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iron failed to show it, and even in the wires that exhibit it the phenomenon grows less marked after repeated heating and cooling.' To these observations may be added that a recent investigation by Prof. Barrett on the properties of 14 per cent. manganese steel wire (Proc. Royal Dublin Society, December, 1886), shows that this body, which is almost a non-magnetic metal, does not exhibit the anomalous deportment observed in ordinary steel wire. This fact is of considerable interest as linking the foregoing phenomena more closely with the magnetic state of iron and steel.

Estimating the temperature of the critical point in various ways approximately from the expansion of steel and of platinum brought to the same, when it was found to be approximately about 800° C. When we remember that the mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties of iron and steel are of the utmost practical importance, and that all these properties appear to undergo a remarkable change at the critical temperature, the need of a searching invesgation on the question is obvious. Moreover, the interest is no less, from a theoretical point of view, in connection with theories as to the molecular structure of magnetised iron and steel.

Recalescence being feeble in soft iron, more marked in hard iron, and most in steel, it was conjectured by the author in 1873 that the phenomenon might be due to an action depending on the presence of carbon in iron, creating an effect analogous to that observed when water or super-saturated solutions are cooled below the solidifying point; a slight disturbance thereupon producing a sort of explosive action, solidification occurring with a sudden rise of temperature. Prof. Roberts-Austen has drawn my attention to the fact that lately M. Osmund, in France, has made recalescence the starting point of a new enquiry, tracing the effects of carbon, Mn, Cr, S, P, and Si, on the points at which recalescence occurs or is destroyed by the alloy. That whilst pure iron does undergo a molecular change at a red heat, carbon retains its position as an important factor in determining the point of recalescence in hard iron and steel. Messrs. Barus and Strouhal have recently published in America a series of important papers on the tempering of steel, and shown that a critical temperature of between 500° and 1000° C. exists which is intimately connected with the hardening or annealing of steel. They also draw attention to the numerous phenomena observed to occur at this temperature, but appear to be ignorant of Prof. Barrett's prior publication. Numerous other experimenters have worked at recalescence, notably Mr. Tomlinson of King's College, and Mr. Newall, at Cambridge, but the bibliography and discussion of the whole subject will be reserved to the report next year.

NOTES.

Edinburgh and the Electric Light.-At a meeting of the Edinburgh and Leith Gas Commissioners held on Monday, the Works Committee reported that having considered the attitude to be assumed by the Commissioners towards the electric light companies who desired to supply light and power to Edinburgh and Leith, it had been resolved to recommend the Commissioners to refuse their consent to any of these companies obtaining provisional orders. The minute was approved, and the Commissioners agreed to adjust a resolution which would be disposed of at a special meeting to be held at the end of October.

Portsmouth New Town Hall.-It has now been decided to introduce the electric light on a somewhat extensive scale into the new Portsmouth Town Hall, and a committee have accepted the tender of Messrs. Haden and Son, of Manchester, for the necessary installation.

Electric Lighting in Madrid.—At last, says Industries, there seems to be a chance that the English Company, which made proposals to supply electricity at Madrid, will have the courage to fight the influential gas company, which has hitherto always had its own way at the high price of 9s. per 1,000 feet, and has been fortunate enough to stop all electrical stations which have been proposed for Madrid. A very suitable site has been chosen for the central station, which will have sidings to discharge the coals direct from the waggons. Mr. Phillips is to be the local manager of the company, and it is proposed to commence with 4,000 horse-power. Public opinion is now so favourable to the electric light, that, if the new company supplies at a reasonable price, I believe every gas light will be changed for the electric light, unless the price of gas is reduced to one-half its present rate.

