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\ —3— and is designed to encourage the use of water* The minirmyn rate which has prevailed in Pioche for many years has been 50/ per thousand gallons with a minimum charge of #3*00. In the case of the Railroad Company, the rate Is 50/ per thous­and gallons measured through the meter* I ahT enclosing the schedule herewith* It is believed that if the Onion Pacific Railroad Company is made acquainted with the effort which is being made to provide the Town with a proper water supply, so as to encourage permanent residents, and the expansion of business, the Railroad Company will be disposed to go along with this effort# I note the mention in your letter of charges for water of #47*95 and #52*54 per month for water during winter months* These charges would seem at first glance to be ex­cessive* While you mention in your letter that it would be only natural during winter months that water consumption would be lower, it is factual that many people here during the winter months have become accustomed, while on the flat rate, to let­ting their watSr taps run all night to keep the pipes from freezing* When the water is on meter this custom can easily result in a high monthly charge* The Water Department has in­vestigated the meters and have not found that they are incor­rect* It is reported that In addition to letting the water run in the winter months to prevent freezing, the taps at the stock yards and other railroad installations are exposed to the public and in such way that children and careless employes, and per­haps strangers, can dnd do turn on the taps and leave them running* This could result in the charges you mention* The result I would like to achieve by this letter, and any further information desired, Is to convince the Rail­road Company that there is no disposition to burden the com­pany or any consumer with anything more than the regular charge for water as metered* I have always found that the Railroad Company in this county has been willing to go along with anything in the nature of municipal improvement and regu­larity# The Lincoln County Power District No* 1 is a non­profit concern and there is no object In trying to discrimi­nate between consumers* A heavy Investment has been made to put the water system in shape and it is necessary, Inorder to work this investment out, that we have a system of management which is fair and rates which meet with the general approval of the customers* As I have suggested before, we believe that the Rsi Iroad Company would be in line with this spirit to ig­nore the old free contract which was made with the Amalgam ted