THE MUNICIPAL GAS SUPPLY

Marlborough Express, Volume XLII, Issue 5, 7 January 1908, Page 4

THE MUNICIPAL GAS SUPPLY

What has become of the gas question ? The Borough Council seems to be shirking this matter, and the old policy is apparently as far off amendment as ever. Some months now have elapsed since Mr Kennedy showed the urgent need for reform, but practically nothing has been done

.to mend matters. As Mr Kennedy j has pointed out, capital is required ! for extensions and improvements. It , is necessary before taking steps to | obtain this capital to hold a meeting lof ratepayers. But the meeting has not yet been decided upon*, because a. gentleman named Butcher <is presumed to be desirous of leasing the plant. This -entlemaii ha*, been written to, in order to ascertain what he is prepared to pay for it, 'tet he does not appear to be in any hurry to reply, and meanwhile the whole matter is—" as you were." The delay is serious, for it is stated there is not sufficient gas now being manufactured for immediate requirements —and that in summer—while applications for extensions continue to be made. The need for capital with which to extend the business is daily becoming more manifest. The matter should certainly be taken in hand without any further delay. The ratepayers have a right to expect that Councillors should deal with this subject just as they would with a business of their own. In allowing the summer to slip away, and winter to approach without making any movement towards increasing the supply and extending th© mains to meet growing requirements they are certainly not acting with the foresight and business-like acumen which they may be presumed to display in v the conduct of their own affairs.