[OCTOBER 4, 1

Gas v. the Electric Light.-Mr. C. E. Botley, A C.E., engineer to the Hastings Gas Company, delivered a lecture at the Gas Exhibition, in the hall, Hastings, on the uses of gas and the aspects of gas compared with other illuminants Botley prefaced his remarks with a short descrip the nature of gas, and said that if the same am trouble were expended on gas lamps as on those electric light much better results would be arriv Lighting and ventilation were so closely allied th faults of the one were attributed to the other. possible to efficiently ventilate without draught whether the illuminant was oil, gas, or the e light ventilation was imperatively necessary. Ge not contain the amount of sulphur generally sup for if it were kept alight all day in a closed room amount of sulphur evolved would be only equal obtained by striking an ordinary lucifer match. lecturer said he had had great experience in all braz of electric lighting, and he almost invariably that in a badly-ventilated apartment the electri from a sanitary point of view was worse than gas was no theory of his own, for it was a well-know that at many of the London theatres where the ele light has been installed gas has been laid on as w ventilating purposes. The cause of this was the heat of the electric light was often not strong enci force out the vitiated air; and thus it was the atmosphere was rendered unbearable.

Electric Lighting at Exeter Theatre.-On M evening the installation of the electric light, whic been supplied by the Exeter Electric Light Cor at this theatre, was used for the first time. The c included 450 Edison-Swan lamps of 16 C.P., were set aglow from the company's depôt in North Road. The experiment was extremely sa tory. The lamps burned without a flicker, and Massingham, the manager of the company, and Albert Jones, the electrician, made a satisfactory ex nation of the circuit.

Electric Light at Wickwar.-The electric ligh used for lighting the streets on Monday night f first time this season. The alterations which have carried out since last winter were a decided adva but one or two more lamps were needed on the Chip Sodbury and West End Roads to make it the d

success.

The Electric Light for Dundee.-At a meeti Monday of the committee of the Dundee Gas Con sion a verbal report was given regarding the systems of electric lighting in London, Paris, and cities which had been inspected by a deputation the Board. The deputation were unanimously opinion that the Board should acquire power to 5%, the electric light, and prevent any private com undertaking the work. It was arranged that the d tation should present a written report to the me meeting of the Commission.

Electric Lighting at Cardiff.-The County Co at their meeting on Monday, resolved to oppor granting of provisional orders by the Board of Tra any of the 12 electric lighting companies who applied for powers to light the streets of Cari electricity.

Lecture on Electric Lighting.-In connection w the University Gathering at Glasgow Dr. El livered on Tuesday evening his second lectu "Electric Lighting, the Transmission of Power." lecture was devoted to an explanation of the cur of electricity as utilised by the dynamo.

CTOBER 4. 1889.]

lectricity in Mills, &c.-Last week, before the th Staffordshire Institute of Iron and Steel Works' agers, a paper on "The Application of Electricity Vorks and Mills' was read at Dudley by Mr. T. ghan-Hughes, F.I.C. The author confined his reks principally to references to existing transmission er plants, especially those in Switzerland, Italy and erica; but as nothing new was brought forward in paper, we refrain from giving an abstract of it.

lectricity in Mining Operations. In the last e of the "Transactions" of the Liége Society of gineers, M. Joseph Libert, mining and electrical ineer at Liége, contributes a paper on the "Firing Shots in Mines by Electricity." After referring the firing of shots by means of the electric rent from induction coils, accumulators, dynamos, tic machines, &c., the author comes to the conclusion t electrical energy employed for ignition purposes mines is an indispensable necessity where flameless plosions are used, and he expresses the opinion that ctricity in mines will soon come into greater favour. is is certainly a step in the right direction, and M. bert's communication will be placed for consideran before most, if not all, of the Belgian mine owners. e should like to see a similar policy pursued in this untry.

