The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1847-03-30 00:00:00

THE LIVERPOOL STANDARD.

LOCAL MEETINGS.

THE GUARDIAN OAS BILL—MEETING OF THE COUNCIL.
On Tuesday a special meeting of the Town Council was
held in the Town, Hall, for the purpose of taking into
consideration the merits of the two gas bills now before
parliament for lighting the borough of Liverpool.
At 12 o'clock his Worship the MAYOR took the Chair,
when he stated that they were met to take into considera-
tion the Bills for a supply of Gas for the Borough of Li-
verpool, on which the committee for lighting the town
bad prepared a report. But before entering upon
this subject he would read a letter which he had re-
ceived from the Guardian Gas Company. And even
before that letter was read he would allude to another
topic. It was well-known to the Council that many of its
members held shares in one or other of these companies ;
and they were also aware, that, according to the Munici-
pal Act, such members were prohibited from taking any
part in any debate, or voting, in the Council, on any mo-
tion relative to these companies. He was himself in the
situation of most of them: he held shares in one of the
companies himself; but he felt that, having a due respect
for the office which he held, it would be most desirable
that this very proper position of the act should not be in-
fringed. He would now call upon the Town-clerk to read
the memorial which had been received from the Guardian
Gas Company.
Mr. H. RORNBY wished to ask the Town-clerk if there
was not a section of the Municipal Act which excepted
gas and water bills from this restriction ?
The TOWN-CLERK replied, that the 28th section of the
act did make many exceptions, but neither gas nor water
was included. He then read both the sections of the
act ; when
Mr. COOII'ER said he wished to ask whether any person
rho was a consumer of gas was not, directly or indirectly,
interested in this matter. (Laughter.) He contended
that every gentleman in that room, who consumed gas,
was either directly or indirectly interested in this business.
(" Oh, oh, and " No.")
The MAYOR.—After all, this must be left to gentle-
men's consciences.
Petitions in favour of the Guardian Gas Company were
then handed in from the different wards of the town.
These petitions contain the names, trades or professions,
and residences of the subscribers, being inhabitant house-
holders, ratepayers, and occupiers of premises within the
borough. The following list skews the number of signa-
tures to. each petition, all of which, it was stated, had
been obtained within the last three days :
Ward. Signatures.
1. Evertor? and Kirkdale 379
2. Scotland
3. Vauxhall ............... 254
• 4. St. Paul's
5. Exchange ..... ..•
6. Castle-street 250
7. St. Peter's
8. Pitt-street
9 Great George-street 239
10. Rodney-street
11. Abercromby
12. Lime-street
13. St. Anne's
14. West Derby
15. South Toxteth
16. North Toxteth

Mr. RATHBONE, in handing in the petition frOm the
Vauxhall Ward, asked leave to say a few words previous to
his leaving to attend his business' on the Grand Jury.
He said that he had been requested to hand in the peti-
tion which was now before them, and also to support its
prayer. This he had great pleasure in doing. He would
state, that formerly he held 25 shares in this company,
but he had paid them off and disposed of them. From
that time to the present he had had nothing more to do
with the shares of the company. He believed that the
public had been very much benefitted by the Guardian
Gas Company. (Hear, hear.) He said on a former
occasion, that he was somewhat behind the scenes.
He was behind the scenes, and he knew that the bill of
that company was thrown out because of the agreement
which was made between the two existing companies to
amalgamate, and to give the public the benefit of the
premiums. The Guardian Gas Company had been taxed
with having violated their share of that agreement.
That, he (Mr. Rathbone) thought, was an impos-
sibility ; for the Guardian Gas Company never had
been a party to that part of the agreement. It was
impossible that there could be any violation of a bargain
which never had an existence. Under these circum-
stances he felt that it was merely a ruse de guerre on the
part of the companies to make such a statement ; and one
which the Council should not submit to. If they
had bamboozled the Committee of the Guardian Com-
pany, they should not attempt to bamboozle the Council.
There were many of the gentlemen present, who, like
himself, had the honour of being Magistrates, whose duty
it was to enforce the payment of the taxes of the Borough.
He said they would not have the hearts of Christian men
if they did not feel for the poor of Liverpool, who were
already so severely taxed. He felt that they would not
have the hearts of men if they did not do all in their
power to lessen those taxes. Under these circumstances
he w2uld do all in his power to support the Guardian Gas
Comimny.
The TOWN-CLERK then read the clauses in the Dale-
street Company's act, which empowered them to raise
their capital. _ _ _

