Electric Light.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 19, 22 January 1914, Page 5

Electric Light.

COUNTY COUNCIL OPINION.

CR. SMITH ALTERS HIS MIND. | The electric light question received further attention at yesterday's meeting of the County Council. i A petition was presented from 170 County ratepayers, praying that the Electrical Supply Co. be given power 'to extend their lines in the County. i It was moved that the petition be forwarded to the Minister for Public Works.

Cr. Smith said he had been in favour of the scheme before lie saw the license. The scheme looked very plausible at first. At the present time he regarded the concession asked for as a monopoly and a monopoly of the worst kind. The Government took one side of the road for wires and if the Company had the other side it would be hard for anybody to compete with them. The proposed charge for light was out of all reason. In Dunedin, if 2o units was taken for power the 'price charged was a third of a penny 'per unit.

Cr. Walter: There are people who have signed this petition who cannot be kept quiet—who will agitate till they get what they want. Cr. Smith does not suggest any alternative scheme.

Cr. Smith: 1 will support the municipalisation of the scheme by the County, the Borough, or both. Cr. Walter: The Borough will have nothing to do with it. Cr. Simth: Then let the County do it. Or. Walter: Taking the plant at valuation is fair to all parties, and I think, therefore, that the County should not hesitate in the matter. I cannot see anything unfair to us in the license.

Cr. Anderson: It seems that Cr. Smith is prepared, as a town resident, to take the benefit of the light and to say to the County ratepayers: Get it if you like!

Cr. Walter: Those who have signed the petition will continue to agitate.

Cr. Hatha way: There is a decided demand for the light. Cr. Were: It costs nothing to put your name to a petition. Would they put their names down as freely on a guarantee to take current ?

Cr. Hathaway: Personally, I would rather be under the Company than under the Borough. Cr. Walter: I would prefer to see a joint County and Borough control, hut the Borough will have nothing to do with it.

Cr. Smith: It is for the Company to approach the Borough and suggest reasonable terms for the taking over of the undertaking. The motion was carried, Cr. Smith registering his dissent.