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T. R. CHRISTIE.]

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12. There are only fifteen hundred people? —I do not think there are quite so many. It is a small, sparsely populated borough, and it would not pay to put gas into it. 13. There is another gasworks, situated in Caversham? —Yes. 14. Belonging to an English company? —Yes. 15. What steps are the Corporation now taking with regard to this gasworks in Caversham 1— There are certain negotiations going on at present between the representatives of the English company and the City Council, with the object of the Council purchasing the works. No doubt that will be an accomplished fact at an early date. The company are anxious to dispose of their business. 16. The purchase has been recommended by the Gas Committee of the City Council? —It has been recommended to the City Council. 17. To which of the suburbs does the Caversham Gas Company supply gas? —Mornington, Roslyn, and Caversham. 18. And South Dunedin, I suppose? —No. 19. Who supplies South Dunedin with gas? —The City Corporation. 20. So that when the City Council acquire the Caversham gasworks they will be in a position to supply gas to the city and all the suburbs? —Unquestionably. 21. That is your aim and object? —Yes. 22. As regards Caversham —first of all, Caversham is within what is now popularly known as Greater Dunedin —Greater Dunedin includes the city and suburbs? —It includes, I take it, Dunedin and suburbs. The burgesses of Caversham took a poll as to whether the}' should amalgamate with the city, and it was carried. The City Council, as far as they are concerned, are unanimously in favour of it. The matter, however, is one which vitally affects the ratepayers, and has been referred to the ratepayers, and a vote will be taken on the 7th September. 23. Then, as regards electricity, we were told in evidence the other day that the Corporation are now going on with their electrical scheme vigorously? —That is so. 24. At a total cost of some £104,000? —Yes. That is the estimated expenditure as far as power and transmission are concerned. 25. But that does not include reticulation ?--No, it does not include reticulation, which will cost a very large sum. I may say that we have applied —and I believe the license is now on its way to Dunedin —for reticulation. 26. Under " The Electric Lilies Act, 1884 " J—Yes. 27. Then, that electrical supply is intended both for city and suburbs? —Unquestionably. That was the intention all through. 28. Dr. Findlay.] Have you considered what amount of power will be required to give the City of Dunedin electric light? —Do you mean Dunedin City, or Dunedin City and its suburbs? 29. Dunedin City and these suburbs you referred to in your answers to Mr. MacGregor?- - lam not an electrical engineer. I have not gone into these matters. 30. Then you have not considered the matter ? —No, I have not considered it personally. 31. Do you know that St. Kilda has asked this company if it can furnish the borough with thirty-three incandescent lights for lighting in St. Kilda? —I was not aware of it, but if you say so I am prepared to accept it. 32. The English company at Caversham is at present running the Caversham gasworks? —Yes. 33. No price has been agreed upon between the Council and the company? —There has been a price stated, which at present I cannot disclose. 34. But the Committee want to know whether this belief of yours, that no doubt the purchase will become an accomplished fact, has a reliable basis or not. Has any price been agreed upon ? — No definite price. Only an outside price has been stated. 35. So that it will all depend upon the price as to whether you are going to purchase these gasworks ? —There is not the slightest doubt in my mind but that we shall purchase them. 36. All will depend on whether you can get the company to accept the amount you are prepared to offer. Is that the position? —They have named an outside price, and it is for us to decide. 37. You have not decided whether you will give it or not? —We have not decided what price we will give. 38. Have you agreed to give any particular price to the company for its works? —Not definitely. 39. Then you are in this position: that though you have not made up your mind to give what has been asked by the company, you say the purchase is practically an accomplished fact? —Of course, that is my opinion. 40. Have you had a report made to you that you will require to spend £80,000 upon the Dunedin gasworks? —Yes, £81,000. 41. Have you had any report made by any officer of your own against the purchase of the Caversham gasworks?— No. 42. Has any report been made to your Council by any one else against the purchase ?—No, not that I am aware of. 43. Do you know Mr. Suggate, of Auckland ?—Yes. 44. Do you know that he has made a report? —Yes. 45. Do you know the effect of his report? —Yes. 46. Is it in favour of the purchase of the Caversham gasworks? —Yes. 47. You are quite certain? —Yes. 48. You have not the report here? —No.

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