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Index to the Electiical Review
Januan- 12th, 1917.

THE

ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

Vol. LXXIX.

JULY 7 — DECEMBER 29, 1916.

LONDON :
H. ALABASTER, GATEHOUSE & CO.,

4

4, LUDGATE HILL. E.G.

Iiidrx lo ihc Elnlriral Re
Jaiioao I'ith. 1!)17.

i anbon :

PUBLISHBD BY THE PBOPEIETORS,
AT 4, LUDGATE HrLL, E.C.

.lAxrAHV 12. 1917.]

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW— INDEX.

INDEX.

Liit of sub-hsading/i : —AvinoRa, Bankruptcy Proceedings, City Notes, Contracts Closed and Open, Correspondence, In.stitutjon and Lecture Notes, Legal,
LiOHTiNo and Power Notes, Liquidations, New Companies, New Electrical Devices, Fittings and Plant, Obituary, Official Returns, Proceedikos of
Societies and Institutions, Prospectuses, Railway Notes, Reviews, Telegraph Notes, Telephone Notes, Tramway Notes, War Items.

A^

Accidents in mines for 1915, Coal

mining and electrical, 677
Accounts and discounts, 702
Accumulator manufacture in America,

552
Accumulators, How to treat stored. 99
Adaptability in war time, National, 366
Advance, 3
Adjustable-speed polyphase induction

motors, 36
Advertising electriral apparatus, 33
A. E.G. and future export trade. The,

715
A. E.G. interests. Dick. Kerr pur-
chase, 506
Aeronautics, Advisory Committee's re-
port, 187, 229
After the war. Trade policy, 411
.Agricultural machinery research, 705
Agricultural purposes, Application of

electricity to, by W. T. Kerr, 80
.Agriculture. Electricity in (Californian

data), 129
Agriculture, Electricity on Canadian

farms, 44, 382
Agriculture, Electricity on the Farm,

23, 606
Agriculture, The use of ionised air in,

by I. Jorgensen, 453, 499
Agriculture. The utilisation of waste

heat for. 109
Air compressors. B.T.H. turbo, 229
Air filters, 443
.Mexanderson magnetic rectifier, The,

649
Alien enemy patents. 15. 45, 90, 131,

243, 320, 349, 600
Aluminium as war material. 633
Aluminium works in Bavaria, New, 683
-Amalgamated Society of Engineers

funds, 100
Amalgamated Society of Engineer

Secretaryship. 298
.America, Accumulator manufacture i;

552
American capital in Norway, 633
American coal-handling plant, Novel

649
American electric cooking notes, 154
electrical industry. 209. 326

-American electrical range produc
466

American electrical sales, Sixteen
years, 160

-American engineering societies' joint
building, 213

American export trade regulations. 320

American exports ot electrical goods,
123, 345, 558

American glass for lamp bulbs, 354

-American homily on electrical organi-
sation, 335

Am.;rican investigation of electrical ex-
port possibilities, 321

American prosperity, 423

American views on higher steam pres-

214

the

manufacture of electric cooking

stoves, 387
America's electrical week, 243. 663
Anchoring of electric cables. The bond-
ing and, by S- G.. 619
Application of electricity to agricultural

purposes, by W- T- Kerr, 80
Applications for Parliament to consider.

Electrical. .577, 605
Appointments vacant, 16, 74, 100, 131,

159, 188. 243, 271, 299, 355, 382,

410, 440, 466, 493. 521. 551, 678,

605, 634, 664, 719
Apprenticeship. Engineering, by A- P-

Trolter, 446
Arc used in scrapping plant, The A-C.

689
Argentina, 70
-Argentina, Electric lamps for, 405

Argentine Republic, Electrical imports
of the, 489

Argentine, Trade and other conditions
in the, 349

Army clothing scandal — " Out, damned
spot." 310

-Association of Electrical Station En-
gineers. 577

Australia. Car-lighting devices in. 517

Australia, Coal troubles in, 603

Australia, Industrial peace in. 326

Australia, Trade statistics of, 316

Australia, Wages in, 522

Australian electrolytic zinc, 694

Australian income tax and British in-
dustry, 187

Australian inquiries, 69, 270, 295, 489,
644, 628

Australian market, 433

Australian metal manufacturing, 70

Australian patents, 16

-Australian postal contracts, 239

Australian tariffs on electrical goods,
British manufacturers and, 206. 434

Australian trade, 150

Austrian electrical industry. The, 449

Austrian patents. 214

-Authorities, Lighting companies and
local, by " Legal Contributor." 278

Authors —

Beable. W- H-, on Trade with
Russia, 586, 594

Berry, A- F-, on Electric cooking and
heating, 530

Boothman. L-. on Resistance stepping
of motor accderating rheostats,
648

Borden, P- A-, on The determination
of transformer losses, 670

Brown, H- W-, on A new universal
shunt, 480

Bullen, A- T., rn Switchboards for
polyphase testing. 228; on Con-
sumers' complaints. 627

Chattock, R- A-. en Industrial econo-
mies, 445

Clerk, Dr- Dugald, on The internal-
combustion engine, 622

Clothier, H- W-, Inaugural address
to Newcastle local section of
LE-E-, ,567

Clough. W-, and G- W- Holford, on
The utilisation of tramways for
goods traffic, 368

Collins, E, F., on Industrial eleitric
heating, 447

" Commercial," on The new copper
restrictions, 572

Deaile, G-, on The economical pro-
duction of power from coke oven
gas. 176

Dobson, J. H-, on The Johannesburg
municipal electric power station,
222. 231. 265

nrummond, G. R-. on Electrical
trade in India after the war.
424

Ellis, H. S-, on The generation of
electricity, 53

Gibson, Capt. A- on The Sperry
searchlight, 2.56

Holford. G W-, ind W. Clough, on
The utilisation of tramways for
goods traffic, ;-68

Hollingsworth, E. M-, on Modernis-
ing an electric supply undertak-
ing, 174

" Interested Onlooker," on Way-
leaves. 527

Jorgensen, I-, on The use of ionised
air in -igriculture, 453, 499

Kempton, P- H- S., on The Royal
Dockyard Schools — an account of
the Admiralty method of training
dockyard apprentices, 592

Kerr. W. T., on The application of
electricity to agricultural pur-
poses, 80

I-arkie, W- W-, on Boiler house de-
sign and operation, 5

AtriHORS — continued

" Legal Contributor," on Lighting
278; on Some notes on warran-
ties, 715

Looker, O. N-, on National Indus-
trial organisation, 675

McElroy, J. M-, on Sorrie notes on
passenger transportation in larg?
cities, 341

McKenz^e, A- E-, Inaugural address
to Manchester local section of
I-E-E-, 565

Marchant. E- W-, on Some aspects
of industrial research, 696

Mawdesley, R- Turnbull, on Exten
sions at the Simmer Pan station
of the Victoria Falls and Trans-
v.ial Power Co., 108; on Pro-
spects in South Africa, 135

Maycock, W. Perren, on The choice
of continuous current motor con-
trol apparatus, 138

Merz, C H-, on Electric power dis-
tribution, 306

Mottelav. P- F- on Petri Peregri.ii
Maricurtensis, 247

Munro, D. S-, on The Institution
wiring rules 313, 360

Napier. J. W-, on Gas authorities
as suppliers of electricity. 370

Pausey, E- B-, on Some sources of
trVor in thermometry, 706

Peck, J. S-, on The parallel opera-
tion of electric power stations,
611, 653. 696

Peter, J F-, on The Cumberland
system of prevention of i

Phillips, R- E-. on Variable-speed
gears for motor road-vehicles, 718
■ Porter, G., on Oil engines and steam
engines in combination. 260

Riddle, W- G- L., on The export
trade to the Far East, 697

Robertson, J- A-, on Electricity sup-
ply, 682

Robertson, Prof- D„ Inaugural ad-
dress lo the Western local sec-
lion I.E.E,. 501 »,

Robson. W- T., on Tramway transit
and comfort : A plea for the pa"-
senger. 3

" Rover." on Linking up— and falling
out. 651

Russell. Dr. A-, on Lord Kelvin's
life and work. 539

S- G., on Inquiries for cable acces-
sories. £55; on The bonding and
anchor'ng of electric cables, 619

Sloan, R- P.. on Fuel economy on
the N-E. coast. 333

Smith. E. A., on Electricity in the
spelter industry, 444

Stansfi.-ld, J- J- H-, on National In-
surance Act-— Extension of un-
employment insurance, 287: on
Umpir-s decisions on unemploy-
ment insurance, 369, 434, 4.55,
531, 653

Stothert. J- K-. Inaugural address lo
S--..tti5h 'ocal section of I-E.E-.
567

Swinburne. J-, on Science and in-
dustry, .541

Taylor, F- H- on Industrial lighting
by electricity, 457

Thorp. S- V-, on Notes on electro-
plating, 60, 87

" Tramp Royal," on Some chiefs-—
Verb. sap.. 619

Trotter, A- P-, in Engin'sring ap-
pre,lticeship, 446

Vickers, G- B , on Piston and small
end lubrication in Diesel engines,
640

Weightman, R- W-, on Colonial tele-
graphs and telephones, 711

Wood, Norman H-, on The electrical
equipment of a modern foreign
submarine boat, 115, 163

B

AKE oven. Large electric, 325

BANKRUt>TCY PrOCBEDINGS —

Birket, W. D-. 40. 239

Bonner. G- E-. 94

Boult. J-. ilO

Boult, J- and J- H-, 210

Brockie. J-, 321. 672

Brookes, T-, 321. 350. 659

Brown. F-, 69. 94

Connold, R. E. 11, 40, 69, 155, 6U.

659
Hawdon. A- F-, 376, 462
Liebbrand, C. H-, 659
Pearson, C- E-. 94
Saunders, T. M-. 406
Tattersall. J. W. and T- W-, 210
Thouson, I,- A-, 716
Whltehouse, J- R-, 266, 683
Wright, E- W. Barton, 628

Banks and a new efficiency, 590

Banks and industry, 621

Batteries tor reserve service. Thin-plate,

Batteries, German rules for pocket

' lamp, 419
Batteries in the U-S-A., The production

of small. 454
Batteries. Mercury arc rectifier for

charging small. 312
Battery mdustry, Irish. 237
Battery installation at Winnipeg, A

large, 688
Battery. The Edison. 604
Battery. Tht effect of temperature upon

th3 alkaline. 696
Bavaria. New aluminium works in, 683
Berkshi.-e igi.ition magneto. The, 259
Bethnal Green, Electricity supply in.

415
Birmingham house of commerce, -A-

320
Black-listed firms. 239
Blushing unseen. 199
Board of Trade changes. 679
Board of Trade. Commercial Intelli-
gence Department, 411, 451, 493
Board of Trade inquiries, 94, 124, 159,

361
Board of Trade, Overhead lines and

the. 298
Board of Trade regulations, New, 152
Board of Trade reorganisation. 411. 451.

493
Boiler hojse design and operation, by

W. W- Lackie, 5
Boiltrs, The use of coke oven gas

under, 473
Bonding a-ad anchoring of electric

cables. The, by S- G.. 619
Books for British prisoners abroad, 15
Brazil. Trade statistics of, 419
Breakdowns of German plant, 65, 662,

589, 593
Bribery, The prevention of, 451, 532
British Association, 227. 269. 303. 331.

361, 388, 416, 428
British Association, Presidential ai-

dress to the engineering section, bv

G- Stonev, F-R-S-, 303
British Electrical and Allied Manufac-
turers* Association notes, 466
British Engine Boiler and Elec'ri,- il

Insutance Company's new Kint-s

way oni;es, 350
British Italian Corp,iratio'i, The, 124
British-made, 376
British manufacturers and Australian

tariffs on electrical goods. 434
British Thomson-Houston turbo air

co-npressors, 229
British Trade Bank, A proposed, 343.

663
British travelling c-ihibitions, 517
Building and engineering works.

Stoppage of, 72, 124
Buyer abroad. Enlighten the. 617
By-product recoveiy In the U-S-A-, 325
By-product, Steam lioiler, 492

K

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW— INDEX.

[Jaxi-ary 1-'. \9\]

CABLE accessories, Inquiries for, b;
S. G, tSS

Cable and wire manufacture in Au>-

iralii, 187
Cable Makers' Aisocialion, S77
Cable Makers' Association fctan-la'd

specifvcalion. 'J3S
Cable Makers' Syndicate. German, 3S0
Cables, The bondinji! and anchoring of

electric, by > G., 619
'■■l!-up notice*. The hardship of pr-'-

iibuilanK power station, Clyde Valley
Co.-t new, 591

<. ^nada, Elecuic farming in, 44, 382

Canada, Industrial research in, G89

Canada, Notes from, 373, 678

Caopda produces elutrolvtic topper,
380

Canadian Pacific Railway, Wages on
215

Canadian tradf. 139. 273. 321, 504

Canals, Using the. 409

Carbon electrode manuf.-icturing in
Sweden, 120

Carbon elecIrod--s in Germany. 633

Carbonisation of loal. High tempera-
ture V. low temperature, 604

Carbons, Seiichlight, 91

Car-lighting device* in Austriill.i, 517

Car-motor defects, 549

I of electrical manufactures, U.S..

and military

551

Central station m<

vice. 605. 632
Central station output, United Stated,

683
Central station service, 618
Central stations. U.S., 470
Centralisation of electricity supply. The,

191
Century single phase repulsion indu---

ticm motors. 61
rh.iin drive, \ l.irge, 380
Ch.trging smaP brilteries. Mercury arc

rectifier for, 312
Chemical industry, British. 411
Chicago. Milwaiikee, and St. Paul

Railway electrification. The. 200
Chile, Pumping machinery in, 239
China, 376

China, Business prospects in, 658
China, German machinations in. 527
China. Trade conditions in, 209

Cmr Notes —
AdeliiJo Electric Supply Co., 637, (m
Allgemeine Eleklricitiils Gesellschaft,

609
Amalgamal.-d Wireless (Australi.i)

Amazon Telegraph Co.. .581, 636
Anglo-Americ.nn 1 elegraph Co., 4?,

469
A-iRlo-Portuguose Teleph >ne Co., 525
Auckland Electric Tramways, 495. .524
Austrian Electric.il Comp.i'nies. 48
Automatic Telephone Nlanulaclurin?

Co.. 693
Averv, W. * T.. 105. 722
B.ibcock «r Wilcox. 469
Barcelona Tractio-i Light and Power

Co.. 497
Bastian Electric Heating Syndicate.

19
Beardmore, W.. &• Co.. 105
Bell Telephone To. of Canada. 442
Blackpool and Fleetwood TramroaJ

Co., 134
Blackpool, St. Annes & Lvtham

Tramways Co. 693
Bogota Telephone Co., 441
Bolckow. Vaughan, & Co., 273
Bombay Electric Supply & Tramwavs

Co:, 21. 24.1
Bournemouth ft Poole Electricity

Supply Co.. 105
Brazilian Tr.iction. Light. Si Power

Co., 77, 273. 469. 637
Bristol Tramways & Carriage r;o.,

134
British Aluminium Co., 329
British Columbia Electric Railway

Co., 691
British Electric Taction Co., 20,

British Ever Ready Co.. 581

British Insulated and Helsby Cables,

330
British Thom.on Houston Co., 20
British Uralitc (1908). 554

npton & Kensington Electric

Supply Co., 245
Browett. I.indley. & Co. :
Buenos Aires L.i.-roze Tran

Co.,

Buenos Aires City & Suburban Tram-
way, 693
C dcutla Electric Supply Corporalio.l,

49. 190. 329. 358. 386. 609
Calcutta Tramways Co., 442
Cillender's Cable & Construction

Co.. 441
Cillender's Share & Investment Co..

637
Canadian General Electric Co., 301.

609
Cape Electric Tramwavs, 496, 554

580
Castner-Kellner Alkali Co.. 554. 609
Central Lontlon Railway Co.. 105
Charing Cr>ss. West End, & City

Electricity Supply Co.. 134
Chatham &• District Light Railways

Co., 103
Chelsea Electricity Supply Co., 134
Chile Teleohone Co.. 49. 722
Chloride Electrical Storage Co. 637
City & South London Railway Co..

105
City of Buenos Avres Tr.imwavs Co

1904!. 10«, 4«9

Cmr NoTxs — c*nlini*ed
City of Lonoon Electric Lighting

Co., 134
Cleveland Trust. 554
Clyde Valley Electrical Power Co..

■ 246, 329, 358
Commercial Cable Co., 329
Companies struck ofl the register.

414, 469. 497, 581, 693
Consolidated Diesel Engine Manufac-
turers, Ltd., 469
Consolidated Electrical Co.. 21
t^onsolidaled Gas, Electric Light, and

Power Co., 273
Constantinoolc Tramways Co., 58J
Cordoba ;-ight. Power, & Traction

Co., 134, 693
Costa Rica Electric Light & Traction

Co., 665
County of Dorset Electric Supply Co.,

105, 32J
County of London Electric Supplj

Co., 105
Credenda Conduits, 106
Crompton Si Co., 77, 103
Crossley Bros.. 190
Cjba Submarine Telegraph '^o.. 3fll
Cuban Telephone Co., 22, 217
Dartmoor Electric Supply Co.. 441,

525, 637
Davis & Timmins, 246
Delahole Electric Lighting &■ Supply

Co., .'■•80
Dick, Kerr 4 Co., 329, 441, ^tS
Direct United States Cable Co., 49,

414
Direct West India Cable Co., ai7
Drake & Gorha n. 497, 553
Dublin United (Electric) Tramwavs

Co., 22
Dundee, Broughty Ferry, & District

Tramwavs Co., 302, 357
East India Tramivays Co.. 609
East London Railway Co., 665
Eastern Extension, Australasia, anil

China Telegraph Co., 329. 693
Eastern Telegraph Co.. 329. 693
Edison .Accumulators, 19
Edison Swan Electric Co., 525, 553.

.MO. 607
Eilmundson's Electricity Corporation.

47. 103
Electric Construction Co., 581
Electric Light & Power Supply Cor-
poration (Balmain. Syd-iey), 49
Electric Supply Co. of Victoria. J2H
Electric Supply Corporation, 133
Electrical Securiti-s Trust, 637
Electrical Utiliti-s Corporation, 411
Electro Bleach Si Bv-products. 190
Elmore's German & Austro-Hun-

garian Metal Co., 161
Escher. Wyss & Co., 385
Fairbairn, Lawson, Combe, Barbour,

190

329

Fraser & Chalmers. 49, 5.53
French Electrical Companies, 48, 104,

189, 337. 523, ,'i80. 609
Gandv Belt Manufacturing Co., 302
General Electric Co., 48, 76
German Electrical Companies, 49.

133. .329, 412. 580. 692
Globe Telegraph & Trust Co. 301.

580
Guildford Electric Supply Co., 217
Hadfields, 49
Halifax and Bermudas Cable Co..

357
Harris, J. F., & G„ 469
Hawkes, O. C. 22
Henley s Telegraph Works Co.. W .

T.. 190
Hong Kong Tra-nwavs Co.. 106, 302
Hornsby, R., & Sons, 5.S4
Hurst, Nelson &• Co., 469

Indi:

580

India-Rubber, Gutta-Percha & Tele-
graph Works Co., 22. 665. 721

Indian Electric Supply & Traction
Co., 523

International Light i Power Co.,
581

Isle of Thanet Electric Tramways and.
Lighting Co., 665

Kalgoorlic Electric Tramways, 245,
273

K^lgoorlie Light &• Power Corpora-

Knminis'tiQuia Pouer Co.. 106. 469
Karachi Electric Supply Corporation.
49. 246 i-r . y

Kensington &• Knightsbii Ue Electric

Lighting Co.. 161
Lanarkshire Tramways Co.. 106
Lancashire Dynamo ' &• Motor Co ,

330
Lisbon Electric Tramwavs Co., 498
Liverpool Overheid Railway, 77
I-ondon Electric Railway Co., 105
I-ond.-»n Electric Tv-pply Corporation,

Ma

106

.^56

&■ Light Co., 301.

Manila Electric Railroad & Lighting

Corooration. 273. 301. 663
Manx Ele.lrir RaiUay Co.. 6(K
Marconi Wireless Telegraph Co. of

Canada. 328
Marconi's Wireless Telegraph Co., 19
M3r.shall, Sons &■ Co., 469
M.ither & Platf. 105
Melbourne Electric Supply Co., 637,

691. 721
MetroD^litan District Railjray Co.

105 '

Mefrooolit.nn Electric Supply Co., 106,

190. 217. 300. .384 '

Ciiv Notes — (ontinutd
Mexican Light & Power C^o., 414
Mexico I'ramways Sc Power Bonds,

246, 413
Monte Video Telephone Co., 553, 579
Monterey Railway, Light. 4 Power

Co.,' 413
Montreal Light, Heat, & Power Co ,

Montreal Tramways Co., 190
Nairobi Ek<tric I'ower & Lighting

Co., 161, 496
National Boiler .^ Gener:

Co., 134
National Gt< Engine Co., 49
National Telewriter Co., 414
Newcastle-upon-Tyne Electric Supplv

Co., m. 273
Northampton Electric Light & Fow;r

Co., 691
Northern Light, Power, & Coal Co.,

49
North .Melbourne Electric Tramwavs

& Lighting Co., 161
Norwegiai Electrical Companies, .521
Norwich Electric Tramways, 469
Oerliken Maschincn Fabrik, .180
Om.lal Notices le companies, 21,

49, 77, 103, 189, 273, 302, 329,

(i37, 665
Oldham, Ashton, & Hyde Electric

Tramways Co., 161
Oriental Telephone & Electric Co.,

413
Oxford Electric Co., 246.
Paignton Electric Light Co., 49
Pais.cy District Tramways Co., 161
Parsoiis Marine Steam Turbine Co ,

441
Power Gas Corporation, 581, 637
Provincial Tramways Co.. 581
Quebec Railway. Light. Heat, and

Power Co.. 413
Reduction of Capital. 49
Rio de Janeiro Tramway. Light, and

Power Co., 77. 441 '
Rui«ia.i Electrical Companies, 217,

4.97. 581. 638
Si. James' & Pall Mall Electric

Light Co. 22
Sao Paulo Tramway, Light, & Power

Co.. 77. 442
Scott. Walker, 161

Shanghai Ele:tric Construction Co.,
^ 414
Sha vinigan Water & Power Co.,

27.3 609
.Society" Krancaise des Cables Telc-

graphiques. 608
South Metropolitan Electric Light and

Pow-r l,o., 190, 245
Southern IBrazil Electric Co., 49,

103
Spanish Telephone Co., 217
Standard Waygood Co. (Au.:tralia\

105
Slowart & Lloyds, 190
Stock Exchange Notice re companies,

21. 49. 77. 103. 189. 273. 329.

413
Stratford-on-Avon Electricity Co.. 329
Swiss EliK:trical Companies, 329
Tata Hvdro-Eleclric Power -Scheme,

692
Telegraph Construction & Mainten-
ance Co.. 21
TraHord Park Estates. 469
Tubes. 105. 217
Tucuman Tramwavs. Light, & Power

Co.. 693
Tvnesidc Tramwavs and Tramroads

■ Co.. 189. 217
Undergrojnd Elertric Railway Com-
panies of London. 105
United Ele.-tric Car Co., 302, 358.

665
United Electric Tramways of Caracas,

469. 497
Unlte<l El.ctrir Tramways of Monte

Video, fi.37
l'nil,!d River Plate Telephone Co..

441
United Wire Works. 637
Venezuela Telephone & Electrical .Ap-
pliances Co.. 609
Veritys. 77. 105
Vickers, Ltd.. 134
\'ictoria F.ills K Transvaal Power

Co.. 301. 356. 663
Waste Hear & Gas Electrical Gene-

rating Stations. 190
West African Telegraph Co.. 498
West India Electric Co.. 245
West Indian & Panama Telegraph

Co., 4.97. 525. 609
Western Canaila Power Co., 47. 161
Western Telegraph Co.. 469. 496. 5.53.

637
Westinghouse Brake Co.. 498
Westminster Electric Supplv Corpora-
tion. 134
White. J. G.. & Co., 21, 663
^^ltes & Thom. 5.54
Yorkshire Eleelrie Power Co.. 103
Yorkshire (West RiHingl Electric

Tramwavs Co . 665
Zurich Bank for Electrical Under

akings. 412

Clocks back. On setting the. 3.33
Clutch gear for motor ca'-s. .A novel

electric. 166
Clyde Valley Co.'s new Cambuslang

nower station. .591
Coal economy. 423
Coal handling plant. Novel American

.549
Coal. High . temoerature v. low tem-

oerature carbonisation of. 604
Coal mining and electrical accidents in

mines for 1915. 677
Coal research, Vft

Coal trouble in Australia, 603, 635

Coke breeze. Burning, 483

Coke even gas. The economical pri,

duclion of power from, by C,

Dearie, 17(i
Coke oven gas under boilers, The use

of, 473, 524
Cold light again, 270
Collieries, New, 243
Colombia, 181
Colonial telegraphs and telephones, U

R. W. Weighlman, 711
Commerce and industry after the war .

A general comn.ittee, 73
Commercial intelligence, A departmenc

of, 411, 4,-.l, 493
(?ommiltee. Commerce and industr\

after the war : A general, 73
Committees, Electricity supply, 113
Companies and local authorities. Light-
ing, by " Legal Contributor," 27t)
Concordia Electric Wire Co., The, 350,

Condenser corrosion. The Cumberlan-l
system of prevention, by J. F.
Peter, 203

Conferenc-; of electrical engineers in
India, 664

Congress, The tr.ade union, 298

fonselt lr>n .•l.-.lrical installalinn. Th-.

182

(^onsular activity and European erono-

mic policy, American, 181
Consular service. Our, 158
Consuls at work, American, 214
Consumers' complaints, by A. T.

Bullcn, G27
Continuous-current motor control ap

paratus. The choice of, by W.

Perren Maycock, 138
Contractors* Association activities.

National electrical, 507
Contracts and the war. Construction,

479
Conlr-aets, Australian postal, 239

CoNTRAtrr* Closeij —
Aberdeen, 138. Z42
Accrington, 662
Ardsley, G62
Argentina, 43, 98
Ashton-under-Lvne. 72
Australia, 43, 128, 186, 242, 269, 298,

408, .520, 548, 603, 662, 717
Aylesbury, 379
Barking, 409

Ba

686

Barnslcv, 72

Barrow:in-Furnoss, 128

Bath, 662

Batley, 158

Bedford, 44

Birkenhead, 44

Birmingham, 15

Blackpool. 298. 612

Bolton. 128

Bradford, 1f;8. 379. 520, 602

Bridlington, 13

Bristol. 44

Bury, 242, 662

Buxton, 15

Cambcrwell, 686

Canada 662

Cape Town, 98, 187

China, 128

Croydon, 409

Derby, 44. 379

Dublin, 44

Dunedin, 99

Faversham, 3.53

Fulham. 13. 128

Glasgow, 15, 44. 269. ,153, 437. 465,

492, 603, 662
Oovernment contracts. 98. 212. 324

463. 576. 686. 717
Halifax. 15

Hammersmith. 13. 99, 379, 492, 603
Ilford. 15, 379. 492. "18
Johannesburg, 353
Kendal. 128

Kingston-on-Thames, 15, 379
Leek, 187
I^ndon, 13, 44, 72, 99, 128, 212

353. 379, 437, 492, 548, 603, 686.

718
London County Council, 72. 437. 492

548
Luton. 15, 44. 324. 632
Maidenhead. 379
Malvern. 437
Manchester. 15. 128, 269, 409. .520

632
Marylebone, 212, 437, 548
Meter contracts. 242
Metropolitan Asylums Board, 548
New Zealand. 99. 3.53, 686
Newcastle-on-Tyne. 492
Newport (Mon.). 662
Northampton. 13
Oswestrv, 128
Paisley.' 437
Poplar. 353
Rawlenslall. 603. 718
Reigate. 632
Rotherham. 409. 520
St. Pancras. 718
Salford. 13, 128. 269, 324, 379. 465

492. 320. 632
Shanghai. 492

Sheffield. 44. 158. 409, 520, 548, 663
-Shipley. 44

Southa npton. 99. 3.53, 465
Soulhenrl-on-Sea, 72
Soain. 99, 437
Stafford. 44

Sund.'rland. 44. 158. 324, 409
Taunton. 46.i
Tvld.^lev. 15
W.-<kefioId. 298 437
Walsall. 32* 409. 663
Walthamslow. 242. 379. 437. 492, S"*!
Watford, 44

January 12, It* 17.]

THE ELECTKICAL REVIEW— INDEX.

Contracts Closed — continued
Wedncsbury, 437 .
Welliiij^ton (N.Z.), 086
West Bromwich, 548
Wimbledon, 44
Wolverhampton, 15, 44, 128, 409, 493,

663
Woolwich, 15, 530, 632

CuNTRACTS Open —

Aberdare, 166, 213, 243

Aberdeen, 14
■ Adelaide, 186, 212, 242, 269, 397,
324, 353, 379, 408, 437, 465

Aldershol, 686

Argentina, 324, 530, 548, 575

Australia, 14, 43, 72, 98, 127, 158.
186, 212, 242, 269, 297, 324, 353,
379, 408, 437, 465, 491, 520, 548,
573, 602, 631. 663, 686, 717

Avlesbury, 631, 663

Barking, 98, 137, 158

Barrowford, 14

Basingstoke. 73, 98

Bingley, 602

Blackburn, 158

Bootk-. 717

Bradford, 465, 491, 520, 603

Bridgend, 631, 662

Brighouse, 242

Brisbane, 14

Burnley, 269, 297

Cape Town, 530, 548, 575, 602, 631.

662, 686
Castlebar, i28, 324
Chatham. 520

Dublin, 43, 186, 212. 343, 408, 437,

465, 520
Dunedin, 128, 437, 465, 491, 520, 548,

575, 003. 631. 663. 686. 717
Durban. 491, 530, 548, 675, 603. 631,

663, 686
Edmonton, 242, 269, 397
Enfield, 631

Enniskillen, 520, 548, 575, 603

France, 128

Gisborne, 242, 269

Glasgow, 138, 465

Government contracts, 73, 269, 298,

548. 575
Grenada, 324, 352, 465, 491, 530, 548,

575, 603
Halifax, 324, 352
Hull, 43
Invercargill, 14. 43, 98, 128, 158, 180,

212, 342, 269
Johannesburg, 158. ISO, 212, 242, 352,

379, 408, 437, 465, 491, 520, 648,

575, 603, 631, 662, 686
Keighley, 398
Kensington, 398
Leeds, 408
Leith, 717

Liverpool, 298, 520, 548. 680
London. 343, 269, 398, 548, 675, 603,

631, 662
London County Council, 72, 128, 269,

603, 631, 663
Manchester, 14, 186, 313. 343. 269.

324. 437, 465. 491. 686
Melbourne, 14. 43, 186, 312, 242, 269.

398, 324, 352, 379, 408, 437, 465,

491, 520. 548. 717
Middleton. 520 •
Morecambe. 14
New Zealand. 14. 43. 72. 98, 128.

158, 186, 313, 242, 269, 398, 334.

352. 379, 437, 465, 491. 520, 548,

575, 603, 631, 662, 686, 717
Newcastle-on-Tyne, 548
Newport (Mon.), 465, 491
Officr: of Works. H.M.. 72, 269, 398,

548, 575, 631, 663
Oldham. 520
Paris. 353
Perth (W.A.). 14, 98, 137, 158, 186,

312, 269, 398, 334, 353, 379, 408,

437, 465. 491. 662. 686. 717
Plymouth. 15. 43
Portsmouth. 186. 212
Queensland. 603. 631. 662
Rochdale. 15. 128. 180, 212, 242, 408
Rhondda Valley. 520. 548
Rotherham, 491, 520
St. Asaph, 128. 158
Salford, 520 631
Sheffield. 242. 548
Sleaford. 662
Spain, 128. 186. 212. 243. 334. 408.

603. 631, 602. 086. 717
South Africa, 158, 186, 212, 352, 379,

408. 437, 465, 491. 520. 548. 575

602, 603. 631, 662, 686
Stalvbridge, 520
Stretford, 492, 520
Sunderland, 632
Svdnev. 14. 43. 72, 98, 137, 158, 186.

212. 269. 298. 324. 352, 379, 408.

437. 465. 491. 520. 575. 603. 631.

062. 686. 717
Tauranga (N.Z.). 557. 603. 631. 002.

r.80. 717
Trimdon Grange. 575. 603
W.tkeflelJ, 520
Walsall 465. 492
Walthamstow. 43. 73. 379
Warrington, 15, 298, 633
Wednesburv, 379

Wellington (N.Z.), 334, 352, 379
West Ham, 717
Wigan. .520, 686, 717
Wolverhampton, 465
York, 43, 620

Control systems for traction motors. 724
Controlled firms. The Ministry of Muni-
tions and. 618
Converters. The control of rotary. 709
Converting plants. Notes on oltf and
new, 275

electric, 154

ufacture of electric.

Cooking notes, Ai

design and m

3Sf

Copper, 30, 114, 199, 271, 311, 366
Copper in Germany, Electrolytic, 683
Copper output of Spain, 45
Copper permits, 604
Copper restrictions. The new, by

" Commercial," 572
Copper wire splices, Strength of, 438

Anglo-Boche, The, by " Engineer-
Lieutenant," 317

Australian postal contracts, by Secre-
, tary Australian Electrical and
" Allied Contractors' Committee,
6a5

Armorduct Manufacturing Co., by
W. KatcliBe Small, 654

Between two stools, by " Victimus,"
512; by "Australian," 540; by
" Back Pressure," 573; by
" Dunelmian," 623

Breakdowns of German plant, by W.
T. Henley's Telegraph Works,
633; by J. Shepherd, 654; by H.
L. Alderton, 698; by J. Stans-
lield, 099

British Mannesmann Tube Co., The,
by E. J. Fox, 457

Cab whistles and lamp calls, by A.
P. Lundberg & Sons, 205; by the
Sun Electrical Co.. 351

Centralisation of electricity supply, by
'■ M. H. O.," 456

Channel tunnel and telephone cables.
The, by J. E. Kingsbury, 205

Closing down the Electrical Co., by
"Contractor," 391; by Maurice
Jenki (Controller). 403

Coal economy, by A. H. Seabrook,
456

Cost of daylight v. electric light, The
by F. Willcox, 487

Decjmal coinage -and the metric sys-
tem, by Secretary, Compagnie des
Cables Sud Americains, 8; bv
C. L. Vincent, 34; by A. Bridges,
:-4; by C. Delehecque, 09

Declaration of origin of British goods,
by British .Agencies, Ltd., 94

Deficiencies of Government depart-
:s. The, by J. E. Stewart,

Disci

351

More about, by

Domestic electric openings in India,

by H. C. Greenwood, 403
Dry battery manufacture, by
" British Battery Manufactjrer,'

623

and trade, by " Produ

Electric cooker in India, The, by C.
S. J.-ffrey, 201

Electrical heating of factories. The,
by The Bastian Electric Co., 251

Electrical market in India, The, by
J. Khanna, 487

Electricity in agriculture, by J. E.
New-nan, 571

Electricity undertakings and Govern-
ment control, by " .Arbiter," 317

Empbyment of disabled sailors and
soldiers, by K. Hedges, 179

Fans for -.nilitary hospitals, by R.
Falshaw. 33; by E. Vickers, 94

Female sub-station attendants, by
" Commercial," 68

Final grade classes for electrical in-
stallation work, hv A. P. Lund-
berg 5i Sons, 540, '571. 597. 623;
ly A. P. Trotter, 571

Fro.-n the front, bv J. H. Pembrv,
167

High prices, by C. C. Hodges, 261

High speed squirrel cage winding, by
W. P Durtnall, 318

Hoiv electririlv is stolen at Shanghai,
bv T H. ll. Aldridge, 634

Induction motors on circuits of dif-
ferent frequencies, by "Practice,"
69, 205; by "A. B. J.," 167

Institution Wiring Rules, The, by W.
T. Henley's Telegraph Works Co..
391

Linking up electricity works, by " J.
Y. M.," 430

Mechanical aids for wounded men,
by H. F. Simon, 120

Metric system, Decimal coinage and
the. by Secretary. Compagnie des
Cables Sud Aiilericains, 8; by
C, L. Vincent. 34; by A. Bridgi
34; by C. Delebecque, 69; by
" One Interested." 318

Munitions work wanted, by Rev. W
M. W. Pitchford. 391

Neglect of science. The, by A. S. E
Ackermann. 94

Ozone in military surgery, by Ozon.
air, Ltd., 403

Paralleling of electric power stations,
by S. E. Fedden. 623

Performance of .steam turbine sets,
by J. C. Williams. 120

Power station design, by " Scrutator,'
633

Preceden:e for disabled men, bv
Sergt. A. P. Holloway, 403

Prevention of firibery, The, by the
Secretary of the Bribery and
Secret Commissions Prevention
League, 511

Recruiting of skilled engineers, by
" Jaques," 6.54; bv A. J. C. de
Renzi. 698

Reform of electricity supply. The. by
E. T. Williams, 402 '

CoRRESPO.SDENCE — Continued

Rewards of industry, by " A.M.I..

E.E.." 390
Stolen goods, by E. O. Walker and

Co., 573
" Summatio-i watt " capacity of field

rheostats and the like, by L.

Boothman, .■.U, 541; bv C. C.

Garrard, 511, 571, 623
Tar as fuel, by " H. C. C," 179
To go — or not to go, by "Unsettled,"

251; by "Nonplussed," 290; by

"Balanced up," 290, 301; by

"North-East Coast," 318; by

"Industrial Conscript," 347; by

" Safely Out," 392; by " D. F.

B.," 431
Trade with Italy, by Cav. Hamilton

and Sons, 654
Transformers on 35-cycle systems. 60-

cycle, by W. D. Lovell, 8, 33
Twenty-two deaths from heat strok-?,

by Justus Eck, 167
L'se of low-grade fuels, by Erith's

Engineering Co.. 699
War bonus for the managerial staff.

by " A Brainworker," 699
War time generosity, by " Shylock,"

Wayleaves, by The Stanneries Meta'.
Works, 597

Whither are we drifting? by J. Shep-
herd, 179; by " Monk," 305

Wire-drawing industries, by H.
Worthington, 346

Wiremcn's work examinations. Elec-
tric, by A. P. Lundberg & Sons,
;.3

Corrosion. The Cumberland system of
prevention of, by J. F. Peter, 203

Cost of electric welding, 688

Costs, Electric tipping wagon, 379

Cranes for N.S.W. Government, Elec-
tric travelling, 256

Cuba," 308

Cumbffl-land system of preventing con-
denser corrosion, The, by J. F.
Peter, 203

Customs, Exemptions for gold produc-
ing machinery, Russian, 209

Cutting cable trenches by power, 466

D

.ACI.-V " torpedoed. The,

Decimal coinage and the metric system,

23, 45, 99, 114, 131, 282, 439, 605
Decimal Association, Manchester and

District, 663
Delineation of internal organs by an

electrical niethwl, The, 381
Demobilisation and reconstruction, 645
Demobilisation, Labour and, 309
Design and manufacture of electr'tc

cooking stoves, American views on

the. 387
Design. Power station. 584
Dick. Kerr purchase A. E.G. interests.

506

DieSel e

s. Tar

fuel for.

Diesel engines. Piston and small-end
lubrication in, by G. B. Vickers.
640
Diesel Engine Users' Association. .503
Diesel men. The Tribunals and. 689
Disable*! sailors and soldiers. The em-

ploiment of. 136. 396
Discounts Accounts and. 703
Disinfectin,' Hjid. Electrolytic. 101
Dissolutions. 11. 40. 95. 124. 210. 239.
266. 376, 402. 434, 489. 600. 629. 683
Distribution. Economic power genera-
tion and. 668
Dockyard Schools. The Royal — An ac-
count of the -Wmiralty method of
training dockyard apprentices, bv
P. H. S. Ke'mpton, 692
Dominican Republic, The 209
Dr. ,-,ll with gelatinous rlcclrolvte. 714
Dublin. Electrical men's wages at. 523
Dublin electricity supply. Mr. D'Alton's

report, 613
Dublin fire incident, 551
Dublin. More sniping in, 16
Dublin's electricity supply. 500. 551. 512

181

Economic pow:;r ge.ieration and distri-
bution. 068
Economical, production of power from

coke oven gas. The. by G. Dearie.

176
Economies. Industrial, by R. A. Chat-

tock, 444
Economy. Coal. 433
Economy. Fuel. 031
Economy in lubricating oil, 336
Edinburgh tramway report, 563, 587
Edison battery. The, 604
Education an! research. Engineering,

44
Education committees, 242
Educational, 16. 45, 74, 131, 159, 187,

215, 243, 271, 326, 354, 410, 440,

466, 651, 576, 634, 603
Educational reform, 59
Efficiency, On maximum. 477
Egypt. Trade statistics of. 8
Electric lighting in Paris. 57
Electric lighting provisional orders. 719
Electric steel in France. 382
Electric supply statistics, South African

municipal; 139
Electric tipping wagon tosts. 379
Electric travelling cranes for N.S.W.

Government, 25«

Electric vans for laundry work, 531
Electric vehicle charging in Sydney.

N.S.W.. e33
Electric vehicle Jevelopmcnt— A de-
finite policy in Vienna, 480
Electric vehicle progress, 15, 159, 173.

409. 604
Electric vehicle trial. Manchester. 371
Electrical equipment of the U.S.S.

Tennessee, 325
Electrical goods in South Africa, 521
Electrical industry. American, 209. 326
Electrical industry in India, 6'28
Electrical organisation, \n .Amerlc-jn

homily on, 335
Electrical problem in South Africa, The

400
Electrical sales

can. 160
Electrical trade

Elei

84

Sixtee

Electrical trades. The Institution of

Electrical Engineers and the, 29
Electrical Trades Union (London Power

Station Engineers), 577
Electrically-driven U.S. battle cruisers,

242
Electricity for small houses, 165
Electricity in agriculture (Californian

data)', 129
Electricity in the spelter industry, by

E. A. Smith. 444
Electricity on a duck farm, 549
Electricity on the farm, 23, 606
Electricity regulations, 16
Electricity supply. 501
Electricity supply at Holmfirlh. 89
Electricity supply, by J. .\. Robertson.

682

Elei

415

city supply

113

Bethnal Green,

Electricity supply in Germany, 639 ■

Electricity supply in Greenock : Two

years' growth, 24

Electricity supply. Institution of Elcc

Electricity to agiicultural purposes.

Application of. by W. T. Kerr, 80
Electrification of wool, 493
Electrochemical industries in South

Africa, 605
Electrochemistry in Norway, 383, 531
4:ulture, The present position of.

479

Electr.

ultu

-The

use of
by I.

gricultu
453, 499

:tro-deposition of zinc, 298
:tro-Harmonie Society. 354. 382,
ting of silvered

Ek
EU
Elcctrolyt

387
Electrolvti

380'
Electrolvti

copper, Canada producer.

138

trea

of

tralia, 100, 187, 476
ctroplating. Notes on, bv S. '

Thorp, 60, 87

rlro-textile machine, A new, 99
pire contracts - An ;\ustrali:

123

Empire Fair, Industries of the, 16
Empire industrial policy, 466
Empire-made goods in New Zealand,

265
Employment of .lis.ibled sailors and

soldiers. The. 136. 396
Enamel from wire. Removing. 100
Enemy firms winding up. List of, 130
holding in British companies.

15

Enemy influences.
Enemy trader, I(
Engineering apor

Trotter, 446
Engineering durit

337
Engineering Fede

Export trade and, 85
enlifving the, !!f'
entiin-ship, by A. P.

11, .\ Birminghar

Engineering labour movement, 325
Engineering organisaticn, Scottish, 1.5'1
Engineeri.-ig resear:h oi the North

East Coast. 131
Engineering societies. Joint building.

213

131

Engineering Standaids Conimi
Engineering trade policy, 299
Engineers and the question of a truce,

576
Engineers in India, Conference of elec-
trical, 664
Engineers' wages. 15. 438
Engineers' wages. Leeds. 633
Engineers' wages. Manchester, 526, 551
English porcelain, 405
Error in thermometry. .Some sources of.

by E. B. Pausey. 706 .
Excavators. The operation of electric.
176

Exhibitions. British travelling. 617

E-xport possibilities. American investi-
gation of electrical. 321

Export trade. The A. E.G. and future.
715

Export trade and enemy influences, 85

Export trade to the Far East, The. by
W. G. L. Riddle. 097

Exports and imports of electrical goods
during June. 107; during July. 219;
during August. 359; during Septem-
ber. 471; during October, 583; dur-
ing November. 723

Exports, Japanese Governm.ilt subsidy
for electrical, 123

THE ELECTKICAL REVIEW— INDEX.

[,l.\Xl-AKV »2,

T^AIR, 1917, BiitUh Industries, 6iti

Kjni, Markets lor cintric, 182

Far East The export trade to thr, by

W. ti. L. Riddle, <W7
Farm, Electricity on a duck, US
Farm, Electricity on the, 23, 60S
Farm motor inilaDiliun. American, liSJ
Farms, Eleciricitv on Canadian, «, SSB
Fatalities, 100, 131, 188, 243, 270, 298,
336, 3J4, 3S2, *33, 493, 533, 57H,
603, 634, 663, 689, 719
Fatigue, Industrial, 87, 452, 439
Federaiioil of British Industries, The,

339
Filament breaker, A {^mp^gjQ
Financial interests in eujvical under-
takings abroad, Ge^^ran, 169
Financing of Russian mduslries. The,

Government auislance (or our foreign

trade, 701
t^vcrnnient control, Electricity supply

and, 311
Gravitation and electrical action, 99
Greece, 375
Greenock : Two years' growth. LKclri-

cily supply in, 24

254

633

Finnish Hidro-Electric Co..

Fire incident. Dublin, 551

Fire^. 40. 183. 239. B90

Firms Bill, Registration of, 78, 410

Flash lamps in the U.S.A., 466

Flash lamps. Police, 663

Flour mill in the Caucasus, Electric,

576
Ford Motor Co., A large D.C. station,

soe

Foreign and Colonial tariffs on electri-
cal goods, 28, 56, 168, 196, 224,
231, 307, 392, 448, 503, 560, 616.
700, 727

Foieign markets. — Enlighten the buver
abroad, 817

Foreign trade, 45, 159. 298, 409, S23,

Foreign trade. Government assistance

for our, 701
Foreign trade representatives, 516
Foreign undertakings in Russia, 86
France, British goods (or, 266
France. Hydro-electric works in, 395

633
France, Lighting restrictions in, 674
Franc, Science and industry in, 325
French and Italian electrical industry

and the Rjssian market, 472
French electrical and other trades, 279
French electrical industry. 1
French industries, 66 '

French National Laboratory o( Phvsics

and Mechanics, 718
Friction Josses with temperature, Varia-
tion o(. 168
Furl economy, 621
Fuel economy in Ihc U.S.A.. 381
Fuel economy on the North-East Coast.

by R. P. Sloan, 333
I'uel, Electrical power from low (Jradr-,

Fuel, Lignite as elation, 380
Fuel, National economy in, 51
Fuel, Po*der-d co.il as, 481
Fuel. The use of low grade, 667
Fuller Electrical Manufacturing Works,

Chadwell Heath, 284
Furnace on the Rand, Steel, 100
Furnaces at Salt Lake City, U.S.A.,

Electric, 215
Furnaces, Electric steel, 582
Furnaces in the U.S.A., Heroult, 318
Furnaces worked (rom town supplies.

Electric steel, 551

G

ARAGES, Electric lighting in, 380

Gas authorities as suppliers of elec-
tricity, bv J. W. Napier, 370

Gas Council,' National, 493

Gas, Heat standard (or New York, 699

Gas on trains. 523

Oai lurbi.ie, A novel, 270

"Gas under l-oilcrs. The use o( coke
oven, 473

electrolyte, Dry cell with.

714
Generatit

nd distribution. Economic

po»

EAT standard foi .\e» Wtrk gJ

H ...

Heating appliances, Sil

Heating, tlectiic cooking and, by A.

F. Berry, 530
Healing, Industrial electric, by E. F.

Collins, 447
Heroult lurnaces in the U.S.A., 318
High-pressure submarine cable, An in-

Hire and hire' purchase systems, 704
Holland, Lamp factories in, 150
Hdlmfirlh, El xlricity supply at, 89
Hospital (und, E.C.C., 294
Hut water supply, Electric, 213
Hvdro-electric Power Commission of

■ Ontario, Report o( the, 62
Hydro-electric power proposals in My-
sore, 121
llidro-eloctric works in France, 395, 633

TDENTIFYING the enemy trader, 226

ignition magneto. The Berkshire, 259
Imports and exports of electrical goods
during June, 107; during July, 219;
during August, 359; during Septem-
ber, 471; during October, 583; dur-
ing November, 723
Imports into Fernambuco, Electrical,

405
Imports, List of prohibited, 440
Imports of the Argentine Republic,

Electrical, 489
Imports of Venezuela, Electrical, 294
Intorporat-d Municipal Electrical Asso-
ciation, 1916, 6, 52, 80
Incubators, Electric, '^7
India, Conference of electrical en-
gineers, 664
India, Electrical industry in, 628
India, The manufacture of electrical

apparatus in, 55
India, Trade statistics of. 111
Industrial conditions in Germany in

war time, The, 249
Industrial development in Russia, 628
Industrial economies, by R. A. Chat-

lndustri.il electric hcaUng, by E. F.

Collins. 447
Industrial fatigue, S7, 452, 459
Industrial harmony, 394, 470
Industrial lighting by electricity, by

F. H. Taylor, 457 .

Industrial organisation for alter the

war, 687
Ii.duslrial organisation, National, by

O. N. Looker, 675
Industrial pei'ce in Australia, 326
Industrial policy. Empire, 466
Industrial problem-.', 281
Industrial research. Scientific and, 243,

263, 290, 298, 314, 641
Industrial research. Some aspects of,

by E. \V. Marchant, 696
Industrial truce for three years. An,

521, 534
Industrial worker and the war funds.

The, 450
Industries and trade (influences of the

war), Spanish, 193. 220
Industries Association, The United

British, 100
Industries, British money for British,

atloT of eleciricitv. The, by H.

S. Ellis. 52
Generator in the world. Largest. 576
German cable makers' syndicate. 350
German electrical work. Iron and zinc

in, 129
German element in Italy, The, 171
German financial interests in electrical

undertakiigs abroad, 169
Gernan machinations in China, 527
Grrman-owned English company. The

rights of a, 58
German plant. Breakdowns of, 65, 562,

589, 593
German preparations for peace. 153
German rules (or pocket lamp batteries,

419
German substitutes, 45, 728
German wiring rules. 382
Germany, Carbon electrodes in, 633
Ge«»many, Electricity supply in. 639
Germany, Electrolytic copper in. 682
Germany in war time. The industrial

conditions in, 249
Germany, Morals (rom. 646
Germany, The supply monopoly ques-
tion in, 283
Gilbert Club, The, 409
Glasgow electricians' wages. 690
Glass manufacture. 635
/joods traffic. Utilisation of tramways

for, bv G. W. HoKorH and W.

Clough. 368

Indu

576

The Federation o( British,

Industry, Banks and, 521
Industry, French electrical. 1
Industry, Italian electrical, 318
Industry, Labour and, 31, 79, 117
Industry, Reorganisation of, 367
Industry, Science and, 227, 534
Industry, Science and, by J. Swinburne

541
Industry, The Austrian electrical, 449
Industrv, The organisation of trade

and, 673
Industry, The present status of the

American electrical, 425
Inefficiency of Labour in the U.S.A..

639
Inquiries, 16, 100, 130, 214, 243, 298,

382, 466, 492, 605, 689
Inquiries, Australian, 69, 270, 295, 489,

INSTITUTIOS AND Le<MURE NOTBS —

American Institute of Electrical En-
gineers, 17, 130

.Association of Electrical Station En-
gineers, 606

.Association of Mining Electrical
Engineers, 17, 623

.Association of Municipal Authorities,
410

Association of Supervising Elec-
tricians, 410

Australasian Association for the Ad-
vancement of Science, 410

Belfast Association of Engineers, 410,
467

Birmingham and District Electric
Club, .'523

Bradford Engineering Society, 634

Canadian Electrical Association, 130

.NSTin.*TION AND LBCTUKB NOTBS — COnt.

ChicI Icchnical Assistants' Associ.i-
tion, ]7

Diesel Engine Useis' Association, 634,
719

Ellectrical .Association ol Australia
(N.S.W. section). 243; (Victorian
section), 45, 550

Engineers' Club, Manchester, 576

Faraday 'Society, 354. 650, 629

Fuel economy, 688

Greenock Electrical Society, 467. 577

Illuminating Engineering Society
(U.S.A. 1. 100

InsUtute of Metals, 270, 354

Institution ol Automobile Engineers,
494

Institution ol Civil Engineers, 467,
550, 577

Institution o( Electrical Engineers,
17, 130, 440, 494, 550, 647, 604

Institution of Electrical Engineers
(Western Local Section), 467,
501, 664; (Birmingham Local
Section), 5'23; (Manchester Local
Section), 523, 550, 565; (Scottish
I-ocal Section), 523, 550, 567,
664; (Newcastle Local Section),
550, 567; (Yorkshire Local Sec-
lion), 664

Institution o( Mechanical Engineers,
494, 634

Institution of Mining Engineers, 243
and Steel Institute, 215, 243,

KELVIN'S life and work. Lord, by
Dr. A. Russell, 539

rwincina operators, 494
Kinematograph, Tramv

Juni.

354
lior I
606

Institution of Engineers, 410.

ays and ttie.

LABORATORY o( Physics aii.l
Mechanics, French National, 718
Labour and demobilisation, 309
Labour & industry, 31, 79, 117
Labour problems, 253
Labour, The changed outlook o(, 353
Ladv electricians in meter department,

101
Lamp, A new triangulation signal, 63.'>
Lamp business, Japan's electric, 204
Lamp efficiency. Future advances in,

467
Lamp (aclories in Holland, 150
Lamp manu(acture in U.S.A., 600
Lamp patents upheld. Tungsten, 147
Lamp patents. Wire, 440

andardisation in ihe

L.imp voltage s
U.S.A., 159

King's College, London, 523

Leeds Association o( Engineers, 688

Leeds Luncheon Club, 606

l.ticesler Literary & Philosophical
Socielv, 606

Liverpool Hngioeering Society, 467

Manchester Association o( Engineers,
440

Metropolitan Association o( Electric
Tramway Managers, 468

Mining Electrical Engineers, 577

Natal Engineers' Association, 130

National Electric Light Association,
17

.Nottingham Society o( Engineers,
270

Physical Society of London, 100, 130,
577, 719

Royal Institution, 523, 634

Roval Society, 550

Royal Society of Arts, 522, 606, 634

Society of Chemical Industry, 578

Society of Engineers, 440, 523, 606

.South .A(rican Institute o( Electrical
Engineers, 135

South Airican Institution o( En-
gincers, 215

.South A(ricun Society of Civil En-
gineers, 550

Textile Association, 439

Tramway & Light Railway Associa-
tion and the Incorporated Asso-
ciation of Electric Power (Com-
panies, 664

University College, 494, 522, 550,
577, 606, 634

\>rband Deutscher Elektrotechnlker,

Institution o( Electrical Engineers it

the electrical trades, 29
Institution o( Electrical Engineers &

electricity supply, 2
Institution of Electrical Engineers

wiring rules, seventh edition, 99
Institution wiring rules. The, by D. S.

Munro, 313, 360
Intelligence, A department of commer-
cial. 451
Interconnejtion of generating stations

— Joint committees' memorandum,

397
lnfrnal<ombustion engine. The, by

Dr. Dugald Clerk, 6-22
Internal organs by an electrical

method. The delineation of, 380
International standardisation, 61
Interrupter interrupted. An. 467
Ionised air in agriculture. The use of,

bv 1. Jorgensen. 453, 499
Irish batterv industry, 237, 294
Is a truce possible? 534
Italian electrical industry &• the Rus-

sian market, French and, 472
Italy. Trade with, 634
ItaUs electrical awakening, 533
Iron and zinc In German electrical

«ork, 129
Iron, Electrolytic, 128
Iron plate floors, A remedy for slip-

perv. 382
Italian Corporation, The British, 124
Italian electrical industry, 318
Italian standard rules (or Italy, 326
Italian trade outlet. The, 70
Italy, 182, 294, 545
Italy, Openings in, 659
Italy, The German element in, 171

JAPAN and electrical export trade,
45
Japan, Trade statistics o(, 1915, 671
Japanese electrical develop.nents, 214
Japanese electrical Industry, The future

o(, 478
Japanese Government subsidy (or elec-
trical exports, 123
Japanese porcelain, 405
Japan's electric lamp business, 204
Johannesburg municipal electric power
station. The, by J. H. Dobson,
222, 231. 265
Journalists to Liverpool and Manches-
ter, Visit o(, 687

Lamps for .Argentina, Electric, JU.'i
Lamps, Police flash, 663
Lead, 68, 142, 226, 283, 395

LKOAt —

.Absenteeism at electricity works. 663
.Accepting part of an order, 291
Accident claim, 626
Apprentices' wages in war time, 569
.Assessment appeal o( the Metropoli-
tan Railway Co., 486
Bates, W., Sons, & Co. v. W. & R.

K. Rce, 35
Beck Engineering Co., 215
British Power Traction, &c., Co.,
V. Hodgson, 512, 625

.>44

British Thomson-Houston Co., Ltd..
V. Duram, 486, 625, 635, 680

Brompton & Kensington Electricity
Supply Co. — Quinquennia! assess-
ment,' 121

Christie V. Nobles Drug Stores, 122

Colliers Sc flash lamps, S52

Commercial Cable Co. v. The
Government o( New(oundland,

Cox Walkers v. S. Dixon & Son, 6G

Crypto Electrical Co. v. C. & S.
Goodman, 544

Dunlop Rubber Co. v. Humphries,
BSO

Edison Swan Electric Co., 63li

Electric ambulance or motor car. .'i2:(

Electrical engineer's libel action—
Appeal, 569

Electrical engineer sentenced, 6.16

Electrical meters & machinery con-
demned by the Prize Court. 2't3

Electrical worker's claim, 16

Electrician fined, 410

Electrician sentenced. 679

Kiectricitv works leaving certificate ,
656

Eraser & Chalmers v. The White-
cross Co., 11, 6-25

German electric patent (or cleaning
boilers, 347

Hendon Electric Supply Co. v.
Collins, 656

Henleys (W.T.) Telegraph Works
Co. T. British & Foreign
Agencies. 569

High-speed telegraph patent ex-
tended, 512

Hudson V. County Tailoring Co., 10

Jaeger Bros. v. Greaves, 697

Lady chemist's & an electrolytic pro-
cess. 92

Leahy & others v. Kerry Electric
Supplv Co., 711

Lee. A., & Co. v. Swinden & Co.,
35

Lundberg. A. P., & Co., v. Witting
and Partners, 656.

Madras Electric Supply Corporation,

Marconi shares — Litigation at an

end— A deal in, 462
.Mayle v. Hobart Manu(acturing Co..

656
Medley v. Ding*all, 598
Mining electricians' application. 598
Monometer Manufacturing Co. v.

Electric and Ordnance Acces-

sories Co., Ltd., 10, 93
Munitions cases, 33, 93, 187, 205,

236, 292. 347, 625
Newall V. Electro Flex Steel Co.,

66
Northern Counties Electric Supply

Co. V. Steel, 410
Pearmain ii. Johnson & Phillips, 1)98
Pembroke U.D.C. v. The Diesel En-
gine Co., 544
Post Office tube railway & com-
pressed air 431, 512
Prilchett & Gold & Electrical Power

Storage C-., Ltd. v. The Hamble

River Luk-. Co., 35
Rating of electric tramways — Appeal

by the L.C.C., S68, 624, 656, 680,

711
Remy magnetos dispute, 461
Secret process in rubber manufac-

Tampering with a fuse box, 462

January 12, 1917.]

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW— INDEX.

^EGAL — continued

Tar oil for electricity generating
plant.— Suffolk Electricity Co. &
German plant, 65

Tdux Co. V Etandem Co., Si Efan-
dem Co. i>. Telux Co., 668, 678

Theft of wire and electrical fittings,
206

Thermit welding process, 236

Toronto Electric Light Co. v. Cor-
poration of the City of Toronto,
486

Tramway passenger fined, 664

Using the telephone without a per-
mit, 439

Victoria Falls Power Co., Claim by
the, 381, 523

Wheatstone-Morsa translating machine
— Petition for prolongation of
patent, 41

Winn V. Clark 605

Woolley V. Watson Marsh & Co.,
410, 710

Woikmen's compensation, 292, 31I>,
431

Work5 manager fined, 462

Liberty, Lighting the statue of, 688
Lifting magnets tor loading pig iron,

131
Light production in animals. The

n-.echanisn of, ;-80, 578
Lighting bv electricity. Industrial, by

F. H. Taylor, 457
Lighting companies & local author!.

ties, bv *' -A Legal Contributor,"

278
Lightin; in motor garages. Electric,

380
Lighting in picture theatres, 521

Lighting and Power N
Abercarn, 155
Aberdeen, 155, 210,

517, 660
Abertillery, 377
Aberystwyth, 70
Accrington, 70, 266,

Amesbury. 210
.^rdsley, 517
Argentina. 70,

489, 629
Arklow, 683

Ashton-under-I.yne, 183, 683
Athe

156

601

>-HungarV, 601
AvlLsbury, 95. '240, 710
Ayr, 266, 321
Bacup, 518
Bahia, 1-77

Baildon, 240, 518, 601, 716
Balb-iggan. 321
Ballybay, 321

Ballyconnell (Cavan), 406
Bangor, 573
Barking, 156. 406. 689
Barnes. 70, 183, 377, 463
Barnsley, 434, 518, 573
Barnstaple. 12
Barrow, 125, 629
Bath, 95, 295, 573, 660
Batley, 40, 660
Battersea, 41
Beckenham. 184
Bedford, 40 210, 321, 330, 716
Belfast 12, 156, 489, 518, 629
Bentham, 406
Bermondsev, 184, 406
Bethnal Green, 126, 435

Be

ed, 545

Bexhill, 95, 321

Bingley, 12, 210. 321. 463, 601

Birmingham, 518, 601, 629, 660, 684

Bishop's Castle, 95

Bishop's Slortford, 295

Bispham, 350

Blackpool, 95, 629, 660

Bognor, 463, 545, 684

Bolton, 406. 629, 716

Bo'ness, 210, 545

Bradford, 41, 70, 95, 295, 377, 434,

463, 489, 660, 716
Brav (Wicklow), 684
Bridlington, 125
Brighton, 125, 321, 716
Bristol, 41, 295
Burnham (Som.), 716
Burnley, 41

Burton-on-Trent. 71, 184, 406
Bury, 12, 434, 601
BurV St. Edmunds, 125
Cahircween (Co. Kerry), 601
Callington, 184, 545
Canada, 41, 70 156, 210, 240, 266.

321, 3.50, 434, 518, 573
Cardiff, 95
Carlisle, 70
Carmarthen, 574

Can

406

Castlebar
Castleblanev, .574
Caterham, 70
Chelmsford
Chester, 12, 377
Chesterfield, 156, 435
Chile, 267, 322, 601, 716
Christchurch, 323 377, im
Clacton-on-Sea, 295
Clyde Valley. 518
Colchester, 41, 406
Colombia. 240. 350, 601, 6

Lighting and Po ,ver Notes — cont.

Continental, 12, 125, 184, 210, 267,
295, 322, 351, 377, 435, 463, 489,
518, 545, 574, 601, 660, 684, 716

Cork, 601

Coventry, 41

Crayford, 350, 574

Crorapton, 295, 351

Croydon, 95, 351, 684

Dalkeith, 13

Darlington, 125, 156, 518, 060

Dawlish, 41, 156, 295

Deal Si Walmer, 629, 660

Denny, 322

Derby, 41, 95, 660

Dewsbury, 156, 184, 377, 490

Doncaster, 377

Dorking, 684

Dover, 322, 351. 601

Dromore, 295

Dublin, 295, 674, 629, 684

Dudley, 295

Dundalk, 267, 574, 630

Dundee, 184, 211, 601

Ealing, 125, 184, 435

Eastbourne, 7ff, 267, 377, 403

East Ham, 490, 716

Ebbw Vale, 377

Eccles, 12, 630

Edinburgh, 41, 95, 377, 406, 630, 684

Ed

630

Coin

Bav, 716

Coniston, 240

EUand, 156, 322, 463, 660

Ennis, 630

Epso-n, 490, 546, 601, 716

Erith, 240, 377

Eton, 70

Ewell, 716

Exeter, 41. 156, 601

Falkirk, 377, 601

Karnham. '2

Faversham, 630

Featherstone, 684

Finchley, 12, 630

Folkestone, 518

Fort William, 684

France, 489, 545, 684

Fre.ich Indo-China, 125

Fronie, 156

Fulham, 126. 322, 684

Gelligaer, -i56

Germany, 463. 518. 660

Gillingham, 41, 406

Glasgow, 41, 95, 240, 267, 463, 490,

684
Gloucester, 12
Grantham. 41
Grantown. 630
Gravesend, 377
Greenock, 184, 267, 574
Grimsby, 96, 684
Hacknev. 96, 518, 574, 630, 660
Hale, 156

Halifax, 41, 70, 463, 546, 630
Hammersmith, 12, 96, 156, 211, 377,

490, 601
Hampstead, 71
Hampton, 96
Harrogate, 70, 211, 518

Haslingden. 12, 41, 351, 377, 684

HasUngs, 41

Hebburn-on-Tvne, 684 .

Hedworth 267

Hereford, 41, 156, 435

Heston & fsleworth, 351

Hexham, 267

Hevwood, 70, 125, 490. 684

High Wycombe, 96, 464

Holmfirth, 70

Hornsey 377, 630

Hinckley, 41

Hong Kong, 184

Horsham, 435

Hove, 184, 322

Huddersfield. 464, 546, 684

Hull, 70. 96, 406, 574

Iceland, 184

Ilford. 12. 125, 377

India. 125. 156, 267, 322, 464

Ipswich, 546

Islington, 71, 96, 490, 518, 684

Italy, 489

Japan, 211, 267

Johnstone. 574

Keadby, 126

Kearsley, 184

Keighley, 125

Kendal. 12, 126, 630

Kensington. 351, 716

Kilkeel, 322

Kilmarnock, 322 464, 490, 684

Kingston-on-Thames. 377, 490

Kingstown, 574

Kingswinford, 240

King's Lynn. 71

Kirkcaldy. 41. 395, 322

Kirkheaton, 546

Korea, 267

Leeds. 267, 546

Leek, 12, 490

Leigh, 156. 490

Levton, 630

Liverpool. 126. 435, 684

Llandrindod Wells, 96

Llandudno, 12, 96. 601

London, 12, 41, 71. 96, 126. 1.56,

184, 211, 240, 267, 322, 377, 407.

435, 464, 490, 546, 574, 601, 630,

660, 684. 716
London County Council, 12, 126.

490, 546
I.ondonderrv, 716
Lossiemouth. 574
Loughborough. 12, 684
Lowestoft, 518
;.-uddenden Foot. 435
Luton. 12, 41. 96. 322, 490
Maidstone 166, 296
Malvern, 184, 660
Manchester, 96, 126. 267, 407. 464,

716
Mansfield, 96

Lighting and Power Notes — cont.
Market Drayton, 211, 601
Marylebone, 156, 435
Merthyr Tydvil, 126
Me.\borough, 96, 574
Middlesbrough, 574
Midlleton, 12, 41
Midlothi.

Mori

464

New Zealand, 13, 126, 184, 296, 322,

407, 518, 546, 601
Nowcastle-on-Tyne, 184
NewcasUe-under-Lyme, 184, 407
Newport (Mon.), 211, 407, 518, 546,

574
Newton Abbott, 322
Northampton, 377
Norway, 267, 322, 351, 435, 490, 518

546, 684
Norwich, 96
Nottingham, 13, 684
Nuneaton, 322, 435
Oldham, 13, 71, 157, 574
Ormskirk. 240, .351
Otley, 684

Oulton Broad, .'18, 660
Paisley, 685
Perth, 157, 211, 464
Peterborough, 574
Philippine Islands, 184
Plymouth, 296, 630
Foole, 96

Poplar, 351, 574, 684
Portsmouth, 323
Portugal, 601
Portuguese India, 211
Preston, ?77
Pwllheli, 322
Queenstown, 184
Radcliffe, 71, 436, 674
Rathmines (Cj Dublin), 41
Kawdon & Yeadon, 574
Rawtenstall, 96, 211. 351. 601
Redruth, 436
Reigate, 211. 240, 518
Richmond-on Thames, 490
Rickmansvorth & Chorley Wood, 126
Ripon, 267, 407, 518, 660
Rochdale, 211, 267. 351, 660
Rotherham, 126, 407, 518
Rowley Regis. ;26
Royton, 296
Russia, 210, 295, 489
St. Annes-on-the-Sea, 660
St. Helens, 42, 660
St. Pancras, 322, 464, 574, 716
Saltord, 13, 126, 211, 267 377, 436,

630
Sevinoaks, 126, 240, 630
Sheffield, 41, 184, 519, 546, 660
Shipley, 13, 126, 240, 267
Shipstone-on-Stour, 323, 351
S'lre.vsbury, 157
Silkstone, 323
Skelton & Brotton, 157
South Africa, 71, 157, 490, 685
Southampton. 97, 296, 351, 464, 716
Southend-on-Sea, 71, 323, 436, 546, 717
South Shields, 323
South Wales, 97
Southwark, 464
South Yorkshire, 97
Spain, 12, 125, 351, 377, 574, 601, 716
Spenborough, 42
Stafford, 185, 436
Stalybridge, 13, 157
Stepney, 601
Stirling, 240
Stockport, 157, 407, 490
Stockton-on-Tees, 157, 407, 661
Stoke Newington. 351
Stoke-on-Trent, 13, 157
Straits Settlements, 185
Stretford, 296

Sunderland, 378, 436, 630, 685
Sutton, 13

Swansea, 42, 185, 296, 407, 464, 685
Swindon, 323

Swinton (Yorks), 519, 574
Tasmania, 42, 71, 97, 185, 267, 296,

407, 436, 602
Taunton, 71
Teddington, 71, 268
Thlrsk, 157, 685
Thornton, 97
Todmorden, 490
Torquay, 157, 378. 661
Tottenham, 97. 574
Trowbricfge, 157
Tunbridge Wells, 42
Turton, 157
Twickenham, 268, 378
Tvnemouth, 464
I'difield. 71

United States of America, 97, 211, 685
W,idebridge. 407, 546
Walkden. 464
W.ikefield, £96, 436
Walsall, 42, 296, 546, 661
Walthamstow, 07, 378, 574
Walton-on-Thames, 351
Warrington, 97, 1.57, 268 296
Waferford. 323. 407
Watford, 126, 436
Wednesbiry, 378
Welsh Witer Powers, 71
West Bromwich, 490
West Ham, 97, 351, 602
Wcybridge, 42, 157
Wevmouth. 464
Whitehavn, 71
Wigan, 42. 296, 351, 407
Willesdcn, 97, 126, 602
Wimbledon, 42, 126, 378, 6S1
Winchester, 42, 71. 268. 436
Winderm.-re. 575
Woking, 630

Wolverhampton, 296, 519, 575 .
Woolwich, 12, ,'^18, 630
Worcester, 43, 26R. 407 685
Worktop. 240, 190
Worsboroitgh, 240

Lighting and Power Notes — cont.
Worthing, 126
Wrexham, 630
Yarmouth, 185
Yeadon, 661
York, 13, 97, 630
Yeovil, 13

Lighting the Statue of Liberty, 688

Lighting restrictions in France, 674

Lightning — Danger of trees, 336

Lights, London, 342

Lignite as station fuel, 380

Linking up, 674

Linking up & falling out. by " Rover,"

651
Linking up & wayleaves, 505
Linking up — Electric power stations,

492, 533, 535, 604, 719

LifJUlDAllCNS —

Adnil Electric Co., 124, 210

Anglo Colonial Engineering Co., 155

Asbestos Manufacturers, 183

Aster Engineering Co. (1913), 69

Bachelet Levitated Railway Syndi-
cate, 159. 629;

Bachelet Shipbuilding, Engi leering,
& Ordnance Co., 159, 629

Bachelet Shuttle & Loom Co., 159,
629

Bakelite Co., 321

Baldur Engineering & Supply Co.,
Ltd., 239

Biddle Automatic Signal, 155

Blume, C. H., 434

Bohler Bros. & Co., 321

Bohndel, Otto, 69

Boiler Scalers, 11

Brinckmann E. M.. & Co., 95

British Bachelet Flying Train Syn-
dicate, 159, 629

British Exporters Association, 11

Colston Electrical Works, 11

Constant Vacuum Carburetter Syndi-
cate, 95

" Dae " Accumulator Co.. 629

Derbv Electrical Co., 321, 434

Dey Time Registers, 321

Electrical Oil Refining Co., 266, 489

Electro Flex Steel Co., 69. 683

Electro Steel Foundries. 489

Excelsior (Aluminium) Solder Co., 95

Feld Bros. & Co., 629

Fleischaacher British Lamp Co., 95

Flexible Wheels 210

Fuel Gas, 95

General Engineering Accessories, 489,
517

Goldschmidt, Th., 40

Griesheim-Electron, 40

Herbert Fraod Co., 266

High Tension Insulators. 210. 26fi

Institute of Industry of Great Bri-
tain & Ireland). 155

Kingston Lighting Co., 489

Leitner Electrical Co., 600

Liverpool Lighting and Heating Co.,
489

Llanellv Motor & Electrical Engi-
neeVing Co., 40

London Electron Works Co.. 40

Mechanical Transport, 183, 295

Mond Nickel Co., 266

Muller, C. A., 321

Naylor Battery Co., 11

Omega Electric Lamp Co., Hammer-
smith, 11

Plutte Scheele & Co., 69

Quarz-Lampen iesellschaft, M.C.H.,
629

Resisto Electrical Manufacturing
Co., 239, 434

Phoenix Electric Heating Co., Ltd.,
239

Shaw Wireless, Ltd., 600

Sherardising Syndicate, The, 95

Switchgear Construction Co , 434

Turner & Burger, 629

Tyneside Engine Works (Cardiff),

United Carborundum & Eleclrite
Works, 489

Victory Smoke Consumir S: Furl
Economiser Co., 11

Liquidations (see also under " War

Items '* — '* Companies to be woutul

up ")
Liverpool and Manchester, Visit u)

journalists to, 687
Liverpool electrical dispute, 353
Ljungstrom turbine. Axial exhaust for,

380
London & North-Western Suburban

Railway electrification. The, 144,

234
Low grade fuel. The 'use of, 667
Lubrication in Diesel engines. Piston

and small end, by G. B. Vickers,

640
Luminous compound for switches, Self-,

MACHINE firing by coal & gas, A
dual method, 553

Magnetic rectifier. The Alexanderson,
649

M-agneto, The Berkshire ignition. 2.'i9

Magnets for loading pig iron. Lifting,
131

Manager, A successful, 508

Manchester & District Decimal .Asso-
ciation, 663

Manchester contract. A, 187

Manchester Corporation tube contracts,
181

Manchester rieclric vehicle trial. 371

M.innesmaiin Tube Works purchased.
The, 17, 206

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW— INDEX.

[Jaxi-akv 12, l!ll

Mjnul...:u.t ..I .l-clxic-l ji>i>j[jlu> Ml

lnJl.i, II.., a
Manufjcturctk rcprocntcO in U.S.A.,

l>Hl..l KinuJucn, tSC!
\| ■ii,i„:ui.», Linititl SliUM ccn.u^ u(

■.,,,..1, Ul
M .1 IM Ihc K.N.A.S., i3

\|. ,...!,; lu Ptol. Tliomp.un, "4
.M.ni.>ci..l l» Sir Win. Kaniuv, <3«
.Men «jnlrj lor Ihc K.E., :!«»
.Mcrvury arc rcclilirr lor charifintf stnjil

baUcrics, 312
.Merlon, tl. K., & Cu., 46
Mcul muiKci, 23. IM, Si, 387. JL'7

<£»

ap,-:

L>U

.Mclal

.Mclric .M>lcni, Du^.inlal cuina|;e & lh<\

S3, i;, !K). lu. 131, ma, *3a. om

.Mclrk ^}>unl in ihr U.S.A., IM
Mctropulilan l^leclric Supply Co.. 2Si
.Metrupotilan Water Board cinployik.

nil

.Meiicoj English cilectrical manufac-
turers imprisoned in. Ili3

Mica from German East Africa, 3ii

Minerals, Uritish department of. 439

Mines, Eleeliic signalling in, 143, 146,
439. Ml

.Mirrors. The electiolytic coating of
silver.d. 387

Mmlernibing an electric supply under-
taking, bt E. M. Hollingkworlh,
174

.Money fo.' Uritish industries, British,
570

.Mu^tuu' and co-operative oleclricilt.
719

.Metals from licrmany, 046

.Motor accelerating rheostats. Resist-
ance stepping of, by L. IJoothman,
648

Motor cars, A novel electric clutch
gear for, 1(J6

Motor control apparatus. The choice of,
by W. Perron Maycock. 138

.Motor road-vehicles, Variable-speed
gears for, by R. E. Phillips, 718

Motor ship Ctenamoy, 632

.Motors. ..\djust.'iblc speed polyphase in-
duction. 36

Motors, Centurv single-phase repulsion
induction, ^

Motors, Contiol systems for traction,

Mo

724

m

Joint action to develop road.

Municipal Electrical Association, 1916.
Incoporatcd, 5. ,S2, 80

Muniripal electrical power station. The
Johannesburg, by J. H. Dobson,
222. 231. 265

Municipal Tramway .Association con-
ference. 1916. The. 214. 340, 368

Mii,..ic, Electrical. 687

Myjore, Hydro-electric power proposals

N

AIIONAl. adaptability

N'ational economy in fuel, 51

National electric power supply, 393,
397, 439

National Electrical Contractots' Asso-
ciation. 507

National Gas Council. 493

National Insurance Act, 1911— Exten-
si.>n of unemployment insurance,
by J. J. II. St.insficld. 287; On
llmpirc's decisions on unemplo\-
ment insurance, by J. J. H. Stans-
field. 369, 434. 455, 531, 655

Vationa! physical laboratory, 83

National lr.idc policy. The deyelopment
of. 142

Naval electricians. 46

New Companies —
.Accuratact Magnetos. 579
Aluminium Solder Co.. 272
Ascog Metal Producis (Glasgow). 189
.Association for 'he Protection of

British Capital & Property in

Enemy Countries. 189
-Automatic Loading Co.. 18
Birmingham Electrical Accessories

Manufacturing Co.. 102
H. 1. Co. (of London & Birmingham).

18 •■ '

British Aero Magneto Manufacturers'

.Vssociation, 216
British Electric Trading Co., 102
British Electro Chemists, 18
British Italion Corporation, 102
British Miniature Electric Vehicles.

49.';
Brit'sh Revival Manufacturing Co..

161 '^

British Utilities. 328
Carbic Italiano, 132
Celynin Electric Light Co., 412
Collins (Liverpool). John. Electric

Jumping Horses Co.. 328
East Kent Road Car Co.. 216
Electric Consulting 4 Supply Co..

Elliott Bros. (London), 18

Ellis. A., & Co., 102

Faraday & Son. 272

Fellows Magneto Co., 272

Filhar Electric Heater, 18

Fuller's Carbon i Electrical Co.. 18

Oene'al Engineering & Export Co..

553
Grinycr & Co., 161
Hadon 272

Higgin's & Griffiths, 102
Hill Bros. (Magnetos). 216
Insulated Cap (t Rivet Co.. 328
lnternation,il M.P. Superheater Co..

Kilmalloch tieclric Light 4 Powei

Co., 47
Latin-America Chamber of Commerce

in Great Britain, 328
Leabank Manufacturing Co.. 524
Loni-'on Lorries. 495
.McLeo.1 & Sons. 355
.Magnetic Waves. 384
.Midl.ind Uynaino Sc Motor Repairs.

y.iu

Midland Electric Co. (Southporl), CJO
.Milton Manufacturing Co., 524
New London Electron Works, 495
.New Peto i Radford .Accumulator

Co.. 132
New Union Electric Co., 328
.Notable Electric Co., 328
Phillips' .Magnetos, 132
Renter (1916), 690
Robin Hood Engineering Works, 18
Rus.so-British Chamber of Commerce
in the United Kingdom for the
promotion of commerce between
the British & Russian Empires
(incorporated), 495
Selson Engineering Co. (France), 579
Selson Engineering Co. (Italy), 356
Steel's Electric and Engineering Co..

Stevens Petrol Electric Vehicles, 18

Tele-Uis Services (Founders' Com-
pany), 5.13

Thornton,. W. R., & Son, 328

Traction Development, 653

Troup. Curtis, & Co.. 18

Tyne Electric Steel Foundries. 607

Universal Electric Supply, 469

Volta Magneto Co.. 18

Wey Engineering Co., 18

Wolf Safety Lamp Co. (Wm. Mau-
rice), 636

W.KKjs-Gilbert (British) Rail Grind-
ing & Milling Co., 636

Zinc Producers' Association Proprie-
tary, 468

New Elecikical Devices, FtrriNcs and
Plant —
" .\rora " cooking apparatus, 73
Bitumen Mexican Eagle, 118
Bowdon Thompson system of protec-
tion for electric cables. 118
Brak.; solenoids. Totally enclosed,

288
B.T.H. instrument transformers, 10
B.T.H. ironcl.nd switch fuses, 7.3
B.T.H. starting compensators. 90
Bullet probe. An electric, 119
" By pass " paraffin attachment. 5.19
Carbon-filament lamp. Gas filled, 373
farron i lectric fires, 427
Chatterak tclephane apparatus, 235
Commutator slotting tool, 345
Concrete poles — .A new method of

making, 346
Convertible electric fires. 401
Crompton half-watt lanterns, 288
" D. G." bowl fires, 262
Eiliswan Esco buzzer, 401
Ediswan H,0 cells, 427
Egg cooker. Electrical, 178
Fireproofing man-holes, 235
Fluvcnt fuses, 178
FraiiipIon-C.illi:nder system of looping-

in distributing mains, 484
Gear wheel. Large, 678
G.E.C. main regulators, 511
G.E C. rotary converter traction

equipment in Barcelona, 455
" Gnita " electric gas lighter han;l

lamp. 119
H.nmmer. Electric, 34
Hos^oo<l utensils. 35
Induction motor winding, 263 298
"J.M." fire extinguisher. 263
" Kantark " patent ironclad fuse-
board. 610
Klaxon factory signals, 559
" Kwik " electric conduit fittings, 120
Lampholder. Anti-vibration, 34
Lamp locking batten holder, 90
Lamp shade. Another Mazda rcvolv-

ing, 670
"Lightning bug" electric lantern, 401
ListerBruston electric-cooking plant.

679
Liquid starting gear. 402
Mining bells & relays, 670
Motograph signs, 235"
Multiple contact starter. 26
fJutbonrd boat motor. Electrical. 288
" Oversc IS " small lighting sets. 670
Perlecta boiler circulator, 595
Pocket lamp. Improved, 4110
Prestwich fluid gauge. 596
Primary cell. New, 549
Rcyrolle combined switch ft wall

plug. sr,9
Reyrolle dividing box & contact

maker. 596
Revrolle switch-type fuse boxes. 679 .
Roberts tuned transmitter & resonat-
ing receiver. 149
Sande-s fuseboards, 427
Simplex girder clamps. .')93
Small commutators, 41(5
.Soldering bit, A combination, 120
Spnrkless signalling system. A, .111
" Sparta " battery, The Fuller. 148
Steriing staff signalling system. 345
Steam by electric heating. Raising.

235
Turbin-- furnace. The. 262
Turbines. Large impulse, 373
Turbo-alternator-convertcr installa-
tion, G.E.C. 34
" Twinob " switch motor controls. 73
Wedge optical pyrometer, 679
Wstinghouse liquid conirnllers. 26
Wilkinson hr.ke, The, 438

i\b*l LLJ...1 .l^.u. Utvltts, ll.ll.sos .\Nll
Plan I — ct/iilinucU
Wuodhouse patent automatic -jiutcli,
484
New South Wales Government, Electric

travelling cranes lor. 256
New Zealand, Trade of, 61, 630
New Zealand, 1 rade statistics of, 713
Niagara Falls to be flood-lighted, 112
Niagara power situation, The, 247
Nilro-eiergy. 089
Nitruffcn lixation, 112
Niirugcn from the air, 438
Niirciien plants, U.S.A. Oovcrnmcnl,

4l, '225
North East.-rn manufacturers, 69
Northampton Polytechnic Institute, 690
Norway, 294, 683

Norway^ Electro-chemistry in, 382, 531
.Norwegian copper exports prohibited.

271
.Norwegian electrical market, 82

Uinti.u- Kliukns— cOH/ifiucJ

D.P. Battery Co., 21i5

Duram, 19

Ouroglass. 356

Edison Accumul.iturs, 103
, Edmundson's El.;-tri;ity Corporition

b84

o

BnUARY-

Archdale, Rt. Hon. E., 18
Ikcchani, Sir J.. 495
Bell, T. A., 355
Bille, H., 216
Bird, T. C, 18
Callender. Mrs. J. D., 721
Cornish, T., 328
Curtis, C. W.. 161
Davies, G.. 355
Davis, H. L., 721
Dobson, S., 47
Eggers. H. F. C, 102
Franklin. Sir Geo., 355
Ciibson, Sec.-Licut. J. S. G'JO
Hancock, W., 468
H.irrison, C, 493
Howard, A. H., 494
Howorth, J., 328
Hodgson, E., 690
Ireland, A. J.. 720
K.ith. G.. 216
Lee, J. H.. 384
Longrigg. R. I., 161
Longworth, Aid., 18
McMahon, J., 328
Maddick, S. W., 552
Mann, R. F., 007
Maxim, Sir Hiram, 607
Morgan, Sir W. Vaughan, 552
Ogan, G. A., 524
Pimblett, VV.. 328
Pownnll, G. M., 690
Ramsay, Sir Wni., 102
Remoldson, Aid. J. M., 412
Rock, E. 102
.Scott, J. Griy, .'■79
Shaw, Father, 441
Sivewright, C.M.G.. Sir Jimcs, 300
Sparks. S. C, 300
Splitdorf, H.. .179
Sleveni, W., 244
Taylor. F., 47
Todhunter. H.. 607
Walton. W. A.. 636
Webberiev, P., 4l2
White, Sir Geo., 607
Williams, R. P., 3.15
Official Returns —

.Mien, W. H. Sons & Co., 691
Anchor Cable Co., 103
Anglo-Ain.rican Electric Co., 579
Anglo-American Telegraph Co., 103
Anglo-P'oreign Tra.nway Syndicate,

103
Bankfoot Power Co., 630
Harford Electric Supply Co., 2Ifi
Barnsley & District Elerlric Traction

Co.. 216
Baxendal.- Bros., 607
Bill, S., & Co., 216
Birkdale District Electric Supply Co

103
liirmingham District Power and

Traction Co., 384, 412, 469
Boothroyd. H. T.. 607
Bourton-on-tlic- Water Electric Light

& Traction Co.. 524
Braby. F.. & Co., 691
Brjcuhy Falls & Metallurgical Syn-
dicate, Ltd.. 103
Braine. T". F., & Co., 161
Bray, G.. & Co., 103
Bray. Markham & Reiss, 328
Brccknell, Munro. & Rogers, 607
Brilliant Arc Lamp & Engineering

Co., 19, 216, 245, 272, 441
Brisbane Electric Tramway Invest-
ment. Co., 103
British Ever Ready Co.. 328
British Insulated S: Hclsby Cables.

Ltd., 103
Bullcrs. 469

Cape Electric Tramways. 690
Carvillc Site & Power Co., 103, 469
Chloride Electrical Storage Co., 384
City of Carlisle Electric Tramways.

19
Coatbridge & Airdrie Electric Supply

Co.. 103
Compania de Elcctricidad de la Pro-

vincia de Buenos Aires, 161
Consolidated Electrical Co., 328
Cox. H. W., Si Co.. 103
Crompton &• Co.. 328
Crvselco, 328
Cutting Bros.. 328. 636
D. & M. .Syndicate (Hollister's

Patents). 19
Davis & Son (Derby), J., 384
Denton. William. 384
Derby Lamp Works. .124
Dixon & Corbitt and R. S. Newall

and Co., 691
Douglas -Southern EI -ctric Tram

w~y,. T.td-, 47

Electri

H. General Investment Co-,

Electric Construction Co.. 328

Electric Ignition, 384

Electrical Contr-ncts & Maintena

Co., 691 I

Electrical Installations, 691
Electro-Mechanical " Brake Co., 690
Elliott Brothers (London), 133 '

E.S. Co., 579

liurope & Azores Telegraph Co., 57!
Evcrshcd & Vignoles, 356, 384
Exchange Telegraph Co., 412
Farad Electrical Co., 607
Faringdon Electric Light & Powe.

Co., 272
Ferguson, Pailin K: Co-, 007
Flather & Co-, 103. 579
General Accessories Co., 636
Glantawc Electric Supply Co., 607
Gorseinon Electric Light Co., 356
Halifax & Bermudas Cables Co.. 607
Hans Rcnold, 272
Highfield Co., 13
Hirst, A., & .Son, 216, 553
Ilulsworthy Gas & Electric Supply

Co.. 245
I long Kong Tramway Co.. 210
IKord Dry Battery Co., 272
lUracombe Electric Light & Power

Co., 19
India Rubber, Gutta Percha, & Telc-

graph Works Co., 607
International Dowsing Electrical

Heating & Appliances, 356
Karabon. 19

Keith & Blackman, Jas., 607. 636
Keswick Electric Ligjit Co.. 19
Lamplough & Son, 103
Lancashire Elc:trieal Engincerin,;

Co., 384
Lancashire Power Construction Co.,

216
I.nndaulet Co., 691
Liscard Battery Co.. 412
Liverpool Electric Cable Co., 636
Manellv & District Electric Lighting

ami Traction Co., 691
Llangollen & District Electric Light

81 Power Co., 469
Ixjbito Benf»uella & Calumbella Ele. -

trie Light & Power Co.. 18
Manaos Tramways & Light Co., 4n!l
Mander & Co., 161
Marconi Intn nriliun-il Marin.: Corn

inunication Co., 384
Miianitc & Insulators Co., 636
New General Traction Co.. 216
New Liverpool Rubber Co., 607
New Peto & Radford Accumulator

Co., 245
Northampton Electric Light Si Pow. r

Co-, 579
Notable Electric Co-, 524
Orford Electric Light & Power Co -

47
Oriental Telephone & Electric Co.

691
Paignton Electric Light and Power

Co., 328
Parsons & Hodges. 132
Perfection Light Co.. 19
fitter's Ventilating X; Engineering

Co-. 161, 217
Portable Electric Light & Power

I'rilchet't & (iuld & Electrical Pow.t

Storage Co.. 607
Rangoon Electric Tramway & Supply

Co., 553
Reid Bros., Engineers, 691
Resisto Electric Manufacturing Co ,

245, 441
Rushmore Lamps, 132
Salford Electrical Instruments, 636
Shanghai Elec'ric Construction Co.,

216
Sheerness & District Electric Power

and Traction Co-, 217
Siemens Bros- & Co., 217
Sloan Electrical Co.. 328
Small Electric Motors, 161
Strode & Co.. 19
Suffolk Electricity Supply. 272
Torquay Tramways Co., '441
Traction Development, 691
Troup, Curtis & Co-, 132
Vaughan Engineering Works, 1.32
Vonner Time Switches, 216, 091
\'eritys, 091
Vickers, Ltd., 47
Wakelins, 636
Walter's Electrical Manufaelui iiiU

Co.. 3.16, 441

VVeaverham Electricity Supply Co-.

007
Whitchurch X: Pangbournc Eleelricity

Supply Co., 007
Willans & Robinson, 495
Yorkshire Cable Co., 328
'* Z " Electric Lamp Manufacturing

Co., 412

Oil, Economy in lubricating, 336

Oil engines '& steam engines in com-
bination, by G. Porter, 260

Oil, Test for moisture in transformer.
694

OldbuTv sub-station — Damage by a rat,
438

One man car in U.S.A., 215

Ontario, Report of the Hydro-Electric
Commission of. 62

Operating theatre, Field. 270

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW— ISDEX.

Ores in .V-r--iui, Electrotjtje treat- R,ui.»xr Nous— Keticws— «>««»*< S-sx. • t, iSB

oi-^r.; c:, l'>j Argentina, 240 Wiricitsi c^t£^apcij i.->i leaepix^;, Jrt Sltr : ^ - - tl^Gzic C-o^ S^

Or;i:r.iid-.ivn, An Amajoan borailj oo Aoslraiia, 136, IS, 4tlT W. H. £ccis, 23S &'-ttJ - -; *t ecgiiMKri^g

electrtcaj, 3^ CaaatSa, 42, fiS Wireless Tramciiaina o< jiiiotogf^b-, I'^i- 71, l^i

jrganiauui foe after the »ar, logics- Caucasus. 2U br M J Manin, 38 Sojrs ior Traas-rasl aaxi, Eteaiiai,

trial 667 Chiie 157, 717 Ysar Book <ii Wtnless Tele^a^r 1*2

Organiiitkifi. N'alinial iiidil3tria<, by Clajl<»-ie.i(oan, ^ * Teispcooj, The, ZH Straits SeoSe-Beca. Traoe waTwrirt oJ.

O. N. Looiur. «?3 Cootiaeatal, 13, 20, fiS, SIS. 717 a«S

Organisatiaa a< trade and iadusuy, France, 316 Rbeostats, Ki-B^a-yy ■vTfmwng <i« Strwcnag three liae wires at ooc-,

Tha, 673 Ilalj, 13 meter aooeJerstisg, or 1_ Bocti>- 552 ^

Oreanisalioa, Soxsish engineering, U* Undoa, 211, 3BB, 01 inan. 6*8 Sabc=i.-;-- i^i- ii?: efactrical aja^

Ou-Jook ol labour. The ciiaaged, 3S3 Loodca & S.W. ekdri&alian, 897 Rifc icaicn, BSswao i. G.E.C^ a-B r ,=ra icreiga, i^i

Otertacad Una ^ th« Board at Trade, Loidoa & Sootil Western Kailva^ Rigbe^ o< ;. Gs-aaa-ovaed cag&h -< US, ISI

4gB electrScasioa, 378, SV cocspany, T9&S, ^ Scl: As i^ts^s^^xci:

0.-a*anIiiig a big set, 668 Xew ZCTfanrt. 3J8 Raid (sotocs, Joict icuoei so denSag,

Overseas dearical trade, Chir, SBS V^sra^Se-oo-Tjne, 297 140 _ Siai- i

zooe in miliEarr surgerr, STS Xwtfa LoEidaa RaitwaT etectrtfiratiino. RioU of Euiaoiir, IS, 16, >a, lU, IS. &-

127, JT8 ' ie>. 189. 215, a«. 271, 290. aer. So;

Xooray. «3S. a73, ess B5. 383, fll, 441, *SJ, »*. JB*, Sciili

Ptet Offi--e tube raBwar, The, 211, SB, 579, SSS, 635, Sffi. 6B0, ^0 Stiff. Mrs -j: i ?i;-.-i^ ., ■j-a atuiDMu-

P4KALLEL operzlioa of electric 2g8 ' Rootgen Scoeiy, TIse, SO ties as, bj J. W. X'apser, Sill

pover itarif^^. The, bf J. S. Peck. Soai-i 717 Rotaxr cocnnerteis. Th^ axtati cH, 7W SoppI; tc Gwrs^iaesit cnslnre, Elec-

611. 633, as la^^a&, 73 Rnbher. 3, 66, 171, 33S, £3 triotj-, 3U

; ..-is. Electric tigbting in, 57 TasmanU, 241 Rnies far pockec lamp batteries, Ger- Sopplj', Electridtf. 3S1

Tift«ri ft SDOlheod Rail«9 elee- man, 1i3 StWlj. EJeesiiciij. by j. .*. Roten-

...ijjotivr.ifiT — triiScaEiaa, 157 Russia, Foreign csndertaibings in. 86 soa, 6SS

OectricitT supply intercccL'^^iicn (; 5 J^., 157, 3g3 Rnssia, Indtisrrial iSeridic^aseats in, 69 Stsp^ in Bedma! Green, ESecsridtT.

scfaemes. 1'31 Russia : The ISSS Com^zn;, CBS OS _

RegistratJoa cf Business Sam^ Bill, Rtssia, Trade arnkfiinatiofis in, 4flS Sk^^i noeopolj *yiiT>i»ii> in Gcmacr.

1», 187 {taihray wagoos. The sqipiy of, 573 Rnssa, Traite with, 294, 3S», 377, 586, The, 2B3

Rc«al a»:ot. »5 Ramsaj. Mesnocial a> Sir Wm., ^8 3N , Sapply, Xatiooal citoric power, 3M.

Sbcosfaire, Worcestssbire^ Ic Staf- Rand, Electric transport on the, 532 Rcssian Caauos exemptioos for gold 397, 139

te^diire Electric Pover Bill, 243 Range pcndocsion, American electrical. pnxhxiag aacMaesr, aM Sa;<>!T oi elecKieilj. Pcirzte. lU

iSS Russia eiectrkal mzjiet, Tbe, 2B i^^w';. ^-^ centraliution of eleoririsi,

Recesver appointed — Sfa^stoo Electric Russia i ^■^^zriad mai^tet, VS. & t^ 351

Pirltament B> coosider, BectricaJ ap- Co., LoJ^ 5J8 573 SappJr tiafertakiilg. liofetniring ac.

p4i<^lioas tor, S77, 6S9. 719 Recmstrtictioa, DESKbilisatioo an<^ 6*« RiT»g.^n dectrkal mmiifipalsaiioa, 9> by E. M. Ho^iii^fswuth. 174

^ssenget cransportatioci in large Rectifier, The Aleiandetsoo cxagnetic, Rs^san ittinstries, Tfee fn^nci.^ ofl, Sgrf?tre eaodeaser tests, WsQians. 4*»

aties. Soene notes oo. bj J. M. 049 254 Swain, «^

UcEIroy. 341 Reiona, EdacaSoeat, 59 Rcssiaa ntarliec. Fresidi asd ItaSan Sweden. Czrboa esectrofe Tmrjifartsr-

Patent appiicatiacs, 6B Refractory metals, Qi efactiic:! iadassrr and the, C2 isg in. 129

Patent restcratkns, 153, 2M, 4S3, 566. RegistratiQa of Firras Bill, 78. 410 Rssaan waterwas., 181 Swedes'. ej°£traca3 ia&isirT. SC

690 Regnlatioas, Eleiti icily, Ifi Swse T^rt prcbiiatiiss. IS, IS

Patents and alien enemies, 15, 45, W. R^alatioos, Xev Boeni ol Trade, tSS Swiss railway ekctriStauoo, 269

UI, 243, St. 349. 690 Keocg^msaska of indtsOr. 307 Swito&ierds ior Pcifpbsse lestii^. i^

Patents. AistraliaB. IS Rei^anng gas baps bf ekctiic, 3BS QABOTAGE :iit a imiMiftM EaavfT, A. T. BoQea. 228

Pitens' .Aostrian, 214 Researcii Council, United Stales O 577 Swiscfces, SslHiimiTTOas oxsifoaai kc.

Patents expiring hiring 1916, List of Xatioaal. SSS Safew First canqiaign. 603 88»

Briti^, 23 Res^rcb. Coe], 439 Safeqr las^is approraj, 573 Switching etzaaaaiias, ElecsrK ligV.

Patents. New Sc Poblisbed SpsnSca- Researtfa. En^ieeii-^ aiaczskn and, SciKi&rsa^B. TrareQi'^, SI 551

tiocs, 28 56, 84, 112, 140. 169, 44 Srfwote, The Roral Dockyard, by P. Switching proUeais. Sosae, 4fi8

196, 224, 252. 2»0, 308, 336. 364. Researrh in Canada. Indizstrial. 699 H. S. Kenipuict. aSS ^'^f*tS: ^■^■^■- VeJriefe dbaigiae is.

396, -C2'>. 44a. 476, 504. S33. 560. Research en the tuxiit^ast coast. 131 ScSerxe & indistrv, by J- Swisdmrme. 6S

sag. tae. m, Sn, 700. ;2S Research ScieiKi& & indnstrial. 243, 227. SiS. SU '

Patents aphe{:. Tarigsten bzmp, 146 363, '290. 290, 314, 641 Sderace tc industry in France. 3S

Patents. Wire Lamp. 440 Re<Ksrcfi. Sotn>e aspects d indnstrial. Science at Oxjord, 411

Peace. G<i3L3r. p™paratioeis fior. 153 bi E. W. Maichanl,- 696 SrigmtSc * indostriil resen-ch. 343.

Peat bog. Electri- power on a Rnssian. Resistance stepping o< aaottr aoxSerai- 33. 296, 236, 314. 641 "yAR oils as fad ior Dies! exgtso.

220 ing rheo^ats. bf L- Bootfasian, Scientific Sociesies. Tbpe Board cf. IST X 110

Peltoo ibed. Large Bcitiib-bailt. C48 Soraf^ng piani. The ijC. arc osaj in, TariSs on electrical goods. Brili<&

SI Restricsioo of oatpeo. K4 fB* maaaixzmen ft AssaraSan. 2K.

Pennv wise, 170 Resuscitatioo after electrical dicck, 379 Searchlight cachocss. 91 434

Pereerini Mariojrtensis, Petri br P. Searchlight Sor the VS. Xair, A btge, TariSs on ekctrica! gooiis, Fartign ft

F. Wocelar. 247 ' ' fi9 CWoeial. 28. 56, 168. UC 224.

Perio«Tna.Tce of Brit^h Wesriaghcoie RfVlETS — Sesrchlseht. Sperrr, ffi2 2S1. Wt. 302. 446, 313. 560. Ofi, TW.

tnrfataes. 46 Applied mechanics, by A- Izaugscxu Searrr'ight. Tl>e Spesry, by Cape -A- 7S

Pernambcco. ElectriraT imports into. STO Gihsoo, 2S6

4(K .Arith-nesie far eagiseecs. by C. B. Seif help, 197 TiuBcaBS Salts—

Petrol ior staticoarr motors, » CiapOaiB, 382 Setting Ibe docks tack. Ob, £3 Africa. 547

fnadnam. The scarcity of. 578 Canada, the econtry of tfee twentieth SheSeld's fotnre. 688 Arabian tetegraats, 212

Poiicemen. Flood-Ughting. 690 eensnrr, ifj W. Grifin, 239 Ships. Tarheae-drTren. 578 Argectisa, G

Polyphase inductioo motors, AdjnstahCe Coesing tra^ of peace ft Britain's-'^ Shark, ResaseiTsfaoo after ^ectrical. Axstralia. 96, 437

speed. 36 mechanica] renaissance. The, by 379 AnsicaBan tis^ s^aak. 166

Polrphase testing. Swilchbaanjs far. T. C. Elder. 00 SSmnc \ t>e» narrersal, by H. W- AiEXra&a^ wireJsss serrice c2»a=g»«.

'by .A. T. BoOen, 228 Director? ft Chnoicle far China, Brawn. 4S0 211

Porcelain English, iH6 }agaa. Straits SettSemenB, Phi!- Siam, Trade statfatics of. 643 BoGsia. 127, 297, 9B

Porcelatn, Hard paste, 2» ippins, *c^ 399 Saemets Brts., The rfiares ct 4E'. Brazil, 297

Porcslain. Japanese; 469 Dynamical theory of gases, by J. H. 521 Cahte statioo. A Vioeiy. 406

Port .Artfanr, Canasta, Pnmpsag pLan: ' Jeans, 380 Soeioeffls centenary. A, 699 Cahie stesnasSiips. 416

at 611 ETectric cailwar. br A. Morris Bock. SgijaHiag in mines, Eleclric X&. UA. Cable tati&. 14. 212

Ptowdered coa!a5E«l,4Sl «S' «9, SSI Cahte tel^rapby. 5«r

Power, Catting cable trenches br. 465 ElectricitT and ^mgnecisEB). AdraooKj Signs of the txoaes;. Electrical. 7w CaaaaJa. 127, 158

Power distribtitioH. Electric b» C. tfiaticy rf. br W. S. Franklin ft Siisnaer Pan station of the Victaria Cajw; B> Cairo caMe. 491

H. Merz. 396 ' ' B. MacNiittl 207 FaHs ft Traasrial Pmwer Co.. Et- CItanael nsnnel ft tefcgraphit ft te>-

Pow-er Erora 'coke.07en gas. The ecooo- Exactpliss in msginesisjin. by Pmf. tensscffis at the. by R. TtimfiiisI]! pfeooac conmnaicatioa with t^.=

mical production of. br G. Dearie. F. E. Anstin, £6 ' Maw*siley. MB contiatnl. 1*

ITS ' Fan. Tlw. by C, W. inoes. 376 Singtc-phase repo&ioa indnctioa staators. Cliina, 393, 3B3

Piwwr Jrotn low-grade fiKl, Etectrical, Garcke'i Mannal of Electrical L'oder- Century. 61 France. 13. 138, 3B1. 631

213 takis^s ft Directorr of 0@cials, ScnaO hotiQ?^ Elsctririty far. ISS Frantpe, Sc^aace in. £S

P;wer generation ami dbtribotion. 1916-17. OS ' Sn5*:-Jng Electrical. 16 Frssmi mboial cab^ m

Ecooomi:. 668 General cargo: .An intradticjioo to SnnrhSeW Sre, Tie. 493 German wurtfcss, 127. m3. me

■ ,wer on a Russian peat bog Electric salesmanddp. by R. E. Goddard. Srno&e preTssttjon, 696 Glasgow. «{

230 r »• j_j SoJJisrs. The eaploytneat of £eUed Greece. 6ffi

.''.irer sttuatjoo. The Niagara, 247 n.,~n..»Jr of Electrical Sfethods, 238 sailers aad. :36. 395 G«aTi3al3, OH

'ysiT station. C!r<fe Valley Co.'s new Income tax in relatioo to Icea! ati- Soeoe cfciefe— Vert sas by ■" Ttaap flScit wiieies pSast. 368

Camhosfang. »1 thorities. by V. Ogde^ Whiteley Roya!," 619 laifia. «1 _

- jirer station design. 5S4 ft W. WMtrin^mn. 556 SxsJi -Africa. 376 Icifeia^e^^t smt— Marcom Wire«^

r.-MKT station. The Jooanneshorg moni- IniEcatoc Hatadbooic by C. S. Pick- Son* .At-ica, Electrical goods in. SI Co. of .America ft CS. Goretr-

cipal electric, bv J H. Dofoio. wor*. SO Sec* A;.-ica. Bectrtxfjesakal todB- ^rai:. 241

222. 231. 263 Icstanatiota eiecSApKS de fcete .< tris Sor. 6K Insafamrs. Keakag; of. 3)2

pjwer stations, Tlje parallel operatior tonnere. br .A. Cenbai. 280 South .Urka. The eiectiicai proEfem, Italy, a«a. SS

of etectric. by J. S. Peck. 6U. L>ree eJecc-TC 'power statiots. by Dr. in. 406 , ,„ Jama«ca^212

S3. 696 "G. Klingecherg, 73S 5«jc:h Airfca, Trade sratiqmrs of, ISc Japan. 2W

?>wer snpplT Xatioaal electric, 393. Lektrik tmrMtr switcf) owtrofs far Sm* .Vtk^-n rrn-iiripgl dectrac asppSy l^'f "•>=■ ^y" 3=e*«g*- 1^ <K

307 439' g!ow lamp ciccnits. 316 ssasisJis. 1» MTnmarjr. ^

'^reparaiioos for peace, German. 133 LocaSsatioa of fenlts in eJecfrk I^t Sccthan^tic— A .H7 f^ ' 46 ^<ani»i <f>- * , <^^^*=-'^- ^^ •

Prerention of briierr. The. 451 aad pwra- mains, by C. F- Spain. -A tra^- -- - i-'! '•^^f" * Td!au=k« Crc:>3i=.^;.

P.-sooers abcnad. Books far Britkfi. RapbaA Sa5 yain, ELeer- . 13. © «it5

15 Manna! of Eiie high-speeuf engiae, br Spain, Tr^.^ SL=;s^-ji--iS 613

"^^-e ;-^r-<=rrea-s. U. 183. 351. 517. H. KeaT Pr=tt. 382 ' Spaa&fe els.- - Jte:.^-^;^. 464

..o.. ...;., - Mechanical haanHing aal storing of Sasnish iadui-_-. . ---. -^-jeor;! M=i:ic>-J. wireiyess. 213

■ electricity. U4 material, br G. F. Ziraro^r. 527 of the war,. ^. 2i ''**^'* '-^^'^ sr«=eia 13 ^•T ^cci.

'-5 Metric rea*r ' tecknti^r. br C. T. SoeJtar indastrr. Etectrlcrsy in Sse, by ST

- .Africa, by R. Torn- Erat^KB^ «4 ' ^ *- ^*^ *^ Xe^H^c»=»--- «S

-.•-.. .-.iiTr ;-.s.eT. IK Oia<iea<l iiower iransBliaior. : Pricv Sperrr searcM^I, Sa N»-f' .''■ ■-•■'- ^-ai -B?. ^^

-asperity. American. 423 ciples ft calcnlatioas. by -A. Stil. Sp«nr;_ =earT*l.gllt. Xne. by Capt .A. ?• - / -.al gnowsii. 341

. riirisional orders. .\fi(]!icatioas far. 3S4 3K Gisaoir.. 2S6 . _ i , _- . ,-

Prorisiooal orders. Electric l%blilis. PWe ft Sower Enes far etectri p«sw«- SpSices, StreagA nf coeper wwe, fiS f - - aaJ esasim_.^ !»

719 Irans'TOSefao!. by R. D. Oxmbc Strrmfard electrica] SodiH^ far U S f- '"*-. -*^^- -- *

Pumping machinerr in Chile. 239 68 ' Mncmr cars, If . *

Pomping plant at Port Arthtnr, Canada PoIvsr« Rni&er Trade IKtettory. StamiardistMra, laiemetiotKl, Si f.

611 '1916 339 Stascfe^^is!???"** ^-^ flf*e US-A., Lamp F ^_ . ...

State mit The, by C. X. PSctwortb. -sn'-r* "'' F- - ' ., -*

339 ' Star.-; - - = lan, 335 -•

Tete^rapfe engia=eiTag. by E. Hzcs. 5-:ar> ":ig. 131 ^

RAIL planer and griiKiing tnachine. mann. 32 S:sr= '■ - ^ -

T'-> Woods-Gubert, 418 Tr^e as" a scienz. by E. I P Sca=.i -_ - :--j;ai =9 >.- , ._ _^-

Ri. i- e!ec:r;4iitioo. The Oneago. Bern. 69 dst--;.. .^.5 j--ii.iai, i— SP^i' ^i^' ' *'"

'! vaukee, i St. Panl. 390 Tr«a:iie on efectricitT. by F. B Steam prepares. A03>:an tjews -jo Sweden. MI

Raiiiv eiectriScatfan. Swiss. 389 Piite*. 67 higS^. 214 . . .. Tabti. ^

Railway electrificatioH. The Lonnion ft WTi-'r-akei-'s .Arith-oe-?T -' i^ •- ^- • '"— --.-.--.— :^i - --p^ T""' ''^ -- ^- —

North Western SDhorben, 144, 2M EngiaKrlng, SO ~ - ' z'-

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW— INDEX.

[Jam A in li\ i:

1 UMOAI 11 NoTia — ttmtimittd
Tckfriph Co<utnKlfc» Bill, M. 137.

1ST. 196. tit
Tclt^raph moorjf criitr*. 14
Tol«*r.ph cjtr«. Ti
Tali . M.rcon. Co.. Ml
Time ligiult, ir

Trani-l'jipian (elrifrjph cabl«. A, 98
Trou-rjclec .irriM, 1S7, 408, 648
I'nilrJ Stala, tU
Unltni SuiM Poww Co.'i wiretM»

plinl iS4
Wm InJio, 2U. 141
\Virclr», .lit^^liun finder, IST
Wireir** Kx- U.S. lran»nii«ion *y%-

ten, CN6
Wirrlru in the Wnl Indin. til, t4l
Wkrlcn in United Staid Polic'

Drpartment. 311
Wirclm pa^rnll in the U.S.A., £86
Wirelen on ahipi, 241
Wireless record, 14
WIrtlesi ilatioa dUmanllnl, 391
Wireless italion under centonlilp,

srs

Wirelen telegraph patent Je<ilian,

SS3
Wireless lelecrapfijr on scroplanr^.

Women tireless operator*. 38B

TrIeftraplK and telephones. Colonial, hy
R. W. WelghtiT.sn, 711

Tu.criif»it VoTK— .

Aulomilic telephone, 72. 408

Australia, 662

Blackburn. 464

Braliliin telephones. 212

Canada, 158

Canadian telephone itatlstics, Ml

Channel Tunnel ft telephonic com-
munication with Ihe continent
158. 186

Colossal ficurrs. 408

France, 158. 631

France, Science In, 553

GIa4t;ow. fiHfi

Hull, 98. 575

India. 631

Long-diftance submarine cable*. 519

M.mche^ter. 437

Petrograd. 98

Postal ser\-ices. Annual estimates, 14

Rhodesia. 73

Russia, ?34. 464

Science in France, 353

South Africa. 72

Storm breakdown. 408

Sweden. 491

Telegramj bv telephone, 72. 52(1

Telephone charges. 547

Telephone register. 269

Telephon- tapping, Xt!

Train deipatching. 408

ITnited States. 212

Veneniela telephones. 212

Telephone teoubles. «43

Tf'lephones. Coloni.il telegraphs and, bv

R. W. Weighlman. 711
Temperature upon the alkaline storage

battery. The effect of. 596
Tender memories. 99
Testing. Switchboards for polyphaw.

br A. T. Sullen. 228
Test«! 30.000.KW. steam turbo-genera-

tor. 172
Tests. Willans surface condenser, 485
Theatre fittings. Inspection of. 187

Trade staUstics o( South Africa, 195
Trade sutistics ol Straits Settlements,

503
Trade tour in Spain. 155
Trado Union Congress, The, iS»
Trade Union customs, Preser\alion ol,

243
Trade with our Allies, 376
Trade with Italy, 634
Trad< with Russia, 294, 350. 377. 586,

594
Trade within the Empire. 544
Trains, Gas on. S23
Train control. Automatic, 167
Tramway emplovfs" wages, ESI
Translornler, Oil test lor moisture in.

Tiuywiir NOTKS—

Aberdeen, 341, 378, 490

Abingdon. 630

Accnngton, 296, 464, 546, 661

Aldershol, 183

.Ashton-under-Lyne, 661

.\udenshaw, 296

Australia, IS, 185, 2«8, 378. 407. 436.

f02. lai. 685
nacup. 42. 407, 519
Itarnsley, 378
lllrmingham, 185. 296. 323, 407, 436.

«5. n?
Birkenhead. 407

Blackburn. 42. 1.S7. 240. 407. 490. 630
Blackpool. 211. 241. 268. 3.?!, 378.

4iU. 519. 630
Br.lton. 71. 464. 630. 661
Br.ndford, 128. 268. 296. 378, 464,

519. 675. 602. 661. 717
Brighton. 378
Bristol, 97

Burnley, 268, 436. 630. 661
Burton-on-Trent, 42
Bury. 43
Cardiff. 352
Chester. 13. 378
Christchurch (N.Z.). 211
Colchester. 71
Continent.ll. 71. 126, 211. 241, 29«.

323. 4.16. 519. 602, 661. 685. 717
Croydon. 13, 97, 491
D.-irlington, 39C. 407. 519, 661. 6*5

The

95

Thermometrv. !>ome sources of <

by E. W. Pausey. 706
Thin plate batteries for

vice. 129
Thompson : A Finsburr reminiscence.

Professor Silv.inus P.. 25
Thompson. Memori.il to Professor. 74
Three.phnse extensions at W.ntlasev. 695
Time is distributed in the U.S.A..

How standard. 214
Tracing cloth. A good use for old. 1.59
Traction motors. Control system for.

724

The inquiries

Tr.nde after the

into. 325

Trade and enemy influences. Export, 85
Trade and other conditions in the

Argentine. 349
Tr.ide. Auslr.ilian. 150
Trade bank, A proposed British. 34-1.

663
Trade b.ink in Spain. A. 463
Trade. Can.idian. 139. 275. 321. .504
Trade combinations in Russia, 405
Trade conditions in Chinn. 209
Trade. Foreign. 4,i. 159. 298. 409, .123
Trade. French tlectrical and other. 279
Trade. Government assistance for our

foreign. 701
Trade in India after the war. Elec-
trical, br C. R. Drummond. 424
Tr.ide in 1915: New classification.

Electrical, 84
Trade ol New Zealand. .51. .MO
Trade. Our o\-<TSea5 eli-ctrlcal. .585
Trade poller after the war. 411
Tr.ide policy. Eneineering. 299
Trade policy. The development of

national. 142
Tr.ide position in the U.S.. The elec-
trical. 159
Trade regulations. American export. 320
Trade representative. Foreign. 516
Trade. Spanish electrical. 182
Trade statistics' of Australia. 316
Trade statistics of Brazil. 419
Trade statistics of Egypt. 8
Trade statistics of India. Ill
Trade statistics of Japan. 671
Trade statistics of New Zealand, 713
Trade statistics of Siam. 643

Da

13

Doncasler. 296. 378. 685

Dover. 296

Dublin, 436, 602

Ealing. 436

East Ham. 352, 491

Edinburgh, 97, 323. 378. 407. 464,

601. 685
Electric vehicles. 43. 71. 126. 185.

186. 241. 296. 490-491. .519, 546.

602 631. 661
Frith. 241

Frai

126

C,ateshend.on-Tvne. I.'i7. 296

Germany. 685 '

Glamorgan. 13

Glasgow. 43. 2G8. 3.52, 378. 4.16, 491,

647. 661
H.ililai. 13, 126, 408. 519. .'546, 602
Hanwell. 378
Haslingden. 43
Hevwood, 71
Hindlev. 71
Holland. 126

Huddersfield. 71. 519. .546. 575
Hull. 43. 491. 6&5
Ilford. 127, 378. 630
Ilkeston. 296
India. 126
Ipswich, 547
Italy. 71

Keighlev. 13. 157. 297, 321. 631. 661
Kirkcaldy. 43
Lanarkshire. 436
f^aiKaster. 602

Leeds. 323. 378. 464. 468, .547, 661
Levlnn. 378, 631
I.iveronol. 18.1 268. 408. 661
London. 13. 41. 71, 97, 127. 157, 185.

241. .547. 631
I-ondon County Council, 71. 97, 127.

1,57. 631 '
I-ondon vehicle charging stations, 241
Txiwesloft. a52
Manchester. 14, 43. 97. 1.57. 185, 241,

268. 631
Mexico. 631
Middlesbrough. 127. .575

Nels,

631

«lle-on-Tvne. 127. 40S, 491
.575. 602. 661
Niwport fMon.V 378. .547
New Zealand. 211, 268. 323
Norlhamoton. 211. 379
Northenden. .547
Norw.iv. 296 323. 4.16
Oldhim. 1.57. 241. 297, 3.52, 408
Oulton Bro.id. 436
Plymouth. 297
Portsmouth. 127, 323
Preston. 685
Rawlenslnll, 97. 602
Rhvl. 32.1
Rochdale. 211. 297. a52. 461. .519. 661.

685. 717
Rnssendale. .575. 631
Rolherham. 43, 352. 408. 519
Ruphv. 186
«• Helens. 14

Salford. 186. 268. 297. 631. 686
Se.irtvwriuf^h. 662
Sheffield. 70. 408. .519, 662. 686
Shioley. 717
<:oulh Mrica. 241. 491
South Lanrnshire. 186. 686
South Shields. 98
Sf.uthimoton. 97. 717
Southend-on-Sea. 323. 437. 717
Southnort. 662. 686
Soulhwark. 43
Sp.-iin. 241. 323. 4.16. 717

u

Trauwav Notes — continued.
Spanish North Africa, 241
Slolybridge, 297
Stockport, 297
Stockton, 547, 631
Straits Settlements, 186
Stretlord. 408, 847
Swansea, 353, 464, 663
Tasmania, 43

United States, 241, 297, 619
Wallasey, 43, 127
Walsall. 297. 647, 576, 631
Walthamstow, 67S
West Ham, 98
West Hartlepool, 408
Whitcfield. 297
Wigan, 297
Winchester, 619

Wolverhampton, 127, 491, 519. «62
Woolwich, 13, 127. 631
Vork, 14, 408

Tramway report, Edinburgh, 662, 687
Tramway transit and comfort ; A «lea
for the passenger, by W. T. Rob-
son, 3
Tramways and Light Railways Asso-
ciation Congress. 3
Tramways and the kincmalograph, 270
Tramways Association Conference. 1916,

The Municipal, 214, 340. 368
Transformers in parallel, 457
Tcinsformer losses. The determination

ol. bv P. A. Borden. 670
Transport on the Rand, Electric, 532
Transvaal mines, Electrical stores for,

182
Travelling scholarships, 421
Tree pest cure, Electricity as a, 16
Trees, Lightning danger of, 336
Triangulalion signal lamp, A new, 635
Truce possible? Is a, 634
Tube contracts. Manchester Corpora-
tion. 131
Tungsten, British-made, 635
Tungsten lamp patents upheld, 146
Tungsten. The production of, 306
Turbine. A 15,0()0-ll.p. vertical, 381
Turbine business, U.S.A., 638
Turbine. Development ol the, 549
Turbine-driven ships, 578
Turbines, Performance of British West-

inghouse, 46
Turbo air compressors. B.T.H., 229
Turbo-gcn-rator tests, 30,000-KW.. 1"2

NEMPLOYMENT insurance: Ex-
tension of National Insurance
Act. 1911, by J. J. H. Stansfield,
287
Union of Technical Associations in

Germany, 46
United British Industries Association,

The, 100
United States and the Russian elec-
trical market, .573
United States battle cruisers electric-
ally driven, 242
ITnited States census of electrical

manufactures, 551
United Slates central stations, 470
United States central station output,

663
United States electrical exports, 123,

345. 558
United States. Flash lamps in the. 466
United States, Fuel economy in, 381
United States Government, Nitrogen

plant for, 44, 223
United Stat^, Inefficiency of labour in

the, 639
United States, Lamp manufacture in,

600
United States National Research

Council. 576
United States. The electrical trade

position in, 159
United States. The production of small

dry batteries in the, 454
United States turbine business, 638
Utilisation of tramways for goods

traffic, by G. W. Holford and W.

Clough, 368

■yACUUM cleaners, 16

Vans for laundry work. Electric, 531

Variable-speed gears for motor road-
vehicles, by R. E. Phillips. 718

Vehicle charging in Sydney. N.S.W.,
633

Vehicle development : A definite policy
in Vienna. Electric, 480

Vehicle progress. Electric, 15, 159, 173
409, 604

Vehicle trial. M.inchester electric. 371

Venezuela. Electrical imports of. 294

Victoria Falls & Trnrsvnal Power Co..
Extensions at the Simmer Pan
station of the. bv R. Turnbull
Mawdeslev. 108

Vienna. Electrical vehicle development :
A definite policy in, 480

Volunteer notes. 16. 45, 74. 100. 131.
159. 188. 243. 270. 299. 326, 354,
382. 410. 440 467. .521. .551, .578,
605. 635, 663. P89. 719

■nTTAGES at Dublin. Electrical men's

Wages at Edinburgh. Electrical, 99
Wages. Engineers'. 15. 438
Wages. Glasgow electricians'. 690
Wages in Australia. 522
Wages. Leeds engineers'. 633
Wages, Manchester engineers'. 526. 5.51
Wages. Metal workers', 214
Wages of electricity works employes.

382, 664
W-u"-' on llu- r.P.R., 215

Walsall .xtensions. .563, 678
War, Industrial org.inisation lor alt.:r
the, 687

War Itbms—
Absentee, 206
A.E.G. and shipbuilding. The, 374.

469
A.E.G. Electrical Co. ol Soulli

Africa, 264, 570
Alter-the-war problems, 9, 432
Air raids and electric flashing, 699 I
Air raid warnings, 487
Appreciation. 657
Armorduct Manufacturing Co., The,

6'^6
.\rmy light and power work, 433
.Australia and enemy shareholders, 65
Australia and munitions, 657
Australia, The enemy in, 714
Australian zinc and spelter, 180, 206,

432
.Austrian copper shortage, 599
Badges lor returned employes, 151
H.illour's Committee, lj>rd, 487. 64.1,

598
Hflgian light railways. 319
Belgian power plant sent into Ger-
many, 515
Belgium, Inside, 670
nirmingham Corporation Electric
Supply Department War Relief
Fund, 6.57
lll.ick lists, .598
Board ol Trade. The, 206
Hooks for prisoners ol war, 122, 375,

460
Boy munition workers, 265
British industry -. Definite line of
policy now and after the war,
13«
Biltish Mannesman Tube Co., 206,

236
British property in Germany, 292
Canada and Germany, 180
Canadian trade, 626
Carville resolutions. Some, 65
Central-station men and military

service, 605, 632
China, Exports to, 8. 93, 237, I

347. 375, 432. 487, 615, 626
C;iaims' against the enemy, 347
Coal supplies held up in France. 657
Colliery plant shut down. A, 293
Companies to be wound up, 8, 40,
64, 93. 122. 180. 206, 292, 374,
460, 515, 542. 570, 598, 626, 681,
714
Conference, Allied, 681
('ontinental companies in war time,

The financial results of, 404
Contraband ol war. 8, 375
Controlled works, 8, 122, 265, 374,

488. 626. 681
Copper committee. A. 657
Copper wire and cables. The manu-
facture of, 515
Dirk, Kerr purchnse A.E.G. British

interests, 515
Dilution and man power, 487
Dilution ol labour, 237
Disabled sailors and soldiers and

electrical work, 375
Disabled soldiers and the Post Office,

626

Report I

Disabled soldiers as

on, 180

Edmundson's Roll of Service, 93
Electrical trade after the war. 404
Employes of military age. 236
Employment of aliens, 292
Enemy aliens at Birmingham, 65
Enemy businesses wound up, 206
Enemy companies. Report on, 93
Enemy concerns now and after the

war. 38

459

Enemy goods prohibited in New

Zealand, 374 !

Enemy interests in British com- ,

pinies, 487
Enemy interests. Sales of, 598
Enemy-owned electrical shares, 515
Engineering tr.ide after the war, .18
Entertaining " Tommy," 64, 682, 599 I
Excess profits : Prosecution, 40 I

Excess profits tax, 714
Exemption applications, 9. 38. 64. 93.

122. 151. 180, 206, 237, 264, 293.

319, 3»7, 374, 404, 432. 460. 487.

.516. 543, 570, 599, 626, 6.57, 681,

714
Export prohibitions. 8. 64. 65, 151.

179, 206, 292. 410, 459, 465, 542.

570. 598, 603, 657, 658. 714
Finance and trade : A Government

committee, 9
Flash lamps. Use of electric. .570,

699. 626
Foreign capital in Spain. 292
G.E.C. Cadet Corps. 1.51
German electric lamps for Italy. 598
German finance and German plant ;

The Victoria Falls Co.'s experi-
ences, 151
an firms to be suppressed In

Ru

206

93

German prep.irations abroad. 180

German trade after the war, 151,

319. 657

Glasgow war bonus, 599

Holborn Tribunal and electrical

firms, 236

India, After-the-war trade in, 38

Ia.mahv \-2. i;)17.]

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW— INDEX.

kViK Items — Lontinucd,
India, Enemy businesses in. 515
':vi?lmcnls in belligerent countries,

460
T and sleel trades and German

Jumping, 206
i;..U and Lrneniy trdders, 179
it.ilv. German electric lamps for,

598
li.i"Iv, Ousting the German trader,

Japan and the enemv trade, 542
Labour Committee, A, 319
Labour Exchange proposal. A, 264
I Niur transfer scheme, 237

' ria. Exports to, 3, 19, 319, 542,

■43
i\ing certificates refused, 543
: I. bkn'echt and A. E.G. employes, 179
l.n:hting prosecutions, 9, 206, 374,

570. 578. (!26
Liquidation of enemv firms in East

Africa, 374
L.^ndon Electrical Engineers at Ply-
mouth 93
l.st time. 626

M inchesler war charities. 206
Lchanical hand. Prize for the best.

319

\l.tal

wage

237

als Commit
.Metals, Economy in. 714
Ministry of Coniniorcc. Proposed. 236
Ministry of Munitions of War. 264,

292; 432, 557
^^unition workers' holiday, 236
Munitions Priority I?ranch, 374, 657
Moscow and the" 1886 Co., 293

Mutt

.vork.

,V.yu Items — conlinued.
New Zealand Tariff, 151"
Patent rights in Austria-Uunga

292
Patents in war time, 179
Picnic for dependents, 179
Power station fatality, 23ti
Property ' and trade protection af

the war, 432
Railway wagons. The use of, 681
Ratheitau's department. Hi

Re

543

432.
ng output. Hard labour for.

A. E.G., The. 293
Salford electricity staff, 9
Scandinavian commercial

tion, 40 ,
Schaffer &' Budenberg, 636
Separation allowance case^

A. 347
Silvertown emplovt5s' war relief

funds. 347
Smithfield Markets Electric Supply

Co 's employfa, 605
.Social - and Iiconomic Committee—

Another committee appointed, 403
Soldiers and sailors as sub-station

attendants. Returned. 40
South African Siemens Co.. 1.51, 293
■South American black list. 179
Sterling Telephone & Electric Co.

TIk

714

rdint;

foreca
dnev electricity
clinical instruc

workers. 431
::Je debts of ali

404

Xak 1TE.MS — ^cotitiiiueti.
Trade with New Zealand, Our, 319
Trading with the enemy, 374, 403
Tramways and excess profits, 657
Training . disabled sailors and sol-
diers, 236, 681
Tramway service or the factory? 516
Tramways and munitions, 403, 431
Tubs for Tommies, 319
Unemployment insurance, 151
Unioi Cable Co.. The, 543
L'niled States and trade alter the

war, 237
United States tariff policy after the

war. 180
U'ages in railway shops, 374, 403

Wa

War savings certificates, 374

War wages at Johannesburg, 93

Waste. 404

Welshach Light Co. : Only British.

directors. 40
U.lsbach Light Co. of Australia v.

the Commonwealth of Austral-

Wcstin'ghouse war fund. 180
Women in electricity works. Employ-
ment of, 431
Women tramcar drivers, 460, 598
Work for civilian war prisoners. 264
Workers of military age. 319

\\"arranties. Some notes on. by Legal
Contributor, 715

Waste heat for agriculture. The utili-
sation of, 109

Wavleaves, by An Interested Onlooker,

527

505

Welfare supervision : Juvenile work-
people, 466

Welfare work, 235

Western Electric Co. CJ.S.A.) trade in
1915, 573

Westinghouse supply tlepartment at
Manchester 182

Wills, 18, 161, 188, 216, 272, 412, 468,
524, 579, 690

Winding plant at a Yorkshire Pit,

Ele

537

U'innipeg, A large battery installa

688

143, 283. 703

Wire-drawing industr
Wiring rules, Germs
Wiring rules. The Institution, b) D.

S. Munro, 313, 360
Wiring, Steel conductors for house.

354
Wirele
Womei

ivanted, 466

ub-sta

Wcimi-n's working capacity. 160
Woods-Gilbert rail planei and grinding

machine. The, 418
Wool. Electrification of. 493
\\'orker and war trade. The industrial,

450
Workmrn's compensation. 41

X ^^

2INC.

Printed hy W.m. C.iti., Ltu., 147-150, Gt. Saffron Hill Charterhuuse Street E.C. and Published hy tlie Pioprietors H. Ai-abasteu Gi

\ Co„ 4, Ludgate Hill, London

inh. IMT.

TXIES

HlIjE10m?/IC-A-ILi I?,E'VIE"W.

Vol- LXXIX.

JULY 7, 191fi.

No. 2,015.

ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

THE FEENCH ELECTEICAL INDUSTRY.

Vol. LXXIX.]

CONTEKTS : Jaly 7, 1916.

The French Electrical Industrj- ... ... I

Ailvauoe ! ... ... ... ... ... •■■ ••- ■■■ 2

The I.E. E. and Electricity Suiiply 2

Riililier S

Tho Tramways and Light Railways Association Congress ... 3

Tramwav Transit and Comfort : A Plea for the Passenirer.

by W."T. Robson 3

The Incorporated JIunicipal Electrical Association, lyitj— III .">

Boiler House Design and Operation, by W. W. Lackie

(/•oncliided) ... ... ... i.. ... ... ... ■">

Correspondence —

tiO-cycle Transformers on 2.5-eycles... ... ... ... 7

Decimal Coinage ... ... ... ... ... ... ^

Trade Statistics of Egypt •■<

War Items ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... f*

Legal Ill

Business Notes ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 11

Xotes I.T

City Notes ... ... ... ... 10

Stocks and Shares ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 21

Market Quotations ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 22

Motal Market. -Fluctuations in June ... ... 2:^

Electricity on the Farm ... ... 23

Electricity Supply in Greenock — Two Years' Growth 07/h.v.) 24

S.P.T. : A Finsbury Reminiscence ... ... ... ... 25

New Electrical Devices. Fittings and Plant 07/(/.O ... ... 21!

Electric Incubators ((7/h.v.) ... ... ... ... ... 27

Foreign and Colonial Tariffs on Electrical Goods ... ... 28

New Patents .ipplietl for. lit If, 2.S

Abstracts of Published Specifications 28

List of British Patents Expiring during 1111G {ciuir/itilril) ... 28

Contractor's Column ... Advertisement page xx

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THE UNIVERSAL ELECTRICAL DIRECTORY

(J. H.. Reply's).

1916 EDITION

H. ALABASTER, GATEHOUSE & CO.,
4, Ludsate Hill, London, E.G.

Our French neighbours,, like ourselves, have
resolved to liberate themselves as far as possible
from the undermining influence which German elec-
trical firms exercised, either directly or indirectly.
in the French market down to the outbreak of the
war. French electrical firms have suffered in the
past from a comparative scarcity of labour, and the
situation in this respect may become accentuated
after the conclusion of peace. The manufacture of
electrical apparatus is chiefly carried on in the
vicinity of Paris, where formerly labour was fairly
abundant, whereas the construction of machinery
was carried out generally in the provinces, where
a shortage of labour was experienced, and where
the time required for the execution of orders was
long-er than if workers had been available in greater
numbers. Apparently the establishment in the pro-
vinces of most works for the production of heavy
machinery was originally prompted by the desire
to secure cheaper sites, lower taxation, and lower
wages than in the Capital, but it is a question
whether the commercial results have justified that
course. On the other hand, and apart from the
mechanical engineering works in operation in the
neighbourhood of Berlin, it has to be borne in mind
that two of the largest electrical groups in Germany
are concentrated in the Capital, and they have cer-
tainly found great financial prosperity in that dis-
trict, despite the prevailing rates of wages, taxa-
tion, and the great distance which separates them
from the centres of production of raw materials.

A little light concerning French hopes and inten-
tions for the future is slied by the annual report of
the Compagnie Franc^aise pour 1 'Exploitation des
Procedes Thomson-Houston. Without concealing
the fact that formidable economic and social prob-
lems will arise after the war, the report expresses
confidence that victory will bring about a rapid ex-
pansion of the national industries, and particularly of
the electrical branches. But in the commercial
struggle, as in the case of the war, it will be neces-
sary to fight with equally efficient methods. To defi-
nitely evict German industrj- from the French market
and to compete with it in the markets of the world,
it is considered necessary for the French works to
increase their productive capacity, to improve their
plant and machinery, and to adapt them in such
a manner that they will be able to make up for the
deficiency of labour by adopting bulk production of
standard types, and to pursue a vigorous commer-
cial policy in the opening-up of new markets. The
realisation of this programme will require large
financial resources. In this connection, the forma-
tion is announced of a Chambre Syndicale des Con-
structeurs of hea\-y electrical machinery, which will
examine and solve the problems of this important
department of the industry, and is in complete
agreement with the Syndicat Professionel des Indus-
tries Electriques which groups all the specialities
of electrical manufacturing.

M. Charles Laurent, chairman of the French
company, at the recent meeting stated that there
was no doubt that at the conclusion of hostilities
a great demand would arise in regard to the appli-
cations of electricity, and that it was necessary to
make preparations at once for coping with it. The
French electrical industn,- henceforward would have
to supply articles that competitors across the Rhine
had formerly succeeded in placing on the Frencli

[1]

niE ELECTRICAL REVIEW

r Vol.

No. 2,015, Jl'r,\

market, and imist also render itself capable of com-
peting with them in the foreign markets. It was
admitted that the task would be a hard one, and that
individual efforts would be inadequate unless they
v.-ere energetically co-ordinated. Germany had
shown what could be obtained from a solid indus-
trial cohesion, and tiie French would also organise
their productive resources without, at the same
time, abandoning their capacity for individual initia-
tive. In this connection, M. Laurent mentioned
that the views which he had e.xclianged with the most
important firms permitted him to state that this
necessity had been imanimously recognised, and the
recent constitution of the Chambre Syndicale des
Constructeurs marked a decisive step towards an
understanding which could not fail to be fertile,
and which would complete the work already under-
taken by the Syndicat Professionel des Industries
Electriques.

It is satisfactory to learn that a re-awakening of
national energy and the spirit of enterprise has be-
come manifest in France, and as the economic life
of the country' is resuming a natural course a pro-
giessive expansion is pioceeding in regard to orders
for peace purposes, quite apart from the excep-
tional requirements of the Army. The task con-
fronting the French electrical industry, as pre-
viously mentioned, will be difficult to solve. But
with the cessation of hostilities, there seems no
reason for doubting that sufiicient financial support
will be forthcoming to place the French works in
a position w^hich will render them independent of
enemy countries and, at the same time, contribute
largely to the future prosperity of the country.

Thk past week has been one
AdTancel of great events. All hearts and
prayers are with the brave Forces
who are so gallantly and heroically fighting to re-
deem the Liberty of Europe. God speed their
efforts! While these stirring events are in pro-
gress, steps are being taken at home to deal with
some of the problems that will follow when Vic-
tory has been won. The Government has, through
the Board of Trade, drafted a Bill bringing muni-
tion workers under the provisions of the uneinploy-
ment part of the Insurance Act, with the object of
minimising some of the inevitable consequences of
demobilisation and reduced war munitions activity.
Mr. Asquith's Reconstruction Committee of the
Cabinet, which is considering after-the-war prob-
lems of every kind, has issued an invitation to all
who have any suggestions to make on the subject
to submit them, so that the nation may do its
utmost to face an unparalleled situation. The
House of Lords has allowed the appeal in the cele-
brated Continental Tyre case, and last, but by no
means least, the President of the Board of Trade
has appointed a further Committee to make pre-
parations concerning the problems of trade. Each
of the foregoing subjects is worthy of considerable
attention in ourpages this week, but we must fore-
go the privilege owing to the demands upon both
Time and space in these exceptional days. While
the Forces at the Front are putting forth all their
energies to win the war in the field of blood, think-
ing and practical minds must prepare for the days
that, we trust, will not be long deferred. Some of
the problems are so complex that they will call
for deep inquiry and anxious thou.ght for months
to come, for w"e are faced, indeed, with a vastly
altering national situation fraught with infinite
possibilities. The Economic Conference, which
arrived unanimously at such important recom-
mendations, carried its work through with marvel-
lous expedition, and the Nations must not be less
expeditious in facing the details that necessarily
follow upon the acceptance of the principles laid
down in those conclusions. We trust that we shall

be justified in our hopes that matters will now move
more rapidly in both the militar)' and the economic
spheres, and we hope that in these preparations for
the period of Demobilisation, Reconstruction, and
Trade Security there will be energetic action and, as
far as possible, unity of spirit. The new Trade
Committee is, to our minds, as important as any
that has yet sat to consider pressing problems. It
is to consider the best means of meeting the needs
of British firms after the war as regards financial
facilities for trade, particularly with reference to
the financing of large overseas contracts, and to
prepare a detailed scheme for that purpose. The
Committee is composed of bankers and other finan-
cial authorities, as well as industrial and commercial
men, to whom the subject of industrial finance is
no new one. The evidence should be ready at hand,
for the subject has been discussed almost to death
for many years. We look to this Committee to go
a long way to assist British industry, which un-
questionably has been handicapped in the past by
competition with the industrial banking systems of
the Teuton.

The I.E.E. and

Electricity

Supply.

The announcement which we
make in our " Notes " to-day, that
the Council of the Institution of
Electrical Engineers has appointed
a Committee of seven members to
consider the present and future of the supply of
electricity in this country, in the light of Mr. Wil-
liams's paper and the discussions which followed it,
will be read with pleasure by all who have the in-
terests of the industry and of the Institution at
heart. The announcement is somewhat belated, as
the Committee was formed on June 8th — the day
before we tu-ged the Council not to miss the oppor-
tunity of placing the Institution in its rightful posi-
tion at the head of this great movement, lest
others should forestall it. We trust that no time
will be lost in pressing on with the matter, which is
of urgent importance.

In our issue of June 23rd we drew attention
to the suggestion put forward by Mr. H. S.
Ellis, in his paper read before the I.M.E.A.,
that a committee of members of that Associa-
tion should be formed " with power to co-opt
niembers of other scientific societies," to in-
vestigate the state of electricity supply in this
countrv : the formation of such a committee was in
fact decided upon on June 21st, at a joint confer-
ence of the Council of the I.M.E.A. and represen-
tatives of the power companies, and the President
made a statement on the subject on the following-
day. There are. therefore, two Richmonds in the
field, and it will be observed that our renewed
warning to the Institution with regard to the leader-
ship of the industry was fully justified. But we
are certain that there is no desire on the part of
the I.M.E.A. to usurp the position, provided that
the I.E.E. is disposed to take vigorous action in
the interests of progress and reform. Whether the
two committees will eventually combine, or hold
joint sittings, or whether they will agree to divide
the field of labour between them, reinains to be
seen: on this point we have no official information.
It is obvious, however, that overlapping should be
avoided. On the one hand, we have the munici-
palities and the power companies jointly represent-
ing the supply undertakings of the country; on the
other is the Institution, which represents, or ought
to represent, not sectional interests but the whole
of the electrical engineering profession and indus-
trv, and is in a position to consider the subject on
the broadest lines. It would seem that there is
room for both parties to work harmoniously to-
gether towards the development of the supply m-
dustrv on a sounder basis.

In 'the absence of additional information we can
make no further comment on this particular sub-

Vol. 79. No. 2,015, July 7, 1916.]

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

ject; but we take this opportunity of appealing once
more to the Council of the I.E.E. to keep its mem-
bers and the public better informed as to its doings.
There has been a distinct improvement in this
respect of late, but as a rule the items which appear
on the last page or two of the I.E.E. /oMrHa/, .whilst
of the kind we advocate, are altogether too
absurdly meagre to fill this want, which, we can
assure the Council, is widely and deeply felt
amongst the members.

Admittedly the market for crude
Rubber. rubber has been anything but en-

couraging to the producing estates,
but, as already hinted in these columns three weeks
ago, there is not much hope of better things for
another few months, or until towards the autumn,
when market conditions may possibly improve,
though the outlook presents many uncertainties.
Much depends, of course, on the progress of the
war in connection with which huge quantities of the
product have been absorbed within the last twelve
months or so. The United States will probably
continue a heavy consumer, yet indications in that
quarter have become distinctly reactionary, so that
future needs are a matter of considerable uncer-
tainty. Owing to the critical state of shipping dur-
ing the war, the larger trans-Atlantic manufac-
turers have made probably full provision against
prospective requirements. The stocks still avail-
able across the Atlantic are now doubtless being
eaten into steadily, but new enterprise is, at the
same time, kept within more conservative limits,
and it is hardly likely that any market expansion of
new buying will take place for an indefinite period.
The general feeling of weakness, moreover, is
against any development of the demand beyond
actual needs. In the second half of June very con-
siderable quantities of plantation rubber were dis-
posed of, consumers who were short having re-
plenished stocks to some extent at the compara-
tively low prices ruling, but there is still plenty of
rubber awaiting disposal, though arrivals lately
have been less numerous through shipping delays
or other drawbacks.

The price of fine plantation grades has fluctuated
down to about 2s. 4d. per lb., this being about the
lowest figure seen since the end of the third quarter
of last year. There is just a possibility that the
weakness may become accentuated, despite the fact
that the market seems to display rather more
resistance. The set-back from the highest regis-
tered earlier this year represents not much less
than 2s. a lb., which is a rather serious matter for
the estates, whose profits are bound to be cur-
tailed to an extent which must lead to renewed
eflorts being made for more economical working in
the interest of their shareholders. It is rather
peculiar that developments as regards prices during
the last three months have been pretty similar to
those witnessed within the same pei-iod two year.s
ago, or just prior to the outbreak of the war, the
advent of which had a paralysing effect upon the
demand. The market subsequently had frequent
fluctuations, but fell only slightly below 2S. for
No. I late.x, and after rallying up to about 2s. 6d.
dropped again late in 1914 to the lower figure men-
tioned. With the turn of that year, however, a
Steady upward movement ensued. History may
possibly repeat itself, owing to the unsettlement
which must be expected to continue pending a con-
clusion of the war. It remains to be seen, how-
ever, whether the price will break to under 2S. a
lb., as happened in 1914. The outlet for rubber is,
after all, still quite good, and the present low
prices tend to restrain producers in their forward
sales. It is rather more difficult to place orders for
distant deliveries, even at a notable premium, not-
withstanding the ease with which spot purchases
can be made.

THE TRAMWAYS AND LIGHT RAILWAYS
ASSOCIATION CONGRESS.

On Friday afternoon last, the eighth annual con-
gress of the Tramways & Light Railways Associa-
tion was held in London, being restricted to a short
meeting at the Westminster Palace Hotel, where,
after some introductory remarks by the chairman,
the Hon. Arthur Stanley, M.P., on the report and
accounts, a paper by Mr. W. T. Robson (South-
ampton) on "Tramway transit and comfort: a
plea for the passenger," was read and discussed,
the members being subsequently conveyed in
special 'buses to the London General Omnibus
Co.'s Training School at Milman Street, Chelsea.
Here, under the guidance of our old friend, Mr.
Blain, Operating Manager of the L.G.O. Co. and
the Underground Railways, the methods employed
by the company in training, equipping, and feeding
its staff were explained and demonstrated to the
visitors, whose attention was fully occupied until
such time as it became necessary to adjourn to the
Trocadero Restaurant for the annual dinner, which
was held during the evening.

The Hon. Arthur Stanley (Chairman), in opening the
meeting and welcoming the visitors, referred to the neces-
sarily restricted programme.

In regard to the report and accounts, both revenue and
expenditure were on a reduced scale during the year, but
a revenue balance of £13,6 remained, which, added to funds
in hand, left them with £430 to carry forward.

He referred in .sympathetic temis to the deaths of Sir Charles
Rivers Wilson, their first president, and Mr. Robert Ham-
mond ; also to the severe illness of Mr. A. L. C. Fell, from
which he is now happily recovering.

One of the most serious problems which had confronted
them was the loss of employes; on some systems 40 and
even 60 per cent, of the staff had joined H.M. Forces, and
gieat difficulty was experienced in filling vacancies.

Female conductors were very generally employed now with
satisfactory results, and in some cases women drivers were
employed on easy routes.

Satisfactory arrangements had been made with the manu-
facturers in regard to dehvery of steel tires, but the rail
question was a more difficult one.

In regard to the effect of paper shortage on tickets, the
difficulty had been generally overcome by using smaller

In regard to Finance (No. 2) Act, 1915, and excess profits,
the Association had applied to the Board of Referees on
behalf of company tramway members for an increase of the
statutory percentage from 6 to 12 per cent., which is con-
sidered fair in cases of limited tenure ; in regard to the Local
Government (Emergency Provisions) Act, 1916, Section _ 20,
dealing with consent necessary for estabUshing new 'bus
routes, &c., the Association would have preferred a general
Act applying to all users of the roads, and apportiomng the
burden of taxation fairly amongst them.

It was hoped that as the result of joint efforts, a standard
method of assessing income-tax on motor 'buses would be
obtained, similar to the tramway standard. _

On their behalf, he congratulated their late Vice-Chairman.
Mr James Devonshire, on his appointment to the Board of
Trade Electrical Committee, and, as the Council thought that
the tramway industry should be represented at the mquiry
now being held by that Committee, he proposed that Mr.
Stephen Sellon should be invited to give evidence on their

The " report and accounts having been approved, Messrs.
A H Beatty, Bulfin, Vincent Edwards, A. W. A. Chivers.
H M. Sayers, and G. M. Harriss were elected to fill vacancies
on the Council caused by members retiring, whose period of
office had expired. „, ^ _ , ,<-, ^u

The Chairman then called on Mr. W. T. Robson (South-
ampton) to read his paper, an abstract of which and the dis-
cussion follow.

Tramway Transit and Comfort: A Plea lor the Passenger.

By W. T. Robson.

The object of this paper is to endeavour to point out that
th.' passenger has not always been sufficiently considered m
the prosperous times of the past; and in makmg plans for
the future it might be well to consider how his comfort may
b? increased, because by such means he might be mduced
to ride more often. ^ . . . , •„

Just before the outbreak of war I rode down a steep hiil
on a certain tramway system in the upper saloon of a car,
and the condition of the track, together with the condition
of the car, turned that ride into a species of nightmare.

The sum of roughly ^620,000 had been allocated to the
relief of rates out of the surplus profits of this undertakmg m

THE ELECTRICAL REVDi:W

Nu. ■.',ui:., ,Ti i.\ 7. l;ili

the last four years. A small proportion of this amount would
huve been much bfttor spent in track renewals.

It is surprising that so many system.-* have not done more
to aboUsh hammered joints, considering the facilities which
exist in the way of welding. The impossibility of obtaining
flew rails at present should only serve to wake us to the
necessity of increasing the life of existing track by means at
our disposal.

The question of rail groove cleaning has never received the
consideration due to this method of reducing noise. One
hopes that in the near future vacuimi cleaning will bring
about the desired result.

It is, however, in the direction of rolling stock that the
hopes of a passenger desiring a more comfortable ride must
principally be centred ; we are mounting our cars on practi-
cally the same truck as w-e did 15 years ago, and, although
we may add various devices in the hope of gaining flexibility
and radial action, it must nevertheless be admitted that a
reallv comfortable riding truck is not vet an accomplished
/act.

To all intents and purposes, the hand brake is the same
as on the hor.se cars 20 years ago; the various devices of
iiiserted gearing have not improved things from the point of
view of those travelling in the car. An interesting experi-
ment is being made' at Iluddersfield at the present time, in
the nature of a brake drum keyed on an extended armature
shaft in the same way as the pinion, with a Ferodo-lined
band-brake operated in the usual way by means of the brake
spindle. The advantages of such a brake are obvious, and in
actual practice it is proving a great success. There would
appear to be quite a movement in the direction of improved
brakes at the present time, and similar efforts should be
applied to the whole truck.

The longitudinal seating of the usual British car, and the
wearisome cry of " Move up, please," or " Sit closer together,
please," makes one wonder why the use of cross-seats in the
lower saloon has never become more common. The advan-
tage of being able to tell at a glance if any seat is available
is very obvious A 24-passenger cross-seat car holds 24,
whereas on a longitudinal-seated car the best conductor often
is unable to induce, say 22 passengers, to move up and make
room for 24. There is infinitely more comfort in facing the
direction in which the car is travelling and in being able to
look out of the window without twisting one's neck. I would
waimly recommend this type of seat to those who are con-
sidering the question of new rolling stock. The question of
gauge is not an obstacle, as cross-seats have been most suc-
cessfully adopted at West Hartlepool, a narrow gauge system.
Before leaving the question of seating, is it not time that
the uncomfortably hard wood seat was superseded by some-
thing more comfortable to sit upon?

The question of providing adequate ventilation without
undue draught has long been one of the problems of tramway
management, and it is quite evident that ventilators should
be fixed and not subject to the whim of any passenger. The
best method is to arrange the ventilator windows to open out-
wards on a quadrant, in the direction in which the car is
travelling.

Experiments have been made with induced draught by
means of a fan driven from the axle, and there would appear
t ) be no reason why this method should not be adopted with
succei5.s.

It is evident that any arrangement whereby a passenger
may alight from the near side of the front platform would
both add to his comfort, and also make the conductor's duties
easier. It would be interesting to hear the experience of
Newcastle and other places where experiments in this direc-
tion have been made. From the passenger's point of view it
is a grievance that, after taking a seat at the front of the car
in order to leave room for those entering after him, he should
be compelled to fight his way back to the rear in order to
alight.

A uniform finish, in a car body, in teak or oak is not
nearly so attractive as a contrast afforded by, say, oak and
mahogany. The modem car should have rounded comers
without mouldings and dust-traps; the end panels might well
serve as frames for attractive photographs, displaying the
charms of the- district through which the cars run, confined,
as far as possible, to views at the extreme ends of the routes,
costing the exploring passenger the maximum fare to get
there.

It is not easy to understand why the top saloon is often so
much more uncomfortable and unattractive than the lower
one. An mterior fini.sh of alternate light and dark match-
board with sashless lazy-tong windows and tip-up seats,
allowing a clear floor for cleaning, with a row of ventilator
windows to match those in the lower saloon, would give a
wholesome attractive effect, and would please the ordinary
passenger as well as " drawing " the man who boards a top-
covered car in order to have a comfortable smoke.

A year's experience of south countrv tramways makes one
wonder if the British principle of a double deck closed car
has been too clo-sely followed, at any rate in the south; the
extraprdinary popularity of a car on the Blackpool toast-rack
principle, adopted at Southampton, certainlv leaves no room
for doubt as to the preference of the travelling public.

It is hardly reasonable to expect intending passengers to
W'ait in wind and rain, and pavement verandahs are greatly
appreciated.

The war has given us a fine opportunity of getting rid

of certain unnecessary stopping plates, and it will be found
that the travelling public as a whole are quite pleased to find
the cars getting along quicker. Many systems suffer from
too many stopping places, and the excuse for remedying the
evil which now oilers itself is too good to miss.

It is somewhat deplorable, especially from a passenger's
point of. view, that on many systems some purely local
obstruction should have been allowed to govern the design
of the whole of the car service tor future ages. Quite a
number of tramway authorities have had to reduce head-
room to the smallest possible limit because of one wretched
bridge or archway.

Large and awkwardly-shaped parcels are frequently a
source of irritation to pas.sengers; the best way of dealing
with this evil is to charge for parcels beyond a certain size
and weight, and insist on them being placed on one or other
of the platforms.

The sale of books of tickets has recently met with so niuch
success in certain towns that the subject ought not to be
ignored in considering the point of view of the pa.s3cnger.

A railway time-table at each end of the car is often very
useful, and large illuminated route numbers are a great boon
if the system is large enough to warrant them. Someone
once said that tramway passengers were composed of all
cla.sses of humanity, mostly fools, but I venture to suggest
that after nearly 20 years of electric traction, the travelling
public are entitled to many things which on the average
system they do not get, particularly in the nature of a more
comfortable ride, less noise, easier exit, and less petty annoy-
ance.

Mr. A. V. Mason, in opening the discussion, said that on
his tramway routes women could drive cars if the latter
were equipped with air-brakes, but not with ordinary brakes.
He had experimented with ball bearings on one car, and
found tha,t while energy was saved, as compared with ordi-
nary bearings, when running light, the reverse was the case
when loaded. He agreed as to the advantages of cross seats,
the " toast-rack " car having pioved popular.

Mr. A. W. A. Chivers thought that the average tramway
passenger had much done for him that he had not paid for,
and he was afraid that it would not pay to incur much
further expense. Tramway trucks had been considerably im-
proved since the horse car days, and it might be noted what
excellent riding was obtained on sleeper tracks; the rigid
street track was no doubt responsible for hard riding experi-
enced in towns. He had been struck by the efficiency of the
dium brakes employed on 'buses, and in regard to the
Huddersfield tramway drum brake, said he would have
thought that with the high speed of the armature shaft, the
coefficient of friction would be very low. For short-distance
dense traffic, fare collection was much faciUtated by the
longitudinal seat arrangement, and it was easier for the
passenger to signal to the conductor. Seats were generally
good enough, but ventilation was often bad in double-deck
cars, and could be improved by a high roof.

Mr. Ernest Hatton (Newcastle) said that as a result of
their experience he thought they would eventually alter all
the Corporation cars to the front exit type. Newcastle was
the first city to use all cross seats in its cars, but in altering
the design for front exits, the seating was modified and
longitudinal seats fitted near the doors, to avoid obstruction;
he agreed that it was easier to collect fares with longitudinal
seating. Four front exit cars were running; there was only
room for one person at a time to get off, and not a single
accident had occurred so far, which condition, he hoped,
would apply later to other reconstructed cars, and thus
reduce compensation. It was not his experience that double-
tiuck cars did more damage to the track than single-truck
cars.

Mr. C. W. Shepherd (Edinburgh) considered that there
was very little in the question of passengers' comfort. Regu-
lar meals were a necessity for female conductors, or they
would break down in health.

Mr. F. Bland disagreed with the. author's suggestion as
to great difficulty in obtaining materials such as tires, axles,
and rails; if members would apply to his firm they would
obtain assistance. Tokens would be better than books of
tickets, as the latter were easily destroyed, but some induce-
ment must be held out to passengers to invest in tokens.

Mr. Edwardes (S. Lanes. Tramways) emphatically con-
demned modem tramway truck design, and asked why solid
steel rather than forged or pressed side frames should be
used. His experience with 40 or 50 cars with built-up side
frames had been very satisfactory, and he thought there was
scope for some body to take up the question of car design
on an engineering basis. While rails and tires were obtain-
able, they were prohibitively expensive.

Mr. Stephen Sellon considered that they only wanted
plenty of money and comfort would doubtless induce
travelling. Opinion seemed to favour longitudinal seats. He
could not quite agree that temporary repair work should be
condemned when new work was so co.stly.

Mr. L. E. Harvey (Ilford) said his experience with pressed
steel trucks was that they were always under repair, and he
regretted that most of his cars were fitted with them. Tokens
were u.sed at Ilford and much appreciated; a discount was
allowed to purchasers.

Mr. Hame (York) said he used trailer cars to a limited
extent ; they were satisfactory and would be much more Used

Vol.79. No. 2.01.-,. Jii.Y

THE ELECTltlCAL KEVIEW.

in the future, as also would the air brake. The drum brake,
he thought, would result in many " flats " remaining on the
wheels, which the tire brake ground out.

Mr. Benedict asked why, if there was such a shortage of
paper, tickets were not collected and returned to the paper
iiiakers? *

Mr. F. CouTTS (Paisley) thought the sale of tokens at a
-discount led to fraud as between the employes and passengers,
and that this could not, in his experience, be avoided. He
43sked whether anyone had had experience of " seatless " cars;
with such an arrangement an ordinary car would carry 150
standing passengers during rush hours from factories.

Mr. Hatton interposed to mention that it had been pro-
posed at Newcastle to alter cars to the "seatless" type for
conveying factory workers in bulk, but they now had longi-
tudinal seats in some cars, and with the wide car bodies
used there was space for 40 standing passengers. The seat-
less car, with a turnstile at each end, had been employed in
Trafford Park in its early days to convey Westinghouse
employes to and from the Park entrance.

The Author, in replying, commented on the excellence
of the seatless car for moving crowds; it seemed out of place
to mention this type of car in a paper urging comfort for
passengers. He agreed that if women drivers were em-
ployed, air brakes should be u.sed. More comfort must be
given to passengers if the great competition of the present
<lay w-as to be successfully met. As regarded the Hudders-
fieid drum brake, its action appeared to be exceedingly sensi-
tive and rapid, and there was no sticking. He agreed that
truck design required overhauling ; he could not afford new
lails for renewals, and refeiTed to the satisfactory result, of
welding old joints.

The afternoon's visit to the Milman Street train-
ing centre of the London General Omnibus Co. was
of the greatest interest to those taking part in it.
A site area of some 30,000 sq. ft. is occupied by
a training yard for driving, class-rooms in which
the drivers are initiated into the internal mysteries
of engines, gear boxes, brake mechanism, &c. —
actual sections and parts being used for demonstra-
tion— and in which the conductors (perhaps we
should say " conductoresses " in these days) are
taught to handle the punch and ticket, and gener-
ally to perfoiTTi their future duties. In this connec-
tion a kinema hall, to seat 400. is provided, in which
educational films are shown illustrating actual ser-
vice working, points in connection with the avoid-
ance of accidents being' discussed during lectures
at the same time. The average period of instruc-
tion is 14 days for a conductor and 28 days for a
■driver.

A mess-room is provided where learners can
obtain food at practically cost price, and the com-
pany's clothing store is also situated on the site.
20 stock sizes being found to meet practically the
whole of the requirements of the 10,000 uniformed
staff.

After a general tour of inspection, the visitors
were entertained to tea by the L.G.O. Co., at the
conclusion of which Mr. Blain gave an interesting
resume of the objects which it was hoped to achieve
at the depot, and of staff matters generally.

After pointing out that the withdrawal of men on the out-
break of war and since had emphasised the usefulness of the
training depot, he mentioned that 18 mess-rooms connected
with garages were also controlled from there, and that it
v\as hoped to establish both waiting and mess-rooms at the
main terminal points later; the influx of female conductors
had rendered it necessary to obtain rooms in 200 houses on
the various routes.

Some 3,800 drivers were now employed, and 50 per cent,
of them had been newly trained in the school.

A very strong feature was being made of the " safety
•first " movement, and no effort was being spared to educate
both the staff and general public in safe methods. There had
been a noteworthy faUing-off in accidents in recent months
■despite the more difficult conditions in the streets; accident
claims payments had been reduced by 15 per cent, in three
years, and since 1910 the number of accidents had been
reduced by 68 per cent., to an average of 2.5 accidents per
10,000 miles run. This, he thought, excelled the Boston
(U.S.A.) Elevated Railway's record reduction in accidents.
They had found the kinema exceedingly useful in training
•employes how to avoid accidents. About 900 designs for 'bus
lifeguards had been submitted to the company, and a stan-
dard type of side lifeguard was being fitted, which so far
liad saved 123 lives: they hoped to obtain ofiicial approval
of a front lifeguard before long. In carrying out the " safety
first " campaign, the daily Press had been systematically
used, legends, which could be changed, were placed on 'buses,
and recently 250,000 small pamphlets were distributed through

the L.C.C. schools. Accidents were analysed and recon-
structed, and views made of them for instructional purposes.

Since the war commenced, 13,000 women applicants for
employment had been interviewed, and one-third of the com-
pany's buses was now "manned" by women conductors.
There were also 19 female timekeepers and 12 female cashiers.
They had only lost 37 women, or 4 per cent., and only 20
gave up because the work was too hard.

Experience showed, moreover, that the work was not too
hard for women, and probably owing to the open air life
and good food it had been frequently found necessary to
refit them with uniforms

On the subject of cheap meals, provided by the catering
department, the annual turnover of the latter represented 2l
million transactions, and ga,ve them an income of £30,000,
which met the cost of the food and the necessary staff. [We
Hiay add that the charges are exceedingly small, particularly
under present conditions. — Eds.]

Mr. I31ain gave an interesting percentage analysis of the
commodities from which revenue was derived, including 36J
per cent, from meat and 14 per cent, from tobacco.

He felt that some day the whole of the traction people
^ould be gathered into one association, and concluded by
expressing the pleasure which it gave the company and him-
self to have them as visitors.

A vote of thanks having been accorded on behalf
of the Association, Mr. Mandelick, Secretary of
the L.G.O. and allied railway and tramway under-
takings, expressed, in a few words, appreciation of
Mr. Blain's work for the company, and incidentally
m.entioned that it was intended to provide a seat for
the conductor on 'buses.

Subsequently the visitors were shown a series of
kinema films illustrating the right and wrong way
of drivifig and conducting 'buses, avoiding acci-
dents, &c., the views being taken in London streets
and realistically accompanied by bell, gong (when
a tramway car was on the film), and hooter,
operated by a demonstrator who lucidly explained
each film as it was showTi.

We cannot conclude without congratulating the
company on the splendid work which it is carrying
out, and although there are few organisations in
this country with the money and means of the
L.G.O. and its associated concerns at their dis-
posal who could hope to emulate the thoroughness
of the methods emploj'ed, yet these are of such
value, and have apparently been so successful, that
every tramway and 'bus manager could with advan-
tage study them.

The only omission from the interesting series of
films (and we commend it to the company's notice)
was one which should show " crawling " 'buses
(trying to spin out running time) approaching a
railway terminus in the evening; if the demonstra-
tor were at the same time to reproduce the remarks
of the numerotis passengers who have missed their
accustomed train by about a minute, a very valu-
able lesson might be conveyed and a source of griev-
ance removed.

THE INCORPORATED MUNICIPAL ELECTRICAL
ASSOCIATION, 1916— III.

Boiler House Desif^n and Operation.

By W. W. L.*CKiE.
{Abstract.)
(Concluded from Vol. 78, p. 729.)
An electric power station is simply j factory for the conver-
sion of the chemical energy in coal into electrical energy, and
the selection and purchase of fuel are matters of the most
vital importance- They depend upon the geographical posi-
tion of the site relative to the nearest coalfields, and upon
the nature of the load. It is a recognised fact that a higher
overload duty can be obtained from a boiler fired with good-
quality coal with a given draught than can be got with low-
grade fuel. It is often more economical to use the best coal
because, with the higher overload thus made possible, the
number of spare boilers can be kept down to a minimum.

It is now ahnost universal practice to buy fuel on a calorific
basis, but along with calorific value and analysis there are
to he taken into account physical properties. Actual boiler

THE J-XKC'TIUCAL KEMEW.

'Vol

No. 2,015, July 7, lUKi.

tests must be made with sample truckloads of coal if the
best and most economical selection is to be made.

In the Glasgow Corporation electricity department, if any
particular kinil of coal as delivered is below our previous
year's experience of it, then that coal has a decreased figure
of value allotted to it against the time when next it will be
oflered.

A practical test in a boiler specially equipped for the pur-
pose is a very reliable guide to calorific value. A good unit
of comparison is the cost of evaporation of 1,000 lb. of water
fiom and at "ili deg. F. or the number of lb. of water
evaporated for a pennyworth of coal, including coal and ash
handling which varies with the quality of the coal. The
better unit to use for general comparison is the British
thermal units per watt-hour, i.e., lb. of coal per unit X b.th.d.
in coal as fired -^ 1,000. Even this is not perfect, as it does
not allow for the variation in load factor between different
power stations, but it does enable comparisons to be made
irrespective of variations in calorific value. In two of the
Victoria lalls power stations the economic result obtained
in the way proposed gave in one station '27 b.th.d. per watt-
hour and in another 26. Both of these stations had very
high load factors, whereas in many of the London stations,
where the lighting load is predominant, the average result
is in the neighbourhood of 40 b.th.d. per watt-hour. Daily
samples of coal, as delivered, should be sent to the laboratory
of the undertaking for calorific analysis. An assistant, work-
ing with a bomb calorimeter, can test 12 samples a day,
working from 9 to 1 and from 2 to 5 o'clock. These tests are
recorded in a coal test book for reference. As the results of
tests obtained by any or all of the methods above referred to
are tabulated and arranged, an index of the pits in the coal-
field, from which the fuel supply is mainly or wholly drawn,
can be compiled, and coal prices as received can be equated
on a calorific value basis.

An interesting experiment has been carried out in one of
the Glasgow gas works recently. Gas coke breeze or gas
coke riddlings were burned successfully on chain-grate stokers
with forced draught. A special form of arch had to be built.
This breeze can be bought at 20 per cent, the price of coal,
and it has a calorific value of at least 60 per cent, of coal.
There is a large amount of ash, but the experiment went to
show that with intelligent superintendence good results could
be obtained with this class of fuel, although the actual output
of the boiler was considerably reduced.

Twenty years ago a fireman in a generating station was
tmly a fireman. The firing of the boiler is now done by
operating a rope or a lever. A fire has rarely to be stirred
or nursed in any way except by the adjustment of dampers
and rate of feed. The substitution of mechanical and elec-
trical machinery for hand labour naturally led to the substi-
tution of the boiler-house engineer for the aforetime fireman.
A. competent boiler-house engineer is an indispensable ad-
junct to the boiler-house staff, and the man who knows his
business can easily earn the substantial salary which he can
command in this capacity. He, of course, trains his own
labourers, but the human element should be and is being
cut down as far as possible.

Everything possible should be done to obviate wastage of
the heat value of coal in the boiler-house before the steam
reaches the turbine. A saving of 1 per cent, in the coal bill
of the Glasgow Corporation electricity department would this
year represent a sum of £2,000.

It is only in recent years that we have come to realise the
value of a pound better steam consumption in a steam tur-
bine. We now put a money value on steam consumption per
one-tenth of a lb., and stipulate for heavy penalties in the
event of failure to comply with guaranteed consumption after
allowing a tolerance of 2} per cent. With an equipment such
as has just been described, weekly returns can be prepared
giving all the particulars any manager wants to satisfy him-
self that the plant is being properly handled and is doing its
work efficiently. Turbine-room data being also available, a
weekly sheet showing running statistics may be easily made
out.

In American stations generally considerably more attention
is now being given to boiler-house economy, no doubt due
t3 the increasing price of fuel. The workmen in the boiler-
house are educated to interpret the various gauges and
recording instruments and encouraged to take an interest in
improving conditions. The instruments are not to be erected
and stored away in the chief engineer's room, but are to be
in the boiler-room.

Several very fine records of efiiciencies have been attained
in America. At the Conner Creek plant of the Detroit
Edison Co., which has been in operation for a year, they
have two 20.000-KW. turbo-alternators, and each turbine is
supplied with steam by two large boilers, each boiler con-
taining 23,500 sq. ft. heating surface. The plant is operating
at the present time and producing a Kw.-hour on 1.42 lb. of
coal, i.e., a little less than 20,000 b.th.d. per KW.-hour. This
shows an efficiency from coal to electrical energy of 17 per
cent. The Chicago Commonwealth Edison Co. in their Fiske
Street station have two turbo-alternators of 20,000 to 25,000
KW. capacity. Over a whole year's run the coal used per
unit of output was 1.92 lb., and the average value of the
coal as fired was 10,120 b.th.d. per lb. This gives an average
of heating units in the coal as fired per unit of output of
19,450, and also shows a thermal efi&ciency of some 17 per
cent.

Discussion.

Mr. S. E. Fedden (Sheffield), who opened the discussion,
said the paper interested him because he was on the eve of
a big boiler-house development, which he hoped would not
be smaller than 100,000 KW. He could not quite agree with
the author's suggestion that the main object in boiler-house
design was maximum steaming capacity in minimum space.
The first consideration in a prospective design was the load
factor at which the boiler plant would work, as this con-
trolled the amount of coal and ash to be dealt with, and the
movement and storage of coal and ashes appeared to him to
be the main consideration. It was necessary to decide
whether to design for the future load conditions of the plant
or for the present ones, and to consider how these alterna-
tives would react on one another. The boiler-house was
more important than the engine-house, and he was going to
employ shift engineers solely to watch the boiler-house, and,
eventually, a man to watch ashes, dumping, &c. With a
well-covered grate, the riddlincs had a caloiific value of 9,000
B.TH.D., but when the grate was only half covered, this value
dropped to 6,000 b.th.d. He was quite unable to obtain a
greater average than 8 or 9 per cent, of COa, and thought
this applied to most boiler plants; moreover, he did not see
much possibility of getting CO, with the percentage condi-
tions of CO J usually obtainable. Data collected at Sheffield
on grate maintenance showed that with chain grates using
fuel of 14,000 b.th.d., and burning 25,000 tons of coal, the
average cost of maintenance was 2.72d. per ton burnt; with
fuel of 10-11,000 b.th.d. value and burning 37,000 tons, the
maintenance cost was only .46d. per ton, and the effect of
high calorific fuels on such grates was clearly shown. With
underfeed stokers burning 53,000 tons of coal, the mainten-
ance cost came to .57d. per ton burnt, but this cost would in-
crease if there was much banking done. The cost of main-
tenance for the conveyor using washed coal was 1.18d. per
ton handled, but if the coal was unwashed, and contained
dust, the figure immediately increa,sed. The conveyor main-
tenance cost for ash removal, however, worked out at the
high figure of 17.76d. per ton handled, and he considered
that it would save expense to purchase suction ash plant at
the absurdly high prices charged rather than use a con-
veyor. He had been led to test the ashes dumped from the
boiler-house, and found that they had a calorific value of
4,600 B.TH.D.; attention was given to the question, and at
the present time this value had been reduced to 3,152 b.th.d.,
representing a very considerable saving, which in the case
of a 100,000-KW. station would mean a great deal of money.
He disagreed with the author's statement that the conden-
sate would show the amount of water evaporated ; from
experience, he found that 15 or 20 per cent, more steam was
generated in the boilers than found its way through the
condenser. Tests of the calorific value of soot in boilers
showed that this varied from about 600 b.th.d. in the front
tubes to 3,000 b.th.d. in the economiser, and this might
account for some of the heat loss not usually allocated. Since
the war commenced he had found a great decrease' in the
calorific value of the coal sent in, and an increased percentage
of ash. An examination of the author's test data for old and
new-type boiler plants seemed to show that reduced radia-
tion losses largely accounted for the improved results of
the newer plant.

Mr. Christie (Brighton) said he believed that gas-firing
would have a great influence on boiler-house design in the
future, and he asked : why not face this problem boldly at
the present time'? With gas firing the fuel plant could be
placed on any convenient site, some distance from the boiler-
house, and connected to it by pipes, which would solve the
coal storage difficulty, remove dirt and dust from the boiler-
house, and, at the same time, enable a by-product recovery
plant to be conveniently worked. He was most strongly
urging his committee to come to an arrangement with the
British Coalite Co. for gasifying 200 tons of coal a day, from
which the company would secure the by-products, while the
Corporation purchased the gas for boiler-firing purposes.

Mr. S. L. Pearce (Manchester) felt much sympathy with
Mr. Pedden's opening criticism. Space was not the sole
criterion in boiler-house design. In connection with the new
Barton station of the Manchester Corporation, careful investi-
gation showed that a two-storey arrangement of the boiler-
house, with boiler and economisers on one floor, effected a
saving in construction cost of 20 per cent, over the three-
storey arrangement, due to lighter steel work, &c. It was
rarely that a reasona-ble amount of natural light entered a
boiler-house, but the Barton design gave good roof lighting;
the question of lighting was bound up with chimney
design, and the deposit of ash, soot, &c., from the latter on
adjoining roofs. The Barton boiler plant fitted nicely as
regarded space with the engine-house, and so long as this
was so, he felt that there was little advantage in adopting a
thiee-floor boiler-house. He thought that 20 h.p. per sq. ft.
of engine room was rather a high estimate; at Barton, with
20,000-KW. sets, there would be 10 h.p. per sq. ft. The super-
station of the future would need large spare capacity. He
proceeded to describe the Barton boiler and coal storage
arrangements (which were illustrated in the Electrical
Eeview of January 8th, 1915), and expressed the view that
the reciprocating feed pump could not compare with the tur-
bine pump for efficiency. Amongst points to be considered
were the division of the coal bunkers to avoid fires, and the
separation of ashes from soot, to obtain the utmost value

Xo. 2,015, JCLY 7. 19ir,.

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

for them as by-products. A comparison of boiler data for
the new Manchester, Chicago, and Detroit stations showed
that British practice favoured design for long-continued
operation with a considerable margin of capacity.

Mr. John Egberts (Durban), president of "the recently-
foimed South African Municipal Electrical Association, after
referring to the latter and mentioning that its members were
favourably inclined towards federation with the I.M.E.A.,
.said he thought that perhaps attention .should have been
directed to the self-contained boiler, combining superheater,
economiser, feed heater, &c., as a development of the future.

Mr. D.tviD Wilson referred at some length to the results
obtained in modem water-tube boiler plants abroad, men-
tioning that it was recognised that for boilers worked at high
rates, the water must be pure, and special distilling plants
were in use on the Continent to provide such water. The
correct etficiency of any well-known boiler, type was defi-
nitely known, and evaporation was largely a question of
combustion ; the type of furnace also was largely dependent
on the system of draught used. He was inclined to agree
that it did not pay usually to burn low-grade fuel, as it
required more supervision. The evaporation per sq. ft. of
giound area of a modern boiler would come up to approxi-
mately 200 lb.

Mr. C. PI. WORDINGH.AM thought the author's conclusions
were generally sound, and pointed out that he had referred
to other considerations in design in addition to steam output.
The practice of building boiler ranges at right angles to the
engine-house necessarily increased the losses in pipe lines, &c.
fie asked whether there was any real gain in using such big
generating units as 50,000 k\v., if such difficulty was encoun-
tered in the boiler-house design. There was a great future
for the gas-firing arrangement referred to by Mr. Christie ;
he (the speaker) hiid advocated it in the past, and he believed
that .some arrangement was possible with the gas people,
who were specialists in this branch.

Mr. \Y. M. Selvey pointed out that there was not neces-
sarily any relation between the areas occupied by boiler house
and turbine room, the latter being more or less an annexe —
a small matter when in addition to boiler plant, coohng
towers and coal storage were considered. Analysis of the
test data led to the conclusion that elficiency had little im-
proved in eight years, but output for space had improved.
Further space economy could be obtained by developing
boilers of the Yarrow type and increasing grate area. Since
the Coventry meeting of the Association, many developments
had occuiTed in grate design, but the older grates, due to
improved methods of manufacture, were holding their own
against newer types. He had pi'eviously advocated an emer-
gency speed for travelling grates with increased draught for
meeting overload conditions; it was no good using thick fires
for such conditions. With so much capital invested in the
electricity supply industiy, it would pay to investigate
thoroughly the fuel problem at considerable cost. He thought
that the idea that the gas interests would as.sist towards a
solution of the fuel problem was a mistaken one, that the
future rested with coal fuel, not gas firing, and that the gas
turbine had to overcome enormous difficulties before it would
become practicable. Co-operation with the coal interests was
a po.ssible solution of the fuel difficulty, the return for coal
value being given in the form of electrical energy.

Mr. Thos. Roles (Bradford) said there were very few
boiler houses in the country in which a saving of 1 per cent,
could not be obtained. The question of increasing grate area
required attention, and it would be possible to do this with
land-type water-tube boilers if they were lifted. Bradford
used the same steam pressure, 2(W lb., as '20 years ago, but
boiler makers were talking of pressures of 350 lb. per sq. in.,
and it seemed necessary to decide on the future standard of
pressure in view of the boiler plants which would have to
hr'. put down after the war ended. He thought the subject
should be discussed by those interested. At Bradford it had
not paid to install any special coal storage appliances, the
coal being heaped on spare ground. Pligh evaporation rates
could be obtained by cutting down heating surface as com-
pared with grate area, but it paid rather to have a margin
of heating surface. It also paid to buy best coal, as that at
1.5s. or 16s. a ton was cheaper in use than coal costing lis.
or 12s. a ton.

Mr. BowDEN (Poplar) said, with reference to the author's
lOfl lb. evaporation per sq. ft. of ground space of boilers,
that at the Poplar works they were getting 1131b. He stated,
that steam flow meters were quite .satisfactory in his experi-
ence, and asked whether the ashes could not be conveyed
hydraulically, as in the case of coal at the Hammersmith
works. Rotary-type feed pumps were, in his experience,
much more satisfactory than reciprocating pumps, not requir-
ing the close attention necessary for the latter.

Mr. George Wilkinson (Harrogate) congratulated Mr.
Christie on his gas-firing proposal, but thought the difficulty
would be to get rid of the cote.

Mr. .1. P.' Gregory (of the B.T.H. Co.) expressed dis-
disappointment with the fact that although Mr. Lackie had
referred in his paper to the adoption of steam pressures up
to 250 lb. in the States, apart from the comments made by
Mr. Roles, the whole subject of using higher pressures and
superheats had not been discussed. He referred to the im-
portance of giving this matter close study, both from the
commercial and from the engineering standpoint, in view of
the fact that with increased pressures and temperatures, and

the utili.sation of steam turbines, it was now possible to
obtain very much higher over-all thermal efficiencies than
hitherto. He also pointed out that high thermodynamic
efficiency on a turbo-generator did not necessarily mean the
highest over-all thermal efficiency for the whole generating
plant. To make his point clear, he stated that his company
decided some considerable time ago to install as an experi-
ment, at their Rugby works, a high-pressure and high-super-
heat plant. As the result of daily running over a consider-
able period, this plant had become a permanent part of the
company's power installation. The equipment comprised a
marine-type tubular boiler, with integral superheater, econo-
miser, induced-draught fan, and chimney, 1,.500-KW. Curtis
turbo-generator, surface condenser, and turbine-driven boiler
feed pump, the latter exhausting into the feed-water tank.
Incidentally, the hot air from the alternator was turned into
the boiler furnace. The working pressure was 350 lb. per
sq. in. (gauge), the plant being designed to give 700 to 750
deg. F. total temperature to the steam. Tests had shown
remarkably good results, which would doubtless be pub-
lished in due course. He noticed that Mr. Lackie referred
to a thermal efficiency of 17 per cent, being obtained
on one of the large plants in the States, and he presumed
that this result was being obtained at pressures higher than
those normally used in this country in the majority of the
stations hitherto. For comparative purposes, he assumed a
boiler efliciency of 80 per cent., which could be modified if
necessary when making comparisons with any other boilers.
It had been shown at Rugby that with 350 lb. per sq. in.
gauge pressure, 264 deg. F. superheat, and 28^ in. vacuum,
the over-all efficiency of the unit was 19.12 per cent. A similar
unit at 200 lb. per sq. in. gauge, 200 deg. F. superheat, 28Jin.
vacuum, would show 17.3 per cent. The comparison would
show still more in favour of the higher pressures and super-
heats adopted on this plant at Rugby if the comparison were
made with l)oiler pressures and temperatures still lower, and
more in Hue with those used up to the present in this coun-
try. The speaker alsf) showed that by reducing the i)ressure
from 3.50 lb. per .sq. in. gauge to 20() lb., but retaining the
.same degree of superheat, i.e., 264 deg. F., the over-aU thermal
efficiency would come out at 18.5 per cent. In other words,
whereas the decrea.se in thermal efficiency when retaining
the high superheat was 3 per cent., by decreasing both pres-
sure and superheat the loss in efficiency was nearly 10 per
cent., as compared with the results at the pressure and super-
heat used on the Rugby plant.

The operation of the plant referred to by Mr. Gregory—
which is self-contained in its own power-house — as compared
with their normal works plant, has shown a saving of 1 lb.
of coal per unit generated. This result is being obtained in
spite of the fact that the company's ordinary power-house
plant consists of modern engines and turbine plant operating
Mt the usual pressures and temperatures prevalent in the
a\erage municipal station.

Bailie W. B. Smith (Glasgow) mentioned that coal pur-
chases in Glasgow for the various departrnents were made by
a joint committee, and that most surprising and encouraging
results were being obtained with low-temperature carboni-
sation of coal in the experimental plant which the Glasgow
electricity department had installed, with a view to adopting
gas-firing under boilers. The coke could well be burnt under
lioilers also, and he believed that the value obtained from by-
pioducts would far exceed the cost of gasifying the coal,
which had been the drawback in the past.

Owing to the protracted nature of the discussion, in which
several other speakers had intended to take part, Mr. Lackie
decided to reply in the Proceedings.

CORRESPONDENCE.

Lrttei-x received, by «s after 5 P.M. ON Tuesday cannot apjiear until
the following week. Corresjmndeiits nhouldforward their commvni-
(■(itiiinn at the earliest possiUe moment. Xo letter can he p/ihlislied
iiiilexK ire hare the a-riter'g name and addre.'is in onr jjoxsession.

60-cycle Transformers on 25-cycle Systems.

Referring- to the article on (io-cycle transformers appearing in
this week's issue, the reason why some transformers will operate
on a lower frequency than that they were designed for. is due to
their having a large quantity of iron in the cores. When the iron of
a transformer is worked lielow the saturation point, the magnetising-
current varies directly as the amplitude of the induction wave, but
as soon as it is worked over the saturation point the magnetising-
current and core losses rise to a very high figure. Since the
amplitude of the induction wave varies inversely as the frequency,
it can be readily followed that when the frequency is reduced, the
magnetising current and core losses increase.

Some transformers contain sufficient iron to enable the frequency
to be reduced 50 per cent, or more, and still operate with the
amplitude of the induction wave below the saturation point, whilst
others, containing- less iron, if worked under this condition would
operate with the amplitude of the induction wave above the satura-
tion point, thus causing- the losses to become so excessive that the
transformer would burn out even on light load,

THE ELECTRICAL RKVIE^Y.

Xn. '.'.(Il.'i. .Iri.Y

However, thi* flifficiiltv can Iv ovorcomo. ovviiijr to the fact that
the amplitude of the imUiction wave also vanes inversely as the
voltaire ; therefore, if the fre.,»enc.v is re,l«ced r.O jH-r cent., aiul
the volta-e reduced :>« i»-r cent, lus well, the induction will remain
almost the same. ., . „, , . .

From what has l^'n said, it follows that if two fiO-cycle tiaus-
formers an> connect «1 tojrether in series on the primary side, and in
mrallel on the seeoudarv side, they will operate iinite satusfactonly
on a ^.l-cvcle sin>plv. since both the voltatre and f ixKiuency in this case
arv reduL-eil l)V almost the same pereeiita^re. Tn onler to enable
l)oth transformers to do their rated output, the iminary windmsr o
each must U' dividetl into two tK,ual juiits and (the paits) connected
up in i.andlel with each other. ^, ^^ ^^^^11

Middlesbrouich. June 2t;//i. li'li'..

[The course proposed in our correspondents last sentence
appears to neutralise the effect of connecting the transfoi-mers m

■ierir^ El- K' y Hrv. !

Decimal Coinage.

In his letter, which appears in No. -J.oll Of the Revikw. under
the heading,' " Decimal Coinajre." Mr. Alfred Biidsres says: let
has he. or anv other man. ever seen in modern French currency a
centime piece, of which the French ■ penny ' is a multiple of 10 .

1 be-' to enclose one centime and one two-centime coins.

I would like to add that these coins, althoujrh not in common
use. are not bv anv means a rarity. As a matter of fact, these
coins are daily "paid out at the French Government cash offices.
Secretary,

('uiiipuijiiii- (lex ('allies Siiil-Aiiii ricdiim.
Paris. Jiihi \'t. I'.'lii.

TRADE STATISTICS OF EGYPT.

The following statement, showing the imports of electrical
and similar goods into Egypt during the year 1915, is taken
from the recently-issued trade statistics. The figures for 1914
are added for purposes of comparison, and notes ot any
increases or decreases are given ; —
1914.
naiU.- ^E.

From Great Britain ■■ 8,000

,, Germany 140,000

United States ... —

„ Belgium 18,000

1915.
£E.
500 -

:i.500 +

Inc. or dec.
£E.

7,500

140,000

3,500

18,000

1-21 ,000 37,000

13,000

1 1 ,000

'2,00<J

—

9,000

—

1,000

1,000

1,000

2,000

1,000

1,000

1,000

7,000

2,00(J

1,000

1,000

Total 166,000

Hieum engines, indudinij builers, Ac. —

From Great Britain ... ^^'^^

, Germany 13,000

Belgium 4,000

France 5,000

„ Holland 1,000

„ Italy .. 13,000

,, Other countries ... ^

Total ...
Klecfrical machiner^i. —
From Great Britain

,, Germany

,, Austria-Hungary ...

Belgium

,, United States

France

,, Italy

Switzerland
Other countries

Total

Petrol and benzine motors. —
From Great Britain

,, Germany

,, Italy

, , Switzerland
Other countries

Total

Lam pa of all himh. —
Fiom Great Britain

,, Germany

,, Austria

,, France

,, Italy

,, Sweden

,, Holland

,, Switzerland

.,,, Other countries

Total ■

4,000

•29,000 -

3,000
2,000
2,000
1,000

162,000

56,000
13,000
4,000
2,000
1,000
11,000
1,000

84,000

2,000
2,000
9,000

1,000
1,000

5,000

36,000

18,000

-

]8,0(X)

74,000

]9,0(K1

_

55,000

21,000

—

21,0lHl

15,000

],(HJO

—

14,000

35,000

15,000

20,tKJO

7,000

—

-

7,(jOO

152,000

35,000

117,000

e.ooti

4,(Xiii

2,0(X')

14,000

14,000

14,000

—

—

14,000

7,000

5,(KK_I

2,000

1,000

3.fKX)

+

2,000

5,000

1,000

—

4,000

1,000

2,000

+

1,000

—

2,000

+

2,000

1,000

2,000

+

1,000

19L1.

Copper, manufactured. — JEE. .
From Great Britain ... 8,000

,. Gennany 20,000

,, Belgium 3,000

France 17,000

„ Italv 6,000

,, Other rnuiitiies 2,000

Total 02,000

.SVicnd'/ic insirunienls. —

From Great Britain ... 35,000

„ Germany 13,000

,, Austria 8,0(K)

,, United States ... 500

Prance 9,000

, Italv 3,000

„ Switzerland ... 2,0(H)

Other countries ... 14,500

1915.

£E.

. 5,000

1,000

5,000
1,000

12,000

14,000 -

2,000 +

5,000 -

1,0(K) -

2,(XX) -

Other
From

Total 85,000 24,000

machinery [except agricultural). —

Great Britain

Gennany

Austria

Belgium

United States

France

Italy

Switzerland

Holland

Other countries

Total 175,000

Copper, hammered, drawn or sheet.—

From Great Britain ... 88,000

,, Germany 15,000

,, Belgium 2,0lX>

,, Fra,nce o'c!m

Other countries ... 2,500

39.000

8,000 -

8,000 -

4,IH)0 +

1 ,(m -
2,000

2,000 -t-

50,000

21,000
13,000

8,000

],5a)

4,000
2,(KI0
2,000
]2,.5(X)

61,000

40,000

2l,0(tO
2,000
6,000

27,000
7,000
1,000

10,(K)0

1,000

04,000 - 111,000

2:3,000 -

1,000 -

India-
From

Total 114,500 26,im -

rubber and {jutla-pcriha, raw or maniifucl iire,!.-

Great Britain ... 8,000 '

German V 10,000

Austria 2.000

France

Italy

Switzerlanii

Belgium

Other countries

24,t)00 +

+

5,0CK)

11,000

5,000

3,000

500

1,000

i,m

—

1,500

—

-1-

Total 33,000 39.00(1

ElcHrir tclearaphic, and telephonic apparattis.-
From Great Britain ... 35,0W) '29,.ttJ

„ Germany 13,000 —

,, Austria 8,000

;; Belgium 10,000

,, United States

,, France

,, Ataly

,, Sweden

,, Switzerland

Tntal ...

WAR ITEMS.

63,000
15,000
2,000
6,000
2,500

88,500

16,000
10,000
2,000
6,000
2,000
5fl0
1,000
1 ,5tlO

6,000

,500 .
9,00tl
3,000
5,000
2,000

1,000
9,(KXl
8,(XH)
1,000
3,0X1

85,500
i£B = f 1 Os. 6i,l

53,(X)0

32,500

49,000 19,000

30,000

ExDOrts to China.— The " London Gazelle " for July 4th
contafns a further list of names of persons to whom articles
may be exported in China and Siam.

To be Wound-up.— The Board of Trade has prohibited
the following fii-m from carrying on business after Septem-

''"Turner & Burger, 149, Farringdon Road, J^ondon, E.O
electrical accessories merchants. Controller: .7. E. Percival,
C, Old .lewry, E.G.

Contraband.— The following articles have been ailded to
the list of those to be treated as contraband ol war : —

Electric appliances adapted for use m war, an<l tlieir rom-
poDent parts.

Asphalt, bitumen, pitch and tar.

Felspar.

Export Prohibitions.— The " London Gazette " for June
30th contains further lists of persons or bodies ot persons
with whom trading is prohibited in Argentina, Morocco,
Norway, Netheriand.s, Spain, and other countries.

Controlled Works.— The addifion of a further 339 estab-
lishments to those under the control of the Ministry of
Munitions makes the present total 3,916.

Vol. 70. Xo. 2.01.1. JrLY 7. lull

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

Finance and Trade: A Government Committee. — The

Board of Trade has appointed a Committee " to consider the
best means of meeting the needs of British firms after the
war as regards financial facilities for trade, particularly with
reference to the financing of large over.seas contracts, and to
prepare a detailed scheme for that purpose." The Com-
mittee includes, as the following list of members shows, Mr.
F. Dudley Docker, C.B., who brings a wide industrial finan-
cial experience to the Committee table, and Mr. Walter Leaf,
who, in addition to being a deputy-chairman of the London
County & Westminster Bank, which it will be remembered
recently entered into arrangements for assisting Italian indus-
tries financially, is a director of two electric supply companies.
The remainder of the members are eminent bankers and in-
surance or other financial authorities. The complete list is : —

The Lord Faringdon (chairman),

Mr. B. P. Blackett, C.B.,

Sir W. H. Clark, K.C.S.L, C.M.G.,

Mr. F. Dudley Docker, C.B.,

Mr. G.-ispard Farrer,

Mr. W. H. N. Goschen,

Et. Hon. F. Huth Jackson,

Mr. Walter Leaf,

Hon. Algernon Mills,

Mr. J. H. Simpson, and

Mr. E. Vassar-Smith.

Mr.' Hartley Withers will act as secretary to the Committee.

Salford Electricity Staff.— Of the employes of the Sal-
ford electricity department, 71 have gone on active service —
13 from the ofiices, 3 from the stores, '29 from the power sta-
tion, and 26 from the mains and motor departments. Five
have been killed — Sapper E. A. Greenhalgh (draughtsman).
Sergeant H. F. Andrews (switchboard attendant), Stoker C.
Cooper (fireman). Acting Petty Officer H. Foulkes (labourer),
and Private N. Higgins (labourer). Four men have been
discharged owing to wounds or iU-health. Mr. T. E. Drans-
ficld, first assistant mains engineer, and Mr. F. Birch, super-
intendent of the motor department, have recently been
granted commissions in the E.N., and are on service with
the Fleet in the North Sea.

After=the=War Problems. — ^The Prime Minister, in March
last appointed a Committee of the Cabinet entitled the Ee-
construction Committee, over which he presides, to consider
and advise upon the problems that will arise on the conclu-
sion of peace, and to co-ordinate the work already done by
the departments in that direction. Suggestions from indivi-
duals or organisations should be addressed to Mr. Vaughan
Nash, C.V.O,, C.B., Secretary to the Committee, 6a, Dean's
Yard, Westminster.

Sydney Electricity Employes. — The city electrical engi-
neer of Sydney (Mr. Mackay) has reported complaining of
the serious inconvenience that has been cau.sed in his depart-
ment by the fact that 170 of his employes have enUsted. So
far he has done nothing to discourage enlistment, but a posi-
tion of affairs has now arisen which renders further com-
placency on his part detrimental to the continued efficiency
of the electric lighting service. The Lord Mayor has fol-
lowed up the report by a minute expressing the opinion that
the endorsement of the head of the electricity department
should be required, subject to the supervision and concur-
rence of the Town Clerk, in each case where skilled labour
is affected by enlistment.

^ Lighting Prosecution. — William Dix, a cleaner at the
Ycrk Corporation tramway sheds, was fined £o at the local
police court for having failed to effectively shade lights at
the tramway shed. There were about a dozen electric lights
burning, and they could be plainly seen through a glass roof.
The Bench expressed the opinion that the Corporation should
pay the fine. .

Exemption Applications. — .At the Darlington Tribunal,
Coun. J. E. Hodgkin applied for total exemption as a
minister of the Society of Friends. His occupation was
described as that of a consulting electrical engineer, and
most of his time was taken up with reUgious and philan-
thropic work. Total exemption was granted.

.At the City of London Tribunal last week. Miss V. Das-
nieres, of 21, Water Lane, Great Tower Street, E.G., agent
for products and electricity, appealed for her brother, Mr.
Andre Dasnieres. It was stated that Mr. Dasnieres had been
in sole charge of the business for his sister for the last ten
years. He was born in England, of French parents, the
latter returning to France ten years ago. He was the only
man left in the business, which had to provide for various
members of the family. Another brother assisted in the busi-
ness, but he was called up and was now in the Army. Miss
Dasnieres stated that the business dealt with the export of
chemicals and carbon to Prance and elsewhere. Postpone-
ment for three months.

On the application of the Foots Cray Electricity Supply
Co., the manager, Mr. A.. Wright, and a cable joiner were
■given conditional exemption on the ground that the business
• was in the national interest.

■At Oxford, exemption was granted to W. T. Cooke (27).
mechanical and electrical fitter and lead burner, on the
application of HUl, Upton & Co. It was held that the occu
pation was a starred one.

An electrical contractor at Leigh, Southend-on-Sea, applied

for the third time for exemption. He said that his late part-
ner was engaged on munition work, and the business was
run entirely by his own persdual exertions. Final exemption
until August 1st was allowed.

Whitehaven Tribunal has given until the end of the year
to the only employe left with a local electrician.

Conditional exemption has been allowed at Hollingworth
to Mr. Walter Powell, electrician.

The proprietress of an electrical business at Southport
appealed for a quaUfied employe who has been in the busi-
ness for 13 years, and has assisted in its management since
the death of her husband. As the man is single, and there
are two other experienced men, over military age, in the
business, the appeal was refused.

Exeter Tribunal has given three months' exemption to Mr.
C. H. Steele (37), electrical engineer, in charge of the local
stores of a firm of cable makers and engineers, to enable him
to train women electricians.

At Aldershot, Mr. Vertue, of Messrs. Birch & Vertue, elec-
trical engineers, asked for further exemption for Albert Hug-
gard (35), electrical fitter and wireman. Mr. Vertue said
thBt they were the only firm of electrical engineers in the
to-nn. They were responsible for the upkeep of about 60
electric motors in factories and workshops. Three months
v."ere allowed.

Mr. Mason, manager of the South Metropolitan Tramways,
appealed at Croydon for 15 employes. Five, whose ages
range from 28 to 33, were each given final exemption until
August 31st; the rest were exempted altogether.

Kendal Tribunal has given conditional exemption to Mr.
F. CoUings, of the Corporation electricity works staff.

Canterbury Tribunal has granted conditional exemption to
Mr. F. Lewis (35), chief assistant engineer at the Corpora-
tion electricity works, and to Messrs. P. W. Kemp (40),
stoker; S. T. Tite (33), shift engineer; and G. H. Lock (38),
coal trimmer.

Broadstairs Tribunal has given a month's exemption only
t5 a local electrical engineer.

At Nuneaton, on June 27th, Mr. P. H. Howe (27), elec-
trical engineer, applying for exemption, said that he had
been in business for five years, and had lost the only man he
had. On condition that the joined the Volunteer Training
Corps he was given until November 1st.

At Barnes, exemption was claimed by Mr. W. Ellis, elec-
trical engineer, who is engaged on Government work, and is
in business in the to^7n. Asked why he did not obtain a
badge, he said that it was hopeless to apply owing to the
enormous number of applications sent in. Conditional exemp-
tion was allowed.

Burnham (Somerset) Tribunal has conceded conditional

exemption to Mr. E. G. Sandford, resident electrical and

mechanical engineer to the Burnham Electric Light Co., Ltd.

Three months' exemption has been allowed by the Epsom

Rural Tribunal to Mr. W. West, electrician, of Cobham.

At Wimbledon, a local firm of electrical engineers appealed
for a wireman engaged on important contracts. The firm's
staff has been reduced from 170 to 125. and out of 10 wire-
nien two only are left. The Tribunal granted two months.

Exemption has been given at Whitby to Mr. J. W. Piggott
(36), electrical engineer with the Urban Council.

On the ground of business and family reasons, Watford
Tribunal has conditionally exempted Mr. W. E. Warrilow
(39), electrical engineer.

Holsworthy Tribunal has exempted Mr. J. W. Gibson (30),
manager of the local Gas & Electric Supply Co., on the
ground that he is in a certified occupation.

Croydon Tribunal has granted exemption to Mr. E. Staples,
chief clerk and accountant in the Corporation electricity
department, who served xmtil discharged with the Surrey
Yeomanry in GalHpoU, but who re-attested under the new
Act, and to 30 employes in the tramway department.

Before the West Sussex Appeal Court, an Eastbourne firm
engaged on Government work, appealed for an employ^ in
charge of the electrical plant. The Court dismissed the appeal,
but allowed three weeks' grace to allow the firm to apply for
the employe to be badged.

Provisional exemption has been allowed to the engineering
m.anager and the engine driver of the Frinton-on-Sea Electric
Light & Power Co., they being indispensable to the carrying
0.1 of the undertaking.

The Surrey Appeal Court has refused an appeal by a
Merton electrical engineer, in charge of the 'plant at a
kinema, who had been refused exemption by the Local
Tribunal.

At Aberystwyth, Mr. E. P. Perkins, works engineer and
manager, was appealed for by the Electric Light Co. Mr.
Perkins said that they now had only t'wo engineers, apd it
^\■ould be impossible to run the works with a less staff than
thev now had ; five had joined the Army. He was granted
conditional exemption, together with Mr. G. Pollitt, assistant
engineer, in charge of a shift at the works.

At Aberystwyth, the Military appealed against exemption
until September 9th granted to B. W. Cheetham, electrician
at the Kinema Theatre. The period of exemption was con-
firmed, but made final. _.

Before the Caterham Tribunal. Mr. Howard, manager of
flu- \v,.vi.^ ,.f fh.. TMi-'n Electric Supply Co., appealed for
exemption for Mr. A. H. Lewer (26), book-keeper and clerk,
and claimed that he should be starred. He stated that the
firm had released 300 employes, and every station was short-

10

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

[Vol.

handed. The Tribunal gave a month in which to obtain a
defmite doci-sion as to Mr. Lewer being badped.

At UeklJeld (Sussex), Mr. D. W. Freshfield, J.P., clainaed
cxomrtion for his electrical cupineer, Mr. J. Thompson.
Exemption was given until December 31st, on condition that
the residence remains a hospital.

Exemption until October 1st has been conceded to Mr. 0.
Gear, electrical engineer, engaged at Normanhurst Hospital
by Viscount Ilythe. , , ,r t:, v.

At Dartfonl. renewed exemption was claimed by Mr. Jii. Ih.
Beaver, for Sidney G. Wenham (23), electrical engineer, who
was stated to be indispensable. Temporary respite for medical
cxaminatiou was conceded.

At Burgess Hill (Sussex), on Monday, the manager of the
electric light works successfully appealed for conditional
exemption for the chief engineer and the meter reader and
inspector, and both were directed to join the Volunteers.

Bridlington T.C. has decided to appeal to the Local Tribunal
for Mr. F. Ffrench, of the electricity works, to be condition-
ally exetipted from mihtary service.

Mil. Cohen, electrical engineer, Golders Green Road, who said
he had had 20 years' experience, stated he had examined the radiator
in question. He saw that the voltage wivs wrong, and that would
cau.«e all the damage that hud taken place. Tlic coils were being
run ivt a much greater heat than they should have l«eii. and that
would cause the wires to be burnt out. They hiul gone at the top,
which was the weakest point. If the radiator had been dropped,
they would have broken towards the centre, as the strain was on
the centre when the radiator was droj^ieil. lie found that the
coils were brittle through overheating. In cross-examinatiiui,
he said radiators would stand very little above the voltage for
which they were marked. He did not agree that the radiator was
suitable for 240 volts. The heat would be very much gi-eater.
He would not exix-ct a radiator to go wrong on the first day
if the damage was ilue to overheating. On the contrary, it would
g,) on for three or four weeks. The radiator was brought to him
for repair, and he recommended that one of a higher voltage shoulil
b? obtained.

JidgE'Rkntoil. K.C., held that the current was too strong for
the wire. Plaintiff had practically guaranteed to put in a suitable
ratliator, and he did not think he had done so. Judgment for the
defendants, with costs.

LEGAL

lltnsox i: County T.mi.oring Co.. Ltd.
Is the City of London Court, on June 2nth, before his Honour
Judge Rentoul, K.C.. a claim was made by Mr. Arthur G. Hudson,
elecu-ical engineer, trading as A, G. Hudson \ Co.. Wells Court.
Bow Lane, against the County Tailoring Co.. Ltd., 1, Hoxton
Square, to recover jE.". for an electrical radiator supplied and fitted
on their premises.

For the plaintiff it was stated that the defendants complained
about the radiator, and plaintiff went and inspected it a month
after it had Iteen supplied. Then he found, after testing the
radiator, that it had received a blow. The electrical circuit was
all right, but the four formers were bioken. The mere fact
that the fireclay became hot showed th.at the electrical part of the
radiator was not defective, as alleged. The defective working was
entirely due to the damage which the radiator had received.

Pl.AlNTlFl" said he had been in business as an electrician for Ifi
years. He had i)urchased the radiator from the General Electric
Co.. Ltd.. aud when the defendants complained about the radiator
not working properly, he took it to the company aud had it .tested.
It worked properly, but had evidently been knocked over.
Defendants had suggested that the voltage supplied by the Shore-
ditch Borough Council of 24(1 was too high for the railiator in
question. If that were the case, the wires would have fnsed. but
the fireclay would not have been affected. The difference between
240 volts and 2 2(1 volts was practically nothing when one was
dealing with a radiator. He had offered to do the rejjairs for a
sovereign, which was the cost price, but the defendants refused to

pay-

JuDCJE Rentoul, K.C. : If the current were too strong. mit;lit
it not destroy the radiator /

Plaintiff : If there was excessive pressux-e, say. 500 volts, the
elements would melt immediately, but it would not break the fire-
clay part of it.

In cross-examination. Plaintiki' said he had Ijeeu working for
the defendants before. He knew the Shoreditch Borough Council
voltage was 240, and that the radiator in question had a ticket on
the back of it showing it was for 200 to 220 volts. That meant
that 220 was the limit.

Mr. Walter Watts, of the heating department of the General
Electric Co.. said they were the largest manufacturers of electrical
appliances in the country. He liad been five years in the heating
department and I.') years in the electrical trade, haviuff served his
apprenticeshij) as an electrical engineer. During the last two
years between ,").000 and 10.000 radiators had passed throug'h his
hands of the type in question. When the plaintiff brought the
radiator to their office with a complaint from the defendants, the
wire coil was intact. The fireclay was broken across the back.
He came to the conclusion that it had been knocked over on its
back, and that that was the sole cause of the radiator not burning
properly. It was certainly not due to any defect of the electrical
])art. With their radiators the.v gave a guarantee for 12 months
against defective workmanship or heating elements. If the
wire part burnt <mt in 12 months, or if there was a flaw in the
elements, it would have been made good free of charge. As
the radiator in question had ha<l unfair usage, he refused to replace
it free of charge. The radiator was suitable for 240 volts. If
the voltage had been too great, the elements would have gone, but
nothing would have happened to the fireclay. With the radiator
in question all the elements were interchangeable, and they often
changed them. 250 was the highest voltage permissible." With
240 volts it was not desirable to have a radiator of less than 210.
One of the salesmen in the General Electric Co.'s employment.
named W. H. Lake, had written the defendants stating that the
radiator in question could not be used on account of the 240 voltage
in Shoreditch. that it would burn out. and thatthe defendants would
have to have a 230 to 250-volt radiator.

Judge Rentoul said if the defendants had sent the radiator
back and said it was a220-volt one. while the pressure in Shoreditch
was 240. they would have been within their rights.

Herbert Potter, in the serWce of the defendants, denied tl at
the radiator had been knocked over or damaged in any way.

M()N().MKTEB MaXUI-ACTURINO Co. r. ELRCTHU' AM) ("lUMN.VSl'i:

Accessories Co., Ltd.- JuD(i.MENT.
Mr. Muir Mackenzie, one of the High Court Official Referees,
gave judgment on Monday in this action, alrejuly reported.

The Ofi'Icial Referee, in giving judgment, said that the
claim of the plaintiffs was for supplying furnaces and for extra
work done in connection with those furnaces, and the defence was
that the furnaces supplied were not in accordance with the con-
tract, and were, consequently, valueless. As to a number of other
things claimed b.v the plaintiffs, the defendants pleaded that they
did not order them. The defendants also counterclaimed compen-
sation for injury alleged to have been sustained by them owing to
the default of the plaintiff's. There were two (|uestions for con-
sideration. The first was. what were the obligations of the
plaintiffs .' and the second, did they fulfil them / — both of which
matters required careful consideration. At the end of IIUI
the defendants were erecting new foundries for casting fuses
for the Government, and for that purpose they were
anxious to get the best furnaces. Attracted b.y an adver-
tisement in which plaintiffs said they could supply furnaces
in which the consumption of gas was less than that of an.y other
furnace, and that they would melt aluminium without coinpres.icil
air or other forced draught, the.v approached the plaintiffs, and,
as a result, entered into a contract with them to sup])ly three liir-
naces with a melting capacity of 1,000 lb, each, with M to 10 burners
eich, at a cost of £2S0 each ; 12 smaller furnaces with a capacity of
11(1 lb. each, to be used in conjunction with the larger ones, for
C52 each ; two others of a like capacity with pouring spouts ami
valves, for i:i!2 each, and three of 1.000 lb. capacity for nieltinj;'
aluminium swarf, for .C248 each. The contriict to suppl.N' these fur-
naces was entered into on January 15th. 1!I15. Subsequently, the
defendants required certain alterations, and they made arrange-
ments with the plaintiff's to carry them out. The defendants con-
tended that it was part of the contractual obligations of the
phiiutiffs. first, that the furnaces should be capable of securing an
output of from 5(.i to (10 tons a week ; and. secondly, that the small
furnaces should produce castings free from flaws and other defects,
and that the.v should be fit for melting aluminium with copper. It
was clear that, notwithstanding the written contract, the additional
obligations contended for could have been made binding upon the
plaintiffs by verbal understandings. The plaintiffs undoubtedly
knew that the furnaces were required for turning out with rapidity
ciistings for fuses, and that the metal to be used would contain a
mixture of zinc, but he could not find that the plaintiff's
entered into any obligation with respect to the furnaces
be.yond those expressed in the contract, and the question was
whether the plaintiffs had made default in regard to those obliga-
tions. One cause of complaint was that the large furnaces did not
provide sufficient output to feed the smaller furnaces, and that the
iron pots were defective. As regarded the large furnaces, the com-
plaint was that the defendants did not get the quantity of molten
metal required ; but plaintiffs had not entered into any legal
obligation that they should do so. The main cause of the trouble
in the sm.aller furnaces was due to the mixture of other metals
with the aluminium. The plaintiffs did not undertake that their
iron pots would not be subject to damage by alloys being melted
in them. He therefore found and decided against the defendants
on the main issue. The plaintiffs were not in default. The
plaintiffs' claim included a large sum for extra work done, and the
defendants admitted that they ordered part of the work claimed
for. As regarded nearlv all of the items c'aimed for. he decided in
favour of the defendants, who wei-e not liable for additional work
unless it had been ordered by them. The person who had con-
tracted to have things done for a certain sum was entitled to resist
all claims outside the contract. He decided that the extra items,
which in the aggregate amounted to £648. should be struck out.
There would be judgment for the . plaintiffs for £1.723 on the
claim, and the counter-claim would be dismissed. As to the costs,
he ordered that the defendants should pay four-fifths of the taxed
costs. The case was one of the most difficult he had ever had to
deal with, and therefore, without being asked, he would order a
stiy of execution for 14 days, and if either party lodged notice of
appeal in the meantime, the stay would continue until the appeal
was heard.

Ju Igment was entered accordingly.

i;U(;,]

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

11

Fraskr A: Chalmers, Ltd., r. The Whitecross Co,, Ltd,
In the Commercial Court of the Kinft's Bench Division, on Monday,
Mr. Justice Rowlatt heard a claim for over rCi,000 brought by
plaintiffs, of Erith. against defendants, of Warrington, for a No. 3
Bettington boiler with two pulverisers, one driven electrically and
the other by steam turbine supplied to the defendants for use at
their wire drawing works. The defendants alleged, in reply, that
the plaintiffs had committed a breach of the contract, and they
counterclaimed for over tS.ddO for expenses, delay, kc.

Mr. Golefax. K.C., and Mr. Moritz were counsel for the plaintiffs,
and the defendants were represented by Mr. Leslie Scott, K.C., and
Sir. Paddon.

Mr. CoLEK.iX dealt at length with the technicalities of this
boiler, and explained that broadly the contract provided that it
should be used in conjunction with a Green's economiser. and
there were certain stipulations as to output and efficiency. The
■ boiler was prepared at Erith and sent up to Warrington. The
defendants were to provide the plant necessary to give the draught
required for the efficient running of the boiler. There were
certain difficulties and mishaps, and an alleged defective draught
accounted for some of the trouble. Eventually, the plaintiffs
asserted, the defendants turned them out of the works, and would
not allow them to further proceed with the putting of the boiler
into working order, and they claimed the price of the boiler from
the defendants. The defendants asserted, in effect, that the boiler
did not conform to the contract, that its work was useless, and
that it failed to produce the guaranteed results.

The case was eventually adjourned till Xovember next.

BUSINESS NOTES.

Glover's Almanac. — I'he flight of time is brought home

to us by the receipt of Glover's Almanac for iyili-17. This is the
fifteenth issue, a fact which speaks for itself : how many such pub-
lications have developed into - well, perennials, for annuals is
clearly not the appropriate word — like this production ■' Very few,
we are sure. The natural inference is that Glover's Almanac is
welcomed by the electrical engineering community, which values it
not only for the wit and humour of pen and pencil, but also for its
pithy and informing extracts froni technical publications. Long
life to it 1 We have an eye on some items which we will repro-
f^uce — when the due date arrives : it is not fair to anticipate the
source.

Book Notices. — " Memorandum by the Electrical In-
spector of Factories on the Electricity Kegulations." London :
Wyman \: Sons. Ltd. Price Id.

The Julv issue of the Chamber of Comniprce Jonrtml contains the
usual annual supplement regarding " Trade Products of the British
Empire."

"Localisation of Faults in Electric Light and Power Mains."
By F. C. Kaphael. London : The Electrician Printing and Pub-
lishing Co.. Ltd. Price 8s. tSd. net.

Telegraphand Te/ephone Journal. Vol.11. .luly. 1916. No. 22.
London : The Editing Committee. Price 3d.

Dissolutions and Liquidations.— Briti.sh Exporters'

AssociATiox. Ltd. — This company is winding up voluntarily, with
Mr. E. W. W. Spooner, 182, High Holborn, W.C. as liquidator.

Victory Smoke Consfmer and Fc^el Economisek Co., Ltd.,
Oldham.— This company is winding up voluntarily, with Mr. J. C.
Atkins as liquidator. A meeting is called for August ith, to hear
an account of the winding up.

Omega Electric Lamp Co.. Ltd., Ilammei-smith. — This com-
pany is winding up voluntarily, with Mr. R. T. Cuff, S. Bream's
Buildings, Chancery Lane, AV.C. as liquidator. Creditors should
send particulars of their debts. A:c.. by July 7th. '

Boiler Scalers, Ltd. — Creditors should send in the usual par-
ticulars to the solicitors to the liquidator (Saunders. Bradbury and
Saunders. :-)". Temple Row. Birmingham), by July 22nd. .\
meeting is called for July 91st, to hear an account of the wind-
ing up.

Naylor Battery Co.. Ltd. — This company is winding up
voluntarily with Mr. H. Everett, 3-7, Southampton Street. Strand.
W.C as liquidator. A meeting of creditors is called for July 13th,
at the Hotel Cecil.

DowNES ^ Davies. electrical engineers and merchants, Stanley
Street, Liverpool, and 78, King Street, Manchester.— Messrs. H. L.
Downes (deceased) & P. L. Davies have dissolved partnership. The
latter wall continue the business under the same style and will
attend to debts.

Colston Electrical Works, Ltd.. li. Denmark Street. Bristol.
— The iirst meeting of creditors herein was held at the Official
Receiver's office, 26, Baldwin Street, Bristol, on June 28th, when it
was decided to leave the matter in the hands of the Official
Receiver, who will act as liquidator, in conjimction with a Com-
mittee of inspection.

Catalogues and Lists. — Messrs. Falk, Stadelmaxx

a_nd Co., Ltd., 83-87, Farringdon Road, London, E.G. — Twelve-
page illustrated and priced catalogue of " Lucifer " portable electric
flash lamps and torches of British manufacture, also cases of various
descriptions, of which large stocks are held, and lamps and batteries
for which all demands can be met this season ; a page of electro-
medical apparatus is also included.

From Mr. William McGregor, of Airdrie, near Glasgow, we
have received a list of prices, together with a specimen packet, of
steel grit for counterweight fittings.

Messrs. T. W. Broadbent, Ltd., Victoria Electrical Works,
Huddersfield. — Eight-page pamphlet, part of their new catalogue,
giving specification, price list, &c., of their "G" type C.C. gene-
rators for du'ect coupling.

The Fuller Accumulator Co.. Ltd.. Chadwell Heath. —
Twenty-four page illustrated catalogue of Fuller accumulators.
The five sections of the list are devoted to Block accumulators,
■"Sparta" accumulators, Plate type accumulators, hand lamps, and
motor-car wire. The batteries, which are well shown and priced
with tabular data and code-words, are for house lighting, motor-car
starting and lighting, telegraph and telephone service, train light-
ing. Arc. Owing to the large numbers of American cars in use in
this country, the majority of which are fitted with starting bat-
teries, a real need exists for a good British battery to replace the
American cell. Impoi-t restrictions are now very rigid, and the
Fuller Co. have met the position by making a very full range of
sizes to meet the need of car-owners.

Messrs. Holt & Willets, Lion Works. Cradley Heath. Illus-
trated price leaflet of the "" Handy "' movable crowbar (Lash"s
patent).

Private Arrangements.— Thomas Roycroft, 50, Sea-
view Road. Liscard. Cheshire, electrical engineer. — The creditors
interested herein were called together on .Tune 30th, when the
statement of affairs presented showed liabilities amoimting to £68.").
to meet which there were net assets of £62!>. after allowing for the
claims of preferential creditors, the estate disclosing a deficiency of
£55. It wa,s reported that the debtor commenced business in Park
Street. Liscard. about April, 1902. without capital. Owing to the
fact that proceedings had been threatened by one or two creditors,
and to an action to recover £161 being pending, a deed of assign-
ment had been taken in favour of Mr. Parkin Stanley Booth, of
Liverpool, to protect the estate. The debtor was not now prepared
to submit any offer, and, after discussing the position, it was
decided that the deed of assignment should be confirmed, and a
Committee of inspection was elected to consider any offer made.
The following are creditors : —

Baxendale Bros., Ltd £173 Malmberg, O. A tl»)

Drake & Govham, Ltd 32 Mills. J., & Sons 38

Downes & Davies . . .. 34 Wolff, Hy., & Co 10

Falk, Stadelmann Co,, Ltd. . . 66 Wakefield & Sous, Ltd 23

General Electric Co., Ltd. . . 87

Trade Announcements.— Messrs. Waygood-Otis. Ltd.,

announce that they have concluded arrangements with the
liquidator of the Easton Lift Co.. Ltd., for acquiring the goodwill,
patents, stock, and work in progress of that company.

Messrs. Electrical Conduits. Ltd.. have transferred their
offices to Anchor Works. Birch Street. Walsall, and all communi-
cations should be addressed there — not to Birmingham.

Messrs. J. H. Heathman 4; Co.. of Parson's Green, who are
prepared to increase shipments to the markets of the world, have
opened extensive showrooms for their ladders, trestles, steps,
trolleys, trucks and barrows, as well as portable telescopic
scaffolds, at 35, Aldersgate Street, E.C., near the General Post
Office, at which those manufactures can be inspected,

Messrs. .Iohx C. Fuller & Son, Ltd., the Fuller Accumu-
lator Co., Ltd.. and Fuller's Wire and Cable Co., Ltd.,
have transferred their offices and works to new and larger premises
at Grove Road. Chadwell Heath. Essex, where all communications
should be addressed. The works are in the London telephone area.
and for the present the number will be " Ilford 173."

Bankruptcy Proceedings.— R. E. Ooxxold, Canterbury.

—Julv 18th is the last day for receipt of proofs for dividend by
3Ir. G'. E. Corfield, the trustee, 119, Finsbury Pavement, B.C.

LIGHTING AND POWER NOTES.

Australia. — A deputation from the South Brisbane

JIunicipal Council has interviewed the Queensland Home Secretary,
Avith a view to enabling the municipality to obtain an electric
supply for lighting and power. The Council asked for authority to
supply the power itself, or to obtain it from the City Electric
Light Co.. or any other company. The Mayor stated that the Council
was not able to undertake a scheme for many reasons, as it could
not enter into competition with the South Brisbane Gas and Light
Co.. even if the finances would permit it. ittid as. in the future, there
■ might be a Greater Brisbane scheme, it would Ije unwise for the
CouncU to undertake to install plant and machinery. The Home
Secretary agreed that electric power was necessary for theruiming
of factories, of which they needed many more, and promised to

bring the matter before the Cabinet. — Tenders.
The Sydney City CouncU has notified hirere of electric motors

that owing to the mqreased cost of motors and materials necessary

for their maintenance, it has been found necessary to increase the

hiring charges as from August 3rd next.

The Liverpool. X.S.W., Municipal Council has passed a resolution

that, with a view to ensuring an efficient lighting service to the

towm and ratepayers, negotiations be entered into for an electric

supply in the present lighting area.

The Melbourne City Council has decided that the price for

electricity for battery vehicles be Id. per unit when charging

between 10 p.m. and 8 a.m.

12

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

Barnstaple.— I'li 11 i; In( ukask.— Tlio T.C. hiis iiurwised

the price of electricity for lijrlitiiiS', as from .July 1st. to fid. jier
unit, with no iliscoiint.s. Thi.s is due to coal havinir incrt-nsetl in
cost dnrinjr the year by Uh^>-2. and to 'a rpdnction of jer>27 on the
revenue received from pulilic liprhtin;;.

Bingley. — The Eloctriritv and Trannvars Coininittee lias
decide<l that terms be offeretl for tie supply of electricity to the
Biiijrley Training College, the terms to include a standiufr charge
of rtlfoii ;i year, current at 3d. per unit subject to any fluctuations
caused by coal price,*, the supply to be for a term of years, and the
offer to be subject to consent l)ein<r obtained for borrowing powers
to meet the cost of layinjr supply cables.

Belfast. — A proposal of the Tramwavs and E.L. Com-
mittee to spend £2.00(1 on the purchase of a number of chain-grate
mwhanical stokers has been referred back to the (Committee for
further consideration. Councillor .\lexandcr aske<l for a sworn
inquiry to be made into the circumstances attending the de.-ith of
William M'Donald. a foreman, who met with a fatal accident on
the»Sthult. The resolution ha vinir been seconded, a long discus-
sion took place, and the resolution was neg-atived.

Bury.— Year's AVorkixc. — The report of Mr. Watson,
boroug-U electrical eftg-iheer. on the workinsf of the Councirs elec-
tricity undertakin? durinj,' l!>I.i-Ui. shows that 13.500,000 units
■were sold, includiner. roughly. 9} and 3 millions respectively for
motors' and bulk supply, tha maximum load being- 4.SOI5 KW., and
load factor, 321 per cent. The outjjut Increased by 26 per cent, as
compare<i with the previous year, motor supply and bulk supply
showing respective increases of 30 and -W per cent. The revenue
for the year was £11.308. the total generating costs were £25.15,5,
and, after meeting financial charges, the net surplus was £2.003.
There were 1,009 motors connected, of 8.513 H.p., 62 of 588 H.P.
being hired. Commenting on the year, Mr. Watson pointed out
that 13J million units were generated at the new Chamber Hall
station, and about a million at the old works, on account of plant
extensions being deferred : this required a coal consumption of
2.561 tons at the old works, costing £1.!I72, whereas the new works
could give the same output for 1,300 tons, costing £1.010. There
are 7,30ii KW. of three-pha.se pl.int at Chamber Hall and 1.500 KW.
of D.c. plant at the old station. The department now supplies h.t.
current in bulk to the Heywoofl generating station. Generating
costs averaged lod. per unit (coal. •25.ttd.) ; all-in costs were 'fiyd..
and average revenue. 'TSld. per unit.

Chester. — Speaking on the electricity department's
annual accounts, Mr. John Owen stated, at a meeting of the T.C..
on the 27th ult., that the hydro scheme had been the salvation of
the concern. The hydro scheme had generated 1.567.300 units.
and the steam plant 1.900.023 units. The hydro scheme had
exceeded their anticipations and estimate. The 'increased cost of
coal had been £910, and if they had relied upon their steam plant,
their coal bill would have been £2,283 more.

Continental. — Spaix. — It is announced from Madrid that
the Sociedad Minera y Metalurgica de Penarroya is about to estab-
lish an electricity generating station with a capacity of 20,000 H.p.
in the coal mining district of PuertoUano. The generators will be
operatetl by gas engines using gas obtained from inferior qualities
of coal available at low prices at the collieries in the district. The
Penarroya Co. is also establishing a similar station of 12.U00-H.P.
capacity near its mines in the Belmez district. The current
generated will be principally utilised in connectio)? with the various
railways belonging to the company, which are being electrified
notaWy the line from Fuento de! .\rcn to Belmez. and a new line
Irom Conquista to PuertoUano.

Dalkeith.— Price Revlsiox. — The Electric Supply
Corporation. Ltd.. London, has informed its consumers in Dalkeith
that owing to increased costs the rate for lighting will be Sfd
per unit, and for domestic heating and cooking 2d. per unit.
Supply for power will be charged according to the aggregate brake
H.P. of motors supplied through each meter and the number of
units used in any one quarter.

Eccles.— The Public Lighting and Electricity Supply Com-
mittee has decided that the surplus of £668 on the revenue Account
tor the year ended March 31st last, be transferred to the credit of the
reserve tund.

Edmonton.— The Guardians lia\e refused to accede to a
request of the North Metropolitan Electric Power Co for an
increased charge for current supplied. ■

Farnham.— The Board of Trade lias' extended the electric
lighting order for a year.

Finchley.— Year's Workix.!. — The accounts of the

t .D.c electricity department, for the year ended March Slst last

,"";!"'?' "■^"■k'n? expenses amounting to £1.%417, a total revenue

-tL « f 'fir* " t''"°' P™*^*- "*■ * "^•"•^3 • ""« meeting all charges,
-the net profit for the year amounted to £301.

■ Gloucester.— Pricjo IxcRi:A.SE.— On the recommendation
of tne Electricity Committee, the Council has 'decided to Increase
the ordm.-iiy charges for elfectric current for lighting and power
purposes by 20 per cent, e i~ ex

Haslingden.— LOAX Saxctiox.— The T.C. has receired

-thes^nctiouof tlieL.G.B. to.,tie borrowing of £!.4o0 for mains
. and .£.->av; for s witchgear in connectipn with the- electricity under-

Ilford. -I'H1<-E IXlUKA.'^K. -From the riMdiuiC of tllc
meters for the period ending September next the charge for current
on all accounts will be increased by I2j per cent. The Daylight
Saving Bill has affecte*! the undertaking considerably. On account
of the difficulty in obtaining coal, a scheme has lieen drawn ui> for
utilising the "steam from the ilust destructor.

Kendal. — Year's 'Working. — There is a deficiency of
£390 on the working of the electricity undertaking for the year
ended March 31st last.

Leek. — New Plaxt axd Maxageme.nt. — The Light-
ing Committee, after consideriition of Prof. Watkinson's report,
d ;cided that the gas engineer should br in-l nirlnl In tiiki- control
at once of the pnxlucer gas plant at tlic . I.i 1 1 1. ii \ ~t;il iun. and Mr.
Bemrose, the electrical engineer, temtnil lii~ i.~i- natinii. which
was accepted. It was stated that owing to the improbability of
its being able to obtain a loan at the present time, the Committee
was not in a position to carry ont the whole of Prof. Watkinson's
suggestions. It was projxispd that the Campbell gas engine and
ilynamo be sold at once : that a new gas engine and dynamo of
about 200-KW. capacity be installed, at a cost of abou't £3,000 ;
that the Stockport engines, which during the past six months had
had to bear a very heavy strain, be thoroughl.v overhauled ; that
Mr. Ginman, the gas engineer, who had a fair knowledge of elcctri-
cit}' work, be appointed general manager also of the electricity
station, and that a chief assistant be appointed at a salary of £ 160
per annum.

Llandudno. — Year's Working. — There has been a loss

of £1.499 on the working of the electricity undertaking for the
,vear ended Jlarch 31st.

London. — The Brompton and Kensington Electric Supply
Co. notifies a further increase in the price of electricity of 10 pfer
cent.

Hammersmith. — The Electricity Committee recommends that
an Underfeed stoker be fitted to a Stirling boiler at the electricity
works, at a cost of £146. plus the cost of fixing and alteration of
brickwork, which is estimated at £200.

L.C.C. — The Finance Committee recommends the Council to
sanction the borrowing of £2,50<1 by the Fulham B.C. for electricity
purposes.

Woolwich. — The charge for steam generated from refuse for
electricity purposes, for the year ended March Slst last, has been
fixed at £540.

Having regard to the linking-up arrangements now completed
with adjoining undertakings, and in order to meet further require-
ments, the Conimittce finds that it will be necessary to install an
additional boiler at Globe Lane station. A boiler, superheater and
economiser are to be obtained for £5.890. Subject to approval of
the application for sanction to borrow, mains are to be extended, at
a cost of £618, for the supply of electricit.y to certain workers'
hostels ; it is expected that, when the premises are fully occupied,
the revenue will be substantial in amount.

Loughborough. — Year's Working. — During the year
ended March 31st last the Councirs electricity undertaking had a
revenue of £8.291, and gross profit of £3,795, while after meeting
financial charges a balance of £302 remained. The total output
sold amounted to 1.303,341 units, as compared -with 929,000 units
in 1914-15 ; of the total 1,091.229 units were sold for power. The
total connected load was 1.694 KW., and the maximum load 772 Kw. ■.
186 motors of 1,100 B.H.P. are in use. The total working tosts
averaged '77d. per unit, coal costing ■27d.

• Luton. — Year's AVorkixg. — The total working e-vpenses
of the electricity imdertaking for the .year ended March 31st la.st
amounted to £27.639, the income was £44.366. and the gross profit
£16,727, being £2.954 more than last .year. The gross profit
equals 10'82 per cent of the capital expenditure. The net profit
amounts to £6.227. being £1.797 more than last year. The follow-
ing amounts have been charged against profits : — House services,
£734 ; meters, £893-; new fence, £68- alterations at depot, £44 ;
railway wagons, £215 ; additional contribution to district fund
account. .£200 ; leaving a balance of £4^072 to be appropriated.
The capital repaid, or in sinking fund, was £39,933. leaving a net
debt at the end of the year of £84.480 : the reserve and renewals
fund amounted to £6,021. The Electricity Committee recommends
that the working balance (at present standing at the wholly
inadequate sum of £4.416) should be supplemented by £4,010, and
that meter rents be reduced as from April last.

Xew Plant.— The electrical engineer reports that an increased
demand of over 1,500 KW. is anticipated next .winter, and that it
will be necessary to install two boilers . with stokers and an econo-
miser ; also an additional feed pump and water-softening plant,
and that provision must now be made for dealing with the ashes
and clinkers from the boilers and soot from the flues and econo-
miser. Tenders for the plant represent an expenditure of £13,574,
and the engineer advises that immediate apjilication he made to the
L.G.B. for sanction .to borrowing the amount. The ash and soot
handling plant requires. some further modification, and the engineer
hopes to place definite tenders .shortly. The Electricity Committee
has recommended the Counfeil to adopt the engineer's report and
suggestions. ........

Middletoh.— -A local newspaper I'cceutly hinted that the

, report of the electricity department -n-ould show a loss of over

£1,000. The journal added that the cheapness of electricity was

-governed by the largeness of production, and everything pointed to

the wisdom- of the Committee eventually adapting the Middleton

■works to a transforming station, -and -bu.ving the current elsewhere.

VoV 79. Xe. 2,01."), .lULY 7, JHKi.]

THE ELECTEICAL EEVIEW.

13

New Zealand.-^LAKE Coleridge Electricity Scheme.

—The reixirt of the first year's working of the Lake Coleridge
supply to the Christchurch City Council's electricity department
ehows that the reventie from sales of electricity amounted to
<27.807. -norkinu expenses to i;U,tJli). interest to ttl.Ho. and sink-
ing fund to i'2.1Sl. leaving- a balance for depreciation and exten-
sion of f 6. .5.35. Jlr. F. Black, who acted as adviser to the Council,
estimated that there would be a probable loss of between f l.fiijii
and i 1.70U at the end of two years, and that the undertaking would
take from four to five years to be self-supporting ; the figures, how-
ever, show that not onJy is the department self-supporting, but that
it has a substantial balance after paying all charges. Although.
owing to difficulties consequent on the war. the Council has been
unable to embark upon an active campaign to obtain new business,
the number of consumers during the year increased from l,t!23 to
2.93''. and the connected load at the end of the first years working
is now .5..i92 Kw,

At the end of the first year of the Lake Coleridge supply, with a
peak load which had been kept down with tlie aid of the steam
plant and the storage battery to only 1.020 KW.. and a connected
load of 5,592 KW., the Council paid the Government only Sti.200.
an average of £1 2s. Id. per kw. of connected load.^-V»>'c Zeal n nil
^ipphffi oinJ Commercf,\ _

Nottingham. — Year's AVoRKisci. — The working exijeii-
diture of the Corporation electricity undertaking for the year ended
March 31st last amounted to £69.40.*. The income totalled
£ 109..i44. leaving a gross profit of £40.057. After meeting interest,
sinking fund and other charges a balance remained of £11.677.
of which £5.00() will go towards the rates, and the remainder will be
transferred to reserve fmid. The number of units sold during the
period under review amounted to 13,854, 4lil. an increase of
994. 113 as compared with 1914-15: 6.406,(HX> units l)eing tor traction
purposes. 4.125.S33 for power purposes, and 3,232,595 for lighting.
The last figure showed a decrease of 482.979 as compared with 12
months ago. representing a loss of revenue of £6.730. The number
of 32-watt lamps or their equivalent connected at March 31st last
was 526.83(1. an increase of 34.275 tor the 12 months, lieing the
largest increase since 1903. Two hundred and thirty-nine motors,
aggregating 1.126 H.P.. had been connected to the mains, making a
total of 2.0US motors and 8.063 H.P., the largest, increase since the
supply started. The demands for current still continue, those for
pjwer purposes being speciaUy noticeable.

Oldham. — Damaued Cable!<. — At a meeting of tlie
Electricity Committee, held on the 28th ult., it was reported that
the Committee had approved of a suggested compromise with the
Post OSice Department of long-standing claims concerning damaged

cables.

Salford. — The Electricity Committee has decided to
revise its terms of supply to homes for Belgian refugees. An agree-
ment is to be entered into with Zama. Ltd., for a supply of energy
for a period of five years, or such further period up to 10 years as
• the company occupy their premises. The Committee has acceded
to the application of the Peel-Conner Telephone Co.. Ltd.. for the
supplies of energy to their premises in Upper Cleminson Street and
Silk Street to be treated as one supply under certain conditions.
Application is to be made to the L.O.B. for sanction to borrow (1)
£2.279 to cover the cost of provision of additional plant and
switchgear : and (2) £750 to cover capital expenditure in connec-
tion with the undertaking in respect of loans sanctioned by the
Board prior to March l2th. 1915.

Shipley.^ I-'i^'Ki^'f'-i^'i' Proposal. — Preliminary stei>s

have been taken with a \-iew to considering the adrisability of
linking-up the Bradford and Shipley electricity undertakings,
and the respective engineers are to report to their Committees on
the subject, with a view to joint discussion later. Both under-
takings now generate three-phase. 5ii-period cm-rent at li.uoii volts,
and the Bradford authority has a duplicate H.T. main running to
the citv boundary, where it is within a short distance of a similar
capacitv H.T. ma'in of the Shipley Coimcil, so that the cost of inter-
connecting would be very small. It may be added that the
Bradford Corporation and Yorkshire Power Co. have for some time
been linked-up at Thornbury.

Stalybridge. — Year's Workixg of .Joint Board. — The

working of this joint electricity undertaking for the year ended March
31st last resulted in a total revenue of £74.932; the gross profit
amoimted to £28.55i'>. and. after meeting interest and [sinking fund
charges, the surplus was allocated as to sums of £1.1 20 and £3.713 to
reserve and £1.536 in capital payments. During the year 28.351. 600
units were generated, as compared with 22.683.680 in the previous
year ; 21.713.151 units were sold to private consumers, and 1.968.766
units for traction. The total production cost per unit was ■375d..
coal figuring at •24d. : interest, sinking fund. &c., amounted to ■25d.
while the revenue from the total supply averaged eOld. per unit,
private supply g-iving '62d. ijer unit. It may be. noted that a
revenue of £.50.378 was derived from private power, and £10.761
from private lighting consumers.

Stoke-on-Trent.— Proposed "EXTEysroX.— The Fede-
rated Council has referred back the recommendation of the Elec-
tricity Committee to spend £12.000 on the extension of the plant at
the power house, in order that the Committee may prepare a
statement showing how the proposed outlay ivill benefit the
undertaking.

Sutton. — Price Increase. — The manager of the E.L.

Co. has informed the "U.D.C. that, as a temporary arrangement,
the price of energy for lighting will be increased from S^d. to (id.
per tmit. and for power and heating by from Jd. to id. per unit.

York. — Y'ear's Workixg, &o. — The Coi-poration pIpj--

iricity accounts for the year ended March 31st show a gross revenue
of £37.8611. and an expenditure of £21.300. leaving a surplus balance
of £16.560. which is reduced to £1.456 by intere.st. sinking fund
and other charges.

The Electricity and Tramways Committee ha.s authorises! the
town clerk to apply to the Board of Trade for an extension of the
]ieriod fixed for the laying of mains in the Bishopthoi-pe and Acomb
districts authorisefl by the York Electric Lighting (Bbctension)
dnler 1914, which is about to expire.

Yeovil. — The Board of Trade has extended the proy.

order for a vear

TRAMWAY and RAILWAY NOTES.

Australia. — Tramway Electrification. — The electrili-
cation of the Xewcastle tramway system was urged by a deputation
representing the Mayors of Xewcastle and neighbouring boroughs
who waited on the Minister for Railways (Mr. Hoyle) recently.
The Minister, who expressetl his sympatliy with the deputation,
pointed out that the difficulty in the way was the lack of money.
As soon as the re.'essary money was available the work would be
proceeded with.

Continental. — Italy. — A decree has been publislu'd

approving a convention between the Italian Government and the
Roma Xord Tramway and Railway Co. for the construction and
working of an electric railway from Rome to Titerbo. fia Civita-

castellana.

Chester. — Y'ear's Working. — The tramway accounts

for the past year show a surplus of £1.485. compared with
a surplus of £903 for the previous year, the increase
being mainly accounted for by the reduction in the power
expenses — £1.828 (I'39d. per car-mile"), compared with £2.256 (l'.56d.
per car-mile). Traffic revenue showed an increase of £73. and the
car-mileage last year was 30.727 less than in tie previous year.
The reserve fund stands at £6,557, which represents 8 per cent, of
the total capital expenditure.

Croydon. — A report has been submitted to the B.C. by

the Tramways Committee recommending certain increases in wages
and payments for overtime, at an estimated cost of £1.865 per
annum : it was pointed that on the year's working up to March 31st
the surplus, if any. would be small, the cost of electricity during
the year had increased by £2.893. war allowances and bonuses had
absorbed £5.906. and stores and materials showed a great advance in
prices. In order to meet the proposed improved conditions for
employes, the Committee recommended a revision of fare stages.
The question was adjourned until the next meeting.

It was stated that the strike had almost collapsed, only eight
more motormen being required to make up the normal number.

Darwen. — The Corporation has decided to increase the

charge for electricity supplied to the tramways to IM. per unit
(equal to £ 400 per year). This is imposed at a time when the
tramway receipts show a fall over a period of three months of
over .£ 100. Xew rails are so expensive that arrangements have
been made with the Blackburn authority for the loan of apparatus
to cut out the bad portions, with a view to replacing them with
short lengths.

Glamorgan. — The Rhondda Tramways and Electric

Supply Co. appealed against the assessments of the generating
station at £2.500 and the tramway undertaking at £5.500 rateable
values : the appeal with regard to the generating station was dis-
missed with costs, and the assessment of the tramway undertaking-
was reduced to £4.500 net.

Halifax. — The Tramways Committee has appointed a

Sub-Committee to consider the question of tramways at Hebden
Bridsre. and all matters connected therewith, between the Disti ict
Council and the Corporation, with full power to obtain such exjert
advice as is necessary.

Keighley. — Tr.^jiway Order Extexsiox. — The Cor-
poration proposes to apply toT,he B. of T. for a prolongation of th;
period limited for the completion of the works authorised by the
Keighley Corporation Tramways Order. 1903 (confirmed by the
Tramways Ordei-s Confirmation (Xo. 2) Act. 1903). and of the
periods limited for the commencement and completion of the works
authorised by the Keighley- Corporation Tramways Order. 1909
(confirmed by the Tramways Orders Confirmation Act. 1909).

London. — Woolwich. — The B.C. has consented to the

proposal of the L.C.C. to lay .-Tdditional tramway tracks in High
Street, Plumstead.

14

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

Vol. 7'.). N'o. 2.01. ■>. .liLY

Manchester. — Vkau's Wduklm;. — Duiiii'r tlic vcar omkil

March 31st last the Corjxiration tramways carried 2ii'J.S77.t;i>7
passentrers on a car-milea)rc of l!<.4yr>,440 inilc.<!. or considerably le.s.s
mileage than in l'.'l.">. when some 7 million less passengers were
carried. Financially, the total revenue amounted to ,t;i:i',».470. and,
after deducting working' expenses, .t."ii>l,4S!l, and war service allow-
ances, £'.l2,)<iis. the ^ross profit was £2>^'>.222, and. includinsr added
interest, i:2'.l'.'.74ii. From this amount interest, sinkintr fund, rent
and tax char),'es are deducted, leavintr a balance of .1:121,181. of
which t lito.iKMi was contributed to the rate.s and the balance to
reserve. In the previous year the rates received a similar amount,
but a biirjrer balance, 4:4S..">S4. was available for the reserve ; how-
ever, war service allowances alone alworbed i:il(i.Oij(i more this year
than la-st. The earnings i>er car-mile weie the hijrhest so far
recorded, viz.. 1211id.. an increase of ■f<!l7d. over 1!M4-1.'). while
working exjienses only increa.se»l by IKd. ]x?r cai--mile. The
tramways <lej)jirtmenl purchase*! some 2S,7lHi,UliO units from the
electricity department at I'li.Sd, per unit, and used r.>J units jier
ear-mile. The ('or|Kiration now ojH'nites Uio mUes of single track,
with 6S,T cars : it also operates some motor-'buses, which ran S2,71 1
miles and carried 7.'>S,o;{4 iiassengei-s. The "buses cost S.Jd. i>er
mile, including depreciation, to run, and earned !ljd. per mile
appro-ximately.

Sir George .\skwith (Chief Industrial Commissioner) has com-
municated with the Tramways Committee, and has forwarded a
copy of a letter from'the Tramway and Vehicle Workei-s' .Associa-
tion respecting the application of the society on behalf of certain
grades of men for an additional war bonus. The Committee has
decided to inform Sir George .\skwith that it cannot see its way to
grant the additional war bonus asked for, and that there appears to
lie no other course open than for the matter to he referred to the
Committee on Production for settlement.

\ S|>eeial Committee of the City Council has teen appointed to
take into consideration the advisability of running motor-'buses in
place of tramcars in certain of the busiest thoroughfares in the
city. It is stated that S.OOO cars traverse Market Street every
•week da.v.

St. Helens. — The Hisrlnvavs ('ommitk'c has apiiointed a

deputation to visit several towns where motor sweepers are in use,
and to submit a recommendation thereon to the nest meeting,

York. — Year's AVorkixc;. — The tramway accounts for

the year ended March Slst last show a gross i-evenue of .i;35.73,t
and an expenditure of £24,.i32, leaving a balance of i:il,20H.
This balance is reduced bv interest and sinking fund contributions
to i 1.702.

The B. of T. has issued a certificate of approval of the Hull Koad
tramways extension, and the system is now in operation with a
1,5 minutes' service throughout the day. '

The traffic returns for May show increases from £2,896 receipts
during the corresponding month to iC3,180, and the number of
passengers carried increa.sed from G7!».41!l to 747.lj;»S.

at telephone exchanges during Zi'pi>elin raids, deserved very high
praise. During the storm in March last 2,1,">0 poles were broken.
(i.ll.iO were upriH)ted, 33,3(KI were blown over, and 4l,,">lio had to be
re-erected apart from the railway telegraphs. Broken copjier
wire meiusured 17.(KI0 miles in length and weighed l..")(lO tons.
X^nderground communication saved the situation, but was veiy
costly : after the war it would he extended. Recently 7,(l(iii
new telephones were erected for the Army,

Referring to the Marconi contract, and statements made at the
meeting of the company on Friday last, reixirted in our " Cit.v
Notes " to-day, Mr. Pea.se said that a contract wivs sanctioned in
.\ugust. 1!U3, but there was considerable delay prior lo the out-
break of war in carrying it out. Disputes arose, and the P.M.G.
gave notice to the company to cancel the contract, subject to
reimbursement for expenses incurred. The company protested
against the cancellation of the contract, and the P. .M.( J. then said
that the Government was willing to procee<l on the original terms,
but the company declined to go on with the contract except upon
compensation. Negotiations were re-o])ened in .liuie. and the com-
pany and the .Vdmiralty arrivetl at a ])rovisional agreement
reiiuiring the sjinction of Parliament by a given date. In the
autumn, however, the First Lord dropped the negotiations, as the
Adiiiiraltys needs did not justify proceeding with the contract.
The result was that a petition of right was sent to the Home Offiw
ill Deccnilipr. When he became Postmaster-General in .liinuary.
and finiiid this litigation threatening the Government. Mr. Pease
consulted the -Admiralty. War Office. Colonial Office, and India
Office, and they came to the conclusion that four stations ought to
be proceeded with. The Goveninient had definitely offered the
Marconi Co. the following terms : — That the 11I13 contract should
be varied, and that the erection of only four stations at the present
time should he one of the variations ; comiiensation for any actual
loss which the company might pi'ove they had sustained owing to
the delay of the work so far as this might have been caused by any
act or omission of the Postmiuster-General. and owing to the
variation of the lfll3 contract : that compensation should be
settled by impartial arbitrators with judicial ex]ierience. or. failing
agreement, by a Court of Law. In the event of these terms
being accepted, they would be submitted to Parliament for ratifica- .
tion. There seemed, however, to be no prospect of agreement being
arrived at with regard to the two jxiints to which he had referred,
and some kind of reference seemed to the Government to be the
right course to adopt, with a \'iew to securing an amicable and
satisfactory settlement. The Post Office was now awaiting a reply
to this offer.

Wireless Record. — An oporator on the American mail

steamer I'riitiini. on a voyage from San Francisco to Sydney,
claimed to have made a new record, receiving signals from the
Tuckerton station over a distance of H,OUO miles with the aid of tlic
Audion detector.

CONTRACTS OPEN and CLOSED.

TELEGRAPH and TELEPHONE NOTES.

Cable Tariffs. — Telec;rams may now he forwarded to
Ocean Island at 5s. per word, and to places on the Persian Gulf
at 2s. 2d. to 2s. lOd, jier word.

Telegraph Money Orders. — The Telegraph Money Order

.Service, which has hitherto been available, so far as the British
Overseas Dominions are concerned, for Egypt. Canada, and New-
foundland only, has been extended to certain other Colonies. The
telegrams of advice can he sent at the deferred rates, which will
reduce the telegraph charges by one-haif.

The Postal Services. — On Monday hi.<t. .\Ir. .1. .V. Pease,

the Postmaster-General, presented the annual estimates of his
department in the House of Commons. Refening to the telegraph
service, he stated that the surcharge of 3d. on telegrams had brought
in £207.000. instead of £17o.o0o as anticipated. The increase in
the cost of telephone calls to 3d. produced only £11.5,000. instead
of £20.5.000 as estimated. The total revenue from the additional
charges imposed on all services in 1!>15 was over a million, com-
pared with £928.0011 expected ; economies amounting to a million
had been effected in the home service of the department during
191.5-II). and the profit balance was £3.320.000, against £3,380,000
in the previous year and £(),650,000 in the year before the war.
The total revenue had increased by four millions over the previous
year to £33.650.000. Expenditure due to the war amounted to six
millions. On the Post Office tube railway £3ii4.O00 had been
spent, but owing to the demand for electrical plant, the completion
of the tunnel wonld be delayed ; building construction had also
been curtailed.

Out of 90.000 postal servants of military age. 52.000 were serving
with the Colours. Of 21,700 starred men under the Derby scheme,
6,000 bslonged to the engineering and signalling services, and
were regarded as indispensable for telegraph and telephone main-
tenance at home. Of the men over military age. good work had
been done by 300 members of the Volunteer Training Corps. The
work of the women, who had volunteered to do dutv at night

OPEN.

Aberdeen. — •Inly 7tli. t'orporation. One .i,00(i-kw.

turbo-alternator with surface condenser and auxiliaries, for the
Electricity Department. See "Official Notices " June 23rd.

Australia.— Perth. — Inly llith. V.M.C. Supply n(

insulators (.Schedule 510). See " Official Notices " June 9th.

August 16th. P.M.G. Distilling apparatus (Schedule 502).
telegraph and measuring instruments (Schedule 498). See " Official
Notices" Jime 16th,

Melbourne. — July 2(ith. 'Victorian Railway Commissioners.
400 signal lighting transformers.*

August 8th. Deputy P.M.G. Standard battery material :_ -
Porous pots, jars, zinc and carbon rods, and chemicals. Schedule
1,327, High Commissioners Office, 72. Victoria Street. S.W.

Sydney. — August 1 7th. Portable internal-combustion engine
and dynamo (2{-KW.) for the Departmental Stores. Sydney, for
P.M.G,*

August 24th. P.M.G. Automatic switchboard and apparatus
for North Sydney Exchange. Schedule No. 511.*

Brisbane. — July 31st. P.M.G. Power board and accumulators.
Schedule No. 381. "

Barrowford. — July 8th. U.D.C. Automatic control
electric screen cleaning gear for the sewage disposal works. Mr.
F. Sutcliffe. Surveyor to the Council.

Manchester. — July Uth. Electricity Comuiittee.

(«) Electric or hydraulic coal-wagon lift and turntable ; (A) saddle
tank steam locomotive. Specification, kc. 21s. (retiu'nable), from
Mr. F. E. Hughes. Secretary, Electricity Dept., Town Hall.

Morecambe.— Corporation.

See "Official Notices" to-day.

New Zealand. — Ixvercargill. — September I'sth.

Borough Council. Steam turbo-alternator, condensing plant, arid
switchgear. Specifications from the Tramway Office. Contract

No. 40?* ' ■ ■ •'

1,200 tons of rough ^;lack.

Vul. 7H. Nil. 2.1115. July 7. 1916.]

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

Plymouth. July ?Otli. Corporation. Rotiiry strain

boiler feed pump for the Electricity Department. See " Official
Notices" June 30th.

Rochdale. — 'Iiil.V 12th. Electricity Committee. Paper-
insulated cal.ile for 12 months. Mr. C. C. Atchison. Eng-ineer and
Jlaiia^'er, Dane Street.

Warrington. — July 11th. Electricity l)ei)artineut.

T.IJUU tons of slack coal for six months, or alternatively 12,000 ton.s
during 12 months. Mr. F. V. L. Mathias, Borous^h Fllectrical
Enjiineer.

Specifications for the items marked * can he seen at llu; liuard
of Trade Commercial Intelligence Branch in London.

Wolverhampton. — Corporation. Willans it Roliinson,

Ltd. : One ."),UUO-K\v. Zoelly type turbine, running- at li.OOO R.P.5I.,
ivith Siemens srenerator ; also a surface condensing plant (\V. i; R.)
with Rees-Eoturbo pumps for use in conjunction with it.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS.

Chief Technical Assistants' Association.— Satuidar, July 8th. At 3 p. in.
At the Tavij,tn(l< Uniel, W.C. Discussion on "The Eflcct of the War on
Electric >:iHpply l.'ndei-takings," to be opened by Mr. P. MacAligter.

CLOSED.

Birmingham. — Corporation Lighting Committee. Over-
head electric runway, including a travelling electric pulley-block
and bogey trolley, .+:121 : Herbert Morris, Ltd.

Bridlington. — T.C. 1,000 tons of Bullcroft JIaiii washed

.small coal, for the electricity works ; W. B. Wilson. York. li's. M.
)ier ton.

Buxton.— U.D.C. Pilsley liard slack coal (l',."iOo tons)

for the electricity works : Day ct Ferguson.

Glasgow. — Tramways Cohimittee. Iron antl steel liars

for three months : P. & W. MacLellan, Ltd.

Halifax. — Tramways and Electricity Committee. Steel

bridge. ..Vc. over the dam at the electricity works : .Joseph Webb
and Sons. Ltd., £369.

Ilford. — Electricity Committee. 500 tons of (iraigolti

large Welsh coal, at 2.Ss. od. per ton : E. Foster 4: Co.

Kingston-on-Thames. — Town Council. Fitting the new

crankshaft to the Diesel engine recently damaged, at £iW.
inclusive of work in connection with the fly-wheel alternator :
Belliss i.t Morcom.

London. — Fulhaji. — Tlie Electricity Committee recom-
mends the acceptance of the tender of Messrs. Cory Bros, for 2,000
tons of Coppice slack coal, at 20s. lOd. per ton.

Hamjiersmith. — The Electricity Committee recommend.s the
acceptance of the o£Eer__of the Underfeed Stoker Co. for one Class E
Underfeed stoker, at Jli44U ; and that the ofl'er of Messrs. Cory Bros,
and Co.. Ltd.. be accepted for the supply of 3.000 tons of Gedling
High Hazel peas, at 25s. per ton ; 2.000 tons ditto Top Hard peas.
23s. (id. per ton ; 2.3to tons Hucknall High Hazel ^-in. slack.
22s. 2d. per ton. These deliveries, with the coal in stock, will meet
the requirements up to December next.

Woolwich. — B.C. Electricity Committee : —

Luton. — Electricity Committee : —

Clarke-Chapman & Co. — Two boilers and stokers complete, i"7,648.

E. Green & Sons.— Economiser, Jt'1,091.

W. T. AveiT, Ltd.— Coal-weighing machines, £440.

Harris Anderson Patent Feed Water Filter Co. — One water softener, i:455.

Hayward, Tyler & Co. — One rotai-y feed pump, £258.

Manchester. — Electricity Committee : —

One cbal stacker, supplied with 420-volt, -i.e., three-phase motor.— Frascr

and Chalmers, Ltd.
Three electric capstans. — Sir W. G. Armstrong, Whitworth & Co., Ltd.
Scrap cable and copper. — B.I. & Helsby Cables, Ltd.
Cables.— Pirelli-General Cable Works, Ltd. ; Western Electric Co., Ltd. ;

W. T. Cilover & Co., Ltd. ; Callender's Cable & Construction Go., Ltd. ;

B.I. & Helsby Cables, Ltd. ; Chas. Macintosh & Co., Ltd.
Tramways Committee. Steam coal. .John Smith i; C'o.

Northampton. — Coiporation Tramways Committee.

Renewal of woodwork at cooling tower : G. W. Souster A: Son, £3Slt.

Salford. — Tramways Committee. Steel car-wheel tires and
axles, at a schedule of prices amoiinting to £279 : Hadfields. Ltd.

Electricity Committee. W'ork in connection with the installation
of two water-tube boilers at the Frederick Road station : —

.T. Gen"ard & Sons, Ltd. — Foundations and structural work, £1,100.

New Conveyor Co., Ltd. — Coal conveyors, bunkers and chutes, i'1,504,

J. Russell & Son, Ltd.— Mild-steel piping, £211.

Coal during 12 months :—

Clifton & Kersley Coal Co.— 18,000 tons No. 2 washed slack, at 17s. 6d. per

ton, £15,750.
Andrew Knowles & Sons, Ltd. — 12,000 tons washed slack, at 17s. 6d. per

ton, £10,500.
Earl of EUesmere. — 6,000 tons best washed slack, at 18s. 4d. per ton,

£5,500 ; 4,000 tons ditto, at 16s. 8d. per ton, £3,335.

Tyldesley. — The Electricity Committee has accepted the

following tenders : —

Lead pipe. — Glover & Co., Ltd.

W.I. tubes and fittings. — J. Spencer, Ltd.

Steel mains. — British Mannesmaan Tube Co.. Ltd.

Coal.— Unsworth & Cowburn ; W. Eeay & Ce. ; Abram Coal Co.. Ltd.

C.I. pipes.— Sheepbridge Coal & Iron Co., Ltd.

NOTES.

Correction. — I" h, number of copies of this issue, in the
announcement of Messrs. Scholey & Co., Ltd.. appearing on page li
of our Advertisement Supplement, in the letterpress relating to
the Paragon earth cone an error occurs. Where the clause
" constructed of jipniKiiietit copper" appears, it should, of course,
read " perfiiriifi'il copper."

Books for British Prisoners Abroad. — British prisoners

of war desirous of carrying on serious reading can obtain, free of
charge, educational books on almost any subject by writing to
Mr. A. T. Davies. at the Board of Education. Whitehall. London.
S.W. All applications for books should be sent through, or endorsed
by, the senior (or other responsible) British officer or N.C.O. in the
camp. Where for any reason (which should be stated in the appli-
cation") this course is impracticable, requests from individual
prisoners will, as far as possible, be acceded to.

Electric Vehicle Progress. — The June issue of the

Elecfrir Vehirif bears witness to the continued progress of the
" Electric " in Great Britain, the numlier of such vehicles in use.
or on order, having now reached 710, as compared with I'M two
Tears ago. It is satisfactory to note that the Midland Railway t'o.
now heads the list of English industrial users with 73 vehicles, in
addition to seven platform trucks, as against the 70 of Messrs.
Harrods. Ltd., the former record holders. Quite a respectable
number of municipal sanitary departments have invested in
electric dust vans, and the list of electi-ic supply authorities who
are (and, of course, all ought to be) users of the " Electric " has
grown considerably.

An instructive article deals with the success of the Sheffield dust,
vans, and it is worth noting that Mr. Priestley, the cleansing
superintendent, recommends the expansion of this method of
cleansing, with the ultimate view of centralising the work at one
depot, and one destructor capable of dealing with the whole of the
city's refuse.

Reference is made to the 12 months' experience of electric 'buses
at York, where Mr. Hame estimates the working expenses, includ-
ing tire maintenance, at o\A. per 'bus-mile, including standing
charges.

The results obtained from the Hford 4-ton coal-tipping wagon,
used in connection with the electricity works, are tabulated, the
all-in-cost, averaged on (i.) days' use, being gid. per ton carried.
We note that two .'j-ton electric wagons have also been ordered
by the Bradford Electricity Committee to deal with 1 00 i tons of
coal weekly ; also that the Blackpool electric street watering
wagon covers IS miles of road in an average nine-hour day. using
18,(10(1 gallons of water, and requiring only 70 units, also that it
hitx di.iplni-efl si-r hni:ie -drawn ifitei-iiui vaiu:. which facts we com-
mend to the notice of London Borough Councils who are
" economising " in street watering because of the shortage of
labour.

Electricity as a Tree Pest Cure.— Isadore Kitsee, a

Philadelphia inventor, has recently patented a process for the
destruction of insect and germ life harmful to plants and trees, by
applying a solution such as saline water where the ground is to be
treated, and then causing a current of electricity to be passed
through the soil, whereupon the gas generated will rid the soil of
germs, larva; and insects without the lea-st injui-y to the vegetation.
When the plant itself is to be treated, it is sprayed with a solution
after electrolysis.

Engineers' Wages. — The (Tovernment Committee on

Production ha\e awarded engineers employed in steel works
throughout Scotland an increa.se of Id. per hour, which raises the
minimum rate to loid.. or C2 (is. »d. a week.- -Duilij Telegraph.

Enemy Holdings in British Companies. — In the Hou,se

of Commons on Monday. Mr. Harcourt. replying to a question,
said : " Shares and debentures held by enemies in British companies
of the nominal value of £1,300,000 have at present been vested by
the Board of Trade in the Public Trustee tor the purpose of sale.
He has completed the sale of shares of the nominal value of
£102.000, and is negotiating for the sale of the remainder. These
shares have been sold by private treaty and on the Stock Exchange
in cases where there is a quotation. In several pending cases the
shares are being put up for sale by public auction." — Times.

Alien Enemy Patents. — Application has been made to
the Board of Trade by the Suffolk Electricity Supply Co.. Ltd.. for
the avoidance or suspension of Patent Ko. 4908/09. granted to Aust,
in connection with internal-combustion engines.

It;

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

; Vol. 7!>. No. L'.iil.-i. .Ifl.Y 7. liHi;

Inquiries. — .\lHkfi> ■■l ]H>rtalilc tdephont-.s f«>r rcstuf
work in mines, with special dnimR and windinjr grear. are asketl for,

Educational Notes. — <"ity .\xr> (JriLus of Loxdox

INSTITITE. The report of the Council for the year UU.i states
that the ahsenoe of many members of the staff on active service
threw much extra work on those left behind, and on the heads of
department.*. The staff, and some of the senior students, under-
took much new and ori<rinal work in connection with the
desi^'n and manufacture of munitions of war. durin? both the
vacations and term time. The delay in the completion of the
Ooldsmiths' Company's Extension of the City and Guilds ^Enfrin-
eerin^ > College, caused by the prolonged buildinjr strike before the
war. necessitated the postponement of the equipment of the new
laboratories. The Delcjracy of the Hty and Guilds (Enu^ineering-)
ColUve reports that durin? the session IMM-l.i. H82 students were
in attendance, exclusive of 131 students who were on the register
of the College as due to return, but had joined the Forces. Durinfr
the session. Iii2 students went on active service, makinpr a total of
L'3S on military service, exclusive of past students. Thirty more
had entered munition work outside the College, and 31 members of
the staff had joined the Forces. The Roll of Honour totalled ?I1
names (to Xovemljer loth). .t14 lieinj,' commissioned officers and
297 X.C.O.'s and privates. Very important work was being done
by Profs. Dalby and Mather in connection with war problems. Of
382 students, 202 were engaged in Civil and Mechanical Engin-
eering. 71 in Electrical Engineering, and ")K in special courses,
while 44 students of the Royal College of Science were attending
the College for Applied Electricity. The average age of candi-
dates for matriculation was l.><7 ye;irs.

Out of 59 second and third year students attending the City and
Guilds Technical College. Finsbury, 4i1 joinefl the Forces. Im-
portant work in connection with the war had been carried on at
the College. The number of day students attending the College
in the winter of 191.> was 121. of whom 48 were in Electrical
Engineering. The evening cla-sses had been suspended.

In the Department of Technology the number of candidates for
examination fell off considerably — from 23,119 to 15,623 for the
Xnited Kingdom. The total number examined was 18,327.

The total income of the Institute in 1915 was .€27.661!. and the
expenditure .<26,308. The expenditure of the Delegacy on the
C. and G. (Engineering) College was £24,081. and that of the
Technical College. Finsbury. was 1-10,311.

Committee ox XEftLECT of Sciexce. — A meeting of the
governing body of the Imperial College of Science and Technology
was held on Friday last, at which Lord Crewe, who presided,
referred to two memorials which he had received from the pro-
fessorial staff with regard to the teaching of science. He stated
that a Royal Commission on the subject would not be appointed. ,
but the Prime Minister's Reconstruction Committee would under-
take the work of supervising the changes that must be made in
the national .system of education, being able to take imme-
diate action. A Special Committee, of which he would be the
chairman, would be appointed to inquire into the alleged neglect
of science in our educational system, in close concert with
the President of the Board of Education, and to advise the
authorities how to promote the advancement of pure science
and the interests of industries dependent on the application
of science. The further provision of scholarships and bursaries
would be considered, and the need of amending the system of
examination for the Civil Service- would be dealt with. The investi-
gation would be made as wide as possible without delaying prompt
action.

The report of the Board of Education for 1914-15. issued last
week, stated that the Board Was fully alive to the importance of
the problems which pressed for solution in all branches of educa-
tion, and in particular to the necessity of encouraging and
developing the higher branches of study concerned with science
and research.

Council for Organisixo British Exgixeerixg Ixdustrv.—
The Committee on Engineering Education and Research, appointed
by the Council, has presented its report, with which we will deal
in an early issue.

Man-chIester MixiciPAL School of Techxolooy.— The Sub-
Committee has established a Lectureship in Fuel. Two rooms are to
be adapted for use as mechanical and electrical research laboratories.

Electricity Regulations. — A second edition of the Memo-
randum of the Electrical Inspector of Factories on the Home Office
Electricity Regulations for factories and workshops has been
issued, dealing with points which have arisen since the first edition
was published. A note has also been added regarding low-pressure and
medium-pressure switchboards, with special reference to distribu-
tion boards and motor-starting panels ; it is pointed out that these
are included umler the term • switchboards," a fact which is some-
times overlixjked, with serious consequences. Where the pressure
IS not more than 125 volts A.c. or 2.50 volts D.C, of course the
installation is partially exempt, but otherwise all the regulations
are applicable, and the note explains how they can be complied
with: even In the former case the requirements of Regulations
1-,- -5. and 14 must be met.

More Snipiog in Dublin. — -1 miluarv sentry who was

guarding the municipal electricity station in Fleet Street. Dublin
was according t« the ru»« correspondent.. shot in the leg and
badly.wounded. on Tuesday morning. It is supposed that the shot
-was fired by a sniper on one of the high, houses which surround
the works. The ^niperescaped. .• . .■•;." ■ - ■ V

Volunteer Notes. -l>i- Iai.nuox Hx(;inkku Voi.i n-

TF-F-Rs.- Orders for the week by Lieut.-Col. C. B. Clay, V.D., Com-
manding.

Saturiliiij. ,Iuly Sth.'' Instructional Class, 2.30, Company Com-
mander Fleming.

MiinJitii. iuXy 10th.- Technical for Platoon Xo. 9, 46. Regency
Street, S.\V. .Squad and Platoon Drill. Platoon Xo. 10. Signalling
Class and Recruits.

7'wf.Ww//, July 1 Ith. — Officer Instructional Class. 6-7. Recruits,
7-8, Lecture. 7,1.5, "The System- of Command," Company Com-
mander W. Hynam,

Wediii'sdai/. .luly 12th, Platoon Drill, Xo. 3 Platoon.

Thiirsihiii. .luly 13th.- Platoon Drill, Xo. 7 Platixm. Recruits,
5.4">-7.45. Instructional Class. 5.45.

Friilii ij. .XwXy 14th.- Technical for No. In Platoon. 16, Regency
Street, S.W. .Squa<:l and Platoon Drill, No. 9 Platoon.

Sitiinlnij. .July 15th, — Parade, Golder's (Jreen Station, 3 sharp.
Uniform.

Saiidin/. ,J\\\y Ifith. — Entrenching duties. Parade. Victoria (S.E.
and C. Railway Booking Office). 8.35 a.m. Uniform, haversacks,
and water bottles. Midday rations to be carriefl. Railway vouchers
will be provided.

MACLEOD YkaRSLEY, Adjutant.

3Rn Batt. (Old Bovb) Central London Volunteer Reoi-
.MEXT. — Battalion Orders byCapt. R, .1. C, Eastwood (Commandant),
Thursday, .July 6th, 1916 :—

Werk-End 'p,i r,ide.i.—Siitiiidnij.—Thc Battalion will Parade at
Wembley Park, at 3 p.m., for Drill under the Commandant. The
Commandant desires members who did not pass the Examination
last Saturday to attend for re-examination.

.S'w«rf«//. —The Battalion will Parade at Liverpool Street Station
(Low-Level entrance. G.E.R.). at 9.30, and proceed by train tor
Entrenching duties.

Bi'fruifx will Parade at Wembley Park on Saturday at 3 p.m..
and Sunday at 1 1 a.m., for Recruit Drill,

G. H. F. Duncan, Arthi;/ Adjiitmit. O.fl.r.

Electrical Worker's Claim.^At the Southampton Muni-
tions Court, an electrical engineer, whose home is at Bournemouth,
made a claim for compensation against his employers on the
grounds that he was discharged at one hours notice really to save
a dispute with a trade union on account of his not being a member
of the union. He also alleged that the day foreman refused to
send him to work on the night shift, although the night foreman
particularly wished for his .services, a? he liked the speed and finish
of his work. The application was dismissed.

Industries of the Empire Fair. — The Board of Trade
announces that the representatives in London of the self-governing
Dominions and their respective Governments are not participating
in this exhibition, concerning which a circular, recently issued,
stated that the principal Colonial Governments would be exhibiting
thereat .

Appointments Vacant. — Chief assistant electrical engi-
neer (i;55o) to the Government of Tasmania Hydro-Electric
Department ; engineer and manager (£300) for the Borough of
Loughborough electricity undertaking. For further particulars,
see our .advertisement pages to-day.

Australian Patents.— A Bill to siuspend partially the

Patents Act during the war. passed through the Australian House
of Representatives on May 23rd.

Vacuum Cleaners.— Imports I'kohibitkd. — A notice

has been issued prohibiting the importation of vacuum cleaners as
from .Tuly 6th, excejit under special licence from the Board of Trade,

Standard Electrical Fittings for U.S. Motor Cars. —

One of the features of the summer meeting of members of the
American Society of Automobile Engineers, which has just taken
place, was the presentation and adoption of a lengthy report by the
Electrical Equipment Division of the Standards Committee.
Included in the report was a complete list of sizes and dimensions
for flexible steel conduit for encasing ignition and lighting wires ;
15 sizes are provided for. ranging from Tjth to 1 in. inside diameter.
It was reported that the Sub-Committee, which had been at work
on the question of lamp standardisation generally, had conducted a
number of tests of lamps and bulbs at the X^atioual Lamp Works,
and had discovered certain important tacts with respect to the
shape of filaments and reflectors. Among the recommendations of
the Lamp Sub-Cominittee which were adopted were : —That sockets
for bulb should be so set in lamps that the pins on the bulb base
are vertical ; that lamps should be mounted not less than 3 ft.
high, measured from the ground to the centre of the lamp, and
that dimming devices are not to be recommended for the purjiose
of eliminating glare. A standard form of bracket for motor head-
lights was adopted, three sizesbeing provided for as meeting all
requirements.

Electrical Smelting. — -^ company has been formed in

Stavanger. with a cajiital of l.iiiio.iifXi kroner, for. the pui-jiose of
utilising the Florli waterfall, jiear Lysefjordia, for electrical smelt-
ing. The necessary advances are said to- have been secured from
Norwegian banks, and the company will proceed with the building
of factories. The waterfall, which is calculated to produce 12,000
horse-power, is said to be ona of the cheapest propositions in
Xorway as xegards "constructional ^rrpeniitvete.^-Financxer and
BrilHonht. ■ •- - .

\o. ■..01... .rtii,v 7. u)i.i.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

,<^^'V

'^A

'vAeP'

.A.

Institution Notes. — Institution of Electrical En-

f'ipeers. — The Council of the Institution, on June 8th
ast. appointed a Committee to consider the sufi.aestions
i|iade in Mr. E. T. Williams's recent paper, and in the dis-
cussion on "The Present Position of Electricity Supply in
the United Kingdom." After consultation with the Incor-
porated Municipal Electrical Association and other similar
bodies connected with electricity supply, the Committee will
embody its recommendations in a report to the Council. The
chairman of the Committee is Mr. E. A. Chattock, and the
other members are Mr. C. P. Sparks (President, I.B.E.), Mr.
C. H. Merz, Mr. G. W. Partridge, Mr. S. L. Pearce, Mr. T.
Roles, and Mr. W. B. Woodhouse.

A deputation of seven lepresentatives of gas and electricity
undertakings, including Mr. E. A. Chattock and Mr. C. P.
Sparks, waited on the Board of Trade on June 29th, 1916,
and laid before one of the officials the various difficulties
which were being encountered by these industries at the
moment, more especially in connection with the making of
new contracts for coal for the next twelve months, both as
regards quantities and prices. The deputation was received
by Mr. Marwood and Mr. Carlill, who, after the various
members of the deputation had stated their case, informed
them that the Board of Trade were prepared, if approached
hy ga.s. electricity, or water undertakings, to use their influ-
ence through the medium of the District Coal Committees
which had been established in the various colliery areas to
procure the necessary quantities of coal required by them.
With regard to prices, it was further stated that if any
undertaking which had cause to complain of the prices pro-
posed to be charged for new contracts would bring such cases
before the Board of Trade, the Board would be prepared to
take steps, if thought necessary, so that the prices charged
should be justified by the provisiops of the Price of Coal
(Ijimitation) Act.

In pursuance of the resolution dealing with the member-
ship of alien enemies, the Council is taking steps to ascertain
the nationality of all members, and in the case of naturalised
British subjects, their status as regards the country of w-hich
they were formerly subjects. A list of those who will cease
to be members under the new clause will be published as
soon as po.ssible.

As we go to press we have received the JouTnal for June,
■nhich contains the third Eoll of Honour, the third list of
mihtary honours awarded to members, and the eighth list
of members on military service, as well as the following list
of recommendations which are to be submitted by the Presi-
dent to the Board of Trade Committee on the Electrical
Trades, on behalf of the Council : —

1. Some combination of British electrical firms, especially
with regard to overseas trade, is desirable.

2. A Government Tribunal of the most independent char-
acter that can be devised to be appointed to control the
electricity supply industry of the country, and also to prevent
indiscruninate addition or extension of power _ stations or
systems undesirable from the point of view of size, locahty,
or system.

3. In view of the necessity of securing the home market and
that none other than British electrical apparatus be pur-
chased in the United Kingdom, a protective tariff to be set
up, notwithstanding such benefits as will in any case result
from patriotism.

4. A permanent Advisory Committee to be appomted to
ensure that, as far as possible, raw materials and parts as
well as whole apparatus necessary to the trade of the British
Einpirc shall be produced within the Empire.

5. (i) British-born electrical attaches to helpjn the Consular
service, and (ii) trade commissioners (.scientific and technical
commis.sioners are suggested by Mr. Pollard Digby, I.E.E.
.Invrnal. vol. 53, p. 799, 1915). to be appointed.

6. British engineering .standards to be adopted throughout
the Empire.

7. The vise of the metric system to be made compulsory
after a reasonable period; and during this period all trade
catalogues to make u,se of both the British and metric systems.

8. The Institution to be granted a Charter so as to improve
the status and training of electrical engineers.

9. A Central Engineering Board, consistmg of representa-
tives nominated by all the important Institutions, to be estab-
hshed whom all engineers (other than mechanics) would be
required to satisfy as to the sufficiency of their technical
training -and general educaliion before they could be recog-
nised'as proftdent. so as to ensure that every engineer shall
qualify for his profession in the same manner as a doctor or
solicitor.

10. Closer co-operation of manufacturers and other em-
ployers of electrical engineers with the technical colleges is
desirable to ensure that students are trained to meet the
future needs of the industry. .

The foregoing recommendations indicate that the views qt
the Council as to the limitations of the functions of the Insti-
tution have been -profoimdly modified ; while at this hour it
is im possible to comment on the proposals at length, we hasten
tj congratulate the Coimeil-.aipon its declaration ofpohcy,
and- upon the new spirit by which it appears to be animated.

Association of Mining Electrical Engineers.— A meeting
of the Council of the Association was held m- Manchester on
June 24th. at which the principal business was the considera-
tion of- a report -.by the Cenfaral Committee, . which; consists of
Mr A B. Muirhead, representing Srotland;- Mr. Wm. Maurice.

representing England; and Mr. Theo. Stretton, representing
Wales. With some modifications the recommendations of
the Central Committee were adopted, and the above gentle-
men were then appointed as the Management Committee of
the Association. I'hey will report to the General Council
meeting in October next regarding certain proposals to alter
the Articles of Association, the classes of membership, and
the subscription. The Proceedings for next session will be
issued in twelve monthly parts as supplements to the official
journal — The Iron and Coal Trades Review. The next annual
general meeting will be held at Manchester on October 7th.
A number of members were elected to serve on the Mining
Committee of the Advisory Council for Scientific and Indus-
trial Eesearch.

American Institute of Electrical Engineers. — In the
Proceedings for June, an interesting account is given of a
National Meeting of the Institute, held after the Annual
Meeting ai; New York on May 16th. This National Meeting
■n-as held simultaneously by means of long-distance telephony
in Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Chicago, and
San Francisco; every person in attendance at each of these
cities was provided with a separate telephone receiver, and
each of the gatherings took an active part in the conduct of
the meeting. All the speakers, from Boston to San Francisco,
were distinctly heard by everyone in attendance. Mr. J. J.
Carty, the President, presided in New York over the entire
meeting, which comprised over 5,000 members. Mr. 0. le
Maistre, the special delegate of the British Engineering Stan-
dards Committee to the A. I.E.E. Standards Committee, was
present, and greeted the members on behalf of the Inter-
national Electrotechnical Commission and the Engineering
Standards Committee. Resolutions were moved and seconded,
amended, and voted upon at this unique " meeting."

National Electric Light Association. — .At the recent con-
vention in Chicago, within the short space of three-and-a-half
days, there were presented at more than 20 sessions some
2,500 printed pages of material in the form of reports, papers,
and addresses. This was far in excess of any previous con-
vention. One reason for this exceedingly large amount of
material was the inclusion in the Association of the Electric
\ehicle Association. In spite of the fact that there was such
a great mass of material, many authors insisted on reading
their entire report or paper, although each report was accom-
panied by a .sufficiently comprehensive abstract. It is esti-
mated that the discussion amounted to 500 pages of printed
matter. The attendance was remarkably good, especially at
the technical sessions. — Electrical World.

Chief Technical Assistants' Association. — This Associa-
tion will meet to-morrow. Saturday, at 3 p.m., at the Tavi-
stock Hotel. The chief di-scussion will be on the effect of
the war on electricity supply undertakings. It will be opened
by Mr. A. P. Mac.Mister, the hon. secretary.

The Mannesmann Tube Works Purchased. — It is re-
ported that the works of the British Mannesmann Tube Co.,
at Swan.sea, are being purchased by Baldwins, Ltd., iron and
steel makers, of South Wales and the Midlands, who, it is
stated, have already taken over a slag brick-making estab-
lishment which was in German hands at the outbreak of war.

OUR PERSONAL COLUMN.

The /■:,/, t.'i.s ,,n-,l, ,/,r/n,;,f , „,/ , Nr, r.^. irh ,i li rr ,;.inl, rt, ,1 n,lh the
tfrhii'inil or th, .-oiii iii,'r,-i„l s,,/r .•! thr jin'frssn.ti iniil nulusteij.
iihii ehdnr Ir.immuj uiiil raihia ij „ffu;,iU.to hreji rr„,lrr.^ of tl,r
ElECTK1C.\1. Review jinsti-// «,< tn fheir mitremt'iitf.

Central Station Officials.— Mr. Ch.\rles A. Nethercot,
accountant to the Bath Corporation electricity department,
was successful at the recent examination (Intermediate) of
the Society of Incorporated Accountants and Auditors.

The Duirdalk U.C. received three applications for the post
of assistant electrical engineer in room of Mr. J. E. M'Entee.
Mr. B. Mayn.agh, Dundalk, was appointed.

General. — Me. Willwm Guy. who has been editing the
Piactical Engineer since the middle of March, terminated his
engagement at the end of last month.

Battery Scout Cyril F. B.-iRROW, formerly assistant engi-
neer at the Bolton Corporation electricity works, has been
g,iz?tted a second-lieutenant in the Royal Engineers (Signal
Section). . , , ' l

Mr. Eric Steadm.\n, until recently m the .-leitncal depart-
ment of Messrs. Harland & Wolff, Ltd., Belfast, has received
a commission in the Royal Flying Corps.

London. Qazette notices.— Territorial Force. Royal Engi-
neers : — •

City of Edinburgh {Fortress) E»!7(h..'<, IJnfne Lights
C6?n pan]/ .—Sapper J.4MES Veitch, from a Field C'dUipany,
Canadian Engineers, to be Second-Lieutenant (on probation).

London Electrical Enpmsers.- Second-Lieutenant (tempor-
ary Lieutenant) H. P. G. Eoose is restored to the establish-
ment. ' , , , ■ T

In the list of Naturalisation Certificates granted durmg June
we find the following entry-; — . ■,■ .

•Axel. OklIng, electrical engineer (Sweden), residing at
Strfeatham; ■- - -

18

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW. i v,.i. :.. xo.

Roll of Honour.— The D.S.O. has been awaiiiod to Major
E. A. Lewis, North MidlaDd Divisional Signal Company,
Royal Engineers, who has been on active servit-e in France
since February last year. Before the war he was an elec-
trical enjrineer in the Po.'it Otlice engineering department,
Hanley. He was mentioned in dispatches early this year.

Private H. Hilmker, of the King's (Liverpool) Regiment,
formerly employed at the British Westiughousc Works, Traf-
ford Park, has died from wounds.

Private' James .\u.ison, of the Soutii Lancashire Regiment,
a former employe of Mcssiij. Dick, Kerr & Co., has been
killed in action.

Private T. Cu.vmfkk, Lancashire Fusiliers, formerly with
the British ^^■estinghouse Co., Trall'ord Park, is in hospital
suffering from shell shock.

According to the Times, Lieutenant Svdnkv Wh.i.iam Bki.I,.
Canadian Infantry, killed on .lune IJth. was at the City and
(iuilds Technical School, South Ken-Miigton. He volunteered
for service in the South African War. and was with the Elec-
trical Engineers. He took his discharge in South .\frica
and remained some years on the Rand as a mining engineer.
When war broke out in 1914 he was employed in the Parks
Department at Edmonton.. Canada.

We regret to note that ('aptain Renk Chasseriand, chief
editor of our contemporary La Lumicrr Klcclriqur since 1909.
has been killed By a shell before Verdun while in conjmaud
of a field b,-ittery in a most exposed position. He had pre-
yiou.sly obtained the Cross for taking command of, and lead-
ing into action, an infantry company who.se captain had
been killed. He was originally placed in charge of a military
workshop at the rear of the Army, but his patriotism induced
him to prefer a more active role as battery commandant.

Obituary.— .^LD. Longworth.— .\ld. Longworth, of Bolton,
who passed away recently, was Chainnan of the Electricity
Committee, and was particularly identified with the work of
carrying to completion the new generating station at Back-o'-
th'-Bank. The T.C. last week passed a resolution of condo-
lence with the relatives of the deceased, and members spoke
eulogistically of his work in connection with the electricity
department. ,

The Rt. Hon. Edwarh Archdale.— The daily Press an-
nounces the death of the Rt. Hon. Edward Archdale, head of
the .Archdale family, of Co. Fermanagh, at the age of (if)
years. It is stated that the deceased gentleman " adopted
civil eugineeiing as a profession, and for some years was
engaged in submarine cable laying in various parts of the
world."

Mh. T. C. Bird.— The death has occurred suddenly of Mr.
T. C. Bird, electrical engineer, Macroom.

The late Prof. Silvaxus P. Thompson.— .At a general meet-
ing of the Royal Institution, on Monday, a resolution of con-
dolence with the relatives of the late Prof. Silvanus P.
Thompson was passed.

Will.— The late Mr. F. W. Lacev, borough engineer and
surveyor, Bournemouth, left i'-21, 181.

NEW COMPANIES REQISTERED.

tlliott Bros. (London). Ltd. (144,140).— Registered June

2141, by Norton, Rose, Barringlon & Co., a!\. Old Broad Street, E ("
fapital. £90.000 in £1 shares. Objects: To take over as a'coing concern
the business carried on by W. O. .Smith. W. S. Smith, G. K. B. Elphin-
stone. and L. VV. Smith, at Century Works, Lewisham. and 1. Centr.-il
Buildings. Westminster, or elsewhere, as Elliott Bros., to carry on the busi-
ness of mechanical and electrical engineers, electricians, contractors, instru-
ment makers, constructors, manufacturers and suppliers of, and dealers in,
all kinds of mechanical, mathematical, electrical, and scientific apparatus,
insti-uments. telegraphic and engineering appliances or accessories, nautical,
aerial, motoring, agricultural or other implements and machinery, tool
makers, founders, engravers by machine or chemical process, manufacturers
of dynamos, wires, accumulators, magneto machines, lamps, motors, &c.
The .signatories (with one share each) are : R. O. Smith, 4, St. John's Park,
Bl.-'ckhcath, S.E., electrical engineer; .\. W. Atkyns, Sapperton. Limpsfield.
Surrey, electrical engineer. Private companv. The first directors (to number
not less than three or more than six) are :' W. O. Smith, G. K. B. Elphin-
stone, and L. W. .Smith, with power to appoint others. Qualification, f300.
Remuneration, ilOO per annum, divisible. Secretary : R, O. Smith.

Filbar Electric Heater, Ltd. (144,237).— This companv

w.is registered on June 30th, with a capital of £20,000 in £1 shares, to
.icquirc from J. Eillans Barr, of Toronto, the benefit of certain inventions
and patent rights relating to electric heaters, &c. The subscribers (with one
share each) are:, F. Petersen, 14, St. Marv Axe, E.G., shipbroker: J. W. M.
^ry, 3, Crcechurch Lane, E.G., contractor. Private company. The number
of directors is not to be less than two or more than five; the first are
J. W. M. Fry. F. Petersen, and J. Fillans Barr. Qualification, 500 shares.
Registered oflice : 24. Coleman Street. E.C.

Automatic Loading Co., Ltdj (144,165).— This companv

was registered on June 23rd with a capital of £20,000 in fl shares, to carry
0-: in Great Bril:iin and elsewhere the business indicated by the title and
that of boiler makers, engineers, manufacturers of and dealers in electrical
and other appliances, &c. The subscribers (with one share each) are : W. H.
Beaumont. Estcourt, Hook Heath, Woking, director; J. W. Dallon, 31, Win-
slade Road, Biixton, S.W"., manager. Private company: The number of
directors is not to be less than two or more than five; the subscribers are
to appoint the first Qualification, 100 shares. Remuneration as fixed by
thj company. Solicitors : Downing, Handcock, Middleton & Lewis Crosby
Bi-ildings, Crosby Square, E.C. ■ .

Troup, Curtis & Co., Ltd. (144,175).— This companv was

registered on June 23rd. with a capital of £7.000 in £1 shares, to take over
tSe business of electrical engineers carried on by G. L. Troup and A. Curtis,
as Troup, Curtis & Co., and to carry on the same and the business of elec-
tiicians, instrument makers, h-jating, ventilating and mechanical engineers,
&c. The subscribers (with one share each) are : C. L. Troup. 16 Philpot
Lane- EX.. electncal engineer; h. Curtis, 16. Philpot Lane, E.G., electrical
engineer. Private company. The number of directors is not to be less than
two or more than five; the first are C. L. Troup and A. Curtis (both perma-
nent, subiect to holding 2,000 shares each). Registered office : 2S3, Victoria
Dock Koad, E.

Fuller's Carbon & Electrical Co., Ltd. (144,168).— This

con pany was registered on June 23rd. with a capit.il of £3,5,000 in £1 shares,
to carry on the business of manufacturers of and dealers in carbon, char-
coa , graphite, l.unpbLnck, soot, and all products which contain carbon, char-
coa . or graphite, carbon filter and blowpipe blocks, carbon disinfectant
seals for .sewer manholes, carbon crucibles, and carbon for electrical pur-
poses, dynamo brushes, microphones resistances, dvcs, paints, inks, and
polishes, mechanical and electrical engineers, &c. Tlie subscribers (with one
share each) are : G. Fuller, Elmcrolt, Hutton, Essex, electrical engineer ;
G. J. A. I'uller, Badwcll Cotl.igc, Draycot Road, Wanstcad, elcctricar engi-
neer. Private company. The number of directors is not to be less than two
or more than five; the first :irc G. Fuller, C. J. A. Fuller, and L. I'ullor.
R.-inuncr:ition, £100 each per :innum (chairman £130). .Secretary (prolem.):
!■. King. Registi-r.d office: Grove Road, Chadwell H.-alh, Essex.

B. L Co. (of London and Birminfiham), Ltd. (144,149).

— Iliw company was regi|tered on June 22nd, with a capital of £2,000 in
£1 shares, to cany on tlic business of designers, manufacturers, exporters
an I importers of, contractors and f.-ictors for, antf dealers in electric light
and other electrical apparatus, conduits, dynamo machines, lamps, fittings
an'l atxessories, electric accumulators, galvanometers, ammeters, volt and
other meters, motors, batteries, &c. The subscribers (with one share each)
are: C. D. Falckc, 410-411, Mansion House Chambers, Queen Victoria
Strc<-t, E.G., electrical engineer; J. E. Haine, 67, North Street, Plaistow, K.,
clerk. Private company. Cecil Uouglas-Falcke is perinanent managing

Victoria

E.C.

Registered office: 410 &• 411.
Street, E.C. Registered by Alfred

Electric Consulting & Supply Co., Ltd. (9,631).— This

cmiipany was registered, in Edinl.urgh. on June 26th, with a capital of
£1,000 in £1 shares, to carrv on the business of consulting electrical engi-
neers, &c. The subscribers (with one share each) arc : R. S. Smith, 199, Bath
Street, Glasgow, electrical engineer; R. M. Yellowlees, 64, Murray Road,
Stirling. Private company. The first directors arc J. S. A. Primrose and
R. S. Smith. Solicitor and secretary : R. M. Yellowlees. Registered office :
199. Bath Street, Glasgow.

Volta Magneto Co., Ltd. (144,2.30).— This company was

registered on June 29th, with a capital of £5,000 in £1 shares, to carry on
the business of manufacturers of and dealers in magnetos, sparking plugs,
and all kinds of machinery, appliances, apparatus, accessories, and fittings
for ignition purposes, or capable of being used in connection with electric
light, heat, and power, manufacturers of and dealers in motor cars, motor
boc-its, flying machines, airships, aeroplanes, &c. The subscribers (with one
.share each) are : H. C. Chambers, '' Kcrri," Blakeslcy Road, Vardley, Bir-
mingham, clerk; G. J. Withington, 29, Bowyer Road, Saltley, Birmingham,
cleric. Private companv. The number of directors is not to be less than
two or more than five; the first are C. T. B. .Sangster and H. Jelley. No
qu.ilificalion required. Solicitors : Pinsent & Co., 6, Bennett's Hill, Bir^
mingham.

Stevens PetroL Electric Vehicles, Ltd. (144,206).— This

conip:in\- was registered on June 27th, with a capital of £3,000 in £1 shares
(I,.'i00 ■• A ■• and 1,500 " B "), to carry into effect an agreement dated August
19th, I9I5, between W'. A. Stevens and Joseph Sankey & .Sons, Ltd., and
to carrv on the business indicated by the title, and that of agents for the
sale of 'motor and other vehicles, S.C. The subscribers (with one share each)
;irc : \\'. A. Stevens, V Castlemaine," London Road, Maidstone, engineer;
F. (). Collis. 72, King Street, Maidstone, solicitor. Private company. The
number of directors is npt to be less than two or more than five; the first
:ue W. A. Stevens (managing director) and two others to be nominated by
the holders of " A " shares. Qualification, £1. Remuneration of W. A.
Stevens, £1,000 per annum. He is also to receive £150 per annum towards
the upkeep of a" motor car (to be purchased by himself, and to remain his
property) for use in connection with the company's business. Solicitor; C.
C'rowther. 23, Abingdon Street, Westminster. Registered by Jordan & Sons,
Ltd., 116-117, Chancery Lane, W.C.

Robinhood Enjjineerin;; Works, Ltd. (144,205).— This

ipital of £10,000 in £1 sha
TS of and dealers in sparking plugs
in internal-combustion engines, eler-
, shell and munition makers, machi-
lanufacturers, garage keepers, manu-
cycles, boats, and hydroplanes, &-c.,
L. Guinness. The subscribers (with
" Aranmor," Kingston Hill, Surrey,
ew," Stubwood, Uttoxeter, manager
*"' rbscribers are to appoint the

(cha

an £200). Regis-

-This companv

£1 shares, to carrv

company was registered on June 27th
to carry on the business of manufacturt
and other ignition apparatus for use
trical, mechanical, and general engineers
nists, founders, motor car agents and rr
facturers of and dealers in aeroplanes,
and to adopt an agreement with K. E.
one share each) are: K. L. Guinness,
engineer; H. P. Hawthorn, "Broad Vi
of engineering works. Private company,
first directors. Remuneration, £100 each per
tereJ office : Newlands, Putney Vale. Surrey.

Wey Engineering Co., Ltd. (144,207).

was registered on June 27th. with a capital of £6,000 i

on the business of electrical, consulting, and mecfianical engineers, electrical
experts, technical advisers, manufacturers, contractors, importers, exporters,
and general dealers, &c., and to adopt three agreements (1 and 3) between
H. B. Ewbank and H. J. Banister, and (2) between R. P. Creagh and
H B. Ewbank. The subscribers (with one share each) are: H. J. Banister,
37 & 39, Brvanston Street, W., caterer; H. B. Ewbank. Baker Street, Wev-
bridge, surveyor and valuer; R. P. Creagh, Baker Street, Wevbridge, engi-
neer; H. H. 'Beach, High Street, Wevbridge, engineer; H. B. Preece, Brvan
House, Church Street, Wevbridge, manager; W. H. Baker. Brickwood House.
Baker Street. Weybridge,' accountant ; C. B. Buckill. Seaton House, Wry-
bridge, dental surgeon- Private companv. The number of directors is not
to be less than three or more than five;' the first are H. J. Banister, R. P.
Creagh, and H. B. Ewbank (all permanent). The two last-named are joint,
managing directors, with not less than £250 each per annum as remunera-
tion. Oualification, £500 shares. Secretary : W. H. Baker. Registered
office : Baker Street, Weybridge, Surrey.

British Electro=Cheniists, Ltd. (144,181). — This companv

was registered on June 24th, with a capital of £10.000 in £1 shares (6,000
•pref.). to adopt an agreement with China S: Metal Platers, Ltd., and to
carry on the business of engineers and contractors, chemists, galvanisers,
electroplaters of metals and other substances, founders, machinery manufac-
turers, metal depositors and refiners, inlayers of metals, &t. The sub-
scribers (with one pref. share each) are : Mrs. N. Bowen, 24, Westheath
Drive, Hampstead, N.W.; W. J. Williams, 165, Graham Road, Hackney,
N.E., clerk. Private company. The number of directors is not to be less
than three or more than seven; the first are B. G. Clark, C. Bowen, E. D.
Taylor, and B. P. Crawshaw. The. first two have the right to appoint
an additional director. Qualification of first directors. 100 shares; of subse-
quent directors, 500 shares. Remuneration. £500 each per annum. Direc
tors' borrowing powers restricted to £20,000. Registered office : 7, Ely
Place, Holborn Circus, E.C.

OFFICIAL RETURNS OF ELECTRICAL
COMPANIES.

Lobito Benguella and Catumbella Electric Light & Power
Co.. Ltd. — "Trust deed dated June 6th, 1916, to secure

£10,000 firs: mortgage debenture stock, charged on certain concessions and
rights and companv's other assets, present and future, including uncalled
capital. Trustees: Rt. Hon. Lord Waleran. P.C. 24, Hans Mansions. S.W..
and Bradfield. Cullompton. Devon; Rt. Ijon. Lord Rotherham, 61, Queen's
Gate, S.W., and Broughton, Lanes,

Voh 711. Xo. 2,(ilo. JrLV 7. lOir,.]

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

19

Brilliant Arc Lamp & Enj^ineering Co., Ltd.— A memor-
andum of satisfaction to the extent of £1,800 on May 13th, 1916, of dcben-
lures dated June 18th, 1915, securing £3,000, has been filed.

Duram, Ltd.— Particulars of ,£20,000 debentures, createij

March 23rd, 1916, 61ed pursuant to Section 93 (3) of the Companies (Con-
solidation) Act, 1908. the amount of the present issue being £6,500. Property
charged : The company's undertaking and property, present and future, in-
cluding uncalled capital. No trustees.

Perfection Light, Co., Ltd Particulars of ^396 (deben-
tures, created March 28th, 1916, filed pursuant to Section 93 (3) of the Com-
panies (Coisolidation) ."Vet, 1908, the whole amount being now issued. Pro-
perty charged : The company's undertaking and property, present and future,
inclrding uncalled capital. No trustees.

Karabon Co., Ltd. — First mortgage debenture dated

June 5th, 1916, to secure £150, charged on the company's undertaking and
property, present and future, including uncalled capital. Holder : D. Burke,
(_axton House. Westminster.

Strode & Co., Ltd. — Particulars of £17 5s. debentures,

created by resolutions of January 20th, 1913, and February 23rd, 1916, filed
pursuant to Section 93 (3) of the Companies (Consolidation) Act, 1908, the;
amount of the present issue being £2,500. Property charged : The com-
pany's undertaking and property, present and future, including uncalled
capital subject to a prior agreement. No trustees. Also issue on May 26th,
1916, of £2,500 debentures, part of a series of which particulars have already
been filed.

Ilfracombe Electric Light & Power Co., Ltd. (71,378).—

Capital. £15.000 in £5 shares. Return dated March 2"th, 1916. 67 shares
taken up; £335 paid. Mortgages and charges: Nil.

Keswick Electric Light Co., Ltd. (28,820).— Capital,

£20,000 in £1 shares (15,000 prel.). Return dated April 10th, 1916. 3,420
Old. shares taken up; £3,420 paid. Mortgages and charges: £10,100,

Brompton & Kensington Electricity Supply Co., Ltd.

(25,913).— Capital, £300,000 in 20,000 pref. and 40,000 ord. shares of £5
each. Return dated April 17th, 1916. 6,007 pref. and 32,993 ord. shares
taken up; £5 per share called up on 6,007 pref. and 32,993 ord.; £195,000
paid; £5,000 considered as paid on 1,000 ord. Mortgages and charges: Nil.

City of Carlisle Electric Tramways Co., Ltd. (62,601).—

Capital, £60,000 in £1 shares. Return dated April 14th, 1916. All shares
taken up. £60,000 paid. Mortgages and charges: £58,850.

D. & M. Syndicate (Hollister's Patents), Ltd. (138,893).

—Capital, £2,500 in £1 shares. Return dated June 13th, 1916. 2,300 shares
taken up; £2,300 paid. Mortgages and charges: Nil.

CITY NOTES.

T;ORD Montagu of Bf.aolieu presided.
Edison ou June 22nd, at the annual meeting. He

Accumulators, said that the profit for the year had been
Ltd. £7,1398, from which must be deducted the

loss on the first year's working of f 1,669,
having the profit for the two years at i£5,7'29. This was
sidisfactory considering that they had been working during
a period of great war stress. Their prospects were good, and
they had tTie basis of a sound business. There was a large
amount of abnormal business in consequence of the war, such
as orders received in connection with munition supplies and
industrial trucks for Government contract work, but normal
business had been held back. As people came to realise the
advantages of the electric vehicles in towns, and in districts
like Lancashire and Yorkshire, where numbers of towns
were situated close together and where power was cheap,
they might look forward to prosperity. There had been great
difficulties in getting parts of batteries and equipment
thiough the Custom House, and Mr. Monnot, the managing
director, had worked very hard to overcome these difficulties.
They were now experiencing less difficulty in getting delivery
of their batteries and trucks. The expansion of the business,
^\ hich was three times that of the previous year, had necessi-
tated the employment of further capital, which had been
found in various ways. It was because! of the immediate
necessity of further working capital to meet developments
that no dividends were to be di.stributed this year. Messrs.
Harrods already had a fleet of the company's delivery vans,
and were going to use more. After referring to the advan-
tages of " electrics " in municipal service, and to the present
prices of petrol, which ought to give a stimulus to electric
vehicles of all kinds. Lord Montagu mentioned that in the
case of commercial vehicles the "electric" needed fewer
repairs than vehicles with reciprocating engines did. — Col.
Sir H. C. L. HoLDEN seconded the adoption of the report,
and it was carried.

Mr. Godfrey Isavcs, presiding at the
Marconi's annual meeting on June 30th, first went
Wireless over the figures in the balance sheet, and

Telegraph then referred to the profit and loss account.
Co., Ltd. The balance of (he contracts, sales, and
trading account had increased by £'210,000.
The improvement of £145,\M) as compared with the previous
year was highly satisfactory, particularly bearing in mind
that there were substantial items not yet settled by the Gov-
ernment and that they had written off £53,000 in respect of
depreciation of exchanges and investments. No actual loss
had been incurred in exchange, as it had not been necessary
t.T bring home from abroad the moneys which were lying
at banks upon interest, nor had it been necessary to sell the
investments. There was every reason to believe that before
it was necessary for them to bring their money home, the

exchanges would have become normal, and that they might
be able to reahse their securities at a substantial profit The
company s business had certainly not been nomal There
was c(3nsiderable work in certain parts of the world which
they should have been doing but for the war, but they had
received many additional orders at home and from Allied
countries. The company's relations with the Admiralty had
been most agreeable; that department fully appreciated how
much It was indebted to the company for the admirable ser-
vice rendered by it and its employes. Their associated com-
panies had not been able to make the progress that they
would have (lone but for the war. This applied particularly
to the Spanish and Argentine ctjmpauies, to the Relay Auto-
- matic lelephone Co., and to the American company The
new direct trans-Atlantic service with New York which was
ready to open when war broke out, and to which they had
attached the very first importance, had continued in enforced
Idleness, the stations on this side having remained in the
.service of the Government. For this they hoped to receive
due compensation. As soon as the war came to an end this
new frans-Atlantic service should be productive of very con-
siderable revenue to their American company— as well as to
their own— which, added to the profits which they were now
luaking, should place them in a position to pay substantial
dividends. Independently, however, of this, they had in view
in conjunction with the .American company a new and very
considerable programme, which it would be inexpedient for
him to divulge at that moment. In regard to the carry-for-
ward, they were satisfied that in harbouring their resources
they were unquestionably acting in the best interests of the
company. Had they known their position with regard to the
several matters in respect of which they had to receive pay-
ments from the Government they couW have made a more
generous (iistribution, but until they knew a little more of
their position in that direction it was better to act conserva-
tively. The chairman went on to discuss the four heads
under which considerable sums were stated to be payable by
the Government to the company. To the end of 1915 they
handled foreign messages in transmission, reception, and
delivery whicn represented in the aggregate over 20,000,000
words. With regard to compensation, they had just com-
pleted the construction of their Carnarvon and Towyn sta-
tions, and in America, the American Co. liad just erected
its New Brunswick and Belmar stations, all of whict repre-
sented a very considerable outlay, for the purpose of opening
a direct telegraph service between Europe and America.
Traffics during the period of the war had shown a very con-
siderable increa.se, and there was no doubt what-soever that
the business they would have done would have been on a
very large scale indeed, and" the profit realised each year
since the outbreak of war would have run well into five
figures. They were of opinion that they should receive a
substantial sum to compensate them for this loss, and they
had every hope that the Government would appreciate the
value which their stations and services had been to the nation
and remunerate and compensate them fairly, if not gener-
ously. He had every hope that this matter would be settled
in the very early future. On Monday morning last he had
the assurance of the Postmaster-General that these questions
were receiving his earnest consideration, and every endeavour
would be made to deal with them at once. After discussing
the company's claims against the Admiralty and the War
Office, the speaker went on to refer to the payment to be
made by the Post Office by way of compensation for their
withdrawal from the Imperial Chain contract. Unfortu-
nately, they had not yet been able to arrive at terms which
they consiclered they would have been justified in accepting.
After several inquiries without result, and many months of
patient waiting, they realised that there was no altej'native
but to proceed with their claim for compensation, and they
took the necessary steps to that end. Whether they were
able hereafter to arrive at an agreement or not, there was
every reason to hope that the whole matter would be dealt
with and disposed of by the end of the year. But they were
not in any sense depending on a settlement of this matter to
carry out their promise of a substantial bonus. They looked
to any one of the other three heads of their claims for that
purpose. They were of opinion that they were entitled to a
very large sum under each of these heads, and whichever
one of them was settled first should enable them to carry out
their promise. Both classes of shares would receive what-
ever bonus it might be decided to pay. The chairman pro-
ceeded to pay a tribute to the staff and to refer to the new
invention which had matured as the result of Mr. Marconi's
research work in Italy.— Capt. H. Riall Sankey seconded the
adoption of the report. -,',,,,, ^

The report for the year ended March last,
Bastian Elec> submitted at the annual meeting, held on
trie Heating June '26th, showed that the net profit,
Syndicate, including f3'25 brought forward, and
Ltd. after writing off £308 for sundry depre-

ciations and allowances, amounts to
£] 2.58 A dividend of 5 per cent, for the year, less income-
tax at 3s in the £, absorbs £650, and £608 is to be carried
forward subject to excess profits duty. The report is (con-
sidered patisfactorv under the circumstances. With a view
to extending the scope of the business after the war the
directors consider that a more general name would be advis-
able, and the name of the company is accordingly to be
changed to the Bastian Electric Co., Ltd.

20

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

[Vol. 79. Xo. 2,015. July 7, lOlti.

The annual nieeting was held on Fiiil.iy
Rrit'-h ri»r 1"** week ut the Holborn Restaurant.
trir Tr»rVinn Mr. E. G.^RCKE, who presided, said that

Co Ltd ^"^ '"">* °^ ^^''"" ^^^ ^'"^' ''"'>■ "^ '^^'"'■y

■' ' institution, as well as every indivi-
dual, was to make all possible sacrifice to
defeat the enemy. At the same time, it was important that
the undertakings which as taxpayers and otherwise contri-
buted to the linancial resources of the country should be
S reserved and continued. It was in this spirit that the
irectors of their associated couipanics had c-onducted their
undertakings. The first thiut: they did on the outbreak of
war was to encourage the employes of the companies to join
the Forces, and they responded magnificently. The enlist-
nient of so many of their men had caused a good deal of
disturbance in their organisation, and in other respects
changes had been brought about in consequence of the war
which had in many ways altered the character of the busi-
ness. Not only had they had fewer men to do the work, but
they had had to pay higher wages. The higher wages earned
by the labouring classes, however, were in a very direct way
an advantage to tramway companies, for the tramways did
better when the ma.<;ses were earning good money than in
times of commercial depression. But other effects of the war
had been prejudicial to the business. There was great scar-
city of material,, and the material they were able to obtain
cost them more. Altogether, their working expenses had in-
creased considerably, and it had to be remembered that they
were not able to charge correspondingly more for their ser-
vices. Their tramway fares and the rates they charged for
the supply of electricity were fixed by Acts of Parliament,
and in most cases could not be increased. If, therefore, they
showed larger profits it was because they had done very
much more work, for they had earned less per passenger and
per unit. An Act had been passed taxing heavily all profits
ruade during the war in excess of those of a pre-war period.
There was no injustice in that, speaking generally, but tram-
way and electricity supply companies occupied a most excep-
tional position. These businesses, if they were profitable,
were taken over by local authorities on the expiration of
specified periods, and the price paid was generally less than
the capital expended Therefore these companies were bound
to make large reserves out of profits, and it was only after
the undertakings had been developed for several years that
they were able to do this. A tax on profits in these cases
was thus also a tax on capital. They suggested to the Chan-
cellor of the Exchequer that the Act of Parliament should
give special protection to such companies, but the only con-
cession they had been able to obtain was that these cases
should receive special consideration by the referees. They
must therefore hope for the best — that no injustice would
be done. Proceeding to refer to the accounts, the chairman
said that the revenue from investments and sundry profits
amounted to £"214,000, or i;8,.500 more than in the preceding
year, and the general expenses were £'27,749, or £1,500 more.
The average yield obtained on all their investments for the
past year represented 5.19 per cent., which was a little higher
than the figure for the preceding year after making adjust-
ments necessitated by the reduction of capital. They had a
balance profit of £209,000 to deal with, or about "£11,000
more than in the preceding year. After paying debenture
interest of £91,259 and the dividend of 6 per cent, for the
year upon the cumulative participating preference stock,
requiring £42.764, they had a balance of £75,146, besides the
amount of £71.398 brought forward from the preceding year.
The question of what amount should be placed to reserve had
received careful consideration. Now that the capital had
been reduced and past depreciation had been written off,
there was not the same need as before to make large addi-
tions to reserve, but it was prudent to put aside some portion
of the year's profit as a provision against further deprecia-
tioii, and they thought the right course was to consider the
iwsition carefully each year. Last year nothing was placed
to reserve because they did not wish to alter the figures of
the rcseiTe while the scheme of reduction of capital was in
progress. They thought that an addition of £20,327 to
reserve, raising it to £410,000, was the right thing to do this
year without, however, making any rule in regard to the
amount to be placed to reserve in future years. With regard
to the dividend on the new ordinary stock, when the scheme
of re-arrangement of capital was formulated, he intimated
that in the first year after the scheme had been carried
through they would be in a position to pay on the new ordi-
nary stock a dividend of 4 per cent., and that they "might
expect the dividend to gradually improve. The accounts
showed that their estimates were well founded, and that
they could easily pay this year a dividend on the ordinary
stock of more than the 3 per cent, thev .suggested, but the
estunate ws^s made before the outbreak "of war, and the cir-
cumstances had since completely altered. He still believed
that they would not be disappointed in future, and that their
estimates of progress would be realised, but it must be
remembered that the Government had placed restrictions
upon issues of new capital, and some of their companies
would not for some time be able to raise the additional
capital they might require for the development of their busi-
ness; it was probable that several of them would have to
keep their profits in the business instead of paying increased
dividends: that, moreover, some of the conipaniea would
apply to that company for financial assistance, and as they

were in the nature of departments of their business, it be-
hoved .them to support them. It was important, therefore,
that they should keep in a liquid form sonu' part of lluir
lirolits, especially as the present was not a favourable moment
for the realisation of their investments. For those reasons
they did not recommend the payment of a larger (Hvidend
on this occasion, and they were sure that the stockholders
would approve a cautious policy in regard to the payment
oi dividends, especially during the W'ar period. Having dealt
with the cliief items in the balance sheet and referred to the
important interests which the company had in the London
and Suburban Traction Co., Mr. Garcko said that the loSs
to their organisation of the 13ombay Electric Supply & TrSm-
ways Co. was to them a matter of much regret on senti-
mental as well as on business grounds. They initiated this
iniportant enterprise some 12 years ago. TTiey took sub-
stantial risks and made moderate profits in connection with
it and it was an enterprise they had every reason to be
proud of, but the burden of the double income-tax proved
very heavy for the large number of .small Indian share-
holders. There were about 4,000 shareholders of the company
in India holding less than six shares each, and it could be
well understood that the burden of the heavy English income-
tax, in addition to the Indian income-tax, induced the share-
holders to move the direction and management of the com-
l)any to India. It was a policy which the directors of Ihe
ccmpany could not regard otherwise than with sympathy,
for all their efforts to obtain relief from this taxation had
proved unavailing. In conclusion, he would repeat shortly
what he said at the last annual meeting in regard to the
industrial importance and value of their undertakings. Statu-
tory public service undertakings had this advantage over
other industrial concerns, that while in normal times the
piofits might not be so high, their capital values were not
likely to suffer during great national crises to the same extent
as was the case with some other industrial enterprises. They
did not think that the war would materially afl'ect their
capital values. When this terrible war was concluded by
the defeat of those who had wantonly disturbed the peace
of the world, the need for recuperative enterprise would
manifest itself, and that company would occupy a position of
strength under the altered conditions to enter upon new
undertakings at home and abroad. With regard to their
manufacturing departments, it was a hopeful augury that
the commercial community within the British Empire was
now thoroughly aroused to the necessity of being prepared
not only to resist a renewal of that apparently peaceful inva-
sion to which their industrial interests were exposed before
the war, but also to establish a closer union between the
parts of the Empire and with their Allies for their mutual
advancement instead of, as formerly, to further the aggran-
disement of their enemies.
Mr. C. S. Hilton seconded the motion.
In replying to the shareholders, the Ch.^irman said that the
directors never lost sight of the point whether anything
could be done to improve the net profits, but the mere raising
of fares was not always profitable. Sometimes when they
had increased the fares they had found that the result was
prejudicial in its net effect. There was no doubt as to the
fundamental truth of the statement that the services which
the company was rendering to the public were inadequately
remunerated, and among the many things which Parliament
would have to deal with when the time arrived would be
the very important one of whether pubhc service enterprises
which had done such excellent work for the poorer sections
of the community should not receive more liberal and more
sympathetic treatment at their hands than had been the case
in the past. The Board of Trade, in view of the altered cir-
cumstances which would obtain after the war, had already
appointed an Electrical Committee for the consideration of
those various matters, and their managers were now pre-
paring evidence to submit to the Committee with, he hoped,
good effect. — The report was adopted.

The report for 1915 shows that the
British Thom> buildings and machinery at Rugby, Cov-
son^Houstoo entry, and Willesden had been main-
Co., Ltd. tained in first-class condition. The usual
inventory of the Rugby main factory,
which was impossible in 1914, was taken in 1915, and the
figures show a considerable increase over the book figures
and fully justify the forecast made in the last report. The
profit, after deducting all expenses and charges other than
interest on debentures and loans, is £262,361, plus £13,798
brought forward. Interest paid on debentures and loans
amounted to £57,922, £144,878 is to be transferred to reserves
and depreciations, and £73,359 is to be carried forward. [For
the year 1914 the profit was £130,868. The transfer to
reserves and depreciation was £73,309.] The carry-forward
includes a reserve to cover the sum payable to the
Government for excess profits, which cannot be accu-
rately determined at present. Under the terms of the tru.st
deed securing the issue of the company's debentures, the
company has this year to pay to the trustees £4,4.52, to be
applied by them in redeeming debentures at 105 per cent, by
drawings. Since the closing of the books debentures of the
par value of £4,240 have been redeemed, making the total
par value of debentures retired to date £34,265, ajid leaving
a net amount outstanding at June 28th, 1916, of £177,735, as
against £181,975 at December, 1915. The directors have fol-
lowed their usual practice in making reserves to cover risks

Vol. 79. No. 2,015, Jl'LV 7. IHli).]

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

21

ia connection with bad debts and other contingencies. An-
nual meeting : London, July 14th.

Mr. W. C. Burton presided, on June
J. 0. White 29th, at the annual meeting. He said
& Co., Ltd. that business and the future outlook were
so affected by the war that their operating
conditions were far from normal, engineering constructional
works in all parts of the world being stopped. The raising
of new capital for such enterprises was not only impossible
from the intrinsic conditions, but had been officially prohi-
bited ; therefore any new work that they could secure was
necessarily very limited. They were fortunate in having
been able to meet all their expenses and to show a net profit
sufficient to cover 6 per cent, on the capital, with a comfort-
able margin. Their expenses were reduced drastically at the
beginning of the war, and they still remained much below
the pre-war standard. The work of looking after the opera-
tion of various foreign utility companies which they super-
vised from that office had been increased by the war, and the
difficulty of securing the necessary supplies for these com-
panies was now great. The company had for some time had
more of its resources invested, and consequently under pre-
sent conditions tied up, than was desirable. They had, how-
ever, been able to maintain a comfortable position as to cash
in hand. With their large reserve it might appear that they
could pay a larger dividend, but their resources were not, in
the present situation, sufficiently Uquid, and therefore this
would not be desirable. With a business such as they were
interested in, future development depended upon there being
a supply of capital available for new constructional enter-
prises, and this could only be expected after the restoration
of normal peace , conditions. In the meantime they must
husband their resources, keep together, so far as possible,
the essential elements of the staff, and be in a position to
take prompt advantage of the first opportunities. They were
also endeavouring to develop new channels in which their
experience could be utilised, more particularly by increasing
and broadening the scope of their commi.s.sion purchasing
department, and in connection with J. G. White & Co. (Inc ),
I of New York, securing business with those American interests
f who were now for the first time giving serious attention to
foreign busine.ss in South America and elsewhere.

Mr. H. Allen presided at the annual
Consolidated meeting on June 27th. He first referred
Electrical to the death of Mr. Taunton, who had
Co., Ltd. been secretary of this company and of the

original company that preceded it. The
■ company was to be congratulated on its earning capacity
r during the year, and on the condition of its finances. The
' total income was in excess of that of the previous year. The
balance at credit of profit and loss account might have justi-
fied a 3 per cent, thvidend on the ordinary shares, as before,
but that would have necessitated the distribution of rather
n.ore than the net earnings for the actual period. It was
wiser to submit to a shghtly reduced dividend, conserving
the resources. They had made no attempt at a valuation of
their investments, which figured in the balance sheet at
cost. The only two that gave them real cau.se for anxiety
I were the shares and bonds of the Con.stantinople Telepholie
Co. The fate of the English proprietors of that undertaking
must depend largely upon the fate of Turkey at the end of
the war. Political influences apart, the Constantinople Co.
was a most promising undertaking. Then what was almost
their best investment — one made shortly before the war — had
turned out to be the wor.^t in the matter of depreciation,
though it now .showed some slight sigiis of recovery. Taking
; the middle price for all their securities, and assuming the
Constantinople money as lost entirely, the total depreciation
represented liarely 10 per cent.

According to the Finnncial Times, the
Bombay Elec- leport for 1915 .shows that the total
trie Supply revenue from all sources amounted to
& Tramways £310.770. an increase of f 8,200. The ex-
Co., Ltd. penditure amounted to £142,091, a de-
crease of dE2,S9.5. Tlie net profit aggre-
gated £168,079, an increase of £11,09.5. After providing for
interest on debentures, placing to sinking fund account .£6,732.
to depreciation fund account £28,000, providing for the annual
payments for redemption of .second debentures of equivalent par
v.'ilue £8,(XlO, and making a contribution to officers' and em-
ployes' provident fund of £2, .507, there remains an available
bf.lance of £87.670, plus £8.326 Inought forward. The dii-ec-
tors recommend a dividend on the ordinary shares at the rate
of 7 per cent, per annum, free from all income-tax, £50.400,
leaving to be carried forwai'd £9,602. The gros.s leceipts from
tramways amounted to £172.051, as against £109,884 for the
previous year, while the woAing expenses were £79,604, against
£85,297. The balance of receipts over expenses was £92,386,
compared with £84.587. The gross revenue from electric sup-
ply for the vear, including the amount represented by sale Cif
current to the tramways, aggregates £138.020. compared with
£132,669. The working expenses were £58,132, against
£55,734, and the resulting balance, £79,888, compares with
£76,935 for 1914.

The A.G. fur Elehfrisclie Unternehmnti-

German (7f". of Munich, reports a net surplus of

Electrical £2,290 for 1915, as compared with £1.870

Companies. in the preceding year. It is proposed to

pay 5 per cent, on the preference shares,

being 4 per cent, for 1914 and 1 per cent, for last year.

The financial statement of the Treuhand Bank fur die Elek-
trische Industrie, of Berlin, which is associated with the
A E.G., shows that £.500.000 out of the total capital of
£1,250,000 was paid up at the end of 1915 and invested in
securities. The gross profits earned last year reached £4,300,
as against £33,000, the final result being a loss of £600, as
compared with net profits of £21,000 and a dividend of 4 per
cent, in 1914.

Companies to be Struck Off the Rejjister.— The following
are to be struck off and dissolved unless cause to the con-
trary is shown within three months: —

Acoustic Patents.

Anglo-Swiss Asbestos Co.

Animatophone Syndicate.

British Motobloc Syndicate.

British Tungsten Lamp Co.

Bullough's Adjustable Rail Joint Support Co.

Carlton Engineering Co.

Compagnie Gfnirale Electrique de la Cimpngne.

Cone-Jackson Engineering Co.

Didelon Regulators.

Electrical Advertising Co.

Electric Safety Boiler Cleaner.

Ernest Scott & Mountain.

Glamorgan Tram & Constructional Works.

J. Defries & Sons.

Kcvan Electric Co.

Machine Drying & Poat Fuel Co.

Mica Manufacturing Co.

National Lighting Corporation.

Platinum Corporation.

Southgate Engineering Co.

Telegraph Construction & Maintenance Co., Ltd.— An

interim dividend of 12s. per share (5 per cent.) is announced.

STOCKS AND SHARES.

Tdesday Evening.
Thr second half of the year has opened auspiciously in Stock
Exchange markets. Savings and profits provide plenty of
capital for investment. Consols have been strong, touching a
price at which the return is less than 4| per cent, on the
money, as against the 5 per cent, offered by Exchequer bonds.
Plain evidence, this, *f how the investor regards the outlook
for money after the war. Plain hint, also, to the holder of
good stock that he had better keep it. Removal of minimum
prices has had the anomalous effort of fortifying other gilt-
edged securities. The despair of the conscientious broker at
the result of his efforts to find unimpeachable investments of
long date to pay 5 per cent, on the money would be comical
were it not so sincere.

All investment stocks and shares are hard as nails, to use
the expressive colloquialism of Throgmorton Street. People
ask what is the use of selling anything if they don't know
where to get better value for their money. The City is
optuly optunistic in regard to the war, but only the unin-
stiiicted would lay much stress upon the rise in Consols as an
index of approaching peace. Forced sales of American securi-
ties is the main factor in the Consols advance.

Even Mexico is undergoing one of its periodical spasms of
settling-down. " President " Carranza is said to have given
way to the United States on all essential points. Oddly
enough, this news had a very bracing effect upon American
Kails and Canadian Pacifies, and hardly any at all upon the
shares of the railroad and utility companies in Mexico itself.

The Committee for the Protection of Bondholders in the
Mexico Tramways, Mexican Light & Power, and Pachuca
Companies have convened a meeting for Friday, July 14th,
to discuss the lengthy report prepared by the Hon. F. H.
Phippen, K.C., and Mr. E. D. Trowbridge. The Committee
have the support of 7^ million sterling of bonds, out of the
total of £12,330,371. That the value of. the Mexican dollar
should have fallen from a florin to three-halfpence is one
principal reason why the companies have had to suspend in-
terest payments. Bondholders will do well to make every
effort to attend what promises to be a highly important
meeting.

Electric lighting shares hold all their substantial rises of
last week. County ordinary put on another 2s. 6d., and
Westminsters further hardened, to 6J. Besides the demand
for ordinary and preference shaies, there is active competi-
tion for every scrap — literally — of debenture stock that comes
to market.

The Marconi meeting at the end of last week served to add
fuel to the fire of bullish expectations. The chairman in-
ferred that the gallant Senator had perfected developments
of the system which would mean remarkable expansion after
the war. Accordingly, the price is 11/32 up at 3 7/32. At
the same time American Marconis spurted sharply to 19s.,
and Canadians recovered to half-a-guinea.

Anglo-Argentine Tramways issues are no worse for the
passing of the interim dividend on the second preference

•22

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

"Vol. T'.l. Xo. 2.01:.. .Ti i,Y 7. r.Hi

shares. Maybe there were some who thought that this misht
have to come, and, after all, it is considered as a postpone-
ment of the payment. The shares are cumulative, and as
soon as the .Argentine Republic manages to secure a larger
proportion of shipping, industry will go ahead at a rapid rate.
Brazil has boon less handicapped than Argentina in the
matter of freights, and this the course of prices has abun-
dantly witnessed. Brazilian Tractions are shaking off some
of their recent dulness, and this week the price shows a
.'ilight improvement.

.\delaide Supply preference .shares aie a good spot; the
price is J up to its par value of 5.

In the Telegraph market, there is another goodly string of
ri.<;es. The Eastern group is firm, with Eastern ordinary,
Western Telegraphs and Eastern Extensions all up to the
equivalent of 1,50 for stock. Globe ordinary and preference
are both as. better, helped by the increase in dividend on
the former. Great Northerns are 10s. to the good. Investors
are trying to buy Telephones, too; United River Plates and
Chiles are '2s. fid. up.

The manufacturing group is very finn. Edison & Swan
fully-paid iihares are coming into prominence again, and at
;iis. are 5s. liigher on the week. British Westinghouse pre-
ference put on a further sixpence. Babcock & Wilcox touched
.'U. hut lost the fraction, the high price tempting out a few
shares. Indu.strials of all kinds display considerable activity ;.
only in the rubber department is there any noticeable dulness.
There, the steady dwindling in the price of the raw material
has discouraged buyers, particularly as the shrinkage is accom-
p:.nied by vague statements that no real improvement can
b.' expected until the late autumn. Copper shares also keep
dull and heavy, there being httle present indication of sub-
stantial recoverv in the metal.

SHARE LIST OF ELECTRICAL COMPANIES,

Home Elkcteucitt Companieb.

Dividend Price

^ ' s Jaly 4, Rise or fall

1914. 1915, 1916. this week.

Brompton Ordinary .... 10 10 61 —

Charing Cross Ordinary ..66 8* —

do. do. do, 4JPref.. 4J 4) 8i —

Chelsea 6 4 B —

Citv of London 9 8 ISJ —

do. do. 6 per cent. Pret. fi 6 10* —

County of London .... 7 7 If 5 + J

do. 6 per cent. Pref. 6 6 1' 3 —

Kensington Ordinary .... 9 7 5J —

London Electric 4 3 Ijv. —

do. do. 6 per cent. Pref. 6 6 i\ —

Metropolitan 3* 3 irg —

do. 4* per cent. Pref. 4J 4) 8 xd —

St. James- and Pall Mall . . 10 8 6 —

South London a 6 2j —

South Metropolitan Pref. ..7 7 H —

Westminster Ordinary .... 9 7 H + k

Tbleohaphs and Telephones.

AngloAm. Tel. Pret 6 6 105 - 1

do. Def 30/. 33/6 23 —

Chile Telephone 8 8 fi + J

Cuba Sub. Ord 6 5 7» -

Eastern Extension .... 7 8 lf> +1

Eastern Tel. Ord 7 8 160 +1

Globe Tel. and T. Ord 6 7 13 + J

do. Pref. ..6 6 11 + i

Great Northern Tel 22 22 37J + 4

Indo-European 13 13 49 —

Marconi 10 11 Si, + JJ

New York Tel. 4J 4) 4) lOaj —

Oriental Telephone Ord. . . 10 • 10 a —

United R. Plate Tel 8 8 6i + i

West India and Pan 1 N an/- —

Western Telegraph .... 7 8 15 xd —

Home Rails.

Central London, Ord. Assented 4 4 73 +1

Metropolitan . / . . H 1 27^ + J

do. District .. .. Nil Nil 194 + i

Underground Electric Ordinary Nil Nil 1 j3 —

do. do. "A" .. Nil Nil 6/- —

do. do. Income 6 6 87^ —

FOREION Traus, &c.

Adelaide Sup. 6 per cent. Pret. 6 6 6 + i

Anglo-Arg. Trams, First Pref. 54 54 3}J xd -H J

do. 2nd Pref. . . 64 64 Si —

do. 6 Deb. ..56 774 —

Brazil Tractions 4 4 62 + i

Bombay Electric Pref 6 6 If i —

British Columbia Elec. Rly. Pfce. 5 5 60 —

do. do. Preferred— Nil 40 —

do. do. Deferred — Nil 39 —

do. do. Deb. 4i 41 63 —

Mexico Trams 5 per cent. Bonds — Nil 40 —

do. 6 per cent. Bonds — Nil 31 —

Mexican Light Common . . Nil Nil 90 —

do. Pref Nil Nil 32 —

do. Ist Bonds .. Nil Nil 41 —

MANWAcrnanio Compasiks,

Babcock .i Wilcox .... 14 15 3 —

British Aluminium Ord. .. 5 7 26/- —

British Insvilated Ord 15 174 104 —

British Westinghouse Pref. .. 74 7» 48/6 -tBd.

Callenders 15 20" 124 —

do. 6 Pref. .... 5 6 4* —

Castner-Kellner 20 — 8} —

Edison & Swan, JE3 paid . . Nil — 10/i —

do. do. fully paid ..Nil — 1| + i

do. do. 5 percent. Deb. 5 5 57 —

Electric Construction . . . . 6 7> 15/3 —

Gen. Elec. Pref 6 6" 9| —

Henlsy 20 35 15 —

do. * Prel 44 44 4 —

India-Rnbber 10 10 laj —

■Telegraph Con 30 20 89 —

' Dividends paid free of income tax.

MARKET QUOTATIONS.

«7 18

9

7 2

10

6 18

6

6 18

4

6 12

0

6 U

3

6 U

9

6 15

H

6 16

7

7 11

()

6 13

4

B 6

4

7 10

U

6 H

4

8 13 10

6 0 0

5 7 8

7 9 10

6 4 0

8 0 0

5 17 8

6 6 8

Nil
Nil

8 16 a

9 16 S
6 3 1
8 6 8
6 13 6

•8 8 4

•6 4 0

It should be remembered, in making use of the figures appearing
in the following list, that in some Ciises the prices ixre only general,
and they may vary according to quantities and other circumstances.

Wednesday. July 5th.

CHEMICALS. &c.

Acid, Oxalic per

Ammoniac Sal per

Ammonia. Muriate (large crystal) ,

Bisulphide of Carbon . . . . ,

Borax . . ,

Copper Sulphate ,

Potash, Chlorate per

,. Perchlorate . . ,

Shellac per

Sulphate of Magnesia . . . . per

I Sulphur, Sublimed Flowers . . ,

I ,, Lump ,

Soda, Chlorate per

,, Crystals per

Sodium Bichromate, casks ,. per

lb.

METALS. &c.

c Brass (rolled metal 2" to 12 basis) per lb.

c 1, Tubes (solid drawn) .. ,,

c ,, Wire, basis ,,

c Copper Tubes (solid drawn) .. ,,

g ,, Bars (best selected) . . per ton

g ,, Sheet ,,

g ,, Rod

d ,, (Electrolytic) Bars .. „

d ,, „ Sheets .. „

d „ „ Rods .. „

d ,, „ H.C. Wire per lb.

/■ Ebonite Rod

f „ Sheet „

n German Silver Wire .. .. ,,

/i Gutta-peivha, fine ,,

h India-rubber, Para fine . . . . ,,

I Iron Pig (Cleveland warrants) . . per ton

/ „ Wire, galv. No. 8, P.O. qual, „

^ Lead, English Pig ,,

g Mercury per hot.

e Mica (in original cases) small . . per lb.

e ,, ,, ,, medium „

e ,, ,, „ large . . „

d Silicium Bronze Wire ., .. per lb.

r Steel, Magnet, in bars ,, ,. per ton

g Tin, Block (English)

n „ Wire, Nos. 1 to 16 .. .. per lb.

Latest

Fottnight'a

Price,

Inc. or Deo,

1/8

£75

£H

£ia

«30

£61

£i dec.

2/6

a/-

96/.

£18

£14

£10

1/44

190/-

1/4 to IHi

id. dec.

1/84 to 1/4

ja.-ld. do.

ll'i to 1/14

id. dec.

1/6* to 1/7

*d. dec.

il62

irl dec.

£152

iS dee.

£162

£8 dec.

£131

£6 dec.

£161

£6 dec.

£1-10

i-6 dec.

l/4i

id. deo.

Bl-

9/6

a/3

6/10

8/84

34d, ino.

Nom.

£86

£29 10

i;2 10 dec.

£16 12 6 to

£16' 16

6d. to 3/-

8/6 to 6/-

7/6 to 14/. 4 up.

1/84

£86

£177

il-i-a dec.

8/-

Quotations supplied by-

a G. Boor & Co.
c Thos. Bolton & Sons, Ltd.
d Frederick Smith & Co.
e F. Wiggins & Sons.
f India. Rubber, Gutta-Percha and
Telegraph Works Co., Ltd.

g James & Shakspeare,

h Edward Till iS Co.

I Boiling & Lowe.

; Richard Johnson & Nephi

n P. Ormiston A Sons.

r W. P. Dennis & Co.

Cuban Telephone Co. — The report shows that a gross
increase in rentals and service for 1915 amounting to $154,203
was handled, with an increase in operating expenses of only
$4,01.3, the net gain in operating income, therefore, being
$1.50,190 for the year. This gain was partially offset by
heavier expenditures for interest, and as a re.sult the net
surplus shows an increase of $10o,4'26 as compared with 1914,
or about 43 per cent. The depreciation for the year 1915 on
depreciable property based on 4 per cent, of the cost was
$178,478, less replacements chargeable to reserve of $76,814,
leaving a net increase in the account for the year of $101,659,
and a total reserve for depreciation at December 31st, 1915,
of $677,467. Neariy $4.50,000 of the company's accumulated
net cash surplus has been used this year for the purpose of
carrying on the construction work required to be done under
its concession and to provide for the constantly increasing
additions to both the local and long-distance systems. —
Financial Times.

Dublin United (Electric) Tramways Co. — Tlie direc-
tors have declared interim dividends for the half-year ended
,Iune 30th of 6 per cent, per annum, less income-tax. on the
pieference, and 4 per cent, on the ordinary shares. The
reduction of 1 per cent, on the ordinary shares is due to the
losr-. of over f 13,000 in receipts during the period of the
recent rebellion, when the entire service was at a .standstill.

St. James' & Pall Mall Electric Light Co., Ltd.— Interim
dividends at the rate of 7 per cent, per annum on the prefer-
ence and 5 per cent, per annum on the ordinary shares are
announced for the past half-year.

India=Rubber, Gutta=Percha & Telejjraph Works Co.,
Ltd. — Interim dividend, 5s. per share, free of tax, on the
ordinary shares.

Eastern Extension, Australasia & China Telei^raph Co.,
Ltd. — Interim dividend for the quartei- to March 31st, 3s. per
share, free of income-tax.

O. C. Hawkes, Ltd. — After paying 5 per cent, on the
preference shares, £4,193 is to be carried forward.

No. 2,015, JuLV 7. 1916]

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

23

METAL MARKET.

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Advertising Electrical Apparatus. — Referring t« the
letter of " A. J. G.," entitled " 0 ye of little faith." in our issue of
June 23rd. Mr. Harry S. Ellis, boroug^h electrical eng-ineer, South
Shields, has sent us a set of leaflets illustrating the advantages of
domestic electrical appliances on the lines advocated by "A. j. G."
Each leaflet carries on the front page an interesting picture of the
particular featui-e concerned, such as electric cooking at the break-
fast table, electric heating, electric cooling (with a fan), vacuum
cleaning, ironing. &c., a few brief phrases pointing out the benefits
derived from their use, including data regarding costs to buy and
run, and on a tear-off leaf an account form bearing the statement
of the amounts due from the consumer to whom the leaflet is
addressetl. On the back of the latter is an explanation of the
tariffs in force and the discounts allowed for prompt payment.
This excellent series shows fertility of resource and an eye for
persuasive effect which should prove highly captivating ; and Mr.
Ellis a-ssuresus that this method of advertising has been found both
cheap and effective.

Decimal Coinage and the Metric System. — At yester-
day's meeting of the Court of Common Council of the City of
London, a resolution was to be moved in favour of the nation
immediately adopting the decimal system of money, weights, and
measures.

ELECTRICITY ON THE FARM.

The advantages nf electricity in agriculture to the farmer,
'o the central-station engineer, and to the nation as a whole
have been fully discussed in the Review during the imst
two years.

We liaAc (.ilitained some i)articulars of an electrical
installation on a farm on the outskirts of a northern town,
where the electric supply ha.s been used since 1904. The
supply is given at 500 volts for power, and 250 volts for
lighting, from the central station situated about a mile and
ii half away, and the .service cables consist of two -022 sq. in.
and one '012 sq. in. cables,. insulated with bitumen and laid
solid underground in liitumen. The original installation
consisted of one 10-h.p. Royce motor and 45 lighting points,
but was later increased by the addition of a 2-H.P. motor in
the milk-house.

The lighting installation was cai'ried out partly in screwed
tubing, but wood casing was used in the farmhouse and
in some of the outbuildings. The stables and byres were
at first wired in screwed enamelled steel tubing, but on
account of moisture gathering in the tubes and causing
deterioration of the rubber, the enamelled tubing was subse-
i(uently replaced by galvanised tubing in these buildings. In
the haylofts, sheds, liariis, etc., where the enamelled tubing
protection was fitted, no trouble has been experienced
through insulation breakdowns.

,-,The charge for lighting was 4id. per unit in 1904, but
the rate was reduced to 4d., then aid., and now it is 8d. per
unit. The aninuil bills for electric lighting were as
follows : —

Total bill for

Year.

Units.

Rate.

lighting.

iy04-U.-) ...

266

4id.

.C4 19 9

l!Ki.")-0(; ...

318

4d.

6 6 0

r.lOG-(i7 ...

324

4d.

5 8 0

1!IU7-(J8 ...

324

4d.

5 8 0

1!)0S-0!1 ...

323

4d.

5 7 8

1909-10 ...

394

4d.

6 11 4

1910-11 ...

381

4d.

6 7 0

1911-12 ...

408

3id.

5 19 0

1912-13 ...

479

3d.

5 19 9

1913-14 ...

117

3d.

5 4 3

The average cost of lighting for the 10 years was
£5 13s. Id., the units per annum averaging 363. During
the year 1914-15 the farm buildings were occupied by the
military, and the lighting bill thereby greatly increased.

The 10-u.P. motor, which displaced a gas engine, drives
a line of shafthig e-xtending through the wall of the motor
house to the mill house. In the latter is installed a thrashing
machine, a bean bruiser, and a tm-nip pulper. Above, in
the loft, is a cake bruiser and a straw cutter. In addition
to these machines, the motor also drives a bone crusher for
hen-fodder, and a turning lathe and lioring machine in a
small workshop adjoining the mill.

The tirst four years' power bills are shown below, the
charge being made on a sliding scale commencing at ^2\A..
])er unit down to Hd. ]H'r unit.

Year.
19O4-0.'

During the greater part of this period the farmer made
full use of the motor, but in 1908 the farm changed hands,
and the new tenant placed his orders for bean-meal and hay
with a local grain merchant. He continued, however, to
make use of the cake bruiser, straw cutter, turnip pulpcr>
and bone-crushing machine in his farm, but the 10-h.p.
motor was, in consequence, less frequently in operation,
and the ac-counts for energy used by this motor fell, off
very greatly.

The price of fodder has increased enormously on account
of the war, and the present tenant of the farm intends tti
make use again of the thrashing machine and bean-crusher,
as his predecessor did before him.

In 1911 a 2-H.P. motor was installed for churning, and
also to drive a small milk separator for double creaming-

Average

Units.

Price.

Account.

856

2-4d.

£8 13 10

885

21d.

7 18 0

1,672

2-Od.

14 5 0

383

2-3d.

3 12 0

24

ill., l.LuCl'lUCAL lii:.Vlh\\

'I'lie ii>eil ul cli.rliii.it V loi lln'sc iiurixisi's. at llii' sjiim- i-.ilc,
liiis been sis follows : —

Year. T'nits. Co.^t.

i'.'11-i-j 1 1--' ti IL' r,

l',.lL>-l ; ... i.-.l 1 lit '.>

i:n:,-\\ im i -' n

i;ii4-i.". xs o if< I

The farmt'i- cxpiv-ssis hiin.^i'lf lu-^ well ]>lc;i.-<i'il with tin-
assistiiiici- 111- oiitaiiis from tlio t-leitricitv siip|)l_v. and docs
not know how hcconkl manairc othcrwisL'. witliout havin<; to
onpiiit' several additional farm-hands. The milksepaiatorand
churn are es])ccially haiidv, and he con tern plates addiiiff an
electrically-driven refrifjerator to his phuit. He is also
coiisiderinir oilier uses for the electric sn])])l\-, snch as a
inilkinsj macliinc for the M odd cows on the farm, an
electric incnhator. an electric liorse clip]ier, and a motor-
driven WiKsliinir macliinc. As the water supjily is rurnislicd
1)V i^i'avity from a spring on the hillside, he hits no use for
jiumps, lint he wishes to install electric heaters in the hyre
and milk-house to keep the tenqierature ahove freezini;
]K)int in the wwiter. Good liirlitiiiij in the liyivs and
milk-iiouse in the whiter nioi'iiiiii;s has enabled the farmci'
to caiTv out the milkiiiir expeditiously and .satisfactorily,
and he empluisiscs the safety of electricity for lifrhtin<^ in
hay-lofts, sheds. Arc, where inflaniinahle material is kept.

From the station engineer's point of view, the load
ol)taincd is a good one, since the farmer uses his machinery
<luring the early ])art of the day, and the maximum
demand, both for lighting and ]io\vcr. takes place in the
t-arlv morninir.

ELECTRICITY SUPPLY IN GREENOCK
TWO YE.ARS' GROWTH.

(>.\ May 2nd. I'.tu;, an inaugural ceremony took place at the
(Jreenock electricity works, the occasion being the addition
to the plant of a fifth steam turbine and generator. Tliis
makes the secoml machine of .").Oi)(i k\v. ca]iacity installed
at the Dellingbiun Works.

. Cottncillor McCalliim. Convener of the Electricity Com-
mittee, on that occ^asion gave some remarkable figures in
connection with the growtli of the undertaking during the
last h'W years.

In l'.ll;>-l-l it was tliouulu that the output totxreenock
consumers had reached its maximum, and that anv increase

Westisghocse ."),(h)0-kw. Tcrbo-Alternator recently ixst.\^[,i,kd at Grbex

in the supply was to be looked f(jr in I'oit fJlasgow. The
unite sold for that year amounted to 1 1,451,438, and the
first few months of the succeeding year showed a reduction
in the output, but, as the winter approached, the demand
began to rise, partly due to the introduction of the supply
to the Port Glasgow shipbuilders ; the main part, however,
of the new business was due to the additional requirements
of Greenock firms.

The units sold during I'.Ul-l,') totalled 1 I,i'(i7,.'i7."i. an
increase of 24 per cent, over the preceding year, of which 1 I
I ler cent, represented the adilitional output in Greenock alone.
With the advent of the financinl year l!)l.">-l(i, new
ap]>lications came in from all classes of con.sniners. The
nianagement immediately took stei)S to cojie with the larger
demand: the boiler capacity was increased by the installa-
tion of new ecoiiomisers. and all that was possible was done
to get the maxiinuni duty out of the existing boiler
equipment. During this period full steaming power had to
be obtaineil with all the boilers in commission, and with
no reserve, so that a breakdown in any one boiler wmilil
ha\e necessitated the curtailment of su]iplies.

The most serious ditliciilty experienced, however, during
the pa.st winter W'as the shortage of water for condensing
|iurposcs, owing to the ilrought. Extensions to pumping
plant had tn lie rapidly laid down, and the cooling tnwers —
which had been originally installed for the night load,
when no water flows down the Cut — had to lie bmughl into
commission during the daytime.

The new scheme of extensions, for which the ( 'or]K)ra-
tion is at jiresent seeking powers to borrow £t.'),()00.
includes two new boilers and a lirge cooling tow _•!•, as well
as feeders and converl-iiig jilant a' the various substations.
.\s indicating the necessity for these further additions to
the plant, it may be stated that since the end of I he last
financial year ap]>licatioiH have already been received for
electricity su]i]ilies amounting to 1,310 KW. in Greenock and
(;('i3 KW. from Tort Glasgow users, and when negotiations
with several other jirospective consumers are conqileted, a
further deniaml of '.io,"i kw. may be expected. The units
generated for the nine months ended ou March 31s:t last
nuinbered 17, 152, (Ul, and the amount of energy jiroduced
for the complete year will ])robably exceed 20 million units
generated, or nearly loo ]icr cent, more than the output
two years iigo.

The daily demand during the month of May has' exceeded
last year's daily demand for the corresiwiidin^ period by
over 1,000 KW. This represents 25 per cent, increase on
last year's maximum demand, and is a very marked indica-
tion of what may be exjiet'tcd when the shoiter days arrive,
and the lighting load overlaps the jxiwer load.

The prospects for the undertaking during the next few
years ajipear to be excellent. Shipbuilding and engineering
firms expect to have plenty of work in hand for some
time to come, and the sugar refineries have lately been
extending their electrical machinery. In other trades,
too. electric motors are being installed,
despite the j)re\'ailing high prices of
nicichiiiery.

The turbine set which has recently
been placed in servii'e is a duplicate
of plant sup])lied to the Greenock
Corporation by the British Westing-
houst' Cc)., about two years ago. The
tin-bine is of the Westinghonse-Rateau
high-pressure impulse type, rated at
5,000 KW'.. and running at a speed of
1,500 R.P.M. The alternator is of the
jiatent compensated ' type generating
three-phase current at 50 periods, 3,300
\-olts, and takes an overload of 25 pef
cent, for one hour. This set is
|)rovided with a direct-coupled exciter.
Regulation is carried out by means of
a rheo.stat in the exciter shunt field, no
main field rheostat being necessary. A
wet-air filter has Ijeen supplied with the
alternator.

Surfiu.;e condensing plant has also been

installed, but no circulating pump lias

been supplied, as the cooling water is

fed by gravity. The Leblanc air and extraction pumps are

driven by means of an auxiliary turbine, which exhausts

into the feed-water lieater.

The accompanying illustrations show the new set, and the
interior of the engine room. Our congratulations are due
to Mr. F. H. AVhysall, the burgh electrical engineer and
manager, on the remarkable develoj)ment of the undertaking
under his control.

Vol. 7!'. Xo. 2,015, July

THE ELECTRICAL EEVIEW.

•25

5.P.T. : A FINSBURY REMINISCENCE.

The reL-ent lamented death of Prof. Sihanus P. Thomi>soii
must have caused old students of Finsbury to recall their

liege days, and to regi'et that the visits which so many of
; I •m pay to the place for the sake of old times no longer
carry the possibility of a meeting with the genial Doctor,
whose friendly interest in the careers of his old pupils was

A ays most lively and encouraging.

• S.P.T.," as we called him, seemed more like a per-
:ii;uient institution than an ordinary being, and it is hard to
loulise that we have seen him for the last time on earth.

He possessed great learning, and that in many directions,
lb- kept abreast, with marvellous at^tivity, of modern

. elopments, whether scientific, industrial, or literary. He

la keen insight into practical problems, and was always

idy t" give heljiful advice and criticism. He was liberal-

whom had spent a jiiut of their \acation in some kind of
emjilovment, were brought back to the proper frame of
mind by another glimpse of the Promised Laud. Those
who had gone out and found the milk and houey less
plentiful than they had hoped for, or who Avere still
struggling through the wilderness, sometimes came in, and
were rehearteued and filled with a new enthusiasm.

These reminiscences are mostly of about 18 to 20 years
ago. In those days the Doctor used to lecture on Friday after-
noons on abstruse matters connected with high electrical
theory. The consideration of jxitential was described by
a somewhat mystified student as •' a Johnny rushing
up from infinity and plugging a brick down, and rushing
off for another one."

Any misdemeanour or inattehtiveness in lectiu'e was at
once checked by a silent glare. I once lirought this on
myself by sighing loudly, whether with despair at my own
olituseness or for some other reason is not now certain, in

(;::ei;n(ii;k ELKriKirnv \\i

.!■ K:

liiiiled ; a conspicuous instance of this was his attitude im

the question of the layiug-down of electric tramways in

London, when his views, expressed more than once in

■eches before the Institution of Electrical Engineers.

• le in marked contrast to the reactionary and stick-in-the-
iiiiid ideas of others in similar positions. He was eminent
1.^ a lecturer, with^a style which could not fail to interest
and attract, and he had a marvellous ix)wer of cleai" exposi-
tion, in which he had no sujieriors, and very few equals,
among men of science.

His address at the ofKning of each session of the college
was characteristic. New students, many of them -fre.sh
from school, were encouraged to pui-sue their new activities,
and to keep at work, in spite of the novelty of being
a<l<lresscd as " Mr. " by the exalted beings who now replsKted
their former schoolmasters, and of the removal of many
rej^trictions. Those in the middle- of their coui-se. some of

the middle of one of the Friday afternoon lectures aforesaid,
when sitting in the front row.

One student, whose disability in the world electric was
so consiticuous that his first session was also his la.st, wiis
inclined to fa\our the back of the theatre, so that his
tendency to talk, sketch, or slmnber would be less
noticeable. When the Doctor called the roll, and noted
from whence the answer came, he said : '• Xo, Mr. H., come
nearer. You must not hide your light under a bushel."

A demonstrator of the time, who, as I have since leai-ued
to realise, was very clever, not only at his work, but at
many side-lines — natural history, "for example — was an
extremely nervous man, and he used to jig a little piece of
chalk up and down in his hand while lectm'iug. His
lectures used to be delivered to a running accompaniment
of kicks on the desks, Ijanging of notebooks, stamps on the
floor, and other uncouth and ill-mannered noises. One
day the lecturer rebelled against this tyranny, annoimcing
that he meant to caiTy through his lecture to its conclusion

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

iir., July 7, ISlt;.

oil the liiicf Ik- luul laid tli.wii. ami ilial il jientloinen (yes,
we were ealleil " trentleiiien ") would iiei-sist in interrupt iiiir,
lie should kee]) them l>eyond the ln'sinniii'i of the luneheon
hour. The noise eoutinuiug. he did so. luid the strikintr of
the hour was the sisrnal for 3'ells of execration.

Suddenly the door Iwhind" the kvture lieiich oix.'iied. The
PiH'tor ! The yells were stifled iu the throats of the
riotei-s. The Doctor entered, and sjit down on a ehair
liehind the ln'iieh. He spoke no word. The proverhial pin
nii<ilit have fallen with an ear-splittiu<r (-rash. The lecturer,
who seemed nearly as alarmed as tlie students, and was.
roiise<iuently. more nervous than ever, went on to the end.
still jiirsirin;.! the hit of ehalk uji and down in his hand. aiul.
so far as we knew, the incident closed.

.\t that time, and for some years after, the Physics
Lahoratory and the Drawiiiir Office used t^) be at No. ">, a
little way" up the street towards the City Road. !>un(lry
industrious ex|X'rimenters dis«>vered that a pleasing effect
could lie obtained by blowing down a tube attached to the
giis-ltipe. when Bunsen burners in the vicinity showed a
livid and ghiistly glare. I tried it myself, so I know. A
i'ertain student, now of some eiuinence as a designer of
electrical machinery, but then (|uite the smallest ]ierson ai
the college, pursued tliis research rather too far, and
extinguished all the burners in the lalioratory. whereby he
was discovered, and w;is didy reiwrted to the Principal.

The next time all the "first-years" were gathered together
in the Physics Lectm-e Theatre, the Doctor addressed tliem
in grave and meiusured terms, pointing out the great iniquity
of this ]iractice and tlie danger of it, and the wa.ste of time
arising therefrom. Finally he ordered the culprit to leave
the theatre : which done, he observed scathingly : " Are
there any more little boys iu knickerbockers ?"

He was clever in the use of stratagems to fix jioints in
the mind. On one occasion the suliject was lenses and
their curvature. How should we describe the curvature of
a lens ? This theme ran through the lecture from the
Ivginning to the end of the hom-'s talk. In what unit
should it be defined '; And so he worked it up, till we
were all (piite excited and anxious to hear the answer
to the question : " What is the unit of curvature ? "' At
last, he said : " It is called one Dioptrie," and, writing the
word on the Iward, he beamed u])on the class -and said no
more. I have not forgotten the diojitrie, though I have
never since had any occasion to use it. •

One could go on for a long time with niemoi'ies of those
days, uow so far away, Ijut it is time to draw to a <-los'e.

In a properly-constituted State such men as he would be
knighted. Of coui'se, I never heard him speak of the
honour for himself, though he was of opinion that Dr.
Ferranti and Mr. Siemens, Presidents respectively of the
Electricals and the Civils, ought to have been knighted in
the Coronation year.

One's cordial sympathy goes out to his staff, many of
whom have prf)ved their devotion by long service. How
desolate the College must seem to them now, how forlorn
the eniiity chair !

Let us hope a worthy successor will be found, one who
imdei-stands Fiusbury traditions, and w-ho is in sympathy
with the Doctor's ideals. Prof. Miles Walker, his old
iissisUiut, is one such man, and his choice would lie welcomed
by Finsbury men. present and past. — C.

NEW ELECTRICAL DEVICES, FITTINQS,
AND PLANT.

E.A.C. Multiple Contact Starter.

We recently inspected a lar^e multiple contact starter for a
D.c. motor driving a rolling mill, made by The Electrical
.\PPAR ATI'S Co., Ltd., of Vauxhall Works, South Lambeth Road,
S.W. It is of the contactor type, with full electrical interlocking-]
The starting hand-wheel is shown on the upper right-hand side of
fig. 1. with the regulating handle below ; a pu.sh-button contact
operated by the hand-wheel closes the control circuit when moved
forward, but opens it at once when the wheel is moved backward, thus
throwing out the initial contactors. The shunt field .switch is
seen at the lower left-hand corner of the figure, and is mechanically

interlocked with the main switch .shown alongside of it, which
cannot be liut down into the running jwsition unless the field
swit<;h is first clo-sed, as shown : the lower contacts of the fiehi
switch place a resistance across the field terminals before the
circuit is opened.

The regulating switch is also interlocked by the eloctromagnet
seen on the lower right-hand panel ; the motor cannot be starttsi
unless the armature of the magnet is pushed down by a projection
attached to the regulating lever, which must be put back to the
"all-out " position for this purjiose. and cannot be moved forward
to insert resistance in the field circuit until the starting operation
is completed.

The main knife switch being closed, the next operationlis to
dose the circuit-breaker on the left-hand upper p.anel, whicli is
l)roviderl with an over-load release : on turning the hand-whe<'l.
the contactors are i)ulled in successively, cutting out resistance from
the armature circuit, until finally the double contactor on the right
closes and short-circuits all the resistance. Each contactor is
provided with two auxiliary rontiicts. one of which interlocks the

Fig. 1. E.A. Co. iiiii u.p. Multiple-Contact Starter.

initial contactor, so that if any of the intermediate contactors
stick up, the first cannot close : the other contiict introduces an
economy resistance into the circuit of the solenoid. If, in starting
up. one of the contactors fails to close, none of the subsequent ones
can close, and in such a case the starting hand-wheel must be
returned to the first position and a fresh start made. The reeist-
iinces are of the iron grid type, and are mounted on the back of
the board ; the economy coils are all brought together in a frame
where they are readily accessible, with neat wiring to the corres-
iwnding solenoids.

In order to stop the motor without loss of time, dynamic braking
is employed, three resistance steps being provided on the upper
position of the main knife switch. The board is intended for the
control of a motor of 400 H.P., taking currents up to I ,.5U0 amperes :
the contacts are therefore very subst.intial, and carbon sparking
contacts are provided on all the contactors. In addition, the
initial and final contactors, which are the only ones that may ha^e
to break the circuit, are fitted with magnetic blow-outs. The
switchgear was shown to us in operation, and appeared to be a
very satisfactory job in all respects.

Westinghouse Liquid Controllers.

The advantages of liquid controllers have increased as their
drawbacks have diminished, with improvements in construction,
and the modern type differs widely from the crude apparatus
formerly available, being now a well-designed and reliable
machine, which lends itself admirably to a variety of conditions.
We illustrate herewith a hand-operated controller of this kind
which has been got out by the British Westinghouse Co., Ltd.,
of Traflord Park, Manchester, for use in connection with slip-ring
reversing motors driving haulages. A:c., in mines and quarries, for
stator pressures up to 3,300 volts, stator currents up to 300 amperes,
and rotor currents up to 7,">0 amperes. The device comprises stator
circuit oil-break switches, and liquid resistances for the rotor
circuit, the latter being provided with a system of water-cooling
pipes, as shown in section, fig. 3. The controller is operate<i
with a lever, as shown in fig. 2, unless otherwise specified, and is bo

Vol. 79. No. 2,015, July 7, 191(1.]

THE ELECTRICAL KEVIEW.

27

irrang'ed that the oil switches close before any of the rotor resistance
iH cut out of circuit ; the switches are of heavy construction, and arc
suitable for frequent operation under heavy load. The arran!,'-e-
inent of the resistance tank is shown in the section, &g. ;■!.

The fixed electrode can be removed without disturbinjf the
earthenware pots. The electrodes are provided with a sump bek>w

ELECTRIC INCUBATORS.

Fig. 2. — Westinghouse Liquid (''

'3tie contact surfaces in which any sludge will collect, and from
which the sludfje can be drawn off by means of a cock. The
earthenware pots can be withdrawn through the side of the con-
troller, and new ones fixed in thg same way. thus obviating the

Fig. 3. — Section of Resistance Tank.

necessity of a pit below the controller for this purpose. The
moving; electrodes may be removed without disturbing- the cooling
pipes. Baffle plates ensure proper circulation of the electrolyte.
The amount of water required is approximately .3'3 gallons \^r
hore«-power dissipated in the controller per hour.

The advantages of electricity for hatching and brooding chickens
and testing eggs are becoming better and better recognised, and
the convenience and adaptability of electric devices over those
operated by gasoline, gas, steam, and kerosene easily place them in
the front wherever electric service is available.

Among the advantages claimed for electric incubators are
simplicity of operation, close control of both heat and moisture,
perfect ventilation, absence of smoke, soot, fumes, and odours,
safety with respect to danger from fire, i:c.

The incubator shown in fig. 1 is of metal construction, the out-
side casing being of heavily-enamelled sheet steel, and the inside,
or egg-chamber, of heavy galvanised iron. The dead-air space
between the two is insulated with a sanitary, fireproof material.
Ventilation is controlled from the outside by a metal slide in the
bottom of the incubator, by means of which the intake of air can
be easily and correctly regulated. The moisture or humidifying
tank is on a flange attached to the side of the egg chamber, sliding
in or out, and being easily accessible. The electric wiring is placed
between the outer and inner metal parts of the removable top lid
of the machine, so that nothing is exposed except the sockets for
the bulbs and the circuit-! reader.

The egg trays are of heavy galvanised wire, and the sizes ai'e
graduated so that each tray will hold about lUO eggs, making the
trays easy for anyone to handle. Where the dimensions permit,
the egg trays are made in sectional squares, so that the positions of
the eggs relative to the centre, sides, and corners of the container
can be changed without actually touching the eggs themselves.
Solid removable bottoms with perforated sheet and sliding venti-

FiG. 1. Electric Incubator with Capacity of 65 Ergs.

lators are provided. . In addition to the asbestos lining, the dead-
air space in the top is packed with mineral wool, and the sides with
a triple layer of prepared paper and felt. The machine is equipped
with double-glass windows in the door, so that each part of the
interior is always visible. A card slide is attached to the side of
the machine for keeping records of the hatch.

The temperature of the incubator is controlled by a thermostat,
which automatically regulates and controls the degree of heat
required in the incubator. When the temperature rises a quarter
degree above the point at which the thermostatic circuit-breaker
has been set. the circuit is automatically broken, and the current
is shut off from the lamps, which are of carbon-filament type. As
soon as the temperature falls a fraction of a degree below the
point at which the machine is set, the circuit is automatically
re-established.

At a rate of 5 cents a KW.-hour it is said to cost only a trifle
more to hatch by electricity than bj' oil or hot water. Where the
rates are much lower, the difference in cost is either eliminated, or
the advantage can be placed on the side of the electrically -operated
machine. It is claimed, however, that at the above-named price
the small additional excess in cost is more than offset by the
increased percentage of chickens hatched, the time saved over that '
spent in operating other devices for hatching and brooding, the
absence of worry as to the outcome, and the superior vitality of the
young fowls, together with the absolute lack of fire risk. The
all-metal construction of the machine shown herewith permits it
to be easily cleaned, and it is; therefore, far more sanitary than the
old tvpes of wood machines.

Of course, in producing chicks by artificial means the mere
hatching of the eggs is only " half the battle." The chicks must be
reared, and statistics show that only about one-half of the chicks
hatched reach maturity. This large mortality is caused, it is
claimed, by disease, usually the result of improper brooding. In
the absence of the motherly hens to watch over the broods pro-
duced by artificial incubation, and especially to keep them wami at
night, electrically-heated hovers have been developed, of similar
construction to that of the incubator described above, being of
metal, light in weight, portable, and perfectly insulated. A
curtain of felt is employed for providing shelter for the chicks. No
thermometer is needed, because the proper degree of heat necessary
to rear the chicks is computed in advance, and the hovers are
equipped with bulbs accordingly. — Electrical World.

2S

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

Xo. 2,oi:>, Ji i.\ :. i;ii.

FOREIGN AND COLONIAL TARIFFS ON
ELECTRICAL aOODS.

SWTTZERI^XND— With roference to the notice published
ill the Revikw of .Tanuary 'iMth. containing a list of electrical
and other goods of which the Socioto Suisse de Surveillance
Econoinique is the only authorised eonsi(»Dee in Switzerland,
it appears that a revised list of articles has l>oen issued by
the War Trade Department, in respect of whii-h licences for
export to Switzerland are only granted if the goods are
consigned to the above-mentioned Societe for account of the
ultimate consignees. Certain articles in the li.st are allowed
to benefit under the special scheme for small parcels (details
of which were pubHshed in the Hoard of Trade Journal of
March 'i^rd) ; in these cases licences may, at the discretion of
the War Trade Department, be issued on application without
the production of a certificate from the Societe, in respect
of parcels up to 11 lb. in weight by non-postal service, pro-
vided that they are dispatched by the special route stipu-
lated. The following are among the articles appearing in the
revised list ; those printed in italic type can take advantage
of the special sclieme above-nientioned, while in the case of
those not printed in italics a certificate from the Soci^t^ is
essential : —

Accumulators, electric, and accumulator plates.

.\lurainium in all forms and aluminium manufactures.

.\sbestos, crude and manufactured.

Batteries, electric, and parts.

Bauxite.

Belting (machine) of all kinds.

Cable, insulated.

Carbons, electric. {Carbons for electricity — except elec-
trodes— and carbon brushes for dynamos, can be sent under
the small-parcel scheme.)

Celluloid, raw, in bulk, sheets, rods, tubes, clippings and
waste (but not wares).

Chrome, ore and metal, in all forms.

Copper : Ore (including pyrites) ; pure metal and alloys of.
io all forms; waste.

Corundum.

Detonators.

Electrical firelighters.

Electrical insulated wire and cables.

Electrodes, cells and component parts.

Emery, all forms, and emery wheels.

Ferro-chrome and ferro-nickel, and all other ferro-alloys.

Pilings and scrap, of old copper, tin, zinc, and their alloys.

Fuses (miners').

Gloves {rubber).

Graphite.

Gutta-percha, all forms.

Instruments, nautical, observation, geodetical, and optical.

Lead, pure and its alloys; pipe; sheet, drawn and wire;
lead ore; waste.

Machine tools and parts thereof.

Machinery (and parts) for use in marine and aerial naviga-
tion.

Machinery, electrical, electric dynamos, and motors.

Machinery, refrigerating.

Machinery oils

Magnetos.

Mercury; ore. metal, and preparations; fulminate.

Metal, anti-friction.

Mica, rough and worked.

Molybdenum ; ore and alloys, also salts.

Kickel, ore, metal, pure and alloyed, all form.«.

Packings, engine and boiler, including slagwool.

Rubber, vulcanised, in sheets.

Surgical instruments and apparatus.

Telegraphs and telephones, material for.

Titaniutn ore, -metal and salts.

Tungsten in aU forms.

Vanadium, ore, salts.

Vehicles of all kinds used in military or naval transport.

Zinc, ore; metal, pure and alloyed, in all forms.

NEW PATENTS APPLIED FOR,

(NOT YET PUBLISHED),

1916.

Published eipressly (or this journal by Messrs. W. P. Thompsov & Co .
Electrical Patent Agents, 285, High Holborn. London. W.C, .rn<l ;il
Liverpool and Bradford.

8,607. " Electrodes of secondary batteries." E. Hancock & H Wishf
June 19lh.

8.618. " Electric knitting needles." E. T. Bartlett & G. M. Simpson.
June 19lh.

8,620. " Electrical conductors." W. P. Granville. June 19th.

8.625. "Distributors for high-tension magnetos." G. .S. Hoi lavd and
MoKCAN Crucible Co. June 19th.

8,633. " Alternating-current commutator motors." British Westinghouse
Elpxtric & Manlfacturinc. Co. June 19th. (U.S.A., June 19th, 1915.)

8,(j39. " Arrangement of electric storage batteries In submarines and con-
struction of submarines for that purpose." E. C. R. Marks (Soc. Anon.
Ilaliana G. Ansaldo &• Co.). June lOth.

adjustment of trolley-pole of tr.-.nir.-ir, &c."

rnoMsos-MnrsTON Co. (General Electric
O. Graiin, H. J. Hkrink & Relay Aiio-

I .S.A.). June I'Utli.

s,t>!ll. " Telephone systems.
MATic Telki'Iione Co. June 20tlt.

8,698. " Varying pressure in electro-magnctically-oper.-ited cnrbon-pressure
regulators." Akt. Ges. Crowv, Uovbri et Cie. June 20th. (Germanv. June
S5th. 1915.)

8.732. " Elcctrolytically encasing wooden ;iir-prop<-Mers." H. Watson.
June 21st.

8.733. " Electric cable." C. J. Be.wer & E. A. Cl.\kemont. June 21st.
8,736. " Electric circuit bre^ikers." T. P. Casotti. June 21st.

8,740. " Protective devices lor dvnamo-electric motors." J. .Anderson avd
G. Ellison. June 21st.

8,754. " Means for controlling and regulating electric motors." Igrasic
Eleci«ic Co. (Cutler-Hammer iNlanufactunng Co., .U.S..^.). June 2l5l.

8,756. " Control of alternating electric current induction motors." \\'
Brooke. June 21st.

8,792. " Electromagnet fir localising foreign substances embedded in
human binly." J. Bercokie. June 22nd. (Krnnce, June 22nd, 1915.)

8.795. " Electrical systems lor engines." VV. A. Chrvst & C. 1'. Ketterikc.
June sand. (U.S.A., July 16th, 1914.)

8.796. " Controlling electric motors." British Thomson-Hol-ston Co
(General Electric Co., U.S.A.). June 22nd.

8.797. " Eli-ctric lamps." E, Holden. June 22nd.

8.810. " Miners' electric s.ifety lamps." O. Oldhaw. June 22nd.

8.811. " Battery lamp." N. Kribs. June 22nd.

8.814. " Electrical influence machines." D. K. Morris. June 22nd.

8.815. " Electrical precipitation of solid and liquid particles." D. K.
Mot. HIS. June 22nd.

8,818. " Device for straining or tensioning wires, cables, &c." .\. L.
Redkup. June 22nd.

8,821. "Timing devices for telephone systems." II. J. Heuink & Relay
Automatic Telephone Co. June ^nd.

8,831. " Electrically-welded wire fabric, &c." British Reinforced Con-
crete Engineering Co. & E. B. Hall. June 23rd.

8,845. " Electro-magnetic relays." C. B. Burdon (Siemens & Halske Akt.
Gcs.). June 23rd.

8,858. " Varying resistance of electric circuit." ICRANIC Electric Co.
rCutler-Hammer Manufacturing Co.). June 23rd.

PUBLISHED SPECIFICATIONS.

X91S.

3.4;}9. Si'ARKiNG PLt'GS FOR Internal-combustion MoioRS. Soc. IiiJustrieUc
de Delle. March 3rd. (May 8th, 1914.)

6,227. Magneto-electrical Generating Systems. F. .\. Hevs. (N'culand
M.agnetos, Ltd.) June 3rd.

8,235. Electrical Instru.ments of the Moving Coil Type. K. S. Heurllcv.
June 3rd.

8,326. Electric Welding, Brazing, and Soldering, and appakati-s therefor.
British Thomson-Houston Co. (General Electric Co., U.S.A.). June 4th.

8,512. Electrical Heaters. E. C. R. Marks (Landers, Frarv & Clark^.
June 8th.

8,572. Dynamo-ELECTRI- Machines A. H. Neuland. June 10th.

8,702. Refractory Metal Tubes. British Thomson-Houston Co. (General
Electric Co., U.S.A.). June 12th.

8,739. Electric Appar.atus for Driving Clocks. H. E. Warren & Warren '
Clock Co. June 14th.

8.829. Electric Heating and Resistance Devices. A. F. Berry. June loth.

8,92". Wireless Telegraph Recei\'ers. Marconi's Wireless Telegraph Co.
and G. .M. Wright. June 17th.

9,720. Wireless Signalling Systems. British Thomson-Houston Co. (Gene-
r.il Electric Co., U.S.A.). July 3rd.

9,993. Combined Locking Device and Shade Support for Electric Incan-
descent Lamps. W. C. Crockatt. July 9lh. (December 30th, 1915.)

10,769. , Crystal Detectors, particularly for Wireless Signalling.
Sterling Telephone & Electric Co., Ltd., and T. D. Ward-Miller. July 24lh.

12.617. Methods of Marking Glass. British Thomson-Houston Co. (Gene-
r.il Electric Co., U.S.A. )^ September 2nd.

14,230. Electrolytic Process for Removing Oxide from the Surfaces of
.Akticles of Iron or Steel. P. Marino. October 7th.

(.Addil

16,671.' Electro-dy
Machines. H. V. James. November 2.5th

16,692. Winding Drums for Electric Wi
Sn.ithson and Callender's Cable & Construction Co.

17,946. .Automatic Selectors for Telephone Syste
Akt Ges. December 23rd. (April 20th, 1915.' Addi

3,234. Dynamometers. W. G.

s'ECTioN WITH Printing
in to .W6/15.)

November 24th!
MS. Siemens & Halske
tion to 23.336/13.)

LIST OF BRITISH PATENTS EXPIRING
DURING 1916.

R Me

June 20th.

18,872.

19,562.

20,755.

21,090.

21.914.

32,712.

23,262.

2.1,2HR.
iranslonr

24,770.

25,023.

25,340.
R:,iKvay

25,524.

25.6.W.
Franklin,

36,395.

26,553.

26,553.

26.868.
lysis.

27,769.

27,897.
28,167.

{Concluded from Vol. 1», page 748).
August 28th, 1902. H. W. Cox. Electric switches.
September 6lh, 1902. H. H, Lake. Brakes and elcc
September 23rd, 1902. O. Imray. Electric controller
September 27lh, 1902. J. Gell. Telegraphs.
October 8th, 1902. H. H. Lake. Dynamos.
October 18th, 1902. V. A. Fynn. Electric motors.
October 24th, 1902. A. Blondel. Electric lamps.
October 24th. 1902. G. Winter & F. Eichberg. Dyi

electri
November 11th, 1902.
November 14th, 1902.
November 17th,

1902.

signals.

November 20th, 1902.

November 2Ist, 1902.

Wireless telegraphy.

November 29th, 1902.

December 2nd, 1902.

December 2nd, 1902.

December 5th, 1902.

G. H. Hill. Electric motors.
G. A. E. Kohler. Electric motors.
E. Tyer, F. T. Hollins & F. VV. Leak

Soc. G. et P. de Mestral, Electric lamps.
Marconi's Wireless Telegraph Co. & C. '

.A. Artom. Wireless telegraphy.
R. A. Fcssenden. Wireless signalling,
R. A. Fessenden. Wireless signalling.
.A. Wright. Measuring electricity; electro-

December 16lh, 1902. E. A. Carolan.

December 17th, 1902. M. Pognon. Ii
December 20:h. 1902. II. G. Brown.

Electric switches and cu
:ernal-combuslion engines.

THE

EHjEOTK/IG-A-Ij K/E'VIE'W.

Vol. LXXIX.

JULY 14. 191C.

Xo. 2,016.

ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

Vol. LXXIX.]

COKTENTS: July 14, 1916.

[No. 2,016.

The I.E.E. and the Electrical Trades 2i)

Copper 30

Labour and Industry (coff^/wmv/)... ... ... ... ... 31

Reviews 32

Correspondence —

fiO-cycle Transformers on 2.T-cycles Circuits ... ... 33

'Electric Wiremen's Work" Examinations ... ... 33

Electric Fans for Military Hospitals ... ... ... 33

Decimal Coinaoje ... ... ... ... ... ... 34

New Electrical Devices. Fittings and Plant 07/««.) 34

Legal 3.5

-Adjustable-Speed Polyphase Induction Motors {illim.) ... 3fi

War Items 38

Business Notes ... ... 4fi

Engineering Education and Research ... ... ... ... 44

Kotes 44

City Notes ... ... ... 4S

Stocks and Shares 4li

Electric Tramway and Railway Trafiic Returns ... ... .50

National Economy in Fuel ... ... ... ... ... .51

The Trade of New Zealand , ... 51

The Incorporated Municipal Electrical Association. 191t; — IV.

The Generation of Electricity, by H. S. EUis ((7/i/.>'.) ... 52

The Manufacture of Electrical Apparatus in India ... ... .55

Foreign and Colonial Tariffs on Electrical Goods ... ... 5(1

New Patents Applied for, 1916 5(1

Abstracts of Published Specifications 5(i

Contractor's Column Advertisement page xx

The electrical REVIEW.

Published every FRIDAY, Price 4d.

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To all other countries, jEI 10s.

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1916 EDITION.

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4, Ludgate Hill, London, E.C

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THE I.E.E. AND THE ELECTRICAL
TEADES.

As the June issue of the Journal of the Institution
of .Electrical Engineers reached our hands only on
Thursday lasti week, we were unable to do more
than insert a brief statement of the recommenda-
tions which the Council has authorised the President
to submit to the Electrical Trades Committee of the
Board of Trade, in our "Notes" columns. Inci-
dentally, we may remark that none of our contem-
poraries referred to them at all, a fact which appears
to bear out our comments in our leader of last week,
with reference to the reticence of the Council
regarding its proceedings — for evidently it did not
occur to our colleagues that the "Institution Notes"
appearing in the Journal were likely to contain any-
thing of interest. On this occasion, we gladly
admit, the Council has showfi both energy in formu-
lating a striking series of recommendations, and
promptitude in publishing them in the Journal, and
we tender our congratulations upon its activit}-.

The recommendations themselves are exceedingly
interesting and important. They were based upon
the conclusions reached by a Committee of the
whole Council which for some time had " had under
consideration certain matters affecting the electrical
engineering profession," and had presented its
report to the Council; on the announcement that
the Board of Trade had decided to appoint Com-
mittees to consider the position of certain important
British industries after the war, especially in rela-
tion to foreign competition, the Council urged the
Board to appoint a separate Committee for the elec-
trical trades, which was accordingly done, in April.
Tb'= President having been invited to give evadence
before this Committee, the Council resolved that
the recommendations based upon the conclusions of
its own Committee should be submitted by him on
its behalf.

If we have felt it our duty, in the interests of the
electrical industn,-, to reproach the Council in the
past for its studied aloofness from all matters that
could by any stretch of imagination be regarded as
pertaining to trade, finance, and commerce, and for
its deliberate decision to refrain from any participa-
tion in the development of electricity supply or of
the electrical manufacturing industries, we are all
the more ready, and indeed eager, to express our
heartv appreciation of the policy of which it has
now publiclv proclaimed its adoption. It no longer
shelters behind the advice of the B.E.A.M.A. ^to do
nothing; it no longer adheres to the opinion "that
no useful action on the part of the Institution ap-
peared to be possible," and that "the continuance
and expansion of British trade after the war will
mainlv depend on economic principles and on the
commercial industry and initiative of British manu-
facturers." On the contran,'. the Council has defi-
nitelv thrown over these views ; it has warmly
adopted the cause of British trade, and puts forward
a series of practical proposals, the majority of
wliich. at all events, will be cordially welcomed not
only bv the members of the Institution, but alsoby
all who wish well to the future of British industries.

In brief, the Council calls for " some combina-
tion of British electrical firms"; a Government
Tribunal to control the electricity supply industry
in this country, somewhat on the lines indicated by
the recent discussions; the adoption of a protective

[2;.]

:50

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

Xo. -.'.Olt!. .Ii-LY 14, I'.Ui;.

tariff to make it certain tliat the home market shall
be secured to British manufacturers alone; a per-
manent Advisory- Committee to ensure tliat raw
materials and apparatus necessary to British trade
shall be produced within the Empire; the improve-
ment and development of the British Consular ser-
vice; the adoption of British engineering standards
throughout tlie Empire; and the compulsory adop-
tion of the metric system. All these items relate
entirely to British trade and industry, and they form
a programme which reflects great credit on its
framers.

In addition, the Council is endeavouring to pro-
mote the advancement of the profession, and the
raising of the status of electrical engineers, by
advocating the grant of a Charter to the Institu-
tion, the establishment of a Central Engineering
Board to place the trained engineer on the same
professional footing as a doctor or a solicitor, and
improvement in the methods of training- of such
engineers — all objects which will command the sup-
port of every m-ember of the profession.

As regards the first item, we are glad to note tliat
excellent progress has been made in recent months
towards the organisation of the British engineering-
industries to meet the coming trade war; up to the
present the work has been largely confined to the
broader aspects of combination, but this alone will
not suffice. The highest efficiency of production
can only be attained byproceeding from the general
to the particular: it is most necessary that British
manufacturers shall not, as in the past, be found in
keen competition with one ant)ther in oversea mar-
kets, and this can only be avoided by the partition
of the field either of manufacture or of exploita-
tion. The tendency to add new lines of manufac-
ture to an existing- business is a weak point in our
armour, for it increases the unit cost of each type of
product; that it helps our competitors to offer lower
prices and higher quality cannot be denied. That
some individual sacrifices w-ill be demanded for the
common good we believe to be inevitable — but we
also believe that they w-ill be sacrifices of sentiment
and opinion rather than of material advantage or
personal profit, and this applies also to the second
and third items. Again, however nnich we may
object to any interference with economic laws, no
shibboleths or maxims should blind us to the
supreme and imperative necessity of excluding all
goods of enemy origin from our markets for many
years to come, and hence, if that object can be best
attained or only attained by means of a protective
tariff, we bow to the necessity. That patriotic senti-
ment alone camiot be depended upon to achieve the
desired end, w-e fear, is certain : it will go a long
w^ay — but there is always the risk of unfair advan-
tage being taken by others, the fear of which
prompted the ill-fated proposal of the I.M.E.A.
Council to oppose the restriction of public expendi-
ture to British plant. Obviously, if a prohibitive
tariff is set up, this objection will fall to the ground.
The purpose of the Advisoi-y Committee is naturally
to promote Government action in order to make the
British Empire self-contained and self-sufficing;
the nation has had a sharp lesson, and will not
readily forget the shortage of dyes, optical glass,
and other indispensable commodities for which we
have been almost -whollv dependent upon Germany.
We cordially welcome the inclusion of the metric
system as a plank in the Institution platform; the
movement in this direction is gaining strength, and
we hope that this unique opportunity of effecting a
long-delayed reform will be utilised by Parliament
— it is more than ever urgent in view of the competi-
tive effort which is being prepared by the United
States, as well as that of Germany.

The professional aims of the I.E.E. Council are
thoroughly commendable, but, with the exception
of educational reforms, can hardly be reijarded as
of the first order of- urgency. The immediate neces-

sity is to prepare for the return of peace, and we
trust that the new policy of the Council of the Insti-
tution will be strenuously supported and brought
to fruition by the efforts of a united profession and
industry.

The first downward reaction in
Copper. copper, which was arrested at about

the end of the third week in June,
when the price of warrant metal dropped to £97 a
ton, was followed by a rally up to £104 for near
delivery in a sensitive market, due to an enormous
fall from £146. The renewed break experienced
since to about £84 is certainly indicative of another
change in sentiment, which has been quite in keep-
ing with the recent gratifying war developments.
(Jbviously enough, events calculated to hasten the
conclusion of the European struggle are bound to
have an important' bearing on the future of the
metal, whose preposterously high price was brought
about by the magnitude of the ileniand for the manu-
facture of munitions. The same applies to other sg-
called " war metals," the price of which, too, has
lately come down rapidly, especially spelter. Mar-
ket conditions now deserve careful watching, since
demands for war purposes have been for the time
being, at any rate, practically brought to a stand-
still, inasmuch as it is an open secret that require-
ments on the part of the Allies have been already
well covered over the whole of this year, especially
in the case of the red metal. It is true that the
quantities actually consumed are as great as ever,
with no possibility of their being- curtailed for some
time. At the same time, however, the outlook as
regards future supplies has vmdergone a vast change
in recent months, so much so that a good deal more
metal is now being produced, under the stimulus
of the very high prices, than is actually wanted,
e\en allowing for the consumption to continue at
the present huge rate for an indefinite period.

High-w'ater mark having been, moreover, touched
some months ago, it is only natural that a conser-
vative policy is now in vogue under the new law of
supply and demand. Market uncertainty is no
longer connected with difficulties as to the filling of
future needs, but it is chiefly a matter of gauging to
what extent the price will be affected by the excess
of supplies now quietly accumulating in first hands.
It is. moreover, tolerably certain that considerable
quantities of copper are held speculatively across
the Atlantic, the digestion of which may be a slow
process and must eventually assist another down-
ward movement in prices, regardless of the indiffer-
ence still professed by the copper magnates, whose
position is at present still protected by the huge
profits secured on their high-priced contracts en-
tered into for deliveries into the end of this year.
The big American manufacturers have apparently
exceeded their needs to a considerable extent into
the end of the first quarter of next year, which is
not a healthy feature in a falling market. There has
been no notable change in the European statistical
position during the past month, the visible supply at
13,826 tons being pretty well where it stood at
the end of May, while warehouse stocks remain very
low. The Jatter fact, however, is no longer of any
special significance, since shipping conditions have
become easier and plentiful supplies are now avail-
able in the United States. Supplies- from other
sources, at the same time, tend to increase with
rather freer competition for new orders, all of which
should tend to cheapen the price. The trade demand
lately, indeed, has been very slack, and the price of
refined copper has been also affected by several
pounds per ton. The usual statistics for June show
a much freer movement of supplies, the total that
came into sight on this side being 44,526 tons,
against 32,126 tons in the same month last year.
Prices are still much too high to induce a restriction
of output.

Vol. 79. No. 2,016, JULY 14, 1916.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

31

LABOUR AND INDUSTRY.

(Continued from Vol. 78, page 704.)
There was a regrettable " dilution " strike on June 26th
(if about 5,500 engineers and allied tradesmen employed at
Vickers, Ltd., Barrow-in-Furness, the alleged cause l)eing
the introduction, a few days before, of diluted labour on
skilled men's work, According to the Ministry of Muni-
ticjus report, the men took the matter out of the hands of
ihe .Tuiiit 'I'rades Committee, representing the various trade
unions concerned. They refused any longer to recognize
the Committee and elected a body of shop delegates in its
place, the position taken up being that there should be no
dilution of labour. The strike wiis repudiated by the
E.\ecutive Council of the A.S.E., Imt disloyalty to union
leadei"ship is no new thing, and it was only inider threat by
the Government that the powers of the Defence of the
Realm Act and the Munitions of War Acts against strikes
and strikers would be brought into play, that the movement
was broken, work being resumed on the following Satiu'day,
after 5,000 working weeks or thei'eabouts had been thrown
away. Only the strong hand of the State sufficed to incline
these men to drop their differences and return to labour in
the national cause, though the Jutland battle was in every-
body's thought and the great advance on all fronts was im-
IHiuding ! Truly the display of such utter disregard of the
needs of the moment and such want of discipline, give one
•' furioasly to think " in regard to the co-operation which
may be expected from some British workmen when after-
the-war industry engages our attention.

It is understood that Lord Haldane intends to call atten-
tion, in the House of Lords this week, to the question of the
training of the nation and to the necessity of preparing for
the future. Probably he will have something to say on the
subject of scientific education upon which he addressed us
appropi'iately enough 10 years and more ago, afterwards
joining the Cabinet in which he had other things to think
alx)ut, or in which, at any rate, judging by results, he was
a voice crying in the wilderness. He long ago had ideas
respecting the German system of meting out discipline with
an iron hand to Labour, though as a legislator for the
Democracy he doubtless recognised the impracticability of
applying Prussian principles to a "Free" people. And if
then — what now, when Labour is contributing to the defeat
of the Common Enemy ?

The Industrial Triple Alliance, already mentioned in
this Review, has asked Mr. Asquith to give hearing to a
deputation, which desires to discuss with him problems con-
cerning demobilisation and Lalwur. This Alliance repre-
sents the miners, the railway men, and the transport workers.
Mr. Asquith has signified his willingness to listen, but is too
occupied at present. The time seems hardly ripe for giving
more assurances, but the Premier will well know how
to say nothing too strikingly committal if the hour of
the interview is premature. Anything more in the way
of war-time promises or assurances will be ill-advised save
under stress of the utmost national emergency, and Labour,
in its best and most representative parts, if we read
correctly, is unwilling to be so unpatriotic as to hamper
the Forces at the Front, and the cause of Justice and
Freedom, at this very stirring and critical moment of the
war. In closing a leading article on the Advance in the
West, The Times truly says : '• Did they but know it, the
munition workers of this country hold in their hands during
the next few months the fate of Europe and of civilization."

The Lord ]\Iayor of Birmingham, Alderman Neville
Chamberlain, who has in several utterances shown that in
his opinion the interests of Labour must be adequately con-
sidered in connection with any new industrial efforts,
ili'livered an interesting speech bearing on the point of
■' promises," last month. He was alluding to the co-opera-
lion of Capital and Labour for the successful ]irosecution
of the war, and he added, according to a Birmingham
report, " Labour had relaxed trade union rules, and the
promise had been given that after the war those rights
would be restored. He did not believe the promise could be
kept, though he was quite certain that those who made it
intended, and still intended, that it should be kept. To his
mind, we could never revert to the exact conditions that pre-
vailed before the war. The problem was to find some

substitute for the promise that had lieen given to the
workmen — that it might be kept in the sjiirit, if not in the
letter , . . . The present une(|ual distribution of wealth,
wluch was to so many a stuml)ling block, could not be
redressed in a day. If the whole wealth of the country
were confiscated to-day, and divided so as to give every
man an equal share, by to-morrow that equality would
disappear. But it did seem to him that, if the men were
ready to recognise that after the war of armies there was
going to come an economic war, in which we should
require all our energy in all parts of the nation, and were
going to see that the best was got out of the machines, they
were entitled to ask and receive from the employers a
larger share of the profits which both contributed to make."
Alderman Chamljerlain put in a plea for consideration to
be shown to organised Labour. Subject to certain restric-
tions, he would support a considerable extension of the
minimum wage, so that every man should have the oppor-
tunity to live in decency and comfort. With unrestricted
endeavour on the part of the workmen, and a larger remunera-
tion paid by the employer, we should have no wallowing in
the slough of depression after the war, but shoijld enter
upon a period of prosperity unexampled in history.

Shall we be excused if we remember at this interesting
point the serious unwillingness of a section of Labour to
do its best even in time of gravest national emergency ?
To Aldennan Chamberlain's excellent bargain there must
be two parties ; and if the workmen fail in the fulfilment
of their part, how can the industries of the nation be safe-
guarded— paying higher wages, and getting a half-hearted
or limited output wherewith to raise them ?

The Lord Mayor of Birmingham knows national indus-
trial affairs, and he must see how necessary it will be for
this part of the bargain to be most plainly understood by
Labour. Among the regrettable pieces of slacking that one
reads about in the newspapers in these days of well-paid labour
are such reports as this : — " At a Munitions Court at North-
ampton, it was stated that 489 men employed by one firm
liad lost 11,281 hours in four weeks" — 23 hours per man !
And those men at Vickers's works must have lost in all at
least 300,000 to 400,000 hours of useful national work !

The Chief Inspector of Mines in these days finds it neces-
sary to receive a Trade Union deputation urging the
establishment of an eight-hour shift for winding-engine
men, but he has to reply that he fears it cannot be arranged
during the war. The_ Bristol Annual Conference of the
boot and shoe trades 'is advised by its president that the
time is coming when Trade Unionists will have to insist
that no orders shall be given liy Government Departments
to firms that do not employ at least 50 per cent, of Trade
Unionists. Such is the deplorable atmosphere even in these
perilous days of war !

Mr. A. D. Steel-Maitland, M.P.. Under-Secretary for the
Colonies, in speaking last month at Birmingham University
on " The Labour Situation After the War," had no solution
of the problem to offer, but suggested that the nation which
could readjust itself quickest would have the best " look
in." In putting an end to Prussianism between the
nations we must see that it did not recrudesce in our own
domestic life. He referred to the fatalistic feeling among
large employers and secretaries of Trade Unions that we
were " going to have an awful time in industry after the
war." He thought that instead of allowing that feeling to
exist, we ought to spread the idea that, as a community, we
would not have it. When the war ended Government orders
would mostly stop, and the Labour market, instead of
being lightened by men taken off, would l»e depressed as
they came back. Against that were several factors all to
the" good. In the first place, there would be a great private
demand for articles which, quite properly, had not been
put forward during the war. This showed how important
it was to postpone spending money now, reserving it for
purchases after the war. Then there was the foreign trade,
and it ' all depended how quickly we got to work again.
Lastly, there was reconstruction work in Belgium and
Serbia. In many cases departments w^re short-handed ; in
certain districts they had only 75 per cent, of the men they
could use, and so many firms could take men without
displacing anybody. On the other hand, where men and
women had been drafted into districts the claims for rein-

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

[Vol. 79. Xo. 2.(il(;. .Iii.Y l(, I'.ili

staU-nu'iit to \k' iniide niU'V tlie war would load to displaoe-
luents. ThtTf wuiv. howevi-r, iiuliisiries cliwi'd down for
lack of luuuk. iio it outrlii to lie ]H>ssil)ie to find I'oiisidorabk-
emploj-iiK'nt for iiii'ii when tliiT oainu liark. Of coursi'.
other incasurcs would haw to lie taken as well. Kverythiutr
should W- done for the men wlio were so disahled that they
could not return U) their former oei-npations. There was
every likeliluiod of more men heini; settled on the land, and
that would irreatly relieve the industrial situation. He did
not think that with |ieaee there siiiuild lie an iiniiiediate
cessiUion of Government orders: tiuit , mij>;ht lie a rather
false ei-onomy, eausinj; ijreater disloeation than it was worth.
His fet'Iinjr was that whether as a Government, a munici-
]wlity. or as private individual, they should at onee
s<-hedide the work that could ite done, and l)c ready at the
riglit time to give it out. This is a timely suggestion, and
we iH-'lieve that sheer necessity will compel municipal and
other ekrtrical undertakings to 1k' prepared to place big
contracts for work, plant, and maintenance now in arrears.
Mr. Steel-Maitland said he thought there would liave to.be
equal ]iiece rates Uw the sexes. In this coimection. we note
that one of the Women's Labour Organisations was warned,
at a meeting held in Fjondon last week, that there was a
danger of a conflict between women now employed in indus-
tries and the men who would come back to those industries.
Mr. W. J. l)a\is (sei-retary to the Brassworkcrs' Society
and tre.isnrer to the Parliainentaiy t'ommiitee of Trade
Union Congress), who presided over Mr. Steel-Jlaitland's
meeting, said that the Labour Party had made, jierhaps on
speculation, sacrifices in their rules, such as the dilution of
labour, and the giving up of rights and customs, to help the
(iovernmcnt. They, therefore, expected statesmen to be as
faithful to Labour as Labour had been faitiiful to them.
" The Government" indeed 1 — and what about the Xation.
of which Labour is so large a part ? Was not Prussian
b;u-barism a menace to the Labour world and to the very
existence of organised Labour ?

A Reconstruction Committee of the Cabinet is sitting to
consider and advise ujxin the iiroiilems that will arise on
the conclusion of peace, and to co-ordinate work tliat has
been done iii this direction by ^■arious Go\ernment depart-
ments. Suggestions are being sent in which it is hoped will
a.ssist the Government in wliatever after-the-war projxisals
it may de\elo|i. Apart from this Committee, we presume,
steps have already been Uikeu for bringing all trades engaged
in the making of munitions and in other forms of war work,
under the provisions of the National Insurance Act. The
Hill, if it is pa.ssed, will come into force on September 4th.

The proposal is to brin<f under the provisions of Part II of tlie
National Insurance Act and the amendinir statutes every workman
(which, of course, includes women") who is enga:jred on or in con-
nection with munitions work as defined by the Munitions of War
Acts, except such classes of work as the Board of Trade may by
order exclude, and every workman who is employed in the follow-
ing trades : —

The manufacture of ammunition, fireworks, and explosives.
The manufacture of chemicals, including- oUs. lubricants, soap,
camlles. paints, colours, and varnish.

The manufacture of metals and the manufacture or repair of
metal goods.

The manufacture of rubber and goods made therefrom.
The manufacture of leather and leather goods.
The manufacture of bricks, cement, and artificial stone, and l.j
other artificial building materials, and

Saw milling, including machine woodwork, and the manufacture
of woalen cases.

The measure also applies the existing Acts to employers, while
the Board of Trade will be given power under the new Bill to
extend its provisions to any other trade or branch of a trade
in which a suVjstantial amount of munition or other war work is
lieing carried on. So far as the measure imposes on emplovers and
workmen a liability to pay contributions, it wOl cease 'to have
effect at such date as the Board of Trade mav by order determine
not being later than five years after the coinm'encement of this
.\ct. or three years after the termination of the present war
whichever of those dates may be the later : and, so far a,s it confers
on workmen a right to receive benefit in respect of such contribu-
tions. It t\tH cease to have effect at the expiration of six months
from the date so determined, or at such later date as the Board
may fix. ,

It is understood that about 1,500,000 additional persons
will tlius be insured against imemployment, and, according
to Captain Pretyman, it is hoped that no liability to the
State will arise, though if it does arise the State will be
bomid to meet it.

( Tu be rontiniml.)

REVIEWS.

Uijc/css Transmission of Photographs. By M. J. Martin.
London : Wireless Press, Ltd. Price 'is. 6d. net.

This book deals with a subject which is admittedly in its
early experimental stages, but which is one of unusual fasci-
nation and importance. To have a photograph of an outbreak
of hre in New York appearing in the London evening papers
whilst the fire is yet raging on the other side of the Atlantic
will be no mean accomplishment, and certainly one of jour-
nahstic importance. A.s yet it is impossible, but the author
shows that the prospects of wireless transmission of photo-
graphs over long distances are very much more favourable
than those of cable transmission. Difbeulties will still have
t) be overcome, but they do not appear to be insuperable,
and he W'Ould be a bold and foolish prophet who ventured to
say that a wireless-photo agency would not be at work within
the next five or ten years. The author gives a very useful
resume of what has already been accomplished, and includes ■
descriptions of ways and means which he has himself evolved
by research in this field ; the inclusion of this original and
practical matter increases the value of the book to the reader
whc. wishes to experiment on " radio-photography " (the term
is the author's, but is not unexceptionable).

Whatever the details of the transmission system employed,
the photo is transmitted and received in the form of a number
of current impulses of varying duration and strength. These
inipulses are usually derived from analysis of the original
picture into a number of hnes or dots, and at the distant
station the picture is reproduced liy composition of similar
lines or dots. The technique of this general process has so
far advanced that satisfactory Press photographs (which are
admittedly hardly studio pictures!) can be transmitted by
wire between Paris and T/indon. Where longer distances, and
particularly where greater lengths of cable are concerned, the
greater resistance, capacity, and inductance of the line much
reduce the number of signals which can be recorded in a
given time. K definite commercial limit is thus placed on
the distance over which cable-transmission of photographs is
practicable. Though other difficulties are encountered in
wireless working, those of inductance and capacity hmitations
are absent, and it is in the field of long-distance transmission
that radio-photography is most likely to be useful. After
explaining these points, the author describes Bernochi's and
Knudsen's primitive systems for the wireless transmission of
photographs, and then goes on to consider the requirements
tn be fulfilled by any system capable of being used in con-
junction with existing wireless stations.

The only system of preparing prints which the authqr con-
siders at all suitable for wireless transmission consists in
photographing the original through a line screen and taking
a print on zinc or lead foil by the bichromate process. It
seems that a screen with 50 lines to the inch is about the
firest which can be used with present-day transmitting appa-
ratus, and a 35-line screen is more suitable for experimental
work. The author suggests several arrangements of style and
table, &c,, for use in obtaining current impulses in step with
the gelatine lines on the prepared print. Here, as elsewhere,
the author gives sufficient definite data to permit the reader
ti start his own experiments w-ith a minimum of trial and
error. The present limit of .speed in transmitting a 5 X 4 in.
picture, using a 50-line screen, is about 18 minutes; and this
requires the style of the transmitter to make about 5,000 con-
tacts per minute, and involves the use of very sensitive relays.
It is not an easy problem to excite the aerial with definite,
i.e., measured, signals at the speed implied by the above
figures. The author states that a rotary spark-gap would
be essential, and we beheve he tends rather to under-estimate
the difficulties which would arise in working with really heavy,
current.

The author describes various transmitting and receiving
ciicuit connections, and gives notes bearing on the suitability
of each for the present purpose; naturally, these notes are not
very definite in the present state of knowledge. The chapter
OQ receiving circuits and apparatus is particularly suggestive
as a basis for experimental W'Ork, and is probably the best
treatment extant on this branch of the subject. The reader
is left to devise his own mechanical details in most respects,
and this is just as well, because the system which finally
emerges as best will depend largely tor its success on perfec-
tion of mechanical detail. In considering the measure of suc-
cess which the author has secured (and, really, he presents
quite a mass of definite data), we notice a general omission to
specify under what conditions and over what distances the
results were achieved. Presumably the distances were quite
small, though, of course, this does not detract from the value
of many of his results.

A useful chapter is included on driving and sj'nchronising
methods as applied to the transmitting and recording photo-
diums. Unless this gear be very accurate in action, the
received signals cannot be assembled intelligibly. Incident-
ally, the author considers this fact to add to the possible
military uses of radio-photography; but it is still very doubtful
what is the precise military value of wireless telegraphy, and
it would certainly seem an easy matter for an enemy to
" jam " his opponent's wireless photograph signals if he could
not, by running through various recorder speeds, manage to
receive them intelligibly. The last chapter of the book is

Xo. 2,oi(;, July u. in in.]

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

33

devoted to a description of the author's " telephograph "
s>stem of radio-photography, which includes an improved
method of transmitting and receiving and an ingenious
anangement for synchronising the two stations. Only one
machine is required at each station, and it is claimed that
isochronism is maintained with a hmit of error of less than
1 in 800. The whole represents " an attempt to produce a
8} stem capable of wciking commercially over fairly long dis-
tances," but no information is given concerning the distance
over which working is actually or probably practicable with
this system.

The book concludes with appendices devoted to the charac-
ten'stics and construction of selenium cells, and to the pre-
paration of metal prints by the line-screen and bichromate
process. In the later editions, which we feel confident will
bo demanded, it would be a welcome addition to find speci-
mens of photograpiis which the author has transmitted wire-
lessly, by means and over distances which should be clearly
specified.

Telegraph Engineering. By E. Hausmann. London : Con-
stable & Co. Price 12s. 6d. net.
This treatise presents a useful treatment of the theory and
practice of overland and submarine telegraphy, representative
examples being given of the methods and equipment em-
ployed. The book should be equally useful to students and
3.3 a work of reference for practising engineers. Naturally,
the work bears traces of its American origin, but the essenti-
ally American matter is a very small percentage of the total,
and we do not hesitate to recommend the book to readers
engaged in telegraph work in this country. Dealing first with
simplex telegraphy, the author discusses the use of relays,
closed and open-circuit working, instruments used, and so
forth. In this chapter, too, there are examples of the author's
clear correlation of theory and practice, as. for instance, in
the application of theory to the determination of be.st wind-
ings for instruments and the calculation of limiting signalling
speeds. Close and clear correlation between theory and prac-
tice is a strong feature of this book, but mathematics is not
introduced unnecessarily. In places, as, for instance, in the
chapter on current propagation in line conductors, advanced
and cumbersome mathematical working is unavoidable if any
quantitative treatment at all is to be given to the subject. In
such cases, however, the author does his best for readers who
are unable to follow every stage in the mathematical exposi-
tion, by setting forth clearly the main results and their prac-
tical applications. In this way, and by aid of problems ap-
pended to each chapter, the needs of the " practical man "
are very well covered.

Differential, polar, and bridge duplex sj'stems and the appa-
ratus involved are dealt with in Chapter II, circuits and
modus operandi being described in detail, and the special
advantages and difficulties of each system clearly explained.
Quadruplex telegraph systems, apparatus, and operation are
next dealt with along similar lines; duplex-diplex working
and the phantoplex system are included. Chapter IV is
devoted to automatic and printing telegraphy, and includes
detailed explanations {well illustrated) of the Wheatstone
system, of " ticker " tape machines, and of the Barclay page-
printing system, as well as brief mention of other printing
systems. Chapter V contains a great deal of valuable infor-
mation which is not usually easily accessible, relating to tele-
graph office equipment and traffic-handling methods and
classifications. The earlier portion of the chapter is devoted
ti switchboards (power and telegraph), instrument tables,
protective devices, and so on. Types of messages, tariffs, and
other commercial matters are then discussed, and though the
examples given are American, they still form very instructive
examples for English readers. It is not everyone who knows
that, according to the latest available statistics, the average
cost per telegram is least in Luxemburg and highest in the
L^S.A., whilst the yearly telegrams per capita are highest in
New Zealand and lowest in Russia ; the telegraph develop-
ment of New Zealand is phenomenally high.

Another interesting chapter is that on miscellaneous tele-
graphs, in which the author deals with multiplex systems,
the Murray telegraph, the Pollak-Virag high-speed .system,
telewriters, telephotography and television, as well as military
induction telegraphs (U.S. Army equipment). Chapter VII,
on municipal telegraphs, relates chiefly to fire alarm tele-
graphy ; various systems are dealt with and some interest-
ing statistics are presented, hut a number of half-tone
illustrations in the chapter do not convey much to the reader.
(How is it, by the way, that half-tones are wretchedly poor
in so many otherwise splendidly produced American books?)
Railway signalling systems deserve, and receive, a chapter to '
themselves, but a good deal of the matter in this chapter is
not directly applicable to this country, though it is distinctly
within the field with which the British engineer should be
au fait. The same remark applies, to some extent, to Chapter
IX on telegraph lines and cables, wherein there are some
useful tables and some very instructive notes on wire span
and economical span length, earth returns, eUmination of in-
ductive interference, and simultaneous use of lines for tele-
giaphy and telephony.

The theory of current propagation in Une conductors and
submarine cables inevitably involves difficulties in treatment,
but the author has prepared an excellent exposition on the
subject, and readers acquainted with the calculus will find

Chapter X and the beginning of Chapter XI in this book
particularly helpful. The later portion of Chapter XI is
devoted to the methods and equipment of submarine tele-
giaphy. The Picard system and the Gott method of signalling
are described, and there are useful notes on duplex cable tele-
graphy and sine-wave signalling. Two other sections which
deserve special mention are the analytical treatments of sig-
nalling speed on cables and the design of submarine cables.
The notes on types of cable service and tariffs are uniform
with those previously given for land lines. Tables of pertinent
mathematical data are given in the appendix, and altogether
this volume constitutes a sound, modem treatise quite justi-
fying and realising the aims of its author.

CORRESPONDENCE.

Letter.'! reeeired hij iix ii/trt- n P.M. ox TrESDAV cannot appedr wntil
tiiefiiUoiriiifi week. Correspimdents .s/toidd forward their cnmmuni-
eaticDi.s at the earliest pos.nile moment. J\'« letter can he pnblixhed
nideas we hare the writer's name and address in onr posse-i-fion.

60-cycle Transformers on 25-cycle Systems.

Havinsr written my letter in haste, I-failed to mention that, when
the primaries are divided into two parts and put in parallel, three
transformers are necessary. By connectmg- the primaries in series
across the supply, each transformer receives 33'3 per cent, of the
supply voltag'e, or. in other words. (iU'O pei cent, of the voltage the
transformer is connected up for. Althou'rh the voltage in this
case is only reduced 33'3 per cent, against r,() jier cent, reduced
frequency, it will be found that almost all HO-cycle transformers
will operate quite well on 25 cycles, if used in this way. Regard-
ing the output of the transformers, two-thirds full load will be a
good average, but in some cases full load will be possible.

W. D. Lovell.

Middlesbrough, .nil;/ i^t/i. IDIC.

"Electric Wiremen's Work" Examinations.

We notice that at the annual general meeting of the Electrical
Contractors' Association. Mr. W. R. Rawlings referred to his
appointment as Examiner in "Electric Wiremens Work" for the
City and Guilds of London Institute,"and to the fact that at present
no more than 2.5 per cent, of the enrolled students attend the
examinations.

We do not think this is so much the fault of the examinations
as of lack of proper tuition and of facilities for the same. There
is proof of this in the fact that — compared with the electrical
engineering subjects — a mere handful of people take up electric
wiring. "The reverse ought, of course, to be the case.

Whatever views one may have on the scope of past examination
papers, it must not te forgotten that the inclusion of the subject
" Electric Wiremen's Work " in the C. G. Syllabus was largely due
to the efforts of the resigning examiner — Mr. Frank Broadbent ;
and the profession and trade are heavily indebted to him for that,
and for his subsequent work.

We gather from the report of the meeting that Mr. Rawlings is
going to give us something fresh in the way of examination
questions, and that the latter will tend more to the practical than
to the theoretical side of the subject.

While that is good news, we should like to point out that unless
the methods of tuition are radically overhaiUed beforehand, there
will not be any more grist for the mill than there has been hitherto.

As the Electrical Contractors' Association are so closely concerned
with the matter, they should certainly make themselves and their
wants known to those in charge at our technical institutes all
over the cO)mtry. some of whom hardly recognise the existence of
the subject of " Electric Wiremen's Work."

A. P, Lundberg & Sons.

London. X.. .Ji'li/ 1th. 19U1.

Electric Fans for Military Hospitals,

In this world-war France is to most of us the chief centre of
interest, and we are apt to overlook the fact that we are fighting in
other and much worse climates than France.

This has been brought to my notice very strongly by a lady, with
an intimate knowledge of the Bast, who wished to send some elec-
tric fans to Bassora. on the Persian Gulf, for hospital use. and the
need of these will be well understood when it is stated that the
t'emperatm-e rises to 12U°. witha still, steamy heat. . Unfortunately,
she had not been informed what the pressure was. nor whether the
supply was continuous or alternating. At first I advised her that
the best thing would be to send 100-volt continuous, but afterwards
we came to the conclusion that, seeing that most of the supplies are
sent from Bombay, it would be much safer for her to send her money
there and have the fans sent on. This has. therefore, been done.

This lady was connected with the nursing profession, and
informed me that at Alexandria and several other places which are
subject to great heat, the supply of fans is totally inadequate for
hospital use, and seeing that the weather in this country is more
fitted for radiators than fans, it occurs to me thivt there must be
a great many fans in this country belonging to firms in the elec-
trical trade' who would be glad to give these to relieve the
discomfort of our brave men in hospital in tropical climates.

84

THE ELECTEICAL llEVIEW.

No. 2.(m;. .iii.v 1 1, I'.tn

Before doin;r anythinjr, however, some knowledge would have to
lie jjaineil respecting the different systems of sujiplies at different
places. I understand, on inquirin;,' from .leveral manufacturers of
fans, that there is no particular shortajre in the country, and one
can hardly think but that the military authorities would ask for
whatever they wanted in this line. Whether they do or not. the
fact atill remains that I have a customer who is making a present
of fans to a hospital, and allepres a very serious shortape of these,
so the sooner this is looke<l into the better, as I understand the
extremely hot season will be on about the end of July and the
beciuninjr of Autjust— this referrins;. of course, to the Persian
Gulf.

My object in writinjr this letter is, first of all, to see if any
information can Ije jrained retrardinsr the different electricity
pre.ssures at hospitals in these tropical climates ; and. secondly, to
see if the only reason for the lack of supply is because they have
to l)e paid for. whether it is not possible to have suitable fans
donated by different electrical enjjineers throujrhout the country. I.
personally, have several in stock that I have no use for. and would
srladly give, but the business is to find out whether they are any
ujie at any place, as it is obviously no use sendinjr a hospital
supplied with liKi-volt continuous current a 200-volt altei-natin>r-
current induction fan.

