STRATFORD NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVI, Issue 253, 24 March 1914, Page 3

STRATFORD NEWS.

FROM OUR RESIDENT REPORTER,

Office and Job Printing "Works: York Chambers (upstairs) Telephone No. 113.

THE ELECTRIC LIGHT PROBLEM. The application of the Electric Light Co. for a license to supply electric light and power in the borough and the county has caused considerable attention to be directed to the question of the borough's position with regard to the future, and to its attitude over the matter of this particular license. There arc .two sides to this, as well as to all other questions, and the public are entitled to know exactly how the matter stands. So far as the Daily News' resident reporter has been able to elicit the pros and cons affecting each side, they are fairly set forth below, and in the light of this information it should not be difficult for any unbiassed person to arrive at a conclusion on the whole business.

The company some sixteen years back obtained an Act of Parliament authorising it to supply electric energy over an area of three miles, taken in a circle from the post office. Under that Act an agreement was made with the Borough Council whereby the company obtained the concession to supply the borough and its residents with electric light and power for 21 years, a proviso being made that the light should be of not less than a stated minimum candlepower. The motive power for generating the current was obtained from the Patea river,' but as time went on and the town increased in population, the demand for current necesjbted the installation of an auxiliary plant, and a Diesel engine was obtained for this purpose. The company was, at the outset, unfortunate in having its weirs washed away, the capital expenditure being thereby greatly increased, and the necessity for enlarging the plant and equipment to cope with the growth of the town has absorbed from time to time the earnings that should have been returned to the shareholders by way of dividends. Fof some time past the amount of current available has not at times of pressure—such as on Saturday nights—sufficed to keep the luminant up to the required standard. In fact, on several occasions the light has failed. The present position is that the company is faced with the necessity of expending a considerable sum to bring the plant up-to-date and give a working margin. In view of this and of the desire expressed by county residents to obtain electric light, the company has applied to the Government for a license, having a 40 years' tenure, to supply light and power over both the borough and the county. The granting of that license would, of course, give the company an extended concession over the borough, as the present agreement has only about five and a-half years to run. It is claimed by the company that their original term.having only this limited period to fun, makes the expenditure of a large sum of money for plant unjustifiable fTom a commercial point of view, but that the granting of the license would overcome that difficulty, and both the borough and county would benefit. Moreover, the proposed license would provide for either the borough or the county having power, after six months' notice, to acquire the company's business without paying for goodwill. Petitions in favor of the granting of this license have been circulated in the county and borough, but the Borough Council opposes the grant for reasons that will be stated. The attitude of the Borough Council is naturally centred on protecting the interest of the ratepayers. In the first instance, the town required some system of lighting, and as at the time wlien this need became urgent, considerable borrowing bad taken place, it was deemed inadvisable to add to the borough's indebtedness by obtaining a further loan for lighting purposes. Whether this was a wise policy or not needs no comment at present. It Was left to private enterprise to supply tile need, and thus the Electric Light Co. came upon the scene, and obtained a concession for 21 years. It is somewhat unfortunate that the terms of this concession arc not as clearly defined as they should have been, particularly with reference to the company's position at the end of 21 years. As a consequence, there is a possibility of litigation on the matter, the borough claiming that the company will have no right-to either supply current to the town, or to have poles and wires on the borough streets. On the other hand, the company claims a right in perpetuity, although the concession made under the Act limits their powers to 21 years.

