The most satisfactory information which was given at the annual rate payers' meeting on Monday night, was that contained in the report of the light and power departments, and submitted by Coun. Pike, chairman of this committee. The report stated that the power plant showed a profit of $11,833.49 for the ten months of the year ending October 31st. In this connection the report stated:

"The gains have occurred just where we expected they would occur in the saving in fuel consumption and wages to operate and maintain the system and not altogether from the increase in rate, as the casual observer might suppose (our present rates being on a par with towns north and east of us, operating with crude oil, which is supposed to be considerably cheaper than steam).

"The light sold in 10 months 1921 was $23,424.14
The rebates and discounts amounted to $1,948.45
Leaving a net revenue of $21,475.59
For the Ten months of 1922 the net earnings were$23,340.45
An increase in revenue of $1,864.76

"As a matter of fact many homes have been wired up this summer, but a genuine saving in current has been practiced by your consumers in general so on a strictly comparative basis our receipts were less this year than last.

An analysis of the auditor's report shows that our fuel consumption for 10 months in 1921 was $20,570.66
And for 10 months in 1922 $12,430.93
A saving of $8,139.73
Or an average monthly saving of $813.97

"Next analysis will be salaries and wages:
“The amount spent in salaries and wages in 10 months in 1921 was $13,269.29
And in 10 months in 1922 - $9,949.88
A saving over last year of $3,319.41
Or an average monthly saving of $331.94

"Estimated expenditure for the year was $38,350.00, and the ten months proportion of this would be $31,968.00:

"When approving of our estimates, the Local Government Board allowed a contingency fund of $3,533.00, it being understood that this item was there for the protection of the department in case of circumstances arising which might be entirely beyond our control. The ten months proportion of this amount would be $2,944, and of this we have spent $367, which constitutes the cost of rewinding the revolving field of Unit No. 2, leaving an unexpended sum of $2577, for the ten months, which amount must be taken from the ten months estimate of $31,958, leaving a total of $29,381.

"Auditors' statement shows expenditures, amounting to $27,653.77, leaving a balance of the ten months estimate unexpended of $1,727.23.

"The total cost per K.W. hour for electrical energy is 11.33 cents, and the total revenue per K.W. hour generated, 12.13 cents.

"The plant has been operated practically without interruption, maintaining a 24 hour service, seven days per week.

"We would like to point out," continues the report, "that we have to operate the plant on the principle that each and every customer is a partner of the utility, for we believe that, where proper relationship is maintained between a utility and the consumers the industrial development of the community surely follows. It is unfortunate that this virtual partnership Is so often an inharmonious one. The reason is largely one of dollars and cents. Hard times have come and the people are forced to practice economy again. Wages are being reduced and the consumer will ask impatiently why power and light bills do not come down in proportion. The answer of course is very simple, but the multitudes do not know it. The customer who expects his electric light bills to be reduced overlooks the fact that the utility has permanently increased its investment. When this fact is more fully understood, we believe that ever fair minded customer will give the utility credit for the fight it has made to maintain by efficient operation, a semblance of the balance between decreased earnings and production costs. The net results of the efficiency methods practiced this yearwill ultimately benefit every consumer,

The report of the waterworks department, which was also submitted by Coun. Pike, showed that this utility is not being neglected, but is making steady progress in the way of reducing the annual loss on operating. The receipts from water sold are:

In 1919 $1,462.59
1920 $2,100.70
1921 $2,593.04
1922 $2,726.00

A comparison of the loss in operation shows:
In 1919 $7,297.68
1920 $9,787.81
1921 $7,970.62
1922 $6,007.44

The report referred to the negotiating entered into early in the year, with the Canadian National Railway, with a view to securing a supply of water from Burton lake, in return for certain concessions from the town. One report had left the town office which covered very technical point required. The provincial health officer had granted a provisional certificate, and L.G.B. were enthusiastic over the proposed change. All the details were arranged, when the matter was dropped by the railway officials, and nothing more has been heard of it. The Town Supt's. arguement in favor of the Burton Lake scheme is to get away from the isolated cost at Stoney Lake, and states, with a properly constructed plant, the water can be pumped and filtered right in Humboldt by the power house engineers, and is of the opinion, he states, that it might be better to install a centrifugal steam driven pump of 100 gallons per minute capacity. A filter could be purchased for less than $1000, a Chlerinator for another thousand, and the whole installation could be put to work for approximately what the town is now losing annually.

Reports of the Finance, Health and Relief, and the Parks and Cemetery Committees, were submitted by Coun. Bence. In connection with the cemetery Coun. Bence said that some improvements had been made there this year, and said that further improvements were contemplated, and suggested that the expense should be borne by the Protestant people, as it was used only by the Protestants.

Coun. Yoerger submitted the report of the Town Hall and Police Committee, and that of the Board of Works was given by Mr. Thompson, town clerk.

Mayor King gave a review of the work of the council during the year, and referred to the various reports, showing that all committees had kept within their estimates. He spoke in favor of the Burton lake water scheme which, he said, could yet be secured if gone after. He regretted that L.G.B. had not yet given the Town a settlement in connection with the debentures, which they had promised to do before the end of this year.

Mayor King thanked the council and all officials for their co operation during the year, and paid a high tribute Mr. Thompson, the town clerk, and said the town was really fortunate in having such a capable official in charge of the municipal office.

Some discussion followed, during which a number of rate payers spoke on different matters.

The following resolution was adopted by the meeting:
"Resolved that this meeting of rate payers request the Local Government Board to fix the meeting of the creditors of the Town early in 1923 to make final settlement of the bond indebtedness, and that the meeting be held in Humboldt."