GAS FOR HUTT VALLEY

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 125, 24 February 1928, Page 7

GAS FOR HUTT VALLEY

STATEMENT BY CHAIRMAN OF BOARD In pursuance of a promise made that the Petone and Lower Hutt Gas Lighting Board, prior to taking a poll, would explain the position in respect ot the erection of the proposed vertical retorts and the alternative suggestion to purchase gas in bulk from the Wellington Gas Company the chairman of the board (Mr. W. G. I,odder) yesterday issued the following statement:— "In England and , America there are companies engaged in treating various classes of coal for the purpose of producing smokeless fuel. The process includes the extraction of a great variety of valuable chemicals and oils, and naturally, involved the production of large quantities of gas available for sale. There are large cities in both countries drawing the gas supply therefrom. "The board was, some time ago, approached by a southern gentleman, who was making inquiries as to the promotion of a company’ to establish a moder-ate-sized works in the valley, and fie desired to know whether the board would be prepared to purchase pas from his company. He has been informed that the board is prepared to consider any definite offer made by a company of adequate financial standing. “Since then the board has been approached by gentlemen who propose to float a company with a capital of not less than £400'.000, whose object is to establish very large works in the valley and which company, when formed, would be prepared to supply S iis ,’ n any quantity and of a high calorific value, at prices much below the cost of production by other known methods of gas manufacture. "Under these circumstances the board does not, in tha meantime, consider it to the interests of the ratepayers and gas consumers of the district to seek sanction to borrow, a large sum of money for the erection of a gasproducing plant, nor does it, at present, recommend entering into an agreement with the Wellington Gas Company Ltd. for the supply of gas in bulk, as was previously suggested. "That being so, it has engaged an eminent ga» expert to make a thorough examination of our present plant to confer with the gas manager, and to bring down to the board recommendations showing the most economical and practical method of enabling the board s present manufacturing plant to cope with the ever-increasing demand, until such time as the board is in a position to obtain supplies by a more modern and cheaper method. . “The decision to make use ot the existing plant in the meantime, with the addition of extra adequate holding capacity (which will be required under any circumstances), the board feels sure, is to the best interests of the residents of the valley."