The Dorset County Express and Agricultural Gazette.
Dorchester, Dorset, England, 1863-10-20 00:00:00

SALISBURY LOCAL BOARD OF HEALTH.

A special meeting of this body was held at the Council
House on Monday afternoon last for the purpose of re-
ceiving a report from the committee appointed to con-
sider the subject of the public lighting of the district,.
and the terms of contract with the Gas Company.
The Mayor presided, and those present were: Aldermen
Kelsey and Pain; Councillors Ottaway, Woodlands,
Whitlock, Stokes, Wristbridge, Fawcett, Roe, and
Jameson.

The Mavoa said he had called them together at the
instance of the Gas Committee to inquire into the
question of gas. The correspondence with the Gas
Company began in March last, when the board received
• letter from the Secretary of that committee. in which
be stated that the directors were desirous of entering
into friendly negotiation with the Board as to the
future supply of the town. That letter had not been
elicited by any action of the Board, but by oertaiu
observations made at one of their ordinary meetings, as
to the increased consumption of pa, and the increased
expense to the ratepayers. Upon the receipt of that
letter a committee was appointed who had considered
the whole question. and were now prepared with • re-
port.—The reply of the One Directors to the communica-
tion of the Board in June last was not received
until September, and he (the Mayor) had now
called a special meeting of the Board, so that there
should be no delay. The Ga. Company had made a
public announcement of their intention to go to Parlia-
ment for • bill, and any action to be takenlby the Beanl
must be done in November, particularly if they decided
on themselves applying for a bill. The committee did
not advocate such a course, but they felt bound to lay
the alternative before the Board. The committee hoped
that the Gas Company, after considering the question,
would mine to an arrangement more favourable to the
Board than that at present proposed. At • previous
meeting • suggestion was made that the public lamps
should be supplied at Is. per 1,000 feet with a certain
allowance for lighting and cleaning. At present, how-
ever, although the price of gas had been reduced to
Is. 641. per 1,000 to the private consumer, no oiler had
been made to lower the charge for that supplied to the
public. The terms offered by the Gas Company were
very unfavourable, and the committee bad been com-
pelled to decline them.
In answer to Mr. Wristbridge, the lIATOR said he
believed the Gas Company were going to apply to Par-
liament for • new Act, to give them increased power.
He bad no idea what that increased power meant, and
consequently there was some difficulty in recommending
any particular action to be taken by the Board.
The CLitire (Mr. H. M. Lee) then read the report,
which was very voluminous, and contained all the oor-
place upon the subject.
respondence that
had taken
of th
The proposal of the directors e Gas Compeny was as
follows :—The erection of a meter to every 10 or 12
pub
the fixing of the meters at the bass of the
lamp-posse; the expense of the meters,and any alteration
to be borne by the company ; Ithe providing and fixing
by the company of • burner and regulator to each light,
adjusted to consume 41 cubic feet of gas per hour; the
Local Board to have the power of testing the con-
sumption; the Gas Company to light and extinguish the
lamps under the direction of the Bawd ; the Local Board
to be at liberty to test the quality of the pa, Ice. The ,
report stated that the committee, after • careful con-
sideration of the subject, came to the conclusion that
the price charged for the public lights was excessive,
and that the lighting and extinguishing of the lamps
ought to be in the control of the Local Board. They were '
informed that if the Board would take upon itself the ex- !
ruse of providing and maintaining a meter to every ten
