612

Electrical Accumulator Company have been in daily use since December, 1886, and have not undergone any apparent deterioration. Their yearly depreciation is reckoned at from 5 to 10 per cent.

As for the positive plates, their annual depreciation was originally estimated at 50 per cent. A depreciation of 30 per cent. resulted in 1887, in certain experiments made on the State lines of Würtemberg, and again on the Boston and Albany Railway, and has been subsequently confirmed. If they are specially made for use on railways, and managed with care, it is admitted that they have a minimum durability of two years. In fixed installations they last longer. Mr. Preece has lately certified to the Society of Arts that he has had 26 Faure-Sellon-Volkmar elements in action for two years, which are yet in a perfect condition.

The Julien Company of Brussels guarantee a depreciation of 12 per cent., the Blanc Works, of Marley-leGrand, 10 per cent., and the Faure-Sellon-Volckmar Company goes as low as 6 per cent.

It results, from recent experiments made on the Northern of France Railway that, thanks to recent improvements, the detachment of the paste reduces the depreciation to 25 per cent. The discharge of the batteries must not be too rapid. In accumulators where the solidity of the paste is insufficient, there is room for grave mistakes if the water is not renewed in time, and if the batteries are not daily inspected, in order to remove bits of oxide which might form short circuits.

The duration of the lamps was formerly taken at 800 hours, but by an improved construction of the lamps, and by submitting the filaments to suitable compression, it may be extended to 1,200 hours.

The above data are confirmed by experiments made on the Paris-Orleans line, on the Pennsylvania, the Boston and Albany, the lines used by the Pullman Palace Car Company, the Canadian Pacific, the NorthEast of Switzerland, the lines of West Switzerland, and of the Simplon, the Northern of France, the Helsingborg-Christiania line, in Sweden, and the Melbourne and Adelaide line. (To be continued.)

(Concluded from page 582.)

THE range of electrostatic measurement for ordinary practical purposes by the chain of instruments described above is complete from 25 to 50,000 volts, but, though little difficulty would be found in making an instrument, were it desired, to suit higher ranges, the problem of finding a convenient electrostatic instrument to give direct readings of potential below 50 volts is more difficult. No doubt a voltmeter of the multicellular type could be made with a lower range, but in order to do so the length of the suspending wire or the mass of the movable part would require to be increased to such an extent as to render the instrument very cumbrous, and at the same time difficult to observe on account of the necessarily long period of vibration which its indicator would have. For laboratory and accurate scientific work a means of extending the range downwards is provided in the quadrant electrometer, which can be used when adjusted to best advantage to measure from th to 40 or 50 volts.

In the practical working of alternating installations it is seldom necessary to measure potentials so low as 50 volts, but for use with direct currents Sir William Thomson has invented a magneto-static voltmeter which gives direct readings from a small fraction of a volt up to 200 volts, and is found convenient for work with storage batteries and other purposes. A description his instrument will be given in a subsequent

[NOVEMBER 29, 1539

NOTES.

Lighting of the Newcastle Assembly Rooms-7 new assembly rooms were formally opened on Fris evening last. They are lighted with the electric lig the installation consisting of five large and hande electroliers in the upper and five in the lower assem rooms, and two to match in the supper rooms. E electrolier has 13 lights, each of 16 candle-pow The lamps throughout are Edison-Swan 16 car power, and the total candle-power is about 3 The wiring is done in the most substantial and perfic manner, and the switches and cut-outs are of the la having been executed by Mr. R. J. Charleton, of New castle. At present the installation is worked by te porary generating plant, situated at the rear of building, and this arrangement will continue until Newcastle and District Electric Lighting Company ready to supply from its mains.

Electric Lighting at Fareham.-A meeting of the interested in the Fareham Electric Light Company held a few days since, when it was stated that t greater part of the share capital had been subscrib and that the company would shortly be incorporated

Paris Electric Light Concessions.-La Lus. Electrique says that the concessions for electric ill. nation on the boulevards of Paris will probably delayed six months.

Electric Light in Edinburgh Demonstrations.—T. electric lighting for the Balfour demonstration Edinburgh next week will include upwards of b incandescent lamps inside the building, and six lights for the entrances.

