PETONE BOROUGH COUNCIL.

New Zealand Times, Volume LXXVII, Issue 5311, 24 June 1904, Page 6

PETONE BOROUGH COUNCIL.

ESTIMATES FOR THE TEAR.

A special meeting of the Petone Borough Council was held last night to furtliei consider the estimates for the ensuing year. Present—The Mayor (Air G. T. London), Councillors Alacfarlane, Castle, Cook, Bowles. Kidd. Hill. AVateham, Piper and Nicholson. The sanitary estimates were first considered, A general rate of sixpence was estimated to produce £BIB Is. This, together with £lO4 overdue rates, would provide £922. For extra services necessitated by increase of work £IOO will be added to the former sum. It was decided to increase the Government workshops sanitary removal rate. The amended district fund account showed receipts .£3670 16s 6d and expendi•.turo £3083 15s Id. Taking into account the debit balance of £IBBO 8s lid from last year will mean an existing debit of <£752 Ss od. Councillor Piper proposed that £SOO of the surplus should bo earmarked for reducing the overdraft. After some discussion the motion was carried. AVhen the gasworks estimates were being considered. Councillor Piper, on behalf of the Gasworks Sub-committee, stated that, although his committee had not a report ready, he could assure the Council that extensive additional plant was required , for the proper working of tho business. The probability was that they would have to go to tho ratepayers for a supplimentary loan. Considerable discussion took place on tho question of supplying the Gear Company with gas at 5s 6d per 1000 ft, as against 6s 3d to private consumers. Councillor Brwles moved ‘’That no gas be supplied to any company or person under the ordinary rate of 6s 3d per IDOOft*’ Councillor Castle, explained the reasons which induced a former Council to grant the Gear Company the concession. The company had no ucsiro .to exploit tho Borough Council —it had always supported the progress of the town. The company haa formerly used an oil gas plant which produced gas at 5s 6d per 1000 ft, when the duty on oil was 6d per gallon. Ho would like to know the actual cost of gas to the Council. Councillor Macfarlane replied that there was a loss on production from given quantities of coal at present. Finally, it was decided to hold over Councillor Bowles* motion, pending particulars of the cost of production.