ELECTRIC LIFTS.

Timaru Herald, Volume XIIC, Issue 13657, 28 July 1908, Page 6

ELECTRIC LIFTS.

DISCUSSION ABOUT CHARGES.

The Timaru Borough Council last, nighw had an animated discussion over a certain aspect of the electric installation. The Mayor suggested going into committee, but, Councillor Satfcerthwaite objected, and on the question being put to a vote only two Councillors voted for it. A number of tetters were read from Messrs Turnbull and Jones, Mea>Ts Scottf, and Mr Jas. Hay, solicitor for Mr \V. Hay,-about the proposed charge for current for electric lift in Mr W. Hay's building. On behalf of Mr Hay, Messrs Turnbull and Jones inquired what the charge was lo be for meters, under clause 21 of the Council's conditions of supply, and whether there was going to be any reduction in the charge for working passenger lifts, and if so, when.—A copy of this letter had been sent to Messrs Scott.

The Town CHerk said he had been told by Mr Hay that he would be compelled to remove the lift, as it would be too expensive to run. He had been told by an architect, who inquired of Messrs Scott of Christchurch (going up ■ for the purpose) thai the cost would l>e only 7s t-o 10s per week at the outside. Messrs Scotfe wrote in rej)ly to tho letter that the charge for meters was stated, 2s 6d per quarter, and that it was not proposed to make any reduction in the present) charge for passenger lifts, except in special cases. Mr Hay's solicitor wrote inquiring whether the Council could tea their way to make any special arrangement about the elevator, as the architect had been told that the charge would be about 7s a week- He inquired whether, if they reduced the horsepower of the lift motor, the Council would reduce the minimum charge to two hours per doy. On this being referred to Messrs Scott, they replied that they wonld be willing to reduce the mtnimnm to two hours in his case; but pointing out that reducing the horsepower of the mottor would not reduce the amount of current required, unless either speed or or both, were reduced.

Mr W. Hay wrote that the charge was *tlill too high as ho -would have to pay for a good deal of current not used. The Town Clerk remarked that he thought, if Mr Scott and Mr Hay were to meet they could' eetrtla the matter. Mr Scott had been asked thaiJ day by telegraph if he -would come down and eee Mr Hay, and he liad wired that he was laid up, ill, but would be glad to come down on recovery. Mr Virtue added that if lie motor was reduced to 4 or 5 horse-power the cost would be 12a for 4 and 15s for 5 h.p. per week. Mr Brown had told him that he was in. Christchurch at the time, and he heard nothing of the low rates tbafc the architect was said to have been told of. Councillor Mullin said there was a conflict of statements; it was very extraordinary; and iti was, d« Mr Hay objected to the rates being run up if he had been t°ld the cost would be about 7s. Councillor Bowker drew attention to the fact that Mr Scott had t°ld the Council that he could not accept less than a four hours minimum, yet now bo offered to accept two. To bring the matter to a head Councillor Satterthwaite moved—"That as Mr Hay has applied to this Council for electric power for his elevator in proper form, the suppliers, Messrs ScoU. Bros, be recommended to supply fame according to their conditions of contract i.e., 4d per unit estimated on meter readings." He would ask that- the Town Clerk read to the Council the clauses of the contract, 8 to 12. dealing with charges. These distinctly said tfliat Scott. f)w6. "shall supply tli" corporation with power for lighting an d power purposes, and the accounts shall bn charged bv the eorporat'nn on the meter refilings." He thought his motion would overcome the difficulty altogether. It was the duty of the Council to see that Mr Hav got fair play, he being cjuite prepared to pay for power used : anil according to their contract that was all thafc Scott Bros had a right to. If this motion was carried it would b> a means of bringing about an ani'iabl" sellldnent. as it would show the uiind of the Council i>n the matter. Mr Hay had taken all reasonable precautions before investing a large amount of money in the lift. He sent his architect to Christchurch to ascertain what the. cost of running would be and was told that at the outride it would be about 10s a week. Mr Hay made the same infjirrv himself and was told by Mr Brown. hj« ith" sp-akcr understood). i: would le* abouti 8s ;i week. If the Council insisted on the exorbitant < harg* l in their conditions they would l>e doing Mr Hay a. great injustice. Councillor Satterthwji'e aik-d ill-it th ■ contract conditions !>'• i* ad. The Mayor I'd I lie motion ■ »uld noi bpissed unicss the condition-. pad at. lb*' previous misting were ris.-ind-d. O're" •'-!•• -J i Mi ll.iv ii-i.I f I- !>' • what was tie- Use of ask in-; M :-i.~ S.-ol t to supply him'' I'll- town licik saiil the.:- v • r>- u>> ap plication-' - tie Adams and Co. The Mayor said Messrs Scott ntro williiiir to met t Mr Hav and the Council muld

do no good by interfering. Councillor Hawkey, who had seconded the motion, asked whether iti was in accordance with the contract.

The Mayor said it was not in accordance with" tho Council's conditions, and they could make what conditions they liked. The motion could not l»o passed without rescinding the conditions. Councillor Satterthwaite said it was only a recommendation to indicate tho mind of the Council.

11l reply to Councillor Mullin the Mayor said he Lad mediated, as requested, but. that, was only about lighting, and Mr Brown insisted on steel conduits, would accept nothing loss. Tlio town clerk roa< 1 the clauses of the contract asked for. They nan.ie a maximum of 4d per uniti for power, and Is for lighting, and say nothing about, a minimum charge. Councillor Mullin : If they are willing lo pay the charges therein specified they should be supplied.

The Mayor: But. Scott Bros, came in. and said they wanted a .minimum, and tinCouncil put one in the conditions. This matter bad better be left until Mr Scott and Mr Hay have met.

Councillor Sealey: Better leave it until we Jiavo an application. Councillor Raymond suggested waiting till after the meeting, and then rescind the conditions, and mako the contractors stick lo the contract. The Mayor asked the mover to hold over tho motion and tho latter declined to do so because if carried it would have great weight with both parties. The Mayor then ruled 'hat he could not accept the motion. It. was out, of order as conflicting with the Council's own conditions.

Councillor Sallerthwaito therefore withdrew the motion, and gave notice that. lie would move at next meeting—" That clause 5 in the terms and conditions of supply be rescinded, and that a clause be inserted drawn up in accordance with Scott Bros.' conditions of contract with the corporation." The matter then dropped.