lamps, a regeletor to every lamp, and the whole cost
of repulsing and lighting (the company simply to supply
the gas) a deduction of 124. for each of the 158 lamps
belonging to the Board would be made. The committee
being of opinion that the proposed terms were unsatis-
factorily called in Mr. Samuel Hughes, of 14. Park.
street, Westminster. a gentleman of considerable
experience in gas manufacture, to advise them, and who
had recently given his advice to the Local Board at
Beading on • precisely similar question. The pro-
posals of the company were submitted to him, who
reported that the base of • public lamp was a very bed
position for a meter, &I the water would freeze almost !
as much as in the open air ; that regulators were not
desirable, unless the Board required one uniform Game !
throughotit the night; that the Board should not be I
compelled to consume 41 feet an hour in each limp, as
it WU probable that 3feet would be found ample; that I
burners to (rename 41 feet of gas an hour, at • pressure
of eight-tenths, were very bad for public use ; that it
was highly objectionable for the company to light and
extinguish the lamps; that the price of 6s. per thousand
was very excessive even for private consumers to pay;
and he stated that in 150 towns in Great Britain
from which he bad obtained returns, the price
paid for public lighting on the average did not
exceed three-fourths of that paid by private consumers;
that the company should erect the necessary apparatus
for testing the gas in the Townhall ; and thee the Board
should cause two or three self-registering pressure lu
to be erected in different parts of the town. Appended
to Mr. Hughes's report, was a calculation of the price at
which gas should be charged in Salisbury, to pay 10 per I
cent. interest on a capital equal to 25 per ton of coal!
annually converted into pa, from which it would
appar that the private consumer should be charged
4s. 6d., and the public 3s. 63. per thousand feet. .
Hft.hca tested the gas in Salisbury on the 23rd of May,
and he was of opinion that the gas had no advantage in
price over either Paraffin oil or the American Petro-
Imam, and when the cost of fittings was considered the
balance was really against the gas. The committee
baying been thus advised, directed the Clerk to address
the company on the proper terms of a proposed contract
which he did on the 16th of June last, and on the 13th
September he received a reply, which was submitted to !
Mr. Hughes for his opinion. On the 23rd he made his
reply. The Gee Company had meetly reduced the
price to the private consumer to Is. fie per thousand
het, and had intimated their intention to apply to
Parliament in the earning session for an Act to
incorporate the company, and to obtain larger
powers. The committee, not being aware that
there were any sound reasons for making such an appli-
cation,liad come to the conclusion that the Clerk should
be instructed to take all proper measures for watching
the proposed bill in Parliament, and for obtaining the
insertion therein of all clamp requisite for the protec-
tion of the interest of the public and of the Baird.
The committee had considered the advantages which
would arise to the public by the construction of gas
workaand the manzgement thereof by the Board for the
benefit of the ratepayers, but had refrained from ex-
pressing an opinion thereon as it considered that it was
not within its province. Should, however, such •
measure be det.ermined on, delis should be immediately
taken to apply to Parliament for the requisite powers.
The Maros moved that the report be received and
entered on the minutes, which was Pounded by Mr.
Woodlands and carried:
Mr. Werrwee said there had been considerable
donee between the committee and Mr. Hughes ,
°•.7.7latashould be glad to know if the recommenda-
tions of that gentleman had been successful in other
towns.__ _