Mr. HODGSON wished to know the amount of capital
to be raised by the. Company, independent of all contin-
gencies ?
The TOWN-CLERK : £lOO,OOO. That is for the Old
Company.
Mr. HODGSON.—And how much did the Guardian Gas
Company propose to raise ?
The TOWN -CLERK.—AIso £lOO,OOO.
Mr. NICOL thought there was still a question before
the chair, which he did not understand. What they de-
clared that they produced on the first shares, with all the
premiums, has been expended.
Mr. AIKIN said, that, if. he understood the question
rightly, the proprietors would have the benefit of all the
premiums on the new shares.

The MAYOR.—No : only the half of it.
Mr. Aix-IN.—lndependent of contingencies, they would
have an advantage on the second issue. And it is quite
clear that they will have the full benefit of the first.
Mr. H. HORNBY stated, that raising the first £50,000
would not benefit the present proprietors in the least, as
all the benefits arising from it would go to the public.
Indeed he might consider the public as part proprietors
themselves. At least they were very much interested in
the welfare of the company, for when the profits of the
company rose above 10 per cent., then they received the
benefit in the reduction in price of gas. It appeared to
him that the recommendation of the committee was ex-
tremely sound and proper, and he thought it was the duty
of the Council to support them in their decision on the
matter.

TOWN-CLERK.—But there are some differences between
the Company and the Council which may alter the pre-
sent arrangement. The Committee say that the whole of
the shares of the Company should be sold by auction ; to
that proposition the Company do not seem inclined to
agree.
The MAYoR.—But in that part of the proceedings the
New Company have no interest.
The TOWN-CLERK then read a number of clauses of
the form of agreement which had been laid by the com-
mittee before both the companies, and also the proprietors,
put in by both, where they happened to disagree with the
terms proposed by the committee.
Mr. PARKER contended that, in the event of this agree-
ment being adopted by the proprietors, it was only a pre-
liminary step, as the committee had not, in his opinion,
the power to come to any final decision on the subject.
That could only be done by the Council.
The TOWN-CLERK then read the report of the Lighting
and Health Committee, which recommended the two
existing companies to amalgamate, and, in the event of
sutoppt
oppoe the their doing so, it recommended the Council to support
to
il
cte
also
ls event en
thet o their
following
doing o
them in getting a bill through parliament, to enable them
supply
to wants
billo of the f
it G
t wuitahmeliffiancieGnacs C
y ;aonndipaalnsyo.,
in
And h
recommendedfrom th
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Guardian
dh
iea
nCoGasun-
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letter
Company :
Guardian Gas Office, Liverpool,
22d March, 1847.

TO THE WORSHIPFUL THE MAYOR OF LIVERPOOL.
am directed by the Managing Committee of the
Guardian Gas Company to make the following communication
to you, and, on their behalf, respectfully to rcquest that you
will be pleased to make its contents known to the Council of
the Borough, at the meeting convened for Tuesday, the 23d
instant, which it is understood is called for the purpose of de-
termining as to the course the Corporation should pursue with
respect to the Guardian Gas Company's Bill, now before Par-
liament.

The Guardian Gas Company understand that a Sub-Com-
mittee of the Council,'consisting of four gentlemen, were ap-
pointed to examine and report as to the merits of their Bill ;
and they arc further informed, that the report of the Sub-Com-
mittee is in favour of an amalgamation of the Liverpool Gas-
light Company with the New Gas and Coke Company. Should
this amalgamation be arranged, then the Corporation are re-
commended by the Sub-Committee to support the existing
companies in parliament; if otherwise, to support the Guardian
Gas Company's Bill.
I am directed to state, that in any understanding your Sub-
Committee may have had with the existing companies, no con-
sideration has been shown to the interests or motives of the
Guardian Gas Company, who consider themselves as repre-
senting a large majority of the gas consumers of Liverpool,
your Sub-Committee not having requested any interview or
communication with them, after the explanation given of the
objects of. the said Company and the advantages to be derived
by the community therefrom.
The Guardian Gas Company conceive that they have now
much strongergrounds to protest against such amalgamation
than they had in 1845.
Ist,—The greatly increased consumption within the last two
years, mainly consequent on the reduction of price to 4s. Gd.
per thousand cubic feet, which reduction was forced upon the
existing companies by the Committee of the House of Com-
mons.

