628

By means of the Silvertown portable testing set, resistances can be measured varying from 01 to 10,000 ohms, while insulation resistances up to perhaps 100 megohms can be dealt with.

The company have published a little book descriptive of the set, which enters fully into the best method of using the apparatus, cautions the operator against certain contingencies conducive to the damage either of the battery or of the galvanometer, gives diagrams of all connections necessary to be employed in the several tests, and within the compass of its few pages embraces and describes in lucid phraseology all that can possibly be required by the veriest novice to enable him to carry out all those tests for which the instruments were designed.

NOTES.

Leeds and the Electric Light.-Arrangements are now practically completed by the Leeds Corporation with the Yorkshire House-to-House Company for a supply of electric lighting for that borough. The system to be adopted is the alternating high potential system. There will be one central station, probably near the river or canal, where all the manufacturing will be done. From that station the electric current will be sent out at an energy of about 2,000 volts. At various points in the area to be supplied there will be sub-stations, in which transformers, or converters, will be placed. From these converters the electric energy will be distributed to houses and shops at 100 volts, incapable of imparting a shock even when the wires are touched. All mains are to be laid underground. The service wires from the mains into the houses must be provided at the cost of each individual customer or the landlord-as in the case of a gas supply. Meters will be charged for separately. The company have agreed with the corporation to allow discounts on the full number of lamps required. These discounts would thus work out: For 500 hours' use per quarter, under 6d. per unit; for 1,000 hours, 5d. per unit. The electric light ought to be supplied by the company at an average of 6d. per unit, and if it had been kept in the hands of the corporation, it could have been supplied at 4d. per unit. This has been proved by the installation in the Leeds Fine Art Gallery. It has been calculated that, for house or shop purposes, a 5-light installation will cost about £7 10s.; a 10light, £12 10s.; and for 100 lights, about £1 per light. This includes all wires, switches, fuses, lamps and casingbut not electroliers, which may be cheap or costly, according to the wishes of the consumer. As to the Yorkshire Houseto-House Company, no doubt exists that the terms made with them are as valuable as could be obtained; and that they will be in a position to carry out the electric lighting of Leeds in a very satisfactory manner. The company will be an independent branch of the House-to-House Company, started in 1880.

Personal. We are informed that Messrs. Cole, Marchent and Morley, engineers, of Bradford, have appointed Mr. Wilson Hartnell, of 11, Queen Victoria Street, E.C., as their agent for all classes of general engineering, oil, mill machinery, &c. Messrs. James Lee and Sons, leather belting manufacturers, of Hipperholme, near Halifax, have also appointed the same gentleman to act in a similar capacity for their well-known best leather belting and Lee's patent link belting, &c.

:

What is It?-A "Ten Years' Subscriber" writes "Will you be so kind as to tell me the nature of the enclosed substance ? It is used in Drake and Gorham's secondary cells, in pieces about the size of peas, which are packed between the plates, probably to prevent buckling. Unfortunately they also prevent the insertion of an acidometer. The cell from which enclosed sample was taken is one of a battery on an electric locomotive." The material sent is, we believe, a silicate manufactured by a special process, Dujardin's. It is porous, and is used as a separator between the D and G plates.

[MAY 15, 1891.

The Cost of Electric Lighting.-The Royal Scottish Society of Arts held its twelfth ordinary meeting in Edin burgh on Monday evening. A paper was read by Prof. Kennedy, engineer-in-chief to the Westminster Electric Supply Corporation. He gave a description and comparison of the systems of electric lighting at present in use in London. The lecturer remarked that there were a number of electric companies in London, and the intention of each company was to supply the electric current as gas companies supplied gas. They built central stations in which the electricity was generated and laid mains along the street. The companies in London might be classed as those using the high or low pressure in their mains, or as those using what was called the continuous or the alternating current. He did not think that any one system presented all the necessary merits, as the system which was best for one district was not suitable for another. Regarding private lighting, he said so much depended upon the amount of economy exercised in the use of electricity that the cost might not be much more than that of gas, or it might exceed gas at 3s. by 25 or 30 per cent.

