TRADES AND LABOUR

Otago Witness, Issue 2623, 22 June 1904, Page 24

TRADES AND LABOUR

The monthly meeting of th« Otago Trades and I/abour Council, held on 'J. hurray evening, it was reported that the flaxmilleors of Otago had formed a xinion, and that similar action wa being taken in other parts of New Zealand. The following resolution was passed in connection with the Waipon Electric Power Company: —

That this council earnestly appeals to the Government and members of the House of

Representatives not to grant any concessions — in terms of petition to the General Assembly for leave to introduce a bill — to the Waipori Falls Electric Power Company (Limited) or any private party or company that may enable them io compeLo a^aicsi rr.c v"i-d i' thesis cf the Dunedin. City Corporation. The corpoiation has already secured water rights, and is expending a large amount of capital on behalf of the ci Likens for the supply of electrical energy for Dunedin and suburbs, which we feel satisfied will have beneficial results and maintain the principle of municipal control of pubic utilities. Hitherto the lighting of Dunedin ha^ been entirely owned and con-

trolled by the municipality, greatly benefiting the ratepayers and giving best results at cheapest rates— therefore we support the principle of municipal supply of light and energy, which, cannot be successfully carried out if private companies are allowed to acquire the sources of such energy to the detriment of the people. This council deplores the fact that it is possible for any private company to acquire water rights that are required by every municipality and borough for the benefit of the citizens.