THECORPORATION AND THE GAB

Otago Daily Times, Issue 3247, 3 July 1872, Page 4

THECORPORATION AND THE GAB

QUESTION. * 'TO TIIK KDITOK. Sir—ln common with every business maa in the town with v/hem I have gpokca, I think the action taken by the City Council in insisting upon Mr Larnnch'a mixing up his business transaction* with the citweos individually with tbo*e of the Corporation, us altogether unjustifiable, and that th«r threats isco fin silly aathey arc inju<licioa« ami illegal. If Mr.Larnaeh think* proper,.! prceomo ho can «>ll hi^ gas at way prico ha please, thinking of, or M any way counting, 1 tlie Ootwcii, His interest is to

gjve ftak'wftuition to the consumer)*, to inensuje their numl>er, and to n»ake the affair profitable to all parties. In order to effect this, he offer* to treat frith each individually, upon terms which I think are fair and equitable j and I have ho hesitation in expressing xny own opinion, that 1 would much rather rely upon Air I,arnaob, and upon the obvious interest ho ha*j in making profitable the concern placed in his bauds (which can only Ims done by incrKTming the consumption), than have the Council mixing themselves un in it in any shape or form whatever. Unless it be from a desire to render themselves popular with the citizens, I can see no reason for their interfering with the terms upon which I get my gas, more than they have for interfering with my supply of coal or any other articlf! consumed in my family. The Council wore* elected for certain well known and defined duties. Amongst these I fail U> Hce any thibg to justify the silly and vindictive threat held rrtit to Mr Larnaeh, that if he fail to yield to their demand, they will do m and m. They had better think twice before they attempt to carry this threat into execution, or in any way place obstructions in the way of tho public convenience. For the Council as a Ibody, lam bound to have all n;Kji<:ct, but 1 am not bound to go further than this. Let them stick to their bmmieiss and learn to do that well, and when the citizens have been convinced of thoir elHcieney in this respect, they may (I do not nay they will), by special authority, delegate to them other duties and powers to the performance of which His Worship the Mayor and his Councillors may i be requested to devote their talents and j ability.'—l am, k<:., Fair Vi.ay. i TJufiC'ltn, 2nd -Inly. !