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Hokitika Guardian, 28 May 1926, Page 2

It was good to read from tlic report published yesterday of t!ie flourishing state of tile Hokitika Gas Coy. Ltd. It is an institution of which the town may he rather proud. It lias flourished here now for over fifty-two years, and at the moment is going as well as ever it did. Established away back in the seventies when the town of Hokitika was barely a decade old. the Gas Company filled a want much felt at the time. Since those far-off days the fortunes of the Company have been those of the town itself. Tt fluctuated with the times, for Hokitika, like all mining towns, had its periods of depressions and changes, and it was not surprising that the Company responded in sympathy. But bv the steady development of the district, the extension of settlement, and the progress of farming, the town grew out of its dependency on mining, and with other industries coming into vogue, mid creating employment and establishing population, the Gas Company felt also the improving change. Away back in the nineties when slack times were experienced, the make of gas for the year was in the region of a million feet—a verylow consumption indeed. In the past year the make of gas passed the seven million mark, thus indicating the upward tendency and demonstrating the general air of prosperity 'which is gradually pervading the place. It is a matter for congratulation that so old and so useful an institution of the town, is flourishing, and no's- after half a century the shareholders are

able to look forward to the future with such great confidence. The Gas Coy. supplies a very necessary want, one which adds to the amenities of life in no small deree, and ensures the better equipment of the town as a residential centre. And the Company is not standing still. It "ill be noticed that from the report published that the plan is being added to nitli the double object of improving the position for the shareholders, and at the same time supplying a better commodity. The enterprise shown will he appreciated no doubt, and any advantage or profit to the shareholders will not lie begrudged, seeing that the Company is giving such good service over so many years, with the promise of better service in the future. The Company is helpful in supplying commodities from by-products which arc disposed of at reasonable rates, and which, if otherwise they had to be imported, would he more costly, if r prohibitive. The Company has agreed to supply the Municipal Council with tar at a rate which is probably the lowest in the Dominion—an act prompted by a desire to assist the place. Altogether the Company so well established is doing its best to merit the support it is receiving, and with .that support maintained the Company will continue to do its best. The local works are well staffed and the shareholders expressed appreciation in that regard. The Company seems bent on deserving the success it is now enjoying.