2ndly,--The necessity for a further investment of Capital,
which is proved by the present application of the Liverpool Gas-
light Company to Parliament, for power to raise st 200,000 ad-
ditional capital.
3rdly,----The increase in the population of the borough, and
the consequent increase in the consumption of gas, it having
been proved by Mr. King, the engineer to the Liverpool Gas-
light Company, before the Commissioners of Inquiry, that the
consumption of gas would be doubled in 4i years, and trebled
in 7 years from the presentperiod..
4thly,—The inexpediency and injustice of placing in the
hands of an individuaLcompany, the monopoly and supply of
gas in a great and rapidly increasing town like Liverpool.
The Guardian Gas Company have read the report of the
Commissioners appointed to investigate the merits of the
Guardian Gas, and Liverpool Gas-light Companies Bills; it is
perhaps unnecessary to state in Liverpool that the evidence
with respect to the Guardian Gas Company's Bill, wss given
before Mr. Lowe only, Mr. Ellison, the other Commissioner
being from illness unable to attend.
The Report appears to be of a decided party character, not-
withstanding the concluding recommendation to anialgamate
the three companies at a7i per cent. dividend. With respect
to the price of Gas, the supply of country districts, and other
matters referred to in the Report, the Guardian Gas Company
will be prepared to support the position they have taken, before
a Committee of the House of Commons. _

With reference to the alleged inconvenience tot ice front the,

raising.of the. streets by the Guardian Gas Company, I beg
permission to draw attention to a passage in the report of the
government commissioners, (2d paragraph, folio 17,) which
shows that the streets must be raised to meet the increased de-
mand for gas, and that the objection on that ground, if of any
real weight, (which may be doubted, the inconvenience be►ng
but temporary, while the advantage would be permanent,) will
apply no more to the Guardian Gas Company than tn,the ex-
isting companies. "Mr. King expressly states, that a large
Portion within the municipal boundaries is not yctlighted, and
that more mains are to be laid within the municipaLbounda-
ries than there have been at present laid, and that the present
company has at present altered a portion of its mains by sub-
stituting large for. small ones ; and that no part of the present
capital applied for is required to enable the company to carry
that substitution still further, and that, therefore, the applica-
tion made by..the Guardian Gas Company to be allowed to com-
pete with the existing companies is not without some• show of
reason."
_ _ _

I have furthento remark that the Guardian Gas Company, at
the last Parliamentary contest, expended a large sum iwtheir
endeavours to obtain an act of incorporation, whichsum was
lost to the sharehohlerS, and principally among the Gss Con-
sumers of Liverpool; they are now engaged in a similer con-
test, which maßitivolve an equal expenditure, and they there-
fore feel that they have a strong claim on the Council for.their
active supportand.cotiperation to enable them to obtain their
Bill.

I have the honour to be, Sir,
Youi Worship's most obedient servants ,
J. M. MACDONALD, -
Secretary to the Guardian Gas Company.

TURNER rose to propose the adoption of the re-
port. Since that report was adopted they had had.another
interview with the two companies, and, he was happy to
state, that they had both agreed to the proposed. amalga-
mation. He held in his hand the basis of the agreement
for that amalgamation. He did not think it necessary- to
say more than to ask the Town-clerk to read this docu-
ment.

Mr. BustinY seconded the adoption of the report, and
expressed his hearty concurrence in the recommendations
which it contained. _

Mr. pARKER wished to know if the borough was to be
put to the expense attending this matter. He wished to
know if the already heavily-taxed burgesses of Liverpool
were to be taxed for the support of the private specula-
tions of, a private company, which was to reap the benefits
of the speculation ? And he wanted to know. if the
Counclwas to be bound to.oppose the Guardian Gas bill
if they. agreed to this amalgamation, and at whose expense
that opposition was to be carried on.
TOWN-CLERK:—The Council, in the event of this
amalgamation taking place, must oppose the Guardian
Gas fill.

