The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1855-11-06 00:00:00

LIVERPOOL TOWN COUNCIL.

ON Tuesday, a special meeting of the council was held, his
worship the Mayor (J. A. Tobin, Esq.,) presiding, for the pur-
pose of winding up the affairs of the official year, preparatory
to the municipal elections.

FINANCE COMILITTEE.-,ENGAGEMENTS AND ria.vitinEs OF

THE COEPORAVON.

The proceedings of the Finance Committee contained
several recommendations, among which was one to advance
two several sums.of £4,309 and £4,208 for the-construction of
permanent buildings- required by Messrs. Clover and Boyle,
and Messrs. Clayton and M`Keverigan, on land leased by
them at . Birkenhead,. for ship-building purposes. There
was likewise a recommendation to appoint Mr. Hutton assist-
taut book-keeper in the• Treasurer's office, at a salary of £l2O.
Mr. 110IINDY, in moving the confirmation of the proceed-
ings, stated that the outlay proposed in respect to the
ship-building purposes would yield an annual- return of
6i per cent., and said that when the buildings were finished,
the establishments connected with them would be the most
complete of the kind in, this country. He expressed a hope
that the recommendation of the committee to abstain from any
new schemes of local improvement would be concurred in by
the Council, stating as a reason, that, during the next munici-
pal year, the new Assize Courts, the Borough Gaol, and the
courts in Dale-street, will absorb upwards of £40;000; while
£25,000 will be require& within the same period towards the
new landing-stage. The large engagements of the Corporation
on the other side of the water formed another consideration
of great importance, andTthough he aid' not iii the lea4t regret
the purchase of the Birkenhead Docks, than which he thought
there was no measure more-calculated to contributeultimately
to the prosperity of the port of Liverpool, he could: not disguise.
from himself the fact that, without great careandgood ma-
nagement fora few years, the surplus income of. the Corpora-
tion would be swept away,. and a borough rate necessitated.
Under these circumstances, he urged the Council to sanction
heartily the recommendations of the committee.
The recommendations. of. the committee were' adopted, and
the proceedings confirmed.

proceedings of the Watch, &c., Committee-were con-
firmed.

..-
TILE NEW FREE LIBRARY AND MUSEUM : MR. BROWN'S.
GRANT.

The proceedings of the Committee-comprised
a recommendation that all necessary steps shouldbo taken for
acquiring the property between Shaw's-brow and Clayton-
street, from Mill-lane to, Byrom-street, as a site for a public
library and museum, under the provisions of the Liverpool
Improvement Aet of 1855, In connexion with this subject, a
letter was read from W. Brown, Esq., M. P.,.uportithe subject
of his donation of £6,.000, promised in 1853, towards the erec-
tion of a building for &free library, and stating. that, if the
Corporation did not take steps to purchase the. neeessary pro-
perty, he should consider that they had declined.his offer, and
should adopt means to have the money applieflito other edu-
cational purposes. The recommendation of tite committee
was carried.
ST. GEORGJeS-HALL.—POPULAR CONCERTS.

The proceedings of the St. George's-hall. Committee were
confirmed. In reference to these it was stated that the com-
mittee intend in a short time to establish. evening organ
concerts for the working classes, admission• to which would
be charged at the rate of 3d. each. The pecuniary results of
the sixpenny performances had been so successful, as to have
yielded on the Saturday EA while at the evening per-
formances on Monday the receipts had amounted to £7O.
The proceedings of the Markets' Committee were passed
without comment, and also the Education. Committee's minutes.

In course of discussion on the resolutions of the Gaol and
House of Correction Committee, Mr. B.Gis,DBTONE denounced
in strong terms the system of solitary confinement adopted
at the new Borough Gaol; a system which Mr. G. HOLT de-
fended, describing it rather as a separate than solitary system.
The reports of the Health, Gardens, Church Expenditure,
and Water Committees were adopted: The latter contained
an account of the purchase of the Cherley works for £35,000.
The Baths and Hackney Carriage- Committees' proceedings
were passed.

