PRIVATE ELECTRIC LIGHTING.

Mataura Ensign, Issue 1035, 20 May 1902, Page 3

PRIVATE ELECTRIC LIGHTING.

AN IMPORTANT POINT RAISED. At last night's meeting of the Gore Borough Council a letter was received from Mr J. Holland, who asked permission (during the pleasure of the Council) to erect a wire connecting his electric light plant at the arcade with the Gore Hotel for the purpose of lighting the Gore Hotel only. He was prepared to enter into any covenant that the Council might consider necessary to protect the Council's work, and would undertake to remove the wire upon getting reasonable notice to do so. Councillor Macara moved that the applieation be referred to the Lighting CommitteeCouncillor Wallis seconded. Councillor Sherbone moved that the permission be granted.—This was not seconded. Councillor Baker moved as an amendment that the request be not granted.—Councillor Poppelwell seconded. He said that to congent to taking private electric light from one part of the town to the other was to open the door to anyone who chose to put up a ujiiuinoto supply light. It had required a special Act of Parliament to allow the original Gore Elec'.ric Light Syndicate to pursue its operations, and he questioned if to do as Mr Holland asked was not an offence against the Elfctric Lines Act. Councillor Day said if Mr Holland had askul to be supplied with electric light and the Council was unable to do so, he was justified in making his application. But the Council could not deal with his application nnti! he had asked for lights and been refused.

The amendment declining the application was carried. The Mayor suggested thnt they should refer the question U> the Lighting Committee as to whether Mr Holland had power to supply his tenants with electric light and charge for it in the way of rent. Councillor Baker agreed that thp matter should be looked into. EvideMly Mr H'd land was supplying his tenants with elfe;iic light and either charging for it dhectly or bj extra rent. If Mr Holland was withinfls rights, well and good, but if not, the Council should do its duty to the ratepayerf and stop him. He moved that the matter be referred \to the Lighting Committee. — Reminded by Councillor Sherborne and carried, ■