(_BEFORE_ MR. COMMISSIONER PUNCH.)
_A SHAREHOLDER IN A GAS COMPANY INTRODUCED._
_The Commissioner_ (_sharply_). Well, Sir, what is it?
_Shareholder_. I have come to complain about the Gas Companies--
_The Com._ I am not surprised. They are generally causing some one or
other trouble.
_Shareh._ No, I beg your pardon, Sir, but you misunderstand me. I am
interested in the prosperity of Gas Companies--
[Illustration]
_The Com._ Then I pity you, for they are certain, sooner or later, to
be superseded by the Electric Light.
_Shareh._ Will you allow me to continue? I am annoyed that some
one has been complaining in the _Times_ that "A Chief of a Rental
Department" (invariably a person of the highest respectability) has a
right to the title of "an arbitrary cove!"
_The Com._ No doubt someone (who showed his wisdom in appealing to so
powerful a tribunal) gave his reasons?
_Shareh._ Well, yes; he certainly had been served with a demand to pay
L1 4s. 10d. within three days, to "prevent the necessity" of the gas
supply to his premises being discontinued at a time when he and his
family were out of Town, and his house was closed for the recess.
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