THE GAS QUESTION.

Waipukurau Press, Issue 311, 22 September 1908, Page 6

THE GAS QUESTION.

(to the editor.) Sir, —Would you be good enough to allow me space for a few remarks on the “ burning ” question of our gas supply. First let me say it is no use denying the fact that the recent explosions and the apparent lack of knowledge concerning the New Century Gas have somewhat shaken confidence in it, and even if the system is some day successfully installed and utilised for street lighting for the stipulated month, the residents will be unwilling to venture using it, until such time as its merits may restore confidence. Believing the new Board intends immediately to tackle this question in a business-like manner, I would suggest that 'the whole question be reconsidered with a view to the substitution of coal-gas. The New Century Company, being apparently “ sick unto death ”of the whole affair, would probably agree to the determining of the present contract, and dispose of the holder and street mains at a figure advantageous to the town. These could then be used, along with the additional plant necessary, for coal gas. While it is admitted that the New Century Gas is in an experimental stage, coal gas is a known quantity and has other advantages. Besides being perfectly safe for lighting (a thing not yet proved of the New Century Gas) its utility for power, heating, cooking, etc., cannot be gainsaid. Then there are also valuable by-products, such as coke, tar, etc., and these surely should count for something when comparing the two systems. Taking into consideration the lamentable failures and procrastination of the New Century Company on the one hand and the known utility of coal gas on the other, it seems to me the new 7 Board could not dojbetter than procure a report from an expert, of the cost of making a change on the lines indicated. —I am, etc., Petrol.