GAS BLACKOUT N SYDNEY

Chronicle (Levin), 20 December 1946, Page 5

GAS BLACKOUT N SYDNEY

RUSH FOR OTHER MEANS OF COOKING Received Thursdav, 7.50 p.m. SYDNEY, Dec. 19. Faeing a eomplete gas blackout, Sydney was given a few hours reprieve when the nianageinent of the Australian Gas and Light Company deeided today that for saf'ety reasons the timo for completely elosing down the Mortlake works would have to be extended. A sudden stoppage would entail possible darnage to the retorrs and other equipment due to too rapid eooling. As a result of .the decision the management, which is being assisted in the elosing operation' by the striking unionists, has annouhced tha't there will be gas for use during pennissible hours tomorrow mofning and possibly evening. Eldon oliicials tdaim that gas production from the North Shore and .Manlv plants will cease when the coal stocks in the hop[»ers are exhaustO'd, probably tomorrow. There is only the. faintest hope that the discussions in Arelbourne "will produce a basis of settlement. Today buyers crowded city and suburban shops seeking spirit and electri cal cooking apparatus which are sud denly in short supply. Wardsmen at Auburn district hosjiital today were en gaged in building brick lireplaces in the hospital grounds as the hospital is run entirely on gas. , The' F.ederal "exetniti ve of the Australi'an Sea-meii's Enion has informed tlie Collier OWners' Associa'tion that rnembers of the union would not convevany materials or 2>roducts to or from the gasworks until the dispute is settled. Bakers are forec'asting a bread shortage at the weekend, but so far there has been no loss of output. Paint production has ceased and glass manufacturers are elosing down. There has been a heavv sale of electrical cooking gear, such as immersion heaters. jugs and grillers, but the Bunnerong powerhouse reports having enougli coal on liand to maintain electricity supplies against the increased demand until the miners resume after their Christmas lvolidays. Adelaide appears to have no hope of regaining gas production for Christmas as 500 strikers are still-picketing the gasworks.