GAS COMPANIES' POWERS.

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 52, 25 November 1907, Page 8

GAS COMPANIES' POWERS.

IMPORTANT LEGISLATION. ACTION BY THE MAYOR. In the "Washing Up" Bill brought down during the c;ying hours of the.session, appears an important provision, dealing with the rights of the' municipality. This provision is contained in Clause 25 of the Dill—the Reserves and Other lands Disposal and Public Empowering b'ill, presented by the Hon. R. M'Nab. It read as follow:—"Tr, any ease in which a company within tho meaning of .the Gas Companies and Consuls Liability Act, 18S2, is authorised by any statute or otherwise to supply gas to the inhabitants of any borough or other district, and has before or after the passing of this Act, erected in any neighbouring borough or district any works for tho manufacture or storage of gas, it shall bo lawful for the said company, for the purpose of connecting such works with the first-men-tioned borough or district to open, and break up the soil aptl pavements of any streets, roads, bridges, or thoroughfares in the borough or district in which the said works are situated, and to alter any drains or water-pipes thereunder to such extent as may be necessary, and to lay down, retain, and from time to' time repair or renew such mains or pipes thereunder as may bo. required for the conveyance of gas from and to the said works. In tho execution of the powers, hereby conferred, tho company shall do as little damage as may be, and shall make compensation for any damage done."

His Worship the Mayor (Hon. T. W. ITislop) was seen with respect to this clause, and had quite a story to toll. Without knowing anything of the existence of tho Clause 25, nad

being anxious to know how certain measures wore faring, he visited (he Legislative Council ,on Saturday afternoon, when, among other things, the clause was brought under, his notice. Grasping tho true import of. the provision, he nt once wrote to the Premier, 'entering n respectful protest against.giving private companies an increase of advantages, as. the measure did. An interview u r as arranged,' and on his' way to the. appointment His Worship saw several members of tho both Houses, and asked them where, they, who were always so jealous of privnlo rights, and were watchful that powers granted to local bodies.should bo severely guarded,' had boon whon tho measure was passed. Also, how ..was. it they wore, so careless of public rights. The Mayor declared that this clause was worth a great deal to a local company, and in any negotiations for purchase, tho local bodies would lose accordingly. . . .

His Worship placed the position hofoto the Premier,-v. - ith tho result.that a message waR sent from His Excellency tho Governor to the House, making the right of giving tho power sot out in tho clause " subject to the approval' of tho Goveriior-in-Council." During the interview the Premier asked the Mayor why they (meaning tho Wellington City Council) did not levy tlio company's works, to which Mr. Hislop 'replied that the matter was under contemplation, and that he had asked tho Colonial Secretary to put the power of compulsory purchase in the New Municipal Corporations Act. /Die Premier stated that he Favoured granting the power, and the Dominion may, therefore, look forward to an extension of tho schoine for corporations acquiring, all the public conveniences, such as lighting, tramways, etc.