Trustinjr this lett«r will elicit some information of service

R. Falshaw.

Harrofrate. ./«/// lot/i. IIUC.

Decimal Coinage.

Mr. Bridges and the writer of last week are both right. The
centime is not now to be seen in France except in Government
cash departments, where it is. perhaps, used for accuracy, but more
out of old custom than anything else.

To the ordinary Frenchman the centime is "an imaginary
coin." He counts it. and pays it in multiple, but never sees it. — ^

I have not seen one in France for 40 years. I believe they have
long ceased to be minted. ^^

C. L. Vienot

(Francjais de Paris).

London. S.W.. July >it>i, litlii.

Will you permit me to again encroach on your valuable space.
that I may thank Monsieur le Secretaire de la Compagnie des
Cables Sud-Americains for his information jt the French centime .'

I am quite famDiar with the French coinage system, and for
several years have made up my accounts to a centime. But never
in England or in France have I had the good tortime to set eyes on
one of these coins.

Monsieur le Secretaire will notice that my reference was to
modern currency. I was careful to avoid stating that the centime
piece had nercr existed.

iSI am indebted to Monsieur le Secretaire for his note ; will he
further honour me with a personal communication — either in
French, English, or Esperanto — with a view to my securing a
specimen of this coin from the Government offices ere they dis-
appear .' We, too. once had our Spade guinea, Lion shilling, four-
Iienny piece, and half farthing : but while these are still legal
iender, they are fast gravitating into the hands of avid collectors.

London. W.. .//'/(/ ^tli. 191 (>.

Alfred Bridges.

Anti-Vibration Lampholder.

.\ new type of anti-vibration holder for nictal-filament lanijis
used on ships, trains, tramway cars, and where there is considerabli-
vibration, has been brought out by Mr. J. H. CoUis, and is Iniiig
put on the market by Messrs. Ediso.n .^ Sw.vN, McGkouh & Co.,
and Veritys Ltd. The arrangement is shown in fig. 2.

From the supporting sides of the slots in the ordinary socket,
circumferential slits extended partly round the barrel, thus allowing
a certain amount of springiness in the support.

A brass fernile is fitted over the barrel to mechanically protect
the spring part of the holder, and the arrangement is claimed to
allow the lamp to roll slightly in any direction, and thus take up
vibrations which would otherwise be transmitted to the filament.

G.E.C. Turbo-Alternator-Converter Installation.

In order to avoid the ilillicultios incidental to the construction
of high-speed direct -current turbo-generators, Mr. H, M, Hobart
advoL-ateii the installation of turbo-alternators driving rotary con-
verters coupled direct electrically.

The Generai, Electric Co.. Ltd.. of London, has installed
plant of this type at the works of Messrs. Fraser & Chalmers, Ltd.,
of Erith, at very short notice. The installation consists of a
l.r>ti(i-KW. generating set, composed of a Fraser & CImlmers
turbine, running at H.OOl) R.p.M.,and driving a " Witton" six-pha.se
Inrbo-alternator, generating three-phase power at 32.5/370 volts
.'>0 cycles. This unit is coupled electrically to two 7')0-KW,
" Witton " rotary converters, running at a speed of 500 K.l>.M. and
gener.ating continuous current at 410 volts, which is coutroUe*! by
a " Witton " switchboard.

The two rotary converters ojx^rate in" parallel from one winding
of the turbo-alternator, and. as is well known, unless precautions
be taken in such cases, trouble is met through the two converters
being connected in parallel on both the A.c, and the D.c, sides. In
the early days of rotary-converter operation, it was found imprac-
ticable to run two rotary converters off the same transformer.

Where transformers are used, they may be provided with two or
more separate windings, each supplying one rotary converter. The
same solution may be adopted in the case of generators, but it is

NEW ELECTRICAL DEVICES, FITTINGS,
AND PLANT.

Electric Hammer.

Fig. 1 shows an electric hammer manufactured by the Electro-
SLvgnetic Tool Co.. Ltd.. and sold in Canatla by E. E. T. Pringle.
Ltd. : the hammer delivers from 1.000 to 3,000 blows per minute.

It is equipped with a Universal motor to operate on D.c. or A.c.
(any cycle from 25 to CO), and supplied for either- 110 or 220 volts.

It weiu'hs 27 lb. -^i/u. l:l,;fr'u;il Wir.y

Fig. 1. — Electeicali,'
opekated Hajimek.

Pig. 2. — '■ Economy " Anti-
Vlbkatiox Lampholdee.

3. — 1,50()-K\v. ■■ Witton ■ Turbo-Alteenator and
"WittoS" Rotary Conveeters.

not always desirable to split up the generator winding into two or
more parts. The two windings have been eliminated in a method
(Patent No. 1 1.!10.")/13) introduced by the General Electric Co., Ltd.,
and the present installation operates on this principle.
Differentially wound balancing transformers are installed in the
low-pressure A.c. leads of the rotary converter, as shown in fig. 5.
These balancing transformers are inserted in each of three of the
leads from the converter, as shown in the diagram. They consist
of two oppositely-wound windings on the same cores. The alter-
nating current supplying one phase of one converter is passed
through one coil of the transformer, while that of the same phase
for the other converter is passed through the second coil. Conse-
quently, when the currents are equal, their effects cancel out, but
should one converter attempt to take more than its share of the
load, the excess current magnetises the core and induces an electro-
motive force in the other winding, which assists the current
flowing therein, and tends to cause it to increase until
the two currents flowing are again equal. In this way the loads
taken by the rotary converters are equalised.

Any number of rotary converters can be coupled to the generator
and run in parallel on this principle, and, if necessary, it is possible
to take part of the generator output in the form of alternating
current, for transforming up and distribution at a suitable pressure
to outlying districts. In the present installation, as in others on
this principle installed by the General Electric Co., Ltd., the rotary
converters are started up with the turbo-alternator, and run up to
speed with the machine. No synchronising is therefore required.
The arrangement offers a completely satisfactory solution to the

xo. 2.010. jcLv 14. 191C.] THE ELECTEICAL REVIEW.

problem of generating' continuous current at a low power cost by
inean.i! of turbines.l

Fifi. ."). — Aruangement ok Balanc-
ing Coils in the Rotary Con-
li. 4. -One of the Balancing verter Leads to Prevent Cuoss
Coils. Currents.

The complete electi'ieal installation was supplied by the General
Electric Co.. Ltd.. of London and Witton. Birming-ham.

Ediswan Hosgood Utensils.

The Edison i Swan United Electric Light Co.. Ltd.. of
Ponders End. is manufactuiinir a range of Hosgood stoneware elec-
tric utensils at Ponder's End. These devices are inexjiensive. and
adaptable to many purposes : the essential principle of their con-
struction is that the lower part of the vessel is surrounded with a

Figs, i; and 7. — Ediswan Hos(;oon Boiling Mtg and Food
Warmer.

heating- element protected by a metal jacket, and fitted with a plug-
like cap of a grlow lamp, which can be mated with a lami)holder on
a flexible cord. We select for illustration a one-jiint. one-heat
boiling mug. and a food warmer holding half a pint, witli a
graduated scale of tablespoons and fluid ounces inside, from a list
of nine utensils. Being' self-contained, these devices are very handy
and can be used wherever there is a lighting circuit.

LEGAL

Munitions C.\sr;s.
Tufi Manchester Munitions Court on Friday last heard a case
in which a parcel messenger boy, employed by the traiiTway
department, complained that a leaving certificate which he
desired had been unreasonably "ivithheld. He said that he
would be 16 years of age in December, and he desired to
b<'(ome a fitter's apprentice in a munition -n'orks.

Mr. J. M. McElroy (general manager of the trannvay.s) said
the tramways were certified as a munition works, and the
parcel department was an important branch of the conoern,
largely used for the transport of small parts of munitions.
The parcel department had to be run almost entirely by
boys no'W, as practically all the adult male stall' had joined
the Forces. This case was in the nature of a test case, and
If the application succeeded other boys would leave the scr-
ibe Ch.airman suggested that the boy should be allo-s\'ed to
leave in November, when possibly his services in the tram-
way department would not be needed so much as now, and
■uhen it would still not be too late for him to liecouie an
apprentice to a trade.

Mr. McElrov agreed to this, and the claim was formally
withdrawn.

At Oldham Munitions Court, last week, a switch fitter and
maker of electric starters applied for a leaving certificate, and
said he could get more profitable employment nearer bis
home.

The Ch-MRIIAN said the youth had made out no case, and
the apphcation would be refused. As an apprentice he was
receiving a fair wage for the work he did.

Another man, aged 30, employed by the same firm, asked
for a leaving certificate, and declared that when he started
for the firm he was told he -would be taught acetylene weld-
ing, and would be getting two guineas a week at the end of
sis months. At the end of two months he 'was put on general
labouring at '27s. a week.

A representative of the firm said the Union men on acety-
lene welding refused to teach anyone else the -work.

The Tribunal held that the agreement entered into by the
firm had not been carried out, through no fault of the firm,
owing to certain difficulties, and under the circumstances
they decided to grant a leaving certificate.

Wm. B.\tes, Sons & Co. v. W. & R. K. Ree, Ltd.
In the Chancery Division, on July 7th, Mr. Justice Neville
concluded the hearing of an action by plaintiffs, manufac-
tui'ers of cloth-finishing machinery, of Sowerby Bridge Mills,
agnin.st defendants, of Manchester, for an injunction to re-
strain the defendants from obstructing the flow of the River
Calder and for damages. Plaintiffs' case was that Messrs. Ree,
by their new -n'orks at Lock Hall Mills, Sowerby Bridge, had>
obstructed the flow of the Calder, and thus reduced the power
obtainable by the plaintiffs to drive their turbines, thus reduc-
ing the speed of the plaintift's' electrical plant and materially
reducing their output. It was alleged by the defendants that
the rise in the river complained of was not due to defendants'
works, but to debris from buildings destroyed by fire which
had fallen into the river.

His Lordship said he was not satisfied by the evidence that
the obstruction complained of was due to the defendants'
works, and dismissed the action, with co.sts.

Albert Lee & Co. v. Swinden & Co.
In the Chancery Division, Mr. Justice Petersen heard a sum-
mons in this action to determine ■nhether the defendant com-
pany were or were not partners with one Albert H. Daviea
in a venture known as the Essex Battery & Manufacturing
Co.

It appeared from the statement of counsel that Davies waa
in posses.siou of a secret process for the manufacture of dry-
cell batteries, and he approached the defendants with a view
to putting the batteries on the market. They agreed to
finance him to the extent of iO'20U, with which he was to
start in business at Ilford, or sfime other suitable place. The
business was to be carried on as the Essex Battery & Manu-
facturing Co., Ltd., and was to be for the manufacture of
batteries in accordance with the secret process, and other
electrical apphances and accessories as the parties might from
time to time agree. The business was, however, not to be
extended without the defendant company's consent, and by
the agreement under which they lent the money, it w'as to
be paid into a bank and all cheques were to have the signa-
ture of one of their officers. The money -was to be a first
charge on the business, but the agreement expressly stated
that it was not to constitute a partnership. The sole ques-
tion on the present sunimons was whether such an agreement
constituted a partnership .so as to make Swinden & Co. hable
for the debts of the Essex Battery Co.

His Lordship held that the agreement did not constitute
a partnership, and made a declaration to that effect, dismiss-
ing the summons, with costs.

rniTCHETT tt Gold & Electrical Power Storage Co., T;TD., v.

The Hamble River Ldke Co., Ltd.
The Court of Appeal (the Master of the Rolls and Lords Jus-
tices Pickford and Warrington) heard an appeal by the
liquidator of the defendant company from a judgment of Mr.
Justice Sargant concerning the property in a storage battery.
The case has been reported in our pages.

Mr. Mark Romer, K.C who appeared in support of_ the
appeal, said that the result of Mr. Justice Sargant's decision
was that the plaintiffs would be paid in full, and would not
have to prove in the liquidation in competition with the other
creditors of the defendant company, which he (counsel) sub-
mitted was their only right.

Mr. Grant, K.C. in support of the judgment of the Court
below-, contended tliat the pi'operty in the battery passed on
deliverv at the place where the -work was to be done.

The hearing concluded on Saturday, Julv Sth, when then-
Lordships allowed the appeal, and reversed the judgment of
the Court below'.

Petrol for Stationary Motors— -A-lthough the Petro

Supplies Connnittee of the Board of Trade is introducing' a system
of permits or tickets for the supply of petrol for use in motor
vehicles, we learn that no permits will be required as regards
the spirit necessary for stationary engines, such as are used for
lighting purposes.

D

30

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

, Vol. :•>. Nil. I'.dh;, Jii.v i I, l;i|(

ADJL'STABI.K-5PIEHD POLYPHASE
INDUCTION MOTORS,

One of the chief difficulties still remaining in the application
of alteriiatinj,' currents to industrial work is the provision of a
satisfactory variable-speed motor, more particularly in the
case of polyphase machines 8f considerable size. To meet this,
difficulty a new type of variable-pole machine has been
developed, in which every polarity can be used, thus render-
ing available a number of different speeds which is ample
for almost all purposes.

The new motor, which is built under Mr. F. Greedy 's
patents, is identical in construction with the squirrel-cage
induction motor, but has a drum-wound stator or primary,
which is divided into a number of sections which can be con-
nected in either "mesh" or "star." From each section a
teiminal is brought out, which connects through a suitable
controller to a phase converter, consisting of a specially-wound
transfonuer, whose luiictioii is to convert from the 2- or

tripled, and the motor will operate with 6 poles, and so on.
In all cases, if the number of section.^ is properly chosen, one
converter toruiinal goes to one, and one only, of the motor
terminals, so that all tenniuals of both apparatus are in use
on every polarity. By the use of a machine operating on
these principles the following advantages are secured : —

1. Variable-speed machines can be supplied in all sizes up
to the very largest without incurring coiumutating troubles,
and, in fact, witnout departing from standard induction-motor
practice.

•2. The well-known advantages of the standard induction
motor are retained.

3. Although more terminals and wiring are used than in
single-speed 3-phase motors, the wiring is correspondingly
reduced in .section, so that the total cross-section of copper in
the wiring is exactly the same as in a standard machine, and
thus has only half the section required for a 2-8pced machine,
with 2 separate w'indings.

■1. The whole of the stator winding is always in use, so that
there is no dead copper on the stator, as in the 2-speed motor
just mentioned.

5. It is possible to offer a large number of steps in speed,

Fig. 1.— Connections of Greedy Motor and Ph.4Se-converter for 2, 4, or G Poles.

3-phase line current, to a number of phases equal to that of
the sections in the motor winding. By the use of this phase
converter and a suitable controller, it is po.ssible to vary the
phase difference between adjacent sections of the stator wind-
ing in such a way as to produce any desired polarity. In
fig. 1 is shown such a winding, having 13 terminals connected
to a phase converter, giving 13 phases, in such a manner as
to give 2, 4, or 6 poles. If every terminal of the motor is
connected in order to the corresponding terminal of the phase
converter, the phase difference between the adjacent sections
of the motor will be the same as that of adjacent sections of
the phase converter (that is, 360 divided by 13 in the case
shown), when the motor will operate as a bi-polar machine.
If the motor terminals, starting from a given point, are
connected to every second converter terminal, the phase

from 6 in the lu-H.P. size up to 9 in the 100-H.p. size, and even
more in larger sizes, instead of two or three only.

6. The controller and phase-converter form a separate unit,
which can be placed at any convenient distance from the
motor.

7. The difficulty as regards starting squirrel-cage motors is
completely overcome, so that 3-to-l speed range machines, of
the squirrel-cage type, can be guaranteed to start at full-load
torque, with not exceeding twice full-load current.

8. As compared w-ith d.c. variable-speed interpole shunt
motors, the motor is capable of giving the same torque at all
speeds, and consequently power proportional to the speed,
whereas a d.c. motor can only give its full torque on the
lowest speeds, since at all speeds above this the field has to
be weakened. As a result of this, the d.c. motor will give no
more power at the highest speed than it will at the lowest,
whereas the characteristic of almost every type of industrial
apparatus is such as to require a constant torque at all
speeds, and therefore a power proportional to the speed. It
will be seen, therefore, that the natural characteristics of the
motor correspond much more closely with those of ordinary
industrial machinery than do the characteristics of D.c. motors.

In an equipment recently completed, the motor, which is
shown in fig. 2, has a massive cast-iron frame, which forms
the base, supports the bearing brackets, and holds the stator
punchings, which are hydraulically pressed in and keyed on.

Pig. 2.— Greedy Adjcst.able-speed Polyphase Induction
Motor.

Fig. 3. — Diagram of Phase-converter.

difference between the sections will be doubled, and the
motor will operate with 4 poles. Similarly, if the motor
terminals are connected to every third phase-converter ter-
minal, the phase difference between adjacent sections will be

The stator punchings have semi-closed slots, insulated with a
very liberal thickness of mica and special insulating material,
and these slots contain a lap-wound drum winding, of quite
a normal type, which, however, is divided into a number of

■Vol. 79.- Jfo. 2,016, July 14, 191ij.

THE ELECTKICAL REVIEW.

37

exactly similar sections, there being in the case described two
coils per section. One end of each of these sections is brought
to a common star point, while the' other is taken to a ter-
minal mounted on the stator frame. The rotor consists of
laminated steel disks, mounted on a spider, exactly as in a
standard machine, and carrying a squirrel-cage winding of
normal type. The bearings are of the journal type, lubricated
by oil rings. Thus it will be seen that the motor differs from
a standard induction machine in no respect except in the
teiminal block and the connections thereto. In fact, com-
paring the 6-speed machine we are describing with a standard
dium-wound 3-phase machine, having, say, 10 poles, thus
giving a speed midway between the highest and lowest speeds
of a variable-pole motor, we see that such a machine will have
30 sections or groups in its stator wmding, as against 31 in
the variable-speed motor, these sections being interconnected

Fig. 4.— Front and Back Views of Phase-converter;
Cover Removed.

au'ong themselves, so that only 3 or C' terminals need be
brought cat, while in the variable-speed motor no such inter-
connections exist, but each section of the winding is brought
out to a separate terminal.

The phase converter consists of a mesh-connected 3-limbed
^i phase auto-transformer, the coils lying on each limb being
ti'iped at a number of points and connected to a secondary
wound on another limb, in the manner shown diagrammati-
cally in fig. 3, where, for instance, u" y is a section of the
main 3-phase winding of the converter, while w v and x y are
secondaries, the manner in which they are connected being
more clearly shown on the left. Fig. 3, of course, shows a
3 to 13-phase transfonnation, but in the case of the 3- to 31-
phase transformation that we are di.scussing, two of the coils
on the 3-limbed transformer are divided into 10 sections each.

converter. The size of the apparatus is about equal to that
of a normal transformer to deal with 25 per cent, to 30 per
cent, of the motor input. It is supported in a cast-iron oil
tank, from which the wiring is carried by means of tubing.

Great attention has been paid to the design of the con-
troller, which is claimed to have resulted in producing an
article representing the very highest class of switchgear prac-
tice, and accomphshing its object with a maximum of sim-
plicity and compactness. Externally, the controller (fig. 4) is
arranged in the form of a standard drum -type controller,
30 in. high by about 15 in. square, with sheet-steel cover,
mounted in the usual way. When the cover is removed, the
controller is seen to consist of a rectangular piece of f in.
steel plate bolted to the C.I. head and base of the controller.
On this plate are mounted a number of rows of studs, 8 in
a row, insulated from the plate by porcelain bushes, J in.
long, each tested to 2,000 volts. By this construction, an
ainple creepage surface of at least IJ in. is ensured between
adjacent studs, although they are only i in. apart from metal
to metal. Mounted vertically above, and parallel to the plate,
aie two circular polished steel rods or guides, which support
the sliding carriage to which the controller brushes are
attached. This carriage consists of two vertical steel angle
pieces to which are attached the sUding bearings which sur-
round the guides, and on which are mounted four horizontal
biush-holder arms. These arms are parallel to the rows of
eight contact studs mentioned above, and consist of round
steel rods, insulated with mica, and mounted so as to be
readily detachable for inspection or adjustment. On each of
these rods are mounted eight cast-brass brush-holders, each
canying a phosphor-bronze brush, which is pressed into con-
tact with the stud below by a spiral spring with screw and
nut adju.stment.

To each of the vertical supports which carry the brush-
holder arms is attached a strip of insulating material, drilled
for a number of bolts and nuts.

The brush-holder carriage is actuated by a vertical lead
screw and nut, the nut being carried on a cross-bar parallel
to the brush-holder rods, while the lead screw is turned by
a crank handle on the top of the controller. It will be noted
that two of the ' studs may be connected to different trans-
former sections, and hence a short circuit between them, such
as might be formed when the brush moves from one to the
other, would form a short circuit on the transformer, and
therefore have very serious consequences. To avoid this, a
special switch, known as a spark-diverter switch, is fitted above
the main field cohtacts of the controller. This is actuated by
a cam wheel, mounted on the lead screw, which also serves
for "notching" purposes. These switches, which are
arranged to break two out of the three line phases, consist
of standard clapper switches, with circular carbon fixed con-
tact, and copper moving contact, the fixed contacts being
mounted by me :ns of porcelain bushes on the steel plate
described above. A notch is provided on the cam wheel,
which engages with a roller attached to the two switches.
When this roller lies in the notch, the switches are held in
contact by means of a pair of spiral springs, and the motor
is in operation. When it is desired to change from one speed
to the next, the handle is turned, and this causes the roller
to be forced out of the notch, which has the effect of lifting
the two clapper switches and breaking the main circuit. A
further motion of the handle moves the brushes from one set
of studs to the next, and when a complete revolution of the
lead screw has been made the roller falls into its notch again,
thereby making the circuit, and the motor will operate on a
different speed. An indicating arrangement, consisting of a

j ~

^-

800

— 1 1

-

600

1

400

' —

200

1 1

-J

nP

^

__

9-5

■

~0

w

1

2

^ 80

1 1

^

—

TORQ

"-^

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Fig.

Fig. G. Fig. 7.

Te.st Curves of Creedv Adjustable-speed Motor.

Fig 8.

while the third lias 11 sections. Each of these sections is
wound and insulated separately, so that in the event of a
fault occurring, only one section will need repair. Each .sec-
tion consists of a primary or thick wire portion, part of the
mesh-connected 3-phas6 winding, and a secondary of thin
wire, and very few turns, which will be one of the coils
marked ^ j/ in the figure. Thus far it will be seen that the
phase-converter is identical with a standard 3-phase trans-
foimer, since these are also, as a rale, sectionalised for the
purpose of minunising self-induction. The terminals are
arranged in three rows mounted on three cross bars, one
situated above and parallel to each of the limbs. These ter-
minals are connected alternately to such tappings as w and y,
topether with one end of the secondary coil, or to such ter-
minals as V or X. These three cross-bars and the terminals
mounted on them form the only special part of the phase-

star wheel engaging with a pin on the lead screw, is also
fitted.

The machine, as mentioned above, is a constant -torque
machine, giving a power directly proportional to the speed,
and operating at all .speeds with a constant field strength ;
owing to this, the apparatus will absorb a constant mag-
netising current, whether running at high or at low speeds,
and this is the main fact to be borne in mind in endeavouring
to understand how the power factor varies with the speed -
With constant power input, the power factor will be approxi -
mately the same, no matter what _ the number of poles.
Ignoring small differences due to variations in efficiency, the
power factor depends only on the load, and not on the speed.
At low speeds, of course, it is impossible to obtain a high
power factor, but this is due to the small output.

The machines absorb a constant amount of wattless cur-

38

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

[Vol. 7;i. No. 2, ok;. .Tii,\ 1 I. liHi

rent, and this is not gieator thun tbat absorbed by a stan-
dard machine having the same rating.

On every stop of the controller the speed is independent of
the load, as with a shunt control D.c. motor. The efficiency
is greatly improved, as compared with any other means of
obtaining variable speed, on a.c. circuits, in fig. 5 is shown
a diagram of efficiencies, in which a 9-speed motor is com-
pared with a single-speed motor, controlled by rotor resist-
ance; in machines controlled by rotor resistance, in spite of
the reduction in the power taken by an apparatus at low
speeds, there is no reduction in the power taken by the
motor, the difference being wasted in the resistance, whereas
in the variable-speed motor just de.scribed, the power taken
by the motor is reduced in practically the same proportion
as that taken by the apparatus.

The equipuieut has been very fully tested. Fig. 6 shows
the torque plotted against the speed for all six scttmgs of the
ccntroUer. and illustrates graphically the wide range of speed
and the close speed regulation between no load and full load.

Figs. 7 and 8 show efficiency and power-factor curves
plotted against speed for cases in which the motor operates
at full, three-quarter and half full-load torque. The full-load
power factor varies from 85 per cent, at 1,000 r.p.m. to 70
per cent, at 425, and 63 per cent, at 375. Simultaneously, the
efficiency varies from 85 per cent, at 3,000 to 76 per cent, at
425, and 72 per cent, at 375 r.i'.m. The overload capacity
varies from three times full load on the top speed to one and
a half times full load on the lowest speed.

The machines, which are claimed to mark a great advance
in induction-motor practice, are being manufactured and
placed on the market by Me.^srs. F. Parkinson & Co., of
Leeds.

war! ITEMS.

Enemy Concerns Now and After the War.— In the course
of a recent discussion in the House of Commons, a question
wad asked as to whether the Government intended to enforce
the hquidation of the Deutsche Bank, the JJresdner Bank,
the Direction der Disconts-Gesellschaft, and similar alien
linancial institutions shortly after the declaration of Peace,
and to take steps to prevent such aUen enemy financial insti-
tutions or their direct or indirect agents from carrying on any
business in this country in future. Mr. Harcourt, who re-
plied on behalf of Mr. Runciman, who is still away from the
House, said that the institutions referred to in the question
were at present prohibited under the law relating to alien
enemies from carrying on any banking business in this coun-
ti-y, except the completion of transactions entered into before
the outbreak of war, so far as these transactions would, in
ordinary course, have been carried through or with their
London establishments. It would be premature to make any
statement at the present moment as to whether and, if so,
under what conditions, they would be allowed to resume
business after the conclusion of peace.

Major Hunt asked why about 400 German firms were still
allowed to do business in this country? Mr. Harcourt, in
reply, said that the work of eliminating enemy interests in
businesses carried on in this country was proceeding with all
possible rapidity. It was proposed shortly to issue a state-
ment showing the nature and extent of the work of the
Board of Trade's Advisory Committee in this matter. Each
case must necessarily receive close investigation in order that
the injury to British interests might De minimised. In the
meantime all the more important businesses not dealt with
in. the above manner had been placed under supervision, and
steps were being taken to extend supervision to the remainder.
According to the Times, Sir J. Harmood-Banner asked in
the House of Commons whether all British ministers in neutral
countries had been instructed to notify British traders in
those countries that the Government's policy of commercial
reprisals against alien enemies in neutral countries, as formu-
lated in the Trading with the Enemy (Extension) Act, was
to be regarded as continuous and would not terminate on the
declaration of peace. Sir E. Grey, in reply, said that the
question would receive careful consideration in connection
with the recommendations made by the Paris Conference.

In reply to a House of Commons question, Mr. L. Har-
court (according to the Times) .said that the Advisory Com-
mittee appointed under the Trading With the Enemy Amend-
ment Act, 1916, had investigated the businesses of 415 com-
panies and firms, and it was anticipated that there might be
somewhat over 200 additional cases tor their consideration.
Most of the important cases had already been considered by
the Committee, and in view of the progress which had been
made and the desirability of uniformity of treatment, he did
not think it was necessary to appoint any further committee.
Trade Debts of Alien Enemies. — More than a year ago
we called attention to the rather inchoate policy of the Gov-
ernment with regard to the very important question of the
recovery of private British claims against, and pre-war debts
from, subjects of enemy countries after the war. A mani-
festo now in circulation from the Employers' Parliamentary
Association reminds us that, as regards trade book-debts in

particular, the position is still unsatisfactory. An answer
given by the President of the Board of Trade only last month
seems to indicate that British traders are merely expected
after peace is made to pursue their own claims for themselves
in the foreign law courts, regardless of the bankruptcies that
may occur there. The Employers' Parliamentary Association
urgently claims that the Government should make itself res-
ponsible for recovering what is due, and that no British debts
to alien enemies should be allowed to be liquidated till the
interests of British creditors have been adequately safe-
guarded. Since the Public Tru.stee now holds, as custodian.
enemy property here to the amount of £134 ,000,000, while the
total British property, including debts, in enemy countries is
estimated at .i''.K,l,00(),UUO, our position is ajiparentiy a strong
one. There can be no doubt that British traders have some
ground for dis.satisfaction at the indefinite character of the
Government policy, so far as it has been yet disclosed on this
point. — The Timet.

A(ter=the=War Trade in India. — At a meeting of the
Indian Eronoiiiic Society, Prof. V. G. Kale, of the Ferguson
College, Honibay. opened a discussion on the subject of
" Indian Trade after the Wai'." In the course of the lecture
he said ; Every scheme of Imperial preference that will be
adumbrated for our benefit will have to be closely scrutinised
and its weak points exposed. He submitted for considera-
tion : (1) The volume of opinion, which is growing stronger
evei'y day in England and the Colonies as also in the Allied
countries, seems likely to lead to a modification of the present
Free Trade policy of Great Britain ; (2) while imports coming
from enemy countries will be penalised, those hailing from
the component parts of the Empire will be encouraged ; (3)
the Allied nations will be treated favourably; (4) what are
called the key industries of Great Britain will be supported
by the State; (5) India and the Colonies will be called upon
to give preferential treatment to British and Allied imports;
(6) ill the matter of exports, also, similar concession will have
to be made: (7) as the bulk of our imports are British, there
i.i no scope lor further encouragement; (8) preferential trade
will entail heavy loss of revenue to India; (9) our indigenous
industries are not likely to benefit; (10) inter-Imperial free
trade, therefore, is not a business proposition ; (11 ) every
scheme must therefore be clo.sely examined and tested before
it is accepted. — Indian Industries and Power.

A Renter dispatch from Simla stated recently that the Gov-
ernment of India had promulgated an ordinance dealing with
the liquidation of hostile firms, and the property of hostile
persons, bringing legislation in India into close accord with
the present state of English law. The ordinance follows the
English Act closely with such modifications as local circum-
stances require.

The Engineering Trade After the War.— The Board of
Trade announce that, in view of the wide range of the indus-
tries included within the .scope of the Clommittee appointed
to deal with tha position of the iron, steel, and engineering
trades after the war, and in order to expedite the inquiry,
the President lia-^ decided to sub-divide the work of the Com-
mittee between two committees, dealing with the engineer-
ing trades and the iron and .steel trades respectively. lie has
accordingly appointed the two following Committees: —

For the' Engineering Tnii/rs. -Sir Clarendon Hyde (chair-
man), Mr. Arthur Balfour (Slii'liieUI), Mi-. A. .1. Ilobson, Mr.
W. B. Lang, Sir Hallewell Rogers, Mr. 11. B. Rowell, and
Mr. Douglas Vickers; Mr. A. P. Ilsley, secretary.

For the Iron and Steel Trades.— Mr. G. Scoby Smith (chair-
man), Sir Hugh Bell, Bt., Mr. Archibald Colville, Mr. James
Cox, Mr. James Gavin, Mr. George Mure Ritchie, Mr. Henry
Simmers, and Mr. Benjamin Talbot; Mr. C. R. Woods, secre-
tary.

Exemption Applications. — According to the " North
Mail " (Neweastle-on-Tyne), at the Newcastle Military Tri-
bunal three employes of the A. E.G. Electric Co. were applied
fo"- by the general manager, who stated than an official of
the Board of Trade was now controlling the company. [It
has since been ordered to be wound up.— Ed.] The busi-
ness, which had its headquarters in London, was carried
on solely in the national interest. " But you are a German
firm," said Coun. Johnstone Wallace. This was not quite
correct, said the general manager. The company was com-
posed of British directors, and they had an entirely British
staff. The only thing that might be against them was that
the capital was" provided by Germans a good many years ago.
]\Ir. Wallace said he understood that 300 employes had left
the firm. He wished to know where they were gone. A con-
siderable number had joined other firms, and over 50 had
gone into the Army, was the reply. Some had gone back to
(ierniany, but not since the war broke out. They might have
had a hint; thev simply left the firm. Badges had been ap-
plied for, but were refused on the ground that the firm was
not doing Government work. It was working for Govern-,
ment contractors, however, many of whom depended on the
A. E.G. plant. The superintendent engineer was given condi-
tional exemption, one was given two months, and the other
was ordered to join up. The first-named was stated to be
receiving £350 a year. , ■ ,

At the Doncaster Military Tribunal, a teacher of mechanical
and electrical engineering at the Doncaster Technical School,
and a member of the Society of Friends, was granted exemp-
tion till Augu.st 14th, after which date he must find work of
national importance.

Vol. 70. Xo. 2,01(;, July II, 1916.]

THE ELECTEICAL EEVTEW,

30

Before the Devon Appeal Court, an appeal by Chris. W.
Cochran, electrical wiremau with Messrs. Garnish. Leman
and Co., of Barnstaple, was crossed out, he having been
badged by the Minister of Munitions.

At Canterbury, Mr. Blascheck, city electrical engineer,
appealed for F. Tapstield, motor fitter and engineer, who
has just joined the .staff from Swansea. Mr. Blascheck said
it would be absolutely impossible to get an older man to
replace Tapstield. Four months were allowed.

Coventry Tribunal has given conditional exemption to S. V.
Golland. motor-man on the Corporation tramways, on the
ground that he is in a certified occupation. " '

At Chester-le Street. Mr. T. Taylor applied for a further
three mouths' exemption for his electi'ician, aged 80, to
enable hiu] to complete contract work in hand, he Leing the
only man left. The appeal was refused.

Hitchin Tribunal, on July 3rd. granted one month's exemp-
tion to A. B. Heyes (36), electrical engineer at a local kine-
n;atograph theatre.

At Heme Bay, renewed exemption was sought by Mr.
A. R. J. Creasey, manufacturer of electric switchboards. He
urged that ho was engaged in work of national utility, but
the appeal was dismissed.

.-^t Dover, on July .5th, the Town Clerk applied for condi-
tional exemption for Mr. R. D. Axford (ii). acting chief
clerk of the electricity department. The two senior members
of the staff are serving, and .six months were recommended
by the Advisory Committee. The Town Clerk said that Mr.
-\xford was indispensable, and there were 1,.500 consumei's'
accounts and 150 special ones to deal with, besides corres-
pondence, interviewing new consumers, and dealing with
complaints. The six months were allowed, with leave to
renew the appeal if necessary.

Mr. E. E. Beaven, of Dartford. appealed for his electrical
engineer. Mr. S. C. Wenham ("23), whom, he said, he could
not replace. Conditional exemption wa.s conceded.

Two months have been allowed at (joalville to an electrician
at a local kinematograph ball, who is doing Government work
in the daytime.

At Warrington. Mr. H. Rogers, electrical engineer and
contractor, appealed for an employe, aged 26. engaged in
maintaining electrical plant at various works. The man had
been starred, but this had been cancelled. A final month was
allowed.

,\t Walton-on-Thame.s., Messrs. E. J. Eodd, Ltd., elec-
tricians, secured conditional exemption for two skilled em-
ployes.

Mr. A. Sheppard. electrical engineer, of Hertford, who
holds a munition badge, has been totally exempted.

At Barnes (Surrey), Mr. F. H. Fiford, electrician, applying
for exemption, said that if he had to serve he would have to
close down the business and lose his book debts. He con-
sented to join the Special Constabulary, and was given four
months' exemption.

Conditional exemption has been given by Watford Tribunal
to Mr. J. Ginger, accoimtant, and Mr. H. Pollard, collector
of the electric light accounts, with the Urban Council.

Before the Herts. County Appeal Court, exemption was
claimed by Mr. T. B. Daniels (21), electrical engineer, of
Hertford, who possesses a munition certificate. Exemption
was allowed so long as appellant remains in his present occu-
I'.-tion.

.\ppellants at Woking included Mr. R. Staples, electrical
cr,gineer. who sought exemption for his .son. Mr. A. R.
Staples (30), the only one left to a.ssist in the business, and
who acts as medical electrician for Woking Nursing Home.
The appeal was refused, and notice of appeal was allowed.

.\t Guildford. Mr. A. S. Massey (27), electrical engineer, of
Ripley, asked for a month's exemption, as he was going on
probation for that period in the Royal Flying Corps. As
his partner was also serving, he appealed for his foreman,
H. C. Hersey (31), to look after the business whilst he and
his partner were serving. Both appeals were allowed.

At Leatherhead, conditional exemption was sought by Mr.
.\. H. Morris (32), electrical engineer, and local manager for
.Mo-M.'i. Buchanan & Curwen. He said that they had large
cunliiicts with the War Office, and were training several
umiiirs in skilled work. He was exempted until the end of
July.

Stowmarket Tribunal has given conditional exemption to
an electrician and clerk (34) with a private electric light and
power company, but refused appeals from an engine-driver
(2-1) and an electrician (23).

Dalston (Cumberland) Tribunal have conditionally ex-
empted I. Pattinson (40). electrical plant superintendent with
Messrs. Jacob Cower & Sons.

Maidenhead Tribunal has given exemption until October
1st to Mr. W. L. Chubb, assistant engineer and deputy mana-
ger for the Corporation electricity works, and Mr. W. H.
Vevers, jun. (26), electrical engineer. Both are to join the
Volunteer Training Corps.

Chathim Tribunal has given conditional exemption to 2-9
members of the staff of the Tramways Co., after military
consultation with the manager, Mr. W. Jensen.

Southend-on-Sea Tribunal has refused exemption to an elec-
trical engineer in business in Heygate Avenue, who stated
that he had done much work for the military for lighting at
Salisbury Plain and WaUham .Abbey.

Conditional exemption has been granted to Mr. E. O.

Saxby, who has charge of the electric hght plant at Behnont,
near Faversham, the seat of Lord Harris.

Littleborough Tribunal has granted exemption untU July
31st to H. Thomason (36), electrician at a local kinematograph
theatre.

At Hyde, H. Dobson, electrician, employed by Messrs. E.
Kibbert & Co., was granted conditional exemption last week.

Taunton Tribunal have conditionally exempted Mr. A. A.
Clenients (36), electrician, whose entire capital is invested
in his business.

At Weymouth, exemption was claimed for an apprenticed
electrical wireman with Messrs. Brooking & Co. Appellant
has two years more to serve under his indentures. Exemp-
tion refused.

The Bacup Tribunal, on Thursday last week, granted condi-
tional exemption to an electrical engineer, aged 3'7, who is
a widower with three children.

At Middleton (Lanes.), conditional exemption was granted
to the chief storekeeper and clerk of the Middleton Electric
Traction Co., who was stated to be responsbile for the pay-
ment of wages and the receipt of money, and handled ;£2-5,000
per annum.

At Ashton. Herbert Underwood (31), electrician, of Minerva
Road, said he was prepared to give three days a week to
work of national importance. The Chairman jocularly re-
marked that the applicant might get good wages by lajring
telephone wires in front-Une trenches. The appeal was dis-
allowed, but applicant is not to be called up before August
31st.

At Stalybridge. last week, Mr. R. Blackmore appeared on
behalf of the Joint Tramways tt Electricity Board to appeal
for exemption for 23 employes engaged as motor-men, car
fitters, machine drillers, and car repairers. He said the aver-
age hours worked by all the tramway employes were 68 per
week, and they were running the cars with 25 or 30 per
cent, fewer men by using the car-shed staff. There was only
one route in the district on which women car drivers could
be employed, and although they had endeavoured to get
women drivers they had not succeeded. They were running
a winter service because they could not get sufficient men to
run a summer service. Conditional exemption granted.

The Worsley Tribunal last week granted temporary exemp-
tion until .August 31st to the principal clerk in the electrical
department, and to an electrician, both employed at the Earl
of Ellesmere's collieries.

.At Soiithport, exemption until October 1st was granted to
Mr. E. M. Lowe, electrician, of Birkdale.

At Pud.sey (Yorks.). Mr. F. G. Beerman. electrical engi-
neer, aged 26, who was born in the township and of natu-
ralised parents, declared his sympathies to be with England,
and was put back finally to September 1st.

The last remaining blacksmith of the Morley Electrical
Engineering Co. was given conditional exemption until
October 1st.

At Ijeeds, the appeal of an incandescent electric lamp com-
pany for a skilled engineer and fitter, on the ground that he
was engaged importantly in developing a trade here which
had previously been almost a German monopoly, was not
allowed.

The electrician at Lumly Hall. Wetherby. responsible for
the lighting and pumping plant, and the last man em-
ployed at the Hall, was exempted until September 1st.

At Shipley, the appeal of an electrical engineer, who pleaded
that he was working under the Corporation in the construc-
tion of a military hospital, was postponed until October 1st.

At Todmorden'. W. H. Gatley, electrical engineer, claimed
that he should be left in the national interests, as he was the
only practical man employed in this business in the town.
His staff now consisted of one man over military age. two
youths of 18. and a boy and a cirl in the office. Formerly
they had as many as ten men. Exemption granted.

.An appeal was made at W'inchester for an assistant
mechanical electrician at the municipal electricity works, and
the manager (Mr. Ayton) said that he could not guarantee to
carrv on the undertaking without his help. He took over
all the boilers and attended to the economiser. The Military
opposed, but the Tribunal gave exemption, holding that the
man was in a certified occupation.

The Barford Electric Supplv Co. appealed to the Warwick
Tribunal for a fitter. con.sidered to be indispensable. The
Military considered that the man was only necessary to the
convenience of a very few people, and that he was_ the very
man needed for military work. Exemption was given until
August 1st.

Grantham Tribunal has given conditional exemption to
seven employes of the Urban Electric Jjight Co.

.Absolute exemption has been granted at Stockton-on-Tees
to the treasurer and pay clerk of the Imperial Tramways
Co.. who have liberated 383 employes, seven of whom have
been killed.

The Ross Electric Light Co. appealed to the Herefordshire
Tribunal for Mr. C. E. Ray. resident engineer, and Mr. W.
Maddv. engineer and electrical assistant. Both had been
granted until October 1st. and the Court decided that an
appeal should be made again to the Boss Tribunal before the
period of exemption expires. ,

Beaconsfield Tribunal, on July 4th, granted two months
exemption to Mr. J. C. Bridcer. electrical engineer.

Eastbourne Tribunal, on Monday, cave six weeks' final
exemption to the chief electrician at Devonshire Park-

40

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

[Vol 79. Xo. 2,(1|ii, Jri.Y 14, liHi;.

Returned Soldiers and Sailors as Sub-Station Attendants.

—A Committee of the Institution of Electrical Ensineers, in
co-oi>eration with the Education Department of the London
County Council, have arranged a four weeks' course at the
Northampton Polytechnic Institute. Clerkenwell, E.C-, to
eiiahle disabled sailors and soldiers to qualify for traininj: as
eub-station .-vttendants. A lirst batch of 14 men will complete
their course about the third weeJi in July, and successive
batches will be available from time to time, if it is found
that there is a demand for their services. Central station
engineers having vacancies in their sub-stations which could
be offered to these men are requested to communicate with
Dr. E. M. Walrasley, Principal, Northampton Polytechnic
Institute, St. John Street, Clerkenwell, London, EC.

Companies to be Wound-up. — The Board of Trade has
ordered the following to be wound-up : —

E. Merck, 66, Crutched Friars, London, E.C., chemical
manufacturer. Controller : B. D. Holroyd, 6, Great Win-
chester Street, E.C.

Austrian Daimler Motor Co., Ltd., 112, Great Portland
Street, London, W., agents for the sale of motor cars. Con-
troller : R. Evans Smith, 53, New Broad Street, E.G.

X. Hurst & Co., 28, Gamage Buildings, Holbom, E.G.,
glassware merchants. Controller : J. H. Stephens, 6,
Clement's Lane, Lombard Street, E.C.

A. E.G. Electric Co.. Ltd., Caxton House, Westminster,
S.W., electrical equipments. Controller : Maurice Jenks, 6,
Old Jewry, London, E.C.

A.E.G. Electrical Co. of South Africa, Ltd., London, S.W.,
manufacturers of electrical machinery. Controller : Maurice
Jenks (as above).

Scandinavian Commercial Co^opeEation. — Next week (July
18), at Arendal, there will be held a meeting of the Union of
Norwegian Commercial .Associations, at which representatives
from similar associations in Sweden and Denmark will be
present, to consider the subject of a common commercial
policy for the three countries.

Excess Profits: Prosecution. — .A controlletl firm of muni-
tion makers at Manchester has been fined .£'15 and £'2 2s.
rcists for failing on various dates between November and May
ti supply information relating to balance sheets and finances
when asked for by the Ministry of Munitions.

Only British Directors.— It is proposed to alter the
.Articles of the Welsbach Light Co., Ltd., so as to provide
{inter alia) that no one but a Briti.sh subject shall be qualified
t^ act as a director of the company.

BUSINESS NOTES.

Catalogues. — Electric C'o^'^^TRUCTIO^' Co.. Ltd..

0. New Broad .Street. London. E.C. — .An interesting new booklet
of 4S pages, entitled " llodern Electrical Plant." which has been
compiled particularly for the foreign and colonial markets, the
company recofrnising that the present is the time to strike in
order to strengthen and develop its position. The story of the
company, its works and manufactures, is brieily told in two pages,
and more than 30 pages of excellent half-tone views follow,
showing impressive pictures of the interiors of various shops
and of the pKant made therein, also a number of installations
carried out in different parts of the world. Some pages are
devoted to Australian. Indian, and Japanese installations, and
E.C.C. motor applications of all Idnds. A number of pages at the
end are devoted to " useful notes, formula;, &c.." which will be of
service to electrical men.

Trade Announcements. — The Moxo-metee Maxu-
FACTi-RisG Co.. Ltd., and H.\ll & Soxs (Birmingham). Ltd.. have
changed the address of their London offices to Imperial House,
Kingsway. W.C.

Messrs. Over & Yockg. of Stansted, Essex, in addition to
their etandard liaes of tramway armature coils, and commutator and
controller spares, make a speciality of quick armature and com-
mutator repairs, and of the inspection and maintenance of
generators and motors.

Fire. — On the evening of .Tune .30th a fire occurred at
the works of Messes. Cutting Bros., electrical motor manu-
facturers, of Stamford. The contents of a number of insulating
varnish tanks were involved, but the outbreak was speedily
suljdued.

French Consular Service. — The French Chamber has
before it a Bill to, reorpranise the French consular service. The
examination of candidates and the trroupinsr of consular zones are
points receiving attention, also ti.r. ,,.-,.,i r..,. ., jp^j frequent transfer
of consuls from, place to;place.

Holidays. — The works of the Wat.sall Elkctrioal Co.,
Lit>.. willihe closed from August 4th to 14lh for the Rintuner
holidays.

Book Notices. — Jouninl of the Institution of Electrical
Engineers. Vol. LIV. No. 260. -Tune, 191(), This issue con-
tains the following papers: — " Electricit.v Sujiply of Great
Britain," l>y E. T. Williams ; "'Testing nf Underground Cables
with Continuous Current." by O, L, Kccord : "Service Branches
from ICxtra-liigh Tension Circuits," by l>. Jl. MacLeod ; " Economical
Producticm of Power from Coke-oven Gas," by G. Dearie.

" -Vrithmelic for Engineers." By 0. B. Claphiim. Tiondon :
Chapman & Hall, Ltd. .Is. (id. net,

rii< Jlrama Joiiriinl. July, 191fi, Is. net.

Dissolutions and Liquidations-— I^ondon Ei.ectron

WiiUKS Co.. Ltd. — Crc<lilors. A:c., should send particulars of their
claims. i:c., to the Controller. Mr. A. Taylor, Thames House, Queen
Street Place, E.C, by August l,-)th.

Th. Goldschmidt, Ltd. — Creditors, &o,, should send particulars
of claims. 4:c.. to the Controller, Mr. Taylor (as above), by
-August loth.

Griesheim-Electron, Ltd. — Creditors should send particulars
of claims, &c.. to the Controller, Mr. W. Eaves, l.i. Fountain Street.
Manchester, by August 19th.

Llaxelly Motor and Electrical E.ngineebikg Co., Ltd.
A meeting is called for .August 11th, at 2«. Baldwin Street. Bristol,
to hear an account of the winding up from the liquidator. Mr. A,
Collins.

W. T. Owens i- Sons, acetylene gas and electric lighting engi-
neers, Pontardawe. — Messrs. F. AV. and C. W. Owens have dissolved
partnership, Mr. F. W. Owens retiring. The remainin<r parter will
continue the business and attend to debt,s, kc.

Bankruptcy Proceedings.— R. E. Co.NXOi.n. late elec-
trician, late of Canterbury, at present stationed at the Crystal
Palace. — The adjourned examination was held on July Sth, at the
Guildhall. Canterbury, before 3tr. Registrar Furley, when the state-
ment of affairs showed liabilities amounting to -tiWIi, and assets
valued at £S-2(). Debtor was formerly in the employ of an elec-
trician at Canterbury, whose business he purchased in Decemlx'r,
1012, payinjr :t4.".0 all at. This included stock-in-trade, fittings,
plant, goodwill, and certain of the book del)ts, in .addition to which
the lease was assigned to him. this having 14 years to run. Xo
independent valuation was made, and debtor came to the conclusion
that he paid about i'70 too much for the concern. Durinj? the first
year the business fell off to the extent of about .')0 per cent, upon
the takings which the vendor had shown, but in the following
year he just cleared expenses. In Decemlier, 1914, debtor secured
two contracts for electrical installations at military camps at
Canterbtu-y, but on these he lost a sum of £M. In the following
March he lost £20 through under-estimating in respect of two
petrol installations, and he had also lost about £30 in bad debts.
He was handicapped by not having sufficient workinp: capital. He
attributed his failure to want of capital, the effects of the war,
losses on contracts, and interest on loans. He had lost about £1011
worth of work since last November owing to inability to obtain
labour, all his employes having joined up. He estimated his ?ross
turnover at about £1,500 a year. He had an interest under the
will of his father, but the property was heavily mortgaged, and his
interest was subject to the life interest of his mother. The
examination was closed.

AV. D. BiRKETT. factor of electrical goods. Whitley Bay. — July
27th is the last day for the receipt of proofs for dividend by Mr. C.
Woollett. :»'. ^In^liT StvHPt, Xfwrnstlp-npnii-Tynp, the trustee.

LIGHTING AND POWER NOTES.

Australia. — The Geelong (Victoria)' City Council is
considering a proposal to mtmicipalise the electric lighting and
electric tramway undertakings of the city and boroughs, both of
which are owned and operated by the Melbourne Electric Supply
Co.. Ltd. — Australian Mining Standard.

Batley. — Year's Working. — The gross profit of the elec-
tricity undertaking for the last year was £4,037, as against £4,12,'>
in the preceding year ; and the net profit £298. as again.st £634.
The cost of coal was £.S,853, as against .£2,709. For the tirst time
a decrease in units sold is shown, the total being 1,47G,I6,5, as
against the previous year's 1,482,010.

Bedford. — Loan Application. — The T.C. has applied

to the L.G.B. for sanction to loans of .£2,390 for excess expenditure ;
£1.210 to cover the cost of extensions; and £1,300 for extensions
to the works of Messrs. W. H. Allen, Son. and Co., Ltd., the latter
firm paying a rental of £200 a year for the mains, kc. until
required for public lighting, when the amount will be adjusted by
asrreemont. An arrangement has also been made whereby the cost
of an automatic pressure regulator at the works of Messrs. W. H.
Roliertson A: Co.. Ltd.. will be met by the firm, aud repurchiised by
the Council when the contract for which it is intended is concluded,
at a depreciation of 25 per cent, per annum.

Vol. 7!1 No. 2.nifi, .TtiLY U, lOlli.

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

41

Bradford. — Year's Working. — .It has been announced

in the T.C. that the net profit on the Corporation electricity under-
taking-for the past year was .i 15.989, as against £18.955 in the
previous year. The total income was £167.022. and the sross profit
£79.958. The cost of coal showed an increase of £12.055. but the
other works costs, in total, were less, in spite of an increased output
of 5.000.000 units.

Bristol. — ^EW Plant. — The Electrical Committee re-
ports that it has reluctantly adopted the suggestion of the L.G.B.
that, in view of the desirability of spending as little money as
possible diu-ing the present crisis, a 3,000-KW. turbo-alternator
should 1)6 put down for present use, instead of a ri.OOO-KW.
machine suggested by the Committee, and agreed to liy the Council
in April. 1915.

Burnley. — Year's Working. — The report of Mr.
Starkie, the borough electrical engineer, on the last year's
working of the electricity undertaking, shows an output sold of
5.158,07-1 imits, a decrease of .S 6. 000 on the previous year : power
and heating increased by .^1 per cent., but considerable reduc-
tions occurred in other directions, and notably in tramway
supply. The maximum load was 2,561 KW., and the load factor
23 per cent. Altogether 570 motors, of 2.068 H.P., were connected
to the supply. The net income from all sources was £33.190;
the gross profit amoimted to £14.315, and after meeting financial
charges', the net profit was £4. -172 against £6.022 in the previous
year, the falling off being accotmted for by increased works costs
and financial charges.

Canada. — The Shawinigan Water and Power Co. is

issuing new capital, which it is stated will be used for the con-
struction of a transmission line to Quebec consequent on the acquisi-
tion of the Dorchester plant, the purchase of the Gres Falls water
power, and extensions of companies dealing with carbide and
electro-metals, in which the Shawinigan Co. is interested.

The Vancouver (B.C.) City Council has approved a new three-
year contract with the B.C. Electric Railway, under which the
existing arc lamps will be replaced by nitrogen-filled tungsten
lamps. These new lamps will be in .600. 400, and 250-c.p. sizes.
and the saving by their use is estimated at $6,000 per year. The
rates to be charged — viz., S38. S35. and S33 per annum respectively
for the three sizes — are considered£very low.- About 2,000 arc
lamps will be replaced.

Colchester.— Year's Working. — During the year ended

March 31st la.st, the electricity department made a gross profit of
i;r..iis7. and, after meeting customary financial charges, a net deficit
1. 1 t^^l remained. It is proposed to slightly advance the price of

i-leutrieity.

Coventry. — Revlsed Prices. — The. T.C. lias decided to
regulate the price of current for power by the average price of
coal ; increased charges will be made, varying from 2 jjer cent.,
with coal at 13s. 6d. to 14s. 6d. per ton, to 16 per cent., with coal
at 20s. 6d. to 21s. 6d. per ton.

Dawlish.— Street Lighting.— The U.D.C. ha,s accepted

the following offer made by the Electric Eight Co. in respect of
restricted lighting : — Contract prices for all lamps lighted : £1 15s.
per annum for each 200-c.P. lamp imlit. 17s. 6d. for each 100-('.p.
lamp unlit, and 8s. 9d. for each 50-C.P. lamp imlit.

Derby. — The T.C. has empowered the E].Ii. Connnittee

to arrange for the supply of current to new works to be erectetl in
Dsmaston Park Road, the estimated cost of the scheme being
£ 1 .501 1.

Edinburgh. — Year's Working. — The Electric Lighting

Committee has reported that the deficiency on the .accoimt for the
year is £8.075. This amount will have to be made good from the
reseiwe fund.

Exeter. — Pumping Plant. — Last week new waterworks

pumping plant was started up on the occasion of the anntial
inspection of the Waterworks Committee. The plant consists of a
Rees-Roturbo pmnp. coupled to a 63-B.H.P. two-phase motor, sup-
plied by the B.T.H. Co. The pump has a capacity of 25.000 gallons
an hour against a head of 325 ft., and the plant is supplied through
a transformer, from the Corporation electrical system.

Gilllngham (Kent). — I" I'eply to a suggestion from the

B. of T., the T.C. has replied that it is impracticable to enter into a
scheme for taking current either from the Kent Electric Power Co.
or the Chatham and District Light Railways Co.

Glasgow. — A prelimmarv statement shows that the Cor-
poration electricity undertaking had a revenue, for the year ended
May 31st. of £530.720. as against £405.372 in the preceding year,
an increa.se of £125.348 in the year.

Grantham. — Price Increase. — The Urban Electric
Supply Co. has informed the T.C. of the necessity of advancing the
charges for current by another 10 per cent, from the date of the
.lime quarterly meter readings, making a total increase during the
war of 20 per cent.

Halifax. — Price Increase. — The Corporation has given
notice that, owing to the increased cost of coal, the charges for
electricity for motor power are to be increased by 17i per cent,
from October 1st next.

Haslingden. — Bulk SuppLT.-^Under a pre-war arrange-
ment the Haslingden T.C. has been supplied in bulk exclusively
Viy Accriugton, The increased demand for energy in both towns
has made it difficult for Accrington to keep pace with the double

requirement, and,- in the circumstances, the latter has concurred in
Haslingden entering into an arrangement to obtain a supple-
mentary supply from Rawtenstall, and the final negotiations have
been concluded by the L.G.B. sanctioning an expenditure by
Haslingden of nearly £2,000 for cables and switchgear. the
charges upon which will, however, be largely borne by Rawten-
stall. In ca,se of need. Haslingden will thus be able to pass on a
supplementary supply of current to Accrington.

Year's 'Workixg.— In the electricity imdertaking for the year
ended March 31st. 1916. the gross income was £4.897 ; and" the
gross profit £1.179. against £661 in the previous year. Interest
and redemption absorb £784. Bulk supply purchased from the
Accrington Corporation amounted to 890.686 units, at an average
price per miit of 071d. ; the amount paid by the Accriugton Cor-
poration to cover the annual charges on the cable from Accrington
boundary to the Prinny Hill distributing station was £221. equal
to 0'06d. per unit supplied, lea\'ing the net cost of this supply 0'65d.

Hastings. — Year's Working. — The Corporation electric
light accounts for the last year show that the total capital
expenditure on the luidertaking amounts .to £188,149, of which
£99.276 had been repaid up to March 31st last. The income for
the 12 months was £18,015, a decrease of £7.210 as compared
with the iireceding year, of which £4.765 was due to decreased
public lighting. The expenditure (£12.732) wasa decreaseof £451.
The gross profit was £5,734, as compared ivith £12,493. After
making allowance for sinking fund and interest. &c.. there was an
adverse balance of £5,785, which has been met by £2,142 out of
surplus standing to the credit of this account and £2.929 drawn
from district rate account, with a balance of £714 provided for out
of reserve fund.

Hereford. — Loan Sanction. — The L.Ct.B. has itiformed
the T.C. that it is prepared to sanction a loan of £18.000 for a
scheme for supplying current to a new factory to be erected at
Rotherwas. when tenders are accepted for the plant, kc.

Hinckley. — The R.D.C. has decided to take no action

relative to an application by the Leicestershire and Warwickshire
Electric Power Co. for consent to lay cables from Brockey to
Barwell.

Kirkcaldy. — Year's Working. — The returns of the

electricity imdertaking for the year ended May 1 5th last, show a
total income of £14,596, gross profit amounting to £5,026, and,
after meeting financial charges, a net surplus of £621, being
roughly £100 more than in the preceding year. The total output
sold. 1.944,220 units, included 983,556 iraitsfor power, and showed
an increase, due entirely to the latter, over the previous year : the
average price being also increased, the total revenue was £ 2.300
better than in 1914-15. Expenditure also increased by about
£2.000. mainly due to increased coal cost, which amounted to
'628d. per unit as compared with ■32d. in the previous year. The
maximum load was 950 KW.. and load factor 23'3 per cent. ; the
motors connected totalled 1,944 B.H.P. The report contains a
recommendation that a new power-station site be obtained near the
sea and railway.

London. — Battersea.— In view of the representations

of the Board of Trade in regard to linking-up. the Council has
agreed to reopen negotiations with the Hammersmith B.C.. as to
the joint scheme for linking-up Hammersmith. Fulham and
Battersea. in regard to which H.M. Treasury last year only sanc-
tioned the linking-up of the last two boroughs. The E.L. Com-
mittee has now arranged for the installation of a 350-KW. Peebles
converter and B.T.H. switchgear, with a view to increasing the
supply in the Nine Elms district,

Luton. — Year's Working. — In our last issue we gave
the financial particulars of the last year's working of this pro-
gressive undertaking. Further information shows that 12.254.529
units were sold or nearly 4,000.000 more than in the previous year.
The motors connected equalled 6.632 H.p. and heating apparatus
1.576 KW. ; the maximum load was 4.2(18 KW.. and the number of
consumers 1.914. In spite of the price of coal increasing 40 per
cent., the total works cost per unit remained at ■54d., while the
average price received was ■86d. per unit. The net profit of £6,227
was after resorting £ 700 for excess profits duty.

Middleton. — Year's Working. — It was stated at a
meeting of the T.C. on the 5th inst.. that the loss on the electricity
undertaking during the past year was £1.066 ; Alderman Bentley
(chairman of the E.C.) said they had spent £1.000 more in coal,
and he thought they had not increased the price of current as much
a-s they ought to have done. . .

Rathmines (Co. Dublin). — Price Increase. ^^Tlie

U.D.C. has decided to increase the charges for electricity for
private lighting from 4id. to 5d. per unit ; for the lighting of
places of worship. &c.. and business premises, from 4d. to 4id. per
imit : .and for power and heat from lid. to l|d. per unit, these
charges to be in addition to the 5 per cent, added in 1913, and to
date as from .luly 1st.

Sheffield. — Suggested Price Revision.— The general

nuiuager of the electricity undertaking (Mr. S. E. Fedden") has. sub-
mitted to his Committee a report upon the advisability of i-evising the
existing charges for the supply of current. The manager st.ates in this
report that he feels grave anxiety both as regards the financial
stability of the department and for its ability to supply cheap units
in the future, if the charges generally are so fixed as to yield a
very small avail.able surplus. Whilst the imdertaking was com-
plying with legal requirements as regards repayment of loans in

42

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

[Vol. 70. Xci. :.>,iM(i, ,Tri,Y 1 1, line..

the shaix- of sinking' funrl. it wiis not rcJiiciujr wipital indebtedness
fast enoujrh to keep the iindertakin;; financially soinid. The under-
taking oujfht to be able to put by cnoutrh money to hrintr the
reserve fund up to 10 per cent, of the capital indebtedness, and to
bnild up a stronsr renewiJs luid si>ecial exjienditure fund to deal
with obsolescence: this sum should not fall below ttilt.OW, and
should preferably amount to tltio.iuHi on the present size of the
undertakinjr. The en^'ineer is of opinion that on the return to
normal trade conditions many of the larjrest consumoi-s would be
a^itatin;; for lower terms, and if the department was not in a
position lo supply at the cheai)est possible rates, it would
undonbt«xlIy lose some of these consumers, either to an outside
undertaking' or by the firms putting' down their own plant. The
enjrineer cites the followinp: facts in explanation of his views : —
CO The lar^e amount of capital repre.sented by the Sheaf Street
station plant, which is entirel.v out of date, and on which the
capital repayment has still another 2:> yeai-s to run ; (2) the same
remarks apply to the plant at Kelham Island: in this case
sinking fimd repayment has to continue for a further 14 years ;
(,;t1 the Xeeiv-iend station was not opened till i;)04, yet the first four
turbines are ol)soletc when compared with the efficiency of present-
day plant, but the sinkinjr fund payments on these plants will not
l>e extinsrushed till Ht2". In conclusion, the report stated that the
pn'sent power tariff was framed many years afro, and had enabled
the department to build up a huge power loa«l. It was based on
the price of coal beinjr purcha.sed at two and a-half times less
than theexistinpr price, but, notwithstandinjr the gradual increase
in the cost of fiu^l that ha"; taken place in recent years, there was
still a sufficient niar;rin Ix-tween the cost and sale price of the unit
to produce a small surplus, owing- to the reduced cost of produc-
tion in other directions. Now, however, owing to the abnormal
conditions prevailing on account of the war and the general
increase in the price of all materials and laboiuv the charges for
current should be revised to enable the undertaking to attain the
above-mentioned objects. In view of the above, the Electricity
Committee has recommended the City Council to increase all
accounts for the supply of current by 10 per cent, where the present
price is more than 2d. per unit, and by 20 per cent, where the
present price is 2d. per imit or less.

The formal isanctions of the L.G.B. have been received to the
borrowing of the following sums : — £-t2.92fi for a turbo-alternator,
foundations for same, and switchgear ; :fi.37.201 for boilers and
foundations for same : £324 for coal shoots (total, £80.451. being
part of £1.S7,104 applied for) ; £.51,00(1 tor four boilers and acces-
sories at Xeepsend ; £10,0(111 for buildings in connection with
the above.

Spenborough. — The Council has lodged a claim lor
damage done to the electricity works through the alleged pollution
of the Spen Beck by impurities from a chemical works.

St. Helens.— Price Lvcrease.— The T.C. has decided
that a further increase of 10 per cent, be made in the price ot elec-
tricity for lighting. A few months ago 10 per cent, increase was
announced in the price of current for power and lighting. At last
week's meeting an amendment that the price remain as last year —
10 per cent, higher than the pre-war price— was defeated by 12
votes to 11. and a second amendment that there should now be an
increase of .5 per cent, for lighting and 2i per cent, for power was
also defeated.

Swansea. — Year's Workincj. — The annual report of
the electricity undertaking for the year ended March 31st last
shows a net income of £38.256, working expenditure amounting to
£20,152. a gross profit of £18,104, and net profit of £4,944, The
latter compares with a net profit of £1,786 for the previous year,
and £3,31.S for 1913-14. The reserve fund balance at the end of
the year was £10.548. The tramways department showed a
balance at the end of the .year of £1,087, as compared with £2,905
for the previous year. The report of the borough electrical engineer
( Mr. J. W. Burr) expressed the opinion that the returns showed an
all-round improvement. With an increased output of 497.782 units.
the coal consumption was reduced by 1,660 tons, as compared with
the previous year. The average price for coal for the year was
17s. Id. per ton. as against 12s. Id. per ton for the previous vear.
The efi'ect of the Summer Time Act to date had been a reduction of
10 per cent, in the output.

Tasmania. — The report of ilr. Strike, the Launceston
city electrical engineer, mentions that 2,866,543 units were sold
during the year ended June 30th last. The connections include
3.334 premises ^vith 1.523 KW. ; 472 motors of 2,579 B.H.P. ; and
1,119 radiators, A:c.. of 777 kw. Owing to low water flow, the
steam plant assisted the hydro-electric plant on 95 days : the
maximum load was 1.120 KW., and the station load factor 337
per cent. The total revenue amounted to £22,867, and the
gross profit to £13.654; after meeting financial charges, the
surplus remaining was £6,070. Generation, distribution, and
management costs averaged TBd. per unit sold ; hvdraulic generating
costs figure at ■13d., and steam generating cost's at Oied. per unit
sold.

Tunbridge Wells.— The Electricity Committee has
informed the T.C. that it is not intended at present to increase the
existing charge^ for current, but the question will again be con-
sidered in September next.

Walsall.— The engineer- has reported that the existing
E.H.T. feeders to Sandwell Street sub-station, rid Darw-eU
Street, are overloaded, and, as a temporary measure of relief,
the necessary cable for connecting up Wo'lverhampton Street
generating and sub-stations has been ordered ; it is proposed to

make temporary use of switchgear which will )>c eventually
installed in the ISloxwich sub-station.

Weybridge. — Hkvised ('HAiKiES. — A further HVort is to

Ih- ni;i(li' liy till' Couiuil to obtain a moiv ivasonabU^ revision of
charges from the Urban Klcctric Supply Co.

Wigan. — Rorrowlng powers are to lie sought, lor ili>:):t

for a centrifugal pump : £325 for cable ; and £1,163 for pipework,
foundations. iV:c.

Wimbledon. — I-oax Sanctio.v. — Thr I, ,(;,!!. lia.-< giiinicii

the Council's application for leave to Ininuw t5,(i2o dicing the
e-Kjienditure in excess of loans already sanctioned and the estimated
exjienditure of the electricity department to March 31st, 1916. in
respect of mains, house services, meters, and transformer sub-
stations), so far as regartls the excess exjienditure incurred up to
March 3Ist, 1915. As regards the remainder of the application.
however, the Board saw no reason why sanction should be given ;
the clerk thcreui>on interviewed an official of the Board, (xiinting
otit that, under the Electric Lighting Acts, the Council was com-
pelled to give a supply of current under certain conditions, and
that it was the incresising business of the undertaking which chiefly
accounted for the application. Under the circumstances, the
Electricity Commillee has refjuested its Standing Sub-Committee to
consider the question of capital expenditure and report what action
should lie taken, having regard to the present financial conditions.
The Committee has reported in favour of increasing the price of
energy supplied to ordinary consumers for lighting purposes to a
sum not exceeding lid. per unit, and for motive power or heating
purposes to a sum not exceeding 2d. per unit.

Winchester. — The Government department concerned has
refused to certify for the use of the T.C. a 500-KW. turbo-generator
set oi-dered from Messrs. C, A. Parsons & Co.. Ltd., as necessary to
maintain the continuity of supply. The Electricity Committee has
decided not to increase the charges for energy at present.

Worcester. — Proposed Extensions. — The City Council

has agreed to certain extensions proposed to be carried out, at a
cost of £14,000. to supply a new works with electricit.v. The pro-
posed plant consists of a 1 .500-KW. turbo-alternator, with condenser,
switchgear, cables, .Vc. The engineer reported that the firm would
probabi.v require a million units a year. and. in any case, he would
have asked for £10,000 for extensions due to natural progress.
The firm had offered a guarantee of £ 1.200 a year for three .vears. in
addition to the receipts from the sale of energy. The (Jominittec
would later require a new boiler, involving an expenditure of £3,500.
It was stated that the L.G.B. would facilitate the borrowing of the
money for the work.

TRAMWAY and RAILWAY NOTES.

Bacup. — Proposed Fare Increase. — A proposal of the
Rawtenstall Corporation to increase the car fares has engaged the
attention of the Bacup Tramways Committee, which has decided
that it cannot recommend the T.C. to agree to any increase. It
remains for the Rawtenstall Corporation, if it wants to increase the
fares, to ask the Board of Trade to appoint an arbitrator to deal
with the matter.

Blackburn. — The T.C. was informed l>y Mr. Higham,

vice-chairman of the Tramways Committee, that allowances to men
of the department who had joined the Colours amounted to £1,400
a year, expenditure in other directions had considerabl.y increased,
and as receipts had declined it might be necessary before very long
to increase fares.

The Corporation has decided to grant an increase of id. per hour
to the men employed in the tramway department, the annual cost
to the department being estimated at £1.400. The chairman and
vice-chairman of the Tramways Committee are to arrange the
details of a scheme for issuing passes for the use of wounded
soldiers wishing to travel on the tramcars.

Burton-on-Trent.— Year's Working.— For the year

ended March iilst last, the Corporation tramways carried 3.223.559
passengers, as compared with 3,311,355 in the previous year. The
revenue amounted to £15,037, and the receipts in respect of the
M.R. Co.'s running to £1.008 : the net surplus was £1.329. showing
an increase on the previous year's sui-plus. which was £838. The
car-miles run were 386.876, as compared with 440,021 in 1914-15,
and the percentage of operating expenses to revenue fell from 78'5
in that year to 74'9 in 1915-16.

Bury. — Wages. — The local branch of the Amalgamated

Tramwaymen and Vehicle Workers' Association has decided to
apply to the Corporation for an advance of wages for its members.

Canada. — According to the Canadian Electrical JVeics,
the outline of a scheme for a large central terminal station, to cost
about 35 million dollars, has been laid before the city by the
Montreal Central Terminal Co., the suggestion being that all the
lines entering the city should use the terminal, and that these
lines should all be electrified.

London. — Tramway Accident. — On Tuesday evening a
car proceeding from the Edgware Road to Sudbury left the track
at Warwick Avenue bridge, and. colliding with a wall, overturned,
more than 60 passengers being injured, though only nine were
detained in hospital. The mishap is supposed to have been caused
by a broken axle.

Vol. Til. Xo. 2.01(5, Jl'LY H. UtlG.]

THE ELECTKICAL KEVIEW.

43

Glasgow. — Female Labour. — In tlie course of the

animal report of the T.C. tramway department, the financial and
pa.sseng:er side of which has already teen publi-shed in the Review,
it i.s pointed out that the number of women conductors at present
employed liy the department is 1,107. and since March 1st of this
year, when the Committee decided to experiment with women
drivers. 106 women have been introduced to the front platform of
the cars. At several depots women were also employed in connection
with the cleaning of the cars. When war was declared ti33 male
members of the staff who were Reservists and Territorials were
called up. and since then the number of employes who had joined
the Colours was 2.S1I. Of this number the Committee regtettedto
report the deaths of 113.

Haslingden. — Year's AVorkixg. — For the year ended

March 31st last, the tramways show a gross income of i(;S.4(il
ajfainst stS.217 ; a gross expenditure of £.5.272 against £.").S40 ; a
gross profit of i;3,lif2 against £2.37ti : and a net profit of £1,021
against £1H0. The total mileage was 150.i;7li. The rate aid given
to the department since its inauguration amounts to a total of
£3.3il.>.

Hull. — Year's Workino. — The accounts of the Corpora-
tion traniAvay undertaking for the year ended March 31st last
show that .'53.734,387 passengers were carried, of which nearly
24 million were Jd. fares, and the remainder Id. fares. The total
was much in excess of the previous year, although the car-mileage,
1.1172.342, was roughly .500,000 less than in 1914-1.5. The;total
revenue amounted to £162,927, while working expenses totalled
£108,670 and war allowances £8.759. leaving a balance to net
revenue of £45.498. .\fter meeting the usual financial charges.
£ 12.469 was transferred to the appropriation account, bringing the
latter to £22.469. and enabling £10.000 to be transferred to rate
relief, a similar amount being reserved for future relief, and the
balance of £2.469 being allocated to reserve. The reserve fund in
hand amounts to £142,000.

London. — Southwaek. — Electric Vehicle Report. —

A curious report on the use of electric vehicles has been presented
by the borough engineer to the Works Committee. From this we
gather that he has taken quite a paternal interest in the subject of
power-driven vehicles for some years, though, unfortunately, it
would appear from what follows, that his interest has not led to
an accurate appreciation of the merits of the electric vehicle, either
in itself or in relation to the electric supply industry. He says :
" Xo doubt electricity will become adaptable for our general use in
five or 10 years, but the charges of one or two vehicles would be of
no assistance to the Council's electricity works, and working them
would he more expensive than petrol plant.'' It is difficult to
understand these remarks in view of the number of cai-es in which
electric vehicles are being adopted for municipal work, because of
their low co!.t of operation and general efficiency, but apparently
the borough engineer is prejudiced by the knowledge that electric
vehicles represent but a small percentage of the municipal motor
vehicles in use. Again, it is obvious that unless the Southwark
Council provides charging facilities, it cannot expect to benefit from
electric vehicle charging and the charging of " one or two vehicles. "
in view of the huge possibilities in front of the electric, may be of
the greatest assistance to the Council's electricity undertaking.
The fact that 740 electric vehicles are in use. or on order in this
country, as compared with 150 in the previous year is evidence that
some people are appreciating the advantages of the electric vehicle,
although this is not the case with the Southwark Works Committee,
which endorsed its engineer's views.

Kirkcaldy. — Year's Working. — During the year ended

May 15th. the Corporation tramways carried 5.403.000 passengers,
or about 90.000 less than in 1914-15 ; nearly 50 per cent were Jd.
fares. The car-miles nm. at 439.000. were 9.400 less than in the
previous year, but the average revenue. 9'3d. per car-mile, showed
an increase. The total revenue amounted to £17.433, and the
gross profit to £5,649, while after meeting financial charges,
including £443 depreciation, the net surplus remaining was £137.
The report draws attention to the probable heavy expenditure on
permanent way in a few j-ears' time, and suggests that measures
should be taken to increase the revenue in oi'der to meet these
charges ; one suggestion is the abolition of id. fares.

Manchester. — A collision between a tramcar and a ta.xi-

cab in Moss Side, last week, resulted in the death of a lady
passenger in the cab and serious injuries to the motorman.

The new double tramway track in Cross Street, between King
Street and Alliert Square — in the busiest part of the city — is now
completed. The laying of the second line, which will be a great
boon, has been made possible through the demolition of some
property and the widening of the thoroughfare.

Wallasey. — Wages. — A special meeting of the Tram-
ways Committee was to consider the demand of oar drivers and
conductors for an increase of wages. The men threaten to cease
work to-morrow (Saturday), unless they receive a favourable reply
to their demand.

Rotherham. — The Corporation has been recommended to
take up the tramway track in a portion of Westgate, and put down a
double line of rails. The borough engineer has been instructed to
arrange for the immediate purchase from Messrs. Steel, Peech and
Tozer. Ltd., of 40 tons of rails at £16 10s. per ton.

Tasmania. — The result of the year's working of the
Launcestou city tramways to June 30th was a total revenue of
£19.317 and a net surplus of £508. The passengers carried
numbered 2,385,860 and the car-miles were 355.421,

TELEGRAPH and TELEPHONE NOTES.

Argentina. — The Government telegraphic system at the

end of 1914 comprised 38,674 km. of line and 93.129 km. of wire,
with 908 offices ; 14'7 million messages were handled during the
year. The telephone system, in the hands of seven companies,
consisted of 96,390 km. of line and 385,633 km. of wire, with 69,667
subscribers. — Join mil Trlcijnipliiqiie.

France. — The jnililication of Atinnhs tks Pastes, Tele-
i/mji/iiex ife Telepliiiiirs. which had been suspended owing to the
war, ha.s been resumed.

Spain. — Since May 2iid a radiotelegraphic service has

Ijeen established between Spain and Germany, the tariff being 025
peseta per word. The Spanish station Ls situated at Aranjuez. —
./."/ 1- mil TfU'ijruph iq iic.

Tahiti. — A wireless station has been erected l\y the

French Government near Papeete, in Tahiti, placing the island in
communication, ria Samoa and Awanui (Xew Zealand) with the
world's submarine cable network.

CONTRACTS OPEN and CLOSED.

OPEN.

Australia. — August IHth. P.M.G. Distilling apparatus
(Schedule 502). telegraph and measuring instruments (Schedule
4981 See " Official Xotices " .lune 16th.

Melbourne. — August 8th. Deputy P.M.6. Standard battery
material : — Porous pots, jars, zinc and carbon rods, and chemicals.
Schedide 1.327. High Commissioner's Office, 72. Victoria Street,
S.'W.

Sydney. — August 1 7th. Portable internal-combustion engine
and dynamo (2i KW.) Ifor the Departmental Stores, Sydney, for
P.M.G.*

August 24th. P.M.G. Automatic switchboard and apparatus
for Xorth Sydney Exchange. Schedule Xo. oil.*

Dublin. — July 20th. Corporation. A.C. slot meters.
See " Official Xotices" to-day.

Hull. — July 20th. Machinery oils for the Corporation
Electricity Department. Mr. J. F. Magoris, Acting Electrical
Engineer.

New Zealand. — Invercargill. — September 28th.
Borough Council. Steam turbo-alternator, condensing plant, and
switchgear. Specifications from the Tramway Office. Contract
Xo. 40.*

Plymouth. — July 20th. Corporation. Rotary steam
boiler feed pump for the Electricity Department. See '' Official
Xotices " .Jime 30th.

Walthamstow.— July 26th. Council. 500-kw. rotary

or motor converter : E.H.T. switchgear ; L.T. switchgear. See
" Official Xotices" to-day.

York. — Coi-poration. Coal (14,000 tons of either un-
screened beans, pea slack, rough slack, or small peas quality) for
the electricity works for nine months. Mr. J. W. Harris, Engineer
and Manager.

Specifications for the items marked * can be seen at the Board
of Trade Commercial Intelligence Branch in London.

CLOSED.

Argentina. — The Times states that the lai-gest contract

for iron placed since the lieginning of the war by Argentina has
been secured by the Staveley Coal and Iron Co.. Ltd. It is for
26.000 tons of c.i. piping tor afiout £262,500, and the whole is to
be delivered before the end of the current year.

Australia. — The Sydney City Council has been recom-
mended by the Electric Lighting Committee to accept the following
tenders : —

Induction regulators, £1,549.— Aust. General Electric Co.
10,000 ft. of 1-in. heavy gauge welded conduit, £2SU.— Lawrence & Hanson,
Electrical Co., Ltd.
Melbourne City Council has accepted the following tenders : —
Five 200-amp. 3-phase oil switches with transformers, £114.— British

■Westinghouse Electric and Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
Two Erith Riley stokers with fans and hydraulic controls, £1,296 f.o.b.
(total estimated cost, including freight, insurance and erection, being
£2,000), for installation in two of the oldest boilers at the supply
station.— Erith Engineering Co., Ltd. —Tenien.

P.M.G.'s Department, South Australia : —
Increasing the capacity of storage batteries, Central ExchWS^i <Vdelajde,

£512.— T. Knight Steanes.
£3,230 yd. paper-insulated lead-covered cable, 100 pairs, £1,510 per mile ;
1,060 yd. ditto, 300 pairs, £1,201 per mile; \\ miles ditto, 200 pairs,
£785 per mile ; SJ ditto, 100 pairs, £440 per mile ; \ mile ditto, 25 pairs,
£158 per mile ; 770 yd. silk and cotton insulated, lead-covered switch-
board cable (various), £481.— Western Electric Co. (.\ust.), Ltd.

^^uiiraWan Siirting Standard,

u

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

[Vol. 7!i. Nn. 2.n|ii, .Iui.y II, IDlii.

Bedford— T.C. :—

1,<1)>I ton^ of Reddiog Black coal, ioi the electrioily works.— J. E. Page.

Ltd., ais. per too. . ,

C 1,800 tons o( Manton slack.— Vintner * Co., Ltd., 2l6. 2d. per ton.^ 5?/'^^^

J Birkenhead. — T-C. Daimler petrol- motor tower-wagon

fur trtinnvavs : Mersey Motor Co., Ltd., Birkenhead, £820.

Bristol. — Electrical Committee. Accepted teiuler : —

Derby.— T.C. Coal for Hie electricity works: I). McCarthy
and Co. : .Mr. T. Walker : Derby Coal Co., Ltd. : Brookhouse,
.lohiison. Ltd. : and Parr & Sons.

Dublin. — The Irish Biiihhr state.* that the followiii;,;
toiulers have been received by the Corporation for the installation
of electric litrht in the new dw-elliug-i: comprised in the Church
Street and Beresford Street and Trinity Ward honsinjr schemes : —

t-liiinli SI. iincl
I. . ■ ii -1. Trinit.v Ward

scheme.

A. E. DavT ' < i'STB

J. Dowdall & Sons T - 130

Owin? to the terms of llit- sivcilicatiun not hein";' strictly
complied with by the tenderer?, the cit.v electrical ensrineer has not.
been able to make anv recommendation, and places the matter in
the hands of the Municipal Council.

Glasgow. — The Clyde Xavigatioii Trustees. KUrtiir:!
stuns : Ross 4: Co., and the Liverpool Electric Cable Co.. Ltd.

London. — London Edncation Coniniittee. Wirin<j ( 'onnly

Secon<lary School. Forest Hill :

Alex. Hawkins & Sons Inccepteil) smi

Alpha Manufacturing Co ."iTS

H. .J. Cash 4 Co., Ltd f,20

W. C. Tackier & Co., Ltd 1571

Trcdegars, Ltd 8fi4

Battebse.\.— Electricity Committee. Plant in connection with
supply to Nine Elms district :. -

Bruce Peebles & Co.. Ltd.— a50-KW. rotary converter, f l,aiO.

British Thomson-Houston Co., Ltd.— Motor-converter switchgear, £.129.

Luton. — T.C. Recommended tenders for extensions : —

Cl.irk, Chapman & Co.— Two boilers and stokers complete, i:7,648.
E. Green & Sons.— Economiser, il,091.
W. A- T. Avery, Ltd.— Coal-weighing machines, £\in.
Han-is-Anderson Patent Feed Water Filter Co.— Water sottonov, i'495.
Hayward, Tyler & Co.— Rotary Iced pump, i'2.58.

Tenders for the ash and soot-handling plant will come forward
at the next meeting: of the Electricity Committee.

Sheffield. — Electricity Committee : —

steel Barrel Co. - Petrol storage installation, £195.
Ahhott * Bannister.— Structural alterations to pi

£236.
Will.ans & Robinson.— Replacing spare turbine bla(

Shude L
■ial, £283.

'^Shipley. — U.D.C. .iO-KW. tnmsfornier for Hirst AVimd :
British Electric Transformer Co.

Stafford. — Town Council, ".(iii-kw. UL'alvd tiirlio-ucue-

rator and condensing- plant, aggregatinjr j;5.23H. Part of the plant
is to be supplied by Messrs. Siemens. In reply to questions
regarding that firm, it w.as stated that the concern Wii« Govern-
ment-controlled, and there w.is not the slightest suspicion as to the
propriety of the works being carried on : if they were stopped, it
would be the greatest disaster that could befall Stafford.

Sunderland. — T.C. Accejjted tenders :^

.1. Thompson & Co.— Creosoted troughing, collars and bends.

Jones Bros. — Tiles.

Norfolk Engineering Co.— Brush-holders.

Watford. — U.D.C. Motor, gearing and ])ulleys : Marshall

and PWmtree. £7.').).

Wimbledon. — Coal for the Electric Lighting Committee :

Foster & Co.— 4,500 tons Kingsbui^ Small nuts, 2.Ss. 3d. per ton ; 1,000 tons
ditto nutty slack, 22s. 3d. per ton ; 2)000 tons Fostock double-screened
nuts, 24s. 3d. per ton ; 1,500 tons ditto slack, 17s. 9d. per ton ; 2,000 tons
a. Leicester nutty slack, 21s. 4d. per ton.

Wolverhampton. — Electricity Committee. K 1,1100 tons
of slack coal : W. H. Bowatcr. Ltd!

ENGINEERING EDUCATION AND RESEARCH.

Thk report of the Sub-Committee on " Engineering Education
«nd Research," appointed by the Council for Organising
British Engineering Industry, and composed of Mr. A. P M
• Fleming, Prof. J. C. M. Garnett, and Prof. Miles Walker, was
issued fast week. The following are the principal recom-
mendations:—

The organisation of Briti.sh engineering industry by the
federation of British manufacturing engineers for purposes
which include education and research.

The co-ordination of existing means for educating engineers,
.nnd particularly the provision of an adequate and more
uniform system of scholarships.

The establishment of a large number of junior technical
schools for the education between \'l and 16 years of boys
who intend to become apprenticed to engineering trades.

Compulsor.y attendanc-3 of apprentices under 18 years of
age at part-time clas.ses for eight hours a week during works
hours, the instniatiou given to relate to their everyday work
and to include citiy.en.ship subjects.

Provision for the .spec-ilic eilucation of future members of
the highly-trained stall in colleges and .senior technical schools.

Extension of the study of inathematics and physical science
at schix)l, and education not under specialist teachers, but
under a sticcession of form masters in a more coherent
curriculum.

Readjustment of the conditions for admission to Univer-
sities.

lieduction of the number of lectures in University courses.

Technical degrees to be given to candidates only when they
have added works experience to academic training.

University teachers to be encouraged to undertake research
\M)rk on behalf of, and in co-operation with, manufacturing
linns.

The volume of research work in connection with the British
engineering industry to be greatly increased, by fully utilising
existing facilities for this purpose, and by establishing a
leiitral research laboratory.

There are many interesting and novel features in the report,
Mliich deserves the close attention not only of educationists,
hut also, and perhaps still more, of manufacturing engineers.
.\ clear distinction is drawn between the two great classes^
manual workers and thinkers — and the comparative failure
to solve the problem of providing the best system of educa-
tion for each of these classes is ascribed partly to confusion
of one with the other. Emphasis is laid upon the importance
of training the workman not merely as a skilled man, but
also as a good citizen. The nature and functions of the
junior technical school arc explained, and it is recommended
that boys should enter it from the public elementary school
at the age of 13, leaving it to enter works as apprentices at
15. Special attention is devoted to the nature of the instruc-
tion to be given during the trade apprentice course concur-
rently with the workshop training. Boys aiming at the
liigher positions .should receive whole-time education up to
the age of 18, and then enter upon a University course; if
tlii.s is not possible, they .should leave the secondary school
at 16 and enter a senior technical school for two years. Uni-
versity entrance scholarships should be increased in number
and value until it is no longer possible for a boy to be pre-
\cnted by financial reasons only from receiving a university
training, if his native ability and previous education have
fitted him to derive from this training so much benefit that
the increased value of his services to the community will
repay the cost.

.\ very significant passage deals with the excellent quality
of modern engineering text-books, which are so good that
they diminish the necessity of lectures, which should be
directed rather to guiding the student and stimulating his
interest in the subject studied. The greater part of the
iiniversit.v time should be spent by the student in working
out problems of the kind that he will meet in practice.

Works training before the college course is deprecated,
unless it can be effected during vacations without interrup-
tion to the academic work. The six-months' sandwich system
is not recommended in connection with English Universities,
though it is less objected to in Scotland, where the sessions
are .shorter. Finally, the immense importance of research
work, at the colleges, the works, and in special institutions,
is vigorously driven home, and intimate co-operation between
engineering firms and colleges is advocated. The report is
worthy of the most careful consideration.

NOTES.

Electricity on Canadian Farms. — The British Columbia

Electric Railway is energetically pushing the use of electricity
amongst farmers in the Fraser Valle.v. which is covered with a net-
work of power lines. The farmers are stated to be keenly interested
in the matter, and at their request meetings are being held, at one
of which a number of interesting 'kinematograph and other views
of electrically-worked farms were shown.

Nitrate Plant for U.S.A. Government. — 'i'he Army

Reorganisation Bill as finally enacted authorises the President to
make an investigation to determine the best process " for the pro-
duction of nitrates and other products for munitions of war and
useful in the m.tnufacture of fertilisers and other useful products,"
He is further authorised to-select a water-power site or other site
and to construct a plant for the manufacture of such product. The
products of the plant are to be used for military and naval pm-pose.s
to such extent as the President may deem necessary, and any .sur-
plus may be sold under such regulations as he may prescribe. The
Bill does not specify the capacity of the plant, but $20,000,000 is
appropriated for its construction. A provision is inserted that the
plant must be operated " solely by the Government and not in con-
junction with any other industry or enterprise carried on by private
capital." — American -Machinist.

Vol, 79. No. 2,nirt, July U, 1916.]

THE ELECTRICAL EEVIEW.

Inquiries. — Makers of electrolytic iron are asked foi';
Foreign Trade. — Thk .IrxE Figures. — The official

fignres for import;; and exports durmsr last month give the
following values for electrical and engineering lines : —

.//./,, 1 „.■..•:■ Si.r nio»t/is. 1016.

Imports: - liU'. </' . , Tnc. or flrr.

Electrical goods. \-c. £l.i:i.!il2 + Tu.tiiU + £3fi4.,i7:i

.Machinery ... ... 873,607 - 50,063 + L'0,Snii

Exports : —

Electrical goods, ic. 47i;.fi.-il +183.148 + .i.5I,12.i

.Machinery ... ... l,771,ssi - 84,321 - 394.738

Educational Notes.— I'mveksity CoLLEfJE, London. —

At an assemlJy of the College Faculties, on Thursday last week,
the Provost stated that the Pro Patria" contained the names of
1.47ti memljers of the College who were serving in the war : 101
distinctions had been gained, and 73 had laid down their lives.
The College had rendered many important services to the Govern-
ment, of which particulars could not at present be given. Dr. G.
Carey Foster, formerly Professor of Physics and Principal, delivered
an address to the students.

MiDDLESBKoroH Techxic.\l Collec4E. — The fund for the
erection of a Technical College at Middlesbrough, for the further-
ance of iron and shipbuilding industries, now stands at £73.700.
The Cleveland and Durham Electric Power Co. has offered to
supply as an annual donation £100 worth of electrical power per
Hnnum.

Patents and Alien Enemies. — Application has been made

the Board of Trade for the avoidance or suspension of Patent
Xo. U. 693/10, for the electrolvsis of liquids, granted to Billiter, by
Mr. E. .J. Smith, of Willesden", X.W.

Japan and Electrical Export Trade. — Accordino: to

■ l,i|)aue-se papers. .Tapan is about to make a special bid for the
. lertrical market in China. The Hoclii. which the Japan Chronicle
says is regarded in Tokio as the organ of' the Government, credit^s
an authority in the Department of Agriculture and Commerce with
the following statement : — "Japans electrical industry has recently
undergone a marked development. Efforts should be made to
further national interests by promoting the export of the various
]iroducts of the industry. The Government is. therefore, consider-
ing means to encourage the export of electrical apparatus to China.
India, and other accessible places. A new item of expenditure is
to be provided in the next Budget for the purpose of subsidising
the export. The scheme, however, has not yet been considered
by the Cabinet in detail. In order to secure a large market for
electrical apparatus in China or anywhere else, it is necessary that
the general electrical industry there shoitld be developed. In this
respect much depends upon the activity of Japanese capitalists.
The war has stopped European competition, and the present is the
best opportunity for consolidating the foundation of Japan's
business and industrial potentialities abroad. To attain this object
an immediate loss should be ignored with an eye to an ultim.ate
gain." — Finniicii'r.

H. R. Merton & Co., Ltd.— According to the Thms, a

circular has been issued by the above company, stating that the
shares in the company which were hitherto held by German firms
have now all been acquired by British subjects. The negotiations
to that end. which were started in July. 1915. only came to a suc-
cessful conclusion in February. 1916. "The terms of the trans-.
action were submitted to the Board of Trade and the High Court
of Justice for their approval, which was granted. The company
has altered its Articles of Association, which now contain very
stringent provisions, by virtue of which the company is now. and
will always remain, under exclusively British control." The Tim&x
understands, as a residt of its inquiries, that ths result of the trans-
action is that the proportion of the capital in British hands is
increased from 5.5 per cent, to 85 per cent., the remaining 15 per
cent, being held in allied and neutral countries. Should any of these
countries ever become involved in war with Great Britain, the
holders resident therein may be compelled to dispose of their
holdings. Xo shares may be sold to foreigners, or to British
subjects having foreign connections.

Institution and Lecture Notes. — Verband Deutscher

Elektrotechniker The annual meeting of the V.D.E.. which

should have been held last year, was abandoned owing to the war :
but this year a meeting was held in Frankfort-on-3Iain. at the
beginning of June. About 750 members and visitors attended. On
June 2nd the meeting accepted the report prepared by G. Dettmar
(secretary), from which it appears that there are now 22 associa-
tions in the tmion. and that, in spite of the war. the number of
members remains practically constant at 6.000 (a fact which is
possibly due largely to those on active service being retaine<l
automatically on the membership roll). . During the period covered
by the report, the chief activity of the committees has been directed
to examining the applicability of the various rules and recom-
mendations to war conditions, iind to devising special war ndes to
meet the abnormal conditions of labour and material supply in
Germany. On the evening of June 2nd. members and visitors
were received in the historic town hall of Fraiikfort as guests of
the city. The large number of public officials attending this year
brought back to mind (says £'. T. Z.) the international electro
technical exhibition held at the same place 25 years ago. when the
first high-pressure alternating-current power transmission from
Lauffen to Frankfort was inspected by members, including such

pioneers as Oscar von Miller. Dolivo-Dobrowolsky. and Kittler.
A retrospect of this brilliant period of electrotechnical development
formed the subject of an historical appreciation delivered by Prof.
Epstein on the second day of the meeting. Prof. Klingenberg
delivered an address on ' Large-scale Electric Administration with
State Co-operation. ' and in the afternoon G. Dettmar read a paper
on sitbstitutes for various electrotechnical materials. " A successfitl
exhibition of substitute-materials and of products made therefrom
bore witness to the high degree of independence of German industry
with regard to foreig'n supplies, and also disclosed technical and
scientific advances which will be of great importance after the war.
as well as now."

Electrical Association of Australia (Victorian Section). — At the
meeting held at Melbourne, on May 25th, Mr. C. F. Lindblade read
a paper on " Decay of Timber in its Eelation to Electric Light Under-
takings."

Volunteer Notes. — 1st London Engineer Volux-

TEEKS.— Orders for the week by Lieut.-Col. C. B. Clay, V.D., Com-
manding.

Satiirdaji, July 115th.— Parade. 3.0 sharp, Golder's Grgfen Station.
T'niform.

J/.)«rf-/y. July 17th.— Technical for Platoon IS^o. 0, 46, Regency
Street, S.'W. Squad and Platoon Drill, Platoon No. 10. Signalling
Class and Recruits.

Tiipsday. July 1 8th.— Officers' Instructional Class, 6-7. Recruits,
7-8. Lecture. 7.15, "The Mechanism of the Service Rifle," Lieut,
Scott Moore.

Wednesday. July 1 9th.— Platoon Drill for Xo. 1 Platoon.

Thiirtdaij. July 20th.— Platoon Drill, Xo. 5 Platoon. Recruits,
5.45-7.45. Instructional Class, 5.45.

Friday. July 21st.— Technical for Xo. 10 Platoon. 46, Regency
Street. S.'W. Squad and Platoon Drill, Xo. 9 Platoon.

Saturdnij. July 22nd.— Instruction Parade. 2.30. Company Com-
mander Fleming.

Sunday. July 23rd.— Entrenching duties. Parade. Victoria (S,E,
and C. Railway Booking Office). 8.35 a.m.

MACLEOD TEAR.SLEY. Adjutant.
July lOtli, 1916.

3rd Batt. (Old Boys') Central London Volcntebr Kegi-
.MEXT.— Battalion Orders byCapt. R, J. C. Eastwood (Commandant),
Thui-sday. July 13th, 1916":—

U'cfl.-Fnd 'Paradex.^Safiirday.— The Battalion will Parade at
AVembley Park, at 3 p.m., for Drill.

h'nfri''nr/iin;i.—Safnrday.~-Var!ide at Liverpool Street station
(Low Level entrance), at 8.40 a.m.

Sunday. — Parade at Liverpool Street Station (Low-Level entrance.
at 9,30. for Entrenching duties.

Ai-nimmwiation for the Entrenching Party \s\\\ not be ready for
Saturday. 15th inst.. but it is arranged to commence on Sattu-day.
22nd inst. Xames must reach the Adjutant not later than
Wednesday.

Mnslietry.—TTntland Cup ^iiyv^p/rf^ow.— Competitors shooting on
Saturday will report at 9.20 a.m.. at Xo. 8 Platform. Wateilou
Station : those shooting on Sunday, at 9.15 a.m.

SiynaJliu/i Practice in future will take place at Queen's Club on
Mondays. Wednesdays, and Fridays, at 6 p.m.

Recriiit.< will Parade at Wembley Park on Saturday at 3 p.m..
and Simday at 1 1 a.m.

G. H. F. DixcAN, Acting Adjutant, O.B.C

Decimal Coinage and the Metric System. — At a

meeting of the City Corporation on Thursday last week. Mr. Sandle
moved that, in view of the advantages which would accrue to
British commerce in forei.ffu markets by the use of the decimal
system of coinage and weights and measures, it was desirable tliat
steps should be taken for its immediate introduction, so that it
might be in operation at the end of the war. The subject was
referred to the County Purposes Committee for consideration. —
Tiwes.

German Substitutes. — We regret that a misprint
occurred in our article on Germ,in substitutes for copper con-
ductors (Vol. LXXVIII, Xo. 2,013, p. 718). in that the specific '
resistance of zinc per sq. mm. per metre at 20° C. was given as
00067. instead of 00607 ohm.

Mechanics for the R.N.A.S.— An appeal is made hy the

R.X.A.S., 17. Brook Green Road. Hammersmith. W,. for skilled
engineers, carpenters, and electrical fitters. The age limits are IS
to 45. All will be put on " deferred entry." which means thatthe.v
will be liable to be called up at a fortniglifs notice, when required.
— Westniin.ifer Gazette.

Copper Output of Spain. — According to the Oovernment's

Bolc*iu Camercial. Sp.ain produces yearly about 3 million tons of
copper, of a value of 63.000.000 pesetas. The district yielding most
copper in Spain is the Province of Hnelva. and next to it comes
Seville. There also exist in Spain large -areas of i>n]irodnctivr
ground allocated to copper production by concessions whose ;)ro-
prietors are. for the most part, tmable to work them owing to the
lack of capital ; if this ground were to be made productive, and to
yield, say, 9.000.000 tons of copper, the value of Spain's output
yearly would be augmented by 189,000.000 pesetas. lu view of the
increased price of copper owing to the war. the Balctin urges
Spanish capitalists to invest their capital in the production of
native copper. — Lv: e Fner:n.

4H

THE ELECTRICAL EEVIEW.

[Vol. -;». Xo. 2,01ii, .Iri.v II. ion

Southampton. — A Day Oit !— A linn of nicdu-inal wine

merchants asks iis to beliovc that '■ in these days of nervous stress
and strain there are few persons who derive no henefil from a real

health tonic such as ." Everybody is fcelinjr the stress and

strain, hut give us a course of Southampton Water as a tonic, for
reasons to be found below.

E- On Wednesday of last week, in most perfect weather, a party of
about l.">. consisting.' of meniliers of the Metroiwlilan .\ssoc:ation
of Electric Tramway Manajrers and friends, made Southampton the
scone of their annual outin;r.

On their arrival in the town, the visitors were received at the
tramway oftices. from whence a s|>eoial car conveyed them to the
South-Western Hotel, where they were entertained to lunch by the
Mayor, who >^'avc them a most hearty welcome.

Sir. W. C. nimann. sreneral manager. East Ham Corporation
Tramways, in projwsins a vote of thanks, voiced the feelinRS of the
entire iiiirty in .sa.vin? that they were a^'reeably surprised and very
much inipres.sed by the beauty of the town.

.Vlderman Littler, late chairman West Ham Tramways Committee,
also paid a prreat tribute to the town, and .spoke of the indebted-
ness of the entire nation to Southampton for the wonderful work
it was doinjr in connection with the war.

The Mayor and Alderman Duiisford replied, the latter remarkin;;-
that although the local tramway system was not particularly
larffe. .vet it was one of the most complete and successful under-
takings in the country. In Mr. Robson they had a manager who
was sometimes in advance of the Committee, which was, perhaps,
a ^o(k1 thinjj.

During- the afternoon the visitors made a tour of the tramway
system, and were impressed by the .\ venue and the Common, which
many of them said made the most charming tramway route they
had "e\-er seen. The chief srlory of Southampton is the Common.
a (Treat area of primeval forest land, a portion of the Eoyal Forest
of Bere. and it is impossible to over-praise the beauty of this frreat
natural park of 348 acres, all of it finely wooded with stately trees
and picturesque thickets. A visit was paid to Portswood car
depot, where they saw the electric vehicles which have entirely
taken the place of hor,ses. and the new 2-ton electric tipping wagon
to be used by the permanent way department, and for general cart-
ing work. Much interest was shown in a method of repairing
defective rail joints, adopted in Southampton for the first time on
any large scale. The arrangements also included a trip down
Southampton Water to Southsea and back, during the course of
which the party were entertained to tea by Alderman Dunsford.

The trip occupied just three hours : and as the shores are beauti-
fully womled. and arc nearly a mile apart, nothing could have
been more delightful. lx)th from the picturesque point of view and
as a relief to the ever-present thoughts of the deplorable straggle
which, there is reason to hope, will shortly give way to an early
and sudden peace.

To the Mayor and to the Chairman of the Tramways Committee
for their hospitality, to Mr. Robson. and Mr, Goodyer. the popular
hon. sec. of the M.A.E.T.M.. for their admirable arrangements
throughout the day. we add our thanks to those of Mr. Littler, who
spoke for the visitors, and to the Clerk of the Weather we offer our
heartfelt gratitude.

We must not omit to mention that, after the water trip, the
party had the privilege of inspecting the newl.v-erected cable works
of Messrs. Pirelli, on the invitation of Mr. Bevis. when the Maj'or
took the opportunity of wishing "Success to the Firm."

Union of Technical Associations in Germany. — A

German " Verband " of technical-industrial associations has been
formed, comprising the Institution of German Engineers, the Insti-
tution of German Architects, the Association of Blast Furnacemen,
the German Chemical Society, the Institution of German Electrical
Engineers and the Association of Shipbuilding Engineers. The
headquarters are in Berlin. The Verband will thus i-epresent
HiXOi'iii members of the different professions involved. One of the
principal results which is looked for from the combination is the
furtherance of the work of finding substitutes for the raw material
hitherto obtained outside Germany. — Timrx Triiile Siipjilemeiit.

Peilormance of British Westinghouse Turbines. —

Excellent records have recently beCii made in regular performance
b.v tm-bines of British Westinghouse manufacture. A turbine
installed in the Port Dundas power station of the Glasgow Cor-
poration, of the Westinghouse-Rateau high-pressui-e impulse type.
is rated at li.O(M) KW.. and runs at a speed of l.JUU E.P.M. The
alternator generates three-phase current at 25 cycles, (i.SOll volts,
aud has an overload capacity of 2.') per cent, for two hours, and
.)il per cent, for half-an-hour. This set is provided with a direct-
coupled exciter. At the present moment there is in coui'se of
manufacture another li.UUO-KW. set with surface condensing plant,
which will be. to all intents and purposes, a duplicate of the set
alxivp mentioned.

This set ran from July 24th. 1914. to October 31st, liUo. a period
of 1.') months, during which it was in operation for 9..595 hours out
of a possible 11,160 hours, or 8,5;) jier cent. ; the average load was
.5. .510 K w.. and the total output was 53 million units, or 62 per cent.
of the total output of the whole station during that period, and
78'9 per cent, of the possible output of the turbine at full load for
the whole running time, the average load being 5.510 KW.

A 300-KW. D.c, turbine, which is also in service in the Glasgow
district, of the Westinghouse-Rateau mixed-pressm-e impulse type,
is rated at 300 K^'., and runs at 3.000 b.p.m. The generator
develops full load at 460 volts.' and is of the three-wire type. The
commutator is of the well-known radial type, the design of which
enables sparkless commutation to be obtained at all loads at h'gh
speeds. The condensing plant is of the multiple-jet type, working
in conjunction with a natural-draught cooling-tower.

This .set was in oi^eration from July, HMO, to December. 1915. a
total period of 4.S.204 hours, and was on load during that period for
47,023 hours, or 975 per cent, of the possible r\iuning time in
54 years. The maximum load grew from 150 to 273 KW.. and the
mean load from SO to 207 KW. ; as the spare plant consisted of two
belt-driven dynamos of a total output of lOli KW.. it will bo seen
that the reliability of the turbine was a very important matter.
These records are rcrtainlv admirable.

Naval Electricians. — 'I'lie nnik of i,icuti'nanfc (Elu-

trical) has just been crcatiMl in the Royal Naval Volunteer Reservr
and such othcors gazetted are to he assistants to Licuteiuuits (T),
and to have charge of the repair and maintenance of the ordinary
electrical equipment of the ship, this leaving the Lieutenant CT)
free for torjiedo work. This new departure rather hits the war-
rant electrician, who up to the present was entrusted witli that
cliiss of work and did it well.

OUR PERSONAL COLUMN.

rilr Eililnr.-i innir rlrri ririil ini/iilrrrx, wllii ll,;- rniilirrlril nith ihr
terhniatl iir llif ciininievrifil xiiie nf tlir /irii/'i:sisiiiii iiiitl hirliistni,
aim rifrtrir tn/niinn/ iiiiti mi/in/i/ n/Hriii/x./n /irr/, mii/rr.s of I'lic
ELEfTKICAl, Review jiasfi'd «.< fn f/irii- iiiiirriiinii.t.

Central Station and Tramway Ofiicials.— Au Australian
exchange states that Mr. W. G. T. Goodman, chief engineer
anfl general manager of the Adelaide Municipal Tramways
Tiust. has two sons enlisted for active service. Up to date,
I'J) of the Trust's employes have enlisted for active .service.

Bexhill-on-Sea T.G. has, by a re-arrangement of the elec-
tricity staff, appointed Mr. R. C. Carter as mains assistant,

Faversham T.C, has increased the salary of the electrical
engineer (Mr, G. Somerville) from £'200 to ;£'210 per anntim.

Torquay T.C. has increased the salary of Mr. J. L. M^edway,
assistant electrical engineer at the generating station.

General. — The assistant surveyor of Bournemouth . (Mr.
r\ r, Dolamore) has been appointed borough surveyor, m .
succession to the late Mr, Lacey.

Mr, S, Howard Hall, who has been with Messrs. Mather
and Piatt, Ltd., Park Works, Manchester, for the past six
years, has just been granted a commission as lieutenant in
the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, and is to undertake elec-
trical duties.

At the recent Degree Day at the Manchester University,
the degree of M.ScTech. was conferred in absentia on Lieu-
tenant Bertram Hoyle, of the R,N,V,R,, now on active ser-
vice, who, in civil life, is an assistant lecturer and demon-
strator in electrical engineering at the Manchester Municipal
School of Technology,

London Gazette notice, — Territorial Force, Royal Engineers.
Ttjne Electrical Engineers. — Lieutenant (temporary Captain)
0. M. FoRSTEB is seconded.

At Wesley Church. Burnley, on June 28th, the marriage
took place of Mr, Thos, H, Nutteii, as.sistant electrical engi-
neer to the Burnley Town Council, and Miss Clara Haythorn-
thwaite.

Roll of Honour.— Captain J, S, Davidson, Royal Irish
Rifles (1st County Down Volunteers), who has been killed in
action, was the only surviving .son of Mr. S. C. Davidson,
founder and managing director of the Sirocco Engineering
^^'orks, Belfast, of which firm Captain Davidson was himself
:; director, and for many years, prior to the outbreak of war,
luted as general manager. He proved a keen and able officer.
His knowledge of practical engineering was soon discovered,
and he was appointed to the machifle gun section, subse-
quently being advanced to the position of brigade-captain of
the 108th Infantry Brigade, Ulster Division, in which capa-
city he was serving in charge of the Machine Gun Company
at the time of his de.ith. Captain Davidson's death has
caused sincere grief amongst a wide circle of friends and
acquaintances, and particularly in the Sirocco Works, where
he was greatly loved. He was 38 years of age and unmarried.
He was a member of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.
In a letter from headquarters to Mr. S. 0. Davidson, it is
stated that the deceased officer " fell after gallantry which
deserved the Victoria Cross,"

Sergeant Sawdrey, of the I/ancashire Fusiliers, who has
been woimded by shrapnel, was engaged at the works of the
British Westinghouse Co,, Trafford Park, before the war.

Sergeant R, A, Walton, of the Stockport Territorials, who
was an electrician in Stockport prior to the war, has been
recommended for the Military Medal.

Sergeant Douglas Hartley, of the Royal Engineers, who
has been killed in action, was 19 years of age, and, prior to
the war, was empb'sd at Ashton as an electrician.

Gunner A. E. Garton, of Crewe, who was employed in the
electrical department at the Crewe Railway Works, and who
saw active service at Gallipoli, has died of disease.

Captain Alfred Lee Wood, of the Lancashire Fusiliers,
formerly with the Lancashire Dynamo & Motor Co,, Trafford
Park, and, prior to the war, their representative in India, was
killed in action last week. He was 30 years of age, obtained
his commission two months after the war started, and went
to France in November last.

Able Seaman Arthur Mulcock. whose loss on board H.M.S.
Torpedo Boat Destroyer Turbulent during the North Sea

Vol. 79. Ko. oMUi, July h. I'.no.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

47

Battle is now reported, was formerly with Messrs. Elliott
Bros., Ltd., electrical engineers.

Ijance-Corporal J. Faichuie, of the Oxon and Bucks Light
Infantry, who was, before his enlistment, engaged at Rugby
with the British Thomson-Houston Co., Ltd., has been
wounded in action.

Private Wilfred Knight, of the Cheshire Regiment, who
has died of wounds received in action, was fonnerly engaged
at the works of the British Insulated & Helsby Cables, Ltd.

Corporal Arthur Plaxt, of the King's Royal Rifles, who
was, when he enlisted, engaged at the Rugby works of the
British Thomson-Houston Co., Ltd., has been awarded the
Military Medal for gaUant conduct on the field at Ypres,
where he was wounded.

Corporal H. W. Bray, of the 1st Herts. Regiment, who
has died of wounds received in action, was, before the war,
assistant electrician to his father, Mr. A. Bray, at Lord
Salisbury's residence at Hatfield House, Welwyn. He was
wounded in fighting at La Bassee.

The Times states that Second-Lieutenant C. S. Coombs, of
the Queen's Own Royal West Kent Regiment, who died in
hospital on July 6th from wounds received on July 3rd, was
educated at the City of London School and the City and
Guilds Technical College, Finsbury, and was a Student Mem-
ber of the Institution of Electrical Engineers.

Corporal W. Hdtchinson, West Yorkshire Regiment, who
has been wounded by shrapnel, and is in hospital, was an
assistant engineer at the Batley Corporation electricity works.

Private Joseph Gent, of the Border Regiment, who died at
Netley Hospital last Friday from wounds, was "21 years of
age, and was formerly employed by the Lancashire Dynamo
and Motor Co., Ltd., Trafford Park. He had previously been
wounded at Gallipoli. Another employ^ of the same firm,
Private P. J. Moss, of the Manchester Regiment, aged '20,
has also died of wounds.

Private Thomas Y.4TES, of the Northants Regiment, who
has been wounded, was an employiS of Messrs. W. T. Glover
and Co., Trafford Park.

Private Fred Young, of the Durham Light Infantry, and
formerly in the electrical department of Messrs. Doxford and
Sons, Ltd., Sunderland, has died from wounds sustained in
action.

Private C. H. Long, who went to the war from the Bradford
electricity works, was wounded in the Somme advance.

Sergeant-Major Hahry Gill, formerly electrical engineer at
the Leeds Slate and Marble Works, has died from wounds
received in the battle of the Somme.

Obituary. — Mr. Sydney Dobson. — We deeply regret to read
thr announcement of the death of Mr. Sydney Thornton
Dobson, which occurred through accidental drowning in Poole
Harbour on July 3rd. The late Mr. Dobson, who was 50
years of age, had been chief engineer of the St. James's and
Pall Mall Electric Light Co., Ltd., almost as long as we can
remember the company, indeed, his connection with that
c-oncern began in 1889, and he has been responsible for its
technical engineering developments all the way along. For
the past IG years he has been associated with Sir Alex.
Kennedy as joint engineer of the Cfentral Electric Supply
Co., which gives bulk supply to the Westminster and St.
James's undertakings. Mr. Dobson was educated partly at
King's College School, and at the School of Electrical Engi-
neers, in Hanover Square, and part of his technical training
consisted of an apprenticeship served with the firm of R. E.
Crompton & Co. ; later be acted as second engineer of the
fiiTQ in their electrical works at the Tilbury Docks. His
c liange over to the St. James's Co. was preceded by a couple
Ml years' central station experience at Vienna on the electrical
Klaff of the Imperial Continental Gas A.ssociation. Mr.
Dobson was not a man to care for the glamour of the foot-
lights. In the main, he appears to have devoted himself with
assiduity to the operation of the electricity supply concern
which had such a run of prosperity as has fallen to few elec-
tricity supply companies in the Metropolitan area. He was
a member of the Institutions of Civil, Electrical, and
Mechanical Engineers.

Mr. F. Taylor.— The death took place, in London, on Mon-
day, of Lieutenant-Colonel Frederick William Taylor, D.L., of
Cbehnsford, a director of Messrs. ChrLsty Bros. "& Co., Ltd.,
electrical engineers. Deceased, who was 50 years of age, was
for many years associated with the Volunteer movement,
was a prominent Churchman, and for a long period had served
on the Chelmsford Board of Guardians and Rural Council.

OFFICIAL RETURNS OF ELECTRICAL
COMPANIES.

NEW COMPANIES REGISTERED.

Kilmalloch Electric Light & Power Co., Ltd. (4,364).—

This company was registered in, Dublin on July lUlli, wllh a capital of
f2,700 in £1 shares, to carry on the business iiidicated by the title. The
subscribers are: D. Clery, Kilmalloch, Co. Limerick, draper, 100 shares-
T J. Griffith, "Lisa Corra," Kilmalloch, J. P., 50 shares; T. Hannan, Wolf
Tone Street, Kilmalloch, merchant, SO shares: J. VV. Joyce. Sheares, Kilmal-
loch, clerk of woiks. 50 shares; W. H, Madden. Kilmalloch, auctioneer, 50
shares; P. D, Clery. KilmallSch, auctioneer. 50 shares; J. O'Rourke, Kilmal
loch, victualler, 50 shares; T, W, W. Bennett, Ardnullen, Kilmalloch, farmer,
25 shares; T. J, Carroll, Kilmalloch, chemist, 25 shares; P. P. Ileelan, Kil-
malloch, draper, 25 shares. Private company. The first directors (to number
not less than five or more than 10) are the above subscribers. Qualification,
*2j. Secretary : D. Cussen. Registered bv Jordan S: Sons, Ltd.. 116-117,
Char.cery Lane, W.C. Registered ofKce : Kilmalloch, Co. Limerick.

Orford Electric Light & Power Co., Ltd. — Particulars of

£"50 debs., created June 5th, IWli, tiled pursuant to Section 93 (3) of the
Companies (Consolidation) Act, 19U8, the amount of the present issue being
£650. Properly charged : The company's undertaking and property, present
and future, including uncalled capital. ' No trustees.

Vickers, Ltd. — Mortgage dated June loth, 1916, to secure

£71.299 5s. 3d., charged on certain land and premises in Barrow-in-Furness.
Holder: H,M, Secretary of State for War.

Douglas Southern Electric Tramways, Ltd. — Particulars

of £3,00U debs., created June 7th, 1916, filed pursuant to Section 93 (3) of
the Companies (Consolidation) Act, 1908, the whole amount being now issued.
Property charged : The company's undertaking and property, present and
future, including uncalled capital. No trustees.

CITY NOTES.

For the year ended March 31st, 1916,
Edmundsons' the net profit, after providing for mortgage
Electricity and debenture stock interest and redemp-
Corporation, tion, amounts to i'13,'259, plus £3,366
Ltd. brought forward. After deducting the in-

terim half-yearly dividend, paid last Janu-
ary, on the cum. pref. shares, the balance is £10,625, of
^hich £6,000 is required for the final dividend on the prefer-
ence .shares, and £4.625 is carried forward. We extract the
following particulars from the schedule, showing gross profits
of subsidiary and other companies for the years 1914 and
1&15: —

Gross profit
(before providing for

capital charges and Lamps connected

depreciation!. (equiv. 33-watt).

1915. 1914. 1915. 1914.

Alderley £3,060 £3,118 33,099 31,390

Bromley 11,067 12,765 128,928 122,671

Folkestone .. .. 17.064 19,487 153,451 145,943

Guernsey .. .. 5,797 6,830 146,957 135,471

Isle of Wight . . . . 10,493 12,946 154,434 116,794

llfracombe . . . . 816 1,151 22,461 22,550

Lymington .. .. 1,438 1,899 22,134 21,085

Melton Mowbray . . 2,475 2,727 26,770 25,152

Newmarket . . 1,970 2,318 31,362 30,749

North of Scotland . , 7,038 6,937 102,741 95,089

Kamsgate ,, ,. 3,075 3,991 46,432 44,459

Boarboro' Trams .. 1,722 298 — —

Salisbury . , . . 6,670 6,896 46,881 44,576

Urban Co 70,001 70,329 920,505 836,519

Wycombe .. .. 6,881 6,337 72,499 68,336

Cromer "368 892 18,448 17,806

Dorking "2,603 2,393 28,183 26,685

Prome 1,405 2,063 53,839 51,820

Hamilton .. .. 4,528 4,300 84,809 78,898

Sulbiton +2,369 '3,938 t62,297 "49,943

£157,396 ±'169,605 2,145,'2-20 1,994,936

' Figures for year ended March 31st, 1916.

I Figures for nine months ended December 31st, 1915.

The total capital expenditure increased during 1915 from
£3,18-2,877 to £3,'230,91'2. Annual meeting : July 20th.

The report for 1915 states that the gross
Western earnings were $316,554 and expenses

Canada $89,6'26, leaving a credit balance of

Power Co. $2'26,9'27, which was insufficient to meet
the interest on the first mortgage bonds,
while interest on the refunding mortgage bonds and
interest payable on current account were not earned. The
loans to the company secured by its first mortgage bonds
and the other net current liabiUties amount to nearly $550,000.
The company will require, in addition, $100,000 to instal the
third generating unit. In June, 1915, the company sought
IJermission of the Briti.sh Treasury to make a public issue of
securities in London, but this request was refused. _ Unsuc-
cessful efforts were then made to effect a compromise with
■the committee representing the holders of the first mortgage
bonds. Subsequently a Noteholders' Protective Committee,
representing the holders of the notes, which are secured by
the refunding mortgage bonds, was able to effect a compro-
mise with the committee representing the holders of the first
mortgage bonds. In order to carry out the terms of this com-
promise and to avoid the sale of the properties in foreclosure
proceedings, it is necessary that the holders of the $'2,495,000
par value of the shares, now issued to the public, should sub-
scribe for a sufficient number of the proposed new issue of
preferred shares to realise $374,'240 in cash. It is, therefore,
proposed, at the ensuing annual meeting, to enact by-laws
reducing the paid-up capital from $5,000,000 to $1,000,000,
and to issue to each shareholder one fully-paid share for each
five fully-paid shares now held by him. The Noteholders'
Protective Committee have procured the formation in New
York of a syndicate which will underwrite an issue of at least
$850,000 of "preferred shares, and the Noteholders' Protective
Committee will offer these preferred shares to noteholders and
to the shareholders at the price of $80 per share. Each share-
holder is requested, for each five shares now held by him,
to subscribe for at least two new preferred shares of the par
value of $100 each, and to pay therefor $80 per share in
cash, and upon such payment being made each shareholder,
in addition, will, in case the issue of preferred shares la not

4.S

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW,

[\o\. 7it. No. 2.iil(i, .)ii.\ 1 I. iKlt

ove.-.subsctib.d. rocoivo from the Notfholders riotective
Comiuittee foui- additloiuil liilly-i>aul oidiuary shares lor
everv two preferred shares allotted to huu. Subscriptions
must be received on or before July luth. If the plan of re-
coustruction is successfully carried out, the second letundiu^'
bonds will be caneelle*!, the current liabilities paid off interest
on the lirst mortjiaee bonds paid until January 1st, 191b, and
the company will have funds sullicieut to complete the in-
stallation of a third seiieratint' unit and to carry on its busi-
ness for two years.^ — Financial Times.

The financial statement of the SocieU
French }ycstinghouse exhibits gross profits and

1-lectrical balance forward totalling .ioS.OUO for 1915.
Companies. After appropriating i'33,0(X) for deprecia-
tion, the balance has been earned forward
to the new year. . ,„ ,, , „ , .

The accounts of the Cables Ehctnqucs {Berthoud, Dorcl et
Comimiinie) show net profits and balance forward amounting
to ±l.j(K.iO for 191.5. A dividend at the rate of £1 4s. per-
share has been declared, an<l the sum of £7,800 has been
carried forwaYd.

The directors of the Chemin de Fcr Elecliique Souterrain
Nord-Sml, of Paris, state that the mileage working in 1915
was the same as in each of the two preceding years and
after a period of 11 months of depression in the traffic from
the beginning of tlie war, a marked improvement tixik place
in the number of passengers carried as from July of last year.
The gross profits amounted to .-t'SSa.UUO, as compared with
f3G(l,0(Ml in 1914 and .i'KW.UOO in 1913, whilst the net profits
of f41,(XK) brought forw^ard from J914 declined to £15,000
last year, which sum has been transferred to the contingency
fund". It is mentioned that the work of extending the hue
"A " from the Place Jules Jofl're to the Porte de la Chapelle
was resumed in the cour.se of 1915, although the construction
is pioceedingly slowly.

The report for 1915 of the Ateliers de Constructions Elec-
triqucs du Xord ct de I'Est {Jeumont) recalled the fact, as
wao mentioned a year ago, that the company's workshops
were situated in the district occupied by the enemy, and it had,
theiefore, been impossible to balance the accounts for 1914.
It was still impossible to furnish complete information.
According to news upon which it was believed reliance could
bf placed^ the directors knew that a limited pprsoniici had been
kept, and was occupied on the maintenance of the plant and
the completion of certain manufactures in hand, in order to
provide means of existence for the workmen who were de-
prived of any resources. As a result of the requisitions
made, and for which certificates appeared to have been regu-
larly given by the German authorities, the machine tools,
manufactures,' and raw materials had been removed from the
works. As soon as the enemy troops had evacuated the dis-
tiict the directors would proceed to value the material
damages caused under the conditions provided for by the
French Decree of February 4th, 1915, in order to safeguard
their rights in any eventuality. During the year the company
had collected several important accounts, which brought the
sum available in cash and at the banks to over .-£180,000. The
plant at the works at Saint Ouen had been increased, and
satisfactory results obtained. The various w'orks of the subsi-
diary company — the Electricite et Gaz du Nord — were occu-
pied by the enemy ; the gas works had not been damaged,
nor had the Jeumont central station, but no information
was procurable regarding the Lommc station, near Lille. At
the r.!cent general meeting, and in reply to questions, the
chairman stated that most of the machinery at the Jeumont
works had been removed and carried away; the value
was considerable, and was known from the books. At the
Saint Ouen works operations had been resumed as soon as
possible, and two advantages had been derived therefrom.
In the first place, the directors had got the men to W'ork, and
secondly, they had the possibihty of acquiring a certain
quantity of new plant which would permit of the immediate
re-equipment of certain of the shops at Jeumont as soon as
the enemy had quitted that region.

For the year ended March 1916, the
General Electric net profits "were £196,275, plus £36,701
Co., Ltd. brought forward, making £132,976. After

deducting debenture interfst and depre-
ciation amounting to £27,260, there is an available balance
of £205,716. A dividend of 6 per cent, on the preference
shares required £42,000; managing director's and employes'
bonus amounted to £12,701; a dividend of 10 per cent, on
the ordinary shares -£50,0(K); to reserve account £40,000
is added ; grants to dependents of men on active service
amount to £12,962; and there is to be carried forward
£48,053.

"The result of the past year has been generally satisfac-
tory. All the company's works have been fully occupied
throughout the year, and have been mainly employed in the
production of material essential for the purposes of war.
Although the demands on the company were mostly confined
t-> the electrical field, many requisitions were made for apph-
ances of entirely new types and patterns, and great difficulties
harl to he overcome. Some 1.500 experienced members of the
staff and workpeople now serving at the Front liad to be
replaced by untrained substitutes. New workshops had to
be erected for special work. The scarcity of labour, the diffi-
culty in obtaining new machinery or of adapting existing

plant to the production of new articles, and the occa.sional
dearth of raw material caused temporary delay and disorgani-
sation. If the present results are satisfactory, they are entmlv
due to the unselfish devotion, initiative and unrcimltinn
energy of the staff and workpeople. The capital expenditure
on new works at Witton during the year amounted to approxi-
mately £70,000. The extensions planned and referred to in
previous reports have been suspended until the advent of a
more favourable ihoment for carrying out such constructional
work. For the same reasons, no further progress has been
made with the Kingsway building. The various selling
branches of the company have all done well. In spite of
the reduced output of the works available for private and
ordinary industrial purposes, the company's large reserve
stocks have been helpful in the past to make good the defi-
ciency. The export business of the company records very large
inquiries, but, owing to well-known causes common to all
exporters in this country at the present moment, only a small
proportion of the demand could be filled."

The directors draw attention to the increasing investment
account. The company's investments may be sub-divided as
follows ; —

(«) ilanufacturing Companies : Peel Conner Telephone
Works, Ltd.; Robertson Fjlectric Ijainps, Ltd.; Salford Elec-
trical Instruments, Ltd.; Steel Conduit Co., Ltd.

The compiiny is the distributing agency for nearly the whole of the output
of these works. ;intl has the control both as to financial interest and manage-
ment. The Pirelli-General Cable Works, Ltd., is also a manufacturing com-
pany in which the Oeneral Klectric Co. holds at present half the capital, the
other half being held by Messrs. Pirelli & Co., oj Milan. No profit has yet
been made, nor w.-is it anticipated, as tl ' ' ' '

a part of the year. The works, both
most complete and up-to-date, and the
progress made under prevailing conditions.

(b) Trading Companies : Anglo-Argentine General Electric
Co., Ijtd, ; British General Electric Co., Iitd., Australia;
British General Electric Co., Ltd., Soutli Africa; General
Electric Co. (of Belgium), Ltd.; General Electric Co. of
China, Ijtd. ; General Electric de France, Ltd.; General Elec-
tric Co. (India), Ltd.

The object of these companies is to
products of the British works.

nly been running for
on and equipment, are
welt satisfied with the

in their respective territories the

(c) Electricity Supply Companies : Bogotil Telephone Co.,
Ltd.; Barbadoes Electricity Supply Corporation, Ltd.; Dacca
Electric Supply Co., Iitd.; The Electricity Co. of Maccles-
field, Titil.; Frinton-on-Rea and District Electric Jiight and
Power Co., Ltd.; Madeira Electric Lighting Co. (1909), Ltd.;
Northwood Electric Light & Power Co., lid.

The above investments, with the exception of Northwood and Barbadoes,
are princip.illy owned and managed by this company, and all have arrived
at a profit-earning stage.

(J) Sundry Investments : In addition to the above, there
are sundry industrial investments largely composed of a
temporary character and, whilst those under headings (a), {b)
and ((•) are practically permanent, that is, required for the
conduct of the General Electric busine.ss, tho.se under head-
ing ((/) are constantly changing.

Any .shares allotted to the company for consideration other
than cash are not included in the figures of the balance sheet.

Mr. Montagu F. Armstrong, Mr. George II. Ide, and Mr.
Maurice Solomon have joined the board. Annual meeting :
Monday, July 17th.

We give below the c |i;ir;il>le ti;_'ures from the ivimrts fur the

three years ended Marcli. I'.M I. r.H.". and llUi; : —

1914. I9IS. 1916.

Net trading profit and income

from investments .C1.-,7,S1H i: liil..'<77 £196,275

Depreciation ami (li'liciitnrc

interest IIl'.Hl'K 2(i.S."<.-| 27,260

Pref. dividend I'l.oiii) :W,(i,si 42,000

01%) (<i%) (6%)

Available balance l:',:i..'<lii; liSil.osl 163,716

Managing director's and cm-

ploy&' bonus }nA:,i; ll.im 12,701

Expenses of new issue of sliai-i'S H.UOO ];i.S22

Staff lienevolence ... ... ;!.niiii — —

War grants — 7.4SL' 12,962

Ordinarv dividend lo.ono t.s.HL' 50,000

(10%) (111%) (10%)

To reserve .account :i(i,ooo 20,000 40,000

Balance carried forward ... lili.Tlli .ffl.Tlll 48,05:?

Keserve fund total 20(J,(XI0 220,001) 260,000

The A. E.G.— Union EleUrizilats Gesell-
Austrian srhafi, of Vienna, proposes to pay a divi-

P.lectrical dend of 6 per cent, for 1915, as compared

Companies. with 4 per cent, in the preceding year.
The net profits amounted to £46,OO0, a.s
contrasted with .£27,000 in 1914. At the same time,^ the ordi-
nary sliare capital is to be increased from £606,000 ta
£833,000.

The Ver. Oluhlampen tind Eleldri'-iitats Gescllschaft, of
Budape.st, after setting aside £15,000 for depreciation m
1915, as compared with £14.000 in the previous year, report:
net profits amounting to £75,000, as against £41,0fH) in 1914
The directors recommend the payment of a dividend of 1 -■
per cent., as compared with lOh per cent, in 1914.

The directors of the Gesellschaft fur Eleklrische Industrie
of Vienna, which is connected with the Austrian Bailwaj
Traffic Establishment, state that the work of reorgamsatiou

Vol. T'J. No. 2.OI1;. JlLV 14, l'^U\.

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

-IVI

I

fr

which was begun a few years ago, was completed in 1915,
and wurking assumed a more profitable course. The net
prolits realised last year, after making provision for deprecia-
tion, amounted to £10,000, as compared with £8,900, and a
dividend of lU per cent, has been declared, as against 5 per
cent, in 1914. An increase in the share capital recently took
place, and a further augmentation to £333,000 is to be made
at an appropriate time.

The report of the Oes. Sicmens-Schuckert Werlce .states that
the cuiiipany's co-operation in meeting Army requirements in
]91.j cousisted not only in the establishment of numerous
installations and works, but also in the invention and pro-
duction of multifarious auxiliaries, of which information is
withheld, and these were amplified by the manufacture of
considerable quantities of munitions. On the other hand, the
output of peace products was restricted to those which were
absolutely necessary, and the economy practised in materials
formerly obtained from abroad led to a more extended use
of inland substitutes, which would also continue to some
extent after the war. After allocating £67,000 to deprecia-
tion, as compared with £05,000 in 1914, the accounts show
net profits of £118,000, as against £79,000, and a dividend of
7 per cent, is in contemplation, this contrasting with 5 per
cent, in fOll.

The Deutsche Magneta, A.O. {Electric
German Clock Works), of Cologne, reports receipts

Llectrical of £5,400 from rents and royalties in 1915,

Companies. as compared with £5,000 in 1914. The net
profits were £940, as against £760, the dis-
posal of the former not being specified.

The report of Kortings Elektrizitats Werke, of Berlin, states
that existing circumstances exercised an unfavourable influ-
ence on the receipts from the operation of the various works.
The net profits reached £10,700, as compared with £11,000,
and a dividend of 4 per cent., as in 1914, has been declared.

The Elektro-Nitrium, A.G., of Rhina, Baden, which com-
pany was formed by the Berlin Electricity \¥orks Co. and
the A. E.G., in conjunction with the Griesheim-Elektron
Chemical Works, is engaged on the erection of nitrate works,
and has just published provisional accounts for the initial
period. Lignite is proposed as the station fuel, and for this
purpose control has been secured over two lignite mines and
lignite deposits in the neighbourhood of Bitterfeld.

The financial statement of the Kabelwerk Duisburg, of
Duishiirg, shows gross profits of £114,000 for 1915, as com-
pared with £109,000 in the preceding year, tlie net profits
being £31,000 and £56,000 in the two years respectively. At
the recent geneial meeting a dividend at the rate of 18 per
cent, was declared, together with a bonus of 12 per cent, as
compared with a distribution of 18 per cent, in 1914,

The Elektro-Treuhand, A.G., of Berlin, which financial
institution was jointly foiToed by the A. E.G. and the Siemens
group, and which holds £750,000 in shares of the Hamburg
Elevated Railway Co., has decided to pay a dividend of 5i
per cent, for 1915, as in the previous year, on the paid-up
capital of £7-50,000. The amount of the dividend has had
to be provided by the two manufacturing groups in question,
according to guarantee.

Tlie A. E.G. Schnellbahn, A.G., of Berlin, which has in
course of construction an electric railway between the north
and south of Berlin, reports that the continuance of the work
in 1915 was prejudicially affected by the scarcity of transport
velii.les and workmen. The accounts indicate receipts of
£s-i,oiio from interest, as against £74,000 in 1914, whereas
£95,000 was paid to shareholders by way of interest during
construction, and general expenses also absorbed £5,000. It
is expected that, despite the war, the most difficult parts of
the work of building this underground railway, which is to
have a total length of 5| miles, will be completed towards the
end of 1918, as is provided for under the concession.

The Elekfro-Sal peter Werke, A.G., of Zschoinewitz, which
was also formed by the Berlin Electricity Works Co. and
allied undertakings (A. E.G.) to establish nitrate works in
connection with the lignite fuel generating station of the
Elektro Works of Golpa-Jessenitz, and near the Imperial
Nitrate Works, has just published its accounts for the three
months ended with December. After the Imperial Works
had contracted with the Elektro Works for the supply of
500,000,000 KW.-hrs. per annum, the Elektro-Salpeter Works
undertook to accept delivery of a further 250,000,000 KW.-hrs.,
and the full capacity of the Golpa-Je-ssenitz station has now
been engaged. It is expected that operations at the Zschor-
newitz nitrate works will shortly be commenced.

Electric Light & Power Supply Corporation, Ltd. (Bnl-

niain, Sydney). — ^The report for the half-year ended April
30th, states that the new consumers connected constitute a
i-ecord, and that the total number is now 3,648. The lighting
of the Parramatta Road has given satisfaction, and the streets
served now total 116 miles, while for private consumers the
street miles are 55. It is difficult to obtain supplies; fuel,
stores, and wages cost more, and have augmented the work-
ing cost; and the coal conveyor has been delayed, but was
expected to be completed in June. The revenue was, for the
corn plete year, £47,844, and the exi^enditure £23,139. The
dividend is 8 per cent.

Capital Reduction. — Madras Electric Supply. Corporation,
Ltd.—.\ petition for confirming the reduction of the capital
from £500,000 to £380,000 is to be heard on July 18th.

Southern Brazil Electric Co., Ltd. — ^The report for the
six months to December 31st says that owing to the period
under review being exceptionally short, there is necessarily
little of interest to add to what was stated in the last report.
The improvement in Brazil then referred to continues to
make steady progress, and the rate of exchange, which had
at one time fallen to llfd., has during the past two months
shown a sensible recovery. In the State of Sao Paulo the
outlook appears decidedly favourable ; the staple crop, coffee,
is selling at remunerative prices, and the yield of cereals and
other produce promises to be unusually large, thus giving
every prospect of a season of general prosperity. Abundant
rains have fallen throughout the State, and the necessary
water supply is amply assured for a considerable time to
come. The balance to the credit of profit and loss account,
after deduction of all charges in Brazil and London and of
interest on debentures to January 1st last, is £946, plus £2,127
brought in, making £3,073, which the directors propose to
carry forward. — Financial News.

Chili Telephone Co., Ltd. — ^The report shows that the
aggregate number of subscribers at all centres at March 31st,
1916, was 13,307, an increase of 212. The gross revenue from
all sources was £121,973, an increase of £9,612; the total
expenditure was £72,388, an mcrease of £7,992; the net
revenue was £49,585, an increase of £1,620. The balance to
the credit of revenue account, including £4,339 brought for-
ward, is £53,924, of which £2,644 has been expended on
replacements, iSrc, of plant. An interim dividend of 3s. per
share, free of income-tax, has already been paid, and after
putting £18,577 to the general reserve and £2,000 to the
reserve against loss on investments, a final dividend is pro
posed of 5s. per share, free of income-tax, leaving £4,302 to
be carried forward. Shareholders are to be asked to approve
the payment of directors' fees free of income-tax.

Calcutta Electric Supply Corporation, Ltd. — The number
of units sold to consumers during the four weeks ended May
26th, 1916, amounted to 1,955,288, compared with 1,893,700
in the corresponding four weeks of 1915.

Stock Exchange Notice. — The Committee has ordered the
following securities to be quoted in the Official List : —

Adelaide Electric Supply Co., Ltd.— Further issue of 20,000
6 per cent, cumulative preference shares of £5 each, fully
paid, Nos. 30,001 to 50,000.

Karachi Electric Supply Corporation, Ltd. — The directors
have declared a dividend at the rate of 5 per cent, per annum
as the result of the first complete year's working. At the
meeting held on June 13th, the Hon. Mr. M. de P. Webb
stated that the demands for electrical energy had exceeded aU
expectations. The directors propose to raise a fiu'ther Es.
2,00,000 of capital at an early date. — Indian Engineering.

Paignton Electric Light Co., Ltd.— Profit for 1915,
£1,711. After putting £500 to depreciation and payirig deben-
ture interest, £894 is to be carried forward. Electricity sold
produced £3,433, as against £3.400 for the previous year.
Ccnsumers number 290 (20,566 lamps), an increase of 33
consumers (1,494 lamp.s).

Northern Light, Power & Coal Co., Ltd. — At a meeting
of the holders of the first mortgage gold bonds, a resolution
providing for the immediate issue of prior lien bonds was
approved.

National Gas Engine Co., Ltd. — Interim dividends for the
half-year ended June, 1916 : At the rate of 5 per cent, per
annum on the preference shares, and li per cent, per annum
on the ordinary shares, both subject to income-tax.

Direct United States Cable Co.. Ltd.— Interim dividend,
2s per share, less income-tax at 5s. in the £, being at the
rate of 4 per cent, per annum, for the quarter ended June
30th.

Anglo-American Telegraph Co., Ltd. — Interim dividends
-of 15s. on the ordinary stock and 30s. on the preferred stock,
less income-tax at 5s. in the £, are declared.

Eraser & Chalmers, Ltd. — Interim dividend of 7i per cent,
on the preference shares, less income-tax.

Hadtields, Ltd. — Interim dividend. Is. per share, free of
tax, on the ordinary shares.

Bank Rate Change.— The Bank Rate was yesterday raised from
,") per cent, to ij ijcr cent.

Copper Prices. — The Week's Changes.

F. Smith & Co. report, Wednesday, July 12th.— Electro-
lytic bars drop from £133 to £128 ; ditto .sheets, from £151 to
£150; ditto rods, from £140 to £135; ditto H.e. wire, from
Is, 4|d. to Is. 4^d.

James & Shakespeare report, Wednesday, July 12th.— Cop-
per bars, sheet and rod (best selected), drop from £152 to
£148.

STOCKS AND SHARES.

ToESD.\Y Evening.
The forward push by the Allies on the various battle-fronta
has its modest counterpart in the way that Stock Exchange
prices move steadily upward. Each successive advance em-
phasises more clearlv the determination on the part of stock-
holders to keep what they have. The demand of the buyer

50

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

;Vol. 7!). No. 2,01C.. July II, liHG.

goes so frequently uiifulfiUeil that it is nothing unusual for
a broker to open" negotiations with a jobber with the direct
question whether the latter has any stock for sale, instead of
going through the ordinary preliuiinaries of asking for a
price.

The Home Railway market is fairly getting into its stride.
One of the features of the past few days has been a marked
iuiprovement in the 6 per cent, income bonds of the I'nder-
giound Electric Railways of London. The price is 4 ponit^
up. standing now at 91 J. What to suggest now to those who
took the hint to buy the bonds about 80, is a little ditiicult.
There is an excellent prolit, but how to replace the invest-
ment with anything yielding as well as these bonds do is
something of a problem. The rise is quite likely to continue
it markets remain in their present buoyant condition. The
i'lO shares have jumped to 2, and the "A" shares hardened
t.> 6s. 9d.

The St. James' & Pall Mall Co. has declared an interim
dividend at the rate of 5 per cent., as against 7 per cent, a
year ago. For 1915 the company paid 8 per cent, to its
ordinary proprietors, so the present reduction is taken as a
possible caution that for 1916 the rate may be 0 per cent., as
to which another ."six months will show. Various other reduc-
tions in dividend distributions are now spoken of as likely.

Instead of such considerations inducing .sales of shares, the
market is actually' finiier than it has been for many months
past. City Lights are J up, so are Charing Cross, and London
Electrics, of the lower-priced shares, have 1/lG rise to their
credit. The best-class preferences are almost as hard to get
as debenture stocks in the front-rank companies.

Investment having now arrived at the stage when it asks
for stocks and shares likely to appreciate after the war,
immediate reductions in dividends, or temporary low yields,
form no particular bar to the capitalist on the look-out for
cheap and good security. Hence the inquiry for electric
lighting shares. There may be another lean half-year or two
to be compassed, but after that, the prospect of good business
is a good deal brighter for electricity than for some of the
industries enjoying phenomenal, if ephemeral, prosperity by
reason of war orders.

British Westinghouse preference are once more close to 50s.
General Electric preference have regained their par price of
10, on the issue of a very satisfactory report. Net profit
rose to £193.000, an increase of £70,000, and the ordinary
dividend is maintained at 10 per cent. Edison & Swan ±'H
paid shares have come in, and the price accordingly receded
a few pence. The Telegraph manufacturing group exhibits
pronounced strength. Briti.sh Insulated are 15s. to the good.
Henley's put on 5s. Calleuder's preference show an equal
advance.

.\ttention is re-directed to affairs in Brazil in consequence
of a gradual stiffening of the Rio rate of exchange. The
country's Government and railway .stocks have risen sub-
.stantially. Brazilian Tractions at 63 are a point up, after 64
had been reached. There are a good many orders in the
market to .sell shares at 65, which was the making-up price
on the eve of war's outbreak, July, 1914, and the knowledge
of this may be holding back the price to some extent. Under-
ground Incomes, it may be remarked, kept just below their
making-up price of 87J for some time; once the price was
passed, showing the open stock to be all absorbed, further
advance came rapidly. So it is Ukely to prove in the case
of Brazilian Tractions.

Argentines also are a much better market, the railway
stocks in particular. Anglo-Argentine Trams, however, are
strong also. The first preference at ,S| are 3/16 up; the second
preference remain at 3J, and the debenture stocks are very
firm.

The Stock Exchange has made up its mind that the Mexican
days of mis-rule are rapidly approaching their end, and that
General Carranza's new-found pliability is the result of a
real desire for peace. The utility companies' first mortgage
bonds are, therefore, harder, although naturally the market
ir. all the stocks is what the House calls piano. Pre.sh ad-
vances are scored by British Columbia Electric Rails, the
A\ per cent, debenture gaining 3 and the preference stocks
2 points. Canada draws more and more to the front of
popular favour with every week, becau.se of the remarkable
evidence of her returning trade activity as shown by railway
traffic and land sales. The shares of the Canadian & United
States light and power undertakings keep very fii-m.

Marconis followed up their 6s. rise of last week with a
jump of nearly as much before a slight reaction happened.
The market in them is animated, and its appearance suggests
mild gambling. The strength is due to the statements at
the recent meeting, and to the hopes of a big bonus to come.
American Marconis have touched 19s. 9d., Canadians 12s. 9d.,
and Spanish 14s. 3d., the top prices not being maintained.
Canadians, at any rate, look dear at 12s. on the published
information, but in the market they seem to expect that the
shares will go still better.

The only decline in cable shares is £1 in Indo-Europeans
A feature is the strength of West India and Panama at
22s. 6d. Anglo-American preferred and ordinary are to
receive their regular quarterly dividends. Globes are better,
and in the Telephone group. United River Plates .stand out
with 3/16 rise. Chih Telephones are better to the same
extent, keeping pace with River Plates. The Eastern group
holds all its recent big improvement.

£1 IS

a

G 18

II

e 18

«

6 IB

4

1) 10

H

C 11

H

6 U

SI

6 16

H

6 10

7

7 6

6 IB

4

6 6

4

7 10

0

f. 13

4

» 18 10

8 4

r.

6 14

i

6 13

9

7 10

»

6 n

.*",

0 18

4

•6 U

S

•6 6

K

•6 7

8

6 9

1

6 18

(1

6 la

8

Rubber shares are a better market on the slight recovery
in the price of the produce. On the other luiiul, copper
shares have given way because of a heavy drop in the metal.
The chemical shares are mostly good, while armaments keep
sit ally without varying much in price.

SHARE LIST OP ELECTRICAL COMPANIES.

Home Electricity Companies.

Dividend Price

, ' V JulyU, Rise or (all

1914. 1916. 1916, this week,

Brompton Ordinary .... 10 10 6i| —

Charing Cross Ordinary ..66 8^ + \

do. do. do. 44Pref.. 4i 4i 81 -

Chelsea 6 4 8 —

City of London 9 8 I'ii -f J

do. do. 6 per cent. Pre(. 0 6 ID* —

County of London .... 7 7 lofi —

do. ti per cent. Prel. 6 8 loj —

Kensington Ordinary .... 9 7 64 —

London Electric 4 8 ij -*■ i^

do. do. 6 per cent. Prel. 6 8 4* —

Metropolitan 3J 3 a; —

do. 4» per cent. Pref. 4} 4) B —

St. James' and f>all Mall ..108 B —

South London 5 6 2J —

South Metropolitan Pret. ..7 7 IJ —

Westminster Ordinary .... 9 7 Oi —

Teleorapbs and Tklephones.

Anglo-Am. Tel. Pref 6 6 105J -f i

do. Def 30/- 33/6 23 —

Chile Telephone 8 8 lifS -f ,;..

Cuba Sub. Ord 6 6 7* —

Eastern Extension .... 7 8 15 —

Eastern Tel. Ord 7 8 160 —

Globe Tel. and T. Ord 6 7 13J -fi

do. Pret. ..66 llj + J

Great Northern Tel 22 22 88 -f J

Indo-European 13 13 48 - 1

Marconi 10 10 8^ + \

New York Tel. 4» . . . . 4J 4) 1034 —

Oriental Telephone Ord. . . 10 10 2 —

United R. Plate Tel 8 8 (ii,: ■¥ ,■;,

West India and Pan 1 — IJ -h j

Western Telegraph .... 7 8 If. xd —

HoMR Rails,

Central London, Ord. Assented 4 4 73 —

Metropolitan li I 274 —

do. District .. .. Nil Nil 19J + }

Underground Electric Ordinary Nil Nil 2 -V ^A

do. do. "A" .. Nil Nil 6/9 -f9d.

do. do. Income 6 6 914 -^ 4

PoBEias Traus, 4c,

Adelaide Sup. 6 per cent. Pref, 6 6 6 —

Anglo-Arg. Trams, First Pref. 64 64 8J id -f ,;,

do. 2nd Pret. . . 5» 64 3+ —

do. 5 Deb. ..66 774 —

Brazil Tractions 4 4 63 -(-

Bombay Electric Pref 6 6 ICJ —

BritishColumbia Elec. RIy. Ptce. 5 6 62 -(■ 2

do. do. Preferred — Nil 40 —

do. do. Deferred — Nil 39 —

do. do. Deb. 4i 4i 65 -f 3

Mexico Trams 5 per cent. Bonds — Nil 42 -1-2

do. 0 per cent. Bonds — Nil 31 ~

Mexican Light Common .. Nil Nil 20 —

do. Pret Nil Nil 83 + 1

do. 1st Bonds . . Nil Nil 42 + 1

Manufacturing Companies,

Babcock & Wilcox .... 14 15 3 —

British Aluminium Ord. . . 6 7 26/- —

British Insulated Ord 15 174 llj + i

British Westinghouse Pref. .. 74 7* 49/- +6d.

Callenders 15 20 124 —

do. 5 Pref 6 6 i\ -V \

Castner-Kellner 20 — Sj —

Edison & Swan, £3 paid . . Nil — 10/3 -3d.

do. do. fully paid . . Nil — IJ —

do. do. 5 percent. Deb. 5 6 57 —

Electric Construction . . . . 6 7* 16/3 —

Gen. Elec. Pret 6 6 10 -(• i

Henley 20 25 l.ij + i

do. 4* Prel 44 44 4 —

IndiaRubber 10 10 12i —

Telegraph Con 20 20 89 —

* Dividends paid free ol Income tax.

6 0 0

7 2 0

8 9 2
6 9 0
6 7 0
6 16 8
8 1 4

ELECTRIC TRAMWAY AND RAILWAY
TRAFFIC RETURNS.

Month

BeoeiptB for

°M

Roate

Locality.

ended

the

Total to date.

mileg

(4 wkB.)

month,

«»

open,

£

£

<

£

1

Blackpool-Fleetw'd

.June 24

3,760

■H 931

25

12,629

+ 924

8

Bristol (Trams) . .

„ 30

20,041

+ 680

26

121,717

4- 2,134

80'6

Cork

„ 29

2,201

- 41

26

12.416

- 217

9-89

Dublin

„ 30 1 26,813

+ 183

2t>

145,671

- 9,202

54-26

Hastings . .

„ SO

4,029

¥ 29

f 318

19'8

Lancashire United

., 28

7,560

f 68

26

44,356

+ 1,468

Llandudno-Col. Bay

„ 80

1,784

+ 354

30.J

7,864

-- -^93

6-6

Anglo-Argentine . .

July 1

193,838

-4,772

21

1,326,059

- 6,632

Auckland . .

June 2

21,152

4- 642

4S

263,058

f 4,949

2B'69

Calcutta

July 1

17,613

f 169

26

+ 5,749

Kalgoorlie, W.A, ..

Mar.

2,479

13

6,963

20.5

Madras

June 30

3,968

+ 200

26

24,689

4- 1,838

Montevideo

June

25,800

+ 1,034

m

2(1,068

+ 14,376

DabUn-Laoan RIy,

June 30

722

+ 66

26

3,407

- 311

7

••

Vol. 7;». No. a.Ulf"), JcLV 14. 1010.

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

51

NATIONAL ECONOMY IN FUEL.

The Tse of Gas Coke for Steam Rai.-;i.\(,.

Our great national tretisure, diligently sought for, mightilx
fought for, and carefully invested in all parts of the world
with so much forethought by oiu- (fathers long ago, has
been let loose in a veritable Niagara of shot, shell and muni-
tions of war during the past two years ; and, although we
have yet resources sufficient to meet our needs, it requires
only a little thought to realise the extent of the task before
those engineers who, in every industrial walk in life, will
be left to fiice it — the task of re-erecting by economy and
thrift, in co-operation with scientists, bankers and inventors,
the great awning of credit, under whose shelter only is it
[wssible for the nation to take its proper place again in
liistory.

Economy and thrift cannot \>e exercised better than In the
use of coal, our greatest source, perhaps, of wealth. Many,
and competent, writers and si:)eakers have in the past rightly
urged the importance of this matt<?r, with little effect, but the
common need of the Allies for fuel, and the loss of men and
merchantmen, has resulted in unlieard-of prices, and raised
an immediate and insistent demand for the stoppage of all
kinds of waste.

The Board of Trade, in its letter dated May 25th last,
has drawn attention very properly to the need for great care
during the coming winter, and engineers are casting about
for means to meet the crisis, without much, if any, addi-
tional expenditure in machinery.

It is of little use thinking just now of dispensing with
the lx)iler house and erecting gas engines, or of using the
force of the tides. We have to look rather to smaller
tilings, including greater skill and care in burning what
fuel we can obtain in the boilers as they stand.

With the present high prices of coal of all grades, it may,
according to conditions and locality, pay to use lower-grade
fuels : lint even here high draught and special furnace
lirickwork settings are essential to success.

Mr. E. W. L. Nicol's recent paper on " Coke Fuel foi'
Steam Boilers," read before the Junior Institution of Gas
Engineers, is full of useful suggestions ; but the difficulties
met with in dealing with this class of fuel are not, naturally
enough, emphasised. It is the purpose of these notes to
indicate some of its advantages, and to pTiint out the more
important difficulties to he overcome.

Coke and coke breeze are the residuals of gas coal after the
latter has Ijeen roasted in retorts, and the volatile matter
driven off in the process of manufacturing gas. They are
essentially 1 ly-jiroducts, and can be sold at a low price
without greatly affecting the profits of the gas company.
with the consequence that the cost is usually sensitively
subject to variations in demand.

Both coke and breeze coiLsist of " fixed " carbon adulterated
with ash and moisture in varying quantities. A fair sample
of gas coke may contain 10 per cent, to 12 per cent, of ash
and 5 per cent, to 8 per cent, of moisture, with, perhaps,
1 per cent, or 2 per cent, of volatile matter ; while coke
Itreeze has usually 18 per cent, to 25 per cent, of ash,
about 10 per cent, of moisture, and the same amount of
volatile matter. As fixed carbon has a calorific value of
approximately 14,500 British thermal units per lb., and
the heating value is directly lessened by the i)roportinn of
ash and moisture, it is a simple matter to calculate within
practical limits the calorific value of coke as varying from
12,400 to 11,740, and that of coke breeze from 10,700 to
9,800 British thermal units per lb.

Now, from the point of view of national economy, it
would appear a most attractive and highly-desirable propo-
sition, first of all, to extract from coal all those \-alual)le
products which more often than not go up the chiuniey
unconsumed, and are dissipated in uncontrolled freedom
and smoke, and then to burn the fixed carbon for steam
raising. The supply of coke and breeze is as continuous
as the making of gas, and the commodity is. for want some-
times of better use, burnt to make " water gas " to mix
with coal gas, or shipped abroad.

The difficulties attending the use of this fuel are many
and varied, and, no doubt, give an explanation of its

restricted use. At the outset, one is faced with its large
bulk, weight for weight, as compared with coal. For the
same thermal capacity, coke may be taken to occupy 35 per
cent, more space than coal, even when broken. This
difficulty raises the (|Uestion of storage accommodation, the
size of the railway wagons, and the cajwcity of the conveying
gear. Then the liiglier amount of ash calls for greater
expenditure in its disposal.

The calorific value as shown of, say, coke, is considerably
less than that of good coal, and 10 per cent, or more,
according to circumstances, may possibly have to be added
to its price when considering relative values.

When we come to the actual burning on the grate, we
find, as might be expected, from experiments on our own
hearths, that it requires a considerable exercise of patience
to ignite, and then calls for high draught to keep it alight.

To burn it successfully on a chain-grate stoker, the con-
ditions of draught (preferably a combination of " forced "
and '• induced," or " forced " and " chimney ") must be
studied and carefully supervised, and the brickwork setting
must Ije so disposed as t<j give early ignition and well-
sustained reflected heat on the body of the fuel as it travels
to its temporary home in the ashpit.

These conditions being met on a grate having a sufficient
area to allow for a low rate of fuel consumption — approxi-
mating 18 or 20 lb. per sq. ft. — it will be fotmd that a
high COj. and consequent high furnace temperature, is
obtained, and will give a somewhat more efficient evaporation
than coal.

It is for the engineer to consider whether all these
difficulties can lie met, and the full output of his boilers
olitained, while the prices of coal and coke maintain their
present relation. It may be that a judicious mixture of
a cheap coal, high in volatile matter, with coke or coke
breeze, will result in an acceptable strengthening of both
his employers' and the nation's resources. — K. D.

THE TRADE OF NEW ZEALAND.

A REPORT on New Zealand trade during 1915, prepared by
H.M. Trade Couimissioner, has lately been issued by the
Board of Trade. It will repay study by everyone concerned
ill the business affairs of this flourishing British Dominion.
The Report (Cd. S,26S) may be purchased from Messrs.
\\yraan & Son, Ltd., price 3d. Those of H.M. Trade Com-
missioner's remarks which it is thought will interest the elec-
trical and allied industries are extracted below : — :

Position of Trade. — Imports from the United Kingdom
have declined somewhat seriously. In the early days of the
war the primary difficulty experienced was in securing the
shipment of goods, owing to congestion on the British rail-
^\ays and at the docks. With the gradual organisation of
munition making, prohibition of export, and increase of prices
in the United Kingdom, the dechne has become more and
more pronounced. Imports from Germany in previous years
have been about ^1,000,000, and from this source, as well as
from Austria-Hungary. Turkey, and also from our French
allies, practically nothing has reached New Zealand during
1915. On the other hand, the war has effectively stimulated
trade with America and Japan. From the former, travellers
in search of business and offering new agencies have come
in unusual numbers. Scarcity of freight, high prices, and,
towards the end of the year, the serious blocking of the
Panama Canal, have tended to check business. On the other
hand, the total or partial stopping of suppUes such as struc-
tural steel, corrugated iron, wire, tubes and pipes, motor cars
and cycles, glass. &c., has forced importers to look for new
sources of supply, and even to go to America in quest.
.'^Imost all orders for electrical machinery from pubUc bodies
and Government have, during the year, gone to America. A
large part of the trade in motor cycles, hitherto an entirely
British presen'e, has gone across the Pacific, while all orders
for motor cars which would have gone to the United Kingdom
Oi- other parts of Europe have similarly been shared^ by
makers on the American continent. Japan also was early in
the field, and an official commercial mission visited New
Zealand during the year. Electric torches, basket and bru.sh
ware, glassware, and bottles, buttons and haberdashery, sta-
tionery and fancy leather goods, are a few of the fines in
which Japanese competition will have to be expected.

Safeguarding the Future,— So far as British manufacturers
are at present precluded from competition, we have merely
to face the facts of the situation as they present themselves
and do the best we can to minimise the future loss. The
fjcts. however, must be faced, and, so far as possible, made
known. Some importers have transferred their custom, to

b-1

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW. voi. to. xo. 2,010, j^lv u, 191.;.

foreign countries in a purely commercial spirit, buying their
requirements from the most obvious and cheapest available
source. Others, agaiu, have done so from sheer necessity,
and with the utmost reluctance. In either case they have
made the acquaintance of new suppliers, and have at least
temporarily severed old connections and substituted new ones.
Ihe leeway which will have to be made up after the war
before the British manufacturers can get back even to their
normal pre-war share of the trade in the Dominion will be
serious, and it behoves them to do all in their power now to
miniinise this. The Commissioner lays particular emphasis on
the following points: —

1. Those firms who are occupied entirely with munition
making and are entirely precluded from exporting should, so
far as possible, make this fact known to their customers in
New Zealand, not only to importers, but to consumers.

•2. Those whose goods are still available, but whose prices
are seriously enhanced, should take care to give ample expla-
nation of the reasons. Unreasonable buyers and trade rivals
between them have done ample mischief already in explaining
advances in prices as "extortion," "trading on the patriot-
ism of the Dominion," &c., and it is a matter of importance
that manufacturers should give the actual facts in as much
detail as possible, e.g.. ihe actual advance in price of raw
material, number of staff enlisted, increased freights, war
tpxation, and so on. Buyers do not always realise without
being told the connection between, say, war prices of spelter,
fencing, 'wire, copper tube, brass, &c., and the prices of the
manufactured article which they import. And, further, few
people not directly connected with military supplies reahse
in the least the multiplicity and variety of things required
for the Army and Navy.

3. .Ml firms who are partly or entirely cut off from their
market must realise that, if they wish to save themselves
future effort, they must spend more, rather than less, in
keeping their name before the public by way of advertise-
ment.

Necessity for Trade Cataloj^ues.— At least two-thirds of the
manufacturers who are doing direct trade with the Dominion
have never troubled to send their catalogues to the Commis-
sioner's office.

It is entirely unnecessary that any manufacturer who has
an accessible agent in the Dominion should give his prices
to the Trade Commissioner. But, on the other hand, it js
essential that he should give the Trade Cpmmissioner full
particulars of what goods he does make in order that these
may be indexed for reference in case of inquiries; and.
further, the name of the agent should be given in order that
the Trade Commissioner may refer inquiries to him. Firms
not repre.sented by local agents should give full information
with their catalogues if they wish them to be of use. It
may be explained, further, that visitors to this office have
not direct access to the catalogue files, and that catalogues
are only shown to bona-fidc inquirers, not to merely curious
competitors.

Suj^gested Industrial and Commercial Department.— A
section of the public have claimed that the high prices in New-
Zealand of both locally produced and imported commodities,
whether due to arbitrary fixing of rates by rings or to other
causes, are sufficiently serious to necessitate the existence of a
permanent Board of Inquiry. Another section, consisting
chiefly of local manufacturers, want a Board of Trade or an
authoritative body which they can brief with their case for
increased tariff protection. Others, again, feel that the com-
merce and industries of New Zealand have now gone to a
scale more than sufficient to justify the existence of an in-
dependent Government department.

At the very end of the 1915 Session Sir Joseph Ward
brought m a Bill to establish a Board of Trade, the Board
to consist of the Minister and three speciallv-selected mem-
bers, who.«e duty would be to investigate all matters con-
nected with prices and cost of living. The fact was empha-
.sised that they are not by any means to be confined to report-
ing and advising, but are to have considerable power of
initiative. In what directions exactly this embryo depart-
ment will develop it is too early to .=ay, but there is un-
doubted room for its activities in many directions.

Prospective Industries.— Among functions which such a
department might, and probably will, perform with advan-
tage is that of looking for directions in which new capital
and enterprise might be employed. It is an admittedlv un-
fortunate fact that attempts have been made in the past to
start industries and enterprises which were unnecessary and
economically unsuitable, and that the public has been "taxed
in order to foster these, while many others which would
obviously benefit the Dominion have never been initiated
Industnes in the former category are such as consist in
v,-orking-up imported semi-manufactured goods, what might
be called secondary, if not tertiary, industries, such as makin"
galvanised corrugated sheets from imported sheet iron and
spelter, manufactures from imported wire, tin plate &c

The manufacture of acid from local .sulphur deposits if
these could be developed, would lead to local manufacture
ol superphosphates; (here seems a rea.sonable possibihty of
utilising water power, as Norway is doing, for making car-
bide, nitrates, wood pulp. &c.. SimUariv, while the Depart-
ment of Mines and Geological Survey locates beds or deposits
Ol mi-nerals, it would be of practical utility to the Dominion
to have reliable facts as to the practicability of working them

and it would tend to draw capital from overseas for exploit-
ing them.

Public Works.— No new work of special note has been put
in hand, but a fair number of small contracts for electrical
enterprises have been placed. The electricity from Lake
Coleridge has been carried into Christchuich. and the demand
from that city and elsewhere has already justified extending
the power plant. The Railway Department, while holding
back the major part of its i'.5,000,0CKl reorganisation and
development scheme, is carrying out minor parts of it, in-
cluding re-arrangement, expansion, and electrification of
shops, besides a normal programme of railway construction
and locomotive and rolHng stock building.

THE INCORPORATED MUNICIPAL ELECTRICAL
ASSOCIATION, 1916.— IV.

The Generation of Electricity.

By Harry S. Ellis.
{Abstract.)
Ir is the object of this paper to deal with the suggestion of
Mr. R. A. Chattock, that " until there is some scheme of
centralisation it is extremely unhkely that there will be any
marked reduction in the cost of producing and distributing
electrical energy below that obtained in the large power sta-
tions now operating in this country " (address to the Associa-
tion at Binuingham, 1914).

Mr. Ferranti read a short paper before the Association in
1913, and said " Electricity is being produced on a larger scale
every day, and it appears certain that to obtain the full
benefits of electric working the current must be produced in
large stations supplying extensive areas embracing all classes
of demand."

In his inaugural address to the Institution of Electrical
Engineers, the President, Sir John Snell, said ; " There is
no doubt, were we beginning anew, that instead of each
small local authority putting down an independent power
station, considerable waste of money and fuel would be
avoided by establishing one large system for several adjacent
areas supplying energy to each smaller area for local distribu-
tion. Even in some cases where there are existing small
power stations, some of them unfavourably situated for cheap
generating costs, it would probably pay to extend one of the
better placed stations only and to supply the others therefrom
rather than to extend each local station from time to
time. ...

" There is, however, another side to the question. It may
be generally said that once a small station is built and the
expenditure has been incurred, then, and so long as the
system is kept within defined limits of extension, the extra
operating cost of an addition to the local power station is
often cheaper than any commercially feasible bulk supply."

The author has prepared tables with a view to showing
definitely the effect of load factor and load on all the items
which go to make up what are commonly termed working
costs. In almost every instance the costs decrease as the
load factor increases, and they also decrease as the load in-
creases. The effect of load and load factor on " total working

:tor. per cent.

Fig. 1. — Total Working Costs "per Kelvin Sold.

costs" is shown in fig. 1; all the other items are affected in
like manner.

These figures are the result of averaging the costs of several
undertakings in each group; and it may be generally conceded
that the larger undertakings can generate more cheaply than
can the smaller ones. Fig. 2 shows the combined effect of
load and load factor on the various items which go to make
up the "total working costs," based on units sold and not
units generated. The item " repairs and maintenance " in-
cludes outlay in connection w-ith the distributing system.

The load factor in no case exceeds an average of 25 per
cent., so that it would appear as if the larger undertakings
had gained very little, compared with the smaller under-
takings, by increased load as far as load factor is concerned.

The best way to improve the load factor of a system is to
ircrease the number of different industries connected thereto.

Vol. 79. No. 2.016, JULY u, i9i«.] THE ELECTEICAL REVIEW.

53

This, however, is not always possible, especially in the case
of a municipal undertaking; the large electrical power com-
panies are very much better off in this respect owing to the
fact that they embrace very large areas; on the other hand,
the pow-er companies have to cover a much greater area to
secure the same income as would be obtained within the
boundaries of a great town, with the result that anything
saved owing to improved load factor is to a great extent
swallow'ed up by the excessive capital charges on the distri-
bution system.

The Newcastle-on-Tyne Electric Supply Co. and its alfihated
companies operate over an area of more than 1,400 square
miles.

Some vears ago the above company tried to persuade the
South Shields Corporation to take their supply from the com-
panv instead of extending their own plant, but the engineer
at that time (the late Mr. J. H. Cawthra), assisted by Mr.

yyv ' iv-^

Fig. 2.— Wosking Costs per- Kelvin Sold.

(now Sir) John Snell, appeared to have satisfied not only his
Committee and the Town Council, but also the Local Govern-
ment Board, that by the time proper allowance was made to
cover the interest and sinking-fund charges on plant already
installed— plus the cost of converting the company's extra-
high-tension 'three-phase alternating-current supply to direct
current and single-phase alternating current— there would be
no saving whatever. The Corporation proceeded with- their
extensions and the results have been entirely satisfactory.

1

\

QASIS or 25^

COST IPENCE PER KELVIN) ON
LOAD FACTOR ANO.ALLOCATEO

\

sD^

3RES. W»T€

CHARGES. CHARGES.
R. Ac. -005 -005

V

MANAOI

atIs ano'taxes'^^

:?i

!

TOTALS

■"5 ^^^ ;145

\

^ ^'

TAL WORK

..S PENCE

"^

■ ^SiiLM£l|.OF_PRo

AUCTION

™

TO

TAL RUNNING COS

TS

LOAD FACTOR, PER CENT.

Fig. 3.— Estim.wed Cost of Production per Kelvin
Generated.

riant installed of 100,000 KW. Load = 80.000 kw. C^st of
plant i'1,000,000. Interest and sinking fund £100,000.

Since that time the author has installed and set to work
further modem electrical, and also steam generating, plant,
with the result that still further economies are being effected,
and there is every indication that the undertaking will be in
a position to cope satisfactorily with any business that is
likely to come along in the future.

The most important" item is undoubtedly coal, which alone
accounts in many cases for about half, and in mo.st cases for
at least one-third, of the total working costs. Much time
and thought is given by engineers to the question of saving
i lb. of steam per kelvin, and yet practically nothing is done
collectively to reduce the price of the coal delivered., If Mr.
Ferranti's dream of a national scheme for electric supply is
ever to be realised, there will have to be some sort of national
control over this item of cost.

How are the large undertakings going to justify the supply-

ing of current in bulk at low prices* so long as their coal
costs remain in the region of .'2.5d. per kelvin sold?

The steady all-round increase in the price of coal durmg
the past 10 or 15 years has to a great extent neutralised the
increased efficiency of steam-raising and electrical generating
plant, and the lower costs obtained have been due largely
to the effect of the unproved load factor on the other items
which go to make up the total works costs.

One of the chief reasons for the steady increase in the price
of coal for electricity works is without doubt the wider
market which is opening out for the use of small coal and
"duff." ^ „ ,

There is no doubt that in many cases, what might be called
phenomenally low costs are accounted for by a mere accident
such as the" proximity of the generating station to a coal
mine supplving screened coal for household purposes, in which
case small coal can be bought for an aknost nominal sum per
ton. , , • -i J

It does not always follow, of course, that the proximity ot
the generating station to the coal mine wDl result m low costs.
The author's experience during the past four years m South
Shields has-been quite the reverse. '

TTp to this point (the purchasing of coal) the larger under-
takings have little (if any) advantage over the smaller ones.
The same type of boilers, economisers, etc., can be purchased
and installed bv a comparatively small undertaking as well
as by the larger' ones, and for equal load factors it is doubtful
whether there is much difference ,in the relative efficiencies
of the large and smaller plants; but the smaller station, work-
ing with say, two boilers on loaH. will require a third (equal
to .50 per cent, of the total) as standby; whereas the larger
stPtion working with, say, 10 boilers, can run without any
standbv boiler at all, since in the event of any boiler giving
trouble' the remaining nine can be overloaded until another
boiler is got away. It is evident, therefore, that the smaller
generating station has a greater percentage of standby losses.
Large boilers have very httle (if any) advantage over
smaller ones from the point of view of efficiency. Under
normal test conditions 78 per cent, is an average efficiency for
the boiler and superheater, with about 85 per cent, tor the
Ijoiler. superheater, and economiser.

There is a rapid relative decrease in steam consumption per
kelvin of modern high-speed turbine plant from sizes of 500
KW to 2,000 KW., and a remarkably slight fall between sizes
of 2,000 KW. and 10,000 kw. The larger sizes of plants have
a gain over the smaller sizes of from 5 per cent, to 15 per cent.
Where the conditions as regards steam and vacuum are
similar the larger stations have had the advantage over the
smaller ones as far as the electrical generating plant is con-
ceined, but from a careful study of results obtained of _the
very latest type of turbine, e.g., the " Brush Ljungstrom, it
would appear that the difference in efficiency of large and
.small turbines is dimini.shing. It is ahnost unpossible to get
the steam consumption, even of the very largest sets, much
below 12 lb. per kelvin. while the Ljungstrom turbme of
1,000 KW. is capable ef developmg its full rated output with
a' steam consumption of only 12.75 lb. per kelvin.

The 25 000-KW. set supplied by Messrs. C. A. Parsons to
the Chicago Edison Co., has the remarkably low steam con-
sumption of 11.65 !b. per kelvin at full load. ,

The field for modern high-speed reciprocating engines, not
only at present, but in the immediate future, appears to be
among the smaller generating stations where the largest unit
is in the region of 750 to 1,000 kw. In such cases a steam
engine set capable of developing 1,000 kw. at a speed ot. say,
250 R P M., will consume at full load about 15.8o lb. of steam
per kelvin when running condensing (26 m. vacuum) a^nd
with steam at 180 lb. per sq. in., superheated to 5.30 deg. i.,
which figure compares very favourably with those obtained
from most steam turbines of similar output and under similar
conditions. The figures for the smaller sets under similar
running conditions are briefly as follows : lb, 16.4, and iy.d ID.
per kelvin for sizes of 750. 500, and 2-50 KW. capacity respec-
tively The results at half and three-quarter load exceed the
a'oove figures bv about 5 per cent, and 10 per cent, respectively.
In order to obtain reliable figures for total working costs
per kelvin generated further investigation had to be made.

When due allowance is made for repairs and maintenance
in connection with the distribution system, and for distribu-
tion losses (approximately 15 per cent.) the followmg figures
are obtained : —

Costs per

Kelvin

3ENERATED.

Load in kilowatts.

Works
costs.

Belative
works
costs.

Total
working

Eelative
total

working
costs.

Load
factor.

Up to r)(}0
.500-1.0(111
1.0U0-l.."iOO
1,. 500-2.1100
2.00(1-4.000
4,01.10-7,000
7,000-10,000
10,000 and upwards

Pence.

roo

■M
■(10
-.51
■42
■39
•83S

100

(U
CO •
.51
42

33^3

Pence.
143
■996
■84G
•845
■668
•.506
■518
■450

100
70
59
59
47
40
36
31

Per cent.

About 15
.. 15
.. 20
;, 20
.. 20
.. 25
„ 25
25

^ Say '375 per kelvin for supplies of about 1,000 i
28 per cent, load factor, energy to be measured o
transformer.

w. maximum demand at
the primary side of the

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEAV.

[Vol. T!». No. 2,01U, Jfi.v II, I'.IIC.

A summary of the figures gives the following result
(approximately only), which indicates the tremendous amount
of waste which is going on in connection with the generation
of electricity : —

Eelrins generated.

TotAl working costs.

1.300,000,000

£1,438,000
■265d. per kelvin.

jE3.363..">lfi
■r>2d. per kelvin.

Had it been possible to deal with electricity generated by
electric supply companies, private individuals, railways, &c.,
which probably exceeds many times that indicated above,
it might not have been a difficult matter to show how by
means of centralisation of supply it might be possible to
reduce the above figure. .'2t>,5d., by, say, 25 per cent, (not to
mention the total costs figure, .C'id.), and so effect a saving
of upwards of il.OOO.OX) on coal alone.

For capital costs reference has been made to the figures
appearing in Garcke's Manual. The results obtained are as
follows : —

Cost per kw. installed of Gener.\ting Pl.\xt. Land.

BflLDI.SGS. &c.
CXothing: is included' for anything outside the fjenerating station.)

Load

kilowatts.

Up to 500

.500-1,000

l,000-l,.50O

2,000-4,000

10,000 and upwards

£

B,

d.

40

0

0

27

0

0

25

0

0

22

10

0

20

0

0

The impression created on glancing at the above figures is
that the smallest undertakings have not been able to benefit
by the low costs per kUowatt of turbine plant.

The steam-engine set holds its own against its competitor
in the sizes from about 750 kw. downwards. There is nothing
gained, as far as the cost per kw. of turbine plant is con-
cerned, by adopting the larger sizes, since owing to the
reduced speed of the larger sets (1,500 r.p.m. as against 3,000
R.p.M.) there is quite an appreciable increase in the cost per
KW. Hence, in the case of South Shields, it was possible to
install turbo sets of •2,0(X)-kw. capacity which probably cost
no more per kw. than the large sets installed in the generating
station of the Newcastle Electric Supply Co., and without
spending a single penny on land, buildings, &c. It is in such
cases as these that it will be extremely difficult to make out
a favourable case for supplying in bulk.

\s far as the boiler-house plant is concerned there is noth-
ing like the same relative difference in cost between large and
sniall units as exists in the case of the engine-room plant,
although the figures do not include buildings, foundations,
coal bunkers, conveyors, &c.

Eelative Cost of Steaw Generating Plant, x;<cluding
Boiler, Siperheater. Stoker. Economiser. Boiler and
EcoxoMisER Brickwork. &c.

(Steam. 2001b. per sq. in. : superheat, 200° F. ; coal, 12,000 B.TH.u.)

Evaporation from
and at 212= F.

Relative cost.

Cost per
1,000 lb, steam.

Cost per K\A-.-

12,000
20,000
30,000
40,00t)
.".0.000

100

84

72

£
170
142
130
122
118

£
3-4
2-S5
2'55
245
2-35

I- ' All these figures are calculated on the basis of 20 lb. of steam
per KW.-hour.

It is quite possible nowadays under normal conditions to
put down a very large power station (say 100,000 to 200,000
KW. capacity) for about ilO per kw. of plant installed, and
It IS more than likely that this figure might under verv
favourable circumstances be reduced to £8 per kw. It can
also be shown that a small station (say 2,000 kw. to 5,000 kw.)
would not cost more than £00 per kw., and a very small
station (below 2,000 kw.), £'30 per kw. The larger station
woula have an advantage over the smaller one owing to the
lesser proportion of stand-by plant, and also by reason of
lower working costs..

Pig. 3 has been prepared for the purpose of showing as
clearly as possible what might be done, under normal condi-
tions in the way of generating electricity on a large scale
The figure .265d. has been taken as being a fair figure for
total working costs in a station having a load of 80.000 kw.
and a load factor of 25 per cent. The curve shows the total
cost of production at the switchboard only, and does not make
any provision for capital charges on tran.sinission system, trans-
naission losses, conversion losses, &c. Careful investigation,
m which proper allowance was made for the capital cost of
transmission system, and transmission and transformer losses

would undoubtedly show that there are cases of compara-
tively small stations where it would certainly not pay to
take a bulk supply. In the majority of cases, however, it
would appear that a bulk supply would be of considerable
advantage. The curve represents the case of a station laid
out with the most modern plant, fully loaded, and unsaddled
with capital charges on old plant or any other disadvantages
under which all the largest undertakings are working at the
present time.

There does not appear to be any serious difficulty in the
way of a bulk supply scheme from the point of view of trans-
mission, except as regards the capital cost, which in the case
of a large system, such as is referred to in this paper, might
very nearly equal the capital cost of the generating .station,
it being extremely doubtful whether full advantage could be
taken of overhead tian.smission lines owing to the nature of
the districts surrounding the great towns in which the bulk
supply stations would be .situated. Reliability of supply
should be the very first consideration : therefore any hypothe-
tical estimate of the cost of the transmission system should
be based on underground cables.

I'nderground cables for three-phase working up to 20,000
volts appear to present no difficulties whatever, and there is
no doubt that pressures of 40,000 and even 50,000 volts will
\cry soon become quite common. Such pressures as these
will help to eliminate a very large proportion of the cost of
the transmission system. It is only by making use of high
piessure that the disadvantages of supplying current in bulk
over long distances can be overcome. The disadvantage of
the adoption of such high pressures is that step-up, as well
as step-down, transformers would have to be used, with the
result that the transformer losses alone would amount to a
considerable sum per annum.

In addition to the above losses it is necessary to allow for
the losses in the cables, due to capacity currents and dielec-
tric losses (which are independent of the load), and also the
losses due to the load which is variable, not to mention the
heavy losses which will undoubtedly be incurred in cases
where it is necessary to convert the three-phase energy to
direct current or alternating current at a different periodicity
to that of the bulk supply system.

The author is of opinion that by the time all these things
have been taken into account it will be a very difficult thing
to prove than an isolated bulk supply authority is in a posi-
tion to generate and distribute electrical energy at a price
which will allow of a reasonable profit, not only for the
supplier, but for the distributor, although the case migMt be
altered materially by the linking-up of other large under-
takings, in which case the capital cost per KW. (load) could
be substantially reduced.

Steps should be taken to thoroughly investigate the whole
question of electricity supply in this country (which is un-
doubtedly in a state of chaos) because every day increases the
obstacles and delays the time which every electric supply
engineer looks forward to and hopes for — the day when elec-
tricity will be used univer.sally for lighting, heating, cooking,
power, and numerous other purposes.

It would appear that the first thing to be done would be
to appoint a committee consisting of members of the I.M.E.A.,
such committee to be representative of not' only the larger
undertakings, but also the medium and smaller undertakings.
This committee should have power to co-opt members of
other scientific societies, such as the Institution of Electrical
Engineers, the Institute of Chemistry of Great Britain and
Ireland, &c. The duties of such committee would be to make
a thorough investigation into the whole subject with a view —

(a) To standardise as far as possible the generation and
distribution of electricity throughout the whole country.

(b) To conserve the supply of fuel used in electricity works
and to make a thorough investigation of the important ques-
tion of extracting from the coal valuable by-products, such as
nitrogen, tar, oils, &c.

(c) To make use of waste heat wherever possible.

id) To cut down the percentage of spare plant by judicious
linking-up of adjacent networks. (There are numerous in-
stances where this could be done right away.)

(f) To promote legislation whereby facilities may be ob-
tained such as are absolutely essential to the scheme, and
such as do not exist to-day.

Discussion.

Prior to the opening of the discussion by Mr. Robertson,
the President mentioned that there had been a conference
with the power companies on the question of linking-up,
which was of interest in connection with the paper by Mr.
EOis.

Mr. Robertson (Salford) said the paper dealt with a vital
question at the present time, and he felt that it could not
be decided on the basis of the published tables of works costs
u.sed by the author, as certain items varied enormously as
between different undertakings,' and it was not certain what
they actually represented. He questioned the turbine steam
consumptions contained in the paper; he (the speaker) had
obtained much better figures for 3,000-r.p.m. plant, as follows :
—1,000 KW., 14.8 lb. per unit: 2,000 kw., 14.7 Ik.; 3,000 KW.,
13.2 lb.; and 5,000 KW., 12.7 lb.; there was a difference of 15
per cent, as between 1,.500 and 3,000-r.p.m. plant, but if the
lower speed were taken there was still an advantage of 9 per
cent, between 2,000 and 5,000 kw. He did not consider that

Vol. 79. No. 2,oui, juLv 14, 1916.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

if 3,000-KW. sets could be employed and the stations were
economically managed, it would be possible to obtain bulk
supply at a competitive price, but the smaller stations would
probai)lv have to turn to the bulk supply. On the other
hand, when they came to a 20,000-kw. station there was very
little to gain by increasing the size to 100,000 kw. He men-
tioned particularly certain cost data in the author's first
table, showing the effect of load, &c., on the cost of produc-
tion, as an instance of the reserve with which published
tables of statistics must be treated; in this case the figures
were out of date, the plant had been modernised, and much
better results were now obtained. He had no faith in the
author's suggested committee, to be appointed by the Asso-
ciation, with a view to investigating the whole subject of
electricity supply. The Association was composed of busy
men who could not spare the time required by a central
committee. The signs were very hopeful for general hnking-
up in Lancashire, and electrical engineers were practically all
ready to co-operate in the movement. It seemed to him that
the question of hnking-up must be approached from the point
of view of each district, and that the strongest argument in
its favour was increased reliability of supply.

Mr. Littler (West Ham) said he was afraid that muni-
cipal jealousy, amongst other things, had prevented a satis-
factory settlement of- the London electricity question. The
general public owed a debt to municipal authorities for
developing electricity supply and financially supporting such
work. It was questionable whether the partial Imking-up of
stations would help the London situation, and he thought
that the whole of ihe municipal stations would need to be
included. Ixx)king at the big question of company v. muni-
cipal control, the former worked only for dividends, while the
latter was always affected by slackness to some extent, and
the question was how to get the best features of both. Taking
the case of several small undertakings linked-up to a larger
one, but in which the plant margin of the smaller stations
did not equal one large plant unit in the larger station, it
was evident that Unking-up alone would not always pay.

Mr. E. T. Williams said he gathered that the author was
not advocating continuing small stations. There was danger
in Mnking-up proposals if they meant leaving the bigger
problem alone, and if small stations were perpetuated it
would be a mistake. He disagreed with Mr. Robertson's
suggestion that efforts should be restricted to certain areas;
they must look for a more complete solution, and take in the
agricultural areas. He urged that a broader outlook should
be taken, with a view to solving the problem in such a way
as to provide for the future, and wiping out the division be-
tween municipal and company undertakings, if necessary.

Mr. J. W. Meares (Electrical Adviser to the Indian Govern-
ment) submitted a table of costs of Indian electricity stations, s
in which quite good load factors were obtained due to the
fan load. He thought that the Indian Electric Supply Acts
were an improvement on the various British Acts; for one
thing, the "fixed-area" idea of supply had been modified,
and electricity could be distributed wherever it was required.
Overhead Constructional work was much facihtated under the
Indian rules, and extensive powers existed under the Govern-
ment Acts by which it was possible to run an overhead Une
straight across country, irrespective of landowners, &c., in
the same manner as the telegraph lines. The electricity rules
were revised from time to time when the necessity arose.

Mr. C. H. WoRDiNGHAM Said there was no question that
everyone would welcome an unrestricted supply of electricity
all over the country, but was the individual use-r to pay for it,
or was the cost to fall on the community at large? Were
they justified in asking the public to subsidise them and
make good deficits, and, if .so, why should not the gas
industry, railways, &c., be similarly treated? They could not
attack the whole problem of supply at once, but must take
districts and link them up, progressing gradually. It would
be an advantage to the .supply industry, in regard to exten-
sions, if it had to deal with a Government department com-
posed of engineers instead of lawyers and clerks. He con-
cluded by condemning the practice of basing deductions on
stctistics, which were misleading.

Mr. S. J. Watson (Bury) considered that while a good deal
could be said from the author's point of view, there was
much to say on the other side. In future it would not pay to
.scrap exi.sting plant and only install a moderate amount of
1,.500 or 2,000-KW. plant on the site. He agreed that there
were difficulties in the way of linking-up; the London com-
panies with a limited tenure did not want to spend much
money, but in contrast the Lancashire and the Yorkshire
power companies, which had an unlimited tenure, were mak-
ing splendid progress. Interconnection of stations was only a
step towards the larger scheme. Certain boards had been set
up and would determine which undertakings should be fur-
ther extended, and which should be supplied in bulk. The
districts would eventually be linked together, so that' they
would get the larger scheme.

Mr. W. B. WooDHOUSE said one school of thought wished to
create a new organisation, while the other wanted to use
the existing organisations. He felt that the only way was to
link-up existing concerns and use their experience. It was
no good starting at the other end and creating a central elec-
tricity board in London, which knew nothing about the pro-
vinces. He beheved they would find a solution to the problem,
and the companies greatly appreciated the broad-minded view
of municipal supply engineers in this matter.

Mr. Horace Bowden (Poplar) said hnking-up had advan-
tages in the matter of stand-by supply, reciprocal supply, and
bulk supply; personally, he had decided that there was no
benefit from the latter in his area. He was strongly of
opinion that the expenditure was repaid by the advantages
derived from reciprocal supply and the abihty to attend to
plant which could be shut down if required.

The author decided to communicate his reply to the Pro-
ceedings.

[To -correct certain misapprehensions, Mr. E. T. Williams
has sent us a statement, from which we abstract the fol-
lowing : —

The fact that the moment was ripe for dealing with this
subject is proved by the remarkable advance which has been
made since Aprd 13th, when the subject was discussed at the
I.E.E.

The linking-up of power stations was an important part of
the original scheme, hut only a part ; the possible develop-
ment of separate districts until the whole country is organised
for electricity supply was pointed out in the original paper.
The linking-up of existing stations, however, requires to be
carried out as part of the whole scheme, and not as a number
of separate schemes in themselves. I suggest the dangers we
must avoid in connection with linking-up are ; —

(o) The temptation to extend existing stations which are
not suitable for the complete scheme, and thus perpetuate to
some extent the present unsatisfactory conditions.

(6) The expenditure of capital on certain Unking-up feeders-
which might not be necessary as part of the complete scheme.

(c) The temptation for the powerful industrial aresfc to be
satisfied with the good results which will be attained, and
not take advantage of the opportunity which certainly exists
for re-organising the control of electricity supply for the
whole country.

Some engineers have read into the proposal to estabUsh an
electricity board a suggestion for even more legislation and
more obstacles. The very reverse is intended, viz., to replace
the present unsatisfactory system and put the necessary
powers into the hands of a few practical engineers in intelU-
gent sympathy with the industry. This Board would be in-
valuable in co-ordinating all the various local efforts and
shaping them into a homogeneous whole.

At the I.M.E.A. Convention I referred to the business
policy of the Canadian Pacific Railway Co. Perhaps an illus-
tration nearer home would be the Port of London Authority,
established by Act of Parliament to re-organise and co-ordi-
nate the work of the Port of London. The justification for
the step taken and for the enterprise and broad policy adopted
is the result attained. In electricity supply we can equally
well have a broad policy with sound finance and an electricity
board would assist in securing this. Sound finance some-
times mearw capital expenditure without an immediate
return, and it is weak finance to withhold such justifiable
expenditure, which is necessary for a progressive industry.!

THE MANUFACTURE OF ELECTRICAL
APPARATUS IN INDIA.

We reproduce the following original and interesting views from
Indian Enijinecring just to hand : —

The present war is making India (as it is in fact all other
countries) more and more dependent upon herself for the produc-
tion of material that has hitherto been imported from Europe or
elsewhere. As far as engineering material is concerned, there is
little doubt that she has proved herself quite up to the task in pro-
ducing both the quality and quantity required in whatever she has
taken up. Why should not she extend her field and introduce the
manufacture oi' such electrical goods that are at present only
imported ? Most of the large English electrical firms have repre-
sentatives in this country, but how many of them have either the
material or the staff for carrying out any work that may come
alono- ' In all works of any magnitude the whole of the material
has to be obtained from the factory in Em-ope, and in most cases
the actual erecting staff also is imported for the carrying
out of the work. Most, if not all, of the raw material
required for the manufacture of electrical plant and machinery
is procui-able in the country ; this being the case, why is it not
utilised in the country instead of being exported for manufacture
in some other country, and again imported in the shape of the
finished article for use in India ? The main reason for this seems
to be the question of finance, no firms being prepared to lay out a
large sum on the oiiening up of a new industry in a foreign
country, the success of which is not assured : then why should not
our enterprising Government gjve the lead ? The demand for
electrical plant and machinery in India has increased enormously
diu-ing the past few years, and there is no doubt that this demand
is going to increase steadily for several years to come. Why should
not India not only have her own concern, or concerns, but also be
in a position to export plant and machinery to other countries .'
Why should she not proceed in the same way as .lapan did with
her shipbuilding and manufactories ? There is plenty of available
water H.P. in India, and the general cry has^hitherto been that
there is no profitable market in the neighbourhood — well, here is the
opportunity of creating a market that should benefit the country

60

THE ELEOTIUCAL REVIEW,

No. i.ulii. Jin.v 14, liHii.

enonnouslv in numerous ways. There is at the present time some-
thintr in the neijrhbourhtKxl of lOO.iidO kw. of plant installed in
India, Burma and Ceylon, but no electrical work, not even in any
of the minor details, is actually manufacturml in the country in a
systematic manner !

The writer on one occasion, when discussing' this <)uestion with
a representative of one of the larsrest electrical enfrineerinfr manu-
facturers, was told that it would he very hard to (ret buyers to pur-
chase electrical machinery that had been manufactured with the
assistance of Indian lalHjur. bnt siurely this stumbling block -if it
can l)e considered as one - could very soon lie removed. It would,
of course, be essential in the first instance to imjOTrt experts for the
various departments, both for the siii)ervision and the hil>our. but,
after a very short time, the sulxirdinate iraportod staff could very
easily be replaced by Indian labour without any detrimental effects
in so far as efficiency is concerned. In India, a larjre manutac-
turinp concern of this kind could be run very economically by
Government owinpr to their teinjr in a position to obtain land,
labour, and power at very cheap rates. Of course, it would never
do for Government to try to enter into competition with the
European firms who import plant to India ; it would be necessary
for them to invite all firms to join in the combine by having all
machinery requiretl for use in and about India manufactured by
Government in India in accordance with the respective firm's
designs and patents : this system would enable the purchaser to
have the same selection as he has at present ; it would also benefit
the home firms, a.* their representative in the country — the man
who knows his clients requirements best K;ould actually watch
the manufacture of the plant from its initial statre to completion,
the purchaser would undoubtedly benefit by beiufr in a position to
see what he is trettin^' without the intermediary of a consultinj.' or
inspectin^r engineer, the enj.'ineer in charjre of the plant would
benefit by beinjr able to obtain spare parts and renewals at short
notice, and finally Government and the country would benefit by
showinfr not only it-s enterprise but its independence.

In connection with the above, it would be interesting to know
what the outturn of the Tata Iron Works and Katni Cement Works
has been durinsr 1915. compared with the previous year.

FOREIGN AND COLONIAL TARIFFS ON
ELECTRICAL GOODS.

RUSSIA.— An Imperial Decree, dated May 13th/26th, has
been published providing for the importation, free of Customs
duties for a period of ten years, for the requirements of the
Siberian and Ural gold mining industries, of dredges and
excavators and parts thereof; also of appurtenances and
apparatus for crushing gold ores and for extracting gold by
chemical processes, and appurtenances for prospecting dredg-
ing areas. The Decree is to take effect as from January 1st-
14th, 1916.

SIBERIA.— By a Russian Imperial Decree of May 13th/'26th,
duty-free admission is accorded to all foreign goods (except
spirituous Mquors) imported into the Territory of Yakutsk
(Northern Siberia) via the mouths of the river Komila and
to the east of the same along the coast of the Yakutsk Terri-
tory of the Governor-Generalship of Irkutsk.

The Decree also makes provision for the duty-free importa-
tion into Siberia, via the mouths of the river Lena, of cer-
tain foreign goods. The Decree was to take effect as from
May 14th/27th.

SWEDEN. — The exportation of the following articles has
been prohibited, viz. : Electrical safety appliances not
specially mentioned in the Swedish Tariff, also safety plugs,
fusible pieces, cartridge pieces, and excess voltage apparatus
(No. 1.077 in the Swedish Tariff) ; electrical box switches,
with casing or inner parts of metals other than iron ; incan-
descent lamp sockets (with or without switches) with casing
or inner parts of metals other than iron ; gas purifying metal
(oxhydrate of iron) used ; and pyrites.

GREECE. — In virtue of a Government proposal which took
effect immediately, the Greek Customs Tariff rates of duty
have been increased by 10 per cent, except in respect of
articles the duties on which are defined by Conventions be-
tween Greece and other countries, articles the object of a
State monopoly, and articles falling under No. 19-21 of the
Tariff (grain and flour).

Accidents to Munition Worlters. — At tlie annual meetins:

of industrial representative- in coiiuoction with Preston Infirmary,
on July litli. Jlr. T. JIackenzio. of Messrs. Dick, Kerr & Co.. electrical
entrineers, drew attention to the large number of accidents occur-
ring at munition works during the year, resulting in increased
work for depleted staff. There were only two.=causes to which the
accidents could be attributed. Either the workers were careless,
and neglected to see that the guards were proixjrly adjusted to the
machinery, or. being newly trained, they were not perfectly familiar
nith the machines uixjn which they were working.

NEW PATENTS APPLIED FOR, 1916,

(NOT TBT PCBLISHBD).

Published cxpresslv (or this journ.il bv Messrs. W. V. Thompson & Co.,
Electrical Palcnt Agints, 285, High Holborn, London. W.C, and al
Liverpool and Bradford.

8,957. '* Electric control arrangements for conversion of functions, for use
with calculating appamtus, &c." H. R. WriCHT. June 26th.

8.959, "•Electrical bonding junction boxes for inetallic sheathed wires, ie."
G. S. BoOTHkOVD AND CaLLKNDER's CaBLK & CONSTRUCTION Co. June 26lh.

8.960. " Apparatus (or identifying individual cores of niulticore cables."
Caiuenobr's Cable & Construction Co. and R. Wood. June 26th.

8,96L " Time-limit (uses." Callendrr's Cable & Construction Co. June
26th.

8,992. " Electric automatic switch controllers." G. A. Fritsch. June 36th.

9,020. " Dynamo-electric machines." Cromrton & Co. and N. I*ensabenk.
June 27lh.

9,032. " Electric relays." SvKEs Int&rlockino Sionaj. Co. & R. W. Tar-
rant. June 27th.

9.035. "Railway (ouling-bars and treadles.' Svkbs Interlocking Signal
Co.. J. C. SvKEs,& R. W. Tarrant. June 27th.

9.036. " Electric welding systems." British Thomson-Houston Co.
(General Electric Co., U.S.A.). June 27th.

9.037. " .Advertising device for registering telephone calls." B. SCRUBV ano
W. D. Walker. June 27th.

9,050. " Sparking plugs." C. H. Watkins. " June 27lh.

9,05L " Sparking plugs." \V. Parke. June 27th.

9,05.5 " Electric furnace (or steel melting." S. SlElNBUKc; June a7th.

9,062. " .Shadeholders for gas or electric light fittings." R W. McLachlan.
Jun,- 27.h.

9,073. " Sparking plugs for internal-combustion engines." D. McGqicor.
June 28th.

9.098. " Bucket-fastening means for turbines, &c." BRinsti Thomson-
Houston Co. (General Electric Co,, U.S.A.). June 28th,

9.099. " Means (or controlling electric motors." Igranic Electric Co.
(Cutler-Hammer Manufacturing Co,, U.S.A.). June 28th.

9,105. " Electric spark-gap." F. G. Simpson. June 28th, (US.A., March
20th, 1915.)

9,111. " Heating liquids." British Westinguouse Elkctric ic Mamupao-
turinc Co. June 2eth. (US, A., June 30th, 1915.)

9,127. " .Automatic trolley alarm (or electric tramcars." R. Dodd and
Horstmann.Gear Co. June 29tb.

9,137, " Sparking plugs for internal-combustion engines," F, \. L. John-
son. June 29th.

9.139. " Switch-operating mechanism for electric transformer starters, &C."
W. Barraclolt.h. June 29th.

9.140. " Switch-operating mechanism for electric transformer starters, &c."
W, Barraclouch. June 29th.

9,152. " Portable apparatus for producing and transmitting waves in wire-
less telegraphy." \V. R. Herwin. June 29th.

9,165 " Means (or controlling speed of electric motor." Marconi's Wire-
less Telegraph Co. & G. M. Wright. June 29th.

9.171. " Differential gearing for electro-mechanical variable-speed mechan-
ism." J. G. P, Thomas & Thomas Transmission, Ltd, June 29th.

9.172. " Differential gearing (or electro-mechanical variahle-speed mechan-
ism." J. G. P. Thomas S: Thomas Transmission, Ltd. June 29th.

9.179. " Telephone systems." E. Merriman. June 29th.

9.180. " Joints for electrical conductors." C. Vernier. June 29th.
9,183. " Electrical switches," J. VV. Treherne. June 29th.

9,193 " Telegraph apparatus." W. J. Mellersh-Jackson (Western Union
Telegraph Co.). June 29th.

9,206. " Electric clocks." A. E. J. Ball & I. H. Parsons. June 30th.

9,232. " Dynamo-electric machinery." W. Marden. June 30th.

9,246. " Measurin;; instruments, extensiometers, ammeters, 4c." Mar-
ccKi's Wireless Telegraph Co. June 30th.

9 249 ", Means for controlling electric motors." Igranic ElbCTRIC Co.
"(Cutler-Hammer Manufacturing Co., U.S.A.). June 30th.

9,263. " Electric regulators or rheostats." R, L. Halstead & ViCKRBS, Ltd.
June 30th,

PUBLISHED SPECIFICATIONS.

X91S.

4 080 Refractory Materials applicable also as Electric Rssistanc
W,'r, Just, March 15th. (March 23rd, 1914.)

8,651. Railway Signalling Systems. H. W. Moore & R. G. Berry. Ju
11th.

British Thomson-Houston Co.
: 16th,

8,748. Eleciric Motor-control Sv
and J. Martin. June 14th.

8,850. Electric Meter. R. S. Xenaky & F. Gilman. Ju

9,012, Secondary Battery Plates Electrical Power Storage Co. (in liqui-
dation) and W. Schofield. June 18th.

9,113. Telephone Transmitters. International Electric Co. & R. G. le
Noir. June 21st.

9,587. Means for Jointing Wires. A. G. Ralli (A. Fodor). June 30th.

9 960 Vapour Electric Devices. British Thomson-Houston Co. (General
ElKtric Co., U.S.A.). July 8th.

10,837. Flexible Electric Conductors. A. J. Downes. July 26th.

12,848, Trolley Heads, G. R. Taylor. September 8th.

13,441. Clamping Devices for Electrically Conducting Wires. J. Cuth-
bert. September 21st.

198. Starting Mechanism for Automobiles. British Westinghouse Electric
and Manufacturing Go. January 5th. Patent No. 100,006.

1707. Electric Heat-regulating Switch. J. Kiell & A. A, Stow, Febru-
ary' 4th. Patent No, 100,624.

THIS

BXjEOTI?,IO.A.Xj K/E^IE^W.

Vol. LXXIX.

JULY 21, 1910.

No. 2,017.

ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

ELECTRIC LIGHTING IN PARIS.

Vol. LXXIX.]

CONTENTS: July 21, 1916.

[No. 2,017.

Page

Electrical Li^htiujr in Pari*. ... ... :">"

The Ritrhts of a German-owned Enjrli.sh Company ... ... ."i.'^

Lead ■"'■'^

Educational fieform ... ... ... ... ... ... ''■'

Xotes on Electroplatinjf. '\v S. V. Thorp CC(iff^/«««/l ... ... (id

Century Sinirle-phase Repulsion-Induction Motors (il/iix.) ... (il
-Report of the Hvdro-Electric Power Commission of Ontario

(iUiis.) ... ' f,2

War Items (14

Legal... ... ... ... ... ... ••• ... ... 'I-'i

Reviews ... ... ... ... ... i>'>

An International Hijrh-Pressure Submarine Cable ... ... lis

Correspondence —

Female Sub-Station Attendants ... ... ... ... (i.'^

Induction M9tors on Circuits of Different Frequencies ... (i'.l

Decimal Coinage ... ... ... ... ... ... <>!'

Business Notes ,... ... ... ... ... IHJ

NVw Electrical Devices. Fittings and Plant ((7/w.v.) ... ... 7'.\

lity Notes Tii

Stocks and Shares ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 77

Market Quotations ... ... - ... ... ... ... ... 7."^

Labour and Industry ((■««/(■«»«/)... ... ... ... ... 711

The Incorporated Mimicipal Electrical Association. 1916 — V.
The Application of Electricitv to Agricultural Purposes.

by W. T. Kerr (;//«.<.) «o

The National Physical Laboratory ... ... ... ... .'^S

New Patents Applied for. 19 1() ... ... ... ... ... S4

Abstracts of Published Specifications ... S4

Contractors" Column Advertisement page xx

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THE UNIVERSAL ELECTRICAL DIRECTORY

1916 EDITION.

H. ALABASTER, GATEHOUSE & CO.,
4, Ludgate Hill, London, B.C.

A REVIEW of the situation of the electric lighting
industry in Paris, and of the experiences of the
companies engaged in the supply of electricity
in the environs of the French capital and in
the provinces, is contained in the annual report
for 191 5 of the Compagnie Parisienne de Distribu-
tion d'Electricite, which was submitted at the
general meeting held in Paris at the end of June.
It will, perhaps, 'be remembered that this parti-
cular company, which has a combined share and
loan capital amounting to nearly £8,000,000, repre-
sents an amalgamation of the former Secteurs or
concession areas which were held by several com-
panies within the district of the municipal adminis-
tration of the City of Paris, and which were com-
bined in accordance with an agreement entered!
into between the Comite des Secteurs on the one
part, on behalf of the Compagnie Parisienne, and
the Paris Municipal Council on the other. The
agreement conferred a monopoly of supply until
June 30th, 1940, whilst, at the same time, it im-
posed upon the company the obligation to install
improved generating plant by a fixed date, and to
extend and transform the distributing network
without interfering with the supply to the then
e.Nisting consumers. This work has been carried
out at an expenditure which has not exceeded the
estimated £8,000,000, and the city has thereby
become the owner of the entire works without
having to provide any money whatever, as" the
undertaking will pass into municipal possession on
the expiration of the concessioi: in 1940.

The continuation of the war in 1915, the report
states, had the efTect of considerably reducing the
lightinp- requirements in Paris on the one hand,
while, on the other, additional expenses were in-
curred which were considerably in excess of the in-
creases which were taken into consideration when
the agreement was concluded with the City. The
contract was entered into on the basis of the pro-
gressive development of the system of supply.
I'hus, notwithstanding the comparatively high
charges made to consumers prior to the company
taking over the entire work on January ist, 1914,
the aggregate sales of the several companies
amounted to 42,855,000 Kvv.-hrs. in 1906, and they
had risen to 87,369,000 KW.-hrs. in 1910, partly
owing to extensions of the mains, and partly in
consequence of the reduction in prices. It had
been expected that this rate of expansion would
continue, and the charges to the consumers were
further lowered at the beginning of 1914, the scale
apparently being subject to no alteration during the
currency of the concession, and being held to be
justified by the consideration that the prices of raw
materials which the company would have to pur-
chase, would only vary in accordance with the fluc-
tuations in the situation of general prosperity. It
was under these assumptions that the city was able
to stipulate that the redemption of the capital of
£8,000,000 should be effected by means of annuities
derived from the net profits, and that the city
should receive by way of rent from 10 to 25 per
cent, of the amount of the company's revenue, and
a progressive share in the annual profits which were
in excess of 6 per cent, of the capital invested by
the companv in the form of ordinary shares, which

[57]

5^

TilE ELECTIUIAL KEVIEW.

No. i.iMT. ,hi,v lM. r.Mi;

represents one-half of the total of £8,000,000. Un
tlie other hand, the city undertook to bear the
charge of any increase in the wages of the com-
pany's personnel which might be granted on its
initiative and in accordance with the assimilation
of the personnel with the municipal workers. But
the agreement did not place at the company's
charge the consequences of force majeure, and a
possible diminution in tlie receipts was only fore-
seen in case new methods of production, or the use
of new forces, brought about a reduction of at least
20 per cent, in the cost of generation and distribu-
tion, in which event the city could require the com-
pany to lower its selling prices.

The war, however, has overthrown all former
calculations. In the case of the lightmg supply, the
charges for which permitted of compensation being-
obtained to some extent for the low price charged
to power users, the consumption in 1914 declined to.
54,157,000 KW.-hrs., notwithstanding the favourable
results in the first seven months, and a further de-
crease to 38,579,000 KW.-hrs. took place in 1915.
The company is co-operating in the national defence
by furnishing energy at low prices to all the fimis
in the vicinity of Paris who are engaged on the
production of war material, and the consumption
for motive power purposes reached 31,204,000
KW.-hrs. last year, or nearly lOne-half of the total
turnover.

The increase in the working expenses in 1915
is attributed to the scarcity of . labour, the in-
efficiency of workers employed in substitution for
the skilled men who were mobilised, the difficulty
of obtaining materials and their high prices, the
higher cost of work undertaken by contractors, and
the costliness of coal^ which had to be procured
almost exclusively from England. In this connec-
tion, we note that the company's consumption of
coal is approaching a rate of 200,000 tons per an-
num; before the war the cost amounted to 19s. 7d.
pec ton, and it averaged £1 14s. 4id. per ton in
1915. The latter was merely the result of the
operation of old contracts,^ which, however, it was
impossible for exporters to execute in full, whereas
for recent contracts it has been necessary for th«
company to pay approximately £4 i6s. per ton. It
is considered that unless the new arrangements con-
cluded between the French and English Govern-
ments largely modify this disquieting situation, the
company will have to pay an additional sum of
£400,000 this year for the delivery of coal. Under
the circumstances, the company contends that as
the war has completely disturbed the state of equili- .
brium between the reciprocal clauses of the agree-
ment between the two parties, the company is
entitled to ask the city for compensation, as it is
lield to be unfair for tlie city and the consumers to
derive all the advantages of the agreement on the
one hand, and on the other for a crushing burden
to be imposed upon the company, which only re-
ceives a relatively small portion of the fniits of its
industry, and has a limited concession. The com-
pany, which has made an application to the City
Council for compensation, argues that the demand
is justified in law and in equity, and it is stated to
Tje in conformity with a recent decision of the
Council of State in a similar case. We cannot re-
call the decision in question, but as the company
has been able to declare out of net profits of
£209.000 in 1915 a dividend at the rate -of 4 per
cent, on the ordinarv' share capital of £4,000,000,
the claim for compensation may not receive the
consideration which is desired. The company has
been remarkably more successful than the Paris Gas
Co.. which incurred a loss of £800,000 last year. It
is true that tliis loss was recouped bv the Municipal
Council and the company thereby placed in a posi-
tion to pay a dividend, but this contingency, we be-
lieve, was provided for in the contract between the
•Gas Co. and the Municipal Council some years ago.

The question whether a com-
The Rights of a pany in which practically all the
German owned shareholders are enemy subjects

l;njilish can bring actions in the King's

Company. Courts lifts been discussed, but by

no means satisfactorily answered,
in the now well-known case of Continental Tyre
and Rubber Co., Lid. v. Daimler Co., Ltd. This is
one of those cases in which an issue which is of
absorbing interest to the public, and to the com-
mercial world, has become confused in a welter of
legal procedure and conflicting judicial opinion. An
action was commenced in October, 1914, by what
is called a specially endorsed writ, to recover the
sum of £5,605, the writ being issued by the com
pany's solicitor on the instructions of the secretary.
Under this procedure, the plaintiffs arc entitled to
obtain summarj- judgment unless the defendants
can show that, prinid facie, they have a right 1 i
defend. The defendants asked for leave to defend
on the grounds (i) that the company was in fact
an alien company with whom it was illegal, apart
from a licence from the Crown, to hold any com-
mercial intercourse, which included the payment of
money for a trade debt; and (2) that the secretary
had no authority either to instruct the company's
solicitors to issue the writ in the action or to give a
receipt for the money when recovered.

It will be seen that the Court was not bound to
decide whether the plaintiff company was entitled to
sue; a decision that the secretary had no authority,
or that the defendants had a prima facie right to
defend, would suffice. The Court might, and, in
fact, did, refrain from decidin,g the main and most
interesting question. In the Hotise of Lords, all
the Law Lords were of opinion that the secretary
had no authority virtiite officii to commence actions
on behalf of his company, and that, on the facts,
he had no such authority from the directors. That
was quite enough to decide the case. The majority
of the Court of Appeal and five menibers of the
House of Lords were of opinion that it was a case
which ought to be investigated, and not one for
summary judgment. It remained for two very dis-
tinguished lawyers to pronounce certain obiter dicta
to the effect that the plaintiff company, as an illegal
association, ought not to be allowed to sue. In the
Court of Appeal, Lord Justice Buckley (as he then
was), differing on this point from all his learned
brethren, held that in the circumstances the com-
pany was an alien enemy, and could not sue in the
King's Courts. No less an authority than Lord
Halsbury took the same view in the House of Lords.
But the net result of the whole litigation is that the
case " went off " on a mere side issue, and the
main question is still undecided. What the two great
judges whose names have been mentioned said, is
entitled to considerable respect; but they uttered
mere obiter dicta, and, to use the words of an old
judge, an obiter dictum is " a mere individual utter-
ance which bindeth none, least of all the lips of him
that uttered it."

Lead.

Fundamental conditions in this
metal have really undergone no
change of late, the tendency of the
market having been entirely subject to the control
of operations at the hands of the Ministry of Muni-
tions. As we suggested, three weeks ago. would
be the case, the price has come down a good deal
further since then, and even nov^f it is highly pre-
mature to assume that the market has reached
" bottom." Nobody, at any rate, believes that any
recovery of importance could be otherwise than of
a temporary character. Prices across the Atlantic
still stand at a high parity level, precluding the pos-
sibility of any sales being made in the London mar-
ket at present. The tonnages reaching this side]
appear to continue of respectable dimensions, an^

No. 2.1117. .TlLY 21, litlti.J

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

59

more than equal to cope with all needs, although
the figures as officially returned are most incom-
plete and most misleading since controlled supplies,
or the considerable quantities imported by the
authorities, are not included in the returns. The
statistical position is thus absolutely a myster}'.
After the recent further break to below £28 for
near delivery, offers of the latter having been made
more sparingly, the position somewhat stiffened,
but the general trade demand has remained on the
whole verj' quiet, and the market has become very
irregular. Judging from the slackness of the in-
quiries experienced for forward deliveries for some
time past, there is certainly no eagerness to antici-
pate needs, and the result has been that the dis-
count on forward positions has widened consider-
ably to about 30s. a ton.

In view of the not unreasonable assumption that
the authorities have made all necessary arrange-
ments to have their needs for munitions well pro-
vided for during the remainder of the war, and
while ordinary trade requirements are likely to con-
tinue abnormally restricted until the war is over, it
is hardly possible that any very severe pinch will
be experienced by consumers, unless mining opera-
tions are seriously interfered with by unforeseen
circumstances. It is true that heavy quantities are
now being soaked up by munition work in warring
countries. French needs are particularly heavy, as
may be gathered from the much increased imports
made by France this year, the great bulk of the sup-
plies being drawn from Spain direct. During the
first four months of this year no less than 21,500
tons of Spanish lead were sent to France, against
only 9,816 and 2.324 tons during the same period
in the two previous years respectively. The total
French imports for that period represent 26,564
tons, or' some 13.500 tons more than in the
previous year. There is no "doubt that good
stocks are held in reserve in France, although it is
possible that the movement of fresh supplies from
Spain may be delayed by the congestion of traffic at
the railways, since complications have just lately
arisen regarding shipping from the West Coast of
Spain to Mediterranean ports, while shipping com-
panies are apprehensive of disturbances through
German submarine attacks. The quantities of
Spanish lead coming to this side are still of fairly
good proportions, though much smaller than last
year, owing to the big tonnage absorbed by France,
but Australian metal continues to arrive in large
quantities, and there is not much doubt that the
supplies will continue ample enough to enable the
authorities to keep down prices.

During the past few weeks great
Educational activity has been observed in circles
Reform. concerned with educational matters,
particularly on the scientific and
technical side. Last month the professorial staff
of the Imperial College of Science and Technology
submitted memorials to Lord Crewe pointing
out the urgent necessity for taking active steps
towards educational reform, especially in con-
nection with the teaching of science ; since then
a deputation representing science professors, the
Army and Navy, commercial men, and parents
has met a committee of headmasters from twelve
of our leading public schools and urged the
pressing need of giving more time to the study
of English and other modem languages, of
infusing a scientific spirit into the whole school in-
stead of treating scientific subjects as separate
branches of study, of abolishing compulsory Greek
for science students, of improving the teaching of
mathematics, and of introducing chemistry and
applied science into the examinations for first-class
clerkships in the Civil Service; the Council for
Organising British Engineering Industry has issued

a report, of which we published an abstract in our
last issue, dealing with the training of technical stu-
dents for all grades of industrial rank; last week Lord
Haldane in the House of Lords drew attention to the
necessity of reform in our system of secondary edu-
cation, and the Board of Education issued a report
of exceptional interest and importance on the sub-
ject of technical education, which followed very
similar lines. This report was drawn up by a con-
sultative committee appointed as long ago as 1913;
its proceedings were in the main suspended on the
outbreak of the war, but attention has been given
to the training of students in science and technology
to supply the needs of commerce and industry, and
we are glad to see that the Committee fully realises
the extreme urgency of the matter, and the neces-
sitv of acting at once. With this object in view, the
Committee recommends the provision by the Gov-
ernment of the sum of £339,500 a year, to strengthen
the higher parts of selected secondary schools, and
to provide scholarships to enable meritorious stu-
dents to proceed from secondary schools to tech-
nical colleges and universities, from secondary
schools to senior technical schools, and from even-
ing classes and works schools to technical colleges.
&c. We are glad to see that the Committee would
spread the net wide^ — how many Faradays may not
have been lost to the nation for want of the oppor-
tunity to develop their innate genius! — and would
not only endow impecunious students with the means
to pursue their studies, but even advocates the
modification of matriculation tests, to enable them
to enjov the full privileges of a university career
subject to their showing merit under scientific and
mathematical tests alone, and passing an examina-
tion in the English language.

The Committee rightly points out that such
expenditure would be abundantly repaid by the
benefits accruing to the nation from the increased
supply of scientifically-trained students— a fact
which, in the past, the 'politicians by whom we are
governed have been utterly unable to appreciate,
it adds a proviso to this forecast—" provided
that the scholars are well selected," and elsewhere
remarks that it has found the provision of scholar-
ships at certain stages relatively abundant, at others
absent or deficient; these comments are amply
justified by the facts. It is a condition indispens-
able to success that scholarships shall be awarded
on the score of proved merit, and that alone; and
it is desirable that the provision of scholarships
shall be regulated and co-ordinated in such a way
that merit, wherever found, whether in the town
or in the countrv, shall be afforded equal opportu-
nity of proceeding onwards to the very highest
degree of training and development.

The Committee points out, also, that the recom-
mendations made are only a beginning; large capital
sums will be required, as well as annual subsidies
to universities and schools of technology, besides
the establishment of new schools, to make good our
shortcomings in the past, and to bring our existing
institutions" into correspondence with the national
needs. In this respect, we shall do well to learn
from our enemies. The German Government spends
in subsidies to universities li millions a year— the
British Government, in England and Wales, only
£265,000. It is necessary, also, to provide mainten-
ance grants, to counteract the temptation to with-
draw students from schools when they attain the
age of 16 to 18 years and are capable of earning
wages, and the encouragement of research after
graduation calls for additional funds.

All these are excellent recommendations. We
regret that we cannot deal with them at greater
length, but we cannot too strongly urge our
readers to support the movement which has beeii
set on foot by every possible means, in order that
this country may be enabled to maintain its
supremacv in industry and commerce after the war.

00

THE ELECTIUCAL KKVIEW. :voi. 7;.. No. 2.01T, ji.i.v

NOTES ON ELKCTROPLATING.

Uy S. V. THORP.

h'.M.F. fur I'luliiiii. — When an electrolyti' is ln'iiiir ikMiiui-
{MWi-il. tlio uli'iiieiits thus liiierateil liavi.' a toiukiicv to
re-roiiiliiiio. and this tcnduiu-y iilsii teniis to o|iim«c tlie flow
of cunviit liy sfttinjr ii|> a liack K..M.K.. so it follows that for
ovi-iT ok'ctrolyti- no i-unvnt lan flow unless the K.M.F.
applied is at least •neater than tiie K..M.F. of |iolarisiition :
that is. there is a niininuini k.M.k. Iielow whieh eontiniioiis
<leeoiii|>osition will not take plaee. In the ease of water,
the cheniieal aHinity of the o.xviren and hydrogen eorres-
jKinds to an K..M.K. of l-."i volts, so to deeonipose water
fontin\ioiisly an i:..m.k. of over r5 volts is required.

The \oltaire for the \arious l)aths is varial)le within
certain limits for a iriven elass of work. In any case, the
voltas;e shoulil he carefully adjusted, so as to give the
current liest suited to the work in hand. Table I gives the
a]>proxiniate voltjiges for \'arious luiths.

T.\BLE I.— Approximate Voltages koh Vakiois Baths.
Mrtal. VoU.s.

Gold •."> to 1

Silver

Copjwr (.acid bath)
Copper (cyanide bath) ...

■.•) to 2

I to •>

i to .")

Brass 2 to li

Platinum ... .'< to t>

Nickel, strike dejKJsit with o volts, diminish to 1'.") to 'i

Amps.

per

'q

ft. of cathode

•7.5 to

lo

r.-. to

i

.". to

211

■A to

4

8 to

4

2 to

8

3 to

Current required far Phttimi. — Tlie amount of metal
<le|X)sited de]x.'nds on the current density. Definite rules as
to the current density re(iuired cannot he laid down, as cacli
metal re(|uires different densities, according to the metallic
salt used, the metallic strength of the .solution, whether
during deconijiositioii the electrolyte is agitated or stationary,
and whether the hath is hot or cold. Generally, when the
ciUTcnt density is low, the rate of deposition is sknv. hut
the ile]iosit is hard and close-grained. With higlier
current densities, the rate of dej»sition is quicker, and the
deposit is softer and more crystalline in appearance. If
the current heconies e.wessive, the deposit becomes loose
and iwwdery. Table II gives the current densities suitable
for various baths, tising a stationary solution.

T.VBLE II. — Al'I'KO.XIMATK CCRKENT DENSITY.

Metal.

Cold

Silver

Copper (acid bath)

Copper (cyanide bath) ...

Brass

Nickel ... ...

Tin

By agitation of solutions the current density can be doubled.

AijiUtlinij the Elertrolijte fur Riipitl Deposition.— In
electroplating, the anodes, wiiicli may be either cast or
ndled, are of the same metal as that "being deiwsited, and
their function is to dissolve into the solution as fast as
metal is taken from the solution for dejiosition. In the
ordinary course of things, the electrolyte immediately round
the anode plate is richer in metal "than that roiind the
oijject being plated. AVitli a weak current this difference
is very small, but the rate of deposit is slow. The quicker
the rate of deposit, that is, the stronger the current with
a given cathode area, the greater will be the difference in
metallic strength of the parts of the electrolyte round the
-anode and cathode. .Should, howe\er, the deposition of
metal proceed faster than the metallic salts can diffuse
fi-om the niiiss of liquid to the surface of the object being
plated, the current will begin to decom]X)se the other
coinpoinids present. Taking, for example, a copper-
sulphate solution, the SO., radical will unite with the water
of the solution, and thus form suli)hnric acid and oxygen.
The o.xygen, being liberated, is attracted to the anode
plate, and fonns an insoluble coating of oxide thereon.
This increases the internal resistance of the bath, and so
decreases the cun-ent, and once the anode becomes oxidised
it will be unable to dissohe into the solution. The solution
will then become [Kiorer than ever, and onlv a thorough

cleaning of the anode will put matters right, ll will be
seen from the foregoing that, ha\ing a still bath, the
cm-rent, and therefore the rate of deposit, is limited, owing -^1
to the necessity for allowing the solution of mutal round the ^|
anode time to diffuse. This diffusion, and, cousecinently,
the rate of deposit, may be assisted by keeping the solution
hot. about IO(t' v.. or by agitating the electrolyte by
mechanical means. In some cases a niecliaiiically-drivcn
stirrer is used, but the best method is to blow air through
the solution, a pneumatic agitator licing I'mploycd.

By this system of agitation, which is used largely in
co])ix'r-plating for electrotypiug, and also for uickel-plaliiit;,
it was found by actual trials that for a given quanlii\
of work, with a stationary solution, the maximum aniouiii
of current that c-onld lie safely used was ;!.") anqjeres at an
K.M.K. of ■> volts, giving 7() watts, the time taken beini;
three hours. The same vat was used with an agitator, i In
same solution and anodes, and an exactly similar load \v;i^
put into the vat, when a ciu'rent of (i.") anq)eres at an k..m.i ,
of ;') volts was used, giving 1!).") watts, with every succis>.
the time taken being one hour, and the <leposit was not only
e(|iuil to the previous load, but \\as siiindthei' and brightei'.
K.xcellent results luwe lieeii obtaineil from plants installeil
on this system, especially in the cycle, east-ii'on. fnid pi'inl iiej
trades.

Points to lliineinlier. — In i)lating it is inqHirlaiil in
reuRMuber that the scientific basis is the same, whether
conducted by the amateur or the largest electroplatei:
The apparatus may be varied according to the recjuiremenis
of the work, but the ])rinci|)le remains the same whetliei
small or large (|uaiitities of work are done. In all branches
it is absolutely nei-essaiT that the chemicals be ]uire, and if
careless methoils and im]mre chemicals are used, continual
trouble will result. Cyanide of potassium must be
recognised as the most' used, and most important, substance
in electrodeposition. nearly all the solutions containing:
this chemical. The dynamo is the only current-prod neei
used, as to attempt working large plants with batteries is
to court constant expenditure. The moti\e power tieccssary
for the dynamo and the various polishing latlies can be
either gas, steam, or electricity. The advantages of using
electricity are very great, ease of starting or stop])iiig,
economy of space, cleanliness, and maintenance being
altogether in its favour.

Tlie Platinij D(/namo. — For this class of work, si)ecial
forms of continuous-current dynamos are needed. Design-
ing dynamos for low voltage and high amperage entails
difficulties in the design, for the vo.ltage cannot be obtained
low enough without either. having few con\olutions on the
armature, or else a weak field-magnet, and machines with
weak tield-inagnets give trouble on account of sparking at the
brushes, as also do the machines w-ith few massive conductors
and few parts in the commutator. Sj^ecial care is neeiled
with the brushes and brush-gear ; copper gauze brushes are
nearly always used, as the drop of potential at the brushes
thenisehes, if carbon lirushes are used, is more than twiei'
that of copjier gauze brushes, and, with such a low \'oItage,
this would be serious. The brush-gear should be so designed
that it cau readily be cleaned or adjusted, many makes
being very deficient in this respect. The matter of speed is
very im]x)rtant. A high-speed dynamo meaiLS a lower
j;>rice, but more frequent renewals, whereas a moderate-
sjxied dynamo is more exix;usive to manufacture, but has a
louger life than a high-speed one of the same output.

A most convenient mode of obtaining current in places
where a ix)wer supply is obtainable, is by the emi)loymeMt
of motor-generators. In some cases the fields of plating
dynamc IS ale se]iai-iitely excited, the advantage l>eiug the control
or variation whieh can be exercised over the voltage of the
dynamo at all loads. Motor-generators lend themselves
admirably to separate excitation, having a small exciter
coupled direct on to the same shaft. Where a very large
collecting surface is needed on account of the large
amperage, the dynamos have double commutators connected
in parallel with fine anotlier.

The PJntimj Plant. — Separate shops should be provided
for ])olisliing, plating, finishing, and burnishing ; but in
small establishments the polishing and finishing may l)e
done in the same shop. The polishing shop, where the
surfaces of the work are polished preparatory to plating, is

Vol. :■... >-o. 2.01T. JULY 21. 1.M0.] THE ELECTRICAL RE^TEW.

01

equipi)ed witli high-speed jK^lishing lathes. Tlie dust
given off when polishing must be uai-ried away from the
face of the worker : the liest praetice is to fix hoods over
the revohing wheels with coimections to a duct, and to fi.x
the fan which exhausts the dnst at the end of this duct.
It is imiwrtant to rememlier that however the work is
polished, so will it leave the plater, and no amount of
finishing will eradicate the faults left l>v the polisher,
liecause everv imperfection left on the article after polishing
remains in the same condition after plating. In the plating
shop, the plating vats, swilling trough, cleaning and water

CENTURY SINGLE-PHASE REPULSION-
INDUCTION MOTORS.

Thk Century Electric Co., of St. Louis, U.S.A.. has devoted its
activities for many years entirely to the development of single-
phase apparatus, and has built up a large business on this basis.
Its principal product is a line of siujrle-phase constant-speed motors,
on which the energies of a staff of expert designers have been con-
centrated, with the result that a type of motor has been evolved
which possesses valuable all-round characteristics, the aim having
been to produce a motor which should combine with the good

Fig. 1. — ■CEXTrRv" SiNcjr.E-PHASE Motor or 30 h.p.

Fig. 2. — Parts of " Century '" Motor, 2 h.p.

tanks are situated. In all cases, wooden racks or false
bottoms are provided for the oijerator to stand on while at
work, and the shop floor should be provided with a slope to
allow water to run off into a drain constructed for the
purixise. As in most ojjeratioiu; solutions and tanks have to
be kept hot. aiTangements have to Ije made for either gas
or steam heating. For small plants gas is sufficient, but
for larger plants steam is best, Iteing far more economical
"and handy to use. Burnishing is the last process, and it
impails to metal goods a very brilliant finish, more lustrous
than can be obtained by any other process. To do this,
steel burnishers are moved backv\ards and forwards over the
siuface of the article, which is kept well moistened by a thick
paste of soap and water. After burnishing, the soap must lie
washed off with warm water and the aiticle dried in clean
Ixixwood sawdust, then polished with a soft chamois leather.
The difference between Inirnishing and polishing may be
briefly described as follows : While burnishing produces
brilliance by pressing upon, or laying flat, the surface of the
metal, polishing produces it by removing the projecting
particles.

I To he lomliided. j

International Standardisation.— In the E/erfriml Wor/i/

of June 24th. an interview is reported ivith 'Mi. C. le Maistre.
general secretary of the International Electrotechnical Commis-
sion, who is on a visit to the United States as representative of the
Electrical Section of the British Engineering Standards Committee.
Mr. le Maistre has visited the principal electrical manufacturing
centres of the United States, the Bureau of Standards of the
Domiuion of Canada at Ottawa, and the City of Montreal : he
attended a meeting called by the U.S. Bureau of Standards at
Chicago, and visited the Underwriters' Laboratories, and was to
read a paper on ' Standardisation " at the annual meeting of the
A.I.E.E. in Cleveland at the end of June. At the request of the
Electruvl World, he described the activities and achievements of
the British Engineering Standards Committ-ee. and stated that.
with the specifications that were to be issued, the ratings of
American and British machinery would be comparable. Mr. le
Maistre could not adequately express his gratitude " for the extra-
ordinary generosity and courtesy he had received from one and all "
with whom he had come into contact.

starting qualities of the D.c. motor the excellent running charac-
teristics of the pure induction motor. The "' Century '" motor is
self-starting on fuU load, without the use of any external starting
device other than a knife switch, coming up to speed quickly, and
is capable of carrying 50 per cent, overload, with high efficiency and
power factor. It is illustrated in figs. 1 and 2. and we give below
some particulars of its construction and running characteristics.

The stator has a laminated toothed core with a pyramidal winding,
and is connected to the supply circuit ; the rotor has a progressive
winding, connected to a radial commutator, which is in use only
during the starting period, the brushes being lifted and the rotor
winding short-circuited after the rotor has attaiaed a predetermined
speed. The motor, therefore, starts as a repulsion motor, without

li|iiP'""" ""

Flu. .;. — (J>v ILLiiciKA.M >>> STAETIXG CURRENT.

compensating or auxiliary windings, and when it has run up to
speed it operates as a simple induction motor with the equivalent
of a squirrel-cage rotor. By this means the highest possible start-
ing torque is secured, together with the most efficient and steady
running qualities.

The machine has been greatly improved during the last lt> years
in both its electrical and its mechanical details, and it is claimed
that it compares very favourably in starting qualities with the best
types of D.c. and a.c. motors.

We give in fig. A an oscillogram showing the starting current of
a 60-cycle " Century" motor of small size. From this it will be seen
that the maximum starting current at the time of closing the main
switch was about 2.50 per cent, of fidl-load current. This decreased
to approximately normal in about one-third of a second, and again
increased to a maximum of atx>ut 200 percent, full-load current, being
above the full-load current about the same length of time, as the
motor changed from repulsion to induction. This sesond increase
is due to the governor being adjusted so as to change the motor
from repulsion to induction slightly below full-load speed, the
motor then pulling up to speed as an induction motor. This curve
is typical of all sizes when the motors are started with dp.
switches. In the larger sizes the governor is more closely adjusted,
so that the motor acquires more nearly full-load speed Ijefore the
governor operates, and as a result the corresponding increase in
current is less in magnitude. If the governor were adjusted so
that it operated just at full-load speed, there would be no increase
of current due to the change from repulsion to induction operation.

As to the operating characteristics, a recent test on a 5-H.P.
50-cvcle stock motor, carried out by the Testing Department of

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW. [voi. 79. xo. 2.01-, jiia 21, 1916.

the >Iiinchest*r Corporation Electricity
Department, pave the foUowiup results :■ -

The motor ran at 1.4t;o R.P.M.. and was
arrangreil for supply at either 208 or 416
volts. The startinjr current, at 412 volts,
was about M amperes under all conditions
of load, and the motor starteil ajrainst any
torque not exceeding 2'M per cent, of full-
load torque : it would run up to speed
ajfainst any torque less than l.iO i)er cent.
of the fuU-Ioail torque. It continutnl to
run as an induction motor with any torque
less than double normal full load. The
temperature rise, as measure<l by the re-
sistance of the stator winding, after I!
hours' run at 5 b.«.p., was 7.")° F.. and
after 6 hours' run at 62.'> B.H.P., !).')o° F.
The efficiency, power-factor, ice. are shown
in the accompanyin-r curves, fifr. 5.

The motor is well adapted for drivintr
apparatus which requires larpe starting
torque, such as pumps starting under full
head, air compressors startinjr imder maxi-
mum pressure, rock crushers which are
e<iuipped with the necessary fly-wheel,
bakers' machinery .where the tub is full of
dou<rh ready for mixinfr. meat choppers.
coflFee mills which have been stopped with
the burrs full of cofifee. kc not requiring'
a starter ; the motor is also suited for
operating vacuum cleaners, pumps which
are controlled automatically, sewage-dis-
posal pumps, organ blowers, !ind heating and
ventilating apparatus, because it can be
8tart«l from a distance, and starts quickly;
and the brushes being removed from the
commutator after attaining speed, motors
of this type run very quietly.

The installation cost of the ''Century"
single-phase motor is less than that of a
two- or three-phase motor of the same size,
the polyphase motor requiring at least three
wires, and the transformer costs averaging
about 'M per cent, greater for the poly-
phase than for the single-phase repulsion-
start motor. The transformer losses also
are about 2,5 per cent, greater for the poly-
phase installation than for the repulsion-
start induction-motor installation.

Large stocks of these motors in sizes
from i^ij to 40 H.P. are carried by the
Swedish General Electric, Ltd.. who are the
sole agents for the Century Electric Co. in
Great Britain.

-Section ov 'Century" Motor, showing the Governor and
Short-circuiting Device.

i l^r^

\
1

I

..>'.

hr'

z'

•"•/

/

/

y

/

/..

y

A

^

/■

/

/

Fig. .5. — Characteristic Curves of 'Century" Motor.

REPORT OF THE HYDRO-ELECTRIC POWER
COMMISSION OF ONTARIO.

The eighth annual report of the Commission, covering the
year ended October 31st last, with its 460 pages and numerous
illustrations, constitutes an exceedingly bulky volume, and
a record of which our Canadian friends may well be proud.

110,000-voLT Switches, Nug.^ra Transformer Station Extension.

During the year the attention of the department has been
given to the Eugenia Falls development and to acquiring land
for the additional line from Niagara Falls to Dundas. About
400 miles of l.t. line have been completed, and permission had
to be acquired for about 400 crossings of railways, telegraphs,
&c. The possibility of obtaining an additional supply from
Niagara, making use of the total difference in level between
Lakes Erie and Ontario, is being considered.

Agreements were entered into with 32 municipalities; with
the Union Carbide Co. for an additional supply of 8,000 h.p. ;
with the Interurban Power Co., of
Toronto, for the supply through the
Toronto hydro-system of 3,000 h.p. ; and
owing to the supply of contract power
from the Ontario Co. becoming ex-
hausted, a temporary contract was en-
tered into with the Toronto Power Co.
for the supply of 16,000 h.p. A lengthy
summary is given of the extensions car-
ried out at the various plants supplied
by the Commission, and a total capacity
of 236,7'2.5 K.v.A. of transformers are
now installed or ordered for the various
stations.

At October last, there were cornpleted
or under construction 1,143 miles of
secondary transmission lines of from
46.000 to 2,200 volts; some 45,000 wood
poles were used, and 996 miles of single-
circuit telephone line has been erected
for operating purposes.

Only two total system interruptions
occurred in the year on the Niagara
system, each of momentary duration.
Electrical storms occurred on 49 days,
the majority in certain specific areas.
Not a single failure of the h.t. line
occurred, and insulator trouble appears
to have been eliminated. The 162,000
suspension and strain units on the origi-
nal line sections were tested twice for
dielectric strength. There are now three

Vol. 71>. Xo. 2,017. .iLT.v 21, Uik;,]

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

03

separate circuits of steel reinforced
aluminium cable between Dundas and
London, with the exception of the
Berlin-Stratford section.

The electrical and mechanical equip-
ment of the H.T. and i,.t. stations gave
inactically no trouble, due to rigid in-
spection and n](jnthly te.sts of insidat-
iiifi oil, &c.

Inductive trouble on the private tele-
phone system has been successfully
overcome by a new type of protective
apparatus, including an insulating tran.s-
former designed by the telephone in-
spector.

The capital invested in the Niagara
svsteni totals .'{i8,8'24.549: the income lor
th-' year was $1,506,280. and surplus
available for sinking fund and deprecia-
tion $'2;:19,629.

In addition to the above, the Coni-
iiii.s.sion operates the St. Lawrence, Port
Arthur, Severn, and Wasdells Falls
systems, and others are being developed,
including the Eugenia and Muskoka
systems.

The total capital expenditure on all
these projects, including stock, tools,
&c., of the Commission totals $12,.582,221.

During the year assistance and expert
advice was given to a number of muni-
cipal authorities, and contracts for the
supply to the Canadian Pacific Rail-
way's McNicoll terminal of 800 h.i>..
National Portland Cement Co., Durham,
ul 1,300 H.r., and the Canadian Cement
Co., Shallow Lake, of 800 h.p. were sub-
mitted.

In a number of instances, the street
li),hting systems have been reorganised,
iisuig larger metal-filament and in some
( ases nitrogen-filled lamps.

.\ financial summary relating to
'.I'.l iiiunirip.ilities supplied by the Com-
juission iu 191.5 shows a gross surplus,
after meeting debenture and interest
charges, for the year of $702,540, or
less depreciation, of $461,896. The num-
lier of lighting consumers was 117,010,
and of power consumers 3,818, making
a total of 120,828 consumers. The
KW.-hr. varied in cost from 11.5 c. to
2.4 c. for domestic use, and from 12.2 c.
to 1.9 c. for commercial use, the average
figures being 3.9 c. and 3.1 c. respec-
tively.

Tlie municipalities have invested
$I7.6.S;3,000 in lUstribution systems and
i-i|iiipment, with a fixed debt charge of
$814,443 per annum.

T'he report says : " Bearing in mind that these fixed charges
iciclude the sinking fund and debenture retiring payments as
well as interest, so that the present consumers are not only
imving the ordinary operation, maintenance, and interest

: ^j4G,000-VOLT SwiTCHGE.iE AND TrANSFOEIIERS, NIAGARA TRANSFORMER STATION.

"h-

--CURVE SHO
-- MONTHLY INC

■ OF POWER
--OF MUNICIPA
-' NIAGARA 81
- - OCT 1910 to CK

,.

":::::::::t

-

STEM -
;T. 1915 - ■

;:::..

1-

:::::--l

'-1

':x{'}}w

-

IB

;:

~-}:-:-:-:-:-:-A

s

tiiii

HittiiH

iSJlf-S?

3

uhH^vAi

ijii!i*5it;

hiasj*

iWAl

Niagara Svstkm Load Corve, Ontaimo 11. R. P. Commission.

charges, but are retiring about 3.3 per cent, of the capital
debt each year, thus automatically providing for deprecia-
tion regardless of any special provision which may be made
iu the accounts, the phenomenal success of the enterprise
from the municipal standpoint is apparent."

Rotary Converters, kc, London Sdb-st.wion.

The various undertakings are under the supervision of
nearly 50 inspectors appointed by the Commission, and some
340 municipahties are dealt with.

The Commission maintains a purcha.sing department whose
services are otfered to any municipality in Ontario, whether
connected with the hydro sy.stem or not, and during the year
over $500,000 worth of goods, &e., have been purchased in
this way for 132 municipalities.

It is stated that savings of from 5 to 50 per cent, have
resulted in cost through the co-operative buying, which
is carried out by an expert staff, having the use of equipment
for standardising and testing. The officials of the Commis-
sion also render assistance in formulating business campaigns,
for which complete data has been collected, and a number
of municipalities have benefited from this service.

Farm Poiver. — The report contains data relating to the use
of a syndicate outfit and domestic electric supply by a group
of seven farmers at Waterloo. The outfit consists of a 20-h.p.
induction motor with auto-starter mounted on one wagon and
transformers and a standard 3-phase meter mounted on an-
other.

Two services are run to each farm, one a domestic supply
and the other a 2,200-volt service for the syndicate outfit,
terminating at a point where it is only necessary to use 75 ft.
of portable cable to connect the transformers with the motor.

The domestic uses consist of lighting throughout, and the
use of irons, washing machines, and one or two pumps. Six
of these con.sumers (outside the town) used 1,869 KW.-hrs. for
domestic purposes, and the seven (including one in the town)
used 7,203 KW.-hrs. through the syndicate outfit, making a
total for the seven, one of whom had no lighting, of 9,072
KW.-hrs. The bills of the six consumers using both power
and hght varied approxhnately from $70 {£U) to $100 (^20)
per annum, the average cost per KW.-hr. being from 5 to 6.5
cents (2id. to 3id.).

The syndicate outfit was used for silo fiUing, threshing,
sawing, and chopping; usually from 2,000 to 4,000 bushels of
grain were threshed per farm.

Elect lie Finilway Projects. — The Commission has carriedout
a number of preliminary surveys of electric railway projecta

(14

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

Vol. 7!i. No. 2,017, .Ili.Y L'l, 191ti.

(since the passing of the Hydro-Electric Railway Act) coyer-
infe' some 2,000 miles. After consideration, it has been decided
to adopt the 1,500 or 3,000-volt direot-current system on such
Hues, and plans have also been prepared for a standard CO-ft.
three-compartment steel car. The London and Port Stanley
Railway was constructed and equipped under the supervision
of the Commission.

A section of the report deals with the work cairied out by
the testiujj and re.««arch laboratories, which eovered tests of
Ima material, switches, and other goo<ls, largely made for the
purchasing department, but in some cases with a view to
improving manufacturers' products. The statement is made
that the only suitable instrument on the market for the
measurement of excess power (i.e., energy consumed in
excess of a certain predetermined "firm power") was of
foreign manufacture, and elTorts are being made to find a
suitable substitute of home manufacture.

Tests were carried out on cooking stoves of six different
makers, and curves made of temperature and energy con-
sumption, and from the data obtained the comparative costs
of doing various classes of cooking were calculated.

In the lamp laboratory a great many tests were carried
out; the report states that gas-filled street series lamps have
entirely replaced the vacuum series lamp, and are rapidly
replacing all arc lamps except the most improved (luminous
arc) type. , , , • ,

The illumination laboratory, amongst other work, carried
out a test to ascertain the extent of fire ri.sk when using gas-
fiUed lamps in show windows, and certain limits have since
been imposed by the inspection department as a result. The
photographic department supplied about 10,000 prints during
the vear, and filed 2,000 new negatives.

The report concludes with a lengthy section on hydraulic
investigations, and contains a reference to the preliminary
surveys carried out in connection with a possible scheme for
utilising the unallotted surplus of water available at Niagara,
with an effective head of not less than 300 ft.

The report is, as usual, an instructive commentary on the
progress of the Hydro-Electric Commission's undertaking; if
it lacks anything "to our eyes, it is in the absence of any
general indication as to the classes of consumers being served.
To judge of the merits of an undertaking, one needs a com-
prehensive idea as to the conditions obtaining in the area of
supply.

WAR ITEMS.

Eatertaining " Tommy." — Quite recently the giil workers
of Pope's Elasta Lamp Works, at their own expense, enter-
tained 120 wounded men at the Shepherd's Bush Empire.
About a fortnight later, the same girls gave a tea and outing
to another 60 men in Kew Gardens, and those who could not
join the party received cigarettes at the hospital. A third
event is now being arranged for, and another 60 wounded
soldiers are to be taken to Kew Gardens to a similar treat.

Export Prohibitions. — .\ special and bulky Supplement
to the Board of Trade Jotirnal for July 13th gives full infor-
mation respecting prohibitions of export in force in British
India, the Self-Goveming Dominions, Egypt, and certain
other British possessions.

To be Wound-up. — The Board of Trade has ordered the
following companies to be wound-up : —

Plutte Scheele & Co., Ltd., 18-19, Queenhithe, London,
EC, merchants and agents for electrical goods. Controller :
G. W. Roberts, 133, Wool Exchange, Coleman Street, E.G.

Leeds Meter Co., Ltd., Tower Works, Armley, Leeds, water
meter manufacturers. Controller : W. Simpson, 19, Bond
Street, Leeds.

Kirchner & Co.. 21-25. Tabernacle Street, London, E.G.,
wood-working machines, &c. Controller : J. Eraser, 31, Cop-
thall Avenue, London, E.G.

British Hulm MetaUic Packing Co., Ltd., Snowdon's Wharf,
Mil wall, London, E.. manufacturers of metallic packing for
steam engines, &c. Controller : J. E. Wilson, 28, Basinghall
Street. London. E.G.

Poldi Steel Works, Sheffield, steel manufacturers. Con-
troller: A. D. Barber, High Street, Sheffield.

A. Barson & Co., 57, Scrutton Street, London, E.G. Engi-
neers' tool manufacturers. Controller : A. Turquand Young,
41. Coleman Street, E.G.

The Board of Trade has revoked the order winding up
Phonotas Co., Ltd., London, W.C., .sanitary system for clean-
in,i! telephones.

Exemption Applications.— At Southwark Tribunal, Mr. B.
E. White, electrical engineer, in applying for exemption, stated
that before the war he employed between eight and ten men,
but now had only a man and a boy left. He had to work
double time himself on repairing electrical motors. He was
granted conditional exemption on joining the Volunteer Train-
ing Corps.— The Imperial Lighting Go. (Implitico, Ltd.), elec-
tric sign contractors, applied for the exemption of a general
and electrical engineer. Out of 42 hands before the war, 12
had joined up, and they had only one engineer left out of
eight. He was the only man in the machine shop, where

they had a number of boys and girls at work. He was
granted three months' extension on joining the 'V.T.C.

At Battersea, Mr. Pope, trading as P. Williams, electrician,
appealed for total exemption. He said he was a contractor
for electric lighting, bells, motors, &c. He had been in busi-
ness ten or twelve years. His partner was in the Army, and
he allowed him 10s. a week, and did all the work himself. He
was allowed a month's final extension.

Before, the Hastings Tribunal, Mr. H. Blackmail, of Messrs.
Tlpfiefd A Son, appealed for Mr. R. H. Pattenden, electrical
contractor. He could not get anyone over military age. as a
sul)stitule. Two months allowed.

Conditional exemption has been granted to Thos. C. Palmer,
electrician at lladhaiu Hall (Herts), the seat of Mr. Win.
Minet.

Nantwich Tribunal has conditionally exempted, on the
appeal of Baroness W. Schroder, the electrician at her Red
Gross Hospital at Stapcley House, where he has been engaged
for some years. The Military assented.

At Stratford-on-Avon, the Electricity Co. appealed for A.
R Bailey (24), technical clerk and responsible person when
the manager was ab.sent. The Military did not assent, con-
tending that appellant's work could be done by a man over
military age. As appellant had been rejected, a fortnight was
allowed for him to go before the Army Medical Board.

Mr. G. Miller (40), assistant electrician at the Haggerston
Military Hospital, Berwick-on-Tweed, has been given exemp-
tion.

.\t Deal, Mr. R. M. C. Strcbbins, electrician, who is a
member of the Society of Friends, appealed as a conscientious
objector, and was granted conditional exemption on joining
the Friends' Ambulance Unit. »

Mr. A. R. .1. Creasey (31), manufacturer of electrical
switchboards, of Heme Bay, who was refused any exemption
by the local Tribunal, appealed to the East Kent Appeal
Court on July 12th. The appeal failed, and Mr. Creasey was
refu.sed leave to go before the Central Tribunal on the ground
that he was not engaged in a reserved occupation as an engi-
neer.

At Reigate, on July 11th, Mr. Makovski, of Messrs. Tarap-
liii & Makovski, electrical engineers, applied for exemption for
their inside manager (Mr. H. Francis, 27), who also appealed
on personal and conscientious grounds. The case had been
adjourned for a medical examination, and it was announced
that Mr. Francis declined on con.scientious grounds to be
examined. The Tribunal refused exemption, and it wa.4 an-
nounced that Mr. Francis would not be called up for a month

Newcastle-under-Lyme Tribunal has given three months'
exemption each to two employes at the Corporation electricity
works.

Mr. S. Terry (28), electrical engineer, of Canterbury, ap-
plied for an extension of his three months' exemption, and
also for an employe named Elliot (38), engaged in wiring
work. Mr. Terry contended that he was serving national in-
terests as he was carrying out important contracts. Each was
allowed six months.

Broadstairs Tribunal granted conditional exemption to .sc\,'
ral employes of the Isle of Thanet Tramway Co., on the
ground that they were engaged in work of national import-
ance. The Military assented.

At Southend-on-Sea, an electrical engineer (35), for nine
years in business, appealed on the ground that military service
would mean the closing of the business. He said that he.
had only two youths to assist him. Final exemption until
August 1st was allowed.

Hemel Hempstead Tribunal has given conditional exemp-
tion to Mr. J. McDermot, manager of the electrical depart-
ment of -Messrs. Dickinson, cfe Co., and three months to .\. -1.
Young (27), the firm's electrician.

Conditional exemption has been conceded, at Bath, to (1.
N. Slipp (22), stoker at the electric tramway works, and to 1'^.
Gilham (30), a brakesman with the Tramway Co.

At Maidenhead, Mr. W. Hogarth Yevers, jun. (26), elec-
trical engineer, responsible for the bu.siness of Messrs. W. H.
Vevers & Son, has been exempted until October 1st, on con-
dition that he joins the Volunteer Training Corps. Similar
exemption was conceded to Mr. W. L. Chubb, assistant engi-
neer and deputv-manager of the electricity works; and until
January 1st to" Mr. W. H. Arundell, electrician, who is
"badged." .

Maidstone Tribunal has given conditional exemption to T.
Cooker, driver on the Coi-poration tramway staff, who has
served 17 years in the Army ; and has given until September
19th, by which time it is expected they will receive the pink
form, to seven other drivers, the chief clerk and stores super-
intendent, a turner and engineer, and an inspector on the
tramway staff.

At Watford, a certificate of conditional exemption has been
granted to Mr. J. W. Russell (32), electrical fitter.

Maidstone Tribunal has given two months' respite to Mr.
A. Leach (36), electrical engineer, to produce proof that he is
an American subject. ■

Settle Tribunal has given conditional exemption to Mr. 0.
.\. Gopinger, engineer and manager to the Bentham Electric
Supply Co., Ltd.

At Clayton-le-Moors, exemption until the end of September,
with leave to appeal further, was granted to an electrician,
aged 32, on condition that he joins the Volunteer Training
Corps.

Vol. 79. No. 2,017, July 21, 1916.]

THE ELECTRICAL RRVIEW.

05

That all members of the Ch
denationalised of their enemy
British Empire for at least 20
<hip. This applies also to lin
• .ipital is held to the extent of
:ind to limited liability companii
ire held by persons of enemy

At Amersham, on July 9th, Mr. S. Beeson (26), electriciau,
of Chalfont St. Giles, appealed on the ground that he was
running his business single-handed. Dismissing the appeal,
the Tribunal requested the Military to delay the calling-up
for a month.

When the Imperial Tramways Co. asked the Middlesbrough
Tribunal for the exemption of a coach-painter employed on
the Middlesbrough, Stockton and Thomaby system, 5lr. A. E.
Forbes (solicitor), described the man as absolutely indispens-
able for keeping the cars in proper order. Six thousand muni-
tion workers were conveyed to and fro on Teesside on the
company's system, and an inspector who recently went over
the company's premises for the purpose of "combing out"
had not taken a man. The Tribunal announced that as the
coach-painter was not indispensable to the running of the cars
and was of Army age, the appeal would be dismissed.

At Farsley (Yorks.), the Morley Electrical Engineering Co.
appealed for a foreman armature winder and electrician, aged
•i"), and for a turner, aged 3-5. j^Ir. Summerscales, a member
of the firm, spoke of the value of these men, in that at the
present time it was practically impossible to get men in
these trades. They were in use in "controlled" estabhsh-
iiients, who would not give them leaving certificates. Condi-
tional exemption to September 30th was granted.

Temporary exemption till October 31st has been granted, at
Rochdale, to Mr. G. L. Adamson, who appealed for Mr. F.
Rothwell (manager) and Mr. A. B. Hopkins (electric fitter).

.^t Southport. John Ainscough. who said he was a munitions
" case worker " in the employ of Messrs. Schofield & Wright,
electricians, appealed on the ground that he had bad health,
and also that it was in the national interest that he should
remain in his present occupation. He said he would be 41
years of age within a week. The appeal was adjourned so
that appellant might go before the Medical Board,

At St. Annes, Mr, H. W. Laing, manager of the Blackpool,
St. Annes and Lytham Tramways Co., Ltd., appealing for
two motor-men and a foreman of the track repairing staff,
said that out of the traffic staff of 125 he had lost 110 men.
Conditional exemption granted.

Enemy Aliens at Birmingham. — Birmingham Chamber of
Commerce has adopted the following resolution in reference
to enemy aliens : —

amber of enemy origin, who have not become
origin and have not been naturalised in the
years, are requested to resign their member-

lited liability companies or firms whose share
one-third or more by persons of enemy origin,

?s one-third or more of the directorate of which

origin,

Australia and Enemy Sliareliolders. — A Reuter dispatch

fiom Melbourne states that the Mini.ster of External Affairs
will .shortly take legal action against the companies incor-
pc>rated in Australia which have not complied with the pre-
cautionary regulations rendered necessary by the war regard-
ing enemy shareholders.

Some Carville Resolutions. — At a well-attended meeting
of the employes of the Kewcastle-upon-Tyne Electric Supply
Co., at Carville Power Station, the following resolutions
were carried unanimously : —

1. That this meeting considers it the duty of the State
to provide adequate pensions for all men (and those dependent
oa them) who are disabled in the war. and also for the widows
and dependents of those killed, seeing that the men met
with their death or ifieivod their injuries while serving the
State,

2. Seeing that any advance in wages that the employes of
the Newcastle Electric Supply Co. have received during the
war is in no sense proportionate to the advance in the cost
of living, we regret that we are not in a position to start a
brandh of the War Savings Association. — Newcastle Journal.

Trading with the Enemy: Prohibitions. — Tlip " London
Gazette," dated .July 18th, contains further lists of bodies
and persons with whom trading is prohibited in the follow-
ing countries: — Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile. Denmark,
Greece, Japan, Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, U.S.A.,
d'c. ; also variations in previous li.sts.

Breakdowns of German Plant. — ^Ve leiintly tjnotwl

ticriji the leijort uf Jlr. T. H. V. Al(lriJ;re. electrical engineer to the
.Shanghai .Municipal Council, conceruin"' the breakdowns of the
A.E.G. turbo-generator plant installed at the Riverside power
station. Our readers will be interested to learn that on Jtme 18th.
1916. one of the 5,U00-KW, alternators, which was only commis-
sioned last year, broke down very badly. Some of the stator coils
either short-circuited or went to earth, causing' a very bad burn-out
in part of the stator to such an extent that the copper conductors
and the iron laminations became entirely fused together, whilst
the insulation of half the end windings was completely burnt off.
To repair this ma^Oiine will take at least three months, and even
then it is doubtful whether it can be regarded as a reliable piece
of apparatus. Of the four A.E.G. turho-^euerator sets at Riverside
three have alreaily seriously broken down. This sort of thing
will damajfe the reputation of German manufactures very seriously
in the Far East.

LEGAL

Tar Oh. i..u I^LECTBICITV GENERATl.St. 1'LAM. — .-MhHu.K

Electricity Co. and German Patent.
On Thursday last week, before the Controller. Jlr. Temple Franks,
and the Deputy Controller. Sir Cornelius Dalton. in the Patents
Court, the Suffolk Electricity .Supply Co., Ltd.. applied for a licence
to use a German patent in connection with their electricity under-
taking for the town of Felixstowe. The patent in question was
Xo. 4.908, of 1909. in the name of Kourad Aust, of Essenerstrasse 11.
Berlin, for a mechanism for employing tar oil. instead of American
oil fuel, in engines for generating electricity. It provides for an
arrangement whereby, in an internal-combustion engine in which
the fuel is injected by gas under pressure through an atomiser, a
small portion of fuel is supplied directly to the admission port of
the cylinder without passing through the atomiser, through a
separate duct, this duct being cut off from the chamber only
during the ignition period. The appliance is. in substance, aii
auxiliary pump which injects oil of lower ignition temperature in
advance of the main fuel oil. It is by this means only that tar oil
can be used for driving engines of theDiesel type.

Counsel explained that he understood that by this contrivance
the temperature of the air was raised for the ignition period by a
small injection of petrol, sufficiently to vaix)rise the tar. The
Suffolk Electricity Supply Co.'s application was opposed bv Messrs.
Mirrlees. Bickerton & Day. Ltd.. for whom Mr. Courtney Terrell
appeared. Mr. Imry represented the patentee.

Opening the case for the applicants. 3Ir. Xapier Peextice.
their secretary, explained that firms with electricity-generating
plant found very great difficulty to-day in obtaining" supplies of
American fuel oil. In addition to obtaining security of supply,
the Suffolk Electricity Co. hoped, with the aid of this new device,
to cut down their fuel bill by half. Manufacturers whom he had
approached asked £363 for making and fitting this special
appliance to two engines. He understood that it was because of
the price fixed by the British licences from the Germans that the
cost was not smaller than this. If the Board of Trade would give
the Suffolk Electricity Supply Co. a licence for this auxiliary pump,
he was confident that he could make and fit it for £60, all" told, to
two engines. For 112 tons of oil. which the company used last
year, at the present price the cost would be £9G0. By using tar
oil for a similar amount of work, the cost would be brought down
to .£.576. a saving of £38f for fuel. But if it cost £363 to fit this
apparatus for 470 H.P. to but two engines, it would hardly be worth
while to makers of electricity, unless it were guaranteed that the
war would last more than another year. The purchase of American
oil was against the national interest to-day ; it was to the national
interest to encourage the use of tar oUs in Diesel engines.

Mr. Terrell explained that the opponents, for whom he
appeared, were the sole licensees under the patent in this country
before the war. They paid a large simi for the licence — £1.500
down. Thev had the equipment and plans for making, and could
meet the entire demand. If there was anything they could not
cover, they were ready to issue licences to sub-licensees.

The Controller : I imagine the legal opinion as to your
licence would be that it is suspended during the war. If it is so.
we may treat your licence as non-existent. I am not sure you
ought not to have come here to get a licence youi'self .

JIr. Terrell : It may be that that is what we ought to do. We
have either supplied, or contracted to supply. 22 firms with a total
liorse-]x>wer of over 1.000.

The Controller : You are the only people who can supply this
improvement at present, and you can charge what you like. If
.vou charge a reasonable price. I admit there is something to be
said tor maintaining your position. But the Board of Trade must
supervise, and here comes the opportimity for us to exercise that
oversight.

Mr. Terrell then called as witness Mr. Charles Day.
managing director of the opposing firm, who said that on November
29th. 1912. they entered into agreement with the patentee by
which they paid £1,.500 in cash and agreed to pay a royalty of
2s. 6d. per horse power on all engines fitted. They experimented
to ascertain how many varieties of tar oil could be used with
these engines, and had to set up an installation for distilling tar
oil. In the beginning they found great difficulty in getting tar
oil. They engaged a chemist who had lx;en chemist for a tar
distillery, and had to use their distillery for the supply of tar oil
to their customers. Including payment for the patent, their pre-
liminary ex])enses came to .£3.000. In their price they added the
2s. 6d. rovalty for the patentee anil 2s. 6d. for themselves towards
a sinking fund to recoup themselves for this preliminary outlav.
The prices of fuel oil began to creep up a year after the outbreak
of the war. They had been from £3 to .£1 a ton. In January
' last they were £8 to £9. Tar oil cost £3 or £3 10s. Mr. Prentice
said he hojjed to get it at £4. It varied according to the district.
This complicated and delicate piece of apparatus required consider-
able skill to install. Pei'sonally. he should object to any stranger
fitting it to an engine he had anything to do with. The £360
price cited was not unreasonable. His firm were pioneers in this
matter, yet the.v had not had an int(uiry from the company. To
everyone who made this tvpe of engine they had offered a licence
to make this s)>ecial apparatus, with the benefit of their experience
as to details of manufacture and ilrawings. These auxiliary
pumps had to be watched after fitting, and taking into account
all the risks the manufacturer ran. the price was not excessive.

The Controller : Don't you think that, like so many more
people in a similar situation, you were rather "done b> tliii
agreement I

(')(')

THE ELECTRICAL REVLEW.

[Vol. 7i>. No. 2,017. Ji'i.Y -Jl, r.iltl.

Mk. 1).\y said : Not at all.

The CoNTROi.i.KR : I have .«oon afrreements lu'ic that have
absolutely a.stoimded uie that auylHjdy cotild enter into them.

Aske<l by Mr. Tkrrell as to' the possibility of the Suffolk Elec-
tricity Supply Co. making- this apparatus. Mr. Da\ replied that he
would not sjieak of its |X)ssibility, but lie would speak stronirly
against its desirability.

Called on behalf of the opponents. Mr. HlciHlis. of Jfe-^srs.
Willans A: Robinson. Ltd., Rujrby. said he thousrht Messrs. Jfirrlees.
Bickerton A; Day's prices were reasonable and fair. His own firu>
at Rutrby built the Suffolk Electricity Supply Co.s enjrines. and
they had now practically concluded arran;.'ements to receive a sub-
licence from the Stockport firm.

Mr. T>.k\ : As to Mr. Prentice's hopeful fi-rure. with several sets
sroinjr through at the same time, the apparatus would cost .-KI.W.

The Controller (.t« Mr. Prentice) : How did you make up your
i'liii for fittin-r two en^'ines .'

Mr. Prestk'K : It is quite a simple affair— 1 10 for makinjf the
pnmj). .tlo for fittin-r tu the enjrines and runuinff the pii)es tt) the
valves, and ClO for sundries--a small distributor. A;c. It is
nothing more than a pi|je conveyin;f the tar oil to another position.
I simply want to |)Ut the oil in position to enter in advance of the
main charge, and that I can (juite ejisily do lor the sum I have
mentioned.

JIr. Day : Mr. Prentice apparently proposes one pump for tlinc
cylinders. One is needed for each, accordin-f to our experience.

The CoNTROLLKR. in announcing that he would report on the
hearinjr to the Board of Trade, sujrjrested that the electricity com-
pany miifht like, if the makers of their machines were receiving a
sub-licence, to ^-et into communication with them.

REVIEWS.

Xf.wall c. Elki'TRO-Fle.x Steel Co., Ltd.

In the Chancery Division, on Friday last. Mr. Lavinjrton, on behalf
of the plaintiff in this debenture-holder's action, applied to Mr.
Justice Astbury for the appointment of a receiver and manajjer of
the defendant company. Counsel said the debentures had become
payable on the ground that the company had passed a resolution
for voluntary windinjr-up. That alone made the debenflires pay-
able, and there were other conditions that had not been comjilied
with. The company consented to the application. The company
was doinfr work of national iniix>rtance. and it was important tliat
it should be continued, and he asked leave for the receiver to
borrow moneys up to iCi.OOO. The company had to purchase
machinery and plant, and money was also required to pay wages.

His Lordship appointed a receiver and manager, but refened
the application for leave to borrow =£,"i,000 to Chambers, remark-
ing that it was a very large sum to empower the receiver to
Ijorrow, lie. however, in the meantime, gave leave to liorrow
i;.-iiHi for wages.

Cox-Walkers. Ltd..

S. Di.xoN & Sox, Ltd,

At the Richmond County Couit, plaintiffs, of Darlington, sued
defendants, electricians, of Leeds, for the sum of .-CIG lf<s. 2d., for
goods supplied at the Richmond Camp. According to the Yur/i-
x/iirf Herald, it was stated that the parties had contracts for laying
down electric mains at the Camp. and. as the defendants lan short
of materials, the complainants let them have a quantity on the
understanding that they would be replaced. Since then the prices
of certain articles had gone up considerably.

His Honour. Judge Tejipler, said he believed the story of
Messrs. Cox-Walkers that the goods had to be replaced, and not paid
for at cost price. The prices had gone up considerably since the
arrangement, and it was not right for the complainants, who had
obliged the defendants, to lose by it. He gave a verdict for the
plaintiffs, with costs.

Madras Electric Supply Corporation. Ltd.

In the Chancery Division, on Tuesday. Mr. Justice Astbury con-
firmed a reduction of capital of this Corporation by writing off V2
per share from the ordinary shares. The preference shareholders.
JIr. Chinnery stated, were to give up last year's dividend, and were
to take it in fully-paid shares. In an affidavit, the chairman said
the installation in Madras became very defective, and the result
was that they were unable to make any profit out of it. But new-
plant had been erected, from the issue of further shares and
debentures. The plant was now in full working order, and last
year they made a substantial profit : the company wished to
take advantage of the improved prosperity to write off the balance
of loss.

French Industries. — A ct-ntral association lias heeii
formed in France to facilitate the resumption of industrial activity
in the districts at present in the hands of the enemy, when the
latter have been expelled. It will devote itself to the re-establish-
ment of plant and stocks, and of labour, to hastening payment for
goods requisitioned and indemnities due to industrial concerns, and
to facilitating the raising of loans to enable manufacturing opera-
tions to he resumed as quickly as possible. The association embraces
all kinds of industries, and will co-operate with other trade groups
and associations to prevent waste of -effort.— Xa Reive Eleetri^ue.

E^raiiiples in Ma^netiain. By Prof. F. E. AdsTIN. Published
by the Author. Price $1,10, in U,S.A,

From a perusal of other works by the same author we are
led to expect a high standard of practical value on taking up
this book. Nor are we disappointed in the outcome, llie
text is arranged in the form of a dozen " lessons," in each of
which sevei-al topics are dealt with along the following unifonii
lines : First there is stated an example designed to bring luit
the desired points, Tlie laws bearing on the matter are ox-
plained briefly, and the algebraic or symbolic expression of
them is given. The known data are tabulated sy,stomatically,
and the complete solution is worked out, eilch step being
exjilained. Next there is given a problem resembling the
exanjple which it follows. The an.swer to this problem is
given, so that the reader can test bis understanding of the
instruction impart««l by the example. Finally, there is a
second problem dealing with some other phase of the same
subject. No answer is given to this problem, and the student
is thus left to apply the principles illustiated by the example
in a different manner, and also to devise, a means of che<:king
bis result. Tlie autlior then proceeds to the next topic, and,
since the topics themselves are well arranged, it will be seen
that the reader who works con.scientiously through this
volume is well equipped to deal confidently with any magnetic
problem or its application.

The author attaches special importance to a clear under-
.standing of the principles of mechanics, and certainly does
his best to help the reader to this end. The first lesson is
devoted to a brief explanation of trigonometrical ratios and
relationships, and includes a handy collection of formula'
relating to trigonometrical functions of the sum and difference
of angles. Trigonometric solution of triangles and the resolu-
tion and composition of forces fonn the bulk of the second
lesson, and there then follows a statement of symbols, nota-
tion, English and metric units, equivalents and definitions,
all an-anged so as to be convenient for reference. The forue
of gravity, moments, and couples being dealt with in Lesson
fV, the reader has by this time a knowledge of the funda-
mental principles and methods of trigonometi-y and mechanics,
as required for the .solution of magnetic problems. The general
nature of magnets, inagnetLsm, fields of force (magnetic and
otherwise), and magnetic poles are then explained, and the
next lessons are devoted to elementary calculations concerning
the force between magnetic poles and between magnets sus-
pended in various ways. The components of the earth's
magnetic field and their bearing on various magnetic prob-
lems are next considered; then the resultant field due to twn
poles; and the restoring couple on a magnet delk-cteJ in the
earth's field. Further examples on magnetic moment, poli-
strength, and the inve^stigation of the earth's field and its
effects follow, and it is worth noting that the author has .so
designe<l and framed bis problems as to make them very
instructive and of much more interest to the reader than the
purely academic problems which are so often used to depress
the .student of this subject. The concluding lesson deals with
the comparison of strengths of magnetic fields, and includes
a collection of pithy paragraphs containing useful information
regarding the materials and properties of magnets, and
methods of mapping magnetic fields. The book is vei-y well
indexed, and is thoroughly useful as a work of reference,
whilst the lajge number of examples and problems make it
very suitable as a text-book either for class tuition or private
study. Considering the cost of setting up the numerical
examples, the price of the book is not exc^-ssive.

Tilt Eleclric Piiiilwaii. By A. MoRRis Buck, M.E. London :
Hill Publishing Co. Price Via. 6d.

This book is stated by the author's preface to be intended
as a text-book for the instruction of advanced students who
may be assumed to have a fundamental knowledge of
mechanics, to have taken power plant and transmission line
work as independent courses, and who wish to specialise in
electric traction. LTnited States students are meant, but there
av-i now similar facilities in various British centres, and a
distinct demand exists for such a specialised text-book as the
author aims at.

The first chapter starts with a statement of the importance
of transportation as a necessity of economic development and
civilisation, and a short historical account is given of the
trunk-line railroad and of the street railway in its various
s-tages. Electric systems are clas.sified by the characteristics
of the motors used under three heads : direct-current series
wound, single-phase alternating current, and three-phase altei-
nating current. A brief statement) of the advantages of elec-
tric systems follows, winding up with the statement that the
superiority of electric power is great enough to warrant its
consideration for any class of railway service, and that its
use is the more desirable almost in proportion to the den.sity
of the traffic.

The Mechanics of Traction dealt with in the second chapter
shows first how the secondary units used for the solution of
jiroblems lelating to the motion of trains have been derived
from the elementary laws of motion, and then defines the
components of train resistance. Dealing with gradient resist-

Xo. 2.017. Jn.Y L'l. HUH

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

67

ance. it is suggested that the tangent of the angle of inclina-
tion to the horizontal, which is the siu-veyor's gradient, differs
so little from the sine of the angle, which is the resistance
factor, that for practical calculations the former may be
taken. It might be added that the tangent factor gives a
margin on the safe side for the power required, but that when
the gradient approaches the limits for adhesion working the
difference becomes important. This is, perhaps, outside rail-
way work.

The .speed-time curve is next considered, and the superiority
of this curve over the alternative distance-time or acceleration-
time curves in respect to the information afforded is pointed
out. The method of plotting it from given data is gone into
with considerable thoroughness, following Mr. Mailloux's well-
known paper on the subject, in which the characteristics of
the- motors to be employed are the principal data. This is
hardly the most logical course. What one really has to dis-
cover in a practical case is the motor equipment needed to
run trains of a given capacity at various speeds, and from
that inve.stigation to derive the most economical speeds and
equipments. In practice, too, the investigation has to be
made for a whole route, not only for the individual runs
making up the route, and though it is true that an equip-
ment which will make the most difficult individual run at a
required schedule speed will give at least that speed over the
whole route, it is also true that it may be more economical
to u.se a smaller equipment, and to calculate on, the speeds
of the individual runs varying with their ease or difficulty,
a.-! ahvajs happens in practice.

Chapter in describes and classifies the various types of
motors used or available for railway work, first by the char-
acter of the current supply and the motor structure, and,
secondly, by theii' perfonnanee characteristics. The recent
return tn field-control of speed made possible by interpole
construction is duly noted. .411 the discussions of motor per-
formances and efficiencies are qualitative and general, except-
mg as regards the characteristic cui-ves, which are figured ;
and, further, a good deal of general knowledge of the prin-
I'lples and technicalities of motor action is taken for granted.
Subject to these remarks, the treatment of alternating-current
motors in their different varieties is quite good, but it will
not take the place of more specialised treatises, or help the
designer.

The chapter on motor construction is slightly historical and
iitherwi.se confined to the mechanical arrangements and
materials of construction in the various classes of motors.

The chapter on control arrangements is an excellent one,
giving sufficiently detailed explanations of the principles of
action and their practical application for the various supply
and motor schemes in u.se, including .single and three-phase
equipments, with a brief notice of phase-splitting and rectify-
ing devices for obtaining continuous from alternating current.

The determination of power requirements from the elements
(if speed-time curves, train resistance, and gradients is dealt
with in a satisfactory way, mostly by graphical methods. The
use of the polar cuirent-time diagram (adapted by Mr. Mail-
loux from Dr. Fleming's Alternate Current Transformer) is
given deserved prominence for obtaining the r.m.s. value of
motor loads. Braking is dealt wdth in a chapter to itself,
much more fully than usual.

The chapter on "Cars and Car Equipment" is necessarily
, rather mixed in subject, including collectors, lighting, heating
and other auxiliaries, but it contains a description of the
diffeient types of passenger car. the seating and door arrange-
ments, their relative advantages and drawbacks, which is
both unique and of high value. Traffic managers will find
some good information, representing the cream of American
experience, on this important matter. The design of trucks
and electric locomotive.s is gone into with considerable full-
ness, with a fair warning that finality in such design has not
been attained.

The track has little space devoted to it, the treatment being
merely descriptive. It might have been better to omit the
subject, as it is not peculiar to the electric railway, and there
ij a whole hterature available.

The chapter on the distributing circuit leaves much to be
desired. The problem of most economical distribution is in
effect dismissed as too complicated for general solution, and
the economic arrangement of return feeders is not discussed
at all, although the methods in use are generally described.
Overhead and third-rail construction are dealt with in a some-
what cursory w-ay. The same criticism appUes generally to
the treatment of sub-stations, transmission lines, and power
generation.

Signalling systems are very well described, with specially
full treatment of track-circuiting, for various conditions, but
more might have been said as to the relation between signal
spacing and block lengths, and the train service and speed
provided for.

The concluding chapters of the book are concerned with
" Systems " and " Engineering Preliminaries." The former
is a short description of the continuous, three-phase, and
single-phase systems in relation to the traffic requirements.
It is noteworthy that the concluding paragraph decides
strongly for the single-phase system for heavy service, on the
ground that the ability to use any known type of motor with
a converting equipment on the locomotive makes it as near
a universal system as can be obtained. It is doubtful whether
the alternating-current commutator motor will survive, says
the author, but this is only an incident to the successful

development of the single-phase system. Which pronounce-
ment shows that the author has the courage of his opinions.

The final chapter, " Engineering Preliminaries," is, natur-
ally, only a sketch, but it lays proper emphasis on a careful
estimate of traffic possibOities and indicates by example how
such estimates can be arrived at with fair accuracy.

It has to be said that the book does, on the whole, fulfil
the author's purpose, that it is a valuable addition to the
resources of students specialising in electric traction, and by
no means without value to engineers and managers designing
and operating such systems. The various sections are not of
equal merit. Some of the chapters might very well have
lieen omitted, as they deal with subjects somewhat off
the main track of the book, which must themselves be
specially studied. There are certain signs of haste and in-
effective proof-reading, such as the repetition, sometimes in
almost the same words and within a few lines, of the same
statement. There are also somewhat numerous cases of
obscure wording, not all of them due to Americanisms. In
few cases, however, will these conceal the author's meaning
from a careful reader, and though the Americanisms jar a
little on British readers with a preference for the constructions
thev are accustomed to, they do not detract from the prac-
tical value of the book. The diagrams and illustrations are
good and clear, containing nothing of the catalogue order,
which wastes so much space in many technical books.— H. M.S.

A Treatise on Electricity. By F. B. Pidddck- Cambridge
University Press. Price 14s. net.
The title of this book gives Uttle idea of its scope ; it is not
an elementary treatise on electricity, but an advanced text,
covering both the theoretical and practical sides of the subject
as far as this can conveniently be done in a smgle ^olume.
And it is not an ordinary type of advanced text-book. The
first eight chapters contain all the matter usually found m
advanced texts, while the remaining chapters form introduc-
torv accounts of special subjects which the author suggests
may be consulted by students before startmg on treatises
devoted to them alone. Some of these introductory accounts
appear to us to rival in clearness and completeness the more
pretentious volumes to which they are intended to lead ; they
certainlv provide all that is necessary for a thorough under-
standing of even the most advanced sections of theoretical

^ It "irthus evident that Mr. Pidduck's book is not intended
for beginners; rather is it a book whose proper reading and
digestion would be substantial fare for the student who
aspires to an honours degree in physics. , a \^

The first chapter is a mathematical mtroduction, and deals
straightforwardly with aU the mathematical conceptions
necessary for a proper study of magnetism and electricity^
vectors. Green's transformation (attributed by the author to
Gauss), Stokes's theorem, the equations of wave motion, and
Bessel fmictions. Chapter 11 is devoted to magnetism^ and
Chapter IH to electrostatics: both subjects are treated mathe-
matically and experimentally, and suitably illustrated. A
very useful account of the theory of dielectrics is given the
prismatic crystal method of mapping electrostatic fields is
described, and illustrations are given of two condenser fields

Into the next 100 pages the author has condensed all that
matters in the subjects of electric . currents anf mapietic
effects of currents. Startmg from simple cells and galvano-
meters-and thus leaving very little, even of the most ele;
mentarv matters, to chance-we have a thorough treatment
of units", resistances. Ohm's law, and measuring instruments of
all kinds, including moving-coil, string, and ballistic galvano-
meters, electro-dvnamometers, and current balances. Iwo
sections in this part of the book, one on resistance thermo-
metry and the other on the equations of the electro-magnetic
field serve as convenient stepping-stones to two later chapters
—on thermo-electricity and electric oscillations.

The treatment of thermo-electricity is a dehghtfully-wntten
summary of the Seebeck, Peltier, and Kelvm effects, conclud-
ing with a section on thermal galvanometers. v\ ithout gomg
into manv pages, the author has given a much fuller and
more satisfactory account of induced magnetism than is to be
found even in advanced text-books of much greater bulk, and
in the two following chapters on induction of currents and
applied electricity the standard set in the earher sections is
well maintained. i • • » j j

\s already indicated, the first part of the book as intended
as a foundational basis upon which to build a structure ot
advanced work, and there is no doubt whatever that m the
fir^^t 300 paoes the essential facts in the sciences of electricity
and magnetism are set forth with a painstakmg thoroughness
which leaves nothing to be desired.

The second part of the book consists of five chapters, which
introduce the subjects of electrolysis, electric oscillations, con-
duction of electricity through gases, radioactivity, and the
theory of electrons. The treatment in every case is sugges-
tive rather than exhaustive, but it is a suggestiveness which
has nothing in common with the superficiaUty of treatment
which sometimes masquerades as " introducing more advanced
topics without enlarging upon them." . , ,

In the chapter on electrolysis, the ionic theory is developed
and appUed to voltaic cells, reversible cells and concentration
cells, the last type being treated with exceptional clearness m
a very few pages. The important experimental methods of
Kohlrausch, Lodge, Whetham, and Nernst are described, as

(iS

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

[Vol. 70. No. 2,017, ,Iri.Y L'l, 191«.

well as an ingenious method of measuring liquid resistance,
presumably developed by the author, and used in the Elec-
trical Laboratory at Oxford.

The sections deroted to electric osallations, conduction
through gases, and radio-activity are, perhaps, the most inter-
esting in the book. The measurement of transients by thermal
galvanometers, their detection by crystals and oscillation
valves, the experiments of Hertz, Tesla, Bjerknes and others
on electric waves, the theory of electric oscillations and its
apphcation to resonance circuits and wireless, are all im-
ix)rtant features of the first of these chapters— a chapter
remarkable for its sound practicality as well as for the com-
pleteness of its theoretical treatment.

The remaining sections are equally exhaustive and up-to-
date, and include interesting references to the work of Bragg
on X-ray spectroscopy, the Zeeman effect, and the still more
recent theories and speculations of Planck and Einstein. The
book is well illustrated tliroughout, and we have seldom read
an advanced treatise with wore profit and pleasure.—
P. H. S. K.

Pole and Tower Lines for Electric Power Transmission. By
B. D. Coombs. London: Hill Publishing Co. Price
10s. 6d. net.

The rapid growth of the use of electric power within the
last few years has necessarily led to large extensions in the
use of overhead transmission lines — noticeable even in this
country, but more particularly so in America. In the future
these extensions will become more marked, and for this
reason we welcome the advent of a book of this character.

Only the mechanical and structural side of the problem is
dealt with, purely electrical details being entirely omitted.
This is well, since the mechanical strength and the stability
of a transmission line are, of course, of overwhelming import-
ance as regards continuity of supply.

Chapter I deals with types of construction, and is well
illustrated with a number of photographic reproductions.

A good deal of practical information regarding the loads
to be expected in transmission lines due to sleet and wind is
next given. A distinction is rightly made between the effect
of wind on cylindrical surfaces and on flat surfaces, but to
the reviewer the figures given appear to be on the optimistic
side.

Chapter HI discusses wires and rabies. A considerable
number of formulse and tables are given, dealing with the
stress due to temperature changes, &c., and the properties
of materials respectively.

We next have a chapter dealing with the special parts of
structural engineering which are involved in this subject. A
large number of column formulae are given, together with
curves plotted from them, although, as the author himself
says, the principal load that a pole or tower must w'ithstand
is that which it takes as a cantilever. Useful advice regard-
ing the use of polea on curves and at corners is given.

Wooden poles, faults in timber, methods of preservation,
and so forth are treated in a distinctly satisfactory manner in
the succeeding chapter, while Chapter VI deals with steel
poles and towers in a similar fashion.

Chapter Vm is devoted to the comparatively new subject
of concrete poles. The author has evidently had considerable
experience with this class of work, and the chapter is a
decidedly valuable one. It is illu.strated by a large number
of photographs, some of which, however, could have been
displaced by line drawings with advantage.

The remainder of the book is chiefly devoted to the erection
and costs, and to the protection of tran.smission lines. The
treatment is good and practical, but, of course, the costs
being those of American practice are not of much use in this
country.

On the whole, the book is a decided acquisition to technical
literature. The chief fault the reviewer has to find is that
the numerous photographic reproductions are on too small a
scale, and, further, in some cases dimensioned drawings would
have been of more use. The book is got up in a style to be
expected from the publishers.— H. G. S.

AN INTERN.4T10NAL HIQM-PRES5URE
SUBMARINE CABLE.

TjHE submarine cable which has been in service since December
last, carrying' electrical enery^y from Sweden to Denmark across the
Oresimd. is remarkable on account of its international nature and.
to a still greater extent, by reason of the fact that it is the long'est
hi^h tension, heavy current, underwater cable .yet installed. The
cable represents the fulfilment of an agreement by which the
South Swedish Power Co. (MahnoJ undertook to furnish energy to
the Xorth Seeland Electricity and Tramway Co. (Hellerup, Copen-
hagen) from its power house at Lagan, about 50 miles north-east
of Helsingborg. This power station, it may be -remarked, also
supplies energy to the Swedish towns of Halmstad, Helsingborg,
Landskrona, Lund, Slalmo and other communities. The possibility
of obtaining power from Sweden had been discussed seriously for
some years past, but the Danish Government had hitherto opposed
the idea on military grotmds, which certainly do not seem at all
trivial, in view of the important role soon played by electricity in

.iii\ . Miiiiiiiiini \ when ilT'S available. However, the agreement
lietweeii the Swedish and) Danish comjiauies was completed early
in liiU, and the Felten-Guilleaume firm was given the contract for
the submarine cable and Ihv lengths of_ land cable connecting it to
the transformer statior.s on each side of the crossing. The sea
cable was laid in June. I'.M I. but the outl)reak of war delayed com-
pletion of the land lines till last autumn. Only alxiut :i70 KW. is
at present transmittetl from Sweden to Denmark, but as the See-
laud network extends the loml will become much heavier.

The submarine cable itself is about if I miles in length and was
matle in nine pieces, each about ti'M yd. long an<l •Jl) tons in gross
weight (including the cable drum). Impregnated i)a|)er insulation
is used lietween the three cores (each 70 sq. mm. in section), and
profile-wire armouring is applied over the lead sheath. The cable
operates normally at H.i.ooo volts, and was tested after manufacture
to 87,500 volts. It is to lie hojKnl that the margin of safety is
sufficient, for if a fault should lieveloi). due to pressure surge or
other cause, and the sheathing of the cable were pierced, the whole
section concerned (if not the whole cable) would be ruined by
ingress of sea water l)efore the fault could be located and
recovered.

Laying the cable and completing the joints satisfactorily was a
far more serious problem than manufacturing the material, (Jreater
precautions had to Ix; taken than are necessary in laying and
jointing gutta-percha telegraph cables, and then^ was little or no
previous experience from which to work. The difficulty of keeping
the cable and the joints dry was magnified a hundredfold as
compai-ed with land conditions, and there was always the risk of
damaging the cable mechanically, and hence electricall.v. by
stresses due to its own weight or other cause. Special equipment
and special precautions were required to provide against jamming of
the paying-out gear, too sharp bending of the cable, injury by
wave action, and so on. The joints were made according to usual
land practice, the lead sleeve being enclosed in a strong guard-
sleeve extended on to the armouring at both sides of the joint, so that
the latter is moisture-proof and relieved of mechanical strain. The
deepest joint lies in 12.5 ft. of water. After being laid, the whole
cable was tested for half-an-hour tinder 1^ times the working
pressure.

The complete power scheme consists of a 50.000-voU transmission
line from the Lagan R. power house to a transformer station at
Helsingborg, where the pressure is reduced to 25,000 volts. Thence
an underground cable (three miles in length) runs to a switch-
house at Palsjo, north of Helsingborg. where connection is made to
the submarine cable. The latter is brought ashore on the Danish
side north of Marienlyst. whence about one mile of underground
cable leads to a transformer station at Elsinore. About 200 yd.
north of the power cable, there is laid a heavy, armoured four-
core gutta-percha cable which serves the double function of tele-
phone cable and guard cable, catching the anchors of vessels drift-
ing in storm or current, and thus protecting the high-tension cable.
South of the latter there are three telegraph cables.

Xo trouble has been reported during the six months this cable
has now been in operation, and its future behaviour will be watched
with interest, since there are many places in the world where sub-
marine power transmission over a distance of a few miles will be
much appreciated it it can be arranged reliably and at reasonable
cost.

Similar submarine power transmission schemes, of less import-
ance, between the mainland and islands in the Baltic, were
described in our issue of July 11th. 191.H. the methods emplo.yed
for laying the cables being fully illustrated.

CORRESPONDENCE.

Letter!: received by us after 5 p.m. on Tuesday cannot appear until
the followini] week. CorrespondenU .should foncard their romwi/ni-
rations at the earliest possible moment. -Vo letter can he published
i/nle.i.i we hare the writer's name and address in our possession.

Female Sub-station Attendants.

Is it not time that putting women in charge of converter sub-
stations is put a stop to .' Surely this is the very job for disabled
naval and army men, .yet Glasgow has some sub-stations entirely in
charge of females, and your contemporary which has an article on
the subject goes on to state that these women are drawn from the
educated business class of woman, which possibly means that they
have already good homes and fathers earning good salaries. Your
contemporary also mentions the rate of pay. viz. :— 21s. to 27s. per
week ; this possibly explains that what is wanted is cheap female
labour, as the pre-war rate was. I believe, f Os. to 45s., which wage
would be fairly good for a disabled soldier or sailor with a small
pension ; if educated business women must be given good berths in
electricity works, would if not be much safer to train them for,
and make them into, the chief engineers and managers of the same
at 3^th of what some of the present figure-heads get. and leave
mechanics (male) to look after all running machinery. The money
thus saved could be used to employ a good firm of («'"'<') consult-
ing engineers to look after the extensions iind other interests on the
technical side of the concern.

Commercial.

[Certainly the posts in question are ailmirably adapted for dis-
abled soldiers and sailors ; we have no doubt that the employment
of women in sub-stations is only a temporal^ measure, and that
every eflfort will be made to employ the former as far as possible. —
Eds. Elec. Rev.]

Vol. 79. No. 2,017, July 21, 1916.]

THE ELECTKICAL REVIEW.

'69

Induction Motors on Circuits of Different Frequencies.

Not being acquainted with the designing of single-phase induction
motors, but interested in their installation, I should very much
like to hear what other readers of the Review hare to say with
regard to the use of induction motors on circuits of slightly different
periodicity to that which the machine is designed for. For instance.
a oO-cycle machine on a <50-cycle circuit, or riee rersa.

I frequently find motors in use under the above conditions,
although I have always understood that it is bad practice, and
presume the '" power factor " and efficiency of the machine run
under such conditions suffers, and also, to some extent, the output.

I shouA/ very much appreciate it if one of your correspondents
would en lighten me on this subject, which 1 happen to know is
iimI quite clear to many others.

Practice.

.h,l;, \->>h. liUi;.

Decimal Coinage.

With regard to the letter written by Mr. Alfred Bridges in the
current issue of the Electrical Review, if he is unable to obtain
samples of the 1 and 2 centimes pieces I have some for disposal out
of my collection, which I have much pleasure in offering. He may
iilso be interested to know that the pieces I have were collected by
me over 30 years ago in a country village near Armentieres, namely,
Au Bas Mesnil, where the charge for seats in the church was
2 centimes for front seats and 1 centime for the rear seats, and
80 years ago these coins were used in the town of Lille by children
in purehasmg sweetmeats.

ti. Delebecqiic.

"Walsall, ./;'/// V>th. 191(;.

BUSINESS NOTES.

North-Eastern Manufacturers.— We hiive iicei\eil a

copy of a new and revised edition of the "" Directory of Manufac-
turers. Wholesale Importers, and Exporters, of the Xorth-Eastern
Railway .System. " The Commercial Agent of the N.-E. Railway
Co.. at York, has been induced to publish this third edition of the
book by the unqualified successes of the earlier issues ; also in Wew
of the new trade conditions which will obtain after the war. causing
a much heavier demand for British products. In the course of
some l.oOO pages there are over 36,000 entries appearing under
more than 1,200 trade headings, the entries being classified as to
town and as to industry. There is a coloured map of the railway
system showing the principal natural products of different districts.
and particulars of normal Continental and Overseas sailings are
given. As many as Lt.OOO copies of the "Directory ' have been
prepared for purely gratuitous distribution, and Consuls and
Chambers of Commerce everywhere will be among the recipients.

Electrical Goods Wanted in Spain. — The Consul

General of France at Barcelona forwards to the Office National
du Commerce Exterieur a list of the articles which were supplied
by Germany before the war- to the big stores which go by the
name of " El Siglio." and which are probably the largest dis-
tributors in Spain. Among the articles enumerated are : — Instru-
ments of precision for the arts and trades, steam and electric
motors, pocket electric lamps, dry cells for electric lamps, electric
and steam toy motor and railway accessories.

Australian Trade Inquiry.— Reuter reports that the

Australian Commonwealth has decided to appoint a Commission,
consisting of six manufacturers and six workers, to visit the United
States and investigate and report upon American methods of manu-
facture and production, and upon conditions of employment. A
scheme is proposed for the establishment of Government cable
works for the manufacture of wire cables and metal ropes,
rendering Australia independent of outside sources for these
commodities.

Patent Applications.— Application has been made by

F. .J. Laverack ,K: B. D. Potter, liquidators of the Eloesser Steel
Driving Belt. Ltd.. for the restoration of the following patents
granted to Carl Eloesser : —

Xos. 18,169 and IS, 170. of 190?. for " Improvements relating to
endless metal driving bands."

Xo. 22.472, of 1907, for "Improvements in power transmission
gearing."

German Enterprise in Morocco. — M. Lucciardi, the

French Vice-Consul at Tetuan, states th.at German travellers have
arrived in that town, and are offering German goods at extremely
low prices. French travellers, the Vice-Consul says, would, there-
fore, do well to pay a visit there forthwith, or at least send in
their price, particulars and catalogues. He is prepared himself to
distribute these, but urges the need, in any case, for immediate
action.

Italy. — -An amalgamation has been arranged between the

Societa Elettrica Prealpina and the Societa Bergamasca. the new
company formed being styled the Societst Elettrica Bergamasca. with
a combined share capital" increased from 4.400.tX>0 lire to 6. .^60,000
lire.

Book Notices. — The Coming Crash of Peace and Brifon's

Mechanical Renainsance. By T. C. Elder. London : Simpkin.
Marshall, HamUton, Kent & Co., Ltd. 2s. net.— The writer's object
is to state forcefully the need for organising our increased engi-
neering capacity iu readiness for aiter the war. and taking proper
steps at once to that end. without depending too much upon the
Government. The consolidation of industrial forces through the
L'nited British Industries Association, in which a £ 1 ,000 individual
subscription wQl ensure a continuous interest in the organisation ,
is favourably commented upon, and a proposed chart of depart-
mental interests of a Ministry of Commerce is drawn up. For the
rest, the book consists in the main of a reprint of the series of
addresses delivered by the author before meetings organised in the
provinces by the B.E.A.M.A. on " Engineering Industry and Public
Policy," " What .\fter Munitions .' " " The Business Side of Science."
" Engineering Industry in the Economic War." and " Engineering
for the Empire."

Trade as a Science. By E. J. P. Benn. London : Jarrold & Sons.
2s. 6d. net. — We have read this book with an interest which has
been sustained practically from cover to cover. We are not
reauired to state that we are in agreement with everything that
the author says, but in his efforts to raise the status of industry
and trade, and" to secm-e for them a larger measure of recognition
in high circles, he certainly has our best wishes. As Mr. Benn
remarks, the organisation of trade (in which, like many other
people, he includes industry), is a subject worthy of the closest atten-
tion of every business man. He desires to see it organised, in order
that it may have a corporate existence and a voice of real authority.
He rightly dwells somewhat fully upon the possibilities of associated
action, and in one of his chapters puts forward a tentative scheme
for the organisation of a Ministry of Commerce, and a system of
official trade associations. He wants to see trade and party politics
divorced : would arrange and control the trading associations in
Government co-operation, so as to prevent the eWls attendant on
trust systems : advocates co-operation between manufacturers in
lespectof production, avoiding the needless locking up of capital
in unnecessary stocks ; and shows that if the export trade is
developed to its fullest extent, no man need fear the lack of a job
or be content with low wages. We may not entirely concur in his
opinions i-egarding the average British business man, and on
some other matters, but the volume forms a tilnely contribution
to the literature of a subject which is in most men's minds to-day.
and %vill well repay reading. Indeed, we have no hesitation in
strongly recommending it.

Fire Protection for Passenger Ships is the title of Red Book
Xo. 203. which the British Fire Prevention Committee has issued
for the use of ship owners, ship builders and their technical
advisers when considering schemes for laying down new mercantile
tonnage for post-war purposes. The subject is exhaustively dis-
cussed, and the installation of automatic fire-alarms, and ordinary fire-
alarm systems, is recommended, amongst many other precautions.
The publication is obtainable at the Committee's offices, price
3s. 6d.

"Mechanical Engineers' Handbook." Edited by L. S. Marks.
Price 21s. net. " The Electrical Contractor." By L. W. Moxey,
.Junior. Price 6s. 3d. net. London : Hill Publishing Co., Ltd.

"U.S. Bureau of Standards.'' Scientific Paper, Xo. 277. "Photo-
metric Comparison of Glass Screens and of Tungsten Lamps ' :
Scientific Paper. No. 280. '" Volatilisation of Platinum " ; Techno-
logical Paper, No, .=)8. "Strength and other Properties of Con-
cretes,"

Bankruptcy Proceedings.— K. E. Conxold. late elec-
trician, Canterbury. The following are creditors :—
British Thomson-Houston Co... i'lO Henley's Telegraph Works Co. ilO

Court Bros. .. ' 12 "Bankers" 98

Bickle, Miss 167 Stirling, C. . 21

Edison & Swan Elec. Light Co. 30 ' British Ever-Ready Co 17

Eldridge & Morris 40 Reeves Bros. 17

Gabb, Mrs 100 Millard Bros 15

F. Brown (partner in Hugh Bros. &Brovm, Llanelly), electrician.
— Receiving order made July 11th. at Carmarthen, on debtor's
petition.

Liquidations. — Plutte, Scheele & Co.. Ltd. — Creditors
must send particulars of debts, &c„ to the controller, Mr. G, W.
Roberts, 133, Wool Exchange, E,C., by September 30th.

Otto Bohndel, trading as Schoen Bros,, an enemy subject, —
Final notice is given asking creditors to communicate with the
controller, Mr. J. W. Barrett. IStA, Coleman Street. E.C.. by
August 15th.

Electro-Flex Steel Co.. Ltd. — This company is winding-up
voluntarily, with Mr. B. A. Fitzgerald. Collingwood Buildings. New-
i-astle-on-Tyne. as liquid.ator. .\ meeting of creditors is called for
to-day (July 21st).

.\ster Esgineerixg Co. (1!i13). Ltd.— A meeting is to held at
Wembley on August 25th to hear an account of the winding-up
from the liquidator, Mr. S. D. Beghie.

Catalogues and Lists.— Messrs. H. Tiaslkv .v Co.,

Eklou Park Works, South Norwood, Loudon, S.E.— Twenty-four page
catalogue, containiog full particulars with illustrations and prices
of Dr, Drysdale's combined inductance and capacity testing bridge,
also instructions and diagrams relating to same.

Messes, Dowjces & Davies, 1 and 3. Stanley Street, Liverpool,
— Handy reference table of carrying capacities for cables and fuses,
which they are issuing to their customers.

70

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW,

Xo. 2.017. Ji I.'

Trade Announcements. - Mi>'-ii'^- Kuiii.ki; I^kus.

iKitifv that In'iii .Iiilv .il-t. tlioir ;ul<lross wiM W Salislmrv House.
Lomloii Wall. V.V. TtUplionc mniilior : " Central ISS."

)lKS.-;R.-i. Hsi> Hiios. & Co.. aiinmiiice Ihiil owingr ti> the inoieiUic
in maintpiianco and repair l)iisine.<s. now premise.^ have lieeii taken
at l.^. Cromer Street. Cray's Inn Koail. W.C. t'lVleiihoiie number :
'■^.'^Ti! HollHirn.") The City ofHoe ia lx'in;r eontiniud at I'.i. i.'iieen
Victoria Strec-t, K.C.

Australian Metal Manufacturing.— Tlie <alilwl iviioiL

of the Mount Morgan (iolil Mining Co. eoiilains the follo\vintr :-
•• This company in association with llainpilen. Electrolytic. British
Insulated A: Helsliy Cahles, inantrnraled Metal Manul'actnres. l,ld.,
ohi«;ts of new company, manufacture copier wire, sheets, tubes.
Company hius receivtHl iissnrances support Commonwealth authori-
ties justify esljiblishment industry. There is increasin<r denuuid
for yoods contemplate manufacturing hitherto imported. Capital
of company 1 200.(100. of which CHO.oiHi issued, this comiiany s
l«irticipation beinjr 2o.(HiO shares."

Argentina. — ^''^ Consti'iicLoni Eli-ciroiutraiiic;! i.s tlif

title of a new electrical and mechanical works starteil in Huenos
Ayres, iuid Messrs. D'Afrostino and A-rners have opened an electrical
manufacturinjr works in the city of Entre Uios. The .specialities
of the former firni are the conversimi of nai)hlha motors into
Diesel enyrines. and the construction of accumulators.

The Italian Trade Outlet.— The FrmicIi t'liamlMr ol'

Commerce at Milan has begun a canvass of Italian buyinjr firms.
with a view to ascertainins- the kinds of goods which are likely to
find a sale in Italy. Among the electrical requirements there is an
opening, it is stated, for three-phase 4.")-KW. electric motors. 2,00(i
volts, .So periodicity, and ,iOc» to ,^50 revolutions per minute. A
list of the names and addresses of buvers has bcfn ioni)iilpd.

LIGHTING AND POWER NOTES.

Aberystwyth. — Phice Increase. — The Electricity Co.

has informed the T.C. that the price of current has been further
advanced by U) per cent.

Accrington. — Thronirh the vfiliiccd i-niisiiinptinn of eltr-

tricity for domestic purposes, ioUowing upon the adoption of the
Daylight Saving .\ct, the electricity department has adopted a
suggestion by the borough treasurer that very small accounts for
the .Tune quarter =boidd be held over until the close of the next
quarter.

Argentina. — The Government hits made a grant of

:i.iO,00l> pesos, towards the total of :i(U,0UO pesos, required for the,
illumination of the Capital on the occasion of the national festival.
held for six days in July. Over lliO.OOO electric lamps were to be
employed, and 240.000 KW.-hours of energy were to be consumed,
at a cost of 2.5.000 pesos, for additional energy consumed in the
ordinar.T service.

Barnes. — .Ioixt "Workixi; AKiiA.Ni;E3iEXTS. — The

Council has decided to allow the electrical engineer to represent it
on the Joint Advisory (Engineers) Board, which the chief
engineers of the municipal undertakings supplying electricity in
the Western Metropolitan Police area decided, at a recent conference.
should be formed as the first step towards concerted action regard-
ing the future development of the undertakings in the area men-
tione<l. \n application from a neighbouring authority inquiring
upon what terms the Council would be pi'epared to furnish it
with a supply of current in bulk has Vjeen referred to the engineer
for reiwrt.

Bradford. — At a meetinir til' the Citv CiuiDeiJ.

recently, the chairman of the Gas Committee made a statement in
answer to a number of questions of which notice had been given
by a member of the Corporation. It was admitted that since .July.
1913. whilst IS.S firms had introduced gas engines. .50 of these had
ultimately changed over to electric motors. A few new gas-engine
customers had given up electric motors in favour of gas. The gas
department had made no effort to prevent a gas engine ibeing
replaced by electric drive when the latter had been obviously more
suitable to the particular purpose : indeed, he added, the Gas Com-
mittee itself had recently installed IS electric motors at its own
now plant at Birkshall gasworks.

Burton-on-Trent.— At a recent meeting of the T.C.

Councillor King was thanked for his report on the recent Municipal
Electrical Convention, particularly as regards the portion referring
to the uses of electricity for agricultural purposes, which Alderman
Lowe considered would result in great advantages to the agri-
cultural community in the not distant future.

Canada. — It is stated that the Ontario Hvdro-Electrie

Commission being unable to secure sufficient electricity under its
contract from Xiagara sources, the Ontario Government has asked
the Dominion Government to prohibit the export of power to the
United States, where it is at present used by many American
industries. - "

Carlisle. — Ykau :s W'ouKi.Nii. — 'I'lie anmial re]H>ri (ni the

city electric sujiply undertaking shows a total revi'uue of i;2."i.lO',l
and gro.ss profit amounting to rt;!l.72,"i (as compared with CS.SH in
ll)ll-l."i). while after meeting financial charges the net surplus
amountwl to t;i71(.ii-'^ against i;7i; in l!ll4-l."il. During the year
:i,it7H,o:!!( units were sohl, an increase of ,")02..")I7 units lui 111] l-l."> ;
lK>«er and lighting units alone totalled over ;!,00(I,(IOO. and the
increiused output was mainly confined to this section, Mr, I'urse,
the electrical engineer, iKiinls out that 1.54 power consumers
averaged a revenue |K'r H,P, of till,"), giving a total of, roughly,
tllli.OiHl revenue, while 711 lighting consumers, with an average
revenue pern,l',of Cli'li,'), produced only alHiut £K,(iO(lt(ital revenue',
despite the fact that the power consumers paid only a little over
Id. per unit, while the lighting consumers paid about IV|d. ])er
unit. An increased coal cost during the yi'ar of ■i;l.;f:(2 was
entirely due to increiused prices, as actually loo tons less was con-
sumed than in the ))revious year. The various increiusol costs and
s|i--cial charges amounted to t:i,(>00 for the yt^'ir.

Caterham. — Ritishd I'uices. — 'I'he('(>imniiteea|ii">iiiti'd

by the Irban Council to deal with the proposed increased charges
for the .^uijpiy of electricity by the I'rban Klectric Supply Co.
reported that the rate now propo.seil is a flat rate of 7d. ]H<r unit
as a uiaxiunun charge. The company is prepared to agree if the
t'ouncil withdiaws its opiHisition to the proimsed alteration, the
rate of charge for electricity during the war, and for six months
after, shall not be raised by more than I,") per cent. That there-
after the charge shall not exceed (id, per unit imless with the
written consent of the tJouncil. provided that if the company con-
siders.the Council is unreasonable in refusing consent under the
then existing conditions, the matter be I'eferred to an arbitrator
appointed by the B. of T, The Committee recommended the
Council to adopt the proposals, which it has decided to do.

Eastbourne. — Year's AVorking. — The report of Mr.
Brydges, the borough electrical engineer, on the last year's opera-
tion of the electricity department, shows that the output sold
declined from 1.81 6,667 units in 1914-15 to 1,773,737 units in
1915-16, Power, heating and cooking units, however, showed a
satisfactory increase. The gross income decreased by £2.907 ;
expenditure increased, and the final result, after meeting capital
charges, was a deficit of £911, as against a net profit of £2,208 in
1911-1.5, A l,2oO-K\v. Ljungstrom turbine set was put into service
in June, 1915, and has apparently improved the efficiency of the
plant generally ; a 750-k\v. turbine set has been run. partially
sti-ipped. owing to the difficulty of getting it repaired, with a
derii ;i.. (1 ^ll':lln efficiency of about 10 per cent.

W ( iinii 1 li;ii the tj-ton steam motor wagon used by the deparl-
iiinil lor nniving coal from the railway to the works, has carried
5.,'<41 tons and run 2,921 miles, at an all-in cost per Itiii il.liv. i.il mI'
irSSd. ; it is interesting to compare this with I h. .■..>! ..i n|i,i;iini..
the 4-ton electric coal wagon used by the llt<inl elii I nrii y .1. ii.ni
Tuent for an exactly similar purpose, viz., yjd, per ton earned.
This later wagon in 65 days ran 793 miles, and carried 2.812 tons,
showing, if the conditions are comparable, a considerable saving
over steam-wagon haulage, besides a(ivertising the electric vehicle.

Eton. — Public Li(;htixc4. — The U.D.C. has at^cepted
an offer from the Windsor Electrical Installation Co. reducing the
charge of £231 for public lighting by £64 until normal lighting
conditions are resumed.

Halifax. — The inauguration of new turbo-electric plant

installed at the works of the Ripporiden Commercial Co. took place
last week. The new plant supersedes a beam-engine drive, and ♦
was supplied by the Brush Co.. at a total cost of £11.00o.

Harrogate. — It is 'stated that the output of thecieetricily
works for June showed a considerable increase over the same month
last year, despite the lighting restrictions, and that the develo)i-
ment of electric heating and cooking may account for this.

Heywood. — Bulk Supply. — At a meeting of the T.C.

on July 12th, Councillor J. Ashworth, speaking on the electricity
report.' said that last year they purchased from Bury nearly half
the total units supplied, and now they were taking the whole of
their supply from them. Owing to the war Bury had not been
al)le to obtain delivery of new boiler and other plant, and conse-
(juently had not been able to meet all the demands, and the
Heywood Corporation was unable to fully supply its new
customers. The bulk supply scheme was fulfilling all that was
said in its favour, and its adoption had lifted the electricity depart-
ment out of a rut, which at one time seemed to be impossible save
at an enormous capital expenditure,

Holmfirth. — Plant InAUCfURAXioN. — The Councirs new

electricity works were opened on Saturday afternoon last ; the
installation was carried out by Messrs, Broadbent, under the
supervision of Mr, A. B. Mountain. The gas lamps for public
lighting have been disconnected, and are being removed, as
public electric lighting is being adopted.

Hull. — Year's Workixg. — The report of Mr. J. F.
Magoris, acting city electrical engineer, on the year's working of
the electricity undertaking to March last, shows that 14,795,426
Tinits were sold, against 12.969.776 in the preceding year, and the
revenue (£89.208) increased by £6.908. Due to restrictions,
lighting revenue fell oflr very considerably — average per KW.
connected. 1913-14. £513; average per KW. connected. 1915-1(>,
£3'79 — but this was more than compensated for by the increased
revenue from power — ^viz.. £9.517. as compared with 1914-15.
Total working expenses, inclusive of special charges, amounted to
£47.178. leaving a gross balance of £42.030. and after meeting

Vol.7!. No. -v)!:, .ULY LM, iiun.j THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

71

I

intoif^t and siiikiiitr fmid. ami special charges, war allowances,
iVc. the net .surplus lemaining was iH,2i7. which was carried to
reserve, Desjjite the increased coal costs, the arerag'e works cost
C'ti-ld, per unit) and total costs ('79d. per unit) are the lowest yet
recorded iu the case of this undertakius'. The maximum loatl was
7..'<10 KW.. with 4..S.S8 consumers, and a connected load of
2.s.7!tO KW., of which 2(1,470 KW, represented power, anil took
12.,"<S4.U."i units of the total, producing nearly iC.MVOHi) revenue.
Tlie Committee, which, we regret to say, has lost the service.s of
its chairman for the past ten years. Aid. Hanger, has contributed
nearly t .'lO.ni ii) in i lir past from reserve towards the cost of capital
uiirk. anil ivw has a nsrrve in hand amounting ta £21). .WO, or
uvrr 7 per cent, cm llic i>ntstanding loan debt. j;28.5,8,}S. We may
add that Councillor Pybus has been electetl chairman of thi;
Electricity Committee.

King's Lynn. — Ykais's Wokkim;. — At a meotiuK i<(

till' T.l'. last week, the Electricity Committee presented a state-
ment showing that during the twelve months ended March :Slsl
last, the income of the undertaking was 3^8,068, as against *;7.!»!)2
in ini4-l.">. The expenditure was £7,049, and the profit f 1,018.
against J;l,3.')0. The Committee resolved that the surplus be
apjilird in reduction of capital. It was also recommended that
t 111- charge for current supplied for lighting be increased Jd. per
nnil, and that an extra Id. per nnit be charged for-power. in place
of the last increase of 10 per cent. The report was adopted without
discussion.

London. — Hampstead. — Ykar's Woekinc;. — 'rheiinniial

report of the chief engineer. Mr. WvM, shows that, as anticipated,
the working of the electricity undertaking during lOl-'i-IH resulted
in a loss — viz., .t:ii.700 — as against a net profit of .i;2.7t>7 in the
preceding year. The net income was £67..518, showingadecrea.se
of .42.206 on lOU-l.!, despite an increase in price during the year.
The total expenditure, including interest and sinking fund,
amounted to .*! 74.228. an increase of i7J271 on 1914-1.5 ; fuel alone
cost more than i'.i.OOO extra, averaging ■79d. per unit, as against
tSd. The total output sold amounted to .5,069.397 units, as
against 5,550,000 units in 1914-15 ; the maximum load was
H,128 KW, Modern mechanical-remote controlled H.T, switchgear
is being installed by the B,T.H. Co.. to replace the old Ferranti
board at the generating station. A total of 275 motors, of
1.468 H.P., are connected to the supply, as also 428 hired heaters,
cookers, and similar apparatus.

Islington. — Year's \VoRKiN(i. — The annual accounts of the
Councils electricity undertaking show a net profit for 1915-16 of
1 2. 1 1 7. as compared with £2.807 in the previous year. The total
revenue amounted to 1:69.660, and the gross profit to £30,609. or
slightly more than in 1914-15. The output sold reached 8,552.729
units, as compared with 7.831.593 units in 1914-15. and included
4.640.000 units for day lighting and power, an increase of a million
units on the previous year. The maximum load was 4.989 KW..and
the load factor 19'57.

Oldham. — Year's Working. — The joint engineers and
managers of the Corporation electricity undertaking, in their report,
show that the total income for the year amounted to £63,920 ; the
gross profit was £26,698, and the net profit, after meeting financial
charges and expenditure on meters, amounted to £5,107, as
compared with £3,550 in the previous year. This result is
traceable to the supply for power purposes of 5.385.229 units, as
against 2,779.150 units in the 'previous year, giving an increased
revenue on this accoimt of £9,280, other branches of supply having
declined in amount. The total output sold amomited to 10.487.235
units, as against 7,985,859 in the previous year. During the year con-
sumers' sub-stations have been erected at five factories ; a 3,000-KW.
turbo-alternator, three boilers and accessory plant were commis-
sioned, and a further two boilers are Iwing obtained. One 3.000-KW.
turbine set on order w;is released on the appeal of the authorities
for its employment elsewhere. The plant capacity of the Greenhill
works was 10.140 KW., the maximum load was 5,260 KW., and the
load factor 22'7 per cent. The works. &c.. and management costs
advanced slightly from '812d. to ■S52d. per unit.

Radcliffe. — Price Increase. — Advances of b per cent.

ill the jirice of electricity for lighting, and 10 jier cent, for power
and heating, are about to te made.

Southend-on-Sea. ' — The •'Ecunoniy" Coniiiiittee has

asked the Finance and Light Railways Committee to arrange tor
the more economical control of the accounts of the light railway
and electric supply department.

South Africa. — A meeting of electricians and fitters in
municipal employment has been held at Johannesburg, at which a
resolution was passed demanding an increase of 15s. per week in
wages.

The Cape Town Corijoration electricity department is experiencing
great difficulty in coping with the demand for energy, and it is
proposed to install additional plant. There has recently been a
greatly increased load owing to the use ofi radiators and cooking
apparatus, the rate for which has been reduced to 1 id- per unit, as
against 7d. per unit for lighting. The increase has been so great
tliat the department is requiring all consumers to forward par-
ticulars of all lamps and other current-consuming apparatus
connected to the supply mains. In many districts applications for
the installation of radiators have been refused until the new plant
is running, which will, of course, l)e too late for the present
winter's radiator demand.

Tasmania. — -V Launceston syndicate has offered to con-
struct a railway along the Tamar to the cement and steel works,
and to provide an electric transmission line from the Great Lake
supply, at a cost of £500,000,

Taunton. — Price Increase, &c. — The statement of

accounts for the year ended March 31st last, shows a gross profit
of £5.955 on the Council's electrical undertaking.

Owing to the reduced demand for electricity for lighting due to
the lighting restrictions and the Summer Time Act. it was decided
to increase the charges from Midsummer by a further 10 per cent.,
thus making altogether an advance of 25 per cent, on the scale
charges for lighting and power.

Teddington. — Price Increase. — Tlic District Council

has l)eeii notified by the Twickenham and Teddington Electric
Supply Co. that the charges for electricity for all purposes will l>e
further advanceil by 10 per cent., making 20 per cent, in all, to
take effect from the June quarter.

Uckfield.— The D.C. ha.s been notified that the B. of T.

has extended the time for the completion of the electricit.v works
of the Crowborough District Gius Co. for 12 months from Julv 4th.
1916.

Welsh] Water Powers. — In the House of Commons, in

reply to a question as to whether steps had been taken with a view
to utilising Welsh water-power to produce electrical energy for
agriculture and other industries, Mr. Harcourt said he was not
aware of any inquiry into the matter.

Whitehaven. — The Harbour Commissioners ha\e asked

the T.C. to quote terms for installing the electric light at the West
Pier lighthouse.

Winchester. — Year's \Vorking. — The past year's

working of the electricity department showed a gross profit of
£5.826. and after meeting int.erest repayment and other charges,
there was a net surplus of £575, as against £1.317 in the previous
year.

TRAMWAY and RAILWAY NOTES.

Bolton. — Electric Vehicle. — The Electricity Com-
mittee has deferred consideration of a proposal to purchase an
electrically-propelled vehicle tor the use of the department,

Colchester. — The T.C. has decided to increase the price
nf cnrrent for the tramways by Jd, per unit.

Continental. — Italy. — Plans are being prepared in con-
nection with a proposed electric tramway to connect the town of
Osimo with the Osimo-Ancona railway station.

Heywood. — Track Maintenance. — The Electricity and

Tramways Committee has requested the Surveyor's Committee to
undertake the ordinary maintenance of the tramway track for a
further period of 12 months, ending March 31st, 1917, for the
sum of £7.50.

Year's Working. — The annual report of the tramway under-
.taking shows a total income of £11,985, compared with
£11.626 in 1915; a total expenditure of £8,188, compared
with £7.944 ; and a gross profit of £3,796, compared with
£3.681. The car-miles numbered 263.553, and passengers car-
ried. 2,366.551. The sum for interest and sinking fund charges,
including £1,165 for the award to the Bury. Oldham, and Roch-
dale Tramway Co. was £4,314, and there was a net loss of £518.

Hindley. — The Wigan Corporation has informed the

U.D.C. that, owing_ to Government restrictions.it had been com-
pelled to postpone further consideration of the Market Street
tramways matter for a short time.

Huddersfield. — Dekerred E.xtensions. — The tramway

extension to Brighouse to link up with the Bradford system has
again been postponed, this time to the end of the war.

London. — Year's "Working of L.C.C. Tramways. —

The annual accounts of the Council's tramways for the year ended
March 31st last shows total receipts amounting to £2,339,291 and
working expenses (including war service allowances") of £1,683,660,
leaving a gross surplus of £655,631. Interest, sinking fund, and
other charges amounted to .£729,426. showing a deficit of £73,795
on the year's working. This figure compares with the original
estimated deficiency of £91,614 and a subsequently revised
estimate of £64,190, No payment has been made to the renewals
fund during the year, but £73,255 has been spent out of it,
leaving a balance in the fund of £329,968. The deficiency for the
year has been met out of the general reserve fund, leaving a
balance in hand of £70.118. In order to meet the expenditure on
renewals and the transfer from general reserve, it was necessary
to realise certain securities at a loss of £11,532 and £23,621
respectively on cost price.

During the year, 545.423,397 passengers were carried and
47,879,675 car-miles run. these figm-es comparing with 550,497,993
passengers and 58,978,792 oar-miles in J914-15, The capital ex-

THE ELECTEICAL REVIEW. rvm. 79. No. 2.oi7..iuly2i. loie.

fVDditiire at March olsl anioiinted to 1 13..il6.677. and the debt
outstanding, less value of surplus land, was t'9.580.991. Capital
expenditure on obsolete horse lines still to be provided for nmounts
to £1171.878. The rejKirt mentions the progre.'ss made in recon-
structing the Greenwich tramway power station, by which its
<apacity will he increased from Sf.OOO KW. to 52,0(Ki KW. The
tramway .system is linked up with another source of supply to
provide against breakdown, and inquiries are now beinsr made with
a view to interconnection for reciprocal supplies of power ; 1 50
trailer-cars have Ihvu oitlered, anil 120 of them are in use. The
route length of electrified tramway amounts to Mil miles ; two horse
tramway routes, on which electrical reconstruction has been stopped
by the war, are not now l)eing worketl. Through services arc in
operation with the Metropolitan Electric Tramways and the Leyton
and Bexley Councils" systems; various through liooking arrange-
ments are in operation also. There are l.lnO women conductors
employed on the cars.

r..('.<: Tramiraij Kstimates. For the year lUlt;-17 it is estimated
that there will Ik- a gross surplus of i;(i74.4t)5. while debt charges
and taxes will amount to .«748„5r>7, leaving a deficiency of .4 74,092,
which will l>e met in the first instance from the general reserve
fund. The estimates contain provision for £20,000 contingencies
and i;i22,.?oo for war service allowances, hut it is considered
jirobable that this latter sum will be insufficient. But for these
special charges the working would show an estimated surplus of
£(18,408. No addition is contenijilated to the renewals fund, while
it is estimated that £S6,30O will Ih> expended from it. The balance
of the general reserve fund, after meeting the estimated deficit, is
estimated at £i;,7Si8 : it it considered probable that this will be
more than absorbed, particularly as the value of investments has
been taken at cost price.

Sheffield. — Year's Wokkixh. — The annual report on
the working of the Corporation tramways and "buses during
101.">-ll), shows a total tramway revenue of £4 5ii,(i09 (car receipts
being £,'jS,(]00 in excess of the previous year), and gross profits
amounting to £173,460, after allowing for £11,209 war allowances.
Deducting interest and sinking fund charges, income-tax, itc, the
surplus balance remaining was £95,780, an increa.se of £25,841 on
1914-15. From the surplus £41.851) was allocated to rate relief,
over £80.000 to renewals, and the balance for various purposes,
including a special grant C£5,0\::o') to the Sheffield University.
During the. year 123.429.410 passengers were carried, as against
107.023,19-5 in the previous .year, the average traffic revenue amount-
ing to 1217d. per car-mile, as against 10'60d. The car-miles at
8,867,726 represent a decrease of .57,000 miles, as compared with
1914-15. The route mileage of the tramways amounted to about
401. The electricity department has taken over the Kelham Island
Tramway power station and cables, and, pending its regular
transfer, is responsible for debt charges, iScc, on the capital
expended. The tramways now employ 706 women conductors,
depot workers, &c. The department also operates motor-'buses on
10 routes, having a total length of 30 miles, some of which extend
beyond the city boundary. These vehicles ran 540,628 mUes,
earning Is. per mile, or a total income of £27,565 : the net balance,
after providing for debt chai-ges, depreciation, taxes, i;c., was
£3,816.

Talycafn. — The Aluminium Corjxiration. whose works

are situated between Talycafn and Trefriw (North Wales) is making
application to Parliament for powers to consti'uct a railway from
the works to join the London and North-Western Railway at a
point in the parish of Maenan. where it is proposed to provide a
goods and passenger station.

TELEGRAPH and TELEPHONE NOTES.

Aulomatic Telephones. — The autoraatio telephone
exchange which has been installed at Paisley was to be put in
operation on Monday last. The installation at present takes 4,2oii
lines, but its ultimate capacity is 2.500. The plant has been
manufactured and installed by the .\utomatic Telephone Co.. of
Liverpool.

Rhodesia. — At the end of 1914 there were 5,300 km. of
telegraph line under the control of the Administration, and
12.554 km. of wire, the total number of offices being 108 : over a
million messages were handled during the year. The receipts for
the year were 971.382.15 ir.—JoiirHal Tileri'raphique.

South Africa,— At the end of 11) 1 4 the telegraph system

of the Union included 24.182 km. of line and 81.066 km. of wire,
as well as 10.054 km. of wire used also for telephonic communica-
tion. The number of telegraph offices was 1.602. Telegrams
handled during the year amounted to 6.383,564. and the revenue
was 8.1)18.500 fr. The telephone system compriseil 6.872 km. of
line and 137.644 km. of wire in use, with 29,400 telephones con-
nected ; 57.400,000 messages were dealt with. The receipts
amounted to 6,968,250 fr. The expenses of the telegraph and tele-
phone systems are not separated from those of the postal service. —

Joui llttJ Tf'Iniriiphiquc.

Telegrams by Telephone. — The Post Office is calling

attention to the facilities offered for the delivery of telegrams by
telephone. It is pointed out that there is a scarcity of boys for
messenger duties, and the prompt delivery of telegrams is difficult.
Telegraph Rates. — Telegrams may now be sent to
Newfoundland by cable for is. a word, and by Marconi at 8d. ; also
to the Caroline Islands for 33. lid. '

CONTRACTS OPEN and CLOSED.

OPEN.

Australia.— Augti!*! Itith. P.M.ti. Distilling apparatus
(Schedule '502"), telegraph and measuring instruments (Schedule
498"). See "• Official Notices " .lune I6th,

SYDiNKV,- August 17th, Portable internal-combustion engine
and dynamo (2< KW.) for the Departmental Stores, Sydney, for
P.M,0.*

.■Vugust 24th. P.M.t!. Automatic switchboard and apparatus
for North Sydney Exchange. Scljcdule No. 511.*

Basingstoke. — -fol.v I'Xtli. Wiring ihr CcnsiTMiliM'

Club f(.r electric light. Mr. A. K. (irant. Secretary.

London. — Ij.C'.C. — The Highways Connnittee rei-ouinieiids
that tenders be invited for steam, exhaust. .Vc. piping, in connec-
titui with the third additional turlio-gencrator at the (ireenwich
generating station, and that the chairman and vice-chairman of
the Committee be severally authorised during the summer recess to
f)pen any tenders received for the work.

.July 26th. H.M. Office of Works, Batten holders, ceiling roses,
switches, plugs, and cut-outs. See " Official Notices '" to-day.

New Zealand. — Invercargill. — SepLemlier :.'Hth.

Borough Council. Steam turbo-alternator, condensing plant, and
switchgear. Specifications from the Tramway Office. Contract
No. 40.*

Walthainstow. — Inly :ii;th. ('oiincil. .".oo-kw. rotary

(ir Mintiir I'DiiviTter ; E.H.r. switchgear -. i,.i'. switchgear. See
-Otficial Nolic(-s" .Inly 14th.

Specifications for the items marked * can be seen at the Board
of Trade Commercial Intelligence Branch in London.

CLOSED.

Ashton-under-Lyne. — Elei'trioity Cninmittee : —

T. King.— 75 tons of coal per week for three months.
Kelsall Bros.— 60 tons of coal per week for six monthb..
.J. Rawlings.— 30 tons of coal per week for six months.

Barnsley. — Electricity and Lighting Committee : —

— as Lindley. — Reinforced-concrete flooring
. for engines at electricity works, £543.

nd concrete foundational

London. — L.C.C. — The Highways Committee purchased
43.835 tons of coal for use at the Greenwich generating station,
at a cost of about £70,000. during the quarter ended .lune
30th last. The Committee has accepted the tender of Messrs.
Pinchin, Johnson & Co. for insulating varnishes. The Stores and
Contracts Committee accepted the tender of the British Westing-
house Electric & Mfg. Co. for the supply of electric traction glow-
lamps for the Tramwavs Department, for the three months ended
June 30th.

Southend-on-Sea. — Lighting Committee. Recommended

tenders :—

Venner's Time Switches, Ltd. — 200 current limiters.

Callender's Cable & Construction Co., Ltd. — Various cables (six months).

B.I. &, Helsby Cables, Ltd,— 100 pairs cut-outs for sectional boxes.

Stoppage of Building and Engineering Works.— The

following important notification has been issued by the Ministry
of Munitions : —

" In pursuance of the powers conferred on him by Regulation
8E of the Defence of the Realm (Consolidation) Regulations, 1914,
the Minister of Mimitions hereby orders as follows :

" On and after the twentieth day of Jidy, 1916, no jierson shall
without licence from the Minister of Munitions commence or carry
on any building or construction work, that is to say, the construc-
tion, alteration, repair, decoration, or demolition of buihlings.
or the construction, reconstruction, or alteration of railroads,
docks, harbours, canals, embankments, bridges, tunnels, jiiers,
or others works of construction or engineering. Provided that
where the total cost of the whole completed work in contemplation
does not exceed the sum of £500 and' the use of constructional
steel is not involved, the licence of the Minister of Mtmitions shall
not be required.''

The notice does not relate to Government contracts, or to
already-authorised municipal contracts.

All persons desirous of obtaining a licence should apply in writing
to the General Secretary. Jlinistry of Munitions. 6, Whitehall
Gardens, S,W.. giving, full particulars of the description and locality
of the work, the purpose for which it is intended, and its estimated
cost, and such further information as the. Minister may require.

Vol. ^•^. No. 2,017, July 21, 1916.

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

NEW

ELECTRICAL DEVICES, FITTINGS,
AND PLANT.

B.T.H. Ironclad Switch Fuses.

We illustrate in fio;. 1 one of a raug'e of totally enclosed ironokul
.Bwitch fuses, which have been i)ut on the market by the Bkiti.su
Thhmsox-Hoi'ston Co.. Ltd.. Ruirby. for circuits up to 7i in volts.
in Jii-aiiipi-re and HO-ampere sizes. The fu-se clips and terminals

"Twinob" Switch Motor Controls.

The Lundberg "Twinob" tumbler switch has been slightly
modified, as shown in fig. .5. to ensure that one arm shall be put on
before the other, and that both shall be put off together. The
illustration shows one arm on and the other oflt ; this being the
starting position of the switch. The arm which is " on " has an
open box at its extremity, which encloses the knob of the other
lover when both are on or off. The switch, of course, is provided
with a cover.

The switch cau be used for the control of small D.c. shunt or

1. -L'o-.\.MrEEE Triple- Pol, K
Switch Fhsr. Open.

Fh;. .-..- ■Twinob' M.
I'oNTRoL Switch.

" mounted on porcelain bases, with insulating barriers to prevent
lug across or to the case : the movable parts aj'e carried by the
1 1 J ed cover, and all parts are accessible when the case is open.
' 'uii;k make and break and interlocking arrangements are provided ;
I 111- hinges arc machined, and a tight joint is made between case
•iiiil cover. Adapters for screwed conduit and shields for back-of-
panel connection can he provided.

" Arora " Cooking Apparatus.

I'HE Akoha Co.. of Loughborough, is placing on the market a
^v electric grill, designed to meet the pressing need for rapid
_iilling and toasting : as shown in fig, 3. it is made of cast-iron,
with an alumiuiuni finish. The heating elements are formed of an
extra heavy section of wire, and are mounted on the underside of
strong fireclay bars ; thus the heat is thrown downwards, and.
owing to the high radiation of the elements and the fireclay, the
grill is ready for use directly the current is switched on. The
power consumption is alxiut 1.100 watts, and the operation of
giilling takes from five to ten minutes, according to the thickness
fif the steak or chop. The electrical part of the grill can be lifted
off. so that the rest of the device cau be thoroughly washed with-
out risk of damaging the elements : the detachable part can also
be used separately as a "salamander."

series motors. In the simplest connection for a shunt motor, and
without a resistance, the box lever completes the field circuit, and
the ordinary lever the armature circuit. Fig. 6 shows the con-
nections for a shunt motor with a starting resistance R. The lever
Avhich goes on first is marked K. this putting the supply straight
on to the field, and through R to the armature. The second lever
bridges R. The same arrangement of resistance may be used for a
series motor. The switch is made in 10- and .5-ampere sizes, and
can be fitted with ordinary or Admiralty pattern terminals. The
makers are Messrs. A. P. Lundberg A: Sons, of 477-489, Liverpool
Road, London, X.

NOTES.

Commerce and Industry after the War: A General

Committee.— We already have a number of Board of Trade Com-
mittees investigating the steps that are to be taken for the assist-
ance of particular trades after the war. We have also had the

fi(;.

.\ROK.\" Grill.

Fig. 4.— "Arok.\. " Boiling Plate.

Diagram of Connections'
OK Motor Control.

Another new device . is a three-section electric boiling plate, for
rapid boiling, shown in fig. 4. This has a cast-iron frame, so
designed that it will not crack with the heat, which supports a
heavy fireclay disk retainer ; three sector-shaped heating elements
are supported on the disk, each being held in place by two wing
nuts, so that any sector can be replaced without interfering
with the others. The full-load consumption is 1.500 watts: by
means of two switches, one-third and two-thirds of the full heat
can also be obtained, and the interlocking slide seen at the front
adds a further control, giving one-ninth of the full heat, which is
useful for simmering purposes. Heavy flexible cable armoured for
18 in. is provided, as well as an earthing wire. The cooking sur-
face measures 14 in. X 12 in., and the grid has an opening >i in. in
diameter.

-An electric fire, with three bars, has been added to the list of
sizes available, as well as a neat cast-iron hearth stand.

Economic Conference of the Allies and its important conclusions.
It is now announced that the Prime Minister has appointed a Com-
mittee to consider the commercial and industrial policy to be
adopted after the war. with special reference to the conclusions
reached at the Economic Conference of the Allies, and to the
following questions : —

(«) What industries are essential to the future safety of the
nation ; and what steps should be taken to maintain or establish
them ?

(,!>) What steps should be taken to recover home and foreign
trade lost during the war, and to secure new markets .'

(/■■) To what extent, and by what means, the resources of the
Empire should, and can, be devclo])ed .'

(./) To what extent, and by what means, the sources of supply
within the Empire can be prevented from falling under foreign
control ?

'I'HK KI^ECTRICAL EKVIKAV.

[Vol 7!>. No. 2,017, .iiii.Y 21, mm.

The ronumttee is ioui|K>sotl :i~ lulkiws . -
The Ri?ht Hon. Lord Balfour of Burleiy^h, K.l"
(chairman).

Mr. .\rthiir Balfour.

Mr. Il.Coslinsr.

Mr. W. .\. S. Hewins. M.P.

Mr. .\. H. IlliuM'worth. M.P.

Sir. I. r. Mailay. Bt.

To''ethpr with the I'oUowiii

(..r.M.i;.

Sir A. Mond. Bt.. MP.

Mr. Arthur Pease.

Mr. R. E. Prothero. MP.

Sir Frederick H. Smith. Rt.

Mr. C. .(. Wardle. M.P.

entlemen, who are pre-sidinir over

Board of Trade Committee.^! on th? position of important Industrie.-;
after the war :

Sir H. Birchenouiih. K.C.M.li. Sir ('. A. Parsous, K.C.B.. F.R.S.

Lord Farinsrdon. Lord Rhondda.

Sir ('. (i. Il.vde. Mr. ti. Scoby-Smith.

Mr. Perry Ashley. i>t I lie Hoaril of Trade, and Mr. (i. ('. Upyott'
of the Trt'ivsury. have 1 ii apjiointed secretaries to the Coinmitti^e.

Women in Sub-Stations— Tlie awomi.:m.vinir illiisiiu-

tion shows a female sub-.stat ion attendant at work m llu- Dudley
sub-station of the Shropshire. Worcestei-shire and Staffordshire
Electric Power Co. Several women are employed on this work by
theronipany. For some time past the Glasgow Corporation elec-
trieitv ilepartment has emjiloyed women on similar duties, and it is
uuilerstood that in both places they have proved very satisfactory

operators. They^have been trained also as switehlinMrd .-ittendants
for generatinjj stations. .

A correspondent in this issue points out that such work is admir-
a'bly adapted for disabled soldiers and sailors ; we believe that up
to the present the latter have had no difficulty in obtaining employ-
ment, but we cannot hope that this happy condition will be main-
tained for Ions', and. as we stated in our last issue under " War
Items." p. 40. a Committee of the Institution of Electrical Euijineers
has made arrangements for training' them to undertake such duties.
We have no doubt that disabled fighting men will be employed in
preference to women whenever they are available.

Our Contemporaries " Caught Napping."— An amnsing

paragraph appears in the KU'i-tnad Times of yesterday, in which
our contemjwrary says : " We may as well own up to it first as
last, they [the Council of the I.E.E.] have caught us napping.
Neither "is it a legitimate excuse that they caught our contem-
poraries napping also. They made a highly interesting anno"uiice-
mept iu the .Jouninl. and for a whole week few of the electrical
editors even saw it." The reference is to the recommendations recently
submitted to the Electrical Trades Committee of the Board of Trade
on behalf of the Council by the President, Mr. C. P. Sparks.
So far from being "caught napping." we saw the announce-
ment in the " Institution Notes " within five minutes of receiv-
ing the Juurniil, and in our issue of July 7th we pub-
lished the whole of the recommendations, and congratulated
the Council upon the new spirit by which it was animated
(Elec. Rev., July 7th, p. 17). In the following issue we made the
recommendations the subject of our leading article, and commented
upon the fact that none of our contemporaries had referred to them
at all. But what was more remarkable was that, even then, the
only one of our contemporaries which awoke to their publication
was Electricid Iriiiin-tries, and we have reason to believe that we
were instrumental in directing its attention to the matter.

Now. after we have twice covered the ground, the Electrical
Times brazenly alleges that the Council " caught our contemporaries
napping." 1

Educational. — I" 'li^' House of t'oiiiiiKuis dii 'I'lieisdity

last. Mr. .\. Henderson stated that it hiul l)een decided to appoint
three committees, to inquire respectively into the education of
young persons after the war. and the jxjsition of science and
moileru languages in our educational .system. In the course of the
debate which followed, the general desire for educational reform
was manifest.

Volunteer Notes. — l«i' London ENtuNEKR VobrN-

iKKUs. Headiiuartei-s. Chester House, Eccleston Place. Orders for
the week by Lieut.-Col. C. B. Clay, V.D., Commanding.

Sifiinl'ii/. ,]u\y 22nd. Instructional Class, 2.;t(l, Company Com-
mander Fleming.

.lA»«rf«//, July 21th. Technical for Platoon No. !l. Ki, Regenc^y
Street, S.W. Scjuad and Platoon Drill, f'l.atiwn No. lo. Signalling
Class and Recruits.

Tiicxiliii/. July 2.">th. Officers' Instructional tUsuss. (i-7. Rceriiits,
7-H. Lecture, 7.15. Lantern Lecture by Mr. W. Aitken : ■Tele-
phones."

i]'eihiesil(/i/. .luly 2i;th. Platoon Drill for No. 2 Platoon.

Tim mild !i'. July 27th. Platocm Drill, No. i; Platoon. Recruits,
.■>. t.">-7.4.-|. Instructional Class, itA't.

Friilin/. July 2Sth. Technical for No. 10 Platoon, Hi. Regency
Street, S.W. Siiuiul and Platoon Drill, No. !l Platoon.

S.itiirdin/. July 2!lth. — Parade Hpa<i(iuarters. 2.l."i. for ('onipany
Drill, rnilorm.

.s««(/<;V, .lulv :tOtli. — Entrenching duties. I'aradr. Vietoriii (.S.IO.
and C. Hailwiiy Booking Office). H.tO a.m.

MAri.Kiiii V|.;ai;si,i;\ . !<//«/</«/.

.////// 17///. I'.ih;.

London Electricians' Wages Advanced. Klei iii. imis

in the London district have been .awarded an advance n( !.i\. )ier
hour by the Committee on Production. - 7Vmc.v.

Appointments Vacant, ^^ini"'

niingham elec'tricity ilepartment (Ci:
pa;;es to-day.

Memorial to Prof. Thompson.

have reeeivpil the following letter : —

" Suggestions have been made in several quarters that a meiiiorial
to the late Prof. Silvanus P. Thompson should be establishnl. I
have to inform you that the Finsbury Technical ('ollege Old
Students' .\ssociation have taken the matter U]). and are now
engaged on the formulation of a scheme to enable all those
interested to jierpetuate the memory of the deceased in a suitable
milliner.

"John E. I!.\wciiri'ii.

'• P,-c.si,lr,lt.t/,c l--i„sl,„ri/ Tcchili.;!! Cnllcir
■■ (lid S'liileiits ,\.<siiri(ilii,ii:'

Jiill.

engineer lor Bir-

oiir advertisement

-As we go to press, we

OUR PERSONAL COLUMN.

The Editors iiirite electrical enr/ineers, whether miiiwcted icitli the
technical iir the commercial side of the profession and indnstrij,
also electric tramirai/ and raihrai/ ofUcials.fo hec/i readers of the
Electrical Review posted as to their moicmcnts.

Central Station and Tramway Officials.— Mr. C. W. Sukp-
Hl.uD, late general manager of the Edinburgh & District
Tramways Co., Ltd., who has recently been acting as secre-
tary, has, owing to ill-health, resigned his position with the
company. Mr. J. Wiseman, who has been with the company
for over 30 years, ha.s been appointed to succeed him.

GeneraL — Mr. Heathman, of Parson's Clreen, Fulhani,
wishes his correspondents to kindly take notice that there js
not a second " N " to his name, as he is not a German. His
antecedents for the pa^t 3011 years were Devonshire folk.

London Oaxeite notice. — Territorial Force. London Klcc-
trical Engineers : Sergeant 0. L. Palmer, from R.E., to be
Second-I.ieutenant (on probation).

At the University Court of Edinburgh last week. Sir J. .\.
EwiNG, Director of Naval Education, wl^i was i-eeently
elected principal, was installed as head of the tjniversity Court.

Mr. H. N. Hennikeu, engaged at Edinburgh with Messrs.
Bruce Peebles & Co., Ltd., was married at Eamsgate, on
July 11th, to Miss K. Riches. The presents included a can-
teen of cutlery from the staff of Messrs. Brace Peebles & Co.,
Ltd.

Roll of Honour.— Captain David D. Horne, who has fallen
iti action in France at the age of 40, was the representative
at Newcastle-ou-Tyne of Messrs. Crompton & Co., Ltd.

Captain CteORGE Clii-ford Whitaker, the youngest son of
Mr. Matthew Whitaker, railway contractor, who is I'eported
as killed in action whilst serving with the Leeds " Pals' "
Battalion, was, on his next leave, to have married Miss Mary
Hamilton, youngest daughter of Mr. J. B. Hamilton, the
general manager of the Leeds Corporation tramways.

Corporal Walter Hutchinson, of the Bradford "Pals,"
who has been wounded, was an assistant engineer at the
Batley Corporation electricity works prior to joining the Army.

Lance-Corporal Jack Rae, of the King's Own Yorkshire
Light Infantry, who is severely wounded, was an apprentice
to electrical engineering with Mr. Fisher, of Doncaster.

Private William Rdssell, of the West Yorks. Regiment,
who is wounded and in a Bristol 'hospital, was formerly
employed at the Bradford electricity works.

JlLV 21, I'.Hi;.

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

Second-Lieutenant Jack M. Clarke, Eoyal Irish Rifles,
wounded, is a son of Canon Clarke, Killead, Ireland, and is
an electrical engineer.

Signaller Vincent Core, of the Bradford "Pals," who has
died of wounds, was an employe at the Bradford telephone
headquarters.

Lance-Corporal WiLLUM GiBSOX, of the Lonsdale Battalion,
Border Regiment, who was killed in action on .Tnly 1st, was,
hefore the war, an electrician in the employ of the Winder-
mere & District Electricity Supply Co., Ltd.

.\mongst those wounded in the fighting in France is Lieu-
tenant R. E. BuLLonoH, of the South Midland Royal Engi-
neers, son of Mr. R. C. Bullough, manager of the Colchester
tramways.

Lance-Corporal Wilfred W.\terman, of the Essex Regiment,
«ho has fallen in action during the advance in France, was,
l.efore the war, engaged at the Clielmsluid wurks uf the
.Marconi Co.

Private Erio V. Smith, nl the Ea.st Yorkshire Regiment, who
is ill hospital at Rouen seriously wounded, was. hefme the
uar, on the electrical engineering stafl' of Henley's Telegraph
Wurks Co.

Private H. W. Eraser, of the London Scottish, who was,
on his enlistment, in the electricity department of the Wool-
wich Corporation, has been wounded.

Sergeant P. P. Robson, of the 2nd Coldstream Guards, who
was on the stalY of the Hull Corporation Tramways, has
gained the Military Medal for gallant conduct on the field.

Private Frank Price, of the Eoyal Fusiliers, who was with
the Electric Construction Co., of Bushbury, W'olverharapton,
before the war, has been wounded in France.

Sergeant C. H. Smith, of the Devonshire Regiment, who
was on the sljiff of the Electric Light Co., at Barnstaple, has
been wounded, and is in a hospital at Birmingham.

Second-Lieutenant Jinks, of the Northants Regiment, who
has been wounded in France, was an engineer in the test
department at the Rugby works of the, British Thomson-
Houston Co., Ltd. Before being wounded he was in the
enemy lines with his two machine guns for a day. He is in
the Duchess of Westminster's Hospital at the base.

Private W. J. Bakf.r. of the 7th South Stall's. Reghuent,
officially reported killed in action, after being mis.sing since
yViigiist 9th last, was, before his enlistment, engaged with the
British Thomson-Houston Co., Ltd., of Rugby.

Ririemau Harrv King, of the Rifle Brigade, who was. prior
I . the war. with the British Thomson-Houston Co., Ltd., at
Itiigby, ha.s been wounded.

Gunner Spencer Miu\n, of the Royal Field Artillery, who
has died of double pneumonia, contracted in training, was
:iii electrician in the employ of Mr. Guy Ljavcock, of H udders-
field.

Private C. H. IjOng, of the West Yorks. Regiment, who is
wounded, was formerly employed at the Bolton Road elec-
tricity works, Bradford.

Private Bkrt Robinson, an employe of the Lancashire
Dynamo & Motor Co., Ltd., Trafford Park, has been wounded.

Sergeant Walter A. Chadwick, killed in action, was for-
merly a costs clerk employed by Messrs. W. T. Glover & Co.,
Ill' TralTord Park. Private T. Horrocks, an employe of the
same company, has l)een wounded.

Lance-Coipcjral E. H. Holme, for many years in the employ
(.1 the British Westinghouse Co., Trafford Park, is iinoflicially
I. ported killed. Private Joseph .\ckkrley, another employe

1 the company, has al.so been killed in action.

I'rivate P. lionRox, wounded and in hospital at Gla.sgow,
■s\as an emjilove of the Lancashire Dynamo & Motor Co., Ltd.,
Trail'ord I'aik.

Private .Fames Gillow, of the Royal Warwicks, formerly
emplnviMl l.\ tb.- l-iiitish Westinghouse Co., Trafford Park, has

b.M-ll klll.Ml' 111 artloll.

Private ,\. Sim:i,f.ton, who has be'en wounded, was for-
merly employed by Messrs. Baxendale & Co., Ltd., of Man-
chester.

Private John McGijtre, a former employe of Messrs. Saun-
ders & Taylor, Jitd., electrical engineers, Manchester, is re-
ported killed.

Private S. Needham, an employe at the British W'esting-
house Works, TralTord Park, has been killed in action.

Private Herbert Smethurst, who has died in hospital at
Rouen from wounds, was an employe at the Chloride Elec-
trical Storage Works, Clifton Junction.

Cyclist H. R. Bates, an employe of the British Westinghouse
Co., Trafford I\irk, has been wounded.

Private C. Kenny, of the South Lancashire Regiment, and
his brother. Private L. Kenny, of the Manchester Regiment,
both of whom were employed by the British Westinghouse
Co., have been wounded.

Company-Sergeant-Major Harry Gill, West Yorkshire
Regiment, an electrical engineer, of Leeds, who was wounded
on the first day of the recent advance, died two days later.

The Times states that Captain Norman Vaudrey, Manches-
ter Regimeu{. killed on July 1st, in bis 32nd year, was the
.second and only surviving son of Sir William and Lady 'Vaud-
rey. Captain Norman Vaudrey was a civil engineer at Man-
chester.

Major W. A. Vignoles, borough electrical engineer of
Grimsby, has been wounded in the left hand, and is in hos-
pital* in f.oudon.

Private E. O. Willlams, of the West Yorks. Regiment, who
is wounded, was in the electric fighting department at Leeds.

Private E. Gledhill, w'ounded whilst serving in the West
Yorks. Regiment, was in the Bradford tramways department.

Lieutenant W'. C. McConnell, Royal Irish Rifles, ofliciaUy
reported killed in action on July 8th, was the youngest son
of Sir Robert McConnell, Bart., D.L., Strandtown, Belfast,
and was a partner in the firm of McConnell & Bailey, mecha-
nical and electrical engineers, London, E.

The Times reports the death from wounds, on Tuesday, of
Second- Lieutenant F. R. Hoggett, A.M.I. E.E., Royal West
Surrey Regiment, aged '29, who had been connected with Cal-
lender's Cable & Construction Co., Ltd.; also the death of
Lieutenant Eric B. R. Scott, R.E., a student of the Royal
School of Mines, South Kensington, aged 20, who joined the
London Electrical Engineers- (T.F.) at the outbreak of war;
also of Second-Lieutenant Noel D. Edinboroouh, Middlesex
Regiment, aged 22. who was an Associate of the Institution
ol Electrical Engineers and of the City and Guilds of London
1 nstitute.

Private Frank Tyson, an employi^ of the British Westing-
house Co., Trafford Park, has been wounded.

Private Herbert WiirrNKY. of the Cheshire Regiment, who
has been killed in action, was formerly employed in the elec-
tricity department of the Sale (Cheshire) District Council.

Private 'EnwAHb Millar, formerly on the staff of the Manx
Electric Railway Co., lias been killed in action in France,
where has was serving with the Canadian Contingent.

Captain .\lfred Lee Wood, to whose death in action in
France we referred last week, w^as a brother of Mr. .Arthur
P. Wood, general manager and director of the Lancashire
Dynamo and Motor Co., Ltd. Captain Wood, who was on
the staff' of the same company for some years, and had repre-
sented it in India, was a son of the late Mr. J. Lee Wood, for
many years secretary of the Clifton & Kear.sley Coal Co., Ltd.
He was given a commission as lieutenant in the Lancashire
Fusiliers in October, 1914, was afterwards raised to a cap-

Tm: Late Captain

.U.rREii Lee \Vi

taincy, and went out to France last November. \ Manchester
paper gives the following account by his orderly, who lies
wounded at Manchester, of the way in which the gallant
officer met his death :-^

On the morning of the attack our guns began a heavy bombardment at 6.30,
and continued for an hour. .About an liour later the captain was standing
below the parapet calmlv smoking a cigarette and glancing occasionally at his
wrist watrh. At 7.30 sharp he leapt over the parapet, followed by his men.
A perfect tornado of bullets was encountered from every side. Barely 50 yards
had been covered when he was liit by a bullet which grazed his head, whilst
I got one in the arm. Without pausing we went on a little further, when a
second bullet struck the captain on the head, causing a nasty gash, and
almost at the same moment 1 was shot through the leg. Turning to me, the
captain asked, "Are vou badly hit?" and 1 replied, " Y'es, sir, I cant go
on this time." He then ordered me to trv and get back to our trench, and
although 1 begged him to come back with me, as he was badly wounded, he
said, " No, I will get that machine gunner." The gun was causmg fearful
losses amongst his men. The machine gun was taken later, and it was
found that the man working it was chained to it and wearing an Iron Cross.
. . I heard that the captain reached the third line of German trenched
before receiving his third and fatal wound. I managed to get my leg dressed,
■mil later on saw the captain Iving in our trenches, with the Colonel by his
side. He was known to us as the " gaffer." and we would have followed him
anywhere.

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW. [Vui. to. no.

CITY NOTES.

The annual meeting was held at the
General Cauuon Street Hotel, E.C.. on Monday,

Electric under the presidency of Mr. 11. Hirst,

Co., Ltd. ihainnan and managing director. Mr.

Hirst said that the outstanding features of
the balance sheet were that thev had made a net increased
profit of nearly £'81,000, that they had .spent, rougldy, f 80.000
in works extensions, that they had Iteen able to carry on their
increased business and yet keep tlie large sum of £'2o'J,000
invested in War Loan and Treasury Bills, and, finally, that
their proposed appropriation provided for an increase to the
reserve fund of .i'40,0(K), and an increased carry-forward of
JIl.ftK). All the other ligures were .•substantially of the .same
character as those of a year ago. The distribution on the
ordinary shares was the same as last year. Dividends ab-
sorbed a slightly larger amount, namely, .i'9'2,OliO, instead of
JtSlXKH). The advance .sliown was all the more remarkable as
a great portion of the previous year's output was for Govern-
ment requirements, and the prices charged were, almost with-
out exception, the same as those ruling prior to the war; only
in certain ca.ses had they asked for advances, and then only
ill proportion to the increased prices of raw material and
labour. The higher profits were mainly due to the fact that
under present conditions they had obtained more repetition
work than one could expect in normal times, and all engi-
neering repetition work cheapened the cost of production,
because they were able to get more work from the machines.
They had benefited in some manufacturing departments
which, under pre-war conditions, showed an annual loss,
whilst under present conditions they had yielded a legitimate
profit. He referred to some of the departments which had
been advorselv criticised on previous occasions, but which had
proved of exceptional value to the Government. The shell
factory which they had laid down was now in full swing,
and had been responsible for a considerable proportion of last
year's capital expenditure. At the first starting up, some
temporary dislocation was caused in the works owing to the
necessity of training women and un.skilled labour with a
depleted staff, and, perhaps, owing to want of experience in
this direction on this company's part. Their deliveries had
given the greatest satisfaction, but they had not yet suc-
ceeded in making a profit in this section of the works. Their
large reserve stock of standard lines had naturally benefited
by the general rise in prices, and this had been a contribu-
tory factor to the success of the year. Above all, their results
were mainly due to the loyalty, co-operation, and resourceful-
ness of the staff and the majority of the workpeople, who bad
appreciated the utility of their products to the country. A
goodly number would not be lured away into the inany con-
cerns started since the war, which temporarily were offering
.such tempting and abnormal wages. .A.!! the work which, they
had done did not show itself in actual business retui'ns. Many
of their people had been able to devise, and give useful assist-
ance to, Government departments and committees in experi-
ments, and in the solution of scientific problems which the
conditions of war had created. This was not a time for
thinking of larger dividends. With the ever-increasing diffi-
culty of obtaining raw material, the probable further diminu-
tion in the supply of labour, and the necessary limitation to
imports and exports, it was impossible to forecast what sur-
prises might be ahead of them before the war was over. They
must, therefore, persevere in the policy of conserving their
strength and keeping; their a.ssets liquid. They must bear in
mind, also, that a big task confronted the electrical industry
in this country. Much was expected of them, and they, the
General Electric Co., were anxious to fulfil these expectations.
A.S .soon as they had the slightest indication as to what would
be the Government policy after the war, and in what way
new enterprises would receive the necessary measure of Gov-
ernment assistance which present conditions demanded, they
would be willing to open up in new fields and avenues which
had hitherto been closed to the manufacturers of this country.
The stronger they made themselves internally, the more fit
they would be to wage the fiei'ce commercial and industrial
contest which was bound to ensue after the war, and the
better would they be able to make use of the opportunities
held out to the electrical industry by the Allies. Their strong
financial position and reserves would permit them to go full
speed ahead with the constructional work, and their sales
organisations overseas were so unique and firmly established
that they were prepared for any challenge. It was just this
desire to keep their oversea blanches alive and well organised
that was causing thern anxiety, as export business was now
rendered so difficult, due to lack of tonnage, and they were
consequently able to execute only a small percentage of the
orders and contracts which they were offered. Where an
industry never seemed to get out of . the state of evolution, the
directors and managers could not keep pace with the times
if, with every experiment and with every fresh step involv-
ing expense, they were to feel that they were incurring ex-
penditure which might deprive the shareholders of their divi-
dends for the current year. If a portion of the past profits
were always available for pioneer work, for testing, sounding
and studying new inventions, and investigating fresh fields
of inquiry, one had the greatest chance of remaining at the
top of the industry. As regarded investment's, they were

committed to a policy, and, according to the present plans of
the board, the investment account was likely to be still fur-
ther increased next year. He presumed, however, that so
long as this account showed a handsome yield, the share-
holders would encourage them to go ahead. They had given
a full account of their investments, and would continue to
do so in the future with the same frankness. Through one
of their associated companies, the PeelC'ouner 'JVlcphcnic
Works, they had now established a magneto factory lu'ai'
Coventry, finder the title of the Conner Magneto Ignition,
Ltd.. that company had evolved a magneto for which Gov-
ernment contracts had already been secured. The works had
been started on quite a considerable scale, and they hoped
within a very few months to be able to make good some of
the present deficiency in the supply of so important and
e.s.-ential an appliance. Conditions of war made it impossible
to dLscuss fully and thoroughly all the various operations in
whidi they were engaged, but if, after the cessation of hostili-
ties, this ban was removed from his lips, he would he able
ti tell such a story of G.E.C. war activities as might well
fill both the .shareholders and the staff with pride. Their labour
and resources were being, and would continue to be, used to
the utmost to further the end they all had in view, namely,
complete victory. No fewer than .V2 of their men had lai(I
down their lives, 133 had been wounded, 61 had been in-
valided, and four were either missing or prisoners of war.
This WHS indeed a heavy casualty list out of a total of l,.50(l
men who had joined the Forces. It could be better under-
stood, however, when it was remembered that most of their
men joined at the commencement of hostilities. The company
would endeavour, as far as' lay in their power, to help the
dependents of the fallen. They had created a complete
.scheme for regularly communicating with and supplying com-
forts to those serving at the Front, and they fervently hoped
that, at a not far distant date, they might .see them back
again at their old places in the firm.

Mr. Ernest Byno seconded.

Mr. Walker thought they were entitled to get as much
information as could properly be given to cover the question
of what was going to be done, in view of the fact that.
roughly, .£80,000, or considerably more than the amount of
their profits, had been expended in works extensions. He
would like to know whether that money had been spent in
order ti5 place the company in a position of only doing work
for the Empire dui-ing the present time of stress. They must
bear in mind that the Government were taking 50 per cent,
of their excess profits, which was to be increased to 60 per
cent., and eveiitually, he believed, to 95 per cent. He
thought such a policy would have the effect of driving indus-
tries from this country to America and other neutral coun-
tries, where they would not contribute 50 or 60 per cent, of
their excess profits to the Chancellor of the Exchequer. He
was a director of a .small company which did not pay any
profit until .1914, and then it made a profit of ±''2,600. Then
followed the w'ar, and becau.se the balance sheet of that com-
pany was made up after July 31st, 1914, they were asked to
contribute half of their profits to the National Exchequer,
whereas if the balance sheet had been made up before July
31.st, 1914, they would have contributed nothing. At the same
time, their profits had nothing to do with war profits, but
were made before the war started

Dr. MooDV congratulated the directors upon being able to
present a balance sheet showing such large liquid resei"ves.
After two years of war, it .showed the company was well
managed, and that they had sufficient resources to carry
tlirough any enterprise they might undertake.

The Ch.airman said he sympathised with Mr. Walker in
what he had said. In the electrical indu.stry they turned out
products of both peace and war, and both those classes of pro-
ilucts could 1)6 turned out from the same machines with but
slight alterations. With regard to the ±'80,0(10 they had spent
in extensions, a very large proportion of that expenditure
would be useful to them, after Peace was declared, in the
development of their business. Some portion of the money,
01 course, would be useless from the commercial point of
view after the war was over, but no doubt the Government
would have to consider the position of firms who hail sunk
much more capital than they had done for war-work pui-
poses. and no doubt they would be treated with equal con
sideration by the Government. He thanked Dr. Moody for
his kind comments, which were very encouraging.

The motion was carried unanimously, and the dividend
declaration was approved.

The Chairman said he had now to propose that the appoint-
ments of Mr. M. P. Armstrong. Mr. G. H. Ide, and Mr. M.
Solomon as directors of the company be confirmed. He was
glad Mr. Armstrong had accepted their invitation to join the
board. He had known him for a great many years, and he
had always shown great interest in their work. He had all
those qualifications which would make bim very useful— in
fact, he might say eminently useful— to the company, and
he hoped the shareholders would approve of his selection.
Mr. Solomon, the manager of their carbon works, was unable
tj be with them that day, but he had been associated with
the company for upwards of 14 ur 1.5 years, and Mr. Ide, the
manager of their metal works, had been with them for up-
wards of 20 years, and he was sure they would pr.ive two very
valuable additious to their board.

Vol. 7a. No. ->,Ui;, July 21, IWlbJ THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

Mr. M. J. E.\ILIN0 seconded, and the motion was carried.

The Chairm.\n proposed the re-election of Mr. E. H. Byng,
who took a very great interest in their company, but, unfor-
tunately, had suffered from ill-health. He was with them that
morning, and he hoped he would shortly be able to resume
work. — This was carried.

A joint meeting of the holders of the
Mexicaa bonds issued by the Mexico Tramways

Companies. Co., the Mexican Light & Power Co.,
Ltd., the Mexican Electric Light Co., Ltd.,
and the Pachuca Light & Power Co. was held last week in
London, to decide upon the policy to be adopted for the pro-
tection of the bondholders' interests until conditions in
Mexico improve. The matter has been fully reported in the
financial dailies. Mr. W. E. Eundle, general manager of the
National Tru.st Co., Ltd. {the trustee for the bondholders),
who presided, .said that the total bonds outstanding, includ-
ing all the i.ssues, was f 12,330,371. Of this amount £9,074,020
had been deposited with the committee, representing 73.75
per cent, of the total outstanding issues. From the time
defaults were fir.st made by the companies in payment of
interest the trustee was impressed with the necessity of
obtaining as soon as possible an independent report upon the
pi'operties. It was recognised that the default had not been
brought about through bad management, but owing to con-
ditions wholly beyond the control of the directors and the
executives of the companies. Nevertheless, it was deemed
advisable to secure independent advice. In February last the
trustee, in conjunction with the receiver of the Mexican Light
and Power Co., and the directors of the other companies of the
group, induced Mr. Phip^en and Mr. Trowbridge, a former
manager of the light & Power Co., to proceed to Mexico.
After a gtudy of the position and conditions of the companies,
and after carrying on certain negotiations with the Government
and others, they returned to Toronto and made to the National
Tru.st Co. the report which was in the hands of the bond-
holders. Substantial results were obtained by their represen-
tatives. He strongly emphasised the necessity for the bond-
holders of all the companies of the group to stand together
at this time for mutual protection. In this was the hope for
the future. The circumstances and conditions were most un-
usual, and unless they were met in a broad, strong, and
courageous manner the bondholders' interests, in his opinion,
would undoubtedly suffer, if not end in catastrophe. He
moved a resolution approving of the resolutions intended to be
proposed at the formal meetings of the bondholders and re-
commending that such resolutions be passed.

Mr. E. R. Peacock (chairman of the Bondholders' Protec-
tion Committee), in seconding the resolution passed by the
Chairman, .said that Mr. Bundle had emphasised what the
committee regarded as the most important point, namely, the
necessity for single control and management of the companies
during the troubled period in Mexico. That involved that
someone should have full power of action, and in the present
circum-stances of the companies obviously that power should
rest with the bondholders. The bondholders had by a very
large majority relegated their powers to the bondholders' com-
mittee, and the resolutions directed the committee to take
such .steps as they founl necessary to ensure that they had
that control.— The resolution was carried unanimously.

For the year ended March 31st, 191G, the
Crompton gross profit was £63,118. and after deduct-

and Co., Ltd. ing general charges, depreciation, interest
on debentures, and other items, there re-
mains, including the sum brought forward, an available bal-
ance of £37,950. Out of this, £6,500 is to be put to general
reserve, £10,000 to special depreciation account, £1,608 is
written off the balance of preliminary expenses, 7 per cent, is
paid on the preference shares, requiring £9,363. and £10,479
is to be carried forward, subject to excess profits tax and to
assessment under the Ministry of Munitions Act, 1915. In
view of the la.st-named liabihties, the directors do not deem
it prudent to recommend a dividend on the ordinary shares.
Mr. T. Britten, manager of the works at Chelmsford, has been
elected to the board. Annual meeting : July 24th.

For the previous year the gross profit was £57,911. £6,500
was put to general reserve, £3,500 to special depreciation
account, £1,608 was written off preliminary expenses, 7 per
cent, was paid on the preference shares, and £7,691 was
carried forward.

Liverpool Overhead Railway Co. — Interim dividmd to
June 30th, on account of the year ending December 31st,
1916, at the rate of 5 per cent, per annum on the preference
shares, and '21, per cent, per annum on the ordinary shares.
Income-tax will be deducted at the rate of 4s. 6d. in the £.

To be Strucli OH tlie Register.— The following companies
will be struck off the register within three months and dis-
solved unless cause is shown to the contrary : —

Atlas AntiFriclion Metal Co
• Eclipse Rail-Track Co.
Electric Ozone Syndicite.
Traffic Indicators, Ltd.
Wireless Electric Light Co.

Sao Paulo Tramway, Light & Power Co.— Dividend, 21

per cent, on the common stock.

Rio de Janeiro Tramway, Light & Power Co.— Dividend,
li per cent, on the capital stock.

Brazilian Traction, Light & Power Co. — Dividend, 1 per
cent, on the ordinary stock.

Veritvs, Ltd. — By an Order of the Court, separate meet-
ings of the holders of the ordinary shares and of the manage-
ment shares respectively are to be held on July 25th, to
consider a scheme of arrangement between the company and
such holders. The Court has appointed Mr. G. Verity, or fail-
ing him Mr. B. 0. Evans, as chairman of the meetings, and
he has to report the result to the Court. A copy of the
scheme can be .seen at the ofiice, 31, King Street, W.C., by
arrangement.

STOCKS AND SHARES.

TnESD.\Y EVENINO.

The cheering news from the Front has been hailed with
delight in the City, where there is keen appreciation of the
first fruits of the Great Offensive. This encouragement com-
pensates for an unexpected advance in the Bank Rate to
6 per cent.— the first change .since August 8th, 1914. The
reason for this step is taken to be due to financial conditions
in New York, and criticism hesitates to say much on a sub-
ject of which the essential elements can be known only to
the Bank of England and a few other authorities.

Naturally, the rise caused a sharp set-back in Stock Ex-
change prices. Perhaps the previous upward movement had
rushed ahead too sharply, and reaction was fairly due. Re-
action came, anyway, and most of the investment prices are
down on the week. Even the profit-makers out of the war
are not likely to buy Consols on a 4i per cent, basis when
they can get Treasury Bills of the British Government to
pay them £6 7s. 8d. per cent, on the money, and War Ex-
penditure Certificates that return 6 per cent.

The Home Railway market was amongst the first to suffer.
Gilt-edged stocks fell back one to three points, and the eager
demand for them became abated. This was quickly reflected
in the ordinary stocks, which gave way without exception.
At the lowered levels, however, evidence of bargain-hunting
appeared. The argument revived that investment requires
a more permanent home for its money than is provided by
the short-term policy of war finance to which the Treasury
.seems so greatly wedded. Before the month is out, we make
bold to prophesy people will have become familiarised with a
6 per cent. Bank Ptate, and will be buying previous favourites
in the Stock Exchange markets. Always provided, of course,
that the Bank Rate is not put up further.

■The Stock Exchange Committee have under active con-
.sideration a scheme for restoring, where practicable, double
quotations, officially, for .stocks and shares dealt in through
the markets. This will come into operation in a month's
time, according to present intentions. One of the chief diffi-
culties of re-establishing double prices is aptly furnished by
the market in electricity supply shares.

At the present time, there is a pronounced scarcity of sup-
ply. Shares can be sold with comparative ease, but they can-
not be bought in a number of cases. The jobbers may say,
therefore, that to quote a price at 6J to 7 in the Official List
is misleading and unreliable if they have no shares to offer
at 7. Probably the position would be the same if they called
the price 6J to 7^. when they would incur the charge of
quoting an ab.surdly wide margin between buyers and sellers.
\\ here a free market exists, reversion to the double prices
could be reliable and valuable. What will happen, we take
it. is that a start will be made with certain stocks and shares,
leaving blanks for a great many others, and these latter would
gradually come into line as bu.siness in them developed enough
for double prices to be accurately and reliably quoted.

Underground Electric Incomes dropped 3J of their previou.s
week's gain of 4 points. The shares are also down. Metro-
politans'shed IJ and Districts lost j. South- Western deferred,
■nhich shot up to 27i on the excellent results which electric
traction is said to be affording the company, reacted to 26.

Electricity Supply shares are amongst the few to which the
6 per cent. Bank Rate made no difference. Charing Cross
preference are 5s. up, and so are City of London ordinary.
The reason is the same as that already mentioned, namely,
that there are no shares on offer. Neither the rise in the
Bank Rate nor that in the price of coal brought in any sellers
of the shares.

The Telegraph market is equally firm. Several stocks from
which dividend payments were deducted last week have begun
to recover the amounts. Chile Telephones are a particularly
good spot, again putting on 3/lC with a rise of 7, so that
they are the fraction higher than United River Plate Tele-
phones, with which previously they had been keeping in step.
Marconis experienced a swift drop to 3 1/16 on a shake-out
of the bull position. From this there was something^ of a
rally, but the price is still down on the week, and with_ it
there subsided also the American, Canadian, and Spanish
shares, these dropping abruptly to 17s. 6d. for the first, and
half-a-guinea for the two others. tt -i- •

Bondholders of the four principal Mexican Utdities com-
panies met last week to consider what pohcy should be
adopted for the protection of their interests until conditions
i 1 Mexico improve. The meeting was an informal one, but
informing details were given, and the importance emphasised

THE BLBCTEICAL REVIEW.

[Vol, 7;i. No. -.'.tilT. .Ifl.v :'l. l'.i\i

of all the buudholdeis standing togethpr at this crisis. Fur-
ther meetings are to be held in about six weeks' time. Mean-
while, rumour has since been busy with a report, made in
America, that the United States has offered President Car-
ranza financial as.sistance in restoring order provided that he
agrees to certain terms. Prices of the various bonds are none
too firm, but the first mortgage bonds of the I-igbt and Power
have been ilealt in lately on the biisis of 41.

In spite of the ileclaration of a 1 per cent, dividend,
Brazilian Tractions are dull and heavy at 6i. The Anglo-
Argentine Tramways group shows no change. Alabama Trac-
tion Tjight it Power shares rose to 32, but gave way after-
wards to '29. The repent states that the net revenue for 1915
came to $.5t)0.(KX>, which is j'ust about double that for the
previous twelvemonth. City Services shares came down from
as.') to :U0 on New York selling.

The Sao Paulo Tramway, Light & Power announces a divi-
dend of '2j per cent, on its common .stock, and the Rio Tram
way a dividend of li per cent., both payable on August 1st.

British We.stinghousj' preference are a strong spot with a
jump of "Js. 6d. to .lis. ChI. The shares, of course, are 15 per
cent., but at pre.sent receive 74 per cent. They are non-cumu-
lative. British Insulated improved upon their previous week's
advance of 15s. with a rise of 5s., "•'.ich brought them to 11}.
Ceneral Electrics are steady, on the meeting. Heuleys rose
to 15J, Electric Constructions to 16s. M. Other industrials
remain firm as a whole. Tlie rubber market pursues a hum-
drum way. the price of the material keeping about '2s. 3d.
per lb. No decision has yet been arrived at as to the basis
upon which the younger producers will be assessed for excess
profits tax.

SHARE LIST OF ELECTRICAL COMPANIES.

Home Electricity Companies.

Dividend Price

^ " 1 JoW 18, Rise or fall Yield

1914, 1916, 1916, this week, p.e,

Brompton Ordinary . , . . 10 10 63 — £7 18 3

Charing Cross Ordinary ..66 8i fi 18 0

do. do. do, 4i Pret,, 4) 4) 9f. + } 6 8 7

Chelsea 6 4 B — 6 19 4

City of London 9 8 l»* + J 6 8 0

do. do. 6 per cent. Prel, 6 6 10* — 611 8

County of London .... 7 7 108 — 6119

do. 6 per cent. Pref. 6 6 |."g — 6 16 8

Kensington Ordinary .... 9 7 Si — 6 16 7

London Electric 4 8 IJ — 7 6 5

do. do. 6 per cent. Pret. 6 6 4« — 6 13 4

Metropolitan 3* 3 ^ — 6 6 4

do. 4* per cent. Pret. *i *i 8 — 7 10 0

St. James' and Pall Mall . . 10 8 6 — 6 13 4

South London f> 6 V!J — 8 18 10

South Metropolitan Pref, ..7 7 IJ — 8 4 6

Westminster Ordinary .... 9 7 H — 6 14 3

TSLEQBAPHS AND TELEPHONES,

Anglo-Am. Tel. Pref 0 6 104xd — 6 16 6

do. Del 30;. 33/6 23 — 7 10 »

Chile Telephone 8 8 7 + ,^c. 6 II 5

Cuba Sub. Ord 6 6 7* — 6 18 4

Eastern Extension .... 7 8 1 IkA — 'B 7 8

Eastern Tel. Ord 7 8 H9£d — •6 7 8

Globe Tel. and T. Ord 6 7 12!xd — •5 8 8

do. Pref. .. 6 6 llx.l — 5 9 1

Great Northern Tel 22 22 88 — 6 18 0

Indo-European 13 13 48 — 6 12 8

Marconi 10 10 8i — ,?, 3 4 0

New York Tel. 4J 4I| 4i lOQJ — ' 4 7 10

Oriental Telephone Ord. . . 10 10 2 — 6 0 0

United R. Plate Tel 8 8 6{.3 — •.''.17 6

West India and Pan 1 — ]( — —

Western Telegraph .... 7 8 16 id — •B 6 8

Home Rails,

Central London, Ord. Assented 4 4 78 — 6 9 7

Metropoliton li I 26 — IJ 8 17 0

do. District . . . . Nil Nil 19 — J Nil

Underground Electric Ordinary Nil Nil lf§ — . A Nil

do, do. "A" .. Nil Nil 6/8 — 6d. Nil

do. do. Income 6 6 88 — S) 'e 16 S

FOBEION Traus, &c.

Adelaide Sup. 6 per cent. Pref. 6 6 6 — 6 0 0

Anglo-Arg. Trams, First Pref, 6^6^ 3} id — 7 2 0

do, 2nd Pref. ..6^6^ 3^ — 8 9 2

do. 5 Deb, ..66 77i — 690

Brazil Tractions 4 4 62 — 1 690

Bombay Electric Pref 6 6 10) -t- 4 6 14 8

British Columbia Elec. Rly. Pfce. 5 6 60xd — 8 6 8

do. do. Preferred — Nil 40 — Nil

do. do. Deterred — Nil 39 — Nil

do. do. Deb. 4i 4* 66 — 6 10 9

Mexico Trams 5 per cent. Bonds — Nil 4) — Nil

do. 6 per cent. Bonds — Nil SI — Nil

Meiican Light Common . . Nil Nil 90 — Nil

do, Pref Nil Nil 88 — Nil

do, Ist Bonds . . Nil Nil 42 — —

Manufactuemg Companies.

Babcock & Wilcox .... 14 15 a 6 0 0

British Aluminium Ord. . . 6 7 28/- 5 7 8

British Insulated Ord 15 17* llj + i 7 12 2

British Westinghouse Prel. . . 7J 7i 51/6 +4 6 16 3

Callenders 15 20" 12l| — 8 0 0

do. 5 Pref 5 6 4^ +i 6 111

Castner-Kellner .. .. ..20 — 8| 668

Pdison 4 Swan, i3 paid ..Nil — 9/6 — 9d. Nil

do. do. fnllypaid ..Nil — l| _ Nil

do, do. 5 percent. Deb. 6 6 57 — 8 16 S

Electric Construction .. .. 6 7* 16/3 +1/- 9 4 R

Gen. Elec. Pref 6 6' 10 — 6 0 0

Henlsy 30 35 15J + » 8 13

do. 4* Pref 4)4) 4 _* 6 12 6

India-Babber 10 10 12J _ •8 3 4

Ttlegraph Con 30 30 89xd — •6 4 0

* Oifidenda paid tree ol Inooma-lkx,

MARKET QUOTATIONS.

It should be remembered, in making use of the fifjures appearing
in the foUowin? list, that in some cases the prices are only general
and they may vary according toi|uantities and other oiroumstanci

Wednesday. July 19th.

CHEMICALS. &c.

a Acid, Oxalic per lb,

a Ammoniac Sal per ton

a Aitimonia. Muriate {large crystal) „

a Bisulphide o( Carbon ,,

a Borax . , ,,

a Copper Sulphate „

u Potash, Chlorate per lb,

a .. Perchlorate .. .. „

a Shellac per cwt.

a Sulphate of Magnesia . . per ton

a Sulphur, Sublimed Flowers . . „

0 ., Lump „

a Soda, Chlorate per lb,

a ,, Crystals per ton

a Sodium Bichromate, casks , . per lb.

METALS. &.C.

c Brass (rolled metal 2^ to 12" basisl per lb.

c ,1 Tubes (solid drawn* .. ,,

c „ Wire, basis

c Copper Tubes (solid drawn) ,. ,,

g ,, Bars (best selected! ,. per Ion

g „ Sheet

g ,, Rod ,,

d „ (Electrolytic) Bars . . „

d „ ,, Sheets ,. „

d „ „ Rods .. „

d „ „ H.C. Wire per lb.

f Ebonite Rod „

f „ Sheet „

n German Silver Wire .. ,, ,,

h f-iutta-percha, fine „

h India-rubber, Para tine . . . . ,,

1 Iron Pig (Cleveland warrants) . . per ton
/ „ Wire, galv. No. 8, P.O. qual.

» Lead, English Pig

g Mercury per hot.

e Mica (in original cases) small .. jiev lb.

e ,, ,, ,, medium ,,

e ., ,1 .1 large .. „

d Silicium Bronze Wire . . . . per lb.

r Steel, Magnet, in bars ., .. per ton
» Tin, Block (English)

n „ Wire, N09, 1 to 16 .. .. per lb.

Latest

Fortnight's

Price,

[no. or Deo,

1/8

f70

i:64

£33

£30

£61

2/6

2/-

98/-

3/ inc.

£18

eit,

11 inc.

£11 111

3(), inc.

i;4i

120/-

MH to 1/3
i;2i to 1/3

l}d. dec.

Id. den.

1/3 to I/3i

lid. dec.

1/53 to l/6j

».i. dec.

£146

i'O .ii-i'.

£146

.M ,1. f.

£116

ii; a.-r.

£123

i'UI dec.

£141

1-10 dee.

£18(1

i-lil dec.

l/3j

id. deo.

2/6

3/3

6/10

■2/11

2)d. Inc.

Nom,

£36

£29 5

.'.; dec.

£17 12 6 to

£17 16

£1 inc.

6(1. to 3/-

8/6 to 6/-

7/6 to 14/- & up.

1/8J

£85

£l&a to £167

i'lOdec.

2/10

2d.;;dec.

Quotations supplied by-

a G. Boor & Co.
c Thos. Bolton & Sons, Ltd.
d Frederick Smith & Co.
e F. Wiggins & Sons.
f India-Rubber, Gutta-Percha and
Telegraph Works Co., Ltd.

g James & Shakespeare.

h Edward Till & Co.

I Boiling & Lowe.

/ Richard Johnson & Nephew, Ltd.

n P. Ormiston & Sons.

r W. F. Dennis & Co,

Registration of Firms Bill.— Followinjr np our ivccid

reffieiiL-e In tliis .suliject in our leader columns (El.KCTRK'AI.
Ri;viK\v, Miiruh 'Mat. \i. 8.")"). we are jrlad to learn th.it the Select
flommittee of the House of Lords, to which the Bill was referred,
has reported, urging that it should be pressed forward witliou*
delay. That there was, and ha<l long been, a public demand far
the Bill wiU recou:ni.'f«l when it was read a second time witliout a
division. Aocordiiiff to the Fhiaiieial Tinift:, the ('ominittce think*
that the title of the Bill should be " Re.aistration of Business
Names." as the Bill is not confined to tradinif firms, but includes
professional partnerships. The object of the Bill being- to include
not all partnerships, but only those where the style conceals the
identity of the actual traders, the Committee thinks the most
convenient limit would be expressed by requiring^ registration by
all who do not use their true surnames to designate their business.
It is true that the surname does not exhaust the trader's descriji-
tiou. but it goes a long way towards it. and opens the path to
further inquiry if necessary. Such a description covers the ease of
the small local traders who already use their actual surnames, or
cLtn very easily do so. It is very difficult to provide a means of
enforcing registration which shall not be either ineffective or
oppressive. The Committee, after much considertition. proposes
that anyone coming within the Act who does not register shall be
disabled from suing on a contract matle while he is in default,
but that the Court, in proper cases, shall be able to give relief from
this disability. The Committee also thinks that the Board of Trade
should have power to enforce by penalty registration by a person
who comes within the Act. The Committee looks upon the pro-
posed registration as by no means a large, expensive, or complicated
operation. The details are left to be worked by rules of the Board
of Trade. The Committee expresses its strong opinion that the Bill
would be of special value under the conditions both of the warfare
now prevailing and of the state of things which may be expected to
arise immediately afterwards. Events have shown how desirable
it would have been to have had at the beginning of the war. and
still would be to have ready to hand, such information as this Bill
provides, and without entering upon any controversial matter
relating to trade after the war. it may lie generally accepted that
the identity of those concerned with trade will be in the future an
element of the greatest importance.

Vol. 79. Xo. 2.017, July 21. 1916.]

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

LABOUR AND INDUSTRY.

{tunliiiiit'il from paiic o2.)

We are at present the subjects of conflicting emotions. An
urgent appeal from the Commander-in-Cliief moves us to
redouble our efforts for turning out abiuidant su]>plies of
everything required, so that the Advance, now that it has
begun, may not be held up. Thousands of lives and
millions of ])ounds sterling may be saved if we can maintain
supplies so that we may continue to strike hard until the
end. ■ Yet, while the national cause demands still more
labour and a sustained effort on the part of all, we are
compelled to l)e simultaneously considering ways and
means for safeguarding the interests of millions of workers
when we have all won the Victory. Those who prefer to
leave such things to chance, who have a dislike for any
energetic movement or policy, or who would " let things
slide " until it is " too late," are becoming fewer every day.
We thought that the decision of the Government to appoint
■A lumiber of committees to consider the after-the-war
interests of various staple British industries was approved
by all practical-minded students of national affairs. What
are we, then, to think of the maunderings of an esteemed
electrical contemporary, which, if it had a weaker faith,
would deduce from the appointment of so many committees
that " our country must have been in an exceedingly bad
way two years iigo " ? It finds in the unparalleled prosperity
that prevailed in our industries before the war an indication
that " there is nothing fundamentally wrong with our
methods." Not being willing to do " as the fool does," our
contemporary, instead of " pulling down everything before
we know for certain that we have sometliing better to take
their place," would endeavour " so to modify existing
institutions as to bring them into line with twentieth-
century requirements." WTiat on earth is our contemporary
driving at ? Has the writer observed that there is a sort
of wai- raging in Europe ? that we and some nations whom
we call our Allies are engaged in it ? that the industries of
the country have lieen turned practically upside down in
order to wage that war successfully ? and that, therefore,
the condition of our industries and trades may need a little
looking into ? The seriousness and extent of the jjroblems
are so great that in one case it has been fomid necessary to
make two committees where one «'as thought to l)e sufficient
bcffire. There may be something in the desire for co-
ordination, but there is a Reconstruction Committee of
the Cabinet, and as we go to press there is announced
a " Commercial and Industrial Policy Committee," to
which the ])roposals of all the other committees will find
their way. The spirit that inclines a man to do nothing,
and to leave alone what he calls " well," is reprehensible in
these very anxious times : in the electrical world it is
particularly so.

We shall, no doubt, hear many dark forebodings
respecting a " sex war," but there are more immediate
matters in hand, and while the future position of Labour,
as a whole, is so obscure, it cannot be dealt with as a
problem by itself. Indeed, at the moment, the more
pressing problem regarding female laliour is how to secure
more of it from less essential and frfim leisured walks of
life. For some time past the Home Office and the Board
of Trade have been engiiged in a vigorous campaign to that
end, owing to the needs of various occujiations and
industries. As part of the steps taken in this campaign, an
appeal, signed by the Home Secretary and the President of
the Board of Trade, has been issued to employers urging
them to take immediate steps to extend as far as possible
the emjjloymeiit of women in their works. A Central
Advisory Committee on Women's War Employment (Indus-
trial) has been appointed to advise the two departments on
(piestions arising out of the suljstitution of women for men
and to watch the progress of this substitution in various
localities and industries.

The Board have also apjwinted in a number of important
centres local Committees under the Labour Exchanges Act,
190",>, to assist the two departments in dealing with the
various questions that arise locally. The work iwidertaken
by these Committees includes the collection of information
as to the labour requirements of employee in their area, the

organisation of a supply of w<inicu workers, the making of
arrangements for housing accommodation for women brought
in from other districts, and the initiation of schemes for the
welfare of the women employed in their area.

The following is a list of places where local Conunittee^
have already been or will shortly be set up : —
Bacup and Rawtenstall Edinburgh and Leith Llanelly

(Rossendale)

Glassrow

Mansfield

Batley and Dewsbury

Gloucester

Peterborough

Blackburn

Greenock

Nelson

Bradford

Grimsby

Newtown and

Bristol

Halif;vx

Welshpool

Burnley

Huddersfield

Nottingham

Carlisle

Hull

Paisley

Carnarvon

Keighley

Preston

Derby

Kettering

Sheffield

Dundee

Leeds

Todmorden

Ebbw Vale

Leicester

Woolwich.

Further Committees will probably be appointed at a later
date, as the need for their services arises.

In most of the great industries (outside munition indus-
tries) conferences with employers and operatives have been
arranged by the Home Office, and the Board of Trade. In
almost all cases a formal agreement has been concluded
whereby the Operatives' Unions have undertaken, subject to
certain conditions, to relax their trade rules in regard to the
employment of women on processes hitherto regarded as
men's processes. In many industries such agreements have
been reached, and in others they are contemplated.

To assist in these schemes a series of pamphlets has been
prepared, and others are in com'se of production, settmg
out the processes in each industry in which women have
been, or can be, introduced to replace or assist male
operatives : these, together with notes of any trade agree-
ments or other relevant points of interest, are being brought
to the notice of employers. An Information Bureau of the
Board of Trade Employment Department has been opened
at the Victoria and Albert Museum, South Kensington,
and employers who are anxious to secure more information
should connnunicate with that Bureau, where they wilffind
on file many particulars respecting new occupations and
processes for female labour.

Mr. J. H. Thomas, M.P., of the National Union of
Railwaymen, in a recent speech admitted that they had no
right to set up a sex war, but they had a right to say that
no employer should be allowed in future to take advantage
of women's labour as a means of reducing the value of
man's labour. He added that there w.is only one way, and
that was to insist that wherever women were doing the
work of men they should be paid the same rates as men.
Does this mean the same class of work, leaving such
questions as quality and output out of accomit ? We have
had some striking ca.ses of excellent performance on the
part of women, putting male labour almost to shame, but
not all the evidence, by any means, is to that effect.

We may not attach undue importance to speeches, but it is
only right to keep ourselves informed of the,drift of opinion
among the workers and their representative spokesmen. In
this connection we note that the mover of a resolution at
the meeting of the RaHwaymen's Union mentioned above,
said that tiie brightest feature of the present time was the
growing strength of Trade Unionism. " It w;is unlikely
that they would have to use the power of the Alliance
(railwaymen, transport workers and miners) before the inter-
national conflict was ended, but when they looked at what
was likely to happen when peace was declared, the best
solution they had was that which lay in their splendid
organisation, for the triple Alliance could effectively look
after their welfare, if they used it in the proper way."

We have already quoted in detail tne proposals which
this Alliance will put before Mr. Asquith when he receives
the deputation.

Mr. H. Wilson Fox, of London, writing to the Tinws on
the British error of the past- in paying too little attention to
production and too much to the' interests of the consumer,
expresses the conviction that the time has arrived for a
(•hange of policy. " Production must be stimulated," and
" it behoves us to consider on what terms Pfotection (for
home industries) nrust be given." He makes the following
suggestions : —

1. Reasonable conditions of life for the workers — to be attained
by means of minimum wages.

80

THE ELECTRICAL RE^^EW.

No. L'.ui:. .Ti i.v Ji. i;m(

2. Participation by the State in profits excwdinjr n reasonable
and airreed amount- to be attainetl by the o|>eration of a srraduatetl
excess profits tax. The question of "what shouUl lie rejrarded as a
reasonable rate of profit for a particular industry niifrht be deter-
mined by a Commission of exp^Mts wholly indejiendent of the
Inland Revenue authorities:.

Hi-re we niiiv, jierhaps aiiproiuiiitt'lv. i|iiiitc (from the
Tim'x) some iernai-ks matle recemlv In- tlie iliairniaii of
CaniiiK'll, liairil & Co., Ltd. (Mr. Vv. L. Ilickons). on the
question of wages and profit : —

It had often been stateil that Capital ^'ot too laru'e a share of the
profits of Labour, and that Labour was exploiteil for Capital'-s
benefit ; but if all the sums to be paid in dividends were distributed
in wa.^'es by the firm.it would be well under a 10 ])er cent, increase.
Wa^'es could only be increased either by hijrher cost to the con-
sumer or increased outi>ut. and the hist-named way was the only
real one in which to substantially increase wasres. All this was
very obvious, but, unfortunately, "it was too little understood in
the Lab<iur world, where the policy of restrictinfr output was so
deeply in!,'rained that even at the" jtreatest crisis in our history,
when every ounce of effort was needed to win the war, it had not
been, so far, overcome. However deplorable this mi-rht be. it
was unrea-oiable to lay all the blame at Labours door. The mis-
trust and suspicion which had caused restriction of output were an
herita^'e of the past, in which employers and the Government, and,
indeed, the wliole community, h.adpfayed theirpart. It was idle to
recriminate and be shocked because, in the lifrht of past experience.
Labour was suspicious that speedinn--up would result in a reduction
in piece-work rates. The arrangements of the Ministry of Muni-
tions to meet this problem had worked most unsatisfactorily, and
led to the most absurd anomalies. The problem remained
unsolved. Its solution was of more than immediate importance :
it was of far greater moment to our trade after the war. It was
our bitrsrest domestic problem, and because of its difficulty was
left severely alone or dismissed with the sufrfrestion that there was
bound to be trouble after the war. And there was bound to be
trouble if the present policy of drift was tolerated.
'T:' hp , ;„//;, nit',/.)

THE INCORPORATED MUNICIPAL ELECTRICAL
ASSOCIATION, 1916.— V.

The Application of Electricity to Agricultural Purposes.

By W. T. Kerr.
(Abstract.)
XJv to the present time the use of electricity in farming has
net attracted the attention that it undoubtedly deserves on
the part of the electric supply authorities, electrical manufac-
turers and engineers in this country. This is the more sur-
prising in view of the very close attention which has been
fiiven to the subject on the Continent of Europe and in
America, and the unportant and extensive schemes for supply-
ing agricultural Areas which have been carried out in different
countries.

It is noteworthy that Cahfomia— a purely agricultural
htatfr— uses more power per head of population than any other
American State. Canada also furnishes an interesting ex-
ample of farm supply on the Ontario Hvdro-Electrjc Commis-
sion s extensive distribution system, and practical examples
ol a similar kind are to be found in Austraha, New Zealand
and elsewhere.

There is awaiting development in this country an enormous
business of a similar kind, which will also place at the dis-
posal of the agnculturahst a labour-saving source of power and
light superior to any other. The writer's conclusions are based
on some years' experience in farm supply work in the neigh-
bourhood of Hereford, where conditions are not more favour-
ab e than m many other parts of the country for this parti-
cular class of supply.* It has been rightly said that elec-
tricity can give a. new stunulus to agriculture and farming,
and at the same tune open up a way by which the rural
population can be induced to remain on the farm, instead of
flocking to overcrowded cities, and taking up an entirely new
form of work to earn a living.

Several of the important Continental electrical firms
specialise in electrical apparatus for farms; portable motors
of fairly large size are built for driving thrashing machines
&c. and some engineers in the United States have even gone
60 far as to incorporate the motor in the farm machine in
the same manner as in modem machine-tool work.

In an article in the Electrical Review of June 4th, 1915,
it is shown that very similar conditions exist in Britain,
although ;t would seem that the average would be greater in
this country, both as regards units consumed and horse-power
demand, as the farm machinery in general use here is of
larger and more substantial type.

The last report of the Ontario Hydro-Electric Commission
contained some particulars of farming supply in Ontario, with
data as to energy used on farms; the average yearly con-
sumption per farm for all purposes was 4,700 units, and the
average revenue ±''27.

In the Hereford district a systeiij of light transmission lines
has been erected to reach the agricultural consumers. These
are built with larch poles, '28 ft. long, with cross arms of
quarter oak '2 ft. ti in. by 3 in. by 3 in., the bottom arm 3 ft.
The lines are usually now made up to 7/IOB.S.G. bare stranded
aluminium, .weighing about .03'2 lb. to the yard, and costing
before the war Is. Old. per lb., with two No. li galvaui.sed
guard wires below, which are also used as the neutral, the
supply being given at 440 volts, three w'ire {'2'20 volts for
lighting). The total cost, including labour, works out at
.i'llO per mile. These lines have withstood the gales of
December, 1915, and March, 1910, without a breakdown.

The farthest distance a supply is given is 3,400 yd. from the
generating station, 1,200 yd. of which is by overhead lines;
these radiate in five districts from the station to an average
distance of 3,000 yd.

When erecting the poles, it has been found better to place
them close into the hedges, otherwise the cattle use them
for relieving themselves of insect life, to the detriment of the
line; also farmer.s object to their being placed any distance
out in the fields, and the hedges and ditches act as a guard.
Such lines can be arranged with quite long spans, 75 yd. in
places, to cut across comers, if the route is carefully con-
sidered before the erection.

Tappings to consumers are taken off by means of a twin-
lead cable clipped to the pole. It is very important to seal
both ends of the cable where the leads are taken off, and
this is usually done at the top of the pole by securing a small
sealing box to the pole and taking off leads, leaving a short
bare space on the wire between the lead-covered and rubber-
covered leads where the thimble is sweated, and afterwards
sealing this with compound.

The connection to the aluminium wire is made by means
of a " jim crow " shaped clip, which grips the wire in two
positions, the lead being sweated to a screw used for tighten-
ing in the centre, and the whole joint afterwards painted
over with aluminium paint; no trouble whatever has been
experienced with such a joint, although one section has been
in constant use for nine years, connecting up a supply to a
50-H.p. motor from an aluminium overhead line running along-
side a main-line railway.

In an average case, a 10-h.p. motor will meet all the power
requirements of a fami. except for thrashing and cider mill-
ing, but motors up to 20 H,p. have been hired out for these
purposes, which are only sea.sonal jobs, and do not require a
permanent fixing.

The greatest obstacle to cheap rural supply is the question
of wayleaves ; when it is necessary to go outside the boundary

*An illustrated description of the Hereford system appeared
ij the Electrical Review of June llth, 1915.— Eds.

AWAITING CONNECTION O

Farm Consdmers in the Hereford Area.

of a Provisional Order area to supply in a district without
such an order, many unnecessary legal difiiculties are encoun-
tered. A line to supply a farm building and residence was
held up over twelve months, although it was only necessary
to cross two small meadows, certain members of the local
District Council viewing the application for permission to
supply electric power as a means of negotiating for an exten-
sion of water supply to a house quite two miles away. Appli-
cation was made to the Board of Trade for an over-riding
order, and they suggested further negotiations before grant-
ing it. When an agreement was eventually come to, the
legal costs amounted to more than twice the cost of the trans-
mission lines.

This, obviously, is not as it should be; such obstacles pre-
vent proper development and are a bar to progress.

A typical installation on a Hereford dairy farm consists of

Xo. 2,017. July 21. 191(3.]

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

81

an 8.5-H.P. open-type motor, running at a speed of 960
B.P.M., with the starting panel mounted alongside. A vacuum
pump for the milking machinery requires 1^ h.p. ; this machine
13 used twice daily, for about two hours in the morning and
one and a quarter hours in the afternoon. The cows milked
average about 70, and the machinery has a capacity of. 88.
The farm bailiff states that it would require at least five
expert milkers to do the work in the same time, or with his
present staff five or six hours a day longer.

Root-pulping and chaff-cutting machines are placed on an
upper floor in order to keep out all the dust whiclv generally
arises when dry hay is being cut. The roots are thrown over
into the machine hopper, and the chaff comes down a shute
on the wall; the two are mLxed and fed fresh to the cattle.
Experience shows that owing to the easy starting of an elec-
tric motor the exact quantity of food can be cut and mixed
fresh as required, a very important result being a greater
yield of cream in the milk.

A machine for kibbling corn and rolling oats is installed,
and a circular saw for splitting wood and fencing material.
There are many other operations that could be done most
efficiently by electricity. In the future an apparatus for elec-
trically heating water will be installed. The farm buildings
are lighted throughout with 25 lamps each of 25 c.p. ; the
bailiff's house and some cottages are .supphed off the same
line through " penny-in-the-slot " meters.

The units consumed on this farm for the year 1915 amounted
to 2,411, at -lid. per unit, and the revenue reached ^25, or
an average of 9s. 7d. weekly. The quarterly energy con-
si'mption for .power was : —

June 369

September 746

December 665

March 631

The use of electricity means a considerajale saving in labour,
although the operations could be performed, as on many other
farms, by oil or gas engines. Engine stopping and starting,
however, require time, and it would also be necessary to
send men and carts for oil or coal to the nearest town or
railway station, all of which takes time, and should be added
to the cost of any other type of powefr, but rarely is taken
into account.

There are many operations requiring power always to be
found in agricultural areas, which are pecuUar to the parti-
cular district. An old stone cider mill in Hereford is used to
crush apples, and the presses are driven by a 10-h.p. motor.
A portable motor is used for filtering and racking cider; it
is also used for shearing sheep, by a flexible shaft driving
the cutters, regulating being done by the controller in the
motor starter.

Machines are used for the drying of spent apples after the
juice has been extracted, and the apples are afterwards used
for cattle food ; one large machine of this description requires
about 25 H.P., and runs for three months, 24 hours daily, with
as few stops as possible. The same motor is used for sawing
wood during other months of the year.

Similar drying machines are used for grains and spent hops,
the grain being used as a cattle food and the spent hops for
bedding, while the seeds from the hops are used for the pre-
paration of a dye stuff.

In the greater part of the hoprgrowing district, the demand
per farm would run up to 25 H.P., which would be used for
spraying the hopyards, and driving fans and pocket-filUng
presses; it is also possible that electroculture would be of
assistance in extinguishing blight, and this would open up a
field of incalculable value.

The introduction of electrical ploughing, and of electrically-
driven wagons for the general hauling work, is a possible
development of the near future.

It requires about 1.5 acres of land to provide food for each
horse kept on a farm, and the work being seasonal, at times
many horses are needed for a few weeks together; again,
there are many weeks when horses cannot be used owing to
the land being in an unsuitable state due to weather condi-
tions.

An electrically-driven plough or wagon would not be stand-
ing in a stable, eating its head off, and the eHmination of
horses would release further land for cropping. From a
mechanical point of view, it would not be a difficult matter
to design a machine that could be used alternately to plough,
or to drive a thrasher, and which could be run into position
to drive the general farm machinerj'. With a suitable pulley
and geared counter-shafts for varying speeds. 10 to 12 h.p.
would cover the power requirements for all usual operations,
and the machine would be a farmer's " Mary Ann." But the
vital necessity is a peimanent power supply available on the
farm ; the rest would be simple, as no other form of power
could be utilised in such a manner. The ordinary size of
battery used on an electric vehicle would be sufficiently
large to plough a good many acres of land, and could be
charged in the usual way at night, with a boosting charge
during the day if necessary.

A petrol-driven two-furrow plough weighs about 20 cwt..
and develops about 11 H.p., requiring about two gallons of
petrol, or benzine, per acre, with a certain amount of lubri-
cant. The total weight of a battery on a one-ton van, for a
50-mile radius, is about 1,260 lb., giving a speed of 12 miles
per hour; the total weight of the chassis is 3,400 lb., and if
we substitute the plough blades for the weight of a pair of
wheels and gear it to travel about 120 ft. a minute, it would

be fair to assume that a battery-driven plough is not an
impossible machine.

The battery charge capacity being equal to 18 kw., the
cost would be very low, at usual power rates, per charge.
There is little doubt that with charging facOities available,
some persons would be enterprising enough to invest in such
a plough and hire it out to farmers.

The ELECTRic.-ii, Review of February 11th, 1916, contained
a description of an electrical ploughing gear driven from over-
head lines on a Nottingham-shire farm ; most farms have a
certain .area of arable land permanently used for cropping,
round which hght overhead lines could be erected to certain
points, and by means of a trailing cable carried on a drum,
geared with the speed of the plough to pay in and out (the
cable being sheathed with tough rubber compound), the
double-winding rope-hauUng ploughing gear of the usual type
could be dispensed with, and a plough carrying a single motor
and controller used. The slo.w rate of speed of a plough
along a furrow would not endanger the life of a trailing
cable.

Electric ploughing on an extensive practical scale has been
carried out in Germany, Sweden, Italy, and France, the
results being usually stated to be in favour of electricity as
compared with either animal, steam^ or oil ploughing tackle.
German investigators have declared that for really heavy
ploughing, the only competitor of steam is electricity Many
of the published data regarding ploughing costs are, how-
ever, not really comparable, as the local conditions, depth of
ploughing, &c., greatly influence the results obtained.

In the Hereford supply area, the district is typically agri-
cultural. The horse-power of motors in use and units con-
sumed generally in carrying out the operations are as
follows : —

Cider making 160 h.p. 67,404 units.

Milling 142 h.p. 347,856 „

Farmers' supply 106 H.P. 19,673 „

Water pumping 157 h.p. 831,295 ,,

SawmilUng 130 h.p. 22,801 „

A scheme of high-tension three-phase supply has been pre-
pared for the Hereford crea, which it is proposed to carry
out after the war, there being a growing demand for elec-
tricity from farmers and private residences that cannot be
met by a 440-volt three-wire supply. There are as a rule
five farms to the mile along an average road; there are also
many ordinary country residences. We can estimate an
a\erage revenue of at least ^100 per annum from the five
farms, and anything from £20 to £200 from the^ private
houses. Large country lesidences are only too anxious for
such a permanent source of supply, and sixpence a unit
could be quite easily obtained.

A few notes have been taken of the consumption and
generating costs of several large mansions in the Hereford
area, of which the following is typical :—

The installation consists of an oil-engine of 16 b.h.p. ; a bat-
tery of 54 cells, of 400 ampere-hour capacity; and 300 25-c.P.
lamps are installed.

Average cost of "Royal Dayhght " oil for twelve months,
lOd. per gal. ; 2J units of electricity delivered into house for
everv gallon used — 4d. per unit for oil. There were also
25 gallons of cylinder oil used at 3s. 2d. = £3 19s. 2d. The
cost of small repairs, not including repairs to wiring in the
house, amounted to M 12s. 3d. Wages of man to look after
engine, &c., 28s per week, plus house and coal, lOs. per
week = i£98 16s. An allowance of 15 per cent, depreciation,
must be made on the cost of the battery. In all such private
installations the current consumption could be increased con-
siderably. It will be found that generally those responsible
for running these small lighting plants deprecate the use of
anything but lighting, and put as many difficulties in the
owner's way as possible, with the result that for power and
other purposes numerous small oil engines are being run in
out-of-th!e-way places, for instance, for water supply, ice
making, stable work, &c. .

Electric cooking and heating offer enormous possibihties,
and a permanent supply would be received with open arms
by the residents, who are under no misapprehension as to
bemg able to produce electricity cheaper themselves. The
average revenue in such a case should amount to between
£150 and £200 per annum ; the owners in most cases would
be quite willing to meet the cost of the service extensions,
running over their own estates, from the main supply, or
agree to a minimum charge of 10 per cent, on capital cost of
extension, with a kilowatt demand and small charge per unit.
In recent vears a good deal of attention has been given to
the future development of electric supply in this country on
a wholesale scale, and some engineers have pictured a future
in which the country will be served by a network of trans-
mission lines. Such lines will in most cases have to pass
through agricultural districts, which, if properly exploited by
the existing supply authorities, would be in such a state of
development that a paying load could be obtained along the
route to commence with. In such a case it may be assumed
that it would cost something like £2,000 to cut into the e.h.t.
lines for a supply of low-tension energy.

Existing data show that the average consumption of cur-
rent in an agricultural district with a population of 22 500
is 58 units per head, so that taking the county of Hereford
as a whole, with a population of 114,296, the possible sale of
energy on the same basis would amount to. say. 6,637,000
units.

8-2

I'llE ELECTRICAL HE\TKW,

[Vol.

Xo. 2,01", July 21, 1916.

This supply would be given in an area 40 miles long by
35 miles wide, from a central distributing point. Through-
out England, towns of any size of over 20,000 population are
25 to 30 miles apart, with smaller towns of up to 10,000
people between; this is the case in all the agricultural areas,
and the distribution lines from most e.h.t. transformer sta-
tions would thus extend to about 15 miles radius.

It will be seen that the estimated output of t!,l'>37,000 units,
at an average price of 3d. per unit, would represent a
revenue of .£'82,962. or taking as a basis the number of farms
in the county — 3.573 of an average of 150 acres— and allowing
the same yearly revenue as already obtained from farms
connected to the Hereford city supply, viz., £'2o, we obtain
a revenue of £89,325 from farms alone. If the farms did
not all elect to use electricity, there would still remain
numerous country houses and rural industries as available
consumers, as well aa village water supply and electric light-
ing installations. It is probable that the estimated con-
sumption given would be exceeded.

As a matter of comparison, it may be pointed out that the
South Metropohtan Electric Supply Co., during the year,
had an output of 6.695,481 units sold, at an average price of
2.22d. per unit, resulting in a total revenue of £62,068.

In this case, mains and distributing system would be a
great deal more expensive in capital cost than a system com-
pcsed of E.H.T. overhead trunk lines, radiating from a trans-
former station in four directions and interconnected by h.t.
transmission lines, off which small transformers would supply
individual farms and rural consumers; it would be much
easier to sell the current in these districts than in large
towns where there is competition in the form of gas supply
and better railway facilities for coal and oil for generating
power. Electricity would have a field to exploit alone.

There are many other directions in which electricity is
making headway in connection with agriculture which should
not be overlooked, and the foremost of these is " Electro-
Culture." Experiments that have already been carried out
have given most favourable results, notably those of Mr. J. S.
Newman, of Bristol, and Miss Dudgeon, of Lincluden, Dum-
fries.

Miss Dudgeon U still carrying on her experiments, the
current supply being obtained from a 30- volt storage battery
used with a spark coil and rectifying vacuum valves; these
are, however, expensive instruments and quite out of the
question for an ordinary farmer, besides requiring a certain
amount of expert knowledge to get the best results. If a
high-tension alternating; supply were available, a small trans-
former with valves for rectifying and an automatic time-
switch for controlling would be less costly, and could be built
up in such a manner that it would be quite safe to place it
on any farm. The current consumption alone would not be
great, but the increased yield per acre of foodstuff would be
of the utmost value to the country.

For the first three years, 1912, 1913 and 1914, the crop
experimented on was potatoes, w^ith the result that each
season there was a considerable difference between the weight
of the crop lifted off the electrified and unelectrified areas.
The increase in yield of tubers lifted under the discharge
wires over those from the control was in 1912 1 209 lb in
1913 1,.561 lb., and in 1914 2,633 lb.

Th£ total acreage under potatoes in the United Kingdom
was for years 1911 to 1913, 1,200,000 acres, and the average
yield per acre 5 tons 7 cwt.

Last year, 1915, the crop chosen for experiment was oats,
which was grown on the same field as used in previous trials
for potatoes. The season was an exceptionally dry one, there
was a scorching sun, and the field being of a gravelly nature,
devoid of all shade, these combined conditions were not con-
ducive to the harvesting of a heavy crop.

From the very commencement of the growth, the oats
under the electrified network showed a conspicuous differ-
ence in comparison with the unelectrified, and did not suffer
from the prevailing drought to the same extent; which fact
seems to confirm the theory suggested by Prof. Lemstrom.
that the electrified current causes an ascent of liquid in the
capillary tubes of the plant, and by means of this attraction
i: is quite possible that these tubes obtained moisture from a
lower stratum, which the plants not under the discharge
were unable to do.

When the crop was ripe for harvesting the two plots were
cut, thrashed, and weighed separately, showing the remark-
able difference of 31 per cent, in grain, and 63 per cent, in
straw, in favour of the electrified oats.

The subject of electroculture is still in the experimental
stBge, but it may be remarked that the majority of the
numerous mvestigators in this field are optimistic as to the
future, and more than one foreign Government is officially
iD'^estigating the matter. From the fanner's point of view
the first cost of the installation appears to be the dominating
factor; the power requisite would be comparatively small-
Mr. J. E. Newman estimated that 1 h.p. would be sufficient
for 50 acres. The fact of electricity being required for such
a purpose would, however, inevitably lead to its adoption for
lighting and power purposes.

Some of the other uses of electricity in agriculture are the
mcubation of chickens, and chicken culture, an industry
rapidly gaining in importance in England. Eggs hatched in
incubators sometimes yield a percentage of weakly chickens,
so that many young chicks die during the first few days.

The application of suitable high-frequency current for the
chicks ahnost entirely prevents this death, owing to its

stimulating effect, while they gain weight on their normal
amount of food at an increased rate, becoming in two months
as heavy as chickens grown for three in the ordinary way.

