CORRESPONDENCE.

Timaru Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 3609, 26 April 1886, Page 3

CORRESPONDENCE.

» GAS V. KEROSENE. TO THE EDITOR OF THE TIMARU HBRALD. 8m, — In expressing my approval m the main — and appropriateness — of your late able article on tho abovo subject, I can scarcely help thinking that while tho gas company have found an able advocato for their special product, they havo also to dread a foe to thoir charges. That the special articlo they supply is equal or as good as other gases is not to bo doubted ; but until tho law which sanctioned their trado being carried on m such a profitable manner so as to yield dividends up to 20 per cent on the paid up capital is amended and restrictions made to keep them within, say 10 per cent, consumers will, under certain conditions, be at their mercy entirely. It is clear enough that this might be done as affecting tho public good m cases of strict monopoly. Without a doubt, the high dividend annually declared since tho works wero started has induced capitalists to speculate m their "stock," and tho Board of Directors aro but too deeply interested m tho "market value" of tho question to bo nlivo to other considerations. If they were, would our Borough that at tho start held out such a helping hand to the concern now bo left nt night to the " rushlight " like glimmerings dignified by tho name of lamps ? A glance, from tho Main North Road through Ross' right-of way m tho direction of tho gasworks will prov'o conclusively the superiority of gas for street lighting. " Tho light, over tho guto at tho gaeivorks may oxceed " Borough " regulation and requirements, but — to me at least — it seems that if Buch wcro adopted fewer lumps would bo necessary and yet greater brilliancy attained. Since hotels are not compelled to keep tho lamp m front of their premises alight beyond the hour of closing, why extend tho time for putting out thoso strictly belonging to Iho Borough for another hour? Let the police , keep a note of how many aro abroad ; after 11 p.m. In a quiet little town like ours it is unnecessary Then, too, time has altered tho condition and requirements of our thoroughfare?, and an overhauling of the " position " of many of the lamp posts is now very necessary, and wcro I m the Council I should certainly advise compulsion to orect and maintain suitablo lamps under verandahs. Think ovor this yo City Fathers. Douco the glim nt 11 p.m., and you will again bo nblo to get gas lighting for our streets, and that, too, within your Means. Timaru, 24th April, 1886.