GAS METERS.

Taranaki Daily News, 11 September 1920, Page 9

GAS METERS.

ARE THEY RELIABLE? The little idiosyncrasies of gas-meters have been for half a century a prolific source of jest, but explanation of their funny little ways aiy never vouchsafed to a long-suffering public. In Auckland recently the newspapers have been bombarded with letters from indignant householders who have made the strange discovery that since the local gas company reduced the pressure in its mains :n order to economise the supply, their meters have been registering a much larger consumption than usual. The Auckland company recently increased the price by Is per 1000 feet, and it» might have been supposed that this provided an explanation of the larger bills the correspondents say they are receiving. but in more than one instance the quantity of gas consumed as recorded Jiv the meter is quoted, showing that with a decreased supply a greatlyincreased consumption is being recorded. The same has been experienfed in New Plymouth. The principles upon which gasometers operate are known to very few' persons. The subject is so highly technical that even the "Encyclopaedia Britaunica" eschews reference to it. A possible explanation of the experience, (says the Lvttelton Times), is that the quality of the gas supplied is poor and that a larger quantity is required to perform the same lighting or heating services as in normal times. The 'sub-' ject, however, is wrapped about with mystery, and as the suppliers of gas are the only persons entitled to test the meters, public curiosity on the subject •is likely to go unsatisfied. The legal position, of course, is inequitable and anomalous. The baker who supplies short-weight bread, the milkman who supplies milk below standard, and the shopkeeper whose weights and measures are not in accordance with the law are subject to prosecution. A periodical analysis of the gas supply and an independent testing of meters, while it may or may not be necessary in the publie interest, would at, least set at rest tho doubts and suspicions which are'prevalent wherever gas is used.' We should think that the gas companies would themselves welcome a system of inspection and analysis such as we have suggested.