Dundee and the Electric Light.-Dundee Te Council, Police Commission, and Gas Commission & joint meeting have resolved, with the view of secur the right for the city to introduce the electric light, th notice should be given of a Bill in Parliament, and a for a provisional order from the Board of Trade: supply the light, the three Boards to be parties to notices, so that Parliament shall have the opportati of determining which of them shall supply the l It was further agreed to join with Edinburgh, Glas and Aberdeen in making representations to the B of Trade as to several amendments on the present A

The Fowler-Waring Cables.-We hear that the Franti conductors have been abandoned between De ford and London, and that Fowler-Waring cables h been substituted.

The Houstholm Electric Lighthouse.-This power electric lighthouse was opened a few weeks ago. T light is distinctly visible at Blokhus, a straight dista of about 35 miles. The only undesirable incid attending the working of the new lighthouse is immense number of birds which get killed. The lig house is 209 ft. high, and the light power in the be is 2,000,000 candles. To guard against the stoppas the light through any accident to the machinery, is, as far as it has been possible, constructed on twin principle. There are two engines, compo from the Elsinore Shipbuilding and Engineering C pany, three tubular boilers, one of which is a part larly quick heating one (from the Walther establi ment at Cologne, Germany), two electro-magn machines with a joint capacity of 45 volts, 250 amp from de Meritens and Co., Paris, two electric lamp with various reserve lamps, &c.

NOVEMBER 29, 1889.]

Barnsley and the Electric Light. It was unaniusly resolved on Friday last to apply for a provinal order for the lighting of the borough.

Increased Light for the City.-At a meeting of the tepayers' Association of Aldgate Ward, held on Tuesy, a resolution was passed in favour of the better hting of the City.

Contract for Lighting the Houses of Parliament.e London and Westminster Electric Supply have cured the lighting of the Houses of Parliament.

Electric Lighting in the City.-The Laing, Wharton d Down Construction Syndicate have notified the ct that they intend to apply, either themselves or on half of a company to be formed and called the City London Electric Supply Company, for power to nstruct a central station or stations for supplying the ea of the whole of the City of London and its iberties.

The Edinburgh Exhibition of 1890.-On Saturday ternoon the ceremony of cutting the first sod on the te of the International Exhibition, to be held in dinburgh next year, took place in presence of a large semblage. Lord Provost Boyd, who presided, said ey were about to take the first step in an enterprise hich they hoped would be of great advantage to art, cience, and industry, and also of great advantage to 9 city of Edinburgh. The main feature of the exhiition would be the electrical department. They did ot know very much about electricity in Scotland yet, nd it was very desirable that they should know more. hey had the advantage of the patronage of Her Majesty for this exhibition. The Marquis of Lothian was president, and there were a number of vice-presients. An influential committee had been formed in London, of which the Lord Mayor had agreed to act as president, and Sir George Chubb was chairman of the committee. He was very glad the Town Council of Edinburgh had done what it could to promote the inerests of the exhibition. Mr. Allan Carter, C.E., handed a silver spade to Lady Clark, and requested her o perform the ceremony of cutting the first sod. Before she did so, however, Sir Thomas Clark thanked che executive for the honour which had been conferred on her ladyship. He believed that some people had an dea that this exhibition had been introduced rather coo soon after the exhibition of 1886, but there had been very good reasons for it. They were all aware that the Forth Bridge was to be opened soon, and a large number of scientific people from all parts of the world would be present on that occasion. Therefore, it seemed to be a most opportune occasion to take advantage of the presence of so many scientific people to show a collection of matters connected with electricity such as had never been gathered together before. They had promises from all parts of the world in this respect, and the little difficulties that were in the way with the Electrical Trades Section of London Chamber of Commerce had, he believed, all been got over, and now there would be a unanimous feeling throughout the whole of the electrical world that this exhibition should be made a great success.

The Executive Council of the Exhibition is prepared to consider tenders for the lighting of the Exhibition buildings and grounds. Plans and specifications on application to Mr. George E. Watson, secretary, 27, Frederick Street, Edinburgh. Tenders to be lodged by noon on 3rd December.

Speed on Electric Railroads.-The best record is said to be 20 miles an hour; this, however, will be equalled on the London and Southwark Subway, though 30 miles has been attained.

