Gas, Gas, Who's got the Gas?; citizens of Muncie competing with industries for gas

GAS, GAS, WHO’S GOT THE GAS?

INHABITANTS OF MUNCIE AND SUBURBS ARE

PLAYING AT A NEW GAME AND

EVERY­ BODY IS "IT."

The gas situation in Muncie is mo­mentous. An inadequate supply is ap­parent, as both the Muncie Natural Gas Co. and the Heat Light and Power Co. profess an inability to supply consum­ers with fuel. To all objections filed with the companies the answer is given: "If you arc not satisfied, bring your mixers to the office." It is the opinion of a large majority of the citi­zens that the companies are not turning in all the fuel they have, but citizens have no proof.

In view of the fact that gas is being supplied to the American Window Glass Co., Hemingray Glass Co., Ameri­can Rolling Mill Co., Kitselman Bros.', and many other industries at a low rate it is generally thought peculiar that those who pay a high price for fuel should be compelled to go without it.

If a person should go to a coal yard, buy and pay for a ton of coal and when the same was delivered find but a half ton, a great objection would be raised. The same theory is being applied to the gas companies. Their franchise, to which they subscribed, calls for a certain pressure to be maintained. In some places there is not, on the aver­age, an ounce of pressure, yet the regu­lation amount is charged, payable in advance every month.

The Muncie Natural Gas Co. has a reducing station located on North Jef­ferson street and the Heat, Light and Power Co. one on North Walnut street. The question is asked whether the companies would submit to a test by a council committee as to whether all available gas is turned into their mains for private consumers.

Many cases of sickness are being re­ported as a result of colds contracted by reason of the cold snap of Monday, superinduced the gas storage. Many co-operative gas companies are supply­ing plenty of fuel while the big com­panies are not. Last winter it was generally the reverse.

There has been talk of a meeting among the citizens of the east end to devise means of ascertaining the exact status of the gas question.