MARCH 27, 1891.]

offer of the Postmaster-General to take over the staff of the companies was scarcely fair to the companies. For a quarter of a franc ne got a card sent at once by express pneumatic tube, and for half a franc a letter. That was what the right hon. gentleman ought to do for us. What the right hon. gentleman proposed to do-namely, to refer the matter to legal arbitration-was quite beside the question, and his action might be characterised as it had been in various quarters, as nothing better than dog-in-the-manger action.

Mr. RAIKES said that the lateness of the hour must prevent him from giving a detailed answer to the objections which the hon. gentleman had taken to his conduct in this matter, and as he hoped in a short time to obtain the decision of a court of law upon the main Issues it would be premature to discuss that evening what course he might be obliged to take after that decision had been obtained. The hon. member had very seriously misapprehended the action of the department. The main question was one not between the Government and the District Messengers' Company, but between the Government and the Boy Messenger Company, which was simply an express service by means of boy messengers. The new service, of which the particulars appeared on paper to-day, would be a far more efficient service. He would merely point out that the number of stations would be at least double that of the Boy Messenger Company, and the number of boys employed ten times as numerous; the charge would be less, and, in fact, the new system would have every advantage which one system could have over another. He would only say that he should be glad indeed, if he could believe he had no responsibility in this matter, but having before him the opinion of competent advisers, based upon Acts of Parliament, he was bound to believe, that he should have, so far, a regard to the public interest that he must defend it against speculators whom he could not allow to carry on a business which he believed was an invasion of the rights of the State. Having obtained the decision of a court of law, he would be prepared to consider any proposal that might be made for utilising either of those schemes. He had been for a long time endeavouring to devise some such scheme which he might dovetail with a department of the State, but until he obtained the assent of the Treasury to create a substitute service he felt himself justified in taking action as to which, if he had taken it at an earlier period, he might have deserved the epithets the hon. gentleman had applied to him. His desire was that the public did not suffer from any action the Government had undertaken, but he was forced to act as he had done, because he was served a fortnight ago by one of the clients of the hon. gentleman with a mandamus to compel him to take action in the case. It was out of pure charity that he wished to utilise the boys in the service of the companies. He was sorry that the companies had refused, but the public would not suffer, because he was in a position to offer more efficient service. He was perfectly ready to consider any scheme which the public might expect advantage from as soon as he should establish the right of the Post Office to exercise those privileges which were conferred upon it, not by him, but by many Acts of Parliament, the last of which was an act passed in the first year of the reign of our present Sovereign.

Mr. CONYBEARE admitted that it might be desirable that the decision of a court of law should be obtained as to the legal aspect of the matter, but he took leave to observe that there was a great deal more to be said on the general question as to the convenience of the public at large.

It being 12 o'clock, the debate stood adjourned.

LONDON COUNTY COUNCIL.

NOTICES UNDER ELECTRIC LIGHTING ORDERS AND ACTS. Ar the weekly meeting, the Highways Committee reported as follows: We have considered a notice (Registered No. 168), dated 25th February, 1891, from the Metropolitan Electric Supply Company, of intention to lay mains in North Wharf Road, Harrow Road, Dudley Street, Hermitage Street, Church Place, St. Mary's Square and Terrace, Porteous Road, Fulham Place, Hawley Place, Maida Hill west, Blomfield Road, Warwick Road and Crescent, Delamere Terrace, Street and Crescent, Clifton Villas, Westbourne Terrace Road, Blomfield Crescent and Street, Upper Westbourne Terrace, Westbourne Bridge and Square, Chichester Road, Place and Street, Ranelagh Road, Cottage Road, St. Germain's Terrace, Gloucester Crescent and Gardens, Bishop's Road, Sheldon Street, James Street, Eastbourne Terrace, Orsett Place and Terrace, Porchester Square, Westbourne Park Terrace, Pickering Terrace, and Albert Terrace. The proposed works appear to be unobjectionable, and we recommend that the sanction of the council be given to the works referred to in the notice Registered No. 168), dated 25th February, 1891, of the Metropolitan Electric Supply Company, upon condition that the company do give two days' notice to the council's chief engineer before commencing the works in any of the thoroughfares specified in the notice; that the mains be inclosed in iron pipe or efficient casing, and be laid under the footways wherever it is found practicable to do so; that, as an additional precaution against accident through defective insulation of the mains, each of the street boxes shall be provided with an inner as well as an outer cover, insulated from each other as far as practicable; and that the outer cover, which shall consist of an iron frame filled in with material to suit the paving, shall be efficiently connected to earth.

