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—
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 Then I pity you, for they are certain, sooner or later, to be superseded by the Electric Light.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 £1 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.
The Com. Primâ facie, that seems a strong order! And I suppose the complainant wrote to the Gas Company, and got no redress?