The Wairarapa Daily. FRIDAY, AUGUST 22, 1884. GAS.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume 6, Issue 1768, 22 August 1884, Page 2

The Wairarapa Daily. FRIDAY, AUGUST 22, 1884. GAS.

We bear tliafc a responsible firm hits made overtures to the Masterton Borough Council to supply the town with gas. No doubt the proposal made will be carefully considered, and it possible entertained. The introduction of gas is an event in the life of any township. It is one of those changes which tend to alter the character of a centre of population, and to convert a township into a town, We are not particularly fond of the smell of gas or of its garish light, but if the progress of the town requires its introduction, we shall be prepared to welcome it as a matter of course, It is, in its way, a small local industry which will stimulato trade and keep money in the town which now goes . away to purchase kerosene and candles, It might be more economical if Masterton could float its own gas company, but then we question whether there is any great amount of spare capital available and we also doubt whether the business men of the town can afford to give the lime and attention necessary to the success of such an undertaking. Under these circumstances if the Borough Council can arrange on reasonable terms with a private firm to light the town so much better. We would sooner see a water-works and drainage scheme introduced than even a gas. project but the one will lead up to the other, The question of drainage, is one that must be faced at : any early date, The population of the town is rapidly increasing and sanitary ! precautions are becoming necessary which a few years ago could be disperned with. Masterton grows im- 1 perceptibly from day to day and when ] the next census reyiels itse exact ( population we venture to predict that, i the result will in a moasuro surprise 1 the community, 1