THE GAS QUESTION.

Manawatu Times, Volume LXV, Issue 326, 30 January 1908, Page 5

THE GAS QUESTION.

COMPANY TO BE APPROACHED. The Borough Council metjesterday forenoon to receive the report of the special committee on the gas question. It was decided to take the matter iu camera and the press was consequently excluded. There was two hours' discussion, during which there were quoted legal opinions supporting the view taken at Feilding (which we referred to yesterday) and which held that the agreement permitting the Gas Company to pull up the streets to lay pipes was ultra vires. A mass of information had been secured by the committee, including the cost of gas in other centres. It was stated that Palmerston had the dearest gas in New Zealand except Greymouth. There it is 9s 2d nett. Wanganui, which has municipal gas, pays ss, and averages £2000 a year profit to the general account of the borough. Napier, with a private company, also has gas at ss. It is desired to secure a compromise with the Gas iCompany, by which cheaper gas may be offered Palmerston consumers. It was finally decided, on the motion of Cr. Stubbs, seconded by the Mayor, "That the Gas Committee endeavour to arrange a conference with the directors of the Gas'.Company, and inform; them that the Council is advised that the agreement is void, and suggest that the company should make fresh proposals ; and that the borough solicitor arrange the conference, the committee afterwards to report to the Council."