ELECTRIC LIGHT RETURNS

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 149, 19 March 1919, Page 3

ELECTRIC LIGHT RETURNS

It will be seen from the following roturn that working expenses in connection with tho city's electric lighting department continue to increase in about tho same- proportion as they havo done in respect to the tramways undertaking. As a rule the electric light figures have shown increases in revenue well in excess of increases in expenditure, but for the 48 weeks ended March 2 it is shown that the revenue increased by '45891 whilst working expenses wont up by 45881—a difference of only 410. At the same time the department is in a very souud position, the working expenses being slightly over 50 per cent, of the revenue. The credit balance for the period noted is shown as 425,13k The return for the four weeks ended March 2 is as follows:— 1919. 1918. Revenue 45,829 45,167 Working expenses ... 43,582 43,221 Capital charges. 41,400 41,100 Credit balance 4847 .4543 Units eold 331,135 291,222 The return-for the 18 weeks ended March 2 is as follows-.— 1918-19. 1917-IS. Revenue 484,087 ■ £7 ?'' 2 js Working expenses ... 443,550 437,075 Capital charges 415,400 415,400 Credit balance 425,131 420,141 Units sold 5,119,775 4,023,202

The serious stage to which pillaging of overseas cargo has developed, was illustrated' in the goods shed at New Plymouth a, few days ago. Four cases consigned to a Stratford drapery firm were opened for' Customs examination, and it was found that the contents of three cases had been tampered with, and that articles to the retail value of between 400 and 470 were missing- The. cases bore fairly plain marks that showed they had been opened. It is stnted that a number of similar cases of stealing has ben discovered in consignments of goods arriving at New Plymouth within the last month or two. The drapers appear to be the main losers.

THE PROHIBITION. POLL. Electors who are still undecided as to how they will vote at Hie lorthcominß Prohibition poll will do well to calmly analyse the arauments presented bv both "The Trade" and the Prohibition Party. Supporters of the liquor traffic are raiiinlv relying on the old catch cry of "Wowsers"'in their efforts to discountenance arguments put forth by those in favour of"reform. It is well, therefore, to remember that an absolutely impartial and unbiased report on the vnmc ot 1 inhibition to the nation is available for the consideration of everyone. Tun National Nlbcicncv Board considered the liiiuor business and heard evidence from every section of the community. "The Trade" placed its facts before the lxiard, | ami so did the Prohibition advocates, while the other sections of the community—farmers, business folk, and workers --also gave evidence. Glance over the mimes of the members of the board which heard the evidence. There is not one of I hem to whom the term "wowser could be rcmolely applied. Then read the realms outlined iu I heir report recommendinir National Prohibition with eomneiisiition. The board expressly Rtated Hint 11. had purely considered the matter from the point, of view of national weallh and efficiency and no moral considerations were allowed to we.iiih with it. livery patriotic citizen should be guided bv its decision. Therefore, strike out the top lino on Thursday, ipril M.-AoM.