The Express.
London, England, 1857-11-25 00:00:00

SOUTH LONDON OAS CONSUMERS' MUTUAL

PROTECTION ASSOCIATION:

A general meeting of the members of this associa-
tion wee held yeeterday evening at the Lecture Hall, 39,
Bridge House-place, Newington-causnray, to receive the
reply of the l'hoinix flu Company to the renewed applica-
tion of the association for a reduction of the prim of gas to
44. per 1,000 feet, and for other purposes. The chair was
taken by Dr. Curatice.
The SECRETARY (Mr. Wingharo) read the reply of the
Pluen. Om Company to the before-mentioned application.
It stated that the proves of gsa coals and freight had not re-
tuned to the standard of 1861, and that a number of other
materials required in gasimaking continued high ; and that
the advantages of the actual reduction in oasis and freight
were absorbed by the diminution in the prices of ooks end the
Meremed rate of wages paid to workmen. It was added that
as soon as the time arrived when a reduction might be
effected, it would afford the directors much pleasure to meet
the wishes of thsoonsunters.
The CHAIRMAN, in opening the proceedings, reviewed the
course pursued by the emaciation from the commencement,
with the view of destroying the gm monopoly of the district.
He said the emaciation Mid not been able to effect all that it

-117.‘iTic71;;;;;;Altie following "Thal is
consequence of the gas districting now being canted out on
the north aide of the Thames, it is expedient that the
operations of this association thould be extended, err as the
more effectually to protect the public interests aphid the
evil effects of the powerful combination of the gas companies,
and secure for the metropolitan consumers a just proportion
of the advantages arising from the districting ammgensents."
kir. BA as as =candid the reisoludon, and ill dal*, so ragweed
to the successful opposition of the associatkm, ere ago,
to an attempt to get a bill pared through the wrens
which would have placed the whole of Boat London perms.
neatly under a monopoly. If the conewnere morally made
their voice heard in the vestries, and combined in an eppli-
cation to parliament, there could be no doubt of their success
They had a right to demand a decrease in the price of gas to
4. per 1,000 feet, the charge in 1861. The dividends of the
gas companies had Oen theresaingaincethat period ,• indict the
ease of the Phenix Company, in addition to the declass/ion
of • dividend of 8 per cent., there had recently been treated a
new had called the reserved fund. He had no doubt that
with proper efforts on their own part the gas companies would
soon render them substantial justice.
The resolution was then put and carried unanimously.
Mr. ARCHER, in moving the appointment of the COED.
milks fur the eneuluf year, alluded to the increase in the
public lights, es affording an additional reason for combined
efforts to obtain • reduction. He contended that if rustics
were not soon doneby the gas companies, it would be neces-
sary for the consumers of the whole metropolis to unite
together to form one great company which would sweep
them all away. (Cheers.) lie hoped that a public meeting
would shortly be convened on this subject, and that
ellen would be appointed by it to wait upon all the
Mr. REDO 'LANE seconded the motion, which was agreed to.
Mr. HARRIS, in moving a vote of thanks to the
referred to an oocardon on which the gas burned so badly in
his house that he was compelled to resort to oandka, and
nevertheless he hand that 1,000 test had been mistimed
during that period.
The motion having bees seconded by Mr. Woman was
adopted by acclamation, and dila terminated the proceedinp.

On Monday evening last, three reports to the
the Secretary of State, on the progress of the North
American Exploring Expedition under Mr. Pelham,
were brought before the Royal Geographical Society. They
were dated Smite Sainte Maris, June 10; Pert Gerry,
July 16; and Fort Pembina, July 27. Sir Roderick 1.
Murchison was in the chair. Dr. Livingstone, Sir Merry
Rawlins" as well as wrest otter celebrated travellers,
were preesul, and the meeting wee numerously attended.

NORTH 11011THAMPTON811118.—Mr. George Weird
Hoot, of Wadenhoe, has lama an eddram to the electors of
the northern dividoo of the county of Ncethemptca, seeking
to succeed the late Mr. Stafford in the representation of that
omatitnency. Mr. Hunt hes tiros sought to ospremst the
town of Northampton by the old of the onmerrative party,
but failed. The name of Mr. F Verson, who Is
connected by marriage with the Loafly of Earl Fitzwilliam, '
is apoken of as • possible opponent of the conservative csat-
Mato on the present occasion. Mr. Hunt stakes no sew
profession of politiod faith, but states that be " condidess it
the duty of Gray conservative to waive all party feelings,
end to strengthen the hands of the government of the day in
dealing with the fearful mutiny in British India, so long es
they evinee an sad a vigour commensurate with the
' magnitude tithe latoaefs at stake."