Masterton Gas-Works.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 7243, 26 August 1902, Page 2

Masterton Gas-Works.

Mr P. L. Hollings in Reply.

[TO Till! BBITOIt.] Sin,—lt would bo impossible to itnagino anything "lamer " than Mr Pownall's " reply "—a complete evasion of the question. In the first place ho overlooks tho fact that the Council have already obtained the report of an experienced gasmanuger. Mr Smithies, whom tho Council consulted, was for many years Manager of the Potono Gas-Works, and carried out tho construction and completion of those works to the entire satisfaction of everyone, and is at present Manager of the Wanganui Gas-Works, and also possesses tho highest credentials to support his opinion. The late Town Clerk of Wellington (Mr Page) and tho late Mayor of Pctonc (Mr Kirk) both speak of in in in terms of the highest praise. Secondly, with regard to Lansdownc, Mr Pownall is entirely wrong in supposing that any portion of the proposed loan wiil bo spent at Lansdownc, or anywhere else outside tho Borough. So far as the Outer Ward is concerned, let me first state that the petition to cut off that Ward did not emanate from the Council, but from the Outer Ward itself; and in the next place that, although the Outer Ward is still liable for the existing GasItate, that rate, however, has not been collected for some years past. If, however, the proposed new loan is rejected, it is more than probable that the Council wil be compelled to collect it, as the works —if 1 left in their present state —will, in less than 12 mouths, become incapable of producing tho interest on the present Gas Loan and other expenses, and tho Kate will be required to pay them. On the other hand, if the new loan is carI ricd, there is no fear of cither tho existing or the new Rate being collected. And the Outer Ward people (in common with other Ratepayers) have at any rate this much to gain, that, by voting for the proposed loan, they will escape the danger (in common with others) of having to pay the existing Gas Itate. The substance of the whole matter, Sir, is this :—lf the loan is carried, the advantages will be—l. A saving of the Gas Pate. 2. A complete renovation of tho Works. !). An extension of tho mains for the use and benefit of ratepayers. 4. A more efficient lighting of the streets in consequence of the extension (not before it is wanted). 5. A reduction in the price of gas. If, on the other hand, the loan is rejected, the consequences will bo : —l. An almost certain necessity for collecting the Gas Bate. 2. A defective and worn-out gas plant (with no funds to renew it). 3. An inevitable increase in the price of gas. In the face of those results, surely it is to the undoubted interest of tho whole of the ratepayers (including the Outer Ward) that the loan should be carried. Mr Pownall should be the last man to complain, seeing that, during the whole of the last three or four years in which he was at the helm, he did absolutely nothing to prevent the Works getting into tho present unsatisfactory condition ; nor did ho move a little linger to help to put them right. Now be coolly offers " a little friendly advice!" Why did he not face the problem before ho left the chair, instead of leaving others to do it for him ? And when tho present Council take up the question seriously and endeavour to overcome the difficulty, surely the ex-Mayor should be tho last person to obstruct them, Finally, Mr Pownall seems particularly anxious just now about my " mayoral structure " (as he calls it). Of course, we know he is; for has not bis own peculiar " structure " already been overtaken by the fate of poor " Humpty Dumpty."—l am, etc., Philip L. Hollings.