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Ammonia, a valuable residual product of gas manufacture,
was present in the gas more or less frequently throughout the
year, but on no occasion was the limit fixed by the Acts of
Parliament—viz., four grains in 100 feet of gas—exceeded.
The quantity at all times was small, and sometimes ammonia
was entirely absent.
The Chief Gas Examiner being independent of the Company,
it is satisfactory to note that his reports on the daily testing of
the gas are so favourable.
No complaint was received by me during the year from
any private consumer in respect of the illuminating power of
the gas, and I understand that Mr, Philip Monson, your
Vestry'6 Superintendent of Street Lighting, is satisfied with
the quality of the gas as supplied to the public lamps.
Complaints, however, are occasionally made by private
consumers, who allege that, although the nominal price of
gas may go down (the shareholders' profits going up
pari passu) the actual annual payment for gas increases;
the reason probably being that no means are adopted for controlling
consumption, either at the meter or in connection with
the several burners. It is to the interest of the Company to
maintain high pressure; for then more gas is passed through
the meter, and has to be paid for by the unfortunate consumer;
who, moreover, is put to heavy charges for cleansing ceilings
fouled by unconsumed gas and smoke. I would, therefore,
once again recommend that automatic records of pressure, at all