THE PRICE OF GAS.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1538, 6 September 1912, Page 5

THE PRICE OF GAS.

NEW SOUTH WALES LEGISLATION. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyrieht Melbourne, September 4. The Gas Inquiry Board's report, laid before Parliament, recommends that a standard rate of 4s. per 1000 cubic feet should be fixed. Tho present charge is 4s. 7d. The standard 6hould, tho board thinks, be dependent ' upon the company paying a 10 per cent, dividend; if a lower dividend is accepted the company should be allowed to charge more, every penny in, the alteration of the prico being equal to a. quarter per' cent, of dividend. If 101 pot cent., the charge would be 3s. lid. A model Bill attached to the report outlines comprehensive legislation.

. MR; WILLIS INTERVENES. (Rec. September 5, 9.10 p.m.) Sydney, September 5. The gist of tho Gas Company's counsel's address in the Legislative Assembly was tliat the Gas Bill would inflict a grievous wrong on investors, and deprivethem of property lawful? acquired. . Counsel Complained that he was deprived of his main argument because the Speaker, Mr. Willis, would not allow him to make a comparison with Englisn legislation. The Premier, Mr. M'Gowen, unavailingly appealed to Mr. Willis to allow the counsel latitude, but Mr. Willis silenced interjecting members with a threat of removal.'