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9
During the year an important Judgment was given in the
House of Lords upon a question raised by a Mr. Dobbs as to the
meaning of the term "Annual Value." It had always been held
by the Companies to mean "Gross Value" or the full rental which an
ordinary yearly tenant would pay to the landlord, the latter bearing
the expense of repairs, insurances, &c. Mr. Dobbs contended that
it was the amount less these expenses, or the same as the Poor
Rate would be charged upon. The question had been before four
Courts, two deciding one way and two the other; the last, the
House of Lords, held in favor of Mr. Dobbs which is of course
final. Although "Annual Value" is the lesser value, it does not
follow that the Poor Rate value, as stated in the ratebook is conclusive
upon the point, as in case of dispute between the consumer
and the Company, the Magistrate is to decide.
An appeal was made on behalf of Mr. Dobbs and his Committee
for aid towards his costs in contesting the above question with
the water Companies. The Vestry contributed the sum of fifty
pounds.
GAS COMPANIES' AMALGAMATION.
The Vestry was consulted by the Board of Trade as to its
opinion respecting a projected amalgamation between the Gas Light
and Coke Company and the South Metropolitan Gas Company.
The Vestry, having no direct interest in this question and
possessing no sufficient information upon the merits of the
subject, offered no opinion. The Amalgamation was not
carried out.
ELECTRIC LIGHT ORDERS.
Following the Electric Light Act of 1882 several notices were
given by promoters of Electric Light Companies of intention to
apply for Provisional Orders to authorize the supply of Electricity
for Lighting and Power to public and private consumers, as stated in
the last Annual Report. The only Order proceeded with was that
promoted by the Metropolitan (Brush) Electric Light and Power
Company, which, after some correspondence and a conference with
the Board of Trade, was agreed to and passed through Parliament.