CORRESPONDENCE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 1989, 12 June 1919, Page 3

CORRESPONDENCE.

(To the Editor.)

Sir. —I was someAvhat surprised to x’ead the statement reported to he made by Cr. Coley at Monday night’s ‘Borough Council meeting, in reference to the supply of gas to consumers outside the borough at the same rate as those within the borough, Avhile the latter are also burdened Avith a gas rale. Could you inform ratepayers (.1) Avhen the mains were extended beyond the borough boundary; (2) (he cost of laying same, and whether the cost was borne in Avhole or in part by outside consumers; (3) the number of outside consumers. If the outsiders have paid the cost of connections, that, Sir, does not get over the fact that they should be exempt from other charges. In my opinion, Sir, Cr. Coley did not go far enough. Ido not agree Avith Cr. Coley Avhen he says that gas is a luxury, it is a necessity. Would any of the consumers like to revert back to kerosene lamps ami candles in their businesses and homes? No, Sir, they Avould sooner pay half (lie eost again for the convenience of gas. Then Cr. Bryant said the gas works were a “white elephant.” Does ho know anything of Avhito elephants? If he does he Avill see lioav silly the comparison is. Whose fault was it that the ratepayers had to pay double the value for the works? Non-progressive ratepayers who, rather than put doAvn the Avorks in the first place as a necessary municipal undertaking at a cost of £6,000, passed the right to a private, company, and had to pay the company about £5,000 for getting back the privilege they gave aAvay. The gas Avorks, Sir, must he run on business lines, even if consumers are called upon to pay a little extra in the meantime, but as for giving special privileges to persons outside the borough, that should be ended or amended.—-I am, etc., CONSUMER. [WE have referred the questions asked by our correspondent to the Toavu Clerk, and bis reply will appear next issue.—Ed.lL]