Mr. PARKER.—And at whose expense ?
TOWN ci..butx.—At the expense of the Council.
Mr. PAHKER did not think that the adoption of such
a course would be at all advisable,—nor would it be wise
or just to either the Guardian Gas Company, from whom
the public had received such benefits, nor to the public.
The Guardian Co. had their bill ready—they were prepared
to go to parliament ; but he would ask where was the bill
of the Old Company ? They had no bill, they were only
seeking for help to get one. And they had lost this ses-
sion—they had allowed the time to pass over when they
might, if they were inclined, have been conferring a benefit
on the public. And he would tell gentlemen in that
Council that, however the gas interest might predominate
' in it, they should put that in abeyance, and think only of
the interest and the welfare of their constituents—the
public at large.
After some conversation as to whether there were a suf-
ficient number of members present, independent of those
who were prohibited from taking a part in the proceedings,
to constitute a Council,
Mr. HIGGINS rose to propose the annexed amend-
ment :—" That the report be not adopted. That the
Council approve of the principle of the Guardian Gas
Company, and that it be referred to the Lighting and
Health Committee to support that bill in parliament,
subject to such modifications of the details as may be
,necessary for the protection of the public." He was
going to make an observation or two on the subject then
under the consideration of the Council ; but if they had
not as many members present- as would constitute a
Council, it would be useless for him to do so.
The MAYOR.—Go on, Mr. Higgins.
Mr. HODGSON.—Before you proceed further, it would
be *ell to ascertain if we have a Council.

Mr. BRAMLEY-MOORE.—And if we have not, what
are we to do ?

TOWN-cLtaic.—lf not, we cannot go on.
Mr. HIGGINS.—How many does it require to form a
Council ?

Mr. BnAMLEY-MOORB.—Twenty-two.
The MAYOR.—Oh ! gentlemen, will you allow Mr.
Higgins to go on.
Mr. HIGGINS proceeded to state, that before entering
upon the subject, he should like any member in the council
who was interested in these gas companies to stand up, in
order that they might see whether in reality they had a
Cduncil.

The gentlemen so circumstanced then stood up, when
there appeared to be- many more than the requisite num-
ber for a Council, independent of them.
Mr. HrGams would then move his amendment, and
he did so on the grounds that to support the present
companies, at the expense of the public, was to support
and perpetuate, with the public money, a monopoly which
was injurious to the public; and which had been allowed
to exist too long in this towm He did not mean to
say that the gentlemen who were proprietors in
these companies would do anything that was not strictly
within the terms of their agreement with the public, and,
therefore, strictly right ; but still he looked upon the
matter as one of human nature; for when men united for
their own interest, their own interest they would support
above all considerations for any person else. He thought
they would. be departinc, from the true performance of the
duties which they owed' to the public if they adopted the
course recommended in tbp report. They had heard the
expression, that day, of the public mind on this sub-
ject, they bad heard that mind through the sixteen
memorials from- the sixteen wards of the town ; and those
memorials—all` of them—prayed that the public might
have the benefit of cheap light, and that the present mo-
nopoly should be put an end to. If they attended
to and granted the prayer of those petitions, they would
not only effect a saving to the public, but they would in-
crease their surplus fund, which stood very much in need
of an augmentation. The only objection which had been
made to the bill of the Guardian Company was on the
ground of its being calculated to break up and injure the
streets. That, however, had been answered by the com-
pany. ' They say that if the present company increase
their works to meet the demands of the town, they must
lay down new and larger mains than are at present in the
streets ; and they contend, that if the Council givesthatpri-
vilege to one company, they ought not to refuse it
to another, as in either case one laying down of mains
mpst take place. And if the Council accepted the propo-
sition of the Guardian Gas Bill, it would have the power
and the privilege of selecting the most fitting occasions for
disturbing the streets. On these grounds he moved his
amendment, and he was prepared to oppose the adoption '
of the report.
Some conversation again took place as to whether there
was a Council present.
It was suggested by Mr. HODGSON that those who were
precluded from taking a part in the business should sit at
the one side of the Council-chamber.

Mr. COOPER thought that he had every right, as a
member of that Council, to remain in his place, and
listen to a great deal of nonsense, if it pleased him to do
so. (Laughter.)
Mr. HIGGINS only hoped that he (Mr. Cooper) would
utter no more nonsense. (Laughter.) He trusted the
Council would consider the Welfare of the town, and the
interests of the inhabitants generally, and, seeing that
two companies could not supply the town with gas—that
they would support the Guardian Gas Company, and
thereby demonstrate to their constituants that their in-
terests were paramount with them.