A Suggestion.-The Leeds Corporation have for few years been considering the advisability of aving erected a central electric light station. They ave even got so far as to have a small installaon put up, but now the central station idea is rain to the fore. There is also another matter hich is receiving a great amount of attention, nd that is, as to whether or not the local tramway lines, c., are to be purchased by the council. An agreement as been drawn up between the members of the Highway Committee and the Tramways Company, under which the Corporation are to purchase at a valuation he tramlines, &c., and lease them to the company for 1 years. The Corporation can, however, acquire the ramlines in three years time according to powers inrested in that body. Now, since the Leeds Council ntend to have a central electric light station, we think hey might kill two birds with one stone, that is to say, hey could have the station erected and plant installed of sufficient power, not only to supply current for lightng purposes, but also for the electric propulsion of the ramcars, which, together with the lines, &c., can be acquired as already mentioned in three years. This would be far preferable to steam tramcars which it is proposed to introduce on a larger scale over the whole system of tramlines in that town, provided the aforesaid agreement be carried out.

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Miracle Working.-The Croydon Chronicle of September 28th says:-This week the value of electricity as a curative agent has been brought before Croydon audiences at the Public Hall by Mr. E. Moross, medical electrician, who came with a rather strong flourish of trumpets from Manchester and London. The hall was about half full on Monday night, when Mr. Howard, the Professor's agent, stepped on to the platform, and remarking that it was necessary for him to offer some introductory and explanatory remarks, as Mr. Moross was not proficient in the English language, he proceeded to dilate upon the success which had attended the Professor at Manchester. Mr. Howard then gave way to the Professor, who evidently believes in effect. He entered with a dramatic air, which was heightened by dark "bushy locks," and a heavy black moustache, and spoke with a tongue more French than English. He remarked that he was not cut out for long speeches-his knowledge was not of words, therefore he would proceed to demonstrate with facts. Before commencing, however, he remarked upon the utter uselessness of so-called electrical goods that were offered for sale, stating broadly that so-called electric belts were of no more use than a piece of flannel. He then introduced his electric chair, explaining its simplicity and properties, also the electric carpet, which was exhibited. A man suffering from partial paralysis was treated, and was enabled to lift his arm, and lift a chair with it, which he had been unable to do before. On Tuesday evening the lecture was again repeated, the hall being about three parts full. A man with a bad leg was enabled to leave the platform in a somewhat nimble fashion as compared with the assistance required to get him up there. The man who on Monday evening was treated for paralysis of the arm was called up, and he declared he was all the better for the treatment. He said he had been unable to raise his arm previously except by force, and he swung it about to exhibit to the audience how well it had been relieved. On Wednesday evening the hall was crowded. A woman between 30 and 40 years of age was lifted on the platform in a chair, and her husband stated that she had been unable to walk or

stand for eight years. The Professor said this was a bad case, and if he succeeded in enabling her to stand it would be something. He then proceeded with his treatment, and after about ten minutes lifted her from the chair, and stood her up, when she managed to "shuffle across the platform. The next case was that of a man aged 65, who had been a cripple for 10 months. He was assisted on the platform, and the Professor at once threw his two sticks, which he had declared he could not do without, back into the hall, stating he would go home without them. He treated him, and then told him to walk alone across the platform, which he did, at first gently and carefully, and then accelerating his pace until he got up to a fairly good trot. He then walked off the platform, and up and down the room, amid general applause.

Improvement in Electric Fittings.-Everyone who has had any experience with the small details of electric lighting knows the annoyance and trouble caused by the invariable bad fittings of porcelain parts which depend upon a screw for their connection. To remedy this, Messrs. Girdlestone and Tatham have devised and patented a simple form of connection between the base and cover of such fittings, which entirely obviates the difficulty, without increasing the cost. A ring is formed on each part, and portions cut away, the parts left standing are slightly wedge-shaped, and by a slight twist lock together quite as firmly as a good fitting screw thread. In an average lot the covers and bases are perfectly interchangeable, which is never the case with the best screwed work. Messrs. B. Verity and Sons, of Covent Garden, are using these fittings largely, and they give great satisfaction. The joint is applicable to all such fittings as switch covers, bell pushes, cutonts, &c., and we think that it will be found generally acceptable to the trade.