The undermentioned notices from the London Electric Supply Corporation have also been considered by us

27th February, 1891, of intention to lay distributing mains on west side of Deptford High Street (amended).

403

27th February, 1891, of intention to lay distributing mains in Stratton Street, Piccadilly.

7th March, 1891, of intention to lay distributing mains in Borough High Street, Duke Street, and Tooley Street.

10th March, 1891, of intention to lay distributing mains in Arlington Street and Bennett Street.

18th February, 1891, received 14th March, of intention to lay distributing mains in Chesterfield Gardens.

The works referred to in these notices are of the same character as those of the same company previously sanctioned by the council, and we recommend that the sanction of the council be given to the works referred.to in the five notices (Registered Nos. 169 to 173, both inclusive), dated 27th February (2) 7th and 10th March, and 18th February, 1891, respectively, of the London Electric Supply Corporation, upon condition that the company do give two days' notice to the council's chief engineer before commencing any of the works; that the mains be laid under the footways, and be kept 9 inches below the under side of the paving wherever it is found practicable to do so; that where the mains cross the carriage-ways they be kept at the same depth below the concrete or the road material as the case may be; and that, as an additional precaution against accident through defective insulation of the mains, each of the street boxes shall be provided with an inner as well as an outer cover, each insulated from the other as far as practicable, and that the outer cover shall be efficiently connected to earth.

We have also to report the receipt of the notices from the same company, given in accordance with the resolution of the council of 16th December last, to accept four days' (instead of one month's) notice in respect of the laying of service lines from mains already laid. We have considered two notices, dated 26th February, and 16th March, 1891, respectively, from the Kensington and Knightsbridge Electric Lighting Company, of proposed extension of mains in Hill Street, Stamford Road, Eldon Road, and Victoria Road. The proposed works are of the usual description, and we recommend that the sanction of the council be given to the works referred to in the two notices (Registered Nos. 174 and 175), dated 26th February and 16th March, 1891, respectively, of the Kensington and Knightsbridge Electric Lighting Company.

The St. James and Pall Mall Electric Lighting Company has given a notice dated 3rd March, 1891, of intention to lay mains in Regent Street, Beak Street, Vigo Street, Haymarket, and Coventry Street (1 plan). There appears to be no objection to these works; and we recommend that the sanction of the council be given to the works referred to in the notice (Registered No. 176), dated 3rd March, 1891, of the St. James and Pall Mall Electric Lighting Company.

A notice, dated 12th March, 1891, has been received from the Notting Hill Lighting Company, of intention to lay mains across High Street, Notting Hill Gate, from Linden Gardens to the Mall (1 plan). The proposed works are unobjectionable; and we recommend that the sanction of the council be given to the works referred to in the notice (Registered No. 177), dated 12th March, 1891, of the Notting Hill Electric Lighting Company, upon condition that the company do give two days' notice to the council's chief engineer before commencing the work; that the coverstones of the culvert shall be not less than 2 inches thick; that where the culvert crosses the carriageway there shall be at least 9 inches' thickness of Portland cement concrete above the cover stones of the culvert, in addition to the road material; that, as an additional precaution against accident through defective insulation of the mains, each of the street boxes shall be provided with an inner as well as an outer cover, each insulated from the other as far as practicable, and that the outer cover shall be efficiently connected to earth.

We have considered a notice dated 28th February, 1891, from the House to House Electric Lighting Company, of intention to lay mains in Astwood Road (one plan). There appears to be no objection to what is proposed; and we recommend that the sanction of the council be given to the works referred to in the notice (Registered No. 178), dated 28th February, 1891, of the House to House Electric Lighting Company, upon condition that the company do give two days' notice to the council's chief engineer before commencing the work; that no pipes of a larger diameter than 6 inches shall be used; that the mains shall be laid under the footways wherever it is found practicable to do so; that the street boxes to be used shall be of the pattern approved by the council; and that, as an additional precaution against accident through defective insulation of the mains, each of the street boxes shall be provided with an inner as well as an outer cover, each insulated from the other as far as practicable, and that the outer cover shall be efficiently connected with earth.

