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s Mr. G. F. Ashby: Los Angeles * July 15# 1946 1-7334 (GG *» Mr. E. 1. Bennett —^Mr. W. H. Bracken Mr. 0. M. Gory 5 Referring to your letter July 6th to Mr. Bracken# said his reply July 11th# regarding use of water meters at Las Vegas. X think If an intensive campaign of education# Involving talks before public bodies like the Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club, eto., and paid newspaper and radio advertising were carried on between now and the time the Legislature convenes in January, 1947, we would have an excellent chance of securing the endorse­ment of public authorities and others in the Las Vegas Basin of an appropriate bill that would permit use of meters at Las Vegas. X do not, however# think this possible without a most energetic campaign. Before such a campaign is undertaken X think serious consideration should be given to the following: (a) Meters# if authorized# would no doubt be installed at the expense of the Water Go. We now have over 6,000 ser­vices# and the cost of meters will probably be between |15.00 and |20.00 each, plus the cost of installation. (b) Accounting cost to the Water Go. would be consider­ably increased. (c) Meter rates would be established by or at least subject to approval of the Nevada Public Service Commission. (d) Establishing or approving of rates by the Commis­sion would no doubt call for inquiry by the Commission as to Capital Investment# Operating Expenses, and contractual relations between the Land Co. and the Railroad Co. to give It basis for rates that In its opinion would yield a fair return. Frankj^trong