394

Electric Traction. Mr. Jarman writes to us as follows:-"The facts contained in my letter published in the ELECTRICAL REVIEW of September 20th are indisputable, and can be more than fully supported and substantiated by evidence both personal and documentary. Sandwell's statement that he offered certain improvements to me is absolutely untrue. Any idea of improvements he may have had must have been kept to himself. The suggestion of simply attaching the trolley (I had already designed) to the car as a special tender was neither new nor novel. The use of a special tender containing storage cells, to be attached to a car or locomotive, is described in patent No. 15,277, of 1885. It was therefore common knowledge at that time. The following words occur in the above specification, lines 1 to 5 in the provisional: This invention relates to the construction of an electric locomotive in such manner as to effect the traction of ordinary railway trains, tramcars, and the like. The locomotive can be actuated from any source of electricity, such as batteries or accumulators carried by it, or by special tender.' The same words are quoted in the complete specification, page 3, lines 5 to 9. There cannot be much doubt about this constituting prior publication. As to the personal remarks make by Sandwell, I deem them unworthy of notice. With this letter I enclose specification, No. 15,277, and two others, all carefully dissected, which will enable you to form your own conclusions."

Action of Cardiff Telegraphists.-Advantage is about to be taken of Mr. Raikes's visit to Cardiff to place before him a matter which has for years caused a deep and general dissatisfaction among provincial telegraphists and postal employés. Described briefly, the latter complain-and justly, we think-that they alone, of all the various classes in Government employ, receive no pay for Sunday work. Their claim derives exceptional strength from the fact that the concession denied to them has been conceded to their fellows in London. Hence occurs the anomally that while the manipulators of the wire at one end receive payment those at the other end do not.

Electrical Engineering in Vienna.-The International Electrical Company of this town have just sent ouf circulars in which they announce their intention ot erecting on the shore of the Danube, in the neighbourhood of Vienna, a large central station for the supply to consumers throughout Vienna. The alternate current system of Messrs. Ganz & Co. will be adopted.

[OCTOBER 4, 189

The School of Electrical Engineering and St marine Telegraphy.-We are informed that as to result of the examinations for the certificate of school, recently conducted by Mr. Gisbert K A.I.C.E., the following gentlemen have obtained t certificate in electric lighting and power transmissi Messrs. H. E. Bartlett, S. Bone, J. H. Bomver, Junr. A. Fraser, W. C. Goodchild. The candidates had answer two papers, one in mechanical and the othe in electrical engineering, and had also to pass a d voce and practical examination. The minim required in each paper was 60 per cent. and for practical examination 70 per cent. The course / 12 lectures on "Dynamo Machines," to be deliver (from the middle of the present month) at the abcschool by Mr. W. B. Esson, will, we understand, fully illustrated by machines, &c., of the various ty in actual use, and will be thoroughly practical in the character.

Telegraphy Examinations.-At the recent "t graphy" examination of the City and Guilds London Institute five telegraphists from the Hull Po Telegraph Office passed, all of whom were ladies.

The Society of Engineers at Deptford.-A representa tive body of this Society visited the Deptford Electric Works on Wednesday.

Torquay Telephone Exchange.-This exchange, whi is conducted by the Western Counties and South Wal Telephone Company, is making satisfactory progre The list of subscribers musters nearly 140 names, in cluding those of the principal tradesmen and profe sional men of the place. The trunk line connectin Torquay with Plymouth, which is 40 miles distant, found to work remarkably well, and is a great boon t the commercial population of both towns. The line described as perfectly clear, and as free from any inter ruption whatever as the short-distance wires. It may be added that the average daily calls at Torquay in cutnection with the exchange number close upon 500.

The Electrical Power Storage Company.-The silver medal awarded to this company at the Paris Exhibition is for the E.P.S. system of public supply of electricity from storage batteries (King's patents), which system now at work in the Chelsea Electricity Supply Com pany's Central and Sub-stations in the Parish Chelsea, the distribution taking place from two substations. That company has a third sub-station conpleted, but not yet in operation.

