THE PRICE OF GAS.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 10017, 13 April 1910, Page 5

THE PRICE OF GAS.

REDUCED BY FIVEPENCE PER THOUSAND FEET. At the meeting of the Borough Council, last evening, Cr Jas. Elliott, Chairman of the Gas Committee, stated that the Committee had decided to reduce the price of gas 5d per 1,000 feet. One of the chief reasons for reducing . the price was that somt; people forget t6 settle on the pa>' df y, arid it waa very hard t lat they should have to pay about one-tnird more because of this. A similar reduciion had been made about two years ago, which meant a sum of £SOO, and it would mean a similar sum this time. It would most likely be some time before f.iiey would be able to reduce the price again.

Cr Ewington said he was sorry to hear (hat it was likely to be some time befora the gas would tie again reduced. He would like to see it reduce! another fivepence next year.

Cr Pau,ing raid he was pleased to see thj price had been reduced. He would like to know more about the proposHl to opan a show room and offices in-lbs main street before anything definitely was decided up-

Cr Morris said he liked to see the caution displayed by the Gas Committee. He was of opinion that more assistance should be given on the sas pay day, and, personally, tie had had to wait half an hour before he was attended to. Cr Elliott said this was one of the reasons why they were moving for larger premises. Also, with larger premises they anticipated doing an increased business in gasrequisites.generally. It cost them a Is a ton mors for - coal in Master ton than in any seaport place, and taking this into consideration the gas was reinai'lcably cheap. It was proposed that the proposed reduction should come into force during the month of May:

Cr Pragnell also counselled caution in regard to the Gas Committee, and endorsed Cr Pauling's remarks In regard to th 6 office Lie would sooner see them build a place of their own than take a lea3e. Cr Prentice said that he was pleased to see the reduction. The Gas Committee had had important works on hand, and this new move would give the people confidence in them.

Cr Ewington said it was better to open up a showroom in Queen street than away from it. It was done in Napier, and it was found to pay well. said the Council had an enormous capital in the gasworks, and any step that was progressive arid revenue-producing should be encouraged. Under the circumstances the repurt shuuid be supported. Cr Pauling said he was pleased to see his remarks had brought forth the information it had. A month's trial was hardly long enough. He felt that their own premises could be mado able. He hoped that the Council would not take a long lease of the proposed offices. Proper municipal buildings were required, and be hoped the time was not far distant when the various departments would be under the same roof. Cr Elliott said the reason they wanted a five years' lease was that the rent would be£a more reasonable one. The Mayor considered the rent of £2 that was asked was on the high side, and he though it advisable to take a shorter lease. The Gas Committee's report was ! then put to the meetine and adopted.