LIGHTING THE HOSPITAL

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 7301, 3 December 1910, Page 4

LIGHTING THE HOSPITAL

Tho question whether the Hospital Board shall light the hospital premises with gas or electricity is one of general interest, as the board is a large user of illuminant and the City Council has electric current for sale. The Hospital Board at its last meeting resolved to make the Gas Company an offer of renewal of contract for five years, as against seven years asked by the company. Exception ■ was taken to this by members of the board who are also Oity Councillors, and notice of motion has been given to rescind the board’s resolution. The City Council on Thursday evening discussed this matter, the result being that the board is to bo asked to give the electric lighting department of the council an opportunity to tender, in competition with tho Gas Company, for the Hospital Board's requirements. This will occur to most people as a very reasonable request. On tho information which was placed before tho board at its last meeting gas appeared to have tho better of the argument. The chairman. Mr iv. r k , said, in fact, that tho electrical engineer had given an estimate, and this amounted to X 503 per annum, as compared with a present yearly expenditure of .£3OO a year on gas: lighting. In addition, there would be | an initial outlay of -£705 for wiring. Mr | Kirk said tho council would have : to | reduce its price 75 per cent to make the board independent of tho Gas Company. On the strength of this statement it is not surprising that the board gave a vote of It to 3 for the gas contract. But it was asserted with some confidence at tho council meeting that the city's lighting department could supply the hospital tor JXO a year loss than it is proposed to pay for gas. The Mayor very properly pointed out that the council is A substantial contributor to the funds of tho hospital, and this appears to establish a reasonable claim for consideration. Xha board is called upom... first,. of >

course, to administer its funds to the best purpose from the point of view of economy consistent with efficiency. There is, at least, something to ho said in favour of the principle of reciprocity between local bodies, and where one can help another and at the same time maintain a legitimate businesslike procedure, as it is suggested the Hospital Board may assist the council by the purchase of illuminating current, the desirableness of doing so is apparent. We do not know that tho council can successfully compete with the Gas Company in this particular contract, hut it should at least he allowed an opportunity. Tho discussion subject besides being of interest in regard to a question of local administration is of value as a practical contribution to an old controversy—the relative cheapness ,of gas and electricity for lighting.