MARTON BOROUGH COUNCIL.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXI, Issue 8788, 16 April 1907, Page 3

MARTON BOROUGH COUNCIL.

' A special meeting was held last evening. Present The Mayor, Mr J. F. Sicely; Crs. Dommctt, Sutcliffe, Read, Little, McEldowney and Grove. , , , . In dealing with the balance-;heet the Mayor briefly referred to the gas works accounts. Ho was of opinion there would bo no occasion to collect the special rate although it would bo necessary to strike the rate. If a further loan was sanctioned by the ratepayers a rate would bo required to pav interest but this would only bo half the amount at present collooted. 'Eh O Gas Manager’s report was read as follows:—“ I have the honor to report that during the year 08 meters have been fixed, 40 services and 87 chains of main have been laid; 383 tons of coal has been carbonised costing £389 -is Id, producing 4 078,900 cubic feet, an average of 10,077 cubic feet per ton, against 3191/ tons of coal carbonised, costing £894 6s sd, producing 3,179,300 cubic feet, an average of 10,015 cubic feet per ton for year ending 31st March, 1906. This ’ increase in production per ton and decrease in cost of coal proves that the money was well spent in providing an exhauster. Gas sold and accounted for amounted to 3 801,300 cubic feet, an average of 10,110 cubic feet per ton of coal_ carbonised, and an increase of 30.365 per cent on the previous year. The per centago of unaccounted-for gas is 5.213 per cent against 7.5 for the previous year. Takiug into consideration the satisfactory state of the works finances aud the large increase in consumption, I have uo hesitation in advising a reduction in the price of gas for lighting to Ss 4cl per 1000 cubic feet for quantities under 1000 cubic feet aud 7s 6d for 1000 cubic feet and over consumed per month. Takiug the last six mouths’ returns, with these reductions, there would be a decrease 01 revenue -of £3O 8s 3d for the same consumption. Allowing for the increased consumption during the winter months, I estimate a loss in revenue of £IOO for the year, it only the same amount of gas is sold. I also think it will be possible to reduce the price for heating gas at the half year. In making this recommendation I have not forgotten the question of deprecitiou. Takiug into consideration that the plant is now and has boon kept in good repair, also that one setting of retorts has been renewed, and that during the coming year the retorts in the other setting will also be replaced, I think that uo reserve fund for depreciation need bo considered for another 5 ear at least. , , r . It was resolved, the Mayoi Cr. McEldowney, that the report and statement of gas manager bo referred to the incoming Council witn a rcccmmeudationTfor approval.