Seeing is Believing.-A telegram by Dalziel's agency. dated Chicago, May 13th, says:-Mr. Edison arrived here yesterday, and was entertained by some members of the World's Fair Commission. In course of conversation, the great inventor was asked if he had not got an electrical novelty in store for the Columbian Exhibition. Mr. Edison replied: "It is my intention to have ready for the World's Fair such a happy combination of photography and elec tricity as will enable a man to sit in his own parlour and behold depicted upon a curtain before him the forms of the players in an opera upon a distant stage, and to hear the voices of the singers. When the system is perfected, which I hope will be in time for the fair, each little muscle in the singer's face, every glance of the eye, and each expression will be seen at work. Every colour in the performer's attire, too, will be exactly reproduced. Moreover, the spectator, seated by his own fireside, will see each person in the play move to his or her position in a natural way, just as though they were the very persons themselves." Mr. Edison went on to say that it will be possible to apply, ere long, this system of combined electricity and photography to prize fights, so that the whole scene, including the noise, the blows, the talk, the dust, and every movement will be transferred and reproduce itself in the spectator's presence.

Telephones in Manchester.-On Friday last, before Mr. Justice North, Mr. Cozens Hardy, Q.C., M.P., on behalf of the National Telephone Company, asked that a motion for an injunction against the Mutual Telephone Company, Limited, should stand over so that certain of the defendants affidavits could be answered.-Mr. Napier Higgins, Q.C., for the defendants, said :—I think that if the facts were before your lordship now in detail your lordship would desire that some person should be appointed to see whether in a perticular way certain things can be done or not. We are perfectly willing at once, without going to the enormous expense of discussing about possible contacts in 50 or 60 places, that some person should be appointed by the Court to ascertain and pronounce upon the facts and the possible remedies on both sides. Mr. Justice North: The plaintiffs are now advised of your willingness in that matter, and they can act upon they like.

it if

Funeral by Electric Light.-The West Middlese Standard notes that on Tuesday, the 5th inst., at the quaint old church in the grounds of Twyford Abbey, near Ealing, Middlesex, which has been recently electrically lighted br Ronald A. Scott, of Acton Hill, the remains of Mrs. Margaret A. Douglas-Willan, of Farquhar Road, Norwood, were interred in the family fault. The vault, which contains 14 coffins, and extends 30 feet under the old abbey church, was brilliantly illuminated with incandescent lamps. The effect was striking in the extreme; and every screw-head and nai in the old oak coffins (some over a hundred years old) could be easily distinguished. It is believed that this is the first funeral in which the electric light has been used to illuc nate vaults. Now we understand why the suppliers of electric light were dubbed "undertakers" by those responsible for the Electric Lighting Act.

MAY 15, 1891.]

Manchester Town Hall Lighting.-We see from an advertisement that it is intended to electrically light the Town Hall at once, and before the Town Lighting can come into effect. The Gas Committee is prepared to receive tenders, divided under two heads, and those who are desirous of competing can, we suppose, gain all the necessary information from the Town Clerk, Mr. Wm. Henry Talbot.

Finsbury Technical College Conversazione. - The Hon. Sec. of the Conversazione Committee writes to us as follows:-"I wish to call attention to a mistake in the reference in your last issue to the conversazione at Finsbury College on May 15th. With the exception of the concert, which you correctly state will be given by the Musical Committee of the Old Students' Association, the conversazione is planned and given by the present students of the college."

Telegraphic Facilities for Orkney. The telegraph steamer Monarch, from the Thames, arrived at Rackwick, Hey, last Friday, in order to repair the Pentland Firth cable. The cable was put right on Monday and communication restored. The Monarch then proceeded to Westray to lay the new cable recommended by the West Highland and Islands Commission, and another to Shetland between Lerwick and Bressay.

Ship Lighting.-Mr. R. D. Smillie, electrical engineer, West Regent Street, Glasgow, has secured the electric lighting of the paddle steamer at present being built in Messrs. Blackwood and Gordon's yard, Port Glasgow, for the Dublin Steamship Company. The installation is to be of an exceptional character, with all the most modern improvements. We are informed that Mr. Smillie has severed his connection with Messrs. Holmes (whom he acted for in Scotland), owing to the rapid increase of his own business, which now demands his undivided attention.