The MAYOII said the committee did not consult Yr.
Hughes without making some inquiry. The Clerk
had received a satisfactory letter from the Clerk of the
themselves
Local Board. The authorities expressed
rot thoroughly latUded, and the committee
thought they could not consult a better man.

- -
Mr. Wrirrcona mid at Wolverhampton • Mr.
Samuel Hughes had been engaged in • matter cue-
nested with the waterworks there, and it did not

&war from • peragraph in • paper before him that he
had given great satisfaction. He wanted to know if it
was the same gentleman.
The Maros replied that the committee had not asked
Mr. Hughes for any opinion as to the effierney of the
waterworks.
Mr. winnocc said he was aware of that, but the fact
had a bearing upon him as an engineer. In connection
corporation. Ile
to the matter referred to, the Town Council incurred
aldionthegainrejt telt' the ensure of the
liabilities to the aniciturt of ti,r-4 10a, for which Mr.
oHbutlinedthes bruidumghetnant,
mace and other property holmffinli to the corporation.
(Laughter.) He should be glad to know if he was the
same man, and a little more of hie capabilities,
The MAYOR remarked that they were not putting
thernsaives into his hands at all. As to their case the
emmaithee applied to the Clerk of the Local Board of
Reading in rdssouse to Hs. Hughes, and they received
• very favourable answer. He was a perfect stranger
to every one of then., and the only object of the com-
mittee was to take the. brt man before them. All
that they had to do was to
ucertain whether he was •
man of sufficient standing to bed them to place cone.
deuce in him. As the reply vaa satisfactory they
consulted
.him amordingly, the same eic they would any
other engineer. They had only asked lay his opinion:
they bail not put themselves into his hand.
Mr. WOODLANDS observed that Mr. Hughes had fur-
nished returns from 150 towns, in all of windi the
charge for gas was less than Salisbury.
Mr. WHITLOCK said the charge had been excessive
here, but he had no doubt the new company bad done
their best to bring about a reduction. They had already
had a reduction, and the new superintendent had
pledeed himself to make a still further reduction.
The MAYOR remarked that the Company had not
reduced the price to the public, 'kith whom alone they
had to deal.
Mr. Wnrrwee stated that there had not been
time to construct proper works ; but if another year
was given the public he believed would be perfectly
satisfied, whereas if the board placed itself in the hands
of engineers, the town might suffer, instead of being
benefitted. The directors were all resperabbs men,
and he asked the Board to place confidence in them.
They had pledged their word to do their best, and be
had no doubt that both for their own reputation and
the interests of the shareholders they would endeavour ,
speedily to effect an improvement.
The MAYOR mid be thought Mr. Whitlock was some-
what miataken. He seemed to imagine that the Board
had begun action in this matter, when in reality it
was just the reverse. The first letter of the Gas Coinpany was called forth by • casual observation of one of
the members of the Board. The committee were willing
to give them time and were cal,' called into action now ,
by the expressed determination of the company to go to '
parliament for increased powers. It was the duty of
the Board as guardians of the public to watch their pro-
ceedings there, even though they might not be able to
obtain • new bill without the Board's concurrence.
They were discuasing the matter on far more favourable
ground than they would do after the company had
obtained their increased powers.
Mr. WitteLtwg observed that he applied to one of
the Directors of the Gas Company, who informed him
that the object of their going to Parliansent was
expressly to obtain power to borrow more money. He
believed the company had no hostile intentions against
the Board.
The MAYOR said the committee did not impute any
mitive to the company in going to Parliament; indeed.
it was felt that they were quite justified in making the
application, if they deemed it to their interest to do so.
All the committee said was, that after the paring of the
new Bill the Board would not be in so favourable a
position to discuss the question as at present.
Mr. WHITLOCK thought the directors would probably
furnish them with a copy of the Bill before applying to
Parliament. He had no personal interest in the matter,
but knowing that no hostile movement was intended, he
was anxious to save the town from heavy Parliamentary
expenses. If the directors, however, refused to concede
any of the points in dispute, than he would oppose
them through thick and thin.
The Maros remarked that Mr. Whitlock was prepared
to go further than the committee, as they only rearm.
mended the watching of the company's proceedings.
The company had =the a reduction to the private con•
sumer, but not to the public.
MY. ALDIRNAN PAIN observed, that when the com-
