Levin Gasworks

Levin Daily Chronicle, 29 May 1917, Page 3

Levin Gasworks

THE MANAGER'S REPORT. Following is the report of the gaswe'rks manager (Mr A. Burrell) submitted to Levin Borough Council Eit it 3 last general meeting:— "I have the honor to submit for your information my report on the working of tihe gas department for the month ending 26th April, 1917. During the month very satisfactory progress has been made, and our gas output, also coke and tar, is well on the increase. The gas manufactured for the month shows 83,300 cubic feet in ad'vance of the same period last year. The present month (May) shows to date even higher, and our present consumption is averaging about 20,'000 )cubio feet ©very 24 hours. This means that we are at present sending out our gas holder full daily. Howeverl as we lia.ve the winter months upon us, and a general shortage of coal supplies in our town, a general increase must be expected in our gas sales. Coal supplies for our works are causing somo concern, as owing to the strike all surplus stocks were used up. I am, however, pleased to say over 20 tons came to. hand this day, and I will do my best to secure further supplies. We are carbonising about 1J tons of coal daily, or 10 tons more per month than last year. As I stated in my last report all the lamps at present in use for street light are worn and rusted beyond repair. This branch of the department requires a complete reorganisation. I have gone into the whole matter on two occasions with the lighting committee, and the different merits and methods were fully discusseed. In my opinion, after four ■ years of continuous experience automatic lighting is absolutely unsuitable for any class of lamp other fcnan the square copper .windproof pattern.. I feel thoroughly convinced that if such we,re universally adopted throughout the borough, including the main street our lighting would be much improved, and the automatic system would then be a profitable asset to the town. As the square lanterns are all copper they last almost a life-time, and the upkeep is almost nil, except for an occasional clean. If the above were carried out I am sure that tihe street lighting question would be solved and same put upon a solid and sound working ba'sis. The pressure question' would be almost entirely remedied. All gas good are still procurable, although prices 'are slightly higher. The carbonizing plant is keeping in good order and giving good results. Coke is particularly 'keen of sale, and I have recommended some increase in our welling prices. This is only fair in view of the rise in coal. You will please find report for April in detail attached." Number of consumers 34 i Meters in use 343 Engines in use 3, Coal received (tons) 20 Coal carbonizped (tons) 45 Number of street lamps 47 Number of stoves in use '121 Gas for street lighting 30,000 Gas for house lighting 131,800 Gas for slot meters -15,000 Gas for cookers 25G.000 Gas for power 41,000 Gas for house and showroom 4000 Gas for- works 3000 Gas for library 4000 Gas for borough chambers 3000 Total 517,800 Gas manufactured 527,800 Total output 522,800 Gas per ton coal carbonzied 11,900 Gas unaccounted for 5000 Estimate meters unread 5000