MANAGER’S REPORT.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 2239, 15 February 1921, Page 3

MANAGER’S REPORT.

The gas works manager reported at last night’s Council meeting as follows: —

“The amount of gas manufactured for the month of January was 610,200 e. ft., an increase of 186,500 o. ft. over the corresponding period of last year, 66,000 of this being taken by the llnxmills. This constituted a record for the works through the summer months. The increase of 186,500 e. ft., at a nett cost of Os 7d per thousand, represents in cash the sum of £B9 7s 3d, which, I think, is very satisfactory. Fifty-four tons of coal was carbonised, yielding 11,300 c. ft. per ton. The plant is working satisfactorily, ami owing to the extra consumption f have been kept busy at the works. The stoker has been away' for his holidays, so f had to put on C. Kcnnerle.v to do the stoking, and owing to the amount of work done I ask dial he be kept on for two months. During the month two services have been cleared of water and sand, six new services put in, and one house fitted up. The weigh-bridge was in had order, so 1 had new decking put where necessary. 1 have still eight services to clear, and live houses to be fitted up, and a number of complaints to attend to. There is about 50 slot meters to alter, T have not had a chance to change any meters this month, i am having trouble with the services in Main Street, so intend putting in a 2-inch main across Main Street to supply new buildings at Perrcau's. The new holder needs painting this summer, and there is a number of small jobs to be done at the works. For the past four months T have handled all the coal that hits come to the works, and charged the purifiers.” GAS COMMITTEE’S REPORT.

The Gas Works Committee reported as follows: — “That the Gasworks Committee recommends that in lien of the duties of (he sanitary inspector, carrying a salary of £1 per week, Mr McKnight be employed at the gasworks for a maximum of 25 hours per week, at Is 9d per hour, making a. maximum salary for all duties excepting that of sexton of £4 4s 0d per week. That the stoker be notified that he must carry out his duties under flic gasworks manager, and according lo the Managers instructions, and if lie is not prepared to accept those conditions lie must tender his resignation.” The report was adopted. A letter was read from the stoker (Mr E. G. Marton), asking the Council to review his conditions, hours and wages. Mr Martin was also in attendance, and pointed out that the position at present was far from satisfactory to him, and lie would not continue under existing conditions any longer. He was doing more work than most gas stokers, and was getting less pay. When he look over the job in the first, place Hie- conditions were sill set: out, but these had not been adhered to. He wanted to be put on a proper foot-

ing. The Mayor said the Council had ascertained that the stoker was not entitled to receive the bonus recently granted by the Arbitration Court. Whilst they all agreed that Mr Martin was an excellent workman, there was not that amount of harmony between Him and the Council that should exist. The Council considered they had treated Mr Martin more than fairly, and would abide by I lie decision arrived at by the Gas Committee and confirmed by the Council that night. Mr Martin: Is that final? The Mayor: Yes. The Council has decided that the recommendation of the Gas Works Committee be adopted. Mr Martin: Well, then, you must take a week’s notice from to-night. The Mayor: Very well. The Gas Works Manager made application for an increase of £1 per week in his salary. The Mayor said they had written to other gas works to find out what salaries their managers received. The Feilding manager was paid £5 per week with free house, fuel and lighting, and at Levin the manager received £4 with free house and gas. The Foxfon salary was £5 10s with free gas, and he considered this

compared favourably with that of other places. In view of this and all other circumstances, he did not see how an increase could be granted, and moved that the Council regret they can make no increase at present. The motion on being put was carried. Crs. Parkin and Rand voting ‘ , * against it.