REPORT OF THE SPECIAL coatlCll'2En ON THE GAS SUPPLY..
The Special Committee appointed to inquire into the cir 1
cumstances and conditions of the gas supplied in the borough
presented their report, in which they stated the conclusions
they had arrived at in consideration of the evidence adduced
before them. The report commenced with a description of
the preliminary steps taken by the committee, and stated.,
that the attendance of the representatives of the Guardian.'
Society, as well as of the. Gas Company, was requested. The•
latter, however, after attending two meetings, withdrew from
the inquiry, in accordance with a resolution of the directors.;.
and this the committee much regretted, as it deprived them
of the means of gaining much important information. The
committee had directed their attention seriatim to the various
points embraced by the resolution of the Council.
The first was the state of the gas supply in the borough,
which included the charge made for gas ; tho motors used by
consumers; the quality of the gas; and the loss occasioned by
the supply of gas in the suburban districts. With, regard to
the charge now made for gas, the report states :—" It appears,
from the evidence of about forty consumers selected, indis-
criminately, that, notwithstanding the reduction made in the
price of gas on the Ist of January last, from 4s. 6d. to 4s. per
1,000 cubic feet (rather more than 11 per cent.), the bills
delivered by the Gas Company, and actually paid by those
consumers, were larger in amount than the bills for the cor-
responding period in previous years ; this increase varying
from 10 to 50 per cent., and this although no additional gas
had been consumed by them. That in some instances con-
sumers had been charged for more gas than the quantity indi-
cated by their meters, the quantity being ascertained (as
stated in the bills) by ' computation' on the consumption of
previous periods, and in more than one instance consumers
had been charged for gas by 'computation' where no gas
whatever had been used on their premises." The meters (the
report proceeds) are "wet" meters, whose accuraey depends in
a great measure upon their being fixed at an accurate level.
The adjustment of these meters, which are manufactured and
supplied by the Gas Company, has been much neglected by
the company's servants, and the result of the examination by
Mr. Taunton, the inspector appointed by the Corporation of
London, was that only one or two, out of between 300 and
400 meters examined, were found correct. It appears, from
the evidence of Mr. Taunton and Mr. Clegg, that an over-
charge of water causes the meter to register more gas than
actually passes through it, and vice versa ; also that gas of
an inferior quality passes through the water with greater
rapidity than good gas; and Mr. Clegg, in a great measure,
attributes the increase of the gas bills since January last to
this fact.

With respect to the loss produced by the supply of gas to
the suburban districts, the committee have no doubt that the
supply of gas to the districts situate at a long distance from
the places of manufacture, even at the maximum price of
4s. 6d. per 1,000 cubic feet, is not remunerative to the com-
pany, and entails upon the consumers nearer the places of
manufacture a very serious charge to counterbalance the loss
upon the supply of distant districts, and to enable the com-
pany to derive, as they are legally entitled to, a dividend of
ten per cent. upon the capital expended in the extension of
their mains, and other works necessary for the supply of these
distant localities. According to the evidence of Mr. Clegg,
the quantity of gas lost through leakage, and othern ise by the
extension of the mains to those outlaying districts, amounts to
twice as much as the profits which the company make by the
supply of gas, which loss he calculates at 20 per cent. With
this evidence adduced before them, the committee have arrived
at the conclusions—That, taking into consideration the over-
charges made from incorrect registration of meters, the price

of gas is far too high. That the meters in use are generally
of imperfect construction and erroneus in their registration,
and that there has been gross neglect and carelessness on the
part of the company and their servants with respect to the ex-
amination and adjustment of meters ; and that, whether the
registration be more or less than the actual consumption, the
general body of consumers are most prejudicially affected by
such inaccuracy. That the quality and illuminating power of
the gas supplied is variable, and that the standard quality
prescribed by the act of Parliament is uncertain and inefficient.
That the supply of gas to the suburban districts entails a
serious charge to the consumers nearer the works ; and that
the principle of supplying both classes of consumers at the
same price is most unjust, as admitted by the company, in the
distinction they made in the charge since the Ist January last,
and that separate accounts should be kept of the expenditure and
receipt in each of the townships or districts named in the act.
With regard to the reductions made in price, the committee
observe that the reductions which have been made from the
former price of 7's. per 1,000 cubic feet, to the present price of
4s. per 1,000 cubic feet, were all made under pressure from
without, and threats of competition ; and that the consent of
Parliament to the amalgamation of the old companies was
based chiefly on the allegation that the cost of management
would be thereby reduced ; a result which has not, however,
been attained. The committee further remark that the capa-
bilities of the present company to supply the increasing
demand for gas depend entirely upon the amount of " capital
at the disposal of the company;" and they regret that, owing
to the refusal of the company to permit their officers to afford
any information, the only evidence they have received on this
subject is that of Mr. Beloe, the accountant appointed by the
Recorder, under the act of Parliament, whose information is
derived solely from his official annual examination of the
accounts. It appears, from Mr. Beloe's statement, on the 30th
June, 1854, that the capital raised by the company was—
Amount paying dividend at 10 per cent...£469,414 5 8
Amount received as premium 100,783 0 0
Borrowed on bond

