THE GAS QUESTION.

Southland Times, Issue 1764, 8 July 1873, Page 2

THE GAS QUESTION.

♦ Several months ago we placed ourselves in communication with Mr A. C. Fraser, London, a gas engineer of twenty years' experience, and brother of Mr Lachlan Fraser, of Waianiwa, with the view of obtaining such practical suggestions as he might be willing to furnish with regard to the establishment of gasworks in Invercargill. By the mail just arrived we have received the following interesting letter from Mr Eraser. We shall be happy to show the tracing which accompanies the letter to any member of the Municipal Council, or other gentlemen who may feel interested in the subject : — To the Editor of the Southland Times. • SiH,-r-I ..duly .'received! your favor of 10th February last, as also the Southland Times containing a report on the subject of gas supply for Invercargill, and after a careful consideration of the matter, it affords me a pleasure to be of service to you, as with an experience of over twenty years in the management and construction of gasworks, any suggestions I shall have to offer will be only of a practical nalure, In reference to the report, 1 may remark that with 2000 population, I would certainly expect that the consumers would number over 70, and not less than 100, and as the town is improving rapidly, the number may very fairly be computed to reach 200 in the course of three years from the period when the lighting has begun, and the public lamps would in the same time increase probably to 40 or 50 altogether. I should therefore, in recommending works for your adoption, design them of adequate capacity to meet your requirements, taking a prospective view, and having regard to the probable increase of business during the next five or seven years. My attention has been directed to the balance sheet, and as lam Hot aware of the description of coals you can obtain for the manufacture of gas, and' also as to the cost of mateiiala and labor in the colony, I cannot deal with the several items in detail with any amount of precision, but may remark that no charge is made for public lamps, which would, at the same price as is charged to private consumers, amount to £112 10s ; on the other hnnd, the item £35 for residuals appears to be too small, as, if 266 tons of coal have been carbonised, they would yield in coke about 266 chaldrons, but of that, as the fuel would absorb 25 per cent., there is left only 200 cha. for sale at 25s per chaldron, £250. The tar, amnioniacal liquor, waste lime, &c, would be worth about £35 in addition, so that the balance sheet shown in the report does not present the prospects of a company iv the most favorable aspect. I estimate that the works, buildings, and mains, completed, would cost about £3500, and I am prepared to undertake the erection of the whole for that sum, and would, if so desired, engage to leaee the works, and pay to the cormj&ny a dividend of 8 percent, per annum on their invested capital, and also invest in the undertaking by the purchase of shares to a limited extent. I should recommend that you form a company, and make the capital £5003 in £5 shares, with part of the money to remain on call, and till required for the purposes of the company. I enclose a tracing of small works, which may be adapted to the site you shall be able to secure, and upon hearing from you, 1 would, upon having a sketch of the site, rearrange the apparatus, a"nd also make some additions, as I should supply station meter and governor, to make the thing quite perfect and complete in all the parts. I remain, yours truly, !A. C. Feasee, F.S.A., M.I.M.E. Patpnt Gas Company, Limited, London, May 14th, 1373.