GISBORNE GAS COMPANY.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume XI, Issue 1353, 8 September 1883, Page 3

GISBORNE GAS COMPANY.

At the end of the year 1878, Captain Porter, while on a visit to Wellington, learned that a portion of a plant, which had become too small for the requirements of the Gas Company there, was for sale. The idea occurred to him that possibly it might be procured on advantageous terms for Gisborne, and the task of procuring the necessary data with the view of forming a local Gas Company »'was entrusted to Mr F. J. Piesse. During the early part of 1879 the latter was in correspondence with gentlemen of experience in such matters resident in large centres of population, with the result that the scheme was even at that date pronounced by experts to be a feasible one; and doubtless but for the momentary depression which made itself universally felt at that time, the public would have been invited to co-operate in laying gas on to our little town four years ago. Subsequently in 1881, the late Mr W. Clarke, having made some experiments in the destructive distillation of paraffin butter obtained from the South Pacific Company’s ground, was so encouraged with the result that he endeavoured to float a gas company, it was, however, for some reason or other not pushed on to a final issue. In October ofjlast year a meeting of gentlemen interested in the lighting of the town was held. Owing to the progress made by the electric light it was thought that it might be introduced to this district; and on the second of November 1882 a letter, which we published in our columns, was addressed to Mr R. Hill Fisher him, through the agency he reto invite tenders in England for the supply of the necessary plant. In due course the opinions of three practical English electricians were received w’ith the result that the electric light was considered impracticable for the requirements of this district. It was then decided to fall back upon that old and well-tried public servant, gas, and the formation of the Company now before the public was the result. We are aware that there are still some in our midst who think that the electric light should be introduced, and occasional satisfactory trials are reported of its adoption in lights of small power. But though it is undoubtedly of great value a brilliant and concentrated light is required, it has not yet been brought to that state of perfection which w T ill warrant its introduction for household purposes ; and the public may rest assured that the practical business men promoting the local enterprise thoroughly understand what they are doing. Again, the cost of the plant required for the two systems is so greatly in favor of gas, that a capital of nearly double the amount wpuld be required for the electric light. This above is one great item in favor of gas, which also possesses the advantage of being a fnost useful servant in other respects than lighting, as it can be used for heating and cooking purposes, and as a motive power. The promoters of the Gas Company have availed themselves of the best advice in the colony, having communicated with practical men in the various large centres. Mr Atkinson, the manager and engineer of the Auckland Gas Company, was so imbued with the success of the proposed scheme, that, at his own expense, he visited Gisborne in June last. Since then it has been determined to float a Company, and that gentleman has been entrusted the preparation of the plans (which may now be inspected at Mr Piesse’s office,) and the supervision of the erection of the works. As an unmistakeable proof of his confidence it may be incidentially mentioned that he volunteered to take the whole of his commission in shares. His letter accompanying the plans Mr Atkinson says “I have designed the works as complete as possible, having regard to keeping down the cost. The plant will be equal to a daily supply of from W 0,000 to 12,000 cubic feet of gas. The apparatus is of the most modern description and when completed it should be one of the most perfect small gas works in the colony. The English market has never been more favorable than,at present for getting the whole of the plant at a cheap rate, therefore 1 have no doubt but if the works are properly erected and conducted, that it will prove to be a very profitable undertaking.” There are already some 550 shares applied for locally ; and, as the share list closes shortly, intending shareholders should not lose time in making application to the Secretary pro tem. A number of shares will be taken up in Auckland.