The Building Act and Electric Lighting.—At the meeting of the London County Council last Tuesday the Building Act Committee recommended, and the Council agreed, that the application of Mr. R. Walker. on behalf of the Metropolitan Electric Supply Company Limited, for approval of a plan for the construction of a furnace chimney-shaft at South Mews, South Street be granted, upon condition that the foundation of the proposed shaft be made in accordance with the previsions of the Building Act, 1855, and to the satisfaction of the District Surveyor according to law; that the superstructure be also erected to his satisfaction, and that, if the plan or application be hereafter found to be inaccurate in any particular, the approval of the Council shall be null and void. The same committee recommended, and it was resolved that the application of Mr. C. B. Waller, on behalf of the London Electric Supply Corporation, Limited, for approval of the construction of an open wood and iron shed at the Adelphi Arches, be not granted, as the construction is not it conformity with the Building Act.

OCTOBER 4, 1889.]

The Strand.-Money says: "Another pleasant propect is in store for the Strand ratepayers. According Sir Coutts Lindsay, that thoroughfare, which has just een up' for five weeks, during the work of laying own the mains by one electric light company, will pon have to be taken up again to allow of the laying the mains of Sir Coutts Lindsay's company. Truly is is a nice state of affairs."

The Bell Telephone Company.-This company has led a suit in the courts at Cincinnati, Ohio, asking eavy damages from two Cincinnati electric street railpads, and that they be compelled to so arrange their lectric plant as not to injure the Bell Company. This will be a test case, as the same complaint exists in other ities. Telephonic communication with Mount Auburn, Clifton, Carthage, Ivorydale, and other places near Cincinnati, is said to be almost ruined, by the induction ▪f the powerful wires of the electric railway.

Another Death from Electricity.-An Italian was killed a few days ago in New York by contact with an electric wire belonging to the United States Company. It was in the middle of the afternoon, when no lamps were burning. Climbing over the top of a fruit stall his foot slipped, and he caught at the wire and was killed.

Electrical Engineering Appointments.-Mr. James Raeburn has just been appointed an electrician to the Thomson-Houston Company at Hamburgh. Mr. Herbert E. Sturr has also been appointed to the Central Electric Lighting Station at Exeter, and Mr. Arnot has gone to Melbourne to fit up an electric tramway and represent a well-known electrical engineering firm, at £500 per annum. These young men were all students of the Glasgow and West of Scotland Technical College electrical engineering classes.

Messrs. Elliott Brothers' Paris Exhibit. It will be seen from the list of the awards at the Paris Exhibition that Messrs. Elliott Brothers occupy the proud position of being the only English firm showing anything in connection with electrical work of any kind, who have been awarded the "Grand Prix.".

To Electrical Engineers.-The lease of the premises occupied for many years by the late Sir Charles Bright is advertised for sale, as well as his scientific instruments, tools, machinery, books, and office furniture. This appears to be a good opening for an electric light company, or an electrical engineer with pupils.

NEW COMPANIES REGISTERED.

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Electrical Accessories Company, Limited.-Capital £5,000 in £1 shares. Objects: To carry on business as mechanical, electrical, gas, and general lighting engineers, electricians and suppliers of electricity for all purposes, and as manufacturers of electrical apparatus. Signatories (with 1 share each): Bernard Meryn Drake, J. Marshall Gorham, 2, Princes Mansions, Victoria Street (electrical engineers); A. D. Stevenson, electrical engineer; F. C. Read, 66, Victoria Street, S.W. ; Sarah Atkins, 172, Hockley Hill, Birmingham; Walter Atkins and E. E. Atkins, Handsworth, Birmingham. Table A of the Companies Act, 1862, will regulate the affairs of the company. Registered 28th ult. by W. L. Cooper, 29, Essex Street, Strand.

