Second Edition GAS.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 21 April 1914, Page 3

Second Edition GAS.

Levin's Venture Successful.

DEBIT TURNED TO CREDIT

The following report was submitted by the lighting committee to the Levin Borough' Council last evening: "The Lighting Committee met on the 17th inst and considered the gas returns of the year endod the 31st March, 1914. The statement. of recipts and expendi-ture-shows that the last year's debit balance of £100' 9s 1171 has been created into a credit balance of £106 7s 6d. The value of material and stock in hand,, goods in the showroom,etc., on the 31st March is a little less than in the previous year. The ledger accounts for the fittings, etc., show however an increase on last year's amount. On the whole tile committee find the year's working to have been very satisfactory, and consider that the gas manager is to be congratulated on the good results for the year. The committee is also of opinion that the time has arrived when a reduction in the price of gas in certain instances and particularly for the larger users should be carefully considered. To this end certain returns are being prepared and the committee hopes to Have a definite rcommendation to place before the next meeting of the Council. —D. W. Matheson, Chairman."

The Mayor commented that the report showed a very satisfactory state of affairs. ft showed that the corner had been turned, and he thought now that the consumers should receive some consideration.

Councillor Parker suggested that some concession should be given to present consumers instead of leaving it to consumers in after years to reap greater benefit. Councillor Blenkhorn voiced a need for caution. When the •term of- the debentures was run, and these all met', there would be a. balance of £7000 due on the whole loan. That was enough to be at the risk of, in these days when science advanced so rapidly, and there must be a risk that the burgesses would be left with a plant comparatively valueless upon their hands.

Councillor Lancaster said that £1000 had been paid out of the pockets of consumers towards building up a plant. That was not as it should be. Now that the gasworks were a success the charges should be reduced. Councillor France agreed with Councillor Blenkhorn: a _ chance discovery at any time might reorganise artificial lighting. He was for running on safe lines.

Councillor Prouse was in favour of keeping 'on the safe side." Past experience had shown him the advisableness of that: he had been connected with an associalion that dwindled away until only three were left to find the necessary money. The Major said the pas committee had not neglected the question of a reduction; as a matter of fact it was having figures prepared by the Town Clerk. Mr Gardenner went on to comhat the contention that gasworks plants were likely to heeome antiquated in a short time: he ventured to say tHat Levin gasworks to-day were worth £2000 more than they were when first erected. Very small 'expenditures were needed from time to time to hring gas plants up-to-date. Councillor 731 enkhorn wished to make clear what was in the mind? ■of the gas committee: it was no! against the proposal to make some present reduction in charges for gas, but it desired to make it clear that no precedent was being established that all profits-.must go in reduction of gas: but, on the contrary, the desirableness of building up a substantial sinking fund should be recognised. ("The Mafor: Hear, near.) The report then was received and adopted.