13 FEBRUARY 1926, Page 34

GAS AND ELECTRIC= SCHEMES.

Electricity notwithstanding, there would seem to be no falling off in the usefulness and popularity of gas, and at the recent meeting of the Gas, Light and Coke Company the Governor was able to show that there had been a general Increase in the number of consumers and a much greater increase in the number of gas stoves sold and let out on hire. Needless to say that the Governor—Mr. Milne Watson— emphasized the urgent need of the gas industry for cheaper coal and he quite rightly said : "On coal is based the pros- perity of all our great industries, steel, shipbuilding, gas, electricity, railways and innumerable other trades.' Nor is it surprising that occasion should have been taken by the Governor of the Gas, Light and Coke Company at the Annual Meeting to make some comments upon the Government's electricity scheme. Briefly, his plea was to the effect that if guarantees were to be granted to comparatively young industries like electricity, there should also be guarantees granted to the gas business. Exception was also taken by the Governor to what he described as the" boosting of electricity," and, after stating that the propaganda going on has already seriously injured the security of gas stocks, he pleaded in. this matter for fair play. Referring to the difficulties arising out of the situation, Mr. Milne Watson said :— " The Prime Minister and the Government may do a great deal to reassure both gas shareholders and consumers by openly stating I their appreciation of the services rendered by gas in the past, and the necessity for its continued use in the future, and by pledging themselves that the Bill should contain such safeguards as may be necessary to protect gas against unfair competition.'

A. W. K.