To the Editor of the "Nomtu-Cunwa Dany News"
Sim—When a Public Utility Company seeks to obtain a reasonable Felurn of 10—15 per cent. it invariably becomes the target of all sorts of subversive and misdirected ism: but when it confers a benefit on the community the debt is very seldom acknowledged. This is matter for regret, and I suggest it would be a graceful set on the part of the proof of which the Gas Company is making te adjust its scale of charges. and ut them on a more equitable basis.
Economy is all very well in its ay, bot ike everything ele, when carried to extremes it becomes huisanee. 'The exemplary fine' which the Company now. imposes every month on those misguided people who have hitherto exercised too Tigid an economy en the use of gas should quickly bring them to their senses. Decent people with decent Incomes can afford to look on and smile; they are not affected. As fe the others—well, luckily we don't tolerate any democratic nonsense in /Shanghal, and as long as we can keep them' disenfranchised they're easy meat. Make the blighters pay.
On the other hand, the better type of consumer, who uses gas in a large and generous way, and makes an adequate contribution to the profits of the Company is now to receive a [substantial bonus in the shape of reduced bills. This reform has. long been overdue, and I'm sure everyone ig pleased that the members of the Council have not felt called upon to Interfere with a measure which will bring about a much-needed. relief lamonsst the wealthier residents.
In recent years, particularly in jelvilized counties I'm sorry to say. there has been a dangerous and thoughtless tendency to lighten the burdens of the poorer members of society. and shift the weight (for some inexplicable "reason) onto the shoulders of the rich. But, Sir, as every right-minded knows, this to-called "civilization" is the merest sentimental clap-trap, the panem et circenser that undermined the greatness of Rome. The grim Jdetermination with which the Auth+ ities in Shanghai have set their such facile and sidious policies deserves our heartfelt Shanghai, Apr. 26, DuaL Rare,
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.