Economic Gold Extraction Company, Limited.— Capital £175,000 in £1 shares. Objects: To acquire and deal with mineral, chemical, and electrical properties and inventions. To acquire certain patent rights of the Hydrogen Amalgam Company, relating to an electrical process for the economic extraction of gold and silver. Signatories (with 100 shares each): "Alderman Joseph Renals, 8, Falcon Street, E.C.; *Wm. Strapp, Redhill; B. Depledge, 3, Gracechurch Street; H. T. Walker, 36, Wickham Road, S.E.; D. Russell, 4, Tokenhouse Buildings, E.C.; F. B. Seaton, 27, Newbury Street, S.E.; C. B. Cousens, C.E., 2, Clanricarde Gardens, S.W. The first directors are the subscribers denoted by an asterisk, and John Grove Johnson, A. P. Matheson, F. W. Browne, and B. C. Molloy, M.P. Qualification, £100 in shares; remuneration, £1,300 per annum, levisible. Registered 28th ult. by Slade and Munk, St. Clement's House, Clement's Lane, E.C.

Maquay Syndicate, Limited.-Capital £12,000, in £100 shares. Objects: To acquire inventions for an improved voltaic battery, for improved means for feeding electric batteries and for removing the plates therefrom, and for a miners' lamp; Nos. 15,040 of 1885, 990 of 1887, and 14,932 of 1888. Signatories (with 1 share each): R. H. Parkinson, 62, Greenwich Road; C. A. Griffith, Queen's Road, Forest Hill; L. F. Paine, Addestone, Surrey; R. Rowe, 31, Horton Lane, Hackney; C. Bryan, West Walthamstow; J. Mansel Jones, 159, Victoria Park Road; G. May, 200, Coldharbour Lane. The signatories are to appoint the first directors, and the company in general meeting will determine remuneration. Registered 28th ult. by Johnson, Budd and Johnson, 24, Austinfriars.

The Sunbeam Lamp.-At the recent meeting of the British Association at Newcastle, the large halls in which the conversaziones were held were lighted with excellent effect by means of Sunbeam lamps of 300 C.P., and on one occasion a lamp was used of 3,000 C.P., which is said to be the largest incandescent lamp ever made. We understand that considerable improvements have been made in the manufacture of these lamps by the manager of the company's works, Mr. John W. Edmundson, resulting in a considerable reduction in the selling price of the lamp.

The Junior Engineering Society.-Friday, October 11th, inaugural meeting of Ninth Session at Westminster Palace Hotel, Victoria Street, S.W. Prof. John Perry, D.Sc., F.R.S., will deliver an address on "Mechanical Engineering in Electrical Industries."

AMERICAN NOTES.

By DAS TELEPHON.

TELEPHONE matters are just now occupying a great deal of attention from capitalists, and the American Bell Telephone Company, who own all Bell's and Edison's and others' patents, have taken advantage of the telephone craze, and have increased its capital 25 per cent. by adding water to its already much diluted capital. The new water represents two and a half millions of dollars.

The American Telegraph and Telephone Company, better known as the Long Distance Telephone Company, are rapidly pushing its wires south, so that in a few months their new metallic circuits will extend from Boston, through New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore to Washington.

The Chesapeake and Potomac Company, owning the licence for Maryland and District of Columbia from the American Bell Telephone Company, with connections through its exchange in Balti

396

more, have connections with all the cities and towns within a radius of 100 miles.

The capital of this company is $1,650,000, and the yearly dividends average 5 per cent. It has 7,000 miles of wire in Maryland, of which 2,000 are in Baltimore. In the Baltimore exchange 35 girls do the talking, and they are paid $20 a month. This company are now preparing to put its wires underground in this city. The charges for city service are as follows:-Club wire, used by an unlimited number of subscribers, $60 per year to each; exclusive private wire $100 per year. With a population of 350,000, there are 4,370 subscribers.