Mr. RoYnEN tilt the utmost gratification in seconding
the amendment of his friend Mr. Higgins.
After a few words from Alderman BUSHBY,
Mr. BENNETT, as a member of the committee, begged
leave to make a few observations regarding the circum-
stances which induced the committee to come to the
conclusions which they had arrived at, as contained in
the report just read by the Town-clerk. At an interview
which they had at first with the Guardian Gas Company,
he thought that the committee were rather dissatisfied
with the report of their engineer, Mr. Cox ; and it was
owing to the unsatiAfactory state of the estimates which
he presented, and also because they did not believe it
possible for the company to make good gas and sell it at
the proposed price, which in a great measure induced
them to come to their present determination. (Hear.)
They were also influenced a good deal by the report of the
local surveyors who had been sent down from the Woods
and Forests to report upon the subject. That report was
most unfavourable for the Guardian CoMpany ; and in
order that the Council might understand the nature of
that report, he would request the Town-clerk to read
some portion ,of it.
The TOWN-.CLERK then read several extracts from this
report, which went to shew that it was impossible for the
Guardian Gas Company to succeed under any circum-
stances.

Mr. BENNETT, in continuation,,.,.stated that Mr. Cox
had lett out in his estimates many items which should
have been taken into account, when he proposed giving
gas at 3s. Bd. per 1000 cubic feet.
Mr. HIGGINs.—What amount per 1000 feet has he
left out ?
Mr. BENNETL—Fivepence halfpen*.
Mr.,HinniNs.—What dividend does he calculate for?
Mr. BENNErr.—Seven-and.a-half per cent.
Mr. HIGGINS.—And how much do the others receive ?
Mr. BENNETT.—TeII per cent.
Mr. PARKER rose with regret to oppose his colleague,
(Mr. Bennett.) He was glad that he had come out on
this oceasionjor he was certain that the town would find
him a really practical man, and one who would do much
to advance the interests of the people at large. But still
he (Mr. Parker) must say that he was hut young in these
matters—he had not had sufficient experience in making
arrangements of this' kind—(laughter)--and he'believed
that his good nature had in a great measure led him to
support the committee with which he was connected be-
cause he was connected with"it. They had heard a great
deal about the unanimity, the amiability, and the cor-
diality of the two companies; but in his opinion
they were as different as oil and water, and but one whit
more likely to agree. (Hear, hear.) What guarantee
had they offered that they would amalgamate ? Had they
offered any ? They hid no one's word pledged that it
would he done if even the Council were to accede to their
wishes. (Hear, hear.) They had to be sure the
word of the directors ; but would the proprietors agree
to it ? He thought not. Mr. King said he would make
gas and sell it to them at a lower rate than it could be
produced for. That was not the proposition of Mr. Cox.
No : his was a more reasonable one, for he only
professes to give it at a small figure higher than he
' can make it for. He is not so magnanimous. He (Mr.
P.) did not understand the system. He had heard of buying-
and selling linen at less than it cost;: but these gas com-
panies beat all such linen merchaits he had ever heard of
in the marvellous. (Laughter.) Besides, lie believed that
they did. not stand there as the advocates of any company

they were there as the advocates of the public. Who
compose the great bulk of the gas consumers in Liver-
pool ? The middle and working-classes, and not the mer-
chants. They had heard a great, deal about the breaking
up of the streets—about the pipes being laid contigious to
each other, the water being rendered unwholesome ;
but that was all nonsense, and besides, it was a matter
that they should not set so high a value upon. They
were told that if they got another .f.:50,000, and a f.-50,000
now, and the same again, that they would go on in-
creasing and increasing till they would be able to serve
the public as they ought now to do. (Hear, hear.)
But why, he would ask, could not the Guardian. Gas.
Company do the same ? He did not see why they should
be called upon to vote away the public money,. for the
support and protection of any private company whatever.
It v.,as not fair or just to the Burgesses at large if. they
didsso. The Council had no sight•-to fight. their battles,;.
let them fight their own. If the purse-strings of the
Council were to be tied, and aIL parties placed on a fair
footing, he would be satisfied, but not otherwise. He
would conclude by recording his vote in favour of the
amendment.

