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46
minimum quarterly charge, as the latter mode might enable the
Company to charge a specified sum during the summer quarter
although there had been absolutely no consumption of electricity
during the period. The Board of Trade reduced the price by 1d.
per unit (approximately equivalent to 10d. per 1,000 cubic feet of
gas), but declined to alter the minimum charge as suggested.
The Vestry have also received a draft Order for the Amalgamation
of the Edison and Swan Companies and made representations
thereon to the Board of Trade with a view to the protection
of the interests of the consumers and parishioners generally, some
of which have been adopted by the Board.
The Vestry, and their Lighting Committee, have devoted an
immense amount of labour to revising the form of the Provisional
Orders under the Electric Lighting Act 1882, and are gratified to
find that many of their suggestions to the Board of Trade are
embodied in the Orders granted by the Board and confirmed by
Parliament. It is probable that before the publication of another
Annual Report, the electric lighting schemes will be in full operation
so far as relates to the area comprised in Schedule A.
No action has been taken on the resolution of the Vestry to
apply for a license under the Electric Lighting Act.
PROPOSED AMALGAMATION OF GAS COMPANIES.
For some years past the Gas Light and Coke Company have
steadily pursued a policy of amalgamation with the undertakings
of other Companies, until the greater part of the Metropolis has
been absorbed into their district. In some cases amalgamation
has been attended with advantage to the consumer in the shape of
reduction in the price of gas, consequent upon the economy resulting
from the re-arragement of places for the manufacture and
storage of gas, but the Vestry view with grave doubts any further
amalgamation.
It was therefore with some satisfaction that they received an
intimation from the Board of Trade that, before assenting to the
draft scheme for the amalgamation of the South Metropolitan Gas