THE DUNEDIND AND SUBURBAN GAS COMPANY.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 9335, 28 January 1892, Page 3

THE DUNEDIND AND SUBURBAN GAS COMPANY.

A pleasant reunion took place yesterday afternoon at the Caversham Gas Works, when Mr F. Dutton, the chairman of the Dunedin Suburban Gas Company (who is on a visit to the colonies from London) entertained a few municipal and other friends at luncheon. Amongst those present were Messrs H. Gourley, Jas. Scoular, F. B Smith, Callender, J. Stone, T. S. Culling, and others. —1 he good things having been disposed of Mr JOHN bTONE proposed the health of Mr Dutton and, in doing so, -said he was sure he expressed Uie feeling of those present when he said he was pleased to welcome Mr Dutton and to make his acquaintance He knew the uphill work the company had had, and heartily wished them every success and greater prosperity in the future tuan had been the case in the past. There were signs that business matters were now rather improving, and he trusted the company would reap their fair share of this improvement.—Mr F B •Smw«, town -clerk of Mornington, sirpportedMr Stones remarks, and gave a few very interesting iigures as to the growth of Mornington.—Mr Dutton in replying, said he was very pleased to have had the opportunity of meeting those present, and ISf^w? *<£'' °V n? ,t0 t»e hurried manner in which the thing had been got up, and the very short notice given, so many had been obliged to send excuses owing to prior engagements. The company whom he had the honour to represent were desirous and anxious to meet the consumers in every possible way-and in particular in the matters of the supply and cost of gas-so far as ever that was consistent with the interests of the ever the trade of the company justified such a step the price of the gas would be lowered The company were anxious, if possible, to reduce the price, and were pushing matters in every direction with the object of bringing that about • but if every gas consumer did his best to induce others to use the gan the accomplishment of this w« #L m? ch mol° rapid- and the time would soon come when such a step was practicable. It rested, therefore, to a very large extent with the consumers themselves as to when that would be. Another matter they ware urging just how was that of cooking stoves Knowing, as he did, the advantages and handiness of cooking by gas instead of by coal, he thought there was probably afield for using gas for this purpose in the district; and he was sure that when once those advantages were realised that gas would be very largely used for cooking. There was also another point from whiclT the advantage of using cas might be and ought to be viewed, and that was the greater safety from fire—more particularly in these wooden buildings. If once a petroleum lamp gets upset, the building is in ashes in a remarkably short space of time. It would be well for all to think of this phase of the matter.Mr William Buidgman proposed the health of the officials of the company, Mr Canning and Mr iord, who eaca briefly responded.—After other minor toasts and interesting conversation, Mr Dutton proposed the health of Messrs Watson of tne irrand (whose catering was carried out in such a satisfactory manner), and success to their busiP c, ss- J}™ accommodation provided and the interest shown in the comfort and welfare of the visitors to the Grand was of the very first quality and was a credit to Dunedin. They deserved all possible success for their plucky enterprise —Mr Watson having responded, the proceedings ter-