613

The London Electric Supply Corporation.-This corporation has given notice that it intends to apply to the Board of Trade for power to produce, store, supply and sell electricity, electric current, and other like agency for public and private purposes within the area constituting the City of London and the liberties thereof. It is proposed to construct a station, or stations, at which to generate or collect electricity, and a system of distributing stations and mains from which to distribute the current. The company will ask for power to place lines in all the thoroughfares of the area of the City, and also to cross the River Thames, and to break open, or to otherwise interfere with, the Great Eastern, Great Northern, London, Chatham and Dover, London, Tilbury and Southend, the London and Blackwall, the London and North Western, the Metropolitan, the Metropolitan District, the North London, the Regent's Canal, City and Docks Railways, and the City of London and Southwark Subway, and the North Metropolitan Tramways.

614

Institution of Electrical Engineers.-A students' meeting took place on Friday, Nov. 22nd, Mr. Barton in the chair. A discussion was held on "Cotton, Jute, and other fibrous substances, as Insulators," in which Messrs. Barton, Childs, Muir, Müller, Poynton, Tonge and Walker took part. This was followed by Mr. Childs with a description of the pumping and hauling plant recently put in at St. John's Colliery, Normanton. The next meeting will be on Friday, December 6th. Paper by Mr. A. E. Childs on "Electric Traction."

A Gas Director on the Competition of Electric and Gas Lighting. Mr. H. McLauchlan Backler, the chairman of the European Gas Company, the Continental Union Gas Company, and the Oriental Gas Company, addressing the shareholders at the meeting of the lastnamed company on Wednesday, November 27th, said: "With regard to the electric light, no doubt we shall have, as everywhere else, some competition from electric lighting at Calcutta. I am sure we shall, in fact ; but I do not think there is any reason to apprehend that our revenue will suffer any diminution-or, rather, any serious diminution-from it. I am chairman of a company where the electric light has obtained a real footing-perhaps a greater footing than in any city in Europe; but in that city, I am pleased to be able to say, that notwithstanding the competition of the electric light, the increase in the consumption of gas is greater than in any other city lighted by the same company. That city is one of the most important in Europe. I have no objection to mention it. It is Milan. That is not the only place. I also know, of my own knowledge, other cities in Europe where similarly favourable circumstances obtain in the competition between the two lights; so I do not think there is much to fear from it.

The Silvertown Strike.-We are glad to say that there are over 600 men at work again at Silvertown, and arrangements are being made to bring back the business to the factory as quickly as possible, so as to give employment to the rest.

Obituary. The death occurred on Friday last, at his residence, 6, Pier Road, Erith, Kent, of Mr. Walter Hall, who had attained the age of 80. The deceased was a member of the Institution of Electrical Engineers, and had invented several electrical appliances. The illness was a brief one.

We regret to announce the death, at Shanghai, on the 13th inst., of Mr. L. M. Holst, the Great Northern Telegraph Company's Engineer in the Far East. Mr. Holst entered the company's service in China in 1874, and took an active part in all the company's first attempts to construct landlines and introduce inland telegraphs in the Celestial Empire, until he finally, in 1881, succeeded in completing the construction of the first inland Chinese telegraph line of any importance between Shanghai and Tientsin. Several routes were surveyed and many lines built under Holst's immediate supervision, and in recognition of his valuable. services the Chinese Government decorated him with the insignia of the Double Dragon. In 1885 Holst was promoted to the post of superintending engineer in Shanghai to the Great Northern Company, which position he held when death suddenly interrupted his career at the early age of 39 years.

[NOVEMBER 29 18

Fall of an Overhead Wire.-A telephone wire in Fleet Street on Monday; fortunately no one w seriously injured, although several persons struck.

Edinburgh Exhibition (London Committee).meeting of the London committee was held Monday last at the Mansion House nnder the pre dency of the Lord Mayor. Mr. C. M. Kennedy, of Foreign Office, moved a resolution commending exhibition to the support and co-operation of the pr

A New Telephonic Service.-A City paper sa movement is on foot among business men in Liver Manchester, and Glasgow to establish a teleph service on a co-operative basis. The promoters of project point to the high charges at present in fore and assert that for about £5 per annum a good exch service can be secured.