The Westminster Electric Supply Corporation has given notice (Registered No. 179), dated 10th March, 1891, of intention to lay mains in Derby Street, Pitt's Head Mews, Seamore Place, Duke Street, Robert Street, South Moltan Lane, St. Margaret Street, Arabella Row, Ambrosden Avenue, Carlisle Place, Francis Street, Abingdon Street, Belgrave Square, Chester Street and Place, Chesham Street and Place, Dean's Yard, Eaton Terrace, Grosvenor place and Crescent, Halkin Street and Place, Little Smith Street, Lyall Street and Place, Lowndes Place, Marsham Street, Motcombe Street, Old Palace Yard, Poet's Corner, South Eaton Place, West Eaton Place, Wilton Street, Place, and Crescent, Knightsbridge Road, Ebury Square, Flask Lane, and Bessborough Place (12 plans). The proposed works will extend over a large area, but there seems to be nothing to which objection need be taken. We recommend that the sanction of the council be given to the works referred to in the notice (Registered No. 179), dated 10th March, 1891, of the Westminster Electric Supply Corporation, upon condition that the company do give two days' notice to the council's chief engineer before commencing the work in any of the streets referred to in the notice; that the mains be laid under the footways wherever it is found prac ticable to do so; and that the covers of the boxes to be used shall consist of iron frames filled in with material to suit the paving.

404

ELECTRIC TESTING STATION.

We reported, on 17th April last, that the tender of Mr. W. Buckeridge, jun., for the execution of the works of alteration and repair necessary to adapt the premises, Nos. 42 and 43, Cranbourne Street, for the purposes of the electric testing station, for the sum of £694, had been accepted. The works have now been completed, and it appears that, owing to extra works not provided for in the contract, the contract price has been exceeded by the sum of £55. We recommend that, subject to an estimate being submitted to the Finance Committee as required by the statute, the additional expenditure of £55 above referred to be sanctioned.

SUBWAYS-NATIONAL TELEPHONE COMPANY.

We have had a letter before us from the National Telephone Company, asking for permission to use a space having a sectional area equal to one square foot in the council's subways in Queen Victoria Street and the Victoria Embankment, to be occupied by the company's cables, and offering to pay to the council a rent of £100 a year in respect of the space so occupied. We recommend (a) that the offer of the National Telephone Company be accepted, subject to the condition that the positions to be occupied by the company's cables in the subways be approved by the chief engineer of the council; that all cables and wires of the company now in the subway shall be removed into the space specified, and that all work connected with the subway shall be carried out under his supervision and to his satisfaction, and at the cost of the company; and that proper earth connections be provided for the lead-covered cables. (b) That the solicitor do prepare an agreement with the company to give effect to the arrangement.

REVIEW.

Decorative Electricity. By Mrs. J. E. H. GORDON, with a chapter on Fire Risks by J. E. H. GORDON, B.A., M.I.C.E. Illustrated by Herbert Fell. London: Sampson Low, Marston, Searle and Rivington, Limited, 1891.

The title given to this book is decidedly a misnomer. In place of Decorative Electricity, the more appropriate name would have been "A few Chapters from the Autobiography of Mr. and Mrs. J. E. H. Gordon," which any reader of the work will find to be in accordance with the matter, and not at variance with the fashion of the day. From the preface, we learn that part of the book has been published in the Fortnightly Review, which, with the permission of the editor, is reproduced, together with practical details to assist any one wishing to instal the electric light in his house.

The first chapter is devoted to warning would-be installers against "plumber electricians" (classed with jerry builders), whose sole aim in life is extras, and advising the public to employ none but first-class firms who have reputations to lose, and who have given years of attention to the subject. There is a recommendation to have a separate meter to supply the servants' portion of the house, as tending to economy; there are also many useful hints respecting the position of switches, sockets, &c. We must, however, take exception to the statement that "the cost per lamp per hour is about 20 per cent. more than gas; but owing to the far greater facilities for switching off the electric light when it is not wanted, when gas would have to be left burning, the cost per lamp is with ordinary care practically less than gas."

Electricity costs about a farthing per hour for an 8-candle lamp (unit at 8d.) plus wear and tear of lamps, an item not to be overlooked. Gas at 3s. 4d. per 1,000 feet will cost per 8-candle burner, consuming 2 feet to produce that amount of light, 4 of a farthing plus wear and tear of burner, which is practically nil. Cost of electric lamp 150 per cent. more than gas for the same quantity of light furnished, otherwise in the ratio of 5 to 2.

But the authoress says that in calculating the expenses of electric light, they should not be compared with the former gas bills only, but with the gas, paraffin, and candles, with a small sum added for tapers and matches. Very well; let us do so, and compare the cost for lighting a small house by the old methods with the cost of the equivalent in electric light. The figures appended are from an actual example sent to us, and relate to the

[MARCH 27, 1891.