pany was established it was understood that the public
lamps were to be supplied with gas at cod prize; but
the public were now charged more than private con-
sumers.
The Czsee, in compliance with an application made
by a member of the Board, then read the "protecting ,
clause." introduced in the Beading Bill, and introduced
at the instance of the Local Board. These were that
the highest charge to small private consumers should
not exceed 64. 6d. per thousand feet; that consumers
of 10,000 feet and upwards should not be charged
more than 55., and that the public lamps should be
lighted for 3s. id. per 1000 feet. Another was for the
settlement of all disputes by arbitration.
Mr. Alderman KELSEY wished to say a few words
on behalf of the "lumbering obi company," which Mr.
Woodlands had been pleased to call it. (Laughter.) It
had many difficulties to contend with, but since a change
had taken place in the managenient great expense had
been incurred in endeavouring to improve the works so
sate render them capable of supplying better gas at a
cheaper; rate. He assured them in the most positive
manner that that was the principle upon which
the directors were acting; and all they asked of the
Board was for • little forbearance. As regarded the
price, he believed that the Salisbury Gas Company
had not the remotest intention of going for such • price
as that contained in the Reading Bill in their new Act.
Their great object wax to obtain sufficient powers for
increasing their capital, which they did not at present
poster They had exercised their existing power to
within £lOOO, and it was an error to suppose that they
had auffiernt capital to carry out those .mproveinents
which they deemed it neorsary to make. The great
desire of the company was to give satisfaction to that
Board and the citizens at large, but they were aot
dis-
posed to adopt the provisions of the Reading Bill,
and make the private consumer pay more than the
public. The principle of that bill was to make the
private consumer bear the expense of manufacturing
gas
dfror the public, and the difference between the Lori
and the Gas Company was really centred in that
very small principle. He believed that the objer of
the Board was to do that which was right between man
and man. The Clerk, in one of his letters to the tom-
pony, stated that under certain conditions the price of
gas might be reduced, and • dividend of ten per cent
still distributed among the shareholders. Whether
that bad been owing to their "lumbering" management
he could not tell, but he knew that they were anxious
to correct any faults that might have existed. It was
not for him to say what faults, if any had existed,
but he could say that all possible efforts were now being
used to manufacture the best and finest gas at the
cheapest rate. The directors did not propose to sorer
up the price of gas to that Board or any private
aidual ; and it was their feeling. he had not • doubt
that whenever their new Bill should be ready to be laid
before Parliament the Local Board of Health should be
consulted as to its provisions. The company only
wished to do what was right, and could therefore have
no possible objection to the Board watching their pro-
ceedings. He urged the Board to pause before they
committed themselves to an agitation based entirely
upon the opinion of one individual.
The CLUE stated that the letter in which a dividend
of ten per cent was mentioned was based upon a cal-
culation as to what gas could be made for considering
the price of coal in Salisbury, and allowing all usual and
proper deductions incidental to its manufacture. The
committee were of opinion that that was the true pria-
ciple which should govern the price to the public.
Mr. Alderman Kmagr : You are willing to allow the
company 10 per cent.
The MAYOR laid not upon their capital, as that they
knew nothing about whatever. The committee did not
complain of their meldag • fair owneneraial profit. The
Board would rather see the citizens of Salisbury engaged
in a profitable than an unprofitable undertaking.
Mr. Alderman KUNST said with reference to the price
it must be borne in mind that it largely depended upon
the extent of use over which light was distributed.
Reading contained • population of 30,000, whilst that
of Salisbury was not more than 12.000. The two cases
were therefore altogether dissimilar. If they would
give the company time he had no doubt that all fair and
reasonable deductions would be made. They wished to
stimulate consumption by reduced charge*, but they
could not do that until they had effected certain contem-
plated improvements. As to making private consumers
pay 2a. or Is. 6d. more • thousand, in order
that the public might be supplied at coat price, he did
not think the inhabitants generally would agree with
the committee in that respect.
The MAYOR remarked that in nearly every town in
Ragland • differentia was made between large and small

