"THE CHARGE OF THE LIGHT BRIGADE."

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 31 July 1919, Page 3

"THE CHARGE OF THE LIGHT BRIGADE."

Auckland Gas Co. has just announced a further advance in the price of gas of 6d per 1000 ft, to take effect from.. Ist August. This is the third rise of the kind within the short space of 18 months, and gas will soon be selling at 7/4 per 1000. The excuse this time is " increased cost of coal and labour." Both items, have " gone up," there is no denying. But why should 'the burden fall entirely on the shoulders of the unfortunate consumers? Auckland Gas Co. is notoriously one of the wealthiest corporations in N.Z. and is paying its fortunate shareholders no less than 15 per cent per annum I understand. If that is so the dividend ought in fairness to the general public to be reduced. The only hope for the consumer, apparently, is electricity. Sooner or later electric current will " turn out the gas " —at all events so far as domestic purposes-^re concerned.