Hotel Lighting in Egypt.-One of the most successful installations of electric lighting may be now seen working at the Mena House Hotel, Cairo, where there are 350 incandescent lamps fitted. The plant was erected by Mr. A. J. Howes, of London, who has had the entire management and control of the work throughout. The engine is a compound engine by Marshall & Co., of Gainsborough, of 45 indicated horse-power, and there are two compound dynamos by Mackie, of London. The engine room is 260 yards from the hotel and the current is conveyed by means of a leadcovered cable laid in asphalt as a protection during high Nile. The whole light at Mena has given universal satisfaction.

Willans and Robinson.-The works of Messrs. Willans and Robinson at Thames Ditton are a scene of wonderful activity, the business continuing to increase by leaps and bounds. An extensive new erecting shop is just coming into use, and here may be seen from thirty to forty engines of from 200 H.P. to 300 H.P., simultaneously approaching completion. The Willans engines at the Naval Exhibition represent a total of over 1,000 H.P., and it seems only appropriate that such a prominent position should be allotted at this Exhibition to this make of engines, in view of the very large extent to which they are now in use in the Royal Navy for driving electrical machinery.

Cost of Power Transmission. The following comparisons of the cost of transmitting power by various methods appeared in the Revue Universelle des Mines: 1. Comparative cost on 10 E.H.P., transmitted 1,093 yards: by cables, 177; by electricity, 2-21; by hydraulics, 2.90; by compressed air, 2.98. 2. Comparative cost on 50 horsepower, transmitted 1,093 yards; by cables, 1.35; by hydraulics, 187; by electricity, 2:07; by compressed air, 2:29. 3. Comparative cost on 10 effective horse-power, transmitted 5,465 yards by electricity, 2.64; by compressed air, 4.66; by cables, 4.69; by hydraulics, 5.29. 4. Comparative cost on 50 effective horse-power, transmitted 5,465 yards: by electricity, 2-37; by cables, 2.65; by compressed air, 2.99; by hydraulics, 3:02. Steam was the prime motor used in each of the above instances, and it appears that for long distances electricity takes the lead in economy over all other systems.

Yacht Electric Lighting. On Saturday last Messrs. Ramage and Ferguson, Leith, launched from their yard a beautifully modelled steel steam yacht for Mr. John Anderson, Glasgow. The vessel will be furnished throughout artistically and luxuriously, and with a complete installation of electric light.

South American Traffic and the French Cables.-We extract the following from Le Matin of May 5th :-"The TELEGRAPHIC JOURNAL AND ELECTRICAL REVIEW expresses bitter regrets that the French Submarine Cable Company should have succeeded in establishing itself in the West Indies and South America while ousting its English competitors. The journal we refer to estimates the yearly traffic of South America at 7,500,000 francs, of which amount the French Company would obtain the greatest share. This estimate exceeds the modest calculations of the company, which is contented to estimate its receipts at 2,050,000 francs, in addition to 355,000 obtained from subventions and guarantees.'

630

Paris Electric Lighting Company.-A contemporary says it hears that Woodhouse and Rawson are preparing for the public a company with this title.

Obituary. We regret to learn that M. Edmond Becquerel, son of Antoine César Becquerel and father to Henri Becquerel, all three members of the Académie des Sciences, has just died at the age of 70 years.

Telegraph Materials.-The Great Eastern Railway Company requires a supply of telegraph materials. Forms of tender may be had on application to the secretary's office, Liverpool Street terminus.

New Business.-Messrs. Osborne & Co., Pleasant Place, Essex Road, N., have commenced business at the above address as electrical and chemical engineers, more especially to put upon the market a new form of primary battery. A set of cells measuring 12 inches by 8 inches by 8 inches (consisting of six small double fluid cells) is said to remain constant for 30 hours, giving an output of 20 ampères, at 9.5 volts, and having a drop of only 5 per cent. at the end of 26 hours. The chief expenditure is for the zincs, as the depolariser itself only costs 3d. per unit (1,000 watts). We should much like to examine the measuring instruments with which these results were obtained.

Alleged Refusal to Supply Electric Light.—Mr. Hanson applied at the West London Police Court on behalf of a client, for a summons against a company not mentioned, for refusing to supply the electric light. He said he made. the application under the 26th section of the Act. His client had been supplied for 18 months, but on Tuesday the supply was stopped. An inquiry was made, and the answer received was that the supply could not be furnished in the day time. Mr. Plowden: Do you suggest it was wilful or accidental? Mr. Hanson: Wilful. They say they will not. supply it in the day time. My client conducts his business in the day time and requires the light. Mr. Plowden granted the summons.