In Washington City this company has 1,737 subscribers and 3,156 miles of wire, of which 1,600 is underground. The rates in Washington are-private wire, $100 a year; two or more on one wire, $80; private residences, $72; two or more on same wire, $60. The metallic circuit on all its lines is to be established as soon as the conduits are ready, in which 150 cables, each containing 100 wires, are to be laid.

In Philadelphia there are 3,000 subscribers, with a population of one million. The rate on the exchange is $120 per year. There are 42 public telephone stations; the charge for using the telephone is 10 cents for five minutes.

The Philadelphia Bell Telephone Company is now laying tubes about 2 inches in diameter. These tubes are laid in cement, and through these tubes lead covered cables are drawn containing about 50 insulated wires each, and these wires are connected to poles in the centre of each block of houses, and thence distributed to the houses. The long distance telephony is also being put in operation, thus connecting Philadelphia with cities and towns in a radius of 100 miles. The subscribers complain of the high rates -$120 a year. Some attempts have been made to get up a rival telephone company to use the Bonta telephone, said to operate on the make-and-break system, but it necessarily was a failure, for the simple reason that the Bonta telephone is purely a carbon microphone.

The New York and New Jersey Telephone Company covers Brooklyn, Jersey City, and a radius of 33 miles from the City Hall in New York.

This company has 7,000 subscribers in a population of three millions, and the charge is from $80 to $100. In New York City it has 6,800 miles of wire. This company is declaring dividends of 85 to 90 per cent. a year, besides hoarding up a large surplus.

The electric companies of all kinds in New York have grown to enormous proportions, nine of them supplying light and power. The generating room of the Brush Company is the largest of its kind in the world.

Baltimore, September 15th.

CITY NOTES, REPORTS, MEETINGS, &c.

Electric Construction Corporation.

THE first ordinary (statutory) general meeting of the Electric Construction Corporation, Limited, was held last Friday at the offices of the Corporation, Worcester House, Walbrook, Sir Douglas Fox, J.P., presiding.

The Secretary (Mr. F'. Walton) having read the notice convening the meeting,

The Chairman said: Well, gentlemen, as you are well aware, this is our statutory meeting; therefore we have no report to present to you, nor are there any resolutions to be proposed; but I need hardly say that it is a great pleasure to the directors on this, the first occasion, to be able to meet the shareholders face to face, and to exchange a few ideas with reference to the present position, and the possible future of what we believe to be a most important corporation. I may say, to begin with-it is perhaps a most important point-that all our capital was fully subscribed, and I don't think you could easily find a company of this size whose capital is more strongly held than ours is at this moment. Another point, which is very important, is that our works are fully occupied. We have as many orders as we can execute, and we could easily have a great many more if we could only execute them. I think, as you look at the gentlemen on my right hand and on my left, you will feel that there are practical men amongst us, and we are naturally inclined to be cautious in what we do; at the same time, our chief difficulty at this moment is that we have not room enough in our works to enable us to extend our business as we should wish. The consequence is that the first attention of your directors has been given during the few months which have elapsed since this comnany was formed to laying out very carefully and preparing to immediately erect extensions of our works at Wolverhampton. I am glad to say that, by the assistance of the gentlemen who are thoroughly well acquainted with Wolverhampton, and who have given an immense deal of time to this matter, we have been able to secure an excellent site there, with good railway and canal communication, ample not only to provide for a very large extension of our business at the present moment, but also to provide for the future. Upon that site we intend immediately to erect works which will enable us to very largely increase our output at Wolverhampton. I am very glad to tell you, also, that in connection with the accumulator business of the Electrical Power Storage Company there is a steady growth, and hen

us.