To produce the same amount of light by electricity, 12,270 hours at d. per hour, the cost would be just over £12 15s. or, in other words, the electric lighting would exceed the ordinary mixed lighting by 180 per cent., or in a ratio of 2-8 to 1, a vast difference from the stated 20 per cent. enhancement.

Chapter II., on "Fire Risks of Electric Lighting," is written by Mr. J. E. H. Gordon, who will not much increase his reputation thereby. The chapter is full of trite information on fuses, glow lamps, and wire, deprecation of small firms, exaltation of the inspection from a responsible fire insurance officer, who should always be consulted in regard to the quality of insulation of wires. In "Westinghouse" fashion, he minimises the fearful accidents in America through electric lighting by saying that.a workman or linesman owning a defective watch does so at the risk of his life, (the custom in the States being to stop the high-pressure current in a wire about to be repaired until a stated time. when it is turned on again), and instances a case where a man mounted a pole some time after the current had been switched on, scraped off the insulation, and, on attempting to cut the wire, fell dead. Mr. Gordon adds, it is needless to say how much the case was exaggerated. This case is apparently picked out as a fair example of American accidents, but if our memory does not play us false the majority of the unfortunate victims to high-pressure currents were killed by touching wires which were supposed to be harmless, and from no imprudence of their own.

The portion of the book devoted to decorative electricity is evidently written from personal experience, and will b read with interest by ladies who are thinking of adopting the electric light. We are sceptical as to the pretended economy, though, and think that electricity and gas stoves are on a par in that respect. There is a recorded case of a gas stove being worked in a private house with a consump tion of gas not exceeding that published by the gas company, so it is not impossible, with great care, to run an installation of electric lighting satisfactorily in an economical sense, but it will be a rara avis.

Mr. Gordon will, when electric light becomes more prevalent, be looked upon by the fair sex as a benefactor of their kind, for he describes a bed and reading lamp which is arranged with a second lamp, used as a resistance only, and enclosed in a box under the bed. A three-way switch breaks the circuit, puts the lamps in series for half light, or by a third position short circuits the resistance lamp and gives full light. How convenient the series arrangement will be for those ladies who nightly look under the bed for a cat!

As a practical work, the omission of the last or autobiographical chapter, and the chapter on fire risks, would add to its value.

On closing the book we notice several advertisements by well-known firms of electrical engineers and makers of fittings, who seem to be the manufacturers of most of the articles described in the text. This opens out a doubt in our mind whether we were justified in calling the book an autobiography, and whether the more correct name would not have been a trade catalogue disguised by autobiographical

sketches.

MARCH 27, 1891.]

NOTES.

Electric Light in Hampstead.-Mr. Preece, in submitting a report on electric lighting of the district, suggests that the vestry undertake the work, at an estimated cost of £80,000.

Electric Traction at Greenwich.-We understand that Messrs. Merryweather and Sons have carried out certain experiments in electric traction at Greenwich. According to accounts, the system is similar to the one employed by Lineff.

Telephone between Berlin and Vienna. — It is rumoured that preparations are being made to erect a telephone line between Berlin and Vienna.

Telegraph Materials.-The Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway Company requires signal and telegraph fittings and wires, &c. Forms of application for tender may be obtained from the stores department, Osborne Street, Manchester.

The Electrical Engineers' Vade Mecum.-This little book, by Mr. Browett, of Browett, Lindley & Co., Limited, will be found useful and handy. One great advantage in it is that it does away entirely with nominal horse-power, and the arrangement is very neat and good for reference. It will be found especially useful for electrical engineers who do not know much about engines, &c.

The Dominion Telegraph Company.-In the report of the Dominion (of Canada) Telegraph Company, Limited, presented to the annual meeting, it was stated that the quarterly dividends at the rate of 6 per cent. per annum guaranteed by the lessees, the Western Union Telegraph Company, have been duly paid as well as the interest semiannually of 6 per cent. per annum upon the £60,000 sterling bonds of the company redeemable by the lessees in 1896. The election of directors for the ensuing year resulted in the appointment of the following gentlemen: Messrs. Thomas Swinyard, President; Hon. Frank Smith, Vice-President; H.S. Northrop, Alex. T. Fulton, General Thomas T. Eckert, Erastus Wiman, Charles A. Tinker, A. G. Ramsay and Henry Pellatt.

