The Sun.
London, England, 1824-11-19 00:00:00

EDINBURGH, Nor. 15.

MEETING OF BUILDERS, &c.

On Saturday a numerous Meeting of the
Builders on the grounds of Coates, Drumsheugh, and others
interested in the " refusal" of the Water Company to supply
them with water, was held in the Royal Exchange Coffeehouse,
for the purpose of receiving a Report of a Committee appointed
by the builders—Deacon 'minx in the Chair.

Sir PAT met WALKER, in opening the business, said, that
to many of the (lentlemen present the object of the Meeting
might probably appear selfish, but while the Committee con-
fined themselves to what more immediately affected their own
patrimonial interests, they were conscious that almost all the
builders in the neighbourhood were placed in a similar situa-
tion. The conduct, of which the builders on the lands com-
plained, materially affected the general good of the community.
In discussing this subject it would be necessary to go back
to the time when water was distributed to the citizens under
the authority of the Magistrates. It was then the practice
for the city authorities to lay main or service pipes. The
Water Company came afterwards in the place of the Ma-
gistrates, and, for a considerable time, followed the same
line of conduct. All went on cordially and with good
faith, while the councils of the Water Company were guided
by wisdom and the principles of equity. The proper duties
of a Water Company must be to provide the public with
a constant supply of that necessary of life, water, and that
out only be carried into effect by means of distribution pipes
laid by the Company, who alone possess the power, in virtue of
the Act of Parliament, to open the streets for that purpose.—
He had had many commuications with Mr. Jardine and Mr.
Stuart, as early as 1/119, on the subject of laying pipes in the
streets on the grounds of Coates, the result of which was that
several main or service pipes were laid underthe directions of
the Water Company, with the understanding that that com-
pany would reimburse the builders of their outlay, as soon as it
got the use of them by a return of revenue. Tins understand.
mg was certainly not expressed its every case, though in all it
wasimplied. Pipes were accordingly laid agreea-
ble to mosta specification
furnished by the Water Company.—
Thieve, howtrar, the Connally declined to pay for, even though
it now derives a revenue from them of several hundred pounds
per annum. In consequence of this refusal, some Individuals
had raised actions in the Court of Session, while others had
deemed it necessary to call a general meeting of builders, in
order that the subject might be fully discussed, and proper
measures adopted. With that view a correspondence had been
opened with the Water Company, and a report drawn up which
would be submitted to the Meeting.
Mr. IlExpitnsosi laid the report on the table, which was
read.
Mr. NVit.xtr was of opinion that the
_grounds of the Earl
of Moray should be held as included in the report, and a mi-
nute appended to that
Sir p. WALXER said he had no objection, but it was almost
unnecessary, because the facts and conclusions were the same
in both cases.
The builders on different grounds around Edinburgh. hav-
ing for their interests expressed a similar wish with that of
Mr. IVilkie, were included ; and it was agreed that the reso-
lutions proposed by the Coates builders should be adopted as
the general resolutions of all the Edinburgh builders.
The report was then unanimously approved of, ordered to be
published, and a Committee appointed to watch over the inte-
rests of the builders.

The thanks of the Meeting were unanimously voted to Sir
P. Walker for the trouble he bad taken, and to Deacon Thin
for his conduct in the Chair.

NEW WATmt COMPANY.
immediately on Deacon Thin leaving the Chair, Mr. Bal.
lantyne, agent for the Earl of Moray, moved, that from the
absence of that Noble Lord, who intended to have been pre-
sent, Sir P. Walker be called to ,the Chair, and state the ob.
jects of this meeting. This having been seconded, was unard-
moualy agreed to.
Sir PATRICK WALKER began by stating, that this meeting
was in great measure the consequence of the preceding, and
took its rise from the circumstances which had already been de.
tailed, but that it was necessary to keep them quite distinct
from each other. The object of the present meeting was to de-
vise measures for the additional comfort of the inhabitants of
this city and neighbourhood, by procuring a more plentiful
supply of that indispensible necessary—water—at an easier and
a cheaper rate than had hitherto been obtained. The great
and rapid increase of the population, as well as the inadequacy
of the present supply, were in themselves good reasons for sett-
ing on foot such an undertaking as a new Water Company. A
temporary relief might be obtained, but nothing effectual or
permanent could be done, unless by a New Company, which,
whilst it would tend to check the spirit of monopoly, would
serve the public at a lower rate than at present was charged for
that valuable necessary. He had no doubt but the New Coin.
pansy would receive the support as well as the thanks of the
public. Similar circumstances had led to similar restate in
London, for within these few days a friend of hie had put into
his hand an advertisement from a London newspaper, contain-
ing the prospectus of the Thames Water Company, and as
buying
grk Buildings, two up of the London
Br
that seemed to comprehend the principal objects this meeting
had in view, he would read it to them. The tenor was nearly
asifd'oglleowc
e " r
. In
Water Companies hawo con
il ceased to exist, and the effect had been,
that of leaving the principal part of the city at the mercy of one
establishment for the supply of water.
t ritese q
andu entcheos ofe toht?
the
buThis circumstance,
added to the amazing number of additional buildings erect-
ed within these few years, and the rapid anti extensive man-
ner in which they are now proceeding, renders the present
period extremely advantageous for the formation of a new
Company.
Sir P. then read a draft prospectus for the new company,
which is to have a capital of 150,0001., divided into shares of
25/. each. To be managed by a Governor, Deputy-governor,
Directors, and extraordinary Directors. It was proposed to
include Leith, anti Sir Patrick said he had some communica-
tion with the Magistrates on the subject. They were favour-
able to the measure, but as it might take some little time to
obtain the general opinion of the people of that place, it was
proposed that the name of the company should not be inune-
diately fixed.
Mr. NVii eitlE was doubtful if Lieth should be included, as
it would pledge the company for a great expence from which an
adequate benefit might not probably be derived.
Another Gentleman wished the ancient Royalty of the City
to be included, for unless that was done, there would be no op-
position to the monopolizing spirit of tLe present company in
that part of Edinburgh.
Mr. BALLA NT YI,IE and Sir PATRICK 'WALKER thought
it would be better to leave these matters of detail to a Commit-
tee, who would report to a general meeting of Subscribers, to
be called for that purpose.
A Committee was then appointed, and apwaris of 50,0001.
was subscribed In the room.