THE LEAGUE ON THE GASWORKS.

Colonist, Volume XVII, Issue 1838, 19 November 1874, Page 3

THE LEAGUE ON THE GASWORKS.

To the Editor of the Colonist,

Sic, —The reports of the proceedings of the Kadical Keform League, as published by you from time to time, have passed without any comment, everybody thinking, no doubt, that although the action taken by that body, might be extraordinary or unwise, still their intentions might be good. Tour report in to-day's issue requires, however, some comment, as the action taken by the Eeformera, is not only extraordinary and unwise, but unjust, inasmuch as they passed a vote of censure upon the gas manager, while ostensibly praising the Mayor. If there had been any valid reasons for such a proceeding, nobody would have had a right to grumble, but in the absence of such valid reasons it becomes every right thinking man to protest against their action. Englishmen are said to be fair-dealing, and never to condemn anyone unheard—have our wouldbe leaders of public opinion been fair in this matter ? Have they even given the censured person the opportunity of answering the charges of incompetency brought against him ? They have not. They had not even the decency to wait until the matter has been investigated by the Committee of the Council, which meets on Mcnday next for that purpose. But let us Bee by what means they have arrived at their verdict. It can only be by the manager's report or by the Mayor's statement. The former states, " that our Gasworks are second to none in the Colony," whereas the latter attempts to show that they are the very reverse. So far, then, we have only one statement against the other, which are we to believe? I think, Sir, that you will agree with me if I state that a superficial observer will see at once, (presuming the Mail's report of the Mayor's statement to be correct) that his Worship has undertaken a duty, which he has shown himself utterly incompetent to execute. It would appear from the statement referred to, that the number of cubic feet of gas produced from one ton of coal in the other Provinces of this Colony averages 9000 cubic feet per ton of coal whereas in Nelson only 5345 cubic feet shave been produced per ton. But it appears to me that the Mayor's calculation is based upon a gross error, inasmuch as his Worship has, apparently, based his calculation upon the total quantity of coal, 274 tons, debited against our Gasworks, whereas about one quarter of that quantity would be required as fuel for carbonising the coal in the retorts. If, therefore, we deduct 25 per cent from the 274 tons, we shall get a result more nearly approaching those quoted by the Mayor. I have no doubt that other causes may be adduced to reduce the difference still more, but these matters will no doubt be brought before the committee.

In conclusion I would draw your attention to an omission on your part in not giungus the name of the proposer and seconder of the motion, that wo may know where to look

for men with clear judgement unbiased by prejudice or party feeling,1-—I am, &c, ' H. A. L. Nelstfn, November 17,1874.