THAMES GAS COMPANY.

Auckland Star, Volume XXVII, Issue 50, 29 February 1896, Page 2

THAMES GAS COMPANY.

An interim meeting of shareholders in tho Thames Gas Company was held at Mr F. A. White's offices thia morning to receive tho half-yearly accounts und declare tho usual dividend. Mr Walker presided, and four otiher shareholders were also present. Tho roporii submitted by the directors 'stated that tho neb profit of the Company for the pnsb six months amounted to £354 10s 9d, a slight decrease ou the profit of the corresponding term for the previous year, owing to the reduction the Company had made in tha prico of gaa. The reduction had been mado owing to some dissatisfaction ab.fche high price being charged, and although the profit had in consequence not been so great, still the consumption had been increased, showing that the Thames residents were again proforring gas to other means of lighting. The directors were ot opinion theconsump' tion would now continue toincrease rapidly, and that the effect of tho reduction would bo felb within the next lew months. Tho report also stated that tho profit and losa account showed a balance of £639 16a Bd, consisting of tho presonb earnings and tho balance of prolit brought: forward from last) account. In view of that tho directors recommended tho payment of the came dividend for tho lasb two half' - years, namely, Is per share, which would leave a balance uf £140 4s Sd, to carry forward to nexb accounb. The Company's works were stated to ba all in good order. On.the motion of tho Chairman tho report and balance-ehtet were agreed to, and the dividend recommended was declared. In referring to the report the Chairman said tho only thing ho could add was thab since tho report was written news had been received from the Thames that the consumption had very considerably increased, showing bhab the anticipation!! of the directors were proving to be correct!.