GAS BOARD

Hutt News, Volume 2, Issue 41, 20 March 1930, Page 12

GAS BOARD

The monthly meeting of the Petone and Lower Hutt Gas Lighting Board was held m 11th March. There were present Messrs W. G. Lodder {chairman), W.\T. Strand, S. Clendon, W. G. Meldrum, C. P. Brockelbank and V. Jacobaonr . The Bank of New Zealand wrote advising that the Bank rate has been advanced to 7 per cent. The letter was received. '■■~":: The Hutt Valley Creditors? Association wrote stating the object of the Association and inviting, the Board to become a member. Mr, Strand movea..that the Board join the Association. . . . ~ Mr Clendon seconded. —Carried. Mr F. G. A. Marchant, on behalf of the residents of Gracefield Road wrote asking if it is the intention of the Board to lay the gas mains in that locality. .■■.'•■ ■ -■■ - ..- ■ ,■ The Gas Manager reported that at present there are twenty-seven householders, fifteen of whom desire to have gas installed. He understood other houses would be-erected shortly. The length of main required to carry out the work would be approximately 130 chains. It was decided to have the main laid and the tender of Mr Avenell be accept-ed.-The contractor is to be requested to employ local men on the works, where possible.

Mr James Remington wrote resigning his position with the Board. The chairman, in moving that his resignation be received referred to-the valuable service rendered to the boardi by Mr Remington and it was decided that a letter of appreciation be forwarded to him.

The Gas Manager (Mr H. Appleyard) reported for the month of February as follows;-^-Coal Carbonised 511 tond, 1 cwt, gas manufactured 8,166>000 cubicfeet, average per ton 16,178 cubic feet, increased manufacture over February, 1929, 248,000 cubic feet. Estimate cf coal in stock 275 tons, 12cwt, lqr, coko, 35 tons, tar 9000 gallons. Coke aales amounted) to 116 tons, lcwi> lqr, arid tar sales 5223 gallons. ,'."

During the month 34 new services, 37 new cookers, 3 combination cookers, 5 gas coppers, 5 caliphonts, 4 -hotplates, and 41 new jneters were installed. Seventy-three meters were charged and 16 meters were repaired at the works.

Gasworks Plant: The fourth bench of retorts was renewed during the month, and put into operation. The retort setter had to leave us, when this bench was completed, to" carry out work at another gasworks, but will be, back before the end of March, when he "will continue with the renewal of the other settings. The Carbtiretting Plant is now being operated only one shift per day.

New Retort House: This house and

stack is nearing completion, and the building of the settings will be commenced in a few weeks.

Station Meter: This work has been completed, and'the meter tested, and found correct. The connections" are still to be made to the Gas Holder andi purifiers, the third one of which is being put together; _ ;

.Retort Charging Apparatus: making enquiries with regard to. a scoop charging appliance, to do away with the present shovel charging system. By using scoops, a large quantity of gas will be saved from every retort charged.

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