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of light and power for the service of man. (Cheers.) There might be critics who would tell them
that in this now departure they were outstepping the limits of municipal duty, and embarking
upon a perilous enterprise. Ho would reply to them in the words of Lowell —
Now occasions make now duties,
Times makes ancient forms uncouth ;
They must upward be and onward,
Who would be abreast of truth.
(Cheers.) No truth was more definitely established than the fact that each member of the
community had joined in the venture inaugurated to.day. They ought to be proud of their
public representatives who had shown deep interest in forwarding these objects. The Council
only wished other bodies would emulate the example that had been set them by the Shoreditch
Vestry. (Cheers.)
Mr. H. E. Kershaw, chairman of the Electric Lighting Committee, having cordially
responded,
Mr. E. J. Wakeling, J.P., affably proposed the health of the Guests, remarking that they
lived to teach one another and to learn from one another.
The toast was appropriately acknowledged by the Mayor of West Ham and Alderman Ellis,
chairman of the Portsmouth Electric Lighting Committee, who both warmly congratulated the
Vestry on what had been achieved.
Mr. H. T. Sawell proposed The Consulting Electrical Engineers." He could say a great
deal personally, but it was not necessary after the high praise Mr. Manville received from such
distinguished men that afternoon. He believed that in a short time the Vestry would have to
raise a loan to extend their works. (Cheers.)
Mr. E. Manville, in reply, remarked that his partners and himself felt that the success of
the scheme was assured. Thanks were due to Mr. Newton Russell, the chief electrical engineer,
and to Mr. Gardner, clerk of the works, for their energy and skill. The Contractors had also
done their work well, and he had great pleasure in proposing their health.
Mr. Alliott cordially acknowledged the compliment, remarking that he and his partners
had felt it an honour to be permitted to take part in this work.
The health of the Chairman was heartily drunk on the proposition of Mr. Shaw Lefevre
and Mr. Henry Ward, L.C.C., the distinguished Haggerston Councillor being greeted with
musical honours as he stood up to propose the toast.
Dr. Collins appropriately returned thanks, and the proceedings terminated at half.past ten.
The catering was satisfactorily carried out by the eminent firm of Buzzard, Oxford.street.
The proceedings were witnessed by a large number of ladies and gentlemen from the gallery,
and they were supplied with refreshments by a staff from Mr. T. Burnell's restaurant. He also
supplied light refreshments at the afternoon ceremony. The now arc lamps in the streets, the
pretty illuminations at the Town Hall, and the three arc lamps hung effectively on the Shoreditch
steeple excited a great deal of interest and gave a great deal of pleasure to the general
public.