Mr. BRAN/LEY-AMORE rose and stated that the town
waa under great obligations to the Guardian Company for
the benefits they had already conferred upon the public, as
he firmly believed if the Guardian Company had not been
established the public would not now be receiving gas
either so good or so cheap. He. thought, under these
circumstances, that they should iu'any case be remuner.;
ated for the sacrifices which they had- made for the public;
but still he could not help saying. and believing that the
committee had adopted the wisest and best course in the
report which he had heard read.
Mr. PROCTER said that the petitions were most respect-
ably signed in three days, by housekeepers, merchants,
heads of firms, &c., and that it, was preposterous to
suppose a large portion of the piipulation could have the
opportunity. The Guardian Gas - Company ,undertook
to supply gas at 3s. Bd. per 1000 cubic feet : and
his impression was that an amalgamation' of the two ex-
isting companies would only confirm a monopoly. Ile
would leave the companies to fight their own battle, and
not interfere. The Council was stepping out of its course
in meddling with the companies.
Mr. HODGSON agreed that the Guardian Gas Company
had done good in reducing the price of gas, but he thought
the disadvantages of a new company would neutralize or
overcome all the expected advantages. They were now
supplied with the very best gas at a cheap rate. The sum
which the new company were going for (.£100,000) was an
absurdity. To carry out their works effectually, three or
four times that amount would be required. Besides,
they could not supply the outskirts of the town,
and the streets would be further broken up. The Guar-
dian Gas Company had proved nothing; but they deserved
thanks for being the means of bringing about a reduction
in the price of gas. Let the companies fight their own
battle. He thought the new company would be defeated
in parliament.
Mr. J. HOUSE was in favour of leaving the present
companies as they were. The New Gas and Coke Com-
pany were able to supply twice the present amount of gas.
and he thought the town would be benefitted by leaving
the companies to themselves..

Mr. AIKIN said that the people of Liverpool at large
were in favour of the New Gas Company ; and he thought
the time was come for the• Corporation to purchase the
gas works, and to supply the town, themselves, with gas
as they proposed to do with water. If they did not pur-
chase now, they would have to do so hereafter, when they
would have much more to pay.
Mr. STEWART was of opinion that under one company
the gas would be better and more cheaply supplied. Ile
proposed that the Council, if they did not become the
suppliers of gas, by purchasing the present works, should
insist upon an amalgamation of the companies, as had
been promised. The sole object was to obtain good gas
at the cheapest rate.
Mr. LAcn was against any remuneratien to the Guard-
ian Gas Company, as what they had effected was for their
own ends. They could not be serious when they said
they could produce gas at 3s. Bd. He did not think the
Council should pledge themselves to any particular or
hasty step on the question.
Mr. Higgins's amendment was then put, and was lost
by a majority of 14 to 13.
Another amendment, by Mr. ROBINSON, resulted in
votes for 15, and against 11; but this was also super-
seded.

Several other amendments were submitted,—one of
them by Mr. LACE, to the effect that the Council should
oppose both the gas bills, and that it was important that
both the gas companies should be purchased by the Cor-
poration, and steps taken to that effect ;—but no definite
conclusion was come to.

The TOWN.CLERK, on being questioned as to the state
of the question, said that the report of the Committee of
the Council was negatived, and that the Council, so far,
had resolved to take no part for or against the gas com-
panies._

Mr. HODGSON suggested an adjournment, as he con-
ceived that any precipitancy of decision on so important a
subject would not be satisfactory to themselves or the
public. _ _

The general feeling appeared to be in favour of this
suggestion, and not (as several gentlemen had proposed)
to refer the matter back to the committee for reconside-
ration ; and, by mutual consent, the MAYOR adjourned
the meeting until Friday next, at twelve o'clock.
On Mr. Higgins's amendment, the votes were—
For.—W. Preston, C. S. Middleton, T. Robinson, T.
Aikin, T. Toulmin, T. Royden, J. Procter, T. Kaye, V.
Higgins, J. Parker, J. Booker, R. L. Jones, J. Lawrence
—l3.

Against.—W. Atherton, J. Holme, T. Little&le' J.
Stitt, J. Stewart, W. Bennett, J. Plumpton, A. Lace,
D. Hodggon, W. Nicol, J. H. Turner, J. B. Moore, J. S.
Leigh, W. P. Bushby-14.
On Mr. Robinson 'a amendment •the numbers were :
For—W. Preston, J. Stitt, C. S. Middleton, T. Little-
dale, .1. Aikin, T. Robinson, T. Toulmin, T. Boyden, J.
Procter, T. Kaye, V. Higgins, J. Parker. J. Booker, R.
L. Jones, J. Lawrence-15.

Apainst.—J. Holme, J. Stewart. W. Bennett, J.
Plumpton, A. Lace, D. llodgson, W. Nicol, J. H. Tur-
ner, J. B. Moore, J. S. Leigh, W. P. Bushby-11.