Of which had been expended

631,597 5 8
626,245 15 5

Leaving a balance unexpended of £5,351 10 3
This being the state of the capital account, the committee con-
clude that the company are capable of supplying the increas-
ing demand for gas. It is stated by Mr. Clegg, as the result
of a most careful and elaborate calculation, that works capa-
ble of supplying the present and future demand for gas, in-
cluding mains; &c., could be constructed for £300,000, and
that the outlay of this amount would enable' a company to
supply gas, of a quality superior to that now used, at 3s. 6d.
per 1,000 cubic feet, and pay a dividend of 10 per cent. on the
outlay.
The report next alludes to the system of management and
its cost, and states that the supervision over the company pre-
scribed by the act, and vested in the auditor, is very insuffi-
cient, and that an inspecting engineer and auditor to-examine
the works and accounts,. ots the part of the consumers, would
be valuable and necessary. From the evidence, the cormnittee
conclude that the management of the company, so- far as
respects meters, fittings,. &c., is very unsatisfactory, and that
;
the charges made for merits wages in " fittings " is universally
complained of. The principle of the Gas Company being the
manufacturers of meters and the sellers of gas, without con-
trol, is denounced in the report as unfair. After contrasting
the gross income of the company from 1849 to 1854 with the
cost of manufacture in those. years, and showing that while
the latter, from 1849 to 1853. had only increased £5,000, the'
revenue had increased £27,000,, the committee account for'
this by adopting Mr. Clegg's opinion, that the quality of the•
gas- materially affects the registration of the meter—the more
inferior the quality of the gas, the- greater the velocity-with
which, it flows through the same openings in the meter. The
expense and inconvenience to the ptablieby the breaking up of
the streets is lightly dwelt upon, its cost being something less
than, icl. per thousand cubic feet of gas consumed. The re-
port then details the recommendations which appear to the
committee most adapted to insure, for the future, the best and
cheapest supply of gas. As the present company is a mono-
poly, with• personal interest paramount in the management of
the estatei.the committee see no grounds for relying on the
company for any amelioration of the- present condition of
things, and' much less for the continued exertion necessary to
meet the growing wants of the community.. Having regard,
howeire, th the vested rights of the proprietors, they would
feel disposedrather to recommend an arrangement by which
the management of the; business of the company should be
transferred to bands who were identified with the public, than
that a competing company should be supported by the coun-
cil. They incorporated in their report a suggestion that the
share propert*of the company should be converted into bonds,
carrying a certain interest, and that the controls of the company
should pass into the hands of a board of nine directors, three
of whom to be appointed by the council, three by the con-
sumers, and three by the bondholders. With the general
principle of this suggestion the committee are disposed to
agree, and recommend that the council re-appoint the com-
mittee, with instructions to confer with the company on the
subject ; and if it be found that the company is not disposed
to agree to a tramsfer, or, agreeing thereto, that' they propose
terms which are unjust and unreasonable, then your committee
would recommend that the council erect works of its own, or
give its sanction and active co-operation to any new company
which may be formed for supplying the borough, of Liverpool
with gas, as the only mode by which the interests of the pub-
lic can be proper:t protected. As immediate measures, how-
ever, the committee suggest that the company siatald be called
upon—
lst.—To make an immediate reduction in the pyice of gas.
2nd.—To discontinue the manufacture of meters and the
sale of chandeliers-and similar fittings.

3rd.—To consentito the appointment of an inspecting engi-
neer, on behalf the-consumers, to be responsible te.tbe coun-
cil, with full powers of access to all
,departments &the works,
and with instructions to report thereon periodically ;: and,
4th.—To the at of officers, also responsible to the
Council, to examine- and adjust the meters on beholf of the
consumers, and to test and from time to time report. on the
quality of the gas, the pressure at which it is supplied, and on
other points necessary to insures protection to ttie consumers.
Mr. KITCHEN moved the adoption of the report.comment-
ing upon its principal features, but making no nemstatement
of importance.
Mr. SHELL seconded the motion.

Mr. Alderman Sr HOLME, who viewed the repert-a6 a mere
ex parte statement; and was anxious that the Gas,-Company
should have an opportunity of replying to charg,eso serious,
moved, as an amendment, that the report be received and
printed, and that a:copy be sent to each member of Abe Coun-
cil, and also to the Gas Company, and that the report be taken
into consideration at some subsequent meeting of the Council,
together with suehq.eply as the Gas Company mapinake.

'Mr. Alderman Bk.:1-zirr- T seconded the amendment.