According to the Electrical World, the great sheep ranches
in the stock-raising regions of Oregon are large consumers
of electricity for light and power. Central-station energy is
used for pumping in the irrigation districts and for chopping
grain for stock feed in the winter. In one of the stock-raising
faims, electricity has been put to a novel use for the winter
fattening of sheep.

The .sheep pens are wired, and the electric light is turned
on during the winter months from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Under
this artificial illumination the sheep continue to feed until
the lights are extinguished; at 4 a.m. the lamps are again
turned on and then burned until daylight, and again the
sheep feed. In this way the sheep are made to feed during
the equivalent of a long summer day, and thus, despite the
winter season, are brought quickly to the condition for
marketing.

The foregoing notes represent only a brief outline of the
possible directions for electrical development in connection
with agriculture. No reference has been made to the
domestic uses of electricity on the farm, which will almost
ceitaiuly exceed those of the town consumer; nor has any
mention been made of future developments in connection
with the production of artificial fertilisers by electrical means.
For the moment it is sufficient to point out that electric-
power and light appeals so strongly to the agriculturist that
but little exertion would be required on the part of the
cential-station authorities to secure a really profitable busi-
ness.

Successful as individual efforts might be, the results ob-
tained would be insignificant compared with those which
might be secured were an organised campaign in favour of
agricultural electrical supply to be instituted, and efforts
made to equip demonstration farms in suitable districts near
existing towns.

Concerted action is strongly called for, both for private
reasons, to frustrate the efforts of the oil-engine makers to
monopolise the farmer's power business, and on national
grounds, becau.se it is imperative that no effort be spared in
obtaining the mutual support of our industries with a view
to securing the maximum of industrial efficiency after the

Discussion.

The discussion was opened by Coun. Langford (Hereford),
who, speaking as a practical farmer, gave a short account of
the use he was making of electricity supply. He employed
electricity for driving a milking machine for 80 cows, for
chaff cutting, root pulping, water pumping, and sheep shear-
ing; he lighted all the farm buildings and the yard, and,
in addition, operated a cider making plant electrically. He
was satisfied that agriculture offered great scope for the elec-
trical engineer in regard to power, light, &c. However, there
were certain other things which he wanted to do electrically,
such as to plough the land, till it, mow grass, reap it, and
haul it home, all matters which the present skilled labour
shortage had brought to the front. Moreover, in a dry season
he wanted to be able to pump river water on to the land
and irrigate it. As a market gardener with 12,000 apple and
plum trees, and 4,000 current biishes, he appreciated how
much easier it would be to wa.sh the trees and keep down
bhght if electricity were available there. He had arranged
to give electroculture a trial, but this was now deferred till
after the war. He had been connected with farming for 24
years, and had scrapped steam power for oil power, and later
turned from oil to electricity ; to-day many farmers had said
good-bye to steam, but others were waiting for electricity to
come along. The steam engine was dirty, noisy, and thirsty,
and the oil engine was apt to jib at times, and the smoke
affected the milk, unless great care was taken. It was pos-
sible to procure an electric motor for about half the cost of
the steam or oil engine, which was a great consideration to
the farmer; then, no engine-driver was required if electricity
were used, and that represented a saving of £10 or £80 a
year. From experience, he found electrical equipment ex-
tremely reliable, the only trouble having been the blowing
of fuses, and there was no possible contamination of the milk.
I'he motor took practically no room, and it required no space
for fuel storage. He thought the advantages of electric light
were even greater than those of electric power, as it enabled
working hours to be extended by as much as three hours in
winter, and was a great improvement over hand oil lamps.
.As an instance of the results, he mentioned the case of a
farm hand who gave notice for the sole reason that he had
never worked so many hours a day before. Electric supply
ti farms would confer a great boon on agriculture and on
the nation ; he was quite certain that if the problem was
generally attacked a successful result would be attained.

Mr. Fbank Ayton (Ipswich) said those engineers who were
intent on getting the agricultural load would find much use-
ful matter in the paper. A battery-driven plough on the
lines suggested by the author would require a very large
battery to provide for emergencies. The paper raised the
question of way leaves; they must get more reasonable legis-
lation on that matter, and he suggested that the Association
had stronger grounds now for making representations to the
Government on the subject. It would probably be necessary
to adopt the -three-phase h.t. system of supply, and suitable

I

Vol. 79. Xo. 2.017. July 21. 1916.]

THE ELECTRICAL EEVIEW,

83

plant could easily be added to existing direct-current stations.
Engineers must educate the agriculturists in their vicinity
on the subject through the local papers.

Coun. DiMOXD (Hereford) pointed out that their local
fairuers did not need educating, they were "howling" for
the supply, and just now could not get it. Leaving out four
large consumers, the remaining 983 ordinary consumers gave
them an average income of £o I'ls. each, while the 19 agri-
cultural consumers paid them an average of £-2o apiece, show-
ing the value of this type of consumer, which, so far as he
could see, should be the case in other districts. The bar to
cotnecting all the farmers in the district was the wayleave
difficulty ; the process of obtaining leave for one connection
had to be all repeated for another. The present was an
appropriate time to get the agricultural load, as the questions
of labour saving and increasing agricultural production were
•1 cry much to the front. If the local authorities could get resolu-
tions passed by local agricultural councils and forward them
to the Board of Agriculture, which in turn would deal with
the Board of Trade, they might get some amelioration of
the conditions hampering supply in rural areas. Electro-
culture was in an experimental stage, because electricity
supply was so rarely available on the farm, but in the future
great developments would take place, and he thought that the
increased value of the crops which would be obtained would
be out of all proportion to the cost of electricity used in
obtaining it, and that they should be allowed to charge a
special rate for such a purpose. For many years much
technical supervision would be required, and the supply would
be worth a good deal more than the statutory maximum of 8d.
per unit.

Mr. W. B. WooDHOUSE (Yorkshii-e Power Co.) said atten-
tion should be drawn to the lessened fire risk when using
electricity on the fann. Many small farmers were using
■energy from the Yorkshire Power Co.'s mains, being sup-
plied through pole-type transformers. If the farmer wanted
a supply, the wayleave was easUy obtained. The Yorkshire
Agricultural Council had carried out an interesting investiga-
tion to find out the influence of smoke on vegetation in the
tcwn and at various distances outside. In the case of a
ilettuce, grown under comparable conditions and watered
with rain-water obtained in the centre of Leeds, it was found
to weigh 44 gnn. as against -56 grm. one mile out, 120 grm.
3i miles out, and 175 grm. 65 miles out, showing the effect
of the acid in the smoke, which would be practically done
41 way with by the adoption of electrical methods in the town.
Mr. S. E. Britton (Chester) mentioned that he had been
supplying a 600-acre farm during the last twelve months;
previously the farmer used coal, costing £33, and this had
'been replaced by electricity, costing £'23 (at Id. per unit), and
•the farmer was dehghfed with the result.

Mr. Besom (KUmamock) said they had five farms con-
•nected to their h.t. transmission system*, and the annual
revenue varied from £15 to £19; all the farmers were quite
■satisfied that electricity was much cheaper than steam, and
he was now connecting another five farms. The supply was
given through pole transfonners, and it had facihtated ob-
taining wayleaves across agricultural land.

Coun. L.tNGFORD, replying to Mr. Fedden, assured him that
4he modem milking machine w-as quite satisfactory in use.
and the suction was adjusted to allow for the gradually
diminishing pressure of milk.

Mr. WiLLUM Low (Marykirk), in a communication, said
he had been using electricity for farm purposes for a number
■of years, having developed a small water power and taken
the supply a distance of '2,000 yds. A dry summer stopped
the plant, and he regarded it as essential for the supply to be
available always, which could only be guaranteed by a public
supply undertaking. The overhead line consisted of six
strands of No. 4 hard-drawn copper. 16 ft. above. ground, with
poles 65 yds. apart. Electricity was used for lighting build-
ings and cottages, and for threshing — a 15-H.r. motor, 660
Ti.p.Ji., being employed to drive the mill and straw carrier;
for driving a cream separator, an operation taking 20
1 3 30 minutes, and releasing a dairymaid for other work ;
lie considered that the electric motor had great advan-
tages over steam or oil power. He had some doubt
as to the feasibility of electric ploughing, and would
not recommend a battery-driven wagon to pull the plough,
while the cost of conductors at every fence on a farm would
be great for seasonal use and ugly. He used a Io-h.p. motor
1 1 drive a band saw for timber cutting, and found it more
■.satisfact.ory than the circular saw; the same motor was used
to drive a stone breaker for road repairs. Water pumping
w-as also done at two points, using a 1-h.p. motor. A 1-h.p.
motor driving a mangle was considered to save quite a day's
work a week. Electricity was used for heating by means of
radiators, and a ventilating fan was a convenience. A cold
storage plant driven by a 2J-H.P. motor was also in use, and
no doubt there was a future before electric cooking, given a
reliable supply. He had experimented in electroculture for
six years, and while he was satisfied that he obtained in-
creased crops under certain conditions, he was not able to
ascertain the cost. Such experiments were necessarily un-
certain owing, amongst other things, to the wind carrying
the discharge away from the plot, often on to the control
plot if situated to leeward. He had tried to intercept part
fii the drifting discharge by means of small-mesh wire net-

*See Electrical Review, June 16th and 23rd. 1916.

ting but did not prevent it getting to the control with a
mnd m that diiection. A difference of 20 per cent was
observed on two difi'erent hay plots in 1914, but the year was
exceptional, as the wind blew contmuouslv from the control
plot. In conclusion, he suggested that the supplv authorities
"1 '*"ie'^ of the results being obtained bv the author and
others, should endeavour to interest the agricultural and rural
community in the subject.

The author decided to contribute his reply to the Proceed-
ings.

[Mr. Bexox, in a letter received by us before the Conven-
tion, stated that electricity was used by local farmers for
hghting, ironing, heating, motors for crushmg and chopping
and for dnvmg milking machines. He added that when the
question if f.'irm supply first arose, he was personally of
opmion that it would yield a very poor rgvenue, but from
ij-penence hr joitnd that the revenue obtained tvas very Qood.]

THE NATIONAL PHYSICAL LABORATORY.

The report of the Executive Committee for the year ended
March 31st, 1916, was submitted to the General Board at a
meeting on June 20th, 1916. It states that the work of the
Laboratory has been' greatly affected by the war, ordinary re-
search work having to give way to special investigation under-
taken for Government departments. Sir Wm. Crookes's term
of office as President of the Eoyal Society having expired in
November last, his successor. Sir J. J. Thomson, is now
chaii-man of the General Board. Two members of the staff,
Mr. Donald Ewen and Mr. H. E. Barwood, have given their
byes for their country, while, on the other hand, Mr. G. H.
Millar, taken pri.soner at Antwerp, escaped from Doberitz,
and has been given a commission. Over 40 members of the
staff are serving with the Forces; the remainder have not
been permitted to enhst, owing to the -demands of the Gov-
ernment on the services of the Laboratory, and owing to the
gieat increase in the work, many temporary additions have
been made to the staff. By desire of the Committee of the
Privy Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, parti-
culars have been laid before it as to various researches in
which the Laboratory can be of assistance to British indus-
tries, and during the year help has been given to a number
of firms which have undertaken the manufacture of goods
formerly obtainable only from German sources. Additional
buildings have been erected for aeronautical research.

In the Physics Department (Mr. F. E. Smith), the Elec-
trical Standards Division haa been occupied with the investi-
gation of problems in connection with wireless telegraphy.
The Division for General Electrical Measurements has con-
tinued the research on magnet steels for the I.E.E., and in
the Electrotechnics Division Mr. C. C. Paterson has made
arrangements for a new branch of test work. Other depart-
ments, whilst largely engaged on Government work, have
been able to make some progress with their normal duties.

In the Physics Department, in addition to special tests for
the Ministry of Munitions, 140 electrical measurements were
made, compared with 191 last year and 2.59 in 1914; imder
the head of Electrotechnics, 10,444 tests were made, including
3,171 ammeters and 3,136 voltmeters, 1,954 shimts, and 1,224
supply meters, compared with totals of 5,080 last year and
3,8'28 in 1914; photometric tests numbered 3,053, including.
2,324 luminous dials (a new item), compared with 410 and
1,142 in 1915 and 1914.

The accounts show a credit balance- of £1,568. The income
rose from £39,653 to £51,372, and the expenditure from
£39,573 to £49,804. The staff increased from 217 to 337.

Plnjsics Department. — Much of the time of the "Funda-
mental Lnits ■' Section (Mr. F. E. Smith) has been occupied
with confidential work ; in addition, the improvement of com-
pf.sses for use in the lifeboats of merchant ships, and the test-
ing of prismatic compasses for Service use, were amongst
the matters dealt with. In the section for General Electrical
Measurements (Mr. CampbeD and Mr. Dye) an inductometer
suitaljle for high frequencies, and having a wide range of
self-inductance, has been constructed, and three new sensi-
tive vibration galvanometers have been built. The improve-
ment of methods of testing the magnetic properties of bars
has received attention, and a paper communicated to the
Institution of Electrical Engineers (Elec. Re?., December
31st. 1915, p. 859) gave a full account of the new methods.

Electrotechnics (Mr. Paterson). — The test work has been
mainly of a confidential character, and practically all ordi-
nary research work has been suspended. The setting-up of
standards for. and the testing of. self-luminous dials for aero-
plane and other instruments for use at night has necessitated
the collection of much valuable and interesting infoi-mation
on the behaviour of the luminous compounds and of the com-
pleted dials. In the d.c. and resistance measurement section,
the amount of work has been more than three times that of
the heaviest pre-war year, though the staff is numerically the
same as before the war. In the case of large current shunts,
the design of the main current terminals has been found to
be most important; in one instance, owing to the design of
the end connections, a difference of 8 per cent, could be
obtained, depending on the method of leading in the current.

S4

THE ELECTRICAL ltE\TE^V.

No. I'.lii;. ,IiLV L>l. l!lUi.

Ii; testing the large .shunts which are now heing dealt with.
it is neeessarv to maintain the lull current until the lihunt
ha> attained its maxinuim temperature, in order to obtain
the correct values for running conditions, to detect weakness
of the soldered joints— the most prolific source of trouble in
thi> typo of apparatus; the present battery arrangements do
not allow of a discharge sutheiently great or prolonged for
this purpose, and it is hoped to obtain a machine suitable for
coupling in parallel with the battery.

H<(i^ (Dr. Marker) .—Resist;! nee thermometry has been fur-
ther investigated, and a special apparatus which has been
constructed for the purpose of testing the heat iusulatmg
properties of refractory materials has proved exeeedmgly
.satisfactiirv ; themiocouples are employed for the temperature
mea-urcments. and to maintain good thermal contact over
the surface of the bricks, a bath of molten tin electrically
heated to a uniform temperature is employed. Electric heat-
in" is alsi> used in testing the thermal conductivity of slag
wool cork &c.. and the thermal properties of new roofing
materials In the latter case, although the conductivity of
the materials was of the order of l/7()tli that of iron, the
unexpected result was that the loss of heat per sq. ft. was
'HI per cent greater than that through galvanised iron. This
apparent anomalv is explained by the greater surtace emis-
sivity of the new" materials. The Melloni form ot thermopile
was "found to be most useful in investigating the loss of heat
from surfaces at a temperature only slightly exceeding that
of the surroundings. For testing optical pymnieters, a new
pattern of carbon tube furnace was designed by Mr. O. Li.
Eden and has been in constant use for about hve months
at teiliperatures ranging up to more than 2.000 deg. C. with-
out neces.sitating the replacement of the original tube; the
furnace takes IJ KW. at the highest temperatures. Ihe
abnormallv large demand for porcelain tubes for pyrometer
sheaths which before the war were largely obtained from
abroad neces.sitaled the production of suitable ware m this
country and investigations have been carried out on samples
of British-made porcelain tubes. An enlarged form of the tung-
sten arc lamp of Messrs. Gimingbam \- Mallard, made by the
Edison-Swan Co., with a hot electrode 8 mm. m diameter,
has been found to be an extremely useful' source of radiation
for optical pyrometer work.

[iadiiun and X-ray Tfort (Di-. Kaye).-Tests on radium salts,
and radium luminous compounds (zmc sulphide -1- 0.U4 per
cent bv weight of radium bromide) have been earned out,
and apparatus has been installed to investigate the absorption-
coefficients ot materials used for the protection of X-ray
operators. t^ i i

The Engineering, Metallurgical, and Tank Departments
have all been verv busy. An appendix to the Eeport gives
particulars and drawings of the new aeronautical bui dings.
For these a sepai-ate motor-generator working at 4UU volts Ms
been installed, with a Tirrill regulator, which maintains the
voltage at a constant value independent of the load on the
generator, and thus enables the two new wind-channels to be
used without affecting each other's working.

NEW PATENTS APPLIED FOR, 1916.

(NOT TET PUBLISHED).

rulilishcil oxpressh im lhi.s journal bv Mi;s,si,-,s. W. P. TiioMrSON & Co .
Electrical -Potent .'Kgcnls. 2S5, Hijjh llolborn, I.,m.lon, W.f., .-inil at
Liverpool anH Hrailford.

Electrical Trade in 1915: New Classification— We

are asked to ^tate that certain alterations in classification, recom-
mended l.vthe B.E.A.M.A. to the Board of Trade in 1!)14, will
appear in the Annual Statement of Trade of the Lnited Kingdom
covering I'Jl.J, which, it is anticipated, will be issued shortly.
The new classification will be as follows :—

Import List.
Electrical goods and apparatus, &c. : —
Meters and measuring instruments.
Switchboards.
Unenumerated.
Machinery and parts thereof : — ,^

Electrical :

Generators and motors (except for aeroplanes, motor-cars

and motor-cycles).
Unenumerated.

Export List.

Electrical goods and apparatus. &c. : —

Meters and measuring instruments.

Transformers.

Switchboards.

Unenumerated.
Machinery and parts thereof : —

Prime movers (except electrical).
Other kindi : —

St«am reciprocating engines.

Steam-turbine engines.

Internal-combustion engines (except for aert planes, motor-
cars and motor-cycles).

Unenumerated.
Electrical : —

Railway and tramway motors.

Other generators and motors (except for aeropl nes. motor-
cars and motor-cycles.

Unenumerated.

9.377. " Dtivio); anil .onlrollini; Jvnamo-cliclric ficnirators." J. FlRlll
and W. F. \V. RlioOKs. July 3ril. ' ,

9,279. ** Field r^'gulaling rheostats, motor starters, &c." Eisctbomotohs.
Ltd.. r. O. L. Pbllowb & D. A. Trickett. July 3rd.
' 9,310. "Combined pocket and suspension electric lamp." t". R. Hall
July 3rd.

,•1,3:11. " Coaiinuous-current dynamo-electric machines." F. Mchcatuovd.
July ,trd.

;i,33(i. '• Electrical replacement indiifators/" H. J. Dale. July 3rd.

9,349. "Automatic switching devices for telephone systems." L. Dii
FoKust. July 3rd. (U.S.A., July 7th, 1915.)

9,370. " Electric lamp, &c., guards." St. Helens Cable & Rubber Co.' and
J. C. White. July 4ih.

uring electric cables. Sic," St. Helens
July 4th.

9,408. " Electric hand lamps." J. W. IWa-jlev. July 4lh.

9,44". " Ships' telegraphic apparatus." VV. Cll.iDBUBN & W. 'K. Chadbckn.
July 5th.

9,539. "Measurement of frequercy o( eleclrical currents." /Marconi's
Wireless Teleci^aph Co. & 1. Sciioenbbrc. July Gth.

9..)4I. " Electric lotary converters." British Westinchocse Ei4!Ctbic ane>
.MvKChACTLRiNG Co. Julv Clh. (U.S.A., Julv 6th, 1915.)

9,.'-)89. " Fi'ring ordnance by electricity." P. nE Beer & G. Inhu.. July 7lh.

9..W8. " Electrodes." J. C. Rot.'ND. July Tth.

9.607. "Code tclegraphj-." F. B. Dsun (R. C. H. Martens), July 7lh.

9.608. " Evacuating bulbs of electric incandescent lamps, &c." Deutsche
Gasglchlicht .\kt. Ges. (Auerges). July 7th. (Germany, September 27th,
1915.)^

9.609. " Electric incandescent lamps and production of same." Deutsche
Gasgluhliciit Akt. Ges. (Auerges). Julv 7th. (Germany, September 27th,
1915.)

9,035". " Producing electricity." A. MacCallum. July Blh.

0,646. " Electric switches." J. Anderson & G. Ellison. July 8th.

0,647. " Electric contacts." J. Anderson & G. Ellison. July 8lh.

9,655. " Electric signaMing systems." F. G. Bell, W. C. Davev and
SlEKLiNG Telephone & Electric Co., Ltd. July 8th.

9,667. " Motor ploughs, cultivating Lmplf-ments, cable-laying machines, &c."
\V. E. Martin. July 8th.

PUBLISHED SPECIFICATIONS.

191.4.

7,591. Electric Incandescent Lamps. A. B.C. Schrililampen Ges. March
25th. (November aOth, 1913.)-
7,Sfl0. Use of Interrupted Current as Method of Effecting aS Initial

yuiVERING IN the \'IBRATI0N OF BODIES BY ELECTRICITY, MORE ESPECIALLY THE

SiiriNGs OF Musical Instruments, such as the Piano. A. H. Maitre and
V. H. G. Martin. March 28th.

1915.

1,950. Sw

FOR Internal-combustion

FOR use in Ignition Svs
B. P. Swyers. February 6th.

4,222. Means for Controlling Electric and other Motors. Akt. Ges.
Brown, Boveri et Cie. March :7th. (March 19th, 1914.)

7,311. AppAR-vrus for Measuring Electric Current. Landis & Gyr. Akt.
Ges. May 16th. (May 18th, 1914. Addition to 3,856/15.)

7,45". Electrical Distributing System. W. H. Cole. May 18th.

8,82«. Telephone Systems. C. Bardeloni. June 15}h.

8,926. Wireless Telegraph Receivers. Marconi's Wireless Telegraph Co.
and G. M. Wright. June 17th.

9,054. Magnetos. M. Pedcrsen. June 2l5t.

9,097. Electric Hot-water Storage Installations. E. C. R. Marks
(Walker). June 21st.

9,111. Systems for Producing Electrical Djscmarces from a Source of
Energy. Varley Duplex Magnet Co. & R. Varl.y, June 21st. (Addition to
17,607/13. Convention date not granted.)

9 112 Systems for Producing Electrical Discharges from a Source of
Energy. Varlev Duplex Magnet Co. & R. Varley. June 21st. (.Addition to
17,607/13. Convention date not granted.)

9,283 Automatic or Semi-autom.«ic Telephone Systems. Relay Auto-
matic Telephone Co. (G. A. Betulander). June 24th.

9 396 Telephone Systems. Automatic Telephone Manufacturing Co. June
26th. (June 27lh, 1914.)

10,137. Primary Cells. F. A. Wilkinson. July 12th.

10,147. Stand for Coiled Material. S. C. Gary. July 12th.

10,605. Electrolysis. H. R. Nelson. July 21st. (August 17th, 1914.)

11 768 Systems of Control for Electric Motors. British Thomson-
HouLton Co. (General Electric Co., U.S.A.). August 14th.

13 286 Method of Manufacturing Gear Wheels. British Thomson-
Houston Co. (General Electric Co., U.S.A.). September 17th.

14 895 MAGNETS for/of Magnetos. M. Pedersen. October 21st. (Divided
application on 9,054/15. June 2Ist.)

14 896 Mare-and-break Mechanism for/of Magnetos. M. Pedersen.
Otober 21st. (Divided application on 9,054/15. June 21st.)

14 898 Armatures of Magnetos. M. Pedersen. October 21st. (Divided
application on 9,054/15. June 21st.)

16,933. Electric Rotary Converters. O. H. Pieper & A. F. Pieper.
December 1st. .,.,.,. ir, i

■ 17 022 Current Regulators for Electric Furnaces. Aktiebolaget Elek-
triska I'ngar. December 3rd. (December 16th. 1914.)

17,580. Electron Emitting Cathodes and Process °' J'^'"'""'^"l"'° ™'
same A. M. Nicolson & E. C. Hull. December 16lh. (December 26th,
1914.)

THE

■BlTJBKOrriRXCiJi^Xj I?.E^IE3"W.

Vol. LXXIX.

JULY 28, 1916.

No. 2,018.

ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

Vol. LXXIX.]

CONTENTS ; July a*, 1916.

[Xo. 2,018.

Export Trade and Enemy Influences ... ... ... ... ^5

Foreign Uudertakinjirs in Russia ... ... ... !*')

Rubber *ii

hidiistrial Fatigrue ... ... ... ■■• ••• ^"i

Niites on Electroplating-, by S. V. Thorp (///«.>■.) (roiicluthd)... ■ 87

Electricity Supply at Holmfirth ((7/«.s.) ... 8!'

X./w Electrical Defices. Fittings and Plant (iV/f^v.) !iu

-■ archlight Carbons ... ... ...

W \x Items ...
I irrespondence —

Xeglect of Science

Electric Fans for Military Hospitals ...

Declaration of Origin of British Goods
Business Notes

Notes ... ...

<'ity Notes. ... - ... ...

^Mcks and Shares ...

l.>;ports and Imports of Electrical Good-s during June. ISHii...
Extensions of the Simmer Pan Station of the Victoria Falls
and Transvaal Power Co.. by R. T. Mawde«ley (/7/«.<.)

The Utilisation of Waste Heat for Agriculture

The Diesel Engine Users' Association (7V/k.<.) ...

Trade Statistics of India

New Patents Applied for, 1916 ...

Abstracts of Published Si>ecifications ... ...

;>]

'.14

Contractors' Column

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THE UNIVERSAL ELECTRICAL DIRECTORY

1916 EDITION.

H. ALABASTER, GATEHOUSE & CO.,
4, Ludgate Hill, London, E.G.

EXPORT TEADE AND ENEMY
INFLUENCES.

It was announced last week that the Foreign
Trade Department had just published a consolidat-
ing statutory list containing over 1,500 names of
firms of enemy origin or association in foreiga
countries with whom persons in the United King-
dom were forbidden to trade, and that additions
to the list would be issued at frequent inter-
vals. Naturally, these lists are primarily intended
for the infomiation of British manufacturers and
exporters during the period of the war, although
they should also be of great advantage on the con-
clusion of hostilities in the sense of deterring, as
far as possible, British firais from resuming trading
transactions with these now enemy firms or indivi-
duals. Simuhaneously w^ith the publication of the
new statutory list comes the announcement from
Washington that neutral Powers have proposed
that the Government of the United States should
take the initiative in negotiations for the purpose
of the adoption of some form of concerted reprisals
against the black-lists. We do not think, however,
that the United States will fall into this "fresh snare
which has obviously been laid by, or at the in-
stance of, German agents, notwithstanding the large
Teutonic population in the United States. So ex-
tensive, indeed, is the German element in that coun-
try, particularly in commercial and financial circles,
that it is often difficult for outsiders to determine
from names of firms whether they are Ameri-
can, German, or German-American, and it is equally
difficult to say offhand whether individuals with
German names are really Gennan, or whether they
are naturalised citizens of the United States. Simi-
lar observations also apply to the South American
Republics, and to Holland and the Scandinavian
countries in Europe, where German names, and
foreign names adopted by Germans in order to dis-
guise their nationality, are to be found in abund-
ance.

It is, however, not our purpose to discuss the
question of nationality. We have merely set forth
what has preceded in order to emphasise the enor-
mous ramifications of the German element through-
out the world, and to show superficially what British
manufacturers will still have in front of them in the
future period of peace. But. with the assistance of
the statutory lists and the infomiation which is being
collected by the various committees appointed by
the Government to consider the subject of British
trade after the war, it should be possible success-
fully to resist the threatened resumption by the
Germans of a great commercial onslaught in the
markets of the world in the future. Although the
Germans occupy the premier position for mendacity
in political matters, and may also hold the same
status in commercial and trading atfairs, we can-
not entirely reject as being totally devoid of
foundation the reports emanating from Germany
as to the acctimulation of stocks, even under pre-
sent conditions, in readiness for disposal at an,y
prices obtainable in external markets when normal
conditions have been restored. Such a state of
affairs, however, cannot prevail to any large extent
in regard to the German electrical engineering indus-
trv, in consequence of the comparative scarcity of
copper and other metals which have been requisi-
tioned for war purposes, although we believe that

[85]

an E ELECTKiC'AL liE \ 1 E W

copper is still being produced in the coiuitry at the
rate of 42,000 tons per annum. At all events, one
company, which annually produces 2J,ooo tons, re-
ported an output of this quantity last year, and the
other copper producers may be expected also to
have turned out their normal tonnage owing to the
pressure of the Army authorities. But this in no
way disposes of the fact that all the copper is needed
for military requirements, directlv or indirectly, and
that none can, therefore, be available for the manu-
facture or construction of plant solely for peace
purposes.

The immediate ability of the German electrical
firms to dump large quantities of their manufactures
in the world markets directly after the war, even
if shipping be available for such a purpose, need
not be regarded as so threatening a factor as in the
case of some other branches of trade, and the official
lists of enemy firms should assist us in our efforts
to prevent later Teutonic competition from being
.successful. As we have repeatedly shown, however,
much will depend upon the ability of other nation.-^
to meet the world's requirements. Our reference
to the German influence which is present in parts
of the industries of the States, reminds us of some
recent comments of the Electrical JVorld, in which
our contemporaiy shows that, though the world is
thirsting for electrical goods, " American manufac-
turers liave not taken advantage of the opportunity
to supply the markets of the world " with them.
The export electrical trade of the world in 1913 was,
according to the writer, in the neighbourhood of
£25,000,000, but in 1915 it was only £10,000,000,
tirst, because Germany was shut in by our blockade;
secondly, because there was a certain falling-off in
the world's purchasing power; and thirdly, because
our factories and our ships were othenvise occu-
pied. Some of these effects were, when war broke
out, expected to afford America just that oppor-
tunity as an electrical exporter that one would have
expected her to desire. But, according to the
Electrical World's- comments, that opportunity has
been allow^ed to pass. Whether the cause be the
pre-occupation of American industries w'ith their
great prosperity, or w'hether the German hyphen
and the indisposition to eiiter a market which there
might not be a desire to hold after the war had
any influence on the situation, the fact remains.
\\"e hope that the British electrical manufacturer is
fully alive to the necessity for preparing for the
production of that greatly increased output and for
energetic export-selling propaganda and efforts to
enable him to handle a good share of the business
that is represented by that accumulated deficit of
exports of the war years, much of which will re-
quire to be provided in addition to the normal
export trade.

Although sequestrations of tlie
Foreign property of foreigners in Germany

Undertakings have been numerous during the
in Russia. course of the war, and foreign
businesses or companies have been
extinguished, the Teutons do not particularly enjoy
reciprocal treatment in other countries. The Ger-
man idea is that if the Teutons establish a company
in another country, and under the laws or authority
of that country, it becomes a native company, even
if most, or all. of the capital is held in Germany. But
the allied nations no longer intend to allow this sub
terfuge to prevail. In the case of Russia, it appeal's
that an Imperial Order was recently issued deciding
on the determination of the Kieff Electricity Co.,
and stipulating that the liquidation should be carried
out by a committee appointed by the Government
and the Kieff Town Council. If this action should
be carried out, a German newspaper remarks that
it would represent a contravention of law. as the

company is a Russian concern and, according to its
statutes, liquidation can only be brought about by
a resolution of the shareholders. But when it is
mentioned that all the shares are held by one com-
pany— the Berlin Electrical Undertakings Co.— no
ground e.xists for the Teutonic protest, as the elimi-
nation of the German element as far as possible now
forms one of the definite items in the programme
of the allied nations. At the same time, it is impos-
sible to refrain from drawing attention to two other
matters in which neutral capital in Russian is mostly
concerned, although as the information is derived
from another German source its accuracy is open to
suspicion, particularly when applied to neutral coun-
tries. Both cases refer to Moscow, the Towmi
Council of which has endeavoured to expropriate
the local undertaking of the Petrograd Electric
Lighting Co. of 1886. The first relates to the Bel-
gian Electric Central Station Co., which sought a
concession to compete with the former and lodged
a deposit of £100,000. It is now alleged that the
Moscow Town Council has declared the contract
with the Belgian company to be dissolved, and the
deposit forfeited through non-fultilment of the
agreement. In the second case, the Town Council
is said to be opposing the prolongation of the con-
cession of the Swedish-Danish-Russian Telephone
Co., in which neutral capital is principally interested.
It is known that the Germans take pleasure in
attempting to sow discord among the Allies, and
between the Allies and neutral countries, and the
present examples may represent further efforts in
this direction. At any rate, if any excess of zeal
should be manifested by the Moscow Municipal
Council, which has already experienced the steady-
ing effects of the Government in regard to the pro-
posed expropriation of the local electricity works,
it is probable that the Ministerial Council will only
permit of the adoption of such measures as would
be justified by the circumstances of each individual
case after mature consideration.

Within the last few weeks the
Rubber. price of crude rubber has had fre-

quent and erratic fluctuations, but
the outlook remains very much involved. What
with political and war tmcertainties, and the fact
that the manufacturing trades over the summer
months are usually in a more subdued condition,
while buyers do not care to anticipate their needs
far ahead, the future course of the market is rather
problematic. In the earlier part of the current
month there was no mistaking the prevalent feeling
of depression, while considerable quantities of un-
sold plantation rubber were awaiting disposal on
the spot. Prices fell to about 2s. 2^d. for No. i
latex, but recovered at one time to nearly 2s. 5d.,
which has been followed by a renewed break,
althougli the market has latterly shown more stay-
ing power, thanks to evidences of an improving
demand from the home trade and for export to the
Continent. The more recent buying was more
centred on smoked sheets, the value of which
description has ruled comparatively firmer, and now
stands practically on a par with No. i crepe. There
has been more interest, too, in the lower-priced
grades of crepe rubber. The June imports were
comparatively small against the same month last
vear. with the receipts from wild rubber produciirg
countries again disclosing a falling off, and the
Liverpool and London stocks showed an appreci-
able reduction, but recent arrivals have been more
liberal, and the supply is seemingly, on the whole,
keeping well ahead of the demand, so that there is
not a very hopeful feeling as to the stability of the
market, although prices are relatively low. Holders
of spot rubber seem rather keen to lighten their
stocks, and buyers are cautious. The absence of
any American revival of inquiries is undoubtedly

No. 2,018, JCLV 2X. nUti.

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW

,s7

being felt, and until buying from that quarter re-
asserts itself, unsettled conditions must be expected
to continue, though the worst of the depression has
credibly been seen, judging from the fact that prices
for next year's deliveries remain at a fair premium
over the value of spot rubber. Whereas the recent
exports to American ports were relatively small, as
compared with the abnormally heavy returns in the
same period last year, the quantities sent to France
and to Russia were of respectable dimensions, and
prospects as regards the outlet in these countries
are considered pretty good. Home consumers
seem more disposed to lay in stocks for future needs
at the present level of prices, but trans-Atlantic
manufacturers are, apparently, still drawing on their
old stocks, as usual, till towards the autumn. There
is evidently less anxiety in that quarter as to future
supplies, while fairly large quantities are on the
way. It is estimated that the Eastern shipments
for the past month were about 9,200 tons, making
an aggregate of, roughly. 55,000 tons for the first
half of this year, comparing with about 6,000 tons
and 41,000 tons for the corresponding periods last
year. There has been more doing lately in Brazilian
descriptions, and the price of hard Para has risen
to a rather stiff premium over the value of best
plantation rubber. This feature is somewhat
puzzling in view of the keen competition of planta-
tion grades, although it is chiefly due to the limited
supply available.

NOTES ON ELECTROPLATING.

A FEW months ago we drew atten-
Indusfrial tion in these columns to the import-
Fatigue, ance of the study of industrial
fatigue, in connection with the con-
ditions of working under high pressure which have
been brought about by the war, and to the excellent
Memorandum issued by the Health of Munition
Workers' Committee on this subject. The report of
the Chief Inspector of Factories and Workshops for
the year 1915, which was recently issued — a mere
shadow of its former self, owing to the exceptional
demands upon a depleted staff — contains some inter-
esting references to this matter, showing that there
seems to be a more general recognition of the
advantages of a week-end rest. Sunday labour has
been found to be unsatisfactory; not only has it a
detrimental effect upon the physical condition of the
worker, it also often results in loss of time on other
days of the week, and the Ministry of Munitions
considers it preferable to work a moderate amount
of overtime during the week, with a break on Sun-
day, rather than to work on from day to day. Where
possible, work is conducted continuously on a_ sys-
tem of two or three shifts, though the shortage of
skilled labour has necessitated working overtime in
.some cases; but the Home Office keeps a tight hand
on the amount of overtime allowed. It is pleasing
to note that, in spite of the long hours and con-
tinuous pressure, no evidence has been observed
(except in the case of foremen and managers, and
some of the older workmen) that the strain has pro-
duced any ill-effects upon the workers: there have
been indications of fatigue, but this is quickly over-
come by a temporaiy rest from overtime, and the
system of watching' workers and affording them
temporary relief whenever undue signs of fatigue
are shown is recommended by the Home 'Office.

■ The great improvement in the care devoted to the
welfare of the workers, the provision of canteens
and mess-rooms, and arrangements for dealing with
cases of injury and sickness, are welcomed by the
Inspector as most important developments which
are likely to remain after the war; as Miss Ander-
son, the principal lady inspector, remarks, these
refonus are partly due to the " general awakening
to the dependence of efficient output on the welfare
of the human agent." We trust that the lesson
will never be forgotten.

{Co)iduded J'rom pi(<ie (il.)
Vats and Tcoiks Used in Platiii!/.— The plating- vat may
he constructed of either wood or h-on. For nickel, silver,
cold brass, copper, or zinc solutions, a wooden vat is used,
having an outer easing made of deal or pine of suitable
thickness, gi-ooved and" feathered and bolted at either end
with iron plates. The whole is then lined inside with
chemically pure lead, and the joints are burnt, not soldered
together, ks soldering introduces tin, which will injure the
soFution, and may set uj) electrolytic action in combination
with the lead. Inside this is a lining of match-boarding,
which is fitted in loose to allow for expansion when filled
with liquid : otherwise it would burst, due to its swelling.
For hot solutions of brass, copper, tin, or zinc, an iron vat is
used, in which the solution is kept hot by means of a steam
coil placed at the bottom of the tank, the number of con-
volutions in the coil being arranged according to the steam
pressure and size of tanks. When an iron vat is used a
wooden frame should be placed on the top, and earthenware
insulators are fixed to carry the brass rods, from which are
hunff the anodes and articles to be plated. The anode plates
for "the vats are sometimes cast or rolled, but ni all
cases they must be perfectly pure, and they are hung on
the rods "with hooks, tlie shape of the plates and hooks

fUX

cafhodt

heiug illustrated by fig. 1. The scouring and swilling
trough is made of wood, and lined inside with lead, a
constant supply of water from a tap or pipe being rtui into
the trough. The dipping pans are usually of stoneware, and
\ary according to the work. The potash, or cleaning, tank nuist
be made of iron, the Ijest quality being essentiid, owing to
the constant heating required, the sawdust pans are made
with a false bottom to contain water, which, while keeping
the sawdust hot, prevents it from being biu'nt.

Clmuftiwi of Arfirles Iff ore Phiiimj. — Before articles are
plated, they need to be chemically clean, or the deposited
metal will "not adhere to them properly. For this reason,
after the article is received from the polisher.it is wired
and placed in the hot potash tank, and well rubbed with a
mop, to ensure all grease being removed, such, for example,
as may be due to liandling. On being removed fmm the
cleansing solution, the article should be well scoured with
pumice powder and water. It can then be placed in the
plating vat, but since an almost imperceptible film of oxide
may have formed on the surface of the article, it is advis-
able to dip brass or copper articles for a second or two into
a cyanide dipping solution : this ensures the deposit adhering
firmly. For iron or steel articles it is better to ttse a
hydrochloric acid dip, and for cast-iron the hydrochloric is
replaced by sulphuric acid.

The process of cleaning work preparatory to plating liy
an electric current has proved successful, and it is lieing
adopted in works which have to deal with large quantities.
The solution, which is worked hot, consists of special salts ;
the anodes consist of carbon, and the resistance board is so
constructed that the current may be reversed without
removing the articles from the vat. The work is wired as
for plating, placed in the vat, and the current adjusted so
as to cause a rapid evolution of gas at the work bemg
cleaned, and as this rises to the surface of the solution it
will carry with it grease and dirt in the form of a dirty
scum. As soon as the work appears discoknued, the
current must be reversed, and the work liecomes the
anode. This reversing of the current removes the oxide

88

THE ELECTRICAL liE\ 1E\V

[Vol 7'.>. Xo. 2,01H. .IlLY

formed on the siu-face of the work, which will appear quite
liri-jht and c-liemioally tloan. When removed, the work is
well swilkxl in eold water, dip])ed for a second or two into
one of the aeid ilii>#, acoirdinji: to the material of the work
cleaned, and then transferred to the plating: \<\t.

Xifkel Pliiliiii/. — Nickel i)latintr is, jx'rhajis, carried on
Itj manufacturers more than any other ]>latin,i,' jmx'ess in
cHinnei-tion with tlieirothcr pnx'essos. Assumini: tliat we have
some articles to plate — for instance, the parts of a cycle —
as rcceiveti from the ]>olisher, they will he sure to have a tine
film of prease u(xin the surface. The articles are wired and
are tlien huni: in Iwiilini: caustic ]>otash. well ruhhed with a
mo]). taken out. and well swilled in cold runniui; water.
They should then he thorouirhly scoured with pumice powder
and water : when Hnishcd. the water .should hang to all parts
of the articles in the same way as oH would. The articles
in this case l>ein<r steel, are dipped for a second or so in the
hydroihloric acid dip. rinsed thi)rou<;hly. and immediately
transferred to the vat, with tlie current on, and left for one
to three hom-s accordintr to the thickness of deposit required.
If the solution, which is worked cold, he ajjitated, the articles
will only require tt> be in the solution half the time required
in a stationary solution. Wliilst the deposit is going on.
tiie rods sliould he occasionally lifted oi' tapped to release
the gas which forms on the articles, but where the solution
is iigitated, the tapping of the rods is not required. The
articles are now removed from the vat, swilled well in hot
water, then ruhhed dry in sawdust, and if the work is pro-
perly carried out a rich silvery depo.sit is the result.

Nickel plating is done directly on iron or steel, but for
high-idass work and certain special goods it is best to
copper-])late the article first. To do this, the article is pre-
pared as for nickel-plating, then placed in the copjjer vat,
and when the desired thickness is ol)tained, it is taken out,
well sconred, rinsed, and placed in the nickel vat. Tl is
gives a much Ijctter looking deposit, and one that wears
better than a nickel dejiosit tlircct on the steel or iron. In
re-jilating, it is always advisable to remove old nickel from
iron or steel by polishing, or a much quicker and simpler
method is by using a nickel stripping solution, which in a
few minutes strips a coat of nickel which may have taken
an hour or two to deposit, and, moreover, does not damage
the article, as in other processes. In these cases, the work to
be strijiped is used as the anode, and the cathodes must he
of sheet-lead or carbon.

(.'oppfr and Brass Pld/in;/. — In copper and brass plating
the preparation of the articles is the same as for nickel-
plating. -For coppering there are two well-known solutions.
the acid copper solution, which invohes the use of copper
sulphate crystals, and the copiier cyanide solution, in which
cop[X!r carbonate and potassium cyanide are used. With
the acid copjier solution, excellent copper can be dejwsited on
cojiper, brass, lead, or metallised moulding materials such as
componnds of wax, but not upon steel, iron, tin, zinc, or
metallic alloys which are more electropositive than copper,
and for the latter it is necessary, first, to copper-plate in the
cyanide bath, afterwards transferring to the acid bath.
Although for a given deposit in the cyanide bath more
electrical energy is used than in the acid solution, the rate
of deijosit per ampere-hour is just double. The cyanide
bath should lie worked hot, about 13.o° F., as it has an
extremely high resistance at ordinary temperatures. By adding
zinc- carbonate to the copper cyanide bath, a bra.ss deposit of
varying colour, depending oi> the amount of zinc present in
the s(_>lution, can be obtained. The best results for electro-
brassing are obtained liy first gi\ing the articles a coat of
copjKir ; when well c<jated, scratch-brush, and place in the
bra,ssing vat till the desired thickness of deposit is obtained.
In using potassium cyanide or its solutions, great care is
needed, as it is a strong poison, and blood-poisoning will
probably result if a cut or scratched hajid comes in contact
with the solution.

Silver and Gold Platimj. — For silver plating, the solu-
tion consists of silver e-hloride dissolved in potassium
cyanide. The work is prepared as before, only before being
placed in the silver vat the articles are dipped in an
amalgamating solution composed of mercuric salts, for a
few seconds, until they show a whitish appearance, then
well swilled in water, and placed in the silver vat. After
being in the solution a few minutes, and coated over, they

are taken out, swilled, and scratch-brushed, iunnersed again
in the amalgamating solution, and put in the silver vat till
the re(|uire(l thickness is obtained. For gold plating the
electrolyte varies gi'eatly, depending on the class of work
and the colour desired. &c. (lold liaths are usually made
by dissolving gold chloride in a ]iotassiuni cyiuiide s<ilution.
In jilating with cheaper metals, the anode surface is large
enough to kceji the solution up to full strength, luit in
gold plating this is not always the ciuse, on account of the
high cost of the anodes. They are usually much smaller
than tfie article being plated, and the solution isconseciuently
reduced in strength as plating progres.ses. so it is necessary
to watch the batli carefully, and to strengthen the sijIiUion
from time to time. Some baths arc worked hot, and sunic
cold, and the ])roportion of gold necessary deix;nds on which
method is u.sed. With a cold bath the stronger currents
give the darker deposit, while in the hot bath the tempera-
ture deternnnes the colour, the higher temperature giving
the darker colour.

KlCctroplating with gold requires great skill, because the
metal is so \-aluable tluit the jilater must use every means
possible to produce the re(|uired results with the Ic.ist pos-
sible amount of metal.

Zinc Pliiliii<i. — For the electrode])osition of zinc, the
solution can be worked hot oi' cold, ('old electroziiicing or
electrogalvanising is perhaps used most, and is specially
suitable as an "anti-rust" coat upon articles such as screws,
washers, staples, tubes, rods, &c. The dejiosit is dean and
smooth, and if a dull finish is required, the article has an
excellent appearance ; if a bright finish is wanted, scratch-
brushing following the plating gives the required bright-
ness.

Barrel Phttiinj. — The mechanical plating of small articles
in a revohing barrel is a great saving in a shop where large
quantities of small articles are constantly being plated, as
the articles do not need to be wired, which in itself is a
great saving in time and labour. The barrels revolve at
from 15 to 30 revolutions a minute, depending on the size,
shape, and number of articles put into them, but in all cases
there must just be a sufficient number of articles to allow
them to roll, Imt not to be carried round with the barrel.
The barrels are usually constructed with wooden bottoms
and perforated celluloid sides, the perforations being of such
a size as not to allow the articles to fall out. The bari'cl
in some types is raised and lowered by means of a rope and
pulley block, the articles being emptied into a sieve. A
very good arrangement is to have the apparatus so arranged
that, after plating, the liarrel can lie turned right over into a
swilling tank and revolved in it by the same shaft, thus
preventing all risks of articles becoming stained due to their
not being thoroughly rinsed.

While articles are receiving their deposits, the continual
rubbing gives them a high jwlish, and the deposit is also
close in grain, due to the constant rubbing, making the
deposit more durable.

It is impossible to get articles burnt by this process, and
the anode surface should be as large as possible, owing to
the large amount of surface of the articles in the barrel.
For drying-out ]iurposes, a revolving sawdust barrel is some-
times em]iloyed : the liarrel is so constructed for the special
jiurpose of keeping the sawdust hot and dry during the
whole process of drying-out. It has an inner and outei'
casing, between which is water to prevent the sawdust
from burning.

MetlmJ of Plalinij Inside Metal Vessels. — To plate inside
metal vessels, such as jugs, sugai'-basins, presentation cu]is,
&c., fig. 2, the article is filled with the solution, and the
anode-plate is hung by suitable means inside it. If the
edges of the article are defective, as they sometimes are, and
to provide for -plating at a-ix)int not reached by the solu-
tion, a method known as " doctoring " may be practised, liy
which the_ anode — or a portion of it — is swathed (with a
piece of stick to stiffen it) in a few coverings of calico, and
attached to the -t- pole of the generator, wliile the article
to be doctored is attached to the — pole. By continually
dipping the covered end of the anode in the solution, and
gently rubbing over the spot to be covered, a fair
coating will result in a short space of time. It
is essential that the cloth be kept continually
impregnated with fressh solution during the operation,

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

89

wht-n, ill a few niinmes, sufficient metal should be
deposited to stand burnishing or finishing, and if care is
taken the faulty place should not be discernible.

Pairfl Phttinij and Sand Blast iiii/. — -The plating of
tirticles in two or three colours is done by stopping off the
part of the article which does not require to be plated.
For example, take a copper plate, some part to be left copper
■colour and the other silver ; the part that requires to be
left copper is varnished with stopping-off viu-uish, and
when thoroughly diT the article is cleaned and put in the
silver vat until the desired thickness of deposit is obtained.
It is then swilled and dried out in sawdust in the usual
way. When chy. it is placed in turpentine till the varnish
is softened, and can be brushed off. It is then well cleaned
and dried, when it is ready for bimiishing or finishing, as
desired. Articles of jewellery are done in a similar manner.
Tor exaniple, if gold flowers are required on a silver l)rooch,
the part which does not require to appear gold is stopjied off
and treated as just described.

Articles tliat require a frosted appearance, such as cigar
and tigarctte cases, match-boxes, &c., are sand-blasted, and
if material of suitalile size is used, a fine nr coarse matt
apjiearance can lie nbtaiiled.

towni, and provision has been made for probable extensions
in the futiu-e : the plant consists of direct-current generators,
driven by gas engines supplied with producer gas, working
in conjunction with a small battery.

Ijhe gas-producing plant is placed in a shed which
adjoins the generating station, and consists of two
open-hearth suction producers, of Messrs. Crossley Bros.'
latest design, having several novel features. One useful
feature is the arrangement of pipe comiections, by which
either engine can be run from either plant merely by
closing and ojiening isolation valves : the gas generator is "a

ELECTRICITY 5LPPLY AT MOLMFIRTH.

The official inauguration of the Holmtirth Urban District
Council's electricity undertaking took place on Saturday,
the 15th inst., when the generating station and equipment
were insi«cted by the Electricity Committee.

The question of lighting the town and district by elec-
tricity was publicly considered in 1911, when the ratepayers
adopted a resolution to apply for a provisional order, which
decision was later confii'med by a plebiscite of the rate-
payei's.

The provisional order was obtained in August, i;)li*, and
negotiations were opened with the Yorkshire Electric
Power Co, with a ^iew to ol)tainiug a supply of electricity
*• in bulk " : local opposition to the scheme asserted itself,
however, and as it seemed jirobable that the Yorkshire
Electric Power Co. wnulrl nut lie in a position tn give the

Gas-esgise-drxvex Gexerators. Holmfirth Electricity Wi

proposed supply for some few years, the original sclieme was
dropped.

jThe Coiuicil accordingly decided to establish an electricity
works of its own in Holmfirth, and, an Electricity Com-
mittee having been appointed, tenders for the entire
generating ecjuipment and complete installation were called
for, to the specification of Mr. A. B. Mountain, and the
contract was ultimately awarded to Messrs. T. ^\. Broadbcnt.
Ltd., of Huddei-sfield. The Comicil is to be congratulated
on having allotted the work before the recent heavy incre:ise
iuthecostsof all engineering materials took effect, although,
as a matter of fact, the formal contract was not prepared
until March, 1915.
The electricitr works are situated near the centre of the

Main Switchboard. Holmfirth.

cylindi'ical vessel, lined with firebrick, the fuel being
su])ported on a stepped grate, so that the fuel bed is in full
\\e\\' <if the operator.

By an ingenious arrangement of water siphon, the amoimt
of steam generated is automatically governed by the load
on the engine. The water necessary to generate the steam
passes through several giiled tubes in series, receiving
an increment of beat from each tube, and finally oveiHows
into a " flash " tube, where it is flashed into steam.

On its way to the scrubber for cooling-aud cleaning, the
hot gas is made to pass thi'ough two
cascades of water which form the over-
flow to the scrubber ; by this means
the heavier impiuieties are removed
before the gas reaches the coke in the
scrubber.

The gas engines are of the Crossley
horizontal type, developing 190 b.h.p.
(maximum) and 95 b.h.p. (maximum)
respecti^■ely, and both running at 190
R.p.jr. The larger one is a double-
cylinder engine, while the smaller one
has only one cylinder : the cylinders are
all of the same size, which obviates the
need for holding a large stock of spare
parts.

The engine go\-erniug is of the
"variable admission" type, in which
the main inlet valve itself becomes a
throttle : impulses are not only given to
the engine at each working stroke, but are
certain, at any position of the governor.
The electric generators are of Messrs. Broadbent's well-
known " D " type, and are belt-driven from the engine
fly-wheels. The larger of the two generators has an output
of 100 KW. when running at a speed of 625 r.p.m., and the
output of the other is 60 KW. when running at a speed of
U-IO R.P.M. The generators have aiLxiliary poles, and are
each fitted with three bearings of the automatic ring oiling
type. We understand that the temperature rises of the
windings, taken at the end of the full load test-run, were —
in the "case of each machine — well below the limits laid
down by the " E.S.C."

The "three-wire system of distribution is employed, with
a declared pressure of -140 volts across the outers, and
the neutral earthed. A rotarr balancer by Messrs. Broad-

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

Vol. 7i<. No. 2.01S, JiLY 2S. V.n(>.

bent is employed to maintain ckt-trical e*iiiililiriuni
iK'tween the two sides of the system, mid there is a
small Chloride bsittcry to deal with the ni«rhi load.
This battery consist* of iM) " HLG 3/J " type eells in
•rUiss bo.xes ; sufficient marjiin has been allowwl in the
dimensions to meet the iK\<silile reciuirements of additional
capacity at some future date. The battery is capable of
disihargintc at the rate of 104 iuni>eres for one hour, or
•20 amperes for 10 hours : for charjiing it, a three- wire
motor-dri\en lHX)Ster, supplied by Messre. Broadbent. is
employed.

The switchlward consists of eii;ht panels of enamelled
slate ; three generator panels (one of them being blank at
present), one battery panel, one balancer panel, one booster

NEW ELECTRICAL DEVICES, FITTINQS,
AND PLANT.

Lamp-lucking Batten Holder.

In resixmse to tlic very consiileialilc doiiiamU of the triulc
Messrs. La.mlok, of IS. Kancla;;li (;:ir(lin>;, Hiimmeisniith. W.,
have now introtluiXHl u lamp-lockiim Wattcn liolilor. which wc illiid-
trate in &g. 1. It will be soon that this titliuy consists of a flanjia
piece for fixin'r on to the batten, with a short -liistancc piece screwed
on to it. while the lamphokler is attache<.l to the other end of th
distance piece by means of a suitable screwed clainpinK ring.

The lamp lock is of the makers' well-known " pin " pattern, the
piu screwinjr throujf h the lower flan<re of the distance 'pieoe into

Gas Producer Plant Hui,.mi'iuth Electricitv Works.

l.v.mf-i.uckin(_
Holder.

panel, four feeder panels, and two street-lighting jMnels : tliis
also was made throughout by Messrs. Broadbent.

The distribution has been eari'ied out on the three-wire
system, by means of overhead mains, on steel poles in the
centre of the town and on wooden poles in the outskirts.
It may be mentioned in this connection that the arrange-
ment of poles, struts, stays, and brackets has been carried
out in a specially-secure maimer suited to the peculiarities
of Holmfiith, where acute angles and steep hills present
problems re(|uiring more than an ordinary amount of
thought and attention. The poles also serve as standards
for the street-lighting fittings and lamps, the street lamps
being controlled by automatic time-switelies. which are
affi.xed to the poles when required.

House services are tapped off the o\'erhead wires, and the
tappings are taken into the cfnisnnier's houses (usually into
the upper storey) tlu'ough porcelain leading-in tubes. The
charges for current are Gd. per unit for lighting and 2d. per
unit for moti\e power, heating or cooking ; and they are
not unreasonalile, in view of the present hiijli prices of
fuel, &c.

Already there is a fair demand for current for lighting
pur|X)ses. and if the demand grows a.s it is expected to, the
undertaking should, under the capable management of
Mr. A. C. Bott, the engineer to the Council, prove a practical
success. The capital charges are not excessive, and it is
likely that the ratepayers will in time be rewarded for their
enterprise.

AVe are indebted to Messrs. T. W. Broadbent. Ltd., for
the particulars and views here given.

Patents and Alien Enemies. — Licences have been granted

by the Board of Trade to Messrs. Edg-ar Allen & Co.. Ltd., and the
Rapid Magnetting Machine Co.. Ltd.. in respect of Patents
Nos. 14.082/08. granted to Ullrich, and 17.4.59/09 29 ''01/11
29,224/11. 29,230/11. 4..595/1.S. 14,42()/13, 14,427/13, and 24'.353/l3.
granted to Fried. Krupp A.G. Grusonwerk,

the holder, and pressing on the lamp top, thus preventing the lamp
from being lifted in the bayonet socket and removed, '''he pin is
turned by means of a sm.all key. shown in our view.

The batten holder is solidly made in brass and machined all over.

Hand-operated Starting Compensators.

The British Thomson-Houston Co., Ltd., of Rugby, have
issvied a new list. No. .5.2.50. dealing with type N R h.and-operated
starting comiJeusators. for two and three ■ phase siiuirrel cage

-B.T.H. Wall-type Stabtixg Compensator.

induction motors. These are designed to reduce the excessive
starting current of such motors without unduly reducing the
torque, and consist essentially of an auto-transformer in which a

No. 2m, Jdlv 28, i9i«] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

91

tapping is taken off the winding- at a suitable point to secure the
required reduction in voltage.

Such compensators are suitable for 25, 331. 40, 50 or 60-cycle
squirrel cage motors ot up to 750 H.P. on pressures of from !)5 to
3,3U0 volts and are built either in wall suspension or floor types,
the latter being for large sizes.

The switch handle has three positions : " ofif," " starting ' and
■ running." An automatic low-voltage release is fitted and, if
desired, overload relays can be provided as also push-button stops.
In order to meet different starting requirement.^, tlie .starting volt-
age can Ije varied by means of the several taps provided on the com-
pensator winding. The compensator and oil switch are enclosed
in a C.I. case, with the switch, which is of the oil-immersed
type, imderneath in the wall pattern and on the top in the floor
pattern.

The largest comjiensators, owing to the currents dealt with, have
a separate sheet-iron control panel carrying the snitches, ammeter,
current and potential transformers, and are provided with steel
framework and expanded metal screens.

SEARCHLIGHT CARBONS.

In a lecture delivered at the U.S. Coast Artillery School, last year,
.Mr. R. B. Chillas dealt with the subject of searchlight carbons : the
following is an abstract of his remarks, which were reprinted in
the Juurnal of the I'.H. Artilleri/ :—

The principal considerations governing the choice of the proper
carbons for searchlight requirement are that the positive crater of
the arc shall be maintained at the focal point of the parabolic
mirror, and that the lamp mechanism and the carbons shall be so
co-ordinated as to bring about this condition with the minimum of
attention on the part of the operator. The essential requirement
for this is that the lamp mechanism shall advance the carbons at
as nearly as possible the same rate as that at which they are
consumed.

The types of lamp mechanisms available are those that have : —

1. A fixed feeding ratio.

2. A variable feed ratio, under control of the operator.

3. A semi-automatic feeding mechanism. (See Beck lampX
The first type largely predominates, and since this presents the

most severe carbon conditions, the discussion will be confined to
this type only.

The basis upon which the present work was carried out is that
the function of the positive carbon is to produce a light of the
maximum efficiency, steadiness, and concentration, while the
negative carbon, which is the more important from an electrical
standpoint, must maintain a steady arc, cause the least possible
sacrifice in the efficiency, and permit the required degree of control
of the linear burning ratio of positive to negative.

The desired searchlight arc should excell in the following
paiticulars : —

U) Small positive crater, with high current densities, and thus
high crater temperatui-e throughout the crater area, which gives
high intrinsic brilliancy.: (2) small negative carbons : (3) long arc
length : (4) imiform mixtiu-e of carbon, so as to help evenness of
bm-ning.

The present discussion mainly concerns the first three of these.
The importance of the last is fully realised by the manufacturer,
and need not be taken up at present.

In experimental tests on the present standard sizes it was found
that when the arc is on the negative shell, instead of on the core,
the arc stream issues from a very small bright spot, apparently as
a high velocity blast, in a direction normal to the carbon surface.
It this surface is directly facing the positive, the stream is straight.
;md usually steady ; if not, the arc must bend toward the positive,
and imsteiidiness, hissing, and rapid wanderings of the arc occur,
often resulting in an outrage (arc break).

For a 200-ampere. 7u-volt arc. the diameter of the negative spot
is estimated at '07 in. to '10 in. U'S to 2'5 mm.), corresponding to a
current density of 25.000 to 50,000 amperes per sq. in. (3.900 to
7,800 amperes per sq. cm.). The diameter and the current density
ot the positive bright spot or arc crater are. respectively, 'H in.
CL'O mm,), and fOO amperes per sq. in. (62 amperes per sq. cm.).

In operating large negatives, such as the G. E. 3ij-in. and the
foreign lOO-ampere 21 mm. or simUar larger ones (current densities
below 200 amperes per sq. in. or 30 amperes per sq. cm.), the pre-
vailing shape of the tip of the negative is blunt and rounded, or
even slightly cupped with cored negatives. With such a shape,
periods of marked unsteadiness and troublesome burning are almost
certain to occur. The appearance of the positive crater reminds
one of an octopus, with many rapidly-moving tentacles. The
ftficiency at such .times is very low. 30 jjer cent, of normal. The
negative finally becomes sufliciently romided, and the arc becomes
steady for 20-20 minutes, to be followed by another spasm of
3 — 5 minutes of poor bui-niug : this cycle repeats through the life
of a trim. The operator can do very little to overcome such
trouble ; it appears to be due mainly to a faulty choice of sizes.
f It was noticed that very good steady arcs occurred provided
a favourably-shaped point was obtained, on which the tendency to
wander was diminished : that the core in the negative is non-
essential ; that such a carbon would probably be of small diameter,
and this, if true, would give an added advantage in that the
shadow region, due to the negative, would be decreased. Some
heavily copper-coated solid carbons, with diameters J, i, and J in.

(13. 16. and 19 mm.), were tried on the 60-in. lamp at 200 amperes.
These indicated the value of the small negative.

With a properly-chosen grade of carbon, the negative bright
spot scarcely wanders from the tip of the carbon ; in fact, a small
graphitised" wart " about O'lO in. in diameter forms on the end of
the carbon, and the arc peristently stays on this tip.

On the (i. E. Go-in. lamp, using 2-in. diameter positive and I8-in. -
negative, at 175 or 200 amperes, the arc on the positive wanders
sufliciently to keep a faii-ly well-formed carbon crater, though the
actual arc crater or hot spot does not nearly cover the end of the
carbon. This necessarily leads to unsteadiness and poor efficiency
in the searchlight beams.

With a negative as above described, the arc stream is directed steadUy
at a six)t on the positive, where a bright, sharply -defined arc crater
appears, and a very deep crater may form (if the positive is large),
until finally the tip of the negative is within the crater, and the
arc burns against the sides, tending to give a somewhat spherical
hole within the positive.

A material improvement could be made by decreasing the size
of the positive. An interesting series of observations was obtained
on crater formations under different conditions, using high-grade
positive carbons with a small 418-C core and g-iu, copper-coated
coke solid negative, at a current of 200 amperes and 68—70 volts,

ill, I meter, in. Crater charueteri-iticf:. Sleitilineti.

10. Rounded end of carbon, arc crater over- Very poor.

lapped end. hissed badly.
1'125— 1'25. Nearly flat crater, sharp edges. Fair.

r375. Good cup-shaped crater, sharp edges, arc Excellent,

crater nearly covered the carbon crater.

Best general condition.
rSO— r625. Deeper crater, outer edges slightly Good.

rounded, good general condition.
1'75 — 200. Crater very deep, with nearly parallel Erratic.

sides. May be wider at bottom than good, or

at mouth. Negative tip within crater, very poor.

very noisy, outer edges more rounded.

As the diameter increases, spindling and the rate of consumption
decreases.

Another series of tests with If -in. iiositives and Mn. copper
covered negatives, and varying the current and voltage slightly,
gave the following : —

Current.

Arc ro!t<ii/e.

Crater fo

utioii.

Normal — 200 amps. Normal — 68 volts Normal

Nomial — 200 ., Lowered — 66 ., Tends to deepen

Normal — 200 .. Raised — 70 „ Tends to flatten

Raised — 210 „ Normal — 68 ,. Tends to flatten

Lowered— 190 „ Normal —68 „ Tends to deepen

Raised — 210 „ Raised — 70 „ Flat, unsteady

Lowered — 190 „ Lowered — 66 ,, Rapidly deepens

While the crater formation is controlled principally by the
carbon size, the influence of the texture of the carlion must be con-
sidered at the same time. The first question that enters with
changes in texture is that of spindling. A carbon of sufficient size
must be selected such that when it has spindled to its natural shape
the end will be large enough for the crater.

The arc crater shoidd almost wholly occupy or cover the end of
the positive carbon, so as to form a symmetrical cup-shaped carbon
crater. This gives a sharply defined beam of high efficiency, since
there is no low temperature radiating surface facing the mirror at
the foous. Furthermore, the crater lieiug definitely located on the
end of the cai'bon. it cannot wander laterally out of focus, and
hence there results a steadier beam.

A further improvement has also been made by cutting down the
size of the core hole in the positive. With the new steady nega-
tives, the positive core areas have been reduced to 25-30 per cent,
of the former sizes.

The negative carbon is the more important from electrical con-
siderations. The maximum operating are voltage with a given
line voltage is measured by the permissible number of outrages, or
arc breaks, within a given time.

In tests to determine the proper size, it was found possible to
choose a plain negative, which will have the capacity to carry con-
tinuously such a current as will give a positive crater covering the
tip, A carbon of this size, however, will tend to burn blunt, and
hence is unsteady. This statement applies more particularly in the
case of currents above 75' amperes for reasons which will be dis-
cussed below. Smaller carbons tend to spindle excessively, but
the steailiness usually improves as the tip becomes pointed. For
luO-110 amperes a 1-in. diameter carbon is about at full load, and
spindles approximately 3 in. Increased current cai-ryiug capacity
is therefore required, and may be secm'ed as follows :— .

1. By increased diameter. This is in the direction away from
steadiness, as shown above.

2. By changes in mix. This is also expensive and of very
limited range, as shown by year's of almost vain efforts to get
satisfactory results with the present sizes.

3. By copiier coating. This is by far the simplest and offers a
much wider range of control and better burning conditions than
any of the above. <■ j ^i i.

With positives chosen as above described, it has been found that
by successively decreasing the size of the negative and at the same
time increasing the amount of copiier coat, the necessary current
carrying capacity can be maintained and a tip shape increasingly
favoui'able to steadiness is obtained.

It has been found that beyond a certain point further increases ih
the amount of copper give a relatively small decrease in resistance.

92

THE ELECTKICAL REVIEW.

[Vol. 7;p. No. •-'.Ols, July ■_>¥, I'MO.

The Iwst ile^'ativp is sucli a one as will reiiuire somewhat less tliaic
■|Mi;t in. copper to frive satisfactorv continuous ojieratioii.

Qnite an apprecialile change may be made in the rate of con-
snmptiou. cither liy chaniriny the amount of coppi-r or by slij.'ht
ehanj.'cs in <liamet«-r from that which jrives the test steaiiiness.

It was I'omui that with |)ositives and netratives selecteil as above
described, the natural burninjr ratio, while increasin"- a.s the sia- of
carlwiis increases, is or can bo made to be essentially 1 to 1 for a
lart-'e number of the usual sizes, with but little or no sacrifice in
etticieucy. This feeding' ratio appears to tie quite si'<^nerally
standard amonif the principal lamp makers, except that one larjre
American manufacturer, who has supplieil a iiumt)er of lamps to
both the Army and Xavy. has usetl a ItJ") to 1 ratio for a number
of years.

Averiitre fifrurea from test.s in the present O.E. mechanism show
the followinjf buTniny-hour i-esults : —
Size in iuches

I'.U-in. 1 3 X !.■. I'os. J X 12Neff. S-OO-S'Ta Hrs.

:!li-in. li X 111 .. i X !l .. 2-75-3-50 ,,

L'4-in. 3 X l(j .. i X '.< .. :ii)0-3-.">0 ,,

Small lamps. 18-, IS-, and ;t-in. :i(iO-3uO „

The advantages in operation fjreatly outweitrh the somewhat
short life.

.•Vn important feature is that a larger volume of positive carbon
is consnmetl fora.jriven volume of negative carbon in the larjj'er
sizes than in the smaller ones.

It has l)een found that the cross section of a copper coated
nejrative which will burn with a well pointed tip and which lies
in the region of the best control of the copper coat, is proportional
to the current plus a constant.

With positives selected to have a crater covering the tip.
it is found that the current density increases as size increases.
Since the radiating surface per unit volume decreases, and the
wattage per unit volume when the carbon has burned to shape
rapidly increases with increase iii diameter, the operating tempera-
ture of the tip tends to rise, and therefore the rate of consumption
of the positive increases at a rate more than proportional to the
current.

If it is desired to maintain a given lamp feeding ratio, the
diameter of the positive must increase faster than the current, in
order to keep the crater at the focus.

The 1-1 lamp feeding ratio chosen most neai-ly fulfils tlie require-
ments of good burning, for normal grades of carbon in the range of
cun-ents between 7,0 and 12.5 amperes. The sizes of positive to give
1-1 burning ratio at 150 and 2UU amperes are too large for the best
burning conditions, but since the 1 oO-amiiei'e size is not much used
in American practice, though quite common abroad, the I-l ratio
has Ijeeu adhered to for this trim.

For the 2UU-ampere size, (iS-TU-arc volts, the best positive is about
3a mm. (U in.), and with a lii-mm. (J-in.) negative, the burning
ratio is about \:i:, to 1.^ For 1-1 burning the positive must be
40-tl mm. (I j in.) in diameter. The smaller size is preferred.

For currents less than 50 amperes and a 1 - 1 ratio lamp, the positive
must be smaller than that required by the crater conditions.
Decreasing the negative leads to short life, since the available
burning length is ordinarily rather small. Hence a slightly faster
burning positive has been chosen for these smaller sizes.

In connection with the above discussion, it has been found that a
10 per cent, variation either side of the rated current may be made
without appreciably affecting the burning ratio.

The preceeding discussion has been based on steady operation.
If the operation of the lamp is intermittent, the net result ii?
that the rate of consumption of the negative is decreased, giving an
increase ratio and a tendency towards a positive crater movement.

It should lie noted here that the effect of intermittent operation
is different with different classes of carbons.

A few notes concerning the use of the flame arc for searchlight
purposes may be of interest.

It has been found that the positive arc crater on an impregnated
flame carbon is of decidedly smaller area than the crater on a pure
carbon. The carbons for this work are of special design, using a pure
carbon shell with an impregnated flame carbon core. Only & very
short length of carbon actually carries the current, and this is
wholly within the cooling chamter of the carbon holder.

It should be borne in mind that the cuiTent carrying capacity of
a (metallic) conductor is limited mainly by the operating tempera-
ture, so that the current can be raised, provided thaf adequate
cooling methods are used.

The negative carbon is also of small diameter, and is properly
cooled. For example, the carbons now under test in a 1 50-ampere
lamp are a lii-mm. C j-in.) flame-cored positive, and a 1 1-mm. (y's-in)
cored negative. The actual positive crater is about 14 mm. in
diameter, In operation, the negative carbon is inclined at an angle
of about 20° below the axis, and in such a position that the central
tongue in the negative arc flame strikes about on the upper edge of
the positive crater. The positive carbon is continuously rotated and
fed forward, and forms a symmetrical crater about 10 mm. deep,
filled with the highly luminescent gas of the flame arc. This gives
an extremely concentrated light source of high candle-power, which
is practically ideal for searchlight requirements.

A comparison of the Beck and the Sperrv lamps shows the
following essential differences : The Beck lamp makes use of a
spray of alcohol, or other similar hydrocarbon, against the hot tips
of the carbons. The alcohol ignites, but the temperature of its
flame is said to be sufficiently below the operating temperature of
the tips to act rirtually as a cooling agent. In addition, the pro-
ducts of combustion act as a protective sheath, to prevent undue
oxidation. Since alcohol is not permitted aboard warships, it will
probably be necessary to use some other material. In the Sperry

lamp cooling is accomplished, and spindling prevented by means of
an air-cooliil coppt'r radiator, which surrounds the positive nearly
up to the tip, lmme<liately iu front of this radiator is a short-
fn.sed silica tube, <uit of which alnrnt .J in. to ,' in. of carlion is
alloweil to pi-oject. Air is supplied by a small luotor-driveu blower
to this riuliator. and also to the negative holder.

Two methods have been Hse<l for candle-power nieasurements, the
first being the " yioint by jioint " method, which is lioth tedious
and unsatisfactory : the second is a method developed in this
laboratory using the Lntegrating sphere, which, it is believed, will
prove generally useful for this type of work.

LEGAL

Ladv Chemists A^fD an Ki.KriHor.vTir Puocicss.

Ax electrolytic process for the production of caustic potash was
the subject of an application by two ladies in the Patents Court on
Thursday last week.

Miss E. J. Smith, princiiial of the Chemical Works. Disraeli Koad.
Willesden, aiiplied for a Board of Traile licence to use Patent 1 1.tlliit.
of I'Jln, in the name of Dr. Jean Billiter. of Vienna. Miss Smith
was accompanied by her chief chemist. Miss Markham.

The Chemical Works, Willesden. is said to be the only chemical
factory in England run by ladies. Miss Smith has considerable
electrical experience. She passed at Edinburgh University through
Prof. Baileys class in Electrical Engineering, and. indeed, all the
engineering classes at that University for the B.Sc. (Engineering),
besides gaining distinctions in the Senior Engineering Class. Miss
Markham is a Distinguished Honours student from the Chemical
Department of Oxford University.

The process is for electrolysing liquids with kathodes arranged in
strips, which are provided with covers for carrying away gas and
jiermeable to current, the cover enclosing the kathode on all sides
like a sack. Modifications jirovide for membranes completely
surrounding the kathodes in the form of tubes, so that the kathode
product escapes only by diffusion or electro-dift'usion : tubes of
asbestos fibre ; and a membrane, permeable to current, stretched
over the electrodes by weighting with heavy bodies, or rendei'ing
the kathodes resilient by springs, or other means, to prevent the
formation of detrimental alterations of shape, or'detrimeutal gas
spaces. It is claimed that with the new diaphri^rm processes for the
electrolysis of alkali chlorides it is now possible to obtain concen-
trated alkali solutions with a very good electrolytic efficiency at a
comparatively low pressure. That progress was led up to by either
a rational stratification and circulation, or a quick removal of the
kathode product out of each of the current lines. This type of
process, however, has the disadvantage that the anode chamber is j
comijletely closed by a diaphragm, through which the feed solution
passes into the kathode chamber. For undisturlied working the
speed of flow has to be regulated, as the permeability of the
diaphragm gradually becomes lessened, and the diaphragms require
cleaning or renewal, necessitating the opening of the baths. On
the other hand, in the Aussig bell process of electrolysis without
diaphragms, the working can go on for years without interruption,
but the current density is low. so that the apparatus is rendered
larger, and as only small units can be produced it is difficult to
watch them. The distribution of the feed solution in numerous
small cells is complicated, and both the concentrations of lye and
the electrolytic efficiency are lower.

The patent aims to combine the advantages of both processes
and to eliminate their disadvantages. The anode chamber is not
separated from the kathode chamber by any cohesive diaphragm,
the cleansing and renewal are avoided, and yet the work can Ije
carried on with high current densities and good electrolytic
efficiency.

Miss Smith conducted her own case without counsel, and treated
the Court to technical descriptions ; Mr. W. J. Tennant, chartered
patent agent, appeared for the patentee, explaining that the patent
was applied for through his office, and he was pi-esent by the kind-
ness of the Controller of Patents, Mr. Temple Franks (who heard
the application), but he was entirely without instiuctions in the
matter.

Miss Smith said she desired to produce caustic potash electro-
lytically, as a stage in the manufacture of potassium permanganate.
She expected to manufacture without difficulty, though her work
up to the present in this direction had been principally experi-
mental. She did not propose to put caustic potash on the market.
She wished to use the Billiter cell to manufacture at her factory
potassium permanganate, and the cells would work for common
salt electrolysis or, without any change, for the electrolysis of
potassium chloride. There was a large sale for potassium* perman-
ganate, and the Government, when they required it, issued orders
tor 20 tons at a time. It was used in the trenches and all the
military hospitals as a disinfectant, and was, she believed, used to
refine oil for aeroplanes. She pui-posed starting with a manufacture
of half a ton per week, and would install a 2-KW. dynamo and a
4i-H.p. gas engine.

The Coxteolleb : And the basis of royalty ? Have you con-
sidered that .'

Miss Smith thought the patentee had not afforded her any too
precise details in his specification, and she did not think that
anything but a small royalty should be paid. There would be a
considerable amount of experimenting to be done. The dynamo,

Vol. 79. No. 2.018, JULT 28, 1916.]

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

it3

gas engine, and accessories wduld probably cost ^130. The price
of potassium permanganate was fluctuating. At the moment on
the market it was 8s. a lb., but it might come down to GJd.. as
it was before the war. She did not propose to use the dynamo for
anything else. She offered a royalty of 1 per cent..

Sir CoRSELirs Dalton pointed out that the figure could be
rerised after the war. and in the meantime the royalty would go to
the Public Trustee. The Controller then announced that he would
report favourably to the Board of Trade on the application.

MONOMETER MaSPFACTURISG Co.. LtD.. f. ELECTRIC AND

Ordnance Accessories Co.. Ltd.
With reference to this case, in which judgment was given, as
already reported, for the plaintiffs on the claim, defendants' counter-
claim being dismissed, we understand that a misprint occurred in
our issue of June 30th. page 731. fourtli line from the bottom,
where, instead of 600 lb., 1.000 lb. should have appeared. In our
report of the case we omitted to state that the plaintiffs, in pre-
senting their case at Birmingham, said that the furnaces supplied
were precisely the same as those supplied by them to the
Government.

Munition Cocrt Cases.

David Edward Jones, fitter, summoned the Xe^vport Corporation
electricity department, at the Munition Tribunal, for unreasonably
refusing a leaving certificate. Mr. Xichols Moore, the borough elec-
trical engineer, attended. Complainant stated that he was employed
in the power station, and he gave a week's notice. He was influenced
by the' increased cost of living; his health was sometimes
impaired, and his wife was an invalid. He could get higher wages
in the repairing shops. The Clerk : Is the place controlled .'
Complainant : I believe so. Mr. Xiehols Moore : It is a certified
undertaking. The Tribunal thought that it would be better for
the complainant to remain at a permanent place, considering that
he was GO years of age. than to go to a casual job. The Corpora-
tion, too. were supplying electricity to other important industries,
and that was a factor that had to be kept in view at this time.
They declined to grant an order for a leaving certificate. — Snut/i
iVu/ex .\i(ju.<.

WAR ITEMS.

Exports to China. — In the"" London Gazette " for July
■25th a further list appears of persons and bodies in China to
whom exports may be consigned.

Enemy Companies. — Mr. George Terrell asked the Presi-
dent of the Board of Trade the other day when the promised
report as to the progress of the Committee on Enemy Com-
p£.nies and Shareholders would be ready. In reply, Mr. Har-
court stated that a summary of cases dealt with by the
Advisory Committee up to June '2nd had been prepared and
would shortly be circulated.

German Firms to be Suppressed in Russia. — The follow-
ing concerns are listed in a proposal of the Minister of Trade
and Industry to aUenate right of exploitation from a con-
siderable number of enemy fiims still operating in Russia : —
The Gas & Electricity Co. ; the Electricity (formerly Lah-
ir.eyer, Prankfort-on-Main) Co. ; the Electricity Contracts Co. ;
the Westphalian Wire Co., of Hamma.

Edmundson's Roll of Service. — We have received from
Edmnndson's Electricity Corporation, Ltd., a fine " Roll of
Service," giving the names, and their positions with the Cor-
poration, of 36i of their employes who have joined the Colours.
Fifty per cent, of the men have already seen service in some
form or other. We regret to note that II of the staff have
lost their lives. Mr. J. Summers, of the Hamilton branch,
has been awarded the Military Medal, and Mr. J. C. Knight,
of Frome, the D.S.M.

To be Wound up. — The Board of Trade has ordered the
following to be wound up, under the Trading with the Enemy
Amendment Act : —

Balcke & Co., Ltd., London, S. W., water cooling engineers.
Controller : J. W. Barratt, 19a, Coleman Street, London, E.G.

P. M. Frye & Co., 46, Upper Thames Street, London, E.C.,
hardware merchants and tool makers and merchants. Con-
troller : C. W. M. Kemp, 36. Wallbrook, E.G.

M. C. Wedekind & Co., Ltd., 6. Lloyd's Avenue, London,
E.G., dealers in old iron and steel. Controller : P. H. Pin-
laison, 45, London Wall, E.G.

London Electrical Engineers at Plymouth. — On Julv 14th
the Company of London Electrical Engineers which is sta-
tioned at Plymouth spent a pleasant evening in celebrating
the completion of "a certain course of military enterprise."
Major W. H. Merrett, T.D.. who presided over the function
ai O.G. of the Company, spoke enthusiastically of the manner
in which the special work undertaken by the Company during
the recent period had been carried out. He was proud to be
in charge of such well quahfied men. Major K. W. Edg-
cumbe then spoke in high praise of the attainments of the
London unit, duties of an onerous nature which he had en-
trusted to them having been attended to with both zeal and
slill. — W eaiern Daily Mercury.

War Wajjes at Johannesburg;. — The Town Council has
granted an increase of 4d. per hour (from 2s. 6d. to "28. lOd.)
to all skilled mechanics and electricians in its employ, as well
as a war bonus of 25s. per month to all employes drawing
i£'240 per annum or less, except imskilled persons.

Exemption Applications. — Last week the Jarrovv Tribunal
heard an application by the Palmer Shipbuilding & Iron Co.,
Ltd., in respect of 15 unbadged workmen. One was an elec-
trician, and the Clerk remarked that the electricians who
came before the Tribunal were all from the South. "That
means," observed the Mayor, " that ours have gone some-
where else." "To Fiance," added the Clerk, whereupon the
Mayor went on : " They go wherever their sei-vices are
required."

At Bermondsey Tribunal, Fiank Morton, of Isaria, Ltd.,
electrical engineers, of Tower Bridge Road,. S.E., applied for
a short temporary exemption in order to complete his arrange-
ments to obain a commission. He informed the Tribunal that
a month would be sufficient time, and this extension was
granted him.

During the hearing of appeals at Denton for three employes
of the Oldham, Ashton & Hyde Electric Tramway Co., it
was stated that 46 per cent, of the employes of the company
had joined the Forces, and, although they had a considerably
depleted staff, nearly •200,000 more passengers had been car-
ried during the past half-year compared with last year. Two
men were granted conditional exemption, and the appeal for
the third man, who was single, was disallowed.

A personal appeal was presented at .A.ccrington last Thurs-
day by a Corporation car driver with four children, who was
not appealed for by the tramways manager, because he had
not attested. It was stated that the man would be 41 in
November, and so many men had gone away that the tram-
ways manager would be glad to retain him. He was granted
conditional exemption.

At Failsworth, four instrument makers and one meter
assembler, employed by Messrs. Perranti, Ltd., of HolUnwood,
were granted temporary exemption until September 1st.
Lieutenant Pool (MiUtarv representative) in one case re-
marked that many of the farm's men had been unbadged, and
he could not say whether the man now appealing was one
of them or not. He thought the firm ought to appeal for the
men on business grounds.

At Oldham, the Corporation tramways manager (Mr.
Priestley) appealed for a turner, who was granted conditional
exemption as being in a reserved occupation, and for an
apprentice fitter, who was granted temporary exemption until
November.

The Chadderton Tribunal last week heard an appeal by a
man (aged 38, married), employed in the insulating and con-
necting of coils at the works of Messrs. Perranti, Ltd., HolUn-
wood. He was granted conditional exemption, being in a
reserved trade, and advised to join the Volunteer Training
Regiment.

At Rochdale, an appeal by Messrs. Jacksons, of the Hippo-
droin, for Harry Butterworth (3'2), electrician, was dis-
allowed.

.\t Stretford, a cable company appealed for two members of
the staff. One was granted conditional exemption, and the
appeal for the other was disallowed.

A conscientious objection was lodged at Stretford by a
switchboard attendant, aged '2S, and married. He said he
cculd not take the military oath either for combatant or non-
combatant service. He had been a switchboard attendant for
18 months, and he repudiated a suggestion that he had entered
this employment to try to escape military service. The appeal
was disallowed. .

Cookham (Berks) Tribunal has given exemption until Sep-
tember 1st to C. P. Bingley. electrician.

Bexley Tribunal has conditionally exempted John Hudson,
electrician to Mr. W. A. Smith.

At Walthamstow, the Fuller Electric & Manufacturing Co.
appealed for 20 employes. Mr. Puller stated that of the 40
employes, 16 had enUsted and 11 had attested. Seven were
given six months each, four three months each, and the other
appeals were refused.

On the appeal of the U.D.G., Aylesbury Tribunal has given
three months' exemption to the driver of a Diesel engine at
the electricitv works, the man being a time-expired .soldier
aged 36, and" single. Three months each were also conceded
t> an electrician and a confidential clerk employed by a local
firm of electiieal engineers.

At Bourne (Lines.), Messrs. Pidcock & Co. appealed for
their electrician. Chas. Lilley, and a final month was given,
he having alreadv been temporarily exempted until July 1st.

Grantham Tribunal has given exemption until November 1st
to Fredk. Ingall (37), electrician at the Empire Theatre.

Hastings Tribunal has given exemption, on condition th.it
he undertakes some public work, to Mr. P. Wordley (36),
electric wiring contractor and engineer, of St. Leonards, who
has charge of the X-ray apparatus at the East Sussex
Hospital The same Tribunal has conditionally exempted tor
three months Mr. R. Chapman (29), electrician with Messrs.
Bruce & Co.

East Ham Tribunal has granted three months exemption
t3 J. W. CoUis, electrician.

.\t Tunbridge Wells, A. E. Heskett, electrical wirernan,
appealed on business grounds, and also as « conscientious
objector. The appeal was rejected.

lU

TilH ELECTRICAL KEYIEW. ivui.

Eastbourne Tribunal bas granted a final six weeks' exemp-
tion to an electrician at the Pier, who has charge of the instal-

\t Romsev, Major Fraser appealed for the superintendent
of his electric plant, and stated that the man would be_ 41 in
a day or two. Exemption was given until the end of Sep-
tember. ... ■ Tij ^e 1

Mr. J. Connare (37), electrician, in business m Wattord,
has been granted conditional exemption by the local Tribunal.

The We.st Kent Appeal Court bas given exemption until
September 1st to Mr. A. Lynch (IW), electrician, of Trosley,
near Maidstone. .

The K;i.'it Kent Appeal Court bas given exemption until
October nth to Mr. A. E. Coupley (37), electrical attendant
on the estate of Major Galway, at Sellindge. The local Tri-
bunal had refused any exemption.

The Blandford Tribunal, on July 20tb, considered an appeal
bv Mr C 11. Wollniaii. electrical engineer, of Milton Abbaa,
aiul be was given until September 30th. Appellant retorted
that he would go at once. . ■ ■» n

At Stratford-on-Avon. on July IStli, the Electricity Co.
appealed for thfir manager, Mr. J. E. Kendell-Baker (35).
The coinpanv, it was stated, supplied three hospitals, and
power for n'uinition works, besides public and private sup-
plies. The pre-war stall' of 11 had been reduced to five. Mr.
Reniiell-Baker was given conditional exemption.— The same
ilecision was arrivedat in an appeal for a fitter at the gene-
rating station ; and five weeks, with no further appeal with-
out leave, were allowed Mr. A. R. Bailey (-24), the company's

Mr. A. 0. Game, engaged with a Catford firm of electrical
engineers, the onlv one left capable of undertaking certain
work, has been exempted until November lat, on condition
that he joins the Volunteer Training Corps.

At Carlisle, on July 19th, the Tramway Co. appealed for
six married emploves, and it was stated that the staff had
been so depleted that Mr. McCuUoch had had to go driving
himself. When the war broke out there were 37 employ<5s;
'Jo had joined the Armv, and they now had only six men of
militarv age, none being under 32. and all being absolutely
necessary for the sen'ice. In each case conditional exemp-
tion was allowed. . ,

At Witney, the U.D.C. applied for extended exemption tor
\ictor Brice (19). station electrician. The manager of the
electricity works (Mr. Curel) -said that since the last exemp-
tion he had advertised for a .successor, and had had three or
four replies, but none of tlie applicants were satisfactory.
Giving two months, with leave to apply again, the Chairman
expressed the hope that another appeal would not be neces-
sary. Mr. Curel replied that he would make every effort to
get a .substitute

Ilford Tribunal has given three months' final exemption to
Wm. John Hayden (18), an apprentice electrician, enabling
him to complete his indentures.

At Bexhill-ou-Sea, Messrs. Squirrell & Co., fjtd., of Station
Road, appealed fur th<>ir electrician, J. P. Gibbs (38), who
was needed to assist with contract work. Three months were
allowed.

CORRESPONDENCE.

tetters receiietl bi/ iix u/tt-r '> P.M. ON TuEsUAV cannot appear until
the fulhiwinfi weeV. ('nrrexpoiulents sitoulil forward their communi-
catioHK at tile earliext possible moment. A'u letter can be pnblished
iinlexx ice hare the icriter'.s name ami address in our possession.

The Neglect ol Science.

At the last meeting of the Committee on the Neglect of
Science, it was decided to collect well-authenticated cases in
which the neglect of science by officials, firms or individuals
had caused loss or damage to the nation, firms or persons.
If you and your readers can assist in this matter it will be
iruch appreciated. Precise information is required, as it is
desired to quote " chapter and verse " in each case.

This, naturally, makes it difficult to obtain the required
information, but it will readily be seen that without such
full particulars the examples- would be of little value.

Alfred S. E. Ackermann,

Hon. Treasurer.
Westminster, Juhi mh, 1916.

P.S. — The Simpson Lever Chain is a case in point !

[We should think that numerous instances will be forth-
coming. The collection of such data should be of the greatest
value in view of the campaign in favour of reform in the
teaching of science which is now in progress, — Eds. Elec.
Eev.]

Electric Fans for Military Hospitals.

I was interested to see a letter on this subject in your issue
of the 14th from Mr. Palshaw. an old acquaintance.

I have just returned to this country from India, where I
have been engaged in electrical contracting work for the past
1-5 years, in which time I have had some thousands of ceiling

fans through my hands. When I came away, at the end of
1915, the Indian Government was busy buying fans for the
Persian Gulf Forces, of the standard patterns used in India.

Probably 80 per cent, of the Indian fans are direct-current
'2-25 volts, "as this voltage is alnmst standard for the country,
and is in use in Calcutta, Bombay, Banackpur, DarjiliuK.
Madras, Dacca, Lahore, &c., and a settled thing for many
schemes now in course of execution.

Mr. Fal.shaw did quite the best thing he could have done
ia advising bis friend to have the fans sent from Bombay,
and I hope he has got delivery all right.

rdw. Vickers.

Warwick, ,7k!)/ mh, 1916.

Declaration of Orijjin ot British Goods.

The writer would be pleased if you wuiild inform the elec
tiical trade, through the medium of your paper, of the neglfrl
ot Britisli iiianufacturers and merchants in omitting to alta.li
to invoices declaration of origin. The Customs of Soiitli
Africa demand a i)roperly worded declaration on British
goods, and not merely the words at the fixjt of invoice
'•British manufacture" Foreign goods to have the usual
pink form of declaration, signed by the Consul and stamp
cancelled. (!oods of enemy origin that have been in stock
prior to the war to have pink forms, signed by a Juatiic
of the Peace.

Of late, .several merchants are receiving documents with-
out the necessary declaration ; the result is the Customs refuse
to release, and demand a deposit of three times the value of
tlie shipment, pending receipt of the necessary document.
Furthermore, a fine of .i'oOO can be levied by the auth(Jiitie.-
should they look upon the shipment suspiciously.

British Agencies, Ltd. (H. Bauuiy)

Johannesburg, Jiiiie 'ICitli, 1916.

[We trust our readers will appreciate the great importance
of this communication. Not only in the future, but already
in the present, the clearest and most indubitable proofs of
the British origin of genuine British manufactures must fie
furnished upon entry into our oversea Dominions and
Colonies, and should be furnished also with exports to allied
and neutral countries. Briti.sh goods should be sharply dis-
tinguished from goods of enemy origin. — Ens. Elec. Rev.]

BUSINESS NOTES.

Thermit, Ltd. — Mkssks. Thermit. Ltd., hii\c received

official iiotitic;itioii from the Public Trustee to the effect that he
has entered into an agreement to self tlie wliofe of tlie enemy
sharehofdin^ in that company to the Birminjiham Metal and
Munition Co.. Ltd., Birmingham. Messrs. Thermit. Ltd., will
continue to trade in exactiy the .same way as hitherto.

Board of Trade Inquiries.— The Board of Trade Com-

merciaf Intelfigeuce Branch has received inquiries from firms at
home for the names of Britisli makers ot the following : —

Batteries for pocket flash laraps.

Cases for pocket flash lamps.

Electrolytic iron.

Fibre, vulcanised red.

Arc-lamp globes (inner and outer).

Lamps, pocket flash.

Magnets, tungsten steel, permanent.

Electric steel castings.

H.M. Minister at Bogota states that the provincial towns in the
Republic of Colombia are gradually being supplied with electric
lighting installations, for which cheap fittings are required.

H.M. Consul at Lyons reports that a locaf firm desires to purchase
from, or to represent on a commission basis. British manufacturers
of supplies and apparatus for the electrical and engineering
industries. Applications to the Board of Trade Commercial Intelli-
gence Branch (Reference Xo. 228").

Bankruptcy Proceedings. — F. BrowxN, electrician (for-
merly partner in the firm ot Hugh Bros. A: Brown). 8. Stafford
Street. Llanelly. — First meeting. August 1st, at Official Receiver's
Office. Carmarthen ; public examination. August 1st. at the Uuild-
hall. Carmarthen.

C. P. Pearson (Pearson &; Co. and the B.O.A. Engineering; Co.).
electrical, mechanical and sanitary engineer, decorator and plumber.
Manchester. — Trustee (Mr. A. Yearsley) released June Kith, IHKi.

G. E. Bonner, electrical agent, Palmer's Green. — First and final
dividend, 2s. 2Jd. in the £, payable July 27th. at 14. Bedford
Bow. W.C.

For Sale. — The borough of Salford electricity department

has for disposaf tw'o Browett-Lindley six-cylinder compound
engines, direct-coupled to Mather & Piatt D.c. generators, and
one Bailey-Davidson and one Hall vertical steam pump. For
further particulars see our advertisement pages to-day.

Trade Announcement.—MR. Chas. Wm. Owens has

taken over the business of Messrs. W. T. Owens & Sons, electrical
en^^ineers, of Pontardawe, Mr. Fredk. Wm. Owens having retired.

Vnl. 79. Xo. 2.018, July 28. 1916.]

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW,

95

Dissolutions and Liquidations.— Fuel Gas. Ltd.— A

meetinn is called for August 2.3th. at li. East Parade. Sheffield, to
hear an account ot the wiuding-up from the liquidator. Mr. B. C.
Da vies.

The Constajst VACrm CARBrRETTER S^'XDicATE. Ltd. —
This company is winding up voluntaril,T. with Mr. A. W. Hoale. of
90 and 91, Queen Street. E.C.. as liquidator.

The Sherardisixg Syxdicate. Ltd. — This company is winding
up voluntarily, with Mr. R. J. R. Warner, of .S4. Ebury Street.
S.W., and Mr.C. J. Jones, of 24. Wood Vale. Forest Hill. S.E.. as
liquidators. .\ meeting of creditors is called for July 2iith. at
70. Chancery Lane. W C.

E-XCELSior (.\lumixium) Solder Co.. Ltd. — .V meeting will
he held at H. St. .inns Square. Manche.ster. on September 1st. to
hear an account of the winding-up from the liquidator. Mr. J. R.
Atkins.

E. M. Brinckmas & Co. and the Fleischaachbr Briti.'^h
L.\MP Co.. London. — Creditors of these husines.5es. carried on by
Max Brinckmann. at 99. Redcross Street. London. S.E.. an enemy
subject, must send particulars of their claims. i!cc..to the Controller,
Mr. K. C. Fox. 4.). London Wall. E.C.. by August 24th.

DoxNisox. Sillem & Co.. electrical engineers and contractors,
11 H. Great Portland Street, W, — Messrs, F. A, Donnison and
W, Sillem have dissolved partnership by mutual consent.

An Inquiry from India. — Mr. Scxderrao Mokeshwar,

electrical en^iineer, Girgaum, Bombay, asks for names of firms deal-
ing in machinery for repairing electric fans of all makes, armature
winding, itc. : also for catalogues containing description of, and
working instructions for, such machinery.

Royal Assent. — The following Acts have received the

Royal .\s.sent : —

Electric Lighting Order Confirmation Act,
Metropolitan Electric Tramways Act.

Catalogues and Lists.— Messrs. Alfred Herbert,

Ltd.. Coventry,— Postal card de.scribing a convenient rubbish
destructor for engineering works.

Messrs. J. H. Heathman & Co.. Parson's Green. Fulham, S.W.
— Leaflet describing the " Salisbury " truck and " Cleveland "
trolle.v.

JIessrs. Qtead. Ltd.. 47-.57. Marylebone Lane. Oxford Street.
W. — Catalogue of " Quead ' electric fires for 191i)-17. showing a
number of new patterns, with two-colour printing, giving a red-
hot appearance to the elements.

The Westixghouse Cooper Hewitt Co.. Ltd.. 80. York Road.
King's Cross. X. — Pamphlet describing blue.-printing apparatus
with Cooper Hewitt lamps ; a new machine washes, dries, andirons
• all classes of photo prints "' while you wait."

The Igraxic Electric Co.. Ltd., 147. Queen Victoria Street.
EC. — Leaflet No. 1.621. describing magnetic couplings, clutches,
and brakes, for torques from 34 to .51,400 lb. ft.

Srx Eli;ctric.\l Co.. Ltd.. 118/120. Charing Cross Road.
London. W.C. — Two new lists : »Co. 275 gives illustrated particulars
and prices of portable electric tools (grinders, drills and buffers) ;
and No. 276 deals similarly with electric fans (table or desk, oscil-
lating, ventilating ring and ceiling tvpes. ventilating fan motors •
for large volumes and powers. &c.). Large numbers of the tools and
fans included in these lists have been supplied to Government works
in connection nnth the war.

JIessrs. Higgs Bros.. Sherboume Road. Balsall Heath, Bir-
mingham.— Eight pages for addition to their catalogue. The.vgive
tabulated speeds, prices, code- words, running instructions and
dimensions, for their shunt-wound ventilated motors, also an
efficienc.y curve.

Book Notices. — The third number of the " Jourmtl of the

British Science Guild" has now appeared. Copies, price 6d. each,
may be obtained on application to the Secretary. British Science
Ciuild. 199, Piccadilly. London. W.

The Russian Press. — From Messrs. Neyroud & >Sons,

Ltd.. of Regent House. Kiugsway. we have received a booklet
giving a list of the more important Russian newspapers, periodicals
and trade journals, the populations and industries of the towns in
which the3' appear, and a word or two regarding the class of
publication.

LIGHTING AND POWER NOTES.

Aylesbury. — The U.D.C. has decided to offer a supply

of current to the Dominion Dairy Co.. Ltd.. at. 1 Id. per unit when oil
is £8 per ton. and for every increase or reduction of 5s. per ton
on that price an increase or reduction of ■02d. per unit, the charge
to be reconsidered if the price of oil goes beyond £10. or falls below
£6 per ton. A previous quotation by the Council was declined by
the company.

Bath. — Diesel Engine REPOET.^The city electrical

engineer, reporting on the cost of putting the Diesel engine
into satisfactory working condition, points out that this was
originally estimated at £150. but had actually amounted to £451.
This was due largely to the conditions brought about bv the war.
but also to other repairs found necessary while the work was in
progress. The first contract price for the plant based on 4.50KW.
was £5.4.M ; the second, based on 340 KW., was £4,240 ; the amount

paid to the makers at settlement was £1,375, so that the actual
cost of the plant (taken as 300 KW,) amounted to £2,026. Recent
tests have shown a fuel cost of ■29d. per unit generated, with fuel
at 75s. per ton. which compares with average coal costs for the
steam plant of ■55d. It is expected that lubricating oil costs will
be reduced to Oed. per unit generated. Owing to the cost of oil
fuel being about £9 per ton now. it is only intended to run the set
occasionally on the existing fuel stock. The repairs included
re-levelling and bedding the crankshaft, and alterations to the
compressor, air bottles, fittings, valves and governor gear, and were
carried out by Messrs. Belliss & Morcom on a time and material
basis.

Bexhill. — Price Increase. — The Electric Light Com-
mittee recommends a further advance in the price of electricity of
5 per cent., making a total advance of 15 per cent, since the com-
mencement of the war. The Committee states that a preliminary
report for the year ended March last shows a very substantial loss,
although the 10 per cent, price increase was partially in operation.
The cause is the continued advance in the price of coal, and is
in no wa,v associated ^•ith the reduction of hours of lighting
consefjuent on the Summer Time Act.

Bishop's Castle. — Workhouse Lighting. — The Board

of Guardians has agreed to a recommendation to adopt a scheme for
the installation of electric light at its institution, at a cost of
£20 lOs. for 41 lights and £1 .58. for dimmer lights in the sick
wards, the supply to be bv meter at the rate of 6d, per imit.

Blackpool. — The output of the electricity works diu'ing

Jime was 381.205 imits. an increase of 34.508. Private lighting
showed the enormous decrease of 10.674 units and public lighting
of 4.000 units, while the tramways used 44.830 units more. An
average daily increase of about £90 in receipts on the tramways
was also shown for the 24 days from Jime 19th.

Bradford. — Loans. — The Corporation has received a

communication from the L.G.B.. stating that the latter is not pre-
pared to sanction at present a loan of .£100.000 for the extension of
plant at the electricity works, in view of the fact that such exten-
sion would not be required for national purposes. The Board is
willing that extensions of mains shall proceed as at present,
without the necessity ot submitting a special resolution in each
case. The Electricity Committee has decided to invite the three
sitting members of Parliament and member of the Shipley
division to meet a Committee to consider the position, with a view
to an interview being sought with the Minister of Munitions on the
question.

Cardiff. — Restricted Lighting. — At the last meeting

of the Electric Lighting Committee. Mr. A. Ellis, the city electrical
engineer and manager, reported that the restricted lighting order
would have a serious effect on income, reducing the revenue by
about £20,000 to £25.000. Street lighting had been discontinued ;
in the year ended March. 1916. the income from such lighting was
£9.798 ; it was now estimated at £881. including all charges, and
the loan charges of £902 therefore exceeded the estimat-ed income.
— Westera Mail.

Croydon. — Year's Working. — The report of Mr.

Alex. C. Cramb (borough electrical engineer), on the years work-
ing of the electricity undertaking to March last, showed that the
output for public lighting had decreased by 50 per cent, as com-
pared with pre-war times. The decrease on private lighting over
the previous year was 189.865 units, or 405.861 as compared with
pre-war conditions. The coal bill showed an increase of £9.457,
and it was anticipated that the present year would see a further
increase of £7.000. On the revenue account a gross surplus of
£24.817 was shown after allowing for working expenses, or 6iper
cent, on the capital expenditure. Sinking fund, interest and
income-tax absorbed £26.785. so that, after allowing for £1.651
tax deducted from interest on stock, the deficit on the year's work-
ing was £316. .Since, however, £4.244 was spent in new services,
extensions and conduits, there was actually no loss for the 12
months. During the last four years the reserve and renewals fund
has been reduced from £39,000 to £24,469, The Summer Time
Act, was likely to produce a loss in residential districts during the
summer months of not less than 10 per cent, of supply, increasing
to over 211 per cent, in the important shopping areas.

Derby. — Proposed Loan. — The Electricity Committee
has decided to apply to the L.G.B. for sanction to a loan of £9,000
for mains and motors.

Edinburgh. — Anntal Estimates. — The estimated ex-
penditure of the electricity department for the year 1916-17 is
£92,000. as against £84,650 estimated last year, and an actual
expenditure of £84,000. Revenue is estimated at £149.920. as
against last vear's, estimate of £148,860. and an actual income of
£147.212.

The Electric Lighting Committee recommends the acceptance of
the estimate for additions to McDonald Road power station,
amounting to over £1.300. The additions have been necessary,
owing to the increased heavy output.

Glasgow. — Year's Working. — At a meeting of the

Electricity Committee on Tuesday (July 25th). the annual accounts
and report on the working of the department for the year — some
of the principal items of which have already been published in the
Review — were submitted. It was reported that the gross revenue
amounted to £530,720, an increase of 30 per cent., as compared
■with the year 1915-16. The working expenditure amounted to
£322,651, an increase of 47 per cent. The gross balance was

96

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

[A^ol. 7f». No. 2,018. .TCLY 28. I'MG.

£203.068, from -which was deducted —interest on loans £72,233.
sinking fund £72.413. and depreciation £58,10.^. Icavinfr a
snrplus on the year's operations of £5.317. The Committee
ha5 fixed contracts for coal at a considerable increase over
last year's prices, but reoomiuends that the rates of charge be the
same as last year. The number of consumers at May 31st. 1916.
was 33.i;0"). as a?ainst 32.030 at May 31st. 191.5 ; the quantity of
electricity sold to private consumers during the past year was
I10,4Ns.f'"22 units, an increase of 2t.7ii9.827 ; 20.3.5S.!KitJ units were
sold for liv'hting and realised £221.973 and 90.129,716 units for
pjwer and heating from which a sum of £285.219 was derived.
The number of motors in use was 11,-172 of a total HP. of 81.744.
The number of electric street lamps was 1.8."i6, of which 1,472 were
arc lamps, and 384 pillars with metal-filament lamps. In compli-
ance with the regulations regarding street lighting, most of the
arc lamp* had been substituted by metal-filament lamps. The
total cDnnpcted load was 109,370 KW. Tho maximum load was
45.8811 KW,

Grimsby. — Citrtailed Lighting. — Since the Sunmier
Time .\ct came into operation, there has been a saving of 12 per
cent, on the amount of electric current consumed for lighting,

Hampton. — PricI'; Increase. — The Kleitric i^npply Co.
has informed the l',D.C. that the charges for current for all pur-
po.-es havo been further increased by 10 p,>r cent., making a total of
20 per cent.

High Wycombe. — Street Lighting. — With reference
to the settlement of charges for street lighting, which was defen-ed
panding the result of the action between the Leiston Gas Co. and
U.D.C.. theT.C. has decided toofferthe electricitycompany. without
prejudice. (1) £ 100 par quarter, and proportionate for any less pariod ;
(2) 155. par lamp par quarter, and proportionate for any less pariod
for each lamp lighted. The Electric Light Committee is of opinion
that the claim of the company ajainst the Council is not identical
with the faots in the Leiston case.

Hull. — ^The B. of T. has extended the Kingston-upon-
HuU Electric Lighting (Extension) Orders, 1914, for one year.

Llandrindod Wells.— Price Increase.— Owing to the

proposal to increase the price of electricity from 6d. to 7d. per
unit, the l",D.C. has discussed the matter with the electric light
company, and the ratepayers are now to he consulted on the
subject.

Llandudno. — Price Increase. — The Council has
decided to increase the prica of electricity.

The Electricity Committee has decided that, as there had been
transferred from electricity profits towards the relief of the rates
nearly £4.000. a contribution should now be allocated from the
rate fund towards the deficiency on the undertaking, and that the
loss of £1,499 be met by transferring £1,225 from the reserve fund
and £274 from the rate fund, the latter sum being required to
cover the cost of loan charges applicable to public lighting. It has
been also decided that no further profits from the electricity under-
taking be allocated towards the relief of the rates, until the reserve
fimd has been placad on a firm footing.

The light railway company is to be asked to discuss the
question of cancslling the existing contract for the supply of cur-
rent for working the light railway, and of entering into a new
contract for a term of years.

London. — Hackney. — Electricity Charges and

Gas. Co. — The Electricity Committee reports that it has considered
a communication from the Gas Light and Coke Co.. with reference
particularly to the reduced charges for electricity for lighting, to
consumers who use electricity for power purposes : the Gas Co.
quotes counsel's opinion that the reduced charge constitutes
" undue preference." and is a breach of the Lighting Act and there-
fore illegal.

The Committee has referred the matter to counsel, and is advised
that there is no undue preference, and the company was notified to
this effect.

The company's solicitors having written stating that unless
the charge is discontinued proceedings will be instituted, the Com-
mitt-ee has caused representations to be made, that the present is
not an opiwrtune time for litigation upon a subject which hatl
remained unchallenged and undisturbed for so long, suggesting
that the matter should remain in abeyance until after the con-
cliisio'n of the war. but that if proceedings were now commenced
tie Committee would immediately apply under the circumstances
for a ".«tay. "

' In reply to the above representations, the solicitors to the com-
pany intimate that it is only prepared to delay proceedings upon an
undertaking from the Council not to offer during the continuance
of the war to further consumers the scale of charges to which
objection is taken. -

The Committee does not see its way to recommend that any sueh
undertaking should be given, and. therefore, recommends that, in
the event of legal proceedings being taken against the Council by
the Gas Light and Coke Co.. the Committee be authorised to take
all necessary steps to defend the action on behalf of the Council.

ftHOREDiTCH. — Year's 'WORKING.— The report of the years
working of the electricity department to March 31st last shows
a gross profit amounting to £14.682: after payment of interest
and sinlung fund charges, and war allowances, there was a deficiency
ef £7,851, which will be met out of the reserve fund.

Poplar.— The B.C. is to make application to the L.C.C. lor
sanction to a loan of £4.512 for mains extensions necessitated by
the increasing load in the central area of the borough. The Com-
mittee has agreed to the extensions being carried out. and proposes
to purchase a site in the neighbourhood of High Street for the pro-
vision of a new sub-station, the necessity for which will shortly
arise. The Committee is advised by the engineer that plant
extensions will be necessary to meet the demands of the winter loaxl
in 1917-18.

Islington.— LixKisG-rr Proposal.- The Lighting Committoe
of the B.C. is suggesting to the St. Pancras B.C. the preparation of a
linking-up .scheme by the engineers of both authorities. The elec-
trical engineer requires a sui)ply of switchgear in connection with
certain mains extensions which he has been authorised to carry out,
and is proposing to invite quotations from certain firms.

Marylbbone. -A serious breakdown of a trunk teeder occurred.
on the 14th inst.. in Aybrook and Blandford Streets, and certain
rearrangements are to be made, at a cost of £ 1,100, to avoid futnre
risks.

Ham.mebsmith. — The Electricity Committee reports that the
working of the electricity undertaking for the year ended March
31st last showed a net profit of approximately £600. No increase
whatever lia< been made in the charge to general consumers for
current supplied during the pariod under review. The Committee
is in communication with Battersea and Fulham B.C.'s, with a
view to carrying out the linking-up s'cheme approved in 1 91 5.

SoUTHWARK. — As a result of conferences between Sub-Com-
mittees of the Southwark and Bermondsey Councils, arising from
an invitation from the latter asking ' for terms for a bulk sup)ily,
the Southwark Committee has decided that it is not practicable
to give th? suggestei supply, and it is understood that it will l)e
given by one of the companies. The question of linking up the
two undertakings is to be considered later. The last year's work-
ing of the Southwark undertaking resulted in a net loss of £(i.67s,
and the borough tre.^surer comments on the increased cost ot onal
and heivv capital charges on plant which there has been little
opportunity of using,

Luton. — Proposed Loan. — ^It is proposed to apjilv \'<<v
L.G.B. sanction to £900 excess expenditure on electrical iilanl.
The connections now consist of 73,217 8-C.P. lamps, 6.834 H.i'. of
motors, and 1.646 KW. of heating.

Manchester. — It is reported that steps are being taken
to i)repare a petition to the Electricity Committee, urging the
Committee to reduce the present minimum charge for current.

Mansfield. — Year's Working. — The annual report on
the electricity undertaking, for 1915-16. shows a gross profit of
£7.934. as compared with £6.589 in the previous year, and, after
payment of interest. £2.979. and contributions to sinking- fund.
£2",239. a net profit remained of £2,718, as against £1.941 in 1914-15.
although the cost of materials and labour had greatly increased. The
total units sold w-ere 1,91 4,754, compared with 1 ,635,069. Out o( the
profits it was recommended to pay over'to ths relief of the rates
£1,500, and appropriate the balance of £1,218 to the reserve fund,

Mexborough. — Price Increase. — The Council last week

approved an advance in electricity charges to 4d. per unit for
lighting, as from June 30th, and revised meter rents.

Norwich. — Annual Report. — The result of the year's
working of the Corporation electricity department, to Marcli 31st
last, shows gross receipts amounting to £57,487, and working
expenses to £32,611, lea%'ing a gross profit of £24,876 ; interest and
sinking fund charges absorbed .£20,373, and the balance of £4,503
is carried to the appropriation account. From the balance £416 ia
to be expended on a workshop, £2,023 added to the depreciation
fund.and the remainder carried forward. The Electricity Committee
reported that the figures tor the output, as compared with the
previous year, show an increase of 3'3 per cent. While nothing has
been used for public lighting, the amount of 650.125 units supplied
for this purpose in the previous year has been more than made up
for by the increased output for power, which shows an advance of
1 9 per cent. ; substantial progress has been made in other directions,
principally in the use of electricity for radiators and electric fires,
both for private and business premises. The depreciation fund
now amounts to £8.0oO. The report states that the 2.000-KW.
generating set. due for completion in 1912. still remains in an
unsatisfactory condition, and that the 3.000-KW. set had been
operating at reduced efficiency, owing to a bi-eakdown which could
not be rectified for some time, due to prevailing conditions.

Poole. — The Bournemouth and Poole Electricity Supply
Co, has sent to the Harbour Commissioners six months' notice
to terminate an agreement with reference to the lighting of
the harbour. A fresh agreement was enclosed, but the Com-
missioners decided not to sign it at present, but to make
inquiries as to the method and cost of lighting the harbour.

Rawtenstall. — Street Lighting. — The T.C. has decided

that the charges for electric lighting in the main streets should be
as follows : — For 50-C.P. lamps. £1 18s. 9d. par year of 2,500 hours ;
for 100-c.P. lamps. £2s. 5s. 9d. per year of 2.500 hours ; these
charges to include maintenance. It was also agreed that the
following amount shall be allowed or charged for every hour under
and over the 2.500 houi-s :— For SO-cp. lamps, 'Ood, per hour ; for
100-C.P. lamps. •09d. per hour.

Vol. 79. No. 2.01S, July 28. 1P16.]

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

97

Southampton. — In view of the loss sustained on the past

years working- of the eLectricity undertaking, the Electricity
I I iramittee ha.s resolved to charge an additional 10 per cent, to all
consumers, making in all 20 per cent., and that the administration
lit the undertaking be investigated.

South Wales.— The B. of T. has extended the Cow-

l.n.bt and Penybont E.L. Order. IflH (South Wales Electrical
rowf r Distribution Co.l. tor one year.

South Yorkshire. — Ei^ecthh Winder. — At the new

accommodation shaft of Messrs. Newton, ('hambers i: Co., near
Wentworth station, an electrical winding plant has lieen started
up. The winder has two lO-ft.diamcterdrums. driven by a 3r>o-H.p.
\Vestiii'„'housc slip-ring motor.

Tasmania. — Great Lake Scheme. — The (iovcrn-

raent hydi'o-electric power .scheme was officially inaugurated in
May. by the Governor-General. It is estijnated that the Great
Lake will give 35,(100 H.P., and the River Ouse a similar amount.
The scheme was originally initiated by the Complex Ores, Ltd . a
Melbourne company, which later disposed of its concession to the
Stat.e. The Great Lake is situated near the centre of Tasmania, at
an elevation of 3,2.50 ft., and discharges into the River Shannon,
which, at a point ,5 miles south of the lake, is about 1,300 ft. above
the adjacent River Ouse. By constructing a dam. It ft. of water
has been added over the 50 sq. miles of the Great Lake, and 5 miles
down the Shannon a diversion weir has been constructed, turning
the water through a canal 3} miles, into a reservoir 380 acres in
extent. From the latter a 4-tt. diameter wood stove pipe rims
5.<i(;0 ft., and eventually connects to two steel pipes leading to two
t.yOO-B.H.P. water tnrbines in the power station. Power is trans-
mitted to Hobart. a distance of ti25 miles, at a pressure of 88,000
volts, the two three-phase lines being supported on steel towers
spaced about 660 ft, apart. Copper transmission lines are used,
carried on suspension insulators. At Hobart, a sub st it ion at the
Xew Town, steps down the pressure to 6,600 volts for distribution
to the various sub-stations. — Cum. Eiiginepr.

Thornton. — The B. of T. has extended the period of the

Thornton Electric Lighting Order, lOU, by one year.

Tottenham. — Street Lightixr. — The North Metro-
politan E.P. Supply Co. has declined to make the U.D.C. any allow-
ance on the account for public lighting for the December quarter

U.S.A. — According to the EhrfriraJ World, a campaign
is in progress with a view to inducing Congress to increase the
Niagara water diversion from 15,000 to 20,000 cb. ft. per second.
the maximum fixed by International Treaty. The additional
water would generate .10.000 h.p.

A denial is given to the report that the Canadian Niagara Co.,
if it does not supply the requirements of the Ontario Hydro-Electric
Commission, may have its licence to export power to the States
revoked.

The Commission wants 50.000 H.P. by December, and the com-
pany is said to have offered 32,000 H.P. now. while with new plant
being installed, it is said that 75,000 H.P. will be ready in December.
The Canadian Niagara Co. exports 75,000 H.P., mostly to Buffalo.
25 miles away.

Waithamstow. — J^oan Sanction. — The L.G.B. has sanc-
tioned the borrowing of .C2.635 for control switches, ice, for the
street lamps.

Warrington. — Price Increase.— The Corporation has

decided to increase the charges for electric current, as from
August 1st next, by 5 per cent., except in ca.ses provided for, in
which the charges for current are regulated by a coal clause.

West Ham. — Anxcal Report. — The year's working

ot the Corporation electricity department, to March 31st last,
shows a total income of *;143,611, as compared with £134,071 in
19U-15, an increase of £9,537. The working expenses were
£120,066. as against ,£96,350, an increase of £23.435, principally
due to the extra cost of coal. The gross profit amounted to
£23,545, as against £37,4.43, a decrea.se of £13.8!I7. After deduct-
ing interest, sinking fund, war allowances (£4,216). there is a
deficit on the year's working of £26.202, The total number of
units generated. 44,024,200. was an increase of 1,528,919 units ; of
this, power consumers accounted for 27,205,384 units ; tramways
for 5,429,098 units ; and private lighting, 2,725,204 units ; the
total maximum demand was 12,225 KW. As regards the deficiency,
C 20,300 is provided for in the rates estimate for the current year,
and ' the balance of £5,902 is to be included by the Electricity
Committee in the supplemental estimates in September,

Willesden. — Proposed Loan.— The Council is recom-
mended to apply .for sanction to borrow £828 for h.t. mains.

York. — The B. of T. has extended the period of the
York Electric Lighting (Extension) Order, 1914, by one year.

TRAMWAY and RAILWAY NOTES.

Bristol. — Tramway Pirchase. — The Tramways Option

Committee reports that since its appointment in February, 1913, to
consider the question of purchasing the Bristol tramways, the cost
incurred has been £8.068. of which £2,946 was directly incurred by
the Committee in obtaining information, while the remainder
represents the costs of obtaining the Bristol Corporation Tram-
ways Act, 191 1.

Croydon. — Year's AVorkfng, At. — The special report

of the Tramways Committee uixm the recent strike, which it was
claimed had involved no loss upon the working, again came before
the Council on Monday. The Committee recommended increased
wages and improved conditions, and that this cost should lie met
1 ^y a shortening of the fare stages. On the pe iny fares the pro-
po.sals represented an increase, of 30 per cent. A sharp disciKssion
was closured, and the report was adopted in its entirety by 36 votes
to 15. The 'bus companies, it was said, were ready to fall into
line with the new fares.

At the same meeting it was decided to revise the existing fares
for through running with the S,M,T. Penge and Upper Norwood
system.

The annual report of the tramway manager (Mr. T. B. Goodyer)
was received. Covering the year ended March 31st. it showed total
receipts of £94,416. and after deducting working expenses. £72,.509.
and war allowances. £4.982. and bank interest on income-tax
on stock, there remained a gross balance of £18,278. Interest
charges, sinking fund, and taxes reduced this to a net surplus of
£844, which was carried to the renewals fund. Despite the strike ,
the receipts showed an increase over the previous year of £5,801.
The passengers carried numbered 21 millions.

Edinburgh. — Tramway Report. — Li view of the

expiry of the lease in 1919 in favour of the Edinburgh and
District Tramway Co., the Corporation recently instructed its
engineer, with Sir. J. B. Hamilton (Leeds) and Mr. Brodie (Liver-
pool), to report on the methods of traction which might be adopted.
They express the view that it is possible to arrange for an electrical
system to be installed without interfering with the cable cars up
to the expiry of the lease. The Corporation, accordingly, may pro-
ceed with its arrangements for the new system independently of
the tramway company. They also state that they consider it is
desirable to have only one system throughout the city, and that,
while it would be possible to operate the electric system in such a
way that there would be no overhead wires in the central parts of
the city, it could not be put into operation immediately on the
expiry of the lease. WTiat is suggested as a possibility is that the
overhead system might be introduced all over, so that there would
be no delay in securing a sufficient service, the construction of
underground electrical sections being proceeded with later, if that
were desired. The report is an interim one only, and the advisers
state to the Tramway Committee that they cannot submit their
full report until September. Meanwhile, the Council will consider
the report. ; the prevailing feeling is that electric traction should
be introduced at the earliest possible moment.

London. — On Monday last an L.C.C. car was descending
a hill at Abbey Wood. when, the brakes failing to act. it left, the-
track on a curve at the bottom of the hill, ran on to the pavement
and overtm-ned. a nnmber of passengers being more or less seriously
injured.

Manchester.^WAOES Aavard. — The Committee on Pro-
duction has issued its award on the application of the Tramway
and Vehicle Workers' Union for an additional war bonus ot 5s. per
week. Juniors from 18 to 21 years of age are to have a further
increase of Is. per week (making 2s. with the previous bonus), and
seniors an increase of 2s. (making 4s.). the maximum wage being
42s. No additional war bonus is granted to women workers.
Drivers, conductors, timekeepers, ticket and motor inspectors, depot
clerks, shed men, freight van drivers,, overhead motor van and
wagon drivers, and parcel dispatchers are included in the grades
to receive the additional advances.

Rawtenstall. — Fare Revision. — At the Council meeting

on the 21st inst., the chairman of the Tramways Committee men-
tioned, in regard to the proposal to increase the fares, that since
the tramways started they had made a heavy loss, involving the
rates to the extent of £11.954. At present a person could ride
nearly half as far again in Bacup for Id. as in Rawtenstall, and .it
was proposed by Rawtenstall (which rims the tramways) to equalise
the distances from Bacup to Rawtenstall. They were not making
a profit out of Bacup. the best paying lengths being from Rawten-
stall to Waterfoot and Rawtenstall to Lockgate. He said the only-
way they could settle the matter would be by arbitration, and
thiy would have to apply to the Board of Trade to appoint an
a-bitrator, who would come down and decide what should be done.

Southampton. — Year's Working. — The report of Mr.

W. T. Robsou, general manager, on the working of the Corporation
tramways for the year ended March 31st last, shows record receipts
amounting to £79,828, and a gross profit of £26,854, which, besides
providing for interest and sinking fund charges, allowed of £4,460
being contributed to renewals, £5,000 in aid of rates, and other
expenditure amomiting to over £1,900. Some £8.668 capital
expenditure has been met from revenue, and £13,160 credited to
renewals. The passengers carried numbered 15.494,3(;6, an increase
of 2,228,651, and the mileage run was 1,636,103, a decrease of
67,000 miles, Mr, Robson draws attention to prospective renewals

OS

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

'Vol. 79. No. 2.01 S. .Tri.Y 3S. liMtl.

expenditure ol jtSii.iiOU, ami siiffjests ample provision for this fund
in futiire. Over 00 female conductors and eigrht frirl clerks are
employed now. owinpr to the deficiency of male labour. The report
is a comprehensive one, includinjr parasraph.? headgd "social club."
" bulb show." and " concerts." We note that the Edison accumulator
tower wajron has piven much satisfaction, and mention is made of
the frreat advantajre of having: electric light available for nijrht
repairs, even when the wires are not alive. An intereslinjr para-
graph deals with the future, in connection with which Mr. Robson
uriies the necessity of findinir means to avoid the jii-eat oljstruction
cause<l by the Barjrate. the evil inHuence of which has apparently
extended to the oars, which, we gather, are of a peculiarly uncom-
fortable type. pivsumal)ly owing to space restrictions. He suggests
that comnunliotis top-covere<l cars, and open toast-rack cars lor
summer use. he adopted in future on various routes which
presunialily avoid the objectionable Bargate.

South Shields.— Yeau's AVorking. — The animal reiiort

on the working of the ror]K>rat ion tramways during lillo-Iti shows a
total revenue of £ 4 1 ..><2r>. an increase of £ 1 ,".'8 1 ou t he previous year ;
the gross profit amounted to £I.')..")ii',l. and after deducting interest,
sinking fund, and other charges, the balance. .*G,504, was appro-
priated as follows : — .£2,400 to the relief of rates, and £4,104 to
the reserve fimd. During the year. Il,lti3,378 passengers Avere
carried, as against 1,0,4"!>,42I in the pi-evious year : the average
traffic receipts amounted to I20237d. jier car-mile. The cars ran
824.887 mile.s, a decrease of 102.841 miles as compared with
101 4-1.'). The passengers carried show an increase of 20 ]ior cent.,
not including \').9W soldiers carried free whilst on duty.

West Ham. — Year's Workin(i. — The expenditure on
revenue account of the tramway undertaking, for the year ended
Starch 31st last, shows an increase of i:4,!l!)0 as compared with the
prerious 12 months, the figures being £124,02li and £11!>,03.5
respectively. Allowances to men on active service amounted to
£13,.S1S, against it:i;,031 in the previous year. The total income
amounts to £ 161,1 10. as against £ 1.52.212 in 1914-1.'), an increase of
£11,808. The above result leaves a gross profit of £39,184, as
against £32,27i> for the previous year, an increase of £fi,!)08, or,
after including allowance to men on active service, a decrease of
£378. carried to net revenue account. After allowing for various
charges on this accoimt, there remains a net profit on the year of
£2,8.1,5, but if the allowance of £13,318 to men on active service is
included, there is a deficit of £IO,4ti2. The Tramways Committee
recommends that the surplus should be carried forward towards
special expenditure already incurred.

TELEGRAPH and TELEPHONE NOTES.

A Transcaspian Telegraph Cable.— A project is now

being worked out in Tiflis for la.ving a telegraph cable across the
Caspian Sea from Baku to Krasnovcxlsk. The Balm says that this
cable will .serve as a link of the new telegraph line connecting the
Central Asian Dependencies of the Empire with the centre. At
present this service is effected exclusivel.v through Samara, which
route is much overloaded. The new cable is expected to be very
beneficial to Baku and district, for the scheme includes an overhead
line between Baku and Petrograd to ensure direct communication
between these two points. Till now Baku has communicated with
Petrograd through Rostoff on the Don. and Moscow. The execution
of the project is expected to cost four million roubles, one million
of which will he for the cable, and three millions for the overhead
line in two directions — Baku-Petrograd and Krasnovodsk-Tashkent.
Notwithstanding the state of war. the scheme is expected to take
effect in 1917.

Australia. — Troops are to be raised to reinforce a Wire-
less Signal Squadron that has been organised for service under the
Government of India.

An engineer named H. A. Livermore has been fined £10. with
five guineas costs, for being the possessor of wireless apparatus
without a licence. The apparatus was of ■small power, such as
would be set up by an ordinary amateur ; there were no aerials or
detectors, and the apparatus would not receive signals.

A report has been received from Mr. Balsillie. the consulting
expert on wireless telegraphy, who has been conducting experi-
ments for some weeks at Bookaloo with the object of bringing
about the artificial precipitation of moisture from the atmosphere.
He has made eight experiments with charged elevated conductors,
and it would appear that certain rainfall has resulted, but he is
unable to prove it at present.

Hull. — The accounts of the first year's working of the
Hull Corporation telephones since the Corporation took over the
Post Office telephone service show that the income on revenue
account for the year amounted to £5(i,228, and the expenditure
was £32,978. The gross profit amounted to £23.250. compared
•with £24.000, the amount estimated at the time of the purchase.
The expenditure includes a war bonus of £1,324 granted to the
staff, and special charges of £2K7 for works of protection. Loan
charges amounting to £18.879 have been met, and a sum of £726
has been allowed for income-tax. The balance on net revenue
account is £3.643. — Leeds Merriirij.

Petrograd. — The telephone business in Petrograd is

Incoming disorganised in every direction, says a note in the Xnrnle
Vremija. It has been found impossible to reduce the interior

administration lo order : and as to the bnsino.is of the concern, up
to l.(XiO new subscribers cannot be connected to the main system
because there is no apparatus. The only contractor for telephom
apparatus, ' Heissler," fails to execute orders, pleading work for
the national defence. On May 27th (o..s.1 the Ministers of tht
Interior and War were appealed to by the city governor to lend
their' assistance to the execution of the orders.

Railway Telegraphs. — Before the Ruilwuy mirl Cinial

Commission on Monday, an agreement between the Molni|'ii!ii;ni
Railway Co. and the P.M.Ct. was under considorntion. Ac r'lm
to the '/'/«((■»■ report, the !igrcement provided for (he free i;iiii:iji
of men and stores for the maintenanw of the " lines of lelegrapli
of the Postmaster-General " ; the company contendod that the
clause in question (mly related to the t^-legraphs along tlie parti-
cidar railway (.\yleshury an<l BnckinglianO concerned, whereas the
P.M.G. claimed that it related to all his telegraph lines. .ludgmeiU
wiis given in favour of the railway company.

Telegraph Bill. — A Telegraph (Construction) Hill has

been introduced into the House of Commons to amend the Tele-
graph Acts, 1863 to 1915, with respect to the construction and
maintenance of telegraph lines.

CONTRACTS OPEN and CLOSED.

OPEN.

Australia. — August 1 6th. P.M.G. Distilling apparatu,-.
(Schedule 502), telegraph and measuring instruments (Schedule
498), See - Official Notices" June 16th.

Sydney. — August 17th. Portable internal -combustion engine
and dynamo (2i KW.) for the Departmental Stores, Sydne.y, for
P,M.G.*

August 24th, P,M,G, Automatic switchiioavd and ajipuatius
for North Sydney Exchange. Schedule No. oil.*

Perth.— October 4th. Deputy P.M.G. Telegraph and tilciihonc
measuring instruments and parts, Schediile 5ol W,A.*

Barking. — August loth. Electricity and Tramways

Committee, f'ables, switchgear, and transformers. See " Official
Notices " to-day,

Basingstoke. — -Inly 28th. Wiring the ("ouserxativc:

Club for electric light. Mr. A. E. Grant, Secretary.

New Zealand. — Invercargill. — September 28th.

Borough Council. Steam turbo-alternator, condensing plant, and
switchgear. Specifications from the Tramway Office, Contract
No, 40.*

Specifications for the items marked ' can be seen at the Board
of Trade Commercial Intelligence Branch in London,

CLOSED.

Argentina. — An order (£7ii,(m)0) has just been placed by

the Buenos Aires Western Railway with the Leeds Forge Co. for
under-frames and bogies for motor coaches, and bogies for trailer
coaches. These are for rolling-stock now being built in England
in view of the electrification of a portion of the Western Railway's
system. — Times.

Cape Town. — Electric Utility Co., wiring for electric
lighting, telephones and bells, of the residence at Newlands of
Mr. A. L. Chiappini. £320.

Government Contracts. — The following tenders have

been accepted during .lune. irH6 : —

War OiritE.

X-ray apparatus.— F. R. Burt & Co., Ltd.

Electric cable and wire.— W. T. Henley's Telegraph Works Co., Ltd. :

Midland Electric Wire Co. ; Ward & Goldstone ; Western Electric

Co., Ltd.
Electric cells. — Siemens Bros. & Co., Ltd.
Electric generators and motors. — General Electric Co.
Electric lamps.— C. Collins, Ltd. ; Efandem Co., Ltd. ; J. & R. Oldflekl.

Ltd.
Telephone switchboards. — Automatic Telephone Mfg. Co., Ltd.
Tungsten tubes.— F. R. Burt & Co., Ltd. ; A. E. Dean.
Works services.— Electric light installation at Rendcombe : Edmundson's

Electricity Corporation. Electric lighting at Wye : H. J. Cash & Co.,

Ltd.

Post Office,
Telegraph apparatus.— Gill Telegraphic Appliances Syndicate.
Telephone apparatus. — British L. M. Ericsson Mfg. Co., Ltd. : Peel-Conner

Telephone Works Co., Ltd. ; Western Electric Co., Ltd.
Iron arms. — Siemens Bros. & Co., Ltd.

Telegraph cable. — Telegraph Construction & Maintenance Co., Ltd.
Telephone cable.— B.I. & Helsby Cables, Ltd, ; W. T. Glover A Co., Ltd. ;

Union Cable Co., Ltd. ; Western Electric Co., Ltd.
Telephone cords. — London Electric Wire Co. & Smiths, Ltd. ; Phoenix

Telephone & Electric Works, Ltd.
Telephone mouthpieces. — North British Rubber Co., Ltd.
Cable distrihiution plugs. — B.I. & Helsby Cables, Ltd.
Bronze insulated wire. — Siemens Bros, & Co., Ltd.
Galvanised-iron wire.— Dorraan, Long »& Co., Ltd. : -Johnson & Nephew,

Ltd.; Rylands.Bros., Ltd.
Battery zinc. — Eyre Smelting Co., Ltd. : Siemens Bros. & Co., Ltd.

Vol. 79. No. 2.01S, July 2S. 1916.1

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

99

London. — Hamjiersmith. — Electricity Committee. Con-
tract with the British Electric Transformer Co. for 12 months'
supply of transformers. It is proposed to purchase five 200-KW.
transformers almost immediately for £840.

JUrylebone.— B.C. Electricity Supply Committee :—
.\lfred Blackmore * Co.— 6.000 tons Low Laithes Yorkshire washed nuts,
and 4,000 tons li-ln. Yorks. and/or Derby nutty slack, to be delivered
over 12 months.
Charrington. Sells. Dale & Co.— 2,000 tons IJ-in. Langwith mitty slack, for
delivery from October to February.

New Zealand. — Dcxedix. — In view of the present

unsatisfactory conditions as rejiards prices and shipmeut of
material, none of the tenders received for six electric tramcars. &c.
for the City Council, has been accepted. "Imperial Trade

Correspondent."

Southampton. — T.C. Education Committee. Accepted

tender. H. C. Taplin, at £2.51. for installintr electric light at the
E.i.stern District School. Mr. .\. Kingman quoted £372.

Spain. — Ija Sociedad Espanola de Electricidad. of

Madrid, has lately secured a contract from the Sociedad Metalurgica
Duro-Felguera for the electrical equipment of a large rolling mill.
The latter will be driven by a direct-coupled electric motor of
2,1100 H.P.

NOTES.

Decimal Coinage and the Metric System.— At a meet-
ing on July 20th the Court of Common Council of the City of
London resolved that, in \-iev: of the great advantages which would
accrue to British commerce in foreign markets by the use of a
decimal system of coinage and weights and measures, it wa.s desir-
able that steps should lie taken to ensure its immediate introduction,
so that it might be already in operation at the conclusion of the
war. .V copy of the resolution was forwarded to the Prime
Minister and the President of the Board of Trade.

In the course of his valedictory address as retiring President of
the S..\. Institute of Engineei-s. Mr. \V. Ingham expressed the view
that South Africa should seriously consider whether the time was
not opportime for introilucing the metric system of weights and
measures, and decimal coinage. After studying the subject for
over 2ii years, he had come to a conclusion favourable to the
system.

Russian Electrical Municipalisation. — A note in the

ynrnii' I rfiiii/d says that the jireceding Duma devoted much time
and trouble to considering a project for the municipalisation of
electrical enterprises. In the estimates for 1916 for the further-
ance of this project, amongst others, there was set down -548, 19.1
roubles. .\t the sitting of .the Duma on May 4th. Chief Engineer
Smirnoff, who built the first electrical station in Petrograd for
public use. made a declaration on the decision of the Duma
regarding the purchase of electrical concerns, and on the cessation
at present of progress in this direction. In deciding on the
purchase, the Duma had in view reduction in the cost of using
electrical energy and the extension of such use : but at present,
and even in the near future, for want of means, the project cannot
be carried out, whilst owners, under the pretence of a rapid
transfer, are all limiting the output of their stations, which may
have a bad effect on work that is being carried out for national
defence. In view of all this. Mr. Smirnoff asked a reduced credit
in the estimates for 1916 for preparing the project. This proposal
will be examined by the Exeoutivne Committee.

I.E.E. Wiring Rules, Seventh Edition. — We have been

asked to publish the following corrections : —

Rule 117 (')). line 1. for 'Fitted with " read "Controlled by. "
Rule 121 (h) applies to lighting circuits only.
Page 42. line 30. for " Decks ' read " Desks."

Gravitation and Electrical Action. — The following

interesting letter appears in Srieiice for July 7th.: — " In a paper t"
be published by the .\cademy of Science of St. Louis, evidence will
be presented which appears to show conclusively, that gravitational
attraction is diminished by electrical charges on the acting masses-
The suspended masses of the Cavendish experiment are whollv
enclosed in a shield of sheet metal. The small observation window
is covered with wire gauze. When a knob terminal connected with
the influence machine is moved towards or away from a knob ter-
minal connected with the large attracting masses, the suspended
masses slowly move to and fro around the vertical line of sus-
pension. Xo disruptive discharges occur. It is fotmd that gravita-
tional attraction is decreased by either positive or negative electri-
fication. By the to-and-fro movement of the knob terminal, the
amplitude of vibration can be gradually increased from 2'.5 minutes
of arc to 50 minutes. It has been established by experimental
methods that these results are not due to heat effects.

" Fkaxcis E. Xiphee."
A New Electro-Textile Machine. — A recent issue of

the Tv.rt'ilr lifcKi-der contained a desci-iption of an improved " reach-
ing " machine (by Messrs. Moore & Avery. Blackburn). The
machine selects and hands over the threads of warp to the drawer-
in, who draws them through the healds and reeds in preparation
for the after process of wea\-ing. It is interesting to note that
the threa<l selecting mechanism consists of a 1/30-H.P. electric
motor with automatic switehgear mounted on a travelling carriage
to enable it to move across the width of the heald. and that if it

selects the threads faster than the operative can deal with them,
the motor is automatically stopped, until threads are taken from
the feeding wheel, when it automatically starts again.

How to Treat Stored Accumulators. — Bearing in mind

that the result desired is always the preservation of the accumu-
lator plates, the advice always depends upon whether the owner
desires to keep his accumulator in good condition with as little
disturbance as possible of its working state, or whether he desires
to store it for a long period of time, and does not object to the
trouble involved in remo\-ing the acid and refilling when the
battery is to be put in use again.

There are two methods —the dry system and the liquid system —
the former being the better. For the dry system give the battery
a thoroughly good charge, in order to bring all the plates into a
satisfactory state. Then remove the acid, fill up again with pure
water, discharge the battery for a few hours until the voltage has
fallen by lo percent., and then immediately empty out the water, let
the cells drain as much as possible, remove the terminals, wash away
any traces of acid on the top covers, put a little vaseline on the ter-
minal stems and all connections, and store in a place free from dust.

The oljject of discharging after the water has been added is to
avoid heating of the negative plates when the cells are dry. The
object of putting water in the cells for the discharge is for the
purpose of thoroughly removing the acid in the pores of the plates.
On no accoimt leave the water in the cells, whether charged or
discharged, as they will rapidly sulphate if you do. Advice is
sometimes given to fill cells with water, and leave it in. This is
absolutely wrong.

The liquid system is as follows : — See that the plates are well
covered with acid, but keep it below the lead cojinecting-bars
inside the cells. Charge up the battery until it is thoroughl.v well
charged. Remove the terminals and vents, carefully clean the tops
of cells, vaseline all metal parts, and store in the dark, with pro-
tection from dust. A periodical charge is beneficial, but not
always necessary ; this depends upon the condition of the battery
when stored, the type of plates, arid the amount of loose sediment
there may be in the cells. If the voltage is found to be low altera
few weeks, it is a sign that the battery requires attention. — The Mutnr.

Tender Memories. — The following conies to hand'

described as " a (more or less) poetic effusion." from a Manchester
Corporation electricity works employe, at present on active service
on the Suez Canal Defences : —

Remembrance.
I'm soldiering in Egypt, but I often think of home, and I think as

well of " where I used to work "
(1 ought to say " the place at which I used to flihiJi I worked ") ere

I got the job of watching Johnny Turk.
For I once had the delusion that I really earned mv pay. and I

wore a "Village Blacksmith ' sort of air.
But I've recently discovered that my job was really "soft " and I

wish with all my heart that I were '" there."

I march across the desert underneath a broiling sun, with my rifle

slung, and pack upon my back.
.\nd the waves of sunlight on the sand are quivering, till the heat

makes me think that very soon my throat will crack ;
And I watch a string of camels pass with sympathetic gaze, as with

awkward gait they " hoof it "" o'er the sand.
And the great Truth dawns upon me as it never did before, that

Old England is a happy, happy land.

.\11 day I'm using pick and spade and filling bags with sand, while

the bored N.C.O.'s are looking on.
But I'm thinking oft of "" kilowatts " and " Units sent to Subs. "

and when evening comes and all parades are done
I lie and dream of Turbos and Reciprocating Sets and I walk along

the Switchboard in my sleep ;
Then "Reveille " breaks my slumbers, and I tumble out of bed :

then I drink my cup of "" Gunfire " tea and weep .'

I used to think the Boilerhouse a sultry sort of place. (It will be a

Winter Gardens after this)
And a good old ste.ady downpour such as Manchester oft sees

will be looked upon as real unalloyed bliss.
0. there'll be a good time " bardeen,"' and we'll all feel " quice

keteer. " when the order comes to " Imshi " o'er the foam.
When the boys are back in Blight.v and they taste some "" Blighty "

beer, they'll be all " magnoon " with joy to be at home.

William Tranter.

"" Bardeen." = Arabic. "" Shortly. "

" Quice Keteer " = Arabic, "'Very good."

" Imshi " = Arabic. " Hook it .' " " Get out ! "

"" Blighty " = England.

"Magnoon" = .\rabic. "Mad."

Electrical Wages at Edinburgh. — A meeting of the

members of the Edinburgh District of the Electrical Trades Union,
on Friday night, discussed a number of important questions. With
regard to the application for an increase of wages, the secretary
reported that employers had granted them Jd. increase from
June 16th to September 16th. when another id. would be granted,
pro\-ided the general cost of living had not gone down in the
interval. As regards holidays, the meeting agreed to recommend
that, with the exception of tliose who had made arrangements for
earlier holidays, the holidays be held between August 5th and
12th. It was pointed out that the employes who were at present
engaged upon actual war work would have to postpone their
holidays indefinitely, as recommended by Mr. Asquith,

100

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW

[Vol. 19. No. 2,018. July 28. 1916.

Inquiries. — Miikeis of the •• Star Klectrophone," or other
efficient aid to hoarin? for the use of partiallv-deaf persons ;
makers of n small phij-fuse. with standard Edison screw, marked
B.B.N.O. ; and suppliers of the Sutalite lamps, are asked for.

Appointments Vacant. — Fitter (with the rank of chief
assistant) for Diesel enjiines. for the .\.vlesburv I'.D.C. electricity
department (.".Os.1 ; shift engineer, for Portsmouth Corporation
tramways : man for X-ray work and male nursin?. H. for the
Royal Berkshire Hospital : shift ensrineer. for Hi.srh Wycomhe. See
our advertisement p:ijjps to-day.

Britisli Tumbler Switches in France.— A Paris corres-
pondent, who has lieen disabled hy (Jerman shra|inel and is now
hack in commercial life in Paris unable to return to the Front,
asks us to put him in toitrh with a British firm makin-r tumbler
switches, desirous of having: its intert'Sts represented in France.

A.S.E. Funds. — Tlie 7'imfs states that the funds of th*'

.Vmaljramated Society of Eufrineers exceed tKdOti.OllO.

Fatalities. — ("onsirlerahle attention was paid at an inquest

held at Coventry, on the 1 1th inst .. to the question whether a live elec-
tric wire in connection with the overhead crane at a local factory was
in any \yay responsible for a man's death.

Dr. Pickup stated t hat he ha<l come to t he conclusion t hat the man
diiHl from heart syncfipe. the cau.se of which he could not say. He
mitrht have slipped, or felt faint, or he might have touched the
live wire, and got a little shock that caused him to fall.

The jury's verdict was that "Death was due to an accident
through falling, causing syncope."

.\t an inquest held at Sheffield, on July l.Sth. it was stated that
Ernest Bage. an electrician, while fixing some new electric wires
on the roof at the works of Messrs. Wm. Cooke & Co.. Ltd., missed
his footing, fell to the ground, and was killed.

An inquest was held last Friday, at Lancaster, concerning the
death of a woman named Clarkson (26). an electric crane driver
employed at a local factory. When she was ascending a ladder to
go on duty in her driving box. a travelling crane knocked her
ilown. She fell about 1.5 ft., alighting on a girder, and sustained
injurie.s which proved fatal.

.lacobus Rabie, for whom the course of true love appears not to
have rim too smoothly. declared to one of the daughters of a certain
household in an outburst of jealousy that he would— climb an elec-
tric light standard. And he did so on the Main Reef Road between
Germiston and Malvern. Scaling the pole, he gripped the live
wire with both hands, and gave a grim and fatal ending to a Rand
Reef romance.

Thoma.s Crossley. an electrician, his son, and another were
drowned last Saturday whije fishing in Belfast Lough, during
excitement occasioned by the capture of a big conger eel.

J. J. Halliwell (22). electric crane driver, was found dead on the
floor of his cabin at the works of the British Westinghouse Co. on
Saturday.

Institution and Lecture Notes.— Physical Society of

London — At the meeting held on June Itith, a paper entitled
"Experiments with Mercury Jet Interrupters." was read by Capt.
C. E. .s. Phillips. The paper described an experimental attempt to
asc?rtain the form of the mercury column issuing from a hole in
the side of a rotating drum, that was continuously supplied with
mercury by centrifugal action. Incidentally a new form of inter-
rupter was introduced, in which the interior was visible through a
■window in the lid. The usual copper segments were replaced by
tantalum, which is not " wetted'' by mercury, remains clean and
bright indefinitely, and has a high "melting "point. Experiments
with various forms of orifice were described, and it was pointed
out that the issuing stream was only slightly affected" by this
means. An explanation was given of the fact that a vertical slit
orifice would not produce a ribbon of mercury, and that no matter
how much the diameter of the orifice was increased, beyond about
2 mm., the cross section of the mercury column remained
unaltered.

Illuminating Engineering Society (U.S.A.).— The Society hss
deci-led to hold a series of lecture', at the University of "Penn
sylvania. from September 21st to 28th inclusive, immediately fol- '
lowing the annual Convention of the Society in that city, " The
lecture course will include the principles of illumination and various
aspects of lighting practice, and will consist of about 20 1ectur(s
by men selected, on account or their qualifications, to deal autho-
ritatively with the several phases of the subject. Associated with
the lectures will be an exhibition of the latest developments in
illuminating appliances, together with novel applications of light.

The United British Industries' Association. — The

Moi-ninri P,i.4 states that IVL-. Dudley Docker presided at a luncheon
given at the Grand Hotel, last week, to manufacturers who are
interested in the movement for starting the United British Industries'
Association. A Committee has been appointed representative of
British manufacturers, and the British Engineers' Association and the
British Manufacturers' Association of 1915 have become affiliated
to the new organisation. We gather that considerably more than
the required 100 firms, each putting down £1,000, have been
enrolled. Our contemporary gives a list of the firms provisionally
consenting to become memljers. They include the British Alumi-
nium Co.. Ltd.. the British Electrical Federation. British Insulated
and Helsby Cables. Ltd.. the British Thomson-Houston Co.. Ltd.,
the British Westinghouse Co., Ltd,, Crompton & Co.. Ltd., Dick, Kerr
and Co,. Ltd.. General Electric Co.. Ltd.. Greenwood A: Batley,
Ltd.. W. T. Henleys Telegraph Works Co.. Ltd.. India-Rubber,
Gutta-Percha and Telegraph Works Co., Ltd.. the Marconi com-
panies. Mather A: Piatt. Ltd.. Willans & Robinson, Ltd,, and
many more large engineering firms.

Steel Furnace on the Rand. — At the present time a large

quantity of old steel shoes and dies is thrown to waste annually
on the Witwatersraud, and. although under pre-war conditions it
might i\ot be profitable to attempt to remake the waste material
into shoes and dies, in view of the present gi-eatly-increased cost
of these articles, and also the difficulty of obtaining deliveries, it
hius been decided to erect an electric furnace and accessory plant
for the purpose. The construction of the furnace is now in hand
as a department of the Witwatersrand Co-op;rative Smelting Works,
Ltd., under the supervision of Prof. W. Buchanan, who was also
the designer, and the Rcheme is likely to prove a useful adjtinct to
the mining industry.

Joint Action to Develop FJectric Road Motors. <"oii-

siderahle pn>giess has been made during the past two years by the
Ele.-irie Villi, le Cduimittee of the Incorporated Municipal Elee-
trieal .\--i.riati(.u iu the matter of organising facilities for road
trinispiet by means of electric battery vehicles. The constitution
of the Committee is on a broafl basis. It includes representatives
of the parent Association, the Commercial Motor I^sims" Associa-
tion, the Royal Automobile Club, the Society of Motor Manu-
facturers and Traders, the Provincial Eleetiir Sii|i|ily Companies,
the Electrical Contractors' Association, the I'.iilish I'.lrelrical and
Allied Manufacturers" Association, the IneurpuiMteil As.sociation
of Electric Power Companies, the Institution of Municipal and
County Engineers, and of the Tramways and Light Railways
Association. The chairman of the Committee is Mr. R. H.('hattoek,
city electrical engineer of Birmingham, The hon, secretary is
Mr, F. Ayton. chief engineer and manager of the Ipswich
Corporation electric supply and tramway departments.

The electric vehicle has its own special field in goods delivery
work in urban and suburban areas, and the excellent results that
have, so far. resulted from its use by some of the largest and most
up-to-date business firms, would seem to indicate quite a conside
able field for its extended employment in the future, not only for
the delivery of merchandise, but also for pa,ssenger carrying work
in and about towns and cities. The economy in operating cost
and the simplicity of the mechanism are, of course, the main "
features of this class of vehicle. While these advantages were
manifest in the period before the war, the present scarcity of
horses, the high price of fodder, and the rising cost of petrol, very
greatly enhance the merit of economy possessed by " the electric."

Electrolytic Treatment of Ores in Australia. — At a

meeting of shareholders of the Mount Lyell Mining and Rjihvay Co,,
in Melbourne, it was stated by the chairman that the arrangements
made with the Tasmanian Government for the supply of 50,000
H.P. from their hydro-electric scheme had added to the importance
of the options held by the company over the Tasmanian Copper,
Hercules, and Primrose mines. Electrolytic treatment of similar
ores, he said, was carried on satisfactorily elsewhere on a large
scale, and with a supply of hydro-electric power, the production of
electrolytic spelter on profitable lines from ores of the West Coast
mines was now in sight. The board decided to give notice of its
intention to exercise the options conditionally upon raising the
necessary capital.

Removing Enamel from Wire. — A manufacturer of

magnet wire states that many serious mistakes are made in
measuring the diameter of enamelled wires. Many users scrape
the enamel from the copper wire with emery cloth or sandpaper.
In doing this it is almost impossible to keep from removing some
of the copper. If only O'OOOl in. is removed, it will show on a
micrometer caliper or wire gauge. Two ways to remove enamel
from wire are suggested : One of these is to pass the wire over a
bunsen gas flame several times until the enamel melts and drops
ofl" ; the other is to dissolve it in amyl alcohol. — lilectr'iiud Wurlil.

Volunteer Notes. — 1st London Engineer Volun-
teers.— Headquarters. Chester House. Eccleston Place. Orders for
August by Lieut.-Col. C. B. Clay, 'V.D., Commanding,

The Headquarters ivUl be closed during August except on
Tuesday evenings. The range will be op3n on Thursday evenings
only.

Instruction Classes at Regency Street will be held as usual for
Platoons Nos. 9 and 10.

The Camp at Otford will be available until August 31st.
Members wishing to attend should enter their names at Head-
quarters.

Sunday Entrenching Parades. Parade in Uniform at Victoria
Station (S.E. and C. Railway") Booking Office. 8.4.5 a.m.

MACLEOD Yearsley, Alijlltant.

"3rd Batt. (Old- Boys') Central London 'Volunteer Regi-
ment.— Battalion Orders by Capt. R. J. C. Eastwood (Commandant),
Thursday, July 27th, 1916 :—

Weeli-Eiid Parades. — Saturday. — The Battalion will Parade at
AVembley Park, at 3 p.m., for Drill under the Commandant,

Entrenching. — A party will parade at Liverpool Street Statipn
(Low-Level entrance, G.E.R.), at 8.40 a.m., and proceed by train tor
entrenching duties. Those who cannot take the early train will
parade at 1.20 p.m.

Sinuiuy. — Parade at Liverpool Street Station (Low -Level entrance,
G.E.R.), at 9.30 a.m.

Mu.iketry. — Holland Cvf Competition. — Saturday, 29th inst, 9,30
a-,ra, and 12,45 p,m„ report at Xo. 8 Platform, Waterloo Station,
Sunday. 30th inst., 9.45 a.m., at No. 8 Platform.

Recruits will Parade at Wembley Park on Saturday at 3 p.m.,
and Sunday at H a.m., for recruit drill.

C. T. CooGiN, Actinfj Adjutant. O.B.C.

Vol. 79. No. 2,018. JULT 28. 1916.

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

101

Lady Electricians in Meter Departments. — Our conttm-

porary. the Elfcrricat Time-', reeentlr referred to the employment
of girls for fully a year past by the St. Pancras Borough Council's
electricity undertaking, for meter reading. This, however, is only
part of the story, as only a few girls are so engaged, tor three weeks
each quarter. Girls were put under training in the first instance on
the work of meter maintenance in the workshops, and .some are now
being drafted to the standardising room.

TheSt. Pancras electricity department created quite a flutter among
the meter manufacturers some years ago. when it imposed a further
test on all meters (both overhauled and new'l at ^th (2.5 per c*nt.^
of full-load rating, and expected them to comply with the same
conditions as were stipulated for ;\jth load by the British Engineering
Standards specification. It would be interesting to know that this
high standard of working has not been impaired by the training
of the girls.

St. Pancras. by the way. has been systematically removing rotor
meters from circuit for overhaul in the workshops every four years,
as a result of which very few units have been allowed to pass
through to customers unchallenged ; also, the serviceable life
of the meters must be considerably lengthened, which fact should
go a long way to appease the manufacturers of those particular
meters who may deplore (in peace times — they are otherwise engaged
at present) the lack of large orders from St. Pancras for new
rtock.

The electricity meter doubtless owes it's present standard of
efficiency, in no small degree, to the foresight of those supply
engineers who. recognising the commercial value of efficient meters.
have installed the necessary testing plant and imposed stringent
conditions, in advance of other authorities.

We congratulate St. Pancras on this further display of initiative
in starting the training of girls for meter work, and should like to
hear of others who can be placed in the same category ; although.
like St. Pancras. they individually hide their light under the pro-
verbial Vmshel. until it is disclosed by an inquisitive push from-
some quarter. It is a pity, however, that this should be the case,
having in view the general interests of the profession^

Electrolytic Disinfecting Fluid. — During the year UU.i).

according to the report of Dr. F. W. Alexander, medical officer of
Health to the borough of Stepney, 36.985 gallons of electrolytic
disinfectant were manufactured, making 7.S.9T0 gallons as dilnted
lor distribution. The cost was — for materials, £.36 ; electrical
energy. £Mi ; total. i86. The plant has now been running ten
years, and has manufactured 418.779 gallons of the fluid, at a cost
for electricity nf iHr,n and materials i;:^sl (under )i\. p^r gallon 1.

OUR PERSONAL COLUMN.

Edititr$ invite electrical engineers, whether connected with the
■rhnical or the commercial side of the profession and industri/.
iilxii electric tramway and railway officials.to ieep readers of the
Electrical Review posted as to their movements.

Central Station and Tramway Officials.— Our Johannes-
burg correspondent writes: — "Prof. J. H. Dobson, the gene-
ral manager of the Johannesburg Municipal tramways and
electricity department, has been appointed Officer Command-
ing the S.A. Pioneer Regiment, with the rank of Major. He
and his men have been in training for some weeks at Potchef-
stioom prior to their departure for German East Africa. Dur-
ing Major Dobson's absence, the management is in the hands
of Messrs. E. T. Price, the chief electrical engineering assist-
ant; F. Stokes, the mechanical assistant; and G. B. Milfokd,
the tramway manager.

On leaving to take over the management of the East Kent
Tramway Co.. Mr. T. G. Clabbukx, manager of the Peter-
borough Tramway Co.. has been presented by the employes
with a ro.se bowl, &c. He is succeeded by Mr. P. R. Buke,
of Deal.

The .\ylesbury U.D.C. has increased the salary of Mr. A. H.
FowLES, assistant electrical engineer, to £131 10s. per annum.

Mr. A. C. Sussex, electrician with Hill's Plymouth Co.,
litd.. of Merthyr Tydfil, who is leaving to take up a position
on the staff of Messrs. Guest, Keen & Nettlefold, at Bedlinog.
has been presented by the electrical staff with a cabinet of
tible cutlery.

The Bath Corporation Electricity Committee has appointe<3
Mr. E. F. SiDWELL, leading jointer, to succeed the late Mr.
D. T. Miles as mains superintendent.

Captain Gray, Accrington's borough electrical engineer,
who joined the Howitzer Brigade at the outbreak of the war,
was stationed at Woolwich for some time, but is now em-
ployed in a munition factory near Morecambe.

The St. Pancras Electricity Committee proposes to increase
the wages of Mr. S. A. Creasey, shift engineer, from £2
12s. 6d. to £2 15s. per week, thus placing him on an equality
with another shift engineer who carried out similar duties.

Mr. J. S. D. Moffett, general manager of the West Ham
Corporation tramways, has been appointed general manager
of the Belfast Corporation tramways, at fSOO per annum.

The Metropohtan Munitions Committee has communicated
to the Marylebone Electricity Committee its thanks for the
services of Mr. A. H. Seabrook. whose whole time is now
devoted to the work of the Council. The Committee stated : —

" Mr. Seabrook's untiring efforts have been of the greatest
assistance to the Board, and they desire to place on record
their high appreciation of the courtesy of your Council for
so wOUngly loaning his services, and of the whole-hearted
manner in which Mr. Seabrook has devoted himself to this
important national work."

Generaf. — The Executive Committee of the City and Guilds
of London Institute have appointed Mr. W. Eccles. D.Sc,
A.E;C.S., M.I.E.E., to the Professorship of Electrical Engi-
neering and .\pphed Physics at the Institute's Technical
CoUege. Finsbury, rendered vacant by the death of Prof.
Siivanus P. Thompson. F.E.S. Mr. Eccles is at present
T'niversity Reader of Graphics at I'niversity College, and is
the author of a work on Wireless Telegraphy and Telephony.
and numerous papers and inventions on subjects connected
with electrical engineering.

Mr. Fra.ncis H. Davies, assistant engineer, Weston Elec-
trical Instrument Co., has been gazetted Lieutenant in the
.Array Ordnance Department.

Mr. S. R. Mdllard, A.M.I.E.E., of the research laboratory,
Edison & Swan United Electric Light Co., Ltd., Ponders
End. has been granted a temporary commission as Lieutenant,
E.N.V.R., attached to the R.N.A.'S. Lieutenant Mullard has
been actively employed in connection with research work on
the Ediswan " Pointolite " (nitrogen) arc lamp. He is being
retained by the Ediswan Co., and will thus keep in touch
with his laboratory work.

^^'e read in the Souih African Mining Journal that Mr.
Bernard Price has been elected President of the S.A. Insti-
tute of Engineers.

Roll of Honour. — The death in action, on July 1st, of
Captain C. C. May, Manchester Regiment, is reported. He
was the only son of Captain C. E. May, New Zealand Forces,
and had been district manager for Associated Fire Alarms,
Ltd., in the Manchester district since 1911. "Though mor-
tally wounded." his Colonel writes, "he gallantly continued
to give orders and encourage his men to the last. Had he
lived I would have recommended htm for the D.S.O." Bom
in Dunedin. N.Z., he obtained his commission in January,
191-5. and was promoted captain a month later. Previously
he had served six years with King Edward's Horse, and at
the outbreak of war founded and commanded the Legion of
Volunteers in Manchester. Captain May was well known in
business circles in Manchester.

Lieutenant A. E. Courte.nay, of the General Electric Co.,
Ltd. (Publicity Department), has been invahded to St. An-
drew's Hospital, Malta, from Salonika, but we are pleased
to learn that his indisposition is not serious.

Private H. Bdrniston (26), who has been killed in action,
was a draughtsman at the Leeds Corporation electricity works.

Private W. C. McNeil, who has been wounded, was in the
employ of the Cremer Lamp & Engineering Co., Armley,
Leeds, before enlisting.

Private P. Paley, of the Yorkshire Regiment, who has been
killed, was an electrician at Grimethorpe Colliery.

Private S. Greenwood, of the Yorkshire Light Infantry,
who has been killed in action, was an electric wireman at
Hahfax before being called up as a Reservist.

Private C. W. Barker, of the 8th Battalion Eoyal Fusiliers,
and late of the electrical fittings department at the Ediswan
Works. Ponders End. has been seriously wotmded in France.

Private Frank McGeehan, of the 20th County of London
Eegiment, who was killed in action on July loth, was, before
the war, employed in the testing department at Hooper's
Telegraph & India-Eubber Works, Ltd., Millwall Docks,
London. E.

Corporal Eeginald BncKLEY, of the Ijverpool Regirnent,
aged 29, an employe at the electricity works, Waterloo, Liver-
pool, has been killed in action.

Private M. Haydock (23). an employe of the British West-
inghouse Co.. Trafford Park, has died of wounds.

Private James Mills, who was formerly employed by the
Manchester electricitv department, at Clayton, has been
killed.

Private James Walker, a worker at the Manchester elec-
tricitv works, .'\rdwick. has been killed.

Private Thomas L. Wood, of the Liverpool "Pals." has
died of wounds. He was 2-5 years of age. and formerly em-
ploved at the Fonnby electricity station.

Private J. E. Edwards, of the Manchester Eegiment. aped
2.S. has died of wounds. He was employed at the Manchester
Corporation electricity works before the war.

Serrreant James Ward, of the Northamptonshire Eegiment.
who has been wounded, was formerlv employed bv Messrs.
W T. Glover & Co.. Ltd.. Trafford Park.

Bandsman Sidney Morris, of Harpurhev. Manchester, aged
T^, who was on the clerical staff of the British Insulated and
He'shv Cables. Ltd.. Manchester, has been killed.

Private Harry Ci'Owther. aged 22. killed in action, was
ar employe of the Briti.sh Westingliouse Co.. Trafford Park.

Private .ToHN Boardman. of the Grenadier Guards, nn em-
plovp of 3'fessrs. Ferrantr, Ltd.. line been kilted in action.

Private S. J. Walley. of the Welsh Regiment, killed in
.Tction when loing to rescue a comrade, was formerly engaged
ii; the electrical department of the Crewe railway works.

Armourer-Stqff-Sergeant W. F. Eawson. .\rmv Ordnance
Corps, aged 29, for many vears emnloved at the Stuart Street
generating station, Manchester, has been killed through the
accidental bursting of a gun which was being overhauled.

10-2

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW,

[Vol. 79. No. 2,018. July 28, 1916.

Private H.arry Holllns, of the Manchester "Pals," an
employe of Messrs. B«xendale & Co., Ltd., has been wounded.
Private .\lbert Brown, another employe of the same firm,
has been killed m action : and Private U. Booth, a third
employe, has been wounded.

Rifleman W. \Voolh.\m, of the Rifle Brigade, now in a
Manchp.=ter hospital, was former! v emploved by the St.
Helens Cable \- Rubber Co., Ltd.

Private \V. H. Barlow, of the Norfolk Repiment, formerly
a draupht.snian at the electrical works of Messrs. Laurence.
Scott A Co.. Norwich, and previously with the Lancashire
Pynamo Co., has been killed in action.

Cor|>nral H.\RRV HoosK, of the Royal Welsh ]''usiliers, aped
'i!. killed in action, was an euiplove of the British Insulated
and Hel.sby Cables. I,td.

Sec'ind-Lieutenant Cvnii. R. W.ard, of the Royal Engineers,
killed in action, was educated at Sandbach (Jramraar School
and at the Manchester Municipal School of Technology. He
was engaged, prior to the war, with the British Westinghouse
Co., Trafford Park.

Private Waltkfs IIkwks. who was formerly employed at the
electricity station. Hroadheath (Cheshire), has been wounded.
Second Lieutenant Norma.n Haworth, of the South Lanca-
shire Regiment, killed in action, aged 26, was formerly in
the employ of Messr.s. Siemens Bros., Stafford.

Second-Lieutenant Ram'H Nesbit Lopoe. of Manchester, a
nephew of Sir Oliver Lodge, is reported missing. Before the
war he was employed by the General Electric Co., Ltd.

Sergt. H. B. Crosfielp, of the Manchester Regiment, an
employe in the Manchester electricity department, who was
mentioned in dispatches by Sir Ian Hamilton, has been
killed, aged '2H.

Private .\. E. -Iohnson. of the Lancashire Fusiliers, who
was an electrician with Mr. \V. Brierley, of Bury (Lanes.),
has fallen in action in France.

Private L. F. Watkixson, who was. on his enlii3tment, in
the otfice staff of the Leicester Corporation electricity and
tramway department, has been wounded, and is in hospital
at Lichfield.

Private G. Fairhurst, of the R.A.M.C., who was in the
electric-al department of the Vulcan Foundry Co., Ltd.. of
Earlstown. has died of dysentery at .\niara, Persian Gulf.

Second-Tjieutenant Stephen F. Weeks, B.Sc. (Lond.), of
the Royal Engineers, killed in the advance in France, was
a nephew of .\ld. G. Weeks, of Messrs. G. Weeks & Son.
electrical engineers, of Bromley (Kent). He was 28 years of
age. and came home from Siam to join the Forces.

Private Richard Harpman', of the Royal Scots, wounded at
La Boisselle. was formerly engaged ps an electrician with
Messrs. Smith, at Pendleton (Lanes.).

Private H. W. Rawlikgs, who was on the staff' of the Cam-
bridge electric light works when he enlisted in the Suffolk
Regiment, was wounded in France, and is in hospital at
Birmingham.

Private G. L. Richardson, of the Oxford and Bucks Light
Infantry, who was, prior to the war, an employe of Messrs.
Hill. Upton & Co., electrical engineers, of Oxford, has died
in hospital.

Private W. Bailey, of Swinton, an employe of the Chloride
Electrical Storage Co., CUfton Junction, has died of wounds,
aged 19.

^ Sapper E. W. Ldcas. at one time a partner in the firm of
Messrs. Walmsley & Lucas, electricians, Pendlebury, has
been killed in action, aged 29.

Private H. Noble. Bermuda Rifle Volunteer Contingent,
attached 1st Lincolnshire Regiment, who was with the Halifax
and Bermudas Cable Co.. was killed in France on .July 3rd,

Captain H. K. Turner, aged 25, who, according to the
Times, was killed in action on July 16th, was a director of
Messrs. E. R. & F. Turner, of Ipswich.

The Times states that Second-Lieutenant J. H. Parr-
DijDLEY. Royal Fusiliers, who was killed in action on July
1st. spent a year at the Faraday House Electrical Engineering
College, where he took a silver medal ; he received a commis-
sion in January. 1915.

Private Harold Gordon Taylor, London Scottish, late
assistant draughtsman at Fulham electricity works, who was
wounded in four places in the charge at Gommecourt Wood,
on July 1st, is lying in the London Hospital, progressing
favourably.

Obituarij',— Sir William Ramsay. — By the death of Sir
Wilham Ramsay, on Sunday last, we have lost perhaps the
most distinguished of our chemical physicists, and one who
had, moreover, rendered unsurpassed services to the Allied
cause by his strenuous advocacy of a closer blockade, and of
reform in our educational methods. He was born in Glasgow
in 18.r2. educated at the T_'niversities of Glasgow, Heidelberg,
and Tiibingen, and, after serving on the staff of Anderson's
College and the University in his native city, became Pro-
fessor of Chemistry at and Principal of University College,
Bristol. From 1887 to 1913 he occupied the Chair of Chemis-
try at University College, London, where most of his most
striking discoveries were made. Jointly with Lord Rayleigh
he discovered argon, a new coijstituent of the atmosphere,
and later he isolated helium, neon, krypton, and xenon. In
1903. Sir William Ramsay proved that helium was a product
of the ■ disintegration of radium, and carried out further
research into the transmutation of the elements. He received
many honours in recognition of his scientific achievements,

including the Nobel prize in 1904, and was the author of
important works on chemicai subjects. His work in connec
tion with radium and radio-activity, in which he collaborated
with Prof Soddy. was of the highest order. He was also
interested in the conservation of our stores of coal, and pro-
posed a scheme for the distillation of coal in its natural bed,
the resulting gases being utilised on the surface for the gene-
ration of electrical energy. Sir W'illiani was a talented
nnisician and an excellent linguist. He leaves a widow and
two children.

Mr. Edward Rock.— Mr. E. Rock, electrical engineer, of
Woikinpton, died on July 21st from injuries received whilst
c\ cling on July 4th.
Mr. H. F. C. Eccers.— The ConimnmredVli Knginerr re-
ports the death, which occurred in May, of Mr. H. F. C.
Epgers. ;\M.I.M.E., from injuries received in a motor car
accident. Mr. Epgcrs was a partner in the firm of Haes and
Efigers, Ltd., Sydney. On the death of Mr. Hae.s in 1909,
Mr Eggers took over the management of the business, and
continued it until his death. Born in New Zealand, ha
graduated in civil engineering at the D\inedin University.

,\t Barrow Education Committee last week, the Mayor of
Barrow referred in terms of very high jiraise to the serviceR
rendered to the Barrow Technical Schools by Mr. B. Thorn-
ton, electrician, whose tragic death recently occurred.

NEW COMPANIES REGISTERED.

Arthur Ellis & Co., Ltd. (144,348). — This company was

registered on July Hlh, with a capital o( £2,000 in £1 shares (1,000 pre!.),
to carry on tiic business ol general, mechanical, and electrical engineers,
ni;inulacturers of and dealers in motor and other vehicles, aeroplanes, air-
ships, motor cyi^es. bo.Tts, and conveyances of all kinds, makers of electric
l.imps and apparatus, garage keepers, carriers, coach builders, motor and tire
manufiicturer.^i. electricians. &c. The preferred shares are entitled to a
cumulative preferential dividend of 8 per n-nt. per annum, and to a furtfwr
40 per cent, of any surplus profits available for dividend after providing for
8 per cent, on the ordinary shares. The subscribers arc : A. T. Ellis, C-ixtun
House, Westminster, S.W., electrical and general engineer, 1 ord. share;
W. L. H.ald, Caxton House, Westminster, S.W., electrical and general engi-
neer, 1 prcf. share. Private company. The first directors (to number not loss
than two or more than five) are A. T. Ellis and W. L. Hcald. Registered
office : 201, Caxton House, Westminster.

Hi^t^ins & Griffiths, Ltd. (144,330).— This company was

irj;isiered on July !2th. with a ciipital of £10,000 in £1 shares, to take over

of electrical and general
S. Griffiths at 21, Orchard Street, Porti
Griffiths. The subscribers (with one share
.Strei't, Portman Square, W.. electrical e
Street, Portman Square, W.. electrical engi
be*- of directors is not to be less than tv
Higgins and S. Griffiths (both perma

SquT'

chl. Ren

reel, Portman Squa

by A. Higgins and
e, W., as Higgins and
A. Higgins, 21, Orchard
. Griffiths. 21, Orchard

than five;' the first are
holding 3,000 sha

fixed by the company. Registered office : 21, Orchard
W.

British Italian Corporation, Ltd. (144,404).— Registered

Julv 20lh. bv Herbert Smith. Goss King &■ Gregory, 62. London Wall, E.G.
Capital. £1.(KK).000 in 50.000 shares of £20 each. Objects : To carry en,
subsidise, assist or participate in financial, commercial, industrial, manufac-
turing, electrical, railway, navigation, land development, mining, and other
businesses, works, contracts, undertakings, and operations of all kinds in the
British Empire, Italy, and elsewhere, to undertake any operations commonly
carried out by financiers, company promoters, bankers, underwriters, con-
cessionaires, contractors for public and other works, capitalists or merchants,
to establish and carry on the business of a bank of deposit, to act as agents
for the collection, receipt, transmission, or payment of money, &c. The signa-
tories (with one share each) are : E. O. Goss, 62, London Wall, EC. soli-
citor: F. H. King, 62, London Wall, E.C., solicitor; J. Sims. 121. Albert
Palace Mansions S.W., solicitor; W. A. Bcwcs, 2, Harcourt Buildings, Temple,
EC, barrister; S. A. Sharpe, 205, Friern Road. Dulwich, S.E., accountant;
E. J. Burrows, 29. Lvndhurst Road. Highams Park, Chingford. clerk; A. G.
.Mount. 22. Narford Road, Clapton. N.E., clerk. Minimum cash subscription,
seven shares. The first directors (to number not less than three or more
than nine) are Arthur Hill, 106, Eaton Square. S,W., bank director; Robert
H Benson 31, Bishopsgate, E.C.. merchant banker; J. W. Beaumont Pease,
13. Stratto'n Street, W. bank director; Sir Hv. Babington Smith, K.C.B.,
121 St. James' Court. S.\\\ ; Joseph Burn. 142. Holborn Bars. E.C.. actuary;
Alberto Pirelli. 144. Queen Victoria Street. E.G.. company director; Ignatius
G. Manzi-fe. 22, Abchurch Lane, E.C.. manager of Credito Italiano; and
Riccardo Bianchi. 22. Abchurch Lane. EC, director of public companies. So
long as the Credito Italiano holds at least £50,000 shares, it may nominate
not more than one-third (or the number nearest to one-third) of the board.
Remuneration in each year when the issued and paid-up capital is £1.000,000
or less £300 each per annum and £700 extra for the chairman. In each
vrar when the issued and paid-up capital exceeds £1,000.000. sums Jbe.iring
the same proportion to tite issued and paid-up capital as £300 and £700 res-

the purpo:

borrow

o £1,000.000. The directors
of the company, providing that the total amount outstanding at

^ (exclusive of mone>s received from depositors or outstanding on

bills or letters of credit or other instruments in the ordinary course of bank-
ing business) shall not. without the sanction of a general meeting, exceed
twice the nominal amount of the issued capital. No notice of situation of
registered office has yet been filed.

Birmingham Electrical Accessories Manufacturing Co.,

Ltd I144.3R61.— This company was registered on Julv 19th, with a capital of
£1.000 in fl sh.]res, to carrv on the business of manufacturers of and dealers
in electrical fittings and accessories, electrical, gas, hot water, and mechanical
engineers. &c. The subscribers (with one share each) are : E. A. Welch, 49,
i-rancis Road, Stechford. manufacturer; C. E. Garratt, 22, Thynne Street..
West Bromwich, manufacturer. Private companv. The first directors (to
number not less than two or more than five) are G. Garratt, C. E. Garratt,
E. A. Welch, and Alice Welch. E. A. Welch and C. E. Garratt are perma-
nent. Qualification, 50 shares. Secretary ; Amy M. Garratt. Registered
office : Whitmore Street, Hockley, Birmingham.

British Electric Trading Co., Ltd. (9,641).— This com-
pany was registered in Edinburgh on July 17th. with a capital of £2,000 in
£1 shares, to carry on the business of manufacturers of and dealers in all
apparatus and articles connected with electricitv. The subscribers (with one
share each) are: W. J. Kerr, 26. Carlton Court, Glasgow, drysalter; R. M.
bunlop 10, Brunswick Lane, Glasgow, secretary. Private company. The
first directors (to number not less than three or more than seven) are not
named. Qualification, £50 shares. RemunefBtion, £50 per annum. Soli-
citor : H. Hannah, Edinburgh.

Vol. 79. No. 2,ois. juLv -'s, uH(i.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

103

OFFICIAL RETURNS OF ELECTRICAL
COMPANIES.

Anchor Cable Co., Ltd. (69,073).— Capital, ^250,000 in

£U shares. Return d.iled June 8th, 1916. 6,500 shares taken up; £61,000
paid on 6,100; £'4,000 considered as paid on 400. Mortgages and charges:
£50,000.

Anglo-American Telegraph Co., Ltd. (2,891c.).— Capital,

£7,000,000 in £413,300 ord., £3,293,350 pre!., and £3.293,350 def. ord. stock.
Return dated May 19th, 1916. All stock taken up; £600,000 paid; £6,400,000
considered as paid. Mortf^ages and charges ; Nil.

Carville Site & Power Co., Ltd.— Issue on July 7th, 1916,

of £10,000 debs,, part of .1 series of which particulars have already been liled.

Lamplough & Son, Ltd. — Mortgage dated June 23rd,

1916, created by the Receiver and Manager to secure not more than £2,.50O,
charged on the company's undertaking and property, present and future, in-
cluding uncalled capital. Holders: Messrs. Hoare, 37, Fleet Street, E.i:.

Edison Accumulators, Ltd. — Debenture, charged on the

companv's uiiilerl-ikinj; ,ind propertv, present and future, including umalled
capital, d.iled JuK 4ih, l')l(l, to secure all moneys due or to become du,- from
company to l.ondun Countv .'t: Westminster Bank, Ltd., 41, Lotliburv, E.l.,
not exceeding i'15,0iX), in addition to a previous amount for not more than
£.'i,Oi:»l.

Bracuhy Falls & Metallurgical Syndicate, Ltd. (110,780).

-fapital, £48,000 in £1 shares. Return dated December 30th, 1915 (filed
June 5lh, 1916). All shares taken up; 10s. 6d. per share called up; £25,200
p. ltd. Mortgages and charges : Nil.

AngloForeign Tramway Syndicate, Ltd. (112,859).—

Capitil, 1111,00(1 in II.50U prel. shares of £1 each, and 5,001) "A," 4,000 " B,"

an] 1,1" I ~l. ires of Is. each. Return dated December 31st. 1915 (filed

Mav i.-.ili. l!lllil, 4,200 pref., 370 "A," and 74 "B" shares taken up;
£4,2'22 4s, paid. Mortgages and charges: Nil.

Geo. Bray & Co., Ltd. (76,185).— Capital, ,£160,000 in

80,000 pref. and" 80,000 ord. shares of £1 each. Return dated June 6th, 1916.
55,000 pref, and 55,000 ord. shares taken up ; £7 paid; £109,903 considered as
paid. Moi tgages and charges : £40,0OU,

Birkdak District Electric Supply Co., Ltd. (70,259).—

Capital, £00,000 in £5 shares. Return dated Mav 10th, 1916. 9,200 shares
taken up; £5 per share called up on 6,000, and £3 on 3,'200; £39,600 paid.
Mortgages and charges : £6,000 debs, issued as collateral security.

Brisbane Electric Tramways Investment Co., Ltd.

(67,853).— Capital, £975,000 in 75,000 pref. and 120,000 ord. shares of £5 each.
Return dated June 7lh, 1916. All shares taken up; £5 per share called up on
30,034 ord.; £150,120 paid; £824,880 considered as paid on 75,000 pref. and
89,976 ord. Mortgages and charges: £450,000.

Harry W. Cox & Co., Ltd.— Particulars of .£2,000 deben-
tures, created June 28th, 1910. filed pursuant to Section 93 (3) of the Com-
panies (Consolidation) Act, 1908, the whole amount being now issued. Pro-
perty charged : The company's property, present and future, including un-

alled

al. No

Flather & Co., Ltd. — A memorandum of satisfaction in

full on June 29lh, 1910, of second mortgage debenture, dated Mav 23rd, 1905,
securing £400, has been notified.

Coatbridge & Airdrie Electric Supply Co., Ltd. (89,178).

—Capital. £1,000 in £1 shares. Return dated March 30th, 1916. All shares
taken up; £1,000 considered as paid. Mortgages and charges: £161,812
Ss. lid,

British Insulated & Helsby Cables, Ltd. (52,285).— Capi-
tal, £1,000,000 in 100,000 prel. and 100,000 ord. shares of £5 each. Return
dated April 10th, 191C. All shares taken up; £5 per share called up on
74,470 pref. and 40.065 ord.; £572,675 paid; £427,325 considered as paid on
25,530 pref. and 59,935 ord. Mortgages and charges : £700,000.

CITY NOTES.

Mr. C. F. Tupnell presided at the annual
CromptOD meeting, held on Monday at Salisbury
and Co., Ltd. House, E.G. He said that the trading for
the last twelve months had bsen profit-
able. The year had been one of difficulty in many directions
— the constantly increasing cost of material, the delays in
delivery, the trouble of getting goods shipped, and the loss
of further members of the statf, were a few of the obstacles
with which they had had to contend. They had, however,
managed to do a larger turnover during the year, and the
gross profit was increa.sed from £57,900 to £63,100, and, after
deducting the various charges set forth in the accounts, they
had at their disposal, with the carry-forward, £37,950, against
£28,649 twelve months ago. They proposed to put £6,500 to
the general reserve fund, as last year, and they .suggested a
larger sum as a sjjecial depreciation fund. In order to enable
them the better to handle the orders with which they had
been entrusted by the ( iovernment for the prosecution of the
war, they had been obliged to purchase additional machine
tools, and to make certain extensions to their premises. Not
only had they had to pay war prices for the.se extensions and
this new plant, but .some of the expenditure would not be
remunerative when the special war work on which they
were engaged came to an end. In the circumstances, the
board were of opinion that it was necessary to make a liberal
reserve against this expenditure, and they had also to face
the fact that in these strenuous times the ordinary rate of
depreciation which they wrote off each year might not be
sufficient, in some cases, to cover wear and tear. They next
proposed to write off £1,600 — the balance of preliminary ex-
penses— so that this item would disappear from the balance
sheet. They recommended the payment of the full dividend
of 7 per cent, on the preference shares, but they felt com-

pelled to again appeal to the patience of the ordinary share-
holders. When addressing them last year, he referred to the
need of husbanding their resources in these times of uncer-
tainty and stress, and they had now to face war taxation on
a scale which was altogether unforeseen twelve months ago.
Although the carry-forward was increased from £7,691 to
£10,479, this sum was subject to excess profit duty and
assessment under the Ministry of Munitions Act, and this
liability was in respect not only of the profits of the yeai-
under review, but applied to the previous year's profits also.
They were quite unable to tell at the present moment
whiit amount they would have to pay under these heads,
but he might remind the shareholders that the basis of assess-
ment for war taxes was the average profit of pre-war years,
to which certain additions were made. They would remember
that in the two or three years before the outbreak of war, in
the old company's days, the business was not making profits,
and, although the Acts allowed some relief in such cases,
there was no doubt that if the reorganisation of the company
had been carried out two or three years earlier they would
have been entitled to retain more of their profits for the
shareholders than they could hope for in the existing circum-
stances; but such was the fortune of war. The company's
works were declared a controlled establishment in August
of last year. During the year they had delivered a
very large amount of war material, as well as equip-
ment for Government and other munition works through-
out the country, and the orders in hand for the.se various
classes of work at the end of the year under review
showed a considerable increase over the figure at which they
stood twelve months previously. Having referred to the elec-
tion of Ml'- Britten, the manager at Chelmsford, to a seat on
the board, the Chairman said that, as to the future, he was
glad to say they had plenty of work in hand to keep them
busy for many months to come, so they were not very
much concerned for the current year as to their shops.
What was to happen after the war was over was an-
other matter. Some people anticipated considerable activity
for a period, but they were taking steps to meet a possible
set-back in the demand. He hoped the results of what they
were doing would enable them to obtain business in other
directions, as and when they required it, to compensate for
any falling off in their ordinary trade, and this matter of the
future was receiving their most careful attention. He would
like once more to testify to the loyal manner in which they
were being supported by the staff and others, from the mana-
gers downwards, and he would like to include their branch
managers and representatives abroad. One and all were feel-
ing the burden put upon them by the war and were striving
their best in the interests of the shareholders.

Lieut. -Col. ,IoHN Clibborn seconded the motion.

Mr. IJE Upphaugh, referring to the £10,000 put aside for
excess profits, said that, as an ordinary shareholder, he had
not leceived any dividend for ten years, and now, when there
was a chance of getting a return on his money, it seemed as
if the Government had stepped in and taken it. He thought
it was an understood thing that the Government was going
t') allow investois a certain return on their capital before they
annexed the excess profits.

Mr. Husband said he thought the directors were to be con
gi'atulated upon the satisfactory way in which they had car-
ried on the company during the past twelve months. It must
have been a very anxious and troublous time, and that they
had weathered the storm so well was distinctly a matter for
satisfaction. He had intended to refer to the huge compara-
tive reserves in the balance sheet, but after what the Chair-
man had said, he was satisfied that they were wanted for the
purposes of the business. He was an old-fashioned financier,
and he held that all reserves should be liquid, but he sup-
posed that in the case of Crompton's that was a policy of
perfection which it was not possible to adopt.

The Chairman, in reply, said that the matter of the excess
piofits tax was a very tjelicate one which they had better not
discuss publicly. As "to the large reserves, the special reserve
of £10,1)00 was to cover the expenditure which they had
incurred on plant and machinery which had been bought
specially for Government work, and which would not be of
any use after the war.

The report was adopted.

The annual meeting was held on Thurs
Edmundson's day last week, at Salisbury House, E.C.
Electricity Mr. P. D. Tucke'I't, who was in the chair,
Corpn., Ltd. said that the set-back in the steady pro-
gress which the company had been making
year by year prior to the war, which was shown in the
accounts, was directly and entirely attributable to the abnor-
mal conditions resulting from the war. Almost all the under-
takings had been adversely affected, the aggregate profits
showing a reduction of over £12,000. Their costs had been
increasing, while the lighting revenue had been shrinking,
owing solely to the increased co.st both of materials and
hiLour, aggravated in some cases by the reduced efficiency
resulting from the reduced loads. Coal, oil, copper, and all
other materials used in the business had greatly risen in
price The increased cost of coal (often of inferior quality)
accounted for a difference of near £13,0ai. Then, again, the
unprecedented demand for labour, and particularly tor skilled
labour, coupled with the high cost of hving, had necessitated
the payment of higher wages, or of war bonuses, which was

104

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

Vul. 7'j. No. 2.01S, July 28, 191i;.

the same thing in another form. They had continued the
ps.Muent of war grants to the dependents of men on active
service, such grants during the year absorbing nearly j63,000.
What was, however, in some respects the most serious feature
of the situation, so far as the stall' was concerned, lay in the
fact that they had been deprived of the services of many of
their most experienced and highly-trained men at a time
when they could least afford to lose them and were least able
tti replace them. .Altogether, 364 men had left them to serve
in the ,\rmy or Navy, and of these ten had laid down their
lives. In order to cover, to some extent, the heavy extra
expense incurred, they last year raised their rates of charge,
and in view of the still heavier expense with which they were
now faced they had had no alternative but to again increase
them, in some cases up. to their authorised maximum, and,
indeed, in two or three ca-ses they had been obliged to ask
the Board of Trade to sanction an increase beyond the maxi-
mum. How far this would compensate them for increasing
costs it was impossible to forecast, but it would fall consider-
ably short of what was requited to compensate them also for
the loss of lighting revenue. They were, however, doing all
they could to develop the power and heating loads, the im-
portance of which they had long recognised, and so far as
their limited opportunities admitted, he thought they were
meeting with a very fair measure of success in this direction,
for last year their power and heating connections aggregated
the equivalent of 124, (XK) lamps, whiLst for the first five
months of the current year they represented the equivalent
uf oO.lXtO lamps. The revenue derived from this additional
load had tended to minimise the loss of lighting revenue, but
the shrinkage in the latter was so marke^, and was likely to
be so increasingly felt during the current year with the influ-
ence of the Summer Time .\ct super-added to those which
were previously operating, that he felt it was useless to
cherish any illusions that the new load would make good the
loss on the old. Proceeding to refer to the accounts, he said
the net balance of the I'.rofit and loss account was £13,259,
about .i'lU,000 less than last year. They had been able to
pay the final half-year's dividend on the cumulative prefer
ence shares and carry forward j£4,625. The general financial
position of the company remained satisfactory; its cash re-
sources amounting to nearly i£36,000, as against £34,000 last
year, and little more than £14,000 two years ago. The
reserve stood at £73,148, or over £17,000 in excess of the
figure last year. In view of the probability of a further
shrinkage of profit during the current year, he thought they
would have to withhold the payment of an interim dividend
on the preference shares next January. It was most dis-
appointing that the war should for the time being have
largely deprived them of the fruits of their past labours, for
he thought there was little doubt that, but for the war, they
would to-day be paying a substantial dividend on the non-
cmnulative preference shares. They were not, however, alone
in their sufferings, for all electric supply undertakings were
sutt'ei'ing, and were likely to suffer increasingly, as long as
the war lasted where no special condition existed to compen-
sate them for their increased costs and reduced lighting
revenue. Their lamp connections, amounting to an equivalent
of 150,284 lamps, had been well maintained, but of these
only 17 per cent, represented lighting, as compared with 32
per cent, for the previous year, and this tendency was still
more marked in the connections for the first five months of
the current year, the proportion of lighting to power having
fallen to 10 per cent. It had been a feature of the war period
that their power connections had been stimulated by the
exceptional demands for power created by the war, and. he
hoped they might continue to derive a large part of the
bei-efit from those connections after the war, although it was
difficult to say at present how far many of them were likely
to be permanent. Thus, at one place they had a single
factory taking 600 KW., equivalent to over 18,000 lamps, for
shell making. Dealing with the results of the subsidiary
companies, he said the Isle of Wight Co. afforded as good
an illustration as any of the way in which they had been
adversely affected by the war, since it was that company
-which was chiefly responsible for the reduction in the divi-
dend and interest item in the profit and loss account. Prior
to the war, the company was progressing as steadily and satis-
factorily as they could desire, its profits having increased by
over £3.000 during the four years from 1909 to 1913, whereas
for 1914 they declmed by £1,456, and during the past year
by a further £2,4.53. The two principal items accounting
for this last reduction were an increase of £721 in the price
of coal and a reduction of £2,241 in the lighting revenue.
Last year Ventnor's lighting revenue .shrank by as much as
31 per cent., and Sandown's by not much less. They had had
very similar experiences at Lymington, Ilfracombe, Rams-
gate, and Cromer, all holiday resorts deserted by their visi-
tors. At Lymington the lighting revenue dropped 15 per cent.
last year, at Ilfracombe 16 per cent., at Ramsgate 23 per cent.,
and at Cromer 29 per cent., following a drop of 10 per cent.
in the previous year. Melton Mowbray's hunting season and
Newmarket's racing and training activities had, of course,
suffered owing to the war. and in both cases this had affected
their dividends, and had consequently re-acted on them,
whilst Bromley and Surbiton both suffered from the smaller
ccnsumption of their lighting consumers, Bromley's lighting
revenue shrinking by £L133, and Surbiton's by not much
less. Finally, there was the Scarborough tramway under-
taking, which, starting from a much less satisfactory point

of departure, had suffered more seriously than any of the
other undertakings in bo far as its profit of ,£298 for J914 had
been converted into an actual Ions of .i'l,722 for 1915, The bom-
bardment by the German cruisers, followed by Zeppelin raids,
besides reducing the resident population, was estimated to
have deprived the town of nearly 50(»,00() of its summer visi-
tors, on whom, to a very largo extent, the earnings of the
tri-mway necessarily depended, with the result that the
re\enue actually shrank by 58 per cent, as compared with
1914, and by 66 per cent, as compaied with 1913. The under-
taking presented one of the most difficult problems with which
they had to deal, since it was obvious that they could not
afford to run it indefinitely at a loss. On the other hand, it
earned an aggregate gross profit of over £l,;«i(l in the three
years prior to the war, it gave promit^o of ilec id.d imiirove-
ment during the first half of 1914, and they cmiKl nut but
hope that it might again show improving results after the war.
For the time being, they were operating it with every po.ssible
economy, but, do what they would, they could not expect
to avoid a substantial loss as long as they were confronted
with the present conditions. There ivmained two develop-
ments of a much more satisfactory character. The Lanca-
sb.ire I'ower Co. increased its profits last year from £30,471
to £32,843, whilst for the current year, in spite of increased
coal prices, it promised to do very substantially better still.
It had not yet reached the stage at which it could prudently
divide its profits, but if it continued to make the progress it
*was doing, he saw no reason why it should not be in a
position to do so within two ov three years. Consequently,
it was a source of considerable satisfaction to them to feel
that they were fully justified in supporting and saving their
investment -when, in 1908. they decided to take upon theni-
selves the responsibility of increasing it by a further £28,0(X).
The other satisfactory development related to the Surbiton
undertaking, which had now been taken over from the
Council. They were interested jointly with Callender's Cable
and Construction Co., and the arrangement come to was
similar to that made in the case of Frome. They took over
the undertaking subject to the payment of the balance of the
interest and sinking fund on the capital provided by the
Surbiton Council, which in any case they were under an
obligation to discharge, but, whereas previously they had
no interest in the reversion, they now had the entire interest
therein, and this should ensure their eventually making good,
and. indeed, far more than making good, the losses incurred
in the earlier years. In conclusion, he said that, as they
woukl have gathered from his remarks, they were by no
means sanguine as to their ability to avoid some further
.shrinkage of profit with the capital expenditure reduced to
the barest minimum, and with costs tending to rise and
lighting revenue to decline still further. They w^ere doing
what they could to minimise, the consequences of the.se condi-
tions, but the conditions were such that they could not hope
entirely to overcome them, and he was afraid they had got
to recognise the fact and accept the sacrifice which the
exigencies of the time might require them to make. Their
piesent position and prospects were wholly due to war condi-
tions, and should, therefore, rapidly improve as the country
resumed its normal way of life after the war. In the mean-
time, it should prove reassuring to them to lemomber that
the gross profits of the various undertakings increased by
approximately £60,000 between 1908 and 1914, or at an aver-
age rate of nearly £9,000 per annum, whilst for this past
year the sub.sidiary companies, in addition to providing for
the depreciation of their free wiring and wiring stocks, had
appropriated to reserve and cai'iy-forward over £40,000 in
excess of the amounts provided in 1908, It was this policj',
which they had steadily pursued, of building up the resources
of the suijsidiary companies which would prove their salva-
tion in this time of stress, and would, he hoped, enable them,
a year or two hence, to priK'eed once more on that path of
.steady progress which for the time being had been so rudely
interrupted. And, after all, however disappointing it might
be, and however they might deplore it, this temporary lass
of profit was a comparatively small matter when they con-
sidered the overwhelming issues at stake and the supreme
sacrifices which w-ere being made to remove once for all the
intolerable menace which had been threatening Europe with
increasing imminence for so many years.

Mr. A. A. C.4MPBELL SwiNTON .Seconded the motion, which
was adopted without discussion.

The accompanying tables show the finan-
French Lighting ri.-il rrs;iilts realised by a number of elec-
and Tramway tiir li^jhting and tramway companies in
Undertakings. I'ranci- during the past two years. In the
case of the two supply companies for
which no rate of dividend on the ordinary shares is mentioned
for 1914, no information is available for the moment, and it
must therefore not be as.sumed that a distriJDution did not
take place for that year. The absence of any dividend declara-
tion by certnin other companies in both years is due chiefly
to the'allocation of net profits to contingency funds in conse-
quence of the effects of the war. The list of tramways also
comprises the Compagnie Generale des Omnibus, whose rate
of distribution for 1914 is also lacking. The inclusion of this
Paris company is explained by the fact that it owns an
extensive mileage of trolley and conduit lines in Paris, whilst
the company's motor omnibus services, although resumed to
a slight extent in June of the present year, were entirely at a

Vol. 79. No. 2,018, JuLv 2s, 1916,] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

105

standstill in 1915 owing to the requisition of the 'buses by
the Army authorities. The tables are as follows : —

IjIqhting and Powkr Companies.

~ Dividend per cent.
on ord. shares.

1915. 1914.
Compagnie Parisienue de Distribution

d'Electricite 4 I

Societe d'Electricite de Paris 8 .'i^

Parisienne Electrique —

Compagnie Cienerale de Distribution

d'Energie Electrique — —

Euergie Electrique du Littoral Mi5diter-

ran^an 4 3

Compagnie Centrale d'Energie Electrique — —

Energie Industrielle — —

Forces Motrices et Eclairage de Grenoble — ■ —

Force Motrice de I'Arve 7 —

Compagnie Centrale d'Energie Electrique — —

Forces Motrices du Rhone 4.2 3,15

Havraise d'Energie Electrique 5.6 5.tj

Hydro-Electrique de Pure et Morce ... — —

Societe Biterroise de Force et Lumiere ... 5 —

Tramway Undertakings.

Compagnie Gt^nirale des Omnibus de Paris 5 —
Societe Parisienne pour I'lndustrie des

Chemius de Per et des Tramways Elee-

triques — —

Compagnie des Tramways de I'Est Parisien — —

Compagnie Generale de Tramways ... 5 4

Tramways de le Rive Gauche — —

Tramways Algeriens ... _. 3.6 3.2

The directors report continued satisfac-
Yorkshire tory progress. Revenue from sale of elec-
Electric tricity increased, and notwithstanding the

Power Co, very high costs of coal and labour the net
profits, after payment of bank and other
interest, also increased. The net profits for the three half-
yearly periods ended June 30th have been : — 1916, ^613,550;
1915, £9,873; 1914, £10,414. The dividend on the 6 per cent,
cumulative preference shares for the half-year, absorbing
i'4,787, will be paid Augu.st 1st. In view of the financial
conditions arising out of the war and the heavy commit-
ments which the company has had to incur, due to the
demands for munitions, the directors have deferred the con-
sideration of a dividend on the ordinary shares until the end
of the year. An important exten.sion of the Thornhill power
station is being made in consequence of the demands from
the company for additional supply, and as a first instalment
a 6,000-KW. turbo-alternator will shortly be erected.

The report for 1915 shows that the
County of Dorset capital expended in the associated com-
Clectric Supply panics to date amounts to £34,451. The
Co., Ltd. revenue receipts, exclusive of the Lyme

Regis dividend, amount to £2,461,
again.st £1,062 last year. The gross profit, including the divi-
dend of the Lyme Regis Co., amounts to £1,271. Against
this must be placed interest on temporary loans £846, leaving
a profit on the year's operations of £425, against a deficit of
£160 in 1914. The subsidiary companies (Lyme Regis, Bland-
ford Forum & District, and Swauage Companies) have each
shown satisfactory progress. The Ijyme Regis Co., in spite
of lighting restrictions, shows a substantial profit on the
year's working, equivalent to a dividend of 8 per cent. The
number of consumers on December 31st was 112 in Dor-
chester, 64 in Blandford, 133 in Lyme Regis, and 86 in Swan-
age, Progress during the year has been steady and satis-
factory, especially considering the adverse ' conditions due to
the war.

Standard Wayj^ood Co., Ltd. (Australia). — The report of
this company for the year ended March 31st, after writing
off £9,286 for bad and doubtful debts and depreciation of
securities, shows a loss of £1,165, With £17,802 brought fOT-
ward there was an available balance of £16,638, An interim
dividend of Is. per share on the fully paid-up shares and 6d.
per share on contributing shares absorbed £7,819, and the
directors recommend a final dividend of like amount, making
10 per cent, for the year, leaving £1,000 to be carried for-
ward as provision for income-taxes. The report states that
a plant designed and used tor the manufacture of electric
searchlight carbons has been of service in developing an in-
dustry new to Australia, and useful to the defence forces.
The cost and the loss on the manufacture of carbons has been
entirely written off. ,VVork in progress brought forward
from the previous year was expected to show good profits, but
increased cost of lab^iur and material swallowed up these
margins, and left losses, some very large. Orders are ex-
tremely scarce, and no interim dividend will be paid. — Sydney
Morning Herald.

Mather & Piatt, Ltd.— Interim dividend on the ordinary
shares of 5 per cent,, less income-tax, for the half-year to
June 3nth, being at the rate of 10 per cent, pei: annum.

Copper Prices.— P. Smith & Co, and James & Shakespeare
report, July 26th,— No changes in prices quoted last week.

Companies to be Struck OH the Rejjister.— Unless cause
to the contrary is shown within three months, the following
companies will be struck off and dissolved ; —

.VntJlo-German Wireless Syndicate,

Atkins Filter, Engineering & Water Soheninif Co.

Uevan Loclj-Nut Co. ■

Blanchard Lamp Foreign Patents Co.

Bridlington Electrical Engineering Co,

Helis Cell & Accumulator Co,

Improved Railway Signals,

International Filaments.

N'eiv Century Arc Light Co.

Paris Accumulator Co.

Power Transmission Syndicate.

Smoke Consumption (Cowper-Coles Patents)

United 'Electric Light & Power Supply Co.

Warner Engineering Co.

Tubes, Ltd.— A further interim dividend of 15 per cent
tree ot tax, makmg 20 per cent., free of tax, for the year
ended At)nl 30th la.st. It is intended to increase the capital
ot the company by a further 50,000 shares of £1 each.

Veritys, Ltd.— The separate meetings of the holders of
the ordinary and niauagement shares held, by order of the
High Court, on July 25th, according to the Financial Times,
considered^ a scheme of arrangement which provides that—

1. The 6,980 £1(1 ordinary shares shall be called preferred
oidmary shares, and as from January 30th, 1916, have the
right to a cumulative dividend of 7 per cent, and rank both
as regard capital and dividend in priority to the management
shares, but after the 5 per cent, and 6 per cent, cumulative
preference shares, without further participation; and

2. The 200 £1 management shares shall be called deferred
ordinary shares, and as from January 30th, 1916, and subject
to the provision for a reserve fund and to the rights of the
preferred ordinary shares, shall confer the right to the surplus
profits whicli it may be determined to distribute.

Southern Brazil Electric Co., Ltd.— Mr. E. H. Tootal
■presided at the annual meeting, on 19th inst,, and said that
steady progress was being made with their ditferent under-
takings, and there was every reason to look for a satisfactory
increase of revenue all round, but as the present stage was
largely one of development' and extension it would be some
time before that increase could attain the full anticipated
proportions. The Piracicaba tramways was opened for traffic,
and it would soon show material development of passenger
and goods traffic,. Work was also progressing well with the
electrification of the Campinas steam tramway, though un-
favourable weather and the difficulty of obtaining material
caused delay.

Wm. Beardmore & Co., Ltd.— After providing for depre-
ciation, debenture interest, contingencies, excess profits, pay-
ing the preference dividend, and putting £50,000 to special
preference dividend reserve, 6 per cent,, free of tax, is to be
paid on the ordinary shares, carrying forward £195,288.

Underground Electric Railways Co., of London. — Interest
on the 6 per cent, first cumulative income debenture stock
for the half-year ended June 30th at the rate of 6 per cent.
per annum, less tax, and on the 6 per cent, income bonds of
1948 for the half-year ended June 30th at the rate of 6 per
cent, per annum, free of British income-tax.

Central London Railway Co. — Interim <lividends for the
past half year (in the undivided ordinary stock at the rate of
33 per cent, per annum, and on the preferred ordinary stock
at the rate of 4 per cent, per annum.

City & Soutti London Railway Co. — Interim dividends
for the past half-vear on ' the whole of the outstanding 5 per
cent; preference stocks 1891, 1896, 1901 and 1903 at the rate
of 5 per cent, per annum, and on the ordinary stock at the
rate of 1^ per cent, per annum.

Metropolitan District Railway Co. — Interiin dividends for
the past half-year on the 4 per cent, guaranteed stock at the
rate of £4 per cent, per annum, on the first preference stock
at the rate ot £4 10s, per cent, per annum, and on the second
preference stock at the rate of £3 per cent, per annmn.

London Electric Railway Co. — Interim dividend for the
past half-year on the 4 per cent, preference stock at the rate
ot £4 per cent, per annum, and on the ordinary shares at the
rate of £U per cent, per annum.

W. & T. Avery, Ltd. — Dividend of 10 per cent., making
121 per cent, for the year. Scarcity ot clerical labour and
other circumstances liave delayed the preparation ot the
balance sheet and the holding of the annual meeting for the
present.

NewcastleuponTyne Electric Supply Co.— The " Finan-
cial Times " states that it has been decided to postpone the
payment ot the preference dividend until about the end of
September.

Chatham & District Light Railways Co.— Interim
dividend at the rate of 3 per cent., less tax, for the past half-
year.

Bournemouth & Poole Electricity Supply Co.. Ltd.— In-

terhn dividend on the ordinary shares at the rate ot O- per
cent, per annum, less tax, for the past half-year.

County of London Electric Supply Co., Ltd.— Interim
dividend on the ordinary shares at the rate of 5 per cent per
annum, less tax, for the half-year ended June,

100

THE ELECTIUCAL liEYlE^Y.

,Vul.

Credenda Conduits, L»d. — After wrilinj; ^2,000 off good-
will, iind intyiuy S per ceut. per UDnuru dividend, tax free,
£i'oo is to be tarried forward.

London Electric Supply Corporation, Ltd. — Interim divi-
dend of 5 per eent on the ordinary shares.

Kaministiquia Power Co. — Oividmd .ii Ihe rale of 7 |>er
nut. pn aiiiiiiiH liij tile |i;i.st <jii;ir'ter.

l.anark.shire Tramways Co., Ltd. — liUerini dividend, (ii
per eeiit. luM anniiin. le.ss tax, lor the past half-.vear.

Honi$ Konj; Tramway Co., Ltd. — Imerini dividend, 7 ix^r
cent., le.-is tax.

Metropolitan Electric Supply Co., Ltd. — Interim dividend
(in ordinary shares. Is. per .share fur the past half-year.

City of Bueno.s Ayres Tramways Co. (1904), Ltd.— .\
diviilend of Is. .id. per share (at the rate ol 5 per eeut. per
aHUUiij). less inedine-tax, is aniiouneed for tlie past three
niuhths.

STOCKS AND SHARES.

TlKSi'AV Evr.MNQ.

Stoek Exehange markets have recovered to a great extent
fioiM tlie depression into which the.v were phmged by the
raising of the Bank Rate to 6 per cent. The tardy explana-
tion of the way in which the country's daily expenditure of
SIX iiiilliuii pounds on the war was arrived at helped to pro-
mote a better feeling, and it was considered a little unfortu-
nate that explanation at greater length was not afforded by
.Vlr. McKenna at the time tliat he made his statement.

Money continues to pile up from profits and savings, and
has to be used in one direction or another. Treasury Bills
and Exchequer Bonds are splendid investments; but capi-
talists do not care to put all their money into such securities,
and the consequence is that the money is overflowing into
other departments. The raising of the Bank Rate to 7 per
cent, was feared at one time; but even if it were advanced
to this level, the root factor would not be destroyed — that
tliere is plenty of money seeking a more permanent invest-
ment than any short-term borrowings offer.

Home Railway .stocks have recovered, after being dull and
heavy. The factor outlined in the preceding paragraph be-
comes daily more obvious; and the first of the half-yearly
dividends from the Home Railway companies are sufficiently
good to stimulate bu.ving of the stocks.

The L'uderground group entered the field early with its
dividend declarations. It may be well to recall that the pre-
sent occasion is the first that the profits are divided under the
arrangements made by the recent shufBiug of the cards in
this group. The various companies pay their receipts into a
single account or pool, from which it is shared out again in
fixed proportions.

The City & South London Railway takes 6 per cent, from
this pool, which is three times as much as its previous share;
and no doubt this enables the company to pay a dividend at
the rate of li per cent, on its ordinary stock, against nothing
at all since the fir.st half of 1913, when the shareholders got
i per cent. The London Electric Railways takes 30 per cent,
of the joint earnings, instead of 26 per cent, as previously,
and the dividend on its ordinary shares goes up from 1 per
cent, to li per -cent. No change was made in the propor-
tions of the Central London or the District Companies, and
the undivided ordinary stock of the former is to receive 3J
per cent., giving the preferred ordinary 4 per cent.; while
District pays 3 per cent, on its 5 per cent, second preference
stock, the same as it did a year ago.

The London General Omnibus dividend is reduced to 5 per
cent., free of tax, which is 1 per cent, less— due to the com-
pany's getting 32 per cent., instead of 40 per cent., of the
fund already referred to. Obviously, the Tube companies
have benefited at the expense of the London General Omnibus
Co.

So far as prices are concerned, these dividend declarations
have had little effect. The quotations are firmer, and Under-
ground electric incomes have recovered most of their 3J points
drop of last week. It is announced that the company will pay
its coupon of 3 per cent., free of tax, on September 1st.
Most of the Steam stocks are better, those in the Southern
passenger group improving from a revival of the 35-year-old
scheme for a Channel tunnel. The idea of such a tunnel is,
of course, much older than this; but the company now in
existence for the purpose of constructing a tube between
this country and Prance came into being in 1881, under a
title slightly different from the present one.

County of London ordinary and preference shares are both
up J on the declaration of an interim dividend at the rate
of 5 per cent, on the former, this being the same as a year
ago, and regarded, therefore, as distinctly satisfactory. City
IJghts and Charing Cross preference hold their previous im-
provernents. A rise of 1/16 in London Electrics has taken
the price to 1 5/16. No further changes have occurred in the
list. There is still, however, a quiet demand for shares, and
very little supply to meet it. Electric Constructions are
better at I63. 6d. British Westinghouse preference maintain
their substantial improvement, and during the past few days
have been up to 523. 6d., which price tempted a few sellers,
with the result that, on balance, there is no quotabte change
in the shares at 51s. 6d.

The Telegraph market has halted in its upward march, and
the high prices have brought a little stock to market. The
only change in quotations, however, is a fall of i in Globe
Telegraph & Trust preference. The rest of the list cxliilnts
sufficient strength for the market to absorb with ea.'^c the
shares that are offered. United River Plate Telephones re-
acted to 6i, but Chili Telephones remain good at 1.

Marconis t<K)k a turn for the better; the price touched SJ
liid, but eaxcd olf a tritle to 3 7/32. The subsidiaries, how-
ever, have improved, Americans hardening to J8s. and Cana-
dians to lis., while there has been a little business this week
ill Spanish and Generals on the basis of lOs. 6d. The Gov-
eriiiiunt is bidding ddl for New York Telephone bonds or
KlHi for the dollar bonds. Of the cable companies' shares,
British Insulated at 11 J continue to advance, and are i up
on the week. Croinptons keep about JOs., the meeting held
early this week having no effect upon the price.

Brazil Tiiutions are ex 1 per cent, dividend, equal to i per
cent. net. so that at 62 ex dividend the price is actually J
higher. Anglo-.^rgentine second preference eased off to 3i.
'Ihe British Columbia Electric group is firmer, the preleried
anil the ileferred stocks both hardening, Mexico Tramways
5 per cent, fir.st mortgage bonds are 1 lower at 41, although
the news from Mexico seems to wear a somewhat brighter
complexion.

'I'lie rubber market is quiet and di.spo.sed to droop, in conse-
qui'iue of the fall to 2s. 2d. per lb. in the price of the raw
material. l''rom this there was a small recovery, but the
dwindling in rubber has checked the volume of buying.
Armament .shares are better, and there is a brisk demand for
nearly all the companies connected with the iron, coal and
steel indu.stries. Copper shares remain heavy, for want of
a re<-oveiy in the price of the metal itself.

SHARE LIST OF ELECTRICAL COMPANIES,

HouB Electricity Companies.

Dividend Price

^ * s July 25, Rise or fall

1914. 1916. 1916, this week.

Brompton Ordinary .... 10 10 6J —

Charing Cross Ordinary ..55 Bg —

do. do. do. 4J Pref.. 4J 4) 8J —

Chelsea B 4 B —

City o( London 9 8 15* —

do. do. 6 per cent. Pref. 8 6 10* —

County of London .... 7 7 lOj + J

do. 6 per cent. Pref. 6 6 lOJ +4

Kensington Ordinary .... 9 7 6| —

London Electric 4 8 l^a -!-,'«

do. do. 6 per cent. Pref. 6 6 H —

Metropolitan 81 B 9| —

do. 4* per cent. Pref. H *i 8 —

St. James' and F-all Mall . . 10 8 6 —

South London 5 6 2J —

South Metropolitan Pref. ..7 7 IJ —

Westminster Ordinary .... 9 7 6J —
Teleoraphs and Telephones.

Anglo-Am. Tel. Pref 6 « 104 —

do. Def 30/- 83/6 23 —

Chile Telephone 8 8 7 —

Cuba Sub. Ord 6 6 7* —

Eastern Extension .. .. 7 8 I'^sd —

Eastern Tel. Ord 7 8 ll9xd —

Globe Tel. and T. Ord 6 7 12Jxd —

do. Pref. . . 6 6 lOjxd — i

Great Northern Tel 22 22 88 —

Indo-European 18 13 48 —

Marconi 10 11 83'j + s'.

New York Tel. 4* . . . . 4i 4i 992 —

Oriental Telephone Ord. . . 10 10 9 —

United R. Plate Tel 8 8 6i — -^.t

West India and Pan 1 — IJ —

Western Telegraph .... 7 8 16 id —

Home Rails.

Central London, Ord. Assented 4 4 74 +1

Metropolitan IJ I '■'64 + J

do. District .. .. Nil Nil 19i -I- i

Underground Electric Ordinary Nil Nil 2 -1- A

do. do. "A" .. Nil Nil 616 +83.

do. do. Income 6 6 91 -1-3

Foreign Trams, So.

Adelaide Sup. 6 per cent. Pref. 6 6 6 —

AngloArg. Trams, First Pref. 6J 5i 3J —

do. 2nd Pref. . . 6J BJ Si - J

do. 5 Deb. ..66 77* —

Brazil Tractions 4 4 62xd + J

Bombay Electric Pref 6 6 lOJ —

British Columbia Elec. Ely. Pfce. 6 5 60xd —

do. do. Preferred — Nil 41J + H

do. do. Deferred — Nil 40 -fl

do. do. Deb. 4i 4i 65 —

Mexico Trams 5 per cent. Bonds — Nil 41 — 1

do. 6 per cent. Bonds — Nil 81 —

Mexican Light Common .. Nil Nil SO —

do. Pref Nil Nil 88 —

do. Ist Bonds .. Nil Nil 42 —

MANDFACTDRIHa COMPANIES.

Babcock & Wilcox .... 14 16 3 —

British Aluminium Ord. .. B 7 26/- —

British Insulated Ord 15 17* llj + }

British Westinghouse Pref. . . 7J 7i 51/6 —

Callenders IS 20 124 —

do. 5 Pref 5 5 4» —

Castner-Kellner 20 — Bj —

Edison i Swan, £3 paid . . Nil — 9/6 —

do. do. fully paid ..Nil — IJ —

do. do. 5 percent. Deb. 5 6 57 —

Electric Construction . . . . 6 7J 16/6 -f 3d,

Gen. Elec. Pref 6 6 10 —

Henlsy 20 25 15J —

do. 4* Pref 4J 4J 4 —

IndiaBuBber 10 10 12i —

Telegraph Con 20 20 89xd —

• Dividends paid free of locome-tax,

f 7 18

9

6 18

11

6 8

7

6 18

4

6 8

0

5 14

H

6 10

(1

6 14

H

6 16

7

6 17

2

6 13

4

6 6

4

7 10

II

6 13

4

8 18 10

B 4

6

6 14

a

B IS

7 10

H

e 14

.1

6 18

4

'6 7

H

•6 7

H

•5 8

H

5 10

4

6 18

II

6 19

8

6 0 0

5 7 8

7 9 0

6 16 3

8 0 0

5 11 1

6 6 8
Nil
Nil

8 16 8

9 1 10
6 0 0
8 1 3
5 12 6

•8 3 4
•6 « 0

Vol.79, xo. 2.018. jiLY L's, 1916.] THE ELEl'lKn.AL REVIEW.

107

EXPORTS AND IMPORTS OF ELECTRICAL GOODS DURING JUNE, 1916

The June returns of electrical business show considerably increased
values, both in the export and import sections, as compared with
the previous month, which was itself considerably above the
average as regards business.

i Thus the exports for June reached a total value of i;(i03..il0. as
compared with f 49'.i.384 in May and t8.")3.2(;(; in April. This
excellent showing is largely accounted for by submarine cable
exports to Canada (iOG.OOu) and Brazil (£"l7..'J0(0. although
machinery, cable, and lamp exports, amongst others, reached
higher values than in May. while telephonic and battery exports
fell off in value.

The imports for the month were valueti at iSlCi.C)'.!". as compared

with £Si>2..58S in May ; a considerable decrease occurred in tele-
graphic and telephonic imports, but in other directions increased
values obtained.

The re-exports at £22.604 showed a slight increase on the
previous month's total.

Canada takes precedence as our best customer during the month,
but business was good in many directions, including India and the
various Colonies, while nearer to home France. Russia, and Norway
were excellent customers.

As regards the importers into this country, the United States
did a considerably increased business, while from Holland we
jHirchased some -£26.000 worth of lamps.

Registered Exports of British and Irish

Electrical Goods from the United Kingdom.

Destination of exports and country consigning
imports.

ical goods

and

lianceH.

lUd cables,
and other
lationu.

ic lighting
ngs and

trie glow
imps.

;tric arc
and lamp
arts.

'ic meters

and

uments.

ectric
hinery.

Electrically-
driven
machinery.

Batteries and
accumulators.

1

1p

■ii.1

111

•3

Eleotr

app

Wires i
rubber

Eleotr
fittii

Eleol
le

«r

Eleotr
instr

El
mac

i <3

i

III

H

-

£

£

£

£

£

A

£

£

£

£

£

£

£

Russia. Sweden. Xorway and Denmark

1,85.5

12.709

347

3,052

5,129

1.195

17,2.53

751

309

221

641

8,242

51.704

German West Africa

59

■ 59

Netherlands. Java and Dutch Indies

2 171

22,030

1.052

"37

15

1,891

488

157

'"s

l."789

2,055

31.693

Belgian Congo

17

36

51

104

France

2,90.5

1,317

505

27

62

53

24.708

14.130

1,228

146

3.250

9,557

57,888

Portugal

13.5

834

8.

236

, 545

705

1.033

880

4,376

Spain. Canary Isles and Spanish X. Africa...

472

98

'170

^277

5,354

9.015

102

920

35

13

328

16,784

Switzerland, Italy and Austria-Hungary ...

223

112

121

538

565

235

261

297

93

2.445

Channel Isles. Gibraltar. Malta andC,vprus...

174

299

15

104

34

+4

28

224

922

r.S. A.. Philippines .and Cuba

3.901

249

63

34

219

133

159

190

815

• 5.763

Canada and Xewfoimdland

366

29

16

183

485

5.187

398

10

102,621

109.195

British West Indies and British Guiana ...

4'4

16

49

148

95

185

537

Mexico and Central America

.54

1 .263

IS

414

1,749

Peru and Uruguav

10

50

845

42

290

I'tjs

8

73

1,481

Chile "

175

2.59

486

292

..,

70

873

174

50

62

171

2.612

Brazil

161

560

17

178

252

1.092

■3?.

1,690

48

17,559

21.590

Argentina

2,176

8.303

1.172

1,149

340

1,975

12.737

1,025

1.372

13

982

4,659

35.905

Colombia. Venezuela. Ecuador and Bolivia...

71

737

20

101

"

75

1 ,081

Egypt, Timis and Morocco

335

883

138

483

127

786

14

16

16

506

7.608

10,912

British West Africa

131

165

17

15

1,163

4

15

27

137

1,674

Rhodesia. O.R.C. and Transvaal

1.131

1,898

172

566

902

1,721

578

48

69

6

15

706

Cape of Good Hope

1.044

.5,907

397

1,071

307

1,023

44

559

10.352

Natal

314

9,175

218

169

713

1.969

331

"s

11

289

13.197

Zanzibar, Brit. E. Africa. Mauritius & Aden

39

111

30

, 81

100

16

380

Azores. Madeira and Portuguese Africa

49

75

'..

"tio

73

257

French African Colonies and Madagascar...

...

24

316

340

Persia

25

817

131

83f

100

•2

58

1.972

China and Siam ... ...

630

.5,189

710

, 685

1,018

7,208

1.422

296

20

345

577

18.100

Japan and Korea ... ...

28

113

28

252

31

1.647

150

2.249

India

4.181

36 522

3.479

3,'4'71

2,898

17,954

1.472

3,734

126

1.247

s, 403

75.487

Caylon

97

124

208

187

19

518

82

14

21

3.53

1,622

Straits Settlements. Fed. Malay States and

Sarawak

.568

5.756

98

298

1,022

1.897

29C

242

167

65(

1,326

12.314

Hong Kong

76

■ 1,640

113

174

1,783

48

43

..20

34

557

4,488

West AiLstralia

117

4,939

126

179

360

. 842

344

361

' 8

7.276

South Australia

2,702

46

214

46

539

25

47

115

3,734

Victoria

899

16,973

936

1,637

23

1.094

10,664

411

747

67

.33,451

New South Wales

728

16.606

195

1,635

890

4.055

624

1.046

292

3,13(>

934

30,135

Queensland

148

,. 241

104

10

85

15?

3,892

27i-

348

5.259

Tasmania ...

29

46

■43

188

141

447

New Zealand and Fiji Islands

1.471

4.058

920

1,570

627

- 4,632

"42

7.58

. 4

2,61.'

"75
160,547

16,772

Total. £

26.9(11

162,464

12,109

18,067

5,554

22,990

130,800

23,828

20,439

1,679

18,132

603,510

Registered Imports into the United Kingdom of Electrical Goods from all Countries.

Russia. Norway. S^weden and Denmark
Germany

Holland

France

Switzerland

Italy

United States ...

200

1.073

4,742

1,053

793

75

1.127

161

18,534

7,776

322

13

... 1

262

100

100

- 406

907

1.374

8,014

2.114

1.045

22

328

225

1,517

155

680

140

6,719

800

13,008

7,813

4.740

5,819

6.481

932

24,568

125,874

3.718

5,854

14,655

15,681

5,329

24,678

15,736

3,356

31,961

126.940

12,525

8,723

2.789
274

Total, £

Additional imports.— Spain, batteries. £2, .500. carbons, £332; Japan, goods. £118. fittings. £1.436. glow lamps. £593,
lamps. £351, batteries. £8 ; Canada, goods. £958. arc lamps, £157. machinery, £780, electrically-driven machinery, £2.

Registered Re-Exports of Foreign and Colonial Electrical Goods from the United Kingdom.

Ill ' I ' 'I

Various countries, mainlv as above ... 1..54: 3.765 ... 1.530 ... 1 372 4.860 | ... 930 | 969 8,431

10,725

27,933

13.551

3,973

7,659

245.622

309.462
arc

22,604

Total Re-Exports : £22,604

Total Imports: £316,697

Total E.xports : £603,510

Note. — The amounts appearing under the several headings are classified according to the Customs returns. The first and
third columns contain many amounts relating to " goods " otherwise unclassified, the latter, doubtless, consisting of similar
materials to those appearing in adjacent columns. Imports are credited to the country whence consigned, which is not necessarily
the country of origin.

lOS

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

No. 2.01H, July 28, l!tl6.

EXTENSIONS AT THE SIMMER PAN

STATION OF THE VICTORIA FALLS AND

TRANSVAAL POWER CO.

Bv R. TlTlXBtrLL MAWDE.SLEY.

The writer is enabkil, tlirons;!! tliu courtt-sy of Mr. Bernard
Price, the chief engineer of the Victoria Falls and Trans-
vaal Power Co., to give a Itrief desi'riptioiiiif the extensions
to that company's
generating plant,
w h i c h extensions
have l>een rendered
necessary by the
rapidly increasing
demand for power
on the Rand.

It will be rc-
meniliered that an
exhaustive descrip-
tion of the Victoria
Falls and Transvaal
Power Co.'s system
has already ap-
peared in these
columns,* and these
notes are confined
principally to ex-
tensions at the Simmer Pan station, though, as will be
noted, other extensions ha\e taken place at Brakpan and at
Rosherville.

'• The generating plant at Simmer Pan comprised six
4,000-K.v.A. turbo-alternators, and fig. 3 shows one of
two additional turbines in course of erection. Both of
these, together with the new boiler plant, were put in
operation early Uust year. Each of these generators is of
11,000 KW. (lo,7UU K.v.A.) capacity, the alternators being
of the totally-enclosed tyiie.

I There are three single-phase transformers operating
in conjunction with each of the above alternators (one
in each phase), and stepping u]) from 5,000 volts to

Fig. 1.— Simmer Pan Power .Station.

coiiuiined in circular cases, with the n.T. leads entering
the to]i. The existing Iwiler-house at Simmer Piui was
enlarged, and eight BabccK-k & Wilcox standard and
marine type boilere. with chain-grate stokers of their
latest design, were added. Eacii of tliese Iwilei's is of
33,000 — 3H,000 lb. per hour rated capacity, with internal
superheatei"s.

Fig. 1 shows a comprehensive view of the Simmer
Pan station, with boiler-house extension. The lake
in the foreground is, it is undei-stood, used only for

circulating water,
and not for boiler
feci.

Kcganliiig ex-
tensions at the
company's other
stations, it may
lie mentioned that
last summer the
work of installing
at the Brakpan
station two fur-
ther three-phase
turbo -alternators,
each of 12,000 KW.
capacity, and 10
boilers similar to
those already put
into commission at
Simmer Pan. was completeil, and the plant was brought
into u.se.

At Rosherville eight boilers of 33,000 lb. capacity were
installed, and three fiu'ther turbo air compressors, each of
about 10,000 H.P. capacity.

Fig. 2 show.s an existing Io.diio-kw. turbo-alternator, with
part of the station control-board at Rosherville power station.
Under normal conditions, the four stations (i.e., Veieeiii-
giiig. Brakpan, Simmer Pan and Rosherville) are operated
in parallel, and the average load during the heaviest hour
of an average day now reaches 100,000 KW. This should
not be confounded with the peak loads, which may be
considerably higher.

Hmsi: l',x ri;Nsiii\.-

FlG.

-10.000-KW. Turbo-Altebxator. Rosherville Power Statio.n.

either 42,000 or 10,500 volts. These transformers
were made by the American General Electric Co. in
•Schenectady, and are of the oil-insulated water-cooled type,

' A paper read by the company's managing director. Mr. A. E.
Hadley : Elec. Key.. March 28th. 1913.

The total generating cap;icity of the four power stations
is now more than 137,000 kw. The present business
(inclusive of the supply of compressed air) closely approaches
0)00,000,000 units sold per annum, and the extensions of
plant will enable this figure to be considerably increased
in the near future.

Vol. 79. No. 2,uKs, JlLY 2S, 1910.

THE ELECTRICAL EEVIEW

109

THE UTILISATION OF WASTE HEAT FOR
AGRICULTURE.

The following letter appeared iri' Nature last
week : ^

In the cheap generation of electricity the. great problem
must be how to .secure and utiUse by-products. With steam-
driven stations the chief by-product is an abundant supply of
hot water from the condensers, which in this country is
looked upon as a nuisance to be got rid of as easily as pos-
sible. Would it not be possible to make use of this low-grade
heat for agricultural purposes, so supplementing our all too
scanty summers'?

Power-houses burning 1,000 tons of coal and upwards per
week are quite common, and something like half of the heat
t;enerated by the coal is absorbed by the condensing water.
It might be possible to heat fields by running the warm water
through ditches, or perhaps lietter results would he obtained

Fig. 3. — 1.5.000-K.v.A. Tirbo-Altek.n-ator d: Rixf; Erection. Sim.mer Pas Power Station csee p. lOS).

by running it through pipes buried in the ground. By this
means large areas of land might be stimulated to produce
niueh greater crops than have hitherto been found possible.
It may be urged that the majority of existing power-houses
are not in agricultural districts, so that the proposed experi-
ment is not possible except in a few cases. To this one may
reply that, in the near future, many large stations will be put
down to supply current in bulk to vast areas. With the high
voltage used for them the location of the power-house be-
comes a matter of wide choice, and it would be possible to
put them in agricultural districts if this should prove finan-
cially worth while. The views of readers of Nature on this
point would be of interest. ^ TriH\-Rri

Electricity Works, Tynemouth, June 29th.

Like many other ideas, Mr. Turnbnll's suggestion
can only be tested by trying it on a practical scale.
It seems not improbable that something might be
iiiade of it, and the experiment could easily be car-
ried out on a plot of ground at no great cost, a
control plot being, of course, provided for compari-
son. Our personal knowledge of agriculture being
a negligible quantity, we cannot make any estimate
as to the rise in temperature that would be required
ti produce tangible results, but from the engineer-
ing point of view, certain considerations appear to
be fairly obvious.

In order to apply the heat to the soil to the best
advantage, buried pipes should be employed in pre-
ference to open ditches, to prevent the loss of heat
by evaporation and convection currents in the air
over open water, which would be excessive. Ordi-
nary drain pipes would serve, as the pressure would
be trifling, and leakage at the joints might be not
only harmless, but even beneficial. The system, if

carried out on a considerable scale, might replace
cooling towers, the piping being arranged so as to
return the cooled water to the power station, and
obviously, if the go and return conduits were laid side
by side, a few feet apart, the heating of the soil on
the whole would be fairly uniform. By suitable grad-
ing, the flow could be made gravitational, and very
little pumping should be necessary. The maximum
supply of heat would be available in the winter,
when most needed, and the minimum in the summer.
Assuming that a large area of level land is thus
piped, then, except near the boundaries of the area,
the heat can escape in the vertical direction only. The
earth being a poor conductor of heat, in the course
of time the downward flow of heat would be limited
by the establishment of a steady temperature
gradient', for the determination of which data are

available. The re-
mainder of the
heat would pass
through the sur-
face of the soil by
radiation and by
convection cur-
rents of air, also
by evaporation of
moisture ; we
know of no data
as to the rate of
loss of heat from
the surface of soil
covered or partly
covered with
vegetation, but
some rough idea
can perhaps be
formed as to its
order of magni-
tude. The loss of
heat per ' sq. ft.
per hour per deg.
F. difference of
temperature be-
tween the air on
one side and that
on the other of a
24-in. brick wall is
o.a B.TH.u. If we
suppose the pipes to be laid about 2 ft. deep,
and the nature of the soil, its emissivity, &c., to be
comparable with that of brick, we may employ this
value for k in the equation: —
It = k A f e,

where H = heat lost in B.TH.U.,

k = area of surface in sq. ft.,
f ^ time in hours,

0 = temperature difference between the soil
at a depth of 2 ft. and the air.
Taking .\ = 1 acre = 43,560 sq. ft.
/ •= 24 hours,

e = 20' F.,

then H = 4,180,000 B.TH.u. per acre per day re-
quired to keep the soil 20 deg". F. above the tem-
perature of the air.

Assuming, after Mr. Turnbull, that half the heat
originally in the coal is transmitted to the circulat-
ing water, or, say, 7,000 b.th.u. per lb. of coal fed
to the boilers, the above quantity of heat would be
available for every 600 lb. of coal consumed (neglect-
ing for the moment the downward flow of heat).

In the case suggested by Mr. Turnbull, the con-
sumption averages i,ooo tons a week = 320,000 lb.
of coal a day, which divided by 600 gives 533 acres
as the area that could be thus warmed.

According to Kennelly's results, quoted by
Messrs. Melsom and Booth in the l.E.E. Journal,
the conductivity of ordinary moist sandy soil may be
put at about 0.29; taking a depth of only 10 ft.,
and a temperature difference of lO deg., the loss of

110

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

[Vol. 70. Xo. 2.018, July 28, 191G.

heat by downward flow, when a steady state is
reached, is .29 x _'4 = 7 b.th.u. per sq. ft. per
day, or about 300,000 per acre, say, one-eighth of
the total heat available. But if a sufficiently large
surface were dealt with, so that the lines of heat
flow were normal to the surface for a great depth,
this loss would eventually become negligible, ex-
cept near the boundaries of the area. How little it
is may be deduced from the practice of making hot-
beds with stable manure, a comparatively small
quantity of which produces a remarkable effect for
a long period. We may therefore take it that the
great bulk of the heat will flow iipwards.

The question arises wliether it is sufficient to keep
the soil warm; possibly it is still more important to
warm the air over the soil, in which case a
covering to retain the warmed air is essential.
Already it is the practice for market gardeners to
erect glass houses of enormous extent, the glass
acting as a trap to retain heat, and clearly it would
b*: to their advantage to do this over an area where
bottom heat was available; this would entail no
expense to the power suppliers, who, of course,
would charge a rent to farmers or gardeners for the
use of their waste heat. The alternative of using
open ditches, in view of the great quantity of heat
available, might serve to keep the air warm without
a cover.

The cost) of the piping would be set of¥ against
that of cooling towers, and the rent would go to
cover any deficiency, any surplus being applied to
increase the profits of the undertaking. \\'ith re-
gard to the advantage of heating the ground in this
way, we may cite the actual practice in Yorkshire
of conducting the hot gases from furnaces through
pipes buried in the ground for the purpose of
forcing rhubarb. Large areas are cultivated on this
system, although the coal has to be consumed
especially for the purpose; and if the system pays
under these conditions, surely it will pav still
better where the heat is a waste product, which can
be put to no other use owing to its low tempera-
ture. In all probability it would be possible to raise
two crops, of suitable kinds, per annum with artifi-
cial heating.

If we could add to such an installation artificial
fertilisers obtained from the by-products of combus-
tion of the coal, it will be seen that we should have
an exceedingly efficient all-round combination ! The
electrical engineer of the future might thus become,
in addition to his present functions, a chemist and
agriculturist, a prospect which some, no doubt,
would consider appalling.

No doubt many objections can be raised to the
scheme. The cost, even using cheap drain pipes,
might prove to be inordinately great: the water
might be insufficiently cooled, and so on. Our
rough calculations are admittedly based upon very
questionable assumptions, and may be very wide
of the mark. However, our object in making
these speculations is not to make predictions or to
put forward accurate calculations, but to attract to
this interesting subject the attention that, we be-
lieve, it merits, and to induce others, better qualified
than ourselves, to investigate the matter. In these
days, zve cannot afford to despise any possible
source of economy.

THE DIESEL ENGINE USERS' ASSOCIATION.

engine so as to adapt it specially for the use of tar oil in the
manner whit-li had been sucees.sfuUy employed on the Conti-
nent, and he therefore decided to try the effect of usini,' tar
oil in one enj.'ine without any alteration. M about half-load
he found this was not successful, as niisfirinji and a smoky
exhaust occurred. He was advised to work with a sliarp edfic on
the flame plate, and with tliis ahciation and a slit;htly different
quality of tar oil he obtained satisfactory results so long as the
engine was not run below al)out three-quarters full load. The
blast pressure at all running loads was maintained at live
atmospheres below the normal pressure used when running
with petroleum fuel oil, and the cooling water outlet was
restricted so as to maintain a temperature of 125 deg. F., as
against 110 deg. F. which had been maintained w-hen using
the other class of fuel oil.

Mr. F. Banks W.\rner gave some information as to the
general position in regard to the que.stion of obtaining suit
able supplies of tar oils, including delivery on site. At the
present time, the high railway rates for this class of business
were a serious hanthcap to its development in certain parts
of the country where local supplies were not available.

Life of Diesrl Engine Crankshafts.

Mr. P. H, Smith read a paper on " Crankshaft Breakages
in Diesel Engines." of which an al>str:irt lollows: —

All shaft failures that I have investigated owe their origin
to lack of aligimient of the main bearings. This is usually
the result of unequal rates of wear of the several bearings
supporting the .shaft, though in some cases it can be traced
ti negligence during erection, or, in older engines, to defec-
tive foundations. So far as this paper is concerned, I am
limiting my remarks to the case of bearings wearing awa>
unequally on 4-cycle vertical engines.

The type of engine least liable to shaft-fracture is the
3-cylinder, and the worst is the 4-cylinder normally, though
the 2-cylinder runs it a close second if fitted with a very
heavy flywheel.

Almost without exception Diesel shafts have failed through
the w-ebs. the crack starting at the centre and working out-

T.ui Oils as Fuel for Diesel Engines.
At the July meeting of the Association the use of tar oils as
fuel in Diesel engines was further discussed.

Mr. Napier Prentice (Felixstowe) gave his experience m
regard to the use of tar oil, which he had obtained from a
local distiller. He had found difficulty in obtaining quota-
tions and in getting the work in hand of altering a Diesel

Fig. 1. — Wear of Crankshaft Bearings.

wards; the time elapsing between the first appearance of the
fracture and its complete failure generally extends over many
weeks.

As regards location of fracture, either web may fail in the
single-cylinder units. In 2-cylinder engines, web 4 fails most
frequently (the webs being numbered consecutively, com-
mencing from the end further from the flywheel). In
;-f-cylinder units the fracture occurs either in web 1 or 6, and
in 1 as often as 0. Sometimes both fail simultaneously. I
have no knowledge of any other webs failing in a 3-cylinder
unit. In 4-cylinder units it is, I think, an almost invariable
rule that web 4 fractures.

I have pleasure in placing before you data carefully com-
piled and extending over four years of continual observation
on two engines of the 4-cylinder type.

The plant was installed about nine years ago, and com-
prised two Continental engines of four cylinders each, the
cranks being arranged as shown in fig. 1, viz., up, down,
down, up, as contrasted with the usual arrangement in this
country, up, down, up, down.

The cylinder dimensions were 41.5 X 600 mm., and the
engines ran at 170 R.P.M., developing 'i'iQ b.h.p. each.

The flywheels w-eigh about eight tons each, and a bearing
is interposed between the flywheel and a direct-current
generator. Expressed in relation to the cylinder bore (d),
the main dimensions of the shaft are : — Diameter of journals
and crank pins, 0.53 d; thickness of crank webs, 0.265 D;
length of pin, 0.53 d; length of main Ijearing, 1.1 D. The
shaft is, therefore, on the weak side.

One engine broke its shaft about four years after its in-
stallation and the other after about five years. In both cases
web 4 failed. These shafts were replaced by others obtained
in England. The tensile strength of that now' in No. 2 is
about 32 tons, while in No. 1 it is 40 tons per sq. in.

The bearings were measured every year, and thus the
actual w-ear has been regularly recorded for three and a half
years in the one case and for four years in the other.

Vol. 7!.. No. 2.nis. jcLY 28, 1916.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

Ill

The curve, taken from No. 1 engine, explains why the
4-cylinder engine with this arrangement of cranks, fractures
through the webs of the second cylinder. This curve is char-
acteristic of -i-crauk engines.

The engine was stripped right down ; the bearings were
found to have the metal loo.se and cracked, and the spare set
was substituted. The shaft was bedded in the usual way up
to a certain point, but, to complete the work, bearing c was
Jeft a shade high and bearing a was left a shade low. Finally
the top caps were filed down, so that the journal ran in the
bearing with running clearance only. Thus the perfect align-
ment of the shaft was assured, and before re-assembling the
■engine, we micrometered the thickness of metal on each bear-
ing interposed between the shaft and bedplate. This has
been recorded, and now from year to year we can re-measure
this thickness, and so obtain the relative rates of wear in each
bearing. That which is worn most will constitute the datum,
and the data will show exactly how much must be scraped
off the " high " bearings in order to re-introduce conditions
of minimum stress on the shafts.

This system of assuring perfect alignment of the shaft will
appeal especially to those engineers who have no reserve
plant, and who have to get repairs done during the week-end.

As regards the subsequent adjustment of running clearance
■of main bearings, it is not usually feasible to measure this
with feelers: where possible, I prefer to feel the lift in each
bearing, and let the cap closer and closer until the bearing
■either heats (in which case scrape out the cap) or until the
lift just disappears.

The original Diesel shafts were made -in 32-ton steel to the
following proportion : —

Diameter of pins and jom-nals, 0.51 to 0.5'26 d.

Length of main bearings, 1.1 to 1.2 d.

Length of big-end pin, 0.51 to 0.525 d.

Thickness of web. 0.25 to 0.27 D.

The shaft I would propose, if my firm's system of re-align-
ment is adopted and your hearty co-operation is assured, is the
following : —

Tensile strength, not less thati 34 tons.

Ductihty, not less than 25 per cent, in 2 in.

Diameter of pins and journals, 0.525 to 0.54 p.

Length of main bearings, 0.75 to 0.8 d.

Length of big-end pin, 0.525 to 0..54 d.

Thickness of webs not less than 0.32 d. but centre to centre
of cylinder made minimum possible, and any excess over the
proposed length of pin and journal to be put into the webs.

Fillets to be not less than one-tenth the diameter of the
.shaft.

This shaft is comparatively light, but it possesses the fol-
lowing advantages : —

1. The fuel consiunption of the engine is reduced.

2. Initial cost and cost of upkeep is reduced.

8. The bearings will run cooler, other things excepting pres-
sure per sq. in. being equal, for it is high peripheral speed
rather than high pressure which causes bearings to heat.

4. Lubrication costs will be reduced.

However, the success or failure of such a shaft depends
upon proggr attention being given to its adjustment from
time to time; if this is not given, it is merely a question of
time before even the heaviest shaft will fail.

The Association will resume its meetings next October.
Information concerning the Association can be obtained from
the Hon. Secretary, Mr. Percy Still, 19, Cadogan Gardens,
London, S.W.

TRADE STATISTICS OF INDIA.

The following figures of the imports of electrical and similar
goods into British India in the year ended March 31st, 1915.
are taken from the recently-issued official trade statistics;
details for the year ended March 31st, 1914, are added for
purposes of comparison, and notes of any increases or decreases
are given : —

1913-14.
Brass, wrought. — £

From Great Britain ... 49,000

,, Germanv 18,000

„ Italv " 11,000

,, Other countries ... 31,000

1914-15.
£

31,000
2,000
4,000

30,000*

Inc. or dec.
£
18,000
16,000
7,000
1,000

Coppe
Fiom

Total ...

r and copper in

Great Britain

Germany

Belgium

France

Austria

Japan

Other countries

Total

... 109.000

Sweden i'8,000.

re. —

... 1,354,000

866.000

61,000

170,000

3,000

274.000

17,000

G7,0a) -

950.000
487,000

12,000

126,000

2,000

254,000

56,000

745.000 1.887.000

42,0)0

404,000
379,000
49,00*)
44,000
1,000
20,000
39,000

a58.000

Iron icire.^-

1913-14.
£

1914-15
£

Inc

or-dec.
£

From Great Britain
,, Germany
Belgium
,, Other countries

74,000
38,000
15,000
83,000

82,000

19,000

7,000

81,000

139,000

+

8,000
19,000
8,000
2,000

Total

... 160,000

21,000

Fiime movers, other than locomotives.-

_

From Great Britain
,, Germany
,, United States
,, Other countries

... 512,000
28,000
7,000
8,000

428,000

1,000

10,000

8,000

+

84,000
27,000
3,000

Total ...
Electrical generators. —

555,000

447,000

108,000

Prom Great Britain
,, Other countries

20,000
1,000

14,000
1,000*

6,000

Total

21,000

15,000

6,000

Electrical motors. — •

Belgium £1,000

From Great Britain
,, Germany

United States
,, Other countries

83,000
5,000
3,000
2,000

74,000
1,000
1,000
3,000*

+

9.000
4,000
2,000
1,000

Total ...

93,000
♦Italy £2,000.

79,000

14,000

Other electrical machii

ery. —

From Great Britain .
,, Germany
„ Italy
„ United States
,, Other countries

... 195,000
30,000
2,000
2,000
3,000

243,000
6,000
4,000
6,000
1,000

+

+
+

+

48,000
24,000
2,000
4,000
2,000

Total

... 232,000

260,000

28.000

Mining machinery. —

From Great Britain
Germany
United States
Other countries

64,000
2,000

28,000
2,000

49,000

48,000
1,000

+

15,000
2,000

20,000
1,000

Total

96,000 98.000 -I-

2,000

Machinery, other {except textile, agricultura
and printing).* —

From Great Britain ... 753,000

,, Germany 64,000

,, Belgium 2,000

,, United States ... 35,000

,. Other countries ... 83,000

568,000 -

190,000

22,000 -

42,000

— _

2,000

34,000 -

1,000

17,000 -

16.1300

Total 887,000 636,000 - 251,000

* The details for the two years are not strictly comparable,

those for 1913-14 including some items which were not
included in 1914-15.

Electric fans. —

From Great Britain ... 32.000 28,000

., Italy 16,000 10,000

;, United States ... ilOOO 13,000

„ Germanv 4,000 2,000

.. Other countries ... 7,000 2,000

Total

Electric lamps and parts. —
From Great Britain

Germany

Austria

Japan

United States

Other countries

Total

Electric icires and cables. — ■
From Great Britain

,, Germany

,, Belgium

Other countries

Total

82,000 55,000

4,000
6,000
10,000
2,000
5,000

27,000

42,oai

9,000
6,000
1,000
1,000
2,000

24,000
3,000
2,000

2,00(3

61,000 31,000 -

144,000
5,000
3,000
6,000

149,000
2,000

2,000 -

158,000 153,000 -

Other electrical instruments, apparatus, dc. {except
telegraph and telephone materials).

From Great Britain
Germany
Belgium
Austria
United States
Other countries

Total

327,000

24,000

2,000

2,000

52,000

8,000

290,000
7,000

1,000
19,000
6,000

415.000 32:3,000 -

18.000
6,000
4,000
1,000
1.000

80,000

5,000
8,000
3,000
4,000

5.000

37,000
17,000
2,000
1,000
33,000
2,000

92,000

11-2

THE ELKtTlMCAL IIKVIKW

Scientific, dc, inglrumenls. —
From Great Britain

Gemianv

.. United States

Other countries ...

]i:iJ3-14.
£

82,000
5,000
2.000
3,000

£

63,000
2,000
1.000
3,000

Inc. or ilec.
£

19,000

3.000
1.000

Total

Tilegraph construction niatcriah. —
From Great Britain ... 7.000

Telephone construction materiaU. —
Fiona Great Britain ... 22,000
Germany

92.000 09.000 -

1.000

18.000

IT.CKX)

23,000

u,mi

5,000
1,000

Total

2:3.000 17.000

In addition to the foregoing, the following V
as Government stores : —

Instruments, apparatus, dc. {except- musical). —

From Great Britain
Germany
,, Otlier countries

Total

Machinery. —

From Great Britain
,. 'Germanv
.. United State.?
., Other countries

135,000
1,000
1.000

137,000

201,000
1,000
1,000
1,000

Total 204,000

Iron wire. —

From Great Britain ... 12,000
Telegraph construction materials. —
From Great Britain ... 97,000
Copper and coppencare. —
From Great Britain
,, Other countries

102,000
68,000

181,000

■ 2,000
183,0(K)

212,000

1,000
213,000

10,000
102,000

U3,000
78,000

+ 6,000

ere imported

46,000
1,000
1,000

Total

170.000 191,000 +

46,000

11,000
1,000
1,000

9,000

2,000

5,000

11,000
10,000

21,000

NEW PATENTS APPLIED FOR, 1916.

(NOT YET PUBUSfiED).

Published expressly for this
Electrical Patent Agent
Liverpool and Bradford.

ournal by Messrs. W. P. Thompson & Co ,
285, High Holborn, London, W.C, and al

9,6%. "

July lOlh.

9,697. "

9,702. ■•

9,738. "

AND P. W.

9,742, "

9,745. "

July 11th.

9.749. •'

9.750. "
11th.

9,753. "
H

Incandescent electric la

nps.-

F. Harrison & J. J. Rl'sseli..

Shadr
Elect!
Machi

for elei

cable

Fawlev. July 10th.
. Payne. July 10th.
Macintosh Cable Co

jntrollers." C. P. Elieson & E
for making elect;
SANKEV. July lltn.
Portable electric lamps." F. Westwood. July 11th.
Electric couplings." Allmanna Svenska Elektriska Aktiebolacet
(Sweden, -July 21st, 1915.)

Spark plugs." G. Bavsdorfeh & O. Baysdorfer
Electrical signalling or telegraphing systems." T

July 11th.
McLeOD. July

Tran

9,760.

9,764.
9,766.

M.

Ho

' Towing ropes, i

July Uth. .
'Selenium cell."
' Device for electric or i
'. Salerni. July 11th.
' Relay." M. Martinez
' Regulators for polypha:
Co. (General Electric to., U.S.A.),
for .wi^nding and unwinding

Co. July Uth.
Cable & Constru

Martinez & P. Salerni.

magnetic registration ol

Salerni, July Uth,
transmission systems, British Thomson

9,774.
(A. W. Risher). July Uth
9,776. *' Automatic method of electrical h(
9,790. " Arc light stand." VV. G. Moore
9,804. " Electric lamp." H. S. Gulston
9,812. " Regulators for polyphase transm:

son-Houston Co. (G(
9,819. " Flanging glass

ANi> Whitham. July 12lh
9,825. " Electric accumula

Dl'AKE. July 12th.

July 12th.
July 12th.
systems.'

I Electric Co., U.S.A.). July 12th.
tubes for electric lamps," J, .^. .Allis

D, F, Batte

Co. 4 B. M

9,826,
Manuf/

9,833,
Europe
12lh.

9.848

cleclr

^ , lays." BRttisH Westinchouse Electric and

Co. July 12th. (U.S.A., July 12th, 1915.)
ric oscillating or wireless systems and apparatus." Indo-
RAPii Co. & H, R. Rivers-Moore, and A. H. Morse. July

Electrolytic process foi
O. CowpER-CoLES. July 13th
9,850. " Electric time switches." .A.
Method of electric bell alarm

nufacture of

and strip."

13th.

9,865.
9.866,
13th,

I, COATES, July 13th.
J, Fleming & W. W. Kirk,

July

' Field telephones."
' Electrical operating

P. Lancton. July 13th.

controlling apparatus," T. McLeod^ July

9.885.

9,909.

9,921.
14lh.

9,92<>.

9,927.
Elkctric

9,937.
July 14th

9,938.
H'-)fSTOS'

9 942.
9,949.

f.kclnc u.rches. ■ H. Goldsmith, July 13th,

Electrical terminal or connection." A. C. France. July 14ih.

Inlercammunicalion telephone systems." J. W. Dingev, Ju

Electric pocket lamps." M. Stewman. (E. Picard). July 14lh
Producing asymmetric potential w.wcs." British VVestingiiou;
Manufacturing Co. July 14ih. (U.S.A., July 14lh, 1915

" Dvnamo-clcctric gears _

(Germany, July 10th, 1914.)
* Protection of electric Iransmissio
Co. (General Electric Co., iU.S.A.)
' Electrical resistance apparatus,"
' Engine-room telegraphs." J, \V,

lipolar type." M. Breslaui

systems."
July 14lh.

July Uth,

PUBLISHED SPECIFICATIONS.

a.9is.

.979. Pt

H. Berry i W. J.
rilish Insulated and

otected or Armour-clad Electric Switches
.Maikham. May 2Dlh.

8,712. Telegraph Systems and Apparatus therefor.
Helsby Cables, Ltd. &• H. H. Harrison. June 12lh.

9,282. Means for Driving Dynamo-electric Machines. W. Langdi.n-
Davies, A. Soames & Naamloozo Vennootschap dc Nedcrlandsche Thernic-
Iclcphoon Maalschappij. June 24th.
9,345. Electrical Selectors or Impulse Responders. Relay AutomaiU
L. C. Bygrave. June 25th. (Cognate application.

W. H. Shortt. June 30th.
Apparatus for Casting Squirrel Cages in i
Motors. British Thomson-Houston Co. (Ge

Teli'phi
17.9.-,6/15.)

9,527. Electric Cloc

9,557. Method of a
Magnetic Cores of Ind
ral Electric Co., U.S.A.). June 30th

9,684. Galvanic Battery Cell of the Mercuric Oxide Type, J, N. Brfin
stead and Hollcsens Enke & V. Ludvigsen (firm of). July 2nd.

9,836. Electric Motor Control Sv.stems. British Thomson-Houston Co
(General Electric Co., U.S.A.). July 6th.

10,330. Protective Reactance Coils. G. Harlow. July 15th.

12.516. Switches for Resistances. L. Kamm. August 3Ist.

12,994. Electric .'Vrc Lamps. G. M. J. Mackay. September 10th. (Sep-
tember 12!h, 1914.)

13,088. Sparking Pcucs and their manufacture. K. E. L. Guinness.
September 13th.

13,733. Sparking Plugs. V. Joly. September 27th.

15.460. Electric Adaptors. General Accessories (L. Roscnthall & C. Sey-
mour, Transvaal). November 2nd.,

15,539. .Alarm Fuses for Telephone, Telegraph and the like systems.
.Automatic Telephone .Manufacturing Co., J. Savin & S. R. Smith. Nov-
cn-ber 4th.

15,681. Operating Rotary Converters Ah
Machinery, A. H. Railing & C. C. Garrard

15,863. Electric Pocket Lamps. Dr.-fng.
Gr-s November 10th. (December 3rd, 1914.)

15,922. Combination Electric Turn Switch
November Uth,

16..349, Electric Incandescent Lampholder:
ember 19th,

16.827. Trays or Receptacles for Holding Articles. Automatic Tele,
phone Manufacturing Co, & W, Rogers, November 30lh.

) other Alternating-current

November 6th.
Schneider & Co. Elektrizitats

ind Wall Plug. C. E. Begg.

C, G. M. Bennett. Nov-

1,248. Mean-
trie Co. (Culler-Hamm
Patent No, 100,703.

1,300. Apparatus fob
taneous Electrical Tr

l^DICATORS. E. A. Gr;

No. 100.704.

4.688. Electrical Systems for Engi
July 16th, 1914. (Divided application

5.085. Magneto-electric Machines.
6tb. 1916. Patent No. 100.713.

fi.042. Dry Battery, F. P, Baum
1110.086.) Patent No, 100,714.

i9ie.

Controlling Electric Motor Circuits. Igr;

Manufacturing Co., U.S.A.). January

Observation o

THE Value <
W. J, Rickets. J

ES. C. F. Kettering & VV. A,
n 7,758/15.) Patent No. 100,2Z!
J. \V. Miller & M. Collard.

in. February 4th, 1916. (Addil

Chryst.
28.
April

Nitrogen Fixation. — In N'lfture, of July l:ith, there vva,s

reported the formation of a Swedish company to manufacture
artificial fertilisers, such as ammonium nitrate, and other nitro-
genous compounds, by chemical processes from easily accessible
raw materials, without the aid of electricity. It is stated that the
company is preparing: to turn out larg-e quantities of its products,
and is increasing' its capital from 3'7 to 8 million kroner.
Apparently the new system will jirove a serious rival to the electrical
fixation of nitrogen,

Niagara Falls to be Flood-Lighted.— The City Council

of Nia.ifara Falls. N.Y.. has authorised an expenditui'e of Sl(J,000
for the illumination of Niagara Ftills. The money is to be devoted
to carry out the flood-lighting scheme submitted by the American
Lighting; Co., Chicago. For some weeks Will J. Davis, president of
the company and inventor of the flood-lighting system of the
.\merican Lighting Co., has been making arrangements to illuminate
the Falls, and for several nights previous to the action of the City
Council a battery of 2.5 flood-lights was turned on the American
Falls and the rapids of the Niagara River. The effect created was
60 far beyond the expectations of the promoters of the project, that
the expenditure wa.s enthusiastically approved, and it is now
planned to double the number of lamps in service, and from time to
time to add to the battery as new lighting effects are desired. —
Electrical lieciew and Western Electrician.

txie:

EXjEJOTK/IC-A-Xj k^e^ie^w.

Vol. LXXIX.

AUGUST 4, 191G.

No. 2,019,

ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

ELECTEICITY SUPPLY.

Vol. LXXIS.]

CONTENTS : Axigust 4, 1916.

[No. 2,019.

Electricity Supply US

Private Supply of Electricity ... ... 114

Copper 114

The Metric Systeru 114

The Electrical Equipment of a Jrodern Foreifrn Submarine

Boat, by X. H. Wood 07/«.v.)

Labour and Industry (<'<)«cZ«r/(>rf)

Xew Electrical Devices. Fittings and Plant (/7/)/.«.~)

Correspondence —

Performance of Steam Turbine Sets
Mechanical Aids for Wounded Men

Hydro-Electric Power Proposals in Mysore

Legal...

War Items

Business Xotes ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 123

Notes... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 128

City Notes 133

Stocks and Shares ... ... 133

Market Quotations ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 134

Metal Market. — Fluctuations in July

Pro.spects in South Africa, by K. T. Mawdesley 13.5

The Employment of Disabled Sailors and Soldiers ((7/iw.) ... 13i)
The Choice of Coutinnous-Current Motor-Control Apparatus.

by W, P. Mayeock ((7?«.v.) ...' 13.S

South African Municipal Electric Supply Statistics ... _ ... 1311
Trade of Canada

New Patents Applied for, 1916 140

Abstracts of Published Specifications ... ... I4i)

Contractors' Column .Advertisement paye xx

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THE UNIVERSAL ELECTRICAL DIRECTORY

1916 EDITION.

H. ALABASTER, GATEHOUSE & CO.,

4, Ludgate Hill, London, E.C.

Elsewhere in this issue, by the courtesy of the
Council of the Institution of Electrical Engineers,
we are enabled not only to announce the personnel
of the two conunittees appointed respectively by the
Institution on the one hand, and by the Incorporated
Municipal Electrical Association' jointly with the
Incorporated Association of Electric Power Com-
fianies on the other, to deal with the subject of the
future of electricity supply- in this country, but also
to give some idea of the plan which they propose to
adopt in order to prevent overlapping and to ensure
effective co-operation. As we surmised when com-
menting on this subject some weeks ago, the Com-
mittees intend to divide the field of operations be-
t\\een them, and whilst keeping in close touch with
one another, they will act on more or less inde-
pendent lines. The Instittjtion Committee will deal
with the subject from the national point of view,
while the joint Committee will concern itself with
questions in their local aspect. Apparently the
duties of the former will be to consider principles
and methods, to confer with the Board of Trade
on questions of policy, and to solve engineering
problems, while the latter will be a committee of
ways and means, and will investigate local condi-
tions in the various areas concerned, with a view to
expediting the accomplishment of the work of link-
ing-up.

As an alternative the two bodies might have
decided to hold joint sittings and combine their
activities, but in all probability it would have been
found necessary to appoint sub-committees with
terms of reference very similar to those outlined
above, so thaf^in efifect the same organisation would
have been arrived at; and in case of need it will
always be possible to hold joint sittings. It is in-
teresting to note that out of the seven members of
the I.E.E. Committee, no fewer than five belong
also to the Joint Committee of twelve. In both
committees the representatives of municipal and pri-
vate enterprise are practically balanced; Sir.
Chattock is the Chairman of the I.E.E. Committee,
and Mr. Ciiamen, who combines municipal with
company experience, presides over the Joint Com-
mittee. The selection of the membership in both
cases leaves little room for criticism, and we have
everv' reason to hope that their deliberations will be
fruitful.

The attitude of the Board of Trade towards the
primary object of the movement was further defined
i)v IMr. Harcourt in reply to a question in the House
of Commons, when he stated that the Board had not
contemplated comprehensive schemes of intercon-
nection involving hea\-y expenditure, but rather the
linking-up of adjoining undertakings, where the
difficulties to be overcome would be of minor im-
portance. He indicated that, while, special legisla-
tion for the purpose did not appear to be required,
he was prepared to consider the question if neces-
sary. This statement agrees with the impression we
gained from the circular issued by the Board to all
British supply undertakings. The difficulty which
seems most likely to arise is in connection with the
obtaining of wayleaves, an ever-present bone of con-
tention in this country, which certainly demands
consideration. If it were possible to secure com-
pulsory wayleaves for public supply mains, whether
overhead or underground, across private or public

[IVfi]

114

THE ELECTIUCAL REYIEAV

Nn. 2.01!). Arci'.sr I. l|i|i

property, on reasonable terms and at small cost, the
situation would be transformed, and many useful
schemes which have been hung up on this account
would at once become practicable. Such legislation
is urgently required, not only for the present pur-
pose, but also for the due development of many
undertakings quite apart from the new proposals.

The further proceedings of the Committees will
be awaited with interest, and we trust that they will
not fail to follow the, excellent example already set
by the Coimcil of the Institution, and take the public
into their confidence, as far as possible. When
nothing is known of what is being done, the general
in^pression is that nothing is being done, a view
uhich in the light of past events is not without a
measure of justification. But the door is closed
upon the past; the Council of the Institution has
adopted a new and active policy, and, we hope, a
new era has dawned for the electrical industry in
this countrv.

Those who essay to supply elec-
Private tricity to their neighbours otherwise
Supply of than in accordance with the terms of
Electricity. a Provisional Order may have met
with a series of difficulties. A cor-
respondent has recently drawn our attention to his
own case. Having established a small system of
supply in his immediate neighbourhood, he has
endeavoured to extend it to a town close by. He is
opposed by a local gas company, who endeavour to
prevent his carrying cables over their shareholders'
property, and by the District Council, which refuses
to allow the cable to be carried over highways under
its control. We fear that there is nothing in any
t)f the electric lighting Acts w'hich will enable him
to extend his system in these circumstances. It is
■quite tTue that wires may be laid over private pro-
perty by agreement, and that, subject to the consent
of the Board of Trade given pursuant to Sec. 4 of
the Electric Li.ghting Act, 1888, they may, in cer-
tain cases, be Taid over any street, but otherwise
statutorv- powers must be sought. The Board
of Trade have no power to sanction any inva-
sion of private rights, whatever the motive of those
who refuse to assent to the development of a scheme
of supply.

Developments in copper have been
Copper. decidedly more interesting lately,
although the progress of actual
business has been very slow. The chief feature has
been the spectacular rise in the price of standard
copper, which now stands near £111 a ton, which
compares with £84, the lowest point recorded in the
course of the past month. The recovery which has
thus taken place has certainly been quite out of pro-
portion to the amount of business transacted.
Dealings, in fact, might be described as utterly in-
significant, though this is not really surprising,
■owing to the prohibition of speculative trading. It
.seems absurd that such fantastic movements, run-
ning into as much as £25 a ton, should be possible
in the space of a few weeks with but few transac-
tions passing ; but the fact remains that there are
only a few sellers, and the limited supply of warrants
is lod.ged in strong hands. It is rather difficult to
explain the change of sentiment which has become
manifest. Of course, so far as warrant copper is
concerned the fall was much overdone, and a natural
reaction was bound to ensue, and the latter having
synchronised with inquiries by parties who were
short against outstanding contracts, and some de-
mand from sulphate makers for rough copper, the
upward movement was the more pronounced in face
of the unwilling attitude of sellers. There is some
reason for believing, however, that American
manipulation' has been at work in one direction and

another, as may be surmised from the rather sudden
disappearance of cheap American offers of refined
copper which has thus resulted in the current quota-
tions being brought to within measur;ible distance
of the terms maintained steadfastly by the chief pro-
ducing groups. Alongside of the' swift rise in
warrant metal there has, however, not been much
change in the state of the market for line copper,
beyond the fact that second-hand metal is less plenti-
ful on this side, and more firmly held in anticipation
of some revival in the demand from consumers. De-
velopments are thus being awaited with no little
curiosity, especially in view of the highly inflated
level of values ruling. American authorities in any
case seem more hopeful that the strong control exer-
cised by the copper ma.gnates must eventually
influence consumers and stimulate new buying, but
this remains to be seen, although it is argued that
producers have already placed the great bulk of their
output over the current half-year, and that, there-
fore, they have no big" lines of metal to sell for
several months to come. Admittedly there are possi-
bilities in the way of a revival of buying by con-
sumers who neglected somewhat to cover themselves
ahead, but it is rather doubtful whether the orders
to emanate from these quarters wall be of sufficient
importance to enable first hands to secure anything
like a big business until fresh requirements for muni-
tions are being released, a prospect which it is as yet
rather premature to discuss, since it is understood
that needs in that respect were already covered far
ahead or right up to the end of this year. American
consumption is undoubtedly heavy, manufacturers
being" reported to be well supplied with orders to
keep th^ni .going for another five months or so. On
the other hand, American production is excessive, a
fact to be remembered, although it is to be inferred
that American interests can now afford to accumu-
late supplies and are well able to persist in their
arbitrary control.

Judging from recent items of
The Metric news, the demand for the adoption
System. of the metric system and decimal
coina.ge is gaining strength, though
the Government maintains an attitude of uninte-
rested aloofness from the subject. Asked by Mr. M.
Barlow, in the House of Commons, whether, in
view of the advantage to the internal and external
trade of the country, he would consider the appoint-
ment of a committee to inquire into the matter, Mr.
Harcourt said that the compulsory use of metric
weights and measures was not contemplated by the
Board of Trade, and be doubted the desirability of
appointing a committee. The adoption of decimal
coina.ge was a matter for the Treasurv'. However,
the indifference of the Government is a small
matter; everyone knows that it never moves unless
it is pushed hard enough, and it is the nation's busi-
ness to exert the necessary pressure. The London
and Provincial Chambers of Commerce, the London
Corporation, the Institution of Electrical Engineers,
the National Federation of Building Trades Em-
ployers, and other important bodies have joined in
the movement, and editorials in the daily Press have
supported it. We welcome a leading article in our
contemporai-y the Builder, which vigorously advo-
cates the cause of refonn. In the United States the
scientific departments of the Government have taken
the lead, but it is interesting to note that the
National Wholesale Grocers' Association is also
working hard for the metric system, thus showing
that practical commercial men over there, whose
business transactions would be intimately affected by
the change, and who, if anyone, might be expected
to raise "difficulties, are convinced that the advan-
tages of the metric system far outweigh the draw-
backs attending its compulsory adoption.

No. 2.019. AuGrsT 4. i!u>; ] THE ELECTEICAL REVIEW.

115

THE ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT OF
A MODERN FOREIGN SUBMARINE BOAT.

By NORMAN H. WOOD.

When running on the surface this vessel has a dis-
placement of about i8o tons, and is propelled by a
6-cylinder double-acting reversible Diesel oil-engine
of 350 H.p. and 450 R.p.M. The maximum surface
speed is about 12.5 knots, and the cruising speed
10 knots, with a radius of action of 950 miles. In
the submerged condition the submarine is driven by
means of a storage battery in connection with an
electric motor of 330 h.p. at 115 volts and 460 r.p.m.
which imparts an under-water speed of about
9 knots for ij hours or 8 knots for 3 hours. Diving
and emerging are effected by filling or emptying
the ballast tanks, distributed fore and aft and at
the sides of the battery tank. Two tanks for
trimming are fitted, connected with each other
and the sea; an auxiliary buoyancy tank is also pro-
vided to compensate for alterations in weight during
the voyage. A complete pumping equipment
comprising two main bilge pumps of 26 h.p. each
and one auxiliary bilge pump of 8 h.p., together
with one hand pump, is fitted, all of which will
work at a depth of 60 metres.

The storage battery, situated amidships in a
special steel tank, consists of 60 cells connected in
series and arranged in four longitudinal rows of 15
cells each, as with this arrangement the magnetic
effect on the projector compass is practically nil.
The plates of the individual cells are of lead, but
as they are called upon to withstand repeated hea\^
discharges, the positives are of the large-surface
type, whilst the negatives are pasted. Grooved
wood separators are inserted between the plates,
and a space of 60 mm. is allowed between the lower
edges of the plates and the container bottoms to
collect any mud that may accunnilate. The con-
tainers are of special vulcanite composition, with
watertight covers, on each of which is mounted a
large inspection plug carrying a small non-return

air from the tank is admitted into the cell through
the small inlet valve. Each individual cell, as well
as the battery tank itself, is thereby perfectly venti-
lated, and the possibility of an internal explosion is
entirely removed. The officers' quarters lavatory
is connected to the forward end of the battery tank
through a special lead-coated vent pipe with screw-
down flap cover, which is opened when the fans
are running. The floor and sides of the tank up
to a height of no mm. are covered with 2-mm. sheet
lead, soldered at the corners to form an acid-tight
tray, and over this and completely up the sides is
placed a covering of 2-mm. 20-megohm rubber
sheeting vulcanised directly on to the metal. The
rubber covering is applied to all other fixed metal
parts in the tank, and those parts which, owing to
battery repairs, removals, &c., cannot be perma-
nently fixed, are treated with three coats of anti-
sulphuric enamel. The battery tank cover is of
5-ply wood impregnated with acid-proof enamel, and
over the whole is stretched a 3-mm. thick seamless
rubber sheet, secured to the upper sides of the
tank, with small teak channels and screw-down
clips, whereby the whole tank is rendered gas and
watertight. The capacity of the batteiy is as fol-
lows : —

3,160 ampere-hours or 350.76 Kw. -hours at the
I hour discharge rate.

4,610 ampere-hours or 525.54 kw. -hours at the
3-hour discharge rate.

5,980 ampere-hours or 699.66 kw. -hours at the
10 hour discharge rate.

The battery can be discharged at the i-hour rate
without excessive heating taking place; further, the
vessel can assume an angle of 25 deg. in any direc-
tion without the acid rumiing out of the cells. The
total weight of batten' and connections is 37,000 kg.
The battery ventilating valve placed between the
fan trunk and the tank top is of the automatic non-
return-flap type with a small cock and run-off pipe
to drain away any liquid that may accumulate there.
The connections between the individual cells are of
H.c. copper electrically coated with lead, the same
tvpe being used for the conductors between the bat-
terv and main motor fuses. The latter leads are

Sectiox.vl Elevation axd Pt.ax 07 Submarixe Boat.

valve and flexible rubber connection. Running just
above each longitudinal row of cells is a vulcanite
pipe, the forward end of which is closed, whilst the
after end joins up to a common pipe connected,
through a non-return battery valve, to two
electrically-driven exhaust fans. The flexible
tube fitted to the cover of each cell joins
up to the overhead pipe, so that if either fan
is running the explosive gases are sucked away from
each individual cell and thrown overboard, whilst

covered with 2-mm. para rubber vulcanised directly
on the metal, and protected with a sheathing
of i-mm. sheet bronze soldered at the seams. Where
these leads pass through the 7 in. channel at the
after end of the tank, gunmetal glands with rubber
packing are fitted to prevent ingress of sea water.
The cells are arranged in two groups of 30 in series,
with the middle wire permanently connected at their
junction point, and earthed through an ammeter in
conjimction with a small overload cutout. To check

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW. [Voi. :-x So. 2.01.., aioist 1, i!)i.;.

the efficiency of the battery, two ammeters reading
to 3.000 and two ampere-hour-meters registering to
9.999 are placed in circuit with the main leads, the
latter meters being of the double-dial type fitted
with ratchet and pawl gear, which automatically
enables tliem to register charge and discharge cur-
rents. Each of them is also fitted with a small wind-
ing gear to enable the dials to be quickly reset to
zero if desired. The ammeters are of the iong-scale
illuminated-dial type, and have each a double-pole
change-over switch, operated by hand, to enable
them to register charge and discharge currents. An
illuminated-dial voltmeter and switch are also pro-
vided. The main propelling motor is of the 8-pole
shunt-wound type, with one armature but two

weight of the armature 111 the c\oni ot llie boat
assuming a list to fore or aft.

The motor is connected to the engine and tail
shafting through claw-couplings, either of which
can be thrown in or out quickly. Wiien running on
the surface, both couplings are connected up and
the motor, driven as a dynamo, is used to charge
the battery, but when diving or running submerged
the engine is uncoupled, and the submarine is pro-
pelled bv the motor. There are, however, isolated
instances when it is desirable to charge the battery
when the boat is at anchor or in dock, in which
case the motor is coupled to the engine but un-
coupled from the tail shaft, and driven as a dynamo
in the usual way, the field being excited directly

At Frame No. 16.

Transverse Sectioss of Submahne, looking forward.

At Frame No. 32.

separate windings and two brush-rocker sets
placed one at each side of the common field,
with interpole and compensating windings
fitted to prevent sparking and surging when
starting up. The full output capacity is 330
B.H.p. at 460 R.P.M.. at 115 volts, for li hours, with a
temperature rise of 50 deg. C. allowed. Cooling is
effected by natural draught, and as seamless mica
only is used for armature insulation, the whole is
rendered practically non-hygroscopic and capable of

fiom the battery. When driven thus, the machine
is capable of giving 750 amps, at 165 volts, or 1,500
amps, at 140 volts continuously, which ensures the
battery being fully charged in about four to five
hours. This motor can be run in either direction,
or driven as a dynamo without any brush regulation ;
further, sparking is not set up at any load, even
with a variation in pressure from 160 to 105 volts
due to the battery voltage sinking on discharge.
The complete weight of the motor in running order

At Frame 35— Looking forward.

At Bulkhead 39J— Looking aft.

Transverse Sections Abaft.

At Frame 49 — Looking aft.

withstanding any temperature up to 90 deg. C. The
cast steel yoke has its bearings secured to the lower
half with light steel sheets screwed on to the bear-
ing arms, to prevent splash water from the bilges
reaching the commutators. The solid shaft is
ground up from 3 per cent, nickel steel, with a
minimum diameter of 120 mm. in the bearingfs, as
it is required to transmit the full power of the oil
engine when the boat is running on the surface. A
thrust collar is fitted in each bearing to take up the

is 6,880 kg. The machine is started, stopped, and
regulated by the manipulation of four quick-break
change-over knife switches and a shunt regulator;
no starting rheostat is installed (see article on
" German Submarine Motors," Elec. Rev., May
28th, 1915).

To start, the shore charging switch is first of all
placed in the " down " position, and current is at
once sent through the shunt windings; it is thus
quite impossible to start the motor upon an open

U'.i. Aic.iM- I. I'.ilii.

iilE ELECTEICAL REVIEW.

ir

held. The armature windings are now placed in
series across the half battery pressure, and an in-
stantaneous current of about 3,000 amps, passing
through tliem causes the armature to revolve and
reach a final speed of 85 r.p.m. By means of the
shunt regulator the speed is increased to the utmost,
the shunt resistance is quickh- cut out and, at the
same time, the armature windings are placed in
series across the full battery pressure, with a speed
of 165 R.P.M. Again the shunt resistance is all
switched in slowly, then cut out. and the armature
windings are placed in parallel across the full bat-
tery with a resultant speed of 330 r.p.m. The speed
can now be adjusted at will up to 460 r.p.m. With
this arrangement a continuous regulation from 85 to
460 r.p.m. is possible without interfering in any way
with the lighting and auxiliary circuits, a most im-
portant point. To protect the motor against wrong
switching whilst starting' up, constant overloads,
Szc, double-pole fuses and automatic overload re-
leases fitted with overload and time-limit relays are
provided. The 3,000-amp. fuses are of pure silver
wire enclosed in a very light watertight steel cqse
■carrying on the underside two small bronze safety
valves, controlled by springs, Szc, to release any
gas pressure that may be set up in the event of the
fuses blowing.

f 7'o he coutiitued.)

LABOUR AND INDUSTRY.

{Condwkd from paiie 80.)
We have already quoted the views of the Lord Mayor of
Birmingham respecting the need for higher efficiency on the
part of the worker in e.xchange for the liigher standard of
wages of the future, and we may now refer to the opinions very
frankly cxpresswl by SirRirhard Cooper. M.P., at a meeting
of Trade Union delegates at Walsall, held last month under
the auspices of the local Trades and Labour Council. Sir
Richard was of opinion that past mismiderstandings between
Capital and Labour should be removed, that there should
be a closer relationship between the two parties, and that a
new system should be introduced which would be mutually
advantageous to employer's and workpeople. In view of a
Birmingham conference which was to be held, he asked
organised Labour to consider whether, if they found a
•certain number of employers were willing to give them much
of what they had been fighting for — recognition and a
l)etter wage system — they were prepared to respond by bring-
ing any class tf labour which was at present inefficient up
to higher standard. It had to be clearly recognised that if a
much higher rate of wages was to be paid, labour must be
brought up to a corresponding degree of efficiency.
Sir Richard, who was addressing his constituents,
exjiressed himself as being tired of politics and convinced
that nothing could be done at Westminster ; he added
that he had taken up this Labour problem because of his
anxiety that progress should lie made. Many will join
with him in hoping that we shall not " go on tinkering
with it for an indefinite period." It was stated that
women who had gone into munition factories absolutely
unskilled could in a few weeks turn out double the finished
product of some skilled trade unionists : but while it was
not suggested that that applied to trade unionists as a whole,
it was a fact that a large proportion of liabour in this
country was not a« efficient as it might be. Sir Richard
said that he had works in America — where, he admitted,
there was more speeding-up o^ labour, but where for the
same hours of work double the rate of wages was paid — from
which skilled engineers could turn out machines and land
them in this rountry as cheaply as a Birmipgham or
Sheffield manufactm'er could make them. This fact, he
thought, showed that with a proper system of organisation
in this country, wages could be doubled.

According to the local reports of the Walsall meeting,
there was a rejoinder by the secretary of the Trades Council,

uhirh,as la'inDed, is.ljolh a confession of, and a justification
for, inefficiency. It was said that the reason why no trade
unionist would work to his fullest capacity was that he
knew, that if he did so, his employer would at once cut
down the rates of "[jay.

Rut this was no answer to Sir Richard, who presumably
considered such a grievance as being open to remedy iis part
of any new bargain. How far we can expect Labour to
adhere lastingly to any new agreement respecting increasing
the workers' efficiency in exchange for new standards of
jjayment, is one of the very important parts of the
whole controversy. By no means has all the slacking that
has occurred been due to inadequate wages ; there has
been some of it in war-time directly owing to
wages being much higher than the normal. Fatigue
through over-strain, excessive overtime, perhaps the
need of a holiday (the old saw is perfectly true that " all
work and no play makes Jack a dull boy "), and undesirable
surroundings in the factory, may account for much, and
call for serious and sympathetic consideration, Init while
reasonable thought should be given to sirch points, par-
ticularly in war-time, we must not imagine that industrial
life and occupation after the war can be transformed into an
enchanting holiday. Betterment of conditions is at best a
slow process and I'ecognising that we have got to work for our
living as well as play, we shall do well to get pleasure out
of it by putting our best into it, remembering that a
measure of hardship makes better characters of us all. Life
maybe more .strenuous after the war than it was before, but if it
'■an be conducted with greater harmony it will be more bear-
able, perhaps bringing to the worker a greater spirit of content.
If the worker increases Jiis output, and thus increases the
efficiency of production, the employer should be able to pay
higher wages. It will be agi-eed that the labourer is worthy
of his hire, and the good worker should not be penalised
for performing^ good work, either by his employer or by
his fellow-workers. In the past we believe that the
enteiprising worker has been penalised l)y Union men
if- he has set a pace that they have not desired to main-
tain. There have been officials who have taken away
legitimate inducements to speeding-up in the way com-
plained of, Vnit inasmuch as both sides have erred, this
is just one of those points for consideration at such
a conference as Sir Richard mentioned. Reliable assurances
of higher efficiency should render grievances of the kind Iiad
policy for the foreman and for his employer. Harmonious
co-operation is, perhaps, an ideal, but that is what we must
aim at if- we are going to get the best out of both Capital
and Labour. Tncomjihte organisation of either Capital or
Labour will leave the way open for difficulties. Complete
organisation may make a basis for general agreement for
the whole of rfur industries reasonal)ly probable.

If we are to judge from the speech delivered by Mr.
Harry Gosling before the National Transf)ort Workers'
Federation, the huge profits that have been made by ship-
owners have whetted the appetite for higher wages to be
paid for eai-ning those profits, but from the shipowners' side
we find the Government " Excess Profits " measures attacked
because of their economic unsoundness. The sliipownei's
want to put the money to building new ships — incidentally
swelling their capital account — which will be so badly
needed at the end of the war. Shipbuilding operations are
proceeding in neutral countries at high speed and on an
enormous scale. This "production" will be needed to make
up for the great war losses of the past two year's, but British
shipowners are not blind to the possibility of a certain
injury being done to their supremacy by this neutral
activity. However, on the point of those " Excess Profits."
the Government must have all the money it can get to
finance the war : the Navy is protecting our shipj)ing ;
and the shipping is feeding us all. But it must be
remembered that after the war the bigger the shipping
facilities there are at disposal for imports and exports, the
more speedily will industry be able to return to its normal
activity. The transport workers ought to be enabled to see
that. We note from Mr. Gosling's speech that his Federa-
tion intends, as far as lies in its power, to see that
.iny changes in our fiscal system shall be preceded by au
adequate established minimum wage, a limitation in the
hours of labour. State provision of work for the unemployed,

IIH

THE ELEC'TiaC'AL KEV1E\V.

•Z.<i\'.K AicrsT 1, mil

and sii assured standard of life for one and all I That this ani-
liilious and idealistic profirrainine was received with " cheere "'
^oes without s;nintr — such thinjrsfienerally are :ip])lauded In"
audiencesofacertain kind under excitement : l>ut the"cln'ers"
are doomed to die away into silence when, calmly and dis-
jiassionately, J,ahour and Capital sit round a tahle and try
to find how, with the nienace of foreign conii)ctilion still
existing, or even without it, for the matter of that, such
things are to be brought into being in the days that, we
trust, are near at hand. The Federation jKissed a resolution
attirming that Trade Unions shuuM so adjust working
hours as to secure employment for demobilised men after
the war and make a surplusjige of labour impossilile. Yet
the door is to lie left open for German manufactures to be
dumjied here, reducing the available work, until exerylwdy
has an adetjnatv minimum wage : and though a surplusage
of labour is to be made impossible, the State is to ])rovide
work for the unemployed I There is just a little contra-
diction somewhere in these programmes, all of which, and
much else besides, shows that Labour orators and organisii-
tions — well, want more Bo\Til ! One important l^abour
organisation recognises that the worker cannf)t secure his
ends unless the State safeguards the interests of his
employer. Mr. G(«ling's Federation reverses the order,
and says give us better wages, &c.. and we will give State
protection to Industry. The cart l)efoi-e the horse,
assuredly I

We referred a week or two ago to the fact that, in s]iite
of all that has been done in the interests of Labour in
Australia, no era of Industrial Peace lias yet dawned there.
This oj)inion receives full confirmation in a speech delivered
by Mr. Herbert Brookes to the Victorian Chamber of
Alanufactures. reported in the Aiis/inliaii StalemiuDi ami
MiniiKj Shi mill III for May 1 8th. The speaker deplored the
marked increase of " industrial strife fermented by self-
seeking agitators " and supported by the militant section of
Trade Unionism. The Chamber re-affirmed its determina-
tion to thwart, by means of continuous organisation and
i-o-operation. the efforts of those who were working to the
destruction of all domestic peace and progress. Members
of the Chamber were prepared to make sacrifices in the
interests of Industrial Peace, and Australia ought to
emulate the example of France, where, though it was the
home fif Syndicalism, the Unions welcomed the introduction
of women into their factories and skilled workers willingly
undertook their training. The courage of the French
penjile. Mr. Brookes described as a splendid rebuke to all
shirkers, and he said that one could not be other than humili-
ated by the position in Australia, where, "even in this
su]ireme hour of trial," domestic strife was predominant.
The s]ieaker went on to show that it was only by increasing
jjroduction that wages could be kept high. If the present
spirit of strife was to lie continued when we were
at peace again, how could we hope to compete with
other nations ? If the seriousness of the Australian
position is in proportion to the strength of Mr. Brookes's
strictures, the services of Mr. W. M. Hughes, the
Prime Minister, will be sorely needed now he has reached
Home from Home again, if he is going to secure the
Ill-operation of his own people in the w^ork of Imperial
consolidation and progressive development which has been
the theme of his speeches here. But these are largely
domestic questions for Australia : we are lost in admiration
at the magnificent service that the Comuionwealth ha.s
rendered to the cause of t-ie Allies in Gallipoli and else-
where : what we are being frequently reminded of by such
sjieeches as Mr. Brookes's is that Australia has not yet'found
a solution for the problems of Labour. Mr.' Brookes
advocates the presentation of a united front by the employers
in order to " crush this militant official Union caste." "We
quote his following words : —

It was a profounrl cause of shame that, while the Empire was
locked in a deadly struggle, official Industrial Unionism should be
seizin? every opportunity, like the Sinn Feiners. to take advantage
of others' necessity and press for asrgrandisement. which was not
justified in the circumstances. In the opinion of many members of
the Chamber, professional Unionism was becoming- a caste, whicil ->
was quite as offensive as the military caste in Germany, which haiT*
led to the present war. If he were asked calmly which of the two \
c:vstes he would prefer to live under, his answer would be that he
would infinitely prefer the military tyranny of Germany to the
tyranny of Industrial Unionism. The one lei to competency and

efficiency, and the other to incompetency and inefficiency, as well
as to individual and national decay. He trusted the Kmpire would
.see the death of lioth when jieacc was established.

From the utterances of .\ldernian Chamberlain. Sir R.
C(K)]ier, Jr. P.. and others, we find a more conciliatory spirit
])re.sent at lionie in viewing the de\elo]>ing situation, iind
while hard things are inidoubtedly amply justified by
innnerous occurrences, they will not make ca.sy the pathway
to Peai'c. Yet the truth must be told, and there will have
t) be plain-speaking and hard-hitting if Laboin- is to under-
stand the errors of its ways and to be brought to at't up to
its res|)onsibilities. so that after-the-war industry may be
niade attractive to all parties concerned in it.

During the psist week several inqKirtant events have
occurred in connection with the subject of Labour after the
war. One of these has been the ]iublication of the snnunary
of memorandum by the Demoliilisation Coiumittee of the
Social Welfare Association of -London, in which it is
declared that reinstatement to be successful " must be car-
ried out by Cajiitid and Labour, acting in partncrshi]i under
the authority of tlie (io\crmueut."" The Committ.'c also sete
out a .scheme for a Central Committee, with local Com-
mittees, to carry out the w-ork. The other event was the
recjiving of the deputiition of the Industrial Triple
Alliance by Mi'. Asquith yesterday. In this connection,
Mr. W. A. Appleton, Secretiiry of the (ieneral Federation of
Trade Unions, is credited with having urged Trade L^nions.
and emjiloyers to set aside all petty jealousies and to co--
operate in an effort to find a solution for dealing with the
reinstatement problem. He holds that a joint conference
would be of inestimable value, and goes so far as to
recommend Lord Derby as one who would readily
facilitate the task. "We" have no doubt that Lord Derliy,
having, under great difficulties, done such magnificent work
for the nation in securing recruits for the Voluntary Forces^
will feel that no task would be more worthy of his good offices
than that of facilitating the return of those men to industrial
activity when their fighting work is done. Whether he-
will feel that the time is suitable for him to so concentrate
his attention is open to question, in ^■iew of his speech of a
few days ago, in which he saw no signs of a speedy termi-
nation, of the war. That there will have to be joint effort,
conference, co-operation and co-ordination of all forces con-
cerned, in settling the vast problem along harmonious lines,
is pei'fectly obvious. What is so essential is that each side
should be aide to sympathetically ai5]ireciate the point of
view of the other, and that there should be a willingness tor
,gi\e as well as take. Only thus can we steer safely amid
imiumerable rocks, pass safely o\-er turbulent waters, and
a\oid serious friction in negotiating a situation of unex-
ampled difficitlty, fraught with consequences quite without
parallel for either good or ill.

NEW ELECTRICAL DEVICES, FITTING5,
AND PLANT.

Mexican Eagle Bitumen.

We have receiverl a sample of the bitumen produced by the
Mexican Eajjle Oil Co. at their refineries at Minatitlan. Tampico.
t^c, under the most modern conditions and by the latest refininp
plant ; we understand that the bitumen is always of the same hiffh
quality, and it is sfuaranteed ilO'S per cent, pure, which is as hig-h a.
degrree of purity as it is possible to obtain in a material of this sort.
This bitumen is used extensively by cable manufacturers for all
electrical purjjoses, including- pothead insulators for cable ends, and
for filling- joint-boxes and ordinary cable troughing. It has
baen tested for dielectric strength ; breakdown wias found to take;
place at over 40.000 volts, with spheres of 2'2 cm. diameter,
separated by 1 mm., fully immersed in the bitumen and allowed to-
cool for 24 hours after fusion. -Particulars may be obtained from
the Anglo-Mexicas Petrolkum Products Co.. Ltd. (Bitumen
Department). Finsbury Court, London, B.C.

The Bowden-thompson System of Protection for Electric Cables.

The fnriji.r pr^ictice of relying solely on overload devices is not
now considei'eil sufficient protection for cables, and it is essential
to adopt some means for automatically disconnecting a faulty
length of cable from the rest of the system before the fault hae^
seriously developed. Moreover, the disconnecting- should be per-
formed as rapidly as possible, in order to minimise the damage to

No. 2,019, ArcusT i. 1916,] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

119

the cable and avoid auy possibility of injuring the plant and
switchifear. or disturbing' synchronous machinery.

The faulty cable should be isolated before the maiu conductors
have short-circuited or broken down to earth, and, in order to
achieve this, it has been necessary to design a special form of cable,
as shown in &g. 1, with metallic shields interposed between the
cores, and also between the cores and the lead sheathing, in order
to intercept any leakage currents.

The principle on which the system works is shown by the
diagram of connections (fig, 2), which shows a protected cable
switched from one end only,

A is the metallic shield between the cores. B the shield between
the cores and the lead sheathing, c the main conductors. If any
leakage occurs from any of the main cores to shield A or B, it is
directed through relay D to earth, and the relay operates the main
switch by trip coil E, If the cable is externally damaged, shield B
is earthed before the main cores are reached, and as this shield is
maintained above earth potential by battery F, current will flow
through the relay and open the main switch. If preferred, a small
transformer may be used instead of the battery.

The following diagrams show the system as applied to cables
switched at both ends, ring mains, A:c.

Amongst the chief advantages claimed for the system are the
following : — It isolates the faulty cable before the main conductors

Metallic shields A
bef'ween main
conductors

/nsu/a^ion

rt

'5 "f'^'-t

~ Outer metallic shield B
insulated from lead
covitrln^ of coble.

Fio. 1.— Section op Cable Protected on the
Bowden-Thompson Patent System.

As faulty sections are simultaneously isolated at both ends, the
system is suitable for protecting parallel feeders, branch feeders,
ring mains, or any combination of feeders.

If the cable is externally damaged when the supply is off, the
relays will operate and prevent the cable being made alive until
the fault has been cleared.

It will not operate on sound cable when being switched in, if the
switch contacts are not all closed at the same instant. This is
experienced with some balanced systems, which either have to be
cut out when switching is being done, or a time limit is inserted.

There is no tendency to switch out sound feeders in parallel with
a faulty one.

Special switchgear is not required, and the switchgear will not
have to deal with excessive overloads when faults occur.

The system is being introduced by the JIacintosh Cable Co.,
Ltd.. of 176, Rice Lane. Walton, Liverpool.

Electric Gas Lighter.

Messrs. Ward .sc Goldstoxe, of Sampson Works, Salford, are
introducing the "Gnita" electric gas lighter and hand lamp as
a novelty for the forthcoming season.

We illustrate this device in fig. 5 ; it consists of a Volex dry
battery and ignition coil arranged so as to give a series of sparks
at the end of the lighter. A small electric lamp is also provided,
which can be switched on when entering a dark room, and thus
help to avoid breakages of gas mantles.

We may add that the standard lighter is 20 in. long overall.

An Electric Bullet Probe.

The determination of the exact position of a foreign body, such
as a bullet or piece of shell in a wound, has always been a matter
of considerable difficulty. Even an X-ray photograph is frequently
vague, and sometimes actually misleading, and therefore any
instrument which will indicate more definitely the position of these
bodies, and so supplement the information given by the X-raya,
cannot fail to be exceedingly valuable.

An electric bullet probe, designed for this purpose, has recently
been introduced by the Cambridge Scientific Instrument Co.,
Ltd.. of Cambridge. England. The complete instrument consists
of a fine metal probe and a contact wire of the same metal, both of
which are connected by flexible leads to a galvanometer. The
contact wire is placed in the edge of the wound in good contact
with the tissues, and the probe is employed in the usual way. Since
the probe and contact are both of the same metal, there is no diEEer-
ence of potential between them when they are inserted in the
wound, and. consequently, no deflection of the galvanometer. As
soon, however, as the probe touches some other piece of metal in
the wound a voltaic cell is formed, of which the metal constitutes
one pole and the contact in the edge of the wound the other, the

-Cable Switched from One
End Only.

Fig. 3. — Cable Switched at Both Ends.

Fig. 5. — Electric
Gas Lighter.

short-circuit or break down to earth, thus preventing damage to
cable, plant and switchgear.

It provides protection between phases as well as against earths.

Its operation is not dependent on any supposition as to the path

m

Fig. 4. — Branch Feeder from Ring Main.

of the heaviest current in case of a fault, nor does it assume that
parallel feeders of the same cross-section share the load equally.
It is independent of any fluctuations in supply pressure or load.

Fig. 6. — Electric Bullet Probe.

blood being the electrolyte. Consequently, a current flows through
the galvanometer and deflects the pointer. The instrument is,
therefore, simple and self-contained, no battery or other accessories
being required.

The galvanometer used is of the type shown in fig. 6. It is
a moving-coil instrument fitted with a pointer, which swings
across a scale, thus enabling the deflections to be observed
directly.

Although very sensitive, this galvanometer is of robust construc-
tion. It is portable, and when in use can stand on the table con-
veniently near the patient. The extent of the galvanometer
deflections depends on the size and nature of the metallic lx)dy
touched by the probe. The great sensitiveness of the instrument
is shown by the fact that the presence of a small piece of metal
measuring only a millimetre or so in any direction causes a deflec-
tion of 10° or 20° (about 3 cm. on the galvanometer scale), while
for larger pieces, the size of a bullet, the pointer is thrown com-
pletely ofl' the scale. As long as the probe is not in contact with
any metallic body, the pointer remains steady. It is evident that
by" means of this instrument the presence of even a small piece of
metal is distinctly indicated by a comparatively large deflection of
the pointer, while the absence of any deflection is a clear proof that
no metal has been touched by the probe.

The probes are made in various thicknesses for different uses,
and can be very fine when necessary. The probe and contacts and
the portions of the leads which may come near the patient cw>
readily be sterilised.

1-20

THE ELECTRICAL EEVIE^Y

fVul. 711. No.

,iilii. AltilsT 4, I'lli

"Kwik" Electric Cunduit h'lttlngs.

The accompnnyint,' illustratiims sliow a iitw and quick (or
" kwik ") type of fitting lor jointing' coiuluit, applicable to plain
. couplinsrs, elbows, tees and other items. Tlie siHxial feature of the
device is the means provided for openin? the socket to receive the
pipe ; the screw s is made with a collar .«. and is slipped into posi-
tion through the open slot in the lug- L. the latter being slifrhtly
spnmg open to receive it when assembling the fitting. Once in
place, the screw cannot fall out and be lost ; a few turns back-
wards with the screwdriver force open the grip by means of the
collar, enabling the pipe P to Ije readily slipped into the socket A,

Fig. 7. — Three-AVay
"Kwik" Socket.

Fig. 8.— End of Socket
Opeked to Receive Pipe.

after which the sci-ew is turned forward to urijj the conduit in the
usual way. The effect of this arrangement is to save time in
erection, a matter of present and increasing importance : the
inventor and patentee. Mb, H. F. Joel, of 72. Finsbury Pavement,
B.C., claims that experience shows that the economy of time in
fitting the pipes together is .iu per cent., and the cost of labour in
■ wiring is re;luced by about one-third. The invention has also been
adapted to the opening and closing of the -covers of switch and
street surface inspection boxes, valve covers. &c.

A Combination Soldering Bit.

A soldering bit which has many advantages over the ordinary
type of soldering iron is shown in the accompanying illustrations.
The bit is made of pure copper of octagonal shape, i in, in length
and 1 in, in width. The copper bit is mounted in a handle about

> iG. 9. — Combination Soldebixg iron- is Ordlsary Id.iust
MEST, Heating os Blow Torch, and in use as Soldering
Pot. .

15 in. in length, and by means of a wing nut and bolt can be
adjusted to any desired angle or kept in a rigid position like the
common soldering iron. The 1)it may be folded or reversed in the
"handle, thus shortening the overall length and preventing the
point from damaging the tool bag in which it may be carried.

The construction of the handle is such as to enable it to be

placed upon the burner of a blow torch and heated, thus avoiding

the use of a blow torch direct on the wire. This method is shown

in one of the illustrations. There is a groove on the nose of' the

■ copper bit for facilitating the soldering of wire.

■■• In cases where a soldering pot is not available or its use is ujt

""advisable, this combination tool may be used. The base of the

copper body is drilled out to a depth of 2 in. and an approximate

diaiuetiT of i in. A miniature soldering pot is thus formed in the
copper body, in which solder may be readily melted.

This combination soldering tool is made by the Chambers,
Bering, Qiinlan Co,, Decatur. l\\.--Telvplionii.

CORRESPONDENCE.

hftters ri'eeireil bij us iiftfr
the folhwhui iivei. ('urn
fiition.i at the earliest jtos>
■unless we hare the writer

I P.M. ON TtiKSDAV riiiinot iiiipear until
sjioiiileuts sliiinlil forward their eumwuni-
'hie moment. .Vo letter can be puhlisheil
name and address in onr possession.

Perlfurmance of Steam Turbine Sets.

Referring to the record performance of the Glasgow turbine,
published in your issue of July 14th, I shall be glad if you can also
insert the enclosed results, obtained from a Kraser A: (Chalmers set
installed here in lilll.

1 tliiuk too much prominence cannot lie given to records of tins
kind obtained from all British-buUt machinery, particularly in view
of the disastrous breakdowns of German-built plant reported from
Shanghai and elsewhere.

This particular plant was installed here in June. 1911, and is of
the well-known Fra.ser A: Chalmers -Rateau multi-cellular type.
coupled to a Siemens alternator with a direct-coupled exciter.

The set was designed for 1,000 KW. capacity, running at
S,000 R.P.M. The alternator generates three-phase alternatiii',.'
current at ."lO periods, at a pressure of 3,000 volts, and the set hii!!
an overload capacity of 25 per cent, for two hours, and 50 per cent,
for half-an-hour.

During the year ending March, 1916, this set generated 6,OS4.i"iii
units at about 80 per cent, power factor, which equals 94"6 jiei
cent, of the total output. The machine has done a considerable
amount of overload up to peaks of 1,550 KW,

The daily load factor has reached 104 per cent.

The machine has been overloaded for 13j hours out of the 24,
and has had to take the peak load with 24 in. and 25 in. of
vacuum, due to shortage of condensing water.

It is two years since the turbo was opened out, and with the
exception of slight adjustments to the governor, no repairs of any
kind have been required.

Such results may not establish a record, but I think, coupled
with the performance of the Glasgow plant, they argue well for
the British manufacturer.

J. C. Williams,

Enipiierr and Munaijer,
Erith EUectricitv Supply and Tramways Dept..

July 2oth, 1916.
[This is certainly an admirable record of good service. W.
shall be glad to receive particulars of similar performances.
Eds. Elec. Rev.1

Mechanical Aids (or Wounded Men.

May I ask you. through the medium of your valuable journal, to
appeal to all electrical manufacturers and contractors who have
any form of workshop, whether large or small, to help me in the
following excellent cause : —

A very large number of metal leg and arm rests are required for
those of our wounded heroes returned from the front with fractured
limbs. I have taken it upon myself, on behalf of a branch of the
Red Cross Society, to offer to supply a certain number of the
necessary parts required in making up the above frames. This
form of apparatus relieves the wounde<l of much suffering, and
helps to hasten the mending of the fractures.

Anybody with an ordinary lathe can bend and drill certain
simple parts of the apparatus, made up of ordinary pieces of flat
iron strip and galvanised rod, and if contractors would kindly help
to supply even a small number of these parts per week, I should
then be in a position to keep this branch of the Red Cross
equipped with sufficient material to enable the amateur workers
who put the frames together to complete a considerable number
per week.

At the present time thousands of these frames are required, and
as the putting together is all done voluntarily, every small help is
of valuable assistance. Therefore, again 1 appeal to all manu-
facturers and contractors to give me their support in this matter.

The raw material will be supplied by me. and patterns of the
parts required can either.be seen in my office, or would be sent on
application.

Thanking you for granting me the space for this letter.

H. F. Simon,

Managing Director, Electrical installations. Ltd.
•21. Martins Lane, E.C.. July 29th. 1916.

i

Carbon Electrode Manufacturing in Sweden.— The

carbon electrode manufacturing business of the Aktiebolag Brenas
Bruk is being taken over by a new company in course of formation
with a capital of £83,000. ' " _. , .

Xo. 2.019. August i. 1916.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

121

HYDRO-ELECTRIC POWER PROPOSALS IN
MYSORE."

The total capacity ot the generatin-! statiuii ui .■^ivasumuaiam.
llysore. will be. after the installation is completed, 22.650 H.p..
and after deductinu: 1.650 h.p. to be held in reserve to guarantee
the continuity of supply, there will be available at the bus-bars
21,000 H.P. net for supply to the transmission lines. Durinuf about
nine months of the year, there is suflScient water in the C'auvery
river to generate at Sivasamudram 30,000 h.p. at no very great
additional expense. The capacity of the generating station will be
made up of 11 units of 1,150 h.p. each : 3 units of 2.000 H.P. each ;
and 1 unit of 4.000 H.P.

It is therefore possible to obtain 9,350 additional H.P. by changing
the eleven 1 150 h.p. units to units similar to those of the thii-d and
fourth installations. The station would then consist of H 2.000-H.P.
units and one 4,000-H.P. unit, or a total of 32,000 H.P. at the buses,
leaving available for the distribution lines 30.000 H.P. net. This
substitution could be made remarkably easily ; each of the three
large penstocks of the first installation would be used for a
2,000-H.p. unit, and only eight new penstocks of 2.Cm)0 h.p. capacity
bought. This increase of capacity could be obtained without any
building modifications, and the forebay alone' would hare to be
modified for three additional penstock intakes. With these small
improvements, an additional 9.000 net H.P. may be obtained at a
cost of approximately Es. 15 lakhs.

Tnder the present allotment of water to be stored at Kannam-
badl Eeservoir, during at least three months of the year the river
supply is less than that required for 21,000 H.P.. so this scheme
will have to be abandoned. The number of consumers, both large
and small, within reach of the power lines, is rapidly growing, and
as the maximum supply of 21.000 H.P. from Sivasamudram is
likely to be exceeded in the next few years, it becomes necessary to
have recourse to a completely new installation elsewhere, to be
operated in parallel with, or to entirely replace. Sivasamudram.
For this the Cauvery river is ideal, as the C'auvery reservoir'
guarantees a certain definite discharge at any point below the
dam.

Below Sivasamudram two projects offer themselves : (1) Shimsha
and (2) ilekadatu. The power-station site of the former project is
located on the Shimsha river just below the Shimsha falls, at its
junction with the Hullabella river, about 7'4 miles from the
l^uvery. The Jlekadatu project is situated immediately on the
Ciuvery itself, about 25 miles along the river below Sivasamudram.
aid just within the Mysore State. The power-station site is within
a few yards of the boundary line where the river enters Madras
territory.

The first proposal embodies taking the water from the Sivasa-
mudram head-gates through an open channel for approximately
9i miles to a forebay or intake, and thence in steel pipes
1} miles to a penstock header. This header would be under
approximately zero pressure, with a stand-pipe or surge tank open
above the high-water level at the intake, of sufficient capacity to
discharge all the water in case of a sudden shut-down.

To proride a crossing at Handia XuUa, it is proposed to dam this
uullah. thereby forming a very large reservoir for equalising the
flow. and. most important of all.' to provide a settling basin for
r •moving sOt and floating submerged vegetation.

From the penstock header, four penstocks will Ije taken
to the generating station. It is proposed to install in this
station four units of 10.000 b.h.p., net output with a pro-
\isiou tor a future fifth unit, one unit being in reserve
us spare. Each of these units will be direct-coupled to Francis
turbines, and provided with its own exciter mounted on an
extended shaft. Each exciter will be of sufiicient capacity to pro-
vide excitation for two vmits. The penstocks will be provided with
automatic closing devices at the penstock header and also
electrically-operated from the turbine room. The turbine governors
will be of the oil-pressure type with auxiliary oil systems and
ajrranged for adjustments of load without shutting down the units.
The switchgear and control apparatus wOl be of the remote-
controlled automatic type, and the voltage regulators arranged to
compensate for line losses.

The transformers will be of the oil-insulated, water-cooled type,
as recently installed at Sivasamudram and Kolar Gold Fields, step-
ping the generator voltage up to 70,000 — 78,000 volts.

The power will be transmitted over new lines about 4 miles and
fed into the present system.

The second project is to utilise the rapids at Mekadatu 25 miles
Ijelow Sivasamudram and 3 miles below its junction with the
-irkavati. At the head of these rapids, the Cauvery canyon
broadens out to such an extent that it is possible to construct
I'jannels for conducting the waters of the Cauvery from the head
to the foot of the rapids.

A dam is proposed to be constructed across the river and the water
diverted into a suitable channel which tenninates in a forebay just
n'jove the power station site at the foot of the rapids.

The dam is proposed to be of coursed rubble masonry approxi-
mately 1.500 ft. long and 12 ft. high.

The channel wQl be approximately 20,000 ft. long with- a bed
width of 22J ft. and a depth of water of 10 ft., and will terminate
in a forebay with four penstock intakes for four main units. No
exciter penstocks are provided, as the exciters will be driven direct
from the main units.

Abstract of paper read before the Mysore Engineers' Con-
tnence, and reprinted in the Indian Textile Journal. '

Three horizontal type generating units are proposed," each oi
4.000 B.H.P. output, direct connected to suitable turbines. The
generators will deliver three-phase, 25-cycle power at 2,200 volts
and SO per cent, power factor. The shaft will be extended for an
exciter of suflicient capacity to supply excitation to two main
units. Provision will be made for a future extension of a fourth
unit.

The turbines will be of the Francis type, of 5,600-H.p. capacity,
equipped with oil-pressure governors and pressure-limiting devices
similar to those lately installed at Sivasamudram. The governors
will be equipped with motors for load adjustment from the switch-
board.

There will be four transformers (one spare) of the water-cooled
and oil-insulated type, 1,750 KTV. capacity, at 80 per cent, power
factor, for stepping up the voltage from 2,200 to 70,000—78.000.
There will be no separate transformer station, as at Sivasamudram.
but all station apparatus will be located in one buQding, resulting
in a considerable saving in capital cost, and obviating the necessity
of a double operating staff.

The power will be transmitted over duplicate lines. 24 miles
long, to Kankanhalli section house, and there fed into the present
system. Both these lines will be .on the same towers, spaced
approximately 500 ft. apai-t. Suspension insulators will be used,
and the lines protected fi-om atmospheric disturbances by over-
head grotmded ground wires, and for the protection of stations
aluminium cell lightning arresters will be provided at both ends.

LEGAL

Brompton and Kessixgtox Electricitv Supply Co.. Ltd.—

QuiSQCESxiAL Assessment.
At the County of London Quarter Sessions, held at Clerkeuwell.
Jlr. A. J. Lawrie (the Deputy -Chairman) was engaged for nearly
three days in hearing an appeal by the Brompton and Kensington
Electric Supply Co. against an assessment of their works and cables
of £22.800 gross and £12.000 rateable by the Royal Borough of
Kensington.

Mr. Alexander Macmorran, K.C.. and Mr. E. M. Konstam were
counsel for the appellants, while Mr. Walter Ryde. K.C.. and Mr.
Cecil Whiteley appeared for the respondents.

On behalf of the appellants, evidence was given by Mr. Carpenter,
of Messrs. Humphreys. Davies *: Co.. valuers ; Mr. Spencer Hawes. of
Messrs. Slay ic Hawes : Mr. Ruthven Murray. Mr. R. S. Downe.
general manager of the company, and Mr. J. T. Owens. the secretary.
On behalf of the Borough of Kensington, Mr. W. Harold E\e.
rating surveyor, of Messrs. William Eve & Sons. Union Court.
Old Broad Street. E.G.. submitted a valuation on which he found a
rateable value of £16,330.

Sir Johs Sxell also gave evidence in support of the assess-
ment, and. in the course of cross-examination by Mr. Macmorran.
contended that he had done the right thing in basing his tables
for renewals on a figure of £68,000, although the prime cost was
.£103.000. The witness also expressed the opinion that there
would be a considerable drop in prices after the war.

Mr. Maciiorrax ; I Suggest not for two or three years.
Sir Johx Ssell : I happen to be connected with a large
number of important contracts, and I have it from most eminent
manufacturers in this country that there will be a very consider-
able drop, especially in metals.

Mr. JIacmokran : Do you anticipate much of a drop in wages .'
Sir John Ssjbll : I anticipate a drop. The war bonus will
have gone.

In further cross-examination. SIR JoHS admitted that in a
certain calculation in ^vhich he had taken the 3^ per cent, table, it
was ou itomary until a few years ago to take the 2i or 3 per cent.
The price of money had increased in the meantime, and it was now
customai-y to take 'ii per cent.

Mr. Ryde : But on this particular point, the difference between
the 3 and 3J per cent, table would be very small, wouldn't it .'
Sib John Snell : Yes, about £80, certainly under £100.
Mr. Ryde : If you were dealing with something to-day. what
would be your figure /

Sip. John Sxell : To-day I should take it certainly at 4-^ per
cent. , ; .; -

Mr. Rvde, K.C. addressed the Court on behalf of the Borough «f
Kensington, and submitted that the assessment was amply justified.
As regarded Sir John Snell's tables for renewals. Counsel argueil
that the position depended not on prime cost, bitt the cost of
producing an eflicient substitute.

Mr. Macmorran. K.C. for the electricity company, said that
whereas the gross receipts of the company were substantially the
same, the expenditiu'e had increased, and this made a difference of
£3.876 in 1915. That loss accrued to the company despite that
increased charges were operating for nine months of the year. He sub-
mitted that the assessment which it was sought to imjjose on the
appellants was excessive, and not in accordance with the true prin-
ciples of assessment. He m-ged that it should be remembered
that in the case of electricity companies there were serious
possibilities of litigation from time to time. Mr. Eve's
gross value worked out at £22.995, which was £195
more than the Assessment Committee's valuation. As re'garded
Sir John Snell's figure of £68,000 instead of the prinie cost,
counsel contended that they could not igiibre conditions^ as thiEJy
existed to-day. - - -

1-2-2

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW. [Voi

The Dtl'lTV-CllAlRMAS. iu uiiiKUuicin^' his decision, said he hud
gone into all the fijrures connected with the case with considerable
care, but he did not think any useful purpose would be served by
his now ^'oing into them in detail. The decision he had come to
was that the gross value should be retluced to il9.77!>, and the
rateable to £11.378. and as that was a substantial reduction^a
very considerable reduction — and as the appellants could not get it
reduced without coming there, the respondents should pay half
the apjiellants' costs.

Christie r. Nobles' Drug Stores, Ltd.
In the Lord Mayors Court, last week, before the Recorder cSir
Forrest Fulton. K.C.) and a jury. Mr. J. C. Christie, electrical
engineer and contractor, of Mansell Street. Aldgate. E.. sued Xoble.s'
Drug Stores. Ltd.. of Well Street. Cable Street. E., and Whitecrosa
Street, E.C.. for £20 Is. 8d.. work done and material supplied in
May and June. I ill 5.

The plaintiflf's case was that in May of last year an order was
received from the defendants for a Blanchard incandescent lamp.
and at the same time a discussion took place concerning an electric
light installation to l)e fitte<l at defendants' Whitecross Street
establishment. The plaintiff did the work, and sent in his bill of
charges. .\t fii-st he was promised payment, but afterwards
defendants suggested that there were overcharges in the bill.
Plaintiff replied that owing to the increase in the price of labour
and material, he could not see his wa.v to reducing the account
more than 5 per cent. The money had not been paid. Evidence
was given by the plaintiff's traveller (Mr. Hart), who spoke to
taking the orders. He said it was not true, as now suggested, that
he was shown an estimate given by the Electrical Installations,
Ltd, and had agreed to do the electrical work at the price contained
in the estimate.

For the defence. Mr. Willam Noble, secretary and managing
director of the defendant company, was called, and he said the
plaintiff's traveller had agreed to supply a Blanchard incandescent
lamp for £3 2s. 3d., and to do certain electrical work at the price
of £8 15s.. the amount of .in estimate he had received. He had
always been ready and willing to pay those sums amounting to
£11 178. 3d., but he had been charged £20 Is. 8d. 'When he
pointed the matter out to the plaintiff's traveller, he said there had
been a mistake, and he (defendant) had been charged for a time
job instead of a contract job. The traveller had promised to
arrange matters.

The jurv. after hearing further evidence, found foi- the plaintiff
for £18 15s. Id.

Commercial Cable Co. v. The Goverxmext of Newfoixdland.

This matter, which was before the Judicial Committee (Lord Chan-
cellor. Viscount Haldane. and Lord Atkinson) on Monday, was an
appeal from a judgment of the Supreme Court of Newfoundland,
which, by a majority, dismissed a claim by the appellants against
the Government of Newfoundland for payment of two sums of
$12,000 and 810,916,13. The claim was based upon the provisions
of an agreement under the Great Seal of Newfoundland, dated
February ISth. l'.io9. between the appellants, an American company,
and the Governor of Newfoundland in Council. By the agreement
the company agreed to establish a cable station at St. John's. New-
fovmdland. for the transmission of cablegrams to and from Great
Britain and Ireland, the Government undertaking to pay them
$4,000 annually for the advantages and facilities secured to it by
the cable. Subsequently there was a change of Ministry in New-
foundland, and the new Administration declined to recognise the
validity of the agreement on the ground that it had not been sub-
mitted to the Legislature of the Colony for its approval. The
Chief Justice of Newfoimdland dissented from the judgment of
the two other judges of the Supreme Court, who dismissed the
appellants' claim.

According to the report in the Daily Telegraph, appellants con-
tended that the agreement was valid and binding upon the New-
foundland Government, and did not require the sanction and
approval of the Legislature. On the part of the respondents, how-
ever, it was argued that the power of the Governor in Council to
make contracts was limited by the rules of the House of Assembly
made pursuant to the Representative Act, 1892, but the appellants
contested that view, and contended that no rules established by the
House of Assembly could have that effect.

Lord Haldane now delivered the judgment of the Judicial Com-
mittee, in which their Lordships intimated that they would humbly
advise his Majesty that the appeal failed, and should be dismissed
with costs.

WAR ITEMS.

Controlled 'Works. — The number of establishments now
controlled by the Ministry of Munitions is 4,052; 124 have
been added since the last announcement was made.

To be wound up.— The Board of Trade has ordered the
following to be wound up under the Trading with the
Enemy .\mendment Act: —

Glastos, Ltd., 4, Charles Street, Hatton Garden, E,C,,
glassware merchants. Controller: H. Hartley, 70a, Basing-
hall Street, E.G.

Charles \. Muller, 10, Arcade, Westgate, Bradford, elec-
trical accessories merchant. Controller: Walter Durrance,
12, Duke Street, Darley Street, Bradford.

Books for Prisoners of 'War. — The recent revelations re-
specting the condition and nt<(ls — ■physical and nn'ntal— of
some of the British prisoners of war internet! abroad, coupled
with the recently imposed restrictions on the transmission,
by private individuals, of any printed matter to enemy or
neutral countries, make it more important than ever that
friends and correspondents of our interned men, when
writing to them, should acquaint them with the existence
of an Educational Book Scheme under which they can got
their wants supplied. Under this scheme any such prisoner
can obtain, free of charge and carriage paid, good books of
an educational character (not fiction or light literature)
on almost any subject for reading or private study during
his internment by communicating (either directly or through
a correspondent) with Mr. A. 'T. Davies, of the Board of
Education, Whitehall, London, S.W. Prisoners are invited
to state as precisely as possible on a form (which can be
had gratis on application) what Icind of books thev desire.
Tlie evidence that has alre.ady reached this country shows
that it is necessary to provide not merely physical, but al.so
mental, sustenance for British prisoners during their con-
finement— and this the abo\ie Etiuc.ilional Book Scheme
aims at doing. Offei-s of suitable books for the latter will
be gladly received by Mr. Davies, but they should be accom-
panied by a submission of the list of books proposed to be
contributed.

Exemption Applications. — At the Cily of London Tri-
bunal, on Friday, Mr. F. Shaw, who stated that he was in
the employ of the British Tliomson-Houston Co., Ltd.,
electrical engineers and manufacturers, made an appeal for
exemption on business grounds. The applicant said he wai
appealin.g personally, as his employers would not make any
appeals on patriotic grounds. The Clerk: " It is impossible
for an applicant to say that he is indispensable if his em-
ployers do not appeal." The Chairman said there was no
case made out, as the applicant claimed on business grounds,
and his employers would not appeaL The claim, would be
disallowed. A claim on domestic grounds was made by
Mr. H. C. Rodgers, also in the employ of the British
Thomson-Houston Co., and the matter was referred to the
applicant's local Tribunal.

At Rochdale, temporary exemption for one month was
granted to Joseph Holroyd (33), armature winder and
general electrical worker for the Sutcliffe Electric Company,
with a view to enabling him to get work which would
justify the authorities in giving him. a badge.

At the City of London Tribunal, last week, an appeal for
exemption was made on behalf of D. R. F. Dobson (35),
an electrical fitter, and married, by Messrs. Walter Mossop
and Co., electrical contractors. A partner of the firm said
that they were supplying electrical fittings to firms occupied
with war work. Dobson was specially experienced in the
arrangement and control of dvnamos, and was at present,
and would be for the next three months, employed at a
factory 'which was making munitions for the French
Government. The firm did not know how they would be
able to replace him. He was the only man of military age.
The Chairman said that the man was included in the list
of certified occupations as it now stood and came under
the heading of " Electricians and electrical fitters," but, of
course, the firm ran the risk of losing him if the list was
alteret.

At the Middlesbro' Tribunal, the electrician of the Grand
Opera House was granted exemption on condition that he
undertook work of national importance.

On the appeal of the Town Clerk, Mr. W. H. Wakefield
(38). chief clerk at the Bexhill-on-Sea Electricity Works,
has been conditionally exempted for three months.

Before the Axbridge Rural Tribunal, Mr. J. Winter
Bobbett, Chairman of the Winscombe Electricity and Power
Co., Ltd., applied for exemption for an engine-driver at th«
supply station named Hill, who is 41 in September. He
stated that their customers numbered 130, and Hil! had
sole charge of the engine. Conditional exemption was
given.

At the Keighley Tribunal, the Corporation claimed that
a railless-car repairer was indispensable, and the question
was adjourned for further consideration.

At the Southwark Tribunal, Hotton and Hodgson, eles-
trical and lighting engineers, applied for the exemption of
Mr. Fred Hotton, son of one of the principals, described as
an engineer, and for an electrical fitter and engineer. Mr.
Hotton, senr., stated that the firm had undertaken a con-
tract from the War Office on the distinct understanding
that they would get badges for their men, but they had not
yet received them. Conditional exemption was granted in
both cases on joining the Volunteer Training Corps.

Before the East Kent Appeal Court, ten employes were
appealed for by the Chatham Light Railways Co. A month
ago the cases were adjourned for a conference with the mili-
tar>-; 26 cases were settled by arrangement, and the military
did not oppose conditional exemption for the ten men before
the Tribunal. The Chairman said that the men would be
exempted until October 31st only, and leave to go before the
Central Tribunal was asked for, on the ground that the
arrangement entered into should be confirmed. Leave to
appeal was refused. .

At Grantham, aoolication was made by the Electric Co.
for the e.xemption of the sole manager, Mr. John B.

Vol 79. Xo. 2,019. August 4. 1916.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW,

123

Edmundson (37), who also manages the works at Stamford
and is visiting engineer at Cromer. Conditional exemption
was granted.

Carlisle Tribunal, on the application of the military repre-
sentative, has sanctioned the calling-up of Thos. Young,
electrician at the works of Messrs. Carr, who said that they
were increasing their electrical installation, and needed the
man's services.

At Hitchin, application was made for exemption for Mr.
J. Oppermann (40), manager of the .Alexandra Electrical
Engineering Co., Ltd., of Letchworth, who stated that all
the emplov^s had gone, and that he was carrying on the
business with the aid of his two eldest daughters. Condi-
tional exemption was granted.

Before the East Kent Appeal Court, on Julv 26th. the
militarv representative app>ealed against the decision of the
Whitstable Tribunal allowing conditional exemption to Mr.
.Arthur Stewart (32), engineer to the Whitstable Electrical
Co., Ltd. After hearing the facts the appeal was dismissed,
and the exemption confirmed.

At Lewisham, S.E., on July 21st, Mr. Hanson, electri-
cian, appealed, and stated that he was willing to enter the
Army for his profession, or in the Air Service, so that his
wife could have larger means. He had, however, failed to
get into the Roval Naval Air Service. No exemption was
given.

Before the Redruth Rural Tribunal, on July 22nd, exemp-
tion was claimed for the cost clerk and the cashier of the
Cornwall Electric Supply Co. The former has been with
the company for five vears and the latter, who is also in
charge of the tramcar depdt, for 13 years. Mr. Smith stated
that thev had lost a lot of their technical staff, and had to
keep the concern going. As the company's employes had
been previously dealt with, the military representative
objected to the applications, the men not having been in-
cluded in the previous list. Mr. Peter: " You can't pick up
a cost clerk in ten minutes." The Tribunal allowed the cost
clerk six months, but refused the other application.

The East Sussex Appeal Court has refused exemption to
the electrician of the Eastbourne Pier Co., aged 30, stated
to be the onlv capable man emploved.

Maidenhead Tribunal, on July 25th, gave Mr. Arundell,
electrical engineer, leave to renew an appeal for Waker
Siblev, the onlv man applied for, and who is engaged on
power work and on occasional Government contracts.

At East Grinstead, an electrical fitter in business at Forest
Row, who has work at four military hospitals, was given
one month's exemption without leave to applv again.

Extended exemption has been refused at Brighton to an
electrician with a local firm, who pleaded that they had
had to refuse work owing to their depleted staff. The man
has alreadv had three months' exemption.

At Folkestone, Mr. E. Morgan, electrician, appealed, and
it transpired that he had offered his premises to the
Minister of Munitions, who, however, could offer him no
work. Conditional exemption was allowed, with the stipu-
lation that appellant joins the Volunteer Training Corps.

At Buxton, on July 27th, a firm of electrical engineers
apptealed for their foreman fitter, who assists at the elec-
tricity works. Exemption was allowed until January 28th.

BUSINESS NOTES.

Empire Contracts : An Australian Criticism. — In a recent

editorial, entitled "How Not to Treat British Tenderers." the
AuKtrnlian SUitexman and Mininit Standard writes as follows : —

"That something should be done to prevent large orders going
out of the Empire, when they can perfectly well be executed within
the Empire, has long been obvious. We are not going to say that
an order must be placed within the Empire under any circumstances
that may arise, but. where work can be fulfilled by an Empire firm
at no greater cost than by an alien firm, the Empire firm should
certainly have the preference. That is not the feeling, apparently,
of the City Electric Light Co.. Ltd.. Brisbane. This company issued
specifications, which closed in September of last year, for rotary
converters, transformers. Arc. The value of the business in round
figiu-es was something between £12.000 and £15.000. Several
British manufacturers tendered, and so did the Australian General
Electric Co.. which put foi-ward apparatus manufactured by its
principal, the General Electric Co., of New York. The British
tenders were unsatisfactory in only one respect : though the manu-
facturers thought they would be able to carry out the work in a
reasonable time, they were not willing, in \*iew of the war condi-
tions prevailing, to accept penalties for late delivery. This
question of delivery was used as the main excuse for placing the
order with the Australian General Electric Co. for the American
apparatus, with the result that, at a time when money is of
enormous importance to the Empire, a sum of something like
£1,5.000 goes outside it when it might reasonably be spent within
it. More recently the same company called tenders for further
apparatus, consisting of a large turlx)-alteruator unit, the tenders
being returnable March 1st. Although the conditions were just
what they were before, the British firms were again invited to
tender, and did so, and representatives of some of these companies

were later invited to meet the manager of the company to discuss
their tenders. When these interviews took place, the demand for
guaranteed delivery under penalty was made once again, ^vith the
result that an order for a plant worth something like £30,000 has
been placed with the Australian General Electric Co.. to be passed
on to the British Thomson-Houston Co.. the turbine to be provided
by the British Thomson-Houston Co.. the alternator to be built by
the General Electric Co.. of America, and the condensing plant to
be made by W.IH. Allen. Sons & Co.. Ltd. The Australian General
Electric Co. appears to have accepted the penalty for delivery, so
that the plant may be operating under steam, in Brisbane, on May
1st. 1917. though it is obvious that the British Thomson-Houston
Co. is in precisely the same position as all other British manu-
factiuing companies in the matter of delivery."

Our contemporary goes on to suggest that, inasmuch ^s the
Brisbane Electric Light Co. will probably have to issue new shares
in order to pay for this plant, the Treasury shoidd refuse leave to
call up the money, if it should appear that the money is to be spent
in America. ' The flow of money to America for munitions is
sufficiently large at the present moment to make exchange a
difficult enough matter, without having oi-ders placed in the United
States for apparatus which can. and ought to. be bought within the
Empu-e. The prices offered by the English makers are understood
to be at least as good as the American prices, and the failure to
accept the penalty for failure to deliver by a specified time should
not, in present circumstances, be regarded as sufficient excuse for
spending this money outside the Empire."

U.S. Electrical Exports. — The American Electrical Review

and Western Electrician states that the U.S. electrical exports for
the month of AprU. 1910, were valued at about 28 per cent, more
than in the corresponding month of 191.5. although somewhat less
than the high values of last February and March. The volume or
quantity of the export trade has probably not materially increased
over last year, the increase in total value being due almost entirely
to the high prevailing prices. Quantities are given in the official
reports for only four classes of electrical shipments, which in April
compared asfollows : —

— Numbers exported in — .
Articles. April. 1916. April. 191.5.

Electric fans 3.119 4.523

Arc Limps ..

Carbon-filament lamps

45.818

248.3.SS

Metal-filament lamps

740.657

196,725

tie values are as under :—

Articles.

April. 1916.

April, 191.-

Batteries

$168,142

?88.372

Dvnamos or generators

151,727

127.071

Fans

45,528

61,926

Insulated wire and cable

386,239

354.344

Interior wiring supplies. &c. (in-

cluding fixtures")

44.805

67.605

Lamps —

Arc

639

554

Carbon-filament

5.410

27.665

Metal-filament

128.734

36,936

Meters and other measuring in-

struments

52.255

69.835

Motors

272.261

193,802

Telegraph instruments (includ-

ing wireless apparatus")

7,965

14.377

Telephones

52.064

89.730

Transformers

68.889

47.763

All others

1.245,511

875.395

Total S2.630,169 82,055,375

For the first 10 months of the last three fiscal years, ended on
April 30th in each case, the electrical export totals were as
follows : —

Ten months of fiscal year. Electrical Exports.

1913-14 $21,569,687

1914-15 15,922,467

1915-16 23.666.267

These totals do not include electric locomotives, which for these
three 10-month periods totalled as follows:—! 13-14. $272,387:
1914-15. 8249.096 ; 1915-16. S122.340. During last April five such
locomotives, valued at S26.964. were exported.

Prohibited Swedisli Exports.— The Swedish Govern-
ment has prohibited the exportation from the country during the
war of " mountings for incandescent lamps, with or without
switches, with coverings or inner parts of other metal than iron."

Japanese Government Subsidy for Electrical Exports.

From a statement quoted in the Hochi. it seems that the

Japanese GJovernment is going to subsidise the export of electrical
apparatus. The Tokyo paper, which is regarded as the organ of
the Government, credits an authority in the Department of Agri-
culture and Commerce with the following statement: — ''Japan's
electrical industry has recently imdergone a marked development.
Efforts should be "made to further national interests by promoting
the export of the various products of the industry. The Govern-
ment is therefore considering means to encourage the export of
electrical apparatus to China. India, .-md other accessible places. A
new item of expenditure is to be provided in the next Budget for
the purpose of subsidising the export. The scheme, however, has
not yet been considere<l by the Cabinet in i(t^\\.— Eastern
Engineering.

1-24

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW, [voi. -9. xo. 2,019, Arcr^T 4, im

Catalogues and Lists.— Ii;Ran"I'' Electric Co.. Ltd..

147, Queen Victoria Street. London. E.C. — Illustrated leaflet Xo.
1,621. containing full de-scriptivc particulars and tabulated ratings
of magnetic couplings, clutclie.s. and brakes.

JlR. George Ellison, Victoria Works. Warstone Lane. Bir-
rain(.'ham. — Xew list, No. .S27 (34 pasresX dealing- with totally-
enclosed brake solenoids. Most exhaustive information — descrip-
tive, tabular, and diagrammatic -is given regarding this type of
pear, the contents being the result of many months' careful
calculation and research. Some typical specifications arc given,
which have been found absolutely necessary owing to the fact that
more than .iO per cent, of the inquiries received do not give
sufficient particulars.

The Macintosh Cable Co. Ltd., ITt;. Rice Lane. Walton.
Liverpool. — Pamphlet describing the Bowden-Thompson patent
system for the protection of electric cables.

The Metallic Seamless Ti-be Co.. Ltd. Wiggin Street,
Birmin,gham. — 64-page catalogue, giving illustrations, particulars,
and clearly-arranged prices of " Metallic " steel conduits and
fittings, enamelled and galvanised respectively. Copies may be
had by the trade on application.

The Electric Scction Cleaner Co., 56, Victoria Street,
London, S.W.— A 12-page pocket pamphlet, entitled "The Xew
Maid," tells a story — and a very attractive one, too — of war-time
("omestic difficulties, and how electricity solved them by the aid of
a "Clarissa" electric • housemaid, otherwise a "Premier" suction
cleaner.

Board of Trade Inquiries. — The B. of T. Commercial

Intelligence Branch ha« received applications from Home firms for
the n.ames of manufacturers and producers of electrolytic plant
for the manufacture of caustic soda ; also for machines for
cutting and pressing peat for fuel.

Electric Light Switching. — As the result of a recent
supplementary competition and examination on this subject, held
by Messrs. A. P. Lundberg 4: Sons, 0 Advanced, 30 Intermediate,
and 36 Preliminary Certificates have been awarded, the foremost
place b?ing gained by Mr. H. F. Ware, of Macclesfield. Though the
number of competitors is small compared with those in the recent
record examination, it is really good, considering the present
circumstances.

For Sale. — The Postmaster-General is offering for sale
certain plant and machinery at the Post Oflice Parcels Depot
Dublin.

The Receiver for the debenture-holders of the London Electron
Works Co., Ltd., is inviting offers for the sale by tender of the
land, factory, plant. i:c.. at Regent's Dock. E.

Messrs. Wheatley Kirk. Price & Co. will offer for sale by auction,
on August 22nd. the plant of the Holloway Electric Supply Co.,
Ltd. Particulars appear in our advertisement pages to-day.

Book Notices. — The Swedish Chamber of Commerce for
the United Kingdom (.5. Lloyd's Avenue, London. E.C.) has issued
a Tear Boole of the Chamber for 1915. It contains a copy of the
annual report, and articles on Swedish shipping during the war.
Swedish oversea steamship lines (with map), the Swedish route to
Russia (with map and plan), statistics of trade between the ITnited
Kingdom and Sweden during 1914, ice. There are anumber of trade
reports treating with the principal markets frr Swedish staple
articles in the United Kingdom from an individual point of view.
Innumerable charts are given, many of them showing the imports
and exports of the United Kingdom for different- classes of elec-
trical manufactures during five or six years prior to the outbreak
of war.

'■ Lektrik Schemas de Lumiere.'' is the title of a French trans-
lation of their " Lektrik Lighting Connections." which Messrs.
A. P. Lundberg & Sons, with characteristic enterprise, have just
issued (price-.l fr.). The contents, which have been adapted by

,M. R. Drilhon, one of the firm's advanced-grade certificate-holders,
are in substance identical with those of the English edition ; the
total number printed, including the French edition, is now no less
than 37,000 copies, a fact which speaks for itself.

The July issue of the Jownal of the Tramways and Light Rail-
ways Association contains a full report of the proceedings at the
recent annual congress of the Association.

Post Office Electrical Engineers' Jnurnal. Vol, IX. Part II.
July, 1916. London : H. Alabaster. Gatehouse &: Co. Price Is.

.-net.

■■ Programme for the Session 1916-17 " of the City and Guilds of
London Institute. Department of Technology." London : John

■ Murfay. -Price &d. net. .,..;■

^- -• ■ Tiie Slide Rule." By C. X. Pickworth. - Manchester : Elmmott

•'and C6. Price 2s. net. .

The British- Italian Corporation.— In the House of

.Commons, on Monday, according to the FhiancM Timeg Sir
_\rcMbald Wmiamson a^ked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he
was in a positioit to give any information with regard to the for-
mation of a company to promote the joint economic interests of
this coimtry and If aly. and if he could st.ate what financial assist-

; anc?. if ; nv. wais being provided by the British Government.

Jlr. McKenna. iu Jeply. gave particulars of the British-Italian
Corporation. Ltd., concerning which we gave details in our last
issue. He added that the British Government agreed to contribute
to tie company, by way of subsidy, during each of the first 10
years after its incorporation, an annual sum of £,50.000, or the
equivalent of 5 per cent, upon its paid-up capital if less than
1 1 .OOo.OtW. In consideration of the subsidy, the company agreed
to pay to the Government amounts equal to any dividend above a
cumulative dividend of 5 par cent, per annum which the directors

might distribute to the shareholders in any year after making:
such pro vision as t he directors might think desirable for bad and
doubtful debts and the establishment of a re-serve fund, until by
such means the Government h,ad l>een repaid (without interest) the
amount so received by the company by way of subsidy. He pro-
posed to ask Parliament to give covering authority for the subsidy
in the next Government War Obligations Bill. A company under
the style of the Compagnia Italo-Britannica would forthwith be
formed under Italian law, with a capital of 10.000.000 lire
(je400,00OX one-half of which is to be taken by the British
Italian Corporation and the other half by the Creilitu It.iliano and
its friends. (Jut of the nine directors of the Italian ooiniiany three
would he British. The two companies would work together in
close collaboration, and arrangements had been made by which
their interests would be as far as possible identified, except that
the subsidy of the British Government would naturally remain for
the benefit of the British company exclusively. The primary object
of the two companies is the development of economic relations
between the British Empire and Italy and the promotion of undertak-
iui s in thecommercial and industrial fields in Italy. They would carry
out banking and financi.al operations which did not necessarily
fall within the strict definition of banking as understood in this
country.

The questioner also asked Mr. McKenna whether he was pre-
pared to consider similar arrangements with respect to Russia,
and, according to the Mnininri Post, he was understood to assent.

New Building and Engineering Worlf.— In connection

with the new Order in Council restricting building and engineering
work above a certain value, without licence from the Ministry of
Munitions, it is explained that work which was in progress before
July 20th need not be stopped pending the granting of a licence.
Any building commenced before that date should be continued
until such time as a licence should be definitely refused. There
is no desire to restrict building unless a national purpose can
thereby be served. The principal purpose of the Ministry is to
limit the use of structural steel. A further purpose is to assist the
Ministry of Munitions iu obtaining such building labour as is
urgently required upon munition factories.

Trade Announcement.— Messes. Ward & Goldstone

desire to remind the trade that their London address is Albion
House, 59-61, New Oxford Street, W.C. ; Telephone Xo. : " Museum

2988."

Dissolutions and Liquidations.— Adxil Electric Co.,

Ltd. — August 16th is the last day for creditors to prove their
debts or claims. Mr, .J. H. Stephens, 6, Clements Lane, E.G.,
liquidator.

T. W. Thompson & Co., electrical engineers, Endyne Works,
Blissett Street, Greenwich. — Messrs. T. W. De Lasaux and E, J, V.
Pucknell have dissolved partership. Mr. De Lasaux, 39, London
Street, Greenwich, will attend to debts, &c.

LIGHTING AND POWER NOTES.

Australia. — A scheme for the electric lighting of
Murwillumbah (X,S.W.) has been approved by the Municipal
Council. Application will be made to the Government for per-
mission to borrow £7,480 for carrying out the scheme if the consent
of the ratep,ayers is obtained.

Two of the six 15-ton high-speed electric cranes to be installed
on the new wharf at X^ewcastle (X.S.W.) have been tested in posi-
tion. These are for coal shipping purposes, and the tests showed
a hoisting speed of 98 ft, per min., a slewing speed at 55 ft, radius
of 433 ft. per min., and a travelling speed of 134 ft. per min.
The cranes were manufactured by Messrs. Cowans, Sheldon & Co..
Carlisle, to' the designs of Mr. Percy Allan, Assistant Director-
General of Public Works.

A fire occurred recently at the Adelaide (S. Aust.) Corporation
electricity works at Jamestown ; the power house was completely
destroyed, also much of the plant.

In connection with the installation of an electrical pumping
plant at Bendigo (Victoria), for the drainage of certain portions of
the goldfields. arrangements have been made with the Electric
Supply Co.. of Victoria, for the supply of the necessary power. —
Tenders.

With, a view to testing the value of mountain streams for gene-
rating electric power,»the X.S.W. Government has in hand a' small
scheme at' Jenolan Caves. The work has been proceeding for some
time, and is now almost completed. The scheme is to provide lighting
for the Caves House, the caves and the various buildings, and to
provide power for heating , and other purposes.' r '" • ■ ^

Aldershot. — Years Workixg.— There was a deficit of
£204 on the working of the electricity tindertaking for the., year
ended JIarch 31st last, partly attributed to heavy law cftstp,
which had been met out of revenue. The total revenue tor the
twelve months amounted to £8,128, as against an expenditure of
£6,153. leaving a gross balance of £1,975. The units generated
totalled 676.220, an increase of 58,384,

Argentina. — -The "Inspeccion General de Rentas" ha,-<
been authorised to make arrangements with the Luz y Fuerza
and Anglo-Argentina Companies for the supply of electric
light at the port and dependencies of Parana and Concepcion del
Vrnsna,y resvectively.— -Bfrieicnf f he Rh'er plate.

Vol. 79. yo. 2.019. ArersT 4 i9in ] THE ELECTRICAL RE\TEW.

1-25

Barrow. — Proposed Loaxs. — The T.C. is to apply for
sanction to borrow £10,300 for electrical extensions in Walney
Island ; tenders are to be obtained for an electric lorry.

Bridlington. — Year's Working. — The annual report

lit .Mr. F. Ffrench, the deputy electrical engineer, tor 191.5-lii.
shows a gross revenue of £.5.766. as against £7.606 ; gross expendi-
ture amounting to £2.989. compared with £3.S-H : and a gross
profit of £2.776. as against £3.764. Interest and repayment charge.s
amounted to £4.077. leaving a deficit of £1.321. which will be
taken from reserve. During the year, the works have generated
260.000 units less than in 1913. and'l.50.000 le.ss than in the pre^-ious
year : the plant was closed down 15 times owing to war conditions.

Brighton. — Year's Working. — The detailed figures of

the Corporation electricity undertaking for 1915-16 show that a
deficit of £3.990 resulted on the year, as against a deficit of £ 1.354
io 1914-15. The total revenue amounted to £93.397. which was in
excess of the previous two years' revenues, and obtained on
9,336,639 units sold, as against" 10.214.436 units sold in 1914-15.
X considerable increase occurred in expenditure, and the gross
profit of £40.345 represented a drop of over £2.000 on the year.
Interest amounted to £17.760 and sinking fund to £24. 90S. leaving
the balance as shown. The coal bill increased by £9.000 to a total
of £25.760 (average cost now 32s. per ton), despite decreased,,
output and increased eificiency (3'83 lb. per unit sold as against
397 lb. in 1914-15). The deficiency is charged to the reserve fund.
Owing to the extinction of the public lamps, the ratepayers saved
some £ 7.000 dm-ing the year on that account, although the under-
taking had to meet capital charges on plant as usual.

Bury St. Edmunds. — Years Working. — Mr. S. E. Day.

the borough electrical engineer, in his report for the past year,
states that there has been a decrease in the units sold of 27 per
cent,, and that the demand for electricity for power purposes
exceeded that for lighting, being an increase of 17 per cent, over
1914-15. The cost of production was £3.089. and the income
£4.696. leaving a gross profit of £1.603. Mr. Day points out the
necessity for replacing either, or both, of the 60 KW. jrenerating
sets by a larger and more efficient unit. The new storage battery
has been working satisfactorily, and the reduction during the past
year of 406 tons of coal consumed is almost entirely due to its use.
The ■ free wiring scheme " inaugurated two years ago has been the
means of introducing electric light into premises which otherwise
would not have been secured, owing to the installation diflicnlty.

Chelmsford. — Street Lighting. — On condition that the
Electric Supply Co. withdraws opposition to the Covmcil's applica-
tion to extend for a year the option to pm-chase the undertaking,
the T.C. has decided to enter into a new four years' contract for
public lighting from April Ist. 1916. For such time as the lamps
are not used there is to be a yearly payment of £ 150. and there are
to be 14 500- watt " half -watt " lamps, instead of arc lamps, at £20
per annum each. 44 double lamps for street comers, and 190 single
lamps, at £3 155. each. From June Ist, 1915. to March 31st, 1916,
when no lamps were used, a payment of £275 is to be made. The
contract price for that period was £1.375.

Continental. — Spain. — Evidence of the progress in the
production and consumption of electricity in Spain is furnished by
the report of the Sociedad Hidroelectrica Espanola. for the year
1915. which shows that supply for lighting has undergone an
enormous increase. The company supplies Cartagena, .\licaute.
-ilcoy, Valencia and Madrid, and the output in 1915 was 103,254,203
tmits, contrasted with 96,7n7,646 units in the previous year. With
the object of increasing the hydroelectric production, a new intake
of water has been made on the River Guadazaon, a feeder of the
Gabriel, which will make it possible to regulate the production at
the Villora station. The available profits were 2.003.250 pesetas, the
dividend being 8 per cent,, and the carry over, 83,284 pesetas, after
allowing sums to sinking fund, reserve, and employes' compensation^

Darlington. — The Electricity and Light Railways Com-
mittee has under consideration the question as to whether the price
of electricity should be increased still further to meet the increase
in the cost of coal. The Committee has decided to make a trial of
seats for lady conductors on the tramway cars,

Ealing. — Price Increase. — The Corporation has decided
to raise the charges for electricity by 33J per cent, in September
next ; already the charge has been increased by 20 per cent.

French Indo-China. — An American Consulai- Report
mentions that only the important cities of Saigon, Cholon and
Pnompenh in the south, and Hanoi and Haiphong in the north, are
adequately supplied with electricity. The work is practically in
the hands of La Campagnie des Eaux et Electricite de I'lndochine,
a company with about 6.000,000 fr. capital. .\ plant of 5.(iOO h.P.
iit Co-iuan supplies lx)th Saigon and Cholon, and includes a
2,01)1 i-H.r. turbine and high-speed engines. Small plants exist at
ilytho. Battambong. Kompong-Cham. Kratie and Ventiane ; the
Pnompenh plant is of 615 KW. The Hanoi plant is of l.OOO KW.,
and the Haiphong plant of 1,200 H.P. There are a number of
private installations in use, and the Wolfram Co., of Tonkin, is
installing a 1.000-H.P. hydro-electric plant at its mine.

Heywood. — Year's Working. — The report of Mr. R. B.
Leach, the Corporation's electrical engineer, for the year ended
March 31st last, states that the total income was £8,365, against
£7,121 in the previous year. Iherewas a debit balance of £940.

plus £ 112 disallowed by the L.G.B. inspector at the last inquiry ■
against a debit balance of £927 in 1914-15. The cost of energy
purchased from the Bury Corporation was £1.714; and the units
purchased were 405,077 for lighting and power, and 392.805 for
traction, making, with the energy generated by the Council's plant,
a total of 1.776.497 units. The engineer estimated that, except for
the operation of the bulk supply scheme, the loss on the tinder-
taking would have exceeded £3,000. — Bury Guardian.

Ilford. — Refuse Destructor. — The U.D.G. has in-
structed the engineer to prepare specifications for aH.T. alternating
plant, with a view to utilising the steam at the refuse destructor.
The cost is stated to be about £ 7.000.

The Electricity Committee proposes to discontinue the discount
of 5 per cent, at present allowed on accounts in cases of prompt
payment. The electrical engineer has been instructed to communi-
cate with certain authorities regarding the B. of T.'s circular re coal
economy and inter- working.

India. — As expert opioiou from the Tata Electric
Works has been obtained to the effect that the city of Hyderabad
is very favourably situated for an electrical installation to be
worked by water power, the scheme wiU now be proceeded with.

The Darjeeling municipality proposes working out Mr. Stone-
bridge's hydro-electric scheme initiated by the late Mr. Robertson,
at a cost of more than 4 lakhs ; the power station will be established
at Singla. from where current will be supplied to Darjeeling town,
the neighbouring tea gardens and Kurseong, — Indian Engineering.

The Government of Bengal has appointed a Committee
to inquire into the rates charged for electric current in
Calcutta, and the general question of supply. It is composed of
the Hon. Mr. Y. Donald (president) and Mr. J. W. Meares. Electrical
.Adviser to the Government of India ; Mr. A. K. Taylor. Electrical
Inspector. Bengal ; and Mr. Hales. Registrar of Public Companies,
Bengal. — Indian Tertile Journal.

Keighley. — Year's Working. — The report of Mr.
Webber, the borough electrical engineer, contains as usual much
interesting information regarding the last year's working of the
electricity undertaking, which continues to make substantial pro-
gress. The bare figures show revenue amounting to £24.253 as
against £ 18.394 in 1914-15 ; a gross profit of £8.689 against £8,013.
and a net profit of £759 against £1.025 in 1914-15, this despite
increased coal cost and financial charges. The total output sold was
6.769,612 units, of which power absorbed over 6,000,000 units ;
the previous year's total was 4,942,850 units. Lighting units fell
from 311,482 to 280,513. and Mr. Webber mentions that lighting"
supply has only increased about 168,000 units in 10 years, while
power units have increased by 5,900.000 units dm-ing the same
time. The tramway supply, however, increased from 311,710 to
424.393 units, due to the railless trolley system being in full opera-
tion. Some 8.852 H.P. of motors (exclusive of tramways) are con-'
nected, and we note that 22 H.T. and 35 l.t. large power consumera

Keighley Load Curves, 1910, 1914, 1915 and 1916.

now have 5 or 10-year agreements with the department. The generat-
ing plant capacity was 4,750 KW.. but preparations are advanced for
installing a further 5.000-KW. turbo-alternator, which will have the
effect of reducing the present low capital cost per KW, of plant
installed, of £22 to £18. The maximum load was 3.148 KW., and
we note that the plant has been running night and day -n-ith prao-

126

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW, [voi 7>. xo. 2.019, AcGtsr j, i;mg.

ticallT no interruptions. The works and manafrement cost amouulii!
to o5d. per unit (an increase of O.Vi.'). and the " all-in " cost to
'8.?d. per unit ; the average price obtaine<l for supply was StSd. per
unit, and private supply (.which, in this case, practically means
power supply) pave an average revenue of 'Ti'd. per unit. Mr.
Webber advises the installation of an induced draught plant to
enable the five bi? boUers to {rive their full output ; he also men-
tions that negotiations are probable with the Yorkshire Power Co..
with a view to a linkingr-up scheme. Wo reproduce a set of load
curves for various years, which show concisely the excellent pro-
press made by this undertaking,

Keadby. — Electrically-operated Bridge. — A ret-ent

i.ssue of the Raihi-ay Gazette briefly describes the new Keadby
electrically-operated bridge, of the Scherzer rolling lift type,
which was brought into nse by the Oreat Central Railway Co. in
May last. The lifting span weighs about S.nOd tons, and is said
to be the heaviest bridge of the type constructed in Europe. The
bridge carries both a railway and roadway, and is provided with
a generating plant and battery houses on either side of the river,
one for working the bridge mechanism and one for supplying
the signal circuits which are interlocked with the latter.

Kendal. — Year's Working. — There was a gross profit
of iC."*!! and net loss of £390 on the working of the electricity
undertaking for the fwelve months ending March 31st last. The
units generated amounted to lt>7.29.':. and 139.403 were sold.
Notwithstanding the increased price of fuel, the cost per unit
generated was reduced from 2'42d. to 2'37d.

Liverpool. — The City Council has approved the recom-
mendation of the Electricity Committee that the provisions as to
minimum supply in Jlessrs. Lewis's agreement be waived until
12 months after the termination of the war, subject to the agree-
ment being extended for a corresponding period from that date.
Similar concessions have been made to the railway companies,

London. — Bethxal Ureen. — The Borough CounciFs
electric supply scheme is now nearing completion : as a matter of
urgency, and informally, the supply of electiicity was commenced
to a limited extent on June 19th.— /7«.vC Luntlon AilreHixei:

FcLHAM. — The B.C. has received the sanction of the L.C.C. to the
borrowing of £2. .500 for electricity purposes.

L.C.C. — The Finance Committee recommends the Council's sanc-
tion to the borrowing of i'3.728 by the Battersea B.C. for electricity
purposes, and £650 by the Hammersmith B.C. for the purchase of
a site for electricity purposes.

Manchester. — Rate Relief axd Ixcome-Tax.— The

large contributions of certain of the municipal trading depart-
ments to the relief of the rates are to form the subject of consider-
ation, notice having been given of a motion that, in riew of the
present high rate of income-tax, &c.. a Special Committee be
appointed to review the basis on which the Gas. Electricity.
Tramways and Markets Committees have hitherto contributed to
rate relief.

Merthyr Tydfil. — Street Lighting. — Owing to the
increased cost of fuel. kc. the Traction and Lighting Co. has
informed the T.C. that the price of energy for public lighting
will be increased by Jd. per unit on the contract price.

New Zealand. — Water Powers. — According to an

article in the Commonwealth Engineer, there are available in
New Zealand water powers of a total of 3,800,000 h,p., of
which .^.305.000 H.P. is in the South Island. Among the most
noteworthy powers in the latter may be mentioned Lakes
Te Anau (7.50,000 H.P.) and Manapouri (420,000 H.P.). both
on the seaboard ; Wakatipu Lake (500,000 H.P.), 140 miles
from Duuedin ; Tekapo Lake (400,000 H.P.), 40 miles from
Timaru, and Ohau Lake (250,000 h,p.). 52 miles from the same
town. There are also possible developments of 100.000 H.P. within
50 and 88 miles respectively of Invercargill and Christchurch.

Rickmansworth and Chorley Wood. — The B. of T.

has extended the provisional order for one year.

Rotherham.— Plaxt Extensioxs.— The T.C. is recom-
mended to extend the generating plant at the electricity works, at
an estimated cost of over £50.000.

Rowley Regis.— Price Ixcrease.— The U.D.C. has been
informed by the Midland Electric Corporation for Power Distri-
bution, Ltd.. that the charges for energy will be advanced by
10 per cent., a total increase of 20 per cent, since the war started.
The clerk is to advise the Council on the company's powers to make
the increase.

Salford. — An additional su])iily of energy is to be

given to the works of the Broughton Copper Co. The Electricity
Committee has given instructions that the two remaining recipro-
cating engine sets at the generating station shall be sold, and
the money realised credited to the depreciation and renewals fund.
The Committee has accepted the offer of Mr. J. Heaton to supply
2.000 tons of Tyldesley slack at 1 7s. I Id. per ton.

Sevenoaks. — The Electricity Co. luxs applied to the

U.D.C. for permission to run wiring for the supply of current to
small dwellings on the " fixed-price " system, and the Council has
decided to obtain information from Wimbledon, where a similar
plan has been adopted. .

Shipley. — Li.\kixg-i i- Proposal. — The Electricity
t'ommittee reported, with regard to the proposed linking-up with the
Bradford electricity undertaking, that from particulars submitted
it was thought that at present there was very little to be gained
by interconnection : definite figures had not been submitted, and
the Committee has deferred consideration pending its engineer's
report,

Watford. — Price Increase. — The Council has decided

to raise the flat rate for lighting to 5}d. as from the commencement
of the September quarter until December 31st, when the matter
will be reconsidered,

Willesden. — Year's Workixg. — The working of the

Council's electricity undertaking for the year ended March 31st
last, showetl a gross revenue of £37,r)4ti, and expenditure amounting
to £2(>,4t>3, leaving a gross profit of £11,182. Loan and other
charges amounted to £12.900, and the result was a deficit of
£I.27l>. as compared with the preWous year's deficit of i:3.094.
The output sold amounted to 4.829.979 units, or over HOO.Ooo units
in excess of 1914-15. The engineer estimates a surplus of £l.t>18
on the year ending March 31st next.

Wimbledon. — The chairman and \ ice-chairman of the
Electricity Committee, with the town clerk and the borough elec-
trical engineer, are to interview the L.G.B. respecting the Board's
refusal to sanction loans for mains, house-services, meters, and trans-
formers .since March 31st, 1915, The question of increasing the
price of electricity to ordinary consumers has been referred to the
Standing Sub-Committee for consideration.

Worthing. — The T.C. has decided to have a Diesel engine
at the electricity works fitted for the use of tar oil as well as
petroleum residue. The cost is placed at £ 2(i9.

TRAMWAY and RAILWAY NOTES.

Australia. — North Shore Railway Electrification.
- The Deputy Chief Commissioner of Railways in New South
Wales, in replying to a deputation, foreshadowed an early start in
connection with the electrification of the Baukstown and Milson'g
Point-Hornsby lines. The Commissioner considered that funds
would be available shortly for a start to be made, and stated that
the Railway Department desired that a fair mileage of line might
be in operation electrically before the opening of the City Railway,
so that it might serve as a training ground for the staflt which
would be required for operating the more complex system within
the city. — Si/iliiet/ Ddilij Telegraph.

Victorian Subcbbax Railway Electrification.— Owing to
the difficulty over the fulfilment of the electrification contracts,
some of which are under negotiation for transference, and in
view of the magnitude of the interests, the Government has
authorised Mr. E. B. Jones, one of the Commissioners, to proceed
to London to interview the Agent-General. Mr. Merz. and the
contractors with a view to deciding on the course of action to be
followed in the best interests of the State and of the electrification
scheme. Any course of action recommended by Mr. Jones will
be subject to the concurrence of the Government.

Bradford. — Electric Vehicles. — The Corporation is

applying for permission to borrow £3.700 for the purchase of three
electric tipping wagons.

Continental. — Fraxce. — A new electrie tramway line
from Neuilly to Suresnes. ria Puteaux. in the department of the
Seine, has just secured official approval as a work of "public
utility."

Holland. — An American Consular report says that an electric
railway is proposed from Amsterdam through the " Zaanstreek." a
district traversed by the River Zaan. Fourteen towns will be
joined by this new electric road. Its length and other particulars
are not yet definitely settled.

Another new electric line is projected in the Provinces of
Groningen and Drenthe. extending from the city of Groningen
some 20 miles southward and touching several prosperous towns.
As at present planned, the project will cost about £100.000. Both
freight and passenger oars will be operated.

Switzerland. — An electric railway lately opened at Lenkerbad.
in Canton Valars, was begun in 1912. The line is 12j km. in length,
and is constructed on the rack system.

Halifax. — Loax Sanction. — The Tramways Committee

has received a letter from the Treasury agreeing to the borrowing
of £2,700 for extensions at the tramcar depot. Skircoat Road,

India. — Works are to be carried out on Chamundi Hill,

Mysorf. for a sanatorium. In this connection an electric tramway
to the top of Chamundi is to he put in hand. The project is to be
on similar lines to the Hong-Kong tramway, electrical power being
used, so that before long this will be one of the most delightful
attractions of Mysore City. It will represent a rapid climb of
1,000 ft. in roomy cars on the same principle as the line over the
bluff at the Sivasamudram Falls. — Indian Engineering. - - - ■

Vol. 79. Xo. 2,019, August 4, 1916.;

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

127

Ilford. — Halfpenny Fares. — The manager of the

tramways undertakinpr has reported in favour of the abolition of
the halfpenny fare ; he points out that the receipts have not
increased in proportion to the expenditure ; the reserve fund is
totally inadequate for future needs, and a loss is made on every
halfpenny passen<jer carried. The manag'er is also of opinion that
the undertaking- has nothing- to fear from the 'bus company con-
tinuing- halfpenny fares : their schedule, the manager points out,
will be ruined, and their long'-distanoe passengers crowded out,
therefore they will be bound to follow the Council's lead,

London. — L.C.C. Tramways and War Service. —
The Highways Committee has reported on the services rendered by
the Council's tramways in connection with the war ; the redistri-
bution of the services has been of the greatest assistance to the
large numbers of workers engaged in certain industries of national
importance. More than 11 j millions of passengers are being
carried weekly by the Covmcil's cars, the majority of whom use
the tramcars in connection with the industry and commerce of
London, aud for travelling to factories in vaiious parts of the area.
In the Woolwich .section in July, 1914, before the war, the maxi-
mum number of cars arriving at a certain point during the busiest
half -hour -n-as 41 ; this number has now been increased to 86. an
addition of 110 per cent. The number of cars arriving at the same
point each day before the war was 97.5, the number is now 1,59.5,
an increase of over 63 per cent. During the busiest hour to-day
accommodation is provided for 13,68S people, compared with 4,094
before the war, an increase of over 234 per cent. The accom-
modation provided by motor-omnibuses in this district, compared
with that provided before the war, shows only a slight increase.
To meet the present additional services the tramways sub-station
at Woolwich has been enlarged, and additional cables installed ;
one section of the tramway track has been doubled, and at three
additional points further doublings are in progress.

To-day 1.072 women conductors are employed on the Council's
cars ; the services of officers and employes have been lent to the
Government for national work ; substantial allowances have been
made to the men enlisting involving a charge of over 36168,700.
which will be increased to over .£260,(100 by the end of the current
financial year, if the war continues untQ March 31st, 1917.

The Highways Committee has recently received a report from its
consulting engineers pointing out that to supply the new turbine
plant it will be necessary to fit 10 boilers at the power station
with larger grates. This will also enable a cheaper class of fuel to
be used, and the Committee considers that an experimental instal-
lation should be made on four boilers immediately. The cost of
the complete scheme is e,stimated at J6 .5,000, which, it is expected,
will be justified by the saving in chea|)er fuel,

Halfpexxv Fares. — The Highways Committee has been in com-
munication with the Leyton and West Ham Councils on the
question of halfpenny fares, -n-hich these Councils wish to
abolish. The Committee has agreed to negotiate on the matter,
which affects through running arrangements.

The Highways Committee recommends that application be made
to the B. of T. for an extension of the time allowed for the con-
struction of tramways authorised, and which have not been
commenced, the powers for which will expire in August, 1917,

Woolwich. — The L.C.C. is to be informed that the Council is
prepared to re-open negotiations for the laying of a double line of
tramway track between Beresford Square aud Parry Place, Plum-
stead, provided the County Council agrees to carry out the neces-
sary street -widenings within one year of the conclusion of peace,

Middlesbrough. — Tramway Purchase Inquiry. -The

Gleneral Purposes Committee of the Corporation has had under
consideration the position -with regard to the local tramway — the
powers of the Imperial Tramways Co, expiring in 1918 — and has
appointed a Sub-Committee to go into the -whole question, and
report to the Council as to the advisability of giving the company
six months' notice of its intention to acquire the undertaking,

Newcastle. — Wages. — The Tramways Committee, last
week, refused to grant its employes an advance of 2s. per week, on
the ground that the chang-e suggested would interfere with the
arrangement ratified by the Committee on Production. The tram-
waymen have accordingly decided to apply to the Committee on
Production for an increase of wages of .5s. per week for all grades
not catered for by skilled workmen's organisations, and also for
women to be placed on the same wage basis as men.

North London Railway Electrification. — Further success-
ful trial runs have been made over the recently electrified section of
the Xorth London Raihvay Co.'s system between Broad Street and
Richmond : electric trains are to commence running on October 1st,
and to save 15 minutes on the old time table.

Portsmouth. — Year's Profit. — The Corporation tram-
way undertaking secured a net profit of over £21,000 during the
year ended March last ; £13,000 is to be given to-wards rate relief.

Wolverhampton. — Year's Working. — The accounts of

the tramway undertaking tor the year ended March 31st last show
a gross profit of -t 24,893, To this has been added the balance of
sE 1 ,4.59 ou the motor char-a-banc account, making a total of
£20,353. which has been disposed of as follows : — Interest, £6,666 ;
income-tax. £518 ; loans, £5,346 ; renewals account, £5,141 ;
additions and improvements. £1,685; cost of repair work in
I91(;-17 (work suspended during 1915-16, amount carried forward),
£2.477: in aid of . .borgugh.. rate,. £4,018. The number of

passengers carried during the twelve months shows an increase
of just over a million, although the number of miles run shows a
falling off of 24,718.

Wallasey. — Wares. — The proposed increases to the tram-
way drivers and conductors were confirmed at a meeting of the T.C.,
on July 27th, and an amendment that the women conductors should
also share in the higher rates was defeated by a large majority.

TELEGRAPH and TELEPHONE NOTES.

Bolivia. — Radiotelegraphic communication has lieen
experimentally established between Belem (Brazil) and Riberalta
(Bolivia). — Jotirnal THegrajyh'iqve.

Canada. — Four new cables have been laid in the Bays

of Passamaquoddy and Fundy, from Eastport (Maine) to the
Canadian Isles of Deer. Grand Manan. and Campobello, — T. and T.
A,je.

German Wireless Communications. — Wireless traffic

between the United States and Germany, which has been inter-
rupted during the past month owing to atmospheric disturbances,
has been reopened,

Russia. — In the Government's Budget for the ciurent
year, provision is made for the expenditure of a sum of 5,140,000
roubles on the erection and repair of telegraph lines, as against
4,116,000 roubles in 1915, Similarly, the provision for the erection
and repair of telephone lines has been increased from 2,890,000
roubles to 3,325,000 roubles.

Telegraph Construction Bill. — The first clause of the

Telegraph I5iU recently introduced into the House of Commons
gives the Postmaster-General increased power to erect poles on. and
carry lines over, private property, and the London County Covmcil,
considering that its rights as an owner of property would be
seriously prejudiced, has decided to oppose the passage of the Bill.
The Bill passed its second reading on '\Vednesday,

Time Signals. — The United States Naval Observatory

states that the difference in the time signal between the Isthmus
of Panama and the Arlington station is about '02 second, and there
is a lag of 027 second between the Isthmus and Key West, the
latter being due to the various relays used in the commercial
telegraph lines over which the signal comes from the Observatory,
The error in the time signal sent from the radio stations is usually
less than 01 second. — T. and T. Age.

Trans-Pacific Wireless. — With the satisfactory conclu-
sion of the official tests between the high-power wireless stations at
Funabashi, Japan, and Honolulu, the trans-Pacific scheme of
wireless intercommunication is now complete. This service,
stretching across some 6,300 miles of ocean, will be conducted
between Ftmabashi and San Francisco, the station at Honolulu
acting as a relay. The ser-vice between San Francisco and Honolidu
has been in operation for some months. The Honolulu-Funabashi
section, which has just received official approval, spans an interval
hundreds of miles greater than the distance between Berlin aud
Xew York.

Wireless Direction- Finder.— According to the Electrical

M'oild. the U.S.A. Bureau of Standards has developed a simple
apparatus for determining the direction of origin of wireless
signals, of great sensitiveness, and less affected than ordinary
apparatus by atmospheric conditions and by waves emanating from
other stations. The device is used indoors and has no antenna, no
earth connection, and no communication with the exterior. Besides
its use on board ship for determining the direction of a lighthouse
or lightship equipped with wireless apparatus, it is suitable for
military purposes as a receiver, being perfectly portable, and can
be used for determining the position of amateur wireless stations
which fail to observe the regulations, and thus interfere -with
official messages.

CONTRACTS OPEN and CLOSED.

OPEN.

Australia. — Svdnky. — August 2-ith. P.M.G. Auto-
matic switchboard and apparatus for North Sydney Exchange.
Schedule No. 511.*

September 20th. N.S.W. Government Railways. One 50-ton
electrically-operated overhead travelling craue for Zara Street
power house, Newcastle. October 11th, One motor-driven air
compressor for Zara Street power house. Electrical Engineer. 61,
Hunter Street,

Perth, — October 4th. Deputy P.M.G. Telegraph and telephone
measuring instruments and parts. Schedule 501 W,A.'

Barking. — August 15th. Electricity and Tramways
Committee. Cables, switchgear, and transformers. See " Official
Notices" J[uly 28th, - . . . '-

128

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW. tVol. 7?.. Xo. 2.OI!., August 4, 191H,

Castlebar. — August .ith. r.D.C Street lighting liv
electricity. Clerk to the Council.

France. — August 18th. The State Railway authoritie.'*

in Paris require an electric transjwrter for loeomotires nt Va'ug^irarrt
depot.

Glasgow. — The Civile Xavigation trustees have decided
to invite tenders for three 10-ton electric cranes and jrralis.

London. — L.C.C. — The Highways Committee reeommends
that tenders be invited for the provision of additional switchgenr
reqnrred in connection with the third new turlio-grenerator at the
Greenwich peneratinjr station, and that the chairman and \'ice-
chairman be severally authorised durin? the summer recess, 191fi, to
open any tenders that may be received for the work.

New Zealand. — IxvERrARGiLL. — .September 28^1.
Borough Council. Steam turbo-alternator, condensinpr plant, and
switchgear. Specifications from the Tramway Office. Contract
No. 40.*

DUXEDIX. — September 6th. City Council. Oil filterin-r and
flrying plant. Plans and particulars from City Electrical Engineer.
— fi'eir ZealiDid Sliippimt nnd Commerce.

Rochdale. — August nth. Electricity Committee. Steam
coal. Mr. C. C. Atchison. Engineer and Manager, Dane Street.

St. Asaph. — August 16th. Guardians of St. Asaph
Union. Renewal of accumulators. See " Official Xotices " to-day.

Spain- — August 29th. Municipal authorities of Porzuna
(Province of Ciudad Real). Concession for the electric lighting of
the town for 30 years.

September 1st. The Departmento de Fomento and the Man-
comunidad de Cataluna. at the Palacio de la Generalidad, Barcelona.
Establishment of intenirbau telephone lines between GranoUers
and Vich. and also between Igualada. Santa Coloma and Vallfogona.

Tenders are also about to be invited for the establishment of inter-
urban telephone lines between Crida, Balaguer. Trerap and Sort,
and between Jlanresa. Cardona and Solnoma.

.Specifications for the items marked * can be seen at the Board
of Trade Commercial Intelligence Branch in London.

CLOSED.

. Australia.— The following tenders have been accepted : —

P.M.G.'s Department. Queensland :—
One Gardner oil engine and generator ; Phcenix dynarao, .£237 ; power
board, £145: 330 Chloride accumulatorg, 65 a. h. capacitv. f 415.— tTnited
Electric Light Co., Ltd.

P.M.G.s Department, South Australia : —
Two motor-driven Wheatstone transmitters,
Gutta-Percha & Telegraph Works Co., Ltd.
One common battery multiple switchboard
(Australia), Ltd., £5,449.

P.M.G.'s Department. West Australia :—
Twelve miles twisted pair O.S. distributing wire, f 281.— W
Co. (Australia), Ltd.

P.M.G.'s Department. Victoria : —

Four tons Wheatstone tape, £464.— Creed, Btlle & Co., Ltd.
Victoria. State Coal Mine : —

£99 lOs.— India-Rubber,
- Western Electric Co.

Manchester. — The following tenders for stores, Aro.,
required by the Electricity Committee during the ensuiusj 12 munthi,
have been accepted : —

Asbestos sheeting.— Bell's United Asbestos Co., Ltd.

Rubber insulated cables.— W. T. Glovor & Co., Ltd.

Paper iusulated cables.— Western Electric Co., Ltd.

Earthenware bridpes.— Doulton & Co., Ltd.

Electrical accessories.— General Electric Co., Ltd.

Incandescent and radiator lamps.— British Thomson Houston (^o.. \ \A.

Radiator lamps.— Dowsing Radiant Heat Co., Ltd.

Cable protectors.— Doulton & Co., Ltd.

Tape. L. Andrew A Co., Ltd.

Paper sleeves tape.- W. T. Glover A Co., Ltd.

Bitumen tape and linen tape.— W. T. Henley's Telegraph Worlc;. Co., I.td.

Rubber strip.— C. Macintosh & Co., Ltd.

Service bo.\es.— Hardy & Padmore, litd.

Transformers. "British Electric Tmnsformor Co., Ltd.

Trifurcating boxes.— W. Lucy A Co., Ltd. ; British InsuIaK'd \ HrUlv,-
Cables, Ltd.

Rubber-covered wire- Liverpool Electric Cable Co., Ltd.

Flexible cables.— C. Macintosh & Co., Ltd.

Copper binding wire and fuse wire.- .\. F. Goodwin A Co., Ltd.

Tin fuse wire.— British Insulated A Helsby Cables, Ltd.

Tubing and accessories.— Brotherton Tubes A Conduit, T*td.

Recorder paper.— EIco Recording Press.

Stoker links.— Babcock A Wilcox (three months onlv.

Hellesen cells.- A. H. Hunt.

Varnish.— Pinchin, Johnson A Co.

Nickel-chrome wire and strip.- H. Wiggins A Co., I<td.

Armature wire.— W. N. Brunton & Son.

Enamelled wire.— Connolly Bros., Ltd.

Box compound and bettitetape. — Callender'sCable A Constriirtinn Co., Idd.

Boiler tubes. — British Mannesmann Co., litd.

Cable troughing.— Coalbrookdale Co., Ltd.

L^on jointing and packing. — J. Walker A Co., Ltd.

Air-cooled transformer.— British Electric Transformer Co.. Ltd.

Cable.— British Insulated A Helsby Cables. Ltd. : C. Macintosh A Co., \A>\.

250-Kw. and 500-kw. transformers.— Ferranti, Ltd.

Five 1,000-Kw. transformers.— Ferranti, Ltd.

Coal unloading plant. — Hydraulic Engineering Co., Chef^tpv, with limnnt to
sublet turntable to Dick, Kerr A Co.. Ltd.

Valves.— tJ. Hopkinson A Co., Ltd.

Low^-pressure circulating water pipes. — Aiton A Co., Ltd.

Oswestry. — For electrical installation at the new Arcade
Theatre. W. H. Kay. Blackpool (accepted).

Salford. — The following tenders have been accepted by

the Electricity Committee for the supply of materials dnrinjr th'^
period ending March 31t^t, next :—

J. Heaton.— 2000 tons of Tyldesley slack.

Le Carbone. — Motor carbon brushes, £100.

Reason Manufacturing Co., Ltd. — Maximum demand indicators, £,U).

L. Andrew A Co.— Cable accessories, £76.

Dussek Bitumen Co.^Joint box compound. £16.

North British Rubber Co.— Rubber overshoes and rubber caps for cable;..

Basendale A Co., Ltd. — Steam tubes and fittings.

.Job Holland A Co.— Engine oil, £36.

J. Cookson, Ltd.— Waste, sponge cloths, Ac, £90.
The offer of the British We.«tinghouse Co. to supply a I.OmO-kas'.
rotary converter and transformer, has also been accepted.

The Tramways Committee has accepted the tender of Messrs. J.
Russell and Sons, Ltd., for 40 tramway poles, at £12 17s. 2d. per
pole.

Wolverhampton. — Electricity Committee : —

H. Morris, Ltd.— Forty-ton travelling crane, £1,450.

J. E. Perry & Son.— Steel chimney at the electricity works, £540.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS.

Nortb of England Institute of Mining nnd Meclianical Engineers.—

Saturday, .\ugust 5th. At 2 p.m. -\t the Wood Memorial Hal!, Newcastle-
on-Tyne. Annual general meeting.

Metropolitan Board of Water Supply and Sewerage. Sydney ; —
Electric motor for Prospect & Sherwood pumping plant, £580. —
N. Gathridge, Ltd.— r«rdfr«.

Barrow-in-Furness. — Accepted tenders : —

Switchgear.— Ferranti, Ltd., £185.

Sub-station sn-itchgear.— British Thomson-Houston Co., Ltd., £470 and

£239.
Rotary converter.— British VVestinghouse Co., Ltd., £735.
Overhead crane.— Herbert Morris, Ltd., £68.
Sub-station at Walney Island.— Mr. J. Neal, £530.

Bolton. — Tramways Committee. Hadfields. Ltd.. for
points and crossings.

Bradford. — Tramways Committee. Messrs. Clay and
Atkinson" are to continue- to supply phosphor bronze castings until
DecemI5?-r3l5t next, at an increase of iid. perlb. on the schedule
price. - -

China. --^ According to the North China Daily Xeivs,
Messrs. Anderson Meyer & Co., Ltd., have received an order to
supply a complete lig-hting: plant for Urg.T, the capital of Outer
Mongolia. The engines are to be delivered by the British firm.
Messrs. Reader k Co., while the boilers are to be supplied by Messrs.
Babcock & Wilcox, of the United States, and the electrical etjuipmeat
by'the General Electric Co.. of the United States.

Kendal. — Electricity Committee : —

Wigan Coal & Iron Co.— Twelve months' supply o{ not more than 150 tons
of best Arley'nuts, at 23s. 6d. and 24s. 6d. pel ton according to the place
of delivery ; the rest to be John washed nuts, at 22s. 7d. and 23s. 7d. per
ton.

Londott>— FuLHAii. — The B.C. is recommended to accept
the offer of Messrs. Cory Bros., to supply 2, .500 tons of small Welsh
DyU»s doal, at 266. 9d. per ton for thfe Electricity Depajtroent.

NOTES.

Electrolytic Iron. — In a paper read before the Amkeicax
Electrochemical Society. Mr. O. Vi. Storey states that electrolytic
iron, when deposited by the usnal methods, is brittle, due to the
hydrogen present. In this form it can be easily broken into small
pieces, and even ground into a powder. By heating the iron to a
red heat the hydrogen is driven off. and the iron becomes ductile,
the ductility increasing with the temperature of annealing.

Brittle electrolytic iron, as deposited, is highly soluble in acids,
being much more readily soluble than zinc. Annealing the iron
makes it become more resistant to acid attack than ordinary irons
and -steels. This property of the brittle iron has resulted - in the
suggestion that it can be used for the manufacture of hydrogen by
acid attack, in place of zinc, and other forms of iron.

The brittleness of the iron and its purity make it an ideal
material for melting in crucibles, the hydrogen content having the
additional virtue of forming a reducing atmosphere. The brittle-
ness also allows it to be readily broken into small pieces for
introduction into the crucilile.

The high purity of the iron makes it possible for it to be used in
competition with Swedish iron, and at approximately the same
cost. It may also be used for pharmaceutical purposes as a ba.se
for compounds, of which iron is a constituent. Here again its
purity is of value.

The much-suggested use of electro-deposited iron for electro-
magnetic purposes appears to be ' becoming of commercial import-
ance. While the magnetic qualities of ' electrolytic iron seem to be
superior to those of the commtrcial si icon I'ror. s, its high
electrical conductivity counteracts this f avoiirable. propert.y.

Vol. 79. m 2,019, ArorsT J, 1916.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

129

Electrolytic iron is used as a basis for scientific experimental
work on the various properties of iron where the purest aTailable
iron is needed to secure the most accurate data. It is also used as a
basis for " pure iron " alloys.

The materials that have been pnxluced. and which seem to give
the most promise for direct protluction without further mechanical
working-, are sheets and tubes. By producing these directly by
deposition in siich a manner as not to require further operations, it
would be possible to make thin sheets and tubes of great uniformity.
In tubes having thin walls, made by mechanical processes, these
often vary in thickness, and it is hoped that this defect wall be
overcome by making them electrolytically.

The cost of producing electrolytic iron on a large scale, according
to Mr. C. F. Burgess, the plant being of 1,000-KW. capacity, with an
output of 8,(;40 tons per year of 360 days, would be about $10 per
ton of refined iron. This is believed to be a liberal estimate. The
operating costs, however, do not include interest on investment.

The cost of raw material is taken at S20 per ton, thus making
the cost of the electrolytic iron approximately §30.

Electricity in Agriculture (Californian Data). — A recent

issue of the Jminml i>f Elerti-icity. Pmrei- and Gas recorded some
data regarding the agricultural use of power, supplied by the Mt.
Whitney Power and Electric Co., California. This shows that of
a total of 2.505 motors of 17.500 H.P.. some 1,666 motoi-s of
14,316 H.P. were used tor agricultural purposes, and in view of the
fact that the domestic use was largely on farms, and that the
industrial use was mainly for packing and canning factories, over
90 per cent, of the load was directly connected with agriculture.
A total area of 67,-181 acres was irrigated by pumps. In 1914. 54 per
cent, of the load was supplied under a flat rate of S50 per h.p. per
year ; 18 per cent, on a meter rent with a minimum of f24 per h.p.

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per year, and 14'5 per cent, on a meter rate with a minimum
monthly charge ol 81 per H.P. of installed capacity.

Farmers usually install as small a plant as possible for continuous
operation, in order to reduce the bill, which depends on the
maximum rate of use ; the ratio of the average demand to the
rated capacity of pumping motors is 943 per cent., and the average
consumption per h.p. installed is 3,595 Kw.-hrs. per year, repre-
senting a price of 1.39 cents per KW,-hr. to the farmer. It may
be noted that in the cases of Citrus and Alfalfa, from four to six
acres per H.P. were irrigated, and the average farm bill per year
was $340 to 8539.

The flat Cor fixed) rate charge secures the company's revenue in
bad years. There is an average of two consumers per mile of dis-
tribution line, which line costs the company S300 per consumer.
' Not more than one mile of extension is made to secure a "i-H.P.
motor, and this rule has resulted in a service density of 13 H.P. per
mile of primary distribution line.

Thin- Plate Batteries for Reserve Service. — With the

advent of large generators and boilers, the capacity of which can
be greatly increased by forced draught, the necessity for battery dis-
charge on the peak loads has diminished, so that now storage bat-
teries- are usually employed only for emergency reserve. At the
present time the use of the long-lived and comparatively small-
capacity batteries formerly employed has been discontinued, and a
shorter-lived and higher-capacity type has been adopted by the Xew
York Edison Co. The first experimental battery of this type was
installed in; the Thirty-ninth Street station in 1908.

It was decided to adopt 14/64 in. and 12/64 in. as the standard
thicknesses for emergency-service positive plates and negative
plates resi^eotrvely. The capacity of the 14/64 in. positive plate,
which is 15 -in, wide and 31 ia. long, is 150 amp. for one hour.

By adopting these plate thicknesses for central-station service
a distinct gain is made in the amount of battery capacity that
can be installed in a given space, since at the emergency rate of
discharge, the capacity obtainable with a pasted-plate battery is as
much as three times as great as from a Manchester-Box tj-pe battery
occuijying the same space. Another advantage accruing from the
adoption of the pasted-plate battery is that interruption of electric
ser\-ice is made a more remote possibility.

The batteries installed on the New York Edison Co.'s system will
cany the yearly peak load of the direct-cun-ent system for about
.seven minutes, which would ordinarily be long enough to correct
any trouble which might happen to all the generating stations.
As the yearly peak load exist* for only a few hours, the ratio of
battery capacity to load is much larger than stated during the
greater part of the year.

The regulating or end-cell switches are located in a "separate
room immediately in front of the battery room, copper bars being
run from the end cells to contacts on the switches. Foiu: end-cell
switches are provided with each battery, two for each side of the
three- wire system, so that if one switch should fail to operate, the
battery would not be disabled. The two switches on each polarity
are normally operated in parallel.

A booster set is used in conjunction with each battery for
charging purposes ; each booster is connected in series with the
station bus to produce -a voltage high enough to charge the battery.
Extending over all the cells is a special bus to which leads may be
clamped for charging the individual cells. Whenever the battery
is being charged, ventilating apparatus is employed to change all
the air in the battery room once every ten minutes. The
apparatus consists of a motor-driven exhaust fan and acid elimi-
nator. The acid eliminator neutralises the acid fumes liefore dis-
charging them into the atmosphere.

Capacity of Batteries Employed by Xew York Edisos Go.
TO Ensure Reliable Service.

Total ampere-hours ... 373.800

„ , . . . . , . r Waterside No. 1 and No. 2 ... 4
Batteries m service at present | g„b.stations 44

Total ... 48

Total ampere rating of sub-station batteries for one^hour 357,800

., seven min. 1,311,200

The practice of holding all batteries in reserve for emergencies
is universal throughout the system. With the exception of weekly
charges and test discharges which are made at intervals of three
months on each battery, all batteries float on the system con-
tinuously in readiness to take any load that may be thrown upon
them, incidentally, the batteries regulate the voltage and assist
the balancer to furnish some of the unbalanced current in the
three-wire system, especially at times of short-circuits on one side
of the system. The weekly charging and test discharging are per-
formed from 12 o'clock midnight to 8 a.m., when the load is
lightest, or at a time when the battery to be charged or tested rday
be taken oflf the system without lessening the protection to the
consumer.

The weekly charging of each battery is of about one hour's
duration, and is for the purpose of determining the state of charge
of the battery generally and giving the inspector opportimity for
examining each cell for trouble, such as a low condition of charge
due to iaternal or external short-circuits.— Philip Torchio. in the
Electrical World (abstract).

Iron and Zinc in German Electrical Work. — A little

light on the cost of the metals used in Germany in substitution
for copper was recently shed by W. Weehinannin the course of a
paper read before the Association of (Jerman Mechanical Engineers.
As is well known, -the electrical engineers in that country have
had recourse to iron and zinc, owing to the comparative scarcity^of
copper for industrial purposes, and rules for the use of these metals
were approved some time ago by the Union of Electrical Engineers,
as previously mentioned in this journal. The author of the paper
in question points out . that in consequence of the greater cross
section of the iron which is needed, the cost of an iron . conductor
is 20 per cent, greater than that of a copper conductor in order to
obtain the same conductance for short distances, whilst in the case
of long distances, where the cross section is so thick that the iron
conductor has to be made in the form of a stranded cable, the
difference in the price is much -greater. This comparison relates
not to existing conditions, but .to. the normal prices which prevail
in peace periods. Special precautions have- to be taken to prevent
the rusting of the conductors, and soldering of the wire has
.strictly to.be avoided., joints, and branches being effected by- means
of clamps. In the case of zinc conductors, particular measures
have had to be adopted in the rollinganddra.ving of the wires,
the jointing of .which has also to be carried out with clamps
instead of with solder ; but the wires, cannot be used in exposed
positions — that is, in the open air. As. compared with prices
in times of peace, the cost of ziac conductors is stated to be abo.ut
equal to that of copper conductors of the same cross section. But
as the conductivity of zinc is about 30 per cent, of that of copper,
the zinc conductors are considerably dearer. .

The question of electrical machinery was also discussed by .the
author, who remarked that zinc conductors could be utilised in
machinery, especially in magnet coils. Motors which have a zinc
winding, however, have an efficiency of only 60 to 70 per cent, of
that of machines having copper coils, although it is claimed
that the output of the latter can be reached by increasing the
speed of the zinc coil machine by 10 per cent. Transformers
have a yield from 50 to 60 per cent, of that of transformers. pro-
vided with copper coils. From the rules laid down ■&/ the

130

THE ELECTKICAL RE^^EW. [voi. i:k xo, 2,019, auoust 4, hug.

Union it would appear that machines up to a fairly larg^e size
can be made with zinc windings. A further matter in con-
nection with the comparative scarcity of copper is the fact that
machines which were constructed some 1.5 or 20 years ago
contained substantially more copper than those which were
being built immediately before the war. The recognition of
this circumstance has led to the idea of substituting new machines
for old, with the object of recovering a large quantity of the
copper. One large firm, for instance, is reported to have obtained
H to 7 tons of copper in this way from the dismantling of tiii
transformers which were constructed 1.") years ago ; and a large
quantity of copper can also be derived from switchboard installa-
tions. Not only so, but the reorganisation of a com])lete instal-
lation is capable of yielding copjicr. as has teen shown by the con-
version of that at the Lehrte railway station from the two-wire 100-
volt direct-current system to the three-wire three-phase system.

The problem whether the use of the present metal substitutes
will l)e continued after the conclusion of the war has alreatly lieen
answered by the comparisons of cost previously given, which are
wholly in favour of copper. At the same time, it is considered
that iron and zinc will remain in use for high-pressure branch
conductors which carry a light load, while the question whether zinc
would offer advantages for the manufacture of cables for very high
pressures has yet to be investigated, similarly to the inquiry which
formerly led to the use of aluminium for this purpose.

Inquiry. — The electrical ensrineer of Fleetwood, Mr.W. H.
Miller, would like to hear from other station engineers of a good
serviceable lock for slot meters. The address of the maker of the
"Tourtel '" lock would also be useful.

Institution and Lecture Notes. — The Institution of

Electrical Engineers. - .V cunference has taken place between the
Electricity Supply Committee of the I.E.E. and the Joint Com-
mittee of the I.JI.E.A. and the Incorporated Association of Electric
Power Companies, with regard to co-operation between the
Committees. These Committees are constituted as follows : —
I.E.E. Committee :
R. A. Chattock (Chairman^ G. W. Partridge,

C. P. Sparks (President I.E.E.), T. Roles.
('. H. Merz, g -^ Pearce ^' ^- Woodhouse.

Joint Committee of the I.M.E.A. and I.A.E.P.C.
I.M.E.A. I.A.E.P.C.

.T. H. Bowden. W. A. Chamen (Chainnanl,

R. A. Chattock, .T. 8. Highfield.

W. W. Lackie. C. H. Merz,

S. L. Pearce. D. A. Starr.

H. Faraday Proctor A. D. Turckheim

(e.e o/fii-io). - (ej' officio').

T. Roles, W. B. Woodhouse.

In order to avoid overlapping and to ensure co-operation and
co-ordination, two members common to both Committees have been
delegated as intermediaries, so that the two committees will be in
continuous touch with each other's work.

It has been agreed that the I.E.E. Committee will devote its
attention to the question of Electricity Supply from the point of
view of the requirements of the country as a whole, and will deal
with the engineering aspect of the matter, while the Joint Com-
mittee will go into more immediate questions of organisation and
linking-up of existing undertakings, kc.

It will be seen from the above that the work of both Committees
is of national importance.

Natal Engineers' Association Mr. John Roberts, the first

chairman of the Engineering Section of the Xatal Society for the
Advancement of Science and Art, in his inaugural address dealt
with " The Engineer in his Relation to Business," and referring to
the saying that a man might be a good engineer, but was no busi-
ness man. said that an engineer without "business " capacity was
an engineer in name only, and could never achieve success. The
business man was generally in control, and would claim that he
was called upon to exercise powers of organisation ; but that was
the very first essential of the engineer — organisation was the indis-
pensable factor to success in his work. The lay-out of the plant,
the processes of manufacture, kc. all required organisation. The
reason why the engineer occupied a position of inferiority was
because he was the lineal descendant of the artisan, but he must
struggle to secure control as well as responsibility.

Canadian Electrical Association The annual meeting of the

Canadian Electrical Association was held on the steamship Toronto
Canada Steamship Lines, on June 21st and 22nd. and was very well
attended. The arrangement made permitted the Western members
to take the boat to Toronto, and proceed thence to Prescott, where
they were joined by representatives of the Eastern part, of the
country. In the absence of Col. D. R. Street, the president, who
had jiist left on active service, the chair was taken by D, H.
McDougall, vice-president, who was elected president for the
ensuing year. — Electrical Worlil.

Physical Society of London — At the meeting held on Jime ,SOth,
a paper, entitled " A Sensitive Magnetometer,'' by Dr. P. E. Shaw
and Mr. C. Hayes, was read by the former. A torsion balance of
extreme delicacy carries a pair of pure silver balls, each of 3 gm.
weight. A solenoid with its horizontal axis passing'through one of
the silver balls is brought close to the balance. On exciting the
solenoid, divergent fields of known strengths are obtained in the
region of the ball. The resulting attraction of the ball to the
solenoid is shown by a mirror reflecting a distant scale to a
telescope. The couple on the torsion beam requireil to produce
1 mvd. scale deflection is 4'5 x JOT' dyne-cm., and this torsion

balance is lo'' times as sensitive as any known to have been used
previously in this kind of work.

The magnetic properties of the silver have been ascertained even
for weak fields of 1 — 10 gauss. The silver has a pronounced reten-
tivity ; this effect is presumably due to the small trace of iron
impurity.

The relation of the susceptibility of silver to the field used has
also been found. The susceptibility of each of the constituent
materials (w) pure silver, (A) residual pure iron, appears to be greatly
modified by the presence of the other material,

"Some Experiments on the Thermoelectric Properties of Fused
Metals " were shown by Mr. Chas. R. Darling, 'fhe experiments
related to observations made during the progress of a research,
having for its oViject the production of a thermoelectric pyrometer
with a liciuid element. If such a pyrometer could be made of
suitable materials such as graphite and molten copper -it might
lx> iiossible to extend the useful range of base-metal pyrometers u)i
to or beyond the melting point of platinum, as the boiling point of
copper is 2.SI0'' C.

It was noted that when tin was partnered by iron, nickel, copper,
coustantan. or graphite, no abrupt change occurred at fusion, the
E.M.F. -temperature curves sliowing no break.

On substituting lead, zinc, and bismuth in turn for tin, and using
a variety of wires, it was again found that the change of state
caused no alteration in thermoelectric properties. In the case of
bismuth, however, three instances of thermoelectric " halt " wore
noticed, the e.m.f, attaining a maximum and then remaining
unchanged over a considerable range of temperature. An iron-
bismuth couple reaches a maximum of aliout 18 millivolts at
about 2.')0° C. (M. Pt. of Bi = 209). which remains constant to
within 3 per cent, up to .550". beyond which it has not been investi-
gated. Copper and bismuth behave in the same manner, the E.5I.F.
being practically the same as in the fonner case : whilst aluminium
and bismuth furnish a third example, the E.M.F. (about 15 milli-
volts) being remarkably constant over a range of 300°. This
steady e.m.p. might also be used in work for which a constant, low
E.M.F. was required.

American Institute of Electrical Engineers.— The annual con-
vention of the Institute wiis held at Cleveland, Ohio, at the end of
June. The President. Mr. .I.J. Carty. read an address on " The
Relation of Pure Science to Industrial Research." He showed that
out of the stupendous upheaval of the European War, with its
startling agencies of destruction, arose a growing appreciation of
the importance of industrial research, not only as an aid to military
defence, but as an essential factor in the development of every
industry in time of peace. While many concerns in America had
well -organised industrial research laboratories, particularly those
engaged in metallurgy, and dependent upon chemical processes, the
manufacturers of the country, as a whole, had not yet learned of
the benefits of industrial research, and how to avail themselves
of it. He considered it the high duty of the Institute to impress
upon the manufacturers of the United States the wonderful possi-
bilities of economies in their processes and improvements in their
products, which were opened up by the discoveries of science,
through the medium of industrial research conducted in accordance
with scientific principles,

" Once it is made clear to our manufacturers that industrial
research pays, they will be sure to call to their aid men of scientific
training to investigate their technical problems, and to improve
their processes. Those who ^re first to avail themselves of the
benefits of industrial research will obtain such a great lead over
their competitors that we are warranted in looking forward to the
time when the advantages of industrial research will be recognised
by all."

In distinguishing between industrial research and purely scientific
research. President Carty likened the investigator in pure science
to the explorer of new lands, and the investigator in industrial
research to the pioneer who surveys the newly-discovered territory
to locate its resources, and in other ways prepares for the peaceful
and profitable occupation of the new territory.

" Industrial research supports itself or it fails of its purpose, and,
therefore, it will not lack for generous encouragement and support.
Scientific research, on the other hand, must have encouragement
and financial support.''

Mr. C. le Maistre, general secretary of the International Electro-
technical Commission, read a brief paper, in which he outlined the
development of engineering standards in Great Britain, and showed
how order and system are essential to modern production. — Electrial
World.

We are informed that the Society OF Engineers is experiencing
considerable difiiculty this year in arranging its usual visits to
engineering works during the summer. Recently, however, Messrs.
Johnson i: Phillips were able to show the members a portion of
their works at Charlton including a large plant for the manu-
facture of telephone cables capable of dealing with cables up to
1.(100 pairs of small wires for local lines, and also trunk cables
consisting of fewer, but heavier wires.

Enemy Firms Winding Up. — The issue of the Board of

Trade Jonrnal for August 3rd contains a consolidated list of enemy
firms which have been ordered by the Board of Tr.ade to be wound
up. The list comprises the names of 279 firms, and is complete up
to the Orders issued on July 31st. The date of the Order, and the
name and address of the Controller appointed in each instance, are
also included in the list, to which an alphabetical index is
ajipended.

Patents and Alien Enemies. — The Board of Trade has

granted licences to Messrs. Watson it Sons (Electromedical), Ltd., in
respect of Patents Nos, 9499/12 and 13903/13, granted to Siemens
and Halske A.-G. ■■ '■" ■

vol. 711. No. 2,019. August 4, 1910.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

131

Fatality. — Tlie DuUi/ Chronicle says that, tlu'ough falliiiir

down a lift shaft at 22, Golden Square. London, an electrician
named Galpiu lost his life.

The Metric System. — At a meetiug of the Xational

Federation of Buildin;? Trades Employers at Brig-hton, last week,
reported in the Cuntruct Journal, the following resolution waa
proposed on behalf of the London Master Builders' Associa-
tion : — " That this meeting considers that the present is an oppor-
tune time to revise our system of money, weights and measures, so
as to bring them into harmony with the metrical system prevailing
among the rest of the Allied nations, in order to facilitate trade
relations between them and us after the war. and requests the
Administrative Committee to make representations on behalf of the
Federation to the Government accordingly, co-operating, if prac-
ticable, with other bodies which are moving in this direction."
Several speakers urged that the adoption of the system would
greatly tend to simplify quantities, and it was pointed out that the
building tnule had a system of measurements which was practically
imknown in the schools of the country. The resolution was
carried.

Educational Notes. — The South-Westerx Poly-

TECHN'IC (Manresa Road. Chelsea) will re-open on September 2."ith.
for day and evening classes. The Engineering courses include
lectures in electrical and mechanical engineering, physics,
chemistry, and mathematics, and practical instruction in the
laboratories. Students are prepared b_v recognised teachers of the
XTniversitv of London for the B.Sc. degree in Engineering, for the
examinations at the engineering institutions, and those of the City
and Guilds of London Institute. The evening courses also include
classes in electrical wiring and other trade subjects. In the
Electric Wiring Department an advanced course has been arranged
for the preparation of candidates for the Final Wiremen's Examina-
tion of the City and Guilds of London Institute. Arrangements
have been made for placing students who have passed satisfactorily
through the three years' day course in positions with large
engineering firms, and hitherto such firms have offered more
vacancies than the Institute has been able to fill with its students.
The prospectus may be obtained on application to the Secretary.

Northampton Polytechnic In-stitfte. — Particulars of the
Engineering day classes and courses in Technical Optics for the
next session appear in our " Official Notices " to-day.

Parliamentary. — Electricity Supply Ixtercoxxec-

TION Schemes. — In the House of Commons. Mr. Healy asked the
Secretary of the Board of Trade whether a circular had been
issued by his department urging an arrangement to merge electrical
supplies, with a view to saving coal ; had he considered that new
cables and other expense might be necessary to enable such plans
to be carried out. involving capital expenditure : and would
enabling legislation be introduced to render possible the desirable
economies which the Board of Trade wished to effect in cases
where statutory authority would be required .' Mr. Harcourt
.replied that the answer to the first two questions was in the
affirmative. In issuing the circular, the Board of Trade had not
in mind any large schemes of interconnection involving heavy
capital expenditure and a large use of material, but rather con-
templated arrangements between undertakers whose areas of supply
adjoined, or nearly so. He did not think that legislation for the
purpose was necessary, but should the necessity for it appear to
arise, he would give the matter full consideration.

Engineering Research on the North-East Coast. —

The Xorth-E.ast Coast institution of Engineers and Shipbtiilders
recently appointed a Research Committee, which has already made
a start "with its work by acceding to the request of a well-known
firm in the North to can-y out exhaustive tests of apparatus having
for its object the more economical production of power by marine
steam engines. The Institution claims to be the first of its kind
actively to promote the progress of the industries with which its
members are associated, by officially making and recording tests of
new apparatus developed by them. Such work has been repeatedly
called for of late, notably by the Coimcil for Organising British
Engineering Industry, and by the Scientific and Industrial Research
Committee appointed by the Government, and we congratulate the
North-East Coast Institution on its decision, which will certainly
prove of great assistance in achieving the desired end.

Lifting-Magnets for Loading Pig-iron.— In the Electiiral

Berieic iiii-l ^^'t'sff■l■ll Electrichin some particulars are given of the
use of electromagnets for handling pig-iron on the American lakes.
The freighter Clcva. the first ship to carry its own equipment of
magnets, can load up with a cargo of 4.000.000 lb. of pig-iron, at a
cost of .*: 20. as compared with .tlOO to .* 120 for manual labour.
Three 3ii-in. Cutler-Hammer circular magnets are provided, each
controlled by one man. with one attendant for the generator. The
three magnets, working simultaneously, lift 4..iuO lb. of pig-iron.

Engineering Standards Committee.— At a special meet-
ing of the Main Committee (Sir .John Wolfe Barry. K.C.B.. chair-
man), held on July 27th last. Mr. Charles le Maistre. A.M.Inst.C.E,.
M.Inst. E,E.. who has been in charge of the work of the Electrical
Section since 1903. was appointed secretary to the Committee in
succession to the late Mr. Leslie S, Robertson. M.Inst.C.E.. who was
lost with Lord Kitchener in the disaster to H.M.S, Uampshire
whilst on an important Government mission. We congratulate
Mr. le Maistre on his appointment, which, we are sure, will be
regarded with approval by all who are interested in the work
of the Committee.

Volunteer Notes. — 1st London Engineer Yolln-

TEERS, — Headquarters. Chester House. Eccleston Place, Orders for
August by Lieut-Col. C, B. Clay. V.D., Commanding.

The Headquarters will be closed during August except on
Tuesday evenings. The range will be open on Thursday evenings
only. Instruction Classes at Regency Street will be held as usual
for Platoons Nos. 9 and 10. The Camp at Otford will be available
until August .SI St. Members wishing to attend should enter their
names at Headquarters.

Sunday Entrenching Parades. Parade in Uniform at Tictoria
Station (S.E. and C. RaUway) Booking Office. 8.4.5 a.m.

MACLEOD Yearsley. Adjittatit.

3rd Batt. (Old Boys") Central London Volunteer Regi-
ment.—Battalion Orders by Capt. W. Ridd (Sub-Commandant).
Thursday, August 3rd, 1916 :—

Weeli-End Parades. — Saiurday. — The Battalion will Parade at
Liverpool Street Station (Low-Level entrance. G.E.R.). at .S.40 a.m..
for entrenching duties. Those who cannot take the early train will
parade at 1.20 p.m.

Sunday. — The Battalion will Parade at Liverpool Street Station
(Low-Level entrance, G.E.R.), at 9.30 a.m.. for entrenching duties.

Muxhetry. — The Holland Cup Competition. — This competition was
closed on Sunday. July 30th. The following is the result : —

1st Prize G. S. Burge ... 93 T, R. Renfree 90

2nd .. S. T. Hanmer ... 92 A. G. Howell 88

H.Locke 91 F.W.Vincent 88

Highest score possible — 100 points.
Range — 200 yards.
Target — Figure class marking.
There will be no shooting at Bisley on Saturday and Sunday next
.5th and 6th inst.

Recruit.? Avill Parade at Lord's Cricket Ground on Saturday at
3 p.m., and on Sunday at 11 a.m.. for recruit drill.

Wemlleif Parli. — There will be no week-end parade at Wembley
Park.

Clarence T. Coggin. Acting Adjutant.

Appointments Vacant. — A technical assistant is required

for the sub-station of a large supply undertaking ; fitter for power
station in the West Riding ; junior shift engineer for Erith ; shift
engineer for a West of England municipal works : charge
engineer for the Llandilo U.D.C. ; man for X-ray work and male
nursing C*2) tor the Royal Berkshire Hospital. Reading ; station
superintendent for Barking Town U.D.C. Electricity Department.
See our advertisement pages to-day.

Manchester Corporation Tube Contracts. — The chairman

of the JIanchester Corporation Electricity Committee, on Wednesday,
mentioned to the City Council an awkward dilemma in ^which the
Committee are placed. Their minutes contained a recommendation
that a tender for the supply of boiler tubes should be accepted from
a certain firm. 99 per cent, of whose capital, the chairman said, was
German. The difficidty was that the firm in question were the
only manufactui-ers of these tubes, which were essential to the
carrying on of the electricity department. The Committee, there-
fore, asked the Council to say what was to be done in the matter.
The English works of the company were a controlled establishment
under the Munitions of War Act. Alderman Kay. chairman of the
Gas Committee, said the gas department were in exactly -the same
difficulty, all due to the lack of backbone of the Government in
not taking the works over lock, stock and barrel. The Council, in
the exceptional circumstances, suspended the Standing Orders,
which would have prevented the acceptance of the tender, and
agreed to accept it. — Morninq Po.^t.

OUR PERSONAL COLUMN.

The Editor.-! inrile electrical engineers, whether connected icith the
technical or the commercial side of the profession and industry,
also electric tramway and railway officials,to Iteep readers of the
Electrical Review posted as to their movements.

Central Station and Tramway Officials.— Mr. S. H.

Fowles, chief assistant electrical engineer to the Aylesbury
U.D.C, has been appointed resident electrical engineer to the
Leek Urban District Council, on the advice of Prof. Watkin-
son, of Liverpool University.

The Wimbledon Borough Council is recommended to make
the following payments in respect of special services rendered
i 1 connectiiin with the laving of mains and services and
wiring installations, viz., to Mr. H. Tomlinson Lee, borough
electiical ennincer, £75; to the assistant electrical engineer,
Mr. \V. J. Oswald, i'15; and £20 to Mr. B. .\. L.irney, clerk
t- rbc honmah electrical engineer.

The Wolverhampton Corporation is recommended to. grant
increases in salaries to the following employils m the Elec-
tricitv Department : Mr. E. Stobbs, chief assistant, from iAiS
to ±'-250 a Year ; Mr. E, Forder, engine-room superintendent,
and Mr. C' Bellhouse, boiler-house superintendent, both from
£165 to £180; Mr. J. H, Eothwell, chief clerk, from ±Ib5 to
£200.

132

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW, [voi. :-... xo. -.ui... ai.h-.t i, m^.

The salary of Mr. F. Schofield, commercial manager to the
Stalybridge^ Hyde, Mossley and Dukinfield Joint Tramways
andElectricityBoard, is to be increased to f400 per annvnn,
with two further annual increments of £06 to £450. Mr.
Jagger, accountant to the Board, has resigned on receiving
another appointment.

In answer to an inquiry from the Ministry of Munitions,
asking whether Mr. J. W. Foster, permanent-way engineer
to the Bradford Tramways Committeo, could be spared to take
up a post under the Ministry of Munitions, the Committee
rephed that it was essential that Mr. Foster should be retained
in his present employment.

General.— The BuUetin Militaire states that Signor Marcox:
has been promoted from lieutenant to captain for exceptional
services. — Times.

A young electrician, named Henry Howell, dived into the
Thames between Westminster and Charing Cross on July '27th
and rescued two drowning children.

Mr. George Verity, chairman of Verity s, Ltd., was married
on Wednesday, at the Brompton Oratory, to Ada Hamilton
Walter, of Hyde Park Gate, S.W. Congratulations !

Roll of Honour.— Lieutenant A. E. He.\d, of the North-
umberland Fusiliers, who added to their fime in storming the
German trenches on July 1st, has been " reported missing,
beheved killed." The deceased officer was 23 years of age. He
served as a private in a Territorial battalion of the North-
umbsrland Fusiliers, and subsequently was appointed to com-
missioned rank in a Tyneside Scottish battalion, in which he
early got his second star for proficiency in scientific examina-
tions relating to telephony, signalling and bombing, and at
the front was given command of the Brigade Bombing school.
He was the son of Mr. W. J. Head, manager of the India-
Rubber and Gutta-Perch^ and Telegraph Works Co., at New-

The Times states that Lieutenant Thomas Challoner, E.E.,
-who died of wounds on July 25th, a short time ago did most
excellent work, for which he was awarded the Mihtary Cross.
He was a highly popular officer, and was well-known in Cardiff
as an electrical engineer. .

Signaller Jajies Oliver, of the Manchester Begunent, an
employe of Messrs. W. T. Glover and Co., Ltd., cable manu-
facturers, Traft'ord Park, has been killed in action, aged 28

Captain R. C. Mather, of the Manchester " Pals," who is
connected with the firm of Mes.srs. Mather and Piatt, Ltd.,
has been wounded and is in hospital in London.

Private Harry Waldron, who has died of wounds, and Sig-
naller ALEX.4XDER SMITH, killed in action, were serving in the
Manchester " Pals," and prior to the war were both employed
by Messrs. Baxendale and Co., Ltd.

Private J. Bradshaw, reported missing, was an employe at
the British Westinghouse works, Trafford Park, as was also
Private H. D. Str.ach.\n, reported wounded and missing.

Private F. Richards, of the Border Regiment, who was em-
ployed at the cable works of Messrs. Rickard, of Derby, has
been missing since July l.st. t, i ,■

Private A. L. Castle, of the Birmingham City Battalion,
Royal Warwickshire Regiment, who was engaged as an elec-
trical engineer at Hetchford, fell in action on July 2lst.

Signaller W. H. Harris, of the West Yorkshire Regiment,
who was on the York Corporation Tramway staff, has been
killed in the advance in France.

Lieutenant Walter Kell, late of the Barnsley Corporation
Electricity Department, has been seriously wounded in
France, and has lost a leg.

Sergeant Albert Hollins, of the Somerset Light Infantry,
who was with Messrs. Siemens, of Stafford, has been killed
in action. He was in the battle of Loos, gaining promotion
there for gallantry.

Private W. Pemble, of the 8th Leicestershire Royal Ln-
gineers, an electrical engineer, has been wounded in action
at Bezantine le Petit, and is in hospital at Liverpool.

Private Harry L.^ncaster, of the 6th Battalion, North-
umberland Fusiliers, who has died of wounds received in
action in France, was an electrician, aged 27. When war
broke out he held an appointment at Gibraltar. He returned
to England and joined his regiment over a year ago.

Private H. Robinson, of the Scots Guards, who has died
of wounds received in action in France, was on the Preston
Corporation tramwav staff.

