GAS FITTINGS.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XXV, Issue 1620, 23 February 1866, Page 3

GAS FITTINGS.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE LTTTELTON TIMES. Sir,—l notice in the Press's report of the meeting of the City Council, Mr. Alport asks when my monopoly of the gas-fittings would terminate, as lie was of opinion that they might, by introducing gas into the Council Chamber,be rushing into expenses,the amount of which they did not know. I should like Sir, with your permission, to ask Mr. Alport what he means by this inference, does he wish to infer that I am acting in a manner he would act himself were he in my position, or what does he mean by rushing into expenses they did not know ? I should presume Mr. Alport would, underany circumstances as a guardian of the public purse, wish to know the cost, e're he supported any expenditure of public money. I should also wish to inform Mr. Alport, that there are many suspicious minded people amongst the consumers of gas ; consequently I have not for many months erected any fittings except in a case of making a few alterations, without first giving an estimate of the amount to be paid m cash, on completion of the work. I should also wish to inform Mr. Alport that there is some undercurrent at work in reference to the gas-fitting in Christchurch. Several parties after accepting my tenders and the work completed, have complained of the cost, as when they accepted the tender they appeared perfectly satisfied. As therehas been some considerable dissatisfaction in reference to the Gas Company selling me the fittings they imported, and giving me a monopoly for three years; this I am sure has been caused through nothing more than a spirit of jealousy. In England, many towns are lighted and fitted by the Gas Company's themselves, and had the Gas Company here nave sold the number of shares they expected, they would have kept the monopoly of fitting in their own hands, but finding they could not carry the matter out, they offered the fittings to Mr. John Anderson, who declined them. Mr. Wright, the engineer to the company, then asked me if I would like to go into the matter. The following letter is the result of our conversation.

"Christchurcb, October 12,1864. " Dear Sir,—ln reference to our conversation of yesterday, respecting the gas fittings, after nature consideration, I ara willing to take over the fittings and perform all the work required for fixing the same, on condition the Gas Company would give me a monopoly over the supply of fittings, and repairs for (3) three years, and on no other terras, as I am quite convinced there are many parties will manage with their kerosene lamps for some considerable time to come. I do not ask for a monopoly for the sake of being in a position to charge exorbitant prices. 1 am quite willing that cases of dispute shall be referred to the Engineer. " Yours, &c, "Edavard Rkece. " Mr. Wright." Mr. Stevens' replies to my letter stating that the directors of the Gas Company accept my offer on condition that I take the whole of the fittings at cost price, allowing the company to retain any they require for their own use, consequently I fit the fittings, and the Gas Company get my money. Immediately I commenced setting men to work, a man here that expected employment from the (jas Company made it his business to go round and persuade consumers they were being overcharged for their fittings. Hence the commencement of the most unpleasant piece of business I ever had to do with in my life ; I would like to ask any sensible unbiassed man whether he would, for a mere village, like to pay £1500 for gas fittings to commence with, and immediately I did commence, 1 found numbers of the fittings unsuitable at present for the place, consequently, I have had to

import over £1000 worth of fittings in addition to those imported by the company. Immediately I found a rumour of dissatisfaction at my charges for gas fittings, I offered the affair back to the Gas Company, or any other person they may appoint, with all profits made during about three months; I may also state that the Gas Company have taken every care that the interest of consumers shall be protected by the following clauses in our agreement:— No. 2. In case of any dispute arising respecting the price or sum to be claimed and demanded by the said Edward Reece for the purchase of such fittings, and for the attaching, putting up, and fixing respectively of the same, such dispute shall be referred to the engineer of the said company ; but before such engineer decides upon the proper price, the said Edward Reece and the said engineer shall agree upon some person to whom the question shall be referred in. the second instance, aud whose decision shall be final upon the question of price, if the said Edward Reece shall be dissatisfied with the decision of the Engineer of the company. "N0.3. The said Edward Reece shall furnish to every or any such person or persons as aforesaid, good and proper fittings, as aforesaid, and in. case the engineer of the said company, shall before completion, or immediately upon the same being completed, be reasonably dissatisfied with any fittings which shall have been supplied, or furnished, or attached, put up, or fixed, or with the modj in! which the same shall been attached, put up, or fixed by the said Edward Reece as aforesaid 5 then the said Edward Reece shall forthwith supply, and furnish, attach, put up, or fix proper, or other fittings as aforesaid, to the satisfaction of the said Engineer." I must apologise to you, Sir, for the length of my letter, but I know the columns of your paper are always open to correct mis-appre-hensions and false accusations. I do trust this will be the last time I shall have to vindicate myself in reference to the gasfittings ; and I do hope members of the Municipal Council will attend to the duties for which they were elected, and not spend their time in discussing subjects over which they have no control. Yours, &c, EDWARD REECE. Christchurch, Feb. 21, 1866.