inoperative may have, perhaps, something to do with these complaints. However, we find a large number of gas meters, as this report will show to have run fast, and we also found quite a number of meters over indexed, for both of which the consumers have been adequately compensated by rebates from the gas companies. These over indexes are sometimes caused from defects in the dial of the meter, though mainly through neglect and inefficiency of the gas companies index takers. I take occasion to refer your honorable Commission to the suggestions and recommendations. contained in my last year's report on that and other subjects, with a view to have such laws enacted that will remedy these evils. To convince myself thoroughly that the gas holders with which the meters are tested prior to being installed into consumers' houses are perfectly accurate, I ordered a test to be made of all the proving machines used by the Consolidated Gas Company. This is one of the most difficult and ingenious tasks, and the services of one of the best experts in this business was engaged for that purpose. The result obtained showed that only one of the eleven machines inspected had but the slightest imperfection. All the rest were perfectly correct and up to the government standard requirements. It having been brought to my notice that some of the gas companies located in smaller towns of the State have installed gas meters in consumers' houses without a seal affixed, I ordered an investigation and found these reports partly verified. It seems that these meters were purchased from meter manufacturers outside of the State of New York, who have no opportunity to have the meters inspected by my department. In order to avoid any such infraction of the law in the future, I have issued an order to these gas companies who have purchased such meters to have them sent to my office to be sealed and tested before making use of them, or otherwise to provide themselves with a standard prover, so as to enable me to test the meters on their premises whenever I am required to do so. In fact, every gas company, no matter how small, ought to be compelled to have a standard prover on their plant. It is to their own satisfaction, and certainly to that of their customers, who have a perfect right to know that the meter which supplies them with gas is accurate, and that they receive the full measurement of gas they are charged with. My inspectors, or as they are termed, "State Gas Meter Testers," have petitioned me for a raise in their salary, and I thought it advisable to bring the matter to your notice, so as to have your kind co-operation and have the Legislature act favorably upon it. Since the enactment of the law, giving me the power to appoint ten State gas meter testers, to assist me in the performance of my duties, their salary was fixed at $3.50 per day. The men claim that the rents, provisions, clothing and everything else appertaining to household expenses have increased to such an extent as to make it difficult for them to make both ends meet, much less to save money for harder times. I am in full sympathy with their request. The work they perform is that of expert mechanics. They were all appointed from the civil service list, and the nature of the work they are required to do places them in a confidential and responsible position. I would, therefore, respectfully recommend that their salaries be raised from $3.50 per day to $4, or otherwise to have their salaries fixed at $100 per month. The result of the test of private meters during the year showed that out of a total of 5,548, 1,446 were found to have run fast, 883 slow, and 3,219 correct, giving an average of 25 per cent. fast meters, 15 per cent. slow, and 60 per cent. correct. The proof of the fast meters did not exceed 15 per cent., and the entire number showed an average of from 6 to 7 per cent. The receipts from fees received at this office from December 1, 1905, to December 1, 1906, for gas meter tests, amounted to $1,627.95, which is transmitted monthly, with a detailed report, to the State Comptroller. The expenses for salaries and office expenditures were $22,830.24. Respectfully yours, JASTROW ALEXANDER, State Inspector of Gas Meters. REPAIRED METERS INSPECTED FROM DECEMBER 1, 1905, TO NEW METERS INSPECTED FROM DECEMBER 1, 1905, TO DE |