GAS MATTERS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXVI, Issue 1297, 15 September 1914, Page 3

GAS MATTERS.

A lengthy discussion took place at last night’s Council meeting in respect to the proposed alterations and additions to the gas works, reduction in price of gas for engine consumption, and the setting up of a minimum standard tor lighting charges. Re the proposed additions to the works, on the motion of the Mayor, seconded by Cr Coley, Mr Blackman was authorised to forward specifications to the various manufacturers in England for the purpose of receiving tenders for same as per Mr Blackman’s letter, and that ;Mr Blackman be authorised to order the necessary retorts.

The gas manager’s report as published in our last issue, was critised and considered satisfactory. It was decided on the motion of Crs Henderson and Read that in all gas accounts, where cookers are used, the first yooft. shall be the minimum at the lighting rate, the balance to be charged at the heat and power rate. The Mayor explained that the above did not apply in cases where separate meters were installed. The Council could not afford at present to instal extra meters, but the minimum standard now set would be fair to all. On the motion of Crs Chrystall and Speirs, it was decided that as from Oct. ist, the following charges for gas used in cookers and engines be as follows :—2oooft. 10s, reducible to ys 6d if paid before 15th of following month ; up to 3000 ft. 9s 2d, reducible to 6s 8d ; over 3000 ft, 8s 9d reducible to 6s 3d. The idea of the Council is to induce day consumption both for cooking and motive purposes. Cr Speirs said he would like to see the price reduced to 6s per 100 oft. for engines. The Mayor stated that a further reduction in this connection would be considered, when the Council considered the question of supplying gas engines. Cr Coley said the Council should see that the gas works were not a charge on the ratepayers and there should not be any concessions until the the works were self-supporting. The Town Clerk reported that the Gas Manager recommended that chains of gas mains be laid in Cook Street to supply Mr Newth’s residences, with two other probable consumers later on. The estimated cost being rys. He also recommended 4 chains of main in Putter Street for four consumers, with probably three or four later on. The estimated cost being £2B. It was resolved on the motion of Cr Chrystall, seconded by Cr Barber, that the work recommended in Putter Street by the Gas Manager be gone on with and the work in Cook Street be held over until three houses agree to be connected.