RE GAS MATTERS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 1090, 5 September 1912, Page 3

RE GAS MATTERS.

(To the Editor.)

SrR,— "Nothing succeeds like success.” Levin and Wcodville gas works are successes—Foxtou is not. Why is this thus. Choose how the accounts are kept, the fact remains that the ratepayers have had to put their hands in their pockets to balance accounts. Was the gas rate to pay loss on working the business or to find capital for its extension ? These facts should be distinctly stated in a balance-sheet, and publicly advertised in your paper to remove the doubt and distrust that exists about this mysterious business. From out of the smoke a little light penetrated at the Council meeting held lasi Thursday evening. We learn that something like had been paid out of the revenue of the works for new mains, etc,, otherwise the interest and sinking fund amount, minus would have been earned. Why are not separate accounts kept say as follows: Capital account, revenue account and a trading account to embrace gas fittings, coal dealing or any other branch of business the Council may engage in in connection with the gas works, but not directly concerned in the manufacture and sale o! gas. Several things cropped up not dreamt of in the ratepayers philosophy. That it is "purely guess work under existing conditions to state definitely what amount of gas each ton of coal was producing,” meters in gas works, therefore, cannot be depended on. What about the meters outside by which the gas consumers are charged every month ? It seems to be perfectly correct that the burners in the street lamps can be depended on to burn eight feet per hour and this without a meter to register the same. By all means let the consumers use street lamp burners, but then again, what will they do for light when they refuse to burn ? Most estimates in gas works seem to be inaccurate, but it comes as a bit of a surprise that the late Mayor and the Town C.-rk connived at these things. Tue - ngine in the gas works was estimated by Mr Shaw to use about 12,000 cubic feet per month, with this Mr Stunell disagreed, but whilst doing so, very nearly proved it correct, "a gas engine uses about 20ft per horse power per hour,” In July there was 744 hours, multiply by aolt per hour makes 14.880 ft. It is admitted that the engine does not work continuously, neither should it develop more than oue horse power to pump about scwt of smoke per day. At Levin gas works four retorts are charged at 8 a.m. and 5 p.m, with 3cwt of coal per retort, each I hie making 24cwts of coal per day and over 1400 cubic feet per day. Foxton gas works made in July 330,000 ft equal to 10.645 ft per day. With Levin results ot 12,in cubic feet per ton, Foxton would require on the average under ißcwt of coal per day. Now, does it not seem feasible that If the six retorts which are heated by the one fire at Foxton gas works were charged with 3cwt ot coal every morning at 8 a.m., that the iScwt of coal required per day would be carbonised without any second round as at Levin. It would leave many hours to put in the attention evidently needed at Foxton, but not so required at Levin. —I am, etc., Ex Fumo Dare Lucem.

Sir, —By your last issue I see that the Mayor and Councillor Speirs are trying to question Mr StunelTs abilities as gas manager. Having worked for the same firm as Mr Stunell for some time (the Wellington Gas Company) I think it is only right, and common justice, to say that the employees there always recognised Mr Stunell as a clever man at his work, and fair to those under him —in fact, white right through—and if anyone went to the old hands there and said anything against Harry Stunell they would get a rough five minutes. It is common knowledge that when the borough took over the gas works, Crs Gibbs and Speirs were opposed to retaining th« present manager, which leads one to assume that they have one of their friends picked out for the position. Give the manager fair play, and I am sure if anyone can make the works pay he will. —I am, etc., Reddy.

[We would point out to correspondents that neither the Mayor or Councillors have charged the manager with incompetence. What the Mayor has done is to make a thorough investigation of works of a similar capacity to Foxton, namely Woodville, Levin and Marton, presumably with the object of adopting any improved method of administration. We see no reason for adverse criticism in this connection. It is the duly, particularly of the Mayor and generally of every Councillor to have at least a general knowledge of the affairs of which they are for the time being the people’s trustees. If they fail in this, they are lacking in their duty. The gas manager has nothing to fear from such comparative investigations, nay, we believe it will be advantageous to him. On the other hand, the Mayor and Cr Coley deserve the very best thanks of the ratepayers for the inquiries now being made, and we believe the time they have sacrificed and the investigations they have made will be of educational value both to the Council and ratepayers.—Rd. H.]