A GAS COMPANY'S ACT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume VIII, Issue 2348, 4 August 1871, Page 2

A GAS COMPANY'S ACT.

We hare received from Mr. Whitulcer, solicitor for the Auckland Gas Company, a draft copy of the " Auckland Gas Company's Act, 1871," intended to be brought before the House of llepresentatives duriug the next session. An Act of this kind has become very necessary, and we find that during the session of IS7O, the Christchureh and Wellington Gas Companies each got an Act of Assembly, granting them the same powers as artdesired to be given by the draft Act on our table. The limits of the district to which the Act applies are limited to within a radins of 10 miles from the postoffice. Power is proposed to be given to the company to break up streets, &c., for the purpose of laying down pipes after due notice given, and under the superintendence of the persons having tho management of tlio streets, and penalties are to bo inflicted for unnecessary delay in reinstating such streets. Besides this, the usual powers and penalties in all such Acts aro provided, granting due protection to both company and consumers. Wc notice that by the Christchurch Act a majority of the inhabitants of ar.y district may require the company to extend their gas pipes, and the Christchurcli City Council may require the company to alter the situation of any pipes. Tlie Wellington Act lias a clause providing for the rateable reduction in the price of gas when the profits shall exceed 20 per cent, on the paid up capital of tho company. Theso provisions are not in the draft Act before us, but in alt other respects the three Acts appear to bo similar.