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54
Bye-Laws for Tents, Vans, & Sheds.
38. Frequent inspections were made of vans and sheds
situated in the Borough, and the Bye-laws as to water supply,
w.c. accommodation and cleanliness enforced. In one case
overcrowding was abated, and in another earth closets were
provided.
Gas Lighting.
39. During the year the South Metropolitan Gas Company
have diminished the illuminating powers of their gas under an
Act of Parliament which required the Company at the same
time to offer to supply and fix an improved burner to all consumers
free of expense. The inferior gas burnt with an
improved burner gives abetter light at less cost than the former
superior gas did with the common fish tail burners, and 1
believe the Company have carried out the duties imposed on
them as to offering to supply the improved burners. But
whether the offer has not been understood, or neglected, or
from whatever cause, there is no doubt that the vast majority
of the population of the Borough are now consuming the
inferior gas without having been supplied with the improved
burners, with the result no doubt that more gas is burnt, more
air consumed, and more poisonous carbon compounds produced
to be breathed into the lungs ; thus ensues increased
expense for lighting, and deteriorated health. Obviously Parliament
ought to have required the Gas Company to make a
personal house to house offer to fix the improved burners.
Only a few of the educated classes will attend to the offer sent
by post, but for the mass of the working classes it might as
well not be made. Applications for new burners must be made
before July 1st, 1903, after which the Company is under no
obligation to supply them free.