This question of what will happen at the expiry of the present concession is the crux of the matter. It is only reasonable to assume that the borough of Stratford will at. the earliest possible moment have an electrical supply plant of its own. Whether that plant will be partly purchased from the company or not must depend on whether the two parties can agree on tliis point, but I it must be remembered that changes are taking place almost from day to day in electrical generating plant, so that of necessity much of the company's present equipment would probably be unsuitable, especially if a different sys. tern is used. This is a factor that increases the difficulties of a compulsory sale, whereby the plant would have to be valued by arbitration, some of it possibly at scrap price. The question has arisen as to whether the problem does not lend itself to solution by means of air amicable | agreement. If the company is now prepared to accept a license under which the borough could purchase the undertaking without goodwill, surely there Is no valid reason why the concern should not be offered to the borough at a price to be agreed upon, no sum for goodwill being included. This would obviate all difficulty in relation to the decision of the Privy Council as affecting "goodwill." The matter is particularly fitted for settlement by a conference. There is no question of the Borough Council being actuated by any but the fairest motives towards the company. As a matter of fact, the Council has treated the company in the past with every consideration, but it is also evident that the Council has a duty to the ratepayers, not only in protecting their interests. f but also in claiming that the quality of Ithe light shall be of the requisite standard on all occasions. Whether the borough would care to be burdened with the onus of supplying the county with light, as it would be if the concern were acquired under the. terms of the proposed license, is matter for serious consideration. In the general way, a borough council has quite enough" to do without taking on outside work, and it is more than likely the ratepayers would object to sanction a loan for such a scheme. That the borough must own and work its own electrical business is a matter of certainty. The only question is when and how the plant is to be acquired. If the Borough Council's

legal advice is sound in connection with the company having no rights over the borough after the 21 years has expired, then that is an additional reason why an amicable arrangement of terms of sale should be arrived at. Nothing is to be gained by friction.

BERNARD'S PICTURES The love of adventure, plus a spice of danger, is just as deeply rooted in the people of Stratford as of those elsewhere. This was evident last night by the appreciation bestowed on that amazing production, "The Girl and the Tiger," one of the most remarkable series of films yet screened. Among a number of really excellent supporting films, the drama of "His Secret," and the amusing comedy, "A Slight Misunderstanding," gained much applause. The management announces that on Wednesday and Thursday Robertson's famous comedy "Caste" will be screened, the celebrated Bancrofts taking the leading parts. This film is 3000 ft in length. TOWN HALL PICTURES. The new programme screened at the Town Hall last night is said to be one of the most expensive of the series which have been shown there. The star Him is "The Clown's Revenge," one of the best of the Nordisk famous productions. It shows a large Continental circus at work, both rehearsing and actually before ihe public, acrobatic turns, educated horse, and tight-rope walkers and daring gliders of death. The thrillinp scenes were thoroughly realistic, and thera is no doubt that this masterpiece will prove a great draw. The whole programme is decidedly exceptionally meritorious. Patrons can rely upon seeinn one of the best programmes ever seen in Stratford. Bert Davis sang one of his latest comic sonffs. which was well applauded. Prof. Henderson's music is proving a great treat to the audience. GENERAL NEWS.

For imbibing strong drink, not wiselv but too well, three offenders against the law of sobriety were dealt with at the Court yesterday, two being fined 10s apiece, while the third culprit was convicted and discharged. The cooling off process in the lock-up has ft ve-y effective result, and mam* a man who oversteps the boundary-line of prudence in duenching his thirst with liquor has pood cause to be grateful to the Dolicc for taking care of him and his money when he has foolishly become intoxicated, though it is only occasionally the fact is admitted. In response to a numcrouslv-signed tive result, and many a mn who overMr W. P. Kirkwood has formaijy notified his willingness to stand for another term of office. An enjoyable concert was given by the Municipal Band on Sunday lifternoon, at the Hosnital Grounds., a large number of visitors being present. At the of the nerformancc the band was thanked bv the chairman of the Hospital Board' (Mr McAllister). The eoll'.K'tion which was taken un for the Hospital Fund amounted to nearly £3, and to this will be added the usual Government subsidy, bringing the amount to over £6.

Your photograph will please them all —some of your friends have been expecting one for a long time— be satisfied with one taken years ago. just as you are to-day. in your everyday attire. Having your portrait taken is as pleasant as an informal call on good friends. Make an appointment to-day with Mr. McAlister, Stratford. Eight sticks of dark Havelock tobaeco for 6s; eight sticks of Derby, Cs; eight 2oz tins Havelock, 7s fid; eight 2oz tins Derby, 7s fid. These are specimen prices from Stan. Sharp's stock of smokers' requisites. Next Bellringert, Stratford. There is\no questioning the fact that "The Kashj' is the best place in Stratford for men to supply their clothing and mercery wants. Quality and priae tell their own unequalled story in favor of the store.