View report page

164
action of this vestry.
It will be seen by the above figures that if this Vestry seek powers to
supply the light, it pledges itself to a considerable undertaking, and one
which in this district might result in a heavy loss.
The Vestry cannot obtain powers solely for the purpose of keeping
Companies out of the district, as the Board of Trade are strongly opposed
to what has been referred to as the policy of "the dog in the manger,"
and although the Local Authority or other Company may obtain powers to
enter a district, notwithstanding another Company having powers, yet the
Board of Trade may be relied on to protect to a considerable extent a
Company already working satisfactorily. The Vestry must, therefore,
decide what action it will take with reference to the two schemes,
particulars of which follow.
particulars of the two schemes.
The proposed Capital of the Brush Electrical Engineering Company is
£750,000; that of the House to House Electric Light Supply Company is
£350,000.
Both Companies seek powers to supply the whole of Hammersmith
and Fulham.
Both Companies undertake to keep separate accounts of their undertakings:
but Fulham is not kept distinct from Hammersmith.
The Companies would undertake to provide security within six months
of date of order.
The propose orders provide that no overhead wires should be laid
without the express sanction of the London County Council.
Both Companies propose to charge 8d. a unit, with a minimum
charge of 13s. 4d. for any quantity.
The Local Authority after every seven years may make a representation
to the Board of Trade that prices should be altered, and the Board of
Trade may order alterations.
The "House to House" agrees to lay mains in the following roads
within two years, Edith Road, Gliddon Road, Matheson Road, Mornington
Avenue, "North End."
The "Brush Company" seeks power to be able to transfer the whole
or part of their scheme, and may make preferential charges to Local
Authority.
These Bills are drafted on the lines laid down by the model order
supplied by the Board of Trade, after the exhaustive enquiry held by
Major Marinden last year; consequently they are not open to any great
objections, unless the Vestry desires to do the work itself, or to oppose the
Bills in order to gain time to further consider the question.
The last course seems to be reasonable, as there is not at present, in
my opinion, sufficient demand for the light to justify the expenditure of
capital, and the disturbance of the streets which would result from the
approval of any scheme.