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182
PUBLIC LIGHTING.
In my last Annual Report, I mentioned that a circuit of
rectified arcs had been converted to alternating current
as an experiment, and that if this proved satisfactory, it
was proposed to convert the whole of the lamps, as the
trouble through breakdowns on the rectified circuits was
entailing serious expense and inconvenience. I am pleased
to say that this experiment proved very satisfactory, and
it was decided to proceed with the work of converting the
whole of the public lamps. The actual alterations to the
lamps, including supplying all the necessary switchboards,
choking coils, substitutional resistances, additional domes,
&c., was carried out by Messrs. The Universal Electric Manufacturing
Co., of Peckham, but the refixing, changing, and
altering the circuits have been done by the Council's own
workmen. The work has been carried out satisfactorily,
and the lamps give a better light, and it is important to note
that not a single lamp was out any evening during the
reconstruction. The immunity from breakdown will soon
cover the cost of these alterations.
COSTS.
As the result of the year's working our Works costs have
been reduced by 11.2 per cent. to .7926. per unit, and the
total costs to 1.096d. per unit. This department continues
to be one of the most successful and economical Supply
Undertakings working in the Metropolitan area. The
following tables shew the comparison between the two years
cost per unit in detail, a reduction being shewn in practically
every department over which the staff have any control.
Per unit.
1905-6.
Coal £5,593= .368d.
Oil, Water and Petty
Stores 537= 035d.
Wages 2,948= .194d.
Repairs 1,947= .127d.
Distribution £2,943
Refunded 1,909
1,033= .o68d.
Works costs 12,058= .792d.
Management 2,338= .153d.
Rates, Taxes, and
Insurance 2,316= .151d.
Total cost £16,712= 1,o96d.
Units sold 3,644,146
Per unit.
1904-5.
£4,917 = .4ood.
507= -041d.
2,567=.209d.
2,208= .180d.
£1,329
563
766= .o62d.
10,965= .892d.
2,096= .170d.
1,433= .113d.
£14,494= 1,175d
2,948,633