Centenary of the French Patent Law. -In view of the important centennial celebration of the establisment of the United States patent system, which was recently held at Washington, it is interesting to note that the Society of Consulting Engineers and Patent Agents are taking steps to celebrate the centenary of the French law as regards patents for invention, which was passed by the National Assembly on the 7th January, 1791, and which came into effect on the 25th May following. A committee, having at its head the president of the above-named society, has been formed, and efforts are being made to make the centennial celebration a

success.

Electrical Transmission of Power in Mines.-Messrs. M'Whirter, Ferguson & Co., of the Faraday Electrical Works, Govan, have just completed an order for the electrical transmission of power for mining work for Mr. John M'Culloch, of Loganlea Collieries, near West Calder. A dynamo capable of yielding 60 electrical H.P. at a pressure of 200 volts has been supplied, the current from which will be carried down the mine in cable manufactured by the Fowler Waring Company. Descending the shaft, the first branch from the cable will be carried to a small motor used for hauling. At the bottom of the mine a large road-to be used in working the main seams—is being driven through the solid stone. A motor of 30 horse-power will do the bulk of the hauling here. The water met with in the construction of the road will be pumped to the surface by means of another motor of 15 horse-power. When the installation is complete it is estimated that Mr. M'Culloch will have at his command about 150 horse-power, capable of being applied not only to the purposes mentioned but to rock-drilling, coal-drilling, and coal-cutting. It will also serve to light up the whole of they extensive works. The installation at Loganlea, it is believed, is the first of its kind in Scotland.

City of Bath Electric Lighting and Engineering Company, Limited.-Capital £60,000, divided into 5,500 ordinary £1 shares and 50 founders' £100 shares. Objects: To adopt an agreement with Mr. H. G. Massingham, dated the 2nd inst., to supply electric light within five miles of the City of Bath; to manufacture and put up telegraphs, telephones, electric bells, phonographs, &c.; and to acquire and carry on the business of manufacturers of lightning conductors, electrical generators or accumulators, lamps, lampposts, electric light elevators, engines, and all kinds of elec trical apparatus and appliances. Signatories: Lieut.-Colonel T. Vaughton, 7, Cavendish Place, Bath, 50 shares; MajorGeneral J. G. Jervois, Bath, 50 shares; A. Pitman, 12, Royal Crescent, Bath, 50 shares; E. B. Titley, Bath, 50 shares; H. N. Garrett, 101, Sydney Place, Bath, 50 shares: E. Pitman, 12, Royal Crescent, Bath, 50 shares ; W. Jeffery, 2, Northumberland Buildings, Bath, 10 shares. The number of directors is to be five, the first being Lieut.-Colonel T. Vaughton, H. N. Garrett, A. Pitman, Major-General J. G. Jervois and H. G. Massingham. Qualification £500. H.G. Massingham is the first managing director. Registered on the 6th inst. by Kingsford, Dorman & Co., 23, Essex Street, Strand, W.C.

Roper's Electrical Engineering Company, Limited.— Capital £15,000, divided into 10,000 ordinary and 5,000 preference shares of £10 each. Objects: To purchase at develop the business of mechanical and electrical manufac turing engineers, known as Roper's Electrical Engineering Company (late John and William Roper), of Trafalgar Works, Trafalgar Street, Bradford, York; and to carry on the business of manufacturers and dealers in electric, telegraphic, surgical, and scientific instruments, dealers in and suppliers of electrical engineering, and also that of an electric light and supply company. Signatories (with one share each) H. R. Carr, 213, Cardigan Lane, Leeds; H. Woffinden, 35, Moor View, Leeds; E. Robinson, 9, Vernon Road. Leeds F. W. Ames, 68, Boynton Street, Bradford; A Trohon, 77, Princeville Street, Bradford; A. W. Hine, 14, Trafalgar Street, Bradford: F. J. A. Matthews, F.G.S Hilly Ridge House, Headingley, Leeds. Registered on the 6th inst., without special articles, by J. M. Urquhart, 10, Denbigh Street, Warwick Square, S.W. Office, Trafalgar Street, Bradford.

