THE GAS WORKS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXVII, Issue 1362, 18 February 1915, Page 2

THE GAS WORKS.

The business for which the special meeting of the Borough Council was called on Monday night included consideration of matters in connection with the proposed extensions to the local gas works. The Mayor said that it was now some six mouths since the loan of ,£3OOO for gas works extensions was authorised by the ratepayers. Owing to the war it was deemed advisable to proceed with the work immediately, but Mr Blackman was consulted and he drew up specifications and called for tenders in Ivugland in cider that everything should he in order when the time arrived to proceed. The tenders had now been received and the meeting was called to decide what should be done. They had to decide (1) whether the whole work should be carried out, (2) whether only a portion should be done or (3) whether the whole matter should be shelved. He understood that money could be borrowed from the Public Trust Office at 5*4 per cent, plus 1 per cent sinking fund. The loan was authorised at 5 per cent, and the Council had no power to borrow at a higher rate, but could only do so with the permission of the Minister of Finance. He had no doubt that this permission would be granted however. The new work proposed included a new gas holder, purifyers, retorts, washer, etc. The manager, Mr Hamilton, says there is no immediate necessity for the purifyers and perhaps this and some of the other work could be held over. As regards the new gas holder the manager says there will be no difficulty this wiuter in doing without it, but it would be very unwise to leave it over after the coming winter. The Mayor said he thought it would be wise to consult Mr Blackman before any tender was accepted.

After discussion it was decided on the motion of the Mayor, seconded by Cr Coley, that a special meeting of the Council be held on Tuesday evening next when Mr Blackman will be present to help the Council decide on what part of the work is immediately necessary to be done and what can with advantage be left for some future time.