Letter from H. I. Bettis (Los Angeles) to C. O. Whittemore (Salt Lake City), W. H. Comstock (Los Angeles), J. Ross Clark (Los Angeles), W. H. Bancroft (Salt Lake City), and T. E. Gibbon (Los Angeles), April 12, 1906

LAS VEGAS LAND AND WATER COMPANY Mr. C.O. Whittemore, Los Angeles, April 12, 1906. President; Salt Lake City, Utah. Mr. W. H. Comstock, Secretary; Los Angeles, Cal. Mr. J. Ross Clark, Director; Los Angeles, Cal. Mr. W. H. Bancroft, Director; Salt lake City, Utah. Mr. T. E. Gibbon, Director; Los Angeles, Cal. Gentlemen I hand you herewith a copy of a statement prepared by Agent of this company at Las Vegas, showing by blocks and lots the water taps made at Las Vegas, also the lots occupied on which there are no taps. It is shown that there have been made sixty-nine taps and that there are eighty-three lots occupied on which there are no taps. It is also stated that on Block 15 there are five taps from which nineteen business houses use water. There is no doubt that many are using water from the Company's system who do not pay the water company for the service, but there is some question as to the best method to pursue in order to get them to put in the water service. Some of the lots without taps have walls from which the occupants get water but in most instances the supply is undoubtedly secured from their neighbors' taps, thereby the Company is the loser. It has been, suggested that the Company prohibit all outside faucets. This would enable the owner of a tap to control it but would not stop the securing of the water by others as long as the owner permits it. Another suggestion is a rule as follows: "It is desirable that every user of water from the supply pipes of the Company arrange for a tap or hydrant for their sole use; but if, in any case, another party than the renter uses water from a tap or hydrant the Company will require from the renter in whose name the service stands, full payment for each user at same rates as would govern if there were a separate tap for each, and if such payment is not made the water may be turned off and if so turned off no further service will be furnished until all bank payments for water service are made and also a charge of 1.00 additional for turning off and on the water." If the Board will approve such a rule it may be that the matter can be remedied without other action, although it might be necessary to turn off the water in one or more instances in order to demonstrate that the rule must be observed. A rule should also be made providing that: "All water rents are due and payable at Las Vegas office in advance on the first day of each month and if not paid on or before the tenth of the month, the water may be turned off; and if turned off, shall not be turned on again until all back rental due is paid and also in addition thereto a charge of 1.00 for turning off and on the water." As these are matters of some urgency, I shall be glad if you will advise me as to your views regarding the manner in which same should be handled. Yours truly, Vice President and Auditor.