THE COAL STRIKE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 1701, 21 April 1917, Page 3

THE COAL STRIKE.

EFFECT ON LOCAL GAS WORKS. ECONOMY IN USE OF GAS URGED. At last night’s Council meeting, the Mayor referred to the coal supply for the local gas works. He said 11ml in view of the position it might be advisable for the Council to take steps to curtail the ; consumption of gas. One direction in which this might be done would be to notify the local picture theatres that gas could only be supplied for throe nights a week. At present there was only a sullicient supply of coal at the works for two months, as, owing to the shortage throughout the Dominion they had been unable to get as large supplies as they would have liked. The matter should be taken into consideration, but could possibly be left for the new council. It was possible that the strike would be settled within a week, and if so there would be no necessity for curtailment. Cr Henderson considered that it would be better for the picture people themselves iu run only three nights a week - . ,

Cr Stevenson said (he coal strike was nuudi more serious than a lot: of people imagined, and lie was of opinion they should net at once. The interests of (lie householders should be their (irsl consideration, and if necessary gas engines, where there were also suction plants, could first be cut, off.

In reply to Cr Bryant, it was stated that to limit the picture shows to three nights a week would effect a saving of one ton of coal a month. Cr Golev said if that was all it was going to save it was not much good. Cr Thompson asked if they restricted (he gas to three nights a week how it would affect their lease agreement with the New Zealand I Net nre Supplies, Ltd.

The Mayor said il would certainly he awkward if I hey obpccted. They could say that (he Council had broken the 'agreement, and would perhaps cancel the lease.

Cr Stevenson didn’t think they would object. Cr Coley thought all consumers should be treated alike. If the gas had to he eat off let them all be in (he dark' at the same time., Cr Henderson said it would be necessary to increase the price of gas in view of Iho increase in coal and wages. Cr MeColl; As soon as you put the price up the consumption will decrease.

Cr Thompson suggested leaving the matter for the new council to deal wilh.

The Mayor thought the street lighting could well In l dispensed wit h in Ihe meant ime. Cr Bryant said if they cut off (he supply to engines the owners might (lad something else to suit them and not take the gas again later on. After some further discussion it wa- deidded on the motion of the Mayor, seconded hy Cr .Freeman, that the street lamps be discontinued until further notice; that all are lamps in front of shops be cut off as from Monday next, and that all eon.-umers he asked lo use the strictest economy in the use of gas and owners of gas engines he informed timt they are liable to he cut off, and had better make arrangements accordingly. This ;p--lion is rendered necessary owing to the coal strike.