COUNCIL AND COMPANY.

Mataura Ensign, 17 July 1909, Page 3

COUNCIL AND COMPANY.

A WELLINGTON DISPUTE. PEB UNITED FRESS ASSOCIATION. "WELLINGTON. July 17. Negotiations by the City Council and the Gas Company for the hale to the company for a term of years of the right to bring gas mains from Miramar through the city streets hare reached a stage when- the Council demands the payment of 1'oOt) per annum for the privilege, and the company odors £2oo. Matters are now complicated, through an attempt by the company to secure the issue of an Order-in-Council authorising the work under the private Bill of 11)08. which was believed to safeguard the Council's rights in such eases a.s this one. A proviso was inserted by arrangement between Sir Joseph Ward and Mr Hislop, the late Mayor, and it is understood that no order will lie issued while the negotiations are inconiplcte. Tho Acting-Premier (Hon. J. Carroll) has stated that he will not delay the issue later than Monday, unless stronger reasons are submitted than any that have been given so far. The town dork has forwarded a long and strongly-written letter stating the Council's position and views, and Monday's issue is being eagerly awaited, as the proposed issue involves an important and far-reaching principle.