THE GAS QUESTION.

Evening Star, Issue 2936, 17 July 1872, Page 2

THE GAS QUESTION.

To the Eldor. Sir,—ln justice to myself, lam compelled to ask yon to do mo the favor of inserting the accompanying letter in the columns of your paper, the editor of the Daift/ Times having refused to give insertion to it,—l am, (IvC., H. S. Fish, Jix, July 17th, 1872.

To the Editor of the Dally Times. Sm,—Although I decided in self vindication, on making a few’ remarks on your leading article of this day, I am not insensible to the fact that it is futile to expect impartiality or justice to myself from your journal, particularly as it is known to be so much under the control of Mr Hankoy’s attorney, whose opponent I have boon compelled to become through his own course of action. It will, however, console me to think that little as the Daily Times can iutluence public opinion on any great question of the day, it will assuredly exorcise none in reference to the stand which tlw City Council and myself have taken in this gaa dispute of Mr Larnach’s own creation

The statements in your leading article (for they cannot be dignified as argument*) in condemnation of tho course which the Council and myself have taken to protect the citizens from Messrs U aukey and caprice as to the price of gas would have be e a unworthy of notice, were there not parties who, from want of p.oper ‘information, may 4 be misled by your remarks. I am therefore compelled to’call attention to the following facts Ist. That the Legislature in its wisdom has specifically declared the supply of gas and water to he part of the functions of the Dunedin c wporate body, and has placed at its command the power and means of raising the required capital to provide

these necessaries of life and commerce for the public. 2nd. The citizens have times out of number called on the Corporation to avail themselves of the powers granted them in these particulars. And lastly, the Council, in answer to the wishes of the citizens, has determined to comply with the request made to them in reference to gas and water supply beyond the possibility of business-like and honorable retreat. Therefore, Mr Tlditor, you may rest assured that these great measures will bo eventually carried out in spite of misrepresentations or private animosities and jealousies, and in such a man* ner as will be found most conducive to the public weal. It should further be noted that the majority of the gas-consuming public will not enter into a three years’ contract, so that virtually Mr Haukey will not be bound to continue the supply to them at 12s 6d per 1000 feet if not compelled to do so by deed or some other document equally binding, as desired by the Council and mj - self. If Mr Hankey’s interest in the Gas Works should be disposed of to other parties, there is little doubt that the price of gas would be raised in order to obtain extravacant profits, unless restrained from, doing so by some such action as the Council is now taking. . I have no doubt the Corporation will eventually become purchasers of the Gas Works, but in the meantime it is not at all improbable that a company will he raised in the old country to purchase Mr Hankey’s interest at a large profit, which could not be conveniently managed if Mr Hankey bound himself and successors by deed to supply gas at 12s Gd ; but, irrespective of this consideration, Mr Larnach agreed to the terms ■which the Corporation now insist upon when they undertook not to build now works in consequence. I may remark that Mr Larnach has, within the last day or two, sent a letter to the Corporation, binding Mr Hankey to supply gas to the citizens for three years at 12s Gd, and that failing his doing so the Corporation shall have power to rescind thoir contract with him. If Mr Larnach’s power of Attorney is found to be sufficient for the purpose 1 shall, aud I think the Council will also be satisfied ; but if not, these terms must be incorporated in the contract itself,' to which I think there can be no objection. Your other remarks do not call for any special allusion; but, in conclusion, I can only say that I do not desire or wish to monopolize the credit due to the Council for their action on the gas supply to the citizens; but could I fairly do so, I don’t know that I could put forth any greater claim to the preference a i l support of my fellow citizens in the forthcoming election for Mayor.—l am, &c., H. S. Fish, Jux. July 16,1872.