USING GAS WITHOUT A METER.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 8794, 2 May 1890, Page 2

USING GAS WITHOUT A METER.

At the meeting of the City Council on Wednesday evening, The Gas Committee submitted a report by the gas inspector with regard to an improper connection between the consumer's fittings and the gas service in a house in Pitt street, made by Mr Cnristie, gasfitter, whereby gas was used without passing through a corporation meter. The committee had inquired into the matter, and hiving heard Mr Christie in explanation, resolved to seveiely reprimand him for his action, but decided to take no legal proceedings against him for this offence. Mr Christie was notified that a repetition of the offence would ensure that he or any other person—plumber or otherwise—who might commit the same would be dealt with as feverely as the law allowed. The gas inspector's report with regard to the matter stated that he, having been informed that gas was being used at Mr H. Guthrie's premises_ in Pitt street without a meter, went to examine the same, and found that a temporary connection had been made between the gas service and consumer's fittings, and the gasfitter, Mr Christie, in tho act of moving the same. Mr Christie stated that he had applied at the cilice at 4 o'clock the previous afternoon and found it was too late to get a meter, consequently he took upon himself to mako tha connection, the gas only being required for that evening. The Mayor moved the adoption of the report, and stated that the recommendation in reference to Mr Christie was not a unanimous one, but the decision of the majority oF the committee. Cr Haudy seconded the motion. Cr Fish said he did not iutt-ud to oppose the adoption of theTeport, although he was one of the committee who voted against the recomjj mendation, as he was desirous that the plumber i and gasfitter in question should be summoned, f not for the purpose of obtaining damages from ! him, but simply to let the public know that a ' very serious breach of the bye-laws had been committed. In this case the plumber was distinctly told that he would be fined by the council if he made the connection. [ The Matob said there would be no loss to the corporation as the gas had been paid for. The report was then adopted.