[OCTOBER 4, 1889

we are able to combine all the business, as we intend to in this office, and to have all our arrangements at bes quarters, you will see that that will form a most val adjunct to the general business of the company. It is not par often, especially at this time of the year, that we get such a g attendance of shareholders at a statutory meeting, but we we rather anxious that our shareholders should meet us in our r offices on the first occasion, rather than that we should go hotel, and if the room is rather crowded perhaps you will e You will probably be aware that we are engaged at the te sent moment in supplying a very large quantity of plant to the most important companies that is supplying this metrop I think you will be interested to hear that Mr. Edison, who just had an opportunity of visiting one of the installation which we have had to do in this metropolis-namely, Rathe Place was pleased to say that it was the most satisfactory pa he had seen during his visit here, and I am quite sure that high character which our works director at Wolverhampton in secured to us by the excellent work he has been able to tum will be a most important factor in the success of this company only we can provide him with works large enough and with cient means to enable him to execute the orders which are presa, upon us on every side. Then, with reference to provincial q tions, I do not think it would be wise-and I am sure the shar holders will agree with me in this-to mention names at the pr sent time, because our business in that direction is somewhat preliminary stage. We are carrying on very active negotiatio with several most important towns, both with reference to lig ing, in which, I think, this company is going to fill a very imp: tant position, as being able not merely to provide these towns w light, but to help in the financial arrangements connected lighting. I think that is where we are going to have a very in portant sphere of business; and then, not only with reference lighting, but also with reference to the application of motors tramways. We have got several very important matters befa us, and we hope that before long we shall be able to show v shareholders a practical installation of this kind, where we al be able to run the tramways by electricity in the very succest. way in which they are being run so largely in the United States We have applications both with reference to our Julien pate and to our Sprague patents. Then I may also say that w reference to the third point to which we attach importan -that of the installation for train lighting-a very exe lent example has just been carried out by the Midle Railway Company upon the Stroudley-Houghton princ. and I believe that although it is only just started it is like to be a very great success. The great difficulty which has arist with reference to train installations has been how to replace t power, and I think the arrangements which are being made connection with this train on the Midland are very likely to solv that difficulty. The great requirement for railway installati is that we should be able to light a train and be able to break up. That has been done successfully on the Brighton Railway but what we want is to light the train and be able to take i carriage off and shunt it on to a branch line. I don't know the I have anything more to say to you to-day, gentlemen. If the is any question any shareholder would like to ask I will endeavor to answer it to the best of my ability. Our difficulty at the prese moment is simply this: that our works are quite insufficient deal with the orders which we can secure at once, and there we are obliged to proceed rather cautiously; at the same time think we are laying the foundation of an excellent business may say we have secured here offices which will not be at all ax large for our purpose, and we hope you will consider that they in a good central position. And in connection with these of we intend to have a thoroughly good arrangement in the base when our various manufactures will be placed, so that intending pr chasers, and those in this city who intend to adopt electricity, FL be able to come and see exactly what we are prepared to g them. It has been found very important to do this in connecta with the Electrical Power Storage Company, from which believe we shall secure a good deal of support. Before long shall have a general meeting, and then we shall hope to present a regular report. In the meantime, I must ask you to be conte with this very lame attempt to explain to you exactly how w stand.

A Shareholder: Do we understand that in regard to each bran of the undertaking the works are in full swing? The Chairman: They are.

A Shareholder: Aud doing as much work as the accommodatie permits of ?

The Chairman: They are doing more work than we like to have to do in their present contracted condition. We are losing time, however, in extending the works, which is the importan thing.

Dr. Drysdale: Do you expect to have some tramways runnin in London ?

The Chairman: Well, I cannot speak about London; I sp about provincial towns. We have several provincial towns a which there are actual arrangements being made; I would rather not mention the names at the moment, but I have do dot. before very long you will know all about them. Dr. Drysdale: Is there no chance of London?

The Chairman: I don't know; I think it is quite possible, tu! cannot speak with certainty. We hope that before long we sta not only apply ourselves to the tractive question for tramways but to a far more important question to my mind, and that is re ways. I hope that electricity will be applied in the case of ra