AUCKLAND'S GAS PROBLEM

Chronicle (Levin), 16 October 1946, Page 8

AUCKLAND'S GAS PROBLEM

■Press Association

Bv Telegravh —

AUCKLAND, Oct. 15. Action to improve Auckland 's gas supply was taken by the PriVne IMinistcr vvhen he m.et repre.sentatives of tlio Auckland Alanufacturers ' Association and Auckland Gas Goinpany to diseuss the supply of coal to the eonipany. AD;. Pvaser arfaitged- ^i'th Mr. C. H. Beflney, Coal Gontrol'ler, for the appointmer.t of 'Mr. O. J. Dougherty, the gas compauv's chief engineer, to the coal distrilmtion advisory coiuniittee set up in Wellington last vear/ty the Gas Association of New Zealand. Mr. Dougherty arrived in Auckland from Britain in July to talce up his present post. He Avas formerly chief engineer to the York, Harrogate and district group of gas companies. An explanation of the organisation and duties of the coal distribution advisorv comnuttee was given by Mr. Bcnney. * It was at present composed of three repre.sentatives appointed by the Gas Association, he said. It met with him from time to time to diseuss and advise on the distribution of coal, so that all gas companies got their faix share. IMr. Bennev welcomed the appointment of Alr, Dougherty to the committee amd said he would be able to advise on Auckland 's special needs in supply ing Auckland. Transporation problenis had to be overcome and thc gas supply in Auckland would not improve until better and more coal was obtained and until better plant was ia stalled for the jnanufactnre of gas.