The Livonia Electrical Letters, Signs and Devices (Cox, Robinson and Gritton's Patents.)-These letters, &c., which have been designed to meet the need of a good day and night sign, consist of a galvanised iron outer case forming the letter or design to be shown. This case is lined out with reflecting surfaces fixed in the shape of a trough or V. In this trough, and following the contour of such letter, sign, or device, are arranged incandescent lamps of any desired candle-power, placed either in series or parallel, grouped on one, two or more circuits, according to effect desired, and placed at such an angle that a multiplied image of every lamp is obtained. When the lamps are illuminated the letters glow brilliantly under all conditions of weather. The main feature of the system as an advertisement consists, however, in placing lamps of different colours on separate circuits and alternately cutting the different lines connected to them in and out of the main circuit. The alternations of the different circuits are effected by means of a combined gravity, clock-work and electric motor switch of great simplicity. The spark on breaking the main circuit is very effectively dealt with no matter what the strength of current is. We may mention that the contacts are entirely made and broken under water. The cost of running this system may be estimated by taking 30watt lamps as being most suitable for letters between three and five feet in height, and that 10 of these burning at one time will be quite sufficient to light them well. The cost of renewals has been found to be no more than the usual cost in any ordinary installation, the flashing not having any prejudicial effect on the lamps, and again owing to the fact of coloured lamps being used it is scarcely necessary to run them bright like the white lamps. We understand that several of these signs have now been working throughout this country for some months without a single fault, one of them being at the Trocadero Music Hall, London, and so far as our own observation goes, they appear to be admirably adapted for the purpose.

405

Long-Distance Telephony.-The Thornberry longdistance transmitter, an instrument much used in the United States and Canada, has now heen introduced into this country by Messrs. Walter T. Glover & Co, and has proved itself of great service in connecting their offices in London and Manchester without necessitating a special line to the exchanges at either end, and the service is so good that Mr. Edmunds can by this means put himself in direct communication with the Manchester office, which is very important during his partner's prolonged absence from business. It is interesting to note that this simple long-distance transmitter can be used just as easily as the Blake, with which we are all so familiar.

Accident at a Private Station.-An accident occurred at the installation belonging to the Electric Construction Corporation, Walbrook, last Thursday. During the running two of the men were rendered unconscious by inhalations of coal gas in a heated atmosphere. It was not, however, serious, as the men resumed work with little delay.

Cable Testing.-The paper which we publish on another page by Mr. Carl Hering may possibly be found of some value to youthful electrical engineers, but we cannot help feeling that in matters of this kind America is years behind the times. American electricians seem to become suddenly famous amongst their own countrymen mainly through resuscitating the nearly forgotten ideas of electricians of a past age, and technical journalists in the States help on this rapidly gained notoriety through ignorance of the labours of earlier workers. Nearly 20 years ago the late Robert Sabine designed, and the British Telegraph Manufactory constructed, testing sets, in which all the measurements so lengthily treated by Mr. Hering were made simply by shifting plugs and without altering a single connection, and we should be much surprised if Messrs. Clark and Muirhead, or Elliott Bros., had not done the same thing. We would like to ask why Mr. Hering insists upon the positive pole of the battery being always to earth? Is it never necessary to take readings with both and zinc to line in America? Here it is copper always done in cable testing.

Elmore Again.-" An Original Shareholder," writing to the Financial News under date of the 20th inst., remarks that no doubt the readers of that paper as well as himself wondered at the fall in Elmore French and wire shares which took place the day previously. The writer, who has occasionally figured in our own pages, then goes on to explain, possibly to his own satisfaction, the reason of the drop, and exhorts his fellow shareholders not to be misled by the present market values. Every day that passes, he pathetically cries, proves more clearly and conclusively the value of the Elmore process; he is right, for people must by this time be regaining that little sense of which they have been temporarily bereft. M. Sécretan, he adds, is working heart and soul in the business; but even M. Secretan's "heart and soul" cannot impart new life to a body possessing so little vitality of its own.

The Telephone in Spain.-Dalziel's agency, dating from Madrid, March 24th, states: The Spanish Government has published the conditions under which tenders will be received for the construction and working during a certain number of years of a complete network of telephonic lines, to be established between the principal towns in Spain. For this purpose the country will be divided into four districts. Telephonic communication must be established between the principal towns designated in each district, within 10 months after the date of the concession; with other towns of less importance, within a year from the same date; and with other places, within three years. All the apparatus employed must be of the most perfect description. The maximum charges to the public are fixed by Government, and the holders of the concessions will pay an annual sum to the State for each kilometre of line. The full conditions under which tenders will be received are published in the Madrid Gazette.