:

European Sims-Edison Electrical Torpedo Company. Limited.-Capital £201,000, divided into 10,000 ordinary shares of £20 each, and 1,000 founders' shares of £1 each. Objects: To carry on the business of an electrical company in all its branches; to acquire patents and other rights granted to or belonging to Sims and Edison, of New York, relating to torpedoes; to carry on the business of electricians, electrical contractors, torpedo manufacturers, electrical and mechanical engineers, suppliers of electricity, and of manufacturers of and dealers in all apparatus required for the generation, distribution, supply, accumulation, and employment of electricity. Signatories (with one ordinary share each): E. H. Edwards, 30, Pellerin Road, Stoke Newington; E. Sorrell, Oak Cottage, Fowler Road, Forest Gate: J. Andrew, 15, Marriott Road, Tollington Park, N.: A. M. G. Carter, 40, Denning Road, Hampstead; R. H. Ibotson, 37, Chatham Road, Wandsworth Common, S.W.: W. Brown, 121, Hungerford Road, N.; S. Woodham, $2, Eveline Road, S.E. The number of directors is not to be less than three nor more than twelve, the first to be elected by the subscribers. Qualification, the holding of stock or shares. Remuneration to be determined at the general meeting. Registered on the 9th inst., by J. Andrew, 13, Marriott Road, Tollington Park, N.

Fowler Insulator Syndicate, Limited. - Capita £6,000, divided into 5,500 ordinary and 500 deferred share of £1 each. Objects: To adopt an agreement dated the 25th of April, 1891, between J. Fowler and S. Wade, for the purchase of the patent for "insulators and applian for suspending wires on aerial telegraphs"; to carry on th business of civil, mechanical, and electrical engineers; and in particular to manufacture, produce, and deal in insulators. as used in the telegraph and telephone services. Signatories

MAY 15, 1891.]

(with 1 share each): A. H. Bacon, 10, Old Jewry Chambers, E.C.: J. Black, 37, Walbrook, E.C.; A. Rolfe, 76, Santley Street, S.W.; J. S. Coleman, Grecian Chambers, Temple; E. J. Gust, 12, South Crescent, Bedford Square, W.C.; L. J. Arbuthnot, 108, Netherwood Road, West Kensington Park, W.; G. Fowler, Selwyn House, Norwood, S.E. The number of directors is not to be less than two nor more than five. Qualification 50 shares. Remuneration £500 per annum between them. Registered the 6th inst. by R. Hewlett, 31, Essex Street, Strand.

Boy Messengers and Electric Call Company, Limited. -Capital, £200,000 in £1 shares. Objects: To acquire the business, assets, and goodwill of the Boy (Messengers, Limited, and to work the messenger and electric call system in the City and County of London and elsewhere, within a radius of five miles from the General Post Office, and in other places. Signatories (with 1 share each): P. B. Lyon, Members' Mansions, Victoria Street, S.W.; R. V. Leonard, 58, Elsham Road, Kensington; R. King, 3, Old Sergeant's Inn, W.C.; L. D. Tottenham, St. Leonard's-on-Sea; C. R. Langham, 1, Fairmead Road, Holloway; J. L. Burr, 4, Church Street, Rotherhithe; T. Guyatt, 3, Lorne Road, Stroud Green, N. The number of directors is not to be less than three nor more than twelve, of which one may be a director of the Exchange Telegraph Company, Limited. The first directors are Captain W. H. Davies, Lord F. Hamilton, Sir F. Milner, Bart., M.P., and Hon. P. B. Lyon and R. King after allotment. Qualification, 100 shares; remuneration not exceeding £2,500 per annum. Registered on the 7th inst. by P. B. Lyon, Members' Mansions, Victoria Street, S.W.

OFFICIAL RETURNS OF ELECTRICAL

COMPANIES.

Crompton-Howell Electrical Storage Company, Limited.—The annual return of this company, made up to 25th ult., was filed on the 28th ult. The nominal capital is £19,600, divided into 19,000 ordinary shares of £1 each and 6 founders' shares of £100 each. 12,007 ordinary and 5 founders' shares have been taken up, and upon 4,007 of the ordinary 15s. per share has been paid; upon 8,000 of the ordinary 15s. per share has been considered as paid, and upon the founders' shares £600 has been considered as paid. The alls paid amount to £3,004 10s., considered as paid to £6,600, and unpaid to 15s. Office: Mansion House, Buildngs, Queen Victoria Street, E.C.

