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18
LIGHTING.
During the past year 43 memorials have been received
for improved lighting in various parts of the parish, 30 of
which were acceded to, by the erection of new columns or
removals, and 13 refused. There have been 23 new lamps
erected, 11 lamps discontinued, 5 columns substituted for
brackets, and 28 lamps removed for purposes of improvement.
The total number of lamps lighted by the Vestry at the
present time is 2,226; and the cost of lighting, including the
removal of lamps, and sundry expenses for the year ended
the 25th day of March last, amounted to £10,548 0s. 1d.
In several preceding Reports reference has been made
to the districting arrangements of the Gas Companies, and to
the measures promoted in Parliament by the Metropolitan
Vestries and District Boards, with a view of regulating the
quality and price of Gas, and to protect the consumers from
any disadvantage to which they were exposed by reason of
the monopoly resulting from the combination of the Companies.
In the last Session of Parliament an Act was passed,
entitled "The Metropolis Gas Act, 1860," regulating the
Companies' charge for Gas, and fixing its illuminating power
at twelve sperm candles, and containing many other proviions
of a beneficial nature to the gas consumer.
The Vestry has appointed Dr. Odling the Chemical
Examiner of Gas, and monthly reports are presented by him
on its illuminating power and purity, from which it appears
that during the past year the quality of the Gas has been
improved.
Since the passing of the Act the Phoenix Gas Company
has reduced its price 3d. per 1,000 ft. to consumers north
of Kennington Church, and 9d. per 1,000 ft. south of that
point, to nearly the whole extent of the Parish.