LIGHTING THE HOSPITAL.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVII, Issue 8116, 22 May 1906, Page 3

LIGHTING THE HOSPITAL.

GAS TO BE CONTINUED. At the Taranaki Hospital and Charitable Aid Board's meeting on Monday, five tenders were received for installing the electric light in (he hospital and Old People's Home, the prices varying from £lO3 to nearly £3OO. The Nov/ Plymouth Gas Company offered, at their own cost, to replace the common crude and wasteful burners at present used, and instal in their place the Welshach Incandescent burners, fitted with mantles and chimneys. This would givo three or four times as much light, with a reduced consumption of gas. The company pointed out that the Board's institutions were large consumers, and as such were charged only 6s 8d per 1000 feet, the lowest price charged to any consumer. " The cost to the company for installing the incandescent burners will be somewhat heavy, but seeing that your Board is a large consumer," I wrote the secretary of the company.

•' the directors ruake this offer with n view of retaining your patronage." Mr Cock moved to accept the lowest tender for installing tbc electric, light, contending that it would mean an enormous saving in the lighting bill. Mr Brown seconded pro forma. Mr McDonald could see no reason to change from gas, which, he had read in Home papers, was more successful and reliable than electricity. He drc« attention to the fact that even with an electric installation, the Board must still purchase gas for cooking and heating purposes.

Mr Cock said that ga< for cooking, etc., should be obtained at a cheaper rate than 6.s 8d per 1000 feet, " the all round rate" the Board was paying now.

Mr Andrews said his private opinion, influenced by statements he had read in Home papers, was .11 favor of gas. Mr Cock, replying, urged that all things being equal, the borough should light the hospital. The motion was lost. Ayes: The Chairman and Mr Cock; Nces: Messrs Andrew.- - , Brown, O'Sullivan, and McDonald. The "noes" explained they wanted more information as to the comparitivc cost and efficiency.

It was decided lo accept the Gas Company's offer lo alfix incandescent burners,