Effect of Electricity on Gas Share7.-A provinc paper says that in Devonport gas shares have bee affected to a great extent by the proposed introduct of the electric light. It is said that a month ago share in the local gas company were sold at £12 10s, ar during the last week a large number were offered a £8 a share.

The Supply of Electricity in Piccadilly.-A WE in Truth wants to know about electric lighting Certain companies have secured monopolies for distr of London. Within these districts they are allowe take up the ratepayers' pavement, and to use the ra payers' road way. But he understands that in Piccadil and other districts they decline to supply light an the householder will engage to use a fixed minim of light during each quarter of the year. This prer sion must, if legal, be dealt with by further legislation

Utilisation of Power in Glasgow.-A corresponde to the Glasgow Herald suggests that power for drivi electrical machinery be obtained from the upp reaches of the River Clyde.

Proposed, Memorial of the Late Dr. Joule.public meeting has been held in the Mayor's Parlour the Town Hall, Manchester, for the purpose of conside ing the proposal to erect a memorial to the late Ir James Prescott Joule. The meeting was convened response to a memorial influentially signed by residera in Manchester, Salford, and the neighbouring country who desire that their "deep sense of the benefits c ferred on mankind for all time, as well as of the gre honour which accrues to this district, by the scient work of the late James Prescott Joule, should be marke by the erection of some durable memorial of him in the city." There was a large attendance. The Mayor d Manchester (Mr. Alderman John Mark) presided, and his opening remarks, spoke of Dr. Jonle as a scientific. of the first rank whom the citizens of Manchester wer proud to call one of themselves. Dr. Jonle's great dis covery, he said, had, like that of Dr. Dalton, contribut enormously to our material and industrial progress, an we could not estimate to what results it might yet lead s Mr. Oliver Heywood moved: "That this meeti desires to mark its deep sense of the benefits conferre on mankind for all time, as well of the great honor which has accrued to this district, by the scientit work of the late James Prescott Joule, by the erecti of a durable memorial of him in Manchester, in th form of a white marble statue." Sir H. E. Ross M.P., seconded the motion, which was adopted. A committee was appointed to raise, by public subscr tion, a sufficient sum to carry the resolution into effect

NOVEMBER 29, 1889.]

The Gilbert Club.-The objects in the formation of this lub are to bring out an English edition of Dr. Gilbert's amous work "De Magnete," as nearly as possible in mitation of the fine folio edition of A.D. 1600. The vork, of which a limited number of copies (say 200) re to be printed, to be brought out in the very best tyle; and to be issued to members of the club, whose ubscriptions will defray the cost of printing. The value of copies will probably rise to several times the ctual cost, which is estimated not to exceed one guinea. A very limited number of copies to be offered to the public at an advanced price, say two guineas, to lessen he cost to members of the club; also to arrange for he celebration of the Gilbert tercentenary in the year 1900. Among those who have consented to become nembers of the club are Sir William Thomson, Mr. Jonathan Hutchinson, F.R.S., Lord Rayleigh, Sir David Salomons, Mr. Latimer Clark, Mr. W. H. Preece, The inaugural meeting of the club was held yesterday at the rooms of the Society of Arts, for the purpose of electing president, general officers, and to determine the amount of the contributions, and arrange other details with regard to the publishing of De Magnete. Sir William Thomson occupied the chair. Prof. Thompson briefly explained the objects as set forth in the prospectus already published. A lengthy discussion followed, after which Sir Wm. Thomson was elected first president; vice-presidents Mr. J. Hutchinson, Lord Rayleigh, Dr. Henry Laver, Prof. D. E. Hughes and Prof. A. W. Reinold. The council is to consist of Messrs. Lant Carpenter, Foster, Forbes, Rücker, Ferguson and Sir Philip Magnus. Prof. Silvanus Thompson, Mr. Conrad W. Cooke and Prof. Raphael Meldola were appointed secretaries.

New Firm.-Mr. T. G. Poole and Mr. W. White have resigned their appointments in connection with Woodhouse and Rawson United, and are starting business as electrical and mechanical engineers, suppliers and factors, at 58 and 59, Bread Street, Cheapside, London, preparations being made to commence operations on the 1st December.

