PRICE OF GAS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 10416, 21 March 1912, Page 1

PRICE OF GAS.

THE CHARGE IN CHRISTCHURCH

CITY COUNCIL PROTESTS

Councillor H. Holland moved, at the City Council's meeting last evening, that the Christchurch Gas Company should be asked to bring its prices for gas more closely into line with the prices charged in other centres. He said that in Christchurch the gross price was 7s 6d and tho net price os 9d. in Wellington 7fi 6d and os od, in Lyttelton 7s 6d and os lOd; in Nelson 7s 6d and os, in Duncdin os without a gross charge, and in Auckland os Id and 4s ;id. The difference between Christchurch and Auckland was 2s 5d per thousand feet gross and Is 6d net. While the Council could not force a reduction in charges it should endeavour to have a fair charge made. The charge for late payment was a very heavy penalty. ■ Councillor H. B. Sorensen seconded the motion, which was also supported by Councillors A. I). Hart and H. D. Acland.

The Mayor isaid that he would heartily support the motion. The question moro tlian once had been the sunject of considerable agitation. Tt was an open secret that the Gas Company paid handsome dividends, and also increased its shares to absorb profits. Duuedin was a criterion of what municipal enterprise could do, and it was a great pity that Christchurch had over. given to a private company a monopoly over a necessity of the people, in respect of vrhic.h the community had no voice. The company was protected by an Act of Parliament and given privileges ovor the streets which would not be "ranted by Parliament in the present day. ' Councillor W. H. Cooper paid that the company should he charged for its use of the roads, and if the " powers that be" took the proper action the company could bo " wrecked." The motion was carried.