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22
The Metropolitan and House to House Companies did
not proceed with their proposals. On the 30th November
plans, notices, &c., were deposited by the Electric Construction
and Maintenance Company in respect of their scheme
described as the Crystal Palace and District Electric Lighting
Order, and by the London Electric Supply Corporation, their
scheme including the whole area of this District. Notice
was subsequently received from the Corporation, stating that
they did not intend to proceed this year with their proposal
as regards this District.
The only remaining scheme, The Crystal Palace and
District Electric Lighting Scheme, was considered by the
Works and General Purposes Committee, and on the 1st
February a notice of non-consent to the proposal was lodged
with the Board of Trade. This course was adopted in order
that the amendments and modifications to the draft Order
required by this Board might receive due consideration. The
amendments required were duly formulated, and negotiations
were made with the Undertakers for the insertion of the
same.
One of the principal amendments proposed by the Board
was that they should have a right (should the Board or their
successors desire to use it) of acquiring the undertaking at
any time after ten years from the commencement of the
Order.
The Electric Lighting Acts provide power for the
Authorities to acquire the undertakings after 42 years from
the commencement of the Order, but it was considered
desirable to have power to exercise such right at some earlier
period.
The subject was very fully discussed, negotiations were
carried on with the Undertakers, and finally an interview was
arranged with the Officials of the Board of Trade. In the
result an amended clause was agreed to, giving the Board
power to purchase the undertaking, if they should think fit
(so far as their District is concerned), after the period of
seven years, and within the period of fifteen years from the