THE Evening Star. THURSDAY, AUGUST 12, 1869

Evening Star, Volume VII, Issue 1956, 12 August 1869, Page 2

THE Evening Star. THURSDAY, AUGUST 12, 1869

The City Council has decided to adopt the recommendation of the Gas Committee, and in accordance with it to instruct Mr A. K. Smith to prepare plans for carrying out the work of constructing new gas works. When there is much popular excitement on a question, it is at all times an ungracious task to say one word implying doubt as to the propriety of a course adopted. There is a class of men who consider the voice of a majority quite conclusive as to the soundness of any measure advocated, although the exjienence of all time proves, that by confining the examination of a subject to one side of a question only, the result may be a loss rather than a benefit. We consider those who have moved in this matter are entitled to every praise for the patience and skill they have evinced in bringing before the citizens the means of obtaining gas at a cheaper rate than at present. They have done a good work, and, so far, they have done it well. They have shown at what rate gas may be supplied, and how to obtain it. They have pointed out the improvements that may be made on present arrangements, by adopting the latest appliances and discoveries of science, and shown incontestably that assuming the necessity for the construction of new gas works, the city can be supplied at a given rate per thousand. Now all this is indisputably true —that is Mr A. K. Smith says so, and the Committee say his figures are correct. But the necessity for constructing gas works is not yet shown. The other side of the question has not been heard. Mr Hutchison has yet to speak. We cannot suppose he can or will gainsay Avhat has been said. We should not recommend him to attempt it. But he may do a much better thing ; he may come forward if he finds he can alibi d to supply gas at or near the limits pointed out, and save the City the outlay and expense and annoyance of another gas manufactory. It may be very fairly conceded that for City purposes the manufacture of gas and the water supply should be in the hands and under the control of the Corporation. All evidence and all experience prove the advisability of that course being taken. Dunedin in that respect has been singularly unfortunate in allowing both those important necessities tofallintothehands of private companies, and still more unfortunately, the decided opinion of Mr Smith is against the purchase of the present gas works. He said, should the City decide to manufacture for themselves, he recommends the construction of new works in preference. But for our parts, we are still unconvinced that the old works are incapable, for years to come, of meeting the demand of the City. The idea of a large consumption in private houses has never been realised in any City in the world. Gas is still the exception for domestic use. It is not a convenient mode of lighting dwelling houses, for although safe, it requires that all who use it should go to the light, whereas in families it is more convenient to take the light to the place where it is wanted. For all household pm poses, kerosene is more useful, and as cheap. In order to justify a present outlay that may cramp the Corporation in their means for carrying out other improvements, it must bo shown that the present Gas Company cannot supply the wants of the City, or if it is equal to meeting the demand, that the proprietor or lessee will not supply it on such terms as it can be manufactured and supplied for. This point established, there is no alternative; new works become a necessity. We should not wish the present City Council to feel, as it wore, bound to construct now gas works. It is quite true it was a leading question at the late election. The ratepayers had determined upon “ cheap “ gas,” and they showed their resolution to have it, by electing men who had taken a leading and active part in advocating it. What we desire is, that they should not feel themselves pledged to a given course in obtaining it: nor because one way has been pointed out, imagine there is no other. They have facts and figures before them ; they have decided, we presume on sufficient data , that those facts and figures are correct. At any rate, they form standards by which they are enabled to avoid serious error in any future arrangements. They have shown that they have faith in them by inviting plans and deciding to call for tenders. Should the present Gas Company come forward with a proposition that will meet the reasonable expectations of the citizens we presume that even yet the Corporation is not so far committed as not to be enabled to halt. We have no hesitation in saying that the time will come when additional works will be a necessity. The question is—Has it arrived ? Wo believe that we speak

the sentiments of all uninfluenced by personal feeling in the matter when ye say that all that the City expects of its representatives is that they shall secure to its inhabitants a full supply of good and cheap gas ; and that if Mr Hutchison is prepared to give that, and they secure it for the City, its inhabitants will be content to see other necessary improvements carried out, and wait a few years for new gas works.