BOROUGH MATTERS

Horowhenua Chronicle, 25 April 1914, Page 3

BOROUGH MATTERS

(To the Editor.)

Sir, —It is exceedingly gratifying to read your report of the gas committee, informing us of the pleasing credit balance in the returns for the year ending March, 1914. Great credit is due to the gas committee and their able manager. It is a pity the balancesheet was not published; the ratepayers could then form their own opinion on amount credited to depreciation and bad debts reserve accounts. I know from experience that previous book debts in connection with the gas department would not return much more than 75 per cent when realised. ' If ample provision has been made for bad debts and depreciation, one might be inclined to listen to those councillors who advocate lowering the rate of gas to the consumer: anyhow, at the present, business men would certainly support those councillors who view the matter cautiously and who would provide a sinking fund for the payments which must follow. It is all very well for our worthy Mayor to say there is very liffle depreciation in connection with the gas department, but he overlooks the question of competition, which (in my opinion) must inevitably follow. Just another little point for our citv fathers while T have the pen in my hand: I have visited a great many towns of more importance than Levin, but do not remember a single instance where a livery stable m the main street is allowed to beeome a nuisance. I would suggest to our road overseer to use the sfreet broom on the footpath crossing in front of a certain establishment in our main street and get a l-eport of the health officer on The question.- T am, etc., ELECTRIC TJGHT.