THE GAS WORKS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXVII, Issue 1373, 13 March 1915, Page 3

THE GAS WORKS.

TENDER ACCEPTED EOR EXTENSIONS.

A special meeting of the Borough Council was held on Thursday evening, to discuss matters in connection with the authorised extensions to the local gas woj-ks. Mr Blackman, the engineer appointed by the Council in connection with the carrying out of the work, was present by invitation for the purpose of advising the Council in the matter ot the tenders received for the work. The Councff first discussed the question of the disability or otherwise, in view of present conditions, of carrying out the work, but alter full and careful consideration, it was decided to carry out the whole of the work authorised by the ratepayers, which in • a new gas holder, retorts, two gas purifiers, washer, etc. For this work a loan of .£3,000 has been authorised. but the Council decided at Thursday night’s meeting to pay the cost of the erection of new retorts out of the gas works account, and not out of loan money. This will mean that instead of a loan of £3,000 as authorised, only about £2.250 will require to be borrowed.

Nine tenders for supplying the plant required were received from manufacturing firms in the Old Country, the lowest of which was that of Messrs C. and W. Walker, Shropshire, the price being £997 !os, and this was accepted. This price is f.o.b. London, it being estimated that the freight and charges and cost of erection will about, double the original cost. Before the cabled acceptance of the tender can be forwarded it will he necessary to make the required financial arrangements, the Council having not yet obtained the loan, but the money can be secured from the Public Trustee at a slight: increase in interest on that authorised. To do this it is necessary to get the permission of the Minister of Finance, but there will be no difficulty in obtaining this. It is expected that the plant will arrive in New Zealand within the next six months, and will be erected in ample time for the following winter. When these additions have bceu completed the plant will be quite up-to date, and sufficient for the requirements cf the town for many years to come.