Rifleman Ernest Scotton, of the Rifle Brigade, who has
fallen in action in France, was, prior to the w^ar, engaged in
the production department at the Rugby works of the British
Thomson-Houston Co.. Ltd.

• Trumpeter F. W. Hymers, Royal Field Artillery, who has
died from disease in India whilst on active service, was before
the war engaged with Mr. Edmund Dunn, electrical engineer,
of Broadstairs and Eamsgate.

Private Edward Comar, formerly employed at the British
Westinghouse Works, Trafford Park, has been killed while
serving with the Cheshire Regiment.

Private Harold Topham, formerly employed at the Middle-
ton electricity works, has been killed in action.

Private Sydney Crawshaw, of the Royal Scots, killed in
action, aged 20, was formerly employed on the clerical staff
of the manager of the Oldham Corporation Tramways.

Lance-Corporal Egbert Lyon, Royal Scots, who is wounded,
was toiploye'd as Ian elebtrici^ in Edinburgh.

The 2ini(-s records the death, on July 30th, at the age of
23, from wounds, of Second-Iiieutenant Kenneth Richmond
Cook, Black Watch, oldest son of Mr. David Cook,
M.Inst.C.E., of Richmond and Westminster.

Corporal Georqi;. Banks, of the King's Own Shropshire
Light Infantry, who has been wounded in action, was em-
ployed at Darwen Electricity Works.

Private Charles Pape, of the Bradford " Pals," killed in the
advance on July 1st, was an employ^ at the Bradford tram-
way lioadquarters.

Private W. 0. Niness, of the King's Liverpool Regiment,
wounded and now in hospital at Devonport, was einploycil
before the war by Messrs. Drake and Goiham, at Manchester.

Sergeant John W. Adams, 2ud Border Regiment, employed
by Messrs. F. ThoiTiton and Co., electricians, of Burnley, has
been recommended for the D.C.M.

Lance-Corporal H. Meech, of the King's Own Royal Lan-
caster Regiment, an employ^ of the Lanca.shire Dynamo and
Motor Co., Trafford Park, has been wounded in France.

Sergeant IIaury Branston, of the Manchester " Pals,"
formerly employed by Messrs. Baxendale and Co., Ltd., has
been killed, along with his brother. Private W. Branston.

Captain Charles Skaipe Wolstenholme, of the Durhiui]
Light Infantry, who was killed on July 17th, was the ussi.staut
superintendent engineer at the Leeds Post Office Telephom-
Department. He was 43 years of age, and had had a long
connection with the Territorial Force before the wai'.

A large number of our readers, particularly those in the
London district, will learn, as we do. with very deep regret,
that Company Sergeant-Major E. C. Ladghton. who for nine
years was associated with the Lamp and Fittings Depart
ment of Messrs. Siemens Bros. Dynamo Works, Ltd., has
been killed in action. He joined H.M. Forces in Sep
tember, 1914, and sailed for France early in May, 1915;
he had therefore over 14 months' active service to his
credit. Commencing as an ordinary Private, he gained
promotion to Corporal before leaving for France, the remain-
ing steps having been attained while on Foreign service. No
details are available regarding the circumstances of his death,
official notification of which was made last week, although
the records show that he was mortally wounded in the very
early stages of the Great Offensive. He w'as serving with
the 8th East Surrey Regiment, which, according to newspaper
reports, suffered heavily in the attack on the Fricourt section
of the line. He was intimately known to many members of
the electrical industry, who will deplore the loss of a valued
friend and colleague.

NEW COMPANIES REGISTERED.

Phillips' Magnetos, Ltd. (144,456). — ^This company was

registered on July 26lh, with a capital of £1,250 in £1 shares, to adopt an
agreement, dated June 24th, 1916, with I. Phillips, tor the purchase of the
business of a manufacturer of magnetos and all parts thereof carried on by
him at Birchett Road, Aldershot. The subscribers (with one share each) are :
I. Phillips, Falmouth House, Aldershot, cycle manufacturer; C. Melton, 30.
Queen's Road Aldershot. accountant. Private company. Table " A " mainly
applies. Solicitor : N. Clinton. Aldershot. Secretary (pro tem.) : C. Melton,
Registered office. 10, Birchett Road. Aldershot.

New Peto and Radford Accumulator Co., Ltd. (144,436).

—This company was registered on July 24th, with a capital of £30,000 in £1
shares (12,500 10 per cent, preference), to carry on in the United Kingdom
and elsewhere the business of electricians, accumulator manufacturers,
founders, manufacturers of mining, agricultural and other machinery, elec-
trical and water supply engineers, manufacturers of and dealers in electric
meters and other electrical instruments, etc., and to adopt three agreements,
the parties to which are not named. The subscribers (with one share each)
are; VV. Peto, 12, Heddon Street, W., electrical engineer; C. R. N. Minchin,
149 Banbury Road, Oxford, engineer. Private company. The number of
directors is not to be less than two or more than seven; the subscribers are
to appoint the first. Remuneration (except managing director or other
salaried official), £105 each per annum. Solicitors : Mayo, Elder and Co.,
10, Drapers Gardens. E.C.

Carbic Italiano, Ltd. (144,400).— This company was regis-
tered on July 28th, with a capital of £30,000 in £1 shares, to take over from
Carbic, Ltd.. the business which that company carries on or is authorised
to carry on in Italy and in Italian Colonies, together with the Italian patent',
and trademarks connected therewith, to adopt an agreement with the said
company and H. Fonseca, and to carry on in Italy, its colonies or elsewhere
the business of manufacturers and producers of and dealers in acetylene,
carbide of calcium, and oxide of calcium, and chemical and electro-chemical
productions of all kinds, mechanical, electrical and general engineers, ele.:-
iricians, metallurgists, motor manufacturers, suppliers of light, heat and
power, manufacturers of and dealers in accumulators, generators, installations,
l.imps, apparatus, .-ippliances and fittings, etc. The subscribers (with one
share each) are: H Fonseca, Geneva, engineer; A. Jackson, 51. Holborn
Viaduct, E.C, secretary. Private company. The number of directors is not
.o be less than two or more than five; the first are H. Fonseca and another
to be nominated and appointed by Carbic, Ltd. The said company has the
right, while a member of the companv, to nomimte and appoint a director.
Solicitors: Bristows Cooke and Carpmael. 1, Copthall Buildings, E.C.

OFFICIAL RETURNS OF ELECTRICAL
COMPANIES.

Troup, Curtis and Co., Ltd.— Particulars of j63,0O0 de-

brntures created July 5th, 1916, filed pursuant to Section 93 (3) of the Com-

pinies '(Consolidation) Act, 1908, the whole amount being now issued^

Property charged : The company's undertaking and property, present and
fi ture, including uncalled capital No trustees.

'Vanghan EntSineering Works, Ltd.— A mortgage dated

Jalv 19th: 1916, to secure £1,600 and £500 as compounded interest, chargwl
on inon«y« lo be received under e War Office contract, has been registered.
Holder : J. Gee, Carlton House, Regent Street, W.

Vol. 79. No. 2/J19. ArursT 4. i9i«.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

138

Highfield Co., Ltd. — Particulars of .£750 second deben-
tures, created June 27th, 1916. filed pursuant to Section 93 (3) of the
Companies (Consolidation) Act, 1908, the whole amount being now issued.
Property charged ; The comp.iny's "undertaking and property, present an.i
future, including uncalled capital. No trustees.

A debenture dated July 19th, 1916, to secure not more than f.iOO, ch.nrged
on the above-mentioned property, has also been registered. Holder: J. H.
Bland, 25, Stirling Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham.

A memorandum of satisfaction in full on July 19th, 1916, of a debenture
dated December 41h. 19U, securing £300, has also been notified.

Parsons and Hodges, Ltd. — Particulars of .£6CKI dt-btn-

lures, created June SOlh. 1916, filed pursuant to Section 93 (3) ul lli.- Com-
panies (Consolidation) Act, 1908, the whole amount being now issueil.
Property charged ; The company's undertaking and property, present and
future, including uncalled and unpaid capital. No trustees.

Rushmore Lamps, Ltd. — A memorandum of satisfaction

in full on June 27lh, 1916, of a charge dated Nfay 27th. 1914. securing £2,000
has been filed.

Elliott Brothers (London), Ltd.— Particulars of .£30,000

debentures, created June 28th, 1916, filed pursuant to .Section 93 (3) of the
Companies (Consolidation) .Act, 1908, the whole amount being now issued
Property charged: The company's undertaking and property, present and
future, including uncalled capital. No trustees.

CITY NOTES.

tierman Electrical Companies,

Tlie Nitrit Fabrik, A.O., of Kopenick reports net profits of
£8,800 for 1915, as compared with a loss of £7,000 in the
previous year. It is proposed to pay a dividend of 4 per cent,
on the share capital of £75,000.

The C. Lorem AG. of Berlin (telephone and telegraph
works) has just issued new capital amounting to £75,000, and
thus increased the ordinary shares to £"2'25,000. The additional
capital is destined for the development of the undertaking.

The Fabrik fur Isolierter Drahte A.G. {Vogel Telegraph
Works), which recently declared a dividend of 15 per cent,
for 1915, has now secured the sanction of the shareholders to
an increase in the share capital to f^e'i.OOO by the issue of
new shares for £87,000, which have been taken over by a
banking syndicate at the price of 130 per cent., and are to be
offered at 138 per cent. The new capital is intended for the
extension of the works, and particularly for the establLshinent
of a lead-covered cable factory.

The Coyitincnfale Gesellschaft fur Eleklrischc Unternehmun-
gen, of Nureinburg, which is the financial trust of the Nurem-
burg Schuckert Co., and owns or is otherwi.se interested in
tramways and lighting undertakings, states that the working
results of its concerns did not experience any improvement
in 1915, the tramways in particular having suffered from exist-
ing circumstances. As net profits the accounts indicate the
sum of £44,000, as compared with £60,000 in 1914, and a
dividend has been declared at the rate of 2^ per cent, on the
pieference capital of £1,5.56,000, as compared with Si per cent,
and 6 per cent, in 1914 and 1913 respectively. The report
states that no direct information is available concerning the
company's French and Russian interests.

The report of the Wolfram Lampen, A.G., of Augsburg,
which relates to the financial year ended with March 31st,
1916, states that it was possible to maintain working not-
with,standing the scarcity of labour and of raw materials, and
sufficient orders were on hand for the ensuing months within
the existing possibilities of manufacturing. The accounts
show net profits of £7,100, as compared -n-ith £800 in 1914-15,
and the available surplus permits of the payment of the arrears
on the preference shares, the ordinary capital again receiving
no distribution. It is added that the Court of Appeal has not
yet decided the patent action in relation to the manufacture
of the tungsten drawn-wire filament.

Mr. J. G. B. Stone, presiding at the
Electric Supply annual meeting held last Friday, said that
Corpoiution. Ltd. the increase in the number of lamp con-
nections had much exceeded the average
growth, the advance being from 214,715 to 254,700 during the
year. About 75 per cent, of this was due to demands for power
in Dumbarton, leaving to their other towns approximately
their usual growth," w-hich in these times was not unsatisfac-
tory. 'The Hendon Co., in which they were the largest share-
holders, had increased its dividend by 2 per cent., whilst the
Dumbarton Tramways Co. again paid them a .small dividend
of H per cent. .-Vpart from the normal capital expenditure,
which had been chiefly on mains, they had had to provide
£5,185 for Dumbarton, mainly on account of the converter
plant necessary in connection with bulk-.supply arrangements.
The war had increased the demand for power but reduced that
for lighting, particularly street lighting. The latter was especi-
ally the case at Chelmsford, but under the terms of their
contract with the town, and in view of a recent decision in
the Appeal Court, they understood that they were entitled to
recover the full amount of the contract, and that had been
included in the accounts. The contract concluded last March,
and they were now negotiating with the Town Council for a
renewal on the basis of their making that body a con.siderable
allowance in regard to the payment due for 1915, when the
lighting was so very much restricted. They raised prices
generally for the last half of the year, and this year a further
increase had been made to meet the heavier costs. The net

result in the revenue account was that Chelmsford, Exmouth,
and Falmouth showed increased profits; Hitchin, St. Andrews
and Totnes were practically the same as last year; while Dal-
keith, Dollar, Dumbarton, Jedburgh and Melrose showed a
decrease. At Dumbarton the decrease was nearly £700, due
to the costs being exceptionally heavy during the transfer of
the load from their plant to that of the Power Company, they
having to use both. The change over was now completed, and
they would therefore only have one set of costs in future.
The coal market was a very difficult one, and the effect of
the Coal Prices Limitation Act left much to be desired. At
Dumbarton, though they had a bulk supply, the price paid by
them varied according to the price of coal. The new Summer
Time was making serious inroads into their revenue this
summer, but they were not yet in a position to say to what
extent the yearly revenue might suffer. They proposed to pay 2
per cent, dividend, as against 2J per cent, last year, their policy
being to let the year's dividend bear part of the reduction in
profit, and their carry-forward bear the balance. The Chair-
man referred to the excellent services rendered by the staff
under war conditions.

STOCKS AND SHARES.

TuESD.AY Evening.

This week two years ago was the first of the long series
through which the Stock Exchange remained closed. Its
doors were shut by the Committee that governs the House,
not by the Government. The Committee's action was un-
doubtedly influenced by an appeal from the late Lord
Rothschild urging this course. Since those far-off days new
history has been woven in a thousand directions. So far as
this particular column is concerned, the Stock Exchange has
emerged from a precarious position on the slopes of panic-
stricken bankruptcy to a condition of safety and stability by
comparison with what might well have been expected as the
result of European war upon a scale so unique.

Electric-lighting shares and Home Railway stocks are still
for the most part standing at prices lower than those pre-
vailing upon the outbreak of war. The electric-hghting in-
dustry has suffered blow after blow during the war. Home
Railway stocks have come down because of the influences
undermining all securities that lean upon the money market.
But Underground Electric Railway Income Bonds are two
or three points higher. Telegraph issues are better on the
whole, though Indo-Europeans form an exception. The
Eastern group stands substantially better. Marconis also have
risen. Mexican descriptions are very much lower, and so are
the British Columbia Electric Railway stocks.

During the past week the markets have taken on a summer-
like condition that all the excellent news from the various
fronts has failed to energise. Probably the weather plays
some part in the listlessness : it is hard to arouse enthusiasm
over investments what time the thermometer stands 13 points
above Consols — taking the reading of both in the shade. Live-
liness characterises the Shipping market, a full-dress gamble
having sprung up in certain favoured shares. All shipping
stocks are strong, however, and the speculation might well
receive a little friendly attention from the Treasury.

Several more interun dividends are announced by the supply
companies. The Metropolitan repeats its previous per-
formance of 2 per cent., and the Chelsea declares 3 per cent,
against 4 per cent, a year ago. Both the City of London and
the County of London, it may be recalled, pay the same
rates of 6 per cent, and 5 per cent, respectively, as they did
this time last year. County ordinary continue to improve,
and have gained another 2s. 6d. London Electrics also are
firmer, a rise of 1/16 making them If. St. James' and Pall
Mall are ex their dividend.

Electric Constructions put on their regular threepence per
week. Edison and Swan drooped to 9s., but recovered to their
former price of 9s. 6d. British Westinghouse preference have
receded Is. to 50s. 6d.

The Home Railway market is disposed to droop. Most of
the Steam stocks are lower, and their example has been fol-
lowed by those of the Undergrounds. Metropolitans are a
point down. Districts lost J, and the Underground Electric
group is a shade easier, except as regards the shilling shares.
For this dulness there is no further reason than that afforded
by the decline in the price of Consol.?, which is having its
effect upon all stocks and shares influenced largely by con-
siderations of the money market.

The interim dividends are out, and can fairly be regarded
as satisfactory in every case. They matched anticipation too
closely, however, for them to bring about, by themselves,
any particular improvement: and, W'ith nobody anxious to
deal, quotations have sagged in sympathy with Consols. Even
the revival of the Channel Tunnel scheme has failed to save
Southern passenger stocks from pursuing the same track as
the rest.

Brazil Tractions are again better at 62J, the fraction mark-
ing the extent of the rise on the week. The Rio exchange
keeps steadily above Is. per milreis. Argentines, on the other
hand, are slightly easier; and Anglo-Argentine Tramways
second preference shares have lost another 2s. 6d ■, the ■price

184

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW, ivoi. :::. xo

being lowered to 3. As the interim dividend was postponed
in respect of the last half-year, we have taken out temporarily
from our columns the yield on the shares.

British Columbia Railway stocks are a little better, follow
ing upon the advance of last week : but most of the issues
connected with Mexico have a very dull appearance, and the
5 per cent, bonds of the Mexico Trams and the Mexican Light
and Power Companies are both lower at 40. New York being
in the midst of a heat wave apparently more severe than our
own, the Wall Street operators have ceased to take any
interest in this gro\ip. with the result that some of the shares
in the Latin-Canadian electricity companies have gently
sagged in price.

The telegraph list is a little irregular. Cuba Submarines
are 1.5s. up, thanks to a small demand, but otherwise what
changes have occurred are mostly in the downward direction.
The Eastern group has gone back a trifle. Great Northerns
arc 10s. lower. Westerns lost J, and West India and Panamas
1/16. while Anglo-.American stocks keep steady. Marconis
at 3J are easier, but Marconi Marines have risen to 2J on the
Board of Trade order that all ships over 3,IX)0 tons shall be
fitted with wireless apparatus. Americans are firm at 18s.,
and Canadians at lis. British Insulated Wires at 12 are Ss.
higher, repeating their rise of last week. Henleys gained 10s.
at 1(5. but IndiaRubbers, on the other hand, reacted to 12.
Callenders preference at 4J are a little easier.

The Rubber market continues quiet, with busine.ss unexcit-
ing. .\nother drop in rubber took the price to 2s. 2d. per lb.,
which is not conducive to immediate bullishness. The shares
in the group of chemical companies keep exceedingly firm,
and there has been a fair rally in some of the copper issues,
thanks to another substantial recovery in the price of the
metal.

MARKET QUOTATIONS.

SHA.RE LIST OF ELECTRICAL COMPANIES.

Home Eleotrioitt Companies.

Dividend Price

, " V .\ug. 1| Rise or fall

1914. 1915. 1916. this week.

Brompton Ordinary .... 10 10 63 —

Charing Cross Ordinary ..55 86

do. do. do. 4J Pret.. 4J 4) t\ —

Chelsea 6 4 B —

City o( London 9 8 ISi —

do. do. 6 per cent. Pref. 6 6 10* —

Coonty of London .... 7 7 I'J + J

do. 6 per cent. Prel. 6 6 I04 —

Kensington Ordinary .... 9 7 6& —

London Electric 4 8 \\ + ,^

do. do. 6 per cent. Pref. 6 6 44 —

Metropolitan 3* 3 ag —

do. 45 per cent. Pref. 4J 4J 8 —

St. James' and Pall Mall . . 10 8 6f xd —

Soatb London 5 6 2^ —

South Metropolitan Pref. ..77 1^ —

Westminster Ordinary .... 9 7 6i —
Telegraphs and Telephones.

Anglo- Am. Tel. Pref 6 6 1C4 —

do. Det SO/- 83/6 23 -

Chile Telephone 8 8 ejxd —

Cuba Sub. Ord 6 5 8i -H |

Eastern Extension .... 7 8 1 i —

Blastem Tel. Ord 7 8 IISJ - \

Globe Tel. and T. Ord 6 7 124 —

do. Pref. ..6 6 lOJ —

Great Northern Tel 22 22 S7» — J

Indo-European 13 13 48 -

Marconi 10 11 BJ — A

New York Tel. 4J . . . . 4J 4) 99} —

Oriental Telephone Ord. . . 10 10 ai^j + ^

United R. Plate Tel 8 8 6( —

West India and Pan 1 — 1 A —

Western Telegraph .... 7 8 14} — J

Home Rails,

Central London, Ord. Assented 4 4 74 —

Metropolitan 11 I 25J —1

do. District . . . . Nil Nil 19 — i

Dndergroond Electric Ordinary Nil Nil 1|» — A

do. do. "A" .. Nil Nil 6/6 +3d.

do, do. Income 6 6 99} — \

FOBEION Tbaus, &o.

Adelaide Sup. 6 per cent. Pref. 6 6 6 —

Anglo-Arg. Trams, First Pref. Si 5i 85 —

do. 2nd Pref. . . 6$ 6J 8 — 4

do. 6 Deb. ..56 77J —

Brazil Tractions 4 4 62) -h J

Bombay Electric Pref 6 6 ICJxd —

British Columbia Elec. RIy. Pfce. 5 5 60 —

do. do. Preferred — Nil 42 -H J

do. do. Deterred — Nil 41 +1'

do. do. Deb. 4i A\ 65 —

Mexico Trams 5 per cent. Bonds — Nil 40 — 1

do. 6 per cent. Bonds — Nil 31 —

Mexican Light Common . . Nil Nil 90 —

do. Pref NU Nil 83 —

do. Ist Bonds . . Nil Nil 40 —a

MANOEACTCaiHO COMPANIES,

Babcook & Wilcox .... 14 16 8 —

British Aluminium Ord. , . 6 7 21/- —

British Insulated Ord 15 17* 19 + i

British Westinghouse Pref. . . 7J 7J 50/6 — 1/-

Callenders 15 20 13) —

do. 5 Pref. .... 6 5 4i — i

Castner-Eellner . . .... 20 — 84

Edison & Swan, £3 paid . . Nil — 9/6 —

do. do. fully paid ..Nil — IJ —

do. do. 5 percent. Deb. 5 5 57 —

Electric Construction . . . . 6 7J 16/9 + Sd

Gen. Elec. Pref 6 6 91 — i

Henley 20 26 IB _

do. 4J Pret 4i 4i 4 —

India-RuDber 10 10 12 -\

Telegraph Con 20 20 89 —

< DUidends paid free of iDoome tax,

5 14

8

6 16

7

6 la

6

6 13

4

6 6

4

7 10

U

6 19

4

8 13 10

A 4

5

6 14

3

5 15

6

7 10

9

6 18

b

6 1

H

♦6 7

H

•6 7

9

•6 8

H

5 10

4

6 17

4

6 12

H

3 4

II

4 10

3

5 0

0

•5 18

5

5 0 0

6 7 8

7 6 10
6 18 0

8 0 0

5 17 8

6 6 8
Nil
Nil

6 11 6
•3 6 8
•^ « 0

Ir shuuU) be remembered, in iiuikin^ use of tho ti;.'ures appearinjf
in the following list, that in some case.^ the prices are only general,
and they may vary according to quantities and other circumstances.

Wednesday, August 2nd.

CHEMICALS, dbc.

Acid, Oxalic per 1

Ammoniac Sal pert

Ammonia, Muriate (large crystal) „

Bisulphide of Carbon . . . . ,,

Borax „

Copper Sulphate ,,

Potash, Chlorate perl

,, Perchlorate . . . . ,,

Shellac per c

Sulphate of Magnesia .. .. pert

Sulphur, Sublimed Flowers . . „

Lump

Soda, Chlorate per 1

,, Crystals per t

Sodium Bichromate, casks ., perl:

METALS. &c.

c Brass (rolled metal 2' to 12' basis) per lb.
c ,, Tubes (solid drawn) ., ,,

c ,, Wire, basis ,,

c Copper Tubes (solid drawn) .. ,,

g ,, Bars (best selected) . . per ton

g „ Sheet „

g „ Rod

d „ (Electrolytic) Bars . . „

d ,, ,, Sheets .. ,,

d „ „ Rods .. „

d ,, „ H.C. Wire per lb.

^ Ebonite Rod ,,

f „ Sheet ,

n German Silver Wire .. .. ,,

h Gutta-percha, fine „

h India-rubber, Para tine . . . . ,,

I Iron Pig (Cleveland warrants) . . per ton
/ „ Wire, galv. No. 8, P.O. qual. „

y Lead, English Pig ,,

g Mercury per hot.

e Mica (in original cases) small . . per lb.
e ,, ,, ,, medium ,,

e ,, ,, ,, large .. ,,

d Silicium Bronze Wire . . . . per lb.

r Steel, Magnet, in bars .. .. per' ton
g Tin, Block (English) . . . . „

n „ Wire, Nos. 1 to 16 .. .. per lb.

Latest

Fortnight's

Price.

Ino. or Deo

1/8

f76

£54

£23

I'HI

£1 ilc,

i-f.1

2/J

«/■

98/.

£18

£1.')

£li lU

fl ino.

l/l

:)Jd. aec.

w\ to 1/a

l/2i to 1/3

1/3 to l/3i

1/55 to 1/6J

£146

£148

£116

£125

£2 inc.

£143

S.I. ino.

£132

i'J ino.

l/3i

id. ino,

3/-

2/6

2/3
6/10

2/10

Id. dec.

Nom.

£36

£29 10

5/- Inc.

£17 16

6d. to 3/-

8/6 to 6/.

7/6 to 14/- & up.

1/8J

£86

£171

£lto£Sinc

2/10

Quotations supplied by-

a G. Boor & Co.
c Thos. Bolton & Sons, Ltd.
d Frederick Smith & Co.
e F. Wiggins & Sons.
f India-Rubber, Gutta-Percha and
Telegraph Works Co., Ltd.

g James & Shakespeare.

h Edward Till & Co.

I Boiling & Lowe.

/ Richard Johnson & Nephen

n P. Ormiston & Sons.

T W. F. Dennis & Co.

\

Charinj^ Cross, West End and City Electricity Supply Co.,

Ltd. — Interim dividend on the ordinary shares of the West
End undertakings for the half-year ended ,Iune 30th, 191G, at
the rate of 4 per cent, per annum. This is the same rate as
a year ago.

Blackpool and Fleetwood Tramroad Co. — Interim divi-
dend at the rate of 4 per cent, per annum (4s. per share),
free of income tax. on the ordinary shares for the past half-
year.

City of London Electric Lighting Co., Ltd.— Interim divi-
dend at the rate of 6 per cent, per annum (6s. per share),
less income tax, on the ordinary shares for the past half-year.
This is the same rate as a year ago.

Bristol Tramways and Carriage Co., Ltd. — Interim divi-
dend at the rate of 5 per cent, per annum on the ordinary
shares for the half-year ended June 30th, 1916. For the cor-
responding period last year the rate was 4 per cent.

Cordoha Light, Power and Traction Co., Ltd. — .\ccording

to the Financial Times, the payment of the dividend on the
preference shares will be postponed for the present.

Westminster Electric Supply Corporation, Ltd. — Interim

dividend at the rate of 0 per cent, per annum, less income tax,
for the half-year to June 30th.

Chelsea Electricity Supply Co., Ltd. — Interim dividend at
the rate of 3 per cent, per annum, less tax, on the ordinary
shares, as compared with 4 per cent, declared at this time last
year.

National Boiler and General Insurance Co., Ltd. — Interim

dividend of 12a. per share, less tax, payable September 1st.

Vickers, Ltd. — Interim dividend Is. per share, free of
income tax, on the ordinary shares.

ArorsT i. ini

] THE ELECTKICAL REVIEW.

135

METAL MARKET.

PROSPECTS IN 50UTH AFRICA.

July

£32

31

30

29

28

£174

173

172

171

170

169

168

167

166

165

164

163

162

£112

111

110

109

108

107

106

105

104

103

102

101

lOO

99

98

97

96

95

94

93

. 92

91

90

89

88

87

86

85

84

July

Fluctuations in July.

3 4 5 6 7 10U1213141718192021242526272831

Bv R. TURXBCLL MAWDESLEY.

1 1

^ r -TIN- -h

AA 3 ±

L

^t ^u ^

Al A 7

V H^ ^

i w i

4 t

^s.L

i

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

7

ii t

± '"

I

^ i t

\

J 4^

^ t -\

3 JT^

7

i /t

4 -.'^

^^ ^

\ /

^ j.^^. L ii

V- I X ^z

I ^ J z

4

^7

^ j: j:

inni±

3 4 5 6 7 1011J21314niS19202124252&272831

S.A. Institute of Electrical Engineers. — In his valedictory '

address as retirinfr President. Mr. Bi-rnard Price said that the most
ambitions undertaking upon which the Institute had yet embarked
was an investigration of the possible development by electrical
means of the natural resources of the country. Consideration of
the establishment of new industries had recently received an added
stimulus : the war and its effects upon the importation of manu-
factured articles and commodities to the country had naturally
directed attention to increased utilisation of local resources, and the
Government had appoiBted an influential Committee to consider the
whole matter. The formation of the Government Munitions and
Industries Committee had therefore provided the necessary
macliinery for the assimilation and utilisation of the data and
information that had been worked up by the Institute's Committee,
and it was hoped that the report on electrochemical industries,
which had just Iseen completed and which was already in the hands
of the Government Committee, would be the means of accelerating-
the establishment of such industries in the country. The present
time wa.= particularly opportune, and there was no time to be lost:
If the British Emjrire and her Allies were to consolidate the victory
which they would surely gain over their enemies, at terrible cost,
it was imper.ative that they should org-anise industry on new lines.
One most important factor in the problem was the education and
training of engineers, because the efficiency of the industrial and
commercial machine must ultimat^ely depend to a very large extent
upon the skill of those who controlled it. He was very optimistic
as to the future prosperity of the Institute. Africa was a young
country, possessing almost infinite possibilities, and electricity had
to play an important part in the development of those possibilities.
It must surely be only a matter of time before rapid strides would
be made in the opening up of the vast resources now lying
Jormant.

JOHAXXESBIRG. Jlllie 23/(7, \'i\f>.

The following brief article is prompted by the apjx'ai'ancc
in your columns (issue dated May 19th) of an inquiry from
a correspondent of Dutch nationality regardina; the present
prosjiects in South Africa for electrical men. Your issue of
May 19th has only just arrived, and I fear that any informa-
tion I am able to tender can hardly reach you in time to be of
any service to your correspondent. However, others may Ije
interested in the prevailing conditions along the Reef, and
in South Africa generally ; and I am giving some general
information with reference to the prospects for newcomers.

I ventured to remark in these columns as emphatically a.s
jxxssible, some three years ago — at the time of tlie. great
strike in Johannesburg — that on no account should electrical
men come to South Africa on speculation, and since that
period things have not changed.

It is to be feared that matters, from the point of view
of employment, have got rather worse since the outbreak
of the war. It should be said at once that, although a
great many men connected with electrical affairs have gone
to German East Africa with General Smuts, there are
positively no appointmeiits vacant in consequence. The
reason for this is not far to seek. Xo construction w'ork is
at present going on — partly because of the difficulty in
getting material from home, and for other reasons equally
obvious. Even if the sanction of the Jlinister of Munitions
is obtained to proceed with work other than munition work,
it is not to say that, in consequence. Colonial orders can be
filled with any degree of speed l)y the manufacturers. It
will be appreciated, therefore, that w'here drawing and
designing office staffs were depleted by men "joining up"
no attempt has been ma<:le — nor has it been necessary — to
fill up the openings thtis caused. Again, apart from con-
struction work, where maintenance and operatuig staffs
have been depleted, it has always lieen possible to fill up
such vacancies locally so far.

The branch offices of the l)ig manufactiu'ers ai'e prac-
tically at a standstill through the stoppage of all construo
tion work, and therefore new-coming engineers, whether
they be trained commercially, technically, or practically,
have little chance of securing what I may term a staff
appointment. There are at present many certificated
men of undoubted ability working, practically, on the
mines at an artisan's wage : and this is not an alluring
prospect for any one who knows what a Rand mine
electrician, or fitter, is called upon to do.

In any notes upon electrical matters in South Africa,
one is forced to keep the Rand in his mind's eye. This
is unquestionably the area concerned, as, apart from Cape-
town, Durban, and one or two other comparatively small
towns where the miuiicipalities have electric sujijily under-
takings, there is no electrical work at all. if we except the
small " 'dorj)s " which jxissess tiny suction-gas plants with
a staff of, probably, two white men. South Africans are keen
upon saying that there must be a complete abandonment of
the foolish and singularly short-sighted attitude in which
the Rand is regarded as a milch cow for the rest of South
Africa : but that attitude cannot be abandoned from an
electrical view--point.

If we consider the diamond mines at Kimberley, the gold
mines on the Reef, and one or two outlying coal mines, we
have all the industries at once where electricity is applied
on any great scale.

There are no great factories in South Africa which take
power in bulk, and it follows that the Rand is, to all intents
and purposes. South Africa, when we speak of electrical
matters.

Now the Victoria Falls and Transvaal Power Co. has a
recognised system of promotion from the junior ranks, which
is rigidly adhered to when any opening occurs at the top^
This forms an undoubted encouragement to the junioi-s,.
though distinctly hard on a newcomer : and although a
" new clumi " might be fortunate enough to strike a billet,
either with this great company, or elsewhere, it is to be
regretted that his chances are distinctly small. There is.

l:k\

THE KLKCTRICAL KEVIJIW

l.lJl'l. AlcUST A. litll

too, a School of Jliiies and Techiiolofiv in JohaniR'.slmfi:,
where students are well irrounded, and where encouragement
is given bv the mining houses to Afrikanders to train
teelmically and practically in the mining jjnd engineering
professions.

All resident engineers on mines must jx)ssess the Govern-
ment t'crtificate of proficiency before they can take absolute
control. There are two chisses of certificate, one for elec-
trical, and one for mechanical engineei's — thougli cither is
sufficient. The examination is somewhat similar to that
for the As.<oc-iate Membei-ship of the I.E.E. : but when one
li;u« irrown rnsty. it offers some difficulties. An honorary
certificate is given to engineere who Jiave been in executive
jxisitioiis for a jteriod of not less than three years.

The Johannesburg municijwtlity has taken steps to j)re-
vent further members of its ])ower-statiou staff from going
cither overseas, or to (i.E.A.. and, consequently, there is
nothing doing in this direction — the present staff having
grown comparatively old in its service.

Regarding the actual prnclii-iil side of the (jiiestion, it
should be said that there are no electricians, titters, or
mechanics at present unemployed here. The mines offer a
wide field for practical men, es]X'ciallv armature winders.
The pay of a mine electrician varies from ISs. 4d. to 25s.
j)er day, according to his experience, bnt the average is 20s.
jier day, with a 48-hour week. aijaea'^

Tliese figures, when compared with British rates, are
distinctly misleading. Notwithstanding the improvements
in transportation and railways. Johannesburg, and the
Witwatei-srand generally, are still among the most exj^eu-
sive places in the world in which to live — and this quite
apart from the more recent increase in the price of com-
modities owing to the war. It mast be remembered that
.Johannesburg (the actual centre of the Reef) is roughly
1,000 miles from Capetown and OOO from Durljan, and
situated at the top of a mountain range, where it is
tropically hot in the sunmier months (October to ijarch)
and bitingly cold in winter (April to September) : so that,
although £6 per week seems a high standard of pay, it is
not worth more than .50s. per week in Great Britain — in
fact, a man with 50s. per week at Home is in much the
better position.

If, therefore, a man is practical, and satisfied with an
■ electrician's job in the meantime, it might not be a bad
" spec " to come to the Rand ; but the cost' of living is the
cliief item to be considered. Clothes are very expeusive,
100s. to 200s. being the cost of a suit ; boots are 20s. to 4.5s.,
and all food and raiment is on an equally high scale. Also
house rents are abnormally high, the merest " cottage "
being rented at £5 or £(> per month. Railway fares arc
the only cheap thing, and this is necessary owing to the
long distances between towns in S.A. (the Rand excluded).

The Witwatersrand Reef, where all the big gold mines are
situated, runs east and we.st about 50 miles, fi'om Springs to
Randfontein, with Johannesbm-g in the centre : and along
this Reef are situated a number of towns of more or less
importiance. Of these, Johannesburg, Krugersdorp, and
Randfontein (a suburb of Krugersdorp) each have their own
municipal plant, Init the remaining to\nis are supplied for
lighting, &c., from the V.F.P. Co.

In conclusion, it is far from my intention to cast a wet
blanket on the enthusiasm of any electrical man who
intends coming here: but, in conmion fairness, it is
desirable to say that neither general ability in languages nor
profession can procure one employment of a suitable kind
where none exists.

THE EMPLOYMENT OF DISABLED SAILORS
AND SOLDIERS.

Early in the war, the fact that many men who had suffered
permanent injury in the sen-ice of their country would
return to civil life maimed and unfitted to resume their
former avocations, and would need assistance to enable
them to find new occupations, was appreciated by the
Council of the Institution of Electrical Engineers, which
a<jcordingly invited employers in the electrical industries
to take such cases into consideration (Elec. Rev., June

25tli, lyl5). .\t that time, however, it was found tli;il
there were very few candidates for em])loynuiit, tlic demand
for them ajipareutly exceeding the supply.

Obviously, this happy state of things could not lie
cx|)ected to last. and. with a view to forestalling the future,
a small Connnittcc wius formed of nieml>crs of the Coinicii.
who took the matter in hand, and accunudatcd a guarantee
fund to cover expenses (mainly out of their own jiockcts).
The most obvious oiK'ning for jiartially-disablcd men in
electrical work was as switchboard and sub-station
attendants : certain physical disabilities, such as the loss
of an arm or a leg. or one eye. would not seriously diininisli
the efficiency of the men for these purposes, though surii
cases ;ui loss of nerve through shock. &<:., were evidently
unsuitalile. The necessity of at least a smattering of
technical knowledge for the adequate fulfilment of the
duties of such jxists, however, presented a serious obsta<'lc.
The Conimittee therefore a|ii)roached, in -the first instance,
the Education Connnittee of the London County Counril.
as the Education Authority for London, which suggested
that the work should be inidertakcn by the Nortlianiptun
Polytechnic Institute. The co-operation of Dr. ii.
ilnlliiieux Waimslcy. tiic Principal, was invited, and
he undertiMik. with the assistance of the Connnittcc.
to pre])are a scheme for putting the men through ;i
short course of training at the Institute ; at a meet-
ing held at the Institution <if Electrical Engineers, on

Soldiers ix thi: Phwku Hoise.

April 7tli. at which Dr. Walmsley met the rein'eseiitatives
of the Councils, it was decided that the work should be put
in hand. In the first instance the chisses were to be of an
experimental firder, and if successful results were attained,
the scope of the operations was to be enlarged, and the
system eventually extended to provincial centres. No fees
were to be charged for the tuition, but, on the other hand,
wages were not to be jiaid to the men during their course,
the guarantee fund lieing intended to cover the cost of
training only, and not to provide for maintenance.

Mr. F. M. Denton. Associate Head of the Department ( if
Electrical Engineering and Ajjplied Physics at the Nor-
thampton Polytechnic Institute, was present with Dr.
Walmsley, and the nature of the training to be given
wa-s outlined. At a meeting on April 27tli the matter
was further discussed, and it was agreed to prqpeed with
the organisation of training classes.

Accordingly, Dr. Walmsley obtained introductions from
Sir Alfred Keogh, K.C.B., Director-General of the Army
iledical Service, to the officers in command of six military
hospitals in the metropolitan area, and, with Mr. Denton,
\isited the hospitals with a view to obtaining pupils ; Init at
this stage a remarkable series of difficulties arose, differing
in character at each hospital, for some readily afforded fiwili-
ties which fithers could not accord, and vice rersd. Hence it
came about that though all was ready at the Institute in Ajiril,
a start could not be made with the first continsent of men

ArrjrsT 4. lHH

THE ELECTRICAL KEVIEW.

187

until June 20tb. One great difficulty, which might li;i\c
been fatal to the scheme, was that of providing for the
maintenance and travelling expenses of the men during their
course of training ;• this was only overcome by the aid of
the i)Lsalil(.'(l Soliliers' Aid Committee, of 40, Ehury Street,
S.W., wliiise work has been beyond praise. The Committee
undertook to defray the travelling expenses and the cost
of dinners for those men whom it had been instrumental in
sending to the classes. The first class numbered 14. of
whom only ,"> were derived from the hospitals, the D.S.A.
Connnittee sending the rest. Accommodation was provided
by the Institute for 20 men. The personal services of
Mr. G. R. Buckley and Mr. R. Cunliffe are described liy
Dr. Walmsley as in\-aluable, and Mr. Buckley further
encouraged the men by offering substantial prizes for com-
petition to the first class, which closed in .Tuly. and to
the second, which is now in training.

Perhaps the most serious difficulty met witli in forming
the classes was one to which we wish to draw particular
attention, as to our mind it reflects the greatest'discredit upon
the Government dejiartment which is charged with the duty

)icnsatiiiu in a Court of Law. Surely a man who has
voluntarily risked his life and lost a limb has a far higher
claim for compensation than one who has merely met with
an accident ! Fortunately, this subject has liecn vigorously
taken up in the daily I'rcss. with ilic rcilnulitalilc assistance of
Sir Frederick Milner (whose health unfortmiately has broken
down completely under the strain of his arduous labours),
and we hope that public opinion will soon compel the
Government to abandon the paltry policy of chaffering and
cheeseparing with the nation's defenders.

The course is laid out for a period of four weeks' training,
from 9 to 12 and 1 to 4 daily, five days a week, making a
total of 120 hours. The first class, attended from .June
26th to July 21st, numbered 14 ; three men failed to come
up to the standard tentatively set up, but 1 1 were passed
as eligible for employment. The men were found to be, as
a rule, excellent learners, interested in the work and readily
picking up the novel ideas that were put before them.
More applications were received from supply authorities
than could l>e filled ; the County of London Co. asked for
two and tiok four, who were not able to leave London, and

Disabled Soldiers at work ix the LAi'.iiKATn:;\

in: NoKTHA.Mi'Tux Polytechnic Institute.'

of allocating pensions to our' disabled heroes — men whom
it .should be our pride and boast to protect from injustice
and oppression, and to ijompensate with generosity, and by
every means in our power, for the voluntary sacrifice which
they had made for their Motherland. Far from adopting
this vieV, it is the practice of the Government to hale each
man before a Medical Board, which appraises the net value
of his earning jiower, (iiul <lcih(rh it fmin his ppiisiou. For
example, it is reported that a man who had lost a limb, and was
receiving a pension of 25s. a week, was held to be capable
of earning about 1.5s. a week, and his pension was reduced
to lOs. Gd. a week. Could anything be more monstrous
than this iniquitous procedure, by which men are provided
with direct incentives to malingering and idleness ? The
fact that a man, though partially crippled, is likely to be
able to earn wages does not in the least affect his undoubted
right to the fullest possible compensation for the injury
suffered in the service of his country, and in this connection
we may point out that a workman injured in the course of
Ills eniployinent is entitled to recover substantial corn-

inquiries were received from Edinburgh, Manchester, New-
ca-stle (3). Nottingham, South Wales (4), Cleveland and
Durham (3), and a pri\^ate firm. The Institute recommends
the men for a month's probation, with wages, on the jobs
where they will be employed, and urges that the full normal
rate of wages shall be paid to a man who performs the whole
of the duties usually attaclicd to his post.

The second cours.' vi:iiii'il nii July 17th with 20 men. and
applications for men have liecn received from the L. & N. W.
Ry. Co. and from Salford, Tynemouth, Liverpool, Leeds,
Birmingham, Blackburn, Woking, &c. The Committee has
decided that after the second course has been completed,
the scheme shall be suspended for a month or two, to see how
the first two squads of men get on in their jobs ; a meeting
will be held in September at which the whole position will
be reviewed, and if the results are found satisfactory, arrange-
ments will be made to resume the courses in October at the
Northampton Institute, and, if possible, to start provincial
courses.

The system of training to l]e adopted presented an entirely

18s

THE ELECTiUCAL KEVIEW.

No 2,(tU). Arta-ST I.JOIB.

new pnihlcm, ii.«. iv.'aiils l"'lli tlio siil.jui-t(( aiul thc.hJLVU ,.t
the traiiiiiijr, but Mr. Deiiton luu; laid out a eom-se of in-
struc-tion. ilpiirmod l)y the t'uminittee, which ai>peiu-s to be
admirably ada])ted to "its purjxwe. The course includes a
series of five or six lectures, or, rather, demonstrations, la<tin<r
about oiie-an<l-a-half houi-s each, on elementary facts rejrard-
insr clei'tro-technoloiry. The nicu are rec|uired to make notes
((|uiie the most difficult part of the system to tlieui. but soon
mastered) and are encouraged to ask questions, and after
each lecture they wTite out their notes, whilst the instruct.ir
discusses and explains the various points to them indi-
vidually. Practical laboratory work with sim]ilc apparatus
follows! l)earin^ sis far as possible uixui the future occu-
]iatioiis of the men: for this purpose they are paired off
in groujis. with an eye to the desirability of associating a
man who hits a ri<;ht arm with a mate who has a left — a
c(Misideration that touches one's heart, ibut which the men,
fortunately, rcjrard iu< a matter for jocularity.

Simple "exiX'rimcMts on heat and thermometry are carried
out, and the men make a buzzer, wind a model D.C. and
A.c. armature, ilnd make up an elementary transfonner — all
actually vorhimj models, most ingeniously contrived to
exhibit with the least expenditure of labour and material
the utilisation of the great fundamental principles.

To familiarise the pupils with electrical machinery, they
are divided into gi-oups of not 'more than four, each of
which is provided with a demonstrator, and spends, say, an
hour in examining a motor or switchboard, the demonstrator
answering questions and explaining the use and purpose of
each part of the apparatus. Actual workshop practice is
also taught as far as possible in the time available, such
operations as soldering, jointing wire and cable, vice work,
and the use of simple hand-t(X)ls being dealt with.
Elementary testing is included in the course. No better
choice of a teaching institution could be made, for the
Northampton Polytechnic Institute is specially equipped
for training men in station work : we have desLTibed and
illustrated the excellent modern ]ilant installed in the elec-
trical engineering department (Elec. Rkv., October 21st,
1910, p. 66.5), which includes ^P. and a.C. generating and
transforming plant, swibchgear of the flat-board and cellular
types, with remote-control and bench-control boards, &c.,
expressly laid out to represent current practice. Thus the
jntpils are enabled to handle apparatus of type similar to
that which they will meet with later, and are taught some-
thing of the methods of synchronising and paralleling
machines, regulating the voltage, &c. If the system of in-
struction that is under trial does not prove successful at this
Institute, it is safe to say tliat it will not succeed anywhere.
Lastly, through the kindness of the County of London Elec-
tric Supply Co., the men are allowed to visit the company's
City Road generating station and certain sub-stations : in
this part of the work Mr, Dallas has rendered invaluable
iussistance by making the necessary arrangements. On the
occasion of these visits the station staffs carry out various
routine and special operations for the iiLstruction of the men.
As a mark of the high esteem in which the w^ork is held,
we may mention that H.H. Princess Marie Louise, who is
the president of the Disabled Soldiers' Aid Committee, is
about to visit the Institute, to see the scheme in operation.

In conclusion, we wish to thank Mr. C. P. Sparks,
chairman of the I.E.E. Committee, Dr. Walmsley, and Mr.
Denton, for affording us facilities to describe the working
of this excellent project. The energy and enthusiasm with
which they have devoted themselves to perfecting the organ-
i^ation and carrying it into practice, command our admira-
tion, and, we hope, will compel success. We may add
that one factor necessary to success, which is beyond the
control of these gentlemen, is the central-station manager's
goodwill : without this, the system could not be given a
fair trial. But we are certain, and indeed the proofs are
already forthcoming, that this factor will not.be lacking:
and we are sure that engineers and managers will afford the
men thus partially trained every opportunity to acquire
further knowledge and skill in carrying out their duties,
even though at first their patience may be tried by the un-
aviiidalile inexperience of tlicir new hands. For have not
these men risked their lives on our behalf r "' Greater love
hath no man than this " — let us show them that we are
indeed their friends.

THE CHOICE OP CONTINUOUS CURRENT
MOTOR-CONTROL APPARATUS.

V,\ \\. Pl'.liiiKN MAVCOlK. .MIKE.

When first iiivesti<;ated. there wo'uld appear to bi> a needless and j
somewhat bt'wiUlerin^' variety of apparatus for the control of
motors, but this impression is dispelled when we approach the
subject from " outside." so to speak, and consider, first, what the
motor hiis to do ; and. xecomUij. what is the most desirable method
of operating' it.

If. startiniT on this plan, we take the simplest cases and lowest .'
powor.* tirst. and proceed step by step to the more complicated cases, '
■ t will be foimd that the methods and apparatus sort themselves out
into more or loss definite prroup.-;.

The consideration of matters from this jioint of view could '_
obviously be detailed at some len^'th. particularly as rcjranis the
various tests to be undertrono. and the details of construction and
mountinj;' ; but we must certainly leave these unconsi<lered. and
other omissions must be excused.

When any ;;iven rh'rl rir driir is to be con.sidered, the Motor
ciimi's first, till' .Method of Control next, and the Control Apparatus ,
last. Thus the type of motor and method of control lead up to the
choice of control apparatus, but cost often determines the method,
and very frequently the actual make of apparatus also.

The points to bo considered may be tabulated as follows :

Motor.

Type (T)

Power (P)

Motion (M)

(Tsh) Shunt.

(Tse) Series.

(,Tc) Compound.

tPvl) Very low (say up to 1 h.p.).

(PI) Low (say up to 10 H.l'.).

tPm) Medium (say up to 100 v.T.).

(Ph) Hig-h (say above loo h.v.).

Method of Oostrol.

r (Ms)

(Msr)
■' (Msv)
i (Msrv)

Hand (h)

(r).

Operation (0")

Semi-Auto-
matic (sa).

Automatic (a)

Starting only (s).

Starting (s) and speed regulating

Starting (s) and reversing (v).

Starting (s). speed-regulating (r). and

reversing (v).
Inching (i) can b'e combined with any of
the above.

By hand simply.

By hand, with one or more

distant stop-buttons.
By hand, with slow-motion

or slow-acting gear.
By hand, with slow-motion
I or slow-acting gear, and

I with one or more stop-

[ buttons.

f (Osab ) By pressing one or more
I buttons .

■j (Osamc) By operating a master-
1 controller.

By pulling a rope or chain.
Float operation.
Lever operation.
Pressure operation.

(Oh)
(Ohd)

(Ohsl
(Ohsd )

r (Oaf

{ (Oai;

L(Oap

Devices (D)

for

protection

&c.

(Osar)
f)
1)
P)
f (Df) Fuses.
( (Deb) Circuit-breaker.
I (Dnv) No-voltage release.
j (Dnvol) No-voltage and overload release.
\ (Db) Braking.

i (Dss) Speed-setting (for machine tools, &c.).
The aV)Ove tabulation may be used in two ways, first, for indi- '
eating the whole requirements of a given motor application ; and,
secondly, for showing the character of a given control apparatus
only.

As an example of the first use, let us suppose that the motor iS:
to be series-wound, that it is of nO H.p., that it is to be regulable as
regards speed and reversible, that it is to be operated by a master
controller, and that the control apparatus- is to have a no-voltage
and overload release.

These various requirements may then be summed up as : —
Tse, Pm, Msi-v. Osamc, Dnvol.

This gives, in a very concise form, the main information in
respect of tyi)e (T), power (P). motion (M), operation (0), and
devices for protection, &c. (D).

In using the tabulation in the second way mentioned above, viz.,
for indicating the character of a given control, it is clearly not
always necessary to give the T and P descriptions.

It is conceivable that some such tabulation would be useful in
practice when all sorts of motor work have repeatedly to be dealt
with.

Map of Russia.— Messrs. R. Martens & Co., LUl, of

149, Leadenhall Street, E.G.. shippers and mercantile engineers,'
who have branches in seven principal cities of Russia, have issued
a large economic map of Russia which should prove useful to
traders who are interested in the cultivation of closer trading
relations between this country and Russia.

xo. -iMV.K AiGi-sT 4. u-ir;.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

iy.[)

50UTH AFRICAN MUNICIPAL ELECTRIC SUPPLY STATISTICS.

The t'oUowlu!; data relatluir to South African municipal electricity supply undertakinu's appeared in a recent issue of the Suiith African

Mining Journal :-

§

i

•5 ^

°g

1^

E

sS

•3^

°S

Town.

•| - ,

i
'2

S-3

£ 2

if

p £ a

1^1

"3

it

3
S

2§

11

3 S

O

6

A. »

C5 ■

<'ou

S

SS

sl

»l

a-s

z§

nAliwal Xorth

Water

„

480—510

230 & 460

D.C.

Under

65

60,000

80

250

Beuoni ... •••

Bulk

3,000

200 & 346

A.C. 25

Both

450

350

—

259

924

Bloemfontein

Steam

Yes

2,000

34 7 & 200

A.C. 50

Both

1,700

458

1,430,000

471

1,400

BoksburfT

Bulk

—

2,100

230

A.C.

Both

400

400

370,000

450

740

cBulawayo

-^

—

—

— —

—

—

—

—

—

—

Ca])eTown

Steam

Yes

475 i: 2.200

440 & 220 , A.C. & D.C.

Both

2.625

1,984

5,031,716

1,675

2,772

Ceres

Water

110

110 : D.C.

Over

35

30

4,200

100

75

^/Dundee

Steam

Xo

220

210—200 D.C.

Both

100

60

—

47

200

Durban

Steam

Yes

li.COO, 2.7.50
& 550

550. 100, &
200 A.C..
500 D.C.

A.C. ic D.C.

Both

8,950

4,200

13,752,000

2,462

6.487

East Loudon

Steam

Yes

2.20U & 550

1 10 & 550

A.C. 50 & D.C.

Both

950

1,000

1,355,627

546

1,475

fGermiston

Bulk

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

Oreytown

Steam

Xo

220

200

D.C.

Over

136

55

48,000

72

143

Harrismith

Steam

Xo

2.100

200

A.C. 50

Under

185

70

102,975

98

298

Heilbron

•Steam
& Gas

No

250

230

D.C.

Over

50

25

56,821

50

130

-lohannesburtr

Steam

Yes

500—600

400— 4S0

3.000—3,300

200 & 400
500—600
460—480

D.C. i: A.C. 50

Both

13.750

9,700

20,551,894

7,000

12,300

Kalk Bay

Steam

Yes

3,300

190—110

A.C. 50

Both

300

200

—

284

203

/(Kimljerley

Bulk

5,000

220

A.C. 50

Both

—

—

838,742

191

1,078

Kinir William's To\\-n

Steam

Yes

2.200

220—225

A.C. 50

Both

200

101

135,374

286

502

Klerksdorp

Gas

500

23a & 460

D.C.

Over

70

50

84,000

104

200

Kroonstad

Steam

Xo

250

230

D.C.

Both

180

120

394,500

115

413

Kruj^ersdorp

Steam

Yes

4«0

460

D.C,

Both

450

340

755,340

315

825

Ladysmith ...

Steam

Xo

220

220

D.C.

Over

250

600 amp

269,597

162

240

(/Newcastle

Steam

Xo

550

250

D.C.

Over

78

65

2,000

300

175

Oudtshoom

Oil

440— ISO

220—240

D.C.

Both

180

280

127,127

258

414

Parys

Water

460

230

D.C.

Over

30

40 amp.

—

100

57

Pietermaritzburg ...

Steam

Yes

2.050 & 5.50

200 & 550

D.C. & A.C. lot

Both

1,550

700

1,492,981

i70

1,720

Port Elizabeth

Steam

Yes

250

250 & 500

D.C.

Both

1,200

812

—

715

1,688

Pot chef St room

Steam

Yes

250 & 500

240 & 480

D.C.

Over

150

65

108,596

120

304

Pretoria

Steam

Yes

550

250 & 500

D.C.

Both

3,300

2,000

4,273,000

1,470

3,500

Queenstowu

Oil

—

230 & 460

220 & 440

D.C.

Both

140

230

80,000

240

364

(•Roodepoort

Bulk

3,300

400 & 230

A.C. 50

Over

180

150

96,000

400

479

Salisbury

Oil

460

220 & 440

D.C.

Both

200

100

—

103

300

Springs

Bulk

—

—

—

—

—

. —

—

_™

—,

jStandertou

h^team

Xo

240

230

D.C.

Over

75

50

150

144

Citenhage

Gas

—

440

220

D.C.

Both

270

—

—

296

180

Wynljerjr

Buk

—

3.000

220

A.C. 50

Both

250

150

—

—

318

a Combined electric and water schemes,

h Current purchased in bulk from De Beers Consolidated Mines,

r Electric light and water supplied by Bulawayo Waterworks

Co.. Ltd.

d Supplied by Messrs, B. H. Gellender & Co., Ltd.

e Current supplied by Victoria Falls & Transvaal Power Co., Ltd.

/ Plant installed in March. 1913,

g Current supplied by .South African Railways,

TRADE OF CANADA.

A REPORT on the trading position in Canada by H.M. Trade
Commissioner has just been issued by the Board of Trade
(Cd. 8,270, Price 3d. \Yyman & Sons). An extract is given
below of such portions of the report as will be of interest to
the electrical and allied trades : — •

Encouraging Outlook. — ^Since December, 1914, orders from
the .\llies to Canadian manufacturers have continually in-
•creased, and, as reflected in the trade returns, there resulted
a trading balance of exports over imports of over $200,000,000
in favour of the Dominion for the calendar year 1915, To
realise the full meaning of this balance, one must remember
that, imtU 191-5, Canada had not experienced for many
years a balance in her favour on a complete year's trading.

Apart, however, from their intrinsic value, the orders for
munitions and equipment have been of great educative value
to the Dominion, and now she has a very considerable body
of persons skilled in the use of machinery and in the manu-
facture of many articles which, but for the war, might never
have been manufactured in Canada at all. The result, from
this point of view alone, bids fair to be of the greatest value
to the covmtry in its future industrial development.

For the coming year, 1916, Canada offers an exceptionally
strong and tempting market to those firms who are in a
position to offer and supply commodities which she' is pre-
pared to purchase. In short, as a consequence of greatly
increased returns from agriculture, mining, fisheries and in-
dustries in 1915, she is now a buyer of greater potential
strength than she has been for years past. It is, therefore,
all the more regrettable that IJritish manufacturers, who
have experienced poor trade during recent years, will be less
able than ever to secure a share of her increased orders on
account of inability to make deliveries.

Imports of manufactures of metal and machinery from the
United Kingdom fell very seriously in 1915, The British posi-
tion has been weak owing to the competition from the United
States, and, for the period under review, as a result of the

demands made at home on the United Kingdom manufac-
turer, a substantial decrease could hardly be avoided. The
percentage of imports from the United Kingdom in 1915 (7,7)
showed a relative loss of position of 50 per cent, in com-
parison with 1913 {15.3 per cent.).

Many municipalities will ask their ratepayers early in 1916
to vote upon the question as to whether they will take part
in the proposed scheme of electric radio railways in Ontario,
The municipalities agreeing to do so wiU operate the
railways and the Ontario Hydro-Electric Commission will
sujply the power. The coming year should witness some-
thing definite in regard to this scheme.

I'he Ontario Hydro-Electric Commission will probably be
for some time to come one of the largest purchasers in this
market for motors, copper wire, insulators, sluice gates,
generators, and power plant generally, and it would be advis-
able for the Canadian representatives of United Kingdom
firms to keep in close touch with the Commissioner's offices.

Preference and its Effect. — The preferential duties accorded
to United Kingdom goods entering Canada may be taken as
an expression of the desire of the Canadian Goverimient and
people to give some assistance to the United Kingdom manu-
facturer, and they have actuaOy been of some service in the
-desired direction. In practice, however, it his been found
that the preference has not operated to an extent nearly as
much as was anticipated at the time of its introduction.

In the quinquennial period 1901-1905, the average amount
of duty per centum on dutiable goods coming from the
United Kingdom was less than that on dutiable goods coming
from the United States, but for the later periods the United
Kingdom goods have paid the greater percentage duty. The
e^planation is that lower duties are payable on entry into
Canada on the articles which form the staple trade of the
United States with Canada, than on those articles which
foim the staple trade of the United Kingdom with the Domi-
nion, For example, the average ad val. rate of duty paid on
manufactures of iron and steel is about 21 per cent., whereas
the average ad vaJ. rate of duty paid on manufactures of
wool is about 29 per cent.

140

THE ELECTEICAI^ REVIEW. [v„i. ::■ .\„ .-m.. a, ,:, m

The opoiatioii of the Diinipinf,' Chuise in tlie Canadian TarilT
is not in sympathy with the preferential duties granted to
United Kini,'doni ^nods. The Speeial Duty under this Clause
piotects only the Canadian home niauufaeturer.

United Kintidom trade gains little from the preferential
late of duty on the value of packages or coverings, as United
States tradeis rail goods cheaply crated and, on occasion,
without any crate or case whatever. It gains nothing from
the provision, under the Customs Act, that duties generally
shall not he charged on less than the invoice value in the
case of gtK)ds sold to persons in Canada prior to their importa-
tion into Canada. I'robahly the larger proportion of United
Kingdom goods are sold under these conditions. But. while
Canadian firms with capital are able to purchase and import
direct as purchascis (although the giXKls may actually be
sold prior to shipment), and can thus pass the goods through
the Customs on "' domestic value " without question, when-
ever a firm acts as "an agent" and .':ells mi conunission, the
price to the Canadian buyer necessarily includes the " agent's
commission," on which duty is also levied.

Branches from tlic States. — The opening of branch works by
tht United States manufacturer across the border is a notice-
able feature in the industrial life Of Canada. The importance
of the operations carried on by these branches naturally
enough varies considerably, for while some branches are en-
g;.ged largely .in assembling plant, others carry on a genuine
manufacturing business, and many manufacture a portion of
an aitide in their Canadian works, and utilise imported parts
for completing the article. The latest particulars indicate
that the number of United States branch works establi.shod,
and in operation, in Canada is about 409, of which 3'29 are
situated in Ontario.

The ease with which a branch of a United States works
can be established, maintained, and controlled from the parent
works is, no doubt, one of the rea-sons for so many being
estabhshed in Canada, and avoiding, by so doing, many tariff
and transportation problems. It has been advocated that
British concerns should act in the same manner, and though
one or two have done .so, the difficulties are so considerable
that it is unlikely that many United Kingdom finns will
endeavour to establish branch works in the Dominion. The
expenses incidental to (1) ascertaining the probable success
of the venture. (2) acquiring a suitable site for a factory, and
(3) selecting machinery and equipment suitable to local power
conditions and the cla,ss of labour available, are infinitely
greater to a British concern than to an American ; whilst the
system used, the class of manufacture, the labour to be em-
ployed, and "even the management, iire all foreign to British
ideas and methods. The whole subject, which is apparently
S.3 simple and easy to those who have not given close con-
sideration to it, bristles with difficulties.

- German Penetration. — German methods of investigating ■
market challenge comparison with British methods, and the
comparison appears to indicate that the science of commercial
penetration has not received in the past the same attention
in the United Kingdom as in Germany.

One is perfectly familiar with reiterated advice to the
British manufacturer to_ send travellers, and yet more travel-
lers, into the Canadian market, and to publish catalogues
in the currency of Canada, but it is clear that such advice
is of little service unless accompanied with the necessiii,.
information as to the particular articles required by the
market, and the communication of this information to those
British inanufacturers who are in a position to satisfy such
requirements. In some such way only is it po.ssible for
Briti-sh firms to judge whether an adequate return for the
expense of sending travellers, and compiling catalogues in
accordance with Canadian requirements, would ensue.

The Gennan manufacturer appears to have had this advice
and has attained a mea,sure of success, as judged by the trade
returns. It is clear that the considerable and carefully-
trained Gennan Consular service in Canada, coupled with a
scientifically-conducted intelligence system in Germany itself,
are responsible for the high average results which have been
.secured by those German manufacturers who have decided
ta estabhsh export trade relations with the Dominion.

An actual case of the working of the German .system will
illustrate its efficacy. Two young Germans came to Montreal
in the fall of 1912 to introduce a line of goods, and took a
small office: neither had, been to Canada before, but they had
received advice that there w^ould be a market for certain
clas.ses of articles. They worked hard for eighteen months,
and at the end of that time had built up a considerable and
profitable connection. When asked as to the reason of their
success, they explained that they had come to Montreal
equipped with information as to : —

1. Likely buyers in Montreal, Toronto, and other towns jn
the neighbourhood.

2. The financial standing of such firms, and the names of
men employed by these firms upon whom it was advisable
to call.

3. The articles of Canadian or foreign manufacture that
they would have to meet in competition, and the prices of
such articles. And,

4. The cu.storaary terms of credit prevailing.

All this information had been available to them in Ger-
many before they set out for Canada. Moreover, they were
guaranteed .sufficient living and office expenses, they knew
that the principals whom they represented were well posted as
to the details of trade, such as the preparing of invoices.

declarations. Ac, in accordance with the Canadian Customs
requirements.

There are no grounds whatevei' for believing that the aver-
age Cicrman manufacturer is more intelligently active in
obtaining information as to the overseas prospects for his
goods tlian the average British manufacturer, and one is
torced to the conclusion that the German Government bud a
highly efficient organisation for conveying this information
to such finns as could turn it to the best advantage.

NEW

PATENTS APPLIED FOR,

(NOT YET PUBLISH EUl.

1916.

I.\n|,iltd ux|>ri->sly for this juiirn.il b> Mtssus. W. P. Tjiomi'son S: Co.,
KIcctrical Patent Agents, 285, High llolbi>rn, I.oiulon. W.C, and at
Liverpool and Br.tdford.

10,008. " Method of producing hifih-frequfncy oscillations." I. Cmortik
July 17th.

10,016. '* Interrupters or makc-nnd-breok. devices for magneto ignition in
internnl-combustion engines." V. Rosso. July 17th.

10.029. "Electric incandesce: cc lamps." J. \V. Meek. July 17ili.

10.030. " Electrically-driven vibratory apparatus." V. C. Hei.l & Sihimnj
Telei'Hone and Electhic Co., Ltd. July 17ih.

10,047. " Mirror reflector to be applied to electrical gi-nerating -tpp.iratus
for inspection purposes." W. E. Line. July 18th.

10,070. " Electric-cable junction or terminal boxes or apparatus." Bimtisu

I.MSL'LATED AND HeLSBV CaBLES, LtD., & C. VeRNIBK. July 18th.

10,072. " Electric fuses or cut-outs." L. Nbwitt. July 18lh.

10,088. " Electric switches." M. Brooks, J. E. Franks. .\. E. Ki \
Walsall Hardware Manufactcrino Co. July 18tlT.

10,0!)6. *' Spark-g.tps for wireless t(!legraphy." J. Bethenod .\ 1
GiRARDEAB. July 18lh. (France, July 21st, 1915.)

10,090. "Multiple control apparatus for electric railways." .\ , i iii,.
Hkown, Uoveri et Cie. July 18th. (Germany, July 29th, 1915.)

10.100. " Circuit-interrupting^ devices." British WestingiioUSE Iji.ikk:
AND .Manueacturinc Co. (Westinghouse Electric and Manufacturing (Sn ) Inly
18th.

10.101. " Protective relays for ek'Ctric circuits." British WliSTlNt. lUsE

Klf.ctuic .Manufactl'RING Co. (Westinghouse Electric Manufacturing Co.). July
18lh.

10,103. " Generation of high-frequency currents." I. Chortik. July ISih.

10,116. "Circuit-conlrolliTs." li.KANic Electric Co. (Cutler-Hamm.r Mii,
featuring Co.). July 18th.

10,122. " Oscillating auilions." I., ub Forest. July 18lh. (Unite.l ^ s,

July 22nd, 1915.)

• 10,126. " Sparking-plugs (or intirnal-(;ombustion engines." G. St. It. S.

Watkins. July 18tii.

10,142. " Pendulum indicators for electric-bell systems, etc." I. H. Par-
sons. July 19th.

10,162. " Electric photographic printing or copying frames." J. Haldln &
Co. and J. B. Hildp.n. July inth.

m,174. "'Dvn.-.nn»-»Jt-c:iic macW:icj.'' British Thomson-Houston To
(General Electric Co.). July 19th.

10,176. "Means for opening and closing electrical circuits." .M\k. mnis
Wireless Telegraph Co. & R. H. White. July 19th.

10,178. "Controllers for electric motors." W. B. Bennitt. July IHih

10.182. " Differentially metering electricity for lighting and heatint; " I..
BlRKS & J. R. TE.MPL1N. July 19th. (New Zealand, March 2nd.)

10.183. " Apparatus for electro-deposition of metals." H. R. Braid. July
I9th.

10.184. " Insulation for electrical apparatus." E. Haefelv et Cie Akt.-Ges.
July 19th. (Switzerland, October 20th, 1915.)

10,193. *' Electrolytic- process for removing sulphide compounds from sur-
faces of articles of copper or copper alloys." P. Marino. July 19th.

10.227. " Protective devices for alternating-current electric systems." A. E.
McCoLL. July 20lh.

10.228. " Method of galvanizing copper lo eletlric non-conducting sub-
stances." U. Unno. July 20th.

10,234. "Telephone directory." W. H. Aston. July 20th.

10,257. " Speed indicators and counters." Eastern Telegraph Co. July
20th.

10,272. " Means for cooling sparking-plugs for internal-combusiicii
engines." J. Knight. July 21st.

10,274. " Electrical transformers." Bkusii Electrical Engineering Co. A
?. W. Scijolefield. July -21st.

10,282. "Electric motor-driving gear." V. C. Leao. .July 21st.

10,297. " Devices for attachment to sparking-plugs for automatically clean-
ing and cooling sparking points." A. E. La.mkin. July 21st.

10,303. "Telegraph systems." Automatic Tf.lephone Manufacturing Co. 4
S. R. Smith and R. Woodland. July 21st.

10,335. " Thermionic devices." W'estern Electric Co. (Western Electric
Co.). July 22hd.

10,361. " Means of control for petrol-electric vehicles." P. F. Smith It
Tillinc-Stevens, Ltd. July 22nd.

PUBLISHED SPECIFICATIONS.

2,530. Telephone Exchange Systems in \

LISHED through ElECTRO-MECHANICAI

January 30th.

17.022. Filament Supports for Electric Incandescent Lamps. Julius
Pir.tsch Akt.-Ges. July 17th. (February 11th, 1914.)

17.023. Incandescent Electric Lamp Filaments and the Method of Mount-
ing the same. Julius Pintsch Akt.-Ges. July 17lh. (February 16th, 1914.)

19XS.

6,486. Wireless Telegraph and Telephone Systems. L. de Forest. April
30th. „

9,476. Apparatus for Coiling Wire. British Thomson-Houston ('o.
(General Electric Co.). June 29th.

9,496. Telegraphh Relays. United Telegraph and Cable Co. and W. M.
Bruce. Junr. June 29th.

9,690. Electron-di-scharce Apparatus and Method of Operativg rilK
Same. British Thomson-Houston Co. (General Electric Co.). July 2nd.

9,838. Manufacture of Electric Heating Elements. H. J. Dowsing and
D. H«ntl»y. July 6th.

THS

BIjEOm^/IC^Xj I?/B'7"IE"W.

Vol. LXXIX.

AUGUST 11, 1916.

No. 2,020.

ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

Vol. LXXIX.]

CONTENTS: August 11, 1916.

[No. 2,020.

THE DEVELOPI^IENT OF
NATIONAL POLICY.

TTie Development of a Xational Policy ... ... 141

Lead 142

Signalling: in Mines 143

The Wire-drawing Industries 143

Long-distance Transmission in Germany ... 143

The L. and N.W. Suburban Railway Electrification Cillux.) ... 144

Electric Signalling in Mines ... 146

New Electrical Devices, Fittings and Plant (Jllu.s.') 148

Australian Trade 1.50

War Items 151

New Board of Trade Regulations ... ... ... ... l.')2

German Preparations for Peace ... ... ... ... ... 1 .iS

American Electric Cooking Notes ... ... ... ... 1 .54

Legal 1.5.")

Business Notes ... ... ... 15.5

Notes 158

City Notes 161

Stocks and Shares 162

Electric Tramway and Railway Traffic Returns ... ... 162

The Electrical Equipment of a Modern Foreign Submarine

Boat, by N. H. Wood (/H«.v.) (w«ei«rferf) 163

Electricity for Small Houses ... 165

A Novel Electric Clutch Gear for Motor-Cars ((//«.«.) 106

Correspondence —

'' Twenty-Two Deaths from Heat Stroke " ... ... 167

Induction Motors on Circuits of Different Frequencies ... 167

From the Front 167

Foreign and Colonial Tariffs on Electrical Goods 168

New Patents Applied for. 1916 108

Abstracts of Published Specifications 168

Contractors' Column ... ... ... Advertisement page xx

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CO.,

British industry has every reason to be satisfied
with the House of Commons discussion on the reso-
lutions of the Paris Economic Conference of the
AHies. The Prime Minister asked the House and
the nation to "envisage . . . the new conditions
of a world-wide problem " and to take part in secur-
ing for the future true, well-grounded, and lasting
economic independence, as well as protection
against the possibility of military domination. We
need hardly urge those who are interested in future
trade and industrial policy to read the full reports
of the debate from beginning to end; they will
probably have done that already. The Premier ex-
plained that three of the most important resolutions
were drafted by Mr. Runciman, the President of
the Board of Trade, were approved by Mr. Bonar
Law, the Colonial Secretary, and were heartily
agreed to by the Australian and Cafnadian states-
men who attended the Conference. Together with
the other resolutions in the series, they were unani--
mously and unhesitatingly accepted by the whole
of the Allied representatives, and finally they have
been fonnally and publicly adopted by both the
French and the British Governments. Credit should
be given ungrudgingly to Mr. Runciman for reflect-
ing in those three resolutions our determination
to refuse to grant most-favoured-nation treatment
to any of the Enemy Powers for a term of years,
thus ensuring the freedoqi of the Allies to make
such commercial agreements between them, or with
neutrals, as they may please; our determination to
protect ourselves against dumping or unfair comper
tition; and our intention to adopt measures to
render the Allies independent of enemy countries
as regards essential industries. But while credit
should be accorded to Mr. Runciman, we would not
be slow to acknowledge the very definite progress
made by the Premier himself. His historic speeches
delivered on great occasions since the outbreak of
war have left no room for doubt as to the Allies'
intention to crush the power of Prussian militar-
ism. In his Economic speech of August 2nd, 1916,
he was equally plain in expressing the fixed deter-
mination of the Allies, and therefore of the British
Government, to guarantee our industries and trade
against the penetrative machinations of Germany,
and to work out a policy of common action which
will ensure the stability of our industry and finance.
From the intentions expressed in this speech there
can be no turning back — nor will there be any such
desire, for the great body of national opinion is
behind the Coalition Government in this matter,
and those who elect to parade under the banner of
Simon, Snowden, and company Will have many spec-
tators but few followers. Our accepted epithets in

[141]

14-2

i'HE ELECTRICAL. KEVIEW^ LVoi. I'x no. -".n-n.. a. ,;,>,

regard to tlie enemy become stronger as each suc-
cessive act of inhumanity puts him further beyond
the pale of Christian civilisation. " Barbarian "
was good enough for most of us a short time ago;
now we are unhesitatingly agreeing that " Beast "
is the more appropriate. Whining by the Beast
itself, or solicitations on its behalf, will not avail;
no quarter can be allowed if the Freedom of the
People is to be preserved. Mr. Asquith seems to
have received convincing information respecting the
preparations that the enemy is making for impeding
the industrial and commercial recovery of the
Allies, for attacking Allied markets, and for a
vigorous and, if possible, victorious competition in
neutral markets. In possession of this informa-
tion, and backed by the strong convictions of his
colleagues and those of the nation generally, John
Bull throws back his shoulders, clenches his teeth,
and is unalterably determined that in as far as it is
possible for him to prepare against all this he will
be ready. His strong hand is ready to enter into
action; we have to see to it betimes that the weapon
is there, else it may be too late. This is how we
interpret the attitude of mind to which the Govern-
ment has arrived. But the debate was not only
acceptable because it contained the Premier's defi-
nite interpretation of the Cabinet view. It is im-
portant because it drew from all sides of the House
confessions, if we may use the word, that " the war
had altered everything," and that they were " pre-
pared to alter their opinions and methods"; that
Shibboleths which were useful and even sincere
before the war were among the " everything " thus
inevitably altered. As we have suggested already
on several occasions, the old fiscal controversy
should be considered buried; we shall all live in an
altered world, and through a long period of recon-
struction, rehabilitation, and strerigthening opera-
tions, and in those years of regulation of inter-
Allied economic relationships, pettifogging discus-
sions as to Free Trade v. Protection must be re-
garded as more or less pre-historic. The Allies
have got to protect themselves against their
enemies. We have recorded during the past two
years all the various measures that have been taken
to deal with enemy trading, and to clear out as far
as practicable the very roots of Teutonic influence
where it has cumbere^d British ground; also the
efforts of the Board of Trade and the appointments
of committees relating to the utilisation of Empire
resources, to scientific and industrial research, to
finance, and so forth. All of these matters were
briefly reviewed by the Prime Minister in his sum
mary of the steps leading up to the Economic Con-
ference and the Governmental approval of its policy.
There are to follow the efforts of the Conference,
and of all these committees and Government de-
partments, conferences at which the representatives
of the Dominions and India will go into the whole
question of the Empire's trade policy considered in
the light of the Paris resolutions. .Mr. Bonar Law,
in the course of his gentle handling of Sir J. Simon,
gave it as his belief that the probable effect of a
tariff on the future position was greatly exaggerated
by both parties in fiscal controversies, and we be-
lieve that most of our readers who endeavour to
" envisage . . . the new conditions of a world-
wide problem," and who remember the vast num-
ber of questions that there are involved in this great
problem, will be strongly inclined to agree with him
that the whole matter " is really a question of
organisatipn more than of the method by which
you are to carry out that organisation."

Ever since, owing to the stoppa'ge of German
supplies by our blockade, the importance of our
manufacturers launching out upon new industries
became recognised, there has been something akin
to nervousness among our firms and financiers as
to whether capital laid out upon such industrial

developments during the war would have to be
sacrificed after the cessation of hostilities owing to
weak policy of the Government of the day. Mr.
Asquiih, by his latest declaration, is a determined
anti-dumper, and will brook no unfair competition
from the enemy. Here then, unless he should even-
tually let the manufacturer down in a most unworthy
manner — which we do not think he would do if he
could, nor could he if he would against so strong a
national feeling — is something in the nature of an
assurance such as industiy has asked for for two
years. We endorse the opinion of Sir J. Randies
that Mr. Asquith's statement would assure those
engaged in British industries that they could with
safety undertake developments and prepare for an
increased production of goods for sale abroad. We
hear manythings, about which we are not permitted
to write, proving that in a number of departments
of electrical and allied activity our manufacturers
are by no means neglecting the present opportunity,
but we may be pretty sure that as the feeling of
future security grows upon our industrial authorities
they will be encouraged to take in hand many new
lines, previously regarded as enemy preserves, and
to complete their schemes and organisations for
increased productivity for both home and export
consumption.

Rather more interest has been
Lead. centred on the position of pig lead

lately, while the market, after some
further weakening, has experienced a renewed up-
ward movement. Prices fluctuated considerably
within the last few weeks. Towards the end of last
month the tendency was affected by the efforts made
by the authorities to keep down prices, although
the sales of controlled lead were of ah intermittent
character. Offers from that quarter having for a
time practically subsided, the general tendency im-
proved with decidedly more interest displayed by
consumers in all positions. The improvement from
the lowest represents about 20s. to 30s. a ton.
Prices dropped at one period to about £27 los. for
early shipment, recovering to about £29. The dis-
count on forward metal, which had increased up to
fully £2 a ton when the price for that position fell
to about £26, has been latterly reduced to roughly
los. a ton. The position of the market remains
entirely under Government control, but the fact is
worth mentioning that the very liberal extent to
which buyers were met in the open market in recent
■weeks from controlled sources would appear to have
reduced the available supplies to dimensions which
eventually prompted the authorities to re-purchase
some of the lead sold recently. This feature is
rather interesting, and may possibly be due to de-
layed arrivals combined' with the filling of addi-
tional requirements for munitions. As it is, how-
ever, the statistical position is more obscure than
ever in the absence of complete returns of arrivals.
It is estimated that in the course of last month
roughly 3,500 tons of Government metal were scat-
tered on the open market, so that the latter has
shown rather more resistance than generally antici-
pated. Consumers were evidently very short of
stock, and although they have now been fairly well
filled for the time" being, the demand still seems to
be pretty good. Export business has remained
practically at a standstill since licences are virtually
unobtainable, which, of course, compels some con-
suming countries to draw supplies direct from else-
where. In the case of Russia, however, it is under-
stood that a fair tonnage was recently diverted from
here to that country via Vladivostock, in accord-
ance with the special arrangements in force between
the British and Russian Governments. France con-
tinues to import heavy quantities, her takings from
Spain for the first five months of this year being

Vol. 79. \o. 2,020, August 11, ii)i6.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

143

well over 27,000 tons, or an excess of, roughly,
10,000 tons and 21,000 tons respectively as compared
with the same period for the two previous years.
For the time being, there is certainly no excess of
supplies on this side over current needs, and unless
the arrivals again increase, the chances are that the
market may improve further. There are still freight
difficulties to contend with, so that no reliance can
be placed on regular arrivals. The fuel scarcity in
Spain still tends to impede the progress of the out-
put, but judging from the fact that the exports from
that country so far this year are considerably more
than last year, operations have proceeded as well
as could have been expected, in spite of the tem-
porary labour disturbances. There has not been
much alteration in the American position, where
prices, though weaker, are still well above shipping
parity, so far as the London market is concerned.
Prices are now not a long way below the highest
point recorded in the past vear. although showing a
big fall from the extreme highest touched some
months ago,, after the enforcement of the Defence
of the Realm Act.

Signalling
in Mines.

We are glad to see that in the
further investigations conducted by
Dr. R. V. Wheeler into the ques-
tion of electric bell signalling with
bare wires in mines, he has had as collaborator
Prof. W. M. Thornton, whose knowledge of ttie
subject of ignition of inflammable gases in mines is
of unique extent and authority. The joint report,
of which we give an abstract in this issue, contains
additional particulars regarding the characteristics
of the bells at present in use, which suggest that
practice in bell design is very diversified; the same
remark applies to relays, which have also been
tested. In the case of the latter, the sensibility of
the apparatus appears to be much in excess of the
requirements, with the result that the self-induction
of most of the relays is greater than that of the
bells, and consequently the break-flash is more
dangerous. Fortunately, both bells and relays can
easily be made perfectly safe by simple means, such
as the provision of a short-circuited winding or a
copper sleeve on the electromagnets, the addition of
non-inductive resistance to the circuit, or shunting
the magnet coils with a high resistance. The
authors conclude, therefore, that there is no need
to reduce the batten- power at present permitted,
and that there is no difficulty in constructing bells
and relays incapable of causing the ignition even of
the most inflammable mixture of air and methane.
An interesting fact has been revealed by their in-
vestigations— namely, that the iron cores of mining
bells and relays are generally small, and are
liable to be saturated. With reference to this and
other details, they discuss the components of the
bells on mathematical lines, which are hardly con-
vincing; apparently they adopt as a criterion of the
combined efficiency and safety of the bell the ratio
of the sounding-power to the minimum igniting cur-
rent, and would make this ratio as great as pos
sible. But the greater the minimum igniting" cur-
rent, with a given voltage, the safer is the bell, a
condition directly opposed to the authors' view, and
it would be interesting to know why they adopted
this peculiar standard.

Very little change in the position
The of the leading wire manufacturing

Wire=drawing firms in this country appears to
Industries. have taken place during the past
few weeks, with the exception, per-
haps, of the increased slackness in the shipping sec-
tion, which has been subjected for some time past
to increasing restrictions from the War Trade De-
partment. The uncertainty caused by fluctuations

in the price of copper has necessitated increased
caution among buyers of the metal in both the raw
and the manufactured states. The requirements for
war material continued to be good, and there is
not, apparently, much reason for anticipating a
serious diminution of orders in this section for some
time to come. From America the information is
to hand that several of the leading German wire
nianufacturing firms have recently displayed some
important concern as to the possibility of failure
to recapture the trade previously done with this
country in copper wire, strip, &c., which, in 1912,
exceeded £317,000. The success or otherwise of
this future effort of the German firms will depend
very largely upon the solidarity of principle and
uniformity of purpose with which the British wire
manufacturers view the question in the meantime.

It is now a matter of recent his-
Long=distance tory that the Berlin Electricity
Transmission Works Co., which possessed a prac-
in Germany. tical monopoly of the supply of
energy for lighting and power pur-
poses in the German capital, intended to overcome
the difficulties incidental to increasing the output
so as to cope with the growing demand, by the
erection of a huge generating station at the lignite
mines of Golpa-Jessnitz, near Bitterfeld, which the
company acquired for this and other purposes, and
the projected transmission of energy to the works
in Berlin for conversion and distribution among con-
sumers. But the recent purchase of the company's
undertaking by the Berlin Municipal Council for
over £6,000,000, which sum is now stated to have
been paid over, caused the transmission scheme to
be abandoned in so far as the company was con-
cerned. The transfer of the undertaking to muni-
cipal ownership, however, has not prevented the
establishment of generating plant at the lignite
mines' in question, although the power there pro-
duced has been requisitioned by the Government for
the Imperial nitrate works for the extraction of
nitrogen from the atmosphere, concerning which no
information has been allowed to be placed at the
service of the public. On the other hand, the Berlin
Municipal Council is now confronted with precisely
the same difficulty as that which applied to_ its com-
pany predecessor, and hopes were entertained that
it might be surmounted by obtaining an additional
supply from the great power station which the Prus-
sian State Railway authorities are erecting, also in
the vicinity of the Bitterfeld lignite district,^ for the
transmission of energy to Berlin in connection with
the decision to convert to electric traction the metro-
politan and circle railways in the capital, which was
sanctioned by the Prussian Parliament a few years
ago. It is, however, to be feared that this idea will
be scarcely capable of realisation, as the authorities
of the province of Brandenburg, who have just
acquired the Mark electricity works from the
A. E.G., have already concluded a contract with the
State Railwav Administration for a large bulk
supply of energy to be furnished by the State works
at Bitterfeld to the province for the scheme of
development in Brandenburg in connection with the
:Mark works. Under the circumstances, the Berlin
Alunicipal Council proposes to acquire a colliery in
Westphalia in order to assure itself of coal for the
municipal gas works, and lignite mines for the
supply of fuel for a projected generating station in
one of the lignite districts. As the former is distant
from Berlin' by 235 miles, it would scarcely come
into consideration in a transmission scheme, quite
apart from the question of obtaining wayleaves,
whilst only about 80 miles separate Bitterfeld from
Berlin in a straight line. It is understood that offers
oi mines in both districts have already been made
and are now engaging the attention of the Muni-
cipal Council.

144

THE ELECTRICAI. REVIEW. [Voi. -d. no. 2.020, auoust m, u.ic.

THE L.

& N.W. SUBURBAN RAILWAY
ELECTRIFICATION.

For some considerable time the eleetritieation of the
suliiirhau routes operated luid controlled by the London and
Nortli-Western RaiKvav Co. in tlie l^ondon urea has been
(jiiietiv pro(.'eeding, and the work h.us now reached a stajfe '
when some indication of the present position may be of
interest to our readers. As far back as December. 1912,
we briefly dest-ribed the jiroposed features of the scheme,
which originated with the Parliamentary jxiwers obtained
liy the company in 1907, authorisinir the construction of a
new line from Euston to AValford nnniiiiir alongside the
main line. This si'lieme was snbseiniently amplified, and

Willesden— Iviclimund section, it will be only a matter of u
few weeks before this route is electrically operated. The
remaining portion of the scheme, i.r., the original Euston —
AVatford line, has involved many serious engineering
problems, including the construction of entirely new per-
manent way for the electrical service ovei' the whole of the
route, Avitli new tunnels at Kensal Green and Primrose
Hill, the former of which have been in use for the
" Bakerloo" trains running to Willesden while the Primrose
Hill tunnels, nearly a mile in length, are still under
construction.

These tunnels are the largest yet constructed by the
shield method, being IC ft. 4 in. in internal diameter, eiu;h
accommodating a single track. ContcniiMirarily with this
work the permanent way at Chalk Farm, nearer to Euston,

The L. & N.W.R. Co.'s Stoxebridge Park Power Station.

now eml)races the electrification of the North London
Railway from Broad Street terminus to Chalk Farm, and
the North-Western's line from Camden Town ria Hamp-
stead to Willesden (high-level station), together with the
connecting portions iif the West London and District lines
to Earl's Court ; also the route from Willesden to Kew
Bridge and Richmond, over the North and South- Western
Junction and South- Western Co.'s lines.

A physical connection has also been made at Queen's
Pai'k Station with the Baker Street and Waterloo tube
railway, with a view eventually to providing through

Route Plan

RBAN Railway Electrification

travelling facilities between Watford and the Elephant and
Castle — a busy traffic centre in South London.

As many of our readers are aware, the " Bakerloo " tube
railway connection has been in operation for a considerable
time, the trains running as far as Willesden ; this also
applies to the Earl's Court — Willesden section, which was
the fii-st one to be completed, and now, trial trains having
Iven satisfaction on the North London's Broad Street —

Electric Train in Richmond Station.

has been reconstructed, under the direction of Mr. E. F. C
Trench, chief engineer to the company.

New lines are being provided at three different levels,
and all the existing permanent way, with the exception of
the down fast track, has required alteration.

Provision had to be made for the existing slow lines
between Euston and Chalk Farm to be used by electric
trains as well as steam trains.

Under the scheme adopted, the down electric line is
carried in tumiel from a point south of the old Primrose
Hill tunnels under all the existing lines to Loudoun Road ;
the up electric line passes through a
tunnel from Loudoun Road to the junc-
tion at Chalk Farm with the existing
Hj) sjow line. The up fast line is carried
o\'er the slow lines on a fly-over bridge,
and an underground ' junction is pro-
vided with the electrified North London
line at a point north of the j miction
of the new electric lines with the ex-
istiig slow steam tracks. Much heavy
engineering work has been necessary to
obtain the desired end, and it is ex-
pected that not only will it be possible
to run a 10-minutes' electric service
between Euston and Watford, but that
greater freedom will be allowed for slow
steam traffic north of Chalk Farm.

The whole of the electrical equipment
in connection' with the scheme is being
carried out under the superintendence
of the company's chief electrical en-
gineer, Lieutenant-Colonel F. A.Contez-
Leigh ; the greater part of this work
has been completed.
The generating station is situated at Stonebridge Park,
on a 17-acre site, and has an initial capacity of 25,000 KW. ;
adjoining it are the main repair shops for the electric roll-
ing stock. The general arrangement of the power station
follows on usually accepted designs ; the l)oiler house, with
a central firing floor and overhead bunkers, contains 20
Babcock and Wilcox boilers, equijtped with drop-link auto-
matic stokers and coal-weighing machines, and designed to

Vol. 79. No. 2,020. August II, 1916.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

145

evajxirate 25,000 lb. of water each per hour, and supply
steam at 200 lb. pressure, superheated 200" F. ; the gases dis-
charge through Green ecouomisers to two 240-ft. cliimneys.
Coal is delivered in wagons from adjacent sidings to dwo
elevated coal roads, the wagons discharging their contents
into hoppers underneath, which feed two tray conveyors,
these in turn delivering the fuel into two bucket conveyoi-s
which pass up the end of the building and over the boiler-
house Ijunkers, returning at practically the same level, as
the ashes are removed by a separate pneumatic discharge
plant in the basement delivering to the two outside storage
bins shown in our view.

There are 1 1 of the latter,' situated at Stonebridge Park,
Bushey, Headstone Lane, Kenton, Willesden, Queen's Park,
West End Lane, Dalston, Broad Street, Acton, and Chalk
Farm. A standard equipment is provided, consisting in
each case of three rotary converters, of either 750 or
1 ,000-KW. capacity, nine single-phase static transformers of
the Berry oil-cooled type, a storage battery and automatic
reversible booster of the Entz type.

The Chalk Farm sub-station is the old gas-engine power
station reconstructed ; this plant has for some years

ST.\Nn-\RD L. it X.W. Electric Train with Oerlikon
Equipment.

W.vtfoki) KrxNiNi; .shetd for Electrioai. stuck.

A portion of the fuel discliarged from the elevated coal
roads is stacked, provision being made, we understand, for
storing 20,000 tons outside.

|f» The whole of tlie water required for the plant is obtained
from two artesian wells, with compressed air lifts ; this
water is delivered to a large reservoir, over part of which a
battery of eight Balcke cooling towers, has been erected.
The same water is used for boiler-feed purposes after being
passed through a softening plant.

sThe engine house contains five 5,000-KW. Westinghouse-
Siemens three-phase turbo-alternators delivering current at

supplied energy for lighting purposes to Euston Station, for
which service three rotary converters are now employed, while
for traction purposes three large rotary converters are also
installed at Chalk Farm. It is intended that the small gener-
ating unit at the main power station shall supply the current
for lighting through this sub-station when the big units
are shut dc«'n and the electric traius not running. The
rotary converter equipment, including six 1,000-KW. and 25
750-KW. rotary converters of the self-synchi'ouisiug type, has
been supplied by the British Thomson- Houston Co., who also
supplied the main h.t. switchgeai- at the power house.

The H.T. feeder cables, of the three-
core, paper-insulated, lead-covered and
armoured trpc, were supplied by the
British Insulated and Helsby Cables,
Ltd. The electrical equipment of the
tracks naturally conforms to that of the
various connecting electric railways over
which running powers are exercised.
Outside positive conductor rails are em-
ployed, at about 600 volts pressure, to
supply the collecting shoes on the
trains ; a negative rail is provided be-
tween the. running rails, and the latter
may be used for track circuiting and auto-
matic signalling. The conductor rails,
of special low carbon steel, having
al>out 6^ times the specific resistance
of copper, weigh 105 lb. per yard, and
are mounted on Doultoii porcelain in-
sulators, attached to the sleepers by
malleable iron clips, while special anchor
insulators sire provided at intervals to
prevent creeping of the rails. Each
rail joint is bonded by four flexible
strip bonds having a copper ai'ea of 1'4

Boiler House under Construction. -Stonebridge Park Power Station,

11,000 volts and 25 cycles. An auxiliary low- voltage set
is installed for driving auxiliary machinery and for lighting
purposes ; this consists of a tandem set, including a 500-
KW. 41:0-volt alternator and exciter, and a 120-KW. 220-
volt direct-current machine. In the ordinary way the
auxiliary a.C. station motors will be supplied through trans-
formers from the main bus-bars, but, when the, large units
are shut down, the small set can be utilised for this pur-
pose, or for supplying through step-up transformers to the
sub-stations.

The trailing ramps are of cast iron,
and the leading ramps ou through
lines are of forged steel, and in some cases, as on sidings,
of special cast steel. The jumper cables are laid solid
in bitumen ised-fibre troughing, and fitted with the Cortez-
Leigh patent sealing terminal.

Three coach train units, consisting of a motor coach,
trailer, and control trailer, have been adopted, either one or
more units forming a train, according to traffic require-
ments. The motor cars are equipped with four 250-h.p.
motors, two to each bogie truck, and the usual multiple unit
conti'ol equipment is provided.

14(i

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

1 Vol.

No. 2.020, ArorsT U, 1!)1G.

The first tniiiis u.-iiil on ilio Willcsiluii-Earrs Coim sec-
tion were supplied l)y the Metropolit^in Ciirriawe, AVa^on
and Finance Co., and liad Siemens e<|iiipments : the
Sletrojxilitiui C'arriaire Co. is also linildiMir the new standard
niotor-i'oaclies. while the remainder of the electric rolliTiu^

ELECTRIC SIGNALLING IN MINES.

TrRBiNE Plant. Stonebridge Pauk Power Station.

Last week ii further report on electric signalling witli bare
wires, with regard to the danger of ignition of inflammable
gaseous mi.xtures by the break-flash at
the signal- wires, was issued by the
Home Otlice. The rejx)rt is signed by
Dr. R. V. Wheeler, of the Home Office
experimental station at Eskincals, and
I'rof. \\. M. Thornton, of Armstrong
College, Newcastle-on-Tyne. who has
collaborated with Dr. \Vheeler in the
investigation. Particulars of the pre-
vious rejiort were ])ulilished in our
issues of June 11th. iMtli. and 2.'')th,
11)1.") : it was then shown that the break-
flash could readily ignite iiiflaminable
gases, and must be regarded as " open
sparking," but that the flash could be
rendered harmless. The ]ireseiit report
deflnes the ])recautions necessary to
attain this result.

. The .conclusions of the former report
have been amply conflrmed by further
experiments, and a large number of bells
have been tested, some of which were
found dangerous with a voltage iis low
ius 4'5 volts, whilst others were safe at
25 volts. The resistances of the wind-
ings of 15 bells varied from f) to 52

stock is being constructed at the London
and Xorth-Westeni Co.'s works at
Wolverton.

Certain improvements have been
incoijKirated in design, and the electrical
ecjuipments. while generally similar, are
being supplied by the Oerlikon Co. Our
views show a recently-constructed three-
coach train, also the arrival of the first
North-Western electrical train at Rich-
mond station recently: other views gi\e
a good idea of the jxiwer station and
sub-station equipment, which is. how-
ever, now practically completed.

Iji conclusion, we are indebted to
Lieutenant-Colonel Cortez-Leigh and the
electrical engineer's department of the
company for the information and views
here reproduced.

Tungsten Lamp Patent Upheld.—

The United States Court of Appeals has

affirmed the decision of Judfre Mayer of the

United States District Court for the Southern

Division of New York on the .Just and Han-

naraan patent Xo. l,10S,.i02 Tor " incandescent

bodies for incandescent lamps." The suit

was won by the General Electric Co. ajrainst the Laco-Phillips Co.,

which imports all of its lamps from Holland. Both the squirted

Chalk Farm Sub-station. Showing Traction Rotary Converter

and drawn-w're filament lamp imported by the defendant were
held to infringe the patent. — Electrical World.

N .Si;<'.-.--TATio.\. L. AMI .\.\V. Uaii.wa\ Ki.u:iuificatiiin.

ohms : the minimum ringing current ranged from
(i-()5 to (y->'.^ ampere, with little relation to the resist-
ance, and the self-induction fi-om
0'37 to 2'43 henries. The minimum
igniting current at 25 volts, 0*08
ampere, was obtained with the most
inductive bell, and the maximum,
0'23, with one of the least induc-
tive. The greatest resistance that could
be inserted in the bell circuit without
preventing the bell from ringing, a
quantity which has been given the in-
appropriate title of " battery efficiency,"
was determined for 25 and 15 volts,
with dry and wet Leclanche cells ; it
was somewhat greater with the dry than
with the wet cells, and varied erratically
with the make of bell. At 25 volts,
with dry cells, the lowest inserted resist-
ance was 72 ohms with a coil of 1 1 ohms,
whilst 170 ohms could be put in series with a coil of
9 ohms, and another of 11 ohms ; yet a bell of 25 ohms

Vol. 79. Xo. 2.020. August 11, 1916.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

147

cuiild lint ring througli more th:ui 95 ohms added rt'sisfc-
aiK-e, whilst one of iJS'l' olmis attained -the reoord of
400 ohms.

One of these 15 bells (that of 25 ohms, mentioned abo\e)
had a parallel short-circuited winding to absorb the electro-
magnetic energy stored in the coil, and with this no ignition
eonld he obtained below 1-14 amperes at 41 volts. Another
bell, wound to 106 '8 ohms and provided with a copper
sleeve for the same purpose, gave no ignition below
0"S5 ampere at 41 volts ; and one which w^as wound with
brass wire of 120'5 ohms resistance gave ignition with
0' 17. ampere at 22 volts. The last three bells required
minimum ringing currents of 0'20, 0"07, and 0"06 amp.
respecti\'el_y, and two of them (those provided with a short-
circuited winding or copper sleeve) were clearly safe. The
mixture of inflammable gases used for the test iconsisted of
8 per cent, natural methane in air.

In many cases, the minimum igniting current (at 25
volts) was but little greater than the minimum ringing cur-
rent ; in some cases it was even less, and most -of the bells
would give dangerous break-flashes on the wares, except at
distances from the bell so considerable that the resistance of
the line reduced the current below the igniting value.

The use of wet cells is recommended, to keep down the
maximum value of the ciu'reut, and as this is already
almost universal practice, no difficulty should be met with
in making it compulsory ; but it is not thought advisable
to reduce the maximum voltage allowable below 2o volts.
Some types of bell at present in use are unsafe even with
three or four volts, whereas bells pro-vided with anti-spark-
ing devices are safe at 25 volts. - . -
. Experiments were . also carried -crut .with relays,, on the
same lines. Nine types, with resistances ranging from 9'8
to 250 ohms, produced ignition at the signal wires with
from 2 to 10 wet cells in circuit, and miniffium igniting
currents from 0'05 to 0'20 amp. at 1 5 volts. Their induct-
ances ranged from 0'52 to 2"50 henries, and the minimum
working currents from 0'005.to 0'042 amp.,, whilst the
resistance that could be inserted in circuit with 15 volts
ranged between 240 and 1,880 ohms, C|uite erratically.
Two other relays had parallel short-circuited windings,
and no ignition could be obtained with a battery of dry cells
at 25 volts. These relays, which were obviously safe, had
re.5pectively resistances of 510 and 515 ohms, and minimum
working currents O'OOG and 0'015 ampere, and could work
with 1,100 and 240 ohms in circuit at 15 volts. In most
cases 10 volts was ample to ensure the operation of the
relays, but the higher inductances brought about the result
that in general the minimum igniting currents were less
than those of bells. ■ .

The report proceeds to explain the general theory regard-
ing the working of bells, and an oscillogram js given
showing that the voltage across the trembler contacts of an
ordinary belT may reach- nearly 150 Volts; AThenthe circuit
voltage is low and the inductance high, as in a bell-signalling
system, thfe minimum igniting-current for the break-flash
is in\-ersely proportional to the -inductance, so that the
product L? is practically constant ; the onechanical rate of
breaking being maintained constant, the value of dildt is
proportional .to i, and heuce the inductance voltage, i,dil(]t,
is also constant. The authors conclude that " ignition by
a rapid breal^-flash at a low circuit voltage depends on the
inductance ^'pltage at which the flash is formed, and the
igniting power of the flash is proportional to the product l/.
When the break of circuit is made slowly, the igniting
power of the jlash has been found to depend upon its energy,
\ hi-. There are thus two limiting conditions for the
igniting power of the flash ; at the one the inductance volt-
age is of importance, at the other the energy." Between
these limits, the igniting power of the flash may be
proportioni^i to some intermediate function of /, and the
authors instance the results quoted in the previous report,
in which hF^ was constant ; we drew attention to this
point in our issue of July 16th last year.

"The inductance vo.ltage Eg = uiijdi =J[Vi, where /r
is a constant. Since, i = E,'r, therefore" Bj = Ic LEJi:
The inductance voltage is thus inversely proportional to the
resistance of the circuit when, as can be considered roughly
the.t-ase in practice, the battery- voltage and inductance -are
constant. In so far, therefore, as the igni'tion of inflam-

mable mixtures is dependent on the product hi, ignition
can be prevented by the use of high-resistance windings and
high-resistance batteries. The energy of the break-flash,
i hi'^ or ^ hE^jr-, is even more dependent on the cii-cuit
resistance, being inversely proportional to its square."

A series of experiments on the efficiency of bells .was car-
ried out, from which it was concluded that the minimum
ringing current was obtained with a low tension on the
spring which controlled the armature ; the rate of ringing
for a given cm'rent was practically independent of the ten-
sion on the spring and the length of the air-gap ; of the
ringing j'orce the same could be said, this being most
affected by the distance of the hammer from the gong.
Hence it is ad\-isable -to itse as light a spring as will
suffice to maintain good contact at the trembler, and to
return the armature to its first position after the ringing
blow has been gi^'eu. With regard to the electrical
efficiency, the magnetic pull of the core upon the armature
■^"aries as the effective area of the core face aiid the square
of the mean flux density in - the air-gap ; when the
reluctance of the gap is lai'ge compared with that of
the iron in the magnetic circuit, so that the flux density is
roughly proportional to the ampere-turns, the pull is pro-
portional to the square of the ampere-turns, and therefore
inversely to the scjuare of the resistance of the winding,
with, a giveu voltage. .The. nitmber. of blows per second
upon the gong depends upon the duration of the current at
each make of circuit ; actual records from a number of
bells give an average period (with ten wet cells) of 3 L'r, so
that the number of blows per second is 5 rjh. The product
of the pull and the number of blows per second may be
taken as the total mechanical energy expended per second
of continuous ringing, and is therefore seen -to vaiy
inversely as the resistance of the circuit. '-.

On theoretical grounds, the authoi-s conclude that when
the igniting power of the break-flash is proportional to
hi, the more turns of w"ire the magnet coils have, the
greater is the ringing power of the bell per igniting-
current ampere ; the same holds g<jod when the igniting-
pOwer of the -flash is determined by its energy, hhi^, Ihe
voltage and resistance of the circuit being constant. This
gives the " safest-efficient " bell, apart from the use of
special devices. This conclusion was put to the test, and
it was found that for every bell and size of winding wire
there was a deSnite number of tm-ns at which the efficiency
of the bell combined with " safety " of the self-induction
break-flash reached a maximum. Mining bells and relays
have iron cores of such small cross-section that the iron
becomes saturated at quite 'low currents, and, contrary to
expectation, their inductance is controlled by this factor and
not by the reluctance of the air-gap. Further experiments
led to the conclusion that the most efficient, mining bells
should have bobbins wound with from 25 to 30 layers of
fine w-ire, and that the diameter of the core should be
between 0'4 and 0'5 that of the bobbin.

To make bells and relays safe, it is not essential to employ
special devices : the resistance of the winding can be' so
proportioned that the maximum current obtainable on short-
circuit does not exceed the minimum igniting current for
•the system. This can be accomplished either by including
a- non-inductive resistance in the circuit, or by winding the
coils with a wire of high resistance ; as already stated, a
bell wound with brass wire, having a resistivity six times
that of copper, could not ignite the most sensitive mixture
with the maximum current obtainable from a battery of
wet cells at 25 volts.

To lessen the break-flash voltage by retarding the
change of magnetism on breaking the circuit, either a
parallel short-circuited winding, copper sleeves, a shunt
resistance, or layers of tinfoil can be employed, with satis-
factory results.

After detailing various somves of curreiit for the signal-
ling system, showing preference for the wet Leclanche
primary battery on the score of - safety, the authors state
the following conclusions : —

1. As a result of oui- invBstigations, - we are satisfied that-tlie-
bare--wire system of electric signalling; as commonly employed, cfch
be rendered quite secure from any danger of the ignition of
inflammable gases by the break-flash at the »ignal--wires or'atthS
contacts of the signalling instiiiments. . ' . ' ' .

2. In order to procure safety it is necessary, in the first plac»,- to

148

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW, [voi. ;«. no. 2,020, Auorsr 11. mu;.

limit the battery power that is to be employed on any one circuit ;
and, in the second place, to ensure that the si^nalliutr instrument,
whether bell or relay, shall comi)ly with certain requirements.

.S. The present statutory voltasre. 2.i.sets a reasonable limit to the
battery power provided that wet Leclanche cells be used. Systems
in which the battery used consists of dry primiflry cells or of
secondary cells, or in which continuous or alternating current
generators are employed, could be rendered safe if. in addition to
the use of "anti-sparkinir" devices embodied in the signalling
instruments. suflBcient non-inductive resistance were permanently
included in the bell circuit.

4. The si-fiialliug instruments. Ix^lls or relays, slioulil have tiame-
tight covers, and must be so constructed that, when included in a
circuit with a battery at 23 volts, the break-Bash protluoed. when
bare signal- wires are separated after giving a signal, is incapable of
igniting an S per cent, methane-air mixture. There is no difficulty
in. constructing either bells or relays to conform with these
requirements.

NEW ELECTRICAL DEVICES, FITTINQS,
AND PLANT,

The Fuller " Sparta " Battery.

On previous occasions we have described the " Block " accumu-
lators introduced by ihe Fuller Accumulator Co., Ltd.. of Grove
Road. Chadwell Heath. E.. which combine the advantages of
primary cells with those of ordinary accumulators, whilst avoiding

Fig 1.— Terminal

OF "Sparta

Cell.

Fiii. 2. — Sectional View or a

7-POSITIVE-PLATE CeLL.

Fig. 3. — "Sparta" 6-volt Batters for Studeeaker Car.

gome of the drawbacks of the latter. The makers have now
turned their attention to the requirements of electric starting for
motor-cars, which imposes an extremely arduous duty upon the
battery, necessitating very low internal resistance, to enable a
large current to be developed without excessive drop in voltage ;
rapid recnperativeTJOwer. to allow of repeated starts being made

with certainty ; and robust construction to withstand the dis-
integrating effect of the heavy discharges without injury. To
meet these conditions, the " Sparta" battery has been devised, and
some particulars of its construction are given below.

The elements are of the pasted type, with heavy positives using
a specially porous oxide, which enables the battery to give a heavy
discharge and quickly recover ; the elements are of large area,
placed close together, to give low resistance, with fluted separators
between the plates to allow free circulation of the electrolyte ; no
celluloid is used, so that acid of high density can be safely em-
ploy<Kl. The connections are massive and of ample area, specially
designed to radiate heat rapidly and thus keep down the resistance :
the terminals are also verv substantial, of the tyiie illustrated in
fig. 1. ■ ..

The const ruction of the cell is shown in fig. 2, part of the
ebonite container being broken away to show the plates : the cells
are fitteti into outer cases of teak, and are made up in batteries of
li and 12 volts, with capacities from 70 to \ia A.H, and from 35 to
no A.H. respectively, for English cars.

Standard batteries are also made up for use on various American
tyix>s of car. of whicli one is illustrated in tig. 3. having a capacity
of lUU amperes at (J volts. a« well as batteries up to 24 volts, for
every type of ligliting and starting set on the market.

A " Sparta" battery rated at 6 volts, 93 A.H.. gave the following
results on test : —

30 mins.

Normal dischari

{69 amps, for 30
45 .. „ 60
G-9 „ „ 10
525 „ ,. 15

hours

,, .. ,.1 / I'*0 amps, for 12 mins.

Maxrtiumdischargesjgj^ i" 4 to 5 mins.

The weight of this battery, without acid, was 49 lb. We have
inspected a number of these batteries and plates, which appear to
bear out the makers' claims fully with regard to substantial
construction ami high quality of workmanship.

"Quead" Fires.

We recently referred to the issue of the 1916-17 catalogue of
electric fires by Messrs. Quead. Ltd.. of 47-57. Marylebone Lane,

Fi<i. 4. — Detachable iNTEHinn. Quead" Electric Fire,

Fig 5.— "Regent Pattern Case, with Interior removed.

W. The Quead fire is buUt up of special elements, standardised at
1 KW. each, and consisting of a heating spiral wound on a special
composite fireclay support carried on a steel rod. The heating
spiral is sunk in grooves which protect the wire and add to the
heating effect of the fireclay support ; these elements are supplied
under a three years' guarantee, and the required number fitted on

Vol, 79. No. 2.020. AUGUST 11. 1 ill 6.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

149

a special interior, which also carries all the switches, wiringr. &c..
and is detachable from, and interchangeable with, particular patterns
of cases. Fifcs. 4 and 5 show an interior and ease, while fig'. G shows
the same fire complete and ready for use. Quead fires are con-

Fio. 6. — Regent Pattern "Quead" Electric Fire.

structed in a variety of designs and finishes for standard loadings
up to i KW. Two and three-heat regulation i.? provided according
to type and the switches are of the sunk rotary snap pattern. The
heaters give a red heat in a few seconds.

New Telegraphic Apparatus.

Under this title, in our issue of June 30th. we described some
of the inventions of Mr. Alban Roberts ; these were based on two
main elements — the self-exciting vibration of a receiver and trans-
mitter electrically coupled together and to a battery ; and the
employment of a tube and plunger to provide resonance and enable
tuning to be effected. Since then Mr. Roberts has further
developed his inventions, and has applied them to the evolution of
a new kind of multiple teiegr'aphy on a single line wire.

The transmitter in tliis system consists of a tunable buzzer
embodying the principles above mentioned (described in the pre-
ceding article), provided with adjustments, regulating- rheostats.

the adjustments are so made that the resonator is on the verge of
setting up a musical note, which can be started by a tap on the
box, or by singing or whistling a note of the coi-rect pitch. So
sensitive is the resonator that the faintest whistle from the far
end of the room, of the right pitch, causes it to " sing ' ; in use,
this stimulus is supplied by the vibrations of the receiver set on
the body of the resonator, and even when a resistance of 400,000
ohms is inserted in the line circuit, the current is sufficient to
start it. Once set in operation, the resonator would continue to
sing were it not for the relay, which, Ijeing in the local circuit, is
actuated by the change in the current which takes place when
singing begins, and is so connected that it instantly stops the
singing action by short-circuiting the resonating receiver ; this,
of course, restores the normal conditions, and the relay contact is
again opened, but if the incoming vibrations persist, as when a
■' dash " is being received, the singing is at once set up and the
relay again operates, the cycle being repeated as long as the line
current is maintained. The effect is to substitute for the con-
tinuous note a series of rapidly interrupted notes, of duration
corresponding to the lengths of the successive signals.

Two very important objects are thus attained : exceedingly weak
incoming currents are enabled to produce strong audible signals, or
even to actuate a local recorder or ring a call bell : and the
receiWng apparatus is accurately and sharply tuned with the trans-
mitting apparatus, so that a large number of such apparatus can
be operated over a single line, each transmitter actuating only the
receiver that is tuned to the same pitch, without having the
slightest effect on those not so tuned.

The great value of these two properties needs no emphasis. An
apparatus so sensitive as to enable weak wireless signals to actuate
a call bell or a recorder has long been sought tor, and Mr. Roberts's
device appears to fill that want ; while the economic possibilities
of so simple an apparatus tor multiplying the carrying capacity of
a line conductor are obviously very great. We hope to see restilts
of the first importance arising out of this extremely ingenious
invention.

Another application of the device is to the control of any
number of railway trains up to 20, with one transmitter at a
central station and one telephone wire beside the railway line ; it
would be possible to stop the train, blow the whistle, or actuate
any other type of signalling device on the locomotive on this
system, without affecting any train except the one in question at
the moment. Mr. Roberts has also applied the system to the
control of an " aerial torpedo " by the sound of a siren. At his
office he has equipped a model airship " chassis " with two motor-
driven propellers for horizontal propulsion, one propeller for
raising or lowering, and a bomb-dropping device, all controlled by
one of his relay resonators. Each of these apparatus can be
brought into action in turn by a musical note or whistle of a
definite pitch. In actual practice," each motor would have a
resonator^ tuned to a different pitch, so that any or all of the

. — The Roberts Tuned Transmitter.

Fiu.8

-The Roberts Resonating Receiver.

and a milliamperemeter. as shown in fig. 1 : this gives rise to
electrical oscillations which can be tuned by means of the " pitch-
pipe " attached to the back of the receiver, and can be heard in a
telephone receiver at the receiving station as a musical note of
high pitch, on the Morse system. The receiver, however, which is
illustrated in fig. 2, ha^ been greatly improved by the combination
of the system employed in the transmitter with the pneumatic
detector also described in previous article, and with a relay of Post
Office standard pattern, together with a milliamjieremeter. rheostat,
and switch. The receiver is seen at the back of the figure ; as in
the former case, it is excited by the incoming vibratory current
through the medium of a watch-type receiver, which fits into a
socket on the cylindrical body of the device. At one end of the
latter is a microphone transmitter, and at the other a watch-type
rticeiver mounted on the , end of a draw-tube, by means of which
the length, and therefore the natural pitch of the column of air,
tan be tuned to correspond with the pitch of the note emitted by
the transmitter at the sending station.

The resonator thus formed is conneated in a local battery circuit
together with the regulating resistance, ammeter and relay, and

motions could lie controlled, separately or together. As sound
travels upwards freely, the inventor, who is himself a skilled
airman, states tliat his torpedo could be controlled at any distance
at which it could be seen.

Sir. Roberts's address is the Bedford Hotel. Southampton
Row. W.C.

Australia (Tasmania).— The Sydnej Office of H.M.

Trade Commissioner in Australia reports, under date June 9th, that
a company has been registered in the Commonwealth, with a
capital of £1,000,000, for the production of 2iuc by the electrolytic
process and for the manufacture of high-grade spelter. The com-
pany proposes to erect works in Tasmania, and negotiations are in
hand for the supply of power from the Tasniauian Governmept's
lately completed hydro-electric plant at Great Lake. The articles
of association of this company provide for its jemaining entirely
under British control. — Board of Trade Jmirnal.

150

THE ELECTRICAL KEVIEW. [Voi. r;.. No. 2.i>2o, aui.ust u, i<.i6.

AUSTRALIAN TRADE.

As exhaustive report 'on the trade of Austraha for 1915, cover-
ing _over 50 pages, has been compiled by Mr. G. T. Mihie
.(H^M. Trade Commissioner in Australia) and issued by the
'Board of. Trade.* . An attempt is made below to present the
■feiitures of Mr. Milno's report which are of more immediate
interest to headers of the Kliicthr'al Keview. For the rest,
;they are recommended to purchase the report itself.

PKiniKExcE AND ITS INCIDENCE.— While the cessation of Ger-
man competition affected the import trade for practically the
whole of the trading year 1914-15, the increase in the amount,
So well as the extended application of the tariff preference
to the United Kingdom, affected it for seven mouths only,
seeing that the new tariff was not introduced until December
3rd, 1914. Comparing the respective positions of the United
■Kingdom and the United States in 1914-15 and iu 1913, it
is noted that while our share in the competitive trade de-
creased in value by over 6} miUions sterhng out of a total
falling-off in imports of this class amounting to nearly
it'll, 700,000, the American position improved by over f 300,000.

The value of the imports in 1914-15 in respect of which the
United Kingdom and Possessions meet with competition from
foreign countries was £'1S.867,011, this sum representing about
■75 per cent, of the total imports, after deducting specie, bul-
■Uon, hve animals,' and values representing goods, such as
timber, oUs, tea, tobacco, rice, fruit, vegetables, and other
items which are either not produced in the United Kingdom
•or are produced of such values and in such quantities as to
4)e negligible. With the exception of goods of the value of
;jt'3,004',419, the whole of the sum mentioned represented mer-
chandise of a class on which a measure of preference varying
•from 6 per cent, to 10 per cent, ad valorem has been conceded
■to goods when of United Kingdom origin by the Customs
Tariff of the Commonwealth. The principle of preference,
therefore, affected over 93 per cent, of the imports which
•have been classified by the Trade Commissioner as competi-
tive merchandise.

• As showing the extent to which the principle of preference
ds now operative in the tariff, it may be mentioned that,
'while considerably over two-thirds of the imports of a class
■subject to preference regarded as competitive are embraced
in the cla.ssification of metals and machinery, textiles, and
apparel, only a small proportion in these groups are of a class
excluded fi'om preferential treatment. The following figures
will make this clear: —

■ • Tallies of Imports of Metah.

, (Pig and ingot, bars, rods, blooms, machinery, and other
. manufactures, . &c.)

Metal manufactures and machinery, fl7,325,.592.

£

Of a class subject to preferential tariff 17.290,550

Of a class not subject to -preferential tariff .;. ... 35,042

Value of impca'ts of textiles, £11.136,969.
Of a class subject to preferential tariff ... ... 11,129,1H-

Of a class not subject to preferential tariff ... ... 7,858

Value of impotts of apparel, i£4, 614,108.

Of a class subject 'to preferential tariff _ 4,577,311 \

Of a class not subject to preferential tariff 36,797

Mr. Milne gives; separate figures showing the imports of
competitive merchandise into Austraha during the twelve
months ended June .30th, 1915, but we have already fully
dealt with thes3 ipatters in the Electrical Review for May
12th, 1916, p. 536.;

Position of th* United Kingdom. — Notwithstanding the
decline in the value of the imports in 1914-15, and the handi-
cap to which British manufacturers were, and are still, sub-
ject owing to shortage of labour and raw material, difficulties
in connection with shipping arising from shortage of tonnage
and congestion at the seaports, and other factors incidental
to the war, it is satisfactory to be able -to record that in the
year under review the percentage proportion of the United
kingdom in the trade in competitive imports (64.90 per cent.)
has never stood so high since the tables dealing with this
class of trade were first compiled.

The pre-occupation of the manufacturers of the United
Kingdom with war orders, as well as the handicaps to which
they have been subjected in many ways, added to the absence
-of 'German competition, have afforded American manufac-
'turers an opportunity of which they have taken full advantage.

■ United States Competition. — Reviewing the figures for last
year as a whole, in the metal and machinery group the value
■'of the imports from the United States were over ;£214,000 in
excess of those for the year 1913, although the total value of
the imports in this group were £6,139.000 less than in the
year cited. The most notable advance in the American posi-
tion in this group was in machinery, for although the total
in'ports of tlys class of merchandise declined from £4,632,100
iti 1913 to .£3.806,100 in 1914-15. the share of the United
^States-increased from £1.397.098 (29.8 per cent.) in the former
*ySBr to £1,446.744 (37.9 per cent.) in the latter, while the
•sh'a.r.e of the United Kingdom declined from £2,546,937 (54.4
,per- cent.) to £1.988.409 (52.2 per cent.) during the same

•periodr -Notwithstanding a general falUng off in the value of
iagriculttfral machinery imported, the share of the United

- : 'Wymans.: Gdi 8,285. Price 3|d.

States in this trade has not suffered diminution to the same
extent as that of Canada and the United Kingdom. In oil
and gas engines, dynamos, electrical starting and controUiiiL;
apparatus, mining machinery, such as coal cutters (in whicli
United States manufacturers have practically the muiu)pol\
of the somewhat limited market), rotary and percussion drtiU,
machine tools, printing presses, sewing machines, typewritiii;,'
machines, and other machinery not specifically described, tlie
American manufacturer secures a larger share of the tiad.
year by year while that of the British manufacturer dcclims.
The adverse position of our home manufacturers in tlir
Australian market for machinery is not one created by tli.-
war, although doubtless greatly accentuated by it ; there lia.N
been a progressive decline in the proportional share of the
United Kingdom of this valuable trade fur some years, accom-
panied by a corresponding increase in that of the United
States. The rapid growth of American competition in a
British Dominion in relation to one of the staple industries
of the United Kingdom, merits the fullest investigation li>
tlio.se qualified to undertake it, particularly in view of the
expansion of the engineering industry iu Australia itself.

Imports of telephones, switchboards, and kindred appli-
ances increased by about £10,000 to over £183,000 during
1914-15, and it is very satisfactory to note that the share of
the United Kingdom, which has been declining since 1911
until it only amounted to about 27 per cent, in 1913, amounted
to over 53 per cent, last year. Imports of tools declined con-
siderably during 1914-15, over half of the trade representing
imports from the United States.

Exhibitions. — There has been a good deal of activity of
an unofficial kind during the past year, having in view the
capture of enemy trade and the elimination of German in-
fluence from the Australian market. The most important
movement of the kind was that initiated by the Sydney
Chamber of Commerce, which organised three separate exhi-
bitions for the purpose of promoting trade within the Empire
and with the .Mlies. In the first of these, held in July in
the Chamber of Commerce offices, only samples of goods cif
German and Austrian manufacture, which had been collected
from importers in Sydney, were displayed, and such informa-
tion as was available regarding the value of the imports of each
class was stated on cards. This somewhat limited display
included cutlery, tools, gas and electrical appliances, besides
textiles, clothing, chemicals, etc. The exhibition was followed
in September by another on a larger scale of goods manufac-
tured in the United Kingdom, Australia, and in the Allied
Countries. Between 25,000 and 30,000 persons attended this
" fair " or exhibition during the eighteen days it was open.
Early in January the third and largest exhibition was held in
Sydney Town Hall as a Trade Fair, and during the week it
was open was visited by about 45,000 persons.

The Sydney Chamber of Commerce contemplate holding
another fair on a more ambitious scale in September, 1916,
and they hope that the Briti.sh finns may be induced to
exhibit more extensively than in the previous " fair."

T.^SM.ANiAN Government Hydro-Electric Scheme.— In anti-
cipation of the termination of the work of installation, the
hydro-electric department of the Government have, as already
stated, initiated .an active campaign of publicity in order to
bring before prospective users of powerthe prices at which it
will be sold. Mr. Milne set's out in his report the proposed
rates for power.

An important contract has been arranged with the Hydro-
Electric Power and Metallurgical Co., Ltd., under which they
will take 3,600 h.p. with provision for further blocks up to
10,000 H.P. It is understood that this company propose manu-
facturing carbide of calcium. Negotiations are stated to have
been in progress with the Australian Woollen Mills of Sydney
with regard to the establishment 'of a large woollen mill close
to Hobart. and a quotation for power has been submitted by
the Department, while a British fiiTO has also made inquiries
with the view of establishing woollen mills. The electrolytic
treatment of zinc lead ore. and the manufacture of nitrates from
the atmosphere, are mentioned as possible developments. The
undertaking may have a far-reaching effect on the develop-
ment of Tasmania and of Australian industry generally. The
Chief Engineer of the Hydro-Electric Department^ informed
the Trade Commissioner in December last that, in his opinion,
there would be an increased market in Tasmania for electrical
fittings and appliances, and he urged that British manufac-
turers should endeavour to secure the trade by investigating
the possibilities without delay.

Lamp Factories in Holland.— We read in the U.S. Daily

Commerce Reports that a publication recently issued by the X. V.
Philips Gloeilampen Fabrieken. of Eindhoven, the Xetherlands.
giving- the history of its plant, and elaborately illustrated descrip-
tive material relatinpr to its present equipment, has been iorwarded
from The Hajrue by American Commercial Attache Erw^iij. ''W.
Thompson. It is explained by Bfr. Thompson that befofe|he.'war
most of the electric lamps used in the Netherlands were,iiiipQr£ed,
but that since the war started this importation has. almost Ituj^ped,
and that there has been a rapid development of the few^acf ojies
ia the country that were able to produce incandescent lafei^'.^T"he
Philips corporation is among those that have sharedlju^ihe
prosperity.

Vol. 71.. Xo. 2,020, August U. 1016.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

l§i:

WAR ITEMS.

tierman Finance and German Plant: The Victoria Falls
Co.'s Experiences. — Mr. Bernard Price delivered a most
interesting inaugural address before the South African Insti-
tution of Engineers at Johannesburg last month. He dealt
most exhaustively with the histoi-y and activities of the Vic-
toria Falls Power Co. and its experiences in dealing with
certain German firms. The matter is so important that we
print in exienso the report just to hand in the Cape Times : —
■' Mr. Price said he did not think a better example could be
cited of the methods which our enemies had diUgently piu'-
sued in their attempt to attain supremacy in the industrial
world. The Victoria Falls and Transvaal Power Co. was
promoted by British interest,?, and every effort was made to
obtain the necessary capital in Britain. Unfortunately these
cffortsfailed, and in the end certain German industrial banks
took ' up debentures, on condition that the main contracts
were placed in the hands of German manufacturing concerns
with which they were allied. As the result, the A. E.G. ob-
tained important contracts on favourable terms. The whole
arrangement was the direct result of the German system of
industrial banks, under which financial assistance rendered to
an industrial undertaking, such as a power company, became
the means of assisting German manufacturing firms, heed-
less to say, this initial arrangement was not continued; and
a.^ the power scheme grew and proved, its worth, capital wa<;
raised: in London at the rate of no less than a million per
annum, and quite independently of German banks. The
A. E.G. then became faced with competition, but this did not
deter them in their effort to secure contracts for the addi-
tional plant required. On the. contrary, they at once reverted
to the poUcy of dumping their goods at a low price.

" When, in 1912, certain large and important contracts had
to be placed, the power companies spared no pains to induce
British manufacturers to oust their German competitors; but
It became clear that the A. E.G. were prepared to accept the
same guarantee as British firms to undercut their competi-
tors' bedrock prices and to give better dehveries.

"It must" be remembered that, although the feelings of
sentiment t«-day ran high, no purchaser in 1912 would have
been prepared to sacrifice large sums of shareholders' money
in order to avert the dumping of German goods. In the end
the Germans secured most of the contracts at prices largely
below- those offered by their British competitors. -A contract
for three large compressors for Rosherville Station was finally
settled with that firm at a price of little more than
one-laalf that at which it had first tendered, but the boiler
plant at each station was of British make and had given
every satisfaction.

" Mr. Price explained the system that had enabled the
A. E.G. to dump its surplus production in foreign countries,
and said he felt that powerful weapons would be required
to prevent a repetition of such dumping after the war. It
was no use to talk of boycotting German products. In the
long run British firms mu.st compete on price if they w-ere
to secure the market, and this would not be easy. Standardi-
sation of product had been an important factor in the success
(if large German factories. The history of motor-car manu-
facture was an excellent example. Mr. Price could not avoid
the conclusion that in the electrical plant industry German
competition would not successfully be combated until British
turns found a means for co-operation or amalgamation on
.some basis which would materially reduce the cost o? pro-
duction.

"Mr. Price went on to saij that the Power Co.'s experience
of two leading Oerman electrical firms was that they made
many mistakes, and had to acquire much knowledge at the
expense of their customers. He gave nearly a dosen ex-
amples, and said that, while he was ready to admit ' the
merit of much German workmanship, design, and organisinc;
power, he did not think that the A.E.G. or their German sub-
contractors had reason unduly to be proud of the record of
the plant which they had installed at the Victoria Falls Power
Co. w nth such a flourish of trumpets."

The G.E.C. Cadet Corps. — On Saturday last an inspec-
tion of this Corps, which is formally known as the 1st Cadet
BattaUon Sussex Yeomanry, "G" London Company, was
held on Hampstead Heath. The Corps was under the com-
mand of Capt. E. A. Joyce, and gave an excellent display of
compsnv drill and field manceuvres, culminating in an envelop-
ing movement which was carried out with a high degree of
skill and intelUgence. After the manoeuvres, the Corps
marched to " Springmead," the residence of the chairman of
the General Electric Co., Ltd., where they were entertained
to lunch and tea. The afternoon was spent in a variety or
.sports, including several boxing matches, which were keenly
enjoyed by a, number of wounded soldiers who bad also been
invited. ■ The band of the- 19th BattaHon King's Royal Rifles
■was in attendance. The weather was perfect, and the mem-
bers thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

The South African Siemens Company.— The following'
report appears in a South African newspaper just received
from our Cape Town correspondent :— A novel application
was made to .Judge-President De Villiers in the Rand Division
of .the Supreme Court on July 18th, when the directors of
Siemens, Ltd., sought an order for the liquidation of the
company at Johannesburg. It appeared from the supporting

affidavits that the directors -were not prepared to continue the
responsibihty of office seeing that all the shares of the corpi
pany were really registered in the names . of enemy Bhare-
holders, or w-ere in the possession of the Deutsche 'Bgnk;
Furthermore, Siemens, Ltd., found that under present 'Cix-
cumstances it was impossible to carry on the busiHees of the
company. Therefore they had resolved on liquidation. The
application was made to the Court on the ground that it -wss
just and equitable that the company should be wound "up:
Mr. MacWilUam, for the apphcants, stated that although
there was no necessity, the directors had notified the Treasury
of the application, and the Treasury had repHed that it had
no objection to the course proposed, subject, of course, to all
moneys realised belonging to enemy shareholders being paid
over to the Treasury. The Court granted a provisional order
for Hquidation, but in view of the fact that the nature of the
application w-as without precedent, his lordship thought that
he should make a fairly lengthy return date — October 26th.

Unemployment Insurance. — The Board of Trade has
issued notices regarding the extension of Unemployment In-
surance to workpeople engaged in a number of trades, which
comes into force as from Monday, September 4th. Two of
the classes referred to are :— The manufacture of metals and
the manufacture or repair of "metal goods; the manufacture of
rubber and goods made therefrom. Employers are urged tft'.it
once ascertain which of their workpeople are insurable under
the Act, and to see that insurable persons obtain unemploy-
ment books as soon as possible. ■.■...
German Trade After the War.— A Renter dispatch from
.Amsterdam states that by a decree of the German^ Fe'deral
Council an Imperial Commissioner will be appointed, .as
director of the oflScial board, whose task it •roill.be .to supply
and distribute the raw materials which will be needed ..bv
German industry, agriculture, &c., for the transition period
from war to peace. The Commissioner will be assisted .'by
experts in all branches. ■■■.-■
New Zealand Tariff.— Sir Thomas Mackenzie, High
Commissioner for New Zealand, speaking at a meeting.-at
Glasgow the other dav. said that most of New Zealand's trade
in the pa sir had been 'done with Great Britain, and they w-ere
now taking steps to conserve the trade of the Empire w-ithm
the Empire by placing a 50 per cent, tax upon all enemy
manufactured goods entering New Zealand.

Badges for Returned Employes.— The Salford Tramways
Committee, on the recommendation of Mr. G. W. Holford
(manager) has issued badges to employes who have received
their discharge from the lorccs. The badges, marked
"D.S." in white on a red b.ackground. are to be returned
when the Government badges are issued. • - . - ■■.

Further Enemv Lists.— The London Gazette fqt; August
Sth contains further lists of persons and bodies m' BrajU^
Spain, Chile, Greece, Liberia. Netherlands, Sweden, and other
countries with whom trading is prohibited.

Exemption Applications.— At Oldham, exemption iint'd
October 1st was granted to an electrician employed at Messrs.
Piatt Bros', works, and exemption until November 1st was
allowed to an electrician and wireman employed by another
firm In the first case the appeal was personal, and. in the
second there were appeals on both personal and business
grounds, the employers stating that they were engaged oi?
important experimental work. ' ,j ,„-i

At Warrington, a firm of seed experts, who , appealed -fot
their only electrician and mechanic, said it was an af 5°^^
impossibilitv to get an electrician m these days. This i^an
was 28 years of age and .single. He was responsible for the
upkeep of the whole of the plant, which included ,an ^elecr
trically driven elevator. The latter ^ejiufed specia^t e^.t»On
it ran through seven floors, and saved, the firm from .tiree^to
five men in the busy season. In granting two monhs exemp-
tion the Deputy-Mayor said the Tribunal did not say that ha
w-as a final exemption, but they were very much inchned that
way The man's age and the fact that he was single were thS
.strong points against the appeal. • , .

4t Dewsbury, an electrician, married, aged 29, and in
bushiess on hs^ow"^ account, whose only brother is serving,
ind whose wife has five brothers servmg, and who has him-
self toe 18 months' service in the Volunteer Training Corps,
had Ws claim for exemption disallowed, but was given 4,wp

'''IrHal&a^'Appeal Tribunal. Harry Smith auel^trid^^'s
n-iVeman annealed- aganst' the decision of -the mgtM.use
T ribSfaT that hi was. a^ British subject^ he having been, tour
vearsin the States prior to one year m Great Britam. He
was informed that, though he had the papers for naturah^-
Tion as an- American sub ect. he^ bad not remained ^h the
States long enough to complete, the time required being .-five

^Tt^'the -Bermondsev Tribunal, '.Leonai-d. . AboJ/ aompem»\
elet rical engineer, ' of Southw.ark Pari< Roag,i.^PpM. fgr
exemption. He explained that he had been m business H
vea? as a con.sulting electrical engineer,. aadth^t he,.^ o
supported his father, 73 years old,-- and; his. mother,. 67 who
ived with him. He was granted six.month^ ..exteD.ito-..;.^
Before the Bucks Appeal Court, ■ the- M.Iita..y appealed
against two' months' temporary exemption allowed wcally^tj)
Mr R. G.- Bridger, electrical- engmeer -engaged-. with Mr
NSsh, of Beaconsfield. On the .latter'a beha f, ,t was -stated
that at the London branch there: were only Jour skilled, eng*-

152

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW, voi. to. xo. 2,020. Arcrsr n, inie.

neers, but none of theui was able to manage the business at
Beaconsfield, which had been pstabhshed four years. Mr.
Bridget also looked after a branch at Gerrards Cross, and in
Beaconsfield there were 180 customers, includiuc Lord Burn-
ham, whose electrician had joined the .\rm.v. The exemption
was confirmed, but endorsed " tinal."

Before the Exeter Tribunal, Me.v«ir.«. Miicklebiidpe A- Son
appealed for the retention of \V. Smith, electrician, the only
eligible man left out of a staff of eiyht. rostpononicnt was
given until the end of the year.

At Chestcr-le-Street (Co. Durham), an electrical engineer
(33 and single), doing work for various firms, had his appeal
for exemption rejected ; and a wireless telegraphy student
was given until the end of August to enable him to pass his
tinal examination.

At Lincoln, appeals were made by Mr. E. White for his
plectrician, B. C. Roo, who, he said, had entire charge of the
in.stallation at the tth Northern General Hospital. The
Tribunal allowed three mouths.

Mr. G. H. Baker, of Bexhill-on-Sea. appealed for his elec-
trician. F. \V. Chmpson (37). the only man left. Mr. Baker
said that if Climpson went he would have to close down the
business, as his own son was liable to be called up at any
moment for service in the Navy. Three months were con-
ceded.

The East Ham Tribunal has refused exemption to R. F"
Sitzler (33), electfician, whose mother is a native of Hanover

At Bath, on August 3rd, the Bath Electric Tramways, Ltd..
appealed for seven employes. The engineer and manager, Mr.
W, E. Hardy, said that since the war started 184 men had
joined the Forces, and the staff had been modified from 280
men and 30 boys and women, to 137 and 91 respectively. Six
of the men were each allowed three months, and the other,
a motor lorry driver, one month, with no further appeal with-
out leave

Exemption until October 1st has been granted to Charles
Homewood (28), electrician at Heath Lodge, Ullenhall, near
Stratford -on-A von, employed by Lieutenant Crosland, of the
Grenadier Guards.

On the appeal of Mr. G. Sommerville. borough electrical
engineer, the Faversham Tribunal has given a month's ex-
emption to Wallis Stanley Coe (19). a member of the staff,
in order that another man might be prepared to take his
place.

Before the East Kent .Appeal Court. Mr. R. McStevens i'^fi).
electrician, of Deal, who is a conscientious objector, and was
granted exemption from combatant service by the Local Tri
buna!, claimed total exemption, and said that he could not
undertake any service whatever. He added that because of
his conviction he refused a good appointment at Sheerness
Dockyard. The appeal was refused.

The Berks Appeal Court has refused extended exemption
to F. H. G. Pocock, electrician to Mr. Cain, at Wargrave
Manor.

Having been medically rejected from military service, Mr.
R. C. Walker, electrical engineer, of Reading, has been given
total exemption by the Berks Appeal Court

A Northampton electrician appealed for his three sons, aged
respectively 2-5, 28. and 3'2. each being engaged in the busi-
ness, they being the only members of the staf! left. It was
stated that if more than one was taken the business would
have to stop. The eldest son, who is .single, was given a
month ; the youngest a final two months, and the other three
months on condition that he joins the Volunteer Training
Corps.

Watford Tribunal has dismissed the appeal of H. B. Ber-
ridge (31). electric light attendant with the London & North-
WfSstern Railway Co.

Before the Westmorland .\ppeal Court. Mr. E. C. Thorn-
borough (28), electrical engineer, of Windermere, appealed
against exemption until the end of Aucust granted locally.
It transpired that appellant's two brothers had been teni-
porarily exempted, and the Chairman, saying that one would
certainly have to go, said the appeal would be respited for a
month to see if either of the other two brothers joined up.

Wrexham Rural Tribunal has refu.sed exemption to Leonard
G. Pickering (23), electrician with Mr. Summers, of Shotton.
. At Worthing, Mr. Porter, borough electrical engineer,
appealed for several of his staff, but the Military repre.senta-
tive (Colonel Browne) objected to two switchboard attendants,
aged respectively 21 and 23. on the ground that they were too
young to be retained in civil hfe. and that their work was
not skilled. Mr. Porter replied that a steady hand and some
training was necessary, and he pointed out that under the
Factory. Acts he was not allowed to put on lads younger than
18. The younger of the two was allowed one month, and
three months were granted in each of the other cases.

Broadstairs Tribunal, on August 1st. refused further exemp-
tion to an electrician, aged 3i6. previously given one month,
on the ground that there was no financial hardship in the
case.

Bury St. Edmunds Tribunal has granted a certificate of
conditional exemption to a member of the engineering staff,
aged 26, at the Corporation electricity works.

Twelve tramcar drivers were appealed for at Southend-on-
Sea OT July 31st by the Corporation, it being urged that it
was impossible to find substitutes, and that the maintenance
of the service was a public need. Mr. Birkett. for the Cor-
poration, said that it was not in the interests of the public

that women bbould act as ilrivers. Colonel Ncwitt expressed
the opinion that the men should be retained during the
season, and each was given until November 1st, witti the
proviso that they were to drill once a week ; leave to appeal
again, if necessary, was conceded.

On the appeal of Mr. W. E. Kidncr, electrical engineer to
the I?arking U.D.C., two months' exemption has been allowed
to .1. White, motor-man, engaged on the Beckton Light
Railway.

At CanterlMirv, Mr. H. E. Philpot. electrical engineer,
appealed for E. C. Langford (3fi), and G. 11. Fowler (28), his
manager. Each was granted two months.

NEW BOARD OF TRADE REGULATIONS.

Thk lollowing new Regulations have been prescribed by the Board
of Trade, under Section Four of the Electric Lighting Act. 1888.
in respect of electricity supply undertakings which are working
without statutory powers : —

(re 11,^ rot.

(liO («) The Owner on receipt of these Regulations shall fo
with serve upon the Postmaster-General a statement containing
full particulars of every electric line used for the supply of energy,
together with a plan showing the-'mode and position in which such
electric line is laid.

(1(0 Where alternating current at a pressure exceeding 125 volts
between any two conductors is used, the middle point of the wind-
ing of the transformer on the consumer's side in the case of single-
phase supply, or the neutral point in the case of two or three-phase
Ruppl.v. shall be connected with earth,

(nS Where a medium pressure continuous-current supply or
where alternating-current supply at a pressure exceeding 12ii volts
between any conductor and earth is used, one conductor consisting
of one or two continuous earthed neutral wires shall be carried
from pole to pole. The other conductor or conductors shall he
arranged in such a manner that in the event of breakage of one of
them, it must make contact with the earthed conductor or with
wires connected thereto.

Ciiniiection of Alteniatinri Ciin-dif rin-uits with Earth.'

(26) Alternating current circuits shall be connected with earth
in accordance with the following conditions : —

I. — General.

(a) The connection with earth shall be made only where energy
is delivered to each circuit, that is to say, at a generating station,
sub-station or transformer, and shall be made at a neutral point in
the circuit and in such a manner as will ensure at all times an
immediate and safe discharge of energy.

(i) The connection with earth shall be efficiently maintained,
except when it is interrupted by means of a switch or link for the
purpose of periodical tests for ascertaining whether any current is
passing by means of the connection with earth.

(c) The insulation of the mains shall be efficiently maintained at
all other parts.

(<f) Tests shall be periodically made to ascertain whether any
currrent is passing by means of the connection with earth, and if
at any time the current so passing exceeds one-thousandth part of
the maximum suppl.y current of the circuit, steps shall be imme-
diately taken to improve the insulation, ,

Connection of Coiicentnc Mains with Earth.

(27) Concentric mains used either for continuous or for alter-
nating current shall be connected with earth by means of the
external conductor in accoi'dauce with the following conditions :- -

(u) The connection with earth shall be made by means of the
external conductor. •■.,.'

(i) The connection with earth shall be made only at "the Tjoint
or points where energy is given to each distinct circuit, namely, at
a generating station, sub-station, or t.ransfornjer. -:;.; f :•; .;. .: =

((•) The insulation of the external Gonductor sh!dl.bfi.efficieivtly
maintained at all other part^. . .... . . . . . . .. 1 . . . . _

(rf) The external conductor shall form a complete- metal sheath-
ing round the inner conductor.

(e) The connection with earth shall be efficiently maintained
except when it is interrupted by means of a switch or link for the
purpose of periodical tests for ascertaining whether any cUrrent is
passing by means of the connection with earth.

(f) Tests shall be periodically made to ascertain whether any
current is passing "ny means of the connection with earth, and if
at any time the current passing by means of the connection With
earth exceeds one-thousandth part of the maximum suppl.v current
of the circuit, steps shall be immediately taken to improve tlie
insulation. - • ■ ■ ■ , ■

Patent Restoration. — Application for restoration of
Patent No. 13.719, of 1908, for "Improvements in or relating to
sqidrrel-cage rotors for induction motors and alternators," has been
made by J, C. B. Ingleby.

Vol. 79. No. 2,020. AnsusT II. 1916.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

153

QERMAN PREPARATIONS FOR PEACE.

Whether Peace comes this year, next year or
later, it will probably consist simply in exchanging
one method of warfare for another — in laying
down the weapons of the field and taking up
those of industry. (lerni.-.ny was better pre-
pared than we for the war in the field, and, witii
characteristic thoroughness, she is now organising
every branch and pliase of her industrial and
economic system for the struggle to come. Acting
vigorously on the policy that union is strength, Ger-
man municipal, commercial, and industrial interests
are welding themselves into a number of unions
with definite aims and undeniable potentialities.
The cases cited below may be taken as typical, and,
in the light of the past two years' experience, it
would be futile to assume that the details of the
organisations are weak or ill-considered.

Conferences took place in Vienna during Easter
week between representatives of the Verband
Deutscher Diplom. Ingenieure and the Oesterrei-
chischen Ingenieur u. Archtitekten \^erein, with a
view to establishing a Central European enduring
and influential union of university-trained technolo-
gists. Complete agreement was reached as to the
aims of the Union, and a working committee has
been established to deal with scientific and profes-
sional questions. Steps have already been taken to
secure the co-operation of academic engineering
associations in other States allied with the Central
Powers. How much a similar Union with the
academic interests of our Colonies, to say nothing
of our Allies, would mean to all the contracting
parties !

The vast technical production which (he war has
demanded, and which will not decrease after Peace
is declared, has led the great technical and scientific
associations, to which Germany owes so much, to
appreciate the new problems which await them and
to combine for their solution. A Union of Tech-
nical and Scientific Associations (Deutschen Ver-
hand Technisch-wissenschaftlichen Vereine) has
been formed with a view to serving the nation to a
yet higher degree than in the past with the whole
technical power of all branches of industry, and to
securing to the various branches of engineering, to
chemistry, and to architecture, the position to which
they are entitled in the scheme of economic and
State organisation and policy. Affiliated to the new
Union are the Verein Deutscher Ingenieure, Ver-
band Deutscher Architekten u. Ingenieur Vereine,
Verein Deutscher Eisenhiittenleute, Verein Deuts-
cher Chemiker, Verband Deutscher Elektrotech-
niker, and the Sdhiffbautechnische Gesellschaft.
Prof. C. Busley has been elected president, Herr
Baurat Taaks vice-president, and Dr. Th. Diehl
business manager. It would be unw-ise to under-
estimate the possibilities of this great Union, which
represents about 6o,ooo members of the Associa-
tions concerned, and constitutes a powerful organi-
sation exerting influence all over Germany. The
Union has amongsb its aims the safeguarding of
industrial interests as affected by existing or new
laws, and the improvemei.t and unification of tech-
nical codes and technical education. The Union
will be at the disposal of State, municipal, and other
bodies in all matters relating to technicaJ problems,
sub-committee? of suitable composition being
appointed to deal with individual problems. As
might be expected, the Union does not propose to
confine its activities within the borders of Germany.
It will establish close relations with technical and
industrial organisations in countries now allied to
Germany, and, " with the support of the authori-
ties, it will demonstrate by its actions that the
representatives of technics are ready to work in

unison with the representatives of other callings to
solve the problems which will arise after the war."
There is a certain amount of bombast in these sweep-
ing claims, but one has not far to turn to find ex-
amples of German " penetration," the number and
extent of which has only been fully appreciated since
the outbreak of war. The long experience of the
above Associations, each in its own sphere, places
the new Union in a position to deal effectively with
the most diverse problems, and makes it an organi-
sation which must be reckoned with seriously.

Germany is counting a great deal— doubtless far
too much — on her relative immunity from war losses
of merchant vessels. From German shipping: jour-
nals reaching this country, it is clear that elaborate
plans have been made to utilise interned shipping
the moment Peace is declared. Even such details
as the best way to advise captains in remote ports
of changes in navigation marks have been dis-
cussed ! Naturally, in all this Germany is reckon-
ing without her hosts, but the point; is that organi-
sations have been constituted and plans laid so that
German recovery from the war may be as rapid as
possible, and so that full advantage may be taken
of any laxity or weakness on the part of the Allies.

.•\nother phase of German activity lies in advising
ail interested parties in Germany of the measures
that are being taken by the Allies for the present
elimination of enemy trading and the futoire limita-
tion of German influence. This work is being car-
ried out by every Chamber of Commerce and
\ erein — each in its own sphere — and the distribu-
tion of this information naturally facilitates the
arrangement of future policies and forms the step-
ping-stone to retaliatory measures. To cite only a
few examples, the Institute for Sea Commerce and
World Economics (of the Kiel University) informs
applicants gratis whether the Board of Trade has
sanctioned the working of specified German patents
bv English firms, or whether an application is
under consideration or rejected. Wide publicity is
given to the fact that we have now. followed .Aus-
tralia's lead on the matter of quashing contracts
made by German smelters in the Broken Hilland
other mines, so as to free the Australian zinc and
lead industry from the German control under which
it lias hitherto existed. Again, a list is being kept
at the offices of the " Nachrichten fur Handel. In-
dustrie u. Landwirtschaft " (Berlin) of the names of
enemy firms compulsorily wound up under our
'■ trading witli the enemy " regulations". Imme-
diately following this announcement is one to the
effect that the British-owned electricity -station at
Usingen has been placed under -jswangsvcrd'o I tiiug
(compulsory administration).

Under present conditions, and owing to the care
with which details of plans are concealed by the
enemy, it is impossible to give a comprehensive sur-
vey of German plans for after the war. It would be
futile to believe that those plans are ill-considered,
or even that they are not based on a recognition of
the very difficult position in which Germany will
find herself. The leaders of German industry and
commerce are under no illusions as to the military
situation. Their plans are not likely to presume
victory in the field, but, rather to provide for a
stern uphill fight, first to recuperation, later to an-
other bid for supremacy. Perhaps it is not necessary
that we should know the details of the enemy's plans.
Their general aim is clear enough, and every manu-
facturer, financier, and trader should know how, in
his own particular field, that aim could best be
realised. That being determined, we may safely
assume that that way will be the one which the
enemy will endeavour to follow. Our policy must
be to dam the percolating streams of enemy trading
so that they never again sweep through our fac-
tories and markets or float the stranded wreck of
Prussianism. For the rest, we need a strong con-
structive policy of co-operative development, the

154

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW. [Voi. :!>. >o 2,020, aigist 11,

energy and guidance for which must come first from
within our industries, so that they may then compel
adequate assistance from without.

AMERICAN ELECTRIC COOKING NOTES.

Eecext issues of the American papers have contained many
references to electrical cooking matters, indicating the extreme
interest which is being taken in this class of business. The
Electric Range Committee of the N.E.L.A. in its convention
report pre<licted that the companies on the Pacific Coast and
adjoining areas would sell lO.OtX) electric ranges this year, and
great efforts are being made to justify this forecast. In a
paper deaUng with the development of the electric range load,
Mr. P. L. Miles, of the Globe Stove Co., classified 2,8S4
American towns according to the rates charged, and it would
appear that more than half the number have rates of 4 to 5
cents per KW.-hr., while only S35 have adopted a rate as low
as 3 cents or less — which the author hints must contain a
profit margin, as it is, scarcely likely that all these managers
have miscalculated their rates.

It must be admitttxl that the bulk of the rates mentioned
appear prohibitive to English eyes, but then, as we have pre-
viously pointed out, .4merican conditions are widely different
from our own. Mr. Miles's firm was called on to investigate
the attitude of consumers towards electric; cooking, and can-
vassed the views of housewives in 20 cities and towns with this
object in view. The following data was obtained : 26 per cent.
had considered buying electric stoves ; 11 per cent, were willing
to pay 100 per cent, more than at present; 27 per cent, were
w-illing to pay 50 per cent. more. Mr. Miles takes, this as an
indication of willingness of the .\nierican housewife to pay
more for electric cooking. As to the proved advantages of
electric cooking, it was found that 37 per cent, of those can-
vassed knew electi-ic cocking was cleanly, but only 1 per cent,
knew that it would save on the meat bills: 24 per cent, knew
it was more convenient; 6 per cent, that it was cooler, and 3
per cent, that it was safer than gas. Whether the data col-
lected is of a really reliable nature is open to question, but
we admire the enterprise of our .\merican friends in this mat-
ter, and their evident determination to leave no stone unturned
in the endeavour to obtain new business.

Mr. Miles, however, argues at some length on the question
of the comparative costliness of the electrical stove — which he
says is about twice as expensive as a gas range in the States —
with a view to proving that not reduced first cost but efficient
salesmanship is the necessary factor for securing the more ex-
tended use of electric cooking appliances — this, notwithstand-
ing that, as he admits, the bulk of the central-station commer-
cial men hold an opposite view on the price question. At the
same time his remarks on the rate question seem to indicate
that he would have these same central-station men reduce their
rates to the 3 cent level.

Mr. George Hughes, the well-known .\merican electric etove
manufacturer, expresses the opinion that the cost of the electric
cooking range always will be higher than that of its gas proto-
type, because of superior construction and higher efficiency —
according to Mr. Hughes, 83 per cent, as against 15 per cent.
for the gas range — but that increased production will naturally
result in diminished cost. He also explained that electric
ranges were being sold in face of the competition of cheap
natural gas, and laid stress on the point that electricity was
being sold on a quality, not a price basis — all of which indi-
cates that money is much more plentiful, and the business
instincts of the gas undertakings much less keen, in America
than in this country.

Whatever may be the American conditions, in this country,
at any rate, electric cooking will only come into its own through
the agency of general hiring-out arrangements; the great
majority of domestic users do not wish to be saddled with the
possession of costly apparatus^ which may require to be moved
from one supply area to another wher^ supply conditions
differ; the habit of obtaining domestic cocking "■service'" from
the local supplier foi: a rental charge is ingrained, and it has
msjiy advantages. ■ -_ • • . " - ......... .,

The Electrical World, in discussing recently- the question of
using electricity in bakeries, pointed, out the esceptibnal .value
of this load", which comes on at midnight,' -to the central
station. " " '. '

Our contemporai-y says : — " Experience on the Western
Coast indicates also that the initial cost of . the electric equip-
m.eut is lower than that of brick ovens now usually. applied,
and it is claimed that the cost for current is not prohibitive.
Operating costs depend, as is often the case, oh the intelligent
use of the electric oven , by ■ the operator. One bake- oven in-
stalled at Portland- made the first baking with a consumption
of 48 kw .-hours. This was disappointingly high. On the second
day the baker regulated the heat more carefully and the baking
wa.s- equally well done with a consuiuption of 35 kw. -hours.
Oven he^ats on the third day -^'ere regulated according to the
more intimate knowledge of the manufacturers' representative
who was present. The consumption for the same baking on
the third day was 24 kw .-hours. If the consumption had been
3 KW. -hours lower than this minimum the current cost would
have just equalled the cost of the wood formerly used in the.

satne shop. In point of revenue the bake oven is one of the
most, if not the most, de-sirable kind of load that has yet
appeared in the Western field. One bake oven installed on
the Pacific Coast increased the power company's. current in-
come in the ratio of $3,000 per year. Not the least important
■factor in the development of this business, aside from the en-
gineering and cost questions involvetl, is the advertising value
to the baker of electricity for baking and other purposes.
Cleanliness and certaintj' of temperature control are factors
which can be suit.;ibly advertised to the public. With elec-
trically-driven mixing machinery and electric delivery wagons
the baker has a basis for a striking advertising campaign of
his own."

It is astonishing that so little progress has, to appearance,
been made in this country in bakery supply, apart from motor
applications, although under the conditions prevailing in Lou-
don and other large English cities, where space is valuable and
labour dear, there would appear to be every incentive to push
this particular cla.ss of business quite apart from hygienic con-
siderations. Electrically baked bread, turned out on a small
scale, has proved a most satisfactory product, and we do not
doubt that specialisation in the larger field would lead to
equally satisfactory results. An electrical cooking equipment
has been installed at a restaurant in Sacremento, Cal., to pro-
vide 20,000 meals a month. Electrical heat is used for all
purposes, including water heating, and the total loading lor
cooking purposes amounts to 105 KW. .■^n average of .623 unit
per meal is required, costing 1.2 cents per person served, and
an actual saving of 90 dollars per month in the restaurant's
meat bill has been effected through the lessened shrinkage of
meat while cooking, as compared with oil and gas cooking.
.•\mongst new American range designs is a somewhat novel
combination gas and electric stove which has been developed
by the Westinghouse Co. (U.S.A.). This, is equipped with gas
burners on the top and an electric oven, it being claimed to
be particularly adapted to localities where the cost of energy
is high, and therefore stove top heating, requiring continuous
application of heat, is rather expensive with electricity. The
oven is equipped with an automatic time switch for turning
on current and thermostatic temperature control, and it will
be seen that the design is dictated by price rather than the
quahty consideration emphasised by ^Mr. Hughes.

The conclusions arrived at by the Electric Range Com-
mittee of the National Electric Light Association regard-
ing American practice in tariff.s for electric cooking, etc.,
were that no definite form of rate could be recommended for
general use since local conditions exercise such a great in-
fluence on the business. The Committee did not believe that
electric cooking in the average sized home could be secured on
a three cent rate, while a lower rate would be necessary for
hotels and large installations. A combination rate should be
either a load factor rate or some modification, such as a room
rate, so as to protect present lighting earnings, and should
have a minimum monthly bill of two dollars or more.

Information was obtained from companies supplying some
three million consumers in various parts of the country, and
these reported only 21 per cent, as many electi-ic water heaters
in use as electric ranges. It was found that if a water heater
was used as well as a cooking stove, the average monthly energy
consumption of the latter fell from 100 units to 80 units, show-
ing that the range without a separate water heater is used for
heating water sufficiently to increase the monthly energy con-
sumption by 25 per cent. The majority of companies supply-
ing water heating use a double-throw switch, and find the
maximum energy consumption per month for a range, allow-
ing a satisfactory water heating flat rate service for an average
family to be : — 600-watt water heater, 1'25 units on range; 750-
watt water heater, 150 units on range ; 1,000-watt water heater,
200 units on range. With the double-throw switch arrange-
ment, either the water heater or the range is on the system
peak, and a long-hour range user does not obtain as much' hot
water from a flat-rate water heater as does a short^hour range
user, although he probably wants more.

One concern estimates that a water-heating flat rate of three
dollars per kw. month, with the double-throw sw'itch arrange-
ment, so that the heater is not on with the range, is equivalent
to a price, of J cent per unit. _ ".-.,■.--

■ While the advantages, of a .coiiibiiiation rate. for. _domestic
service- are appreciated (as jn this country) it is ix)ihl-e3 -out
that' "during the development stage -it is ^sornetime's ' belter"
to have separate" bOls for different services; an. •objection,
mentioned is -the -difficulty of securing proper -registration -of
lighting loads on a meter large enough tp .handle the .electric
range. The Southern California Edison Co. has adopted acom-
bination lighting and heating rate in which" ther« is a primai-y-
charge per unit, on a certain number of units depending- on"
the. acii'i'a roams in the house .and a secondar.v charg* for
excess consumption. Tlie Pacific Gas and Electric Co., at San
Francisco, -has a heating and power rate based on the nctivc'
connected load, with a primary unit charge for initial energy
consumption and a low secondary rate for excess units. -Active-
load consists.of the first 2 kw. installed and half of any e.toess
load." Minimum charges of 2-2S dolUiis per month are imposed'
with - both these rates. The Wilmington and Philadelphia
Traction Co. adopts, a fixed rate fn;- heating of li dollar.:; per
month per KW. of prearranged demand, plus a charge of -6 c.
pei' unit for energy used if this demand is exceeded. Thus-
the consumer can make unlimited use of his apparatus at a.
fixed price, providing the prearrang(Jd demand is not "ex-
ceeded; "he can al'So fix his own demand in aceordanre With

Vol, 79. Xo. 2,020, August 11. 1916.] THE ELECTRICAL EEVIEW.

155

domestic reguirements, the company being safeguarded by the
excess charge. It i.? found in practice that a 3.6 KW. range
rarely exceeds a demand of 2 kw. One advantage of such a
rate is the incentive to long-hour use, with corresponding im-
provement in load factor ; the company is also secui'e of a cer-
tain income in advance, a consideration which has met with
appreciation on this side. Any discussion of electric water
heating in this country usually raises the bath-water bogey;
but it would appear that there is scope for water heating on
a small scale for cooking puri^oses in conjmiction with ■ the
electric stove, using the throw-over switch arrangement, so
that the water heater or the stove is always connected to the
supply; if in addition the limited kw. demand and excess
charge system adopted by the Wilmington and Philadelphia
Co., or its equivalent, could he incorporated, it is possible that
the long-hour load resulting would justify a low average price
per- unit.

LEGAL

Stealing Electrical Goods.
At the Mansion House Police Court, on the 28th ult., Stanley
Ai-thur Keeley, 26. clerk and stock-keeper, and Wm. John Dupoy,
43. carman, were charged before Mr. Alderman Moore with stealing-
and receiving, on July 20th. from 16. Queeuhithe, Upper Thames
Street, a quantity of electrical appliances, value £7 10s,. the
property of the General Electric Co., Ltd. Keeley was charged further
with stealing an electrical table cloth and plugs, and an electric
standard and other articles, value £110, In consequence of com-
plaints of the loss of electrical appliances from the company's
premises, observation was kept b;^ the police, and on the 20th ult.
the defendant Dupoy was stopped as he was in the act of dri-ving
away in a van in which a number of stolen articles had been placed
by Keeley, who had been three years in the employ of the company.
Both men were arrested. At Keeley's address the police found a
number of electrical appliances, including an electric table cover
and an electric standard lamp. When shown the property, Keeley
said, ■■ These are articles I have stolen, and Dupoy has taken them
away for me."

John Wji. Joxes, storekeeper to the General Electric Co..
71. Queen Victoria Street, said the articles contained in the list
produced by the police were the property of the company, 'and
were of the value of £110 17s. 9d. Keeley admitted that he had
stolen the articles during the past 18 months.

, Me, Sasiuelson, on behalf of the iirm, said though these
robberies were a serious matter, having regard to their previous
good characters, they did not wish to press the case unduly against
the men.

Keeley was sentenced to three months' hard labour, and Dupoy to
one month's hard lalxjur.

BUSINESS NOTES.

Trade Openings in Italy. — From the British Chamber of
Commerce tor Italy, at Genoa, we have received further lists of
firms who formerly did business with German and Austrian houses,
and are now seeking British connections. We select the
following- : —
•Xo, 1,07.5. Representative at Genoa can place belting, industrial
oils, high-speed steel, machinei-y, packings tor engines, motors,
electrotechnical materials, pumps, tubes, measuring apparatus,
saws, &.C. (S,G, i: .\,S,)

Xo. 1,08.5, Agents at Turin require engineering articles, machine
tools, metals, tools, hardware, lights, (T,E,0, ^t C),

Jvo. 1,088. Engineer, with office at Cag'liari and Rome, would act
as agent for electrical, scientific, and telephonic apparatus.

Xo. 1- J U8.. Merchant at Como would buy glassware, porcelains,
earthenware.' articles for electric, gas and peti-oleum illumination.
(O.CE.)....

'ft'ade. Tour in Spain.: — A movement to improve qiu'
trMe.wjth Spain .has Vt'tn started by the Foreigii Qfhce. In Spain ^
tliereTs probably a good opportunity of replacing, many. German by
British products, aiid. arrangements are being made for represents- .
lives .of British industries to spend a month visiting the principal
commercial towns of Spain. The Foreign Office suggests that the
party shourd not be too large, that it should as tar as possible con-
sistlof "actual partners of large firms, and that the trades concerned
should agree upon a joipt representative rather than send a member •
of each firm, " The object would be rather to" lay the foimdations of
better relations and to discuss the questions applicable to a whole :
trade than", actually to secure immediate orders, Mr. Gonzales y ■
Gordon, a Spanish subject, who is stroiigly recommended to the
Department, will assist in making arrangements, and possibly will ■
accompany' the |"''ly. The tour will be unofficial, —V'/'e Tiiiiex
Trade Siippleiiieiit.

In comiection with the above we may be permitted to draw our
readers' attention to a leading article in the Electrical Review
for May 8th, 1908, on " British Electrical Enterprise in Spain.''
We, there quoted with approval the suggestion of Vice-Con'feul
Jackson that the " Institution of Electrical Engineers, or. some

other representative combination of British manufacturers. " should
take steps to investigate the Spanish market. We proposed that
the Electrical Manufacturers' Association should take action. May
it not come to that even after eight years ?

Bool{ Notices.—" Polyglot Rubber Trade Directory o^
the U.S.A. and Canada,'' "l916. New York : The India Iltibber
WoHd. Price 83,50.

■ Science Abstracts, " A and B." Vol. XIX. Part 7. July 25th,
1911;. London : E. & F. N. Spon, Ltd. Price Is, 6d. each net. :

"Alternating Currents." Vol. II. By A. Russell. Price los.
net. Cambridge University Press. . .

T/ie Teleijrapk and Telephone .To«rn/il. Vol. IT. Xo. 23_.
August. 1916. The Editing Committee : G.P.O. Xorth.

" Proceeding-^ of the American Institute of Electrical Engineers,"
Vol. XXXV. Xo. 7. July, 1916. Xew York : The Institute.

" The Air Supply to Boiler Rooms of Modern Ships of War. "
By R. W. .Allen. Bedford : From the Author.

Banlifuptcy Proceedings.— R- E. Coxxold. electrician,

Canterburv.— .\ first dividend of :?s. 4d. in the £ is payable August'
23rd. at the offices of Corfield and Cripwell. 119, Finsbury Pave-
ment. E.C.

Catalogues and Lists.— Foster Exgineerixg Co.,

Ltd., Wimbledon, S.W.— Several new illustrated price-lists dealing
with various manufactures, as follows : — Xo, 101 A : Half -watt
lamp cases for positions where ornamentation or decoration is of
consequence ; Xo, lOlB : Foster half -watt lamp cases for industrial
lightmg. munition factories, yards, &c. ; Xo. 102A : The " Wim-
bledon" half- watt lamp case, solid copper, oxidised, for either
outdoor or indoor service ; Xo, 141 : Foster drawn- wire metal
filament lamps for motor-car lighting, pocket lamps, hand lamps,
&c, ; Xo. 140 : Foster drawn-wire lamps of various shapes, styles. &c.

Messrs. Johnson fc Phillips, Ltd,, Charlton, S,E,— Three new
illustrated lists, giving detailed drawings and particulars, as fol-
low ;—JB 1, dealing with sealing ends of British white-glazed
porcelain for use with and without rubber ends ; JB 2, relating to
colliery boxes, and cable accessories for mining work ; and JB 3,
showing inverted pole-type trifurcating boxes,

Messrs, Dyer & Yousg, Stansted, Essex,— A catalogue, which
takes an unusual form, has been issued. It consists of eight large
sheets with metal top and bottom edging, the whole caught together
at the top, so as to form a roll. Each sheet shows a number of clear
drawings of standard tramway controller fingers of different types,
including B,T,H., W,H,, Brush, D,K, and others, also segments, lac.

For Sale. — Messrs. Wheatley Kirk. Price & Co.,

the agents for the Controller appointed by the B. of T., invite
tenders by Augttst 28th, for the stock of electric lamps, accessories,
office furniture, &c,, of Krupka & Jacoby, Ltd.

By order of the Controller appointed by the B. of T., Jlr, E,
Owers will offer for sale by auction on the premises on August 30th,
the stock-in-trade, office fm-niture, &c,, of Isaria, Ltd,, 208, Tower
Bridge Road. Particulars appear in our advertisement pages
to-day.

Dissolutions and Liquidations. — Anglo - Coloxial

Engineeeixo Co,, Ltd,— This company is winding up vohmtarily,
with Mr, G, E, Corfield, Balfour House, E,C,, as liquidator, A
meeting of creditors was held on August 7th.

Miller Anti-Friction Metal Co,, Ltd,— This company is
winding up voluntarily, with Mr, A, Hennings, of 3, Gore Street.
Manche'ster, as liquidator. Creditors must send particulars of their
debts, &c„ by September 8th, A meeting of creditors is called for
August loth.

Institute of Industry (of Great Britain and Ireland),
LTD,^-This company is winding up voluntarily, with Mr. L. W.
Hawkins, Basildon House, E.C, as liquidator,

Biddle Automatic Signal, Ltd,— A meeting is called for
September 8th, at 25, Victoria Street, S.W„ to hear an account of
the -winding-up from the liquidator, Mr, W. Braby,

Copper Prices.— Messrs. F. Smith & Co. and Messrs.
James 4; Shakespeare report : August 2nd,— Xo changes in prices
quoted last week.

LIGHTING AND POWER NOTES.

Abercarn.^The B. of T. has e.\tended- the period under

the Exteiisiori- Order of-19l5 (Abercarn Electric Lighting Order, '-
1914), ef the South Wales Electrical Power Distribution Co. by
one year. ■

Aberdeen.— New Plant. — The Electricity Committee,
recommends that .a new turbo-generating set for the electricity
station be purchased from Messrs, Parsons, The Committee reports
that the units generated in June showed an increase of 243,620 .
compared with the same month last year, . . . " .

Argentina.^FuEL Shortage. — The town of Bahia
Blanca is threatened with the cutting off of the electric light,
owing to the lack of coal. The local company endeavoured to
obtain petroleum from the Minister of Agricultiure, offering to pay
current official prices, but -without success ; the trials made with
wood fuel have not proved satisfactory. The stock of fuel -was
expected to last up to the 16th. of last month, when the service
would have to be susftended. — Uenew -of the Mii'dr Plate.

156

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW, ivoi. I'x no. 2,020. avgust u, me.

Atherton.— LixKiNG-up Proposal. — The Electricity

Committee has had under consideration the proposed linking-up
with the Lancashire Electric Power Co.'s s.vstem for the extra supply
of electricity required for the district, which it is estimated will
involve an expenditure of about £800. and ha# decided that the
Council should agrree with the South Lancashire Tramways Co. to
pay half the cost of carr.vinfr out the work, with the amount
stated as the maximum.

Barking. — Revisko Chahgks. — Tlie I'.D.r. luis amended
the cbarpres for cnrrent for power and heating to IJd. {)er unit for
S.OOI to 8((.000 units per month, phis a war increase of 5 per cent. ;
f^O.OOl to 200.000 to IJd. ; beyond. Id. Subject to a loan bein?
sanctioned, power is to be supplied lo the works of the t^ape
Asbestos Co. for the term of three years.

Belfast. — Year's AVorkixg.— The Tramways and Elec-
tricity Committee reports a profit of i;i7.4'.t2 on the electricity
department on last .vear. partly due to the sale of a million
additional units. It is proposed to give the usual £5,000 to
the relief of rates. The tramway accounts show a profit for the
year of £ 7.S60.

Canada. — The Hydro-Electric Power Commission has
completed arrangements with the Pine Kiver Light and Power Co.
whereby all of the transmission lines, sub-station equipments and
a portion of the apparatus at the development at Hornings Mills
will be taken over and utilised as a portion of the Eugenia system.
These lines will he used to serve Shelburne. OrangeviUe and Horn-
ings Mills, and these municipalities are already being supplied with
hydro power by the amalgamation of the two systems, and pre-
parations are being made to serve the municipalities of Grand
Valley and Arthur by using the portion of the line purchased from
the Pine River Light and Power Co.. and by constructin.e approxi-
mately 12 miles of new line. — Canadinn Electrical Sews.

The Thomson-Porter Cataract Co. is reported to have submitted
plans to the Canadian Government, for a 2.000.000-H.P. hydro-elec- _
trie development below Niagara, which will not disturb the Horse-
shoe and American falls, and will cost SlOO.OtiO.OflO. A chai'ter
has been asked for to construct in the rapids below the falls an
international dam to raise the water 100 ft. ; half the power
would belong to Ontario and half to New York. — E!er. WorlH.

According to the Canadian Electrical Sews, work has teen
started on the Bay of Fundy tide power project at Cape Split,
N.B.. by the Cape Split Development Co. We referred recently to
the demonstration of an experimental tide motor which it is pro-
posed to emplo.v on this site.

Chesterfield. — Proposed AVorks Extensions. — The

proposal to transfer the electricity works from Brampton to a larger

■ site has been considered by the T.C. Mr. S. L. Pearce. of Man-
chester, advised that it would be better to remain on the present
site, and application has been made to the L.G.B. tor authority to
carry out the proposed extensions : in the event of this being

■ obtained, the scheme for extensions will be submitted to the full
Council tor approval.

Darlington.^^At a Council meeting last .week, the elec-
trical engineer reported an increase of 33'96 per cent, in the
: number of units generated during the three months ended April Ist

DawHsh.— Pric&. Ikcreask. — The Electricity Co. has
applied to" the U'.D.G. for permission to increase its charges for
current to private consumers by 10 .per cent., until, such times as
prices of stores again become normal. The CotmcU has agreed
tj the request.- -•- ,■•-.■. - . :...._.. ^ ■

Dewsbury.? — A- Suh-'Committee. : is. fo consider -the pro-
posed agreement -A-ith the Yorkshire Electric Power Co. for the
supply of electricity to Ravensthorpe. A special tariff is to be pro-
vided for those consumers who are not eligible for the rateable

■ value system :— Lighting at the usual rates, and heating or cooking
• to l)e on a flat rate of Jd- per unit (plus the increased percentage in

force), and such consumers must guarantee a minimum of at least
£2 per half-year for heating and cooking, and adhere to this system
for at least 12 months.

Elland.: — ^Price Increase. — The Electricity Committee
has decided to advance thfi price of current from ijd. to od. per
unit, and the.rate for posver by ~ii per cent.

Exeter. — Year's WoBKryG.^-Thereporlr of thecitr^ejectri-
cal engineer. Mr. H. D. Munro. on the working of the electricity under-
taking for the year ended ila«;h 31st. shows that-the total revenue
was £20.-t72 ; expenditure amounted to £12.7.53. leaving a gross sur-
plus of £7,719; sinking fund and income-tax charges absorbed
£7.597. leaving a net surplus of £ 122. The increased price of coal and
the loss in revenue, of £524 due to lighting restrictions, and the

. increased charges tor income-tax. interest, and sinking fiind.
absorbed nearly the whole of the gross surplus. Owing to the
economical working of the new', steam turbo-alternator during
nine months there was a decrease of 368 tons in coal consumptior,
although -49.000 additional units were generated, also a saving
of £120 in the costs of oil and water. The consumers increased
by .100, . and the power demand by oyer 240 H.p. £2,474, the
costs, for mains extensions, and £785 for accessories for the new
turbine, were paid 'out of 'the reserve and renewal funds," as the
T.C. ■ was not permitted to draw On the loans sanctioned for

. these purposes.

FTome.^SxREET Lighting. — On account of . restricted
lighting the public lighting account of the U.D.C. has been reduced
by. £250 by Messrs. Edmundsoii, the contractors.

Gelligaer. — The Board of Trade has extended the time
by one vear under the Gelligaer (Bedlinog and Fochriw) E.L." onlci
li'14.

Hale. — An end has been made of the negotiations by tin
Farnham R.D.C. with the Gas and Electricity Co., with reference
to a supply of electricity for Hale, owing to the restrictioBH
imposed by the Treasury upon expenditure, making it imiwssible
for the mains to bp extended whilst the war la-'ls.

Hereford. — "n ai-connt of the diminished consumption of
cu'i'eiit. due to the operation of the Summer Time Act. the T.C.
ha,s decided to levy a minimum charge of Ids. per quarter in cases
where not more than 20 units are used.

India.^Tlie Madura lilunicipal Council held a si.H'cial
meeting recently, at which Mr. K. T. B. Tressler, the Director of
Industries. Madras, explained the attitude of the Government on
the subject of introducing electric lighting into the municipality.
At present it would not be possible for the Government to take up
the Periyar scheme, and it was necessary that the Council should
have its own scheme. The total cost would be nearly a lakh of
rupees, and would provide for 2,500 25-c.P. lights and 200 fans.
Mr. Tressler is to advise the Council how to proceed with regard to
the matter. — Indian Engineering.

It is stated that the Tata Co.' is engaged on a further 40,000-H.P.
hydro-electric scheme, the head works of which will be 10 miles
from t hose of the existing hydro-electric scheme. The compan.y under-
took to supply 40,000 H.P. to Bombay from the latter, and 30.000 h.p.
is already being delivered, while, were all the mills electrified, it is
<:onsidered that Bombay could absorb 100,000 H.p. — Financier.

Leigh. — Colliery Supply.— The Westleigh Colliery Co.
is to be informed that the Corporation is not prepared to allow the
Lancashire Electric Power Co. to supply it with electricity, but
that the Corporation is prepare(f to give a supply on terms to be
agreed upon between the company and itself, and, failing such
agreement, on terms to be fixed by the B. of T.

London. — Hammersmith. — Year's AVorking. ^^The

annual report of Mr. G. G. Belt, the borough electrical engineer, for the
.year ended March 31st, points out that the undertaking is one of the
few where the rates charged tor electricity are still maintained at
pre-war figures, and that a net profit of nearly £600 was earned.
Owing to the lighting restrictions, and the disappearance of units
purchased and resold, the total sales. 11.178.294 units, show an
increase of only 1,461,042 units, compared with the previous year ;
but the units sold from the Hammersmith generating station show
an increase of 2,000,018. entirely due to the power load. The most
important item in the accounts, with the exception of tlie capital
charge, is fuel, the cost of which has increased in two.waysj first,
by the increased initial cost ; and, second, owing to large con-
signments being cart-ed to the generating station from railway
sidings instead of being delivered at Chancellors Wharf.

The cost of pumping coal from Chancellor's Wharf by means of
coal-pumpiug plant, and handling same, is only 4'57d. per ton. "
The saving that woidd have been effected if the whole of the coal
delivered at the sidings (11.390 tons) had been pumped, would have
been £391. The cost of cartage from sidings being £1,054. and
the cost of pumping 11.390 tons at 4'57d. per ton; plus 9d. per ton
for delivery by barge, would have been £663. Ttie total cost of
cartage would have been further increased if the coal-pumping
plant (which is now in successful operation) had not jDcen installed ;
6,872 tons of coal were pumped during the year at a' oost' to' the
■ department of £57 for electrical energy tised toy the :plant. ^■With
the coal tanks in use no trouble was experienced, as in.preTiaus
.years, from the coal stock catching fire. ■ ' :" :

The total units generated were 13.271.640 ; only 1.161 units wete
purchased. The maximum demand was 5,980 KW., and 971 motors
of 9.126 H.p. are connected to the mains. The total revenue was
£64.117 ; works cost and special expenditure amounted to £39;488,
and gross profit to £24,629 ; while the net profit was £595, as
compared with £3.717 in the previous year.

Martlebose.— At the meeting of the B.C., on July 27th. the
report on the working of the electricity undertaking for the .year
ended March 31st last was presented. During this period 16,069,870 '
units were sold, as compared with 15.92(i.l67 units in the previons
year, decreased lighting consumption being more than counter-
balanced by increased requirements for heating and cooking. The
total income amounted to £182.772, an increase of £13.555 ; after
meeting working expenses, A:c., the net revenue balance' was
£122.192, from which the usual loan charges were met, leaving a
net profit of £2,371, as against a deficit of £7.0S7 in- the
previous year. Aid. Duncan Watson, chairman of. the Elec-
tricity Committee, explained the figures in detail, pointing
out that generation costs had increased by. 27 per cent.,
but distribution and management costs had decreased by 22 and
20 per cent, respectivel.y, while taxes, 4;c., were up" 6 per cent.
The Sales and Publicity Department showed a credit balance of £ 479.
A satisfactory linking-up arrangement with the Central Electric
Supply Co. had been entered into ; he had himself handled the
matter of the quinquennial assessment, and the Committee came
out "on top." He concluded by intimating that, owing to his
private position, it had become necessary for him to resign the
chairmanship of the Committee, an announcement which waa
received with general expressions of regret by the Cotmcil.

Maidstone. — The T.C. has decided to supply the works
of Messrs. Amies A: Son. at an estimated cost for mains of £120,
arid to apply tor the electricity works to be declared a controlled
factory, - - . . .-

I

Vol. 79. No. 2,020. AuorsT U. 1916.] THE ELECTRICAXi REVIEW.

157

Oldham. — Two-Ratf, Consumers and " Sujimek "

Time. -It was mentioned at a meeting of the T.C. that the Elec-
tricity Committee had over 2,000 clocks in use in connection
with meters, the hands of which had not been advanced on the
■ adoption of summer time. Councillor Dixon said there was dis-
- satisfaction amongr electricity consumers who were on the two-rate
6yst«m as they were charged two different scales, and complained
that they had been " done out " of an hour at the lower rate.
Coimcillor Hardman (chairman of the E.C), said they could not
possibly, in the limited time allowed, alt^r the 2.0U0 clocks. If
the new system were permanent something would have to be dime,
and some means would have to be found of dealing with the
niatter.

Perth. — Price Increase. — From the estimates of the

electricity department it appears the rate of charge for ordinar.y
consumers will be increased by l.i per cent., the trade rate by
7{ per cent., and the tramway rate by 7J per c«nt.

Shrewsbury. — Price Increase. — Owins:^ to inereased

costs in connection with the electricity undertaking, it has been
necessary to increase the charges to consumers by 20 per cent.

Year's Working. — The annual report of the electricity under-
taking for the year ended March 31st last shows a total income of
i9.13t). working expenses amounting to £6. .519. and a gross profit
of £2.61t). After 'payment of interest and sinking fund charges,
there was a deficit for the year of *;972. which was taken from the
reserve fund. The total capital expenditure is i;60,73*, and the
outstanding debt, less sinking fund, £2-1, .594,

Skelton and Brotton. — The Council has decided not to

accede to a request by the Cleveland and Dm-ham Electric Power Co. to
pay a higher price for the current suppled to the Council for .its
electric supply undertaking.

South Africa. — The Somerset AVest (Cape Province)
installation was formally inaugurated recently by the switching on
of the supply at i he transformer kiosk, near the railway station, the
Mayor performing the ceremony. The supply is derived from De
Beers' explosive works at Somerset StraJid, about three miles from
the village of Somerset West. The consulting engineer for the
'scheme is- Mr. Charles G. Trevett, who is at present with the Motor
Transport Corps in East Africa, and the contractors are Messrs.
Herbert Davies it Co.

The new electric light installation at Worcester (Cape Province")
was recently completed, and formally opened. The consulting
engineer for the installation is Prof. Bohle, of the South African
College, and the contractors Messrs, Siemens, Ltd,

The Boksburg (Transvaal) Council has decided to dispose of its
generating plant, and has accepted the offer of the British South
African ExplosiveCo, of £",.500 for the same, excluding two pumps
and motors,

Stalybridge. — Extended Supply Area.— At a special

meeting of the Stalybridge Joint Electricity Board, consideration
was given to the question of granting supplies of current to pros-
pective customers outside the present area of supply, and it was

■ decided to empower the (Generating Station Committee to proceed
with the work for the supply of current in the extended area des-
cribed in Clause 37 of the Board's Act of 1915.

Stockport. — Proposed Loan. — Subject to B. of T.

.consent and L.G_B. sanction to a loan, the Electricity Committee
'proposes to tray certain. premises for £2,700, and to use the land for
•an electricity, generating station. An alteration in the proposed
-minimum charge for current has been made to 30s. per annum.

payable 7s. (id. per quarter, and where the units consumed in any
•quarter do not amount to 7s. tid.. the unconsumed units are to he

■ carried forward to the following quarter, but not beyond a complete
year. It is believed that this will meet the complaint of those who
■use very little current in the summer,

Stockton-on-Tees. — Bulk Supplv. — At a meeting of
.the. T.C. last week (August 1st), it was stated that a portion of the

. present steam plant at the electricity works was to be shut down
until November next, consequent upon an agreement having been
entered into with the Cleveland and Durham Power Co. with
regard to the supply of electricity. Under the agreement with the
Company, the Corporation is bound to pay for a minimum of

. 1,000.000 units per annum, with a reduced charge on all energy in
excess of .1.7.50,000 units, providing that the maximum demand

• does not exceed 1,000 KW,. and 500 Kw. during certain restricted

-bsurs. Under the new arrangement the Council's generating plant
■will be under steam, for only 782 hours per annum, as against

: 7,500 hours formerly,

Stoke-on-Trent. — E.xtensions Approved. — The Council

has approved ot the proposals of the Electricity Supply Committee
to carry out extensions of plant at the central power house, in
respect of which a loan of £ 12.0i:iO has been sanctioned by the
..L.G.H.

' Thirsk. — Street Lighting.— The Electricity Co. has
'written to the P.C. with reference to the lighting contract for nest
season, offering to keep the necessary. plant ready to supply require-
ments providing the cost, about £115, is met by the Council, and
£1 a year paid for each lamp used. The matter is to be placed
before the ratepayers.

Torquay. — '" Suiijier-Timb " Effects. — The deputy

electrical engineer has reported that before the passing of the

Summer Time Act the daily demand was 350 KW., with an output
of 2.820 units, now the daily demand was 275 KW., with a daily
output of 2.010 units. The engineer stated that new connection's
were making good the losses due to the Act and public lighting
restrictions.

Trowbridge. — Price Increase. — The U.D.C. has con-

.sented to the charges for current supplied by the Electric Supply
Co. being increased by 10 per cent, for the duration of the war.

Turton (near Bolton). — Year's Working. — Reportin":

on the past year's working of the electricity undertaking, the
electrical engineer states that units ,«old to private consumers
numbered 27.01 1, The total revenue from private consumers was
£339, compared with £305, The total number of units purchased
was 43,397. compared with 5(<,133 in the previous year, the
decrease teing due to the reduction of public lighting. There
were now ti7 consumers connected, 23 new ones having been added
during the year.

Warrington. — Price Increase. — The T.C. has agreed
to the price of electric current (except where otherwise provided)
being increa,sed 5 per cent, as and from August 1st, 1916, on the
existing scales of charges.

Weybridge and Walton.— Price Xegotiation.— As an

outcome of the recent negrotiations, the TT.D.C.'s have sealed agree-
ments with the Electric Supply Co. by which, for the duration of
the war. the price of current wUl be 7d. per rmit on a flat rate ; six
months after the war ends, if the circumstsnces do not render it
absolutely impossible, the price is to be reduced to fid.

TRAMWAY and RAILWAY NOTES.

Blackburn. — The tramway manager reports a profit of
£1.479 on the Corporation tramways for the quarter's working
ended .Tune 30th.

Chile. — The electrification of the Valparaiso and Santiago

Railway is being considered, and a law authorising the Government
to inrite tenders has been passed by the Senate.

Gateshead-on-Tyne. — The Town Improvement Com-
mittee recommends the T.C, to rescind its consent to the proposal
of the Gateshead and District Tramways Co, to double the track
on the Bensham route. The Committee .also recommends the
appointment of a Committee to confer with the Newcastle Corpora-
tion Committee with regard to running cars across the High Level
Bridge between Gateshead and Xewcastle. There was some discussion
as to the desirability of entering into negotiations with Xewcastle-
on-Tyne on the subject, but eventually the report was adopted,

GlaSgO'W. — Wages. — The Tramways Committee has
decided not to recommend the granting of a war bonus of 6s, per
week to motormen and conductors, but has agreed that employes
could have the option of working . six extra tours per week orer-
time at time-and-a-half rat«5.r , .' - - .".. _ .."..

Keighley. — The period for the completion of the overhead

equipment of raUless trolley route (C), under the Keighley Cor-
poration Act. 1912, has been extended by one year,

London. — L.C.C. — The week ending August 2nd was a

record one for the Council's tramway undertaking, the traffic
revenue amounting to £.52,300 : during the week 729,177 children
travelled at reduced fares,

Manchester. — Alderman Bowes (chairman of the Tram-

\\ays Committee') stated at a recent meeting of the City Council
that the military hospital authorities did not favour anything in
the wa.v of a general grant of free travelling facilities on the cars
for wounded soldiers. The department therefore issued tokens, and
these entitled the wounded soldiers to whom they were handed to
travel free of charge,

Oldham. — The Tramways Committee's recommendation
of revised charges for the carriage and delivery of parcels by car
was referred back at the T.C. meeting last week, so that full details
of the charges proposed may be supplied to the Council. .Vrrange-
ments are contemplated to allow wounded and convalescent
soldiers wearing distinctive hospital ^uits to use the cars free.
The Tramways Committee has disposed of some chilled steel car
wheels at £1 per wheel more than it gave for them.

Tilbury and Southend Railway Electrification. — The

Midland Railway Co. is appl.ying to the B. of T., under the exten-
sion of Time Act, to extend until the session of 19t7 the time within
which it must submit a scheme ior railway electrification between
Fenohurch Street and Southend to Parliament. — Railivay Gazette.

United States.— A strike affecting the tramways in Xew
York commenced on -Saturda.v last. The subways and elevated
railways were not affected at the time of writing, though cases are
reported of tramway cars being attacked.

158

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW, [voi. ;;.. No. 2,020, ArorsTii, i9iB.

TELEGRAPH and TELEPHONE NOTES.

Canada. — -Mr. Philip E. Edelman, of St. rani, iliiiiiesotii,
has been en^asred bj- the Canadian Government as electrical en<ri-
neer to prepare plans for wireless telephone and telegraph installa-
tions iii the 7,0U0 square miles embraced by the Dominion Parks of
Western Canada. The object of the in.stallation is to prevent forest
tires and game trespassing, by affortling an instant means of com-
munication for reporting-, and calling for aid. in territory where
ordinary means of communication are out of the question.

France. — A sijecial ilepartnieiu has lately been established
by the French Post and Telegraph authorities in Paris, to conduct
experiments in connection with telegraphy and telephony.

Telegraph (Construction) Bill. — In the Committee stage

on this Bill, on Monday last. Jlr. Pease agreed to substitute throe
months for one month as the period within which consent should
be signified by the owner, lessee, or occupier of any land or building
affected by the placing of a telegraph line, and a provision was added
that the tribunal to which a difference is referred shall not give its
consent to the placing of a telegraph line unless satisfied that the
refusal or failure of the owner, lessee, or occupier to consent is
contrary to the public interest. The Committee stage was con-
cluded, and the Bill was read a third time.

The Channel Tunnel and Telephonic Communication

with the Continent — The following interesting letter from Prof.
J. A. Fleming appeared in the Thiie.-< a few days ago : — " One of
the possible iitUities of a Franco-British Channel tunnel, which
has not yet, I believe, been mentioned, is the increased facility
it would afford for direct telephonic communication between
Great Britain, France, Switzerland, and Italy. There are at present
two English Channel telephone cables, each with twin circuits,
which, by the method of usage called phantomising, can be made
equivjatent to three circuits each. These cables are, of course,
subject to the possibility of injury, like all submarine cables, and
repairs might be costly and take time. If, however, the Channel
tunnel, were constructed with proper provision for it, a large
number of telephonic and telegraphic cables of a certain type
oould !» laid in it which would afford greatly increased means' of
intercommunication at a less cost than by equivalent submarine
cables. If these were extended by suitable coil-loaded aerial lines,
telephonic communication could be established between the
prittcipal cities in Great Britain and those in France, and possibly
Italy. Having regard to the far closer commercial relations wiiich
will exist between the Allies in the post-war period, this improved
intercommunication will be of the greatest advantage. I submit,
therefore, that in any plans for such a tunnel, ample provision
should be made for telephonic and telegraphic cables of the latest
type for long-distance working,'

CONTRACTS OPEN and CLOSED.

OPEN.

Australia.— ^Sydnby.— September 20th. X.S.W. Govern-
ment Railways. One .50-ton electrically-operated overhead
travelling crane for Zara Street power, house, Newcastle. October
11th. One motor-driven air compressor for Zara Street power
house. Electrical Engineer. 61, Hunter Street.

Perth.— October 4th. Deputy P.M.G. Telegraph and telephone
measuring instruments and parts. Schedule 501 VV.A.*

Barking. — August 15th. Electricity and Tram\vay.s
Coipmittee. Cables, switchgear,- and transformers. See "Official
Xotioes " July 2.Sth.

Blackburn. — August 12th. Steam coal for electricity
department tor 12 months. Mr. P. P. Wheelwright. Engineer and

Manager. ' . ;

.New ■ Zealand. .— Invercargill. — September '28th.

Borpt^li, Council. .Steam, turbo-altemator, condensing plant, and
switiigear.- Specifications frdm^the Tramway Office. .Contract
>>'o.40.*

St. Asaph. — August 16th. Guardians of St. Asaph
Union. Renewal of accumulators. See "Official Xotioes" August

4th.: ■'.■ ■■. '. ■ ■" " .' " ■-.••-- .•.•.-•.• ,. .■ °

South Africa. — .Tohaj^xesbuo. — SejAemhor -Hh. Muni-

■cipul Couucil. lii.OCiO draivn-w^ire metallic-filament traction lamps :
•10 .miles of in/l4 " Underwriters' wire " (lightly insulated wire for

outdoor use). Contract Xo. 151;*' '

September 21st. Municipal Council. Tramcar spares. Contract
Xo. I.5.3.*

Specifications for the items marked * can be seen at the Board
orTiritde Coih'mercial Intelligence Branch in London.

Batley. — .\ccepted lender: Brnsh Bleclrical Enuiiieeriiifi
( o. . s]ii»v armature and spare condenser tubes.

Sheffield. — The contract with the British Electri^j
Transformer Co.. Ltd., for transformers and series gear is to
extended for a further period of two .vears. in accordance with ^
revised .schedule of prices.

Tramways Committee, Peckham Truck and Engineering (;o.,
15 Peckhaiu trucks, at £92 lOs. each.

Sunderland. — Electricity Committee : —

K.I. \ Hel»l>y Cables, Ltd., cables; Steel & Co., niiM steel shoots.

NOTES.

CLOSED.

Aberdeen.— Electricity Committee. C. A. Parsons and
Co Ltd., 0,000-K.w. ttu-bine-alternator , with condenser and
auxiliaries, £18,858.

The Metric System in the U.S.A. — Generations of

effort by earnest advocates liave not served to advance the cause of
the metric system in the United States and in some other countries
as have the world-war conditions of the last two years, .\merican
factories that knew only inches and feet 24 months ago, are turn-
ing out millions of shells, rifles, guns, and other war materials
entirely in metric dimensions. Scores of railway locomotives are
being manufactured by American plants in metres and millimetres,
and in entire factories and sections of factories not a single gauge,
scale, or other measuring device can be found bearing the compli-
cated Anglo-American measures of length.

The orders in metric terms that are flowing into .\merican
factories are not alone for what might be termed primary war materials.
In addition to locomotives already metitioned. orders for .riiils,
bridge members, machinery, tools, and even fabrics and wearing
apparel,, are accompanied by metric specifications. Practically
without exception^ American manufacturers have adapted them-
selves to the new requirement.

The experience has been a revelation to many manufacturers,
who considered the metric system complicated because they had
had no experience- with it. Many practical workers have insisted
that in spite of the handicap of uufamiliarity it is, in a very short
time, a simpler matter to apply the metric system to their work
than to use the toot and inch system, with its unwieldy fractions.

The war is helping the cause of the metric system' in other ways
as well. It has shut off South America and other consumers of
manufactured goods from their usual sources of supplies in Eurojie,
and has awakened in .\merican merchants the desire to supply these
markets, not only temporarily, but permanently. Practically
every one of these possible markets, however, is in a country using
only the metric system, to the people of which price-lists, in pounds
and tons, yards and inches, dozens and grosses, are hopelessly con-
fusing. Furthermore, many of the South .\merican countries
require that goods be marked in metric measures before they may
pass the Custom houses. :

The result of this is that exporter after exporter has recognised
the need of making use of the metric system, and has quietly
begun turning out two classes of products-if he fills both domestic
and foreign orders — goods measured and marked in customary
units, and others sized and marked metrically, ' Complicated as
«ich a procedure might appear at -first sight, it has proved dis--'
titlctly profitable in practically all cases in which it has been
tried, thus confuting the contention of opponents of the metric
system that its introduction would: prove expensive. — Scientific
'Aiiiericun.

Our Consular Service. — In the August issue of the Times

Trade Siipplemeid Mr. De F, Pennefather, M.P.. has an informing,
and suggestive article on the Past, Present and Future of the British
Consular Service, He holds that in this department the necessities
and outlook are greatly altered by' the war, and after giving the
history of the development of the Consular Service over a lengthy
period, and of the investigations of, and reports made upon", it at
different times, he concludes as follows :^—

■' There should be little difficulty in obtaining all the men
required to strengthen our Consular Service, Thousands of men of
business experience and proved ability have voluntarily given up
good positions, both at home wx(S. abroad, in order to' join the Army.
Many of these must possess all the necessary qualifications —
including knowledge of languages — and if they are unable to pick
up their former careers at the point they laid them, down, may
be seeking for new openings. A short training would render such
men efficient, and no cast-iron ' regulations ' or ' red tape ' should
be allowed to stand in their way.

" It is obvious that a great deal of consideration will, have to be
g-iven to the whole question of our Consular Services in the light of
recent happenings and future probabilities, and inuch .spade, work,
will have to be done in Order to investigate thoroughly jn'any matters
in regard to many places, countries, and trades, and to ascertain
what our Consuls can most usefully do, and how and where they
can best do it. ■ . ,

" The Foreign Office or the Board of Trade cannot do all this
during the war, and yet if the work is only jjcguu when the war is
over, our competitors may reap great advantag'cs. '

■' It therefore seems only patural and proper that our Chambers
of Commerce, which have for so many years taken .Tn active and
intelligent interest in the matter, should .collect through their
liti.Oi II I members, the' results "of experiences in all parts of t he Globe,
and thus furnish material which' will help the Government to build
up a Consular Sei-vice which wUl not only provide ' better
facilities for the maintenance and expansion of the "trade of the
Empire,' but also carry out generally the objects aimed at by the
Allies, as stated in thcir'dccisions at the recent Economic Conference
in Paris. "

vol. 79. No. 2.020. AroDST 11, 1916.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEWo

159

Educational. — UniykrsiTv of Maisthestek. — We liave

received the prospectus of the Univei'sity coui'ses in the Municipal
School of Technology for the coming: Session, which oijens on
Octoter 5th. Prof. Miles-Walker occupies the chair of Electrical
Entrineering'.

The Electrical Trade Position in the United States. —

Our contemporary, the Elertricul ]t'orld. sa.vs that lew larg'e orders
are being tooked for electrical goods. The high cost of construc-
tion materials is holding back a large volume of buj-ing. The
writer says: — "One of the outstanding featui'es of the present
market for electrical goods has been the absence of numerous order.s
for la,rge quantities of material. To be sure, there have been some
large orders, but these have been principally brought on by the
boom in metals. Iron and steel rolling mills have bought large
quantities of electrical goods in single orders, but they were practi-
call.T forced to it. But the large development projects scheduled
for erection about this time have been held up, wherever possible,
until more favourable times. Those plants that are in the course
of construction undoubtedly have either been absolute necessities,
owing to the condition of the load and the load expected, or else
were projected, and orders placed previous to this general advance
in prices. All construction costs have advanced many per cent.
Xabour. besides being more expensive, is very scarce. Copper wire
for transmission lines has advanced to an almost prohibitive price,
owing to the demand for copper by the warring nations. Practi-
cally all electrical equipment, including the necessary steam and
hydro machinery, costs considerably more to-day than before the
war. Although orders of large volume have been infrequent,
there have been many inquiries for quantities of goods that would
run into millions of dollars. All of these inquiries, it is more than
likely, will develop into bo/in Jide orders as soon as the price is satis-
factory. It is well known that there is a vast amount of railroad
electrification awaiting lower prices. One of the large eastern roads
has laid plans for extending its electrified zone, but is hesitating to
do an.vthing definite at the present time, because of the abnormall.y
high prices. It is significant that the greater part of the buying
of electrical goods during the recent months has been b.v industrial
concerns, factories, miUs. &c. There is therefore to be expected, it
is believed, as soon as prices warrant, a buying movement from the
other large purchasers, the central stations and railroads."

Lamp Voltage Standardisation in the U.S.A. — Although in

the early years of incandescent lamp manufacture it was impossible
accurately to predict before the lamp was manufactured at what
voltage it would operate most efficiently, with the introduction of
the drawn-wire filament, it became possible to foretell accurately at
just what voltage any and all of the output should be rated.
Lamp manufacturers, therefore, are now in a position to standardise
their output and to bring about economies in the manufacture,
distribution, and utilisation of lamps. Among the many benefits
which it is expected will accrue from this standardisation of
incandescent lamp voltages there are others besides those of manu-
facture. With a smaller number of sizes, dealers with the same
investment naturall,y will lie able to cai-ry lamps for a greater
variety of services. Also there will no longer be any necessity on
the part of central stations to maintain domestic-service voltages
at other odd pressures.

All of the affiliated lamp manufacturers have co-pperated in this
movement, it is understood, although but one company, the
National Lamp Works, will try it out. Should the results justify,
it is understood that all of the manufacturers are prepared to
adopt the same voltages which, after a careful analysis of the
National output, were placed at 110, 115. 120 volts. — Electrical
norld.

Foreign Trade. — The .July Figures.— The oflBcial

returns of imports and exports during last month contain the
following electrical and machinery figures : —

July, Jnc. or ikien months,\9\6.

Imports:— 1916. dec. Inc. or dec.

Electrical goods. &c. £128.978 +£30.730 + £395.303

Machinery ... ... 681.293 - 212,217 - 191,321

Exports : —

Electrical goods
Machinery ...

349,967
1.761,0,54

+ 87,916 + 639,041
+ 45,825 - 348,913

Electric Vehicle Committee. — At a meeting of the

Electric Vehicle Committee, held in Loudon on July 28th, it was
announced that the Royal AutomobOe Club had nominated as
their representative upon the Committee, Mr. AV, Worb.v Beaumont,

"Correspondence has taken place Ijetween the B, of T, and the
Electric Vehicle Committee on "Import Restrictions." and the
Committee has been informed that, providing a statutory declara-
tion is made to the effect that the chassis which it is desired to
import are to be used solel.v for commercial purposes, the matter of
their importation will have consideration.

Corrfespondence with the Car and G«neral Insurance Corporation.
Ltd.; was submitted, from which it appeared that the corporation
were willing to come, into line with the suggestions previously made
by ■ the Committee that their Standard Electric Vehicle Policy
should be altered so as to include the risk on Ihe battery while the
vehicle is in transit by road, rail, or ship. Subject to this altera-
tion, the Committee decided to give their approval to it.

The Committee regretted the decision of the Rugby U.D.C. not
to provide charging facilities ; the British Thomson-Houston Co.
are, however, prepared, on certain conditions, to charge electri."
vehicles passing through Rugby,

The seci-etiiry reported the action he' liad taken in connection
with the report made by the borough engineer of Southwark to
the Works Committee of the Coimcil, and his action in thi.« matter
was approved.

Scottish Engineering Organisation. — A large . meeting

of Scottish engiiimiii^: emiiloyeis. \uM in Glasgow on August 4th,
Mr. Rowan Thuui^mi presiding, j>assfd the following resolution : —

"That in view of the unprecedented situation created bjf the
war and the uncertainty of the future this meeting is of opinion
that all engineering firms in England and Scotland should come
together under a strong central organisation, cajjable of dealing
with important questions that will certainly arise in the near
futiu'e ; that the existing organisations connected with engineering
should also receive whole-hearted support in order that they may
be strong to achieve the objects for which they were created."

A committee was appointed to carry the proposal into effect.

Appointments Vacant.— Shift engineer, for the Woking

Electric Supply Co.. Ltd. ; engineer-in-charge, £2, for the Bexley
U.D.C. : shift engineer. 35s.. for the Neath R.D.C. ; charge engineer.
42s.. for the Corporation of Wakefield Electricity Department. See
our advertisement pages to-day.

A Good Use for Old Tracing Cloth. — One of the minor

directions in which engineers can help the war is by collecting all
their old cloth tracings or unused tracing cloth and sending them
to Lieut. R. D. T. Jones. R.E.._ Ministry of Munitions. Explosives
Depaitment. Store.v's Gate. Westminster. The cloth, when boiled,
washed, and sterilised, makes excellent bandages, pillow cases, ke..
for the wounded — things that are still badly needed. Engineers
need have no fear that their designs will be copied, because all the
tracings are handed to a responsible person to be treated. Many
firms have already helped in this way, and it is hoped that many
more will do so.

There are few works that do not destroy dozens of yards of
tracing linen a .year, and now that this excellent use for the waste
material is pointed out to them we feel sure that they will respond
to Lieut, Jones's request.

Volunteer Notes. — 1st London Engineer Volun-
teers.— Headquarters, Chester House. Eccleston Place. Orders for
August by Lieut.-Col. C. B. Clay, V.D., Commanding.

The Headquarters will be closed during August except on
Tuesday evenings. The range will be open on Thursday evenings
only. Instruction Classes at Regency Street will be held as usual
for Platoons Nos, 9 and 10. The Camp at Otford will be available
until August 31st, Members wishing to attend should enter their
names at Headquarters.

Sunday Entrenching Parades. Parade in Uniform at Victoria
Station (S.E. and C. Railway) Booking Office. 8.45 a.m.

BlACLEOD Yearslet, Adjutant.

3rd Batt. (Old Boys') Central Lon'dou Volunteer Regi-
ment.— Battalion Orders by Cajrt, W, Ridd (Sub-Commandant),
Thursday, August 10th, 1916 :—

Weeh-End Parades. — Saturday. — The Battalion will Parade at
Liverpool Street Station (Low-Level entrance, G,E,R,), at 8,40 a,m,,
and proceed b.y train for entrenching duties. Members will make
their own arrangements for lunch. Those who wish to return to
town will reach Liverpool Street Station about 6 p,m. Those who
cannot take the early train will parade at Liverpool Street Station
(Low-Level entrance, G,E,R,). at 1.20 p.m.

Sunday. — The Battalion will Parade at Liverpool Street Station
(Low-Level entrance. G.E.R.), at 9.30 a,m„ and proceed by train for
Entrenching duties. Members will carry their own lunch, and the
Quartermaster will make arrangements for light liquid refresh-
ments. The Battalion will retui-n to town about 6 p,m,

MuKlietry. — Members who have sent in their names to shoot at
Bisley oil Satui-day, 12th inst,. will report, in Uniform, to Sergt.
J. W. S. Burmester, at 12.45 p.m.. at No. 8 Platform, Waterloo
Station.

Recruits will Parade at Lord's Cricket Ground on Saturday at
3 p.m., and on Sunday at 11 a.m.. for Recruit Drill.

M'emilei/ Parlt. — There will be no week-end Parade at Wembley
Park, Clarence T, Coggin, Acting Adjutant.

Registration of Business Names Bill. — This Bill

passed its third reading in the House of Lords on Wednesday,
Lord Southwark informed the House that imder the provisions
included in the Bill, the commercial community would be able to
tell whether any firms included aliens. Amendments were
approved providing that nationalities as well as names shotild be
registered, and altering the date for the Bill to come into force
from October, 1916, to January 1st, 1917.

The Fall of the Levitated. — Notices appear in the

T.iindon Gazette of Tuesday last to the effect that the following
four companies cannot by reason of their liabilities, continue their
businesses, and are to be wound up voluntarily, with Sir W. B.
Peat as liquidator : — , ■

Bachelet Levitated Railway Syndicate, Ltd.

Bachelet Shipbuilding, Engineering and Ordnanc? Co., Ltd.

British Bachelet Flying Train Syndicate, Ltd.

Bachelet Shuttle A: Loom Co., Ltd, . . ,

Board of Trade Inquiry. — The Board of. Trade Com-
mercial Intelligence Branch has received an application for names
of manufacturers, or producers, of plated metal fronts and reflectors
for portable electric hand-lamps.

100

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW. [Voi. td. Xo. a.oio, aioust n, me,.

The State and Science. — The British Siienoe Guild

has prepsireti a luemurandiim on the relations which should exist
in future between the State and science. The memoranduui proposes
that a national statntory Board of Science and Industry, the
permanent staff of which should consist mainly of persons of wide
scientific knowledge and business experience, should be established,
among other objects to : —

Promote the co-ordination of industrial effort.

Secure co-operation between manufacturers and all available
laboratories of research.

Institute a number of paid advisory committees consisting of
men of wide scientific knowledge, assisted by expert investigatoi's
and technologists, who should receive reasonable fees for their
services.

Organise scientific effort on the manufacturing side and in com-
mercial relations with other countries.

Encourage investigation and. where necessary, give financial aid
towards the synthesis and artificial production of natural proiiuots
and for other researches.

The memorandum also urges that the courses at the public
schools and at Oxford and Cambridge should l)e revised ; that more
attention should Ije given to scientific inetho<i and to educational
handiwork in elementary and secondary schools : and that a know-
ledge of science should be essential for certjiin ap|)ointraents in the
public service. — 'f/if T'ni>e.i.

Sixteen Years' American Electrical Sales. — Diuiiii:

the last 111 years the aggregate .•Jales billed by tlie three large-^t
distributors of electrical goods in the I'liited States has amounted
to $2,191,937,000. or an average of approximately $n7.0u0.000
annually. The total for the General Electric Co. was S963. 899.000 ;
Western Electric Co.. $792.»o0.oOo : Westinghouse Electric and
Manufacturing Co.. S435.238.000. The accompanying curves,
which are reproduced from the American £lectiicat Witrld. show
graphically the annual variation in the sales of these three com-
panies starting with 1900.

c It will be noticed that while the general tendency has been
upward, the curve for each company contains more than one

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S.\LES OF THE THREE LARGEST AMERICAN" Ef.ECTRTCAL

Masupacthrebs.

inflection. Furthermore, in each case it will be noticed that the
slump in sales billed followed a particularly good 12 months. In
1907 the sales of the General Electric Co. were the largest on
record, but in the following year the sales were almost ou a level
with those for 190.^;. Again, the 1913 sales took a jump to
S106.477.000. which was almost S20.000.000 greater than any
previous year. In 1914 but $90,468,000 worth of electrical goods
W3re sold.

The same condition is true to a different degree of the other two
companies except that the Western Electric Co. had a record year
in 1906 and a slump in 1907. The 1906 Western Electric
sales billed were $69,000,000. and the 1907 sales billed were
$53,000,000. The 1913 sales bUled were $77,500,000 and
the 1914 sales billed amounted to $66,400,000. Sales billed by the
Westinghouse Co. in 1907 were $30,325,000, and in the following
year $18,216,000. In 1913 thev were $40,741,000, and in 1914 but
131.208,000,

In 1911 both the General Electric aiul Westinghouse Companies
billed smaller sales than in 1910. but the Western Electric Co s
sales increased by $3,tHiO.O0O. The 191(1 sales of the General Elec-
tric Co. were $71,479,000 and of Westingliouse $35,622,000. The
1911 sales of these two companies were $70,384,000 and $31,223,000
respectively.

The largest year in the history of the three corporations was
1913. In that year the sales billed by the three companies were a-!
follows : General Electric Co.. $106,477,000 ; Western Electric Co .
$77,500,000 ; Westinghouse Electric and Manufacturing Co .
$40,741,000 : a total of approximately $225,000,000.

Both the 1908 and 1914 slumps were attendant uiMin inter-
national financial depressions. The year 1907 oitened with a
liquidating movement following a year of extraordinarily g
business. Before the year was ended affairs had reached such
15oint that credit was suspended, and in America a panic brokd'
out. In this latest depression, says the A'lertrinil Wuild. it is not
difficult to understand why business shouM fall off wtjen with the
greater part of the civilised world at war and interaational com-
merce practically sus])en(ii"(l, financial operations were sus]x»ndeil
and money Wiis liolli expensive and hard to iilitaiii.

Women's Working Capacity. — l>r. Cariienlcr, the cliiiii-

nian of the South Metrojxilitan Gas Co.. told the shaix-holders. on
Wednesday, that the amoiuit of work a woman turned <nit was
about two-thiitls that of a man. and. therefore, they jiaid them
two-thirds of the rate paid to men. — Ihiilii Clivoiui-le.

OUR PERSONAL COLUMN.

The Editors iiitite electrical engiaeem, whether cumiected with the
technical or the commercial side of the profession and industry,
also electric tramway and railway officials, to lieep readers of the
Electrical Review posted as to their morements.

Central Station and Tramway Officials. -The Oldham Cor.
poration has decided to grant an honorarium of f 10 to the
tramways traffic superintendent for his e.xtra services for
three months following the retirement of Mr. Dngdale from
the managership, and an increase of salary has also been
granted to him The works manager has likewi.se received au
advance.

Mr. R. B. Leach, electrical engineer and tramway.s manager
of the Hey wood Corporation, has been appointed electrical
fiigineer and manager of the Loughborough Corporation at
a salary of i6300 per annum. There were 95 applicants for the
position.

According to a Dublin newspaper, the Dublin Electricity
(Jommittee recommends an increase in remuneration to the
shift engineers and switchboard attendants. The Committee
recommends granting the men the difference between their
present .salaries and the maximum to which they become en-
titled according to their respective positions in a few years.

The salary of Mr. S. D. Jones, electrical engineer to the
Batley Corporation, has been increased by £15 a year, and
that of Mr. Oartkr, assistant engineer, by £10 a year.

The Malvern U.D.C. is increasing the salary of the gas and
electrical engineer, Mr. S. Trow Smith, by £.50 per annum.

General. — The directors of the St. James's and Pall Mall
Electric Light Co., Ltd., have appointed Sir Ale.xandf.r B, VV.
Kennedy, P.R.S., chief engineer in the place of the late Mr.
S. T. Dobson, M.Inst.C.E.

Mr. Norman H. Wood has left the submarine department
of Messrs. John Brown & Co., Ltd., Clydebank, to take up a
commission in the R.N.A.S. as Sub-Lieutenant, B.N.V.R,

Roll of Honour.— The Times states that Captain Frank R.
Jessdp, Border Regiment, killed in action, was born in 1887
and educated at Brentwood and Gordon's College, Aberdeen.
On leaving Gordon's he entered the service of the Ea.stern
Telegraph Co., and at the end of 1908 resigned to join his
elder brother in Vancouver, B.C. He was engaged in the
engineering department of the Pacific Great Eastern Co. when
war broke out.

The Times states that Captain A. E. Stone, who was killed
in action on July 24th, had been connected with Messrs.
George White & Co., of Bristol, for about 20 years, and he
rendered valuable services on the formation of the London
United Tramways Co. He was Sir George White's private
secretary for many years

Private Francis Slack, of the Sherwood Foresters, who
joined at the outbreak of war whilst engaged at the Derby
Corporation electric light station, has died at Edmonton Mili-
tary Hospital, of wounds received in action. Before going
Ui France he served in Gallipoli for three months.

Sergeant Alexander Ross, of the Public Schools and Uni-
versity Battalion Roval Fusihers, killed in action in France
on July 20th, at the" age of 2.3 years, studied electrical engi-
neering at the Faculty of Technology, Manchester, and re.
ceived the degree of B.Sc. (Technical) in June, 1914.

Private Ernest Harris, foi-merly with the South Metro-
politan Electric Lighting Co., was killed in action in France
on July 19th. , , , ,, ^> , -j

Lance-Corporal Chakles Jones, an employe of the Chlonda
Electrical Storage Works, Clifton, near Manchester, is un-
officially reported to have been killed in action, aged 21.

Driver Thomas Finnioan, of the Canadian Artillery, who
has died in a casualty clearing station, was a Bolton man. He

Vol. 79. No. 2,020. August 11, 191G.] THE ELECTKICAL REVIEW.

161

emigrated to Canada five years ago with his brother, Edward,
and the two were in business in the Dominion as electricians.
They enlisted together, and Edward is now in the Canadian
Record Office in this country.

Private James CromptOiN, Lancashire Fusiliers, who is
missing, was employed in the overhead equipment depart-
ment of the Salt'ord Corporation tramways.

Private J. J. Hilton", of the Lancashire Fusiliers, who has
been killed in action, aged 32, was an employe in the elec-
trical department of Messrs. Mather & Piatt, I^td.

Sergeant P. J. H.^RRis, of the Royal Warwicks, of Seedley,
near Manchester, who was employed by the General Electric
Co., Ltd., has died in France from wounds, aged 26.

Sergeant Frank Dawson, of the Manchester Regiment,
killed in action, aged 39, was employed by the Britii^h West-
inghou.se Co., at TralTord Park.

Piivate Charles ,I. Parrv, of Manchester, an employe of
Messrs. h. Andrew & Co., Manchester, has been killed in
action, aged 30.

Private Stanley Sotimerscales, of the Leeds " Pals " Batta-
lion, is reported missing. He was in the employ of Messrs.
Veritys. Ltd.

Sergeant A. E. Wright, of the Royal Field Artillery, who
is an electrician, of East Ham, has been awarded the Mili-
tary Medal for bravery and devotion to duty.

Rifleman John Lambocrne, of the Rifle Brigade, who was
an employe at the Rugby works of the British Tliomson-
Houstou Co., Ltd., has died of wounds received in action in
France.

Lance-Corporal Montaoo Pearson, of the South Staffs Regi-
ment, reported killed in action in France, was employed at the
British Thomson-Houston Co.'s works at Rngby. He was '23
years of age, and a year ago was wounded in GallipoU.

T^o employes of the Leyton Municipal tramways depart-
ment, Messrs. G. Davies and H. J. H. McPherson, have
fallen in action in France.

Private Thomas Lovelady Wood, of the King's Liverpool
Regiment, who has died at Rouen of wounds received in
action, was on the staff at the Formby electric power station.

Corporal .A.. Richards, Royal Warwick.-hire Regiment, was
killed in action on July 14th.

Second-Lieutenant J. H. C. Chandler, ■24th Battahon R.P.,
who, before joining up in January, 19Lt. was chief tester at
Messrs! Mather i- Piatt's Park Works. Manchester, was re-
cently wounded in France, and is in hospital at U.sborne, Isle
of Wight.

Lieutenant J. H. Palmer, who has been killed in action,
was educated in France and at the Manchester Municipal
School of Technology, and took his degree in electrical engi-
neering at the Manchester TTniver.sity. He was later for
several years with the firm of Messrs. Connolly Bros., Ltd.,
cftble manufacturers. •

Driver 1.,eonard Mortls, who was an empUjye of the Briti.sh
Westinghou.se Co., Trafford Park, has died in hospital in
Mesopotamia. He was '22 years old.

Rifleman Charles G. J. Betts, of the Ijondon Rifle Bri-
gade, who is officially reported missing since the great offen-
sive, was formerly in the showrooms of Messrs. Cunningham,
Ltd., London

Driver W. H. Owens, R.F.A., accidentally killed on active
service, was formerly employed by Messrs. Downes & Davies,
wholesale electrical merchants, Liverpool.

Private Ben Terry, of the King's Own Royal Lancasters,
an employe of Messrs. Connolly Bros.. Ltd., cable manufac- .
turers, Blackley Vale, has died from shell shock.

Private .'Arthur B.ateman. Manchester Regiment, killed in
action, was an employ^ of the British Westinghouse Co.

Private John Haley, who was employed by the Morley
Electrical Engineering Co., Stanniugley, before the war, is
reported killed in action in France.

Obituary.— Mr. R. I. Longrigo.— Mr. Robert I. Longrigg
(38), electrical engineer, of Hoole, Chester, died at the Sea-
combe Ferry Hotel, being found in his room with a gunshot
wound in the mouth. At the inquest it was stated that de-
ceased had been bard-worked and was on the verge of a
nervous breakdown, and a verdict was returned to the effect
that deceased committed suicide, there being no evidence as
to the state of his mind.

Mr. C. \V. Curtis. — In the Times "Deaths" column it is
announced that Mr. Chas. Win. Curtis. Piincipal Medical
Officer of the Eastern Telegraph and Allied Companies, pas.sed
away on .August 6th at .Ashford, Middle.sex.

Will.— The late Prof. Sn.VANi's Phillips Thompson left
JE8,444.

NEW COMPANIES REGISTERED.

Griiiy«r & Co., Ltd. (144,531).— This company was regis-
tered on August 4tli with a capital of £5,000 in fl shares, to take over the
business of electrical and mechanical engineers formerly carried on as Grinyer
and Co-, at Wakeling Street, Stepney, E. The subscribers (with one share
eachi are: J. McLaren. 9. Tillotson Road, llford, engineer; W. R. Germain.
3, Wakelin Street. Stepnev, E., engineer.' Private company. The number of
directors is not to be less than tao or more than five; the first are ].
McLaren (permanent chairman! and W. R. Germain Qualification, one
share. Solicitor : F. Budd, Devonshire Chambers, 146, Bishopsgate, E.C.
Registered ofRcc . 14ti, Bishopsgate, E.C.

British Revbal Manufacturing Co., Ltd. (144,501).— This

company was registered on .August 1st, with a capital of £1,500 in 1,000
preferred shares of £1 each and 10,000 deferred shares of Is. each, to manu-
facture electric.tl .accessorits previously made and supplied by enemy countries,
and to carry on business in connection therewith. The subscribers (with one
preferred share each) are : P. H. Robinson, 72. Shaftesbury Road, Crouch
Hill, N., clerk; \\'. H. Belleiiie, 120, Clarence Road, Lower Clapton, N.E.,
jewellei 's-: assistant. Private company. The number of directors is not to be
Itss than twj or more than five; the subscribers are to appoint the first.
Qi-alificatior,, 300 shares. Remuneration. £100 each per annum (chairman
£150). Secretary (pro Ion): P. H. Robinson. Registered office: 160, High
Road, Chiswick. ™. b

OFFICIAL RETURNS OF ELECTRICAL
COMPANIES.

Mander & Co., Ltd. — .A first mortgage debenture dated

July 24th. 1910. lo secure not more than SMO, charged on the compani's
undertaking and property, present and future, including uncalled capital, has
been registered. Holder : J. E. Brndell, 20, Greenhill Road, Moseley.

Small Electric Motors, Ltd.— Particulars of de3,(XX) deben-
tures, created July 19th. 191(>. filed pursuant to .Section 93 (3) of the Com-
panies (Consolidation) .Act. 19U8, the whole amount being now issued. Pro-
perty charged : The company's undertaking and property, present and future,
including uncalled capital. No trustees.

Fitter's Ventilating & Engineering Co., Ltd. — Debenture

dated July 20th, 1916. to secure £."i,00n, ch.a.rged on the company's undertaking
and property, present and future, including uncalled capital. Holder: H.M
Minister of Munitions, Armament Buildings, Whitehall, S.W.

Compania de Electricidad de la Provincia de Buenos Aires,

Ltd.— .A trust deed dated July 19lh, 1916, supplemental to a trust deed dated
November 24lh, 1911, to secure an increased rate of interest payable on thr-
amount secured by the principal deed (£900',000), charged on the power dis.
tributing and transforming stations in th^ .Argentine Republic and the com-
panv-'s- undertaking and property, present and future, including uncalled
capital, and all existing and future concessions and contracts, has been regis-
tered. Trustees : City Safe Deposit & Agency Co., Ltd.

T. F. Braine & Co., Ltd. — A memorandum of satisfac-
tion in full on Julv 24th, 1916. >f mortgage dated March 1st, 1910, secuiinf!
£2,000, has been filed.

CITY NOTES.

The report for the year ended Septeiu
North Mel= ber 30th, 1915, just issued, shows that the
bourne Electric gross receipts were £3.3,46'2, as against
Tramways ±^30,438 in the previous year. The ex-

and Lighting penses were jp'21,730, against ±'19,7'21. The
Co.. Ltd. net revenue was fll,73'2, as against

£10,717. The tramways department car-
ried 3,138,3'27 passengers (against •2,874,(J21), and 475.017 car
miles were run (against 4(3,293). New lighting consumers
connected numbered 316, making the total 1.805. During the
year the capital expended was i'3,fj92. The .scheme submitteil
to the debenture-holders and shareholders in June and July,
1916, was adopted, and the necessary adjustments consequent
thereupon are incorporated in the present accounts. The
amounts written off in exchange for income certificates (issued
with the sanction of the Treasury) were £37,575 in respect of
arrears of debenture interest, antj £'16,5'25 in respect of bills
payable, and a further £5,433 has been' written oft' for interest
waived by the holders of the bills. The total amount written
off is £59..533, out of which the directors have applied £'23,000
for depreciation of the company's undertaking, and 44ie ba!
ance in extinguishing the debit to profit and loss. The direc-
tors have agreed to waive fhe'arreafs of their fees amounting
to £800. They again expr-ess- theii- appreciation. of-the .excel-
lent services of the manager, Mr. Murdoch, and the staff.
Annual meeting: London, to-day.

Western Canada Power Co. — The First Mortgage Bond-
holders' Committee of this company announces that it has
approved an agreement of reorganisation formulated by the
protective committee for noteholders of Western Canada
Public Utilities, htd.— Financial Times.

Elmore's German and Austro=Hungarian Metal Co., Ltd.
—The report for the year ended December 31st shows that,
after charging debenture interest, ic, there was a loss of
£.] 815 thus increa.sing a debit balance of i£'21,.517 brought
il.iwn to £-li\.S>ii.— Financial Times.

Oldham, Ashton & Hyde Electric Tramways Co., Ltd.—
Interim dividend at the rate of 5 per cent, per annum (6d.
per share), less income-tax, on the ordinary shares for the
half-year.

Nairobi Electric Power & Lighting Co., Ltd.— Final divi-
dend at the rate of 4 per cent, per annum, less income-tax, on
the preference and ordinary shares for the year ended
December, 1915.

Kensington & Knightsbridge Electric Lighting Co., Ltd.
—Interim dividend on the ordinary shares for the half-year
ended June 30th. 1916, at the rate of 5 per cent, per annum.

Paisley District Tramways Co.— Interim dividend at the
full rate" of 5 per cent, per annum on the preference shares
for the half-year to June 30th. -_

Walter Scott, Ltd.— .\ further dividend of 10 per cent, is
recommended, making 15 per cent, for the year.

162

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW, [voi. ts.. no. 2.020. aigiw n, unr,.

STOCKS AND SHARES.

Tuesday Evening.

Stock Exchange markets have dropped into the placid
quietude so usually a,ssociated with August. Though the
Bank Holiday was cancelled, it seems likely, judged from the
appearance of the Stock Exchange, that a good many mem-
bers started what holidays they are able to get this year so
as to include the Monday; and apparently, from the number
of orders received this week, many of their clients have done
the same thing. There is little animation anywhere. Electric
Lighting shares are steady, the telegraph market is as firm
as ever, British Columbia Railway issues are better, and there
is a fair amount of activity in the area of war stocks, this
embracing iron and steel companies as well as those con-
cerned with munitions, transport, catering, shipping and the
like. The shipping market in particular stands out promi-
nently ; and the .shake-out which followed the mad upward
movement has been succeeded by a swift recovery.

It is a little surprising that the electricity supply section
should maintain so noticeable a degree of strength. St.
James' shares and Westminsters are both wanted. In fact,
the prices for the West End shares are all decidedly good,
and there are more buyers than sellers. Counties and Cities
remain firm. Although there are no quotable changes in the
list, prices are better than they look. The Kensington and
Knightsbridge Co. announce an interim dividend of 5 per
cent., as against 6 per cent, a year ago.

The Stock Exchange Committee will re-institute next week
the system of double quotations where such are practicable.
We have already indicated a few of the pros and cons of this
endeavour to bring back to pre-war conditions some, at any
rate, of the hundreds of securities quoted in the Official List.
Whatever may be thought of the scheme — and there are a
good many people who doubt its wisdom or utility — the experi-
ment will be an interesting one to watch; and its institution
in the dog days will enable it to get into reasonably good
running order by the time that Stock Exchange business
revives, which it ought to do, in the nature of things, about
the middle of September. The immediate nigger in the hedge
is the possibiUty of a further rise in the Bank Rate, which is
scouted in many quarters, just as a month ago the idea of
the minimum rising to its present 6 per cent, was received
with scoffing and ridicule.

The Home Railway market is moving extremely slowly, and
when chan,2es occur, ihey are mostly in the retrograde direc-
tion. This is because there is nothing of interest to sustain
prices. There are no traffics, reports, meetings to galvanise
the position; and though ingenious commentators work out
what is going to happen after the war, the future is so
obscurely wrapped that it is impossible to accept the esti-
mates as likely to prove reliable, except by chance.

The Undergrounds are firmer than the rest, despite the
severe restrictions applied to the use of petrol pressing upon
the London General Omnibus services, which, of course, are
the really paying part of the Underground group; and the
curtailment of omnibus facilities in London affects more
harshly the hard-working portion of the community than
would the abolition of those monstrosities which tear about
the seaside and some of the country districts, packed with
rubber-necks. If the authorities were to turn their attention
to unessential motor conveyances on land and water, it
might force people to use their natural means of perambula-
tion a little more, but, at the same time, it would save petrol
for services of more serious import at the present time.

In the telegraph market, Anglo-American preferred has
fallen a point, but the deferred is i higher. Great Northerns
have recovered their loss of last week, and West India and
Panama shares are a little better at IJ. There is a fair
amount of animation in Marconis, and buyers have come
along at 3i, while the Marines keep good at 2i Telephone
shares are steady, but without alteration.

British Columbia Electric issues are good, with rises of 2
points in the preference and deferred stocks, while the pre-
ferred at 45 is 3 up. The financial position in Canada steadily
improves, and British Columbia companies are sharing in the
increasing prosperity of the Dominion. Just as a little while
ago it was not easy to sell the stocks, so now at the present
time it is just as difficult to buv them. Brazil Tractions are
a dull market at 62. although the Rio exchange keeps very
steady. The Argentine group is neglected.

Amongst the manufacturing shares. Britii;h Westinghouse
preference have partially recovered their dechne of last week
and Electric Constructions are again 3d. to the good British
Insulated are a strong market at 12. Babcock & Wilcox have
gone back a trifle. The chemical group is good, and rumour
once more toys with the names of individual companies which
are said to be lookmg towards one another with the idea of
amalgamation or working agreement.

In the amiament division, Sheffield has been something of
a seller, without, however, producing any quotable change,
except m the case of Projectiles, which have gone back a

litlle. Great finuni'ss characterises llie rubber share market.
The price of the raw material shows a hardening tcndeiuy,
and so far as shares of the good companies are concerned,
it is once more easier to sell than it is to buy them.

SHAEE LIST OF BLBOTRICAL COMPANIES.
Home Elsotbicitt Coupamies.

Dividend

Price

Aug. e,

1916.

Yield

P.O.

1914.

1915.

this week,

Brompton Ordinary

10

10

63

_

£7 18 9

Charing Cross Ordinary

5

6

89

—

6 18 0

do. do. do. iJPref.,

4J

4»

Si

—

8 8 7

Chelsea

6

4

8'

—

6 18 4

City ot London . . . . ■ . .

9

8

IS*

—

6 8 0

do. do. 6 per cent. Pret.

G

G

10*

—

6 14 8

County of London

7

7

m

_

6 8 9

do. 6 per cent. Pret.

0

6

lOj

—

6 14 3

Kensin^on Ordinary . .

9

7

6»

—

6 16 7

London Electric

4

B

18

—

G 10 5

do. do. 6 per cent. Pref.

6

6

tt

—

6 13 4

Metropolitan

%

8

—

6 6 4

do. 4J per cent. Pref.

41

S

—

7 10 0

St. James' and PaU Mall

10

8

63xd

—

G 19 4

South London

5

6

^1

8 18 10

South Metropolitan Pref.

7

7

li

—

6 4 6

Westminster Ordinary . .

9

7

61

—

6 14 8

Teleorafhs and Telephones.

Anglo-Am. Tel. Pref

6

6

103

-1

5 16 5

do. Def

30/.

83/6

23

+ i

7 8 9

Chile Telephone

8

8

6 xd

5 18 5

Cuba Sub. Ord

6

6

8
ll

6 1 8

Eastern Extension

7

8

- 1

•6 8 6

Eastern Tel. Ord.

7

8

148

•6 7 9

Globe Tel. and T. Ord

6

7

12

•5 8 8

do. Pref.

6

6

log

5 10 4

Great Northern Tel

22

22

88

+ 1

6 15 9

Indo-European

13

13

48

6 19 8

Marconi

10

11

81

—

3 4 0

New York Tel. 4J

4i

41

99J

_

4 10 3

Oriental Telephone Ord.

10

10

Sj'a

—

BOO

United R. Plate Tel

8

8

6i

—

•5 18 6

West India and Pan

1

—

ill

+ i"..

Western Telegraph

7

8

•6 7 8

Home Bails

Central London, Ord. Assented

4

4

76

+ 1

6 6 8

Metropolitan

li

1

25

- 1

3 18 6

do. District

Nil

Nil

19

Nil

Underground Electric Ordinary

Nil

Nil

.f

_

Nil

do. do. "A" ..

Nil

Nil

—

Nil

do. do. Income

6

6

902

+ i

•6 12 3

POREION

Tkams,

&0.

Adelaide Sup. 6 per cent. Pref.

6

B

5

_

6 0 0

Anglo-Arg. Trams, First Pref.

64

51

3i

—

7 2 0

do. 2nd Pref. . .

5J

54

8

do. 6 Deb.

6

6

774

6 9 0

Brazil Tractions . .

4

4

62

— 4

6 9 1

Bombay Electric Pref

6

G

ICJxd

6 14 3

British Columbia Elec. Rly. Pfce

. 5

B

62

41!

8 1 4

do. do. Preferred —

Nil

45

-f 3

Nil

do. do. Deferred —

Nil

43

+ 2

Nil

do. do. Deb.

4i

*k

65

6 10 9

Mexico Trams 5 per cent. Bonds

Nil

40

—

■Nil

do. 6 per cent. Bonds

—

Nil

31

Nil

Mexican Light Common

Nil

Nil

30

Nil

do. Pref

Nil

Nil

33

Nil

do. 1st Bonds

Nil

Nil

40

—

Manofaotcbino Companies.

Babcock & Wilcox

14

15

2iS

- A

5 2 0

British Aluminium Ord.

6

7

23/'

5 7 8

British Insulated Ord

15

"4

13

7 5 10

British Westinghouse Pref. . .

7J

51/-

-M.

5 17 8

Callenders

15

20

12

»_

8 0 0

do. 5 Pref

5

5

4

_

5 17 8

Castner-Kellner

20

—

8

6 6 8

Edison & Swan, £3 paid

Nil

..

96

Nil .

do. do. fully paid

Nil

..

li

._

Nil

do. do. 5 per cent. Deb.

5

6

67

..

8 16 8

Electric Construction . ,

6

74

17/-

■fSd.

8 16 6

Gen. Elec. Pref

6

6

9J

6 1 6

Henley

20

25

16

__

8 1 8

do. 4* Pref

44

44

4

^

6 12 6

India-RuDfter

10

10

12

«

•8 6 8

Telegraph Con

20

20

89

—

•6 4 0

* Dividends paid free ot Inoome tax

ELECTRIC TRAMWAY AND RAILWAY
TRAFFIC RETURNS.

Month

Receipts for

ri'S

Route

Locality,

ended

the

Total t ) date.

miles

(4 wks.)

month,

i^

open.

£

£

£

£

^

Blaokpool-Fleetw'd

July 22

5,235

■1- 677

29

17,764

^ 1,608

8

Bristol (Trams) . .

„ 28

21,013

(-1,681

30

149,730

f 3,715

»0'5

Cork

„ 27

3,827

+ 134

311

14,746

- 81

«-8»

Dublin

„ 28

27,753

-h 2,420

30

173,427

— 6,822

54-25

Hastings

„ 28

4,883

f 583

HII

37,242

1- 858

19-B

Lancashire United

„ 26

7,871

H 3 6

i>.()

62,273

I- 1,700

43

Llandudno-Col. Bay

„ 28

2,074

e 80

■Mi

9,933

)- 213

6-6

AngloArgentine ..

„ 29

20,332

-h 3,409

30

1,628,391

- 3,2 !3

Auckland ..

June 30

816

1- 63

M

274,763

(- 7,815

26 59

fiv

Calcutta

Julv 29

18,479

f 396

+ 6,120

Kalgoorlie, W.A. ..

May

2,621

21

12,437

211.5

July 31

4,451

■H 379

3;)

29,140

f 2,112

Montevideo

July

26,2ao

f 69

30

266,288

f 14,435

DabllB-Laoan Bly,

July 28

752

+ 95

4

762

t- 74

7

Vol. 79. No. 2,020. AUGUST 11, 19IC.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

163

THE ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT OF
A MODERN FOREIGN SUBMARINE BOAT.

By NORMAN H. WOOD.

{Concluded from pae/e 117.)

The main fuses for the auxiliary circuit are en-
closed in the same box, which is located very close
to the battery tank to ensure the main battery leads
being extremely short. The cut-outs are mounted
side by side in an explosion-proof steel case, with
the operating handles brought through the sides.
The overload and time-limit relays are mounted on
the front cover and set to operate at 1,300 amps, in
about two to three seconds. They are, therefore,
non-operative whilst starting-up, but open should
an overload last for more than the time limit stated
above. In series with the solenoids is a small
switch which opens with the cut-outs and releases
the relays from electric pressure.

Each electrical circuit in the vessel is indepen-
dently arranged with its fuses directly connected to
the main battei-y leads, which ensures that in the
event of any one set of fuses blowing no other cir-
cuit or circuits will be disturbed. The auxiliary power
circuits are fed from the full battery pressure, whilst
all lighting circuits are taken off the half battery
pressure through double-pole change-over switx;hes,
to enable either half battery to be discharged at will,
and double-pole switches to cut out the complete
circuit. The general, instrument, and navigation
circuits are provided with regulating resistances to
maintain a constant pressure of 55 volts at any bat-
tery pressure. To prevent the boat being plunged
into complete darkness, in the event of the general
lighting fuses blowing, safety or police lamps
are installed and fed from a separate circuit, but
as no rheostat is provided in this particular circuit,
the lamps are switched off during such time as the
battery is on charge. Each lighting circuit is con-
tiolkd from a special watertight gunmetal distri-
bution box enclosing 6 d.p. fuses and 6 s.p. switches,
and has cast on the un'derside three watertight
sockets for portable connections; the spindles for
operating the switches are brought through the
front cover, which also carries a small hinged in-
spection flap for fuse renewals, &c.

The navigation lights comprise a masthead steam-
ing light secured portable to the forward periscope,
stern and stem anchor lights clipped to the hand-
rails, a masthead flashing lamp secured portable to
the after periscope, and the bow and stern lights.
The last three lamps are fixtures built into the
superstructure round about the conning tower, and
fed directly from the navigation distribution box in
the central station, whilst all portable navigation
lamps are plugged on to the special box in the com-
munication hatch behind the conning tower, to
which is also connected the portable Morse key and
condenser for the flashing lamp and the light in the
portable compass which' is used when steering from
the bridge.

The general lighting consists of i6-c,p. metal-fila-
ment lamps enclosed in gunmetal guarded brackets
bolted to the frames in the most efficient positions
to avoid other internal gear, and controlled from
distribution boxes in the engine room, central sta-
tion, crew space, and officers' quarters; four addi-
tional 5-amp. D.p. watertight plugs are fitted in the
engine room for portable lamps or small tools. Two
self-contained portable magazine hand lamps, with
suitable resistance to enable them to be charged
from a 55-volt circuit, are carried in the central sta-
tion.

Three electric hotplates of 750 watts capacity and
three heats each, built into one frame, are in-
stalled in the crew space for cooking purposes; cur-

rent for these is taken from a special distribution
box placed just overhead, and connected to the
plates through flexible portable leads.

Four portable electric radiators of 1,500 watts
consumption, with three heats each, are carried to
warm the officers' quarters and crew space in cold
weather and special watertight d.p. sockets are fitted
in these compartments to feed them. To ventilate
these quarters in warm weather, two 12-in. noise-
less fans with three speeds and trunnion movement
are provided.

The vessel is equipped with one stern and two
bow torpedo tubes firing 450-mm. Whitehead tor-
pedoes by means of compressed air. Firing can be
effected by hand or electrically. In the latter case,
the firing Valve lever is released by an electric sole-
noid energised from the lighting circuits through
platinum-ttpped push buttons, which are distributed
in the boat in such a manner as will allow any tube
to be fired from the conning tower, the central sta-
tion, or at the tube itself. In each case, when not
in use these buttons are secured with a padlock, the
key of which is always in the possession of the Com-
mander, to prevent the wilful firing of any tube.

A complete submarine bell signalling plant is in-
stalled, with an effective range of 12 miles; fitted
with this equipment, the submarine can maintain
communication with another submerged boat or simi-
lar plant on shore. Transmitting is performed by a
large bronze bell placed mouth upwards in the for-
ward superstructure, and supported by a special
mechanism so arranged that the bell can be stowed
below the plating when not in use, or quickly raised
from the inside of the boat, clear of the superstruc-
ture, to permit the sound waves to travel out in all
directions. The bell tongue is connected to a pneu-
matic cylinder, the slide valve of which is operated
by a Morse key in conjunction with a condenser,
the supply current being taken from the distribution
box in the officers' quarters. The receiving plant
has two special submarine microphones placed port
and starboard in the lower forward part of the boat,
well below the waterline. On the face of the micro-
phone case is a circular machined groove lined with
a thick rubber packing, which forms a perfectly
watertight job when pressed on to the hull, through
which a small hole is drilled to ensure the dia-
phragms always making good connection with the
seawater. Two telephone receivers mounted on the
same instrument box are used to collect the signals
in conjunction with a 4-volt primary battery and
small-change-over switch to enable either micro-
phone to be placed in circuit. The key, condenser,
and telephone receivers are conveniently mounted
in the officers' quarters just above the starter for
the forward 26-H.P. bilge pump motor, which
arrangement allows signals to be transmitted and
received very efficiently. Shcvuld the vessel acci-
dentally sink in shallow water, the crew inside the
submarine can release the safety mechanism known
as the telephone buoy, by which the position of the
sunken submarine can be located and telephonic
communication set up between the boat and surface.
The buoy itself consists of a wooden structure
covered with 1/16 in. galvanised steel sheeting, and
is secured to the superstructure by a screw releasing-
mechanism operated by the crew inside the sub-
marine. On top, the buoy has a hinged cover carry-
ing a special watertight 'flashing lamp; on opening
the cover, access is given to a portable microtele-
phone and pushbutton. In the boat is a second
microtelephone with alarm bell and 4-volt primary
batter)' enclosed in a light steel case, and a Morse
key to flash the lamp on the buoy cover. Electrical
communication is maintained through a 6o-metre
long 4-core cab-tire covered cable (two cores for the
telephone and two for the lamp), which enters the
boat and buov through bronze stuffing glands or
deck tubes. Current for the flashing lamp is taken'

164

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW. [Voi. ?;.. no. 2,020, auoust n, idu;.

from the distribution box in the crew space. When
not in use, the 4-core cable is coiled up in a special
cable locker just aft of the buoy.

The three electrically-driven pumps used for
diving, emerging;, trimming, &c., are arranged to
pump from any tank of bilge through the main and
auxiliar)' water ser\-ice, or to pump out any torpedo
tube through the auxiliary connections. By means
of change-over cocks the small auxiliaiy pump can
either draw from or discharge to any tank or bilge.
For salvage purposes, pipes are fitted from the main
and torpedo bilges to the top of the vessel to permit
water inside the submarine to be blown out from
the outside. The two large pumps placed fore and
aft are of the high-speed double-rotor centrifugal
type, capable of delivering 2,000 litres per minute
against a head of 30' metres with the rotors in
parallel, or 1,000 litres per minute against a head
of 60 metres with the rotors in series at a speed of
2,000 R.p.M. The changing over of rotors from
series to parallel or vice versa is performed by the
manipulation of a single cock. These two pumps
are directly connected to 26-H.P. shunti-wound semi-
enclosed electric motors with a speed variation of
1,700 to 2,000 R.P.M. at 115 volts, the slower speed
being necessary to prevent the motors being over-
loaded when the pumps are working against no
head: for example, when the submarine is running
on the surface. A temperature rise of 30 deg. C.
at the six-hour rate was specified to the motor
makers with a permissible total weight of 610 kg.
per motor.

The auxiliary pump is of the piston type, geared
to an 8-H.p. shvmt-wound totally-enclosed motor
with a speed variation of 500 to 1,600 r.p.m. at 115
volts, and a temperature rise of 35 deg. C. after
one hour's rim at full load. This pump delivers 300
litres per minute against a head of 60 metres with
a speed of 400 r.p.m. The motor, which is sus-
pended from the frames, weighs 415 kg., and has
its starter placed just overhead on the watertight
■bulkhead; the weight of this starter is 53 kg.

The motor coupled to the after bilge pump also
drives, through a reduction gear box, the high-
pressure air compressor and auxiliary manoeuvring
propeller: interlocked couplings are provided to
prevent both units being driven at the same time
with a heavy resultant overloading of the motor.
The auxiliary propeller, situated right aft in the
superstructure, is intended to aim the boat when a
torpedo is to be fired, and to facilitate manoeuvring
• when the submarine is in harbour. The starter for
the forward pump motor is placed in the officers'
<juarters on the port side, directly opposite the
motor itself, and weighs 65 kg.

To enable the auxiliary propeller to be started
and stopped from a position near the periscopes,
and thereby directly under the supervision of the
officer in charge, the controller for the after pump
is housed in the central station, immediately under
the main motor cut-outs. This controller, which
weighs 140 kg., allows three speeds in either direc-
tion at the |-hour rate with its resistance enclosed
in the casing, and is fitted with a separate inter-
locked lever to reverse the current in the armature
when a change in the direction of rotation is de-
sired. The capstan motor is of the series-wound
totally-enclosed type, with an output of 2 b.h.p. at
1,600 R.P.M. and 115 volts for 15 minutes without the
armatiire temperature rise exceeding 50 deg. C, and
"has a net weight of 115 kg. It is situated in the
forward portion of the vessel, just under the tor-
pedo tubes, and drives the anchor-winch and warp-
ine-boll'ard through worm and cog gearing, but, as
the output of the motor is too small to allow these
two units to be driven at the same time, the vertical
■driving shaft carrying the small driving wheel is
fitted to allow an upward or downward movement
along its axial length. This movement is controlled

by a lever and hand-wheel, operated by hand power,
placed close to the motor; when raised, the driving
wheel engages the warping bollard ; in the centre
position it runs empty, and when lowered it drives
the anchor winch. A friction clutch is inserted in
the drive to prevent the motor being pulled up
quickly or brought to a standstill when the sub-
marine is being docked or the anchor housed.
Despite the fact that the anchor winch is fitted with
a tell-tale, experience has proved that such a clutch
is very necessar}', as the motor is too often left
ruiming after the anchor has been housed. The
controller for this motor is secured to the frames
on the port side of the officers' quarters, with its
operating shaft extended through the shell into the
superstructure to allow the motor to be started and
stopped from the deck as well as the interior of the
boat. Three speeds in either direction are allowed
for, with the resistances and a small overload re-
lease enclosed in the controller casing. The net
weight of this controller in running order is 52 kg.

The semi-enclosed steering motor suspended from
the upper frames on the starboard side of the crew
space is of the flapper brake type, designed to give
I B.H.P. at 1,200 R.P.M. with 115 volts continuously
with a net weight of 275 kg. It drives the rudder-
actuating shaft through worm gearing, on which a
double clutch is fitted to enable the electrical driving
gear to be cut out and steering performed by hand
in the usual way. The motor is controlled by two
automatic contactors operated electrically, either
by a small controller or portable push-buttons. The
controller is of the follow-up type, with the two
outer rings connected to the hand steering wheel,
and the inner quick-breaking switch coupled to the
rudder-actuating shaft through a small chain. The
sailor turning on the handwheel in either direction
causes contact to be made by one of the outer rings
in the controller with the inner quick-breaking
switch by sliding over the same when a current is
caused to pass through one or other of the con
tactors, and the motor at once starts without any
resistance, in circuit. The motor turning the rudder-
actuating shaft causes the inner switch to revolve
in the same direction as was taken by the outer
rings until the zero position is reached, when it
quickly snaps out, and the motor is brought to a
standstill by the flapper brake.

Mechanical limits are provided on the rudder
shafting to prevent the sailor overturning the con-
troller, and platinum-tipped limit switches to pro-
tect the motor and gear when the push-buttons are
in use.

The contactors are of the usual vertical type,
mounted side by side in a light watertight steel case
and fitted with magnetic blow-outs and renewable
sparking pieces; further, a mechanical device pre-
vents them being operated together. In parallel
with each contactor is a 2l-c.P. signal lamp, coloured
red or green, to indicate whether me rudder is
being swung to port or starboard. The controller
is only called upon to deal with the current passing
through the coil and lamp, about 0.55 amps., which
is so small that practically no arcing takes place in-
side the same when in use.

The two push-buttons, mounted in a small
portable bronze box, have their tops enamelled red
and green, and, in common with the controller are
connected to the mains by three pin watertight
plugs and sockets, with the pins of varying sizes
to prevent wrong connecting up. Such a socket
is fitted on the bridge, in the conning tower, and
in the crew space, close to the steering motor, to
permit the submarine to be steered electrically from
either of these positions. A very small portable
motor-driven dessicating gear is carried to dry out
the periscope tubes and lenses, which, when in use,
is plugged on to one of the lighting distribution
boxes. All fixed cables throughout the vessel are

Vol. 711. No. 2.020, August 11, I!.l<;.] THE ELECTEICAL REVIEW.

1C.5

of H.c. copper insulated with pure para rubber,
taped, lead-covered, and armoured with interwoven
flexible steel wires impregnated with red-lead paint.
They are secured to the frames with brass clips and
screws in the most suitable positions to avoid other

■ internal gear. Cables passing through the shell
are encased in copper pipes, with a stuffing-box
at the lower end inside the boat, and a union con-
nection to the fixture they are feeding. This
• arrangement entirely prevents ingress of seawater,
and in the event of the tubes being pierced no water
can percolate into the submarine. Wherever cables
pass through a watertight bulkhead they are led
through double-ended stuffing-boxes.

Owing to the excessive amount of moisture which
IS always prevalent in a vessel of this class, the Navy
to whose order the boat was built specified that, as
far as possible, the complete electrical gear was to
be of the watertight type, and in those cases where,
owing to restricted weight and space, it was found
necessary to install splash waterproof gear, that,
in the event of water reaching these units, their
protecting fuses were to blow and isolate' the cir-
cuits. These stipulations were rigidly enforced and
carried out. so that should the boat sink in shallow
water and fill, the battery would be immediately
isolated electrically from such circuits and. provided
the rubber cover over the battery tank received no
damage, the cells could not come in contact with
seawater and liberate chlorine gas.

The only switchboard in the vessel is the auxi-
liary, on which are mounted the switches and fuses
for all motors, heating, and cooking circuits, also
the change-over and double-pole switches, fuses.
&c., for the various lighting circuits. The board is
of the watertight type, with the switch handles taken
through the cover, which also carries small inspec-
tion doors for fuse renewals, &c. Above the board
are an ammeter for the auxiliary circuits, and a
combined ammeter and voltmeter for the general
lighting circuits, whilst at the after end are the
ampere-hour-meters for the above circuits and regu-
lating rheostats for the general and navigation
light circuits. The projector compass, housed be-
hind the conning tower, is provided with a di^ying
lamp and two 6-volt interchangeable lamps to illu-
■minate the compass card, the voltage for these being
shunted from a resistance.

The greatest difficulty confronting an electrical
€ngineer in a submarine of this size is the very
limited amount of space and weight allowed. As,
when running submerged, the boat depends entirely
en its metacentric heights for stability, it follows
that all weights must be reduced to the smallest
possible limit, and that all heavy gear has to be
placed as low as possible in the vessel to keep down
the position of the boat's centre of gravity, and
thus help to increase the metacentric heights. With
this object in view, the electrical gear installed was
•of the very lightest possible type; wherever pos-
sible, very light steel cases were substituted for

' those of cast gunmetal (aluminium was not allowed
•owing to the corrosive effect of seawater), and the
■cables loaded to the utmost, particularly those feed-
ing the main motor, where 2 amps, per mm.'' was
allowed as a safe working standard. All motors
have cast steel yokes and end brackets to reduce
weight and bulk, and in all cases (except the main
propelling motor) are supplied with ball bearings.
The total weight of electrical gear in the submarine
is about 49,600 kg.

ELECTRICITY FOR SMALL HOUSES.

English Electrical Man Imprisoned in Mexico. — A

Washington dispatch to the Thiili/ Mii'd says that the British
Embassy has entered a vigorous protest at the State Department
■against the imprisonment ot a British subject, Mr. Fuller, the
president of the Electric Light Co. of Mexico City. It is reported
that the Carranza Government imprisoned Mr. Fuller because he
refused the demands of his employes, who are on strike.

Referring to our abstract of a recent paper on " The
Economy of Electricity in Small Houses," we subjoin some
figures relating to the use of electricity in a small house in
an industrial town in Scotland. The house consists of
three principal apartments — a sitting-room, a dining-room
(formerly a kitchen), and a bedroom — with scullery, bath-
room, &c., and forms one of six dwellings in a tenement.
The rent of the house is £32, which includes rates and
taxes. The occupants comprise two adults and one child.

During the past thi-ee years, electricity was used for
lighting, cooking, and occasional heating, while coal was
used in the kitchen for hot water and heating the kitchen,
and also for the heating of the sitting-room and bedroom.
The annual cost of electricity and coal averaged : —

Electricity £6 4 11

Coal ..' 6 13 6

Total

£12 18 5

which is equal to 4s. lid. per week, on the average.

Early in May of this year, the experiment was com-
menced of burning coal in the dining-room once a week for
heating water for hot baths,all other heating being done exclu-
sively by electricity. The results, as shown by the following
statement of costs, have been quite successful.

The electrical equipment is as follows : — Besides the
usual lighting installation, there are electric fires in each of
the aiiartments — a 3-KW. " Cai'ron " radiator in the sitting-
room, a H-KW. " Magnet" fire in the bedroom, and a 2-e:w.
•• Belling " fire in the kitchen (which is now the dining-
room). These are fed on one circuit of 7/21 s.w.G. cable,
the voltage being 250. In the dining room a small
'• Carron " cooker is in use of a capacity of about 4 kw.,
with oven, grill, and two hot-plates. As an adjimct to the
cooker, a 2-piut kettle (700 watts), with self-contained
element, and a radiant-heat " Belling " boiling ring have
Ijeen provided for fast boiling. In the scullery a 2-KW.
■• Jackson " water boiler, with ball-cock valve, has been fitted
to the water supply. The cooker and hot-water heater are
connected to a second circuit wired with 7/21 s.w.G. cable.
All the cooking appliances have been in daily use for all
meals since they were installed, but the radiators have
only been put on at intervals when heat was required on
cold days. The lighting rate is 3d. per unit, and the charge
for heating is |d. per unit. On May 24th a separate meter
was fixed on the heating circuit to register the energy used
for this purpose, as distinct from the more regular consump-
tif)n by the cooking appliances. The units used for cooking,
heating, and lighting respectively, commencing from May
24t'ii, 1!)1C, were as tabulated below : —

i

^

i

i

.

§■

c

p.

g

a

■g

^•£

To

•s

c

s*

a

.5

■3

g.S

1

§

<

X

3

§

<'a

Mav 28th

4

21-7

5-4

51

0-2

27-0

6-7

May SOth

2

120

6-0

0-2

0-2

12-4

62

June 11th

— ,

—

—

—

—

— ■

—

.Tune 18th

4

2,S-1

5-8 '

66

0-4

301

7-5

.lune 2.-.th

7

37-4

.V3

1-1

0-3

38-8

5-5

.Tuly 2nd

7

281

4-0

1

0-1

28-3

41

.July llth

7 .

38-3

5-5

■5

0-3

39-1

5-6

.July Itith

7

44-9

6-4

10-6

0-5

60-0

8-6

Total ...

H8

205-5

5-4

242

2-0

235-7

6-2

Note. — House closed during first part of June.
For the whole period the total costs were therefore : —

Cooking. 20.'i-5 units at fd. =
Heating. 24-2 ,. at -Jd. =
Lighting. 2^0 ,, atjid. =
8 mi?xi^ ""

Total electricity (38 days) =
Coal used during. the same

period, IJ cwt., at Is. 7d.

per cwt. ... ... ... =

12s. lO^d.
Is. 6id.
Os. 6d.

14s. lOJd.
3s. 2id.

■2s. 4Jd. per week

= 2s. 8|d. per week.

Total cost; for coal and
electricity (38 days)

18s. Id. = 3s. 4d. per week.

Itif)

THE ELKCnUCAL llEMEW. [Voi. 7'x no. l>.<i-'.^ Ar.;.sT ii. ii.ui.

The aveni£:e weekly cost of lieating, cookiiiir, ami litrhtinff
thiis lias l)eeii only 3s. 4d. Prior to the cornmeneeinent of
the experiment, the average weekly coal consumption for
the summer months was 2 cwt. at Is. 6d. = 3s., to which
must be, added the previous cost of electric cooking only,
namely. Is. lid. per week — a total of 4s. lid. ])er week.
The sjiving effected, therefore, hy the new an-angement
(allowing 2d. per week for electric lighting) amounts to
Is. .■)d. jx^r week. In iiddition to this, there is the further
saving in the wages of a charwoman, who ])rc\ iously was
engaged for four hours each week at a
cost of is., and whose services arc now
required for four hours each fortnight.
It is right also to jxiint out that the
electric water heater, while mainly used
for the heating of water for wa.sliing up,
has also been utilised for the washing
of clothes not sent to the lamidry. The
consumption of energy for cooking also
includes the energy taken by an electric
iron of iibO watts, which is in use every
day for about half an hour. It is esti-
mated that for the smnijier six months
a total siiving of between £1 10s. and
£2 will be made, and experience has
already shown that the housework has
nndoubtedly been very considerably re-
duced.

During the winter months the inten-
tion is to revert to the old arrangement
of bm-ning coal for beating rooms and
providing hot water, as the increased
consumption of electrical energy for the
heating of rooms in the winter would
be prohibitive in cost. Electric cooking and occasional
electric heating will, ;is l)efore, be continued throughout
the whole year. Excepting the kettle and iron, the
apparatus has been obtained on hire from the local supply
authority, the rental for the whole of the hired appliances
totalling 8s. per quarter.

inside and the arinature on the outside. The armature, in fact,
forms the en^'ine flywheel, and is Irolted direct to the flantre on the
rear end of the cr.ankshaft. The armature is in the shape of a
drum, in which are uiouuted the armature laminations and form
windinjTS. which are connected to an internal commutator fixsteneil
to the outer etl^'e of the armature drum, as shown in fi;:. 1. The
fields, fig. :!. are attached to the i)roi)el!er shaft, whidi conveys the
power to the rear axle of the car ; they are mounted inside the arma-
ture on the crankshaft extension, and rotate freely on roller bearinps.
The brushes, which are part of the field unit, press outwardly
asrainst the face of the internal commutator. The brushes are
mounted in such a way that the centrifujral force of their rotation

3.— Maonets and Brushes

OP CW'TCH.

View showing Collector-
Ri.N'G Brushes.

A NOVEL

ELECTRIC-CLUTCH
MOTOR-CARS.

GEAR FOR

An interestinsr new form of power transmission for petrol motor-
cars, known as a centrifuL'al electric preneratini;' clutch, has recently
been brought out by the Vesta .Accumulator Co.. of Chicago. U.S.A.
The device, which may be described as a combination of the
ma^netic-drafr principle and the friction contact as obtained in the
ordinary form of clutch, replaces not only the chitch. but al«o the

Fig. 1. — iMi-.iiiu

Fig. 2. — (JuMi-Li-. 11

change-speed gear box and electric generator and engine starter
which at present form piirt of what may be termed the standard
design of petrol cars. It also eliminates the nse of the clutch
pedal, the emergency -brake lever, and the change-speed lever, all
controls in the new arrangement being by push-buttons on the
steering column, and the brake pedal.

The device consists of two main parts : the armature and the
fields. Unlike the average motor or dynamo, the fields are on the

increases the force with which they press against the commutator.
When the engine of the car is at rest, the pressure is very light ;
but when it is running, and as the speed of the car increases, the
pressure of the brushes against the commutator also increases,
until, when the car attains a speed of 1.5 miles per hour and over,
on level roads, the friction (carbon against copper) is suiEcienlly
great to prevent any slip l)etween the fields and the armature
That little wear takes place on the brushes is evidenced by the fact
that tests made with Ijrushes 2i in. long showed only ^ in. wear
on a car that had covered a distance of 12,000 miles. At lower
speeds, and particularly in starting, the transmission of power is
through the electromagnetic drag between the armature and
fields : there is therefore no mechanical connection between the
engine and the propeller shaft until the car speed reaches a pre-
determined maximum, which may be altered to suit different
conditions.

By means of the new clutch, the makers claim that great
fiexibility can be obtained in starting the car or in " picking up '
after a slow-down in traffic, and as the speed of the car increases,
the greater the centrifugal force and the less chance of slip. The
slip that does occur in starting is not wasted, the energy generated
being utilised to keep the battery, used for engine starting and
lighting purposes, in a fully-charged condition. For this purpose
the field is provided with four slip rings with
which brushes make contact. The battery con-
sists of four sections of six volts each.of a total
■ capacity of 200 ampere-hours, while the con-
troller comprises a number of switches operated
liy push-buttons through a solenoid, and arranged
to work automaticallj' in conjunction with the
engine throttle lever and .accelerator pedal.

The pushing- of the engine-starter button,
operates the series side of the controller, causing
the battery to be coupled up in series in a
21-volt, ."lO-amp.-hour connection. The operation
of the engine throttle or accelerator automatically
causes the other, or multiple, side of the con-
troller to parallel the battery to a G-volt, 200-amp.-
hour connection. The controller is so arranged
that it is impossible to close both series and
parallel circuits at the same time.

The operation of a car fitted with the system
is claimed to be exceedingly simple. The vehicle
goes through all ranges of speed, from zero to
the maximum, by the simple opening of the
en.gine throttle, the electrical and centrifugal
action Ijeing entirely automatic. To start the
"- "■ engine, all that is necessary is to open the throttle

and push in the starter-button ; the fields are then
held stationary by an automatic locking arrangement, and the fly-,
wheel armatui-e is revolved about them. The automatic locking-
device renders it unnecessary to apply the brakes to hold the fields ,
stationary in the starting operation, and prevents any chance of
the car running backwards. The operation of the throttle lever
or accelerator automatically m.akes an electrical connection between
the battery fields and armature, so that, when the throttle is further
openetl. the interna! fields immediately try to catch up with the _

Vol. 79. xo. 2.02(1, AUGUST 11. MHO.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

I(j7

revolving armature throufrh the magnetic pull, assisted by the
ever-increasing centrifugal force.

Assuming that the car is approaching a hill requii-ing greater
clutching effort, the gradient will cause a greater load against the
movement of the car, consequently causing the fields to run slower
than the armature which i-s connected to the engine, this difference
of slip causing current to be generated. The current will com-
mence to flow through the fields until the field coils have received
3omewhat more than their normal amount, this small excess
amount being due to the fact that the cut-out is made to cut in
when the voltage is higher than .8 volts.

i When a still greater clutching effort is required above that which
is produced by the current flowing in the fields, the current will flow
through the battery, making up for the difference required in the
clutching effort, since this greater amount of clutching effort will
have caused the cut-out to cut the battery into circuit. When the
hUl has been mounted, the centrifugal clutch will cause the cuiTeut
to cease flowing as before, and will recommence doing the work of
driving the car.

1 1 It will be seen that the centrifugal clutch can do all the work
without the aid of any electrical circuit after it has once cut in,
but no current would then be available for engine starting and car

This has been called an engineer's war, but he has not yet been
fully appreciated and used in very many directioiis, of which the
above is one more instance,

Justus Eck.

London, S,E., ylugvxt. Sf/i, lyiil.

-Clutch complete with Cover,

Fig, 6. — Control Switches.

lighting. The centrifugal action is consequently so arranged
relative to the electric generating effect as to furnish the current
for the charging of the battery with as little waste as possible.
When the car is slowed down or is to be stopped, it is only neces-
sary to close the trottle, this breaking all the electrical connections,
the car then " coasting " until it stops by itself or by the applica-
tion of the brakes.

For reversing the car, as well as for emergency purposes in very
hilly districts, a small gear-box providing a reverse motion and a
low forward speed is included in the transmission, this being .
operated electrically by push-buttons on the steering column.

CORRESPONDENCE.

■Letters received by »s after 5 P.M. ON TuESDAV cunmtt appear until
tlie followinij week. C'orrespo/uients ahuultlforward their conimuni-
catimis at the earliest pos^iile moment. No letter can be published
unless we have the writer^ s name and address in our possession.

Induction Motors oo Circuits of Different Frequencies.

The following information regarding the behaviour of induction
mStors on different frequencies may be of use to your correspondent
" Practice " : —

In making changes of the'kind suggested, the main point to
watch is to keep the flux density in the iron the same as before
the change. By so doing, the stator and rotor currents will remain
unchanged when working against the same torque. To keep this
density the same, however, necessitates a variation of the impressed
voltage with the frequency.

The first effect of reducing the frequency is to reduce the speed ;
for instance, a 60-cycle motor will run at only | of its normal
speed if connected to a 50-cycle circuit. To keep the stator and
rotor currents the same as they were before the change, the torque
must be kept the same. Owing to the reduced
speed, therefore, the horse-power of the motor
will be less than normal — the decrease being
about J the rated horse-power.

It is often undesirable to alter the voltage
in proportion to the change in frequency,
and 60-cycle motors are often run on 50-cycle
circuits of the same voltage. In such a case
the magnetic densities in the iron will be f of
the normal densities. The ii-on losses wUl,
therefore, be increased, and a warmer running
motor is the result. The poorer ventilation
at the lower speed tends to aggravate this
heating. The efficiency of the motor will be
slightly decreased on account of the increased
iron losses, the actual loss in any motor
being dependent on the degree of satm-ation
of the iron at normal frequency. The higher
flux density will increase the magnetising
current required, and the power factor may
therefore be lowered. If the voltage is
corrected for the lower frequency, the power
factor may be slightly increased, though this
is by no means generally the case,
ta In running a .^0-cycle motor on a CO-cycle
circuit the chief consideration is generally the ability of the
machine to withstand the extra stresses due to the 20 per cent,
increase in speed. If the voltage remains the same, the flux density
will be only | of the normal. The iron losses will therefore be
decreased, though the rise in frequency reduces this decrease
somewhat. Since the increased speed gives better ventilation, the
rated horse-power may generally be maintained, and in some cases
exceeded, if mechanical considerations permit. The slip wUl be
increased, and on this account the power factor may be lowered
slightly.

Whether the machine is run on a higher or lower frequency
than that for which it is designed, the actual performance depends
to such an extent on the magnetic and electrical designs, that it
is difficult to generalise. Two motors of equal voltage, frequency
and output may behave quite differently as regards heating,
efliciency, and power factor when run on a higher or lower fre-
quency circuit. The writer hopes, however, that from the above,
'^Practice " will be able to form an idea as to what to expect when
running motors under the suggested conditions.

" Twenty-Two Deaths from Heat Stroke."

After seeing the following paragraph in two evening papers and
one morning paper, I begin to think its incredible and disgraceful
story has some truth in it : — '

the receipt of the following

The Secretary of State for Indi{
telegram from the Viceroy of India

On recent voyage of hospital ship Dongola, from Basra to Bombay, there
were 130 cases of heat stroke among British sick and wounded troops, and 17
deaths due to heat stroke occurred, among troops and crew, and five other
deaths were probahly caused by heat,"

A following wind necessitated ship teinQ turned, round every four hours for first
36 hours of voyage, so that wtirde could be ventilated. Voyage was made under
most trying climatic conditions.

The Dongola is a P, and O liner of 8,056 tons, built in 1905 specially for the
Indian Troop Service, in which she was employed continuously till war broke
out," when she was converted into a hospital ship.

About nine years ago, as your records will show, I brought an
action against a steamship company trading with South Africa for
falsely representing it had electric ventilation, with the result that
many hundreds of electric fans were immediately sold to shipowners,
but how it comes about that a P. & O. liner specially built for
Indian troop service, sailing in its own waters, and acting as a
hospital ship, should lack proper ventilation is inexplicable.

This seems on all fours with the Indian troop train incident,
where our brave men were allowed to suffer intolerable agonies and
death due to the scandalous neglect of persons in authority, too
ignorant to understand, and too callous to attend to, most obvious
requirements,

A stern wind of a speed equal to that of the boat is no novelty,
imd is a concomitant of almost every mail steamer on its home-
ward journey from Caj^etown.

From the Front.

I am again writing a line of thanfts to you for the weekly copy
of the Review, which still reaches me regularly. I wish it were
possible to read it under pre-war conditions once more — with the
sing of the turbine in the ear and everything comfortably loaded.
I'm afraid that shift work will prove somewhat irksome to a good
many when the time comes to " take over " again. But perhaps
when that happy time arrives we shall find log-books, load curves
and all the rest of it under the spell of the eternal feminine 1

I need not add that the Review is still appreciated. It is
distressing to read the long list each week in the "Personal
Column " of good men who have gone under. Now that we are
'■ at the peak," may the end be not too far ahead,

J. H. Pembry, A.S.C., M.T.

British Expeditionafy Force, August 3/</, 1916.

Automatic Train Control.— According to the A'ledrir

Railicatj JuuriKit, the New Haven Railroad, which is investigating
the question 'of automatic train control, has examined over 4,000
plans of autoihatic stops, and tested two trial installations during
the past four years. As a result, the officials are convinced that
automatic train control has not reached the degree of development
that would eliminate the introduction of other and greater hazards,
and warrant either universal or limited adoption by the New Haven
line. The company has, hoijvever, appointed an engineer to give
his whole time to the study of the problem.

lus

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW. [v.,i.

No. 2,oi(i. Al•(iu^sT 11, una.

FOREIGN AND COLONIAL TARIFFS ON
ELECTRICAL GOODS.

EGYPT. — Revised Tariff Valuations for use in assessing
duties on iron and steel manufactures imported into Egypt
have been issued, with effect from June 16th to August loth.
Duty is leviable on the Valuations at the rate of 8 per cent.
BKHTSH INDI.\. — The information contained in the
ofticial Hupplemcnt to the Board of Trade Journal, July 13th,
respecting prohibitions is modified by a later announcement
that the export of sickle-dressefl block clear ruby and shghtly-
stained ruby uiica of sizes Nos. 3, 4, 5, and 6 Bengal stan-
dard, is prohibited to all destinations; and all other descrip-
tions of mica aie prohibited to destinations other than the
United Kingdom and British Possessions. These prohibi-
tions apply unless a permit, signed by the Chief Customs
(JiHcer, is produced to the Customs Collector at the port of
export, and the mica shipped in accordance with the terms
of the permit.

ST. LLCI.\. — An Ordinance has been issued providing for
the amended Customs Tariff — vide the Review of July 30th,
I'jlo — to continue m' operation until June 30th, 1917. Under
the amended Taritf. telegraphic, telephonic, and electrical
apparatus, and appliances of all kinds for communication
or illumination, are free of import duties. All other electrical
machinery and electric dental appliances of all kinds are
dutiable at the rate (including the 10 per cent, surcharge) of
13.2 per cent. ad. val. under the British Preferential Tariff,
and at the rate of 16.5 per cent, ad val. under the General
Tariff. All other electrical apparatus is dutiable at the flat
rate (including surcharge) of 16.5 per cent, ad val.

GREECE. — A Bill was introduced on June 14th providing
for a general increase of the Greek Tariff rates of duty by 10
per cent. — the additional duty to be collected from the date
of introduction of the Bill — and also making provision for
certain other alterations in the Greek Customs regime.
According to information received at the Foreign Office from
His Majesty's Minister at Athens, the proposed increase has
now been suppressed, and the sums already paid to the Greek
Government in respect of this increase will be refunded. The
other modifications proposed will also not take effect.

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.— The Treasury Depart-
ment has issued, under date June 3rd, the following Circular
regarding the appraisement of merchandise in respect of
which a notice of change in value has been received : —

"It appears from a discussion at the appraisers' conference
that there is a lack of uniformity in appraising merchandife
of which notice of a change in value has been received.
Seme appraising officers apply the new price on all ship-
ments made after the change of price, and others wait until
they have evidence of deUveries at the new price either in
the country of exportation or the United States.

" It further appears that there are two classes of merchan-
dise, viz., one which may be termed stock goods which are
ready for delivery at all times, and the other goods which
are manufactured on orders for future delivery.

" As to the first class, the Department is of the opinion that
the new price should be put into effect on all purchases
made after the date on which the new price is to take effect,
but that as to purchases made before that date and not
shipped until after the new price becomes effective the new
price should not be applied unless there is evidence that sales
have been made at the new price.

" With respect to the second class, the new price should
b?. applied to old contracts only when there is evidence that
deliveries have begun at the new price. When the apprais-
ing officer has no information as to whether sales have been
made or deUvery begun at a changed price, he should with-
hold appraisement until he can secure information on the
subject."

A decision respecting the application of the United States
Taiiff Act of 1913 has recently been given by the Court of
Customs Appeals, that flaming arc-lamp carbons composed of
lamp black or retort carbon, with or without a core impreg-
nated with chemical salts, are dutiable under paragraph 82
of the Tariff at the rate of 40 cents (about Is. 8d.) per 100 ft.

Variation of Friction Losses witli Temperature. —

Accordin<r to W. Penkert in the E.T.X.. as the results of tests
carried out on a B.C. motor of 11 '5 KW., the losses due to friction
of the journals, brushes, and air-churning diminish with rising
temperature. These losses were at 1S° C. 421 watts, at 40° C.
308 watts, and at .54° C. 208 watts, the correspondinsr efficiencies
being respeetivelv 8G'68, 8747, and SS'S.'J per cent. The armature
losses remained constant, the resistance of the winding increasing
with the temperature, whilst that of the brush contacts dimin-
ished. The ma^rnitude of the change in the friction losses is sur-
prising, and evidently the subject deserves further attention. The
temperature of the room in each case was artifieially resrulated so
that all parts of the machine were equally heated, and the instru-
ments were installed in a neighbouring room unaffected by the
temperature variations.

NEW PATENTS APPLIED FOR, 1916.

(NOT YET PCBLI^BD).

Ccn-piled expressly for this journal by Messrs. W. P. TROypSON & Co.,
Elcclrical Patent Agents, 285, High Holborn, 1-ondon, W.C, and at
Liverpoul and Bradford.

10,386. '* Electrical connectors or junction pieces." G. H. Coixiss & H. F.
Collins. July 24th.

10,'iO2. " Interrupter arrangements for electric circuits, chiefly for use with/
internal. combustion engines.'* H. R. Wright. July 24th.

10,412. " Supports for" accumulatois." C. G. BBNNErr & H. Garde. July
24lh.

10,428. " Electrical and automatic TSying of anti-aircraft guns.'* M. A. V.
VAN DEN HVNDE. July 24th.

10,458. " Electric lump shades, reflectors, etc.'* A. Reynolds & F. A.
Revnolhs. July 25th.

10,491. " Electrical driving for motor-vehicles, etc.*' H. Crociiat. July
25th. (France, May 9lh.)

10,519. " Electric motors and dynamos." A. Lvon and Wrench & J. C.
TODMAN. July 26th.

10,535. " Electric resistances for compensating, etc." J. E. Pollak (Soc.
.\non. des. Etablissements L. Bleriot). July 26lh.

10,554. " Electric cable joint boxes." C. Vernier. July 26th.

10,558. " System of electric signalling." L. Cohen & C. O. SeciER. July
26th.

10.561. " Circuit controllers." Ioranic Electric Co. (Cutler-Hammer
Manufacturing Co.). July 26lh.

10,563. " Galleries for gas and electric fitments." T. Crackneix. July
26th.

10,573. " Rotatable contact-breakers for magnetos, etc." E. J. Pilblad;
July 26th.

10,576. " Wireless telegraphy and telephony." J. Bethenod & E. Girardeau.
July 26lh. (France, August lOlh, 1015.)
' 10,583. " Attachment of ammeters and voltmeters to supports." V.
Delebecque & WALSvUi. ELECTRICAL Co. July 27th.

10,589. *' Ammeters and voltmeters." V. Delebecque & Walsall Electricai.
Co. July 2rth.

10,611. " Automatic telephone call distributing systems." Western Electric
Co. July 27th. (United States, December 19th, 1914.)
.10,627. "Electrical transmitting apparatus." H. K. Harris. July 27lh.

10.640. " Controllers for electric motor circuits." IcRANIC Electric Co.
(Cutler-Hammer Manufacturing Co.). July 27lh.

10.(j("7. " Controllers for electric motors, etc." Electric Control, Ltd.,
& O. Ellefsen. July 28th.

10.70.5. " Magneto-ignition devices.** G. R. Salt. July 28th.

10,713. *' Valves for receiving or producing wireless current.** E. R.
Clirke. Edison and Swan United Electric Light Co., & S. R. Mullard.
July 28lh.

10.720. " Cofnbined starter and lighting dynamos.'* A. H. Midgley & C. A.
\a\dervell. July 28th.

10.721. " Magnetos, etc." W. O. Kennington. July 28th.

10.722. " Method for producing high-frequency oscillations." \. Chortik.
July 28th.

10,734. " Field magnets for electric dynamos and motors." Lyon & Wrenci*
AND L. MuRPHv. July 29th.

10,745. " .Vnodes for electro-plating." G.t Jones. July 29th.

10,730. " Time meter for alternating current.'* Allgemeine Elektricitats-
Ges. July 29th. (Germany, April 26th, 1913.)

• Holders therefor.

Gear

. Casottj.

PUBLISHED SPECIFICATIONS.

X913.

26,934. Transformation of the Frequency of High-Frecuency Alter-
nating Cl-rrents fok Wireless Telegraphy and Telephony by means op
Dynamo-Electric Machines. Soc. Marius Latour et Cie. November 22nd.
(November 22nd, 1912.)

XSX5.

9,8.32. Impulse Transmitters for Telephone Systems and the like. Relay
Automatic Telephone Co., and L. C. Bygrave. July 6lh.

9,921. Electrical Transformers. G. Harlow. July 7th.

9,934. Sm.all or Pocket Electric Flash Lamps. F. O. Trautmann. July
8th. (Cognate application 12,377/13.)

9,964. Electric Joint. G. H. Scholes. July 8th.

9,981. Electric Clock. F. O. Read. July 8th.

10,067. Electric Time Switches. E. H. Horstmann and Horstman
Co. July 10th.

10,121. Incandescent ELEtnRic Lamps j
July. 12th.

10,242. Shaft Packings. British Thomson-Houston Co. (General Electric
Co.). July 14th.

10.453. Electrical Driving of Spindles For Spinning, Twisting and uk»
MACHINES. Siemcns-Schuckertwerke Ges. July 19th. (July 20th, 1914.)

10.454. X-RAY Tubes. British Thomson-Houston Co. (General Electric Co.).
July 19th.

10,938. Electrical SwrrCH Controiaino Devices. A. W. House. July 28th.
11,201. MofNTiNo OF Switches and other Electrical Apparatus in Wali.
Boxes. C. H. Burt. August 3rd.
11.322. Cord Grips for Electrical Purposes. R. G. Stripp. .August 5th.
11,776. Telegraphic Transmitting Apparatus. F. B. Dahl. August 14th.
11.831. Transmitters for Wireless Telephony. Marconi*s Wireless Tele-
graph Co. and S. O. E. T. Trost. August 16th.
12 276 Attachment of Insulator-carryino Arms to Telegraph and uk«
Bullets, Ltd., and H. C. R. Dagnall. August 26th.
Miners' Electric Lamps. G. A. Bellamy. September 28th.
Method of Manufacturing the Caps for Electric Incandescent
C. E. Hunter. October 1st.
Contact Breakers of Induction Coils. M. A. Codd. October Uth.
Filling with Insulating Compound of Electric Cable JUNtrrjOH
W. T. Henley's Telegraph Works Co. and F. Han
Electric Stoves. J. D. Crary. October 19th.
Electric Lamp Holders. General Accessories Co. (L.
Transvaal.)
s for Port

Poles.
13,807.
13,943.

14,382.
14.496.

October 13th.

14,783.
15,459.
and C. Seyn
16,797. Casin

Mark»

Rosenthal

nber 2nd.
Electric Flashlights. E. C. 1
(Interstate Electric Novelty Co.). November 29th.
17,328. Anodes for Electroplating. G. Jones. December 10th.
18,222. Method for Connecting Together Carbon Electrodes^ tJSED_^
Electro-Chemical and Electro-Metallurgical Processes.
F'rancaise des Electrodes). December 31st.

Haddan (Soc.

TXIX2

BLEOTK/IC^Xj K/B'7'IE'W.

Vol. LXXIX.

AUGUST 18, 1916.

No. 2,021.

ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

Vol. LXXIX.)

CONTENTS : August 18, 1916.

German Financial Interests in Electrical Undertakings

■'■ Penny Wise"

Rubber

The German Element in Italy "

30.000-KW. Steam Turbo-Generator Tests ((Mim.)

Electric Vehicle Notes ((7/«s.)

Modernising an Electric Supply Undertaking ((7Z«.«.) ...
The Economical Production of Power from Coke-Oven Gas
New Electrical Devices, Fittings and Plant iilbtsJ)
Correspondence —

The Employment of Disabled Sailors and Soldiers

Dry Battery Manufacture ...

Tar as Fuel

Whither are we Drifting .' ...

War Items

Business Notes

Notes

City Notes

Stocks and Shares ...

Market Quotations ...

The Centralisation of Electricity Supply

Spanish Industries and Trade

Trade Statistics of South Africa .. .

Foreign and Colonial Tariffs on Electrical Goods

New Patents Applied for, 1916 ...

Abstracts of Published Specifications

16it
170
171
171
172
173
174

17!1
179
179
179

189
189
190
191
19H
195
19t!
19li
19e

Contractors' Column

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(«J. A.* Reply's).

1916 EDITION.

H] ALABASTER, |GATEHOUSE & CO.,
4, Ludgate Hill, London, E.G.

GERMAN FINANCIAL INTERESTS IN

ELECTRICAL UNDERTAKINGS

ABROAD.

It is somewhat difficult to realise tliat for so long a
period as twenty years the tentacles of the German
trading octopus have been extending throughout
all parts of the world. Yet during at least the
greater part of that period we have been keep-
ing our readers informed as the movement has
developed. In almost every seaport town or city
of importance in every neutral country having a for-
eign population, it has only required the presence
of a few Germans for the elaboration of schemes
for the establishment of agencies which have either
developed into branch houses of firms in the Father-
land, or which, in the course of time, have expanded
into large importing houses on their own account;
and which have been quite willing to accept the
representation of such foreign manufacturers and
non-manufacturing companies, until the time arrived
for the entire substitution of Teutonic for British
articles, whilst the non-manufacturing representa-
tion was continued for so long as it was available, or
for so long as it suited the purposes of the German
agents concerned. In fact, nearly., every German
has served as an active agent for Germao propa-
ganda in some form or other, and Teutonic banks
have co-operated, commendably from the German
point of view, but frequently reprehensibly and im-
morally from the loftier points of view of inter-
national commerce, in assisting in the work of
propaganda.

The great extent of the Teutonic banking con-
nections in overseas countries is shown by the
existence of the Deutsch Ueberseeische Bank,
which was formed in 1893 by the Deutsche Bank,
and which has branches under the title of the Banco
Aleman Transatlantico in various cities in Argen-
tina, Bolivia, Chile, Peru, and Uruguay, as well
as in Spain ; and branches in Brazil under the name
of the Banco Allemao Transatlantico. In addition,
there are the Braziliensche BanJc fur Deutschland
and the Bank fur Chile und Deutschland, which
were constituted by the Disconto Gesellschaft and
the Norddeutsche Bank, of Hamburg; the Deutsch-
Sudamerikanische Bank, the Deutsch-Asiatische
Bank of Shanghai, the Deutsch-Orient Bank for
Turkey and the Balkans, and certain banks for
Palestine, East Africa, West Africa, and Africa in
general. These great promoters of German inter-
ests, assisted by the parent banking institutions in
the Fatherland, have actively furthered Teutonic
aims and trading affairs in the parts of the world

[ICO]

170

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW, ivoi. t;.. No. 2,021, mutst i^ v.m.

where tliey have been established, and they have
greatly facilitated the expansion overseas of the
German electrical manufacturing industry, which,
in turn, has been helped by the cable companies and
their associated interests, the former comprising the
Deutsch-Atlantische Telegrafen Gesellschaft, and
the Deutsch Sud-Amerikanische Telegrafen Gesell-
schaft. Indeed, every German undertaking abroad
has been an actual or potential promoter of Teu-
tonic business.

The greatest German oversea undertaking is
represented by the Deutsch-Ueberseeische Elektrizi-
tats Gesellschaft, of Berlin, whose combined share
and loan capital amounts to the fomiidable total of
£11,800,000. The chief centre of this supply com-
pany's activity is located at Buenos Aires, where
the company has endeavoured to secure a monopoly.
Some years ago the company succeeded in inducing
the shareholders in the Primitiva Gas and Electric
Lighting Co., Ltd.,- to dispose of their electricity
works in Buenos Aires, but a fresh competitor has
recently arisen in that great city in the form of the
Italo-Argentina Electricity Co., and thus the mono-
polistic policy of the German octopus has been
checked. The company has also failed to obtain
control of the Buenos Aires Tramways Co., in
which, although an English undertaking, a Belgian
tramway company holds very considerable financial
interests. Yet the book value of the company's
undertakings in Buenos Aires at the end of 1915
amounted to £10,600,000, apart from ordinary and
preference shares in the Compania Argentina de
Electricidad, of Buenos Aires. In addition, the
value of the company's electricity works at Santiago
(Chile) was entered at £771,000; the investments in
the Valparaiso (Chile) Electric Tramway Co. com-
prised £250,000; those in the Transatlantica Co., of
Montevideo (Uruguay) were 1,690,000 dollars in
ordinary sliares; and those in the Empresa de Luz y
Fuerza, of Mendoza (Argentina) were 835,000 dol-
lars in shares and 138,000 dollars in 6 per cent,
bonds. An important point in this connection is
that the Ueberseeische Co. is actually returned as
also • holding £650,000 in ordinary shares and
£404,000 im preference shares of the Chilean Elec-
tric Tramway and Light Co., Ltd., and the total
amount of the advances made by the former to the
five companies in question is given at £3,669,000
on December 31st, 1915. Although the total of
these figures may not agree with the total capital
of the Berlin company, it has to be borne in mind,
as previously mentioned, that the figures refer to
the estimated market value as entered in the com-
pany's books at the end of last year.

The enormous German shareholding in the
Chilean Electric Tramway and Light Co., apart
from the financial advances made to the latter, has
not been imknown to those who have annually
perused the reports of the Berlin company. In this
connection, we observe from the report for 1915
that the Chilean company, in accordance with the
instructions given by the English Government, ab-
stained from paying any dividend on the preference
shares for 1914, although the net profits of £48,500
would have permitted of a distribution of 6 per cent,
being made on the preference shares. But if the
prohibition of the Government has prevented any
allocation of profits to the preference shares, of
which the German company holds the entire issue,
it has not hampered the continuance of business
relations between the two companies. The annual

report for 1915 of the Berlin company, for example,
states that the hydro-electric works at Santiago were
practically completed in 1915, and handed over to
the Chilean Electric Tramway and Light Co., which
is operating the works for its own account and has
to pay to the Ueberseeische Co. the amount of the \
rental, which was fixed by contract. Apart from
these interests, other German electrical investments
or undertakings exist in certain other parts of South
America, including the holding of the German
South American Telegraph Co. in the Compania
Telegrafico-Telefonica del Plata, of Buenos Aires,
and the interest) of the Berlin Gesellscliaft fur Elek-
trische IJnternehmungen in the Societe d'Electricitd
de Rosario (Argentina), which was fonned by the
Belgian Societe Financiere des Transports, of
Brussels.

We have drawn attention to the existence of the
German element! in the hope that means may be
adopted whereby it may be totally eliminated. The
above facts should be brought to the notice of the
Committee which is sitting upon the question of
British Finance in its relation to After-the-War
Trade, and the Electrical Trades Connnittee might
also with advantage take due cognisance of them.

Our allies in Russia and France have removed,
or placed under Government control, under-
takings of Teutonic formation; in Italy the extinc-
tion of German interests is proceeding on private
account ; whilst at home the Board of Trade is con-
tinuing the practice of winding up enemy companies,
and important " black lists '" of German concerns
and individuals abroad are being issued. There
is an old saying that " trade follows the flag." As
the result of the war sentiments of most of the world
and 'the nauseous odour left by German immoralities
and monstrous barbarities, perhaps that saying will
be true again for a time. But a more modern say-
ing, as was e.xemplified several years ago in the case
of the Victoria Falls & Transvaal Power Co., is that
trade follows finance; and the question now arises
as to whether this has or has not been the case with
the Chilean company in question. .Some valuable
light is thrown upon the experiences of the Vic-
toria Falls Power Co. in its dealings with German
finance and plant manufacturing in remarks made
recentlv before a South African Engineering Society
by Mr. Bernard Price, who is in a position to know
the history of that company's operations. Mr.
Price's comments were published in our " War
Items" last week; they form very profitable read-
ing just now, not only for us at home, but for elec-
trical buyers in other parts of the world where the
failings of German planit at Shanghai electricity
works have already been made known.

It was with great astonishment
" Penny Wise." that we read in the Tim£S Trade
Supplement for July that, in the
interests of economy, the Government had resolved
not to publish further reports by British Consuls
during the remainder of the war. When the Re-
trenchment Committee was looking out for direc-
tions in which to save mioney, we strongly advised
against any hasty reforms being introduced in con-
nection with the Board of Trade trade efforts. At
such a time as this, when our export trade must
not be neglected any more than is really impera-
tively necessary, and when other manufacturing
nations are at liberty to gain a hold in our accus-
tomed markets, it seems to us to be false economy
to shut off altogether the supply of information that
our imperfect Consular service is able to give us.
As we have said before, that service has, in our
opinion, not been appreciated at its proper worth
by British traders; much of the criticism has been
amply justified, but there has been a tendency
among the critics to describe as useless or worth-

Vol. 79. No. 2,021, August 18, 1916.] THE ELECTRICAL RBYIEW.

171

less an improving service which they appeared to
have given up using. Maybe some of that
want of appreciation had led to Consular reports
being regarded as a suitable thing to do with-
out, or as a direction in which the great British
nation might save a few hundred pounds per
annum. Speaking for ourselves, we regret their
temporary stoppage, and the more so because there
is certainly no drop in efficiency in the American
system of Commerce and Consular Reports. It
was stated in our pages last week that the Foreign
Office was organising a British commercial tour in '
Spain. An excellent idea! Would it be out of
order to suggest that each member of the party
make a stiudy in advance of the valuable report of
40 pages just prepared by American Consul-General
Carl Bailey Hurst on the commerce and industries
of the Barcelona district ? We print certain parts of
it on another page this week. It was published last
month with appendices prepared by other American
consular agencies in Bilbao, Conmna, Palamos.
Mallorca, Tarragona, and Vigo. Mr. Hurst enters
very fully into such matters as banking activities,
local industries, the relative importance of different
classes of industries, metallurgical industries, and
the conference of Spanish metallurgical interests.
chemical and paper manufactures, hydro-electric
developments, and Spanish measures for commercial
expansion, and he makes a variety of suggestions
intended for American exporters, showing, among
other things, the place which American skill and
products (especially engineering in character) may
fill. It is the best report on Spanish trade and the
Spanish market that we have seen for a long time.
Let us hope that the Foreign Office tour will bring
benefit to British trade in due course, but right here
the American already has 40 pages of material and
advice, while we, in the interests of national
economy, are compelled for the present to forego
the lu.xury of a report prepared for us by a British
authority. German influence in the Spanish market
has been strong in the past, and Teutonic resolves
are made respecting the future in that country.
Assuredly somebody here is " penny wise and pound
foolish."

While the course of the crude
Rubber. rubber market has continued mostly
disappointing for some time past,
prices having fluctuated persistently downward
since Februarj^ last, it is only natural that values
have lately displayed more: resistance after touching
2s. 2d. per lb. for plantation No. i latex. It may be
pointed out that this figure shows precisely a depre-
ciation of 100 per cent, from the topmost level re-
corded in the earlier part of January. The fact is
worth noting, too, that prices now stand pretty well
where they were at about this time last year prior
to the steady upward movement which reached its
culminating point at 4s. 4d. It thus remainsto be
seen whether history will repeat itself within the
next four or five months. This comparison, at any
rate, is rather interesting, and the chances are that
the worst of the recent depression has spent itself,
and that when preparations are made in earnest in
connection with autumn requirements, prices will
■be once more on the up-grade. Of course, condi-
tions are most abnormal, but it is considered that
the current price is intrinsically low, and that, given
a more active and sustained American demand, the
market will soon feel the effect of this. There is no
■doubt that periods of low prices tend to stimulate
the use of rubber in various new branches of in-
dustry where the product was years ago not utilised
at all, so that the persistent growth of the planta-
tion output does not contain, after all, that element
of danger which has been surmised by some people
withinthe last few years. America will probably
■continue by far the biggest world's consumer of

rubber, although her takings for some months past
disclosed an important falling off as compared with
the early months of this year.

At the ciu-rent relatively low prices, all the rubber
being produced appears to be absorbed in spite of
temporary accumulations of stocks and the inevit-
able recurrence of trade slackness incidental to the
dead season. The development of the plantation
output in recent years has been truly phenomenal.
Back in 1905, the world's output of native rubber of
the Para grade was a little over 60,000 tons. In
1914 the world's output of this grade was rather
under that amount. Within the same period, the
cultivated or plantation rubber industry had its .
birth and development, with its output reaching
64,000 tons in 1914, thus for the first time eclipsing
that of Para grades. In recent years, the produc-
tion of wild rubber has been steadily declining, and
the Brazilian output this season may not exceed
35,000 tons, whereas it is estimated that the produc-
tion of plantation rubber may in the course of next
year run into not far short of 150,000 tons. Ameri-
can manufacturers seem very hopeful that the use
of rubber for new purposes will be further consider-
ably increased as time goes on. It is suggested that
rubber will be utilised in increasing quantities for the
making of shoes and belting, while the output of
leather is declining. The London market has
developed a somewhat better tone over the last
week-end, and prices for plantation grades show a
fair rally from the recent lowest point recorded,
and the' freer arrivals have been conducive to a
more active demand. Fine hard Para has improved
in sympathy, and still commands a good premium
owing to the limited supply available.

The enormous ramifications of
The German Gemian financial interests in Italy
Element prior to the war are shown by the
in Italy. fact that out of 600 companies, no
fewer than 327 have been found to
have been fed by Teutonic capital. Indeed, the iron
and steel industries, the electrical industr}\ and the
mechanical engineering industry' are declared to
have been dominated by a financial group who acted
through the intermediary of a well-known Italian
bank, which formerly had large German interests
and several German directors, apart from a large
Teutonic staff. According to the statements of an
Italian publicist, the native electrical industry repre-
sented a nervous system whose brain was to be
found at Berlin, through the indirect path of Swit-
zerland. Now, however, a beginning has been made
in the direction oT the ehmination of the German
element by the formation of an investment com-
pany with the initial share capital of £400,000, and
under the title of the Societa Nazionale per Imprese
Elettriche, of Milan, for the acquisition of Teutonic
holdings in Italian electrical companies. The first
transactions aim at the absorption of all the interests
of the Continental Company for Electrical Under-
takings, of Nuremberg, which include the Societa
Toscana per Imprese Elettriche, of Florence, the
Palenno (Sicilv) Tramway, the Societa Industriale
Elettro-Chimica di Pont St. Martin, of Milan, and
the Societa Torinese di Tramways e Ferrovie, of
Turin. It is said that these and other undertakings
have passed under the control of Swiss banks since
the commencement of the war. In order, however,
not to enrich the Germans by simple purchases, an
Italian newspaper suggests that the Government
should inter\'ene in order to authorise an Italian
group to manage German undertakings in Italy
until the end of the war, according to the precedent
set bv Austria in transferring the Austrian rights of
a Milan company to a group of Hungarian finan-
ciers, and to that of Germany, which has empowered
German banks to treat Italians as citizens of an
enemy State.

172

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW. |Voi.

No. 2.021, Al'(Ji:sT !S, lilHi.

30,000-K\V. STEAM TURBO-QENERATOR
TESTS.

"Wk referred, in oiir issue of .June lltli, lltl."), to the
reeoiistruetion of the ireneratiiisr phiiit of the IntcrV)orou£;h
Rapid Transit Co., of New York, where tliree of the new
30,000-KW. turbine sets are now in ojjeration. These sets
oceupy the same space as the three 7,.")0()-K\v. engine sets
which they rephieed, and are oju'rateil from the same boilers,
in wliich, liowever. the jiressure has l)een raised from 175 lb.
to 205 lb. per sq. in., while superheaters to give 200'
superlieat, and luiderfeed stokers have been added, so that
three times the rated output is being obtained.

opens is small, and tbe xelociiy ratio, lliercfore, is very
little tower when full steam pre.ssure is a]iplied to the
secondary inlet than when such ])ressurc is applied to the
primary iidet. Further, the hydraulic efficiency is nearly
the Siiiiie. so that the Kankine cycle at S2.000 K\v. should
not Iw more than 1 per cent, lower than at the ]«iint of best
efficiency, namely. 2(i,0(l(t KW. The ellicicncy at the inWT-
inediate overload, say, :^(l,()0(» kw., is somewhat worse tluui
this, forwhile the blading and hydraulic erticiencies remain iis
high, there is a loss due to a certain jxirtion of the steam
exiianding through the secondary valve to a lower pressure
without doing work. '"'"'"■ '-—^rrM]

Tests were also made on the condensers and anxiliarieg,
with the turbine carrying practically the re(|uired lload ;
oix'rating conditions approximated to those guaranteed, with
the exception (if high air leakage. This leakage luis since

Fig, 1.— i_i>L iiF Tnutt .;ii,ih.iu-kw. Ti kiunk r>Ei> ai iHt Imekbokouoh C'o.'s tiKXEiiATixu .Staiimn. Ni.w Vohk.

The original engines, generators and condensers repre-
sented an ex{x;nditure of $40 per K\v.. while the new plant,
has; cost only •'?fl per Kw. It may be remembered that each
of the new sets — one of which w-e illustrate — consists of a
high-pressure and a low-pressure turbine, each coupled to its
own generator ; the former is of the single-cylinder reaction
type, ranning at 1,500 E.p.ir., and the latter, a double-flow
turbine, with a speed of 750 h.p.m.

The surface condenser consists of two cylindrical shells,
each of 25,000 sq. ft. surface, connected directly to the
turbine outlets, with tm-bine-driven circulating pumps, and
hot well and rotary dry vacuum pumps.

The results of a series of tests on these turbines have
now been published, showing that at the most efficient load
of 26,740 KV.-., 11-25 lb. of steam per KW.-hour are re-
quired.

The performance curves shown in fig. 2 summarise the
results of 25 tests under certain standard conditions, and it
is noted that they are miusually flat and conducive to high
plant efficiency. The peculiar dip in the curve between
22,000 KW. and 20,000 kw. was checked by repeated tests ;
to investigate its cause, special tests were made of the
relative action of the receiver between the two cylinders as a
separator,, and the velocities of the steam passing through
it, with the idea that this might have some direct bearing
on the dip, but no definite result was obtained.

In regard to the turning up of the efficiency curve
between 30,000 kw. and .32.000 Kw., the designer points
out that this turbine was designed for high hydraulic
efficiency, thus approaching the' crest of the efficiency
curve ; the . overload capacity is small — the amount
the turbine is by-pas-sed when the secondary valve

been eliminated, and a permanent gasometer installed; in
connection with eacli unit, in order to obser\'e air leakage at
regular intervals. We gather that the performance of both
turbine and condenser has shown hirfier efficiencies than

76.40

7600

7560

+ 7520

5 7480-

J4 80i 7440-

2410 c ■'^OO

£ 24.60^ 73.60

•;? 24:50^ 73,20

^ 24.40 c 7280

-. 2430£ 7240

? 2420 „ 7200

S 2410 ^ 7160

I 2400'^ 7120

'^ 2390.5 70.80

i 2380| 7040

I 2370'^ 7000

~ 2i60 bS.iO

?3»

19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 29 23 30 31 32 33 34
Load m Thouionds. of Kilowatts

Fig. 2. — Efpiciencv anb Water R.\te Curves.

were guaranteed, and that the installation ha.s pz'oved
thoroughly satisfactory in every particular.

We are indebted to the Electrical World for our figures ;
full details of the tests were recently presented to the
American Society of Mechanical Engineers by Messrs..
H. G. Stott and W. S. Finley.

vol. 79. No. 2.021. August IS. 1916,] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

173

ELECTRIC VEHICLE NOTES.

I\ our last issue we referred briefly to the action
taken by the Electric Vehicle Committee in view of
the possible restriction of the importation of elec-
tric vehicles following the Proclamation of June
27th.

The letter which Mr. Frank Ayton, the hon. secre-
tary of the E.V.C., forwarded to the Board of
Trade is such a concise and able statement of the
case for the more extended use of the electric
vehicle that it deserves the widest publicity at the
present time, and is reprinted below: —

My< Committee ask that electric-battery vehicle chassis in-
tended for commercial uses shall be most favourably treated
under the licensing arrangements which have come into
force, following the Proclamation of June 27th. The grounds
upon which we make this application are as follows : —

1. Before the war the adoption of the electric-battery
vehicle for commercial purposes was beginning to make good
headway by reason of the economy, reliability, and simplicity
of this system of motor transport. Since the war, however,
the scarcity of horses, the high price of fodder, the continu-
ously increasing cost of petrol, and the dearth of supplies of
the latter have all tended greatly to enhance the advantages
of the electric vehicle, and have led to its increased use.
Thus it is that at the present time some of the leading busi-
ness houses in this country are adopting, or have already
adopted, the electric van for town and suburban delivery work
in preference to other types of motor vehicles, and the supply
of electric vehicles is not equal to the demand. The reason
for this is the more readily appreciated when it is stated that
th'.; usual cost of power for operating such vehicles- compares
with the cost of petrol for a petrol-driven vehicle only when
that commodity is priced at. approximately, 6d. per gallon.

2. Since the electric vehicle depends for its power upon
electricity supplied (in ahnost every instance) from the
pubhc electric supply undertakings of the country, and, there-
fore, is produced from coal, its extended use is distinctly
assisting in resolving one of the difficulties the Government
are at present having to contend with, i.e., the conservation
of petrol supplies in order to provide adequately for the
requirements in this particular direction of the transport ser-
vices for the Forces, ,^

3. As the electric energy required for replenishing the bat-
teries of electric vehicles is in practically every instance taken
during night hours, when the demands of other electrical
consumers are either \evy small or non-existent, the produc-
tion of such electric energy employs plant that would other-
wise be idle, and takes steam from boilers that, in the absence
of such demand, would be standing with banked fires, radia-
tion losses continuing the while. Thus it is that the produc-
tion of such supply needs but a comparatively infinitesimal
quantity of coal for its generation, and necessitates no addi-
tional capital outlay in extending the plant. That these
factors are of no chimerical character is evidenced by the
very low price for electric energy included in the Standard
Tariff for Charging Electric Vehicles recommended by this
Committee. This tariff has now been adopted by the majority
of the public electric supply undertakings of the country,

4. Another feature connected with the use of the electric
vehicle, which comes distinctly into line with the aim of the
Government in the matter of freeing men of military age for
service in tlie Forces, is the ease and simplicity of operation,
making it possible for a woman or an elderly man, possessing
no previous experience, to become proficient in driving after
but a few hours' tuition.

5. One of the items in regard to which the electric vehicle
shows a marked reduction in operating cost is that which is
connected with repairs. Its simjAicity and sturdy construc-
tion make repairs but a small item in the whole expense
of running. At the present time, when every mechanic is
urgently required for munitions work, distinct encourage-
meijt should be given to the use of a vehicle that by compari-
son so seldom needs his services. . .

6. Were it possible to obtain electric vehicles of British
manufacture at the present time, there would be, of course,
n.T justification in putting forward this application. _ In point
of fact, however, the majority of the vehicles now in use, or
o'J order, are of American manufacture. There is at the
present time but one British firm making the heavy type of
commercial electric vehicle in this country, and it is under-
stood that they are quite unable to cope with all the orders
that flow to them, as they have but recently taken up this
line of manufacture, and are heavily involved in the produc-
tion of munitions of war. '. », i. ■

7. In the opinion of my Committee, the indirect etiect in
the all-round cheapening of electric supply for power pur-
poses that will result from the general use of electnc vehicles
should not be lost sight of. The employment of plant in our
power stations for the production of electricity in charging
such vehicles, at times when otherwise it would be idle, is
bound very appreciably to improve the load factor of the
plant, as it has already done in the great power stations of
Chicago and New York, Load factor and coal cost may be

said to be the deciding factors in the framing of power-supply
tariffs; improvement in one or other will benefit all con-
sumers, assisting our manufacturers in the direction of more
economical production, enhancing the amenities of town and
city life by the gradual eliminatioH of factory chimneys and
the domestic grate by the increasing use, in years to come,
of electricity for power and heat ; and lastly, but by no means
the least important feature, aisisting our electrical manufac-
turers to regain the position of world pre-eminence which
they once held, by reason of the increased home demand for
electrical machinery that must inevitably follow from cheap
electricity, < ' . .

8. The free importation at the present time of American-
built commercial electric vehicle chassis will assist in the
direction named, and will create such an increased demand
for this tvpe that there will be some incentive and a great
opportunity, after the war, -for British manufacturers to
estabhsh the building of such vehicles as one of the staple
industries of the country.

Should vou desire further information upon this matter, we
hold ourselves willinglv at your service, and should be pleased
to attend an interview if that were thought necessary. You
will note the representative constitution of this Committee
from the names appearing on the heading of this letter but I
mav mention that recentlv representatives from the Society
of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, Ltd., and the Eoyal
Automobile Club have been added.

The letter, the educational value of which we
hope has not been wasted in official quarters,
brought a svmpathetic reply.- the tenor of which
.seems to indicate that commercial electric chassis
will be allowed to enter this country; as we have
said, it deserves the widest publicity, for in these
davs of petrol scarcity, and shortage of male labour,
it 'ought to be thoroughly impressed upon the
vehicle-using public that the cost of electricity for
operating the electric vehicle is. roughly, equivalent
to the use of petrol costing only 6d. per gallon;
moreover, its simplicity is such that a woman can
safely be allowed to drive the " electric."

It is astonishing in how many cases the London
business man's knowledge of the electric vehicle is
limited to a faint recollection of some financially un-
sound electric cab or electric 'bus venture which came
to grief in vears gone by— this despite the fact that
London is 'the stronghold of electric vehicle busi-
ness and, indeed, offers greater scope for its
development than probably any other business
centre, especially at the present time. It is evident
that an earlv effort must be made to remedy this
state of affairs— we require a system of intensive
publicity whicli will aim at nothing less than every
commercial motor user i'n the London area; the
business portion of the city is honeycombed with
storage cellars, mostly dependent on manual labour
for the transfer of merchandise into vehicles in the
street and this is an additional argument for the
use of the electric truck, which can so easily be
equipped with an electrical haulage winch, and.
furthermore, can provide electric light on the spot
when required. Manual labour is a luxury at the
present dav. if it can be profitably replaced by power
driven appliances, as in the case in point. _^

It is a sign of the times that even our ultra-
petrol " contemporarv. The Motor, has a fe\y words
to sav on behalf of the electric vehicle. Although
we cannot altogether agree with its interpretation
of the electrical position, it is satisfactory to find
that it is being driven to seriously recognise the
fact that there is a field for the employment of
a vehicle which is not, and has never pretended to
be, a "joy riding" machine. Our cO|ptemporary
says : —

Now that we are face to face with a calamity, with a hope
but no definite assurance that it may be only temporary we
have no alternative prime mover that we can turn to. Steam
has been offered, but turned down in favour of an engme
that uses a fuel which is, and always must be, a fading quan-
tity when the long view is taken. Electric power is un-
developed so far as this country is concerned, and even, it
we could turn to America to supply us in this direction m
any other circumstances, in those which face us it does not
help us at all, since imports are prohibited. The war condi-
tions as they exist at present, and aa they must be expected
t:> continue for some time, prevent any development here
in the wav of electric power as applied to motor vehicles;
vet it seems to us, it is in this direction that the efforts of

174

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW. [Voi. 79. no. 2,021. auou«t is. v.n,;.

constructors must turn in the near future. All the ecga must
never again be placed in one internal-combustion basket. We
are as confident as ever we were, and we have more than
once expressed the opinion in our columns that the elec-
trically-propfllcd vehicle must eventually receive that con-
sideration which is its due. It is obvious that if serious efforts
had been made in this country to develop the electric road
vehicle as an alternative to the internal-combustion engined
car, our position to-day would have been much less serious
than it is, dependent as we are upon a vehicle that relies
upon a fuel the__ use of which is now being so seriously
restricted.

Curiously enough, our contemporary appears to
have discovered the " obvious " at the eleventh
hour.

The growing use of the electric vehicle for muni-
cipal purposes has often been referred to in our

'-i^ '■:<$.

w^ , /- >

fci^

Views of Eiii.-.on Tuiinc, Wagun n Sol riiAMiioN.

pages; we illustrate this week a two-ton Edison
tipping wagon used by the Southampton Corpora-
tion tramways department for permanent-way and
general carting work.

Electric.*lly Converted American Fire Engine, showing
ACTION OF Swivelling Mechanism.

Mr. W. T. Robson, the manager, has on previous
occasions shown his partiality for the all-electric
vehicle, and we understand that the wagon illus-

trated and the electric tower wagon, which is also
in use, have replaced five horses, with an appreci-
able saving in cost to the department.

In this connection, with lighting, tramways, and
sanitarj' departments, as well as municipal fire bri-
gades, and ambulances, seriously considering, and
in many cases using, electric vehicles, the question
of introducing a "transport" department as a
feature of municipal organisation should be worth
consideration.

The electric vehicle lends itself to maximum effici-
ency if used with discrimination, and there is no
doubt tliat were a properly qualified official made
responsible for supplying the transport requirements
of all departments from one electric vehicle depot,
and suitable interchangeable bodies, batteries, &c.,
provided, that less spare vehicles would be required,
and more efficient operation would result^the
municipal electrical undertakings benefiting at the
same time. It may be argued that the idea is equally
applicable to any type of self-propelled vehicle, but
experience shows that any other type would in-
volve more spare vehicles and more depot labour,
and therefore be more expensive in the long run.

MODERNISING AN ELECTRIC SUPPLY
UNDERTAKING.

In a paper read before the Liverpool Engineering Society,
Mr. E. M. HoLLiNGSwoRTH, manager of the St. Helens
(Lanes.) Corporation electricity undertaking, recently des-
cribed the modernisation of his undertaking, which, in
common with many others, was faced with the necessity of
meeting the demands of industry for energy at compara
tively low prices. We reproduce his remarks in abstract, as
follows : —

Seven years ago, owing to the increasing demand for
energy, it was found necessary to carry out considerable
extensions to tha plant and feeders, and the opportunity was
taken of installing plant of a more efficient type. There was
room for extensions on the present site, with good railway
accommodation, and facilities for dealing with the ashes.

Before the alterations were carried out, the plant consisted
of four Lancashire boilers, two small water-tube boilers and
.seven engine-driven continuous-current generators at 460-550
volts, aggregating 1,700 kw., the capital cost including build-
ings, but not land, being £40 per KW. At that time, 2,750,000
units were sold per annum, and the load factor was 26.5 per
cent.

The capacity of the station is now 7,200 kw., of which
6,000 KW. (.8 power factor) is modem plant, instaUed at a cost
per KW. as follows: —

Extensions to buildings

Boiler plant (rated at 4,500 kw.), including eleva-
tors and conveyors, water-softener, founda-
tions, and steam pipes

Generating plant, including turbo-alternators, con-
densers, and foundations

Cooling towers for 3,000 kw

Switchgear for generators and for four e.h.t.
feeders

£ B. d.
0 11 0

3 10 0

3 10
1 0

0 6 6

7 17 6
Converting plant with switchgear, rated at

2,000 K.w 3 0 0

Total cost per kw., including converting plant ... ;filO 17 6

At the present time, 6,250,000 units are sold per annum, and
the load factor is 28 per cent.

The present boiler plant consists of four Lancashire bojlers
and economisers in No. 1 house, and four water-tube boilers
in No. 2 house, generating steam at a pressure of 170 lb. per
sq. in., superheated to 535 deg. F.

A single main steam pipe connects the two boiler houses,
and all the branch pipes are of wrought steel, including the
expansion pieces; all the valve bodies, tee pieces, and water
pockets are of cast steel.

Fuel is received on a siding and distributed by elevator
and conveying plant to the bunkers. The fuel used is mostly
Lancashire fine slack, having an average heating value of
ll.OuO B.TH.u. as fired, with 16 per cent, ash and 6 per cent,
moisture.

The Lancashire boilers are now used for stand-by purposes
only, and will be replaced in the near future with others of
the. water-tube type.

Four water-tube boilers, two of 18,000 lb. and two of 25,000
lb. steam rating, with superheaters and " B " type under-
feed stokers have been installed.

At the normal rating of the boilers, the stokers bum 30 lb.

Vol. :•>. No ■2.V21. Ao.LST IS. 191G.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

ot fuel per sq. ft. of grate area, and for short periods the rate
can be increased to 40 lb. At this high rate of combustion
the heat is too inten.se for brick arches, and they have been
dispensed with. The side walls of the furnaces are not sub-
jected to the extreme heat, and therefore the brickwork
requires httle attention.

Forced draught is used, and there are three motor-driven
direct coupled fans connected to the mam air duct. The in-
take of the fans is connected to the engine riX)m, and warm
an is thus supphed to the boilers.

The author has had eight years' experience with this com-
bination of boiler and .stoker, and considers the results
satisfactory. From a number of tests, the combined efficiency
of boiler and superheater averages 76 per cent. With the
1,2.50 and '2,500 k.v.a. turbo-alternators, later referred to, and
using fuel of the quality above specitied, the lowest monthly
average is '2.56 lb. of fuel per unit generated. This figure
cannot be maintained, however, owing to the necessity of
still having to use one or other of the engine-driven genera-
tors, but with the 8,7.50 k.v.,a. turbo-alternator in commis-
sion, it is anticipated that the average figure for the twelve
months will not exceed 2.5 lb.

The whole of the water used is taken from the town supply,
and has a hardness of H degrees, but as all the " make up "
is supplied to the cooling towers, the admixture with the
water returned from the condensers (jet type) gives a com-
bined baldness of ID ilegrees. The water for boiler feed pur-

l'"io. ].— Jet Condensing Plant, St. Helens Electricity
Works

poses is further reduced to 5 degrees by treatment in a lime
aoda softening plant. The inclusive cost of treating the water
is l.ld. per 1,000 gallons.

As water of a still lower degree of hardness is de.sirable for
the sealing glands of the tuibinea, the author has under con-
sideration the question of using a small " Pennutit " filter in
conjunction with the lime .soda plant for this purpose.

The feed pumps, of the direct acting type, exliaust into a
feed-water heater to whicli are also connected the exhaust
pipes of the underfeed stokers.

Adjacent to the power station, thei'e is a large disused clay-
pit of about 100,000 cu. yd. capacity, to which the ashes are
being carted, at an inclusive cost for handling, carting, and
tipping of Is. 4d, per ton.

When first it was necessary to increase the capacity of the
station, the merits of gas engines and producer plant were
considered, but it was finally decided to continue with steam.

The present generating plant includes three of the old
engine-driven generators, one rated at 500 KW. and two each
at 350 KW., with surface condensers.

The modern generators comprise three high-pressure tur-
bines of the impulse type, with velocity wheel, operating with
steam at 170 lb. pressure, superheated to .5'20 deg. P., and
a in. vacuum, and coupled to alternators generating 6,000
volt three-phase current at 50 periods, with a speed of 3,000
R.P.M.

No.l combined set, installed in 1910, has a rated output
of 1,'2.50 K.V.A. , with a steam consumption of 15.6 lb. per unit
at full load, and 18.5 lb. at half load.

No. 2 combined set, installed in 1912, has a rated output
of 2,500 K.v..\., with a steam consumption of 15.2 lb. at full
load, and 17.2 lb. at half load.

No. 3 combined set (just being completed) has a rated
output of 3,750 K.v A., with a guaranteed steam consumption
o( 13.9 lb. at its most economical output, i.e., 75 per cent, of
the rated output of the generator.

Kach generator has an exciter mounted on the shaft, and
tb^' voltage is controlled by an automatic pressure regulator,
that of the large set being also arranged to control each of the
other generators, and all three when operating in parallel.
The generators are protected only by time limit, reverse
relays, and the author has under consideration the advis-
ability of fitting each generator with protective apparatus to
automatically trip the main switch, and open the lield circuit
switch in the event of a failure occurring between phases or
between any phase and earth. The system is operated with
unearthed neutral, but with the adoption of protective
apparatus it will be advisable to earth the neutral through
a luniting resistance.

Two of the turbo-generators are of the self ventilating type;
the other has an external fan and cloth air filter, but a rotary
wet filter is being installed. The turbine condensers are of
the low level jet type, the discharge being pumped over
natural draught chimney cooling towers. The condenser
arrangement is shown in fig. 1; the pumps are electrically
driven by a single motor, the extraction pump being direct
coupled and the air pumps gear driven. Direct-current motors
are employed, which in case of an emergency shut-down
would be supplied from a battery, with the lighting. The
extraction pump is designed to work against a vacuum resist-
ance and discharge again.st a total hea(l of 52 ft.

The primary rea.son for adopting the jet plant was the
trouble experienced with the tubes of the surface condensers
installed with the engine-driven generators. The capital cost
of surface plant for the 3,750 k.v.a. set would be 75 per cent.
greater, not including for the extra cooUng plant which would
be required to deal with approximately 40 per cent, more
water. As a set-off to this, however, the power taken by the
pumps would be '20 per cent, less; the condensate would not
require to be treated, and the condenser could be connected
to the turbine without intermediate pipes, thus increasing
the vacuum by .'25 in., and reducing the space occupied.

The whole of the continuous current supply is at present
transmitted from the power station, and for this purpose there
are three converter equipments of 550 KW., 700 KW., and 800
KW., each with a three-phase oil insulated, self-cooling trans-
foi mer.

The 550-KW. rotary has an exciter and booster in addition
to the starting motor, and can therefore be used for power
factor correction, and also for running inverted. It ran in
this way for some months under very severe conditions, the
load including a rolling mDl and colliery haulage plant.

The 800 and 700-KW. equipments are of more recent design,
the latter being of the self synchronising type. These
machines are fitted with a starting motor only, and are there-
fore not reversible, and have not the ability to improve the
power factor to the same extent as when fitted with a b(X)ster.

The overall efficiency of the 700-KW. equipment, the last to
be installed, when working level compounded, is as follows : —

Full load. Three-quarter load. Half load. Quarter load.

93.5 ... 92.5 ... 90.'25 ... 84.5

At one time, flash-over troubles were experienced when the
rotaries were on traction supply, but by re-arranging some
of the short feeders, these troubles have been eliminated.

The continuous current switchboard is placed on a gallery
at the old end of the station, and the e.h.t. control panels on
the floor level of the new portion of the building, opposite the
turbo-alternators.

The e.h.t. switchgear is of the mechanically remote con-
trolled type, with the oil break switches and other e.h.t.
details, enclosed in brick cubicles, built in chambers directly,
under the control panels.

Most of the energy supplied for lighting and power is trans-
mitted to switch chambers placed at three points of the dis-
tribution system, and these chambers have interconnecting
feeders.

Three-phase current at 6,000 volts, 50 periods, is tran.s-
mitted to static sub-stations in one district, where it is trans-
formed to 400 volts for power, antl '2;yi volts for lighting pur-
poses. All the transformers are wound " delta " on the
primary side, and " star " on the secondary, with the neutral
point of the "star" winding earthed.

There are ten sub-stations with outputs ranging from 125
ti 1,000 K.V.A. , with the switchgear placed in brick cubicles.
The switchgear is of the same type as that installed in the
power .station, and the transformers are of the oil-insulated,
self-cooling type.

When the power load of a consumer exceeds 100 kw., a
supply at 6.000 volts is given to a sub-station on the pre-
mises. In several cases, owing to the close proxiinity of
Post Office wires, it was not permissible to use bare wires for
extra high-pressure tran.smission. The consent of the Board of
Trade was therefore obtained to suspend in.sulated cables from
the existing poles. The cables are three-core, .05 sq. in., paper
insulated, covered with lead containing 2 per cent, tin, taped

170

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW. |v„i

>1, AicusT IS, uno.

anil coinpouiideJ. They are suspended by means of steel
suspenders and wiought-iron clamps from catenary wire
connected to short wrought-iron brackets fixed to the poles.
'The lead sheathing of the cables is connected to the catenary
wire at each end, and at every 400 yards, and the catenary
wire is earthed at intervals of "JOO yards; there are two miles
of such cables in use.

THE ECONOMICAL PRODUCTION OF POWER
FROM COKE-OVEN OAS.

(Ahxtnict uf jiufier. In/ G. DE.\KLE. mid iliifuxsiii/i liefon- tin- YuRK-

<HiRE Local Section of the Institution of Electricai.
Engineers.)

i.s the case of the refrenerative type of coke oven the volume of
g'as available for the production of power is much frreater than in
the older pattern of waste-heat oven, and- it is partly for this reason
that the majority of new coke-oven installations during the past
few years have been of the regenerative type.

The advantage of regenerative ovens is that the whole of the
surplus heat in the coal is produced in the form of a combustible
gas. instead of merely as a waste-heat product. This combustible
gas can be used to much greater advantage than the waste-heat
product, for by utilising it in gas engines it is possible to develop
three to four times the power that can lie obtained from the use of
waste heat under boilers. There is also an advantage in being able
to convey the gas any distance without deterioration, which is not
possible in the case of the waste heat where the boilers must be
installed quite close to the coke ovens.

The principal objections raised by opponents of gas-driven power
plant are : —

1. The unsteady turning moment.

2. The difficulty of starting the engine.

3. The general absence of reliability in operation.

4. High cost of maintenance.

In this paper the author hopes to show, from his personal experi-
ence, that such objections are without foundation.

The installation consists of three 500-b.h.p. vertical tandem gas
engines direct-coupled to three-phase alternators, generating
current at a pressure of 440 volts, and a frequency of 50 cycles
per second.

The gas engines are of the single-acting type, operating on the
4-cycle principle, tlie cylinders being arranged in tandem. On the
up-stroke the inertia of the moving parts is absorbed by the com-
pression of either the top or the bottom cylinder, and part of the
inertia is absorlwd on the downward stroke by a buffer cylinder
formed under the upper piston.

In the case of the four-crank, eight-cylinder engines under con-
sideration, running at 3uO E.P.M.. with cranks at 90°. the shaft
receives four impulses per revolution or 1.20U impulses per minute,
so that with a comparatively light fly-wheel the c.vclic variation
is less than one-third of 1 per cent., which is sufficiently even tor the
paralleling of the alternators without the slightest difficulty.

The upper cylinders are 1 in. larger diameter than the lower
ones, so that the whole line of pistons may be removed together.
By this arrangement the dismantling of the engine for cleaning
pui-poses becomes very simple, and the time usually taken for the
removal of a line of pistons and the cleaning and replacement of
these is from six to to ten hours, but if the engine is urgently
needed, this work can be carried out in three to four hours. A
considerable saving of time is effected by having a spai-e line of
pistons.

The lubrication of the engine is effected by means of plunger
ptimps working from an eccentric on the crank-shaft, these pumps
drawing the oil from the well of the crank-case through strainers.
The oil passes from the pumps through coolers, and so to the
various bearings of the engine ; the whole of the circulating
water for the engine first passes through these coolers. The
normal oil temperature at the inlet of the cooler is 74° C, and the
temperature at the return to the crank-case is 4.5° C. The oil is
pumped to the main liearings of the ci-ank-shaft, and then thi'ough
passages drilled in the crank-shaft to the crank-pins. From the
crank-pin the oil is again led up to the gudgeon pin. The bear-
ings of the cam-shaft are under forced lubrication, and the valve
tap|)ets. rollers, and pins are also fed from the same system. The
top cylinders and piston rods are lubricated by means of a separate
sight-feed lubricator mounted on the crank-case and driven from
the cam-shaft. A separate pump to each point renders this lubri-
cation absolutely certain.

The ignition is obtained by means of a magneto and transformer
coil. The sparking plugs are of a very heavy design and mica
insulated. A stand-by ignition is provided in the shape of an
accumulator which is switched on to the coil by means of a change-
over switch, but this is only used for testing the ignition, as no
trouble has been fovmd in starting direct from the magneto.

The engine is started by means of compressed air, which is
stored at a pressure of 300 lb. per sq. in. in six storage tanks,
each capable of giving five starts. The air is compressed by means
of two-stage compressors, and these are arranged in duplicate, one
being driven by a motor and the second by a small gas engine
drawing its supply of gas from the same main which feeds the
larger engines.

The cooling water fi-om the engine is piunped over a double-
drip natural-draught cooling tower by a Rees Roturbo pump deliver-

ing 12.000 gallons per hour against a heail of .'52 ft. This pump is
driven by a Ifi-H.P. s(|uirrel-cage motor. Stand-by sets are
provided in the form of a separate 'i-in. pump to each engine, each
pum)i l)eing driven by an 8-h.p. squirrel-cage motor running at
1.4011 H.l'.M.

It is, of course, es.-<i-ntial that the water used should lie reason-
ably free from impurities, and not exceed, say, 1.") i«?r cent, of hard-
ness, and it is also im|K)rtaiit that the tank of the cooling tower
l>e kei)t free from greiuse and oil.

A certain amount of coal dust is always present in the circulating
water of a colliery power station, but the application of a powerful
hose to the hand holds of the jackets about every thi-ee months is
sufficient to keep down this trouble, jimvided that the jackets ari'
designed, as the.v should be. to facilitate Hushing.

The ventilation of the crank-cases of the engines is effected by
meiins of .S-in. pipes coupled to the io\> of each crank-case, and
carried outside the 'engine-house terminating at the loj) of the
exhaust pipe above the silencers. By placing the outlet of this
ventilation pipe concentric with the outlet of the exhaust, an
ejector action takes place, which effectually scavenges the crank-
cases and prevents any accumulation of gas or oil vapour such as
would lie likely to cause au explosion in the crank-case.

The vi'utilation of the engine-house is effected by a HO-in. motor-
driven fan. and though this somewhat aggravates the coal-diist
nuisance, it is of great service in keeping down the sulphur fumes.
and thus protecting the exciter, commutators. A:c.

The gas supply is obtained from a battery of 110 Otto ovens ; Cio
of these are waste-heat ovens, and .")0 are of the regenerative type.
From the former about 1 5 per cent, of the total gas is avaUable,
and from the latter about 40 per cent.

After all the by-products are removed — that is, after the gas
has passed the benzole scrubbers — the gas is drawn to the engines
by means of a steam-driven exhauster of 00.000 cb. ft. \>er houi-
capacity. This exhauster is governed by a diaphragm governor
controlled by the pressure of the gas in the main at the engine
stop-valves. An electrically-driven exhauster is installed as a
stand-by. and this is controlled from the power-house switchboard,
and is capable of dealing with 30,000 cb. ft. per hour. This
exhauster is driven from a 10-h.p. motor by means of a silent
chain-drive. A further steam-di-iven exhauster is, however, to be
installed, as the electric exhauster is found to be scarcely large
enough for the work during peak loads.

The quantity of gas passing to the engines is measured l),v means
of a rotary meter, and the gas pressure at the stop- valve is registered
on an illuminated-dial pressiu-e-gauge in the power house. The
average gas pressure is approximately 10 in.

When the gas leaves the benzole scrubbers it contains about Hoo
grains of sulphuretted hydrogen in every 100 cb. ft. If this
sulphiu- were allowed to go through the engines, it would form
sulphurous acid, which would, of course, attack the inside of the
cylinders and the exhaust valves.

A further effect is that the presence of sulphur appears to cause
a certain amount of pi-e-ignition, or spontaneous ignition, of the
charge duiing the compression stroke. A possible reason for this
is that the presence of a small portion of the sulphuretted
hydrogen acts as an igniter, this sulphuretted hydrogen being more
liable than the rest of the gas to spontaneous combustion under
compression.

The gas is therefore purified by oxide of iron in a set of four
purifiers of the Wilbounie type, each 20 ft. square by .5 ft. deep.
The boxes hold about 30 tons of oxide in two tiers on ordinary
grids. Two classes of oxide — " Lux " and " Bog " — are used.
These boxes are worked on what is known as the '" backward
rotation " principle. Ail- to the extent of 25 or 3 per cent, is
drawn in at the exhauster, and this air supply plays a very im-
portant part in the revivifying of the oxide in the purifiers.

In order to check the amount of air flowing into the exhauster,
it is passed through a small rotary meter. The spent oxide after
being taken from the boxes is revivified by being spread out and
exposed to the air. When this oxide is no longer capable of taking
up any further sulphur, a ready market is found for it, the present
value of oxide containing 50 per cent, of sulphur being A2 per ton,
and the revenue thus obtained pays for the oxide and the cost of
laboiu' on the purifiers.

After the gas has passed through the purifiers, it is taken to the
engines. Its average composition is : — CO2, SC per cent. ; CnHn,
2G per cent. : CO. Ttj per cent. ; O. 03 per cent. : H, 50'2 per
cent. ; CH4. 30'1 per cent. ; N. h% per cent.

The calorific value of this gas varies between 500 and 550 B.TH.U.,
the average value being 520 B.TH.U. The total sulphur contained
in the gas after passing the purifiers is less than 50 grains per
100 cb. ft., and a further advantage of the purifiers is that they
absolutely eliminate the last traces of any tar which may be left
in the gas after passing the benzole scrubbers. This freedom from
tar is of considerable benefit to the engine, as trouble from valve
sticking is absolutely unknown, and not the slightest trace of tar ,
has ever been found in the engine.

The current from the generators is delivered to a 13-panel
switchboard, consisting of one voltage-regulating panel, three
generator panels, one summarising panel, and seven outgoing
feeder panels. A testing panel is also included in the power-house
equipment, and suitable means for testing motors up to full load
are provided by means of a ' Walker' air-brake dynamometer.
• The motors connected to the mains aggregate approximately
1.700 H. p.. and operate the whole of the coke-oven machinery, the
fans, haulages, belts, shakers, fitting shops, saw-mills, 6:c. The
lighting load coimected averages about 70 KW. The daily load on
the station reaches peaks of 1,050 KW.. and the average load during
the 24 hours would approximate 580 KW. The station is running
continuously, seven days per week.

Vol. 79. No. 2,021, AUGUST 18, u.Kj.] THE ELECTKICAL REVIEW.

17^

Dining' the initial runninff of the plant, some trouble was
experienced due to the difficulty of obtaining satisfactory mixint;-
of the very rich gas and air. The main sras-pipe to each engrine
was reduced for a distance of about 10 ft. to an internal diameter
of 2i in., and on reaching: the enjrine was led into the mixiuj;
chamber for a distance of about l! in. Entering the mixing
chamber at right angles to this pipe, and about 3 in. above its end.
was an auxiliary air supply, controlled by a diaphrjurm governor.
The ga.^ admitted to the mixing chamber was then diluted here by
a certain quantity of air. A further air supply, controlled by a
hand-lever from the di-iving platform, was led direct into the
chamber of the governor valve, where the diluted gas and air met.
After passing through the chamber of the governor valve the
mixture was given a rotatory motion by means of a set of vanes,
and was also very thoroughly mixed by being passed through a set
of ]>erforated plates. With this device no overheating or pre-
ignition is noticed, and the engines can be run up to and above
their rated capacity without trouble.

The exhaust ga.ses are analysed at stated times, or as the need
arises, and the percentage of carbon monoxide is noted. The result
aimed at in the analysis of the exhaust gases is to obtain an' excess
of air. consistent with the engine giving its full power.

In conjunction with the chemist, and by regular analysis of the
exhaust gases, combined with instructions to the drivers to drive
by the pressure gauge, the gas consumption was reduced to 12-J
million cb. ft. per month in May. 1914. During the nextsix months
the consumption was again reduced, the load during this time
remaining approximately at the same value. This goes to prove
the important part which exhaust-gas analysis plays in the
successful and economical running of these engines. The average
Lif good working results shows : —

will, if kept in good oi-der. go up to 10,5 lb. or liiS lb. at the end of
1 2 months" running.

In the discussion. Mr. Wm. Selvey stated that the efficiency of the
latest type of this engine was exceedingly high, as he had found in
a test, from which the following results were obtained : —

Carbon dioxide

Oxygen

t'arbon monoxide

Nil.

The present consumption is apjuoximately 39 cb. ft. per
KW.-hour.

The wearing quality of the engines is particularly good, and the
repaii's needed have been very small. The total cost of repairs,
including wages and spare parts used, for 12 months, is 0037d. per
unit generated, which cannot be called excessive.

The most tried part of a gas engine of the type under discussion
is the exhaust valve, and the material which has been found to be
the best for the work is nickel steel.

With regard to the ignition, the low -tension magneto and coil
transformer are most reliable, and no failure whatever of these
parts has occurred. Sparking-plugs, on the whole, appear to give
very little trouble, the most frequent cause of failure of a plug
being the widening of the gap. due to the bui'ning of the points,
and Cless frequently) short-circuiting due to fouling by oil.

The engines can be got away on the magneto, from cold, in eight
seconds. This has been done many times, and with a good man
on the switchboard, a machine can be paralleled in 27> seconds.
This assumes that two men are available tor the operation. With
only one man to do the running-up and paralleling, one minute
would ;veiy easily suffice. With such results it surely cannot be
said that the modern gas eng-ine is difficult to start.

The plant now described has no stand-by for lOJ hours out of
the 24. and during that lOi hours is run up to. or very little below,
its full capacity. These conditions have prevailed for the past 12
months without one involuntary stop.

Finally, as to the cost of maintenance : during the 12 months
ended June 30th. 1915. 3.378.440 units were generated at an
average cost of 0'132d. per imit. The capital cost of the plant was
£12.247. and it had been in operation two years at the commence-
ment of July, 1914. The costs include all charges except interest
on capital, depreciation, and gas used. The items are as follows : —

Management (portion allocated toixiwerliouse')... 0'009d.

Drivers' wages ... ... ... ... ... O'OSld.

Cleaners' wages ... ... ... ... ... iru23d.

Oil, water, waste, &c 0'022d.

Sundry stores ... ... (ro02d.

Repairs, including labour ... (l'U37d.

Purifiers, including lalxiur and oxide ... ... 0'208d.

0'132d.

The power-house staff consists of nine men : a foreman driver,
tour drivers, and four cleaners. The shifts are of eight hours'
'luratiou.

A vital question in the running of this type of plant is lubrica-
tion. As far as possible the lightest oil should be selected.

A well-known maker of gas engines recommends one drop per
minute jier inch of cylinder diameter. The plant under discussion
is run at one drop per minute per 3 in. of cylinder diameter.
During a continuous run of one week with an average load of
280 KW. the oU consumption for the whole of the engine, including
crank-case make-up, was 12i gallons.

A good crank-case oil has been found to remain in good condition
for 12 months before requiring removal. The amount of the oil
in the crank-case is about 90 gallons, and about 50 per cent, of this
is recovered in sufficiently good condition after filtration to use as
.1 make-np oil for the crank-case. It is advisable to make a test of
the crank-case oil at least once in six months to determine its
condition.

The average compression of the engines is about 105 lb. per
~'l in., but they have Ijeen run with it as high as 120 lb., though
It this compression very skilful driving was necessary to prevent
I'le-ignition. It is usual to find that the compression increases as
the engine runs in. An engine put to work at 100-lb. compression

Heat consumption ;„ „,,^q„

Load and b.h.p.

B.TH.r. (referred to lower
calorific value of gas).

Thermal efftciency,
per cent.

Full load (609'3)
i load C'l-')9'7)
•i load (305)
Overload 0!68'5)

8.130
9.225

10.800
8.320

313
27'6
23-5
3(l'(;

In a case in which he had been interested he found that violent
pre-ignitiou was accompanied by very high sulphuretted-hydrogen
contents in the gas. He searched contemporary records as regards
the explosibility of sulphuretted hydrogen, but coidd find nothing.
It was very curious that the bog ore purifiers appeared to remove
tar as well as sidphmetted hydrogen. Pre-ignition had often
been attributed to "tar fog " causing deposits in the cylinder, but
he had found pre-ignition to be violent where, although "'tar fog "" was
undoubtedly present, the deposit in the cylinder was quite wet
and oily.

Mr. W. B. "Woodhouse said that if the surplus heat from coke
ovens was to be used for the production of steam, there was no
doubt that the waste-heat oven would give the bigger surplus.
The advantages of the regenerative oven in other directions were,
however, so considerable that the present-day tendency was
altogether in favour of their use. The authors claim that by
using surplus heat from ovens in gas engines it was possible to
develop three to four times the power that could be obtained from
the use of waste-heat under boilers, was a serious over-statement of
the case. The initial or no-load consumption of a gas engine was
some 30 to 40 per cent, of the full-load consumption, whereas that
of a steam turbine was from 10 to 20 per cent. This being so. the
relative consumption on commercial loads with load factors of
between 25 and 50 per cent, was increased over that required at
full load, much more in the case of the gas engine than in the case
of the steam turbine'. The engines that the author dealt with
were not large gas engines, and could not lie economically used in
large power stations. Further objections to gas engines were the
high capital cost of the plant and the high initial fuel consumption
and relative inefficiency at light loads. There were a number of
motors driving auxiliary machinery necessary for the gas'engine
plant : the power required for these pui'poses was internal to the
generating plant, and in making a statement of costs should
have been deducted from the total output. The addition of capital
charges would, of course, considerably increase the figure stated.
The author was using a very small proportion of the total gas from the
ovens. If his generating station were linked up to a power-supply
system such as they had in Yorkshire, the whole of the gas could
be utilised for the production of electricity, and benefit would
accrue to the colliery owner in finding a market for the surplus,
and to the power company in obtaining a soiu-ce of cheap fuel.
The future utilisation of its fuel resources was a miitter of vital
importance to the country, and one in which the public supply of
electricity must take a large and important part.

Mk. W. E. Burxajsd said the engines could hardly te called
large gas engines, since the use of eight cylinders to produce 50u H.P.
represented a power-producing imit of only 62^ H.P.. so that many
conditions which had occurred with really large sets were avoided
in these machines. With large cylindei-s most troubles were
traceable to the piston head and combustion-chamber walls
receiving many more heat units per square inch of surface than in
the case of a small cylinder. When large cylinders were put to
work, it was found that the surfaces received very much more
heat than in the smaller sizes, thus showing conclusively that a
great deal of the heat which had to be conducted away by the
cylinder and combustion-chamber walls was due to radiation from
the body of the gas. Two possible ways of dealing with it were
to get as near as possible to flameless non-radiant combustion of
' the gases inside the cylinders, either by perfect mixture of the air
and gas before ignition or by a modification of the gas giving a
less i-adiant flame, and by creating inside the cylinder, and pre-
ferably adjacent to the wall of the combustion chamber, a sort of
fog impervious to the radiant energy, thus preventing this energy
reaching the cylinder walls, and confining it mainly to the body of
the ignited gases.

Mk. S. Simpson said there was still a surplus of 50 per cent, of
gas which by co-operation with the electricity supply authorities
would have a definite market value, and could lie entirely utUised
if local conditions permitted. The author said the present gas
consumption was 39 cb. ft. per KW.-hour.. but the coasumption during
1913-14 apparently was 53'5 cb. ft. per KW.-hour. Low consump-
tion figures were dependent entirey upon full-load conditions, which
were not realised continuously in actual working.

In the United Kingdom, during 1914. some 12 million tons of
coke were produced in coke ovens, and if these were all of the
by-product recovery type, the surplus gas available tor power pro-
duction would yield 1,000 million units per annum, or a steady
output of 115,000 KW. Further, considering blast furnaces,
892 million tons of pig-iron were produced during the year, and
the surplus gas available for power production would yield 1,785
million units per annum, or a steady output of 200.00U KW. These
two economies would supply at least 50 per cent, of the total
colliery power requirements of the country, and in view of the fact
that 6 to 8 per cent, of the coal tonnage output was used by col-
lieries for their own requirements, some 9 to 10 million tons of
coal per annum would thus be saved, and set free for other

iTy

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW. [Voi. 79. no. 2.021, august is, 191c.

industrial requirements,
suhmitttni the- foUowin
total {reneration costis : —

3.378.440 units ^'enerated. and. say. 3.21
circuits.

AVith regard to the workinsr costs, he
amendments to the statement of the

lO units %o the colliery

Item.

Jlanajrement. wages, oil, waste,
water, stores, repairs and purifiei's

Interest at 5 per cent, and deprecia-
tion at 7 j per cent, on £12,247

Gas, Iti'i million cb. ft. at 3d. per
1,000 cb, ft

Total, with no spare plant
Interest and depreciation for fourth
set (spare), say. 12J jier cent, of
.*;4,t)00 ... "

Total costs

Penoe pt?r
unit (gross
generated).

Pt^nce per unit

(net, i.e.y to the

colliery).

0-423

The above results were undoubtedly very good, but he was sure
that the author would find ntany supply authorities who would
only have Ijeen too jjlad. if they were within reach of him, to take
on this colliery loatl at. say, 110 per cent, of his cost per unit.
Were this possible, it would certainly have paid the colliery com-
pany, and saved them a capital outlay of £12.000 on what was (,so
far as they were concerned) improductive plant. This would have
paid for 12 additional regenerative coke ovens, with the result that
a corresponding increase in the profits would Ije obtained from the
coking and by-products, owing to the improved efficiency of
working and increased yields from the larger installation. At the
same time, the supply authority would have been a most likely
customer for all the surplus gas. The most economical means for
the production of electrical power from coke-oven gas must depend
upon the party with whom the choice lay. If with the colliery
company, then for a relatively small installation, where sets not
exceeding 300 Kw. each could be conveniently used, gas engines would
show probably 20 per cent, better economy over the year's woi-king.
though capital and repair charges would be higher. There was no
question that for 1,500-KW. capacity and over, the gas-fired boiler,
in conjunctiou with a steam turlx)-generator installation, was the
soundest commercial practice, and as regards economy of operation,
it was now possible, with the improved efficiency of gas-fired
boOers and turbine plants, to obtain consumption efficiencies under
working conditions practically equal to the gas-engine perform-
ance. The difference was certainly not worth the extra capital and
repair charges.

" Fluvcnt " Fuses.

Notable imin'ovements havf been made in the construction of
the •" Fluveut " fuses developed by Messrs. P.vnMiTKR. Hope and
SUfiDEN. IjTn.. of Hulnie Electrical Works. Manchester, and they
are now supplied combined with switches, and in many other
forms ; large feeder switchboards of the tot ally -eni^loseil ironclad
type, built up on the firm's patent unit system and e<iuipped with
Fluvent fuses, are being made, and large numbers of them have
been supplied to the Government in connection with new factories.
The Fluvent fuse as now standardised is of the handle type, with

— ' Fluve.nt " Fl-SE.

the fuse wire placed diagonally across a tube in the handle ; tlif
contacts are at the sides instead of the ends of the tube, and the
wire passes from the contacts into the interior through small
holes in the porcelain, which prevent any tendency te arc from
contact to contact. Moreover, the oblique position of the fuse wiiv
in the tube tends to blow the arc away from the contacts instead

■^

NEW ELECTRICAL DEVICES, FITTINQS,
AND PLANT.

Novel Cooking Device.

The Ruvio Electric Co., of M. Broad Street, Xew York.
U.S.A.. has recently developed a heating device principally for egg
cooking, warming small quantities of food, Arc. The food is
cooked or warmed by steam generated by the passing of current
through a small quantity of water, between two carbon electrodes.
It is claimed that the amount of water may be adjusted, so that it
will be entirely converted to steam at the end of a definite period,
thus automatically shutting off the current and preventing over-

Fiu. :i— r.NDEK Side or "Fluve-vt" Fuse.

of towards them. Hence it is possible to have a fuse with a very
short break, reducing the watts lost and the mass of metal
involved to the minimum. As the customary tables of fusing currents
obviously do not apply under these conditions, a suitable table for

Fig. 1.— Electrical Ego-Cooker.

cooking. The device consists of a base b, in which rests a porce-
lain dish A. with a cover F ; a small well c contains the water.
The groove o. in which the cover rests is of sufficient capacity to
hold as much water as the well, and catches the condensation from
the cover thus limiting the time of operation of the device. The
eggs are carried on a perforated plate. The carbon electrodes are
impregnated with salts which the water absorbs thus lowering
its resistance ; it is claimed that one and a-half teaspoonfuls of
water will cook four eggs.

It will be noted that the device is an electrolytic one. and no
doubt is designed to avoid the possible formation of an explosive
mixture of gases.

Fig. 4. — Row of Bases akd Cover Plates, from the Re.ib.

copper wire is printed on the bottom of the fuse plug. The holes
through which the wire is threaded prevent the insertion of wires
much too large for the capacity of the fuse. An incidental
advantage of the arrangement is that while in air copper fuse
wire reaches dull red heat at about 75 per cent, of its blowing
current, in the Fluvent fuse this takes place only at S9 per cent. ;
thus the principal drawback to the use of copper wire is practically

Vol. 79. No. 2,021. August IS, 1916.] THE ELECTEICAL REVIEW,

179

eliminated, and numbers of these fuses, grouped together, can he
run sufficiently near their blowing currents to satisfy almost any
requirement. In withdrawing a live fuse carrier, the china base
below the contacts wipes the contacts and chills the arc. blottinfr
it out suddenly and without danger ; and the an-angement of the
side contacts and the fuse wire enables full advantage to be taken
of the magnetic field due to the contacts to blow out the arc when
the fuse is blown. Every part of the device is made accurately to
gauge, and any of the fuse bridges will always fit any Fluvent
base.

The system has been subjected to very severe tests by the testing
department of the Manchester Corporation electricity works,
some of which we have recorded. A D.C., 1.5()-KW.. 440-volt
motor-generator has been repeatedly short-circuited through a
couple of the fuses in series, similar experiments have been made
with the current gradually raised to the fusing value, with in-
ductance in circuit, and more recently a xiiit/le Fluvent fuse of
standard type has been short-circuited across a 40U-volt motor-
generator — in every case without damage to the fuse and base.

The firm has recently opened an office in Westminster, where
sample fuses can be seen.

CORRESPONDENCE.

Letters receired hi/ j/s after 5 P,M, ON Tuesday eaiitwt appear nntil
the fnlloimnti iceek. CorresponAtn^^ xhould forward their cnmmvni-
cathmx at the earliest possible moment. Xo letter can he puhlifhed
unless we hare the writer s name and address in ovr possession.

The Employment of Disabled Sailors and Soldiers.

I have read your excellent account in the Review, of August 4th,
of the training at the Northampton Institute. I think electrical
engineers would be interested to know that there is also a school
in connection with the Queen JIary's Auxiliary Hospital, at
Roehampton, which gives preliminary training during the time
the men are waiting to be fitted with artificial limbs. Those who
show ability in the electrical shop, when discharged, can have
further instruction at the Polytechnic, Regent Street, and a large
number of men have obtained suitable employment, and firms
wanting men to look after private installations, motors, kc. should
apply to Mr. Dudley B. Myers, Hon. Secretary of the Employment
Bureau, Roehampton House. S.W.. who tells me that the training
scheme has proved a great success, and that the applications from
the public have exceeded the uumlierof men available. Instruction
is also given in motor driving and other trades.

The question of deduction of pension, which you rightly term
■' an incentive to idleness," should be settled at once, a.s the dis-
abled men will probably in some cases lose their jobs when the
large number of mechanics now in the Army return to work, and
it would be more consistent to put aside the amount deducted from
the pension, while the man is at work, and let him have it later,
if through no fault of his own he is unemployed.

Killiagworth Hedges.

Member of the Committtee of the I.E. E. for the Employment of
Disabled Sailor.i and Soldiers.
August 10th. 1916.

Dry Battery Manufacture.

We notice an advertisement in your current issue inquiring for
Swiss and Dutch dry batteries.

If possible we should very much like to know if the advertiser
has no faith in British manufactures, or is it merely a case of buy-
ing in the cheapest market ?

British Battery Manufacturer.

Tar as Fuel.

Will you kindly favour me with some information, through the
medium of your valuable paper, relating to the use of "' tar " as a
liquid fuel tor Babcock i: Wilcox boilers .'

H. C. C.

Pernambuco, Brazil. ./«/;/ lOth. 191(5.

Whither Are We Drifting ?

As each strenuous week draws to a close, it is usually one's
recreation to turn to the weekly papers for light mental refresh-
ment, and your issue this week is of more than ordinary interest.

Your leader on the Paris Conference concludes with the hope
that Protection may be the outcome, with secm-ity to om- industry
and progress in our business ; if Protection comes, will the result
be in every way satisfactory, or shall we fall asleep behind the
sheltering Tariff Wall ? ioi equally able article in this week's
Truth (p. 220) gives the other side.

The most interesting item is contained on p^e 143 of your issue,
and deals with the electrical undertakings in Berlin. Notwith-
standing the war, famine in food and metals, financial stress, and
all the other disadvantages that we all hope are existing there, here
is clear evidence of brains working and achievements accomplished
by the German people.

Compare the results achieved in Berlin with those of London in
the matter of electrical supply. In London. Committees have sat

for years, evidence has been collected, and things remain as the.v
were, except that a few of the smaller imdertakings are considering
linking up.

Near Berlin, within 12 mouths of the outbreak of war. a station
of 180,000 Kw. was erected and working for the production of
nitrates — a station equal in capacity to that of the combined
stations in London 1

In the article on t he 'Victoria Fal Is Co. (page 1 .5 1 ) the strong power
of German finance stands out ; when shall we be in a position to
command financial aid in like manner .' In the article, a powerful
weapon against German electrical trade lies to hand imused. In a
few lines Mr. Price draws attention to the defects of German plant ;
why are these defects not set out in detail .' A few of them arc
known to me from first-hand evidence, and even they form a record
of disasters which cannot be equalled in any British station fitted
with British plant. That this is not an isolated case the experience
at Shanghai bears out. The facts should be set out in detail as a
warning to the cheap buyer of narrow views (there are still plenty
left), and as a guide to our own designers. The ai'ticle on German
Preparations for Peace (page 1.53). is worthy of careful considera-
tion ; again there is evidence of brains, energy and action.

Well, what are we doing ? Notices of various Committees are
seen in the Press, but the names of prominent business men with
weight and financial power are not in evidence. What will be the
result of the laboiu's of all the Committees — useful and strong
action or only the preparation of masterly minutes .'

With a knowledge of nearly every large electrical engineering
factory in Europe, I know the need for action is great on the part
of the British electrical industry. Is education necessary / See
the salaries offered to attract teachers — in many cases they do not
exceed those earned by an industrious tradesman with no education
at all I The municipality of Portsmouth ■ is now advertising for
" The head of mechanical and civil engineering department " of
the technical school at -6225 per annum.

After this war we should possess everything that makes a great
nation. Reputation for honesty, credit, and power. What shall we
make of it .'

When our businesses were small, individual and personal atten-
tion made them successful : now the world's businesses are large
we appear to lack the means of conducting them. If we are to
remain a great nation, even of shopkeepers, let us get behind the
counter without delay and put the shop in order.

J. Shepherd,

Leeds. Aiifinst IVh. I'.iKi.

WAR ITEMS.

South American Black List. — Lord R. Cecil, replying to
a question in Parliament the other day, said that there were
443 names on the statutory lists of enemy traders in South
America, the majority being German firms or persons.

Export Prohibitions. — .A number of headings previously
included in the list of exportation prohibitions are now to be
removed^ according to a . notice appearing in the London
Gazette for August loth. A number of new headings are
added.

Picnic for Dependents. — Bolton Corporation tramway
employes, on .August 10th, provided a picnic for the wives
and children of their comrades now with the' Forces, Cars
■were lent by the Tramways Committee, and toys and prizes
were given by members of the Corporation.

Liebknecht and A. E.G. Employes. — The Rotterdam cor-
respondent of the Daily Chromde quotes a Gennan paper as
saying that " after the conviction of Liebknecht, disorders
were the order of the day. The people were furious over his
conviction. Amongst others, all the workmen of the General
Electricity Co. (?A.B.G.) struck work. The following morn-
ing 2,000 of them were sent to the Front."

Patents in War=time. — In the House of Commons, last
Week. Mr. Peto asked the President of the Board of Trade
whether he intended to introduce a Bill to arnend the Patent
Law so as to give further period for working patents the
operation of which had been interfered with by the war: and,
if so, whether such legislation would be introduced before
the adjournment of the House. In reply, it was stated that
the President of the Board of Trade would not be in a posi-
tion to introduce legislation amending the Patents and Designs
Act before the adjournment.

Italy and Enemy Traders. — Renter's Rome correspondent
says that a Government Decree has been published prohibiting
Italian citizens, including those residing abroad, and all
persons living in Italy or her Colonies, from trading, first,
with persons, institutions, or companies established in enemy
teiritory, or territory occupied by the enemies of Italy, or the
allies of enemy States; second, with subjects of the above-
mentioned States, wherever they may reside; third, with per-
sons, commercial firms, or companies whose names appear
on a special list.

Another Decree places under the control of the Government
for their eventual liquidation all commercial enterprises exist-
ing in the kingdom whose managers or chief shareholders are
subjects of States enemies of Italy, or allies of enemy States.—
Daily Telegraph.

180

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW, [voi. 79. no. 2,021. august is. i916.

Australian Zinc and Spelter. — According to an announce-
ment made by Mr. Hughes, the Prime Minister of .\ustralia,
at Melbourne last week, the Imperial Government has agreed
to take a lar^e proportion of the output of Australian zinc
concentrates durmg the war and 100.000 tons yearly for ten
years after the war. The Imperial Government has also
agreed to advance jE500,000 on \Var Loan terms for the erec-
tion of plants in Australia and to take 45,000 tons per annum
of .Australian spelter. Negotiations are proceeding with
Franco and Belgium to take the remainder of the concen-
trates produced in the Commonwealth.

Canada and tiermany. — Mr. J. W. Woods, president of
the Canadian Trade Commission, now on a visit to this
country, said the other day that he did not think that Canada
would want to have anything to do with Germany after the
war. " We are going to cut them out entirely." Mr. Faith-
full Begg. speaking at the same function, siiid that he had
made up his mind to have nothing to do with anything that
was German. He would not shut the door upon Germany
for all time, but until she had the opportunity of demonstrat-
ing that her pre-^ent attitude of mind had pas.sed, and that
she had ceased to be literaUy a criminal lunatic in politics and
diplomacy.

The Commissioners are this week making a torn- of the
manufacturing centres of the United Kingdom.

Japan and the Economic Conference. — According to a
Renter dispatch in the Financier, » joint meeting of the
Chambers of Commerce of Japan, attended by the presidents
of the Chambers of Commerce of every city in the country,
was held there last week. A resolution was passed unarii-
mously agreeing to feupport the decisions of the Allies'
Economic Conference in Paris as regards measures to be
adopted both during and after the war. Mr. Nakano, presi-
dent of the Tokio Chamber of Commerce, addressed the
raeetmg, dwelling on the advantages of the Russo-Japanese
agreement.

German Preparations Abroad.— The " Times " special
correspondent at Amsterdam quotes the following note from
'■ Die Post," Berlin : —

"German merchants, principals and employes, unable to
return home from overseas, have settled in American ports
where they are making themselves as useful as possible'
China, the United States, and South America are the prin-
cipal fields of their new commercial activitie.'J. They have
succeeded with remarkable skill in adapting themselves to
their new conditions. German firms in South America after
the cessation of the arrival of German goods, are working for
native firms or for account of neutral firms. England's
attempts to prevent this have been mostlv ineffective The
organisation of German trade overseas stands as firmly as
ever, and the German business worid abroad looks with all
confidence to the period after the war."

u?^^,"^ oP'''[" J^^'Sraph New York correspondent quotes the
Wallbtreet Journal as claunmg to have good authority for
th^ statement that Germany and Austria are endeavouring to
effect record-breakmg purchases of copper in the States
-Negotiations, it is asserted, are under wav for hnvinri
2.50.000 000 to .500,000.00) lb. of the metal, oT all the copne?
available for export in 1917. The metal is to be stored until

?r^,% I -^TU ^ff' i'^^'J .l^'PR"l '° Germany, Austria, and
Turkey. The efforts of the Dady Telegraphs correspondent
to obtam confirmation of this seemingly rather wild statement
were unsuccessful up to the time of cabling "

It will be remembered that somewhat similar reports gained
currency at a much earlier stage of the war fo >^"

hJ?h \ ^^^"°f T^Pj-?"''^'^*^'' '"Sf^^ of companies ordered
^»i!''!u-^°S'"'' °^ ^s'^^'^^ }° ^^ ^°'i°d »P under the Trading
withjhe Enemy Amendment Act, 1916, include the follow-

Bohler Bros. & Co., Sheffield, steel manufacturers. Con-
troller : G. C. Webster, 6, Orchard Street. Sheffield

S. Reich & Co., 15, Clerkenwell Road. E.G.. glass manufae
turers. Controller : W\ A. Slade. 9. Old Jewry Chambers, E C

Smion Menze . 15, Seethmg Lane, London. E.G.. iron mer^
chant. Controller : G. Bostock. 21. Ironmonger Lane E C

Levy & Soicher, 15 Seething Lane. E.G., iron merchants.
Controller ; G. Bostock, aa above.

Duron Co., Ltd., 1, Manchester Road. Bradford, manufac-
turers and dealers in oils. fats, and chemicals. ControUer •
W. B. Hardmg, Central Bank Chambers Leeds

C, P. Goerz Optical Works. Ltd.. 4/5, Holborn Circus E C
opticians. Controller: C. Field. Broad Street Avenue ' E c''

Gnmme ISatalis & Co.. Ltd., 46, Cannon Street' EC
agents for the sale of calculating machines. ControUer '• L l'
Samuels, 7, Norfolk Street, Manchester ' ' '

International Metal Co.. Ltd., 1 & 2, Bucklersburv Lon-
don E.G., metal merchants. Controller: W. H King 13
Basmghall Street, E.G. ^' '

Westinghouse War Fund.— WV have received a copy of
tlie balance sheet of the Briti.sh Westinghouse Employes' War
Relief Fund for the period ended June 30th, 1916. A meeting
ot the delegates is ,to be held to-day, Mr. J. H. Tearle pre-
siding. The number of employes who have joined the Forces
1.? 2,100. The total receipts from August, 1914, to June 1916
have amounted to £27.966. of which d£18,942 has been con-
tributed by employes and £8,791 bv the company. The pay-
ments to dependents have been £15.648; Christmas gifts re-
quired £885, donations to local and national funds have been

£780, there ha.< been transferred to Disablement and Depen-
dents' Fund £6.000. and a balance of £4.:>'.I0 is in hand The
last two of these sums, amounting together to .£10.480. are
invested as to £8,783 in Treasury Bills and £1,697 is at the
bank. The statement is signed by Mr. W. C Mann as hon.
secretary to the fund, and by Messrs. W. Bryden and J.
Longden. the hon. auditors.

Report on Disabled Soldiers as Drivers.— We read in the
Times- that the Committee appointed by the Home Secretary
last January to consider how far disabled soldiers could be
employed in the driving of motor-cabs, mutor-omnibuses or
tramcars has issued an adverse, but definite and unanimous,
report. Having regard to the normal conditions of traffic in
the Metropolis, it holds that the logical outcome of lowering
the physical standard would be to increase the street casual
ties. It is recommended that men who have lost an eye. a
hand, an arm, a fiH)t. or a leg, should not be granted licences.
The case of men suffering from minor disabilities do not,
they think, require any hard-and-fast rule, but each should
br! considered on its merits, and a specialist called in to
advise if necessary.

The Committee points out that even under the present
strict regime " there is no margin of safety to spare." and
this consideration plainly underlies all the recommendations.
More than once it is stated that " the .safety of the public is
the first consideration." It is mentioned that over V.fXX)
drivers of tram-cars, omnibuses, and cabs in London have
joined his Majesty's Forces. Assuming that the great majority
of these are serving with the Mechanical Transport, where
casualties are comparatively light, most of these men may be
expected to return to their fonner employment. The infer-
ence to be drawn is probably that it w-ould be hard for these
drivers to find their places filled by incapacitated men to
whom licences had been granted by misplaced sympathy in
defiance of the requirements of public safety.

U.S. Tariff Policy for After the War. — In June last, lx>-
fore the National Gas Engine .Association, at Chicago, Dr.
F.' R. Rutter, Assistant Chief of the U.S. Bureau of Foreign
and Domestic Commerce, urged the ncce.s.sity for a Kcttjcd
.•American tariff poHcy. He said that if the country was to
hold its own in the bitter competition for trade that would
follow the war, the Government must lie given the oppor-
tu'nity to make favourable commercial treaties with foreign
countries. It must be borne in mind that concessions could
not be obtained in the tariffs of other countries if they were
not willing to make concessions themselves. " A fixed com-
mercial policy is particularly necessary at the jiresent time.
With rumours of trade agreements that will give preferential
rates ot duty between the allies, and with rumours ot a
Customs union to cover Germany and.Vustria-Hungary, we
must be' in a position to know definitely the effect on our
industries of any proposed foreign action." Dr. Rutter re-
garded the proposed tariff commission as a step in the right
direction, as it was authorised to study commercial conditions
and to advise regarding commercial policies and commercial
treaties, and in this way would be of the greatest possible
assistance in establishing a settled tariff' policy.

Exemption Applications. — Surrey Appeal Court has re-
fu.sed exemption to Mr. A. E. Chatworthy (39), electrician,
who pleaded conscientious principles.

Before the Warwickshire Tribunal, the Stratford-on-Avon
Electric Light Co., Ltd., applied for exemption until August
8th in favour of Mr. A. L. Smith (28). electrician, to be
extended. It was stated that he was the only competent
man left, and a substitute could not be found. Exemption
was allowed until October 31st.

St. Albans Rural Tribunal granted a certificate of condi-
tional exemption to Mr. D. T. Webb (39), electrician at the
Herts County Asylum. Hill End,

.At the Buxton Tribunal, conditional exemption was ap-
pealed for on behalf of a foreman fitter, 28 years of age,
employed by a finn of electrical engineers, by his employer.
The latter stated that the man was employed entirely on .skilled
work other than driving, and including the working repairs
to 10 commercial cars. He also had the supervision of a shell-
making department. The Gas Works and Electricity Works
relied on this man in all cases of emergency. He also did
electrical work in connection with several of the local hos-
pitals. He was married, with a wife and two children, and
came from a munition works to witness, and had been with
him since some two or three months after war was declared.
He had not done A stroke of work on pleasure cars for
months. He was fairly represented as a mechanic retained
for repairs of plant, machinery, and tools. Temporary exemp-
tion granted for six months. untU January 28th, 1917.

A final month's exemption has been granted by the Merthyr
Tydfil Tribunal to Albert .John Davies (31), electrician at the
Oddfellows' Hall at Dowlais.

Temporary exemption until October 1st has been granted
to J. E. Bearpark, electrician at the Queen's Theatre, Castle-
ford (Yorks.).

At Castleford (Yorks.), on August 8th. Mr. C. J. Cox (32),
electrical engineer, appealed for himself and his assistant,
P A. Aldridge (23),. financial reasons being urged, together
with the plea that the work done was of an indispensable
character. Mr. Cox said that out of 19 men. two only were
left; one had to go, and the other was Aldridge. He had con-
tracts to keep in order the electrical plant at works of
national importance, and the appeals were supported by letters

2,021, August 18, 1916] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

181

from local firms. Mr. Cox was given conditional exemption,
but the appeal for Aldridge was refused.

Before the Manx Appeal Tribunal, J. E. Gregun, electric
mechanic, engaged with the Manx Electric Railway Co., ap-
pealed against exemption until the end of July. The exemp-
tion was extended until September 12th to carry him over
tbp season.

An Eastbourne electrician, who said that he would join
up forthwith if he had anyone to carry on the business for
him, has been given 12 weeks' exemption.

At Maidstone, the Corporation Electricity Committee ap-
pealed for six coal loaders, and, on the ground of public
utility, they were conditionally exempted.

Before the Hants Appeal Court, on .\ugust .8th, the Alder-
shot District Traction Co. appealed for two fitters, who were
claimed to be indispensable owing to the depletion of the
staff. It was suggested that the men were in certified occu-
pations, but this was not accepted by the Tribunal. The
appeals were dismissed.

At Aldershot, on August 8th, Messrs. Burch & Vertue ap-
pealed to the Hants Tribunal against refusal of exemption
t 1 .T. F. White (32), electric fitter and wireman, who assists
to keep in repair 60 motors used for industrial purposes, and
the contracts for the maintenance of fire alarms, military
electric bells, and lighting installations. As all the other
men appealed for by the firm had beeii exempted, the appeal
was dismissed.

At Hastings, Messrs. Adams & Jarrett asked for extended
exemption for their wireman, C. J. Perks (30). It was
stated that Perks was the only man on the staff who could
do their electrical work, and, in addition, they were keeping
going the business of Mr. Skinner, electrician, while he was
engaged in Government service at Woolwich Ar-^enal. All
efforts to fill the place through the Labour Exchange and
Electrical Association had failed. The Military opposed any
further period, but the Tribunal gave unlimited conditional
exemption.

Bath Tribunal has refused an appeal for exemption for
A. B. \\'ilLs (33), on the clerical staff of the Bath Electric
Tramways, Ltd.

An appeal by E. G. Reynolds (28), electrician, engaged at
the Eedhill Kinema Royal, was dismissed by the Reigatc
Tribunal, but he was given until September l.st.

Xt Eeigate, an appeal was made by Mr. H. G. Francis,
electrical engineer, of Eedhill, to the Surrey Tribunal, against
nfusal by the local tribunal of his claim as a conscientious
objector. The facts have already been given in the ElectricaFj
Review, and he was now supported by coun.sel. who also
urged that Mr. Francis was indispensable in the bu.siness with
which he was connected. The Chairman said that Mr. Francis
must make some sacrifice, and he was given time to find
uork of national importance.

At Maldon (Essex) Tribunal, exemption was refused to G.
^'esty, electric wireman and fitter, engaged with Mr. H. P.
Uirhng.

A firm of electrical engineers at Eastbourne appealed to the
East Sussex Tribunal for the retention of an apprentice, who
has two years to serve under his indentures. The appeal was
dismissed, but leave was given to take the case to the Central
Tribunal.

Before the West Ham Tribunal, Mr. Haynes, electrician,
appealed, and stated that besides other duties he had to
supervise 60 lights and 2.3 motors. His appeal was dismissed,
and he was advised to go before the Army Medical Board
and be examined as to deafness.

Appeals were made at Barnes by Mr. T. H. Hellyer, elec-
trical engineer, and Mr. G. Harwood, electrical fitter. The
former said that he was solely responsible for the business,
which must close down if he had to serve. Mr. Harwood
had been in the business for six and a half years, and acted
■di foreman. Mr. Hellyer, on joining the Volunteer Training
Corps, was allowed three months, and Mr. Harwood until
.\ugust 14th.

On the appeal of Mr. J. H. Benyon, of Englefield (Berks),
exemption until the end of the year has been granted to G.
Slyfield (33), his electrician.

At Rochdale, last week, conditional exemption was allowed
ti J. A. Shepherd, 36 years of age. a motor-man appealed for
by the Corporation tramways department.

At Accrington, last Friday, the Military Representative
sought the cancellation of an exemption certificate granted
t-> an assistant to the Borough Treasm-er (27 years of age, and
single). Mr. Beckett (borough treasurer) said this man was
in charge of the electricity department finance, and it was
absolutely necessary that revenue should be collected to keep
the establishment going. There were 1,.500 consumers, and
it was necessary that the services of a thoroughly competent
man should be retained to have charge of the collection of
revenue. They must have finance as well as engineering; in
fact, there would be no engineering but for finance, added
Mr. Beckett. He was of opinion that no man was indispens-
able, but this man was essential to the management of the
treasurer's department. The Mayor (Coun. Barlow) said the
Tribunal had decided that there should be no exemption in
this case.

At Blackpool, on August 10th, appeals lodged by Mr. C.
Furness (borough electrical engineer) on behalf of certain
workpeople were heard. One man was a semi-skilled fitter
mechanic; another was the chief fitter engaged on the repair
and maintenance of plant on the tramway system; a third

was the attendant at the transfonner chambers and electric
lighting sub-stations : and a fourth was the only blacksmith
at the electricity works, engaged on general repairs and
plant. Mr. Furness said he appealed with reluctance for two
of the men who had not attested, but force of circumstances
compelled him to do so. The men were in cei'tified occupa-
tions, and if they left the Corporation they could go to their
own work elsewhere. Two men were temporarily exempted
until the end of September, and the other two were granted
conditional exemption. Mr. Furness was granted leave to
appeal for a further month's exemption for the foreman of
the tramway track repairers, whose services were desired
until the department got over the heavy loads of the summer.

At Hyde, the Slack Mill Co. appealed for an electrical
wii-eman, who was granted conditional exeuiption.

The Denton Tribunal has granted exemption till the end of
September to Alfred Armitage, an accounting clerk employed
by the Manchester Corporation tramways department.

Appealing for a depot foreman, aged 23, the manager of
the railless traction system at Ramsbottom said the man was
in a reserved occupation. He was single. It was pointed
out that he was not in a reserved trade on account of
his age and the fact that he was single. The manager said
the man was the only skilled workman at the depot, and had
to do both the mechanical and the electrical work. The cars
would have to stop if the man went away. In granting tem-
porary exemption until October 1st, it was strongly urged that
a man ineligible for Army service should be engaged.

Littleborough Tribunal last Friday refused an appeal by
Wilham Fletcher, of the National Rug Works, on behalf of
Herbert Thomason (36), electrician.

At Bexhill-on-Sea, Messrs. J. L. French & Co., electrical
engineers, appealed for F. C. Damm (29), electrical wireman,
and H. E. Mullinger (40), works manager and electrical engi-
neer, and responsible for the estimates for electrical work.
Mr. French said that six out of the ten members of the elec-
trical staff had been called up, and the other four were in-
dispensable if the branch was to be carried on. Mullinger
was given three months' exemption, and Damm a fortnight.

Gravs Tribunal has given exemption until the New Year
to two stokers at the U.D.C. electricity works.

BUSINESS NOTES.

Colombia.— An American Consul quotes iT/ Niiero Diarto.

of Caracas, to the effect that certain Venezuelan capitalists, in
co-operation with a Colombian firm, are seeking a concession from
a city in Colombia for the erection of a factory for ginning,
spinning, weaving, and knitting cotton. The proposed contract
provides that modem machinery shall be used for all purposes.

Russian Waterways— The Journal of the Kussian-

American Chamber of Commerce at Moscow states that the
Russian Government has decided to reconstruct the Duke of
Wurttemberg waterwav system, connecting Archangel with Petro-
grad. so that it will accommodate vessels of large size. An effort
will be made to complete the work liy the first half of the naviga-
tion season of IHI".

American Consular Activity and European Economic

Policy The National Foreign Trade Council, which maintains

headquarters at New York, has prepared a report to be submitted
to Congress, on the needs of the Diplomatic and Consular Service
of the United States. It urges the passage of H.R. 13.3S3. with all
appropriations, recommended by the State Department, including
the appropriations of $355,000 for the purchase of buildings for the
United States Consulate and other Government offices at Shanghai,
China : SIOO.OOO for a legation building at Panama ; and ¥100,000
for post allowances to offset the abnormal increased cost of living
at certain posts due to the Eui-opean war. In explanation of its
position the Council says in part : —

•■ WTiether the elaborate economic policies now advocated by
many publicists in Europe are actually erected or are modified under
pressure of the commercal interdependence of the warring powers,
the interests of American foreign trade demand that our diplo-
matic and Consular representatives throughout the world should be
provided with greater facilities for anticipation and analysis of the
new commercial policies of the Great Powers and their colonies.
Not only intelligence and experience are requu-ed in this duty, but
all the support that national prestige can give our diplomats and
Consuls in intercourse with the important foreign officials and
business leaders. An American minister discharging his fmiction
from poorly-located rented quarters is not an impressive unit in
world diplomacy. The most diligent Consul is naturally discouraged
if unprovided with sufficient clerical assistance. Many Consuls are
now chained to clerical drudgery who should have the time to
cultivate important sources of information.''

Some time ago the Council submitted a report to Congress
stating the needs of the Bureau of Foreign and Domestic Commerce,
and recommending adequate appropriations for the maintenance of
its trade -promotion work.— f'.S^. Commerce Reports.:

182

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW. [Voi. 79. No 2,021, auou>.t is, isib.

Swiss Export Prohibitions.— The S^vi,■^s (iivernineiu has
just prohibited the exportation of " carbons prepared for electric
lighting." and also "elei-trodes. whether niiimted or not."

Tiie Consett Iron Electrical Installation.— At a mect-

invr of the Tonsett Iron Co.. Ltd.. at Xe\vo^stle-on-Tyne, on 12th
inst.. Mr. Mark Fenwiek said that their profit (£li2.i,000") was the
largrest but one the}' had earned. Referring to the past year's
work, he said he regretted they had had to postpone certain con-
templated electrical developments on account of the war, because
it looked as though some of the wa^e increa-ses. and other advances
in cost, had come to stay, and the proposed developments would
have made for economy. He mentioned that they had now one of
the larijest electrical installations in the country, which had
enabled them to use coal-cutters and conveyors to work seams
which it would otherwise have cost too much to work, and peno-
rally to reduce costs, thus contributing; to the financial stability
of the company.

Markets for Electric Fans.— Kweiit U.S. Coiistilar ami

Trade Reports draw attention to the Danish West Indies and Porto
Rico as iiromisini,' markets for electric fans. In the case of Porto
Rico it is stated that the electric fan is used to only a slijjht extent
on the island at present. The field appears to he an attractive one.
however, and it is believed that an active .sellinjr campaijTn would
produce jrood results. , " There is plenty of current available, but it
is rather hijrh in price, as compared with the prevailing cost in the
United .'states. It is at present very hot here, and the humidity is
preat. and there appears to be no reason why a demand for electric
fans could not be readily created.'

In regard to the Danish West Indies, it is remarked that the recent
completion of the work of installingr an electric lighting system in
St. Thomas has opened up a new market for American electrical
supplies. " There should be an especially attractive field here for
pood, but moderately-priced, electric fans., which are almost
unknown on the island. St. Thomas lies in the Tropics, and
because of the location of its principal town (Charlotte Amalie) on
the southern slope of a high ridge of mountains, where refreshing
breezes are lacking most of the time, the employment of electric
fans would be appreciated everywhere and for all the year round.
At the cinema shows, which are given two or three times each
week, a number of large hand-made fans are suspended from the
ceiling, and are operated by cords pulled back and forth by small
boys stationed back of the screens. In the hotels, business offices,
and private houses, though, there are no such appliances, and it is
believed that immediately after the first electric fan ha.s been
introduced it will become generally popular.

"The possibility of introducing electric fans was called to the
attention of one of the leading commercial men of St. Thomas,
who displayed a lively interest in the matter, and requested the
Consulate to put him in touch with American manufacturers of
electric fans and other similar articles. Correspondence with St.
Thomas business people should lie in the English language."

Spanish Electrical Trade. — The French Vice-Consiil

at Alicante, forwards a report on Austro-German imports into that
city, from which it appears that the two latter countries furnish
the greater part of the electrical imports. France, which is also a
contributor, supplying principally telegraph material. The Spanish
industry is a producer of a certain quotaof electrical goods, to wit :
Transformers, dynamos, motors, and measuring and protective
instruments and apparatus for low power machines. Other classes
are imported. As electric installations, flour mills, and water-
raising installations are being frequently established, both in
Alicante and throughout the province, the visits of German
travellers are numerous, the Austro-German imports embracing
electric cable and wire, lamps, carbons, dynamos, electro-motors and
telegraph apparatus. The lamps may be of any origin, as a Spanish
company which manufactures them is ready to afllx any name
asked for by the T>urchaser. As a result, the lamps on sale
bear a variety of names, each having only a limited sale in the
region of the person giving the order. Exporters may. therefore,
freely export a number of articles, making sure, however, to supply
low-priced goods of pleasing appearance to catch the eye. With
regard to articles difficult of importation, no hindrances exist pre-
venting the establishment of local manufacturing branches in
Spain, for which the war creates a favourable situation.

The Norwegian Electrical Market. — According to U.S.

Consul-General E. Haldeman Dennison, Chri.stiania, owing to the
large increase in the price of coal, which formerly cost ST.aO per
ton and now sells for S23..50. an increasing number of- households
in Xorway are turning to electricity for domestic purposes, and the
sales of electrical cooking and heating stoves, ranges, wash-
ing machines, irons, rings, 4:c.. have never been so heavy as at
present. " The demand for these articles is unprecedented and
American manufacturers, while deriving much benefit from the
changing conditions, could, with little effort, improve their position
in this market. It is generally supposed that electric current in
Norway is cheaper than in any other part of the world. It is also
thought that coal will be expensive for a long time to come, and
perhaps never return to its former price, for Xorway depends
entirely upon outside sources for its supplies. In any event the
sale of electrical appliances is bound to continue to expand, and
when once they are installed and their many advantages recognised,
few will care to return to the use of coal."

This Consular office has recently been requested by one of the
largest electrical dealers in Norway to furnish a list of American
manufacturers of electrical appliances, and invites such firms to
send catalogues, price lists, and full particulars as to goods, terms
of credit. •SlC.

Italy. — .Viimii^' the new cuniiiunie.s reeentlv I'unneil in
Milan are the Societa Nazionali di Imyiresi Elettrichi. with a
capital of £40,000. to develop electrical undertakings in Italy and
abroad ; and the Consorzio per Elettro-trazione, capital £60,000,
the oliject in this case being to encourage and take an interest in
electric traction undertakings.

The Westinghouse Supply Department at Manchester.

-The .'Supply Dcpartm.'iil nl the British Weslingliaiise Elertric
and JIuMul'ai-turingCo.. [,t<l.. ha.s only been established in its present
home for some three years, but it is already becoming generally
well known, and is likely to liecomc a ' landmark " liy reason of
the large public clock which has recently been erected over the
futrance to the premises This clock is of handsome appcaram^e.
and toniistv ol ,i to]iiier housing supimrled on wrought-iron
suppoits \Mth the n.aine Westinghousc sawpicrced over the top of
the dial- .it tach side the dial and' backing to the sawpieniiigs
being ot white opal the whole will, of course, be illuminaleil .m
Koon as the lighting le^tiictions are removed, and will be seen fmiii
both ends ot Long Mitigate. This clock is one of tour which are
s^nch ionised « ilh and leceive half-minute impulses from, a master
Ol MinliolWi ilmk siluiti'd in the showroom. This master chx^k,
m II- mm \m1I -111 111 1\ i. . rivr I hr In a. mi. tiiiif signal iliivrl liv wire

I

WeSI 1M;Hii1>K Sli'IM.V DuPAR'I.Mb.NT, MANCHESTER.

from Greenwich Observatory. The system has been supplied
and fixed by Messrs. Synchronome, Ltd., of London.

The illustration shows another feature of the shop window at
Long Millgate. namely, a skeleton advertisement cut out from a
"Cat" fan poster, and stuck on the inside of the glass. The
window is .set out with Westinghouse fans of ditferent types and
sizes, and incidentally with a novelty list and window card
combined, making a good window display. The latter is a special
catalogue designed and devised by the department, and takes
the form of a Westinghouse fan, stamped out to correct shape,
and printed in three colours to represent a fan ; by means of
a strut attached to the bottom of the front cover, and fitting
into a slot in the back cover, this will stand on its own base as
illustrated. This forms a novel advertisement for electrical
contractors, to whom it has been distributed.

Electrical Stores for Transvaal Mines. — American

Consul E. N. Gunsaulus. in a report on the store purchases of
Transvaal mines during the year 1915, gives very detailed parti-
culars, from which we extract the following : —

Coal,
diamourt
Gold and other

Electrical machinery ...

,, ,, spares ...

Electric power and light (purcha-sed) 1 ,04!i
Coal-cutting machines

spares
Transformer oils

Machinery and tools ...

Rock drills

spares ...
Machinery spares

The total for electrical machinery
spread over the following articles : —

Electric generators and engines, drivin;

same if directly driven

Electric hoists (including motors)

Electric locomotives , . .

Electric motors driving pumps, including

pumps if directly driven

Electric motors not included above

Power lines, transformers, S:c

Electric bells, telephones, and other fix

tures ...
Miscellaneous machinery...

mines.

nines.

Total.

202.742 £7.656

£2io,:-;9S

411.424

4.565

53.:is:p

04:1.1116

194

,049. 3011

—

3,598

3,598

4,935

4,9,S5

2.4',i8

35

2,533

272,!)!t5

55,366

328,361

.54,485

472

54,957

105,189

866

196,055

231,5;-il

13,492

245,023

given above (£210,398) is

Coal.

diamond

Gold

and othei

mines.

mines.

Total.

' £2.401

£2,250

£4,651

. 25.763

94 7

26,710

1,4 74

—

1,474

". 27,865

487

28,352

. 25,627

922

26,549

. 55.533

1,125

56,()5S

. 21,009

372

21,381

. 43,069

1,553

44,602

Vol. 79. xo. 2,021, AuGDST IS, 1916.] THE ELECTRICAL EEVIEW.

183

A Wotan Monoplane. — Messrs. Siemens Brothers Dynamo

Works. Ltd.. of 38-39, Upper Thames Street, E.C.. are now issuinjr
for trade distribution an ingenious adrertising device. This is
known as the Wotan monoplane model, and the accompanying
illustration is an actual photograph of the made-up model in flight.
It is accurately balanced, and when launched in the manner of an
ordinary g'lider. is capable of performing: many of the evolutions of
a power-driven aeroplane. By adjustment of the tail elevators
it is possible to make the model loop the loop, or complete a spii-al
descent. The instructions g'ive the various adjustments required
for the different manoeuvres. The component parts of the model

t " ■ ■

,m

'^<?

/<^-^:
^^^

A

W^^^^^^i-,..^.^

TK^'

y4r»jh?'^

W

' C">^

are printed in colours on a sheet of paper of special quality. These
have to be cut out as directed, and when bent and stuck together,
can be easily assembled. The size of the completed model is ml
in. across the wing tip. and the length from nose to tail is a
little over 9 in.

Jlembers of the trade who are interested in the sale of Wotan
lamps should communicate early with Messrs. Siemens, as above,
asking for a supply of these sheets for distribution amongst their
lamp-purchasing customers. We understand that a number of
complete made-up models are available for trade display, so that
the actual model can be exhibited in a contractor's window. These
advertisements are supplied free, and, of course, must therefore not
be sold.

Private Arrangements. — Anglo-Colonial Engineering

Co.. Ltd., electrical engineers and contractors, 13. City Road.
London. E.C. — In pursuance of the provisions of the Companies
(Con.solidation") -\ct, a meeting of the creditors of the above was
held on Monday last, at the offices of Messrs. Corfield & Cripwell,
accountants and auditors. Balfour House, Finsbury Pavement. E.C.
The chair was occupied by Mr. G. E. Corfield. who said that the
shareholders of the company had passed resolutions in favour of
voluntary liquidation, and he was asked to accept the post of
liquidator. He had prepared a statement of affairs, which showed
liabilities to the trade of £4.247. while £810 was owing in respect
of directors" tees and salaries, and in addition i 106 was due for
preferential claims. The assets were only estimated to realise £38.
The creditors passed a resolution confirming the voluntary liquida-
tion of the company, with Mr. Corfield as liquidator. The following
are creditors —
Brush Electrical Engineering London Commercial Electrical

Co. fl81 Stores f247

Belford, J. F 63 London Telephone Service . . 14

British and Northern Shipping Mva Foerenade Elecktriska

Co 10 iSwedenl 210

Booker Bros 15 Payne, BIythe <Sr Huxtable .. 40

General Seating Co., Ltd. .. 621 Siemens Bros. Dynamo Works,

Rremenesky & Co. (-\ustria) . . 2,752 Ltd 58

Stokvis, W. J. (Holland) .. , 107

Liquidations. — Asbestos Manufactures, Ltd. — This

company is winding up voluntarily, with Mr. W. C. Tyler, 107.
Carton House. S.W.. as liquidator.

The liquidator of the four Bachelet companies, referred to on
page 159 of otir last issue, has called meetings of creditors of all
these companies for August Itjth, at 11. Ironmonger Lane. EC.

Mech.\>"IC.\l Transport. Ltd. — This company is winding up
voluntarily, with Messrs. W. H. Trewartha-James. G. W. .\ske\v.
H. W. Pliilpott and F. M. Sala. of Finsbury House. Blomfield
Street. E.C, as liquidators. A meeting of creditors is called for
August 23rd.

Bool{ Notices. — " The Principles of Electriral Design :
D.c. and A.c. Generators." By A. Still. London : Hill Publishing
Co. Price 12s. l6d. net.

■■ Gas, Oil, and Petrol Engines." By A. Garrard. London :
Whittaker k Co. Price 5s. net.

" Scientific Papers of the Bureau of Standards." Xo. 282.
— " Sensitivity and Magnetic Shielding Tests of a Thomson Galvano-
meter for Use in Radiometry." Washington ; Department of
Commerce.

" Annales des Postes. Telegraphes et Telephones." Vol. V, Xo. 2.
June, 1916. Paris : A. Dumas. Price 12 fr.

"Canada: The Country of the Twentieth Century." — A review
of the natural resources of Canada and its industrial and com-
mercial development. By Watson Griffin. Department of Trade
and Commerce : Ottawa.

" Ferodo " Fabrics. — Ferodo fabrics, which were origi-
nally designed and supplied by the Herbert Fhood Co., Ltd.. of
Chapel-en-le-Frith, for lining clutches and brakes, are adaptable
for other purposes. For example, a large firm which is at present
engaged on munitions, is using Ferodo fibre in a circular vice for
holding the shells whilst screwing in the noses. Good results have
attended this application, as the work is not marked, and a
remarkable gripping power is exerted.

Catalogues and Lists.— Messrs. R. A. Lister & Co..

Ltd.. 47, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W. — Illustrated list des-
cribing the S.O.S. type '' Lister-Bruston " automatic auxiliary plant,
which is claimed to be the only system fully complying with the
requirements of the Merchants' Shipping Act, 1914, Article 35.
The equipment may be seen in operation at the above address.

Messrs. T. W. Broadbent, Ltd.. Victoria Electrical Works,
Huddersfield.— Eight-page list (Catalogue Xo. 5, Leaflet Xo. 3"),
giving full specification, prices, shipping weights, kc, of "M"
type continuous-current motors. Copies will be forwarded on
application.

oi Messrs. Belling A: Co., Derby Road. Edmonton. X. — Illustrated
leaflet giving particulars and prices of a rapid boiling-ring and a
rapid griller-toaster.

Fire- — Damage, estimated at £1,000, was caused on
Monday night by a fire which broke out at the premises of Messrs.
F. J. Jones &; Son, electrical engineers. Love Street, Chester.

Ozonair Advances. — Owing to the rise in the cost of
everything. Messrs. Ozonair, Ltd.. announce an increase of 15
per cent, in all list prices and net estimate prices, as from
August 20th.

Millwall Battery Works Closed.— The Pritchett and
Gold and Electrical Power Storage Co., Ltd.. announce that
owing to the completion of the extensions to their works at Pagenham
Dock, they have now closed the works at Millwall (formerly the
works of the Electrical Power Storage Co., Ltd.. with which com-
pany they amalgamated last year"). All commimications previously
addi-essed to Millwall should now be addressed to the company at
Dagenham Dock. Romford, Essex. The surplus plant and stock at
Millwall is to be sold on September 5th next. Particulars
appear amongst our advertisements to-day. Messrs. Fuller,
Horsey, Sons & Cassell will conduct the sale. It is interesting to
recall" that the Millwall Works were opened by the E.P.S. Co. in
1881. and they have been continuously occupied in the manufacture
of storage batteries during the last 35 years.

Plant for Sale. — Bradford Corporation Electricity Com-
mittee is advertising a Willans-Phcenix 300-KW. set. also a battery
of 260 Hart cells, for sale. See our advertisement pages for
particulars.

Trade Announcements.— Mrs. C. Text, electrician,

annoimces that she is giving up the retail portion of her business
at 7. Queen Street. Weymouth.

The late business of Chas. A. Muller, electrical accessories mer-
chant. Bradford, which has been wound up by order of the Board
of Trade, as already announced, has been taken over by Mr. L. W.
Douthwaite. who has been in the employ of the firm tor 15 years —
for the last eight j-ears as manager. The business is now entirely
free from alien capital, influence and staff, and will be carried on
as L. W. Douthwaite & Co.. at the same address, 10. Arcade, West-
gate, Bradford.

LIGHTING AND POWER NOTES.

Ashton-under-Lyne. — Having received a communication

from the B. of T. as to economy in the consumption of coal, the
Electricity Committee has deputed the chairman and engineer to
consult the Ministry of JIunitions as to whether an application for
additional plant would be considered.

Australia. — The Strathalbyn (South Australia) Council
has decided to install electric light, and is endeavouring to make
financial arrangements for carrying the scheme into effect.

The Southport (Queensland) Council has been approached by a
company for authority to provide an electric supply, and proposes
to discuss the matter at a special meeting. — Tender.!.

Arrangements are being made by the Sydney City Coimcil for
the erection of new workshops at Pyrmont, for the electric supply
department.

The Mittagong (X.S.W.) Municipal Council has decided to pro-
ceed with an electric lighting scheme for the town, at a cost of
£3,500.

Barnes. — Price Increase. — The electrical engineer
reported that Messrs. Watney, Coombe. Reid k. Co. has consented to
the addition of 10 per cent, to the contract price on the understeinding
that all rights under the contract are reserved, and that the increased
price is only tcf be charged until notice is given by the company
that it desires to revert to the original price.

184

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW, [voi. to. no. j.ol'i. Aro.« i>

Beckenham. — LixKixr;-Ui'. — The enjrinoer liiis reported
to the Electricity Coairnittee that interconnection with luijoinintr
areas was impr!R'tioabU> at the present tin\e owinjr to the expendi-
ture involved. The engineer is to report further on the matter.

Burton-on-Trent. — Cable Extension. — Mains are to be

laid, at an e.^tiinateii co.«t of ;S4.(I00. to supply energy forpowerand
lifrhtinsr purposes to the India-Rubber. G.P. & Tele;;raph Works
Co.'s new factory at Hornin?low.

Callington. — Proposeu E.L. Siheme. — The Urban
Council has been considerin<r the ]iurchase of Frogrwell Mills for a
power station in connectiou with the installation of electric lijrht
in the town. .\ meetin? of the ratepayers has been called to
discuss the question.

Continental. — Norway. — The A/S Traelandfns. Ohris-
tionia. is extending its jKjwer plant, .so as to supply .i.OOd H.P. to a
new carbide factory. The company produces mechanical wood
pulp to the extent of about 1 j.ono to Itj.OOO tons per annum.

Dewsbury. — Years Workinc;. — The report of Mr.
Campion, the borough electrical engineer, on the working of the
electricity undertaking for the year ended March. ini(>. shows
that the revenue amounted to £Ii;,5S8. as comparefl with i;l4.9,')ii
in 19H-1.">: the gross profit was £7,280,88 against i;(i.3(i4. and
after meeting debt • charges, the net profit amounted to £2.0(10
(constituting a record), as against i-l.Sti:) in the previous year.
It is satisfactory to know that the greater part of the surplus
has been placed to the depreciation fund, which amounts to £4. (Hid.
During the year. 2.2.i2.2.i.S units were sold as against l.iUii,(i2ii units
in 1914-1.5 : the increased output was due wholly to power users,
and of the total 1.212.2.i."> units were sold for power. During the
year 4.22.5 tons of coal were used at 12s. 8d. per ton. or 4'2o lb.
per unit sold, as against H,933 tons at 9s. 2d., or 4 '."12 lb. per uuit
sold for the previous year : the coal cost per unit sold
increased from "22d. to ^Od., and the total costs from gitid.
to '929d. per unit sold. As against this the price of electricity was
increased during the year, and brought an additional revenue of
il.lSti. The Ravensthorpe supply, which is purchased in bulk
from the Yorkshire Power Co.. resulted in a loss of £2.5 : the
agreement shortly expires and increased charges are suggested.

Dundee. — Daylight Saving. — It is reported that a
decreased consumption of electricity for lighting, amounting to
1 1 per cent., has occurred as a result of the Daylight Saving Act,
This is. however, partly counterbalanced by the increased output
for power.

Ealing. — The Chairman of the Electric Supply Committee.

in calling attention to the electricity estimate for the ensuing .year, at
the Council meeting, said it showed what appeared on paper to be a
deficit of nearly £.5.000. The engineer's estimate, showing what
would have been the income and expenditure on a pre-war basis,
showed a profit of £3.799.

Greenock. — Year's Working. — The financial result of

the past year's working of the Corporation electricity department,
was a total income of £8.5.650, an increase of £22.945 on the year
before. Expenditure amounted to £52.(il2. leaving a gross profit
of £33.037. and after meeting debt charges, the net profit was
£6.998. The reserve fund now stands at £23.389. which, with the
at)ove surplus, is only £4,323 below the maximum required on the
authorised borrowings. The units generated were 23,000,000, as
compared with 17.000.000 in the year before.

Hong-Kong. — The rapid development of Kowloon and
the demands for power and light have caused the China Light and
Power Co. to carry out a scheme of extension of its plant. The
new generating plant consists of two high-pressure three-phase
tiO-cycle B.T.H. turbo-alternators, each capal)Ie of maintaining an
output of 1.170 K.v.A. for two hours, three Babcook vV Wilcox
boilers with chain-grate stokers, economisers. and condensing plant
of the surface type, with rotary-type motor-driven pumps capable
of delivering water from the sea to the condensers at the rate of
1.200 gallons per minute through a double set of 14 in. suction
mains, each 1.100 ft. long. The distribution mains cover about
16.000 yd., and an extension to Old Kowloon City is contemplated.
The Hong-Kong Electric Co., in Hong-Kong proper, is constructing
a new plant at Xorth Point, which will contain two 1,500-irw.
B.T.H. turbo-alternators and three Babcock i; Wilcox boilers.
The frequency of the new plant will be 50 cycles instead of 75, as
in the present plant. The new station is not expected to be com-
pleted for'a year or IS months. — I'.S. Cummerce Repurts.

Hove. — Year's Working. — The report of Mr. C. B.
Smith, the engineer and manager of the Council's electricity under-
taking, for the year ended March last, shows that the revenue
amounted to £22.326: the working costs to £11,505: and the
gross profit to £10.821. After payment of interest, sinking fund,
and other charges amounting to £11,053. less £371 income-tax
refunded, there was a net profit of £139. as compared with £3.024
in the previous year. The output sold was 1.024.031 units, as
against 1.115.168 units in 1914-15. During the- December and
March quarters, the increased charge of 20 per cent, was operative
and resulted in a slightly increased revenue, on a decreased output.
The Electricity Committee's recommendation that a minimum
charge of 10s. per quarter be made in respect of each individual
consumer was withdrawn, with a view to consideration by the
General Purposes Committee.

On the Aldrington undertaking there was a deficit of £252 :
94.700 units were purchased from the Brighton Corporation, and
84,000 units sold.

Iceland. — Accordini; to a rejwrt in the Tckiiixhr

J'gehlail. the municipal authorities of Reykjavik had entrusted tlir
Norwegian De Forenede Ingeniorkontorer. of Christiania, with tin
task of drawing up plans for a complete electric installation tor
the capital of Iceland. The work comprises not only the .search
for the site for, and establishment of, a w.ater-power station, but
also the erection of the distribution mains, i:c.

Kearsley. — At a meetinfrof the D.C. held on Au<rust Huli.
the question of the supply of electiicity in the district was under
discussion, and the clerk was instructed to inquire from thi'
Lancashire Electric Power Co.. as to its arrangements for comply-
ing with the provisions of the Electric Lighting Act.

'London. — Fuel Supply. — Speakiiif,' at the half-yearly
meeting of the South Metropolitan Gas Co., on Wednesday. la.~t
week, the chairman expressed the opinion that there was little
doubt that the gas undertakings would be the fuel suppliers of tlic
future- not only gaseous but solid. After extracting the valuable
residuals the solid fuel would be passed on to the steam raiser.
He could not believe that the Government would allow the prescul
system of burning large quantities of raw coal to go on unchecked.
It might well be considered whether the policy adopted by Parlia
ment of putting the suppliers of gaseous and electric energy intc.
comjK^tition had not had its day. He could not imagine that they
would put up a power station to produce electrical energy and
another to produce gaseous energy ; he asked why these steps
should be taken separately, and whether the work should not be
joined up.

Bermoxd.sey, — BtTi,K SiTPPLY. — The Electricity Committee hn^
had under consideration the necessity of increasing its plant nr
taking a bulk supply, in connection with which it has been in
communication with the Southwark B.C.. the Coimt.y of London
Electric Supply Co. and the London Electric Supply Corporation.

The Council has now agreed to accept the offer of the lattir
company to lay duplicate mains and erect switchgear free nf
charge, the Council to provide transforming apparatus, for a three
years" contact, based on a minimum consumption of 1^ millii'ii
units a year at £3 15s. per KW. of maximum demand plus '3d. per
unit consumed, with a coal clau.se. It was decided that nothiiej
further could be done at present in regard to linking-up with
Southwark.

Malvern. — Year's Working. — There was a profit df

£698 on the electricity works during the year ended JVIarch 31-t
last.

Newcastle-on-Tyne, — Fire. — On Thursday, last week, m

fire occurred at the electric power station off City Road, which
apparently damaged the roof.

Newcastle-under-Lyme.— Year's Working.— In his

annual report on the electricity undertaking for the year ended March
31.st last, Mr. A. J. C. de Renzi. the borough electrical engineer,
mentions that the units sold increased from 200.064 in 1914-15 to
257,216 last year, the increase being- due entirely to power supplies,
which now exceed lighting requirements. The total revenue
amounted to £3,475, and the gross profit to .£1,553, and after
meeting the usual financial charges, a deficit of £116 remained,
which is attributed to restricted lighting. It should, however, be
mentioned that no advance has been made in the price of electricity
since the commencement of the war : and, further, that £300 extra
loan charges, and £80 revenue expenditure on switchgear, has been
met diuing the year. The maximum load reached 210 KW.. and
the fuel cost was ■33d per unit.

Mr. de Renzi proposes to meet the increasing cost of fuel by
adapting the Diesel engines for the use of tar oil ; we congratulate
him on having been able to " carrj- on" with only one skilled
engineer assistant.

New Zealand. — The Hampstead Town Board. Asliliurtoii,
has been granted a licence to erect and maintain within the
town limits overhead wires for electric lighting, power, and heat-
ing purposes. — Bmird of Trade Journal.

The details of the year's working of the Auckland City
Coimcil electricity undertaking for the year ended March
31st last show that 6.203.47S units were sold, as against 5.457,372
in the previous year : the income was .£55,582, as compared with
£51,120: working expenses were £21,711, as against £22,315;
and gross profit £33,871, as against £28.804, The number of
consumers was 2.123, as against 1,818 in the previous year.

Philippine Islands. — According to the U.S. Commerce
Reports, nothing is at present being done to develop any of the
hydro-electric projects and water-jxjwer sites in the Philippine
Islands ; several concessions have been made, but apparently more
favourable conditions are awaited.

Queenstown. — Street Lighting. — The Urban Ccmucil

ha\ang applied to the electric lighting company for a rebate in jjublic
lighting charges owing to savings under the Daylight Savings Act,
the company has refused, on the ground that any saving made was
completely swamped by the increased price paid for coal.

Sheffield. — Year's Working. — The operation of the

Corporation electricity undertaking for the last financial .year
shows that the income from electric supply amounted to .£277,580,
and from installation and motors to £36,857, a total of .£314,437 ;
works charges amounted to .£181,027, leaving a gross profit of
£133,409, and after deducting interest, sinking fund, and other
charges, amoimting to £100,114, there was a net surplus

Vol. 79. No. 2,021, AUGUST 18. 191G.] THE ELECTRICAL EEVIEW,

185

£33.29.5, which, with £6,982 brought forward from 1915. made a
total surplus of £iO,277. It is proposed that £39.777 shall be
placed to the renewals and special expeuditure fund, and £.500 to
the motors-for-hire fund. The sinking fund now stands at
.£383,88.5. The number of imits sold — roughly 78 millions — was
greater by 32.994,68.5. or 73 percent., than the number sold during
lOU-15. and the net revenue increased from £184,668 to £277.580.
an increase- of 50 per cent. The whole of the increased output
being for power and traction purposes at low rates, the increase
in revenue was not in the same proportion, the total average price
per unit having fallen from •97d. to ■85d. The percentage of
working expenses to total revenue was 53. as compared with 43 for
the previous year, the increase being due to the higher cost of
coal, all other items of generation and distribution costs showing
a reduction. The average price obtained during the last five years
was as follows : —

1916. 1915. 1914. 1913. 1912.

Light and heat ... 21 7d. 234d. 254d. 276d. 290d.

Power ^Id. •72d. •73d. -/Gd. •78d.

Total average price •8.5d. ■97d. ri.3d. r21d. TSOd.

The annual consumption of coal during the past five years is
rhown below : —

1912 33.912 tons

1913 37,013 .,

1914 44.187 „

1915 -70,540 „

1916 131,123 .,

Large extensions to the buildings and machinery and plant at
Xeep.-send have been put in hand during the year, and 28.000 KW.
of additional generating plant is now under construction or com-
pleted. The total number of consumers is 7.318, an increase of
409 during the year, and the total connections amount to
83.834 KW., an increase of 17.691 KW.. or 266 jier cent. Applica-
tions in hand now awaiting connection amount to 18.000 KW.
The turnover of the uufcallation and motor department during the
year amounted to £36,837. 1.048 H,P. of motors having been
installed, as compared with 3,339 H,P, in the previous year. The
number of females employed on the staff and in the generating
stations totals 49, and 105 employes are on active service. War allow-
ances during the year amounted to £2.246. The capital expendi-
ture on the undertaking to date is £1,513,000.

The City Council, after considerable discussion, has agreed to an
increase in the price of electricity by 10 per cent, where the
present price is more than 2d. per unit, and by 20 per cent, where
it is 2d. per unit or less : the increase in price will apply to the tram-
ways undertaking. At present the tramways are supplied imder
agreement at 'Sd. per unit, and it was stated that the cost of pro-
duction for the year ended March last at the Kelham Island
tramways power station (now taken over by the electric supply
department) had been ■856d. per unit. It was also stated that the
increased cost of coal, which has more than doubled in price,
represents £87,000 extra cost to the electricity undertaking this
year.

Mains are to be extended, at a total estimated cost of £1,019, to
supply current to new consumers.

Stafford. — Proposed Loax. — The T.C. has deuided,
owing to the greatly increased demand for current at the north
end of the town, to extend the mains, at the cost of £1.000, and
to apply, if necessary, to the L,G.B,, for sanction to a loan.

Straits Settlements. — The annual report of Mr. 0. Y.

Thomas, the chief engineer, on the working of the (reorge Town
(Penang) municipal electribal undertaking dm-ing 1915, shows that
1.604,980 units were sold, being an increase of 9 per cent, on 1914.
The total revenue amounted to 8304.193, while total costs were
$126,381. representing a decrease of S2.411 (due to the installation
of economiser plant), despite the increased output. The gross
balance. 8179.811, represents 18'22 per cent, on capital, and. after
meeting financial charges, including 846,000 to depreciation and
renewals, the net balance of 876,914 represents nearly 8 per cent,
on the average capital in use. We note that the gradual elimina-
tion of the original vulcanised bitumen sheathed cable has resulted
in a satisfactory decrease in the number of cable faults, of which
there were 21 in the previous year. In the matter of public
lighting, owing to the carbon shortage, 43 arc lamps have been
replaced by 1.000 c.P. half- watt lamps, run nine in series on the
original arc ciicuits, with suitable automatic cut-outs and substi-
tutional resistances added.

Swansea. — At the annual meeting of Messrs. Weaver

and Co.. of the Swansea Flour Mills, the chairman stated that
owing to the present elevating and discharging plant being out of
date, the company was erecting an electrically-driven suction
elevating plant, capable of discharging an average of 100 tons of
grain per hour.

Tasmania. — The State hytU-o-electrk- dejiartnient has

concluded a contract with the Amalgamated Zinc (De Bavays).
Ltd.. and the company has already ordered the plant for the first
unit of its works for treatment by electro-metallurgical processes
of complex zinciferous ores from Broken Hill. The works are to
be started at Bisdon. near Hobart ; the first unit will involve the
use of 4,1)00 H.P.. and under agreement 30.00U H.P. is eventually
to be made available for use in metallurgical works and in kindred
industries which the company intends to establish.

The Oatlands Municipal Council is considering the question of
introducing electric light.

Representatives of the Launceston and Longford Councils have
conferred with respect to the increased hydro-electric power, which
can be obtained from the waters at the head of the Lake River, or
the outlet from Arthurs Lake. — Tenders.

Yarmouth. — Year'.s Working. — The year's working of

the electricity department shows a gross profit of £2,353, but after
payment of interest and sinking fund charges there is an adverse
balance of £6,219 to be carried forward. The Electricity Com-
jnittee recommended that the price of electricity l)e increased by
Id. per unit for lighting and 10 per cent, for power.

TRAMWAY and RAILWAY NOTES.

Aldersliot. — The U.D.C., on August 9th. deferred for six

months the question of an electric traction scheme between the
town and Farnborough and Farnham. A Light Railway Order was
obtained privately some years back, but it lapsed six .vears ago.

The clerk reported on the matter, jwinting out that the heavy
traffic on the roads round Aldershot was against the adoption of
any system of traction without permanent way, while tramway
construction in the Aldershot area should be inexpensive, because a
great portion of it could be of sleeper construction on the road
margin, thus avoiding road maintenance. A great amount of
pick-up traffic would lie available between Aldershot and Farn-
borough. but the extension to Farnham would be of a different
character, and it might be best to defer that till later.

Australia. — Sydney City Kailway. — The Premier

stated recently that the preparatory work on the city railway
is progressing favourably, and the actual work of construction ivill
be in operation about the end of this month. The work will be
started simultaneously at three points : between Eddy Avenue and
Goulburn Street : from Macquarie Street towards St. .James's
Station ; and from Harrington Street towards Wynyard Square
Station. Half the city railway (14.400 yd.) will be above ground,
and the other half (14.200 yd.) below ; starting from a station to
be erected on the Illawarra platform side of the central station, the
city railway will be above ground as far as the Oddfellows' Hall
near Goulburn Street, where it Avill pass below the surface. The
total length of the sections to be commenced is 9.600 yd. The
total length of tunnelling will be 17.000 yd., the difference
between that and the 14,200 yd. mentioned above being due to the
eastern suburbs jimction, which will be put in hand at the same
time. The railway will leave the timnel at Harrington Street,
cross Circular Quay at high level, and re-enter the ground on the
western side of Macquarie Street, and continue underground until
it emerges at the southern side of Goulbm-n Street. The eastern
subiu-bs jvmction will be situated under the Botanic Gardens and
Inner Domain, and will also be put in hand, and the tunnelling and
excavation on the eastern side of the city from Macquarie Street
to Liverpool Street should be well in hand before the end of the
year. — Si/dnei/ Dnih/ TelegrupU.

The Doncaster (Victoria) Council has appointed a Committee to
inquire into a proposal to extend the electric tramways from
Kew to Doncaster, Templestone and Warrandyte.