631

Under the authority given at the last general meeting, the directors resolved to issue £20,000 of 6 per cent. debentures, the whole of which has been subscribed. This has enabled the directors to repay the loan from its bankers, and to complete the extensions in hand last year, including new mains, and the new storage station at Pavilion Road.

In view of the further extensions necessary to occupy the areas within the company's districts, the directors have decided, in lieu of issuing any further debentures at present, to recommend an issue of preference shares, and, with this object, a resolution will be proposed at the general meeting of the company.

The completion of the plant in accordance with the original plan of the central station in Draycott Place is in progress, and when the work contemplated for the year has been done, the stations will be capable of earning over £100 during average lighting hours in one day. The experience gained by the company shows that under the varying conditions of demand throughout the year in this district, this earning capacity may be estimated to yield a gross revenue of about £16,000 per annum. After paying all outgoings, including the cost of upholding the plant, and interest on debentures, the balance should afford satisfactory dividends on the share capital.

The mains, consisting of Callender's bitumen cable, of which about 20 miles have been placed underground, are regularly tested, and the results continue to be most satisfactory on all the cables, including many which have been underground for two years. None have had

to be renewed on account of defects.

The accumulators are all in good working order. Those at Clabon Mews storage station, which have been longest in use, i..., for two years, are in excellent condition, and it has not as yet been necessary to replace any of the plates.

The directors have not dealt with depreciation in these accounts; but care has been taken to keep up all the plant to its original working efficiency. The storage batteries, which constitute a very large proportion of the plant, are under entirely new conditions as regards their working and supervision, and, until experience shows what provision is necessary, a renewal fund will be maintained out of the profits, in order to make provision for exceptional outlay in any one

year.

The directors have to report the retirement of Lord Thurlow from the board of the company, and the election of Mr. Emile Garcke (managing director of the Brush Electrical Engineering Company, Limited), to fill the vacancy, subject to the confirmation of the shareholders. Mr. J. Irving Courtenay has been elected chairman of the company, and Major-General Webber, C.B., deputy-chairman, while still retaining the post of managing director.

The retiring directors are Mr. J. Irving Courtenay and Sir George Prescott, Bart., who, being eligible, offer themselves for re-election. The auditors, Messrs. Cooper Brothers & Co., also offer themselves for re-election.

CITY NOTES.

The Chelsea Electricity Supply Company, Limited.

'HE directors beg to submit to the shareholders the report and statenent of accounts for the year ending 31st December, 1890.

The accounts are not issued in Board of Trade form, because that ourse would involve two separate balance sheets (one for Chelsea nd one for Kensington), which would be confusing to the shareolders. This is the subject of correspondence with the Board of Trade, and, when the matter is settled, the accounts will at once be ut into such form as that department may require.

The steady progress of the business during the year is very satisactory. On 31st December, 1889, 93 customers, or an equivalent of 730 lights of 8 candle-power, were being supplied; while on 31st December, 1890, there were on the books 252 customers, with lights ustalled equivalent to nearly 20,000 lamps, of 8 candle-power. The company has received for current sold and meter rents in 1890 he sum of £6,067 6s. 10d., and after deducting all working expenses, bere remains a gross profit of £542 19s. 5d.

The consumption of fuel in the year 1890 has been excessive; but his is believed not to be due to any defects in the Chelsea system, nd measures have been taken which it is hoped will prevent its con

nuance.

The rate at which the revenue has increased is best exemplified by omparing the two heaviest quarters of the year. In March quarter he receipts for current supplied and meter rents amounted to 1,275 12s. 3d. and in December quarter to £2,872 17s. 6d. This ffords an indication of the rate of increase of revenue in 1891; and, s the profits should be more than proportionately augmented, the rospects for the current year are favourable.