Electrical Trades Directory and Handbook.-The publishers announce that this annual will be ready early in January, with carefully compiled lists corrected to December, 1889, and the usual tables relating to dynamos, arc and incandescent lamps, batteries, &c.

Margate and Westgate Lighting.-The Municipal Electric Light and Power Corporation has given public notice of its intention to apply for a provisional order for lighting Margate, Westgate, and adjacent parishes.

Malvern Lighting.-At a committee meeting of the Malvern Local Board, on Saturday last, it was decided to take steps with a view to obtaining powers for the supply of electricity for public lighting, &c.

Electrical Supply for St. Helens.-The St. Helens Town Council is about to take measures to apply for a provisional order for supplying electricity in the districts within the area of the gas supply of the corporation.

The Nile Steamers.-An addition has been made to Messrs. Cook's fleet of passenger steamers by the launch of a new boat, Ramases the Great. She is lighted with electric lamps.

Keeping with the Times.-Says the Hastings News: "The Town Council intends to light the whole front line, from end to end, with the electric light. It is a step which deserves the hearty commendation of all the ratepayers. The sea front is our harvest field."

615

How Money is Wasted.-The height of absurdity to which invention can be carried is well illustrated by the following extract from a patent specification recently published:" The object of my invention is the arrangement of circuits for electric lighting in such manner that, with the same quantity of electricity, a greater number of lights may be fed than before, or the same number of lights as before with a smaller quantity of electricity. I base upon the principle that the eye will retain the impression of a strong light for a short space of time even after the light has been extinguished. Consequently, if a strong light be interrupted in quick succession, these interruptions will not be perceived if they are quick enough. Thus, if an electric light is interrupted 15 times and more in one second the eye fails to notice the interruptions, and will see the light as a continuous one. Supposing an electric circuit, the current of which is just strong enough to feed one electric light, was fitted with two such lights instead of one, and the current was passed every fifteenth or twentieth of a second alternately to one and the other light, the two lights would, to the eye of the observer, appear to burn continuously, and have the same effect as two lights, whereas in reality the two lights would burn alternately." The idea is upon a par with a suggestion that the filament of an incandescent lamp should be kept in a state of vibration so as apparently to produce the effect of a broad surface of light, and thus proportionately increase the luminous effect.

Mining Institute of Scotland.-A meeting of this Institute was held on the 21st inst. in the Hall of the Institute, Hamilton. In connection with Mr. Smith's paper on "Lightning Entering Drumsmudden Pit Workings," a communication was read from Mr. J. B. Dalzell, narrating an occurrence during a thunderstorm in Italy, which he said favoured the possibility of a thunderstorm effecting an explosion of gas in pits. As a remedy he suggested that the base of the lightning conductor should be more than 10 or 11 yards from the pit shaft, more particularly where there are metal guides, pipes, or wire ropes. It should also be obligatory on owners of fiery mines to fit up a proper lightning conductor upon the pithead frame of each shaft in which wire ropes are in use or at which the pithead frame is of metal.

Quick Work. The Cardiff v. Gloucester football match, played at the Welsh metropolis last Saturday week, was over at 4.45 p.m.; the result was telephoned by the Western Counties and South Wales Telephone Company, Limited, to Gloucester, reaching the company's offices in that city at 4.48 p.m.; and was in the Citizen office at 4.55 p.m., or ten minutes from the conclusion of the game!

Proposed Telephone Exchange at Taunton.-A movement is on foot at Taunton to establish a telephone exchange in the town. A meeting was held last week, under the presidency of the Mayor, to ascertain what support the telephone would receive in Taunton. Mr. H. F. Lewis, of the Western Counties and South Wales Telephone Company, attended, and gave full details regarding the movement. The idea of the exchange was favourably received by those present. It was decided that a canvass should be made, and afterwards another meeting should be called. The company is desirous of establishing an exchange in Taunton, preparatory to constructing a trunk line between Bristol and Plymouth.

The Electric Light for Dover.-The Mayor has given notice that he will hold a special meeting of the Town Council on the 17th December, to consider the question of obtaining powers for the Corporation to supply the electric light in Dover.