The Tramway Board which was appointed by the Government
to take temporary control of the cable system of the Melbourne
Tramways Trust has issued a statement covering its work during
five months. It is expected that arbitration proceedings will shortly
take place on the assessment of compensation payable to the company
for its properties and the appeal of the company against the Board's
demand for compensation for non-fulfilment of the covenants of
its leases. The Board has paid the outstanding balance of the
Melbourne Tramways Trust's indebtedness^ viz., £351,200. The
Board has recently made a successful trial of a Stone train-pattern
lighting set on a car and trailer.

Birmingham. — The total number of passengers carried on
the Corporation cars on the first Monday in ' August was
610.000 : the receipts amounted to £3.000, these figures comparing
with 474.000 and £2,368 for the corresponding Monday (Bank
Holiday) in the previous year.

Liverpool. — The heavy rainfall on Monday morning
was the cause of traffic being held upon the Southport to Liverpool
electric railway. Arrangements were made for steam locomotives
to haul the electric coaches.

London. — Electric Vehicles. — According to the Poll

Mall Gazette, the Trocadero management has arranged for a fleet
of private electric broughams to be in attendance in the evenings,
after 11 p.m.. for the benefit of clients, at charges a little in excess
of ordinary taxi fares.

The Metropolitan electric train service was interrupted on Tuesday
morning, owing to the breaking of an axle of one of the coaches as
it entered Bishop's Road Station.

A small fire occurred on Tuesday morning in connection with
electrical plant at the Russell Square station of the Piccadilly and
Brompton Tube Railway, and was extinguished by the Fire
Brigade.

Manchester. — PLAxroRii Fare Collection. — Xotices

have been posted in the cars asking passengers intending to travel
on the upper deck to hand the exact amoimt of the fare to the

186

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW. [Voi. rn. No. 3,021, August is. 1916.

fuard on the platform, exceptrng at busy loading; stations. This
deviation from the department's rules is to minimise the labour of
the women condnctors. A corresixmdent has written to the local
Press sugirestin? the risk of accident to passenjiers. and askin? if
the TramwaTS Committee will accept liability in case of accident.
Sprini; flap seats have been afiixed near the foot of the stairways
on the oars, so that the women jruards may rest when opportunity
offers.

Rugby. — Elkotric Vehicle Charrinr. — The Electric

Vehicle Committee informs us that the British Thomson-Houston Co.
and .Ale.ssrs. Willans i Robinson have arranjred to charjre electric
vehicle batteries, at 2d. per unit, between Jtonday 7.Hi) a.m. and
Saturday noon. Week-ends, additional fee 2s. pei hour. Xo
arranprements can be made for holiday periods, and notice should
he piven to the tirms in advance.

Salford. — Condittors' Seats. — Experiments are being
made with various types of seats for the use of conductors on the
tramway cars.

South Lancashire. — In consequence of the increased
runnins; expenses, the South Lanc.-ishire Tramways Co. has
increased the cost of return tickets on certain sections of its
system from .Sd. to 3id. The revision came into operation on
Auffust 10th.

Straits Settlements. — The working of the (n'or<re Town

(Penanir") mauiiip;il tramway undertaking' durinfr 1915 resulti'd in
a deficit of S.1.IJT2. after allowing roughly $2T,00u for depreciation
and renew.als in addition to debt charges. The system covers Hi
miles of single track, and 5,17".S74 passengers were carried, a
decrease of 'i per cent, compared with 19li. The revenue also
fell off by 7 per cent., while operating costs increased by S3.0II0.
leaving a gross surplus of S16.136, as compared with S60.397 in the
pre\"ious year. The report mentions the difficulty of obtaining
materials for maintenance, and that axles have been made locally.
The ordinary fares average out at a little over |d. psr mile, and
the manager. JMr. Thomas, considers that the finances could be
improved by a slight increase in fare-', without inflicting any hai'd-
ship on the public.

TELEGRAPH and TELEPHONE NOTES.

Australasian Time Signals.— Accnrdin.ir to the Australian

papers, the Government astronomer has submitted a proposal to
the Premier, as acting head ol the Education Department, for
fixing the longitude of islands in the Pacific by means of astro-
nomical observations combined with wireless time signals. The
Premier is reported to have said that Prof. Cook proposed to
compare Sydney with either Suva or Apia by means of wii-eless
apparatus at Awanui. in Xew Zealand, and then to compare Suva
with the Lick Observatory through Honolulu. This would be
equivalent to a direct cable interchange between Lick and Sydney,
and should result in a determination of the greatest accuracy.
When this work was complete. Prof. Cook proposed to establish the
accurate positions of a number of spots in the Pacific, which would
enable a more accurate charting of the Pacific islands to be made,
and would establish fundamental guide posts from which the
accurate longitude of temporary astronomical stations could be
determined. Above all. it would make possible the completion of a
chain of wireless time signals round the world for navigators. At
present this tailed iust in that part of the ocean where it was most
urgently required. Prof. Cook thought that with more accurate
charting and proper standard time signals the chances of wreck
among the islands would be minimised. They were now in com-
munication with the authorities at the various places it was
necessary to link up by means ot the wireless signals, and the work
would be put in hand right away.

A Wellington report mentions that the New Zealand Government
astronomer has been working on the same lines, and that recently
the first direct time signal was experimentally sent to Tahiti from
Wellington Observatory, with the co-operation of the Telegraph
Department.

Society Islands. — A radio-telegraph tariif ha,« been
issued of 12 cents a word (10 cents wireless charge. and''2 cents
telegraphic charge from Papute to the station at Mahina). An
additional charge of 24 cents a word is made for relaying, rid
the wireless stations at Apia. Samoa, and Awauui. New Zealand.
Tariff rates are also provided between the colony and vessels at
sea. All messages must pass through New Zealand to Tahiti, and
are subject to war restrictions.

Telegraph (Construction) Bill.— This Bill passed its
second reading in the House of Lords on the 10th inst. Viscount
Middleton stated that it might be necessary, on the report stage,
for him to move an amendment which would prevent tele-
graph works ruining important amenities or agricultural advan-
tages. The Bill later passed through Committee, with an amend-
ment inserted which specifically mentioned the carrying of lines
underground as a stipulation which the tribunal might make.

The Channel Tunnel and Telephonic Communication

with the Continent. — With reference to Dr. Flemings suggestion
reproduced in our last issue. Messrs. Sir Douglas Fox & Partners
have written to the Timen as follows : — " Prof. J. A. Fleming, of
University College. London, very properly points out that this
tunnel could be utUised for telegraphic and telephonic cables. This

matter has already received the attention of the company, and,
doubtless, the Postal authorities and public companies would, as,
for example, in the case of the Mer.sey Tunnel between Liverpool
and Birkenhead, avail themselves of this excellent means of com-
munication. Obvious advantages would be in the avoidance of
damage to cables by ships' anchors and sea corrosion, the greater
conductivity of cables, and their accessibility for repairti, and
economy in Living."

J

CONTRACTS OPEN and CLOSED.

M. Mcf^lroy. Manag
\sh hopper at the Bloom

OPEN.

Aberdare. — "September dth. Powell- DnITryn Steam dial
Co. Electrical goods. Forms from Stores Manager, Aberanian
Offices, near .Aberdare.

Australia. — Sydney.— Septemlier I'oth. N.S.'W. Govern-
ment Railways. One .lO-ton electrically-operated overheafl
travelling crane for Zara Street jiower house, Newcastle. Octolier
lUh. One motor-driven air compressor for Zara Street jxjwrr
house. Electrical Engineer. 61, Hunter Street.

P.M.G.s Department. Telephone material (.Schedule 428). Sir
"Official Notices" to-day.

.\DELAinK. — September 27th. Deputy P.M.G. Telephones, telr-
phone materi.ll. instruments and parts. Schedule Nos. 42!t to 437.'

Perth. — October 4th. Deputy P.M.G. Telegraph and telephone
measuring instruments and paiis. Schedule r>i\\ W.A.*

Melbocrxe. — November 1st. Victorian Railways. .iO.OOO flame
arc carbons. Chief .Storekeeper, Railway Offices. Spencer Street.

October 18th. Victorian Government Railways. Electric time
releasing mechanisms for automatic signalling. Cont. No. 30.343.'

Dublin. — August 29th. Electricity Committee. S.P. and
three-phase meters for a year. See " Official Notices" to-day.

Manchester. — Augnsst I'^nd. Tramways Committee.

Hard-drawn copper trolley wire. i\Ir. J
brt. Piccadilly.

August 22nd. Electricity Committee.
Street station. Particidars from Mr. S. L. Pearce, Chief Electrical
Engineer. Dickinson Street,

August 2.')th. Electricity Committee. High and low-pres.snre
steam and feed pipes at Stuart Street Station. Specifications. 21 >.
(returnable), from Mr. F. E. Hughes, Secretary. Electricity Depart-
ment. Town Hall.

August 30th. Guardians. Refuse destructor furnace for thi
Institution. Nell Lane. Didsbury. Specifications from Mr. J:i =
Macdonald. Clerk. Union Offices. All Saints, Manchester.

New Zealand. — Invercargill. — September 28th.
Borough Council. Steam turbo-alternator, condensing plant, and
switchgear. Specifications from the Tramway Office. Contract
No. 40.*

Portsmouth. — August 2nth. Tramways Committee.
Tramway stores, insulating materials, lamps, &c., for six month-
See "Official Notices" to-day.

Rochdale. — No date. Electricity Committee. Stati'
transformers for 12 months. Mr. C. C. 4tchison. Electricity Works,
Dane Street. Rochdale (Contract A 117).

South Africa. — Johanxesburcj. — September 4th. Muni-
cipal Council. 10,000 drawn-wire metallic-filament traction lamps ;
10 miles of 19/14 " Underwriters' wire " (lightly insulated wire tor
outdoor use). Contract No. 1.51.'

September 21st. Municipal Council. Tramcar spares. Contract
No. 1.53.*

Spain. — Mnnicipal authorities of Duenas (Pro\ince of
Palencia). Concession for the electric lighting of the town during
a period of 10 years.

Specifications for the items marked * can be seen at the Board
of Trade Commercial Intelligence Branch in London.

CLOSED.

Australia. — The Sydney Municipal Council has been
recommended by the Electricity Committee to accept the following
tenders : —

Submarine cable for laying across Darling Harbour. — W. T. Henley's

Telegraph Works Co., Ltd.. .£4,124 (based on copper at £8o per ton and

lead at £'22 10s. per ton).
20 three-pole disconnecting switches and fuses. — W. G. Watson & Co

Ltd., i420,
12 three-pole, s.t., 10,000-volt, 50-amp. oil switches, 12 expulsion fuses.—

Aust. General Electric Co., £560.
Two l.OOO-K.v.A., 5,000 to 1,000-volt transformers.— Aust. General Electiio

Co., £1,680.

Owing to the difficulty in obtaining consumers' meters from the
firms under contract, the City Council Electricity Committee recom-
mends that the City Electrical Engineer be authorised to negotiate
with the British Westinghouse Co. and the Australian General
Electric Co. for the supply in the shortest time of from :-!,000 to
3,500 consumers' meters at a cost of from .to.OoO to .tO.OoO. —
lendevf.

Vol. 79. No. 2.021, AuGDST IS, 1916.] THE ELECTRICAL EEVIEW.

187

The Melbourne City Council has accepted the followinf;- tenders :

Mptal-fllament lamps.— Edison & Swan U.E.L. Co., Ltd., £642.

Meters.— British Westinghouse Elecn-ic & Mfg. Co., Ltd., i305 ; Keason

Mfg. Co., Ltd., f 1,272.
Carbons. — Beacon Carbons, Ltd., £2,040.

N.S.W. Public Works Department : —
Installation of electric light at Albury Hospital. —Globe Electrical
Co., ±'895.

W. Aust. Tender Board : —
12 miles twisted-pair insulated wire, JE281. —Teiiilen.

Cape Town. — Tenders for wirins^ the Camps Bay

Pavilion and Tea Rooms, for the Corporation of Cape Town : —

Cunningham & Gearing (accepted) £238

Electric Utility Co 242

Edward A. Shaw & Co 244

Clyde Engineering Works 290

Tenders for wiring' new premises for Mitchell. Cotts i^ Co.,
Exchan^'e Place. Cape Town : —

Edward A. Shaw & Co (accepted) £256

Elcctru' l-tilitv f. 270

K. li.-Iuck ,V S.m 279

Wc.uds, Westerton 4 Co 319

Kitson (Cape) Lighting Co. 33(i

Leek. — Lifjliting; Committee. Accepted tenders for plant
for the electricity works : —

Crossley Bros.—" G " type gas producer, with motor-driven exhausting fan
for starting the producer, £468 ; " S E 228 " ' engine, with the accessories,
£1.997 ; a Mather dynamo, £773 ; indicator gear of special type, £16.

NOTES.

Australian Income-tax and British Industry.— The

Miirniini Post states that on Aug-ust loth a deputation representing-
the Manufacturers' Section of the London Chamber of Commerce
and a number of provincial Chambers of Commerce waited
upon the Hig-h Commissioner for Australia CMr. Andrew
Fisher) for the purpose of presenting a protest ag-ainst certain
sections of the Commonwealth Income-tax Act, the incidence of
which, it was thought, would prejudicially affect, trade between
the United Kingdom and Australia.

Mr. Fisher, in reply, said that this was a matter of policy upon
which he could not express an opinion or make any promise of
amendment, but he would undertake to forward the representations
of the deputation to the Cojnmonwealth Government and ask them
to give the matter their early and serious consideration.

Tiie Board of Scientific Societies.— On the initiative

of the Royal Society a Board of Solent itic Societies has now been
established for the furtherance of the following objects : —

Promoting the co-operation of those interested in pure or applied
science ; supplying a means by which the scientific opinion of the
country may, on matters relating to science, industry and educa-
tion, find effective expression : taking such action as may be neces-
sary to promote the application of science to our industries and to
the service of the nation : and discussing scientific questions in
which international co-operation seems advisable.

The Board at present consists of representatives of 27 scientific,
including technical, societies. The regulations give power to add
to this number and to appoint as members of Sub-Committees
individuals who are not necessarily connected with any of the con-
stituent societies.

An Executive Committee has been appointed consisting of the
following members : — Sir Joseph Thomson, O.M., P.K.S. (chair-
man) ; Dr. Uugald Clerk, F.R.S. : Sir Robert Hadfield, F.R.S. ;
Mr. A. D. Hall. F.R.S. : Prof. Herbert Jackson (hon. secretary) ;
Sir Alfred Keogh. K.C.B. ; Sir Ray Lankester. K.C.B.. F.R.S. ;
Prof. A. Schuster. Sec. R.S. ; Sir John Snell ; Prof. E. H. Starling,
F.R.S. ; Lord Sydenham. G.C.S.I., F.R.S. ; Mr. R. Threlfall. F.R.S.

The first meeting of the Board was held on July 20th, when
important questions relating- to scientific, educational and indus-
trial matters were under consideration, with a view to taking
effective steps for co-ordinating the work carried out at present by
a number of independent bcxlies. or initiating action in the case of
other matters of national importance.

Aeronautics Advisory Committee Report. — The report of

this Committee, of which Lord Rayleigh is chairman, for the year
19ir)-16, contains a lengthy record of work done in connection with
flying equipment for war purposes. Amongst other matters, a
study of the conditions affecting the aeroplane compass, with a
view to its improvement, was undertaken by Dr. Keith Lucas.
F.R.S, and a special type of instrument, the R.A.F.. Mark II
Compass, was ultimately produced and standardised, being now
made by contract in large numbers.

The report also states that two wireless telegraph sets, of very
light weight, have been designed and tested, and progress has been
made in the evolution of optical systems for convenient observation
of bomb dropping from aeroplanes. The bulk of the report deals
with the investigations carried out with a view to perfecting the
aeroplane as a flying machine.

A Mancliester Contract. — Last week, according to a

Manchester paper, Mr. Joynson Hicks gave notice to ask the Home
Secretary whether his attention had been called to the fact that
the Electricity Committee of the Manchester City Council had
accepted a tender for boiler tubes from a firm whose capital was
90 per cent. German, and would he say why the works had not
been taken over by some munition department to prevent business
of this kind being retained for German benefit.

Cable and Wire Manufacture in Australia.— Accordins:

to the Sijdueij haUij T,-lcijritph. Mr. Webster (Postmaster-General)
announced last month that he ha<l in hand a scheme for the
establishment of a Federal works for the manufacture of cables,
steel ropes, and wire of various kinds for use in the various Com-
monwealth Government departments. '' Prior to his departure for
England." said Mr. Webster, " the Prime Minister conveyed to me
his desire to see that everything- which could be made in Australia
was made here. But. having in mind the interest which Mr.
Hughes had taken in the metal question, I necessarily must await
his return to confer with him as to his decision, based upon his
riper judgment arising out of his contact with experts in other
parts of the world. In the meantime, however. I am haring-
investigations made by experts, so as to have something tangible
ready when the time comes. During 1913," continued the Post-
master-General. " we imported into Australia copper wire to the
value of £212.937, cable and insulated wires to the value of
£637.12G, and iron and steel ropes to the value of £131.063, or a
total value of £981, •12(). It is estimated that, taking the English
costs as against Australian production, the Commonwealth can
save in the neighbourhood of £90,000 a year. Then, of course,
witli a factory of this kind, instead of having to scrap cable, as at
present, we will be able so to treat it as to make it equal to one of
new manufacture. What the saving in this connection will be I
cannot say, but it will certainly be considerably, as we scrap no
small amount of cable each year." Mr. Webster said that he was
unable to say just now what the probable cost of the proposed
factory wouW be. but he believed that employment would be given
to about 1.000 men.

The Metal Manufacturers, Ltd.. a company formed for the pur-
pose of manufacturing copper wire and other goods, has made a
start to drain an area of land on the site of the old Australian
Smelting Corporation, Ltd., Port Kembla. and upon this it is
intended to erect an up-to-date plant.

The new industry may be regarded as a direct result of the war.
Formerly the bulk of the copper produced at the Electrolytic
R. and S. Co.'s works was forwarded to Germany, where it was
manufactured into copper wire, electrical parts, domestic utensils,
and munitions of war. Most of this copper now goes to England,
but the plant is being added to. and' there will be an ample supply
to foster the new industry when the plant is ready. — Sydneii
i.'re>iiiig Xewx.

Inspection of Tlieatre Fittings.— The question of the

inspection of alterations to the electrical stage fittings of the
theatres in Edinburgh was considered at a meeting of Edinburgh
magistrates on July 31st. Hitherto the engineer of the Electric
Lighting Committee of the Corporation has undertaken the inspec-
tion of such fittings where alterations have been made. No
performance is allowed to take place until such an inspection
has been carried through. The Committee are now putting
forward a claim for payment for this service. The magistrates
delayed the matter, in order that a report might be made as to
the practice in other towns. — Scof>ii)ia>i.

Educational Note.— 1^^'iversity College.— The (Jold-

smid Engineering Entrance Scholarship, of the value of £30 a year.
tenable for three years, will be competed for at University College
in September. Full particulars of the scholarship examination can
be obtained from the Secretary of the College, to whom application
should be made before September 1st.

Tlie Slackers. — The Leeds Munitions Tribunal, on

Monday, imposed small fines on 18 apprentices engaged in a con-
trolled' establishment on winding for electric motors, who had
absented themselves from work, some on the August Bank Holiday,
and others both then and on Whit Monday. The excuse most
commonly offered was that the boy was one of a pair, and as the
other party did not intend to work, it was no use him coming.
The penalty was 2s. 6d. for one Bank Holiday absence, and 5s. for
two.

City and Guilds of London Institute.— On the report

of the Delegacy of the City and Guilds (Engineering) College, the
Council of the City and Guilds of London Institute have awai-ded
the diploma of "Associate of the Institute" to the following
matriculated third-year students who have completed a full course
of iustruction as prescribed by the Council : —

In Cii-'d (till/ Mfchdiiictil Siujineeriny.—WWoud y Pfon, A. H :
Augier, E. H. N. : Bateman. H. (Henrici Medal) : Calderon y Flores,
A. N. A. ; Dyson. F. (Bramwell Medal) ; Finch. H. E. R. : McCann,
G. M. ; Marsden, E. ; Miiller, K. V. ; Rajada. M. C. ; Ratner. L. :
Siennicki. K. : Swann. F. A. ; Swayne y Pro, J. ; Watson. D. ;
Winter. A. G. A.

In Electrical Eiit/iHeeriny. — Arana y Bengcechea. F. D. ; Beer.
C. A. : Calheiros e Menezes, A. L. de -, Chagaloff. C. : Greenwood,
W. : Messer. W. G. ; Ramaswami, E. K. ; Rogers, A. H. E. : Tapsell.
H. J.

Electrolytic Zinc in Australia.— The Mount Lyell Co.

directors intend to install electrolytic reduction works upon the
site now occupied by the Tasmanian smelting organisation at
Zeehan. and to concentrate treatment operations at this point.
The system for the electrolytic deposition of the zinc and the
recovery of the lead, silver and gold in the ore will be similar to
that so "successfully operated by the Anaconda and other American
companies. — Melbourne Age.

Registration of Firms Bill.— In the House of Commons

on the 10th inst.. Jlr. Asquith infonned Mr. Rendall (R- Thorn-
bury) that the Government were considering whether any steps
could be taken to facilitate the passage of this BQl. It was hoped
a decision wotild be arrived at very soon.

l^<y

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW, iv.i.

No. 2,U1!I, AuuusT IS, I'.UC.

Volunteer Notes. — 1st Loxdok Engineku Volun-
teers.— Heiulquart+TS. Chester House. Eocleston Place. Orders for
Aujrust by Lieut. -Col. C. B. Clay. V.D., Commanding,'.

The Hi'iuiquarters will be closed during Aujrust except on
Tuesday evenini.'s. The rauire will be ojien on Thursday eveninprs
only. Instruction Classes at Regency Street will be held as usual
for Platoons Xos. !) and 10. The Camp at Otfoi-d will be available
until Au-rust 3Ist. Members wishing to attend should enter their
names at Headquarters.

Sunday Entrenching Parades. Parade in Uniform at Victoria
Station C^.E. and C. Railway) Booking Office, i*.-!.") a.m.

MACLEOD YKARSLEY. Alljtttailt.

3bd Batt. (Old Boys') Central London Voli'ntkek Reui-
MENT.— Battalion Orders by Capt. W. Ridd (Sub-Commandant)
Thursday, August 17th, I'JIU : —

Inxpection by Brig.-General the Hon. F. C. Bridgeman. at
Wembley Park, at 3 o'clock. Saturday, lltth inst. It is of the
utmost importance that all members should attend this Parade.

M'eek-K'ii)l Piiradex. — Sutunl<i)j.-A)\\m\i to the Inspection, there
will be no Entrenching duty, nor will sleeping accommodation be
provided at the " Hlaoksmith's .\rms." Thornwoixi.

Suiidaji. — The Battalion will Parade at Liverpool Street Station
(Low-Level entrance. G.E.R.). at '.1.30 a.m.. and proceeti by train for
Entrencliiug duties. 'Members will carry their own lunch, and the
Quartermaster will make arrangements for light liquid refresh-
ments. The Battalion will return to town about ti p.m.

Clmtiiiv tif Lump. — It is proposed to hold a farewell supper in
Camp after Saturday's Parade. OtRcers and men intending to stay
will kindly telephone 207 Wembley, on Friday, as otherwise the
Quartermaster will be unable to make the necessary arrangements.

Mushetry. — Hullatid Cup Vumpetitiiiii. — All competitors for the
above are requested to attend at Wembley Park at 3 o'clock on
Saturday next. 19th inst.. when the presentation of ithe CupsI will
take place.

There will be no shooting at Bisley on Saturday or Sunday next.

The Miniature Range at Lords' is open on week-days from 3 to
R p.m.

Recruits wQl Parade at Lord's Cricket Ground on Saturday at
3 p.m., and on Sunday at 11 a.m., for Recruit Drill.

G. H. F. Duncan, Acting Adjutant.

Appointments Vacant. — Charge engineer, for Chelten-
ham (S.'Js.) ; telegraph engineer assistant (tS.'iO). for the Govern-
ment Posts and Telegraphs Department. Gold Coast ; electrical
engineer C*;2oo) for the Corporation of Heywood Electricity De-
partment ; teacher of Electrical Engineering" for the Dalziel School
Board. Motherwell. See "Official Notices " to-day.

Fatalities. — At an inquest into the death of a Ijny.
aged 11. who was killed by climbing up a stay rod of one of thf
high-tension cable standaiijs of the Powell-Duffryn Co.. and receiv-
ing a shock from the wires, the jury returned a verdict of " Death
from niidadveuture. " They recommended that in future the
Powell-Duffryn Co., should exercise greater precautions in the
protection of these supports.

The Globe states that Bishop William Perry Eveland. an
American Methodist Missionary Bishop for Southern Asia, was
killed while fishing near Carlisle, Pennsylvania, his steel
fishing-rod coming into contact with a poorly insulated high-
tension electric wii-e. carrying 20.000 volts, which hangs
about 8 ft. above the fishing stream. One of the Bishop's hands
was scorched, and death was apparently instantaneous.

The Timex states that 12 miners have been killed by an explosion
at Michel. British Columbia. It is supposed that lightning struck
the exposed signal wires by which current was con lucted into the
mine.

OUR PERSONAL COLUMN.

The Editors iiirite eintricil eni/i/icer.^. irlicther connected with tlie
teclinical or t/te cuntmercial side of I tie profcisiuii and indnstry,
also electric tramway and railway officials, to keep readers of the
Electrical Review posted as io'tlteir mmements.

Central Station and Tramway OfBcials.— In the annual
report of the electricity and tramway departments of the
Municipality of George Town, Penang, it is mentioned that
Mr. E. S. H.tSLAM. assistant electrical engineer, who was on
leave in England at the outbreak of war, was one of the first
to volunteer, and he was in Prance on active service. Mr.
C. C. RoGER.s, mains superintendent, has acted as chief assis-
tant engineer in addition to his other duties.

The marriage took place at Kensington, on August .5th. of
Mr. .J.4BEZ Smith, .J.P., electrical engineer, of Favensham and
Sittmgboume, and Miss Ethel Marv Hamden, of Canterbury.

.A.t Blackprwl, on August 10th, Private J. H. Downing, of
the A.S.C., formerly employed at the electricity works, was
married to Miss H. Caldwell, of Marton.

The Sydney City Council has now, bv the casting vote of
the Lord Mayor, confirmed the appointment of Mr. S. P.
M.4I.ING, of Melbourne, as deputv-manager of the electric
light department. The opponents favoured Mr. T. P. Davies,
from Canada.

The Loughborough Corporation has agreed to release Mr.
W. H. Allen as and from August 31.st. During the period
that elapses before Mr. R. B. Leach, the new engineer, takes
up the duties, Mr. J. H. Dent, the present chief assistant,
will be in full control, and a special honorarium will be paid
for the services rendered.

Malvem TJ.D.C. has increased the salary of Mr. S. Tiiow
Smith, electrical engineer, by f50 a year.

General. — The wedding recently t(X)k place, at Burnley, of
Mr. KONALD ViCTon CAWTmniNE, electrical engineering in.spec-
tor of telephones in the Govcniiueut engineering department,
Burnley, and Miss Lillie McVilty, of Lazonhy, Cumberland.

Mr. Edwin B. Roscof., A.M. Inst. E.E., electrical engineer
to the Buenos Aires Western Railway, has arrived in London.
His address is: c/o Cocoa Tree Club, St. James's, London.

Roll of Honour.— Corporal J. E. Russell, Royal Engineers,
formerly employed by the British Westinghouse Co., TratlonI
Park, Manchester, has been killed in action, aged ;:JD.

Private A. E. Ooden, of the Manchester " Pals," an em-
ploye at Manchester Corporation electricity works, has died
of wounds, aged '24 years.

Private Roland Clayton, formerly employed in limnliy
electricity ilepartment, has died of wounds.

Flight-Sergeant Edward Mkvnkll, member of the firm of
Messrs. H. Meynell & Co., machinery exporters and engi
neers, of Accrington, who was an a.ssistant tramway manager
in the South of England up to a few years ago, has been
awarded the D.C.M. for gallant conduct with the Royal
Flying Corps in Egypt.

Private R. F. Mt)RToN. of the Royal Fusiliers (Public
Schools' Battalion), killed in action at the age of '2(1 years.
W'as formerly employed by Messrs. Dick, Kerr & Co., Ltd.,
Ivoudon.

Sergeant 0. H. Rastall, Royal Lancaster Regiment, an
employ^ in the Manchester Corporation tramways depart
ment, has been killed in action. He had won the D.C.M..
and had also been awarded the Russian Order of St. Cleorge
(Fourth Class).

Private G. W. Whalen, of the Manche.ster " Pals," who has
been wounded, was employed by Messrs. Connolly Bros., Ltd.,
Blackley Vale.

Sergeant J. D. Nixon, (Canadian Field Anibulance, Mechani-
cal Transport, formerly an electrical engineer at Crewe,
has been awarded the Military Medal. When war l)roke out
he was in America, and he made his way to Canada and
enlisted.

Private William Moss, of the Border Regiment, killed ir
action, was employed by the National Electric Supply Co.,
Preston. He was 29 years of age.

Lance-Corporal Thomas Qoigley, Lancashire Fusiliers, who
has been wounded, was formerly employed at the British
Westinghouse Works, Traftbrd Park. Private C. L. Darlow
(•il), of the Manchester " Pals," formerly employed at the
same works, has been killed in action.

Corporal George Victor Pyne, of the 1st Canadian Batta-
lion Field Force, who belonged to Reading, and was, when
he enlisted, engaged at Chatham, Ontario, with the Beli
Telephone Co., has been killed in action in France.

Private T. R. Rogers, of the North Eastern Railway Batta-
lion, Northumberland Fusiliers, who was on the railway com-
pany's electrical staff at York when he enlisted, has died of
wounds.

Private Arthur Hipwell, of the Jjeicester.shire Regiment,
and Corporal Richards, of the Royal Welsh Fusiliers, who
have fallen in action in France, were engaged with the British
Thomson-Houston Co., Ltd., of Rugby, the former in the
turbine department, and the latter was a draughtsman in the
drawing office.

Private Prank Hlnde H.W'ES, of the Signal Department,
Royal Warwickshire Regiment, killed in Prance, was for-
merly an employe of the British Thomson-Houston Co., Ltd.,
of Rugby.

Second-Lieutenant Basil Whitbread, of the Royal War-
wickshire Regiment, formerly on the staff of the Biiti.sh
Thomson-Houston Co., Ltd., of Rugby, is reported mis.sing
and believed killed.

Private Harry Stanley Lant, of the North Staffs. Regi-
ment, reported wounded and missing, was on the staff of
Mes.srs. Siemens, Ltd., of Staft'ord.

Private Julius Grroory, electrical engineer, of Romiley
(Cheshire), who was in the Royal Fusiliers (Public Schools'
Battalion), has fallen in action in Fiance.
' Private George Mooney, of the Shropshire Light Infantry,
a wireman with the Great Western Railway Co. at Shrews-
bury, has died of wounds.

The Military Medal, for conspicuous bravery in the field,
has been awarded to Sapper D. P. .\llen, who was, when he
joined, engaged as an electrical engineer at Coventry.

Lieutenant Dan Hughes, of the Gordon Highlanders, who
is reported wounded and missing, was an assistant electrical
engineer at Llandudno.

Second-Lieutenant G. C. Martin, Royal Dublin Fusiliers
reported killed, aged •24, had entered the Eastern Telegraph
Co.'s Training School for Submarine Telegraphy, which he
left ,to join the Forces.

Lieutenant J. R. Holden, R.E., reported killed, aged 3'2,
had been employed at the Leigh Cable Works, and subse-
quently at Hornsey electricity works.

Captain Carlton Collingwood, South Lancashire Regi-
ment, reported killed, aged 27. served his engineering appren-
ticeship with Armstrong-Whitworths. at Manchester, and
subsequently became assistant manager of the Vulcan Foun-
dry Co.. Newton-le-Willows.

Will.— It is announced that the amount of the net per-
sonalty of Lady Kelvin's will was £204,941.

Vol. 79. No. 2.021. August 18, 1916.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW,

189

NEW COMPANIES REGISTERED.

Ascog Metal Products (Glasgow), Ltd. (9,651).— This

company was rt-gi&tereii in Edinburgh on August 9th, with a capital ol
i'l.OOO in £1 shares (250 6ve per cent. cum. pref. and "50 ord.). to carry on
the business of electrical engineers and dealers in electrical goods as carried
on by A. Schonfield & Co., 57, Hope Street, Glasgow. The subscribers (with
50 pref. shares each) are: H. Schonfield, 57. Hope Street, Glasgow, mer-
chant ; J. C. Samuel, 57, Hope Street, Glasgow, merchant. Private com-
pany. The number of directors is not to be less than two or more than si_-vin ;
the first are Herman Schonfield, J. C. Samuel, E. Samuel, G. Samuel, .mil
W. Samuel. Qualification, 50 pref. or ord. shares. Solicitor: T. H. Paterson.
Glasgow. Secretary: H. Schonfield. Registered ot^ce : 57, Hope Street,
GUisgow.

Association for the Protection of British Capital and

Property in Hnemy Countries, Ltd. (144,578).— This company was registered
on August 11th, as a company limited by guarantee with an unlimited
number of members, each liable for £100 in the event of winding up, to
advise and assist members and others by all lawful mi>:ins (a) in protL-rting
and recovering the proceeds of the sale of any business or of the sale u( ;iny
shares or interests in any company incorporated or trading in enemy ti-iri-
lory. or in protecting and recovering loans made to any company or individual
in such territory, and (b) in protecting, recovering, realising or obtaining
compensation for the loss ol or injury to property, rights or interests of any
■ kind whatever and wheresoever situate, domiciled or enforceable, including
stock of, and shares in, companies, capital in partnership concerns, bills of
exchange, promissory notes, mortgages and securities, trade marks and patent
rif^hts belonging to or vested in any member or members (either solely or
jointly with others, and either absolutely or as trustees, mortgagees, incum-
brancers or otherwise), or in subsidiary companies ol which the member or
members is or are the majority shareholder, which has been seized, atlaclurd,
requisitioned, appropriated, made use of, forfeited, destroyed, lost, or injured
by or at the instigation, or with the connivance or neglect of any enemy
country (W State, or by any public body or authority, military or otherwise,
situate in, or acting or purporting to act by the authority or in the name of
any such country or State, or by any firm, company or person domiciled,
established, trading or residing in any enemy country or in a country invaded
or occupied by th«? military forces of an enemy country, or being a citizen or
citizens thereof; to organise joint action by all or any members for the pur-
poses aforesaid, to collect information and draw up and present petitions and
particulars of claims, and furnish information to British, Indian, Colonial,
friendly or neutral Governments, &c. It is expressly provided that nothing
shall be deemed to authorise or empower the Association to do anything in
contravention of the Solicitors Acts, 1863 and' 1874, or which cannot be legally
transacted or performed except ■by a solicitor. The management is vested in
a council, the first members of which are: Sir Arthur P. du Cros, Bart..
M.P., 14. Regent Street. S.W. ; the Rt. Hon. Tbos. R. Ferens. M.P., Holder-
ness House. Hull, director of Reckitt & Sons. Ltd.; Joseph Hood, West-
minster House, 7, Millbank, S.W., solicitor, director of British-American
Tobacco Co., Ltd.; Sir Charles J. Jes.sel. 21, Austin Friars, E.G., chairman
of Imperial Continental Gas Association; W. Hulme Lever and John Mc-
Dowell, both of Port Sunlight, Cheshire, and directors of Lever Bros.. Ltd.;
and Sir William E. B. Priestley, M.P.. Rosemount House, Bradford. The
" original members " and all British subjects, companies, and firms who shall
be duly nominated and elected to membership shall be members until death,
dissolution or retirement, subject to the provisions of the Articles of Associa-
tion. No fixed annual subscription is payable, but the esper\ses are to be
borne by members for the time being in such proportion as (in the absence
,of express agreement) the Council may decide. The " original members "
are the British-American Tobacco Co., Ltd.. London ; the Dunlop Rubber
Co., Ltd.. London; Lever Bros., Ltd.. Port Sunlight; Reckitt & Sons, Ltd..
Hull ; the Imperial Continental Gas Association, London ; and the above-
named first members of the Council. Sir William A. B. Priestley, M.P.,
represents the Bradford Chamber of Commerce. Solicitors : Simpson, North,
Harley & Co., Liverpool. No notice of situation of registered office was filed
with the original papers.

CITY NOTES.

- Tlie Compa^iiiie EiUson realised net
French profits amoimtmy to .£'20.5U0 in 1915, as

Electrical compared with i'14.0Ci(l in the preceding
Companies. year. A dividend at the rate of 16s. per
share has been declared, this result con-
trasting with no distribution for 1914.

The Societe Elcctro-Metallurnique Francai'^t: (Froges) re-
ports a considerable increase in the value of the turnover in
1915, and gross profits of ^252,000, as compared with £64,000
in 1914. After placing £130,000 to the depreciation fund, the
net profits pernjit of the payment of a dividend of £S per
share.

The Compagnie UnlvcrseUe d'Acetjihiie et d'Electro-Meial-
largique earned gross profits of £42,000 in 3915. A fter_ appro-
priating £25,000 for depreciation, and making provision for
doubtful debts, the balance of net profits allows of the pay-
ment of a dividend of .£1 23. per share.

Le Societe des Accitmulatetirs Tudor is about to raise a
loan in the form of an application which has been addressed
to the shareholders to make an advance to the company of the
equivalent to £4 per share. The Compagnie GeniSrale d'Elec-
tricite, which is largely interested in the former company,
has guaranteed the success of the proposed loan, which is to
be repaid after the war either in cash of by the issue of new
shares at par value.

Official Announcements re Companies.— The follow! ng
will be struck off the register within three months unless
cause is shown to the contrary : —

^cton Lamp Co.

Carlsbad Electro-Thprmal Baths.

De Laval Igniter Co.

Flexible Transmission Gears.

Harris Calculating Machine Co.

Manchester Exhibition Co.

National Fuel, Oil & General Trust.

New Motive Power Co.

Patent Automatic & Mechanical Advertising Syndic.-it.-.

Perfect Nut Manufacturing Co.

Robinson's Haste Engineering Co.

Superheated Steam Engine & Generator Syndicate.

Telephone Duplicating Recorder Co.

Warner International & Overseas Engineering Co.

W'hisperphonc Syndicate.

Woodhouse Steel Casing Co.

Tyneside Tramways & Tramroads Co. — The r<'port states
that the surplus of receipts over expenses is £4,129. Includ-
mg balance brought forward, the total to the credit of profit
and loss account is £4,755. After deducting interest on deben-
tures, loans, itc, amounting to £l,0l:f, the available balance
is £3,742. After paying the dividend on the preference shares
at the rate of 5 per cent, per annum (less income-tax), £601,
and a dividend ou the ordinary shares at Ij per cent, per
annum (less income-tax), £1,172, there is placed to reserve
for- ii-ncwals, depreciation, and other contingencies £939, in-
ii' I iiiJ til.' fund to £2'i,936; there is .set a.side for reduction
■ ■I i' .itiMih.n and loriiiation expenses, &c., £330, leaving to
cuiij liiiwurd £700. The traffic receipts show a decrease of
£1,018 on the corresponding period of 1915.

STOCKS AND SHARES.

Tuesday Evening.
The Government have made another excursion into the
mobilisation business, and this week have published the
names of a number of .stocks and shares which they are pre-
pared to accept ou loan, but not for purchase, from the
holders. The terms offered are, on balance, tempting and
generous. There will probably be a rush to take advantage
of the Treasury's offer; and no particular surprise will be
felt in the City if the lists are closed pretty soon.

The effect upon other investment stocks has been a
strengthening one. The news, too, is excellent, especially
that from the Russian and Italian fronts. Optimism once
more begins to raise a confident head. Prices in most mar-
kets are firm. The 6 per cent. Bank Rate no longer troubles
or perplexes. The public are bent on buying stock. The
railwaymen's demand of 10s. a week extra, which in ordi-
nary days would have collapsed Home Railw-ay stocks, is
passed by almost unnoticed. What does it matter, investtirs
ask, seeing that the railways are being run by the Govern-
ment ?

Affairs in Mexico and in Brazil seem to be shaping healthily.
President Carrauza has been at pains to explain that when lie
demanded from foreign shareholders in Mexican corporations
that they .should waive their right to appeal to their own
Governments for the protection of their interests, he intended
this decree to apply only to shareholders in new corporations,
and not, as previously reported, to those in established con-
cerns. There is a rising tendency in the rubber share market,
the more noteworthy from the fact that the price of the raw
material is slightly on the down grade.

Underground Railway stocks do not flourish in the dog
days. No doubt the London General Omnibus Co. is doing
well, but this does not prevent a httle seUing of District.s,
and of Metropolitans as well. The prices of both are dull; and
Central London assented ordinary lost the small improvement
picked up last week. Underground incomes are better at
91J, a rise of J, on buying in advance of the '£3 net dividend
due on September 1st. The steam stocks, on the whole, are a
good market, influenced by the improvement in Consols and
the expectation that there may be a further development of
the Government scheme of mobilisation in the direction of
purchase of foreign stocks, in which case home securities
could scarcely fail to benefit.

Substantial improvements in British Columbia Electric Rail-
way stocks are the feature in their particular market. For
the last fortnight, it may be recalled, the stocks have been
steadily rising ; and this w-eek another 4 points gain has lifted
thfl preference stock to 66. The preferred and the deferred
are both 2 points higher; the 4^ per cent, debenture at 66 is
1 up.. Apparently the company is overcoming the competi-
tion of the 'buses or char-a-bancs which threatened it a little
while ago; while, of course, there is, besides, the increasing
prosperity of the Colony as a whole. The financial year ended
on June 30th. Maybe American buyers have gleaned intelli-
gent anticipation of what the report may be likely to show.

Fear of competition, incidentally, is something of a worry
to holders of Anglo-Argentine Tramway issues; and the com-
pany's 5 per cent, debenture stock has fallen J to 76|, there
being several sellers in the field. It is difficult over here to
judge conditions prevaihng in Buenos Aires, but the investor
o.i this .side will probably trust the Anglo-Argentine Tram-
ways Board to see to it that whatever competition is threat-
ened in the capital of the Argentine, effective steps are taken
to meet it. For the fir.st seven months of the year, the
aggregate earnings came to just over li million pounds gross,
show'ing a decrease of £3,200, as ccanpared with the same
period in 1915. The Brazilian Traction takings for June came
to nearly 7 million milreis, an increase of 370,000 milreis above
those of the corresponding month last year; but expenditure
in material — especially coal — proved much higher, and, on
balance, the month's net earnings showed a decrease of 82,770
milreis.

Several rises have taken place in electrical supply shares.
Kensingtons are | up at 5-J, which is a remarkable .sequel to
the reduction of 1 per cent, in the interim dividend. St.
James's are 5 higher, and so are the preference shares of the
Charing Cross and the Metropolitan Companies. Manifestly
the buyers are looking forward to the end of the war, dis-
regarding the immediate conditions, which, as we have ven-
tured tc* point out all along, is the sensible thing to do.

IHU

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW. [v„i :■>. Xo 3o:m Ar.nsT is im«.

Telegraph stocks arc steaily, with a rise of £1 in Croat
Niirtherns and of 10s. in Anglo-Ainericiin preferred. The East-
ern group is firm, without any change. Marconis remain at
HJ. The cable manufacturing shares are quiet. A few Cal-
lenders have come in. and, on this, the price receded to 12i.

The Mexican utilities are more healthy. There has not
been so much difficulty as usual in placing the bonds by
sellers who happen to come along. Mexican Light & Power
preferred has risen a point to 'ii. The company's seconi
iiiortgage bonds changed hands this week at tiOJ and 30. .V
little attention is being paid to the 5 per cent, tirst mortgage
bonds of the Pachuca Co., which .stand about 30; they are
guaranteed by the Mexican Light & Power Co., and would
appear to be as promising as any in the Mexican group.

A number of improvements have taken place in the
Canadian-American power Lssues. Canadian Generals are 2
points higher at r21, the preference stock being a point or
two lower than this. Kaministiquia has risen to 126. Shawi-
nigan Water is firm at 135, with very little stock about. In
another continent, the second mortgage debentures of the
Victoria Falls Co. have hardened to 100}. which is. of course,
ex the recently-paid interest. The preference shares keep
about 18s., and, at the price, do not appear to be over-valued.

Edison & Swan debenture stock is 3 points up at GO. Elec-
tric Constructions' have a ri.se of Gd. to their credit this week.
Babcock & Wilcox are a firm spot at 59s. Further strength is
shown by the chemical group. In the rubber share market,
the coniiuodity has gone back without disturbing the firmness
of share prices. It is a little surprising to notice how con-
sistent the daily buying is of good-class rubber shares. Base
metal shares are also good, substantial recoveries in copper
and tin aiding the prices. For August, there is a fair amount
of business doing round the Stock Exchange, and the pre
vailing tendency is firm and optimistic.

MARKET QUOTATIONS.

SHARE LIST OF ELECTRICAL COMPANIES.

HoUB Electeicitt Companies.

Dividend Price

^ * V Aug. 15, Rise or fall

1914. 1915. 1916. this week.

Brompton Ordinary .... 10 10 6| —

Charing Cross Ordinary ..55 M —

do. do. do. 4iPref.. 4} 4) af + i

Chelsea 6 4 8 —

City of London 9 8 ISJ —

do. do. 6 per cent. Pref. ti 6 ID* —

County of London .. 7 7 I'g —

do. 6 per cent. Pref. 6 6 luj —

Kensington Ordinary .... 9 7 5h + i

London Electric 4 8 Ig —

do. do. 6 per cent. Pref. 6 6 4i —

Metropolitan 8* 3 a| —

do. ii per cent. Pref. 4J 4J fj 4 i

St. James' and Pall MaU . . 10 8 Sjxd + J

South London 5 6 2| —

South Metropolitan Pref. ..77 1^ —

Westminster Ordinary .... 9 7 6| —
Teleoraphs and Telephones.

Anglo-Am. Tel. Pref 6 6 lOSJ -I- i

do. Det 30/. 33/6 2.3} —

Chile Telephone 8 8 6f xd —

Cuba Sub. Ord 6 5 8J —

Eastern Extension .. .. 7 B li| —

Eastern Tel. Ord 7 8 U8J —

Globe Tel. and T. Ord 6 7 12! —

do. Pref. ..6 6 lOJ —

Great Northern Tel 22 22 39 +1

Indo-European 13 13 48 —

Marconi 10 IJ 8J —

New York Tel. 4J . . . . 4i 4) 99J —

Oriental Telephone Ord. . . 10 10 2jij —

United R. Plate Tel 8 8 6S —

West India and Pan 1 — 14 —

Western Telegraph .... 7 8 14| —

Home Rails.

Central London, Ord. Assented 4 4 74 —1

Metropolitan li t 25 —

do. District .. .. Nil Nil 19 —

Underground Electric Ordinary Nil Nil 111 —

do. do. "A" .. Nil Nil fi|6 —

do, do, Income 6 6 9li + i

FOREIQN TbaUS, &0,

Adelaide Sup. 6 per cent. Pref. 6 6 5 —

Anglo-Arg. Trams, First Pref. 6J 64 Si —

do. 2nd Pref. . . Bj 6? 3 —

do. 5 Deb. ..66 76| — J

Brazil Tractions 4 4 614 — 5

Bombay Electric Pref 6 6 lOJxd —

British Columbia Elec. Rly. Pfce. 5 5 66 +4

do. do. Preferred — Nil 47 + 2

do. do. Deferred — Nil 45 +a

do. do. Deb. 4i 4} 66 +1

Mexico Trams 5 per cent. Bonds — Nil 40 —

do. 6 per cent. Honda — Nil 81 —

Mexican Light Common . . Nil Nil ao ' —

do. Pref Nil Nil 84 4 1

do. lat Bonds . . Nil Nil 40 —
Mamdfactttrino Companies.

Babcock A Wilcox .. .. 14 15 ajj — ^

British Alaminium Ord. . . 5 7 26/- —

British Insulated Ord 15 17J 13 —

British Westinghouse Pref. . . 7J 7j 51/- —

Callenders 15 20 12i — J

do. 5 Pref. .... 6 5 4i

Castner-Kellner 20 — 8| —

Edison & Swan, ^£3 paid . . Nil — 9/6 —

do. do. fully paid . . Nil — 1| —

do. do. S percent. Deb. 5 6 60 +8

Electric Construction . , . . 6 74 17/6 -fr 6d.

Gen. Elec. Pref 6 6 9i _

Henlsy 20 25 16 —

do. ii Pref 44 44 4 _

India-Rubber 10 10 12 —

Telegraph Con 20 30 89 —

* Dividends paid free of iooome-Ux,

6 10
6 13
6 6

•6 8 8

6 10 4

6 li 9

6 13 8

It should be remembered, in making use of the figures appcnrin^r
in the following list, that in some cases the prices are only jiciurul.
and they may vary according to quantities and other circuinstunces.

Wednesday, August 16th.

CHEMICALS. Ac.

Acid, Oxalic per 1

Ammoniac Sal per t

Ammonia, Muriate (large crystal) „

Bisulphide of Carbon . . . . „

Borax ,,

Copper Sulphate ,,

: Potash, Chlorate perl

,, Perchlorate . . . . ,,

Shellac per c

I Sulphate of Magnesia . . per I

I Sulphur, Sublimed Flowers . . „

I ,, Lump ,,

! Soda, Chlorate per I

1 ,, Crystals pert

Sodium Bichromate, casks .. perl

METALS. &c.

: Brass (rolled metal 2" to 12- basis) per 1

: ,, Tubes (solid drawn) ., ,,

: ,, Wire, basis ,,

; Copper Tubes (solid drawn) . . ,,

l ,, Bars (best selected) . . per t

r ,, Sheet ,

t „ Rod

1 „ (Electrolytic) Bars . . „

/ „ ,, Sheets .. „
/ „ „ Rods

< „ „ H.C. Wire perl

' Ebonite Rod „

'' ,, Sheet ,

t German Silver Wire .. ,, ,,

i Gutta-percha, fine „

i India-rubber, Para fine . . . . ,,

Iron Pig (Cleveland warrants) . . per t

' ,, Wire, galv. No. 8, P.O. qual. „

r Lead, English Pig „

r Mercury per 1

• Mica (in original cases) small . . per 1

■ ,, ,, ,, medium „
^ ,1 ,, ,, large .. ,,
/ Silicium Bronze Wire . . . . per 1

■ Steel, Magnet, in bars . , . . per t
r Tin, Block (English)

I „ Wire, Nos. 1 to 16 .. ..perl

£76
£5i
£23
£34
£61
2/6
2/-

l/3i to 1/3

1/3 to 1/31

Jd.toid.ia.

1/3 to l/3i

1/6 to 1/64

Jd. inc.

£146

£146

£116

£125

£143

£182

l/3i

3/-

2/6

2/3

6/10

2/114

IJd. inc.

Nom.

£36

£31

30/. inc.

£17 la 6 to £17 16

6d. to 8/-

8/6 to 6/-

7/8 to 14/- i up.

1/84

£85

£175 to £17d

i'4to£5ino

2/10

I

Quotations supplied by-

a G. Boor & Co.
c Thos. Bolton & Sons, Ltd.
d Frederick Smith & Co.
e F. Wiggins & Sons.
/ India-Rubber, Gutta-Percha and
Telegraph Works Co., Ltd.

g James & Shakespeare.

h Edward Till & Co.

i Boiling & Lowe.

/ Richard Johnson & Nephew, Ltd.

n P. Ormiston & Sons.

r W. F. Dennis i Co.

Calcutta Electric Supply Corporation, L(d. — Units sold
during five weeks ended ,Iuue tiOth, 2.;i54,Ul4, compared with
'J,355,478 units in the corresponding five weeks of 1915. The
slight reduction is owing to rains and cooler weather tlii.s
year than last.

W. T. Henley's Telej^raph Works Co., Ltd.— Interim
dividend on the preference shares at the rate of 4i per cent,
per annum, less income-tax, and on the ordinary .shares at
the rate of 10 per cent, per annum, less income-tax. for the
half-year ending June 30th. The interim dividends in 1915
were at the same rates.

Electro Bleach & By-Products, Ltd. — The directors have
declared an interim dividend in respect of the current year
of 3i per cent, (less income-tax at 4s. in the £) on the pre-
feience shares.

South Metropolitan Electric Lifjht & Power Co., Ltd, —

The tran.sfer books are clo.sed from August ISth to 31.st for
the preparation of wanants for dividends for the half-year on
the 7 per cent, and fl per cent. cum. pref. .shaies.

Fairbairn, Lawson, Combe, Barbour, Ltd. — Owing to

war conditions there will be no interim dividends on the pre-
feience or ordinary shares.

Metropolitan Electric Supply Co., Ltd. — Interim dividend
of Is. per share (at the rate of '2 per cent, per annum) on the
ordinary shares, less income-tax.

Waste Heat & Gas Electrical Generating; Stations, Ltd. —

Interim dividend, 2^ per cent., less tax.

Montreal Tramways Co. — Quarterly dividend of 2^ per
cent., making 10 per cent, for the year ended June 30th.

Crossley Bros., Ltd. — Interim dividend, 5 per cent, per
annum on the ordinary shares.

Stewarts & Lloyds, Ltd. — Interim dividend of 10 per cent.
on the preferred ordinary shares.

Vdi. 79. No. 2.021, August is, 1910.] THE ELEGTKiCAL KEVIEW.

191

THE CENTRALISATION OF ELECTRICITY
SUPPLY.

[Communicated.]

Lately there has been an epidemic of proposals
for the centralisation of electricity supply. Some
would nationalise it right off, while others, more
cautious, would generate through semi-national
authorities controlled by a board of representative
men with large legal powers. In his Institution
paper, Mr. Williams suggested that the Board
should be made up of a president, six electrical
engineers, one lawyer, one accountant, one financial
member, and one parliamentary member.

When one thinks over the proposal, one cannot
but feel that Parliament may be in no mood to take
half measures. Even now many influential parlia-
mentarians advocate the immediate nationalisation
of railways and other businesses, and if a Centralis-
ing Bill were introduced into the House, Socialis-
tically-inclined members would undoubtedly declare
that it was a golden opportunity for the nation to
take over the monopoly of electricity supply. Let
us not forget the fate of the telephone. Many
benefits were to accrue when the old company was
taken over, but so far we have seen only heavier
charges and the flight of the erstwhile liberal profits.
For the same fate to befall the electrical industry
would be a calamity so far-reaching that one would
not wish to contemplate it.

Again, why centralise tilie control of electricity
generation at all ? Do those who demand it grasp
the fact that their plan means that one set of minds
will be set to do the work now carried out by a
multitude? In other words, that it means the
sterilisation of the minds of our most capable m^en?
It is easy to assume that a Controlling Board will
be sympathetic towards new ideas. But who ever
found a Board that was so ? A little thought will
show that it is unreasonable even to expect it. Men
who rise to places of high authority under Govern-
ment are men who have proved themselves safe,
men who are good talkers, whose personality
appeals to the kind of men who become members
of Parliament, and, if one may hint it, men who
have influence behind them. The pioneer and the in-
ventor do not appeal to committees of selection.
Often the inventor is a shy man with a mixture of
diffidence and tactlessness that quickly rules him out
of court. It was said once that Mr. Marconi spent
his holidays putting kings and queens at their ease
by his charming manners. If all pioneers were
like him, the problem of centralisation would be
easier; but, unhappily, Mr. Marconi is the excep-
tion.

Mr. Williams's Board of Control would be for all
the world like the Council of the I.E.E. The presi-
dent would be a gentleman of highly dignified
appearance with irreproachable manners, and the
rest of the Board would be just the kind of men
that we see year by year at our annual meetings.
Only there would be this difference : the Council
'of the I.E.E. is open to improvement to some
degree, if the members will only take the trouble
to vote in new blood, but the Board of Control
would be appointed for life. It would, further, be
walled in by laws and regulations, and not infre-
quently would have to spend more time considering
its terms of reference than in working out techni-
calities. The more active members of our industry
might fret and fume at the slowness of progress,
but the legal member of the Board would continue
to draw up memoranda proving that the energetic
ones were really ignoramuses who were not aware
of the legal points in the said temis of reference,
while the accountant would spend much time in pre-
paring a flood of unnecessary forms to be filled up
on every conceivable topic, in the manner of the

War Office, so greatly admired (!) by our long-
suffering officers. Some people may contend that
there would be opportunity for progressive men to
join the Board. This hope is a delusion and a snare.
All councils and boards of control hang together,
whether of institutions, associations, or golf clubs,
and once a majority has passed a resolution,
etiquette demands that all shall support it. The
bigger the business controlled by the Board, the
more unprogressive it must be, for the more severe
will be the criticisms of failure through haste to
take up new ideas. Accidents and mistakes occur
in small businesses, but after necessary changes
have been made, they pass out of mind. But where
there is a Board of Control, every untoward event
is the subject of careful inquiry, which, in turn,
results in an ever-multiplying variety of regulations
which are distributed by headquarters to all depart-
ments. This is the origin of the red tape which
strangles Government departments and destroys
initiative in men, who, under different conditions,
would take a high place in commerce. Life means
continual adjustment to environment, continual
change, and endless variety, and live businesses act
accordingly. The best practice of to-day will be
obsolete to-morrow, and live engineer-managers
make it their business to ensure that they will leave
things in a different state from that in which they
found them. But the ideal of a Government depart-
ment is to formulate perfect regulations with which
everyone must comply, and it is the insistent aim
of governing heads of departments to frame such
rules that no servant will ever require initiative.
Following this hope, oui' legislators year after year
sit in the House passing laws for the guidance of
the country, with the result that the vast majority
of the said laws fall into oblivion and are heard of
no more in everj-day life. Let us be thankful that
it is so, for if the truth were known, most of us are
infringing some of them every day of our lives.

An industry which is growing at the speed of
electricity supply requires freedom from unreason-
able restraint, and not a growing accumulation of
shackles and chains. It requires foresight and bold
initiative, and not an eye riveted on musty prece-
dent; it requires for captain the adventurous spirit
who, Columbus-like, will venture out on the great
unknown ocean in frail ineflicient craft, and not the
entirely safe man who won't leave port until some-
one else has built the large, comfortable liner. Gov-
ernment departments won't fill the bill. They
carry out everything in a niggling and obstructive
spirit, with the idea of fulfilling to the uttermost all
the Act« of Parliament under which they work.
The raucous voice of the House of Commons
gentleman who wants to know by what authority
this or that official did this or that thing, for ever
rings in their ears and deadens them to progress.
Anyone who is keen for the nationalisation of our
industry would do well to read the evidence given
before the Air Commission, bearing in mind that the
urgency of the war might be expected to do some-
thing towards bringing. in a spirit of eager endea-
vour to help our brave flying men, of whom so few
can possibly come unscathed through the war. Yet
even with the urge of military peril pressing too
hard on them, some of the evidence revealed a
state of things which filled us with loathing, and
the enemy with derision.

A remark of one of the judges throws light
on the diff'erence between the methods of a
Business Man and those of a Government
Ofiicial. The judge told a witness that very little
of his evidence would have been accepted by a court
of law. Now, the interesting point about this is
that very little of the evidence on which a business
man is in the habit of forming his conclusions would
pass in a law court. Where a judge trusts to accu-
mulated evidence, a business man trusts to judg-
ment, experience, and intuition. Had a competent

192

THE ELECTRICAL IIEVIEW. [Voi. 7;^ no. 2.021. A.u.rsx 18. i-hr.

business man been sent to look into the aeroplane
department, he would have held no inquin in the
manner of the law courts. He would himself have
gone to France. He would have visited factories.
He would have talked privately with many men.
Then he would have dismissed some, promoted
others, re-arranged things, and, more particularly,
he would have encouraged the better men to do
their best. There would have been no mass of
written questions and answers, and perhaps not
even any report to speak of, but even,'thing would
have gone better, and output would by now be in-
creasing with leaps and bound.s. That is the differ-
ence between Government and private control. Of
course, private concerns often are badly managed,
but these go into the Bankruptcy Court and meet
an end more or less painful. Government concerns,
when they fail in their duty, hang on to the nation
and drag it down as a drowning man drags down
his would-be rescuer.

Lest ib should be thought that I am exaggerating
the deficiencies of Government departments, I
would remind readers of incidents which can be
paralleled multitudinously by all who have experi-
ence in that direction. Take our Patent Depart-
ment. Only by continual pushing has it bee.n com-
pelled to give our manufacturers licences bo use
enemy patents. And when our own patentees ask
that the duration of patents be extended to compen-
sate them for non-manufacture of patented articles
owing to the Government having requisitioned fac-
tories for war material, the Board of Trade not
only denies that it can do anything, but states that
it does not even intend to ask Parliament to do any-
thing. Fancy running a competitive electricity sup-
-ply business on these lines!

Or may we recall the change made a few years
ago by tJie Parcel Post Department ? They used
to send parcels by baskets, and breakage was almost
negligible. Then someone thought that bags
would be cheaper than baskets. So bags were usied
and, as might have been foreseen, the breakage of
parcels was appalling. Anyone who sees the bags
being thrown about at railway stations knows how
it happens. But the Post Office would not rectify
the error, and the breakage goes on year by year, to
the great loss of the nation. A personal experi-
ence will illustrate what happens to thousands of
unfortunate people who send parcels by post.
Some time ago I senti a carefully packed felt hat per
post, which arrived a complete wreck. The local
postmaster inspected the remains, and, with a smile,
remarked that sometimes -these things got through
unbroken, but that there was no responsibility of the
Post Office, as cardboard boxes should, according
to rule, be protected by a crate. I suggested tha't
the public could not know the rules, and that the
Post Office girls should tell senders about them.
The postmaster was horrified at this idea, and stated
peremptorily that people who sent goods per post
should first read the book of the regulations and
comply with them! A friend in the Post Office
summed the matter up thus: — Said. he: "It's like
this. A lady sends a hat, someone else a rabbit, and
another a bottle of medicine. When they arrive
here_, the rabbit is mixed up with the hat and the
medicine is running over them both." Again, one
cannot but say, fancy runnine the electricity busi-
ness like that I

One may recall one other experience, which,
doubtless, is familiar to many. Some time ago the
Telephone Department issued a batch of instruc-
tions to the telephone girls, with this kind of
result : —

Telephone User (calling Exchange): "Three,
please."

^Operator fdesperately) : "Will you kindly say
' Little Puddleton-on-the-Marshes. three ' ? " '

User: "Why should I? You know quite well
what I want."

Operator: " It's the orders, and I cannot attend
to you otherwise."

User: "Oh, all right. Here you are. Will you
please get me Little Puddleton-on-the-Marshes,
three? Will that do ? "

Operator: " Number engaged."

This kind of thing went on for weeks in small
towns where there was no possible excuse, until the
telephone girls were worn out, users were in a per-
petual state of bad temper, and the working of the
system was upset.

One can only hope that our industry will not be
put under the control of Parliament to be subject
to this kind of thing. On July 25th, Mr. Ashley
entertained (that is how the report in t'he Press puts
it) the House of Commons for nearly an hour by
telling them how money was wasted by the War
Departments, at a time when every penny counts.
The War Office wanted 30,000 packages of tapioca.
( )f these they bought 10,000 packages direct from a
tapioca merchant, 10,000 at a higher price through a
grocer, and a second 10,000, also coming from the
same lirm, and also at a higher price, from an iron-
nionger. A master tailor in a regiment was paid
£25 for keeping non-existent suits of clothes in
order. Over £700,000 was spent in converting ten
oil-tank vessels into transports, anrd re-converting
them again, quite uselessly, and so on. We also,
most of us, know of influential gentlemen who are
getting good pay in army departments during the
war for doing mighty little. We also know of other
cases where pensions are withheld, and where
tradesmen are quite unable to get their bills paid.
Many of us also know of cases where money could
be saved by a little experimenting, if only the top-
hatted, frock-coated man would listen to the fitter,
but that is not the way in Government departments.

By all means nationalise the liquor industry. Wc
want to reduce the nation's drink bill, and that will
do it to admiration. But electricity supply has not
yet come to that pitch, and something else is
needed.

A word with regard to centralisation without
Government control. This ii not quite so bad as
nationalisation, but it has many of the same vices.
The president, who when appointed is full of push
and go, settles into staidness and sobriety. One
calls to mind the railway manager who would not
allow a bogey carriage on his' line, because he felt
sure it would run off the rails, and they had to wait
until he went to heaven before the improvement
could be added. But our railways, while not active
in making improvements in the way that we under-
stand that word in the electrical industry, have this
advantage, that they are not all under one board.
When the North-Western, Midland, and other great
lir.es have turned down a new idea, there is always
a chance that the inventor may have luck with one
of the other companies. One would hardly care to
think of what state our railways would have been in
to-day if the whole lot of them had been controlled
by one board for the past dozen years ! Centralised
control would be wrong for our railways, at any
rate in the present state of development of this
nation, and it would be even more wrong for elec-
tricity. If one of the provincial stations wanted to
use steam at 400 lb. pressure, why should the Board
have power to tell them to wait until some other
nation had proved that it was satisfactory ? And
if the staff at some other station feel themselves
totally atj variance with the policy of the Board of
Control, why should they, in the name of etiquette,
find themsel\-es compelled to maintain a dire silence,
when they feel that outspoken criticism would do a
world of good ? Boards of Control of all kinds are
only too apt to become like Government depart-
ments. Ever\-one treats the members with pro-
found respect, as if, indeed, they were a bench of
bishops, because it is the only way to keep in with

Vol. 7!.. Xo. 0.021, August 18. 1916.] THE ELECTRICAL EEVIEW.

193

them. They, in turn, become portentous in de-
meanour, and even come to believe that they know
more about things than the men whom they controL
Then the members spend so much of their time
pottering about committee rooms, and that kind of
thing, that they lose touch with the technical side
of the industr)% although, of course, no one dares
to tell them so.' Also, they acquire large salaries
and titles of various kinds, and with these their
women folk demand that they shall spend much time
in attending social functions suited to their exalted
rank. Now, it is the use that a man makes of his
spare time that determines his real place in his
profession, and no man can continue to do the
highest work if he also strives to maintain a place
in society. Of course, the private individual may
try to do this, but he merely drops behind and takes
a lower place. But where such a one holds high
position officially, he is only too apt to hold back
the whole industry.

One may sum all this up by giving a type of
standard letter which we may imagine has been sent
to some pushful young fellow who, in his inexperi-
ence, desires the Board to give special terms to a
new consumer. The said consumer is willing to
spend much money on plant to introduce a new
electrochemical process, but wishes the electricity
supply authority to give him special terms to make
it worth his while to run the risk. The pushful
manager writes a long letter, pointing out that the
station happens to be in a position to do just what
is needed, and that he feels sure that it will bring
about an outlet for their energy which will speedily
bring in fine profits. Well, one knows the reply to
this kind of thing. It) rtins something like this: —

" Sir, — I am directed bv the Board of Control
to acknowledge receipt of your letter. The Board
of Control directs me to point out that, under the
rules and regulations which govern the Board's
actions, they have no power to depart from the staV
dard tariff.— I am, sir, your obedient ser\'ant, — — ."

The first time a man gets this kind of thing he
feels as if he had slipped on a banana skin and sat
down in a puddle. After a time he loses interest in
progressive work and becomes a true official, and,
when grown old, he may even "take a delight in
jumping on the next generation of men who have
come out of college and the workshop crammed full
of ideas for helping humanity.

But, it may be asked, what can be done to push
the industry on ? To reply to this would take up
too much space for this article, but I will give a
few heads on which there might be action. First
of all, we might set up a Board drawn from the
then Councils of bodies such as the I.E.E., the
I.M.E.A., the Civils, the Railway Companies, and
other interested parties. A Board selected thus
would keep in living touch with the industry,
and not tend to lose touch with new ideas as
would be the case with a permanent Board.
Funds should be collected by legal le\-y from
the departments concerned, and with these a
permanent laboratory should be set up with trained
staff. This might well be a branch of our admirable
National Physical Laboratory. The laboratory
would test materials, including metals, coal, oil, &c.
It would undertake the testing of plant of all kinds
from the working of 20,ooo-k\v. steam turbines to
the performance of voltage regulators. Many of
these tests would continue over long periods, and
the staff would draw up reports on results obtained
in actual working. One has only to think of Diesel
engine and steam turbine experience to see how-
testing of this kind would help progress. Or take
the experiments now going on with steam at 400 lb.
pressure. We have reports that this is completely suc-
cessful, and yet many men will continue to put down
plant for 200 lb. pressure until the 400 lb. results
have become common knowledge. With the re-
sources of an expert staff to test and follow up

results with the higher pressure, many years of
waiting would be saved, while the results obtained
in the pioneer stations would be at the sei"vice of
the whole industry.

The laboratory would, further, index and classify
faults which occurred in all kinds of plant, which
would prevent the repetition of the same defect
long after the causes and remedy had been found
out. It would advise the Local Government Board
on the duration of loans based on the actual life of
plant. It would advise Government Committees as
to the desirability of linking-up and bulk supply,
and would thus help the amalgamation of supply
authorities in large areas. The London question
alone would occupy much of its time, and we all
know the vast possibilities that there are there for
the elimination of waste. With the aid of a paid staff,
the Board would draw up schemes by which all
extensions would go to large efficient stations, while
unnecessan,' stations would be wiped out as cheaply
as possible. It would fix standard voltages and
periodicities, and advise on ways and means for
bringing ever\"one into line as far as possible.

The Board would, further, grant diplomas to pro-
perly educated electrical engineers, thereby raising
the status of the profession to that of lawyers and
doctors. It would supervise and license wiring con-
tractors and eliminate the nondescript man who
goes into wiring because he has failed in everything
else. It would, further, test apparatus and materials
used in installation work, and grant certificates
where the same were satisfacton,-. This work is
now carried out in some other countries, and is
really required urgently here if we are to -avoid a
very unpleasant time in the near future, when much
of the present bad wiring begins to yield to the
stress of ser\-ice for which it was never siiltable.

Doubtless additional opportunities would arise for
useful work, but the above programme would do
for a beginning. The proposals here set forth have
the great advantage that, while they would make
it harder for those engaged in the electrical industry
to follow the wrong path, those who are doing good
piogressive work would be able to continue their
efforts without the fear of unreasonable interference.

SPANISH INDUSTRIES AND TRADE.

[Influences of the War.]

I\' an exhaustive report prepared by U.S. Consul-General
Carl Bailey Hurst it is stated that the commerce and industries
of the Barcelona district underwent marked changes during
191.5, and the resulting situation with its new problems was
capably met by local merchants, manufacturers, and others',
in spite of extraordinai-y difficulties. He says it may be
conservatively stated that the value of the commerce of the
district as compared to that of the whole country is 85 per
cent, of the imports and 65 per cent, of the exports. Figures
regarding the commerce of IBarcelona are small as compared
with those of other great mercantile centres of the world,
but in reality this trade is of great importance, owing to the
situation of the port between the Western Hemisphere and
Europe. It is the confluence of the manufacturing activity
of Catalonia, and the warehouses and depots of Barcelona
may be regarded as the storehouses of the entire country.
The city, with its surrounding Provinces, may be said to have
experienced an era of exceptional industrial activity in 1915,
and in spite of the many hindrances to commerce from which
it suffered, its importance in the world's trade has increased.
The imports from the U.S.A. during 1915 would have been
far greater had not the lack of ves.sels and the freight rates
interfered with the development of .\merican trade through-
out this district. Nevertheless, 1915 was by far the best
year American merchandise has ever had in Barcelona; new
lines of goods have been put upon this market with success
that promises a lasting demand. The war does not seem to
bave had an altogether harmful influence on the banks of
Barcelona and vicinity. The mercantile world and the pubhc
generally have adhered to their habits of saving and to con-
servative business transactions. The tendency that has been
noticed for some years toward the absorption of banking
negotiations by the Barcelona branch of the Bank of Spain
has been accentuated. The personal wealth of the pubhc is
not known, and it is a-ccordingly. impossible to fix exactly

194

THE ELECTRICAL IxEVlEW. |voi. :;». xo. 2.021. au.utst is. vm.

the proportion of local capital invested in local commerce and
industry. The confidence of local investors in home condi-
tions is readily shown by the rapid absorption of new bond
issues by the municipality or by the provincial Government.
During 191y, 8'2 new joint stock companies were registered
in Catalonia with a total capital of ±'576,470, nearly 40 per
cent, of the capital thus invested in the whole of Spain during
the year. A notable peculiarity of these companies is that
they represent entirely Spanish capital, no foreign capital
having been invested in this way, as has been the case in
previous years. Mr. Hurst reviews the exchange situation,
and details the railroad construction that has been mider
taken. He next proceeds to discuss the local industries com-
pared with those of the rest of Spain. In this connection he
refers to five classes of tariff for taxation, " The third tariff,"
he states, " embraces manufacturing industries, including cot-
ton, woollen, and silk textiles, drugs, chemicals, leather
goods, metals, machinery, and others, with a total of 57,439
contributors. There were 9,83i of these industries in the
Province of Barcelona, followed by Valencia, with 3,703,
Other Provinces in the district contained large numbers of
contributors under this classification, amounting altogether to
50 per cent, of the whole number of contributors. In this
district are centred the manufacturing interests of the coun-
try. The woollen industries number '2.087, of which 660 are
in" the Province of Barcelona, 149 in Burgos, 116 in Gerona,
and le.sser numbers in other Provinces of this district, making
a total of 75 per cent, of the whole woollen industries of Spain.
The cotton industries have 1,520 estabUshments, of which
1,155 are in the Province of Barcelona, 120 in Gerona, 31 in
Tarragona, 34 in the Balearic Islands, and smaller numbers
in other Provinces of the district, making 95 per cent, of the
cotton industries of Spain. The silk industries number 252,
of which 50 per cent, are in this district, 101 being in the
Province of Barcelona alone. Sixty per cent, of the mixed
silk, woollen, linen, and cotton industries are in this consular
district, over 50 per cent, being in the Province of Barcelona.
Of other textile mills, numbering 1,238, 85 per cent, are in
this district, 7-56 being in the Province of Barcelona. There
are 8,821 different kinds of plants making machinery, of
which 75 per cent, are in this district, 2,.393 being in the
Province of Barcelona. Out of 355 paper factories, 67 per
cent, are in this district, 147 being in the Province of Barce-
lona."

Many of the Provinces of Spain have industries more or
less peculiar to themselves, and their centralisation in various
localities is frequently the result of natural causes. Catalonia
is the greatest manufacturing part of Spain, and activity in
this line has spread to some adjacent Provinces, The Viz-
cayan Provinces are the seat of the principal blast furnaces
and metallurgical industries, the Asturias are famous for
their coal mines, and the Galician Provinces for their
fisheries.

The effect of the war on this district, wherein is centred
3> much of the industrial life of Spain, has been at once
favourable and harmful. It has created a demand in new
markets for certain manufactured articles and, at the same
time, it has encumbered vAih difficulties the means of secur-
ing raw material for their production. Local manufacture
depends primarily on coal, which is imported annually in
large quantity to supply the industrial plants. The interrup-
tion of regular imports threatened for a while to paralyse
manufacture hereabouts, but the Government removed both
customs duty and transport tax on imported coal in April,
1915, and soon large shipments began to arrive from the
United States.

Although this district produces a great deal of iron, manu-
factured articles of this metal have been imported exten-
sively. Machinery and hardware of various classes were
brought before the war from points with which traffic is
now stopped, and some local industries have consequently
suffered from the lack of machinery and parts while the raw
material for their manufacture was at hand. The price of
iron in Spain is nearly double that in other countries, while
manufactured articles are admitted with a duty of approxi-
mately 20 per cent, ad valorem, and this has apparently had
the tendency to retard the development of local industries
in this line. A similar condition is noticed in regard to copper,
produced here in large quantity, but almost all exported.
The lack of .sulphate of copper has been a menace to many
industries.

The textile interests of this district have suffered for want
of colouring material, heretofore imported almost exclusively
from Germany, and there has been a great demand for
chemical products, aniline oils, varnishes, and other materials.
■^'hile the requirements of the moment have been met, it
har, frequently been at great expense, and, although most of
the mills and factories have been running, the net profits
to the manufacturer have not been as great as might appear.
Barcelona under normal circumstances ranks after Liver-
pool, Bremen, and Havre as the fourth cotton port of Europe.
There was increased activity of the Barcelona cotton market
in the campaign year 1914-15.

The Spanish cotton industry employs over 2,100,000 spindles,
of which 2,000,000 are located in Catalonia, The labourer
employed in Barcelona and neighbourhood in the cotton in-
dustry works about 3,000 hours annually, or 62 hours a week,
with 11 to 15 traditional and local hoHdays, besides the 52
Sundays and 11 fixed hoUdays. In mountain villages he
works 66 dav hours and 48 night hours weekly, or a total of

114 hours a week. The average weekly wage m this industry
is from 3.60 dols. to 5.40 dols. for men, 2.70 dols, to 3.96 dols.
for women, and 1,44 dols. to 2.16 dols. for children. The
price of motor power is from 22.50 dols. to 27 dols. annually
per H.P. in the river valleys and 0.tX)9 dols. to 0.0144 dols.
per kilowatt-hour in the plains for not less than 3,000 hours
a year.

The cotton-textile industries of Spain, as classified for the
collection of the industrial tax, comprise 305 machines for
spinning and twisting yarn, of which 260 are in the Province
of Barcelona and 73 in Gerona ; and 46,175 looms, of which
39,883 are in Barcelona and 3,799 in Gerona.

The wool industry of this district is most intensive in the
cities of Sabadell, Tarrasa, and Barcelona. In the mills of
Sabadell there are 66,511 spindles for spinnitig wool, 64,131
for twisting yarns, and 1,645 looms, employing altogether
9,000 hands and producing annually goods to the value of
7,380,000 dols. In Tarrasa there are 37,800 spindles for
spinning, 54,000 for twisting, and 1,300 looms, besides finish-
ing establishments. The wool industry of Tarrasa employs
5,000 hands and turns out finished products with an average
annual value of 5,310,000 dols. Other towns in which this
industry flourishes are Alcay, Bejar, Bocairente, and Ante-
quera.

At Tarrasa there are 136 combing machines employing 400
hands, at Sabadell 30 such machines, and at Bejar and Ren-
teria 14, making 180 machines in Spain, served altogether by
530 operatives and consuming about 3,960 metric tons of wool
per year. The number of spindles employed in wool spinning
are 46,800 at Sabadell, 43,000 at Tarrasa," 18,800 at Barcelona,
and 10,400 at Badalona, Renteria, San Juan de las Abadesas,
Puigcerd6, and Gerona, making a total of 119,000 spindles.
This branch of the industry employs 2,000 hands.

The metallurgical plants at Sestao and Baracaldo, near
Bilbao, have modem coke furnaces and rolling mills for
making steel rails and sheet iron. They, with another plant
called the " Iberia," formed in 1902 a combination known as
the "Altos Homos de Vizcaya," the greatest metallurgical
.enterprise in Spain, and produce all kinds of iron and steel,
machinery, and hardware. There are also important furnaces
ia the Asturias and the Government maintains a foundry at
Trubia, in Asturias, for the production of steel for cannon
and projectiles. All of these establishments are fitted out with
thoroughly modern appliances for an industry which is con-
stantly a-ssuming greater importance.

The neighbouring Provinces of Leon, Palencia, and Gerona
produce between 400,000 and 500,000 tons of coal annually,
the Provinces of Barcelona, Teruel, Guipuzcoa, the Balearic
Islands, and Zaragoza produce about 275,000 tons of lignite,
and at accessible distance from the furnaces much lead and
iron are mined. The Province of Vizcaya produces about
3,500,000 tons of iron ore annually and Santander and Teruel
contribute as well to the domestic supply of iron. In the
Provinces of Santander and Lerida zinc al.so is mined to con-
siderable extent. From Bilbao alone 3,-500,000 tons of iron
are exported annually under normal circumstances, and taking
into consideration that the "Altos Hornos " handles 200,000
tons a year, it has been stated that if the amount exported
could be retained for domestic consumption it would furnish
material for 17 more such furnaces, employ 17 more villages
of workmen, stimulate coal mining, and generally benefit
the metallurgical interests of the whole country. During the
year 1915 the exportation of iron, steel, and zinc in pigs and
blocks was prohibited. This will have a noticeable effect on
statistics of exports from this district.

In November, 1915, an assembly of the metallurgical indus-
trial interests was held at Barcelona. It was the first meeting
of the kind in Spain, and the object was to decide on the
course to be taken to remedy so far as possible the difficulties
arising from a slack domestic market, high prices, and grow-
ing scarcity of raw materials. The assembly adopted resolu-
tions concerning Government aid, exportation of crude
materials, some of which, although embargoed, found their
way out of the country, and suggestions for classifying metal
articles on a more technical basis in en.suing reforms of the
Spanish Customs tariff. It was stated that the reduced activity
affected over lOO.O(X) operatives throughout Spain.

Chemical industries in this district are greatly favoured by
the fact that the country furnishes nearly all the necessary
raw material, but they have not been sufficiently exploited,
and at pre.sent a need of finished chemical products is felt.
The greater part of the curburetted calcium is produced in
Catalonia, and a large plant for its manufacture is being built
in Gerona. There are factories producing relatively small
quantities of sulphuric acid, carbonic acid, oxygen, &c., and
there is a noticeable tendency for such industries to concen-
trate in Barcelona.

Among the chemical manufacturing companies one is at
Gij6n, in Asturias, making mineral fertilisers as well as explo-
sives, and another at Besaya, A factory for carbonate of soda
recently opened at Torrelavega, near Santander, is easOy
capable of producing about 30.000 tons of this chernical a
year. A company with a capital of 2,160,000 dols, is con-
structing a plant near Lerida for obtaining nitrates from the
air, endeavouring to render Spanish agriculture independent
of imported nitrates, .and to m.ake, as a secondary product,
nitric acid for scientific and industrial use. This plant is in
the Pyrenees, where the immense water power that exists has
influenced Catalan manufacture in a marked degree. The
olive oil of the district has contributed to the establishment

Vol. 79. No. 2,021. AcGysT 18. 1910] THE ELECTEICAL KEVIEW.

195

of a number of soap factories, which produce usually the
ordinary grades, the finer qualities being largely imported.

The extensive paper industries of Spain are largely centred
in Catalonia, where, established for centuries, they have
developed, with the discovery of printing and modern methods
of jjaper-making, to their present flourishing condition.

Since the beginning of 1915 hydro-electric development in
this district has recovered from the check suffered in 1914,
and works of great importance are being continued and com-
pleted. Aside from the Scandinavian countries and those in
proximity to the Alps,' this part of Spain possesses perhaps
the best facilities for hydro-electric enterprise on the Conti-
nent. The rivers flowing from the Pyrenees and vicinity are
capable of supplying power calculated at 1,350,000 h.p. For
the exploitation of part of this great force there are three
companies now operating. A hydro-electric plant has been
constructed at CapadeUa which utihses the waterfall of Flami-
sell, 2,739 ft. in height, yielding 52.000 h.p., said to be one
of the greatest forces obtained from water power in Europe.
One of these companies, after studying the waterfalls of the
P.iirenees, chose three groups which seemed susceptible of
profitable exploitation. These are the Essera, in the Province
of Huesca. which feeds the Aragon and Catalan Canal ; the
Noguera-Ribagorzana, forming the boundary between the
Provinces of Huesca and Lerida; and the Noguera-Pallaresa,
in the Province of Lerida. Prom these three groups the
energy to be obtained amounts to 300,000 h,p. This vast
enterprise is being finished in sections. During 1915 the
works on the Run in the Essera were practically terminated,
yielding 44,000 h.p. and having necessary apparatus so that
it can be stepped up to 140.000 volts. The lines transporting
this force from the Central de Sierra to Barcelona are 140
miles in length. This line, capable of transmitting 80,000 H.P,,
traverses, by the bridge of Montonana and Tremp, the rivers
of Noguera-Ribagorzana and Koguera-Pallaresa, All along
this hue there are numerous terminal stations distributing
this force throughout Catalonia,

Besides the three great companies referred to, there are
others of lesser importance, and growing out of this develop-
ment are dependent industries of which at Barcelona alone
there are 34 factories for electrical material, machines, and
accessories required in the utilisation of this natural force.

The capital employed in hydro-electric enterprises in this
district has increased greatly since 1910, the date of the
latest official statistics under this head. The three great com-
panies referred to have a total capital of 86,400,000 dols,, and
i' one considers that there are in this region 177 locahties
with electric light, and some using motor power as well, it is
safe to estimate the capital thus employed at 90,000,000 dols.

The report proceeds to review the fishing industry, agricul-
ture, vineyards and wine.

{To be concluded.)

TRADE STATISTICS OF SOUTH AFRICA.

The following statement, showing the imports of electrical
and similar goods into the Union of South Africa during the
year 1915, has been taken from the recently-issued official
trade statistics. The figures for 1914 are added for purposes of
comparison, and notes of any increases or decreases are given.
1914. 1915. Inc. or dec.

Asbestos manufactures. — - £ £ £

Prom Great Britain ... 3,000 4,000 + 1,000

„ Other countries ... 3,000 2,000* - 1,000

Total

Bro.ss manufactures. —
Prom Great Britain

,, Germany

,, Other countries

Total

6,000
•Holland iEl.OOO.

26,000
1,000
2,000

29,000
•India £2,000.

3,000

4,000

173,000
18,000
3,000

Copper, plate and sheet. —
From Great Britain
Copper manufactures.—
From Great Britain
Electrical cable and wire. —
From Great Britain

,, Germany

,, United States

,, Other countries

Total

Electrical fittings, including posts. —

From Great Britain ... 157,000

Germany 40,000

„ Holland 3,000

„ United States ... 22,000

Other countries ... 10,000

6,000

19,000
2,000*
21,000

4,000

102,000 -

8,000
2,000

194,000 112,000

125,000
3,000
11,000
37,000
6,000*

Total

232,000 182,000
•Denmark £4,000.

7,000
1,000

8,000

1,000

1,000

71,000
18,000
6,000
2,000

82,000

32,000
37,000

8,000
15,000

4,000

50,000

1914.

1915,

Inc.

or dec.

Lamps and lampware. —

£

£

£

From Great Britain

16,000

15,000

-

1,000

,, Germany

11,000

1,000

—

10,000

„ United States

12,000

12,000

—

,, Other countries

2,000

4,000*

-1-

2,000

Total

41,000

32,000

9,000

•Sweden £3,000.

India-rubber manufactures,

including t

ire rubbei

■

but not rubber tires. —

From Great Britain

27,000

32,000

-f

5,000

,, Germany

3,000

—

_

3,000

,, United States

3,000

5,000

+

2,000

,, Other countries

1,000

2,000*

+

1,000

Total 34,000 39,000 -f 5,000

•Spain £1,000.
Machine bands and belting. —

From Great Britain ... 87,000 108,000 + 21,000

„ United States ... 34,000 38,000 -f 4,000

,, Other countries ... 4.000 — - 4,000

Total

125,000

146,000

+

21,000

Electrical machinery. —

From Great Britain

,, Germany

„ United States
,, Other countries

178,000

168,000

83,000

5,000

110,000
4,000
69,000
6,000*

-

68,000

164,000

24,000

Total

434,000

178,000

256,000

'Mainly Sweden.

Cranes, elevators, and lifts.-

-

From Great Britain
,, United States
,, Other countries

31,000
3,000
1,000

18,000
2,000

-

13,000
1,000
1,000

Total

35,000

20,000

15,000

Mining machinery. —

From Great Britain

,, Germany

,, United States
Other countries

460,000
60,000

165,000
28.000

368,000
2,000

240,000
3,000*

+

92,000
58,000
85,000
26,000

Total 703,000 613,000

♦Sweden £2,000.
Machinery not specially mentioned {other than

agricultural, manufacturing, dc). — ■

From Great Britain ... 328,000 201,000

„ Germany 23,000 5,000

,. United States ... 28,000 43,000

,; Other countries ... 10,000 6,000*

Total

... 389,000
•Canada £3,000
Telegraph and telephone material. —
Prom Great Britain
,, Germany
,, Sweden
,, United States
Other countries

Total
Tramway rails. —
From Great Britain
,, German V
,, United States
,, Other countries

Total ...
Tiamway rolling-stoclt.-
From Great Britain
United States

14,000

7,000

Total

19,000

8,000 -

90,000

127,000

18,000

15,000

4,000

265,000 - 134,000

9,000

8,000 -

1,000

1,000

— —

1,000

2,000

2,000

—

1,000

1,000

—

2,000

—

2,0(»

16,000

11,000 -

4,000

2,000

6,000 +

3,000

7,000

— —

7,000

4,000

2,000 -

2,000

1,000

— -

1,000

7,000

19,000 21,000 + 9,000

2,000 4,000 + 2,000

Total

21,000

25,000

-f

4,000

Other tramway materials. —

Prom Great Britain

12,000

6,000

-

7,000

2,000

—

—

2,000

„ United States

5,000

2,000

—

3,000

Other countries

—

1,000

+

1,000

11.000

In addition to the above the following goods were imported
s " Government Stores " : —

Electric fittings. —
Prom United Kingdom

,, Germany

,, Other countries

Total ,„

6,000

500

1,000

14,000 +
1,000

7,500 15,000 4-

8,000
600

7,600

100

THE ELECTRICAL IIE\1EW. [voi. :.

Xo. 2.1121, ArcrsT L'-

r.PH. l!>i:>. Inc. or dec.

3,000 1,500 - 1,500

14,000 14,000 —

49,000 18,000 - 31,000

— 1,000 + 1,000

Brassware. —

From United Kingdoui .
Copper, plate and sheet —
From United Kingdom .
Electrical cable and wire.-
From United Kingdom
United States

Total ...
India-rubber. —
From United Kingdom
Lampware. —
From United Kingdom
Cranes and elevators. —
tYom United Kingdom .
Electrical machinery.—
From United Kingdom .
Other machinery.—
From United Kingdom .
Other comitries

Total 4-2,000 21,000

•United States mainly.
Telegraph and telephone material. —
From United Kingdom ... 103,000 30,000

„ Sweden 36,000 5,000

,, Other countries ... 1,000 1,000

49,000

19,000

6,000

1,000

4.000

1,1300

14,000

8,000

9,000

3,000

38,000
4,000

•20,000
1,000'

Total

140.000 36,0(X)

30,000

5,000

3,000

6,000

6,000

18,000
3,000

21,000

73,000
31,000

104,000

FOREIGN AND COLONIAL TARIFFS ON
ELECTRICAL GOODS.

EGYPT. — Revised Tariff valuations for use in assessing
duties on metals imported into Egypt have been issued with
effect from July 1st to August 31st. Duty is leviable on these
valuations at the rate of 8 per cent.

JAMAICA. — A new law, dated March 22nd, has been passed,
providing for the temporary increase of the import duties on
certain articles.

Among the articles which were formerly free of duty, but
are now subject to a duty of 16§ per cent, ad vol., are : Loco-
motives, railway rolhng stock, and all materials and apph-
ances to be used for construction and equipment of railways
and tramways ; professional plafis, specifications, and draw-
ings.

Motor-cars and motor-car parts and accessories now have
to pay an additional tax of W per cent, on the former duty
of 161 per cent, ad val., making a total duty of 20 per cent.
ad val.

EUSSIA. — According to a Customs Circular, dated May
26th/ June 8th, it has been decided that temporarily, for the
duration of the war, certificates of origin wOl not be required
in respect of samples of various materials and manufactures
having neither the form nor the nature of articles of mer-
chandise. Samples from alUed or neutral countries entitled
to most-favoured-nation treatment will be admitted free of
Customs duty in accordance with the provisions of Tariff No.
218.

FRANCE AND ALGERIA.— A Presidential Decree, dated
July 18th, prohibits the importation into France and Algeria,
except on behalf of the State, of certain metals from foreign
countries.

SUDAN-EEYTHR^A.— The Customs Convention of Nov-
ember 26th, 1901, between the Anglo-Egyptian Sudan and
Erythraea was denounced on July 2nd last by the Italian Gov-
ernment, and the Convention will accordingly lapse on Janu-
ary 2nd, 1917.

MOROCCO.— The General Commanding in Chief in the
French Zone in Morocco has issued an Order prescribing that
all goods destined for Fez and Mequinez, which were not
landed at a port in the French Zone, shall on arrival at the
two towns mentioned be deposited in special stores, whence
they shall not be withdrawn except on production by the con-
signee of a certificate of origin as required by the regulations.

CHILE. — The Board of Trade have received a copy of the
new Tariff Law of Chile — vide the Review of May l'2th — and
of the general regulations for its application. The Board
propose to publi.sh, as soon as possible, a translation of the
new Tariff, showing the former rates of duty for purposes of
comparison.

A copy of the Tariff, together with an alphabetical index
thereto (both in Spanish), may be inspected at the Commer-
cial Intelligence Branch. The Branch will also be prepared.

tin re.sixinse to written applications from British traders, to
furnish information as to the rates of duty prescribed by the
Tariff Law in respect of any particular class or classes of
merchandise.

NICARAGUA.— Telegraphic information has been received
at the Foreign Office from H.M. Consul at Managua to the
effect that the Customs duties leviable on goods imported
into Nicaragua have been increased by 38i per cent.

NEW PATENTS APPLIED FOR, 1916,

(NOT YET PDBLIKCBD),

Compiled expressly for this j
Electrical Patent Agents,
Liverpool and Bradford.

al by Messrs. W. P. Thompson St Co.,
High Holborn, London, W.C, and al

mes (or field telegraphs, &c." G. M. Masters.

10,774. "Apparatus tor testing electrical ignition plugs." C. T. Garner
July 31st.

10,783. " Electric switches." M. Compare & E. Pizzi. July 31st.

10,795. " Magneto electric machines." British Thomson-Houston Co.
AND A. P. Young. July 31st.

10,809. " Sparking pltigs for internal-combustion engines." B. E. StaCBT
A.-JD F. C. Stagey. July 31st.

10,835. ** Driving and controlling dynamo-electric generators." J. Firth
AND \V. F. \V. Rhodes. August 1st.

lO.S.'iO. " Electron discharge apparatus." BRinsH Thomson-Houston Co.
(General Electric Co., U.S.A.). August 1st.

10,855. " Electric lighting and heating of railway, ic, vehicles." C. H.
ViDAL. August 1st.

10,875. " Ammeter for alternating currents and electric oscillations." I.
Williams. August 2nd.

10.882. " Dynamo-electric machinery." Electromotors, Ltd., E. Green-
H.U.CH & B. Longbottom. August 2nd.

10.883. " Life-saving electrical warmer." H. O. Gunewardene. August
2nd.

10.905. '* Wireless transmitting systems." British Thomson-Houston Co.
AND R. C. Clinker. 'August Znd.

10.906. " Governing mechanism for compressors and exhausters." British
Thomson-Houston Co. (General Electric Co., U.S.A.). August 2nd.

10,923. " Sparking plugs." R. H. Collen Si W. J. Mallinson. August

10.938. " Switch controls

10.939. " ^

10,950.

3rd.

Motor-startmg Sfl
August 2nd.
" Electric switches.

G. A. Fritsch. August 2nd.
itches, controllers, &c." Newton Bros. & F.

" G. O. Donovan & W. Donovan. August ,

British Thomson-Houston Co. and

10.979. " Magneto-electric machii
.\. P. Young. August 3rd.

10.985. " App,iratus for transmftting and receiving sound waves through
the ground." R. A. Fessenden. August 3rd. (U.S.A., October 7th, 1915.)

10.999. " Detectors for wireless telegraphy." W. Cross. (Svenska Aktiebd-
laget Gasaccumulator). August Srd.

11.001. " Electrical means for locking railway, &c., cairiage doors." P.
Davison. August 3rd.

11,014. " Electrical screening or jamming systems." R. A. Mack, G. H.
Nash & Western Electric Co. August 4th.

11,043. " Electric motor control." British Thomson-Houston Co. (General
Electric Co., U.S.A.). August 4th.

11,047. "Cut-out for electric circuits." E. C. R. Marks (J. Kuntziger*
August 4th.

11,052. " Electric signalling or indicating apparatus for signalling orders
and numerical data." E. A. Graham. August 4th.

11,055. " Electric oscillating or wireless systems and apparatus." Indo-
European Telegraph Co. & A. H. Morse. August 4lh.

11.058. " Electrical conducting cloths, &c." H. H. Cooper. August 4th.

11,083. " Contact breakers for magnetos, &c." J. Jellev & W. V. Stelpoi.
August 5th.

PUBLISHED SPECIFICATIONS.

1915.

10,752. Electric Motor Starters and Controllers. E. Schattner, T. G.
Travis & J. R. Walton. July 24th. (Cognate application, 661/16.)

10,785. RuMELBRS and the like for Electrolytic Purposes. C. J. Lam
and D. L. Honeyman. July 26th.

11,172. Means for Suspending and Adjusting Electricity Overhead Con-
DLCiORS. British Insulated & Helsby Cables, Ltd., and J. W. Astley. August
Srd.

11,263. Electrical Windings. British Thomson-Houston Co. (General Elec-
tric Co., U.S.A.). August ilh.--

11,723. Lampholders for Electric Lamps. E. F. Guth. August -13tli.
(January 2l5t, 1915.)

12,666. Rectifiers for Electric Currents. British Thomson-Houston Co.
(General Electric Co.. U.S.A.). September Srd.

13.679. Electro-magnetic.u-ly-operated Brake or other mechanisms. R. S
Lewis. September 25th.

1918.

288. Electric Lighting Means. R. S. Woods. January 7th. Patent No.
100.879.

469. Electromagnetic Therapeutic Apparatus. E. Bachelet. January llth.
Patent No. 100,800.

1.G43. Electric Motor Control Systems. Igranic Electric Co. (Cutler-
Hammer Manufacturing Co., U.S.A.). February Srd, 1916. Patent No.
100,872.

4,699. Switching Apparatus for Interconnecting Telephone LiKes by
Electro-mechanically-cOntrolled Switches. F. Aldendorff. January 30tn,
1914. (Addition to 28,502/13, and divided application on 2,530/14.) Patent
No. 100,859.

6.302. Pocket and other Electric Flashlight Batteries. J. W. Mander.
May 3rd, 1916. (.Addition to 7,079/14.) Patent No. 100,863.

TXXE

Vol. LXXIX.

AUGUST 25, 1916.

No. 2,022.

ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

SELF-HELP.

Vol. LXXIX.]

CONTENTS ; August 25, 1916.

[No. 2,022.
Page

Self-Help I!I7

Blnshing Unseen ... ... ... ... ... ... ... \'.>'.<

Copper \'.m

The Chicajro. Milwaukee and St. Paul Railway Electrification

(/■««.?.) 200

Prevention of Condenser Corrosion (»7/j(.«.) ... ... ... 203

Correspondence —

Cab Whistles and Lamp Calls 20.')

Induction Motors on Circuits of Different Frequencies ... 20.')

The Channel Tunnel and Telephone Cables 20.-i

" Whither are we Drifting .' " ... ... ... ... 20.5

Legal 205

War Items 20ti

Reviews 207

Business Notes ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 209

Notes 21.S

City Notes 217

Stocks and Shares ... 21S

Exports and Imports of Electrical Goods during July, IJilfi ... 21!)

Electric Power on a Russian Peat Bog ... ... ... ... 220

Spanish Industries and Trade ^concluded) ... ... ... 220

The Johannesburg Municipal Electric Power Station (il!>ix."t 222

Foreign and Colonial T.ariils on Electrical Goods 224

New Patents Applied for, 1910 224

Abstracts of Published Specifications ... ... ... ... 224

Contractors' Column Advertisement page xx

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THE UNIVERSAL ELECTRICAL DIRECTORY

1916 EDITION.

H [ALABASTER, |GATEHOUSE & CO.,
4, Ludgate Hill, London, E.G.

In' all our discussion of trade affairs we have never
belittled the importance of electrical exportation nor
failed to observe the rate of its progress. Our
object has been to show how^ much bigger it
might and should 4iave been, considering the
growing service of electricity and the developing
state of the world. We have to remember that the
by no means discreditable results of the past have
been secured in spite of the strength of Teutonic
rivalry, fair and unfair — largely the latter. They
have been largely the result of initiative by indivi-
dual manufacturers, and in some measure the fruits
of Britain's reputation. To-day, when we have come
to what is in many things the parting of the ways, we
may be permitted to state that we hold that, what-
ever happens, the future of our export trade pro-
gress will continue to depend partly upon national
and industrial reputation, but largely upon ifidivi-
dual initiative, though, as we have often indicated,
we look also for great things from co-operative
or consolidated efforts by groups of manufacturers
and traders and by means of Trade Associations.
This opinion is subject to the important reservation
that any consolidation which means that we go out
as a solid body in search of new business contains
an element of danger in that we may relax our
personal specialised attention by putting our trust
in organisations. By isolated action we may
scatter our forces most wastefully, and, when
against strong , competition, more or less use-
lessly; but unitedly we may go to the oppo-
site extreme. Co-operative action may produce
economy in the cost of trade expansion efforts; it
may enable many an expedition or effort to be made
that would not be undertaken by isolated parties;
it may bring a united force up against a competing
united force from other countries, and the fight
may be farrer than in the past, when a huge Ger-
man trust was able to come up against a dozen
British firms acting separately, competing severely
between themselves as well as with the said Ger-
man trust. But it never can fill the entire needs
of the situation. We would rather see many small
groups and isolated enterprise on the part of strong
manufacturers, even if some of those groups have
to -confer and agree as to geographical limitations
to their activities.

We have argued for national industrial organisa-
tion, for organisation of Empire resources, and for
the better organisation and utilisation of science
and scientific training. All of these we are now in
a fair way to secure, and we trust, and believe, that
the results will be immensely beneficial. But we
own to doubts when it is urged that we should carry
our organisation efforts to such an extent that they
become an idol or a fetish. After all, boards and
councils will be successful in so far as they limit
their activities to the matters coming legitimately
within their scope, and deal with matters or prin-
ciples or measures which are common in their appli-
cation— common to national industry, connnon to
the Empire interests, common to the national well-
being. Let them render separate action in their
special spheres of service, whether it be within their
own ranks, or for the purpose of influencing
the Government and the nation; but let them

[197]

11)8

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW, ivoi, til v.. 2.022, Aiua.sx .-.., mn,

be reasonably co-ordinated in an ultimate sense.
Organised science and industry, with scienti-
lically organised and utilised resources, should
produce excellent results. But the question is
sometimes asked whether to follow up the efforts
in these very essential directions there should not
be one other great national organisation of trades-
men, salesmen, and commercial men. Now there
may be very excellent reasons for affording traders
and commercial managers facilities for conference,
discussion, and so forth, but while such facilities
may promote a good deal of " talking" enterprise
of the Across-the-W'ater type, they must inevitably
be very general, and cannot well become definite
organised business-getting schemes for a particular
class of trade. They may be very good in a general
sense, but the selling of corsets and stockings is one
thing, and trading in electrical machinery and appa-
ratus is another and very dift'erent thing. Further,
even when men tell themselves off into groups, those
groups are composed of a number of commercial,
perhaps technico-commercial, men, all of whom
have by the nature of their calling and experience
particular interests and pursuits of their own, and
have specialised knowledge of, and connections in,
particular markets, which are their own and their
employers' property.

We recognise that in the three great movements
mentioned there is no room for anything apper-
taining to small commercial or trade detail, but we
beheve that all those local matters can be handled
in a far better way by specialised trade associations
and by individual firms acting in co-operative
groups. If the Board of Trade is sooner or later
to emerge in a re-organised form it will, no doubt,
:find considerable advantage from the existence of a
number of these specialised trade organisations;
.but we are disinclined to favourably view the pro-
posal which is elaborated at length by Mr. P. A.
Reuss in last week's Engineer. Twenty-eight
objects he enumerates for a National Commercial
Company — a limited company with directors and,
pf course, directors' fees, with shares and dividends,
with substantially-paid officials who would have a
permanent career opened for them to exercise their
•personal abilities in furthering "important patriotic
work of this nature." The raison d'etre of the com-
pany or organisation, as it is variously termed,
would be to carry out in a practical way, " amongst
others," the 28 suggestions so far as they relate to
the hardware manufacturing, engineering, and
allied industries.

We cannot spare space to reprint all those sug-
gestions, nor is it necessary, for they are far from
being novel, nor can it be said that they are being
grossly neglected by some of the leading associa-
tions that are at work amongst us to-day. The
proposals are most certainly ambitious. The
writer's idea seems to be to form an association,
either of firms or individuals, " to investigate funda-
mentally, and to remedy, the absence of sale or
decline in the sale of manufacturers' products in
overseas markets." As we study the suggestions
we find some overlapping, and " words, words,
words."

The Association will induce " co-operation be-
tween manufacturers in the production of different
parts of one article": will undertake a "complete
re-organisation of sales methods," whether we re-
quire it or not; will solve the " difficulties confront-
ing manufacturers in extending their business over-
seas," and will prevent/ " further encroachment by
foreign competition." It will " establish," and,
after having established, will " nurse a demand for
British goods in countries or markets at present in
foreign hands.'" But, most desirable organisation
— it will study the " methods of our principal com-
petitors, and particularly the commercial side of
German enterprise." So far, we have hinted at but
six out of the 28 or more offices that this Company

will fulfil. As we proceed, we come to a lengthy
omnibus resolution covering a hundred useful piu"-
pcses (insurance, freight, packing, " infomiation
and subscription," "' chartering, import and export^
catalogues, correspondence in foreign languages,"
and goodness knows what else). Later, we find
that the said company will buy and sell goods — it
must, we suppose, in order to pay directors' fees and
dividends — will represent groups of manufacturers
abroad, will assist " the smaller manufacturer to
extend his business abroad," will bring the overseas
purchaser into touch with the most suitable supplier
in this country (a member, of course!), will act as
purchaser " of articles where contributoiy manu-
facture is necessary," will " organise a continuity
of business " in certain cases, will organise the hold-
ing of stocks abroad, will " obtain early informa-
tion " of contracts, will negotiate concessions for
public works, will " investigate the processes of
manufacture adopted by competitors abroad in
cases where under-selling is taking' place." But we
have now only arrived at No. 18. When we get to
ict and 20 and 21, and think of the assistance that is
to be offered to certain trades where " under-sell-
ing is not warranted by cheaper production," and of
the infomiation that is to supplement Consular re-
ports, and of that vast catalogue of industry that
is to be compiled, we have to pause to take fresh
breath. And when, in 22, we contemplate this great
company " assisting manufacturers " — poor help-
less creatures — ■" in the preparation of their own
special catalogues," find it engaging competent
men abroad in such a way as to save our manufac-
turers' money, see it setting up a " department for
the expert, technical, and scientific study of com-
petitors' patterns, goods and processes of manufac-
ture," and watch it facilitating " the prices of goods
delivered," &c., we are humbled to the dust with the
terrible extent of our past inefficiencies which have
er.abled vis to build up so fine an export trade, and
overwhelmed with the vastness of the organisa-
tion, staff, operations, and profits or losses, of the
proposed company. But our blood nms cold, and
our cover goes bluer than it ever was before, as we
follow on to the bitter end and read the contents
that it is proposed to publish in that " trade paper "
that it is proposed to " regularly " publish in dif-
ferent languages " with a scheme of advertisement
for British manufacturers." If we were to say that
there was " nothing new under the sun," we should
lay ourselves open to the charge of uttering a plati-
tude; or if we referred to the size of a given ser-
vant's baby, or to the result of the throes of labour
of a certain mountain, it might be wondered what
we meant; but when we give the above brief sum-
mary of the great organisation of Mr. Percy Reuss,
we ijelieve that, like the curate's egg, being good
only in parts, it speaks for itself. Wherein it is
good, we seem to have heard most of it before, but
taking it as a whole it is fearfully and wonderfully
made, terribly and unworkably overloaded and, if it
is no reflection on the good intentions of the author,
it is, on the whole, mere light fantastic.

The moral of all which is that, while up to a
certain point trade organisations are most excellent
things, they never can adequately do for the indi-
vidual manufacturer a host of things that he can,
and should, do for himself. The individual manu-
facturer may profitably confer with liis competitors
and friends in respect of many important matters,
but conference of such kinds, and the setting up of
companies to do parts of his business for him, never
will — particularly in the times that are ahead of us —
remove the necessity for him to take his own coat
off and do things for himself. He will want an
excellent export staff and organisation of his own,
and will have to be prepared bo spend money. It is
useless pretending that the future course of business
is going to remove that necessity or lessen it by
one' iota.

No. 2.022, AUGUST 2.-,. 1916.] THE ELECTRICAL REVLEW.

199

BLUSHING UNSEEN.

That we have never failed to appreciate the im-
portant place that efficient organisation occupies in
connection with industrial affairs is well known to our
regular readers. Without desiring to unduly belaud
the system of the Teuton, we have made it our busi-
ness to keep observers informed concerning its
manifold aspects and activities, and our volumes
upon the readers' shelves contain an abundance of
interesting material which, in season and out of
season, has been placed on permanent record. To
many of our readers, therefore, much that has been
appearing in the daily Press in " special " article
form, and in the reports of speeches by political
and other leaders of thought, has been very familiar
indeed. Even during the last few weeks we have
observed in important newspapers " features "
which have consisted of popular discussions of some
electrical and other industrial matters to which the
public should have given attention years ago.
When legislators in their Parliamentary speeches
confess the extent of their pre-war ignorance of
German economic, financial, and industrial opera-
tions and intentions, and admit their failure to see
the trend of German scientific education and deve-
lopment, they are but endorsing the criticisms
that they have had their heads too much in the
clouds and have given too little thou.ght to common
mundane affairs. They have, in other words, been
so occupied with what might be called local and
domestic matters that they have been blind to
momentous international tendencies and move-
ments. Stating the case bluntly, they have been
more int/erested in hea\'y monthly reviews and the
legal journals than in the Trade Press, and if we
say that the Trade Press has latterly come into its
own to a larger extent than previously in point of
reputation and prestige with public men and public
departments, let it not be imagined that we are
unduly puffed up at having been able in war-time
to render national service in a score of ways
about which we cannot at present write, but
that we appreciate the privilege, and recognise
that we have done nothing more than has been
our duty and our delight. What we some-
times wonder is whether, when the times of
'■ piping peace " return, those days when matters
of industry and trade will inevitably occupy a much
larger place in all our national thought, we shall
witness a relapse into indifference to the contents
and counsel of the great and substantial organs
which form the Trade and Technical Press of the
United Kingdom. We believe that the revolution
that has taken place in much of our thinking during
the past two years will render us secure against any
such relapse, for, unless we mistake the signs, party
politics as we knew them in the past will not return
for a long time to come, and the nation will desire
ho be governed along national lines with a policy
which shall involve a closer concern for business
and industrial affairs, conserving the interests of the
Empire, carefullv reconciling the interests of the
Empire and the Allies, adequately safeguarding
those of neutral countries, meting out justice to
enemy trading communities, and securing as decent
as possible a standard of employment and remunera-
tion for our own people. All the problems of the
past two years, and those which appear to be open-
ing out before us to-day calling for inquiry and solu-
tion, seem to us to suggest that public men and
public departments will in the future find the Trade
Press and Trade Associations of great utility. We
gather from a recent speech by the Prime Minister
that a scheme for the re-arrangement or re-organi-
sation of the Board of Trade is being elaborated.
We have heard of many such schemes before, but
thev have come to nought — this is one of those
pieces of organisation work that the Trade Press
has long been anxious to see carried out — and we

hope that the measures now to be taken will soon
actually mature, and will be suited to the needs of
tlie case. By the co-operation of a re-organised
Board of Trade, large and representative Trade
Associations, and a substantial Trade Press, there
would be made available for the service of the nation
a co-ordination of effort which could render industry
invaluable assistance in the important period that
lies before us. _^__^_^______

There has certainly been more
Copper. demand for copper from all con-

suming centres within the last few
weeks, though the great bulk of the business has
been on behalf of big American consumers and belli-
gerent countries. The fact is worth noting that, as
regards the latter, the buying is more centralised,
or organised in such a way as to eliminate competi-
tive inquiries through various channels, which
usually tempts sellers to raise prices unduly against
buyers. There is, in fact, good reason for believing
that there is an understanding between the Allies as
to the filling of their requirements for war purposes.
Importations by Russia, too, are being made through
the medium of the British authorities, as arranged
with the Petrograd authorities. At anv rate, the
orders placed quite recently for Russia, which
amounted to about 7,000 tons, went through the
British authorities. A vei-y large portion of this
copper is being provided by Australian and Japanese
producers apart from American. For one thing,
these orders have not had any eft'ect on the market.
Obviously, the current high prices are found tempt-
ing enough, and there is not much doubt that lead-
ing American producers will be induced to make
some concessions when the further big orders to be
placed by Allied countries come on the market.

So far as can be gauged, current output across
the Atlantic is so heavy as to leave a considerable
surplus over present actual requirements, although
it is claimed by American authorities that the pro-
gress of operations at the refineries has been in
some degree impeded in the last two months
through the abnormally hot weather. Advices from
that quarter are more optimistic as to future deve-
lopments since buying has shown signs of reviving,
and with supplies well under control, it is probable
that attempts will be made to hold prices as long
as possible, inasmuch as there is now a more general
impression that the European struggle will "be pro-
longed well into next year. This, of course, means
the continuation of a phenomenal consuniption for
copper in connection with munitions. Prices in
New York were lately again advanced with reports
of large orders being placed, though doubtless these
have been exaggerated, as usual. The price of
electrolytic on this side has risen again to about
£130 c.i.f. for near shipment, but the run of ordinary
business is still light, consumers fighting rather shy
of the extravagant prices while munition works are
being accommodated by Government copper at
some pounds a ton below the figures at whicli busi-
ness is possible in the open market. Dealings in
warrant copper have been a little more active, and
prices have been lifted at one period up to £116 for
cash delivery in a sensitive market, due to the fact
that there are but few sellers, while the stocks of
standard copper in home warehouses remain at a
dangerously low point, as shown by the last statis-
tics. The European visible supply is now down to
about 11,000 tons — a new low record — this compar-
ing with 35.113 tons at the end of July last year,
when the price of standard metal stood at £71 5s.
a ton. The American refinerv production was then
somewhere in the neighbourhood of 65,000 tons a
month, whereas it is now not much below 90,000
tens a month. There is a fair amount of metal
coming from various outside sources, including
Australian, Japanese, and even African descrip-
tions, but American control has still to be reckoned
with so long as the war lasts.

100

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW. iv>,i. i:k n...

THE CHICAGO, MILWAUKEE AND ST. PAUL
RAILWAY ELECTRIFICATION.'

While many terminal and tunnel installations have been
made iu the past for the piiriwse of eliminatinir smoke,
takins; care of suburban traffic- or otlier local conditions,
the Chicairo, Milwaukee and St. Paul electrification is the
first project of the kind where electric "locomotives were
installed to oyierate over several enirine divisions.

Steam engines were fii-st abandoned on the Three Forks-
Deer Lodge Division. 115 miles long, and crossing tlie main
Continental Divide,
thus giving the
electrical equipment
its initial tryout
under the severest
service conditions
of the entire sys-
tem. The first
electric locomotives
were placed in regu-
1 a r se r v i c e o n
December 9th„l 015,
and during the
month of April.
19 Hi, service was
extended to Harlow-
ton, making a total
of 220 miles of
electrically-operated
road. By Novem-
ber 1st. I'.iu;. it is
expected that steam
engines will he
superseded over the

entire distance of 44(» miles from Harlowtnn. iloutarta,
to Avery, Idaho.

In crossing the three mountain ranges included in the
electric zone, there are several grades of 1 per cent, or more,
the most difficult of which is the 21-mile 2 per cent, grade
between Piedmont and Donald, and the longest the 49-mile
1 jier cent, gi'ade on the west slope of tlie Belt ]\Iountains.

Electric Freight Loc

over a mile and a half in length, tiirougli the ridge of tiic
Bitter Root fountains.

The passenger service consists of two all-steel finely
eiiui]>ped trans-Continental trains in each direction, the
" ()lyui]iian " and "Columbian," and a local passenger
train in each direction daily between Deer Lodge and
Harlowtou.

Freight tratlic through the electrii' zone comprises frotn
foiu' to six trains daily in each direction. Westbound, the
tonnage is made up of manufactured products and mer-
chandise for I'acitic Coiust ](oints and foreign shijunent.
E.istboiind tomiage inrltides grain, lumber, products of tlu'

mines and some live
stock.

.\s a large part
of the traffic is
through freight,
trains are made up
of an assortment of
foreign cars, in-
cluding box and flat
cars, coal and ore
hopj)ers, stock cars,
refrigerators, &c.,
varying in weight
from 1 1 to 25 tons
empty, to as much
as' 70 tons loaded.
These cars being
owned by many
different railway
systems, are equi])-
ped with air brakes
adjusted for differ-
.L'-,AK Tkain, ui;„;inN,; 2.i;ho TONS. ^.^^^ conditions of

operation, and in
accordance with different standards as to braking power
and type of equipment, thus making the problem of holding
the long trains on the heavy down grades by air brakes,
a most difficult one.

Electrification promises a material reduction in running
time. It has been found, for example, that on the 21-mile
2 per cent, grade from Piedmont to Donald, the electric

3.flOO-VOLT DllilLLl-iruULM Ll;

J.Mul 1\ L AMI (I.

Ai; Ti;ain. Ciiii.

iliLWAi ki;l and 8r. I'ACi. Haih\.

The cur\-ature is necessarily heavy, the maximum being
10^. There are also numerous tunnels in the electric zone,
36 in all, of which the longest is the St. Paul Pass tunnel.

' Previous articles on this subject appeared in our issues of
February 3rd and November 5th, 1915.

locomotive can reduce the running time of passenger trains
from an hour and five minutes tf( approximately 40 minutes.
On the run from Deer Lodge to Butte, which, mider the
steam locomotive schedule, required an hour and 20 minutes,
a saving of approximately 30 minutes can be made.

Vol. 79. No. 2,022, August 2",. 1S)16.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

•201

In the freight service it h<as been found that on the first
division, where the steam locomotives have required 10 to
12 hours to make llo miles, electric locomotives can meet a
schedule of from seven to eight hours for the same distance.
The capabilities of the electric locomotives are in no way
impaired by cold weather, or by inability to obtain fuel or
water in case of snow blockades. During a series of record-
breaking temperatures in December, IDlo, Mallet engines
were frozen up at different points on the system, and the
new electric equipment was rapidly pressed into service to
replace diem. On several occasions electric locomoti\-es

Railway Sub-station showing Power Co.'s Transmission Line.

hauled in disabled steam engines and trains which would
otherwise have tied up the line.

During initial operation ou the Rocky Mountain
Division, the capacity of the new locomotives has been
thoroughly tested. Trains of .3,000 tons trailing have
been hauled east and 2,800 tons west, using a helper on the
heavy grades. From the operating data obtained on the
first division, it is .evident that much heavier trains
can be hauled with the electric locomotives than with

at Tlu'ee Forks, a.s has been the practice under steam
operation, the same locomotive is run through the 220 miles
from Deer Lodge to Harlowton, changing crews midway.
Passenger trains will traxel over the entire electrified
division in appro.ximately 1.) hours, including all stops, and
the tourist thus will have an opportunity of traversing by
daylight some of the most beautiful scenic regions in the
United States, and without suffering the amioyance of
cinders and smoke incident to the use of steam locomotives.
The local passenger train operating in the electric zone
between Deer Lodge and Harlowton is handled liy a half
unit weighing about 1 50 tons.

Regeneration furnishes a ready solution of the difficult
braking problem on the long-sustained grades encountered
in crossing the three mountain ranges, where great skill is
required to handle either the heavy and varied freight or
the high-speed passenger trains with the usual air brakes.

AYith regenerative braking, the strain on draw bars and
I'ouplings is reduced to a minimum, since the entire train
is Ijunched behind the locomotive and held to a uniform
speed. The electric-braking mechanism automatically
loutrols the sijeed by regulating the amount of energy fed
back to the line. • The smooth and easy descent is in
marked contrast to the periodical slowing down and
speeding up of a train controlled by air brakes.

The usual speed of the electrically-hauled freight train
is 15 miles per hour ascending and 17 miles per hour
descending the maximum grade, but half these speeds
can easily be maintained with series connections of tlie
motors should conditions require it.

Regenerated power not absorbed by other trains passes
thi'ough the sul)-station machinery into the distribution
system connecting all sub-stations. The Power Co.'s
lines are so extensive and the load of such a divereified
character that any surplus power returned by regenerating
locomotives can readily be absorbed by the system ; credit
is given for all energy returned.

OvERHE.iD Construction on Curve, Chicago, Milwaukee
and St. Paul Electrification.

steam engines, and all passing tracks are being lengthened
to take advantage of longer trains. On some of the runs
where the grades are less than 1 per cent., trains of as
many as 130 cars and as heavy as 4,000 tons have been
hauled with a single locomotive.

The four through passenger trains. " Olympian " and
" Columbian,"' are taken across the two mountain ranges by
a single passenger locomotive. These trains at present
consist of eight fuU-vestibuled steel coaches, weighing
approximately 050 tons. Instead of changing locomotives

lu0,O00/2.30u-voLT Transformers and Oil Switches.
Morel Sub-station.

The advantages of regenerative braking include elimina-
tion of brake shoe and wheel wear, with resultant reduction
in maintenance ; reduced wear on tracks, especially on
severe curves : and a probable saving of approximately 15
per cent, in the total power consumption.

The scheme of electrification includes the generation of
electricity from the several water-power plants of the
Montana Power Co., developing, roughly, 160,000 h.p.,
transmission at 100,000 volts, three-phase, CO cycles ; con-
version in sulj-stations to a,000 volts direct current, and

•202

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW, [voi. tl. no. 2,0-', august 2.-. wu.

distrilnuion over cau'iian- owrlioad cdiistnution to electric
loi'xiniotives.

The main line eleetrie lix-oniotives are eonstructeil in two
units jx^rtnaiiiMitly <-oiipleil tofretlier. the halves beinjr dnpH-
cat<?s. ami each capalile of independent operation. The
modem Mallet steam locomotive, weighiiif; 27i^ tons with
lender, which has been released, has a tnictive force of
7ti,200 lb., while the electric locomotive, wei<rhin!r 2S-_' tons.

swrrrnBDAHu kok Motor-gexehator Sets a.nd Outgoing Feedkks,
Morel Sub-station.

has a running tractive force of So.ooo lb., or a startinir
tractive force of 130,000 lb.

There are 42 of these main line locomotives (30 freight
and 12 passenger) and two switching locomotives. The
passenger locomotives are equipped with a gear ratio per-
mitting the operation of 800-ton trailing trains at speeds of
approximately 60 miles jjer hour on tangent level track.
The average passenger train weighs from ().50 to 700 tons,
and is hauled over the 2 per cent, gi-ade without a helper.
The freight locomotives are designed to haul a 2,500-ton
trailing train at approximately 16 miles per hoiu- on all
grades up to and including 1 per cent.
On 2 jjer cent, grades the trailing load
was limited to 1,250 tons, although this
figure has been exceeded in actual
operation.

Each locomotive is equipped with
eight 1,500-volt motors, insulated for
3,000 volts to ground. The motor has
a normal one-hour rating of 430 H.i-.
and a continuous rating of 375 h.p., so
that the locomotive power plant has a
normal one-hour rating of 3,44(» h.p.
and a continuous rating of 3,000 n.i'.
Each motor is twin-gciu-ed to its driving
axle in the same manner as on the Butte.
Anaconda and Pacific, the Detroit River
Tunnel, and the Baltimore and Ohio
locomotives, a pinion being mounted
on each end of the armature shaft. Ad-
ditional flexibility is obtained by the
use of a spring; gear and a spring nose
suspension, w4ich minimise the effect of
all shocks, and also reduce gear wear to
a minimum. The motor is of the ., , . .-,

commutating pole type, and is con- -"hh-kh. . .ikk

structed with longitudinal ventilating
ducts in the armature for forced ventilation from a blower
in the cab.

The control equipment is the well-known Sprague
(ieneral Electric Type M arranged for multiple unit opera-
tion. The main control switches are mounted in steel
compai-tments inside the locomotive cab with convenient
aisles for inspection and repairs. A motor-generator set.
in each half of the locomotive furnishes low- voltage current
for the control circuits, headlights, cab lighting and for

charging the stonige batteries on the jiassengcr t'oachcs.
Under steam ojx-ration the charging cinrent for these bat-
teries is fm-nished by a steam turlm-generator set located
on the locomotive. The blow^'r for ventilating the traction
motoi-s is also direct .connected to one end of this set.

The i)aMtograph collectors, one of which is mounted on
each half of the locomotive, are of the double pan type with
a working range of from 17 ft. t<i 2.") ft. above the rail.
The contiu't elements are of the same
metal as the trolley wire, so that cur-
rent passes from co]ipcr to copper.

The air lirake e(piipmeiit is jiractically
the same as that used on steam loco-
motives except that motor-driven air
compressors are used to furnish com-
pressed air! Aside from the air brakes,
compressed air is also used for signals,
whistles, bell-ringers, sanders, flange
oilers. ])antograph trolleys, part of the
control equipment, and on the ])assenger
locomotives for the oil-fired steam
boilers.

The switching locomoti\'es are of the
swivel-tnick type, weighing 70 tons
each, and equipped with four geared
motors : a single pantograph is mounted
on the cab. The motors are of the
commntating-pole, single-geared type,
designed for 1,500 volts, with an insu-
lation of 3,000 volts to the ground.
Many of the switching locomotive parts
are interchangeable with tliose used on
the main-line locomotives ; for example,
the air compressors, small switches,
head lights, and cab heaters.
The Montana Power Co.'s transmission lines are carried
on steel towers or wooden ]X)les. and tap the railway system
at seven different jwints.

A 500,000 cir. mil. feeder is installed the entire length
of the electrification, and a supjilementary feeder on heavy
gratles. The feeder is tapjjcd to the trolley wire at every
seventh pole, or approximately every 1 ,000 ft. On top of
the poles is carried a su]jplementary 4/0 negative feeder,
which is tapped to the micldle jwint of every second-resict-
ance bond. These bonds are used for insulating the 60-cycle
signal circuits, and are installed at points averaging from

-2,:iu0-volt a.c. svnchroxou;
Morel Sub-station.

MOTiili-GEXERATORS,

5,000 to 6,000 ft, apart. With this completely intercon-
nected transmission system, each sub-station may be .fed
from either direction and also at the tie-in points from a
third source of power.

Fourteen sub-stations are distril)uted at average intervals
of 32 miles. Each station contains step-down transformers,
motor-generator sets, switchboard and the necessary con-
trolling and switching equipment, the plant aggregating
59,500 KW. in 32 sets. The transformers receive the line

Vol. 79. No. 2,022, AUGUST 25, 191G.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

•203

current at 100,000 volts and supply the synchronous motors
at 2,;iOO volts. Each synchronous motor drives two 1,500-
volt, direct-current generators connected permanently in
series, thus supplying 3,000-volt current for the locomoti^'es.
The fields of both the synchronous motors and the direct -
current generators are separately excited by small direct-
current generators direct connected to eacli end of the
niotoi'-generator shafts.

The overhead construction is of the modified flexible cate-
nary type designed by the (icneral Electric Co. (U.S.A.),
comprising two 4/0 copper wires flexibly suspended side by
side from the same steel messenger by independent hangers
alternately connected to each wire. Bracket construction
is used wherever the track alignment will permit, and cross
span construction on passing tracks and in the switching
yards. All of this work is supported on 40-ft. wooden poles
suitably guyed and spaced.

Electric locomotion has been undertaken witli the expecta-
tion of effecting a sufficient reduction in the cost of
operation to return an attractix'e pei'centage on tiie inx'est-
ment required; about $12,000,000,00 will be expended,
and with the work more than half completed there is every
reason to belie\x that the cost of construction will come
inside the estimates.

A suminary of the ad\-antages which will be derived is as
follows:—

Slarked reduction in cost of electricity as compai'etVwith cost of
c jal.

Reduction in maintenance cost of locomotives.

Elimination of delays due to coaliua'. taking' water, oil. &c.

Elimination of delays due to natural causes, such as freezinif of
locomotives, loss of steam in cold weather, bucking snow drifts.

Elimination of non-revenue trains hauling coal and water for
steam locomotives.

Increased tonnage per train ; increased train speed on grades.

Greater reliability and certainty of maintaining schedules.

Reduction in train crew hours per ton-mile.

Reduction in damage to rolling stock due to rough handling by
steam engines.

Greatly increased safety of operation on grades due to rengenera-
tive braking. Sa\-ing in power and reduction in wheel and track
wear by use of regenerative braking'.

Improvement of tunnel conditions, uniform speed and absence of
grinding brake shoes on grades.

In conclusion, we are indebted to the General Electric
Co., of New York, and British Thomson-Houston Co. for the
Jjarticulars and illustrations contained in the above article.

PREVENTION OF CONDENSER CORROSION.

Ix a paper read by Mr. J. F. PeTER, before the Institute of
Mai'irie Engineers, the author described the Cumberland
electrolytic method of preventing corrcsiou in condensers,
boilers, ifec. ; an abstract of his remarks is as follows: —

The most widely held present-day theory is that electro-
chemical action is the cause of corrosion, and it is not a

motor generat6r

B, s

tvilchboard-

c, ammeter;

D, adjustable res!

:wo-way switches

F. do

ublt' pole sv

I'itches and fu5

itive pole lo elect

rodes ;

J. wire fro
condenser;

m negative po
L, electrodes.

e to tube-plate; K,

Pio. 1.

matter of surprise to learn that this theory embraces and
overlaps many others previously put forth. Galvanic activity
is now found to play the primary part in this deterioration of

metallic structures; therefore, the author wishes to confine
attention to the preservation of metals in contact with water
and other corrosive liquids, and to briefly describe an effective
method qf eliminating this evil and, incidentally, keeping the
protected surfaces free from deposit of any kind.

This action is not only existent in cases of distinctly dis-
similar metals, as we generalh' regard them ; iron and steel
(outaiu other elements, the pre.seuce of which imparts special
pioperties fitting the iron and steel for specific purposes. It
is found that tbcsf incorporated elements in conjunction with
the .surrounding Huid, cause corrosive action by forming micro-
scopic galvanic cells.

(lalvanic action also occurs between the harder and softer
portions of a similar metal comprising the structure. This is
met -R'ith in parts of boilers which have been flanged, caulked,
hammered, or stressed in any way, either d\iring manufac-
ture, or by reason of unequal working strains. The harder
or stressed portions are found to be electro-positive to the
softer or unstressed portions, and this may account for the
giooving and pitting met with in various types of steam

Fiii. 2.— Generator and Switchoeah von Cumberland Pro-

CF.S.S INSTALLED AT BROOKLYN XaVV YaRD, l.\(>.A.

boilers. It is also noticeable in the case of copper pipes where
they form bends, and have been subjected to working and
hnmmeriug in the course of manufacture, and may show up
as pitting over certain areas, or grooving, according to the
manner in which the material has been strained.

Thermo-electric couples also exist, due to variations of tem-
perature, and evidence of this is to be found on the water side
of the furnaces of marine boilers, along the line of firebars.

Much of the corrosion in hot-water pipes, heating systems,
&c., is due to electrolytic action between the hot and cold
portions. ,, , , u

The question of perfect non-ferrous alloys has been a sub-
ject of much research, and it is found that mechanical mix-
tures are often produced instead of the desired true alloy, or
chemical compound. ^ , * -i

The very prevalent corrosive action which causes the failure
of condenser tubes manufactured from an alloy of copper and
zinc produces minute pinholes extending right through the
tubes, and in other instances patches of various diniensions
become weakened and ultunately develop cracks and break

D

204

THE ELECTlilCAL KEVIEW. [Voi. ;■.. >o -jm-j. aih.v.t ■•:,, v.n,

:i\v;iy. On cxaniinatiou it is observed that the zinc lias dis-
iippeaifd from the mixture, leaving the copper unsupported.
'J'his is generally known as " dezincitication," and when it
oecurs locally, the life of the tube is a very short one.

In view ol the general acceptance of the electrolytic theory,
let na consider the reason why some methods which are adopted
to check conosion prove futile, while others are effective. The
nuestion resolves itself into preventinf; the corrosion cells from
\' orkiiitr. The essential parts to a complete cell are two
iloctro-chemically dissimilar conductors in contact, and the
inesencc of an electrolyte; therefore, if we eliminate one of
these factors, or overpower it by some means, the action will
i-i-ase.

It will be recognised that all attempts to obtain a perfectly
homogeneous metal are doomed to failure in a practical way,
w.'ien we bear in mind that the dissimilarity which gives
lise to the formation of electric couples may be physical or
cluMiiical, and that the operations necessary for manufac-
turing the parts of most structures considerably affect the
regular cry.stalline formation of the metal.

The next method that suggests itself is raising the resist-
ance of the electrolyte. By increasing the specific resistance
if this part of the circuit, the current flowing in each cell
.ill be restricted, and corrosion proportionately les.sened.

Since the days of Sir Humphrey Davy, slabs of pure zinc

iispended in the liquid and in good metallic contact with the

liucturcs have been used to le.s.sen corrosion, and this method

1, still (ilis,nved and respected by many engineers. This

ii'jtbi.J I- ..Illy tt'inporarily ed'ective, the rea.son being tliiit

with the inserted iron as anode. A similar arrangement is
applied to boilers.

The C^umberlaud process has overcome most obstinate cases
of corrosion, and it was also discovered that it had a remark-
able elVect in decomposing and removing hard scale in boilers.
It has been adopted on a large scale by shipping companies;
the Union St«iraship Co., of New Zealand, lias all its boilers
equipped, and a number of the White Star vessels have it
fitted to their boiler.s and conden.sers; it has also received the
approval of the Inventions and Kesearch Committee and is
being fitted to H.M. ships.

The apparatus as fitted to the average steamship consists
of a compact type of rotary converter receiving its electric
supply from the ship's mains and giving a continuous current
of sufliitient amperage at eight to ten volts. The switchboard
may be fixed near to this machine, and the current supplied
is distributed to the various units by electric cables suitably
protected from injury.

The amperemeter, mounted on the switchboard, is of the
moving coil type, and so arranged that the amount of current
passing to each individual unit can be measured; this amount
may be regulated by the adjustable resistances fitted on a
frame at the back of the board.

The amount of current found necessary to en.sure protection
from corrosion varies somewhat. In the case of surface con-
densers, one ampere for 500 sq. ft. cooling surface is found
in practice to afford complete protection. Take the case of a
surface condenser- containing G,IM)U sq. ft. of cooling surface;
the :iiiiount required will be I'i amp. at 8 volts, ei|ii:il to 'Xi

iron electiuile ; b, kW-c

in\^ support ;

c,' tell-tal.

i!e (hulicatcs

when elt'c

uile needs re

lewing) ; i>

E, rubbe

siilations : f

insiilatiu^

stance buslie

* ; <i, nut

contact lag ;

J, lock nut

Kic. t. ('r.Miii;i!i.AM>

Ml'I.IED TO CONO

■ii:u. liimain

Ei.Kc'iKit'rrv W'oiik^

the zinc soon becomes coateil with the products of corrosion
which are electro-negative to the structure. It, therefore,
i:ipidly lo.ses its power to protect, and subsequently rever.sal
'.i polarity occurs, and if the zincs are not frequently renewed,
tlic result will be accelerated corrosion of the structure, iu-
stpad of protection.

Mr. Elliott Cumberland has devised and perfected a system
•.'.hereby an unUmited supply of protective electrical force
can be introduced to overcome corrosive action. The appa-
ratus consists of a low-tension dynamo, generating a 6 to
lU-volt continuous current, and pieces of metal, preferably
iron, suspended in the water contained in the vessel to be
jjrotected and suitably insulated from it.

Figs, land 4 show the Cumberland equipment fitted to a sur-
face condenser of the usual type with the circulating water
passing through the tubes. It will be noted that the iron elec-
trodes or anodes h are supported by the steel stud 'B (fig. 3),
and insulated from the condenser door. These electrodes are
i-onnected through the adjustable resistance D and two-way
switches E (fig. 1) to the positive terminal of the generator.
The body of the condenser is connected as shown to the
negative terminal. An amperemeter c is fitted on the switch-
board, and the supply of current can be regulated to the
anodes with the aid of the resistance coils D.

The common cause of failure of condenser tubes is galvanic
action brought about in various ways, such as dissimilar
metals in juxtaposition, the presence of carbonaceous matter
in contact with the tubes, or difference of electrical potential
due to variations of temperature, &c. This action is rendered
ineffective by introducing a superior e.m.f. from an external
source and ensuring that the flow of current is from the
inserted electrode through the liquid on to the surfaces to be
presei-ved — the whole of the condenser surfaces in contact
with wa*er becoming the cathode of a strong artificial cell,

watts at Jd. per KW.-hour. This would cost roughly i'l lys.
per year running continuously.

The number of anodes fitted to a condenser of these dimen-
sions would be six, each weighing 20 lb. As these would
require renewing eacJi year, the amount of iron consumed
would be less than I'J) lb., at the outside cost of 15s. to cover
casting and drilling. Therefore, the total annual expense
would work out at £2 10s. for a condenser of these dimen-
sions.

Where only the question of corrosion has to be dealt with
in boilers, it is found that considerably less current is required
than 1 amp. per 300 sq. ft.

One of H.M. cruisers having 12 Yarrow water-tube boilers,
with a total heating surface of 49,500 sq. ft., or 4,125 sq. ft.
per boiler, was fitted with the process, and on the above
basis it was decided to supply 14 amp. per boiler. The engi-
neers found in actual practice that all corrosion was arrested
and heating surfaces kept clear of scale by using about 1 amp.
for 800 sq. ft. of heating surface. The anodes in these boilers
consisted of two 7-ft. lengths of 3 in. X !1 in. bar iron, fitted
in the steam drums of each slightly below the water level,
and their life will be considerably more than two years.

[We may add that the process has been adopted by several
electricity supply undertakings in connection with condensers,
eeonomisers, &c., and is in use on large land boiler installa
tions as well as on the vessels of many well-known shipping
concerns.— Eds. Elec. Eev.]

Japan's Electric Lamp Business.— Accordinj,^ to the

Acting British Consul -General at Odessa, electric lamps (Inillis) and
appliances, formerly supplied by Germany to the Russian umrkel.
are now being- supplied in large quantities by Japan.

Vol/7!). No. 2,022, AuousT 25, loic] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

CORRESPONDENCE.

Letters received by us after 5 P.M. ON Tuesday cannot appear until

the following u'eei. Correspondents should forward their communi-

rrrfions at the earliest possible moment. Xo letter can be published

Vm ive hate the writer's name and address in our possession.

Cab Whistles and Lamp Calls.

Now that wliistlinj;- for cabs is at last to be put down, to some
extent in London at any rate, perhaps si<ru makers, contractors,
and others will wake up to the fact that it is quite feasible to
arransre over the portico or entrance of a buildinjf, a lamp signal
which will g-ive a silent call by daj' or uijfht.

All that is wanted is a neat double-faced sign-case of distinctive
shape, with two or three coloured lamps in it, and adequate
switching arrangements whereby one. two. or three of the lamps
can be turned on from one or more points (.with or without a repeat-
ing lamp indicator) inside the building. The one. two, or three
lamps would correspond with blasts on the whistle ; and not so
long ago would have signified taxi, hansom and growler. Nowadays
possibly two lamps would suffice to signify taxi and private car, or
perhaps one lamp only. Whatever the number of lamps, up-to-date
methods of switching provide various convenient ways of turning
the lights on and off from various points ; and the use of indicating-
lamps prevents confusion. We published various methods some
time ago. and a simple one for two lamps may be described briefly
as foUpws .—A lamp indicator in the entrance and another in the
office (of the hotel or club, i:e.) shows the condition of the sign.
As soon as a cab draws up. the man at the entrance switches off
the call. Either he or the office can then start another call.
Before signalling a call, the office waits till its indicator shows
blank.

There are various simpler or more elaborate arrangements : and
a little reflection will show that the idea constitutes a notable
addition to the numerous convenient minor applications of elec-
tricity. Something of the kind is already in limited use we believe.

London. X.. J «(/«.-/ Isc//, litlt;.

A. P. Lundberg & Sons.

Induction .Motors on Circuits of Different Frequencies.

I should like to express m}' thanks to your correspondent.

A H. J.." tor his most interesting reply (published in your issue
I'l .\iigust llth) to my previous letter dealing with the above
subject.

It is apparent from liis remarks that iu order to make sure of
the behaviour of each machine, i-unning on different frequencies,
the only satisfactory method is to place the motor on the test bed.
unless records of the individual design are available.

I should also judge that, as a rule, it is better to run a a(l-period
machine, say. of 2U0 volts on a 60-period supply, rather than rive
rer.t('i. providing the mechanical design be substantial — and. in fact,
that one might safely take a 50-period machine of a. reputable maki;,
and have little to fear of the behaviour of same on a (!u-period
supply of the same voltage, expecting, however, that the power
factor might be sliij/itli/ lowered. Presumably, iu any case,
machines of. say. 1 H.P. and under, can quite satisfactorily run
under conditions specified.

I am told that it has been the practice with Contineutal manu-
facturers to import into this country, machines designed for 50-
periofl circuits, and sell for either 40. 50, or (iu-periotl ditto. If
this is the case. I presume from " A. B. J.s " explanation, that
, imder such eir<3umstances it would be evident that special attention
must be given to the mechanical design, to allow of use on higher
periodicity, with consequent higher speed, also that the saturation
point of the iron is not exceeded, and that the ventilation is suffi-
cient, even at the lower fre*iuency.

To sum up. I deduce from "A. B. J.'s " kind explanation that it
would be fairly satisfactory to vary the frequency and voltage on
siugle-pha.se circuits, within reasonable limits, providing the
machines were ijeiieruuslij designed.

Practice.

The Channel Tunnel and Telephone Cables.

In view of the great imiK)rtance of the subject. I veutiU'e to
remark that the letter of Sir Douglas Fox and Partners, which you
quote from The Tiiiirx. does not indicate a full appreciation of Dr.
Fleming's suggestion that nmple pnni.sion should be made for tele-
phonic and telegiaphic cables /« </«;/ plans for such a tunnel.

As a conduit for telephone cables the tunnel has ivlways been of
interest to telephonists. Some years ago. when the prospects of its
construction were by no means brilliant, Mr. F. R. Welles, who has
an exceptional knowletlge of Continental telephony, wrote me on
the subject. If I remember rightly, he argued that the telephonic
value of the tunnel might be an important factor iu determining
upon its construction. Now that there is greater prospect than
ever before of its becoming an accomplished fact, it is well to
emphasise this importance, and to avoid the possibility of the
designs being completed without full inquiry as to the ample pro-
vision which Dr. Fleming advocates.

Perhaps it may be permissible for me to quote from my '" Tele-
phone and Telephone Exchanges." which yon reviewed on April
21st last, the following vei-y brief statement of the principal
effects ;—

' Telephonically. Great Britain is not separated from Europe by
the Channel. Submarine cables as at present constructed limit

the distance of speech : but suppose that a dry-core cable suitable
for submergence be evolved, or that the Channel Tunnel be com-
pleted, the talking distance will be extended, the cost reduced, and
the number of communications increased.'' (Page 410.)

In quoting Dr. Fleming above, I have italicised the words.
" ample provision " and "' in any plans." because they are of the
essence of his communication. Only exjwrt telephone engineers
familiar with traffic developments would be able to determine what
is ample provision, and to indicate how the plans' for the timnel
should be modified to meet the requirements.

In making such estimates, the engineers would take into account
the larger area of the Continent which would be brought within
speaking distance of Great Britain Ijy reason of the improved
transmission that would result from dry-core cables laid in the
'tunnel, and the probable growth of traffic which would be
obtained within the period contemplated before a second timnel
would be built. The results of such estimates would have their
influence on the designs of the tunnel, and it would be unfortunate
if they were omitted to be made by those who are specially
qualified.

The construction of the tunnel must, of coui-se. be primarily
determined by its profit-earning capacity as a means of physical
transit, but the money value of the facilities afforded for con-
ductors of speech, and messages might eventually be found to be of
material importance in estimating the Tunnel Co.'s net revenue.

The estimates should be pi-eparetl in advance, and would have
theii- effect upon the designs. It would be unfortunate if the very
imjiortant question of telephonic communication were regarded as
too much of a side issue, and dealt with in H haphazard way.

J. E. Kingsbury.

7. Serjeants' Inn. Temple. London. E.C..
.liiyust 2lsi. 1916.

" Whither are we Drifting ? "

After reading many articles and much correspondence in the
technical and lay Press concerning the awakening of our national
faculties towai-ds scientific education and economic development. I.
as a wage-earner, am wondering whether my class, so well verbally
flogged for its inefficiency, ^-ill receive any encouragement for an
increased technical ability and skill when the great awakening shall
arrive.

In pre-war days we were flooded with evening school proaipectuses.
and we were confronted each week with the advertisements of
numerous correspondence schools, promising prodigious increases of
earning power after their special treatment. Many men spent
strenuous hours to improve a poor general education, and in getting
a sound knowledge of their business. When this knowledge has
shown itself, their superiors, or employers, often much less
instructed, have dubbed the manifestations " Perkiness." and. with
the usual snobbery of the lower middle classes, have barred the men
from opportilnities of fmther experience, the very food of efficiency.
Nothing more calculated to make stationary a man's market value,
can be practised, and the victims, not disgusted, but merely dis-
appointed, pursue knowledge for its own sake.

These generalisations do not apply to chiefs and leaders whose
knowledge and ability is a lustre to their positions and a shining
light to the profession. These men invariably encourage latent
ability in their staff or workmen, bvit it is otherwise with those
whose value is potential rather than intrinsic.

Much must be done to ensure an open passage for the aspiring
worker, and many years wDl pass before the profession can be
cleared of the wretched limpets who. in a well-ordered community,
would most probably be pushing a barrow.

Monk.

LEGAL

Munitions Court Cases.
Ar'the Monmouthshire Munitions Court, sitting at Newport
OH August loth, according to the South Wales Argus, Reginald
V. Powell summoned the Newport Corporation, his em-
ployers, for unreasonably refusing to issue a leaving certifi-
cate. His complaint was that he objected to a man
being made senior switchman attendant over him whUe he
was put as switchboard assistant, which was a drop in his
position. He gave a week's notice in writing. He had been
in this employ 18 months and objected to a young man who
Imd only been employed there three weeks being made his
senior. If they would put him on the .same footing he would
remain. In reply to the Chairman, Powell said that he went
ii,5 a temporary switchboard attendant at SOs. a week, but had
recently received an increase. If he had not seen, on the
pay-sheet, the other man described as " senior " he would not
have complained. He was told that that was a clerical error,
but could not get any infomation. The man he complained
of received the same wages as he. The defence was that both
men were seniors. The application was refused.

At the same Court, James Tutton was summoned for absent-
ing himself from work on July 2'2nd and 23rd, and leavinsi
his emi)!oyment on August l.st. Mr. Frank Quick, National
Union of <3eneral Workers, defended. Mr. A. Is^icholls Moore,
borough electrical engineer, Newport, proved that defendant
was absent without permission. He was assistant coal plant
attendant. He had been employed there since September,

•20(j

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW. [Voi. ro. No. 3.022, auqdst 25, 1916.

1915. They bad a very small staff indeed, and the coal plant
was one of the most important. There was no actual short-
ajie in this case, another man having been obtained. Their
allegation was that the reason of his absence was for the
purpose of drinking. Their work was important to numerous
factories! engaged on war work.

According to the report in the Snuth Wales Argus, Mr. Quick
pleaded guilty, but suggested that there were extenuating
circumstances. The man was under the impression that he
could leave when he liked, and did so because of certain
aiiomalies in his position as compared with some of the other
workmen. He was p.iid the standard rate of 31s. Cd. a week.

The Chairman said men must realise that all rules as to
leave had been suspended. They must realise the importance
of the work they were engaged upon. Inasmuch as he had
returned, be would only be fined £1, payable in four weekly
instalments.

At Newcastle-on-Tyne Munitions Court, on August 18th,
Albert E. Pryke, an assistant engineer employed by an elec-
trical company, appUed for a leaving certificate. He stated
that he was now a qualified electrical engineer, and he would
have no difficulty in obtaining a berth at i'2 10s. or £'d per
Week, whereas his present wage was only 3Us. He had been
told that if he left they would bring him back between two
soldiers. At that time, he alleged, the tinn was not controlled,
and he had therefore been detained by deliberate and wilful
misrepresentations and threats. — Mr. Cusworth, the manager
(if the company, strongly objected to the terms " deliberately
and wilfully misled," but admitted having told Pryke that
he could not leave. Pryke was the kind of young man who
tame, to pick up all the information he could in order to
better his position as an electrical engineer — The application
was refused.

Theft.
At West Ham, last week, James Benjamin Phillips. West-
minster, and Alfred Berry, East Ham, electricians, were
charged on remand with stealing a quantity of wire and other
electrical fittings, valued at £6 Os.. tlie property of the Mid-
land Railway Co According to the Mtuuing AdvertiseT, Mr.
Swarbrick, who prosecuted, said that Phillips was employed
by the company as foreman in charge of the electrical depart-
ment at Plaistow, and Berry was engaged under him. It
apiieared that at the beginning of July PhiUips entered into
a contract with a man, named Byers, to tit up a shop in
High Street, Plaistow, and he had been working there, with
Beiry, during the hours they were employed by the company,
and tbey had been using material which belonged to the com-
pany.— Detective-Inspector Childe deposed to stopping Berry
in ITigh Street, Plaistow, carrying a roll of wire, and when he
wa". questioned he made a statement which showed that he
was taking it to a shop, where he was working under the
instructions of Phillips. When the shop was visited it was
found that it had been almost completely installed with elec-
trical fittings which belonged to the company. — Berry pleaded
that he was innocent of any knowledge of the theft. — Berry
was dischirged, and Phillips was sentenced to six months'
hard labour.

WAR ITEMS.

Iron and Steel Trades and German Dumping. — Mr. John
Hodge, M.P., addressing a meeting of iron and steel workers
at Newport (Mon.), on Sunday, said that in 1898 be proposed
a scheme to prevent the dumping of German and American
steel into this country. At present 10 or 15 millions of pounds
sterling had been expended on new plant, and after the war
no German or American steel should be imported. Whether
this result was achieved by means of a prohibitive tarift',
subsidy, or bounty, he did not care, but we must keep the
whole of the new plant erected going, for, if not, the money
would be taken from the pockets of the British working men.
When he contemplated the barbarities of the enemy he could
never .shake Germany's blood-stained hand after the War. —
Murniny Post.

Enemy Goods in Australia. — A Renter dispatch from Mel-
bourne, dated August 39th, reports Mr. Hughes as stating
that enemy goods imported before the war were still being
sold. The Government had decided that wholesale houses
must not sell such goods after September iiOth, nor retail
houses after November 30th.

The British Mannesman Tube Co. — In reply to a ques-
tion in the House of Commons last week, it was stated, for
Mr. Kunciman, that the British Mannesman Tube Co., Ltd.,
was a controlled establishment under the Munitions of War
Act. The right to transfer the shares belonging to enemies
had been vested in the Public Trustee, who had now com-
pleted negotiations for their sale.

Australian Metals. — Mr. Hughes, Prime Minister of Aus-
tralia, has announced his intention to issue a regulation as an
additional safeguard against the metal industry falling into
enemy hands, prohibiting any contract for the sale of mining
or metallurgical business to any person other than a British
subject. — Horning Post.

To be Wound Up.— The latest list of companies ordered
to he wound up includes the following : —

P. Turpntz & Co., 1.50 & 1.51, Eenchurch Street. London.
E.G., iron and steel merchants. Controller : P. W'tKidthoruc.
1, Leadenball Street, E.G.

Halicreclit & Co.. 7.5, Parade, Birmingham, export hard
ware merchants and factors. Controller : W. S. Aston, 1.5,
Newhall Street, Birmingham.

Enemy Businesses Wound Up. — In reply to a question
in Pariiament, Mr. Pretyman stated that orders had been
made under the Trading with the Enemy Act in resiiecl of
31-2 businesses belonging to enemy aliens, of which approxi-
uiately 50 were caiTying on manufactures in the United King-
dom.

Export Prohibitions. — A special Supplement to the "Board
of Trade Journal " for August 17th contains a detailed list
of "Prohibitions of Export in Force in the United Kingdom
and in certain Allied and Neutral Countries."

Export Trade Prohibitions.— In the " I^ondon Gazette "
for August '2'iud there appear further lists of persons and
bodies in the following countries with whom or which trading
is prohiliited :— .\rgentina and other South American States,
Denmark. Nctln'ilands, Norway, itc.

Additions to the list of linns, itc, in China to whom exports
man be consigned are also published in the same issue.

Manchester War Charities. — Th<: collections on the M.in-
chester Corporation tramcars, which were started soon alti'i-
the outbreak of war, to assist war charities, have now hccii
.suspended for a time. It is announced on the cars this week
that the total amount collected for various war funds to date
is i"24,032.

The Board of Trade. — In rcpl\ li> a question in Parli.i-
ment by Sir E. Cornwall, Mr. ,\.squith said that active ste|.is
were being taken with a view to placing the Board of Trade
in a position to deal effectively with post-war economic and
commercial problems, but he was not now in a position to
go into details. In regard to a Minister of Commerce, no
good object would be attained by the multiplication nt
Ministers.

Lightinj^ Restrictions. — When Charles Beckett, a Bhick-
puol Corporatiiin tram-driver, was summoned at the local
Police Court for a breach of the lighting regulations, it was
explained that the conductor had charge of the car lighting |
regulations, and not the driver. This view was corroborated j
by the chief inspector, who .said the conductor was solely in
charge of the car's arrangements. The Magistrates' Clerk ■
held that both were responsible, and he advised the Chief
Constable to proceed against both on the next occasion. The
driver was fined 20s.

German Ordinance re Contraband. — In the " London
Gazette " for August 18th there is printed at length a trans-
lation of a new Ordinance signed by the German Emperor
declaring vai'ious articles contraband of war. These articles
include electrical supplies for use in war, submarine sound
signalling apparatus, .searchlights, lathes, machinery, alumi-
jiiiim, and many other manufactures, metals. &c.

Absentee. — .\t Newcastle-on-Tyne Police Court, on Friday
last, Ernest Piaffleld Freeman, electrical engineer, was charged
under the Military Service Act with being an absentee.—
Defendant said he did not know really whether he was an
absentee or not, and asked for an adjournment in order that
li'^ might instruct a solicitor. — The Bench declined, and im-
posed a fine of £1, at the same time ordering him to be '"
handed over to a military escort.

Exemption Applications. — Before the Bucks .\ppeal Court,
Gen. Sir G. W. A. Higginson, oi Marlow, answered an appeal .
by the Military against exemption granted to his electrician,
Wm. Bridgen. The Military representative said it was a
question whether the man was indispensal)le, but as he
was over 40, and was passed only for home service, he left -;
the case to the Ti'ibunal. Ultimately the appeal was with-^f;
drawn, with the consent of the Tribunal. _ _^

An appeal for the exemption of Mr. 0. Wokey (37), assis--^
tant foreman at the generating station at the Aberdare U.D.C.
electricity works, has been refu.sed by the Local Tribunal.

Before the Ea.st Kent Appeal Court, on August 11th, Mr.
W. Marshall ('25), electrician, of Brookland, Romney Marsh,
appealed on the groimds of domestic and financial hardship,
liiit exemption was refused.

Maidstone Tribunal, on August 15th, conceded conditional '
exemption to Mr. P. E. Graefe ('24), secretary to the muni- ■
cipal tramway service.

The Farnham (Surrey) Tribunal, on August 17th. granted
a fin.al three months' "exemption to Mr. B. Banwell (33),
electrical engineer, of Hindhead.

At the East Kent Appeal Court, Mr. W^ H. Glendmumg
(39), electrician in charge of an installation at a private resi-
dence at Broadstairs, appealed, and was given until Nov-
ember 30th. . .,^

Before the Bucks Appeal Court, Sir J. Bell, of Stoke Poges,
High Sheriff for the Countv, appealed for Frank Lavmgton
(40), who attends to the electric light plant at his house.
Exemption was allowed whilst Sir John is High Sheriff.

At Bideford. on August 12th, Messrs. Stevens, Bram & Co.
apphed for exemption for Robert H. Grant, electrician. It
was stated that the man had put his name down for mum-

Vol. 79. No. 2.022, August 2.^ 1916.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

207

tinn work, lint the firm prote.sted. and. as a result, thn
Minister of Munitions decided not to take hira away from his
employment. Exemption was refused.

Mr. Arundell. electrical engineer, of Maidenhead, appealed
to the Local Tribunal, on August 15th, for Walter Sibley (30),
electrician, the only man left capable of dealing with a parti-
cular class of work in the erection of electrical machinery, and
who will be engaged on work at Aldershot Camp. He was
exempted until November 1st.

On the Appeal of the Corporation electricity and tramway
departments, Oloucester Tribunal ha.s conditionally exempted
a wireman and two tramway inspectors.

The Llanfair Electric Light Committee appealed at fjlan-
fyllin for exemption for -John Fred Arthur, who has been
specially trained to look after the electric light sy.stcm. It
was stated that the Committee could not get another man
to do the work. The Tribunal decided to put the case back
for the Committee, who were not represented, to be per-
sonally represented.

Brighton Tribunal has granted six months' exemption to
an electrical engineer and contractor (36), all of whose men
have been " badged."

.A.t Carshalton. Mr. S. J. Evans asked for the retention of
his electrical fitter, aged 32, and said that he had been unable
to fill the place of the man, who carried out work of national
importance. His staff of five men was reduced to two. A
final month was allowed.

Mr. Furness. electrical engineer and tramway manager.
Blackpool, asked for conditional exemption until the end of
the season for 12 motormen. one track supei'visor. and a
skilled mechanic in the electricity department. He had the
authority of a special resolution of his Committee to appear.
TVenty motormen were going from the department within
the next 14 days, and if these men for whom he asked were
also taken it would mean withdrawing 1-5 or 18 cars from a
service which it was taking the department all their time
to maintain. If any motormen over age had been dismissed,
it was because of serious irregularity, which could not bo
condoned. Application allowed. — Application was also made
at Blackpool on behalf of a working foreman and electrii'al
engineer. Conditional exemption was allowed to each, with
the condition of joining the V.T.C.

At Great Harwood Tribunal, on August 17th, Mr. P.
Haworth applied on behalf of a doctor for his chauffeur and
electrician, who looked after his electrical plant. He did not
think a woman could do the work efficiently. Final exemp-
tion to October 30th.

At Oldham, the Empires Theatre Co.. Ltd., appealed for
the head electrician of their five theatres — a married man
of 40 — and exemption until October 1st was granted, the firm
to try to release him by that date.

.\t Accrington Tribunal, on August 18th. Mr. Lupton
appealed on behalf of an electrician, single, aged 24, who was
the only armature winder available. It took several year."?
to make a man competent to do this class of work. October
31st, final.

Mr. Pilling, manager of the Accrington tramwav under-
taking, appealed for two motormen and an electrician, all
married. He said that motoniien were necessary, and hoped
that the Tribunal would release the men rather than compel
him to employ women drivers. Conditional exemption was
granted under the public utility instructions.

The DaiUl Telegraph states that two officials of the Institu-
tion of Electrical Engineers — the accountant and editorial
assistant — have been granted four months' exemption by the
Westminster Tribunal. _

The Llandudno Tribunal has granted conditional exemp-
tion to George Sowter, assistant eripineer at the electricity
works, the chief engineer having stated that his services *ere
indispensable to the conduct of the undertaking.

.\t Bermondsey, Benoit Lejeune, Ijtd.. electric welders,
applied for the exemption of an electric welder and factory
manager, and for an engineer and workshop manager. The
latter was 24 years of age. and registered as a " barber." He
had already been granted two months' extension as a "barber"
by the Southwark Tribunal. The Mayor: How did he learn
this trade — by singeing hair? Applicant : I suppose at the
time he registered he was a barber, and came to me after-
wards. He is a very good man, and had previously been in
the trade. The Mayor : He is a general utility man. Aid.
Bulmer : Then he will be of use in the Army. Applicant :
If be had not been a good man I should not have appealed
for him. One month's final exemption was granted in each

REVIEWS.

American and Japanese Shipbuilding. — Am American

Commerce report says that at present the U.S., for the first time
in over half a century. Is not only building- more merchant
shippmg than any other country, but the American output for the
year 19 Hi will probably exceed that of all the rest of the
■world. The report also states that the shipyards of Japan are
fully occupied with work for two years, and have reluctantly been
obliged to decline foreign orders in order to supply their own
shipowners.

Adi'iinced-H'hcfirii oj Klerlricittl and Manneliam. By W. S.
Fr.^nklin and B. M.wNutt. Ijoudon ; Macmillan and Co.,
Ltd. Price 8s. 6d. net.

This work is described as a text-book for colleges and tech-
iiical schools, and it possesses several somewhat novel features.
The authors have endeavoured to limit the purely mathe-
matical aspects of the subject and to keep physical things
always clearly and vividly in mind; or, in the phraseology of
the preface. " The character of the treatment in this book
has been determined throughout by the desire to keep the
student's mind jammed up fight against physical things."
Accordingly we find that in discussing electromotive force,
electric fields, electric oscillations and electric waves, and so
on, mechanical analogies are freely used, arranged in parallel
columns, so that the student who has already a knowledge of
mechanics may find less difficulty than he otherwise would in
bringing to his mind definite ideas of the more abstract elec-
tiical conceptions. For instance, in dealing with the electro-
motive force required to make a current increase we find, set
down in columns side by side, the following : —

" Imagine a boat moving without fric.tional opposition; then
the propelhng force would be used wholly to cause the velocity
to increase (to produce acceleration) and we would have :

E = Lrfl/rf/,

where E is the propelling force, L is the mass of the boat, and
dijdt the rate of increase of the velocity. Udijrlt is negative it
signifies decreasing velocity."

"Imagine a circirit having no resistance; then an electrn-
n'otive force acting on the circuit would be used wholly to
cause the current to increase, and we would have :

E = L rf ijdt.
where e is the electromotive force acting on the circuit (of
zero resistance), L is the inductance of the circuit, and dijilf Is
the rate of increase of the current. If rfi/rWisnegative it signifies
decreasing current."

This sort of thing is larcely used, and we must confess to
a sneaking regard for it. For many students find little diffi-
culty in obtaining accurate ideas of mass, acceleration, etc.,
who have much trouble in foiming mental pictures of in-
ductance, rate of current increase, and so on. The former
lend themselves naturally to better mental conception than
the latter.

Another example may perhaps be mentioned as indicative
of the method. The starting of a boat is compared to the
growth of current in a circuit. In parallel coltmnns we have :

" At a certain instant a constant force e begins to act on
a boat, and it is reauired to find an algebraic expression for
the increasing velocity ' of the boat, on the assumption that
the frictionaf drag of the water is exactly proportional to ;,
or equal to R /.

" At a certain instant a. constant electromotive force e
begins to act on a circuit, and it is required to find an alge-
biaic expression for the growing current i.

"If we subtract the force which is required to overcome
the backward drag of the water (namelv. R i) from the total
propelling force E, we get the portion of the propelling force
which is used to cause the velocity of the boat to increase.
Therefore we have :

K — R J = L rlilflt.

" If we subtract the voltage which is required to overcome
the resistance of the circuit (namely, R ') from the total pro-
pellinc electromotive force e, we get the portion of the
propelling force e, which is used to cause the current to
increase." Therefore we have:

E — R '■ = L dijdf.

A chapter which the student will find interesting is that
on electric oscillations and elecft'ic waves. It opens with a
schedule comparing the equations of mechanics and electricitv.
the former for both translatory and rotatory motion. It
then deals with the electric oscillator, the equation of a
travelling curve, equation of motion of a stretched string,
differential equations of electrical wave motion on a trans-
mission line, the ribbon wave, superposition of waves, reflec-
tion, transmission line .surges which follow the switching on
of a generator and when a circuit-breaker opens, impure and
pure waves, immediate effects of wire resistance and poor
insulation on a wave on a transmission line, wave distortion,
electrical oscillation of a transmis.sion line, moving wave trains,
clock diagram of movinff wave trains, and forced oscillationa
of a transmission line. Towards the end of the chapter there
are a dozen pages of interesting matter on mechanical con-
ceptions of magnetic and electric fields, in which Maxwell's
model of the ether is made use of. A_ photograph is given
showing the shape of the electromagnetic wave_whi_ch shoots
out along a telephone line when the syllable hiah is spoken
into the transmitter. This is reallv an extraordinary visual
demonstration of the complexity and delicacv of .such a wave,
and when it is recognised that the reproduction of the original
sound by the distant telephone receiver depends upon the
delivery of this complicated wave, with all its fine detail, at
the distant end of the line, the student has vividly brought
to his mind the importance of such things as spreading and
diEtortion.

•208

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW. Lvoi. rx no. 2.022, Arorsx 20, loi.;.

The last chapter, also on the electron theory, gives very
clearly some of the chief experinjental results, the diagrams
especially being really illustrative and unencumbered with
detail. .Altoviether there are ten chapters and o(K> pages.

Most of the ch:ipters have a number of questions (with
answers) at their ends. Speaking f;enerally, the book will be
found most useful by advanced students who have already
studied mechanics and have a good knowledge of mechaniail
laboratory work. One of its best features is the clearness and
appositoiiess of the diagraius, of which there are more than
two hundred.

The Year Book of Wireless Tclegraph\i and Tehphony, 1916.
London : The ^Yireless Press, Ltd. Price 3s. Gd. net.

This truly remarkable annual is now in its fourth year of
piibhcation, and it is difficult to commend it sufliciently with-
out going into extravagance of language which might defeat
its own object, at any rate so far as concerns tho.sc unfortu-
nates who have hitherto overlooked the existence of this
work. It is hardly necessary to say that this is the standard
work of reference on all matters pertaining to wireless services
and facilities. It is authoritative and surprisingly complete con-
sidering that this is the second " war number." It is remark-
able value for money, and we trust its price will always
remain as low, for^ though it is a volume for which one might
reasonably be asked half-a-guiuea or more, it doubtless reaches
a much wider public and does proportionately more service
at its present price. Among the regular features of the ycai-
book which are still retained and, when necessary, brought
up-to-date, are the almanac and various calendars, the record
of wireless development, the list of useful formulae and equa-
ticns, data and tables, the glossary and live-language dic-
tionary of technical terms, and the reference and technical
sections, and special contributions, concerning which more
must be said.

In regard to the International Eadio-Telegraphic Conven-
tion, the text of which is reprinted in the reference section,
it may be remarked that Germany, who took a predominant
part in the debates leading to the various regulations, syste-
matically eluded the latter in time of peace, and has treated
them on her usual international basis since the outbreak of
«ar. A. very valuable addition to the collection of laws and
regulations peculiar to the various countries in which wire-
less telegraphy has been developed is an ingenious and com-
plete index, which immensely facilitates reference to this sec-
tion. The well-known list of land and ship stations now
occupies 273 pages, and is as complete as permitted bv present
circumstances. The tables specify the call signal^ normal
range, wave length, and service particulars of shore and ship
stations, and there is also an alphabetical list of call letters.
We would again suggest that technical particulars concerning
the equipment of the stations be added wherever possible,
and, personally, we should prefer the special notes now col-
lected at the end of each table or list to be set as footnotes
on the page concerned.

Special contributions have always been a feature of this
pubhcation, and this year there is a very admirable collection
(all new and specially contributed), including a fascinating
article by Prof. Fleming on photo-electric phenomena, which
in much more readable than its title might suggest. Mr.
Arch. Kurd's essay on intelhgence in naval warfare deals
well with the pos-sibdities of the subject chosen bv that well-
known expert, whilst Col. Maude's review of" the Allies'
strategy in 191.5 will be read with the keenest interest and
appreciation from end to end, though it must be confessed
it contains httle of " wireless " interest. A third article of
interest to the general reader is an outline of radio-telegraphic
progress under the title of " Long Distance Services." Among
the more highly technical contributions must be mentioned
Dr. Eccles's demonstration of the dictum that a knowledge of
the wave lengths of an antenna is of greater practical and
experimental importance than a knowledge of the electrostatic
capacitance. This paper include-, a number of original and
instructive abacs.

There is a totally inadequate appreciation in this countrv of
the remarkable progress which has lately been made in the field
of radiotelephony. How many electrical engineers, let alone
lav-men, reahse that on September •i'^Sth last wireless tele-
phonic communication was established across the • American
continent from .\riington to Hawaii, a distance of nearly 5,(X)0
miles, whilst on October 26th communication was effected bv
the same means between Arlington and the Eiffel Tower?
^^hatever may have been done in Europe during the past two
years, the published record of wireless telephonic progress
must for the present be confined to the United States, and a
good statement of this progress is included in the year-book.
Other technical matter included comprises the report of the
B \. Committee for Eadiotelegraphic Investigations, a valu-
able contribution by J. L. Hogan on the measurement of
signal intensity, and an article bv P. W. Harris on the prob-
lems of interference. The latter article is particularly instruc-
tive, and should be useful to student, operator and general
reader alike. " '\Vireless \Yaves in the Worid's War," by
H. J. B. Ward, is an interesting collection of war incidents
in which wu-eless telegraphy has realised and exceeded the
expectations rai.'^ed on its behalf by those who saw far ahead
through the difficulties of earlier years.

Very much more might be said in commendation of this
book, but its size is such that we can only outline its scope

and testify to its consistent excellence. Dr. Erskine Murray
i.=i to be congratulated on the arrangement and utihty of the
"useful formulio " tabulated under 27 headings. The record
of wireless patents, the particulars concerning wireless com-
panies, the biographical notes, the bibliography of wirelct-s
literaturo, and the directory of wireless societies, are of tlir
greatest possible value to all interested in radiotelegrapln
Finally, there is the foldiug wireless map of the world. The
pioiluction of the work is as excellent as ever and reflects
great credit on the editorial staff, who are, doubtless, pining
for the day when the lifting of the war-cloud will permit the
full tale and state of wireless progress to be told.

Ccerhead Electric Poivcr Transmission; Principles and Calcu-
hiiioHs. By Alfred Still, A.M.Insl.C.E., M.I.E.E., &c.,
iVc, Assistant Professor of Electriiwl Engineering, Purdue
University. London : Hill Publishing Co. Price 12s. 6d.
net.

The question of overhead electrical transmission has received
more attention in .^Vmerica than in this country and, owing
to its deceptively simple appearance it is sometimes regarded
as a comparatively easy and rather uninteresting subject.

The eight chapters, 310 pages, 115 illustrations, and volu-
minous appendix of Prof. Still's book prove by their existence
that the building of the most economical line is not so simp!'-
as it may at first sight appear.

Like all the publications of this firm, the book is well
printed, well bound, and contains only a few mistakes. On
page 2 we notice " It is not . . . the cheapest . . . articles
that wins in the long run." On page .53 wcurs the word
" cornona," and on page 97 " mutal." On pages 114 and 119
the author seems doubtful as to whether " arrestor " or
"arrester" is correct, and a division of opinion between
" impedence " and "impedance" is noticeable on pages 23,
68, 90, 11-1, 126, and 127, there being three cases of each
spelling. On page 120 the word " intellingently " appears,
and on page 122 " breifly." On page 170 we read that " Mr.
H. J. Glaubitz as evolved an equation." Resistance is spelt
" resistence " on page 118. On page 126 a parenthesis is left
unclosed, and there are one or two other minor errors in
punctuation.

.\s a contribution to the literature on the subject the book
has much value. It provides many useful tables of data, and
goes thoroughly into the theoretical as well as the practical
side of the problem. The author gives rea.'^ons for his views,
or for procedure that has been adopted in laying down sys-
tems, and explains the method of arriving at results. We are
not confronted, as is too often the case, with pages of intricate
mathematics followed by the bland remark, " This is a matter
which must be largely left to the discretion of the individual
engineer."

The economic side of the subject is never lost sight of, and
the engineer is recommended not to try experiments, for in-
stance, in voltages higher than may be justified by commer
ciai considerations. At the same time, he is advised not to
follow the fad of the day, but to think for himself.

The use of the unit " circular mils per ampere " does nnt
appear to be attended by any advantage at all commensurate
with the labour of discovering exactly what it means, and we
d ) not see why Prof. Still is .so fond of the horse-power.
Surely we can shed this unit from purely electrical work, it
not from steam and gas engineering. On page 56 mention is
made of the cost of a generating station in dollars per horse
power, followed immediately by a table showing cost of
details per kilowatt.

The demonstration of the fact that line losses are inversely
proportional to the square of the power factor of the load, as
given on page 19, might be simplified thus : —

irjr I = COS e,
I = jcje cos 6.
I- r = u:^ >-je- cos- 9.

where the sj'mbols used have their customary meaning,?,
and are those employed by Prof. Still.

The percentage drop in conductors is more often given in
terms of the pressure at the generating, rather than at the
receiving, end of the line, and we prefer this practice.

Chapter VI. 14 pages in length, is devoted to a considera-
tion of the Thury system of transmission of energy by con-
tiiuious currents, said by the author to hold its own in
Europe. In spite of its adoption in 1911 by the Metropolitan
Electric Supply Co., of London, and the existence of some I-t
installations on the Continent, we do not think we should go
so far as to agree with him. Prof. Still gives a careful and
impartial summing-up of the advantages and disadvantages
of the system, and quotes (on page 146) an interesting para-
graph from the Electrical World, of New York : —

" Any engineer who wanders through one of the large
Thury stations and then calls to mind the usual long concrete
catacombs bristling with high-tension insulators and filled
with dozens of oil switches, .scores of disconnecting switches,
webbed with hundreds of feet of high-tension leads and
spatted with automatic cut-outs, will stop and think a bit
before he complacently sniffs at high-tension direct-current
transmission."

With the exception of the word "spatted," this fairly ex-
presses the views we had formed on the matter.

Vol. 79. No. 2,022, al,gdst 25, 1916.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

209

Many more interesting points might be taken from the
book, such as the consideration of waves on the line; the
mechanical testing of insulators by shooting at them with
guns; the reference, surprisingly open, to the rigging of the
metal market ; the cost at which line losses must be reckoned ;
the disadvantages of the two-phase three-wire system ; the
arguments for and again.st the use of protective devices and
of apparatus for regulating the power factor of the system ;
skin effect and its diminution by coating conductors with a
thin layer of high-resistance metal ; the use of the earth as a
return ; and the effects , of blizzards. Those intei'ested can
read of them for themselve-s.

The book should find a place on the shelves of all those
Mho.so work brings them in contact with the subject.

BUSINESS NOTES.

American Electrical Industry. — I'lie tutal value of
products of the electrical machinery industry in the United
States increased practically 60 per cent, between 1909 and
1914. A summary of the census of manufactures for that
industry in 1914 has been issued by the United States Bureau
of the Census. The total number of establishments decreased
by 30 in the five-year period, from 1,151 to 1,121; but, elimi-
nating those which make electrical machinery as a subsidiary
product, the total number engaged primarily in this industry
mcreased by 21.

Of the 1,121 establishments reported for 1914. 2.34 were
located in New York, 151 in Illinois, 129 in Ohio, 114 in Peim-
sylvania, 100 in Massachusetts, 83 in New Jersey, 46 in Con-
necticut, 4ti in Indiana, .30 in California. 19 in Missouri, IS
in Minnesota, 17 in Ehode Island, 8 in C-olorado, 7 in Mary-
land, 6 in New Hampshire, 5 in Iowa. 4 each in Delaware,
North Carolina, Tennessee, Washington, and West Virginia.
.3 in Kentucky, 2 each in District of Columbia. Louisiana,
Nebraska, and Vermont, and 1 each in Alabama, Kansas,
Oregon. South Carohna, Texas, and Virginia.

The comparative statistics for 1914 and 1909 are sum-
marised in the following statement of values of products : —
Products. 1909. 1914.

Dynamos $17,231,804 $23,233,437

Transformers 8,801,019 13,120,065

Motors ... 32,087,482 44,176,235

Batteries, parts and supplies .-. 10,612,470 23,402,455
Carbons (including furnace, light-
ing, brushes, batterv, &c.) ... 1,934,864 3,602,741

Arc lamps ... 1,706,9.59, 742,142

Searchlights, projectors, it focus-
ing lamps 935,874 2,081,545

Incandescent lamps 15,714,809 17.350,385

Sockets, receptacles, bases, &c. ... 4,521,729 5,612,609

Electric lighting fixtures 2,200,668 3,383,955

Telegraph apparatus 1,957,432 2,248,375

Telephone apparatus 14.259,357 22,815,640

Electric heating apparatus ... 1.954,112 4,034,436

Electric measuring instruments 7,800,010 8,786,506

Insulated wire and cables ... .51,624,737 69,505,573
Other products 66.694,153 115,416,577

Total $240,037,479 $359,412,676

U.S. Commerce Reports.

The Dominican Republic— In a report on the Dominican
Republic the .American Vice-Consul at Santo Domingo says : —
"This country is undeveloped and is said to have a great
future.. Many opportunities for American skill will offer them-
selves in connection with the present programme of the Gov-
ernment construction work. There are at present only a few
roads and practically no bridges, and the few miles of railroad
are often out of commission. Santo Domingo needs a new
electric light plant, a street-car system, a new ice plant, and
many municipal improvements. Lack of funds is the main
cause of delay in carrying the plans into execution. . . .
.\s soon as some system is devised which will ensure a steady
revenue from the many sources at present exempted from
taxes there will be sufficient money fur all improvements."
The Consul at Puerta Plata says: — "The present tendency is
to purchase nearly everything except a few speciaUties in the
United States, as there are no regular direct steamship con-
nections with Europe. European goods have in most cases
to pay the high trans-Atlantic freight rates in addition to the
freight from New York, and are further subject to long
delays. Germany, which formerly held the second place,
was, during 1915, a negligible factor on account of the war,
and German products have been in most cases replaced from
the United States.

"The character of imports does not change greatly from
year to year, since the bulk of them consist of staple ai-ticles,
.such as hardware. In view of the practical monopoly now
existing, American exporters can hardly expect to secure a
much greater proportion of the busmcss. Increa-sed consump-
tion in the future will be largely dependent upon the further
development of the resources of the country, which in turn

will be influenced by the investment of capital. A greater
number of American salesmen have visited this territory dur-
ing the past year than formerly. Manufacturers should
realise that such visits are the most effective way to inaugu-
j-ate business, and that the expenses of a trip to this country
are moderate in view of its comparative nearness to the United
States. . . . Some small new industries were started, among
which may be mentioned a match factory and one or two
new ice plants. The company controlled by American capital,
•n'hich has been furnishing electric light in Puerto Plata since
1913, completed its tran.smission line to Santiago, and com-
menced the lighting of that city in December, 1915. The
P.oyal Bank of Canada has established new branches in
Santiago and Sanchez which will facilitate commercial trans-
actions. Except these instances, however, no new enter-
prises by foreign cajiital have been inaugurated. The country
needs the investment of capital and the work of skilled men
to direct it."

Catalogues Wanted for China.— H.M. Consul-Geiiera)

at Yunnau-Fu says that the representative there of a British firm
established in Hong-Kong wants British firms' catalogues and
price-lists of water turbines of small jiower, high-s]iee<l stcaiii-
generating sets direct-coupled to three-phase alternators of l'.-JOo
volts, 50 to 500 H.P. ; steam boilers for ditto, telephone exchan-cs
for 50 to 500 subscribers, and mauy other manufactures, of whicli
particulars appear in the Board nf Trade Juiirnat for August ITtli.
Communications and catalogues should be sent to tlie Oousnlate-
General. at Yunnan-Fu.

Russian Customs Exemptions for Gold - Producing

Machinery. -In the list of machinery. i:c.. connected with Uip
gold-producing industry, particularly as regards dredges and cxca-
■ vators. which, according to decree of the Russian Minister ol
Finance and the Minister of Trade and Industry, mider date June
15th-28th last, are now to be admitted free of duty into Russia, the
following are the items that interest the electrical industry :—
Dynamo machines, electromotors with cables, and wires and dis-
tributing equipment, safety and measuring apparatus, transformers,
likewise complete equipment for electric stations situated on the
banks of rivers, marshes, &c.. or on barges for producing current to
drive motors on dredges ; all steam engines, boilers, motors in the
electric station, electric generators, wire, and everything that is
necessary to install such a station : all electrical parts of dredges.
Generally speaking, .the same statement applies to excavators,
the listsincluding electric locomotives, also all manner of boring
apparatus, including such, if electrically driven, and all electrical
apparatus connected therewith.

This list is specified in more detail in the Government (ia:etti'.
and it may be stated in explanation that the object of this modi-
fication of the Customs list of the country is to enable the gold
producers to obtain foreign-made dredges, and accompanying equip-
ment, cheaper than is possible with the high protective duty that
has been set up in order to bolster up the home dredge buildiny
and excavator construction industries ; so that more gold may be
produced, and the country's urgent requirement in regard to the
metal may he better served than appeared economically possible
when ch-edges and excavators had to pay enormous duties to be
allowed into the country. The exemption applies whether the
goods specified are imported with the dredges or excavators, or
separately consigned.

Trade Conditions in China.— The Acting British Yice-

Consul at Tientsin (Mr. D. B. 'Walker) writes that as the lin.".
harvests were good, and the last export season was very successful,
money should not be scarce in the Consular district dm-ing IHlii.
The chief difficulty as regards the British share in impol'ts into
Tientsin will be the high prices riding in the United Kingdom for
all lines of manufactirred goods, and the restricted outjjut. Under
present conditions it seems futile to bewail the comparatively sm.ill
share which the United Kingdom takes in the import trade of
Tientsin. The fact remains, however, that now is the time for
British firms to endeavour to replace, as the Japanese h,ave already
taken steps to do, articles previously supplied by the factories of
Central Europe. Unless the opportunity is grasped, and the posi-
tion consolidated before a year after peace is declared, it will be lost
altogether. On the conclusion of hostilities Germany will turn
agam to trade with redoubled activity ; her traders are not likely
to be welcomed or encouraged to stay in the countries and posses-
sions of the Allies ; what better market than that of China mil bo
open for Germany to operate in .' Driven from Tsingt.au. and
reluctantao return thither under new conditions, what port more
suitable than Tientsin for the centre of their operations in the
northern trade .' United Kingdom manufacttrrers know whether
the effort is possible, and they must decide immediately. Both the
United States and Japan are ready to grasp the opportunity. One
bright featm-e of existing conditions is that, owing to the enforced
inaction of German importers, Chinese dealers are taking more
kindly to the "cash on delivery" system, and some of them are
now beginning to realise that this alone can prevent overtrading-,
which has always been the bane of the Tientsin market. Japan is
reaping advantage from the disabilities under which the belligerents
in Em-ope are labom-ing. Quick to grasp the opportunity, Japanese
traders have taken steps to replace on the Tientsin market articles
previously supplied by the Central European Powers, such as
enamelled ware, tin and crockery ware, hardware, window glass,
ribbons, needles : in fact, all classes of goods commonly known as
•■ muck and truck." Efforts have been made by local British fii-ms
to make home manufacturers realise the present opportunity ot
captirring this trade, but little has as yet been done.

•210

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW. |voi. to. nv 2.02J, augfst 2:., loie.

Trade Announcements.— ^'R. ^V 11,1,1 am Harper. cIpi-

trician and iroumoiifrer, of i;. Kirk-rate ami Wharf Street. Shipley
CYorkshire'). who has lieen ialle<l up for service is havinfr the whole
of his stock and tittiiifrs sold by auction and is jrivin;; up the
business.

Mr. MiCKELWKlGHT, of Mickelwrijrht, Ltd., of Alix>rton,
Wemhley. has joined the R.X.A.S. The business of the firm will
be continued as usual.

Book Notices. — The Secretaries' AssofnATioN, I,ti).,

Bassishaw House. Basinphall Street. E.C.. has issued (Is. net) a
pamphlet containing- a verbatim report of lectures- delivei-ed
durinsr the 191,i-lti .session. One of these lectures is on "The
War: its Effect on Commerce and Finance," and others deal with
"Foreitrn Exchans-es : the Part they Play in International Trade."
" Curious Cases in .Company Law." and " The Secretary and his
Directors."

'Te-tt Book of Applied Mechanics and Mechanical Enjrineering."
Bv A. .lamie.sou. London : C. Griffin *: Co.. Ltd. Price (is. net.

'■■Pivcet'ilinij^ of the Physical Society of London." Vol. XXVIII.
Pact ,■>, .\u'rust l,")th, IlUti. London : Eleftr'n'lnn rrintinjr and
Puhlishintr Co.. Ltd. Price Is. net.

■ Welfare Work : Employers' Experiments for Improvinsr Wurk-
inp Conditions in Factories." By E. Dorothea Proud, II. .\.
London : G. Bell i: Sons, Ltd. 7s. fid. net.

Dissolutions and Liquidations. — High-Tension Insc-

I.ATORS. Ltd. This cciiii|>any is winding up voluntarily with Mr.
G. T. Broarthridgr as lir|uiilator. A meeting of creditors is called
foi- August 2f^tli. at :Vi. Sackville Street, W.

Fi.F.xiBLK Whki;i,s. Ltd. This conipan.y is winding up volun-
tarily, with Mr. P. T. Hills, (i.i. Temple Chambers, London, as
liquidator. Creditoi's' meeting. Augiist 28th.

Adnil Electric Co.. Ltd.— A first dividend of 10s. in the j; is
payable .\ugust 30th. at K, Clement s Lane. E.C.

Barkers, builders and electricians. Dean Street, Oxford Street.
W., and Artillery Lane, E.G.— Messrs. E. M. Harvey & W. J.
Barker have dissolved partnership. Mr. Barker attends to debts,
and continues the busines.s.

Catalogues and Lists. — Messrs. Donovan iV Co., 47,

Cornwall Street. Birmingham. — A number of illustrated leaflets
showing their insulated .switch-holders, '' Safuses," motor-starting'
gear. cVc.

" When found, made a Xote of," has been the case — or should
have been — with all our gold coins since 1914, and we must there-
fore have a receptacle for " Notes." to mind them in safety until
we exchange them for war-saving certificates — or something else.
Messrs. D. Harper & Co., Ltd.. of Holloway Road, N.. have
studied the convenience of the public by introducing a reversible
Treasury Note case, which is suggested as a very .suitable advertising
medium for the tra<le. One of these — a two-fold real leather one —
is before us. Its special feature is that it is a patent one, and the
10s. and 20s. notes can be kept separate.

Belling Prices. — Messrs. Belling & Co. announce that

owing to increased cost of material and labour they have had to
increase the advance on prices in their 1915-l(i Fire catalogue (which
still holds good for the coming season) from 10 per cent, to 20 per
cent., as from September 1st. 1916. In view of the difBculties of
obtaining supplies of material in the iron industry, they ask the
trade to advise them as early as possible of their requirements for
Belling electric fires.

Bankruptcy Proceedings.— Tattersall, .J. W. & T. W..

electrical engineers, Willesden Lane, London. — Trustee released
August Uth.

BoCLT. John, electrician. Liverpool and Chester. — First and
final dividend. 5s. in the i;, payable September 11th, at 2, Bixteth
Street. Liverpool.

BouLT. J. A: .1. H., electricians, trading as .lohnBoult. — First and
final dividend. 8s. in the i!. payable September 11th. at 2. Bixteth
Street. Liverpool.

New Russian Electrical Factory. — The Electrical Eqiip-

JIEST Co. has begun the construction of a large electrical factory in
Moscow, where telegraph and telephone apparatus will be special-
ised in. and orders therefor are already in hand to the value of
3,500.000 roubles. The concern is subsidised by the Government
with 1.500.000 roubles.

Copper Prices. — The week's changes.— Messrs. F. Smith
and Co. report ; — Wednesday. August 23rd : Electrolytic bars rose
from £125 to £127 ; ditto sheets, from £143 to £145 ; ditto rods,
from £132 to £134 : ditto H.c. wire, from Is. 3H. to Is. 44d.
Messrs. .lames ic Shakespeare report :— Wednesday, August 23rd :
Copper bars, sheet, and rod (best selected) rose from £146 to £148.

LIGHTING AND POWER NOTES.

Aberdeen. — The output of the Corporation electricity

works for the financial year ended July, 1915. was affected by the
curtailment of lighting, public lighting being 77 per cent, down
and private lighting practically 10 per cent, down compared with
the previous year. Due. however, to the increase of power. 22
per cent., and heating and cooking, 39 per cent,, the total output

for the year was •>< [ler cent. up. The year just finished, to
July, 1916. shows a greater decrease for lig^hting purposes, but
a marked increase for power, and the total outpiit of the under-
taking will show an increase of about 20 per cent. Over 2,000 h.p.
of new motors has been coupled to the mains.

Aldershot. — K.xcess Profits. — The luhiml Himhuc

Commissioners have made a demand upon the t'.D.C. for £73 excess
profits duty on the electric undertjiking. Inquiries are to be made,
and an appeal is to follow if necessary. A recommen<tation not to
entertain applications for the electric light to be connected tii The
Foleys. the hospital, and the premises of Mr. Charkham. of Arthur
Street, has been referred back to the Lighting Comniillee for
reconsideration.

Alloa.— I'lant Extension. — Tlio Electricity Cominittee
is installing a 70(i-i!.n.i'. National gas engine coupled to a generator
by the British Electric Plant Co., consent having t>een obtained
recently to the borrowing of £10,000 for plant extensions. The
output of the station during the last financial year increased by
about l."i jier cent.

Amesbury, — Xc<jo( iations are procecdiuf;' with a. \icw to a
private comi)auy distributing electricity in the district. The
County Council is to be approached in regard to the use of over-
head wires on main roads.

Argentina. — At a meeting of the Rosario Municipal
Council, the action of the Intendent in ordering the substitution of
electric lighting for the gas lighting, in view of the Gas Co.'s
suspension of the service, was approved. Also an expendi-
ture of S25.000 m/n. on the necessary electrical material in
Buenos Aires, was uuthorised. The Gas Co. was obliged to suspend
its service owing to being unable to purchase coal, due to the
Rosario Municipality not having paid the gas bill of about
$3,^0.000 m/n.

Australia. — With regard to (he jiroposal by the Strath-
field municipality for the supply of electricity for street lighting
V)y the Sydne,y City Council from March 1st, 1917, the City Council
has suggested the advisability of the postponement for a further 12
months, when the cost of materials may be more nearly normal.

On the recommendation of Mr. B. E. Rushton, chief mechanical
engineer to the South Australian Government, the Government
workshops at Islington are to be reorganised, electric power is to
be installed, and £4,000 is to be spent in providing additional
furnaces and boilers for steel making.

Owing to the Granville (N.S.W.) municipality deciding not to
give any undertaking to refu.se permission for the erection of
electricity mains by another compan.y along a route on which the
Sydney City Council has provided electricity supply mains, the
City Council is recommended not to proceed further with the pro-
posal to extend its mains in the neighbourhood to supply power to
various firms.

Bedford.— The B. of T. ha,s consented to the T.C.

supplying electricity to the new works of Messrs. W. H. Allen. Son
and Co., Ltd.. at Biddenham, which is outside the area of the
borough.

Bingley. — The U.D.C. is recommended to reduce the
minimum charge for electricity supplied to private consumers to
lOs. per half year, inclusive of the meter rent, after the termina-
tion of the first two years of the supply.

Bo'ness. — Women Navvies. — According tn the Dnilii

(lifOiiirJe. women navnies are being employed in the laying of
cables in connection with the electricit.y undertaking.

Canada. — The Shawinigan Water and Power Co. is

making extensions to its power house, in order to g'ive a supply of
2.000 H.P. to the Sherbrooke Railway and Power Co. The power
will be transmitted over the Shawinigan transmission line between
Victoriaville and Windsor Mills, and from the latter jwjint a new
transmission line is being built to Sherbrooke.

The Great Lakes Power Co. is extending its power house, and has
on order with the Canadian Westinghouse Co. for that purpose 2o
K30-K.V.A.. 25-cycle vertical generators, four 650-k.v.a.. 60-cycle
vertical generators, and one 660-h.p. motor-generator exciter set.

Owing to the increased demand for power, the city of Sherbrooke
has decided to improve the city plant ; the present rock-filled crib
dam on the Magog river will be replaced iiy a concrete structure
225 ft. long and 49 ft. high. Three central-discharge turbines
of 1.400 H.P. each will replace the present turbines, together with
three new generators, each of 1. 000 k.v.a., rating with the neces-
sary additions to the switchboard equipment. — Cnnnilian Electrical
yewn.

Continental. — Russia. — AVith a view to ascertaining the

amount of electric power available for new industries, andtosuppl.v
those displaced by the invading armies, the Electrotechnical Section
of the Russian War Industries Central Committee has carried out
a census of all the installations existing throughout Russia. Of
the two inquiries made, 90 per cent, of the former, and 60 per cent,
of the second, returned replies. They have come from lO.S towns,
93 of which are situated in European Russia, 12 in Siberia, 5 in the
Caucasus, and 5 in Central Asia, or a total of 115 electric stations.
The 93 stations in European Russia have a total of 79,553 Kw.. of
which 39.132 is continuous-current. 34.043 three-phase, and 6,378
single-phase plant. The 12 Siberian stations have a total power of
9.505 KW.. 2.320 being continuous, 3.7.50 three-phase, and 3.435
single-phase plant. The five stations in the Caucasus have a total
power of 3,026 KW,, 676 being continuous and 2,350 three-phase

Vol. 70. No. 2,022, ArGisT 2.V 1916.] THE ELECTRICAL REVTEW.

•211

plant. The five stations in Central Asia have a total power of
379 Kw., all of which is continuous-current plant. Of the plant
specified some 30.000 H.P. is available for new nndertakinjrs
requiiin? an uninterrupted supply, and 60.000 U.P. for those able to
use an interrupted supply. — V Industrie ElecMqye.

XoRw.^v. — The Union Carbide Co.. findinft its works at Xiagara
inadequate, and after seeking' in vain in North America for
R,n additional site, has decided to establish a branch in Norway,
[t has set aside $2,000,000 for the purixjse, and the works are now
in course of construction at Sande. The increasinpr number of
;lectrochemical and other concerns established at Niagai-a. the
jonstant call for more room for extensions, the limitation of the
power available, and the proximate increase in the price of electric
nu'rent.are the motives for this departure. Themigration of other
American industries, under the pressure of similar requirements
md considerations of a like nature, is said to be a matter of
jertainty in the near future.

Dundee. — Pkoposed Loax . — The Coqwration Elec-
tricity Committee has had under consideration the question of
ic<iuirin;r lx)rrowing powers for £27.000. According to the
;reasurer the amount authorised to be borrowed is £487,000,
uid the capital exjienditure to May 1.5th of this year was £4(59,175,
leaving" a balance of i 17,825. In reference to the sum of £17.825
;he T.C. is already committed to the expenditure of that amount,
X)ntracts having been placed for machinery, cables, 4;c, Mr.
Richardson, the general manager, estimated that atlditional bor-
rowing ]X)wers would be required to cover the cost of works to the
imount of £27.000. With reference to the application which had
tieen received from the Caledon Shipbuilding Co.. and taking into
iccount the power which would be required in the immediate
iricinity for King George Wharf and other large consumers, it was
iuggested that the best method would be to build a new sub-station
jn the spot, and so reduce the length of heavy cables to the
minimum. The motion for applying for borrowing powers was
ulopted.

Harrogate. — At the last meeting- of the T.C it was stated

;hat the day-time use of electricity for domestic and power purposes
low exceeded the load for lighting,

Japan. — At the annual meetins of the Tokio Electrie

[/ight Co. it was stated that the increased receipts were due princi-
pally to the sum received for the temporary supply of power to the
inunicipal electricity station when it was short of energy, owing to
;he breakdown of the Kin ugawa Power Co.'s plant. Receipts from
;he sale of power amounted to 201X000 yen. There was an increase
n the general demand for electric light in the city during the year,
ind rtS.OOO additional lamps had been installed. — f".<S'. Cummen-e
Repi'its.

London. — Ha50IERSJiith. — The Electricity Committee

las received an application from the Chiswick Electric Supply
Corporation for a supply of electrical energy for a factory in its
irea.

The borough ejectrical engineer reports that the estimated cost
for cables and transformers. &c., ^vill be £3,500, and he estimates
;he minimum annual revenue at £3,500,

The Committee recommends the Council to give the supply of
3lectricity asked lor, the minimum guaranteed payment to be
£2.tiri(i per annimi, the corporation or the proposed consumers to
idvance to the B.C. the capital sum (£3.500) for laying on the
supply, the B.C. to pay 5 per cent, interest upon the sum advanced
;ach year the actual consumption of electricity exceeds £2.000 in
ralue. The cables and apparatus to remain the property of the
Council, and to be taken over at £2.000.

Market Drayton. — Street Lighting. — The U.D.C. has

agreed to the offer of the E.L. and Power Co. to accept £50 in
settlement of its accoimt of £100 under the contract for public
lighting for the six months ending June 30th.

Newport (Mon.). — Proposed Loan. — The Council is

lo apply to the L.G.B. for sanction to Ixirrow^any necessary sums
lor cables. vVc, to give a bulk supply to a new consumer.

Perth. — Yf:AR"s Working. — During the last financial

vear the electricity department made a net. profit of £284. of which
£2tiii has been placed to reserve, and £84 carried forward. The
total revenue was £11,097. and expenditure amounted to £7,423,
leaving a gross profit of £3.674. The reserve fund now stands at
£4.48]. or 75 per cent, of the total amoimt allowed.

The City Council has decided to increase the electricity charges
for lighting by 12i per cent., and for power by 5 per cent. ; an
amendment not to increase the price of energy supplied for traction
was lost by a large majority.

Portuguese India. — The municipality of Goa has been

authorised to install an electric lighting system in the town of
Nova Goa. .\ contract for the work has been awarded to a Bombay
firm.— .B. of T. Journal.

Rawtenstall. — Loan Sanction. — The L.G.B. has sanc-
tioned the borrowing by the T.C. of £1,447 for mains in connection
with the supply of electricity in bulk to Haslingden, £584 for
transformer, and £185 for other plant.

Reigate. — Speaking at a meeting of the T.C, recently.

Councillor Priest mentioned the adverse conditions under which
the electricity undertaking had been working, due to decreased
lighting output. Heating units increased by 74 per cent.,
yielding a revenue of £101. and power output also increased by

47 per cent. The gross profit of £3.891 was £234 less than in the
previous year, and it was decided that the net surplus of £33 be
carried to reserve and renewals.

Rochdale. — Proposed Loans. — At a meeting of the

Electricity Committee, on August 16th, the borough electrical
engineer recommended that the T.C. should apply for fiu-ther
borrowing powers for £50,OiiO for improvements and extensions at
the electricity works. A scheme for spending £60.000 on the works
was rejected in May by the T.C but application for borrowing powers
for £111.01.10 was made for the most lu-gent portion of the work — the
provision of an additional chimney, induced draught plant, and
additional economisers- and sanction for this has been received.
The recommendation made la-st week that powers be sought for the
further £50,0it0 was made owing to the irregularities in the supply
of energy this month, which have caused great inconvenience to
local firms dependent upon the Corporation for power. The Com-
mittee referred the recommendation to the Works Sub-Committee
for consideration and report. In regard to the irregularities, a
number of works were affected last week, and in the case of the
cotton mills of Tyre Yarns. Ltd., and Fabric Weavers. Ltd.. who
are the largest consumers, it is stated that 75 per cent, of the
machinery was idle owing to the difficulties referred to. and about
500 workpeople employed by the firms were thrown on to the funds
of their Trade Unions. The Rushbearing Holidays are taking
place this week (. August 19th-26th). and the majority of local works
and factories are shut down. It is hoped that necessary repairs
will have been completed by the time the mills and workshops
re-open on the 28th inst.

The Electricity Committee has accepted tenders for 34.000 tons of
coal at advanced prices. The dispute between the Committee and
Tyre Yarns. Ltd.. respecting the interpretation of clauses in the
agreement for the supply of current to the firm's mills, has not yet
been settled.

Salford. — The House Committee of the B. of G. proposes

to install a mechanical dough-mixer, to be driven by electricity.

U.S.A. — A recent issue of the Jourmil nf Elertriritij,
Pim-pr and Gnu mentions that the Hammond ' Delta Home.' in the
San Joaquin Valley. Cal.. is provided with electric heaters in
every room, and instantaneous water heaters in the bathrooms.
Electric cooking apparatus and an electric boiler are in use, also an
automatic electric pumping set for the gai-den. It is stated that
175 electric ranges are being used in the San Joaquin Valley, and
the number will be increased to 400 by the end of the season.

TRAMWAY and RAILWAY NOTES.

Blackpool. — Last week the lifeguards on the cars pre-
vented two accidents to children, who, in both cases, were picked up
and escaped injury.

Caucasus. — The Xoroip Vremyc says the question of
constructing the trans-Causcasian electrical railway is approaching
solution.

Continental. — Spain. — The new electri<- tramway in the

town of Pahna de Mallorca. which has been constructed by the
Sociedad General de Tranvia- Electricos Interurbanos, has now been
completed and opened for traflic. The electrical equipment was
supplied by the Sociedad A,E.G. Thomson-Houston Iberica.

London. — P.O. Tube Railway. — A recent Parlia-
mentary communication by Mr. Asquith stated that the tunnel for
the above line was nearly completed. It runs from Paddington.
ria Mount Pleasant, the G.P.O. in Newgate Street, and Liverpool
Street to Whitechapel. some 6J miles, at a depth of 28 ft. to 37 ft.
below the sm-face. Normally, it is a 9-ft. diameter tunnel with
two 2 ft, gauge tracks, and double tunnels at stations with space
for lifts, shoots and control cabins, the trains being operated by
distant control and capable of attaining up to 35 miles an hour.
The electrical system is that of the British and Colonial Pneu-
matic Tube and Transport Co.

New Zealand. — The Christchurch tramway plant was

put through a final test last month, operating from the Lake
Coleridge high-tension supply, the result being satisfactory in every
respect. — -V.Z. Shipping and Commerce.

Northampton. — Year's Working. — The accounts of the

Corporation tramway undertaking for the year ended March 31st
last, show a total revenue of £24,130, and a gross surplus, including
bank interest, kc. of £14,452 (.as against £10,411 in the previous
yeaj). Interest and sinking fund payments absorbed £10,200, and
the net profit was £4,252. as compared with £1.581 in the previous
year. Of the surplus £1,500 was transferred to the rates, and
£2,600 to reserve. The track mileage amounts to 6i ; 770,000 car-
miles were run and 9.936.774 passengers carried, as compared with
8,423,884 in 1914-15, when a section of horse tramway was still in
use.

Rochdale. — Wages. — The Tramways Committee has
referred to the Works Sub-Committee an application of local tram-
way employes for an advance of wages.

212

THE ELECTRICAL KEVIEW.

No. 2,022, Al'Gl'ST 25, 1911

TELEGRAPH and TELEPHONE NOTES. CONTRACTS OPEN and CLOSED.

Arabian Telegraphs. Aeioidin-: to i\w Tim>\^. a Cairo

teleeram stati-.- thiit in adtlition to .Iwldah «nd Mecca, telefrraplijc
oonimunioation h«.s now been established with Taif. riii Wadi Haifa
and SiKikin.

Brazil Telephones.— There are at pre.^cnt in the federal
district and immediate vicinity 12,01 in telephones in service in Rio
de Jiuieiro. 1.2oo in Xictheroy (across the liayY 7.=iO in Petrojiolis
(the summer resort of Rio de Janeiro). loO at Barra do Pirahy. 2:i
at Barra JIansa. and I'.t at Rerende. It is estimated that in this
section of Brazil there is one telephone for each 100 inhabitants.
JInch of the wiiinsr of the system is under^Tound. In the State of
Sao Paulo and the southern jiarl of the State of Jlinas Geraos. the
telephone systems are oiK^rated by the Companhia Telephonica do
Estado de Sao Paulo, with headquarters at Sao Paulo. Santos, and
Campos, and the Companhia Rode Telephonica Bragantina. The
first-name<l company has about S.ooii subscribers in the three cities
ju.st mentioned, and a number of rural lines. There are also con-
nections with the lines of the second-named company, which has
its headquarters at Sao PaiUo city. The Companhia Brajrantina
connects by its lines 171 cities and towns in the States of Minas
Geraes and Sao Paulo, serving: 4. .500 subscribers. Besides these
two companies there are numerous smaller local companies in many
cities and towns of those two States, still further completing- the
facilities for connections. Conversations may'.be carried on between
Sao Paulo and Riberao Preto. 21 1 miles, or between Rilierao Preto and
Santos. 20t> miles, or with Guaratiujfueta. a distance of 342 miles.
Connection may be obtained from Sao Paulo to Guaratingueta and
from Rio de Janeiro to Barra de Pirahy ; and the interveuins
unconnected distance to complete the telephone communication
between the citiesof Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo is but 103 miles. —

Cable Rates. — The London Gaseffe announces that the
rales for telegrams sent to the places named below are now : —

-\lbania, 4Jd. per word; Newfoundland, by cable Is., and Wo
Marconi. Sd. : Labrador, by cable Is. 2d., and ria Marconi. lOd.

Jamaica. — A severe hurrioiuie passed over the island on

August 1.5th. causing great damage in cultivated areas and com-
pletely dislocating telegraphic communication.

Multiplex Wireless. — ^Ii'. Burr V. Deitz has been granted

a United States patent on a method of transmitting two or more
messages, or signals, from one wireless aerial, and this with
relatively high eliiciency and without interference between the
messages or signals. • _

Mr. Deitz has found that while the discharges of a radio-trans-
mitter occur as frequently as five hundred times a second, each
single discharge occupies so small a part of a second that the dis-
charges in the aggregate consume only a small fraction of the time
elapsing during transmission. In the invention he utilises a part
of the time heretofore unused and existing in the intervals between
discharges to transmit atlditional distinguishable messages or
signals b.v applying additional transmitters whch are used with a
single or common aerial system. The results obtained are similar
to those of the multiplex system of wire telegraphy, in which
several operators can use one line at the same time.

Mr. Deitz states that the apparatus is comparatively simple, and
possesses the great advantage of being reliable and durable,
requiring no sensitive or delicate adjustments and little or no
attention. — Teleiiiajjh and Telephone Age.

Telegraph Construction Bill.— This Bill passed its third

reading in the House of Lords, on Monday : the House of Commons
also agreei! to the Lords' amendments to the Bill (mentioned in our
last issue), and on Wednesday it received Royal Assent.

United States. — According to Tdephomj. the House of
Representatives has passed a resolution providing for the formation
of a joint Sub-Committee to investigate the subject of Government
ownership of all public utilities, such as telegraph, telephone and
other companies engaged in inter-State and foreign commerce ; and
to report as to the efficiency of Government regulation and control
as compared with Government ownership and operation. The
joint Sub-Committee is instructed to report to Congress on or before
January. 1^17.

Venezuela Telephones. — American Commerce Reports
mentions that the local company. Telefonos de Maracaibo. which
has 300 telephones on its system, is proposing to extend its exchange
equipment to cope with new business. It is interesting to note
that a ground return system is in use. and that calling is by name,
not by number, no directory being issued. The Bonril of Trade
Jiiiii-nul mentions that Senores Sardi Hermanos has received permis-
sion to construct two telephone lines in Teronday district.

Wireless in the West Indies. — A wireless installation is

in operation at Xevassa Island Light Station, and will be con-
trolled by the U.S. Lighthou.se Service.

Wireless in Police Department. — Besides a station at

Police Headquarters in New York, U.S.A., the department is
planning to establish 1.^ other wireless stations in the inspection
districts of the five boroughs and on the police steamer Patrol.
A school of wireless telegraphy for policemen is now being main-
tained by the department, and has a class of 27 men. who were
telegraphers before joining the department. Eight already have
passed the Government test for wireless operators. — Telegraph and
Telephone Age.

OPEN.

Aberdare. — September 6th. Powell- Dutfrvii Strain V^A
Co. Electrical goods. Forms from Stoivs Manager, .\berainan
Offices, near .Vlierdare.

Australia. — Svdxkv.— September L'Oth. N.S.W. (iovern-

ment Railways. One .'iO-ton electri<'ally-operated overhiml
tr.avclling crane for Zara Street power house. Newciustle. Oclnlin-
11th. One motor-driven air compressor for Z.ara Street piwi r
house. Electrical Engineer, 61, Huntt-r Street.

P.M.tJ.'s Department.- -Telephone material (Schedule 4 2K). S.e
"Ollicial Notices" August ISth.

.\liEl..\inE. — September 27th. Deputy P.M.O. Telephones, tele-
phone nu'iterial, instruments and parts. Schedule Nos, 42ii to 137.*

Pkuth. -October 4th. Deputy P.M.G. Telegraph and telephone
measuring instruments and parts. Schedule .lOl W.A.*

Mklboi'RNE.- NovemlxM- 1st. Victorian Railways. .50.000 fiaine
arc carbons. Chief StorekeciJer, Railway Offices, Spencer Strccl.

October ISth. Victorian Government Railways. Electric time
releasing mechanisms for automatic signalling. Cont. No. 30.3 Ci.'

Dublin.-— August 2ilth. Blectricitj Committee. S.P. andj

three-phase meters for a year. See "Official Notices" August 18thJ

Manchester. — August Soth. Elertricrty Committ
High and low-pressure steam and feed pipes at Stuart Stre
station. Specilications (21s.. returnable) from Mr. F. E. Hughe
Secretary. Electricity Department. Town Hall.

August 2Sth. Electricity Committee. Motor-car of from 12
2t'. H.P.

September 12th. Tramways Committee, (ff) Permanent-ws,
special trackwork. and (h) permanent-way point tongues
crossings. Specifications. i;c. (fl Is., returnable), Mr. J.
JIcElroy. General Manager.

New Zealand. — Invercargill. — September 28tl

Borough Council. Steam turbo-alternator, condensing plant,
switchgear. Specifications from the Tramway Office. Contract
No. 40.*

Portsmouth. — August illth. Tramways Committee.
Tramway stores, insulating materials; lamps, kc, for six months.
See "Official Notices" August 18th.

Rochdale. — X^o date. Electricitj- Comaiittee. 5(i(i k.v.a.

static transformer. Mr. C. C. Atchison. Borough Electrical Engineer.

South Africa. — Johannesburg. — September 4th. Jliiiii-

cipal Council. 10.000 drawn-wire metallic-filament traction lamps ;
10 miles of U'/'t Underwriters' wire " (lightly insulated wire for
outdoor use"). Contract No. 1.51.*

September 21st. Municipal Council. Tramcar spares. Contract
No. 1.53.*

Spain. — The municipal authorities of .lijona (Provin
of Alicante) have just invited tenders for the concession for. '
electric lighting of the town.

Madrid. — October 7th and llth. Direccion General de Obn
Publicas. Ministerio de Fomento. Madrid. Electric tramway
cessions in Barcelona and Madrid. Some particulars will be foun
in last week's Board of Trade Journal.

September llth. Telephone system connecting the towns of
Lerida. Balaguer. Tremp, and Sort (£5.000). Tenders to Departs-
meutD de Fomento de la Mancomunidad de Cataluna. Barcelona. —
Board of Trade Journal.

Specilications for the items marked * can be seen at the Boaid
of Trade Commercial Intelligence Branch in London.

CLOSED.

London. — St. Marylebone. — The Elexitricity Committee
recommends the acceptance of the tender of Messrs. Babcock and
Wilcox. Ltd.. at tltl. for repairs to the coal elevator at the

generating station.

Government Contracts. — List of new contracts during

July. I lilt; :—

iNtQA OFficE Store Dep

Carbon eups.— Peel-Conner Telephone Works.

Cells.— General Electric Co., Ltd. t

Extension of switchboard.— Automatic Telephone Mfg. Co., Ltd. ,

Post Office.
Telegraphic apparatus. —Automatic Telephone Mfg. Co., Ltd.
Telephonic apparatus.— British L. M. Ericsson Mfg. Co., Ltd.; Western
Electric Co., Ltd. , ,

Telegraph cable.— Craigpark Electric Cable Co., Ltd.; W. T. Henley •
Telegraph Works Co., Ltd.; I.R., G. P. & Telegraph Works Co., Ltd.;
Telegraph Construction & Maintenance Co., Ltd.
Telephone cable.— B.I. & Helsby Cables, Ltd. ; Fuller's Wire & Cable Co.,
Ltd. ; London Electric Wire Co. & Smiths, Ltd. ; Siemens Bros. & C0.1
Ltd. ; Union Cable Co., Ltd. ; Western Electric Co., Ltd.
Porous cells.— I.R., G.P. & Telegraph Works Co., Ltd.
Telephone cords.— London Electric Wire Co. & Smiths, Ltd. ; Peel-Conner

Telephone Works, Ltd. ; Phcenix Telephone & Electric Works, Ltd.
Galvanometers.— Edison Swan Electric Co., Ltd.; W. G. Pye & Oo.i

Record Electrical Co., Ltd.
Tackle for cable-ship.— Telegraph Construction & Maintenance Co., Lto.
Telephones. — Western Electric Co., Ltd. ,- ^ -

Galvanised-iron wire.— Dorman, Long & Co., Ltd. ; F. Smith & Co.
Telephone exchange equipment extension, Leeds. — Siemens Bros. »n«
Co., Ltd. r

Vol. 79. No. 2,022, aogtst 25, i9ifi.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

213

Wab Office.
S.-ray apparatus. — A. E.^Dean.

Electric cable.— Liverpool Electric Cable Co., Ltd. ; Siemene Bros,

Co., Ltd.
Lightning dischargers and parts. — British L. M. Ericsson Mfg.

Siemens Bros. & Co., Ltd.
Electric light and power sundries.— General Electric Co.. Ltd.
Electric lighting sets. —Aster Engineering Co., Ltd.-; Day Motor Co., ]

"\V. H. Dorman & Co., Ltd. ; Fyfe, Wilson & Co., Ltd. ; Norris, I

and Gardners, Ltd.; Fetters, Ltd.
Electric crane gantry.— Butters Bros. & Co.
Genei-ating sets. — W. H. Dorman & Co., Ltd.
Electric generators and motors and parts. — B.T.H. i '.. I jl.

Electrical Co.
Worksservices.— Rotary converter at Woolwich: General Llectrn (.v,.

NOTES.

Electrical Power from Low-Grade Fuel. — It is nou

well established that hydro-electric power plant.?, thoug'h usiiiji uu
fuel, involve such hitrh capital charfres in comparison with modern
coal-biu-ning- central stations, that the latter can sell electric power
at a much lower fiffure. in countries producing- coal. It i.s al.so
well known that refuse-destructor plants cannot produce electric
power at a price to compete with coal-fired plants ; and experi-
ments in using' coke breeze, of nominal value, a.", a substitute for
slack coal, have failed for the same reasons. In countries where
rnal is very dear, the use of poor lignite is justifiable, provided it
i< mined in dry condition. Experiments with very wet fuels, how-
ever cheaply obtained, seem doomed to failm-e. Such an experi-
ment, in Prussian Saxony, was described in Ettghieerinri. of
.Tune .30th last. It appears that the Weisweiler central electric
-ration, near Acken. was started two years ago, having' two
7..".i>0-K.v.A. turbo-generators, and six water-tube boilers, each of
t.'iOsq. metres or 4,841 sq. ft. boiler heating surface, with super-
heaters for 380° C. or 716° F.. and eeonomisers. The fuel is raw
«et lignite, only 2.700 b.th.u. per lb., and burnt direct on the
lioiler-grates. Adjoining the power station is a briqnetting factory,
arranged to convert each .Sj tons of raw lignite with fi4 per cent,
moisture, into 1 ton of dried briquettes of 9.0iX) b.th.it. per lb. ; such
ilried briquettes would give about two-thirds the steaming duty per
Iwiiler as obtained with ordinary slack coal. A syndicate fixed the
-:ile price of such briquettes, prior to the war. at 75. fid. per ton ;
liiit it seems clear this wa.s an unprofitable price. It is certain
that the artificial drying, or evaporation of 25 tons water from
S.") tons of raw lignite, would take two-thirds of the product a.s
tuel for the drying process, thus trebling the cost of the briquettes
.ivailable for sale.

The cost of converting 3j tons raw lignite into briquettes is
-tated to be at least ISd., plus 26'4d. for other expenses ;
the latter item is presumably labour cost for stacking the briquettes
for sun-drying in summer. The cost of the raw material is
assiuued to be the difference between the sale price of 7s. lid. per
ton for the dried briquettes, -viz.. 4.5'6d. for Sj tons, or. say.
13d. ])er ton of the bulky raw lignite, for the various operations
of obtaining it from surface deposits, transporting by chain haul-
age, sorting and breaking and elevating it to overhead bimkers ;
but no proof is given as to the possibility of this low figure in
practice. Taking, however, this figure of 13d. per ton of riiw
lignite crushed and delivered to bunkers, and falling thence direct
to boiler grates, it is evident that the steaming duty per boiler will
not exceed one^ fifth of its normal output when burning coal, so
that the capital outlay for boiler plant must be very high indeed.

It is estimated that when the Weisweiler power station is suffi-
ciently enlarged to produce sixty million units yearly (average,
say, (5.850 KW. hourly) from this raw, wet lignite, the thermal
efficiency will be very high, viz.. 4 kg-., or 8'8 lb. X 2,700 = 23.760
B.TH.U. in fuel perKW'.-hour. But as a large percentage of the fuel
heat #nust be lost in vaporising in the fm-nace. the 2i tons of
water which accompanies every ton of combustible, high thermal
efiSciency is improbable. For comparison, reference may be made
to Appendix II of 3Ir. Lackie's recent paper to the Municipal
Electrical Association, showing that the actual result for 1915 at
the Glasgow Corporation Port Dimdas plant of similar output.
61.078.693 units, involved 3'16 lb. slack coal. of. say. 11.500 b.th.u..
or 36.340 B.TH.r. per KW.-hour. with chain-grate stokers. Consider-
ably better efficiency has been obtained in large pliints with
multiple-retort grateless imderfeed stokers burning good coal.

The Weisweiler estimate not only assumes a very high thermal
efficiency with the wet lignite, but also abnormally low charges for
other working costs (which must include wages, repairs and
maintenance, rent, rates, taxes, and management, itc.) : and
ignoring the extra boilers necessary \vith poor fuel, it provides for
the small sum of £11.5.50 per annum (60.000,000, K^w.-hom-s at
O'0462d.~) for interest and depreciation, which woidd be very low
for a coal-fired plant of same output, viz. : —
Cost of raw lignite (4 kg., or 8'8 lb.) 0'434 pfennig, viz.. 0'0521d.

Additional working costs 0180 .. 0'0216d.

Depreciation and interest 0'385 „ O'0462d,

0999 pfennig, viz.,0-H99d.

Total estimated cost. say. 1 pfennig, or id. per unit delivered.

Assuming this improbably low cost of production of id. per unit,
it is proposed to sell half the output, viz., 30.000.000 K^w.-hours,
at cost, to chemical, electrolytic, and similar manufacturers, though
thfss do not appear to exist yet at Weisweiler or at the neighbour-
ing small town of Acken in Prussian Saxony : the other half is to be
sold at 2'6 pfennig, so as to obtain an averacre sale price of IS
pfennig, or 0'216d. per unit.

It is stated tKat a uew electric station at Bitterfeld. another
small town in Prussian Saxony, also using lignite, has sold ciu-rent
for large demands at one pfennig, or id. per unit : but the financial
result of this 'dumping" under cost is not st.ated. The bulky wet
lignite might be used in destructor-type furnaces of large area;
l)iit it cannot lie properly used on boiler-grates, owing to its very
low steaming capacity.

Assuming a good load factor, then a low capitaj cost is the most
important factor for cheap power production : and this involves a
.good fuel, capable, with a good mechanical stoker, of combining
high thermal eflnciency and high boiler duty at peak loads.

Electric Hot-water Supply. — Tank-heaters are generally

installed in outside piping, so that the ordinary range boiler may
be used, as shown in the figure. Obviously both the tank and as
much of the hot-water piping as possible should be well heat-
insulatefl. in order to cut down radiation losses to a minimum. A
further " kink " is to place a diaphragm in the piping, in order to
restrict the free circulation of water from the heater, which other-
wise would be quite rapid. Without restricted circulation, a large
amount of water is heated a few degrees only, and after a large
quantity of hot water has been drawn off
, from the tank, it is a matter of hours with

a small-sized heater before the water again
reaches a high temperature. But if, with a
medium-sized heater of from 750 to 1.000
watts, a diaphj'agm of copper leaf with a
hole about i in. in diameter is inserted in a
navy union near the top of the tank, the
circulation can he so restricted that water
near the boiling temperature will accumidate
at the top of the tank, and a small amoimt
, will be available within a short time after
all of the hot water has been drawn off.

A small heater, in this way. may be run
at 100 per cent, load factor, storing very hot
water between meals and over night. A
heater as small as .500 watts, which may be
attached to any lamp socket — requiring no
special wiring — has been found to furnish
sufficient hot water for a family of four
or five persons when installed in this way.
After the household had become accustomed
to frugal consumption of hot -ivater. there
was seldom any complaint over an insufficient supply. At the
rates now being offered by many companies, electric water-heating
is no longer a luxury, especially during the summer months. An
electric heater maj' be installed for use in connection with an
ordinary coal or wood range -svithout distiirbing the piping in any
way. — A. R. Haynes. in the Electrical World.

American Engineering Societies' Joint Building. — The

.August Jiivrnal of the American Societt of Mechanical Engineers
annoimces that the American Society of Civil Engineers has decided
to accept the offer of the United Engineering Society to beoome an
equal pai-tner with the three Founder Societies (;.f.,the Electricals.
Mechanicals and Mining Engineers) in ownership, occupancy, and
administration of the Engineering Societies' Building and all other
actirities which the societies may jointly undertake. Thus, the
Jiiiiriial remarks, the hope of Mr. Andrew Carnegie, the donor of
the building, is fully realised— that the building should become the
home and headquarters of the engineering profession in America. .
Three storeys will be added to the top of the building for the use
of the Civil Engineers, at a cost of not more than S250.O0O, and the
financial arrangements are such that all four, societies enter upon
the same basis, and share equally in all respects. The building
represents an investment of practically 82,000,000, the societies
owning it free of all encumberance, and having a reserve fund of
over 870,000.

Eighteen societies, including the original Founder Societies, now
make the building their headquarters ; each is under its own
management. and all live in independence and harmony.

With the accession of the Civil?, the total membership will be
52.677. the resident societies being as follow's : —

American Society of Civil Engineer's ... 8.022

.\merican Institute of Electrical Engineers 8.308

American Institute of Mining Engineer's 5,597

The American Society of Mechanical Engineers ... 7.J,49

Aeronautical Society of America 200

American Society of Heating and 'Ventilating Eng'ineei's 705

American Gas Institute ... 1.530

Association of Edison Illuminating Companies... ... 73

American Institute of Aeronautical Eng'ineers 121

Empire Gas and Electric -Association ... ... ... 115

Illuminating Engineering Society I.:i5()

Municipal Engineers of the City of New York 61111

National Electric Light Association 14,000

National Association of Eng'ine and Boat Manufacturers 175

New York Electrical Society 705

Society for Electrical Development 1.128

Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers ... 9(iii

Society of Automobile Engineers... 1,975

U,S. Naval Consulting Board 24

The Joint Library contains over 62,500 volumes, accessions being
made at the rate of 3,000 annually ; in future the valuable Civil
Engineers' Library will be consolidated with the above. There has
lately been an increasing' amount of co-operation lietween the
societies in matters affecting the welfare of the engineering
profession and with the Government,

■214

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW, [voi. -o. No. 2,022. Arur<.T j.-., i!.ifi.

Inquiries. A 'oriesipondent asks the name of niiikcr ni
"Boley" electric drillinjr machines todrill lO.OOO/lfi.Oiuinl an inch.

American Views on Higher Steam Pressures.— Con-

siderefl pnrply from a thermod.vnamio vir«|Hiint, an increase of
pressure from 2(iu lb. at I'l'ip siijierheat to i'<"[> It), at no .euiierheat
(privinsr the same steam temperature") will theoretically f)ermit a
S2 iH^r cent, increase in prime mover efficiency with atmospheric
exhaust and l:{4 per cent, with a 2!l-in. vacuum. On the other
hanil. however, mechanical obstacles must be surmounted to permit
usin^' the higher pressure, hi the recent report of the X.E.L..\.
Committee on Prime Jtovers. Roliert Cramer i>ointed out that
operatintr at hijrher pressures will probably require a complete
revision in boiler desijrn to withstand the increased pressure safely.
Most boiler fittinjrs. pi|)es and valves, as made at present, are of
sufficient streujrth for tUiO lb. pressure, but the latter may need
slig^ht modification to facilitate operation. The construction of
enprines and turbines may have to lie streny^thened. however. The
greatest difficulty with regard to engine or turbine design will
probably be to minimise friction and leakage.

Since higher steam pressure will mean higher water terajierature
in the tmilers. the efficiency of heat transmission at the boiler
surfaces will be rediiceil. and the stack tem|)erature consequently
increased. The heat discharged up the chimney may l>e recovered
in part, however, by economisers. but' these, too. will have to be
designed to withstand the high pressure. Tligher steam pressures
also mean larger temperature differences during expansion. This
does not present a .serious difficulty in turbines or in uniflow engines,
but it may in some reciprocating engines due to condensation.
Entrained moisture, which is very liable to exist in unsuperheated
steam, may, however, corrode turbine blades. In one way entrained
moisture is beneficial, since it reduces the amount of condenser
surface required. With higher pressures larger bearing surfaces, or
better lubrication, will be needed in contact with steam, but these
do not constitute an obstacle, in view of the conditions which are
already satisfactorily handled in combustion engine operation.
Leakage at pipe and fitting joints can probably be prevented by
welding them. Mr. Cramer pointed out that, while it is hardly
reasonable to expect the general introduction of pressures as high
as 1. .51111 lb., pressures of 4(I0. .5ii(l, and even BOO lb. seem to be in
immediate prospect. As far as constructing boilers for operating
at such pressures is concerned, one large manufacturing company
has stated that if the demand is sufficient, it can turn them out iii
commercial designs. — Elect riral World.

Japanese Electrical Developments. — American Consul -

General Scidmore. of Yokohama, in a report dated .June. KUti,
states as follows : -• A few years prior to the outbreak of the war
there was a boom in electrical enterprises in Japan, and the
number of companies manufacturing electric wire increased
remarkably as a result, Financial depression supervened, how-
ever, and electrical enterprise suffered a setback, says the Japan
Chronicle. The result was a falling off in the demand for electric
wire and an over-production of these 'goods. The European war.
however, has had the effect of increasing demands from China and
India, and also from Russia. This has brought prosperity to the
manufacturing companies, according to the Clironu-h.' While
foreign orders have thus increased, the demand for domestic
requirements has also developed, chiefly as a result of a revival
of activity in general electrical enterprises and the Government
extension of the telephone service. In addition to wire, electrical
apparatus is being manufactured very largely. Since the war
began it has been very difficult to import dynamos, and Japanese
manufacturers have endeavoured to make the larger class of
dynamos that were formerly imported. This ambition has now
been achieved."

American Consuls at Work. — The followin<r extracts

from recent issues of the U.S. Commerce Reports form a few illus-
trations of the fruits that are being reaped by American traders
owing to the timely co-operation of Government Consular agents :

•'An American electrical supply firm has notified Vice-ConsuJ
Carl C. Hansen that, as the result of information supplied by him.
a Bangkok company has placed an order with it for 22 meters,
accompanied by an inquiry for 400 additional meters.

" Through the activities of Mr. Joseph Heim. American Consular
-Agent at Penang. Straits Settlements, a Pennsylvania gas engine
company has received Sl.IOO worth of business from that territory.

" So satisfactory were the portable boat motors supplied by an
American concern to a Bangkok firm, with which it got in touch
through the " Trade Opportunity ' service of the Bureau of Foreign
and Domestic Commerce, that the Siamese company has ordered 3t>
additional motors.

" The district office of the Bureau of Foreign and Domestic Com-
merce in New York City is informed by a South American business
man that through connections he effected as a result of assistance
given by the New Y'ork office during his recent visit to the United
States, he has sold over 82.50.0110 worth of American goods in the
past five months. He further states he is convinced that he could
have sold four times the amount if American manufacturers had
been in position to make better and prompter deliveries, irrespective
of the fact that South American importers were obliged to pay cash
in New York City before shipment of the goods, instead of long
credits, to which they had been accustomed. The business man is
now on a retirm -i-isit to the United States with a view to placing
orders and securing additional lines of goods for sale in South
America. He states that there are good opportunities for the sale
of American products in various South American Republics.'

How Standard Time is Distributed in tlie U.S.A. —

Time is obtainefl accurately l)y the astronomers at the l.'nited
States Naval Observator.v at Washington, !),('.. observing the transit
of certain stars every clear night, which are due to cross the meri-
dian at a known time. The exact iiistant of their transit is
recorded electrically by means of a chronograph, which also records
the seconds from n sidereal clock. The difference between the time
the stars cross and the time of the sidereal clock, as recorded on
the chronograph, shows the error of the clock.

The time signals sent out each day are wholly automatic and
consist of a series of short marks produced on an ojien telegraphic
circuit by the beats of a transmitting clock located at the observa-
tory. The signals are given the widest jMissible dissemination over
the lines of the Western Union Telegraph Co. for an inteival of
three and five minutes immediately preceding noon, and ending at
exactly noon of the 7.")th meridian, standard time.

For the country east of the Rocky Mountains, the signals are
sent from the observatory at Washington, D.C. ; for the country
west of the Rocky Mountains, the signals are sent from the United
States Observatory at Mare Island Navy Yard. California.

The electric connections of the transmitting clock sending these
signals are such as to omit seconds of each minute. The.se breaks
enable anyone who is listening to a telegraph instrument at any
office that is cut into the circuit during the transmission of the
signals to recognise the middle and beginning of each minute. At
the o!lth minute there is an interval of 10 seconds, which is fol-
lowed by the final noon signal. During the last long interval, or
lo-second break, those who are in charge of time balls and of
clocks that are connected electrically at noon ihrow their local
lines into circuit so that the noon signal drops the time balls and
corrects the clocks.

Two chronograph relays are connected, one to the Washington
time serWce circuit and the other to the Western Union grand
master clock circuit, and are operated by electric impulses from
these sources. The operation of each relay is recorded on a tape.
.As the tape moves at the uniform rate of 2 in. a second, the longi-
tudinal difference, if any, in the position of the two lines on the
tape shows the error of the Western Union grand master clock. •

Time is transmitted daily from Washington to the Panama Canal
for the purpose of correcting ships' chronometers. Correct time
is highly important for a vessel, because in making observations of
heavenly bodies, a variation of 1 second means an error of about
one-fourth of a nautical mile in location. The time signal is .sent
by wire from Washington to Ke.y West, whence a relay transmits
it by wireless. The Darien wireless station in the Canal Zone in
turn transmits the signal by ordinary telegraph to the port captains'
offices.

The signal is sent from Key West in a series of dots. Five
minutes before noon the wireless begins counting off the seconds
by dots. After the 28th second there is a pause, the 29th dot
being omitted : similarly there is a pause from the 54th to the
60th second. The count is resumed exactly on the minute. This
procedure is kept up until 10 seconds before 12 o'clock, when there
is a pause followed by a long dash at exactly 12 o'clock. The aerial
transmission is recorded at Darien by a current too slight to permit
ordinary relaying. Consequently an operator with a wireless
receiver at his ears sends dots through an ordinary telegraph wire
to the port captains. With practice he can strike the dots on his
sending ke.y in almost perfect synchronism with the dots received.
The principal difficulty is in sending the final dash after a wait
of 10 seconds. Here the tests show that the lag is between two-
tenths and three-tenths of a second. Bv making allowance for
this lag the chronometers in the Canal Zone can be adjusted to
within about one-tenth of a second of the correct time. Arrange-
ments are being made to install a clock at Darien which will trans-
mit the time exactly as received from Key West. — Tele/jraph and
Telephone .iffe.

The Municipal Tramways Association Meeting, 1916. —

This year's meeting of the M.T.A. will be held at the Surveyors'
Institution, Great George Street. S.W., on September 21st-22nd.
The programme for the first day includes the Presidential address,
by Mr. Peter Fisher (Dundee), and papers by Mr. J. M. McElroy
(Manchester), on " Some Notes on Passenger Transportation in
Large Cities,"' and Messrs. G. W. Holford (Salford), and W. Clough
(Bury), on " Utilisation of Tramways for Goods Traffic. " On the
second day the annual general meeting will take place.

The headquarters will be the St. Ermin's Hotel ; as last .year,
no social functions wOl take place. The hon. secretary is Mr, C. .T.
Spencer. 7, Hall Ings, Bradford, to whom communications should
be addressed.

Austrian Patents. — According to the Times, the Austro-

Hungarian Government has decided that patents and trade marks
of subjects of France and Great Britain can, on request, be
restricted or abolished in the public interest by the Minister of
Public Works, or charged with royalties. The same regulation can
be applied to Russian patents without regard to public interest.
Applications for patents and trade marks by subjects of enemy
States will be accepted, hut not granted.

Metal Workers' Wages. — A meeting of delegates repre-
senting the metal, wire, and tube workere in Birmingham and
district, held on Saturday, passed the following resolution : — "That
this meeting of delegates hereby declare their earnings altogether
too small to live on and to pay rent and clothing ; and, in order to
help us, our employers be requested forthwith to agree to pay an
extra 5s. to day workers and 12^ per cent, to pieceworkers, payable
from the first week in July last."

Vol. 79. No. 2.022. August 2.^ 1916.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

215

Electric Furnaces at Salt Lake City, U.S.A. — The

Miiiiiiij inul Emyiiirti-iiig Wurtd mentions that the Utah Iron and
Steel Co.. of Salt Lake City, i.s considering- the installation of a
12 or 1.5-ton electric furnace for converting scrap material into soft
steel for its rolling mills at Middale. The American Foundry and
Machine Co.,- of the same city, is installing a 3-ton Eennerfelt
electric furnace in connection with its foundi-y.

Educatlonai Notes, — South - Western Polytechnic

Institutk. — The next session commences on September 2.'ith.
Particulars of the electrical engineering day and evening courses
are given in our advertisement pages to-day.

Royal Technical College. Glasgo-w. — Session 1916-17 begins
on September 26th. Particulars are given in our advertisement
pages.

The " One-Man " Car in U.S.A. — In a paper recently

read by Mr. ,1. B. Ervin. of the Westinghouse Co.. the author men-
tionetl that it was estimated that light-weight one-man cars were
in use on luo systems in the cuuntry.

He suggested that lines of short headway and heavy traffic appeared
at pre.seiit to be beyond the field of usefulness of the one-man car.
With large crowded cars one-man operation would increase the
time of stops to such an extent tliat schedules would be lengthened
and street congestion made worse. Granting that there must be
some limit to the traffic handling capacity of one-man cars, beyond
which conditions Avoidd be itneconomic or intolerable, the question
of their field of application became involved with considerations
of headway, street congestion, schedules, character of traffic, ttc.

Although the one-man car is best fitted for light service, it is
probable that the futvu'e will witness a gradual extension of its
tield. There are some periods of the day on all except the very
heaviest triuik lines when the big cars are run half empty or when
headways are increased to the point where considerable revenue is
sacrificed. At such times the smaller one-man ears could be used
to advantage if there was some way to take care of the rush-hour
traffic without congestion or sacrifice of economy. It has a'ready
been found feasible to use a second man for the rush hours only,
and probably under certain conditions it will be found pra:!ticable
to have the conductor ride the cars and collect fares in the down-
town zone and transfer from outbound to inboimd cars at certain
points.

A possible future method of taking care of the rush hour may
lie to couple two smaller motor-cars together to be controlled by
one man while the second man collects fares. — Electric Raihiiitj
J,wrn,il.

Institution and Lecture Notes. — South African Institu-
tion of Engineers. — The inaugural addi-ess of Mr. Bernard Price, to
a section of which we referred in our issue of Aug. 1 1 (p. l.'jl ). dealt
in its early stages with the position of the Institution, which Mr.
Price considered was in danger of slipping dowmhill just at a time
when it should be exerting itself to the utmost. The establishment
of new industries had been advocated for many years, but, apart
from mining and agriculture, little headway had been made, and
progress had been left almost entirely in the hands of private
enterprise. Mr. Price reminded the members of the steps taken by
local scientific bodies in this connection leading to the formation of
a representative Central Committee for Industrial Research : he
believed that the Committee's recommendations, when they
matured, would receive the sympathetic consideration of the
Vnion Government. It was the desire of the Council of the Insti-
tution that the whole question of industries and industrial research
should be made a special feature of the Institution's procedure
during the session. Mr. Price remarked on the poor attendance
and steadily falling membership of the Institution, and appealed
for more active interest in the work. He also briefly described the
work of the power companies on the Rand, mentioning that the
output was still increasing, and had reached 800 million units per
annum. The companies were now consuming coal at the rate of
over a million tons per annum. In his opinion, the Victoria Falls
was a most valuable potential asset of the country, and he looked
forward tu >eeing the power developed in the future for industrial
|llll-po^e^ witliin an economical radius of the Falls themselves.

Iron and Steel Institute.— The annual meeting takes place at the
Institution of Civil Engineers, London, on September 21st and
22nd.

Electric Cooking Poster. — The Newcastle-upon-Tyne

Elect rieSupjily Co.. Ltd.. which years ago distinguished itself by most
enterprising jmlilicity efforts, has almost surpassed in excellence all
its earlier achievements by a poster which is both immense and
magnificent. It will be sure to make an immediate and a lasting
impression on the minds of all who see it on hoardings. Electric
cooking is the theme, and the designer is Mr. W. S. Bagdatopulos. a
well-known poster artist. In size it is 16 ft. double crown ; we had
to spread it on the floor of our editorial sanctum in order to
examine it. and at once its brightness illumined the gloomy den.

Plant for Sale. — The trustee in Ijankruptcy, Mr. W.

Hart, has for sale by tender the engineering plant and machinery
of the McKenzie Engineering Co., Borrowash. Derby. See our
advertisement pages to-day.

Beck Engineering Co., Ltd.— In the debenture-holders'

action HI re Beck Engineering Co.. Ltd. — Donne r. the Company.
Mr. Justice Sargant. sitting as Vacation Judge, on Wednesday
appointed a receiver and manager of the defendant company.
Leave was given to the receiver to apply in Chambers for liberty to
borro-sv for the purpose of meeting current wages.

Change of Names. — The Edison and Swan United

Electric Light ('o..Ltd., has changed its title to the Edisox Swan
Electric Co., Ltd. ; the Bastian Electric Heating Syndicate. Ltd.,
has changed its name to the Bastian Electbic Co., Ltd.

Volunteer Notes. — 1st London Engineer Voldn-

TEERS. — Headquartei-s. Chester House, Eccl^ston Place. Orders for
August by Lieut. -Col. C. B. Clay, V.D., Commanding.

The Headquarters wUl be closed during August except on
Tuesday evenings. The range will lie open on Thursday evenings
only. Instruction Classes at Regency Street will be held as usual
for Platoons Nos. 9 and 10. The Camp at Otford will be available
until August 31st. Members wishing to attend should enter their
names at Headquarters.

Sunday Entrenching Parades. Parable in Uniform at Victoria
Station (S.E. and C. Railway) Booking Office, 8.45 a.m.

MACLEOD Yearsley, Adjutant.

Wages on the C.P.R. — As a result of a conference

between the management and the L'nions. the machinists, boiler-
makers, pipefitters, carmen, and electrical and sheet metal workers
of the Canadian Pacific Railway have secured an increase in wages
of ,S0 per cent, and better working conditions, which they consider
eijual to 2.") per cent. — Times.

OUR PERSONAL COLUMN.

The Editors invite electrical engineers, ahether connected with the
technical or the commercial side of the profession and i?idustry,
also electric tramway and railway officials, to heep readers of the
Electrical Review posted as to their movements.

Central Station and Tramway Officials.— Mr. H. Pilcher,
who is severing his connection as inspector with the Dover
Corporation tramway department, to take an appointment
elsewhere, has been presented by the staft" with an inscribed
half-liunter watch and a cigarette-holder and case.

At the last meeting of the Huddersfield Council, Coun. T.
Shires made courteous reference to the impending loss of
Mr. Mountain as the manager of the electricity department,
and stated that tliat gentleman, who had been with them
since the inception of the department, had engineered the
works in a way that could not have been surpassed.

The marriage was solemnised at Marton, on August 17th,
of Private Jos. H. Downing, of the A.S.C., formerly em-
ployed at the Blackpool Electricity Works, and Miss Helena
Cardwell, of Marton.

Mr. \Vm. Fua.ser, station superintendent at tlie Barking
Urban Council's electricity works, has been appointed elec-
trieian-in-charge of important .shell and projectile factories in
the Midlands. He has been in the employ of the Barking
Council for 17 years.

Mr. R. D. Sheppard has been appointed junior engineer-in-
charge at the electricity works, Newport (Mon.).

The salary of Mr. C. T. Astbury, re.sident electrical engi^
iieer to the Atherton District Council, is to be increased from
i'185 to £''240 per annum. The allowance that he is now
leceiving as a war bonus, and for electricity used at his resi-
dence, is to be discontinued.

Mr. tiEORGE Lewis, traffic inspector in the Manchester Cor-
poration tramways department, retires next week. Prom
1876, until the oiil tramway system in Manchester was taken
over by the Corporation, he -^^as employed by the Manchester
Carriage Co.

General.— .\t Keighley, last week, the marriage took place
of Mr. Herbert Whit.^ker, M.Sc, analytical chemist to the
British Westinghouse Co., Ltd., of Manchester, and Miss
Elsie Margaret Smith, second daughter of Aid. J. Smith, of
Dalemoor, Keighley.

Roll of Honour.— It is with the deepest regret that we
record the death in Prance, on Augu.st 1st, from wounds
received on July 30th, of Lieutenant H.4R0LD Ashcombr
Ch.uien, Bedfordshire Regiment, aged '2'2, younger son of Mr.
W, .\. Chamen, engineer and general manager of the South
Wales Electrical Po-ner Distribution Co. Lieutenant Chamen,
before the war, was a student at Reading University College,
in the agricultural department. On the proclamation of war,
he volunteered for service, and, after a month's special train-
ing in camp at the Queen's University, Belfast, was gazetted
to the South Wales Borderers as Second-Lieutenant. After
two or three months, however, he decided to make the Army
his permanent profession, and proceeded to the Royal Mili-
tary College, Sandhurst, from which he was given a com-
mission in the Bedfordshire Regiment. He went out to
France in May, 1915, and came home, accidentally -u'ounded,
at the end of July, 1915, but returned to France in January,
1916. He was in the heavy fighting at Trones Wood on July
12th and 13th, and came through without injury, but m an
attack on the German position south of Guihemont on July
30th his battalion was heavily shelled, and young Chamen

•ilG

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW, [voi. 71.. No. '.',022, acgust 25, i91g.

was badly wounded by a shell. He died from his wounds on
August ist, and was buried at Corbie, near Auiiens. His
Cominandinfi Officer. ],ieut.-Col. H. S. Po.vntz. in a letter
t<i Lieut. Chauieu's father, says: "He was generally loved
by all. A better officer never stepped. I cannot tell \on how
we miss hini, and I cannot speak too higlily of his ih;iiaiter
and ability as a soldier."

Second-Lieutenaut A. J. Pearson, Machine Gun Section, one
of the telephone engineers of the Western Electric Co., Ltd.,
lias just been awarded the Mihtary Cross.

Sergeant H. Brian, D.C.M., who was, before the war, en-
gaged with Afessrs. W. H. Allen, Son & Co., Ltd., Bedford,
has fallen in action in France. He gained the D.C.M. in
IVbruary, 1915, by bi-avcly rescuing wounded comrades under
lisavy fire.

Private Pdrton, of the Oxford and Bucks. Light Infantry,
who has died of wounds, was on the Rugby staff of the British
Thomson-Houston Co., Ltd.

Private "Bert Bunker, of the Cheshire Regimenjt, killed in
action in France, was formerly engaged at Stafford with
Messrs. Siemens Bros. Dynamo Works, Ltd.

Private James Dunkereey. of the R.A.M.C, killed in action,
aged '20 years, was formerly employed by Messrs. S. II. J ley-
wood & Co., I/td., electrical engineers, Reddi.sh.

Private Harold Holt, of the King's Own Roval Lancasters
who was employed at the British Westinghouse Works, Tiaf-
lord Park, has been killed in action, aged 2") years.

Private John Widdup, of the Duke of Wellington's Regi-
ment, who has been killed, was an electrician in the employ
ol the Craven and District Private Telephone & Electric Co.,
at Skipton.

Sergeant \\u. Grace Duke, of the Oxford and Bucks Light
Infantry, ot Oxford, an electrical engineer, has been wounded
m action.

Second-Lieutenant H. C. Davis, of the Lancashire Fusiliers,
who was secretary for Messrs. Pearson's (Electricians), Ltd.,
of Manchester, has been killed in France, aged as.

Private William Tittington, of the Manchester " Pals "
aged 19, employed at the British Westinghouse Works, Traf-
ford Park, has been killed in action.

Sergeant Fred Devey. of the Loyal North Lancashire Regi-
ment, formerly an electrician with Messrs. Dick, Kerr & Co.,
Ltd., Preston, aged 20 years, has died from wounds. Private
Daniel Round, of the Royal I^usiliers, reported mis.sing, and
Private P. Doyle, of the Loyal North Lancashiies, wounded,
were also in the service of the same fiiin.

Private JosEi'H Hollings, of the Manchester Regiment, re-
ported missing, was employed bv the British Westinghouse
Co.. Ltd., Tratford Park. Sergeant W. E. Jones, of the Loyal
North Lanes. Regiment, aged 26, who has died of wounds,
was also employed by the same firm.

Private Edward Lyon, of the Manchester " Pals," reported
wounded, was emplox'ed by Messrs. Slater Bros., electrical
engineers, Manchester.

Second-Lieutenant Cecil George Shaddick, Dorsetshire
Regiment, who was killed on August 8th, aged 23, entered
the service of the Western Telegraph Co., and, according to
the Timen. was home on sick leave from Cape Verde Islands
at the outbreak of war.

Sergeant F. Waite, West Yorkshire Regiment, who has
been killed in action, was employed in the Harrogate Cor-
poration electricity department.

Corporal J. Major, of the King's (Liverpool Regiment),
wounded in action, was an electrical wireman on the T^anca-
shire and Yorkshire Railway.

The Times states that Second-Lieutenant S. L. Faithpull,
RE., who has been accidentally killed in action, aged 40, was
a qualified electrical engineer. He served in the Boer War.
In 1911 he was selected from 200 candidates to be Inspector of
Electrical Plant of the Gold Mines on the Rand.

Second-Lieutenant A. J. Brockman, King's Own (Royal
Iianca-ster Regiment), who has been killed while leading his
platoon, was the son of a director of F. Braby & Co., Ltd.
He spent many years in the East with the Eastern Telegraph
Co., Ltd. ^

Obituary.-MR. Harald Bille.— We regret to learn from
the Tunes "Deaths" Column, that Mr. Harald Bille, M.I.E.E.,
of Croydon, joint managing director of Me.ssrs. Creed. Bille
and Co., Ltd., telegraph instrument makers, died on August
19th, as the result of a railway accident. He was 37 years
of age.

Mr. George Keith.— We regret to read in the Flnavriul
TiineK of the death, which occurred on Tuesday, in London.
of Mr. George Keith, chairman or director of a number of
South American telegraph and telephone companies, includ-
ing the Cuba Submarine Telegraph Co., the United River
Plate Telephone Co . Amazon Teleuraph Co., and the Chile
Telephone d.

Will.— The 7h»,s stat.-s tlji,t Mr. Jliiiia .MacDonald Gill,
aged 43, of Lowestoft, electrical engineer, who had recently
been appointed Munition Engineer for Central Scotland, for-
merly chief engineer at the Isle of Wight electrical works,
left :ei4,370.

NEW COMPANIES REGISTERED.

East Kent Road Car Co., Ltd. (144,585).— Regi.stere*!

Au(;usl llth, by Mowll & Mowll, C:inlcrbury. Cipital, fl25,00U in il shares.
Objects ; To t.ike over all or part of the businesses carried on in East Kent
by Thom.is Tilling, Ltd., the British Automobile Traction Co., Ltd., the
Margate, Canterbury and District Motor .Scrvieis, Ltd., Wacher 8i Co., Ltd..
and the Kantsgate Motor Conches (Griggs), Ltd., or some of them, and to
carry on in the United Kingdom and elsewhere (whether as owners, lessees
or otherwise) the businesses ol tramway, railway, light railway, pier, motor-
car, omnibus, van, wagon, cab, and carnage proprietors, store and garage
keepers, carriers by land and sea, manufacturers of and dealers in motors,
molgrors, omnibuses, cycles, carriages, truclcs, locomotives, vehicles, elec-
trical engineers, &c. The signatories (witli one share each) arc ; Sidney Kinile
Gareke, \Vve Lodge, Maidenhead, engineer; George Griggs, Roscbery Karm,
Ramsgatc, farmer; Frederick William VVncher, Pier Villa, Heme Baj', con-
tractor; Thomas Wolsey, The Manse, Beech Road, Haslenlere, dn'OClor;
Walter Wolsey, jun.. Eierley, Parklangley, Beckenham, director; Waller !•'.
French, 3U, Hugh Road, lialham, S.W., engineer; Richard J. Howley, I,
Kingsway, W.C., M.I.C.E. Minimum cash subscription, seven shares. The
first directors (to number not less than three or more than 12) are : Sidney
Emile Garcke (chairman), George Griggs, Frederick William Wachei", Thomas
Wol.sey (deputy-chairman), Walter Wolsey, jun., Walter F. French, Richard
J. Howley, and Richard H. Grant. Any trust deed for securing debentures or
debenture stock may, if so arranged, provide for the appuinttncnt from time
to time bv the trustees of a person nominatetl by them to be a director,
gualificatiiin, 250 shares. Remuneration, £M each per. annum (chairman £30
extra, .and deputv-chairman £20 extra). Solicitors : Mowll it Mmvll, Cinler-
bury. Registered office : C8, Castle Street, Canterbury.

British Aero Ma}$netu Manufacturers' Association, Ltd,

II-t4..5!)8).— This company was r.nist,-rej i.n August Hth as a conip:inv
limited by guarantee, with 20 ninihis. . ,, I, li.ible lor £1 in the event ol
winding up, to promote and lu.i.,' i!,. i^ ic^ts of manufacturers of aero-
plane and airship magnetos in 'i ' nn i Kingdom, to promote the con-
sideration and discussion of miI.i • k ,iii..tini^ such manufacturers, to con-
duct and assist in experiments aiul researches for the purpose of improving
aero magnetos or ot producing improved machines or contrivances capable ol
producing the electric spark in aero combustion engines, &'c. The subscribers
are: W. C. Lusk, 53, Cannon Street, E.G., director of British Thomson-
Houston Co., Ltd.; 1). K. Morris, Victoria Works, Coventry, director of the
M.L. Magneto Syndicate, Ltd.; C. 11. Kirby, 14, Soho Square, W., director
of Nicole, Nielsen & Co., Ltd.; B. Steeley, Arden Works, Cheapside, Birm-
ingham, director of Thomson-Bennett Magnetos, Ltd.; P. F. Bennett, Arden-
t;ote. Four Oaks, manufacturer; E. Garton, Tralee, Kenilworth, engineer;
C. A. Lister. Sneyd Park House, Sneyd Park, Bristol, manufacturer; R. B.
North, St. Wilfrid's, Hagden Lane, Watford, manufacturer. Members must
be bona-ficie British manufacturers of aero magnetos or their authorised
representatives. The first members are the British Thomson-Houston Co.,
Ltd., the M. L. Magneto Syndicate, Ltd., Nicole, Nielsen & Co., Ltd., the
Thomson-Bennett Magnetos, Ltd., P. F. Bennett, E. Garton, C. A. Lister,
and R. B. North. All other candidates are to be elected by the company. The
subsirii)tii>n for the first year is £2.'i per member; afterwards as the company
shall decide. .Solicitor: A. R. Monks, 123, Cannon Street, E.G.

Hill Bros. (Magnetos), Ltd. (144,612). — Registered

August 15th by Waterlow & Sons, Ltd., London Wall, E.C. Capital, £50,000
in £1 shares (20,000 6 per cent. cum. pref.). Objects: To take over the
business carried on by W. A. Hill at Phcenix Works, Morley Road, Bed-
minster, Bristol, as Hill Bros., and to carry on the business of manufacturers
of and dealers in magnetos, engineers, electricians, machinists, fitters, manu-
facturers of electrical or other machinery, founders, mill and wheelwrights,
smiths, wire drawers, tube makers, metallurgists, &c. The subscribers (with
one shore each) are : W. A. Hill, The Carlton, Portland Street, Southport,
electrical engineer; W. Roberts, Park Avenue, Handsworth, Staffs., gentle-
man. Private company. The first directors (to number not less than three
or more than seven) are to be appointed bv the subscribers. Remuneration,
£200 e:ich per annum. Solicitors: Forsvth, Bettinson & Co., 36, Cannon
Strt-.-l. B^^II,in^•ham.

OFFICIAL RETURNS OF ELECTRICAL
COMPANIES.

D. P. Battery Co., Ltd. (44,084).— Capital, ,£10,000 in

£1 shares (4,!)!I6 "A," 4,9% " B," and eight others). Return dated July
21st, 191li. All shares taken up; £10,000 paid. Mortgages and charges:
£12,000.

Brilliant Arc Lamp & Engineering Co., Ltd. — Memor-
anda of satisfaction (a) in full on July 27th, 1916, of debentures dated June
18th, lMr>, securing £1,200, (6) to the extent of £.50 on June ]7lh, 1916, of
debenture dated June 22nd, 1916, securing £90, have been filed.

8. Bill & Co., Ltd.— Particulars of ^600 debentures,

created June 14th, 1916, filed pursuant to Section 93 (3) of the Companies
(Consolidation) Act, 1908, the whole amount being now issued. Property
charged : The company's undertaking and property, present and future, in-
cluding uncalle<l capital. No trustees.

A. Hirst & Son., Ltd. (57,889).— Capital, ,£5,000 in 100

pref. and 400 ord. shares of £10 each. Return dated June 17tli, 1916. All
shares taken up; £2.000 paid on 100 pref. and 100 ord.; £3,000 considered as
paid on 300 ord. Mortgages and charges: £1,000.

Lancashire Power Construction Co., Ltd. (77,202). —

Capital, £300,000 in 18,000 " A " and 12.11011 " B " shares of £10 each.
Return dated July 6th, 1916. 18,000 " A " and 11,8:10 " B " shares taken up;
£283,360 paid onl8,000 "A" and 10,336 " B"; £15,000 considered as paid
on 1,500 " B." Mortgages and charges : £300.000.

New General Traction Co., Ltd. (47,321).— Capital,

£-262,000 in £1 shares. Return lited June 28th, 1910. All -shares taken up;
£2.50,000 paid ; £12,000 considered as paid. Mortgages and charges : £152,200.

Barnsley & District Electric Traction Co., Ltd. (72,962).

—Capital, £50,000 in 5,000 pref. and 5,000 ord. shares of £5 e.ieh. Reteurn
dated May 2nd, 1916. 4,400 pref. and 4,007 ord. sliares taken up; £42,035
paid Mortgages and charges : £21,000.

Venner Time Switches, Ltd. — .\ memorandum of satis-
faction to the further extent of £550 on August 2nd, 1916, of debentures
dated July 10th, 1911, securing £5,000, has been filed. (Amount outstanding :
£2,950.)

Hong-Kong Tramway Co., Ltd. — A memorandum of

satisfaction to the further extent of £400 on July 14lh, 1916, of a trust deed
dated July 1st, 1903, securing £195,00(1. !...<. been filed.

Barford Electric Supply Co., Ltd. — A debenture dated

August llth, 1916, to secure £71111. di n •-
property, present and' future, in-linimj m
Holders: J. B. Carslake, 7, l u,i..,m s;
Richard, W'itliington Manor, An.!..,-. I..mI
ford Hill, W.irwick.

Shanghai Electric Construction Co., Ltd. (86,795).—

Capital, £320,000 in £10 shares. Return dated June 2nd, 1916. All shares
taken up; £317,000 paid; £3,000 considered as paid. Mortgages and charges:
Nil

llie company's undertaking and
d capital, has been registered.

, Birmingham ; Major G. W.

ml II. D. Smilh-Ryland, Bar-

Vol. 79. No. 2,022. AuGcsT 25, iHi^.j THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

217

Fitter's Ventilating and Engineering Co., Ltd.— Memor-

and.T o( s.nlisl.iilion in lull on .Aujjusl 4lli. lalC, of a Land Registry Charge,
and Mt'Mior.iniluni of Cfiargo, both d.itt-^l .August tith, ll»la, securing moneys
from time to time owing to the London & Provincial Bank, Ltd,, have been
ae.1.

Siemens Bros. & Co., Ltd. (14,777).— Capital, ^6600,000

in f5 shares. Return dated June 8th, 1916. All shares taken up; £600,000
paid. Mortgages and charges : £150,000. ,A considerable number of the
shares are held in Berlin, George von Chauvin, of Bromley (one of the:
(jirectors ,,t the d.ite ol the return), has since changed his name to George
Chauvin.

Slieerness and District Electric Power & Traction Co.,

Ltd, ^6.i,^4a).— Capital. £75,000 in .'.,0()0 ord. and 2,500 pref, shares of £10
each. Return dated June 14th. 1916, 5,000 ord. and 2,473 pref slme^ tjl.. r,
up, 174,730 paid, Mortg.iges and charges: £29,280.

CITY NOTES.

The half-yearly meeting was held in
Tyneside Newtastle-on-Tyne on 15th inst. Dr. J. T.

Tramways and Mekz, who presided, said the figures for
Trararoads Co. the half-year showed a considerable differ-
ence conppared with the slow, but pretty
Certain, improvement on foniier occasions. For the first
time they had to report a considerable deciease in revenue.
The receipts were ±'1,018 les.s, and the costs were £267 more,
than in the corresponding half-year, so that they had £1,985
less to deal with. That amount could only be met from
three sources : partly by reducing the dividends, partly by
not increasing the reserve fund to the same extent as last
year, and partly by reducing the amount carried forward.
The reduction in the dividend from 3 to 1| per cent, meant
£837, the reduction of the amount to the reserve meant £261,
and the reduction in the carry-forward meant £291. In spite
of reducing the amount to reserve, they had increased, in the
course of the last twelve months, that fund from £20,666 to
£23,936, a very considerable amount coming from the interest
on investments and loans. They need not be discouraged by
the reduction in the dividend, because it was largely explained
bf the fact that the holiday traffic, which in former year.s
always showed up so well, had practically disappeared for the
present. It was, he hoped, only a temporary incident. The
onliiiary traffic had been reduced by £645. There was a small
inciease on the workmen's traffic. For the second half of the
yeai', they had hoped some time ago they would get the
holiilay traffic, but at present it appeared as if there would
be nt) general holidays which would give them much in
holiday receipts; the week-end trallic was regular, and,
especially in fine weather, was larger than last year. It was
quite possible that in the course of the .second half-year there
would be an increase on the receipts of last year. To date
the traffic had iucrea.sed. On the whole, unless things
changed considerably, they might look forward to a better
time during the second half-year.

The diiectoj's have issued the following

[ Metropolitan statement of the company's accounts for

Electric Supply the fir.st six months of the years 1913.

Co., Ltd. 1914, 1915, and 1916— being two pre-war

and two war periods respectively : —

Inc. or Amount

Inc. or dec. on- available

dec, on Approx. pirevious Appi-ox. for reserve,

previous gross year of net dividend on

Six months No. of year of revenue approx. revenue ord. shares

ended -units units from all gross for haif- and carry

June 30th. sold. sold. sources, revenue. year. forward.

1913 8,847,581 -^ 1,399,510 £111,688 +£10,313 £57,014 £36,170 '

1914 9,638,755 +791,174 114,035 +2,947 58,220 35,801
1913 9,.536,691 -102,064 114,312 -323 54,475 31,751
1916 1L600,918 +2,064,227 132,960 +18,648 55,611 35,368

" The above table shows that, except for a slight decrease
in the first six months of 1915, there has been a steady in-
crease in the number of units sold in each succeeding half-
year. The increase is most marked in the last half-year (1916),
notwithstanding the adverse effect produced upon the lighting
load by the Daylight Saving Act and by the restrictive regula-
tions under the Defence of the Realm .\ct. The directors con-
sider the half-year's trading satisfactory, especially as the
costs of production have largely increased owing to the war,
the price of coal, alone, being 50 per cent, higher than in
1914." As announced last week, an interim dividend of Is,
per share (being at the rate of 2 per cent, per annum) on the
ordinary shares has been declared, less income-tax. This will
absorb " £10,(KX), and leave an unappropriated balance of
£'2.i;;(K.

For the year ended December, 1915,
Guildford the gross receipts were £12.098, a de-
Electricity crease of £259. There is a balance on
Supply Co., Ltd. the revenue account of £2,380 after pro-
viding for renewal of distributing cables,
feeders, and pilots in Portsmouth Road, conversion of boilers,
renewal of stokers, and renewal of chimney, totalling £1,694.
To help meet this special expenditure, which had to b^ car-
ried out in order to maintain the supply efficiently, £1,000
was transfened from reser^'e to revenue account. After prt^-
viding for debenture and loan interest, and preference divi-
dent for the half-year ended June, 1915, the net revenue
balance of £'2'22 is to be carried forward. The number of
connections increased from 1,195 to 1,235; the total reyeji^e
fell from £12,356 to £12,098; the total costs increased from
£7,409 to £9.024; and the gross profit fell from £4,947 to

£3,074. The company suffered considerably owing to the
greatly increased cost of production of electricity, also to a
large extent by the enormous decrease in the sale of current
for lighting purposes. This decrease has been partly made up
by the increased sale of low-priced units for power purposes.
Charges for current for all purposes were increased as from
the end of September quarter, 1915. Mr. C. W. Dixon, who
has been in Fiance on Red Cross duty from the commence-
ment of the war, ceased to be a director during the year.

The Russian Siemens (t Hulshe Co.

Russian records gross profits amounting to £134,700

Electrical for 1915, and net profits of £84,800. It is

Companies. intended to distribute 8 per cent, on the

•share capital, or £3 '2s. per share.

The accounts of the Russian Siemens-SchuckeTt Co. indicate
gross profits of £179,300 for 1915. The allocation made to the
depreciation fund is £48,000, whilst the proposed dividend of
6 per cent, will absorb £90,000.

The Kieff Electricity Co., whose undertaking was placed
under State control in 1915, is now to be liquidated by Minis-
terial order. The ordinary shares number 24,000, of which
23,892 are in the possession of the Berlin Electrical Under-
takings Co., and the technical and economic management
have been found to have been in the hands of the .'l.B.G.

The reixirt of the Russian General Electricity Co. for 1915
states that the activity of the undertaking was less produc-
tive than in normal periods, although the final results could
be considered satisfactory, having regard to the difficulties
created through the war, including the lemoval of the Riga
works. The company was mainly engaged on the execution
of Army contracts, which had reached a large scale, and
which rendered necessary the provision of additional capital.
As net profits, the accounts show the sum of £'223,800, and a
dividentl has been declared at the rate of 10 per cent., as in

1914, but the date of payment has been pastponed to a
more favourable time. The directors present at the recent
annua! meeting were all Russian subjects, and authority was
then given for the share capital to be raised from £l,2ltO,(KX)
to £2.000,000 by the issue of new shares for £8(H).000.

The report of the special administration of the Petrograd
Electric i/ighting Co. of 1886 states that the financial results
in 1915 were ntjt on the same level as those realised in the
preceding year, as the working of the Lodz station was not
included, and .sale prices were not increased, despite the
growth in the cost of production, and all communication with
I.odz had ceased since November, 1914. .\t the end of 1915
the value of the connections of the Petrograd and Moscow
works was 194.476 kw., as compared with 172,771 kw. at the
close of 1914 ; the number of consumers rose from 83,701 in
1914 to 91,705 last vear, and the total production advanced
from 193,948,(KX) KW.-hrs. to 2:30,'209,000 Kw.-hrs. in the two
years respectively, the works engaged on Army contracts
having been exceptionally large consumers. The special com-
mittee, which assumed control of the undertaking in July,

1915, is composed of members of the board of directors, and
representatives of the Ministries- of Trade and Industry, ' War,
Navv, and of the Town Councils of Petrograd and Moscow.
The' net profits are returned at £680,cKlO for 1915, as com-
pared with £683,800 in 1914. It is proposed to pay a rate
of 10 per cent, on the preference shares, as in 1914, and 7
per cent, on the ordinary shares, as against 8 per cent, in
the previous year, but the amount available for these purposes
has been credited to the dividend account, as in 1914, for
disposal at an appropriate future period.

The Electro-Mechanical Equipment Co. (Duflon Constanti-
novitch & Co.) has paid 14 per cent, dividend.

The Russian Regional Electrical Stations Co. (capital
4,000,000 roubles) made a profit of 402,340 roubles in the year
1915, and will pay a dividend of 4 per cent., as for the pre-
ceding year.

The Russian (Tudor) Accumulator Factories Co. made a
profit of 377,061 roubles in 1915, and will pay a 10 per cent,
dividend, against 9 per cent, in the preceding year.

The Moscow Electrical Factories Co. has been formed to
exploit the I. Struchkoff and V. Chibisotf Electrical Factories
in Moscow. Capital, 9a),000 roubles.

The Donetz Basin Electrical Co. (offices in Petrograd)
began operations on .Tune 25th/July 8th.

Cuban Telephone Co. — .\ dividend of 12 per cent, on the
preferred shares for the period to June 30th is announced.

Tubes, Ltd. — .At the general meetinc; of Tur>es, Ltd., on
2nd inst.. a resolution was submitted to increa.se the capital
from £100,000 to £150,000 by the creation of 50.000 shares
of £1 each, which are to be offered to shareholders in the
proportion of one new share for every two shares held. It
is proposed to declare, about two mouths after the general
meeting, a bonus of 5s. per share, payable out of the reserve
fund, and to ask the shareholders to authorise the application
of this bonus to the payment of the amount due on the new
shares. — Financial Times.

Spanish Telephone Co., Ltd.- The dir^-ctors recommend a
dividend of 5 per cent., less income-tax, for the year ended
May 'SUt. leaving £1,'281 to be carried forward.— FiMaHciaf
Times.

218

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW. [Voi. 79. No. 2,02-', august 23, i-.i.-,.

STOCKS AND SHARES.

Tuesday Evening.

Very much better news is reported from Mexico. It came
in the shape of an intimation from Carranzu to the effect
that the Mexican Railway Co. will be handed back to the
proprietors of the hne, and upon terms which the latter are
iiot hkely to quarrel with. This was a complete .surprise, and
the immediate result was t<i put up the prices not only of
Mexican Kails, hut of all other .securities connected with the
country. The utilities, of course, have gone with the rest.

It is not so much a question of actual prices as of change
in the condition of the market which really matters to the
stockholders. Whereas they found it hard fro sell just lately,
liuw the position is that there are many buyers, with no
stocks to supply them. It is hardly likely that, after wander-
iuj,' in the wilderness of gloom and depression for the last
two years, the holders of Mexican stocks will be anxious to
sell them now.

Mexico Tramways at 30, and the Firsts at 42, are both 2
higher. The Tiight and Power Co.'s first bonds at 42 are
similarly better. Pachuca Fives at 33 are up 2 points nomi-
nally, though in the actual market it is doubtful whether
$l,tHlO could be bought at anything like 34. Mexican Electric
Light 0 per cent, bonds at 34 are 3 points better. The
assumption is that Carranza will see to it that proprietors of
the.se utility companies are treated equally well with the
stockholders in the railways, because, if the disturbed ai'eas
are really to settle down, there is a highly important part
for these light and power undertakings to play — a part, in-
deed, which is indispensable to Mexico's return to commercial
activity. Mexican Northern Power Fives have come into
demand at 14i. Monterey Fives at 30 are 3^ points up on
the week.

These may be early days to sketch with any generous hand
the prospects of the country ; and disappointments have be-
fallen too often on previous occasions for anyone to exaggerate
the pleasant promise which seems to offer at the present
time. Nevertheless, after the many false starts, this may
well turn out to be the turning point in the situation ; and
it is not difficult to understand why bondholders refuse to
part with their securities.

Another good spot is that for the British Columbia Electric
stocks, which have made further progress, following upon
their previous substantial rises. The quartet of stocks quoted
in our lists, which gained 1 — 4 points last week, shows rises
of 1 or 2 now; the reason, as we mentioned before, is the
expectation that the forthcoming report will make cheerful
reading for the shareholders. With the improvement in these
stocks has come a sympathetic rise in Vancouver Power 4j
per cent, debenture stock, taking it to 67, which is a point
below the similar security of the B.C. Co.

( )ther foreign and colonial issues are somewhat irregular.
.A.nglo-.'^rgentine Tramway Firsts fell back to 3 13/16, and the
5 per cent, debenture stock to 76. Brazil Tractions picked up
to 625, around which price they have been revolving for the
past few weeks. Buenos Aires Lacroze Fives at 84 are some-
what easier on the week. The Canadian-American list of
power companies has for its feature a rise to 24.5 in Montreal
Light and Power, this being a jump of about 6 points.
Canadian General Electrics reacted to 122, after being 12.5.
The remaining stocks in this group are firm, with a .slightly
better tendency.

^ The Home Railway market is still forlorn and unbefriended.
So far as the electrical .stocks are concerned. Districts at ISi
are i down. Metropolitans fell J, London & South-Western
deferred has gone back to 2.5J. The Underground group is
fairly steady, the Income bonds remaining at 9I5. sustained
by their forthcoming dividend payment. The Labour situa-
tion is not calculated to attract much general buying of the
stocks, and it seems likely enough that prices will have to
go back still further before the public come in.

The hope for domestic securities of all kinds lies in the
obvious fact that there is a lot of money being made in the
country, that many folks are chary of touching what are
called ■■ war stocks " at the present time, and that money
available is seeking employment in other channels in addition
to those provided by the Government borrowings. Even now-
adays it is by no means an easy matter to get a perfectly
sound 6 percent, stock, notwithstanding thel current Bank Rate.

Kensington ordinary and Metropolitan ordinary, in the
electricity supply section, have both recovered their dividends.
Westminsters have been lowered -J, and the same fraction
has been deducted from both classes of Charing Cross shares.
The Metropolitan dividend, as we showed last week, is at
the rate of 2 per cent, per annum. The market ia firm
throughout, with very little supply to meet a consistently
steady demand.

Great Northern Telegraphs at 40i are 30s. higher, making
a rise of ±'2 10s. in a fortnicht. Cable shares are good. West-
ems are i up at loi, and Anglo-American Telegraph preferred
at 104 is i higher. Rises have occurred in "China" shares,
in Eastern ordinary, and in Chile Telephones. In the Marconi
section, the parent shares are strong at 3i, but the subsi-
diaries have given way a trifle— Americans to 18s. 9d., Cana-
dians to 10s 9d. Animation has died out of the market of
late, speculators preferring to wait for the next developments
before givmg the shares another run. But the market cer-
tainly looks decidedly good at the moment.

Henloys have risen to 16i, a gain of the fraction, on
declaration of an interim dividend on the ordiuai'y share
the rate of 10 per cent, per annum, the same as a year ago-
Even now the shares pay over li per cent, on the moneyj
allowing for inclusion of the dividend, provided they are to be
obtained. Callenders pay a little more. British Insulated,!
which have gained 5s. at 12i, return about 7 per cent, on the]
money. Electric Construction debenture stock at 69 is
points higher, and the shares hold all their ri.se at 17s. 6dJ
(ieneral Electric ordinary have hardened to I3i.

In the chemical shares, the popular favourite of the moment
is Salt Unions. Castner-Kellners are quiet at 33. Babcock
and Wilcox remain a little under 3. Edison A- Swan i;3-paid
shares are Is. up at half-a-guinea. There is no particular
variation elsewhere in this list.

The rubber anomaly continues of the share market being
good in the face of dulness in the raw material. The usual
sequel to the latter is once more in evidence, namely : the
complaint that the price of rubber itself is lieing manipulated
by interested parties. The expansion in Americas demand
for the article is expected to reach 50 per cent, above last
year's consinnption of 90,000 tons. With the Continent closed
to Americans and to the money that they are making by
reason of the war, the United States holiday-makers are con-
fined to a large extent within their own country, to see which
they must, of course, have motors, motors, and ever more
motors.

Among.st copper and tin shai'es, there have occurred no
changes of interest. The prices of the metals remain some-
what quiescent after their recent activities. More busine.ss is
moving in armament shares; and investors in the North are
evidently not afraid to buy at the current prices, notwith-
standing the caution shown liy tlie Soutlieiu capitalists iu
their .selection of war .stocks.

SHARE LIST OF ELECTRICAL COMPANIES.

HoMH Electricity Companies.

Dividend Price
y *■ -^ Aug. ^ Rise or fall

1914. 1916. 1916. Ibis week,

Biompton Ordinary .... 10 10 83 —

Charing Cross Ordinary .. 5 6 SJxd

do. do. do; 4iPref.. 4J 4) SJxd

Chelsea 6 4 8 —

City of London 9 8 ISl —

do. do. 6 per cent. Pref. 6 6 10* —

County of London . . . . 7 7 1( j —

do. 6 per cent. Pref. 6 6 IO4 —

Kensington Ordinary .. ,. 9 7 6*\d — |

London Electric 4 8 Ig ^

do. do. 6 per cent. Pref. 6 6 4* —

Metropolitan 8* 3 3gxd +1/

do. 4iS per cent. Pref. i\ 44 8i —

St. James' and Pall Mall . . 10 8 BJxd —

South London S 6 2J —

South Metropolitan Pref. ..7 7 Ij —

Westminster Ordinary .. .. 9 7 6|x(l —

TsLEaBAPHS AND TELEPHONES.

Anglo-Am. Tel. Pref 6 6 104 + J

do. Del 80;- 83/6 28} -

Chile Telephone 8 8 Cg -f J

Cuba Sub. Ord 6 B 8| —

Eastern Extension .... 7 8 Hi + i

Eastern Tel. Ord 7 8 H9 +4

GlobeTel. and T.Ord 6 7 12S —

do. Pref. ..6 6 lOJ —

Great Northern Tel 22 22 40^ +1J

Indo-European 13 13 48 — e

Marconi 10 10 8} -f J

New York Tel. 4* . . . . ih *i 99J —

Oriental Telephone Ord. . . 10 10 i}, —

United R. Plate Tel 8 8 63 —

West India and Pan 1 — It —

Western Telegraph . . . . 7 8 . 16J + i

Home Railk,

Central London, Ord. Assented 4 4 74 —

Metropolitan IJ I 24 j — }

do. District . . . . Nil Nil 18» — J

Underground Electric Ordinary Nil Nil l^X —

do. do. "A" .. Nil Nil 6,6" —

do. do. Income 6 6 91^ —

Pobeion Teams, 4c.

Adelaide Sup. 6 per cent. Pref. G fi 5 —

Anglo-Arg. Trams, First Pref. 54 54 31,5 — ,',

do. 2nd Pref. . . 6 j 64 3 —

do. B Deb. ..66 76 — J

Brazil Tractions 4 4 634 +1

Bombay Electric Pref 6 6 ICgxd —

British Columbia Elec. Ely. Pfce. 5 6 63 -f2

do. do, Preferred — Nil 49 ■^'2

do. do. Deferred — Nil 46 +1

do. do. Deb. 4i 4} 68 -1-2

Mexico Trams 5 per cent. Bonds — Nil 42 ■f2

do. 6 per cent. Bonds — Nil 85 -f 1

Mexican Light Common . . Nil Nil 90 —

do. Pref Nil Nil 84 —

do. 1st Bonds .. Nil Nil 42 ■^a

MANUFACTDRma Companies.

Babcock & Wilcox .... 14 15 2}S —

British Aluminium Ord. . . 5 7 26/- —

British Insulated Ord 15 17* laj + J

British Westinghouse Pref. . . 74 74 60/- —1/

Callenders 15 20 12i —

do. 6 Pref 6 6 4} —

Castner-Kellner 20 — S| —

Edison & Swan, £3 paid . . Nil — 10/6 —

do. do. fully paid ..Nil — IJ —

do. do. 6 percent. Deb. 6 6 60 —

Electric Construction . . . . 6 74 17/6 —

Gen. Elec. Pref 6 6 9* —

Henley 20 25 16} + i

do. 4J Pref 44 44 4 —

India-Rubber 10 10 12 —

Telegraph Con 20 90 89 —

* DiTidendB (aid free ot Inoosae-tazi

£1 IB i
7 2 10
B B 7
6 18 «

7 18 10
6 19 6
•8 6 8

vol. 79. No. 2,022, AUGUST 25, 191 r,.] THE ELECTRICAL REVTEW.

219

EXPORTS AND IMPORTS OF ELECTRICAL GOODS DURING JULY, 1916.

Although the July returns of electrical exports and imports show
a considerable reduction in business as compared with the preoedingr
month, the values attained satisfactory dimensions.

The exports reached a total value of .£487,575. as compai'ed with
£603.510 in June, when, however, telegraphic exports were on
aji exceptional scale.

The imports for the month were valued at £213.714, as compared
with .■(;31(>,(;97 in the preceding- month ; and the re-exports reached
a total of ■£ 13.513. being- some £9.000 down on the month.

DurinjjT the month machinerv. battery, and telephonic exports
somewhat exceeded in value those of the previous month, but a
considerable falling off occurred in the teleg-raphic. cable and lamp

sections. It is somewhat noteworthy that France was our bes'
customer, while other European countries, Australia, India and
China were g-ood markets. Compared with pre-war times South
American trade was dull.

There was a fairly general falling off in imports, traceable to a
decrease in purchases from the United States, whose contribution of
£125.9(50 value towards the total compares with £245,622 in June.

An exception must be made in the case of lamp imports, how-
ever, which reached some £45.000 in value. Holland contributing
£32.500 worth — the totals being much in excess of those for
June. , It may be noted that Japan figiu-es this month as an
importer into this country of various classes of goods. ,

Registered Exports of British and Irish

Electrical Goods from the United Kingdom'

'o - ' "«

S

*

i-2

1 i

0&

^ >>

li

■ill

■-'S tn

Destination of exports and country consigning
imports.

Electrical j

and

applianc

Wires and c

rubber and

insulatio

Hi

s

1-

3

■||3

hi

s * 2

1 1

5.S
5|

in

11

A
0

III

1

i

£

£

£

£

£

£

£

£

£

£

£

£

£

Russia, Sweden, Norway and Denmark

770

4,051

153

1,181

374

2,032

14.083

1,734

389

994

825

5,530

32,116

Netherl.inds, Java and Dutch Indies

336

20,457

819

273

2,042

1,589

19

41

4,911

356

30.843

Belgian Congo

.\.

France

2,780

no

839

266

279

516

19.304

888

614

3.346

16,T56

27,061

72V759

Portugal

255

1,361

131

609

257

887

622

51

108

1,386

8,826

14,493

Spain, Canary Isles and Spanish N. Africa...

233

300

385

15

1,308

9.998

478

120

323

54

407

13,621

Switzerland. Italy and Austria-Hungary ...

170

362

277

'42

1,859

2.197

680

534

46

146

10,241

16.504

Greece. Roumania. Turkey and Bulgaria ...

29

51

13

222

4

319

Channel Isles. Gibraltar. Malta and Cy])rus...

92

150

28

2

315

17

■819

l,42.'i

T^.S.A., Philippines and Cuba

698

97

21

15

14

1,473

64

39

745

3,166

Canada and Newfoundland

403

389

34

239

45

399

1,073

23

674

54

3,333

British West Indies and British Guiana ...

383

141

199

292

84

16

26

350

1,491

Mexico and Central America

46

13

22

2,188

2.269

Peru and Uruguay

74

41

50

45

77

130

' 10

427

Chile

1,382

869

208

849

1.824

192

"s

22

142

5,496

Brazil

601

1,184

135

38

109

2,072

1,036

89

907

6,171

Argentina

1,692

6,812

967

412

2,542

2,199

1,110

1.329

55

489

693

18,300

Colombia. Venezuela. Ecuador and Bolivia...

67

48

16

595

226

30

159

59

1,200

Egypt, Tunis and Morocco ...

87

775

206

164

...

229

271

13

690

1,060

83

3,578

British West Africa

72

■ 47

48

107

39

286

618

1,217

Cape of Good Hope

863

5.592

309

723

...

1,584

2,481

42

5.452

Tl

689

10

17,756

Natal

805

9,143

228

307

"20

28

.5,517

595

56

15

64

277

17,055

Rhodesia, O.R.C. and Transvaal

447

2,329

307

2.405

233

2.348

684

11

86

687

9,537

Zanzibar. Brit. E. Africa. Mauritius i; Aden

112

51

17

24

468

102

115

889

Azores, Madeira and Portuguese Africa

117

53

117

22

169

96

, ...

10

584

French African Colonies and Madagascar...

10

24

1,496

22

1,552

Persia ...

1.291

1,291

China and Siam ,

1,039

4,553

266

677

46

1,606

13.795

497

268

51

47

1,871

24,716

Japan and Korea

1.411

18

44

894

8.451

1,533

83

3,420

15.854

India

1,841

15,132

S,416

3,554

238

5,251

16.994

4,256

5,036

161

2,'i47

738

58.764

Ceylon

328

654

211

209

237

3,205

122

100

5,066

Straits Settlements, Fed. Malay States and

Sarawak

528

2.129

188

285

159

784

45o

533

265

287

367

5,980

Hong Kong

278

1,074

615

165

12

564

920

174

43

123

509

4,477

West Australia

168

387

47

20

1.173

799

131

55

29

2,809

South Australia

164

5,869

68

207

157

1,392

5.398

2

7,838

21,095

Victoria

374

4,959

2,269

686

756

10,642

2,700

157

21

1,030

473

24,067

New South Wales

2,046

6,503

865

1,320

104

518

8,093

1.222

156

2,139

496

23,462

Queensland

205

661

50

262

12

52

690

613

593

25

743

3,906
70

Tasmjinia

72

New Zealand and Fiji Islands

413

6,443

546

834

isV

424

5,377

321

2,579

's's

2,573

162

19,917

Total. £

19.891

103.601

14,781

15,197

1,388

24.550

139,336

20,784

28.223

6.007

46,461

67,356

487,575

Registered Imports into the United Kingdom of Electrical Goods from ali Countries.

RiLssia, Norway, Sweden and Denmark
HoUand...

France

Switzerland

Italy

United States ...
Japan ...

Total. £

965

...

8,487

2,078

72

1.762

' ...

26,118

6,425

385

140

16

86

382

199

951

1,306

6.512

1,824

899

2.810

206

150

956

5,015

145

80

1,250

3,763

5.994

536

22

21,184

3.410

133

5,822

2,036

1.633

9.643

64,810

5.764

7,008

1,637

44
383

430

2,005

.oo

27,571

14,052

33,867

11.621

7,599

20,502

64,832

14,629

10,082

1.246

12.776

965

35,857

100

11,376

11,511

10,315

4,517

125,960

210

4,381

7,038
Natal, electrical goods. £20: Canada, electrical goods. £423; batteries. £40;
electrical machinery. £300.

Additional imports,— Spain, carbons. £7

Registered Re-Exports of Foreign and Colonial Electrical Goods from the United Kingdom

Various coimtries, mainly as above ... | 1.455 | 3,850 ... 1,714 23 372 2,358 ... S49

2,815

ToT.\L Imports: £213,714

Total Exports : £487,575 Total Re-Exports : £13,513

Note.— The amoimts appearing under the several headings are classified according to the Customs returns. The first and
third columns contain many amounts relating to " goods " otherwise unclassified, the latter, doubtless, consisting of similar
materials to those appearing in adjacent columns. Imports are credited to the country whence consigned, which is not necessarily
the country of origin.

•2-20

THE ELECTKICAL REVIEW. ■ [Voi. tx No. 2,022, august ■>:,, v.m.

ELECTRIC

POWER ON A
PEAT BOG.

RU5SIAN

Mr. N. Milsteik writes ip tlie Elektriiheslro that the
increase in the price of wood, coal and petroleum has
ursjently directed attention to the search for cheajier fuel.
One of the leadinjr substitutes projMised is peat, which is
widely distributed in Russia, particularly in the north. It
will be of particular service, he says, to the electrical
industry, for electricity, compared with steam, offers \ alu-
able facilities for operating peat presses.

The electrification of the Zhuravlino-Melechcnsky mareh,
he continues, hi»s certain characteristics that, in his ojnnion,
may hn of interest.

The central electrical power station l)eloni;s to the
Bieloretsk (Piishkovich Bros.) Co., and is equipped entirely
for tlTe ser\ice of the 1 1 jieat presses (Henduu system)
installed on tlie mai-sh. Neither lighting nor power trans-
mission for ' other purposes is to be found on the marsh.
The plant consists of three combined Fitzner & Hamjier
steam boilers, two single-cyliuder horizontal Goerlitz
engines, without condensers, and two three-pluuse Siemeiis-
Schuckert generatore.

The system is designed for the simultaneous opei'ation of
all the 1 1 presses, each of which requires GO h.p., with a
power factor of 0"7 : a loss of energy in distribution up to
10 per cent, is allowed for. Bare aluminium cables,
50 mm.2 in cross-section, were used for the main, and
35 mm.- for the branch lines ; aluminium was chosen in
preference to copper for economical reasons. The difficulty
in soldering was got over by the use of special couplings,
the mechanical strength and reliability of which are quite
as good as those of soldered joints. A great advantage in
using the coupling is the rapidity with wliich a joint may
be made or separated.'

The overhead lines that run dowrt to the respective
excavations are situated about 18 to 20 sazhens (1 s. =
7 ft.) distant. This distance is chosen so that the
supports, a-s the peat is worked, may be removed every third
working season. The depth of the turf at the Zhuravlino-
Melechcnsky marsh averages 4 metres.

The current is conveyed to the electric motor that drives
tlie ])eat press by a flexible rubber-insulated cable of
3 X (i mm.' for 2,000 volts pressure, tested at the factory
to 4.000 volts. The length of cable for each press is
calculated so that for an average production per press of
40,000 to 4.j,000 briquettes daily, and at a depth of .3-5-4
metres, a transfer of the coupling-box in consequence of the
removal of the press, may take place every five or six
working days. The motors are connected to the presses Ijy
belts.

The motors are mounted on small hand sledges, and are
fixed to the sleejiers wliich form the frames of the platforms
of the peat press. The motor, bedplate, press, and dis-
tributing-box with a 25-mm.^ section conductor are con-
nected to a galvanised iron plate which is carried in the
direction of the transfer of the press, and sunk H arshins
(3 ft. 6 in.) in the ground.

The power used in running the peat presses is irregular,
not only for the individual presses compared with eaoh
other, but also for each press. This variation is due chiefly
to the properties of the peat dealt with by the presses, the
degree of its humidity, the (juantity of material thrown into
the elevator, the presence in the mass of non-rotted branches,
and. finally, the mechanical condition of the .belt. The
great difl'erence inherent in the factors named can be
appreciated by comparing the wcirk of presses Nos. 1 and 7.
The former stands on very dry ground, and often meets
with unrotted pieces of wood. The motor driving shaft is
ofteu badly aligned with regard to the shaft of the press.
At press No. 7 the transmission is properly mounted ; the
mass is friable, with an average quantity of water. The

numl)er of workmen in the pit loading the elevator for lioih
presses was at firel the same — namely. 12 i)er i>it.

Observations were made with the aid of the ammeter at the
distributing box and a wattmeter. There was no other
apparatus at hand. On connecting the elevator of press
No. 1, the ammeter reading varied between 23 and 20
amperes. This press used about (H) KW. It was stopjxjd,
the number of workmen to feed the elevator was reduced to
eight, and water was poured on the mass. This reduced the
load to r,)-21 ami)cres. Meantime, the load of No. 7 during
work varied l)etween 15 and 17 amperes, making an average
I'f about 40 KW. Thus the H.P. of the motors (tlO) chosen
may be considered correct, except in section No. 1, where
the niotor-]X)wer had to be increased to 75 H.i". But to
estimate in advance the many factors that iniglit affect the
work iif the motors, a-s shown in section No. 1. is almost
inqxissililc.

SPANISH INDUSTRIES AND TRADE.

I.M'LUENCES or TIIK WAR.]

(^Coiieluded from pnije 195.)
The mineral wealth of north eastern Spain, the most moun-
tainous part of the country, has not yet been fully exploited,
but progress has been made in this direction during the past
year, owing to the stimulus given by increased demand for
metals of all kinds. Some difficulty has been experienced
through the lack of proper transportation for ore from the
mines to smelting works. In some instances, however, im-
pioved facilities have been afforded. Among minerals in
which this district is especially rich may be mentioned coal,
iron, zinc, lignite, peat, rock salt, fluorspar, limestone, and
potash. During the past year embargoes have been placed
on the export of many of these and their by-products, with
the object of protecting domestic industries against lack of
raw material. These measures have had a direct bearing
upon local mining interests, especially as to the export of
minerals, but cannot be regarded as having any permanent
damaging re.<idts.

Mining in this district has to contend with various obstacles
to its development. Some serious strikes have threatened to
paralyse the industry, but they have been averted by conces-
sions made f)o the miners. Much foreign capital is invested
io the mines of Catalonia, and while this has often been
advantageous, it sometimes results that proprietors of mines,
for reasons of their own, obstruct exploitation, thus immo-
bihsing mineral wealth of the district.

After summarising the position of coal mining, iron mining,
and potash deposits, Mr. Hurst reviews Spanish meai;ures
for commercial expansion. During the year 1914 a special
agent was sent to Barcelona by royal order to study the
export relations of this port with Ijatin America and suggest
such means as would tend to increase commerce with the
Republics of South and Central America. The report of this
expert was published late in 191.5, and shows an intelligent
and comprehensive analysis of the subject. Another indica-
tion of the practical interest taken in foreign markets may be
inferred from the fact that the University of Barcelona gives
a course in commercial expansion, with lectures, excursions
to principal industrial centres, and meetings with chambers
of commerce and boards of trade. Ijcctures are delivered by
specialists, not only in Spanish, but in French and German
and enthusiasm is expressed in pushing the trade of this
country abroad.

To the other South and Central American Republics much
attention is devoted with the avowed purpose of gaining a
stronger foothold in lands where the tastes of the public are
largely Spanish. The commoti language is a strong factor
in negotiations and several well-fitted lines of navigation are
a constant bond of union.

The exceptional circumstances which have called for enor-
mous quantities of merchandise from the Barcelona di.strict
for various European markets are recognised, while of vital
importance for the moment, as not likely to continue indefi-
nitely. For this reason, the Catalan does not wish to neglect
an onportunity to entrench him.self in trans-Atlantic markets
which will, it is anticipated, require-increasing supplies. The
system of permanent expositions abroad of Spanish products
has been agitated, but many faults have been found in the
project. It is claimed that such expositions require a perfec-
tion in the way they are conducted and the manner of pre-
senting merchandise which is difficult to accomplish at a great
distance. The efforts of travelling salesmen who show the
goods to those actually interested in a special line, accom-
p;»nied by oral explanations, more or less persuasive, are
regarded as more efficacious. High freight rates in Spain and
lack of sufficient railroads tapping the hinterland are obstacles
with which the Spani-sh exporter has to contend, and serious
effort is being made to alleviate this state of affairs in behalf
of the commercial expansion of this district.

Vol. 79. No. 2,022, August 25, 1916.] THE ELECTRICAL EE\TEW.

'1-11

The facilities of the Harbour of Barcelona are next dis
cussed, and the report then proceeds to refer to the coming
electrical exposition. This is planned for the year 1917 for
Barcelona, to be called the Exposicion Internacional de
Industrias Electricas y General Espanola. There will be sec-
tions or departments for commerce, forestry, each of the
gieat national industries, works of charity, bookmaking arts,
social institutions, and several special sections for electrical
industries. Various concessions have been offered to the
exposition committee by the Madrid, Zaragoza and Ahcante
Railroad and the waterworks company of Barcelona. The
Bank of Barcelona has undertaken to place a comprehensive
bond issue in behalf of the City Council for the completion
of the works already in progress.

The .Ajnerican import trade into this distript has taken on
a new aspect during the past twelve months. Competition
with .\ustrian and German goods has been for the present
almost entirely eliminated, and the demand for American
pioducts to replace supplies formerly drawn from Austria
-and Germany has been greater than our merchants could
meet. Again, the supply from Belgium, whence merchandise
of many kinds, especially large quantities of metallurgical
manufactures, had formerly been received, is now shut off.
In several Unes, notably coal, machinery, and textiles, the
export from England is restricted and freight rates have risen
enormously.

Some helpful ideas for American exporters may be gained
from the means employed by Germany and Austria to hold
this trade before the war. A leading factor has been the
establishment of a German bank in Barcelona with connec-
tions throughout the district. This facihtates financing ship-
ments and handling credit, and lends assistance to schemes
of trade promotion. Such banks with their agencies and cor-
respondents also offer efficacious aid in reaching new cus-
tomers. They frequently supply their home offices with the
ratings and characteristics of firms or individuals in this
district and study the credit problem from a mercantile point
of view. The detailed information they have gathered has
been largely mfluential in enabling European exporters to
fxtend the long credits which have appealed strongly to local
merchants.

Gennan banking facilities in this district are so well
organised and effective that they have become a powerful
adjunct in the furtherance and grip of German trade here.
The system renders not only prompt and careful banking
service, but perforce takes in a measure the place of a
chamber of commerce, the establishment of which certain
foreign merchants avoid. For thoroughness, patience, con-
tentment with narrow margins of profit, and ultimate pros-
pect of becoming an inseparable participant in the trade of
the country the GetToan commercial worker here along these
lines has no superior.

With the unparalleled advantages now in favour of a heavy
and immediate American trade with this district every effort
must be made, not so much to increase the volume, but
rather to keep what has been gained. Eegular and more
adequate means of transportation are imperative and indis-
pensable. The need of such transportation has been signally
demonstrated in the coal question. Several large shipments
have arrived from the United States since the removal of the
duty and transport tax. but importers complain that the lack
of ships for this purpose renders it impossible for the local
coal trade to count upon receiving supplies with any regu-
larity. Other commodities are affected in like manner, and
the shipping problem has become one of the most important
in the maintenance of our trade with this district.
• One of the greatest handicaps to American trade in this
■district is the lack of banking facilities. At the present time
nearly all banking operations are carried on through London
or Paris, with consequent increase in cost to exporters and
importers.

Towards the end of the year it was reported that an Ameri-
can bank would be estabUshed in this country, to develop
and facilitate Hispano-American trade. The npw.spapers com-
mented favourably on the proposition, especially with regard
to obviating commercial difficulties at present complicating thi>
cotton trade, which is of vital importance in the district. It
has been stated that this bank will be in Barcelona and con-
stitute a part of a banking system which will extend through-
out Latin .\nierica and Europe. No definite steps have thus
far been taken in relation thereto.

The importance of .stra!:rht. finst-hand credit information
concerning local merchants is vital, as on it naturally depends
the benefit to be derived from spreading our products in this
territory. Especially where a transaction involves long credit
the bu.siness .standing of •the importer must be determined
beyond all doubt. Mercantile credit agencies of the type
familiar in our country exist in Barcelona, and a New York
hcu.se is established here 'through which trustworthy inside
information may be promptly obtained.

Many merchants here, when soliciting the aid of this con-
sulate-general for connections with business concerns in the
United States, give bank references as to their credit, and
some refer to firms in the United States with which they
have already established relations. Besides these_. there is_a
vast number of men desirous of securing agencies, who in
some cases are not known to the mercantile world, having
small capital and business strength as yet untried. In some
of these cases the would-be agent aspires to build up a busi-
ness on a commission basis, and naturally there is some risk

to the -American exporter in entrusting his interests to him,
but, again, there is a certain advantage where the prospective
agent is endowed with push and honesty. The consular officer
is sometimes impressed with the appearance of the appUcant
for agencies and is desirous of enlisting his services for the
extension of the sale of American goods, even though no exact
data as to fus business solveucv can be secured.

Numbers of agencies have been given out to such persons
by American merchants, and there is reason to presume that
the men chosen will prove good factors in the extension of
trade in this market. The Catalan has a good reputation for
business integrity and his instinctive business ability and
natural pride in the reputation of his country render him
generally reUable.

■■ American engineering skill has been practically demon-
strated in this district by the construction work done in con-
nection with hydro-electric development and irrigation,
especially by the Ebro Irrigation & Power Co. What is stated
to be the greatest work of its kind in existence is a dam near
Talai-n on the Noguera Pallaresa Eiver for the purpose of
regulating the flow of this branch of the Serge Eiver. The
dam is approaching completion and will remain a monument
in this district to American skill and enterprise. When com-
pleted it will be over 269 ft. in height above the general level
of the river bedrock, over 328 above the lowest point of the
foundation in the upstream cut-off wall, and will raise the
water level 243 ft. above the present level. American manu-
fpcturing skill is also highly rated here, as is shown by the
fact that cotton spinning and weaving are carried on largely
along .\merican lines, and in connection therewith a consider-
able part of the machinery used has been imported from the
United States. Of other industries the same may be said to
be the case in a more or less marked degree. Agricultural,
ice-making, and knitting machinery, dynamos, turbines, elec-
tric engines, and many other classes of machinery of Ameri-
can make are in constant use here. Recently one of the
principal clinics of this city, having large orders to place for
scientific and orthopaedic articles, applied at this office for
addresses of hou.ses in the United States that could supply its
wants. American electric meters, transformers, and apparatus
of all kinds are used here extensively, and it is interesting to
note that those interested here always expect something new
in this line from American manufacturers and exporters and
constantly inquire for novelties."

" The large and varied line of .American goods now on this
market and in general demand here would indicate that there
are splendid opportunities for further products from American
mills and factories. The local merchants are in constant
search of novelties in every hne, and seem to feel that there
is always something new in America."

" The decrease in imports of electrical supplies from the
Iinited States should be checked and the commg Electrical
Exposition is suggested as a rare opportunity for our manu-
facturers to exhibit their products and bring our goods in
this line fully before the Barcelona purchaser."

"The exports of electric carbons to the United States from
this district rose in value during 1915 to 6,691 dols., as com-
pared with 3,985 dols. in 1914. This would apparently indicate
that these carbons have proved satisfactory to American pur-
chasers, who were the first to buy here in 1914, when former
sources of supply w-ere cut off. The electric carbons exported
to the United States from this district are all produced by
the Compania Fabril de Carbones Electricos, of Barcelona."

Other reports have also just been issued by the American
Consular representatives in the following places : — Madrid,
Malaga. Akueria Province. Jerez de la Prontera, Seville,
Cadiz, Huelva, and Valencia. Consul Putnam, at Valencia,
reports a demand for household mechanical appliances,
machinery in general, including gas engines, pumps and
pumping machinery, machine and other tools, electric motors,
leather belting, and electric motor-cars. He says; —

"Under conditions ruling in Europe at present the oppor-
tunity for extending .American trade with this district is
excellent, and there is no reason why the American exporter
should not do a good business, provided he is in a position to
make dehveries with reasonable promptness, sell his product
at fair prices, and grant to responsible buyers terms such as
they have been accu.stomed to receive. If he is not in a posi-
tion to fulfil the last two conditions, sales will be limited to
those articles which are absolutely essential to the purchaser
and unobtainable in other markets. By arranging for pay-
ment on receipt of goods, sales of our products wUl be greatly
facilitated and a long step taken toward estabUshing a per-
manent foothold in the market. Many American firms do
not find it feasible under present conditions to sell except
for cash against documents at port of shipment, while the
Spanish buyer has been accustomed to pay for his purchases
on arrival at the earhest and more often-at 30, 60, or 90 days.
Firms in the United States have written to this office stating
their willingness to grant more liberal terms when conditions
become settled ; but the Spanish importers require such terms
at the present time — not later when all the markets of the
world will be open to choose from. To secure the Spanish
trade and to retain it, American exporters should supply the
buyer in Spain with the goods required promptly, reasonably,
and on terms .similar to those he has been accustomed to
receiving. It is necessary to supply samples of the larger
part of the American products for which a market is desired,
and the trade should be solicited by capable agents. The
market must be studied just as much as the home markei is

222

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW, [voi. 79. No. 2,022, acoost 25, isie.

studied. It may bo neces.'!ar>- to meet new conditions as to
quality, &c.. which will require changes in the product.
Goods suitable for the .bnerican market may not be suitable
for this market, and the producer must be prepared to adapt
himself to local requirements. Trade with this district can
be materially as.<!ist*d if the Spanish buyer is furnished
promptly with accurate information, in his own language,
regarding the goods offered, the price and terms of payment,
also the time of delivery. Such information may best be
provided thiough responsible agents having a thorough know-
ledge of local conditions, requirements, and the Spanish lan-
guage. A .lingle agent could repre.';ent several non-competing
films, and thus be able to handle the business economically "

THE JOHANNESBURG
MUNICIPAL ELECTRIC POWER STATION.

(Abstract of paper read he/ore the SOUTH AFRICAN INSTITITION

oi- EsGixEKRs, hi/3. H. DoBsos. M.Sc, M.Eng.)
The assets owned by the Johannesburg Lighting Co. were acquireil
by the public of Johanne.'sburg in 1895, and those of the Johannes-
burg Tramway Co. in I'.HU.

The first Council appointed by the Government after the termi-
nation of the Anglo-Boer War immediately set to work to place
the future of the electric supply on a sound and permanent footing.
and Messrs. Mordey and Dawbam were appointed consulting engi-

The order lor the gas plant wsi* plac«i <in .Vpril (llh. IlKH. and the
guarantors were Messrs. W. Bcardmorc. Ltd.. Glasgow. Messrs,
Stewart *: Co.. of Glasgow. Iiecanie the main contractors.

The first set. a 1,000-H.P. U.O. set. was started up on April Ist.
liloii. aud from thence onwards at various intervals the remaining-
units were put into commission, and all engines actually ran for
limited pcriixls with the exception of one 2.(100-h.p. .\.r. set, which
was never started.

In October. 19U(i, after six months of most unsatisfactory
running, the Council decided to take drastic measures to see that
the contract was carried out satisfactorily. .\ccordinj.'ly, the con-
tractors for the plant entered into an agreement with the Council,
known as the " running agreement." whereby they guaranteed to
nni the plant for a period of 12 months.

On May l.'ith. I'.IOT. the contractoi-s themselves abandoneii the
" runnintr agreement," and the town was tace<l with an appalling
situation. The Council decided to reject the whole of the gas-
engine plant, and to claim through the Law Courts the whole of
their enormous losses, which litigation was only terminated in
February. I 111 2. nearly five years ai^er the rejection of the plant.

The Council claime<l for t:i!il,872. and was awarded £H40.177,
made up of tll,"i,lH4 against Messrs. Stewart A: Beardmore, and
C22.').ol3 against Messrs. Stewart iV: Co. Defendants decided to
appeal, but before the appeal was heard negotiations were entered
into through which the Council accepted a cash payment of
C 1 Oll.OUO. and Messrs. Beardmore retained an option on the plant
for six months at a purchase price of 1! ."i.fKlD. This option was
never exercised, and the sale of the plant realised tT.lHiO. The
difference between the Council's claim and what was actually
obtained was i:2S4,X72.

The plant consisted of gas producers for producing power gas from
incandescent coal by means of an air blast working, in conjunction
with steam applied at the bottom of the fuel. The gas had to be

I

Fig. 1. — Diagram Showing Arrangement of Discarded Gas Plant, Johannesburg Electricity Works

neers to the CouncU in July, 1902, They relinquished their con-
nection with the CouncU in 1908, and from January, 1909, the
author has been responsible for all work carried out up to the
present day.

The Gas Engine Scheme,

The date of the consulting engineers' report on the choice of power
plant coincided with a period at which the internal combustion
engine had made great progress, and they were imljued with
enthusiasm to give Johannesburg what they considered was the
best possible scheme, viz,, gas engine plant.

It was arranged to invite alternative tenders for steam and gas
power plant. On March 2nd. 1 904, tenders were dealt with for three
1,3.50-KW. D.c. sets, two 675-K\v. D.c. sets, two 1,3,50-KW. A.c. sets.
and one I)7.t-kw. a.c set. In the opinion of the engineers the
most favourable tenders for steam plant and gas plant were : —

Gan Plant. — Messrs. Poetter & Co., gas producer plant, £.50,600 :
Messrs. D. Stewart & Co.. gas engines, and Messrs. Siemens Bros.,
dynamos. £1.54.320 ; other additions. .« 18,630 ; total, £223.5.50.

Steam /"/««/.— Messrs. Dick, Kerr & Co., £195,495.

Coal and water costs of steam and gas plant were reported upon,
and, although the capital cost of gas plant was over £28,000 more
than steam plant, there was to be an estimated saving of £15,000
per aunnm on the coal and water bill, and other charges for labour,
oil. repairs. &c.. were regarded as the same for both schemes.

cleansed by means of cooling and purifying plant before being
used in the gas engines.

Fig. 1 shows a plan of the lavout. and an elevation is seen in
fig. 2.

As Messrs. Beardmore & Co. did not exercise the option to take
over the derelict gas plant, it became the property of the Council,
and this was the first time the author became officially connected
with it ; as technical adviser to the Council, it became his duty to
make recommendations as to what shotdd be done with it. ^Vith
all the information at his disposal, obtained during a period
extendinfT over four years, from a close study of the plant and a
perusal of the various reports m<ade during the unsuccessful period
of attempting to run it, he finally advised the Council to dispose
of it. There was a strong predisposition on the part of the author
to utilise it if at all possible, but there was no similar gas-engine
scheme in existence, and it was necessarily a purely experimental
plant, more especially the gas-producer plant. With the modern
boiler aud its auxiliary apparatus, such as mechanical stokers, kc,
it is possible to bum the very cheapest grades of coal, such as
dross, peas, and nuts, for the purpose of steam-raising. Assuming
that certain of the Transvaal coals are suitable for burning in gas
producers, the cost would be appreciably higher than the coal
which can be used under ordinary steam toilers with mechanical
stokers. The coal actually used in the gas producers cost nearly
twice as much as coal used with the ordinary boiler plant. This

Vol. 79. No. 2,022. August 25, U.1G.1 THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

•1-1-p,

fact alone eliminated any benefit in thermal efficiency which may
be claimed for a gas-eng-ine scheme. Experience showed that it
was necessary to modify the design of the interior of the gas pro-
ducers to prevent the ashes elinkering, and to allow of uniform and
continuous gasification. Irrespective of the bituminous nature of
the Transvaal coaLs. much investigation work was required
to determine the correct design for the proper gasification of
Transvaal coal, because of the large percentage of ash. The
steam raisers could have been eliminated by erecting suitable
boilers for the production of steam to actuate special steam engines
to drive the air blowers directly, and for the attainment of
efficiency to utilise the exhaust steam from these engines in the
gas producers through suitable receivers, instead of drawing steam
from the steam raisers. From the results obtained, and from the
coals which were suitable, it would have been necessary largely to
increase the cooling and purifying plant ; in fact, to obtain gas
free from dust and tar, it might easily be stated that the coolers,
the coke scrubbers and the centrifugal tar separators, as well as
the sawdust scrubbers, must have been doubled. Over and above
tliese points, there was the question whether the gas producers
were able to gasify the amount of coal in accordance with the
specification, and. if actual results were to lae taken as a guide, it
would have been necessary to increase the number of gas-producing
units, to give the amount of gas required for the power demand in
the gas-engine room. These practical points were matters simple
enough from the purelj' mechanical engineering point of view, but
t hey involved large capital expenditure and additional working' costs
(especially in the amount of water required), and the financial
aspect was altered entirely.

With regard to the gas engines, experience proved that the com-
pressed air plant for starting would have to be increased and the
method of driving completely altered. The question of lubrication
wa.s another matter of great importance, and it would have
lieeu necessary to design an improved system of lubrication to
uttain successful running. This point can be appreciated when one
i< acquainted with the phenomenal dust of .Johannesburg and the

necessary communications between the business portion of
Johannesburg and the suburbs. All plant which the Council had
at its disposal was quickly put into service, and the only steam
power available was a collection of isolated and heterogeneous
belt and direct-driven plants, some of which were rescued from the
scrap heap ; altogether there were 1") boilers, making a total of only
1,6(50 H.P.. and no fewer than 10 reciprocating sets, giving a maxi-
mum of only 8tO KW. D.c. and 400 KW. A.C. These were pressed into
the service, and every available electric unit extracted therefrom.
To those acquainted with Johannesburg conditions it will be realised
that it takes under normal conditions 12 months or more to obtain
generating plant from the time of inviting tenders and having the
same under working conditions. Two 500-KW. non -condensing
D.c. sets and three boilers (each of 14,000 lb. per hour), without
superheaters or economisers. were procured and set to work within
six weeks after the gas-engine plant was abandoned. There were
also one 1.000-KW. condensing D.c. .set and two similar boilers set
to work by the end of 1907. and during 1908 were erected two
I.OOO-KW. sets and one .500-KW. set (only one of which was con-
densing), and four boilers of the same size as before. The recipro-
cating engines were made by Messrs. Belliss i: Morcom. and the
boilers by Messrs. Babcock & Wilcox. Astonishing records were
made by the contractors. Messrs, Reunert & Lenz, in the expeditious
manner that some of the plant was erected ; on the other hand.
the Council had to pay " famine prices "' for the plant under the
exceptional conditions. ' The conditions under which the plant had
been installed during a period extending over 1 8 months up to the
end of 1908. subsequent to the closing down of the gas-engine
plant, were those of meeting urgent and immediate requirements
for power at any cost, and plant had been hui-riedly erected regard-
less of layout or future extensions. Floor space was exceedingly
limited, as most of the ground was occupied by the gas-engine
room and the derelict gas-producer plant, the future of which was
unknown.

In 1909 the arrangements in the boiler house were most imsatis-
factorv. ashes had to be withdrawn in front of the boilers, which

Fig. 2.— Diagram Showing Arrangement of Discarded Gas Plant. Johannesburg Electricity Works.

Enormous weights of the moving parts, such as the fly-wheels (uj)
to 70 tons on the 2.000-H.P. engines) and the electric generator
armatiu-es (up to 35 tons on the 2,000-H.P. engines). These points,
in the same way as those of the producer plant, could no doubt
have been overcome with good mechanical engineering, but appre-
ciable capital expenditure would have been involved. The cost per
unit as obtained by the hurriedly erected steam plant up to
February. 1912, when the law case terminated, was such as to
render it unnecessary to attempt any scheme of setting the gas-
engine plant to work for the production of electric power.

Investigations were carried out as to whether it would be econo-
mically feasible to utilise the gas-producer plant for the production
of tar and other by-products, and to burn gas instead of coal dust
in the Bettington boiler, which forms part of the present steam
plant. Here also, when the cost of suitable coal for burning under
the gas producers was considered, together with the cost of
necessary alterations to the plant, as well as the working costs.
and the question of the variable revenue obtained from tar and
other by-products, such as sulphate of ammonia, it became evident
that it was a very risky proposition from the financial point of
view to attempt to utilise the gas plant in this way.

The final termination of the gas-engine scheme was that tenders
were invited on separate occasions for the removal of the
mechanical and electrical sections respectively, and the plant was
finall.v disposed of for £ 7.000. this being greater than Beardmore's
option of j; 5.(11 II I. •

The disc;irded plant was taken to the steel works at Vereeniging
ready to be melted up, and the gas-engine house has been trans-
formed into workshops.

Three years after the placing of the contract for the gas-engine
generating plant, Johannesburg found itself in a worse position
than prior to placing the orders. During the three years. April.
1904, to May, 1907, the number of houses in Johannesburg had
increased enormously, the electric distribution system had made
steady progress all over the municipal area, and would-be con-
sumers were waiting anxiously for electric supply. The new
system of electric tramways, to the extent of about 30 or 40 track
miles, had been gradually completed, ready for supplying the

was also the only space available for the coal used for stoking
The distance between the two rows of boilers was exceedingly
small, only some 18 ft., and only 7 ft. between the coal-hoppers,
and, as a consequence, ashes and coal were inevitably mixed, and
the boiler-house presented a most disorderly appearance, due to the
circumstances of its origin. Although the gas plant had been shut
down, the main distribution switchboard in the gas-engine house
was still used for the distribution of the electricity generated in
the new steam station, some 300 yards away. The generator panels
were erected in temponary positions in the steam station, the power
being transmitted from thence to the gas-engine switchboard for
distribution. The difficulty of issuing instructions from one station
to the other during times of trouble can be imagined, and this was
accentuated when it is stated that this switchboard, like the gas-
engine plant itself, was idtimately discarded. The problem in the
early part of 1909 was to battle with the rapidly growing require-
ments. The load was 5.400 KW., this being more than the total
plant then available.

(TV) lie CKntinued.')

U.S.A. Government Nitrogen Plants.— Accordiug to the

Electrical Rccieic and \Ve.t1ei-t> Mectrieidii. Congress has passed
a Bill authorising the development of hydro-electric power for the
electrical fixation of nitrogen, which will be used in the manufac-
ture of munitions of war, and thus make the Government indepen-
dent of imported nitrates for this purpo.se. The President is
authorised to cause an investigation of the best means tor pro-
ducing nitrates, A:e., by water or other power ; to obtain exclusive
use of any necessary site for the purpose of the Act, and to
provide the necessary equipment, kc. Any surplus product may be
sold and disposed of. and may be used in the manufacture of
fertilisers. The sum of 20 million dollars is appropriated for the
scheme, which will be operated solely by the Government, and not
in conjunction with any other industry or enterprise carried on
by private capital.

224

THE ELECTlilCAL IIEN'IEW. [voi. 7!t. no. 2,022. august 25. loic.

FOREIGN AND COLONIAL TARIFFS ON
ELECTRICAL GOODS.

Kl SSIA.— Tho Department of Assessed Taxation, acting in
conjunction with the Customs Department, has issued au
official notice to the effect "that when commercial traveller.s
coming from abroad as representatives of foreign firms to
obtain orders through samples have not taken out the licences
required by law, the Custom Houses shall immediately exact
from them theii- address and the nearest commercial' points
they intend to visit, for the information of the tax inspectors.
The latter are to require commercial travellers to lodge .",
deposit equal to the cost, and as security for the payment, of
the necessary licences w-hich they have failed to procure. In
cases of refusal to lodge the deposit, the tax inspectors have
power to seize the goods, to the amount of the deposit, for
sale by auction.

URUGUAY.— A Presidential Decree dated May 3rd amends
Articles '211-13 of the Consular Regulations concerning the
manifests of goods shipped to liruguayan ports. The Decree
repeals the Decree of September 13th, 1915, relative to certifi-
cates of origin an<l that of January 25th last respecting mani-
fests— vide the Review of April 21st.

Manifests of goods shipped to ITruguayan ports must now
state the declared value of the goods in local currency, in
accordance with the respective bills of lading or certificates of
origin. Three copies of each manifest are to be presented to
the Uruguayan Con.sular Agent, of w-hich at least one must
be drawn up in, or translated into, Spanish; this copy is to
be ■' legalised " by the Consular Agent. A certificate of origin
and nationality must be provided in all cases, in the form to be
prescribed by the Uruguayan Foreign Office. For the " visa "
of each certificate in respect of goods to be shipped w'ith bill
of lading or parcel receipt, the Consular fee is 50 centavos
(about 28. 2d.) ; and in respect of goods to be sent by parcel
post, 20 centavos (about lOd.).

From October 1st, 1916, the Uruguayan Customs authorities
will not allow the clearance of any goods through the Custom
House until the accuracy of the declaration of the goods has
been verified by comparison with the certificate of origin.
Such certificate must, therefore, in all cases be produced by
the person clearing the goods.

UNITED KINGDOM AND CERTAIN FOREIGN COUN-
TRIES.—A Supplement to the Board of Trade Journal of
August 17th contains complete lists of articles w-hich, accord-
ing to the latest information received by the Board of Trade,
are prohibited to be exported from the United Kingdom and
certain foreign countries, viz., Denmark. France (and
Algeria), Greece, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Norway, Por-
tugal. Eoumania, Russia. Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
The list of articles prohibited to be exported from Sweden is
based upon information received at the Board of Trade up to
August 14th, and should be of considerable interest to British
exporters to Russia in view of the application of the Swedish
prohibitions to goods passing in transit through Sweden to
Russia. The present Supplement supersedes that issued on
May 18th last. Copies may be obtained price 3d. (4d. post
free) from the usual sale agents for Government publications.

CANADA. — An official warning has been issued that the
Department of Customs is now strictly enforcing a regulation
(which has been actually in force since August 1st, 1910), to
the effect that in invoicing goods for Canada, the value to
be shown must be the " Fair market value as sold for home
consumption at time shipped." This value must be given in
Jihe fir.st parallel column on invoices, and care should be taken
that the heading of the column contains the proper wording.
The warning appears to have become necessary owing to a
number of shippers still using the older form of invoice
(which was cancelled in 1910). which required only the " Fair
market value as sold for home consumption." Many shippers
also seem to be under the impression that in cases where
orders are booked for delivery at a future date, the Canadian
Customs Department are prepared to accept in the first
column of the invoice the price at the time the orders are
booked, irrespective of the prices ruhng at the actual time of
shipment. This, however, is not the case, and .shippers are
accordingly advised to see that invoices for goods sent to the
Dominion are made out in accordance with the requirements
set forth abovn.

11,125. " System of electric.il distribulior
(U.S.A., August 12th. 1915.)
11.130. '* Method for producing high-frcqi

W. H. Cole.

Aug I
1I,I4(>
11,16!)
11,175.

8lh
ll,18!l.

S. ClIKH

11,101

August 7th.

I. Chortik.

Ek'ctric chest-\v.Trmcrs." A. Sblvatico. August 7th.
Suspenders for electric c.iblcs, &c." P. HuNTlNr.DON. August 8th.
Mercury interrupter and induction coil." L. B. Millbr. August

'"^ ^'',PP'>'"S heat produced by passage of electricity." A.
IcRANic Electric Co. (Cuiler-H.nmmer Manu-

August 8th.
Motor controllers,
l.icturing Co.. U.S.A.). August 8th

11.212. "Renewal point sparliing plug and high-ten
C. C. Bkacmont & B. Havdox. August 9tb.

11.214. " Sp.irking plugs for internal-combustion cngin
SOS & J. A. Kt.vNEDV-McGREcoR. August 9th.

11,229. " Production of electric incandescent lamps.'
AVD E. C. HUTTON. August 9th. .

11,240. " Means for connecting electrical conduits." F. W. Uren. August

h. hodckin-
. Hutchison

9th

11.242. " Controlling electric ciicuits from
Tkleoraph Co. & A. H. Morse August 9th.

11,254. " Generation of electric energy." VV. S. StMPSON. August 9th.
11,267. "•" Apparatus for medic.nl treatment by electricity." L. Mavor
August 9th. (Switzerland, September 25th, 1915.)

11,286. " Sparking plugs for internal-combustion engines." T. Crosbbe
AND Sons & H. R. Wilks. August 10th.
ll.a^e. " Dynamo-electric machines." 0. Schroeder. August 10th.

Uternating-current dynamo-electric machines of the compensated
type." BRiTlsfi Westinchouse Electric fit Manufacturing Co.
e Electric & Manufacturing Co., U.S.A.). August 10th.
Ammeter for measuri
1. Williams. Augu
rters for electric n

distance." iNDO-EuRorEAK

11,327.

11th.

alternating curi
G. H. NeEP AND SWITCHCEAR

(Westingho

11,337. '
oscillations

11,348. '
COWASS. .\ugust 11th,

11,3.58. " Automatic selecting devices for telephone systems." Siemens and
Halske Akt. Ges. August 11th.

11.360. " Electric heaters for water, &c." C. R. Allensbv and Benham
AND Sons. August 11th.

11.361. " Spooling filartlent for metal-filament lamps." J. A, Allison and
MohKis & Whitham. August jlth.

11.362. " Electrical apparatus for obtaining synchronous motions at a
distance." VV. Kingsland. August Uth.

11.363. " .Apparatus for passing through the human body currents derived
from town main electrical supply." E. E. Greville. August 11th.

" .Alternators for high frequencies." M. W. W. Mackie. August

11,368
llrh.
11,371

Systems of ship propulsion." British-Thomson Houston Co.
(General Electric Co.. U.S.A.). August 11th.

11.381. "Electric knife switches." R. Lister. August 11th.

11.382. " Electric transformers." A. F. Berry. August 11th.

11.397. " Means for telephonic communication to and from moving railway
trains, &c." K. H. Warfirnce Si V. G. Werner. August 12th. (Sweden,
August 21st, 1915.)

11,425. " Use' of relays for telegraphic, &c., purposes." H. W. Sullivan.
August 12th.

11.428. " Electro-magnetic switches." British Thomson-Houston Co.
(General Electric Co., U.S.A.). August 12th.

11.429. " Bipolar electrode electrolysers." G. G. Hepburn. August 12th.
11,435. *' Electrical machines." Allcemeinb Elektricitats Ges. August

12th, (Germany, August 6th, 1915.)

PUBLISHED SPECIFICATIONS.

1915.

Akt. Ges. Brown-Bove

April 12th. (Ap.'t

5,511. In
2Stii. 1914.)

7.758. Electrical Ic.nition Systems for Internal -combustion Engines. C f
Kettering & W'. A. Chryst. May 25lh. (July 16th, 1914.)

10.711. Cooling or Ventilating Devices for Dynamo-electric Machines
A. Mond (Maschinenfabrik Oerlikon). July 23rd.

10.726. Electro-magnetic Levitating Apparatus. _ E. Bachelet. July 23rd.

10.755. Coil for Electrical Purposes, and Method for Winding same.
H. Wade (Leeson). July 24th.

11.011. Process for Electrolvtically Depositing a Strongly Adherent
AND Malleable Layer of Tin on Iron and other Metallic Surfaces.
P. Marino. July 29th.

11,603. Control of Electric Motors for Driving Hydro-extractors.
Thomas BroadbenI & Sons, Ltd., British Thomson-Houston Co. and W. L.
Wise August 11th.

11,658. Electric MciToR Control Systems and Pneumatically-operated Con-
trollers employed therein. British Thomson-Houston Co. (General Electric
Co.. U.S.A.). August 12lh.

12.379. Electromacneticallv-operated Switches. G. Wilkinson. August
28th.

12.747. Protective Devices for Electric Systems. British Thomson-.
Houston Co. (General Electric Co., U.S.A.). September 6th.

17.419. Braking Electric Motors actuating. Lifting, Lowering. Hauling,
Winding and like apparatus. Maschinenfabrik Oerlikon. December 13th.
(December 11th, 1914.)

191B.

NEW

PATENTS APPLIED FOR,

(NOT YET PUBLISHED).

1916.

Ccn. piled expressly for this journal bv Messrs. W. P. Thompson & Co..
Electrical Patent Agents, 285. High Holhorn, London, W.C, and at
Liverpool and Bradford.

11.099. " Sparking plugs for internal-combustion engines-" D. McGregor.
August 7th.

11.100. " Electrical signalling apparatus tor mines. &c." I. H. Parsons
AND H. R. Waddington. August 7lh.

11.114. " Battery cells or tanks." W, C. Fairweaiher (Lake Torpedo
Boat Co.). August 7th.

1.176. Safety Devices for Electrically-operated Lifts and other
Vehicles. J. T. Clarke. January 25th. (100,916.)

1.526. Electric Motor Pump. S. Kawakami. February 5th, 1915. (100,056.)

2,020. Sparking Plugs and the method of making same. W. J. Mellersh-
Jackson (Champion Ignition Co.). February 10th, 1916. (100,933.)

5,841. Electrical Systems for Internal-combustion Engines. C. F. Ketter
inR Xr W. A. Chryst. June 24th, 1914. (Divided application on 7,757/15/
(100,361.)

6.977. Electrical Connechng Devices. Ges. Siemens-Schuckertwerke. May
22nd. 1915. (100.533.)

7.567. Separators for Secondary Batteries. W. J. Mellersh-Jackson
(India-Rubber Co.). May 27th. 1916. (100,994.)

8.111. Electrolytic Apparatus. Siemens & Halske Akt. Ges. June 24th,
191.J. (100,739.)

TUB

E]LE30TI?/ICJi.Ij I?/E"VIE3'W-

Vol. LXXIX.

SEPTEMBER ], 1916.

No. 2,023.

ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

WELFARE WORK.

Vol. LXXIX.]

COKTBNTS: September 1, 1916.

[No. 2,02;!.

Welfare Work 2-25

Identifying- the Enemy Trader ... 22r)

Pig Lead 22(;

The B.A. on the Tyne 227

Science and Research ... ... ... ... ... ... 227

Switchboards for Polyphase Testing, by A. T. Bidlen ((7/k.v.)... 22.S

B.T.H. Turbo Air Compressors 07/»M.) " 229

The Johannesburir Municipal Electric Power Station iillu.i.^

iminHiideil) " 2:^1

L. & N.'W. Railway Electrification iillit.s.) 2o-i

New Electrical Devices, Fittings and Plant Qllux.) 2?,r,

Legal 28.J

War Items ... 23r>

Reriews 288

Business Notes 283

Notes 242

City Notes 24.5

Stocks and Shares ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 24.")

Market Quotations ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 246

Petri Peregrini Maricurteusis, by P. F. Mottelay ... ... 247

The Niagara Power Situation 247

The Industrial Conditions in Germany in War Time 249

Correspondence —

Cab Whistles and Lamp Calls 251

The Deficiencies of Government Departments ... ... 251

The Electrical Heating of Factories 251

To Go— or Not to Go .' ■ ... ! 251

Foreign and Colonial Tariffs on Electrical Goods ... ... 251

New Patents Applied for, 1916 ... ... ... ... ... 252

Abstracts of Published Specifications

Contractors' Column

Advertisement page xx

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THE UNIVERSAL ELECTRICAL DIRECTORY

1916 EDITION.

H ALABASTER, jGATE HOUSE & CO«,
4, Ludgate Hill, London, E.G.

" Among all the changes which the great war has
brought in its train, none is more significant, and
none more likely to have lasting effect than the
revolution in the structure of British industry. . . .
The factories are alive with new workers ; the State
assumes new responsibilities; fresh needs and oppor-
tunities arise; industrial conditions are in solution."

With these words Mr. Lloyd George commences
a foreword to a book on "Welfare Work" — em-
ployers' experiments for improving working condi-
tions in factories — by JVtiss E. D'. Proud, B.A.,
whidi has just been published ; and they form' by no
means an exaggerated picture of the extraordinary
conditions which now obtain in British industry.
X-othing less than a world-war that shook the British
Empire to its very foundations could have brought
about changes so vast and so unprecedented, or
could have induced our workers to divest them-
selves, even temporarily, of the rights and privi-
leges which, as the result of years of industrial
strife, they had succeeded in wresting from their
employers, and even in placing on the Statute Book.
Who, before the war, could have conceived, by the
wildest flight of imagination, that an army of women
would one day be engaged in manufacturing shells
by the million, or that, as was recently stated, 14,000
women would be employed in general engineering
work other than shell making on the Clyde alone ?
The, volume before us in itself is a remarkable pro-
duction— the work of a woman, a graduate from
an Australian University, who has made an intimate
studv of the conditions of " welfare work " in fac-
tories, and possesses a knowledge of the subject
of unique extent and understanding. The fact, too,
to which Mr. Lloyd George calls attention, that it
is out of the manufacture of weapons of destruction
that the opportunity to humanise industry has
arisen, is another singular feature of the situation,
recalling the riddle with which Samson perplexed
the Philistines: " Out of the eater came forth meat;
and out of the strong came forth sweetness." "The
eflort now being made to soften asperities, to secure
the welfare of the workers, and to build a bridge
of sympathy and understanding between employer
and employed " may leave behind " results of per-
manent and enduring value, to the workers, to the
nation, and to mankind at large," says Mr. George.
So may it be.

In itself, of course, welfare work is no new thing;
it has been practised in isolated instances for years,
even for generations, and the Tact that it is not only
socially, but also commercially profitable, has been
recognised in many quarters. But never before has

[225]

■i-ic>

THE ELECTRia\L liE\ lEW. [Voi. 7;.. xo, 2.ol':i .st:rTKMi..cu 1, i<.i.;.

it been taken up so generally and so earnestly, and
the State, thougli it has set up what Miss Proud
defines as a " minimum objective standard " by fac-
tory legislation, has hitherto confined its efforts to
such requirements as can be regarded as essential
to the maintenance of the health and to the pre-
servation of the life of the workpeople, without
attempting to secure for them greater physical and
mental comfort or to increase the efficiency of their
productiveness. Now. however, when the Govern-
ment has become by far the greatest employer of
workers in the State, and also controls thousands
of privately-owned concerns, whilst the necessity
for securing the highest possible efficiency of pro-
duction has become imperative, entirely new condi-
tions have arisen, and we are glad to add that the
Government has fully recognised the newresponsi
bilities that it has incurred.

The Departmental Committee appointed to con
sider the question of the Health of Munition
Workers has issued a series of reports which will
prove of permanent value : some of these have
already been dealt w ith in our columns. Financial
assistance has been afforded, to enable employers
to provide canteens, cloak-rooms, rest-rooms, lava-
tories, &c., and the importance of welfare work
has been so fully demonstrated that a new depart-
ment of the Ministry of Munitions has been created
to secure a high standard of conditions, for all
workers in munition factories, and the training of
" welfare supervisors " has actually become the
subject of special courses at several Universities.

To review Miss Proud's book adequately in the
space and time available would be an impossible
task; it constitutes so thorough and exhaustive a
treatise that, as Mr. George remarks, it bids fair
to become the standard work on the subject. It first
deals with the histoi-y and development of the efforts
made by employers to improve the working condi-
tions of their employes, and of the legislation to
which they gave rise — for it was largely to the
initiative and support of the mill-owners themselves
that factory legislation was due. One of the
earliest discoveries made by certain manufacturers
was that a reduction of the long working hours then
■in v^ogue actually led to increased output, a fact
which has been re-discovered in connection with the
manufacture of munitions of war. The- importance
of distinguishing between philanthropy — which the
workers resent — and real welfare work, which they
feel to be their due, is emphasised by the authoress;
justice, not charity, or even the suspicion of charity,
must be the foundation. In the second part of her
book Miss Proud treats in detail of the actual con-
ditions and metliods obtaining in factories, wages
and hours, the necessity of rest and recreation, sani-
tation and housing, mental development, regard for
the dignity and self-respect of workpeople, and
matters of organisation. In evei-y section she dis-
plavs a mastery of her subject, a breadth of view,
and a judicial balance of mind which impress the
reader with the value of her treatise, and we most
cordially commend this timely work to the attention
of all employers and works managers.

Identifying

the

lincmv Trader.

It will be remembered that m
the earl) months of the war some
of the popular newspapers, and
many of their and our correspon-
dents, inspired no doubt by the
worthiest of motives, and an.xious to clear out thick
layers of Teutonic influence from the Augean stable
of British trade, sometimes allowed their zeal to
get the better of their discretion. All and sundry
who were suspected, or whom the writer wished, or
thought he ought, to suspect, were open to attack.
The slowness of the Government Departments in
coming into line with public opinion and fully
recog-nising the necessities of the case, was in some
measure responsible for this tendency, and no doubt
the more recent progressive policy of the Govern-
ment has been consequent upon tlie pressure of
jniblic agitation, according to the teaching of Lord
lialdane. though we happen to know something of
the extremely difficult nature of the problems that
have arisen, rendering the exercise of careful dis-
crimination most necessary. But the attacks, in-
discriminate and otherwise, have also been due to
the method of the German in secretly getting in
here and there, and managing, by the aid of charac-
teristic devices, to conceal his whereabouts. Even
now there are difficulties in the way of those who
have strong suspicions, amounting almost to con-
victions, regarding certain traders, but can neither
confirm nor disprove them. The best thing in such
a case is for them to lay the matter before the Board
of Trade — they can do "that without running any risk,
and they will not put upon the Press a burden that it
ought not to be required to earn'. We learn from
Australia that the Press out there, which has attacked
many concerns about which it has been difficult to
ascertain the true facts relating to their connections,
ownership, and interests, has, after bearing the
burden of risk involved, now been protected by a
special War Precautions Act which was passed in
June. This Act prohibits any person from taking
action, without the written consent of the Attorney-
General, against any other person, for relief, "in res-
pect of anvthing said or done, or permitted to be
said or done, by the defendant, which states or
implies that the plaintiff is an enemy subject or a
person of enemy origin or associations, or influ-
enced or controlled^ by enemy subjects, or having,
or intending to have, any connections with enemy
subjects .... either personally or in his trade
or business." It is provided that the Attorney-
General shall not w'ithhold his consent where he is
satisfied that the statement or implication has been
made maliciously or recklessly. With this provision
included, it seems to us that the measure is a very
desirable one under the prevailing conditions. In
many respects during the war Australia has been
far more advanced in its methods than the Mother
Countrv. Here the Government leaves the Press
to fight its own battles, and preserves privileges to
the man of straw against the well-intentioned news-
paper.

Although the situation in pig
Pig Lead. lead has remained under the close
supervision of the Ministry of Muni-
tions, the market has admittedly again felt the effect
of the enormous requirements for munitions in one
direction or another. Until a few weeks ago. the
selling operations on the part of the authorities in
connection with the surplus parcels which could be
spared out of the controlled supply from Spanish
and Australian sources tended to keep prices down,
.Subsequently market movements have been appar-
ently chieflv determined by the preparations which j.
were made bv the Government to make adequate
provision for Russian requirements over the winter
months. This, coinciding with a temporary consider-
able contraction of the arrivals through delayed

Vol. 79. No. 2,02;^. September l.i;.U>.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

227

shipments, no doubt has naturally enough left the
market rather bare of near metal. Hence the ten-
dency became sensitive, which with a more insistent
demand from consumers in other directions has
resulted in a steady advance in prices, more espe-
cially in near positions.

In the course of the past week, the market was
particularly bare of sellers, so much so, in fact, that
purchases were more difficult, and only a compara-
tively limited amount of business could be got
through. The premium on spot deliver}^ was forced
up to quite £2 a ton. which is not surprising, for so
far as can be gathered there is very little metal held
in warehouse to meet urgent needs. The position
still seems rather tight, and some further hardening
of prices in near positions may ensue, but there is
good reason for assuming" that some relief is now
pretty near at hand, judging by the fact that more
liberal supplies have reached this side lately from
Spain. For one thing, there is not much doubt that
Russian needs ha.ve been satisfied for some consider-
able time to come, so that there should be more lead
to spare to meet requirements in other directions.
Considerable quantities went to Russia via Arch-
angel and also Vladivostock, and it is not expected
that much more will be diverted to the latter port.
It is well to bear in mind that the market is abso-
lutely under Government control, and since it is
understood that the latter have now made pretty
full provision for all their munition contracts for
several months to come, it is suspected that a change
of feeling may eventually ensue should controlled
lead at any time come on the market in appreciable
quantities. Histoiy is likely to repeat itself in that
respect, for it is an open secret that' the authorities
will neglect no opportunity to prevent an imdue in-
flation of values. The fact, however, that France
continues to draw supplies from Spain on a large
scale by rail tends to keep the Spanish exports to
this side on a rather restricted scale.

Shipping conditions may possibly improve since
the requisition of German ships released by the
Portuguese Government, and this would facilitate
the accession of fresh supplies, but under present
conditions it is hardly likely that surplus supplies
will accumulate to any very large extent. For some
time past the American position has been tight.
partly due to the considerable quantities shipped to
Russia via Archangel, and New York prices have
again risen, but this feature is not calculated to have
any material influence on this market. A set-back
in prices in America would cause no surprise, since
the Russian demand has been met. The market
here this week re-opened with a firm tone, sellers
being' still reserved pending developments,.

On Tuesday next the 86th annual
The B.A. on meeting of the British Association
the Tyne. for the Advancement of Science will
be opened at Newcastle-upon-Tyne.
As at the previous war meetings, there will be no
excursions or festivities, and the sittings will be con-
fined to four or five days, but we have no doubt
that, as last year, good work will be done and
results of national value will accrue. The Associa-
tion has a long record of usefulness to its credit,
and in its title, which we purposely quote at full
length, may be discerned the aspirations of its far-
sighted founders, who recognised the importance of
propagating a due appreciation of the value of
science in the public mind. We rejoice to think that
the aims of those wise men are now approaching
fruition, though nothing less than a war directly
involving the destinies of at least 14 nations, and
indirectly affecting the whole world, has been neces-
sary to awaken the British people to the perilous
condition to which the apathy and ignorance of their
rulers had brought them.

Details of the programme have not yet been

received, but we are glad to note that prominence
will be given to such questions as " Education after
the War," " Economics after the War," and " Fuel
Economy and Smoke Prevention " — all subjects of
first-class importance to the nation. Mr. Gerald
-Sloney will preside over the Engineering Section,
in which a number of papers on matters of imme-
diate interest are set down for reading by distin-
guished authors. The interim reports of the Fuel
Economy "Committee and the five Sub-Committees
which were deputed to examine specific questions
are expected to be of exceptional value and import-
ance. There is good reason to anticipate, there-
fore, that the meeting will be noteworthy from a
scientific point of view, and we wish it every
success.

Yesterday the report of the Com-
Science and mittee of the Privy Council for
Industry. Scientific and Industrial Research
for the year 1915-16 was published,
together with the vastly more loquacious report
of the Advisory Council and its five Appendices.
I'he latter commences with a review of the past 16
years purporting" to show that the Government
during that period had done much to encourage
" organised scientific support for our trades and
industries," but in view of the niggardly and
absurdly inadequate grants to the National Physical
Labora'ton." (still only £7,000 a year), and ' the
meagre recognition and assistance afforded to the
Engineering Standards Committee, the Imperial
Institute, and the Imperial College of Science and
Technology, the instances cited by the Council as
evidences of the said " encouragement," we are un-
able to join even in the faint praise with which the
Council damns the authors of its being".

Optical glass, dyestufis, magnetos, drugs, and
zinc are once more paraded as the chief items whose
conspicuous scarcitv compelled the Government to
take action just two years ago, with the result that
the first meeting of the Advisory Council was held
one year ago, and the organisation of science in aid
of industiy was at last commenced.

The necessities of the case compelled the Council
to give attention first of all to science in its imme-
diate applications to industry rather than to the
development of pure science, upon which those
applications ultimately depend. The first proceed-
ing of the Coimcil was to rescue from abandonment
certain researches which were being- carried on by
professional associations, by means of grants to the
societies concerned, some of which have been
recorded in our pages. Conferences were held
with representatives of all the scientific and engi-
neering societies in the Kingdom, and several trad-
ing associations, with gratifying results. A register
of researches in progress at the outbreak of war
was drawn up, and grants were made to some 40
individuals. Standing Coinmittees have been ap-
pointed to deal with specific subjects, and other
committees will be formed. A large part of the
Report consists of a running commentary on the
doings of other bodies interested in the maintenance
of British trade supremacy, many of which have
been recorded in our columns, and the practice of
our American and German competitors is reviewed :
we hope to deal with it more fully at an early oppor-
tunity. At the moment we can only give the terms
in which the Council summarises the conditions that
appear to be neoessaiy for the success of its work:
these are, in the briefest form: "First, a largely
increased supply of competent researchers ; secondly,
a hearty spirit of co-operation among all concerned,
men of science, men of business, working men, pro-
fessional and scientific societies, universities and
technical colleges, local authorities and Govem-
nient departments. And neither condition will be
effective without the other."

•i-J>s

THE ELECTRICAL EEVIEW. |v„i.7i.. No.2.(i2:i.sE.-rEMBKR i. ii.i.;.

SWITCHBOARDS FOR POLYPHASE TESTING.

By a. T. BULLEX.

To the electrical enjiineer, the value of a switchboard is
not its cost in pounds, shillings, and pence, hut is rather
the amount of work and numher of operations it is capable
of performiuo:. Yet, on account of the expenditure involved,
swit<_'hboards are more often tluiii not designed for one
specific purjxjse and for but one distinct set of ojx'ralions.

The cost of erecting and throughly e(iuip]iing a testing
■switchboard for polyjihase currents is, .is a rule, much more
than the t-entral-st*ition engineer is prepared to spend,
and so we often find that the testing of two or three-phase

))ossible method for ]>ressure is the use of wall-sockets. An
arrangement as shown in diagram ;i covers all ]xissililc
connections.

The phases are lirouglit in according to the letters on the
]ilugs.

The above is a very useful, although a very sim))le, board :
and, moreover, it is not costly.

It is, however, limited in its sco])e, and is hardly suitable
for unbalanced circuits. To meet these reciuirements, then-
fore, a more elaborately designed board is in use.

The eijuipment consists of three single-]ihase transformers,
each of (J k.v.a. out]nit, the j)riniaries and secondaries of
which are both wound in two equal sections, which can be
joined in either series or parallel. The ratio of trans-
formation is (; to 1, the primary volts being 4 1.^. Each

Diagram 1.

meters, for instance, is sadly neglected, or is, on the other
hand, caiTied out hy the use of single-phase current, which,
while giving approximate results, does not cover all the
possibilities of a tlu'ee-phase circuit.

One of the .greatest obstacles in the way of three-phase
testing is the cost of the necessary instruments. The
writer, therefore, proposes to illustrate and explain a
simple arrangement of switches adopted - in one of our
municipal testing departments, whereby the current in any
phase of a three-phase system can be measiu'ed on a single
instrument without stopping to change the connections.

The arrangement is showii in diagram 1.

A, B, c, and N are single-pole switches inserted in the
three phases and neutral of a star system.

p, Q, and R are doirble-pole, two-way switches. The
centre contacts of q are taken to the current terminals, where'
an ammeter or the current coil of a wattmeter is inserted.

The two top contacts of switch q are connected to the
centre contacts of switch p, and similarly the bottom con-
tacts of Q are connected to the centre of b.

The top and bottom contacts of P and of e are then
connected across the switches a, b, c, and n respectively.

By ojiening the switches A, b, c, and N in turn and alter-
ing the two-way switches accordingly, it is obvious that
without disturbing the circuit we can measure the current
in any phase or the neutral.

This arrangement is particularly suitable for balanced
loads, and is used almost exclusively for motor testing.

A somewhat similar aiTangement might be used for the
pressure, but it is the opinion of the writer that the simplest

NSFORMER SECONDARIES

Diagram 2.

transformer connected singly is, therefore, capable of giving
secondary voltages, as luider : —

1

Primary

Primai7

Secondarv

Secondary

volts.

connections.

connections.

volts.

415

Parallel

Series

138

Parallel

B!)

Series

Series

iV.t

,,

Parallel

■Mo

When the transformers are connected to form ; a three-
phase system, there is a much greater range of secondar'r
voltages.

Below is a tabulated list of the connections and secondary
voltages, for both star and delta combinations : —
Three-phase.

Primary
volts.

Primary
connections.

Secondary
connections.

Secondary

TOltS.

415

Parallel-A

Series-Y
Parallel-Y

Series-A
Parallel-A

239
119-5
138
69

415

Parallel-Y

Series-Y
Parallel-Y

Series-A
Parallel-A

138
69

80
40

415

Series-A

Series-Y
Parallel-Y

Series-A
Parallel-A

119-5
60
69
34 -5

415

Series-Y

Series Y
Parallel-Y

Series-A
Parallel-A

69
34-5.
40
20

Vol. 79. XO.2.02S. SEPTEMBER 1.101^.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

•i-i'.l

In addition to this each translonner is jirovidcd with

tappings to allow for Scott connections for transforming to

two-phase. In this case, of course, only two transformers

are used, the secondary volttiges obtainaljle being as under : —

Two-phase.

Primary Primary

volts. eonnections.

41.-> Parallel

B.T.H. TURBO AIR COMPRESSORS.

Secondary
connections.

Secondary
volts.

Series
ParaUel •

Series
Parallel

138
(ID

Mr,

The switclibnard is designed to give all the above ai'range-
ments with a minimum of trouble.

Diagram i shows the arrangement on the secondary side
of the transformers. The primary connections are similar,
but with an additional panel for Scott connections.

The half-windings of the secondai'ies are brought to con-
tacts, on the lower panel of the board, numbered 1 and 2

for one coil, and 3 and 4 for the other. It is clear that
by linking numbers 2 and 3, the coils are connected in
series, and that by linking 2 and 4 luid 1 and 3 they are
joined in parallel. Ammeters A,, a^, &c., are placed in
circuit in each half winding, which can be reversed or
iiitirely cut out liy means of contacts 5 and C>.

Two three-pole two-way switches on the top panel control
tlie connections, and are wired U) give three-phase A with
tlie left-hanil switch up, and three-phase Y when down.

The right-hand switch is thrown up for three-phase, and
down for two-phase, when, of course, the left-hand switch is
out of use.

The neutral is brought through from the primary board
on to a special link, which also has to be changed over for
two-pha.se working, since the neutral
then forms the fourth wire of the two- .
phase system. Ammeters are placed
in. the three lines A, B and c.

The maximum secondary line cur-
rent, without over- loading, is 1.50
amperes on the tlu-ee-phase and lU)
amperes on the two-phase.

It is obvious that when the primaries
are connected in series, only half the
output is available.

The pressure ai-rangements are dealt
with ius before, being brought to si.x
wall-sockets, as in diagram 3.

At present no phase-shifting device
is installed, but there is a plentiful
supply of inductances, which, so far.
has met all requirements.

The chief merits of the board are
its adaptability, and, at the same time,
its simplicity of operation. In construction it is not
elaborate, but it will do all that is required for ordinary
purposes, and a good deal more than many a more costly
board.

The turbo-compressor, which is to-day constructed
in single units of the largest output, has been deve-
loped within a period of about ten years.

Compressors of this type have been built in sizes
ranging up to 6o,ooo cu. ft. per min. of free air, up
to a pressure of 170 lb. per sq. in. gauge when run-
ning at a speed of 3,000 r.p.m. This output corres-
ponds to an input of 12,000 to 13,000 11. p. measured
at' the shaft.

The outstanding advantages of, turbo-compressors
as compared with reciprocating compressors may be
summai-ised as follows : —

(a) The fioor space occupied is much smaller, the
capital expenditure is less, and the over-all efficiency
is higher.

(h) Much lighter foundations are required, and
the turbine drive permits of the condenser being
placed immediately below the turbine, with a conse-
quent reduction in the length of the eduction pipe.

((•) No internal lubrication of the compressor is
necessary, and since with turbine drive forced lubri-
cation is provided to all bearings, a considerable
amount of oil is thus saved and less attention is
required.

((/I The turbo-compressor permits of the use of
exhaust steam from winding, hauling, rolling-mill
engines, &c.

(r) The supply of air from a turbo-compressor is
free from oil, which is a sine qita non in the case of
certain chemical processes.

(/) The air delivered by a turbo-compressor is
continuous in supply, and not pulsating, as in the
case of reciprocating" machines.

In designing turbo-compressors, the British
Thomson-Houston Co.. Ltd., have kept before them
the vital importance of producing a machine which
will be reliable in operation and of high efficiency.

The multistage construction employed permits of
the advantages of cooling, and it is possible to
approach the isothermal pressure curve more
closely than iii a piston compressor with staged com-
pression and intermediate cooling; the air, which
is inhaled through a suitable duct, passes through

'^

Electricity on Aeroplanes. — From the annual reixirt just

issued by the Advisory Committee on Aeronautics.vwe learn that
durinpr the past year two wireless telef^raph sets of very lig-ht
weight have been designed and tested at the Royal Aircraft Factory.
A numlier of special tests have also been carried out in connection
with the if!;nition magnetos of aeroplane engines, and an improve-
ment has been effected in the system of electric lig-hting of
aeroplane instruments.

Fig. 1. — B.T.H. Turbo km Compressor, Ste.4m End.

a number of stages in series, the stages being
divided over two casings, since the number of im-
pellers is too large to be carried on one shaft. The
work done in compressing the air in each set of
stages is approximately of equal value.

Each casing contains a number of diaphragms,
the space between the diaphragms forming the
stages; the ends of the casings are provided with
covers which have the inlet and outlet ducts cast
in them. The impellers are mounted on shafts
which revolve in bearings of patented design,
which permit of high speeds of rotation without
appreciable vibration. The impellers are constructed
of high tensile strength steel of the best quality,

•230

THE ELECTRICATi REVIEW. iv„i :., n,

■;i;rri:Miu;i; 1. I'.Mi

accurately turned and bored, and are forced on to
the shafts by iiydraulic pressure, the fit between the
impeller and shaft being provided by means of
special bronze rings embedded in the bore of the
impeller, according to the patented practice of the
British Thomson-Houston Co.. Ltd. Thanks to
this construction, which is standard both for turbo-
compressors and turbines, loose fits, with conse-
quent vibration, are unknown.

The vanes of the impellers are attached to the
impeller disks in such a manner that trouble due to
loose vanes is an impossibility; this defect has been
known to occur in the case of impellers of the usual
riveted type, with the result that serious vibration
troubles have been incurred.

The shroud plates of the impellers are machined
from pressings of extra high tensile strength steel
plate.

The flow of air through the two sets of impellers
is so arranged that the end thrust of one set of
impellers is eliminated by that of the other set of
impellers, the two shafts butting together between
the bearings to be found in the centre pedestal
situated between the two casings.

The connection between the two shafts for driv-
ing purposes is through a flexible coupling of the

The water jackets surround the impeller cham-
bers, the diffusers. and the return passages, whilst
the hollow partitions separating the return passages
from the diffusers are also supplied with circulating
water. All the water connections are external.

Cooling blades ol cast-iron are attached to the
hollow partitions between the stages for the pur-
pose of increasing the cooling surface. These
l)lades. furthermore, ensure correct flowing of the
air in the direction of the following impeller.

Due to the method of construction employed, the
surfaces over which the air will pass can be easily
ground and machined to a smooth finish and by
this means the friction losses are greatly reduced,
with a consequent increase in the efficiency of com-
pression.

The sealing of the openings in the diaphragms,
through which the shaft passes from stage to stage,
and also in the covers of the casings is effected by
a patented construction consisting of an internally-
grooved ring split ''nto four parts, and held to-
gether bv leaf openings. The ring fits in a groove
turned in the diaphragm, which prevents it moving
inwards on to the shaft, but at the same time allows
it free movement outwards. This effectually guards
against anv possible risk of damage due to inaccu-

FiG. 'i.— B.T.H. TrRBO-roMrRE.ssoR. with Casing Rkmoved.

claw type, and the coupling between the turbine and
the compressor is also of the same type.

The position of the two sets of impellers relative
to the casing is determined by a multi-collared
thrust bearing situated in the outboard pedestal of
the compressor. The value of the load carried by
the collars of this thrust bearing is very slight., due
to the excellent balancing of end thrust between
the two sets of impellers.

The two casings are connected together by means
of piping, and if a comparatively low temperature
of air at the delivery of the compressor is required,
an inter-cooler may be connected in at this point in
place of the pipe mentioned above. By this means
the temperature of the air can be reduced to approxi-
mately 136 deg. F. with an inlet cooling water tem-
perature of 50 deg. F., the final air pressure in this
case being 120 lb. per sq. in. gauge.
. After the air has passed through an impeller, it
passes through a set of guide vanes in the diffusers,
by means of which a high efficiency is obtained, and
by the suitable design of these vanes a very silent
operation of the compressor has been secured.

The coohng of the air as it passes through the
casing is very effective. Cooling is necessary, of
course, in order to reduce the power required to
compress the air, and also to reduce the final tem-
perature of the air, which would otherwise be exces-
sive.

rate assembly, and eiiables fine shaft clearances to
be used without danger. The shrouding of the im-
pellers at the inlet annulus is also provided with
similar packings to reduce the short-circuit losses.

In order to maintain a constant pressure of air
at the delivery of the compressor, independent of
the quantaty of air being used, the speed of revolu-
tion of the turbine and compressor is varied. This
effect is produced by means of a piston moving in
a cylinder, which is acted upon by the delivery
air pressure from the turbo-compressor. The
piston operates the pilot valve, which controls the
supply of steam to the turbine.

In actual operation it is found that this type of
governor will maintain the pressure at the delivery
of this compressor constant to within J.o to 3.0 lb.
per sq. in., with a variation in output on the delivery
mains from practically full load to no-load and vice
versa.

The compressor illustrated herewith is driven by
a mixed-pressure turbine of the Curtis type. The
details of construction of the Curtis type of turbine
are now so well known that they need not be
recapitulated.

The turbine in the case of the machine illustrated
is in operation at a well-known colliery in the Mid-
lands, and receives its supply of exhaust steam from
winding, hauling", and other engines at the pit brow.

The capacity of the machine is 5,000 cu. ft. of

Vol.71.. No. L'.(m SEPTEMBER i.i...ir,] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

231

free air per minute up to a pressure of So lb. per
sq. in. gauge. It has also an overload capacity of
6,250 cu. ft. of free air per minute at the same de-
livery pressure.

The normal speed of rotation is 4,600 r.p.m. at
full load.

The machine is not pro\ided with an inter-cooler,
as a low temperature of air at delivery was not
specified.

The compressed air in the case of this machine
is employed in coal-cutting, operating haulages,
ventilating, &c. Although the demand for com-
pressed air in the case of this machine varies very
considerably, and ranges at times from 5,000 cu. ft.
per minute down to 1,500 to 2,000 cu. ft. per
minute in less than 30 seconds, the variation in
pressure of the air at the delivery of the compressor
does "not exceed 2.0 lb. per sq. in.

THE JOHANNESBURG
MUNICIPAL ELECTRIC POWER STATION.

{Ahsfi-act of paper read lefore the SOUTH AFRICAN INSTITUTION

OF Engineers, by J. H. Dobson. M.Sc, M.Enjf.)

iCoiitiiiiied from page 223.)

The Present Steam Plant.*
dialing Arrangements. — The Council has a branch railway
siding which runs from Braamfontein station to within the
power station yard. When the coal trucks are shunted into
the yard, the coal dehvered i.s weighed on an Avery triple com-
bined weigh-bridge which has been erected some '200 ft. from
the boiler house. Between the weigh-bridge and the boiler
house is an underground coal boot into which the coal is
.delivered. The coal trucks are generally fitted with bottom
hoppers, which when opened allow the coal, to fall into the
coal boot without any handhng. The boot has a capacity of
360 tons. There are four discharge doors in the bottom of the
coal boot, through which the coal falls on to a tray conveyor,
.5(1 ft. long._ The coal falls from the tray conveyor into a
rotary automatic filler, which in turn feeds the coal into a
gravity bucket conveyor. The coal is then elevated from the
shaft at the end of the coal boot to the coal bunkers, which
have a capacity of 400 tons and run the whole length of the
boiler house.

The gravity bucket conveyor is capable of dealing with 40
tons of coal per hour ; the total length of the conveyor, includ-
ing the return, is 580 ft.

The kind of coal used at the power station is chiefly nuts
from the Middelburg district. Investigations were carried out
as to the economic value of nuts, peas, and duff; unless peas
and duft' coal are purchased at an appreciably lower price
than nut coal, the latter is far more economical. As the price
of duff peas landed at the power station is only between Is.
and 'is. a ton less on a price of about 10s. per ton, nut coal
is almost entirely used. The coal is purchased in accordance
with a specification based chiefly upon calorific value.

For removing the ashes a shaft was first put down at the
south end of the boiler house, and a tunnel was driven under-
neath the centre line, the distance from floor level to the
bottom of the tunnel being 27 ft. This tunnel extends the
whole length of the boiler house.

Ihe ash gullies or chutes connecting the back of the chain
grate stokers were then driven upwards and connected to the
tunnel, which is lined with hard blue bricks.
All the above work was carried out departmentally, without
• interfering with the working of the boiler hou.se.

The a.shes fall directly into the ash gullies through mouth-
pieces. In the tunnel pans are filled with a.shes by opening
the chute doors; they are then run along rails ai; the end
of the tunnel, and are elevated to the receiving bin by means
of a tray conveyor. At present the ashes are removed from
the bin by mule wagons, although arrangements have been
made, when a suitable dumping site has been obtained, to
remove them by electric freight cars capable of holding eight
tons of a.shes.

A large amount of patience and fore.sight were involved in
the process of installing chainrgrate stokers, superheaters, and
economisers in those boilers which were originally installed
without the.se accessories.

Three chimneys were removed to provide the boilers on the

east side of the boiler house with economisers and proper

. draught arrangements. Before the chimney stacks could be

removed the new draught arrangements had to be erected

ready for connecting to the boilers. There is now only one

• A full illustrated description of the present power station
appeared in the Electrical Review of January 21sf — February
lith, 1916 The following are supplementary details taken
from Pro.f. Dobson's paper.

natural-draught chimney, which is connected to Nos. 6, 7,
and 8 boilers, which are not fitted with economisers.

There were installed six sets of indirect induced-draught
plants on the Schwabach system, which is similar to the well-
known Prat system. The discharge air ducts of the fans are
carried inside the chimneys and fitted with nozzles, the open-
ing of the nozzles being varied by means of specially formed
regulating bodies, which are operated by hand winches placed
conveniently near the boilers. An emergency steam jet is
fitted into each chimney. This provides an effective stand-by
in case of trouble with a fan or motor, and, again, the jet
may be used in conjunction with the fan should it ever be
necessary to force the boilers due to a very sudden increase of
steam demand, or if any of the other boilers are thrown out
of action.

Each draught plant deals with two boilers, and operates
satisfactorily with all the coal required for evaporating
34,000 lb. of water per hour. The fans are driven by direct-
coupled motors of 50 H.P., running at a speed of 1,080 r.p.m.
on 460 volt direct current. The temperature of the gases
entering the economisers is about 520 deg. P., and when
entering the chimney is about 308 deg. F. The draught at
the end of the boilers is about .375 in., at the foot of the
chimney f in. natural draught, and 1 in. when the fan is
working.

After an experience of five years it may be stated that
these draught plants have given general satisfaction.

The question of installing mechanical stokers had to receive
early consideration. The final choice was between the Erith
underfeed stokers and Babcock & Wilcox chain-grate stokers.
The underfeed stokers were cheaper by several thousands of
pounds, and the principle of their action is generally ad-
mitted to be perfect, in that combustion takes place within
the burning fuel itself without any necessity for specially
built arches as required by the chain-grate stokers. Before
the final choice of stokers was made the Johannesburg repre-
sentatives of the underfeed stokers, at their own expense,
fitted up a Babcock & Wilcox boiler with their stokers, and
their working was compared with that of a chain-grate stoker
on a similar boiler. The underfeed stokers certainly showed
great flexibility, and combustion could be obtained as nearly
as possible perfect. Taken over a period of six hours' run-
ning, the tests for lb. of water evaporated per lb. of coal were
always favourable to the chain-grate stokers, but the chief
point which made the adoption of the underfeed stokers abso-
lutely impossible was the necessity to open the furnace doors
at regular intervals for cleaning purposes, as the ashes cannot
be disposed of as in the case of chain-grate stokers, and, in
addition, there was the tremendous clinkering of the Trans-
vaal coals. Accordingly, chain-grate stokers with the neces-
sary brick arches were installed one by one in all the boilers.
Five "Auto" CO, recorders are connected to the various
groups of boilers. With boilers working under normal condi-
tions, with a draught at back of boiler of .375 in., the average
percentage of CO, is 10 to 12.

The Bettington boiler is of relatively new design ; the chief
pioneering and experimental work was carried out on the
Witwatersrand by the late Lieut. Claude Bettington and Mr.
Eobeson, formerly consulting mechanical engineer of the Cen-
tral Mining & Investment Corporation. Facilities were given
to the manufacturers (Me.ssrs. Eraser & Chalmers) to install
one of these boilers, which was in the experimental stage —
to be paid for provided the boiler gave satisfaction. The
particulars of this boiler are as follows : —

Evaporative capacity, per hour 34,0001b.

Heating surface, 240 tubes, 3J in. dia., 22 ft. long 4,480 sq. ft.

Heating surface of boiler shell 460 sq.ft.

Heating surface of superheater tubes ],200sq. ft.

Heating surface, 75 economiser tubes, HJ in. dia.,

22 ft. long ... ..! ... l,400sq. ft.

Heating surface, 188 air-heater tubes, 3J in. dia.,

10 ft. 10 in. long l,7308q. ft.

As the above boiler is the largest of its kind that has been
made, some particulars will probably be of interest.

Pig, 3 shows the arrangement of the boiler. It consists
briefly of solid drawn steel vertical tubes connected at the
top aiul bottom to mild steel annular headers. The top header
is fitted with doors for drawing out the tubes whenever neces-
sai-y. The steam drum is fitted into the annular space of the
top header, large holes being made in the periphery of the
steam drum to form one common water and steam space at
the top of the boiler. The top and bottom beaders, together
with the vertical tubes, foiTn a circular structure like a huge
cage. The interior part of this structure forms the combus-
tion chamber, where the fuel is burned. The coal is placed
in the coal bunker, fed into the coal hopper, and falls by
gravity on to a worm gear, which forces the coal into a com-
bined pulveriser and -blower. This latter arrangement is
simply an ordinary centrifugal fan with heavy blade or beater
tips, and with a constricted space between the ends of the
beaters and the casing. The boiler under review is fitted
with two sets of combination blower-pulverisers, each directly
driven by 100-H.p. motors at approximately 1,400 r.p.m.' Each
pulveriser is capable of giving the full rated output of the
boiler. In this way the coal is driven outwards by centrifugal
force, and is cru.3hed fo fine dust and blown into the dust
chamber. The heavy particles fall back again into the pul-
veriser to be further crushed to fine dust. This is carried
upwards to the air and fuel pipe, which terminates in a large

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW. 1\ .1

Nil. I'.'.IL'H. SUI'TK;MllKlt 1. llUfi.

tuyere, and the coal dust when ipnited burns like a large
Bunsen burner. The ignited coal dust forms a niiishrooiii-
shaped flame within the closi-d ring of vertical tul)es which
form part of the steam producing plant. The flame strikes
the bottom of the steam drum, is deflected downwards, and
passes over the interior row of tubes, which are protected
from the high temperature of the combustion chamber by
specially shaped lirebricks. The hot gases are then deflected
upwards and pass over the outer rows of vertical water tubes
and the superheater tubes, ami linally round the eeonomiser
tubes through which the boiler feed passes before it gets to
the boiler. There is also another set of tubes through which
the ga.ses pass before entering the chimney and passing to the
atmosphere. This latter set of tubes forms a separate air
heater, and is connected to the pulveriser blower, which draws
the air around the hot tubes, thus heating the air before it
passes into the boiler and enabling the pulveriser to deal with
fairly wet coal. The .superheater tubes are connected to the
upper part of the steam space of the top header by means of
a, steel expansion pipe, and the superheated steam is led away
to the mains in the u.sual way. The firing of the boiler when
cold is done at the municipal station by inserting a 2-in. gas
pipe into a 4-in. air pipe to form a large Bun.sen burner, the
whole being placfjd inside the tuyere, and the boiler is
started up instantly by simply lighting up the large gas jet.

Bettington Boiler Arrangement.

The Bettington boiler was installed iu 1911, and a thermal
efficiency of 85 per cent, was guaranteed. The boiler, as
depicted in the figure, had to be somewhat modified. At first
it was fitted with a parallel chimney 60 ft. high and 4 ft. 6 iu.
diameter. It was expected that the pulveriser, which acts as
a tan and produces a pressure of 1 in. to li in. in the combus-
tion chamber, would be sufQcient to force the hot gases
around the boiler tubes, the eeonomiser and air heater tubes,
and thence up the chimney. In practice, however, the gases
were somewhat choked, and cooled to such an extent that
additional draught had to be provided to get the full capacity
out of the boiler. It was impossible to modify the air pressure
at the pulveriser, as it interfered with the combustion of the
coal dust. The economi.ser and air heater were considerably
reduced, and a more direct path for the gases to the chimney
was provided, by raising the air heater about 26 ft. In addi-
tion, the boiler was fitted with a Schwabach indirect induced-
draught plant exactly similar to those installed on the other
boilers, and the height of the chimney in the new arrange-
ment is 86 ft., the draught at the bottom of which is about
J. in. In this way the rated capacity of the boiler was
obtained, but its efficiency was somewhat lowered. No doubt
in, the future design of this boiler its efficiency can be some-
what improved by a proper relation between the pulveriser
pressure, the boiler tubes, and the magnitude and arrange-
ment of the eeonomiser and air heater system without the
necessity of an additional mechanical draught system at the
base of the chimney.
_ After these alterations and certain adjustments at the pul-

verisers were made, the boiler, whilst not attaining the high
efficiency of 85 per cent, as guaranteed, was considered
thoroughly reliable for the purposes for which it is used at
the municipal power station. Practice shows that the water
tubes are luactically self-cleaning. The inner row of water
tubes does not appear to show any unusual evil effects by
beiug close to the combustion chand)er. During a period of four
years very few tubes have been replaced. The boiler can be,
and is, u.sually put on the steam mains from cold in about
'2(( minutes to half an hour from lighting it up by gas. The
boiler is usually run to take the evening peak load, but has
been run regularly day and night on occasions foi' a period
of over a week, during which time it is necessary to rake out
the pebbles of .-.lag every 1'2 hours, and there was no parti-
cular tioulile experienced through .slag depositing on the brick
lining. This boiler has been of great service when part of the
other boiler plant has been suddenly put out of action. Its
ability to get up steam quickly is regularly taken advantage
of, especially during the rainy season, when sudden large
increases of load arise in a very short time. As it is fitted
with two pulverisers, each of which can give the full, rated
output, its overload capacity has oft-times proved exception-
ally useful. Needless to say, the boiler was paid for and
taken over, and it forms a valuable portion of the boiler plant,
working on conditions of large and sudden power demands.

The last boiler installed is one of the Babcock &. Wilcox
patent marine type water tube boilers, havipg 5,780 sq. ft.
of heating surface, with an evaporation of 35,000 lb. per hour
from and at 21'2 deg. K. with coal conmion to the Transv.ial.
This boiler is fitted with two chain-grate stokers, a patent
superheater, and an eeonomiser. The boiler is connected to a
mild steel chimney arranged with the Prat sy.stem of induced
draught.

The following shows the results of some comparative testa
that have been carried out on this boiler and the modified
Robeson-Bettington boiler: —

X Bettington Babcock and

' i ' tests. Wilcox te.sts.

i7:i-7 Kini

Gaiige pressure, lb. pel- jiq. in. ... ... 17:i"

Feed temperature ... ... ... (j.'iT)' F.

Steam temperature ... ... ... ."ilO"!° F.

Water evaporated per hour SLriiil lb.

Lli. lit water evajKirated per lb. coal

(aslired) , ... 7-".-|0 lb.

Net caliiritie value of coal as received ll'lii
K\a))orateLl equivalent from and at

21:i"F. (iis fired) ■; '.liMll

Evaporative equivalent from and at

212° r. (dry) :r4il4

Percentage auxiliary power ... ... US

Efficiency on net calorific value ... SI 4

Net efficiency on net caloritie value ... /'^''.i

(14-7° F.
.14(1° F.
2!».:^7(l lb.

7ull 111.
11-42

7H1

The make-uj) water is obtained from two sources: —

(«) Five boreholes, sunk to depths of about 300 ft. in dif-
ferent parts of the works ground, the supply from which
during recent years has steadily declined; and

(/)) Tow-n supply mains.

Owing to the amount of chlorine which has developed in
the borehole water during recent years, it is now almost
exclusively used for the make-up for the cooling towers, and
town water is treated for the boiler feed make-up.

An approximate analysis of the town water shows: —

Alkalinity 3.68 deg.

Total hardness 29.6 deg.

Permanent hardness 11.4 deg.

The water has been treated for several years by a fluid
called " Noxal," which has a very alkaline reaction, and con-
tains about 8.48 grammes of soda in 100 c.c. of the fluid.
The town make-up water is about 25,000 gallons per day.
Four gallons of Noxal fluid is diluted with about 20 gallons
of water, this amoimt being used every day. The mixture is
placed in a oa.sk over the feed tank and allowed to trickle into
it continuously. In this way the .scaling of boiler tubes and
their renewal is kept within reasonable limits, the Noxal
having the effect of loosening any scale which may be formed.
It is removed from the boiler by the blowing-down arrange-
ment, and takes about 50 gallons of water per boiler per 24
hours.

The condensed water from the three turbines is pumped
direct into the feed tank without treatment, as it is prac-
ticallv free from oil.

The condensed water from the reciprocating engines is
treated in a Davis-Perrett de-oiling plant, after which it flows
into the main feed tank. The amount of water that can be
dealt with is 3,000 to 4,000 gallons per hour.

The following are results of analyses showing the amount
of oil in the water before and after the above treatment : —

Amount of oil found before entering de-oiler ... .012 p.c.

Amount of oil after electrical treatment ... .003 p.c.

Amou-nt of oil after filtering 0004 p.c. ■

This method of removing oil from water has been most
effective, but good results were only obtained after consider-
able trial and failure. The analysis of the water in the feed
tank shows : —

Alkalinity 1-44 deg.

Total hardness 12.0 deg.

Permanent hardness 4.8 deg.

No.:j.(m,SEPTEM«KRi,i:ii.,.] THE ELECTKICAL REVIEW.

There is the objection to the use of the " Noxal " boiler
fluid that its work is done inside the boiler itself, but investi-
gations went to show that this fluid does not act injuriously
upon the boiler tubes and plates. The results obtained have
been very satisfactory, so far as the replacement and cleaning
of boiler tubes arfe concerned. To further improve the w ater
feed it has been decided to install a Lassen & Hjort water
purifying plant.

The electric supply from the Johannesburg power station is
led to three distinct sections of the distribution plant : 3,300
volts A.c. for the suburbs, OUO volts d.c. for traction, and 400
volts 3-wire d.c. for the inner area of Johannesburg. In any
case it was necessary to install direct-current generating plant.
The author came to the conclusion that it was too risky to
embark on direct-current turbo-generators, because of the
inevitable ditJicnlties connected with commutation, more
especially having regard to the exceptional dust experienced
in Johannesburg. The circumstances of space, however,
and the future demand at the power station, put all
plant out of consideration other than turbines, and the
scheme ultimately decided upon was that of turbo-alternator
generating plant, the direct-current requirements to be
obtained by means of converters to transfonn the alternating
to direct current. The scheme appeared to suit the distribu-
tion plant from the point of viev/ of future growth of traction
and power demand, as it became more and more obvious that
the direct-current power suppUed from the central station
would diminish, whilst the alternating-current requirements
would increase. There was also the point that with turbo-
alternators and converters it would be possible to obtain all
three requirements at times of low load from ane steam turbo-
alternator unit, this tending to economical running.

The plant installed has been impulse turbines, manufac-
tured by Belliss & Morcom, of Binningham. The first 3,000-
KW. turbo-alternator was installed and put on load on October
5th, 1910, the second on July 7th, 1911, and the third
on August 3rd, 1913. Orders for two additional 3,000-KW. sets
have just been placed with Messrs. Parsons & Co., for plain
reaction turbines running at 3,000 r.p.m.

The power plant installed in the engine room at the pre-
sent date consists of two 500-KW. and three 1,000-KW. triple-
expansion Belliss & Morcom engines, three 260-KW. Allen
reciprocating sets, three 3,000-KW. turbo-alternators, all with
BelUss & Morcom turbines, two 750-KW., and two 1,2.50-KW.
motor converters of the La Cour type, manufactured by Bruce
Peebles & Co.

The absence of large natural ponds and the scarcity of water
on the Witw-atersrand make the subject of cooling circulating
water for turbines one of the greatest importance for the
economical production of electric power. Whilst the tem-
perature of the air and the high altitude militate against good
cooling, there is no doubt that the low relative humidity of
the air and the mean wind velocity of the Rand are factors
which tend to good cooling. Numerous investigations were
made before a final decision on the cooling arrangements
was arrived at. The final choice was to erect " wind cooUng
towers " for each of the 3,000-KW. -turbines. They were
designed and made departmentally. and may be described as
partially open, natural-draught cooling towers.

The salient features provide for good distribution of the
water over the whole section of the tower and the complete
breaking-up of the water before falhng on the extended sur-
face provided by brushwood, as well as the provision of a
clear space at the bottom of the tower enabling the wind to
get into the tower and to rise through the brushwood by the
natural draught provided by the height of the tower.

The water falls through porcelain tubes (6 in. long by | in.
diameter, ordinary leading-in tubes used in the distribution
branch of the department), which alwaj's- keep themselves
clean. The water emanating from the porcelain tubes is then
broken up very effectively by zinc disks placed about 9 in.
below the porcelain tubes, and the water thus broken up falls
over the brushwood. Experiments were carried out, and it
was found that so long as the ray of water impinges on a
relatively smooth surface of any shape, it is effectively split up.
A feature of the circulating water piping to the condensing
plant of the three tuibo-altemators is that instead of the
usual iron, it is made of Galifornian redwood. The pipes are
of varying lengths up to 20 ft., the main pipe lines having an
internal diameter of 20 in. They are composed of staves
3s in. wide and IJ in. thick, the edges having " V " tongues
and grooves, the whole being bound together with 3/lG-in.
diameter steel wire, machine-wound tightly rovindthe out-
side with a pitch between coils of 1 in.: the wire is further
secuied at intervals by staples. Before being wire-wound the
pipes are ar(?urately turned in the lathe to the proper dimen-
sions both inside and out. The couplings consist of collars
of a width of 12 in., built of staves and wired in exactly the
same manner as the pipes. The ends of the pipes are slightly
tapered for 6 in. back (where the wiring ends), and the
joint is made by forcing the tapered portion into the collar
after painting with red lead paint. Where bends occur in
the pipe line, castings are used with tapered ends similar to
those on the pipes, the joints being made in exactly the same
manner as on the pipes themselves. They are much cheaper
than cast-iron pipes and easy to run. In fact, owing to the
presence of the gas plant and the enormous amount of under-
ground piping, it would have been almost impossible to run
iron pipes because of the gradual rise and fall in various
portions of the ground to avoid cutting through existing pipes.

The pipes take up by swelling after two or three days' work-
ing, and leakage entirely ceases. After several years' experi-
ence of this type of piping, it is regarded as highly satisfac-
tory.

Owing to the barometer standing at approximately 34.75 in
as compared with 30 in. at sea level, and the relatively high
engine-room temperatures experienced in this country, for the
same output and the same temperature rise, it is a wise jwlicy
to have electrical machinery about 30 per cent, bigger on tlie
Eand than at sea level and in the home country. When work-
ing at full load and .8 p.p. in an engine-room temperature of
about 100 deg. F. the alternators are sufficiently large to keep
the temperature rise between 65 deg. and 70 deg. F.

When all the power required for auxiliaries is taken into
account, the steam consumption per unit on full load is from
15.6 to 15.8 lb. at a back pressure of approximately 1.1 lb. per
sq. in., and from an analysis of the various losses in the
steam turbine the blade efficiency is from 88 to 90 per cent.
The first turbine has been running for nearly five years,
and its running has been perfect. Some six months ago,
after four years' continuous running, the low-pressure blading
showed signs of pitting, and it was decided to replace it, but
before carrj-ing out this decision some of the blading stripped
and the work had to be done more quickly than anticipated.
It can be safely stated that the turbine ran for a period of
four years before it became necessary to replace any blades,
and all but the low-pressure blading have not been touched
and are still satisfactory. Experience has proved that it is
best to replace blades when they show pitting rather than
wait for their final destruction. The second turbine has been
running since July, 1911, Before this machine was finally
taken over from the contractors, four rows of the high-pres-
sure blading stripped and did some damage to the drum of
the rotor. The Council had to acknowledge lack of foresight
and inaction on the part of the driver in attendance on the
turbine, and it was decided that the Council and the contrac-
tors should each pay half towards the cost of the breakdown.
Apart from this the machine has run excellently since its
installation four years ago, but, taking the experience on the
first turbine into account, the blades at the low pressure end
were recently replaced. The third turbine was installed in
August, 1918, and has run satisfactorOy to date. Taken alto-
gether, the running of the turbines has been satisfactory, and
the Council up to the present has been spared the calamities
that have befallen some of the turbine plants that have been
installed on the Witwatersrand.

The alternators have been remarkably free from electrical
faults; in fact, there has not been a single fault during the
whole time the three fets of turbo-altemators have been
ruiuiing.

The duty of the converting plant is to transform the two-
phase alternating current generated at 3,300 volts, 50 cycles, to
thiee-wire direct current for light and power at 460/520 volts,
and direct cuiTent with compounding arrangements for trac-
tion at 500/600 volts. Two 750-KW. and two 1,250-KW. units
were installed.

Motor converters were chosen on account of their estab-
lished reputation as being reliable machines and occupying a
mean position with regard to capital expenditure and effici-
encies of the motor generator and rotary converter. Only
on two special occasions have the machines been used for the
transformation of d.c. to a.c, but worked satisfactorily.

Speed limit devices were called for in the specification in
case the machines came out of synchronism and attempted to
run up to the full speed of fhe rotating field of the stator.
In practice these have been found unnecessary, as the large
cunent taken on the a.c. side under such circumstances brings
out the circuit breaker.

The motor-converters have now been running for abQUt
four years. In general it has been found that motor-con-
verters require much more minute adjustment than ordinary
D.c. generators, but when once correctly adjusted the atten-
tion required is no greater than on any other type of D.c.
plant. The doctor's bill has been relatively small. There
have been two faults during the whole of their running,
covering four years.

The guaranteed efficiencies were exceeded by about 1 per
cent. The sizes of the converters are such that it is never
necessary to work any of them below half-load, and the effici-
ency of transfonnation is thus never below 90 per cent. The
power factor varies from .7 to .85 lagging when the con-
verters are on lighting, and from .98 leading to unity power
factor when on traction.

The perfect provision for balancing in connection with the
motor-converters is a feature of the arrangement. Each of
the motor converters installed in the municipal power station
is capable of deahng with an out-of-balance current of 15 per
cent, with a difference of voltage between the two sides of the
machine of 1,5 per cent, of the average voltage per side, the
middle wire of the three-wire system being connected to the
middle or star point of the rotor windings through a terminal
on the starting resistance, which is connected to the short-
circuited sUp rings.

The use of rotary balancers has been discarded; normally
the out-of-balance load can be kept within 200 amperes, the
converters are able tn deal with it easily, and the difference
in voltage is practically nil.

The following figures convey some idea of the growth of the
system since 1909. and of the pressnt dimensions of the elec-
tric supply imdertaking :^ j

234

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW. [Voi. :■.. .v. .j.nL.s, sk,.,.:m..ki, i, iiu,

1909. 1915.

Total number of connections to mains 5,720 16,091

Total number of meters on system ... 5,753 17,350

Total units generated 1'2,694,367 26,426,07iJ

Maximum load (kw.) 6,400 10,800

Total number of street lamps 5.340 7,000

The monthly load factor, based on the maximum number of
units generated in any one hour (usually on Saturday even-
ings), is approximately SO per cent. The works costs are
approximately .5d. per unit measured by the actual units
delivered to the d.c. traction, the three-wire lighting, and to
the A.c. bus-bars. This includes a price of 4s. Cd. per 1,000
gallons at present paid for town water. The capital charges
on the total power station equipment are approximately .^M.
per unit, making a total cost of approximately .7'2d. per unit
generated. The selUng prices vary from 6d. to 3d. per unit.

The department is in a sound linancial position; ;£550,218
has been provided out of profits .since ]9(B-4 (after wiping out
losses owing to the gas engine failure during the years 190C-7
and 1907-8). Of this amount £9o,'i-27 was utilised for capital
iiioneys, and the remainder went to the relief of rates. The
annual amount provided for the above purposes during the
last few years has represented some 6 or 7 per cent .of the
capital of the whole of the electric supply department, which
is approximately £1,000,000 sterling, of which £-286,000 belongs
to the new steam station plant and buildings, £244,326 is
held as an accumulated fund for the redemption of the loans,
and there is a net amount of £127,698 still standing to the
credit of the renewals fund.

The cubicles are of reinforced concrete, with roller shutters to
save space. The cables are 1 sq. in. cross bonding and r25sii. in.
section cables, insulated with vulcanised rubber. V.B. sheathed, und
laid ill shallow troughs, it being impossible to lay the ordinary
type of cable iu trenches over the viaduct.

Fig. 4 illustrates part of the back of the switchboard in the
Willesden sub-station, showing the Henley porcelain sealing ends

!

Hi

1

■^-m^Wtk

B— - — '""

(,i^_ii * , * 1 • ijii ^■'^, . .

I

L. & N.W. RAILWAY ELECTRIFICATION.

Is our issue of August 11th we briefly outlined the present position
of the work in connection with the electrification of the suburban
services of the London and North- Western Railway in the London
area.

In this connection we are able to illustrate some of the extensive
cable work carried out by Messrs. \V. T. Henley's Telesfraph
Works Co., Ltd., in connection with this scheme. Messrs. Henley
having- been responsible for supplying and laying the whole of the
L.T. -feeder cables, jumper, sectionisiiig, and cross-bonding cables,
including- some 20 miles of haavy cable.

In addition they provided 12 double-feed switch pillais contain-
ing two single-pole 1,500-ampere switches, 22 section double- feed
switch pillars. TO section cross-bond double-feed switch pillars

mm I eiil^

Fig. ].

and four resistance pillars with 1..700-ampere s.p. switches and
resistance grids to carry 3,000 amperes, for 20-second periods at 10-
minute intervals.

Fig. 1 shows the laying of 125 sq. in. paper-insulated V.B.
sheathed track feeder cables at West-End Lane sub-station ; the
cables pass through an iron bend to make connection with Cortez-
Leigh patent sealing terminals ; figs. 2 and 3 show section-feeder
pillars, in the latter case constructed in concrete near Kentish
Town Station on a viaduct, where there was no room for the
ordinary type of pillar.

Fig. i.

with Vio sq. in. paper-insulated, lead-sheathed car-shed feeders ;
the bus-bars are of aluminium.

The cables laid by Messrs. Henley include the sections Willesden
to Camden Town. Willesden to Acton Wells Junction. ChaLk Farm
to Loudoun Road, Chalk Farm to Broad Street. Acton Wells
to Kew East Junction— Kew Bridge, and Acton Junction to
Guunersbury.

Vol. 7!). No. 2,023, September I, l!l in] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

235

NEW ELECTRICAL DEVICES, FITTINGS,
AND PLANT.

Raising Steam by Electric Heating.

In many hydro-electric plants there is for .some months of the year
an excess of energy which is, to a large extent, not utilised. The use
of this energy for raising steam in the boilers of a reserve steam plant
has naturally suggested itself, and experiments along this line have
been made, first, with two steam boilers, by the Electric' Supply
Co. of Zurich, Switzerland, at its Letten plant. As a result of
these tests, the company has ordered two new sets of electric heat-
ing elements, for a third boiler, the section of which is given iu
tig. 1. This apparatus has been in operation since September, 1915.
The electric-heating sets are arranged as shown in the illustra-
tion, and consist of resistance elements A of cast iron, insulated with
mica and eternit. The use of any easily-fusible or expensive metal
or of any solder has been avoided. Each heating unit consists of
six resister sets, which may be connected at will according
to the particular conditions. The connections are made at the
binding posts at the end wall, which also has a window through
which the interior may be observed. While electric heating is
carried on. the heating chamber is hei-metically closed. The

moving letters and words being obtained, so that constantly-
changing legends can be shown.

The letters in this case ai-e 12 ft. high, and it is estimated that
some 200,000 people see the sign each day. At the end of each
advertising message, the time of day is flashed upon the sign, with
the legend, ■ Ye Town Clock," and this feature is much appre-
ciated.— T/ie Cf/itrii/ Statiim.

A Useful Telephone Attachment.

Fig. 2 shows a new telephone attac'hment adapted to grip on to
the neck of the ordinary desk-pattern telephone. The object of
the device is to save the subscriber's time while either waiting for
a call or during the delays which so frequently occur when a
reference has to be looked up or some other person called to the
telephone.

When the receiver is di-opped into the two jaws of the " Chatterak "
(the name by which this device is known), it lies in a position in
which the subscrilier, while going on with other work and having
both hands free for the same, can hear anyone speaking on the

Fig. 2.—" Chatterak" Telephone Attachment.

line. It is not suggested that this is the most convenient position
for carrying on a conversation, although this can be done, and the
device used in this way is specially useful when it is desired to
take down a message and have both hands free to do so.

The device may be obtained wholesale from the Chatterak Co.,
of Queen Anne's Chambers, Westminster. The attachment, which
costs but little, is finished in copper bronze, similar to the finish
most usual on the desk type of telephone.

Fig. 1. — Cbo.ss-section op Boiler Equipped with
Heating Grids (a).

LEGAL

maximum temperature of the heating resisters is below 600° C.
The boiler has 180 sq. m. heating surface, and contains 17 cu. m. of
water. With a maximum consumption of 84 to 86 KW.. 1,720 kg.
of steam is produced in 24 hours, and the steam is utilised in
various ways. The three boilers of the Zurich station, equipped
with electric heating sets, furnish, on the whole. .1,630 kg. of steam
per day. with a consumption of 7.392 KW.-hours. saving 750 kg. of
coal a day. This is a specific consumption of I'Sl KW-hours per
kilogramme of steam (0'6 KW.-hour per lb. of steam).

In order to operate the boiler with coal as fuel, the unit of
electric-heating elements is removed from the boiler. This may be
easily done in halt an hour. The use of electric power for steam
raising is proposed only for those periods in which excess power i.s
available which would otherwise be wasted. — Elei-trii-al }Vin-/il.

Fireproofing Manhole Cables.

According:- to the EIrrtrictd Rerinn ,ii„l Wrslmi. Khrl nciaii,
the Edison ElectricIlluminatingCo., of Brooklyn, N.Y., uses con-
crete toflreiiroof its lead-covered feeder cables in manholes. Two coats
of paraffin, separated from each other by cheesecloth, are applied ;
a J-in. lamp rope is then bound round the cable, and. finally, a |-in.
layer of concrete is spread over all. This also prevents the sheatha
from picking up stray currents.

Motograph Signs.

The Federal Sign System, of Chicago, U.S.A., is responsible
for a new development in moving-sign construction, and what is
claimed to be one of the largest electric signs in the world, of this
type, is located at the corner of Michigan Avenue and Randolph
Street, Chicago, showing in both streets.

The display area measures 130 ft. by 50 ft., and is uniformly
studded with 10,000 Mazda lamps, the sockets of which are con-
nected with wires running to a terminal board ; by passing a per-
forated paperribbon between this terminal board and a corresponding
brush-board forming part of the apparatus, lamps corresponding to
the perforations are caused to light up on the sign — the effect of

Electrical Meters and Machinery Condemned by
the Prize Court.
In the Prize Court on August 23rd, the President, Sir Samel Evans,
had before him a suit by the Crown, asking for condemnation of a
case of " hardware " on the ground that it belonged to enemies of
this country.

Mr. M. W. Slade, for the Crown, said that the goods consisted
of a case of electrical meters and other machinery, and were shipped
on board the British steamship Michigan, by Isaria, Ltd.. a company
incorporated in this country, to customers in Canada, shortly
before the war. They were rejected by the customers in Canada
and were seized on their return to Liverpool as being enemy
property. Isaria, Ltd., had in a letter made a claim to the goods,
stating that they were manufactured in Bavaria, the' order for
them being placed in April, 1914. Accepting their statements.
Counsel asked for condemnation on the ground that Isaria, Ltd.,
was an enemy firm. The facts with regard to Isaria, Ltd., Mr.
Slade continued, were set out in his Lordship's judgment in May
of last year, in the case of the Ponnu. His Lordship had decided
that Isaria, Ltd., must be taken to be a British firm, but following
upon the decision of the House of Lords in the Continental Tyre
Co.'s case, the company must be regarded as an enemy firm.

The President : Your case is that the goods were the property
of Isaria, Ltd., who had not a single British shareholder? You
may also say that the order was given to Munich, and that Isaria,
Ltd., merely shipped the goods to Toronto .'

Mb. Slade : Yes, in which case the goods would be the property
of the «nemy company in Munich. He added that no formal
claim had been put forward to the goods. An order had been
made for their sale, but they had not yet been sold.

The President, in giving judgment, said that the company had
not put forward any claim to the goods in these proceedings,
although they sent a letter to the Procurator-General, alleging
that they were the owners, and that as a company registered iu
this country, they were entitled to have the goods released to them
as they were in the case of the Puona. In that case he (the
President) said that if the judgment of the Court of Appeal in the

•236

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW, [voi. 7,9., ,ko. 2,023, s»»-tkmber 1, i9i«.

Continental Tyro f'o.'s ease was unsound, it muiit be so pro-
nounced by the House of Lords. It had been pronounced to be
unsound by the House of Lords, and foUowins,' that decision .and his
own inclination. lus already expres.se<l in the Poonii case, he must
"hold that Isaria. Ltd.. for all purposes affecting this case, must be
reffartled as an enemy company, althoug-h carryiujf on business
here, and accordingly the goods in question must lie condemned as
enemy property.

Munitions Coirt C.\sk.
Before the Monmouthshire Munitions Tribunal, Reginald Victor
Powell complained that the Xewport Corporation Tramways De-
partment unreasonably refused to issue a certificate in his favour
on July .list. He alleged that he had l>cen superst>ded as senior
switchman by a man who had only been in the l\>rporation's em-
ployment about three weeks, whereas he was a capable man and
had lieen a .servant of the Corporation for about 18 months. His
application was based wholly u|x>n the fact that the new man had
been described as " senior switchboard attendant."

Mr. a. Xichols Moore, the borough electrical engineer, who
represented the Corporation, said that the explanation was that both
men were senior switchboard attendants.

The application was refused. — Monmouthshire Eicn'mg Ponf.

The I'HEEMiT Welding Process.
On .Vugust 21th, Mr. \V. B.Ballantine, of 1, Dr. Johnson's Buildings.
Temple. London, E.C.. applied for a licence to use two patents in the
name of Dr. Goldschmidt. of Essen, for alumino-thermic processes..

Mr. VVBiTEHE.\n, who appeared for Thermit. Ltd.. objected to the
jurisdiction of the Board of Trade. By agreement the right to these
patents was vested in Thermit. Ltd. In July, the Public Trustee,
pursuant to an order of the Board of Trade instructing him to sell
the shares of Thermit, Ltd.. which had hitherto been held by alien
enemies, entered into an agreement to sell them to a company known
as the Birmingham Metal and Munitions Co., Ltd., and the
consideration for sale appeared in the correspondence as £19..500.
That money had actually been paid to the Public Trustee, and the
shares had been transferred. The bulk of the shares of Thermit,
Ltd.. were now held by the Birmingham Metal and Munitions Co.,
a certain number being held by a Mr. Horatio Ballantyne. The
Birmingham Bletal and Munitions Co., Ltd., was a British company
whose shares were held by Xobel's Explosives Co., Ltd., also a
British company. It was a matter of the utmost importance to
Nobel's Explosives Co., Ltd.. and the Birmingham Munitions Co..
LtfL, that they should not be deprived of half what they expected
was coming to them. There was no indication in the agreement
that they were not getting the patents. His clients might desire
to go to the Courts for a judicial construction of the agreement.

The hearing was adjourned to decide whether the Boai-d of Trade
should assume jurisdiction or not. — Tronnmnrier.

WAR ITEMS.

Employes of Military Age. — A decision was given by the
Manchester Stipendiary Magistrate, on August 24th, in a case
in which Messrs. Waygood-Otis, Ltd., lift makers, were sum-
ironed under the Defence of the Eeahii .^ct for failing to post
in a conspicuous part of their premises in Manchester a list
of their male employes of militai-y age. The defence was
raised that the firm was a "controlled" establishment under
the Munitions of War Act; that as such they kept at their
head office in London a register of all their employes of mili-
tary age, and that they were accordingly exempt froui the
ohligation to keep a li.st at the Manchester branch office. The
Stipendiary agreed with this view, and di.smissed the case.

Separation Allowance Case.— .^t Bradford, the wife of a
soldier, formerly employed in the electricity department, was
fined i.5 for ol)taining money from the Corporation by false
pretences. She had applied for relief from the War Fund
when her husband enhsted, and stated that he had no allow-
ance from his fonner employer. On inquiry recently it was
found that she had been receiving 14s. a week from the Cor-
poration, as well as the Government separation allowance and
6s. 6d. a week from the War Fund, from which latter she had
drawn a total of ^620 9s. 6d.

Holborn Tribunal and Electrical Firms. — Mr. Oswald
Kettlefold, Chairman of the Advisori- Committee of the Hol-
born Tribunal, has resigned his position in consequence of
the Tribunal's decisions in claims made by Messrs. Falk,
Stadelmann & Co,, and Messrs. J. and W.' B. Smith, both
engaged in the glass trade in Farringdon Road. The former
firm asked for the exemption of 10 men', and the latter for
nine. It is alleged that Messrs, Falk, Stadelmann's business
has been carried on mainly under the direction of naturahsed
-British subjects of German descent.

.The AdvLsory Committee recommended the dismissal- of
Messrs. Falk, Stadelmann's appeals, and the granting of
Messrs. Smith's, but the Tribunal granted the former finn 13
men of the 16 asked for, and informed Messrs. Smith that
six of their men would have two months' exemption, whilst
three must join up within three weeks. Mr, Nettlefold
accordingly resigned. — Daily Telegraph.

Munition 'Workers' Holiday. — In order to correct a mis-
approheusion which appears to have ari.sen with regard to
the date of the rest period for munition workers, which was
directed by the Government, the Ministry of Munitions says
it should be understood that the period in question will extend
from September 2Sth to October 1st, both dates inclusive.

German Munitions Captured. — Sir Samuel livans, sittini^
in the Prize Court, has condemned as absolute contraband a
supply of machinery for mimitions and ticnch-drilhng in-
tended for the Gemian forces. The machinery was captured
on its way from America, and was made up in 300 small
postal packages. It was destined for delivery via Copenhagen
to the Internationale Fre6,sluft und Elecktricitats Gesell-
schaft, Berlin,

Traininjll Disabled Sailors and Soldiers. — The Disable-
ment Section of the War Pensions Statutory Committee at a
recent meeting di.sc.ussed a new regulation enabling mainten-
ance to be paid to disabled men during training for employ-
ment, in cases where the pension is insufficient to support
the man and his family, when the training necessitates
absence from home, and thus increases his expenses.

Power Station Fatality. — In connection with a recent
Zeppelin raid, an inquest has been held regarding the death
of a, switchboard attendant, aged 34, employed at a power
station. The evidence showed that a bomb dropped in the
neighbourhood of the switchboard at about 1.30 a.m., de-
ceased and another man being injured. Medical evidence
showed that the man was in a very collapsed condition, suffer-
ing from loss of blood, and that he had wounds on the head,
chest, and abdomen. He died the next morning from shock
and hemorrhage. The jury returned a verdict of death from
shock following the explosion of a bomb from a German
Zeppelin.

British Industry: Definite Line of Policy Now and After
the War. — Mr, F. Dudley Docker has been appointed pre-
sident, and Sir William Peat chainuan, of the Federation of
British Industries Association, which has been established as
a central organisation of manufacturing interests. Among
the bodies which have been absorbed in the new association
are the Institute of Industry and powerful industrial groups
in Manchester and Birmingham. The Institute of Industry
has accordingly gone into voluntary liquidation, a condition
being that the minimum amount of the fund to be raised
under the new arrangement should be £100,000, a sum which,
as a matter of fact, has been greatly exceeded.

A large number of important firms and companies have
already given their adhesion to the new movement, which
includes a wide representation of all the more important
industrial interests in the country. The main object of the
new organisation is the investigation and carrying into effect
of a definite line of policy in regard to the various matters
affecting British industry both now and after the war.

Proposed Ministry of Commerce. — .\ memorial of the
Associated Chambers of Commerce, has been submitted to the
Prime Minister urging the Government to take immediate
steps to create a Ministry of Commerce and Industry with a
Minister of Cabinet rank, aided by a permanent advisory
council, consisting of representatives of the Foreign Office,
the Colonial Office, the India Office, the self-governing Over-
sea Dominions, and. the leading commercial interests of the
Empire. The memorial suggests that the Commercial Depart-
ment, the Patents, Designs, and Trade Marks Department,
and the Companies Department of the Board of Trade .should
form the nucleus of the new Ministiy. It is further sug-
gested that commercial representation in foreign countries
should be added to the functions of the Commercial Depart-
ment, with power to send trade representatives to foreign
countries in the same way as they now send representatives
to Briti.sh Possessions. Tlie Government is asked to appoint
a .special committee to inquire into the proposal and to report
on it at the earliest possible date. — The Times.

British Mannesmann Tube Co.. Ltd. — The -shares of thi.s
company have been sold by the Public Trustee to a British
group, including Sir Hugh Bell, Mr. A. -T. Dorman, Messrs.
Balfour, Williamson & Co., and Messrs. Higginson & Co. All
German interest in the company has been eliminated, and it
is the intention of the new controlUng interests to constitute
a representative board to continue the business of the com-
pany under the present organisation, which is entirely on a
British basis. The company has large weldless-tube works at
Swansea, and intends to ei'ect additional tube mills at New-
port (Mon.). Other developments are also in contemplation,
which will further widen the scope of the company's activity.

The British Manne-smann Tube Co. was registered in .Tulv,
1899, as the British Weldle.ss Tube Co,, to take over the busi-
ness of the Mannesmann Tube Co., and four months later
the title was altered to its present form. The issued capital
is ^£340,000 in £10 shares, £190,000 being 5 per cent, cumula-
tive preference and :61.5O,000 ordinary shares; in addition
£65, .500 of 4 per cent, debentures have been issued. The
company had a virtual monopoly of the supply of tubes for
water-tube boilers, and according to a question by Sir .Tohn
I onsdale in the House of Commons, practically the whole of
the issued capital was held by persons resident in Germany.
Their holdings, in accordance with the provisions of the
Trading with the Enemy .\ct. 1916, were placed in the control
of the Public Trustee for disposal, with the result stated
above. — Financial Times. , " " .- ' ' .

Vol.79. Xo.2,023, September 1.1 !.i(i.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

237

Exports to China.— The " London Gazette " for August
29th contains a further list of names of persons to whom
articles may be exported in China and Siam.

Metal Workers' Wages.— An application by the metal,
■wire, and tube -n-orkers of Birmingham and district was
heard in Ijondon by Sir Gegrce' Askwith, of the Board of
Tiade. The workmen asked for a 6s. war bonus for day
workers, and 1'2J per cent, increase in pay for piece workers.
Sir (ieorge heard, too, an application of the engineering and
allied trades for a 25 per cent, increase on the present day-
work rates. The employers' ca.ses were akso presented, and
the decisions were deferred. — Birmingham Daily Post.

Labour Transfer Scheme. — .\ scheme for the transfer of
skilled labour for accelerating war output has been arranged
on the Clyde, and in other Scottish districts, by the Board of
Admiralty, the Mini.stry of Munitions, and the Labour Supply
Comrnittec, with the aid of the Boilermakers' Union and the
Scottish District and Clyde Committees. It recognises that
firms are retaining workmen when their services are not
actually required, owing to fear that it would be impossible
to secure these men or similar men when their services were/
most needed. It is thought that if firms were assured that
the workmen would be returned to them when required, they
would be willing to release the employes to work for other
firms urgently needing such men. Ther^'fore a local distribut-
ing committee, consisting of representatives of the Admiralty,
Ministry of Munitions, and employers' and workers' associa-
tions, is to be appointed, with power to ascertain where
workmen are available for transfer and where they are
needed.

Dilution of Labour. — Dilution has already been estab-
lished in 150 of the largest of the 300 controlled engineering
and .shipyard establishments on the Clyde, and some 14,000
women have been introduced by the Commission, the greater
proportion of whom are engaged on general engineering work,
excluding shells. .Agreements have been concluded for dilu-
tion in shipbuilding and ship-repairing yards on the Clyde and
Tyne with all the principal shipyard trades, and the inter-
changeability of members of different shipyard trades, and
the introduction into the shipyards of unskilled men and
women, is proceeding satisfactorily. The work of the Com-
mission on the Clyde and Tyne will be taken over and con-
tinued as from September 1st by officers of the Ministry of
Munitions and of the Admiralty, as in other parts of the
country.

U,S. and Trade After the War.— The New York banking
house of Henry Clews & Co., in their weekly financial review,
remark : "An interesting feature of our foreign commerce
returns for the last fiscal year was that out of total merchan-
dise exports of $4,353,000,' more than half, or $2,658,000, con-
sisted of manufactures which doubled their amount in the
past twelve months. . . . The extraordinary expansion in
manufactured exports is mainly due to the war, and must.be
considered as quite abnormal. Nevertheless, there is no doiibt
that we shall retain much of this newly-gained foreign trade,
provided our costs can be made to meet those of Great Britain
and Germany, who will strenuously endeavour to recover all
and more than they have lost. Our chief handicap will be
high-priced commodities and labour troubles, in both of which
there will have to be a readjustment before wc can success-
fully meet foreign competition abroad."

Exemption Applications. — At Newport (Mon.) Tribunal,
Mr. A. Nichols Moore, borough electrical engineer, applied
for the exemption of nine men in his department. Mr. Moore
pointed out that his department was down to its minimum.
The men included men from the permanent-way department,
nigh' car repairer, brake fitters, coachbuilder, motor tram-
v.ays inspector, overhead linesman, &c. All these men were
absolutely necessary. Three months' exemption in each case
was granted. — Monmnuthshire Evening Post.

The Stalybridge Tribunal has granted temporary exemption
until November .30th (conditional on the men joining a Volun-
teer Regiment) to three men appealed for by the Stalybridge,
Hyde, Mossley and Dukinfield .Joint Tramways & Electricity
Board. It was stated that out of 71 conductors 68 had been
allowed to join the Colours, and the Board was contemplating
an expenditure of i630.000 on extensions at the generating
station. The men appealed for were Mr. S. B. Firth (32. mar-
ried), cashier, collector and wages clerk; Mr. P. 0. Firth (31).
chief clerk; and Mr.' H. Marsh (.33), rent collector and wages
clerk. Three members of the office staff had enlisted, and the
accountant, who was over mihtary age, had obtained another
situation.

Winchcombe Tribunal allowed a month's final exemption to
an electrician . on a local estate, who also looked _ after the
estate waterworks; he had been passed for garrison duty
abroad.

At the York Tribunal, the electricity department applied
for exemption for two cleaners and greasers; it was stated
that the men were in a certified occupation, and acted as
assistant engine drivers. The cases were adjourned for a
fortnight. At the same Tribunal, the York Opera House
asked for total exemption for its electrician and stage mana-
ger, aged .35 and married; after serving seven years in the ■
Aimy and five years in the Reserve, he was called up for the
Expeditionary Force and discharged in February last. Ex-
eirption to November 20th allowed.

Before the Bath Tribunal, a further appHcation for exemp-
tion in respect of Lawrence Laing, aged 32, electrician at the
Palace Theatre, was refused.

On Monday last, at the Westminster Town Hall Tribunal,
Mr. H. 0. Truman, chief electrical engineer to the Law Acci-
dent Insurance Society, was granted exemption for four
months as being in a reserved occupation.

The Leeds Tribunal has granted three months' exemp-
tion, with leave to renew the appeal, to an electrical and
mechanical engineer, who stated that 90 per cent, of his
work was in repairing rotary coal-cutting machines.

The Wetherby Tribunal refused to exempt Mr. Edwin
Maltby, electrical engineer to Mr. T. G. Mylchreest, of Thor-
ner, who has charge of a piivate electrical plant supplying a
iiuniber of residents. He is not to be called up for service
before September 15th.

At Hyde, on Wednesday last week, an appeal by George
Rutherford, a motorman employed by the Stalybridge, Hyde,
Mossley and Dukinfield Joint Board, was disallowed.

At Oldham, temporary exemption was granted until Nov-
ember 1st to an electrician and wireman employed by Mr.
Frank Wall; and temporary exemption till December 1st to
a pavior in the tramways department, who appealed on
domestic grounds.

Watford Tribunal has granted exemption from combatant

service to E. Leigh, electric light attendant at Euston Station.

At Blackpool, on August 24th, a firm of electrical engineers,

who have lost 17 men out of 21, appealed for an employe, and

conditional exemption was granted.

At Cambridge, on August 22nd, an appeal for exemption
for Frederick G. Gates (19), electrician, with the Cambridge
Electric Supply Co., Ltd., failed. It was stated that the m^n
was "starred," but the Military representative contended
that he should be in the Army.

Canterbury Tribunal has given conditional exemption to
George Herbert Fowler (28), manager for Mr. E. J. PhOpot,
electrical engineer.

At Sandwich, on August 23rd, absolute exemption on medi-
cal grounds was given to Mr. H. Claringbold (25), electrician.
At Dover, conditional exemption was granted to W. A. King
(38), a coal and ash trimmer at the electricity works. ,

At Deal, Messrs. Stratford & Faulkner appealed for George
Ralph (39), electrician, the only workman left, whom they
had been unable to replace. Three months were allowed.

At Stoke-on-Trent, on August 24th, the Corporation elec-
tricity department appealed for foiu- employes. Mr. C. H.
Yeaman, the engineer, said that if the men went he could
not be responsible for the supply of current this winter. He
had been trusting to the Ministry of Munitions to retain the
men, and he had not a single hand who could be spared
without jeopardising the supply. It was decided that a list
of the employes of the department should be prepared for
the Tribunal before the claims were dealt with.

At Caterham, on August 21st, Mr. E. B. Howard, manager
of the electricity works, applied for exemption for Mr. A. J.
Douglas (40), the only man left to attend to mains, and also
acting as shift engineer. The Tribunal, holding that he was
in a certified occupation, granted conditional exemption.

Poole Tribunal Inas given exemption until August 15th to
Mr. G. Loveless (35). electrical engineer.

Wallington Tribunal has given conditional exemption to
the electrical engineer to a local firm of cement manufac-
turers.

At Cheltenham, the Military representative asked for the
removal of the star against the names of charge engi-
neers at the Corporation electricity works. The electrical
engineer (Mr. W. J. Bache) said the works were run in three
shifts of eight hours each, and one or other of the three charge
engineers was on duty day and night, both week-days and
Sundays. The fourth charge engineer was necessary to take
the place of any one of the others on leave, &c. He had tried
to get men unfit for military service, but had failed. In one
case the star was removed, and the other cases were adjourned
until two months granted by the Medical Board had expired.
At Wandsworth, Mr. Philpott, of Messrs. Philpott Bros.,
electrical engineers, of 35, Upper Tooting Road, applied for
the conditional exemption of his leading electrician, W. G.
Conner. The Tribunal granted three months' exemption on
condition that he joined the V.T.C.

Mr. Wild, secretary of the British Incandescent Mantle
Co., Ltd., of Ravensbury Road,, Earlsfield, S.W., asked for
the exemption of a stoker, who. -he maintained, was in a
certified trade. He had been discharged from the Army after
15 months' service, and apphcant did not think he would 'be
called up again. Three months' conditional exemption was
granted.

Irish Battery Industry. — According to the Daili/

Ej-j/ivs.k, a factory will shortly be opened in Dublin for the manu-
facture of dry cells and batteries of all kinds for pocket lamps,
telephones, bell and automobile use. It is propo.sed to start with
20(1 hands, and an output of abovit S0,()0o batteries weekly is
anticipated. The yearly consumption of batteries iu the United
Kinfrdom before the war was over GO millions, most of which wer e
imported.

•238

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW, [voi.

^KPTKMBKK I. Ultl).

REVIEWS.

U'lrelcjs Tehffraphy and Telephony. By W. H. Eccles.

London : The Electrician Printing and Publishing Co.,

Ltd. Price Vis. 6d. net.

This is a, handbook of fonuulir, data, and iuforniation, and

forms an addition to the well-known Electrician series of

standard electrical works It is produced in a compact and

handy form, well cot up and illustrated. There are some 418

pages, with '3'i2 illustrations. In the author'.s preface the

work is described as n cla.-isified collection of information,

data, formulae, and tables hkely to be helpful to designers

and investigators in radio-telegraphy. The information is

given in condensed form while yet attempting to set out the

position of modern thought and speculation.