Efficiency of Accumulators.-The central station in Dessau is the property of the German Continental Gas Company. The accumulators in operation last year are said to have yielded an efficiency of 78.9 per cent., although the rate of discharge was very irregular during the summer.

Mutual Telephone Company.-Messrs. Mix and Genest say that they supplied the Mutual with their " Spoonshaped Receiver," which has proved a decided success.

A Notion from America.-We observe that Mr. John B. Verity has picked up a very good notion on one of his visits to our cousins over the water. One of the most effective modes of advertising in some of the American journals is that which takes the form of a periodical letter from the advertiser to his friends and customers, who cannot fail to become convinced by the freshness of such announcements as to new departures and developments that they must emanate from a "live" man, and one of the right sort for doing business with. It is the intention of Mr. Verity's firm to utilise one of our advertising columns in this way, and we feel sure it will be watched with interest by those engaged in the electrical industry.

Harwich Lighting.-Tenders are required for the public lighting of the urban district by electricity, gas, oil, or any other method, from 1st August, for the urban sanitary authority. Such tenders must be delivered at the office of Mr. A. J. H. Ward, town clerk, Harwich, by the 4th April, endorsed "Tender for public lighting."

Patent Ampères.-A correspondent has sent us a cutting from a paper circulating in the Lakes district which devotes a portion of its space to describing the electric launches which are to ply on Windermere. We notice that the ampères and all electrical fittings are Immisch's patents, and really, pending the final solution of the electrical units difficulty, we see no reason why everybody should not use his own particular t patent ampère.

The Burning of the Japanese Parliament Houses. -The origin of the fire which destroyed the Japanese Houses of Parliament, at Tokio, two months ago, has been traced to the electric light wires in the building, which, states the Elektricitäts Zeitung, have been carelessly put up. The actual damage is estimated at £500,000. The Upper House has rented the Imperial Hotel, and the Lower House meets in the Hall of the Tokio Polytechnic School, until such time when the building can be re-constructed.

Electric Dentistry. - A demonstration of the new "Dental Vibrator took place at the Institute of Medical Electricity, 35, Fitzroy Square, last Thursday, in the presence of several dentists, electricians, members of the Press, and others. The vibrator is an entirely new departure from the many contrivances hitherto devised for the same purpose. It does not depend for the resultant insensibility produced on the use of anaesthetics, but proceeds on the principle of setting up in the nerve of the tooth a series of extremely rapid vibrations, which effectually prevent the sensation of pain, the action of the instrument being divertant and not anææsthetic. The apparatus consists of a small Rhumkorff induction coil, made with an extremely fine wire, and having a delicate and highly-strung spring armature, which is strained by a clamp and screw at either end, and thus possesses great sensibility. The armature spring plays an important part in the operation of the instrument, its vibrations are at the rate of 452 per second. The patient is placed in the ordinary dentist's chair, and his position adjusted, with the aid of its fittings, to that most easy and convenient. The patient takes the negative electrode in his left hand and the positive in his right, and the current is allowed to flow for a few moments until the patient signifies that it is as strong as he can bear, when it is immediately cut off at that strength by means of a "switch," which is worked by the operator's foot. The forceps are then connected by a conductor with the other portions of the positive electrode, and, everything being prepared for the extraction, the patient grasps the handles as tightly as possible. The actual extraction is then at once proceeded with, the current being turned on for the purpose. The moment the tooth is extracted the current is cut off. The patient experiences no pain during the operation, but is merely conscious of a tingling of the hands and the forearms, resembling that commonly described as "pins and needles."

Electric Light Exhibition.-The directors of the Crystal Palace have decided to organise a second Electric Light Exhibition, which will be opened in the autumn.

[MARCH 27, 1891.

NEW COMPANIES REGISTERED.