Mr. GLIDSTONREIIICh regretted that the Gas COnapany had
withdrawn froM the inquiry, and hoped they wouktreconsider
that step, as thevewas a feeling out of doors wbi-2.11 it would
be impossible to quell without some satisfactory explanation.
Mr. HORNET thoht with Mr. Holme that tbey would not
be acting fairly by, the accused if they decided without waiting
their reply ; and4the Council Would not even be in a position
to decide withouthraving the opportunity of considering and
digesting the report. (Hear, hear.)
Mr. CLINT (omi of the special committee), though he had
no objection to Mr. Holme's amendment, denied that the state-
ments were e.v, parte. They were borne out- by the fullest
and clearest evidence. _ _

Mr. BRADIEM vras of the same opinion.
After a few words from Mr. Bennett, Mr. KITCEIEN replied,
and, as he had.: no objection to adopt the amatdment of Mr.
Holme, the Council agreed to it.

TIIE BIRIERNREAD DOCK WORKS ANL CIIKSHIRE
AMALGAMATION.

The following report was submitted to the Council from the
special committee appointed to consider t`te• subject of the
eisslttandirected by the
transfer to the Corporation of the docks and property of the
Birkenbead,Dack Company, viz. :—That the• purchase of the
north reserve has been completed, and your committee submit
to the Council the plans submitted by Mr...lohn B. Hartley, for
dock works at Birkenhead, together with: a resolution of the
Dock Committee approving those plans as-best adapted for the
nding orders of
commercial purposes of the port, in connection with the
Liverpool Docks. The estimated cost af,such
works
Construction
rdirect
statedt
te
by Mr. Hartley at £714,956.
ibeynihe other toliateu,h,rteihotphCur,
ir
potence
steps for
oorrnefcoctoroommat
d
act of last session.
ao4Yojthoitaueirasorene committee
works,ois'

With reference to the proposed amalgamation of Birkenhead
and Claughton, and the district of the Wallasey Board of
Health, with the borough, your committee report that they,
have, hell interviews with gentlemenropresenting those places ;
and, although the details in respect of such amalgamation will
require careful consideration andiadjustment, your committee
recommend that notices should,: be• given of a bill to effect
these objects, the clauses of, that bill being subject to tae•
approval of the Council.
A communication was Received by your committee from.
several of the principal landowners in the township of Tran-
mere, suggesting the addition of that township to the borough:
But a public meeting et the.ratepayers has since been held,
and resolutions adopted, objecting thereto ; and yoUr com-
mittee have, therefore, abstained from further considering, the
desirableness of, sugh arrangement until the parties moreimr
mediately connected vaith the township have arrived, at a
general agreement cit.the subject.
Your committee have also conferred with the Health. Com-
mittee on the sub, oct of the borough boundaries omthe Lan-
cashire side, and have: received from that committee the
resolution and report appended thereto.
Reference to the plan, mentioned in that report will show
that the propose& additions to the borough aro• very extensive,
and time hasnot admitted of the full consideration of so large
a question. As, however, if any alteration of the existing
boundaries involves an application to Parliament in the next
session, and the publication during three weeks in, November
of notices of the intention to make such application, the
Health Committee recommend the publication of such notice,
reserving for further and mature consideration the principle
of such, additions, and all the details involved therein. Your
committee must leave the decision of so important a matter
to the. Council, not being prepared, with the limited informa-
tion they now possess, to recognise, even by the publication
of a notice, the principle of so laxge an addition to the borough,
although they are of opinion that it is necessary to settle and
define accurately the existing boundaries.

J OHN STEWART.
Mr. HORNBY, as chairrm of the committee on the Birken•
head Docks, moved the adoption of the report, which pledged
the council to nothing except the preparation of the bills re-
quired for carrying out the objects described. The cost of
the new works which had been approved by the Dock Com-
mittee, was £715,000. This expense, large as it was, was im.
posed upon them by an act of Parliament ; and in the event
of not preparing plans of their own, they must carry out those
of Mr. Bendel km the completion of the Birkenhead Docks.
With regard to the question of adding Birkenhead to Liver-
pool, all they asked now was that they should be authorized to
prepare a plan, and submit it to the Council hereafter. He
thought that it would be better to define accurately and en-
large the boundary of the borough ; but he could not go so far
as the Health Committee advised, as he doubted whether those
districts which the Health Committee proposed to be added
to the borough were at all prepared to become parties to such
a plan.
Mr. J. B. LLOYD seconded the motion.

Mr. DOVER moved, as an amendment, that the recom-
mendations included in the Health Committee's report be
acted upon by Parliamentary notices being given. Of course,
on the understanding, that beyond giving of the notices, no
action will be taken for the present. _ .

Mr. JOHNSON seconded the amendment.
After some discussion, in which Mr. Alderman Cooper, Mr.
Hodson, and Mr. Halhead expressed themselves adverse to the
scheme in its present extended, form, and Mr. Picton advo-
cated the propriety of proceeding with the application to
Parliament, on a vote being taken, Mr. Dover's amendment
was carried by a majority of 30,