ELECTRIC LIGHTING.

Evening Post, Volume XLI, Issue 140, 16 June 1891, Page 2

ELECTRIC LIGHTING.

A long discussion took place at the Rpecial meeting of the City Council to-day on tho subject of electric lighting. Councillor Vogel introduced the matter by moving, '• That the Electric Lighting Committee be empowered to consider the heads of tho agreement of the electrio lighting contract, and the alterations made by Mr. Do Castro on tho subject, and to report, if possible, at the next meeting of tho Pnblio Works Committee." This was seconded by Councillor Willeston. Ma. De Castro Bnid that with tho 12-inch pipe and the two turbines now used his company could only supply 600 lights of 20 candlo power, or thoir equivalent, which was what they wero now supplying. Tho power at present was not sufficient to givo more lights. If the Council would allow a 21-inch pipe and three or four turbines to be laid down they could Rupply BuO oxtra 20 candlo power lamps. If tho Council would not givo tho ineroaso, the company could not possibly supply more than 600 lamps of 20 candle-power, or their equivalent. Tho sizo of tho pipe was a matter of great import auce. with 11 small pipe, there waß a tremendous lot of friction. With a larger pipo than at present, no more water would ue used, and the Counoil would obtain many more lights than at present. Ho submitted that tho Council was bound morally and equitably to support Mb Bill for private lighting powers. Counoillor Moellor moved as an amendment, " That Mr. De Castro be requested to sign the second contract, failing which, that alternative tenders be called for lighting tho city by electricity or gas." Counoillor Worth secondod pro forma. In reply to Councillor Frasor, tho Town Clork said that tho Council wero only paving for 501 lights. Mr. De Castro, in tho course of discussion, stated most emphatically that no plant for private lighting would be laid down unless a guaranteo was givon that tho company would be allowed to romain in possession for at least 21 years. Counoillor Willeston urged that matters should bo settled without farther dolay. Mr. Do Castro objeotod very Rtrongly to being kept pottering about in tho hope of settling claims which tho Council had modo. The Bill and tho new contract, ho explained, wore so mixed up with one another that tho signing of the latter was contingent upon tho passing of the former. If the Council were disposed to quibble over every littlo thing, let them say bo, and not keop him here month after month, incurring great expense. . Councillor Worth intimated his intention of opposing the Bill, on the ground that a monopoly would bo created. Councillor, Moellor withdrew his amendment. Councillor Anderson was of opinion that very few Councillors knew what they wore talking about. Hd should like to see the whole question referred to a committee, with power to call in oxperts. Mr. Do Castro maintained that ho had made numerous concessions to tho Council, and suggested that Dr. Lemon should bo callod in as an expert. After further discussion, Councillor Vogel amended his resolution ko as to read as follows :— " That the Electric Lighting Committee bo empowored to consider tho heads of agreement of the electric lighting contract and tho alterations made by Mr. Do Castro with the view to coming to a Rettlomont, and to call in an expert, tho committee to report to the next meeting of tho Public Works Committee on Monday noxt." Thin was carried, and the moating terminated.