An adjourned meeting of the Town Council was held in
the Council Chamber on Friday, to adopt final measures
respecting the gas question.

The BrAYOII adi,erted to the cause of the meeting,
which was to consider whether a resolution, proposed by
Mr. Robinson, on Tuesday, and which was an amend-
ment on the original motion of Mr. Turner, the chairman
of the Lighting Committee, should be adopted. The
Mayor then read the resolution,
_which was as follows :
" That the report be not adopted, and that the Council
take no part either for or against the principles of the
Guardian Gas Bill, or the Liverpool Gas Bill, but that it
be referred to the Lighting and Health Committee, to
introduce such clauses as may be necessary for the benefit
of the public."
The MAYOR said that before he asked if any gentleman
had an amendment to propose, he would read a letter
which had been addressed to him from the proprietors of
the Guardian Gas Company, having reference to some
remarks that had fallen from Mr. Bennett, at the Council,
on Tuesday.
Mr. D. HODGSON strenuously opposed the reading of
the letter, and thought no parties out of doors should be
allowed to reply by such a mode to what might transpire
at their meetings.
Much discussion ensued on the point, and the letter
was ultimately read. It had reference to certain state-
ments made by Mr. Bennett at the last meeting, touching
the price of gas, as proposed by the Guardian Gas Com-
pany, and went to show that what Mr. B. had stated was
incorrect.

A memorial addressed to the Mayor by the Liverpool
house-owners Guardian Association, was then read. It
stated that the memorialists had long been of opinion
that the supply of gas to the town ought to be in the
hands of the Corporation, and instanced the case of Man-
chester, where the gas works were under the control of
the authorities of the,town. The memorial concluded by
recommending, the purchase by the Corporation of the
two existing companies.
Mr. RATHBONE wished to be allowed to hand in the
copy of a letter from Mr. Cox, which he happened to
have, and which he thought in justice to Mr. Bennett,
should be read. This was opposed, and the reading of
the letter was deferred.

Mr. Nicol thought it was the duty of the Council to
see that the two companies did amalgamate, and regretted
this amalgamation did not take effect when first proposed.
He thought it would be time enough when the existing
companies had done what they proposed in 1t345, for the
Council to confider whether it was more advisable to deal
With the Guardian Gas Company, or to sanction the rais-
in. of the additional capital by the existing companies.
Mr. Nicol, alluding to the sixteen petitions presented t 4
the Council on behalf of the Guardian Gas Company on
Tuesday, said they were all copies of one document.
Mr. LACE said, either the Corporation must at once
take steps to supply the town with gas, or give up the idea
altogether. He was convinced the present company could
do this better than the Corporation could, but private in-
terests would prevent such ' a desideratum. As to the
companies amalgamating, he doubted if such a procedure
would operate beneficially ' • for where there was no longer
any competition, the probability was, that the price would
be raised. He wasconvinced that the result of amalga-
mation would be unfavourable to the inhabitants. He
was of opinion that the best course to adopt would be, to
refer the question to a committee, to decide whether the
Corporation should become purchasers of the 'existing
companies.
Mr. D. HODGSON desired the Town-clerk to read a
report furnished by a former committee on the subject.
The report was dated March Ist, 1845. It went to show
that an enormous outlay of capital was caused b' the mere
fact of the gas being supplied from two sources instead of
one •, such, for instance, as the laying down of the pipes
in the same street by each company, the frequent breaking
up of the.streets, the expenses of two establishments for
the purposes of management, &c. Mr. Hodgson thought
that if these companies were united, the price of gas would
be considerably reduced. The Council could interfere to
prevent the existing clause, which limited the dividends
to 10 per cent., extending to the capital which it would
be necessary for them to apply to Parliament for. He
considered a private company better calculated for such
an undertaking than the Corporation ; and with respect
to what had been said about competition, he did not-think
much competition existed even under the present cir-
cumstances.
Mr. PARKER expressed himself in favour of the views
entertained by Mr. Lace, whose motion he felt convinced
would be carried. -
Mr. RATRBONE, in. order to show that the price of gas
could be reduced, produced a parliamentary document, by
which it appeared that a population of forty thousand
people was supplied with_ gas at 3s. IN. per 1000 cubic
feet. In answer to a question as to the price of coal in
the locality where gas was supplied at this rate, Mr. Rath-
bone said it was ten shillings per ton.
Several other members uldressed the Council on the