The chief divisions of the work fall midcr the heads of
Tables. 52 pages ; Formulae, &\ pages ; General Information
and Descriptions. 272 pages; Glossary of Terms, 28 pages.
In most respects the book is of a comprehensive and informa-
tive character, with lucid explanations of the principal
features of methods, apparatus, and systems. The tables and
formula appear to be well selected and useful. In themselves,
they convey a large amount of information in tabloid form.
Care appears to have been taken to include useful short-cut
methods of dealing with electrical problems as, for instance,
the equivalent circuit method of deahng with transformer
pioblems where the circuits contain capacity .ns well as resist-
ance and self-induction. Standard works of reference and
original papers have been freely drawn upon in this portion
of the book.

The widest scope for comment or criticism falls on the part
covering general information and descriptions, where, in the
present state of knowledge, it may be expected that much
controversial matter will be found. \ few of the more
salient points presenting themselves in this light will be
dealt with here.

In a work of this character, exception may fairly be taken
to the perpetuation of weak or misleading methods of ex-
pressing ideas. On page 161 appears a table of so-called
" ranges " of wireless stations, of typical commercial spark
type, in which the ranges corresponding to certain sizes nf
power plant, wave-length, and nature of transmission surface
arc given. The mileage figures indicate a professed accuracy
of about one per cent. The tabic is not qualified by any
statement as to the nature of the receiver, height and kind
of antenna, standard of received signals a.ssuraed. standard of
hearing assumed, climatic conditions under which tests are
taken, standard of .sensitivity of auxiliary receiving apparatus,
whether day or night signals, and a host of other factors con-
cerned in this absurdly elastic terra. That the author is
alive to the bearing of some, at least, of these factors is
evident from qualifying remarks introduced in a similar con-
nection on pages 324. 327. and_ elsewhere, but he does not
give any hint of the very questionable difficulties to be faced
in framing an adequate definition of the term. The sugges-
tion is that its use. at least in the popular sense, should be
tabooed in a scientific work. Even more serious exception
must be taken to the term being applied, as on paee 219. to
a form of apparatus for generating high-frequency discharges.
Its adoption by international institutions in relation to com-
plete installations may be advanced as an excuse for its per-
petuation. So long 38 such institutions are run and con-
trolled by officials with a smattering of technical knowledge
and an absence of practical touch with the subject, and so
long as Governments will essay to legislate finst and investi-
gate afterwards (or not at all), much time and money will
continue to bo wasted. A number of the assumptions under-
lying official essays at wireless legislation are similarly
erroneous or unsuitable.

In an interesting dissertation on the theory of propagation
of signals round the globe. Dr. Eceles continues to support
the contentions of himself and others by the assumption of
reflection of electric waves from lavers of ionised air having
lower boundaries which are " fairly sharply defined," what-
ever that may mean. Now. the obvious basis for this
assumption is the optical condition of a sharply-defined sur-
face of discontinuity between two tran.sparent media upon
which total reflection of light depends. It has yet to be
shown that a corresponding effect can occur with waves of
so grossly greater dimensions than those of light. Also,
within what limits is the boundary definition to be taken as
" sharp." seeing that wave.s of the order of a mile or two in
length may be concerned, and that, in the optical analogy,
sharpness of definition in the wave itself is equally neces-
sary? As at present presented,- the assumntioo can only be
taken as a highly speculative one, though Dr. Eceles presents
it in so matter-of-fact a way.

The enthusiasm for formulae evinced by the author mani-
fests itself throughout. Some of these are of doubtful prac-
tical value, as in the case of the formula for wave' propaga-
tion over mountain ranges, given on pafte 165. This is based
purely on wave diffraction, and will, obviously, not account
for the large differences in propagation efficiency over moun-
tains bv night as compared with daytime.

On the subject of strays, there appears to be a widely-
spread fallacy, which is voiced by the author, that strays are
largely due to the so-called "silent discharge " of a receivyig
antenna into the atmosphere. The microscopic currents pro-

duced in an antenna by silent discharge under normal condi-
tions cannot account for strays of a strength that matter. If
a corona or glow discharge is produced, that i.'^ another ques ^

tion ; but such discharges are quite abnonual, and even rare,
at any rate, in these latitudes. <

In reference to quenched spark methods, it is stated that ^
quenching ensures singleness of frequency. This is not a
precisely accurate statement, for strongly coupled waves are ■
emitted during the transient building-up process which pre-
cedes the quenchmg of the spark, and this period is not, as a
rule, negligible. Neither is it correct to say that mechanical
quenching by rotary discharjjors gives the equivalent of the '■
usual quenched spark transmission. '

Exception mu.st also be taken to the inadequate explana-
tion of the action of Pedersen's ticker receiver, which fails
to do justice to this very neat and effective contrivance. A
similar remark applies to the theory of the slipping contact
detector, and it is not clear why this device is ascribed to
1.. W. Austin. The drawing of the instrument given on page
340 contradicts the text in an important respect. In regard
to the system " Onde Unique," the author states: "There
is theoretical reason to credit the claim of single waveness."
It has been generally thought that Prof. Howe effectively
dispo.scd of this claim. Points in relation to the construction
of inductance coils and condensers would bear comment, as
also numerous other matters of practical significance.

In the matter of omissions, it may reasonably be urged
that the practical working defects and weaknesses of the
various appliances and .systems are not sufficiently indicated.
The trend of developments in Continental practice, especially
that of Gennany, is not treated nearly as fully as English
developments. The important subject of the selection of
sites for land stations and the numerous factors involved, as
affecting efficiency of operating, running costs, and housing,
is not treated. Very little information is given as to mode
of emission, propagation, and arrest of waves, such as would
lead to good working conceptions of the functions of antennm
both in transmission and reception. Principles of theoretical
and practical importance in reference to the effects of varying
the proportions of capacity and inductance in high-frequency
circuits and antennae are another matter on which little in-
formation will be found. The reader will not gather much
knowledge of the organisation of wireless services, or learn
that international understandings have been anived at in
regard to the manner and conditions of use of wireless
ajiparatus.

Though a certain amount of criticism has been made, it
may be taken that the book contains many desirable features,
and will doubtless be much appreciated by engineers and
investigators. It fairly presents the prevaihng standard of
kcowledge in wireless telegraphy. That standard cannot be
regarded as an eminently satisfactory one, as a great deal of
careful investigation and careful weighing of results is neces-
sary to put it upon a. .satisfactory ha.sis. It will probably be
found, in the light of later knowledge, that far too much
credence has been given to mis-statements and misinterpreta-
tion of results, and that our real knowledge is a great deal
less than we are apt to imagine. — J. E. T.

Handbook of Electrical Methods; compiled from the Elec-
trical World. London : Hill Publishing Co. Price 12s. 6d.

..net.' .

The book before us is divided into ten chapters, surveying
the whole of the practical side of what may be called applied
electrical engineering. By this we mean that it doe.s not go
into questions of manufacture, but of the installation and
use of machinery, transformers, switchgear, meters, wiring
and apparatus in general.

Though the divisions of the book are called chapters, they
are not chapters in the sense that they have been con-
nectedly and consecutively written around the same thread
of thought by the same hand. Many hands have written this
book, for it consists, as the title tells us, of a compilation of
articles from the Electrical World, of New York.

As the preface tells us, there is so much of permanent
value published in the technical Press, which must, if it is
to he of real use. be accessible in some other form. Metho-
dical and probably fussy people mutilate their papers every
week, and chp up articles of interest to them in a form of
no use whatever to anyone else, and then proceed to hide
them where they are of no use whatever to themselves. The
orderly carrying-out of this process involves the absence of
serious occupation, and its inevitable consequence is that the
compiler becomes a serious nuisance to those about him.

The object aimed at, but seldom attained, by such people,
is can-ied out in a proper way with regard to one technics'
journal in this book. The articles are classified by being re-
printed under the chapter heading describing the subject to
which they refer.

The subjects dealt with range from thawing frozen water-
pipes electrically to replacing insulators on a "hot" 50,000-
volt overhead line ; from testing electrical instruments to the
danger of broken lamps near inflammable material; from
ai advertising novelty and the method of influencing the
curio-seeker's choice to the soldering of "aluminum" and
the operation of the "Edison," known here as the three-
wire, system.

Vol. 7f.. No. 2.02X SEPTEMBER 1,1916.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

239

There are numerous illustrations; we have not counted
the number, since nearly all of them appear to be marked
Fig, 1. This, of course. arise,s from the fact that each re-
printed article has a Fig. 1 of its own, and the numbering
has not been changed.

As a book of reference, the book is useful. It has a good
index, and is well printed. If forms an example which
might well be followed by papers of similar eminence on this
side. The price of 12s. 6cl. strikes us as being rather high.

BUSINESS NOTES.

Pumping Machinery in Cliile. — t ••"^. Consul Voetter. at
.•^nfnfaga.^ta. eays that the market for pumps in the district
!^ almost exclusively confined to the requirements of the
nitrate plants. In this, the arid region of Chile, there are
some 170 plants for the elaboration of nitrate of soda, and
each has a pumping installation complete. A nitrate plant
u.ses from 30) to 900 tons of water per day, obtained usually
at dug wells located several miles away from the plant. The
classes of pumps and pumping machinery used by the nitrate
plants are as follows: —

llX^s. — Power-driven deep well pumps, usually single-act-
ing, triplex, of bucket type. The depth of well varies from
60 to 500 ft.

Surface force pumps, power driven, for delivery of water
from well to nitrate plants. Power is usually furnished from a
central electric power station at the plant some miles distant.

Plant. — Boiler feed pumps, almost exclusively steam
driven, as also the oil pumps for supplying fuel to the fur-
naces.

Steam or power driven pumps for transferring liquors
(agua vieja) from crystallisation tanks to elevated storage
tanks.

From 2 to 10 centrifugal pumps, usually 6-in. suction and
6-in. discharge, for circulating hot liquors (relave) between
the boiling tanks. The average centrifugal pump handles
from 200 to 40(.1 gallons per minute against a head of 30 ft.

Miscellaneous fire pumps, internal-combustion engine cool-
ing water pumps, fuel-oil pumps, &c.

The general terms of credit given by American manufac-
turers to importers are cash against shipping documents on
arrival of shipment in Antofagasta. European manufacturers
extend credit of 60 to 90 days after acceptance of draft
against bill of lading on arrival of goods, and in exceptional
cases 120 dav.s. Prices should be c.i.f. Antofagasta, and not
f.o.b.

Pulley and Belt-Calculating Scale.— We have received

a sample of a new calculating scale which has been de\-ised by Mr.
H. W. Durham, to assist millwrights, engineers and others to cal-
culate the sizes of pulleys and belts for given powers and siieeds,
and so on. The scale is published by Messrs. Alfred Haworth A: Co.,
Ltd.. price Is. >^d. post free, and provides for calculations relating
to cotton ropes, leather and balata belting, and the sizes of pulleys
and gear wheels. It is a useful and handy time-saver.

For Sale. — The Public Trustee invites tenders by Sep-
tember 14th, for the purchase of the whole or any part of the
13.993 £1 fully-paid ordinary shares in the Concordia Electric
Wire Co.. Ltd.. vested in him as custodian by the B. of T., under
the Trading with the Enemy Act. Particulars appear in our
advertisement cages to-day.

Fire. — A small fire occurred on August 2 1st at premises

at the rear of the establishment of Mr. Edward Pincott, electrician,
Alphington Street. Exeter, and damage estimated at between £80 and
£100 was done.

Dissolutions and Liquidations. — Heap & Digby. —

The partnership between Messrs. A. C. Heap and W. Pollard Digby
terminated on the 31st ult. Mr. A. C. Heap has accepted an
important appointment which compels him to relinquish all
private consulting and inspecting work. Mr. \V. P. Digby will
continue to carry on the professional work hitherto entrusted to
Messrs. Heap i*c Digby. and will lie joined by Mr. Walter Ryley, who
has been with them for several years. The title of thenewfirm will
be Digby 4: Ryley.

Resisto-Electrical Mantfacturing Co. — A meeting of
creditors will be held at Thomer's Chambers, Ingram Court, 167,
Fenchurch Street, B.C.. on September 6th.

Phcexix Electric Heatixg Co.. Ltd. — A meeting will be held at
s. Staple Inn, HoUwrn, on October 2nd. to hear an account of the
winding-up from the liquidator. Mr. A. E. Tilley.

BALDfR ExGixEERixo AND ScppLY Co.. LTD. — The first annual
meeting of creditors will be held at 39, Victoria Street, S.W., on
September 1st. Liquidator, Mr. J. W. Buck.

Plant for Sale. — The sale of plant and machinery announced

in our last issue to take place at Millwall on September 5th, has
been postponed to September 13th and Hth.

Catalogues and Lists. — Spray Engineering Co., 93,

Federal Street, Boston. U.S.A. — Sixteen-page pamphlet describing
and illustrating their '" Spraco " system for cooling condensing
water, also a tolder relating to the Vaughan flow meter.

British L. M. Ericssox Mfg. Co., Ltd.. 5. Chancery Lane. W.C.
— Leaflets describing a motor-driven telephone generator, and a
storage battery hand lamp.

Blacklisted Firms. — A new list of additions to the

statutory list of firms of enemy nationality or enem.v association
with whom jjersons in the United Kingdom are forbidden to trade
ha.s been published. Copies can be obtained from the official
•publishers.

Australian Postal Contracts. — A discussion is pro-
ceeding with reference to the contracts of the Australian Postal
department. In October, 1915, the secretary of the Australian
Electrical and Allied Contractors' Committee addressed the
Postmaster-General, giving reasons why an arbitration clause or its
equivalent should be inserted in those contracts, .\fter three
months' interval the Postmaster-General intimated that he had
decided not to vary the conditions of contract in regard to the
rejection of material by making provision for the appointment of
a survey board.

Trade Announcements.— The Electric and General

Works, Ltd., notify that from September 1st their address will be
128. Stamford S^treet, S.E. Telephone number : Hop 5223.

Messrs. Woollett. Airey i; Co.. brokers and shipping agents,
have removed their offices to 1 5, Leadenhall Street, E.C.

" A Question of Origin."— Under this title the Ben.jamin

Electric Ltd., have just issued a booklet with the object of dis-
proving the supposition existing in some quarters that their pro-
ducts are of foreign manufacture. As we have inspected their
workshops, and recently described them in our pages, there is for
us no "question of origin " ; those who are still sceptical, and are
imable to visit the works themselves, will surely be convinced also
by a perusal of the contents of this interesting and well-produced
brochure.

Change of Name. — With a view to more clearly

identifying the company with the place where its works are
situated and the nature of the business carried on. Messrs. Thomas
Kesnor A: Co., Ltd., have, with the approval of the B. of T.. adopted
the name Watford Electric and Manufacturixg Co., Ltd., by
which they will be known in future.

Bankruptcy Proceedings.- W. I), Birkett. factrir of

electrical goods, Whitley Bay. A first and final dividend of 2s. 8id.
in the £ is payable on September 4th, at the Official Receiver's
office. 30, Mosley Street, Newcastle-on-Tyne.

Book Notices.— " Polyglot Rubber Trade Directory,

191«." Third edition. Xew York; [ii<ii<i-Riihher World.— This,
publication gives a great deal of information regarding American
rubber manufacturers and their products. The opening preface,
printed in English. French, German, Italian, Spanish, and Portu-
guese, gives ke,y letters for rubber goods and imitation rubljer
products respectively, which are used thi-oughout the several
sections to indicate the class of manufactures made by the firms
named. The first section is an alphabetical list of rubber manu-
facturers ; the second deals with their products in classified form ;
others following deal with rubber machinery, tools, and appliances,
rubber factory supplies, rubber goods dealers, reclaimers of waste
rubber and waste rubber dealers, recent incorporations, and rubber
trade marks.

■"Canada, the Country of the Twentieth Century." By Watson
Griffin. Published by authority of Sir George E. Foster. K.C.M.G..
Minister of Trade and Commerce, by the Department of Trade and
Commerce. Ottawa. Issued from the Trade Commissioners Office :
73, Basinghall Street, London. E.C— The purpose for which this
fine volume of between 280 and 290 pages has been produced is to
give business men who have never visited the Dominion a compre-
hensive, but epitomised, review of its agricultural, forest, and
mineral resources, its industrial and commercial development, and
its geographical relation to the markets of the world. The book
is very fully illustrated, with useful maps and with photographic
views taken in all parts oi' the Dominions, contains a record which
is both fascinating and impressive to the industrial and engineering
mind, and really makes us wonder — the while we study it — wh.T
we are here and not there. It is well that we should get to know
all we can about this wonderful part of the British Empire, which
in these days is contributing so magnificently, by blood and
treasure, to the cause of universal freedom. After the war, when
Canada resumes those leaps forward which marked her develop-
ment a few years ago, this record should Ije of greater interest and
value even than it is now.

Proceed) II q.'i of the American Institute of Electrical Engmeers.
Vol. XXXV. No. 8. August, 1916. New York : The Institute.
Price $1.

" Circular of the Bureau of Standards." No. 56 : "' Standards for
Electrical Service." ' Scientific Papers of the Bureau of Standards."
No. 281 ; " A Study of the Inductance of Four-terminal Resistance
Standards." Xo. 283 : "Volume Effect in the Silver Voltameter."
Department of Commerce : Washington.

• Welfare Work." By E. D. Proud. B.A. With a fore-word by
the Right Hon. D. Lloyd George. London : 6, Bell & Sons, Ltd.
Price 7s. 6d. net.

Les Echnnrie.'i Fmiico-Americain.^. By V. Cambon. Paris : La
Lumiere Electrique. — In this lecture, delivered to L'Uirion Txnil-
la Belgique et les Pays Allies, the author discusses the natural re-
sources of the United States, the character of the people, and the busi-
ness methods which they employ. He then deals with the American
products which are destined to replace German imports into
France, the artifices adopted in the past by German firms, and the
future course of business between France and the United States.

■■ Electric Switch and Controlling Gear." By C. C. Garrard,
London : Electrician Printing and Publishing Co.. Ltd. Price 15a,
net, ■ t

240

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW, [voi. :i'. xo. 2.023. septembkk m916.

LIGHTING AND POWER NOTES.

Australia.— North .Shork Elkctrh Sippj.v. — The

Sydnev City Council has now completed arranprements to connect
private consumers in the northern .suliurbs of North Sydney. Lane
Cove and WiUoushby across the harbour. The delay in completintr
the supply scheme was due to war conditions which caused difficulties
in securinj: the necessary material. The supply is 2-10 volts a.c.
.iO cycles for lijrhtiug. fans, irons, radiators, and cookers, and 11. i
volts, three-phase, for motoi-s.

The cable for the supply to Mosmans is expected to arrive
at any time. . -

.\ hydro-electric scheme is proposed for Warragul (Vic), from
the Tanjil River. 3ti miles from the town. It is estimated that it
will lie possible to supply electricity at about Id. per unit, and a
company is beintr promoted to carry out the proposal.

The Dimhoola (Vic.) Shire Council's electric liKhtingr plant,
which has been installed at a cost of £3.7.">0 was formally opened
last month ; the plant consists of a Horn.sby suction pas engine
and i)rodncer. with generators, and a battery of the D.p. type.
The distribution is on the three-wire system at 230 and 460 volts.

In our issue of April 21st. particulars were ^iven reg'ardinfr
the Hnancial position of the Melbourne (V.) City Council's
electrical undertaking- for the year ended December, lill.5. The
report of Mr. Harper, the city electrical engineer, which is
now available, pives the total units generated as 2ti.361.i>37, against
22.S0li.0(j.'< iinits in the previous year. Of the total units sold. 30
]>er cent, were for lighting and fift.97 per cent, for power purposes.
The number of consumers increased by 717. The total connections
for the year amounted to 26.1)03 KW.. as against 24.02il KW. in lfll4.
Motor connections numbered 3.016. representing 14.668 H.P.. as
against 2,764 and 13.2.').5 H.p. in 1914. The engineer reports that
amongst the inquiries recently dealt with has been one for an
electric furnace, which would require a supply of (iOO.OOO units
per annum : the maximum demand for 191."> waj* 8.364 KW.. as
against 7.7.il KW. in 1914 ; the load factor was 3.')'7 per cent.,
as against 30'26 per cent, in 1914. The total working cost tor 191.5
was ■796d. per uait. as against ■907d. for the previous year, ajid the
total costs, including capital charges, were r.532d. per unit, as
against r8d. for 1914. a reduction of 14'8 per cent. — Cnmmanwealtli
Enijiiifer.

Aylesbury. — The U.D.C. has reduced the price of

energy supplied to the Royal Bucks Hospital to 2d. per unit.

Baildon. — E.L. Supply. — Application has been made to

the Shipley District Council by a number of residents in the
adjoining township of Baildon for a supply of electricity, and a
reply has been sent that the Shipley Cotmcil. would be willing to
supply under .agreement with the Baildon Council, to whom the
applicants should apply.'

Canada. — A lai'se military camp has been constracted
by the Canadian Government at Pine Plains, Simcoe County.
Ontario. The camp is 20.000 acres in extent, and has electric power
in use for pumping and lighting, the supply being obtained from the
hydro-electric line, which runs between Barrie and Waubaushire.
A transformer station has been erected at the camp, and the voltage
is stepped down from 22.000 volts to 2.000 volts. A number of
150 C.P. gas-filled lamps about 200 ft. apart are placed on the main
thoroughfares of the camp, where 300 H.P. is now being taken. —
Caitadinii Engineer.

Colombia. — The Municipal Council of Urrao, Department

of Antioquia, has been authorised to raise a loan of £8,000 for
electric lighting purposes and aqueduct works in the district ; the
municipal authorities of Arnaga, in the same province, are
borrowing 4:1,200 for the installation of an electric-power plant. —
Bwril .ifTmiUJimrnal. "

Cooiston. — E.L. Scheme Inaugurated. — An electric
supply scheme for this parish has been completed, and the light
was switched on on August 21st. The supply is by overhead wires
to the centre of the area, but it is CO be extended to the lower end.
and probably to Waterhead. The power station is by the side of a
stream, the water of which, drives the dynamo. The engineer in
charge is Mr. F. Turnbull.

Erith. — Year's Working. — The report of Mr. .J. C.
Williams, manager of the Council's electrical undertaking, for the
year ended March 31st. shows a gross revenue amounting to
£32.691. an increase of £8.371 ; and after deducting working
expenses, £22.360. loan charges, £7.139, and other expenditure.
there remained a net profit of 161, 7JW, or . ^ 2.')0 more than in the
previods year. Duriiig the year. .5,3.57,.) 15 units were sold, as
against 3.606.336 units in the previous year ; the total connectfons
amounted to 3.374 KW. and the load factor to 39'4 per cent. The
works and management costs were Il'd. jier unit, as against tid. in
1914-1.5 ; coal co.st ■74d.. as against '56d. per unit, but economies in
other directions largely counterbalanced this. Mr. Williams
remarks that practically the whole of the output was obtained
from one turbine set running continuously, a performance which
tends to establish confidence in this type of plant. Increased
charges (id. per unit for lighting and 10 per cent, for power
supply) were in force for six months, and brought in an extra
£2.279: Mr. Williams hopes that any further increase will be
unnecessary.

Glasgow. — Coal Supply. — The question of coal pur-
chases by the Electricity Committee was considered at last week's
meeting- of the Corporation. 'A member said that as supplies could

not l>e got from coal owners the Committ-ef had to make purchases
from middlemen whose charges were above the rates fixed by the
Prices of (^oal (Limitation) Act. It had been discovered that the
middlemen were exempt from the -Vet. and an agreement, he
alleged, had lioen come to between owners and merchants whereby
a portion of the Corporation's supplies had to come through the
latter. Bailie Hannay said that the increiuicd cost was entirely
due to the lunger distance some of the coal had to be transported.

Kingswinford. — Public TdGHTiNG. — The R.D.C. has

accepted an offer from the Midland Electric Corporation of a rebate
of £ 151 on the public lighting account, owing to the restricted use
of lamps.

London. — A Committee has been formed. consiRtinj; of

repre.sentatives of all the London Borough Councils. 15 companies,
and eight municipalities outside the London area, with a view to
co-ordinating the existing supply of eleotricity.

Ormskirk. — (Considerable discussion took jiliicc at a
meeting of the B. of G. on the offer of the Ormskirk Electric
Sui)ply Co. for lighting and power. Councillor Richardson moved
that the matter be referretl back, as they should know exactly
what their own machinery could do before it was scrapped. The
amendment was defeated, and a recomrnendation to accept the
offer was approved.

Reigate. — At a meeting of the Guardians, last week, a
report wa,? considered from a L.G.B. irisiiector on the question of a
proposed laundry extension. The inspector does not regard the
installation of electricity as an economical system, seeing that
steam power is already in service, notwithstanding that the steam
pressure is stated to be insufficient for driving laundi-y machinery.
The views of the Guardians' architects differ on this matter from
those of the L.G.B. inspector ; they think electricity should be the
motive ix)wer. . The cost of installation would be far less, and with
motors, shafting need not be run except when the attached
machines are actually in use. The whole, matter was referred to
the Works Committee.

Sevenoaks. — Ei.xed-price T.,i(iHTiNG. — The U.D.C. has

generally approved the adoption "by the local supply company of the
fixed-priced lighting scheme (as employed in the Wimbledon area),
providing that each case of external wiring is separately approved.

Shipley. — Linking-up Proposal. — The Electricity
Committee has come to the conclusion that it agrees with the
Bradford Electricity Committee that the benefits to be obtained by
linking up the systems of the two authorities are not sufficient to
justify the proposal being proceeded with.

Stirling, — The T.C. has decided to install an electric
elevator in the new municipal buildings in course of erection in
Corn Exchange Road, at a cost of £427.

Worsborough.— The U.D.C. has decided to call the

attention of the Yorkshire E.P. Co. to the fact that residents in
Mount Vernon Road desire to have the electric light installed in
their houses, na the cable of the Barnsley T.C). to Mount Vernon
San.atorium. The company has hitherto refused consent to the
supply being taken from the cable,

Worksop. — At the meeting of the U.D.C'., on Monday,

the Lighting Committee recommended the appointment of Mr. T. E.
Skinner as general assistant electrical engineer ; Councillor Saxton
said that, when the Council allowed Mr. .1. P. Crowther to join H.M.
forces, and agreed to pay him half his salary, it was given to
understand that the acting engineer (Mr. Fletcher), whose salary
was increased at the time, would be able to manage without ejitra
assistance. Despite considerable opposition, the recommendation_of
the Lighting Committee was eventually agreed to.

TRAMWAY and RAILWAY NOTES.

Aberdeen. — Year's Workikg.— The report of the year's

working of the Corporation tramways to May 31st last shows that
the total revenue was £94,328. an increase of £6,32(i on the
previous year. Working- expenses amounted to £58,197, an increase
■of £6.(;72, and after payment of £26.432 for interest and sinking
fund and other charges, there was a net profit of £9,697, as against
£11.000 in 1915, Of this. £3,239 h%s been allocated to the relief
of rates and £6,464 carried to reserve account. During the year,
£2.436 was expended out of capital, making a total ca])ital expendi-
ture of £368,769. The depreciation and renewal funds stand at
£166.796. the sinking fund at £57. .500. and the reserve accoufit at
£43,271, making a total of £267.567. Mileage run. 1.968,615, an
increase of 59,605 miles. Electricity used. 2,481,384 units, an
increase of 164,180 units, at an average cost per unit of ■841d., as
against ■845d. in the previous year. During the year 26.5i>3,730
passengers were carried, as compared with 24,048,916 in the
previous year. . , , -

Argentina. — According to the Times, the Central
Argentine Co.'s electrified route from Buenos Aires to Tigre was
inaugurated on August 25th, by President Plaza. A short descrip-
tion of this scheme appeared in our pages on May 19th last.

Blackburn. — The continual drainage of male employes
will probably necessitate a reduction in the tramway service.
Before the group system. 115 employes had enlisted ; 35 ha-ve been

Vol. 79. No. 2,023. September 1, 1916.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

241

taken under the group system ; and there are still 25 liable. Over
20 women are now engaged as conductor?, and others for the
" collecting '" duty and for driving are being trained. The allow-
ances to dependents of men with the Colours amount to i'1.5 per
week, and this will shortly be augmented to £60 a week, or £3.000
per annum.

Blackpool.— Holiday Traffics. — It is reported that

the tramway receipts during the first fortnight of August were
much in excess of those of the same period in 191,"). but not up to
the record established in 1913 ; the third week, ending on August
23rd. is reported to have beaten all records.

Electric Vehicles. — The cleansing department has received
delivery of a second electric water-sprinkler, purchased at a cost
of about £1.000. The two machines will be sufficient to deal with
the sprinkling of the streets, and the horsed carts will lie with-
drawn. One of the water-sprinklers will be used in winter for the
conveyance of coke, the Cleansing Committee having decided to
have a wagon body built to take the place of the water tank when
desired.

Continental. — Italy. — It is announced that a Mihm

syndicate h.as submitted a scheme to the Italian Government for
the electrification of the railways in Sicily. The necessary energy
would be supplied from the power station of the Societa Elettrioa
dell Sicilie Orientate, the three-phase current being coverted to
single-phase current at .50,000 volts at a converter station to be
established at Nicosia. The project include.? the erection of I-l
transformer and distributing stations, where the pressure would
be reduced to 1 1.000 volts.

Spain. — The .Sociedad de Tranvias de la Coruna has applied for a
concession to construct and work an electric tramway between
Coruna and Sada.

Erith. — Year's Working.— The amuial rcpoit on the
Council's tramways shows a total revenue amounting to £21,422 ;
after deducting operating expenses amounting to £l.'i..")I0, war
bonus £2.991. .and lojin charges £5,206, a net ■ profit of £706
remained. During the year 4.900,811 passengers were carried, an
increase of 31 6 per cent., with an additional mileage of 18,471.
Mr. Williams, the manager, refers to the exceptionally favourable
workmen's fares, and mentions that although 37 per cent, of the
total passengers are workmen, only 25 per cent, of the total receipts
are derived from them. Fifteen women conductors were employed
at thedate of the report. The surplus has been placed to reserve.

London Vehicle Charging Stations. — According to the

Mi'tor. the General Vehicle Co.. LtiL. is arranging for a zone of
charging stations round London, and other cities.

Manchester. — Up to date, 2,34)8 . employes of tlie tram-
way department have joined the Colours.

Oldham. — At a meeting of the Tramwajs Committee, the

manager reported that over 3O0 miles were, lost during the busiest
period on the previous Saturday owing to the local horse parade.
They had also Ibst 110 miles during the past fortnight, mainly due
to falling guard wires. The guard wires were in a very poor con-
dition, and they were being renewed as quickly as possible.

South Africa. — -The Johannesburg T.C. is considering

the advisability of a^lopting a system of workmen's fares on the
municipal tramways.

Spanish North Africa.— A concession has been granted

to Dou Ramon Prendes Rodi-eguez. for the construction and work-
ing of an electric tramway in Melilla. — Board of Trmle Journal.

Tasmania. — The Minister for Public Works stated

recently that the construction of the Huon Railway would be
carried out. and he presumed that electrieitv would- be the motive
poiwer. Owing to shortage of men the couvtruiiion could not be
proceeded with at once.. The route would l)f rii'\ Kiiig,sto'n, Longley
Koad, and Crabtree Junction to Huonville.

" "U;S.A. -^ Electric Taxicabs. — For some time past
electric cabs have been used in Detroit with success. The Detroit
Taxicab'and Transfer Co. now operates a fleet of 75 electric cabs.
The American Motor Livery Co.. of Chicago, has recently placed an
order with the Jlilbui-n AVagOn Co. for 12 electric town ears to be
delivered November 1st. The new cab will be of the limousine
type, and will accommodate five passengers. — Eleetricdl Rerieic and
Western Electrichin.

Canadian Telephone Statistics. — The following table

shows the capitalisation, cost, revenue, operating expenses, and
other data connected with the telephone' interests of Canada for
1913, 1914, and 1915 :—

TELEGRAPH and TELEPHONE NOTES.

Australian Wireless Service Changes. — Some time ago

the Commonwealth Government decided to transfer all the work
of the wireless branch of the Post Otfice to the control of the naval
authorities. Recentl.y representatives of the CJovernment wireless
service waited on the Minister of the Navy to- protest against the
proposal, which it is contended will result, in some cases, in a loss
of social status, less salary, overtime without pay. i^c. They also
objecte<l to other conditions pertaining to naval control. Wireless
employes are to rank in the naval radio service as lieutenants,
commissioned warrant officers, warrant officers, or chief petty
officers, and will wear the naval uniform of their rank and work
under general naval discipline and conditions.

1913.

1914.

1915.

Capitalisation

So9.84 7.004

S70.291.884

$74,284,991

Cost

S69.214.971

880,258.356

$83,792,583

Revenue

§14,879.278

$17,297,268

$17,601,672

Operating expenses

$11,175,689

S12.882.402

812.836,715

Remuneration

$6,839,308

$8,250,253

$8,357,029

Number of telephone com-

panies

1.075

1. 136

1,396

Wire mUeage

1.092.5S6

1.343.090

I.452,.360

Telephones

463.671

.521.144

533.090

Employes

12..867

16.799

15,072

Persons per telephone

16-2

15-5

151

Persons jjer mile of wire ...

6-8

60

5 '6

Telephone companies" net earnings in 1915. as represented by the
difference between total receipts and operating cost, were $4,764,957.
This was better by $350,091 than the result for 1914. ■-

The following are the different clas.ses of organisation : — Govern-
ment. 4 : municipal. 62 ; stock. 584 ; co-operative, 601 ; partner-
ship. 2K : private. 117 ;, total. 1.396.

In Manitoba and Alberta practically all telephone interests are
in the hands of the local governments. In Saskatchewan, the
Provincial Government operates in all the large centres, but has
not taken over the 520 small units that spread their wires over the
rural sections of the province. In all the provinces there is a
growino- tendency towards consolidation. — Electrical Rerieir anil
H>.«^-/'« Elftiririan.

Infringement Suit. — The Marconi Wireless Telegraph

Co. of America, on July 19th, filed in the Court of Claims a petition
against the United States, charging that since June 25th. 1910,
the United States, through the Navy and Army Departments ,xnd
the Department of Commerce, had constructed and used apparatus
embodying the inventions covered by four patents, in violation of
the rights of the Marconi Co. The Marconi Co. claims damages in
the sum of 81,000,000. The patents in question, are the following :—

Re-issue No. 11,913 (original No. 586.193. July 13th. 1.^97).
granted to G. Marconi on June 4th. 1901, for transmitting electrical
impulses and signals and apparatus therefor.

No. 609.154. granted to O. J. Lodge on August 16th. 1^98. for
inventions in electric telegraphy.

No. 763,772. granted to G. Marconi on June 28th, 1904, for
apparatus for wireless telegraphy.

-No. 803.864. granted to J. A. Fleming on November 7th, 190o,
for instruments for converting alternating electi"ical currents; in'to
continuous currents. — T. and 7'. Afje.

New Zealand's Postal Growth. — Sir Joseph Ward,

Postmaster-General for New Zealand, at a recent meeting, gave
particulars of the enormous growth of the New Zealand Post
Office during the last 25 years : he instanced the fact that'iri 1891
the number of letters received and dispatched was 75;.600,- while
last ,vear these had risen to 351,000.000. After the war he hoped,
he said, that the Post Offices of Australia and New Zealand would
direct their combined energies to secure the ideal of sixpence per
word cables to Great Britain.

Sweden. — The Swedish Press is urging the (rovernment

to take steps to prevent the misuse of the Swedish wireless
stations by foreign ships trading in the Swedish waters. It is
reported that the telegraph authorities have now taken such
meiisures as will make the use of the Swedish wireless system for
trade espionage impossible.

Tesla V. IVIarconi Co. — The answer of the Mai-coni
Wireless Telegraph Co. to a suit of the Nikola Tesla Co. for an
alleged infringement of. its patents, was filed recently in the U.S.
Federal District Court. The Marconi Co. denied that Mr. Tesla was
at an,y time the original or first inventor of the alleged new and
useful method of signalling set- forth in the complaint. The
answer also denied that the patents issued on March 17th and
April 14th. 1903. were dul.y or lawfully granted to Mr. Tesla.
because he had not complied in all respects with the conditions and
requirements of the patent laws. The defendant company asks
that the complaint be dismissed. — T. and T. Age.

West Indies. — A radio station has been installed at

Navassa Island lighting station, now under construction ; it is
operated at present by the contractors for the erection of the
lighting station, and will be operated by the Ignited States light-
house service when the station is completed. — T. and T. Age.

Wireless on Ships. — A new regulation under the

Defence of the Realm Act specifies that every, British ship of
3.000 tons gross tonnage or upwards, in respect of which a licence
to install wireless telegra^ih apparatus has been granted by the
Postmaster-General, and which puts to sea from a port in the
United Kingdom after a date to be specified in such licence, shall
be provided with a wireless telegraph iustallation, and shall m.ain-
tain a wireless telegraph service, and shall be provided with a
certified operator, together with suitable accommodation for the
apparatus and operator. The Postmaster-General will, as and
when wireless telegraph apparatus and the services of operators
become available for the purpose, cause licences to be issued in
respect of such ships as in the opinion of the Admiralty should in
the national interests be fitted with such apparatus, and the licences
will specify the date as from which the carrying of such apparatus
imder this regulation is to be compulsory, the character of the
apparatus, and the. qualifications of the operator.

242

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

No. 2,112:!, SKPTIiMItKl! 1. liHIi.

CONTRACTS OPEN and CLOSED.

FORTHCOMINQ EVENTS.

OPEN.

Aberdare. — iSoptember Htli. I'owell-Duffiyn Steam Coal
Co. Electrical goods. Forms from Stores Manager, Aberaman
Offices, near .\herriare.

Australia.— 'Sydney.— September 20th. N.S.W. Oovern-
nicnt Railways. One .'iO-ton elcctricall.v-operated overhead
travelline crane for Zara Street jwwer house. Newcast le. October
llth. One motor-driven air compressor for Zara Street jiower
honse. Electrical Engineer, 61, Hunter Street.

.\nEL.\inE. -September 27th. Deputy P.M.G. Telephones, tele-
phone material, instruments and parts. Schedule Xos. 12'.l to 4:i7.'

Perth.— Octolxn- 4th. Deputy P.M.O. Telegraph .and telephone
measuring instruments and parts. Schedule .iiil \V.A.'

MEI.noi'FNE.— November 1st. Victorian Railways. .lO.OOO flame
arc carbons. Chief Storekeeiier, Railway Offices, .Sjiencer Street.

October 18th. Victorian Government Railways. Electric time
releasing mechanisms for automatic signalling. Cont. No. 30,348.'

Brighouse. — Electric friction crane complete, to lift about

fi cwt. ,1. p. Bakeries, Brighouse.

Dublin. — September tith. (J.N. Railway Co. of Irclanrl.

Supply of electric battery material. Specifications from ^T^, T.
Morrison. Secretary, Amiens Street Terminus.

Edmonton. — September 20th. Electric lamps for six-
months. Mr. F. Shelton, Clerk, Lower Tottenham.

London. — Supply of electric liglit fittings for .\ustralia
House. Kingsway, W.C. Particulars from Mr. H. H. Turner,
48, Broadway, Westminster, S.W.

Manchester. — September 12th. Tramways Committee.

(a) Permanent-way special trackwork. and (*) permanent-way
point tongues and crossings. Specifications, 4:c. (X 1 Is., returnable),
Mr. J. M. McElroy, General Manager.

New Zealand. — Invercargill. — September 28th.

Borough Council. Steam turbo-alternator, condensing plant, and
switchgear. Specifications from the Tramway Office. Contract
No. 40.'

GisBOKNE.— October 2nd. B.C. Cooling tower at the power
station. Specifications from the Town Clerk.— .V.Z S/iippimj and
Ctym liter L'e.

Rochdale. — Xo date. Electricity Committee. 600-k.v.a.
static transformer. Mr. C. C. Atchison, Borough Electrical Engineer.

SHeffield. — Water Department. Electrically-driven
pump and D.c. motor, &c. General Manager, Water Department,
Town Hall.

South Africa. — Johaxnesburg. — September 4th. Muni-
cipal Council. 10.000 drawn-wire metallic-filament traction lamps ;
10 miles of 19/14 ' Underwriters' wire " (lightly insulated wire for
outdoor use). Contract No. 1,51.*

September 21st, Municipal Council. Tramcar spares. Contract
No. I. VS.*

Spain. — September 2.5th. Departmento de Fomento de
la Mancomiuiidad de Cataluna, Barcelona, for the installation of a
telephone system connecting the towns of Balaguer, Artesa. Pons,
and Calaf, at an estimated cost of about 1 2,850. — Bnaid of Trade
Journal.

Specifications for the items marked * can be seen at the Board
of Trade Commercial Intelligence Branch in London.

British Association for the Advancement of Science. — Tuesday,

SepU-raber 511i, to SKliinlnv, S.pteriihi'i ;llh. Annual nimliiiR iit Newcastle-
upon-Tvnc limm;iir.il ni.,tiiiK nl ih.Tonii Hull. Sciit.-iuher .Sth, at 8.80
p.ra. ; sddrcbs hv tlu' Pr.Mil.rit, Sir Anhiir lAinii. K.K,S.

CLOSED.
Aberdeen. — The Tramways Committee has accepted the

tender of the British Thomson-Houston Co. for two traction motors,
at £115 each.

Australia. — The Nunawading Council has accepted the

tender of the Edison Swan Electric Co.. at £31!). for the supply of
consumers' meters in connection with the shire electric lighting-
scheme. — Melbuiiriie Age.

Bury. — The B. of G. has accepted a quotation of the
Century Electric Co. for a motor starter for the laundry, and one
for a chain drive from Messrs. Hans Renold, Ltd.

Meter Contracts. — Messrs. Chamberlain & Hookham,
Ltd., have secured contracts for the supply of electricity meters
to Cardiff and Manchester for the ensuing 12 months.

Walthamstow. — The U.D.C. has accepted the following
tenders for new plant for the electricity works : —

British Thomson-Houston Co. — Extra-high-tension switchgear, ±"984.
General Electric Co. — Low-tension switchgear, .£135.
Bruce Peebles & Co.— Motor converter, £1,825.

NOTES.

Education Committees. — In pni'siiamc of the arrange-
ments which the Government has made for reviewing the system
of education as a whole, the Prime Minister has appointed two
Committees to inquire into the position of science and modern
languages respectively in the system of education in Gieat
Britain.

The terms of reference of the .Science Committee are : —

To inquire into the position occupied by Natural Science in the
educational system of Great Britain, especially in secondary schools
and universities ; and to advise what measures are needed to ju'o-
mote its study, regard being had to the requirements of a liberal
education, to the advancement of pure science, and to the inti'nsts
of the trades, industries, and professions whit^h particularly cle|)end
upon applied science.

Sir ,1. J. Thomson will be the chairman, as, owing to unforeseen
<-ircumstances. Lord Crewe finds that it will not be possible for him
to act as chairman of the Committee, as previously arinonnced.

The terms of reference of the Modern Languages Committee are
on similar lines.

Communications intended for the committees should be addressed
to the secretaries, at the Office of the Board of Education, White-
hall, London. S.W.

London Lights. — A new Lighting Order, more on the

lines of the order now existing in the provinces, comes into force
in the Metropolitan Police District to-day.

All external lights, whether public or private, must be extin-
guished with the exception of such public lamps as the Commis-
sioner directs to be kept in use for public safety. All lights not
extinguished must be reduced to a minimum intensity, and so
obscured that no more than a diffused light is cast on the ground.

Internal lighting must be so reduced or shaded that no more
than a dull subdued light is visible from any direction outside, and
no part of the pavement or roadway or any building or object is
illuminated.

The order will apply to the City of London and the whole of the
Metropolitan Police District, and will take effect from 8.0 p.m.
from September Ist to 15th ; 7.30 p.m. from September 16th to
30th; 6.0 . p.m. from October 1st to 15th; 5.30 p.m. from
October Ifith to 31st; 5.0 p.m. from November 1st until the issue
of a ftirther order, till one hour before sinirise in each case. ,

Electrically-driven U.S. Battle-cruisers.— According to

the Scientific American, the U.S. Navy Department has decided on
the construction of xuper battle-cruisers having a displacement of
40,000 tons and a speed of 35 knots, or 40 miles an hour. These
ships are to be fitted with the turbo-electric drive, the 175,000 H.P.
required being furnished by four 35,000-KW. turbo-generator sets,
which will supply propeller motors, apparently on the lines of
equipment fitted to the naval collier Ji/piter by the General
Electric Co. fU.S.A.). The 35,000-KW. sets are 50 ft. 7 in. long,
22 ft. wide, and 16 ft. high, and by placing them on two decks
they would occupy a space of only, say, 55 ft. wide by 35 ft. high,
by 55 ft. long ; if the ships are 850 ft. long by 97 ft. broad, ample
space will remain for water-tube boilers and fuel — the latter oil,
which can be stored in the double bottom. The engine and boiler
plant of the Liisitania. occupied three-fourths of the ship's length.

Educational Notes. — University of London — Uni-
versity College. — The new session of the Faculty of Engineer-
ing commences on October 2nd. In addition to the degree and
diploma courses, special courses can be arranged, and postgraduate
and research work is provided for. A Goldsmid entrance scholar-
ship (,£90) will be competed for at the end of this month. See our
advertisement pages for particulars.

We have received a copy of the prospectus of the Faculty of
Engineering for the new session, giving full p'articulars of the
various courses, kc. Prof. E. G. Coker(Dean) is at the head of the
department of CivU and Mechanical Engineering, and Prof, J, A.
Fleming (Vice-Dean), of the department of Electrical Engineering.

King's College, University of London. — Faculty of Engin-
eering. Next term begins on October 4th. Particulars are given
in our advertisement pages to-day.

Leeds University. — Two further gifts of £1,000 each — both
anonymous — have increased the Leeds University's special fund for
the study of the Russian language and literature for the pro-
motion of British trade to £ 1 3,000, and an ambitious scheme is
being formulated. It is proposed to have a Russian house arranged
and furnished in every detail in the Russian style as the head-
quarters of the movement in Leeds. The University, having also
received a gift of £1,000 to start a fund tor a new school of
Sp,inish and Portuguese language and literature, is preparing a
scheme for that development also. The idea of promoting British
export trade by novel courses of preparatory study is arousing great
enthusiasm throughout the West Riding.

Vol. 7i.. xo. 2,023. SEPTEMBER 1. uuc] THE ELECTRICAL EEVIEW.

•243

Ou the susrgestion of the Ministry of Munitions and the Home
OtBce. two courses of preparation for welfare supervisors in
factorie.s have been arranged by Leeds University under the
direction of the acting: head of the Department of Economics.
Under the Police (Miscellaueous Provisions) Act. which came
into force on August 3rd, the Home Secretary is empowered to
continue in industrial works the welfare supervision now exercised
in national munition factories and many controlled establishments.
The object of the new University courses is to provide a supply of
trained supervisors.

Patents and Alien Enemies. — Application lias been

made to the Board of Tr;ule to avoid or suspend Patents Xos. 788/06
and H2U/UG. granted to Goldschmidt for an alumino-thermic process,
by \V. B. Ballantine. The application of the Suffolk Electricity
Supply Co., Ltd., with respect to patent No. 4,908/0(1 granted to
Anst, has been dropped.

Licences have Ijeen granted to the Refractory Zinc Ore Treat-
ment Co. in respect of Patents Xos. 605/09 and 1.5.128/11. granted to
Siemens Bros, it Co. and Siemens i: Halske. A.-G.

Application has been made to the Board of Trade to avoid
or suspend Patents Xos. 19.282/0.5, granted to Claessen. and
2ii.322/uT. granted to Centi'alstelle fiir Wissenschaftlichtechnische
Untersuchungen Ges. for aluminium alloys, by Messrs. Vickers, Ltd.

Parliamentary. — The Shropshire, Worcestershire and

Statiordshire Electric Power Bill was read a third time in the
House of Commons last week.

Scientific and Industrial Research. — The first annual

report of the Committee of the Privy Council for Scientific and
Industrial Research for the year 1915-16 states that since the
establishment of the Committee by Order in Council on July 28th.
1915. it has considered and approved recommendations from its
Advisory Council in respect of aid to 20 scientific investigations of
industrial importance. It has. in addition, approved grants to a
number of individual research workers, both students and others,
which will amount at the close of the academic year 1916-17 to a
sum not exceeding .€6,000. The amount placed by Parliament at
its disposal for the initiation of the scheme in the financial year
1915-16 was £25.000, of which £12.241, including a special grant
of £4,250 to the Royal Society, was expended in the last months
of that year. For the current financial year the vote was £40.000.

A memorandum embodying certain suggestions for promoting
co-operation between different parts of the Empire in the organisa-
tion of scientific and industrial research was circulated to the
Governments of the Dominions ovei-seas, and has been communi-
cated to the Oversea Universities,

The report of the Advisory Council is printed in e.rti'/i.<ii. with
five appendices.

Preservation of Trade Union Customs. — Li>^ts of all

departure.^ from Trade Union customs under the Munitions Act are
being jirepared by the Amalgamated Society of Engineers, and
similar records are in the possession of the X'ational Advisory
Committee and the Ministry of Munitions. The society urges that
all such changes should be recorded, because when the time comes
for restoration the chief evidence will be the record of departures
made by employere and accepted by the Trade LTnions as correct.
In the instructions to district Committees, it is stated that a com-
plete record of all departures will constitute the most powerful
weapon of the society after the war, when grave perils will menace
the conditions which have been built up bv vears of struggle. —
T,i„rs. ' '■ , -:

Fatalities. — An inquest was held at Newcastle-on-Tvne,

on Friday, in connection with the death of Robert Blackburn from
injuries received in an electric warehouse lift. It appeared that
deceased and another youth went up in the lift to the third story,
when the former, who remained in the lift, in some way started it
and got jammed between the lift and the side of the well. Deceased
was unacquainted with the use of the lift, which^in normal times
was worked by men. Verdict : Accidental death.

An inquest was held on Saturday last on the body of T. D.
Hoskin. aged 23, a gunner in the R.G.A.. who was killed by falling-
from an electric train just Ijefore it entered Edgware Roatl station.
The evidence showed that the train was full, and the door of the
car Wfls open when it left Paddington, and that Hoskin was
pitched out of the car by a sudden jerk. Railway officials stated
that the doors were always closed before the train starteil. The
jury returned a verdict of " Accidental death.' and expressed the
opinion that there had been neglect on the part of .the railway
officials.

Institution and Lecture Notes. — Institution of Mining

Engineers.— The annual general meeting will be held at the Royal
Technical College. Glasgow, on Thursday. .September 14th, at 11 a.m.
A reception by the Lord Provost and Magistrates will take place in
the afternoon, and on Friday there will be an excursion down the
River Clvde. On account of the war. the usual dinner will not be
held.

The Electrical Association of Australia (N.S.W. Section).— The
monthly meeting was held at Sydney, on June 2nd. The president.
Mr. T. P. Strickland, read a short paper on ' Current Rushes in Trans-
formers. ' and an illustrated lecture was given by Mr. J. J.Richardson,
entitled : "The Experimental Electrical Investigations of the late
Lord Armstrong on the Characteristics of Positive and Negative
Electricity,' — Commoimealth Engineer.

Iron and Steel Institute. — The autumn meeting of the Institute
will be held at the Institution of Civil Engineers, Great George
Street, Westminster, on Thursday and Friday, September 21st and
22nd, 1916, commencing at 10,30 a,m, on the 21st and at 10 a.m. on
the 22nd.

Amongst the papers that are expected to be submitted for read-
ing and discussion, the only one that appears to be of electrical
interest is one by Prof. E. D. Campbell : " Influence of Heat-
Treatment on the Thermo-Electric Properties and Specific
Resistance of Carbon Steels."

The Council announces that the Privy Council has sanctioned
the new by-law providing for the expulsion from the Institute of
members who are subjects of a country at war with the United
Kingdom.

New Collieries.— It is reixnted that nearly £1,000,000

is being spent on opening out new coal mines in the Manchester.
Leigh, and Bolton districts.

America's Electrical Week.— Information recei\ed from

the Society for Electrical Development shows that in anticipation
of the "electrical week" (December 2nd-9th next) local Com-
mittees have been formed in 286 cities : various booklets are to be
issued and 25,000 copies of a " Facts " booklet will be distributed,
the cover of which will contain a reproduction of the Si. 000 prize
winning poster, which is to be the official design for the cam-
paign. Nearly 800 designs wei'e submitted for this poster. Amongst
ether features four weekly magazines, viz,, "Collier's," " Scientific
American,'' " Scribner's," and " Leslie's " are to issue special elec-
trical numbers or sections on December 2nd ; these publications
with nearly 2 million circulation do not overlap to any extent.

Volunteer Notes. — First London ENGraEBR Yolux-

TEERS, — Headquarters. Chester House. Eccleston Place. S.W. —
Orders for September, 1916, by Lieut.-Col. C. B. Clay. V.D,,
Commanding.

A General Parade will be held on Saturday, September 30th. at
2.45. at Headquarters. Uniform.

W. Eyles. Esq. (late R.E.). has kindly consented to give four
lectures, as follows : —

Wednesday. Septemlier 6th and 13th, "Bridging,"

20th and 27th, " Demolitions."

Members are requested to take special note that during this
month the lectures will be on Wednesdays, in place of Tuesdays.

Drills will be held under the Sergeant-Major on Tuesday even-
ings, as during August.

The range will be open on Thursday evenings, as during August.

Instruction Classes at Regency Street will be held as usual for
Platoons Xos. 9 and 10.

Eiifrenc/ii?!;/. — Every Sunday at 'Victoria Station (S.E. k C.
Railway). Booking-office, |8.45 a.m. The importance of a steady
continuance of this work cannot be overestimated.

The Commandant desires to draw attention to the ReiKirt on
Work Done on South London Defences in July, 1916. in which the
paragraph referring to the Corps says : — '' The work has been very
well done and the task completed," and to express his gratification
at the supix)rt he has received.

,Sfieeitil -Vii/r. — Ordinary Drills will be resumed on and after
September 18th. Supplementary Orders will be issued later.

I 'orps yfeetinij. — A General Meeting will, if possible, be held at
the end of September.

MACLEOD YEARSLEY. Atljlitinit.

3rd Batt. (Old Bovs') Central London Volunteer Regi-
ment.— Battalion Orders by Capt. R. J.C.Eastwood (Commandant).
Thursday. August 31st, 1916 :—

Wee/r-Enii Parade. — SatiirJai/.—The Battalion will Parade at
Liverpool Street Station (Low-Level entrance, G.E.R.), at 8.40 a.m..
and proceed by train for Entrenching duties. Those who cannot
take the early train will parade at 1.20 p.m.

*««</(?//.— The Battalion will parade at 9.30 a.m. for Entrenching
duties,

Jiecriii/s.—'The O.I.C. will be at Headquarters. Lord's, on Mondays.
Wednesdays, and Fridays, to enrol recruits, from 6 to 7 p.m.. and to
see any members who may wish for an interview.

Recruits will Parade at Lord's Cricket Ground on Saturday, at
3 p.m., and on Sunday at 11 a.m. and 2.30 p.m.. for Recruit Drill.

Miisketri/. — Members who have sent in their names to shoot at
Bisley on Saturday. 2nd inst.. will report in uniform either to
Sergeant J. W. S. Bmmester. at 9.20 a.m. at No. 8 Platform.
Waterloo Station, or to Corporal W, P, Gibson, at 12.45 p.m.. at the
same Platform.

Miqi-reiulinq t'/u.v.«,— Mr,. AV. Page will commence a new class at
Headquarters, at 6 p.m., September 5th. Those who wish to
attend should send^.in their names to the Adjutant as soon as
possible. I

G. H. F. Duncan. Acting Adjutant.

Inquiries. — Makers of Davis-Perrett oil eliminating

plant, and suppliers of machinery for making paper tubes and
troughs, and for pasting paper on iron sheets, are asked for.

Appointments Vacant. — Electrical engineer to take

charge of electric lighting and pumping machinery at Eoffey Camp.
Horsham. Sussex (£3) ; shift engineer (50s.) and wiremen (38s. to
45s.'), for the War Department ; shift engineers, for Morley Elec-
tricity Works ; shift engineer (£2), for Reigate. See our advertise-
ment pages to-day.

'244

THE ELECTMCAL REVIEW, i v.,i t;. ' n.. L.-^-i.

:i-ri;Mi;i;i{ I. l;i|i

OUR PERSONAL COLUMN.

The J-'ililors iiirilr fleet ricdl eixjineem. lelietlier emiiteeteil iritli the
teehnicul or the eoinmereUil xiile of the profession and imiuntri/,
alio eleetrie tramway am/ ruilmii/ ofiieials.to keep readers of the
Electrical Review posted as to their morements.

Central Station and Tramway Ollicials. — Mr. E. C.

Gori.lHNU, who i-nlistod as a sapper in the London Electrical
Engineers whilst engaj^ed in the Enfudd district sales depart-
nient of the local electric li^'lit company, has received a com-
mission in the Mechanical Ti-ansport.

The Ayleshury U.D.C. has appointed Mr. W. J. Raby, of
Horsham, as assistant engineer at the electricity works at a
salary of Hi 10s. per week, provided he is exempted from
military service.

A presentation was made on August 18th, at the offices of
the Guernsey Electric Light k Tower Co., to Mr. A. C.
Thorn, on the occasion of his approaching marriage.

The Commonwealth Engineer mentions that Mr. TI. A.
Witcox, manager of the Melbourne Tramways & Omnibus
Cb., has been appointed manager of the Melbourne Tramway
Board at the increased salary of .t"i..50O per annum. Mr.
W. O. Stranowaud, formerly .secretary of the Trahran and
Malvern Tramway Trust, lia.s been appointed secretary to the
Board at a salary of i£l,'2<lO per annum.

General. — Mr. F. J. Borland, of " Scissors " arc lamp fame,
and formerly of Leeds, has joined the Italian Red Cross as a
motor engineer, and is now on the Italian frontier.

Mr. C. J. BoWEN Cooke, chief mechanical engineer of the
L. tt'N.-W. Rly. Co., has just been apiV)inted a Magistrate
for the Borough of Crewe.

On the occasion of his marriage, Mr. W. B. Rich.ardson,
formerly of the electrical engineering department. G.C. Rly.,
was presented by the staff of Messrs. Vickers, I.td. (machine
gun shop) with a dining-room clock.

Roll of Honour. — The Distinguished Service Order has been
conferred upon Second-Lieutenant (temp. Captain) Hubert
Conrad Sfarks, London Regiment, for conspicuous gallantry
in action. During an assault on the enemy's trenches he took
command when his senior officer was killed, and rallied his
men, who were under heavy fire, and had expended nearly
all their ammunition. With a handful of men he made a
most determined stand, although nearly surrounded, and thus
enabled the remainder to withdraw. He was the last to leave.
Captain Sparks is the brother and partner of Mr. C. P.
Sparks, President, I.E.B., whose three sons have also dis-
tinguished themselves in the war. ■

Private W. Ball, Loyal North Lancashire Regiment, who
was employed on the Blackpool and Fleetwood Tramways,
has been killed in action.

Private Leonard Smith, of the King's Own Royal Lancas-
ters, aged 21, formerly employed on the Blackpool Corpora-
tion tramway system, lost his life while attempting to rescue
a wounded comrade.

Gunner Herbert Wolstenholme, aged 21, has been killed
in action ; he was employed at the Accrington Corporation
electricity works.

Private H. C. Darbvshire, Royal Fusiliers (Sportsmen's
Battalion), killed by a sniper, was formerly employed in the
Salford Corporation tramway offices.

Private Harold Peters, South Lanes. Regiment, who is
posted as missing, was employed at the British Westinghouse
Works, Trafford Park.

Private Ernest Ward, of the Seaforth Highlanders, who
has been wounded, was employed by Messrs. T. Harding
Churton & Co., Ltd., Leeds.

Private Francis Albert Paskey, of the Royal Fusihers, who
was a partner in an electrical business in London when he
erdisted, six months ago, was killed in action on August 6th.
He was 28 years of age.

Private H. A. Pickess, Machine Gun Corps, who was with
the Southend-on-Sea Corporation tramways, has fallen in
action in France. He was 26 years of age.

Sergeant Ij. Ratcliffe, of the Cheshire Regiment, formerly
on the staff of the Mersey Power Co., of Runcorn, has been
awarded the Military Medal for bravery at the Front.

Corixjral .J. Chadwick, of the Lanca.shire Fusiliers, who
served in the South .'Vfrican w'ar, and has seen a good deal of
fighting in France recently, has been killed. He was an
electrician at Messrs. Bibby & Baron's mill.

Private Herbert Hoyle, of the Lancashire Fusiliers, for-
merly a motorman employed by the Bury Corporation, has
been wounded.

Gunner Vincent Harrison, Royal Field Artillery, formerly
in the electrical department of Messrs. Eyre & Sons, Ltd., of
Chesterfield, has beeii killed in action. -: ;

Private John Russell, of tlie Cheshire Regiment, formerly
with the Urban Electric Supply Co., Ltd., at Glossop, and
the Glossop and Hadfield Tramways, is in hospital.

Private Chas. Edward Firth, of thg Yorkshire and Lalnca-
shire Regiment, formerly on the staff of the Carlisle electric
tramways, has been wounded. :

Private Harry Pear, who has fallen in action ,in France,
belonged to Weston-super-Mare, and served . hi§ apprentice-
ship as an electri"-! engineer at Clifton, Bristol.

Private Fred Beaumont, Gordon Highlanders, who has
died of wounds received in action, was on the Halifax Cor-
poration tramway staff.

Ct>rporal J. H. Hdll, formerly with the Liverpool Corpora-
tion tramways, has fallen in action in France.

Private F. L. Bailey, Baruslcy Battalion, forineily with
the Barnsley Traction Co., is reported wounded and missing.

Private Owen Alias Jones, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, for-
merly at the Bangor electricity works, has been killed in
action.

Iiieutenant Herbert Williamson, who wa.s an electrical
engineer at Denahy and Cadeby Collieries, has been promoted
to the captaincy, and placed in charge of a machine gun com-
pany of the King's Own Yorkshire Jjight Infantry. At the
outbreak of the war he was a lieutenant in the Territorial
iorces.

Lance-Corpora 1 William Williams, of the. Royal Engineers,
formerly electrician at Messrs. Ijcwis's, Manchester, has been
wounded by the accidental explosion of a bomb.

Private Corser, of the Manchester liegiment, an employe
of the British Westinghouse Co., has been taken luisoucr by
the Germans.

Cor|)oral Leslie S. Anderson", ol the Manchester Regiment,
formerly employed by the Lancashire Klei'tric Power Co.,
is reported missing.

Gunner Edwin McCullooh (;«), of the Royal Artillery
Experiments Department, has been accidentally killed whili'
carrying out experiments. He was formerly in the Man-
chester Corporation tramways department.

Private James Wilkinson, Royal' Scots, aged 20, pri(]r to
the war an apprentice at the British Westinghouse Works,
has been killed in action.

Signaller T. Parker (19), Machine Gun Corps, has been
awarded the Military Medal for gallantry in the field. He
was formerly employed at the Manchester electricity works.

Captain J. M. Donaldson, of the King's Royal Rifles, whose
winning of the Military Cross has ju.st neen announced,
was educated at the Whitgift Gramniar School, Croydon,
and won an electrical engineering exiiiliition of the Fish-
mongers' Company. He held ivsponsihle positions with the
British Thomson-Houston Co., and subsi-quriitl\ spent about
two years in Canada and the United St:itcs ^::iinin^; experi-
ence. Ultimately he became a.s.sistant chii'l enuineei- to the
North Metropolitan Electric Power Co. Km old C.L.B. officer,
he joined the C.L.B. Battalion of the K.R.K., and went to
the Eh-ont at the end of November, 101-5, being twice slightly
wounded ere winning the M.C. foi bravery in action.

Private Harold Brewster, of the I .Miu^i^liiii- Fusiliers, for-
merly employed by the British W Vstuij^limise Co., Trafford
Park, has been killed in action.

Captain H. O. Eraser, who has been awarded the Military
Cross^ was an engineer at the Wakefield Corporation's elec-
tricity works.

Sergeant William Conyers, killed in action, was an elec-
trical engineer on his own account in Leeds; he was a son
of the late Coun. J. D. Conyers.

Private John Wright, of the Loyal North Lancashire Regi-
ment, who was an employe of Messrs. Dick, Kerr & Co., Ltd.,
at Preston, is reported from France to be missing.

Private George Lewis, of the Lancashire Fusiliers, posted
as missing, was employed at the Salford electricity works.

Captain G. Z. Pinder, of the Canadian Infantry, who, prior
to going out to Canada some years ago, was with the General
Electric Co., Ltd., SaJford, has just been awardeil the Mili-
tary Cross for conspicuous gallantry and aiiility when leading
his Company in a counter-attack, and in subjeciuently con-
trolling his men when severely wounded.

Acting-Captain Eraser Bryant, of the Manchester Regi-
ment, awarded the Military Cross for conspicuous gallantry
and abihty, was formerly with Messrs. Mather & Platt, of
Manchester. He took command when the Connnandiug
Officer becafne a casualty during operations, and led with
great skill and courage.

Lance-Coiporal Joseph PTdlme, formerly employed by the
Briti.sh Insulated &. Helsby Cables, litd., has been awarded
the Mihtary Medal for conspicuous bravery. His cojnpany
officer was wounded, and Hulme went to his aid, and suc-
ceeded in getting him to hospital, although under machine-
gun fire most of the time. Accxjrding to a doctor, the officer's
life was saved through the prompt treatment he received.

Private Alfred Cobnthwaite, Black Watch, hai^ been killed
in action ; he was formerly employed iii the Manchester Cor-
poration tramways department.

Private Harry Hdghes, of the Lancashire Fusiliers, for-
merly employed at the power station at Radcliffe, has been
killed in action. --■'■■■

Private Frederick Ireland, of the Royal Scots, wounded
by shrapnel and bullets, and now in hospital at A..shton, is
only 17 years of .age,, and enlisted when 16, being then
employed at- the; British Westinghouse Works,

Obituary.— Mn.' Walter 'Stevens.-— Mr. Walter Stevens,
assistant superintendent of the Western Union Cable Co., at"
Penzance, has died under distressing circumstances. Deceased
was found drowned in the sea at LamorDa.

I

Vol.79, xo. 2.02:1 SEPTEMBKRi.iiUG.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW,

246

OFFICIAL RETURNS OF ELECTRICAL
COMPANIES.

STOCKS AND SHARES.

Resisio Electrk Manufacturing Co., Ltd.— Issue on

August 4lh, 191G of 41,900 debs., part of a series of which particulars have
already been filed.

Holsworthy Gas & Electric Supply Co., Ltd.— Particulars

of f 750 debs., created July 22nd, 1916, filed pursuant to Section 93 (3) of the
Con.panies (Consolidation) Act, 1908, the amount of the present issue being
£500. Property charged : The company's undertaking and property, subject
to certain prior mortgages and debentures. No trustees.

Brilliant Arc Lamp & Engineerinj^ Co., Ltd. — A memor-
andum of satisfaction to the extent of £40 on August 12th, 1916, of deb.
dated June 22nd, 1915, securing £90, has been filed.

New Peto & Radford Accumulator Co., Ltd. — Mortgage

0.1 Victoria Works and Greville Works, Ashstead, to secure £2.000. Holders :
C. G. Howard, IC, Tokenhouse Yard, E.C., and C. R. Mayo, 10, Drapers'

CITY NOTES.

The report of the president and direc-
West India tors for the year ending December 31st,
Electric Co., Ltd. 1913, submitted at the annual meeting of
shareholders held on March 9th, 1916,
states that the falhng-off in railway receipts which com-
menced in August, 1914, continued throughout 1915, and
shewed a total decrease for the year of $'22,653.10. The hght-
in^ and power ' receipts, on the contrary, show an increase
for the year of $7,886.94. The total receipts from all sources
were $'274,317.88, as against $'288,924.97 for 1914, a decrease
of $14,607.09. Fortunately, there was a well-distributed rain-
fall throughout the year, consequently the consumption of
coal was light, and this, in conjunction with other economies,
effected a reduction in operating expenses to $143,368.43— a
decrease of $11,860.'27 — the result showing a profit of
$130,949.45. There was paid out of this sum interest on
bonds, $30,000 — pajinent to the Government of the 4 per cent,
tax on railway receipts, $7,409.35 — and rental to the Jamaica
Light it Power Co., Ltd., $1'2,000, the total of fixed charges
being $49,409.35, leaving a net income of $81,540.10, which
has been disposed of as follows : Pour quarterly dividends paid
amounting to $40,000, transferred to contingent account
$17,471.57, and added to surplus account $'24,068.53. The
contingent fund now amounts to $1(X),000, and the surplus
account to $4'26,'274. Property and plant account has been
increased by $'25,233.87, made up principally by cost of storage
battery and extension of lighting lines. The sale of electric
current for lighting and power in Spanish Town has grown
slowly but steadily.

Bombay Electric ^' ^^^ annual meeting, held in Bom-
Tram wavs ^^y'y ^i'" Sassoon D.tviD, the chairman,
Co Ltd stated that after meeting all fixed

'' ' charges, and defraying all the operating

expenses and maintenance charges of the business, and
making the appropriations to various funds, the balance of
net profit justified the declaration of a dividend at the rate
of 7 per cent, per annum on the ordinary shares. This left
f9,602 to be carried forward, as against a sum of j08,326
brought into last year's revenue. The creation of the Indian
board was the result of the action recently taken by a very
large majority of the company's shareholders to free it from
hability to pay the English income-tax in addition to the
Indian income-tax. Not only had the price of materials used
in their business in many cases doubled or trebled, but
there were great difficulties in obtaining supplies of many
articles on any terms whatever. They were anxious as early
a.s possible to place an additional 20 two-car trains on their
lines, in order to provide additional accommodation for
passengers, but it was quite impossible to .say when they
would obtain material for the construction of this rolling stock
which was on order. The directors' report was adopted, and
Sir Sassoon David and Mr. A. H. Froom were re-elected
directors, and the election of Mr. P. C. Rimington as a direc-
tor, during the period he remains in India, was confirmed. —
Indiitn Engineering.

Brompton & Kensington Electricity Supply Co., Ltd. —

An interim dividend at the rate of 8 per cent, per annum, less
tax, on the ordinary shares, payable September 6th, is
announced.

Kalgoorlie Electric Tramways, Ltd.— The accounts for
1915. after including the debit balance of £12,5'20 brought for-
ward and charging £4,000 for depreciation and iE9,206 for
debenture service, show a debit balance of Jt'18,5'20 to be car-
ried foi"ward. — Financial Times.

South Metropolitan Electric Light & Power Co., Ltd.—

WaiTants for dividends payable the 31st inst.,"for the half-
year ended June 30th, 19i6, of the company's 7 per cent,
cumulative first preference shares and 6 per cent, cumulative
second preference shares, have been posted.

Tuesday Eveninq.
. Moat of the mai'kets round the Stock Exchange are good
in tendency, the immediate cause of the firm tone being the
news that Eoumania had declared war upon Austria. Upon
this, the gilt-edged stocks hardened, and the Home Eailway
market improved in sympathy. At the end of last week, the
latter stocks were decidedly depressed ; and the result of this
weakness is still seen in some of the Underground issues.
Electric lighting shares are steady, and the foreign groups
are firm, with the exception of Anglo-Argentine Tramways.
Iron, steel, chemical, and rubber shares are mostly better.

London Electric shares, it will be noticed with interest, are
unchanged at Ig for the ordinary and 4 J for the preference.
County of Londons have risen to 11. The company is doing
well, and there are several buyers about of small amounts.
Present holders are not disposed to sell, and the limited supply
is being easily absorbed. Metropolitans advanced to 2i, show-
ing a rise of J ; and St. James's at 6i are 5s. to the good. The
Brompton & Kensington Electric C6. has declared an interim
dividend at the rate of 8 per cent, on the ordinary shares,
payable next week, this comparing with 9 per cent, for the
corresponding period last year.

No other quotable changes have occurred, but the market
is strong throughout. In explanation, the market offers the
weU-woi-n truism that there are more buyers than sellers,
but what happens, of course, is that with new issues: reduced
to something hke a minimum, and with so much money being
made in the provinces by reason of the war, investors are
obhged to confine their attentions to the existing securities
and to utilise their money to the best advantage.

The Mexican situation has reached a highly interesting
point, but the rise in the various stocks, carried out so sharply
last week, suffered something of a check as more qautious
views began to take the place of the previous optimism.
Previous would-be buyers are reckoning up what it is likely
to cost the companies to set then- affairs in order ; and a httle
stock has been offered on behalf of those who picked it up
more cheaply what time nobody would look at Mexicans.
The lighting and power group is very steady, but no further
changes have occurred.

In the American-Canadian division, Pennsylvania Water
and Power shares are better at 80J, Shawinigan common has
risen several points to 136, while Canadian General Electric
common fell 1 to 121, the preference being about 119. Vera
Cruz Electric Light, Power & Traction fives have been chang-
ing hands on the basis of 60. The ordinai'j' shares of the
Cordoba Light & Power Co., which are of the nominal value
of £1 each, stand about 5s., and are being advised for an
advance in price. These shares might be useful by way of a
speculative lock-up, but those who buy them should recognise
the possibility, to say the least of it, that they may have to
keep their holding for several years before the money grows
into a profit.

Melbourne Electric ordinary stock has been negotiated
during the past tew days at about 155J, which is 37 points
lOT^er than the price current at the end of July, 1914. Cal-
cutta Electric Supply shares stand at 6J, or £1 less than their
pre-war figure, .\nglo-.\rgentine Tramway issues are dull,
the first preference again receding 1/16 to 3i, while the first
debenture stock at 75 is a point lower and returns now £6
13s. 4d. per cent, on the money. Brazil Tractions keep steady
at 62L although the report is said to be somewhat disappoint-
ing. The preferred shares remain at 93. A feature in
this section is the contLuued strength of British Columbia
stocks, further rises occurring of '2 in the preferred and 4 in
the deferred, the last-named now being raised to 50.

Metropohtan Consolidated and Districts fell back in sym-
pathy with the weakness of the railway market, to which
reference has already been made, but there was a partial
recoveiy, and on balance the falls are trifling. Underground
Electric shares are the turn lower, but the 'j per cent, income
bonds at 92 gained a small fraction. The bonds will be quoted
ex dividend on the Thursday in this week, and, at 89 ex, the
return will work out to 6J per cent., which is equal to 9 per
cent, on the money, if income-tax at 5s. in the £ is taken
into account.

Telegraphs have developed a certain amount of irregulanty.
Eastern ordinary shed a point, and Westerns eased off to 15,
while Anglo-American preferred at 103i is a shade lower. On
the other hand, Cuba Submarines are good at 8J,,and Great
Northerns rose £2 to 42J. The rise in the latter is associated
with the fall in the Petrograd exchange. Telephones are
firm. United River Plates gaining i at 6i. and Chiles being
better at 7. There is not much going on in Globes.

Animation is shown by the Marconi market; and although
the parent shares have not moved after their rise of last week,

i46

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW. [Voi, ?!>. xo. 2,023, skptkmbkk i, uu.;.

Americans shot up to 193. 9d, on buying which was declareil
to be inspired from the other side. Marconis themselves are
being picked up by people who disregard the present paltry
yield of 3 per c«nt. on the money, but who argue that after
the war the company will espand its profits and its energies
by leaps and bounds.

This, of course, is already discounted to some extent in the
price; and it may well be, as we have mentioned on previous
occasions, that there will be disiippointment when the award
of the GoveiTiment to the company is annouiu-ed. Some of
the people who are following the market rather look for a
disappointment of this sort and a consequent drop in price,
upon which they expect to get in on a more modest level
than 3J, But as to an ultimate advance in the shares, there
are few who have any particular doubt.

The industrial market is keeping up its end with consider-
able strength. General Electrics are good at 133. The pre-
ference are up to their par value of .±'10. British Westing-
house preference, on the other hand, are a (lull market, and
at 49s. again show a loss of Is. Babcock & Wilcox rose 3/lG
to 3J, and nearly all the shares in this section are as nearly
buoyant as they can be in the present restricted condition of
business, as carried on under the Treasury regulations.

Similar conditions apply to the chemical shares, Castner-
Kellners being a leading example at 3J. at which they are
J up on the week, Tlie rubber market is once more showing
noteworthy strength, to which the price of the raw material
contributes little or nothing, because after an improvement to
2.". 4Jd, per lb., the price went back Id. per lb. This, how-
ever, failed to dissuade the buyers of shares; and once more
the familiar complaint is heard that there are not sufficient
shares to go round.

MARKET QUOTATIONS.

SHARE LIST OF ELECTRICAL COMPANIES,

HOMB ELEOTRIOITT CoMPiNlKB,

Dividend Price

, ■*■ — > Aug. 99 Rise or tall

1914. 1916, 1916. this week,

Brompton Ordinary . . . . 10 10 63 —

Charing Cross Ordinary . . 6 6 8;.\d ~

do. do, do. 4iPret.. 4J 4) ajxd

Chelsea 6 4 8 —

City of London 9 8 12* —

do. do. 6 per cent. Pref. 6 6 I04 —

County of London .... 7 7 11 + s

do. 6 per cent. Pref. 6 6 ICg •^ 4

Kensington Ordinary . . . . 9 7 6|xd

London Electric 4 8 11 —

do. do. 6 per cent. Pref, 6 6 44 —

Metropolitan 3J 8 ijixd + i

do. 4» per cent. Pref. 4} 4) 8J —

St. James' and Pall MaU . . 10 8 61.\d -f J

'South London B 6 2J —

South Metropolitan Pref. . . 7 1 ■ if , ""

Westminster Ordinary .. .. 9 7 ojxd —

Teleobapbs and Teliphones,

Anglo-Am. Tel. Pref 6 6 IMJ — J

'* do. Def 30;- 83/6 23i

Chile Telephone 8 8 7 + i

Cuba Sub. Ord ^0 , ? * *

Eastern Extension . . . . 7 8 Ui —

Eastern Tel. Ord 7 8 148 —I

Globe Tel. and T. Ord 6 7 131 —

do. Pref. ..6 6 lOi —

Great Northern Tel 22 22 42i -^2

Indo-European 13 13 48 —

Marconi 10 10 8} —

New York Tel. 4i .... 4^ 44 99j —

Oriental Telephone Ord. . . 10 10 8A —

United E. Plate Tel 8 8 6J ■(■ J

West India and Pan 1 — 1|% —ft

Western Telegraph .... 7 8 16 — J

Home Rails,

Central London, Ord. Assented 4 4 74 —

Metropolitan li 1 244 — i

db. District . . . . Nil Nil 18J - i

DndergTound Electric Ordinary Nil Nil IJi — A

do. do. "A" .. Nil Nil 6/6 -

do, do. Income 6 6 92 -1-4

Fobeiom Trams, &o.

Adelaide 9up. 6 per cent. Pref. 6 6 6 —

Anglo-Arg. Trams, First Pref. 64 6* 8| — A,

do. 2nd Pref. . . 64 6$ 8 —

do. 6 Deb. ..6 6 76 —1

Brazil Tractions . . ' .... 4 4 63* —

Bombay Electric Pref 6 6 lOgxd —

British Columbia Elec. Rly. Pfce. 5 6 63 —

do. do. Preferred— Nil 61 -H

do. do. Deferred — Nil 60 +4

do. do. Deb. 4i 4i 68 —

Mexico Trains 5 per cent. Bonds — Nu 42 —

do. 6 per cent. Bonds — Nil 86 —

Mexican Light Common . . Nil Nil 90 —

do. Pref Nil Nil 84 —

do. 1st Bonds . . Nil Nil 42 —

Mani:factubino Companies.

Babcock i Wilcox .... 14 16 3J -f A

British Aluminium Ord. . . 5 7 26/- —

British Insulated Ord 15 174 12i —

British Westinghouse Pref. . . 74 74 49/- — 1/-

Callenders 15 20 19* —

do. 6 Pref 5 6 4} —

Caatner-Kellner 20 — 8| -f J

Edison & Swan, £3 paid . . Nil — 10/8 —

do. do. fully paid . . Nil — 1| —

do. do. 5 percent. Deb. 6 6 60 —

Electric Construction . , . . 6 74 17/6 —

Gen. Elec. Pref 6 6 10 -f 4

Henley 20 26 184 + i

do. 44 Pref 44 44 4 —

India-Rubber 10 10 12) -^ 4

TelegrepbCon 20 20 89 —

* Diyideods paid tres of Ineome-ttXi

£7 18 9
7 2 10
6 8 7
6 18 4

6 16 0

18 9

5 14 6

8 8 6

•6 7 6

•6 8 1

•6 8 8

5 10 4

6 3 U
6 19 8

3 16

4 10 3
6 0 0

•6 16 5

•6 6 8

It should be remembered, in making use nf the figures appearing
in the following list, that in some cases the prices are only general,
and they may vary according to quantities and other circumstances.

Wednesday, August. 30th.

CHEMICALS. &c.

a Acid, Oxalic perl

a Aiiiiiiuniae Sal per t

a Aiiiiiiunia, Muriate (large crystal) „

a Bisulphide of Carbon .. .. „

a Copper Sulphate ,,

a Potash, Chlorate perl

a >, Perchlorate . . . . ,,

a Shellac per <

a Sulphate of Magnesia . . . . per I
a Sulphur, Sublimed Flowers . . ,,

a ,, Lump ,,

a Soda, Chlorate per 1

a ,, Crystals per t

a Sodium Bichromate, casks .. perl

METALS, ic.

Brass (rolled metal 2" to 12" basis) per 1

,, Tubes (solid drawn) ,. ,,

,, Wire, basis ,,

■ Copper Tubes (solid drawn) ., ,,
r ,, Bars (best selected) . . per t
' ,, Sheet ,,

r „ Rod „

( ,, (Electrolytic) Bars .. „

I „ „ . Sheets .. „

I „ „ Rods .. „

( „ „ H.C. Wire per 1

■ Ebonite Rod ,

Sheet

I German Silver Wire . . , , ,,

I Gutta-percha, fine „

I India-rubber, Para fine .. .. ,,

Iron Pig (Cleveland warrants) . . per t

„ Wire, galv. No. 8, P.O. qual. „

r Lead, English Pig ,,

r Mercury per 1

r Mica (in original cases) small . . per 1

> ,, ,, ,, medium ,,

! ,, ,, ,, large .. ,,

/ Silicium Bronze Wire .. .. perl

' Steel, Magnet, in bars ,, .. pert

r Tin, Block (English) .. .. „

1 ,, Wire, Nos. 1 to 16 .. .. perl

Latest

Fortnight's

Price.

Ino. or Deo.

W8

«76

i;e4

£23

Mat

£61

2/0

•i/-

121/.

;iu/ mc.

£18

I'lO

£l'i lU

l/l

120/-

mi to 1/3

l/3t to 1/34

1/3 to l/3i

l/6i to 1/64

£16U

£10U

£15U

£129

£147

£136

1/4A

3/-

2/6

2/3

6/10

3/3

Nom.

£86

£32 10

£17 12 6 to £17 16

6d. to 8/-

8/6 to 6/-

7/6 to 14/- « up.

1/8

£86

£175 to £17d

2/10

Quotations supplied by-

a O. Boor* Co.
c Thos. Bolton & Sons, Ltd.
d Frederick Smith ,4 Co.
e F. Wiggins & Sons.
India-Hubber, Gutta-Percha and
Telegraph Works Co., Ltd,

g James & Shakespeare.

h Edward Till & Co.

I Boiling & Lowe.

/ Richard Johnson & Nephew, Ltd.

n P. Ormiston t& Sons.

r W. F. Dennis & Co.

Karachi Electric Supply Corporation, Ltd. — .\l lh<; third
ai-iiual general meeting of the shareholders it was stated that
the demands for the corporation's energy had exceeded all
expectations, so much so that the revenue earned in the first
year exceeded that which the directors anticipated would be
secured during the second year of the corporation's supply to
the public. During the twelve months ending March 31st,
1916, 611 consumers were connected with the corporation's
mains. The length of mains in the compulsory area, provided
for in the licence granted to the corporation by Government,
was a little over 1'2 miles. The one lakh of rupees of capital
which the board called up in August last was expended on
the extension of the corporation's mains for a further five
miles. Many demands for further extensions had been
received. The Karachi Municipality ha<l contracted with the
corporation for the illumination of a little over six miles of
public streets, whilst the Karachi Cantonment Committee
liad ju.st given the corporation an order to illuminate a little
under two miles of streets in cantonments. The diiectors
recommended a dividend at the rate of 5 per cent, per annum.
— Indian Industries and Power.

Mexico Tramwaiys and Power Bonds. — It is .nnnounced
that the various meetings of the bondholders of the Mexican
Tjight and Power, Mexico Tramways, Mexican Electrii' fjight,
and Pachuca Light and Power Companies will be held on
October 4th and 5th in order to consider the past and pro-
posed policy of the Bondholders' Committee and the Trustee.
— Murniny Post.

Davis & Timmins, Ltd. — Interim dividend at the rate of
6 per cent, per annum, free of tax, on ordinary shares, pay-
able September 13th.

Clyde Valley Electrical Power Co.— The directors have
declared a dividend of li per cent, (actual), free of income-tax.

Oxford Electric Co,, Ltd.— Interim dividend at the rate of
6 per cent per annum, less tax, on ordinary shares, payable
September 14th.

Vol. 7!). No. 2,023, SEPTEMBER 1, 1916.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

247

PETRI PEREQRINI MARICURTENSIS.

Author of "De Magnete" Epistle, A. D. 1269. Originator

of the Floating and of the Pivoted Compass.

Bv P. F. MOTTELAY.

Maricourt, a small village on the right bank of the river
Somme, in Picardy, about 8 km. distant from Comblcs, and
40 km. from AmieiLs, has of late been in ahno.st daily
mention by the general Press,* yet how few readers know it
as the birthplace of Petrus Peregrinus, the first-known prac-
tical magnetist, author of what is in truth the very earliest
work of erperinienial science that has come do\«i to us.

We are told by Roger Bacon ("'Opus Tertium," Cap. XI)
that Magister Petrus, doubtless a Crusader, was at that time
the only one, besides Master John, of London, who could
be deemed a thoroughly accomplished, perfect, mathema-
tician, and was one W'ho understood the business of experi-
menting in natiu-al philosophy, alcliemy and medicine bettei'
than anyone else in Western Europe. In Chapter XIII of
this work, speaking of scientia ej-perimeiitalis. Bacon says : —
" I show in the sixth part of my ' Opus Majus ' the supreme
iviwer of this science over all others that have to l)e made
(crtain. Students of natural philosojjhy, commenting upon
Aristotle's Meteorlogics, and students of perspecti\'e, busy
themselves with making these things certain, but in vain ;
for experience alone here makes certain, and not argument.
Accordingly, I require abundance of expei-iments about
those things : and the business of experimenting no one in
Western Europe understands, save only Master Peter."

As the work that has made Peregrinus innnortal is now
of such excessi\e rarity as to be within the reach of but few.
it is thought Well tn give here some particulars of its verv
i|uaint character as well as of its astonishing scope, and to
point out briefly the fruitful results of the author's original
■investigations. These are detailed in a letter, or epistle,
" Written in camp, at the siege of Lucera (delle Puglie-
Nucerrae), in the year of our Lord 1269, on the 8th of
August,"' addi'essed to his nmicorvm inHme. a soldier, by
the name of Sigerus de Foucaucourt.

A translation of the introductory prologue to the work
was thus given by the late Prof. Silvauus P. Thompson, in
his address before the British Academy. November 28th,
1906 :—

Inmost of friends : beins' solicited by you, I will disclose to you
in rude narration a certain occult nature of the magnet stone.
For nothint;- indeed is pleasurable to philosophers apart from the
sharintr of the knowledge of it : because the nature of good things
wanders and is obscured in darkness until it is brought into the
radiance of public recognition. For love of you. ther.efore, I will
write down in plain language things which to the bulk of
students are utterly unknown. Nevertheless, we shall not com-
municate in this epistle any information save about the manifest
properties of the stone, on the ground that this teaching will form
part of a Tract in which we shall show how to construct physical
instruments. To treat of the occult properties of the stone leads
us to the art of engraving upon stones. And, although I call those
actions manifest concerning which you have inquired, yet they
will be^of no esteem ; and in the eyes of the vulgar will be as
illusions and phantasms. And. therefore, because they are secrets
to the common people, but will be manifest to astrologers and
naturalists, they will also be a solace to them, just as they will
likewise be of no slight assistance to travellers who have gone
far away.

There are of Peregrinus's work but few reliable mainr
script copies, all which have been fully de.scribed by
Timeteo Bertelli Barnabita, as w-ell as by the late Prof.
Silvanns P. Thompson, and there has been of it but one
printed issue in book form, that of the Lindau physician,
A. P. Gasser, which appeared at Augsburg during 1558.

Much has been said at different times regarding the con-
tents of the above-named epistle, the full title of which is
" Epistola Petri Peregrini de Maricourt, ad Sygerum de
Foucaucourt, militem. de magnete," and I cannot do better
than to give a much abbreviated resume of. what will here-
after appear concerning it in my " Bibliography of Electri-

* IVfaricourt lies upon the present south-eastern British Front,
and, as we learn from Reports of General Headquarters, it has,
during the past six weeks, sustained four very serious German
attacks ; as many as 300 shells having fallen in one day throughout
the village.

city and Magnetism." The first part of the work shows, in
turn : —

Chapter I. — The occult properties of the loadstone, also the art
of making scientific instruments.

Chapter II.— The natures of things and likewise the motions of
the heavenly bodies.

Chapter III. — The different requisite qualities of the loadstone,
and how loadstones are to be selected and tested.

Chapter IV. — How to find in the loadstone the two poles, using
preferably a globular magnet.

Chapter V. — How to distinguish the poles readily : — '" ....
the stone in the first vessel will be like a sailor in a ship ....
if this pole were turned away a thousand times, a thousand times
would it return to its place by the will of God."

Chapter VI. — In precisely what manner a magnet attracts a
magnet : — " As a rule, the northern part of one stone attracts the
southern part of another stone, and the southern the northern."

Chaptev VII. — How iron, whenever touched with the magnet,
immediately turns towards the poles of the globe.

Chapter VIII. — In what manner a magnet attracts iron. '' If
violence is used towards the ends .... the power in the iron
will easily be changed, and that will become southern which was
previously northern, and the converse."

Chapter IX. — Why the northern part attracts thp southern part
and the converse. " The attraction of the south by the south, and
of the north by the north, is not according to nature."

Chapter X. — Whence the magnet derives the natui-al power
which it possesses. " It is manifest that the parts of the magnet
receive theii' power from the world's poles . . . the whole
magnet fronr the entire heavens."

The second part of Peregrinus's epistle shows, in turn : —

Chapter I. — I'/ie ncif/hial comtrncHoa of the J/oatinij com/uisa, by
which the azimuth of the sun and moon and of any star above the
horizon, can be ascertained.

Chapter II. — The original construction of "a better iiistmrnent
and of more efects." the piroted compass. " By means of this, you
may be enabled to direct your footsteps to States and to Islands,
and to any places on the globe . . . whether on land or on
sea, so long as their latitudes or longitudes are known to you."

Chapter III. — The construction of a wheel for {)erpetual
motion. "By making a very thin concave silver case, after the
manner of a circular mirror, suitably perforated and around the
rim of which ai» inserted small iron nails, or teeth, bent closely
toward each other ... a magnet being set within ... so
that each tooth of the wheel shall arrive at the 'North pole : and,
owing to the impetus, shall pass by and approach the Southern
quarter . . . thus every tooth will be in a perpetual state of
attraction and avoidance . . .''

It may be added that to Peregrinus is due the first
inception of the ferrella. He makes the magnet round, and
he says : " You must know that this stone bears in itself a
likeness of the heavens and contains two points, one north
and tlie other south, thus resembling the poles of the sky."
The terrclla was afterwards constructed in much the same
way by Wm. Gilbert, only Peregrinus, as has l)een said,
considered it " a likeness of the heavens," whilst Gilbert
regarded it as the earth itself.

In his , lecture before the British Academy. Prof.
Thompson noted the fact that the pivoted compass of
Peregrinus antedates by more than 30 years tbe date
usually given as that of the invention of the mariners' com-
pass by the mythical Flavio Gioja, of Amalfi. in 1302.

THE NIAGARA POWER SITUATION.

For some weeks past our American and Canadian
contemporaries have devoted considerable attention
to the hydro-electric power situation at Niagara
Falls, where there is abundant evidence that the
legislative concessions for power development are
proving quite inadequate to meet the growing in-
dustrial requirements of Canadian and United States
users. Indeed, so insistent are the economic demands
for extended development of this particular source
of power that it would not be surprising were utili-
tarian considerations to prevail over aesthetic ones in
the near future, thus leading" to the release of a
huge amount of water which has up to the present
been reserved with a view to preserving the scenic
attractions of the Falls. After all, it needs no
great stretch of the imagination to pich.n"e a time
when, in the absence of cheaper sources of power,
the ever-growing demands of human existence will
compel the complete utilisation of such a power

248

THE ELECTKiCAL KEVIEW. 1V,.1. :■... X,,. lM.-.. Sr.rn:Mm:u l. li.ir,.

source as Xiagain. Tiie same thing on a lesser
scale occurs almost daily; our cherished hills and
woods are surrendered to bricks and mortar, our
mountain sides are given up to slate quarries, our
fields to coal tips, and our lakes for waterworks
reservoirs, and many other instances could be
quoted of a similar kind.

At the present time, however, under existing
international legislation, it would appear that some-
thing like an impasse has arisen. We may remind
our readers that by an International Treaty of 1909
between Canada and the United States, the con-
tracting parties agreed that each on its own side
of the boundar)- should have equal and similar
rights in the waters defined as boundary waters. If
for economic reasons more than half the power is
developed on one side, the increment over the half
may be regarded as the possession of, and given free
entn- into, the other country. Under the United
States 1906 (Burton) Bill for the control and regu-
lation of the wafers of Niagara river and preserva-
tion of the Falls, 15,600 cu. ft. per sec. could be
diverted from Niagara River on the United States
side, exclusive of 10,000 cu. ft. per sec. diverted
for the Chicago Drainage Canal. The Boundan,-
Waters Treaty, however, allowed the United States
to divert up to 20,000 cu. ft., while Canada can
take 36,000 cu. ft. per sec. The Burton Bill allowed
an aggregate of 160,000 h.p. to be imported from
Canada into the States, under the jurisdiction of the
United States Secretar\- of War, and he. in 1907,
allowed " fixed " permits for the International Rail-
way Co. to export 1,500 h.p.: the Ontario Power
Co., 60,000 H.p. ; Canadian Niagara Falls Power
Co., 52,500 H.p. ; and the Electrical Development
Co., 46,000 H.p. The Act further provided for
" revocable " permits for the transmission of addi-
tional energ}' from Canada, the total of all permits,
including the 160,000 h.p. mentioned above, and the
amount generated and used in Canada, not to exceed
350,000 H.p. A Canadian Act was also passed pro-
viding for the exportation of energ-y to the United
States under a duty not exceeding $10 per h.p. -year.
The treaty allowance to Canada of 36,000 cu. ft.
per sec. still remains, although the actual power
developed has increased. According to the Canadian
Engineer, certain agreements entered into with the
Ontario authorities allow the three large companies
operating on the Canadian side to generate an
aggregate of 405,000 h.p., which, it is understood,
will require the eventual diversion of 29,500 cu. ft.
from -viagara River, leaving only the small residue
of 6,500 cu. ft. available for further use, or, as our
contemporary puts it, for the logical and inevitable
expansion of the Ontario Hydro-Electric Power
Commission, for it is due to the exceptional growth
in the demands of the Commission that the question
has been brought into such prominence at the
moment.

Quoting our contemporary: "In September,
1910, the Hydro-Electric Power Commission's
Niagara system began operations with a load of
600 H.p. That system is now carrying a load of
110,000 H.p. When the Commission executed a con-
tract with the Ontario Power Co. for the supply of
100,000 H.P., it was confidently expected that this
amount of power would meet all the requirements
of the Niagara system for at least 30 years. The
Commission has actually more than exhausted this
contract in less than six years' operation, hence the
urgent necessity of negotiating the 50,000 h.p. con-
tract with the Canadian Niagara Power Co., con-
cerning which much discussion has recently appeared
in the daily newspapers.

" Even upon the basis of the past rate of increase
and demand, the Commission will certainly require
200,000 h.p. or more to supply the Niagara system
alone in 1918. If this estimate is correct, the extra
50,000 H.p. will be absorbed within a year, and at
least two years more will probably elapse before the

L onunission's yueenston plant will be in shape lo
deliver power."

The Canadian Niagara Co. exports practically all
its power, and is reported to have asked such a high
price that the Commission threatened to call in the
13ominion Government's aid with a view, if neces-
sary, of curtailing its export of power.

Our contemporary asks whether the contract
obligations of the companies are really of such a
nature as to make it impossible for them to meet
Ontario's demands. The Dominion Government
licences are renewable annually, and revocable at
will: as recently as 1915 licences in force permitted
the power companies at the Falls to export 210,000
t;.p. to the States, and it is miderstood that the
companies were specifically cautioned against
making binding contracts for the permanent supply
of exported power to their American customers in
view of the revocable nature of their licences and
the possibility of the power being later required in
Canada. Moreover, the American users were offi-
cially warned by their own Government of the posi-
tion taken up by the Canadian authorities. In view
of this, it is argued that the Canadian -Government
could not be accused of an unfriendly act if it' saw
fit to exercise its rights in reclaiming power now
being exported.

Such a policy, however, might cause injury to
present users of imported power in New York State,
where, despite the clearly-defined limitation as to
exports, a large vested interest has been created,
apparently based on the assumed permanent nature
of the supply; actually the New York State Public
Service Commission, in a recent discussion, assumed
that international relations in regard to the condi-
tions of supply and use of t/his power had become
" fixed," and subject only to changes which would
fullv protect the interests and rights, involved,
although the incorrectness of this interpretation of
Canadian laws was subsequently pointed out by the
Canadian Government.

The position as regards power, light, and heat in
Ontario is accentuated because the province is prac-
tically dependent) on the adjacent coalfields of the
United States for its supply of coal, especially of
hard coal, which may not always be available in
view of the expansion of American industiy, and
because hydro-electric power is a partial substitute.
Our Canadian contemporary points out that the
curtailment or absolute prohibition of export would
place New York State in a very similar position to
that in which Ontario finds herself at the present
time as regards inadequate supply, also that New
York State has available a similar remedy to the
projected Oueenston development by Ontario.

The United States Government still holds in
reserve 4,400 cu. ft. per sec. of the treaty water at
Niagara. Between 7,000 and 8,000 cu. ft. per sec.
of Niagara water is being diverted through the
Chicago drainage canal, of which more than 3,000
cu. ft. per sec. is being taken in direct defiance of
the Federal authorities at Washington, and is being
wasted to all intents and purpose in a low-head
development at Lockport, 111.

New York State should have 7,400 cu. ft. avail-
able, and with a practicable head of 300 ft., nearly
225,000 H.p. could be obtained, which would more
than off-set the withdrawal of Canadian power.

As regards the proposed Canadian development,
the mean difference in level between Lake Erie and
Lake Ontario is 327 ft., and the Hydro-Electric
Power Commission reports that at least 300 ft. of
this head can be effectively used for the development
of power through the agency of its projected
Chippewa-Oueenston scheme. This is more than
double the general average of effective head now
being used by the power companies at Niagara
Falls. It means that with the unallotted surplus of
treatv water, the Hydro-Commission can develop
nearly 200.000 H.P. at Oueenston. or 30 h.p. per

VA. SEPTEMBKU 1. ]'.'•]!

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

•249

cu. ft. of water as against 14 h.p. which the private
companies at Niagara Falls can produce. More-
over, so long at the existing private companies con-
tinue to operate on present lines, nearly half a mil-
lion H.p. will be sacrificed which could be developed
for use in Canada.

It may be pointed out that there is no connection
between the above scheme (referred to in our
" Lighting Notes " on August 20th, 1915) and the
Thomson scEeme for developing 2,000,000 h.p. by
damming the lower Niagara River just above
Queenston, which has been much discussed and
criticised lately.

On the American side, the representatives of
electrochemical industries located at Niagara re-
cently presented their side of the question to mem-
bers of the Committee on Foreign Relations of the
House of Representatives.

One speaker, Mr. F. A. Lidbury. of the Oldbury
Electrochemical Co. (says the Electrical IVorld).
pointed out that ever since power restriction
measures came into effect there had been a tendency
to shortag'e of power on the American side and in-
creasing prices, and that this had resulted in the
migration of industries to other countries.

The American Cyanamid Co. placed the first fixed
nitrogen plant in America on the Canadian side,
and was followed by two well-known abrasive in-
dustries, which moved the greater part of their fur-
nace operations to Canada, and in one case to
France; recently the Union Carbide Co. has been
erecting a ioo,ooo-h.p. plant in Norway; and the
market for the products of these concerns is prin-
cipally the United States. It has been suggested
that the electrochemical industries could move fur-
ther west, where there is abundant water power, but
Mr. Lidbury pointed out that the market is in the
manufacturing districts of the east, and additional
transport charges would be prohibitive, calculations
showing that in the case of the majority of the pro-
cesses, they would on the Western Coast require
not merely free power, but a bonus equal to what
was being paid for power at Niagara.

The power situation was bad, but likely to be
worse, as the Canadian Government had reduced the
amount of power for which permits were given, and
notified its intention to reduce the exported quantities
vearlv at a rate which would bring exportation to a
stop in the course of six or seven years; as at least
one-third of the Niagara power used in the States
was imported from Canada, they were faced with
further restrictions of operations. The speaker
went on to urge the complete utilisation of their
power resources, a'nd pointed to the enonnous in-
dustrial developments which had arisen as a result
of the alleged spoilage and destruction of the scenic
beauty of Niagara.

THE INDUSTRIAL CONDITIONS IN GERMANY
IN WAR TIME.

An interesting survey of the labour and industrial conditions
pievailing in Germany in 1915 and early in the present year
is contained in a series of Consular reports which have
recently been transmitted to the Government of the United
States from official representatives in Germany. Under exist-
ing conditions official statistics and reports by the German
Chambers of Commerce are not being issued, and the in-
formation available concerning trade and commerce is there-
fore fragmentary, and reflects the abnormal period through
which Gennan industries are novp passing. Consul-Gene.ral
Julius G. Lay, of Berlin, first shows the enormous reduction
in the interchange of trade as contrasted with the last year
of peace. He states that, as declared at the American Con-
sulates and agencies, the value of the exports from Germany
in 191.5 amounted to $39,967,000, as compared with
$1.56,406,000 in 19U and $186,035,000 in 1913. The trade with
neutral countries in Europe has materially decreased, largely
owing to the embargo, blockade, and contraband restrictions,
but that with Germany's allies may be regarded as approach-
ing the normal level.

The large stock of American goods at the free port of
Hamburg on the outbreak of war has been absorbed. After
the war, Consul-General Henry H. Morgan, of Hamburg,
states, a large demand will arise for copper, steel, rubber,
&c., in order again to bnild up the internal industries, and
the United States will undoubtedly be called upon to meet
these needs. At present, however, there is no possibility of
doing business, and the time is not opportune to make any
propaganda for the future.

The Consular district of Frankfort-on-Main, which is re-
ported upon by Consul-General Heaton W. Harris, ranks as
one of the three principal centres of American trade in Ger-
many. This trade has been for the most part well organised,
and formerly covered a wide and increasing range of pro-
ducts, including copper, oils, machinery, leather, rubber tires,
calculating machines, &c. Under war conditions, however,
this trade has .suffered severely. It has been impos,sible to
replenish stocks on account of trans-.Atlantic shipping condi- "
tions. and several of the agencies have been closed, although
the bu.siness premises in most cases have been retained for
resumption of operations when circumstances permit.

A remarkable feature of 1915, as re
Bankinj^ Changes ported by the Consul-General at BerKn,

and Company was the gradual development of the Ger-
Dividends. man banks into deposit institutions and

the gradual elimination of their stock ex-
change and commercial characteristics. This alteration was
brought about largely by the closing of the Stock Exchange
and the limitation of the usual industrial banking activities.
The tasks and obstacles confronting the various Berlin banks
were essentially the same; the most important task was assist-
ing in the subscription and collection of the war loans. The
punctual and creditable operation of these loans is a result
which has largely to be credited to the banks. A large in-
crease in investments was also noteworthy during the year,
bank depositors becoming to a large extent bank creditors,
since the capital that was formerly tied up in comtnercial
pursuits became available. Although the financing of indus-
trial operations almost ceased during the year, it was possible
to extend credits in a few cases, as. for instance, in the manu-
facture of artificial salteptre, yeast, &c.

The annual statements of the most prominent German com-
panies for 1915 show that the number which announced no
dividends for the year was relatively small as compared with
the total number reviewed. It also appears that a large
decrease in dividends was shown only in a minority of
cases, and only by undertakings which were either inade-
quately financed originally or were manufactuiing articles
of luxury and products intended for exportation. The porce-
lain and glass industries as well as the potash industry, which
generally exported more than half of their production, were
naturally compelled to pay lower dividends because the loss
of exports could not be compensated in any other way. The
cement mills, which were not in the best of positions in
times of peace, have suffered greatly.

In general, reduced rates of dividends were reported by the
industries not actively engaged in the production of war
requirements. The limitation of the output has not only
been caused bv a decreased demand, but also by a lack of
producing facilities. The lines in which relatively high divi-
dends were announced are principally mill products, chemi-
cals, paper, coal, iron and steel, and the textile industries, and
the railways and banks also have not materially suffered from
the war.

Since the disturbance m labour condi-
Labour tions which occurred at the beginning of

Questions and the war, matters have so far improved
Increases in that the Consul-General at Berlin is able

Wages. to announce that conditions have now

settled down to a degree of regularity. A
large amount of female labour has been introduced into
various trades where male labour was formerly employed. In
a number of industries imported foreign labour, parti-
cularlv Saandinavian and Dutch, has been substituted for
native workers, whilst 650.000 prisoners of war are stated
to have already been employed in faiToing and industrial
occupations at the commencement of May, 1916. The authori-
ties in charge of the funds for insurance again.st sickness con-
tinue to report a more favourable situation than in times of
peace, and as a result of the employment of men partially
incapacitated for miUtary service, and of women, the statistics
of the unemployed in the empire have materially improved.

The prehminary figures issued in relation to the number of
strikes in the empire in 1915 show a great reduction both in
number and duration. As compared with 1914, when 1,115
strikes occurred, there were only 137 last year, and these
were generally limited to several factories or firms, but did
not extend over a whole branch of industry. Over one half
of the strikes were settled by compromise. On the other
hand, the number of lock-outs receded from 108 m 1914 to
four last year. .

DeaUng with the state of employment in the province ot
Rhineland, a report issued for last December by the official
Labour Exchanges shows that there were 61 male applicants
to every 100 vacancies. Vacancies for 15,453 men arose, but
only 9,474 men made appUcations, and 6,015 of these found
occupation. The chief demand came from the agricultural,
coal mining, and iron and steel induistries. On the outbreak

•250

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW. Lv.-i. t.. xo.L-.o-.xs.PTKMm-.u i, i;h,

of the war, yO.ScX) lueu out of the total population of 100,750
at Aix-la-Cha[i^lle were engaged in industrial work, but at
the end of 1915 only •i::i,800 were so occupied, indicating a
decrease of 13.000 wage-earners.

The manufacturing industries in the Brcslau district of
Upper Silesia were all affected more or less by the general
scarcity of labour, particularly the textile and porcelain
trades. On the other hand, the iron and steel branches found
means of increasing the number of their employes, first by
requisitioning large numbers of Russian prisoners of war,
and secondly, by importing labour from the iwcupied portions
of Ru.ssian Poland. In addition, large numbers of men were
withdrawn from various manufacturing establishments, and
their places filled by women and girls, whilst the men them-
selves were transferred to the iron and steel branches and the
machine shops. The entire equipment of manufacturing
plants was sometimes changed in order to meet the change of
conditions; in other cases extensions were made to accommo-
date a new branch of the industry, and in other instances it
was .simply a matter of small details in the con.struction of
machinery and parts. It is possible that the inventions result-
ing from the vi-ar may play an important part in the markets •
of the world after peace has been restored.

A steady increase in the rates of wages paid since the open-
ing of the war is reported by Consul-General Heaton W.
Harris, of Frankfort-on-Main. It amounts to from 20 to 40
per cent., although the actual cost of labour in many indus-
tries is said to hav© been from 40 to 50 per cent, more than
previous to the war, in consequence of the employment of
many inexperienced workers and the operation of the exist-
ing conditions, under which all classes have been more or
less affected. Consul William P. Kent, of the Leipsig dis-
trict of Saxony, adds that it is not expected that the termina-
tion of the war will be followed by a reduction in wages to
the levels which formerly prevailed, and the prospect of a
continued higher cost of labour cannot be disregarded in
forming an est:mate of German competition in the world's
markets, .\ccording to Consul Milo A. Jewitt. of the district
of Kehl, there is little apparent destitution among the work-
ing classes, owing to the adaptation of industries, and the
transfer and regulation of labour, together with the national.
State, and municipal aid to the needy, especially to the
families of soldiers. xhe production of steel throughout
The Iron and Germany and Luxemburg (the Zoll
e*ooi Rronxhoo Verein) amounted to 13.187,616 metrical
steel Hrancnes. ^^^^ ^^ ^g^-^ ^^ compared with 14,946,21-2
tons in the preceding year, the reduction being ascribed to
the labour difficulties. One of the most important events in
connection with the industry was the effort made by the
Thyssen group to withdraw- from the Steel Syndicate) (Stahl-
werks Verband). A compromise, however, was arranged, and
a reorganisation of the syndicate was rendered unnecessary.
According to the United States Con.sul at Cologne, the great
Rhenish-Westphalian iron and steel region extends into this
Consular district, where 19 blast furnaces and several steel
plants are situated, most of them in the locahty of Coblentz.
On the whole, the iron and «teel industry of Germany was
adversely affected by the war on account of the loss of the
foreign market, and the labour shortage due to men having
to join the Army. As a consequence, the production of pig
iron, which amounted to 19,309,000 tons in 1913, decreased
to 14,389,000 tons in 1914, and to 11,790,000 tons last year. A
marked revival, however, took place in the production of steel
in the second half of 1913. and this has continued, it should
be noted, down to July of the present year. The market for
iron and steel has been described as active since the latter
part of 1915, but no advance in prices occurred until March,
1916. Since then quotations, both for pig iron, semi-finished
steel, and sections, have been increased by sums up to 20s.
per ton.

Some branches in the district of Aix-la-Chapelle are fully
occupied on the production of Army requirements. The gross
profits of one of the largest local companies in 1915 were two
and a half times as large as in 1914, and a dividend of 25 per
cent, has been paid, as compared with 12 per cent, in the
previous year. This company succeeded in acquiring large
quantities of raw materials before prices reached their present
level, and its plant was adjusted from the first day of mobih-
sation to the production of Army supplies. The plant has
been extended, and large Government contracts are on hand.
One iron and steel foundry which employs many thousands
of workers is operating day and night ; whilst another, which
paid no dividend for 1914, earned 10 per cent, last year, and
smaller foundries and machine shops are also fully occupied.
The adaptation to war production has likewise been carried
out in Upper Silesia in such important works as those repre-
sented by the Konigs and Laura Hutte. the Bismarck Hutte,
the Friedens Hutte. the Borsig Works, the Oberschles. Eisen
Industrie, and the Hohenlohe Works, whilst .several of the
smaller concerns were amalgamated in order to strengthen
their interests. All these works are constituents of the Steel
Syndicate for semi-finished steel, heavy railway material,

and sections. ■,« i. l 1.1. i •

it we now turn to the machmery m-

The Machine dustry, it is found f-'om the report of the
and Consul-General for Berlin that the condi-

Machine Tool tions in 1915 unproved as compared with
Industry. the previous year, as is .shown by an in-

crease in the dividends declared by many
prominent companies. The machine tool industry has been

able easily to adapt itself to .\rmy requirements; the out-
put has consisted ,irincipally of war products, and in a few
cases tool-makers have taken up the pro''uction of projectiles.
Despite the generally satisfactory state of the machine tool
industry, complaints were made of the limited supplies of
raw metal. In order to remedy this difficulty an office was
organised in Berlin U> effect the release of the necessary
quantities of raw materials, all of which were placed under
Government control. Makers' prices of machine tools were
raised by HO jier cent., while those of merchants and dealers
were increased liy 50 to 100 per cent. Since the imports of
machine tool.s from the United States have ceii.sod, makers in
the Berlin district report an improvement in the home mar-
ket, and .state that this has alTonled partial com|>en.sation for
their los.ses in exports. It is added that tlie .scieiitific training
of the leading engineers has been of assistance in facilitating
the adaptation to war conditions. The manufacturers of
precision machinery have been more affected by the cutting
off of the export trade than other branches of the industry.

The great activity of the machinery makeis in connection
with Army contracts in the district of .\ix-la-Chapelle has
rendered it impossible for private concerns and the civilian
trade to obtain adequate supplies, such as machinery and
parts and hardware. In the region of Cologne, the machines
made in 1915 were mostly lathes and other tools used in the
pioduction of war munitions, and the machine shops are now
occupied nuiinly with the output of munitions. The makers
of machinery in Saxony are doing well, and it has been found
necessary to work ovei-time and night .shifts, and on Sundays
in some cases. The district of Frankfort-on-Main presents
similar features, inasmuch as the machine industries in most
cases have changed over wholly, or in part, to the manufac-
ture of munitions or other supplies needed by the Army.
One well-known company has made material additions to its
plant, has operated from two to three shifts, and has paid a
dividend of 20 per cent. In the Duchy of Brunswick the
large orders from the military and naval authorities have
compensated machinery makers for the lack of contracts
from foreign countries, and the workmen are kept busy under
the changed conditions. The purcha.se of raw materials was
attended with difficulties which delayed the delivery of manu-.
factures, and the advance in the prices of the former and the
rise in wages caused the quotations for manufactures to in-
crease. Money conditions were easy, owing to the punctual
payment and to war orders. Besides the latter, orders were
executed for a number of grain mOls, oil mills, storehouses,
transport and pneumatic plants and elevators, cement mills,
hydraulic presses, and other machinery, whilst potash-nitrogen
plants were erected specially for military purposes.

Dealing with the dividends of German

The Electrical companies, the Consul-General at Berlin

Trades. mentions that the A. E.G. and the Siemens

and Halske Co. have declared rates of 12

per cent, for the business year 1915 ; the latter repoited

that its pix)duct.ion in that year was about the same as that

which obtained in the last few years before the war. The

value of the exports invoiced at the American Consulate in

Berlin for the United States was only 1,190 dollars in the case

of electrical lamps and bulbs in 1915, as compared with 26,265

dollars in 1914, w-hilst that of all other electrical goods

amounted to 35,224 dollars and 18,194 dollars in the two

years respectively. .

The manufacture of electrical machinery and appliances in
the district of Frankfort-on-Main was fairly active in 1915.
The electric lighting of villages ami of cities has been in-
creasing, partly in consequence of the inadequate supplies of
petroleum, and great quantities of small storage battery lamps
have been manufactured for the Army. An addition to its
works has been made by a large cable and copper working
company, with increased earnings, and the dividend paid
has been advanced from 7 per cent, in 1914 to 10 per cent,
last year.

The industi'ies concerned with porcelain, glas,sware and
pottery in the Breslau district of Upper Silesia suffered more
inconveniences owing to the difficulties of export than any
other branch of Silesian industries.

The manufactures in the district of Frankfort-on-Main
cover a wide range, including dyestuffs and other chemicals,
several kinds of machinery and tools, electrical appliances,
explosives, copper cable and other copper goods, rubber
tires. &c.

The large German chemical companies
The Chemical have been able to declare higher divi-
Industry and dends for 1915 on account of their
New Processes, adaptability to war conditions. But the
diminution in exports, which formerly
represented from one-third to one-half of the total value of
the production, is felt throughout the industry. The provi-
sion of substitutes for raw materials which were formerly
imported has been of great assistance to chemical manu-
facturers. This has been particularly the case in regard to
artificial rubber, albumen, fertilisers, and oil. Military
reasons, however, prevent the publication until after the war
of reviews of the help rendered by the chemical industry in
the production of war materials and pharmaceutical supplies,
but it is confidently as.serted that the industry has accom-
plished a great task in these directions. Indeed, it is said
that the great home demand has compensated to some extent
for the loss of the tran.sr.iarine export trade. One of the most

i

I

Vol.7'.. No. 2.02.-!. SEPTEMBER 1. 1..1.;.] THE ELECTRICAL REYEEAY.

•251

surprising changes reported from Upper Silesia is the substi-
tution of cellulose and wood-pulp products for cotton goods.

A further development is announced from the district of
Cologne, where several works are stated to have been erected
for the extraction of nitrogen from the atmosphere, and the
manufacture of fertilisers in place of Chilean nitrates. It is
predicted that these works will be able to compete with im-
ported fertilisers after the war.

Apart from synthetic nitrates, .substitutes have been needed
for cotton in the making of explosives, of artificial camphor
and of various other articles. It is possible to read of at least
partially satisfactory substitutes for rubber, of the utilisa-
tion of the fibre of nettle as a substitute for cotton, of
cellulose in the production of string anc' twine for wrapping
and other purposes, and of the food value of certain plants
not hitherto used for this purpo.se. In conclusion, it is men-
tioned that the general situation has been in part relieved by
the large employment of war prisoners in agriculture, to-
gether with the more general use of traction engines in
ploughing and cutting corn.

CORRESPONDENCE.

Letters received by vs after 5 P.M. ON Tuesday cannot appear until
the following weeh. Correspondents should fonvard their communi-
cations at the earliest possihle moment, ^'o letter can ie published
vnless we hare the writer's name and address in our possession.

Cab Whistles and Lamp Calls.

In your current issue sign-makers and others are invited
to " wake up " to the possibdity of providing a sign call for
taxis, &c. Such a sign, however, has been made and listed
by us for some years, the catalogue description of the sign
illustrated being : — •

" Hotel day and night sign for calling taxi, hansom or four-
wheeler. The letter corresponding to the vehicle required is
illustrated by a coloured lamp. The letters T. H. F. are shown
on three sides."

As the most popular size is fitted with 12-in. opal letters,
the sign is visible to drivers of vehicles at a considerable
distance. After all. there is nothing new under the " Sun."
The Snn Electrical Co., Ltd.

E. R. Morton, llor&s Manager.

London. W.C. Aupugt 26»i. 1916.

The Deficiencies of Government Departments.

I read with a considerable amount of interest yom- leading
article, and I must endorse fully all you say as to the difficulty
of getting the Government department to work with any
serious idea that their department needs to take any business
considerations into account.

The following is a short history of an experience with my
company : —

We have two lines for telephones to the exchange and a
private exchange, from which we have five connections, one
of which is to our superintendent of the power-house. In
January, 1916, the telephone needed to be moved from the
house of the superintendent to another house in a different
part of the town In February the telephone authorities were
advised wliere to have this telephone fixed ; they were also
Lufonned that we were certified under the Ministry of Muni-
tions, and owing to the restrictions of light and other
regulations, it was essential that the superintendent should
be in telephonic communication with the power-house. After
interviews and various correspoiidence, the company offered
temporarily the use of telephone wires on their ow'n trolley
wire poles; this proposal was made by the company with a
view of meeting the difficulty alleged as being a reason for
not being able to fix this telephone — that they had not suffi-
cient labour. I was told by the local representative that they
had a regulation that no telephone wires were to be fixed
within a certain distance of a tramw'ay trolley wire unless
insulated, but as we are working under conditions of " war,"
it occurred to me that there might be enough commonsense
in the subordinates or the chiefs to see that such a ridiculous
regulation .should be (at least during these times of stress)
non-effective ; but after nine months of entreaty I have
received the following letter : —

"In reply to your letter of the 4th inst. (W.J.S./B.R.M.).
I am directed to inform you that the General Post Office have
again been communicated with, and a reply to the following
effect has been received ; —

"It is reported that the offer in question of the electric
light company was considered by the Post OlSce Engineering
Department, but that it could not be accepted as the offer
involved the use of a pair of wires running on tramway
standards which were not properly guarded or protected from
the power conductors. The work will be carried out as soon
as men are available."

I might for your information inform you that the com-
pany's telephone wires are fixed on the tail of the brackets,
andi therefore, have the pole in between the trolley wire and
these telephone wires, and. furthermore, I don't think there

is any place where the trolley wLie is within 6 or S ft. of the
telephone wires.

I think this is a very perfect illustration of the principal
objection you raise to Government control.

It apparently does not seem to worry the Post Office autho-
rities that they are under any obUgation as a business con-
cern, and that we are put to loss on account of the telephone
not being in use, or damage owing to the excessive delay in
making this connection.

J. E. Stewart,

Engineer and Manager.

[The article referred to by our correspondent was that
entitled "The Centralisation of Electricity Supply'' (p. 191),
and was writt-en bv an engineering contributor. — Eds. Elec.
Rev.] "

The Electrical Heating of Factories.

In a recent issue of the Engineering Magazine (New York)
we notice an article by Mr. O. M. Becker on " Factory Effici-
ency and Heating."

Mr. Becker very rightly contends that the physical environ-
ment of the workman directly influences his efficiency, and,
consequently, the efficiency of the factory, and then proceeds
to argue that to obtain the necessary physical efficiency it is
advisable to provide heating for the factory staff by means of
exhaust steam.

We are unable to reconcile with his views of efficiency a
system which, from an engineering point of view, is equiva-
lent to exhausting into the atmosphere, with the attendant
losses, too obvious to need dwelling on. A system which
niakes the workman efficient to the detriment of the econo-
mical running of the steam plant is, surely, no system at all.

However, the point which interests us principally is Mr.
Beckers light-hearted condemnation of electrical heating-
After casually touching upon one or two extremely antiquated
methods of works heating, as still practised extensively, and
pointing out their disadvantages, he states that " electrical
heating presents the same disadvantages, and, besides, is-
usually too costly, except under special conditions."

His statement as to electrical disadvantages would require
considerable substantiation before convincing anyone who
knew anything of modem electric heating, but his article is
evidently written with the primary object of boosting that
branch of heating in which he is himself interested.

As to the question of cost, Mr. Becker, if he wishes, can
easily convince himself that, under modern conditions of
generation, electricity can be. and is. supplied in all large
industrial centres at rates which render electrical heating a-
sound commercial and engineering proposition.

The Bastian Electric Co., Ltd.

J.AS. B.ASTUX, Sales Manager.
London. W., August 'loth, 1916.

To Go— or Not to Go?

I am in an imsettled state of mind as to the course I
sLo^d now adopt with regard to my future, and accordingly
be,; to invite your views.

I am an aU-round man, i.e., 1 have had experience in
machine shops, power, lighting, telephones, &c., and at pre-
sent hold the position of foreman of the testing department
with a large firm of electrical manufacturers.

I am fair technically, with a good commercial experience,
of good personality, and a capable interviewer ; of sober habits,
cool and level-headed; well accustomed to the handling of
labour. I have a fair command of the French language.

Summarised : W'ould it be better to decide to settle, in this
country or prepare to "get out'"?

Wishing your valuable paper the success it deserves, and
thanking vou, A-c.

Unsettled.

[To advise a man on a matter of so tremendous an import-
ance— to him — is difficult and dangerous. Who can tell what
the future may bring forth' For ourselves, we have infinite
confidence in the ability of the Old Country to weather any
storm, and we believe that a period of prosperity hes ahead.
We should be very sorry to hear that our correspondent was
leaving this country ; he' is the sort of man who will be indis-
pensable to us when peace returns. Perhaps other correspon-
dents will favour us with their views upon this subject. —
Eds. Elec. Rev.]

FOREIGN AND COLONIAL TARIFFS ON
ELECTRICAL GOODS.

ARGENTINA.— The valuations for the purpose of assessing
the duties on articles imported into the Argentine Republic
are fixed by a Valuation Tariff establi.shed in 1906, taken to
represent the valte of each class of merchandise imported.
The Tariff of 1906 classified some 3,700 articles, but it has
since been found necessary to value, by analogy, 1,.500 other
items: and owing to the very considerable changes which
have taken place in costs and freights, the present tariff

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW. [Voi. td. no. 2,023, skptemr.ou i.

valuations do not cones[X)nd in the majority of cases to actual
c.i.f. values.

The question of revising these valuations has been under
consideration on several occasions, and a Bill has passed the
Senate and been favourably recommended to Congress for
the est^iblishnient of a penuanent Board of Appraisers. Anti-
cipating action by Congress, however, reports H.M. Commer-
cial .\ttache at Buenos .Vires, the .Vrgentine Government have
appointed a Commission, composed of representatives of the
Departments of Foreign Affairs, Finance. Agriculture, and
Customs, to draw up a revi.sed schedule of valuations for all
imports, including those which figure in the Taxiff of 1906
and also subsequent additions. Representatives of local indus-
trial, agricultural and counnercial interests will also be
appointed to the Commission, but will not have the right to
vote.

The Commission will collect all data necessary as to the
cost and frieght of each article, and will obtain expert tech-
nical opinions when neces.«ary.

Fifteen days' notice is to he given of the intention to con-
sider the valuation of specific articles, and after a rate has
been provisionally adopted a period of 30 days will be allowed
for the presentation of objections, which the Commission will
take under consideration before proceeding to make their
recommendations.

The Comtnission will only consider representations which
are confined to prov'ing the real c.i.f. value of goods at Argen-
tine ports.

British exporters of merchandise to the Argentine EepubUc
who take exception to the present valuation of their goods for
import duty should instruct their representatives in the Re-
-public to bring their views before the Commission.

SOUTHERN RHODESIA.— A Customs Decision has been
issued recently to the effect that incandescent bulbs for pocket
electric torches are classed under Tariff heading 114b, and
accordingly are dutiable at the rate of 3 per cent, ad val.
under the General Tariff. Goods manufactured within the
Empire are. however, admitted free under the Preferential
•Tariff.

RUSSIA.— A Decree dated June 22nd/July 5th has been
published in the ofiicial Bulletin of Laws, of Petrograd, giving
a list of the machines, apparatus, appliances, &c., w'hich are
to be admitted, for a period of ten years, free of Customs
duties, for the requirements of the Siberian and Ural gold
mining industries, in accordance with the Imperial Decree of
May 13th/'26th last^see the Review of July 14th. The fol-
lowing are included in the list : —

1. Dredges complete.

'2. In dredges driven by electricity : dynamos, electric
motors with cables and distributing arrangements; protecting
and measuring appliances; transformers; electric stations, to
be placed on the river bank or in barges and developing power
for the engines on the dredge : all steam engines, boilers,
motors at the station, electric generators, power conducting
apparatus, and in general everything, necessary for the fitting
up of the station.

3. Parts of dredges, viz. (/) : parts of electrical equipment
for electrical dredges : electric stations on the bank or on a
special barge for serving the dredge (engines, dynamos,
switchboards, protecting and measuring appliances, trans-
formers, cables, electro-motors).

4. Excavators complete.

5. Partsv of excavators, including electric locomotives and
parts of same.

6. Appurtenances and mechanism for prospecting dredging
areas : including all kinds of drilling apparatus (including
those worked by electrical power) with all accessories.

7. Parts of the above-mentioned appurtenances (clause 6),
including electro-motors, rheostats, and dynamos.

8. Apparatus, appliances, machines. &c., for crushing gold
ores and for extracting from them gold by chemical processes.

9. Parts of above-mentioned apparatus (clause 8).

It is officially announced that the Council of Ministers has
-approved a proposal submitted by the Minister of Commerce
to prohibit the transit through Russia of goods the exporta-
tion of which from the Empire is prohibited.

FRENCH INDO-CHINA.— The French Government have
notified H.M. Ambassador in Paris that for the period of the
duration of hostilities, British goods exported from the United
Kingdom to Indo-China, on British, French or Japanese
vessels, will, in the under-mentioned circumstances, be
accorded the Tariff treatment to w'hich they would be entitled
if they were tran.sported direct {i.e.. they will obtain the
benefit of the " Minimum " Tariff rates of duty) : —

(a) If the goods are dispatched from Great Britain direct or
with transhipment in a French poi't, without subsequent tran-
shipment ;

(fa) If the goods are dispatched from a French port, without
subsequent transhipment ;

(c) If the goods are dispatched from a port in Great Britain,
with or without tran.shipment at Mar.seilles, but with tran-
shipment at Singapore or at Hong-Kong, subject to the neces-
sary " authorisation " being given by the French Consul-
Oeneral in London, and provided that the goods are tran-
shipped at Singapore on vessels of the subsidiaiy line of the
Messageries Maritimes, and at Hong-Kong on French vessels.
A Consular certificate establishing the regularity of the tran-
ghipment must be produced.

((/) If the goods are dispatched from a French port with tran
shipment at Singapore or at Hong-Kong, under the same
conditions of transport as are specified in the preceding para-
graph, from the port of transhipment to the port in Indo-
China.

The Note from the French Government in which this infor-
mation is conveyed adds that, as the concession is based on
the frequent impo.ssibility (under present conditions) of load-
ing British goods on French vessels (for direct transport to
Indo-China). the " authorisation " of the French Consul-
General in London caimot be dispensed with, and British
exporters must, accordingly, obtain such " authorisation " for
each consignment of goods.

NEW PATENTS APPLIED FOR, 1916.

(NOT YET PUBLISHED).

Ccmpilod

EIc

xprcssly for this jo
tricil Patent .\gents, I
rpool and Bradford.

lal by Messrs. W. P. Thompsom & Co.,
, High Holborn, London, W.C, and at

." J. B. Baillie. August
cables, endless

11,439. " .Adjustable rest for telephi
14th.

11,453. " Clips or gripping appliances for
rope systems, &c." A. Parry. August 14th.

11,465. " Telegraphy." E. S. Heurtley. August 14th.

11,503. '* Electric cable connecting boxes, fuse switch boxes, dividing boxes,
&c." R. W. Blades akd British Insulated & Helsby Cables, Ltd. August
15th.

11,520. " Apparatus for closing and locking gates, &c., by electrical
means." J. P. Scoi-r. August 15th.

11,53.3. " Selenium cell." Economic Car Light, Ltd., Si W. W. Lewis.
.August 15th.

11,537. " .\pparatus for signalling or telegraphing." T. McLeod. August
15lh.

11,548. " Spark plugs." G. J. Knutson. August 15lh.

11.564. " Electro-magnetic pneumatic furnace." A. Turner. August 16th.

11.565. " Fluid containers or holders, and fabrics for same." British
Insulated & Helsby Cables, Ltd. .August 16th.

11,569. " Contact breakers for magnetos, 4c." H. Keen. August 16th.
11,581. " Electric lamps." F. Westwood. August ICth.

11.604. " .Automatic and semi-automatic telephone systems." W. AlTKEN
AN-) The Relay .Automatic Telephone Co. August 16th.

11.605. " Automatic and semi-automatic telephone systems." W. AlIKEN
and The Relay Automatic Telephone Co. August 16th.

11,617. "Electrically-operated indicator mechanism." W. R. Sykbs Inter-
locking Signal Co. & R. W. T.irrant. August 16th.

11.623. " Electric furnaces." Soc. Electro-Metallurcique Francaise and
D. F. Campbell. August 16th.

11,643. " Sparking plug for internal-combustion engines." J. Knight.
August 17th.

11,658. " Means for telephonic communication to and from moving rail-
way trains, &c." K. H. Warfvinge & V. G. Werner. August 17th. (Sweden,
August 37th, 1915.)

11.683. "Ships', &c., electric telegraphic apparatus." C. H. Woodward
AND W. Chadburn. August 17th.

11.684. " Submarine electric leakage telegraphy." Signal Ges. August
17th. (Gerniiinv. March 16th, 1915. )

11,691. " Magneto-ignition systems." Soc. DE Paris et du Rhone. August
I7th. (France, December 6th, 1915.)

11 707 " Ships' pneumatic telegraphic apparatus." W. Chadburn. August
18th

11.713. " Electric lamp holders." Birmingham Electrical Accessories
.Manufacturing Co. & C. E. Garrett. August 18th.

11,736. " Pocket or portable electric lamp." W. King & B. Theodor.
August 18th.

11,740. " Prepavment electricity meters." Landis & Gyr Soc. Anon.
August 18th. (Switzerland, September 18th, 1915.)

11,743. " Ignition systems for. internal-combustio
.August 18th

F. H014>EN.

)F America.
Co. OF America.

11,752. " Electric motor gyroscopes." Crucible Steel Co
August 18th. (U.S.A., April 3rd, 1915.)

11,769. " Electric motor gyroscopes." Cr
August 19th. (U.S.A., November 3rd, 1915.)

11,787. " Sparking plugs for internal-combustion engines." W. A. Clark,
H. C. Longford, W. W. Longford & The Sphinx Manufacturing Co.
August 19th.

11,789. " Electric transformer:
AND S. C. Mount. August 19th.

11,804. "Varying frequency of alternating electric currents." A. Rolfb.
.August 19th.

11,807. " Producing electi
scope Co.). August 19th.

11,812. " Electric lifting i
19th.

British Electric Transformer Co.

nations." R. E. Gillmor (Sperry Gyro-
;." A. West and A. West & Co. August

PUBLISHED SPECIFICATIONS.

X9X4.

15,690. Elecko-magnetic Friction Clutches. J. Ding. June 30th.

191S.

6 408 Driving and Regulating of Talking Machines. British Thomson-
Houston Co. (General Electric Co., U.S.A.). April 29th.

8,.-,.37. Electrical Heater. W. J. Kerr. June 9th. (December 7th, 1915.)

11,321. Starting and Synchronising of Dynamo-electric Machines. British
1 homson-Houston Co. & F. P. VVhitaker. August 5th.

11,976 Telephone Transmitters. J. Liddle (Universal High-power Tele-
phone Co., U.S.A.). August 19th.

12,075. Sealing means, more particularly for use in connection with
.AccUMUL.ATOR Cases. C. A. Vandcrvcll. August 21st.

13 934 Operating Rotary Converters and other Alternating-current
Machinery. A. H. Railing & C. C. Garrard. October 1st. (Patent of addi-
tion not granted.)

14,993. Magneto-electric Machines for Ignition in Internal-combustion
Enc^ines. M. S. Conner. October 23rd.

15,873. Sparking Arrangements for Electric Ignition Devices. H. W. F.
Ireland. November 10th.

17.910. Construction of Sparking Plug for Internal-combustion Engines.
.A. E. Heath. December 22nd.

xsxe.

3,707. Systems for the Protection op Electric Cables in the event of
External Damage. C. J. Beaver & E. A. Claremont. March 13th. (Addition

THIS

bxjEcti^/IC-^Ij :R:Hi'VTBrvr.

Vol. LXXIX.

SEPTEMBER 8, 1916.

Xo. 2,024.

ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

LABOUR PROBLEMS.

Vol. LXXIX.]

CONTENTS: Septe

■ 8, 1916.

Labour Problems ... ... ... ... 253

The B'iuaucingr of Russian Industrie.- ... ... "i.i4

Rubber 254

Inquiries for Cable Accessories, by "' S. 6." (i^/K-O 25r>

Ellectric Travelling Cranes for N.S.W. Gorernment (///»/.-■.) ... 2.")i«

The .Si)errT Searchlig-ht (;//«.0 25t;

The ■ Berkshire ■' Igfoitlon Magneto 0//«.'<.) 2.i;»

Oil Eutriues and Steam Engine.s in Combination (i/lnx.') ... 2t>0
Correspondence —

The Electric Cooker iu India „ 261

High Prices 2(11

New Electrical Devices. Fittings and Plant ((7/ «.v.) ... ... 2i;2

Scientific and Industrial Research ... ... ... ... 2(13

War Items 2(J4

Business Notes ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 2G-5

The British Association 2(l!i

Notes 27U

City Notes 272

Stocks and Shares ... ... ... ..: 274

Metal Market — Fluctuations in August ... ... 27,5

Notes on Old and New Converting Plants 27.5

Lighting Companies and Lo2al .\uthorities ... ... ... '2'S

French Electrical and other Trade ... ... 279

Reviews ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 280

NewPatents Applied for. 1916 280

Abstracts of Published Specifications ... ... 280

Contractors' Column Advertisement page xx

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THE UNIVERSAL ELECTRICAL DIRECTORY

1916 EDITION.

„, H. ALABASTER, GATEHOUSE & COh

4, Ludgate Hill, London, E.C.

The Trade Union Congress, which opened at Bir-
mingham on Monday last, has had to consider
problems which render the meeting perhaps the
most important of its kind that has ever been held.
The industrial organisation of this country, the rela-
tions between Capital and Labour, the very consti-
tution of Labour itself, are in the melting-pot, and
into what forms they will be moulded when peace
returns we cannot tell. That there will be funda-
mental changes in all these factors of the industrial
situation is so obvious as to have become a plati-
tude ; we earnestly hope that they will be so ordered
as to establish our industries on new and firmer
foundations, having for a basis the cordial co-
operation of all parties for the promotion of the
national welfare.

Before the war the attitude of the Trade Unions
towards society in general gave many the impres-
sion that Labour looked, and in time of emergency
would look, solely to its own interests, and would
seek peace at any price. But, happily for the nation
and the Empire, the workers proved true to their
race, and manfully shouldered the burdens which
press so heavily upon them; the charges brought
against them of want of patriotism have been
gloriously refuted on the field of battle and in the
workshops ab home. With their support assured,
the outcome of the war is not open to question.

But the war must come to an end. and the new
conditions which will then obtain demand the most
careful attention and the utmost foresight on the
part of the Government, the employers, and the
Labour leaders. We are glad to note that in his
presidential address to the Congress Mr. H. Gos-
ling emphasises the importance of immediate pre-
paration to meet the needs of the situation, in order
to avoid the catastrophe which would result from
the discliarge of millions of men from both military
and civil employment without adequate provision for
the resumption of their nonnal occupations. That
the process will be made as smooth and gradual
as possible goes without saying, but nevertheless
the strain will be' severe — and it may come sooner
than we expect. It will make the heaviest demands
upon the patience and forbearance of the men and
women thus set free, and we welcome the spirit in
which Mr. Gosling invites the Trade Unions to
grapple with the problems that will arise. He
strikes the right note when he appeals for the cessa-
tion of industrial strife, and the cultivation of a new
spirit of conciliation and harmony between em-
ployers and employed. There have been faults on
both sides in the past: the eyes of the nation have
been opened as never before to the folly and waste-
fulness of antagonism between Capital and Labour,
which are mutually indispensable and inseparable,
and the two parties have been brought into the most
intimate contact, and have learnt to appreciate each
the good points in the other. The time is favour-
ableto a real and lasting rapprochement between
them, and' the policy which has been adopted by the
Government of allying the forces of the State with
the efforts of industry, to shut out unfair competi-
tion and to increase production, will go far to enable
the crisis to be safely passed and our industries re-
established on a durable foundation. Employers
will realise that high wages and a high standard of
living are not incompatible with commercial suc-
cess: workers will have learnt, as their leaders have

[253]

254

THE ELECTRICAL HE VIEW. iv-i. :■.. x.

n. Si:rrK.Mi!i;i! t<, inh!.

already done, that restriction of output is contrary to
tlieir own and the public welfare, and they will give a
fair day's work for a fair day's pay. Great strides
liave been made towards the realisation of a higher
standard of comfort in the workshops, and more
salutary conditions of working, which result in im-
proved efliciency, and the spirit of enterprise and
progress has been revivified. We look forward to
the future with confidence renewed, trusting in the
maintenance of the new ideas and feelings which
have been called into being by the fierce discipline
of war.

A DEVELOPMENT of the German
The Financing practice in the matter of invest-
cf Russian ment or financial trusts is reported
Industries. as being projected in Russia for
the electrical and mechanical engi-
neering industries in that oounti7. Although ema-
nating from a German source, the report is never-
theless of interest in Great Britain, and is of too
circumstantial a character to be entirely ignored.
We learn, for instance, that-the International Com-
mercial Bank, of Petrograd, the Russo-Asiatic
Bank, and the Russian Bank for Foreign Trade,
together with the banking firms of Rjabuschinski
and Meyer & Co., and certain Belgian financial in-
terests, have formed a syndicate and approached the
Ministry of Finance for sanction to establish a joint
stock bank for the creation and advancement of
electricity supply undertakings and mechanical
enterprises. The special objects of the bank, which
is to have an initial capital of £500,000, soon to be
increased to £1,000,000, are stated to relate to the
acquisition and utilisation of waterfalls for the pro-
duction of electrical energy, the grant of short-term
credits to electrical and mechanical undertakings,
the erection of works for the construction of en-
gines, motor-cars, and aeroplanes, and the con-
version into limited companies of undertakings
belonging to private individuals. It would seem
that, although the report refers to erection and con-
struction, the underlying -principle is that of finan-
cially promoting these objects. The bank also in-
tends to enter into arrangements with the Russian
Copper Syndicate Medj for the purpose of ensuring
deliveries of copper to the electrical works with
which the institution is to be associated. The pro-
motion of works for the manufacture of telephone
apparatus and glow lamps is also 'held in prospect,
together with the amalgamation of existing private
factories of limited size, and their transformation
into companies.

It is well to bear in mind that different Govern-
ment departments in Russia as a general rule have
to express opinions on applications made with a
view to securing Government sanction to the forma-
tion of joint stock companies. It is asserted that
the scheme has met with the disapproval of the
Minister of Commerce, who informed the promoters .
that it was feared that the drawing upon large finan-
cial resources for electrical undertakings might easily
become a hindrance to the municipalisation of these
undertakings, which was authorised by law. In
any case, the procuring of private capital for the
working of generating stations and tramways must
be hindered. It was very much to be regretted, the
Minister continued, that the Russian commercial
banks were so reserved in the .granting of loans of
short duration to cities, even in cases where the
Government guarantee was given; and it must
almost be assumed that this attitude represented the
endeavour to. oppose the municipalisation of large
electrical undertakings' The Minister is, further,
reported to have stated that the proposed participa-
tion of foreign ^Belgian) capital in financial enter-
prise did not correspond with the repeatedlv ex-

pressed view of the Government, who wished ti>
reserve to native capital the work of utilising the
naiioiial resources — in this case, water power.

The Ministry of Finance, on the other hand, is
declared to have adopted a non-antagonistic attitudt
towards the scheme. In any case, a matter of sn
great moment will be left to the decision of the
Ministerial Council, a decision which should be ol
ercat iTitoinati'n':>l iii'pni-t.-ince.

Ihf outlook in crude rubber i.--
Rubber. still very disappointing, although
the time of year has already been
reached when signs of an improving demand usually
become perceptible in connection with autumn trade
requirements. Preparations in that direction are
not unlikely to be put off this year, at least for a
time, while the manufacturing trades on both sides
of the Atlantic are confronted with so many un-
certainties, which must necessarily induce much
more caution on the part of consumers. As it is,
the latter in many cases appear to hold good stocks
due to the fact that their operations have been
somewhat checked by apprehensions as to a curtail-
ment of the outlet for their products. The nursing
of excessive supplies acquired at higher prices is
rather a costly matter under the present stringent
monetary conditions, and this feature constitutes an
additional disturbing factor, although it is prema-
ture to infer that anything like important quan-
tities will come on re-sale. For the present, all
indications point to a restriction of the outlet for
manufactured rubber, and the policy of buyers of
raw rubber is to go slow until the outlook becomes
clearer. There is no mistaking the fact that condi-
tions in the United .States have grown worse, so
that the falling-off in the demand from that quarter
is not to be wondered at. Industrial enterprise there,
at any rate, has become seriously threatened by the
Labour unrest which has lately spread to one of the
chief rubber manufacturing districts. In addition
to this, there is the railway trouble, although
the latest advices suggest that a strike will be
averted. America, of course, is by far the biggest
rubber consumer, hence, until the Labour diffi-
culties have been straightened out, the outlook is
viewed with a certain amount of an.xiety by rubber
holders. The demand recently was not really bad,
in fact considerable quantities of the product were
taken care of, while the squaring-up on contracts by
dealers in the course of August had a temporary
steadying effect.

The statistical position is now impaired by accu-
mulations, and this is no doubt calculated to encour-
age buyers in their reserve, arrivals having assumed
rather larger proportions, and it is probable that
spot delivery will remain at a discount, while the
estates are still reluctant to make concessions for
forward contracts, an attitude which is rather
puzzling having regard to the changed conditions,
inasmuch as there is not much chance of improve-
ment for some time, at any rate. Much, of course,
depends on the turn of events in the trans-Atlantic
trade, and in the meantime the market must be
expected to be put to a somewhat severe test, since
unsold supplies coming to this side will have to be
financed, which tends to aggravate the want of
confidence. The Straits shipments for July were
particularly heavy, representing well over 5.000
tons, this making the aggregate from that source
over the seven months 28.718 tons, compared with
17,933 tons in 1915, and 10,090 tons in 1914. At
this time last year the prices of both plantation No. i
latex and fine hard Para were practically on the ,
same level, near 2s. 5d. per lb., but whereas the
former now stands at well under that figure, the
valu^ of hard Para is not much under 3s. ]>er lb.,
though the quantities of the latter at present deaU
in are of no special importance.

i

>kpti;mrek

.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

•255

INQUIRIES FOR CABLE ACCESSORIES.

By "S. G;

Thk alp()\'e subject is one on which, up to the present, wvy
little, if anything, has appeared in the electrical Press.

During the past ten yeare or so, this particular branch
of electrical work has developed very considerably, and
a.s each year gees liy, the users of calile accessories are more
|iiirticular regarding the design of them.

In view of this, it is but reasonable that engineers should
be ex]:)ected to make their inc|uiries as clear and as concise
as jiossible.

At present a great number of in([uiries are sent to
manufacturers, giving insuificient information for them to
qutitc upon.

Very often excbptionally Inw prices are ipioted, •' without

If some of the following suggestions were endjodied in
inquiries, I feel sure many manufacturers would appreciate
them very much indeed : —

The voltage should always be stated, especially if for
H.T. or E.H.T. work.

The name of the cable manufacturer should be stated,
especially if the boxes are recpiireii for existing cable.

Full particulars of the caljle should ije given.

State if the boxes are ordinary " joint " Ijoxes, or if dis-
connecting : in the latter case, state if fuses or links are
required ; also state which cables are to be disconnected.

Show links thus J, and fuses thus X.

The •• lid joint " of disconnecting-boxes is a very
important thing, and if any special joint is required, such
as " packed joint," " diving bell," or " machine joint," &c.,
it should be stated.

If the boxes are required for fixing to the wall (and if
they are not ordinary " terminal boxes "), it is necessary to

/

_ 1

■■. 1 " 1

' '

3

' '

4

<

^ 1 i

6 1 1

7

fel]

8

P^-1 —

Table of Diaoraiis.

Xo. 1. — Straijilit -through uou-disconnectinjr "siujrle." Xo. 2. — Straight-through non-disconnecting " 2 singles." Xo. 'i. — Straight-
through non-disconnecting ":! singles." No. -t. — Straight-through non-disconnecting " two singles off single." Xo. .5. — Straight-through
non-disconnecting "twin." Xo. ti. — Straight-through non-disconnecting "2 singles oflf twin." Xo. 7. — .Straight-through non-disconnecting
"concentric." Xo. S. — Straight-through non-disconnecting "two singles off concentric." No. y. — Straight-through non-disconnecting
"triple-concentric." No. 10. — Straight-through non-disconnecting " S singles off triple-concentric." No. 11. — Straight-through non-
disconneuting "3-core." Xo. 12. — Straight-through non-disconnecting "3 singles off 3-core." Xo. 13. — Straight-through non-discon-
necting "4-core." No. 14. — Straight-through non-disconnecting "4 singles off 4-core." Xo. 15. — Three-way disconnecting ''3 singles all
■ways, links on main, fuses on branch." No. 1(). — Thi'ee-way disconnecting "three singles all ways, links on branch only." No. 17. —
Three-way disconnecting "3 singles main (3- wire work) links on positive and neutral." No. IS. — Three-way non-disconnecting •' single all
ways." No. 1;>. — Three-way non-disconnecting " twin all ways." No. 20. — Three-way non-disconnecting "3-core all ways." X'^o. 21. —
Three-way non-disconnecting '3-co:e main, twin branch. " No. 22. — Distribution box "3-way 3-phase" tfused). No. 23. — Distribution
box "2-way 3-phase" (fused). X'6. 24. — Distribution bos "3-way 2-wire" (fused). — Xo. 25. — Three-phase pillar "six- way" (fused).

going into the matter \"ery far." merely to get the cptder
•' which may be pending" for cable.

When low prices are ipioted in tliis manner, it is oidy
: natural that repeat orders will he gi\en to the same firm.
Of com-se," if there is no cable ordered at the same time, the
boxes have to l)e su])]ilied at a loss.

In order to prexent delay in answering inquiries, due
to their Jiot being clear, small sketches or diagrams of con-
nections (as here illustrated) should accompany them,
together with a few notes statinir ilefiiiitely what is required,
and under what conditions (ii' s]iecial) the lioxes are required
to work. Not only will the manufacturer thus be treated
fairly, but the client will stand a better chance of getting
the quotation ]>romptly and correctly.

give a sketch showing the various cables in each gland ;
that is, supposing the cables are different in size or type.
If the box is " three-way," it is necessary to know if the
• cable oil the ■' tee," leaves at the top or at the Ijottom ; if
a " straight through," it is necessary to know if it is to be
fi.xed vertically or horizontally. Inquiries should always
state whether compound is required or not.

Sometimes cables are required to be taken out of- bo.xes
through pipes, in which case the inquiry should state '
definitely the size, and whether " conduit " or •' ordinary
gas pipe."

In connection with " wall terminal boxes. " very ofteu
bare leads are taken off ; this jioint should lie s])ecially
mentioned.

•250

Till-: ELECTmC'AL KEVIEW. |v„i :■.

CI, M.ri i:.Miu.i: ■>. I'.Mi

Wlicii liii.xi.'* arc ivi|uiral to he titU'il uiih tnniirliiiiir
soi-kets, full (liiiieiisions of ilie tnui'iliinir in use should be
■riven.

If wipinir irliuuk are speeiallv ivi|uired. this piiiii slidnld
Ik.' nientiiinetl.

If lioxes are required to be " watfrtight," special mention
slinulil be made, and if the customer has ativ preferein'c.
he sliould state wltat purtieular joini
he prefers — c.//., " niai-liiiied joint."
" packed joint," &c.

In the case of •• distribution-boxes,"
it is necessary in almost all instant-es
to send a sketch or diairram of con-
nections.

' Customers slionld bear in mind that
manufacturers are not always in a posi-
tion to supply exactly what is required,
and they should give them an ojipnr-
tunity of quoting for standard material
or for Iwxes the patterns of which arc
already made.

Where boxes are re(]uircd \\<v
" mining work." it should be specially
stated whether they are rei|uired for
•• underground " use or otherwise.
This is very important, as unless it
is .specially stated, quot^itions arc sent
in for boxes suitable for " undcrgrouiid
use."

Cable manufacturers, as a rule.
manufacture several "classes" or
"ranges'" of boxes to meet all re-
(juircments, and inquiries should state
whether a cheap, medium, or very good
and serviceable box is required. .Souie
boxes are only required for temporary
use, and it cannot be expected that
tlie customer would w-ish to pay, say,
£10 for a l)ox when one at, say, £5
would meet his requirements.

It sliould be stated whether the
cable is armoured, and if " tape," or
" single," or " double-w'ire " armoured
(even in the inquiry stage it occurs
that full dimensions of the cable are
necessary).

Drawings sent for approval are not
always treiited jn-operly. Instances ha\c
occurred where material has been made

to appr(p\cd drawiiigs, but when recei\cil has been com-
phtiiicd about or rejected (very unfair to the manufacturer).

The shieing Tuotion is driven by a i^.'i-u.ii.i'. motor, which
gives a s(K>ed of SUO ft. per mimitc at the hook.

The crane is mounted on fmu' ]iairs of cast-steel rail
wheels, one jwir of which on each track is driven by a
L'.")-i!.u.i'. motor through spur gearing ari'anged to give a
speed of 1(10 ft. y>er minute.

Each set of control gear is of the contactor Ivpc. the

ElECTHIC TliAViCLLlXO.f'RAXE FUK'^CoAL

C«ron 79

ELECTRIC TRAVELLING CRANES FOR
N.S.W. GOVERNMENT.

Thanks, to the courtesy of Messrs. Cowans, .Sheldon tt Co.,
Ltd., of Carlisle, we are enabled to illustrate one of six
large electric travelling cranes recently made by them for
the Xew South Wales Government, all of which have been
constructed according to the complete design provided
by the purchasers.

The cranes are capable of dealing with loads up to !.">
tons at a fixed radius of .55 ft., and tlie height to the centre
of the jib head pulley is 84 ft. above rail." The revolving
superstructure is mounted on a high carriage, so as to give
a clearaiice under the jib of i7 ft. at 14 ft. 11 in. from the
centre of the crane.

The carriage is arranged to travel on rails laid at'
■^■2 ft. (5 in. centres, and has an opening between the rails to
allow railway traffic to pass under the crane. The lifting
ban-els, of which there are two, are dri\'en through two
double reductions of spur gearing by two 100-b.h.p. motors,
giving a lifting speed with full load of 100 ft. per minute,
or, if driven by one motor only, of 50 ft. per minute.

Automatic mechanical brakes of tlie Weston type and
automatic solenoid brakes are fitted on the second motion
and armature extension shafts.

contactors lieing mounted on iron frames suitably fixed at
the l)ack of the machinery house, and operated liy master
controllers situated at the driver's position in front of the
house.

The whole of the switchgear, including the circuit
breakers, ammeter, voltmeter, and connections, is of the
ironclad type, mounted on a steel frame, and the complete
equijinient is arranged to work on direct current at 6(M) \dlts.
Ample provision has also l)een made for lighting the crane
throughout.

These cranes are for use on the new A\harf at Newca,stle.
N.S.W., for coal-shipping purposes : Australian papei's
report tliat tests on the spot showed the anticipated speeds
to ha\e been considerably exceeded.

THE SPERRY SEARCHLIGHT.

{Abstract of article by Capt. Adelno Gibson.)
The one important essential of the projector searchlight lies
in the arc source of light, and it has only been recently that
any great advancement has been made in this direction. This
irnpi-ovement in the output of the searchlight of a given size
lies in the increase of the specific brightness of the light
source, which is the brightness per unit area of the light
.source. It is this tremendous increase of the hght source
brightnes,? that makes the Sperry lamps so much more power-
ful than any of the lamps used in the present standard Army
and Navy searchlights.
The pure carbon crater has a fairly constant brilUancy of

* Journal of the U.S. Artillery.

No. 2.U24. September S. 191.;.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

approxunately 150 c.p. per sq. mm., and it has been con-
sidered that this was the highest attainable brilliancy. It is
true that this old standard searchlight arc gives the highest
brilliancy obtainable from a heat radiating solid, since carbon
has the highest melting point of any known element, but this
brilUancy has been surpassed in the Sperry arc by making
use, in addition to this heated crater surface, of a superheated
vapour or gas produced in the arc. This superheated gas is

Aj Present U.S. NaN-y lamp, 36-in. searchlight. B, Present U.S. Navy lamp, 60-i
light, c, Sperry lamp, 30-in. searchlight, d, Sperry lamp, 36-iu. searchliglit.
lamp. 60-in. searchlight.

Fig. 1. — C'AXDI.E-POWER DlSTRIBl'TIOX C'lRVES.

the vapour into a crater having a much smaller mouth area
than in the case of a carbon arc of similar amperage, and this
results in a reduced angle spread of the beam which is much
n.ore nearly parallel throughout its length. For the standard
1.50-amp. arc the positive carbon is only f in. dia., and the
crater diameter somewhat less. The negative carbon diameter
is only 7/16 in., and with its small holder casts very much
less shadow on the centre of the mirror, thus adding more
reflected light to the beam.

The principle upon which satisfactory operation
of this high intensity arc depends is entirely
different from what had been previously sup-
posed. It was first believed that current density
was the principal factor for the operation of such
arcs, but we have found out experimentally by
current densities ranging from 100 to 1,000 amp.
per sq. mm. that current density is not the con-
trolhng factor, but that current value is the im-
portant factor.

It is evident that to obtain this highly concen-
trated light source and at the same time produce
constantly a sufficient supply of bright vapour to
fill the positive crater, a rapid consumption of the
positive electrode is necessary. It is for this
reason that the positive carbons are so much
longer than those previously used, being 44 in.
for the standard 1.50-amp. arc. In the old type
searchlight arc rapid consvunption of the positive
was not necessai-y since the gaseous products
were not used at all in the production of Ught,
but in the Sperry type of arc this rapid burning
of the positive is necessary to provide the light
emitting gnspnii<: rnnterinl*

formed from certain special materials that are powerful light
producers and with which the positive carbon is impregnated

For the successful use of this bright vapour as a searchhght
source, it is necessai'y that it be concentrated in a very small
area. This is accomplished in the Sperry arc by maintaining
a very deep crater in the fxjsitive carbon and into which crater
this bright vapour is kept pressed. This vapour causes the
mouth of the crater to emit a very in-
tense illumination running even as high
as 500 c.p. per sq. mm. or 320,000 c.p.
per sq. in. The force used to keep the
vapour pressed back into 'the crater of
the positive is the arc flame from the
negative carbon, and is similar to the
arc flame used in the old standard
searchlight lamps. The arc flame ap-
pears as a flame of considerable velocity
emanating from the negative carbon,
and gives but very little Hght in either
the old or Sperry type of arc as com-
pared with the positive crater.

The following tabulation of the specific

brilliancies in c.p. per sq. mm., which

is rightly taken as the basis - of

efficiency-comparison for all arc work,

shows the tremendous light intensity of

the" Sperry arc: —

^ ■ c.p. per

sq. mm.

1. Ordinary tuiig.steu fila-
ment 2.4 to 5.4

'2. Ordinary tungsten fila-
ment, nitrogen filled ... 10.0 to 20.0

3. Tungsten at the melting

point (3,500 deg. 0.) ... 72.0

4. Arc flame, ordinary white

flame arc 7.0to20.0

5. Surface of crater " spot,"

flame arc positive 50.0 to 90.0

6. Crater surface pure car-

bon average , 150.0

7. The Sperry arc being the

the c.p. of dense posi-
tive vapour in deep
crater of a two-flame
arc, special projector
electrode 500.0

8. Sun at 30 deg. elevation 775.0

The very high light intensity of the
Sperry arc is also indicated by the
curves shown in fig. 1. Curve a shows
the c.p. distribution of the old type
36-in. searchhght lamp with a maxi-
mum of 42,000 c.p. throughout a com- j-j,-. 2-
paratively small zonal angle, and curve
D shows the c.p. distribution of the

present Sperry 36-in. searchlight lamp indicating a maximum
of 105,000 c.p. with a very wide angle of high intensity.

Another great advantage which the Sperry arc has over
the older form hes in the very great reduction in area of the
light-giving source or crater.

It is possible by using this new type of arc to concentrate

/e 'II la
^^PEERV Searchlight : Operating JlEcHAsibJi.

The Sperry Gyroscope Co., after two years' experimenting
with this new form of arc, are now manufacturing projector
searchlights giving a c.P. intensity at the arc corresponding
to that shown in fig. 1 for the 36-in. size, and which,
with an accompanying reduction in the divergence of the
beam, gives an illumination on the target of six times that

258

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW, [voi. -!>. nv •i.o2i.sK,.T.a,BEK 8, u.i.;.

formerly obtained with the older type searchlight of similar The negative carbon can be easily put into place when tho

di^e'*''. carriage is swung to one side.

Rg. 2 shows an elevation of the Sperry searchlight. The A rheostat is used in series with the arc adjusted, so as to

coDtrol box contains a shunt-wound motor (10) direct con- get a voltage across the arc of about 75 volts.

I

Fig. 3. — E.'JTEKiOR Views. .'*peuhy Se.\rchlight,

nected to both a centrifugal blower (11)
and a gear train for the feeding and
rotating mechanism. The blower fur-
nishes air through passages (3) and (4)
to the positive and negative carbon
holders respectively. The air supplied to
the positive holder is forced between a
nmnber of heat radiating disks which
surround the end of the holder nearest
the arc. The cap (28) is open on the
upper side to allow the air to escape
from the positive holder. This method
cools the positive carbon and also re-
moves the heat from the mechanism of
the positive carbon holder, received
mostly by direct radiation from the arc.

The positive carbon is rotated, being
connected to the motor (10) through a
vertical shaft (.5) and a worm gear. A
small crank carrying a crown gear,
which engages a gear on the vertical
shaft, is used to rotate the carbon by
hand if necessary.

The positive feed is operated by
thermostatic control of the solenoids (8)
through the vertical shaft (6). The
thermostat is mounted on the drmn, and
80 arranged that when the positive car-
bon burns out of the focal point of the
mirror the light from its crater is brought
on to the thermostat, causing feed of the
positive carbon until the focal point is
again reached. This automatic control
of the positive carbon is also supple-
mented by hand control.

The feed of the negative carbon is
controlled by the solenoid (12) con-
nected directly across the arc, and moves
the carbon in the proper direction as the
voltage rises or falls. The automatic
feed of the negative carbon is also
supplemented by hand control. A strik-
ing solenoid (21) moves the entire nega-
tive holder back the proper arc length
on striking the arc.

The entire negative carriage can be
turned to the right to permit new nega-
tive carbons to be inserted; when so
turned, the grip on the carbon is re-
leased slightly, permitting a new carbon
to be slipped in easily.

The operation of the Sperry lamp is
very steady and requires but very httle
attention after the simple adjustments
for length of the arc, speed of rotation
of the PositiTC carbon, and the feeding of the carbons have
been made. The positive carbon is inserted into the holder by
slowly rotatmg it and pushing it forward at the same time

4. — Circuit Diagram, Sperry Searchlight.

The hand control is shown in- fig. i. This mechanism
consists of a small pointer with a handle 6 in. in length
mounted above the operating mechanism, which is contained

Vol. 79. xo. 2,024. SEPTEMBER 8, i9i(;.i THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

•259

in a small brass composition box with overall dimensions
of about 3 in. wide by 3 in. high and 5 in. long, and a total
weight of about 7 lb.

In operation of the hand controller, the pointer is kept in
the direction to which the beam of the searchlight is to be
trained, The vertical and the horizontal training motors are
series wound, and both have the same system of speed control.
By means of a double contact arrangement, two speeds are
provided for each motor. On the first, or slow-speed contact,
resistance is placed in series with the motor armature; on the
second, or high-speed contact, all the resistance is cut out.
The second or high-speed is about three times the first or
.slow-speed.

This controller is connected by an interior communication
cable to the operating mechanism at the base of the search-
light, by means of which the drum is turned in azimuth or
elevated or depressed, corresponding to the movement of the"
crntroller handle at the distant station.

A very important advance in this work has been in the
niiinufacture in this country of carbons suitable for such
searchlight arcs. Formerly the only source of supply of car-
bons suitable for these results was Germany, but after many
months of co-operative work between the largest carbon
manufacturers of this country and the Spen'y Co., the latter
is now able to manufacture superior carbons for this purpose.

The Sperry Gyroscope Co., which has developed this arc,
is now using it in searchlights of 2i-, 30-, 36-, and 60-in. dia.
In addition, the Sperry lamps are being installed in old search-
lights, replacing the old form of arc.

THE BERKSHIRE IGNITION MAGNETO.

At a time when a good deal of attention is being devoted in
the United Kingdom to the question of ignition magneto
manufacture, to remove the dependency on German-made
machines of the British motor-car industry which existed
prior to the war, considerable interest attaches to any new
design of magneto that may be introduced, especially when
such new design embodies novel features, as is the case with
the "Berkshire" machine, which has recently been brought
out by the Berkshire Magneto Co., of Pittsfield, Mass., U.S.A.

One of the principal claims made for this new magneto
is that, while it gives a strong spark at low speeds, and thus
ensures easy starting of the engine to which it is attached,
the power of the discharge inc.rea.ses at a lesser rate than
the speed. It is, of course, pos.sible to have too hot an
ignition spark ; if the high-speed discharge is very intense,
it has a destructive action on the points of the sparking plugs
and the contact breaker, and puts an undue strain on the
condenser and the insulation.

Owing to the peculiar magnetic circuit of the machine
under notice, it is claimed that the discharge cuz-rent reaches

Sf.CTION f>F BlKKsllIli

vMNiiRR Magneto.

one half of its maximum amount at a .speed of 50 R.P.M.,
wbile at 150 R.P.M. it has attained 80 per cent, of the maxi-
mum intensity. This means that the spark produced at 1.50
H.P.M. is practically identical with the spark at 3,000 R.P.M.
Another feature of the machine is that there are no wind-
ings, either low or high-tension, on the armature. In fact,
the only rotating member which carries electric current is
the internal portion of the distributor. The horse-shoe
magnet has two poles, while two .supplementary poles of soft
iron are placed in the mouth of the horse-.shoe, these being
magnetically insulated by aluminium. In the accompanying
transverse sectional drawing of the magneto, it will be seen
that there are four deep grooves in the armature. By this
arrangement the four iron portions of the armature are made
to correspond to the pair of main poles and the pair of supple-
mentary poles in the field magnet. The iron parts of the
aimature are held together, and also magnetically insulated,
by aluminium, the driving shaft and the armature pole pieces
being locked together by a die-casting process.

The supplementary pole pieces, which are made of soft-iron
laminations, are also die-cast in their aluminium cases, and
it will be seen from the lengthwise sectional drawing that
the laminations extend a good distance behind the horse-
shoe. It is between the ends of these projecting supple
mentary pole pieces that the coil unit is placed; this consists
of a soft-iron core, having a i..t. and a n.T. winding; there
is thus a magnetic circuit from one of the .supplementary
pole pieces through the core of the coil and back via the
other supplementary pole piece. When the armature is in
the corresponding position, the magnetic circuit passes from
one main pole through a segment of the armature- to one
of the secondary poles, thence through the coie of the coil
unit, and back via the second supplementary pole piece, oppo-
site armature segment and other main pole. It is now ix)s-
sible to explain the condenser effect of this circuit. When

Sectton of M.^gneto showinq Unwodnd Armature
Construction.

the ai-mature is rotating, the passing of the iron portion across
the faces of the pole pieces sends a series of magnetic
"charges" into the projecting jwrtions of the supplementary
poles. Through the air surrounding the latter, a certain
amount of magnetic leakage can take place, so that the
upper and lower supplementary poles may be regarded as the
inner and outer coating of the condenser. The air gap pro-
vides a constant leak or discharge resistance, so that the flux
which passes through the core of the coil unit cannot be
increased above a certain point.

Prom the sectional drawings, it will be observed that a
condenser is contained in a small round case mounted on top
of the upper supplementary pole piece; thence the h.t. cur-
rent pa.sses to the central iiiembt-r of the distributor which

Details of Cont.ict-breaker .and h.t. Distribdtor.

carries a number of brass segments corresponding to the
number of cylinders of the engine. In the outer part of the
distributor are bra.ss pins; between the pins and the rotating
sectors, however, there is no actual contact, the current
jumping across a very small air gap; the .safety gap is con-
tained within the distributor.

Turning to some of the mechanical details of the machine,
the contact-breaker mechanism is intei-esting, the method of
adjustment being on novel lines. The spring A is one con-
tinuous piece of steel, wrapping round the pin B, means of
adjustment being provided at the points c and D. The lower,
insulated, platinum point is carried on a small strip of spring
steel backed by a stout strip of red fibre. The upper screw d
adjusts the tension of the contact-breaker spring, and the
lower screw controls the position of the contact-breaker

•2(10

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW, [v>.i. :>.. nvj.(il-i.m, -,«.■.«.<

ixiiuts. Ttj*" wholo oMitact-bieaker mecbaniaui is so arrau^ieJ
that it can he easily removed for deaning or adjustment pur-
poses, wliile tlie coil unit can be withdrawn by removing a
couple of screws.

The range of "Berkshire" magnetos includes a two-spark
pattern for four and six-cyliuder engines, and four-spark
niodels for four, six. eight, and 3.2-cylinder motors. The
construction is claimed to be particulaily well adapted to the
four-spark system, the machine, of cour.se, then running at
half the speed of the two-spark type. The maker.'? point out
that another advantage of the four-spark system is that it
provides a six-cylinder magneto with a very wide range of
adjustment, 45 deg. being easily obtainable, this being 45
deg. on the crankshaft. This wide range, coupled with the
automatic limitation of spark intensity, gives, it is claimed,
all the advantages of battery systems of ignition at low .speed
and of wound-armature magnetos at high speeds, with a
practical elimination of the ordinary di.'ijulvantages of both.

Finally, it may be mentioned that the new machines are
characterised by light weight and strong mechanical details,
and that, electrically and mechanically, they are excellent
manufacturing propositions. The solid, unwound armature,
for example, can be made a close fit within the magnet poles
without any difficulty; the coil unit is easy to wind, and
nearly all the non-magnetic pnrt'; remlilv lend thoiii^jplve': to
production by die-casting.

OIL ENGINES AND STEAM ENGINES IN
COMBINATION.

< Ahxt met of Piijwr mul tii-foiT thi- Dlt>:KI, EnoiNE fT.fKRS'
Association //// Geokfrkv Portrr.)

Mv object is to discuss some of the problems met with in extending'
a comparatively inetficient generating station of the " lighting'
load" order with a plant capacity round about 1..500 K\V.. and
equipped with steam engines, some with condensers and some
without : there are dozens of such stations dotted about the country,
from 12 to 20 years old.

Some five or sls years ago. several papers were read, in which
were discussed the advantajfes to be gained by the use of the
Diesel engine. Some of the writers. I think, rather overstated
their claims, and all conclusions were based chiefl.v on results
obtained on the Continent with plant manufactured by Continental
firm*.

Now. however, the Diesel engine is making good headwa.y :
manufacturers and users have gained experience ; the fuel oil
question is in a fair way to being solved by utilising the products
of the distillation of coal ; and though the capital cost is, and will
probably continue to be. high, the essence of the problem, i.e.. the
balance in hand to credit of net revenue account in the annua!
balance-sheet, is found to improve in proportion to the use of the
Diesel engine. The mixed stations have justified the wisdom of
theii- engineers during the present extremel.v difficult times : but tor
their efficient oil engines many of them would be in a bankrupt
condition to-day.

The capital expenditure on three specified stations up to the
time when Diesel engines were put down, was (for generating
plant only) as follows, viz. : —

Station ' At" i:29'l per KW. ; Station ' B," £2$'0 per K\V. :
Station " C," X.'i'i'^ per KW.

Stations " A ' and " C " condense the exhaust steam ; Station ''B"
is a non-condensing station. The overall thermal efficiency of the
three steam plants in the year prior to the a«loption of Diesel engines
was :— Station "A," 493 per cant. ; Station '^B." (!] per cent.;
Station '" C, ' 2Ti per cent.

These results are not very encouraging when oiie considers the
money that has been put into the plant in each case. Neverthe-
less, the figures are typical of stations o'f their class.

This thermal efficiency is arrived at by calculating the British
thei-mal units equivalent to the units g-enerated at the dynamo
terminals (taking 3.412 b.th.U.'s per b.o.t. unit) and working uut
the total as a percentage of the b.th.U.'s in the quantify of coal
consumed. The figures given are not absolutely accurate! owing to
the heat-values of the coals used not being certain.

As one can speak most fully from one's own experience. I trust I
may_ be forgiven if I analyse the various figures tabulated for
Station "A." In 1911. extensions of plant became imperative;
what had been done in the past and the possibilities of the future
were very carefully considered.

The capital expenditure on generating plant up to the end of the
financial year 1910-11 was as under ;-^

EsGiNE-EooM Plant.
Engines, dynamos, and foundations... £4.690 ^t ,....-,
Condensing plant and pipework ,.. 3.. 500 j *-'•'- Psi'KW.

>2"|

Boiler-house Plant.
Boilers and their brick settings ... £3.602

(nominalevaporation, 36.000 lb. per hour) i .

Feed-pump, injectors, and pipework... 1.500 T^^'' •' P^rKW.
Chimney, economiser, and flues ... 2.400J
Gross capital expenditure , £291 per KW.

()M this (iiilhiy the annual charges tor interest aud redemiition of
caj)ital amounted approximately to £1,2<XI. or £2'23 per KW,
installed.

On thf other side of the account. 1 KW. of maximum load on the
feeders produced (in 1910-11) 1,243 units, etjuivalent to about <i\.
Hence the capital charges on the steam-raising aud using plant
alone absorbed as much as 10 jkm- cent of, the earnings. (.Vninial
load factor, 14'2 percent.)

After con'jideration it was decided to extend the plaiil willi
Diesel engines. .\t the time an addition of 2.-)0 KW. was reiiuii-..!,

;ind it was decided to divide this capacity between two cngi

firstly, because a better "running-plant" load factor could In'
obtained in this way : and, secondly, from motives of caution.

The capital cost of the extension worked out at tUi'Ori jier KW.
Trt-o .vears later a third engine was olHained coupled to a 2(iU-KW.
dynamo at a capital cost of tI9'27 i)er KW. In all. the capital
^I'.vprnditMre was .i:i813 per KW. for 'ilO KW. capacity.

Station ■' B ' spent .C26'7 jhu- kw. for 600 KW. ; aiid Station " » '
a sum of flSiUi per KW. for ."(40 kw. of plant. Local circuiii-
sta^nces entailed !i very heavy expense for foundations in the caseol
" B." while plant was more expensive in fij'st cost than at the time
when^T was in the market. " B ' profited by other ]>eople's expeii-
ence in the matterof "accessories," aud wisely spent rather more mone.v
on them -notably, on fuel oilstorage tanks. "C " ailopted engines
and d.^-namos which required large foundations, with the result that
the gross capital outlay was rather greater than it was in
.Station "A."

An equivalent steam plant for " A " would have necessitated an
outlay of i;7.4T)0, equivalent to -CM'S per KW. The annual charges
for interest and repayment of princiiial would have been .1:177 !es9
for a steam plant than for a Diesel plant.

On a " ruuning jiiant ."- load factor of 65 per cent., and with coal
of about 13.000 B.TH.u's per lb.. I expected to produce .'iOO units,
more or less, to a ton of coal — taking the whole steam plant into
consideration. Inquiries in several quarters led me to expect con-
fidentl.v that a Diesel engine, under the same load-factor conditions,

would <k>liver 3.Joo units jier ton of fuel oil of 1 7..5O0 B.TH.li.'s
per lb. Assuming a price ratio of 24 to 1 between oil and coal (as
it was approximately for " A'' in 1910 to 1911), there was a larijc
margin in the earning capabilities of the two types of plant to
cover the difl:'erence in the annual charge.3.

The ])roblem was. however, complicated by the existence of tlir
original steam plant, in conjunction with which the Diesel engine-
would be re(.|uired to work. Undoubtedly the boldest course to
adopt would have been to write off a part at least of the steam
et|uipment. This plan was considered, but the sum required fo)-
the purpose was too great for the finances of the undertaking to
bear.

Had more ^trinii ]ilant been added to the old, and allowing for a
muchshoiiri lo:oi I II ■ I iod and a higher rate of interest, the annual
combined ia]iiial .luir^es would have amounted to .£1'62 per KW.
of plant. The earning powers of one KW. were not expected to
increase. The total capital cost would have become .£22'1 per KW.

The following returns give some important figures for "A " : —

Revenue per .Gross profit

KW. of per KW. of

Year. max. load. max. loadk.

1910-11 .£21-3. £ir3 Steam plant only.

1911-12 20'4 10'4 Part Diesel about 2 months.

1912-13 19'1 in Diesel plant 82-2% of output.

1913-14 20'0 II -s .. so .. .. ,

1914-1.3 27'3 H''.i .. '.n-i ..

191.';-16 23-2 HI .. '.IS ..

In the first column the revenue per KW. of maximum demand on
feeders was artificially increased b.v the maximum output falling
off during the last two periods, owing to restrictions, more rapidly
than did the number of units sold. In the second column the
figures of gross profit were adversel.y affected by the steam " stand- '
by '' charges, two boilers being kept up for the greater part of the
time in case of Diesel engine failures. During the last two years
in the table the boiler house was entirel.y shut up. except for-'-a
■ montli or so. There is no doubt that the efficient working of the
Diesel engines effected a marked increase in the gros.s profit per
KW. of maximum demand on the plant. In the year 1912-13 the
tendency of the g-ross profit had begun to counteract the rlownward
trend of the revenue curve. ■. . " ...-■--

An examination of the figures quoted show* that the low^r cost
of operating a Diesel engine plant quickly extinguishes the higher

»v

%:1

Vol. T-M. -xo. 2.021. SEPTEMBER s. vju.] THE ELECTRICAL RE\TEW.

•261

Reduction in

fuel cosi per

unit sold.

■animal charges for capital. altlioiiv;h iu the case of "A " the sleam
plant has an advantage of £33 per KW. in respect of capital
chai-ges. . '

Five years ago opiuions differed as to tlie functions of a Diesel
etigine iu a "'mixed" station. I think it is now the general
■practice to work the Diesel engines "for all they are worth,"' and
to keep the steam engines in reserve. •

A comparison of the generating costs of the three stations befoi'e
arid aft^r adopting- Diesel engines is instrnctive : — "A" shows -a
i-eduetion of "SjSd. per unit generated : '" B " shows a reduction, of
■■(i4t)d. per imit generated ; "C ' shows a reduction of ^TGd. per nnit
generated ; these figures being obtained in the face of rising fuel
prices. Similarly the overall thennal efficiencies have improved : —
'" A '" : Thermal efficiency rose from 4 '93 per cent, to 22(5 percent. :
"B" : Thermal efficiency rose from G'l per cent, to lO'o per cent. :
'"C" : Thermal efficiency iro.se from 2'l> per cent, to 6".5 per cent.
These figures depend, of course, on the proportion of the units
generated by oil as a percents^e of the total units generated. "' B '"
having a steam plant of five times the capacity of its oil installa-
tion, was obviously unable to make so great a reduction as was
"A." where the proportion was. roughly. 1 to 1 : and '" C," TO to 1. .
The greatest reductions are in the items fuel, wages and I'epairs.

The cost of fuel per unit generated for station '"A" at various
load factors for the steam and oil sections of the plant is shown
graphically in fig. 1. Coal costs 18s. 3d. per ton. fuel oil was
at 64s. per ton. The figures are taken from the ordinary weekly
records, and are the result of every-day running conditions.

From approximately full load down to half load there is a drop
of 6'3 per cent, in tfie steam figures, and over a corresponding series
there is one of 20 per cent, in the oil figures.

A statement of some of the " vital statistics " of eight generat-
ing stations having both steam and oil plants may be of interest ;
it shows a general tendency towards improvement in the financial
iiosition since the Diesel engine was adopted.

Gross protit per Gross profit per

KW. of max. load KW. max. load after

before oil plant, adopting oil plant.

1 "Sid. itirS 141

2 •23d. !l"9 lll-.T

3 "20d. 8"8 14-3

4 ISd. 11 1 1.5"2

5 ■20d. 3"37 69
i; "21d. 8"4 102

7 "lid. 98 lla

8 "Oed. 13"4 1.->"1

The. Diesel engine has this important advantage over the steam
equipment. If valves are leaking and adjustments are not in order,
the fact becomes quickly obvious. The indications on the gauges
(and there are not many of them) draw one's attention to
irregularities.

But a steam engine may run beautifully to the outward eye and
ear although piston valves and piston rings may leak, and the
valve settings may be wrong owing to eccentric strap wear : the
boiler settings maj- be drawing many cubic feet of air into the
flues ; the fires may be too thick or too thin. In very many cases,
provideil the main steam gauge is showing about the correct steam
pressure, there is a general feeling of satisfaction with the aspect
of affair^^.

Personally, I managed to improve the steam costs of '"A '" by 20
per cent, or so by the aid of flue thermometers, di'aught gauges,
flue gas analysers, and graduated staffs in the boiler-feed water
tanks ; but even at that the benefit was but a fraction of that
gained by purchasing plant that was inherently more efficient
from the thermal point of view. Putting the three things
together, capital charges, nuining costs, and gross profits, the
advantage accruing from the use of the Diesel engine for installa-
tions within the limits indicated in this paper is manifest.
The figures quoted for " A " showed the combined annual capital
charges for interest and redemption to be X. 195 for a mixed steam
and oil pliuit, and jer62 for a steam plant only, the difference
being one of 20 per cent. Taking the running costs for the last
oonipleteil financial year, the'reduction in running costs from those
obtained in pre-oil days was no less than 34'4 per cent,

I should like to urge on all Diesel engine users the great value
of the indicator diagram as a quick and ready means of testing the
condition of an engine. Tlie " hand-drawn " cards are particularly
valuable, as showing the distribution of the fuel oil among the
cylinders. If cards are taken and filed for reference and comparison,
it is not difficult to keep an engine well up to its test results. The
outlay of 1 1 0 to i 1 .5 on an indicator set is a small matter in com-
parison with the losses that may occur if an engine is not
periodically checked.

- The choice of the most suitable Diesel engine to accept, when
confronted with a number of them, is not easy.

I do not venture to lay down any rule for the guidanceof anyone
in this matter, but I wili go so far as to say that my own prefer-
ence is for (Ij a low piston speed : (2) a low mean effective pressure
from the full-load card : and (3) a low piston and crank-pin
loading. The general design of the crankshaft and its bearings,
the gudgeon pins, and the lubricating arrangements throughout
mustr of. course, be examined also.

. The. transition from the paper stage to the practical one' 'of
■ operating the. Diesel engine not uunatm-ally brought to light 'a
' jromber of occurrences, with which engineers werenot familiar.
■; IncoorseTif time it .was- feltthati a central body competent to
i CoHecJ and coaft-pUe records and- to act as. a- standardisiirg a'uthbrity
to some extent was a necessity^ In. this •way the Diesel' Engihe
-Users' 'Assoeiation came into being,

• : I 8hDuid,like to draw your attention to three-subjects which have
-be^n.of great interest and- which axe far from being exhausted.

The first is the problem of the lul>ru*ation of Diesel engines. An
endeavour to lay down any d(^finito pronouncement in the matter
of how much or how little oil should be used for various engines
was found to be imjxissible. Mr. C. O. Milton, one of our
most energetic members, gave us a communication on the sub-
ject and contrived to establish some relations between the lubrica-
tion of engines and the conditions under which they are used : but
even here he lighted upon two series which did not agree and for
whose disagreement there did not appear to be any reason. The
actual rate of the destruction of lubricating oil in the cylinder of
a Diesel engine is a matter which would well repay a cai-eful
investigation.

We are at present engaged in investigating the vagaries of air
compressors. One feature emerges as being of paiamount import-
ance, and that is the behaviour of oil-impregnated vapours under
the influeuce of high pressures and temperatures. I think it is a
line of investigation eminently suited to the labours and talents of
the National Physical Laboratory.

Last, and perhaps of the greatest impoi-tance. is the question of
fuel oil supplies.

Our engines will work well on the products of the distillation of
coal — British coal — that coal which is used to-day so uneconomi-
cally that at the best but 15 per cent, to 20 per cent, of its avail-
able energy value is actually utilised. Continental users and
manufacturers have used tar oils and tars with the greatest success
for many years in their Diesel engines, and we can do so too. The
cost of adapting an existing engine for the purpose is not excessive,
and, under present conditions, at any rate, such cost will be
abundantly repaid.

CORRESPONDENCE.

Letters received hy us after 5 P.M. ON Tuesday cannot appear until
the follotci ng iveek. Correspondents shoidd forward their communi-
cations at the earliest possible moment. No letter can be published
unless ice hare the renter's name and address in our possession.

The Electric Cooker in India.

I have only to-day receivetl my copy of the Elel'TRIi,'.\l Review
for May 12th, in which I note that jilr. Meares criticises my state-
ment that it is difficult to keep servants for more than a- year in
India.

I am afraid in this particular I fell into the enor of generalising
about India. While I venture to say that my statements are
essentially correct as regards Rangoon, I recognise, of coiu-se. that
iu a country which holds so many different races as India the con-
ditions may be very different in other parts. I am glad that Mr.
Meares. than whom there is no one better qualified to speak, has
found no more serious misstatement in my article.

In Rangoon the majority of the servants are not native to the
province. They go there principally from Madras, imder the
attraction of much higher wages, but usually return to their own
country after they have saved a little money.

After nearly a year of housekeeping in Australia, the Memsahib's
feelings towards the Indian servants are much kindlier than when
amongst them. When we compare this beautiful country and its
glorious climate with Rangoon, we wonder why white people
willingly exile themselves in India : but when our thoughts turn to
our dear old butler, well — India n as not so bad.

Charles S. Jeffrey.

Sydney, N.S.W.. ./"/// 17'" I'.'l.

High Prices.

I should like to utter a protest, and, at the same time, a warning
to luauufacturers. against the present, apparently unnecessarily.
inflated prices of some of the electrical accessories in general use.
As a typical example, cord grip holders, which before the war could
be bought for 3s. 4d. to 3s. (id. i)er dozen, are now fetching anything
from 9s. (id. to 16s. per dozen. I was last week asked the latter
price, but. needless to say. did not p;»s3 an order.

Xow if these arti'eles could be sold befoi-e the war at 3s. 4d. per
dozen, is there anything either in the advanced cost of materials 6r
labour to justify such an exorbitant charge .' I submit that, taking
these advances into consideration, the selling price of this line
shotdd not Ije more than 6s. 6d. per dozen.

A traveller recently told me that the high prices ruling were due
to the demand alone, there being no outside competition. If this
is the case, manufacturers are taking an unfair advantage. But
there are a number of neutrals and others already coming into the
market, and. if they bring down prices, ai-e we to deal with the
manufacturer who has fleeced us, or the neutral who has brought
down the inflated charges? As an instance of this, I recently
bought an article, stated to be of Japanese origin, at bs. 'a
gross, but for a similar English article I am asked 20s. The pre-
war price was Ss. -

In conclusion, may I also protest against " brassed "' iron terminal
screws being substituted for -brass screws, a very common pract^te
- nowadays. "'

C. Cuhner Hodges, A.M.1.£.E.'.

Electricity Works, Dawlish.
August 30tk, 1916.

'l&l

THE ELECTRICAL EE^^:EW. LVol, :^. No 2.021. September s, uac.

NEW ELECTRICAL DEVICES, FITTINQS,
AND PLANT.

The Turbine Furnace.

A new tfpe of furnace has been introduced bv the Turbise
FcBXACE Co., Ltd.. of C'axton House, Westminster, S.W., which is
adaptable to all kinds of boilers, and is easily installed. It has
been designed, as shown in tigs. 1 to H, on the principle of the impulse
turbine, the air troufrh beinjr compared to the nozzle, and the fire-
bars to the blades of the turbine. The air for combustion is forced

for instance, at the North Dublin Union, with ordinary bars in a
Lancashire boiler, usinf hard steam coal, the coat of fuel was 2.S9
per 1 .000 gallons of WBt«r evaporated ; with the turbine furnace
usinfr 25 breeze to 1 of slack, the cost was I8.i. Id. per l.OOii
gallons, and with coke breeze alone. 13s. lid., an economy of ov
50 per cent. At Rathmiues U.U.C. electricity works, a ten-days
test was carried out to compare the turbine furnace fitted to a Lanca
shire boiler and a mechanical stoker fitted to another boiler of the
same size t30 ft. by 8 ft.). The former was able to burn a large
proportion of coke breeze, and the cost of fuel ])er unit sreuerated
was reduced from 0'62d, with the ordinary stoker to 02Kd. with
the turbine furnace : moreover, a sinijle boiler fitted with the new

Fi(i. 1.— The Turbine Furnack.

^/^ ^

Fios. 2 AND 3.— Sectional Views throuoh Air TRouciH-: and Nozzles. Turbine Furnace.

'tI_M

Fig. 4.— The "D.G. Bowl Electric Fire.

Fio. a.— "D.G.' Fire.

between the bars, which offer a minimum of resistance, and each
firebar receives an eq^al amount of air. which is distributed
through the narrow air spaces in the form of fine sprays. It is
claimed that by the design of the air injector an efficient pressure
is obtained, the design of the air trough of diminishing section
assures an even flow of the air for combustion, and the design of
the firebars ensures the highest efficiency of the draught, each air
space receiving an equal amount of air under pressure. The fire-
bars project forwardly to intercept the air with a minimum of
resistance. The air forced through the narrow air spaces is
thoroughly diffused throughout the fire. There is perfect contact
of air and fuel, and combustion with a minimum of waste gases.
The grate consists of from four to six furnaces, each receiving its
own air supply. This method, besides ensuring an evenly burning
fire, makes it possible to use small steam jets for creating the
draught. Special attention has been paid to the velocity and
expansion of steam, flow of air. frictional losses. Sec. with the
result that a maximum of draught is obtained with a minimum of
steam. There is no upkeep for moving machinery, nothing to get
out of order, and the cost of generating forced draught by this
method is said to be much less than by any other system.

Tests have been made on the furnace installed in various works ;

furnace was able to take the whole load, whereas previously two
boilers had been in use.

D.G. Bowl IFires.

The " D.G. ■' bowl fire, which has been introduced by Messrs.
Drake 4l Gorham. Ltd., of Felix Street, Westminster Bridge Road,
S.E., is made in two types, one rated at 1,000 watts, and supported on
a three-legged black iron stand, and the other loaded to 750 watts,
and mounted upon a black and copper pedestal. Both forms are
Olustrated in fig. 4. which shows also the larger model turned side-
ways, so that its construction can the more readily be followed.
The heating unit, which is detachable, consists of a dome-shaped
piece of special fireclay having vertical ribs on its rounded surface,
between which is laid the spiral resistance wire. The element is
mounted on a disk of asbestos stone or similar material, the con-
nections to the terminal plate within the domed cover behind being
of rigid perforated metal strip. Ai'ound the circular element is »
bowl refl.ector of solid copper, accidental contact with the glowing
coils being prevented by a light grid of stout wire.

As will be seen from the illustrations, the bowl reflector can be
swivelled at any angle between the vertical and horizontal, and
will stop in any position, but when turned to the horizontal posi-

Vol. -9. No. 2,024, SEPTEMBER 8, 1916.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

263

tion it is held hy a neat sprins device, which prevents any possi-
bility of the bowl tilting up and overturning a kettle or other
vessel placed on the grid above the elements. Fig. o shows the fire
with the bowl turned up so as to be available for heating water, or
for making toast, the wire grid serving as a support, well away
from the glowing coils. The elements, which run at a bright red
heat immediately they are switched on, are guaranteed for 12
months, and can be renewed quickly at small cost. No switch is
provided, so that so far as the control is concerned, the fire com-
plies with the latest I.E.E. wiring lules for electric heaters. Over-
all the larger heater. 1.000 watts, measures 19 in. in height, the
diameter of its reflector being lOi in. : the smaller heater is
1 7 in. in height, with a 9-in. reflector. The reflectors are of solid
. copper, and the price is quite moderate.

The J-M Fire Extinguisher.

Messrs. Turners & Manville. Ltd.. of Hopetoun House.
Lloyd's Avenue, E.G., have sent us particulars of their new fire
extinguisher, which, it is claimed, possesses many advantages. In
design it is cylindrical, with dished ends, and measures 3 in. in
diameter by 124 in. long. The pump and valves, which are
enclosed in a separate container in the interior, deliver air to a
compression chamber in the dome of the extinguisher ; this
arrangement prevents the chemical contents coming into contact
with the main working parts, and allows for an even pressure of
air in the discharge chamber. The nozzle, which is fitted in the
concave base, is protected against accidental fall or damage, and is
provided with a lever valve to prevent waste of extinguishing
fluid. The pump spindle and leather are removable for examina-
tion or renewal.

Thirty full strokes of the pump will provide suflScient air to dis-
charge the whole of the liquid contents in a steady non-pulsating
stream to a distance of 30 ft.

The fluid will neither stain nor damage apparatus or fabrics
with which it may come in contact ; it is non-poisonous, free from
moisture, and a non-conductor of electricity.

This extinguisher has been tested on burning petrol, celluloid,
calcium carbide, carbon disulphide, and ordinary fires, also on
electric arcs under severe conditions in the open, and in each case
it has successfully extinguished the fires.

A High-Speed Squirrel-Cage Winding.

In an induction motor- winding patent. No. 1,191.209, issued to
the Westinghouse Electric and Manufacturing Co., Frederick
S. Martin proposes splitting copper strips so as to form loops
which, when expanded to embrace the requisite number of slots,
can be interconnected at the unsplit portions so as to form a short-

Fig. 6. — Induction Motor Winding.

circuited winding. The slotted strips have notches at their ends
into which short-circuiting end rings are sprung. The whole
forms thereby a squirrel-cage winding which will very easily
withstand high-speed operating conditions.

SCIENTIFIC AND INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH.

The first annual report of the Advisory Council to the Com-
mittee of the. Privy Council for Scientific and Industrial
Re.search, to which we referred last week, was pubhshed on
August 3Ist. It is a document of some 50 pages, including
five appendices, and covers a wide area, the treatment being
somewhat discursive. It is summarised below.

After reviewing the policy pursued by the Government
towards the encouragement of organised scientific support to-
trade and industry before the war, as exemplified by the in-
ception of the National Physical Laboratory in 1900, with "its
first modest capital grant of £13,000" and an annual allow-
ance for maintenance of £4,000 (gradually increased to £7,000),
which is compared with the Government grant of £100,000 a
year to the American Bureau of Standards, the contribution
of the Treasury to the expenses of the Engineering Standards
Committee, the development of scientific research at the
Irrperial Institute, and the more generous Government sup-
port of the Imperial College of Science and Technobgy, the
Report refers to the inadequacy of the national provision for
scientific research, which was only brought home to the
authorities by the .shock of the great war, when it was found
that we were unable to produce at home many essential com-
modities, such as optical glass, dyestuffs, &c. A Committee
appointed by the Board of Trade on August 25th, 1914, _ to
deal with the production of dyes, with the aid ol capital

supplied by the Treasury and a grant of £100,000 for research.
was the first outcome of the Government's awakening, and
in May, 1915, the Boards of Trade and Education announced
the impending appointment of an Advisory Council_ for the
encouragement of scientific research in relation to industry.
Explaining the details of the scheme in July, the President
of the Board of Education remarked that the brains and
processes that were necessary that day to the output of muni-
tions had been, and would again be, needed for the_ arts of
peace, and unless the matter were dealt with at once it would
not be possible to bring into operation an effective system in
the difficult period of reconstruction that would follow the.
war,

" .Accordingly the Council decided to give science_ in its
applications to industry precedence over pure science in their
deliberations. They are under no misapprehension as to the
relations between pure and appUed science. It has been said
that what people call applied science is nothing but the
application of pure science to particular classes of problems.
And, properly speaking, this no doubt is so; there are not two
different kinds of science. At the same time, the Council
reali.se that they have to deal with the practical business
world, in whose eyes a real distinction seems to exist between
pure and applied science. The average manufacturer is im-
pressed with the importance of quick returns; he cannot
afford to wait, . . .Apart from the long period of work and
preparation which a properly organised research laboratory
attached to a factory involves before important results can be
looked for, and apart from the risk that an unsuitable
director of such a laboratory may involve a firm in heavy
pecuniary loss, there is the plain fact that ' the difficulties
that present themselves to manufacturers or merchants seldom
afford an indication of the true nature of the problems to be
solved. They are generally secondary in their nature, and a
direct attack on them .is likely to be as empirical as the
symptomatic treatment of disease,' Thus such quick-result
inquiries as the manufacturer is induced to make are very
likely to be fruitless and to reduce his enthusiasm for science
still further."

Another consideration which alone would have compelled
the Council to begin with research of directly industrial
application was that the universities, which are the natural
homes of research in pure science, had been so depleted of
both students and teachers by the war that they were barely
able to continue their routine work, and any effective encour-
aeement of re.search m pure science must await the return
of peace. . , , ■

Inquiries showed that there were certam _ researches being
conducted or directed by professional associations in the period
preceding the w^ar which stood in grave jeopardy of enforced
abandonment. These investigations had been paid for by the
voluntarv contributions of several great engineering and other
professional societies, and thus carried with them the best
guarantees of their necessity and effectiveness. The Council
decided, therefore, to save as many of these derelict researches
as possible, and accordingly recommended the payment of a
series of grants to the societies concerned.

The chairman and other officers of the Council have inter-
viewed representatives not only of the Royal Society and the
Chemical Society, but of all the principal engineering societies
throughout Great Britain, and other important professional
societies, in all cases with gratifying results. The engineering
trades have long been alive to the need and value of scientifac
research, while the chemical and textile trades had made less
progress in the systematic use of science. But now there are
signs of a change, and already textile research mto the elec-
trification of fibres during manufacture is proceeding at the
Ttniversity of Leeds with funds provided by the Textile Insti-
t^ute and proposals are before the Council for fundamental
researches into the cellulose fibres which form the basic
material of the cotton and paper trades.

While these inquiries and interviews were taking place, tbe
Council had invited the assistance of the universities and tech-
nical colleges of the country in the formation of a register ot
researches actually being conducted on the outbreak of the
war A careful survev of the amount and the character of
the provision made in "our higher educational institutions for
research work is being macU^as a part of the Council s pre-
paratory arrangements for a systematic programme of aid t«
individual researchers. It is hoped that the register will
enable suitable workers to be rapidly found when proposals
for special lines of inquiry come before the Council, and that
a survey of the directions in which research is now proceed-
ing in our universities and colleges may enable the Council
to make helpful suggestions to individual workers from time
to time, as the need for research in particular directions be-
comes apparent. ., .. J.,. ■l.-Ti t
The Council also has under consideration the possibility ol
inducing firms in some industries to assist the progress of
research by informing it in confidence of the problems they
have in hand or in contemplation. Knowledge even of nega-
tive results may be valuable as a saving of time or as helpmg
to determine more hopeful directions of attack. Even this
modest degree of co-ordination will be abortive unless the prin-
cipal manufacturers are willing to trust the discretion of the
Council. There are indications of a change of view among
certain finns which give hope that a more far-reaching co-
operation may be possible, and the necessities of the war have
led to an exchange of information onces tenaciously reserved,

264

THE ELECTRICAL EEVIE^Y. (voi.7^ xo. L><^34,SErTwiKi.B:*. iau

which may survive the present critical days. Some manu-
facturers at any rate arc beginning to realise that their most
numerous and dangerous enemies are not their fellow-country-
men engaged in the saiue trade, but powerful combinations of
manufacturi'i's in other countries .supported by every device
of rate and tariff that theii' Governments can provide.

Any assistance that the industries, or even individual firms,
can give, from their accumulated exporieuce, in bringing
.science to bear rapidly upon manufacturing problems will be
Hi beneht to the trade as a whole, and indirectly, if not
directly, of advantage to each manufacturer. In the numerous
ccnferences the Council has had with representatives of dif-
ferent industries, it has been iraprotsised with the spirit of
co-operation which is growing up and the willingness to accept
suggestions for the initiation of research for the benefit of the
trade as a whole. Co-operative tesearch, when it has done
its utmost, will always leave ample room for individual initia-
tive and ability in the application of its results, more than
sutlicient as an incentive and as a means to outstanding
success.

Almost all advanced students left in the faculties of science
and technology are working for the Ministry of Munitions,
the Admiralty, or the War Office ; the Council directed its
officers to make sy.steraatio inquiry in the universities and
technical colleges as to the existence of any students oi'
teachers not engaged on war duties who might be retained
for scientific research, whether pure or applied, if the Council
would assist theui. .-Vmong the duties assigned to the Council
is the formulation of ijroposals for the establishment and
award of research studentships and fellowships. The Vice-
Chancellors and Principals or Deans of Faculty were accord-
ingly asked to consult the heads of their several departments
and to submit proposals, making it clear that with the heads
of the departnients and not with the senates or faculties or
other university authorities would rest the responsibility
for the recommendations put forw-ard. The responsible
professors and teachers have in nearly every case exercised
great care and discretion in making their proposals, and
nothing could show in more lamentable and honourable clear-
ness the .service of the univensities to the country in the
hour of her need than the resulting list. The Board of Educa-
tion and the Scotch Education Department had been able to
retain with the concunence of the military authorities a
certain number of advanced students in science, technology,
and medicine, who were medically fit, because it had been
foreseen that they would be required in the several national
war services as they completed their studies. But all these
and more than these were needed, and from the small
remainder not taken for urgent scientific work the Council
has only been able to recommend grants to some 40 indivi-
duals, amounting in all to a sum not exceeding £6,000.
The Council hopes to bring more reality into those academic
. laboratories which are now much dominated by the text-book
and the syllabus of examination, and so encourage a better
profes-sional training for chemists, physicists, and other men
of science. It also hopes to give assistance in correlating the
researches being made into the same problem by encouraging
the interchange of information; in industrial research,
especially in the circumstances in which this country now
finds itself, it would be deplorable if those engaged in work-
ing on the same subject at different public institutions were
not to keep each other informed of the progress made. At
the same time, it is recognised that there is a danger in
bringing technical problems too presssinply to the notice of
teachers and students in educational institutions. It is
desired so to order the relations of workers in pure science
, to the industries going on around them that they may receive
the stimulus of a wider outlook than is always attainable
under the limitations of an academic system of syllabus and
examination. In this way it may be possible in the end to
create such an atmosphere that the new generation of students
will cease to draw a distinction between " theory " and
"practice," and technologists of all ranks will through them
attain to the view that sound practice ,is only theory tem-
pered by compromise.

Owing to the relatively high organisation of the engineer-
ing profession in relation to the several branches of the
engineering industry, a number of researches bearing on
industrial engineering problems was already in progress before
the establishment of the Council, and a considerable number
"f applications for aid to new- researches was received imme-
diately it got into touch with them. These facts and the
representations of the .societies urging the cstabhshment of
stronger machinery for dealing with the manifold a.spects of
ei'.gmeering research, led the Council at once to set up a
series of Strong standing committees to assi-st it.

Standing Committees have already been .set up on Metal-
lurgy. Engineering, and Mining. Each of the committees
consists of about 15 members, of whom approximately half
have been nominated by the professional societies concerned,
the Temainder being appointed directly by the Council. The
Committees were appointed in the first instance for the period
of one year in order to facilitate any changes in constitution
or terms of appointment that experience might suggest.

The Council hopes with the assistance of the standing

committees, the professional sof:ieties, the Home Office, and

the Board of Trade gradually to construct panels of names

which w-ill enable it to obtain the very best advice on the

• different aspects of the problems it is called upon to solve.

The. number, and scope ofL the standing _ committfiBs_ .will

need extension from time to time, but the absence of stum
professional societies working in conjunction with the otli'
scientific industries in this country makes it inadvisable i
proieed hastily in so important a matter.
{To be continued )

WAR ITEMS.

.\.E.G. Electrical Co., of South Africa. — Under the
Enemy Trading .'\ct, the .\.E.U. Electrical Co., of Simth
Africa, Ltd., has been ordered to be wound up, and Messrs.
J. G. Carter and II. P. Webber, accountants, have \i' ■ u
appointed liquidators.

Work for Civilian War Prisoners. — It bus now bi- n

decided that civilian prisoners of war may be employed ou
work not'connectod with the war, in several ways. In suit-
able cases, in the internment camps, they will be allowed to
do work, on materials supplied by employers, which does imi,
require elaborate plant or equipment; or, a number of pn
soners may be specially interned in suitable premises, win u-
they can live and work on some process of manufactuic, il
the employer is willing to install the necessary plant :iimI
provide the technical supervision required. Proposals to
employ fewer than 100 men under an arrangement of the
latter kind cannot be entertained, as a rule, owing to the
cost of guarding the prisoners. The employer must pay the
regular rate of w'ages paid to British workmen for similar ,
work. A deduction will be made for maintenance and other j
expenses, and the balance will be credited to the man.

The Employment Department of the Board of Trade is pre-t
pared to receive from employers inquiries and proposals, and'j
to make the necessary arrangements with the authorities con-
cerned. Inquiries should be addressed to the Assistant Secre-
tary, Board of Trade Employment Department, Queen Anne'sJ
Chambers, Broadway, Westminster, S.W.

Tramways and Lighting Restrictions. — At a Northern'!
Police Court a ratepayer complained that the municip
authorities permitted flashes of light to be emitted from the '
overhead wires of the electric tramway system during the
hours of restricted lighting. He considered the flashing when
the trolley was being changed to be a danger to the town.
Moreover, the cars were ninning at night without bhnds. The
Magistrates' Clerk, in advising complainant to keep a record
of such incidents, secure witnesses, and lay an information,
said it w'as rather an absurd thing that these lights were
flashing at night, when all other lights were obscured. The
Chief Constable : I agree. I beUeve the tramways manager
is doing what he can. I have not seen it myself, or I should
have done something.

A Labour E.xchange Proposal. — Great Mnt.igonism has
l'>cen arouscfl throughout the North of England by a proposal
which has been extensively promulgated by highly-placed
Labour Exchange officials that, after the war, the whole
system of the engagement of labour for any purpose should
be in their hands. Startling as it may appear, the proposal
is that it should be made a penal offence for any person to
: • offer service to an employer, or any employer to take a person
. into service, except through the Labour Exchanges. The
YorhMre Post has energetically sounded the note of alarm,
and has ascertained the views of the chief employers and trade
union leaders in the great industries in regard to the matter,
•with the result of the accumulation of a striking mass of
condemnation of the proposal from both emplcjyers and em-
ployed. It is believed in the North that the proposal, has. its
origin in Sociali-stic circles in Ijondon, where it has been
determined to take permanent advantage for Socialistic ends
of the disturbance of normal employment conditions caused
by the w'ar.

Ministry of Munitions: New Order. — In pursuance of the
powers conferred upon him by Regulation 30 (A) of the
Defence of the Realm (Consolidation) Eegulations, 1914, the
Minister of Munitions orders that the war material to which
the Regulation applies shall include war material of the fol-
lowing classes and description, namely : —

-AH machine tools and machinery driven by power and suit-
able for use in cutting, stamping or working metal, includ-
ing : — Lathes, milling and drilling machines, planers, shapers,'
screw machines, chucking, boring, slotting, and grinding
machines, boring and turning mills, power presses, •flinching,
shearing, forging, eutting-off, gear-cutting,' and." ceotring
machines. .••,"■ .'■

The Minister of Munitions gives notice (1) that he -pprip'ts
all persons until further notice to purchase or enter -into
negotiations for the purchase of the war material referred to
in the above Order, provided that such purcha.se or nejjotia-
tions are from or with persons holding a special permit from
the Minister to sell such war material and not otherwise; and
(2) that he permits the insurance of any such war material.
All ap|ilications for a special permit in connection with the
above Order should be addressed to th? Director of Machine
Tools, -.Armament -Buildings, 'Whiteha)!- FlHce.-ioudon, S.W.

Vol. 79. xo. 2.024, SEPTEMBER 8. WW.] THE ELECTRICAL EEVIEWo

^65

Boy Munition Worlters. — The Rev. R. R. Hyde has been
appointed by the Ministry of Munitions Organisinff Officer of
Boys' Welfare. The employment of boys in large numbers in
factories has rendered it desirable that special provision should
be made for their welfare. ^

Controlled Establishments. — The Minister of Munitions
announces that he has made further orders under the Muni-
tions of War Acts, 1915 and 1916. under which 161 additional
establishments have been declared controlled establishments.
The total number of controlled establishments under the
Munitions of War Acts, 1915 and 1916, is- now 4,212.

Italy Ousting the German Trader. — The Government h.is
ordered the Prefects throughout Italy to compile lists of all
bu.siness concerns in which Oermans or Austrians are in any
way interested, with a view to their sequestration, and the
Administration has specially instiucted the officials to trace
all cases in which fictitious Italian or neutral nominees hav(^
been left in charge, with the view of destroying Germany's
after-war hopes and of giving Italy economic freedom.

Exemption Applications. — The Burv (Lanes.) Tribunal
recently heard an appeal by Mr. W. Clough, tramwavs
manager, on behalf of a motorman. It was stated that if
one man were taken away it would mean the withdrawal of
a car from the service, and 8,000 workpeople w'cre cariied
regularly on the cars. Conditional exemption was granted.

At a sitting of the Carnaiwonshire Tribunal, on August
22nd. the Military representative appealed against conditional
exemption granted by the Gwyrfai Tribunal to five emploves
of the Marconi Wireless Co., at Cefndu. It was contended
that the local Tribunal had no power to grant exemption,
but it was intimated that the men would not be called up
until the depai-tment that employed them authorised their
calling up, which was equivalent to exemption. The certifi-
cates were withdrawn on this understanding.

Folkestone Tribunal has allowed two months' exemption to
a stoker appealed for by the Electric Supply Co.

Before the Hants .Appeal Court, Mr. P. Grover. of Messrs.
Grover, Smith & WiUis, electrical engineers, of Basingstoke,
appealed against final exemption until October 1st granted by
the local Tribunal. It was stated that Mr. Smith, a partner,
had been given conditional exemption, and that Mr. Willis
was engaged in an Admiralty factory. As the Ministry of
Munitions had requested the firm to carry out certain work,
the appeal was put back to see if Mr. Grover becomes badged.

The Isle of Thanet Tramway Co. appealed, at Broadstairs,
for an electrical engineer (18), engaged at a sub-station; the
supervisor of sub-stations (25): an electrical engineer (28). in
charge of a sub-station; a sub-station attendant (33), four
car drivers, a permanent-way labourer, a ticket inspector
and driver (36), a traffic inspector and driver (38), and a store-
keeper (31). The manager said that he did not think that
the Board of Trade would allow women to drive cars on
their line. If the military would co-operate in giving substi-
tutes, he was quite willing to relea.se the men. The Military
representative intimated that he was endeavouring to arrange
for substitutes. The Tribunal exempted the supervisor of sub-
stations, and put the other cases back for a fortnight with
a view to substitutes being found. Prior to the war th« com
pany had 274 men; now they have 91.

The Skipton Tribunal has granted final exemption to Sep-
tember 30th to a partner in a firm, who is consulting engi-
neer to several public companies and the local hospital.

Torquay Tribunal, on the appeal of the Corporation, has
exempted a fireman at the electricity station so Jong as he
remains in his present occupation.

At Diss, the Electric Supply Co. appealed for the manager,
and conditional exemption was conceded.

Richmond-on-Thames Tribunal has given a local electric
light contractor exemption until October 1st, to allow him to
complete contracts in hand.

A Boscombe electrical engineer, appealing at Bournemouth
for time to complete contracts and to get in debts, has been
gianted until October 1st final. The .same Tribunal condi-
tionally exempted an electric wiieman, \vho has only one
eye, appealed for by a firm who have lost 11 out of 12 men.

The Swindon Tribunal has conditionally exempted B. -T.
Rowland (35), electrician with Messrs. Hutton Bros., the only
man left with the firm. ' ,

The Rugby Urban Council appealed to the local Tribunal
for exemption for the man in charge of the. refuse destructor.
The Chaii-man asked the Military representative if it was
wise to jeopardise the health of the town for the sake of one
man for the Army. Conditional exemption was granted.

The Lewisham Tribunal adjourned for three weeks, with
the object of a badge being obtained, an appeal by Mr. R. P.
Mills, electrician, who stated that he was engaged on Govern-
m.ent work.

Mr. J. L. French appealed at Bexhill-on-Sea for exemption
"for an ■ electrical wireman, stating that he had lost six out of
seven men. Exemption refused.

Twenty-six employes v^ere appealed for at Oxford, on
August 31st, by the Electric Tramway Co. ; the Military
repiesentative offered no objection to temporary exemption
for drivers, and suggested with regard to the ti-affic superin-
tendent and inspectors, that three under 30 should go into
the Anny, and the other two be left to the company. It was
pointed out that the inspectors \\'ere also drivers. The Tri-
bunal granted conditional exemption to all except four.

Messrs. W. Lucy & Co., Ltd., appealed at Oxfor3 for abso-
lute exemption for D. G. French (18), brass fitter, engaged
on electrical switch work for a new factory. It was stated
that French two years ago replaced a man who had gone
into the Army. The firm had lost 75 men. As a badge had
been applied for, the case was adjourned for a month.

At Oxford, the question of unstarring R. J. J. Child (23),
electrician with Mr. J. Goundrey. was considered. The star
was granted on February 24th, and Capt. Baldry said that
they had instructions from the War Oflice that no man, no
matter what his age or occupation, was to be considered
starred. The only men now exempted were those who held
a certificate from the Ministry of Munitions. The Tribunal
decided that Child should go befoie the Medical Board. The
same decision was arrived at in the case of A. B. P. Chaundry
(22). electric wireman with Messrs. Hill, Upton & Co., elec-
trical engineers.

.\t Dawlish (Devon), the Electric Supply Co, applied for
exemption for the manager and secretary, Mr. 0, C. Hodges,
who has already had three months' postponement, Mr, D,
Ander.son, director of the company, stated that they had
advertised for a successor, but had been unable to fill the post.
Exemption was extended until the end of November.

The East Kent Appeal Court has rejected a Militai-y appeal
against exemption granted to a stoker at the Margate Cor-
poration dust destructor, on the ground that he is indispens-
able.

At Blackpool, exemption until the end of September was
allowed the foreman of a firm of electrical engineers; the
.same Tribunal granted exemption until the end of October
to a tramway motor-man, employed by the Corporation.

.At Blackburn Mihtary Tribunal, on August 30th. Mr, T,
Barton, electrical engineer. appUed for an assistant who had
sole charge of a motor plant at large works in Darwen. Con-
ditional exemption was granted, though an application for
an apprentice in charge of aii electrical plant in a coUiery, by
the same emplover, was dismissed.

At Macclesfield, on Wednesday last week, an electrical engi-
neer in business on his own account appealed; he had im-
portant work in hand at local factories, and three months'
exemption was granted.

At Bath, the Electric Tramway Co. appealed for a driver.
The manager .said thaf owing to shortage of -staff. 25 per cent.
of the service had been stopped. Conditional exemption was
alh.wcd.

BUSINESS NOTES.

Copper Prices. — The week's changes. Messrs. F. !Minth

and Co. report : Wednesdav. September 6th. Electrolytic bars rose
from £129 to £130 ; ditto sheets, from £U7 to £118 ; ditto rods,
£lS(i to £1.37 : ditto H.C. wire. Is. i^%d. to Is. ij\d.

Messrs. James and Shakespeare report : Wednesday. September
Kth'. Xo changes in prices quoted last week.

"Empire-Made Goods" in N.Z.— U.S. Consul-General
Winslow states tliat a carapaisn for Empire-made goods has been
started in Auckland. New Zealand, and is likely to spread all over
the Dominion.

The Auckland Provincial Industrial Association has taken the
matter in hand, and a Committee has been appointed to organise
the work, with the idea of securing the co-operation of all mer-
chants, manufacturers, storekeepers, and others in carrymg into
effect an attractive demonstration in favour of Empire-made pro-
ducts. The financing of this scheme, which is expected to cost
from 84,000 to §5.000, is to be taken over hy the merchants and
manufacturers of the city.

Johannesburg Municipal Power Station. — Referring

to Mr. Dobsoii's paper, reprinted on page 'ISl ot our last issue,
Messrs. Erith's Engineering Co.. Ltd.. inform us that the Erith
stoker refeiTed to was the old type for intermittent cleaning, and
was installed seven years ago. in 1909 ; it was supplied to the
unconditional order of a .Johannesburg firm, and duly paid for : it
wa's identical with stokei-s supplied in 1906 and 1907 to Diurban
electricity worls. Burning about 2.5 cwt. hourly of Transvaal coal,
cleaning took seven minutes every four hours : and as Mr. Dobson
says, it "showed g-reiit flexibility, needed no arches, and combustion
was as nearly as possible perfect. The modern Errth-Riley stoker
retains these advantages, with the added feature of continuous
automatic discharge of ash and clinker : this improved stoker has
been installed at Edinbiurgh, Hull, Worcester. West Hartlei^ool,
Luton, and many other power stations. ■

Catalogues and Lists.— Messrs. Kelvix, BoTToaiLEY

AND Baird, Ltd., 16-20, Cambridge Street, Glasgow. — New
pamphlets on indnstrial pyrometers of the thermoelectric type, and
switchboard moving-coil and moving-iron instruments of various
patterns.

ME.SSRS. J. & W. B. Sjiith. l.^i. Fan-ingdon Road, E.C.— Catalogue
of electric flash lamps and batteries.

Messrs. S. B. Goslin &; Sox, 13. Artillery Lane. E.— Leaflet
showing that they pour castings daily in iron, brass and other
metals.

266

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW, [voi. ta. xo. 2.024, skptkmbkr s, ini6.

The Russian Electrical Market.— The Kussian jnunial

Elektrirkeftio recpntly piiblisluHl an article on the Russian market
for electrical r-ikkIs which is of sump sijrnificanee to British manu-
facturers. The Russian import.s of IJerman electrical coods, it
says, representetl in 1 '••( ni a sum of £ "i KJ.OnO, and in 1 !i 1 3 1 1 . 700.i " >0.
The war ha*;, however, forced Russia to seek other suppliers, and
importers have turned to Enjrland. rnfortunatelv, that country
has not been able or willina: to take any particular interest in the
Russian market. The tJermans exported to Russia in 1913 126 per
cent, of their whole exports of electrical machines, while England
sent only 2" per cent, of her exports of these articles. Thus
Germany sold to Russia six and a-half times more than Engrland.
Russians are now thinkinp of Uwkintr to the United States, and
regret that the En^rlish will not consider their market, probably
because of the reputation for commercial punctuality of Russians
not beinjr Kood. The article discusses this side of the subject,
explaining that this belief is erroneous, and affirms that England
has every reason to seek an outlet for her machinery in Russia, as
disregani of the opportunity can only end in forcing Russian
importers to resort to the Uniteil States.

As a matter of fact, it is stated that America is already profiting
by the opportunity afforded for cajHuring the Russian market.
American agents have already taken onlers for considerable quanti-
ties of telegraph anil telephone apparatus and many tons of copper
wire. There is a string demaiul for small motoi-s of from i to
4 H.P.. for educational electric appliances, for X-ray apparatus,
and for every kind of electrical material. It seems that a month
ago it was impossible to purchase a single battery cell in the
whole of Petrograd. and it is the opinion of many American agents
that the Russian market can absorb huge supplies in the futiue.
Between 125.000 and 1.50.000 German merchants are interned in
Siberia, and the Russians earnestly desire that the Americans shall
take their places. Three-fifths of Russian capital has indeed been
offered American firms if they will contribute two-fifths, in order
to establish manufactures in Russia.

According to some reports, it is possible to sell direct and thus
eliminate the commission agents. The abolition of vodka is said
to have greatly improved credit, so that sales are now eflfected for
cash without dilficulty : while the deposits in savings banks have
risen l.lOo per cent, as a result of the belter economic situation of
the country.

The large field which Russia affords for hydro-electric engineers
and manufactures is shown by the fact that in European Russia,
including Finland, and in the Tral and the Caucasus, the utilisable
hydraulic power is estimated at about 10.000,000 KW., while the
amount utilised is less than in any otlier country in Europe. In
round figures, only between 180,uil(i and 220.oiiO kw. is developed,
of which rSo per cent, consists of small installations.

According to an Italian report, the Germans neglected to develop
Russia's water wealth, in order to preserve a market for their own
manufactm-es ; the French prefer to lend capital to the Russian
Government, rather than concern themselves with the development
of local Russian industries ; while the wilful abstention of Great
Britain leaves the great Russian market to go begging to what-
ever country chooses and h,is the initiative to take it up.

Dissolutions and Liquidations. — Electrical Oil

REt'isi>"0 Co.. Ltd. — This company is winding up voluntarily
with Mr. J. E. Frost as liquidator ; a meeting of creditors is called
for September 8th. at 29. Great St. Helen's. E.C.

High-Tension In-sulatobs, Ltd. — A meeting will be held at
32. Sackville Street. W.. on October 3rd. to hear an account of the
winding-up from the liquidator. Mr. G. T. Broadbridge.

C. Dales k Sons, watchmaiers. jewellers, opticians, and electri-
cians, 113, Poole Road, Bournemouth. -Messrs. C. and T. H. Dales
and C. Dales, jun.. have dissolved partnership ; Messrs, C. i: T. H.
Dales will attend to debts and continue the business under the same
style.

The Phcenix Electrical Co. and the Caledon Electrical Co.
— Notice is given in the Edhihiirrjli Gntetie that these companies,
of which Robert Walker and Thomas Henry Large were the sole
partners, have been dissolved by mutual consent as at August 3rd,
191(j. Messrs. Thomson. Jackson, Gourlay A: Taylor, chartered
accountants, 24. George Square, Glasgow, are authorised to attend
to all debts due to the dissolved firms, and will discharge their
liabilities. Mr. Walker will carry on business fot his own behoof
at 2. Oswald Street, Glasgow, under his own name, and Mr, Large
will carry on business at 40, Broomielaw. Glasgow, under the name
of the Phcenix Electrical Co,

MoND XiCKEL Co., Ltd. — .V meeting will be held at 39, Victoria
Street, S.W.. on October 11th. to hear an account of the winding-
up from the liquidator. Mr. R. Mathias. »

Herbert Feood Co.. Ltd. (the predecessor of the present com-
pany of the same name and title). — A meeting will be held at the
Sovereign Jlills, Chapel-en-le-Frith. on October 12th. to hear an
account of the winding-up from the liquidator.

Tyneside Engine Works (Cardiff), Ltd, — A meeting will be
held at Bute Docks, Cardiff, on October bth. to hear an account of
the winding-up from the liquidator, Mr, W. P. Annear.

■ Book Notice. — Scioire Ahsfrads, A and B. Vol. XIX,
Part 8. August 24th, lull".. London: E. & F. X. Spon. Price
Is. 6d. each part.

British Goods for France. — It is announced by the Board
of Trade that, in agreement with the British Government, the
French Government has just set up at King's House. Kingsway.
W.C. a special office for the issue of licences for the importation
into France and Algeria of goods of British production or manu-
facture which are included in the list of articles prohibited to be
imported into those countries.

Sale. — *'" Scplciiilifr l;;tli mihI l llli ihcre will t>e a salo
of electric plant, tools, and machinery at .MilUvall. Particulars are
given in our advertisement pages.

Bankruptcy Proceedings. — Ia.mks Kkid Whitkhousk,

13, St. Andrew's HuikI, Holder's Green, Middlesex, managing

director of an electrical company. The following are creditors : —

Sun Eleclrical Co,, London . . iaS.S Rose i I'nrd, London .. .. £U

Klectrical Co., London .. ., 44 Cannon Hrooke, Ijondon . . .. P

Arraordiict Co,, London , . . . ia,"> Rnssell, M., * Co., London . . in."p

Palk.Stadclnjnnn* Co., London 15 Pocock & Son, London .. .. 'jn

Gurney A Co.. London .. .. 40 Sohroeder, —, London .. .. I
Acton Lamp Co., London .. 10

Australian Tariff Revision. — The (iovernment ha.s

approve<l a dcfinit*- policy to give Australian industries a measure
of protection by revising the tariff .schedules in such a way as to
create an effective and sulistantial barrier against the intuidationof
imports, which for years has hiul a paralysing influence on industry
in this country. The Government will ask Parliament to impose
duties on manufactures that can be produced by .Australian work-
men, sufficiently high to avoid the stifling influence of comj^tition
with the outside world. There is a probability that after the
fixation of duties in relation to importations from the I'nited
Kingdom, second preference will be shown to the .\llies. with a
third scale for neutrals and a prohibition against enemies. — 7'/'c
Ail,:

LIGHTING AND POWER NOTES.

Aberdeen. — Year's Working. — The report of Mr. J. A.

Bell, the city electrical engineer, on the year's working of the
electricity undertaking to July 3Ist last, shows that 1.1,004,420
units were generated, as against 12.475,920 in the previous year,
and the total income was £75.873, an increase of £15,l>42. The
working expenses amounted to £39,180. leaving a gross balance of
£35.ti82. After payment of interest on capital. £9,717, instalment
of sinking fund, 1 18.183. and depreciation on motors, ttc, £1.041,
there remained a net profit of £8,792, an increase on 1915 of
£4,157 : this has been placed to i-eserve fund, which now stands at
£39.119. The increase in output for the year had only once l)een
exceeded in the history of the undertaking, and the motors con-
nected were largely in excess of the previous year. The revenue
account showed a total increase of £15,840; of this £7,555 was
due to increased charges, the remainder being new business ;
increased costs, amounting to £ 11,268, were principally due to the
extra cost of coal and the all-round increase in supplies, itc. The
reserve coal stock has been increased by 1,500 tons during the year ;
with the 120 new customers added, the total number connected
to the mains is 3,474.

Price Reduction.— At a meeting of the Electricity Committee
it was proposedl that the rate for lighting should be the ordinary
rate, plus 5 per cent., and the rate for power the ordinary rate,
plus 20 per cent., being a reduction of 5 per cent, in each case
compared with last year.

Accrington. — The Electricity Committee has instructed
the electrical engineer to carry out the conversion of a boiler, in
lieu of purchasing a new air-cooler for the 2.000-KW. turbo-
alternator, at an estimated cost of £60.

Ayr. — The estimates of the Corporation electric light

department for 1916-17 §how a debit balance of £1,650, arising

from increase in the price of coal and restricted lighting
consumption.

Canada. — The recent (iovernment rejinrt on the power
possibilities of the Winnipeg River, in Manitoba, shows that over
400,000 H.P. could be developed at various sites within easy trans-
mission distance of Winnipeg. At the present time two jrower
developments are in existence, viz., that of the Winnipeg Electric
Street Railway Co.. which is 58 miles from the city, on the Pinawa
Canal, and comprises nine turbine units developing 28,000 a. P..
with a BO.OOO-volt transmission, and that of the city authorities at
Point du Bois. where there are five 3.000-kw. units and three
5.000-K.V.A. units giving about 25.000 H.P.. which can be increased
to 77.000 H.P., with additional plant. In this case the trans-
mission is at 66.000 volts, and the direct distance 75 miles. There
are other seven sites, which could be exploited, and with the
present unregulated flow of 12,000 sec. ft. nearly 250.000 H.P.
could be obtained, while if the river were regulated to maintain a
minimum flow of 20.000 cb. ft. per sec, it is consideredthat some
418.000 H.P. could be obtained.

The seven sites referred to. and the H.P. with 12.000 and 20,000
cb. ft. per sec. are as follows :— Pine Falls. 37,900 and 63,100 H.P. ;
Du Bonnet Falls, 57,300 and 95,500 H.P. ; McArthur Falls, 18,400
and 30,700 h,p. ; Lower Seven Sisters, 12,600 and 37,900 h,p, ;
Upper Seven Sisters. 9,900 and 29,600 H.P. ; Upper Pinawa. 12,300
and 12,300 H.P. ; and Slave Falls, 26.600 and 44.400 H.P. The falls
vary from 18 to 56 ft., and the distances from Winnipeg from
52 to 74 miles. The cost of developing these sites with the low flow
is estimated at £2,664,000, and with the high flow at £4,909,000.
and the power costs at 100 per cent, load factor at '65 and ■59d. per
unit respectively, or at 50 per cent, load factor at 'ISd. and 'llSd.
respectively.

Vol. 79. Xo. 2,024, September 8. 1916.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

267

1918.

191.->.

1.3111

I,.il5

4.57,879,

649,127

1.M

137

18,984

19..304

1.59.091

216.809

199,690

804,128

16.841

29,603

1 ,,303,802

1,965,440

4,774

3,608

16,460

24.689

The development, of the Du Bonnet, site ha-s already been taken
in hand by the Winnipeg River Power Co.. which is controlled by
the same interests as the AVinnipeg Railway. The plans for this
plant — called the Great Falls Development — include eight
2I,000-H.P. turbines with 1 1 .000-K\v. generators, and an 110.000-
volt transmission to Winnipeg'.

While Winnipeg is well off for water power. Calgary also has
within oil miles. 48,100 H.P. available, and the Western Canada
Power Co. at Stave Lake, 35 miles from Vancouver, has a possible
development of 100,000 H.P.

Chile. — By decree of July 1st, 1916 (Ministry of Industry

and Public Works), an honorary Commission was appointed to
make a study of the water power available in Chile for the pur-
po.^e of hydro-electric development.

The local Press quotes the estimate of Prof. Don Arturo E.
Salazar. of the University of Chile, that proper hydro-electric
development in Chile would reduce the cost of electricity for the
small consumer for commercial purposes from the present price of
70 centavos gold ($0,255 United States currency) to 3 centavos gold
{$0.01095').— America n Consular Report.

Continental. — Norway. — According to the Ehkinilcrh-

iilsi-he Zeitxi-hrift. electrotechnical plants in Norway have rapidly
increased in number and importance in recent years. The following
are figures taken from recent official publications : —

, 1st July ,

1918
Generating plants
Generator capacity, K\v.
Batteries. Xo. ...

Ditto, capacity; Kw

Power taken by motors, KW. ...
Ditto by electrochemical works, KW.

Ditto by other users. KW

Apparatus installed, Xo. 'glow lamps

,, ,, ., ajc lamps

motors

The table shows the remarkable reduction in arc lamps, the
steafly increase in glow lamps, and the falling off in accumulator
batteries, with the concurrent considerable increase in the energy
utilised in the electrochemical industry. The average power of the
installations, which was 350 KW. in 1913, advanced to 48(i KW. in
1915. At the present moment there are installed in Norway 08
glow lamps and about O'OO H.P. of motors for ever.y inhabitant.

Dundalli. — Railway Supply. — The U.D.C. held a,

public inspection, last week, of the addition to the power house
which is to supply electricity to the railway locomotive works.
Five 320-H.P. engines are now installed. The contract with the
railway company commenced on September 1st. and it is estimated
that when the scheme is fully working, the output of the station
will be the fourth on the list of Irish cities, ranking after Dublin,
Belfast, and Cork. — Irish Seics.

Eastbourne.— Price Ikcrease. — The T.C.. on Monday,
decided to increase the price of energy by Jd. per unit as from
October 1st.

Glasgow. — Coal Supply. — In view of the scarcity of

coal the Electricity Sub-Committee on the purchase of coal has
met and conferred with the District Coal and Coke Supplies Com-
mittee for Scotland, with a view of obtaining its assistance in
getting adequate supplies of coal for the electricity department,
and the latter has undertaken to use its influence with contractors
for getting delivery of supplies in arrear. and also for getting
adequate supplies of coal for the current year.

Greenock. — Power Supply. — A large number of new

consumers have lately been added by the Corporation electricity
department, comprising firms having small workshops and factories
with electric motoi-s ranging from 2 to 100 H.P. The motors now
supplied from the department's mains represent some 27,000 H.P.

Hedworth. — Street Lighting. — The Leicestershire and
Warwickshire E.P. Co. has notified the P.C. agreeing to caiTV on
the public lighting on the terms suggested for the time being (£ 1
per week for a dozen or less lamps).

Hexham. — Price Increase. — The Hexham and District

Electric Supply Co. has given notice that, from October 1st, the
charges for electricity for lighting will be raised Id. per unit, and
for lighting and power by id. per unit.

India. — The Calcutta Electric Supply Corporation has
installed a B.T.H. turbo-alternator of 6.000 Kw. normal, and
7,500 KW. overload, capacity. The turbine has 1 1 stages, and is designed
to run at 1,500 R.p,M.on steam of 150 — 170 lb. pressure superheated
100° F ; it exhausts into a surface condenser designed to maintain
a vacuum of 27i in. The generator supplies three-phase. oO-cycle
current at up to 6,500 volts. A similar turbine plant is to
be installed by the Bombay Electric Supply and Tramways Co.

Further information regarding the new Tata hydro-electric
scheme for Bombay shows that if a separate company is formed, it
will work in close co-operation with the existing one. It is pro-
posed to provide 60,000 h.p. in Bombay for 3,600 working hours
per annum. An independent power house, transmission lines, and
receiving station will be built, but will be interconnected with the
existing installation, thus giving two practically independent
sources of power. The plans entail a dam to raise the water 112 ft.,
the water being drawn | off thi'ough a 9,100-ft. timuel, giving an

average working head of 1,735 ft. The reservoir storage will be
18.000 million cb. ft., of which 13,000 millions will be available
for generating power. The same voltages of transmission and dis-
tribution are proposed as for the present installation.

The Mysore Government has provided a sum of Rs. 75,000 for the
electrification of the Kolar Gold Fields pumping plant, and has
sanctioned an expenditvu-e of H lakhs of rupees for electrifying the
pumping stations of the Bangalore city, and civil and military
station water supply, thus saving about 50 per cent, on fuel
charges, — Indian Engineering.

Japan. — Electrolytic Plantw. — A company has been

formed in Osaka, with a capital of 358.000 yen, for the manu-
facture of caustic soda. It is stated that the company intends to
use the electrolytic process, and is going to erect a factory at
Kyushiu. where hydro-electric power is fairly cheap. The salt
used will be Kwangtung monoiX)ly salt, the price of which tor
industrial purposes is 63 sen per 100 kin (about Is. lid. per cwt.).
The machinery is to be .Japanese. An output of 800.000 lb. of
caustic soda per month is spoken of ; as a by-product , bleaching
powder will be obtained, .it present there are two companies
manufacturing caustic soda in Japan, one at Yamaguchi, and the
other at Tokio. They produce respectively about 3,500 and 400 tons
per annum, — Indian Te.rtile Journal.

Korea. — It is reported that business men of Tokio are
planning a new hydro-electric company to utilise the water power
of the Namchon River in the south of the Korean peninsula. The
company will be capitalised at 81,500,000, and will purchase the
rights of the present Taiku Electric Co. The plant of the company
w'ill be located at Hyopchon. South Kyongsang Province. — India n
Te,rtile Journul.

Leeds. — Loan Sanction. — The L.Ct.B. has sanctioned

the borrowing of i: 35,000 by the Corporation for extensions of
electricity mains and new sub-stations on the understanding that
the money will be expended in specified directions.

London.— The Xotting Hill Electric Light Co. ha,s

issued a notice that from September 29th the company will make
a minimum charge of 10s. for the supply of electricity through slot
meters.

Manchester.— The Improxements and Buildmgs Com-
mittee of the Corporation has passed a plan for an addition to the
transformer house at the Stuart Street generating station of the
Corporation.

Ripon. — E.L. Scheme. — The City Council has

appointed Mr. George Wilkinson, of Harrogate, to prepare the
necessary plans and particulars for obtaining a provisional order
for electric lighting for the cit,y.

Salford. — The T.C. has been recommended to seal agree-
ments for the supply of energy to Salford Electrical Instruments,
Ltd., Zama, Ltd.. and Erskine Heap & Co.. Ltd.

Shipley. — Linking-up Scheme. — The Sub-Committee

appointed to consider tbe advisability of linking-up with Bradford,
has considered the electrical engineer's report, which states that a
small saving in coal would be effected, but he considered that there
were serious disadvantages to the scheme. The Sub-Committee
suggested that before a definite statement is submitted to the
B.'of T . there should be a further interview between the two
authorities. The U.D.C. has approved of the Sub-Committee's
recommendation to attend a further conference with Bradford.

Rochdale. — The long-drawn-out dispute between the
Gas and Electricity Committee and Tyre Yarns, Ltd.. and Fabric
Weavers. Ltd.. respecting the interpretation of a clause in the
agreement of supply has been settled. The firms named contended
that they were entitled to a rebate because another firm taking less
electricity than they were was being charged on a lower basis.
Failing a settlement the firms asked that the matter should be
submitted to arbitration by the B. of T.. in accordance with another
clause of the agreement. The Electricity ComniittEe decided to
empower Sir John Snell to settle the dispute on behalf of the
Corporation without resort to arbitration. The settlement reached
is that the company shall pay for current up to March 31st last
,£7.673. instead of the £8.048 originally demanded; this year's
charges are to be revised downwards in accordance with the demand
of the firms, but a small extra charge is to be made for current in
excess of the contract quantity. The Committee also agrees to
revise its contracts with three other firms, so that no consumer
shall be supplied at cheaper rates than those included in the Tyre
Yarns contracts, where the supply is given under similar circum-
stances.

Tasmanian Water- Powers. — Mr. Hai-twell Conder,

writing on the above subject in the Australian. Statesman, and,
Mininij Standard, points out that the pioneers of hydro-electric
work in Tasmania were the Launceston municipal authorities who
secured 1.800 H.P. from the River Esk : this scheme encouraged
several other country towns and one or two mines to erect small
plants, but all were dwarfed b.y the Great Lake scheme, promoted
by the Hydro-Electric Power and Metallurgical Co., and, finally,
taken over by the Government, the ultimate possibilities of which
are estimated at between 50,000 and 100,000 H.P. Contemporary
with this, the Lake Margaret scheme of the Mount Lyell Co. was

•268

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW, [voi. --.. No. 2,024, rf.ptes.ber s, laie.

completed, Kiring t),000 h,p.. and a possible expansion to
10.tXX> H.P,

In view of these developments the writer groes on to discuss the
total power available in the island, and summarises the various
sources as follows : —

riass I.— H.P.

Great Lake scheme 50.000 abt.

.Moimt Lyell Co 9.000

Launceston T.C l.SOO

1 7.000
l.OOO

Class II. — Schemes partly surveyed :

Lake Holiest on

Stanley River

Class III.- Scheme.s superficially examined : —

Sedg- wick Valley 10,000

Lake St. Clair 40.000

Total

1 :w,ooo

Other localities offering prospects arp the Makiutosh River,
Gordon River. Arthur Jiiver. Forth River, and Mersey River. On
the whole, it would appear that over 200,000 h.p. and under
400.000 H.P. is available.

Twickenham and Teddington.— Price Increask. — The

Electric Supply Co., owintr to the increased cost of coal, kc. has
increa.sed the price of energ-y to all consumei's by 10 per cent.

Warrington. — Axxcal Report. — The income of the

electricity undertaking during^ the year ended March 31st last was
. £34,403 (compared with £25.419 for 1914-15). and the expenditure
was £24.213 (compared with £ 16.858), leaving: a gross profit of
£10.190. The net profit was £2,395, which has been transferred to
the appropriation account, making a credit balance of £9,424.
after transferring £1.000 in aid of the rates and meeting expendi-
ture on machinery and switchboard. The reserve fund now stands
at £9,358.

Winchester. — Price Increase. — The T.C. has decided

to increase the price of energy, as from the meter readings for the
Michaelmas quarter, for lighting, power, heating, and cooking by
15 per cent. : and for supplies by prepayment meters by Id, per
unit.

Worcester. — The Electricity Committee reports that it
has lieeji found necessary to a<;cede to requests from the staff for
extra pay for overtime and for increases of salaries and wages. The
effect will be to add £148 a year to the wages bill.

TRAMWAY and RAILWAY NOTES.

Australia. — Wages Demands. — CloseonS.OOomemliersof

the.-Vustralian Tram wa.v Employes" .Association in Victoria, Tasmania,
and Western Australia are concerned in fresh demands for increased
wages, which have been seiTed on the emplo.vers in those States.
The bodies affected are the Melbourne Tramway Boai-d ; Prahran
and Malvern Tramway Trust ; Hawthorn Tramway Trust ;
Melbourne. Brunswick, and Coburg Municipal Tramway Trust ;
Xorth Melbourne and Essendon Electric Tramways Co, ; Ballarat
and Bendigo Electric Supply Co, ; and the Fremantle, Kalgoorlis,
and Hobart tramway systems, — Melhouvne Age.

Blackpool. — Accident. — An alarming smash occurred
in Central Drive recently : the vehicles concerned were a Corpora-
tion car on the Marton route ; a Blackpool, St, Anne's and Lytham
car. and two motor char-a-banc from Southport. One of the latter
had broken down and was being towed by the other. The front
char-a-banc contained 28 passengers and the other 18. Both cars
had to be removed to their respective depots, the St, Anne's car
being badly damaged.

Twelve car-lifting jacks are to be purchased and placed at
.suitable positions on the Corporation tramway system.

Bradford. — Wages. — The Society of Tramway and
Vehicle Workers has sent in an application for an advance of
wages for drivers, conductors, and the parcel staff — based on the
increased cost of living— tlie granting of which would incur an
additional cost of £20,000 a year to the department,

Burnley. — Depreciation Allowances. — Mr. Mozley,

. the tramway manager, has submitted a statement showing the
the sums he considered it was necessary to set aside annually for
depieciation :-=-Rails, amount expended £86,798, annual deprecia-
tion, £2,787; paving, £43,770, £845 : overhead, £15.549. £331;
depofe buildings, rails, &c., £44,061, £185 ; general offices, £3,000,
"■£ 13' r centre offices, £5,186, £22; waiting rooms, &c.i *407. £7 ;
• machinery, £2,800, £,50 : tower wagon, £642, £32 : house, Queens-
-Sate;"£37.5, £1 lis, ; rolling stock, £54.647, £1,399 : total amount
-expended, £257,213, total annual depreciation, £5,672.

Glasgow. — Representations in favour of a modified all-
night service of cars were submitted by a deputation of the
Springburn Ward Committee at the last meeting of the Tramway
Committee, The basis of the appeal was the convenience that
would accrue to the large number of workers engaged on night work
in scattered parts of the.city and environs.

The Tramway Committee, after considering the application of
the drivers and conductors for a war bonus of 6s. per week, has
agreed to raise the workin<r hours to from 51 to 56 per week, with
ordinary pay plus a bonus of 2s, per week to men and Is, per week
to women, and time and a-half overtime rates. The question of
improving the car lighting is under consideration, so far as this is
possible without infringing regulations,

Liverpool. — Traffic Returns. — Big increases in re-
ceipts on the tramways were reported at a meeting of the Tram-
ways Committee on the Ist inst. Since January Ist the receipts
bad amounted to ,£478,451. an increase of £23,912 compared with
the corresjionding period of last year, and the passengers carried had
numbered 1(1,321,389: while the car-mileage wa.s 8,322, 190, a decrease
of 58,531. For the past seven weeks the mileage wius 1,715,251, a
decrease of 9,338 compared with the corresjionding period a year
ago; the receipts for the seven weeks were £Ui7,32i>, an increase
of £8.109, and pa.ssengers carried numbered 22.697,820, an increase
of 1,115,315,

London. — P.O. Ti:be Railway. — With reference to the
"Note" in our issue of August 25th (page 211) referring to the
London Post Office Tube Railway, we are informed that Mr.
.\s<iuith's Parliamentary answer related solely to the construction
of the tunnel, and in no way to the electrical equipment. Further,
we understand that no invitation for tenders for electrical equip-
ment has yet been issued, and no decision has yet been arrived at
with regard to the system of electric traction to be adopted.

Manchester. — The Tramways Committee has decided to
recommend the Council to apply to the B, of T„ in accordance with
the provisions of the Special Acts (Extension of Time) Act, 1915,
for a further extension of the period limited for («) the construc-
tion of the tramways, and (i) the compulsory purchase of lands for
street widening, referred to m Sec, 31 of the Manchester Corjiora-
tion Act, 1911. It has been decided that women guards be paid'
the annual advances as provided in the scale of wages in operation i
as regards male guai-ds. Sir George .\skwith (Chief Industrial i
C'ommissioner). in forwarding to the Corporation a letter from the ]
Workers' Union respecting an application for an advance of wages j
for workmen in the permanent way department, suggests that the]
matter should be referred to the Committee on Production fori
settlement, and the Tramways C'ommittee has agreed to thej
suggestion, and has instructed the general manager to prepare, andf
present the Committee's case at the arbitration, Corjior.ation Com-S
mittees are being recommended to follow the lead of the Tramwaya!|
Committee, and allow Sn extra day's wages in lieu of the WhifS
Monday and August Bank Holiday, to workmen who, being eutittedl
to holidays on those days, were working in accordance with thej
decision to forgo the holidays.

New Zealand. — The Palmerston B.C. has been autho^x

rised to raise a loan of £86,000 ; £66,000 will be devoted to an elec- ^
trie tramway undertaking, and £20,000 for an electric lightingl
installation : the undertaking will not be proceeded with until the
conclusion of the war, — Boind of Trade Journal.

Salford. — War Bonuses a^d Rate Relief. — Additional

war bonuses are being recommended by the Tramways Committee
for payment to tramway workers. If the recommendation is
adopted it will mean an addition to the working c-ost of the depart-
ment of over £2,774 per annum, and £1,804 to men serving with
the Forces, and the total charge under this heading will be nearly
£10,000, The Committee declares that probably the payment of
the increased bonuses may prevent it from handing over at the
end of the year the sum promised for rate relief. ' '

TELEGRAPH and TELEPHONE NOTES.

China. — An American Consul reports that great improve-
ment has recently been made in the service of the Chinese Tele-
graph Administration, ^ew territory has Iieen reached, and new
offices have been opened in fields already covered. In order to
ensure speed in the transmission of telegrams, the Wheatstone iuito-
matic system has been adopted on all trunk lines. In order further
to accelerate the transmission of telegrams, three years ago the
Administration began the installation of the automatic duplex
system on its move important lines, the first installation being made
on the Pekin-Tientsin line. In .May and .Tune this system was put
into use between Pekin and Hankow, and Hankow and Shanghai,
It is the intention of the -Administration gradually to extend the '"J
duplex system.

Illicit Wireless Plant.— At &isborne, X.Z., a boy, 16

years of age. named E. M. Goffe, was charged with erectin^r *
wireless pl,"int without the con.sent "of the ' Government. • Mr.
Edward Cioffe. father of the boy. was charged with aiding his son
in committing the offence. Evidence was called showing that the
plant, if properly fitted up. could send messages a short distance,
and could receive from .Auckland and Wellington. The offence
was admitted as far as a technical breach was concerned. The
magistrate fined the junior defendant £2, and costs 7s. The father
was fined £ 10, costs 76.

■^

Vol. 79. X6. -024. SEPTEMBER S.I !>ifi.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

269

Telephone Register. — In fnture, Australian subscribers

whose telepliones are connected with an exchange in which the
commori-hattervsTftem is in use can obtain an antomatic recording
register, which will enable them to check the number of calls they
originate. The instrument wOl be affixed to the subscriber's tele-
phone, and the annual rental is Ills, at the outset. This boon will
T)e available to a limited number of subscribers only, It has been
decided to install the instrucieuts on telephones connected with
Central and Xorth Sydney exchanges.

Women Wireless Operators. — At the besinning of the

year the Marconi Co.. with a view to determining the suitability of
women as wireless operators, established a school at one of their
stations. The school has been well attended, and the experiment
is regarded as encouraging. Some of the pupils have been already
drafted to stations, where they are doing very satisfactory work.
Sending by female operators has a tendency to be too light, liut it
is thought that some of the learners will become quite efficient
with more practice, that a number will prove very useful under-
studies, and that a proportion may turn out successes on the wire-
less circuit. Until these points can be determined, the work of the
school will be discontinued for the present after September Si'tli. —
The Thiif.i.

CONTRACTS OPEN and CLOSED.

OPEN.

Australia. — Sydney September 20th. N.S.W. Govern-
ment Railways. One 50-ton electrically-operated overhead
travelling crane for Zara Street power house, Newcastle, October
11th. One motor-driven air compressor for Zara Street power
house. Electrical Engineer. 61, Hunter Street.

Adelaide. — September 27th. Deputy P.M.<i, Telephones, tele-
phone material, instruments and parts. Schedule Xos. i^2'.' ro f ,37.*

Pebth. — October 4th. Deputy P.JI.G. Telegnaph and telephone
measuring instruments and parts. Schedule -io I W, .\.'

.Melbourne. — Xovember 1st. Victorian Riilways. .iO.OOO flame
arc carbons. Chief Storekeeper, Railway (>ffic?s. Spoiicer Street.*

October ISth. Victorian Government Railways. Electric time
releasing mechanisms for automatic signalling. Cont. No. .?0.3f3.*

September 2!tth. City Coimcil. Insulated and H.D. cppper cables.
See " OfEcial Notices" to-day. . . .

Xovember 1st. For the Victorian Railway Commissioners.
.',0.0011 yellow flame arc carbons.*

Octoiier 17th. For the Deputy P.M.G. (O sleeves and tapes
(Sched. No. 1,355). and (2) 3.100 stay -rods, with low tighteners
(Sched, No. 1.359).*

Burnley. — September 19th. The B. of G. invites tender,•^

for electrical goods. Tender form< from .1. S. Hprh. Clerk.

Edmonton. — September I'lifli. Electric lamps for six

months. Mr. F. Shelton, Clerk". B. o'. <;.. Lower Tottenham.

Government Contracts.— Sept imber sthfll a.m.). In-
candescent lamps for the Oflice of Works. See "Otticial Notices'"
to-day.

London. — Supplv of electric light fittings for Australia
House. Kingsway. W.C. Particulars from Sir. H. H. Turner.
48. Broadway, Westminster, S.W.

L.C.C.^September 15th. Asylum and Mental. Deficiency Comr
mittee. Supply. of . electric lanxpB. ■ JVIr> H.P. Keene, Clerk, 3, Savov
Hill. W.C.

City of Westminster Union. — September 20th. B. of G. Six
months' supply of electric lamps; fittings, &c. Mr. W. J. Lickley.
■Clerk. Gardens Offices, Princes Row, Buckingham Palace Road, S.'\V.

Manchester. — ^September li'th. Tramways Committee.
(«> Permanent-way special trackwork. and (ft) permanent -way
point tongues and crossings. Specifications, fee. (£1 Is., returnable).
Mr. J. M. McElroy, General Manager.

September 12th. Tramways Committee. Supply of pitch. Mr.
.1. M. !McElroy, General Manager, 55. Piccadilly.

New Zealand. — Invercargill. — September 28th.

■ Borough Council. Steam turbo-alternator, condensing plant, and
switchgear. Specifications from the Tramway Office. Contract
No. 40.*

GiSBORSE. — October 2nd. B.C. Cooling tower at the power
station. Specifications from the Town Clerk. — ^'.X. Shipping and
Commeree. '

Specifications for the items marked * can be seen at [the Board
of Ti'ade Commercial Intelligence Branch in London.

CLOSED.

- Australia. — The Sydney Municipal Council is recom-
mended to accept the following tenders : —

Larsi^ motors for hiring ont. — Four 40-B.H.r. semi-enciosed type motors

complete, to be manufactured bv the Electric Construction Co., £715 ;

three 60-d.h.p. ditto, f B52, B. Warburton, Franki, Ltd. ; two 100-b.h.p.

ditto, of American manufacture, :£674, Aust. General Electric Co.

Steelwork for new workshop at power house, ±*4,609. — L. Scrutton and

Co., Ltd.
-Consumers' meters, .5 and lO-amp. and 50-amp., iB,987. — Standard
Waygood-Hercules, LId.-
"~ ' ■Ten--5,de0.volt"feeder ipaBelB-for the sub-stations at Lang Park, 'Philip
Street, and the abattoirs, £1,840. — Australian General Electric Co.

Victorian Railways : —
Electricallv-operatcd goods elevator for JoUmont car-shed, £860.—

G. Wevmouth Pty., Ltd.
Thermoelectric pyrometers complete, £62 ISs. 6d. per set.— The Cambridge

Scientific Instrument Co., Ltd.
1,000 amp.-hour storage battery, £267.— W. .\dams & Co., Ltd.

— Tenders.

Glasgow. — The Sub-committee on Electricity Works
recommends the purchase of two 5-ton motor-wagons, one from
Edison Accumulators. Ltd.. and one from the General Vehicle Co.,
at a total cost of it 2,990.

Manchester. — The Tramway.-* Committee has accepted
the tender of Messrs. F. Smith k Co., Ltd., Salford, for copper
trolley wire.

Salford. — Tramways Committee : —

Hadfields, Ltd.— ;Manganese.steel crossings, £220.
Electricity Committee : —
Lea Recorder Co., Ltd.— Steam recorder, £134.
Koyles, Ltd.— Feed water heater, £115.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS.

Institution of Mining Engineers.- Thursday, September 14th. At 11 i
.\t the Royal Technical College, Glasgow. Annual general meeting.

THE BRITISH ASSOCIATION.— I.

For the fourth time in its history, the British Association
for the Advancement of Science is meeting in Xewcastle-on-
Tyne. where the 88th annual gathering was inaugurated
on Tuesday night, when the President (Sir Arthur Evans,
D.Litt., LL.I).. F.R.S.. A-c.) delivered his addi-ess on
" Xew Archaeological Lights on the Origins of Civilisation
in Europe."' The Association met in Xewcastle in 1838,
1863. and 1889, and, but for the present disastrous war,
this year's visit would have been of especial interest,
particularly to the engineering section, for there have been,
immense de\-elopinents on the whole of Tyneside in all
branches of that industry, and in none has. this advance
been m(>rc marked than in the electrical section, for the
city forms the nucleus of one of the greatest supply systems
in the country.

The first event in connection with the visit was the
delivery of a popular lecture on Monday night by Dr.
Dugald" Clerk, F.R.S., whose subject, '• Gas. Oil, and Petrol
Engines," was admirably illustrated. On Tuesday there
were various meetings of the Council and Committees, and
the former body mianimously nominated the Hon. Sir
Charles A. Parsons to fill the office of President' of the
Association for 1917-18, when the meeting will be held at
Bournemouth. The appointment of this gentleman, head
of the electrical aiid engineering firm of C. A. Parsons &G.o.,
at Heaton-(3n-Tyiie, and chairman of the Parsons Marine
Steam Turbine Co.. Ltd., is ^■ery pleasing to the district.-;

The C^iuncil also considered a proposal for the con-
stitution of a Committee on organisation in relation to
problems arising out of the war. A- Committee was
appointed, and recommended that the Organising Sectional
Committees should meet to consider problems, if any, arising
in their special departments of science which might call for
investigation in connection with the futui-e effects of tlie
war upon the national and imperial welfare, and the proper
methods of investigation of such problems. It wa.s further
resoh-ed that a Research Committee should have power to
report through the Organising Committees of the Council
when the As-sociation was not in session. A number of
valuable proposals receix'ed from the Organising Sectional
Committees had been transmitted to the Council, and action
arising out of several of these was proceeding. -

The business of the" various sections was coinnienced in
earnest on Wednesday morning. In the Engineering
Section the President (Mr. Gerald Stoney, F.R.S.) delivered
his address, in the course of which he emphasised the
importance and value of highly-educated laljour in various
trades. One of the things which handicapped our industries
was the reluctance of employers to utilise such labour.
Xot only on the scientific side ^^vas there much to be done
in the way of putting our house in order,, there 'was also

•270

THE ELECTEICAL REVIEW.

No. 2.024, September R. lOlfi.

much to be done on the management and commeri-ial side
if works were to be pnt into a position to meet competition
effectivelv. In this section a paper on " Limit Gauges "
was read"bv Dr. R. T. Glazebrook. C.B.. F.R.S.. in which
hp dealt with gauges for plain cylindrical work, screw
.'rtuges. and form and position gauges. This was the only
matter dealt with in this section.

A irixnl deal of interest centred in th-' Erononiic Science
Mild Statistics Section, the President of whii^h (Prof. A. W.
Kirkaldy. if. A.) sjioke njion •• Some Thoughts on Recon-
>iruction after the War." in tlie coui-se of which, after
[lointing out some of tiie eflfei'ts of the war on our economi*-
existence, he dealt with the need for national organisation.
Then followed the presentation of a summary of a report
on •' Means for the Promotion of Industrial Harmony."
The report suggesteil. intfr nlin. that Imtli employers and
employed should form local and national assix-iations of
one trade, and local and national federations of trades, and
the election of an industrial council from the two national
associations. The proposals were discussed bv Archdeacon
Cunninghiun. Prof. W. R. Scott. Sir Hugh Bell, and
Mr. E. .Jackson.

In the Chemistry Section. Prof. G. G. Henderson. D.Sc.,
F.R.S., the President, remarked on the awakening of
the country to an appreciation of the imixntauce of
chemistry. Mr. F. H. Carr read a pajier on " Some
Aspects of the Future of the Synthetic Chemical Industry
of Great Britain." and Mr. C. M. Whittaker dealt witli
■• The British Coal-Tar ( 'olnur Imliistrv in Peace and War."

NOTES.

Institution and Lecture Notes. — Nottingham Society of

Engineers. — The first meeting of the 1!'16-17 session will be held at
the Welbeck Hotel, on October ISth. at 7.30 p.m. The Council
wishes this meeting to be given to the reading and discussion of
short papers on engineering subjects, which should not take more
than 10 minutes to read. Six papers will be read bran independent
reader, and membei^ will then be asked to vote for the two best
papers, so that they can be discussed and prizes awarded. The
Council has appointed Mr. J. F. Chambers to the post of secretar.v.
rendered vacant b.v the resignation of Jlr. H. CJ. Price, his address
being The Elms. Daybrook. Nottingham.

Institate of Metals The annual autumn" meeting will be held

on Wednesdav. September 20th. commencing at 4 p.m.. at Burlington
House. London. Sir George T. Beilby will preside, and a number
of important metallurgical papers vrilX be presented and discussed.

The Government Research CouncO having made a grant of
il.OC'O per annum towards the cost of carrying on the research
inaugurated by the Institute into the causes of the corrosion of
marine condenser tubes, it has been found possible by the Corrosion
Research Committee, which has recently been reconstituted so as
to include representatives of all bodies interested in the subject,
greatly to extend its sphere of activities. Two salaried investigators
have been appointed in the persons of Captain G. D. Bengough. D.Sc
and Dr. 0. F. Hudson. The.v will conduct scientific researches on
the Committee's condenser plant now about to be installed, by the
cotutesy of the Brighton Corporation, in the Brighton Electricity
Works. The plant will be worked under ordinary industrial con-
ditions, the microscopical and other examination of the metal
treated at Brighton being carried out in the metallurgical labora-
tories of the Imperial College of Science and Technology. South
Kensington.

Fatalities. — Horace Dean Smith (27). of Irlam, an
electric stripper crane driver at the Partington Steel and Iron
works. Irlam. was struck by an ingot mould, and received fatal
injuries, last week : at the inquest a verdict of "" Accidental
death ' was returned.

A young man named George Dison was killed by electric shock
at Hebburn on Wednesday evening, having touched a street-lamp
standard with his hand.

An inquest has been held at Manchester into the death of a
woman tramway conductor, on a single-deck car. who apparently
leaned out of the car to speak to the trolley girl on the rear plat-
form, not noticing a motor wagon which was being overtaken, and
got her head crushed between the vehicles. Verdict, " Accidental
death.'"

A verdict of ""Accidental death "' was returned in the case of George
Edward Stitchman. a press driver at the Western Electric Co.s
works. Xorth Woolwich, who was struck by a flying piece of the
machine, stistaining concussion and a fractured skull.

An inquest was held at BUston on Monday respecting the death
of a lad named Atkins, at the works of Messrs. Thompson Bros.,
boilermakers. A witness said he found the lad. a riveter, who had
been working at a vice, suffering from shock. He was carried
into the stores, and artificial respiration was resorted to. but with-
out avail. Witness explained that before he saw the lad he caught

his foot accidentally against a piece of angle-iron, one end of which
was on a tank which was to be electrically welded, and the other
on the iron leg of the vice. He supposed this must have set up
an electric circuit, producing shock, which caused deiith. Harold
Brook, electrical engineer to the power company supplying the
current, said the main voltage was 210. but it was transformed to
110 for welding purposes. The jury found that Atkins died from
shock caused by an electric current accidentally transmitted.

Volunteer Notes. — First Loxdox Enhinker VoLfx-

TEERs. Headquarters. Chester House. Fxjcleston Place. S.W.—
Orders for September, luitj. by "Lieut. -Col. C. B. Clay, V.D..
Commanding.

Members arc requested to take special note that during this
month the lectures will be on Wednesdays, in place of Tuesdays.

Drills will be held under the Sergeant-Major on Tuesday even-
ings, as during August.

The range will he ojien on Thursday evenings, as during August.

Instruction Classes at Regency Street will be held as usual for
Platoons Nos. 9 and 10.

Kntreiirhhi/i. — Every Sunday at "Victoria Station (S.E. & C.
Railway). Booking-office, 8.45 a.m.

MACLEOD YEAK.SI-EV. Alii lllil III.

3rd B.iTT. (Old Boys') Central London Volunteer Re<;i-
MENT.— Battalion Orders by Capt. R. .1. C. Eastwood (Commandant),
Thursday. .September 7th. 131(i : —

Satiiriiaij. — The Battalion will Parade at Liverpool Street Station
(Low-Level entrance. G.E.R.). at S.40 a.m.. for Entrenching duties.
Those who cannot take the early train win parade at 1.20 p.m.

Siindaij. — The Battalion will parade at 9.30 a.m. for Entrenching
duties.

Bisley Range will be open for practice on Sunday. 10th inst.

The Range will not be open on Saturday, tth inst.

G. H. F. DCNCAX. Actinij Adjutiinl.

Australian Industrial Inquiry. — On the suggestion of

Mr. Herben Brookes, president of the Victorian Chamber of Manu-
facturers, the Government proposes to organise a Commission to
visit the Vnited States and investigate methods of production
and manufacture as well as conditions of employment.

The Commission will consist of six representatives of the manu-
facturers in Australia, one from each State, with six representa-
tives of the workers, one also from each State. The Chamber of
Manufacturers in each capital city will be asked to submit three
nominations, and the central Labour organisation in each State
similarly to nominate three men. The selection will then be made
by the Commonwealth (Jovenunent.

The following industries are to be investigated by the Commis-
sion : — Iron trades, engineering, ire. ; timber trades and buUding
material. Arc. : leather trades : textile trades : paper trades ; trades
engaged in the preparation of foodstuffs.

The manufacturers" representatives will be appointed from the
several States as follows : — Iron trades — Xew South Wales : textile
trades — Victoria ; leather trades — South Australia : trades engaged
in the preparation of foodstuffs — Queensland : timber and building
material trades — Western Australia : paper trades — Tasmania.

The same principle will apply in the selection of the representa-
tives of the Labour organisations.

A secretary will be appointed, and the Commission will be
accompanied by a journalist.

The scheme, says the AvitraUan Statesman and Mining Standard,
has not met with universal approval ; the methods of manvifacture
are well known in Australia, and Mr. Brookes s recommendation
referred more to the study of industrial relations in all industries in
actual operation.

Tramways and the Kinematograph.— Our contemporarr.

the Elec'ric Roilwa't Journal, recently contained a sensational
view of a car taking a plvmge from a viaduct spanning a ravine.
The explanation given was that a moving picture firm bought up
a discarded car from the Ithaca Traction Corporation, using it for
pictiu-e making : as the plot developed, the villain (represented by
a dummy), having been knocked out by the hero, was left on the
front platform of the car. which, after gathering speed on a grade,
was derailed "by a switch on the viaduct, breaking through the
imitation railings and falling some 300 ft. to the bottom of the
gorge. The car is said to have landed head-on in the bottom, and
a good many tramway men will, no doubt, be interested to view
the remains.

A Novel Gas Turbine. — A recent issue of Power con-
tained a brief description of a gas turbine introduced by the
Detroit Gas Turbine Corporation. Its principle of operation con-
sists in compressing a charge of the m'xture. firing it at constant
volume in an explosion chamber, which results in a very high
presstire. and allowing the products of combustion to impinge on a
series of moving and stationary blades. The arrangement shown
consists of eight radial gas compressor cylinders, which compress
the gas mixture to about 90 lb. per sq. in. prior to its discharge
into firing chambers round the periphery of the turbine, from
which the products of combustion at high pressure impinge on two
rows of moving blades separated by a row of stationary blades.
The moving blades are carried on the outer casing which revolves
about the driving shaft on ball bearings, and is geared to the shaft
through a 3 to 1 reduction gi\-ing a shaft speed of 3.000 B^.M.,
which corresponds to 24.000 explosions a minute. The rotor
diameter for a 200-H.p. turbine is said to be 21 in., and the weight
335 lb.

Vol. :>J. Xo. 2,024. September S, 191«.] THE ELECTRICAL RE\TEW.

271

Appointments Vacant. — Assistant master in electrical

ciiginperin;;- for the Polytechnic. Regent Street. W. : shift en^'ineer
for Neath R.D.C. : two electricians (£22 10s. p.m.) for Rhodesia ;
mains attendant (i:2) tor Leek I'.D.C. See our advertisement pasres
to-dav.

Educational Notes. — Royal Techxicaj> College,

GLASeow. — We have received the College Calendar for 191G-17.
giving particulars of the various engineering courses. Prof.
Magnus Maclean is at the head of the Electrical Engineering
Department.

West Ham Municipal Technical Institute. — The new
session commences on September 20th ; day and evening courses in
electrical engineering are provided. Particulars are given in our
advertisement pages to-day.

Goldsmiths' College (University of London). Xew Cros«.
S.E. — The new session begins on September 2.1th. Mr. W. .T. Liueham
is at the head of the engineering department. See our advertise-
ment pages to-day.

Field Operating Theatre. — A nuitor field o]*ratintr

theatre, which is about to lie [iresented to the Italian Government
by the Wounded Allie>' Relief Committee, has been on view in the
grounds of Aldford House. Park Lane. London. W. The electrical
installation includes three 100-c.P.lamps and other smaller lampsin
the interior of the theatre, together with two electric fans, and on
the outside Bleriot head lamps, side lamps, and tail famp.
The current is supplied by a Bleriot 12-volt, 200-watt dynamo,
which is driven by the engine, and gives 1") amperes when the
vehicle is running at 12 miles an hour and 2."> amperes when
stationary. The construction has been carried out under the super-
vision of Mr. J. X. Walford.

Copper. — The figures for copper supplies, as sbown in

Slessrs. H. R. Merton ic Co.'s circular, are of an encouraging nature.
While the price at the end of July. 1916. was .till ])er ton
(standard copper), it is shown for the end of August to lie ilOSl 10s.
While it has been iinixissible to estimate the stocks in Rotterdam.
Hamburg and Bremen, and no figure can be given for American
stocks, the supplies usually known as " European visible supplies "
stand at a very healthy figure. The total supplies for the month
of August. 1916. were 43.239 tons, which compares most favourably
with August. 1915 (30,518 tons), and. of course, with August. 1914
(23.429 tons), and even shows up fau-ly well against the average
tor the 12 months preceding the war (47.740 ton,?). Taking the
quantities under theii' various headings, we find that the European
arrivals from Xorth America were 25,367 tons, about Jrd less than
the pre-war average : those from Spain and Portugal to England
and France low (foUo^ving an unusually high delivery in July).
" Other countries "' gave double the pre-war average : Chile ship-
ments were more than Jrd higher, and Australian about ^rd below.
The supplies for last 'month have only three times been exceeded
since August. 1914. i.e.. in March, 1915 (43,272). May. 1915
(46,032), and June, 1916 (44.526).

X'ORWEGIAN Copper E.xports. — The export of copper, copper
ores, and pvrites from Xorway was prohibited from Tuesday la,st.
This measure has been adopted in order to secure the retention of
some 3.000 tons of manufactured copjier required in connection
with electric works and street railways which has been obtained
from America. At the same time it is understood that concessions
will be made for export to the belligerent countries against com-
pensations for the same quantity of manufactured copper to
neutrals.

" Cold Liglit " Again. — The daily Press, forgetting that

the fallacy was exposed by us some years ago. and unable to dis-
criminate for itself between fact and fiction, has once more got
hold of the " cold light " system of Prof. Dussaud. and is treating
it as a novelty. The essence of the system is to spin a number of
electric lamps on a wheel, each lamp being energised in turn for a
fraction of a irevolution. so as to give the impression that the
light is continuous. As the heat developed whilst the lamp is
burning is dissipated whilst it is out, the lamps remain cool — hence
the term, "' cold light." It is merely a roundabout and elaborate
way of obtaining the same result as would be secured by burning
one lamp and keeping it cool with a water-jacket or a fan. WTiat-
ever advantages are claimed for the Dussaud system can be far
more easily and cheaply obtained by other means.

OUR PERSONAL COLUMN.

The Editors unite electrical eniiineers. trliether coiniected with the
technical or the comiueicial side of the jirufexsio/i and industry,
also electric traniicay and railway ojlicials. to keep readers of the
Electrical Review posted as to their mocemeuts.

Central Statian and Tramway Otficials.— Mr. S. \Y. Carty,

late of the electrical department of the Li\erpool Corporation
tramways, has been gazetted to a captaincy. He has recently
returned from the Soudan, and the following is an extract
from a recent letter which Mr. J. H. C Brooking has kindly
sent us;— "As you know, I went to Egypt last February,
and first week in -\pnl I was sent in charge of a detachment
of lorries and men to the Soudan to take over the transport
of supplies, &c., of the Western Frontier Force, who were
operating against the Sultan of Darfur. It was over 2,000
miles south of Alexandria, and we went by rail to Assouan
(Shallal) and then down the Nile on barges to Wadi Haifa,

and on by Kitchener's Railway over the desert to Khartoum,
and thence again by rail to El Obeid (Kordofan). From
there I trekked due west 2LK) miles over sand, desert, and
through the bush, where nothing but camels had ever been
before, and safely carried supplies, going backwards and for-
wards from the railway at El Obeid. Of course, there was
no road, only a track; it was some job, as we had all sorts
of stores to take, oil, petrol, bombs, spare engines and parts
for the Flying Corps, telegraph poles, boxes of stuff all
manner of kinds. Darfur lies between French Equatorial
Africa and Kordofan (British Territory). As you know by
the papers, the Sultan's army was beaten and dispersed, and
he fled, so we have taken over the country, I got specially
thanked by the Sirdar (General Sir Reginald Wingate), who
is Kitchener's successor in the Soudan."

Phillip Yellowlees, who was employed as an electrician
on H.M.S. Nottinyhani, was three hours in the water when
that ship sank before being picked up. Prior to joining the
Navy, Yellowlees was in the employment of the Electric
Supply Co., Jedburgh.

The Aylesbury U.D.C. has appointed Mr. M.\rk Whittle,
of Horwich (Lanes.), as assistant electrical engineer, subject
to his being exempted from military service.

Mr. T). TT. Davies. chief electrical assistant at the Stockton
Corporation undertaking, has been appointed electrical engi-
neer and tramway manager to the Heywood Corporation at
a salary of £'200 per annum. There were 50 applicants for
the post.

General. — Mr. E. J. Fox is resigning the position of London
manager of Messrs. Stewarts & Lloyds, Ltd., in order to take
up the position of general manager of the Stanton Iron ^Yorks
Co., Ltd., near Nottingham, with a seat on the board as
managing director. Mr, Fox succeeds in March next Mr.
J. A. Longdgn, whose services will, however, be available to
the company, as he remains a member of the board of
directors.

Mr. C. P. AsHBY, district manager of telephones at Canter-
bury, has been promoted to an important position at Nor-
wich, and will be succeeded by Mr. Maclean, of Plymouth.

We learn that Mr. Egron Moller, of the AUmanna Svenska
Elektriska Aktiebolag, of Vesteras, has arrived in London to
organise the manufacture of transformers in England by the
Swedish General Electric, Ltd.

Mr. J. N. Stephens (manager of the wiring supplies depart-
ment of the British Thomson-Houston Co.) has joined the
Royal Flying Corps as Second-Lieutenant (Assistant Equip-
ment Officer).

Roll of Honour. — Last week we mentioned that Captain
H. C. Sparks had received the D.S.O. for conspicuous gal-
lantry; we are pleased to add that the French Government
has awarded him the " ('roix Se Guerre " with palm leaf
(which, we understand, is a special honour), for the same
action on July 1st. Captain Sparks was awarded the Military
Cross in June last.

Driver W. Owens, accidentally killed whilst on active ser-
vice, was assistant storekeeper, and Rifleman W. Bradley,
killed in action, was a warehouseman, with Messrs. Downes
and Davies. electrical engineers, of Liverpool.

Private Richard !Massey, W'ho was formerly employed with
the Electrical Apparatus Co., Ltd., has been killed at the
Front. He was only 19 years old, and was one of the first
members of the Corpus Christi School Volunteer Training
Corps.

Lieutenant P. G. Duncan Stoney, R,E,, "who has died from
wounds, was the only son of the late E. D. Stoney. and was
on the stall' of Messrs. Ransomes & Rapier, Ipswich, when
war broke out. His commanding officer wrote that he would
be very very difficult to replace, not so much on technical
grounds, though he was the best educated scientifically of any
of the officers in the Division, but because of his many-sided
nature. The General also expressed his personal sorrow and
appreciation of his ability, and a further letter of apprecia-
tion was written by the N.C.O.'s and men of his section.

Private C. Cashmore, Oxford and Bucks L.I., who was
with the British Thomson-Houston Co., is reported killed in

action. , ,T • M -D ■

Private Arthur N. Henderson, King s (Liverpool) Kegi-
luent. who was with Messrs. Pulford Bros., Ltd., electrical
engineers, Liverpool, has died from injuries received while
engaged with a bomliing party. . , ,

Gunner F. Goodman, R.F.A., who has died of wounds, ^as
formerly employed b\- the British Thomson-Houston Co.

The Military Medal has been awarded to Private Ch.wles
Smith, formerly a tramway conductor with the Bradford
Corporation. , „ ^ .., • »•

The Cukutia WceMy Statesnum records the death in action
of Mr Jogendra Nath Sen. B.Sc. Mr. Sen left India m
1910 gained admittance to Leeds I niversity, and alter taking
an engineering course for three years, graduated as a Bachelor
of Science Soon afterwards he secured a position under the
manager of the Leeds Corporation electric hghtma station,
and was ultimately placed on the staff .ns an assistant enai-
neer On the outbreak of hostilities with Germany Mr. ben
joined the West Yorkshire Regiment.

Lance-Corpora 1 John Henry Andrews, Manchester Regi-
ment, formerly with the British Westinghouse Co., is a pri-
soner of war at Dulmen, \\estphalia. . ^ , „

Private Arthur Webb, Manchester Regunent, a former em-
ploye of Messrs. Baxendale & Co., Ltd., is missing.

27-i

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW, i v..i, ru. .No.

iiL'-l. September 8, llllO

Corporal William Harley, Eifle Brigade, ageU 19 years, who
has received the Military Medal, was employed in the Man-
chester Corporation Tramways Department,

Sergeant .1. Knuv, of theEast I.aiioasbire Regiment, who
lias been awarded the Military Medal lor conspicuous bravery,
was an employe ot the Salford Tramways Committee.

Private Ai.bkrt Kdue, of the Canadian Contingent, killed
m action at the age of -23, was a Swinton (Lanes.) mjui,
engaged as an electrician in Canada.

Lieutenant J.^.MEs Dpnc.an Simi'son, Canadian Royal Enji-
u,,-i-. killed in action, was educated in Scotland, and trained
:. - an eleitrieal engineer with Messrs. Mavor A Coulson.

Captam .1. A. RuTHRHl-onD, killed in action, was before the
war on tlio stall of the liangoon Electric Tramway it Supply

We note that a recent casualtv list contained the naitie of
I.Hutenant 7a.\si i>k FKiutANTi, R.(!.A., as being wounded.

Mechanic Staff-Sergeant THo^r.\s Mich.vel Walton, who lias
been awarded the Albert Medal (second class) was formerly
en, ployed by the Cleveland and Durham Electric Supply Co
The award is tor gallantry in .'saving life.

Rifleman Jami:s Parsonage, ij vears of age, formerly em-
ployed by the St. Helens Cable & Rubber Co., Ltd., has died
of wounds.

Private H. Goode\-e, Manchester R^-giment, who has died
of fever in Mesopotamia, was w-ith the Guildford Electricity
Co He was wounded in the retreat from Mons, and in
November, 1915, was drafted to Mesopotamia.

Private Clifford Morris, Cameron Highlanders, of Middle-
ton (Lanes.), who was an electrical apprentice, has been killed
in action.

Private Richard Po.ntefract, Manchester Regiment for-
merly employed at the Chloride Electrical Storage Co.'s
works, haa died from wounds.

Rifleman Ernest Grant, Rifle Brigade, forinerlv with
Messrs. Willans A- Robinson, has fallen in action.

Privates Ernt;st Bibby and F. E. Small, Somerset Regi-
ment, formerly with the Weston-super-Mare Electric Supply
Co., Ltd.. are reported killed, the latter from poison gas;
both men joined up at the start.

Lance-Corporal J. H. Pdrton, Oxford and Bucks Light
Iidautn-, who has died of wounds, was formerly with the
British Thomson-Houston Co., Ltd.

Driver Alec Mackmin, Sussex Yeomanry, formerly an elei^-
triciau at Croydon, has died of wounds received in (iailipoli

Private J\s. Park, Seaforth Highlanders, killed in action,
was foi-merly an electrician at Workington.

Private W. H. Hewitt, Manchester Regiment, formeriv
with Mes.srs. Mather & Piatt, Ltd., is posted as missing.

Private Wilfred May-ers, of the King's (Liverpool) Regi-
ment, who was employed by Messrs, F, J. .Jones & Sons,
.lectrical engineers, Chester, has been wounded.

Lance-Corporal Harry Wood, Loyal North Lancashire
Regiment, who has died of wounds, was in the Bolton Cor-
poration Tramways Department.

Rifleman S. Chafer, West Yorkshire Regunent, and Com-
pany Sergeant-AIajor P. B. Symes. Northumberland Fusiliers,
who have been killed, were both employed on the Leeds
tramways.

Private Norman Scott, who has been awarded the Military
Medal, was fonnerly in the wireless department of Messrs.
Eaton & Co., of Toronto.

Will.— Under the will of Mr. F. C. Kennedy, CLE., direc-
tor; Bui-mah Electric Tramways & Lighting Co., and other
■ ompanies, personal estate in the United Kingdom of the
gross value of ^-218,258 was left.

NEW COMPANIES REGISTERED,

Steel's Electric & Engineering Co., Ltd. (144,669).—

I Ills company was registered on August 23rd, with .1 capital of £3,000 in il
liares, to take over the business carried on at 20C. East India Doclt Road,
1-,. as Steel Bros., and to carry on the business of electricians, electrical and
■iiechanical engineers, contractors and manufacturers of, and dealers in, all
pparatus used in connection with the generation, distribution, supply, accumu-
tion, and etnployment of electricity, steam, gas. oil. or other power, manu-
: iClurers and repairers of, and dealers in, motor-cars, &c. The subscribers
.% ith one share each) are : E. Lee, 3. Clyde Wharf, Victoria Docks, E,,
ri.nrine engineer; S. F. Hastings. 41, Bulstrode .-Vvenue, Hounslow, W., civil
• ngineer. Private company. Table " A " mainly applies. Secretary {pro
um.) : E. Lee. Registered ofKce : 206, East India Dock Road, E.

Hadon, Ltd. (144,685). — This company was registered on

August 25th, with a capital of £500 in £1 shares, fo take over an invention
lor eleciricallyoperated clocks, to carry on the business of clock manufac-
turers, dealers and importers, &x.. and to enter into an a.greemenl with \V.
Alldis. The subscribers (with one share each) are : F. C. Dixon, 1, Lan-
caster Place, Strand. W.C, solicitor; J. H. Dixon, 1, Lancaster Place. Strand,
W.C, solicitor. Private company. Table " A " mainly applies. Solicitors :
Dixon, Weld i Co., 1, Lancaster Place, Strand, W,C.

Aluminium Solder Co., Ltd. (144,725).— This company

was registered on August 30th. with a capital of £150 in fl shares, to take
over the busing of manufacturers of aluminium and other solders, dealers
in metals and alloys' and products thereof, and general dealers in metals and
hardware, carried on by W. H. M. Burgees, A. Lees, and H. F. Galpin. iun.,
as. the Aluminium Solder Co. The subscribers (with one share each) are:
W. H, .M. Burgess, 40, Glasshouse Street, W., engineer; A. Lees, Fairford,
Glos". engineer; H. F. Galpin, jun.. Oxford, solicitor. Private company.
The number of directors is not to be le^s than two or more than five. The
first are W. H. M. Burgess, A. Lees, and H. F. Galpin. jun. Qualification,
one share. Solicitor: H. F. Galpin, jun. Registered ofHce : ' 40, Glasshouse
Street, Piccadilly, W.

International M. P. Superheater Co., Ltd. (1 1 1,687). _

Kegislcred Augu>l iilh, by (i, ^, W'arniinglon & Kdmonds, 14-15, Coleman
StiiH-t, t,C. Cpital, £400.0110 in £1 shares. Objc-cts : To acquire any
patinis, right-, brevets d'invcniiun, licences, protections, an<l concessions
nufacture or construction of superheaters. locomotives,
milar apparaluc, to. entry on- the busineai ef engineers,
, manufacturers of superheaters, or other appar.^tus lijf
, locomotives, engines, tuol makers, metal workers, boiler
llwnghts, iron and ' steel conn-rters, wnodworkers, buililers
tallurgists, electrical and water supply engineers, gas makers
.tc, and to adapt an agreement with Miecislas Pokr/ywnicki.
(With one share oacb) are : D. J . lidmonds, 14-15, Coleman
olicitor; \V. H. K. Go<lolphin, 14-15, Coleman Street, EC,
is, 14-15, Coleman Street, K.C., mining .igenl; H. thilty 27,
King Edward's Gardens, Acton Hill, VV., engineer; \V . F. H. Jelfes, 15, Rue
d'l-.dinbourg, Brussels (33, Carlingford Road, llampslead, pro Icm.), barrister-
\X. I.. Grillilh, .00, Parliament Street, S.W., .architect; T. G. W. Parry 17,
("..I. ui^ni Street, E.G., financial .igent. Minimum cash subscription, seven
shar.s. I he fitsi dinclors are Pol Moulon and E. Peterssun. Qfalification,

rela

ing to II

eiigi
lour.

ll-ri, mac

heal
niak

Mg waur
rs, milK

pain
and

merchants

Ih.-
Slre

signaturi
t, E.C.,

rierl

; \V, I.e

of Ih,- profit.

£200
Regist

per
«l ofKce :

par-

Fellows Magneto Co., Ltd. (144,665).— Resjisterod August

23r.l. by He,l,.-rt Smith, Goss, King & Gregory, (i2, Pondon Wall, E,G,
Capital. £-75,000 in 50,000 pref. shares of £1 each and 50.01)0 oid. shares of
10s. each. Objects r To carry on the busine-ss of manufacturers and repairers
of. anil dealers in, machinery and pl.inl, tools, appliances, and engines of all
kinds, motor-cars, vans, cycles, aii ships, aeroplanes, aircraft, boats, vessels,
ships, and conveyances for transport of persons or goods, whether on land,
sea, or in the air, dynamos, magnetos, accumulators, coils, carburottors,
speeiloincters, taximeters, and accessories and component parts of automobiles!
and all other machines and vehicles, motor electricians, ignition specialists,
mechanical and electrical engineers, machinists, iron, steel, brass, and other
met.-^l founders, &c., and to adopt an agreement with Fellows & Co. The
sigratories (with one share each) .are : E. J. Burrows, 29, Lyndhurst Road,
Highams Park, Chingford, clerk; H. J. Palmer, 157, Offord Road, Barnsbury,
N., messenger; Margherita Newport. 39, Holsworthv Square W.C, clerk;
F. Mitchener, 37, Fontenoy Road, Balham, S.W., clerk; F. H. King, 62.
Lordon Wall, E.C., solicitor: W. A. Bewes, 3, Harcourt Buildings, Temple,
E.C.. barrister; J. Barnes, 7, Walcol Gardens, Kennington, S.E., account.ant.
Minimum cash subscription, seven shares. The first directors (to" numbiir
not less than two or more than seven) are V. L. Fellows, D. V. L, Fellovi-s,
S. L. Fellows, and H. M. Allevn (vendors to the company). Qualification
(except abfive-namcd directors), £500, Remuneration, £200 each per .annum
(cl.iirman £100 extra). Registered office: Cumberland Avenue, Par^ Roval,
W illesden. ', • • - ■■

Faraday & Son, Ltd. (144,736). — This company was

registered on August 31st, with a capital of £5.000 in £1 shares, to adopt' an
:igreemcnt with Rosa B. Faraday, P. Faraday, ahd L. B. Faraday, to carry
on the business of electrical engineers and manufacturers of electrical fittings
as formerly carried on by the said vendors at 146-150, Wardour Street, W.,
as Faradav & .Son. The subscribers (with one share each) are : P. Faraday,
146-150, Wardour Street, W., manufacturer of electrical fittings; L. B.
Faraday, 146-150, Wardour Street, W., manufacturer of electrical fittings.
Piivate company. The number of directors is not to be less than two or
iKore than five; the first are P. Faraday and L. B. Far.iday (both permanent,
:pecial qualification, one share). Qualification of ordinary directors, ."ilJO
sli.^res. Remuneration (except managing direclur) as fixed by the company.
;».licitors: Redpath, Marshall & Holdsworth, 23, Bush Lanl;, E.C.

OFFICIAL RETURNS OF ELECTRICAL
COMPANIES.

Hans Henold, Ltd, — \ memor.anduni of satisfaolion in

(u I en August 10th. 1H16. of charge dated October I4lh. 1913, 'securing n&t
iiioi,. than £100,000, h.ns been filed. '

Brilliant Arc Lamp & Engineering Co., Ltd.^Partlculai's

of £2.500 debentures, created August 9lh, 1916, filed pursuant to Section B3
I il of the Companies (Consolidation) Act, 1(108, the whole amount being now
issued. Property charged: The company's. undertaking and property, present
:inil future, including uncalled capital. No trustees.

Faringdon Electric Light & Power Co., Ltd. — Particulars

of £300 debentures, created June 30Ih, 1916, fiM pursuant to Section 93
m ol the Companies (Consolidation) Act. 19(18. the whole amount being now
i^^ue.l. Property charged: The company's undertaking, and property, presept
all f future, including uncalled capitaf. No trustees-. . ■ •

Iliord Dry Battery Co., Ltd.— Particulars of ^£1,200

dibeiilures, created August 23rd, 1916, filed pursuant to Section 93 (3) of the
Ccir. panics (Cunsoliilation) .\ct, 1908, the whole amount being now issued.
Property charged: Tin- company's undert:ikiiig and property, present, agd
future, including uncalled capital. Nu trustees. ^ ■

Suffolk Electricity Supply Co.. Ltd.-^Isi*ue on. July .2atih

of il.lliHl debentures, p.ii t ol a Series of which particul-.i.rs have already been
file.l

CITY NOTES.

The report uf the diicitor.-< ;i[ul statement
Kalgoorlie of accounts at 'Uecember 81st, 1915, shows
Electric that the gross receipts amounted to i33,526,

Tramways, again.st £31,891 for the previous year,
Ltd. whilst the net profits earned, before charg-

ing depreciation, were £7,205, against
£7, '2(55, the increased receipts being entirely absorbed by the
extra expenses incurred in improving tlie service in order to
compete with the motor-car traffic and in the additional cost
of operating and maintaining the tramway. There was no
improvement in the business conditions of KalgoorJie during
the past year, and the tramway is still subject to competition
from' the motor cars. The necessity of providing for . deprecia-
tion bv means of a fund for the renewal of the plant, cairs,
&c,, has for a long time past been befoie:the directors, bjit
the' commitments of the company for interest . and sink'Og
fund have absorbed the whole of the available ■ profits . fippi
tune to time, and it has consequently been impossib!e;t<5 pro-
vide such a fund. The " A " stockholders passed a, resolution
on June 7th, 1915, by which the company was released. frgpi

024, September 8, 1916] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

273

the obligation to provide a fixed sum of i£9,lXlO per annum,
and a provision that the net profits of the company up to
iEO,000 per annum should be set aside for the service of the
interest and sinking fund was substituted. Before arriving at
net profits the directors are of opinion that some provision
must be made towards the expenditure referred to, and they
have therefore set aside £4,000 for this purpose. During the
year the tramcars travelled 593,434 car miles, as against 582,114
car miles in the year 1914, and carried 2,192,185 passengers,
as against 2.125.094 in the year 1914. The earnings per car
mile in J915 were 13.52d., a.s against 13.12d. in 1914, with an
expense of 9.93d. per car mile, as against 9.48d. in 1914. The
number of units consumed in 1915 were 692,935 (i67,939), as
against 032,105 (^67,242) for the year 1914. During the pa.st
year the whole of the Boulder Road has been re-made be-
tween Kalgoorlie and Boulder, and this, in conjunction witk
the heavy motor-car traffic, has given very bad tracks for
quick services, and inci-eased power consumption. The "A''
debenture stock has been further reduced by the sum of
.i'1,800, and the amount of .stock outstanding at the date of
the accounts was £48,000.

At the annual genei'al meeting the Chairman, in moving
the adoption of the reiwrt and accounts, said that the profits
ol' the undertaking were still very small. The competition of
motor-cars still continued, and it was of a most unfair char-
acter, because the tramway company was compelled to run
a continuous service for the benefit of the town, whereas the
motor-cars did just whatever they pleased, running when-
ever thei'e was a chance of getting good traffic. It was prob-
able that the scarcity of petroleum would do away with that
form of competition, but it was doubtful whether they would ,
receive any great benefit, so many low-grade mines had had
to close down and so many miners had joined the fighting
forces and left Kalgoorlie. For the moment the only thing
they could do was to go quietly on and hope for the best.
The first debentuivs had certainly been reduced to £48,000,
but behind those came the second debentures, and unless
some miraculous change took place there seemed very little
probability of anything ever coming to the shareholders. The
high cost of labour was against both mining and agricultural
development, and it was doubtful whether the Transoonti-
iientai Railway would bring the benefits anticipated to the -
town.

The report was unanimously adopted, and the retiring
dnector. Mi'. C. C. Baker, re-elected.

The report for the twelve months ended
Manila EleC' December 31st last states that the gross
trie Railroad earnings of the companies for the year
and Li^htin^ were $1,494,787, a decrease from the pre-
Corporation. vious year of $107,213. or 6.69 per cent. ;
operating expenses and taxes, $762,958, a
decrease of $55,455, or 6.78 per cent. ; while the net earnings
from operation were $731,828, a. decrease of $51,757, or 6.60
per cent. Intei'est charges during the year were $264,975,
and sinking fund requirements were $41,500, leaving a surplus
for the year of $425,353. The directors maintained the annual
appropriation for the replacement and renewal fund of $80,000,
and, deducting this from the year's surplus earnings, there
remains an available surplus for the year of $345,353. Pi'om
this amount there were paid four dividends of IJ per cent.,
making 6 per cent, for the year, aggregating $300,000,. leaving
$45,353 over all disbursements and reserves, which was trans-
feiTed to surplus account, making total accumulated surplus
to December ,31st last $1,778,835. Against this amount was
charged $55,000 to provide for a special reserve recommended
by the company's auditors, leaving total accumulated surplus
and reserves, as per balance sheet, of $1,723,835. In the rail-
way department the earnings decreased ,$107,801 and the
operating expenses increased $5,045 ; in the electrical depart-
ment the earnings increased $22,138 and the operating ex-
penses decreased $42,568. In the other departments the
earnings deci'eased $21,550 and the operating expenses de-
creased $29,343. Almost all the local industries and business
houses followed a policy of retrenchment, which caused de-
creased revenues to. the insular and municipal treasuries,
which, in turn, had to resort to the assessment of additional
taxes. During the year there were purchased under the sink-
•ing fund provisions of the company's mortgage .$.37,000 face
amount of the 5 per cent. 50-year first lien and collateral trust
sinking fund gold bonds, making a total of $255,000 face value
of bonds held by the tru.stee. There were also purchased
under the sinking fund provisions of the mortgage of the
Manila Suburban Railways Co. $5,000 face value of the first
mortgage 5 per cent. 40-year sinking fund gold bonds of that
company, making a; total of $19,000 face value of bonds held
by its trustee. — Financier.

The report for the year ended December

Brazilian 31.9t (as given in the Financial Times)

Traction, Light states that while the combined earnings

and Power Co. of the companies in Brazihan currency

have fully realised the expectation of the

board, being considerably greater, than those of the previous

years; the result is not so satisfactory when such earnings are

;conVerted into Canadian currency. Converting the earnings

Idurihg 1915 at the a vera ce rates prevailing prior to the war.

tlir iitt II V. iiue in'C'anadian currency would be increased by

lover $3,00m,Oiili. The revenue of the company in Canadian cur-

.renoy resulting from, the year's operation was as. follows :-^

Eevenue from seQurities owned and under contracts with sub-

sidiary companies $5,339,192, and from interest on advances
to subsidiary companies $273,683, a total of $5,612,876. De-
ducting general and legal _expen.ses, administration charges,
and interest on loans, amounting to $218,074, and the divi-
de nds paid on the preference and ordinary shares, there
reiiiums a surplus carried forward of $.545,421. During the
tiisl. half of 1915, dividends on the ordinary shares at the rate
(if li per cent, each were paid on Mai-cli 1st and June 1st
II spectively. As, however, contrary to expectations, the ex-
cl iiuge value of the milreis continued to fall, the board decided
til limit the dividends payable on September 1st and December
1st to i of 1 per cent, each, making a total dividend of 4
|ier cent, for the year. Although rigid economies have been
elVc-cted, the cost of operation and maintenance has been
adversely inlluenced by the rise in the price of materials and
li.>- the enormous advance in ocean freights. This advance has
pi.rticularly affected the earnings of the gas business, as owing
to the requisition by the British Government of .some of the
.steamers employed in the company's service for carrying coal,
it became necessary to charter other steamers at rates greatly
exceeding those which would have been payable under normal
conditions. It is, therefore, remarkable that, notwithstanding
the adverse circumstances, the results for the year have been
so satisfactory, and with a return to nonnal conditions the
revenue should be not only equal to that obtained prior to the
war, but should show a considerable and steady increase.
Conditions generally in Brazil are showing distinct signs of
improvement. During the year further .shares have been
acquh'ed in the Companhia Telephonica do Estado de Sao
Paulo and in the Companhia Rede Telephonica Bragantina,
and with those suljsequently purchased this company now
holds 95 per cent, of the share capital of each company. This
company has also made advances for the purpose of carrying
out necessary improvements and extensions to the telephone
systems, which, when completed, should result in material
increases in the revenue A quarterly dividend of IJ per
cent, has been declared on the preference shares, payable
October 2nd, to shareholders of record of 15tii inst.

The report for the year ended June 30th
Consolidated states that the gross income amounted to
Oas, Electric $7,431,768, and the operating expenses
Light & Power and taxes to $3,848,076. leaving net earn-
Co., of ings of $3,583,692: fixed charges absorbed

Baltimore. $1,580,057, and dividends paid and pay-

able $1,131,803, leaving $871,831, out of
which there has been placed to reserve for depreciation,
an^ortisation, &c., $550,000, to reserve for contingencies
$134,541, and charged off to bond discount $90,000, leaving a
net surplus of $97,289. The growth in the sale of both gas
and electricity has been phenomenal, and the increase in the
sale of electricity has broken all previous records. The gross
income from sale of electricity was $3,881,665, against
$3,301,199 in 1915, an increase of $580,466, while the elec-
tricity sold, KW. -hours, was 183,475,608, against 126,933,209 in
1915, an increase of 56,542,398. The power sales department
h negotiating for power installations aggregating 60,000 h.p.
The company is now completing the installation of a steam
turbine of 27,000 h.p. as an addition to its steam generating
station. On May 1st last the properties of the Patapsco Elec-
tric & Manufacturing Co. were formally taken over.

Stock Exchange Notice. — ^The Committee has been, asked
to allow the following to be quoted in the Official List : —

Mexican Electric Light Co., litd.— Deposit receipts for 5
per cent, first mortgage gold bonds.

Mexican Light & Power Co., Ltd.— Deposit receipts for 5
per cent, first mortgage gold bonds and 5 per cent, second
mortgage 50-year bonds.

Mexico Tramways Co.— Deposit receipts for general con-
sohdated first mortgage 50-year 5 per cent, gold bonds and
6 per cent. 60-year mortgage bonds.

Pachuca Light & Power Co.— Deposit receipts for 5 per
cent, first mortgage 50-year bonds.

Undei-ground Electric Railways Co. of London, litd.—
£15,000 additional 6 per cent, income bonds.

Amalgamated Wireless (Australia) Co. — The report for
the half yt'ar cuilcd liiii'uiber 31.st states that the business has
been inteilered with by the war. -There are 86 subsidy ships,
and the manufacturing department and training school are
doing good work. The net profit amounts to £2,230, which,
with £1,102 brought forward, makes available £3,332, which
is to be carried forward. The radio-telegraphic traffic for the
half-year and subsidies amounted to £11,045. and other gross
profits to £912. The share capital is £140,000, and reserve
funds £14,112. — CommoniveaXtti Engineer.

Shawinigan Water & Power Co. — A dividend of 1| per
cent, for the quarter ended 30th inst. on the cemmon shares,
payable October 10th to shareholders of record 30th inst., has
been declared. |

Bolckow, Vaughan & Co. — The directors have decided to
pay to the ordinary shareholders a further dividend of 8 p^r
cent., less tax, in addition to the interim dividend paid in
March last. [.

Newcastle-npon^Tyne Electric Supply Co., Ltd.— ^The
directors announce an interim dividend of 2J per cent, on the
ordinary shares, payable 29th inst., less tax.

•274

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW, fvoi. ?>.. Xo. 2.024. se..temhkr s, ihi«.

STOCKS AND SHARES.

TrEsD.\y Evening.
Markets have been in very cheerful fettle, the excellent
news from the various Fronts assisting the sentiment,
although (luring the early part of the week they were quite
eclipsed by the general delight over the luirning of the
Zeppehn. In the air there is vague talk of peace, the pro-
prsals for which, be it carefully noted, are to come from the
other side. People are laying their plans, financial and other-
wise, for what is going to happen upon the conclusion of the
war; and one man in the Stock Exchange, carried away by
the fervour of the moment, exclaimed that these are already
peace markets. Kor did he liiul much strenuous denial,
though the statement aroused good-humoured banter.

Home Railway .stocks are once more in a better position.
CVmsiderable buying of the low-priced i.^sues is something of
a feature. Metropolitans participated in this, and rose li.
Districts hardened tu 19, though the price failed to keep the
iu.provemeQt. The chief centre of interest is Brighton
deferred, which has its electrified system, as well as its
prospects of improved business after the war, to attract
investment attention.

South-Western deferred, too, which has been languishing in
neglect for some time past, rose a point to %, at which the
immediate yield on the money, assuming the dividend for
this year to be the same as that in 1915, comes out to nearly
6 per cent. The Home Railway market generally is good.
Whether it will remain so depends solely upon the continu-
ance of demand; we have too often seen strength in this sec-
tion succeeded by prompt return to dullness for the observer
to place much reliance upon a display of improvement.

The Brazihan Traction, Light & Power Co. has issued its
third annual report, for the year ended December 31st, 1915.
The company, of course, draws its revenue from three subsi-
diaries, the Rio de Janeiro Tramway, the Sao Paulo Tramway,
and the Sao Paulo Electric Companies. From the earnings
point of view, the company flourished finely; but in the
couise of conversion the gross receipts of 8 million dollars
fell to 5i million dollars. Each division of the company con-
tributed improvement to the profit and loss account; and if
it had not been for the fall in the milreis, the results would
have been excellent. As it is, however, the company is pay-
ing 4 per cent. ; and unless the exchange rises, there seems
to be little chance of this rate being increased. The price of
the shares fell a point to 61.1.

Mexicans, on the other hand, are firmer, with the excep-
tion of the common shares of the Mexican Light & Power
Co., which have eased off to 19. The company's 5 per cent,
first bonds have advanced to 43, the rise being shared by the
similar bonds of the Mexico Tramw-ays.

A meeting of Mexican Light & Power bondholders is to be
held on October 5th, at which it is to be proposed that prior
lien bonds shoiild be created, to rank ahead of the present
bends as regards principal and interest; while it is further
proposed that the directors shall be allowed to waive all pay-
ments of dividends due, or falling due, for such time as they
shall think fit. Holders of the bonds should make it their
business to attend the meeting next month, and, pending
further details, to withhold their support from one side or
the other.

The experience of some of the other utihty companies in
Mexico, Brazil, and the United States has not been generally
flattering to the holders of the bonds, in those cases, of
course, where prior lien issues have been sanctioned and
made; and proprietors of Mexican Light & Power bonds,
bearing this in mind, will be well advised to preserve an open
mind at present. At the same time, there is no getting away
from the unfortunate fact that most Mexican companies
aft'ected by the rebellion of the past three years must be in
want of money, and that there is very little chance of the
British Treasury permitting the issue of fresh capital while
the war is in progress. Truly the position is a difficult one,
and it is hard to know what to do for the best.

Gains have been .secured by the British Columbia Electric
Railway stocks, the preference putting on 3 points to 70, and
the deferred at 51 showing a gain of a point. The tramway
section is fiiTu as a whole. Brisbane Electric Investment
ordinary rose to 6f , and the preference are better at 41.

Electric shares have quietly improved. Several of them
were quoted ex dividend last Thursday, and in some cases
the deductions, or part of them, have been regained. West-
minsters rose to 6i MetropoUtans are 5s. up at 2J. South
Metropohtans are a good spot, with buyers about at 19s. The
preference are steady at 22s. ex divid'end. General Electric
ordinary have risen to 131, the preference retaining their rise
of last week at £10. Edison & Swan 5 per cent, debenture
stock at 62i is 2J up, and the tone of the miscellaneous
market is strong throughout.

Britisli Insulated ordinary put on 5s. at 12J. Callendors at
the .same price are a similar amount better. India-Rubbors
at 12i are another J Ui the good ; and Henleys at i'li have not
only recovered their dividend of 5s., but have added an equal
amount to it. The rises are genuine in every case; and, as
we have noted before, the demand outstrips the supply.

Eastern Telegraph ordinary at 119 is a little harder, but
the other issues in this group show no rliange. New York
T( lephonc 4J per cents, are par. Orii'iitals are a feature ni
strength, a rise of 3/l(! taking the shares to 2i, at which tlie
return on the money looks so slender that the exi>ectation« of
an increase in the dividend appear to have good ground. Indo-
Europeans rose £\ to 49. but Great Northerns, after tlieir
jump of last week, reacted 10s. to 42.

The feature of the Marconi market is the strength of
.\mericaus, the price touching 20s. This was in part a reflec-
tion of the recovery in .\nierican rails brought about by the
reported settlement of the threatening coal strike, which this
time last week looked as though it were going to plunge in-
dustrial .America into something approaching chaos. Mar-
conis them.'felves are a shade easier at 3 3/lti; and there is
I'othiug much doing in Canadians, the price remaining at
lialf-a-guinea. The .Anglo-.\merican stocks and shares are
steady, and there is no change in either class of Globe Tele-
graph and Tru.st

The luhher section keeps very strong, and the price of the
raw material revolves around 2s. 3d. per Hi. The autumn
dividends are expected to be uniformly good, and the early
ai rivals foster this impression. There is |>ronounced strength
in the iron, coal, and steel list. Copper .shares are somewhat
heavy. Buyers predominate in the armament group, and,
generally speaking, the industrial market is one of the most
active in the Stock Exchange. *

SHARE LIST OF ELECTRICAL COMPANIES.

Home Eleotricitv Cumpanirs.

Dividend Price

, ■ V Sept. 5, Rise or taU

1914. 1916. 1916. this week,

Brompton Ordinary .... 10 10 6t —

Charing Cross Ordinary ..66 SS + i

do. do. do. 4iPre(.. 4i 4i 8^ -

Chelsea 6 4 8 —

City of London 9 8 12}xd —

do. do. 6 per cent. Pret. 6 6 lOjxd —

County of London .... 7 7 11 —

do. B per cent. Pre(. 6 6 lOg —

Kensington Ordinary .... 9 7 G*

London Electric 4 8 13 —

do. do. 6 per cent. Pret. 6 6 4asd —

Metropolitan 8J B •2J + i

do. 4^ per cent. Pref. 4i 4^ Si —

St. James' and Pall Mall . . 10 8 6J —

South London 6 6 2| —

South Metropolitan Pret. ..77 1 j'a —

Westminster Ordinary .... 9 7 6J + J

Teleobaphs and Telephones.

Anglo-Am. Tel. Pret 6 6 103J —

do. Def SO/- 38/6 23i —

Chile Telephone 8 8 7 —

Cuba Sub. Ord 6 6 8^ —

Eastern Extension .. .. 7 8 ll| —

Eastern Tel. Ord 7 8 149 +1

Globe Tel. and T. Ord 6 7 12J —

do. Pret. ..6 6 lOJ —

Great Northern Tel 22 22 42 — 4

Indo-European 13 13 49 +1

Marconi 10 IQ 8,^, — ,\

New York Tel. 4* . . . . 4J 4i 100 + i

Oriental Telephone Ord. . . 10 10 2j- + f%

United R. Plate Tel 8 8 6s —

West India and Pan 1 — l^ —

Western Telegraph .... 7 8 16 —

Home Rails,

Central London, Ord. Assented 4 4 74 —

Metropolitan U » 26;,' -HJ

do. District .. .. Nif Nil 18J —

Underground Electric Ordinary Nil Nil IJS —

do. do. "A" .. Nil Nil 6/6 —

do. do. Income 6 6 89ixd —

PoEEioN Teams, 40.

Adelaide Sup. 6 per cent. Pret. 6 6 6 —

Anglo-Arg. Trams, First Pret. 5J 6A 8? —

do. 2nd Pret. . . ej BJ 3 —

do. 6 Deb. ..6 6 75 —

Brazil Tractions 4 4 61i -1

Bombay Electric Pret 6 6 . lOi -f J

British Columbia Elec. Rly. Pfce. 6 6 71 +3

do. do. Preterred— NU 63 -(-2

do. do. Deterred — Nil 61 +1

do. do. Deb. 4i 4i 68 —

Mexico 'Trams 5 per cent. Bonds — Nu 43 -fl

do. 6 per cent. Bonds — Nil 86 —

Mexican Light Common . . Nil Nil 19 - 1

do. Pret Nil NU 84 —

do. 1st Bonds .. Nil Nil 43 -fl
Manufacturing Companies,

Babcock & Wilcox .... 14 16 8| -t-

British Aluminium Ord. . . 6 7 26/- —

British Insulated Ord 15 17i 13i + }

British Westinghouse Pret. . . 7J 7* 49/- —

Callenders . . .... . . 16 20 12^ -I- J

do. 5 Pret 6 6 4i —

Castner-Kellner 20 — 8| —

Edison & Swan, £3 paid . . Nil — 10/6 —

do. do. fully paid ..Nil — IJ —

do. do. 6 percent. Deb. 6 6 62* -faj

Electric Construction . . . . 6 7J 17/6 —

Gen. Elec. Pret 6 6 10 —

Henley 20 25 IBJxd + i

do.- 4* Pre! 4J 4) 41x3 •♦■ J

India-Rubber 10 10 12i —

Telegraph Cod 20 20 89 —

* DiTidende paid tree of Inoome'liz,

6 18
6 10
6 17
6 7
6 18

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8

8

6

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4

6

4

9

6

12

8

8

2

9

4

10

0

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16

6

•6

6

8

6 13 4
6 10 0

6 14 3

7 0 10

Vol. 79. xo.2,02i,SEPEMEERS, i;u,;.] THE ELECTRiaiL RE\aEW.

METAL MARKET.

F.'uctuatlons in August.

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173/-
172/-
171/-
170/-
169/-
168/-
167/-
166/-
£118

117

116

115

114

113

112

111

110

109

108

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ACQUST 12 3 17 8 9 1011 141516171^21222324 2528293031

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Canadian Trade. — I'-.S. l'on.siil (i. Willricb. ivpoitiuir ou
the trade of Quebec Province during 1915, saj-s that the dis-
turbing influences on the trade and commerce of Quebec
brought on by the European war were successfully overcome
by a gradual process of adjustment, and by the end of 191-5
general conditions were considered fairly sati.sfactory. The
large volume of munition orders led to the enlargement and
erection of new plants, and greatly helped to restore com-
mercial and industrial stability. Other industries and manu-
facturing plants also felt the impetus caused by the generous
distribution of orders for war material, so that a great number
were forced to run at full capacity by the end of the year.
One of the principal benefits, however, was the great reduc-
tion in the number of the unemployed, leading even to a
scarcity of skilled labour, which was overcome, however, by
the employment of skilled mechanics brought from the
United States. The return of prosperity was hastened by a
reahsation of gi"eater economy on the part of all classes of
the people, coupled with an increased production of food pro-
ducts and manufactures.

The exports of aluminium to the United States for 1915
show a substantial decrease, due to the fact that the require-
ments of the British Government were in excess of the avail-
able supply. The only other aluminium works in the British
Empire, that of the British Aluminium Co., Ltd., in Eng-
land, is controlled by the Government. Practically the entire
output of the Shawinigan Falls plant was either sold directly
to the War Office or supphed to .\nierican or Canadian manu-
facturing plants for the purposes of the British Governtuent.
Early in 1915 the Canadian Government put an embargo on
aluminium shipments to countries other than British Pro-
tectorates, although shipments were permitted to a few
American firms working on war contracts. There were ex-
ported to the United States from Quebec 17,000 tons more
of asbestos in 1915 than in 1914, at an increased valuation of
il21,626. Asbestos is the chief mineral product of this Pro-
vince. The industry was unfavourably affected by the out-
break of the war, "as Gennany and Austria were the prin-
cipal markets for the higher grades of asbestos. There has
been an increased demand for this article, however, fr6m the
United States. Great Britain, France, and Italy, due in a
large measure to military and naval requirements. This
demand has greatly revived the industry, which has con-
tinued to improve ever since.

Profit-sharing. -Nearly 9,000 employt^ of the General

Electric Co.s plant in Schenectady have received their first extra
payments as a result of the most successful year in the company's
history. Similar distributions were made to long--ser\ace
employes in other localities, so that about $550,000 was distributed
among- 19,000 employes. The second extra payment, to be made
next February, will probably be somewhat larger in total.

NOTES ON OLD AND NEW CONVERTING
PLANTS.

[C0MMUNIC.\TED.]

So far as this country is concerned, the first notable
example of the use of rotary converters was on the
Central London Railway, for prior to its opening
in 1900 the few electric railways that existed were
worked entirely with continuous current. Three-
phase transmission had, it is true, been adopted on
the Dublin tramways, but the sub-stations were
small and insignificant compared with those which
were set to work on the opening of " The Twopenny
Tube." The fact that there have been few inter-
ruptions in the supply on this line shows that these
early converters, like the remainder of the plant,
were well designed, although the experience of the
last 16 years has led to distinct improvements, and.
viewed in the light of modem practice, the original
Central London plant has certain imperfections.
Not all the early faults of this railway's stib-stations
were due to inexperience ; they were due in a large
measure to the want of space. The electrification
of the tube railway running through the heart of
London incurred many difficulties not met with
when electrifying the suburban sections of main
lines, such as 'those of the South-Western. On rail-
ways like the latter the plant is not placed in the
bowels of the earth, but is erected in spacious and
well-ventilated buildings which do not impose
troublesome restrictions upon the electrical de-
signers. The converters, transformers, and switch-
beards are very accessible, and much less dangerous
than those built in the past, whilst the new methods
of starting. &c., make the operation of the later
sub-stations comparatively easy.

When the Central London Railway commenced
working, the method of starting rotaries on the
alternafing-current side was, to say the least, crude.
When the'generating plant had been shut down, the
only wav o'f energising the line afresh was to start
a rotarv on the a.c. side. As the converters were
not fitted with induction motors, and as there were
not, in the earlv days, any tappings on the secon-
daries 'of the transformers, full pressure had to be
applied to the slip rings. As the machine ran up
to speed, taking, of course, a very large current at
a very low power factor, the field switch was closed
in the ordinary way, bull sometimes it was closed
at the wrong instant. The starting operation then
had to be repeated, for the field switch was not of
the throw-over tvpe. It was soon seen that what
was wanted fot^ starting rotaries, by applying
A.c. to the slip rings, was reduced pressure and
a throw-over field switch, so that if a machine
excited with incorrect polarity, matters could be
rectified by reversing the direction of the exciting
current. Hence it "is now usual to fit rotaries,
started in this way, with a throw-over field switch
and switches or controllers for bringing different
transformer tappings into use, thus allowing a low
pressure to be used first, and full pressure after-
wards. Many rotaries have for a long time past
been started with induction motors, and, until quite
recently, it has been necessary to synchronise. But
the need for this has now been removed by elec-
trically connecting the induction motor and con-
verter. Instead of the inner ends of the stator wind-
ings tenninating in a star or neutral point, they are
connected to the rota-ry's slip rings. The result is
that current passes through the induction motor
into the converter, and this current pulls the rotary
into step. The operator siinply closes the .-^.c.
switch on the low-voltage contacts, and transfers it
to the full-pressure contacts at the proper instant.

In the direction of inventing methods for regit-

270

THE ELECTKICAL KEV1E^Y. iw,!.

-M, SKI-rKMBlOK 8. I I'll

lating the Voltage of rotaries, juucli good work
has been done.- Provided tliab a wide \ariation is
not necessary, it lias been usual, for a long time
past, to insert reactances between rotaries and their
transformers, or to design the latter with a fair
amount of magnetic leakage. With a simple vector
diagram it can readily be shown that when the cur-
rent leads, as a result of increased excitation pro-
duced by increased current passing round the series
windings, the pressure at the slip rings rises, whilst
when the current lags, as a result of reduced excita-
tion, the applied pressure is reduced. For many
kinds of service this method of regulation answers
admirably; although it is, of course, obvious that it
precludes the machine from operating at unity power
factor at all loads. Sometimes the transformers
have been provided with tappings and a regulating-
switch for bringing different pressures into use,
but on large machines this is impracticable, for a
switch capable of chJSiging the connections v\'hilst
the machine is running is bulky and expensive. For
a wide variation, there is nothing better than a
booster coupled to the rotary and electrically con-
nected in series between the transformers and the slip
rings. When the converter has a large number of
poles it may be expedient to depart from the prac-
tice of directly coupling the booster to the rotary
shaft. It may be more economical and convenient
to use a high-speed booster, driven by a high-speed
synchronous motor. But in any case it is obviously
unnecessary to design the booster to deal with the
full voltage variation required, for by reversing the
direction of current round its iield magnets, the volt-
age either assists or opposes that of the trans-
formers. With this system of regulation the rotary
can run at unity power factor at all loads.

If a booster be directly connected to a rotary
converter it acts as a generator when adding to the
transformer voltage, and as a motor when oppos-
ing it. In a simple converter — one without a
booster — the armature currents at unity power
factor have practically no reaction effect on the
poles. But a direct connected booster produces an
additional converter armature current and a re-
action on the fields proportional to this current. If
the booster raises the voltage, this additional arma-
ture current acts on the commutating poles and
magnetises them in the same direction as the main
series coils, and when the booster lowers the direct-
current voltage the additional current demagnetises
the poles. The effect on commutation is, in both
cases, bad, for the commutating poles do not pro-
duce a field proportional to the load. To eliminate
the trouble various schemes have been tested. The
latest and most successful, due to the General Elec-
tric Co., of America, involves the use of a relay
with direct and alternating coils and a shunt wind-
ing on the commutating poles, in addition to the
ordinary series winding. When the excitation in
the shunt winding is correct, the pulls of the relay
coils balance one another. The pull of the a.c. coil
is proportional to the main a.c, and to the voltage
of the A.c. booster, whilst the pull of the d.c. coil
is proportional to the current in the commutating
windings, and to the D.c. voltage. When the pulls
are not balanced a contact point is moved one way
or the other, thereby closing a circuit which operates
a motor-driven rheostat in the shunt winding cir-
cuit of the commutating poles, and the variation of
excitation so produced compensates for the reaction
of the booster currents.

The early 6o-cycle rotai^y converters, as many
engineers know, were very poor machines indeed.
Fundamentally, the difficulty was one of commuta-
tion. At 60 cycles the limitations of peripheral
speed in machines of considerable output involved
the adoption of a somewhat exaggerated multipolar
design, and a large commutator to permit the num-
ber of segments necessary between poles to give a
conservative voltage per bar. A 6o-c. synchronous

converter of even a few hundred kw. capacity had a
ccnunutator running at an unpleasantly high peri-
pheral speed, even when chances were taken with
the voltage between bars. At 25 cycles the greatly
reduced rotative speed made the commutator con-
struction easier, particularly in the case of machines
rated at 1,000 Kw\ or more. Small converters up to
perhaps 100 kw. could be, and were, readily made
for 50 and 60 cycles, but at higher outputs
the difficulties were formidable. Later, 60-cycle
rotaries were built in modest numbers and, by great
designing skill, weTe made to work fairly satisfac-
torily. But the commutating difficulties were alwa\ s
appearing, and for a long time these rotaries were
not at all popular. Far better results w^ere obtained
on fitting intcrpoles. It is claimed that 60-cycle
rotaries are now nearly, if not quite, as good as 25-
cycle machines. In the United States many 60-
cycle machines are at work, but in common with
this country the opinions of engineers differ, and
for the higher periodicity circuits motor-generators
are sometimes chosen. The La Cour cascade con-
verter running at half-synchronous speed is un-
doubtedly very satisfactory on the higher periodi-
city circuits, and has met with much favour in this
countiy. If the choice lies between a motor-
generator and a 60-cycle rotary, the saving in favour
of the latter may be considerable. Taking a specific
case of tW'O 1.500-KW. sets, Mr. L. B. Bonnett, of
the (leneral Electric Co., of America, shows in a
recently published article that by using 60-cycle
rotaries the gain per annum amounts to no less than
£1,908. There are, of course, various considera-
tions which govern the selection of converting plant
which oh the whole are well understood by central-
station men.

The speeds of the latest 60-cycle motor-generator
sets are approximately the same as those' of 60-cycle
rotary converters. The i,ooo-kw., 720-volt, 60-cycle
rotaries and motor generators made by the General
Electric Co., of America, both run at 720 r.p.m.,
and the i,ooo-kw-., 600-volt machines at 900 r.p.m.
In sizes above 1.500 kw. it is becoitiing quite general
practice to build motor-generators with two direct-
current machines and one motor, a design that per-
mits almost twice the speed that would be permis-
sible with a single generator. The generator of a
motor-generator can be made to give from a single
commutator a higher voltage than can be obtained
from a rotary of standar.d frequency. But it has
been found that, in general, the cost of a single
direct-current machine for a given voltage above
2,000 is greater on account of its lower speed than
that of two machines connected in series. The
higher speed at which the series-connected machines
work also reduces the cost of the a.c. motor.

One of the faults of rotary converters is that they
do not readily lend themselves to converting d.c.
into a.c. when the load is an inductive one. Before
satisfactory tripping devices were invented to cut
out machines in the event of racing, several rather
bad accidents occurred. The trouble is attributable
to the fact that lagging currents demagnetise the
field magnets, and since an inverted rotary runs as
a shunt-wound continuous-current motor, its speed
is inversely proportional to the field flux interlinked
with the armature turns. If a leading current were
drawn from the machine, the field would be
strengthened and the speed of the rotai-y would fall.
To overcome the difficulty the plan adopted has been
to use a separate exciter driven by an induction
motor, the current for which is supplied from the
slip rings of the rotary converter. The exciter has
to be designed so that a slight increase in speed
makes a big difference to its volts, so that the field
flux of the rotary is as nearly as possible constant,
irrespective of the lagging currents which the
machine may be called upon to give. The exciter
must, therefore, work low down on the saturation
curve. In practice, however, rotaries intended

Vol. :;>. No. i'.024. s^EPTEMBER 8, 1916.] THE ELECTRICAL EE^^EW.

always to work in the ordinary way have, as a result
of some disturbance, become inverted and raced
w'ith disastrous results. These accidents, however,
occurred before the introduction of adequate pro-
tective devices, and it should not be supposed that
there are serious risks at the present time. One of
the worst' accidents that have taken place as a
result of rotaries becoming inverted occurred on
the Commonwealth Electric Co.'s system at Chicago.
The accident was of such a notable character
that the main facts connected with it are
worth recalling. Two large turbo-alternators
were running" on the bus-bars of the station.
and from these bus-bars a number of rotary con-
verters were fed. The rotaries in turn supplied
direct current to d.c. bus-bars, and to these bars a
large battery and two large continuous-current
generators were connected. The first thing that :
liappened which led up to the accident was that one
of the alternator armatures burnt out. Immediately
the switchboard attendant opened the main switch,
but omitted to open the field switch. Had it not
been for the field coils of the machine being burnt,
nothing further would have happened. The field
coils of tJie faulty machine went to earth and par-
tially short-circuited the exciter which supplied
e.xciting current to the burnt-out alternator and to
the one still running. The exciting ctirrent of the
running alternator was greatly reduced, and the
rotaries, with a large source of power on the d.c.
side, supplied a.c. to the alternator and motored it.
The current which the generator took was, of
course, a lagging one, which partially demagnetised
the fields of. the rotaries, and their speed increased
considerably. As the alternator had to run in syn-
chronism with the rotaries, its speed increased also,
with the result that the revolving" structure "burst."
The accident served to show that although rotaries
may not be intended to work inverted, they may
under unforeseen circumstances do so, and that
adequate precautions should be taken to meet such
contingencies-

What engineers, especially those interested in
railways, are beginning to look into is the question
of employing higher voltages than those used
hitherto. For the first 1,200 and 1,500-volt schemes
two rotaries were connected in series, and with the
exception that they were insulated more liberally
than usual they were built on the same lines as ordi-
nary 600 and 750-volt machines. On the Shildon-
Xewport line of the North-Eastem Railway this
plan of connecting two machines in series has been
adhered to, but on the Bury to Manchester lines of
the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway, and on
various lines in America, currents at pressures as
high as 1,500 volts are taken from single rotaries.
Even in the early days of high-pressure working it
was found that tw^o rotaries in series w"orked well.
At the beginning" the main trouble was that of flash-
ing over when short circuits occurred on the line,
but this was partially remedied by supporting the
brush gear from the frame of the machine instead
of from the bearing pedestal. Commutating poles,
however, have played a big part in the evolution of
high-voltage machines, as might be expected from
the fact that with their aid it is possible to increase
the voltage between commutator bars as well as
commutator speeds. Rotary converters for periodi-
cities up to 35 cycles per second are now built for
D.c. pressures up to 1.500 volts. In the United
States a number of 1,200-voIt rotary converters have
been at work for a considerable time, two of the
most notable installations being the 500-KW.
machines built for the Portland Oregon Railway
and the Michigan United Traction Co. In the latter
case two machines are connected in series to .give
2.400 volts. For higher periodicities, in the neigh-
bourhood of 60 cycles per second, high-pressure
rotaries are not at present made. On railways
taking current from existing stations working at or

about 60 cycles, such, for instance, as the Puget
Sound lines of the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul
Railway, motor-generators are employed. The line
pressure on the above lines is 3,000 volts, and each
converter consists of a synchronous motor driving
two 1,500-volt D.c. generators. On account of the
cost and constructional difficulties associated with
the field windings of 1,200- and 1,500-volt machines.
it has been found convenient in some cases
to energise the field windings from a directly con-
nected exciter designed for 125 volts. This exciter,
however, will not, in the absence of special precau-
tions, drop its volts sufficiently at times of short
circuits. To meet the case, a resistance normally
short-circuited by a contactor is connected in the
converter field circuit, and when the circuit-breaker
opens as a result of a " short," this contactor also
opens and resistance is interposed in the field cir-
cuit.

The converters on the Butte, Anaconda and
Pacific railroad and on numerous interurban rail-
ways in Michigan, all consist of two 500-KW. motor-
driven generators or rotary-converters connected in
series to give 2,400 volts. This procedure is neces-
sary when using" rotaries on account of limitations
of design, and when using motor-generators on
account of cost. When two 1,200-volt rotaries are
connected in series to give 2,400 v^olts, the machine
on the earth side is sometimes self-excited, and the
one on the other side — that is to say, the machine
connected to the trolley wire — is excited -from the
machine that is connected to earth.

High-voltage d.c. rotaries are usually liberally
rated. Some have been designed to stand 200 per
cent, overload for one minute, others 200 per cent,
overload for five minutes and 100 per cent, over-
load for half an hour. Those intended for very-
heavy traction service have been fitted with compen-
sating windings in addition to commutating poles.
Flashing over at the commutator has in the past
been one of the main difficulties with which builders
of rotaries have had to contend, and at the higher
pressures these difficulties have not diminished. It
has been found, as a result of careful experiment,
that the design of the shunt across the commutating
pole windings has an important influence on how-
rotaries behave on short circuits. If this shunt has
only resistance, and next to no reactance, flashing
at times of sudden changes of load is very liable
to occur. By giving the shunt a proper amount of
reactance, how-ever, the trouble is greatly dimi-
nished, for the current then divides properly with
sudden changes of load.

The practice of bridging the commutating poles
with magnetic material has also given good results,
and when these bridges have been provided it has in
some cases been possible to work rotaries without
any shunts at all. Of course, the remedies that have
been applied to the troubles of the lower-voltage
machines apply in a great measure to those that
work, at higher voltages. For instance; it has long
been knowm that short feeders must be avoided. On
many 600-volt systems where flashing over has been
a great trouble, marked improvement has been made
bv cutting out the feeders which terminate only a
short distance from the machines. Any rotan,^ will
flash over if the short circuit is sufficiently severe,
and since the severity depends upon the distance at
which it occurs from the source of supply it is
obviously inexpedient to have feeding points in the
vicinitv of the machines. Although there are
now, in different parts of the world, a good'
manv h.t. d.c. systems in operation, 'no serious
damage as a result of short circuits has been re-
ported, but, of course, if trouble did arise the prac-
tice of altering the position of feeding points would
be applicable. Reactances in circuit with the feeders
would of course be advantageous, but investigation i
has shown that they are too bulky and expensive. I
A scheme viewed in a more favourable light is to ;

•278

.r.KC'TPiK'A]. KKViEW, LVoi. 7;.. Xo. -.m.lm,

^KI'TEMBKU I

introduce 111 each rotary circuit a resistance which
under normal conditions is short-circuited by a
quick-actinti' nieclianism, whicii inserts llie resistance
in circuit the moment a " short " occurs. Experi-
ence indicates pretty clearly that short circuits on
H.T. D.c. apparatus are on 'the whole less destruc-
tive than those which occur on 600-volt apparatus.
It is the amount of current that seems to count, and
not the pressure.

Although hiyh-pressure converters are a little
more likely to flash over than those that work at
lower voltages, they will not. if properly designed
and protected, give appreciable trouble.' All con-
verters have as a result of great perseverance and
skill been brought to a high state of i)erfection. an^
.they are a credit to tlie electrical profession.

LIGHTING C0.MPAN1E5 AND LOCAL
AUTHORITIES.

[Phom a Leg.^l Co.ntbieutoe.]

Apaut from the Electiic Lighting Acts, there are certain
statutes ou the book" which affect the relations between
electric lighting companies and local authorities. The supply
01 electricity having been in vogue for manv vears the ques-
tions arising on these statutes have for the most part settled
themselves, but, with a view to enabling our readers to avoid
such disputes m the future, it may be convenient to refer to
some of the material sections cf these Acts and to the cases
decided thereunder. First, as to the right of an electric supply
company to interfere with the suiface of a street or high-
way : By Sec. 149 of the Pubhc Health Act. 1875, aU streets
are vested in the urban authority, and, bv the same section
any person who. without the consent cf the urban authority!
wiltully displaces or takes up, or who injures the pavement
stone^s. matenal.s, fences, or po.st of, or the trees in any such
street shall be liable to a penalty not exceeding £5

A questinn has arisen as to whether this section vests the
soil of the highway in the local authority, so as to enable
them to order a lighting company to remove wires already
placed beneath the surface.

/cPir ''°i°* ^)^''^ con.sidered in the crse ( f Battersea Vestry
n !i"S? '■; V*?""*-^' ^^ London and Bruth Electric Lighting
Co (lb99) 1 Gh. 474. In that case it apsoared that land
under ^yhIch a company proposed to run a pipe or drain was
vested m them for the purpo.se cf their undei taking. Under
a private Act a road runnme over this land had been trans-
feired to and vested in a locnl authority. The local authority
gave no consideration for the road. On the local authority
applying for an injunction to restrain the company from lay-
ing a pipe or drain under or trespassing on ths road, it was
held that the road was vested in the local authority only for
the purpose of a road: that they had no right to the subsoil
and consequently that bo injunction could be granted

Another case decided that the section does not enable a
local authority to maintain an action for an injunction to
re-strain the erection of a telephone wire across a street

It IS now well known that a local authority may contract
with a company to light streets bv electricity. In makmg
^ \u F°"*''8<='' ^^^ provi.sions cf Sec. 174 "of the Public
Health Act, 1875, have to be remembeied. It provides that
vvith respect to contracts made by an urban authority under
the .^U-t, the following regulations sh.-dl be observed, namely :

1. Every contract made by an urban authority whereof the
value or amount e.xceeds £.50 shall be in writmg and sealed
with the common seal of such authority.

2. Every .-uch contract shall specify 'the work, materials
matters or thinus v., be fjrnithad, bnd or done, the price
to be paid, and the tune or times within which the contract
13 to be performed, and shall specify some pecuniary penalty
to be naid m case the terms cf the contract are not duly per-
formed.

-Absence of a penalty clause renders the contract unenforce-
?ttV^ ,.-.„-^ ''^V:^^ British In,«ulated Wire Co. v. Prescot
L .p.p. (1'59j), i Q.B. 4(>3. it w,is held thnt this enactment was
obligatory, and not directo.y only; so that a contract which
did not sDec:fv sny pecuniary penalty could not be enforced
against the urban i;utli.i:itv.

-Mthouch the .^oil of a hi-'bwiy may not vest in the local
authority, so as to enable th-t body to restrain the suspen-
.sion of wires over the Hiif.^ce. urban authorities have con-
siderable power.^ as to tne io;rnl8tion cf nveibcad wires

Thus by .Sec. Vi (1) and (2) rf the Public Health Acts
.Amendmeit Act 1S90. it is provided that "An Urban autho-
ritx may from time to time make, alter, and repeal by-laws
for prev-^ntion of danger or olistruction to th*> public from
pw^ts, wires, tubes, or any other apparatus stiet; bed or placed
above, over, along, nr across any street (whether before or
after the adoption nf th-s pirt .-f this Art) f-r the purpose of

any telegraph, telephone, lighting, railway sigualhug, or other
purpose."

By such by-laws provisions may be made for the inspec-
tion and examination by the urban authority of any such
posts, wires, tubes, or other apparatus, and for the prohibi-
tion of any such posts, wires, tubes, or other apparatus being
or continuing to be stretched or placed as aforesaid in such
manner as to be dangerous or to cause obstruction to the
public.

Again, by Sec. 14 (1) and (2) : " If any post, wire, tube, or
other apparatus so exempted as aforesaid is, during the period
of such exemption in the opinion of the surveyor of the urban
authority in such a state or position that immediate danger
to any person is to be apprehended, he may give information
to any justice, who may thereupon summon the owner or
lessee thereof or other person interested therein forthwith
to appear before a court of summary jurisdiction." The court
may thereutwn : (a) make an order requiring such owner,
lessee or other person, or all or any of them, to remove or
reniedy the source of danger; or {b) make an order autho-
rising the surveyor to do so at the expense of such owner,
lessee or other person, or of all or any of them ; or (c) make
such other order as may appear to the court under all the
circumstances of the case to be necessary and proper.

The provisions of this Act do not, however, apply to any
works of any undertakers within the meaning of the Electric
Lighting .-Xcts, 1882 to 188S, to which the provisions of those
Acts apply.

Another Act which is frequently discussed between com-
panies and local authorities is that known as the Pubhc
Authorities Protection Act, 1893. To refer to its provisions
at length is unnecessary; suffice it that it compels anyone
who is suing a local authority to commence his action within
six months of the injury ; it entitles the successful local
authority to solicitor and client costs, and it enables the local
authority to tender amends. Finally, if the court is of
opinion that the local authority has not been given a proper
opportunity of tendering amends before the action was
brought, the plaintift' may have to pay costs if successful.

Various cases in relation and incidental to the supply of
electricity illustrate the effect of this .\ct. For instance, in
Ambler v. Bradford Corporation (1902), 2 Ch. 685, the defen-
dants, in providing a generating station for Bradford, acquired
some land which adjoined a stream, and upon that they
proceeded to erect certain sluices, the object of which was to
divert the stream so as to supply condensing plant placed in the
works which they erected on the adjoining land. In 1890 a
heavy thunderstorm burst over the Bradford Valley, filling
the Bradford Beck and cau.sing a flood, which the plaintiffs
alleged, by reason of the obstruction of the .sluices, and the
consequent heading back of the water, forced up the water
on to the plaintiff's premises, causing damage to large quan-
tities of goods and machinery belonging to the plaintiffs, for
which they sued the Corporation, and on the trial of which
judgment was given in favour of the Corporation, with costs
as between party and party. It w-as held that the defendants,
in carrying out the works under the powers conferred upon
them by their provisional order, were acting in execution of a
" public duty or authority " within the meaning of Sec 1. (b)
of the Public Authorities Protection Act, 1893 ; that the judg-
ment obtained by the Bradford Corporation carried costs, to
be taxed as between .solicitor and chent ; and that the appeal
would be allowed, with costs as between party and party.

In another case. Chamberlain v. Bradford Corporation
(1901), 64 J. P. 806, it appeared that a municipal corporation
acting under a provisional order, hired electricity meters
from a third person. The plaintiffs brought an action against
them for infringement of their patent for electricity meters.
Judgment having been given in favour of the Corporation, it
was held that the Corporation were entitled, under Sec. 1 (b)
of the Public Authorities Protection .A.ct, 1893, to costs as
between solicitor and client.

The protection of the Act does not, how'ever, extend to
contractors working for local authorities.

We have dealt with the general powers of local authorities
over streets and roads, the contractual relations of lighting
companies and local authorities, and the Public Authorities
Protection Act. There remain to be considered certain provi-
sions of .\cts of Parliament relating more particularly to
IiOndon.

The fact that the local authority has general control over
the streets and roads in its district enables them to alter the
position of pipes and wires beneath the surface as and when
occasion arises. Thus Sec. 98 of the Metropolis Management
Act, 1855, provides that: "The vestry may alter the position
of any mains or pipes in or under such street, such alteration
to be made subject to the approval of the engineer." The
authority need not, apparently, replace wires in exactly the
same position after they have altered the road. In Southwark
and Vauxhall Water Co. v. Wandsworth Board of Works
(1898), 2. Ch. 603, it appeared that a local authority, acting
under the power conferred by the above Act, proposed to
lower the surface of the streets in their district. Upon motion
by a water company, whose pipes lay under the streets, to
restrain the local authority from carrying out their proposed
works- without also lowering the pipes at least the same dis-
tance, it was held that the section imposed no duty upon the
defendants to lower the plaintiffs' pipes; that thev had in
no way injured them, or otherwise interfered with them,
and therefore the plaintiffs were not entitled to the injunc-

Vol. 7'J. No. 2,024, September 8, nm;.] THE ELECTRICAL IvEViEW,

•279

tion claimed. The law was thus stated by Chitty, L. J. :
"I am unable to find in the section any express or implied
duty cast upon the road authority, when they exercise their
power of altering the level uf the road, whether by raising or
lowering it, to exercise at their own expense their power of
altering the position of the pipes for the benefit of the com
pahy owning the pipes, much less any duty to place the
■pipes at a tlepth below the new surface corresponding with
the depth at which they stood below the old surface. I think
no such duty is cast upon the ai>i3ellants."

Although it only concerns electric lighting companies
within the Metropolis, the London Building Act contains
certain provisions with which it is necessary for the electrical
engineer to be famdiar. Thus by Sec. 14-5 of this Act, it is
provided that notice must be given w'here a building structure
or work is about to be begun, two clear days before it is
begun. The point of interest is what is included in the
phrase " Structure or Work.'"

In Whitechapel Board of Works v. Crow (1901), 84 L.T.
595, the appellants, being a local authority within the meaning
of the Electric Lighting Acts, 188'2 and 1888, had, in pursu-
ance of those Acts, obtained a provisional order confirmed
■ by statute. Under the provisions of that order they con
strutted boxes in the street in connection with the supply of
electric Jight. It was held that such boxes were buildings,
structures or works within the meaning of the London Build-
ing Act, 1894, Sec. 145, and that notice under that section
must be served on the district surveyor before the erection
of such boxes.

This case was followed in Charing Cross & Strand Electric
Supply Co. V. Woodthorpe (1903), 67 J. P. 286. It was there
held that a street box of an electric lighting company, built
of brick underneath a pavement, and large enough to hold
a man, is a " building, structure, or work " within the mean-
ing of Sec. 145 of the London Building Act, 18.54.

The fact that the company's provisional order requires them
to give notice to the Postmaster-General and to the street
authority of their intention to construct the liox, does not
exclude the operation of the Building Act; and they must
therefore give notice also to the district surveyor. • _

Finally, in the County of London Electric Supply Co. v.
Pei'kins (1908), 98 L. T. 870, the company had simOarly been
summoned for omitting to serve a building notice under Sec.
145 of the London Building Act in respect of a street box
which measured internally 27 in. in length and width and
30 in. in depth from the surface of the footway. It was
argued that the case differed from Whitechapel Board of
Works V. Crow (Supra), end Charing Cross & Strand Electric
Supply Corporation v. W'oodthorpe (Supra), for the reason
that, in the first place, the structure here was much smaller
than in the previous two cases, and, in the second place,
notices had been served on the Postmaster-General, the
Borough Council, and the Ijondon County Council in accord-
ance with the company's order. The Court declined to dis-
tinguish the case from the other two.

FRENCH ELECTRICAL AND OTHER TRADE.

Several reports have recently been made by U.S. Consuls on
the position of commercial and industrial affairs in Prance.
Consul-General Thackara, writing hoine in April from Paris,
said : —

" There was great activity in the electrical industries of
Prance during 1915. The plants-were kept well employed in
supplying the heavy demands for electrical material of every
kind for the equipment of factories. There were large orders
placed for direct-current motors for operating machine tools
ana other machinery, and important contracts were made for
the equipment of hydro-electric plants. None of the leading
Fiench railway companies contracted for the new electrifica-
tion of their roads in 1915. and trade in material for electrical
raUways and tramways was confined almo.st exclusively to
repair work. There was a notable increase in the manufac-
ture of metal-filament lamps in Prance during 1915, and the
output would have been much greater had there not been a
gieat scarcity of glass bulbs. But little progress was made in
the development of the small power, half-watt lamps for
d(irnestic lighting, their use being mostly confined to special
purposes for army use. There was an increased demand,
however, for half-watt lamps of higher intensity ; that is, of
200, 600, 1.000, and. '2,000 c.p. Prices in -the electric lamp
trade, which had been seriously depressed by foreign compe-
tition before the war, became much more favourable, not-
withstanding the great increase in the cost of production.
As a rule all the prices of electiical products have advanced
con.siderably. As mo.st of the output was furnished Uf plants
working on war orders the question of prices was not as
in>portant as that of speedy deliveries.

"The prospects for the French electrical industry appear
bright. After peace is restored there will be a period of inten-
."ive activity. Many of the important industrial plants,
especially mining and metallurgical industries, are situated in
the invaded districts, and probably have been either destroyed
or badly crippled, and for the re- establishment of these plants
and for the creation of new industries that are projected for

luanufacturing in France many products that were imported
from enemy coimtries; a great quantity of electrical and other
machiuei-y will be required. The situation is of intense in-
terest to American manufacturers, as they will undoubtedly
be called up.on to supply many- of the wants of the French
consumers."

Mr. W. JL Llunt, writing in the .same month from the St
Etienne Consular district, as the result of interviews with
competent authorities, said : —

"The couuHercial and indu.strial conditions in the district
at the close <,! 1915 were, on the whole, better than at the
same period in 1914. In some lines they were very good,
notably the remarkable activity in the iron and steel mills'
which has been the-means of fuinishing employment to thou-
sands of men and women and thus materially "increasing the
purchasing power of the people.

" No statistics aic obtainable relative to the amount or
value of the production of iron and steel during 1915, but it
may be said that from a low ebb the pi-oduction has increased
to such an extent that all former records have been surpassed,
while values have risen steadily with sharp advances during
the last half of 1915. The industrie.s sustained various set-
backs during 1914, culminating in the dernorahsation arising
through the workmen being mobilised at the outbreak of the
war. but influences from the same source have contributed
to the revival. \A hile certain pha.ses of the industries are
obviously temporary, and the permanency of others is doubt- •
ful, it is believed that the headway gained is likely to carry
the industries into a period of activity extending over several
years. Every effort is being exerted to cope with the changed
conditions; new mills are being constructed, while furnaces
are being fired that had been abandoned for years. A con-
siderable rise in the prices of all raw materials is reported,
due in part to the domestic sources of supply being cut off
b ^ reason of the ore-producing regions being in the possession
of the Gennan forces, as well as to the unprecedented rise in
freight charges. Wages likewise advanced 50 per cent., for
which the increased cost of living, scarcity of labour, and high
scale of wages paid by the Government factories are chiefly
responsible."

In giving advice to those interested in sending American
goods to the market, Mr. Llunt says : —

" The St. Etienne Consular district being inland, dii-ect
iu'porting is limited. American goods reach this district
through large wholesale hquses established at Pa^ris. which
send travelUng salesmen periodically through the district. . .
There are many useful American-made novelties that could'
be successfully marketed in this district, but the large and
small local retailers have no facilities nor the required capital
to carry out the necessary work to create the demand. Some
plan ought to be worked out that would enable local mer
chants to get in direct touch with American manufacturers.
The attention of American manufacturers and exporters is
called to the question of corresponding with French mer-
chants in their own language, and the printing of explanatory
trade literature in French .so far as possible. This Consulate
is ready at all times to render aid of this kind, and local mer-
chants come to this office regularly with letters and cable-
grams to be translated. Frequently they are so brief and
with technical phrases that it is sometimes difficult to put
them into intelligible French. Tunely service of this kind
during 1915 was the direct cause qf promoting several ship-
ments of American shoes and belting and sole leather valued
at $30,000.

"In normal times French merchants do not care to pay
for goods before they are received, and they are accustomeij
to and expect to receive credits varying from 30 to 90 days.
The French merchants want American goods, yet business
must be done in their way. American manufacturers as a
rule refuse to quote prices otherwise than f.o.b. New York,
or more often their home town. With such quotations it is
difficult, if not impossible, for the French merchant estab-
lished in an interior district like St. Etienne to figure on this
basis whether he will be able to sell the desired goods at a
profit or not. It is possible that this disinclination on the
part of American manufacturers to quote c.i.f. prices may
explain the reason why the merchants in this region handling
certain kinds of American goods prefer to buy them through
Paris agencies or wholesale importers."

The Grenoble district report (Consul T. D. Davis) says :—

" Numbers of responsible business men are anxious to estab-
lish permanent relations with .American hou.ses for the sale
of American goods, it being the popular view that the United
States will neces.sarily supply the greater part of the commer-
cial and industrial needs of the country after the war. At
that time there should be a good demand in this .section for
industrial machinery, machine parts and supplies, hardware.
.... and automobiles and motor trucks. There .should
also be a fair demand for electric fixtures. There will be,
of course, a temporary demand for American manufactures
of almost every kind', and if articles of good quality are
offered and the price with the freight and tariff added is not
too high, a permanent trade in many lines may be estab-
lished. A most important matter, however, is the attitude
of the American exporter on the question of credits. There
are instances where Americans have exacted of French buyers
of reputed large credit that they deposit the amount of prob-
able aggregate orders in American banks before shipment
would be made. In one ca.se' a credit of 900.000 _ francs

$173,700) was required to be established with a designated

280

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

IV„1.

No. 2.(124. SlCPTKMBKl! S, IJtli;

Aiueiioan bank. These terms were coinplied with, and a
business sati.sfactory in all other respects has resulted ; but it
should occur to those who desire to establish permanent rela-
tions with French merchants of the interior provinces that
these terms will be met onlj- so lon^ as the abnormal condi-
tions make it absolutely necessary. Unless arrangements can
be made through the establishing of better banking facilities
or otherwise by which credit can be extended to reliable con-
cerns, permitting at least 30 days, preferably 00 or even 90,
for the payment for merchandise after delivery, with suitable
discount for cash payments, the amount of trade that will be
held in this district against competition will be negligible."

whereas the internal motions of molecules, and their transfer
of energy to the ether, are now believed to be governed by
an entirely difl'erent system of dynamical laws.

The author chiefly deals with" the quantum theory in the
last chaiitcr, where ho considers it in relation to radiation.

To the physicist— especially to the physicist who is also a
mathematician— the book will be found of great value. It
represents an immense amount of labour," is splcndidlv
printed and bound, and contains .some 4-36 large pages.

REVIEWS.

NEW PATENTS APPLIED FOR,

(NOT YET PUBLISHHD),

1916.

Installations Eleclriques' de Force et Lumiere. Schemes de
Connexions. By Adr. Curchod; Paris : Dunod et E.
Pinat. Price 7f. 50c.

.\ brief preface by M. P. Janet introduces us to this
extremely practical little work. He remarks that its format
will permit of its being placed in an inside pocket, next to
• the indispensable .slide-rule, and this is true, though we pre-
dict confidently enough that if it were subjected to much
pocket use it would soon drop to pieces. We have had occa-
sion to remark in reviewing other French technical pubhca-
tions, that they are very poor examples of the book pro-
ducer's art.

Briefly, there are 80 plates, consisting of diagrams of con-
nections of all kinds of apparatus, with 45 pages of descriptive
matter, and a feature which we should like to see in our own
technical literature, viz.. a list of the symbols used in the
work, with their meaning.

Forty plates deal with continuous-current installations, from
the single machine supplying a lighting network, with field
rheostat, voltmeter, and amperemeter, to comix)und-wound
machines paralleled on bu,s-bars to many feeders.

The next '23 plates deal with alternating-current connec-
tions, then follow five on the transfonnation of alternating
into continuous current, and 12 on miscellaneous apparatus.

Altogether, this is a useful work for the practical man,
and the mere tracing-out of the diagrams themselves forms
an exercise the educational value of which is by no means to
be despised. Considering the price, however, we must repeat
that we do think the binding ought to be improved.

Tlic Dynamical Theory of Gases (Second Edition). By J. H.
Jeans, M.A., F.R.S. Canibridge University Press. Price
16s. net.

While the first edition of this book aimed at developing
the theory of gases upon as exact a mathematical basis as
possible, the present edition attempts to render as much as
possible of the book intelligible to the non-mathematical
reader; in order to accomp!i.sh which the author has divided
it to a large extent into mathematical and physical chapters.
Thus the student whose interest lies chiefly on the experi-
mental side can get an intelligible account of the present
state of the subject by reading certain chapters and regard-
ing the more mathematical ones simply as material for refer-
ence.

The work, of course, is a very complete treatise on its
subject, and the mathematics is far beyond the range of the
practical man — even though the latter be very completely
and scientifically trained. Nevertheless, in the more physical
parts there are many matters which he can grasp, and which
are of great interest in these days of atomic and electrical
discovery. A very useful idea is that of substituting a two-
dimensional concept for a three-dimen.sional one when con-
sidering the motions of molecules. The molecules are likened
to billiard balls (for want of more precise knowledge), and as
it is difficult to imagine in detail the movements of a large
number of spheres flying about in three dimensions, the
vessel in which the gas is enclosed is represented by a billiard
table, the cushions of the latter taking the place of the walls
of the vessel. It is surprising how many of the properties
of gases can be illustrated by this imaginary apparatus.

The author devotes some space to the quantum theory,
which has of late years rather revolutionised the position of
the kinetic theory. He illustrates the difficulties encountereii
in the latter by considering the dissipation of energy of the
bilhard balls. For no matter how elastic the billiard balls
and table may be. the motion of the balls, once starte(i, can-
not continue indefinitely. The energy dissipated by collisions
is transformed into energy of internal vibrations. A gas
.should similarly in a short time lose the energv of transla-
tional motion of its molecules, and replace it by energy of
internal vibration of the.se molecules and energy in the "sur-
rounding ether. It does not do so, however, and if was not
until the quantum theory was introduced that anything like
a satisfactory explanation could be found. This theory states
that there is no true analogy between the two cases when
we consider questions of internal vibrations and transfer of
energy to the surrounding medium. For the motion of the
billiard balls is governed by the well-known Newtonian laws.

Compiled exprossly tor this journal by Messrs. W. P. Thompson & Co,
Elcctric;il Pnteni Agents', 285, High Holborn, London, W.C, and at
Liverpool and Bradford.

11,836.

11,884.

11,907.
diictors."

11,919.
23nd

11,924.

" Klectrically-opcrated clocks, Sic." W. Alldis. .August 21st.
" Electric bicycle." J. T. Shaw. August 22nd.

*' Couplings for armoured or protective cables and electric m.i;-
V. C. H. Gibson. August 23nd.
" .Magnetos." M.L. MaAneio Svndicate & D. K. MOKSIS. Augusl

cs." Sterling Telephone 8: Electric C"

'/ Lacquering machi
.'\ugust 22nd.

11.944,- " Magnetos:" K. Ord-Macke.szie. August 23rd.

11,95(). *' Electrical stop. motions (or knitting machines." H. Collins, Lid
AND \V. H. C. Spencek. August 23rd.

11,961. "Mountings for electric, &c., lamps, and fittings thereof." SirW.i,.
.Armstrong, Wimtworth & Co. and A. S. Cheetiiam. August 23rd.

11,968. " Electric glow lamps, enclosed arc lamps, &c." C. O. Bastian.
August 23rd.

11,972. " !*ne signalling keys." F. G. Bell, W. C. Davev, The Sterling
Telephone & Electric Co. August 23rd.

11,982, " Spark plugs." J. J. Platt. August 23rd.

12,013. " Sp.nrking plugs for internal-combustion engines." Baxter and
C/iUNTER & F. VV. SuTER. August 24th.

12,016. " Electr"o.magnetic switches." British Tho.\ison-Holston Co.
(General Electric Co., U.S.A.). August 24th.

12,019. " Primary electric cells." J. W. Nicholson (G. N. Antonofl).
August 24th.

12,033. " Apparatus for wireless telegraphy." Marconi's Wireless Tele-
okaph Co. & J. St. V. Pletts. August 24th.

12.043. " Electrical fuseboards or systems." W. Preston, W. Sanders &
Cd. and .\, Crawford. August 25th.

12.044. " Electrical fuses, and parts appertaining thereto,"
W. Preston and W. Sanders S: Co. August 25th.

12.045. " Electrical fuseboards or systems." A. C
\V. Sanders & Co. .August 25th.

12,063. " Electric machines." Soc. d'Electriciti
(France, August 27th, 1915.)

12,066. " Electric resistance elements." Britisi
(General Electric Co., U.S.A.). August 25th.

12.070. " Mouthpiece (or telephone transmitters, &c."
2jth. (Norway, August 25tl,i, 1915.)

12,090. " Telegraph systems, and apparatus therefor.'
I'lioNE Manupacturinc Co, & S. R. Smith. August 20ili.

12,099. " Dry cells." G. L. Ta.^ver. .August 26th.

Crawford,
W. Preston and
NiLMELioR. August 25th.
Thomson-Houston Co.

TllOKLE. August
AUT0M,4TIC TelK-

PUBLISHED SPECIFICATIONS.

X9X5.

11,168. Manufacture of Electrical Conductor or Wire
ANO apparatus therefor. E. Fewkes. August 3rd. (Co
13,415/15.)

11.335, Electrolytic Recovery of Zinc from Ores and o
Materials. U. C. Tainton. August 5th.

11.336. Electrolytic Recovery of Metals fko.m their Solutions and appa- v -
ratus therefor. U. C, Tainton. August 5th. 3[§

11,510. Dynamo-electric Machines, U.S. Light & Heat Corporation. '3
.August 9th. (August 14th, 1914.)

11,512. Electric Connections for Electrically-heated Irons and like
Utlnsils. C. Kretz. August 9lh. ■•

11.544. Manufacture of Incandescent Electric Lamps. British Thomson-
Houston Co. (General Electric Co., U.S.A.). August 10th. ,

) to Dynamo-electric Machines, Soc. '

August 10th. (September 16th, 1914.)'

A. Schaanning & G. Harlow. August

AiNiNG Bands
; application,

ZiNC-BEARINO

11,566. Explosion Engines coupl
non. des Etablissements L. Blerioi
Electrical Tr.\nsformers.

11,568.
10th.

11,715. Jewels for Measuring Instruments and the like, and Method op
Manufacturing the same. British Thomson-Houston Co. (General Electric ,
Co., U,S,A.). August 13th.

11,790. Short-circuiting and Brush liffing Gear for Alternatinc^:urrbnt ^
.Motors. Lancashire Dynamo & Motor Co., H. B. Whitmore Si R. J. Roberts.
.August 16th.
13,391. Ignition Systems for Internal-combustion Engines. H. Randolph. ■
r 20th. (December 24th, 1914.)
Fittings for Electric Incandesce.nt Candle La.mps. C. H. Burt.
September 30th. .

Measuring Instruments, C. E. Foster. (October 7th. -».
Internal-combustion Engines h-wing Electrical Accessories. J. B.
1. October 20th. ',

Contact-making and Breaking Devices of Magneto-flectric Machines
^ lNTERN.\L-coMBUSTioN ENGINES. M. S. ConncT. Octobcr 23rd.
TRIC Insulators. A. R. Muller. November 17th. (Patent of '
addition, 27,738/12.)

16,540. Electric Batteries.
Co.. U.S.A.). November 23rd.

17,921. Rotary Interrupter for Electric Ignition Devices. Robert Bosch
(firm oO. December 22nd. (February 18th, I»15,)

1918.

5,398, Electric Insulating Compositions. E. Soberg & J. Anderson. .April
12tli. (101,067.)

5,680. Ignition' Controllers fo-t
Krnnington. April 18th. (101,070.)

13,901.
and Huntalite, L

14,214. Electrii

14,819. Interna
Fergussoi

14,995.
for Ignit

16,185.

Marks (Interstate Electric Novelty

M.U.-COMBUSIION En

THE

EHjECmS/IC-A-Xj I^.E'VIEi'VT'.

Vol. LXXIX.

SEPTEMBER 15, 1916.

No. 2,025.

ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

INDUSTRIAL PROBLEMS.

Vol. liXXIX.l

CONTENTS: September 15, 1916.

[No

2,0-25.

Page
. 2S1

Industrial Problems

The Decimal System ... ... ... ... ... ... 2.'<2

The Metropolitan Electric Supply Co 282

Pij? Lead '. 2SS

The Wire-Drawing- Industries; ... ... ... 283

The Supply Monopoly Question in Ciermany ... 2>*S

riie P\iller Electrical Manufacturinor Works. Chadwell Heath

(«7/«.0 284

National Insurance .4ct. IHll. — Extension of Cnemployment

Insurance, by Jos. J. H. Stansfield ... ... ... ... 287

Xew Electrical Devices, Fittinsrs and Plant (jlliis.^ 28S

^wiss Railway Electrification {/'//«■<. ~l ... ... ... ... 28!t

Correspondence—

To Go— Or Not to Go .' 2Hn

The Rewards of Industry ... ... ... ... ... '2'Mi

Scientific and Industrial Research (/■ii«//«««/) 2'.il)

Legral 2;U

War Items " 292

Business Notes ... ... 294

Notes... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 21^8

City Notes SOd

Stocks and Shares ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 301

Electric Tramway and Railway Traffic Returns ... ... 302

Market Quotations ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 302

The British Association— II 303

Address to the Eng-ineering- Section, by G. Stone.r ... 303

Electric Power Distribution, by C. H. Merz ... ... 30(i

Foreigrn and Colonial Tariffs on Electrical Goods 307

New Patents Applied for. 191G 308

.-Vbstracts of Published Specifications ... ... ... ... 308

Contractors' Column

Adyertisement pag-e xx

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THE UNIVERSAL ELECTRICAL DIRECTORY

1916 EDITION.

H. ALABASTER, GATEHOUSE & CO.,

4, Ludgate HiU, London, E.G.

Presiding over the Engineering Section of the
British Association at Newcastle last week, Mr.
Gerald Stoney delivered an address which is bound
to attract attention in engineering circles, if only
for the candour and fearlessness with which the
author alluded to certain blemishes on the fair fame
of the industr}-. His theme was " errors committed
in the past "' ; some of the points with which he dealt
have often been referred to in these columns, and
we welcome the confirmation of our views conveyed
in his remarks, which we have reproduced almost
//) extenso.

The want of appreciation of scientific methods,
and scientifically trained men, amongst engineering
firms — which, one would think, should be the very
first to perceive their advantages — with which Mr.
Stoney opens his address will soon, we hope, be a
thing of the past; the importance of such aids,
which under modern conditions are indispensable to
success, has been recognised in many quarters and
effectively driven home by the war. In this reform
the great engineering institutions have played a
part which reflects credit upon their Councils. The
value of research, especially on a large scale under
national auspices, was also fully emphasised by the
author, and need not be laboured here. But' per-
haps the most noteworthy passages in the address
are those in which Air. Stoney discusses the rela-
tions between employers and employed, and the
changed conditions which have arisen from the re-
placement of the individual employer by the limited
liability company — a change to which many of the
Labour troubles of to-day can be directly traced.
Mr. Stoney explains, in language which any work-
man can readily grasp, the functions of the capitalist
and the impossibility of dispensing with his assist-
ance, but focuses attention on the responsibilities
which the capitalist nuist discharge towards the
workers, the neglect of which is at the root of much
of the distrust which so generally reigns between the
two parties." The propagation of the gospel of "Wel-
fare Work," and the carrying into effect of its
teachings, will go some way to remedy this state of
feeling and bring about more cordial relations, but
we believe the cracial questions are concerned with
the fixation of rates of wages, and the correlated
question of the amount of work to be done. The
present system of payment on time appears to us to
be analogous to selling electricity by contract: the
amount of payment is independent of the work done,
and naturally he who sells the work tries to keep
down the quantity delivered. A fairer system is to
pay in accordance with the output, a system analo-
gous to sale of energy by meter; this involves dis-
crimination between individual capacities for work.
But as in electricity supply a still better and more
equitable plan is to charge a fixed sum plus so much
per unit, so in the workshop the best system is
that which assures to the workman a reasonable
weekly wage, plus a bonus depending directly upon
his output. As Mr. Stoney says, the question is a
difficult one, and when we come to the adjustment
of prices for piece-work, the difficulties are multi
plied. Yet they must be faced, for the question is
of fundamental importance. We note that Mi.
Stoney corroborates the view to which we have
given expression from time to time, that price-
cutting on piece work is largely responsible for the
restriction of output on the part of the men. As he

[281]

282

THl^ ELECTRICAL IIEVIEW. [Voi. ?;.. No. 2.025. !«BrTKMBKK m, i;m«.

obser\-e.<. " If the price lias been fairly fixed, wliy
should it be reduced because the man makes large
wages due to his skill and industry?" The em-
ployer gets the benefit of the increased output with
practically no increase in tlie .standing charges, and
" it is mticli more important to get large output
than to pay small wages." There is the case in a
nut-shell. As the rule that the price must be cut
if a man makes more than tinie-and-half imposes a
penalty on the inferior workmen, who cannot main-
tain the same rate of output, it is obvious that the
men in self-defence are simply compelled to set a
limit to the production per man. The present cir-
cumstances afford a unique opportunity for putting
an end to both these evil practices — price-cutting
and limitation of output. \\'e do not altogether
agree with the author that it is pleasant to the work-
man^ — at any rate, the good workman — to " slack ";
a capable man takes a pride in doing his best and
quickest, and in this he should be encouraged bv
an adequate reward. The principle of a minimuiii
standard wage plus payment in proportion to output
above a minimum limit, which, as we have pointed
out, is somewhat analogous to the well-known sys-
tem of cha>ging for electrical energy, has already
been adopted in coal mining, and though it pos-
sesses obvious drawbacks, it is worthy of careful
study. The same may be said of Mr. Stoney's fur-
ther remarks on works management, which we
commend to the attention of both employers and
workmen — as he says, "what is really wanted is
common honesty and common sense on both sides,
for one side is as bad as the other at present."

Mr. Stoney's severe comments on the conduct of
the large armament firms in connection with the
shortage of ammunition, while not directly falling
within our sphere, cannot be passed over without
attention. So grave a charge, if it emanated from
a less responsible source, might be regarded as the
fruit of prejudice or jealousy, but coming from so
well-informed and so sincere a critic, it calls for an
answer from the firms concerned — and especially
from certain newspapers which threw the blame of
the shortage upon the late Lord Kitchener. On the
remaining subjects of the address — combination of
employers, standardisation of specifications, the
necessity of research work, and the deficiencies of
our educational system — few engineers will be found
to differ from the author, whose outspoken and in-
structive address deserves the most careful con-
sideration.

A NOTKWORTHY feature of the
The sittings of the Economic Science

Decimal Section of the British Association
System. last week was the inclusion of a

paper advocating the adoption by
this country of the decimr.l system of coinage,
weights, and measures. Not the least significant
fact attending this innovation — for we believe the
subject has not been touched upon by the B.A. for
many years — was the identity of the author of the
paper, Sir Richard Burbidge, who, as the managing
director of one of our most successful " stores,"
has attained a position of the highest standing in
commercial circles, whilst the reader of the paper,
in the absence of the author, was Dr. Hunter, of the
well-known Tyneside firm of Swan, Hunter & Wig-
ham Richardson, Ltd.. who in the main agreed with
Sir Richard's conclusions. Moreover. Mr. Gerald
Stoney, President of the Engineering Section,
strongly supported the proposal, and Sir Henry
Cunningham, the well-known economist, also advo-
cated the adoption of the decimal system by our-
selves, in conjunction with the rest of the English-
speaking world. Mr. Goriol, an Australian "dele-
gate, stated that Australia and New Zealand were
only waiting for the Mother Country to move, and
Prof. A. W. Kirkaldv, President of the Section, also

utged that the Anglo-Saxon world should act
together in bringing about this much-needed reform.
For some time past the daily Press has shown a
modest degree of interest in the subject, and leader
writers have urged that the time had come to deal
with the question resolutely. Hitherto the flabby
wait-for-a-mandate attitude of our Government has
been the greatest obstacle to progress, and we cor-
dially welcome the accession of the lay Press to the
ranks of tiie agitators, as an indication that public
opinion is being aroused. We have done all that
r.e could to stimulate interest in the subject — our
readers hardly need be reminded that in October
and November last year, in a series of articles ex-
tending over seven weeks, we endeavoured to
explain the necessity of the change, and to dispel
some of the illusory ideas which prevail with regard
to the difficulties in the way of its accomplishment.
Since then progress has been made — slow, it is true,
but not less sure for that; the Council of the Institu-
tion of Electrical Engineers has definitely declared
in its favour, and other public bodies have expressed
their approval, while Press references to the subject
grow continually more frequent. We cordially wel-
come a leading article in the Daily Telegraph of
Monday last, on " Necessary Reforms," which con-
cludes with this admirable summary : —

Germany and .\ustria-Hungary recognised many years ago
the virtues of the decimal system. Their policy of uniformity
conferred no slight benefit upon them in their relations with
fnieign markets. When peace comes it is imperative that
this advantage should not any longer be theirs to our injury.
This is essentially a matter for the trading communitieB.
Their interests are menaced by adherence to a currency and
system of weights and measures which hinder trading. We
are inclined to the belief that, as in other reforms, the neces-
sary changes would prove far less disturbing than is some-
times anticipated, since the movement would be from chaoB
to order. Once tlie reforms were carried out, our only wonder
would be that we had so long been blind to their advantages.

In our issue of March 31st v/t
The Metropolitan "Jrew attention to the proceedings
Electric at the annual meeting of the

Supply Co. Metropolitan Electric Supply Co.,
and commented at some length
upon the satisfactory progress of the company on
the one hand, and the extraordinary attitude of the
chairman, Mr. W. H. Cripps, and his colleague, Mr.
F. L. Harris, towards the development of the power
load at low prices on the other. Elsewhere in this
issue will be found the report of the committee of
shareholders that was appointed at the annual
meeting to investigate the company's affairs and to
consider questions of past and futiire policy, from
which it will be found that the committee has im-
plicitly endorsed every word of our criticism, that
Mr. Cripps has resigned the office of chairman, and
that the value of Mr. Highfield's services to the
cc mpany has been cordially recognised, while his
policy of development has been strongly recom-
mended to the shareholders.

No other conclusion could have been attained by
any body of business men who were acquainted witb
the circumstances and conditions appertaining to the
supply of electricity on commercial lines, and the
tendencies of engineering practice at this time,
which clearly point to the continued adoption of
electricity for motive power and allied purposes at
an increasing rate. The committee had the assist-
ance of experts of the highest standing in engineer-
ing and finance, whose reports were doubtless of
very great interest ; it is to be regretted that these
are not to be published, though of course we have
no fault to find with the decision of the committee
in a matter so intimately affecting the company's
interests.

The new board of directors, strengthened by the
addition of men in the front rank of the electrical
industries, and provided with full information as to
the position and prospects of the company, will have

roi. 7!<. No. 2,025, September 1.-), liUti.] THK ELECTEICAL REVIEW.

283

a first-class opportunity of guidiny its affairs on
sound lines towards the goal of prosperity, and it
only remains for the shareholders, at the meeting
which has been called, to express their approval of
the arrangement which has been made on their
behalf by the committee, and to authorise the direc-
tors to '' carry on " in accordance with its recom-
mendations; we trust that this course will be fol-
lowed, and that imder enlightened control, and the
able management of Mr. Highfield, who has done
30 much akeady to improve the company's position,
the future of this great imdertaking- will present a
record of unbroken progress and success. '

There has not beeit a great deal
fig Lead. of activity in pig lead in the last few-
weeks, nor has this been possible,
for the simple reason that the market has been un-
usually bare of sellers. It is rather difficult to under-
stand that buyers were, until towards the end of
August, constantly bidding up prices against each
other, seeing that parcels were systematically with-
held in the absence of offers from the authorities,
who have the market entirely under their control.
Certain dealers were apparently short, and, there-
fore, rather fidgety, and prices eventually rose to
about' £31 IDS. for immediate delivery, although no
business was done over £31 for near shipment.

In the course of this month there has been a dis-
tinct change of attitude on the part of consumers
since the reappearance of offers from controlled
sources, which has been anxiously awaited. Fair
quantities have been already released in that direc-
tion, and probably more lead will come on the mar-
ket, while the arrivals have been on a more liberal
scale. That the authorities are now in a better posi-
tion to afford relief may be attributed to the fact
that the hea\'y extra requirements for Russia have
been met. The market has already yielded consider-
ably, prices for near positions now being in the
neighbourhood of £30, though there is still a fair
demand going on, which, however, is chiefly con-
fined to near arrivals. Forward positions have not
attracted quite so much attention, though there is
no pressure to sell. The position was a few weeks
ago complicated by the fact that some desilverisers
were caught somewhat short against outstanding
contracts entered into with smaller European pro-
ducers, whose operations were suspended through
lack of fuel. American metal is free from Govern-
ment control, but no American or Mexican metal
is being shipped to this side. America, of course,
has been competing in other directions, very con-
siderable quantities having been sold and shipped by
that countrj' to Russia via Archangel.

There is apparently not much surplus available
for export on the other side at present, inasmuch as
a good tonnage was also diverted to Canada.
Domestic consumers were short, anjj bou.ght freely
lately, which, coupled with a scarcity of prompt
stuffs, accounts for the firmness of the trans-
Atlantic market. Our total imports, *as officially
returned for August, were only 14,960 tons, making
an aggregate of 108,804 tons for the eight months,
this showing a deficit of 78,000 tons against the
same period last year, but these figures are very
misleading, for they do not include the lead that has
come in on Government account. Similarly, it is
probable that the considerable quantities of Govern-
ment metal diverted to Russia are not included in
the re-export returns, so that the statistical posi-
tion cannot be gauged. Yet, there is good reason
for believing thafc the total supplies that have,
reached this country so far this year are not any-
thing like so large as in the previous year, when the
United States contributions were abnormally heavy.

The French imports have been maintained on a
beavy scale, chiefly from Spain, the total for the
first half of this year being roughly 42,300 tons, or

some 17,000 tons in excess of the previous year,
this being, of course, explained by France* huge
munition requirements. The Spanish exports for
the same period were, too. verj' big, an indication
that production has not suffered very severely from
the scarcity of fuel. Consumers of red and white
lead continue to find great difficulty in obtaining
supplies owing to an acute scarcity, partly attributed
to labour shortcomings.

The need for a closer co-opera-
The tion of interests among the leading

Wire=Drawing British wire manufacturers, as re-
Industries. gards the retention of trade pre-
viously done in these markets, and
the acquisition of new business which has been
allowed to go elsewhere, has been fairly well
exemplified in one or two ftistances during the past
twelve months. The shutting-out of German wire
manufactures, which, in the copper section, shared
far too large a proportion of the home trade in this
country, and the continued difficulties experienced
in obtaining shipments from America, have pre-
sented favourable opportunities for the creation of
new wire manufacturing" businesses on a small scale,
which, in some cases, have been backed up, guaran-
teed, and partly financed by leading houses in the
electrical trades, as a result of the continued failure
to obtain sufficient supplies elsewhere.

In one or two cases the entire output of small
firms draw'ing the finer sizes has been, we under-
stand, bought up by one or more important elec-
trical houses, in order to guarantee the latter a
continued supply of copper wire. ■ Tfie demands
made upon these comparatively new firms have, in
some cases, exceeded their output capacity by two
or three times, whereas complaints have been heard
from one or two of the largest wire manufacturers
in this country of a distinct tendency to slackness
in the fine-wire department.

There are, doubtless, other causes responsible for
this position, but the success of the small firms has
been attributed, to a laree extent, to the fact that
thev have laid themselves out systematically to in-
quire for new business previously done by the
German firms and others, with the satisfactory
results mentioned.

The Supply
Monopoly
Question

in Germany.

The German and Prussian
Municipal Council has at last felt
constrained to assume an attitude
of opposition towards any scheme
of Govermnent domination of
the supply of electricity, such as has been sug-
gested during the course of the 4)ast two or three
years. It is pointed out that the efforts of various
Federal States and of Government authorities in
Prussian provinces are bemg directed so as to secure
the control of the entire system of supply. Under
these circumstances the Council, representing the
municipal and communal authorities, considers that
tliese must come forward in defence of an important
component part of their local government and finan-
cial interests in electricity supply works. It is held
that the aims of the States, if accomplished, would
lead to an artificial over-str.aining of the idea of
centralisation, would be technically objectionable on
the ground of accidental or malevolent interruption
in the supply from a few large works, and would
cause financial disaster to numerous existing works
which are in a prosperotis condition. It is further
contended that a State monopoly would be pre-
judicial to the interests of consumers, as it would
abolish the present advantage of dealing directly
with individual consumers, and that the sale prices,
instead of being lower, would probably be higher
under a system of State domination.

284

THE EI.ECTRICAL REVIEW. [Voi. tv. no.

02:), Sei'tembbr ir>. I'.Hti.

THE FULLER ELECTRICAL MANUFACTURING WORKS, CHADWELL HEATH.

Thk (inn of John C. Fuller A- Son has been in uxistuncu for
alunit half a ceiitun'. the lii-st hank pass-bot>k of their
present hmikci's. the Xational Hank of Seothmil, datiiii; back
to ISti"). Mr. John Crisp Fuller, the senior jiartner, who
ilied in 1911 at the age of over IM), was contemporary
with many of the eai-ly eminent electricians. He was
iisswiated with the Electric and Int(>rnational Telegraph
Co., the forerutmer of the present Post Office telegraphs, in
its earliest days, and was thus a fellow-worker in electrical
mattei-g with Mr. Latimer Clark, Mr. Edwin Clark. Mr.
Varley, Mr. Culley, Sir William Preeee. and ninny otlur
well-known men.

His energy and capability Ijronght him into contact with
many scientific men, amongst. them Michael Faraday, whom
he had the privilege of assisting in some of his experi-
ments : he often spoke of the simple, unatfected modesty of
that gi'eat man.

He was of an inventive turn of mind, and, commencing
his career as he did, in the early days of practical electrii-
telegi-apliy, he wa.s able to plan and invent many things
which were very useful, though they have now ceased
to be identified with his name. His first patent for
batteries was taken out in IKfjS, and this branch of
electrical work has remained a speciality of the firm
up to the present time. He had the management for some
yeai's, in its early days (about 185X), of the India-Rubber.
(iJutta-Percha and Telegrajih Works C<\. at Sihertown. first

Later, he and his son. Mr. (ieorge Fuller, who is nyw
the senior ])artner, joined in forming the present firm i>f
John C. Fuller iV: Son. .\t Mr. Fuller's death, llie busiiiesK

was, for family reasons, made
pany. There arc few EiiglisI

into
i-s|,ei

a private limited coni-
kinir electrical engineers

Fig. 1. — ExTKiiioR oi- Wubks

known as Messrs. S. W. Silver c\; Co. At that time, when
the system of electric telegi'aphy was so new, thei'e were
very few sources of supply of telegraphic apparatus or
material : hence it fell verv largely to him to desiffu and

Pasting Shop.

manufacture apparatus, insulated wire, cable, etc., and
he took pai't in the installation of their submarine cables.
He afterwards joined Mr. W. T. Henley, and wiis connected
with the North Woolwich works for some years.

who are not familiar with the name of Fuller — Fulloi''s
insulators. Fuller's bichi'omate batteries. Fuller's dry cells.
Fuller's lilock accumulators, and Fuller's wire have pene-
trated nearly all over the world.

Owing to llie development (if the
Imsiuess. their old factory at Bow lia.s
liei'iiiiie tiici small, and they are now
installed <<\i aliout 12 acres of land at
Chadwell Heath. There the firm have
liuilt an ni)-t!>date factory and offices, the
riinnerconii>rising the Fuller Battery and
Telegi'iijili Wcii'ks. the Fuller Accuniii-
hitcir Works, the Fuller Wire and Cable
Works, and (in course of erection) the
Fuller Cai-lion and Electrical Works.

The Fuller Accumulator Co., Ltd.,
was Innned four years ago to develo]>
llie manufacture on broader connnercial
lines of the "Block" and plate accii-
iimlators, which was formerly a- depait-
iiient of the ]iarent company, J. C. Fuller
ami Sim. The new company has been
\cry successful, and the accumulators .
inauufaetureil in its works are very
widely used.

The " Block '' cell, which has been
described in our colunms, is specuUly adapted to replace primary
cells, particularly in connection with Post Office and railway
telegraphs, and all other signalling installations in which a
small current is required, as it retains its charge ("when

7!l. No. 2.(12."

SEPTE.MBE.i m. u.u;.] THE ELECTKICAL REVIEW.

285

liu'litly drawn upon) for two years <ir more. anil, under

ordinary conditions. rei[uires eharuino; oidy twice a year.

i>ar<;e numbers have already been installed by Government

di'partments and railways, botli at home

Mild abroad, in substitution for primary

. ills, over which they show a great savinji-

in niaintenance and depreciation.

Messrs. Fuller's were one of the first

tii'ins to realise the possibilities of the

accumulator for service in connection

with motor-cars, and their batteries are

well known to motorists every\vliere.

Quite recently the advent of the

American car has brought a further de-
velopment iu the shape of the "Sparta '"

battery for starting and lighting. This

battery, which was described in cun-

issue of August 11th, is now effecti\ely

replacing the American ai-cuinulatnr on

cars running in this coiuitry and in tlic

Colonies. Messrs. Fuller's have branches

and agencies in all the Dominions and
.Colonies, and on the Continent, and arc

continually e.\tending their actixi-tics in

fresh markets.

We give herewith some views in
^their new accumulator sho)is. wliicli

to guard against injury t*i the health of
Fig. 3 shows the casting shop, where the
" Block " and plate cells are cast. In fig.

the workmen,
lead grids for
2, flie pasting ■

I. FilBMING Sill

-RcBFtEi: (.'ii\ i;ni-No JIa?hisc.

shop, the iron hoods whicli almost
surround the bowls of paste, and are
'•onnected to air trunks which lead to
an e.xhaust fan, are prominent features:
the grids are pasted by hand, pressed
in machines, and dried on racks, befon'
jiassing to the forming shop, shown in
fig. i. This long room is noticealily free
I rom the discomfort sometimes attending
the liberation of gas and acid spray from
so large a lunnber of forming benches.
The acid can l)e run off from each com-
piutment into large vats, whence it is
pumped up into elevated taidvS, and gravi-
tates to the benches without handling. ;
The Fuller's Wire and Cable Co.,
Ltd., was formed comparatively recently
t ) develop the wire and cable business
nf the parent t-ompany, and is now
established in a sejiarate factory, wdiich
is fitted up on the most; modern lines
and equipped with the latest machinery,
from the curliest stages of washing,
mixing, and calendering india-riibl)er

Fig. C. — Rubber Machines .vnd Lead Press.

are exceptional ly
vided with the

well 1
most

ghted and ventilated, and pro-
U])-to-date sanitary precaiticns

to the final braiding i
of electric-liglit wire

r lead co\criiig. Every descriptiou
and i-al)le is beintr mauufactuced

280

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW, [voi. :•,.

No. 2,1125, Sei'TKMbku ir>. 1916,

1

here, and the new faeUny is already working at full pres-
sure on orders which are i-oniintr in from all p-.irts (■! the
world.

In fii?. 5 We ilhis-
irate a new nuuhine
for covering wire.*
with rubher on the
longitudinal lajiping
system, for the
highest class of in-
sulation ; fig. G shows
ruiilier grinding,
washing, and mixing
machines on the left,
a new lead press in
the background, and
on the right two ma-
chines for covering
wires with rubber by
extrusion — a coni-
panitively new pro-
cess, but well adapted
to the production of
thick coatings of
rubl)er, such as are
used for motor-car
wiring, and for the
second grade of in-
sulated flexible. Each
machine can turn out
four miles df He\il>le

carpeutei-s' shops are also pi-o\ idcii. In another department
Mausbridge condensci-s for telephone work arc manufactured.

-Braiding Machixios.
Ful

Fiii. s.^ZiNc Shop.

Carbon and Electrical Co.,
Ltd., is also a development of a de-
partment of the parent company. It is
well known that most of the carbons
used in this country l)efore the war
came from (lermany, and on the out-
break of war, manufacturers of batteries,
users of arc lamps, and public bodies
generally were confronted with the
]iroblem of obtaining adequate su])]>lies.
'riiei'c were \ei'y few home manufacturers
to draw upon, and Messrs. J. C. Fuller and
Son, Ltd., decided to inake the carbons
which they required for their battery con-
tracts on their own premises. A complete
])lant was established, and as a de-
\elopmeiit from this a new factory is
now in course of erection, where the
highest class of battery carbons, arc
lamp carbons, flame carbons, &c., will
shortly be made. The company are
already producing high-grade battery
carbons, flash-lamji carbons, and agglo-

(single) a day. There is a great demand
in this department, both at home and
abroad, owing to the elimination of
German goocls from the market. Ma-
chines for brass-armouring motor-car
wires, laying-up flexible cords, insu-
lating bell wires, &c., are installed in
other shops, and we give in fig. 7 a view
of the braiding machinery, which includes
a proportion of the latest pattern of
high-speed braiders.

Figs 8 and 9 are \-iews in theprimarv
batteiy shops of Messrs. Jolm C. Fuller
and Son, Ltd., the former showing the
zinc shop, w^here the outer cases are made
lip, and the latter the assembliui,'- shop,
where ordinary types of dry cells and
the " Inert " pattern (which can be kept
in stock indefinitely, only becoming
active when water is poured into it)
are manirfactured. The firm make their
own carbons for these batteries, and
carry out e\ery process in their manu-
facture on the premises, where they also
have a well-equipped chemical laboratory,
one of the machine shops, where tools, die;

Fig. 10 shows
&!■., are made :

Fig. II. — PiiiMARv Battery Shop.

inerate block electrodes. Although they have found it
advisable to form separate organisations to deal with the

^

Vol. 79. xo. L\o25, SEETEMBEn 15. iai6.] THE ELECTEICAL REVIEW.

28^

rapidlv-gi-owing business in the products above mentioned,
the parent oompanv have also, iu order to cope with the
increasing detmind for primary batteries, condensers, and
telephone equipment and electrical apparatus, erected a
new works, wbicli is now t'nlly oopupied in ruruino- oni

Fig. lO.T— Machine Shop.

enormous quantities of dry cells and otliei' primary batteries
and telephone equipment.

The factories are substantially built, well lighted and
ventilated, and provision has been made for extension in
the near futitre. The power is electric throughout. A motor
garage has been provided, and we are pleased to add that
an electric vehicle, propelled by Fuller accumulators, is
included in the equipment.

NATIONAL INSURANCE ACT, 1911.
Extension of Unemployment Insurance.

Bv JOS. J. H. STAXSFIELD. F.t.l.s.

TiiK following Order was on September ist i.ssiied
by the Board of Trade : —

Unemployment Insub.ince.
By the National Insurance (Part II) (Munition Workers)
Act, 1916, which comes into force on September 4th, 1916,
the compulsory scheme of miemployment insurance is ex-
tended to certain scheduled trades and to all workpeople
engaged in munitions work. Under power conferi'ed by the
Act, the Board of Trade have now, by Order, excluded the
following classes of munitions work from insurance : —

1. The classes of work defined in paragraphs (6) (c) (d) and
(e) of Section 9 of the Miuiitions of V. ar Act, 1916.

2. The manufacture of food, drink, and tobacco.

3. The manufacture or repair of garments to individual
order.

4. The manufacture of constructional glass.

5. The manufacture or repair of materials wholly or partly
manufactured from wool.

6. The weaving of cotton articles and subsequent processes
alhed thereto.

It should be noted that if any class of work is insurable
otherwise than as munitions work, the Order does not have
the effect of excluding it from insurance.

Although the purpose of the National Insurance
(Part II) (Munitions Workers) Act, 1916, is mainly
to extend the unemployment insurance provisions
of the National Insurance Act, 1911, to those who
are engaged in munitions work in the generally
accepted meaning of the term, it will to a certain
extent also affect electricity, gas, water, and tram-
way undertakings.

Section i (i) of the new .A-Ct extends the provi-
sions of the Act of 191 1 to a workman within the
meaning of that Act who (a) is engaged on or in
connection with munitions work as defined by the
Munitions of War Acts, 1915 and 1916, except such
classes of such work as the Board of Trade may by
Order exclude, or (&) is employed in a trade men-
tioned in the first schedule to the new Act, and
also to his employer as if the work on which he is
engaged or such trade were an insured trade within
the meaning of the Act passed in 191 1.

In Section 9 (d) of the Munitions of War Amend-
ment Act, 1916, munitions work was defined as —

The supply of hght, JM^t, water, or power, or the supply of
trarnways facihties in SBes where the Minister of Munitionb
certifies that such supply is of importance for the purpose of
carrying on munitions work and the erection of buildings,
machinery, and plant required for such supply.

A number of electricity and tramway under-
takings have been certified by the Ministry of
Munitions, but the Order excludes certified under-
takings as such from the provisions of the new Act.

It will be noted, however, that the new Act ex-
tends to certain trades mentioned in the first
schedule, and under this schedule unemployment
ii'surance will now have to be paid by and in respect
of workmen who were formerly exempt. It mav
here be pointed out (particularly in view of the
conditions brought about by the war) that " work-
man " insludes female as well as male labour.

The list of trades mentioned in the first schedule
is as follows : — '■

1. The manufacture of ammunition, fireworks, and explo-
sives.

•2. The manufacture of chemicals, including oils, lubricants,
soap, candles, paints, colours, and varnish.

3. The manufacture of metals and the manufacture or
repair of metal goods.

4. The manufacture of rubber and goods made therefrom.

5. The manufacture of leather and leather goods.

6. The manufacture of bricks, cement, and .artificial stone
and other artificial building materials.

7. Saw millings, including machine woodwork, and the
manufacture of wooden cases.

The insured trades mentioned in the Act passed
in 191 1, which principally afifected electricity and
tramway undertakings, were: (i; Building (con-
struction, alteration, repair, decoration", and demo-
lition of buildings, including the manufacture of
wood fittings, commonly made in builders' work-
shops or yards), (2) construction of works, and (4)
mechanical engineering. ■

Electricity and tramway undertakings are mainly
affected by the new Act in consequence of the list
of insured trades now including those engaged in
(i) the manufacture of metals and the manufacture
ov repair of metal goods, and (2) the manufacture
of rubber and goods made therefrom.

To some' extent the decisions of the Umpire
which have been published from time to time will
be altered. The principal decisions of the Umpire
affecting the electrical and tramway industries will
be found in articles of the writer published in this
journal in the issues of August T6th and October
4th. 1912, and January loth, 1913.

Contributions will apparently now be payable in
respect of the following operations which were
formerly exempt : —

Mechanical Ekgineerino.

1. Manufacture of flexible metallic tubing in cold rolling
process or cold galvanising under electric process, in joining
up lengths of india-nibber and picking out foreign matter
from asbestos thread, and in corrugating ribbon metal and
forming it into metalUc tubing.

2. EoUing, drawing, anneahig, and pickling seamless steel
tubes.

3. Manufacture of tubes from strips and solids, and wholly
or mainly engaged in grinding.

4. Making steel welded barrels, drums, and tanks not fonn-
ing part of the structure of buildings, vehicles, machinery or
works.

5. Making picks, hammers, shovels. &c.

6. Workmen engaged in making metal patterns (other than
cast-iron patterns) not being for the use of iron, steel, brass
or other foundries, -who are engaged wholly or mainly in
making castings for use as parts of the products of a
mechanical engineering estabUshment.

Electrical Engineerino.

1. Casting and finishing electric light fittings in jjrass or
other copper altoy in connection with buildings, ships, and
vehicles.

2. Joinery, sawmilling, and wood-turning in connection
with electric light fittings and accessories.

3. Metal enamellers and lacquerers of brass or other metals
in connection with electric light fittings.

4. Dismantling electric meters.

5. Manufacture of telephone and telegraphic instruments
and apparatus.

D

288

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW, ivoi. tk. Xo. 2;o2.-., SErxEMBEn ir,, i9i«.

• 1. Preparation and repair of removable electric stoves.

7. Making and asscnihling electric meters and arc lamps.

S. .A.rraature and coil wiiiduip, including the assembling
and insulation of coiiinmtators and collectors.

!>, Telephone wiring and repairs.

lU. Making parts and assembling magnetos and repairing
s;iiin' ; making switches and cut-outs for motors.

11. Making scientific instruments.

1-2. Making movable electrical cooking and heating appa-
ratus.

13. Making lead accumulator boxes or lead linings for such
l)oxes.

Cables, Overhead Lines, and Street Liohtin'O.

1. Manufacture of electric cables.

•2. Repairing overhead, third-rail, conduit, surface contact,
or cable equipments of railroads, tramways, light railways or
electric power supply, the cost of which is usually chargeable
to revenue account.

3. Making lamp irons and bolts for erection of lamp pillars.

4. Repairing electric controllers for lighting and extinguish-
ing lamps.

•5. Jointing cables for repairing or taking branches from
mains in consumers' premises.

Gener.vtion and Sdpply of Electrical Energv.

1. Repairing railway sidings.

2. Repairing electric meters.

Tramways.

1. Repairing tramway Unes and repairing a working tram-
way hne.

This list is not exhaustive, but is given to show
the general effect of the new Act.

The application of the Schedule will depend on
the meanings of the words " workman " and
" manual labour."

A workman is defined as " any person of the age
of l6 or upwards employed wholly or mainly by
way of manual labour," but does not include (i)
persons under i6, (2) indentured apprentices, and
(3) foremen ;0r gangers who are not wholly or
mainly employed by way of manual labour.

It will presumablv exclude those workmen who
are not wholly or mainly engaged in the trades now
to be insured. For instance, a linesman who is
principally engaged in patrolling and inspecting
overhead lines and equipment would not be insur-
able, but if he were wholly or mainly engaged in
repairing the lines, insurance would apparently be
payable.

Arising out of the war, the Act has been passed
without much attention having been paid to it, but
the provisions are such that those engaged in the
electrical and tramway industries will again find it
necessary to go through their wages sheets to note
its effect.

NEW ELECTRICAL DEVICES, FITTINGS,
AND PLANT.

Crompton Half-watt Lanterns.

To meet the demand for lanterns for use with single high candle-
power lamps. Messrs. Cromptos & Co., Ltd., of Chelmsford, have
introduced a series of special designs. Various patterns can be

Fig. 1.— Crompton Hali-W.vtt Lantern.

supplied, but for industrial installations the type shown in fi;;:. 1
is generally recommended. This is a modified form of the well-tried
design adopted with the Crompton-Blondel arc lamp ; all the light
is thrown downwards, and the renewal cost of glass is small.

Clear, fluted, or mm'anese glass can be used, and reduces the high]
intrinsic brilliaucy without serious absorption, as iu the case of j
opalescent glass. Standard Goliath screw lampholders and anti-
vibratory brackets ai-e fitted, provision lK>ing usually made to take I
1-in. diameter screwed conduit for siisjjension.

Where full lighting is not always requireil. a second small C.P.-
holder can bo provide<l below the lartrer one.

The fitting, illustrated, will take lamps up to 1,500 watts, while J
the other fittings are designed for up to l.ooo-watt lamps.

Totally Enclosed Brake Solenoids.

Mu. (;i:c)R<;e Ellison, of Victoria Works, Warstone Lane. Bir"
mingham. recently issued a list of totally enclosed brake .solenoidsi
which embodies novel and interesting features. These solenoids ,
are suitable for oijeratinj; the mechanical biakes on cranes and <
winches, and are of massive construction, as shown in fig. 2 : they |
are provided with adjustable dash-pot action, to apply the brake '
UTodually and release it freely. The frame consists of heavy iron
castinjfs. bolted together to foi-m an outer yoke, which encloses the
coil : a box-shaped casting bolted to one side of the frame encloses
the terminals. The plunger is of polished steel, and acts both as
the moving core of the solenoid and as a piston to give an atlequate
dash-pot effect. The coils an- vitv i-an fullv ill^lllatedinsuch a way

211
Fig. 2. — Dodble-AVound

Li Switch.

as to prevent any possibility of breakdown due to pressure rises on
the interruption of the circuit, and severe tests have been applied
to prove their immunity from injury due to damp and overload. A
small automatic valve, which can be adjusted, regulates the dash-
pot effect in applying the brake, and affords free movement when
releasing it. In the firm's list Xo. 327 the characteristics of series
and shunt windings, temperattu-e rise, ratings, &c., are very fully
discussed, and " cycle ciu'ves " showing precisely the ratios of time
"on" and "off" to maintain various temperature rises tor each
magnet are given, as well as full details of stroke and maximum
weight lifted, &c., the whole constituting an admirable technical
treatise in small compass on this little-known subject. Not least
important is a set of typical specifications for series and shunt
magnets, to guide the purchaser in stating precisely his require
ments, so that the makers will be in a position to satisfy them.

Electrical " Outboard " Boat Motor.

The Jewel Electric Co., of 112, North Fifth Avenue, Chicago,
U.S.A., has placed on the market a neat little electrical outboard
motor equipment for boat propulsion. The arrangement of the
motor and propeller is similar to that of the usual petrol motor equip-
ment, clamped on outside the stern of the boat. The propeller is
driven by gearing from the lower end of the shaft, while the motor
is mounted on the upper end, and above it is the tiller, by means of
which the propeller can be swivelled round the shaft tor steering
or reversing the direction of the boat. The motor weighs 50 lb., and
runs at a speed of some 3,000 B.P.M., the propeller being coupled
through speed-reducing gear.

Two ()-volt, 120-ampere batteries are supplied with the equip-
ment, but the firm have a range of suitable ti-12-volt accumulators
of 60 to 120 ampere-hours' output.

The charging of small accumulators is not a matter of great
difBculty at the present day, and the electrical outboard equipment
has great advantages in the matter of cleanliness and noiselessness
and freedom from vibration over the usual petrol motor ei}uipment.

Men Wanted for the R.E. — Men with a knowledge of
internal -combustion engines or any branch of electrical engineer-
ing are urgently required for the Corps of Royal Engineers,
Territorial Force, aged 41 to 47. Personal application should be
made to the Chief Recruiting -Staff Officer, Great Scotland Yai-d,
Whitehall, 9.W., where all further particulars can be obtained.

xo. 2.025, SEPTEMBER 15. 1916.] THE ELECTKIC.Uj review.

289

SWIS5 RAILWAY ELECTRIFICATION.

The St. Gothard Line.
DcRlscf the early part of the present year, the Board of General
Managers of the Swiss Federal Railways reported to the Board of
Directors on the choice of system to be adopted for the St. Gothard
line, this matter being referred to in our " Railway Xotes '" on
February ISth last.

Previous reports had favoured the single-phase system, and they
were finally confirmed, after considering the progress made in
direct current and three-phase railway work. According to the
Electric Railicaii Joiinitil, it was not considered possible to obtain
sufEcient information at an early date regarding the use of direct-
current for heavy traction.

The three-phase system was not considered applicable, on account
of the impossibility of securing satisfactory speed control, and of
the necessity for using two contact conductors.

The results obtained with single-phase working on the Loetsch-
herg line, according to the report, are such that this system can be

attention being called to the fact that after experimenting with a
.•?,500-Tolt line, a 1,200-volt third-rail system was adopted on a
later section of the same system. The SDchigan Railway installa-
tion at 2.400 volts was also mentioned. In referring to experiments
on the last-named railway with voltages higher than 3,000, the
-manag-ers state that these did not appear to be of great interest.
They point out that in their previous report they called attention
to the necessity of using at least 3,000 volts with direct current, as
applied to heavy trains moving at high velocity. They state that
the pai-tisans of the direct-current- system, in citing the great
increase in the length of line electrified with high-tension direct
current, or on the point of being electrified, have principally in
mind cases where light trains are used, or where the voltage is
less than 3.000. These cases have little bearing upon the present
one. In Europe there is ^lot a single line of this kind which
justifies a decision based on immediate experience. At the time of
the comijletion of the reixjrt, the Chicago, Slilwaukee and St. Paul,
electrification had not developed far enough to furnish data of
value in connection with the St. Gothard Hire. Further, there has
been no opportunity in Europe to experiment with sample direct-
current locomotives, which would be particularly necessary, as the

Ai'">'>r..irr*^*^ o<i.cb..

The St. Goth-\rd Line, now being electrified.

recommended without reserve. This opinion is confirmed by the
developments on the Xew York, New Haven, Westchester and
Boston, Boston and Maine, Pennsylvania, and Norfolk and Western
electrifications in North America. These developments have
furnished the solution of all technical problems which have pre-
.sented themselves on the federal railway system. The adaptability
■ and elasticity of the single-phase current have been well demon-
strated, and it has been applied for a considerable time and on a large
scale successfully. In addition, nearly all of the manufactui-ers
have participated in the single-phase development.

In order to show that the difiiculties encountered in single-phase
development had not been overlooked, the manager's give a number
of eiamples of difiiculties encountered in several installations,
namely, on the Loetschberg line, the New York. New Haven, and
Hartford Railroad, the Midi Railway in France, and the Wiesen-
thal line in the Grand Duchy of Baden. In the case of the

manufacturers have not had the occasion to construct locomotives
which could serve as models. At the same time, generators suit-
able for heavy direct-current traction, with large capacity at high
voltage, hare never been built in Europe. Hence, it was not con-
sidered possible to use the direct-current system for the St. Gothard
line, because it is not sufficiently perfected in the form necessary, and
because the line between Erstfeld and Bellinzona could not be of
an experimental nature, nor could it be partially equipped.

While stating the above convictions in regard to the single-phase
system, the rejwrt of the board of managers points out that the
experience with high-t«nsion direct-current traction in America
and Europe justifies the hope that in the near future it will have a
value nearer that of the single-phase system. If the latter
had not been available, experiments with the direct-current system
for the St. Gothard line would have been recommended. The
possibility of using the mercury vapour converter increases the

Profile of St. Goth.\rd Line.

Loetschberg Railway, one of the difficult problems was the design
of the locomotives. Even the New Haven Railroad had. until
within a few years ago. a struggle with various technical difficulties.
The experience thus gained no doubt influenced the Pennsylvania
Railroad to adopt single-phase on the Philadelphia electrification
in spite of the good results obtained on three lines of the first
importance with low-tension direct current with the third-rail
system. In spite of difficulties on the Jlidi Railway with inductive
interference, there is no thought of changing the system. The
mechanical difficulti^s on the Wiesenthal line in connection with
the locomotive have long since been overcome. The results
obtained by the Swedish State Railway on the Kiruna-Riksgraensen
line cannot yet be considered definite, on account of the interfer-
ence with its traffic by the present war. but the experience has been
sufficiently satisfactory to warrant the equipment of a much
longer line between Kiruna and Lulea.

The report reviews the progress which has been made in increas-
ing the voltage on direct-current lines. The managers had followed
with great interest the Butte, Anaconda and Pacific Railway
electrification, and the Canadian Northern Railway electrification
at 2,400 volts. The former was only of general intei-est, because
the capacity of the single locomotive was small and the speed low.
Tlie Laffcaihire and Yorkshire electrification was also mentiowed.

chances of success of the direct-current system, because this
apparatus can be properly considered as a means of rendering- this
system more useful in combination with the alternating-current,
which tends more and more to be produced in three-phase form at
50 cycles. This result would be important in the present case,
because it is probable that in the near future mercury vapour con-
vertei-s may be constructed for voltages and of capacities to permit
substituting them for motor-g-enerators in sub-stations for heavy
direct-current traction. Two of these converters, of small capacity
and for 600 volts, had lieen used on a railway in Switzerland with
good results.

After taking into account all the advantages of three-phase,
50-cycle current, the decision was reached to generate single-phase
current in the Amsteg and Ritom power stations. The infiuence
that the choice of system by the federal railways would have on the
relation of the power plants of the country to the railways was not
overlooked. The railways could, of course, use standard primary
power with the single-phase system, and even with the direct-
current system, by the use of sub-stations. However, the desire to
avoid the transformation of the power from tkree-phase to single-
'phase form finally led to the conclusion already mentioneil.

It was decided also to plan the two power stations so that when
fully equipped they can supply poNver for the entire line ftx)ip.

•290

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW, [Vol. rs.. .No.-'.02.-,,Si:rT«im:.: l,-.. l.a«.|l

Lacerue to Chiasso. It is expected that means will be found to
utilise the surplus power of these plants in spite of its form and
frequency, even if it i= necessary at first to transform the greater
part of the power. Later the entire single-phase capacity at low
frt<juoucy will be needed for traction purposes.

We are indebted to the Electric Jliiilway .Journul for our two
diagrams.

CORRESPONDENCE.

Letters received by us after 5 P.M. ON TUESDAY cannot appear uniil
thefollotcing tceelt. Correspondents should/orward their communi-
cations at the earliest possible moment. A'o letter can be published
unless ice hare the tcriter's name and address in our possession.

To Oo Or Not to Go?

In your issue of the 1st inst.. 1 was much iuteresieil in ;i com-
municatiou by " Unsettled." His case being almost a parallel with
my own. I should like to express an opinion on this imimrtant
matter.

All unsettled state of mind is our common lot just now. and
anxiety with regard to one's future is justified by the problem of
■ Labour after the War." Like '" rnsettled." I can claim a good
all-round experience, both mechanical and electrical, and have
seriously thought of going further afield in search of better con-
ditions and pay.

This war has certainly upset numerous calculations, and nipped
in the bud many promising careers. In my own case, though
electrical engineering (generation and distribution) is my legitimate
calling. I now find myself, through the exigencies of war, a mill-
wright in a '" Controlled Establishment. "

My problem now is. which is the best course to follow —
mechanical or electrical .' — many positions require a combination of
both. A further course of technical training, commenced before
the opening of hostilities, has to remain dormant for the period of
the war, owing to lack of time for study.

Undoubtedly, there will be a great demand for engineers,
particularly in constructional work, on the Continent after the
war.

Taking into consideration the slow pace of our Government
departments, and dim recollections of pre-war rates of pay for
station engineers — also the present introduction of female labour —
it is evident that radical changes in economic conditions are
probable, and between Capital and Labour essential. Patriotism is
a laudable quality (when not abused by profiteers) : then why
starve it .'

If sufficient inducement were offered, most men would prefer tn
stay in the " Old Country."

Another point calling for attention is a paragraph appearing
under "War Items" in your current issue (8th inst.). entitled "A
Labour Exchange Proposal." If that is any criterion of the official
attitude towards Labour after the war. then "Go" would be my
advice. It is nothing less than a determined attempt at "Con-
scription of Labom-." Our industries are not likely to expand at
the expense of the liberty of the individual.

My answer to "Unsettled's" query is the well-wora "Wait and
see."' Perhaps, by the time peace is declared. Government pledges
may be worth more than ink and paper, or the wood comprising
platforms.

Noi())lusse(i.

In reply to your correspondent " Unsettled," my advice to him
is to clear out at once if he is free to do so. The future does not
seem to hold much in this country as regards either status or pay
for the coming engineer. Even at the present time (leaving out
the dilution of labour) it seems as if the future electrical engineer
is doomed. As things are at present some of our labourers are
getting wages which would make the station engineer's eyes dance
with joy. As for pre-war rates, a good mechanic would run him
close.

I will give your coiTespondent my own experience, which has
much in common with his own. After a liberal education and
some mechanical experience in the workshops, to my great joy
tnow sorrow) I found myself in a power station, and hence regarded
my fortune as made. This delusion, however, was soon dispelled,
as, after serving an apprenticeship and learning the outs and ins
of a system of from one volt to 20.00(i, I find my wages are to be
increased by 5s, (pre-war) on my last year's apprenticeship money,
with an annual increase of .5s. until a certain figure is reached
which is not too high, I can assure you.

Well, this, together with the status which I see some have
reached after a service of from 10 to 15 years, has made me deter-
mined to clear out as soon as possible. I might also state that the
system is one of the largest iu England, representing some millions
of capital. In conclusion. I wish your correspondent every success
should he trv his venture neath foreign skies.

Balanced Up.

The Rewards of Industry.

One heat's and reads, from time to time, advice from various well-
known men to those who desire to succeed. One favoiu-ite ])iece of
advice is " Make yourself valuable to your employe!-, and your
reward is certain." This, on the face of it. sounds alluring, butthe
fly in the ointment is — what is likely to be the quality of the

reward .' I wonder if many, of your readers have had an experience ]
similar to mme.

I was the only electrical engineer on the staff of a firm of j
mechanical engineers. My principal asked me to undertake the!
tlesign of a certain piece of eloctrically-opeiated machinery, fori
which he wanted to obtain orders. Tliis embodied automatio]
motor control of a frightfully complicated nature. It was a huge i
undertaking, as I had no data to work upon, previous attempts by 3
other firms to obtain the same results, up to then, not having]
succeciled. However, I tackled the work.^although inventing did!
not come «ithin the scope of my duties,

1 was occui)ied on this work, from first to last, for eight years.]
My worries were multiplie<l a hundred-fold by the firm foolishly!
taking orders before the invention was completed. Worse still,]
they took further oi-ders for more complicated gears, necessitating
further inventing work, while I was yet wrestling with the earlier
orders already overdue for delivery. And to complete my miseries,
tliey took the later orders, against my advice, on short delivery,
with heavy time |)enalties,

Xow, as to the advice "Make yourself valuable, A:c., i:c„" I was
so valuable at this juncture that had I left or died — a not unlikely
contingency, as I was nearly driven insane — the firm would have
been let in for huge penalties, because, there being no time to make
drawings, a newcomer could not have taken up the threads. I
carrietl the whole scheme in my head.

Wliat I went through cannot be imagined or described. For
four years I only worked and slept, nothing else, day or night,
holidays and workdays alike. I worked while I ate, and thought
out details in church on Sundays. I dreamt about " polarised
relays, " " auxiliary motors," "self -replacing circuit breakers,'' " con-
tactor switches," and a hundred other things, until my brain
reeled. But the gears were delivered, though overdue, and they
satisfactorily ran their guarantees. I finished up with racked
nerves, injured health, and ruined eyesight. Now about the
reward.

My principal offered me the choice of a lump sum or an increase
of salary. I chose the latter. Xow will it be believed that, on the
death of my principal, the Imsiness being carried on for the lieuefit of
the widow, I was actually deprived of this increase. I dare not
protest at the time, because I knew, from certain information
coming to me by a roundabout way, that I would be dismissed if I
did so. But, after trying for some time, I secured another post,
and then put in a claim for arrears of salary wrongfully taken
from me.

The executors, prompted by the person who engineered this
injustice, pleaded various thin excuses, all of which I easily dis-
posed of. and they had to admit, in the face of my late principal s
offer and award in writing, that I had some moral claim to redress,
but. knowing that I was not in a position to take legal action, they
turned down my claim on the miserable, petty quibble that I had
no legal claim, as I did not court certain dismissal by protesting at
first. The executors refuse to say why I was reduced, presumably
they cannot say. To every question I put the answer was. " I
refuse to reply, " or "I decline to discuss it," and I was told that 1
had no right to know anything, or to demand any explanation.

Finally, I drove the executors into a corner with such an awkward
question that the only reply I could get was a refusal to answer
any mbre letters. There the matter stands. I am barefacedly
done out of, to me, a goodly sum which I worked very very hard
for, I am treated like a felon and refused any explanation whatso-
ever. Such is my reward.

Now, Sir, can you match this for low-down contemptible mean-
ness ? Had I been a " Trade Unionist " my society would have
taken the matter up and seen it through, but as it is I am merely an

A.M.l.E.E.

[If the facts are as stated, the writer has our sympathy .-
Elec. Rev.]

-Eds.

SCIENTIFIC AND INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH.

(t'unt ill lied fniiii page 2G4.)

.\t the present time activity is as marked iu the field of '
ideas as it is in the field of wax-. The action of the Govern-
ment in setting up' the new machinery for the encouragement
of research was accompanied, i£ not instigated, by vigorous
discussion and debate in the public Press and the learned
•societies. The useful work which the Royal Society has done
for the Government during the war by means of a series of
special committees, and the att-empts of societies such as the
Chemical Society and the Society of Chemical Industry, to
arouse an interest in the apphcation of science to industry and
the importance of organised eftort, led the Royal Society to
estabhsh a Board of Scientific Societies. Such a scheme can-
not fail to be of value both to science and to the Council's
labours.

The British Science Guild has put forth an emphatic mam-
festo on the importance of science and the need of educa-
tional reform. The Teachers' Guild has appointed an
Education Reform Council, including representatives of
science, industrv, and commerce, w-hile Sir Ray Lankester
formed a Committee on the Neglect of Science to deal with
science in the pubUc schools, the older universities, and the
eiaminatious for the Civil Service. The professors of the
Imperial College have presented to the Lord President, as

1

Vol, 79. No.2.025, September 15, 1916.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

•291

Chairman of their Governors, a memorial dealing compre-
hensively with the need for a national policy and for a larger
output of trained men of science, and at a recent meeting of
the Governors of the College he announced that it was the
intention .of the Government to appoint a special committee
under his chairmanship to inquire into the position of natural
science in our educational system. At a later date Mr. Hen
derson made the further announcement in the House of
Commons that there would be a reviewing committee which
would consider the recommendations of the proposed special
committee on science and any other similar committees which
might _ be established to deal with particular aspects of
education.

The Advisory Council has been able to assist in the pro-
duction of special glasses, the making of porcelain for chemi-
cal ware and pyrometer tubes, and the erection of research
laboratories and workshops in connection with the Stoke
School of Pottery. Before the war both earthenware and the
cheaper kinds of " bone china " were being driven out of the
world markets by the hard continental porcelain, and in June
last year the Staifordshire potters appealed to the Board of
Trade for assistance in developing the manufacture of hard
porcelain to compete with the GeiTnan and Austrian wares,
with the result that the Advisory Council, after full investi-
gation, recommended a capital grant, as well as an annual
grant of f 2.000 a year for this purpose.

Another industry which has suffered much from foreign
competition is that of silk. The Silk Association formed a
strong representative Research Committee, and the first of a
long list of problems is now to be attacked at the Imperial
College.

