Norwich bulletin., 1921-03-23
judgment

judgment
 No attempt has been made to oompare rates in Norwich with those in other communities. Differences in operating conditions. number of consumers. both large and small, of gas and electricity. make such comparisons misleading.
 The condition of the gas mains in the city was considered by your commit tee. It would seem that the failure to To- cate and correct the inadequate pressure in various parts of the city is due to faulty installation of the mains and past omissions in maintaining proper records. The committee believes that the depart ment is taking steps to remedy these de- fects. and that the purchaser of the com pressed air mains. to supplement the present distribution system, was good business and will result in much better service.
 The committee has heard much criticism relating to the minimum charge to useTs of gas. Considering the free installation service; the original cost of meters; the expense of reading same; maintaining records; rendition of monthly statements and other cost items, the committee be- lieves that the present minimum rate is not open to serious objection. The committee recognizes the fact that the department has been obliged, during l the last few years. to cope with peak prices in procuring essential materials ! for the manufacture of it's gas and cleo tricity. With falling prices, the commit | tee believes that the consuming public should receive the benefit of lower rates. The possibility of light being furnished to large users at power rates was sub ! TCitted to the commission. The com mittee was advised that the commission ! had given the matter careful considera- tior and is desirous of meeting tho wish es of manufacturers in this connection, but finds 1t impossible to comply at pres ent, because of unusual conditions. The commission anticipates, however, when conditions return to normal, that t will be able to meet the wishes of rnanufac- turers in this particular.
 The committee feels that the depart ment has not adequately informed It's customers of the free service it renders in adjusting gas ranges and Investigating faulty service. Often trouble has It's origin in improper gas or electric install lation by property owners. for which the department is not responsible. Much of the criticism might have been avoided had its publicity and service department been moro active and cooperative.
 We commend the department in the I whose services we believe to have been invaluable. With the engagement of the present technically trained superintend- ent the committee believes that the good work begun by the consulting en- gineer will be continued.
 We think tn citizens generally fan to appreciate the amount of time and labor freely given to this department by the commissioners.
 We think the citizens generally fail to appreciate the anaSapt of time and labor freely given to thB department by the commissioners.
 Respectfully submitted. | W. H. ALLEN, Chairman. ! DIR. T. A. CROWLEY, A. B. DAVIES.
 c. B. DOLBEARE. EMANUEL KAPI.AN. 1 c. L. STEWART.
 ". Fl. STEPHENS, Committee. The Chamber of Commerce directors | have approved and accepted the report. | giving the special committee vote of | thanks for it's labors.