The London Rubber & Packing Company, Limited -Capital, £3,000 in £5 shares. Objects: To adopt an agreement dated the 4th inst. between. G. Dixon of the one part and R. H. Wesencraft for the company of the other part, for the acquisition of the business carried on by G. Dixon, under the name of "The London Rubber and Packing Company," dealing in India-rubber, gutta-percha, leather and electrical goods, &c., at 47, High Bridge, Newcastle-uponTyne, and to manufacture, construct and deal in all kinds of electrical articles, appliances, and fittings, and leather, Indiarubber and gutta-percha goods of every description. Signatories (who, with the exception of W. D. Hick with 5, take 10 shares each): G. Dixon, 47, High Bridge, Newcastle : R. Herron, 72, Northumberland Street, Newcastle; S. Percy, 161, Northumberland Street, Newcastle; A. Scott, Heaton, Newcastle; J. Tabb, Beechwood, Newcastle; W. D. Hick, 95, Pilgrim Street, Newcastle; R. H. Wesencraft, Quay Side, Newcastle. The number of directors is not to be less than three nor more than five. Qualification, 10 shares. G. Dixon is managing director. Registered on the 17th inst. by Jordan and Sons, 120, Chancery Lane, W.C. Registered office, 47, High Bridge, Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

OFFICIAL RETURNS OF ELECTRICAL
COMPANIES.

Windsor and Eton Electric Light Company. Limited. -The annual return of this company, made up to the 13th inst., was filed on the 17th inst. The nominal capital is £30,000, divided into 5,950 ordinary shares of £5 each, and 250 founders' shares of £1 each. 250 £5 shares are taken up, upon 7 of which the full amount has been called and upon the remainder £4 per share has been called. The calls paid amount to £968 and unpaid to £39. Office, 54, High Street, Windsor.

The Taunton Electric Lighting Company, Limited. The annual return of this company, made up to the 11th inst., was filed on the 16th inst. The nominal capital is £20,000 in £5 shares. 2,556 shares are taken up, upon 1,769 of which the full amount has been called. The calls paid amount to £8,845, and considered as paid, to £3,935. Offices, St. James's Street, Taunton.

Woodhouse & Rawson Electric Supply Company, of Great Britain, Limited.-The annual return of this company, made up to the 27th ult., was filed on the 19th inst. The nominal capital is £100,000, in £10 shares. 2,007 shares are taken up, upon all of which the full amount has been called. The calls paid amount to £20,070. Office: 11, Queen Victoria Street, E.C.

Northern Electric Wire and Cable Manufacturing Company, Limited. The annual return of this company, made up to the 6th inst., was filed on the 18th inst. The nominal capital is £20,000, divided into 660 fully paid up and 3,340 ordinary shares of £5 each. All the fully paid up shares and 1,052 ordinary shares are taken up, and upon each of the latter £1 10s. per share has been called. The calls paid amount to £1,561 10s., considered as paid to £3,300, and unpaid to £16 10s. Office Square Road, Halifax, Yorkshire.

:

Lineff Traction and Lighting Syndicate, Limited.— The annual return of this company, made up to the 14th of January last, was filed on the 19th inst. The nominal capital is £10,000 in £10 shares. 8,824 shares are taken up, upon 821 of which the full amonnt has been paid. The calls paid amount to £821, and considered as paid to £8,003. Offices: 11, Queen Victoria Street, E.C.

The Electro-Metallurgical Company, Limited.-The statutory return of this company, made up to the 26th January was filed on the 18th inst. The nominal capital is £2,500, in £5 shares. 182 shares are taken up, upon 2 of which the full amount has been called. The calls paid amount to nil, considered as paid to £900, and unpaid to £10. Office: 26, Waterloo Street, Birmingham.

Lane-Fox Electrical Company, Limited.-The annual return of this company, made up the 10th inst., was filed on the 20th inst. The nominal capital is £100, in £1 shares 100 shares are taken up, upon none of which has anything been called. Offices: 2, Princes' Mansions, Victoria St., S.W

MARCH 27, 1891.]

Notting Hill Electric Lighting Company, Limited.The annual return of this company, made up to the 11th inst., was filed on the 19th inst. The nominal capital is £100,000, divided into 550 founders' shares, and 9,450. ordinary shares of £10 each. 550 founders' and 6,452 ordinary shares are taken up. Upon 7 founders' and 134 ordinary shares the full amount has been called, and upon 543 founders' and 6,318 ordinary shares £6 per share has been called. The calls paid amount to £42,576. Offices: 9, Austin Friars, E.C.

CITY NOTES.

The Brighton and Hove Electric Light Company,

Limited.

THE directors have pleasure in submitting to the shareholders the report of the operations of the company from the 1st January to the 31st December, 1890.