£ 8. d. 51,874 17 2 2,035 11 11 33 14 8 3,712 0 1 7,054 19 2 732 11 2 £65,443 14 2

Mr. J. IRVING COURTENAY presided at the ordinary meeting, held at the company's offices at Chelsea yesterday. He said: When we met last year the profit and loss account presented to you was for one quarter of the year only, and that the quarter of heaviest demand. There was then shown a small balance to the good, but no directors' fees had been paid. The amount received for current sold during 1890 was £6,067 6s. 10d., and the gross profit shown in the accounts before you is £542 19s. 5d. I may mention that the receipts for the March quarter in this year amounted to £3,275. But you will bear in mind that, although we are now supplying current to over 22,000 lamps as against 10,000 this time last year, the increase in revenue in respect of these lamps was only even partially felt in the last quarter of the year 1890; and, moreover, the profit on the year's work has been made in spite of most disadvantageous circumstances, which I will now deal with. I allude to the question of the heavy consumption of coal mentioned in the report. I regret to say that the consumption during the year has been excessive; but I am glad at the same time, to be able to inform you that the unceasing attention to the subject on the part of the management has resulted in the certainty of a reduction of the cost of producing the current as soon as the rearrangement of plant now in hand is complete. As the subject is still under discussion, it is not permissible for me at the present moment to say where, in our opinion, the fault lies, but I sincerely hope that an amicable settlement of the difference will be arrived at. There is another point I must touch upon, because it has been the subject of some misrepresentation. Owing to the non-delivery of machines, which were ordered early in the year to provide for the winter supply, we were compelled, on a few occasions in December, when a heavy drain came upon us through continued foggy weather, to shut off our supply of current for a few hours in the daytime. Some of the plant having shortly after arrived, the constant supply was resumed on the 24th December, and maintained throughout the remainder of an exceptionally foggy winter. Now, unfortunate as this undoubtedly was, it still showed the advantages of the storage system; for, instead of stopping the supply suddenly, as might be the case without storage, we were able to give a full day's notice that we should cease supply for a few hours in the daytime, and thus prevented serious inconvenience to our customers. We may congratulate ourselves that we have still the record of not having once stopped supply of current during the hours when light is generally required, and I may also here add that our customers continue to express their entire satisfaction. You will find in the profit and loss account an amount of £253 6s. 3d. for maintenance of plant. This is made up of small repairs to the different kinds of generating plant, instruments and tools, and about £50 in wages to men cleaning out the accumulator cells. No expenditure was incurred in 1890 in replacing the E.P.S. storage battery plates, and up to the present day only one set out of 1,918 sets has had to be replaced, and that at a trifling cost. Now it must be borne in mind that the replacing of a set of plates is not merely maintenance, as in the case of repairs to a steam engine, but is a complete renewal of the cell, as the other parts for all practical purposes suffer no deterioration. The mains of the Callender Company have also fulfilled our expectations and have not cost us anything for the repairs of cables. Some of the cables have been underground for over two years, and from tests taken periodically it is found that they are still in perfectly good condition. The E.P.S. accumulators are for the first time being used in sub-stations under the direct supervision of our engineer, and so well have they performed their duty that it is difficult, even now, to settle what is a proper amount to set aside for their depreciation. It is intended, however, as stated in the report, to maintain a renewal fund out of profits, in order to provide for exceptional outlay in any one year. I now come to the present state of the business and its prospects. You will see by the balance sheet that the plant has been increased by the amount of £14,660 10s. 6d. The mains and the generating and storing plant have all had a share in this increase, but the greater part of it is to be found in the extension of mains, and the erection of a new storage station in Pavilion Road. These additions, together with the plant ordered this year, will enable us to supply sufficient power for about 36,000 8-C.P. lamps installed, which, at the rate of 9s. per lamp installed, would represent a gross income of £16,000 per annum; but this income would involve the extension of our mains as found to be necessary. Nine shillings per 8 candle-power lamp installed is the figure upon which our experience shows it is prudent to base our estimate of income. I am aware that this is a somewhat lower yield per lamp than that of companies in whose area of supply theatres, hotels, clubs, and shops are numerous, but the shops in Chelsea are now also coming on our list of customers. I think, however, it will be found in practice that the above figure fairly represents the yield per 8 candle-power lamp in domestic lighting. Such is mainly the lighting in Chelsea and Kensington. Our district is an excellent one. There is no part of the metropolis where rebuilding is more continually going on, and very few houses indeed in this neighbourhood, as you are aware, are built without being wired for the electric light. We have had added to our area of supply by the Board of Trade a very large portion of the parish of Chelsea, containing about 4,500 uses, including several localities favourable to the development of usiness. I do not, however, wish to put before you a too

[MAY 15, 1891.

