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The Gas Light and Coke Company, whose price is the highest,
is now charging 3/- per 1000 feet, and paying 12 per cent, dividend
on its ordinary shares, the maximum rate of dividend allowable
when the price is 3/- being 12£ per cent. Other companies charge
6d. less.
TESTING OF GAS METERS.
An Act of Parliament of 1859 regulates the measures to be
used in the sale of gas, and provides for the appointment of inspectors
to test all gas meters; and by an Act of 1861, the power of
appointing inspectors in the Metropolis is vested in the Metropolitan
Board of Works of the three testing places in London, the one conveniently
situated for Fulham is in St. Ann Street, Westminster.
At each place is an inspector, with assistants, who tests all meters
brought to him for the purpose, a small charge being made for
each, according to a scale mentioned in Sec. 19 of the Gas Act, 1859.
The number of meters tested in 1885 was 88,845, and the fees
received or receivable amounted to £3,190. The expenses of
carrying out the provisions of the Act were about £2,880.
The Gas Companies cannot be compelled to light any street
with lamps at a greater distance from each other than seventy-five
yards.
The Gas Companies must deposit maps for inspection of Local
Authorities and consumers with the Clerks of the Peace.
The Gas Company shall not charge a higher price by the 1,000
cubic feet for gas supplied to any local authority than the lowest
rate by the 1,000 cubic feet from time to time charged by them to
any private consumers, otherwise than by special contract in
writing.