The profit and loss account, after writing off an ample sum for depreciation of plant (which has, however, been kept in thorough repair out of revenue), shows a balance of profit for the year of £768 2s., from which has to be deducted interest on debentures £123 6s. 7d., leaving a net amount of £644 15s. 5d., which, with the balance brought forward from last year's accounts, makes the sum to the credit of profit and loss account £1,202 15s. 1d.

The directors recommend that this shall be dealt with as follows:

407

manager, having been offered the important post of manager of the House-to-House Electric Company's Works, West Brompton. Mr. Gay gave the directors great satisfaction, and they are sorry to part with him. Mr. Alfred Hodgson, who has been for the past four years secretary of the company, has been appointed manager in his stead. During the past year Mr. Frank Wilden Bentley has ceased to be a director, and the shareholders are invited to nominate some one-a local gentleman by preference-in his place.

If the company obtains its provisional order, or comes to a fair working arrangement with the Brighton Corporation, it will be desirable and agreeable to your board to invite the corporation to appoint a director to represent its interests and those of the ratepayers generally.

The retiring director is Mr. Arthur Kimber, who offers himself for re-election.

The meeting will have to elect an auditor or auditors for the ensuing year.

BALANCE SHEET, 31st December, 1890.
LIABILITIES.

To authorised capital

20,000 shares of £5 each ... £100,000 00

£ s. d.

15,000 0 0

2,500 0 0

2,417 7 0

557 19 8

644 15 5

£21,120 2 1

£1,202 15 1

The directors greatly regret that in consequence of the continued opposition of the Corporation of Brighton, they were last year again disappointed in their efforts to obtain a provisional order under the Electric Lighting Acts, 1882-1888. They have, however, this session applied to the Board of Trade for power to lay underground mains in that portion of Brighton which is not embraced in the area which the Corporation at present proposes to supply. In the event of this provisional order being granted, they are willing to withdraw their overhead wires from the Corporation area.

Should the application for the provisional order not be successful, the company will continue to supply throughout the whole of Brighton, including the area served by the Corporation, by means of its overhead wires; and it hopes to be able, by means of its greater economy of working, to make satisfactory headway against the competition of the Corporation.

During the past year every effort has been made by the company to come to terms with the Corporation, and the directors cannot help feeling that eventually the Corporation will acknowledge the desirability of making some arrangements with the company. By means of the company's system, every householder in Brighton can, at a fortnight's notice, obtain the electric light; whereas the low tension system laid down by the Corporation is not suitable for serving an extended district, so that the company's plant would most satisfactorily supplement the plant of the Corporation, if the two concerns were working in harmony.

The company has during the past year proceeded with the alterations referred to in former reports, and at the present time the whole of the company's supply is on the most modern system known, i.e., the alternating current high pressure converter system, by means of which the excessive waste connected with the use of accumulators is avoided, as well as the heavy cost in mains, necessitated by the low tension system.

Failing coming to an arrangement with the Corporation, it is the intention of the directors to lay down additional plant in order to cope with the pressing demand from consumers outside the Corporation's proposed area of supply, and the attention of those shareholders who wish to subscribe a portion of the additional capital is drawn to the advantages offered by the company's debenture stock.

This consists of £15,000 debenture stock, which was created on the following terms:

"These debentures, carrying 6 per cent. per annum interest, payable half-yearly, will be paid off at par at the end of five years from the date of issue. The company, however, reserve the right to redeem the entire issue at £105 per cent. at any time within the currency of the bonds, on giving three months' notice."

"On the other hand, any debenture holder will have the right to exchange his holding, or any part thereof, for a similar amount of ordinary shares at any time, even after he has received the notice of intended redemption, by giving one month's notice to the secretary of the company."

The Hove commissioners, who now hold a provisional order, have decided not to do the work themselves, but to let it out to a company; and in view of the fact that this company is already meeting all the present demands for electric lighting in Hove, the directors hope to get the preference with the Hove commissioners for any extensions of electric lighting which the commissioners may require. The directors take the opportunity of thanking their customers for the loyal and hearty support which they have afforded to the company in the trying position in which the company finds itself placed. During the past year Mr. Albert Gay has resigned his position as

The annual meeting was held on Tuesday night, Mr. Robert Hammond in the chair.

The CHAIRMAN, in moving the adoption of the report and balance sheet, said he would like to draw attention to the fact that the year's trading showed a balance of profit of £768 2s., and, after deducting debenture interest and bringing forward the balance from the previous year, there was available for division an amount of £1,202 15s. 1d. From this it was proposed to pay a dividend of 5 per cent, on the ordinary share capital of the company, £15,000. The dividend would