MUNICIPAL TRADING.

Evening Post, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 130, 29 November 1909, Page 8

MUNICIPAL TRADING.

TO THE EDITOB. Sir, — I have read with great interest the report in the City Council in reference to the sale of Osram lamps, etc. Every citizen and householder who takes a commonsense view of the subject will, I feel sure, heartily endorse the Mayor's reply to the deputation, and recognise that the city cannot afford to jeopardise the success of its whole electric lighting department for the sake of four or five retailers of lamps and fittings, who desire to see high prices maintained for metallic filament lamps. Personally, the question affects me as follows : — A few months ago I occupied a house lit throughout by gas. Latterly I have occupied a housa fitted with electric lamps throughout. The number of rooms is about the same in each case, but my light bill is about 70 per cent, higher for electric light than for gas. 1 greatly prefer the electric light for safety and cleanliness, but un- , less I can obtain metallic filament lamps at a reasonable price I will have to cut out the electric light, and go back to I presume there are from 2000 to 3000 j householders with, exactly the same argument; and I trust that the council will hurry those cheap lamps on the market, for the public benefit, or go out of the light business. — I am, etc., FORWARD. Wellington, 25rd November, 1909. [The City Electrical Engineer, when shown the foregoing letter, said the difference in the cost of gas, and of electric light when used through the carbon lamps, was not as much as 70 per cent., but, even if "Forward's" estimate was taken, the difference between gas and electric light used through filament lamps would work out at nothing, for it hail been proved that the saving through using filament lamps was 70 per cent. As to the last part ,of the letter, Mr. Richardson states that the filament lamps are now on sale by the corporation a 4s each, net cash.]

Messrs. J. 11. Bethune and Co. will soil by auction on Wednesday, Bth December, at 2 30 p.m. at thair rooms, Featherstonfitreet, a vacant allotment in Courtenayplace, 60ft from the corner of Taranakistret't, and opposite Messrs. Rouse and Hurrcll's factory. The land has a fronttigo of 31ft by an average depth of over 88ft. Tho "title is under the Land Transfer Act, and if desired two-thirds of tho purchase money can remain on mortgage. An address on "Immigration*' will be delivered before the members of tho Women's Social and Political League at 3 p.m. noxt Thursday, at No. 28, Bid-wjll-stvoet, by a lady visitor from Ensland. A foil atteadanco is requested* ,