GAS AND METER RENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15562, 20 March 1914, Page 4

GAS AND METER RENTS.

Sir,—During the past few weeks the Auckland Gas Company has been the victim of much vituperation. It was originally proposed that consumers of gas should, in consequence of the increased cost of production, pay a small meter rent in order to make up such increased cost consequent on the strike. It should be remembered that during the strike the majority of householders found the price of coal so high ae to make its use almost prohibitive, with the result that we consumed more gas and less coal, apparently forgetting that to produce the gas it was necessary for the company to procure the coal at all costs. The outcry has resulted in the company foregoing the meter rent and adding 3d per thousand to the price of gas. result, more abuse. Why? Chiefly because the 3d will work out more costly to the consumer than the proposed meter rent would have. The cost of collecting this meter rent would have been infinitely less than will be the cost of collecting the additional charge on gas. How is it that the City Council, which apparently has statutory authority for extorting money in the most barefaced manner possible, is not subjected to a share of the abuse? Why is "the City Council allowed to charge 2s 6d per quarter meter rent, plus a minimum of ss, whether you switch on your electric lights or not? I have had to pay 7s 6d, i.e.. 2s 6d meter rent, plus 5s minimum lighting charge, when the total meter reading for the quarter has amounted to 54d. The Gas Company only charges for gas consumed. The City Council charges for electricity not consumed. Eqititt.