Mr. Alderman PAIR inquired of Mr. Kelsey, as
member of the Board, whether he did not think the
committee bad done right in recommending the Council
to watch the proceedings of the Gas Company.
Mr. Alderman KZI.PIT said the company were willing
to render every possible assistance as to watching, if
watching meant the consideration of the Bill by the
Board. But if watching meant opposition in Parlia-
ment, that was another thing.
The MAYOR observed that that would depend upon
the nature of the BilL
A lengthy discussion followed, and ultimately Mr.
Orrswsv proposed, and Mr. Brow seconded, the
adoption of the committee's report, and the reappoint-
ment of the committee.
The motion was opposed by Mr. KELKIET, on the
ground that it pledged the Board to incur expenses,
when be thought they were entirely unnecessary.
Mr. WHITLOCK inquired whether it was the intention
of the directors to submit their Bill to this Board
before going to Parliament.
Mr. Alderman /ULM; said he could not answer that
question in the way Mr. Whitlock required it, as these
was no resolution upon the subject. Be had, however,
no doubt that it would.
Mr. Alderman Knierr proposed an amendment that
the report be not adopted, which was mcooded by Mr.
Whitlock ; but it wits subsequently withdrawn, and the
original motion was then carried.
After some further discussion the meeting separated.

WlLTON.—Anmsorr ORDER Or FORESTIRS,
801 m-WI:B7RM DISTRICT. --The officers and
brethren of Court Pembroke and Montgomery, No.
3959, celebrated their find annivereary by dining to-
gether on Monday, the sth inst., at the Bell Inn,
Ditcliampton, when about 40 members and their
friends sat down, under the presidency of Brother
Stoney. The riot-chair was filled by Mr. Alfred
Jukes. An excellent dinner was provided by hod
Beckett After the removal of the cloth the usual
loyal touts were given and responded to, when the
I Chairman proposed "The Ancient Order of
I Foresters," which was duly acknowledged by C.B.
Grant, who gave an outline of the working of the
Order during the past 15 or 16 years, and urged the
necessity of young men joining the Order. The
tome of the evening next followed, Mr, "Prosperity,
to Court Pembroke and Montgomery," we' was
responded to by the secretary, Brother Latham, who
Mated that the number of members (good) on the
books wee 23, and that after paying all demands
they had a balance in the hands of Brother Beckett,
their trimmer, of nearly £ll. The toast of
Visiting Brothers and Kindred Societies" was

next given, which was responded to by Brother
Hithman, of galiabw., Hawk eon &d
of Pembroke" was also proposed, and drank with
three-times.three and the -Foresters firs. " The Hada
of the Host and Hostels," and ether to Mowed.
Several Song' ware sung, and the band of the 14th
Wilts Rifle Volunteers vrsa is attandsoost 'which
greatly enhanced the amusement of the evealng. We
understand that several persons signified their intima-
tion of joining the Order. The roan was tastefully
demented for the occasion, under the directions of
Brother Andresen The company separated at an
early hour, well pleased with their evening's 114101.
went.

WARJfiIiSTEIL—LTIONSUIL—The Bee. Canon
ajaelm°4highlyoresintereetinged the
lastm
endr.mmearnmant instruntid this
by
ve1na866"11°41.1114,0 ali
" Warminster and its neighbourhood." We AIM to
ay that owing to the inclemency of the weigher there
was not so large an audience ea might otherwise have
, been expected. The rev. gentlemen, in the coarse at
his remarks, gave an account of the various anima*
British and Roman remains which had been diesovered
in the neighbourhood, u well mot the histitutisa al the
Beason on Cley-hill, and • short but very intensting
history al Imegleat. At the atom of the Meier* the
chairman (the Bev. J. B. Philippe) propelled • vote at
thanks to the lecturer, which oes immended by awns
Bleach, and carried by acclamation.
WESTBURY.—Parat. amany OF 80lOrAII•
maim —An inquest has beau held at Westbury,
on the body of Rebecca Bachelor, 73, wish* WU
found in the dream of water, user Poreweads-house.
The mone of the decasseel, it lemes, retired tenet the
previous nifht, about nine o'clock, laniag her el=
up in a chair by the are. The nest im
six o'clock, one of them called bar esmital.ke not
getting any answer, be entered the room. and to his
surprise did not me his mother, nor did it appear
that she had been to bed the whole ol dm !ugh!.
A search WU made, and the body was found in the
water near Porewoode-house, as described. It is
said that the deceased was escuncened to walk in
her steep, and having fallen asleep while rieg in
her chair, had wallued out of the house, and intothe
water. There belug no widows to show how the
deceased came is lhe water, the jury Married as
open verdict of "Pound drowned.