616

NEW COMPANY REGISTERED.

Oriental Association, Limited.-Capital £5,000, in £1 shares. Objects: To take over the business of refreshment contractor carried on by Sydney Parton at 16 and 17, Old Cavendish Street, under style of the Oriental Association. To carry on, at the same address, or elsewhere, in Middlesex, the business of an electric light company in all branches, and in particular to construct, lay down, and establish all necessary cables, wires, lines and accumulators, lamps and works, and to light streets, markets, theatres, and public and private places. Signatories (with 1 share each): C. W. C. Smith, 2, Princes Mansions, S.W.; S. Parton, 1, Wimpole Street; W. L. Loveridge, 55, Middleton Road, Dalston; W. M. Baker, 10, Gray's Inn Square; A. G. Morron, 66, Waterloo Bridge Road; W. A. McBean, 7, Pelham Road, Wimbledon. The signatories are to appoint the first directors, and the company in general meeting will determine remuneration. Registered 25th inst. by Montagu Scott and Baker, 10, Gray's Inn Square, W.C.

OFFICIAL RETURNS OF ELECTRICAL

COMPANIES.

Exeter Electric Light Company, Limited.-An agreement of 19th inst., filed 21st inst., between this company and Laing, Wharton and Down Construction Syndicate, Limited, cites that the syndicate has supplied the company with apparatus and articles to the value of £982 10s., and a licence has been granted to use the Thomson-Houston system. Under previous agreements, the syndicate is entitled to an allotment of 133 fully-paid shares of £10 each, and these will therefore be allotted by the company.

[NOVEMBER 29, 1889.

Julien Electric Company, Limited. The final wing. ing up meeting of this company was held on the 21s inst., when an account was given as to the manner ir which the winding up has been conducted, and the property of the company disposed of.

Westminster Electric Supply Corporation, Limited. -The first return filed since the company's registra tion on the 30th June, 1888, is made up to the 21s November of last year, and was registered on the 1 inst. The nominal capital is given as £100,000, in £7 shares, but only seven shares are recorded as taken up and upon these no call had been made or paid.

Monte Video Telephone Company, Limited.—The annual return of this company, made up to the 31st alt was filed on the 9th inst. The nominal capital £220,000, divided into 29,000 preference and 15,00 ordinary shares of £5 each. The shares taken up are 27,000 preference and 15,000 ordinary, upon which the full amount has been called and paid, the paid capital thus being £210,000.

Croydon Electric Supply Company, Limited.-T registered office of this company is situate at 7 and Ironmonger Lane, E.C.

Lancashire and Cheshire House-to-House Electricity Company, Limited.-The registered office of this com pany is at 3, Cook Street, Liverpool.

CITY NOTES, REPORTS, MEETINGS, &c.

The Electric Construction Corporation. AN extraordinary general meeting was held yesterday at Wis chester House, for the purpose of making certain alterations in the articles of association.

The Secretary having read the notice convening the meeting, The Chairmain (Sir Douglas Fox) said the directors were e ceedingly sorry to give them the trouble of coming there, but the committee of the Stock Exchange wanted certain alterations made in the articles of association. That was the whole business fr transaction, but as they had an opportunity of meeting the share holders, it might be interesting to know that since the last meeting all purchases comprising the corporation had been made; the general business of the corporation was proceeding in a manne thoroughly satisfactory.

The following were the chief alterations made, which were carried unanimously:

66

"That the following article be added after Article 8: 'No part of the funds of the company shall be employed by the direc tors of the company in the purchase of the company's shares." That Article 25 be amended by adding at the end of the article the words: No call shall exceed one-fourth of the nomina amount of a share, and two months at least shall intervene between the time appointed for the payment of one call, and that appointed for the payment of the next succeeding call (if any)' That Article 88 be amended by omitting the whole of the article, and inserting in lieu thereof the words: 'The qualification of a director shall be the holding of shares of the company of the nominal amount of £1,000. A first director may act before acquiring his qualification, but shall in any case acquire the same within one month from his appointment, and unless he shall do s he shall be deemed to have agreed to take the said shares from the company, and the same shall be forthwith allotted to him accord ingly.'