy mothers. By their use four hours' ironing costs but one penny. The oldfashioned method of wasting coal simply to heat irons is done away with, and the ironing also can be done in spells if neressary. Interruptions cause one no worry whatever, as the work can be relinonished and recommenced at will. There are no vexatious delays, and even on other than ironing days it i'r quite a nl<vu?nn»Me narfime to iron blouses or pinafores as required. GAS COPPETT<? VOR WASHING

| DAYS." To say thai the adaptation of gas to I the washhonse copper has revolutionised [ things is to pnt matters mildly. In I many home 9, in fact, the convenience nowadays of simply applying a match to the ring underneath the copper has been snch a blessing that dirty clothes are not allowed to accnmnlate. It is much easier now, and considerably less thought, to "ran thorn through" a

water or two—and especially bo with bo many washing aids now sold—than it is to let the clothes lie for a week or two on ond. The cost, comparou with burning coal is a tremendous saving, but even though the cost was the same,, or even greater, the' cleanliness and convenience are well worth the cost of installation. To have no chimney emitting smoke and smut, and redlrtying the clothes, is a consideration which evorv lady appreciates—as (well as her neighbours!

HEATING CHURCHES AND HALLS. One of the most ingenious and effective devices for tho purpose of heating public buildings is now on view —iully fitted up—in tue Gas Company's buUdings. It is claimed for tliis invention —which is known as the "Purair" Unit System of Heating and Ventilating—that it is 'possible to raise the temperature of the average church or hall from ten to fifteen degrees in one hour's time. The ventilator is tho product and patent of an American firm. It is absolutely safe, inasmuch as caroless operation of it cannot do any harm, and its healthfulness is attested to by the fact , that it gives a continuous supply of fresh air warmed to proper degree. Its efficiency, coupled with economy,, is one of its most commendable features, as there is no loss" of heat by radiation from heat-, conducting pipes. Directly the main burner is lit it delivers its warmth right into the space to be heated. It is entirely impossible with this invention to experience anything in the nature of a gas leakage. A pilot light is provided to ensure simplicity and safety of operation. Altogether there would appear to be a wonderful future before this invention, which is, humanly speaking, as near perfection jn fire and accident proof as it is possible to devise. It is built, also, on scientific principles. as it disoenses with the idea of reheating or rebreathing the "feame air-over and over again. It supplies fresh air,, continuously hen ted to a fortain point, and draws off the foul nir from two to four times per hour. This is why it has earned the title of the "Purair" system.

GAS FOR COMMERCIAL PURPOSES. It is an open secret amongst tradespeople that had.it not.been for the adaptation of gas in munition factories jn the Old Country it would have been impossible for tlie British workpeople to have kept up the steady and everincreasing supply of munitions. War Regulations forbid the publication : of details of what has actually been done, and publishing of names of the firms in question, but the fact remains that coal jgas for industrial purposes has provea its pre-eminence over the usual forms of furnaces previously in use. The question naturally arises, since gas has provod its efficiency .in times of war, what will it not do in times of peace? Already , the local Gas Company has "got busy," and is in a position to supply furnaces for all practicable purposes. Samples of the latest designs can indeed be seen working in the firm's premises in Worcester street. Furnaces are now made for low-pressure gas, high-pressure gas, and for air-blast. The most rapid and economical heating is said to be obtained by a high-pressure blast, coupled with an inject iet - burner. . For the purposes of hardening, case-hardening, and annealing, etc., of metals, the crucible' and muffled furnaces are growing j in popular favour in both Great Britain j and America. The reason is * simply on account of their effectiveness and economy. They maintain a regular temperature at' will, which in working with metals, is a very important matter. The two main "points of efficiency are thus combined in gas furnaces—labour is largely eliminated and an infinitely better job obtained as compared with the fluciuating temperature of the old-time furnacos It is interesting to learn also, as demonstrating the remarkable progress made, that whereas in 1890 the largest muffled furnaces manufactured " measured but 12in x 6in x 14in; they are now beinq made in sizes up to Bft x sft x 3sft. In the same period tjie capacity of crucible furnaces has been increased from 281b of metal to 6001b, and it is now possible to melt 6001b, of metal at a cost of only 3.02 cubic feet of gas per lb. It is little wonder therefore that a great field of usefulness is opening up for gas in the commercial world, and in this new departure the principals of the local company are already rising to the occasion. MOTOR-CARS RUNNING ON GAS It is well-known that- in . the Old Country for years past taxis and delivery vans nave been using coal gas j instead of petrol for power. We are I likely soon to see a similar departure

in the streets of Christchurch. jm 1 that is required is to make and fit a ' pas-bag on to the car in which the gM " is stored, ' This is led into the ""guii) v and simply takes the place of the gu ordinarily generated from benzine or petrel. A car. or delivery van can be driven at any speed with coal gas, the only difference being—and it is a vital difference to "the- man .who pays"—. ; that a gas-driven conveyance is ran at exactly half the price which- . petrol-f involves to-day. The only expense'to a 1 face is the initial outlay, but as this is quite a modest 6um it iB very quickly covered by thfe saving in "juice'' costs. Already several firing ' and taxi-drivers are in communication < with the general manager of the Christ- ' J church Gas Co. over euocting a change • in. their method of locomotion.

AN UP-TO-DATE SHOWROOM. In the showroom of the Christchurch , Gas Company our reporter was shown * everything of the latest in utilities and ornamental gas fittings, and one's most""' natural assumption was that here wag ' a firm which simply could not help making headway.- The principals haTe \ something to sell, and have sold their •- service at reasonable prices, and,' judsing by the indications manifest on all"; sides the public, too, has been; quick to realise the advantages of the firm's service, and seems determined to avail of such to an even greater ex* ' tent in the future than it has done in *> the past. - .' • -v