sanguine view of our prospects. I have, therefore, had a careful estimate made of the probable increase during the year in the number of lamps to be supplied, and the result of enquiry points to our reaching a total of 35,000 lamps installed, provided we make the extensions referred to. It is a matter of satisfaction that, during a year of financial tightness, and even panic, we have been able to place all the debentures we offered, viz., £20,000, at a moderate cost The money thus obtained has been carefully dealt with in the most economical manner, and by means of the new plant already obtained, and that on order, we can confidently look forward to a considerable economy in the working during the latter half of the present year. As has been mentioned in the directors' report, it will be necessary to provide funds for the extension of the mains and for additional plant to meet the increase in the company's business, and after full consideration the directors have resolved to recommend an issue of preference shares bearing 6 per cent. interest, and for the present to defer any further issue of debentures. We propose to take power to convert £30,000 of the unissued ordinary share capital into preference shares. This fresh capital will be called up gradually as required. When this expenditure has been made, the total issned capital of the company, including debentures, will be about £92,000, or, in other words, the total capital outlay of the company, including the cost of all stations, cables, and plant, will be, say, £2 12s. per lamp fixed. These figures will compare favourably with those of other companies, especially when it is remembered that our conduits have a carrying capacity for double the number of lamps I have mentioned. I beg to move the adoption of the directors' report and statement of accounts.

Major-General WEBBER seconded, and the resolution was carried. The retiring directors and auditors being re-elected, a proposition to the following effect was adopted :-" That of the unissued capital of the company, now amounting to 11,512 shares of £5 each, 6,000 shares of £5 each, and numbered 14,001 to 20,000 inclusive, shall be and the same hereby are created and made preference shares, and that such shares shall confer on the holders thereof the right to be paid out of the profits of each year a preferential dividend for seek year at the rate of £6 per cent. per annum and no more, and every holder of preference shares shall have one vote for every preference share held by him."

The West Coast of America Telegraph Company,

Limited.

THE directors' report states that the balance sheet and revenue account for the year ending 31st December, 1890, show a gross income of this company of £65,323 15s. 4d., against £84,457 13s. 1d. for the year ending 31st December, 1889.

The addition of £517 10s. 3d. brought forward from the previous year makes a total of £65,841 5s. 7d., and deducting from this the debenture interest and all other charges, as well as the interim divi dend of 3s. per share paid in July last, there remains the sum of £22,195 12s. 11d. Out of this amount the directors have transferred £16,000 to the reserve fund, bringing it up to £80,000, written of £1,000 from the value of the repairing steamer Retriever, and now re commend the distribution to the shareholders of a final dividend fe the year 1890 of 2s. per share, payable on the 20th inst., leaving £2,195 12s. 11d. to be carried forward.

The cable with which the Central and South American Telegrap Company intends to compete with the line has been laid, but is not yet working in its entire length, owing to the revolution which has broken out in Chili.

In accordance with what was suggested at the extraordinary general meeting of shareholders, held on 1st September last, neguts tions have been commenced with the object of strengthening the position of the company, and opening for it a source of revenue pet otherwise obtainable.

The directors look upon the present as a period of transition, bat expect that these negotiations will lead to a satisfactory result. meanwhile they do not consider it prudent to make a larger dirisice of profits than that recommended in this report.

During the Chilian revolution which broke out in January last, and unfortunately still continues, the cables of the company have been cut by both Government and opposition forces; the company has however, received partial compensation for the interference with traffic.

The repairing steamer is in readiness to connect the sections cut a soon as hostilities come to an end.

Mr. Henry Roberts and Mr. Alfred Marshall are the directors retiring in rotation, both are eligible, and offer themselves for re election.

The auditor, Mr. J. Weise, of Messrs. Turquand, Youngs, Wee Bishop, and Clarke retires, and is eligible for re-election.

The Western Counties and South Wales Telephone

Company, Limited.

THE report of the directors for the year ending 31st December, 189" to be presented to the shareholders at the sixth annual ordin general meeting of the company, to be held at the Grand Hot Broad Street, Bristol, on Friday, the 15th day of May, 1891, at i o'clock, p.m., is as follows:

The capital expenditure for the year ending the 31st December 1890, was £24,415 15s. 6d. making a total of £164,409 12s. 2d. t date.

The gross revenue of the company for the year 1890, 52 £46,860 15s., against £39,046 19s. 6d. for the year ending 34 December, 1889.

The amount of income carried forward to next year's revenge, representing sums received in advance for periods extending bey