The Ocala evening star. [volume] (Ocala, Fla.) 1895-1943, 1913-12-17
MOST POPULAR MOVE

The action of the city council in
reducing the rates for water and
electric current is one that will meet
the unanimous approval Of the peo-
pie of Ocala. 1t gives them a tangi-
BILE proof of the benefits of municipal
ownership, which is what they have
been advocating end voting for, for
the last ten years.
The benefits of the reduction will
be felt at once in every household as
we'll as every business establishment
in Ocala, and the prospect that it
opens to not only saving in money,
but in work, is most pleasing to all,
particularly the Eousekeepers.
The Star noticed, some weeks ago,
an article in another paper speaking
of the high cost of electrical appar-
atus, which would prohibit the use
o. electricity for cooking and heat
ing in any but the homes of the well
to do. In view of this statement the
Star has taken the trouble to inves-
tigate the cost Of electrical appli-
ances with the most gratifying re-
suit
At the electric light plant the re-
porter was shown heater, which
cost probably twice as much as
coal or gas heater of the same power,
but which at the rate given by the
city would not cost more than half
as much to keep in fuel 1t would
not take many weeks of chilly wealth
er TO even the difference in cost.
Going thru H. w fuckers shop
this morning, the reporter saw ap-
raratus that can be used for almost
every household purpose. The cost
is not prohibitive to anyone, the
convenience is speculative, and the
durability of the articles is much
greater (This isn't an ad. for Tuck.)
There are many things of course
in which electricity cannot take the
place of gas or coal, and as long as
ell the power depends on a central
station, there are bound to be times
when the current will be off for
minutes, or even hours, SO the Star
would not advise any housekeeper
to throw away her coal or gas range,
but keep them as old reliables in
case of accident The Ocala electric
plant, however, gives mighty little
trouble, and as long as the council
keeps efficient men in charge Of it, i
will not fail anywhere near Otter
enough to affect the immense con
yenience it provides while it is run
ming.
Electricity. will heat the hom
without clogging it with ill-smellint
vapor It will Lot only save III
housewife a world of trouble in cook
ing and dozens Of other househil
tasks, but it will drive her SEWN
machine; which is one of the great
est boons to weary women yet devils
ed. At the rate now given by tn
council, there will be few household
that will not be able to afford ele,
trio fans, a great comfort to those
health and an inestimable blessin
to the sick and the weary watcher
by their bedsides on long, heate
nights.
AS for cheaper water that is
greater necessity than cheaper ele
trio current There is not so mut
TO be said about it in detail, but Il
benefit is too apparent and ia
reaching to need much description
The light and water commit
and the council as a whole deser
the thanks of the citizens for t
good management that enables the
to make this acceptable Christm
present to the people of Ocala. 1t
true, they give the people only VIII
is their own, but they have civ
their time and talent to make the
suit possible. If they had filled tn
offices as politicians instead Of
business men. the rate would ha
:. been increased instead Of decrease
Mr.. J. H Taylor, chairman>>of
light and water committee, has be
figuring on this reduction =
months, but he and his colleagl
would not recommend it to the COZ
ell until they were sure it could
made permanent. They now see
way clear, and at their suggest
the council has made a move til
as aforesaid, will be Of the great
benefit 10 the city.