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was then levied on all coal entering London, hat been allowed to
lapse, the advocates of abolition arguing that the disappearance of
the duty would cause a diminution in the price of coal not only
by the amount of the duty but also by some further sum due to
competition resulting from the introduction of an inferior quality
coal which it had not hitherto paid to bring to London,
but which was said to be suitable for certain purpose. These
anticipations, however, have not been realised, for the contract
price for coal instead of being less than in 1888 is now 21s. 9d. or
actually 5s. 6d. per ton more than then. As the consumption of
coal exceeds 500 tons a year, this increase is a Serious item. With
regard to water also, the Commissioners have been called npon to
pay a largely increased price. For many years the Grand Junction
Water Works Company supplied the establishment with
water, irrespective of quantity, for the sum of £150 a year, in
accordance with what the Commissioners conceive to be the intention
of the Legislature (9 and 10 Vic., Cap. 74, Sec. 28).
Unfortunately, however, the law enabling Water Companies to
supply public Baths and Washhouses with water on special
terms is only permissive, and when the Grand Junction Water
Company terminated the former arrangement and increased
their charge to 6d. per 1,000 gallons, the Commissioners were
power less in the matter. The Water Company will receive about
£200 a year additional from the baths owing to this revision of
price. Probably the supply of water will be transferred from
commercial companies to a public body at no distant date, when
water for public purposes, at bare cost, will form a considerable
indirect benefit of the change. Failing such transfer, it may
possibly prove economical for the Commissioners to sink a well
and obtain at any rate a portion of their supply independently of
the company.
With a view to some further economy in the administration of the
establishment, the Commissioners have accepted a tender for
the re-arrangement of the bath money-takers' offices, by which it
will be possible to dispense with the services of one of the moneytakers.
The amount of the tender is £120, and the annual
saving will be £46. The recent arrangement with the vestry for
washing the towels used in the lavatories at Piccadilly Circus
will also tend to economy by more fully utilising the services of
the staff on days when the baths are less frequented.