GAS RATIONING

Wairarapa Times-Age, 20 October 1943, Page 2

GAS RATIONING

POSSIBLE IN MASTERTON SHORTLY ACUTE SHORTAGE OF COAL. U ] REPORT TO BOROUGH COUNCIL. Reference to an acute shortage of coal which might result in the rationing of gas in Masterton was made by Councillor A. D. Low, chairman of the Gas Committee, at last night’s meeting of the Masterton Borough Council. Councillor Low said that according to the manager (Mr J. Y. Douglas) there was no immediate need for strict rationing. The position would be clearer in a week or so.

Councillor Low said other municipal authorities were placed in a similarly unfortunate position. The only bituminous coal hewn in New Zealand come from the South Island and lower production and delays at harbour bars contributed to the shortage. It was possible that an appeal would have to be made to consumers to conserve supplies. The coal now being used was not up to the quality necessary for making the best gas and as a result the manager had to drop the calorific value last week. The consumers took it with sweet reason and there were few complaints. Mr Douglas said, in reply to Councillor W. Kemp, that there was often a drop in the pressure in the outlying parts of the town owing to decreases in the pressure at the works on account ol a low stock of gas.

Councillor Kemp said he hoped that if gas were rationed it would be cut as little as possible on Sunday mornings to enable the workers to have a good meal.