There is growing evidence that many of the most en-
lightened films engaged in prosperous industries are alive to
the need for long views. The engineering trades have always
been able to hold their own, yet they had become convinced
before the war that association was necessai"y, especially in
the markets of China and Russia, if they were to compete
successfully with Germany. The Council under.stands thai
the Briti.sh Engineers' .Association, hke the British Electrical
and Allied Manufacturers' Association, intends to include the
prosecution of research among its activities. The so-called
price associations are likely in many cases to extend their
functions in this way. In other cases special organisation
may be necessary. Representatives of over 100 firms engaged
in chemical industries have resolved " that it is desirable
that British firms engaged in the chemical and alUed trades
should form an association to promote closer co-operation.
and to place before the Government the views of the chemical
trade generally; to further industrial research; and to facih-
tate closer co-operation between chemical manufacturers and
various universities and technical ,schools." A Council for
oiganising the British engineering industry fonned in Man-
chester last year has recently combined with the British
Engineers' Association ; it appointed a committee to consider
engineering education and research which has declared it
to be one of its functions " to develop co-operation between
engineering firms on the one hand and universities and tech-
nical colleges on the other, so as to establish such ' schools of
thought ' as exist in the research departments of great conti-
nental and American engineering firms, but cannot be
fostered in the comparatively small establishments (and
smaller research departments) of most British engineering
concerns." This sentence strikes a new note, for it bases
the need for co-operation upon the comparatively small scale
of British commercial enterprises.

The Council has found that many .scientific industries are
completely without any effective trade associations through
which their common manufacturing interests and diiBculties
'can be approached. It is evident, however, that the diffi
culties of tradition, trade organisation, and national tempera
ment which stand in the way of combination must be squarely
faced if progress is to be made. Even those trade associa-
tions which exist have hitherto shown but a moderate appi-e
elation of the necessity for research as a means of keeping
command of the market, unless they see their trade in actual
danger. So long as an industry was prosperous it was apt
to take short views and feel little enthusiasm for systematic
research, especially if the firms it comprised were small, or
if the capital engaged had a speculative value on the Stock
Exchange.

The Council has sometimes found that manufacturers were]
unwilling to trv new develonments because they appeared to
lack anv ambition for extension so long as their existing plant,
was fully occupied. A good deal of the inertia which British"
manufacturers have shown towards research may have been
due to a realisation, partly instinctive perhaps, but partly
ba.sed on experience, that research on the small scale they
could afford was at best a doubtful proposition. This is onei
of the principal impediments in the way of the organisation
oi research, with a view to the conduct of those long and
cpmplicated investigations which are necessary for the solu-
tion of the fundamental problems lying at the basis of our
stcnle industries.

The Council is aware, however, that there are substantial
considerations in the minds of many manufacturers which
lead them to hesitate in expending large sums for research
of a comprehensive kind. They have complained that the
recent substitution of the ioint stock bank for private banks
has hampered enterprise, because the modern bank authori
ties are not acquainted with the personnel and policy of local

firms- and are not prepared to finance new undertakings and
developments in the same way that the private banks did.
It has been said that it is no longer possible for a man to
raise money on his character, and that the consei"vatism of
English banking, for which there is good reason and justifi-
cation, makes it peculiarly difficult for any but the largest
British manufacturing firms to compete successfully for con-
tiacts in foreign markets where long credit is often custom-
ay. This difficulty led the British Engineers' Association
shortly before the war to take steps to form an Engineers'
Trust, which would be supported ijy the firms belonging to
the Association and furnish the necessary credit, and the
Board of Trade has established a Committee " to consider the
best means of meeting the needs of British firms after the
war as regards financial facilities for trade, particularly with
reference to the financing of large overseas contracts, and to
prepare a detailed scheme for the purpose."

Great businesses can afford a run of unsuccessful trials,
because in the end a solution will pay all the costs and put
them ahead of their competitors. Powerful joint stock com-
panies generally look forward to a distant future, and pursue
a far-seeing pohcy. "They are seldom willing to sacrifice their
reputation for the sake of a temporary gain ; they are not
inclined to drive such extremely hard bargains with their
employes as will make their service unpopular." This last
point is of great importance, for the assistance and goodwill
of the worker are essential to the promotion of industrial
research.

The Council has repeatedly been told, whenit has urged
the necessity for expenditure upon research with a view to
ur^provements and developments, that there is no security that
new ventures will not be left, when peace comes, to shift for
themselves as best they may in face of the highly organised
competition of our enemies. Organisation can only be fought
by counter organisation, and so long as the Englishman treats
his business house as his business castle, adding to its original
plan here and there as necessity or inclination directs, with
his hand against the hand of every other baron in his trade
and no personal interest in the foreign politics of his industry
as a whole, it will be as impossible for the State to save him,
whether by research or other means, as it would have been
for King Stephen to conduct a campaign abroad. In the
inain the State can only effectively help those who help them-
selves.

It appears to be incontrovertible, however, that for those
industries at least which are essential to the conduct of other
important national activities and which are both scientific
in their character and relatively small in bulk, there is very
little chance of suiwival unless special means are taken by
the State to safeguard them. These are the scientific indu,«-
tries — .sometimes called key or pivotal or master industries —
which can never emplov a large proportion of the popula-
tion because the bulk of their products needed for the world
trade is inconsiderable; and yet without them manv other
trades would languish or die. If a particular product is essen-
tial to the national safety the case for State action will be
•stronger than if it is not. If the trade to which the product
is a "key" is relatively unimportant the case will be rela-
tively weak. It may be desirable for the State to take special
pains to encourage those scientific industries which are
recognised to be essential to the national well-being, and to
a.ssume a greater rcsoonsibihtv for the cost of the necessary
research for these industries than would in ordinaiy cases be
admissible.
' (To he conclude},)

LEGAL.

i

.\CCEPTING Part of as Ordeb.
JTx the City of London Court, on September 7th. before his Honour
jTnda'e Eentoul. K.C.. a claim was made by Mr. W. Schonfield.
rarting as Schonfield i: Co.. London, iron merchant, against Messrs.
Waters & Burgess, motor body builders. St. John Street. E.C., to
vpcover £1(5 (is. Od. for 42 gross of nuts and bolts supplied for use
in motor ambulances.

Mk. Gkeexwood. plaintiffs' solicitor, said that as the defendants
did not get all the goods which thev ordered, they thonaht they
ought not to pay for those which they had received and used in
motor ambulances. Under Sec. 30 of the Sale of G-oods Act.
where the seller delivered to the buyer a quantity of goods less
t^han he contrac^ted to sell, the buyer might reject them, but if the
buyer accepted the goods so delivered, he must pay for them at the
contract rate. He would assume that that was what happened,
a'though he did not admit it, for it was not so. The nuts and
bolts were delivered in December. Seven or eight app'icationg
were made in writing for payment. Defendants never replied to
them and never set up any defence until applied to before the
summons was issued by a trade pr<rteetion society. Sec. S,5
prnrided that the buyer was deemed to have accepted the goods
when he intim,ated to the seller that he had accepted them, or
when the goods had been delivered to him. and he did any act in
relation to them which was inconsistent with the ownership of the'
seller, or when, after the lapse of a reasonable time, he retained the
goods without intimating to the seller that he had rejected them,

Mb. Waters, one of the defendants, told the Coiu^ that plaintiffs'
representative compelled them to order more nuts and bolts than they

292

THE ELECTRICAL KE^^EW. [Vol.79. No. 2,025. September U.. 19ir,.

really required. When the {roods were sent they were less in
quantity than were ordered, and at the bottom of the plaintiffs'
invoice it said "reirret we are temporarily out of items omitted."
He had had to make the bolts which ])laintiifs had not sui)pliod. at
a greatly increased cost, as they were for motor wagons wanted in
the amliulance service. Surely plaintiffs oug-ht to l)ear some of
th:»t extni expense .'

.IrDOE Rextoi'L said that was not so. Defendants could have
rejected the goods which were delivered without any difficulty,
and obtained the whole order by buying elsewhere against the
plaintiffs. Defendants chose to take part of them ; they should
have said they would have none of them. They could have bought
all the goods against the plaintiffs and sued them for the difference,
•Tnrl'-m.nt t.ir the ])laintiffs with costs.

MfxiTioss Court Cases.

The Oldham JIunitions Tribunal last week had befol-e it a case in
which an electrical fitter applied for a leaving certificate from his
employers — a local firm of engineers — because he had been de-
badged by the firm. He had another situation to go to at a con-
trolled works, and he submitted that the action of his present
employers in debadgiug him showed that they considered he was
no longer on war work. A representative of the firm said tliey
did not wish to part with this man until the Army claimed him.
but he had been debadged by order of the Ministry of Munitions.
The leaving certificate was refused. Mr. James Hodgson (chaiiman)
Ftating that if they were to grant certificates to all men who were
debadged, the Army authorities would have trouble in finding
them.

WORKilES'S COJIPEXSATIOS.

Judge Spencer Hogg, sitting at the Wigan County Court last
week, heard an application by Minnie Eastmead. widow, whose
husband, Chas. E. Eastmead. an electrical worker, had been killed
and whose employers had i)aid into Court £300. The widow was
left with three children, and his Honour made an order for the
payment of £20 down. £2 lOs. a month for two years, and for £ 100
to be invested in the War Loan.

WAR ITEMS.

Exports to China. — The " London Gazette " for Septem-
ber bth contains a further list of names of persons to whom
articles may be exported in China.

Export Prohibitions. — The " London Gazette " for Sep-
tember 8th contains additions, removals, and variations of the
lists of persons or bodies of persons with whom trading is
prohibited in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Japan, Netherlands,
Korway, United States, and other countriea.

X-ray Scientist's Sacrifice. — A j-oung scientist who has
distinguished himself by his fruitful research work in con-
nection with X-rays, M. Maxime Menard, has had one of
his fingers amputated as the result of injuries caused by the
rays. M. Menard had already lost a finger from the same
cause before the war. His studies have greatly facilitated
the rapid discovery of bullets and shell splinters embedded in
the bodies of wounded soldiers.

_ Patent Rights in Austria^Hungary. — According to the
Neue Freie Frcsse (Vienna), an Austrian Government Order
of August 16th empowers the Minister of Trade to limit or
cancel the patent rights and the rights in registered designs
and trade-marks of British and French subjects, on proof
that such a course is for the public interest, and the rights
of Russian subjects without such proof. Royalties for the
use of patent rights will be charged, and the "sums obtained
disposed of by the Minister of Trade — probably on the same
principle as in the United Kingdom.— F)»ia?ici>r.

Russian Government to Regulate Electric Concerns.—
The ilinister of Trade and Industry has submitted a project
of regulations to the Council of Ministers on the construction
and maintenance of electric transmission plant. The object
of the project is to provide encouragement for the formation
of Russian electrotechnical enterprises. The Mini.ster of the
Interior has also submitted a project to the Council of Minis-
ters embracing rules for the organisation of .the control of
electrotechnical equipment in the Empire.

The Ministry of Munitions. — The following changes in
the office organisation of the Ministry of Munitions are
announced: —

Sir Glynn West will in future be directly responsible to the
Minister for the conduct of his department, which deals with
the manufacture of shells and their components. His title
will be Controller of Shell Manufacture. Mr. H. Fowler
will accordingly he c!»signated Deputy Controller.

The branches dealing respectively with the supply of
metals, coal, and other materials, and with machine tools,
will work immediately under the Director General of Muni-
tions Supply. Mr. Leonard Llewelyn .ind Mr. Alfred Her-
bert thus becoine Deputy Directors-General. Mr. John Hunter
has become responsible for the branch which deals with the
production of steel.

Enemy Goods in Australia. — Reuter reports from Mel-
bourne that the Government recently decided that enemy
goods imported before the war must not be sold by wholesale
houses after September 30th nor retail houses after Nov-
ember 30th. The dates have now been extended in the our
case to October 31s'. and in the other to December 31st.

To be Wound Up. — The Board of Trade has ordered tbc
following companies to be wound up : —

Switchgear Construction Co., Ltd., Park Street. Southwark,
S.E., electrical engineers. Controller: J. H. Stephens, 6,
Clement's Lane, E.G.

Turner & Burger, 149, Parringdon Road, E.G., electrical '
accessories merchants. Controller : J. E. Percival, 6, Old '
Jewry, E.G.

Enemy Firms in Italy. — Enormous amounts of German
and Austrian property in Italy are affected by the Decrees
regarding the sequestration of enemy concerns. Amongst the
latter are the firm of Rockling, with a stock of iron and steel
valued at ±'40,000, the Milan Krupp Works, and the Au.strian
firm of Ganz & Co., which, under the guise of an Italian
company, held a very important contract for the supply of
electricity to Rome from the River Anio.

Employment of Aliens. — An Order in Council makes the
followmg addition to the articles under the Aliens Restriction
(Consolidation) Order, 1916:-

As from and after October Ist, 1916, a person shall not take
steps to obtain the services for work other than munitions
work in the United Kingdom of aliens or any alien not in the
United Kingdom except with the permission in writing of
the Board of Trade, and subject to such special or general
conditions as the Board of Trade may impose.

British Property in Germany. — British subjects who own
property in enemy territory, or have claims to prefer against
enemy Governments or persons, are called upon by a recent
Royal proclamation to submit details of such interests or
claims at once to the authorities, unless they have already
■voluntarily made such returns. The officers appointed to
receive such returns are: —

(a) In the case of property in enemy territory and of
claims against enemy persons, the PubUc Trustee, Kingsway,
London, W.C.

(b) In the case of claims against enemy Governments, the
Directors of the Foreign Claims Office, Foreign Office, Lon-
don, S.W.

Foreign Capital in Spain. — An interesting survey of the

magnitude of foreign financial interests in Spain from the
standpoint of the industrial development of the country has
just been published in Madrid. It refers to joint stock com-
panies domiciled abroad and carrying on industrial works in
Spain, and shows the astonishing fact that out of the total
amount of £73,400,000 invested by foreign companies for
these purposes, the shares held by Germany does not reach
£1,000,000. The following figures are worthy of note as indi-
cating the amounts invested by the nations concerned in the
industries mentioned : —

Electric Lighting. £

Belgium 160,000

France 37'2,000

England 5,062,000

Total

Belgium

France

England

Total

Belgium

France

England

Total

England

France

Belgium

Germany

Switzerland

Total

R.4IL\V.4VS .4ND Tr.AMWAYS.

Metallurgical Industries.

Mining Undertakings.

£5,594,000

2,939,000

4,136,000

365,000

£7,440,000

240,000
240,000
2.5,000

£505,000

, 14,459,000

7,014,000

2,766,000

800,000

104,000

£23,143.000

We leave out of consideration other industries in which
foreign capital is ipterested, but sufficient has been shown to
demonstrate the enormous preponderance of the Allied nations
in the industrial development of Spain. Under the.se circum-
stances, it is scarcely surprising to find the Madrid Mundo
asking what would happen if through Spanish hostility to-
wards the Allies the latter were to withdraw from the coun-
try such an immen.se sum as is cited, and which has so
largely contributed towards the economic advancement of the
country. The newspaper states that, after reading the figures
and meditating on them, no one who has the welfare of the
country at heart could possibly believe in the adoption by
Spain of a Gennanophile policy at the present time.

xo. L'.(,25, SEPTEMBER Jo. inc..] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

293

The Russian A. E.G. — The Russian A. E.G., whose works
until the beginning of the war were situated at Riga, whence
the machinery and plant were subsequently removed into
the interior, is reported to have experienced a satisfactory
period in 1915 as a result of the work carried out at the new
site, where operations are exclusively devoted to Army re-
quirements. A new war department, at a cost of £150,000,
was established last year, together with a special artillery
department. The import of foreign materials and parts, the
lack of which formerly interfered with the activity of the
works, has now assumed a regular course, the company for
this purpose having entered into relations with the United
States General Electric Co. and the British Thomson-Houston
. Co. After allocating £47,000 to the depreciation fund, the
accounts for 1915 show net jirofits amounting to £223,000,
as compared with £206,000 in 1914, and it is proposed to pay
a dividend of 10 per cent, on the share capital of £1,200,000,
being the Bame rate as in the preceding year. It has been
decided to increase the share capital by £1,200,000 to
£2,400,000, although the first instalment of the new emis-
sion will comprise £800,000. An addition has been made to
the company's statutes in the sense that only directors who
are Russian subjects will be entitled to be present at general
meetings. The German banks, which formerly issued Rus-
sian A. E.G. shares in Berlin, are watching developments in
connection with the new issue of shares with a view to
safeguarding, as far as possible, the interests of present Teu-
tonic shareholders.

The South African Siemens Company. — According to
several newspaper reports which have been sent to us, the
directors of Siemens, Ltd., applied in July, to Judge-Presi-
dent de Villiers in the Rand Division of the Supreme Court,
for an order to place the company in liquidation. They de-
clared that they were not prepared, in view of the fact that
all the shares were registered in the names of enemy sub-
jects, or were in the possession of the Deutsche Bank, to
accept the respousibihty of continuing in office. The directors
further declared that it was found, in the circumstances,
impossible to carry on the business of the company. They,
therefore, had resolved to petition the Courc to put the com-
pany in liquidation, considering that it was just and equit-
able that the company should be extinguished.

Mr. MacWilliam, who appeared in support of the company's
petition, stated that although there was no necessity to do so.
the directors had notified the Treasury that the application
to the Court was being made, and the Treasury had replied
that the Department would not object to the liquidation pro-
vided that all moneys realised on behalf of enemy share-
holders should be paid to the Treasury.

The Court granted a provisional order of liquidation, the
Judge-President observing that as the nature of the applica-
tion was without precedent, he thought the Court should
name a fairly distant return date. The rule was made return-
able on October 26th. Mr. J. V. Stanton was appointed pro-
visional liquidator. Mr. Stanton was appointed manager of
the company when Mr. E. G. Weyhausen, then manager,
retired, on being placed in internment at the Martizburg
prisoner-of-war camp, from active participation in the affairs
of the company.

Mr. J. V. Stanton, the provisional liquidator, writing to
one of the newspapers referred to, says : — ■

" The resolution that an endeavour be made to place the
company in liquidation was pas.sed on February 5th last, i.e.,
prior to the introduction of the Trading with the Enemy
Bill. The delay in filing the petition was due to the neces-
sity of bringing certain existing contracts to a stage which
would allow of liquidation. Further, this resolution was
passed at the first meeting after the local direciors received
their first intimation from Messrs. Siemens Bros. Dynamo
Works, Ltd., London, that Siemens, Ltd., had ceased to be
a branch of the former company. LTp to that date Siemens,
Ltd., had always been in the position of a branch of Siemens
Bros. Dynamo Works, Ltd., by whom the local management
had been appointed, and by whom the business of Siemens,
Ltd., had been controlled.

"The local du-ectors have not been endeavouring to
lengthen out the business for the benefit of enemy share-
holders, but have taken the first possible opportunity — since
they became aware of the true position of the company — to
apply to the Court to reheve them of their false position and
to allow them to place their assets at the disposal of the
Treasni"y."

A Colliery Plant Shut<down. — Captain R. G n, who

Js in France, writes us as follows: — "This area absolutely
teems with items of engineering interest, and I really think
that if I survive the war I shall have to conduct an Institu-
tion Summer Meeting round the various places. For in-
stance, yesterday, my professional instinct being (for the
nonce) superior to that of personal safety, I crawled into
the engine-room of a colliery which had adopted eiectrical
winding, about 600 yd. from the Bosch. Meter' cases- and
oil switchgear lay all over the floor, a 25-panel grey marble
switchboard had a shell-hole through the middle, leaving
meters, synchroniser, and feeder switches at all angles, and
a tangled mass of bus-bars behind. The motor of a large
induction motor-driven pumping set had left hurriedly, half
of the magnet case, and some of the shaft, remaining more or
less in place. The stator- winding of the main winding set
had receivetl a fragment of H.P.. into its bosom, while 12 in.

and 18 in. cast-iron pipes were well ventilated. Stewart, who
was with the Westinghouse, naively remarked : ' I suppose
it's all dead ' ! This week the French have installed static
transfoi-me'r gear in a dug-out on the lee side of a railway
cutting, about 6,000 yd. from the Bo.sch, and intend operat-
ing an old 6,000-volt pole line to another colliery almost
ii'ijmediately — a definite proof of their optimism."

Moscow and the 188C Co.— The " Novoie Vremya " says
that the Moscow Chief, M. B. Chelnokolf, has returned there
from Petrograd, where he had been to consult with the com-
petent authorities on the town's relations with the 1886
company. 'The President of the Council of Ministers, B. V.
Stunner, said that he had not changed his attitude towards
this company, and he considered its liquidation a matter of
the near future. The Ministers of the Interior and of Justice
expressed themselves as quite sympathetic to the town.
Important conferences took place with other interested bodies,
and M. B. Chelnokoff received everywhere assurances that
the matter would be settled soon in a way favourable to the
town of Moscow.

Exemption Applications. — At Warrington, an electrician
at the Star Kinema House, aged 28, and married, who was
appealed for by his employers, was allowed a further two
months' exemption. He was prepared to work part time on
munitions.

At Wigan, a finn of electrical engineers, appealing for a
man aged 21 years, said that 23 of their employes had joined
the Colours, and Mr. H. Brierley (Military representative)
said the finn had done very well in this respect. The firm's
representative said they had advertised for electricians, but
without success, and they had work held up now. It would
be difficult to manage without this man. One month's con-
ditional exemption was allowed. Conditional exemption was
granted to three other employes of the firm, aged 28 years,
38. and 39 respectively.

The Rochdale Tribunal granted conditional exemption to
Mr. J. K. Cotton (34), electrical contractor, and exemption
until October 31st to Mr. Harry Jones (32), electrician at a
local place of amusement, who was appealed for by his
employers.

The Mossley Tribunal exempted Wilfred Kershaw, elec-
trician at the Roval Pavihon, until October 31st.

At the Oxford Local Tribunal, Elizabeth Storey, Oxford,
applied for the renewal of the certificate granted to Stanley
A. Stock (24), electrical engineer; he had been granted ex-
emption in June to September 1st. The applicant was still
unable to get a substitute in order to release the man for
service. Mrs. Storey depended on the business for her means
of livelihood, and if the man were taken it would mean
closing down, and her means of livelihood would be abso-
lutely gone. Temporary exemption granted for two months,
no further application to be made without leave of the Tri-
bunal.

An appeal was made at Bedford by the Igranic Electric
Co. for F. Morris, a time-expired soldier, who became 41 on
September 4th. The Clerk asked if the military wanted a
man who had served 22 years with the Colours and was 41
years of age, and the Military representative rephed that
they wanted all the men they could get, or they would have
to raise the age. The finn said theirs was a controlled one.
and the man's work was beyond a woman's physical capacity.
Exemption was granted until December 1st.

At Woking, the Electric Supply Co. appealed for the chief
clerk, A. M. Dallen (29), and the only meter tester and
repairer left, A. J. Jamieson (34). The secretary, Mr. Nichol-
son, said the chief clerk had technical knowledge which it
would take any substitute a long time to acquire. Exemp-
tion was refused in the case of Dallen^ and notice of appeal
was given ; Jamieson was conditionally exempted.

Barnsley Tribunal, on September 5th, gave conditional
exemption to a number of employes appealed for by the
Barnsley & District Traction Co., Ltd., but refused appeals
for a driver, aged 28, and another employe aged 34. — The
same Tribunal gave three months' temporary exemption to
Guy P. Dearden, electric wireman with Mr. E. Broley, who
is engaged on public contract work, and to Harry Brown,
electric wireman with Messrs. S. Eushworth & Son.

Bath Tribunal has given conditional exemption to A. C.
Brackstone (39), electrical fitter with Messrs. Kendall, oil
condition that he obtains munition work within 14 days.

An appeal at Eeigate for the retention of E. C. Reynolds
(28), the only electrician left at the Eedhill Kinema Royal,
resulted in a fortnight being allowed to find a substitute.
The appeal was based on the fact that the kinema paid £2,000
a year in excise duty, taxes, &c.

At Carlisle, Fred Bell (32), electric fitter, was appealed for
by the Electric Illuminating Co., who stated that the man
was at present engaged on important work for the Control
Board. The staff before the war numbered 10; now there
were only two. Exemption was granted until December Ist
to enable the Control I5oard work to be proceeded with.

At Marlow, on September 4th, the IMilitary representative
asked for the removal from the certified list of Mr. A. E.
Plumridge, electrical engineer. Mr. J. G. Meakes, the em-
ployer, said that Mr. Plumridge was indispensable. His
staff had been reduced from 15 to five, and he was the only
one appealed for. It was admitted by the Military that Mr.
Plumridge was dearly in a certified occupation, but he con-

•294

THE ELECTEICAL REVIEW. rv,„

No. 2.02."i. Sfiptf.mbEK 1."), mUi.

fddered that, in the national interests, he should not remain
in civil life. Tin- Tribunal refused the request.

At Great Missenden (Bucks.). Mr. R. B. Bridper. elec-
trician, a meuiber of the Plymouth Brethren denomination,
appealed a,< a conscientious objector. He admitted that it
would be his duty to defend his \vife with a rifle if it was
necessary, and, in dismissing the appeal, the Chairman said
that by defending his country Mr. Bridger would be defend-
ing his wife.

.■\t Coventry, the Corporation Tramway Department ap-
pealed for a number of pmployes. In each case two months'
exemption was conceded, with the suggestion that men above
military age capable of doing the work should, if possible,
replace all single men.

M Bispham Tribunal, Mr. J. Cameron, general manager
of the Blackpool and Fleetwood Tramroad, applied for the
exemption of 11 employes, including an inspector. He had
not appealed for the exemption of any summer man. Condi-
tional exemption granted.

.\n electrician appealed to Burnley Tribunal for temporary
exemption for an electrical wireman. He was the only quali-
fied man left, three having joined the Flying Corps. Hi.-;
foreman had gone working in a coal mine as an electrician
This man was doing contract work at Sheffield. Captain
Smith said that men of this description could be got any
day. They were only labourers. The appeal was put in on
May 6th. Exemption until the end of September was
granted.

Deal Tribunal has given two months' exemption to Chas.
Henry J. Graves (24), who has the care of the electric plant.
<fcc., at the South-Eastem Hotel, and who does electrical
repan-s for private residents, and for the X-ray apparatus at
the Royal Marine InfirmaiT.

At Coventry, Mr. J. Hutt (3'2). electrical engineer and
contractor, stated that he now carried on the business by him-
self, and was doing work for munition factories. It was
stated that there was a scarcity of skilled electricians in the
city. Three months were granted, Mr. Hutt to put in weekly
12 hours' duty as a Special Constable.

Maidenhead Tribunal has refused extended exemption to
Frank Burdett Buruham (.36). electrician with Mr. H. Rose,
who said that he had contracts to last until October.

Three months' exemption has been allowed to Thos. White
<31), electrician, appealed for by Messrs. Page & Bloomer, of
Stourbridge, as being in a certified occupation.

A final month has been granted at Coalville to an electric
operator at a picture theatre at Whitwick.

The Crawley Electrical Co. appealed for an electrician and
fitter, previously medically rejected, and now passed for
general service, but exemption was refused.

Buntingford Tribunal has given exemption until the end of
September, to allow him to complete electrical work in
hand, to Mr. P. J. Mac Kay.

At Malvei-n, the U.D.C. electrical engineer (Mr. S. Trow
Smith) appealed for Wm. Thos. Powell, fireman, previously
temporarily exempted. Conditional exemption was now-
granted.

The Blackburn Tribunal has granted conditional exemption
to a married motorraan employed by an electrical engineer,
and said to be in charge of special electrical equipment at a
large works at Darwen.

At Tunbridge Wells. Mr. Strance and Mr. Featherstone
appealed for R. J. Spittles and R. F. Lack, working foreman
and electrical wireman. It was stated that the electrical con-
tractors for the town loaned the men one to another in order
to keep as few rnen as possible in the town to carry out the
work of maintaining the sunply. They also had increased
work at country houses owing to the calling-up of elec-
triciiins. Each was given two months on the men joining
th<' ^■olunteer Training Corps.

En.soro Rural Tribunal has granted two months' exemntion
to Mr. F. W. Morris, electrical engineer, of Bamett Wood
Lane. Ashstead.

Extended exemntion was sought at Leatherhead. on Sep-
tember 1st, by Mr. M. Morris (3.3). manager for Messrs.
Buch^n-in & Curwen. ele'-trical engineerc .\ppellant is
mssed for sedont^irv work onlv, and the Military renresenta-
t've (Mr. H. J. Rivingtonl said he did not object to exemp-
tion until the new yeav. Mr. Morris stated that he had be^n
nassed for home service only. One of the nnrtners. Mr.
Turwen. was takinf up a commission in the Rovnl Flvine
'''orn? ?nd he wished him (apnellantl to tako ' his nlace
entirely in T ondnn a^ w^ll as at Lea+herhead. Th'- Trihnn-'l
Tranted until the new year on appellant joining the Volun-
teers.

The Burgess Hill (Sussexl Tribunal b"s grquted -iy months'
exemntmn to a member of the staff ?fc the electric lisht works
on coT'dlt^'^n th^t he remains in the same occupation and
joins the, '^olnnteors.

\t Blacknool Trib"nal, m the case r,f a foreman elec
trician employed at the Pleasure Beach, h's emnlovers stated
th^t he was the onlv electnc''n thev h^d left. TTp >,o^ hoor,
reiected at Lancaster, and then called up. Conditionallv
exempted.

At Crnmnton (Lanes.), an ele'-trician at a local kinema hall
appealed for exemption, and said he had served 13 vears in
the Armv. and was in the retreat from Mons. He was
ex'-mp'^d 'intil -Tanu-'-"- 1st.

Kt the Shoreditch Tribunal, on Tuesdav. Messrs. F,. Jk C.
Whitney, of City Puoad. N., electrical engineers, asked for

exemption on business grounds for James Green (37), elec-
trical fitter. Mr. Whitney said they had one other electrical
fitter in their employ, aged 40 years, and they were doing a
lot of installing and fitting for the Government. .\s he was an
electrician doing power work, they applied to the Ministi-j' of
Munitions for a badge, but it was not granted, a certificate
being lonsidcred sufficient. The Chairman : So it is; it is a
certified occupation. The onlv thing is, does Green do the
same class of work? Mr. Whitney : Identical work. Green
appeared and said that he had been engaged for a long time
in installing power in Government factories and premises. '
.Mr. Parry said that the firm did not seem to understand that
this man was in a certified occupation. — Exemption was
granted till December 31st, conditional on joining the "V.T.C.

.\t Orsett, an electrical engineer at Little Thurrock claimed
exemption as owner of .i one-man business. The appeal was
rejected, and the calling-up delayed for a month.

The. Blackpool Tribunal has disallowed an appeal by an
electric motor builder ('^C■>), now engaged as a mechanic, who
siiid he was the sole Mipport of his aged mother.

BUSINESS NOTES.

Patent Restoration. — An order has been made restoring
Letters Patent Xo. 25.363 of 1907, granted to Arthur Greenwood
and Konrad Andersson for "Improvements in ejectors and com-
pressors for air gases and vapours."

Mazda Telephone Directory Cover. — We have received
from the British Tuo.MSOx-HorsTOX Co.. Ltd.. of Mazda House,
a telephone directory cover devised on an ingenious principle, so as
to hold the directory tirmly without tearing the binding. The
senders claim that "it is as big an advance over previous covers as
Mazda drawn -wire lamps are over previous types " ; and certainly
it is an excellent and easily-applied protection to that indispensablp
and long-sufferiug volume.

Irish Battery Industry. — Refemng to the note on p. 237
of our issue of September 1st, regarding the opening of a large
factory in Dublin for the manufacture of electric dry cells and
batteries, we are informed that Mr. Leon Cornelis, of 15, D'Olier
Street Dul)lin. will he pleased to give further particulars to
inquirers.

Electrical Imports of Venezuela. — The imports of elec-
trical appliances into the Republic of Venezuela daring the iiscal
year 1914-15 only attained a value of £16.999, as contrasted with
£39,989 in the preceding 12 mouths.

Italy. — A new company has lately been formed iu
• Turin, with the title La Societa jjer la Fabbricazione di Batterie
Elettrichi Brevetto Bonora to manufacture electric batteries under
the Bonora patents.

Catalogues and Lists. — Messes. Herbert Morris,

Ltd.. Empress Works. Loughborough, Leicestershire. — Book 95.
describing the "2,240 pulley-block"— an American type, made at
the Empress Works to carry British tons (the American ton is
2.000 lb.). Travelling blocks "and the H.M.B. pulley-blocks are also
described.

Messrs. S. G. Leach & Co., Ltd., 26-30, Artillery Lane. E.C. —
Leaflet describing and illustrating the " Selco " siren, which is
electrically operated and designed for use in factories, workshops,
yards, quarries, lightships, kc.

Wholesale Electrical Co.. Ltd.. 54-56. Oxford Street.
Loudon. W. — Circular giving illustrations of a number of electrical
accessories, switch plugs, cut-outs. ceUing roses, adaptors, lamp-
holders. 4cc.

Messrs. Downes & Da vies, 1 and 3, Stanley Street. Liverpool.
Preliminary list of ships' electrical fittings — bulkhead, portable,
cargo lamps and sockets, kc.

HOLOPHAXE. Ltd.. 12. Cateret Street, S.W. — Booklet relating to
Holophane special reflectors for the scientific illumination of rail-
way pLatforms. offices, sidings, rolling stock, ic. with illustrations
of important installatious on this system.

Trade with Russia. — The Yorkshire' effort for the
stimulation of trading with Russia is making excellent progress.
For students in the .scheme of the Leeds University who make good
progress, scholarships are to be provided of about £200 each for a
year's residence in Russia for studies under the direction of the
Russian Minister of Education at the Fniversities of Petrograd.
Moscow, and Odessa, and for the practical experience to be derived
from contact with the populations of those oentres.

E.C.C. Hospital Fund. — The employes of the Electric
Construction Co.. Ltd.. Wolverhampton, have made allocations from
their hospital fund to local and other hospitals to the tune
of £173.

Norway. — An amalgamation has been arranged between
the Xorwegian Motor and Dynamo Factory, Hasle. near Christiania,
and the firm of Per Kure, and the combined establishment will in
future trade as Per Kure. Norwegian Motor and Dynamo Factory.
The capital of the company, which has taken over the Norwegian
agency of the Swedish General Electric Co.. is approximately •
2.000,000 kr. — Anglo-Xoruegian Trade Journal,

Vol.79. .\o. 2.02.5. SEPTEMBER 1.5, 1016.] THE ELECTRICAL Il"i:VIEWo

■295

Book Notices. — "The rriiiciples nf lilcutrical Engin-

pering." Vul. 1. By d. Kapp. Loudon : Edward Arnold. Price
15f. net.

"'Directory and Chronicle for China. Japan, Corea. Indo-Chiua.
Straits Settlements. Philippines, &o., for Ullti." London: Hokj-
Konii DiiUij Press. Price 30s. net.

"Telegraph ;ind Telephone Journal." Vol. II. No. 24.
Septemlier. I'.Md. London: Editing' Committee. G. P.O. Xorth.
Price 3d.

"British and German Industrial Condition.^." Bv A. Stewart.
London : S. Rentell .<c Co. Pries 6d.

•■ " Alteruatin.? Currents." By W. H. N. Janies-. Cimhridfrc
rni\ersity Pre.s.s. Price 10s. (id. net.

Australia. ■ — A business man in .Sydney recently in

i-harg-e of the Sydney OtBce of H.M. Trade Commissioner, wishes
to represent United Kingdom manufacturers for the .sale of their
troods in Victoria. Xew South Wales, and Queensland. The inquirer
desires to sechre agencies for small oil engines of the Diesel type,
small electric motors (j'eth H.P. and upwards), small dynamo.s. and
new hardware lines and patented specialities.

United Kingdom manufacturers may obtain the name and
address of the inquirer on application to the Commercial Intelli-
gence Branch of the Board of Trade. 73. Basinghall Street. Londo:i.
E.C. (Reference ICo. 283.) — Board of Trade Journal.

Liquidation. — Mechanical Transpoet. Ltd. —

Creditors should send particulars of theii' debts, &c.. to the liqui-
dators, Messrs. G. W. Askew & H. \V. Philpott, by September 28th.

Munition Worlters' Holiday.— Messrs. E. Brook, Ltd..

of Hnddersfield. announce that their works will be closed both for
the receiring and dispatching of goods on September 25th and 26th.
They will he open all other working days up to Christmas.

LIGHTING AND POWER NOTES.

Aberdeen. — The city electrical engineer recommended

that a new five years' contract be entered into with the North of
Scotland Fish Guano Co. for a supply of power, with a guarantee
of lOO.UUO units per annum. The result of the new 'charges pro-
posed was that the company would p<ay, with coal at its present
rate, an increase of 18 per cent, on the existing charges. At a
meeting of the Council the recommendation was sent back to the
Electricity Committee for fiu-thev consideration.

Accrington- — At a meeting of tlie T.C. last week.

Councillor Tough referred to the increasing cost of electricity ; he
remarked, that with less than half the production of Accrington.
the average cost last year at Eawtenstall was 'Bd. per unit, for
3,000,000 units, compared with an average of '81d. for 7i million
imits at Accrington. It was pointed out that a strict comparison
could not be made, and that coal cost'lSs. lOd. now as against
8s. 4d. per ton before the wax.

Australia. — The Electric Lighting Committee of the

Sydney City Council recommends that an agreement be entered
into with Messrs. Norton. Griffiths & Co., contractors for the city
railway construction, to supply them with electricity at the various
shafts at '7d. per unit for two-shift working and '85d. per unit
when one shift only is worked. The estimated cost of providing
the .supply is £1,335.

The Sydney city electrical engineer recommends that an order be
placed with Messrs. Willans & Robinson for a geared turbine to couple
with the alternator and condenser of the existing 1.000 KW. set '
(No, 8), at a cost of £8,100 : the cost of freight, insurance, and
erection of buildings, ttc, will amount to an additional ('l.'.tOO.

The city electrical engineer has informed the Hurstville Council
that imder existing circumstances it was imlikely his Council Avould
entertain the proposal to supply electricity to the suburb, and he
recommended a renewal of the application in about 12 months.

The formal inauguration of the electric lighting system at Albury,
N.S.W.. fook place last month.

With a view to improving the lighting of St. Kilda's Road, the
Melbourne City Council has decided to erect id arc lamps or half -
watt lamps of etjual c.P. ; the additional cost on the system will be
i;777. making a total cost of £1.267. — Tenders.

Bath. — Year's Working. — The accounts of the
electricity undertaking for the year ended March 31st last, show
that instead of the anticipated loss of about £2.000, the deficit for
the year was only £151. as compared with .£1,767 in the previous
year. The total revenue was £26.490. as compared with £24,133
in 1914-15. and the gross profit £12,961 as against £11,436. Coal
cost was increased by £845, due to price not tonnage.

Bishop's Stortford. — E.L. ScHEiiE.— At the aimual
meeting recently of the Bishop's Stortford, Harlow, and Epping
Gras and Electricity Co., the chairman stated that the electricity
plant was now in complete working order.

Bradford. — New Plant. — Xhe Electncity Committee

has authorised the chairman and deputy-chaii-man to pui-chase coal-
crushing plant.

Bristol. — Year's Working. — The report of the year'.*

working of the electricity department to March 25th last, shows
gross receipt? amounting to £132,928. an expenditure of £72.292,

and a gross profit of £57,636, which, with the amount transferred
from redemption and sinking fund (No. 2) account, makes a total
of £58,184. After repayment of loans and interest, £50,273, there
was a net profit on the year's working of £7,911, which, with the
balance from last account, makes a total surplus of £15,721. Of
this. £2,391 has been expended on allowances to men on active
service, and £4.038 on work not chargeable to loan account, leaving
a balance carried forward of £ 9.292. The total indebtedness of the
undertaking is stated to be £899.062. Loans repaid or accumulated
in the stock and loan redemption funds, £382.139 : balance out-
standing, £516,923. The total number of consumers was 5,608. a
net incre.ase of 338 during the year. The number of units sold
was 21,665,968. an increase of 3.463,812 units for the year.

The general manager. Mr. H. Faraday Proctor, in his report.
states that war conditions curtailed considerably the number of
new consumers which would otherwise have been connected to the
system, but a large amount of work had been carried out in con-
nection witli the supply of power. The number of units sold to
private consumers (excluding public street lighting) had increased
about 2U per cent.. O!', after allowing for the reduced consumption
for public lighting, a net increase of 3,462,812 units, being the
largest annual increase on record.

Owing to confusion having arisen due to the similarity of the
names Avonbank and Avonmouth, it has been decided to alter the
name of the Avonbank generating station to " Feeder Road Elec-
tricity Works." The L.G.B. refused its sanction to a loan for a
6,000-KW. set. which it was proposed to lay down owing the
the increasing demand, and. authorised the pui'chase of a 3,000-KW.
set only, the manufacture of which plant was placed on a war
basis ; the steam turbine, which was in a forward state at the
manufacturers, has since been taken over by the Government, and a
new one put in hand. Both stations have been running loaded to their
full capacity, and it has been necessary to postpone the connection
of one large consumer requiring 800 KW. immediately, until the
new plant is in commission.

The question of the true depreciation of the assets of the under-
taking has been carefully gone into, and the results show that the
amount shown in last year's accounts is in excess of the statutory
provision for the repayment of debt by £ 76.338.

Castlebar. — Public Lighting.— The Urban Council

accepted the tender of Messrs. Burke & Sons, at £90. for the lighting
of the town during the winter by electricity. The local gas com-
pany had tendered at £130.

Clacton-on-Sea. — The L.G.B. has sanctioned a loan of

£124 to meet exce.-s expenditure on mains, but has informed the
I'.D.C. that no further loans for mains extension will be allowed
until the war is over.

Continental. — Russia. — Data published by the .Statis-
tical Bureau of the Congressional Council in regar-d to the electrical
equipment at the coal and anthracite mines in the Donetz ba.sin in
1914, shows that 1.300 motors of 46.200-KW. capacity were in use,
by 48 concerns which produced 888,910.000 poods of mineral, while
33.910 incandescent and 427 arc lamps were also in use by 51 concerns.
Twenty-five generating stations had a total capacity of 31,719 KW".
of plant and supplied 100,500,000 KW. -hours per annum.

Crompton. — The U.D.C. has been asked, to receive a
deputation on the question of supplying electrical power in the
district. The railway company, which has been urged to effect an
improvement in the handling and transit of goods, has agreed to
facilitate matters by providing an electrical crane if power can be
supplied.

Dawlish. — Electric LightCharges. — After considering
correspondence from the gas company and the electricity company
relative to the difference in their respective charges, the U.D.C.
has informed the latter that it is unable to see any reason for an
alteration of the charges already agreed to.

Dromore (County Down).— Street Lighting.- The

L^.D.C. has executed an agreement with the Dromore Electric
Lighting Co. for the lighting of the town for three years. It pro-
vides for 81 lamps, of not less th;m an average minimum c.P. of
56 or more than 200. the annual cost to be £134.

Dublin. — The Electricity Committee recommended an

increase in the remuneration of the shift en.gineers and switchboard
attendants at Fleet Street and Pigeon House stations. The Council
decided to postpone the matter until after the end of the financial
,vear. — Duhlhi Eu-jn-es<.

Dudley. — The town clerk reported that he had obtained
the insertion of a provision in the Shropshire, Worcestershire, and
Staffordshire Electric Power Bill, 1916, protecting the rights of the
Corporation.

Kirkcaldy.— Plant Capacitt. — Mr. Francis, the burgh
electrical engineer, has submitted to the T.O, a report on the
capacity of the present works and the recent application for a
large supply of power by one of the firms in the town — Messrs.
Bai-rv, Ostlere & Shepherd. The Fife Power Co. is willing to enter
the burgh and supply the power, but is prevented by a clause in
the private Act of Parliament. The town clerk, in a statement,
observes that the company practically asks that the section referred
to be abandoned by the Corporation ; this demand, he considers,
foi'eshadows the promotion by the company of a pro\-isional order.
He urged that the T.C. should be able to show that it had done all
that was reasonable.

296

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW. [Voi. 79. no.2,o2:.,.septf.mberi:,. iinfi.

Maidstone. — Yeak's AVorkixg. — The report of Mr.
E. E. HoaiUey. borouKli electrical engineer, on the workin-r of the
electricitj- undertaking' for the year ended JIarch 31st last, shows
that due mainly to liphtingr restrictions and despite considerable
Expansion in jiower sujiply. the output sold fell from 2.887.857 units
in 191 4-1.". to 2,7.i3.788 last year. Power units, however, increased
from 1, 808,01, ■> to 1.;17',),,')82. and heating and cookinj^ supply is
steadily grrowinjr. The total revenue was £U>,771, or rather less
than in r,H4-lJ, while total costs at k:i:i,."i32 showed a consider-
able increase, leavinfr a grross profit of .4;6.23!> as against £7,900 in
1914-1.7. After deducting capital charges there was a net loss on
the year of i2M\ as against a profit of i:i,."i.53 in 1914-13.

Increased coal cost accounted for over < 2.000, while other items
of expenditure were larger than usual. We note with interest that
Sir. Hoadley experimented in mixing coke breez<* with the coal,
which was of bad quality, and came to the conclusion that after
allowing for extra labour in mixing, extra wear and tear on
mechanical stokers, additional coal and clinker to be dealt with and
lowered steaming capacity of boilers, there was no advantage with
the particular type of mechanical stoker and under the conditions
obtaining, in the admixture of coke breeze ; in this conclusion he
states that he is confirmed by other engineers. The supply of coal
caused much trouble and for some weeks, says Mr, Hoadley. they
did well to get over the peak of the load without dropping the
steam pressure by more than 40 lb.

A new turbine set which it was hoped to start up in January
was not completed by the end of March ; all the pipework and
electrical connections in connection with it have been carried out
by the department owing to the difficulty in obtaining outside
a-ssistance. The maximum load was 1,142 KW. and the load factor
27J per cent.

The Corporation electricity works has been certified as a con-
trolled establishment under the recent Act.

New Zealand. — The Whangarei electrical undertaking,
owned by the T.C., is supplied in bulk from the Dominion Portland
Cement Co.'s plant at AVairua Falls, 25 miles away, over duplicate
aluminium three-phase transmissions carried on a single pole line
The transmission pressure is 22.000 volts, and the service pressure
to consumers 230 volts lighting and 400 volts (50 cycles) power. A
series street lighting system has been installed with 100 lamps of
600, 250 and 100 c.P. " The transformer capacity is 400 k.v.a.. and
the cost of the Council's installation has been about £13.000.

Plymouth. — Restricted Lighting. — A Joint Committee
of the Watch and Street Lighting Committees of the T.C. is con-
sidering what arrangements shall be made as regards street
lighting, having regard to the reversion to ordinary time on October
1st, and the danger to pedestrians and other traffic through unlit
streets.

Royton. — The D.C. has decided that arrangements be
made for the General Purposes Committee to interview the Oldham
Electricity Committee to discuss the question of supply of elec-
tricity to the Koyton district.

Southampton. — Price Increase. — The T.C. has further

increased the price of current for lighting, power and heating by
10 per cent, from the September reading of the meters. This
makes an advance of 20 per cent, since the war started.

Stretford. — The Electricity Committee, in view of
continued shortage of supplies of coal, recommends the Council to
authorise the chairman and clerk to take such action, legal or
otherwise, as may be necessary to secure its rights under the coal
contract.

Swansea. — Proposed Plant Extension. — The Elec-
tric Lighting Committee has received a report from Mr. Burr, the
borough electrical engineer, giving details of the existing plant
and suggesting that if it were possible to raise the money, a 3,000-
KW. turbine, together with two boilers and all auxiliaries should be
installed. He estimated the cost of the complete installation at
£30,000, and said that the expenditure of this money would have
the effect of still further reducing the cost of production, whilst
the scheme would enable the Committee to generate electricity as
cheaply as any other generating station working under similar
conditions. The report was adopted, and steps are to be taken to
see if the necessary capital can be raised.

The Committee has also received a report from Mr. J. W. Burr
on tariffs for motive power, in which he said that a reduction in
revenue would immediately follow a reduction in price, and he
could not recommend it at the moment. The Electric Lighting
Committee has decided to hire out electrical apparatus at an annual
charge arrived at by taking cost of apparatus plus 5 per cent, per
annum and cost of maintenance.

Tasmania. — The Councils of St. Leonai'ds, Longford
and Beaconsfield. have decided to ask the Launceston City Council
to join them in a deputation to the Premier, with a view to dis-
cussing the l)est means of obtaining a hydro-electric power scheme
foir Korthern Ta.smania.

■ Waif efield. — Electric Pumping. — The R.D.C. has

decided to supply water to Crigglestone, by means of an electrical
])umping plant. The cost of the scheme is estimated at .-CeoO,
which will be spread over four years, and the current will be sup-
plied by the Crigglestone Collieries, Ltd.. if terms can be arranged.

Walsall. — The Electricity Comniittee has decided not

to increase the existing charges for electricity. The Committee
recommends that a fresh agreement be entered into with the
Talbot-St«ad Tube Co., Ltd,, for the supply of electricity' to their

works and for an additional supply for a term of three years, com-
mencing when the e.h.t. supply from the new station is available :
also that a supply of energy be given to the Electrical Conduits,
Ltd . and Rylands & Sons, Ltd.. on terms and conditions api>rovi'.l
by the Committee.

The new sub-station at 'Wolverhampton Str.'ot has bpoii idu-
nected up with the generating station.

Warrington. — Year's Working. — In our last issue wf

gave the financial details of the year's working of the electricity
undertaking to March 31st last. Mr. Mathia*. the engineer, in his
report mentions that 6,630,0*52 units were generated and 5,129,214
units sold (as compared with 4,274,8!)7 units sold in 1914-15').
Power units numbered 4.092,736, the' remainder being for traction
and lighting. The plant capacity was 5.150 KW.. representing a
capital outlay per KW. of £26 : the maximum load was 27(i2 KW.
The total working cost was ■782d. per unit, as compared with '729d.
in 1914-15. and despite the coal cost increasing from '29^. to
'382d. per unit. An additional water-tube boiler, economiser. and
coal-handling plant were being erected to meet the growing
demands on the plant.

Wigan. — Delayed E.xtensions. — Alderman Grimshaw,
speaking at the T.C. meeting, on the 7th inst., said the boilers for
the electricity works were not expected to be erected in the specified
time. So far as he could judge, they were likely to be held up by
the L.G.B. for perhaps two years ; and in view of that, he did not
know that there was any limit to the time when the scheme
recommended by the expert could be properly undertaken. A
Sub-Committee had been appointed to enter into negotiations with
an outside firm for the purpose of obtaining a supply, and these
negotiations were not yet complete.

Wolverhampton. — Year's AVorkdjg. — The accounts of

the Corporation electricity undertaking for the year ended March
31st show a gross profit of .£25.588. as compared with £28.631 in
the previous year : the net profit was £1.856. ascompared with £7.444.
and has been transferred to the reserve fund. The total inconir
shows an increase of £8,228, The number of units sold was
15,280.697, an increase of 2,154.126 over the previous year. During
the year, 940 h.p. of additional motors were added, the total h.p.
of motors connected being 10,686 n,p. The total cost of production
par unit was '65^.. coal costing '355d. The maximum load was
6,919 KW. and the connected load about 14.062 KW. The balance
of the reserve fund stands at £13.217, the reduction of £4.587 on
last year's figure being due to expenditure on account of mains.
services, meters, &c,, for which borrowing powers could not >te
obtained.

TRAMWAY and RAILWAY NOTES.

Accrington. — Accident. — On Friday last, a car left
th> t-ack in the Blackburn Road, and ran into a loop line in Ellison
Street, knocking down two children, who were injured.

Audenshaw. — Tramway Purchase, — The D.C. has

decided to make application alone, or jointly with the other authori-
ties interested, for an extension of time for the purchase of tlip
Oldham, Ashton and Hyde Electric Tramways.

Birmingham. — Accident. — On Sunday night, two Cor-
poration cars came into collision on a sing'le track in Great Hampton
Row ; a great deal of glass was broken and many passengers
shaken, but only five were treated at the hospital.

Bradford. — Electric Vehicles. — The L.G.B. lias

sanctioned the borrowing of £3,700 for the purcha.se of llircr
electric tipping wagons for the electricity department.

Continental. — Norway. — A proposal for the electrifica-
tion of the Drammen Railway, at a cost of approximately
21.369,500 kr., has been sanctioned by the Railway Committee of
the Storthing.

Darlington. — Seats are being provided for women con-
ductors, but the work has baen delayed owing to the shortage of
labour. The Committee is to consider the question of half tares '
for school children at its next meeting.

Doncaster. — Official consent has been given to the
reconstruction of a portion of the Bentley tramways track by the
T.C, and the work will be proceeded with as rapidly as possible.

Do'ver. — The T.C. has been granted by the B. of T.
a further extension of time until Xovember. 1916, for carrying out
the Dover-St. Margaret's Light Railway Order.

Gateshead-on-Tyne. — Lixking-up Proposal. — TIk

Town Improvement Committee having considered the pioijnsod
tramway across the High Level Bridge to Xewcastle-im-Tync.
reported against the proposal until the proposed BiU had been con-
sidered by the Gateshead Council.

Ilkeston. — Sale of Undertaking. — A special meeting

of the T.C. by 14 votes to 3. approved the transfer of the Corpora-
tion tramways and electricity undertakings to the Berlaj'shire and
Nottingham Tramways Co., Ltd., for the sum of .£2'S,'150.

Vol.79. No, 2,025, SEPTEMBER 15, 1916.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

•29'i

Keighley. — Trajrvay Fares. — From October 1st the
present halfpenny fares during' the working- week on the Corpora-
tion tramways are to be abolished, but there will be penny tickets
entitling the passenger to travel any distance in one direction in a
similar manner to what has been done at week-ends for some time
past. Prei)aid tickets, however, entitling the passenger to the
privileges hitherto granted by the halfpenny tickets, are to be
issued at the prices of five for 3d., 10 for 6d., or 20 for Is. Arrange-
ments are being made to supply quantities of these tickets to
factories for sale at the works.

London. — L. & N.-W. Electrification. — It was recently

announced that the Xorth-Western electrical train service between
Broad Street and Kew Bridge and Richmond would commence on
Sunday. October 1st. The new trains will comprise first and third
class only.

NeWCaStle-on-Tyne. — During- a recent fog at Killing-
worth Crossing near Benton station, five horses strayed on to the
X.-E. railway track, and coming into contact with the live rail,
were killed.

Oldham. — Year's AVobkixg. — The annual report on the
working of the Corporation tramways during the year ended
March 31st last shows that the car-mileage, 1,983,607, was less
than in any of the last three years, but the passengers carried,
23,477,006, constituted a record. The total receipts were £121.129
and the gross profit £39,538 (as compared with £28,730 in the
previous year), while the net surphis was £4,112, which compares
with a deficit of £5.218 in 1914-15, when the revenue fell off con-
siderably and working- expenses were abnormally large.

Plymouth. — The chairman, in commenting on the report
of the Tramways Committee, said they had hoped that through
running of the tramways, with a uniform penny fare, might have
been effected by now, but owing to difficulty in obtaining m-iterials,
this would not be possible before the second week in Octob.-r.

Rochdale. — Wind Screens, &c. — ^The tramway manager

having- reported on replies received from 71 municipalities owning
tramways on t'he question of adopting wind screens or vestibules on
the cars" for the protection or motormen, the Tramways Committee
has decided to invite a deputation of motormen to meet a Sub-
Committee on the matter.

Various points in dispute in the draft lelase of the Milnrow
tramways are to be referred by the to-wn clerk to the B. of T.\for
decision, at the request of the Milnrow D.C. It is proposed to
purchase a sand spreader for attachment to the tramway watering-
car.

Salford. — Increased Wages. — The proposed further
war bonuses recommended by the Tramways Committee for pay-
ment to male tramway workers, were confirmed by the T.C. last
week. The effect of the additions is that youths under 18 years
will receive 2s. per week instead of Is. : male employes over 18.
who are not householders, will receive 3s. instead of Is. 6d.. and
male householders, whose wages do not exceed 37s. 6d, per week,
will receive 4s. (id. per week, instead of 2s. Gd.. as at present, and
those receiving over 37s. 6d. will receive total wages, including war
bonus, of 42s. per week, which is exclusive of the war bonus pay-
ments to skilled artisans. Councillor P. Hampson said it appeared
to him to be a waste of public money to add to thei already generous
treatment of those who had gone to the Front.

Year's Working. — The annual report of Mr. G. W. Holford,
general manager of the Corporation tramways, shows a
gross profit on the year's working of £88,502, and a net
profit of £18,475 ; this amount, with £3,526 taken from the
depreciation and renewals fund, has been transferred to the
relief of rates, being the £22,000 promised. The balance of the
renewals fund now stands at CiLi'iir,. During the .year
56,458,266 passengers were carried, being 2,111.358 more than in
the previous year, and the total amount received in fares amounted
to £270,350, an increase of £11,524 ; the miles run were 5.495,295,
and the average earnings ir8d, per car-mile: 41,163,325 penny
tickets were sold being 75-362 per cent, of the total number issued,
and £13,135 was paid in war allowances. The total route
mileage worked is 42, rather more than half representing leased
lines.

Stalybridge. — Accident. — A curious tramway accident
occurred at Mottram. on Saturdaj last. In the absence of the
driver, a Stalybridge car commenced to run down a hill at Mottram,
and the few passengers on had an exciting time : they and the
woman conductor jumped off before the car had gained a great
speed, but one man was slightly injured. After running nearly a
mile, the car crashed into a wall at Bower Fold.

Stockport, — Increased Wages. — The Employes and
Car-Shed Sub-Committee has recommended the Tramways Com-
mittee to grant a gratuity of 5 -pex cent, on the wages to all
employes of the department who have not participated in the
gratuity granted by the Committee last November.

U.S.A.— A general strike of labour, involving 800,000
Trade Unionists, is threatened in N"ew York City, in consequence
of the failure of the employes of the tramway companies, who are
on strike, to hold up local transit facilities. — Dailij Teleijraph.

Walsall. — The South Staffordshire Tramways (Lessee)

Co.. Ltd., and the Wolverhampton District Electric Tramways.
Ltd.. have agreed to pay the Corporation, as from July 12th last,
an increased rate per car mile in respect of the excess mileage of
the Corporation oars on the company's lines.

Whitefield.— Through Cars.— The clerk to the D.C.

has been in communication with the Salford Corporation Tramways
Committee on the subject of through cars between Manchester and
Bury, and the Salford tramway manager has replied that his
Committee does not consider the time opportune for any arrange-
ment of the kind suggested, but wUl be prepared to reconsider
the matter at the end of the war. He adds that the present
service, with the restricted number of drivers, can only be main-
tained under very serious difficulties. The D.C. is apparently not
satisfied with the promise that the matter will be reconsidered after
the war, and has decided to reply to Salford that the matter is
capable of arrangement between the Salford and Bury Corpora-
tions, and that the D.C. does not consider that any increase of
drivers would be necessary.

Wjgan. — Increased Wages. — The local branch of the
Tramway Workers' Association has decided to accept the advance
of id. per hour, provided that the increase be a distinct advance
apart from the existing war bonus. The Special Committee on
Wages has resolved that the increases of wages granted to the
various classes of workmen recently be considered as an additional
war bonus until the end of the war, and that the additional war
bonus shall then become a permanent advance of wages.

TELEGRAPH and TELEPHONE NOTES.

New Fire Alarm System in New York.— Mr. Robert

Adamson, fire commissioner of New York, has awarded six contracts
for the construction of as many sections of this system, and active
work on these is in progress. One contract has been completed.
The system will cost 83,000,000.-7'. and T. Aye.

Brazil and Bolivia. — Radio-telegraphic communication
has been experimentally established between Belem, Brazil, and
Riberalta, Bolivia,—?', and T. Age.

Japan. — The third and final series of tests for trans-
oceanic radio service between Honolulu and Japan has just been
completed. Telegraphic reports indicate that these tests are by
far the most successful of any so far made. Communication has
been maintained in both directions, night and day. — T. atuJ T. Age.

Wireless Station Dismantled.— The Allies have removed
the appliances of the wireless station at Syra (Greece), and
deposited them with the French Consulate there.

Wireless Telegraphy on Aeroplanes.- What is claimed

to be a record in wireless telegraphy from aerojjlanes was recently
established by Captain Culver, of the U.S. Army Aviation Corps.
During a flight from San Diego to Santa Monica. 114 miles away,
he is stated to have kept in touch with his station by sending wrre-
lessmessages everythree minutes. The power for the transmission set
is derived from a generator placed on the lower wing section of
the aeroplane, and driven by a two-bladed propeller. Aerial wires
are suspended, from the " fuselage " of the machine, with an
insulated counterpoise hung from the wings to the tail of the
aeroplane. The complete transmission set is stated to weigh less
than 40 lb.

CONTRACTS OPEN and CLOSED.

OPEN.

Australia.- Sydney September 20th. N.S.W. Govern-
ment Railways. One 50-ton electrically-operated overhead
travelling crane for Zara Street power house, Newcastle. — October
11th. One motor-driven air compressor for Zara Street power
house. Electrical Engineer, 61, Hunter Street.

January 22nd, 1917. Electrical plant for the Castlereagh Street
sub-station, for the Municipal Council. Specification from E.L.
Department, Town 'B.&Vi.—Av.^tralian Mining Standard.

Adelaide.— September 27th. Deputy P.M.G. Telephones, telej
phone material, iustruments and parts. Schedule Nos. 429 to 437,*

Perth.— October 4th. Deputy P.M.G. Telegraph and telephone
measuring instruments and parts. Schedule 501 W.A.*

Melbourne. — September 29th. City Council. Insulated and
H.D. copper cables. See "Official Notices'' September 8th.

October 17th. For the Deputy P.M.G. (1) Sleeves and tapes
(Sched. No. 1,355). and (2) 3,100 stay-rods, with low tighteners
(Sched. No. 1,359).*

October 18th. 'Victorian Government Railways. Electric time
releasing mechanisms for automtitic signalling (Cont. No. 30,343).
November 1st. 50,000 yellow flame arc carbons.*

December 11th. City Council. Supply and erection of coal
transporter plant. See " Official Notices " to-day.

South Australia. — November 15th. P.M.G.'s Deiiartment.
Automatic switchboards and all associated apparatus, for telephone
exchanges, Brighton and Glenelg.

Burnley. — September 19tb. The B. of G. inviles tenders

for electrical goods. Tender forms from J, S, Horn, Clerk.

Edmonton. — September 20th. Electric lamps for six
months. Mr, F. Shelton, Clerk, B. of G., Lower Tottenham.

!

298

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW. [Voi. 79. xo. 2,025, septembek 15, i9i6.

Keighley. — September 21st. Coi-poration Electricity
Department. Best slack and small slack coal, about 12.000 tons.
Prices are to be baseit on a six-monthly and twelve-monthly period.
Mr. H. Webber. Boroujrh Electrical Eng-ineer,

Liverpool. — September 18th. Electrical supplies for
three months, for Toxteth Park B. of G. Mr. R. \. James. Clerk.
15. High Park Street.

London. — Supplr of electric li<rht fittings for Australia
House. Kinfrsway. W.C. Particulars from Mr. H. H. Turner,
48, Broadway. Westminster. S.W.

City of AVest.mi.nster Uniox.— September 20th. B. of G. Six
months' supply of electric lamps, tittinp.s. i;c. Mr. W. ,1. Lickley.
Clerk. Gardens Offices, Princes Row, Buckingham Palace Road, S,W.

Kexsi.ngtox.— .SeptemlKT 20th. B. of G. Six months" supply
of electric fitting.* and electric lamps. Mr. W. R. Stephens, Clerk,
Guardians' Offices. Martoes Road.

Manchester. — September 22nd. Electricity Committee.
Fuse boxes for 12 months, Mr. F. E. Hughes, Secretary, Electricity
Department, Town Hall.

New Zealand. — Wellixgtox. October 11th. Public

Service Stores Tender Board. 1,000 magneto extension bells, 1.000
ohms.*

Warrington. — September 20th. Electrical goods (not of
German or .\ustrian origin) for the B. of G. for six months. Mr.
A. Bottomley. Clerk. Bewsey Chambers.

Specifications for the items marked ' can be seen at the Board
of Trade Commercial Intelligence Branch in London.

CLOSED.
Australia. — The Hawthorn Tramway Trust, Victoria, has
accepted the following tenders : —
15 car-bodies. — Duncan & Fraser.
Cross-overs.— Horrocks, Roxburgh Ply., Ltd.

Motor equipment.— Anst. General Electric Co. and British Westinghouse
Electric & Mfg. Co.
N.S.W. Public Works Department : —
Pumping machinery for Wagga Wagga water supply, with special electric
type engine, f 6,997.— A. Leplastrier & Co. —Tender).

Blackpool. — The boroujrh electrical engineer has reported
to the Electricity Committee that the B.T.H. Co. have withdrawn
their tender for a new 1.500-KW. turbo-alternator.

Wakefield. — Council Electricity Works : —

FORTHCOMING EVENTS.

Institute of MetaU.— Wednesday, September 20th. At i p.m. .\t Burlington

House, Piccadilly, W. Annual autumn meeting.
Iron and Steel Institate.— Thursday and Friday, September 21st and 22nd.

-it 10.30 a.m. At the Institution of Civil Engineers, Great George Street,

S.W. Annual meeting.

NOTES.

Foreign Trade. — The August Figures.— The official

returns of impons and exports during last month contain the
following electrical and machinery figures : —

Aui)iist,

Inc. or Eiqhf months. 1916.

luPOETS :— 1916.

dec.

Inc. or dec.

Electrical goods. &c. £109.455

+ £4.152

+ £399,455

Machinery ... .;. 618,435

- 175,468

— 366,789

Exports ;—

Electrical goods ... 4iifi.50it

-f 1.50.3711

-f 789,420

Machinery 1.93.S,71n

-r 449.776

-t- 100,863

A High-Speed Squirrel-Cag

e Winding.

—Referring to

the high-speed squirrel-cage winding described on page 263 of our
issue of September 8th. in which copper strips are split and
expanded into loops to form rotor conductors, Mr. W. C. Kennett.
of Elthara. writes to point out that although this method may be
new to Americans, it is quite an old idea in this country, having
been used many years ago by Messrs. Johnson i: Phillips. Ltd.. and
no doubt by others.

Scientific Research. — Mr. Aithm- Ilenderson has been

appointed a member of the Committee of the Privy Council for the
purpose of the organisation and development of scientific and
industrial research.

Electro-deposition of Zinc. — A correspondent asks for

information as to the best method of depositing a coating of pure
zinc on metal sheets, the chemicals used for the electrolyte, and the
voltage and current density required.

Inquiry. — A correspondent asks for information regarding
an electric burner for removing old paint and varish from railway
rolling stock-

C.M.A. Standard Specification. — A slight alteration has

been made in the specification of C.M.A. flexible cords. These are
now made to comply with the standards for vulcanised rubber
flexibles laid down in the latest edition of the I.E.E. Wiring Rules,
revised March, 1916. The only alteration is that the insulation
resistance is 1.250 megohms per mile, instead of 600,

Fatalities. — -Aii inquiry was held, on • the 9th inst., by
Deputy Coroner Shepherd, at Hebburn-on-Tyne. into the circum-
stances attending the death of George Dickson, who was killed by
a shock from an elcijtric lamp standard. Owing to pressure on our
sjMice. we are obliged to defer the report to our next issue.

According to a Glasgow paper. Hugh M'Ginlay (28). Glasgow,
was instantaneously killed in a Cardouald factory, on September
"th. He accidentall.v jnit one of his feeU on a rail charged with
electricity, and was unable to release himself until the current was
switched off. He then fell 30 ft., and alightcil on the top of some
machinery. He died from fracture of the skull.

The Trade Union Congress. — The Congress held last week
did not fail to present, as we anticipated, some remarkable
features. Of these, one of the most striking was the adoption,
by a majority of 7 to 2, of a resolution advocating the
restriction or prevention of the importation of cheap manu-
factured goods which have been produced at lower rates of
wages, or under worse labour conditions, than those prevailing
in this country, which has been generally regarded as a declara-
tion of the aiiandonmeut of the traditional Tr,^de Union policy
of free imports, and certainly should strengthen the hands
of the Government in devising measures to shut out enemy goods
from British markets. Other clauses of this resolution urged the
necessity of educational reform, improvement in working condi-
tions and in housing accommodation, and the abolition of any
monopoly of natural resources which provides income without
service.

An important item in the proceedings was a resolution demand-
ing the restoration of the statun quo ante helium when peace is
declared, in accordance with the firm promises of the Government.
That this bond must be redeemed without reserve will be admitted
by all parties, but we very much doubt whether the workers, on
reflection, will desire it, for it cuts both ways, and more to the dis-
advantageof the workersthanof anyother party in theState. Restric-
tion of output inevitably implies low wages — otherwise successful
competition after the war will be impossible ; the workers have experi-
enced the benefits of high wages, which have added to their comfort
and raised the standard of living even in a period of exceptionally high
prices — is it conceivable that they will wish to return to the former
conditions .' By maintaining a high output, they can retain their
high wages, and we are confident that, when confronted with the
alternatives, they will have no hesitation in making the choice.
But a concurrent reorganisation of industry is essential, and we
trust that some means will be foimd whereby masters and men can
come together and amicably resolve the numerous problems with
which they are confronted.

Overhead Lines and the Board of Trade. — We are

iuformed by the Board of Trade that a considerable number of
applications have been made for the consent of the Department to
the erection of temporary overhead lines for the transmission of
electrical energy. Attention is drawn to the accompanying
memorandum relating to the particulars required by the Depart-
ment in connection with such applications : —

" Every application for the consent of the Board of Trade to the
placing of electric lines above groimd should be accompanied by
the following particulajs : —

" 1. Where the undertakers are a company, or a local authority
supplying outside their own area, evidence of consent of the local
authority* for the district.

'• * The local authorities are : —

" (a) In England and Ireland : — Borough Councils, Urban Dis-
trict Councils. Rural District Councils.
'(It) In Scotland : — Police Commissioners, Gas Commissioners,
Town Councils, County Coimcils.

" 2. A statement showing commercial or other considerations
why undei'ground cables should not be used.

"3. A brief description of the proposed system, whether by con-
tinuous or by alternating current ; the working voltage ; the kind
of wire, whether copper or aluminium ; whether solid or stranded ;
the total sectional area ; tensile strength and elongation ; average
and maximum length of span : minimum height of wires from the
ground ; name or description of automatic protective device, if any.

" 4. A statement whether the supply is to form (1) an extension
of an existing system of underground cables, or (2) of an existing
traction system, or (3) an independent system.

"5. An ordnance map on a scale of 6 in. to the mile, showing
the proposed route of the overhead lines and any existing overhead
lines. The sheets of these maps must be fastened together.

" 6. In the case of high and extra high pressure, plans of con-
struction of poles, kc, on a scale of about 1 in. to the ft., or a
reference to previously deposited plans where these are identical
with the proposed work.

" XOTES. — Codes of Regulations have been made (1) for overhead
lines for low-pressure and medium-pressure continuous-cmrent
supply, and for low-pressure alternating current supply, and
(2) for pressure exceeding low or medium pressure continuous-
current and low-pressure alternating ciu-rent. Regulations will be
made for each case separately, following these codes tinless special
alterations are sanctioned.

'' Attention is called to the necessity for obtaining the approval
by the Postmaster-General of plans and works under Sec. 11 of the
Schedule to the Electric Lighting (Clauses) Act. 1899."

The A.S.E. Secretaryship. — As a result of the ballot of
members of the Amalgamated Society of Engineers, Sir. Robert
Young has been appointed secrtta-y. He polled 4.196 votes more
than Sir. Tom M.-tnn. .Mr. W. Glennie i-' ti bf nssistant general
secretary.

j

Vol.79, xo. 2,025, SEPTEMBER 15, 1916.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

299

Appointments Vacant. — Assistant master in electrical

engrineerinif for the Regent Street. Polytechnic ; workinj'' inspector,
for temporary electrical installations in the Xorthern Command ;
assistant electrical engineer (35s.) for the Ascot Electricity
Works ; shift engineer (45s.). titter driver (40s.) and sub-station
attendants ciOs. to 35s.) for the Rhondda Tramway Electricity
Works. See our advertisement pagres to-day.

Hard Paste Porcelain. — At the British • Assoeiatioii

meetin^''s held at Xewcastle-upon-Tyne last week, an extremely
interesting exhibit was shown in the chemistry laboratory com-
prising a display, in white hard paste porcelain, of variovis pieces
used in the electrical trade.

These article.s were manufactured by Messrs. Taylor. Tunnicliff
and Co., of Eastwood, Hanley, in conjunction with Mr. C. H.
Thompson. F.CS.. of Amblecote. who have been g-enerally congra-
tulated upon successfully carrying- out an important achievement
in a dejjartment that has always been considered a Continental
monopoly. The actual samples exhibited will shortly be available
for inspection by those interested, at Jlessi-s. Taylor. Tunnicliffis
London office at 23, Hollxjrn Viaduct, and the company's London
director, Mr, M. J. Dark, will be pleased to give every facility for
such inspection. This exhibition is the more interesting in view of
the fact that, as mentioned on p. 291 of this issue, the Government
have allotted a considerable sum of money to the governing body
of the Pottery and Mining Schools. Stoke-on-Trent, for the establish-
ment of research work in this particular direction.

Engineering Trade Policy. — We are informed that in

view of the national prominence of the engineering industry, the
Lord Mayor is convening a public meeting at the Mansion House,
at 3 p,m, on Wednesday next, September 20th, to discuss future
trade policy, with special reference to the economic utilisation of
the engineering works of the nation, which have been so largely
expanded in capacity and equipment during the past two years.
The organisation of the meeting is being undertaken by the
British Electrical and Allied Manufacturers' Association, with the
support of the British Engineers' Association, the British Empire
Producers' Organisation, and the Engineering and Electrical Sec-
tions of the London Chamber of Commerce, Applications for tickets
of admission should be sent to Mr, T, C, Elder, Organising Secretarv
for the Meeting. B.E.A,M.A, Offices, 36, Kingsway, London, W,C,. or
to the Secretaries of any of the above organisations.

Volunteer Notes. — First Loxdox Enuixker Volux-

TEERS, — Headquarters, Chester House. Eccleston Place. S.W. —
Orders for the week by Lieut.-Col. C. B. Clay. V.D.. Com-
manding.

Mayday, September ISth. — Technical for Platoon Xo. 9. at
Regency Street. Squad and Platoon Drill. Platoon Xo. lu. .Sig-
nalling Class, Recruits' Drill, 6,25 — 8.25,

Tuesday. Se}>temher \9th. — Range Practice,

Wednesday. Septemier 20t/i. — Lecture. 7.15. Lecture. W. Eyles.
Esq. (late RE.), 7.15, "Demolitions." Platoon Drill. Platoon
Xo. 1. Range Pi-actice.

Thursday. September 2lsf. — Instruction Class, 5.45. Platoon
Drill. Platoon X'o. 5. Range Practice.

Friday, September iiiid. — Technical for Platoon Xo. 10, Regency
Street. Squad and Platoon Drill Xo. 9. Signalling Class. Recruits'
Drill. 6.25—8.25.

Saturday, September -J^rd. — Instruction Class, 2.30. Company
Commander Fleming.

Sunday, September 2ith. — Entrenching. — Parade Victoria Station
(S.E. &: C. Railway). Booking-office, 8.45 a.m.

MACLEOD YEAESLEY. Adjutant.

3bd Batt. (Old Boys') County op Loxdos Volusteeb Regi-
ment.—Battalion Orders by Major R. J. C.Eastwood (Commandant).
Thursday, September 14th,*1916 :—

Week-end Parade. — Saturday. — Parade at Liverpool Street Station
(Low-Level entrance, G,E,R.), at 8.40 a.m.. for Entrenching duties.
Those who cannot take the early train will parade at 1.20 p.m.

Sunday. — Parade- at Liverpool Street Station, 9.30 a.m., for
Entrenching duties.

Route March. — It is intended to hold a Route March on
Saturday. 23rd inst. (j. H. F. Duncan. Actinij Adjutant.

OUR PERSONAL COLUMN.

The Editors invite electrical engineers, whether connected with the
technical or the commercial side of the profession and industry,
also electric tramway and railway qfficiah,to keep readers of the
Electrical Review posted as to their movements.

Central Station Officials.- The staff of the Heywood Cor-
poration electricity works have presented Mr. R. B. LE.4CH,
chief engineer and manager, with a smoking outfit and testi-
monial on the occasion of his leaving to take up his duties
as borough electrical engineer at Loughborough.

The South Shields T.C. has increased the salary of the
borough electrical engineer (Mr. H. S. Ellis) from f4oO to
£■500 per annum. Mr. Ellis applied for an advance of i£100.

General. — L'lxm the occasion of his marriage, Mr. H.^rold
Wright was last week presented by the office staff of the
British Insulated & Helsby Cables, Ltd., with a set of cutlery
and spoons.

Lieutenant (jeoroe Edw.^rd Preece, Royal Engineers, who
was married at Bradford, on Friday, to Miss Dorothy Mary
Beresford Mitchell, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. G. Mitchell,

of Nab Wood, is by profession an electrical and mining engi-
neer. He came home on short leave from the Front,

At Stoke-on-Trent Parish Chuich, on September 5th, the
marriage took place of Mr, Fr.ank Hatch, assistant general
njanaeer of the Potteries Electric Traction Co., and Miss Clara
Booth, of Stoke.

Mr. E. J. N.ALLY, vice-president and general manager of the
Marconi Wireless Telegraph Co. of America, saUed for Eng-
land on September 1st on business.

Mr. H. W. Leonard, who for the past six years has held
an important position in the (j.E.C. publicity department,
has recently joined up for service with the London Electrical
Engineers.

Roll of Honour. — Rifleman Joseph Corfield, of the Rifle
Brigade, whose death in action is reported, had twice pre-
viously been wounded. He was formerly employed in the
electrical department of Messrs. A. Knowles & Sons, colliery
proprietors, Pendleton, and was 19 years of age.

Private \\. Clems, of the South Lanes. Regiment, who is
in hospital at Birmingham, suffering from wounds and shell
shock, was employed before the war in the electricity depart-
ment at the works of Messrs. Joseph Crosfield & Sons, Ltd.,
soap manufacturers, Warrington. ■

Lance-Corporal Leonard P. Beech, of the King's (Liver-
pool) Regiment, formerly on the office staff of the British
Insulated & Helsby Cables. Ltd., has been wounded, as has
also Private Arthur Hulme, of the Cheshire Regiment, em-
ployed by the same company.

Sapper C. E. Whittle, Royal Engineers, is in hospital in
Aberdeen suffering from wounds. Prior to enhsting he
worked in the Bolton Corporation electrical fittings depart-
ment.

Trooper B. Browning, Royal East Kent Mounted Rifles,
who was on the Faversham (Corporation electricity staff, is in
hospital at Addington Park, Croydon.

Sergeant Victor Johnson, Queen's Royal West Surrey
Regiment, who enlisted whilst a wireman with the Godalming
Electricity Co., has gained the Mihtary Medal for gallant con-
duct in rescuing an officer from between the British and
German lines. ■

Private Charles Little, King's (Liverpool) Regiment, who
belongs to Douglas (I.O.M.), and left a position as electrical
engineer in America to join the Forces, is reported from
France to be missing.

Lance-Corporal E. G. Price, Sutton, who has fallen in
action in France, was, on his enhstment, engaged with the
South Metropolitan Electric Tramways & Lighting Co.

The Military Medal has been granted to Corporal J. W.
Richardson, West Yorkshire Regiment, for gallant service
in the field. He was engaged in the offices of the York
municipal electricity undertaking.

Private Thomas Bennett, Loyal North Lancashire Regi-
ment, reported from France to be missing since July 23rd
last, enlisted whilst -n'ith Messrs. Dick, Kerr & Co., Ltd., of
Preston.

Private M. Corrigan, of the Manchester Regiment, for-
merly employed at the British Westinghouse Works, Trafford
Park, is missing.

Private S. Roy Holmes, West Yorkshire Regiment, an ap-
prentice with Mr. Reginald Falshaw, electrical engineer, of
Harrogate, who enhsted at the outbreak of war, has died of
wounds received in action. He was 22 years of age.

We regret to note that Thomas Francis Phillips, Mortar
Battery, younger son of Mr. and Mrs. C. J. Philhps, of Ash-
croft, Orpington, was killed in action on September 2nd. We
tender to Mr. C. J. Phillips, who was the provincial super-
intendent of the Southern Provinces of the late National
Telephone Co., our deep sympathy in his bereavement.

Private Ernest Job Farnsworth, Suffolk Regiment, who
has died of wounds received in action in France, enhsted
whilst with Messrs. Siemens, Stafford.

Private Ernest Willlams, North Staffs. Regiment, who
enhsted at the outbreak of war whilst with Messrs. Siemens,
Stafford, and who has been missing since October 13th, 1915,
is now presumed to have fallen in action on that date.

Acting Quartermaster-Sergeant Geo. Kendall, Royal Field
Artillery, wounded in action in France, was fonnerly mana-
ger of the Reading Corporation tramways parcels office.

Private R. C. Whewell. of the Royal Scots, has been
awarded the D.C.M. for gallant conduct in France. He was
employed at the L. &Y. Railway Co.'s electrical power station.

.Acting-Corporal W. Sanders, Rifle Brigade, officially re-
ported killed, was employed by the Lancashire Dynamo and
Motor Co. . , ■„ J

Private Fred Looney, King's (Liverpool) Regiment, kUled
in action, was employed at the British Westinghouse Co.'s
works. ^ , .^^ . , , . T^ •

Lance-Corporal Frank Cressall, Royal Warwickshire Regi-
ment was killed in action on the 4th inst., aged 24. Mr.
Cressall was in the employment of Messrs. Mavor & Coulson.
Ltd at the tune of the outbreak of war. and it was arranged
about that time that he should join the Cressall Manufac-
turinc Co., of Birmingham, as junior partner, but instead ot
so doing he joined the Colours soon after leaving Messrs
Mavor & Coulson, Ltd. Prior to being with that firm he had
been with the Electrical Apparatus Co., Ltd., London, the
Electric & Ordnance Accessories Co., Ltd., Aston, and tlie
General Electric Co., Ltd., 'Witton, wher« he commenced bi8
training.

300

THE ELECTEICAL REVIEAV. [Voi. 79. No. 2.025. skptember u. 1916.

Captain James Hendry, of the Royal Scots, an electrical
engineer who served at Glasgow and Pittsburg, and was later
a consulting engineer at Rochdale, has died of wounds re-
ceived in action.

Bombardier G. .\. B.ailev, Royal Field Artillery, foraierly
an electrician on the engineer's staff at the Liverpool Post
Office, has been killed, aged '2-5 years.

Private Cecii, Dodd, of the Manchester Regiment, killed in
action, was a former employe of the Briti.sh Westinghouse
.Co., Trafford Park; and Private HAitiiV Chosslky, of the
Manchester Regiment, another employe of the same firm,
has been wounded while fetching stretcher-bearers to assist
a wounded comrade.

We regret to learn that the younger son of Mr. James
McMillan (James McMillan & Co., fonnorly the Ericsson Bell
Telephone Co.) was killed in action in France on Scptembei'
'2nd. He joined the London Rifle Brigade, but was trans-
ferred to the Loudon Regiment. He was 19 yeare of age. and
had only been in France three weeks. He was educated at
Highfield School and Hanover.

Mr. R. M. Bishop, formerly associated with the accounts
department staff of Siemens Bros. Dynamo Works. Ltd., at
Upper Thames Street, E.C.. has been promoted while on
active sen'ice to the rank of sergeant. He was also awarded
the Military Service Medal -for conspicuous bravery at
Pozieres.

Private J. W. Co-ttox, of the King's (Liverpool) Regiment,
whose death from wounds is announced, was employed by
Messrs. Ferranti, Ltd.

Private Walter Offielld, of the Scottish Borderers, pre-
viously reported missing, and now officially reported killeii.
was employed prior to his enlistment at the British Westing-
house Works, Traft'ord Park. He was 19. Another employt^
of the British Westingohu.se, Lance-Corporal E. W. Icke.
aged 22, is now reported killed, after having been posted as
missing. Private .T. W'YLLIE, aged 26, another former em-
ployi of the firm, has been killed while acting as stretcher-
bearer. He had served at Gallipoli and in France.

Private Erxest Lakd, of the Cheshire Regiment, now' re-
ported killed after having been previously reported missing.
was 27 years of age, and was fomierly employed at the
British Westinghouse Works, Trafford Park. Sapper P.
Harris, of the Royal Engineers, also formerly of the West-
inghouse Works, has been killed, aged 22 years.

Private L. Steele, of Crewe, fomierly employed in the elec-
tric shop at Crewe Railway Works, has been wounded.

Private Douglas Gibson, of the Royal Welsh Fusiliers, who
has been wounded, and is now in hospital in France, was
employed prior to the war in the electricity dapartment at
Blackpool Tower.

Obituary. — Sir James Sivewright, C.M.G. — We regret to
learn that Sir James Sivewright passed away on September
10th, at the age of 68 years. He was born at Fochabers, Scot-
land, and was educated in that country, taking a degree of
M.A. at the Aberdeen University. Originally it was intended
that he .should enter the Government Telegraph Service in
India, and, having pas.sed the examination for this purpose,"
he underwent practical training for the Indian service under
the late Sir W. H. Preece, at the Hartley Institution, South-
ampton. At that time Sir W\ H. Preece (then Mr. Preece)
was telegraph divisional engineer of the southern district of
England, with headquarters at Southampton. At the organi-
sation which followed on the transfer of the telegraph sys-
tems of the United Kingdom to the State (under Post Oflice
control), Mr. Sivewright was offered by Mr. Preece the
position of engineer-superintendent of that portion of the
southern division which had its chief office at Southampton
(other superintendents being located at Exeter and Bristol).
This position of superintendent was accepted, and was held
by Mr. Sivewright for a number of years, until, at the re-
quest of the South African Government, an expert was asked
for for the purpose of reporting upon the position of the
whole telegraph .system in South Africa ; on the recommenda-
tion of Mr. Preece, Mr. Sivewright was nominated for this
work. As a result of the visit to South Africa, Mr. Sive-
wright became chief of telegraphs in that country, and under
his administration great improvements were made in the ser-
vice; for his services in this connection Mr. Sivewright
was given the honour of C.M.G. Being brought into close
contact with the various South African governmental and
industrial authorities, Mr, Sivewright's abilities resulted in
his being offered a seat in the Government Cabinet, whilst
his commercial abilities enabled him to make a considerable
fortune. During the Boer War he offered his large estate
for the purposes of a home for the British wounded. On the
conelu.sion of the war he returned to England, and settled
down in his native Scotland, on an estate which he had
acquired. Sir James will perhaps be best known as the joint
author with Sir W. H. Preece of the well-known book on
"Telegraphy." published by Longmans, a book which has
acquired a name as a standard work, and which has gone
through veiT numerous editions. He was .secretary of the
Society of Telegranh Engineers (now the Institution of Elec-
trical Engineers) for just over a year (1876-77). Sir James,
who had been ill for some time, passed away at a nursing
home in Shropshire

; Mr. Samuel Charles Sparks.— Mr. S. C. Sparks, who has
died at Leeds, was formerly' the telegraph superintendent in
the city. He was 73 years of age.

CITY NOTES.

An extraordinary general meeting of

The Metropolitan the Metropolitan Electric Supply Co,

Electric Supply Ltd., will be held on Thursday, Septem-

Co., Ltd, ber 28th, at 2.30 p.m., at Salisbury

House, to consider the report of the

committee appointed at the ordinary general meeting held on

March 22nd, and, if approved, to pass the following resolu-

tioDS : —

1. That the report dated August lOtli. 191C, of the com-
mittee appointed by the general meeting held on March 22nd
last, and issued to the shareholders with the notice convening
this meeting be, and the same is, hereby approved and
adopted, and that the arrangements thereby recommended be
canied into effect.

2. That Mr. Andrew Wilson Tait, Mr. George Balfour, and
Mr. George Verity who are recommended by the committee
and by the board for election be, and they are, hereby elected
directors of the company.

3. That the committee be directed to place at the disposal
of the board the reports of the experts employed by them,
together with all such information as the board may consider
to be of service to the company.

.\t the conclusion of the business of the extraordinary
meeting the consideration of the business left unfinished at
the ordinary general meeting held on March 22nd will be
resumed, and Mr. Geoffrey Black well and the Rt. Hon. F.
Leverton Harris. M.P., two of the directors retiring by rota-
tion, will be proposed for re-election, Mr. G. A. Moncrieff.
the third director retiring by rotation, having resigned his
seat at the board.

The following is the report of the shareholders' committee
referred to above : —

We have proceeded upon the reference made at the gener.il
meeting of the company held on March 22nd, and havr
examined into the affairs of the company and the past anl
future conduct of the business. •■

We have held upwards of 30 meetings and have interviewed
all the present directors, except Mr. Moncrieff', also the thrcr
diiectors who have retired, and Mr. Highfield and the com
pany's other chief officials.

We have also had placed before us mmierous reports ami
minutes, and in particular the reports recently prepared at
the instance of the board by Sir John Snell, the well-known
consulting electrical engineer, and by Messrs. Jackson, Pixli\'
and Co., chartered accountants.

We instracted Mr. Charles P. Sparks, president of tli''
Institution of Electrical Engineers, and Mr. David H. Allen, nl
Messrs. Harris, Allen & Co., chartered accountants, to a.s.sist
us, and they have acted as our assessors and have made their
written reports to us. We are much indebted to them and
also to Mr. Furnival Jones, who has acted as our secretary,
for the valuable assistance they have rendered us throughout
this inquiry.

Having concluded our inquiry, and having carefully con-
sidered the evidence, it seemed to us desirable that if pos-
.sible some arrangement with the present board should be
come to, so as to avoid the necessity of publishing a report
dealing with various matters intimately connected with the
company's business and affairs, which if made public might
seriously interfere with the trading and future prosperity of
the company.

With this end in view we approached the directors, and
are pleased to report that an arrangement has been arrived
at, which we believe will be satisfactory to all sections of
shareholders and ensure harmony on the board.

Mr. Harrison Cripps has placed his resignation of the chair-
manship in the hands of the board. Mr. Andrew Wilson Tait,
a member of the firm of Messrs. George A. Touche & Co.,
and Mr. George Balfour, of Messrs._ Balfour. Beatty & Co.,
Ltd., and Mr. George Verity, chairman of Veritys , Ltd.,
whom we have suggested as suitable persons (the first-named
as chainnan) will be added to the board, the number of
which is tor the present, at all events, to be limited to seven.
The board as reconstituted will be as follows: — Mr. Andrew
V ilson Tait (chairman). Mr. George Balfour, Mr. Geoffrey
Blackwell, Mr. W. Harrison Cripps, Rt. Hon. F. Leverton
Harris. M.P., Mr. J. Carr Saunders, and Mr. George Verity.

In view of this arrangement we feel that no useful purposo
can be served by referring to the matters, of controversy
raised at the last meeting of the shareholders. At the .same
time, we feel it right to express regret thatpersonal imputa-
tions should have been made on that occasion which in our
opinion were not justified.

We also wish to record our opinion, that the services of
Mr. Highfield, as engineer, have been most valuable to the
company and should be retained.

We would further add that in our opinion the board should
direct their special attention to the energetic development of
business in the western area.

Under all the circmnstances we confidently recommend the
sb.ireholders to accept the arrangement indicated above, and
if desired we shall be prepared to place before the new board
such information a; we have acquired, including the reports
which have been put before us, and to, give to the company
anv other assistance in our power.

The report is signed by the members of the shareholders'

I

Vol. 79. Xo. 2.02.5. September 1.M916.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

301"

committee, namely, Msssrs. Eoger Gregory (chairman), E.
MelviJl Beachcrolt, aad W. S. Poole.

The report of the directors for the year

Victoria Falls ended December 31st, 1915, states that

and Transvaal the issued share capital amounted to

Power Co., Ltd. £3,000,000 and the debenture capital to

±■4,46-5,620, a further £7S,300 qf the 5i
per cent, second mortgage debentmes having been purchased
during the vear 191.5. The year's business has resulted in
a profit of £7-29,66-2, which, with the £106,447 at the credit of
piofit and loss account as at December 31st, 1914, remaining
after payment of the dividends on January 6th and June '21st,
1915, and an adjustment of income-tax, makes a gross total
OL £845,649. After providing for interest on debentures for
the year, 1915, amounting to £2:3'2,557, and for depreciation,
income-tax, excess profits duty, Sec, amounting to £274,0"^,
the balance remaining is £339, 06S. A dividend was declared
last December of 6 per cent, per annum, less income-tax,
for the ten months ended February 2Sth, 1915, on the prefer-
ence shares, and a further dividend on the preference shares
also of 6 per cent., less income-tax, for the ten months ended
December 31st, 1915, was declared in May, 1916. These divi-
dends were paid in January and June, 1916, respectively,
and absorbed £177,499, leaving £'161,568 to be carried forward
to the current year's accounts. Since the last report, the
second large turbo-generator at the Brakpan power station
has been brought into commission, and the whole of the
plant for all the power stations of the combined undertakings
is now installed. Sir Henry Birchenough, K.C.M.G., and Sir
Charles Metca^e, Bart., retire, and, being eUgible, submit
themselves for re-election. Since the last meeting Mr. Lue-
beck has resigned his seat on the board. General meeting :
September 2'2nd.

The report for the year ended April

Manaos 30th states that the adverse influences

Tramways and which caused a decrease in the earnings

Li^ht Co. during the preceding year, have still

been operative, although to a somewhat
lesser extent, and indications of better trading conditions in
the Amazon valley are not lacking. Brazihan exchange de-
clined slightlv in the course of the year, but is showing signs
of greater steadiness during the last few months. This depre-
ciation of currency has resulted in a loss of £13,093 on remit-
tances from Manaos during the year. The gross earnings
were £110.524. as compared with £110,420. and operating
expenses £76,173, against £82,240 : as a result the net operat-
ing revenue carried to profit and loss account increased from
£26,180 to £34,352. After providing for debenture interest,
sinking fund, interest on loan, London office expenses, sundry
charges and the loss in exchange already referred to, £1.661
is carried to the balance sheet. The indebtedness of the State
Government has been shghtly reduced, and every possible
effort is being made with a view to avoiding a further accu-
mulation of unpaid bills for public hghting. Meeting : loth
inst. — Financial Times.

Canadian General Electric Co. — The dhectors have de-
clared a quarterlv dividend of li per cent, for the three
months to September 30th, being at the rate of 7 per cent,
per annum on the common stock.

Manila Electric Railroad & LighHng Corporation.— The
directors have declared a dividend of H per cent, for the
quarter to September 30th on the common capital stock.

Globe Telegraph & Trust Co.. Ltd.— The directors have
declared a quarterly inteiim dividend of 3s. per share on the
preferred shares, less income-tax, and 2s. per share on the
ordmary shares, income-tax having already been deducted.

STOCKS AND SHARES.

Tuesday Evenlno.

Consols rose to 60i, producing a still more cheerful effect
upon investment markets as a whole. The full extent of
the rise was not held, but the price of the Funds kept
steadily over 60. Except for Home Eailway stocks, the
demand is noticeably urgent for good securities of all kmds.
Why Home Eailway stocks should be dull it is difficult to
say," except from the" aspect of the labour world. There is no
do"ubt but that apprehensions of industrial trouble after the
war are checking purchases in this market. Meanwhile, m
spite of hints of similar difficulties in other trades, shares in
domestic industrial companies are increasing in value every
day. The iron, coal, and steel group stands out with promi-
nent strength.

The Mexican situation is declared to be better, in conse-
quence of the reported withdrawal of 40.000 United States
troops from the Mexican frontier and the further advances
of General Carranza to President Wilson in the interests of
peace. Nevertheless, definite news is so difficult to obtam
that prices of Mexican issues have scarcely moved. Dealers
in the various markets report that holders will not sell, but
at the same time, there are only a few buyers. Therefore
prices keep firm, and Mexico Tramway bonds of both classes
have risen a point. The British Columbia group is excep-

tionally good, the preferred and deferred drawing together
at oii, the rises being IJ and 3i respectively. The preference
is up at 72; and although the debentures have not changed
quotably, they are extremely difficult to get hold of.

Anglo-Ai-gentine Tramways remain a weak spot. Besides
the recent commentaries on the perplexities that are troubling
the Argentine Eepubhc as a whole, the Railway and Tram-
v\ays Companies are known to be handicapped by the high
price of coal and by the difficulty of obtaining supphes. The
Anglo-Argentine Tramways deferred the last dividend on its
second preference shares, and there is just the fear lest the
first preference may also have to go without their dividend
in respect of the current six months.

The troubles of the Argentine Eepubhc are only temporary,
of course; and the purchases of various Argentine stocks
which the Americans were making some few months ago
point to the faith that United States investors have in the
country. Evidently there is a difficult furrow to be got
through before prosperity re-emerges, and some talk as if
only the end of the war, bringing with it a release of shipping
facihties, is likely to mend matters permanently in the
country.

Brazilian Tractions are week at 601. Digestion of the report
has not brought in buyers; and during the past week or so
the mdreis has shown signs of going back. Heaviness spreads
over most stocks and shares connected with Brazil, the Rail-
way shares going back with the rest. At their present price,
Brazil Tractions show a fall of i on the week.

Canadian General Electrics dipped to 120, but recovered to
123. Pennsylvania Waters are a good spot at 82, this being a
rise of 2 points this week. Consohdated Electric Power of
Baltimore was quoted ex dividend yesterday (Monday), the
common and preferred being now 115 and 118 respectively.
The company's 5 per cent, debenture stock has not yet
appeared in any of the Treasury lists as being required by
the Government for deposit under Scheme " B." The mild
gamble in Cordoba Light, Power & Traction ordinary has
given way to quietude, and the price of the shares is about
4s. 9d., the 5 per cent, debenture being quoted 75-SO, but not
having changed hands since February last.

The hst of domestic electricity shares is very firm. City
preference are J up at lOf. St. James's rose to 6|. Charing
Cross ordinary and preference have both arrived at 3 9/16,
showing a loss of 1/16 in the former case and a gain of
the same amount in the latter. There is a fair demand for
electricity supply shares, and, as we have pointed out before,
the buyers are disi-egarding the war period. South Metro-
politan ordinary are steady at 19s. A Utile business in Urban
Electrics resulted in the preference easing off to 21. The
ordinary changed hands a day or two ago at 4s., and the last
price marked in the debentm-e stock is 73.

The reiwrt of the Shareholders' Committee of the Metro-
poht-an Electric Supply Co. has now been pubhshed to the
shareholders. In brief, the report suggests a shght re-arrange-
ment of the board, and sets out the names of seven gentle-
men recommended as suitable. The committee breathe con-
ciliation and peace. They deprecate pubhcation of any report
deahng with matters intimately connected with the com-
pany's business and affairs which, if made pubUc, might
seriously interfere with its future prosperity ; and they beheve
that the arrangement with the directors will be satisfactory
to all sections of shareholders, and will ensure harmony on
the Ijoard. An extraordinary general meeting is therefore
convened to take place on Thursday fortnight, September
28th, and there seems to be no reason why this should not
be an entirely amicable gathering. The great majority of
shareholders will certainly be only too glad to feel that the
company is once more proceeding harmoniously with its
work, and that personal considerations no longer embarrass
the proper business of the concern.

London United Tramways debenture stock has improved
to 48. Potteries preference advanced to lis., and the ordi-
nary are better at 6s. 6d. 'S'ictoria Falls & Power preference
jumped sharply to 19s. 9d. on the pubhcation of the annual
report, and the ordinary have hardened to 9s. 3d., the latter
being now well within sight of a dividend. In the course of
another year, it may be reasonably hoped that the ordinary
will receive a modest distribution.

Telegraph stocks are steady on the whole, though the
Eastern group is a little easier. Eastern ordinary receding 2
points and " China " shares falling i. Marcoms remain quiet.
The recent flutter of excitement in Americans has subsided,
though the price keeps firm at 19s. 6d. ; while Canadians,
which participated but little m the nse m Americans, hold
to half-a-guinea. .

The principal fall in Home Railway stocks is one oi di
points in Central London non-assented ordinary, this dropping
to Uh on a little stock coming to market. The assented is
also a pomt down at 73. Metropolitans weakened to 25. and
Underground Electrics are also a trifle easier, the dullness
being due to the prevailing sentiment in the market as a

" Amongst mdustrials. Babcock & Wilcox, after their recent
strength, have gone back a trifle to 3 1/16. and Castner-
Kellners fell J to 3?. British Aluminium at 26s. od. are ttie
pence hi>'her. thoush they have been better during the past
few davs" Dick, Kerrs dropped to 16s. 9d. Callenders are
again 5s. up at 12J. and the rest of the hst keeps very
steady The rubber market, too, is firm. Raw Rubber flue-

302

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW. [Vol. to. No.i'.o^.vsisrTEMuiiR i:>, i9ig.

tuates narrowly around 2s. 3d. per lb., the chanpes having

little effect upon the share market. For the nioiuent, Borneo

rubber shares are popular ; but the general tone of the market

is robust, and bu>-ing orders come in steadily from all parts

of the provinces

SHARE LIST OF ELECTRICAL COMPANIES.
Home Electricity Companies.

Dividend Price

,^—* ^ Sepl . 19, Rise or fall Yield

19U. 1916, 1916. this week. p.c.

Brompton Ordinary .. .. Ip 10 6} -, *7 18 J

Charing Cross Ordinary ;• ?, „ ¥f . ¥ k « i

do. do. do. 4i Pref.. IJ « Sft + A » b 4

Chelsea \ \ ,' , " b in a

City of London .. ■■ ^ ■■ \ 8 JJi'^'J ". » ^ °

do. do. 6 per cent. Pref. h b ie| +» 6 16 8

County of London •• v ' ' Jfi ~ b 14 n

do. 6 per cent. Pref. 6 6 UJ - 5,2

Kensington Ordinary ■■ ■ \ l fj ~ \ \<i \

London Electric 4 8 U - ^,,5

do. do. 6percent. Prcl. 6 6 48£d - ^ ^q J

Metropolitan ■• • ■ „ ; ^ 5, H? ~ i j n

do. 4* per cent. Pref. 44 44 :>i - , \ \ ,.

St. James' and Pall Mall .. 10 8 Cg fj B 6t,

South London •• • S S X ~ S ij a

South Metropolitan Pref. ■ • ' ' 'p ~ ? ,.] ,,

Westminster Ordinary ....9 7 (J — owu

Teleoraphb iND Telephones.

AneloAm Tel. Pref 6 6 103 -4 ^ l" ?

Anglo^Am.Tel.Pre.. . . gO/. 83/6 aSJ - 7 89

Chile Telephone 8 8 7 - 6 14 6

CubaSub.Ord 6 6 84 ",.?««

Eastern Extension .... 7 8 l.J -J ;6 8 6

Eastern Tel. Ord 7 8 147 -2 ;6 8 lU

Globe Tel. and T.Ord 6 7 2! - '68 8

do. Pref. ..66 lOi — f 1° ^

Great Northern Tel 22 22 42 - 6 4 9

Indo-European 13 ^ 49 - b 12 8

Marconi 10 1 J **!« — 0^9

New York Tel. 44 .. -• 44 44 100 - '10 0

Oriental Telephone Ord. . . 10 10 2J — .* | 4

United R. Plate Tel 8 8 b* — 6 16 6

West India and Pan 1 — lA — ,c « a

Western Telegraph .... 7 8 16 0 h b

HouE Rails.

Central London, Ord. Assented 4 4 78 -1 ^, \ 1

Metropolitan U l, ?6 -3 4 0 0

doT District -. ..Nil Nil 18J - Ni

Dnderground Electric Ordinary Nil Nil 1^8 — Nil

do. do. "A" .. Nil Nil 6/8 — NU

do. do. Income 6 6 89xd - i '6 14 10

Foreign Traus, &a.

Adelaide Bup. 6 per cent. Pref. f « 6 - 6 0 0

Anglo-Arg. Trams, First Pref. 64 64 8H - j^ 7 9 2

do. 2nd Pref. . . 6J 64 8 — —

do. 5 Deb. ..66 76 — 6 13 4

Brazil Tractions 4 4 605 - J ? JJ u

Bombay Electric Pref 6 6 UJ - 5 ," *

British Columbia Elee. Rly. Ptce. B 6 72 -H *> J' "

do. do. Preferred— Nil 614 +1* Nil

do do. Deferred — Nil 644 "» 84 Nil

do. do. Deb. 4i 4i 68 - 6 6 0

Mexico Trams 6 per cent. Bonds — Nil 41 -f 1 Nil

do 6 per cent. Bonds — Nil bti -f 1 Nil

Mexican Light Common - . Nil Nil 111 — Nil

do. Pref Nil Nil 64 — NU

do. Ist Bonds . . Nil Nil 43 — —
Mancfactceihq Companies.

Babcock 4 Wilcox . . . . 14 15 3A - h * 'g "

British Aluminium Ord, .. 8 7 aw^ +3a. 6 6 8

British Insulated Ord. .. 15 17J 124 + i 7 0 0

British Westinghouse Pref. .. 74 74 49/6 +6d. W\

CaUenders '^ '^ '?* +* LS 2

do. 6 Pref 6 6 1± - f 17 8

Castner-Kellner 20 - 8? -J ^ b 8

Edison & Swan, i3 paid ..Nil — 10/6 — Ni

do. do. fully paid ..Nil — li — „ "■'

do. do. 5 percent. Deb. 6 6 624 - ^,"9

Electric Construction . . . . 6 74 17/6 — ^45

Gen. Elec. Pref 6 6 10 — S 2 ,9

do. Ord 10 10 U -t- 1 7 a 10

Henlav 20 26 Ibfxd — 7 9 2

do.%4Pref. . .. .. 44 44 41xd - 6 6 0

India-RuDOer 10 10 12i - *8 8 4

T^egraphCon 20 20 89 - •6 4 0

■ Dividends paid free of income-tax.

MARKET QUOTATIONS.

ELECTRIC TRAMWAY AND RAILWAY
TRAFFIC RETURNS.

Locality.

Month Receipts for
ended the
(4 wks.) month.

7,%

Total to a«te.

Route
miles
open.

Blackpool-Fleetw'd
BriBtol (Trams) . .

Cork

Dublin
Bastings

Lancashire United
Llandudno-Col, Bay

Anglo-Argentine ..
Auckland ..
Calcutta

Kalgoorlie, W.A, ..
Madras
Montsvidea

DubUn-LooBO BI7.

Sept. 2

Aug. 81
Sept. 1

Aug. 30
Sept. 1

„ 2

Aug. 25

„ 2t>

Jnne

July

August

Sept. 1

&

10,036
22,vl6«
a,»43
28740
75i4
8,4 0
3,670

194,111
20,»n7
18,49)
2,500
4,422
26,044

803

-1-1,807
f 3,009
-1- li2
■>-8,b69
• l,3i8
.l,0Hl
r 8i8

-6,314
. 591
► 613

-1- '1=7
- 449

-H 187

35
35
35
36
3.)
36
35

35

8

26
35
.3

9

t

31.306
1T0,60J
17,785
21 9.t85
36 431
62,766
14,161

1,771,989
41,a74

14,937
33,663
292,3.12

1,777

1- 2,978
*■ 6,419
<- 114

— 8,H17
- 2,013
■1- 2,5U8
t- «83

-11,483

— '65
-t 6,773

» 2,'80a
+ 13,9a6

f 204

B

ao'6

S-89
54-25
19-B
42
6-6

26'f9
20.5

7

I

7

It should 111' remembered, in making use of the tipjures appearing
in the I'oUowinjr list, that in some cases the prices are only j;eneral,
and they inny vary nccordinsr to quantities ami other circumstances.

Wednesday, September 13th.

CHEMICALS, &c.

I Acid, Oxalic per 1

Ammoniac Sal per t

Ammonia. Muriate (large crystal) „
I Bisulphide of Carbon . . . . „

t Copper Sulphate ,,

r Potash, Chlorate perl

I ,, Perchlorate . . ,,

I Shellac per c

I Sulphate 6f Magnesia . . per t
r Sulphur, Sublimed Flowers . . „

t ,, Lump ,,

I Soda, Chlorate per 1

I ,, Crystals pert

t Sodium Bichromate, casks . . per 1

METALS. Ac.

• Brass (rolled metal 2" to 12" basis) per lb.
: ,, Tubes (solid drawn) .. ,,

: ,, Wire, basis . . .. „

r Copper Tubes (solid drawn) .. ,,

r ,, Bars (best selected) .. per ton

r „ Sheet „

r „ Bod

I „ (Electrolytic) Bars .. ,,

/ „ „ Sheets .. „

i „ „ Rods .. „

/ „ „ H.C. Wire per lb.

■EboniteRod ,

■ „ Sheet

I German Silver Wire .. .. ,,

I Gutta-percha, fine ,,

I India-rubber, Para fine .. .. ,,

Iron Pig (Cleveland warrants) . . per ton

,, Wire, galv. No. 8, P.O. qual. „

r Lead, English Pig . . .. .. ,,

r Mercury per Lot.

• Mica (in original cases) small .. per lb.
- ,, ,, ,, medium ,,

! ,, ,, ,, large .. ,,

/ Silicium Bronze Wire . . . . per lb.

' Steel, Magnet, in bars .. .. per ton
r Tin, Block (English)

r „ Wire, Nos. 1 to 16 .. .. per lb.

Latest

Fortnight's

Price.

Inc. or Deo,

1/8

JE76

£64

£23

£31

£61

2/6

9/-

128/-

£18

£16

£1 inc.

£13 10

£1 inc.

l/JJ to 1/8

l/3t to 1/34

1/3 to l|3i

1/6J .n l/6j

£150

£160

£150

£182

£150

£140

1/48

3/-

2/6

a/3

6/10

3/34 ■

Nom.

£36

£31 15

£17 12 U to £17 IE

6d. to B/-

8/6 to 6/-

7/6 to 14/- <t up,

1/fJ

£8i>

£171 to £172

2/10

Jd.

£4toi

Quotations supplied by —

a G. Boor k Co.
c Thos. Bolton & Sons, Ltd,
d Frederick Smith & Co.
e F. Wiggins & Sons.
India-Rubber, Gutta-Percha and
Telegraph Works Co., Ltd.

g James & Shakespeare,

h Edward Till & Co.

I Boiling & Lowe.

/ Richard Johnson & Nephew, Ltd.

n P. Ormislon & Sons.

r W. F. Dennis ,t Co.

Official Announcements re Companies. — The following
coaipanies are to be struck off the register unless cause to the
contrary is shown within three months : —

Commercial ifc Engineering Development Co.

Engineering & General Purposes Co.

Holmes Motor Speed Contiroller.

International Power & Light Trust.

Rochdale Electro-Plating Co.

Hong=Kon^ Tramway Co., Ltd. — Tlie directors report a
net profit, after writing f6,6i5 oft' for depreciation, and in-
cluding i;6,897 brought forward, of £18,071. A dividend of
12 per cent, has been declared, and a further ^62,000 has been
written off the cost of the tramway undertaking, leaving
i£C,321 to be carried forward.

Dundee and Broughty Ferry Tramways Co., Ltd. — Ihe

net profit for the year ended -July 31st was £'2, .59.5, including
,i'l(i9 brought forward, after providing for interest and ^78.5
in redemption of debenture stock. After paying the dividend
on the preference shares £'16o is to be earned forward.

United Electric Car Co., Ltd., Preston.-^In th<Mr report
for the year ended June 30th, 1916, the directors state that
the works have been efficiently maintained as regards build-
ing and machinery, the cost of which has been charged
against revenue. After charging f.5,229 for depreciation, in-
cluding f4,.500 added to reserve, the profit for the year i.s
£'6,.563, plus £4,707 brought forward, making £11,270. After
paying the preference dividend, lets income-tax, requiring
Jti.OnO. £.5,270 is to be carried forward. Annual meeting:
September 20th.

Browett, Lindley & Co., Ltd. — .\ccording to the " Finan-
cial Times," an interim dividend at the rate of 6 per cent,
has been declared.

Oandy Belt Manufacturing Co.

8 per cent, actual, less tax.

Ltd. — Interim dividend,

Vol. w. so.2.n35,SEPTEMBEB 15, 1(116.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

303

THE BRITISH ASSOCIATION.— II.

Thb Engineering Section of the British Association, when
it met in Newcastle-on-Tyne on Thui-sday, Septemljer 7th,
had a very busy day in front of it, for the agenda was so
fnll that ]iraitirally no time w;is left for discussion. The
prograuinie originally was a heavy one, but it was made
worse in consequence of the addition to the lists of papere
to be read, of that of Dr. T. E. Stanton, F.R.S., on Prin-
ciples of Similitude. Other subjects treated were :
Standardisation and its Influence on the Engineering
Industries, by Mr. C. ie Maistre ; Pressure Oil Film
Lubrication, l)y Mr. H. T. Newbigin -. The Influence of
Pressure on Electrical Ignition, by Prof. W. M. Thornton :
The Calculation of the Capacity of Aerials, including the
Effects of Masts and Buildings', by Prof. G. W. 0. Howe :
and Some Characteristic Curves for a Poulsen Ai-c Gene-
rator, by Mr. N. W. McLachlan, <is well as a report of the
O^mmittee on Complex Stress Distribution.

The Chemistry and .Geology Sections joined hands on
Thursday morning to consider the in\estigation of the
chemical and geological characters of different varieties of
coal, with a ^iew to their most effective utilisation as fuel
and to the extraction of by-products. This discussion,
which formed a sort of prelude to the discussion of Friday
>»etween the Engineering and Chemical Sections on fuel
economy, &c.. was taken jiarfe in by Prof. G. A. Lebour.
Prof. W. A. Bone, F.R.S., Dr. A. Strahan, F.R.S.,
Dr. .J. T. Dunn, Dr. Marie C. Stopes, and others. At the
same time the Economic Section was engaged in the dis-
cussion of a report of a Conference on the Replacement of
Male by Female Labour.

The subject of fuel economy was one of the outstanding
features of the Association's meetings on Friday, and, as
mentioned, was jointly debated by the Engineering and
Chemistry Scitions. A long, but very interesting and
practical, debate had for its basis, firet, the First Rejwrt of
the Committee (of which Prof. W. A. Bone was chairman)
Appointed for the Investigation of Fuel Economy, the
Utilisation of Coal, and Smoke Prevention. This report
went over the ground \ery thoroughly, and in effect stated
tliat there was practically as great a need for coal saving as
ever. The Committee, so far, had l.)een occupied by
organisation and a survey of the ground which must be
explored later on. The Committee recommended its
re-appointment, in order that it might continue its investi-
gations. In addition to this, there was a ]>aper by Mr. R. P.
.Sloan x)n Fuel Economy on the North-E;ist Coast as a
Result of Electric Power Supply, and another subject that
was broached was Electric Power Distribution, by Mr. Charles
H. Merz. Amongst those taking part were : — Prof. W. A.
Bone, Dr. .T. T. Dunn. Mr. H.' J. Yates, Sir Hugh Bell.
Prof. Louis. Sir C. Parsons, Dr. Dugald Clerk. Prof. H. B.
Dixon, Dr. Des Vaux, Mr. W. B. Woodhouse, Mr. McLamin.
Mr. Chamen, Mr. Chattock, and others. The discussion
was of a very high character, and formed a very fitting close
to the Section's proceedings.

Address to the Eng:ineering Section.

By Gerald Stoney, F.B.S., President of Section G.

[Abstract.)
At limes such as these the mind naturally turns to problems
to be considered both at the present time and after the war,
and in considering such problems, a review of some of the
errore committed in the past is most necessary. Such a
review enables methods which should be adopted, both now
and in the future, to be considered.

One thing which has handicapi>ed the engineering and
alhed industries is the reluctance of firms to utilise highly
educated labour or to adopt scientific methods. In looking
romid the industries of the district one is struck by the small
number of men who have undergone a thorough scientific
training at one of the universities or at one of the leading
technical colleges, and who occupy a prominent place in the
firms in this district.

The general complaint is that university and college men
are too theoretical and not practical. It is the usual thing
for a bad workman to blame his tools, and is it not because
employers do not know how to make use of such labour that
*hey utilise it to such a small and imperfect extent?

Things are very different in some other countries with
which we have couipeted in the past, and with which there
will be in all probabihty still fiercer competition in the future.
There we find the fullest use made of highly educated scientific
labour.

How many .engineering firms in this district have a skilled
chemist on their staff, and what percentage of these pay him
a decent salary? And how many heads of firms have suffi-
cient chemical knowledge to appreciate the work of and
utihse the services of such a man? — because unless there is
appreciation of the work done by such a man his services
are useless and he becomes discouraged, and yet chemical
problems are continually cropping up in engineering work.
There is the question of the supply of materials; as a rule
the manufacturer trusts to the name of the contractor and
assumes that he gets materials of the composition and purity
he ordered. Every now and then something goes wrong and
the question arises, why? Without a chemist to analyse the
material it is often most difficult to say. Apart from this
question of the analysis of raw or partly manufactured
materials received, there is the chronic question as to the
mixtures of the metals in both the metal and brass foundry,
and large economies can be effected by systematic analyses.

-Another direction in which scientific labour is invaluable
is in seeing that instruments are in proper order and that
tests are accurately carried out. Tests carried out with in-
accurate instruments and without proper scientific precau-
tions to see that they are accurate and reUable are worse
than useless, and, in fact, most misleading and dangerous,
as entirely unreliable inferences may be drawn from them and
far-reaching troubles caused in the future. How many tests
of steam engines are unrehable because there is no standardi-
sation of the pressure and vacuum gauges and thermometers
used, and in how many cases is even the reading of the baro-
meter omitted? An absolute pressure stated as so many
inches of vacuum has no meaning unless the barometer read-
ing is also given or the inches of vacuum is stated as reduced
to "Bar. 30." How many firms using steam have any
arrangements for testing vacuum and pressure gauges, and
yet there are no instruments more hable to error than these
gauges? Under scientific supervision arrangements are made
to avoid such troubles and get rehable results which can be
depended on for future designs.

What has been said about pressure gauges and the measure-
ment of pressure applies, of course, to all other instruments
and measurements. In most works, it may be said with
sorrow, that the only moderately accurate measurements that
can be made are those of dimensions and weight. It iB_ only by
accurate testing of existing plant that reUable deductions can
be drawn enabUng safe progress to be made in future designs

One of the great things which helped forward the steam
turbine in the early days was accurate and full testing of
each plant as soon as it was completed and before it left the
works. The late Mr. Willans was probably the first, or one
of the first to recognise the importance of accurate testing
of steam plant, and the success his well-known engine had
•was largely due to this. From the earhest days of the steam
turbine, Sir Charles Parsons recognised the necessity of such
testing, and the test house has always been a prominent
feature of Heaton Works. And then in the higher ranks of
an engineering works it requires a scientific mind to draw
safe conclusions from tests carried out and to see in what
directions progress can be safely made. Such methods have
enabled the steam turbme during the writer's acquaintance
with it, now extending over some 28 years, to grow from
50 H.p. to some 45,000 or more in each unit, and the steam
consumption to be reduced from 40 lb. per h.p. -hour to about
7 J lb., or less than one-fifth.

Closely alhed to such work in engineering works is the
general question of scientific research, and here a trained
scientific mind is of the utmost importance to see that reUable
results are obtained and to make true logical deductions from
those results. Without suitable training a man is liable to
be unable to grasp all the conditions of an experiment, and
to make deductions from the data obtained which are totally
unjustified and often lead to most disastrous results in the
future.

Such research is generally carried out in four places — engi-
neering works, private laboratories, engineering colleges, and
national laboratories.

The first has already been dealt with.

The second is of comparatively small importance in practice.

As regards the third, a great deal of good work has been
done in engineering colleges, often under great difficulties for
want of plant and money, and it is greatly to the credit of
our professors and others that they have succeeded in doing
so much with the very inadequate appliances at their dis-
posal, and handicapped for want of funds. How inadequate
their income is can be understood when it is remembered
that Leipzig University alone has an annual income from the
German Government of £100,000, as against a total _Govem-
ment grant to all the universities here of about ^45,000, or
less than half.

Of national laboratories we have only one, the National
Physical Laboratory at Teddington, and here again the sup-
port given to it is totallv inadequate. The total income from
all sources last year was only £40,000, and of this £23.000
was charges for work done, such as testing meters and other
instruments and such commercial work ; the Government
grant is only £7,000 a year, and besides this £7,500 was

30 J

Till:. iLL,i:.Ci'KiC AL lii:. \ i b \N

^l:^l i:.MiiHii l."., i:il<

iitoived for experiments in connection with aeronautics,
Nvliich is really war work. The balance was made up of sub-
-iiiptioDS, grants from technical societies, and miscellaneous
ifceipts. Compare this with the German equivalent, the
Koich-sanstalt, of Berlin, which has an income of £70,000 a
\ear from the Government, or ten times that given to our
N.P.L. The Bureau of Standards, the similar institution in
U.S.A.. has a Government grant of fllO,lX)0, or '20 times
ours. In the Civil Service Estimates there is an allowance
of £40,000 for research, an increase of £15,000 over that
allotted last year. The total estimates are over £'20,000,000, -
M^ that less than one-fifth per cent, is allotted to research.

It is ditficult to realise what benefits might be gained by
investigations which could be carried on by the N.P.L. if
only sufficient funds were available, and of what importance
they might be to industry at large. One example may suffice.
Some time ago the Eeichsanstalt carried out a most complete
set of tests on a certain class of machine, an investigation
which must have cost .several thousands of pounds sterling,
ap;irt from the time it occupied. The results of this investi-
f;ation are available to German manufacturers of this
machine, and just before the war preparations were being
made to take advantage of this, and from figures stated a
large extra economy was expected. This, of course, would
enable them, provided the cost of manufacture was not too
high, to have an enciinious advantage over such machines
manufactured without this special knowledge. The Institu-
tion of Mechanical Engineers saw the importance of this
problem and appointed a Research Committee to deal with
the question, but the first question met with is that of
finance. Should this be the case in a wealthy country such
as this, that depends on its manufactures for its very exist-
ence? That such an investigation is required is obvious from
the fact that the designs of no two independent manufac-
turers of this machine in this country agree among them-
selves. Of course, each claims that his is the best, but this
•annot be so.

Investigations in engineering shops do not meet such a
case. The question of finance has to be carefully watched,
and aa soon as results sufficiently good are obtained they are
generally accepted; in any case the problem is rarely thrashed
out to the bottom, an almost universal defect in commercial
research work. Without the help of the National Physical
Laboratory the position of the aeroplane in this country would
■ b-j very clifferent from what it is, and what has been done
for the aeroplane requires to be done in many other direc-
tions.

But what firm here would do what has been done in the
commercial synthesis of indigo, on which it is said that 17
years' work and over £1,000,000 has been spent by one fiim
alone abroad? Here in chemical investigations and manu-
factures the Government refuse even to help by allowing cheap
alcohol to be obtainable, and much of such work is impos-
sible in this country on this account, as in many cases methy-
lated and denatured alcohol are not suitable. Recently, under
pressure, the restrictions have been somewhat relaxed by the
Government, but many manufacturers have found that the
privileges granted are so tied up in red tape that the conces-
sions are practically useless.

And it is not only on the scientific side that there is so
much to be done in the way of putting our house in order;
there is much to be done in the way of -putting the manage-
ment and commercial sides of engineering and other allied
works in a position to compete.

The great grow'th of engineering works and their being
formed into limited liability companies has not been without
its drawbacks.

In the old days an engineering works was comparatively
small and, as a rule, one man, generally a clever engineer,
was at the head. After his death, and often befoi-e, the place
was turned into a limited liability company, and gradually
fell into the hands of a body of men, many of them not
technical, who had no further iuti^rest in the fiiTO than to
draw their salaries as -directors and managers, and who had
no financial stake in -the concern beyond the £500 or £1,000
in shares necessary to qualify them as directors. The result
is that the place gradually degenerates, initiative ceases, and
its finally gets to a stage of not paying any dividends, and
really being kept going, not for the sake of the shareholders,
but of the directors and other officials.

Such a firm as a rule does not put enough aside for depre-
ciation, and thus its machinery and buildings degenerate and
become obsolete, which makes it still less able to compete
with more modern firms. At the same time it is not able to
afford the money necessary to carry on the experimental and
research work which is a necessity for any progressive firm.
and thus its manufactures cease to progress with the times.
As Sir Charles Parsons truly said, a man or fii-m in the face
of financial difficulties cannot carry on re.search work, and,
further, the minimum spent on research work should be at
least 1 per cent, of the turnover, and the amount it is advis-
able to spend is 3 per cent. Unless a firm makes good profits
it cannot keep up-to-date, and will sooner or later go to the
wall.

But the workman says that he should have his share. What
ii his share under the present state of things? The average
capital expended in an engineering works per individual
employed is about £200. An investisation the writer made
some years ago gave this figure, and it was confirmed by an

investigation of shipbuilding yards, which gave £185, and of
the census of production, which gives a capital of
£l,o00.000.(KX» for 7,000,000 workers, or £'214 per man. An
investigation of the dividends paid shows them to be about
4 per cent, on the capital employed. Here it must be
remembered that firms paying 10 to 15 per cent, on their
oidinary capital have often a large preference and debenture
capital, on which a much lower rate of inte/est is paid, and
also that often part of the ordinary capital was issued at a
premium. Also, account has to be taken of the large number
of companies that do not pay any dividend on their ordinary
stock, and often none on their preference. Little is as a
rule heard of the finances of such companies; it is the ones
paying good dividends that public attention is drawn to.

it thus means that the shareholders get about £8 per year
per individual employed.

On the other hand, the average wages for men and boys,
skilled and unskilled, is about .£70 per annum in normal
times. This means that the worker gets between eight and
nine times as much as the capitalist, and shows on what a
very small margin the capitalist works. And without the
capitahst, under our present sy.stem of individualism, there
would be no factories ejected and run, and therefore no work
for the working man, a thing it is well for him to remember,
and al.so that without profits the capitalist w-ill not invest
in engineering and other works in this country, but will
seek a more profitable field for his capital elsewhere. Every
£200 invested in this country in a factory means work and
li^elihood for one British working-man.

At the same time, I am sorry to say the employer does not
look after the welfare of his workmen as he might. In 3
small factory the head of the firm, as a rule, knows all the
leading men among the workmen, many of them having
been with him for years. As the place grows he loses touch
with his men, and as an actual fact knows fewer of those
under him when he has 1,000 or more employes than he did
when he had 400 or under. This state of things gets worse
when the place is turned into a limited liability company,
as nearly all large places are at present. The result is that
a most deplorable state of things has come to pass. The
workman says, "Put not thy trust in employers"; the
master says, "Put not thy ti-ust in workmen"; and the
official, w'ho is between the master and the workman, says
" Put not thy trust in either."

It is difficult to say what is to be done to remedy this state
of things, but one cannot help feeling much might have
been done in the past to prevent such a regrettable state of
affairs as there is at present. Much of this trouble might
have been avoided if employers had shown more considera-
tion for the welfare of their workmen. Of course, there are
some notable exceptions, but they are few and far between.
An example is the necessity of the Factory Acts to ensure
proper light and air and other arrangements necessary for
the health of the workmen. But much more should be done."
Why is it that canteens are being rushed up all over the
country, and why were there so few before? In many
works to this day the provisions for gettirrg food and drink
Varmed are most primitive and inefficient, and as to getting
anything to eat if one has to work overtime unexpectedly,
it is in most works impossible. As a rule the only thing
available was a drink at the public-house outside the gates.
and even this is now clo.sed at five o'clock. Why, if a man
w-orks overtime, .should he also starve? And how can effi-
cient work be expected under such conditions? Why also
should there not be provision for drying clothes after walking
to work on a wet morning, and each man be provided with
a cupboard where he could keep a change of boots? Why arc
not sanitary arrangements decently private, and why are
they not kept clean and wholesome : they are often in a
disgraceful state? These are only a few samples of the
directions in which much might be done.

The adjustment of the wages to be paid to the workman is
a uio.st difficult one. Thei-e are three principal ways of paying
workmen : on time, on piece, and on bonus.

On time is the only way of paying a man who is on various '.
classes of work, where the fair time required for each job is '
not known, and in many cases the most highly skilled men
are on such w-ork and as a result only make time wages.
This results often in the highly skilled man making less money
than the less skilled man who is on repetition work, and as
a consequence is working on piece or bonus, and this_ is
obviously unfair. For example, a man may have the setting
up and adjusting of a number of machines on repetition work,
and he often makes le.ss money than the less skilled inen
under him who are on piece or bonus, although their nominal
rate of wages is less than his.

.Again, highly skilled erectors who go outside the works to
erect machinery, often worth thousands of pounds, and set
it to work, are only paid on time, and often make less money
than their fellows who are on piece inside the works.

The adjusting of piece prices is a most difficult one. They
should be adjusted so as to be fair both to ma.ster and man.
but too often such fixing of prices is left to subordinate
officials who have in many cases their own axe to grind.
There should in every works be a special department for
such fixing of prices, and once a price is fixed it should not
be altered without good reason. The practice of cutting prices
by the masters in the past is, in the opinion of the writer,
largely responsible for the present limitation of output by

I

..02.-., SEPTEMBER 15. i;)i«.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

305

the men about which we hear so much. There is a rule that
if a man makes more than time and half or time and third
the price of the job is to be cut.' If the price has been fairly
fixed why should it be reduced because the man makes large
wages due to his skill and industry? The larger the output
from his vice or lathe the better for the master, as he is
■Jetting a larger output from his plant with a certain capital
expenditure, and thereby establishment charges are reduced.
This is especially the case in machine work, as the hourly
value of the machine employed often far exceeds the. wages
n; the workman employed.

A fair rating foe machine tools is 4d. per hour per iElOO
value, and as the time rating of the man is generally about
9d.. it is easily seen that if the average value of the machine
tools exceed £-225, machine charges exceed time w-ages, and
the average value of machine tools is generally largely in
excess of this figure, in fact often about double it. It is
therefore obvious that it is much more important to get
large output than to pay small wages.

The result of this " time and half " rule is that a good
man by working up to the limit of his capacity " spoils the
job " for the next, man who comes along, and may not be
of the same calibre as the first man. It has therefore been
found advisable and necessary by the workmen to limit the
output of all. men to a certain standard, and this results in
the end by the pace being set by the slowest man on a
particular job.

A fair bonus system is perhaps the ideal way of paying
men, but here, again, although the times for a job are sup-
posed to be fixed and unalterable, in too many oases they
have been altered by various devices, and as a result the
system is looked on with suspicion by the workman.

Gradually, bit by bit, the pernicious doctrine that the less
work done by a man the more employment there will be
has grown up, he not seeing that the cheaper an article can
be produced the larger will be the sale for it and the better
it will be able to compete with the products, not only of
other producers in this country, but of those abroad. And
also that very cheapness, combined with good quality, induces
the sale for such articles to be large.

Laziness is inherent in man, and on an average no man will
work unless compelled to do so, and still less will work his
best unless there is a great inducement. This is true not only
of the working-man, but of all other classes. Therefore the
policy of " ca' canny " has been only too readily adopted on
the ground not only that it was pleasant for the man him-
self, but also he believed that it tended to the welfare of his
fellow workmen.

The writer has very reluctantly come to the conclusion
that the workman of to-day is not doing as much work as
was done some 30 years ago, when he was in the shops, and
not only this, but that timekeeping is not as good. In this
■ ■(•nnection, however, it must be remembered that excessive
overtime inevitably leads to bad timekeeping.

Bad timekeeping causes much more loss than that due to
the actual time lost, as not only does machinery and other
plant lie idle, but the disorganisation caused in a works by
lost time is most serious.

With the growth in strength of the trade unions, which at
first were for the legitimate object of seeing that the workman
got fair play, and providing out-of-work and old-age benefits,
&c., has grown up a system of trade union officials who Uve
by agitation, and whose job would be gone if there were no
supposed grievances to agitate about. These men keep the
Labour world in a constant state of agitation, and make
the employers' and officials' existence a burden to them by
constant demands of all sorts, many of them utterly imprac-
ticable and unfair. When they cannot agitate against the
employer they agitate again.st another trade union, and thus
i-ndless disputes spring up on the demarcation of work. Some
')f the worst strikes in the past have been due to disputes
between two trade unions.

Unless something can be done to bring master and man
together and make both work for the common good, English
trade must inevitably go down, and the supremancy that Eng-
land has in the engineering of the world will come to an end.
Nothing ever was a truer statement than that recently
made by Lord Joicey that this country, unless it produces as
cheap or cheaper than other countries, cannot in the long
run keep her trade, and this is true in spite of any tariff walls
which may be set up. And if the present state of affairs is
maintained of unscientific management and obsolete machi-
nery, combined with Limitation of output and high wages, or,
in other words, high cost of production, we must, sooner or
later, go to the wall.

What is really wanted is common ■ honesty and common
stnse on both sides, for one side is as bad as the other at
piesent.

And now about the official, who is in all grades from the
manager down to the foreman, and who comes between the
master and the man. Unless he is treated fairly by the
master, and unless he treats his men fairly, there is sure to
be friction and loss of efiiciency. He must also work with
his fellow -officials, who move in lines more or less parallel to
his. and here, to prevent jealousies and to prevent the more
un.scrupulous among them taking unfair advantages, demar-
i-ation of- each official's duties and work is most important.
This is a point often omitted to be taken sufficiently into
account in the organisation of a works, and often causes
most disastrous results. The duties of each man should be

clearly defined by the master, and no interference with those
of others tolerated. The master also should remerpber that
the official has no trade union or similar organisation Ut
protect him, and should act accordingly. Much more could
be said about the relations of the official both with his fellow-
official who is on the same level as himself, with his master
who is above him, and the workman who is under him, but
time forbids. On all three sides much improvement could be
effected. The fact remains, however, that for success it is
essential that all from the apprentice to the head of the firm
should woi'k as one homogeneous whole.

.Apart from the considerations set out above, combinations
an.ong the firms employed in any one trade are most essen-
tial for the well-being of that trade. It is by such com-
bination that much of the progress made of late years by our
competitors has been effected. Some of these combinations
have been international, and at least two such in the engi-
neering trade before the war were so. These now, of course,
are, and it is expected will be after the war, confined to the
allied and possibly to neutral countries, but such cornbina-
tions, whether among all the engineering finiis in one district .
or among firms employed in one particular trade, to be
successful must be worked fairly to all menibers, and the
larger firms must not override the smaller, as, it is regrettable
to say, has been done in combinations of employers in some
districts. For example, in a district where there is one firm
very much larger than any of the others, it is not unknown
for it to act the bully and insist on everything being done
to suit its requirements, regardless of the rights of others.
And, further, such combinations are, unless directed by men
w-ith broad minds and able to take a wide view of things,
liable, especially in case of emergency, to do much harm.

If the Armament Ring in this country had taken such a
view when it w-as found what an enonnous supply of muni-
tions w-as required, it is doubtful if there would have been
such a shortage as there has been. Hundreds of firms were
willing and anxious to help in the production of munitions,
but when they offered their services they were met in many
cases with a blank refusal, and in all ca.?es with little encour-
agement. And w-hen, under pressure from the Government,
the Ring accepted outside help, in many cases the conditions
unposed on the sub-contractors were unfair in the extreme,
apparently the whole idea of the Ring being to .make all the
profit they could out of the troubles of the Empire. It ha?
been just as difiicult to persuade the Armament Ring to give
up what they thought was their monopoly and to bring in
outside works to help in the production of munitions as it
has been to persuade the trade unions to forgo trade customs
and to enable outside sources of labour to be employed, such
as women and other unskilled labour. But both have had to
d) it. In other words, "dilution of works" has been as difficult
to effect as "dilution of labour," and the position both of
the Ai-mament Ring and of the workman would have been
very different if they had consented freely to it w^hen it
became obviously necessary for the safety of the Empire.

Combination among workmen is admittedly a necessity it
they are to have fair play, but combination among employers
has come later, and is equally a necessity.

At present most of the principal federations of employers
deal only with wages questions and questions affecting labour,
but they require to be extended so as to take in all branches
of the "business of engineering. Labour has long seen the
importance of federation ; it is now for Capital to do the same
One of the great difficulties has been that certain firms would
not join, and a very small proportion acting thus weakens
the whole to a much greater extent than the actual ratio of
this small proportion to the whole. It is easy to see how-
alive Labour is to this by the constant trouble over the non-
union question, and this is well put m the notice addressed
last March to the transport workers of the Mersey district :
"To be outside a union is to be disloyal not only to your
own class but to vourselves individually." What apphes to
Labour also apphes to finns; for a firm to be outside the
federation is to be disloyal, not only to its fellow-firms but

to itself. , , , . /^ iu

Such a state of affaiis is not tolerated m some of the coun-
tries competing with us, and it is questionable whether actipn
by the Government is not advisable. ,j .

An example of the mischief done by a few who wonld not
fall into line with the many is seen by the necessity for the
Act compelling the early closing of shops one day a week.
The oreat majority were ready to close, but the action of a
sn-alf minority prevented their doing so, and m the end com-
puksion had to be used on the minority. Legislation has not
been uecessarv to prevent " black-leggmg " m the labour
worid since other methods have been used w^hich have been
practically successful, but it is quite possible if may be neces-
sary to use compulsion to make firms toe the line.

Such combinations are not only for labour questions, but
also for all other .subjects affecting the engineering industry
at lar^e and more especially the special industries in which
any one firm deals. Thus they resolve themselves into
general federations of all engineering mdustries and minor
ones dealing with particular trades. The former deal chiefly
with labour questions and questions affecting the industry as
a whole, the latter with those affecting any particular trade.

Among the questions coming up to be considered by the
latter cla.ss is the standardisation of specifications and condi-
tions of contracts, as yieW as in some cases the adjusting of
prices to avoid unfair competition and to put the whole trade

306

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW, [voi. 7;., no. 2,02.->,SErrKM„Ku i.-,, n.i,

on a paying basis. Much has been done in this direction with
most advantageous results in certain cases, but much more
remains to be done if this country is going to hold its place
in the world.

The necci!.*ities of research work have already been dealt
with, and by the pooling of such research work enormous
advantages in any one trade could be obtained. Such pooling
of information has been effected with most beneficial results,
especially in the chemical trade abroad. Any workable
.^heme which would enable this to be done and get over the
jealousies between one firm and another would be of enor-
mous benefit to the trade in general.

Another thing that must not be lost sight of is the urgent
need of improving our educational system. It is httle short
of a disgrace that the older universities are closed to those
without a knowledge of Latin and Greek.

fjanguages are of the greatest importance to an engineer,
but not dead languages but live ones. And these should be
properly taught, so that the student should not only be able
to read and write about them, but al.so to speak and under-
stand them. It is quite a different knowledge of a language
to be able to read, write, speak, or understand it. Many
people can read a language without being able to write,
speak, or understand it, and conversely it is not uncommon
to meet people who can speak and understand a language
without being able to any large extent to read or write it.
And it is only in live languages that a man is trained to
apeak and understand a language.

Why is it that we are so wedded to the dead languages?
There is, of course, the tradition that such are necessary for
a Uberal education, and there is the argument that modern
languages are not as good a training for the mind. Granted
that they are not quite so good ' from the point of view of
learning to read and write them, doe-s not the fact that they
can also be taught as a live language to be .spoken and under-
•tood, make them on the whole the best educationally for a
man? This is entirely apart from the fact that modem lan-
guages are useful and ancient useless to the man in com-
mercial work. There is. of course, bitter opposition from
•that most conservative man, the schoolmaster, and one great
reason is that it is much ea.sier and cheaper to get a man to
teach Latin and Greek than modem languages which have to
be taught orally. The teaching of Latin and Greek as it is
usually taught has been standardised to the la.st degree and
as a result they can be taught by the "semi-skilled" man,
and a " skilled " man is not necessary, to use engineers'
phraseology. In fact, the teaching of Latin and Greek is a
pure ' repetition job." At the same time, no education is
complete unless science is combined with languages and also
literature, and here lies one great danger of modem technical
education.

And after the boy has left school and enters the shops
more facilities should be given to enable him not only to
' keep up but to continue his education. In the shops and
drawing office, (oo often the bov is left to pick up a know-
ledge of his trade as best he can. The apprentice who asks
questions is often looked on as a nuLsance, and requests for
information are generally met by a blank refusal or worse
Often the foreman or chief draughtsman is afraid to answer
questions for fear of being charged with giving away so-
called " trade secrets," but an immense deal of information
can be given to an apprentice without doing so.

Evening classes are all veiT good in their way, but more
facilities should be given for the diligent apprentice to attend
day classes, and this can be arranged in various ways if the
employer has a will to do it. A thing that at present often
prevents boys desirous of educating themselves from getting
o-i IS the fact that overtime is allowed as soon as a bov is 18
and often he is compelled to work overtime regardless of
classes that he ought to be attending.

It is important to remember that the bov of to-day is the
man of to-morrow.

One complaint is that after a lot of trouble is taken about
a boy he leaves after a few years and goes to another em-
ployer. Ibe good of the trade in general must be considered
and a man who has had experience of various classes of work-
is generally a much more valuable man than one who.sp
knowledge is confined to one class onlv. In any case the
other employer gets the benefit of what has been done bv
the tirst. and thus the trade in general benefits.

R IS felt that this is a very imperfect review of things as
they are at present, but if this address induces all classes
engaged m engineering to consider how things can be bettered
the author feels that a part, at all events, of his object has

Electric Power Distribution.

By Ch.\rles H. Merz.
{Abstract of contribution to the discussion on Fuel Economy.)

"It appears that .... the coal should be converted
.... into a form m which if is most generally applicable
to aU purposes without exception, and in which it is most
easily applied to all our wants, and is at the same time in a
form in which it is most difficult to waste or use improperly

" We are therefore forced tn the conclusion that the only
cx>mplete and final solution of the question is to be obtained
hu the conversion of the whole of the coal which we use for
heat and power into electricity, and the recovery of its by-

products at a comparatively small number of tfreat electricity
producing stations. All our wants in the way of light, power,
heat, and chemical action would then be met by a supply of
clictricitu distributed all over the country." — [Extract from
presidential address of Mr. S. Z. de Ferranti to the Institu-
tion of Electrical Engineers in 1910.]

The fuel and other economies and the industrial advantages
of dealing with electricity supply for the country as a whole
in a comprehensive manner— although appreciated and acted
upon by many of those who are in the electric supply busi-
ness— are not generally realised to-day by the industrial
community or by the State.

The compact nature of our industrial districts and their
proximity to each other as compared with those of other
countries, such as the United States and Germany, make it
economically po.ssible and advantageous to deal with all tln'
power requirements of the community in each industrial area
from interconnected electrical power distribution systems
tapping all .sources of power, however scattered, and deliver-
ing electrical energy wherever required.

Power undertakings (electric power companies) have been
started in most of the industrial areas of the country, and
if these were developed throughout the country to the same
extent as the system which has been for some time in opera-
tion on the North-East Coast, it is estimated that the resultant
economies in coal consumption would, in the near future,
amount to 25,000,000 tons per annum, and eventually to
50,000.000 or 60,000,000 tons per annum.

While on the North-East Coast and also in some other
districts the generation and supply of electrical power is
being developed on correct lines, it is still broadly true to
say that, as regards the country as a whole, the lequirementB
of each municipal area are dealt with separately, with the
result that the average size of generating machine employed
is certainly not more than a tenth — and probably not more
than a twentieth — of what it ought to be. Under such condi-
tions economical coal consumption is impossible. The result
is cumulative because, on account of the small size of generat-
ing machine employed in public stations and the consequent
low economy, manufacturers, railway companies, and other
large power users in many districts are still compelled to run
power plants of theii- own. and the use by many manufac-
turers of their own plant further reduces the average size
of power generating machines, taking the country as a whole.

The only way in which public supply stations can secure
the business of supplying all the manufactories in their neigh-
bourhood is to have generating machines much larger than
th > largest individual manufacturer could find use for.

If instead of each municipal area being dealt with indepen-
dently, there were one unifonu interconnected electrical
power distribution system throughout each industrial area, as
we now have practically throughout the North-East Coast dis-
trict, just as there is one railway system throughout the
country with a uniform gauge, it is clear that, on account
of the magnitude of the resultant load, it Vould be possible
to secure the following results : —

1. The largest and most economical generating machines
could be installed.

2. These could be located where large sites are available and
land is cheap; where coal and water facilities are good; and
in the best position having in view the probable eventual
power requirements of the whole community, including fac-
tories, railways, and domestic users.

As regards reliability of supply — an essential condition — con-
centration of generating capacity in large units in conjunc-
tion with a main electrical power distribution system is not a
source of danger, but the reverse, because by means of such
an interconnected distribution system, one .set of generating
plant can act as spare to another, whereas, according to the
present method of dealing with electricity supply by means of
isolated networks, each supplied in general from one generat-
ing station, there is no duplication of generating stations or
altemative ways of feeding a given area whatever.

Thus, if the community is to benefit by tie electric supply
industry being given the maximum chance of development,
and if the erection of the most economical generating machine*
in the be.st possible positions for economical production is to
bi secured, and insisted upon, as it must be, by some central
authority, the fir.st thing to aim at is the establishment in
each industrial district of a common interconnected electrical
power distribution sy.stem.

As has already been indicated, such an ideal may be achieved
in this country, on account of its compact nature, to an extent
which is not possible in other countries. What is required
is co-operation and joint working between the different com-
pany and municipal electric supply undertakings, and this,
except in certain cases, has not been possible in the past,
due largely to Parliamentary and municipal opposition. Many
municipal undertakers are now as convinced as the power
companies that this joint working is essential.

The erection of plants on roomy and efficient sites would
materially facilitate the extraction of the by-products which
can be obtained from the coal before it is consumed in the
boiler furnace, wherever it is commercially possible to do so.
Such by-products may be of as great a value to the commu-
nity as the residue of fuel. It has been calculated that the
requirements of the country in the way of manures, crude
oils, oils for marine propul.sion, and motor spirit for road
traction can all be largely supplied as a by-product of oor

Vol. 79. No. 2,025, September 15. 1!)1.;.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

307

own normal coal consumption, if onlj' proper enconragement
is given to the establishment of really economical electrical
power distribution systems throughout the country.

An urgent matter for settlement is the standardisation and
unification as rapidly as possible of the frequency and voltage
adopted for distribution purposes in neighbouring locahties.
It is not proposed that uniformity of frequency and voltage
should be established throughout the whole country, as this
would entail the scrapping of a very large amount of valuable
plant, but there would be no dilficulty (and considering the
issues at stake, comparatively httle expense) in standardising
a single frequency for each of the industrial areas of the
country as follows : —

Midlands 25 cycles.

West of Scotland 25 ,,

North-East Coast 40 ,.

Lancashire 50 ,,

Yorkshire aiea 50 ,.

As regaids the voltage, this will require careful considera-
tion ; on the North-East Coast we have standardised 20,000
volts, and in some of the other areas 10,000 volts has been
adopted, but it is a question whether this is not too low for
main trunk lines.

The Board of Trade already has a right to say what
system (electrical) shall be adopted as regards all new under-
takings or existing undertakings developing newly-acquired
areas. As regards municipal undertakings which propose to
adopt and/or extend electrical systems (plant or mains) of a
type which would be inconsistent with development on
unifonii lines throughout the area in which they are situated,
the Local Governuient Board could attach a condition to the
loan to prevent this. The privately-owned concerns are not,
of course, subject to Local Government Board control, but
the powers of the Board of Trade as regards the sanction of
systems to be adopted would probably be sufficient, and in
any case the large power companies, who are the most im-
portant of the private concerns, operating as they do over
large areas, are already fully alive to the necessity for stan-
dardisation and unification.

What is important is that a main interconnected electrical
power distribution system should be established in each indus-
trial area as soon as possible. To-day if a colliery owner has
small and poor coal in his colliery which it does not pay him
to bring up because it cannot stand the cost of transport, he
cannot contemplate turning it into electricity at the pit mouth
— extracting the by-product in doing so — because, except in
certain areas where a trunk main system exists, there is no
market for the electricity, there being no means of distri-
buting or transmitting it. If a man has waste heat — or
could, by improving his manufacturing or chemical process,
combine it with the generation of power — there is no one to
take his power.

In the above remarks I have considered the matter chiefly
from the point of view of .saving fuel ; it is worthy of note,
however, that interconnected electrical power distribution
systems are essential if (he capital charges and labour costs,
which are very important items in the production of elec-
tricity, are to be kept to a minimum. This arises from the
fact that it is only by supplying all the needs of the commu-
nity from one system that the maximum u.se can be made of
the plant. As a great many individuals in a given commu-
nity do the .same thing at the same time, what we must take
advantage of is that the individual does not and cannot do
half-a-dozen things at once. The economy of the combina-
tion of all requirements, power, traction, heating, and light-
ing is fundamental.

What is fundamentally and immediately necessary is the
pstabli.shment of a national electiical trunk mains distribu-
tion system.

Proceeding on these hnes we shall not be merely copying
,<merica or Germany — we shall be doing something that is
right for England because it is England, and because England
is radically different from other countries as regards the
technical development and " lay out " necessary to secure
cheap power. We have delayed making a start on right
tines 16 years longer than was necessary: let us delay no
longer.

The Production of Tungsten. — The tniisrstcn imiduction

of the Uniteil States during the fir.st six months of lillfi exceeded
the productiiin of that or any other country in any previous
12 months. Prices reached more than 10 times their ordinary
level. The output wa."! equivalent to about 3.2!I0 short tons of con-
Cfintrates carrying fiO per cent. WOa. valued at $IM IS. 000,

The total domestic output for the 12 months ended June .SOth.
linti, probably amounted to about 5.000 tons.

The tremendous increase of prices caused by the need for " high
speed '' tools to cut war steel ordered by the governments of Europe
caused the jrreat increase in production.

The rapid increase in prices caused prospecting and consequent
discoveries of new deposits, increase of development of known
deposits, the operating at high pressure of old mills, and the hasty
buildintr of new mills. As a result, the ))roduction increased faster
than the consumption and soon overran the demand th«t would
absorb the output at the extremely high price.s prevailing, so that
a drop in prices wa.s inevitable. Jnne closed with the price around
S25 a unit. The normal price has been $11 to .*7.— S<-it'Hiv.

FOREIGN AND COLONIAL TARIFFS ON
ELECTRICAL GOODS.

UNION OF SOUTH AFEICA.— By the provisions of Act
No. 37 of 1916, various amendments have been made in the
import duties specified in the South African Customs Tariff
Act of 1914. These amendments consist partly of the increased
duties imposed last year, which lapsed on March 31st, 1916,
and which are now re-imposed till June 30th, 1917, unless
otherwise enacted by the Union Parhament; and partly of
new duties which have no date assigned for their termination.

Among the duties re-imposed as mentioned above ia the
general ad valorem rate of 20 per cent, on " all goods, wares,
and merchandise not elsewhere charged with duty and not in
the Free List and not prohibited to be imported," with a
rebate of 3 per cent, ad valorem on goods produced in the
United Kingdom or leciprocating British Possessions. Thi&
item includes such electrical goods as electric torches and
refills therefore, spare printed records for electric meters,
electric motor hair brashes, electrohers, and electric fuses for
blasting purposes.

BRITISH INDIA.— New regulations dated July 22nd last
piohibit the importation, otherwise than by parcel post, of
all goods from the United Kingdom which had previously
been imported into that country from Norway, Sweden, Den-
mark, Belgium, Holland, and Switzerland, unless copies of
the " Specification for Foreign and Colonial Merchandise "
(Form 30) or the "Shipping Bill" (Form 64), as the case
may be, duly certified by the Customs authorities in the
United Kingdom, are presented to the Customs collector at
the port of import in respect of such goods.

It is provided, however, that this shall not apply to goods
which, on import direct from the foreign countries specified
above, are not required to be covered by certificates of origin.
It is provided also that the Customs collector may, in hie
discretion, allow delivery of any goods exported from the
L'nited Kingdom w-hich have been imported into that country
from the other European countries aforesaid, even if un-
accompanied by certified copies of the documents above pre-
scribed, on condition that the importer executes a bond to
the amount of three times the value of the goods for the due
productiori of the prescribed documents within a period to be
specified in the bond, or furnishes a deposit to the like
amount which shall be liable to forfeiture if the said docu-
ments are not produced within such period as the Customs
collector may direct.

PORTUGAL. — As a consequence of the passing of the
Anglo-Portuguese Commercial Treaty Act, 1916, which
leceived the Royal Assent on August 23rd, the Treaty of
Commerce and Navigation between Great Britain and Por-
tugal which was signed at Lisbon on August 12th, 1914, and
ratified on May 20th, 1916, will come into full force and effect
as from September 23rd.

LTnder Article 5 of the Treaty the trade of the United King-
dom will benefit by the application, to certain classes of
articles produced or manufactured in this country, of the
special rates of duty which liave been conceded by Portugal
ia respect of such articles under her commercial arrange-
ments with Russia, the Netherlands, and France.

Article 8 exempts merchandise produced in one country and
passing in tran.sit through the other from all transit duties, <fec.

Article 10 contains the following provisions in regard to
commercial travellers and their samples : —

" The stipulations of the present Treaty with regard to the
mutual accord of the treatment of the most favoured nation
apply unconditionally to the treatment of commercial travellers-
and their samples. The Chambers of Commerce, as well as
other trade associations and other recognised commercial
a.ssociations in the contracting States as may be authorised
in this behalf shaD be mutually accepted as competent autho-
rities for issuing any certificates that may be required for
commercial travellers.

" Articles imported by commercial travellers as samples
shall, in each country, be temporarily admitted free of duty
on compliance with the Customs regulations and formahties
established to assure their re-exportation or the payment of
the prescribed Cu.stoms duties if not re-exported within the
period allowed by law. But the foregoing privilege shall not
extend to articles which, owing to their quantity or value,
cannot be considered as samples, or which, owing to their
nature, could not be identified upon re-exportation.

" In order to facilitate the clearance of samples of goods
brought by commercial travellers of one of the two States into
the territories of the other to be used as samples or patterns
for the purpose of obtaining orders and not for sale, the
marks, stamps, or seals affixed by the Customs authorities of
one country to commercial samples at the time of exporta-
tion, and the list of such samples drawn up in proper form
and certified by the competent authority, such list containing
an exact description of the samples, shall form sufficient
e\idence. so far as the respective Customs authorities are
concerned, of their nature, and shall entitle them to exemp
tion from all Customs examination except in so far as may be
necessary to establish that the samples produced are identical
with those enumerated in the list. The Customs authorities
of either country are, however, at liberty to affix a supple-

303

THE ELECTRICAL REYIEAV. [Voi. 7-... xo. 2.025. sf.ptk.m>umm

mentary mark to such .sumplo.^. shuuUl tliis precaution in
paiticulac cases be consideiecl necessary."
Under .Vrticle if. the Treaty is to he binding for ten years.

NEW ZE.'VL.VND.— The following Customs decisions have
recently been announced : —

Electric cables, in sets, with terminals attached, specially
suited for use in connection with electric ignition of motor
vehicle engines, are dutiable under No. 169a of the Tariff at
the rate of 10 per cent, ad valorem ou goods manufactured
in any part of the British Empire, and 20 per cent, on foreign
goods.

Wooden poles for carrying electric wires, shaped by hewing
only, when imported without metal attachments are free of
duty: when imported with metal attachments ix>rmanentlv
fixed, they are dutiable under No. ITC. of the Tariff at the rate
of "20 per cent, ad valorem on British goods and 30 per cent.
ai valorem on foreign goods.

[Note.— .\ " primage duty " of 1 per cent, ad valorem is
levied on the above goods in accordance with the Finance
.A.ct. 1915. This duty is payable on importation, and is levied
irrespective of whether the goods are otherwi.se liable to duty
or not.]

NEW PATENTS APPLIED FOR, 1916.

(NOT YET POBIilSHBD).

published c.vpicssly for Ihis journ.il by .MhSSRs. W. P. TllOMPiiON & Co
Elcctric.nl Tatenl .\gonts, 2W. Hish Holbnrn. London. W.C. .nn<l i
Liverpool and Br.idford.

-Hoes

iNbW

Co. (General

12,135. " Annealing, reheating, &c.. furnaces." I
Hblsbv Cables, Ltd., & W. A.. Speare. August 28th.

13.130. " I iternai-combustion engines." \V. H. Tate. August 28th.

12.140. " Device for heating \v.iter electricallv." D. ,M. Brooks. Aueus
38th. ■ • ^

12, Ul. " Vaporisers for heavy liquid fuels for internal-coinbustion cnaines '
T. \V. Bakbr. August 28th. ^

12.147. " Electric furnaces." BRlilsri 1
Electric Co., U.S.A.). August 28th.

12.148. " Electrical switches." M. Brooks, J. E. Franks, A. E. Read and
Walsall Hardware Manufacturing Co. August 28th.

12,157. " Variable capacity for litjuid-wave transmission systems." G
Constantinesco. .-August 28th.

12,1.58. " Railway signalling .npparatus." C. Ciievallier. August 28th.

12,160. " Vapour electric converters." British Westingiiouse Electric and
Manufacturing Co. August 28th. (U.S.A., .\ugust 28th, 1913.)

12.162. " .■\utomatic and semi-automatic telephone systems." O. Grahs-
AND Relay Automatic Telephone Co. August 28th.

12.168. " Insulation of electric cables." H. Tietgen. .August 28th.

12.169. "Electric lamps." H. J. T. Cook. August 28th.

12.170. " Rheostats for starting electric motors." C. Kosnick. .August 28th.
12.210. " Electric furnaces." British Tho.mson-Hoitston Co (General

Electric Co., U.S.A.). August 29th.
12,231. " Induction electric motors." G. Pestarini. .August 29th.

12.237. "Apparatus for controlling electric circuit of flash signs, &c." \
Miller & E. Roscoe. August 29th. . •

12.238. " Aeroplanes, airships, &c." W. E. Cocks. August 29th.
12,248. • *' Carburettors for internal-combustion engines " G E Bradshaw

August 30th. - -

12,250. " Combined starting device and auxiliary air valve for internal-
combustion engines." E. Russell. .August 30th.

12,279. " Electric furnaces." British Thomson-Houston Co (beneral Elec-
tric Co., U.S.A.). August 30th.

12,290. " Field service exchange." R. Randall. August 30th.

12.298. " Sparking plugs for internal-combustion engines." R G Booth
August 30th.

12.299. " fgnition terminals lor aeroplane engines, &c." R. G. Booth.
.August 30th.

12.305. " Apparatus for converting or transforming electric currents "
K T. Wang. August 30th.

12.314. " Carburetting and feeding _ apparatus for internal-combustion en-
gines." W. P. Kelly & D. C. Slattery. August 31st.

12.316. "Trolley poles for elecuic cars, &c." T. Warsop. August 31st

12.328. " Carburettors." W. H. Smith. August 31st.

12.350. " Systems of electric motor control." British Thomson-Houston
Co., and H. F. Farmer & H. C. Hastings. .August 31st.

12.351. "Regenerative braking systems." T. H. Thomas & W. V. Turner.
August 31st. {U.S.A., February 5th.)

12.352. " .Automatic train-control svstems." W. \'. Turnpk. AudusI 31st
r..S.A., April 1st.)

12.370. " InternaUombustion engines." J. W Ramsden. August 31st.
12,372. " Electrical warming apparatus." J. Bein. September 1st.
12.382. " Magnetic chucks." H. Humphreys. September 1st.
12..384. " A'alve-operaling mechanism lor internal-combustion engines " L
CoAT.iLEN & Sunbeam Motor Car Co. September Ist.

12.394. " Internal-combustion engines for aircraft. &c." W. H. Pkirce
September 1st.

12.395. " Means for operating apparatus at receiving station from sending
station by electric pulsations." A. 'J. Sarnmark. September 1st. (Sweden,

I. RENNERFF,r.T. September 1st. (Swede

E. T. D. HOL

s, H. S.

September 7th, 1915.)

12,396. " Electric furna
September 8th, 1915.)

12.399. " Telephone svstems." .Automat
AND A. J. Rav. September 1st.

12.400. " Signalling apparatus for mines
HoLMF.s. & Vi. HOLMF.S. September 1st.

12,406. "Safety controlling gear for eleclricallv-propelled vehicles." F.
Gai.rett & H. K. Pkatt. September 1st.

12,410. " Means for control electrically of signal indicators of mine hauling
engines, windmg engines, Sr." J. P. Forster. September Isl.

12,420. "Arrangement of regulator and circuit interrupter fixed upon elec-
tric generators having a variable speed." .Soc. Anon, pour l'Equipement
Eli ciRiQUE DES \ ehicules. September 1st. (France, No. 29/1915.)

I2.43C. " Internal combustion engines." F. Smal. September 2nd.

,.,'-•**'■'' "r?o"''.'"^'^ instruments." Briiish Thomson-Houston Co. (Generrd
l.lTtric Co., U.S.A.). September 2nd.

12,446. "Method of cooling commutator^ " I r, r Tiiom\s & Thomas
Trlnsmission, Ltd. September 3nd.

12,4.">4. "Regulating apparatus for alternating-current dis'nliulion
leins." L. Ballanti. September 2nd.

12,456. " Electrical signalling systems." F. G. Bell, \V. C Oavfv
SriiRLlNC Telephone & Electric Co. September 2nd.

12,460. " Carburettors." A. E. Berriman & Daimler Co. Seplenibei 2ii
of electrical apparatus. &c." W. H\Miie..i

PUBLISHED SPECIFICATIONS.

7,336. Klbciko-macnktic means for Vibratini^ Piano Strings
A H Miitro .1- \-. H. G. Martin. March 23rd.

11,600. Tti.Ei-llONE Systems. Relav Automatic Telephone Co., F. M. Ward
G. H. Bryant & T. M. Inman. August 11th. (Cognate application, 1,869/18.)

ll,G."i5. Tblephone Systems. Autonatic Telephone Co. St W. Aitken
August 12th.

11,678. Internal-combustion Engines. A. R. Brougham. August 12th.

11,690. Electric Regulator or Governor. B. O. Holm Hansen. August

11,935. DvsAMo-ELEClRlc MACHINES. A. H. Nculand. .August 18th.

11,974. Driving and Controlling Dynamo-electric Generators. W. I' W
Rhodes & J. Firth. August 19th. (Cognate application, 13,469/15.)

11,981. Electrical Flasher. W. Reed-Lethbridgc. August 19th.

12,314. Electrical Instruments op the Moving Coil Type. S. F. P»lni, r
J. Denham & Ferranti, Ltd. August 26th. * ,^

12,361. Systems of Electric Ship Propulsion. British Thomson-Houston
Co. (General Electric Co., U.S.A.). August 27th.

12,868. Electric Motor Control Systems. British Thomson-Houston Co.
(General Electric Co., U.S.A.). September 8th.

13,556. Starting Gear for Intern.<l-combustion Engines. H. ]. Craymer
anj H. P. Simpson. September 23rd. (Cognate applications, 16,169/15 and
338/16.)

13,717. Internal-combustion Engines. F. W. Golbv. September 27lh.
(Frankling R. Wright, U.S.A.)

13,768. Lubricators for Internal -combustion Engines. D. McGregor.
September 28th.

13,815. Ignition Apparatus for Internal-combustion Engines. H. R. Van
Deventer. September 28th. (October 1st, 1914.)

14.311. System for the Gener,\tion of Electric Currents. C. F. Beniie/.
October 0th. (Addition to 17,811/14.)

14,436. Coupling for Mechanically and Electrically Connecting Wires.
Met.il Cords, and the like. O. Bajma-Riva. October 12th.

15.107. Starting Apparatus for Internal-combustion Engines. Sir K. I.
Crossley, W. M. Huskisson Sr L. F. Barley. October 26th.

15,695. Methods of making Vitreous Bodies. British Thomson-Houston
Co. (General Electric Co., U.S.A.). November 6th.

10.695. Electric Arc Lamps. A. H. Railing & A. E. Angold. Novembor
26th.

17,901. Earth Current Detectors and Cur-oi
J. John St \y. J. John. December 22nd.

Electrical Circui

Boat Co. March 30th,

X916.

826. Propellinc; .Api'ar.atus for Vehici.bs.

1915. (100,221.)

1,374. Means for Controlling and RBCULAriNO Electric Motors. Igranic
Electric Co. (Cutler-Hammer Manufacturing Co., U.S.A.). (101,103.)
1.483. Electro-m.agnetic Release or Cut-out. .A. Pantini. January 31sl.

1916. (101,104.)

2,934. Combined Vaporising and Induction Pipe for using Mixbd or
Heavy Fuels in connection with Internal -combustion Engines. A. Gray, J.
Gaskell & W. T. Wilkes. (Cognate application, 5,392/16.) (101.111.)

3,808, Intern.il-combustion Engines. E. T. W. .Addyman. March 14th, .
1916. (101,115.)

6,541. Electro-macsetic Rel.ays. Siemens 8: Halskc Akt. Gcs. June 22nd.
1915. (100,732.)

6,648. Means for Supplying Ct>MBUSTiBLE Charges to Internal-combustion
Engines. G. C. C. Henderson. May 9th, 1916. (Addition to 21,620/14.)
(101,132.)

0.690 iMe->ns for Discharging Static ~ Electricity from a Moving I'ictuki
Film or the like. C. Van Deventer. May 17th, 1915. (100,487)

Cuba. — '1'1'f l.'-!^- Consul, writiiit;' on the trade future in
Oienfuegos, concludes thus: — "One result is certain in con-
nection with the extension and maintenance of trade now
secured — success to any marked degree will never be attained
through correspondence solely, excepting in the mail-order
business in the relatively smaller articles. In the extension
of trade the direct contact of representatives and prtjspective
purchasers will accomplish greater and more satisfactory
results than by long-distance negotiations and catalogues.
And by representatives is meant men \yho not only know the
business they represent, but the language of the country as
well. . . . Ijooking still farther ahead. Cuba need be but
a stopping-oft place, but one point of an extended route
covering Central and South .'\merica. To hold trade once
secured the eradication of one evil at least is absolutely neces-
sary, that of substitution. In Europe, should a house not i
have the exact article desired, it is secured from other sources
and, if need be, regardless of cost, in order that the customer
may be accommodated and his trade retained. Exten.sion and
retention of trade will be governed entirely by merit and
business accommodation. Merit will not tenninate in the
article itself, but includes as well the way in which it is
presented for sale and packed for shipment, details in which
Eiiinpean countries excel."

rrxxs

Vol. LXXIX.

SEPTEMBER 22, 1916.

No. 2,026.

ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

Vol. LXXIX.]

CONTENTS : September 52, 1916.

[No. 2,026.
Page

Loboiir anJ Demobilisation ... ... ... ... ... 309

" Out, Damned Spot ! " ... ... .310

Copper ... 310

Eleatricity Supply and Government Control ... ... ... 311

Mercury-Arc Rectifier for Charging Small Batteries iillus.') ... 312

The Institution Wiring Rules, by D. S. Munro 313

.Scientific and Industxial Research (conrfKi/frf)... ■•• ••• 314

Trade Statistics of Australia ... ... 31(1

Correspondence —

Electricity Supply Undertakings and Government Control 317

The Anglo-Boche 317

To Go— Or Not to Go ? 317

High-speed Sjuirrel-cage Winding... ... ... ... 318

The Metric System 318

Italian Electrical Industry ... 318

Legal 31!V

War Items 31!»

Business Notes 320

Notes 324

City Notes 328

Stocks and Shares 330

The British Association— III 331

Fuel Economy on the North-East Coast, by R. P. Sloan... 333

.\ji American Homily on Electrical Organisation ... ... 335

New Patents Applied for, 1916 336

Abstracts of Published Specifications ... ... ... ... 336

Contractors' Column

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LABOUR AND DEMOBILISATION.

In our recent series of articles on " Labour and
Industry " we reviewed the demands of the various
groups which were being formed by Labour. As
we stated at the time, there were matters included
in some of these programmes which had been the
dreams of Socialists for many a long day. but which
it would be quite unprofitabk to discuss while the
guns were still at work. The new atmosphere after
the war will probably lead the nation on to new ideas
regarding some things that we were hardly willing
to regard as matters for serious argument in the
former days of Peace, and it will be for the good of
all if, for the moment, we leave these aside and con-
sider the basal matters which will inevitably cry
aloud for all the serious thought that we can devote
to them, because upon these the new state of things
will rest. Whatever the future may bring in regard
to the relations of Capital and Labour, and the atti-
tude of the different classes in society towards each
other, the subject of demobilisation will be one of
the greatest questions that we have ever had to
settle. It may be said that upon the manner in
which we deal with that problem will most largely
depend the atmosphere, peaceful or turbulent, ol
the nation after the war. Nobody knows either
when the war will end or approximately how manj
men will return to the ranks of industry. But,
whenever the time, and whatever the number,
the setting up of the machinery for dealing effec-
tively with the vast work and questions attending
demobilisation must not be delayed. It is there-
fore satisfactory to know that Mr. Asquith, in his
reply to the Triple Labour Alliance, has stated thai
demobilisation shall be gradual, and that in a very
short space of time the Demobilisation Committee
will be able to formulate conclusions to enable the
Government to set up in advance machinery which
can be brought into active co-operation the moment
hostilities definitely cease. With most of us it has
been a foregone conclusion that demobilisation
would be gradual, and it has been stated in Parlia-
ment again and again; indeed, already, slowly and
in a small way, the work of demobilisation haf
begun by the return of disabled and other discharged
soldiers to civil life. It may be that many more
now at home will have to be combed out of factory
and other occupations to take the places of these in
the fighting forces. Yet the demobilisation maclii-
nery for releasing millions must be in preparation
even while more men are being mobilised, or we
shall not have plans suited to the circumstances of
the case prepared in time. The Government has
appointed a new Committee representative of

[309]

310

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW, [voi. 71.. No.2,0L'r,,isE,.TE>iui.;u-j2, ioi«,

Labour interests to confer with it, and probably
iliis Conini'.tiee \\iii iia\ ^ -ii . , ■•■ '

formulation of the conclusions of the Demobilisa-
tion Committee. Of course, the Government will
understand that it can reckon upon the whole-
hearted support of our manufacturing and indus-
trial concerns in whatever efforts may be made to
facilitate the return of men to civil occupations. It
is hardly likely after all that our industrial leaders
have done to provide the wherewithal for war that
the value of their experience and counsel will be
overlooked when the question of providing employ-
ment for returned soldiers presses. As Prof. Flinders
Petrie very wisely pointed out in the Times on Tues-
day last, in a timely letter on " Recuperation,"
what is so miportant is that in dealing with this
matter we begin at the right end. He shows how-
essential it is to produce food, and goods for export,
in order to restore our proper prices of goods and
labour, and that until we do so we cannot under-
take works that do not give immediate returns.
^' When we read of railways, tunnels, harbours, or
municipal glorifications, is it supposed that the sky
rains wages for such work ? Will not every pound
raised for this be a direct hindrance to more needful
business? " He goes on to say that until we shall
have crowded in every man that can be used on the
business of food and exports, no men or money
should be taken off for anything else, and that
"every pound raised in rates or taxes 'to provide
work ' is a direct blow to the recovery of the
nation." " If rates and taxes can be raised, better
let Government lend the money to promoting farm-
ing and trade rather than spend it on withdrawing
labour on works which can be postponed without
any damage." It is obvious that the industrial
activities of the nation are a matter of the first con-
cern in connection with the question of demobilisa-
tion, and aft'cr the recent discussions at the Trade
Union Congress we may be sure that this aspect of
the problem will be before the minds of the newly-
appointed Labour Committee, of the Demobilisation
Committee, and of the KeconstTuction Committee
of the Cabinet. We hope, with the Prime Minister,
that it will indeed be only " a very short time "
before the Demobilisation Committee is able to
begin, in its commandeered abode, its immense and
momentous activities. The eyes of the returning
soldiers and of the nation as a whole will be turned
in that direction, and if it proceeds with its great
task with suitable thoroughness- and expedition, it
may rest assured that it will have the good wishes of
all. and particularly of those who are concerned with
the great engineering industries of the Empire, and
are anxious to contribute their full share toward
securing industrial harmony upon a sure and lasting
foundation — prosperous industry assuring a fair re-
compense alike for Capital and Labour.

such a term as " graft." In normal times we have
had our Prevention of Corruption Acts to deal with
bribes sought and paid in connection with busines,^
contracts, but the law is in an anomalous condition,
and is, we fear, too seldom put into force.

In this case the Courts have dealt with a strong
hand with the principal offender, but we join in the
judge's regret that others who were knowingly
parties to these grave irregularities could not be
made to suffer in a way other than by damage to
their business reputation. What is, perhaps, as
lamentable as anything in connection with the whole
affair is that such irregularities should be possible,
the opportunity having been afforded by inefficiency
in the control of a Government department which
must have been responsible for the spending of many
millions of pounds during the last two years. A
pretty commentary this upon tlie business methods
of a public department ! We hear much about waste
in public affairs, listen to many speeches on the need
for economy all round, watch the recommendations
of a Retrenchment Committee and its strange deal-
ings with the necessary Consular activities, and
all the while we are so entangled in our confusing
maze of red tape that it is possible for the busi-
ness system (save the mark ! ) in public departments
to pass with five-and-twenty approving ticks a
document which ultimately proves to be false. We
have seen something of this elaborate passing of
documents from one department to another, and
know something of the waste of time and labour,
and, therefore, of public money, that is involved, un-
less it lead to efficiency and the proper safeguarding
of public interests. How often have grants for
small necessities been quibbled at and delayed,
whilst big amounts have been approved with the
smallest amount of supervision ! Really, when we
talk of the need for better business organisation in
connection with industry we must not shut our eyes
to the crying need for it in higher places. We have
not an ounce of sympathy with either party to the
clothing fraud. They have been found out, and be-
cause of that must drink the cup of con.sequences
to the last dregs. But what of the department which
could, and should, have prevented it? We admit
that the work falling on Government departments
is far in excess of what it was ever dreamt it would
be, and our war purchases probably run into mil-
lions a day, but it should not be beyond the ability
of experienced men of business, of whom thousands
are giving their services ungrudgingly to the State
in these days, to dexase means for preventing leak-
ages of this kind and removing easy opportunities
of gain from the path of unscrupulous servants and
contractors. These and some other things make
one wonder what would have been the cost of the
war if we had been able to conduct it as one great
business undertaking, efficiently and economically
from start to finish.

We have no desire to exaggerate
^'Out, Damned the importance of the Asseling
Spot! " Army Clothing scandal, but we may

at least be permitted to relieve our
feelings by saying that it is damnable that when we
are fighting a corrupt foe, with motives which have
raised British prestige higher than ever in the eyes
of the whole civilised world, there should be cor-
ruption in our own midst. If the Asseling case were
an isolated occurrence there would be little need to
unduly concern ourselves, for in every community
there are to be found some traitors to the public
interest, some who are willing to betray their trust
and sell a birthright of honour for a mess of pot-
tage. These things have occurred on both sides —
the Allies and the Enemies have all, according to
hriefiy reported occurrences, had their experiences
of them, while across the ocean westwards there is

Although the talk of a recru-
Cepper. descence of scarcity in copper may

seem to be somewhat exaggerated,
the position has admittedly gathered considerable
strength in the last few weeks, as testified by the
renewed marking up of prices, and the tendency is
seemingly still upward, so far as can be gauged
fiom the insatiable demand .going on, chiefly for
munition purposes, and from the more sparing offers
coming on the market from all quarters. The price
of standard copper, which not long ago had fallen
back to about £107, has again advanced to the
extent of some £10 a ton, although the price is now
inclined to fluctuate pending further developments
in the general demand. The market has naturalh'
been quickly affected by the fact that very few war-
rants are coming on offer, or are at all available,
while sellers ai-e entirelv influenced bv the strong

Vol. 79. No. 2,026. September 22. I'll.!.] THE ELECTRICAL EEVIEW.

311

character of the American advices received for
^veeks past.

Speculative otJers are now, of course, out of the
question, since deahngs outside legitimate business
are entirely prohibited under the regulations of the
Defence of the Realm Act. There is another
restraining feature to be mentioned which has
doubtless had some bearing on the state of the
market, and that is that certain home producers, who
until recently sold part of their output of rough bar
copper in the shape of warrants on the official mar-
ket, are now only selling to consumers direct, and
thus avoiding dealers. Trading in fine copper to
meet requirements for munitions has been on a
considerable scale, the orders placed for Russia
through the medium of the British authorities
having assumed quite heavy dimensions for ship-
ment in the course of the remaining months of this
year. Both Japanese and Australian producers have
had an excellent opportunity to sell all they had at
their disposal for shipment in the next few months.
In order to complete these orders, a substantial ton-
nage has had to be obtained from American sources.
The sales made in America for domestic consump-
tion in the second half of August, and in the earlv
part of this month, were also abnormally heavy, and
this largely explains the decidedly more independent
attitude of the copper magnates whose prospective
output, it is suggested, has been already pretty w-ell
placed for three months or so ahead. Spot metal
has become rather scarce in America, and those
consumers who have neglected to cover their needs
are now entirely in the hands of sellers. Prices there
have risen to fully 28^ cents per lb., and on this side
there is ver\' little electrolytic obtainable for near
delivery at a good premium, the value of near ship-
ments standing at about £134 c.i.f. European ports.
As indications point to an extension of the war
well into next year, it is probable that a steady
demand has yet to be reckoned with for manv
months to come, and it is obvious, therefore, that
American producers are more optimistic than ever
as to the future of the metal. America is at present
probably consuming at the rate of well over 50,000
tens a month, so that with a total refinery output of
about 85,000 tons the balance is none too much to
provide for regular large shipments to this side.
The quantities accounted for within the last three
months amount to roughly 107,000 tons, which
should certainly be quite sufficient to keep pace with
the enormous output of munitions by the Allies,
though the fact is significant that additional orders
had recently to be placed with the American muni-
tion factories for big quantities of material. Muni-
tion works in this country are doubtless getting a
full supply of metal released to them by the authori-
ties, but there is now a good deal of talk having
regard to the further large prospective orders to be
placed in America by Allied Governments to pro-
vide for needs over the first half of next year. The
stability of the market over the end of this vear. at
any rate, seems pretty well assured.

Elsewhere in this issue a corres-
Eiectricity pondent draws attention to the ques-
Snpply and tion of " Government control of
Government electricity supply undertakings,"
Control. and endeavours to clarify the situa-
tion by stating what he believes to
be the actual facts of the case. Whether he has
succeeded in the attempt is somewhat questionable:
at any rate, we think his sketch of the history of the
subject is open to correction. The proposal that
some kind of Government control should be exer-
cised over the public supply of electricity is no new
idea; it was brought into prominence by Mr. R. A.
Chattock in an article published in the Electrical
Review on December 19th, 1913, and was further
elaborated by him in his presidential address to the

I.^I.E.A., abstracted in our issue of June 19th,
1914. While Mr. Chattock— though a municipal
engineer — boldly advocated the nationalisation of
the electricity supply industrv-, a proposal which
did not gain much support, his object was the same
as that of the present movement — the centralisation
of generating plant under the most efficient condi-
tions, and the unification of systems of distribution
and suppl}'. The immediate origin of the recent dis-
cussions, however, was the paper submitted to the
Institution of Electrical Engineers by Mr. E. T.
Williams, in January last, which, in an abbreviated
form, was used by the Council of the Institution to
inaugurate a general discussion of the question on
April 13th, and it is quite wide of the mark to give
" the first place " to the committee appointed by the
Board of Trade at the end of April to report upon
the position of the electrical trades after the war,
with special reference to international competition.
As our correspondent points out, the recommen-
dation of the Council of the Institution with regard
to State control — which arose directly out of the
discussions above referred to, and the general con-
sensus of opinion amongst electrical engineers in
favour of the introduction of some such system of
control — appears to be outside the reference of the
Committee; in realitv, however, it is not. By secur-
ing more economical conditions of generation and
distribution, thus cheapening' the supply of elec-
tricity for all purposes, including motive power, the
productive capacity of electrical (and other) factories
would be increased, the internal demand for elec-
trical apparatus would be stimulated, and the scale
of operations would be magnified — all valuable aids
towards developing the export of electrical goods
and apparatus from this country, as well as internal
trade. At the same time, the consumption of coal
and stores would be decreased, and other advantages
would be gained, which have already been set forth
in our columns. It is clear, therefore, that the re-
commendation was in order as having a direct bear-
ing upon the welfare of the electrical trades.

That the shareholder should protest is customary
and inevitable; we cast no stone at liim on that
account. If he does not look after his own inter-
ests, who will do it for him? But that his protests
are based upon misapprehension, and pardonable
ignorance of the truth, is clear. The shareholder,-
as a rule, is not a technical nian, and cannot be ex-
pected to appreciate the position without assistance.
We believe that Government control, in the form
and to the extent that are proposed, would make
for his advantage, and in support of this contention
we may cite as a witness Mr. C. H. Merz. whose
views were briefly published in our last issue. As
the chief electrical adviser to the largest and most
influential body of electricity supply shareholders in
this country, Mr. Merz cannot be suspected of hos-
tile intentions towards the interests of shareholders
when he advocates the policy in question. We may
also point out that the recommendation was sub-
mitted to the Committee, on behalf of the Council
of the I.E.E., by the President, Mr. C. P. Sparks,
consulting engineer to a great company, and though
we cannot certify that he personally endorses it. we
have no reason to suppose the contrary.

But another consideration which, to our mind,
should over-ride all others without exception, is that
it is believed by the leaders of the electrical industry
that Government control of the supplv industry
would conduce to the national vjelfarc. Before this
argument all other interests must give place.

The proposal to substitute " arbitration " for
" control " does not appeal to us; we have seen
what delays, expense, and sometimes futility result
fiom arbitration. Under present conditions a firm
hand is necessan,-. and while we are definitely
opposed to any attempt at the nationalisation of in-
dustrv', we should Avelcome the enlightened but
resolute control of an appropriate tribunal.

812

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW. [Voi. 7i). No. 2,001;

M;rTEMUi;K

MERCURY-ARC RECTIFIER FOR CHARQINQ
SMALL BATTERIES.

Ik a i-ecent artirle in the Ge.uenil Electric Rerieir, C. N.
Green desciilied the small portable mercury-arc rectifier
known as Form K, which is being built in increasing
quantities (by the General Electric Co., U.S.A.). and of
which over a 1,000 outfits liave been shipped to various
parte of the United States, Manila, Australia, Cul a and
Soath America.

The device is filling the demand created by the extensive
use of small batteries on automobiles, launches, &c. ; eveu
when a car is fitted with a generator it may be necessary to

and tiie rectifier when making connections for charging.
This reversed connection resulted in the battery discharging
through the rectifier, thereby materially incn-Ciising the
current, which was usually followed by the loss of the tube.
To overcome this ditficulty, the Form I\2 rectifier has
been eiiuijtpcd with a fuse in one side of the supply line
When this fuse blows, the battery camiot further (lischarge,
and the loss of the rectifier tube by over-heating is [ire-
veuted. The change in connections from 3-eell to l!-cell
load was made in the Foi'ni Iv rectifier liy transferring the
lead from one biudiiig-pust connector on the series reactance
coil to anotlier, which reijuired the use of a screwdriver.
In the Form K2 rectifier this is accomplished by simply
transferring the fuse .from one side to the other of the
double-pole fuse block (see fig. 3).

The method of holding the ctiver- to the biuse lias also

Flu. 1.— Rectifieu connected to Battekv.

KECTII lER WITH COVER REMOVED.

charge the battery independently during periods of idleness
of the car.

Tlie type of rectifier known as Type MS, Form K, will
deliver 5 amperes at 7'5 or 15 volts, depending upon the
connection, and may be connected to an ordinary lamp
socket. It is designed to charge one 3-cell, one (J-cell, or
two 3-cell batteries, and can be furnished for operation on
25, 30, 40, .50, CO, 125 or 133-cycle, llO-volt circuits.

A later modification of the Form K
rectifier is that styled the Form K2,
which has been improved with a view
to making it more or less foolproof.

The rectifier consists of a metal case,
oa which are mounted the necessary
reactive coils, the rectifier tube, and a
guitable holder, all of which are jirotected
bjr a sheet-metal co\er.

been changed ; four small machine screws, which were very
liable to get lost, have been replaced by two wing nuts, one
on each side of the handle. Spring connectors have been
substituted for screw connectors on the leads to the rectifier
tube. The Form K2 rectifier is compact ; its outside
dimensions being, roughly, 8 m. wide, ^^\ in. long, and
r.li^ff in. high for CO cycles and above, and 1 1| in. high for
25 to 50 cycles. The net weight of the GO-cycle oufit is

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y

.-

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y

P

y

k.

/,

r

^

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^

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2

0

w

a

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/9n7peres

Fig. 4. — CuEVEs Showing
Regulation.

-Curves of Efficibncv and
Power Factor.

Fi(i. 3.— Ba.se of Rectipiek, Showing Fisf,,

The device is supplied with an attachment plug that
may be inserted in a lamp socket and two binding posts,
marked -)- and — , from which wires are run to the battery
to be charged. This arrangement makes it unnecessary to
remove the battery from the ear. In other words, the
charging apparatus is ordinarily much lighter and more
convenient to move than the battery.

Tlierehave been cases where difficulty has been experienced
by the reversal of the connecting leads between the battery

approximately 18 lb., which enables it to be readily carried
from ])lac« to place.

The rectifier tube is spherical, and has no pockets in
which mercury can be trapped, with the possible result of
the tube being broken in shipment. The two anodes and
cathode are sealed into the upper part of the condensing
chamber, and extend downward into the tube. The tube
is \\ in. in diameter by about 4 in. high, and has bosses top
and bottom to prevent it from turning in the holder. Its
weight is approximately 8 oz. The rectifier is shipped with
the rectifier tube assembled, so that it is ready for con-
necting to a battery after being unpacked.

Vol. 79. No. 2,026, September 22, lOir,.] THE ELECTRICAL EEVIEW.

313

Ret-titier tubes, wheu shipped separately, are packed in
excelsior in paper cartons 8 in. by 8 in. by 9 in. ; the Parcel
Post Service may be employed. Tlie ^''^^ss weight is les-s

Tig. i;. — Diagram of Cosnection8.

Shan t lb. This method of packing, together with the
rugged construction of the tube, has resulted in veiy few
lasses in transportation.

THE INSTITUTION WIRING RULES.

By DONALD SME.\TON MrSRO.

The Wiring- Rules of the Institution of Electrical
Engineers were this year presented, altered and
revised for the seventh time. A Standing Commit-
ter of 20 has sat 24 times since 191 1 and considered
upwards of 500 amendments. The use of the re-
vised rules is recommended by the Incorporated
Association of Electric Power Companies, the In-
corporated Municipal Electrical Association, the
electricity supply companies of London, and the
principal supply companies of the provinces. All
the insurance companies were asked individually
whether they would adopt the rules, and all — even
at last the " Phoenix " — have said " yes." So w-e
should expect, and actually do find, that the new
rules are in many ways superior t>o their predeces-
sors. Yet there remain a few things which are not
quite clear.

No information is available as to what is the
interpretation which each or all of the insurance
companies would give to the word " adopt." The
point is important. Have all buildings at present
insured to be re-wired in accordance with the revised
regulations? If so, what days or years of grace
are granted? Must all buildings, now being fitted,
conform in detail with the revised rules ? The first
paragraph states that the rules are not intended to
take the place of a detailed specification. Now
whether the specificatioii be prepared by a good con-
sulting engineer, a rascally contractor, or even an
" expert " in the pay of an insurance company,
there are almost sure to be points of divergence
from the te.xt; will the insurance companies "adopt"
th€se divergencies too, because they are part of a
detailed specification ?

In actual practice we have found for the most
part that, owing to competition, indifference, or
ignorance, insurance companies do not make defi-
nite inquiry or investigation into details of wiring
— even when claims arise. And the Wirinaf Rules,
so far as these are concerned, are neglected as well
as adopted.

If our industry were orderly, the insurance com-
panies might have in each district a group of inspec-
tors trained in electrical risks, and paid such
salaries as to be above suspicion of favouritism, and
free from the need of competition with regular con-
sultants; or, alternatively, the companies might em-
ploy consultants. Only with some such arrange-
could the insurance people undertake the responsi-
bilities of the adoption of any set of wiring rules.

In the May report of the Council of the Institu-
tion, it is stated that the new wiring rules have been
accepted as standard practice by the representative
associations of the municipal and private supply
companies. This also is not very clear. Do these
powerful people now mean to conform to rules with
regard to their station and service details and their
free-wiring schemes, or do they simply mean to
enforce rules on others, as has been their pleasing
habit ?

The phrasing of the ndes has altered between
editions, and, for the most part, the alterations are
improvements. The fact that the rules overlap and
have to be considered in relation to the Board of
Trade, the Home Office Regulations. &c., &c.,
gives a certain impression of raggedness to the
whole collection.

Nineteen definitions are given, and these range
from elemental things like " bare " and " dielec-
tric " to a "pipe-ventilated machine." When the
latter class of apparatus is reached, one wonders
why the definitions stop short and do not wander
on to " oil-cooled transformers," and the like, for
the kind of person who wants a pipe-ventilated
machine defined would, I feel sure, also like to hear
about an oil-cooled transformer. As in the former
issue, the definitions are numbered consecutively
with the rules; this hampers freedom in extending
definitions as they are required, and means that one
cannot refer to definite paragraphs in the various
editions under the same numeral.

Several of the definitions are as stated in the
Home Oflice Rules. Some of the others are neither
crisp nor clear. " Switchboard," for instance, is
defined as "An assemblage of switches, fuses, con-
ductors, measuring instruments, and other appa-
ratus for the control of electrical machinery and
circuits." This description might equally well define
a contractor's store-room or a full packing case
after an electrical exhibition.

Then the two most important new definitions —
Xos. 16 and 17 — are given in a manner reminiscent of
the clock which indicates 5-35, strikes 9, and means
ten-to-three. These refer to grades of insulation
of cables, and the first one reads: "Vulcanised
rubber cable is said to be I.E.E. 250-volt cable when
the minimum radial thickness of its dielectric is
that shown in Col. 9 of the Table, and when its
minimum insulation resistance is that shown in
Col. 5 after application of a pressure test of 1,000
volts for half an hour." Is it not possible, wath a
very perishable rubber mi.xture, for a cable, when
new, to pass these stated tests ? As time is a stated
element in the pressure test, should there_ not be
definite guidance in respect of some indication dur-
ing and "after test as to the effect of the half-hour's
pressure other than complete breakdown within
that period ?

The ne.xt similar definition refers to I.E.E. 650-
volt cable, which has to undergo a test of 2.500
volts.

These two descriptions of cable (the I.E.E. 250-
volt and the I.E.E. 650-volt) are evidently to dis-
place the 600-megohm and the 2,500-megohn classi-
fication of the Cable Makers' Association. But it
would appear that while the CM. A. 600- and 2,500-
megohm cables confomi to the new standard for
pressures up to 250 volts, a special new class_ of
cable, with thicker dielectric, is reqiured for mediurrt
pressures.

The good rule No. 24, which re-appears at the

■Mi

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW. [Voi, to. no. 2.02.;. SErrKMBKR 22, isig.

beginning of the General Anangenient Section.
statin? that where energy- is used for purposes addi-
tionaf to ilhunination. the lighting must have in-
dependent main fuses, is now deliberately broken as
a matter of trading expediency by many importaiit
supply corporations who induce consumers to fit
heaters, &c., to their existing lighting circuits. An-
other rule, .\'o. 28. in this section states that with
a permanently earthed neutral or negative, no.fiise
may be placed in any conductor, whether on a main,
or on anv branch circuit which derives its polarity
from the' earthed conductor of the supply. That,
apparently, is an error, and should be rectified.

One notes that references are made in many of
the preliminary paragraphs to rules of a later num-
ber, and some of the later rules bristle with back
references. An extension of the definitions would
help to obviate this defect.

Rule No. 32 states that in the final power sub-
circuits for heaters, the ma.ximum must not exceed
600 watts. Yet the supply companies of London
and the provinces have approved !

The clause No. 34, referring- to earth wires, states
that they should be " permanently earthed." Now,
unless these wires have a link or other means of
occasional disconnection, it is impossible to test an
installation to see if it is free from supplementary
accidental metallic contacts, such as gas-pipe earths.
It is demanded that earth wires be suitably pro-
tected from mechanical injury, yet there is a good
deal to be said for those authorities who insist on
earth conductors being bare cables visible through-
out their length.

No. 37. — A switch, socket, &c., mounted on any
surface liable to become damp must, in addition to
its own mount, be fixed upon a base block imper-
vious to moisture. It is unlikely that slate or china
is meant to be employed here, and it seems to be
suggested that the ordinary oiled teak block as
used on cheaper work is preferred to a cast metal
switch box.

No. 38. — " In bathrooms and damp places special
precautions must be taken to prevent t'he possi-
bility of personal contact with any part of the sys-
tem." This would seem to imply that wholly insu-
lated switches are preferred to those in metal boxes
with earthed handles, and one cannot easily obtain
watertight china switches.

No. 40. — The size of lighting wires is regulated
by "the permissible drop in volts, which under
ordinary conditions must not exceed 2 per cent,
plus a constant allowance of i volt." This i-volt
drop, of course, is most serious on the very low
voltage installations now common.

In the 1911 edition, "taped only" cables were
permitted in certain circumstances. Now it appears
(No. 50) that these taped wires are wholly debarred,
but "braided only" cables are substituted. This
latter class of protection is verj' uncommon. It
has been used perhaps chiefly by that very smart
type of contractor who got cheaply a cable which
looked all right — till the oily matter in the braiding
had worked havoc with the improtected rubber.

A good and interesting new rule (No. 51) refers
to disting-uishing colours of cable coverings. One
wonders why, however, the neutral should be yellow
or white in the case of continuous current and green
with three-phase alternating current. Why not
make them neutral colour in both cases, and save
the wireman's memory and eyesight too?

At present it is the practice to run red wires for
switches and black to lamps, irrespective of whether
the supply is positive and neutral or negative and
neutral. It will be necessary now to learn, before
one wires a building, whether the corporation in-
tends to supply from the -t- or - side, and if sup-
pliers will really respect the rules they will be ham-
pered somewhat when tliey re-adjust the balance on
feeders.

Rule No. 52. — Concentric systems were permitted

uiuk-r institution Rules for the first time in 191 1,
although they have been in use since 1883. One
could understand why liie live inner should be
specially well msulated, as it is deprived of the two
thicknesses of insulation which prevail on nonnal
two-wire installations. But why is it compulsory
under this Rule No. 52 that the external neutral
should have the same quality of insulation, especially
when the alternative as shown in Rule No. 76 is
no insulation whatever? It seems to the present
writer that a comparatively light insulation on the
neutral external conductor is the commonsense
method of getting rid of the electrolytic possibili-
ties of a bare outside conductor.

Rule No. 53. — With regard to flexible conductors,
one notes that they are now to be less flexible, for
No. 36 S.W.G. is the smallest wire to be used (for-
merly this was the largest size permitted). Rule
No. 56 does not demand tinning of flexible conduc-
tors where there is a pure rubber separation- — as
there always nominally is. Hard wires where there
is much less risk of sulphur attacking the copper
are, however, to be tinned, or otherwise efficiently
protected against this danger.

The whole subject of metal conduits, iron, steel,
brass, and copper, screwed, clamped, and soldered,
is dealt with under one rule. No. 63, which has,
however, seven sub-divisions.

Plain slip couplings are utterly forbidden, and
quite properly — they have had a long innings in
some districts. Grip joint couplings are evidently
to be used for low-pressure work only, although, of
course, resistance at joints is more serious there
than with the higher pressures, and electrolytic
corrosion is as much to be anticipated.

The rule applies to all conduits, including brass
and copper, and it states that for medium pressures
heavy gauge screwed conduits must be used. So it
seems that the British Standard Specification for
steel conduits is now to apply to brass and copper
conduits used for medium pressures. On the whole,
however, the rule with its sub-divisions is unem-
barrassing, and leaves to erectors freedom to use
the hundred-and-one methods and types of conduit
and accessory systems now in the market.

(To he rof//l/iiii'i/. I

SCIENTIFIC AND INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH.

(^Gmcl iided from puye 2yi.)

If a healthy condition of inquiry is to be fostered in the
scientific industries, the Council must for some time to come
expend a good deal of attention and money upon convincing
thrf manufacturing world in general that scientific research
i5 a paying proposition. The shortest means to this end is an
attack upon the pressing problems of manufacture which
arise in the course of the ordinary routine.

Unless the generahty of British firms can be induced to
alter their present attitude the Council will have failed pro-
foundly in one of its appointed tasks. In the United States
of America there has in certain industries been an earher
realisation than in this country of the large part which the
systematic apphcation of science has played in the rapid
progress of German trade. Large American undei-takings
during the last 20 years have set up research laboratories in
increasing numbers. Pamphlets are in preparation which
will show something of tha progi'ess that .\merica has made,
and give some indication of the competition that awaits us in
the future. Three grades of laboratory are needed by every
manufacturer who wishes to get the best results from the
application of science to his business — the ordinary routine
or "works" laboratory for controlling the quality of raw
materials, finished products and processes; an "industrial"
or "efficiency" laboratory where improvements in products
and in processes tending to lessen cost of production and to
introduce new products on the market are worked out ; and
the true research laboratory.

If a manufacturer has the necessary capital and has once
realised the value of research, he needs no encouragement to
continue. In other cases the best procedure will be to demon-
strate the value of research to industry by carefully selected
object leSBons, and by the periodical issue of the pamphlets
which will contain accounts of what has actually been accom-
phshed and what needs doing in this field.

Vol.79. No. 2,026, septembeb 22, 1916.] THE ELECTKiuAL REVIEW.

315

Eeseareh undertaken exclusively for the benefit of one
among a number of competing fiiTQs either by a public insti-
tution or at the cost of the State is always likely to give rise
to dilficulties. There is only one authenticated instance of a
grant from public funds in Germany to an individual manu-
facturer for research or any allied purpose. The German
(lovernments no doubt frequently a.ijsist a whole iudusti-y by
suitable tariffs, preferential railway and canal rates and har-
bour dues; and, most important of all, the German States
spend lavishly upon education. They have not, however, save
in the singe ca^e referred to, used the taxes, either' local or
Imperial, to pay for research in the interest of a single firm;
nor have their universities and technical high schools ever
given exclusive privileges to an individual manufacturer.

The question of the part which universities can and should
take in the application of science to industry is extremely
important, but also extremely difficult. Such an experienced
observer as Dr. Mee-s is strongly of opinion that the funda-
mental theory of a subject upon which the development and
maintenance of industry chietiy depend ' ' cannot possibly be
carried on to any large extent in collaboration with a univer-
sity." Although the German universities and technical high
schools have been able in the past to do much for the indus-
tries because their professors have had httle routine work to
do in comparison with British standards, the increasing com-
plexity and length of the research necessary for modei'n
scientific manufacture is making it increasingly difficult for
the professor or the university laboratory to take a dominat-
ing share in the atlvance. In the past no doubt the freedom
of the university professor to work for a manufacturer was
OL great unportance in building up the industries, but in
present-day circumstances he is not usually more than a con-
sultant to the firms who are interested in his science. One
important function which he has exercised throughout he is
never likely to lose so long as he keeps in touch with the
needs of the manufacturer, namely, that of training a sufii-
cient number of young men for the service of the industrial
laboratories.

The universities can and must be the main sources of re-
search in pure science, the discoveries in which lie at the
root of all practical and technical applications. Yet they will
not be able to do theu" fair share of this vital service unless
they can attract more students and larger funds. Though
progress has been made in the foundation of universities and
the number of professors has largely increased, the endow-
ment of professorships, the one safe means in Huxley's view
of endowing research, has not kept pace with the number of
foundations. Until our universities are in the position to
offer appointments which carry with them real freedom from
financial anxiety, it is certain that their teachers will not,
because they cannot, take the leading part which they should
in the national contributions to knowledge. If the univer-
sities can do their full share of the new work in pure science
they will do much, but they can do more. They can also
with their existing organisation assist .smaller firms and less
important industries to solve the problems immediately in
front of them, and they can, no doubt,' attack those fimda-
mental problems of research in applied science which are not
too complex or too extended in their nature.

When the scientific bases of a whole trade are in question
some other machinery must be devised; at this point the
university ceases to be a suitable agent. Yet a place may
be found for the universities in some at least of these more
comprehensive and comphcated researches. They have done
much already by means of separate technological departments
closely related to the industries. The present organisation of
such departments will need modification and development if
they are successfully to carry the burden that will be put on
them\ It is important to keep the finance of research insti-
tutes distinct from the general university finance, for many
reasons. It seems no less important to give the industry
concerned a responsible share in the pohcy of the institute as
much in the interests of the industry as of the research. Yet
if the institute is to be connected with a university or other
educational institution, the suzerain power must have an effec-
tive means of criticising the work in its broad and general
outlines and must have control of at least the principal ap-
pointments. Otherwise the university or college connection
will be meaningless. These are the difficulties of any such
connection, but the advantages are obvious, especially at the
present stage of our scientific development.

Scarcely less important than the encouragement of re-
search in our educational institutions and our factories is a
due correlation of the research activities of the Governments
of the Empire. This can best be achieved by the free ex-
change of infonnation given in a spirit of hearty co-opera-
tion. Accordingly, arrangements have been made by which
the Council can keep in close touch with all Government
Departments concerned with or interested in scientific re-
search. Without their help, it would have been impossible
for it to do its work effectively. The further it proceeds the
clearer becomes the intimate interdependence of education
and research on the one hand and industry and research on
the other.

The needs which led the Mother Country to formulate a
scheme for the organisation and development of scientific
and industrial research had been realised with equal convic-
tion in other parts of the Empire. A strong committee,
appointed by the Commonwealth Government, reported in
favour of the establishment of a national research institute

under the charge of three dii'ectors with an advisorj- council,
and the Government accepted the proposal in its main out-
lines. Meantime the Committee of the Council had submitted
a memorandum to the Colonial Office for communication to
the Dominions, containing suggestions as to the various ways
in which the home organisation might co-operate with similar
organisations in other parts of the Empire.

In Canada a similar movement has begun, and an Order
in Council was issued on June 6th establishing machinery
■siiuilar to that in this country for the encouragement of
scientific and industrial research. The proposals of the Gov-
ernment are based on their conviction that each part of the
Empire should organise its present machinery for research
before attempting collaboration with the Mother Country.
The Caijadian Pacific Railway has recently set up a depart-
ment for the scientific investigation of the mineral wealth
and the hydro-electric and chemical resources of the Dominion
especially in those districts served by the railway. The New
Zealand Government also has the matter under considera-
tion. The existence of such organisations throughout the
Empire will immensely facihtate the Council's task by
enabling it to enlist the best brains for the attack on prob-
lems of Imperial significance irrespective of the researcher's
domicile.

It seems probable that one of the first and most necessary
preUmiuaries to joint research in the stricter sense will be
found to be the making of a systematic survey of the mineral
and other resources of the Empire. The whole question will
doubtless be considered by the Committee appointed by the
Prime Minister to consider the commercial and industrial
policy to be adopted after the war.

The experience already gained enables the Advisory Council
to foresee some of the more important conditions which will
need to be secured if the object for which the Committee of
the Council was established is to be attained.

These conditions stated in the shortest possible tenns are :
First, a largely increased supply of competent researchers;
secondly, a hearty spirit of co-operation among aU concerned,
men of science, men of business, working men, professional
and scientific societies, universities and technical colleges,
local authorities and Government departments. And neither
condition will be effective without the other.

The first condition of success cannot be secured rapidly
at any time, and for the moment is out of the question. It
is certain that the number of trained research workers who
will be available at the end of the war will not suffice for the
demand that will then exist. Without the scientific rank
and file it will be as impossible to staff the industrial research
laboratories which are coming as to fight a European war
with seven divisions. There is as much place and need for
plodding labour in scientific research as in other kinds of
■nork.

The responsibility for dealing with the situation rests with
the education departments of the United Kingdom. It is
useless to offer .scholarships if competent candidates are not
forthcoming, and they cannot be forthcoming in sufficient
numbers until a larger niunber of well-educated students
enter the universities. That is the problem which the educa-
tion departments have to solve, and on the solution of which
the success of the present movement in the Council's opinion
largely depends.

As regards the second condition of success, progress in
C(>oi)erative effort is undoubtedly being made in many direc-
tions. There are specially strong reasons for more co-opera-
tion between the various British firms in each industry and
between the industries and the State in the furtherance of
research. Fundamental research requires a very large ex-
penditure on brains and equipment. It also requires con-
tinuous effort. The firm that starts out upon this quest must
either be very powerful, or it must find the necessary strength
in association with others. If the general level, of manufac-
ture can be rapidly raised by co-operative effort in the ex-
change of infonnation between firms, and in the support of
national trade institutes for research, as well as in the ira-
lirovement of the conditions and efficiency of labour, this
country will have gone far towards establishing its industrial
prosperity on a finn basis.

There is already a certain number of large firms in this
country who, realising fhe unity of interest between em-
ployers and employed, have systematically striven to raise
the standard of living among their workers and to give them
a direct interest in the firm's success. But the small firm
finds it as difficult to provide pensions or clubs as to pay for
research laboratories or original workers. Some form of com-
bination for both purposes may be found to be essential if
the smaller undertakings of this country are to compete effec-
tively with the great trusts and combines of Germany and
America.

The economic problem, says the Council, lies outside ita
province, but it is an important aspect of the great issue
with which it is concerned, and that issue cannot be_ met
effectively unless a co-ordinated advance is made simul-
taneously on the whole front. The voluntary efforts of manu-
facturers in friendly union which enabled the problem of
munitions to be rapidly solved may lead to a new kind of
reciprocity between firms which will avoid the evils both of
monopoly and of individualism. As people have learnt _ to
combine against the risks of fire or shipwreck without losing
either initiative or freedom, so firms may come to Jook upon
expenditure for research as a necessary kind of insurance.

D

:Ut;

THE ELECTKICAL REVIEW. [Voi. to. x... 2.(r.r,,si.:,.,KMin

It is certain that the costs to bo met will, ou any adequate
estimate, have to be couutod not by tens of thousands nor
even by hundreds of thousands.

The great industries whieh have an output worth many
milhons sterling a year and employ labour in proportionate
amount need research on a scale which calls for the financial
and intellectual assistance of all parties concerned. When
co-operation has done all that is possible in the common
interest, there will still remain a mass of research work to
be done by individual lirms in their own interests, which will
amply repay the cost; and effort.

If it is supposeil that modern industry can be developed
or even maintained by a process of detailed investigations, a
series of particular inquiries, however careful, the time,
trouble, and expense involved will be largely wasted. Such
a supposition is fased on fallacious conceptions of the manner
in which scientific research proceeds, and of the way in
which the great scientific industries have been built up. Re-
search of this order does not cease when a- problem has been
solved. It must be continuous in its operation, and its j-amifi-
cations will spread as knowledge grows.

Y
1913. J

car ending
une, 1915. Inc

or dec.

Machine iooh. —

£

£

£

From United Kingdom

„ Germany

,, United States

Other countries ...

78,000

11,000

55,000

4,000

148,00(1

48,000 -
3,000 -

6-2,000 -
3,000 -

30,00(1
8,000
3,000
1,000

Total ... ] ...

]06,0(X) -

42,00(1

Hutary and percussive rod;

driUs.—

From United Kingdom ...
„ United States
Other countriea

3,tKiu

2S,0tXl

1,000

•2.0(J0 -
2:5,000 -

1.(11 Id
5,0011
1,00(1

Total 32,000 25,000 -

Sliam turbines, economisers, superlicater.t, tfc. —

From United Kingdom ... 92,000 115,000 +

,, Germany 11,000 5,000 -

„ United States ... 5,000 2,000 -

7,0(H)

23,000
0,00(1
3,000

TRADE STATISTICS OF AUSTRALIA.

The following figures, showing the imports of electrical and
allied goods into Australia during the twelve months ending
June 30th, 1915, are taken from the recently-issued official
trade statistics, which now cover the twelve-monthly period
ending June 30th, instead of the calendar year. The figures
for 1913 have therefore been given for purposes of comparison
and notes of increases or decreases have been added. The
increasing share of the United States is noteworthy.

Year ending
1913. June, 1915. Inc. or dec.

£ £ £

148,000 127,000 - 21,000

38,000 48,000 + 10,000

2,000 1,000 - 1,000

4,000 8,000* + 4,000

Gas and oil engines. —
From United Kingdom

,, United States

,, Germany

Other countries

Total

... 192,000 184,000
Sweden f 4,000.

Fortable and traction engines. —
From United Kingdom ... 87,000
- ■ ■ - 56,000

United States
Other coimtries

Total

2,000

31,000 -
25,000 -
4,000* -I-

145,000 00,000
•From Germany.

Dynamo electric machines up to 200 h.p., static

transformers, coils, £c. —
From United Kingdom
,, Germany
„ Italy
,, Sweden

United States
Other countries

168,000
48,000
5,000
9,000

154,000
9,000

135,000
16,000
3,000
6,000

175,000
8,000

Total 393,000 343,000 -

Dynamo electric machines over 200 h.p. and parts.-

From United Kingdom ... 56,000 42,000 -

Germany 3,(XX) — -

„ United States ... 10,000 5,000 -

Total

09,000 47,000 -

Earth and rock cutting, excavating, <tc..
From United Kingdom ... 31,000
7,000

Germany
United States
Other countries

Total

18,000
2,000

58,000

machines.-
27,000 -

12,000 -
2,000

41,000

1.000
14,000

15,000 -

Coal-cutting machines. —
PVom United Kingdom ... I.OOO

„ United States ... 19,000
,, Other countries ... l.CKX)*

Total 21,000

* From Germany.

Regulating, starting, and controlling apparatus. —
From United Kingdom ... 26,000 32,000 -1-

„ Germany 7,000 3.000 -

„ United States ... 39,000 50.000 +
„ Other countries ... 1,000 3,000 ^-

8,000

06,000

31,000

2,000

85,000

33,000
32,000
2,000
3.000
21,000
1,000

50,000

22,000

4,000
7,000
6,000

r),000
1,000
6,000

6,000

4,000

11,000

2,000

Total

108,000

122,000

-1-

14,000

Electroliers, gasoliers, ifc. —

From United Kingdom ...

:i6,000

30,0(.l(.l

_

t;,oo(i

,, Germany

3,000

1,000

—

2,000

,, United States

2,000

- 5,000

-1-

3,000

,, Other countries

1,000
42,000

—

:

l,OtH)

Total

36,000

c.ooo

Motive power machinery not

elsewhe

e include

/.—

From United Kingdom ...

263,000

244,(J00

19,0o(i

,, France

5,000

3,000

—

2,000

,, GeiTuany

20,000

9,000

-

11,000

,, Sweden

. —

. 3,000

+

3,00<t

,, Switzerland

5,000

3,000

—

2,000

United States

80,000

70,000

-

10,000

,, Other countries

4,000

3,000

-

1,000

Total

377,000 . 335,000

42,000

High-speed reciprocating steam engines for couplinij
or coupled to electric generators or pumps. —
From United Kingdom ... 26,000 27,000 +
FAcctric fittinfis, switches, fuses and lightning anr.s^rr.s.-
From United Kingdom ... 51,000 33,000 I

,, Gei-many 11,000 2,00(1

„ United States ... 16,000 31,0lKi i J

,, lather countries ... 3,000 3,000

1 ,000

Total 81,000 69,000

Electrical appliances not included elsewhere.—

From United Kingdom ... 90,000 , 85,000

,, Denmark 10,000 si»in

Germany .'")o,00(l

,, Hblland 10,000

,, United States ... 36,00o

,, Other countries ... 10,000

Total 2II,0(.H1

fAunps and lanipware. —

From United Kingdom ... 57,000

„ Germany 41,000

., United States ... 47,000
,, Other countries ... 9,000

II.

•J 1. 01 Id 1

45,000 i

5,oai -

1 78, 0(H)

49,000
13,000
48,000
12,000

Total 154,000' 122,000 -

* Included incandescent mantles in 1913

Telephone switchboards and appliances. —

Froiu United Kingdom ... 47,000

„ Belgium 25,0(JO

,, Germany 7,000

,, Sweden 46,000

,, United States ... 47,000

(Itlicr countries ... 2,000

Tntal ...
ir;,f, iro,i, and ^tecl.—
l''niiii United Kingdom
Germany
United States
( ither countries

174,OfXI 1.SH,000 +

89,0(J0

327,000

219,000

5,000

9S.(m
229,000
37,000'

Total 640,000 416,000

* Canada .f:il ,0O0.
ij^lcctric healing and coohing appliances. —
From United Kingdom ... 6.WK) 3,000

,, United States ... 3,000 3,000

,, Other countries ... 1,000 • —

12,000

.O.I.K.lO
■J, 0(1(1
■I 1.1 111(1
I 1.(1(1(1

9,00(1
5,000

33.000

S.ddll
■J.S.ddd

I .( I( l( I
3,(1)0

32,000

08,000

+

5i,aio

2,000

-

23,000

1,000

—

6,000

22,000

—

24,00(.)

60,000

+

13,000

—

-

2,000

Total

73,000 88,000 -1- 15,000

Total

10,000 6,000 -

9,000

37,000

229,000

10,000

32,000

221 ,0(10

3,000
1,000

4,oa)

Vol.79. No. 2,02ti, SEPTEMBER 22, 191G.] THE ELECTRICAL EEVIEW.

817

Year ending
1913. June, 1915. Inc
£ £

. or dec.
£

1,045,000

12,000

•57,000

168,000

636,000 -
6,000 -
34,000 -
177,000 +
233,000* +

409,000
6,000
23,000
9,000

233,000

Rails, fislipJates, dc. —
From United Kingdom

,, Belgium

„ Germany

,, United States

,, Other countries

. Total 1,282,000 1,086,000 - 196,000

♦Canada ^231,000.
AccutmilatoTS, carbons, measuring ond recording
instruments, arc lamps, &c. —

Prom United Kingdom ...

109,000

69,000

-

40,000

,, Germany

43.000

1.000

—

42,000

,, United States

11,000

15,000

+

4,000

,, Other countries

4,000

1,000

:

3,000

Total

167,000

86,000

81,000

Wire {copper). —

From United Kingdom ...

175,000

99,000

—

76,000

,, Belgium

7.000

—

-

7,000

,, Germany

19.000

7,000

—

12,000

,, United States

11,000

14,000

+

3,000

,, Other countries

1,000

—

_

1,000

Total

213,000

120,000

93,000

Cable and wire {covered). —

From United Kingdom ...

554,000

307,000

-

247,000

,, Germany

56,000

10.000

—

46,000

„ Italy

2,000

1,000

—

1,000

,, United States

20,000

8,000

—

12,000

,, Other countries

5,000

2,000

:

3,000

Total

637,000

328,000

309,000

Arc lamp carbons. —

From United Kingdom ...

1,000

+

1,000

,, Germany

17,000

2,000

—

15,000

,, Other countries

1,000

4,000*

+

3,000

Total

18,000

7,000

-

11,000

•Spain dE2,000.

CORRESPONDENCE.

Letters receited by w.< after 5 p.m. ON Tuesday' cannot appear until
tile following weeli. Correspondents should forioard their cmnnivni-
eat ions at the earl iest possible moment. Ifo letter can be published
unless we hare the writer s name and address in our possession.

Electricity Supply Undertakings and Government Control.

During' the last week or so a considerable amount of discussion
ha« taken place in the technical and financial Press over the question
of Government control of electricity undertakings. The references
in the Press have given evidence of heated partisanship in the
matter ; so much so, indeed, that it might be worth while to pause,
and, if possible, get at the actual facts of the case. These facts
have certainly been obscured somewhat in the discussion, so readers
may, perhaps, welcome a plain statement clear of party comment.

The facts are briefly as follows : —

In the first place,, the President of the Board of Ti-ade appointed
various Committees to consider the position of certain British-
industries after the war, esijecially in relation to international com-
petition, and to report what measures, if any. are necessary or
desirable in order to safeguard that position. Among these Govern-
ment Committees one was appointed for the electrical trades. This
Committee was com.posed of the following members : — '
The Hon. Sir Charles A. Parsons Mr. J. Devonshire.

•(chau-man). Mr. B. M. Drake.

^fr. J. Annan Bryce, M.P. Sir John Snell.

-Mr. T. 0. CaUender.

Tlie Committee, in the coursp of their work, invited the Institu-
tion of Electrical Engineers, through the President, to give evidence
before them. A special <id hue Committee of the whole Council
considered the matter, and on their deliberations the Council pre-
pared certain recommendations to be submitted. The recommenda-
tions covered various points, from such things as securing an all-
British home market to improving the status " of electrical
engineers " — 10 clauses in all. Nine of the clauses have apparently
raised no discussion. One clause, however (No. 2). has raised — if
not a whirlwind — at least a breeze. The recommendation runs as
follows : —

" A Government Tribunal of the most independent character
that can be devised to be appointed to control the electricity supply
industry of the country, and glso to prevent indiscriminate addition
or extension of power stations or systems undesirable from the
point of view of size, locality, or system.''

This recommendation has been strongly attacked, thongh.
curiously, its most vulnerable point seems to have escaped notice —
that is, whether it falls within the scope of the evidence required.
The purpose of this particular Board of Trade Committee— the

Electrical Trades Committee— is to devise a measure to protect the
electrical trade after the war, and especially to safeguard it against
foreign competition. The evidence required, therefore, is only as to
what will protect the industry and olitaiu advantages forthe same.
It is a little difficult to see how placing a Government tribunal to
control the electricity sujiply branch of the industry will give that
branch any advantages. It may conceivably give the ' public, the
consumer, or anyone else, an advantage, but the purpose of the
Electrical Trades Committee is wholly confined to devising benefits
inside the industry. The only conceivable suggestion is that some
undertakings will benefit at the expense of the others. '

However, to retiU'U to the main point on which the recom-
mendation has been attacked, viz., Government control, this has
been done from the company-shareholder's point of view. The
shareholder has an eye for only one thing — diridends. He assumes,
therefore, that Government control is not being recommended with
the sole view of increasing the dividend from his investment in the
particular company in which he is interested. He knows that
the control would have aims other than those expressible in
dividends, and consequently assumes that the dividends will suffer
— hence his protest.

The argument in defence is that the Government Tribunal would
only deal with the technical side Df the problem and not touch the
financial. Whether such a thing is possible, whether a Tribunal
can. in fact, lay down a course for an industry to follow and yet
not interfere with its profits, is the main ground of contention.

Perhaps, however, one solution would be to eliminate the debate-
able word " control." and substitute " arbitrate." This would be
better in keeping with the idea of a Tribunal, as not being endowed
with power of initiative. The recommendation would then read
" that a Government Tribunal be appointed to arbitrate on questions
affecting the electrical supply industry of the country, with a view
to preventing indiscriminate additions to undesirable systems,'' and
so forth. This would obviate the possibility of any " control " in
the ordinary sense of the term, and, at the same time, provide a
way of dealing with the "dog-in-the-manger " policy affected by
so many undertakings when any question of centralisation comes
along.

Anyhow, this Is merely a suggestion, the main point of the
present article being to present a statement of fact and of the
grounds of disagreement as a preliminai'y towards a better agree-
ment.

Arbiter.

Septeiiihei [Ciii. IDli.,

[We refer to this matter in our leading columns to-day. —
Eds. Elec. Rev.]

The Anglo-Boche.

I have not seen the Electrical Review for nearly two years,
but I anticipate that its leanings will not be towards what the
Daily Mud picturesquely describes as the "Unseen Hand." so that
a Boche-like development in electrical circles may interest you.

Some time ago, a London electric supply company (determined
that, whoever suffered from the eft'ects of the war, their share-
holders should not) raised their price for current all round ;
possibly other companies did the same. If this merely offset
additional cost, and did not produce additional profit, it was. of
course, quite legitimate. However, a further increase became
necessary — or desirable.

One may suppose that important customers may have protested
at the former advance, so the directors decided to squeeze a class
who would be powerless to resent their action — the similarity to
Eoohe methods is too obvious to need underlining. They pro-
ceeded to enforce the legal minimum charge per quarter, knowing,
of course, that this would affect, not their large customers, but the
occupants of small houses and flats, the great majority of whom
are serving their country on somewhat inadequate pay.

In a typical case, the bill for cm-rent has been moi-e than doubled
to a family of three, one of whom is in the Grand Fleet, one in the
R.N.V.R., afloat, and the thmi working 1 1 hours a day at (unpaid )
war work.

Although the company had been informed that their customer
was ^way on service, they sent in their usual notices, which
accumulated in his absence, and finally cut off the cm-rent, all in
the approved style of profound peace.

The comic relief is added by the fact that, like the blundering-
fools who are their patterns, they could not even perform this
graceful act efliciently, but, to the astonishment of the occupant of
the flat below, cut ofl: his current instead.

Now I should like to make it clear that I do not know that the
directors of the company in question are of German origin^ but 1
suggest that their methods are so characteristic, that the intern-
ment authorities might be moved to investigate. In any case, I
and others will not forget, after the war, that among our foes were
those of our own (electricaO household, and that they seized their
opportunity to stab us in the back while, we were assisting to
protect them when they were too busy — or, shall we say — prudent,
to protect themselves. The name of the company is ,at your
disposal if you wish it.

En j^lneer- Lieutenant.

To Go -or Not to Go ?

■'Balanced Up" — I nearly put Fed-Up — is one of those young'
men, who, like the jMJor, are always with us. He is probably one of
those men peiiietually permeated with the spirit of discontent.
He is likewise probably of the type of young man recently
describeil by a manager in a munitions Tribunal case as — " one of

318

THE ELECTllICAL REVIEW, lvoi. 79. Ko. 2,02c,, septkmbp.u -luie.

those young men who come to pick np all the informatiou they
can in order to better their positions as electrical enjiineers."

But cheer up, "B,U.,"the turn of Fortune's wheel may in the
course of two or three years see you blossom forth as a full-blown
system engrineer.

Has "B.tJ. " read certain of the speeches given before the
British Association at Newcastle .' Let him do so. Let him read
Mr. Stoney's i>a|>er with jiarticular reference to that part deal iuff
with the leach ill;;- 111 the dead as ajjfainst the live lanjfuajfes. Let
him substitute one or two other words in place of those used by
Mr. Stouey CElec. Eev., pajre 3ti('>. line 43), and the passage can lx>
maile to read thus ; — " The operation of power stations and systems
as they are usually operated has been .standardisetl to the la-sl
degree, and as a result they can be operated by the semi-skilled
man. and the skilUxl man is not necessary. In fact, the operation
of power stations and systems is a pure ' repetition job." At the
same time no operator's training is complete unless mechanical is
combined with electrical, and also with operating, experience
and here lies one great danger of the motlem operating engineer
feeling himself entitled to less worse pay."

Lit him proceed to read Merz on Electrical Power Distribution,
and take the following extract ; ". . . that interconnected electrical
power distribution are essential if . . . labour costs ....
are to be kept to a minimum." (Electiucal Review, page 307.
line .^3.)

From "B.U.'s"' statement that he is connected with 20.000 volts.
one may infer that he is employed within, say, .500 miles of Xew-
castle-upon-Tyne. and he may. therefore, bear in mind that he is
on a concern "'standardised to the last degree.' and where '" labour
costs are to be kept to a minimum."

Kemember Alfred Lester, in the " Arcadians." with his " Gay life
and a short one : "" also the story of Robert the Bruce and the Spider,
then. " Balanced Up." if you can"t manage it on the 1-volt bus-bars,
keep on trying the various voltages to be met with, and if you last
till then. I feel sure the 20,000-volt busses will find you a very
certain means of solving the question " To Go — or Xot to Go ' '"
At the same time. "B.U.,"' take care while trying to form a low-
resistance path between red and blue phases on the 20,000-volt
bars, that you do not cattse a general shut-down on the

North-East Coast.

High-speed Squirrel-cage Winding.

In further reference to your notice on page 2G3, of September
.Hth issue, I have to say that in connection with the experimental
work in the development of the " Paragon " electrical power
.system, this type of winding has been successfully used on
my motor omnibus induction motor rotors, and has also been
proposed and tendered for in connection with my "Paragon""
variable -fi-equency. variable-speed induction motor system for
ships' auxiliary machine driving ; the said patent cannot, there-
fore, be valid, although the design is sound and good.

WlUiam P. Durtnall.

London, X.. Sr/,temher Utii, 1910.

ITALIAN ELECTRICAL INDUSTRY.

The Metric System.

In view of your efforts to modernise the present effete system of
weights and measures in this country, I forward you a cutting from
the Wegtern Mail of to-day's date, which only reiterates- what has
already been stated so often in your columns. Unfortunately,
although recognised by all leading Ijusiness men— and others — to
be a reform urgently necessary, the Government do not move in
the matter, and unless they act quickly, we shall find Peace with
us once again, and the opportunity, so favourable at the present
moment, will have been lost.

■R'e have had the Liquor Control Bill, the Summer Time Bill
(Diiylight Saving), Compulsory Service, and many other drastic
measures imposed upon us during the past few months, all of which
in pre-war days would have been considered semi-revolutionary.
The public have accepted them almost without murmiu-. and have
become quite accustomed to these startling changes in our daily
life.

Now, therefore, would appear to be the moment for the uhiversal
adoption of the metric and decimal system of weights and measures,
unless we have definitely resigned ourselves to the, old-fashioned
systems, which we had to labour under for all too long.

The trouble and inconvenience which would be inseparable from
such a reform would be very quickly counterbalanced by the
greater convenience and simplicity attaching to the Continental
.■system — advantages which would be quickly realised by the masses
in general.

What is wanted, however, is a leader : and the question is —
Where is he .'

One Interested.

Heroult Furnaces in the U.S.A. — In the jwist six nionilis

the United States Steel Corporation has granted licences for a total
of 28 Heroult electric furnaces for steel-making in the United
States and Canada, which exceeds by four the number licensed
during the full year of liil.j. At present a total of 72 Heroult
units are either in operation, in course of building, or have
been authorised in the United States and Canada. Arrangements
for a large number of additional furnaces have been made by
various companies through licences from the Steel Corporation
during recent weeks.

The economical uprising of Italy, whiob goes back 2."> to 30 ye
has been accompanied by an extremely rapid growth of its elej
trical industry. From 1880 to 1914 more than 1,000,000 hod
have lieen harnessed, as may be seen from the following tabulatli|
extracted from statistics published by the [tuliaii Ministry
Fin.inces :

i'ears.

H.IV

Years.

II. I'.

isso ...

,,, 13,5,000

190(i ...

... .549,280

IS.S4 ...

..,. 1 (10.0110

1907 ...

... G 12.03-.

1899 ...

... 180.000

1908 ...

... 729,029

19UU ...

... 2.50.889

1909 ...

... 820,3(;«

1901 ...

... 289,7.5t)

1910 ...

... 897,464

1902 ...

... 311.014

i:hi ...

... 950.150

1903 ...

... 379..5tiX-

:9iL' ...

... 903.291

1904 ...

... .521!. 70(!

iiM:; ...

... 970. 1'l;-

190.-. ...

... 48.5,579

1911 ...

... 1.022,9i-J>

This growth in electrical installations was concurrent with
reduction in net cost and sale price. While prices of necessaries
of life rose on an average 50 percent, during the last 15 years
the price of electricity underwent a decline. In 1894 the Kw.-hou
for light cost at Milan I'tO francs ; to-day it is sold at 40, 3n
20 centimes. The KW.-hour for motive power which sold at
25 centimes in 1894 comes out to-day for large industrial users at
from 0 to 5 centimes ; for industries which do not need an
uninterrupted flow of energy, it is even possible to have the
KW.-hour at 1 centime and below. Xotwithstandingthese relatively
low prices, the electrical undertakings have succeeded in realisin
some fine profits, and the capitals invested in electric under
takings have yielded sure dividends of a high average. Accordini
to a jiublication of the Creilitii ItalUimi, the average of dividends
of 151 share companies, embracing the whole production of electrii
energy, with a capital of 453,400,000 fr.. and reserves of
32.400.000 fr.. were :— 0-74 per cent, in 1909, 0'83 in 1910. 0"31 in
1911, 7"10 in 1912, 5"04 in 1913. For a year of crisis like that 0
1913, the dividend of 5"64 per cent, shows a pretty respectable
revenue. These data become still more impressive if. instead of an
average dividend, we consider the individual growth of a great
company from the point of view of capital, dividend, current pro
duced. iScc. Below are the figures relating to one of these companies,
the Socieia Ligure Toscana di Elettricita : —

Dividend,

Kw. -hours
produced.

Lamps

Motors

Capital, fr.

per
cent.

installed,
No.

installed,

1905...

1,000,000

'

1900...

2,000,000

—

—

1907...

2,000,000

4

2.000,000

—

---

1908...

2.000,000

5

4,000,000

24.000

3.500

1909...

2.1100.000

5"5

5,000,000

—

-^

1910...

4,300.000

5"5

7.000.000

—

—

1911...

7,000,000

6

9.500.000

—

1912...

10.000,000

0'5

15.000,000

—

—

1913...

10,900,000

7

20,500.000

—

—

1914...

19,000,000

7

31,.500,000

—

—

1915...

22.000,000

'

48.000.000

270,000

20.000

This company, founded to supply 3.000 H.p. to the city of
Leghorn, now furnishes electric current to the jnovinces of
Lucca. Leghorn, and. in part. Pisa. Florence. Massa, and Grossetb.
In the space of 10 .vears the company in question has undergone a
remarkable expansion. Its original capital of 1.000.000 lire ha-
swollen to 22.000.000. and it has absorbed other smaller economic
entities, such as the Societa Toscana de Pise, the Societa Livomeao
di Elettricita. the Societa Forze Motrici de Lucca, the Societa
Elettricita de Pescia et Montecatini. &c. If we examine the economic
aspect of other electric companies, we find everywhere the same
chai'acteristics. From the technical standpoint, grandiose installa-
tions, with a very centralised production of motive power and IBI'
extremel.y ramified distribution network : from the financial stand-<
point, a very strong concentration of capital. This great amalgs-;
mation of installations has a foundation essentially technical. -Tt
has been rendered possible, and even needful, by scientific dii-'
coveries which allow of the transmission of current over vast
areas. The work of a stream of water gathered up in a mountain!
valley may be sent by means of a copper wire, those silent bearers
iif electric current, to great industrial centres at remote distances.
The high cost of works where water-power is utilised, renders
;iiisolutely unremunerative installations on a small scale. A singly
and large station, which can serve a province, and sometimes evw
an entire region, is the one and only reasonable mode of utilising
water-generated electric motive power. It is this principS
of ('cunoiiiij iif forcf which, in an irresistible manner, has stimulateu
the creation of enormous hydroelectric stations and huge companies'
for the distribution of electric current. Statistics of the calls foi
concessions clearly prove this. While in 1885-0 the average powei
asked for concessions reached 30 H.P.. it was 13t) in 1889 and 1892
230 between 1897 and 1898. and rose to 2.100 in the period frOB
July 0th to December 9th, 1899 ; and during all the later yewrs jl
was possible to register calls for concessions ef 100.000 h.p.

Vol.79. No. 2,026, SEPTEMBER 22, 1916.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

319

LEGAL.

Workmen's Co.mpexsatiox.
It Bolton County Court on September ISth, James Herbert
ilowarth, of Handel Street, sued the Bolton Corporation for com-
)ensation and a declaration of liability in re-spect of an accident on
rune 29th, 1909.

Me. Greexhalgh (.solicitor) said plaintiff was employed by the
'orporation on the date mentioned and was assisting in the repair
if overhead electric wires when he fell from the wag'on. One of
lis thig;hs was broken, and his thumb was injured and h<id to he
uuputated. In April, 1915, he was admitted to the Army as a
ft-aiter-ou in the dining: room and cookshop at Bury Barracks, but
ivas discharged in May, 1916. as physically imfit. The Corporation
lad paid fees for his tuition in motor driving-, but his first job as a
Iriver was too heavy for him. Plaintiff now said he was earning
id. per hour and for an 84 -hour week earned over £2.

For the defence, Mr. J. Hall (deputy Town Clerk) contended
ihat the man had been able to do light work since 1910. but the
:'urporation had paid full compensation down to 1915. His dis-
.'.harge from the Army was for muscular rheumatism, not on
account of the effects of his injuries. His earning capacity now,
it was argued, was better than ever before, for by his training as a
motor-driver and repairer, he was a skilled man, whereas he was
formerly xmskUled.

The Corporation asked that the compensation award should be
trrminated altogether.

In the end the Judge made an award of 4s. 4d. per week from
May 1st. 1915. to August 8th, 1916, and gave a declaration of
liability with costs on B scale.

WAR ITEMS.

A Labour Committee. — It is announced that Mr. .^rthur
]!enderson. iu his capacity as Labour Adviser, has invited 15
trade union leaders to form a consultative committee, with
a view to " estabUshing a regular and definite means of co-
iiperation and communication between organised labour and
the Government."

Workers of Military Age. — Edwin Milne, manager of
Messrs. T. C. Smith & Co., motor-car and electrical engi-
neers, Aberdeen, was charged with having failed to make and
keep constantly posted up in the premises a list of the male.
pers<ms between the ages of 18 and 41 in the employment of
tlie firm, contraiy to the Defence of the Realm Regulations,
lie pleaded guilty. The Sheriff imposed a fine of '20s.

Belgian Light Railways. — For years past Belgium has
liiioyed an admirable system of hght railways. Reuter, quot-
ing the Telegraaf, says that the report of the (3ermans having
seized a large quantity of rolling stock belonging to the Bel-
gian light' railways is confinmed. Several lines of_ the im-
portant steam tramway system, the centre of which is at
.\erschot, have been closed. Locomotives and rails have been
M'nt to Gei-many in spite of the protests of the management
I'i the tramways.

Our Trade with New Zealand.— Mr. R. W. Dalton,
1 f.M. Trade Commissioner in New Zealand, has been depre-
I iting the tendency that be has observed for British manu-
facturers to delay their measures for appointing agents in New
Zealand until after the war. Mr. Dalton quotes New Zealand
opinion as being in favour of immediate action, at any rate iu
legard to preliminary negotiations. As may be imagined,
there are others besides British houses who know the value
<if good agents, and if we allow " after the war " to look after
itself, as a certain politician would advise, we may not be
a')le to find such agents free to represent us when that
g.eatly desired day shall dawn.

! Germany After the War. — An Exchange telegram states
that the ]'nssisclie Zciiung suggests the possibility of a closer
union between the Hamburg-Amerika and Norddeutscher
F.loyd Lines after the war on a basis that cannot be revealed
iit present. " Both companies are reorganising their boards of
directors and electmg the financial leaders of Germany with
I the object of obtaining large credits which they will need at
the close of hostilities. Among the new members of the
hoards are also delegates of big coal and electric concerns in
Germany, where large orders are to be placed for new shipping
macHnwy. It is anticipated that the two concerns backed
liy Germany's greatest financiers will easily cope with the
nfter-wai situation. "^Ti'nic.s.

" Tubs for Tommies." — We have heard a good deal this
week about those wonderful "Tanks" which have sent our
men into battle laughing, and have struck terror into, and
kindled the wrath of, the enemy, but there are "Tubs" as
well at the Front; their usefulness cannot be questioned, and
they provoke nj wrath — only smiles, for " Tommv's " satis-
faction with them is complete. _ In some parts instead of waiting
'^ days for a bath, our fighting men have been able to have
one every eight days, and the Emergency 'Voluntary Aid Com-
iQittee of the Empress Club (33, Dover Street, London, W.)
ha- made this possible by providing tubs and h*ating appa-

ratus, '^'e learn from Mr. 0. Williamson-Milne, the chair-
man, that the miUtary authorities are willing at once to dis-
tribute at the Front, wherever the need exists, a further 1,000
baths and 200 heaters, and for this purpose the Fund needs
iei,500. A sum of ^10 will provide a unit of five baths, with
stove, boiler, towels, soap, scrubbers, &c., with which 100
men per day can have a warm bath. The desire of our men
for a wash and a shave is almost proverbial, and their "fit-
ness " is maintained because of such healthy habits. The
nation provides the "Tanks" from the national exchequer,
but it has been ordained that private donations shall provide
the "Tubs," and any of our readers who can do so should
send remittances to Mr. J. W. How'c, the honorary secretary,
at the above address.

Exports to Liberia.— The "London Gazette" for September
19th contains a further list of those to whom exports to
Liberia may be consigned.

Prize for the Best Mechanical Hand. — According to the
Times, a donor, who wishes to remain anonymous, has offered
to the Societe Nationale de Chirurgie, 12 Rue de Seine, Paris,
a prize of 50,000f. (£2,000) to be handed over to the maker of
the mechanical apparatus which best supphes the place of a
hand. All competitors must belong to Allied or neutral
nations. They are to present to the society mutilated men
who have been using their apparatus for at least six months.
The Societe de Chirurgie will test each apparatus with muti-
lated men for the length of time it thinks fit. The apparatus
which wins the prize is to remain the property of its inventor.
The competition will be closed two years after the end of
the war.

Exemption Applications.— Mr. .\. R. Barry (24), elec-
trician, Upminster, has appealed on business and domestic
grounds. He stated that after rejection he got married, think-
ing that he would not have to serve. Exemption refused.

The UUcoats Mining Co. appealed to the "Whitehaven Rural
Tribunal, on September 12th, for their electrical engineer (2.5)
at Egremont, who had taken charge of new plant being
erected, and who was formerly with the '^'estinghouse Co.,
and was there badged. It was stated that he came to the
ITUcoats company on the understanding that he would be
exempt there also. Conditional exemption was conceded.

At Whitehaven, appeals were made by the Corporation for
exemption for the acting borough electrical engineer (Mr.
GiUitt), the only mechanical fitter left, an outside forernan
and joiner, a stoker, two shift engineers, and the electrical
and works superintendent. Mr. GiUitt was conditionally
exempted; six months each were allowed to the fitter and
foreman ; and three months each to the others.

Four engine fitters were appealed for at Aldershot by the
Traction Co. Mr. B. G. Hawkins, for the company, said that
the chairman of the Reserved Occupation Committee had in-
foi-med him that men employed in thl"faaintenance of 'buses
and machinery came under the heading of a reserved occupa-
tion. The Chairman observed that the Appeal Court, which
was senior to them, said the men did not belong to a reserved
occupation. He asked if there were not women fitters, and
Mr. Hawkins rephed that he had never heard of them. Two
of the men were allowed three months, and the others two

months. . . t, ,, ■■■ i l

Mr. H. C. Francis (27), electncian, RedhiU, has been
allowed exemption from combatant service on condition that
he undertakes farm work.

Pittington Co-operative Society have made an unsuccessful
application for the retention of their electrician, who has a
crippled arm. ,. . , i-

At Faversham, on September 14th, conditional exemption
by agreement was allowed to five employes at the Corpora-
tion electricity works, on the application of the electrical
engineer, Mr. ' Sommerville. t ■ ui

A car driver, aged 21, was claimed at Dartford by the Light
Railway Co. as being in a certified occupation and indispens-
able. It was stated that owing to the absence of housing
accommodation older married drivers could not be imported:
three from the Isle of Thanet taken a year ago had not yet
obtained houses. Badges had been apphed for for dnvers, but
the Ministrv of Munitions would not grant them. Two
months, with no further appeal without consent, were
allowed. , , . , ,, ,, >

High Wycombe Tribunal has granted three months exemp-
tion to Wilfrid Parmenter (28), electrical operator at a local
picture theatre, xlppellant is very deaf, and the Tribunal
considered he was not fit for any form of mihtary service,
although passed by the Medical Board. . , ,

Mr. E. H. Milner (38), electrical engineer. High Wycombe,
who had recently been starred, appealed at High Wycombe
for exemption. Questioned, he said that" his business was
beyond the power of women to do. Ever since their forma.-
tion he had belonged to the Volunteers. Six months were
granted. . .-,. ttt ll

Exemption has been refused, at Torquay, to Chas. Webber.
employed in tipping coal into the Corporation generating
station. . • ,t j i

An appeal by the Military against exemption allowed to
A E. D. Chaundy (22), electric wireman with Messrs. Hill,
Upton & Co., electrical engineers, Oxford, has been with-
drawn, the man being totally rejected for any foi-m of service.
The Military appealed at Oxford against exemption granted
on February 24th to R. J. J. Child (23), electrician with Mr.
.Tohn Goundrey, passed for foreign garrison duty. Child com-

320

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW, ivoi.-s. No. 2,026, septembkb 22,1916.

plained that he h.Til not had a proper medical examination,
but the certificate of exemption was cancelled.

At Oxford, conditional exemption was sought by Messrs.
O M. Watson A Son, electrical engineers, for Edwin pixon
(31), electrical tncineer and fitter, the only electrician left
on the staff. As Dixon was passed for peneral ser\'ice, Mr.
H. G. Watson said that if two months were allowed he would
endeavour to cet a substitute. A month was granted, there
to be no further appt\Tl without leave.

The Grantham Tribunal has conceded conditional exemp-
tion to John R. King (40), with the Urban Electric Supply
Co., Ltd.

Gloucester Corporation having been cranted exemption for
two tramway inspectors on the ground that they were indis-
pensable, the Military appealed, it being contended that it
was not in the national interest that they should be retained
on the staff. One is the chief inspector (aged 39), in charge
of the whole of the traffic, and the other is the traffic in-
.spector (aged 30). The Military contended that the latter
.'ihould serve. Mr. F. H. Corson (general manager) stated
that both men were indispensable, and if he was given three
months he did not think that he could obtain and train a
man to take the place of the traffic inspector. He pointed out
that, with one exception, the whole of the employes attested
before compulsion was brought in. and 71 had joined the
Forces. The Court allowed conditional exemption to the chief
inspector, and allowed three months to the traffic inspector,
with leave to appeal again if a suitable substitute could not
be found.

The Merthyr Tydfil Tribunal has conditionally exempted
one of the two last stokers left with the Merthyr Electric
Traction Co.. Ltd.

Appealing for extended exemption. Mr. Gilbert Clark (34),
electrician, of Bath, has been granted a final month.

Xt Denton, Mr. J. Brown appealed last week for William
Hope, of Hyde, electric plant attendant, and conditional
exemption was granted. The same Tribunal granted condi-
tional exemption to three electric car driver.s, a car-shed fore-
man, and a horseman on the emergencv repair wagon, who
were appealed for by the Oldham & Ashtou Tramway Co.,
Ltd. An appeal by H. D. Smith, chief storekeeper for the
company, was dismissed.

The Elland Tribunal decided that Ernest Turner, electrical
engineer, was in a certified occupation, and he was exempted
to the extent provided by such resei-vation.

.At Durham .Appeal Tribunal, an electrical engineer appealed
in respect of an employe aged 23. unmarried. The firm were
engaged in making rope to expedite the work of the Navy. If
appellant had been married he would have been exempt All
they wanted was three months' extension to enable them to
linish the work. Appeal dismissed.

A Brighton electrician, passed for labour duty abroad, who
was recently put back until called up, having received his
papers, has now been given three months' exemption.

St. Albans City Tribunal has refused exemption to Thomas
O. Brockwell (20). junior charge engineer with the North
Metropobtan Elegtric Power Distribution Co.. Ltd., claimed
as being indispensable in the interest of the lighting service.
Messrs. Barlow & Alden. Ltd., Oxford, appealed for Albert
Greenaway (.331, electrical fitter, engaged on installations at
fannhouses and farms. He was conditionally exempted
\rhilst remaining in his present occupation.

Three months' exemption has been allowed to Mr. P p
Beale (33), \\'atford, for 16 years electrician to Mr Grimes'
at Bushey Hall. '

The Military appealed at Oxford against a certificate of
exemption granted on January 11th to A. C. Tombs. (22)
junior assistant electrical engineer u-ith the Oxford Electric
Co-' L*d. The chief engineer (Mr. Franci.s) said that it was
difficult to get a man of sufficient experience and acquainted
with local conditions for the particular work done by Tombs
The certificate was withdrawn.

On domestic grounds, conditional exemption has been
"'■anted to Mr. E. Green (.34), electrician, of Oxford.

Olaham Messrs. Caton & Sons, electrical engineers
appealed for the manager— a practical engineer on motor and
ftynamo work, aged 38, and married— who was indispensable-
and also for three electrical fitters, all married. Temporarv
exemption until January 1st was allowed to the manager and
two of the fitters, and the remaining man, who is 32 years
nt age, was ordered to serve, but is not to -be called before
October 14th.

Three_ youths employed at an electricitv station were ap-
pealed for at Stretford, and it was stated that their ages were
18 years The appeals were disallowed, but the three are not
f" be called up before the end of October.

At Blackpool. -on September 7th, conditional exemption was
allowed to the foreman of a local firm of electrical engineers,
who claimed that he was in a reserved occupation. •

At Kamsbottom (Lanes.), an appeal was made for a tram-
way flepot^ foreman, aged 23 and single, and it was stated that
an effort had been made to get an older man, Uut without
success If he were taken away the car service would
probably be stopped until another man could be found Ex-
enaption until January 1st ^as aUowed. Conditional exemp-
tion was granted to a tramcar driver, aged 31 vears and
single.

■The Bury Tribunal has granted conditional exemption to
:i Corporation tramway employe, married and 30 vears of
arf«, who was wotoded in Gallipoli; -tem'poran- exempcix!

until October Slst to the chief clerk in the Corporation elec-
tricity department, aged 29; and a similar period to a student
of wireless telegraphy, aged 19, who is to sit for an examina-
tion shortly.

.'\t Rochdale, ISIessrs. A. Diggle & Co. appealed for Percy
Dawson (19). armature winder, who was described as indis-
pensable. The Tribunal decided that the man should report
for service in three weeks, and a representative of the firm
said he would appeal against the decision. — Temporary ex-
emption till December 31st was allowed to W. Jenkins (41),
a.s.sistant to engineer-in-charge of electric pumps, itc, ap-
pealed for by Mr. S. S. Piatt.

Oldham Tribunal has given two months' exemption to Mr.
W. S. Tjong, electrician, of Whissenthorpc. '"

\t Hastings, on September 13th, exemption was claimed fd
Charles Winter (40 years and S months), electrician at thd
" .Mbany " Hotel, employed by Sir H. Lunn. He was give
three months on joining the Volunteers.

The Peterborouch Electric Traction Co.. on September 13thJ
appealed for a' chief traffic inspector, a mechanic and driver!
a fitter and mechanic, an electrician and mechanic, a fore
man, and the chief clerk, cashier, and storekeeper. Eac
was given four months' exemption.

BUSINESS NOTES.

A Birmingham House of Commerce. — The Binningham

Chamber of Commerce, which increased its membership from 1.637
in' 1913 to 1.!I08 in 1!I14, and 2,20.S in I91.i. the increase showing
an accelerated pace in the early months of this year, is proceeding
with a scheme for establishing a Permanent House of Commerce in
Xew Street, at a cost of £50,000. Donations are beinjr invited
from those interested in the commerce of the city and district,
and we understand that, as a result of private efforts, .^22,000 has
been raised. It is desired to erect a building which shall be worthy
of the commerce of the city and district. We would urge those
who are interested either in the scheme itself or in the i)ro8:re.ss of
the Birmingham Chamber of Commerce, to communicate with the
president. Mr. H. W. Sambidjre. at the registered offices, Winchester
House. Victoria Square, Birmingham.

Book Notices. — Direr lory and Chronicle for China, Japan,
S'raits SetHenients. Indo-China, Philippines, t*fr. 1916. London:
Hony-Kong Daily Press, Ltd. 30s. net. — This Directory has now
reached its fifty-fourth year of publication, and that fact alone,
before one proceeds to examine its contents, gives it a considerable
measure of authority. It opens with a calendar of the year, a list
of the Chinese festivals and observances, and particulars of w-eights,
measures and money ; very full information concerning treaties —
commercial and otherwise — and a host of other subjects of real
value follows, leading on to the Directory sections in w-hich the
different places in the countries mentioned in the title are dealt
with in detail, names and addresses of public departments and
officials, traders and commercial houses and their persmutel being
given. Excellent maps are attached to most of the sections, and at
the end there is- an alphabetical list of Foreign Residents in the
whole of the places included. Those having trading- relations with
these parts, or anxious to promote such, should find the volume of
inestimable value.

The Sliili: Rule. By C. X. Pickworth. Manchester : Emmott
and Co., Ltd. Price 2s. net. — The fourteenth edition of this well-
known work has been re-rised. and a section has been added dealing
with the solution of algebraic equations of the second and third
degrees by the slide rule. It is often less troublesome to arrive at
an approximate solution by trial and error than by the orthodox
methods, and. as usual, the slide rule comes in handily.

"Dynamo and Jlotor Attendants and their Machines." By F.
Broadbent. London : S. Eentell & Co.. Ltd. Price 2s. 6d. net. '

"Mechanical Drawing." By C. B. Howe. London: Chapmaii-
and Hall. Price 7s. (5d. net.

"Proceedings of the Incorporated Municipal Electrical Associa-
tion." 1916. London : Wyman & Sons. Price 5s.

American Export Trade Investigations.— ^^'e read in

the U.S. Commerce Reports that an expert (Mr. Frank Rhea)
from the Division of Valuations of the Interstate Commerce Com-
mission will represent the Bureau of Foreign and Domestic Com-
merce in an investigation of the field for American railway
equipment and supplies in the Far East, Australia, and South
Africa. He is already engaged iu making arrangements for con-
ferences with manufacturers, contractors, and selling agents, which
will be held during a preliminary trip to the principal manu-
facturing centres in the States in September. He willthengo
abroad to enter upon a careful study of the conditions as they affect
railway construction, equipment, traffic, the probable extension or
reconstruction of railways, tramways, kc. While all specific
opportimities for securing oi-ders will be promptly reported, the real i
purpose of the investigation is to gather fundamental facts for the j
American manufacturer.

Patents and Alien Enemies. — Application has been i

made to the Board of Trade to avoid or suspend Patent Xo. 3.1 17/11,
^.'ranted to Van Devoorde. for the removal of boiler incrustation, by
Messrs. J. C. McQuitty. Ltd. ; and Patent Xo. 3.755/11, granted to
Pieruay, for refuse destructors, by Mr. S. X. Wellington. A licence
•!a5 been granted to Messrs. Eeavell &: Co.. Ltd.. in respect of Paten,*
Xo. 3,52o/l2,.gifaut€d to Lawaczeck.

Vol. :;.. N,..!.o26. SEPTEMBER 22, 1916.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

321

Catalogues and Lists.— Messrs. Fraser & Chalmers,

Ltd.. Erith. Kent. — Illustrated catalogue of 40 pages (Series A,
Section 15), containing full descriptive particulars of their steam
turbines. The half-tone illustrations show a number of plants
I hat have been installed by the company, includina- a hig-h -pressure
turbine of 6,.S00 KW'.. 3,000 R.P.M.. driving a turbo-alternator,
recently supplied to the South Metropolitan Electric Light and
Power Co.. Ltd., and giving very satisfactory results.

Messrs. Saxdtcroft. Ltd.. Chester.— Illustrated list of between
10 and 50 pages (art paper), describing, and excellently showing,
their patent enclosed liquid starting switches ; standard .water-
rooled liquid controllers for winder and haulage motor control :
and automatic liquid controllers for A.c. and D.c. motors driving
nir compressors. Copies will be forwarded on application.

Edisox Swan Electric Co.. Ltd.. Ponder's End, Middlesex. —
Leaflet N"o. B 3.14fi. containing descriptive particulars concerning
Kcliswan HoO cells.

Messrs. Ozoxair. Ltd., iHi. Victoria Street, London, S.W. —
Supplement to their pamphlet relating to ozone apparatus for
laboratory and research work. It describes a new laboratory ozone
i-'enerator for which an efficiency hitherto unattained is claimed.
The impetus which the war has given to research in the chemical
and metallurgical industries is expected to, cause a considerable
demand for such apparatus.

Messrs. Berry, Skikner & Co., 86, Newman Street, Oxford"
Street, London, AV, — Folder giving latest prices of Osram drawn
wire lamps for automobile lighting.

Mr. Harry Moss. 1 1 6, ' Horton ' Grange Road, Br.-Klford,—
Illustrated price list of the " Whisperphone."

American Investigation of Electrical Export Possi-
bilities.—rap ^'/erfrera/ Itftieir and M'esteni Electrician -pxihli&hes
the following interesting piece of information : — " The Bureau of
Foreign and Domestic Commerce. United States Department of
Commerce, has selected R. A. Lundquist. consulting engineer, of
Minneapolis. Minn., to study the markets for electrical goods in
China. India. Australia, Sotxth Africa, and a number of other
countries in the Far East. Some years ago. American electrical
•jnods met with considerable competition in the Far East, but the
^var has greatly handicapped the principal European competitors.
;iud American manufacturers are making a serious effort to take
advantage of the situation and get permanent possession of the
markets. A great deal of preliminary study is still needed, .and
Special Agent Lundquisfs part in the campaign will be to ascertain
the types, qualities, and costs of electrical apparatus with which
American goods come into competition, as well as to look into the
general opportunities for the sale of such goods. Before leaving
on the trip, the special agent will spend some weeks in the
principal business and manufacturing centres conferring with
manufiicturers. exporters, and business houses on the scope of the
investigation."

Liquidations. — Derby Electrical Co., Ltd.— Tliis

company is winding up voluntarily with Mr. J. Perry Jones, Woods
Lane. Derby, as liquidator. A meeting of creditors is called for
September 22nd.

Bakelite Co., Ltd. — Creditors shotild send particulars of their
claims. i;c., to the Controller, Sir W, B, Peat, 11, Ironmonger Lane.
E.G.. by October 12th.

Dey Time Registers. Ltd. — A meeting is called for October
28rd. at '>!, City Road, Loudon, E,C,, to hear an account of the
winding-up from the liquidator, Mr, W. R. Howard.

C. A. MrLLER. electrical accessories merchant. Bradford. —
• 'reiitors must send particulars of their claims to the controller,
.Mr. \V. Durrance, 12. Duke Street, Bradford, by October 20th.

BOHLER. Bros, tt Co., steel manufacturers. Sheffield.— Creditors
.should send particulars of their claims, kc. to the controller, Mr.
<;. C. Webster. Styrian Steel Works, Renton Street, Sheffield, by
I >(?tober llth.

Bankruptcy Proceedings. — Thomas Brookes, electrician

;it munition works, late picture house proprietor, Halesowen, —
Receiving order made September 8th, at Stourbridge, on debtor's
uwu petition.

James Brockie. mechanical engineer, 4 1 , London Road, Forest
Hill. Kent. — October 5th is the last day for the receipt of proofs for
dividend by the trustee, the Hon, W, J, H. Boyle, 132, York Road,
Westminster Bridge Road, S.E.

For Sale. — Messrs. Wheatley Kirk, Price & Co.,

the agents for the. Controller appointed by the B. of T.. invite
Elders, by October 4th, for the stock of cable and electrical acces-
iries, office funiiture, kc. of Turner A: Burger. Partictdars

.i|ppear in our advertisement pages to-day.

Trade Announcements. — Messrs. Dick, Kerr & Co.,

Ltd.. inform us that in future the sale of the •Britannia lamp in
the United Kingdom will be entirely in the. hands of a subsidiary
company known as the Britannia Lamp and Accessories Co., Ltd..
which will incorporate the existing business of Watlington & Co..
Ltd., who have hitherto acted as distributors for the Britannia
Lamp in London and the South of .England. The lamp will con-
tinue to be made by Messrs. Dick. Kerr& Co.. Ltd.. at Preston, and they
will remain. responsible for its quality and performance. All com-
munications in respect to lamps for use in tlie United Kingdom
.should in future be addressed to the Britannia Lamp and Accessories
Co.. Ltd.. Britannia House. 48. Milton Street. London, E,C.

Me. H. Fowler, electrical engineer, of William Street, Windsor,
'vho is serving with the Forces, announces that his business is being
carried on as usual, under the supervision of Mrs. Fowler.

Aluminium. — The statement attributed to U.iS. Consul
Willrich, on page 275 of our issue of September 8th, to the effect
that the "only other aluminium works in the Briti.sh Empire" is
that of the British Aluminium Co., Ltd,, as, of course, incorrect.
The Aluminium Corporation, Ltd,, which, as our readers know, has
its works in North Wales, is also a British manufacturer of
aluminium, and is ttnder Government control.

LIGHTING AND POWER NOTES.

Argentina. — ^An electric power liouse is shortly to be
established >at Puerto Deseado (Territory of Santa Cruz) ; the plant
has been supplied from America,

Ayr. — Anxual Report. — The electric light undertaking
continues to show progress, the total units sold being only 68,000
less than in the previous year, notwithstanding the reduction of
122,000 units for public lighting. The power units sold sliow an
increase of 58,000, The account shows a credit on the years work-
ing of £72, The reserve fund has been increased to £5,614, Last
year the price of current was increased by 15 per cent,, and this
year a further increase of 10 per cent, has been found necessary.
The whole of the new generating plant has not yet been delivered.
The new plant when installed will effect a big saving, and go far
to counterbalance the great increase which has taken place in the
price of coal and other materials.

The Electric Lighting Committee recommended that the charges
for electricity for heating, power, and lighting be increased by the
addition of 23 per cent, to pre-war rates ; for tramways, 30 per
cent, to be added to pre-war rates : and for public lighting,
60 per cent, to be added, to the pre-war rate of 2jd. per unit.
The increase in the charge for public lighting will commence as
from May Ifith last, and the increases to the other consumers
will be effective from the commencement of the cun'ent quarter.

Balbriggan (Co. Dublin). — Public Lighting.— An

improvement scheme, at present being considered, includes the
inti-oduction of public electric lighting.

Ballybay (Co. Monaghan). — E.L. Scheme.— The electric
lighting installation is now being proceeded with ; poles have been
erected, and a lease to build a power house on the Fair Green is
being obtained.

Bedford. — Year's Working. — The accounts for the
year ended March 31st last show a total revenue of £27,413, and
total expanses (including £438 war payments) of £18,608. The
gross profit, .£8.805, was insufficient to meet interest and sinking
fund charges by ,£1,016, which sum was charged to the general
district fund. The total output sold was 3,357,392 units, and the
maximum load 1,750 KW, We note that the output included
2,383,756 units for power, exclusive of 233,041 units used in sewage
pumping,

Bexhill. — In view of the special labour and clerical work
thrown upon the staff, the E.L, Committee has decided that a
charge of 6d, should be made for each special meter reading taken
at the request of consumers in connection with the letting of
furnished houses, the charge to be added to each accoimt as rendered,
and to operate as from January 1st next,

Bingley. — Lighting Charges.-;— The electrical engineer
has been instructed to inquire into, and report upon, the question
of charging consumers in accordance with their maximum
demands,

Brighton. — Gas Firing. — The T.C. was to consider
yesterday a proposal from the British Coalite Co, that the Corpora-
tion should lease to it a site at Southwick, near the power station,
for the construction of plant for carbonising coal, and should take
the surplus gas for boiler firing, the price offered being l'5d, per
1,000 cb, ft. for an estimated quantity of 4,800,000 cb. ft. of gas
per day. Mr. Christie, the borough electrical engineer, recommends
the proposal, and forsees from it substantial reductions in the cost
of production of electrical energy. The company would require the
Corporation to supply electricity for the plant used in the pro-
duction of the fuel. The Electricity Committee states that the
Corporation will have to expend £750. in addition to the cost of
the pipes, &c., to adapt a section of the boilers for burning the gas,
but considers the cost of fuel would be reduced by about one half.

Canada. — The Eledrkal World states that the Ontario
Hydro-Electric Commission has decided to spend $1,300,000 in
extensions, A block of 25,000 H.P, has been diverted from export
to the States for supplying Ontario consumers. It has been
decided to double the Commission's Toronto and Dundas plants,
and to duplicate the Dundas-Toronto transmission. The Niagara Falls
station is being extended to handle an additional 50,000 H,r. from the
Canadian Niagara Power Co, The maximum load of the Ontario
system is 115,000—120,000 H.P., andit is expected that the Niagara
system will use between 140,000 and 150,000 H.P, before .lanuary
next. The Commission has also decided to link-up the power
])lants at Eugenia "Falls, Big Chute, Wasdells and Swift Current,
Ontario; some 41 miles of transmission Hue will be required, and
will enable the surplus power of some of the plants to be used in
other areas ; moreover, the line will be only sis miles from the
Niagara transmission at Mount Forest. Ontario, and \v\\\. it is
expected, be connected to it later,

322 THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW, ivoi. ti. xo. Lvi2(i, septkmbkr 22,1916.

Chile.— Tlie iiinvsiLUMluiit of hi Pnnsn ;il ^"al[lil^ais(^
states that a conflict has arisen between the lijjhtintt company and
the Inteudency. Owinjr to non-payraejit by the latter of a debt of
2"i.0(i0 iH?sos, the company deci<led to cut off the electric light in
the office of the Intcndeney and in the house of the Intendent.
That official prevented this bein^' done by callinir in the services of
the police. The same company notified the niimicipality that it
would cut off the public lishlin^r on September 1st if the municipal
debt owing to it of about li million pesos was not paid by that date.
— llevieic 0/ the Hirer Plate.

San Antonio de Areco is also in conflict with the local lightinj.'
company. It had been a<rreed that the municipality's back debt
for lighting should be paid in two years -half each year, but not-
withstandinfT. one year has; passed without this oblijjation being
met. It is necessary that the municipality should satisfy this com-
promise in order to avoid the inhabitants Unnjr left in darkness
jitrain, as happened some months tvjro.

Christchurch. — Huviiif; received an atrount showing an
increase of 10 per cent, from the Bournemouth and Poole Elec-
tricity Supply Co.. with whom it has a contract, the B. of G. hiis
referred the matter to a Committee for a report.

Continental. — Norway. — Au unusually prosperous )-eai'"s

working has been achieved by the municipal electric light and
power installation at Troudhjeni. A surplus of 184,661 kroner was
shown over and abOve the budget estimate of 380,000 kroner,
enabling a sum of 223,000 kroner to he transferred to the credit of
the city's general funds. The working of the electric tramways
yielded a surplus of 13.5, TS;! over the budget estimate of 66,750
kroner, of which a sum of ."lO.OOO kroner was diverted to the city's
general funds. The electricity works and the tramways now repre- '
sent an asset of 3,0!11.000 kroner.

The Norwegian Stadsraad announced, on September 1st, its
approval of the scheme of the communal authorities of Gjerstad to
raise a loan of 30,000 kroner for the purchase of a waterfall as a
beginning of the work of construction of the projected communal
electric power station and electric light and power installation.

The communal administrations of Jevnaker, Lunner, Gran and
Grandbu have decided to raise a loan of .500.000 kroner, under the
common guarantee of the several communes, in order to enlarge the
Hadelund electric station. The Stadsraad has sanctioned the
scheme.

Denny. — Price Increase. — The T.C. has decided to

increase the price of energy for power and lighting as from the
beginning of the quarter by id. per unit.

Dover. — Kent Coal. — The local Snowdowu Colliery is to

supply 1.500 tons of an improved washed nut coal to the electricity
department.

Elland. — Price Increase. — Owing to the increased cost
nf production, the U.D.C. has increased the price of electricity for
lighting purposes to 5d. per unit, and for power purposes by a further
"i per cent., making a total advance of 20 per cent.

Hove. — Increased Prices. — The T.C. has decided, as
from September 30th, to increase the price of electricity for lighting
by id. per unit on the flat rate and by 10 per cent, on the indicator
rates of 7d. and Id.

India.— The question of introducing some form of
electrically-propelled vehicle for use in Simla is once more
engaging the attention of the municipality, and the electrical
engineer has been instructed to submit "specifications for an
electrical jinrickshaw, based on suggestions made in a note by
Captain Batty in the report of the Simla Improvement Committee.

A hydro-electric scheme to supply Coimbatore with electric
power and good drinking water is being investigated. It is under-
stood that the raOway workshops at Podanur will be developed
considerably. Coimbatore will be one of the most important towns
in Southern India. A small separate scheme for lighting Ootaca-
mund from the SandinuUah river -s also being ipvestigated and
prepared by Mr. Gibbs. of the Tata hydro-electric scheme.— /«c/;ff.«
Eni/ineerini).

Kilkeel (Co. Down).— E.L. .Scheme.— The Irish Towns

Electric Light and Power Co.. Ltd.. has intimated to the District
Council that it must delay the installation of electric lighting in
the town owing to the difficulty of getting materials.

Kilmarnock. — The Corporation electricity department
has had another very successful year. The units sold amounted to
.5,026.800, and the revenue to iE 23,285. The output in units almost
doubled, and the revenue increased by £9,129. The Corporation
has been asked to take on a number of large consumers,

Kirkcaldy. — Proposed Plant Extensions. — The T.C.

has decided to ask Sir John Snell to report on the whole question of
electric supply in the burgh, the engineer, Blr. Francis, having
reported that a 2,500-Kw.set could be erected on the present site for
£21,500, and that a new power station on the sea front containing
two 3.500-Krw. generating sets would cost £113,950; two local
firms have intimated that they will require a largely increased
supply of electricity for power, for which the present plant is
inadequate.

London,— St. Pan-cras.- Linking-up Eeport.— The

Electricity Committee has had under consideration the question of
interconnection of electricity supply undertakings, and having con-
sidered the borough electrical engineer's report on the matter, has

ilecidetl tliat no advantages would be derived by the Council fi-oni
linkiug-up with other undertakings commensurate with the cost
to be incurred, and that no action Vie taken.

Mr. Baynes, in his report, says it is to be assnmed that one of the
Couucil's two generating stations has been disabled, and that it is
essential to provide a temporary supply for the time being. The
present combined maximum load on the two stations is 5.700 K\v..
and the loads on the respective stations are : — Regent's Park,
2,OO0 KW. ; King's Road, 3,700 K\v, He assumes that a linking
main between two neighbouring power stations, capable of each
carrying 1.500 KW., would suffice. Inquiries show that none of the
ailjoiniiig installations generate power at the voltage or periodicity
suited to the Council's needs ; therefore, in every case transforming
plant is essential to allow of an exchange of (xiwer between the
neighbouring concerns. Mr. Baynes estinnites the eajjital outlay
on Unking-uii as follows : —Mains to Islington, or Hamjistead, half
cost, Jt4,.535 ; transforming plant. C8.740. Linking to the Central
Electric Co. (Grove Road) or St. Maylebone. half cost of mains.
1 3.435 ; transforming plant, £8,740, Total cost of linking-up, so as
to draw or give energy to two neighbouring stations, based on the
assumption that each power station pa.ys half the capital cost of
mains, .i:25,4.50. He points out that the cost of mains to link witli
the North Metropolitan Co. would be about £18.000, a prohibitive
-figure. Linking-up is an illusion, he continues, as its advocates
Avell know, but it is a means to the end they have in perspective
viz.. supply in bulk. In the 22 years of .supply, except for the
earlier .years of experimental period, there is not au installation that
can boast of a more reliable service than St. Pancras ; with the
modern plant, a higher standard of reliiibility is available than in
the past, and a stand-by supply at this late period of the busine,->
by linking-up is now of less relative utility, and not worth thi'
capital outlay. The Council must, therefore, regard such a scheme
from a bulk suj)pl,y standpoint ; all the companies he has been in
touch with are, naturally, not keen on a linking-up scheme, unle?.;
they are at the business end of the main. On the other hand, the
borough authorities are more inclined (if a scheme of linking-up b'
commerciall.v practicable), to regard the chargeable costs as purely
reciprocatory, the balance in the exchange of cursent in each year
being returned to them, or paid for at an agreed nominal rate.
The following figures are (juoted for a supply in bulk measured
at the switchboard at the Central Electric Co,'s power station,
the Council bearing all transmission and transfonnation losses.
(Note. — The company, should they need a reciprocal supply, are
prepared to pay for any power from the Council at the same rates) :
For a maximum demand of 500 KW. during next winter, at .£3 per
KW.. £1.500 per annum ; current at ■33d. per unit with coal at 20s..
adjusted to 27s.. at 20 per cent, load factor, £1,606 per annum.
Allowing for transmission and transformation losses, this runs out
at ■926d. per unit. St. Marylebone figures for a supply in bulk, at
20 per cent, load factor, will be 119d. per unit. Mi-. Baynes
mentions the cost of production with the new plant: — Repa.yments
on capital and interest on new L.C.C. terms, per unit, OllSd. .
coal. ■3730d. ; water, oil, &.c., ■0139d. ; repairs, maintenance, ■02o7d. ;
wages. ■0349d. : extra rates, taxes, insurances, itc, ■01I2d. ; total
cost of production. ■5462d. With reference to the B. of T. circular
letter as to saving coal, bearing in mind the phenomenally low
steam consumption obtainable with the new Ljungstrom turbine in
operation, and having regard to the extra capital expenditure on
linking up, it will be difficult, concludes Mr. Baynes. to show a
commercial economy, including a saving in coal consumption,
were the Council linked up to neighbouring power stations which
do not possess machinerv of so high a standaj'd of efficiency.

Year's Working. — The accounts of the electricity undertaking
for the year ended March 31st last, show that after paying all
working expenses, repayment of loans, interest, &c., and providing
for accrued charges, a profit remains in the revenue account on tlu'
year's working of £10.896. Of this amount the Finance Committee
proposes that a sum of £6,000 should be deducted from the lighting
portion of the estimates for rates tor the ensuing h«lf-year, and
that the remaining £4.869 be transferred from the revenue account
to the reserve fund account.

FuLHAM. — The Electricity Committee recommends an expendi-
ture of £1.000 on repairing masonry and a fractured cast-iron
cij-culating pipe, 20 ft. below ground, due to subsidence. A concrete
culvert is to be constructed for the protection of the pipes, and a
concrete wall round the sump.

Luton. — The Sanitary Committee is recommending that
the House Sub-Committee be empowered to have electric light and
radiators installed at Spittlesea Hospital, and that the Ijorough
engineer report upon the question of installing private telephones
between the various blocks.

Newton Abbott.— Pi'BLic Liohtixg. — At the meeting
of the TJ.D.C. it was reported that the Electric Supply Co. was to
make a further concession, w-hich would result in an additional
saving of £153, in regard to the termination of the contract for public
lighting, which expires next June, in addition to the £215 a year
already allowed.

New Zealand. — The report of the working of the Dunedin
electricity undertaking for the year ended March 3lBt last shows
that 12.079,925 units were soM, as against 10,999,608 units in the
previous year ; the total number of consumers connected amounted
to 5.937. and the motors numbered 928, of 7,770 H.P. The con-
nected load was 14,192 KW. — Commonwealth Engineer.

Nuneaton. — Three-Phase Extensions. — The T.C. has

adopted a recommendation to utilise the three-phase system in
meeting future requirements, amongst which may be Messrs.
Courtauld's new factory -n-ith 1 .200 looms, and the extension of
supply to the Stockingford district.

Vol.79, xo. 2,026, SEPTEMBER 22, 1916.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

323

Portsmouth. — Year's AVorkixg. — The accounts of the
Corporation electricity imdertaking- tor the year ended March 31st
last show a total revenue of £50.605, or £1,000 less than in 1914-15 ;
expenditure amounted to £35,S20, a great increase on the prerious
year, and the gross surplus was reduced from £22.361 to £14,785,
an amount which was insufficient to meet financial charges, and
necessitated drawing on the reserve fund for £7,2S8 — the deficit
for the year.

This fund also contributed £4,331 towards new turbine plant,
and still has a balance in hand of £19,787 ; the insurance fund
account also amounts to £7.264. The energy sold amounted to
3.603.860 units, and the maximum load to 2,490 KW.

The T.C. has decided in order to meet some part of the loss in
working, to increase the charges for electricity by 5 per cent, for
lighting (making a 20 per cent, increase), and by 10 per cent, for
power and lighting (making a 25 per cent, increase). The chairman
said the trouble was due to increased coal cost : seaborne coal could
not be obtained, and the fuel cost per unit had increased from
■66d. in 1913-14 to r37d. in 1915-16.

Pwllheli. — The T.C. has decided to carry out a scheme
I'll the prorision of an electrical plant for the Corporation kinema
;it the Town Hall, at a cost of £220.

Shipston-on-Stour. — Owing to the failure of the elec-
tric supply from August 11th to 25th, and to the alleged prospective
future breakdowns, the B. of G. has decided to obtain estimates for
a plant of its own to be installed.

Sllkstone. — The R.D.C. has given ijermission to the

^■.■rkshire Electric Power Co. to erect a line at Silkstone Common
ami to lay mains at Silkstone.

Southend-on-Sea. — Street Lightixg, &v. — The

t.'oimcil has adopted the recommendation of the Economies Com-
mittee that the Highways Committee be asked to consider the
([uestion of substituting electricity for gas in those street lamps at
present lighted by the latter illuminant, and for that purpose
terminating the agreement with the Southend Gas Co. in March.
1917. The Committee has decided to await a report by the borough
surveyor. The sale has been completed at the price of .£1.155 of
two 180-KW. dymtmos. resulting in a profit of f 200. which will
be held against a probable increased cost of the machines when
rniuired by the electric lighting department after the war.

South Shields. — Year's Working. — The annual report

of Jlr. H. S. Ellis, the borough electrical engineer, on the working
of the electricity undertaking for the year ended March 31st last,
shows the adverse effect of the war. the financial result being a
deficit of £1.961. of which, however. £932 represents items not
strictly chargeable to net revenue. The revenue for the year
amounted to £30.738 (as against t: 34.4831 and the gro.ss profit was
1 13,515 (as against £16.949). working expenses showing a small
reduction. After meeting interest and sinking fund charges, which
were higher than in 1914-15. the result was as stated above, the
anioimt required being transferred from reserve. In the previous
year £1.616 was contributed to the reserve and £1.600 to the
rates. The reserve fund now stands at <£ 14.815. Due to the
severe lighting restrictions, and despite an increase in power units,
the total output sold amounted to 4,423.154 units, as compai'ed with
4,665,380 units in 1914-15. The total working expenses amounted to
'91d.. as against 'S.id. per unit in 1914-15, but coal cost fell from 'SSd.
to ■34d. per unit, and was less than in any previous year except
1912, this being due to the ptu-chase of fuel having been left in the
bands of the chairman and engineer to secure favourable lots as
circumstances arose. During the year. 129,479 units were sold for
heating, &:c., and the revenue from this source is gradually expanding,
according to Mr. Ellis, due to the efforts of the sales department,
which has been in oper-ation five months, at an out-of-pocket
expense of .£5. It is interesting to note that no increase has been
made in the price of electricity. We note that the maximum load
was 2,247 KW. ; the connected load. 8.189 KW. : and the load
factor, 225 per cent. From the siunmary of capital expenditure.
37'4 per cent, represents machinery and 387 per cent, mains ;
meters and instruments each account fori'o per cent., and together
exceed cost of buildings, 8'6 per cent.
Swindon. — Price Ixx'Bease. — The T.C. has decided to

increase the charge for electricity for lighting from ild. to 5d. per
unit : it is hoped to reduce an expected loss of £1,660 by about £1.000.

Waterford. — Xew Loan. — The Irish L.G.B. has sanc-
tioned the application of the Corixiration for power to borrow
i: 1 .t)00 to defray the preliminary expenses in connection with the
introduction of electric lighting.

TRAMWAY and RAILWAY NOTES.

Birmingham. — On AVednesday morning the tramway
service was interrupted for li hours, except as regards those por-
tions supplied from the Aston generating station ; the stoppage is
reported to have been due to the difficulty of keeping up the steam
supply at the Summer Lane generating station, where the poor
quality of the coal now used has led to a similar state of affairs
two or three times during the past year.

Continental. — Spain. — Good ■ progress is being made
with the electrification of the steam tramways of the Sociedad
Vnlenciana de Tranvais. in the Valencia district. The first line to
hp completed is that between Valencia and Grao.

XORWAY. — The electric tramway company at Bergen — a joint
stock concern — has now shed all its (Jerman members, five
residents of Bergen baring beSn chosen in their steads at a meeting
on August 24th. This may be regarded as one of the incidental
effects of the wai'.

Edinburgh. — Trajiway Report. — The report of the

experts on the future of the tramway system was submitted to the
Tramways Committee last week. It was recently pointed but in
an interim report that whatever system might be adopted by the
Corporation, it was desirable that it should permit the freest commu-
nication without change of car between all parts, and that it was not
advisable or necessary to retain the cable for any routes in the
city. The latest report extends to Sti pages, and the Town Clerk
will )jrepare a summary. Speaking on the matter at a meeting of
the Labour Party. Councillor Graham stated that financial con-
siderations alone might lead to the choice of the overhead trolley
system for Edinburgh. They must decide without delay, for the
future development of the city, especially towards the Rosyth
area, was bound up with the immediate settlement of this
problem.

Keighley. — The B. of T. has granted an extension of
two years U> the period for the construction of the tramways at
Stockbridge. Aireworth Road, &c.

Leeds. — Accident. —Recently a car running from Pudsey
to Stanningley got out of control on a steep gradient near the
junction at the latter place, and, jumping the track, ran into a
shop. Only one person was reported injured.

. New Zealand. — The result of the year's working of the

Dunedin Corporation tramway department to March Slst last,
was a gross profit of £34.714 and a net profit of £4,840, being a
reduction of £415 on the previous year. The passengers can-ied
numbered 14,849.751, an increase of 150.740.

Portsmouth. — Y'ear's AVorking. — The report of the

Corjjoration tramway department for the year 1915-16 shows that
29.338.918 passengers were carried as compared with 27,354.194
in 1914-1.5. although the oar-mileage was only 2.170.778 as against
2,438,621.

The total revenue for the year was £127,546 (equalling ltd. per
cm.) as against £123,991 ; the working expenses, however,
amounted to £62.078 as compared with £58.657 in 1914-15. and
the gross surplus was £65.467. or about £130 better than in 1914-15.
Allowing for interest credited and deducting interest and sinking
fund repayment and income tax. a balance of £21.777 remained
which was carried to the appropriation account, from which
£13.000 was contributed to rate relief, and various contributions
were made to renewals, reserve, and extensions. The renewals fund
stands at £67.424. and the reserve and insurance fund at £24.233.

A total of 3.000.860 units were generated at the tramway power
station, at a cost of ■614d. per unit, and a total cost including dis
tribution and capital charges of r385d. per unit. The station
plant capacity was 2.075 KW. and the maximum load 1,100 KW. ;
the load factor was 49"5 per cent., and 3'29 lb. of coal were used
per imit generated, the cost averaging •375d. per unit with coal
at 21s. 3d. per ton.

Of the passengers carried over 90 per cent, were penny fares.
We notice that the list of officers of the Corporation tramways
comprises the town clerk, deputy town clerk, and borough
treasurer, fuliou-ed by the general manager. Mr. Spaven. and
engineer. Mr. Lironi. A\'e presume that the former gentlemen
are essential tn the operation of tram%vays. at any rate, in Ports-
mouth, but lest the ratepayers should think that the last two are
superfluous, we would suggest that the order be inverted in future
lists.

Rhyl. — The Council has sanctioned the taking of a strip
of land at Foryd for the construction of a light railway between
Kinmel and the town.

Southend-on-Sea. — The Light Railways Committee has

adjourned for six months consideration of an offer of the Lough-
borough Car Co. to sell to the Corporation an Edison electric 'bus.
The electrical engineer has reported upon the difficulties at present
experienced in dealing with rail corrugation : it has been decided to
purchase an oxy-acetylene cutting and welding plant for the repairing
of rails, ice, at a cost of £48.

U.S.A. — The New Y'^ork Chamber of Commerce has
approved the proposed contract between the city and the New York
Central Railroad for the West Side improvement, which contem-
plates the reconstruction and electrification of the company's freight
lines on the west side of JIanhattan. It is reported that a Haitian-
Amei-ican syndicate is to acquire the existing public utilities in
Haiti, consisting of railroads, electric light plants, a tramway in
Port-au-Prince and adjoining valleys, and an electric light plant in
Cap Haitien.

TELEGRAPH and TELEPHONE NOTES.

China. — The American Minister at Peking states that
the annual report on the admin ist rat ion of the telegraph service of
China for last year has been submitted by the Ministry of Com-
munications. During the year, more than 86,500.000 was received
through the telegraph service, and over S57O.00O through

324

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW. (Voi. ts*. no. -.nj.i.'SEPTK.MPKR 22, i9ifi.

the telephone service, makinjr a toUl receipt of $7,080,000.
The total expenditure on the telegraph service was S4. 110.000
and that on the teleiihone senice $300,000 and more, maldn^
a total iif .^1.4 111. (Mill and more. The total profit was there-
fore Si.r.To.uiiiP. Deducting from this the sum of $1,630,000
as workinjr capital of the electric administration, a net profit of
more than $1,000,000 was made dnrinsr the year.

France. —The Frt-nch Marine t'oininission lias decided
til appoint nine commissioners, who. with the delegates of the
French Navy, shall control the installation of wireless teleg-raphy
and armaments on mercantile ships and the niles for tjie navigation
of snch ships.— TAf- Times.

Russia. — The Minister of the Interior lia.^ proi»seil to
the IL'ouiicil of Ministers that the Chief Postal and Tolejrraph
l>epartnii'nt lie empowered to negotiate with the Swedo-Daiiish-
Kussian Telephone (Jo. for the jnirchase of the Mo.«cow telephone
system l)y the Trea-sury. The Minister urires that, in view of tlie
new law on the construction and maintenance of telephone com-
munication, the Government is oblipred. within the limits of its
means, to undertake the (nirchase of the telephone systems, at least
in the chief towns of the empire, and the first in order is the
Moscow .system, for the concession of the company named above
runs out on November Ist/Hth. TJllt. The cost of buying up the
Jloscow system will amount to 23,0(10.01 m roubles : but this, it is
hoped, will be recouped by the profit on exploitation.

The telephone system in Petrograd. established originally ou a
concession basis, has passed entirely into the hand,? of the Town
t'otmcil. the date of transfer being July 2Sth/.\ugust 10th. On that
day the cessation of the agreement with the Post-Telegraphs
Department for the exploitation of the telephone system liecame a
legal fact.

CONTRACTS OPEN and CLOSED.

OPEN.

Argentina. — Tenders for the installation of electric power

plant anil material for the lighting of a hospital at Bell Ville.
Province of Cordoba (about i; 10.000). Comision Asesora de Asilos
y Hospitales Regionales (Belgrano !ili9. Buenos Aires). — Bonrd of
Trade Journal.

Australia. — Sydxky .Jamiarv 22nd, 11)17. Electrical

plant (converter, battery, booster, and switchboards) for the
Castlereagh Street sub-station, for the Municipal Council. Specifi-
cation from E.L. Department. Town Hall.'

Melbourxe. — SeptembA- 29th. City Council. Insulated and
H.D. copper cables. See ''Official Notices"' September Sth.

October 17th. For the Deputy P.M.G. CO Sleeves and tapes
(Sched. No. 1.355). and (2) 3,100 stay-rods, with low tighteners
CSched. No. 1.359).*

October 18th. Victorian Government Railways. Electric time
releasing mechanisms for automatic signalling (Cont. No. 30,343).'
November 1st. 50.000 yellow flame arc carbons.*

December llth. City Council. Supply and erection of coal
transporter plant. See " OlBcial Notices " September 15th.

Perth. -November 8th. P.M.G. Accumulator parts (.Schedule
.527 W.A.).*

SonxH Australia. — November 15th. P.M.G.'s Department.
Automatic switchboards and all associated apparatus, for telephone
exchanges. Brighton and Glenelg.

Castlebar.: — A difficulty having arisen in relation to the

accfjitanee of the tender of Messrs. Bnrke for the electric lighting
of the town, the tTrban Council has decided to re-advertise.

Grenada. — October 31st. The Government of Grenada,
British West Indies, is inviting proposals for supplying electricity
tor lighting and power in the town of St. Georges, Grenada, and
residential suburbs within a radius of three miles. Plan and
particulai-s. ii2 2s. Tenders to Colonial Secretary, Grenada. British
West Indies,

Halifax. — -B. of G. Tenders for electrical fittings for
the-workhouse. the. St. Luke's War Hospital and other institutions
for. six ra'ontls " -

: 'Manchester. — Seiitemlx-r i.'jth. (iiiardians. Si. \ months'

supply of electric lamps. Mr. J. Macdonald. Clerk, t'nion Offices.
All Saints. Manchester.

SeptemVjer 28th. L. & Y. Railway. Twelve months" supply of
steel sheets (Siemens and electrical), schedule 51. , Mr. Waring,
stores department. Osborne Street. Manchester.

New Zealand.— ^'elldtgtox. dcfoTjcr llth. Public

Service Stores Tender Board. 1.000 magneto extension bells. 1,000
ohms.'

Spain. — Tenders have -jiL^t been invited li\- the municipal

authorities of .Abanto y Cieriana (Province of \uzcaya) for the
concession for the electric lighting of the town.

Tenders have just been invited by the municipal authorities of
-Vlbaida de Aljarafi (F'rovince of Seville) for the concession for the
tilfctrip lighting of the town duriu'g a pericfd of lO- years.

October 3rd. Installation of a telephone system connecting the
towns of Gandesa. Falset, and Reus (estimated cost ,€3,100).
Tenders to Departments de Fomento de la Mancnniunidad dr
Cataluna. Barcelona. — Board of Trade ,h'iir»al.

Specifications for the items marked "can be seen at the Board
of Trade Commercial Intelligence Branch in London.

CLOSED.
Government Contracts.— l-i** •'

August, I91i; :

\V*B OlFlCK.

ri-.- B.I. S Hclsliv Calilcs. Ijld. ; CeniM-al Kli-cliic
Henley's Tplcgrnpli Works Co., Ltd. : Hooper's
i-nihber Works, Utl. ; .lohiisou A Philliim, Litd. ;
Calile Co.. Ltd. ; Siemens Bios. & Co., I.iKI. ; Ward

Kiel-trie cable mid «

Co.. Ltd.: \V. 'I

Telegraph & Ind

liiveii>oul Eleclrii

and Goldstone.
Klectric cells.— J. C. Fuller & Son, I.,td. ; Siemens Bros. & Co., I.t.i,

Insulator cups T. De la Kue & Co., Litd.

Kngine and dvnarno.— Petters, Ltd.

Electric liclit'tlttiugs.— General Electric Co., Ltd.

Generating sets.— Aster Engineering Co., Ltd. ; Austin Motor Co. |1914|,

l>td. ; \V. H. noriuan & Co., Ltd.; Fvfe, Wilson « Co.; Keighley Gas

and Oil Engine Co., Ltd. ; Petters, Ltd.
Telegraph-pole guvs.— G. J. Young & Co.
Electric lamps.— "Cryseleo, Ltd. ; General Electric Co., Ijtd. ; Pope's

Electric Lamp Co., Ltd.
Magnetos. — C. A. Vandervell & Co., Ltd.
Motors and starting panels.— Electric Construction Co., Ltd.
Switchboard parts.— .Automatic Telephone Mfg. Co., Ltd.
Works services.— Electric lighting at ShornclilTe : Foote & Milne, Ltd.

Electrical! plant at Farnborough ; C. A. Parsons & Co., Ltd. Electrical

supply at Woolwich : General Electric Co.

IXDH OrncE Store DErAiiTMKM.
Cable. — General Electric Co., Ltd.
Cells.— Siemens Bros. & Co., Ltd.
Receivers.— Creed, Bille & Co.
Wire.— General Electric Co., Ltd. ; F. Smith & to.

Post Office.
Telegraph apparatus.— British L. M. Ericsson Mfg. Co., I^td.
Telephone apparatus. — British L. M. Ericsson Mfg. Co., Ltd.
Battery boxes.— British L. M. Ericsson Mfg. Co., Ltd.
Telegraph cable.— Siemens Bros. & Co., Ltd. ; Telegraph Construction and

Maintenance Co., Ltd.
Dry cells. -Siemens Bros, lit Co., Ltd.
Loading coils. — Siemens Bros. & Co., Ltd.
Repeating coils.— Western Electric Co., Ltd.
Telephone lamps.— General Electric Co., Ltd.
Insulator spindles.— F. W. Cotterill, Ltd.
Telephones.— Automatic Telephone Mfg. Co.. Ltd.
Bronze wire.- B.I. & Helsby Cables, Ltd.
Galvanised-iron wire.— Rylands Bros., Ltd.

CoM.MissiosEns OF Public Wohks, lHKi,.\.vjt.
Electric lighting and bells. — V. G. Middleton.

Luton. — The Electricity and Tramways Committee has
considered the electrical engineer's reports upon the details of
three tenders he had obtained for ash-hiindling plants and is
recommending' the Council to accept the tender of Messrs. Herbert
Morris, Ltd.. for an electric overhead telpher and runway and two
tipping' skips, for .<; 1,888.

Salford. — The Electricity Committee has ajtproxed a

report of negotiations with the B.W. Electric and Manufacturiucr
Co.. Ltd.. resulting in a reduction of &bO in the contract price for
a l,OlHi-KW. rotary converter, representing the amount of the re-
duction in the price of copper at the time of the acceptance of the
tender. Tramways Committee : Hadfield's. Ltd., manganese-steel
crossings, t;220.

Sunderland. — Electricity and Lighting Committee :
Babcock i: Wilcox, 50 steel boiler tubes.

Walsall. — Electricity Committee : Messrs. .L C. Abbott

and Co., Ltd., coal. Tramways Committee : Messrs. ,1. Parkinson
and Son. (ii-in. centre lathe, £78.

FORTHCOMINQ EVENTS.

Iron and Steel Institate. — Friday, September 22ud. At 10.30 a.m. At the
Institution of Civil Engineers, Great George Street, S.W. Annual meeting.

Municipal Tramways Association.— Friday, September 22nd. At U a.m.
.\t the Surveyor?" Institution, Great George Street, S.W. Annual general

Associatioa of Supervising Electricians.— Tuesday, September 26th. At
7.15 p.m. -At St. Bride's Institute, Bride Lane, E.G. Presidential address
bv Mr. A. P. Trotter. ■

NOTES.
Mica from German East Africa.— Writing to the Tinm

recently, a correspondent stated that, in view of the i-eoent capture
of Mrogoro by our Rliodesian troops.it might interest readers' to
know that this district, prior to the war. was the sole German
colonial source of mica, a mineral of supreme impiirtauce, to .the
great, electrical industry of that country. The otttpiit of these iriioa
mines (which was shipped in German vessels, and exclusively to
Hambuirg). was increasing rapidly in importance, and was eagerly
purchased by the German buyers, to the exclusion of the supplies
they were otherwise obliged to obtain through the medium of
English merchants.

xo. 2.026, SEPTEMBER 2-M916.] THE ELECTEICAL REVIEW.

325

Science and Industry in France. — Writing iu La

Lunnire Electrique. M. A. Blondel has put forward a scheme for the
reform of the Academie des Sciences, with the object of bringing
it more closely into connection with industry. It has been stated
by M. Le Chatelier that in France, above all. there is a watertight
compartment between scientists and men engaged in industrial
occupations, and that the Academie should lead the way iu
removing this impediment to progress. M. Blondel points out that
the founders of the Academie never had the intention of limiting
its activities to pure science, but. on the contrar.v. admitted repre-
sentatives of the applied sciences known in the eighteenti century,
and he urges that representatives of the modern applied sciences
should be added to its organisation. Various schemes were put
forward by M. Blondel. and the Academic has appointed a Commission
to inquire into the subject.

Electrical Equipment of the L.S.S. "Tennessee."—

The contract for furnishing the necessary equipment for the electric
propulsion of the U.S.S. Tennessee, a super-dreadnought of the
largest class, now under construction, has been awarded to the
Westinghouse Co.. of East Pittsburgh. Pa. There are to be two
steam turbines developing over 33.000 H.P. driving electric
generators, which furnish current to four 6,700-H.P. motors, each
motor driving a propeller. Electric driving for battleships has been
adopted after a careful investigation by the Xavy Department, to
whom it presented numerous features of structural, operating and
military advantage, among which are that the steam turbines
developing the electrical energy may be located in any desired
portion of the ship, that the propelling machinery may be better
protected from injury, that full power may be available for reversing,
and that greater rapidity in mancEuvring is made possible, com-
pared with existing mechanical systems of control. In addition
to the main generating equipment and p-opjUing motors, the
contract includes the auxiliaries for the main turbine generator
sets and smaller auxiliary turbine generators supplying light and
power throughout the ship. The 7f»/.r..«v will have several
hundred electric motors on lioard. Electiicity will also be used for
cooking, ice-making, refrigeration, and numerous other purposes.
In all. 37.500 H.P. will be needed. — E'er' li-.-nl Ilerieiv and Western
Klectric'wn.

Replacing Gas Lamps by Electric— At Ciuciunati,

Ohio, the question of displacing the " ga< arcs " extensively employed
by commercial houses was consid.Ted by the Union Gas and
Electric Co.. which has now adopted the practice of giving a 300-
watt electric lamp and fitting free in place of the gas arc, under
certain conditions, which are that the electric lamp remains the '
property of the company for 12 months, then passes to the con-
sumer, provided that he gives the company a gas arc for each
electric lamp installed and uses the electric lamp during the 12
months it remains the property of the company. The latter
maintains and renews lamps tUiring the 12 months. On the basis
of 300 watts burning four hours a day for 300 days per annum,
the energy consumption would amoimt to 360 KW.-hours. which at
.">c. per unit would amount to 518 a year, or S60aKW. connected. The
estimated cost of providing the lampforthe first 12 months includes :
— Lamp. S.5 : selling expense. S2 : renewals and maintenance. S3 —
a total of SIO. less the credit received for the gas arc. taken at $1.5.
The result of a two-months' campaign was the rejilacing of over
1.000 gas arcs and a number of gas burners, the proposition having
been modified to the extent that one electric lamp is given in
exchange for four gas burners, or a credit given of SI. 25 for each
burner replaced. A feature of the campaign is that 120 stores
which were using little or no electric service, have wired the
principal part of their premises, and are now using little but electric
illumination.

Large Electric Bake Oven. — A recent issue of the Jovninl

III' Electricifij. Piju-ei- niul Gas contains a description of a large
Hughes bakery oven used by the Xew Vienna Baking Co.. of Salt
Lake City. U.S.A. The body of the oven is 1 ft. high, lo ft. wide,
and 12 ft. deep, and is divided into four compartments, each with
a IJ-in. tile floor, and the customary steam connection. Each half
of the oven has three heating units, arranged at top, bottom, and
intermediate floor, and each coihpartment has a thermometer and
internal lights.

The heating units are made of resistance wire wound on
insulated rods, which are mounted on an angle iron frame, which
can be slid in and out for inspection or repair. Each unit is in
three sections, and each section has three heats controlled by
separate switches mounted in front of the oven. The oven doors ■
are of the balanced type. The oven is operated on a 220-volt.
two-phase service, and has a maximum demand of 75 KW..
averaging 48 per cent, of its maximum demand on a 16-hour
baking day. and 55 per cent, on an 8-hour baking day. It
requires 4,"> minutes to load the oven, bake the bread, and take it
out. using 3 -lb. loaves, and. on this schedule. 25.000 |-lb. loaves
could be baked in 21 hoiu-s" continuous baking. The product is
admitted by all bakers to be superior to that produced by the old
style of oven.

A uniform temperature can be maintained practically throughout
the baking period, while in the brick oven the temperature
gradually falls, and the baking time , is extended, making ib
difficult to obtain a uniform product.

It is stated that the bare cost of electricity is rather higher than
the cost of coal, but the counter advantages in the lesser space
required, absence of dirt, smoke, inc.. more than offset the increased
fuel cost ; it is also considered that the "baked elect rioaUy ' feature
for advertising purposes ■will go far to oSset the increased cost.

Engineering Labour Movement.— The Associated Iron

and Steel Workers of Great Britain, having fully considered the
scheme for the federation of the Unions in the iron and ste^l
industry, have given approval to the scheme, and resolved to carry
it into effect at the earliest opportunity.

The Manchester Guardian saysthat "a highly-important scheme
affecting about 100,000 skilled workers and the future Trade Union
development of the engineering and shipbuilding trades is now
being confirmed by a ballot of the members concerned. For some
years it has been felt that there existed a lack of cohesion between
the Trade Unions connected with the engineering and shipbuilding
industry, and this led the Council of the Ironfounders' Society to
a.ssociate with the Executive Coimcil of the Amalgamated Society
of Engineers in the promotion of a scheme having for its object
closer unitv and co-operation for offensive and defensive industrial
objects. The Sub-Committee appointed included representatives of
the Boilej-makers' and Patternmakers' Societies, and a considerable
numlier of engineering Trade Unions became identified with the
movement. The new code of rules provides ;—' This Federation
shall consist of Trade. Unions representing the workmen employed
in the engineering and shipbuilding industry, and its objects shaU
be to maintain the right of the combination of labour to promote
the principle of collective bargaining.

By-Product Recovery in the U.S.A.— The iron indiistiy

of the U.S.A. is rapidly adopting the by-product coking process.
There are practically "no by-product coke plants in the United
States which do not" recover ammonia, tar and light oil (crude
benzols). In the vast majority of the plants also surplus gas is
recovered and utilised either at the plant itself, or by distribution
to outside consumers. There is not over 5 per cent, of the by-pro-
duct coke-oven capacity of the country that is not now equipped
w-ith benzol recovery plants, and the by-product coking plants now
under construction" have either contracted for benzol recovery
equipment, or indicated a strong probability that such provision
will be made.

3Ir. J. E. Johnson states that, assuming that coking coal costs
S2.10 delivei-ed at the works, if this were coked in old-fashioned
ovens, the yield would be about fiO per cent., and the coking cost
would be about liO cents per ton of coke : coke, therefore, would
cost §4.10 per ton. and this cost would represent less than fiO per
cent, of the heat value of the fuel. The same coke in modern
by-product ovens would yield 70 per cent, of good screened coke,
and the coking cost would" be about 75 cents per ton of coke, so that
coke would cost .83.75 per ton. There are. however, some imjxjrtant
deductions from this figure. The gas can be sold to the steel
works for heating furnaces, the tar and ammonia are recovered (the
latter in the form of ammonium sulphate) and sold : while under
present, and. probably, future conditions, the benzol can be
recovered at a handsome profit also.

The value of these by-products varies with the location, but is
seldom or never less than SI per ton of coal. In a region of high-
priced fuel such as has been assumed. 81.50 per ton of coke would
be a safe estimate. This would reduce the cost of coke to .82.25 per
ton : in other words, under such circumstances a ton of coke would
cost little more than a ton of coal, in spite of the loss of weight
and the cost of the operation. Cases exist in which the coke
actually costs less per ton than the coal from which it is made, the
value of the by-products making up all the losses and paying all
the costs of the operation.

Admitting that there are considerable technical advantages in
the use of gaseous fuel for power development, it is obvious that
these may be commercially realised much more easily when the
gasification is done in the blast furnace with a thermal efficiency of
i)0 per cent., and without labour and capital charges, than they can
when the efficiency of gasification is 65 per cent, and the cost ,
50 cents per tori of fuel, as in the gas producer. — Met. nni} Clieni.
Enijuieerinij.

The Inquiries into Trade after the War.— A Press

Association report states that the Committees appointed by the
Prime Minister to collect information on the subject of our trade
relations after the war are expected to have their reports drawn up
by the end of the year. It is stated that in all probability the
report of Lord Faringdon's Committee on Financial Facilities will
be publishec} some time this week.

We are pleased to note that Mr. Arthur Chamberlain, of Bir-
mingham, who may be credited with knowing more about our
national trade problems than Mr. Winston Churchill is likely to do
if he. lives to be a hundred, has been chastising the latter for his
attempt at coin-phrasing when he said : " Look after the war and
after the war will look after itself. " If all business and'indtistrial
men were of military age and had to take up arms or be making
munitions, there might be some reason for fear that in studying
one problem we should be neglecting the more immediate necessity.
But perhaps Jlr. Churchill already regrets his effort, for it has
not been well received in any Press comment that we have seen.
We have Mr. Lloyd (ieorges word for it that JIi-. Churchill
encoiu-aged the "' tanks '' idea : of course inventors and engineering
and other experts had a little to do with the matter as weU. To
encourage the devisers of means for defeating the enemy in the
field the" while he belittles the efforts of those who are trying to
prepare suitable contrivances or devices for rendering us safe against
eiiemy trade attacks after the war, is just a-trifle. inconsistent. But
after "aU, who looks for consistency in- . a politician .' Mr.
Chamberlain declares that after the war wUl not look after itself,
and every business man will ag'ree with him. He holds that unless
Englandlooks after it now. and looks after it very se.-iously and
very wisely, we shall enter <'r^ - i-'-i-"' ■■* .li-'v.;- nn.l Iv'rdfliiii
equal to any in our histor'

32ti

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW, [voi. ?■,.. no. 2,021;. septembkr 22, i9i«.

Fatalities. — At Rnnvn Hnyley's steel works, on Smulav.

September 10th. while 7-cm. iron bars were beiuff broujrht to stack
by an electric craue with an electromatrnet attached, a man fell off
the stack, and two of the bars fell on top of him, causinsr internal
ha^morrhajie and shock from which death ensued. The driver,
accordintr to a .'Sheffield iiajHT, said that when he was lowering the
bars one of the electric wires cauffht another, causin;.' a Hash, and
the carria<re started running the opj>osite way. When it had
travelled back two yards, the current went off. Mr. G. H.
Godbehere. electrical enjrineer. said that one of the wires had come
out of the collector and cau;fht on the one below it. causiiiir a short
circuit and flash. Since (he accident, precautions had been taken
to prevent a recurrence. Verdict : "Accidental death."

.\ youn? electrician named Walter Mcllroy. who was enjravred at
the auction mart of Me.ssrs. .Tohn Robson, Ltd.. Chichester Street.
Belfast, in fittin<r up electric liphts. has been killed by beiny
crushed between a hoist and the shaft.

.\n inquiry wiis held on September !Hh into the death of George
nickson. affed 21. of .lames .Street. Hebburn. A witness named
Rol)ert Purcell statetl that he. Patrick Xolan. and Dickson were
walking along a footpath opposite the Cemetery, when Dickson
touched an electric lamp standard with his left arm. Dickson was
drawn towards the standard with his arms around it and his knees
apainst it. They tried to release him. but a shock threw witness to
the other side of the road. Witness came back and struck Dickson's
feet from underneath him. and when the youth fell they pulled him
away. He was dead. Alfretl Dixou. assistant engineer with the
Xe« castle-on-Tyne Electric Supply Co.. stated that the electrification
nfthe standard had been caused by one of the cable wires getting
into contact with the switch-chamber at the top of the standard.
There could not have been a greater pressure than 241) volts, and
he shoidd not have thought that merely touching the standard
would have been dangerous. A person who touched the standard
was more lUccly to lie thrown from it than drawn to it. The
^•ihration caused by the road traffic might have caused the contact
with the cable. The company had adopted a new method in
regarfl to switch-chambers. In reply to Mr. T. Stuart, clerk to the
llebburn District Council, witness said that of the .i-lii standards in
Hebburn. 13ii had been changed. Mr. Stuart said a cable explosion
occurred in March. I'.il3. and there was then a leakage from lamp
standards. In the following September the company notified the
Council that they were changing the system. In rfeply to other
questions, witness said a leakage of 24ti volts was too small to be
recorded. He was not aware that in July ii boy had been severely
burned by contact with a standard. Dr. Xorman said death was
■ lue to electric shock, hut he thought Dickson had taken hold of the
standard : merely touching it was scarcely sufficient to cause death.
The jury returned a verdict of "Accidental death." and expressed
the hope that the company would do all they could to prevent
similar accidents. Mr. W. S. Burton, representing the Supply Co..
said they regarded it as a very serious matter, and would take into
consideration all that had l)een said that day.

Xt the HeV)burn-on-Tyne District Council meeting, on Monday,
the Clerk read a report from Prof. Thornton, who had been
instructed by the Council to investigate the circumstances. The
report stated that the leakage had been in existence for some days
l)efore the accident, and that the type of lamp-head and switch was
acknowledge<l to be imperfect, and he advised that a complete
change over of the lamp-heads should be made before the bad
weather set in ; he further recommended that an inspection once a
quarter should he made.

The Chairman said it was lamentable that a great company
shotdd be so indifferent in regard to danger, not only on the high
road, w-here there was heavy tralfic. but over the whole district
generally. It was also a matter for regret that the company had
not shown sutficient sympathy with the deceased's family.

After discussion, it was decided to refer Prof. Thornton's report
and all other details to the Board of Trade, and also to defray the
expenses of the funeral of the victim.

At Jlossley. on September 7th. an inquest was held on Harry
Briggs. aged 12. of Denbigh Street, a half-timer employed at
Messrs. Eadcliffe's mill. Sidney Etchells (10') said that on the
previous Tuesday he was playing with deceased after school and
they went to Radcliffe's mill, where he saw deceased touch an elec-
tric wire with both hands and fall into some water near the mill.
They had often played there before, but had not touched the wire
because they knew it to be dangerous. James. Fawcitt. carter, who
jot deceased out of the water, said he received a shock when he
touched the boy. The wire was in the boy's left hand under the
-urface of the dam. which was shallow. The boy was dead and
his hand was burnt. Sergeant Hodkinson said the wire came from
.1 pole, went through a pijie underground to the dam. and the end
should have been in the water, but had evidently been pulled out.
Dr. Cameron said death was clearly due to electric shock, and the
jury returned a verdict to that effect, adding that there hail been
no neglect on the part of the millowners, the wire having been
insulated satisfactorily, and the boys ha\'lng been trespassers.

Prof. Scott, of the electrical engineering department of Robert
College. Constantinople, has been killed by contact with a wire
carrying 10.000 volts. — Scieno.

Edncational. — XoRTHA:iIPTO^" Polytechnic Institute.

— 'We have received a copy of the '' Announcements " for the Session
1916-17. giving particulars of the day and evening courses In civil,
mechanical, and electrical engineering, technical optic^, and
horology ; the engineering courses include sub-sections in auto-
mobile work, aeronautics, and radiotelegraphy. and there are^
evening courses in electrochemistry and metallurgy. The day
olasaes begin on October 2nd. and the evening classes on September
SSUs. Special classes for Post Office employes and submarine cable

companies' employes are providetl. Dr. R. Mulliiunix Walmsley.the
Principal, is head of the electrical engineering and appliwi physics
department, and with him is as.'^ociated Jlr. F. M. Denton.

I.\ii'KK!.\i. College ok Science and TEtHNOLOcv.— The City
and Guilds CEngineoring^ College has instituted a diploma course of
instruction in aeronautics, extending over a period of three years ;
it includes teaching in electrical technology, wireless telegrajjhy, &c.

The Manchester Edncation Committee announces that the cla.«.«eR
establishe*! hvst year — the " Handyman " classes for adult«- giving
short courses of instruction in the use of simple household tools
and their application in dealing with the practical everyday
problems of the home, are to be continued this winter, and that
instruction will also be given iis to what to do in various
emergencies, such as the temporary failure of the electric light, the
care oi electric lamp bulbs. A:c. Last year the classes were veiy
successful, the fee being a nominal one.

Industrial " Peace " in Australia. — In itie course of

our sfi-i('s iif articles on "Labour and Industry," we referred to a .
book on " Industrial Peace. " written by Mr. Williams, the secretary
of the Geclong and District Employers' Association. An esteemed
.Vustralian correspondent in the course of a letter to us on this
subject says : — " I can fully substantiate Mr. 'Williams's opinion of
the absolute failure of the Federal Arbitration Court and Wage
Board System to in any way deal with industrial troubles. This
country is seething with unrest, and the Unions arc taking
advantage of the shortages due to recruiting, to make fat jobs for
those remaining behind."'

Volunteer Notes. — First Loxuon ExfiiNEER Yolix-

TEERS. — Headquarters. Chester House. Eccleston Place. S.W. —
Orders for the week by Lieut.-Col. C. B. Clay, "V.D., Com-
manding. (

.V(i"(iii!/. September 2btli. — Technical for Platoon Xo. '.K at
Regency Street. Squad and Platoon Drill. Platoon No. In. .Si^.
nalling'Class. Recruits' Drill, fi.25— 8.2.->.

Tiiexi/iii/. S'jiti-iiiher 2Mli. — Range Practice.

Weil iiexil till. Kepteiiihee 2'f/i. — Lecture, li.l.'). Lecture. Mr. W.
Eyles (late R.E.). '' Demolitions.'' Platoon Drill, Platoon Xo. 2.
Range Practice.

T/nii:i/Iin/. S'/itemlier 2S?/).— Instruction Class. .5.4."). Platoon
Drill. Platoon Xo. H. Range Practice.

Friilin/. Sptenihei- 29t/i. — Technical for Platoon Xo. U); Regency
Street. Squad and Platoon Drill Xo. 9. Signalling Class. Recruits'
Drill. (;.2.-.— ,v.2.-..

S:it II rdii !i . sSyitemhei- .30^//. — GeneraF Parade. 2.4.".. Uniform.
General Meeting of Corps, 5.30. The Commandant hopes to see a
large attendance.

Siinilai/. October \ft. — Entrenching. — Parade Victoria Station
(S.E. \; C. Railway). Booking-office, 8.4.5 a.m.

MACLEOD Yearslev, Adjlitilnt.

3rd Batt. (Old Boys') County of London Volunteer Reui-
MENT. — Battalion Orders by Major R. .T.C.Eastwood (Commandant^).
Thursday, September 21st, 1916 :—

Week-end Parade. — Riaite March. — On Satm-day. 23rd iust.. the
Battalion will parade as strong as possible on the Practice Ground
at Lord's Cricket Groimd, at 2.45 p.m.

Entrench ill If Didie.^. — Entrenching on Saturday. 23rd.

Stoidaij. — The Battalion will parade at Liverpool Street Station
(Low-Level entrance, G.E.R.), at 9.30 a.m.. for Entrenching duties.

Mv.ll/etrij. — Members who have sent in their names to shoot at
Bisley on Sunday. 24th inst., will report in uniform to Sergt.
J. W. S. Burmester. at 9.45 a.m., at No. 8 Platform, Waterloo
'^*»'i°"- -G. H. F. DUSCAX. Artinij Adjutant.

Copper Prices.— The Week's Changes. — Messrs. F.
Smith ,.*c Co. report. Wednesday. September 20th : — Electrolytic
bars rose from £132 to £137 ; ditto sheets. £150 to JEISS ; ditto
rods, from £140 to £145 : ditto H.C. wire, from Is. 81d. to Is. 8Jd.

Messrs. James & Shakespeare report. Thursday, September 21st : —
Copper bars, sheets, and rods (best selected) rose from £ 1 50 to .£ 1 54 .

Electrical Industry in the U.S.A. — The followiii};

•statistics are given by the Eleetrical World : —

Investment or Persons Annual earn-
(jajtitalisation. employed, ings or sales.

Central electric stations . . 83,038,000,000 104,000 $403,300,000

Isolated electric stations . . l,.519,30O,0O0 .i2,000 201,600,000

Street and electric railways — power
generation, distribution, and appli-
cation 2,681,800,000 165,000 350,500,000

Street and electric railways — railway
operation 2,681,800.000 165,000 350,500,000

Electrified divisions of steam rail-
roads 204.700,000 15,000 30,300,000

Telephone ... 1.262.760,000 237,000 .329.900,000

Telegraph (land and oceani .. '. . 231,600,000 44,000 75,300,000

Electric machinery, apparatus, and
supplies lincluding electric pro-
ducts of other industries) .. .. 469,100.000 185,000 383,300,000

Electrical dealers and contractors . . 15.000,000 50,000 120,000,000

Electrical jobbers 25,000,000 6,000 80,000,000

512.12n,660,ClOn 1.023,000 52,324,700.000

Italian Standard Rules for Italy. — It was announced, a

few months ago, that the Associazione Elettrotecnica Italiana
intended to prepare standard rules forthe construction and acceptance
of delivery of electrical machinery in substitution for those of the
■Verband Deutsoher Elektrotechniker. The rules have now been
published. It is considered certain that the rules will be adopted
by all Italian electrical constructional and consulting engineers,
and the Association is also confident that the Government will fall
into line, and insist upon the observance of the rules in contracts
with the State. ■

Vol.70. No. 2,020, SEPTEMBER 22. 1916.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

327

OUR PERSONAL COLUMN.

The Editors invite electrical engineers, whether connected with the
technical or the commercial side of the profession and industry,
also electric tramway and raibcaij qlHcials,to keep readers of the
Electrical Review posted as to their movements.

Central Station and Tramway Officials.— In view of his
impending departure from We.st Ham to take up the general
managership of the Belfast Corporation Tramways, conse-
quent upon Mr. Andrew Nance retiring froni the active
management of that undertaking, the Metropolitan Associa-
tion of Electric Tramways Managers entertained Mr. J. S.
D. MoFFET to dinner at the Municipal and County Club,
V'hitehall Court, S.W., last Friday evening. In addition to
the guest of the evening, there were also present Messrs.
nimann (East Ham), Schofield (Leyton), chairman and vice-
chairman respectively of the Association, Bruce (L.C.C.),
Harvey (Ilford), Hainmond (M.E.T.), Mackinnon (L.U.T.),
(Joodyer (Croydon), hon. secretary. Littler (ex-Chainuan
West Ham Corporation Tramways), Blain (L.G.O. Co.), Rooke,
Scholey, Walton, Wyld, Myers, Beal, Compton, Robson
(Southampton) and Chishoku. Letters expressing regret for
inability to attend were received from Messrs. Fell and Slat-
tery (L.C.C.). Williams (Erith), Murray (Walthamstow), and
Mason (South Met.).

At Blackpool Corporation electricity- works, on September
]4th, Mr. Mess, an engineer driver who, after 16 years, is
retiring for health reasons, was presented with a gold albert
'with medal pendant. The presentation was made by Mr.
^\■m. Parkinson, works manager, in the absence of the borough
electrical engineer.

On the recommendation of the Electricity Committee, the
Newport (Mon.) Council has agreed to allow Mr. A. Nichols
Moore, the borough electrical engineer, to act in an advisory
capacity to the board of management of a national shell fac-
tory, and also to be responsible for the supervision of the
electrical equipment.

Mr. S. Haxn, borough electrical engineer at Stoke Newing-
ton, formerly a petty officer of the Royal Naval Division, has
been appointed to a second lieutenancy in the London Elec-
trical Engineers.

Mr. T. H. Welch, shift engineer at the Fulham B.C. elec-
tricity woiks, has been awarded the Honorary Vellum of the
Ro\al Humane Society for life-saving under circumstances
reported in our issue of June 9th.

Mr. Shoesmith, works assistant at the Dover Corporation
electricity works, and Mr. Gasson, mains assistant, have re-
signed. Mr. D.ale has been appointed to fill the latter
vacancy.

General.— The Times understands that Mr. Thomas Worth-
iNGTox, the Director, from its inception, of the Commercial
Intelligence Branch of the Board ot Trade, will retire at the
end of this month. " Mr. Worthington is an in.stance of a
business man brought in to do special work for the Board.
He first attracted attention as a Special Commissioner to
South America to report on the prospects of British trade
there. On the establishment of the Commercial Intelligence
Branch it was at once recognised that he possessed the quali-
fications necessary for its director. The otfice was opened at
oU, Parliament Street, in 1899, with three or four clerks, but
was moved to 73, Basinghall Street in 19U4. More than 15U
clerks are employed. Since the outbreak of war the Branch
has done useful work in following up the ramifications of
enemy trade and helping merchants to find among British
ii;anufacturers alternative sources of supply of goods pre-
viou.sly obtained from enemy firms."

Gazette Notice : — Territorial Force. Royal Engineers. — •
London Electrical Engineers. Sergeant H. P. Waterhouse to
be Second Lieutenant (on probation). Second Corporal W. S.
Browne to be Second Lieutenant (on probation). Q.M.S. K.
W. Adcock, Singapore R.E. Volunteers, to be Second Lieu-
tenant (on probation).

Mr. Arthur H. Hallorax (vice-president and managing
editor. Journal of Electricity, Power, and Gas) has been ap-
pointed Pacific Coast representative of the Society for Elec-
trical Development.

Mr. E. W. Abbott has taken over the management of the
Newcastle branch of Messrs. Crornpton & Co., Ltd., at '21,
Pearl A.ssurance Buildings, Northumberland Street. New-
castle-on-Tyne. For many years he has been in charge of
the contract department at Chelmsford, and has carried out
the electrical equipment of many important main winders,
rolling mills, coaling cranes, large haulage gears, &c. Mr^
Abbott was responsible for the design and equipment of many
of the early central .stations in this country.

Roll of Honour.— Sergeant H. Bramah, Signal Sergeant to
the 1st Battalion Gordon Highlanders, who has been awarded
the Military Medal for gallant work in the field in July la.st,
was a clerk in the office of the resident engineer at the East
Sussex County Asylum, Hellingly. S.O. Sussex. The batta-
lion orders read : "He repeatedly went out along the wires

down the dangerous road leading into during the time

of a heavy ban-age fire by the Germans, and through his
devotion to duty, and gallantry, the battalion was able to
keep up communication with the brigade and batteries during

a very critical moment, and so practically saved the situa^
tion. ■

Private Stephen Kirk, Manchester Regiment, and Private
R. E. Davies, Cheshire Regiment, two former employes of
the British Westinghouse Co., Trafford Park, have been
wounded. Corporal Walter Bailey, Manchester Regiment,
another employe, was reported missing some time ago, and
is now officially reported killed.

Private John McGreevy, of the King's Own Royal Lan-
caster Regmient, killed in action at the age of 19 years, was
a-i apprentice electrician at Fleetwood prior to his enh.stment,
i;ifleriian G. H. Bradley, of the King's (Liverpool) Regi-
ment, who has been wounded, was employed prior to his
enlistment in the Wigan Corporation electricity department.

Private Clifford Morris, Cameron Highlanders, aged 19,
a former employe of Messrs. Whipp & Bourne, electrical engi-
neers, Castleton, has been killed in action.

Driver Joseph Wigkall, of the R.F..\., who has been
wounded, and is in ho.spitaI at Rouen, was formerly em-
ployed by Messrs. Dick, Kerr & Co., Ltd., Preston. Another
eniploye of the firm, Lance-Corporal C. F. Aldridge, Loyal
North Lancashire Regiment, is reported a prisoner of waa-.
Gunner .JoHK Codlthurst, R.F..\., aged 26, who was for-
njerly on the clerical staff of the firm, has been killed in
action.

Private William Paul, Machine Gun Company, Bedford-
shire Regiment, who enhsted. whilst with the North Metro-
politan Electric Supply Co., at St. Albans, has been killed in
action in France.

Private E. Miller, North Staffordshire Regiment, reported
killed in action in France after being posted as missing, was
formerly with Messrs. Bullers, Ltd., electrical china manu-
facturers, Hanley.

Lance-Corporal H.arold Willlams, K.R.R., who has died of
wounds, was on the staff of the Potteries Electric Traction
Co., Hanley.

Private Frank G. Chadwick, Oxford and Bucks Light In-
fantry, who has fallen in action, was, on his enlistment, an
engineer with the General Electric Co., Ltd., Birmingham.

Private W. Askew, 20th County of London Regiment, who
enlisted whilst at Birmingham with the B.I. and Helsby
Cables, Ltd., has been killed in France by the blowing up of
a trench mine.

The Distinguished Conduct Medal has been awarded to
Bombardier Arthur Edward Ellis, R.F.A., who enhsted in
October, 1914, whilst with the India-Rubber, Gutta-Percha
and Telegraph Works Co., Ltd., Silvertown, E. In Septem-
ber, at Vermelles, he repaired telephone wires in 17 different
places under heavy shell fire, and enabled communication to
be kept up.

Private George Percival, Cheshire Regiment, killed in
action, aged 19, was employed prior to enlistment at the
Helsby Cable WorTis.

Gunner John Ashworth, of the R.F.A., killed in action,
served in the South African war, and prior to the present
war was employed in the Liverpool tramways department at
Smithdown Road depot.

Private Frank Higgins, K.O.Y.L.I., is officially reported
killed in action. He was on the staff of the Wakefield and
District Light Railway Co.

Private Douglas Gibson, Royal Welsh Fusihers, reported
wounded in action, was foiinerly employed in the electricity
department at Blackpool Tower.

Private William Titterington, of the Manchester Regi-
ment, a former employe of the British W'estinghouse Co.,
Ltd., Trafford Park, has been killed in action.

Private Walter Wilkins, 2nd Battalion Oxford an.d Bucks
Light Infantry, who has fallen in action in France, enhsted
whilst engaged in the illumination department of the British
Tluimson-Hou.ston Co., Ltd., Rugby.

Sergeant .\RTHtiR Mason, Oxon and Bucks Light Infantry,
who was before the war on the Rugby staff of the British
Thom.son-Houston Co., Ltd., has fallen in action in France.
He was 32 years of age.

Gunner Fred Goodman. R.F.A., for some years engaged in
the special engineering office of the British Thomson-Houston
Co.. Ltd., Rugby, lias died of wounds received in action in
France.

ilajor A. RoBEjiTSox, D.S.O., R.E., a son of ex-Bailie
Rcjbi'rtson, Aberdeen, and a member of the firm of Messrs.
A. B. Robert.son A Son, electrical engineers, Aberdeen, re-
cei\ed his decoration from the King at \\'ihdsor Castle re-
cently. The gallant oflicer is an Associate Member of the
Institution of Electrical Engineers. He has been a Territorial
oflicer for 12 years, and has been at the Front for 18 months.
He is at present in a hospital in London recovering from
illness.

W'e regret to learn that Lieutenant Harold Lomas was
killed in France in the advance of July 1st. Lieutenant Lomas
received his technical education and training at Owens Col-
lege, Manchester, and at the works of Messrs. Laurence,
Scott & Co., Ltd., Norwich. In 1897, in company with Mr.
H. C. Gunton (now power eugmeer to the G.P.O.), he visited
the States, and together these gentlemen wrote a series of illus-
trated articles for the Electrical Review describing various
electrical undertakings and works. Lieutenant Lomas subse-
quently served on the staff of Messrs. R. W. Blackwell and
Co., Ltd., and on the staff of the Crocker-Wheeler Co., of

328

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW, [voi.t;.. xo. 2.02.1. s«.rK.MBER ;

Ampere, N.J. An American contemporary, in xefeiTing to
his death, states that he was for over 13 years a member of
the sales depiirtinent of the latter company, and had served
as manager if its Denver oflice, and also as manager of its
Baltimore ot'lKe. Mr. Ltimas was a good all-round sportsman,
well known in cricket and hockey circles in Lancashire, and,
later, in Surrey (Wimbledon). He came over from the States
.soon after the outbreak of war to offer his services, and, after
training, obtained a connnission. He was serving as a lieu-
tenant in a Manchester battalion at the time of his death.

Obituary.— Mr. Josepfi Howorth.'— Mr. Joseph Howorth,
of Helsby, one of the oldest employes of B.I. and Helsby
Cables, Fitd.. was taken suddenly ill la.st week and was
removed to the Royal Infirmary, Liveriwol, where he died.
He was 57 years of age.

Mr. William Pimblktt.— Mr. William Pimblett, who has
died at West Toledo. Ohio, in his sixtieth year, was formerly
employed at the .Ashton Corporation electricity works. He
went to America four years ago.

Mh. J.amf.s M'Mahon-.— The death occurred at Colombo,
on 11th inst., of Mr. .Tames M'Mahon, general manager of the
Colombo tramways.

Mr. Thomas Cornish.— The death took place on Saturday
ot' Mr. Thomas Comish, for many years head electrician for
Mr. Henr>- Geer. J.P., of Okehampton (Devon). He was 5t
\ ears of age.

Will.— According to the TTmes, Mr. Wjlliam Blackstoxb
Blvth. for -At years in the P. & O. service, and for 12 years
in the Civil Service in the telegraph ships Alert and Monnrck
left £4,917.

NEW COMPANIES REGISTERED.

Latin^America Chamber of Commerce in Great Britain

(word " Limiled " omitted from the title by licence of the Board of Trade)
(1*4,79").— This cotnpany was registered on September 7th as a company not
formed for profit and limited by guarantee, with not more than 1,(J(J0 mem-
bers, each liable (or one guinea in the event of winding up, to promote and
extend the trade and financial relations between the United Kingdom and the
South and Central American and Mexican Republics, to promote the indus-
tries, and the exploitation of the natural resources of the said Republics,
file subscribers are : H. le Marchant. London House, Crutched Friars, E C ,
managing director, Martin, Earle & Co., Ltd., and British Portland Cement
Co.. Ltd.; P. J, Machin, 02, Aldersgate Street, E.C., senior partner ol
.Machin it Kingsley, cotton manufacturers and paper merchants: A B
I.egina, 28, Holland Park, \V., ex-President of Peru, plantation owner; J. h'
R. Kemmal. Oriel House, 30-31, Farringdon Street, E.C., managing director
Babcock i- Wilcox, Ltd.; R. Shenton, Tunstall managing director Wedawood'
and Co,, Ltd.; J. A. Hill, Sheffield, managing directo", J . & P Hill Ordnance
Works; A. H. D.ivieS, 61 and ffi, Gracechurch Street, E.C., managing direc-
tor. London County Commercial Reinsurance Office, Ltd., and Rawlins,
Fo«ler & Davies, Ltd. The management is vested in a council the first
members of which are H. le .Marchant, P. J. Machin, A. B. Legina, J H R
Kemmall, R. Shenton, J. A. Hill, and A. H. Davies. Secretary; W M Elli'^
Registered oflice ; 1, Gresham Buildings, Guildhall, E.C.

New Union Electric Co., Ltd. (144,775).— This company

IS registered on September 5th, with a capital of f2,950 in £1 shares (l,6(i7
to take over the business carried on at Park
he Union Electric Co., Ltd., to carry on the
and dealers in electric lamps, contractors for
1 maintenance of electric lighting, central and
:lrical, mechanical, metallurgical, and chemical
n agreement with A. V. Tomlinson, R. Belfield,
■■'--cribers (with one share each) are : A. \'.

toria Street, W'estminster, eng
directors is not to be less than
Ton-.linson, R. Belfield, and G
flOO. Remuneration, £150 per a

We

engii

R.

tha

company.

the fin

A. V.

Knapton (life directors). Qualificati
„ . . „ . . divisible. Secretary: G. A. Knapton.

Registered office : 53-57, Park Street, Southwark, S.E.

Insulated Cap & Rivet Co., Ltd. (144,808).— This com-
pany was registered on Septembir Sth. with a capital of £5,000 in £1 shares,
to carry on the business of engineers, founder-, smiths, machinists, manu-
facturers and patentees of caps for electric lamps and rivets for all pur-
poses, manufacturers of and dealers in all apparatus and things required for,
connection with, the employment of electricity
e share each) arc : \V. K.
S.W., merchant; \V. F.
t. Private company. The
: the first

apable of being used
for lighting or otherwise. The subscribers ('
L. T. Arkwright, Caxton House,
Mohr, Caxton House, Westminster, S.W
umber of directors is not to be less th:

re W. L. T. Arkw
on of subsequent <
), -New Square, Lit
linster.

t and W. F. Mohr (provisional directors). Qualifica-
lors, £100. Solicitors : Speechley, Mumford & Craig
I's Inn, W.C. Registered office: Caxton House, West-

Britisli Utilities, Ltd. (144,767).— This company was

'--tered oi) September 5th, with a capital of £1,000 in £1 sha

nd
and light.

oil the business of electricians, mechanical eng
workers of and dealers in electricity, motive power
and constructors of articles or things of general or
associated with electricity or not, &c. The subscribei
are: B. R. Pearse, Elm Villa. Mitcham, electrical engineer- \
•28. Park Lane. Croydon, solicitor. Private company. The
tors is not to be less than two or more than five; the first
Registered office : 48, South Park Rood, Wimbledon.

th

inufacturers,
anufacturers
ty, whether
share each I
S. Hellyer.

of dii

not

John Collins (Liverpool) Electric Jumping Horses Co

L.i^*^-^>^}'t iV"'P??>:T"^ r,p,,,r.^ on September lltb, with ■.:

undabout
motor staging, platforms.

Ltd

capital ol £1,000 in £1 shares, to lake
Electric Jumping Horse*, together with the electr

machinery, traction engine, mechanical organ, and electric motor used '
nection therewith, to carry on the same and the business of showmen kinemi
and picture-housi proprietors, caterers lor public amusements and e'ntertain
ments, &c., and to adopt an agreement with John Collins. The subscribers
(With one share each) are : John Collins, 24. Overton Street, Liverp«l round-
about proprietor; James Collins, 24, Overton Street, Liverpool- Miss N
Collins, 24, Overton Street, Liverpool. Private company The 'number oi
directors is not to be less than two or more than five; the first are lolin
Collins (permanent managing director), James Collins, and .Miss N Collins
Qualification, £1. Solicitor: J. Shakespeare Smith, 11, Lord Street Liver
pool- Registered office : 11, Lord Street, Liverpool. '

Notable Electric Co., Ltd. (144,824).— This company was

registered on September 11th, with a capital of £100 in £1 shaVes to take
M.Tgaret Street, Oxford Circus' W. as

and dealers in drawn-wire metallic filament and other Inmpa of all kinds,
J;"^,, The subscribers (with one share e.ich) are: Miss A. L. Fcnnell, 9,
lalfourd Avenue, Reading, secretary; W. J. Owen, 7, Grove Road, Willesdcn
Green, N.W., director. Private company. The first diri-ctors are not named.
Keniuni-ration as fixed bv the company. Solicitors : Warren & Warren. 4.
Great James Street. Bedford Row, \V.C.

W. R. Thornton & Son, Ltd. (144,787).— This comp.iny

was registered on September 6th, with a capital of £5,000 in £1 shares, to
take over the business of engineers' furnishers and r-lectrical engineers, and
contractors for, and dealers in, mechanical and electrical apparatus and
.appliances carriol on by the exors. of W. R. Thornton, of^ B^rrow-in-
Kurness as W. R. Thornton & Son. The subscribers (with one share each)
are: W. R. Thornton, lli, Coniston Road, Barrow-in-Furness, electrical
cngineei-; A. A. Hayncs, 30, Hill Road, Barrow-in-Furness, railway official.
Private company. The number of directors is not to be less than two or
more than five: the first are W. R. Thornton (permanent managing director,
subject to holding 50 shares) and A. Haynes. Qualification of directors, £100.
Solicitor: P. K. Lee, 4. I.awson Street, Barrow-in-Furness. Registered bv
Jordan S: Sons, Ll.l., 110-17, Chancery Lane, W.C.

OFFICIAL RETURNS OF ELECTRICAL
COMPANIES.

Cutting Bros., Ltd.— Particulars of £4,000 debentures,

cre:it<:d June 30lh. llllO, filed pursuant to Section 93 (3) of the Companies
(Consolidation) .Act, 1908, the amount of the present issue being £l,90f).
Property charged : The whole of the company's assets. No trustees.

A memorandum o( satisfaction in full on Juno 30th, 1916, of debentures
dated Juno 19th, 1914, securing £4,000, has also been notified.

Bray, Markham & Reiss, Ltd.— Capital, ^620,000 in .£1

shares. Return dated Julv 7lh, 1916. 9.450 shares taken up; £8,850 paid;
£600 considered as paid. Mortgages and charges : Nil.

Electric Supply Corporation, Ltd. (52,036).— Capital,

£2.50.000 in £5 shares. Return dated August 11th, 1916. 42,000 shares taken
up ; £5 per share called up on 35,000 shares ; £175.000 paid ; £35,000 considered
as paid on 7,000 shares. Mortgages and charges : £154,914.

Electric Construction Co., Ltd. (39,392). — Capital,

£400,000 in £1 shares (lOO.DOO pref.). Return dated June 13th, 1916. 224,200
ord. and 62,780 pref. shares taken up; £1 per share called up on 4,200 ord.
anJ 36,490 pref,; £40.690 paid; £240,290 considered as paid on 220,000 and
26,290 pref. Mortgages and charges : £165,010.

Paignton Electric Light & Power Co., Ltd. (98,437).—

Capital, £15,000 in £1 shares. Return dated July 24th, 1916. 11,815 shares
taken up; £11,815 paid. Mortgages and charges: £7,500 mortgage debenture
and £2.900 temporary loan.

Portable Electric Light Co., Ltd. (126,782).— Capital,

£10,000 in £1 shares. Return dated June 16lh, 1910. All shares taken up;
£9.998 considered as paid; £2 unpaid. Mortgages and charges: Nil.

Sloan Electrical Co., Ltd. (61,528).— Capital, .£15,000 in

£1 shares (5.000 pref.). Return dated Julv ."ith, 1916. 5.000 pref. and 2,754
ord. shares taken up; fl per share called up on 1,254 ord.; £1,254 paid;
£6,500 considered as paid on 5.00O pref. and 1,500 ord. shares. Mortgages and
charges : Nil.

British Ever=Ready Co., Ltd. (127,632). — Capital,

£■200,000 in £1 shares (85,000 pref.). Return dated June 15th, 1916. All
shares taken up; £85,000 paid; £115,000 considered as paid. Mortgages and
charges : Nil.

Cryseico, Ltd. (58,218).— Capital, .£15,000 in .£1 shares.

Return dated Julv 18lh, 1916. All shares taken up; £10,007 paid; £4,993 con-
sidered as paid. 'Mortgages and charges: £8,800.

Crompton & Co., Ltd. (129,649).— Capital, ,£221,007 in

£1 shares (136.000 pref,). Return dated August 7th. 1916. 79,539 ord. and
133,760 pref. shares taken up; £1 per share called up on 7 ord. and 7s. 6(1.
per share on 133,760 preL; £50,788 2s. 8d. paid (including £621 2s. 8d. paid
on 2,240 pref. shares forfeited); £163,132 considered as paid, being £1 per
share on 79,532 ord. and 12s. 6d. per share on 133.760 pref. shares. Mort-
gages and charges : £100,000 first mortgage debentures.

Consolidated Electrical Co., Ltd.— Capital, ,£125,000 in .£1

shares (IIO.OOO ord.). Return dated July Uth, 1910 (filed July 17th). All
shares taken up; £1 per share called up on 15.000 pref. and 757 ord., and
5s. per share on 109,243 ord.; £43,067 15s. paid; £81,932 .5s. considered as
paid on 109,243 ord., being at the rate of ISs. per share. No mortgages or
charges registered. '

Yorkshire Cable Co., Ltd. — Charge on moneys due from

War Office under contracts for the supply of electric cables, dated September
1st. 1916, to secure all monevs due or to become due from company to
I.loids Bank, Ltd., I.omb.ird Street, E.C, and Bradford, not exceeding £4.000.

CITY NOTES.

the Notable Ele.

Co., and

business of

ufacturers of

The report for the year ended January
Marconi 31st last states that, including the balance.

Wireless brought forward, the profits amounted to

Telegraph Co. $115,9.53. Interest on advances absorbed
of Canada. $30,138, and $5,000 was placed to reserve
against accounts receivable, leaving
$80,815. The directors state that the company's business con-
tiniifs to show substantial expansion, the feature being the
^t.ihly development of the trans-Atlantic traffic. The plant in
Moiitii-nl has been kept fully occupied in supplying the
tliiiiand for additional installations on board ships and com-
mercial .stations, as well as in meeting increased Government
lequiieiiients. A total of some 2..300 mercantile vessels have
up to the present been fitted with Marconi wireless .stations
by the various Marconi companies. The advor.se effect caused
to the company's normal traffic to and from ships, owing to
the stringency of censorship imposed on commercial messages,
has unfortunately continued in evidence throughout the cur-
rent period. The basis of remuneration from the Government
for the use of a number of the company's coast stations taken
over by the Department of Naval Service since the com-
mencement of hostilities, and for other services rendered, is
still under consideration, and an_ equitable settlement is
awaited in the near future. — Financial Times.

Vol. 70. No. 2.02c;. September I'i

uao.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

829

In their report for the year ended March
Electric 31st, 1916, the directors give the following

Supply Co. of comparative figures ior the past ■ three
Victoria, Ltd. years : —

1913-14. 1914-1.5. 1915-16.

130,357 150,132 166,253

5,-566,470 5,177,36S 4,877,325

£89,024 £86,800 £86,080

57,524 56,990 55,378

31,500 29,810 30,702

Lamps connected
Tramway passengers carried

Revenue

Expenditui'e

Gross profit

As in the preceding year, the progress of the company has
been adversely affected by war conditions. The returns for
the past year uiay be regarded as satisfactory. The balance
to credit of profit and loss is £28,944, plus £2,000 brought for-
ward. Debenture interest requires £7,742, there is trans-
feiTed to debenture stock redemption account £6,547, there is
to be paid on account of arrears of preference dividend
i' 10,222, leaving £6,433 to be carried forward.

The Internationale Stickstoff A.G., of

German Wiesbaden, whose works are leased to the

Electrical Nitric Acid Co., of Cologne, records a

Companies. .sUght loss in 1915, thus Lncrea.sing the

deficit to £46,000 on an ordinary share

capital of £103,000.

The directors of the Kabehverk Rhetjdt recommend the
payment of a dividend of 30 per cent, for the year ended
with June 30th. 1916. This rate compares w-ith 18 per cent,
in 1914-15 and 12 per cent, each in 1913-14 and 1912-13.

The trading of the Elektroiverke A.G.. of Berlin, for the first
year, which ended on March 31-st, 1916, is reported upon. The
company, the majority of whose shares are held by the Berlin
Electricity Works Co., took over the Golpa-.Jessnitz lignite
works for the erection of a huge station, and entered into
contracts for the supply of 740.00(1,CKIO KW.-hours per annimi
to the Bavarian Nitrate Works and the Electro-Nitrate Works.
The accounts show a sUght balance, which has been carried
forward ; the expenditure on the power station is recorded at
£934,000.

The Wolfra^n Lampen A.G., of Augsburg, reports net
profits of £14,200 for 1913-16, including the balance brought
forward. It is proposed to pay 6 per cent, on the preference
capital of £27,000 by way of arrears for 1913-14 and 1914-15,
leaving 1915-16 in default. The payment of any dividend on
the ordinary capital of ■£26,000 is again omitted. It is added
that a decision of the Supreme Court has not yet been given
in the matter of the patent dispute concerning the manufac-
ture of a drawn-wolfram (tungsten) filament.

The report of Brown. Boveri £ Co., of Mannheim, states
that the production and turnover, which experienced a de-
cline in 1914, again increased substantially in 1915. but raw
materials were dearer, and salaries and wages largely ad-
vanced. Nevertheless, the financial results were more .satis-
factorv than in the preceding vear. The gross profits rose
from £185,000 in 1914 to £285,000 last year, and the net
profits from £34,000 to £58,000 in thei two years respectively.
It has been decided to pay 10 per cent, on the sliare capital
of £4-50,000, as against 5 per cent, in each of the two pre-
' . iling years.

Tlie report of the Societe Elecirometal-
Swiss Uirgique Paul Glrod, of Nuremburg, whose

Companies. principal installations and investments are
in Prance, states that the French subsi-
diary company — the Forges et Acieries Electriques Paul Girod.
of Ugine. Savoy — worked very successfully in 1915. As net
piofits, the accounts of the parent company indicate the sum
of i£59.rHX), and after sevei'al dividendless years a distribu-
tion at the rate of 8 per cent, has been declared on the ordi-
nary shanf capital of £480,000. The chairman, at the recent
general meeting, referred to the acquisition of important
wiiter (lowers, which he characterised as one of the principal
I'l^rs of the company, and he expressed the opinion that the
iinii-conclusion of the agreement with the Creusot Works for
the reconstruction of the Swiss undertaking, as was proposed
prior to the war, had been a foitunate event for the Girod Co.
The report of Brou-n, Boveri <& Co., of Baden. Sreitzerlund.
■i h deals with the financial year ended on March 31st.
'■'. states that as a result of the great decrease or complete
-nation in the peace production of the nations at war. an
Kiordinary demand arose for the company's manufactures.
! orders were available to any extent. The problem of
using sale prices into harmony with tlie cost of ^iroduction
I'liived to lie inoie difficult, as all kinds of raw materials
nijiidly rose, and in some cases reached a fantastic level, and
|^ WHS .scarcely possible to adjust sale prices to this increase.
Ir was. liowever. still more difficult to pi'ocure supplies of
"iiterials. and tlie ixissibility of obtaining thoiii also limited
till- iK)Ssibility of production. This was particularly the case
"ith copper, and the seizure of a large deliver\' in course of
fiansport resulted in a lo.ss in output amounting to .several
millions of francs. The output m 1915-16 was considerably
1' >>; than in the last peace year of 1913-14, and the value of
lljf turnover, despite the higher prices, was also greatly
lifluw that of ]')l3-]4. The renort further remarks that the
' 'iiiipany had odhered to its policy mentioned a year ago and
liad restricted its nianufacturLiig operations exchrsively to the
normal production in years of peace. In the case of the
'i.ign undertakings in which the company is interested, the
litions had aaain assumed a form which could be re-
'led as normal, having regard to existing circumstances.
lib one frtpption, these companies had carried on a success-

ful business last year, and equal results were expected for the
present year. The electrical supply companies in which the
company w-as also interested were partly working satisfac-
tory and were partly prejudiced through the war, owing to
their local situation or two special circumstances. The gross
profits of the Baden company, including the yield from
securities and participations, amounted to £4-54,000, as com-
pared with £388,000 in 1914-15. After devoting a larger simi
to depreciation than in the preceding year the net profits are
returned at £106,000, as against £94,000, and the dividend
recommended is at the rate of 6 per cent, on the ordinary
share capital of £1,280,000, this contrasting with 5 per cent.
in each of the two preceding years and S per cent, in 1912-13.

OSicial Announcements re Companies. — The following
companies are to be struck off the register unless cause to the
contrary is shown within three months : —

Aulo-Electiics.

.Auto-Flash Sign Co.

Cable Construction Syndicate.

Giindell-Matthews Ra'diophone Syndicau-.

I.t^ter Engineering Co.

Llanidloes Electric Lighting Co.

Pioneer Pump Patents (1913).

Sandors Motive Power Syndicate.

Scientific Researches Co.

Turbiro Engine & Pump, Co.

Wireless Telephones.

County of Dorset Electric Supply Co., Ltd. — .\t the an-
nual meeting, held at the end of -July, Dr. J. -"V. Hosker, who
presided, refened to the difficulties of war-time; fuel and
other costs had been continually on the up-grade, and the
lighting restrictions which had been strictly endorsed in all
their four towns had diminished the revenue by 25 per cent.
Notwithstanding these facts, the gioss revenue had shown
an astonishing increase of 50 per cent., due chiefly to the
increased private demand, and the deinand of the War Office
at the Dorchester Prisoners' "War Camp. Since the date of
the balance sheet a considerable increase in output had been
recorded. The Blandford business was making excellent pro-
gress, Swanage output was steadily increasing, Ijut at Lyme
Regis there was a slight diminution in receipts.

Sfratford=on=.4von Electricity Co., Ltd. — In their report
for the year ended December, 3915, the directors express
regret that in consequence of the large abnormal expenditure
on repairs to mains, coupled with the increased cost of
m.aterials and standing charges, they are unable to recom-
mend a payment of any dividend. Under the circumstances,
the ilireetors will not at present draw their usual fees. Mr.
J. .\. Priest has been elected to the board in place of Mr. J.
iVIacgregor. The annual meeting was held on September 8th.

Clyde Valley Electrical Power Co. — For the half-year
ended June 30th last, the profit amoimts to £40,322, plus
£12,613 brought forward, .\fter transferring' £17,50(J to con-
tingency fund for depreciation, &c., bringing this fund up to
£167,5U0, the directors recommend transferring to special
reserve fund £3,836, the payment of the preference dividend
(£9,000), a dividend of li per cent, on the ordinary shares
(free of tax), reciuiring £7,5U0, and to carry forward £15,456.

British .4luminium Co., Ltd. — The directors have de-
clared a dividend at the rate of 8 per cent, per annum (less
income-tax) on the ordinary share capital for the six months
to June 30th; also a dividend at the rate of 6 per cent, per
annum (less income-tax) on the preference share capital for
the six months to June 30tb.

Direct Spanish Telegraph Co., Ltd. — In addition to the
dividend at the rate of 10 per cent, per annum on the prefer-
ence sliares, the directors have decided to pay an interim divi-
dend at the rate of 4 per cent, per annum, free of income-tax,
on the ordinarv shares — both for the half-year ended June
last.

The Canadian Loan. — We read in the "Financial Times"
that one of the first .subscriptions for the Canadian loan was
received from the Commercial Cable Co.. who applied for
$2,000,000. thus increasing its holding of pro-British loans
to $10,a»,000.

Calcutta Electric Supply Corporation, Ltd. — The number
of units sold to consumers during the four weeks ended Julv
28th, 1916, amounted to 2,020,562, compared with 1.972.W1
iluring the corresponding four weeks of 1915.

Stock Exchange Notice. — The committee has l>een asked
to allow the folkiwing to be quoted in the Official List : —

Consolidated (las. Electric Light, and Power Co. of Balti-
more.— $619,0UU ailditional common .stock.

Folkestone Electricity Supply Co.. Ltd. — Interim tiividend
at the rate of G per cent, per annum (3s. per share), less
income-tax, for the past half-year, on the ordinary shares.

Eastern E.xtension Australasia & China Telegraph Co.,
Ltd. — Interim dividend for the quarter ended June 30th last
of 3s. per share, free of tax.

Eastern Telegraph Co., Ltd. — Second quarterly interim
dividend of IJ iicr cent, on the ordinary stock, free of tax.

Dick, Kerr & Co., Ltd. — Dividend at the rate of 6 per
cent, per annum on the preference shares.

330

THE ELECTKiCAL KEVIEW. [Vol. 79. No. 2,026. September 22, UUG.

Lancashire Dynamo & Motor Co., Ltd. — Inlorim dividcn(f
on the ordinary shares of 5 per ceut., tax free, against 3 per
cent, a year ago. — Financial Times.

British Insulated & Helsby Cables, Ltd.— Inltrim divi-
dend of 5 per cent, for the half-year ended June 30th, less tax.

STOCKS AND SHARES.

TlESli.li EVEM.NU.

The excellent character of the news froiu the various hattle-
fronts is a helpful factor in keeping prices strong. There is,
moreover, a possibility of the Bank Rate being reduced, in
view of the advent of a new lo;m towards the end of the
year. Busiue.ss on the whole is not bad. A disquieting influ-
ence is the weakness of Home Railway stocks, induced, of
course, by the attitude of the men in regard to the 10s. per
week increased pay for which they are asking, and by their
refusal of the 3s. offered them. This acts as a severe damper
to the market. [The additional war bonus has. since writing,
been settled by agreement at 5s.— Eds. J On the other hand,
New York is rimniuL' a bix)ui in American Rails, which is not
without sympathetic effect upon Canadian utilities and Mexi-
can is.sue.s. .Vmongst industrials, the feature continues to be
the strength of the rabber market, which this week has been
fortified by a rise in the price of the raw .stuff.

Central London assented ordinary stock is steady at 73, but
the non-assented continues very weak at 455. The two classes
of preferred stocks are called 6-2J and 7-2, and, of the deferred
stocks, 27^ and 71 for the non-assented and assented respec-
tively. ]\Ietropolitan has given way to 24J, after being still
easier, and districts went back to 18. East London ordinary
changed hands the other day at 78/9.

All the Steam stocks, without exception, are weak and
depressed. So dull is the market, in fact, that it would seem
to be approaching the condition at which stocks would be
cheap. There is, of course, little bear account in these days
of Treasury restrictions; but, in spite of this, the amount of
stock available is very small, and improvement in the labour
situation would bring about a sharp upward reaction.

The position in Mexico does not appear to have altered
much from what it was when last we wrote, but, as men-
tioned above, the Kew York boom in rails has shed a dim
reflection upon Mexican stocks and shares. Mexican Light
and Power bonds are 2 points up at 45, the preferred gained
a point at 35, but Mexico Trams are steady and show no
change. The feature in this section is once more a jump in
British Columbia Electric Railway stocks, the preferred lead-
ing easily w-ith a rise of 2J. The preference put on 2 points,
and the deferred at 55 is i up. The debenture stock was
quoted ex dividend last week.

The Anglo-Argentine Tramways group remains dull and
heavy, for reasons that we have mentioned from time to time
here recently. The first preference shares are 6s. 3d. down at
3J ; the seconds are £3, changing hands on this basis a few-
days ago; while the debenture stocks have recently been done
at 74, 76, and 74^ for the 4 per cent., the 4J per cent., and the

5 per cent, issues respectively. Most other things connected
with the Argentine Repubhc have a weak tendency. The
dividends on Anglo-Argentine Tramways preference are due
in June and December.

The Telegraph market is a little easier.' Eastern oi'dinary
eased off to 145i, so that the stock, for once in a way, .stands
about a point lower, relatively, than Ea.stem Extension shares.
, the latter being 14|, and showing a small fall on the week.
Anglo-American Telegraph deferred is a point down at 102.
At par, the stock may be regarded as a reasonably-priced

6 per cent, investment. Westerns are i down at '14J. There
is not much doing in Marconis. The parent shares remain
at 3 3/16; and while .\merieans are well maintained at 19s. 3d.,
the excitement recently noticeable in them has largely died
down. Canadian Marconis have advanced to lis. on a report
which makes a rea.sonably good showing, and which .suggests
that it will not be so vei7 long before the proprietors receive
.some return on their money.

Movements are unimportant in the home electiicity sec-
tion. Kensingtons are better at 51, and London Electric pre-
ference hardened to 4J. Bromptons. on the other hand, are
a trifle easier. Chelseas have regained the dividend of Is. 6d.
deducted last week. County ordinary and preference are
both ex dividend; and, allowing for this, there is no parti-
cular change in the prices.

Metropolitan Electric ordinary keep firm, on the expectation
that at the meeting next week the scheme proposed by the
Shareholders' Committee, details of which were set forth in
full in the.se columns last week, will be duly carried, and the
company thereby enabled to start afresh upon a peaceable
and prosperous career. South Metropolitan ordinary are a
firm spot at 19s., though business in them has been verv
limited of late. South Londons have hardened to the near
neiehbourhood of 3.

The British Insulated & Helsby Cables Co. has announced
the usual interim dividend of 5 per cent, on the ordinary
shares, the price of which remains at 12i, holding the ad-
vance of 5s. established last week. A rise of Is. 9d. took
British Westinghouse preference to 2 9/16, the hope being
revived that the company will be able to increase the dividend

from the 7-5 ix;r cent, recently paid. General Electric ordi-
nary at 145 are the fraction to the good, and other manufac-
turing .shares are steady. There is a brisk demand for iron,
coal, and steel issues of all kinds. The excellent dividend
from the Armstrong Co. quickened a demand for armament
shares. The rubber market keeps good, as already observed,
and the recent earthquake in .lava may be said to have exer-
cised virtually no I'ffcct uixm prices.

The Boinliay Electric Supply A Tramways Co. is inviting!
tlie holders of its 45 per cent, debenture stoc'k to offer thai
same to the comjiany, and some of the proprietors are a little|
perplexed as to what they should ask for their holdings. The
last recorded bargain in the Stock Exchange Otticial List was
at 83, on .luly 13th; but as the interest is payable on January]
l.st and July 1st, there is nearly three months' accumulated
dividend in the price. Considering the excellent character
of the security, it is probably worth something in the neig
bourhood of 90, at which the return would work out to thd
full 5 per cent, on the money. Proprietors might ask this^
price, or a little higher.

The Electric Supplv Co. of Victoria reports a net revenue
of i;30,70(). or about il,000 more than that for the preceding
year. Thi' directoi-s are proixising to pay the preference divi-
dend, carrying forward .i'6.400. This would still leavi' another
3 per cent, to be paid on the preference shar(>s befoic they
are clear of arrears. The 5 per cent, first mortgage debenture
.stock last changed hands at 861. Victoria Falls preference
are a good market at a sovereign, and the ordinary shares
have risen to 10s. 3d..; while the 55 per cent, debentures are
better at 101}. The improvements are due, as we were say-
ing last week, to the expectations of a dividend on the ordj.
nary slinres within the com-se of the present year.

SH.VKE LIST OF ELECTRICAL COMPANIES.
HoMB Elkothioitt Companies,

Dividend Price

, • V Sept, 19, Else or fall

1914. 1915, 1916. this week,

Brompton Ordinary .... 10 10 6g — J

Charing Cross Ordinary . . 5 5 S-^r. —

do. do. do. 4J Pret.. ih H 8,;- —

Chelsea 6 4 txd -H;6

City of London 9 8 12} —

do. do. 6 per cent. Pret. 0 6 lo| —

County of London . . . . 7 7 mjSxd —

do. 6 per cent. Pret. 6 6 lOJxd —

Kensington Ordinary .... 9 7 Eg —

London Electric 4 8 Ig —

do. do. 6 per cent. Pret. 6 6 44 +4

Metropolitan 3J 3 2| —

do. 4* per cent. Pref. 4j 4J Sj —

St. James' and PaU Mall . . 10 S 61 —

South London 6 6 a}3 -I- ^,

South Metropolitan Pret, ..77 If, —

Westminster Ordinary .... 9 7 6i —

TELBQRAPHS AMD TELEPHONES,

AngloAm. Tel. Pref 6 6 102 —1

do. Det 80/. 33/6 33i —

Chile Telephone 8 8 7 —

Cuba Sub. Ord 6 6 8^ —

Eastern Extension .. .. 7 8 l^g — §

Eastern Tel. Ord 7 8 1464 —14

Globe Tel. and T. Ord 6 7 12i —

do. Pref. ..6 6 lOJ —

Great Northern Tel 22 22 42 —

Indo-European 13 13 49 —

Marconi 10 10 3^\. ^

New York Tel. 4i . . . . 4J 4) 100 —

Oriental Telephone Ord. . . 10 10 2J —

United R. Plate Tel 8 8 bi —

West India and Pan 1 — 1,\, —

Western Telegraph .... 7 8 14| — J

HouE Rails,

Central London, Ord. Assented 4 4 73 —

Metropolitan li 1 24j — i

do. District . . . . Nil Nil 18 — }

Underground Electric Ordinary Nil Nil IJ — ,-;.

do. do. "A" .. Nil Nil 6/ —3d.

do. do. Income 6 6 89^ -1-4
FoEEiON Trams, &c,

Adelaide Sup. 6 per cent. Pref. 6 fi 4^,] —

Anglo-Arg. Trams, First Pref. BJ 54 84 — A

do. 2nd Pref. . . BJ 64 3 —

do. 6 Deb. ..56 75 —

Brazil Tractions 4 4 60i —

Bombay Electric Pref 6 6 ICl —

British Columbia Elec. Rly. Pfce. 5 6 74 +2

do. do. Preferred— Nil 67 +2i

do. do. Deferred — Nil 65 + .'.

do. do. Deb. 4} 4i 65\cl. — '

Mexico Tjrams 5 per cent. Bonds — Nil 41 -fl

do. 6 per cent. Bonds — Nil 86 +1

Mexican Light Common .. Nil Nil 19 —

do. Pref Nil Nil 86 -^l

do. Ist Bonds .. Nil Nir 45 +2
Mancfaotubimo Coufanies.

Babcock & Wilcox . . . . 14 16 3,V. —

British Aluminium Ord, ,, 6 7 2b/3 —

British Insulated Ord 15 174 124 —

British Westinghouse Pref. .. 74 74 it", +1/9

Callenders IB 20 12| -f 1

do. 6 Pref 6 5 4* —

Castner-Kellner 20 — 3| —

Edison & Swan, £3 paid . . Nil — lu/- —

do. do. fully paid ..Nil — Ij —

do. do. 5 per cent. Deb, 6 6 62^ —

Electric Construction . . . . 6 74 17/6 —

Gen. Eleo. Pref 6 6 10 —

do. Ord 10 10 144 + i

Henley 20 25 16J —

do. 44 Pref 44 44 4i —

India-RuoDer 10 10 12 —

Telegraph Con 20 SO 89 —

' OiTidenda paid tree of inoome-tax.

6 IS I
6 10 8
6 16 ■

7' 4 0

6 17

7 8
6 14

i 10
4 811
•6 16

6 18
6 U
6U
6 IS
NU
NU

Vol. 7i). No. 2.

w. SEPTKMBER 22. 1916.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

881

THE BRITISH ASSOCIATION.— III.

One of the most notable meetings that took place
during the visit of the British Association to New-
castle-on-Tyne was that held jointly by the Engi-
neering and Chemistry Sections, on September 8th,
to consider the problem of fuel economy. Mr.
Ger.ald Sto.ney, president of the former section,
was in the chair.

The first report of the Committee appointed for
the lavestigation of Fuel Economy, the Utilisation
of Coal, and Smoke Prevention, was submitted; an
abstract of it is given below : —

The chief material basis of the great industrial and commer-
cial expansion of this country during the past century has
been its abundant supplies of easily obtainable coal, which,
until recent years, has given us a position of advantage over
all other countries. We can no longer claim any advantage in
this respect over our two closest competitors.

Up to the present we have been wasteful and improvident
in regard to our methods of getting and utilising coal; not
only are great economies in both these directions attainable,
but also the question of the general adoption of more scientific
methods in regard to these matters is one of vital import-
ance, in view of the trying period of economic recuperation
which will immediately succeed the war.

For some years before the war the average price of coal
at. the pithead had been decidedly on the up-grade, owing
chiefly to deeper workings, higher wages, and greater precau-
tions for ensuring the safety of the mines. The result of the
great coal strike of 1912, and the legislation which it pro-
voked, w'as to accentuate this tendency. And if, as seems
probable, prices continue to rise for some time after the war
at an accelerated rate, as compared with the pre-war period,
the question of the best utilisation of fuels will be of increas-
ing importance to the nation.

The fact that the available reserves of coal in Great Britain
only amount to about one-fortieth, whilst those of the whole
Empire do not amount to more than about one-fourth of the
world's estimated total, is one which ought to be brought home
to evei-yone responsible for the economic development of our
national and imperial resources, especially in view of the fact
that the United States, whose competition in the immediate
future will probably be much more severely felt than ever
before, possesses more than half the estimated world's coal,
and that also in regard to the two prime considerations of
quality and cost of production she probably compares favour-
ably with Great Britain and the Empire.

In the United States both the Government and the Univer-
sity of Illinois have, for some years past, conducted numerous
important chemical investigations and large-scale trials upon
the character of the principal American coal seams and their
adaptation for various economic ends, and in consequence
American manufacturers have at their disposal much more
complete and systematic infonnation about their country's
coal resources than is at present possessed by their British
competitors. Nor has Canada lagged behind her neighbour,
as is proved by the recent exhaustive " Investigation of the
Coals of Canada with reference to their Economic Qualities."
conducted at the McGill University, Montreal, under the
authority of the Dominion Government. No such comprehen-
sive investigations have ever been undertaken in this coun-
try, where they are much needed. The Committee is of
opinion that the example of the United States and Canada
might be followed with advantage to the indu.strial com-
munity by the Government of Great Britain, and that repre-
sentations should be made with the object of inducing the
t-k)vernment to provide adequate funds in aid of further
researches and investigations upon the chemical character of
the principal British coal seams, the best means for their
future development in the national interest, and upon prob-
lems of fuel economy, including the utilisation of all the by-
products obtainable from coal.

During the ten years' period immediately preceding the
outbreak of war the world's demands have continuously in-
creased at a compound interest rate of nearly 5 per cent, per
annum. These demands have been principally met by the
United States, Great Britain, and Germany, which, between
them, have hitherto annually i-aised 83 per cent, of the total
anthraK-ite and bituminous coals consumed in the world. Up
to the outbreak of the w-ar the coal output of the United
States was increasing annually at a compound interest rate
of about 6 per cent., that of Germany at about 4 per cent.,
whilst the British output was increasing at 2 per cent. only.
During the period 1910-14 the United States produced nearly
twice as much coal as Great Britain, and, assuming that
these relative rates of increa.se are maintained after the war,
it may be predicted that Germany's output of coal will over-
take that of Great Britain about 20 years' hence, when each
country will be producing some 420,000,000 tons per annum.

The public cannot be too often reminded that not only is
coal of prime importance as a fuel, but also that, when suit-
ably handled by the chemist, it yields very valuable by-
products, which are the raw materials of important industries.
There is no doubt that we in this country have not been
sufficientJy alive to the importance of recovering such by-

products from the raw coal raised in our mines, and that we
have been very much behind Gennany in this respect. Thus,
for example, whilst in the coking industry modern by-product
recovery plants had been universally installed years ago
throughout GeiTuany, we were, in 1913, still carbonising
about six and a half million tons of coal annually for metal-
lurgical coke in old-fashioned beehive ovens. Also, whereas
our total production of ammonia sulphate from coal was in
1913 about 318,000 tons, Germany produced nearly half a
miUion tons from a ~very much smaller output of coal.

Progress in fuel economy involves something more than
increased thermal efficiency in respect of power production
and of heating operations generally, important as these un-
doubtedly are. It also involves the whole question of the
better utilisation of our coal, including the recovery of by-
products and the consequent abohtion of the smoke nuisance,
which at present, directly and indirectly, costs the country
many million of pounds per annum.

There are two outstanding features in the history of the
British coal trade to which the Couunittee desires to draw
attention. One is the remarkably steady increase in the
total output of our mines, which^ since 1870, has been main-
tained at an almost uniform compound interest rate of 2 per
cent, per annum.

The second feature is the phenomenal growth of our
export trade, which, during the past 60 years, has increased
something like twenty-fold, both as regards the quantities and
the values of coal exported. Moreover, its value relative to
other values exported has, during the same period, increased
fourfold, until at the outbreak of war it constituted about
10 per cent, of our total exported values.

The proportion of the coal raised annually in the United
Kingdom which is exported has been doubled within the
past 35 years, trebled within half a century, and is still
increasing. Three factors have operated in producing this
result. One is the proximity of the finest coalfields to our
ports, another is the increased demands for coal from Europe
and South America, while a third has been the phenomenal
growth of our mercantile marine.

A vast amount of usable coal is left behind in the mine
because, under present individuahstic conditions, it does not
pay to bring it to the surface. A larger profit on the capital
of a colliery company can often be earned by working tbe
better classes of coal and leaving the less valuable grades
underground. According to figures issued in the Report of
the 1905 Royal Commission on Coal Supplies, this wastage
amounted to nearly 25 per cent, of the total raised in the
larger coalfields. "The question of checking this wastage by
finding out in what ways the less valuable grades can be
turned to good account commercially is one of supreme
national importance, and the Committee desires to draw
special attention to it. Much of the coal now left behind in
the mines ought to be converted into useful forms of energy
and products for public purposes, and one of the most ini-
portant aspects of the fuel-economy problem in Great Britain
is the devising and organising of means for making it possible
to raise this hitherto wasted coal at an economic advantage.

Coming now to the possible saving in the coal consumed
annually in this country at the outbreak of the war (nearly
200,000,iX)0 tons), the 1905 Royal Commission on Coal Supphes
found that the possible saving in our then annual coal consump-
tion (167,000,000 tons) amounted to between 40 and 60 miUion
tons. Notwithstanding the improved apparatus which has
been put into use in the best factories throughout the country
during the last ten years, the average result obtained for the
country as a whole still lags behind the best possible obtain-
able to-day in as great a proportion as it did in 1905. It will
be the business of this Committee to estirnate as nearly as
may be the present possible margin of saving, and to point
out the particular directions in which it can be attained from
a national point of view.

Organisation of the Committee's Work.

Having regard to the magnitude of its work, the original
Committee of 13 members appointed by the Association in
October, 1915, decided to exercise somewhat freely its powers-
of co-option, so as to make a general committee sufficiently
large and representative of all the important interests in-
volved, which for the more detailed and special study of
particular aspects of the fuel question resolved itself into
five sub-committees. .

The General Committee next appointed an Executive Com-
mittee, which could meet frequently in London for the dis-
cussion of matters relative to the organisation and co-ordina-
tion of the work of the Committee as a wnole. In all, 30
meetings have been held during the year. At the first nieet-
ing of the General Committee it was decided to organise a
series of conferences of manufacturers and others interested
in the fuel question in a number of the larger industrial
centres: six conferences have already been held, and were
productive of valuable information.

During the first year of its existence the attention of the
Committee has been fully occupied with questions of organi-
sation and a preliminary survey of the ground which must
be explored later on. Already several important lines of
investigation needing the co-operation of manufacturers have
been instituted and are well in hand, but the returns are in
most cases not yet sufficiently complete to justify pubUca-
tion in the report.

The Committee recommends that it be re-appointed to-
continue its investigations.

332

THE ELECTRICAL liEViEW. [Voi :.. n.,

M.l'l KMUKK -':;

TUii \\ OKK OF TUK SuE-CoMMirriiiis.

The Chcuiical and Statistical Sub-Committt'e (Dr. J. T.
Dunn, LliairmaD) is preparing a uifiuwanUuin and a biblio-
grapliy u()on tUe question of tlie cheiuistry ot coal, and is of
the opmiKii that tne tune has now arrned for a rc-iuvestiga-
tion of tlio subject. 8ome of its lueuihcis have uudertaKen
experuueutal work, with the object of providing a basis for
a more complete attack upon the subject in the near future.
The Sub-Gommittee is of the opinion that the time is ripe
for the organisation of a scheme of systematic co-operative
icsearch, aided by national funds.

The Sub-Committee is also compiling statistical inforina-
tiou relative to the different purposes for which coal is used,
-and proposes to inquire into the amount of wastage due to
coal which, for one reason or another, is at present left
behind in the pits.

The Carbonisation Sub-Committee (Mr. T. Y. Greener,
Chairman) stato.s that the total amount of coal carbonised in
this Kingdom for the manufacture of metallurgical coke or
for towns' gas in the year 191:3 was probably about 35 to 40
milhon tons, or approximately one-hfth of the total home
consumption of coal for all purposes. The total coal car-
bonised in gasworks would be about 18,200,000 tons. The
amount of ammonium sulphate produced by gasworks in that
time in the United Kingdom was officially given as 18'2,180
tons, which would represent an average yield of about 22.4 lb.
per ton of coal carbonised.

The amount of coal carbonised for the manufacture of
metallurgical coke in 1913 probably did not fall much short
of 20 million tons. The larger proportion was carbonised in
by-product ovens, producing, besides coke, tar, benzol, &c.,
some 133,816 tons of ammonium sulphate.

With regard to the coking industry, the Sub-Committee
has ah-eady undertaken steps to secure complete returns which
will enable it to arrive at an approximate estimate of the
margins of possible economies which can now be effected in
the coking industry. A memorandum is also in course of
preparation describing the more important developments of
the by-product coking industry, from its inception until the
present day.

With regard to gasworks practice, inquiries have been in-
stituted regarding the present practice in connection with the
manufacture of towns' gas; it is also intended later on to
consider the question of low-temp?rature carbonisation from
the point of view of its possible economic results.

The Metallurgical, Ceramic, and Refractory Materials Sub-
Committee (Dr. J. E. Stead, Chairman) finds that the amount
of coal consumed in metallurgical, ceramic, refractory
materials, and cognate industries probably amounts to
approximately 20 per cent, of the total home consumption.
Of this, probably about three-fourths must be debited to the
iron and steel industries.

The Sub-Committee has taken steps ,to obtain data from
some of the larger manufacturers of pig iron, spiegeleisen,
ferro-manganese, &c., throughout the Kingdom. A descrip-
tion will be given of the best methods now available for the
utiUsation of the surplus gases from a modem blast furnace.

In like nianner a series of questions relative to fuel con-
sumptions in steelworks has been prepared for circulation
among the larger steel plants in the Kingdom. The Sub-Com-
mittee will endeavour to draw up a statement as to the best
lay-out and arrangement of a combined by-product coking,
iron-smelting, and steel-making plant from the point of view
of utihsing as completely as possible surplus gases and waste
heat, and thus realising the maximum fuel economy in the
heavy-steel industry.

Similar inquiries will be instituted in regard to present-day
practice and results in relation to iron foundries, manufacture
■oi wrought iron, specialised steel industries, and the ceramic
industry. All information communicated to it by individual
manufacturers will be regarded as confidential.

The Power and Steam Raising Sub-Committee (Mr. C. H.
Merz, Chairman) has decided to deal with the subject under
the following heads : —

1. To consider (a) the amount of fuel consumed, and (6)
the corresponding power developed in the United Kingdom
under the following heads : Factories, mines, railways, ships,
and steam raising for other purposes than power.

2. To consider the present position of central electrical
power plants and gas undertakings as regards power supply.

3. To discuss the relative merits of the present methods for
producing power by steam, gas, oil, and petrol engines res-
pectively.

4. To investigate the possible saving of fuel which might be
■effected (a) by improved plant, (b) by greater centralisation
of power production, (c) by co-ordination with metallurgical
and other manufacturing processes, (d) by some measure of
public control, {e) by better supervision, and (/) by the use
of inferior grades of fuel which are at present wasted.

While, on account of the magnitude of the subject and the
amount of investigation involved, it is not possible at present
to submit any report, it may be mentioned that information
has been sought as to the amount of fuel consumed and the
corresponding power developed, in official publications.

The average figure of 5 !b. of coal per h. p. -hour which was
given in the Report of the Royal Commission on Coal Sup-
plies in 190.5 probably did not exaggerate the actual consump-
tion at that time.

In view of the impossibility of obtaining accurate returns
of fuel consumption per H.P-.-hour from the whole of the

power usi'rs in this country, it has been decided to investi-
gate the matter by asking for detailed returns from typical
factories in various trades and in diUerent districts through-
out the country, selected by members of the Sub-Committee
who have spec-ial knowledge of particular trades.

Si>ecial memoranda are in course of preparation on ques-
tions of organisation of power production for industrial and
transiwrt purposes, the use of large turbine and gas engines,
and other important aspects of the power question.

The Domestic Kuel Sub-Coi«mittee (Mr. E. D. Simon,
Chairman) states that the amount of coal actually consumed
for domestic purixises in the United Kingdom probably docs
iiot fall far short of 30 million tons per annum — nearly one-
fifth of the total consumption for all purposes in the United
King(lyin. To this would have to bo added the " coiil equiva-
lent " of the gas and electricity consumed for domestic pur-
poses, if a correct estimate of the total domestic coal con-
sumption was to be made. The Royal Commission of 1905
estimated that 50 per cent, of the coal consumed for domestic
purposes might be saved by the installation of better appli-
ances, so that there is clearly a vast. field for economy.

The whole question of domestic uses of fuel bristles with
difficulties and comphcations. It would appear that the
kitchen is responsible for the greater part of our annual
domestic fuel bill, and, therefore, the question of the relative
efficiencies of kitchen ranges, gas and electric cookers, and
hot-water supply apparatus assumes considerable importance.

The selection or recommendation of particular means or
apparatus for domestic heating cannot always be based simply
upon the question of thermal efficiency, because it also in-
volves considerations of a physiological and even of a psycho-
logical character. Thus, for example, systems of central heat-
ing which have been recommended on grounds chiefly of
thermal efficiency, and which are so universally u.sed in
America and on the Continent, are not usually acceptable to
the average Englishman, who undoubtedly prefers to be
warmed by the radiation from a bright fire.

This being so, the Sub-Committee feels that it will be wise
to recognise at the outset that there is probably no single
.solution of the domestic heating problem which is likely to
be universally adopted within any measurable period of time;
and that, therefore, it .should preferably concentrate its efforts
upon questions of more immediate practical importance.

The Sub-Committee has arranged for experiments to be
carried out with the object of detennining how to produce
in a given room suitably warm and healthy conditions at a
minimum cost and with a minimum production of smoke,
and how such conditions may be defined for any particular
room. Also, experimental work is being earned out upon the
relative efficiencies of coal fires, gas fires, electric heaters, and
the like.

The Sub-Committee will also consider the important ques-
tion of the prospects of substituting for raw coal some foi-m
of carboni.sed fuel (semi-coke or coke). There can be no doubt
that if such a substitution could be elTected, without either
increasing the domestic coal bill or involving some other dis-
advantage, not only would there be a great addition to the
amount of valuable by-products annually obtained from coal
consumed in the Kingdom, but also the smoke nuisance in
our large centres of population would be materially reduced.

Prof. Bone, in submitting the report, said the subject was
such a wide one that it was obvious that the field had first
to be carefully surveyed before any serviceable work in detail
could be accomplished. Further, it was useless to arrive at
anything like definite conclusions without doing a great deal
of public educational work ; consequently they had not
reached a very advanced stage at present. He asked that the
committee might be re-appointed. He did not think that those
concerned in the question would ever relapse into that state of
apathy that prevailed before. He mentioned that the committee
had grown so large as to number 45 persons, and it had been
decided to have a small executive committee which could
meet regularly in order to deal with questions as they turned
up, and between the rather long intervals at which the
general committee could meet. The Executive was composed
of gentlemen either living in London or regularly attending
in London, and it was proposed that they should meet fort-
nightly.

Dr. J. T. Dunn, as chairman of the Chemistry and Statis-
tical Sub-Committee, pointed out that the analyses of coal-
gave hardly any infoi-mation of the chemical nature of coal, -
and that it was important that workers on that subject •
should collaborate. . '

Dr. J. E. Stead, F.R.S., .said that his Committee (the
Metallurgical, Ceramic and Refractory Materials Sub-Commit-
tee) had set out a great many questions for manufacturers to
answer, and it had been thought advisable that all answers
should be regarded as absolutely private and confidential,
and dealt with by Dr. Bone. It would be premature to say
anything about results at present. It was hoped that in a
year's time there would be something definite to report.

Sir Hugh Bell opened the general discussion. He said
that the increases in the output of coal proved the late Ijord
Armstrong's prophecy to have been wrong in the first decade
after it was made — 53 years ago — and his own opinion in 1893
that the increase could not go on also was entirely wrong.
Again, however, he thought it might be safely as.sumed that
the very remarkable increment shown by the figures of 1911
and of 1913 could not be continued. Yet those who looked

Vol. 71.. No. 2,02.;, September 22, liHG.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

333

back over any considerable number of years would agree that
had they been told of the thinness of coal seams now worked
successfully, they would have rubbed their eyes in amaze-
ment. Five or six years ago Sir William Ramsay made a
suggestion that one could not set aside without examination.
Accordingly, he placed himself in communication with Sir
William, and told him that he would place at his disposal a
seam of coal that would be eminently fitted to the experi-
ment suggested. .\ considerable sum of money was spent
in preparation, and in an installation for trying an experi-
ment. Unfortunately, the illness and death of Sir William
put an end to the experiment, but the apparatus was in siiu,
and if any person had imagination and daring, as had Sir
William, he would be very happy to put it at his disposal.
The consumption of coal at the pit was a very attractive
problem, and the consumption of a seam of coal actually
in situ more attractive still. But were it possible to con-
sume the thinner seams of coal which at the present moment
were inextractable, and which in all probability never could
be extracted except in the fonn of the denser gases, it would
add very greatly to the prospects of those who advocated the
transmission of energy from the colliery itself.

Prof. Louis criticised the chemists for not having done
more than they had in a matter of such importance. The
chemists blamed the engineers for not saving the 2 per cent,
of nitrogen, but did not reflect that they could have as much
atmosphere with 80 per cent, nitrogen as they wanted for
nothing. As to by-products, would it not be possible to
utilise small, coals and other waste coal products for the
synthetic production of those compounds? At Bamsley only
the " hards " were extracted, leaving at least one-third of the
coal in the mine, while in Nottingham they screened the
coal, leaving behind all that was smaller than li in. Never-
theless, a great deal of the waste was rather a problem for
the chemist than the engineer, for the colliery manager was
willing to turn his products into money if he were shown
how to do it.

Sir Ch.\rle3 A. P.4RS0NS said economy in the generation of
electricity from coal lay chiefly in the size of the units. Now
was the time to see how the efficiency of the country might
be improved.

Dr. Ddgald Clerk stated thai; at the present rate of con-
sumption the duration of an industrial civilisation based on
coal and oil fuel could only be about 5,000 years. Before we
could expand the duration of the industrial civilisation of
Great Britain beyond .500 years,- we must drastically enforce
various economies. The consumption of coal for motive power
could be redu»ed without any great dilficulty, by sufficient
capital exi>enditure, from 5 lb. perH.P. as at present at least
to Ij lb. per H.P. In regard to heating, we .should have to
go in for more steam heating, the working of waste heat
electric lighting stations, and an increased use of hydraulic
power.

Prof. H. B. Dixon said the report of the Committee was a
tentative one, and gave suggestions for future work. They
would not at once persuade people to give up the open fire
altogether, though they would endeavour to show that the
open fire could be used with great economy if properly con-
structed and properly worked. They had al-so taken statistics
in several large towns of the amount of soot poured into the
atmosphere, and they must admit that the domestic fire Was
a great offender. More than one-fifth of the smoke came
from house chimneys, and he thought it was a more difficult
problem to stop the domestic supply of smoke than that from
indu.strial sources. The vast problem of extracting the nitro-
gen, benzene, and toluol in coal must be attacked if we were
to have a great chemical industry in this country; the engi-
neers and chemists should work together for that great object.

Dr. Des V.aux, of the Smoke Abatement Society, detailed
the steps taken in London, which he thought had made
I/ondon fog a thing of the past. Smoke was a sign of ineffi-
ciency, and they were proving to the manufacturers that to
prevent it meant money in their pockets.

Dr. E. F. Armstrong gave some figures .show-ing the saving
of fuel by scientific management of the fuel departments of
factories, and suggested that the Committee should urge on
large con.sumers the advisability of engaging scientific men
to control the coal departments. Large consumers would save
the salary paid over and over again. The mo.st stringent
factor making for economy was the increa-sed cost of coal.

Mr. Stromeyer atti-ibuted the improvement in London
atmosphere to the efforts of the Smoke Abatement Society
and electric lighting. The smoke that damaged window cur-
tains and .so on in London came not from outside, but from
the fumes of the gas consimied within, and the present'
cleanliness was, due largely to the electric light. The Man-
che.ster Steam Users' Association had carried out about 400
experiments on coke consumption, and had sent men through
the county to show how stokina should be done. Over-
working of the boiler was a fruitful cause of factory smoke.

Col. Blackett, speaking as a coal producer, said they had
been asked to produce too much coal at too cheap a rate, and
much had been wasted. He made an offer to the chemists
that the producers would supplv them with the small coal
if the chemists themselves would produce the by-products ;
but ordinary collieries could not start chemical factories.

Prof. IlENnRRSON, speaking on the domestic a.spect of the
question, said that smokeless fuel was one of the certainties
of the future. The Committee would no doubt consider care-
fully low temperature distillation with the object of produc-

ing smokeless fuel, it would solve very largely the question
of smoke abatement.

Prof. Bone said the wastage occurring in the pits, accord-
ing to the estimate of 1905, amounted to 25 per cent, of the
total raised. The question of checking this wastage was of
supreme national importance. The Committee would wel-
come an actual estimate of the margin of coal economy that
could be effected by better management of existing plant, as
mentioned by Dr. Armstrong. The Committee knew several
instances in which competent men had been engaged at a
good salary; money spent in that direction was saved ten
times over, and he believed that in many cases it was the
only way in w-hich the fuel bill could be systematically kept
down. Electrical methods were going to play a much more
important part in the future than in the past, and the elec-
trical power and distribution questions were of increasing
importance.

The Chairman said that the greatest fuel economy would
be effected if some other source of power than coal could be
obtained. He did not feel at all sure but that in the near
future coal might be superseded.

Mr. Merz's paper on "Electric Power Distribution," of
which we gave an abstract in our last issue, was then read.

Sir Arthur Evans, President of the Association, said he
had been very much impressed by the paper, and by the
work that the Engineering Section, in conjunction with the
Chemistry Section, had been doing, because he felt that of
a'l the good work done at the meeting of the Association, it
was that, perhaps, which in some practical ways was the most
inportant.

Mr. R. P. Sloan read a paper on fuel economy,
of which an abstract follows:- —

Fuel Economy on the North-East Coast.

By E. P. Sloan
EiECTKic power supply, though of comparatively recent
development, has already had a marked effect upon the indus-
tries of the Noi-th-East Coast. There is now, apart from the
power companies, practically speaking no coal burned on the
Tyne for power purposes, except by the railways and chernical
factories and some collieries. Many collieries depend entirely
upon electricity supphed from the Newcastle and Dorham
electric power companies' combined system for all their power
requii-ements, and as a result of the adoption of electric trac-
tion, the suburban railway traffic facilities of Newcastle are
more ample than those of any other town of similar size.

New industries have been established in the district purely
because of the cheap power available, and extensive utilisa-
tion has been made of the waste heat and gases existing in
the area, for the production of electrical energy. Several small,
and therefore uneconomical, generating stations— rnunicipal and
company — have been shut down, and the electrical distribu-
tion systems which they supplied have been connected up to
the power supply companies' system.

In coal, iron, and shipbuilding the North-East Coast figures
represent respectively and approximately one-fifth, one-third,
and one-half of the nation's output.

It was early realised that the more completely the electrical
wants of the whole community could be met, the more
cheaply could a supply of electricity be given and the more
stable "would the electric supply industry become.

The extent of the area served by the power companies
(1,400 square miles) necessitated the generation of electricity
at a pressure and in a form facilitating transmission over
long distances, while the nature of the market to be catered
for made it essential that the current should be produced as
cheaply as possible. This, in turn, involved the use of exten-
sive sites with ample coal and water facilities for the main
coal-fired power stations, which were erected to deal with
such portions of the load as could not be supplied with elec-
trical energy generated by waste heat. The distance between
the northern and southern extremities of the transmission
systm is 70 miles, and it is now possible to obtain electricity
on the same system as regards frequency and voltage through-
out practically the whole of the area. The main trans-
mission and distribution system is 3-phase with a frequency
of 40 cycles per second, and the working pressure is 20,000
volts.

The capacity of plant installed represents about one-ninth
of the total plant installed in public supply stations in the
United Kingdom, but as the North-East Coast power com-
panies are working at a better load factor, the electricity
actually generated is about one-fifth. The total power at
present being supplied is 343,000 h.p.

Though the extension of the power supply system has been
rapid, its development and the growth of its profit-earning
capacity were considerably delayed by the work which had
to be done from time to time, and the .sacrifices that had to
be made, to secure uniformity of system.

Throughout the area under consideration there are now
only three pubUc .supply stations not conforming to the stan-
dard system and frequency, viz., those of the Sunderland,
South Shields, and Darlington Corporations.

By taking full advantage of the best coal and water facilities
available, by installing plant of a capacity much in excess
of that which any individual manufacturer, however large,
could adopt, and by catering for all c!a.s.ses of consumers,
thereby securing a diversity of load with a resulting con-
stancy of output and so utilising the plant installed to the

:«i

THE ELiECTKiCAli Itiii \ iJi \V . [v,.i.

■•KriEMBEK L'2, ll'lll.

best i>ossililf ai]v;iiita{^e, with the aid ot a highly skilled tecli-
nical stair the power companies have secured an efficiency
of productioD much greater than that practicable to any
manufacturer producing power merely as an auxiliary to his
main business.

By IWS there was not a single finn of shipbuilders or engi-
neers on the north bank of the Tyne which did not take 95
per cent, of its power from the company. To-day the propor-
tion is probably higher still. Taking the whole area as
legards the engineermg trades as distinct from collieries and
iron and steel works, from 7.5 to t^O per cent, of the power
is supplied from the ixiwer companies' system.

Since the electrification of the Newcastle suburban railway
system the train service has been more than doubled and the
schedule speed improved by 20 per cent. More recently the
North-Eastern Railway Co. have electrified some 50 miles of
track on their Shildoii-Newport route, which carries the heavy
mineral traffic between the coalfields of South-West Durham
and the blast furnaces and ironworks of the Middlesbrough
district. No special generating station has been built, the
whole of the current required being suppUed by the power
companies, w'hose e.\isting mains are tapped at two points
where they touch the railway.

The supply of electrigity to coal mines has now reached a
high stjige of development. It is estimated that, apart from
the smaller colliery suppUes, pits having an output of over
20,000,000 tons of coal per annum now depend upon the
power companies for their power supply. It is estimated, in
the case of collieries, that at least 75 per cent, of the coal
previously used for power purposes has been saved as a
result of burning it at the economical generating stations of
the power companies instead of each pit generating its own
power; this is equivalent to a saving of at least 1,000,000 tons
of coal per annum.

The counties of Northumberland and Durham and the
North Riding of Yorkshire produce some 7,500,000 tons of
coke per annum. The bulk of this used to be made in the
old-fashioned beehive ovens, but during the last decade the
retort type of oven has made rapid progress on account of
its increased coke yield and the value of the by-products
recoverable. The waste heat from these ovens and from the
blast furnaces, and the exhaust steam from blowing engines,
in the Cleveland district, form a considerable source of power.
I^ocal generating stations established where such surplus
power is available feed into the main power companies' sys-
tem in parallel with the five main generating stations of the
power campanies; they are run so that they each supply the
maximum amount of energy possible, all regulating being
done by the main power stations, which also act as stand-by
against any breakdown. The power company, having a
market for current ' many times greater than the output of
any individual waste-heat station, is able to run such stations
continuously at their maximum output capacity, so utilising
completely all the current that can be produced therein.

There are now 11 waste-heat stations in operation in the
North-East Coast area, and the waste heat available is suffi-
cient for the generatfon of an amount of power very con-
siderably in excess of that required by the colliery owners.
During the year 1915, two stations alone turned out '40,000,000
units, of which only 10,000,000, or 25 per cent., were required
for the working of the collieries, the remaining 30,000,000
units being delivered into the mains of the power supply
company.

The total coal saving due to utilisation of waste heat on the
North-East Coast now amounts to some 150,000 tons per
annum.

There can be no doubt that a proper appreciation of the
enormous economies which may be effected by the avoidance
of inefficient and wasteful separate power installations, and
by the poohng, not only of all power requirements of all
kinds, but also of all power-producing plants, into one inter-
connected power supply system in each industrial district,
will be one of the most important factors in that general
development of the country's industries which we are all
hoping to see.

Mr. W. B. WooDHODSE (Dewsbury) said that the greatest
stimulus^ that could be given to the economical use of coal
was to increase its price, and that stimulus had not been
wanting during the last 20 years, as. apart from periods of
disturbance, the average price of coal at the pit mouth had
steadily increased. Despite this, the progress made towards
economy had not been rapid, very largely because of a lack
of co-operation between the interests involved. To increase
the rate of progre.ss some further incentive to economy
seemed necessary, and it was suggested that a tax should be
imposed on all raw coal, that is, on all coal mined, and that
the proceeds should be utilised for the development of fuel
economy in its national a.spect. There was an excellent
precedent for such a tax in the application of the proceeds
of the petrol tax for the purposes of the Road Board. As the
essence of all economical fuel processes was carbonisation,
and the extraction of residuals before combustion, it would
seem reasonable to remit the tax on all coal so carbonised.
Of an annual output of 270 million tons, some 30 milUon tons
were carboni.sed, leaving some 240 million tons per annum
on which the tax wwild be imposed. A tax of Id. per ton
would produce fl,OUO,000 per annum, and if this tax were
steadily increased year by year up to, say, Is. per ton. it
would act as an increasing .stimulus to economy, whilst
giving time for developments to be made. The increasing

cost of coal and ol its carriage had anotlier aspect; the dearer
coal became, the less profitable it was to carry inferior coals
long distances. Carbonisation of coal and the use of low-
grade fuels would for this reason be carried on most econo-
mically in the various coalfields. The development of car-
bonisation must therefore go hand in hand with that of
power distribution by means of electricity, and, fortunately,
there were organisations at work to this end in the shape of
the power companies. What had been done on the North-
East Coast under the guidance of Mi-. Charles Mcrz could
be, and was being, done in other industrial areas of the
country. The rate of development could be enormously in-
creased by a future co-operation between the t^ial owners,
the steel makers, and the power companies. In the area of
the Yorkshire Power Co., with which he was most familiar,
there were some 400 collieries producing about 40,000,000 tons
pe/ year. The co-operation of these collieries would bring
about three things : an increase of the amount of coal car-
bonised, the utihsation of low-grade fuels, and a reduction of
the cost of power. If all the coal burnt at the various col-
lieries for their own power were properly used, it would
produce a .surplus of electrical energy more than sufficient to
drive all the textile mills in Yorkshire. A commencement
with that co-operation had been made, and the Yorkshire
Co., besides supplying a large number of collieries, were
producing a portion of their power from coke-oven gas. By
the end of this year it was anticipated that a further interest-
ing development would be completed, namely, the co-opera-
tion of the company with works employing a low-temperature
process of carbonisation, which would not only supply a
lai'ge quantity of fuel gas, but also would produce a smoke-
less fuel for domestic purposes. That process was of special
iii'portance in view of the definite limit which must be set
to the production of furnace coke, and to the large yield of
certain distillates. Finally, on the point of the use of power
for industrial purpo.ses, taking the country as a whole, not
more than one-tenth of the power used for industrial pur-
poses was supplied by public electricity supply undertakings.
He added that the use made of machinery in this country
was capable of great development, and with it the produc-
tive output of each workman. In the United States the
power used per workman in a large number of industries
was three times as great as in this country. The field for
development was therefore enormous. Power companies had
been in operation for over ten years, and their progress had
been retarded to a large extent by municipal indifference and
opposition. For example, there were still in the Yorkshire
area 12 municipalities with electricity supply systems. AU
of these were working independently of one another, and,
with one exception, independently of the power company.
There w-as a clear negation of a fundamental principle of
power supply, and it could not be wondered at that the power
user had been reluctant to accept a principle which had com-
mended itself so little to the electrical industry itself. Fortu-
nately, there was a new spirit abroad, and the prospects of
closer and more harmonious working seemed greater than
they had ever been, for some 24 smaller undertakings were
acting only as distributing agents, leaving the generation of
power to the company.

Mr. McLadrin (Glasgow) said that the chemists had already
shown engineers a condition under which by-products could
be obtained, and to his mind it was an engineering as well
as a chemical problem, and one for co-operation. The 2 per
cent, of nitrogen contained in the fuel was not a matter to
be talked about lightly, because if they turned that into
ammonia it might, roughly, be worth about 16s. ; they might
never take the whole percentage of nitrogen out of coal, but
they might take out about W to 100 lb. of ammonia, which
at Id. per lb. gave 8s. Then they could turn to the oil. Ordi-
nary coal would contain from 15 to 25 gallons of oil that
could be recovered, and cannel coal would contain 30 to 40
gallons of oil. These figures were realisable. He was asked
by a colliery if he could handle cannel containing 30 or 40
per cent, of a.sh. The colliery was actually using 100 tons per
week, but the boilers had not anything like a draught sufficient
to bum coal with such a large percentage of ash, and the
greater part of the oil went up the chimney. It was found,
however, that by putting this through the producer they
never used more than 80 tons of coal, and they got out of it
about 40 gallons of oil and 40 lb. of ammonia. They found
also that two boilers with gas would do the work of three
with coal. Taking ordinary coal, he thought he was per-
fectly safe in saying that they returned to the boiler 66 to
75 per cent, of the energy in the fuel. They were taking
away about 30 per cent., but they returned for that 20 to 40
gallons of oil, and also obtained 40 to 60 lb. of ammonia,
and with proper means he believed it could have been brought
up to KX) lb. If they took ammonia at Id. per lb. and took
60 lb. they got 5s., and if they valued the oil at 3d. per gallon,
and took 20 gallons, they got 5s. ; there was 10s. returned for
about 30 per cent, of their coal, so the problem was well
worth tackling. At Glasgow they were di-stilling the coal
not by external but by internal heat. The oil they obtained
was different from anything he had had experience of. It
was a crude oil they got from the oil retort, but it would dry
on wood very rapidly, making a varnish or furniture pohsh.
It also dried on glass like linseed oil. The oil could be
sejarated into two distinct portions. One was suitable for
lubricating oil, and he had been offered 8d. a gallon for it
if he could raise the flash point. He concluded that there

No. 2,n2fi, September 22. VMfi.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

8B5

was a big field lor inquiry into these oils, for they were quite
different from anything he knew.

Mr. CH.4MEN said the point he wished to speak about arose
out of Mr. Merz's paper, and concerned the question of co-
operation or joint working bet\ieen different companies and
municipal supphers. The Board of Trade some little time ago
issued a circular that it was desirable to link up undertakings,
and a joint committee was fonned, with live members of
each Association and two secretaries. They had had several
meetings, and had advanced almost to a point where they
hoped to take actual steps in the provinces. These two asso-
ciations represented power companies on the one hand, and
municipal undertakings on the other, and it was a point of
some significance that they had been able to meet together
and come to a practically unanimous conclusion. While they
were quite unanimous that there must not be any interfer-
ence between the areas held by municipalities and those held
by companies, whether power or provisional order companies,
yet the question of linking-up power stations in those areas
could by common consent be quite well and most advan-
tageously dealt with. They had fonned a scheme whereby
the country was divided into a certain number of areas, and
they hoped to get those areas to foiTn committees of the
■ engineers interested in the generation of electricity to con-
sider the whole question themselves. The object of the Com-
mittee had been, so to say, to get spontaneous action. They
felt it a disgrace that electrical industries in this country
should require anything in the nature of coercion by legisla-
tion. They thought that to a large extent powers for linking-
up existing generating stations were available, and that it
should not be necessary, unless in a special case, to go to
Parliament at all. If they could bury the deadly hatchet —
•company against municipal enterprise — they hoped to suc-
ceed in getting some of the economies Mr. Merz had clearly
shown to be possible by connecting up generating stations.
It had been done already in some cases, and it had proved to
be possible to make considerable savings in the fuel used,
neither party having had to shut down his whole station ;
by agreement come to between them, one would work one
week, including the week-end, and the other w'ould take
only the peaks, or such loads as the running station was not
able to take for the time being. Then during the next week
a change-over was made, and in that way it had been found
possible to work linked up without any money passing at
all. It was not likely that that result could always be
obtained, but in that case it was obtained. His Committee
desired him to speak at that meeting to let the pubhc know
that spontaneous effort was being made, anfl they hoped that
a good deal more would be heard about it shortly. He would
like to draw attention to one thing that required almost
immediate attention in legislation, and that was that if they
were to accomplish the linking-up of generating stations, and
put in these big mains, they wanted something more in the
way of statutory powers. At the present time all electricity
undertakings had jKiwer to make agreements with land-
owners and property owners for the consti-uction of mains
on their property, either overhead or underground, but no
electricity undertaking had power to go on to land. The
landlord had an absolute veto. Most landlords, he was thank-
ful to say, had been, on the whole, reasonable, but occa-
sionally the landlord had put his f(K)t down and said, " No,
I won't let you go." and they had no remedy. The Post
Office had experienced the same difficulty, and had an Act
passed putting their position right, and what it was
possible for the Post Office to do was surely, in the interests
of the nation as a whole, possible for the electrical power
•■supply industries also.

Mr. Chattock said it was apparent from what had been
«aid that the greatest economy in the use of coal could be
obtained by the gasification of coal and the recovery of its
Tjy-products, and it had been demonstrated that it was per-
fectly possible to run electricity generating stations by gas-
fired boilers, in fact greater economy could be obtained by
this means than by the burning of raw coal. From what
tad been done in this direction by members it was obvious
"that the amount of work in handling coal in that way was
"Very much greater than at present in burning raw" coal.
Dealing with by-products would requne a business in itself,
-and it was, he thought, hardly fair to ask the electrical in-
dustry to take on this duty in addition to that of supplying
•electricity; it seemed to him that the handling of coal in that
"way should be undertaken by some other body \A'hich should
te primarily occupied with that alone, and that the gene-
rating of electrical energy should be distinct from the other.
They would have to work in close touch with each other, but
he saw no reason why both businesses should not be kept
•distinct, both from the financial and operating point of view.
Possibly an association could be formed for handling coal
■for the production of by-products, an association, perhaps,
of coalowners and u.sers of by-products. They might all be
represented and have .statutory powers given them. Elec-
trical energy was applicable to practically all puriwses for
which coal was used at present, .so that there was no reason
W'hy energy should not be made available for the public in
an electrical form, so long as it did not cost the public any
more than at present.

Mr. HlGHFiELD said they were really considering two
problem.s— the better use of coal and the obtaining of other
inaterials from it. He thought that the discussion had shown
tiiat if they were to obtain those two results the coal must

be used on as large a scale as possible, and that involved the
use of electricity to distribute it.- The electrical people were
already at work on the problem, with the idea of enabling
the original small centres to be joined up so as gradually to
work towards large centres. Dr. de Ferranti had pointed
that out as long ago as 1880, and the chief reason why action
had not been taken was legislation. Other nations had been
allowed to get six years start of us, for the early legislation
was of the most faulty description. The question of by-
products was, he thought, an economic . one, and would be
solved by careful collaboration between the chemist and the
engineer. It was said that our coal supply could only keep
us going for 500 years, and that something ought to be done
to consei've it as a national possession. If they looked at the
question in that way they -would have to consider how much
they were going to spend in the way of capital and improve-
ments to consei-ve that valuable material. He did not think
it had been proved that large sums of public money should
be spent on coal saving, unless it was perfectly clear that full
interest could be earned on the money laid out in that direc-
tion. ■ , -.,

Dr. DUGALD Clerk said that though he agreed with Mr.
Merz, the thing that they must have chief regard to was the
good of the country, and not any particular good that might
accrue to any particular individual. But in that case, if Mr.
Merz succeeded too hurriedly they (the gas-engine builders)
would be wiped out of existence. (Laughter.) If they could
distribute power in the way suggested they would get it
cheaper, and that w^ould be a national service. If Mr. Merz
succeeded at once, then the coal-gas industries would be gone.
But he thought they would find that we were a people of
compromise; we never took a complete logical scheme, and he
therefore still hoped that the gas engine and the steam tm-bine
might be able to exist together.

Prof. Bone said that so many and such varied points had
been made that he would ask them to excuse him attempting
to summarise the discussion. The Association should be
well satisfied with the results of the Committee's first year's
work. Thev wanted to make their effort in the coming year
as fruitful "as possible, in order that next year they might
submit a report of a more final character.

AN AMERICAN HOMILY ON ELECTRICAL
OROANISATION.

Ol;r trans-Afhmtic friends have a way of expressing themselve.';
which is all theh' own. For the characteristicaliy American
comments which follow, we are indebted to a recent issue of
the Eli'ctrifal Reciew and Western Electrician. We leave them in
the pure and unadulterated original form as selected by our con-
temporary from the house organ of the Trumbell Electric Manu-
facturing- Co. We agree with our contemporary that they contain
food for thought, though, by gum, some of it may requu-e a good
deal of chewing. Some of the remarks are, of course, platitudes, but-
others are very suggestive, and not confined in their application to
the other side of the Atlantic. Our exchange, in introducing the
contribution, says : —

" It is generally conceded Ihat at the close of the European war
there will be necessary a complete readjustment of trade condi-
tions and a concerted effort on the part of American manufacturers
to meet the keen competition which will arise. The gospel of
co-operation is an old story to the electrical industry, but at no
time is co-operation in its fullest sense more essential than at
present."

The one real thing that awes a politician is organisation. Personal
appeals or opinions roll from the average political back as water
from the duck.

Organisation is collective co-operation.

A collection of men who assemble under a name is not an organi-
sation unless there be a tie that binds — co-operation (the give and
take") is that tie.

Members of a given association no more form an organisation
than do members of a town unless the spirit and sense of
community interest impresses itself upon their business thoughts
and acts.

There is a lot of hocus-pocus about many alleged organisations.

Standardisation is the essence of organisation.

Common counsel must prevail and local prejudices must be
subordinated. General concern must strongly influence private
interests and considerations, if an organisation is lo accomplish its
ends. The possible or even assured individual benefit of to-day
must yield to the co-operative benefits of the future if any organi-
sation is to accomplish more than a negation of its objects.

We have a number of organisations among the various branches
of the electripal field — among jobbers, contractors, central stations,
engineers, and manufacturers.

Each has an object — many objects. Each has its needs, demands,
hopes, faults, advantages, handicaps, and virtues. Each is pro-
mulgated to help its members through common cormsel, and to
exchange experiences and opinions.

A large part of the value of each such organisation is subjective
rather than objective.

There is more work to do towards the self-improvement of the
meiubership than in an endeavour to control the doings of those in
allied departments of the field.

The jobbers have about all they can do to make themselves the

336

THE ELECTRICAL KEVIEW. [Vol. -l.. No. 2,02.5, September 22, l-.U.-,.

Kreat selling powers of the electrical iield without tryin-r to lay
down too many laws for manufacturers.

Contrac'.ors have too much to do in difTtfing: out business, jfcttinsr
out and doin^ their work and cleanin^f out the kerb-stone element
to fisrht the jobber or "cuss out" the manufacturer.

The minufiicturer has a vivst field to cover alonpr lines of
standarilisution of lines, lists, methods, and problems of distribu-
tion without tryin>? to play the part of Moses to the jobber and
contractor.

Tht>oretically there should be no conflict worth mentioninjr
b;>t ween the.se three divisions in the electrical field. In fact, the
ideal organisation would be that which combined and functional ised
all three of these branches (with the central stations added) into
one bij; cooperatinjr whole. But heaven is not yet upon earth.

If the lUfferont branches can work tojrether towards better
understanilin-r of, and respect for, each other, heaven will be
approaching,' us. Old and new firms, larfre and small firms, should
m >et in common counsel and with mutual respect.

Of oursf. this all sounds very nice.

There are sohk^ methods and men you cannot respact and will
not tolerate. They shjuld not b? permitted in an org-anisation
which stands for other, thinjrs.

I have Seen jobbers try stunts that would make their fellows in
the jobbing' ^am;; " sick abad." When one plays a mean trick on a
manufacturer, or on a contractor, he is automatically an enemy to
his fellow jobber, and they should censor him more severely than do
the men he has ill-treated.

Internal, mutual discipline is as important in an organisation as
is the mutual exchan-re of courtesy.

Manufacturers who i}?nore trade standards and disrupt legiti-
mate b'lsiness conditions, or try so to do, become automatically the
enemy of every department in the field, because every department,
in the end. is adversely affected.

Back of a very large percentage of trouble arising between
members of an organisation can be traced the lack of cost
knowledge.

Particularly is this true among manufacturers.

But when we contemplate the action of certain jobbers and con-
tractors, we feel that their own particular divisions have much to
contend with on this line.

The cost of doing business is only one factor.

Business organisations need to realise that conditions are changing
r.ipidly -never to be the same again. There is no in atatu qua.

There are still those among jobbers, contractors and manu-
facturers who refuse to recognise the changes that time has brought,
and will continue to bring, and who desire to be let alone to do
business in the same old way. and who spend time inveigling against
laws and restrictions, supervision and control, and other conditions
come to stay.

This all applies in its modified form to the electrical industry.
For years profits were large— demand no greater than supply—
■whereas to-day (barring the present conditions which, we all know,
are temporary), there is plenty of supply, plenty of copper (don't
worry), whereas to-day profits are strictly normal or subnormal —
the field is plenty crowded.

We men must be prepared for the readjustment days to come— we
must keep our credit sound, keep our leaks closed, and be ready to
face new conditions through which the all-equipped and financially
weak member cannot navigate.

Our various associations must be organising, teaching bodies, and
we must prepare to meet world compatition and readjustment of we
know not what a nature - "after the war."

Gr.

NEW PATENTS APPLIED FOR, 1916.

(NOT YET PCBLI8HED).

Published expres.sly for this
Elcctric.ll Patent Agents
Livcrpoo! and Bradford.

12.487. " Magn.'tic compasses
S. G. Starlvg. September 4th

12,49C. " .M.nrm for automaticallv
rent." J. W. YoeNC. September 4th

12..505. " Radio-telephone transmilti-
4th (U.S..^., September 4th, 1915.)

12.517. " Drv batteries." Rkiti.sh
September 4tii.

jcurn.-.l by .Mes.,rs. W. P. Thompson & Co .
2a5. Hii^h Holborn, London, W.C, and at

■K. J. Hughes, H. Hughes & Son, and
tting-ofi of electric cur-
September

systems." L. DE Fores

Eve

Co. & A, H. Sheppard.

12,528. " Electric
lember 5th.

12,534. " Engine
AND The Blackbur

12.530. " Electric
F H. James. Sep

12,540. " Sparking plugs of
CLIFFE. September 5lh.

12,552. " El.ctric arc lamps."
«th.

12,558. "
LcCAS. Septembi.r 5th.

]2,.561. " Dy

il generators and electric motors." J. Shepheri

cut-out switches for aerial machines." H. B.
I Aeroplane & Motor Co. September 5th.
signalling lames for ships, &c." Davev & Co.

September

lagnetically-operated hori
lectri

W. H. Edwards

H.

machin.:s for combined electric lighting, and
&c." B. Brooks & W. Holt. September Sth.

12.566. " Electrolytic oxidation." VV. Blackmore, C. I. Syndicate, A.
Howard, &• H. C. Jenkins. September Sth.

12.580. " Apparatus for cletrtrical precipitation of suspended particles from
gases." A. Mono (.Schmidt). September Sth.

12,609. " Wireless control systems." M. Toccilio. September 6th.

12,616. " .Automatic telephone systems," The Automatic Telephone Manu-
facturing Co. (Automatic Electric Co.). September 6th.

12,624. " Systems of electric motor control." British Thomson-Ho
Co. (General Electric Co.. U.S.A.). S.-ptcmber 6th.

12.64ti, " Electrical advertising device or sign." H

September 6th.
12,685. " Insulating inalerial resembling vulcanite."

Gill & W.

S. Chivers

D. J.

C. Marter. September 7lh.

12.687. " Electric furnaces." J. O. Boving. September 7th.

12.704. "Apparatus (or producing unidirectional electric currents.'
RlKBER. September 7th.

12,710. " Aerials for wireless telegraph or telephone systems." C.
Dunning. September 7th. f i

12,7.17. " Electric sparking plug." A. E. Conbv, H. L. Constablb and.
P. H. Sands. September Sth.

12,758. " Shoes or sockets (or electric coble terminals." W. T. Hkhlsv's
Telegraph Works Co. & W. S. Wakefield, September 8th.

12.781. "Telephone systems." A. E. Reinke & Western Electric Co.
September 9th.

12.782. " Telephone systems." A. E. Reinke & Western Electric Co.

12,795. " Magnetos for lighting automobiles and starling internal-combus-
tion engines." J. Betiienoo & E. Girardeau. September 9th. (France.
October 21st, 1915.)

PUBLISHED SPECIFICATIONS.

1914.

23,075. REotiLATiNc Meansv for Electrical Installations. Soc. An
iot. kiovcmber 25th. (November 26th, 1913.)

191B.

Etablissments

10,667. Electric Alarm of Cailing Devices used in Receiving Ai
and more particularly in Wireless Receiving Apparatus. A. H. Mi
Indo-European Telegraph Co. July 22nd.

12.000. Electric Supply Systems for
Motors. E. C. R. Marks (Motor Ignitic

12.103. Electric Distribution Systems.
Cable & Construction Co. August 23rd.

15,304. Controllers for Electrically-dri
October 29th.

16.151. Wireless Telegraphy. Marconi's Wireless Telegraph Co. & R
Bangay. November 16lh.

-combustion
& DeTices Co.). August 19th.
F. E. Frampton 4 Callender's

HICLES.

3rd.

Internal-combustion Engines. B. Brooks

19 te.

Storage Batteries. H. Wade (Ford, B.)^ Februa

H. J. Horon & A. VV.

r-CURREN

2.085. Secondary oi
llth. 1916. [101,170,]

2,400. Electric Buzzers and the like. G
Ltd. February 17th, 1916. [101,171.]

3,114. Means for RegI-'lating the Volt,«
E. Schneider. March 1st, 1916. [101,175.]

6.603. Sparking Plugs. K. E. L. Guinness. May Sth, 1916. [101,197,]

8.533. Electric Furnaces of the Electrode Type. H. J. Kitchen and T.
Baimforth & Co. March 10th, 1916. (Divided application on 3,598/16.)
[lOi.201.]

The numbers in brackets are those under which the specifications will be
printed and abridg<'d, and all subset|uent proceedings will be taken.

