United States Supreme Court Cases & Opinions

U.S. Supreme Court

Newton v. New York & Queens Gas Co., 259 U.S. 101 (1922)

Newton v. New York & Queens Gas Company

Nos. 750-753, 832, 833, 844, 845

Argued April 28, 1922

Decided May 15, 1922

259 U.S. 101

Syllabus

1. Conclusions of a master and the district court that the eighty-cent gas rate fixed by c. 125, New York Laws 1906, had become confiscatory sustained. P. 259 U. S. 103. See Newton v. Consolidated Gas Co., 258 U. S. 165.

2. In fixing the fees of a master, the district court, under Equity Rule 68, enjoys a judicial discretion, but subject to review in case of abuse. P. 259 U. S. 104.

3. The compensation of a master should be adequate to the work done, time employed, and responsibility assumed -- liberal, but not exorbitant; salaries prescribed for judicial officers performing similar duties are valuable guides in fixing it, but a higher rate is generally necessary. P. 259 U. S. 105.

4. Held that the compensation allowed in these cases was excessive. P. 259 U. S. 105.

Reversed.

Page 259 U. S. 102

Appeals from decrees of the district court holding the gas rate prescribed by New York Laws of 1906, c. 125, unconstitutional, and from supplemental decrees fixing the compensation of a master. See Newton v. Consolidated Gas Co., 258 U. S. 165.