Pukekohe's Lighting Problem.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 5, Issue 195, 28 July 1916, Page 4

Pukekohe's Lighting Problem.

1 TO THE EDITOR ] Sir,—lt is a pleasure to acknowledge that a correspondent in your last issue snows an intelligent insight into the financial aspect of the Borough electricity supply proposal which is not usually exhibited by your anonymous correspondents, and that his query merits a reply. In addition to the consideration you mention in your foot-note, that a Borough Council, lor the take ol' the benefit and convouienco to the town, is content with the smallest of profits, while a considerably higher profit must be assured to attract a Company, there are several other considerations which give a big advantage to the Borough Council as against a Company. First, we have the engine, power-house and land already, for which the company wouid have to tiad capital and pay a big price. Second, and most important, the labour of running the electric light will so advantageously work in with the labour of running our pump that the labour charge for electric lighting will Be oxtrenely light compared with what a private company would pay. These two points are of prime importance, and hate had great weight with the Council A private company would also be unable to get the clerical work done as conveniently and cheaply as would the Council, and would probably have to pay lent for office accommodation. The combination of the water and electi icity supply plants efl't-cts a saving in fuel. A private company haj to pay rates, and also heavy income tax.

In view of the foregoing it is hard to see how a private company would have the least chance of justifyiog the reasonable expectations of shareholders, where a Borough scheme, iu our special circumstances, would bo most emphatically a success.—! am, etc., n. O. R. MASON, Mayor.