THE GAS SUPPLY.

Taranaki Daily News, 4 September 1920, Page 4

THE GAS SUPPLY.

THE SERVICE FAILS AGAIN. SHORTAGE OF COAL, Early yesterday morning there was a break in the New Plymouth gas supply, find later in the morning the pressure was not very satisfactory, which resulted in inconvenience to householders. In many eases the preparation of the midday meal suffered somewhat. "The position is that stocks of coal are almost depleted," said Mr. T. Furlong (chairman of the Company) yesterday in answer to a Daily News representative's query. "For some time past the works have been carrying on from hand to mouth." Mr. Furlong proceeded to say that yesterday afternoon the stocks totalled only five tons. The Company, however, was to receive part of the cargo of the Kittawa now in port, though this has not readied the works yet. Arrangements have been made to secure a supply to-day from a local dealer in case of emergency. Yesterday's trouble, Mr. Furlong states, was apparently due to the inferior quality of the coal, as the men on shift at two p.m. stated that they could not get the gas out of the coal. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ACTION. THE SYSTEM OF PAYMENT? Enquiry was made at last night's meeting of the Chamber of Commerce as to the result of the protest lodged in regard to the unsatisfactory nature of the gas supply. It was reported that the Borough Council had informed the Company that if an improvement was not made tlis Council would consider the calling of a public meeting to make representations to the Government to amend the Company's charter. A member remerked that last month he paid thirty per cent more in price for less gas actually used, This drew some remarks in favor of inaugurating a scheme of paying for gas on its calorific power, as is done in England, and a resolution was carried asking the Borough Council to tako into immediate consideration the matter of seeking legislative power to enable thifj to be done. . '■< THE AUCKLAND "CUT." LITTLE GAS FOR COOKING. By Telegraph.--Press Association. Auckland, Last Night, Owing to the failure of the Gas Company to secure supplies of coal from Newcastle the gas pressure is now drastically reduced, except between the hours of 4 p.m. and 7.30 p.m. This means that cooking by gas stoves, is out of the question throughout the morning and most of the afternoon. Many businesses which rely on gas for power are seriously affected, but the most serious sufferers are restaurants. To-day only one or two eating places in the city were able to supply hot meals at mid-day. Several proprietors are contemplating closing down in the meantime, while others are reducing staffs.