Electric Lighting for Feilding.

Feilding Star, Volume XVII, Issue 105, 31 October 1895, Page 2

Electric Lighting for Feilding.

About forty of the most influential ratepayers in the Borough, and others in the" vicinity, met in Mr C. Bray's office last evening to discuss the details of a practical scheme of electric lighting suited to the requirements of the Feilding Borough. The meeting was convened by circular signed by Messrs J. G. Cobbe, H. W. Davy, and W. Carthew. Mr J. J. Bagnall was voted to the chair, and after briefly stating the objects of the meeting, invited the conveners to explain the proposals. Mr J. H. Stevens stated he had procured information from various sources with a view to ascertaining the probable cost of lightisg the town with electricity. He read a scheme selected by him from a number received in response to enquiries — namely, from the Waygood Elevator Company, of Sydney. The scheme was that in the event of a syndicate undertaking the work, such syndicate should protect itself by obtaining from the Borough Council the sole right to erect poles and run wires within the Borough, say for a term of not less than 21 years. They recommended the installation being carried out on what is known as the low tension system —say 110 volts. With this system less care was required in the wiring of houses, and there was less liklihood of accident to life or property. The high tension alternating system was dangerous, and required extra care and more skill iv handling. The low tension was quite safe. A stationary undertype compound engine and boiler capable of giving off 60 h.p., with steam at 1401bs pressure, was recommended, and a Crompton's or similar approved dynamo would be capable of supplying 500 lights of 16-candle power all on. The firm mentioned estimated the cost of the whole work would be £2500, and could be completed within seven months from the date of acceptance of the tender, or, say, within three months after the arrival of the machinery in Feilding. The cost of installing 16-candle power lamps in buildings varies according to the class of fittings required, from £1 per light upwards. To compete with gas at 12s 6d per thousand feet, the light might be supplied at a figure equal to gas at 10s per thousand feet. The charges would be : For an 8-candle power incandescent lamp, £1 15s per annum ; for a 16 c.p. lamp, £2 15s ; for a 500 c.p. arc. lamp, £20 ; for a 2000 c.p. arc lamp, £40 ; other sizes by special arrangement. A plant similar to that mentioned would be capable of supplying 650 incandescent lamps of 16 c.p. each. At £2 15s each an annual income of £1781 would be received. A manager, who was a competent electrical engineer, would be required, with the assistance of a stoker, to look after the plant when in full swing. The expenses would be as follows t — Manager, £208 a year ; stoker, £130 ; fuel (say coal at £1 a ton), £208; oil, waste, and sundry renewal expenses, say, .£125 ; depreciation 5 per cent, £125; total, £796. When the plant would be running to its full capacity there would be a nett return of £985, but if to the £800 expenses is added a sum equal to 10 per cent on the capital employed it would be necessary to earn £1050 as a minimum. This can be done by supplyng 400 16 c.p. lights at £2 15s each. In this scheme nothing is provided for fitting the light into the various premises, the cost of which they assume would be borne by the consumer, but he did not agree with that as he thought the company should incur the cost of the whole of the installation. He was of opinion a company with at least 600 £5 shares should be formed, mainly amongst the users of the light. The extra ±500 would be required for the connection. Mr Stevens then read a list of those who would probably use the lights, showing that they may start with what has been shown as the payable minimum, viz., 400 lights. The charges could be assessed at per lamp, whether used or not, roughly, ,1s per week per 16 c.p., or 8d per 8 c.p., or by meter as with gas at a rate equal to 10s per 1000 feet of gas. The cost of extension of mains is only about £40 per mile, and three or four houses in each mile would pay. They could place a 500 c.p. lamp in Manchester Square, and at least 12 to fifteen good lamps at other places for about £50 or £60 a year. The low tension system was absolutely safe there being no possibility of lighting anything with it, no inflammable material being required. It was a convenience, there being no cleaning, fitting or breakages, and there was no depreciation of goods as caused by gas and kerosene. The health was another question, many of the colds and bad eyesight being traceable to the heated atmosphere. He did not approve of the proposals for storing the electric light as it was too expensive, and water power would be unsuitable. Several gentlemen expressed the opinion that the Borough Council should] be approached on the matter to ascertain whether they would undertake the installation of the electric light, before steps were taken to form a company. It was resolved on the motion of Mr Cooper, seconded by Mr E. J. Allen, That a deputation consisting of Messrs J. J. Bagnall, H.;W. Davy, W. Carthew, J. G. Cobbe, and H, L. Sherwill, with power to add to their number, wait on the Borough Council to ascertain if they will entertain the proposal to light the town with electricity, and if npt would they grant such concessions as they might consider reasonable. Resolved, on the motion of Mr Carthew, seconded by Mr Sherwill, That in the event of the Council not being prepared to give reasonable concessions,- that it is advisable to form a limited liability company, with a capital of £3000 in 600 shares of £5 each. Besolved, That Mr O. Cooper be hon. secretary to the proposed company. Resolved, That a hearty vote of thanks be accorded to Mr Stevens for the trouble he had taken in getting the information laid before them. A vote of thanks to the chairman terminated the meeting.