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Light during the day is obtained by means of Hyatt's patent pavement
lights, and through the openings in the dome formed by the granite base
of lamp.
The artificial lighting is at present by gas, the Wenham Company's
patent lamps being used for the general area, and each w.c. being also
supplied with a small burner.
As soon, however, as the electric mains are completed in the vicinity
{which it is expected will be within a few weeks), the electric light will be
fitted and supplied by the St. James's and Pall Mall Electric Lighting
Company of Mason's Yard, S.W.
Ventilation is obtained through fresh air inlet gratings at the street
level and by the entrance staircases.
The foul and heated air is drawn up into the central dome, where an
upward current is formed in the shaft of central lamp by means of a small
sunlight which is kept burning at its base.
The group of lamps in the street is designed in the free renaissance
style, and consists of a central pillar with four smaller ones surrounding
it, the whole being raised on a base and dome of polished Aberdeen
granite, which is enriched with swags of flowers, and the arms of the City
of Westminster. The lamp not only forms a handsome ornament to the
Circus, but also acts as a ventilating shaft for the underground portion,
the dome forming a reservoir for the heated or foul air.
The execution of the work was entrusted to the following firms:—
The main structure, Messrs. B. Finch & Co.; granite work, Messrs.
Fenning & Co.; lamp columns, Messrs. McFarlane & Co.; lanterns and
gas fittings, Messrs. W. Sugg & Co.; and fixing the granite base, lamp
columns, &c., Messrs. Peto Brothers.
No charge will be made for the use of the urinals, but 1d. will be
charged to each person using the water closets, and 2d. for the use of the
lavatories; the latter are provided in the ladies' compartment only.
Two married couples have been engaged as attendants,
and the following regulations have been made for their
guidance:—
1. The Conveniences shall be opened each morning (except Sunday)
at seven o'clock, and kept open until one o'clock the following morning.
On Sundays they shall be opened at nine o'clock in the morning and kept
open until midnight.