SELLING PRICES AND TERMS OF BUSINESS. 16? 



the average consumption per consumer there is the better 

 of the two. 



If the slot business is worth taking up at all it is worth 

 doing thoroughly. The meter and service represent the 

 greater part of the outlay, and an additional 153. or 

 2os. is money well spent if it increases the annual con- 

 sumption. It is more advantageous to do a turnover of 

 2 per annum on an outlay of -$ than of ;i per annum 

 on an outlay of 3. Customers should be provided with 

 a good cooker, having an oven at least 14 inches by 

 1 2 inches, that is capable of doing all that is required in 

 the culinary line. Boiling rings and grillers need only be 

 recommended in special cases, where there is some reason 

 for not using the cooker. Two lights are as many as the 

 average customer will use regularly, but it is better to fix 

 three lights for a customer who really requires them than 

 two for a person who will use only one. There has also 

 been too much reliance upon the 3-light meter. A 5-light 

 costs only 6s. or ys. more, and will have a useful effect on 

 the average consumption. Where the consumer can by 

 any means be induced to extend his requirements beyond 

 the cooker and two lights, the 5-light should always be 

 provided. In the small district, it is easier to establish a 

 personal contact with the customer than it is in the large 

 one, and an intelligent, pushing, manager will succeed 

 in rinding a place for a few ironing stoves and other 

 appliances. 



One is surprised to find people who ought to know what 

 they are talking about arguing in favour of the same price 

 for the slot as tor the ordinary user. Taking the extra 

 outlay as ^"5 for each slot consumer, it is evident that an 

 additional income, to the ordinary price, of about los. per 

 annum is required to put both classes on all fours. The 



