Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1920-12-14

half dozen special contract services,
we no not see how it would be pos
sible to make them pay the whole
amount of the additional revenue to
which we are entitled (see petition
The probability is that we would
loose most of these customers and a
complete REIMBURSEMENT of rates
would be again necessitated.
We are III favor of considerable
increase on these services but we
submit th;st there must also be con-
siderablec increase on the ATS fat
rate services. We should be fair to
both classes but Of course water
should be sold to large industrial
consumers at lower price per gal
Ion than to domestic consumers. as is
universally done.
As to installing meters generally
the cost at the present time would
be enormous and it would be abso-
lutely impossible for the Company
to do so. Even if the capital could
be raised, the gross income would
have to be increased propoytionately.
This applies also to the proposed
purchase Of the Engle and Briscoe
Springs and the piping of water
therefrom. 1t is al right as an ideal
but is is absolutely impracticable at
the present time.
Conclusion.
AS to the management of the plant,
the Receiver has at least had about
SIX years of experience with the ad-
wise OF competent Hydraulic En-
glneer when needed, and we consider
Mr.. Halls criticism of the manage
ment of the plant to be incorrect and
unfair, especially as he gives no facts
upon which he bases his criticism. If
the Commission intends to consider
this part of his report we beg leave
to be heard on the question of both
methods and general condition of the
plant, and we will be willing to bear
the expense of having an investiga-
ton made by competent man.
AS to the salaries paid: We do not
see why this should come within the
scope of an engineers report, but
since he has undertaken to give his
opinion, we wish to say that the Re-
celver is receiving 500 per month
which is the compensation
fixed by the Circuit Court, and which
10 Vic ciilVunt VI
salary approved by the Commission
six years ago before the high cost of
living. And moreover, it should be
noted that heretofore the Receiver
has furnished the Company with Of
flee and heat and light and legal SER
vice free of charge and these items
would amount to several hundred
dollars year and should be included
in the necessary operating expenses.
1t should be also noted that
neither the Committee which is con-
Quoting the opposition to the propos-
ed rates or their counsel have at
tackled the Receivers salary or sug-
gested that it is unreasonable.
AS to the Clerks salary, up to
October LIST she received $3.50 a
week and is now receiving $1,000 a
week 1t is only possible to obtain
the services of a clerk at this low
| figure because the Receiver gives her
other employment in his personal
businss when she is not needed fol
Company worl., for which he pays
her enough to make living wage
If the Water Company's office were
maintained Sc oarately, the Clerk
would have to BE paid enough to GOV,
er her full time in order that the of.
flee might be kept open although the
work would rot require full time.
Respectfully submitted,
F. A. BROWN, Receiver.