Lightning Danger of Trees.— A U.S. Consul in Oenuany

reports that recently statistics have been collected in different parts
of Germany as to the danger of different varieties of trees being
struck by lightning. The result has been the following per-
cjntages :— Oak. 321 ; larch, !>o ; fir, S-S ; pine, T.S : Scotch fir,
Oil ; birch, 1'4 ; beech, 0'3 ; and alder, 00.

The character of the soil is an important factor, among others,
as to the lightning danger. Trees growing in moist soils and
along the courses of rivers and brooks, and in the neighbourhood of
ponds, are especially exposed to the danger. Trees with deep
penetrating roots are more readily struck than those with shallow
roots nearer the surface. As proof of this is the greater frequency
of the apple tree being struck than the pear in the same orchard.
It is also stated that the poplar stands first in danger before the
oak, elm, ash, gum, and pear tree. Together with the beech the
least attractive to lightning are chestnut, maple, alder and mountain '
ash. Between these two groups stand the apple, cherry, linden, and
walnut.

During thunder storms it is advisable, therefore, to avoid oaks,
poplars, all varieties of pine, willows, elm, and pear. If shelter is
taken under a tree, which is always dangerous, it should not be
under one standing alone. The planting, of trees which attract
lightning is recommended in the neighbourhood of houses, especially
poplars, partly to prevent the prssibility of " the rebounding of the
lightning." It is well to provide sueh trees with" metallic rods, to
make them really effective conductors of lightning.

Economy in Lubricating Oil.— As the resu't of an

inquiry set on foot in (iermany, with a view to economy in the use
of lubricating oil, it has been found that the cylinders of steam
engines require a supply of oil per hour represented by the expres-
sion r d s «, in which d is the diameter of the low-pressure cylinder
in metres, .< the stroke in metres, n the revolutions per minute, and
;■ a coefficient depending upon the type of engine, the system of
lubrication, and, still more, the skill of the attendant. The unit
by which the oil is measured is not stated. The values found for
)• vary between V2i:> and 1(533, and apparently the latter figure
need niver be exceeded, whilst a value of unity, or even less, is
believed to be attainable. The formula agrees with practical
results where the attendants are skilful and attentive, but in many
cases the consumption of oil has been found to exceed by 30 to 90
per cent, the calculated value (using r = TfiX Consequently
economies have been put in hand, and the result has been a general
reduction of consumption of oil — 47 per cent, in the case of
cylinders and 01 per cent, in the case of bearings. Thus Germany
has been able to dispense with the importation of lubricants from
Russia, representing in 190!' a value of U millions sterling.

TXXE

BX-iEOTK/IO^Xj K/B^IE'W.

Vol. LXXIX.

SEPTEMBER i>!), 1916.

No. 2,027.

ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

Vol. LXXIX.]

CONTENTS: September S9, 1916.

ENGINEERING DURING AND AFTER
THE WAR.

Enffineering durinfr and after the War ...

Rubber ...

The Federation of British Industries

Municipal Tramways Association Conference ...

Some Notes on Passenjrer Transjx)rtation in Larjre Cities

Ollus.)

A Proposed British Trade Bank ...

American Electrical Exports ...

New Electrical Devices, Fittings and Plant (;//«.«.)

Correspondence —

To Go— Or Not to Go .'

The Wire-Drawing: Industries
Legal...

War Items

Business Notes

Notes

City Notes

Stocks and Shares ...

Market Quotations ...

Exports and Imports of Electrical Goods during August, 11116

The Institution Wiring Rules, by D. S. Munro (iW)M.) (concVii.)

The British Association — IV.

The Utilisation of Coal as Fuel

The Problem of Industrial Unrest ...

Address to the Economic Science and Statistics Section,
by Prof. A. W. Kirkaldy, M.A

Radio-Telegraphic Investigations ...
New Patents Applied for, 1916 ...

Abstracts of Published Specifications

Contractors' Column

337
33;t
33!l
310

311
343
34.-.

34 7
347
34:)
353
3.55

360
361
361
362

.362

.364

364

364

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4, Ludgate Hill, London, E.G.

A HIGHLY successful meeting was held at tlie Man-
sion House on Wednesday last week under the
presidency of the Lord Mayor. It was organised
conjointly by the .B.E.A.M.A., the British Engi-
neers' Association, and other bodies, and the great
engineering and scientific societies, the Ministry of
Munitions, the Board of Trade, and other Govern-
ment Departments, as w^ell as many otlier interests, .
were represented either on the platform or in the
body of the hall. Many speeches were delivered re-
garding the indispensable service which engineering
had rendered to the Empire during the operations of
the last two years. Appreciation was expressed, in the
form of a resolution, of the great national service
rendered by the munition workers of the countn,-,
and the meeting hoped that permanent remunera-
tive employment would be secured for these by the
vigorous economic development of the engineering-
industry after the war. The engineering industry
— nobod}' knows it better than do our readers — has
rendered absolutely indispensable service to the
Empire, and that fact alone would justify an appeal
to the nation on its behalf, but the knowledge that
in the future that industry will inevitably possess
fundamental importance as the basis of defensive
power and of prosperous economic development,
strongly supports the claim for special recognition
in any reform of a national and imperial commercial
policy. By almost unanimous consent to-day such a
reform must include patriotic support of British
engineering by all public and private users of plant
and machinery throughout the Empire. Of this
principle the Mansion House meeting enthusiastic-
ally approved. One other matter urged by the
meeting was the immediate appointment of a Minis-
trv of Industry in order to further the practical
application of the proposals of the Paris Economic
Conference.

It may be remarked that there is nothing new
in. such recommendations and appeals. That is
perfectly true. The engineering" reader needs no
educating on these matters at this date, biit there
are others upon whom it is most neoessarj- that we
should make a timely but lasting impression, and a
demonstration of this character, in such a place, and
with a series of weighty speeches which have been
well reported in the newspaper Press, can hardly
fail to have that effect. It may seem to be unlikely
that the services rendered by engineering will be
overlooked when we come to review- the various
factors w'hich have enabled us to win the war. Our
present legislators and Government departments
have very good reasons for knowing what that assist-
ance has been in all branches of the Services; mil-
lions of workers, too, by reason of their activities,
have been brought to know it: and certainly all who

[337]

338

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW. [Voi. r.. xo. 2.027, skptemuku -..lai.;.

are engaged in ilie practical operaiious oi liie war
know tnat but for the doings ol engineering workers
at home they would not have been able to achieve
their successes on the sea, in the air. and 011 land.
But a vague sort of recognition will not suffice, and
what the industry desires is that such recognition
shall assume a practical shape in the interests of
the nation. In order that all the manufacturing
capacity now at our command may be employed
after the war, giving a means of prosperous liveli-
hood to returning soldiers and sailors and to pre-
sent munition workers alike, there must be a safe-
guarding and eiiAZOuragement of British industry
throughout this country and the whole of the
Empire.

Tire Lord .Mayor, in a characteristically appro-
priate speech, remarked that Germany, which made
so many miscalculations, had also overlooked our
undeveloped engineering industries. " Before the
war engineering was simply one department of com-
merce— one means for earning wages and dividends.
British engineering to-day is recognised to be not
.merely a trade, an industry, but the main bulwark
•of European liberty.'' If our engineering industries
were undeveloped to the fullest extent before the
Avar it was largely due to lack of organisation, but
to-day they are developed because organised and
extended for the purposes of war, and they must
never again be permitted to fall into an " undeve-
loped " condition when the bands of Government
control fall away and they are entirely free to
handle nomial contract work again. If they are
the main bulwark of European liberty in these
days of war, they will be no less important from
the point of view of Empire defence and as a means
of employment for the millions of the Empire in
the days that follow. We have upon our shoulders
.a national responsibility for finding employment
after the war. To find " work for all " we must
iind work for all the factories in our midst to-day.
In that way we may go far to help to secure the
industrial harmony which will be so great a desi-
deratum. The Lord Mayor advocated that steps be
taken at once to arrange the general terms of an
industrial truce for five years, enabling British engi-
neering to perform a leading part in " the most
astonishing era of mechanical progress in the his-
tory of the world." Alderman and Sheriff G. A.
Touche, M.P., also urged the need for preparing
to give employment at good wages to returning
soldiers. We must support our home industries in-
stead of buying from present enemies, and if he had
his way, we should establish " barbed wire entangle-
ments through which no German dumper could
crawl." British bankers must help to extent British
trade and help to obtain orders for British goods.
In this connection the important report of Lord
Faringdon's Committee, published on another page
to-day, is of great interest. Mr. C. P. Sparks, one
of the later speakers, mentioned that the policy of
the Institution of Electrical Engineers was that the
first thing necessary was to protect the home trade
if we were to secure success in other markets, and
if an effecti\e barrier were set up we should have
an impetus for securing additional trade affording
employment. Sir Oliver Lodge, who spoke a little
earlier in the meeting, briefly urged the claims
of science, and said that we ought to recognise the
union and interaction between science and engineer-
ing. We had been too poverty-stricken in our deal-
ings with the development of scientific discovery and "
invention, and with the tirial of new things.
Discoveries were waiting to be made, and there were
young men ready to work hard at making them,
but they must have the means. A little lavishness
here and there was really wise. It was in that way
that important engineering, chemical, and other
organisations had succeeded ; also by sending men
out all over the world to find the right materials and
to solve problelns. During the war the Government

had discovered the use of scieiililic advisory com-
mittees. Those conmiittees were doing good work,
and they should be put on a proper basis and con-
tinued. They should consist of young men with
eyes for novelty and with plenty of energ)', and they'
would have to be paid— say, playfully remarked Sir
Oliver, the salary of a 'Member of Parliament.
Other speakers included the Lord Mayor of Man-
chester, who, reminding us of Joseph Chamberlain's
advice to " Think Imperially," gave a new watch-
word which might with advantage be posted promi-
nently in Westminster when Parliament resumes —
••Think Decimally," also Mr. Wilfrid Stokes, chair-
man of the British Engineers' Association, and Mr.
George Terrell, M.P.''(of the B.E.A.M.A.). But
to our way of thinking the most timely contribution
of all was that of Mr. G. H. Roberts, M.P. (Lord
Commissioner of the Treasury), who, as a son of
a a agricultural labourer, knew from experience
something of the causes which lay at the root of
industrial unrest. What a lamentable error we shall
all fall into if, after the enemy in war is silenced we
allow the guns of industrial strife to boom in our
midst when all the urgent work of rehabilitation,
the clamour of the world for manufactured goods,
and the adoption of adjusted trade policy bring an
abundance of work to occupy our factories. We
must not ignore the warnings ; we must calmly note
the plain f^cts of the situation and recognise that
they call for the most anxious thought if we are
going to guard against serious strife. It is all very
well to indulge in pious hopes that public feeling
would not pemiit general strife to occur, but to act
thus will be but to let things drift into danger. The
situation must, as far as possible, be prepared for
in advance, so as to avoid a colossal calamity.

Spokesmen representing both Capital and Labour
have been making suggestions for an understand-
ing: what is urgently needed is that these sugges-
tions should develop immediately into pourparlers,
a powerful and representative conference, and a
definite agreement or compact be entered into as far
as is practicable in the absence of many men with the
Forces. Mr. Roberts, probably bearing in mind the
appeal of the Lord Mayor for a five years' industrial
truce, devoted his speech entirely to the question,
and he was listened to with a seriousness and sym-
pathy which augured favourably. He believed that
unless we could establish a reasonable period of in-
dustrial harmony the British Empire would rest upon
very shaky foundations. Politically they had recog-
nised a truce — minor differences' which set man
against man before the war were abandoned as com-
paratively trifling w^hen the interests of the country
were at stake. The national unity must be preserved
after the war, or the coming years would be years
of decline. The war had to be paid for, and neutral
nations, profiting at our expense, would be better
equipped to pursue competition, while we should be
in a less favourable position, with the exception that
the war had awakened us in a way that nothing else
could have done. It had shown us what could be
done by means of co-operative action. As one who
had advocated the just claims of Labour for a gene-
ration, he frankly and sincerely asked engineering
employers to remember that if Labour had had its
failings, they could not ignore their own failings
when they asked the working classes of the country
to assist them by co-operating. A friendly under-
standing should be encouraged — the atmosphere was
now favourable owing to our common losses — they
must not wait, " Do it now! " It was for the em-
ployers to make the approach, and such as himself
would be willing to help. They must remember
that the working classes did not voice grievances
in mere wantonness — they had such grievances.
Human society must be based on better and more
elevated principles. There would never be another
opportunity like the present for facing the matter.
He was prepared to say to his class when they were

Vol.79. No. 2.027, SEPTEMBER 2n. 11)10.] THE ELECTRICAL EEVIEW

339

properly treated, " You are expected to give \our
best without regard to restrictive conditions." Mr.
Roberts fullv realised the importance of increased
output, and he knew that the workers could give it,
but the problem of securing increased production
was not so simple as some people mig'ht express it.
They had to face the apprehension of the workers
that increased otitput would lead to glut and un-
employment. Personally, he believed that increased
output would increase the selling power of the
nation. We should all work to prevent as far as we
(fould the cyclical fluctuations in trade, and so make
employment fairly regular throughout the year for
the whole of the working classes. In order to do
that, one thing that was essential on both sides was
goodwill. There are many other essentials, too —
hut that by the way. He knew^ that the workers
would demand a restitution of the relaxations that
thev had agreed to during the war, in the interests
of the State, but that need not prevent engineering-
employers from entering into negotiations now.

If the Mansion House engineering meeting had
yielded nothing more than this voice of warning
and appeal from a leader of Labour to leaders of
industrv it would have been well wortli while. We
believe that the great majority of the workers, as
well as the employers, are heartily sick of industrial
strife. If the workers can be induced to understand
the position as Mr. Roberts knows it, and give an
increased output which will strengthen our manu-
facturing and trading" position, and if employers can
be induced to sympathetically enter into the natural
desires of the workers for better conditions, and to
fulfil their responsibilities towards them as well as
to their shareholders, the greater part of what is
necessary in order to secure a long period of indus-
trial prosperity will have been done. We have to
remember that Labour has no love for a body of
shareholders. To him it is a soulless, heartless com-
pany, devoid of human feelings, with an insatiable
thirst for dividends, until perhaps he becomes a
shareholder himself sharing in the profits, and, may-
be, somehow in the losses. Here we introduce
the touch of nature which may make them kin.
though we recognise that co-operative working has
often failed because the profit divided among the
workers has amounted to less than a trifling advance
in wages, and the working of the principle has been
defeated. The problem seems to resolve itself into
the need for finding a basis upon which the fair and
just proportions of wages for Labour and profit for
Capital respectively should be calculated. It may
be that there will be many thorny questions raised
by such an inquiry, inasmuch as both Capital and
Labour must be sustained in decency if we are to
have satisfactory^ and prosperous industry, with its
just wage-earning' and its fair dividends. But not-
withstanding all the difficulties, we agree with Mr.
Roberts that these need not stand in the way of
immediate negotiations, and we trust thatj his invi-
tation to the employers to approach Labour on the
matter will be taken advantage of without delay.

EvEXTS in rubber circles have
Rubber. been more interesting, and the hints

thrown out in various quarters as
to the market being imparted a sharp fillip have
certainly received some confirmation, but- this has
been brought about by special circumstances, or in
connection with the filling of special requirements
on behalf of Russia, to which countiw considerable
quantities are now being- shipped which are destined
to reach the port of Archangel prior to the close of
navigation. For some time past some difficulty has
usually been experienced in obtaining permits for
export, but on this occasion the authorities

appear to have afforded every facility, and there ^
is no doubt that considerable quantities of the pro-
duct have. been taken care of, so that the position
of spot rubber has temporarily improved. Inter-
ested support, possibly to some extent in connec-
tion with share operations, tended to assist the
market upward, but there has been really no change
in fundamental conditions, and since the urgent
demand has been fairly well satisfied the market
must be expected to fluctuate, although it is gener-
ally surmised that the price of fine plantation rubber
will not break below 2s. per lb., which remains to
be seen. Prices now stand at about the same level
as they did this time last year, when the warehouse
stocks were comparatively small, and big tonnages
were being diverted to American ports, but indica-
tions this year are highly obscure. For one thing
the industrial outlook is not so good as it was then,
so that it is rather doubtful whether the upward
movement which took place over the last three
months of the past year will this year repeat itself.
After meeting" Russia's needs the general trade
demand is again subdued, and manufacturers seem
in no hurry to anticipate their requirements. There
is some fear at any rate that spot supplies will once
again accumulate, for the shipments from the East
continue on a liberal scale in consequence of the
heaw production as testified by the 'excellent re-
turns of output disclosed by the estates for the past
month. Some months ago there were no signs of
excessive supplies, but the rate at which the ship-
ments have been going on, and the takings by con-
sumers have shrunk, there is now no mistaking the
fact that there is a palpable surplus which can
hardly be -ivorked off except by keeping prices at an
attractive level. The home stocks are something
over 9.000 tons, and cannot be expected to be much
reduced unless consumers are willing to carry larger
reserves. An unhealthy feature is that the Eastern
estates, for son-ie reason or other, are still reluctant
to negotiate new orders for forward deliveiw except
at their own prices, showing a premium over the
^alue of spot delivery. This arbitrary policy seems
rather inconsistent with the existence of unwieldly
supplies on the spot. Were there any inducement
afforded to consumers to operate ahead, the market
would doubtless be iniparted a little more activity,
but as it is, considerable quantities of plantation
rubbet continue to be landed on this side unsold,
which naturally bars the way to a re^^val of confi-
dence. The comparatively high price of fine hard
Para is n-iisleading. chiefly owing to the limited
tonnage of this product available.

According to the daily Press, a
The Federation circular has been issued by Mr. F.
ol British Dudley Docker, president of this
Indnstries. Federatiion, from the offices, 51,
Lincoln's Inn Fields, W.C., inviting
firms to apply at once for membership. The organi-
sation, as our readers know, has been formed for the
purpose of providing a body capable of representing
the interests of British manufacturing and produc-
ing industries, and it is for every reason important
that it should be made as strong and completely
representative as possible. The list of members of
the Executive Council includes the following : — Sir
\'incent Caillard (Vickers, Ltd.), Mr. F. R. Daven-
port (Willans & Robinson. Ltd.), Sir R. A. Hadfield
(Hadfields. Ltd.), Mr. Henry Howard (Stewarts
and Lloyds), Mr. Godfrey Isaacs (Marconi Co.),
Mr. E. Manville (Daimler Co.), Mr. F. J. Nettle-
fold, Mr. Wilfrid Stokes (Ransomes & Rapier), and
Mr. A. W. Tait (British Aluminium Co., Ltd.).
Full particulars of the objects of the Federation can
be obtained from the Secretary, Mr. R. T. Nugent,
at the above address. The subscription is £100 per
annum until June, 1919.

310

THE ELECTRICAI. EEVIEW. [Voi.7!.. No. 2,(127. ski-tembkr -'iMoio.

MUNICIPAL

TRAMWAYS ASSOCIATION
CONFERENCE.

Ox Tliiii-sday inoniing. last week, tlic tifteeiitli annual
meetinir of tlif above Assot-iation w.is oiH;ned at the
Surveyors' Institution. (Jreat George Street, S.W.. and
akliouirli no comparison can Ix; made with pre-war gather-
ings. vet there was quite a satisfactory muster of membeis.

llr. Peter Fisher, of Dundee, this year's J'resident, after
welcoming those present, aimouuced with regret that Mr.
A. L. C . Fell (L.C.C. tramways), who had been ill for
some time, had had a relapse (which we understand will
necessitate his taking a six months' voyage), and a
resolution e.\]>ressing syni|)atliy with Mrs. Fell was jiassed
by the meeting.

Mr. Fisher's Presidential address followed : we append
an abstract of his remarks.

Ml-. MfElroy's paper on the subject of passenger trans-
portation in large cities (which we also reproduce in al>stract),
and a short discussion, occupied the remainder of the
morning.

The paper is an interesting contribution to a subject
which will, no doubt, sooner or later require, the careful cou-
sideration of the authorities of our largest cities, and that
it did not attract more sjx'akers in the discussion is probably
evidence that the " saturation point " in surface passenger
transport has reached an a])precial:)le stiige in only one or
two instances iu this country.

Mr. McElroy's suggestion to provide " parallel routes by
forming new streets and widening others at considerable
cost." is probably not intended to be of general application ;
its possibility or otherwise seems to' dejiend very much on the
map. In any case the expensive duplication of routes to take
cave of •' rush " traffic may be a costly expedient if we have
ultimately to fall back on the electric railway — the ideal,
though most expensive, method of dealing with traffic
peak loads electrically.

A new tramway route in a populous city has a habit of
building up its own traffic, and it seems possible that the
new route might in a brief space of time lie no lietter off
than the original one.

A rough estimate of the financial features of such a
])arallel-route scheme would lie a \aluable addition to the
paper, as also would an alternative estimate of the cost of
relieving existing routes during rush hours liy means of
electric or other 'buses, rumiing in adjacent thoroughfares.

American authorities ha\e not, so far as we are aware,
given much time to the study of the motor-'bus in relation
to surface traffic problems, and in this country the 'bus
authorities have left the rush-hour traffic problem severely
alone, so that we ha\'e no practical data as to the capabilities
of the 'bus in this resjiect. We agree, however, with our
indefatigable friend. Aid. Fred. Smith, of Liverpool, that
the paper ought to have appealed to- a wider circle than it
apparently did.

In the afternoon the paper by Messrs. Holford (Salford)
and Clough (Bury), on the " Utilisation of Tramways for
Goods Traffic," was read and discussed.

The subject has always been an attractive one in South
Lancashire, where the map is studded with manufacturing
towns, little and big, interlinked by tramvVays of a uniform
gauge, and there are other areas where similar conditions
exist to a considerable extent.

The authors give a brief history of the subject, but we
notice that they do not refer to the earlier proposals of Mr.
A. H. Gibbings, at a time when the indispensable links
between the inland towns and Liverpool were being con-
structed by the South Lancashire Tramways Co. Mr.
Gibbings read a paper on " The Carriage of Goods on
Electric Tramways " before the Manchester section of the
I.E.E., in the early part of 1903, in which he discussed
the problem as regards South Lancashire.

In the discussion, Mr. Mozley (of Burnley) contested the
view that tramways have no powers to construct lines into
yards of mills, warehouses, &c., and ])ointed out that the
general adoption of the system of railless battery-trolley

wagons, oi (lie Hradlonl type, would in\ol\e obtaining fi.esh
powers from I'arliainiiit : Mr. McHlroy rather doulitcd the
wisdom of tackling the general (luestion of goods carrisige
in \iew of the progress made with steam or otlier vehicles.

The meeting adjoiu-ned at 3.30 \xm., when special 'buses
were in attendance to convey the members to the Milman
Street Training Depot of the London (iciieral Omnibus Vu..
where, under the guidance of Mr. Blain, the features of
that establislmient were demonstrated, in much the same
way as on the occivsion of the visit of the Tramways mi<l
Light Railways Association, which was described in our
issue of Jtdy 7th last. )

On Friday morning the annital business meeting was held^,
.Mr. .Mozley' (of Burnley) being elected President for th_
coMiing year and Aid. ".I. Miles, .l.P. (of Bolton), Vice
President.

The mcinliershiii iiirludes lli' managers and a.ssistants. 7(1
local autliorities, and one honorary meiiiher. The total
income of the Association for the year was l';i7:'>. the year's
surplus being £32. and the balance in hand (excluding the
reserve fund) fi^x.

The recommendation of the Sub-Committee of the Ad\isory
Committee of the Board of Trade that, after the war, all
Go\-ernment de])artinents, local authorities, and statutory
Ijodies entrusted with the control of moneys raised by taxes
or rates should be under legal oljligation to jiurchase. so far
as ])ossible. only goods produced within the Empire, was
discussed : the Executive Council agreed with the principle
enunciated in a resolution submitted by the Council of the
Incorporated Municipal Electrical Association, viewing with
deep concern the recommendation.

An amendment to delete the paragraph from the report
was lost, and the report was adopted.

On Friday afternoon, through the courtesy of the L.C.C. ,
a trailer-car \vas available for inspection on the Emliank-
ment : the Comicil possesses 1.58 of these cars, practically
all of which have been constructed from the chief officer's
design.

These cars weigh unloaded 6 tons ."> cwt. each, and will
accommodate 30 inside and 18 outside i)asscngers. the seat-
ing being of the cross type.

The weight of the car is carried by rubl)er-]iadded coil
springs on swinging links connected to long laminated
springs which rest on a seating on the top of the axle-boxes.

The underlying principle of the automatic brake gear,
which is spring controlled, consists in maintaining a con-
stant relatioiLship between the pull on the draw l)ar and the
pressure on the shoes.

By the adoption of radial ball bearings in the axle-boxes,
the tractive effort at the draw bar, on the level, has been
reduced from 38 to 17 lb. per ton of load.

A very simple type of automatic coupling is employed.

The visitors were subsequently conveyed in sjiecial cars
to the Council's Central Repair Dejiot and generating
station at Greenw'ich, while another party visited Bexley to
inspeet the Woods-Gilbert rail iilaner in use on the Joc^al
tramways.

Practically the whole of the repair work on the L.C.C.
cars is carried out at the repair depot, which is, we believe,
the most extensive one of the kind in the country.

As many of our readers are aware, the Greenwich tram-
way power station is gradually being re-equipped with
turbine plant, and at present there are installed four
."i,000-KW. and two 8,000-KW. turbuie sets, while two of the
original vertical-horizontal Corliss reciprocating sets are
still a\-ailable for duty, though these will in the near future
lie suiierseded liy turbine plant.

Part of the boiler installation, utilising the two chimneys
whose aspirations were cut short at the instance of the
Observatory authorities, is now operated in conjunction
with a mechanical-draught installation, resulting in a con-
siderably increased evaporation from a section of the plant.

The following is an aVistract of the Presidential address : —

The annual report of the Executive Council shows that a
large proportion of the work of that body during the past
year has been in I'elation to problems arising out of the war,
i.e., supply of tramway tickets, tramway tire supphes, reten-
tion of tramway employes. Munitions of War (Amendment)
Act, 1916, classification of tramway material, women as tram-
cai- conductors, Lights (Vehicles) Order, 1915, British trade
after the war. and disabled soldiers and sailors.

;Voi.79. No. 2,027, SEPTEMBER 29, 1916.] THE ELECTEICAL REVIEW.

341

In connection with the Munitiocs of War (Amendment)
.\v't, 1916, your Council were successful in getting the term
" munitions work " extended to cover " traxnway facilities."
No fewer than 44 municipal tramway undertakings are up to
this date certified under the Act, and many others are
authorised to issue Class " B " Priority Cei-tiflcates to facili-
tate the delivery of supplies for maintenance.

It is not always realised by the average man that tramways
aie to-day playing a very important part in the national
crisis in carrying workpeople from their homes to the fac-
tories and vice versa. It is therefore very gratifying that the
Government have realised the great importance of tramway
undertakings and have given them such facilities as enables
them to keep going.

The past year has not been fruitful in developments and
I'xlensions so far as tramways and other passenger-cari-ying
facilities are concerned. The most outstanding features of the
year are the readjustment of tramway fares and stages, the
employment of females on a large scale, and the introduction
of volunteer labour for driving, the latter innovation having
been introduced in Birmingham, Newcastle, and Bradford,
where 320 auxiharies are employed with quite satisfactory
results.

In several cases changes have been made whereby the
average fare per passenger has been materially increased, and
in all these ca-ses additional revenue has been the result.
Strange as it may seem, some authorities have actually been
considering the decreasing of fares and the cheapening of
tramway facilities.

Pre.sent conditions i>ri)vide ample justification for suggest-
ing that the existing low fares should be adjusted so that the
increa.sed co.sts can he fully met. While the accounts of
most municipal tramway undertakings look fairly satisfac-
tory, still it must be admitted that much necessary expendi-
ture is only suspended till the end of the war.

There are now 8,609 females employed on tramways as
follows : — 8,433 as conductors and 176 as drivers.

Some idea as to the part tramways are taking in the great
conflict may be obtained fi'om the following figures : —

Number of municipal tramway employes who have
joined His Majesty's Forces

Percentage of total number of employes

Number of men who have left municipal tramway
undertakings to join mimition factories

Percentage of total number of employes

Amount paid to dependents of employes .serving
with His Majesty's Forces

Average allowance per man per week

Amount collected on cars for various national and
other objects

Amount contributed by municipal tramway em-
ployes to various rehef funds ...

What of the future? Changes will come., The war cer-
tainly will not only be an interruption of what formerly
existed. What will be the precise nature of the problems
which, when they emerge, must be boldly faced, no one can
foiecast. It is a matter still in the region of conjecture.

The history of municipal tramways is a history of progress
and improvement. Sometimes we were tempted to think
that everything had been done which could be done, and yet
in tramway enterprise, as in all other departments of human
affairs, there is no such thing as finality.

Simultaneously with the cessation of hostilities various
problems relating to our employes will present themselves.
For example, the question of wai- wages and bonuses, and the
position to be taken up regarding our men who may be in
receipt of pensions but still able to perfoiin certain duties.

The development of tramways from a passenger-carrying
point of view has occupied our attention almost entirely in
the past. Now the otherpoint of view, viz., transit, such as
tramways can offer for goods, should have our fullest con-
sideration.

In the days to come, when economic competition between
nations will in all probability be even fiercer than in the
past, transit will undoubtedly play an important part.
Tlelaxation of restrictions and regulations may be necessary,
but when national interests are involved there should be no
difficulty in this respect.

Railways are crowded with traffic of all kinds, and con-
siderable complaint is heard all over the country regarding the
delays that are taking place. It is therefore just a little sur-
prising that the Government have not seriously considered
the usefulness of the various tramway undertakings for the
carriage of munitions and general merchandise.

•20,905
38

1,893
3^

,=6854.649
10s. 7Jd.

£43,800

£36,070

Some Notes on Passenger Transportation in Large Cities.

Abstract of paper by Mr. J. M. McEuioy (Manchester).
Systematic studies of the passenger transportation require-
ments of the large cities in this country have not in the past
been undertaken with that thoroughness which has been
characteristic of many cities abroad, particularly in America.

Town-planning schemes and the making of provision for
future transportation requirements are really part and parcel
of the same problem, and should be con.sidered together.

As cities grow, due to the gradual increase in population,
and as the riding habits of the people develop, it becomes

more and more difficult to make the channels of passenger
transport equal to the ever-growing demands.

There is a constant migration of the population from the
inner to the outer zones, and this is greatly accelerated by
every exten.sion and improvement m the means of transit.
Suburban districts rapidly become urban, and new suburban
districts in the outlying areas are always in process of forma-
tion. Smaller towns and districts on the outskirts are drawn
into closer touch with the cities, and a greater community
of interests is being established over a gradually widening
area.

Every extension of the means of transit into the outer
zones adds to the difficulties of handling the traffic in the
central zone, and in time the congestion becomes so acutre
that the city authorities realise that they are face to face
with the inevitable traffic problem. _

Some years ago a student of traffic questions, havmg

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analysed the statistics of a number of European cities, found
that on the average the number of passengers carried increases
in the same ratio as the square of the population.

This rule is approximately true as regards American cities,
but it does not appear to be true as regards British cities.

The curves in fig. 1 show the percentage increase of the
passengers carried, and the square of the population in Man-
chester and the surrounding districts during the past three
decades; fig. 2 shows similar infonnation as regards Greater
London; figs. 3 and 4 show the facts as regards Greater New-
York and Boston.

Many factors tend to aceelerate the normal growth in a
particular city. Quite apart from the question of the in-
creased facilitie; and the introduction of general improve-
ments in the means of transit — which are always followed by

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a rapid rise in the number of passengers carried— the factor
as to the fares charged, and the changes made therein from
time to time, has a most important bearing on the .subject.
Comparative statements as to the number of passengers car-
ried tend to be misleading because they do not indicate the
average distance travelled by each passenger.

The ultimate volume of passenger traffic which can be dealt
^^ith by facilities which use the street surface is limited by
the capacity of the arterial routes near the central parts of
the city. When the traffic on these routes approaches the
saturation point then additional arteries must be opened out
or other transit faciUties provided

The new facilities which may be provided are (1) Railways
— (a) in shallow subwaj^s, (b) in deep level " tubes," (c) on
elevated structures; (2) shallow subways in the congested
areas into which the surface cars can be ran.

342

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW, [voi.

■^EPTKMUKK L>!l,'l!>lti.

Many cities have not waited vntil the saturation point of
the surface facilities has been reached before underground or
overhead railways have been constructed ; time saving has
been the main factor which has led to the construction of
raany city railways.

Experience shows that the provision of shallow subv^aya for
surface cars cannot be justified owing to the great cost of
construction and the comparatively small amount of traffic
which can be passed through them.

Underground lines of any description can only be justified
by a dense traffic demanding the operation of high-speed
trains run at very close intervals, and such lines should be so
laid out that they can be worked in conjunction with the
surface Unes, which should gather the local traffic and feed
the underground lines.

It is not at all likely, having regard to the general experi-
erce, that private enterprise will be willing in future to
shoulder the great outlay involved in the provision of under-
ground facilities.

The average cost per route mile of existing underground and
elevated railwavs in Greater New York is f 5()4,.S13. in Chicago
£372,56;?, in Philadelphia £485,167, in Boston £684,063, and
in London (taking the Central London, City and South Lon-
don, Great Northern and Citv, and London Electric Lines)
±664,230.

In New York the total outlay on the underground and
elevated lines — when the extensions are fully completed —
will be £137,000,000. The expenditure on the extensions,
undertaken in recent years, will be £68.000,000. This capital
is being provided roughly half and half by the city and by
the operating companies. The companies are to get out of
the revenue all their operating expenses and 6 per cent, upon

seating capacity and its ability to cope with traffic of a widely
lluctuatiug character, will be utilised where heavy peak loads
have to be catered for. On the other hand, where the volume
of traffic is not great, or where there is a st<-ady traffic flow
throughout the day, motor 'buses will probably prove to be
the more suitable vehicles. In sonic instances it may be
found to be advantageous t© run the two types of vehicle
along the same routes.

The aim should be to use the highways as channels for
passenger transport to the best possible advantage, and the
most efficient means of doing this can only be decided upon
in any particular case by a study of the traffic characteristics.

.\tterapts have been made to show the relative efficiency of
the two types of vehicles — tramcars and motor 'buses — by
comparing the average load. It has been ix)int«d out that
" the average load of a traracar with 74 seats is 10 J passengers
and of the motor 'bus with 34 seats is eight passengers, and,
therefore, the relative efficiency of the motor 'bus is almost
twice as great as that of the traracar."

The relative efficiency of the two types of vehicle cannot
otherwise be gauged than by their ability to cope with the
volume and flow of traffic in particular cases.

Fig. 8 .shows the loading of a typical tramcar during a full
day's continuous running on the Palatine Eoad route, Man-
chester. The car has a. seating capacity for 75 passengers.
The diagram also shows the seating capacity of a motoi' 'bus.
The tramcars have the whole of the seating acconnnodation
available in all conditions of weather; in bad weather the
outer ."seats of motor 'buses are nearly always empty.

The average number of passengers carried per car mile on the
tramcar shown on the diagram was 14. The fallacy of using

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their investments, and out of the balance the city is to get
the interest on its investment plus 1 per cent, for sinking
fund, and if there is any profit after these payments have
been made it is to be divided equally between the city and
the companies. But the city authorities are not looking for
profits. They are determined to provide adequate travelling
facilities— and so important a duty on the part of the munici-
pality do they consider this that they have made up their
minds to do it properly, even if it entails a charge upon the
rates of the city.

In London — where all the capital for the underground rail-
ways has been found by private enterprise — the amount avail-
able for dividends on the ordinary capital was only sufficient
to pay just over 2 per cent.

In studying the problem which we are now faced with in
Manchester— w-here several of our arterial routes approaching
the centre of the city have practically reached the saturation
point — I came to the conclusion that the proper course was
to improve and make more efficient the existing surface lines
by opening out parallel routes, by forming new streets and
widenmg others at considerable cost, and also by adopting
tramway tennmals near the heart of the citv, the latter being
necessary on account of the narrowness and bad lay-out of the
central streets.

The necessity of utihsing the streets to the fullest advan-
tage mvolves the question as to the most suitable means of
surface transit, havmg regard to the traffic requirements

An abstract discussion as to the relative merits of tramcars
and motor 'buses, without references to the particular purpose
tor which they are intended to be used, is likely to be very
misleading. Each type of vehicle has its pecuUar advantages,
and will be utilised for handhng that class of traffic for which
it IS best suited. The tramcar, on account of its greater

this figure as a measure of the car's efficiency is too obvious
to need comment.

Figs. 5 and 6 (kindly prepared for me by Mr. A. L. C.
Fell) show what the tramcars and motor 'buses are doing
respectively to meet the traffic demands on a typical route
in London. Fig. 5 shows that the motor 'buses make no
attempt to deal with the peak between 7 and 8 a.m but
obviously cater for a steady all-day traffic. '

Fig. 6 shows the relative seating capacity of the tramcars
and motor 'buses referred to in fig. 5.

Fig. 7 shows the fluctuating character of the loading on
the London Electric Railways and on one route of the London
General Omnibus Co. Plere is an illustration of the ability
ot the railways to handle heavy peak loads and the lack of
capacity in the case of the motor 'buses.

Ihe making of proper provisioa for handling the rush-hour
traffic w'lll always be the difficult part of the passenger trans-
portation problem. It involves, and will continue increasingly
to involve, a large expenditure of capital and comparatively
high operating- costs.

It is on account of this that competition by separate com-
panies for the steady all-day traffic by means of vehicles
which can be run on the public streets at a relatively small
capital cost, and which escape many of the obligations placed
upon those who cater for the peak loads, is unfaii- and should
not be permitted.

The right to operate public service vehicles, acquired by
merely obtaining an annual licence, is archaic, and new legis-
lation dealing with this matter is urgently needed. Conces-
sions to use the public streets, if granted, should carry with
them obligations in the public interest, with corresponding
security and protection for the operators.

It is becoming more and more cleariy recognised, by all

SEPTEMBER 2.. 1910] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

343

those who are quahfied to judge, that the public interests are
best served by making the facilities for city passenger trans-
portation a monopoly — a monopoly subject to the control of
the city authorities, who should possess full powers either to
provide and operate the facilities themselves, or, if they think
fit, to grant franchises to private companies to do so, subject
to control and regulation in the public interest.

"^T'^'^r— ^

A PROPOSED BRITISH TRADE BANK.

Fia. 8.

The world's experience has shown that every city should
-have a pennanent authority directing the initiation and carry-
ing out of all schemes for new transit facihties, in order that
there may be continuity of policy, and that the future needs
of the city and the surrounding districts over a wide area may
be properly looked after.

Discussion.

Coun. H. Gordon (L.C.C), in opening the discussion, said
some years ago he found, when on the^ Continent, that the
travelling habit was much more extensively developed in
cuutiuental cities than in London, and that tramway con-
struction was more extensive per head of population. He
thought it was a fallacy to suppose that there was any real
ccnnection between journeys per head and population of cities.
He had studied the problem of relieving traffic congestion in
the centre of our cities, and arrived at the conclusion that
none of the proposed means would be effective. Experience
in Paris and London showed that crowded thoroughfares be-
came no less crowded by the provision of underground elec-
tric railways. He did not think they should be troubled
about that, as it was an indication of prosperity ; he thought,
however, that a great deal could be done by the proper regu-
lation of traffic. They ought to use the most suitable
vehicle for transport, and it was known that the tramway car,
relative to its carrying capacity occupied the lesser space.
The flexibility of the 'bus was a myth when it was con-
sidered how that flexibiUty interfered with the regular flow
of traffic. The tramway could not efficiently carry the rail-
way peak load, and, on the other hand, the motor 'bus was
excellent for isolated journeys. The unified control of London
underground railways and 'buses should be extended to the
tramways as well, and all" should be controlled by a public
authority.

' Coun. Bakrow (Birmingham) said he wished to emphasise
the importance of the tramways working in with the "town
planning" departmeut. Several schemes of town planning
were in being at Birmingham, and roads of 100 or 120 ft.
wide were provided for. The traffic problem of the centre
of Birmingham had always been a difficulty, and a special
committee had been appointed to deal with it.

Aid. P. Smith (Liverpool) said it had been perfectly clear
to them some years ago that they could improve on German
methods in Liverpool. They were faced with tiaffic develop-
ments in Liverpool in the future, but he doubted whether
the result of working hand in hand with the town planning
Iieople would not result in the transfer of tramway profits for
ruad construction, &c.

Mr. -J. B. H.»iiLT0N (Leeds) said he had brought the sub-
ject of passenger transportation in cities before them two
years ago, and he had no doubt there must be a central
authority to exercise control. He agreed that they appeared
to be approaching a condition of saturation in large cities,
but it was perhaps unfair to accuse them of lack of foresight
in view of the phenomenal increase in traflic in recent year's.
Now that thev realised the position there should be co-ordina-
tion amongst the authorities and public control by the munici-
pality nf all passenger transport facilities.

Mr, McEr.ROY. in replying to the discussion, said that sooner
or later the arterial roads would approach saturation point,
and then the problems he had mentioned would have to be
fi'ced. He urged them to make financial provision in all large
cities in connection with their tramways to meet the possible
developments of the future.

The Committee which was appointed by the Board
of Trade some months ago to investigate the
question of financial facilities for assisting British
trade after the war, has acted with businesslike
promptitude in reporting its conclusions and making
its recommendations. That this Committee has
found it possible to complete its work earlier than
have those which are concerned with particular in-
dustries is probably due to the fact that after the
discussion that the matter received in the years pre-
ceding the war there was little difficulty in esti-
mating the needs of the case and in focusing the
views of the majority of responsible opinion. But
probably also it has been considered that the find-
ings in regard to this matter should in any case be
decided before other committees published their
conclusions, inasmuch as future policy in regard to
financial facilities may have a more or less important
effect on all of those industries. It will be remem-
bered that Mr. Runciman, in the House of Com-
mons, referred to the possibility of " additional in-
stitutions " having to be set up if the existing bank-
ing institutions, of which we were nationally so
proud, found it impracticable to handle more exten-
sively what we have for years come to know as in-
dustrial banking business. It was therefore as well
that so many banking authorities and financiers were
members of the Committee. The recommendations
that they make are so framed as to aim at the better
support of British enterprise in after-the-war compe-
tition with the enemy. It is proposed that a British
Trade Bank, under Royal Charter, be formed with-
out delay, so that the preliminaries may be completed
before the war is over, and that its operations be
especially conducted with a view to assisting our
overseas trade. It is considered that it will not
unduly interfere with existing banks, banking
houses, or financial institutions, but will fill a gap
between the home banks and the colonial and
British-foreign banks and banking houses, and will
develop facilities not provided by the present sys-
tems. Its chief features would be as follows: —

1. It should have a capital of .£10,000,000. The first issue
should be from ^2,-500,000 to £5,000,000 upon which in the
first instance only a small amount should be paid up, but
which should all be called up within a reasonable time. A
further issue should be made afterwards, if possible, at a
premium.

2. It should not accept deposits at call or short notice.

3. It should only open current accounts for parties who are
proposing to make use of the overseas facilities which it would
afford.

4. It should have a foreign exchange department, where
special facilities might be afforded for dealing with bills in
foreign currency.

5. It should open a credit department for the issue of credits
to parties at home and abroad.

6. It should enter into banking agency arrangements with
existing Colonial or British-foreign banks wherever they could
be concluded upon reasonable terms, and where such arrange-
ments were made it should undertake not to set up for a
.specified period its own branches or agencies. It should have
power to set np branches or agencies where no British
foreign bank of importance exists.

7. It should inaugurate an information bureau in close touch
with the Commercial Intelligence Department of the Board of
Trade.

8. It should endeavour not to interfere in any business for
which existing banks and banking houses now provide facih-
ties, and it .should try to promote working tran.sactions on
joint account with other hanks, and .should invite other banks
to submit to it new transactions which, owing to length of
time, magnitude, or other reasons, they are not prepared to
undertake alone.

9. Where desirable, it should co-operate with the merchant
and manufacturer, and possibly accept risks upon joint
account.

10. It should become a centre for syndicate operations,
availing itself of the special knowledge which it will possess
through its information bureau.

11. It should receive Government assistance, being appointed
to carry thi'ough foreign commercial and financial transactions
in which the Government may be interested.

The Committee considers it ,desirable that the
British Trade Bank should receive as much official

su

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW. IVoi.-',.. nv 2,007, sfpthmmkh -., n.ic.

recogiiilion as possible without coming under Gov-
ernment control:

' Our Foivigu Office should, for instance, be askcil to iii-
EtiiK-t iiriiisb Einbassieii aud l/egatioiis abron<l to pat tlii>
itistitutiuu's representatives in contact with all coiinueriial
atlachrs. consuls, Ac, with clear in.structions to llicui that
the institution is a coiiiinercial ooiicern enj<)yiug the lull cuii-
lidence and approval ol" the Uovernuient; and similar instruc-
tions should be given by the Board of Trade to their Trade
CV.iiuuissioners in the Dominions."

The Conmiittee did not consider it necessary to
take niiicli evidence, as that wliicli had been put
before other Committees, which liave not yet re-
ported on their trades, on the same subject, was
put at its disposal. The report contains the folFow-
ing statements : —

It is desirable that we should state clearly our definitions of
banking facilities in the British .sen.se, and of what we would
call by the wider name of financial facilities. The former are
properly limited to those which can be provided without a
" lock-up " such as would impair the liquidity of funds and
deposits at call and short notice. For this reason the usual
practice of bankers here is to confine their advances as a rule
to a currency not exceeding a few months. By financial
facilities we mean, generally speaking, those which would
involve a longer currency than this.

A careful study of the evidence above referred to, and our
own knowledge of banking arrangements and facilities, lead
n.s to the conclusion that there exists to a consideiable extent
at the present time in this country the machinery and facili-
ties for the finance alike of home trade and of large overseas
contracts, and for carrying through much of the bu.sine.ss
which has been done by foreign banks. Tlie British banks
afford, we believe, liberal accommodation to the home pro-
ducer. British bankers are not shy in making advances on
the strength of their customers' known ability and integrity,
and the charges for accommodation are, we believe, often
lower than the corresponding charges in foreign countries.
Similarly, the colonial banks and British-foreign banks and
banking houses render immense assistance to British trade
abroad, and certainly in the Far East, and in many parts of
South America British banking facilities do not fall short of
those of any other nation. We find also that in the case of
large contract operations Briti.sh contractors, with the assist-
ance of financial houses, have in the past been ready to pro-
vide large amounts of capital and to take con.sideraljle ri.sks in
connection with the operations which they have undertaken.

Our arrangements, however, are faulty in our not co-ordi
natiug many of the facilities mentioned in the previous para-
graph. We recognise also that the British manufacturer may
be frequently in want of finance of a kind which a British
joint stock bank with liabilities as above described could not
jirudently provide, whereas the German banks in particular
seem to have been able to afford special assistance at the incep-
tion of undertakings of the most varied description, and to
have laid themselves out for stimulating their promotion and
for carrying them through to a successful completion.

We conclude, therefore, that there is arjple room for an
institution which, while not interfering unduly with the ordi-
nary business done by the British joint stock banks, by
Colonial banks, and by Briti-sh-foreign banks and banking
houses, would be able to assi.st British interests in a manner
that is not possible under existing conditions.

Such an institution might in many ways be beneficial to the
development of British industry and manufactures. It might,
in certain ca.ses, after careful examination, agree to make
advances for the extension of existing manufacturing plant,
or perhaps for the amalgamation or co-ordination of certain
works, so as to reduce the cost of production. It would assist
these works to obtain orders abroad, and give them reasonable
financial facilities for executing these orders. It should give
a preference in matters of finance to orders which are to be
executed in this country.

Such an Institution could also take a leading part in the
inception of transactions and assist in connection with the
machinery of overseas business. In the case of German
manufacturers it frequently happens that on the board of the
manufacturing company there is a representative of a bank,
and there seems little doubt from an examination of the in-
formation which is available that the Gemian banks have
exercised an amount of control over the manufacturing con-
cerns in which they are interested, which w-ould not be
possible, even if it were de.oirabie, in the United Kingdom. A
large number of our manufacturing undertakings are wealthy
concerns, and would not tolerate for one moment interference
by bankers in their affairs, and. indeed, would probably resent
any inquiry into the nature of their business arrangements.
Such rnanufacturing concerns, however, do require assistance
when they transact overseas business. Take as a single
in.stance the case of a Midland manufacturer selling goods to
Italy. The Italian buyer has been accustomed to long credit,
and if long credit is refused the business will probably be
impos.«ible. The manufacturer sells goods for. say. £50,000,
and the payment of that price would leave him with a con-
siderable margin of profit, bnt the offer of the Italian buyer
to pav him the equivalent of £'-50.000 in lire at six or twelve
months is not attractive. He would much rather accept a lower
figure than £50,000 for a clean cash transaction in sterling,

and it is in connection with such business as this that an
institution of the kind contemplat^'d would be liable to act
as intermediary (taking part of the whole of the financial
liability) with pri.>fit to itself and satisfaction to the manufac-
turer.

Or to take another case, that of a contractor who has entered
into a contract with a foreign Government, payment being
made as works proceeded, such |)ayment being possibly in
paper in a foreign currency, the contractor in that circum-
stance would willingly share his profit with an institution
whiih would be responsible for the finance of the se<'uritie8
receivable by him.

It would be essential in conducting bu-siness with manufac-
turers and merchants, that the Institution should draw and
accept bills, and it should generally be in a position to under-
take credit operations. It might be well to provide that a
certain portion of uncalled capital, or a" portion of paid up
capital (it it is deemed wise to have all called up) should be
reserved against this class of ri.sk.

If an Institution is formed to carry out transactions of the
kinds indicated above, it follows that it must be equipped with
knowledge of affairs in the countries with which it may do
business, and its managers must, by personal visits, acquaint
themselves with the conditions of business in all important
foreign centres. It must have either branches or agencies in
those countries, and in this connection the exceptional po.si-
tion held by British-foreign and Colonial banks should be
fully availed of. Instead of having to organi.se, as was the
ca.se with German banks, new subsidiary undertakings, the
Institution would largely u.se, under agreement, the existing
banks and the facilities which they can afford.

The Institution must be equipped with an upto-ilale
inforination department, and this will of necessity play a large
part in its usefulness and financial success. This might pro-
perly be called a Bureau d'Etudes, independent of the Corn
liieicial Intelligence Branch of the Board of Trade, Imt in
close touch therewith and under agreement entitled to all
pcssible facilities. That such a bureau is essential has been
made abundantly clear by the evidence given liy witnesses
we have heard, and also by the evidence given before other
committees. It would not nece.s.sarily deal only with schemes
in which the Institution proposed to take financial interests,
but might be made a centre for investigation of projects on
behalf of others, and a considerable revenue might be obtained
thereby. Chambers of commerce and joint .stock banks which
were disposed to help valuable clients, would no doubt avail
theULselves of the opportunities it w-ould aflord for informa
tion. One of the chief objects of the bureau, for instance
Would be the organisation and keeping up to date of retiuTis
as to the status of firms abroad. It .should al.so obtain the^
earliest information from abroad about new business opejiings,
l.'irge contracts offering. State and other loan and issue pro
posiils, (ic. If it were found that foreign finns were .securing
Im.siness in competition with British firms, or were develop-
ing business that British traders were leaving alone, the
causes should be at once investigated. The periodical journeys
ahroad of the Institution's managers and representatives
would supplement the information that would be gained
tiirough diplomatic aiul official channels.

The bureau would also have to undertake the examinatii
of industrial projects. This would be a costly business, as it
would be necessary to have upon its staff' men x^hose opinion
upon technical questions would enable it to investigate
thoroughly matters brought up for consideration. It would,
however, avail ftself of the services of the eminent consulting
engineers, cimsalting chemists, &c., whom we pos.se.ss in this
country.

It is absolutely clear that the personnel of the Institution
would call for great discrimination. It seems to be generally
agreed that the lines upon which a joint stock bank is con-
stituted would not be applicable in the case of the new
concern.

An executive committee consisting of a whole-time chairman
and three managing directors would appear essential. (There
would probable be three distinct departments, financial, indus-
trial, and commercial. No doubt there would be overlapping
between the departments, but this would be immaterial.)
They would draw good fixed salaries, and would be entitled
to a substantial .share in profits There should be a general
board of directors, composed of men with lianking. financial,
industrial, and commercial knowledge, and in clo.si^ touch
with the leading industries of the country.

Nearly as important as the board would be the general
staff. It is fair to assume that women will in the future take
a considerable share in purely clerical work, and this fact
will enable the Institution to take fuller advantage of the
qualifications of its male staff' to push its affairs in every
quarter of the globe. Youths should not be engaged without
a language qualification, and after a few years' training they
should be sent abroad. It could probably be arranged that
associated banks abroad would agree to employ at each of
their principal branches one of the Institution's clerks, not
necessarily to remain there for an indefinite period, but to
get a knowledge of the trade and characteristics of the
country. If indu-stry is to be extended, it is essential that
British products should be pushed, and manufacturers, mer-
chants, and bankers must combine to pu.sh thera. It is
believed that this pushing could be assi.sted by the creation
of a body of business young men in the way above described.

In this connection' it is perhaps worth pointing out that at

A

So. 2X127. SEPTEMBER 29, i-jio] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

345

the close of the war there may be a considerable number of
educated young men who will not be willing to settle down
again to the humdrum of an office, and from these it should
be' possible to selcL-t a number who would be desirous of
going to the Colonies and foreign countries to push business
on their own account. It the case of labouring men, the
Government are contemplating the establishment of land
settlements, &c., at considerable expense, aud similarly it has
liceu suggested that Government assistame might be. given
to the class above-mentioned, who would probably requite
the advance of some capital to enable them to make a start.
The Institution might act as agent for the Government in
this connection. The reluctance on the part of young men to
go abroad in recent years has been brought to the Com-
mittee's notice, and they think it is very desirable that the
spirit of enterprise should be encouraged and that an incen-
tive should be given to them to set up in business in foreign
coimtries.

In the case of young men with some little means of their
ii«n, the Institution should be willing — after careful examina-
tion of credentials — to grant larger and longer credits than
have been customary with existing banks The principle of
becoming special partners in a business for a period of years
will be well worth the consideration of the management when
the Institution is formed.

The evidence perused by us indicates the necessity for
fuller financial facilitie.s for home industries, especially in
connection With the enlargement of works and the financing
of contracts, and where it is demonstrated that a lock-up of
capital for an indefinite period is not involved, assistance
might be provided by the Institution to meet these require-
M-ents.

If financial assistance is given by the Government to under-
takings in connection with what are known as " key " indus-
tiies, the business should, if possible, be done through the
medium of the Institution, and it should be appointed an
afifnt for carrying through foreign commercial and financial
transactions in which the Government may be interested.

Foreign banks have, in most of their operations, adopted
the course of forming syndicates to undertake any business
of considerable magnitude. They have headed such syndi-
cates and they have taken the labouring oar in connection
\^ith investigations. The members of the syndicate have
generally included other banks, and associated with them have
been fho.se who were particularly interested in the class of
lir.siness iMoposed to be done. These syndicates are formed
after the first superficial inquiry has .satisfied the banks that
there is apparently a good business to be done. Directly this
I'uint is reached the expenditure in connection with thorough
investigation is on account of the syndicate. If the business
IS ultimatj?ly proceeded with the profits or losses on the wind-
U|> of the business a<e shared pro rata after allowance to the
liank for management. Some such procedure should be fol-
li wed here. It would enable the Institution to undertake
business of a compreliensive character, and its "imprimatur "
would have value when issues were made to the public.

Many new undertakings intrinsically sound have been
issued in the Enghsh market. The capital has been based
upon estimates of expenditure made by reputable engineers.
l)ut owing to unforeseen circumstances the actual cost has
fir exceeded those estimates, and, as a consequence, further
capital has frequently had to be raised at higher rates of
interest and in a form (such as prior hen bonds) which has
had a disastrous effect upon the securities originally sub-
.scribed for by the public. An Institution issue, whether of
debentures or shares, should be an assurance to the public
that until final completion there would be no risk of the
priorities given at the time of issue being interfered with by
nre-preference creations.

We are of opinion that there are strong reasons why the
Kank should be formed without delay, so that preliminaries
may be completed before the war is over. Our enemies are
"ure to make at the earliest moment strenuous efforts to
regain their po,sition in the world of commerce and finance,
and it may well be that, when peace comes, unemployment
may be rife at home unless new markets are exploited. It
.'ieems to us desirable, therefore, to ascertain in advance the
ipquircments of foreign countries and the whereabouts of raw
materials for our industries.

We believe tliat a bank constituted upon the above ba.ses,
v^itli pfrtcient management, should not only be a great boon
to British trade, but should prove a couunercial success.

To what extent the electrical export trade is increasing in
volume as well as value, it is difficult to state, since the Govern-
ment i-ejMnts fjive the numbers of artiele-s shipped for only four
electrical classes. For the classes these numbers compare as
follows : —

Numbers exported in
Articles. May, 1916. May, 1915. June, 1910. Jnoe,i»15

Electric fans 2,609 2,013 1,977 3,781.

Arc lamps 158 46 " IG 137

Carbon-filament lamps . . . . 79,474 «8.-49tJ 36,541 74,689

Metalfilaraent lamps . . . . 798,499 237,104 - - 802,640 385,773

In the following table are given the detailed figures for last May
and June aud for the corresjjonding months a year aao : —

Numbers exported in

Articles. May, 1916. May, 1915. June, 1916. June, 1915.

Batteries .. ." §157,397 S79,618 $159,876 $113,950

Dynamos or generators . . . . 1SS;534 84,153 145,965 191,464

Fans 33,528 28,838 24,831 48,106

Insulated wire and cable . . 292,086 302,029 290,151 253,247
Interior wiring supplies, &c,

(including fixtures) . . - . . 38,393 131,600 36,8a5 70,915

Lamps— Arc 2,539 1,200 156 1,820

Carbon-filament .. 9,833 7,593 4,188 11,432

Metal-fllament . . . . 140,649 42,232 133,683 78,536
Meters and other measuring

instmments 79,641 67,813 72,540 41,214

Motors 428,984. 209,014 321,147 283,923

Telegraph instraments (in-
cluding wireless apparatus) . . 16,187 2,968 8,561 1,522

Telephones 358,675 57,090 183,965 44,342

Transfonners 178,988 23,217 56,847 70,543

Another .. .. .. .. 1,572,175 764,844 1.712,396 836,061

Total 83,437,609 -81,802,209 $3,150,144 $2,047,081

The following table gives a detailed comparison of the last two
fiscal years ended June 30th in each case : —

Electrical exports in

1914-15. 1915-16.

Batteries ... .. .iy67,U6 §1,569,886

Dynamos or generators .. .. '.I.tiliJ.liik) 1,4(>8,961

Fans J-isijOs) 356,729

Insulated wire and cable .. l,911,^;.0 3,157,239

Interior wiring supplies, &e. (including fixtures) . . . . 753,351 818.985

Lamps— Ai-e . . 30,984 18,693

Carbon-filament 101,923 144,872

Metal-filament 473,149 1,282,039

Meters and other measuring instruments 440,916 776,381

Motors 2,818,743 4,218,97-4

Telegraph instruments (including wireless appai-atus) . . 76,271 148,536

Telephones 1,149,361 1,329,346

Transfonners .: 624^83 Wa,193

All other 8,152,141 13,970,236

A comparison of the electrical totals for the last four fiscal years
is given below, the year 1912-13 havitig the preceding highest
total : —

Fiscal year. Electrical exports.

191213 ' .. .. $26,772,816

1913-14 . , 25,060,844

1914-15 .. .. 19,771,757

1915-10 30,264,020

The foregoing figures do not include electric locomotives, which
are li.sted separately. During the fiscal year 1915-16 there were
ship])ed I'A such locomotives, valued at $4.54,.544 : in 19H-lo these
numbers were 4S -and $324,478 ; in 1913-14 they were 48 and
S137,452 resjjectively.

NEW ELECTRICAL DEVICES, FITTIN05,
AND PLANT.

Commutator-Slotting Tool.

A writer in the £!i-ctiirul Jti-riiir tiiid Western Electrician has
found that a good and handy tool for cutting down high mica
between commutator segments can be made as follows : —

Take a piece of hack-saw blade 2 in. long — a piece with fine teeth
is preferable — and grind it down if too thick to go between the

Fig. 1. — OoMilUTATOR-SLOTTINO ToOL.

AMERICAN ELECTRICAL EXPORTS.

We si\e below the figures relating to electrical exports from the U.S.
in May and June, for which we are indebted to recent issues of the
American Electrical Bericw and Wester?! Ehc rician.

The figures for May show a total far in excess of any previous
laonth. The total value of electrical shipments last May was nearly
91 i^er cent, over that of May. 1915, and nearly 17 per cent, oveir
that of February. 1916. which was the highest monthly figure
previously recorded. The exports for June exceeded in value those
of June. 1915, by nearly 54 per cent., though showing a decrease
of some 8 per cent, from the record total of May, 1916,

segments. Next take a piece of wood 3 in. long-. 1 '5 in. wide, and
0'75 in. thick, and saw a slot the leugth of it with a hack-saw deep
enough so that the 2-iu. piece of saw protrudes jt in., or more if
desired, when it is inserted in the slot. Bore a hole through the
wood piece on each end of the piece of saw. as shown in sketch.
put in stove bolts, and tighten. This tool can be used on a
commutator without removing the brush gear or end casting.

The Sterling Staff-Signalling System.

Facilities to enable the staff of any large works to locate each,
other at any moment during workinij hours have for years been
badly needed, and although telephones are installed in nearly
every works, they do not satisfactorily fulfil the requirements of a
busy staff moving about from workshop to workshop.

34(3

THE ELECTRICAL EEVIEW. [Voi. ;;.. xo.

<t:rTK>iiu;i; 2it, UHO.

Suppose that Mr. A., chief meclianioal engineer, is {roingr his
round in a works of moderate size covering: five or six acres. At
the moment he hapi)ens to find himself in the tool room discussintr
the refiuirenients of a new tool. He is suddenly nrfreiitl.v required
in the main machine shop. How is one to fret in touch with him
without loss of time? Until recently the most practical methoil
was to po to the nearest telephone, rinjr np the works central
exchangre. and ask the operator to try and locate Mr. A. by ringriujt
ronud to all departments; alternatively, messengers were sent
hurriedly throuy^h the works.

Both these methods appear antiquated comi)ared with a patented
system which we met with when recently visiting the Sterling
Telephone Co.'s extensive works at Dageuham. The com])any has
devised an ingenious system of luminous lamp signals fitted at
numerous points throughout the works. A bank of five differently
coloured electric lamps is fitted in a prominent position at each of

further setting in the open air, keeping the surface well moistened,
is completed. The reinforcement consists of twisted steel rods
ecjually spaced round the circumference at a distance of 3 in. from
the outside, the rods being held in place with wire hoops. The
IKiles are hollow from end to end. the diameter of the hole being at
least H inches. The base and capital of lighting standards are cost
separately by the centrifugal process, the former being provided
with a cut-out box having a concrete cover. The foundations are
cast in position, reinforce<l with i-in. twisted steel rods, and the
jioles are securely anchored to them. The hollow coi-e of the i)ole
accommodates the electric conduit leading to the lamp at the top ;
when this is in place, the core is filled up with cement grout,
Poles of this tj-pe are largely used in Californian towns.

Fig. 2. — CosxECTiox-Box" of Sterling St.\ff-sigxalli.\g

System.

20 different points in the various shops. A cable connects each
point with the works central telephone office. A bell is fitted close
to each bank of lamps, or. in the case of a noisy shop, an electric
hooter is employed. The central telephone oj^erator is provided
with a board fitted with 20 pushes and a special control switch.

When Mr. A. is wanted, the central operator cuts in the control
switch and jiushes the button corresponding to Mr. A. : her work is
then finished for the moment. The bells and hooters in each shop
now ring and continue automatically and intermittently to do so
until Mr. A. observes that he is required ; he then immediately
goes to a telephone which is located near the bank of lamps, and
calls up the works central, which puts him through to the party
desiring to speak to him.

The system is so arranged that 20 different colour combinations
can l)e produced on the bank of five lamps : thus it is that Mr. A.,
to whom, say, the colours red-blue-yellow have been assigned,
knows at a glance when he is wanted. All that is required to make
the system perfect is to instruct each member of the staff to glance
at the bank of lamps directly the bell or hooter sounds.

It will readily be seen that an enormous saving of time is afforded
by the " Sterling staff-signalling system ; " any member of the staff
can immediately locate any other, irrespective of their position at

Fig. .S. — Bank of Coloirkd Lamps.

the time. It would be well worth while for works managers to
pay a visit to the Sterling Co.'s works, where they will receive a
full explanation of the system. We are informed that the company
is prepared to undertake similar installations, provided they are
re^iuired tor munition works. It is obvious that the system is
equally applicable to hospitals, and other public institutions.

Concrete Poles.

A new method of making reinforced-concrete poles is described
in Cmicrete by L. R. Allison. The- poles are composed of one
part Portland cement to three of sand and gravel, poured into
forms in which the reinforcing rods are supported ; the forms are
then locked in a machine and revolved at a suitable speed depending
on the diameter of the poles, with the result that all voids are
filled and a hard, smooth surface is obtained. Obviously the
greatest compression is at the point of greatest radius — i.e.. the
external surface, where it is most needed. After aVjout half an
hour the mould is withdrawni from the machine and left to stand
for 24 hours ; the pole can then be handled safely, and after

CORRESPONDENCE.

Letters receired hij im after 5 p.m. ON TUESDAY eiuinot appear until
tIteUltowiiKj weeli. <_'orre.y/ii/uleiil.i xltoiildforuktrJ their cominiini-
cations at the earliest po.isilile moment. J\'o letter ran he published
vnless we hare the writer's name and address in our possession.

To Go— or Not to Go?

In agreement with the true stateiueuts by "Balanced Up,"
and referring to "North-East Coast's" reply, in which he
draws attention to the assertions of eminent men that
power station and sub-station operation constitute a lield ot
activity for semi-skilled and unskilled men, I am prompted to
draw attention to the conditions existing in a certain electru:
supply company which in the past has obtained the .services
of many young trained engineers by the "valuable experi-
ence," and alluring prospect of advancement described in its
advertisements. This revelation by " North-East Coast" that
such " valuable experience " simply consists of semi-skilled
and unskilled work, coming from a gentleman who, I pre-
sume, occupies an influential position, and originated by the
eminent men mentioned in his letter, is apt to be prejudicial
to engineers who have sacrificed time and money in station
work training. In common with others adopting electrical
engineering as a profession, I find, after an experience cover-
ing a period of nearly ten years in the technical, construc-
tional, testing, and operative branches that the result of my
attraction to this supply company's " valuable experience
and alluring prospects of promotion " con.sists of a so-called
salary, or, to be exact, mere pittance, coupled with duties
now described as serai-.skilled or unskilled. Being prevented,
through no fault of my own, from applying my ability to
better advantage, during a time when the nation's leaders
are urging trained men to give the country the utmost benefit
of their skill, I, with many others, am hoping that the military
authorities will shortly, by substitution, transfer us from our
.semi-skilled and unskilled positions to a more useful sphere of
activity. I would also like to add that the policy of cheap
labour, irrespective of ability, promotes discouragement, con-
sequently reducing the efficiency of the individual engineer,
with an increase in the old Capital versus Labour feud. This
state of affairs does not appear to be 'a very sound basis on
which to meet the enemy in after-the-war competition.

Industrial Conscript (Single).

The Wire=Drawing Industries.

Your remarks in a recent issue under the heading of
"The Wire-Drawing Industries" may perhaps do something
to waken up the High Conductive Copper. Association out of
the lethargy which it has sunk into during recent years. It
is not to be expected that individual wire firms will be dis-
posed to grapple with this serious growth of foreign aggres-
sion while they are members of an association which, while it
purports to look after their own interests, stUl clings to its
out-of-date conservative methods when outside competitors have
successfully adopted the measures required to put customers'
interests first and their own second.

The scope and purposes of the H.C.A. are confined to purely
selfish endeavours to prevent internal competition among the
big firms in order to keep up prices. If instead, or in addi-
tion, it devoted its chief attention to organising a sound policy
for frustrating the methods of the Gennan and other foreign
wire firms by adopting some of the means by which the latter
have become serious competitors in Great Britain and else-
where, it would be guaranteeing its own success with far
greater certainty than by assuring itself that its members are
not cutting each other's throats by underselling one an9ther.
The fact that the new small firms are doing so well is simply
because they creep in under the very noses of the slow-
moving big firms, and find new markets which the H.C.A.
firms never condescend to look for, or even suspected the
existence of. I know one German finu which did more trade
with this country three years ago than probably any two
II. C. A. firms did in their entire foreign trade.

Its success was due to the fact that it looked after its
customers thoroughly, and instead of merely communicating
with them through the po.st (as the English firms would have
done) it sent its agents round to its customers to ensure the

Vol.79, xo. 2.027, SEPTEMBER 29, 1PU3.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

347

attention -svliich all buyers expect and look for. Apparently
it is beneath the dignity of the H.C.A. firms to adopt a similar
attitude !

The H.C.A. is probably unaware that there are other new
SET all wire firms which would be started at once but for the
difficulty of obtaining the rolled copper for drawing down
from the big firms. WhUe the H.C.A. is able (at present),
because of the monopoly it enjoys through the shutting-out of
foreign competition, to prevent other small wire firms being
started, by refusing to sell them the rolled copper for drawing
down, and thus preventing home competition, it is acting as
a monopolist in two ways. i.e.. by preventing others from
trading where there is legitimate trade to be done and by
adopting no proper means of gaining that trade itself. Con-
sequently, the surplus mu.st be going elsewhere — probably to
America. This position, however, will cease imraediatelv after
the war is over, and then the H.C..\. will have to devise a
more up-to-date policy of doing business, and cast overboard
many of its present antiquated and unenterprising methods.

Preston, September tJnd, 1916.

Herbert Worthidgton.

LEGAL.

Munitions Court Case.
The Oldham Munitions Tiibunal last week heard a complaint
by a firm of manufacturers of electric accumulators in the
Ashton district, who summoned two labourers for faiUng to
obey orders. Ac<^ording to the assistant works manager, the
men were employed in the casting department, and on the
11th inst. they should have left that department to work on
a bla.st furnace, but they refused and went to the office and
asked for their wages. A representative of the National Union
of General Labourers said the men were told by the foreman
there was no further work on their own job. At the casting
work their ordinai-y time was 49 hours per week, and the aver-
age wage ±'2 I?. ; but the blast furnace job meant they would
have to work from SO to 88 hours for the same wage. They
asked the foreman if there was any other work they could
do, and. receiving an answer in the negative, asked for their
discharge certificates. Both men now said they were willing
to go back to their ordinary work, but a representative of the
firm said they could not take them back on the same work,
as they had not the material for them to work on.

Mr. James Hodeson (chairman) said there had been no
evidence to show that the men refused to obey orders. Before
men were removed from one class of work to another the
men were entitled to establish a new contract, and the men
could not be moved without their consent. The case would
be dismissed.

Germ.^x Electric P.\text for Cleaning Boilers.

In the Patents Court, on Friday last, Messrs. J. 0.
McQuitty, Ltd., of the Albert Engineering Works. Belfast,
applied for a licence to use the German patent 3,117 of 1911
for an electric hammer for removing the incrustation in
boilers.

Mr. McQuitty described the method on which the hammer
works. To the electric motor is attached a flexible tube,
having at the other end a hammer-head. The hammer-head
does not itself strike. It contains a series of cogged wheels
which are electrically driven, and when the hammer-head
is brought in contact with the incru.station these tap the
scaling as they perform revolutions at the rate of 7,500 taps
a minut€. The electric energy required is not great. The
electric motor is simply coupled to the lighting or power
supply of the w'orks, and the result is an efiicient mechanism,
which is a notable time-saver and performs the w'ork ordi-
narily done by four men. It gets over the ground rapidly,
does not mill, chip, or injure the plating, and, by reason of
the flexibUity of the tube, reaches awkward places and out-
of-the-way corners where it is impossible to make an effective
blow with an ordinary hammer. It is known as the Van de
Voorde patent. Mr. McQuitty pointed out that it was invalu-
able for munition works and for naval engineering purposes,
and could be used by an unskilled workman.

Mr. McQuitty said his company was a limited company, pri-
vately constituted, having only three .shareholders, and their
business had always included that of millwn'chts and boiler
scalers. He had already made two of the.^e electric hammers
experimentally, and he proposed to commission the Westing-
house Co.. of Manchester, to provide him with the electric
motors. He had never had any engagement with the patentee.
He was in negotiation with him before the war broke out,
but the negotiations fell through on a question of method of
payment. The two experimental hammers which he had
made worked quite efficiently. He had some trouble at the
beginning because of the inadequacy of the specifications, but
he had repaired their omissions, and there was certainly an
original element in the hammers as he propo.sed to put them
upon the market. In a further statement, he said he did not
know that anyone else was making this type of hammer.
There was no Enghsh manufacture. The Germans, before

the war, and before the prices of mat-erial went up, asked
^22 10s. for the hammer.

When the Controller asked Mr. McQuitty if he would pay a
royalty of 5 per cent., the applicant rejoined that he thought
25s. royalty on each hammer made would be excessive con-
sidering the amount of experimental work he had had to do
in perfecting the thing, and the fact that he desired to sell
it at as cheap a rate as possible. He only got 20 per cent,
profit at the present time on his labour in work he did for
the Government.

The Controller : An ordinary manufacturer's profit is 25 per
cent., and you are entitled to place your royalty on the top
of that. The Controller said the applicant must pay to the
Public Trustee a royalty of a sovereign on every machine
made, and the Court would then recommend the Board of
Trade to grant him a licence.

WAR ITEMS.

Exports to China. — The " London Gazette " for Septem-
ber 22nd contains further Usts of persons and bodies in China
and Liberia to whom exports may be consigned.

Silvertown Employes War Relief Funds. — In connection
with these funds, we are informed that £1,500 has been col-
lected to date, and regular donations have been made to the
Prince of Wales's Fund, British Red Cross Society, Belgian
EeUef Fund, Serbian Relief Fund, and the Anglo-Russian
Hospital at Petrograd.

Claims Against the Enemy. — The Public Trustee has pre-
pared and issued several documents explaining how claims
should be made on behalf of British subjects against enemy
subjects and enemy Governments Our readers do not need
to be told how^ important it is for them to make their claims,
and to do so in the proper form. The bill against Germany
has to be prepared, it will be a colossal sum, and the work
of the Public Trustee Office will be simpUfied if its instruc-
tions are properlv complied with. Communications on the
matter have to be addressed to the PubUc Trustee (Trading
with the Enemv), Kingsway, W.C, but forms can also be
obtained at the "Manchester Office, Albert Square, Manches-
ter. It should be noted that shareholders in English com-
panies owning property in enemy territory should not make
claims in respect of their individual holdings, as the com-
panies should, of course, make the necessary claims in their
corporate capacity.

A Siemens War Savings Association.— Some years prior
to the outbreak of war a number of the employes of Messrs.
Siemens Bros. & Co., Ltd., formed amongst themselves a
Thrift Club, which has had a successful career. As a branch
of the club, a War Savings Association has been organised
at the Woolwich works under the name of "The Bowater
War Savings Association." Its management is exclusively
in the hands of a committee of employes, which committee
is solely responsible for exact and regular administration.
Since the inception, in June last, this Association has pro-
gressed well, the membership having increased from 500 to
about 1,400, and, up to the present, nearly 4,000 War Savmgs
Certificates have been purchased under the Government
Scheme No. 2A, by which all subscriptions, as soon as they
are paid, are converted into War Savings Certificates, these
being allotted to each subscriber in priority of completed
subscription as and when the full value has been paid.

Exemption Applications. — At the Guildford Tribunal, the
Woking Electric Supply Co. appealed for its chief clerk (29),
the onlv male clerk left. It was stated to be essential that
there should be a man in charge with technical knowledge
and an intimate acquaintance with the locahty. Appeal dis-

When the Imperial Tramways Co. apphed to the Stockton-
on-Tees MiUtarv Tribunal last week for the exemption of a
clerk on the ground of indispensabihty. the manager (Mr.
Freshwater) said the company were straining every nerve to
release all men possible. They had from 70 to 90 lads in their
employ from 16 to IS years of age whom they were framing
as motor-men and in other capacities. The moment these
lads came of military age they were given their leaving certifi-
cates, and the recruiting officer was notified. ' Exemption
imtil .January 1st.

At Maidstone, the Corporation tramways manager appealed
for a numijer of men. Three drivers and a turner were
given conditional exemption ; and another driver, a clerk, and
a blacksmith were refused any time.

West Kent Appeal Court has dismissed an appeal for
exemption filed by Mr. G. W. Ironsides (34), electrician,
Anerley.

The East Kent Appeal Court has adjourned, for the purpose
of obtaining a certificate from the Ministry of Munitions, an
appeal by Mr. E. Hunt (27), assistant electrician at the
Faversham Cotton Powder Works.

Bromley (Kent) Tribunal, on September 20th, granted three
months' exemption to !Mr. Riley, electrician, Walter's Yard,
and to his electrical machinist, P. Johnson.

Wm. C. Wheeler, electrician, in the employ of Mr. P. H.
Korman, Moor Park, Much Hadham (Herts.), has been given

348

THE ELEC'TIUCAL UEVIlsW. [Voi. td. x... 2,.r..7.SKi-rF.M..Ru-M!nfi.

rxeniption until October 7th, with no further nppcal without
pennissiou.

At Malvern, on the npplicntion of the electricj)! rncincer to
the tr.P.C. (ifr. S. Trow Smith), conditional exemption wnif
conrede."! to \V. T. rowell. boiler (ireniiin at the electrioily
and ile.-itnictor works. A. Tj. Berridce, shift enpineer, also
appealed for, was given until Pccenihcr .TtUh for a substitute
to be found.

Mr. R. \y. Waine. Bexhill-onSea. appealed for .las. Rloor
(•">-■)), ele<trieian. passed for labour duty abroad, neeesfuiry to
the business. On condition that he joined the Volunteer
TraininH Corps Bloor was exempted.

The Chatham and District Tramway Co. appealed for three
inotor-ine.n and a switchbojird attendant. It was . "stated that
five wounded soldiers had been trained as drivers, but it was
found that when left to them.'selves thoy lost their nerve, and
they had to leave the work. Conditional exemption was
allowed with the consent of the military representative.

A month's exemption, in order to find .a substitute, has
been granted by Walton-onThames Tribunal to P. G. Fuller
(34). electrician to Jfr. W. K. Marriott. Moorlands. Cobbani.

Before the Warwickshire Ap|ieal Court, the Military ap-
pealed a>.'ainst exemption until October 1st granted to itorace
\VaIter (lilbert. electrician and wireman. Rugby, and against
exemption allowed to a. charge hand at the Rugby Urban
Council's refuse destructor. The former case was put back
for further consideration, and the latter appeal was allowed,
thft exemption being limited to October 1st.

At Wevmouth. Percy W. Child, electrician, was appealed
for by Messrs. Brooking it Co., engaged on a Corporation
housing scheme. \ month was granted, with no further
appea4 without consent.

An appeal, at Sheffield, by Hfr. W. .Johnston (.V)), electrical
engineer, has been respited for the re-'ult of a medical exami-
nation, and one by Mr. Ernest .Jones (.3.3), electrical engineer,
has been disallowed.

Before the Essex Appeal Court, Messrs. Taylor. Walker and
Co., L'pminster. appealed for Albert Robert Barry, their elec-
trician, who was medically rejected when the war broke nut.
"The appeal was dismis.sed. and con.«ent to go to the Central
Tribunal was refu.sed.

Before the Es.sex Tribunal, Mr. Frank Marwood Burley,
electrical engineer, of Southend-on-Sea, appealed for exemji-
tion. IJe said that he was 3.5 and single, and that his busi-
ness consisted of putting electrical fittings into houses, and
in it was the wiiole of his capital. He had contracts running,
and if he had to clo,se it would be absolute ruin to him.
Eighteen months ago he olTeivd to enlist, but then he had
someone to take charge of his business. The appeal was dis-
missed, and a month's grace allowed.

Messrs. Smart & Brown, electrical engineers, Erith. ap
pealed to the West Kent Appeal Court for the exemption of
two fitters, aged respectively 20 and 19. Col. Atkinson agreed
that the company was doing important Government work,
but he could not agree to such young men being indispens-
able. The appeals were dismissed.

On the ground that he was doing public service in his
occupation. Exeter Tribunal has granted exemption until the
end of the year to A. Dicker (.37), ticket inspector on the
Exeter Corporation tramways.

.\t Honiton, on September '2lst. the engineer and manager
ol the Uxal electricity works appealed for exemption. It
was stated that he had total charge of the works, and w^as
the only procurable electrician with .sufficient technical know-
ledge fro manage the machinery. A-c. He was originallv
starred, and was in a certified occupation, .\ppellant was
directed to go before the Medical Board and report the result

At Gaterham, on September 21st. Mr. S. B. Howard
managPT of the local branch of the TTrban Electric Light
Supply Co , Ltd.. appealed for a stoker and mechanic, aged
■Jh. The Chairman said the Tribunal considered the man in
a cPTtifted oceupa-tion, and: conditional exemption would be
granted.

Dover Corporation, on September 2.3rd, appealed for exemp-
tion for a. driver of an electric scavenging vehicle, who had
already had six months, and could not be replaced. The
Advisory Committee did not assent. A month was allowed to
obtain a substitute.

At Bolton, last week, an appeal was made bv a local firm
on behalf of a man employed in the making of horse shoes,
but the appeal form also stated that the man in question
was employed as an electrical engineer. It transpired that
he was working as an engineer in the davtime. and at
the horse shoe busine,?s every night and on Saturdavs and
Sundays. The Clerk said the firm emploving the manin the
daytime at his regular work had appealed at Turton for him
and had been unsuccessful. It would be a peculiar position
It the Bolton Tribunal allowed the claim in respect of the
man s spare-time job. The appeal was di.sallowed.

At Oldham, on September 21st, temporarv exemption until
December lst_ was granted to an electrical engineer and con-
tractor, who is 30 rears of age. and said he was doing work
for the tramway department, which was work of national
ircportance. The whole of his life's savings were at stake if
he. had to go away on .\rmv service.

At the Aberdeen Citv Military Tribunal. Messrs. ,J. Blaikie
and Sons. Ltd.. asked exemption for an apprentice electrical
engineer and a blacksmith. Mr. H. .1. Gray, advocate, stated
that before the war the firm had 62 emploves. and 31 were
now left, 28 having joined the Army or Government service.

The lirin had l>ceu experiencing trade grievances in connec-
tion with employing men at electrical work who were not
electricians. Mr. McDonald .sjiid the Electricians' Trade
( nion bad lau.scd a great deal of trouble. The Chairman :
It is an unrca.sonable attitude to take up in thesis times. Mr.
(Iray pointed out that the linn could not overtake the work
with the men they had. Mr. McDonaM thought the Union
wa,s raising all the dilliculties it could. The Chairman
asked whether a discharged soldier, though a skilled
iiiechaMii-, could get employment as an electrician. 'ITio
manager siiid the llnion would not aci'ept a. man unless ho
had .-iiMved his apprenticeship to that particular trade. The
Chairman ; That is a disgraceful state; cjf matters. The ap-
prentice electrical engineer's claim was dismissed, with »
lecoimncndation for one month, and the blacksmith got tem-
porary exeiii|)tion for two months.

Referring to the above, the Branch Secretary of the Union
has denied that any unrca.sonable attitude has been taken up
by it in thiiT matter; he regards the remarks by .several niem-
bi'is of the Tribunal as being quite uncalled for. " We have
done .-ill within our power to keep matters going smoolbly.
.Ml our members arc either on work of national importanco
or at the Front, The real grievance is this: While our iiieiii-
bers are being called to military service, workers employed
on alien trades are called to do electrical work, The.se indus-
trial aliens are eligible for military service. We ask any
fair-minded individual to think over this point and then con-
sider whether our protest is reasonable or not,"

.■\t Burnley Tribunal, Last week, Mr, Mozley, tramways
manager, applied for the exemption of three employes, a cashier
and two general clerks, aged 30. '28, and 24, Mr, Mozley said
they had now got to that stage where they were only left
with three clerks, who were the seniors of the staffs. They
had lost 10 men for the Army, and four had left for other
occupations. The Chairman : Cannot you get women clerks'?
— It takes a good many years to reach senior positions, where
they supervi.se !ind check the w'ork of juniors. The Tribunal
granted exemption to the end of the year to the senior i lerk,
two months to the second, and refused in the case of the third.

The Northundierland .'\ppeal Tribunal, sitting at Newcastle,
dismi.ssed the appeal of I'Vcderick Ni<holls. aged 22. single,
who hail been a. commissioned officer in the Army, had re-
signed, had entered the employment of Messrs, Armstrong,
Whitworth & Co.. had been debadged, had gone to ji muni-
tion factory as timekeeper and checker, and was studying
wirele.'^s telegraphy at nights. j\ppellant asked for temporary
exemption until .January 1st to enable him to undergo a
Government wireless examination.

.\t South wark, Messrs. Alexander Hawkins it Co., elec-
trical engineers, of London Road. S.E-. applied for the exemp-
tion of their manager, who previously had been granted an
extension. The firm had only asked for the exemption of four
men, 1.5 having joined up. They had tried to get .wnieone
to take the man's place, but had failed, although they had
advertised extensively. The Mayor said .some effort must be
maile to replace this man, as big operations were going on.
Mr. Hawkins saiil if they were not entirely engaged on Gov-
ernment! work he would not have appealed. He had been in
the film's employment for 1-5 years. One month's exemption
was granted to enable the firm to replace the manager.

Mr. F. Freshwater, manager of the Teesside Electric Tram
ways, in applying at the Stockton Tribunal for the exemp
tion of a. clerk, said the man was .so indispen.sable to the com
pany that he was working from early in the morning until
late at night. Exemiition until .January 1st w-as granted.

.-\t the Richmond (Yorks.) Mihtary Ti-ihunal. a civil engi
neer who had been engaged for two years at the local mili
tary camp, applied for an exemption to enable him to pro-
ceed to Indiii. to act as assistant engineer in electrical works
near Bombay. The engineer there was a single man, and
had joined the Colours. Applicant was ,32, and had been
pas.sed for general .service. A strong man was required for
the Indian po.st as there were great risks of fever. If he got
the exemption he thought the emigration officer might issue
a permit for him to leave the country. The Military repre-
ss ntative expressed the opinion that the authorities would
not permit such an active man, passed for general service,
to go abroad, ' Exemption until .January 1st was granted.

,'\t the City of London Tribunal. Messrs. W. Grantham and
Sons, buil'ders and decorators, appealed on behalf of C. H,
Dalton. the only electrical engineer in the firm's employ, who
was stated to be essential to the business. The Military
representative said that the man had registered as a car-
penter, but this was explained by Mr, Dalton, who said that
he registered as an electrical engineer, but he also put on the
paper that he w-as a carpenter as he was engaged as carpentry
instructor at a technical school, Mr. Lister, for the firm,
.said that it Dalton went they would have to close that depart-
ment. The Chairman said that the man was a carpenter,
and his employers were not electricians. They were described
as builders. The case would be disallowed

\t the Stockton-on-Tees Military Tribunal, when the man-
agement of a local kinema theatre appealed for a 19-year-old
electrician and kinema operator, the Chairman asked how
they could send married men into the .\rmy and exempt a
man such as applicant. Exemption until November 1st, for
arrangements. t.

The Skelton and Brotton Military Tribunal granted exemp-
tion until .January 1st to a linesman in the employ of the
local Council's electric supply undertaking.

Vol.71.. xo.2,n27,SEPTEMBER29, i!)u;.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

M<)

The Rochl^ale Tribunal has granted conditional exemption
to A. Wonall (29), motoi'-man, and T. Mason (36), wireman,
who were appealed for hy the Corporation tramways depart-
nitnt; and temporary exemption until the end of October to
.T. E. Kershaw (35), traffic clerk, also appealed for by the
department. H. Holden (3"2), employed in a local mill and,
,Tt week-ends only as a motor-man on the Corporation tram-
ways, appealed, and was exempted until the end of Novem-
ber. .4n appeal by Messrs. Fryer & Hartley for Thos. Hartley
i'M). electrical wireman and fitter, was withdrawn, the man
having now been badped.

At Rawmar.sh, on September 2'2nd, the general manager of
the Mexborough and Swinton tramways, was appealed for by
the company, and it was .stated that the whole of the tram-
ways and the electric, lighting were under his control. Condi-
tional exemption was conceded, and also to an electrician
engaged at the trara\vay shed, the only man left to repair
w ire's and cables.

Exemption has been refu,sed to E. C. Stow, electrician, of
Ilalstead. Sevenoaks. appealed for by Mr. .T. Eussell.

Sevenoaks Tribunal ha.s granted four months' exemption
to .John rink (31), electrician to Me.ssrs. S. Young i% Son.

Before the Berks. Appeal Court, Mr. R. H. Cain (.32). elec-
trician in the service of Princess Hatzfeldt, of Foliejohn
Park, Windsor, appealed against refusal of exemption. The
Princess also appealed, but exemption w-as refused.

At Newport (Isle of Wight). Mr. E. W. Tyler, electrical
engineer, appealed for hi> son, Mr. A. Q. Tyler (31), the only
n,an left to do electric light fitting. He said that two sons
^ ere serving, and a third was called up for October 1st. Con-
iitional exemption was given.

\t Ryde. on September ]8th, INfessrs. Ashton & Holt, elec-
trical engineers, appealed for Wm. White (24). the only
mechanic left. The appeal was dismissed, and the firm were
given leave to go to the Hants Tribunal.

.A.t Ventnor. on September 18th. L. J. Boxall, of the staff
of the I.ale of Wight Electric Light & Power Co., was con-
ceded a certificate of conditional coemption.

At Shanklin (Isle of Wight), on September 20th, Mr. H.
Kuping, electrician, was granterl conditional exemption on
remaining in the Volunteers. The same exemption was con-
ceded to Chas. W. Spencer, apprentice with the Isle of Wight
Electric fjight & -Power Co., his occupation being held to be
a certified one.

On the appeal of the Corporation tramway manager (Mr.
(i. W'eb.ster). Rochdale Tribunal has allowed exemption until
November 30th to P. Travis (28), traffic clerk.

The Wetherby Tribunal, la.st week, refused the application
— but not to be called up before October 15th — of a butler to
Major G. R. Lane-Fox. M.P. (who is on active service). It
was stated that the butler had the responsibility for the whole
of the electric lighting and heating plant, being the only man
left in the house. There was a nominal staff of 86 men, in-
cluding the Hunt servants; of these 47 had joined the Colours.

.\t the We.st Riding .Afpeal Tribunal, last week, a partner
in a private telephone company said last year the two part-
ners realised that one i( them would have to go, so it was
arranged that the appellant, who had certain domestic res-
ponsibilities, should remain to run the concern, and the other
partner should go. The appeal for exemption was allowed.

At Morecambe, Mr. H. B. .\tkin.son (29). electrical engi-
neer, said he was now working single-handed, having the
a.ssistance of only a boy of 16. There was no other electrical
engineer in Morecambe. apart from the borough engineer.
He had been in bu.siness eight years, and all his capital was
invested in it ; he had about .50 installations to attend to in -
the town. In answer to Dr. Watter.son (Military representa-
tive), who questioned the work having to be sent out of the
town, and suggested that the borough electrical engineer
could do it, Mr. .Atkinson .said that woi'ld be a contravention
of the law. A. little "breeze" occurred when Mr. Ibbotson,
the borough accountant, attempted to explain the po.sition
n( the borough electrical engineer and private work. Condi-
tional exemption was granted.

BUSINESS NOTES.

Trade and Other Conditions in the Argentine. — U.S.
Vice-Consul .T. S. Calvert, of Buenos Aires, reports that dur-
ing 1915 American sales to .Argentina " increased greatly along
certain lines as the result of the absence of competition from
some of the belligerent powers. .A. great deal of this busine.ss
will probably be kept after peace is declared, as the attention
of American manufacturers seems finally to have been directed
to this market, but, in some instances, there have been some
unfortunate shipments from the standpoint of quahty, and
in others harsh terms of payment have been exacted to the
considerable annoyance of the Argentina firms involved,
resulting in general criticism. The situation is not gloomy,
however, as the prospects for retaining the business already
developed have been made brighter to a considerable extent
by the fact that quite a number of American firms last year

established in Buenos Aires branches or properly accredited
agencies, showing themselves really serious in their desire
to enter this market. The practice of relying upon irrespon-
.sible or uninterested representatives and, worse still, upon
the mailing of catalogues, seems to have died out among
American fimis really inclined to build up their trade with
Argentina. The cardinal rule in exporting goods to this
lountry is that they must be shipped exactly as ordered; no
Milistitution is tolerated. But during the year the Consul's
attention W'as directed several times to cases where the mer-
ciiandise received was not according to samples .submitted when
Killers were given. It is hardly conceivable that any great
number of American manufacturers would, if properly advised
by their representatives, fill any orders from this country
unless they were in a position to send the exact kind and
quahty of goods ordered, and nothing else, better or worse."

Mr. Calvert gives in tabular form comparative percentages
of imports from the United States in 1913 and 1915. Ameri-
can electric wires and cables which were nil in 1913 were 14.3
per cent, of the total in 1915; various machinery stood at 13.5
per cent. American in 1913, but was 31.9 in 1915; iron and
steel wire increased from 40 per cent, to 93.7 per cent. ; and
steel rails from 21.6 per cent, to 61.7 per cent.

"Iron, steel, and other metal products were imported in
smaller quantities than usual in 1915. Very little new con-
struction of any kind took place, and the policy of retrench-
ment caused by the crisis of 1913 and prolonged by the out-
break of the war was continued. The United States, how-
ever, got a fair share of the business, and increased materially
its exports to Argentina of sheet iron and steel, tin plate, and
wire."

The report later states that during 1915 trade between the
United States and Argentina developed to a considerable
extent in articles in which in former years the trade was
negligible. .Among them may be mentioned miscellaneous
machinery and machines, chemicals, and automobiles.

" .A great deal of this business will be permanently held,
and may be, in fact, increased. . . . Miscellaneous machi-
nery, machines, implements, devices, and specialities, not
specifically mentioned, form, it is believed, quite a large
part of the total imports from America. At any rate, these
articles are seen in ever-increasing numbers in the shop
windows and stores of Buenos Aires. Their good quality
seems to be generally accepted, the only hindrance to their
more exten.sive sale being the high and uniform prices that
are charged for them in the .shops. Taken as a w-hole, the
year 1915 was a very good one for American trade in Argen-
tina, and the prospects of its continued growth are favour-
able."

Mr. Calvert, in referring to industrial and economic condi-
tions, says that despite its large exports the countryhas not
yet regained its former economic position. Conditions are
steadily improving. The value of goods imported during the
year was small, and stocks were allowed to get low. There
is a much brighter outlook for 1916, and "it is confidently
expected that from now on the situation will improve, that
business in all lines will grow, and that soon the country
will find itself in a much sounder condition than prior to the
panic of 1913. which was brought on largely by speculation
and injudicious promotion. A good sign of the gradual im-
provement is found in the drop in the number of commercial
failures during 1915.

"The raising of funds on long terms for Governmental
purposes or important private projects is still a matter of
securing outside capital, and the re.stricted amount of Euro-
pean capital available is not sufficient for the rapid develop-
ment of the country's resources, nor, in fact, for the comple-
tion of some works in course of construction. During the
year the question of obtaining American capita! to replace
ithe European aroused considerable interest among the Argen-
tine public, and. as a matter of fact, reached a concrete form
through the action of American bankers in placing several
loans for the Argentine Government. There has not_ been,
however, so far as can be learned, any consider.able inve.st-
ment of American capital in private undertakings."

The report .savs that the latest telephone census shows that
there are 71 establishments in the Republic, with a capital
of f2.9.il,0S6. employing 4,494 persons at a total wage of
£390.640 per annum. "In Buenos Aires two systems are in
operation— the Compaiiia I'nion Telefonica, and the Com-
pafiia, Cooperativa. The former, which is the largest, also
maintains exchanges in Rosario, Bahia Blanca, La Plata^
Cordoba, and other cities of the Republic. It is_ understood
that effoi-ts are being made to secure a concession for the
installation of a new service, using autopoatic instruments of
American make, in the city of Buenos Aires."

For Sale. — ^Iessrs. Wheatlev Kirk. Price & Co:
have issued a catalogue of electric cables, fittings. 4;c., that are
being sold by tender by order of the Controller of Turner i: Burner,
London.

Patents and Alien Enemies.— Application haa been

made to the Boar.l of Trade to avoid or suspend Patents Nos.
1I..'>S0/13 and ll.C>l.i/lS. granted to the Farbenfabriken voim.
F. Bayer & Co. for the vulcanisation of caoutchouc, by Mr.A. Smith,
of Excelsior Works. Clayton. Manchester, who has also applied for
the grant of a licence in respect of patents Nos. 12,777/13 and
12,661/14, granted to the same firm for vulcanising processes.

350

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW. [Voi.:;., nv •.'.ol-t, SK,-Tr.M.u:u -•■...uur..

A Kingsway Insurance Office. — I" t'l^- iMtst tlio wholo

of the headiiiiartcrs stalf of the British Knsrine. Boilor ami Elec-tricnl
Insiinince t^l.. Ltil.. with whicli the name of Miohat'l Lonirridjre is
insei>a!ably a^sni'iatiil. has been stntioned at Manchester, and all
technical matters have had to be dealt with there. It will readily
be reco;rii'se<l that in the case of business in London and other
centres situateil at a distance from Manchester, the jiassin;; on
of matters, say. for example, nrtrenl commtinications res|)ectinsr an
electrical breakdown, or the discussion of complicated technical
Iioints. involved delays, and. perhaps, laborious correspondence.
The company, which is already so well known to steam and elec-
trical plant users, and particularly to our readers, by rea.son of the
excellent reports of breakdowns that we were annually per-
mitted to publish until comparatively recently, has struck out
progressively, in order to obviate the above disadvantas'es. and thus
better meet the requirements of its iucreasinjr business in the
London area, by openin;,' a lar^rer office than formerly in London,
with a comiilete .staff for dealing^ with the iusi)ection and insur-
ance of all kinds of electrical plant. We paid a visit to the
premises, which are in a thoroujrhfare which is becomintr more
hisrhly charg-c*l electrically as the years pass by, and would have
been more so by now with the ci)m]iletion of the (J.E.C. new offices
if the war had not interfered, at Inipirial Buildiii^rs, -''ti, Kingsway,
W.C. The jxniilance of this technical department hiu* been placfd
in the hands of Mr. H. Llewellyn T. Foster. M.Inst.C.E.. M.LE.E.,
formerly the chief electrical eng'incer of the company at their head
olfice at Manchester. Jlr. Foster, in the course of somewhere about
;iO years' experience of British electrical machinery and jilant, ha-s
naturally accumulated a very wide practical experience of many
types of manufacttires which stands him in excellent stead in
dealinsr with insurance questions in connection therewith, and he.
with his . staff of inspectors, will be available in readiness for
handling- matters of emergency with expedition and skill. Mr.
H. F. Taylor, formerly secretary to the company, has been appointed
to take charfre of the new London ofBce. and with him is
associated Mr. AV. .T. Walsh as assistant manager. These two
gentlemen have likewise migr.i.ted from Manchester. Considering
the difficulties of securing workers in war-time, the matter of
eng-aging a suitable office staff has been well handled, and with
every modern office equipment, and an excellent system of electrical
illumination, a good start has been made in setting a new organ-
isation to work amid congenial surroundings.

The German Cable Makers' Syndicate. — The agreement

of the Syndicate ipf Cable llakers. to which all the large German
electrical firms belong, would nominally expire with the end of
September. Xegotiations. however, have been proceeding with a
view to a further provisional extension of the Syndicate for a
period of six months, a definite prolongation being postponed until
after the war. The situation of new business under existing con-
ditions is characterised as very quiet. It is also reported that the
Syndicate of Makers of Insulated Conductors has been renewed
until the end of June. 1!»17.

Concordia Electric Wire Co., Ltd.— A notice, dated

September 20th. issued by the secretary of this company, announces,
by direction 'of the Public Trustee, that a [British syndicate has
purchased the shares vested in him under the powers conferred by
the Trading with the Enemy Amendment Act, 1916. Pending the
reconstitution of the board, no orders will be recognised by the
company unless they are issued on the official order forms of the
company, signed by Mr. R. Belcher, one of the existing directors,
and countersigned by Mr. Leonard Thornton, the secretary.

Book Notices. — Will takers Arifhmetir of Elertrmil

Engineering. London : Whittaker it Co. Price 2s. net. — This is
the third edition of a useful collection of examples, examination
questions, kc. many of which are worked out In full. In ttie new
issue two new chapters have been inserted, dealing respectively
with electricity supply economics and illumination, and a consider-
able addition has been made to the number of exercises.

The Ini1ii;iti)r Haiiiibooh. By C. N. Pickworth. Manchester :
Emmott it Co.. Ltd. Price 3s, net, — This, the fifth edition, has
been brought up to date, and a note has been added on recording
indicators which are actuated electrically. The book is one of those
which merit the title of "standard" works, and is indispensable to
the user of the indicator,

"The Fan, including the Theory and Practice of Centrifugal and
Axial Fans." ByC. H. lunes. London: The Technical Publishing
Co.. Ltd. Price 8s. (id. net.

Trade Announcements. — It is officially announced that
the Board of the British M.\nnesman Tube Co. has been recon-
stituted, and the dii-ectors are now : — Mr. Richard S. Guinness
(chairman), Sir Robert Balfour, Bart,. M.P.. Sir Hugh Bell. Bart..
and Mr. G. Hethey (managing director). Mr. Hugh W. Dunn will
continue to act as secretary.

Mr. F. J. Roden has resigned his position as a director of the
E.S. Co.. Ltd.. of '• The Light House," 233, Tottenham Court Road,
W., and his interest in the business has been taken over by Mr. E.
Cecil Beman, the managing director, who will be entirely
responsible for the direction and control of the company.

Messrs. Geosoe Ellison, of Birmingham, have removed their
Yorkshire Branch Office from Sheffield to Standard Buildings, City
Square. Leeds,

Mr. Edwin T, Lixdovv. electrical engineer and contractor, has
removed to 87. Parkhurst Road. Holloway. X.

Bankruptcy Proceedings. — Thojias Brookes, Hales-
owen, electrician at munition works.— First meeting, Septem-
ber 2'.Hh ; public examination. October 25th,

The Electrical Company's Stock for Sale.— iM'^sits.

Whk.vti,i:v KiFiK. PuicK ,t Co. are offering for sale by ])ublio
tender the business. British trade connections, and stock of the
Eh>ctrical Co.. lvt<l. Full particulars are given in our advertisement
pages to-day.

Catalogues and Lists. — Carhox Co., Canon, Falkirk.

• Xew sea-somd catalogue of electric heating .appliances. In tin
course of 2( pages, illustrated, particulars and jirices are given nl
various designs of hmiinous radiators, electric stoves, electric tii.
interiors, electric fires. Carron elements, dog grates, and electric
fireplace suites. Several new models are shown, but the particular-
feature of the list is the Carron electric fire interior.

JlEssiis. ('UKMKNDA CoNDi:iT.'i Co., LTD.. Chester Street, Aston,
Birmingham. Leaflet illustrating new designs in electric fires, for
which the London agents are Messrs. Baxter it Caunter, Ltd.

Trade with Russia. — -V representative of the British

Board of Trade has arriveil at Nijni Novgorod with the object of
establishing direct tiadiug relations between the Russian and ISritish
markets. For next year's Fair, the British Board of Tiade
will organise aiv exhibition of British manufactures which can be
exported to Russia. — Times.

The Ihiilg ('/ii-iinicle aauys that at present two representatives of
the Indian Government, Messrs. Blake and Chadwick, are in
Pctrograd on a special mission of study and inquiry into the possi-
bilities of future trade intercourse between Russia and the IniliaTi
Empire.

Private Arrangements.— •!. W. Simp.sox, ."). Kiiitr Stmi,

Jlargate. elci-triiiaii. A ciiriilar, dated September 2r)th. has Wru
issued to tlu^ cnditius herein by Messrs. Poi)])leton, Ajipleliy and
Hawkins, of 4. Charterhouse Square, E.G., .stating that Mr. Simpson
has consulteil them respecting his affairs, as they are reprrsciiting
several of his trade creditors, and in order to protect the estate, the
debtor, on the advice of his solicitor, has executed a deed of
assignment to Mr. E. H. Hawkins, as trustee for the creditors, in
consequence of one execution having been levifd and others
])endiug. As a' result of negotiations with the execution creditor,
a satisfactory arrangement has been made whereby the execution
will be withdrawn on terms, and it is proposed that the estate
shall be wound up under 1 III- died, an offer having been made for
the purchase of the stock and li\i iins by private treaty. The other
assets consist of book-del ii-. which the trustee will collect, and in
three mouths' time it will be possiljle to close the estate and dis-
tribute a dividencl. The debtor states that his unsecured liabilities
amount to £303 and the assets to £265, subject to preferential
claims of about £ 100. The largeist trade creditors have approved
of the arrangements that have been made.

LIGHTING AND POWER NOTES.

Aldershot. — The electrical engineer has lieeii iusti'iicted
to present a full report on the present position and future require-
ments of the electric light undertaking.

Bedford. — Loan Sanction, &c.— The Finance Committee
reports that application has been made to the L.G.B. for sanction
to borrow £4.900, in connection with the electricity undertaking,
and that sanction has been granted for £4.072. It will, therefore,
be necessary to include in the revised estimate the sum of £828,
the amount disallowed, to meet which the Committee recommends
that the present increase of 5 per cent, on the electric light charges
be increased to 10 per cent., until further notice. The recom-
mendation was referred to a Committee of the whole Council. The
Committee stated that inquiries were being made by contractors
regarding a supply of energy for lighting, power and cooking pur-
poses for a new factory, and when it was ascertained what would
be required and what the firm would be prepared to pay, the matter
would be laid before the Council. The engineer has fieen directed to
make house connections in all cases he deemed proper, on condition
that the whole capital expenditure in connection therewith should
be borne by the applicants.

Bispham. — Price Increase. — The U.D.C. has decided

to increase the charges for electricity from October 1st. owing to
the increased cost of production as follows : — For lighting pur-
poses by Id. per unit ; for other piu'poses by 20 per cent.

Canada. — The Attorney-General for Ontario has rejected
an application of the Electrical Development Co. for permission to
take action in the Ontario Courts as to the right of the Hydro-
Electric Commission to undertake the proposed Chippewa-Niagara
development. It is also stated th.at the Province of Ontario would
oppose any application to the Dominion Government for dis-
allowance of legislation passed by the Ottawa Legislature last
session.

Colombia. — The Mnnicipal Conncil of Zarasjoza Depart-
ment of Antioquia has beep authorised to raise a loan of £3.000,
for the installation of an electric power plant and the construction
of an aqueduct.

The Municipal Councils of Mosquera (Cundinamarca) and Con-
cepcion (Antioquia) are borrowing £2,000 and £1,000 respectively
for electricity purposes. — Jinurd «f Trade Jonrnul.

Crayford. — Public Lighting. — The P.C. has approved

of a draft five years' agreement with the West Kent Electric Co.
for lighting the roads on the new estate at Barnes Cray.

Vol.;;.. xo. 2.027. SEPTEMBER 29, 1916.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

351

Continental. — 8pain. — AppliL-ation has recently been

made for a concession to utilise the water power of the River
Cadaofua. in the Valle de Mena (Province of Vizcaya), for the gene-
ration of electrical energy for lighting and power purposes in the
town and district of Xara.

The Sociedad Anonima Portland Iberia has set up a very complete
Portland cement factory at Castillejo. some HO miles distant
from Madrid, ou the River Tajo. whose waters ai-e utilised in con-
nection with a hydroelecti-ic station, to drive the plant, which
is capable of an output of 60.i)UO tons of cement yearly. The
specifically cement-making plant has been supplied by the firm of
F. L. Smith, of Copenhagen ; the hydroelectric and electric plant
by E. Grasset & Co. and Brown. Boveri & Co. There are three
groups of Francis turbines, di'iving Brown. Boveri alternators.
The pressure of the alternators is 3,1.50 volts, raised for trans-
mission to 30.000 volts, three-phase. The electromotors are coupled
direct to the machines they drive. They are non-synchronous
motors of Brown. Boveri make. — ImliiMiiii >■ Inreiivinues.

XoRWAY. — The town authorities of Drammen have voted
1.073.0(10 kroner for various works, with a view to utilising addi-
tional power from the commune's power station at Labro.

The municipal authorities of Aalesund have voted a sum of
.■)2s.3oii kroner for the building of a hydro-electric station on the
Spilkevik River, the erection of transmission lines. A:c.

The commune of Fjeld has decided to expend 300,000 kroner on
an electric supply scheme.

The district authorities of Grytten have arranged to piu'chase
the Stavemfos waterfall and erect an electric generating station.

Crompton. — E.L. Proposals. — The Electricity Com-
mittee of the Oldham T.C. has expressed its willingness to meet a
deputation from the U.D.C. to discuss the question of supplying elec-
tricity to the district. The'request of certain local manufacturing
firms that Oldham should supply the electrical energy required at
Shaw station for a loading crane was supported by the U.D.C. but
the Corporation cannot see its way to supply the station alone
owing to the small demand. It is understood that the residents of
Shaw are anxious to obtain a supply of electricity, and the Cor-
jioratiou is evidently prepared to make the necessary arrangements
provided suitable terms can be arranged with the U.D.C.

Croydon. — The Electricity Committee has decided to
accept the offer of Messrs. Callender to lay a new h.t. feeder from
the generating station to the sub-station in Southbridge Road, the
total cost, with provision for public street lighting, being estimated
at £1..')3,5, which is to be charged to reserve.

Dover.— Price Increase. — The T.C. has decided, in
order to meet expenditure, to increase the price of current supplied
to private consumers, the tramway, and for power by ^d. per unit,
and for heating from 2d. and Id. to 2d. and IJd.

Haslingden. — An anonymous donor has forwarded a

cheque tor '•'> guineas for the purchase of an electrical machine for
use in the massage department of the Auxiliary Military Hospital
during the war. and afterwards for private use by Miss Harrison,
the masseuse at the hospital.

Heston and Isleworth. — The electrical engineer reported

that the estimated loss of revenue through the non-lighting of the
street lamps in the September quarter was £2H. and the net loss
1 174. The Council agreed that the works department should bear
half the loss.

London. — Stoke Xewingtox. — There was a surplus of
£1.023 on the years working of the electricity imdertaking ; £.50o
has been allocated to reserve, £500 to reduction of rates, and the
balance carried forward.

The Finance Committee has received a claim from the Inland
Revenue authorities for £350. excess profits tax in respect of 1915.
based on a three years' average.

Poplar. — The Electricity Committee has considered a report by
the engineer on extensions required to meet increasing demands,
the installation of an additional 6.000-KV\-. set is estimated to cost,
under present conditions. £76.500. of which £61.750 would be
chargeable to loan account. As an alternative the engineer
suggests linking-up with the L.C.C. tramway generating station
at Greenwich, which would involve a capital expenditure by the
Council of about £8.10(1. The Committer st.ited that if this scheme
is adopted it would be of advantage to both undertakings, the
peak of the load at the two stations occurring at different hours ;
the engineer is to continue negotiations with a view to its adoption.
The Committee recommends the provision of a Lee recorder on the
turbines in the old engine room. The Committee arranged for the
provision of an electrical exhibit — jointly with Stepney B.C. — at
the Xational Economy Exhibition at the People's Palace.

Acting in collaboration, the engineers of the Poplar and Stepney
Borough Council electricity departments have got together a very
attractive exhibit, comprising lighting fittings, motors, vacuum
cleaners, and a great variety of heating and cooking apparatus,
representing most of the well-known makers. Electric irons, of
which a considerable number are used in these districts, form a
prominent feature of the show, the ease with which they are
coupled up to a lampholder and put to good service being demon-
strated by a young lady. It is remarkable how a living exhibit of
this kind appeals to the passing crowd. Actual demonstrations of
the cooking of cakes, boiling water, kc. are also given. The
engineers in charge of the stand report that good work is being
done in educating the public to a due appreciation of the con-
venience and other advantages of electricity in heating and cooking

— the lighting speaks for itself : in addition to the local visitors
many West-End residents hare called at the stand, a fact which
emphasises the importance of efficient collaboration between all the
metropolitan supply undertakings — for this East-End exhibition is
thus directly benefiting the West -End supply authorities, at no cost
to the latter, and the service should be reciprocated. Clear evidence
is afforded by the exhibits of the progress that is being made in
the design of heating and cooking apparatus. Poplar having led
the way in connection with "halfpenny units." it is pleasing ^o
record that excellent results are being obtained : the lighting
charges have not been increased during the war, and the power
charges, in spite of the great cost of coal, have only been advanced
10 per cent.

Kexsisgtox. — The B.C. has been recommended to agree to the
proposal of the Xotting Hill Electric Lighting Co.. Ltd.. to increase
the charge for electric current by a fiuther 10 per cent., bringing
the price to 6d. per unit.

Ormskirk. — The B. of G. has decided to ask the Chloride
Electrical Storage Co. to put the battery in ortler. under the terms
of the maintenance agreement, and is to employ 5Ir. Gibbs, who
has been appointed consulting engineer, to superintend the work.

Rawtenstall. — Lixkixg Up. — The engineer recently
reparted that the original scheme for the supply of electricity to
Haslingden had been amended in order that Rawtenstall electricity
undertaking might be linked up with the Accrington undertaking.
A larger cable has been laid, and additional switchgear will be
necessary : application is to be made to the L.G.B. for sanction to
borrow .£100 for this work.

Rochdale. — Works Extensions. — At a meeting of the

Gas and Electricity Committee the Works Sub-Committee reported
against the recommendation of the borough electrical engineer that
the full scheme of electricity works extensions and improvements
(recently suggested as desirable by an expert adviser), should be
carried out. and the report was adopted. The full scheme was
estimated to cost £60,000 : the smaller scheme, now in hand, is
estimated to cost £10,000.

Shipston-on-Stour. — A meeting was held on September

21st to consider the desirability of taking over the plant of the
Electricity Co. and amalgamating the concern with that of the
Gas Co. It was announced that the directors of the Gas Co. would
be pleased to amalgamate if the proposals were considered to be
suitable. A provisional Committee was appointed to go thoroughly
into the matter,

Southampton. — The question of coal storage at the
electricity works is causing difficulty, and the Committee is
approaching the Railway Co. to extend its sidings. In connection
with a new arrangement for dealing with the ashes in the boiler-
house, it wall be necessary to install an elevator similar to the one
now at work. The engineer reports that cable faults developed in
the Western Shore Road recently, between the West Station and
the works, and near the Baths ; it was found that continuous
flooding by sea water had caused deterioration of some of the
cable, and the engineer has been authorised to renew it at a cost of
nearly £300. The Committee authorised him to carry out the
works suggested.

Walton-on-Thames.— Price Increase.— The B. of T.

has informed the U.D.C. that it has consented to the varying of the
maximum prices in the local Electricity Supply Order, the price
for September 30th to be 7d. per unit.

West Ham. — Price Increases. — The E.L. Committee
has decided to recommended a general increase in the rates charged
for electricity. The engineer has arranged for the rewinding by
the contractors of the o.OOO-Kw. turbo-alternator which failed, and
is to make arrangements for the repair of Xo. 0 engine.

Wigan. — Loan Application, &c. — The T.C. has

decided to apply to the L.G.B. for sanction to borrow £11,038 for
a cable to connect Hindley and Ince to the Corporation generating
station, and to provide transformers and switchgear.

At a special meeting of the T.C. on Wednesday last week, the chair-
man of the Electricity Committee, in proposing the adoption of the
minutes of that Committee, stated that it had been found impera-
tive to terminate the appointment of the electrical engineer, and
further tendered his own resignation, if it was considered that he
was partially responsible for the situation which had arisen.

TRAMWAY and RAILWAY NOTES.

Blackpool. — Traffic Records. — Figures presented to

the Tramways Committee, on September 21st. show that during
the four weeks ending September 14th the receipts were £18.906,
compared with £14.967 last year, an increase of £3.939. or nearly
£1.000 a week. The receipts per car-mile reached the high figure
of 2s. 10|d., an increase of 4d. From April 1st to September 14th
the receipts were £65.50<S, compared with £53.379. an increase of
£12.129. The passengers carried numbered 10.230.229, compared
with 7.884,432, an increase of 2.345,797. The takings per car-mllQ
were 2s. 2d., an increase of 2Jd,

.S52

THE ELECTEICAL REVIEW, ivoi.::.. No.

, SKJ'TKMIll-.H ••[>. lOie.

Cardiff. — Aci idknt. — On SjUiirJav lust a i-ar was pro-
cMHtin^' at a modpratp speeil. when the overheiul trolley-arm left
the wire ami s\viiii<.' with frreat Wolence aofainst an iron standard.
The ann wa.* broken oCf and fell on top of the car, intlictin|jr face
and head iiijiirie.< on four pjisi^enfrers.

Clayton-le-Moors. — Tho Ijancs. and Yorks. Raihvurt'o.

has applied to the B. of T. for an extension of time nntil June .Mh,
IJ'IK. for completinsr the work* authorised in the Clayton-le-Moors
Lij.'ht Kailways Order. I!tl2. which incluiie.s work in lh<^di«trietf5 of
Clayton-le-Moors I'.D.f., Burnley R.D.C. and in the Borou;:h of
Accrin^'lon.

East Ham. — Halkpkxny F.\uks. — The Cnuncil has

considerwl the ipiestion of the abolition qf halfpenny tramway
fares and sta^'es ; in view of the fact that up to the |n-e.sent the
L.C.f'. h.os not arrived at any definite decision on this qnestion,
further consiilemtion has lK>en deferred, and the Mayor, the
chairman of the Tramways Committee, and the engineer have been
a)i))ointed to attend any conference of the metropolitan Iwroughs
that may be convene«l on this qne.stion.

Glasgow.^At its la.st uK't'tin"; tlie T.C.. l>y a larfje

majority, decidefl to increa.se the workinjr hours of the tramway
department from 51 to 54 per week, except in the case.' of permanent-
way laliourers. mains and cable labourers, and red-leaders, in whose
cases the hours were raised to oti. and to pay a war bonus of 2s. to
the men and Is. to the women. It was explained by ex-Bailie
.Montgomery, the convener, that even this increase did not bring:
the employes up to the standard of the working hours in similar
undertakintrs. For the extra three hours it was proposed to pa.v
time and a half. The addition to the wag-es bill would be £44.408.
and the net cost, allowing for the value of the three extra hours'
work, would be £25.393. The increases represented an advance of
41 per cent, on the wages since .lune. lit 14

It was reported at the T.C. meeting that altogether l.'HOl women
had been engaged. 630 had resigned, and S5 had been dismissed ;
there were now 1,385 women.on the cars, of whom about 150 were
employed as drivers.

Lowestoft. — The tramway receipts for the I'nur weeks
ended .Inly 22nd totalled £(!31, comparing with £.S01 for the
corresponding period last year. To September 0th the receipts
were £ti.80'.l. as compared with £S.73!1. The Tramways Committee
has recommended that C750 be provided in the borough rate on
accoimt of the deficiency ; it has been decided that from October 1st
the cars shall cease running at 8 p.m. The tramway manager
has been instructed to employ women drivers if necessary.

Oldham. — Female Labour — Sis female car cleaners

have now been put on for night shift work at the sheds, in addi-
tion to the female car cleaners who work through the day. The
manager reports difficjilty in getting suitable women as car con-
ductors, and he told his Committee that Manchester and Preston
appeared to be experiencing the same difficulty.

Rochdale. — The Tramways Committee has refused an

application by the local branch of the Tramway and Vehicle
Workers Union for an increase of wages for the workers in the
tramway department.

Collision'. Two cars came into collision on the Spotland
route on Sunday night, and considerable damage was done to both
of them. The drivers were injured, and had to be taken to the
infirmary.

Rotherham. — Collision. — On Saturday last, as a result

if a c illision between two cars on the Dalton section of the
Corporation tramways, five women and two children were slightly
injured.

Swansea. — Tramway Leases. — The R.C. has received

a recommendation of the Tramways and Electric Lighting Com-
mittee that new leases be granted by the Corporation to the
Swan.sea Improvements and Tramways Co. of (n) the tramways
included in the tramway lease dated October 23rd, I 'M»> ; (//) the
light railways and electrical equipment included in the light rail-
way lea-se of October 23rd. 1!)06; and {<■) the tramways recently
constructed under the Swansea Corporation Act. 1!H2. and that the
existing tramway and light railway leases should be surrendered.
For the sake of economv the (Council resolved that one new lea.se
be granted, and that if such a course is not practicable the three
new leases be granted.

TELEGRAPH and TELEPHONE NOTES.

Breakage of Insulators. — During the heariuo; of a case

at Oldham I'oHce Court, in which a boy was summoned and fined
for damaging insulators on the telegraph poles, it was stated that
alx)ut 1,000 insulators in Oldham hiid been broken during the past
12 months.

New Zealand. — The Telejrraph Money Order Service,

which was in-tituted on .luly 1st last with certain of the British
Oversea Dominions, will be extended on October 2nd to British
Guiana and New Zealand. The transmission of the telegrams of
advice at the deferred rates reduces the charges by one-half.

Norway. A iniitiact lias been coni'lndcd, throujrh the

firm of A. I>, Laurentzon. with the Western Electric Co.. loi the
building of a new telephone exchange in the town of Hamar.

Science in France. — The French rccoiinitiim of the neid

for a closer lianu'ssing of science in the service of electricity is
shown by a recent decree signed Ijy the President of the Ripiililic.
In his covering letter to the President, the Minister of Commerce,
Industry, and Telegraphs states that the war has exercised a real
influence on the rapidity of the progress accomplished in the last
two years in t<;legraphy and telephony ; it has led scientists and
technicians, whose labours were formerly direct<Hl elsewhere, to
occupy themselves with problems raised by these subjects and
radiograiihy. It has also definitel.v affirmed the need for a
collaboration of science, industry, and the public services. Hence
it is nee<lful to call for the assistance of eminent scientific and
technical peisons for the settlement of such problems iis are raise<l
by telegraphy and postal equipment, and that their services to this
end should lie retained pi'rmanently. Then follows the indicition
of the creation of a single Technical Committee, in six sections, in
the room of the several Committees formed at various periods pre-
viously. It is incidentally remarked that the staff of the Adminis-
tration of Posts and Telegraphs has grown from 75,iUio in 1SV)5 to
135.000 at the present time.

Telephone-tapping.— On Scptemiicr -.'.".th. rhar^res of

\iMlawfully having ])lans and telephone-tapping apparatus in his
jinssession. which had been preferred against .lohn Yeardye, ail
insjiectorof works, were withdrawn by the military authorities, who
ascribed the incident toYeardye's carel^sness and inquisitiveness.

Wireless Telegraph Patent Decision.— The all-important

"valve" puti'iils have been occujiying the Courts of the I'nited
States for a considerable time in an action brought by the Marconi
Co. against Dr. Lee De Forest for an infringement of their Fleming
j)atents. and a counter-action by De Forest claiming damages for
infringement by the Marconi Co. .Judgment was given last week
in favour of the Marconi Co. Dr. Fleming's patents were declared
t" be master patents, not anticipated by De Forest or anylxHly
else. The De Forest Audion was held to be an infringement of
the Marconi Co.'s Fleming patents.

The Atlantic Communication Co. of America, a subsidiary com-
pany of the Telefunken Co. of Berlin, has infringed a number of
patents in order to obt.ain a possible wireless service across the
Atlantic, and fearing an action l>y the Marconi Co. against it
which is pending, recently purchased the De Forest patents for the
sum of .«! 150,(101 1.

Dr. Fleming's " valve, " and many infringements of it, have been
largely responsible for the developments in the reception of wire-
less telegraphic messages over long distances. It was the intro-
duction of these " valves " which gave a value to the Poulsen
system, and has been principally responsible for such success as the
Germans have obtained both abroad and at home in wireless
telegraphy. We are. informed that the experiments recently carried
out in wireless telephony in the United States, which gave sensa-
tional results, were achieved solely by the use of the Marconi Co.'s
Fleming valve patents.

I

CONTRACTS OPEN and CLOSED.

OPEN.

Australia. — Sydney. — .January 22nd, 1917. Electrical
plant (converter, battery, booster, and switchboards") for the
Castlereagh Street sub-station, for the Municipal Council. Specifi-
cation from E.L. Departm'ent. Town Hall.*

JlELBorRXE. — September 2flth. City Council. Insulated and
HO. copjjer cables. See "Official Xotices " September 8th.

October 17th. For the Deputy P.M.G. (1) Sleeves and tapes
(Sched. No. 1,355), and (2) 3,100 stay-rods, with low tighteners
(Sched. No. 1,359).*

October 18th. Victorian Government Railways. Electric time
releasing mechanisms for automatic signalling (Cont. No. 30,343).'
Novemlier l.st. 50.000 ycilow fl.ame arc carbons.*

December 11th. C'iiy Council. Supply and erection of coal
transjwrtcr plant. See "Official Notices " Septeml>er 1.5th.

Perth.— November 8th. P.M.G. Accumulator parts (Schedule
527 W.A.).*

South Australia. — November 15th. P.M.G.'s Department.
Automatic switchboards and all associated apparatus, for telephone
exchanges. Brighton and Glenelg.

Grenada. — October 31st. The Oovernment of Grenada.

British West Indies, is inviting proposals for supplying electricity
for lighting and power in the town of St. Georges. Grenada, and
residential suburbs within a radius of three miles. Plan and
particulars, £2 2s. Tenders to Colonial Secretary, Grenada, British
West Indies.

Halifax. — September 28th. L. and Y. Railway. Twelve
months' supply of steel sheets (Siemens and electrical), schedule 51.
Jlr. Warino. stores department. Osborne Street, Manchester.

Johannesburg. — Municipal Council. Twelve gross of
carbon brushes for electric motors. (Contract No. 178.)*

Vol. 70. Xo. 2,027. September 2!). 1910.] THE ELECTRICAL EEVIEW.

New Zealand. — Wei.ijxgtox. Oetolier lltli. Piililir

Sorvice Stores TenJer BooitI. 1.000 maorneto extension liells, l.oiiii
.iliins.'

Paris- — October 2nd. Four lots of rnbber-insnlated

telephiine cahle.s. Particulars from the Dii-ection de I'Exploitation
Tili'|>'i"iiin"e 2« Bui-ean, 103. Rue de Grenelle. Paris.

I )i toiler 2nd. Nineteen lots" of paijer-insulated, lead-covered
ill (trie cables (one lot relates to the transformation of old
iiKitijiial). Particulars as above.

October 7th. Thirty-three lots of porcelain or jjlass double and
single bell insulators. Particulars as above.

Specifications for the items marked * can be seen at the Board
of Trade Commercial Intelligence Branch in London.

Faversham.

L-k'ctricitv works

CLOSED.

-T.C. 500 tons of Welt*h
Messrs. Davis, £2 Is. (id. per ton.

rial for tlir

Glasgow. — Tramways Committee. Tenders accepted

Johannesburg. — The Town Council Works Committee

proposed t o accept an offer of the South African General Electric Co. to
let on hije an electrically-driven vehicle for street -watering: purposes
fori: 10, plus *;12 for a driver, and £1.5 for garaging, charging,
oiling and greasing — total £37. To mount a 4.iO-gallon tank with
:i sprinkler on the veliicle will cost £6 l(is. The purpose of the
( 'ommittee is to make a comparison of cost between horse and
motor-driven traction.

London. — Poplak. — The Electricity Committee reports

having invited tenders from 1.5 firms for the provision of ash-
handling plant at the generating station, but two tenders only
have been received, nearly all the firms being fully occupied with
war work. Only one of the tenders received is complete. The
most complete .scheme is that of Messrs. Strachan i: Henshaw. of
Bristol, at a total estimated cost of £3.8.55. An alternative scheme
for loading into wagons only, with grab, hut allowing in construc-
tion for eventual extension in accordance with the complete
specification, has lieen obtained, the estimated cost, exclusive of
foundations, being £1,419. With the foimdations. the total co.st
of the scheme is estimated at £1,(;00. The plant is necessary to
enable the motor-wagons'obtained for removal of ashes, and now
loaded by manual labour, to be fully and economically utilised.
The Committee recommends that ash-handling plant, as specified,
be obtained and erected at a total estimated cost of £1,600.

SorTHW.\RK. — The Electric Light Committee has accepted the
following tenders for coal : — Messrs. G. Hinchliffe &; Co.. supply
during 12 mouths of 7.000 tons Midlands U-in. slack, at 21s. lid.
per ton ; and Messrs. E. Foster i: Co., supply during 12 months of
2.1100 tons West Cannock 2-in. slack, at 22s. 5d. per ton.

New Zealand. — Wellisgtox. — The following tenders

have been accepted bv the Public Works Department : —
Bare copper wire and cable. X'2,ltO. — S. Brown, Ltd,
Braided cable, i3,853.— Lawrence A Hanson Electrical Co., Ltd.
Insniated cable, f2,876.— TumbiOl & Jones, Ltd.

— Xew Zealand Shipping and Commerce.

Southampton. — The contractors for installing electric

light at the Eastern District School have written stating that when
tendering they had a favourable offer for tubes, fittings, kc, which
has since been withdrawn, and in the circumstances they must
withdraw their tender or increase the amount by £5.5, A sub-
committee is considering the matter.

Tenders accepted for coal for the electricity works : —

Usher & Co.— 1,800 tons Bolsover l^-in. slack, 23s. 6d. pecton.

Cory Bros. & Co.— 1,000 tons Ibstock D.S. nuts, 27s. 6d. per ton.

Stewart & Co. — 9flt) tons Stockingford nuts, 27s. 6d. per ton.

Bradbury & Co.— 300 tons Measham nuts, 28s; 2d. per ton.

NOTES.

On Setting the Clocks Back. — Mr. F. Hope-.Jones,

.M.I.E.E., M.Brit.Hor.Inst., kindly sends us the following hints on
the proper method of restoring our clocks and watches to the paths
of probity and rectitude : —

jtany millions of clocks and watches will be set back an hour
on Saturday night at the end of the month, and there is no doubt
that some damage and much inconvenience will be caused by care-
less handling of them, particularly in the case of striking clocks.

Watches and time-pieces — the latter easily distinguishable by the
fact that they have but one key-winding hole — can be turned back
an hour without fear of damage, tecause the hands are spring-tight
upon the axles of the wheels.

Striking clocks are of two kinds, one in which the hourly pro-
gramme is dictated by a snail and rack, and the other which
accomplishes it by means of a "dividing" or '" locking'' plate. In
the latter, when you turn back the hands you do not carry the

striking part with them, and if they are once out of phase with
the striking, they will not right themselves.

If you are in doubt as to which of the two classes yom- striking
clock belongs to, and none b\it a professional watch and clock maker
or an expert amateur is likely to know, it will be well to treat all
striking clocks in the same way and either stop them for an hour
and then start them again, or set them forward 1 1 hours. The
latter course is recommended as being the easiest and least likel.v to
interfere with their internal arrangements. But you must be
careful to give them time to strike after each hour and between the
quarters if necessav.y.

Employes" time registers and workmen's time recorders of all
kinds, on the other hand, must be stopped for an hour and restarted,
otherwise the tyix-printiug mechanism will be put out of phase
with the clock.

When da.ylight saving was introduced in May last, it was said
that electric clocks had come into their own, and it was certainly
a great bo(m in some thousands of business establishments, fac-
tories, and institutions to be able to set on all the clocks in a few
minutes by merely pressing a lever in the master clock.

But there is no such automatic device in electric clocks for set-
ting the clocks back, and the controlling pendidum should he
stojTped for an hour and then set going again. Of course, on board
ocean liners, where the clocks are changed daily. " Synchronome "
installations are provided with special facilities for the purpose.
On turning the hands of the master clock back, the dials through-
out the ship are short-circuited and have to wait until the hands
of the master clock have reached the place from which they were
moved, automatically switching in the others again. It has never
been suggested that daylight saving justifies this device being
fitted to ordinary installations ; however, it is no small advantage
to be able to stop and start large groups of electrical impulse dials
by dealing with their master clocks, and the Synchronome Co, will
set 5,000 to time by this means in London alone. To sum up : —

Watchfs Set the hands back.

Xon-striking clocks ... Set the hands back.

Striking clocks Set forward 11 hours and allow

plenty of time for them to
strike.

Employes' time recorders Stop for an hour and restart.

Electric clocks ... ... ,S(op for an hour and restart.

The Changed Outlook of Labour. — Mr. Stephen Walsh,

M.P.. chairman of the Works Section of the English Conciliation
Board, speaking at Wigan, on Saturday, said that our own people
had often been set aside while positions of trust and responsibility
had been given to Germans : but wherever the Germans went
they had not merely been carrying on their freedom of trade ;
they had at the same time been carrying on an accursed system of
spying in our midst, which had almost led to the vmdoing of the
nation. British fairplay was proverbial all the world over, and we
had caixied it to such a degree under the guise of trade that there
had been traitors in our midst who had almost destroyed the
kingdom and all that it stood for. After the horrible facts which
the liist two ,vears had'given us. surel.yit was the lesson of common
sense, not to speak of high statesmanship, to develop our own
resources in our own land. Why should we always make ourselves
the dustheap and the dunghill of the whole world .' There was a
thousand and one things which we could just as well produce in
our own land, or in the Dominions affiliated with us. instead of
lieing dependent U]xm the foreigner. — Murning.Poxf.

Liverpol Electrical Dispute. — -^ long drawn out dispute

between the Liverpool Master Builders' Association and the Liver-
pool branch of the Electrical Trade Union seems at last to be on
the wa,y to settlement. The friction arose out of a demand on the
part of the men for increased wages, reduced hours, and various
minor concessions. Arbitration was at length agreed upon between
the parties, and the Rev. H. Bunnico is acting as arbitrator, his
decision to be final. He is now in Liverpool-taking evidence with
the object of ending the dea/Uock.- -Lirerpnol Pout.

A Lamp-Filament Breaker. — -^ device for breaking the

filaments of incan<lescent lamps which are returned into its supply
department, has been constructed by the Boston Edison Co.. and is
in regular use in the local lamp division. Among the thousands of
incandescent lamps returned as having been burned out by customers
are many which, though not entirely useless, are. nevertheless,
unfit for further service. To prevent ptirchasers from sorting the
lamps and reselling those with filaments intact, a means of breaking
the filaments of lamps of sizes up to 250-watt tungsten was sought,
.\s a result, an apparatus was constructed consisting' of a laminated
U-shaped electromagnet with a gap sufficientl,y wide to admit a
large-sized lamp between its jaws, A quick-acting lamp socket is
arranged between the jaws of the U and is supplied, in series ^vith
a resistance, from a 220-volt A.c. circuit. In addition to this fixed
resistance, another can be switched-in in parallel. When a lamp
is pushed into the socket the effect is to break the filament instantly.
The resistance in series with the lamp prevents short-circuiting on
the 220-volt main in case of an occasional defective base. If, as
sometimes happens with very large tungstens, the filament breaks
and welds near the leading-in wires, the second resistance is thrown
in, thus allowing more current to flow, and invariably breaking the
filament. The direct-current field is left on continuously while
operating'. With this apparatus filaments are broken as rapidly as
the lamps are inserted in the socket and placed to one side, and the
lamp is in no way injured, nor is the blackening of the bulb
increased.

354

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW. [Voi. -n. xo. 2,027, skptk.mber 2'.>, loie. J

Steel Conductors for House Wiring. — IiKljriii-; hv im

editorial in the ICIirtiiciil Heeieu- mid Wexterit i:tertrii-iuH. the use
of iron unA steel wires for house-wirinfr, which oriurinated in
Germany under the stress of circumstances, is attracting attention
in the United States. As we pointed out in our issue of June Siith.
there is a jrreat deal to be said in favour of this practice, in view of
the small currents required nowada.vs for domestic lifrhtinjr circuits.
Our .Vmerican contemporary sujr^'ests that the use of iron wire
may prove to be a much more satisfactory means of redncin;; the
cost of wiring- than the concentric .system, which was recently
tiUcen up in the United States with j/reat enthusiasm, but appears
to ha\-e jjiven very di?appointinjr results as regards economy. We
hope that the Wirintr Kules Committee of the I. E.K. will take the
subject into consideration, as it is a matter of no little importance
to our own electrical industries.

American Glass for Lamp Bulbs. — The jrlass uswl

in making: electric li^'lu bulbs is a very special kind of ;rlass that
must withstand sudden chanjres in temperature and also jrreat
pressure. Heretofore it has lieen thoufrht that only giass made
with a certain amount of potash was suitable.

The outbreak of the war cut off the supply of potash from Ger-
many. Ttowever. recently the research chemists of the General
Electric Co. have succeeded in producin;r a jflass for making: elec-
tric hVht bulbs by replacin;; pot»ish with soda in the frlass mixture.
This y:lass has proved jrreatly superior to the old potash glass : so
much so. that pota.«h frlass will no longer be used — Canadian

K'lifitWfr.

Applications for Provisional Orders. — The Bdard of

Trade has addressed the followinj,' letter to the Parliamentary
Ayents' Society : —

I am directed by the Board of Trade to state that they have
under consideration your letter of September Sth. submittinsr on
behalf of the Society of Parliamentary .\gents certain representa-
tions for a modi6cation of the notice issued by the Board last year
to the effect that applications for Provisional Orders would not be
entertained except in cases wheu extreme uri>:ency existed.

The Board realise that the position has altered since the issue of
the notice in question, particularly in the direction indicated in
the circular letter issued by the Local Government Board on
Auprust 2Sth last, and in these circumstances the Board of Trade
will be prepared to entertain applications for Provisional Orders
in the ensuing- session when it can be shown that the establishment
of works under the schemes proposed will be proceeded with as
soon as practicable after the termination of the war.

In determining whether an application shall be allowed to pro-
ceed, the Board will have particular regard to the considerations as
to how far the exercise of the powers will provide an outlet for
labour or for the utilisation of plant and machinery which have
been provided for the purposes of the war.

The Board will be prepared to consider proposals before any
expenditure is incurred in respect of the publication of notices. &c..
and to intimate -whether, in their view, a prima farie case has been
made out for the promotion of the application subject to consider-
ation of objections.

The Board are. however, of opinion that it is undesirable that
proposals shall be put forward which are likely to provoke serious
opposition, or to prove unduly costly to promote.

I am to add that the policy of the Board in dealing with these
applications may be subject to further modification in the event of
a change in the general situation due to the war.
I am. Sir.

Your obedient Servant.

C. HlFWOOD.

Fatality. — The Times states that a Belfast electrician,
named Gerald J. MacErleane, was killed at the Inver Bleach Works.
Lame, on Saturday, owing to his clothes becoming entangled in the
machinery.

Electro-Harmonic Society. — The first smoking concert

of the season -nill be held at the Holborn Restaurant (King's Hall),
on Friday. October 13th. at 8 p.m. The other events in the pro-
gramme tor the season are as follows ; —

Ladies' Xight Monday. November 20th.

Smoking Concert ... Friday. December loth.

Smoking Concert ... Friday. January 5th.

Ladies' Xight ... ... Monday. February 12th.

Smoking Concert ... Friday, March 16th.

Educational Notes. — University of London, Univer-
sity College. — Prof. J. A. Fleming, F.R.S.. -will deliver a public
lecture on " Long-distance Telegraphy and Telephony." on 'Wednesday .
October 18th. at .I.HO p.m.. and a course of six lectures on "Long-
distance Telephony. " on Fridays at ."i p.m.. beginning October 27th.
lillii. The public lecture is open without fee or_ ticket. The
course is open to non-members of the University ; application
for tickets of admission to it should be made to the Secretary.

The Polytechnic School ov Electricity. Regent Street, W.
— The evening classes in electricity, electrical engineering and
phvsics commence on Mondav next, under the charge of Mr. W.
Hibbert. A..M.I.E.E.

The Restriction of Output. — The Sheffield correspondent

of the Emi'ineer writes as follows on this important subject : —
"Uhe question of munitions output is often discussed in a way that
would lead one to suppose that the idea of restriction was dead and
burieil. I was speaking with a director this week regarding
prospects for Sheffield trade after the war. He knows the situation

in and out and throvigh and through. His opinion was that every-
thing depended upon the attitude of the men. The best men amongst
trade union leaders, he believes, are quite to be de))endeil upon to
advise the workers wisely, but there is the other element to
take into consideration, which ])oisons the minds of many of the
workers, with the result that outi)ut is seriously restricted. 'You
must remember.' he ailded. ' that after the war, otdput Is going
to be the great question. The German workmen earned, before the
war. less than our men, worked longer hours, and turned out more
per man.' There is, of course, no suggestion of lower wages in
this country to meet the difficulty, but the output will have to be
(|uickened. The war has speeded things up. but few realist! ho-w
much latent energy there still remains if certain men woidd only
utilise it. They could do it without injuring their health in the
slightest or shortening their lives by an hour. The director with
whom I was sijeaking is of opinion that trade unionists everywhere
will have to recognise the truth that a man must be free to tui-ii
out as much as he reasonably can in a given time, and that his
earnings must be according to his merits. The policy of measuring
the work of a man by the ability of the slowest is one that has
been holding us back industrial ly, and therefore commercially. In
future a man must be at liberty to put in his best work, and
employers must place no restriction upon the earning possibilities
of such a man. That will be the sort of profit-sharing that will
not only appeal to the men themselves, but will bring out the best,
men and multi])ly the output. The other day I had an oppmlunlty
of chatting with a munition worker, wdio ha<I seen things tlial amazed
him. A short time ago he was a tradesman ; now he knows iai- nu)re
about shells than do many men who have worked among them all
their days. ' It is not,' he said, 'so much what the trade unions
tell the men to do, as what some of the tr.ade unionists agree
among.st themselves to do. For instanc-i-, tlierc -w.'is a certain part ,
of a shell which these men declared ilii-\ rmiM only make at the
rate of 1.5 a night shift. Well, .you cniild gn In >leep half the night
and do 1.5 easily. A proof of what 1 say is that just recently a
youth — he was not much more — made 6.5 during a night shift, and
felt none the worse for it. Take another operation in shell making.
The trade unionists said they could only do a dozen a day, but a
youth the other day did .30 without any particular exertion, whilst
anybody coulil do 20 in the time.' It is not in that spirit that
wage ])0ssibllities will be increased after the war. If the workers
do not co-operate with the employers about the enterprise of the
latter in entering new markets abroad, whether they be Russian or
any other, their efforts will be futile. The interest of the employer
is the interest of the worker, and where that is not so, trade union
leaders may quite be trusted to present the case of the men."

Volunteer Notes. — First London Encj inker Volun-
teers.— Headquarters, Chester House, Eccleston Place, S.W. —
Orders for the week by Lieut.-Col. C. B. Clay, V.D., Com-
manding.

J/iiiidai/, October 2)id. — Technical for Platoon No. 9. at
Regency Street. Squad and Platoon Drill, Platoon No. 10. Sig-
nalling Class. Recruits' Drill. 6,25 — S.

Tiiexdaij. October 3rd. — School of Arras, 6 — 7. Lecture. 7.1.5.
" Development of the Soldierly Spirit." The Adjutant. Range
Practice.

Wediicxdaij. October it/i. — Instruction Class, 5.45. Platoon
Drill, Platoon No. 3. Range Practice.

riiiirxdaii. October 5W(.— Platoon Drill. Platoons Nos. 5 and 6.
Range Practice.

Fridaij. October tit/i. — Technical for Platoon No. 10, Regency
Street. Squad and Platoon Drill, No. !l. Signalling Class. Recruits'
Drill, 6.25—8.25.

Siifiirdaif. October 7//(.-N.C.0.'s Class, under Company Com-
mander W. D. Bentley. 2.30.

Siindnij, October Sfli. — Entrenching: — Parade 'Victoria Station
(S.E. & C. Railway). Booking-office, 8. 15 a,m.

.Xotc. — Members who have not yet obtained their Cards of
Membership should apply to the Adjutant on Tuesdays or
Thursdays.

M.\CLEOD Yearsley. Adjutant.

Institution and Lecture Notes. — Iron and Steel

Institute. — At the autumn meeting of the Institute. Sir William
Beardmore, chairman, stated that it was proposed by the Council to
form Committees to report on new developments in the iron and'
steel industry, and that a Research Committee should be appointed
to make suggestions and give advice. It was hoped by these
means to encourage a greater interest in the affairs of the Institute.
The Council announced that the Privy Council had sanctioned the
new by-law providing for the expulsion from the Institute of
members who were subjects of a country at war with the United
Kingdom.

Institute of Metals. — At the autumn meeting, last week, Sir
G. T. Bl•ilb.^■ was re-elected president of the Institute.

The Faraday Society. — The Society -ndll hold a generaj dis-
cussion on " Refractories " at its first autumn meeting, the date
of -which is provisionally fixed for Wednesday. November 8th, 1S16.
The discussion will be presided over by Sir Robert Hadfield, F.E.S.,
President of the Society, and the opening paper will be read by
Dr. .1. W. Mellor. of Stoke-on-Trent. Suggestions are invited from
those specially interested in the subject as to any particular aspects
which they -would like ventilated or discussed, and those who are
desirous of contributing to the discussion, or who wish to show
any exhibit at the meeting, are invited to commimicate with Mr.
F. S. Spiers. Secretary of the Faraday Society, 82, Victoria Street,
Westminster, S.W.

Vol. m. Xo. 2.1127. Septembek :

UU.l.J

THE ELECTEICAL EEVIEW.

Appointments Vacant. — Shift engineers for the St. James

and Pall JIall Electric Light Co., the Maiden U.D.C., and the
Scottish Central Electric Power Co.. Ltd. ; borough electrical
engineer and manag'er for Wigan (.t400). See our advertisement
jiages to-day.

OUR PERSONAL COLUMN.

The i,'ilitiirs invite electrical eiigiiwer.-'. whether connected with the
technical or the commercial side of the profession and industrtj,
also electric tramway and railway olKcials. to Iteep readers of the
Electrical Review posted as to their movements.

Central Station and'Tramway Officials.— Mr. A. C. Cr.amb,
borough electrical engineer, reported to Croydon Borough
Council on Monday that the main part of his work as honorary
district manager of the Croydon area of the Metropolitan
Munitions Committee had now bien completed. Part of a
letter received by Mr. Cramb from the Committee ran as
follows: —

Your willingness at .ill times to give effect to the wistics of the Board
(of Management), and the thoroughness with which the work of your district
has been carried out, has been highly appreciated by them, and has' consider-
ably assisted them in carrying out their important functions. The Board also
wish to Ihank jou for your kind promise to render them assistance at any
time in the future.

In a further letter to the Council, the Committee expressed
gratitude for Mr. Cramb's untiring efforts and whole-hearted
devotion to the work.

Thirty-one applications were received for the" appointment
of tramway manager at West Ham in place of Mr. Moffet,
resigned, and seven candidates were inter\-iewed. Mr. M. L.
Si.ATTERY, traffic manager, L.C.C. Ti-amways, for the past
5i years, and previously at Oldham, Blackpool, Blackburn,
and other places has received the appointment.

General. — London Gazette Notice. — Territorial Force, Royal
Engineers. Tj'ne Electrical Engineers : Sergeant Eich.\rd
Owen Porter, from Devon Fortress R.E., to be Second Lieu-
tenant (on probation).

After 14 years' service in the electrical branch of the chief
engineer's department of the London County Council, Mr.
H. G. Ho.iD is resigning to take up an important position
with Messrs. W. C. Tackley k Co., Ltd., electrical and
mechanical engineers, of '2<S, Blythe Eoad, Kensington, W.
Since he entered the Council's service in 1902, Mr. Hoad has
carried out a very large nimiber of electrical installations at
the various offices, schools, institutes, mu.seums, lodging-
houses, &c.

Roll of Honour. — The following is a list of men from
Simplex Conduits, Ltd., who have been killed in the war : —

Belts, A., WorcesEor Regiment (brass shop), France.

Bodfish, H., Warwickshire Regiment (foundry) I-Vance.

Ireland, J.. Warwickshire Regiment (enamelling shop), France.

Mousley, 1£. .\.. R..A.1M.C. (stores office). Egypt (died of wounds).

Parker, G., Warwickshire Regiment (fittings shop), France.

Robbins, S., Worcester Regiment (fuse department), France.

Swarsbrick, D. H., Warwickshire Regiment (purchasing department), France

(Somme).
Fowkes. P. F., Roval Engineers (Manchester office) (died training at home).
Lock, W. .\., R.F.A. (general office), France.
Lftidiard, B., Warwickshire Regiment (general office), France (Somme).

The following have been wounded : —

Bilh X., Warwickshire Regiment (heating department), France.

Birtlev, A., Warwickshire Regiment (purchasing department), France.

Boulton, C, Wiltshire Regiment (general office), France (Loos).

Baird, G., Scottish Horse (Glasgow office), Gallipoli.

Cain, J., Warwickshire Regiment (foundry), France.

Quinnev, ]., R.F.A. (fuse department). France.

Raison, F., Lancashire Fusiliers (forwarding department), France.

i.ough, M., R.G.A. (foundry), France.

Aldrich, Warwickshire Regiment (foundrv), Gallipoli.

Howell, W., Middlesex Regiment (foundry), France.

Wooland, R., Warwickshire Regiment (forwarding department), France.

Ijieutenant W. H. Stu.\rt Garnett, who was killed at a
flying school last week, was, according to the Times, the
second son of Dr. William Garnett, and brother of the prin-
cipal of the Manchester School of Technology. He was .U
years of age, and for a time v^■as a practical engineer, and
" brought out a remarkable text-book on the turbine."

Sapper John Brunton, R.E., "21 years of age, who was at
an electricity works at Grangemouth before the war, has died
from wounds.

Second-Lieutenant D. K. Cooper, Northamptonshire Regi-
inent, reported missing, aged 22, was an electrical engineer
with the Portsmouth Corporation.

Rifleman Norman Brockley, King's Royal Rifles, reported
wounded, was employed by Messrs. Catons, electrical engi-
neers, Oldham.

Private Richard Mitchell, North Staffordshire Regiment,
who has fallen in action, enlisted whilst on the staff of the
Hanley Corj)oration electricity works.

Corporal ,1. H. Richards, Royal Warwickshire Regiment,
who has been wounded, is an electrical engineer, and was
formerly on the Torquay Corporation electricity works staff.
He was lecently awarded the Military Medal for gallant
conduct.

Private W. Fotheroill, Royal Warwick.shire Regiment,
fcnnerlv with Messrs. Willans & Robinson, Ltd., of Rugby,
hn= fallen in action.

Corporal Frank Thirtlewood, Oxford and Bucks. Light

Infantry, killed in action ; enlisted in September, 1915, whilst
in the cost statistics department of the British Thomson-
Plouston Co., Ltd., Rugby.

Private Newell, Royal Pusihers, who is reported killed in
action, after being missing since August 7th, last, enlisted
early in the present year. He was formerly in the di-awing
office of the British Thom.son-Houston Co., Ltd., Rugby.

Private Joseph Nuth, R..\.M.C., who has died from dysen-
tery at Salonica, was formerly engaged at the Corporation
electricity works at Tunbridge Wells. Before going to
Salonica he served at the Dardanelles and in Egypt.

Sergeant J. D. Sutton and Sergeant A. J. L. Moore, Oxford
and Bucks Light Infantry, both of whom were on the staff
of the British Thomson-Houston Co., Ltd., Rugby, have been
wounded.

The Norwich Electricity Committee reports that Mr. A. J.
Randall, for many years employed in the electricity depart-
ment, has recently been awarded the Military Medal for con-
spicuous bravery in laying and repairing telephone cables
untler heavy shell and rifle fire, and was decorated by the
General Commanding before the whole Brigade. The Council
is recording on its minutes its appreciation of Mr. Randall's
action and of the honour accorded to him, and the Mayor is
conveying, to Mr. Randall an expression of the Council's
appreciation.

Private Harry Hughes and Corporal Joseph Gordon, both
of the Lancashue Fusiliers, and formerly in the employ of
the Lancashire Electric Power Co., have been killed.

Bombardier J. Pails, of the R.F.A., formerly employed by
Messrs. Dick, Kerr & Co., Ltd., Preston, has been wounded.

Private E. Pearce, of the King's (Liverpool) Regiment,
reported wounded and in a convalescent camp in France, was
formerly engaged as an electrical engineer at Blackpool.

Staff-Sergeant Howard Bramall, formerly employed at the
British Westinghouse Works, Traft'ord Park, has been awarded
the Mihtary Medal.

Obituary.— Sm George Franklin. — We regret to record the
death, which occuiTed suddenly on Saturday last, at the age
of (j3 years, of Sir George Frankhn, of Sheffield and London,
who wa.s chairman -of the National Telephone Co., Ltd., in
the period immediately preceding the transfer of the telephone
system to the Post Office. We gather from one of the finan-
cial dailies that Sir George joined the board of the National
Co. in 1892, after having arranged the acquisition of the
telephone business of the Sheffield Telephone Exchange and
Electric Light Co., which Messrs. Ta.skers initiated in Shef-
field. The electric light system was taken over by the muni-
cipahty, and the telephone exchange w-as eventually absorbed
by the National Telephone Co., when Sir George joined the
board. On the death of Mr. Gaine he assumed also the office
of general manager, a dual position, which was probably only
lendered possible by the able assistance given by the engineer-
inchief and the general superintendent. As president of the
company. Sir George acquired from the start the confidence of
the shareholders, and was especially successful in his conduct
of the annuarmeetings, his .stateuients being invariably clear,
practical, and busines.slike. He became president in 1906 in
succession to Sir Henry Fowler, and occupied that position
until the undertaking was taken over by the State on January
1st. 1912. Sir George was president of the Con.stantinople Tele-
phone Co., chairman of the Telephone Development Co., and
of the United River Plate Telephone Co., and a director of
the British Thom.son-Houston Co.

Mr. Richard Price Williams. — The Times, in recording the
death of Mr. Richard Price Williams, an old railway engineer,
says that when the telegraphs were taken over by the State
in 1871 the railways successfully contended that their pro-
perty in the telegraphs and wayleaves should also be pur-
cha-sed under the " Gladstone " purchase clause of the Regula-
tion of Railways Act, 1844, and Mr. WilHams was entrusted
with the preparation of most of the claims, the satisfaction of
which cost the Government some ^3.000,000.

Mr. T. a. BEfx. — The death occurred on Thursday last week,
suddenly, of Mr. T. A. Bell, electrical engineer, Bradford.
Mr. Bell, who was 48 years of age, carried on. in conjunction
with his brother. Mr. L. \. Bell, the business of Charles Bell,
electrical and hydraulic engineers, of Joseph Street. Bradford.

Mr. Gordon Davies.— The death has taken place, suddenly,
of Mr. W'ra. Gordon Davies, traffic manager of the Chatham
and District Light Railways Co. He was 69 years of age.

NEW COMPANIES REGISTERED.

McLeod & Sons. Ltd. (144,891). — This companv was

registered on September 20lh, with a capital of fS.OOO in £1 shares, to lake
over the business of manufacturers of ships* telegraphs and nautical instru-
ments marine, mechanical, electrical, and general engineers, and compass
adiust'ers carried on by J. Y. McLeod and T. \V. McLeod as McLeod & Sons
at 15, Cheapsidc. Liverpool. The subscribers (with one share each) are :
J. Y. McLeod. 15, Cheapside, Liverpool, nautical instrument maker; T. W
McLeod, 15. Cheapside, Liverpool, nautical instrument maker; A. W. Jones,
41 Castle Street, Liverpool, accountant. Private company. The number of
directors is not to be less than two or more than five; the first are ]. Y.
McLeod (managing director) and T. \V. McLeod. Registered office : 41, Castle
Street, Liverpool.

aoi;

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW. [Voi.

<i:i>Ti:Mm-R L';t, r.ilti.

Selson Kndineerlnf5 Co. (Italy). Ltd. (144.892).— This

company w.is rtnl~i.r,-d on S. ptLinber 2llth. »ilh n c.ipiliil o( £3.U0O in il
sharii, In c.rrv on 111. busin>>s ol mcchanitiil, ileclrical, and general en(;i.
nctrs, ni.inuf.i<iur<rs ul and dealers in machines and hand tools, applianr. s,
implein.-iiN add irt>(rtiin.-nts, machinists, founders, motor and en{^in>- buildeis,
&c; I he >ubscril-rs (willi one sli.re each) are: II. F. Ilenshaw. 85, yii. . n
Victoria Sire.l, lit'., enKincr ; I'. M. Setson, bi, Queen Victoria Mr,.l,
E.C., engineer. Private eonipany. Tabic " A '• mainly applies. Solicitors :
Stephenson. Harwood & Co., 31, Lombard Street, E.C.

OFFICIAL RETURNS OF ELECTRICAL
COMPANIES.

Evershed & Vignoles, Ltd. (432,062).— Capital, i;30,0(>1

in £10 shares. Return d.,le.l Julv l;ilh. IHIC. All shares taken up;_£30,IX)0
paid. .Mortg.iges and charts : i'U.UOU.

Walters Electrical Manufacturint; Co., Ltd. — A memor-
andum ol satisfaction in lull on various dates of debentures dated July 31st.
1;nj7, securing fJ.UOU, has been filed.

Duro)<Ias$, Ltd. — Issue on Sopteniber 12th, 1916, of

l'!,2tH( debentures, pari ol a series ol which |Ktrticulars have already been filed.

Gorseinon Electric Light Co., Ltd. (39,944).— Capital,

flO.OUd in il shares. Return dated April 17lh, lUlli. 11,330 shares taken up;
i::l,34H paid, le.iviiij; k~l in arrears. Morlj-aKes and charges : £780.

International Dousing Electric Heating & Appliances

Co., Ltd. (8:l,li'.Wl.-fapilal, I-JO.IHKI in £1 shar.-s. Return dated December 31sr,
191'. Ifil-d Au(<ust 31st, lillti). 18,107 shares taken up; siv.n shares issued lor
cosh; £18,100 considered as paid. Mortgages and charges: Nil.

CITY NOTES.

Tlic auiiual meeting was held la.st l''ii-
Vittoria Falls il;i,\ at Stilisbuiy House, E.G., Mi'. A. E.
and Transvaal Hmji.i.v, the managing director, presiding.
Power Co., Ltd. 'Ihe thairman said tht^y were to be con-
gratulated on the very satisfactory results
obtained during the year, and on their improved financial
l>csitit>n. Thosi! iv.sults had been obtained through the eom-
jtauy liaving brought into commission the further plant which
was iu (:oiii'.se()ft;onstruction during the previous year, and also
through the economies effected in the operation and working
ot the jilant by the staff in South Africa. He was able to
report a continuance tjf this progress during fiie current year.
the earnings of the combined untiertakings for the eight
ii'onths ending August 'Mat last showing the sub.stantial in-
cre;i.se of over fTO.lKKJ over the corres|x)miing period last year.
I'rtH-ceding to ileal with the balance sheet, the chairman .said
th;it the combined share anil debenture capital .stood at
A'7,4l>"),(i'2(). The first nnirtg:igc debentures remained at
.fy.iJIKI.IKK), but the second mortg;igo debenture capital, which
stood at i;).-!<ij,(>'20, showed ;i decreast? on the previous year's
figure, a further i'7.S,:illil of these debentures having been pur-
chased and cancelled during the year 1915, the total amount
redeemed by purchase to that date being ±T84,380. The
creditors :iiid credit baltmces amounted to f.388,580. On the
other side of the bahince sheet the item of leases and con-
cessions and purchase of imdertakings stood at ^1,5'26,303,
as compared with iT,.'530,G3.s, ;i decrease of f 10,33.5, accounted
for by a charge for depreciation and by certain items which
had been ,solil or transferred to other accounts. The expendi-
ture on and in connection with power .stations, buildings,
equipment, and land, stood at :£2, 130,015, a decrease of i8,815,
accounted for by .sales, amounts transferred to other accounts,
and depreciation written off, less furthjer expenditure of
.t'73,39!) in connection with exten.sions made to the company's
stations during the year. The company's investment in the
Rand Mines Power Supply Co.. Jjtd., figured in the balance
sheet at 363,41-5,894. as compared with ±'3,492,494. the decrea.se
of fTtj.OOO being the amount written off, equivalent to the
depreciation on that ctjinpany's machinery and other property,
less further adv;inces made to that company during the year.
The cash at bankers and on loan amounted to .£979,040, and
ill :idditiiin tlie company held at the date of tlie balance .sheet
iJiMi.lKKj ,,f /(.J iHM- cent, war loan, which figured in the
balance sheet at liiH'i.lKlll. The item in previous balance sheets
rei-resiiiting prelimin:iiy expenses had been written off. Deal-
ing with the profit and loss account, the interest charge on
debeiituivs h:iil decie:t.si(l from ±'2:il.842 in the year 1914 to
.i'2;t2. ")")(■), the decre;isi' being accounted for by the amount of
ilebentiiies puich;is<'d fur leileinption, and this charge for in-
terest Would decrease each vear propurtionately to the amount
of debentures redeemed. The directors had aijplied ±'274,024
toward.? depreciation and certain writings off, including pro-
vision for income-tax and excess profits duty, carrying forward
±223.0.50. The gear's operations had resulted in an increased
profit of ±61,8.32. In 1913 thev carried to the balance sheet
±13.5.411, in respect ot 1914 ±161.248, and in respect of the
year under review the substantial sum of ±223,080, increasing
that account to ±3:i9.068. Out of the balance the directors
had paid two dividends on the preference shares at the rate
of 6 per cent, per annum, each dividend being for ten months,
which brought the dividends on the preference shares up to
December 31st, 1915, the date of the accounts. Those divi-

dends accounti^d for ±177,500, which left ±161,5(J8 to be carried
forward. Shareholilcrs would agree that this increase in the
piolits was very Siitisfactory, showing as it diil a continuance
of the i)ros|M-rity of the underttiking. The directors h;id very
farefiilly considered the disposal of the sum of ±55,1100 by
which the carry-forwaril was increa.sed. The accounts showed
that the company Iiad entered the stage when the earnings
were more than sufficient Ui meet the 0 per cent, on the
preference shares. The amount, admittcilly, if expressed as
a percentage of the share capital, was small, ;iiul diil not
represent 2 per cent, on the issued capital. ]''iirther. the
times they were pa.ssing through and the uncertainty of all
financial conditions, including thtit as to future taxation, made
it essential to conserve as far as possible the resources of the
company. ."Vgain. the board had to watch demands for power,
and it was obvious that the management of this great under-
taking must be conducted on lines which were reasonably
conservative. Therefore in respect of the past year the board
decided that it was in the best interests of the company to
add this amount to the carry forward. In view of the con-
tinued increase in the earnings, the board was not unmindful
of the desirability of adopting a policy of pitying the dividend
on the jireference shares at the end of each six months as
and when such dividend bt>came due. The directors had in
contemplation the payment, at the beginning of next year,
of a full 12 months' dividend on the preference shares at
the rate of G i>er cent, out of the profits eariu^d duiing the :
\car 1910, which would thus bring the dividend on the prefer-
ence shares right up to date. Thereafter it w;is confidently
anticipated that the jueference dividend would be paid regu-
larly, in half-yearlv instalments, iiimiedi;itely after the due
date. The jnospects of the company in tlie near future,
judged by the progress made up to the present time, were very
encouraging, and, as he had already told them, there was an
increase this year of ±70,000 up to the end of August com
paied with the similar i eriod last year, while the earnings
for the year 1915 exceeded the requirements of the cumulative
preference dividend and enabled the payment ot these divi-
dends to be brought up to the date of the balance sheet, ]ii
endeavouring to look into the future it must be rememberc.l
that as the profits increa,sed the amount payable as excess
profits duty, as long as that tax remained in force, increasi^l
also. So far as was known there was no reason to expect th;it
the earnings should fall during the remainder of the year, and
if this proved to be the case, and taxation Wiis not further
increased, the results of the present year should enable a
start to be made in the payments of dividends on the ordinary
shares, and in the establishment of a reserve fund which was
so desirable in an undertaking where the supply had to be
gi\en within a rea.soiiable time of demand. .\s he said last
year, the heavy capital expenditure of the company had now
practically terminated: but ;is from the end of tliis ye;ii pruvi-
.sion would in future have to be made for the i'edeiii|itioii of
the fir.st debentures by annual instalments of ±165,(1(10, which
includes the premium, but as this sum would be met out of
the annual charge for depreciation, ;ind ina,smuch as a similar
sum, more or less, h:id been set aside out t>f the jirofits in
previous years which had been utilistnl in providing the neces-
Siiry funds for the exten.sion of the com]);iny's plant now com-
pleted, this charge against profits would not lie felt to any
greater extent than formerly, and the only extra charge they
had theiefoi-e to consider, at present at any rate, was that of
the iricn-ii.seil income-tax and excess profits duty, which lafiter
chnige \\oiild doubtless cease with the termination of the war.
The extrnsions to the Brakpan power station had been com-
pleted, and the whole of the plant oi'dered for all the power
stations of the combined undertakings was now installed and
in working order, and this plant, which had a capacity of
2'74,875 H.i'., should enable them to meet normal increases in
business without encroaching on the specified resei-ve plant.
Before concluding, he and his colleagues wished to register
their appreciation of the untiring loyalty ot the staff' both in
London and South .Africa. As they knew, the chairman was
still .serving with His Maje-sty's Forces, as aLso was Major
Wills, another of the directors. As regarded members of the
staff serving with the Colours, they would be interested to
hear that in South Africa, out of a total number of (J70 cm-
jiloyes, there were serving their country 210, or 31 per cent.,
either with the Colours or on work connected with the war.
As regarded the London staff', nine were serving with the
Colours and thiTe were employed on munitions work.
Lord Brarournr .seconded the motion.

Replying to questions, the Chaihman said that the asses.«-
ment <if excess profits was calculated according to the provi-
sions of the .^ct, which were very .special, and they were not
calculated on dividends actually paid. They had to bear in
mind that although they had not paid an ordinary dividend
they had been larniug profits which had bewi devoted to
bringing the cumulative preference dividend up to date.
The report was adopted.

Mr. Georce W.\tson, presiding at the

Manaos annual meeting, held in London on Sep-

Tramways tember 1.5th, said that the report showed

and Light some improvement, the total receipts hav-

Co.. Ltd. ing increased bv ±104, while the total

expenses fell by ±8,06.5. The debentures

had been further reduced bv ±2,900, leaving a balance^

±291,000, in addition to which there were issued ±50,000

debentures as collateral security again.st the loan out.st.inding.

Vol.79. No. 2.027, September 2H. 1010.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

351

The very substantial reduction in working expenses had been
oLtaiufil by a rearrangement of the services given to the
jiulilic ; by the adoption of wood fuel ; and by keeping a very
.strict watch upon all expenditure, but the physical condition
iif the property and the cfliciency of the service had in no
way sutlVrcd from the economies which had been cllected.
I 1 fact, rather luore money was spent last year on the upkee))
(if the track, car bodies, and trucks than during the previous
year. They were still continuing to use local wood for fuel,
and during the year had u.sed practically nothing else: The
price of coal delivered in Manaos was now about three times
as much as before the war, and the coal bill in normal times
used to amount to over 15 per cent, of the whole operating
expenses. The serious effect of the change would therefore
be readily seen, and instead of a large increase in the generat-
in< cost per unit they found that the unit of electricity co.st
exactly the same as it did in normal times. The most serious
item of the profit and loss account was the loss on exchange,
which this year amounted to £13,093, as against i'6,180. The
average rate at which they brought money from Manaos-dur-
ing 1914-15 was 135d., as against nearly IGd. for the previous
year. The result for the past year had been substantiallv
more unfavourable. The conditions in Brazil, although im-
proving in many ways, did not reach a point at which
e.xchange might be favourably eff-ected. The scarcity of com-
mercial bills, the increase in the issue of paper, and "the small
an.ount of unports seriously affecting the revenues of the
country, all tended to keep down the sterling value of the
n ilrei.-:. His reasons expressed a year ago for expecting ex-
change to remain comparatively steady still held good, and
while the present arrangement for funding the Brazilian debt
continued lie considered that exchange should remain steady.
The balance of trade continued to be in favour of tlie
Republic, and the Government had displayed during the last
year, anl were still displaying, a very gratifying tendency to
avoid waste in national expenditure. He had recently seen
in the newspapers that that tendency was not confined to
national expenditure, but that even officials had agreed to
accept a lower remuneration during the present crisis. Since
the end of the fiscal year a marked miprovement had taken
place in exchange, and the average rate for the last four
months had been about l'2^d. The chairman referred to the
company's claim against the State Government for public
lighting, and the effect of the rubber industrj' upon the com-
pany's affairs.

The Compagnie Electro-Mecanique re-

French corda net profits totalling i:"21,0(X) for 1915,

Electrical as compared with f'25.(X10 in the previous

Companies. 1'2 months, and f20,000 of the former has

been distributed among the .shareholders.

The accounts of the Soi'ietc il'Elcctrci-Chiniic for 1915-lti
sho-w net profits amounting to £'73,lK)0, as compared with
A'li.'j.iiiN) in the preceding year. It has been decided to jiay a
diviilinil of i'2 per share, as against £1 10s. in 1914-15.

'Jin Socielt' lies Appareils Ehcfriques Grii^olas reports net
profits arul -lialance forward of i£29,700 for 1915-16, as con-
trasted with i''20,,S0(.l_ in the previous year, and £'9.100 in
1913-14. A dividend at the rate of 5g. 7d. per share has been
declared, this comparing with no distribution and 4s. per
share in 'the two preceding yeai's respectively.

Tlie Maison Breguet, which has abstained from publishing
accounts since the outbreak of the war, has convened a genei'al
meeting of the shareholders for Octol)er, when accounts for
]fl3-14, 1914-15, and 1915-10 will be submitted. It is stated
that notw'ithstanding the enemy occupation of the company's
works at Douai, large jjrofits have been realised, as it has
been po^sibl-^ actively to develop working at the shops in
Pans. The results obtained will permit, after wrfting off the
value (ffJl.liiiO) of the buildings, plant, and materials at Douai,
of the payment of a dividend of .£2 per share, this contrast-
ing with a dividend of £1 per share paid on account for
1913-14 and £1 per share for 1914-15.

Dundee, Broughty Ferry & District Tramways Co. — Mr.

Geohc.e B.M.FdUfi, the chairman, presided at the annual meet-
ing, when a final dividend on the preferred stock at the rate
of 0 per cent, for the half-yeai-, less income-tax, was declared.
The chairman said he hoped when they met next year they
would be able to record the triumph of the Alhes' cause. The
leceipts for the year amounted to £11,825, or a decrease of
£1,468 compared with the previous year. Against that de-
iiease, however, they had a saving in expenditure, after
meeting the increased cost of coal, amounting to £421, making
the actual decrease a little over £1,000. -

Direct West India Cable Co., Ltd. — For the year ended
June. 1916, the net result of working W'as £14,705, as against
£13,553 last year, which, with the credit to revenue account
of £64,219 with which the year began, makes a total of
£78,925. .An interim dividend of 3 per cent., free of tax, was
paid in March, also a si^ecial interim dividend of £1 5s. at
tlie same time at which a call of £1 5s. per share was made,
and a further 3 per cent., tax free, is now proposed. The
balance to be carried forward is £53.399. The company's
cable was interrupted between BeiTDuda and Turks Island for
54 days, and the insulation is still low ; £7.375 has so far been
paid on account of the cost of repairs; the balance has not
yet been ascertained.

Halifax and Bermudas Cable Co., Ltd. — For the year
ended June, 1916, the net result was a balance of £12,745, as
against £10,679 for 1915. An interim dividend of 3 per cent.,
free of income-tax, has already been paid, and a further ecpial
payment is now to be made. The balance Ui credit of revenue
account, which was last year £11,549, has had to be debited
with the various items recorded in the leveiuie account for
repairs, Ac, and is now £7,710. The company's cable worked
efficiently during the year, except for a few days while being
repaired in the Halifax Harbour.

STOCKS AND SHARES.

Tuesday Evening.

These moonless nights make men think of things far from
financial, and the " Special " scribe, who v\rites with a price-
list in one hand and the hope of Zeppelin prisoners iu the
other, strains both ears the while, as he confuses fog signals
with anti-aircraft guus, and the roar of the passing motor
'bus with the propeller of nocturnal raiders. The Stock
Exchange markets find business themes less exciting than
experiences of the Zepp. nights, and the all-absorbing desire
is to have front .seats for the next spectacle of a maurauder
descending in flames.

Nevertheless, business goes on steadily all the same. Some
Stock Exchange firms find their hands full. The Treasury
Scheme " B," the depletion of staff's, the rubber boomlet—
ah play their parts iu providing members v\ith work. The
Plome Railway crisis is settled once more, the men receiving
twice the previous war bonus, and this time the Under-
ground Electric Railways of London has fallen into line with
the State-controlled steam companies. For a few hours the
Railway market assumed a better complexion, but the re-
covery did not last for long enough to atti-act any public
buying, and prices are still very dull. The £10 shares of the
Underground Electric are 1/16 better at 1 13/16, on vague
rumours of a possible raising of fares.

London and North-Western consolidated stock has been,
and still remains, about the firmest in what is called the
"Heavy" market, this being due to the partial electrifica-
tion of the suburban system, which is now completed. This
makes an important addition to the steadily-growing h.st of
electrified companies, and the prophet may safely vision the
tune in a none-too-distant future wdien steam services for
subui'ban train traffic will have ceased to he. Adaptation of
the current to long distances is a matter of more time.

With the conclusion, for the lime being, of the Daylight
Saving Scheme, Electric Lighting shares have come iu for
further inquiry, although, as we have pointed out before,
there are .so few shares on offer that the present quotations
are largely nominal ; and business accordingly is quiet. Lon-
don Electric preference are again better on the week; their
ri.se to 4 9/16 repre.sents the only change in the list since we
last wrote. The manufacturing shares are good ; British
Aluminium onlin;irv 1i;im' risen Is. 9d. to 28s. on the declara-
tion of an inri.:i.;(l (lnidcnd. General Electric ordinary con-
tinue their iiii|ir.i\(iii('nl, rising 5s. to 145. Westinghouse
preference hold their rise of last week, and Callenders are a
good market at 12!J.

Various telegraph dividends have appeared during the last
day or two. The Direct Spanish announces an interim of 2
per cent., which is the regular rate; it is thought, however,
that there- will be an increa.se m the final dividend or bonus,
and the price of the shares has risen a little to 5J. The 10 per
cent, preference are 7J. The Direct West India^ Cable Co.
has done less well, the net profit of £7,300 (allowing for main-
tenance and repairs) being £3.700 below that for the previous
year; the reason for this is that there was a .breakdown in
the cable between Bermuda and Turk's Island, which took
nearly two months to repair, and cost the company £7,400.
The Direct West Incha Co., however, has a sulistautial carry-
forward, and the dividend is maintained at 6 per cent. .A
bonus of £1 5s. per share has been declared, and a call of the
same amount made. The Halifax and Bermudas Cable Co.
made £700, also allowing for maintenance and repairs,
against £3,100 in 1913, the decline in this ca.se al.so being due
to exceptional cable repairs; the dividend, however, is main
tained at 6 per cent.

Oriental Telephones are better at 2 .5/16. There are no
changes in the Eastern group. Marconis lost 1/LO. A few
fluctuations in Canadians and Americans have left the prices
at 19s. ami lis. respectively. Chadburn's (Ship) Telegraph
Co. announces a net profit of £9.800, being an increa.se of
£2, .500, after raising the depreciation by £2,(lOi) and setting
aside an additional £6,000 as compared with last year, for
income and excess profits tax. The company has declared a
dividend on its ordinary shares at 8 per cent. Of course, in
cases where companies are making these big reserves against
excess profits tax, if it should turn out to be that the sums
are over-generous, the shareholders will reap the benefit in
the course of a year or two after the declaration of peace. ■

Victoria Falls & Power ordinary shares have been an active
market between 10s. fid. and lis., and the preference rose to
21s 9d. Some attention has been paid to the 5J per cent,
second debentures, a little stock of the last-named having
come to market at 102J. At this price the bonds look cheap.

358

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW, [w.i :'x n,.

Skitembkr :

£1 11

n

7 1

4

6 6

4

fi 11

4

6 10

H

6 IS

H

6 9

H

6 15

«

fi 4

5

6 1)

6

6 11

4

because the security is ample, the interest payments are made
free of tax, redemption is at 11)3 or by purchase in the mar-
ket, and the yield on the money (taking income-tax at 5s. in
the £) works out to the equivalent of rather over 7 por cent.
Coupons are payable on January 1st and July 1st, so that at
the present time there is three months' interest included in
the price.

There is no stopping the rise in Briti.sh Columbia ^Electric
Railway issues. This week the deferred ha.s put on four
points, the preferred three, the 41 debenture stock two, and
the preference one. Some of the buyitif; is reporttnl to be on
account of New York, where, by the way, the Stock Exchange
is having the time of its life, and brokers are busier than
most of them have ever been before. When a single motor
company in .America can make over CO million dollars profit
in one year, and when the shares of a munition-making com-
pany rise from 2.5 to 710, no further evidence need be cited
of the abnormal conditions prevailing on the other side of the
pond.

Mexican affairs are drifting towards the melting-pot, and
the latest news is far from happy. Some of Villa's followers
are reported to have risen against Carranza; and Villa is
giving further testimony to his ability to make things ex-
tremely uncomfortable for the latest President. There are
no changes in the prices of the Mexican utilities. Canadians,
on the other hand, are very firm, and these, with the shares
in the utility companies of the States, steadily improve.

.'\rmampnts are better, and certain of the Copper group
have hardened. The rubber market is active and buoyant.
Bu.siness is on an animated scale, and although the price of
the raw stuff supplies scanty encouragement to enthusiasn],
there is no mistaking the eagerness of the speculative investor
to buy good shares.

SHARE LIST OF ELECTRICAL COMPAXIES.
HouE Elbctricitt Companies.

Dividend Price

.. ' . Sept. 26, Rise or fall

1914. 1916. 1916. this week,

Brompton Ordinary .... 10 10 f | —

Charing Cross Ordinary ..56 8]% —

do. do. do. 4JPref.. 4J 4) Sft —

Chelsea 6 4 Pxd —

City of London 9 8 lUi —

do. do. 6 per cent. Pref. 6 6 lOJ —

Connty of London . . . . 7 7 104,^ —

do. 6 per cent. Pret. 6 6 lOJ —

Kensington Ordinary .... 9 7 68 —

London Electric 4 8 1| —

do. do. 6 per cent. Pref. 6 6 i^fi + j's

Metropolitan 3i 8 2| —

do. 4* per cent. Pref. 4* 4J 31 —

St. James' and PaU MaU . . 10 8 61 —

South London 5 6 2}3 —

South Metropolitan Pref. ..7 7 1^, —

Westminster Ordinary .... 9 7 6i —

Teleqbafhs akd Telephones.

Anglo-Am. Tel. Pref 6 6 103 —

do. Def 80/. 83/6 aSJ -

Chile Telephone 8 8 7 —

Cuba Sub. Ord 6 5 8^ —

Eastern Extension .. .. 7 8 I'g —

Eastern Tel. Ord. . . . . 7 8 1454 —

Globe Tel. and T. Ord 6 7 12s —

do. Pref. ..6 6 lOJ —

Great Northern Tel 22 22 42 —

Indo-European 13 13 49 —

Marconi 10 10 34 —A

New York Tel. 4J . . . . 4i 4i 100 —

Oriental Telephone Ord. . . 10 10 2A + ^

United R. Plate Tel 8 8 6l — J

West India and Pan 1 — lA —

Western Telegraph .... 7 8 14i —

Home Rails,

Central London, Ord. Assented 4 4 73 —

Metropolitan li 1 ^*i —

do. District .. .. Nil Nil 18 —

Underground Electric Ordinary Nil Nil 1!3 + fn

do. do. "A" .. Nil Nil 6/ —

do. do. Income 6 6 89i —

FOBEION Traub, &o,

Adelaide Snp. 6 per cent. Pref. 6 6 4Ji —

Anglo-Arg. Trams, First Pref. 6J 5J 84 —

do. 2nd Pref. . . 6i 6J 3 —

do. 6 Deb. ..65 76 —

Brazil Tractions 4 4 601 —

Bombay Electric Pref 6 6 ICj —

British Columbia Elec. Rly. Ptce. 5 6 76 +1

do. do. Preferred— Nil 60 -f8

do. do. Deferred — Nil 69 +4

do. do. Deb. 4i 4* 67 +i

Mexico Trams 5 per cent. Bonds — Nil 43 — 1

do. 6 per cent. Bonds — Nil 86 — 1

Mexican Light Common . . Nil Nil 19 —

do. Pref NU Nil 86 —

do. 1st Bonds . . Nil NU 46 —
Mancfactttkiho Companies.

Babcock 4 Wilcox .... 14 16 af^ —

British Aluminium Ord. . . 6 7 28/- + 1/9

British Insulated Ord 16 17i 12i —

British Westinghouse Pref. .. 7J 7§ 2ft -H 9

Callenders 16 20 12 j + i

do. 5 Pref 5 5 4* —

Castner-Kellner 20 — 8| —

Edison & Swan, £3 paid . . Nil — 10/- —

do. do. fully paid ..Nil — 1| —

do. do. 5 per cent. Deb. 5 5 624 —

Electric Construction . . . . 6 74 17/6 —

Gen. Elec. Pref 6 6 10 —

do. Ord 10 10 111 -Hi

Henley 20 26 165 —

do. 44 Pref 44 44 4i —

lodia-Rabbei 10 10 12 —

Telegraph Con 20 20 89 —

^ Dividends paid free of income-tax.

MARKET QUOTATIONS.

•5 9 6

•5 10 0

♦6 8 8

6 10 4

6 18 4

6 11 8

6 14 3

b 13 4

It sliould he renieiJil>ored. in making-- use of the figures aiipearinjjf
in the following'- list, that in some cases the i)rices are only yeueral,
and they may vary aceordini^'^ to qnantities and other circumstances.

Wednesday, September 27th.

CHEMICALS, Ac.

a Acid, Oxalic per 1

a Ammoniac Sal per t

a Ammonia, Muriate (large crystal) ,,

a Bisulphide of Carbon .. .. ,,

a Borax ,,

a Copper Sulphate ,,

a Potash, Chlorate perl

a .. Perehlorate . . . . „

a Shellac .. .. ,. per c

a Sulphate of Ma^esia . . . . per t
a Sulphur, Sublimed Flowers . . ,,

a .t Lump ,,

a Soda, Chlorate per I

a It Crystals per t

a Sodium Bichromate, casks ,. per 1

METALS. &c.

r Brass (rolled metal 2" to 12" basis) per 1

• ,, Tubes (solid drawn) .. ,,

r ,, Wire, basis ,,

r Copper Tubes (solid drawn) ,. ,,

f „ Bars (best selected) . . per t

r „ Sheet ,

r „ Rod „

i ,, (Electrolytic) Bars .. ,,

I M I. Sheets .. „

( M M Rods .. „

/ „ „ H.C. Wire per 1

■ Ebonite Rod ,

Sheet „

I German Silver Wire .. .. ,,

I Gutta-percha, fine ,,

I India-rubber, Para fine .. .. ,,

Iron Pig (Cleveland warrants) . . per t

,, Wire, galv. No. 8, P.O. qual. „

r Lead, English Pig ,,

r Mercury per

■ Mica (in original cases) small .. per 1

■ ,, ,, ,, medium „
.. )t )i large .. ,,

I Silicium Bronze Wire .. . . per 1

Steel, Magnet, in bars , . . . per t

- Tin, Block (English) .. ,. „

t „ Wire, Nos. 1 to 16 . . . . per 1

Latest

Fortnight's

Price.

Inc. or Deo,

1/8

£76

£61

£23

£31

£51

2/6

2/-

128/-

£18

£17

£1 ino.

£H 10

£1 inc.

Xti to 1/44
1/84 to 1/85

ijd. to 111. 1

*il. iiic

1/7 10 1/74

Jd. to Id. i

£167

£7 1110.

£l.'-.7

£7 inc.

£157

£7 inc.

£138

iU ino.

£15S

£6 ino.

£14«

£6 Inc.

1/61

Sd. inc.

I)/-

2/6

2/8

6/10

8/3

Jd. dec.

Nom.

£36

£:i2 6

10/- inc

£17 12 Bto£17 16

6d. to 8/-

8/6 to 6/-

7/8 to 14/- a. up.

mi

Jd. inc

£93

£10 inc

£173 to £174

£2 inc.

2/10

Quotations supplied by-

a O. Boor & Co.
c Thos. Bolton & Sons, Ltd,
d Frederick Smith & Co.
e P. Wiggins & Sons.
f India-Rubber, Gutta-Percha and
Telegraph Works Co., Ltd.

g James & Shakespeare.

h Edward Till & Co.

I Boiling & Lowe.

/ Richard Johnson & Nephew, Ltl.

n P. Ormiston & Sons.

r W. P. Dennis & Co.

Kalgoorlie Electric Power & Lighting Corporation, Ltd.

— The directors have declared a dividend ou the preference
shares at the rate of 4 per cent, per annum for the six
months ending September 30th.

Calcutta Electric Supply Corporation, Ltd. — The number
of units sold to consumers during the four weeks ended
August 25th, 1916, amounted to •2,073,593. compared with
2,04'2,910 in the corresponding four weeks of 1915.

Clyde Valley Electrical Power Co. — .'Vt the half-yearly
meeting, held in Glasgow last week, Mr. F. C. Gardiner
said that the profit for the half-year was considered satisfac-
tory, in view of the large increases in the price of coal and
cost of labour and all material necessary for carrying on the
busines.s, and the co.st of repairs, due to the heavy demands
made on the company for direct and subsidiary munitions
work. The contracts for supply showed an increase during
the half-year of 4,403 h.p., and connections to mains an in-
ciease of 7,544 h.p. It was expected that the new power
station at present under construction near Cambuslang would
be in commercial operation by the end of October.

United Electric Car Co., Ltd. — ."Xt the annual meeting,

on September '20th, Mr, Egbert B. B.^rningham stated that
throughout the year their works had not been employed at
anything like their full capacity. The orders for cars in pro-
gress twelve months ago had all been completed and de-
hvered, and very few orders for tramcars had been received
during the year. Corporations at home were holding back
their orders at the present time, and foreign trade they could
hardly expect. The directors had obtained all the Govern-
ment work they could get, but there was not much chance
for the company to share in large profits. He had good hopes
that the company would be ultimately paid for the cars they
had delivered, chiefly in South America, but one could not
say how the purcha.sers, who were chiefly in occupied terri-
tory in Belgium, would come out of it all. He was satisfied
that when hostilities ceased there would be plenty of work
both at home and abroad.

September 2'... 1916.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

359

EXPORTS AND IMPORTS OF ELECTRICAL GOODS DURING AUGUST, 1916.

The returns of electrical export ami import business tor August
show a very considerable increase in value of the former as com-
pared with the previous month, though the imports fell off in
value by over £30,000 in the same period.

The total value of the exports was jE .5.53.957. as compared with
.t;4.s7.5".5 in July and £i;03..510 in June. The month's business
included over £100.000 worth of submarine telegraph cable, while
machinery, cable, lamp, and battery export values reached respect-
able totals, though telephonic exports were on a reduced scale.
It will be noted that during the month the value of our exports
to the Continent reached a high level.

The imports total for the month was *:l.S3,I51. as compared with

£213.714 in July, the general falling-off in value being, no doubt,
due to the steady reduction in American electrical imports into this
country. The only notable exception was in the case of lamp and
lamp-part imports, which reached a higher level, totalling some
<: 50.000 in value, beside which our lamp export business cuts a
very poor figure. Holland alone sent us some £36,000 worth of
lamps and parts out of her total of £38,737 worth of business, and
it may be noted that she now occupies the second place as regards
value of electrical material entering this country. Japan's efforts
as an importer of electrical material into Britain resulted in
£5,785 worth of business, as against £4.381 worth in July.

The re-exports for the month amounted to £14.948, or nearly
£1.000 better than in the previous month.

Registered Exports of British and Irish Electrical Goods from the United Kingdom

.

"2

II g

.2

1

if

S

1 i „>.

i^t

c ^

cable
: hells.

nd

us.

Destination of exports and country consigning
imports.

-J-C CI

1

ill

'■Si

5 is
eia

illoctric m

and

inatrumei

Eleotri
machine

elephonio
and appar
id electric

Telegrap
cable a
apparat

H

^t

3

.5

i^

t< a I

£

£

£

£

£

£

£

£

£

£

£

£

£

Eussia, Sweden. Norway and Denmark

1,391

547

169

1,774

2,274

29,350

1,704

920

607

127

9,812

48,67.T

Netherlands, Java and Dutch Indies

822

9,283

1,350

34

"70

50

775

1,289

128

4,863

432

19,096

Belgian Congo

109

France

4.288

429

1,102

217

577

172

19.876

2,757

605

470

61

1,501

32.055

Portugal

22

151

947

26

2,049

70

3,265

Spain. Canary Isles and Spanish N. Africa...

340

22

75

15

1.357

2,660

'"fi

"(50

120

269

549

5,475

Switzerland. Italy and Austria-Hungary ...

300

477

105

6,041

68

622

785

8,398

Greece. Roumania. Turkey and Bulgaria ...

70

32

52

188

450

792

Channel Isles. Gibraltar. Malta and Cyprus...

109

55

""l5

165

139

140

"iz

'287

927

U.S.A., Philippines and Cuba

849

20

265

28

11

310

158

28

31

284

l,98i

Canada and Newfoundland ...

370

961

252

4,200

104

566

6.453

British West Indies and British Guiana ...

223

"36

"31

204

155

93

74

118

934

Mexico and Central America

20

405

553

31

1,009

Peru and Uruguav-

86

362

"so

77

557

55

"(58

379

1,664^

Chile ■

318

187

62

170

684

908

30

'47

2,348

35

4,789

Brazil

588

934

47

612

1,121

1,796

555

933

33

144

968

7,731

Argentina

498

10,875

201

1,085

714

2.514

78

4,379

153

1,042

4.010

25,549

Colombia. Venezuela. Ecuador and Bolivia...

270

10

672,

42

994

Egypt. Tunis and Morocco

151

902

58

674

42

232

691

114

2.061

83

31

417

5,456

British West Africa

24

478

8

219

196

46

96

1.067

Rhodesia. O.R.C. and Transvaal

1,787

2,620

974

2,805

456

1,048

292

1,026

261

379

64

11,712

Cape of Good Hope

768

6,052

506

503

To

200

1,139

716

21

115

10,039

20,09»

Natal

783

7.187

428

695

5,974

732

1.087

43

87

9,755

26.771

Zanzibar. Brit. E. Africa. Mauritius & Aden

200

119

40

481

392

13

251

426

1,922

Azores. Madeira and Portuguese Africa

95

469

43

20

166

26

72

17

37

945-
119

French African Colonies and Madagascar...

42

13

20

...

44

Pei-sia

224

21

245^

China and Siam ... ...

938

5.851

1,381

1,565

1,430

3,029

585

'90

84

2.530

17,483

Japan and Korea ...

2

18

36

10,179

486

2,382

94,371

107,474

India

2,627

13,963

3,152

3,158

175

2.106

21,061

4,P21

7,798

m

3,932

842

63,871

Ceylon

20

161

322

382

2,344

8

169

256

40

3,702

Straits Settlements. Fed. Malay States and

Sarawak

202

834

200

279

42

971

365

112

86

24

3,115

6,230

Hong Kong

145

1,857

348

231

1,261

1,440

24

481

"'

5,864

West Australia

256

2,535

• 237

169

20

3,668

139

10

309

107

7,450

4,802

South Australia

123

2,529

32

71

63

337

43

423

1,129

52

Victoria

777

11,453

242

1,798

To

660

6,938

1,172

309

1,057

346

24.762

48J85

3.357

426

New South Wales

1,115

15,338

875

1,596

66

1.848

14,581

7;814

3,143

305

1,355

749

Queensland

63

401

191

193

840

1,205

103

313

48

'Tasmania

47

"9

171

163

16

20

5few Zealand and Fiji Islands

832

5,449

1,679

2,162

1,880

3,624

2,382

1,209

16

I'foo

574

21,516

Total, £

21,473

103,325

14,176

22,564

980

18,881

148,880

22,295

30.066

3,183

25,602

143,532

553,957

Registered Imports into the United Kingdom of Electrical Goods from all Countries.

Russia. Norway. Sweden and Denmark
Holland...

France

Switzerland

Italy :

United States

Japan ...

716

56

840

5,378

30

l,.-)65

398

1,197

709

28,089

8,304

39

399

781

8

22

455

642

630

52

160

5.938

1,507

1,025

(557

246

79

7,522

1,853

216

1,464

414

3,927

3,672

7,153

2.005

459

5,242

2,394

2,458

17,854

46,411

6,230

3,705

1,583

7,362

727

1,392

2,612

198

12.869

35,257

14,792

10,610

28,80!t

46.640

14,.546

7.074

70
101

Total. £ 12.869 7,362 727 35,257 14,792 10,610 28,809- 1 46.640 14,.546 7.(J74 1 4,389
Additional imports.— Canada, electrical machinery, £50 ; batteries and accumulators, £14. Channel Islands, machinery. £12,

Registered Re-Exports of Foreign and Colonial Electrical Goods from the United Kingdom.

10.64S
38,737
10,265
13,163

8.013
96,469

5.78.5'

183,075

Various countries, mainly as above

2,082 2,203

2,918

1,724 4,354

1.11;

Total Exports: £553.957 Total Re-Exports : £14,948 Total Imports; £183,151

Note. — The amoimta appearing under the several headings are classified according to the Customs returns. The first and
third columns contain many amounts relating to " goods " otherwise unclassified, the latter, doubtless, consisting of similar
materials to those appearing in adjacent columns. Imports .are credited to the country whence consigned, which is not necessarily
the country of origin.

300

THE ELECTIUCAX, REVIEW. [Voi. :;.. nv -.027. scnKMBER j;., i.,>ic,.

THE INSTITUTION WIRING RULES.

By DONALD SMEATON MUXRO.

(Condiuhtl from paijc 814.)
Rule No. 64, with three sub-divisions, finishes the
subject of wood casing', and apparently one may
adopt cheap casing of small, size under floors and
through walls, and generally act in a reckless
fashion with regard to crossings and joints, yet be
untranmielled by any restriction. Bunching is per-
mitted between wires of the same polarity on final
sub-circuits. Are wires from branch switches to
lamps to be classed for the purposes of this rule as
if always at the potential they have when the switch
is closed or when the switch is open?

Rule No. 65. — A feature of the new rules is the
introduction of tough rubber compound protection
a> a substitute for conduit or casing. The tests
which this class of protector has to undergo to con-
form with the regulations include capability to resist
abrasion, acid, oils, and alkalis. The tests are
hardly stated with scientific accuracy as to the
degree or period of resistance to these formidable
enemies of wiring systems. But everybody knows
that "cab-tire" sheathing is meant when the Institu-
tion uses the more -sonorous title, and the precise
degree of resistance to trouble is the very high
standard set by that doughty class of covering.

It is to be hoped that no hard-faced inspector will
apply the fire test specified; under using conditions
" The resistance of the covering to fire is to equal
or be superior to that of vulcanised rubber."
Generally the vulcanised cover of cables is tucked
safely away in a steel conduit, and the inspector's
blow-lamp is not so deadly as it would be if tried
on the neatly varnished surface of a bunch of tough
rubber compounded cables cleated to a wood parti-
tion, and possibly running up to a nice dry garret.
Rule Xo. 66 refers to armoured wiring, and states
that the metal covering, brass, copper, or the like,
must be of substantial thickness. One wonders if
the Stannos covering would pass muster.

Lead-covered systems are dealt with under Rule
No. 68, and they are dealt with in style. The rule
■does not permit of lead-covered conductors beneath
floors, behind wall surfaces, or on new brick or
plaster. Such severity shows a veiy high degree of
freedom from mere commercial interests on the part
of the Committee, for some of the largest cable
companies have been pushing such systems for
years, and recommending their use for all kinds of
situations. The writer has seen a whole book full
of pictures of handsome buildings wired throughout
with lead coverings. Personally, he felt that it was
a pity; but there were the names also attached of a
host of contractors, and even of consultants, who
had risked the experiment.

Lead-covered systems ought not to be too much
encouraged, but they are better than some of the
other systems that are permitted more freedom
under the rules. If such conductors were further
protected by a thorough coating of bituminous com-
pound or tape, they would be saved for a long time
from the chemical elements of destruction which
lie in wait for lead behind building surfaces. Of
course, some of the modern systems are covered
with a substance which looks like lead, and is so
largely, but is stated to be a " special metal." Does
that exempt such systems from the control of Rule
No. 68? In this connection one remembers that
some years ago it was considered necessary to
specify a high percentage of pure English lead for
cable coverings. Now it seems that cable makers
desire to get away from the very name of lead for
indoor work.

Flexible conductors are next dealt with, and Rule
71 reminds us that fitting flexibles must only be
joined to the ordinan*' wiring by screw terminals.

and not iiv solderni;.^ . In the in>uill;ilu)n.-i which
liave lasted for nearly a quarter of a century with-
out trouble, we soldered such connections, and, in
addition, soldered the flexible at the lampholder
ends, and thus obviated the risks of sparky hot con-
tacts in inaccessible places.

We now pass to the section dealing with "Protec-
tion in S[)ccial Positions." Here there is no hint of
how to proceed in corrosive, high temperature, wet
or other diflicult places, but the section refers us
back to four preceding rules, and goes on merely
to specify the use of casings and tubes for parti-
tions, &c.

Bare conductor conditions are then well described
in Rule No. 75, with nine sub-divisions. There is,
perhaps, one section too many, as the matter of
double insulation with straining gear is the subject
of sub-division (/;), and again appears fully in (e).
Rules 87 to 95 are devoted to switch and distribu-
tion boards, and deal with the subject well. It
should be noted that teak-cased fuseboards must
now be lined with fire-resisting material, and a mini-
mum clearance of li in. must be provided. One
hopes that the makers will act at once in this direc-
tion and save contractors the worry of making
special big cases.

Switches and circuit-breakers are described in Nos.
96 and 97. The chief item of interest is the con-
demnation of that type of ironclad switch which has
a slot for the handle. It has always been a wonder
to the writer how such a futile type persisted. The
sizes of switches are governed by load tests. This
is quite proper, and one hopes that makers will now
classify their switches accordingly, and not call a
switch 50-amp. size when under prolonged working
conditions it will only break and carry 10 amp.
safely. Some indication of approved contact areas
might with advantage have been appended to the
rules.

The sections devoted to fuses and wall plugs and
sockets have been considerably improved. It is
evident that the Committee attach great importance
to their recommendation to use cord-grips on port-
able appliances. It is repeated three times (Rule
104, 109. and 114). Does it apply to portable stan-
dards ?

Rule No. no says that switch lampholders must
be controlled by a wall switch. Lately there has
been an extended use of ceiling rose switches. Are
they to be classed as lampholder or as wall switches ?
Rule III states that a lampholder must not be in
metallic connection with the metalwork of a port-
able 'hand lamp. Must we fit" insulated holders as
well as cord-grips on all portable standards now?
There is much to be said for the general adoption
of insulated holders except on cord pendants, where
they are not necessary.

There are several important provisions anent
heaters in Rule No. 117. Those taking over 1,000
watts are to have d.p. switches. It is to be hoped
that the ironmongers and stores — so beloved by the
Tungsten Lamp Association — who are now selling
2, 3, and 4-Kvv. heaters, will tell their customers of
this necessity. Those of us who are only elec-
tricians will note with malicious glee that the Insti-
tiition anticipates heaters being used with pressures
up to 650 volts. The smart ironmongery salesman
may e.xpect to hear something from madam then !
Nothing is said about the earthing of heaters.

Manufacturers must note CRule No. 118) that at
least one section of the heating elements is to be
controlled by the wall switch only.

Rule No. 120 states, that heating circuits must
be protected by a wall switch in each room. Thus
in a dining-room with sockets for radiator, hot-
plate, &c., a big master-switch must be provided at
much expense, and probably never used.

Resistances, choking coils, and transformers are
next dealt with, then motors and dynamos. Noth-
ing is said about the earthing of any of these.

Vol.79. Xo. 2.027. September 29, lOir,] THE ELECTEICAL REVIEW.

3r.l

neither is any suggestion gi\en as iv approved
methods of wiring to them. This is a point on
i\hich much guidance is necessary.

In dealing' with accumulators, Rule Na. 126 states
that " each regulating cell should be protected by
a fuse." This is astonishing. If such fuses are to
be of any use they should be placed near the junc-
tion with cells. The atmosphere of a cell room will
soon cause the fuses to blow, and in blowing they
may even cause the cell room to blow up. In any
situation the blowing of a fuse on a regulatmg cable
would cause serious flashing at the switch regula-
tors on the board.

Again, Rule No. 127 implies that a battery must
have a d.p. switch and fuse control. This is often
difficult to arrang-e in practice, and protective con-
trol can be otherwise secured.

Some differences are made in the tests for wiring.
It is not now necessary to test the wiring proper
before the fittings are erected. The old method was
useful when the work was divided ; now in such a
case, when the tests are low, there may be differ-
ence of opinion as to where the faults lie.

We know that branch switches and their treat-
ment are the chief factors in an insulation test. Yet
these are not counted, and the insulation must not
be less in megohms than 25 divided by the number
of lamps.

An appendix is given which shows the number
and sizes of 250-volt cables which can be drawn into
the various conduits made to the Engineering Stan-
dards Specification. The table differs here and there
from that prepared by the various conduit makers
for the same sizes of cables and conduits. No indi-
cation is given of length of conduit through which
the stated number of wires can be drawn, nor of the
reductioii in yards of length per nomial bend.
Neither is note given of the sizes of conduit for
single main conductors. If the table is worth giving
at all it should be complete for convenient refer-
ence.

A table prepared for the 650-volt cable would have
been even more interesting, for then we should be
learning about cable thicknesses which have hitherto
been beyond our experience.

A great amount of space is occupied throughout
the pamphlet by general specifications of items like
copper conductors, ceiling roses, and constructional
details of switches, sockets, fuseboards, and other
accessories. This in spite of the fact that some of
these particulars are already published fully in the
British Standard Specifications. Some advantage in
clarity and easy reference would be gained if such
manufacturers' items were printed separately in a
section by themselves, and not interposed with
matter referring" to methods of use and erection.

In the few months which have elapsed since the
rules were issued, several critics have directed
attention to the more important alterations required
in current practice, and it has been suggested that
this issue should have been delayed until after the
war, when the wiring' world would be less harassed
with urgent work and more ready to consider
changes.

The rules are not yet final or perfect, however,
and now that peace is distantly in sight, and stocks
of old standard articles are unprecedentedly low, it
is the best time to be preparing and changing' pat-
terns and methods. So the next set of regulations
may be on more model and permanent lines and be
a real charter to good average wiring practice.

THE BRITISH ASSOCIATION.— IV.

Board of Trade Inquiries. — The Coimiiercial Intelli-

STPnce Branch of the Board of Trade has received applications from
finns at home tor the names of manufacturers or producers of : —
Bulbs for electric lamps ; electric smoothing irons for boot uppers :
and steatite insulators.

The Utilisation of Coal as Fuel.
During the visit of the British Association to New-
castle-on-Tyne a joint meeting of the Geology and
Chemistrv Sections was held, on September 7th, on
the investigation of the chemical and geological
characters of different varieties of coal with a view
to their most effective utilisation as fuel and to the
extraction of by-products.

Prof. G. A. Lebour, in opening the discussion, said that the
attitude or relation of geologists and chemists to the matter
of coal was rather a peculiar one. Geologists had to find the
coal, but in order to ascertain that the mineral found was
coal they had to turn to the chemists, and the chemists
could not alwaj's tell. Some authoritative classification of
coal should be arrived at which should be to the satisfaction
of both the geologists and the chemists. Coals were very
different, and their chemical properties were not uniform ;
there were known cases in which two coals had practicaOy
the same composition according to the analysts, but differed
in their physical properties. It was the physical properties
that were of interest to the industrial world, and therefore
they would like, if possible, to have a definition of coal
which might comprise all sorts of schedules, such as coking,
(Src, and its physical and chemical properties. Geologists
regarded coal as a rock, usually found in layers, with a roof
and a floor. Floor and roof both varied, and according to the
variety and difference in the roof there .should be a corres-
ponding difference in the nature of the coal. Chemists had
■lery often to investigate coal without the slightest knowledge
as to the conditions under wliich it was secured. If those
particulars were given to the chemists, they might be able
to explain the phenomena that had presented great difficulties.
Prof. W. A. Bone said the great cUlficulty with the chemists
was that there was not much to say of a definite character.
They usually applied certain tests to coals to secure informa-
tion regai'ding their specific use for commercial purposes, and
used tests which had been found to be more or less satis-
factory. They could determine the carbon, hydrogen, and
organic nature with a certain amount of precision, but too
frequently these results came out differently according to the
amount of air. More recently they had been studying the
action of pyridine, which removed and dissolved certain con-
stituents in the coal, and a gcx)d deal of work had been done
by other individuals with other methods of testing coal, but
little had been done in the way of correlating, or bringing the
dilTerent undertakings to a focus, so that they might be seen
in their proper perspective. Until that was cari'ied out he
did not think the chemists would be in a position to say very
much about the exact chemical nature of the con.stituents of coal.
Prof. Kexdall, regarding the matter as a geologist, was of
opinion that much research work was needed in co-operation
with the chemists. There should be a general investigation of
the coal and of coal seams, because a chemical analysis was
not enough. The ash present in coal was one of the factors
controlling its economic use, and so they w'ould like to kiiow
what the ash was, and what was its relation to the original
plant substance.

Dr. -J. T. Duxx said they should know what each section
was doing. Until chemists knew something about the
chemical nature of coal they could not hope to present any
scientific cla.ssification to the geologists, and they would not
get far until they knew whence the coal came. Chemists,
geologists, and botanists . should join in their researches.

Prof. Bone thought there was every prospect that shortly
the State would take up the question and grant subsidies for
the investigation of coal. It was practically the result of the
movement begun at the British Association meetings at Man-
chester last year and in various scientific quarters as to the
value of the" properties of coal. They had had an assurance
given that the question would be dealt ^ith iu the very early
future.

Prof. Bedsox said his study of coal over many years nn-
piessed him with the fact that the difficulty mvolved in the
problem was the question of the chemical nature of coal.
Pyridine dissolved up to 30 per cent, of the coal, but of the
composition of the remainder they were ignorant.

Dr. M.\RIE C. Stores spoke of the little progress that had
been made in the study of the constituents of coal, and said
that the chemi.sts, in estimating the nature of coal unaltered
by heat or chemical action, had done no more than to separate
them into two main classes of constituents, which had been
termed cellulosic and resinic. It the different by-products
from coal were traceable to specific parts of plant life, and
those plant remains were recognisable in the plant itself, a
considerable step might be made in the knowledge of coal
and its potentialities, for the individual plant portions might
be i-solated by suitable methods, and the substances for which
they were .responsible when coal was heated, determined. It
was on such work that they were engaged. This study was
obviously a case for co-operation. The ultimate aim of the
research was a complete scientific knowledge of the chemical
composition and mode of formation of coal.

Dr. D. P. .lONES and Dr. G. Hickling also took part in the
discussion.

:3lV2

THE ELECTRICAL KEVIEW. [v,

No. 2,027, September 29, 1916.

The I'roblem of Industrial Unrest.

The Economics and Statistics Section of the
British Association on September 6th turned its
attention to the question of industrial unrest, the
basis of the discussion being the report of a com-
mittee on means for the promotion of industrial
harmony.

The report, which was very long, considered the
subject in three sections: The causes of industrial
unrest, attempts at diminishing' industrial imrest.
and the Committee's recommendations. The causes
were stated to be: (i I desire for a higher standard
of li\'ing, (2) desire of the working people to exer-
cise a greater control over their lives and to have
some detemiining will as to the conditions of work.
(3) the uncertamty of regular employment, (4) the
monotony in employment, (5) suspicion and want
of knowledge of economic conditions, (6) the com-
plaint that some labour is irregular and less satis-
factory, (7) the effects of war measures. Attempts
at diminishing industrial unrest included concilia-
tion and arbitration boards, arbitration (a) volun-
tarj-, (b) compulsory, profit-sharing and co-partner-
ship, and co-operation. The summary' of the report
stated that the aim of the investigation was to dis-
cover certain general principles which must under-
lie a harmonious economic organisation. Before
the problems of industrial unrest could be solved
those principles must be applied to particular indus-
tries. With their special application the Committee
did not deal, and the suggestions put forward in-
cluded only broad principles possible of wide appli-
cation. The recommendations might be di\'ided
into groups, as they concerned : The general atti-
tude and outlook of employers and workmen ;
machinery for dealing with disputes; the organisa-
tion of industry; and post-war arrangements. The
recommendations were thus summarised : —

1. (i) That there shoiild be greater frankness between em-
ployers and workpeople, and that they should discuss indus-
trial matters together or through duly accredited representa-
ti\es.

(ii) That employers should consider the cost of labour, and
not the wages earned by individual workmen.

(iii) That the fundamental facts and principles of industrial
and economic life .should be known by both.

■2. (i) That employers and workpeople should improve their
organisations with a view to determining jointly the condi-
tions under which industries should be carried on.

(ii) That in each industry pennanent boards or committees
be set up to consider all matters of common interest.

(iii) That there be a joint national board to which local
boards could refer unsettled disputes.

3. (i) That the necessity for co-operation between employers
and employed be recognised by both,

(ii) That employers establish : (a) .Associations of one trade
in a given district, (6) national associations of one trade, (c)
local federations of trades, {d) national federations of trades.
(b and d being organised under a system of representation.)

That workpeople establish unions and federations corres-
ponding to the above.

(iii) Prom the two national federations there be elected an
industrial councO.

(iv) That the State give recognition to approved associations,
unions, and federations under carefully devised regulations,
the State being the representative of the consumer and of
the commimity.

4. (i) On demobilisation, that district boards of really prac-
tical men be established to consider and adjust difficulties,
especially as to the replacement in industry of men who have
joined the Forces.

(ii) As to agreements and regulations in abeyance for the
period of the war. The industrial community will have an
opportunity for considerable reconstruction. The new organi-
sation suggested should take this in hand.

Archdeacon Cunnixgelam expressed a feeling of disappoint-
ment at the report, the recommendations of which had no
relation to many of the causes of industrial unrest. There
was no suggestion in it as to getting a higher code of morals
both on the part of Capital and Labour. He referred to the
housing question, and said employers of labour should be
responsible for the proper housing of their employes.

Prof. W. R. Scott referred to the suggestion that had been
made of an industrial war after the present mihtary war, and
said its prevention, while not in the power of any individual,
was. he thought, within the power of the nation. If they
could only prevent industrial war they could not only pay
the interest on the war loans, but provide a material sinking
fund for the reduction of the debt. He advocated co-opera-

tmii bet worn interests, and for that object the most practical
method he could see was that associations representing capital
and labour should act in conjunction.

Sir Hugh Bkll said he did not accept the report in its
entirety, although ho was a party to it. No very' definite
conclusions could be suggested, for the question was in an
obvious state of flux. The war had brought home these ques-
tions in a much more urgent form. It was clear that as soon
as the war had come to an end problems that might have
found a solution gradually would become urgently in need
of an immediate solution. It seemed desirable in the present
circumst.incos to present not so much definite conclusions as
indications of the directions in which improvements could be
sought. It was impossible, as they understood matters at
present, to devise any scheme of compulsory arbitration.
What they wanted to bring home to Capital and Labour alike
was the fact that the centre of gravity was very much
changed. He was convinced that they must di.smiss proposals
of profit-sharing as a solution of the problem before them.
That they were going to have a troublous time, he thought,
was beyond doubt, but the disposition to wait until circum-
stances had developed, rather than make preparations for
eventualities that might never happen, would, he thought,
stand them in good stead, as it had before.

Address to the Economic Science and Statistics Section.

By Prof. .\. W. Kirkaldy, M.A., President of the Section.

{Abstract.)
In every sphere this great war has worked, and will yet work,
great changes, but in the economic sphere the effects that
can alreadv be noted far exceed those in any other. Up to
the present the war has cost us over £2,000,000,000. We
have co.nsumed that amount of commodities and services, we
have diverted capital and labom- into new channels of pro-
duction, but these channels, unlike those connected with a
good scheme of irrigation which may make the wilderness
to blossom like the rose, have emptied themselves in the
desert and the runnels are now dry and worthless. The _
warring Powers have turned their attention from profitable
production, -the output of wealth, the exchange or use of
which will produce new wealth, to the production of instru-
ments of destruction, which not only consume themselves,
but c^irry out a work of destruction which entails the loss of
other accumulations or possibilities of wealth. There is abso-
lutely nothing tangible to show for this expenditure. Thus
the position is that for two years we have been consuming
our wealth, and to that extent must remain the poorer and
be short of many of the goods and services we used to con-
sider necessaries of life, until we have, by renewed efforts
and a return to the industries of commerce and peace, taken
measures to restore those useful things which have been con-
sumed.

When the war ends, it will be incumbent on us all to
redouble our activities, increase the productivity of the mill,
factory, and field ; for, so long as there is a deficiency in
excess of what we were accustomed to, so long must some of
us, and especially the poorer members of the community,
feel the pinch occasioned by this devastating war.

The war, in spite of the suffering and loss occasioned, has
not been all loss As a nation — nay, as an Empire — we have
found ourselves. We .shall emerge from this war a better
disciplined, a more serious people, better equipped mentally
and physically to cope with new conditions. We have learned
what hitherto had only been suspected, or at most known to
a few. that we have not produced anything Uke our industrial
maximum.

An insidious element of friction threatening to develop into
class war has been sapping our energies. There have been
faults on both sides, but daylight is being thrown over the
situation, and the waste and loss of this friction has been laid
bare. If we do not take to heart this great experience and
alter our ways for the better, then we deserve to go down as
a nation.

Not only was there loss through friction between employers
and employed, but in many industries we were continuing to
use out-of-date tools and methods long after they should
have been discarded. A long era of prosperity had not,
indeed, caused decadence, but was threatening to do so. The
war has shaken us up and shown us the realities of life,
making the mistakes of the material side with which we
have to do here plain and unmistakeable.

To beat the national enemy we had to re-equip our work-
shops, and the new equipment will be available to a great
extent for future work. Moreover, we have been taught by
a bitt-er lesson that up-to-date equipment is as necessary rt
we are to maintain our position as an industrial and commer-
cial nation as it was to enable us to maintain our inter-
national position.

I want to attempt now to make a forecast of what may be
expected in the commercial and industrial spheres when we
sheathe the sword. Germany has over-run some important
n anufacturing districts. Belgium, North-Westem France,
and Poland have not only been occupied by the enemy, but
machinery and industrial equipment have in many cases
been removed to Germany. The busy industrial areas men-
tioned have undoubtedly suffered very considerably, and will
require to reconstruct and re^equip towns and factories, and

xo. 2.027, SEPTEMBER 29, 19IG.] THE ELECTRICAL EEVIEW.

303

to reorganise the labour l«.>rce. To sft commerce and industry
at work again on anythinsj like the previous scale must be a
work of some tune. On the other hand, in spite of every
effort, Germany has found it impossible to interfere with the
industries of the United Kingdom either by force or intrigue;
nor have the Entente Powers as yet invaded Germany. In-
deed, for the purpose of this forecast it is wise to assume
that German industrial equipment will not be affected detri-
mentally by the war. ^\ hen once again the world begins to
get into its normal stride, so far as one can foresee, England
and Germany wdll for some time be the only two European
nations prepared to take any considerable part in international
trade.

Meantime, during the period of the war, two countries —
the United States of .A.merica and Japan — have enjoyed new
and unlooked-for trading advantages. So far as competition
from the United States is concerned, it is probable that we
need not feel unnecessarily pessimistic. The South .\merican
States are at the beginning of a period of development which
may well prove to be rapid. The possibihties opened up by
the Panama Canal route, even though the present canal
should prove a failure, will not be resigned before another
attempt is made to pierce the isthmus; that a cutting will
■jNentually be made is, in my opinion, beyond question.
American developments, then, may be expected to take place
principally on the American continent, in the Pacific, and in
the Far East. In these regions there is ample room for both
British and .American enterprise.

isor will Japan, for some time to come at any rate, com-
pete with our staple manufactures. The development made
by Japan during the war would seem to indicate that it is
Germany, and not Great Britain, that will have to bear the
biunt of Japanese competition. Small goods and fancy
articles which came freely into our markets from Germany
and Austria before the war are now being made in Japan.
Our merchants, being unable to get supplies of these goods,
sent samples to Japan, with the most satisfactory results as
to price, finish, and quality. Thus we have bee"n able to
extend our business relations with our ally at the expense of
our enemy. Moreover, although there is no certain infonna-
tion on the subject, it is more than possible that when normal
trading is resumed it will be found that Japan has been
extending her business in these and other classses of goods
into other markets hitherto the preserve of the Central
Powers.

Hence it is of special interest to attempt to forecast to what
extent and with what prospects England and Germany will
be in competition in international trade after the war. This
will depend for the most part on two sets of factors : (1) the
internal indu.strial condition of each country, and (2) com-
mercial factors. So far as the former are concerned, there is
much that this country should reaUse and take to heart.

The United Kingdom, in spite of the war and its heavy
diain on our resources, has been enjoying an exceptional
time of seeming prosperity. A. large section of the work-
people have been earning high wages, whilst some em-
ployers have been earning handsome profits. High prices,
high wages, higli profits have been the order of the day. The
return of peace will very considerably modify the last two of
these, and how -will those affected face the change?

To understand how the parties will answer this question,
certain agreenuents must be remembered. Foremost among
these is the State guarantee that certain trade union restric-
tions and Government regulations which have been in abey-
ance for the period of the war shall be reimposed when peace
is restored. If we were reverting to pre-war conditions there
would be much to be said for this, but one hopes that both
parties reali.se fully that conditions have radically changed,
and that in consequence both employers and workpeople
must be prepared to meet the new situation in a new spirit.
Why were these agreements and regulation."? set aside? Be-
cause it was known that they hampered output, and our
military success depended upon our producing the greatest
possible amoimt of munitions of war. Our commercial suc-
cess will now equally depend on getting the utmost possible
production out of our industrial equipment. Are we, then,
going to restore these obstacles just at the most critical
moment?

With the return to more normal times the national neces-
city for war stores and munitions will cease, and our indus-
trial forces will have to rely on the home and foreign markets
for employment. Foreign competition will almost certainly
be greatly intensified. There may be at first a great demand
for manufactured goods of all kinds, as a consequence of
decreased supplies duiing the war, but aU the principal trad-
ing nations will strain every nerve to get the greatest possible
share of orders. If. under such circumstances, we indulge in
an internal struggle between Capital and Labour, instead of
hending our whole energies to retain and extend our hold on
markets, we shall lose an opportunity which is not likely to
return. And yet there is a widespread expectation among
enjployers and workpeople that the European war will be
succeeded by serious industrial strife.

So far as the commercial factors are concerned, we have
almq.st everything in our favour. We have not outraged the
sentiments of humanity by employing inhuman methods in
waging war. We have retained our position as the head-
quarters of the money market. We have our shipping re-
sources and equipment practically intact. Our merchants
and exporters are keen and ready to carry on their business

with even greater energy than before the war. We have
arrears to make up, but have the will, and, with hannony at
home, the ability to carry on a more extended trade. Our
capital has not been seriously affected, and there are no
signs that it will be — our financial establishments and banks
are prepared to do their share.

Turning to Germany, there is a most interesting condition
of affairs to study. If beaten in the war Germany will be a
poor country; the economic position will be deplorable, but
hardly irreparable. Every section of the community has
already felt to some degree the effects of the war. When
peace comes there wiU be a determined attempt to regain the
old position. A disciplined people, acting under a Govern-
ment that will be compelled by circumstances to foster every
possible means for repairing the broken machine of trade and
for restoring the national wealth, will without any doubt be
prepared to make heavy sacrifices to regain what has been
lost. The Government will offer advantages in the shape of
low railway rates and canal faciUties, and, as far as possible,
bounties on export business and on shipping to encourage
and extend foreign trade. Manufacturers and merchants will
cut down profits, and workpeople will be carefully taught
that only by increased productivity and by a period of low
wages can that which has been lost be regained. One fore-
sees a remarkable attempt by a united and determined nation
to make good in as short a period as possible the waste and
loss occasioned by the war and the blockade. German goods
for export will be cheap, and the low price will be still further
emphasised by the depreciation of the mark. For so long as
the mark is at a discount there will be a pro tanto advantage
to export trade, and although the mark may eventually
regain its par value, a few months or even weeks will have
an appreciable influence on re-opening foreign business.

Thus a comparison of English and Genuan possibihties in
foreign trade on the resumption of peace shows that there are
certain advantages on both sides. The German advantages
are solid and appreciable, but if England is seething with
industrial friction the advantages she possesses wlU be
neutrahsed and her failure a certainty.

This leads us to consider whether a policy can be devised
which will remove causes of friction and assure to our indus-
tries a new era of prosperity.

.\s the war developed there has been a growing tendency
to demand organisation in every sphere of national hfe. The
striking successes scored by Germany have been universally,
and probably rightly, ascribed to thoroughness of organisa-
tion and complete preparedness before provoking the con-
flict. It has been forgotten that Germany has for many
decades prided herself on her Army, even as England has
relied on her Navy. The test of war has proved that Ger-
many was a very difficult country to oppose by land, but that
in naval matters England is supreme. The economist, how'-
ever, has to investigate" into those matters which are con-
nected with his science — namely, the production, the distribu-
tion, and the consumption of wealth. Can it be said that the
want of organisation and other faults of our military system
are typical of what has been going on in the industrial and
commercial sphere? I, for one, cannot bring myself to
accept the truth of this. For upwards of a century our
industries have been gradually developing, and the progress
has. on the whole, been along healthy lines — each decade has
.seen some advance more orless great.

German attention to industry and commerce is much more
recent. She was able to benefit by our experience, nor was
she slow in doing .so. To take a simple illustration : A manu-
facturing firm of 50 years' standing has developed a system
and has equipped factory and workshop as occasion demanded.
X rival, seeing the possibihty of competing successfully in
the same business, organises a new company, raises the
necessary capital, and is able to commence operations with
plant, machinery, and equipment of all kinds absolutely
up-to-date, and even with some new improvements. In these
circumstances, provided that the management be good, and
that there is a demand for the goods produced, the new firm
has on the manufacturing side considerable advantages. The
older finn. however, is not devoid of advantages. It has a
certain connection, a goodwill, and with able management
these will enable it to compete with the newcomer, whilst
the managers will have time to consider how to put the
manufacturing side of their business on a par with that of
the rival finn. The position in a simple instance like this is
fairly easy to understand. In the case of a nation, w-ith its
many and varied interests, it takes a very much longer time
for the situation to develop. The agitation for Tariff Reform
and Colonial Preferences is a proof that several years before
the war broke out some Enghshmen were awake to the fact
that a new condition had come into existence, and that, if we
were to preserve our advantageous position, we must take
careful stock of newly-arisen factors in world-trade. For Ger-
many was not the only one, nor perhaps the most serious, of
these factors. The United States of Anierica, from the time
of the Civil War, had bent her energies to the work of internal
development. Having concentrated on this for nearly 40
years, she began to expand a world-policy both political and
commercial. Japan, too, emerged with unexpected sudden-
ness into the arena. Thus, as the nineteenth century drew to
a close, the economic interests of England required careful
and earnest attention. The fiscal controversy undoubtedly
had the great and important effect of waking English traders
out of the lotus-eating condition into which they were in

304

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW. [v..i 7.. no. 20L':.SK,.ro,nKK

important, inJustrics were (.arol'ully reviewed. There was,
however, a very subtle pohcy heiug pursued, whieh requirecl
very minute knowledpe and wide experience to },""asp. It was
our proud boast that we left trade free and untrammelled,
that we believed in the hcalth-fiviuji effects of open competi-
tion. It needed the stern lesson of the war to make known
how this generous policy could be utilised to our detriment
by a rival commercial nation. The facts as to the exploiting
of the mineral resources of the Empire, as to how the dye
and colour industry and various byTproduct industries have
been developed so that certain ■ vital trades almost passed
under foreign control. can)e to light only just in time.

It became plain, as these facts leaked out, that we needed
a better system of industrial and commercial intelligence.
There was also a lack of unity of working among our prin-
cipal industries incompatible with the growing interdepend-
ence which has been a marked feature of modern economic
life. Sufticlent of the facts have been made public to warrant
the demand for reconstruction and improved organisation of
those departments responsible for the national trade.

It would be. most unwi.se. as well as ungenerous, to attempt
to blame our Board of Trade. That department has, on the
whole, worked hard and well for British interests. But it is
both wise and necessary to criticise the policy that has over-
weighted this one Government department, and although;
there should be very careful consideration before either re-
commending or making a drastic change, attention ought to
be given to the frequently-expressed opinions both of cham-
bers of commerce and of individual traders in favour of the
creation of a Ministry of Commerce. To this Ministry there
might be transferred some of the functions of the Board of
Trade, whilst at the same time the new Ministry might be
responsible for maintaining that general survey over trade
and commerce w-ithout which any organisation we may
attempt would be incomplete.

If this view be accepted, it is not fair to charge our indus-
trial interests with lack of organisation. An examination of
any one of our industries — shipbuilding, shipping, the manu-
facture of various goods for export^ — shows that each has been
well, and in many cases exceptionally well, organised; but
the organi.sation requires to be completed by some machinery
with responsible officials to co-ordinate the organisation of
the several interests. Even in this direction something has
been attempted. The Associated Chambers of Commerce
gives, at any rate, the genn of an organisation for attending
to this great need. We may ask whether this could be still
further elaborated so as to give the country what is wanted.
Have our chambers of commerce sufficient standing to make
their association strong enough for the work, or should we
look to the State to supply the keystone to the arch? Per-
haps the time has come when a word of warning should be
uttered. Are we not getting rather too prone to fall back
upon the State? We were, and perhaps still are, the most
self-dependent people in existence. Both the employer and
the trade union have in the past been but little inclined to
turn to the State. Can the completion of our industrial and
commercial organisation be adequately attained by the inter-
ests concerned, or must we look to another State department
or sub-department to effect what is required? Our past his-
tory seems to suggest that before turning to the State w^e
try the initiative of the interests at stake.
[To be concluded.)

Radio-Telegraphic Investigations.

The report of the Committee states that the observational
work done for the Committee during the past year has been
carried out at about 25 .stations distributed in Australia, the
United States of .America, Canada, New Zealand, Cevlon,
Trinidad, Dutch East Indies, Fiji, and the Gold Coast. '

Of the four kinds of forms issued by the Committee for the
collection of statistics, the first, relating to the number and
strength of the strays at 11 a.m. and 11 p.m. Greenwich mean
time, has been in most regular use, and the stock is almost
exhausted. No further edition of this fonn will be issued
during the war, and thus the collection of statistics w-ill come
gradually to an end.

The difficulty of obtaining clerical assistance for the work
of reducing the forms has greatly impeded progress, but a
certain amount of work has been accomplished and has
yielded re,sults of interest. So soon as the several sections of
the work are rounded off the results will be published.

The reduction of Form I is proceeding by the collation of
records and reports of excessive atmospheric disturbance since
August, 1914. in North America and Australia, and by their
examination in conjunction with meteorological data from
the corresponding daily weather charts.

The reduction of Form II is proceeding by the coiTelation
of instances of exceptionally good or bad transmission with
meteorological data, and by analysis of statistics from Cocos,
Fiji, Lagos, Malta, and Sierra Leone.

Several impf)rtant exceptional phenomena have been re-
IJorted which will, after discussion, be published. These
include reports of aurora, strays, and .signals in Alaska and
Hudson Bay; severe atmospheric disturbances in Malta:
.simultaneous strays on both sides of the Atlantic; effect of
tropical storm in the Gulf of Mexico, September 30th, 191.5.

NEW PATENTS APPLIED FOR, 1916.

(NOT YET PUBLISHED),

CompikJ csprcb^lj iur ihis jojrn.il by Messks. \V. P. Tiiumpson & i-
Electrical P.atint A(<cnls, 38.5, High Holborn, London, W.C, an.1
Liverpool and Bradford.

12,806. " Dual ignilion system for inlC'rna|.combustion engines." T. Hi i;
uKss. September 11th.

1J,624. " Electrical measuring instruments." British Westinghouse Eukc-

iRic & Manufactikikc Co. September 11th. (U.S.A., September lOlh, 1915.)

12,8*2. " Incandescent electric lamps." J. T. Cokxeilli-:. September lltS

12,8.50. " Portable electric lamps for inspecting purposes." R. W. H Dm •

Sef tembcr lllh.

12,874. ".Automatic and electrically-controlled sprinkler (.>r fire, &." K i
Wii.KiNso.v. September 12th.

12,897. "Manufacture of articles embodying components ' of vulcanis.il

plastic and fibre." ;\. E. Alea-a.nder (Rubber Regenerating Co.). Scplemi. r

12lh.

12,903. " Bipolar .electrode clectrolyscrs." G. G. Hepburn. September IJi

12,950. "Manufacture of clcctricnlly-welded and hand-made link chains . i

cables." R. Green. September 13th.

12,971. "Automatic and semi-automatic telephone systems." H. J. Hucr.'
,\NU The Rfxav .Actomatic TBt.Ei'HOXE Co. September 13tll.

12.985. " Art of electrical tuning." M. I. Pl'imn. September 13lh. ^^■.s^
September 17th, 1915.)

12.986. "Electrical wave transmission." E. H. ARMSrRoNr, S: .M. 1. Pi i iv
September 13th. (U.S.A., September 17th, 1915.)

12.987. "Wireless svstcms, &c." E. H. Armstrokc S: .M. I. Plims. Sr .
tembcr 13th. (U.S.A., October 1st, 1915.)

12,£

Pui-

. " Transmission of electrical signals." E. H. .-Vu.ms
September 13lh. (U.S.A., February lOlh.)

M.

alls." J. B. N.ABERES. Septi

12,989. " Sparking plugs." D. A. B. Hill. September 13th.
12,994. " Distant control of electric circuits lor operating motors, \.
L G. W. Guest & H. O. Merriman. September 13th.
12,997. " Sparking plugs." V. Perrett. September 13th.

12,999. " Telephone appliance," W. C. Croxon & F. Maver. Sipivmli
13th.

13,005. " Magnetos for telephonic, S
13th. (France, September 18th, 19150

13,080. " Telegraphy." J. S." Withers (Cox).' September 14th.

13,089. " Selenium cells." E. E. Fournier d'.Albe. September lath.

13,<I97. " Sparking plugs for internal-combustion engines." T. Ckosbee
Sons and H. R. Wilks. September 15th.

13,121. " Charging systems for storage batteries." British Thom^
Houston Co. (General Electric Co., O.S.A.). September 15th.

13,142. " Electric battery cells." C. K. Bamber. September 15th.

13,150. " Electric cable terminals." W. T. Henlev's Telegraph Wo
Co., Ltd., & W. H. .Nichols. September 15th.

13,173. " Magneto ignition apparatus." G. F. CooKE. September Kill

13,181. " Selenium relay." M. Martinez. September IGlh.

13,007. " Telephone hand set." B. B. Grace, G. H. Nash & Wesi
Electric Co. September 13th.

13,071. "Devices lor closing contacts by radio-telegraphy." T. H. Nikp-
-S.ptember 14th. (Holland, September 15lh, 1915.)

PUBLISHED SPECIFICATIONS.

1915.

7,757. Electrk^al Svstems for use with Int
C. F. Kettering & \V. C. Chryst. May 25th. (June 24lh, 1914.)

8,012. Telegrai'H Transmitters. H. J. C. Forrester (Piersen Telegraph
Transmitter Co.). May 31st.

12,309. Step-bv-step Rheostat Switches. F. A. Ross. August 26th.

12,318. Electrical Heating -and Cooking Apparatus. C. G. Nobbs & W. W.
Nobbs. August 26th

12,444. Systems of Electric Ship Propulsion. British Thomson-Houston
Cj. (General Electric Co., U.S.A.). August 30lh.
.12,561. Telecr.^ph* Svstems. British Insulated & Helsby Cables, Lid., and.
H. H. Harrison. September 1st.

12,564. Wireless Signalling Systems. British Thomson-Houston Co. (Gene-
rel Electric Co., U.S.A.). September 1st.

12,673. .Automatic Telephone Sy.stems. Relay Automatic Telephone Co.,
Ltd. September 3rd. (November 17th, 1914.)'

13,062. Fittings for Electric Lamps. S. Quincey. September 13th.

15,303. Systems of Distribittion for Electrically-operated Railway- ;
Trains. P. S. Turner. October 29th. ' -^

17,034. Means for Laying and Collecting Field Telephone Wires. A. C *^^

G. Smith. December 3rd.

i9ie.

The numbers in brackets are those under which the specifications will be
printed and abridged and all subsequent proceedings will be taken.

1,309. Means for Supporting and Insulating Electric Lines. Bullers,'-
l,ld., & G. V. Twiss. January 27th, 1916. [101,233.]

1,635. Electric Joint. G. H. Scholes. February 3rd, 1916. (.Edition to"
9,964/15.) [101,237.]

3,559. Electric Car-lighting Ecx'ipments. .Albion Motor Car Co. & T. B,
Murray. March 10th, 1916. [10L24:j.]

4,575. Holders for Incandescent Electric Lamps. J. Salt. March 28th,
1916. [101,250.]

6 629 Means for Telephonic Communication to and from Moving Rail-
way Trains and the like. V. G. Werner & K. H. Warfvinge. May lllh,
1915 [100,453.]

9,193. Telegraph Transmitting Apparatus. W. J. Mellersh-Jackson (West-
er.l Union Telegraph Co.). November 4th. 1015. (Divided application on
15,579/15.) [101,278.]

11,397 Means for Telephonic Communication to and from Moving Rail-
way Trains and the like. V. G. W.rner & K. H. Warfvinge. August 21st,
1915. [101.281.] ■• ,

rriiE

BLEOTK/IO^L IS/E^IE^V^.

Vol. LXXIX.

OCTOBER G, 1916.

No. 2,028.

ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

NATIONAL ADAPTABILITY IN WAR TIME.

Vol. IjXXIX.] contents : Oi-tober 6, 1916. [No. 2,028.

Pag.

National Adaptability in War Time ...

Copper

The Reorganisation of Industry ...

Municipal Tramways Association Conference. — II.

Goods Traific on Tramways

The National Insurance Act. 1911, by J. H. Stansfield

lias Authorities as Suppliers of Electi'icity, by J. W. Xapier...

Manchester Electric Vehicle Trial (;//(^s\)

New Electrical Devices, rittings and Plant ((7/«.v.)

Note.s from Canada...

War Items

Business Notes

Notes

City Notes

Stocks and Shares ...

.\merican Views on the Desion and Manufactui-e of Electric

Cooking Stoves ...
The British Association — V.

Address to the Economic Science and Statistics Section,
by Prof. A. W. Kii-kaldy, M. A. (<■(»;«■/«-/«/)

Electricity in the Chemical Industries

Female c. Male Labour ... ... • ...

Correspondence —

War-time Generosity ...

Munitions Work Want;ed

The Institution Wiring Rules .•

Closing Down the Electrical Co.

To Go— Or Not to Go ?

Foreign and Colonial Tariffs on Electrical Goods

New Patents Applied for, 191G ...

Abstracts of Published Specifications

3i;;

3G8

;ws

■M9
.S70
371
373
373
374
37.-)
3711
3.S-t
38(1

387
388

388
390
3!HI

Sill
3SI1
391
391
391
392
392
392

Contractors' Column

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THE UNIVERSAL ELECTRICAL DIRECTORY

1916 EDITION.

H. ALABASTER, GATEHOUSE & CO.,

4, LudgateiHill, London, E.G.

Ac^iN and again during the war, as the AlHes'
policy has been developed by the course of events,
we have found it necessarj' to alter our manner of
dealing with many matters. What seemed to be a
proper decision and policy at one particular stage
was not suited to another, and we have .had to adapt
our methods, and our arguments relating to them,
in accordance, with the changes. Looking back-
ward after two and a quarter years of warfare such
as the world has never witnessed before, we have
to recognise changes that might under some cir-
cumstances be regarded as strange inconsistencies
of conduct, but which considering all things have
not been inconsistencies at all, and for which no
excuse is needed bearing in mind all the exigencies
— that could not possibly be foreseen — that have
arisen.

It may be interesting to review some of the
points that we have in mind; we are led to
do so by the issuing of a notice by the Board
of Trade, which appeared in our last issue, express-
ing its willingness now to entertain applications for
provisional orders in the' ensuing Parliamentan,'
session if it can be shown that the establishment of
works under the schemes proposed will be pro-
ceeded with as soon as practicable after the war.
Last year the Board intimated that such applica-
tions would only be considered where extreme
urgency could be shown to exist. As our readers
are aware, some electrical undertakings, by virtue
of war demands, hiave received special facilities,
but others have had to defer all extension work
involving the expenditure of new capital, and among
these there have been cases of extreme difficulty
leading to the stoppage of electrical progress. In-
deed, there are places where new connections not
only will not be handled during the war. but the
restrictive conditions are expected to obtain for
some time after the war, until new plant is available.
When the first shock of war shook the nation, actual
experience, as well as apprehensions, led to an appeal
being made ta authorities at home and in|the colonies
asking them not only to refrain from cancelling con-
tracts already placed, but to assist British works over
a period of industrial emergency by giving them all
the business possible. The late Lord Kitchener in
those iiays issued his appeal for men, and our class
of workers from all ranks, high and low, hastened
to the Colours, manufacturers in many cases giving
inducements of all kinds to assist the movement.
But the kaleidoscope of war soon made the first of
its so frequent changes, and munitions, unlimited
munitions, became the clamorous demand. Then in
place of the appeal for contracts to keep the factory

[365]

360

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW. [Voi. 7.., n,.

(iiic.iu;i: i;. 1:111

wheels turnin,!^. came the discouiUiiij^ of i)ri\ ate w 01k
and tlie imperative demand for the whole available
suitable manufacturing capacity to be reorsjanised
and readjusted, and much more to be added, for the
purposes of war requirements. It was becoming-
apparent that it was an engineers' war, and nothing
that hindered the provision of the necessary material
could be permitted. Private manufacturing and con-
tracting operations had to a large extent to be set
aside. Buyers abroad who had only a little while be-
fore been urged to buy were now being disappointed
in deliveries, and found that the Mother Country was
so busy with her war work that she could not meet
their needs, at any rate with the promptitude they
desired. Some of them .could not, or would not,
wait — they turned to neutral countriesv and these are
now still supplying them, perhaps to a greater ex-
tent than the present situation requires, but others
patriotically deferred their orders, preferring to
suffer inconvenience for a season, until circum-
siances perforce compelled them to defer action no
longer. To-day, as the organisation of our indus-
tries has been highly developed, and as vast new
factories and equipments have been put down and
large accessions of new labour of both sexes have
been trained; the pressure of Government demands
upon private factories is relieved somewhat,
and they are freer to undertake certain classes
of manufacturing. In the early months of war,
when it was unknown how essential skilled engi-
neering workers would be, because it was over-
looked that we were to fight the entire and enor-
mous industrial system of Germany organised for
war, engineering and allied workers flocked to the
Colours. But, later, when the demand for engi-
neering munitions was beginning to be understood,
the pressing need for skilled workers occupied our
serious attention, and factories, from which by in-
ducement and encouragement sometimes of a liberal
kind, the exodus was facilitated, urgently needed
their workers back again. In some cases they were
selected and returned from the fighting- line, or when
home on sickness, on leave, or slightly disabled, were
returned to their then very essential service at home,
other fightirig men being available to take their
places. Then the demand was for more munitions.
and those were anxious days for the Allied cause.
such as we trust, and are assured, will never return.
Tc-day there is another kaleidoscopic turn in process,
and the cry once again is for more men. Thanks to
the new factories and to the new and diluted labour.
and the co-operation of the workers, the munition-
making facilities are all that are required, and when
the Minister of Munitions becomes Minister of War.
with all his experience of the munitions problem,
the unbadging of the unessential is found to be the
most important need of the moment. The appeal
is for the younger men, whether skilled or not. after
having served their country well in her hour of need,
to take their rightful place with the fighting forces
and allow others to take their place, if need be, at
the bench. Whether munitions work has been turned
to as an accommodating shelter by those who should
have been more ready for the other call is not our
concern here:, munitions were ur.gently needed, and
the need was well met, and those who worked at
them had, in most cases, their full reward. We had
to feel our way gradually, doing what seemed to be
the best thing at the time. Many of the badged, we
believe, were anxious to fi.ght, and will welcome the
withdrawal of the bad.ge; others were not so, and
they are being led aright. What is now the unques-
tionably stron.cr feeling of the countn' is that no
youn.g man shall be badged to-day who is not really
absolutely indispensable, and upon the interpreta-
tion of this word will probably rest the revision of

the lists cil certilied occupations. Industry, not
slow to recognise the necessity for loyalty to the
.greatest cause ever fought for, will not withhold
its co-operation in this difiicult matter.

The latest change in the scene, to which we have
referred in our opening remarks, is as hopeful as it
is interesting to industry. It is not a change either
in engineering works policy or in the department
of labour. It amounts to the removal of an em-
bargo on 'enterprise, and it is a further illustration
of the fact that if we " leave after the war to look
after itself " we shall be neglecting certain very
serious responsibilities. If we are going to find
work for all our factories, so as to give "work for
all" who need it, we must look ahead, and the
Board of Trade is to be congratulated upon its
timelv announcement, thou.gh it may be it is rather
late for the coming Session if notices have to be
lodged bv the usual date. Under stress of war
demands it was necessary to put obstacles in the
way of expenditure upon certain kinds of works,
as we have stated. Further, there was neither the
time nor the disposition to discuss the details of
works that could reasonably wait. To-day most
people see the need for preparing for another state
of things than that; prevailin.g just now, and they
remember that preliminaries in connection with cer-
tain classes of public work do not generally suffer
from too much expedition. The Board, in intimat-
in.g to the Society of Parliamentary Agents its
willingness to entertain proposals, recognises that
the position has altered since last year's notice, and
it is now ready to consider applications for provi-
sional orders which will make worK soon after the
war ends, and will afford an outlet for labour or for
the utilisation of plant and machinery which have
been provided for the purposes of war.

It is, of course, necessary to include a reservation
to the effect that the policy of the Board in dealing
with these applications may be subject to further
modification " in the event of a change in the
general situation due to the war." This is as it
should be — optimism is good, but cocksure miscal-
culations we prefer to leave to the Prussian mind.
The announcement is a reminder to us that, though
there will be chan.ges, strange, patlietic. and remark-
able in almost every walk of life after the war, there
will be some things going on much the same as be-
fore— we shall be applying for provisional orders for
,gas and waterworks, docks, electricity works, tram-
ways and li.ght railways, and providing a certain
amount of work by these means. The Board of
Trade and Parliament will probably do their utmost
under the altered circutnstances to expedite ap-
provals, and will not so often obstruct enterprise
as in the past, because work for all will be the aim
of all. The announcement may, we think, be con-
sidered to' be one small item in the whole pro.gramme
of preparation for Demobilisation, and all who are
interested in electrical and other public concerns
should have their plans prepared in good time. The
matter shotild be attended to now as far as that is
practicable without in any way intetferin,? with the
progTess of the vital operations connected with the ;
war.

There has been a phenomenal
Copper. demand for copper again in the last

few weeks, chiefly in connection
with the constant requirements of belligerent coun-
tries on the Allies' side, and this has obviously done
much to accelerate a further upward movement in
prices for all kinds of material, whether of copper
.itself or allied products. The big trans-Atlantic
producers have made huge sales of refined metal
to domestic consumers and for export combined,
and there is not now much doubt that the martet is
bare of supplies for anything like near deliveries,

No. 2028. OCTOBER G. 191,;.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

367

so that the tendency remains entirely in favour of
holders. The cost of electrolytic now ranges from
about £138 upward, according to position, but the
high prices under present abnormal conditions do
not seem to have much effect on the attitude of con-
sumers, whose anxiety at this juncture is to have
their needs well provided for in anticipation of fur-
ther tightness over the winter months. War needs
admittedly have been covered well ahead, but the
fact remains that with but little to be had. Ameri-
can views, having regard to the future course of
the market, are more optimistic than ever. Ameri-
can manufacturers are conducting operations on an
ur.precedentedy heavy scale, which is likely to con-
tinue for an indefinite period, so that the current
refineries' output must be e.xpected to be fully taken
up in view of the heavy contracts awaiting execu-
tion for export. It is probable that the unsold
stocks on the other side have, in the last few
months, practically disappeared, for the exports
were not onlv abnormally hea\^. but the deliveries
from the refineries were rather short of actual
needs, due to the setb.ack in refinery operations
during the hot months. The refinery- output, as a
matter of fact, is still considerably short of the huge
tonnage reached towards the middle of the year.

Operations are now steadily improving, but it is
doubted whether the output will be restored to high-
■\vater mark until the early months of the coming
year, when new refinen,- capacity becomes available.
Supplies from other sources than America are for
the present limited, since producers in that direction
too are ver\- well sold ahead. Shipping arrange-
ments for Russia have been for the present about
completed, but it is probable that gaps will have to
"be filled elsewhere this side of Christmas, which is
likely to keep the tendency on the finn side. The
total shipped by America during June, July, and
August represents some 107,000 tons, which com-
pares with about 52,000 tons for the same period in
the previous year, an increase of 35.000 tons. The
fact is worth noting that America is now also
shipping much larger quantities of manufactured
copper to this side. The apparent growing scarcity
of metal, as indicated to some extent by the absurdly
small quantities left in official warehouses, has domi-
nated the market for standard copper, which has
again risen steadily up to about £118, for near de-
livery, which commands a big premium over the
price for forward delivery. Dealings in warrant
copper, however, remain in exceedingly narrow
compass, as speculation is prohibited. The demand
from sulphate makers has abated somewhat, but
rough Bessemer copper is held for full prices. At
the extravagant level of values ruling, there is
naturally more inducement to push production, and
there should eventually be more than sufficient
metal to go round, but for the present buyers are
largely in the hands of the sellers.

,We recently drew attention to
The the excellent address delivered by

Reorganisation Mr. Gerald Stoney at the meeting
of Industry. of the British Association, in
which the President of the Engi-
neering Section dealt with the internal reorganisa-
tion of factories with a view to the attainment of a
higher degree of efficiency of production. In his
presidential address to the Economic Science Sec-
tion, of which we conclude an abstract in this issue,
Prof. A. \\'. Kirkaldy discussed with equal insight
and understanding the broader problems of external
reorganisation which will arise in the near future,
and which demand the most earnest consideration of
employers and workers. Referring to the immense
economic waste entailed by the war, he pointed out
that, after all, there was a brighter side to the ques-
tion— it was not all dead loss. Both morally and
■physically the nation had benefited from the bitter

lesson it had learnt, and its faults and weaknesses
had been remorselessly laid bare, the first essential
to their amendment. So far as our industrial futiire
is concerned, Prof. Kirkaldy is distinctly optimistic;
he holds that American and Japanese competition
will not materially affect our foreign trade, and that
our chief opponents in the industrial field will be
the Germans, who possess appreciable advantages
and will exert, every effort to regain their old posi-
tion in the trade of the world, no matter what the
cost. This is indeed their only hope: and if we
return to the condition of industrial strife and fric-
tion that prevailed in this country before the war,
we cannot hope to be successful in the conflict —
nay, rither, our failure is a certainty. Above all,
our rate of production must be maintained at the
highest possible value.

Yet our Government has undertaken to restore
all the trade union agreements and restrictions
that have been waived during the war — and that
guarantee must certainly be fulfilled, if the workers
demand it; but will they? Surely the lessons of the
war will not have fallen on deaf ears ; a nation that
could rise to the height already attained in this
great crisis is not a decadent or stupid race, and we
confidently look forward to the manifestation of en-
lightened views on the part of the workers when
the time arrives for the resumption of their normal
occupations. But it is not only the workers who
have lessons to lay to heart, and Prof. Kirkaldy
insists on the necessity of fundamental reorganisa-
tion of what he call's the " Industrial Army of
Labour " — including under this head the captain of
iiidustn.- equally with the unskilled labourer. Our
business men, he says, have hitherto worked as
independent units ; in future they must combine their
forces, and work as members of associations — not
with the lack of s>Tnpathy and co-operation that has
been so deplorably manifest in the past, but with
sincerity and zeal.' How often have we complained
of the inveterate prejudice against hearty and com-
plete co-operation that has betrayed itself when-
ever attempts have been made to bring British
manufacturers together for a common object ! Un-
fortunately, as the professor states, not only has
half-hearted adhesion been given to such move-
ments, but also there has been a lamentable want
of loyalty to agreements entered into by associa-
tions on' behalf of their members. This want of
loyalty and tendency to isolated and independent
action has been still more strongly in evidence, be-
cause more publicly displayed, in connection with
the workers' trade unions, and Prof. Kirkaldy truly
declares that in both cases success depends on
absolute loyalty to the pledged 'cvord— without which
industrial harrnonv cannot be achieved.

For the details of the system of organisation
which he proposes we refer our readers to the
abstract of the address. His remarks on the sub-
ject of the return of the Army to industrial pur-
suits are also worthy of attention, and in this
connection the report of the committee on the
replacement of men by women in industry, ab-
stracted on a later page, is of interest. It is held
that, apart from the sad roll of those who have
given, and will give, their lives and limbs for their
countr^^ many men will not return to indoor life,
and at least one million will remain under" arms< it
should not be forgotten, too, that a large propor-
tion of our citizen soldiers are drawn from other
than industrial ranks. Moreover, our financial
position is sound, and there is even,^ prospect of a
period of good trade after the war. There may
even be a marked shortage of labour, in spite of
the greatly increased adoption of automatic machi-
nery and improved methods of production conse-
quent upon war conditions. We look forward to
the future without any qualms, confident that if
employers and employed will work together for the
common good, our future prosperity is assured.

3(i8

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

N.>. LVUL'S. OrriMiKi; i;. I'.ilt;.

MUNICIPAL TRAMWAYS ASSOCIATION
CONFERENCE.— II.

Goods Traffic on Tramways.
At tlie ret-ent meetinsj of tliu Muiii(ii)al Tniniways Associa-
tion, Messrs. G. W. Holfonl. of Salfoni, and W. Clonsrh, of
BuiT. read a jwjier on tlie " Utilisation of Tramways for
Goods Tratfio," In which thej' gave' a short history of the
subject so far iis South Lancashire is concei'ned, l)iietiy
described the operation of goods traffic on several York-
shire and Lancashire tramway systems, and roughly
examined the question of the powers of tramway authorities
to undertake such work.

It may be recalled that years ago the Douglas and Laxey
line in the Isle of Man and the Bessbrook and Newry
line in Ireland both catered for goods traffic.

In the South Lancasliire area the object in \iew has
generally been to provide speedier transit than under
existing conditions between the manufacturing centres and
the Liverpool and MiUichester docks.

Mr. Gibbings dealt with the subject before the Institu-
tion of Electrical Engineers at Manchester in 11)03 : Mr.
Bellamy touched on it at the Municipal Tramways Con-
ference at Liveqxiol in 1;104, and snl)se([uently the tramway
managere in this area have discussed the problem, without,
liowever, finding a solution of the question of loading and
unloading facilities.

In 1!)13, at the Tramways and Light Railways Associa-
tion Conference. Mr. Edwardes referred to the subject again,
and, more recently, Mr. Mallins has considered the con-
veyance of goods from the Livei-pool docks over the
Corporation system, but we gather that the Dock Board
hits not favoured the idea so far. The authors point out
that Southern Lancashire is an ideal area for such a scheme :
the continuous tramway network of the Coi-porations of
Ashton-under-L}iie, Bolton, Bmy, Liverpool. Manchester.
Oldham, Rochdale, Salford, Stalybridge, St i irk] k .it. and
Wigan, together with the Lancashire United and Oldham,
Ashton and Hyde Co.'s systems cover 403 miles of 4 ft. 8^ in.
route ; it has also been pointed out by Mr. Mozley that
there is a considerable mileage of 4-ft. gauge interconnected
tramways in North Lancashire, and similar interconnected
tramway systems exist in West Yorkshire, although we
believe there is a considerable variation in gauge in the
latter case, which would complicate the use of the track by
purely tramway vehicles for through traffic, though, of
com'se, it would not prevent the development of a local
goods carrying service such as was recently suggested by
Mr, J. B. Hamilton, the manager of the Leeds tramways for
his city. The authors point out that under municipal
management traffic can be dealt with on well organised lines
with fares and services fixed on an equated Ijasis, but if
half-a-dozen or more private iiidi\iduals were catering for
passenger traffic then disorganisation would follow ; they
think that similar organisation would also benefit the
transport of merchandise o\-er certain areas, and urge that
it is a matter for consideration of the whole of the paities
interested.

Amongst the various instances of goods carriage on
tramways, the authors cite Bumley, where a goods wagon
was propelled in front of an ordinary car for the conveyance
of heavy pai'cels weighing between .16 lb. and 5 cwt. The
charges were based on 3d. per cwt. \ieY package with a
minimum charge of 3d. The financial results w^ere not
satisfactory, and the daily running of the wagon has been
abandoned, but it is now rim for a guaranteed load of not
less than 4s. carriage.

At Glasgow the Corporation track is used for the con-
veyance of material from a railway station to one of the
shipVmilding yards, a distance of half-a-mile, for which the
Corporation charges 2d. a mile : the company uses an
electric locomotive for hauling and Id. per unit is also
charged for electricity ; as much as KJO.OOO tons per
annum has been dealt with.

Since 1904 the Huddersfield tramways have carried coal
from the railway to three different mills, two of which are
three miles distant, and the other five miles. The Cor-
poration siding to the railway cost £1,243, and the other
sidings were built by the mill owniers. Two self-propelled

tramway trucks were built, each equijiped with two 45-H.i'.
motors. During the yeiU' to March, HUG, 12.121 tons of
coal were carried.

In I'.UO the Leeds Cor|)oration tramways carried some
30,(»00 tons of sand for the waterworks depiU'tment, a dis-
tiince of 3.\ miles, suitjible wagons with hoppers being
provided. The revenue w;us, roughly, £1,900, and a satis-
facttiry net profit resulted. Jlore recently an agreement
has been entered into for carrying fireclay and coal for a
local firm, a distance of five miles, across the city, and Jlr.
Hamilton, the tramway manager, is jjreparing a scheme for
general mineral and gcxids carriage o\er the city tramway
system (as already mentioned in our colunuis).

Many tramway undertakings convey their own permanent-
way materials, and some S])ecial parrel-carrying vans have
been provided.

The authors (piote the judgment of .Mr. .Justice Farwell,
in the High Court, in H)Oti, in the action by Messrs. Sutton
and C'o. for an injunction to restrain the Manchester Cor-
poration from acting as carriers or delivery agents except on
their tramways, ami from expending any of the Coi'iMiration
moneys for that purjxise. They then iiKpiire liricHy into the
powers of traiuway authorities in the matter of goods con-
veyance, and come to the conclusion that (1) tramways h:i\i'
powers to convey goods on tramways : (2) that no diHirnlly
need be anticipated in olitaining consent to run attiielird
vehicles; {A) that there is no power granted to construn
lines into raihvay or mill yards which are not owned by the
Corjioration, and that such lines would have to be privately
constructed — -although this view was contradicted' in tlie
discussion.

The authors point out that although the original ls7o
Tramways Act apparently inteixled tliat; if necessary, tlu'
same vehicle should be used on tramways and railways,
later Acts (such as the Salford and Bury Corporati<iii
Acts) contain a clause expressly prohibiting the use nt
railway vehicles on tramways; on referring to the Standing
Orders relating to Bills deposited in Parliament, it is found
that provision is still made for the running on tramways
of "carriages or trucks adapted for use upon railways,"
and the authors conclude that the prohibition clause has
been inserted into Municipal Acts which only pro\'i(le
9 ft. 6 in. between rail and kerli, to comjily with the
Standing Order covering that matter, which, no doubt, is to
provide for the greater overhang of railway vehicles.

Railway wagons cannot run along tramways as at present
constructed, because the overhang is much more than the
tramway allowance of 11 in. : also the railway wheels are
.") in. wide, with a 1-in. flange. Tramway wagons cannot
be used on railways, because the wheels are too narrow to
pass o^'er the gap of 4 in. in railway crossings and the
flanges too small to safely negotiate curves.

The authors consider that for transit between towns
some distance apart, with loads of a moderate character,
tramway charges would be cheaper than present railway
charges : taking 25 miles, and making no allowance for
return load, the tramway rate would be 41s. Kd., or 4s. 2d.
per ton, whereas an actual railway rate is 13s. 2d. per ton,
and this leaves a large margin out of whic-h to provide ware-
housing or loading facilities.

Sidings might facilitate the collection of goods, but
would iinolve more points and crossings, which are undesir-
able on jiassenger routes, and in narrow streets sidings are
impossible.

Mr. Edwardes, in his paper, said he found that the small
amount of tonnage handled in the a\'erage luill would not
pay interest and sinking fund on the cost of a siding.

TraffiQ between adjacent towns, the authors think, can
only be done by the use of a vehicle which could use the
tramways and yet be on equal terms with independent
vehicles in the handling of goods : the same consideration
applies to traffic between dock and railway yards and mills
and warehouses.

A vehicle of the type indicated has been introduced by
Mr. C. J. Spencer, manager of the Bradford traihways, and
was illustrated and described in our issue of May litth last.

Between May 15th and June 17th this vehicle (which
consists of a railless trolley vehicle adapted for use o\er the
tramway route and fitted with a battery to enable it to
operate independently when necessary) ran 741 miles,.

Vol. -9. No. 2.028. October fi. 101. i.] THE ELECTKICAL KEVIEW.

369

carrying; 247 t»ns and earning £74 ; and making allow-
ance for ]"icriods wlicn it was withdrawn for private reasons,
the earnings wonld ha\e been £91. The estimated first
cost is £.'^(•0 or £!t(iO.

Mr. Spencer considers that it would cost £10 jxt week
of 6 days, running 240 miles, to operate, as against £12 5s.
for a petrol vehicle.

Mr. C. .T. .Spencer (Bradford-), in openin}? the discussioa. con-
o-ratulated the authors on their paper : the subject was most
opportune. They had to consider how they might assist in the
transport problems of the future, and it was necessary to ascertain
whether tramways could be used for goods traffic on a financially
successful basis. On the basis of the cost of operating their
cars at present, it might cost, say, 2d. per ton-mile to handle goods
traffic, and although the latter cost might be increased under goods
transit conditions, there would be savings in capital cost, tickets,
conductors. 4:c. Goods traffic would improve the tramway load
factor. Electric power was considerably cheaper than petrol power,
but other conditions had to be studied ; from the public point of
view, the cost of road provision and maintenance should be charged
to petrol costs. Would the proposal reduce street congestion .' He
thought the public control of goods transit would result in as
much improvement as in the case of passenger transport. It was
a question of substituting an organised for a disorganised system.

Mr. H. Mozley (Burnley) said the railways did not care
to be troubled with the short local traffic round towns.
There had been difficulties in carrying goods on tramways
on account of statutory charges ; now these difficulties were
to some extent overcome. Night traffic would, however, be
intolerable, and goods traffic could be worked in with the passenger
traffic during the day. At Burnley they were endeavouring to
cater for the '' carrier " traffic to the outskirts, and this required a
combined " road and rail " vehicle, which, he believed, was the
solution of the problem. If they were to adopt the Bradford
system, they would have to go to Parliament for fresh powers to
use heavy motor vehicles. He pointed out that, contrary to the
authors' statement, his Council had powers to build sidings into
works, and he thought others had also.

Mr. J. B. HA5IILTON (Leeds) said there were two points of view ;
one was the relief of traffic congestion, and the other point of view
was the financial one. In Leeds they had superseded cumbrous
steam tractors, and he believed that they could deal with
mineral at less cost than was possible with steam or petrol. They
were satisfied that they could not touch the business with the
statutory charges, and so an arrangement had been come to, and
they charged rid. per ton-mile for the distance of five mUes. and
were just making it pay.

Mr. Wilkinson (Huddersfield) pointed out that the authors'
costs for 10 tons at lOd. per mile, would be much reduced if the
weight were doubled. Some years ago he had to consider the
question of handling 100.000 tons per annum, and he was con-
fident that he could have conveyed the goods on a .Sd. per ton-mile
rate. The idea was to carry the whole railway truck on a bogie
running on the tramways. Similar work had been done in Ger-
many, and in one case he had found a rate of (id. per truck-mUe.
using a lO-ton truck.

Mr. McElroy (Manchester) said tramways were originally
constructed becavse it was recognised that a metal wheel on a
metal rail gave cheap traction. Passengers collected and delivered
themselves ; but immediately they considered the carriage of goods,
the question of terminal facilities arose. Tramways would be
quite suitable for this if sidings into works could be made. He
felt that in view of the great progress made in petrol, steam, and
other vehicles, they must hesitate before they agreed to tackle the
general problem of goods carriage.

Mr. Clough (Bury), in replying, assured them that 3d. per ton-
mile was a paying rate. They had not suggested night traffic, as
there was plenty of opportunity to deal with it in the day. He
agreed that powers would have to be obtained to make use of
vehicles such as those employed at Bradford, for regular goods
traffic.

THE NATIONAL INSURANCE ACT, 1911.

Umpire's Decisions on UxEiirEOYJiEKX Ixsi'raxce.

By JOS. J. H. STANSFIELD. F.C.I.S.

FoLLOWiNf! the passing of the National Insurance (Part II)
(Munition Workers) Act, 1916, and the order of the Board
of Trade dated .September 1st excluding certain classes- of
munition )vorks from unemployment insurance, a large
number of applications have been made to the Umpire for
his decision as to whether contributions are or are not
payable.

As some of these decisions affect the electrical indqstry,
they are given below as advertised in the Board of Trade
Journah issued up to September 28th, 1916. Decisions
in which the Umpire has decided that contributions are

payable are indicated by the letter X following the number
of the decision.

('ontril)Utions are payable under these decisions as from
September 4th, 1916.

Contributions are Payable for
Mechanical Engineering. — 1,651 X. Smiths, stampers, piercers,
and other workmen engaged in general oddwork on metal goods.

1,6.54 X. Workmen engaged in polishing, plating, or enamelling
metal goods, whether carried on as a separate business or in con-
junction with other manufacturing processes, and whether in
connection with articles intended for use in war or not.

Electrical E/if/ineering. — 1,090 X. Workmen engaged in (1) arma-
ture and coil winding, (2) mica and insulation cutting, and (3)
commutator assembling in connection with the manufacture of
electrical machinery and instruments,

1.691 X. Workmen engaged in the manufacture of electrical
recording, measui-ing. and testing instruments, such as ammeters,
voltmeters, meggers, &c.

1.692 X. Workmen engaged in the manufacture (including
assembling) of sparking plugs and magnetos.

1.693 X, Workmen (other than those engaged in the manufacture
of porcelain parts) engaged in the manufacture (including
assembling) of small electrical switches, fuses and lampholders.

1.694 X. Workmen engaged in the manufacture of electrical
batteries and accumulators.

1,760 X. Workmen employed by switchgear manufacturers, and
engaged in drilling slate bases for electrical machinery which is
intended for use in war, or in the manufacture of munitions of war.

1,793 X. Workmen engaged in making wooden crates for
packing purposes.

1,81-1 X, Workmen engaged in making small ebonite or vulcanite
parts of electrical appliances such as magnetos, sparking plugs,
&c. (and not covered by decision A 1 ,230, see Beard of Trade Journal,
January 2nd 1913).

1,818 X. Workmen engaged in the manufacture of metal
filaments for electric glow lamps.

1.853 X. Workmen described as machine or hand nailers,
hoopers, d'ovetailers, conveyor attendants, or truckers engaged in
connection with the manufacture of wooden cases. — ,

1,914 X. Workmen employed wholly or mainly in the manufacture
or repair of telephone and telegraph instruments and signalling
apparatus.

('allies, Orerhead Lines and Street Ligfiting.—lJU X. Workmen
employed by electric cable manufacturers and engaged in ( 1 ) strand-
ing wire. (2) insulating with rubber or gutta-percha, and (3) lead
sheathing and armouring.

1.713 X. Workmen enga^red in the manufacture of rubber
solution.

1.805 X> Workmen engaged in' proofing flas, jute, cotton, asbestos
or other fabrics with rubber.

1.806 X. Workmen engaged , wholly or .mainly in the manu-
facture of carboij electrodes for use in the production of munitions
of war.

Generation and Supply of Electrical Energij. — 1.763 X. Work-
men employed by coke manufacturers and engaged wholly or
mainly in connection with the operation of by-product plant for
the recovery of light oils or other chemicals from the waste gas
or tar.

1.764 X. Workmen employed at gas works or at gas by-products
and engaged wholly or mainly in the distillation of tar or in the
extraction of light oils from tar or oil.

1.807 X. Workmen engaged wholly or mainly in the manufacture
of carbide of calcium.

Contributions are NOT Payable for

Electrical Engineering. — 1,695. Workmen (other than metal
filament and metal cap makers) engaged in the manufacture of
electric glow lamps, unless these are intended for use in war.

1,714. Persons described as calibrators or test-room assistants
and engaged mainly in calibrating or testing electrical instruments.

1,785. Workmen engaged in the manufacture of metal conduit
fittings for electrical conduit tubes, including assemblers,
enamellers, finishers, packers, and general labour employed on the
premises in connection with such manufacture (excluding workmen
engaged in ironfounding in respect of whom contributions axe
payable under Part II of the National Insurance Act, 1911).

Cables, Ot-er/iend Lines, and ■'Street IJgliting. — 1,665. Workmen
employed by a rubber merchant, and not employed in connection
with the manufacture of rubber or rubber goods.

1,710. Workmen employed by electric cable manufacturers and
engaged in insulating caiiles with paper, fibre or similar material
other than rubber or gutta-percha not intended for use in war.

1 7S9. Workmen (other than those engaged in the manufacture
of rubber thread) engaged wholly or mainly in the manufacture of
elastic, or rigid braids or webbing.

Generation and Snpplij of Electrical Energy. — 1,848. Workmen
employed by coke manufacturers, and engaged wholly or mainly in
connection with the working of the coke ovens, and not covered by
decision- 1,763 X (see above amongst "payable " decisions).

1.905. Workmen engaged in the outdoor repair and maintenance
of overhead, third rail, conduit, surface contact or cable equipment
of railways, tramways, light railways or electric power supply
undertakings.

1.906. Workmen employed by electricity supply companies as
meter fixers or readers, fuse hands, crane men, boiler cleaners, or in
any of the occupations set out in decision B 264 (Board if Tra4e

■ Journal of July 4th, 1912) (also see p. 277 Electrical Re-(TEW,
August 16th, 1912),

370

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW, .voi. :.. No. -.'...a,-;, octobkk ims.i«.

In 1912 the Boanl of Trade made an order exempting
drivers and attendants of any vehicles, and stablemen or
other workmen employed in attending liorees or cleaning
any vehicle. This has been slightly nuKlified by decision
l,«l!G X, which states that "drivers or attendants of
vehicles employed in comiection with insnred trades, and
employed mainly on the premises on which such trades are
canietl out," must be insured for unemployment insurance.

QAS AUTHORITIES A5 SUPPLIERS OF
ELECTRICITY.

By J. W. XAPIER.

At the annual meeting of the North British Assooiation of
Gas Managers at Edinburgh, on September 1st, Mr. J. \V.
K.APIER, of the Alloa Gas and Electricity \\'ork8, read a pappr,
of which the following is an abstract : —

The object of the author in presenting this paper is to
create an interest in the supply of electricity as an agent in
providing light, power, and heat for pulilic needs, and to show
that the dual supply can most profitably be given by the exist-
ing authority for gas supply— company or municipality— having ■
regard to the economics of the question from the point of
view of both the suppher and the consumer. The author does
not wish to discuss the merits of the illumLnants as such, or.
indeed, to consider gas and electricity as rivals— this is a fast
disappearing conception, and happily so— and disclaims anv
idea of opposition to purely gas interests. It is not intended
that this review of the subject should have reference to the
larger towns or to areas already supplied by electricity autho-
rities having Parliamentary powers.

In the.se times of change and overthrow it become,? us to
take a fresh perspective of events and conditions of things so
that the horizon of our outlook may be widened and the
scope of our responsibilities broadened and strengthened. In
this regard the trend of things has undoubtedly been towards
centralisation of supply, no matter what the commodity may
be. Competition as a factor in serving the pubhc interests
most economically has been of great value, but it may be
carried beyond the limit of sound judgment, and it is to be
remernbered that the supply of gas and electricity as a mono-
poly in the hands of one party has the safeguarding and
watchful control of Parliament. The author is aware that
in Scotland several gas supply companies have for some time
past been seriously considering the supply of electricity.
There are several instances where Parliamentary power has
been granted to gas companies for electricitv supplv, notablv
the Tottenham District Light, Heat. & Power Co.

The .\lloa Electric Lighting Order was obtained in 1899. and
th': Town Council immediately concluded an agreement with a
company for a balk supply to be continued during a minimum
period of 14 years. The arrangement was that the Corporation
took delivery of the current at a sub-station in the town, and
thereafter themsselves undertook the distribution, having pro-
vided and laid down at their' own expense the street cables.
The arrangement for supply from the company was doomed to
failure, and this was entirely due to the excessive rates of
charge imposed upon the Town Council. In order to end the
unfortunate position of affairs, after ten years the arrange-
ment with the bulk supply company was tenninated bv
mutual agreement, the Corporation to pay an indemnity of
f 3,000, spread over a period of six years. ' The full sum" has
now been paid.

It was now possible to decide upon the erection of a sta-
tion. The gas works site was utiUsed, and has proved most
satisfactory.

Suction producer gas plant with gas engines was decided
upon as the most economical type of plant, best suit-ed to the
local circumstances.

In 1910 the plant first put down consisted of one 85-b.h.p. and
one 140-B.H.p. gas engines with dynamos direct coupled, with
one producer gas plant for use with gas coke, and a storage
battery (Tudor) of 221 cells and capacity to meet the demand
after 11 p.m. and on Sundays. In 1911 a twin-cvlinder hori-
zontal type engme of 2-50 b.iI.p., with generator, was installed,
with two separate sets of producer gas plant for use with
coke. In 1914 the demand for electricitv had increased to an
extent that required more generating plant. A much iarger
unit of plant was now installed— a vertical engine of 600
b.H.p. with eight cyUnders, together with two sets of pro-
ducer plant of ample capacity. A cooling tower was erected
with duphcate centrifugal pumps, motor-driven. With an
arrangement of underground and overhead water tanks and
pumps the water required for the producers is circulated
throuch the scrubbers over and over again, it bemg onlv
necessary that the water be cooled sufficientlv. The scrubbers
while fed with a constant supply of water do dutv chiefly in
cooling the gas, there being no impurities to absorb except
sulphur gases. \\ hen some quaUties of anthracite are used in
the producers, or gas coke from horizontal retorts, very areat

care must' be taken to clean the gas thoroughly from traces of
tar. With the use of vertical-retort coke, however, all tar
troubles immediately cease, the volatile matter in this coke
being pnutically nil.

The supply is on the three-wire system, 220 volts for hght-
ing and 440 volts for power. Since 1914 the output of current
has rapidly increased, arid at the present time a 700-b.u.p.
vertical engine and generator «re in process of erection, on
the same lines as that already described.

The uicrease in the output of energy is shown in the fol-
lowing statement : —

Consumption of Electricity.

Max. load

Private

Pul.lic

on feeders.

Year.

Lighting.

Power.

Lighting.

Total.

KW.

1911 .

55,460

13,922

28, 93b

98,320

85.0 •

1912 .

59,145

92,015

27,397

78,557

105.6

1914 .

88,037

ai7,060

24,845

360,942

229.0

1916 .

. 135,821

642,347

11,794

780,963

440.0

It will be observed that the greatest increase has been for
power purposes, and this has had a very important influence
on the working results and success of the station.

Regarding cost of production, the following statement gives
the working results for the past year: —

.■Vmount.

Pence per
unit sold.

Fuel

^6767 0 2

0.23

Oil, waste, water, &c.

363 11 10

0.11

Wages of workmen

951 10 5

0.29

Repairs and maintenance

432 4 9

0.13

Rents, rates, taxes

114 8 9

0.04

Management, office, and legal

expenses 159 6 8

0.05

Insurance of plant

187 11 1

0.05

Total

^62,975 13 8 0.90

The price charged for coke was 13s. per ton.
For stations of the size of Alloa, gas-engine driven genera-
tors and producer gas plant undoubtedly provide low w'orks
costs, and our experience has amply proved the wisdom of the
choice of plant.

The prices charged to consumers are for hghting, 4d. per
unit; for power, from 2d. to 0.8d. per unit, .^n extra 15 per
cent, on power and 5 per cent, on lighting will be charged
until further notice.

FiNANCi.\L Results.
Revenue —

From private lighting ^1,988

From pow-er and heating 2,832 '^

From pubhc hghting 123

Rents, royalties, &c. 13

Total £4,956

Working costs 2,976

Gross profit ' ... ^61,980

Gross profits —

Before providing for interest, &c £1,949

Per cent, to capital outlav 5.96

Interest 949

Sinking fund 987

Surplus 44

In using coke as the fuel for the production of electricity
a product of the distillation of coal , is being utilised, the raw-
coal having been consumed in the vertical retorts in a scien-
tific manner, yielding a satisfactory heating gas for industrial
and domestic needs, as well as a smokeless solid fuel, and
the other valuable by-products, tar and ammonia. This aspect
of the generation of electricity from gas engines with pro-
ducer gas made from gas-works coke as the fuel is of extra-
ordinary importance from a national standpoint, having
regard to the wasteful use of coal direct for electricity genera-
tion. The combination of gas and electricity production in
the manner outlined is a singularly good example of reahsing
in a highly economical way the value of coal.

The producer plant in use at Alloa is of the suction type,
and therefore the nitrogen value of the coke has not been
recovered as ammonia. The in.?tallation has been too small
to warrant the capital expenditure for recovery plant, but
with the horse-power of engines now installed a scheme for
producer gas plant on the Mond type with recovery plant has
been deteimined upon. Conditions of war have prevented the
expenditure of money on new plant, and the installation has
therefore been delayed in erection. The conception of the
scheme is as follows : — Coke contains about 1 per cent, of
nitrogen, and the results of experiment on the large scale
have shown a yield of 30-40 lb. sulphate per ton. The Mond
plant will be erected on the gas works site, and a supply of
producer gas will be afforded to the gas works for heating the
retorts, and to the electricity station for driving the gas
engines. The gas works are already equipped with plant for
the manufacture of sulphate, and this plant will in part be
available.

The strongest evidence I can bring to prove that electricity
has a permanent place in public demand coincident with a
large consumption of gas, and that competition does not enter
in to destroy the interests of either department, is an example

October r„ u,u:..] THE ELECTRICAL EEVIEW.

871

of the gas and electricity supply of Alloa. For many years
Alloa has enjoyed a low rate for gas for lighting and cook-
ing, in pre-war times '2s. Id. to '2s. 4d., and a specially low
rate of Is. 4d. to Is. lOd. for power. Every facility has been
given to consumers to take advantage of the use of gas. with
the result that for a population in the area of supply of 17,'200,
the gas manufactured per annum is equal to 160,000.1 Mil I cf.,
niusidfralily higher per consumer than most towns in Sccjtiand.

.'\s regards the consumption <if electricity, it will be noted
that the annual output has increa.s'ed from about 10U,tHX) units
m 191U to about 800,000 units in lOKi. The author is not con-
seious of any collision of interests in the supply of the two
forms of energy — new consumers are not lost, as they are bounil
to come to us for supply — and is only concerned with the joint
success of the two works forming one department of business,
('onsumers demand whatever form of energy is most con-
xenient and best suited to their requirements, and they are
su|i]ilii'd accordingly. A showroom was recently opened in
whirh there is exbibited lighting, heating, and cooking appa-
latus for both gas and electricity.

The directors of a gas company in considering a scheme for
electricity supply may reasonably conceive that by embark-
ing ujxm an electricity scheme the conjftimption of gas will
be lessened, and electricity take its place. Such a view is
dangerously wrong. Of no area of gas supply can it be said
at the pre.sent time that the use of gas has reached the utmost
limit, and an increase in consumption for domestic use, as
well as for industrial needs, should yield an increasing output
from year to year. To embark on an electricity supply scheme
would .sunply be pursuing the same line of business, but by
a different avenue. \Yhere electricity is available for light-
ing it will command a fair .shaie of domestic u.se, while tor
public- buildmgs and shops, preferment is given to electricity.
l'\irther, considering the adaptability of the electric motor,
there will be a certain displacement of gas engines thereby,
and for larger units of power electricity will be installed.

It will be perceived that with this view of things the advan-
tages and gain will be with the company supplying the two
kinds of energy. Provided the area concerned is a suitable
one, industrial to be preferred in order to obtain the highly
valuable day load, the electricity side of the business can, in
my opinion, be made remunerative if diligence is shown (1)
in keeping down the capital account, ('2) in selecting a type
of plant the working of which will be conjoint with the in-
terests of the gas works, (3) that the gas works be selected
as the site for the generating station, (4) to dissociate in prac-
tiie any spirit of competition, and to push the sale of elec-
tiicity as a legitimate and remunerative business. From the
|ioint of view of the interests of the public, it is not desirable
that there should be a duplication of works supplying the one
kind of cumuiodity. though in two different forms, as the
increased cost of production must fall on the consumer.

From the evidence now adduced it may be fairly claimed
that the co-existence of gas and electricity supply under one
control is at once a practical and connnercial proposition.
The fresh field of business will appeal chiefly in the case of
towns where there is at present no electricity supply. It is
my settled conviction that what is required of the gas industry
of to-day is a broadening of the basis of its function as_ sup-
pliers of the public need for energy — gas and electricity.
There is small doubt but that gas companies, if they do not
prepare the way, will be met in the near future with competi-
tion where there is no electricity supply at present. It is a
true indication of strength and vitality when an industrial
business can comprehend the issues that lie in front of it and,
having done so, prepare accordingly.

Discussion.

The President, Mr. Alexander Masterton (Edinburgh),
said he thought the author had made, out quite a good case
lor gas authorities taking over the supply of electricity. The
strongest argument, to his mind, w-as the economy which
would be effected in regard to the use of coal as a result of
the combination. The author's experience and the data he
had given ought to be of considerable service and assistance
to municipal authorities who were considering the problem of
the supply of heat, hght, and power. Placed under the juris-
diction of a capable engineer and manager — one without bias
either towards gas or electricity— the joint management ought
all to be in favour of economical working and the production
of the.se two agents for supply to the public at cheap rates.
There was no reason why the two competitors should not
work siili' by side, promoting the intere.sts of each other in
the b,-st jinssible way.

Mr. Da\iu Robertson (Dunoon) considered that there need
be no rivalry between gas and electricity provided they were
under the one control. He thought the author was proceeding
on right lines when he suggested that gas companies or cor-
porations ought to have the control of the electricity supply in
anv one district. If the electricity station was placed in the
gas works there was absolutely no doubt but that economy
would follow.

Mr. Clarke (Chesterfield) said he happened to be m the
unique position of being chairman of a gas company manu-
facturing 2'20 million cu. ft. of gas. and vice-chairman of an
electrical company with plant up to 2,500 KW. These two
interests were antagonistic and conflicting, and as chairman
of the gas company he was suspected of having leanings to-
wards electricity and t;ice versa. The great point he desired

to make as the outcome of his experience was that the two
undertakings were quite separate and distinct, and a parti-
cular set of conditions appertained to each. He could see that
the combination might be successful in small residential
towns, but only there.

Mr. J. W. Napier said he had been most careful to point
out in his paper that his conception of a joint scheme did
not apply to towns of considerable size. In large centres, he
frankly admitted that separate mauageuient was not only
desirable but necessary. Taking a broad view of things, he
was satisfied that for towns of a population up tovabout '20,000
an amalgamation of interests would prove beneficial.

MANCHESTER ELECTRIC VEHICLE TRIAL.

A HOST interesting report is that recently made by Mr. S. L.
Pearce, chief engineer of the Manehe.ster electricity depart-
ment, to the Electricity Couunittee of that city, on the trial
use of an electric vehicle in place of horse haulage in connec-
tion with the work of the department. The vehicle, a one-
ton .standard G.V. lurry, supplied by Messrs. Drake & Gorham,
was fitted with an Edison liattery and a 3-H.P. motor capable
of 200 per cent, overload for short periods.

The trials were c-ariietl out by ihe testing department, under
the direction of the superintendent, Mr. H. A. Ratcliff; the
lurry has been employed in the service of the departni^t since
the end of March, 1916. •^

Mr. Pearce mentions that the report deals with the subject
^on the basis of the actual results obtained, and no attempt
has been made to work up a case for the electric vehicle, and
that, so far as per.sonal considerations were concerned, he
had been somewhat sceptical as to the possibility of an electric
lurry being able to compete with existing contract carting
arrangements, and also as to the claims made on behalf of the
former.

1. Horse Carting Conditions.. — ^Light lurries were ordered
from the contractors as required by the several departments
concerned, payment being on a flat rate on a time basis. As
an equitable rate a figure of Is. 4d. per hour has been taken
for the purpose of comparison.

'2. Test Conditions. — It was pbvious that if the electric lurry
was merely to replace and do the equivalent work of a horse
lurry it would certainly not compare favourably, owing to the
higher standing charges and the additional running costs.
Consequently, it was necessary to reorganise the carting
arrangements to Or very con.siderable extent so as to give as
nearly as possible continuous employment for the electric
vehicle, and also whenever " po.ssible reduce the number of
separate joui-neys by combining two or more departmental
carting jobs in one round journey.

3. Driving Arrangements. — The employment of a special
driver appeared to be undesirable ; two fitter's labourers were
therefore trained for the work. The driver's attendance is
not always necessary, and he can therefore be employed on
other work, thus reducing the .standing charges considerably.

i. Worhing Cost of Klectrlc Lurrif. — ^The figures arrived at
(on a liberal scale) are: — Standing charges. Is. per hour:
running co.sts, 2d. per mile; driver, 7d. per hour during the
time he is actually employed with the lurry.

(a) Standing Costs. — The standing charges have been cal-
culated o'n a basis of 2,500 working hours per annum, i.e.,
.50 hours per week for 50 weeks in the year.

The " life " of the chassis and body has been taken at
10 years, and written down accordingly at 8i per cent, per
annum.

The makers state that the battery will last for at least 10
years, or alternatively for 100,000 miles. The guarantee, how-
ever, is only for four years, and five years has been taken as
a reasonably safe estimate of the working " hfe " of the bat-
tery, and it has been written down accordingly at 183 per
cent, per annum.

The possible scrap value of the battery after five years'
"life" has been ignored.

Interest on the full capital outlay has been allowed at 4h
per cent. The actual capital charges are therefore as fol-
lows : — '

Outlay on chassis, :£355, less 5 per cent. ... dE337 5 0
Outlav on iMtterv, f '280, less 5 per cent. ... 266 0 0

Outlavonbodv 45 0 0

Outlav on tires 25 0 0

Outlav on filler 2 10 0

4i per cent, on i;G75 15s.
81 per cent, on £384 15s.
18i per cent, on £266

Insurance

Two drivers' licences at 5s. each

675 15 0

80 8 2

33 13 4

49 17 6

113 19

10 0

10

0
0
0

£124 9

0

£1'24 9s./2,500 = 11.9od., or, say Is., per hour on a
basis of 2,500 hours per annum.

372

THE ELECTRICAL REVIE^Y.

OcTiillKH li, l;ilil.

If the interest rate be taken at 5 per cent, the figure be-
comes 12.'27d. In addition there is the wapes of the driver
at 7d. per hour, but this is hardly a true standing charge for
the reasons piveu above.

(b) Runniny Co!tt«.—Thc load is an "off jx'ak " one, and
does not eo.st more than one-third of a penny per unit, but
in order to cover small incidental expenses the cost of cur-
rent is taken at one halfpenny per unit.

The Vehicle normally requires about 0.5 ampere-hours per
mjle. which corresponds to about 0.7 KW.-hour per mile; but

•

^

/

'

C^

^

«

1

"'

J

\

1

J

^

^

\

^

r\

\

A

N

'

\

V

V

^

^^

D

"b"""

Curves Showing Vehicle Costs : Horse, A per boor,
B PER MILE; Electric, C per hour, D per mile.

as the efficiency of the motor-generator used for charging the
vehicle is only about 70 per cent., the actual consumption per
mile is approximately one KW.-hour.

The cost of tires has been ba.sed on a " life " of 1'2,000
miles, and repairs and upkeep of vehicle and battery have
been taken at Id. per mile, which is well in excess "of the
makers' allowance of 0.6d. per mile.

Tires : 1'2,000 miles at i"2o the set = 25 X 240/12,000 =
0.5d. per mile.

Total running costs per mile :— Current at Jd. per unit,
0..5d. : tires, 0.5d. ; repairs and upkeep, l.Od, ; total 2.0d.

5. Compannon of Costs. — From the above results the accom-
panying curves have been drawn, and
they enable the relative costs for any
condition of speed to be seen at a
glance. The curves show : —

A. ITie cost per hour for hor.se lurry
and driver.

B. The cost per mile for horse lurry
and driver.

0. The cost per hour for electric lurry
and driver.

v. The cost per mile for electric lurry
and driver.

All the curves have been drawn to a
common base of "miles per hour."

The two most noticeable features are :
— («) The cost of the horse lurry per
hour is naturally independent of the
mileage; (6) the standing cost of the
electric is only 3d. more than for the
horse lurry, and is actually 4d. less il
the driver is not in attendance.

Obviously comparable results can only
be olitained by getting more work out
of the electric in the same time, i.e., by
increasing the average miles per hour.

It has been found that two miles per
hour is an average figure for an ordinary
horse lurry. For the ordinai-y carting
dav of nine hours this gives an average
daily mileage of 18, which is a very
reasonable estimate.

Before these trials were conducted Mr. Pearce was of the
opinion that an electric lurry would only be Morth considera-
tion if it could be shown to be capable of doing the work of
one and a half horse lurries; actual operating data covering
a period of four weeks ending May 6th, 1916, plainly shows
th.it the electric lurry is the equivalent of at least one and
a half horse lurries, work for work, both on the total average
daily mileage and also on the average miles per hour.

Referring to the curves, it is seen that at two miles per
hour the horse lurry costs 8d. per mile, and a horizontal line
drawn through this point cuts the electric curve at 3.16 miles
per hour ; a condition which the tests have proved to be prac-
ticaUy fulfilled.

Owing to the orgauisiuy <ii the carting rendcivd po.ssiblc
by the use of a mechanical vehicle, each journey undertaken
has represi'iited the carting of J.O departments, and tlicn^ore
the total work done by the electric, is the equivalent of that
done by 1.5 X 1.6 = 2.4, or, say, two horse lurries.

The average tost works out at 7.65d. per mile (ixistead of
8d.), or 188.1 X 7.65d. -^ i'6 per week.

Calculating on a basis of two miles per hour for the horse
lurries, data shows that the electric is the equivalent 'of
3.37/2 X 1.61 = 2.71, or, say, 2J horse lurries.

The electric lurry is variously estimated a« the equivalent
ol from two to three horse lurries, with a jjiepoiiderance of
opinion in support of the higher value.

For oS hours during the four weeks ending June 3rd, 1916,
or an average of 14.5 per week, the driver was actually work-
mg as a motor fixer's labourer. This represents a saving on
the drivhig item of 14.5 X 7d. = 8s. 5d.

The net cost of the carting is therefore ,-£0 - 8s. 5d. = £r>
lis. 7d. for 188.1 miles, or 7.12d. per mile.

Assuming the electric to be the equivalent of 2} horse
lurries, the amount .saved per week is 2.5 X ^3 6s. 8d. - i'6
= i'2 6s. 8d. {The figure of ^3 6s. 8d. represents 50 working
hours at Is. 4d. j)er hour.)

This calculation m.ikes no allowance for po.fsible reduction
in actual driving time. The amount s.aved in a year of 50
working weeks will tlierrfoiv !»• Iil6 13s. 4d.. or neariy suffi-
cient to cover the capital charges on the electric lurrv.

6. Total Cost of all Carliny (1916).— .Tan uary £1.50 4s 8d
February A'lSl Is., March iilSS 8s. 2d., April £109 4s. 3d., Mav
±'110 16s. lid.

Owing to the weather conditions there was a marked reduc
tion in all the carting during the month of February. It is
therefore permissibU', to legard the mean of the January and
March costs as a rea.souable average value.

The Easter holidays ^\'ould reduce to some extent the total
carting for thi> month of April, and to allow for this the
actual cost is increased by ^6.

Average cost per month for .January and March ±'154 6 5
Average cost per month for April and May ... J13 0 7

Actual reduction due to the operation of the

electric lurry , 41 5 10

-Average cost per month of electric lurry 26 0 0

Amount saved by electric lurry per month

15 5 10

Taking the weekly cost of a horse lurry as 753., i.e., 60
hours at Is. 6d. per hour, or, say, £16 6s. per month, and the
electric lurry as the equivalent of 2J horse lurries, then the
reduction of the caiting account .ihould be :— ±16 6s. X 2.6

= ±40 15s.

This estiinatrd figure agrees very do.sely with the actual
reduetii.ii i.lit;iiiied as above.

^YeIl it Hot I., I- the unduly inflated price of electric vehicles,
and more particularly those fitted witli Rdison batteries, very

STAM>M;I> ( '■.\' 1,1 likV, MWCHF.STER Kl.lilKli in 1>

umch better working costs than those given above could be
obtained.

7. Speed. — ^The first impression of the speed is that it is
very low, and it is undoubtedly lower on the average than
the makers claim. As the bulk of our carting is in the city
area, however, it is at least questionable whether a higher
average speed would be much of an advantage. On hills
there is certainly room for improvement, but this could only
be obtained at the expense of a larger battery and an un-
ueccssarily high and undesirable speed on the level.

The very low speed on hills is the natural result of the
characteristic speed torque curve of the series motor, and_ is
further accentuated by the comparatively high internal resist-

Vol. 79. Xo. 2.028. October 6. I'JlU.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

373

ance of the Edison battery. Probably this is one reason why
lead batteries are frequently preferred for vehicle work,
although personally Mr. Pearce considers that any gain in
this respect is more than counter-balanced by the objections
attaching to the use of sulphuric acid on vehicles.

The average speed is higher than can be maintained by a
horse, and on the level is probably as good as that obtained
with a steam lurry; but although better than a horse it can-
not equal a petrol vehicle on hills.

On average roads and with aveiage loads the average speed
is about 9 to 11 miles per hour, and may under exceptional
conditions reach 12 miles per hour. On hilly roads the aver-
age speed is 7 to 9 miles per hour, but less if the hills are
exceptionally steep.

On a recent trial run 16 miles per hour was obtained on a
down gi~ade in Middleton Road, but the road was clear and
there were no side roads.

The apparently low speed has not prevented the obtaining
of an average of 30 miles per day, and a maximum on one
occasion of 50 miles in the day.

It is questionable whether the railway companies' petrol-
driven parcels vans average more than 35 miles per day.

As a result of these extended trials. Mr. Pearce recom-
mended the Committee to retain the electric vehicle, stating
that he had little doubt, in the light of the experience gained,
that electric lurries could be advantageously used for other
branches of the department's carting work in preference to
horse-drawn vehicles.

filament ; apertures at the top of the chamber permit the gas to
escape into the outer space and equalise the pressure on the mer-

FiG. 3. — Gas-filled Carbox-pilament Lamp.

cuiy. while the outer wall of the bulb remains cool and can there-
fore withstand the comparatively hig-h pressure. One form of the
lamp is illustrated herewith.

NEW ELECTRICAL DEVICES, FITTINQS,
AND PLANT.

NOTES FROM CANADA.

Large Impulse Turbines.

Messes. Fraser ^t Chalmers. Ltd.. of Erith, who. since 190.5,
have been developing the horizontal multi-stage impulse turbine.
recently supplied to the South Metropolitan Electric Light and
Power Co.. Ltd.. the turbine illustrated in fig. 1, driving a 6.300-KW.
alternator at 3.000 R.P.M. The large clearances permissible in
this type of turbine, and the diminished axial thrust, rendering a
balancing piston unnecessary, are amongst the chief reasons for
preferring the impulse to the reaction principle ; the small numl)er
of stages and consequent short length of the machine are additional
advantag-es, the latest type of Fraser .S: Chalmers turbine having

[From oub SPECLiL Correspondent.]

For the second time the great Quebec bridge has met with
disaster.

A few generations ago it would have been said that the Spirit of
the great river was determined that the waters should not be
spanned by man, and probably the attempt would have been
abandoned. To-day we are more prosaic, and doubtless work on a
new centre span will be proceeded with almost immediately. One
sympathises with the engineers, whose labours of several years
were about to be brought to a successful conclusion, and who must
now be so bitterly disappointed.

It is just a few weeks over nine years since the first attempt at

Long Blades. Short Blades.

Fig. 1.— Fraser & Chalmers Tcrbixe drivinc: t).300-KW. Alternator. Fig. 2.— Blading op Fraser S: Chalmers Turbine.

one velocity wheel with two rows of moving blades at the first
high-pressure stage, and a number of single impulse stages for the
rest of the expansion. The turbine interior is also subject to lower
temperatures and pressures and possesses close governing character-
istics. Nickel steel is used for the blades, which are milled out of
square bars together with the fork by which they are fixed to the
moving wheel ; the method of securing the blades is shown in
fig. 2, the velocity wheel being provided with similar blades to
those of the single wheels. The design of the turbines has been
standardised, and special machinery has been installed for their
exclusive production. A small-power impulse turbine of the
multi-velocity stage impulse type is also made.

A High-Efficiency Carbon Lamp.

The Electrical Worlil describes a new patent gas-filled carbon-
filament lamp of (Jerman origin, which is said to have an efficiency
even higher than that of metal-filament lamps. The bulb is filled
at the start with an indifferent gas at a pressure slightly below
that of the atmosphere. The filament is of the concentrated
helical type, and is supported just above a pool of mercury, which
is evaporated by the heat when the circuit is closed. A glass tube
surrounding the filament and its supporting conductors and dipping
into the mercury forms an inner chamber in which the mercury
vapour rises, pushing the inert gas upwards and away from the

building the bridge failed ; at that, time 63 men lost theii- lives.
On this second occasion, fortunately, only 13 men were killed,
though this is bad enough.

. So far, the two bridges have cost about £5.000.000, and yet the
river is not spanned.

It is observed that the Council of the I.E.E, adv jcate the adoption
of British standards throughout the British Empire. This would
be a great and worthy object to work for. but the Council may be
assured that whatever might be accomplished in other of the
Dominions, such as South Africa and Aostralia, it would be no easy
task to deal with Canada in this respect, as the influence of the
U.S. (already very strongly established so far as standaids are con-
cerned) would be almost impossible to counteract.

As has been pointed out in these notes before, too many Canadian
engineers get their engineering education and training in the U.S.
for British standards and methods to obtain much of a footing
here. What is needed is the training of Canadian engineer
students in the British Isles, so that they will come liack home
with a knowledge of British methods and British firms instead of,
as is often the case at present, a knowledge of U.S. methods, ice,
and a supreme contempt for " old country ' ideas.

It is not enough, either, that large numbers of engineers should
come from England ; the young men born in this country must be
given an opporttmity to receive their engineering training in

374

THE ELECTRICAL RE\TEW, v,.i :.. >o

OcToBEB t;. I'.ll",.

British worfcaliops and to return knowiD? the capabilities of the
engineers there, the methods in vog-ue. i«, before much can be
done in ?ettin^ British standards adopted here.

UjS. standards and specifications prevail here in connection
with the follovring among other items : — Cast-iron water mains.
Structural steel. Portland cement, wrought-lron pipe, screw
threads, pipe flantres. electrical conductors, temperature rise and
insulation tests for electric motors, transformers. Jcc. To what
extent these prevail may be judged by the Trade Returns of
( :v:: 1. i :. in enirineerin^ materials. Jcc„ the ratio of U.S. to British
.-. in normal times, about 7 to 1 : at present the
■ •bably much greater.
~_T^ .iiewan the Government (.Provincial) is investigating:
the j)u6sil<ility of developing the water power of the rivers in the
north of the Province for the benefit of the towns and villages
there. It is arpued in some quarters, however, that utilisation of
the -rreat lignite fields, and even of the immense quantities of the
straw produced each year on the farms, would be a better and
cheaper method of obtaining power than using the available water
power, owing to the cost of development and the long transmission
lines necessary in this last case.

The Dominion Government is reported to have appointed a Com-
i:.i--.on to investigate the subject of generating some i.ixw.liMXm.P.
' r. • ii. Niagara River below the Falls. The scheme under consider-
.iti' :: was given publicity some time ago, and involved the building
vf a <lam in the rapids wherebv the water level would be raised
H") ft.

The Canadian Niagara Power Co. is installing three more
li..V_«j-H.P. units at Niagara Falls, making the total capacity of the
station 112.51X1 H. p.

lu the City of Montreal the Board of Control has before it a

of hydro-electric development in connection with an

_ -i aqueduct. A number of prominent engineers consider the

-jIt to be tmwise. and have requested that the Board have an

-independent investigarion made ; the Board have, however, recently

refused this.

The Hydro-Electric Power Commission of Ontario had a rather
serious shut-down on its system not long .ago. One of the
large oil switches at the Dundas inter-switching station (where the
main supply of power comes in from Niagara Falls, and is dis-
tributed at Dundas to the various main transmission lines) caught
fire and caused serious damage, interrupting the supply over the
whole of the Niagara system, covering an area not much smaller
".han England, for several hours. A somewhat similar, but less
->-rious. accident occurred shortly afterwards at the generating
-tation at Niagara Falls.

The (Jermans are reported to have been trying to obtain a
-ubstitute for switch and transformer oil. prestmiably because oU
i- growing scarce in that country. The accidents referred to above,
furnish a very good reaison why Ln Canada and other parts of the
world a less inflammable insulating liquid should be found as soon
as possible. Carbon tetrachloride does not yet appear to be a
-atisfactory substitute for a good switch oil.

As rates for current steadily come down, as they are doing in
Ontario, there wUl be an ever- widening field for electric heating
and cooking appliances. English manufacturers might look into
the possibilities of supplying electric water-heaters to fit into the
warm-water tanks which are a" feature of so many of the houses
in the larger towns and cities here where a public water supply is
available. Heaters for this purpose are already on the market.

WAR ITEMS.

War Saving Certificates — The " Times " states that one
'S the largest telegraph and cable companies in London has
t^ken i'lOO.tJiJO worth of War Savings Certificates for its
-.'uployes all over the world.

Enemy Goods Prohibited in New Zealand. — By Order in

Council the importation of gixjds manufactured in the enemy's
territory into New Zealand is prohibited. — Times.

The A. E.G. and Shipbuilding. — .\ further development

jiropfjaed by the .\.E.G. is reported in the German newspapers,

liir li .state that the company intends to embark upon the

• '! -traction of oil-driven ships with Diesel engines. An

' ! II .n has been obtained from the State of Hamburg on a

t the Finkenwerder, where an industrial works

are to be built either before the end of the

:ly afterwards. The company is said to be in

i' - ui.i':i with shipowners on the matter, particularly the

ilamburg-.\mericaii Co.

Sub'Station Lighting: Prosecution. — The Hull Police

I . i.'i-trates have fined Wm. Stevenson, night chargeman at
;:. Corporation electric sub-station on the Prince's Dock
-1^ . i'5 Oh. for leaving five windows brightly illuminated at
1 "' :i m. on .August -^Sth. -\ constable said that when he saw
:-!• ii'lant he said that this always occurred when they were
■...i'.iina up. Defendant said that the windows were painted.
a;. 1 iirr was not aware that anything more than a subdued
.i-iit v.as showing. The .sub-station superintendent said that
ti].- ■■: iriilow.9 were painted a dark amber colour in December
l:i-t. :uid they had had no previous complaint. They could
not ii^jf screens or blimls because of the acid gases in the
aiaj'j-phere.

Controlled Establishments. — The number of establish-
ments iiow controlled by the Ministry of Munitions is 4,319,
107 having been added since the last announcement.

Trading with the Enemy. — The " London Gazette " for
September ^Pth contains a further list of persons and bodies
in the Netherlands. Sweden, and other countries with whom
trading is prohibited.

To be Wound Up. — The following companies have been
ordered by the Board of Trade to be wound up : —

Selas Co., Ltd., Manchester, manufacturers of installations
for lighting and heating. Controller: J. P. Gamett, 61,
Brown Street, Manchester.

Feld Bros A Co., Ltd., Tendon. E.C., manufacturers of
electric wires. Controller : .7. E. Percival. ti. Old Jewry, E.C.

Wages in Railway Shops. — Men employed in railway
shops are asking for an advance of 10s. a week, and represen-
tatives of the craft workers were to meet in Ixindon on Wed-
nesday to discuss the position. The apphcation is to be con-
sidered at a conference of the railway companies. There are
about 1(X).0(10 skilled and unskilled men affected.— Dai/y Tele-
giapli.

Munitions First. — The Minister of Munitions has issued
a notice requiring all persons, firms, and companies engaged
in the manufacture of cranes, aerial ropeways, capstans, con-
veyors, grabs, elevators, hoists, lifts, runways, shear legs,
tran.sporters. travellers, or winches, whether operated by
steam, electric, hydraulic, pneumatic, or hand power, not to
carry out, without a permit issued under his authority, in any
factory, workshop, or other premises, any work consisting of
the manufacture, assembling, or erection of any of the above-
D&entioned articles except under : —

(a) Orders received from or in connection with work for the Admiralty or
War Office.

ib) Orders of a value not exceeding £50 required for war work.

(cj Orders which have already been sanctioned by the Ministry of Muni-
tions 3S Class " .A '* work.

Liquidation of Enemy Firms in East Africa. — The

Colonial Office notify that the undermentioned firms are in
process of liquidation : —

Hansing & Co., Mombasa, Zanzibar, &c.

Deutsche Englische Ost .Afrika Kompagnie, Voi.

.African Handels-Gesellschaft m.b.h., Mombasa and Zanzibar.

Westdeutsche Handels- & Planlagen-GesHlschafl. Mombasa.

Wm. Hintsman & Co., Momba-sa.

Wm. 0'S»aId & Co., Mombasa, Zanzibar, &c.

Strathmann & Joachim, Mombas-i.

Alois Schweiger & Co., Ltd., Mombasa.

George Goetze, .Afrika Hotel, Mombasa.

Deutsche Ost Afrika G«ellschaft, Zanzibar.

Chas. A. Hever & Co., Nairobi.

G. Uenhardl& Co., Lamu.

Claims should be submitted by December 1st to the Liqui-
dator of Enemy .\hens, Momba.sa, accompanied by : (a) .A.
declaration of the nationahty of the claimant; (6) an afiidavit
supporting the debt and affirming that no satisfaction has
been received ; (c) copies of all invoices showing marks of
packages and port to which goods were shipped.

Exemption .Applications. — At the Shrewsbury Tribunal,
the, head f>f a firm of electricians apphed for a man aged 'H.
.single, who was employed in making tools and setting lathes
for women. He was the only one they had to do that .sort
of work, .\sked how many women he had working, appli-
cant said two, but some had left. However, he should have
more if this man remained. Exemption final for a month
was granted.

.\t Accrington Tribunal, on September 29th, the electrical
engineer applied for five employtjs at the electricity works.
Their ages were '2.5, 39, "25, 41, and 27. Captain Harwood
UM the Tribunal that the cases came before the Advisory
Committee, but on account of there being three young men
under Si) years of age among them they declined to have
anything to do with them. They felt strongly that the
management of the electricity works ought to get older men.
The engineer said there were good grounds for making all
the appUcations. The first one, aged 25. had been in the
Territorials, was sent out to Egypt, and was there until last
April, when he became time-expired. Older men had been
tried, but it was found they were physically unfit. Captain
Harwood : What will happen if. as an M.P. is proposing, all
voung men up to 2.5 or 30. whatever they are doing, shall
be called up? The Town Clerk : They will have to do with-
out light and power in .-Accrington, that's all. Captain Har-
wfKxl said perhaps they had no option but to give conditional
exemption now, but the engineer would have to face the
music when it began to play later on. Conditional exemp-
tion was granted to all the men.

The Huddersfield Tribunal gave three months' further ex-
emption, conditional on remaining at his present work, to
an electrical wireman, aged 31, single, who, on the recom-
mendation of the Tribunal to get work of national import-
ance, was now a munition volunteer worker at Immingham

Sheffield Tribunal has given conditional exemption to Pt. C.
Smith (-33), electrical engineer, appealed for by Messrs. Makin
and Co., Ltd.; and until October .31st to E. G. Bradman (37),
electrician, appealed for by Messrs. Stuart & Moore.

Epsom Ptural Tribunal has granted two months' exemption
to Ernest E. .Johnson, electrician, of The Lodge, Ordsall.

At Alder.'ihot. Mr. Burch. The Arcade, appealed for George
Hubbert. ele-.trical wireman and fitter. Captain Croxford
asked if Mr. Burch had got any men .back from the camp

Vol. 7!>. xo. 2,o2«, ocTOBEB 6. loirt.] THE ELECTEICAL REVIEW.

375

shops, and he repUed ''No; they are asking me for more
men." Two months were allowed.

Sheffield Tribunal has granted exemption until the end of
the year to Mr. W. .Johnston (3.5). electrical engineer.

At Bath. ilr. Geo. Kitchens appealed for the retention of
F. .J. Kitchens (38). electric fitter. The appeal was respited
for a medical examination.

At Kingston-on-Thames, Mr. H. H. Biden (35). electrician,
applying for renewed exemption, stated that he had lost his
foreman and all his men. and could not replace them. As
all his capital was in the business, he wished to hold it to-
gether imtil the close of the war. He was allowed final
exemption until December 31st.

.An electrician who appealed at Broadstairs stated that,
although unfit for Army duties, he was passed by the Medical
Board for service. The Tribunal decided that he should go
before the Appeal Medical Board.

\n electrical engineer who appealed at Kingston-on-Thames.
stated that he had thrice been rejected on account of chronic
acute deafness, but was now passed for service in Class C'2.
The Mayor asked if appeOant was of any use in the .\rmy.
and Colonel Chapman rephed in the affirmative, adding :
"The qualifications for C'2 are that a man should be able
to walk to and from work a distance of five miles, and should
be able to see and hear sufficient for ordinary purposes. The
Tribunal allowed final exemption to October 1st only.

Mr. A. C. Edwards (37). electrical engineer, of Wedmore,
appealed at Bromley (Kent) on personal and business grounds,
and was allowed a delay of two months.

The Military appealed to the Bucks Tribunal against exemp-
tion allowed to Wilfrid Parmenter i^S). electrician at the
High Wycombe Electroscope Theatre. It appeared that the
local tribunal granted the concession because respondent,
passed by the -Army Medical Board for home service, was
very deaf. The appeal was allowed, and the exemption can-
called.

At Melton Mowbray, renewed exemption was sought by
Mr. C. W. Wright for -Jesse Atkin. electrician at Saxilbye
Park. Mr. W"right explained that he was under legal obliga-
tion to supply an electrician to the mansion, and .\tkin could
not be replaced. .A.s he was pa,s.sed for home service, and
was acting as a special constable, Atkin was given condi-
tional exemption.

\t Xewton Abbot, the I'rban Electric Supply Co. appealed
for W. H. Carpenter, clerk and electrician, and P. G. Ste-
phens and A. \V. Prudence, electricians and wiremen. The
manager. Mr. Smith, said that owing to the military require-
ments, they had to work day and night, and Carpenter was
inifispensable. Exemption was allowed to Stephens (re-
served occupation) and Prudence (medically rejected), but the
appeal for Carpenter was dismissed, he being '21 years of age
and single. Mr. Smith .said he should appeal.

-At Aldershot. the Traction Co. appealed for Mr. .\. E. Web-
ster (31). secretarj', regarded as indispensable to the carrying
on of the concern. It was stated that Mr. Webster was the
only one who had full knowledge of all the details relating
to the financial interests of the company: he had control of
the books, and had under him a clerical staff of 14, of whom
11 were females. Three previous exemptions had been given,
and a further three months were allowed. The company
also applied for an inspector, claimed as being in a certified
occupation, but the Military and Tribunal dissented, and dis-
missed the appeal: and for three drivers, two of whom were
given a final month, and the other a month for him to be
badged or replaced.

Before the Chichester Tribunal, a junior wireman and a
shift engineer and assistant fitter were appealed for by the
Electric Light A- Power Co. The engineer stated that the
staff had been reduced to a minimum consistent with safety.
and the wireman was the only skilled man left for the work
he was doing, except the mains superintendent. If the
Military could lind substitutes they did not wish to retain
any single men. The wireman was refused exeipption, and
the shift engineer was allowed three months.

-A. Chichester electrical engineer, appealing for his brother,
stated that he was the only man left to carry on the business.
Ihe Chairman said that they could not exempt single men of
'21. and 14 days' exemption would be granted, with no fur-
ther appeal without leave.

.\t West Ham. H. E. Wright (3fi). a Corporation tramway
conductor, who appealed, .said that he was the patentee and
maker of a tram and 'bus ticket holder. It was agreed that
the holder w-as a very- handy thing, but the appeal was re-
fused, and the calling-up delayed for three weeks.

At the .Aberdeen Tribunal, H. W. Munro. electrician and
overhead lineman, was claimed by the .\berdeen Corporation
Tramways. Mr. R. S. Pilcher. tramway manager, stated that
Munro. who had been passed for general service, was a
skilled worker in a public utility service. There were three
overhead linesmen. There were only seven exemptions in the
department out of a staff of 3l>2. Seventy-five per cent, of
the staff were serving. Temporary exemption of two months
was allowed.

Kidderminster Tribunal has granted three months each to
Mr. \V. H. Hughes, electrical engineer, and to E. Turner.
tramway car shed foreman: and has respited for a medical
examination an appeal by Thomas Barth, wireman and elec-
trical fitter.

Llanelly Tribunal have granted two months' exemption to
the electrician employed at Haggar's Theati'R.

At Shrewsbury, Mr. Smallwood, electrical engineer, ap-
pealed for George W. Browning ('22), wireman, the last one
left out of the staff of 14. Exemption was granted until
December 1st.

.At Stroud (Glos.), the Electric Light Co. sought exemp-
tion for several men, and the Mihtary Representative agreed
that the company had done the very best they could to meet
the military authorities. He thought that matters would be
met by releasing the married men and taking the single ones.
The company had suggested that the men claimed might be
replaced by incapacitated soldiers; four such men had been
provided, and they had useful careers before them. Several
of the men were put back until the end of the year, and
others until March 31st.

Contraband of War. — The following are in the additions
to the list of articles to be treated as absolute contraband : —

Insulating materials, raw and manufactured.

Cadmium, cadmium alloys, and cadmium ore.

Books for Prisoners of War. — ^The needs of the British
Prisoners of War B<x>k Scheme (Educational) for the ensuing
week are : — \\'orks on transformers (Still), alternating cur-
rents (StiU), alternating currents (Siemens). "Text-book of
Electrical Engineering " (Thomalen).* " Electrical Hand-
book" (Trautwine). "Steam Electrical Hand-b<x)k " (I.E.E.),
"Modem Electrical Practice" (Gresham Pubhshing Co.).
"Hand-book of Electricity." " Eleqtrical Engineering"
(SUngo & Brooker). Will readers please address offers of
new or second-hand copies of books to Mr. .A. T. Davies at
the Board of Education, Whitehall, London, S.W., from
whom further information respecting the w'orking of the
scheme can he obtained on application''

Disabled Sailors and Soldiers and Electrical Work. — The
classes organised at the Northampton Polytechnic Institute
by the Institution of Electrical Engineers, in co-operation
with the London County Council, for the purpose of giving
a preliminary training to disabled sailors and soldiers as elec-
tricity sub-station attendants are about to be resumed. Up to
the present some 40 men have been admitted to the courses, of
whom \S have been placed in electricity supply undertakings,
the remainder having either found other situations- or been
unable to complete their course. The courses are free to the
men. and the work consists of demonstrations and exercises
in the first principles of electrical engineering and of physics,
practical work in the electrical and physical laboratories, and
( demonstrations in the power-house of the Northampton Insti-
tute. By the courtesy of some of the London supply com-
panies visits are also paid in the last week of the course to
sub-stations and generating stations in the London district,
and instruction is given by the men in actual charge of the
stations. A third batch of '20 men will begin their course
about the middle of October, and wiO be ready to take up
employment as probationers about the middle of November.
Engineers having vacancies which could be offered to these
men are requested to commimicate with Dr. Wahnsley, Prin-
cipal of the Northampton Polytechnic Institute, Clerkenwell,
Jjondon. E.C.. who will also be pleased to send application
forms for admission to the courses, -with full particulars, to
disabled sailors or soldiers wishing to join.

Exports to China and Siam. — The " London Gazette "
for October 3rd contains further names of persons and bodies
to whom or which exports to China and Siam may be con-
signed.

BUSINESS NOTES.

Greece. — According to the U.S. Consul at Patras.

commercial and industrial conditions in Western Greece were,
upon the whole, satisfactory during- 191.5. He goes on to show
how beneficially the war has affected importation from America,
both volume and variety having: greatly increased. Prior to the
war, the imports from the States were not more than £20.000 per
annum, but during 191.T the value for articles in which the Con-
sulate lent direct assistance alone was 1-749.200. so that the total
far exceeded that figure. The irreat bulk consisted of wheat and
other food supplies. The Consul says it is practically certain that
when peace is restored a large part of the trade now done by
American exporters will revert to the original sources of supply.
Metal manufactures are mentioned as one of the fields in which
there will probably he sharpest competition, and in which the
American exporter will have the best prospect of holding- his
ground. A suggestion is made in regard to the question of credit : —
■■ If possible, the .\merican exporter should make some concessions
as to terms. This market was formerly accustomed to credits of
from two to six months. It is doubtf id whether such credits were
necessary, as was maintained by many importers. The fact that
importers have, during the war. been able to do an abnormally
laige business (in certain lines particularly") on the basis of ' cash
against documents port of shipment ' seems to indicate that local
importers can do a cash business if necessary. It is hardly
probable that this market could be persuaded to continue its " cash
against documents port of shipment ' business with America in face
of credits that will doubtless be offered asain by European markets
upon the termination of the war. Several firms have expressed a
desire to contiiiue their business with American markets after the

376

THE ELECTKICAL REVIEW, iv-.i. -9. no. 2,(rjs, ormnKK .;, loir..

war. provided the American exporter is willing to deal on a basis of
cash against documents port of destination " ; which would be
equal, from the .sellers .standpoint, to soraethin^r like 30 days cash.
The local iraiwrters have beffun to discover that the American
inetho<l of doiufr businsss on a practically cash ba«is has certain
decided advantages to the buyer, and that the long-credit terms
offered in the past by other markets have prenerally been balanced
by hipher prices."

The r.S. Consul at Salonika also refers to the same subject in the
following terms :^" The great difficulties which affected American
trade during the past year were insufficiency of transportation
facilities, excessive freight rat«s. the non-delivery of cables, and
disorganised banking facilities. Under normal conditions, Euro-
pean terms of sale are generally more favourable as regards credit
than those of .\merican firms. However, price and quality are
more important factors than credit. It is reasonable to believe
that long credit is not given without making provision for interest
and a percentage for possible loss. It is difficult for American
firms, who have no representatives in the Balkans, to ascertain the
financial standing of local firms, as no commercial rating agencies
have branches in Salonika. It is believed, however, that local banks
would answer credit inquiries from American banks more readily
and completely than inquiries coming directly from American
manufacturers" or exporters. As of possible interest in this
direction, the names of the following local banks are submitted : —
Banqne d'Orient. Banque Nationale de Grece, Banque Imperiale
Ottoman. Banque de Salonique, Banque d'Athenes, and Banque de
Commerce et Depots."

China. — The U.S. Consul at, Harbin refers to the
foundation of the decided success of Japan in Xorthern Manchuria
that was laid by the Russian Government and by the Russian
Chambers of Commerce. " Every encouragement to trade between
the two countries has been given by the two Governments. The
Russian Government placed enormous orders with Japan, and the
Chambers of Commerce of various cities of Russia sent to the
municipal administrations and to the banks lists of the various
kinds of goods that Japan could profitably export to Russia as well
as those that Russia could supply in return."

In the list of goods offered to Russia by Japan are the following :

Aluminium and manufactures thereof ; electric bulbs ; electrical
machinery and fixtures ; enamelled ware ; earthenware : machinery
and equipment for technical purposes ; wire. Plans were worked
out by the Japanese railways and by the Russian Imperial Ministry
of Communications for the organisation of special exhibition trains
to tour in Manchuria and Mongolia, but this scheme has not yet
been put into effect. There was a great influx of Japanese
merchants and small shopkeepers into Harbin during the last
half of 101.5, and it is said that every firm of any standing in
Japan now has its agents there, and they have opened branches for
the accommodation of the buyers from Russia. It has thus been
the firm policy of the Japanese to make Harbin and not
Dairen or Vladivostok or Moscow the distributing centre for all
trade between the two countries. The Consul tells American
manufacturers that under present conditions at least they must
meet with very great obstacles in the competition for the trade of
Northern Manchuria. Yet never before has so much American
interest been shown in this trade, nor have such serious and intelli-
gent efforts been made to secure a part of it. At least three
large organisations of capital had decided by the end of 1915, or
eaSy in 191'!. to station agents of American nationality, or to open
branches, in Harbin. "These plans look beyond the present trade
to the promise of the future." It is believed that a certain
American banking house will open a branch in Harbin.

The Consul at Mukden says that previous to the war there was
keen competition between German and Japanese importers of cheap
articles for sale to Chinese. Since German goods have ceased to be
obtainable in the market this line of trade has fallen entirely into
the hands of the Japanese. He adds that the most hopeful
direction in which American manufacturers may look to overtake
their European competitors would seem to be in the supply of
electrical railway and mining materials, and iron and steel manu-
factures, and perhaps, at the end of the war, in that of arms and
munitions.

Copper Prices.— The Week's Changes.

Messrs. F. Smith & Co. report : Wednesday, October 4th : —
Electrolytic bars rose from £1.38 to £140 ; ditto sheets from £156
to £160; ditto rods from £146 to ji;i48 ; ditto H.C. wire from Is. 5 id.
to Is. 5|d. ; silicium bronze wire from Is. 8Jd. to Is. !)d.

Messrs. James & Shakespeare report : Wednesday, October 4th : —
Copper bars, sheets and rods (best selected) rose from £157 to £ 164.

Dissolution- — Ctilbert, Field & Co., cycle and electrical

engineers. Station Street. Burton-on-Trent. — Messrs. W. C. Gilbert,
F. Rogers, and E. J. Field have dissolved partnership, Mr. W. C.
Field retiring. The remaining partners will attend to debts, &c.

Trade with our Allies. — Sir Algernon Firth, President of
the Association- of Chambers of Commerce, addressing commercial
men at Wolverhampton, last week, said aliens should not be allowed
membership of the British Chambers of Commerce, and the British
Consular Service should be served by British. Dealing specially
with trade after the war, he urged merchants and manufacturers
to recognise the importance of the Russian and Italian markets.
Two immense opportunities were waiting to be grasped. In 1913, of
Russian imports 47 per cent, was done by Germany and Austria.
It was our duty and interest to. enable. Russia to wipe, these clean
off the slate. .lii. Italy the Germans had exploited the jnarkets.
unscrupulously, and now that the connection with Germany was cut

off. we ought to establish cordial b»»siness relations with Italy,
even if the effoi-ts did not secure an immediate return.— i)ai7y
Telefirapli.

Book tiotkes.—Appliei/ Jlefhanifn. Vol. I. By Andrew
Jaraieson. Revised by E. S. Andrews. London : Chas. Griffin & Co.,
Ltd. Price lis. net. - In spite of the depletion of our technical
colleges by the war. the demand for the text-books of the late
Prof. Jainie.'^on has necessitated the issue of this, the tenth, edition
of his well-known work. It has been revised by Mr. Andrews
with a tender hand, avoiding any departure from the methods of
the autlior. and the latest papers set in the .-V.M.InBt.C.E.
examinations have been added. So successful a manual needs no
commendation other than its own record.

T/ii- Fun By C. H. Innes. Revised by W. M. Wallace and
F. R. JoUey. London : Technical Publishing Co., Ltd. Price 8s. fid.
net.- This is the second edition of a work first issued 12 years ago :
it has been thoroughly revised and checked, most of the figures
have been redrawn, and a new chapter ha.s been a<lded on recent
practice in the construction of fans and centrifugal compressors.
The connection between the fan and the electric motor is growing
ever closer and more intimate ; the load is idea! in many respects,
and consequently the fan may reasonably be annexed as rightly
belonging to the electrical field. There is probably no department
of study in which greater progress has been made in recent years
than in that which concerns the behaviour of air when solid bodies
are moved through it at high velocities, and remarkable results
have been obtained, which should be of use to the designer of fans
on scientific lines. In this work the author applies to the subject
the theory of the centrifugal pump, on the basis that in practice
the compression of the air is so slight that it may be regarded as,
like water, an incompressible fluid, and the examples of actual tests
which he adduces certainly support this contention. Fans of many
types are dealt with in detail, and the hook can hardly be dis-
pensed with by engineers engaged in designing or selecting fans
and centrifugal air compressors.

Lehtrik Tumbler Switch Controls for Gluw-lamp Circuits.—
Messrs. A. P. Lundberg and Sons have issued a booklet describing,
with eloquent diagrams, the advantages and modes of application
of some of the many controls detailed in their " Lektrik Lighting
Connections," and showing the types of switches used, the purpose
and effect of each device, and the number of wires required. The
diagrams are of a novel kind, intended to assist contractors and
others concerned in explaining the controls to their clients, and
are therefore reduced to their simplest terms. The booklet, which
is distributed gratis, should be very useful.

Catalogues and Lists. — Messrs. I. FRANKENBiRii and

Sons. Ltd,, of Greengate Rubber and Cable Works. Salford. Man-
chester, have sent us a copy of a small ring-hinge pocket memo,
book with celluloid covers, such as the.v will forward to anybody in
the electrical trade on application.

iGRANic Electric Co., Ltd.. 147, Queen Victoria Street,
London, E.C. — Leaflet No. 520, giving a full and illustrated
description of their push-button control system for motor-driven
planers and vertical slotters.

Messrs. W.^iles Dove Bitumastic, Ltd., 5. St. Nicholas
Buildings. Newcastle-on-Tyne. — 32-page pamphlet, containing
particulars of their " Bitumastic " (brand) solution, testimonials
concerning its protective qualities, and photographs of water
tanks, pipe lines, gasholders, and other engineering works and
structures coated with it.

Messrs. Landis A: Gyr, Ltd., 72, Windmill Road, Hampton
Hill, Middlesex. — 32-page illustrated catalogue of portable and
switchboard patterns of their induction-type wattmeters.
\

British-Made. — According to the Finmuier, a member of
the Southwark Boroug;h Council last week gave notice of the
following resolution : — " That, in order to promote and encourage
in thib country the development of industry and the manufacture
of most classes of goods hitherto produced in enemy countries, it is ,
necessary, in the opinion of this Council, that there shall be created
an adequate demand, and that this demand can be assured by its
being made obligatory on all Government departments and' public
and local authorities throughout the country to use. as far as
possible, only British-made goods, and so create at once an open
market sufficiently large to secure the economic interests of the
various industries affected, and to urge forward the interests of
technical education."

Mr. Stephen Walsh, M.P., a well-known Labour man, speaking at
Wigan, said that after the horrible facts which the last two
years' had given us, surely it was the lesson of common sense
to develop our own resources in our own land. " Why should we
always make ourselves the dustheap and dunghill of the whole
world ,' There were a thousand and one things which we could
just as well produce in our own land, or in the Dominions affiliated
with us. instead of being dependent upon the foreigner."

Bankruptcy Proceedings.— A. F. Hawdon, electrical

engineer. Yetholm, Emfield Gardens, Gosforth, Northumberland. —
October 14th is the last day for the receipt of proofs for dividend
by Ml-. C. WooUett, the trustee. 30, Mosley Street, Newcastle-on-
Tyne.

Trade Announcement.— Rochdale Electric Co., Liri.,

have taken new showroom premises at 30a, Hare Hill Road,
Littleborough.

South Africa. — The Cnpt Times stated in August : —
"Electrical goods are arriving from the United Kingdom more
freely now, but contracting work has not improved."

Vol. 79. No. 2,o2s. OCTOBER fi, loifi.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

377

To Home Firms Trading with the Russian Far East. —

H.JI. Consdl at Vladivostock (Mr. R. M. Hodgson) writes that his
attention has been called to the fact that home firms, when tele-
graphinu' to iirms at that port, not infrequently fail to jrive an
adequate address to which replies should be sent. It should be
not^d that telegraphic or abbreviated addresses are not accepted by
the Russian postal authorities, and that, consequently, it is im-
possible for the persons who receive such telegrrams to answer
them. Mr. Hodgson adds thpt local firms do not have telegraphic
address lists, and it is therefore advisable that full addresses
should be g-iven to firms to whom senders of telegrams are
ttnknown. — Jimtrd of Trade Jonrnal.

LIGHTING AND POWER NOTES.

Abertillery. — Price Increase. — The Council has decided

to increase the price of electricity by Id. per unit.

Australia. — The Brunswick Council (Victoria) has
decided to float a loan of £.5,000 for the purpose of extending the
electric lighting .scheme.

The Xarrabri t^'.S.W.") Municipal Council will shortly take a
plebiscite of the ratepayers on the question of borrowing £7,500 to
finance an electric supply scheme for the town.

The South Australian Government proposes submitting to Parlia-
ment an amendment of the Adelaide Municipal Tramway Bill, so as
to enable the Tramways Trust to supply power for electric lighting
to its constituent Corporations and District Councils, and to private
consumers. — Tenders.

Aylesbury. — The electrical engineer has reported that the

Diesel engines have been successfully run on tar oil, and .5,200
gallons of the oil had been stored.

Bahia. — A" .A.merican Consul reports that practically

nothing was done throughout the past year in connection with the
large hydro-electric plant under construction near Bahia.

Barnes. — At the meeting of the U.D.C.. last week, the

electrical engineer reported an application from .the Barnes
Mechanical Works for a further supply of 100 h.p. : it was neces-
sary to la,y a special cable to the premises at an estimated cost of
£1,000. The Council decided to accede to the application, subject
to the firm providing the capital for the necessary cable.

Bradford. — The local Press, in referring to the extension

of the boiler house at the electricity works, mentions that the
demand for electricity for the past half-year shows a bigger in-
crease than in the previous 12 months, and that the supply to the
spinning and weaving industries is rapidly growing.

Chester. — Hydro-Electric Plant. — When the Elec-

tricit.v Committee's proceedings came up for confirmation at the
last meeting of the City Council it was stated that, at the request
of the Ministry of Munitions, the work of adding a 12-in. curb to
the weir, negotiations for which had been in progress several
months, was now to be carried out. It is expected that this will
result in a saving of 1.20O tons of coal a year.

Christchurch. — Electricity Prices. — With reference to

the proposed increase of 10 per cent, on the contract price for
electricity supplied by the Bournemouth and Poole Electric Supply
Co.. the B. of G. has offered to pay during the duration of the war
an additional 5 per cent, on the electricity consumed, such addi-
tional payment to be the maximum, and to run from January 1st.
1 9 1 rt. to the end of the war, or for such lesser time as the company
shall impose, the offer to be without prejudice to the terms of the
contract.

Continental. — Spain. — Application has been made for a

concession to utilise the water power of the River Inola at Salardu
(Province of Lerida) in the generation of electrical energy for
lighting and power purposes in the district.

Dewsbury. — Revised Chahges. — The Electricity and

Tramways Committee proposes the adoption of a new tariff for
electricity supply to the Ravensthorpe district, under which the
charges are to be 4d. per unit, plus 10 per cent., for lighting ; for
power. 2Jd. per unit for one hour per day of the consumer's
maximum demand, and a id. per unit for all energy used above
that quantity, plus 1.5 per cent. : 2 J per cent, discount is allowed
for prompt payment.

Doncaster. — Year's " Workkg. — For the year ended
March 31st, there was a deficiency of £263 on the electricity under-
taking compared with a surplus in the previous year of £1,295.

Eastbourne. — Slot Meters. — The Electricity Com-
mittee has adopted a suggestion by the engineer with regard to the
supply through slot meters (which before the increase in charges
was at the rate of 6d. per unit, as compared with the ordinary flat
rate of 5d.. no meter rent being chai-ged). that as it would be an
expensive matter to alter the mechanism to adapt the meters for the
increased price, a meter rent of 6s. per annum, or Is. 6d. per
quarter, be charged those consumers obtaining their supply through
slot meters. During the past year, the engineer reported, the con-
sumption by 79 slot meters was 5.032 units, an average of 63'7 units
">2r meter, which, at a Id. per unit. r»presented 5s, 4d, per annum.

Ebbw Vale. — Owing to the large number of new con-
sumers there has been practically no decrease in the revenue of the
U.D.C. electricity undertaking, and at present there is no necessity
to increase the tariff rates.

Erith. — Proposed Loans. — The U.D.C. has decided to

negotiate for loans of £1.300 and £+,000 for electricity purposes,
- these sums t)eing iinspent balances of sanctions by the L.G.B. in
July, 1912.

Edinburgh. — Figures furnished by the Corporation
Electric Lighting Department indicate a substantial reduction in
the electric lighting as a result of the Summer Time Act. The
decrease from May 21st last is 13 per cent, as compared with the
corresponding period of last year. On the other hand, there has
been a large increase in the amount of electricity required for
power purposes, resulting in a total net increase of 8 per cent, in
the amount of electricity supplied by the Corporation.

Falkirk. — Treasurer Gilchrist, moving the adoption of

the Finance Committee's report on the estimates of income and
expenditure for the .year 1916-1917, stated that last year there was
a loss in the electricity department of £ 1 56, and vmless the price
of electricity were raised there would be a loss again this year. It
was therefore recommended that the cost of electricity for lighting
be increased by 5 per cent, and for power by 10 per cent. This
would mean an estimated additional income of £5t6, which would
be sufficient to meet the expenditure of the department and leave a
balance of £ 1 72.

Gravesend. — Sale of Plant. — The T.C. has accepted

an offer from the Piggott Electrical Co. of £S25 for the purchase
of the Xo. 1 generating set. used as a stand-by. and not run for the
past two or three years. It will be replaced after the war by a
larger set.

Haslingden. — The Corporation has agreed to supply

electricity to Messrs. J. Perritt i: Sons' premises at Helmshore.

The Tramways and Electricit.y Committee has deferred con-
sideration of the question of the department supplying electrical
apparatus to consumers, pending inquiries from neighbouring
authorities.

Hornsey. — The T.C. has made an arrangement with the

Great Northern Railway Co. for the disposal of clinker and ashes
from the electricity works, necessitating the construction of a
gangway from the works to the siding, at an estimated cost of
£ 1 5, and the Council is to make an annual payment of £ 1 to the
company for the use of it.

Ilford. — Plant Extension. — A Special Committee of

the U.D.C. reports that the electrical engineer has submitted pre-
liminary tenders for the provision of main and sub-station plant,
cable and conduits required in connection with the utilisation of
the steam at the refuse destructor, for directly augmenting the
supply of current to the eastern side of the district, instead of
transmitting it in the first instance to the Ley Street works.
Application is to be made to the L.G.B. for sanction of the borrow-
ing of £10,000 for the necessary plant and building.

Kingston-on-Thames. — Year's AVorking. — The annual

report on the Council's electricity undertaking to March 31st last
shows a deficit of £629 on the .vear. as compared with a loss of
£1,295 in 1915. The total receipts from the commencement of
supply in 1893 have been £209.716. ; the total exjienditure on works
cost excluding capital repayments, amounted to £129.492; and
after repayment of principal and interest, there was a deficit on
the full period of working of £18,745. The electrical engineer
reports that the two horizontal Diesel engines had worked satis-
factorily throughout the year, the fuel costs per unit generated
being only ■464d.. against 3286d. per unit for coal for the steam
plant. The chairman of the Electricity Committee stated that
although the report was more favourable than the previous one,
he was bound to draw the attention of the Council to what might
be in store for it in the future. Daylight saving had made a great
deal of difference to the revenue : in consequence of an accident to
one of the Diesel engines, they would not be able to use it again
until February or March, and the expenditure on coal, through
having to use more steam, had gone up seriously. In additiou,
there was the cost of the new crankshaft, about £1,000, which he
anticipated would have to be paid out of revenue.

London. — Hammersmith.— The L.C.C. has sanctioned
the borrowing of £650 for the purchase of a site for a sub-station.
It is proposed that Messrs. Callenders carry out the cable work, at
the cost of £628 in connection with the bulk supply to the Chis-
wick Electric Supply Corporation. In connection with the
pumping of coal from the Council's wharf to the electricity works,
arrangements have been made with the Port, of London Authority
for the use of the Thames water for this purpose.

Northampton. — Price Increase.— The local Electric

Light and Power Co. has temporarily further advanced the price
of current for lighting- and heating by 10 per cent., and for power
by 12i per cent., as from the Michaelmas meter readings.

Preston. — -Workhouse Lighting. — A new 55-kw.

generating set. installed at Fulwood Workhouse, was formally
started on Friday, last week, by the senior Lady Guardian.

Salford. — The Electricity Committee proposes to enter

into an agreement with Me.ssrs.F. Smith & Co. for the supply of
current on certain conditions, including a minimum payment of
£600 per annum.

378

THE ELECTRICAL KEVIEW. LVoi. 71. No. 2.02s, ori<.i.i:.< .;, i-..u;.

Sunderland. — Plant Extension. — A sc-lienie is iiiidir

consideration of tlic Corporation for an important extension of the
plant at Hylton lioail. In his report to the Electricity and
Li?htin<r Committee. Mr. Hlnckman. the city electrical engineer,
points out that the need for an immediate cxt<>nsion is shown by
the fact that when the lar-rest tnrbine broke down last year the
works co.st.s ran np in consequence by £S..">(Hi, .and they were for
the time without any stand-by. The demand upon the undcr-
tAkinsr hi\? srrown (hiring the last 12 months by about ."^I^O KW., and
new consumers would in the near futun> further increase the load.
The extensions are estimated to cost ii t.">.24ti.

Torquay.— ri'ici'; Increask. — Tlit- T.C. has tlwided to

increase the charjre for electricity for private liffhtinpr by Jd. per
unit from the Michaelmas reading of the meters. The Electricity
Committee recommends that the question of the supply of
electricity to the Tramway Co. conseiiuent on the rise in the price
of coaJ be reopened.

Twickenham. — The Council has dcfliiiod to meet the

proposed increa.sed charges of the Twickenham and Te<ldington
E.S. Co. on the ground that the jirice of energy for imblic lighting
(which the Council interprets as lighting on its property) is
limited by agreement to 2Jd. per unit.

The Council h.-is lieen recommended by its Committee to give the
company six months' notice of termination of a licence for an
overhead line, the company to remove the latter at the end of that
period. This .action apjiarently follows on a report by the surveyor
that the overhe.otl line had been rencwe<i and added to without the
consent of the Council.

Walthamstow. — The T-ii;htiiijr Coniiiiiltee has considered

the report of the electrical engineer as to the result of the official
tests carried out on the Ljnngstrom turbine plant, and has instructed
him to report further before finally taking over the plant at the
expiration of the maintenance period.

Wednesbury. — Proposed Loan. — The T.C. on l\[onday,

decided to apply to the L.ti.B. tor sanction to borrow £"),on(i for
electricity developments.

Wimbledon. — Price Increa.se. — The Electric Lightin<;
Committee has resolved that, on and after the date of the next
reading of the meters, the charges for supply to ordinary con-
sumers of Wimbledon and Merton. and for the hire of meters be
increased by a further 1.5 per cent., making a total increase of
25 per cent., and that the prices to be charged to ordinary con-
sumers in Maidens and Coomlje be increased to fid. per unit for
lighting purposes, and to Ijd. per unit for power, heating and
cooking purposes, and that the charge for meter rents in the last-
mentioned area be increased by 25 per cent. To secure more
efficient working of the Curtis turbo-alternator, a new governor is
to be fitted at a cost of £80.

TRAMWAY and RAILWAY NOTES.

Aberdeen. — The Corporation tramway men have applied

for an increiuse of wages.

Australia. — In the report of the Chief Commissioner of
the Xew South Wales Government tramways for the .year ended
June 30th. 1916. it is stated that the^total output of electriqal
energy for the year was 94,352.417 KW.-hours, of which the
alternating current gave 93,6fi2,028 and the direct current 690.389
KW.-hours. On comparison with the previous year, the total
output shows an increase of 797,858 KW.-hours. or 0'85 per cent.
With regard to the new power house at White Bay. it is stated that
six additional Babcock 4: Wilcox boilers, making eight in all,,
complete with economisers, fans, and chimneys, have been erected
and put into service as required. Twenty miles of trolley wire on
the City lines and l^ miles on the North Sydney lines have been
renewed. Five miles of high-tension transmission cable have been
erected between White Bay power house and Burwood sub-station.
Nine miles of low-tension feeder cable have been erected overhead
and 101 miles laid underground on the City lines.

Barnsley. — The Barnsley and District Electric Traction
Co. has reopened its motor-coach service between Barnsley,
Goldthorpe, .and Doncaster on Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays and
Saturdays onl.y ; the service includes parcel delivery.

Blackpool. — Tlie lease of the tramway between the Grand

Hotel and Squire's Gate, at present held by Lytham and St. Anne's
Tramway Co., expires in July next, and as the Corporation proposes
adding this to the routes under its own control, negotiations are in
progress with a view to the Lytham and St. Anne's Co. having
running powers over this section, as well as over that portion from
the Central Station to the Grand Hotel.

Bradford. — Wages. — The Tramways Committee, on
Monday night, gave further consideration to the application of
the employes for another advance in wages, involving a revision
of the entire scale of pay. and an extra cost to the city estimated at
£21.000 per year, and decided to refer the question for settlement
to the Committee on Production. The application affects over
1,000 employes, who want permanent advances varying from 5 to

l."i per cent, in addition to the present war iKinuses. which range
Iriim 3s. to 48. |)er week. The increased cost of living is the
grounil of their demand.

Brighton. — .Vccidrnt. — On S:it unlay last, a ])a.ssoni;er

accidentally struck a tramway gong during the temporary absence
of the driver, and the conductress, thinking this wa-s the signal to
start, released the brakes, with the result that the car ran away
down (Jueen's Roiui, eventually leaving the rails and colliding with
a building. The p.assengers kept their scats and escaped injury.

Chester. — Track Renewal. — The city surveyor is to
prepare a report and estim.atc of cost of relaying the tramway
track where necessary, and the electrical engineer is to submit
afterwards a detailed report and estimate of the cost of buying the
tramway undertaking np to date, and of alternative methods of
traction.

Doncaster. — Year's Workino. — The surplus on the
tramway unilertaking for the year ended March 3lRt has fallen to
,i;756 from 4:2.855.

Edinburgh. — Ariutration I'roceedinos. — t'ertain

matters which are in dispute between the Tramway Committee and
the Tramw.ay Co. are to be submitted to .Sir Alex. Kennedy, the
arbiter under the lease, which expires in three years. The
jjoints of reference relate to the condition of the lines, and par-
ticularly to a ver.y large section which the Committee ha<l called
upon the company to put in good order, a request which the com-
pany had refused. The proposed reference will, it is expected,
clear the way for more rapid progress in the negotiations with the
company on the whole question.

Glasgow. — A Corporation car. in charge of a woman

driver, jumped the points in Dumbarton Road, shortl.v before mid-
night on Saturday last, and before it could be stopped, ran into a
shop, one or two people being injured.

Hanweli. — At the meeting of the r.D.C. last week, it

it was reported that the London ITniled Tramway Co. proposed
taking up the rails in Lower Boston Road for repairing purposes
elsewhere, and had asked that this action should not be considered
as an abandonment of the, at present, unused line. It was decided
to assent to the proposal .

Ilford. — Vehicle I;IOHTs. — The tramway nianagcer
reports that the police authorities have now definitely decided to
press tramwa,ys to carry out the new Lights on Vehicles Order to
the fullest extent, and two white lights in front of the car, at the
extreme corners, and one red light at the extreme off-side corner
at the rear, have now to be shown. To carry this out he is fixing
a considerable number of carriage lanterns purchased some time
ago. In addition, he has found it necessary to buy twin-wire and
special lamps and lampholders. The work will cost at least £50,
and considerable alteration will have to be made to the wiring
of the cars.

Leeds. — Accident. — Twenty-two persons were more or

less injured in a collision between two cars on Wednesday night,
last week, owing to one of them which, having got out of control
near the Wortley terminus, ran down an incline and crashed
into a car coming lip a single line. The cars became interlocked
and together ran down the hill, by good chance keeping the
metals, until they ran off the line at the terminus, but fortunately
did not overturn. Several passengers jumped off unhurt, and the
driver of' the runaway car was thrown off his platform without
injury : only five persons had to be taken to the infirmary.

Leyton. — Vehicle Lights. &c. — The tramway manager

has Vieen authorised to alter the lights on cars to conform to the new
lighting regulations. The cost is estimated at £55. The Great
Eastern Railway Co. proposes to strengthen the approaches to the
bridge carrying Lea Bridge Road over the railway, and as it is con-
sidered that the proposed work w.as rendered necessary owing to the
cars on the tramway over the bridge, the Council ha-s been asked if
it will admit liability for payment of the expense to which the
company will he put. The Legal and Parliamentary Committee of
the Council is to report on this matter.

London. — North London Electrification. — The

Broad Street to Richmond electric train service was brought into
use on Sunday last ; a saving of 10 minutes has been made on the
old journey time.

Sodth-Westerx Electrification. — The opening of the
Waterloo to Claygate electric train service, which was to have
taken place on Sunday, has been postponed. ,

Newport. — Collision. — Two cars came into collision on

Saturday night, owing to a driver leaving a car. which started off
uncontrolled. No passengers were hurt.

New Zealand. — In the railway statement for the year

ended March 31st. 1916. presented by the Hon. W. H. Herries,
Minister of Railways, it is shown that the particulars of expendi-
ture on electric block working, telegraph and telephone facilities,
and electric lighting for the ,year totalled £14,762 for new work ;
whilst maintenance was responsible for £15.857. During the
year electric lighting has been installed at five additional stations,
10 railway dwellings, and in numerous buildings and goods yards.
An electric engine-traverser was installed at Linwod, and the
electrification of a 20-ton overhead crane in the boiler shop at Petone
was also carried out. The installation of electric motors and trans-
formers for Newmarket workshops is, it is added, in hand.

Vol. ::». Xo. 2,02S, October 6. iPlfiJ THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

379

The Invercargrill Municipal Trannvay Department is increasinfr
its power !.'eneratin{r plant, which at times is fully loiuled. and
tenders are .shortly to be invited for two additional boilers of 2.1100
sq. ft. heating^ surface, and a 2.300-volt, 750-KW. turbo-alternator.

Northampton. — The B. of T. has extended to August,

1917. the period for the construction of the tramways authorised
by the Northampton Corporation Act. 1311. The Tramways
Committee has decided to inform the L.G.B. that it has no works
which are likely to be carried out immediately on the termination
of the war.

CONTRACTS OPEN and CLOSED.

OPEN.

Australia. — Sydney .January 22nd. IfllT. Electric^al

plant (converter, battery, booster, and switchboards) for the
Castlereajrh Street sub-station, for the Slunicipal Council. Specifi-
cation from E.L. Department. Town Hall.*

October 17th. For the Deputy P.M.G. (1) Sleeves and tapes
iSchedule Xo. 1.355). and (2) 3,100 stay-rods, with low tig^hteners
(Schedule Xo. 1,359).'

Melbourne. — October 18th. Victorian Government Railways.
Electric time releasing mechanisms for automatic sio:nallin<r (Cont.
No. 30.3-13).* — November 1st. 50,000 yellow flame arc carbons.'

October 31st and Xovember 8th. Deputy P.M.G. Telephone
parts : switchboard ; instruments, A:c. Schedules Xos. 1,363, 1.3fU.
and I.3(;s.*

December 11th. City Council. Supply and erection of coal
transporter plant. See " Official Notices "' September 15th.

Pkrth. — November 8th. P.M.G. Accumulator pajts (Schedule
v.'7 W.A.).*

South .\ustralia. — Xovember loth. P.M.G.'s Department.
Automatic switchl)oards and all associated apparatus, for telephone
exchanges. Brighton and Glenelg.

Johannesburg. — Municipal Council. Twelve gross of

carbon brushes for electric motors. (Contract Xo. 178.)*

New Zealand. — Wellington. October 11th. Public
Service Stores Tender Board. 1,000 magneto extension bells, 1,000
ohms.*

Specifications for the items marked ' can be seen at the Board
of Trade Commercial Intelligence Branch in London.

CLOSED.

Aylesbury, — U.D.C. Maintenance of battery. Chloride Co.

Bradford-— B. of G. Jlessrs. T. Broadbent & Sons, a
48-in. electrically-driven hydro extractor (£197) for the workhouse
laundry.

Derby. — T.C. Accepted tenders : —

R. Wade & Sons.— Poles, £134.

B.I. & Helsby Cables, Ltd.— .-Vrmoured cable. £2,990; copper cable, £500 ;

sundry materials, £50.
British Thomson-Houston Co., Ltd. — Switchgear, £253 : extension of main

station switchboard, £262.
British Electric TiansformerCo., Ltd.— 373-KW. transformer, £286 ; 150-Kw.

ditto. £160.

Hebden Bridge. — U.D.C. Messrs. Connolly Bros.. Ltd..

(I'll yards of cable ; Mr. 0. Watson, for laying the same.

Ilford. — In reference to the current contract with Messrs.

A. Foster i: Co. for 50(7 tons of Graigola large Welsh coal, at 2Ss. 5d.
per ton. the Electricity Committee reports having been notified by
the contractors that the price is to lie increased by :!s. 6d. per ton,
under the Price of Coal tLimitation) Act.

Kingston (Surrey). — The following tenders have been

accepted for coal to the electricity works : —

Spencer Whatley, Ltd. — 12 trucks (approximately 110 tonst South Leicester
li-in. main nutty slack, 20s. 7d. per ton : and 12 trucks South Leicester
iS-in. deep nutty slack, 21s. 7d.
E. Foster & Co.— 1.200 tons Snibston Ij-in. slack, 22s. Id. per ton (delivered
11X1 tons per month over 12 months} ; and 1,200 tons Bolsover nutty
slack, 22s. 9d. (dittol.

London. — Hamjiehsmith. — The Electricity Committee

recommends the acceptance of the offer of Messrs. W. H. Bowater
for 100 tons weekly for 12 months of Holly Bank slack coal, at 21s. Kd.
per ton delivered at Shepherd's Bush, or at 23s. per ton at Chan-
cellor's Wharf ; and of Messrs. Cory Bros. & Co. for 100 tons per
week to end of Decemljer, 1916, of Aberclyd small coal, at 27s. per
ton alongside wharf.

Maidenhead. — T.C. Crynant Colliery Co., Ltd., 600

tons of large Welsh steam coal. Messrs. George Hinchliffe & Co..

lO'i tjns of large Llydcoad Welsh coal.

Salford. — Tramways Committee. Messrs. Isaac Bentley

and Co.. Ltd., for a six months' supply of oils and paints. £600.

The Electricity Committee is accepting the tender of the British
Westinghouse Co.. at £275. for equipping a blank cubicle with
H.T. switchgear, together with the necessary control panel, in
connection with a 1.000-kw. rotary converter recently supplied
by them.

Walthamstow. — Lighting Committee. Accepted offers :

Cleeves ^^ Co. and Hinchliffe A: Co.. for a supply of Griff peat*, and
ha.s decided to allow Jlessrs, Cleeves to substitute Griff pea,s at 21s.
per ton in place of D.S. nuts at 2rts. per ton under their contract.

Wednesbury. — T.C. British Westinghouse Co., rotary
converter, t3.190. for the King's Hill district.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS.

Chief Technical Assistants' Association.— Saturday, October 7th. At the
Tavistock Hotel, Covent Garden. Discussion on *' .Advantages and Dis-
advantages of Electrical and Steam-driven .-Auxiliaries, " opened by
Mr, Thompson.

Association of Mining and Electrical Engineers.— Saturday, October 7th.

.\t the .Midland Hotel, JIanchester. General Council and annual meeting.
Salford Technical and Engineering Association.— Saturday. October 7th.

At 7 p.m. .\t the Royal Technical Institute. Lecture on " Endurance of

M.tals under Varying Strissts," by Mr. J. H. Meulen.
Association of Engineers in-Charge.—W'ednesday, October nth. At 8 p.m.

.\t St. Bride's Institute, Bride Lane, B.C. Presidential address by Mr.

F. Bailey. '

Electro-Harmonic Society.— Friday, October 13th. At 8 p.m. At Holbom
Restaurant (King's Hall). Smoking concert. (See " Notes " to-day.)

NOTES.

Electric Tipping-Wagon Costs. — The last issue of the

Electiii- Vfhicle contains, amongst other interesting matter, some
data regarding the operation of the 3-ton 6.V. electric vehicle, fitted
with a tipping body and alternative 650-gallon tank for ro^d
sprinkling, which has been in use for some time by the Ipswich
Corporation. For the year ended March 3 1st last, the vehicle
covered 6.151 mUes. and carried an estimated load of over 9,000
tons.

The actual expenses incurred were : — Garage, £18 Is. : repairs,
oil. £1 Us. ; electricity (7,961 miits), £36- 9s. 9d. : wages,
£75 16s. Sd. : interest (on £958 10s.). £47 18s. 6d. : depreciation
(less battery and tires). 10 years" life, £71 19s. : tire depreciation
(8.000 miles' life). £38 10s. ; battery renewal (two years'
guarantee). £94 10s. : insurance and diivers licence, £8 14s. 8d. :
making a total of £396 Ills. 7d.

It is expected that the battery (Ironclad B^ide) will outlast the
two .vears' guarantee, and the tires might have covered over S.OOO
miles had they not rtm over unmade roads, kc. Experience shows
that the vehicle is very reliable and economical, and so simple to
drive that any intelligent laboirrer or horseman can be taught all
there is to learn in a few hours. Its handiness in negotiating con-
gested streets and in manoeuvring to loading and tipping places is
a great advantage.

Resuscitation after Electrical Shoclt.— In the last

number of the X. E. L. A. Bulletin. Mr. W. P. Strickland, general
inspector of the New York and Queen's Electric Light and Power
Co.. of New York City, says : —

Rtcently one of our foremen, after climbing a pole, preparatory
to stringing primary wires, received a shock that caused him to fall
to the ground. It is inferred that in adjusting his belt and shifting
his position, his spur cut out. .and that, to save himself, he
instinctively reached out and touched the wires earring 2.300 volts.
When the other linemen and groimd hands reached him. to all
appearances the man was dead. One of the linemen, following
instructions, immediately took hold of the ankles of the limp
body, lifting it imtil the whole weight rested on the neck, and
then letting it fall. He then took a pair of connectoi^. and
hammered the soles of the injured man's feet without removing
his shoes. Another lineman opened the man's mouth, pulled
forward the swallowed tongue (which occurs in electric shock"),
and was about to begin the Schaefer prone method of resuscitation,
when the man returned to life. He was removed to the hospital,
and is alive and well to-day. though suffering severely from his
burns.

For the past year the writer has been teaching his men to strike
the feet without removing the shoes in all cases of electric shock.
Some years ago an accident occurred where a man came in
contact with 6.600 volts, fell from the pole, and was restored to
consciousness by this means, although he was terribly burned, and
died three days later. Another accident that camt to the writer's
attention happened in Xew .lersey, when a man came in contact
with a wirCcarrying 2,200 volts. This man was struck violently on the
feet, his tongue was pulled forward, and he was restored to con-
sciousness before the arrival of the doctor. — Electriral Rerieic and
Wf.4erii Electrician.

Ozone in Military Surgery. — A novel method of treat-
ment for wounds, involving the use of ozone, has recently given
remarkable results. Wounds which have defied the ordinary
methods have quickly yielded to the new treatment, which consists
in dispensing with bandages, subjecting the wounds to repeated
applications of a stream of ozonised oxygen, and covering them
only with a loose layer of lint in the" intervals. The painful
process of removing and replacing bandages is thus obviated, and
healing takes place rapidly without undue inconvenience to the
patient. The ozone is generated by electrical means.

380

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW. [v„i. :■,.. n.,. 2,o2,*. octoh^k

Axial Exhaust for Ljungstrom Turbine.— A recent patent

describes the addition of radial blades to a Ljunsrstrom turbine, as
shown at A A in the accompanyin;.' sketch. The jruide piece B B
splits the disk of steam issuintr radially from the regulai-
Ljungstrom blade system and turns it to cither side, causintr it to
pass axially throujrh the blade sy.stem A. In the sketch, only one
row of stationary gruide blades on either side, and one row of

Section Showixo Eadial Blades.

moving blades attached to either rim of the revolving element, are
shown, although more could be used if desirable. A full area is
thus obtained for the final exit of the steam, permitting more com-
plete expansion, or, in other words, reducing the " leaving loss."
The greater velocity of the blade allows of a greater velocity of
steam flow with the same efficiency, which conduces to the same
end. The radial disposition of the blades reduces to a minimum
the difficulties due to centrifugal force. — Pnwpr.

Electric Lighting in Motor Garages.— A radical change

has recently been made in the rules of the American National
Board of Fire Underwriters govei'ning the installation and use of
electric light and electrical devices in motor garages. The new
rules are not enforced in garages which can only accommodate one
or two cars. They provide that in any portion of a building in
which .self-propelled vehicles carrying volatile inflammable liquid
are kept, and any portion of the building that is on or below the
floor or floors on which such vehicles aje kept, which is not
separated therefrom by tight, unpierced fire-walls or fire-resisting
walls, all wiring must be done in appi-oved metal conduit or
armoured cable, and because of the danger from inflammable
vapour, which always seeks a low level, all cut-outs, switches,
switchboards, outlet boxes, junction boxes, receptacles, cord
connectors, and any contact points at which a spark may be
produced by the connection or breaking of the current must be
situated at least 4 ft. from the floor. All motors and dynamos
(except those actually a part of the vehicle), unless they are of
the fully -enclosed type, and all charging panels, unless they have
all sparking points surrounded by a vapour-tight enclosure, shall
also be at least 4 ft. above the floor.

All cords for portable lamps shall be of an approved type.
designed for rough usage, and must carry the male end of a pin-
phig connector, the female end being so hung that the connector
will break apart readily in any position.

Lignite as Station Fuel. — A considerable share in con-
nection with the maintenance of the economic life of Germany
during the war has been taken by the lignite industry in different
parts of the country. In Saxony, where the establishment of a
Government monopoly of the supply of electricity is under consider-
ation, active discussion has been aroused by the purchase of extensive
lignite fields and the proposed acquisition of the Hirschfeld power
station of the Electricity Supply Co., which belongs to the A. E.G.
group, and which procures fuel from the Herkules Lignite Co.
The most important undertaking, however, is in the district of
Bitterfeld, where the Electro-Works Co. (late Golpa-Jessnitz
Lignite Works) is under an obligation to deliver 500,000,000 KW.-
hours per annum to the Imperial Government nitrate works and
2,-)0,000.u00 K\v. -hours to the Electro-Saltpetre ^orks. The develop-
ment of the Bitterfeld district during the war is reported to have
been so great that many industries have been established there, and
the time is foreseen when the rich lignite deposits will no longer
be partially converted into briquettes for domestic consumption,
but will be used entirely in connection with the production of power
for the electrochemical industry and for the recovery of by-
products.

Canada Produces Electrolytic Copper. — The U.S.

Consul at Femie. British Columbia, states that the first pure
copper known to the trade as electrolytic copper was turned out at
the new copper refinery in Trail. British Columbia, on August
20th. IHU; :— -The electric current was switched on to some of the
tanks containing the copper anodes, and the pure metal, the gold
and silver values being left in the slimes, was the result. In the
near future a daily production of 10 tons is expected. This is the
only place in Canada where pure copper has been made."

Nev Zinc Industry in Norway. — .Vccordinp; to a U.S.

Consular report, new works are about to be started at Drammen
for the extraction of zinc by an electric wet process, invented by a
Belgian engineer, llnw materials for the first year, about 10,000
tons, have been secured, and special attention will be paid to ores
containing from 8 to 30 percent, zinc, which have hitherto been
considered worthless.

Sulphite Refuse as Fuel. — A factory is to be erected at
Greaker, in Sweden, for the utilisation of refuse from sulphite. A
Swedish engineer has invented a method for extracting a substance ,
from sulphite lye which, in powdered form, will be made into i
briquettes and used as fuel. It is claimed that the powder thus I
formed yields ti.ood calories [ler kg., while the best English coalj
gives 7,000.

The Mechanism of Light Production in Animals. — 1 hisj

subject h,HS recently been further invf.stigated by Prof. E. Newton j
Harvey, at Tokio. who gives a short account of his researches in j
Srieucf. He finds that the dried and powdered luminous organs of j
the firefly behave like the compound lophin (triphenylglyoxaline)l
investigated by Radziszewski, which, if hydmlyspd in the presence'
of oxygen by alcoholic potai!sium hydrate, emits light with the
formation of benzoic acid and ammonia ; in the alisence of oxygen,
no light is produced, and benzaldehyde is formed instead of benzoic
acid ; the alkali acts as a catalyser.

In the firefly it is natural to suppose that an organic catalyser,
an enzyme, is concerned in light production, and Prof. Harvey
states that the existence of such an enzyme has been definitely
proved. He gives the credit of the discovery entirely to Prof.
Raphael Dubois, of the University of Lyons, who experimented on
the subject in 1884, but whose work has received little attention.
He confirms Dubois's discovery that two substances are present in
the luminous organs of Pi/rn/i/mrux nontihiciis, the West Indian
cucuUo ; a thermostabile substance, luciferin, which oxidises with
light production, and a thermolabile enzyme, luciferase. In 1887,
Dubois showed that the same was true for the luminous mollusc,
Phdlnx dart 1/ 1 IIS. and Prof, Harvey has isolated these substances
derived from various sources. Luciferin of one form will act with
luciferase of another, and lirr rei-.tti. in producing luminescence,
but whether the hiciferin and luciferase of all forms are identical
is still an open question. Mr. Harvey has recently discovered that
pyrogallol will produce light with vegetable oxidases (potato or
turnip juice) on the addition of hydrogen peroxide ; as little as one
part of pyrogallol in 2.54.00(1 parts of water gives perceptible light,
and the behaviour of the substances is closel.y analogous to that of
the animal products, the p.yrogallol + HjOj corresponding to
luciferin and the vegetable oxidase to luciferase. He conoludes
that the problem of bioluminescence has been solved in its broad
aspects, though it will take some time to fill in the details.

The subject has always been of interest to electrical engineers
in its bearing upon the future of electric lighting.

A Large Chain Drive. — In the Aniprirnn Mnrhinlaf a

description is given of a hydroelectric plant in which a silent-
chain drive is employed to transmit no less than o.OllO H.P. The
in.stallation is situated on the Snake River, Oregon, where a fall of
21 ft. is available : it was originally intended to increase the head
to 42 ft., and the power plant had been purchased for that head,
when funds ran short, and the owners were unable to build the
necessary dam. On the advice of Prof. J. R. Allen, it was decided
to make the best of the circumstances by gearing two turbines^-
running at the speed corresponding to the reduced head, to on

Chains Tra.nsmittixg 2,J00 H.r.

generator running at its designed speed. Gear wheels could not be
used, ornng to the space and cost required, and. with some mis-
givings, the use of chains was decided upon, as involving the least
cost and space, A view of the four chains employed to transmit
the power of one turbine is given herewith ; each chain is 21 in.
wide, of 2 in. pitch, and the distance between centres is 129 in.
The chains, made by the Morse Chain Co.. run at l,7fi.") ft. per
minute, and are almost noiseless. The plant has been running for
two .vears without giving any trouble.

Vol. 70. Xo. 2,n28, October 6, i^ie.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW,

381

" The Delineation of Internal Organs by an Electrical

Method." — An article which appeared in the Brifi^h- Medical
Journal under this title, on Saturday last, has been much
quoted in the lay Press, and, coming from such a source, cannot be
lightly regarded. The claims that are made for the method are,
however, so extraordinary, and the means by which the results are
obtained are so obscure and vaouely described, that we must
express the gravest doubts as to the trustworthiness of the
account.

A lengthy but unconvincing description of the apparatus
employed is given by oui- contemporary, together with repro-
. ductionsof diagrams or pictures reported to be obtained by the pro-
cess, which are equally lacking in verisimilitude. Without following
the original account in detail, we may briefly say that two batteries,
A and B, are employed, of " equal strength, together with a means by
which alternations in their currents can be produced and varied at
will." Battery A is connected toa metal screen .\. 1 S in. by 1 2 in., which
stands vertically on a pedestal near, but not fondling, the patient's
body. Battery B is connected to a screen B. which is supported
horizontally 4 or 5 ft. above the centre of screen A. " The primary
result of this arrangement is that any electrical field emanating
from screen A is always at right-angles to that of screen B. The
fields themselves are respectively charged by the currents derived
from the batteries A and B with their alternating interrupters.
Consequently, it is open to the operator to choose at will the
section of the body which shall be brought within the influence of
the combined electrical fields, as also the plane of the body which
the lines of force in field A shall affect." Another curious state-
ment is that " at given instants of time during the operation of the
appliances, the current in electrode B is very unstable, con-
sequently it has placed around it a wire coil, which insulates
it from atmospheric electricity." The patient having been
placed in the right position, quite close and head on
to screen A, and -with the affected organ directly under
screen B, though at a considerable distance from it. a wax sheet is
placed upon a recording cylinder and " the currents from batteries
A and B are simultaneously released." The recording cylinder
revolves under a stylus called " the hammer needle." which
traverses the cylinder ta-ice from end to end ; the currents are
then cut off. '' ^VTiat has happened in the meantime is that the
current from battery A has reached electrode A, and has thence
been projected horizontally from all parts of screen A as an electric
field." The same thing is said of screen B. except that the direc-
tion of the field is " vertically downwards." " What has also
happened is that the two fields have met at right angles, and as they
are of precisely equal strength, and are synchronised in respect of
alternations, it might be expected that they would have precisely
neutralised one another, ajid that consequently no exhibition of
dynamic force would be obtainable from them. But in practice
this is not what occurs." We should think not. It would be
interesting to see any kinds of fields at right angles neutralise one
another. But these electric fields are new to our experience, and
we learn that in practice " an effective current from below always
manages to reach electrode B. and thence passes to the detector."
The result is a diagram on the revolving wax sheet " which pre-
cisely resembles the outline of the living tissues lying vertically
' below screen B."

The writer remarks that " when the results are compared ■wit>h
the visible means by which they are reached, they seem at first
quite incomprehensible, if not incredible." We ag-ree. The
inventor, we are informed, " believes that the results are primarily
due to the fact that the process intei-poses between two alternating
electric fields of equal strength — am/ at the precixe point n-liere they
meet— a third electric field, whose facultative potential force is thus
released, and can be converted into dynamic power. It is this
released circuit which operates the recording needle, and the
pattern tapped out on the revolving cylinder vai-ies with the shape
of the organ furnishing that circuit." The italics are ours.

The writer remarks that the foregoing is one legitimate way of
summarising the inventor's view in simple language. It is, indeed,
simple, with the exception of the word " facultative," the bearing-
of which upon the subject is obscure. But '' another would be to
I say that the force operating- the needle is the balance of current
I which remains after the horizontal current from electrode A. rein-
forced by the electricity contained in the organ through which it
has passed, has met the descending current emanating from
electrode B." Without tiring the reader with further quotations,
we may point out that the author of these incantations obviously
has no conception of the configuration of electric fields or of their
1 properties : he has utterly mistaken and distorted ideas regarding
electric circuits and currents, and, if he is not misquoted, confuses
these two terms : no intelligible particulars of the recording
mechanism are given, and the electrical connections are only
vaguely suggested. That such an equipment could by any possi-
bility produce a definite representation of any part of the body or
of anything else in the world, is utterly unbelievable ; the language
is that of quackery from start to finish, and we fear our esteemed
contemporary has fallen a victim to a stupid or malicious
imposture.

Claim by the Victoria Falls Power Co. — In an action

recently begun in the local division of the Supreme Court, the
■Victoria Falls Power Co. sued the Brakpan Mines. Ltd.. and the
Consolidated Mines Selection, Ltd., for £692, the balance unpaid
of an amount of ,C2,S21 for steam energy supplied by the plaintiffs
during August, 11H4. in terms of a contract dated March 9th, 1910,
entered into Ijetween the plaintiffs, the Consolidated Mines Selec-
tion Co. and the Brakpan Mines, Ltd.

According to a report in a South African newspaper, plaintiffs
further sought to recover £1,7.53, payments made to the defendants

between July, 191.S, and February. 1914, under, it is alleged, a
mistake of fact in the belief that the contract mentioned contained
a clause entitling the defendants to a rebate on the prices for
steam energy, whereas the contract contained no such clause.

Defendants in their plea said it had been agreed between the
parties to the contract that the terms of the agreement to be
drawn up should not be more favourable to the Brakpan Mines
than those in the agreement then in existence between the Rand
Mines Power Supply Co. and any of the Rand Mines groups, and
that the defendants should have exactly the same favourable terms
in regard to the air supply as those granted by the Rand Mines
Supply Co., Ltd., to any of the companies comprising the Rand
Mines groups. When the contract was finally completed and
signed, the clause embodying the agreement referred to was
omitted owing toa mutual mistake. Defendants pleaded that there
was a clause in the Rand Mines contract referred to, to the effect
that if there should be any increase or reduction in railway rates,
siding charges, &c.. on coal consumed by the Power Co. above or
below those ruling on January 1st, 1908, the difference in cost of
producing power occasioned thereby should be added to or deducted
from the prices specified in the contract. The amounts of £692
and £1,75.S represented rebates which, it was claimed, the plaintiffs
were bound to allow defendants by reason of reductions made in
railage charges on coal subsequent to January 1st, 1908, and which
defendants were entitled to claim.

Alternatively defendants claimed that the plaintiff company was
not entitled under the terms of the licence of the Victoria" Falls
Co. to charge higher prices than those which defendants would
have had to pay after the reductions of the £692 and £1,7.53.
The railway charges on coal consumed by the plaintiff company
had so far been reduced below those rates on January 1st, 1908,
and the defendants would be entitled to the reductions referred to.

Defendants in reconvention claimed the rectification of the
contract.

Plaintiffs in their replication denied the allegation that the
contract was not complete, and held that it was binding and final
as it stood.

The hearing was atljourned.

A 15,000-H.P. Vertical Turbine.— The electrification

plans of the Puget Sound lines of the St. Paul Railway include a
great system of power houses to supply the current necessary for
the operation of these lines : the transmission lines of the Montana
Power Co.. which has undertaken to supply the road with power,
forni a network that covers the greater part of Montana and a
portion of Idaho, not only supplying electric power for the 440
miles of railway that are being electrified, a large portion of which
is now in operation, but also furnishing power for many mining
enterprises. For this work the power company has 12 power
stations, either already developed or projected, and by a complete
-system of interconnections a constant supply of poweris insured.

These stations, which will have an ultimate capacity of 243,890
KW., supply alternating current at 100,000 volts, which at the
points where it is used is stepped down to the required pressure.
In the case of the railway, the current is utilised at 2,30ii volts by
motor-generators, which furnish direct current at 3,000 volts to
the trolley wires.

One of the smaller power stations is operated by steam turbines,
but all the rest depend on water power, and to supply this a
number of reservoirs have been established in different places;
The largest reservoir, at Hebgen, has a storage capacity of 300,000
acre-ft., located at the headwaters of the Madison Ri-rer, and this
can supply in turn the several installations on the Madison and
Missouri rivers, so that the same storage water is used a number
of times, giving an available storage capacity considerably greater
than the above figure would indicate. Besides this great reservoir
there are several auxiliary reservoirs at various points. that bring
up the total available capacity to 418,000 acre-ft.

The largest of this great system of power plants is at CJreat
Falls, Montana ; there are six turbines at this station, each rated
at 15.000 shaft H.P., that will give a combined output of 90,000 H.P,
In addition to the main turbines, there are being installed two
similar units of S50 H.p. each for driving the exciters.

The big turbine has a single runner working in a cast-iron scroll
case, and operating under a head of 150 ft., and its size may be
judged by the fact that the intake is 8 ft. in diameter. The shaft
of this turbine is vertical, and the moving pai-ts of both the turbine
and the electric generator are suspended from a thrust bearing on
the top of the generator, — Scientijic American.

Fuel Economy in the U.S.A. — The recovery of the

valuable by-products from American coke manivfacture" made big
advances in 1915, and has now attained the proportions of an
important industry. The value of these by-produc'-s last year was
nearly $30,000,000. a large increase over the previous high-water
mark of $17,500,000 in 1914, Under the spur of almost fabulous
prices for benzol products, retort coke-oven plants throughout the
coiuitry quickly installed elaborate benzol-recovery systems, and
now save the valuable oils that not very long ago were Ijeing burned or
wasted, or. if saved, were begging for a market. The benzol
products obtained in 1913 amounted to 16.()0O.657 gallons. More
than 138,000,000 gallons of tar were obtained from coke ovens, and
sold for S3,o68,384, in 1915. The ammonia brought a total of
$9,867,475 to the producers. Surplus gas to the extent of
84,356.000.000 cb. ft., valued at 88.625.(100, was sold or used. The
by-products, -which had a total value of §29,824,579, were obtained
by the carbonisation of 19,500,000 tons of coal, from which was
also obtained 14,000,000 tons of coke, valued at S48. 500.000. The
total value of the coke and by-products was more than $78,300,000,
— Science.

382

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW. |Voi. n. v.. Lvn-.-s, ocor.K,, .,, ii.n;.

Appointments Vacant. — AVdrks Lkrtrician ( 1 l's. iicr day)
for th<> Munioipaliiv of Port Elizabeth, South Africa. See our
a Ivertisfinoiit jiajri s to-dav.

Electro-Harmonic Society. — The first sniokintr comert

o' the season will lie held at the Hollwni Restaurant (King-'s Hall),
oi Friday evenitifr, October lUth. l!)lt>, commencin!; at S p.m.
The programme is as follows : — Tenor, Sajiper Frank Webster :
buss-baritone. Sapper Joseph Farrinirton ; comedian, Mr. Ben
Oiborne : humorous entertainer. Mr. Walter Churcher ; solo violin.
Siprnor Francesco Vifrliani : entertainer at the piano, Mr. Leslie
Harris : solo pianoforte and accompanist. Mr. Bernard Flanders.
A.R.A.M, Captain H. Riall Sankc.v. f.B., Kite U.K.. has kindly
consented to tiike the chair.

Electric Steel in France. — A iiuw electric steel fiiniaee

has just been brought into oiieration at a jwwcr .station of the
Tramw.ays Departementaux. where it is bcinpr used for the
smeltin^r and refining of the steel turninjirs arisinjr from the shell
factories in that i-eg-ion. The furnace, which is said to be of the
Keller type, will be able to deal with SO tons of turning's per day,
yielding 2.1 tons of steel. Power is supplied from the*Eymoutiers
Works at a pressure of HO.ddO volts, reductions to 10,000 volts and
then to 100 volts being made at the tramway station.

German Wiring Rules. — Further iiindifieatinns liiivr lieeii

niiide in the wiring .standards and practice laid down by the tlerman
Electrotechnical Union (V.D.E.). in order to effect yet further
economies in cotton and reclaimed rubber. Cotton may no longer
be used as co%'ering material for rubber-insulated zinc and
aluminium conductors of I(i sq. mm. (say. 7/16 .s.w.ri.) and larger
cross-section. In rubber-insulated zinc and aluminium wires, and
in armoured wires, a paper sheathing is now to be used over the
rubber in place of the rubber or impregnated strip, formerly pre-
scribed for the duration of the war. An earlier rule permitted the
use of paper in this connection, but did not make it compulsory.
Flexible conductors for use with counterweight fittings in low-
])re;sure installations are temporarily removed from the rules, and
will not be made until further notipe. Probably this deletion is
line to difficulty in making satisfactory conductors of this type from
"substitutional" materials, though it may, of course, be in the
nature of a war economy by suspending manufacture of a class of
wire which cannot be said to be indispensable. The Commission
recommend especially that, wherever possible, use be made of
wiring composed of materials of which there is no shortage, p.!/..
pap3r-insulated sheathed wiring. Conduit should only be installed
where absolutely essential. For the duration of the war, and for
some time thereafter, copper for wiring purposes, may have a
resistance of 20 ohms per km. per ,sq. mm. cross-section at 20° C. :
the standard on which the I.E.E. wiring table is based is
approximately. I7'."i ohms per km. per sq. mm. at 20' C.

Wages of Electricity Works Employes. — A nimilici of

men employed by the Islington Borough Council in their electric
light department applied for leaving certificates at the London
Munitions Tribunal on Tuesday, on the ground that they were not
being paid fair wag'e.s. They asked that the 7d. per hour paid to
labourers should be increased by 2d., with a proportionate increase
to gangers and handymen and Trade Union conditions for other
employes except engineers and bricklayers, whose Unions were
acting separately. It was stated that some 70 or 80 men were
involved. After a long consultation in private, the Chairman said
that the Court were of opinion that the Council ought to take into
consideration the question of whether the fair wages clause had
been observed. They were of opinion that the undertaking was
now a certified mimitions factory, and that it had been brought
under a clause which called upon it to pay a rate of wages'no less
favourable than those recognised in the district by trade societies.
The case would be adjourned, so that the Corporation might consider
the matter, and to give them an opportunity of negotiating with
the men. If at the end of the negotiations the men felt that they
had a grievance, they could come back to that Court. -.V/i/vcw//
Post.

A Remedy for Slippery Iron Plate Floors. — Writins

to the Amei-iniii Machinist, Mr. W. A. Lailer says :—

In one part of our shop we have installed a large area of sheet-
iron floor-plates that were entirely satisfactory until the corruga-
tions wore off, after which the smooth-worn plates gave consider-
able trouble owing to several nasty falls of the men that resulted
— the trouble being enhanced because of the presence of oil and
grease. Roughening the plates by means of chipping was tried,
but this could not be done very satisfactorily nor without excessive
wear on the plates.

It then occurred to us to try to corioje the plates slightly as
often as necessary, to prevent them from becoming too slippery.
Since a deep rusting effect was not desired, because of excessive
eating-away of the plates, we arranged to take care of it in the
following manner : We take a small amount of powdered salam-
moniac. which is used as a corroding agent in our work, and mix
it up thoroughly with a large quantity of fine sand. This mixture
is then sprinkled over the floor so that all parts are covered, and
then the whole mass is watered, using an ordinary sprinkling can,
and left to lie over night. In the morning the sand is swept up. a.
rust coating being produce i by the action of the salammoniac that
will last for several weeks, after which the process is repeated.

We found that this method involved less time and cost and was
more effective in eliminating danger from slippery iron plate floors
than any other of which we have h«ard

m-

I

Inquiries. — .Makers of the "V(ilr(r' hutlcry, iiiarkcrl
"S.P.S. \- S.. Ltd.." and makers of the Flauian tParis) speed
recording instruments, arc asked for,

A correspondent is anxious to get into tourh with a firm able to
supply windmills for driving dynamos.

Volunteer Notes. — First London Eng inker Volun-
teers. Hcailiinartera, Chester House, Eccleston Place, S.W
Orders for the week by Lieut.-Col. C. B. Clay, V.D., Com
raanding.

Miiiiitdij. (Moher Wli. — Technical for Platoon N(
Regency Street, Squad and Platoon Drill, Platoon No. 10. S\g>
nailing Class. Recruits' Drill, (1,2.")— 8,

Tiirxilini. Ortahri- lo/A.— School of Arms, (1—7, Lecture, 7,1
" Organisation and Discipline," Company Commander A, H.vnai
Range Practice,

Wn/iirsdai/. Ortiiher XUIi. — I^istruction Class, .5,4,'j, Platoon
Drill, Platoon No, 1, Range Practice,

.Tlnirs^aij, (Moher 12//(,— Platoon Drill, Platoon No, 7, Range
Practice.

Frii/iii/. Ortoher \?,th. — Technical for Platoon No. 10, Regency
Street. Squad and Platoon Drill, No. 9. vSignalling Class. Recruits'
Drill, (1.2.5— 8.2.TL

•Satiirdai/, Ortoher 14?/i,— General Parade, 2.4.') ; Uniform, for
Drill.

Siindai/, Ortoher \otli. — Entrenching. — Para<le Victoria Station
(S.E. & C. Railway), Booking-office, 8.4,5 a,m.

(By order) Mxrr.Eon Yearslrv, Adjiitont.

Ortoher i/h. \'.nt\.

Electrochemistry in Norway. — The Fredriksstad Elcktio-

kemiske Fabriker .\.S. ha,< increased its share capital from 3.50,000
kroner to 700,000 kroner.

The Bremenger Power Co.. whose headoflice is at Bergen, has decided
to raise its share capital from 600.000 kroner to .5,000,000 kroner.
The company also intends to utilise the Sa-lvas stream, in
Bremenger. to the extent of 21.000 turbine h.p., and to establish a
carbide factory with an estimated annual output of .SO, 000 tons of
carbide : also a cyanamide factory. The aggregate capital of the
several concerns is put at 9,000,000 kroner.

Electric Farming in Canada. — Aecordinj; to telegrapliic

information received at the office of the High Commissioner in
London for Canatla from the Minister of the Interior at Ottawa, a
large number of farmers within a radius of 50 miles of Lethbridge,
Alberta, will shortly install electrical plants for various purposes
on their farms. These plants are run by small petrol engines, and
cost from $300 to S500 (about £62 to £103) each, according to the
ixiwer generated. — Board of Trade Journal.

Fatalities. — On Satiu'day last an assistant elec-
trician named Gerald J. MacErlean, aged 18, in the employ-
ment of Mr. Stanley .Johnston, electrical engineer, Belfast, was
killed in the Inver Bleaching Works, Larne, He was carrying out
some electrical repairs in the bleach house, and while working at ■
some wires near the roof his sleeve was caught in some cogwheels.
He was found hanging over the shafting, and was dead. There
were lengths of electric wire coiled round the body. His head was
almost severed from his body.

At Peak Dale, last week, an inquiry was held into the death
of Tom Bennet, aged 3.5. a wagoner and weighman employed
by the Buxton Lime Firms CloUiery. who was found dead
in a tunnel, lying on a pipe through which an electric wire
ran. The inquiry was attended by Mr. G. Scott Ram, Elec-
trical Inspector to the Home Office, Mr. J. D. Mottram. and
Mr. W. J. Charlton. Inspectors of Mines, and Mr. A. C. Ainsworth,
for the company. Mr. T. C. GriflSths, electrical engineer for the
company, said that this particular line of wiring was there before
his time. It was to provide light for the tunnel. Verdict : " Killed
accidentally by an electrical discharge."

REVIEWS.

.4 Manual of the Hiyh-Specd Steam Engine. By H. KeAJ
Pratt, A.M.I.Mech.E. London': Constable &'Co. Price
5s. net.

The high-speed steam engine may.be said to be a direct
outcome of the activities of the electrical engineer.

When electric lighting first came into vogue the dynamos
were driven by ordinary steam engines coupled up by belt.
It was soon seen that there were many objections to this
iirrangement and that much better results, to say nothing of
space saving, should be obtained by using a direct-coupled
ejjgine, assuming that such an engine could be designed and
made to run at dynamo speed. We all know the success that
was achieved in the desired direction by Willans, Chandler,
Brotherhood, Morcom, and other distinguished engineers

Yet, in spite of the general adoption of the high-speed steajn
engine in recent years for electrical work, it is remarkable;
how little has been published about it in book form an(i'
dealing exclusively with the practical design .and running of
this type of engine. Mr. Pratt remedies the deficiency very
effectively in the 270-pase illustrated handbook under review.

ucTuBER ,;. 1.1,;.; THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW,

383

Xo designer of these engines, however standardised his
engines may have become, can fail to find in it suggestions
likely to be helpful, whilst it will be of still more general
assistance to the greater number of persons engaged in, or
responsible for, the running of these fascinating machines.

Though the volume deals primarily with the design of the
dcuble-acting, forced lubrication type of engine, the single-
acting type is also considered. The various details each have
chapters to themselves, such as .steam cylinders and adjuncts;
calves; pistons; connecting rods, piston rods, crankshafts;
baseplates and flywheels ; and governors. Materials of con-
struction, as well as foundations and election, are well dis-
cussed. The chapters on testing and on practical working
will be found speciaUy helpful to those responsible for the
gix>d perforuiaiice of these engines.

The couclutling portion of the book is devoted to descrip-
tions and illustrations — from photographs and working draw-
ings— of a selection of well-known high-speed engines, includ-
ing the .-Mien, .\lley A- MacLellan, Belliss \- Morcom. Brother-
hood, Browett A- Lindley, Bumsted \- Chandler, Chandler,
Sisson, and Willans. Tlie distinctive features of the several
de.signs are skilfully touched upon by the author, making
this chapter of value also to the potential purchaser of a
high-speed engine as well as to the designer and maker. —
G. S. S.

Arithmetic for Engineers. By Ch.as. B. Cl.\ph.\m, B.Sc. Lon-
don : Chapman &, Hall. Price as. 6d. net.

The " directly useful " technical series of text-books issued
.by Messrs. Chapman ik. Hall already includes a number of
valuable manuals for engineers, and this latest addition by
Mr. Clapham is in no way inferior to its predecessors. The
series is designed to occupy a midway position between the
usual types of theoretical and practical text books, and
Arithmetic for Engineers deals with the subjects of algebra,
mensuration, logarithms, graphs, and the slide rule with a
distinct bias towards the practical, but without entirely
neglecting the theoretical .side of these subjects.

As the author rightly points out in his preface, the title of
the book inadequately describes the contents, but the more
apt title of "Mathematics for Engineers" had already been
chosen by Mr. Rose for a more advanced treatise in the same,
series — hence this misnomer. The subjects dealt with in the
present volume are the sunpler portions of practical mathe-
matics— vulgar fractions, decimal fractions, symbols and their
uses, simple equations, logarithms, mensuration, graphs, and
the slide rule. Every section is treated in a remarkably com-
plete and painstaking manner, indicating that the author has
had considerable experience as a teacher of mathematics.
Diagrams to illu.strate the examples and worked exercises of
all kinds abound, and no detail has been thought too small
to merit careful attention. In fact, the attention to detail
is carried to such lengths as to render some parts of the book
verbose, and the necessity for more than the mere passing
mention of some of the matters to which whole paragi-aphs
are devoted seems to us quite superfluous. It is ju.st as fatal
to labour a subject overmuch as to s^iamp it unduly, and a
bix)k written so laboriously as to ensure the under.stauding of
the veriest duffer is liable to be tedious to the average student.
Mr. Clapham certainly seems to be catering for a very block-
headed type of student in some of his earlier pages ; but it is
also true that the majority of text-books on elementary mathe-
matics seriously err in the other direction — by taking far too
much for granted.

Chapters I and II deal with vulgar and decimal fractions,
and contain a multitude of examples taken from every con-
ceivable branch of engineering .science. Important paragraphs
in Chapter H deal with degree of accuracy and approxima-
tion for result — two ixjints to which it is es.sential that the
attention of all engineering .students should be directed in the
very early stages of their mathematical training.

The chapter on symbols deals fully with brackets, square
roots, powers, and indices. A very useful .section is devoted
to clearing up the difficulties which the beginner invariably
discovers in connection with the addition and subtraction of
+ and - quantities. The illustration of this bv reference to
changes of temperature on a thermometer is apt and well
written.

.\t first sight, a chapter of .30 pages on simple equations
would appear to be an untimely wa.ste of space in a book
which has already dealt in .some detail with subjects which
are usually taken at a much later stage, e.g.. indices and
square roots. But Mr. Clapham has found so manv things to
say about the.se " short .statements that two things are equal "
that it would be utterly impossible to spare even half a dozen
of the.se pages without injuring the treatment. Included in
this chapter are examples of simple equations involving frac-
tions, brackets, indices, and surds.

Although regretting lack of space for the fuller treatment
of the theory of logarithms, the author has not whollv
neglected the theory, while he has given a verv complete
account of the use of logarithms with a large number of
practical examples.

Chapter VII. on mensuration, is undoubtediv the most valu-
able portion of the book. In just over lOn pages the author
has covered all the ground usually covered in mensuration
hooks, and not only so. but he has provided a unique collec-
tion of i!lu.strated examples which are woithv of unstinted
praise. Starting with units and measurement, this chapter

deals in succession with perimeters, angles, and areas, and
the following chapter completes the treatment by dealing
with volumes and surface areas; useful tables of circumfer-
ences, areas, and volumes of all the principal figures are given
at the ends of these chapters.

The last chapters on graphs and the slide rule are both
clearly written accounts, with many examples worked out in
full, and others left for practice by the .student. ~-

It is extremely difficult to estimate the true worth of this
book taken as a whole, or to recommend it to any particular
type of student. Some parts of the first three chapters, and
the whole of the rest of the book, may be regarded as cover-
ing _the average first and second-year courses in arithmetic
given to engineering apprentices. But the greater portion of
Chapter I, and much of Chapters 11 and IH, is certainlv work
that should be done in the elementary school before a boy
can call himself, by any .stretch of the imagination, an engi-
neer. In fact the early part of the book is more correctly
" Arithmetic for Everybody." for the student who becomes an
engineer before he knows the meaning of plus and minus, or
can cancel a vulgar fraction down to its simplest form, is
.surel.v extinct in these days, and it is not now necessarv to
explain the multiplication of J by o in five steps (pagei S"!) to
anyone above the age of 12. Tlie latter part of the book can
be heartily recommended to young engineering apprentices
for its very thoroufh treatment of logarithms, mensuration
graphs, and the slide rule.

The book is well indexed and serviceablv bound, and is fair
value for the price asked.— P. H. S. K.

OUR PERSONAL COLUMN.

The EJiturn invite electrical engineers, wliether connectei with the
technical or t/ie commercial side of the profession and industry,
also electric tramway and railway officials,to heep readers of the
Electeical Review posted as to their moremetUs.

Central Station and Tramwaiy Officials.— Erith U.D.C.
has decided to grant a payment of sf.SO to the electrical
engineer and manager, Mr. J. C. Willi.ams, in respect of ser-
vices rendered.

Rugby U.D.C. has increased the salarv of Mr. Shextox
manager of the electric light works, by £-25 a jear to £-150.

The WalthauLstow Lighting Committee has" decided to fix
the wages of Messrs. G. F. Bridgm.^x and H. J. Haixiiuv,
who have been trained by the electrical engineer as switch-
board attendant.?, at i5s. per week each, ri.sing by half-yearly
increments of "is. (id. per week to 3.5s. Mr. R. E. M.ASOx",
.switchboard attendant, is to be promoted to the position of
junior charge-engineer, with an increase of -is. Gd. per week,
and his maximum .salary is to be increased to 45s. a week.

The Kendal Electricity Committee has decided to increase
the salary of its electrical engineer bv f '25 from October 1st
making £-2(T() per annum.

On 'ind inst.. Mr. .J. S. D. Moffett, of West Ham, took up
his duties as general manager of the Belfast Corporation
tramways, in succession to Mr. Andrew Nance.

Mr. J. Bdch.ax.an, engineer-in-charge at the Hammersmith
B.C. electricity works, has resigned his position.

General.— Mr. Chas. M.ayfield, electrical engineer, of Lon-
don, was married last week, at Clifton, Bristol, to Miss Laura
Coates daughter of Colonel Coates, late Sheriff of Bristol.

Mr. \\ E. \yATER.s, secretary and ca.shier at the Fain worth
IJ.O s electricity works, who has accepted an appointment
at Messrs. Cammell. Land & Co.'s works, at Sheffield has
been presented by the members of the Farnworth staff 'with
a .smoker's cabinet and set of pipes.

Mr. -John Rooth.aax, manager for Messrs. Ferranti. Ltd
electrical engineers, Hollinwood, Manchester, is now in the
haiKis of the Germans. He was one of the 66 pa.ssengers on
tlie Dutch liner Pn;i.s- Hendrich, which, whilst on a vovage to
Gravesend, was captured by the Germans and taken to Zee-
biugge. Mr. Roothaan was returning from a visit to Amster-
dam m connection with the firm's bu.siness.

London Gazette Notice.- Territorial Force. Royal Engi-
neers. Tijne Eiectrical Engineers. Second-Lieutenant
LioxEr. HORTOX (Royal Warwick Regiment) to be Second-
Lieutenant.

The Manchester City Council, on Wednesdav, approved the
action of the Tramways Committee in granting the request
ot the Board of Trade for permission for Mr. J. M McElrov
general manager of the Corporation tramwavs. to act as
releree to determine the difference between the Bacup Cor-
poration and the Rawtenstall Corporation re stages and fares

Mr H. Browne. Messrs. Falk. Stadelmann's representative
for the South of England, has been appointed to the London
Electrical Engineers, Territorials. Arrangements have been
made for his colleague, Mr. C. H. Beazlev, to wait upon his
clients during the remainder of the war.

Roll of Honour.— Captain R. S. Wadie, King's Own
(Royal Lanca.ster Regiment), reported wounded, is' the son
of Mr. W. S. Wadie, electrical engineer, of Chiswick W

Gunner R. H. Sadxderson, of the R.F.A., formerly on the
staff of the Carlisle electricity works, has been granted a

384

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW. [Voi. t.. x.,. -jm-jx. (Vtuu,.k ,;. P.nr..

gold medal by the King of Serbia iu recognition of bis gal-
lant services daring the campaign of the Mediterranean
Ex|)editionary Foice.

C'lUiiner C'has. Hodson and Private R. Asiiworth, I/oyal
>;ortli Lancashire Regiment, employes of Messrs. Dick, Kerr
and Co., Ltd., of Pre.ston, are reiwrted killed in action. Pri-
vate E. E. K.tYLEy, Ijoyal Nortli Lancashire Regiment, al.so
^vith the same tirm, is reported from France to lie missing.

Pioneer Bkrtimm GliKENWOOU. of the Royal Engineers, i.s
in haspital suffering from gas enteric. He was employed Ijy
a Ixindon firm as electrician.

Private Luther McKechnie, E.F..\., ha.s been killed in
action. He had been employed at tlie Keighley and Bai»o\v
Corporation electricity works.

Private Alfred Hanso.v, Somerset Light Infantry, reported
killed in action, was an employe of Mes.srs. T. Smith & Sons,
electric, crane makers. Kodley. near Leed.s.

Coiiipany-SL'rgeant-Major tiio'MAS II. (Ihkenwooij. \Vest
Riding Regiment, has been killed in action. He was an em-
ploye of the Halifax Corporation electricity woiks.

Lieutenant Edwin Schonfielu. London Regiment, aged '26,
has been killed. He was, according to the Times, engaged .
in the office of his father's firm. Messrs. .\. Schonfield & Co..
electrical engineers, Hope Street, (llasgow, before the war. lie
had been recommended for a cajitaincy.

We regret to note from the Times " Deatlis Column " that
Second-Lieutenant P. H. Bvnci, R.h^.A., only son of Mr. and
Mrs. Max Byng, 4, Ken.sington Court, W., has died on his
'24th birthday in a hospital abroad.

Second-liieutenant J. R. Mook;".. Connaught Rangers, killed
in action in his '2181 year was, according to the Times, with
the British Westinghouse Co., at Tratt'ord Park.

Second-Lieutenant H. Kinosbuhy, Royal Garrison Artil-
lery, son of Mr. J. E. King.sbury, has been wounded in action.
He is now in hospital in London, and is doing well.

Rifif'man Gilbert Hacking (24), King's Royal Rifles, em-
ployed by Mr. Thompson, electrician, Blackburn, has been
killed in action.

Private Fred Smith, of the King's Liverpool Regiment, has
been wounded in action. Prior to the W'ar he was engaged
on electrical work in Paris; he served his apprenticeship
at the Winter Gardens electricity station, Blackpool.

Captain Desmond Clere Parsons, Iri.sh Guards, killed in
action on September 15th, aged 26 vears, was the youngest
son of the Hon. R. Clere Par.9ons, M.I.C.E., A.I.E.E.

Sergeant .A. E. .Johnson, Lancashire Fusiliers, who was
in civil life electrician to the Tenterhouse Bleaching Co.,
Norden, Rochdale, is reported killed in action after being
missing since Augu.st 7th, 1915.

Private Vernon West, who has fallen in action in Finance
at the age of 21 years, was before the war on the staff at the
Horsham IJ.D.C. electricity works.

Lieutenant Cyril A. C. Aitkens, R.E., reported as missing
in .July, and as bavins died in August, aged 2:3. according
to the Times, obtained his first appointment in the Tyne
Electrical Engineers Corps. He was articled for five years to
the North-Eastern Marine Engineering Works. He rendered
excellent signalling service in addition to bis other duties,
and also saved a number of lives through liis .skilful dressing
in the field.

Obituary. — Mr. John Henrv Lre. — Mr. .John Henry Lee,
who died at Derby on September '24th, at the age of 64 years,
was associated with the old Electric Telegraph Co., and
entered the Government service at the time of taking over the
system in 1870. He was. until his retirement in 1908, tele-
graph superintendent at Derby.

NEW COMPANIES REQISTERED.

Magnetic Waves, Ltd. (1,.5'2ok). — Particuhirs filed Sep-
tember 28lh. 1910. Capital, £25,000 in £\ shares. Registered in Jersev.
Channel Islands, in .August. 1916. to c::rrv on Jhe business of electro-magnetic-
wave treatment, &c. British addre.ss : 133 and 13.';. Oxford Street. \V. .Sir
Ernest \V. Robinson. Bart., Craigmore, Queen's Road, Jeisey; H. G. Barrett.
Mill Land, Clavton, Sussex; R. A. Pitcairn, 10. Hanover Square, W.; and
T. W. Norman', Spring Hill, Wellingborough, are authrrisf.d to arr.-pl ser-
vice. Directors: Sir Ernest W. Robinson. Hart. H. 0. Barrott, T. W.
Norman, and R A, I'itcai.n.

OFFICIAL RETURNS OF ELECTRICAL
COMPANIES.

Electric Ignition Co. (1913). Ltd. — A memorandum of

satisfaction in full on September 1-t, 1916, of debenti.res dated May 24th,
191.3. securing £2,500. has been filed.

Lancashire Electrical Engineering Co., Ltd. (56.992). —

Capital, £5.000 in £1 shares. Return dated July 26lll, 191B 1.878 shares
taken up; £50 paid; £1,828 considered as paid. Mortgages and charges; Nil.

Birminghum District Power & Traction Co., Ltd.

(19,07r»,— C.ipilal, £1,0,>0,000 in £10 shares (35,000 cum. pref., 35,000 pref. ord ,
and iU.IM) def. ord,). Return dated June 1st, 191(!. 20,978 cum. pref., ,15,000
pref. ..rd., and :I5,000 .1.1. ..rd. shar.'S lak.n up; £1(1 pi'r share call.-.l up on
20,978 cum. pr. I., ■.•7,IHI0 pref. ord., anil 3J.U0O def. oi.l. shares; £82!I,7KII li.ii.l-
£80,000 considered as paid on 8,000 pr. f. ord. share-i. MorloaKcs and ch,.r,;, , ■
£-«0:),I82.

Edmundson's Electricity Corporation, Ltd. (o2,01.'i). -

Capil.il, £140.11(10 in SO.tHKJ ord. sh;ir.-s ..I £3 e.i, h. and 40.000 cum. pi . I ..iid
40,IK«I noiKuni. pref. shares of £5 each. R.lurn dal.d .August Urd. I'MU.
All shares taken up; £3 p.-r share called up on 00.800 otd. and £5 p.-i ~l. n,

on the non-.-um. prif. and cum. pref. shares; £000.400 paid; £39.(Kh i

sidered as paid on 13,200 ord. shares. Mortgages and charges : £447.:).iii

John Davis & Son (Derby), Ltd. (66,606).— Capiuil,

£:i:,.mil in £1 shares (15.(1(10 pref.). Return dale.l July (Ith. 1910. 15.000 old.
Mnl Il.tKIO |M.I. shari-s lak.n tip; £20,000 |iai.l. Mol lg;ig.-s and charges; Nil.

Evershed & Vignoles, Ltd. (43.20Gc).— Capital, ,£30, 0( 10 in

£1) sh.iies. Return dat.-.l Julv I3lh, 1910. All .shar.s taken up; £:fll,(lllll
paid. Mortgages and ch.iig.-s: £15,000.

Chloride Electrical Storage Co., Ltd. (35,389c).— Capi-
tal, £135.250 in £1 shares (02.000 prel.). Kelu.n .lai,-,l August 30th. 191G. All

shares taken up; £1 p<rr share called
£75.7.18 paid: £59.512 considered as p
shares. Mortgages and charges : Nil.

pr.l. .ind 26.988
l:).250 pr.-(. and 46.202

Electric & General Investment Co., Ltd. (31..50l>). ~

Capital, i-201,500 in 19,900 pref. ami 20.01)1) ..rd. shares ol £5 .-aili, ^iml
40,000 def. sharr-s of Is. ..-ach. Return dat.-.l August 8th, 1916. All sliaus
taken up; £5 per share called up on the pr.l., £1 p.-r share on the ord., ..n.l
Is. p.r shar.- on III.- .l.-f. £121,,500 paid. Mortgages and charges: £114..5(ai.

William Denton, Ltd. — Debenture dated September LSili,

191ti, to secure £1,200, charged on the company's undertaking and propeiiv.
present and future, including uncalled capital. ' Holder : E. 5. Parsons. ;ill,
Coleman Street, E.C.

Marconi International Marine Communication Co., Ltd.

((i5.r;")9|.— Capital. 1350,000 in £1 siLires. R.iimii .l;.le,l lune 28lh, 1916.
306,084 shares taken up; £201,084 paid; £lU5;'.,ii(lll . ...i-.,.l>-.. .1 ,.~ p.i.l M..it-
gages and charges: £114,560.

CITY NOTES.

Metropolitan

Electric Supply

Co., Ltd.

An extraordinary general meeting was'
held on' September 28th. at Salisbury
House, E.C, to consider the report of the
shareholders' cotuuiittee which was ap-'
pointed at the general meeting in March.
[The report was printed in the Electrical Review for Sep-
tember 15th.] Mr. W. Harrison Cripps presided over a com-
paratively small attendance. In opening the proceedings,
after a feeling reference to the loss the company had sus-
tained .sinc« the last meeting in the death of Ijord John Hay,
one of the original directors, he said that the object of the
meeting was to (Mnfirm a compromise. Compromises plo-
verbially satisfied nobody, and it was useless to pretend that
he was entirely satisfied with the aiiangemeut conic to be-
tween the committee and the board. He would have like;! all
the questions at i.ssue between the boid'd and those lespon-
sible for the appointment of the committee to have been
thoroughly thrashed out, and in particular that every share-
holder should have been placed in a position to form a judg-
ment on their merits. The publicity neces.sarily incident to
such a process was, however, considered to be adverse to the
true inlierests of the company, and having satisfied himself
that an arrangement was possible on the basis of his own
lesignation of the chairmanship of the board, he could not
allow hi« own wishes or his own interests to stand in the
way of what otherwi.se seemed to be to the adviintage of
the company as a whole. In resigning an office which he had
now held for 17 years, and to the duties of which he had
devoted the best years of his life, he would have liked to
review the work which had been done and to give his reasons
for believing in the existing and future prosperity of their
undertaking. Under existing circumstances he could not do
this. Were he to attempt it he would be reviving contro-
\eisies which it was the chief object of the compromise to
set at rest. To every word of what he said at the last meet-
ing he still adhered. Much of it had since been confirmed
by reports made by Sir .John Snell, late President of the
Institution of Elt^ctrical Engineers, and Mr. Pixley. the well-
known city accountant, reports which had been submitted to
the committee and would be invaluable to the directors for
future reference and guidance. He regretted that the com-
mittee in their report did not further explain the statement
as to the fall in dividend since 190.5, implying that it was
the result of bad management on the part of the board, and"
.suggesting that it was the cau.se of the retirement of certain
(iirectors. It was that statement that so thoroughly alarmed
the shareholders when asked for their proxies. The earnings;
of the company had not fallen; they had increased. The'
actual gross receipts in 1906, the year after the sale of nearly
hall of the property to Marylebone, were £175,000. Last July
they had risen to £253,000, a rise of over 44 per cent. ; and
they had alreadv received the report of the progress during
the pa.st half-year. They would remember that 1906 was the
first year after the loss of Mar}'lebone, and was therefore the

Vol. 7iL Xo. L'.02S. October C. V.m.j THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

385

first year for ascertaining either increase or decrease of
receipts. He explaiaed in March that the initial fall in
<li\iden(l in 1900 was fully and anjply compensated for out
of the excellent award of i'l,2r2,U(1(t. Included in this sum
was comix-nsation for l(>.st futme dividends asses.sed by the
arbitrator at no less than £HIJO.iM). At a special meeting it
was unanimously decided to return that sum, representing
the last future dividends, to the shareholders, who received
approximately a bonus of ±'6 10s. for each iilO shaie held.
He was .sorry the shareholders could not have seen Mr. Pix-
ley's report on this vital matter, which entirely supported the
explanation given by him (the chairman) at the la.st meeting.
He also saw that the committee suggested that Mr. High-
field's services as engineer should be retained. He feared they
could not have followed the facts The board, fully confident
of the value of Mr. Highfield as an engineer, had already
retained his .services for a period of five years from the coni-
Dienceujent of this year. The arrangement come to by the
board had been the subject of diverse critici.sms. With
criticisms made by those who did not share his own views
he was in no way concerned. But there were two criticisms
put forward by his own supporters on which he desired to
say a few words. How, he had been asked, had he brought
himself to abandon this or that particular line of pohcy, or
this or that commercial principle on which he had till now
in.sisted as essential to the well-being of the company? His
answer was that neither he nor they would have abandoned
any line of policy or any commercial principle to which they
had heretofore attached importance. The compromise which
had been come to decided nothing as to policy or principle.
It affected merely a change of personnel in the directorate.
The leconstituted board would consider all those questions
and determine them to the best of theii' ability, and in accord-
ance with the best advice that could be obtained. He had
no doubt that every niember would act bona-fide in the in-
terest of the company. As on all boards, there might be
diiferences of opinion, a certain amount of give and take.
But obviously questions of that sort were better decided by
an authorised board of directors than by an ad lioc com-
mittee. He had also been asked why, with so many able
business men already shareholders in the company, they had
thought it necessary to find a new chairman and new direc-
tors from outside. In his opinion that criticism was well
founded, and he was afraid that he was not altogether free
from responsibility. The new chairman and new directors
were selected by the committee, but he (the speaker) made
it a condition of his resignation that they .should be gentle-
men not hitherto connected with the company. That might
have been taken to exclude existing shareholders, though it
was meant only to exclude those who had already taken part
in the management of the company. The matter was hot.
however, now of any great importance. The ueW' chairman
and directors, whether taken from inside or outside, might
be assured of the cordial co-operation of their colleagues.
Mr. George Verity was known to them all as having always
taken an interest in the company, and his brother, the late
Mr. John Veiity, was long a valued member of the iioard.
He had not the advantage of knowing the other two gentle-
)nen nominated, who, however, seemed to have a wide ex-
perience of company matters. \Yith close attention to detail,
and goodwill on the part of all concerned, he .saw- no reason
why the prosjiects of the company should not be as.sured, and
for his own part he would in the future, as in the past, do
everything in his pf)Wer to advance the interests of the com-
pany, in whose future he had the utino.st confidence.

Mr. Roger (Skeoorv; chairman of the shareholders' com-
mittee, then moved the adoption of the report of that body.
He .said that, speaking for the committee, he wished to say
how greatly they appreciated the generous terms in which
Mr. Cripps had expressed liimself in his speech, and foi' the
way in which he liad cariied out a task which must have
been a painful one to him per.sonally. With regard to the
report, as the chairman had said, it was entirely a compro-
mise. The task of the committee had been an arduous and
a difficult one. They had interviewed numerous witnesses,
and had had before them a great mass of reports, some of
them of a highly technical and difficult nature, and they had
formed their conclusions to the best of their ability. As they
pr(x-eeded with their work it seemed to himself and his col-
leagues on the committee that a change in the board was
desirable, and he believed they had succeeded in selecting
three names which would commend themselves to the share-
holders as desirable additions to the board. It might be
asked why they had not suggested the three directors who.se
resignations had resulted in the appointment of the com-
mittee, but, as he had .said, the report was the result of a
compromise. He fully agreed that great credit was due to
those who first realised the necessity for an inquiry. With
regard to the futui'e, he did not think there was any cause
for anxiety about the company's prospects. The sbart-boiders
had a very valuable property indeed, and he hilievi-d that
if it was carefullv and properly manased they could kxjk
forward to considerable prosperity. The committee had
amassed a large amount of very useful information in the
course of their inquiries, which would be at the disposal of
the new board. Regarding Mr. Highfield's services, he would
like to say that he thought all the committee were agreed
that thpv had been of the greatest possible value to the
company.

Mr. -J. C.*RR S.4UNDERS seconded the motion.

ilr. Toy proposed an amendment to refer the report back
to the committee with instructions that they should amplify
it and report to an adjourned meeting on November 9th. In
the course of a long speeth Mr. Toy said he must confess to
a feeling of dis;ippointmeut at the result of the labours of
the committee. The report did not give them a vestige of
information, and the shareholders were asked to take its con-
clusions upon trust. They were not given access to any of
the reports which had been brought before the committee,
and they had not been taken into their confidence in any way.
The suggested compromise was inconclusive and unsatisfac-
tory, and if they \vere not very careful it would land the
company in further difficulties.

Mr. PiERS-\LL formally seconded the amendment.

Mr. Gregory said he admitted that the report might seem
a bald and colourless document, but if it had gone into
detail it would have had to deal with the intimate relations
that existed between the company and its customers, and
such publicity would not have been to the advantage of the
company. All the information which the committee had
would be placed before the new board, and it would be for
that body to deal with it as they thought best in the interests
f)f the shareholders.

Sir E. Melvill Be.*chcroft, a member of the committee,
said they had employed four technical experts occupying
probably the highest positions in London in their sevei-al pro-
fes.sions. Those gentlemen had made their reports, and, as
was usually the case, none of them agreed with the others.
TTnder the circumstances he thought the compromise sug-
gested was the best course to take, and he thought the share-
holders were indebted to the chainnan for having been will-
ing to sacrifice himself in order to bring about an arrange-
ment of the kind proposed. The future of the electrical
industry in London was uncertain. Just before the war the
London County Council proposed a Bill for amalgamating the
companies and buying them out by agreement, which Bill,
he was confident, would be reintroduced the moment the
war was over. When that time came they would need not
a divided board, but one that was united, and they would
want the help of the most experienced men who were now
dealing with this question.

Mr. P.4XT0X expressed disappointment that the committee
had not made any reference in their report to the part taken
by Mr. Tuckett in bringing about the inquiry. It was, he
said, that gentleman's technical knowledge that .showed him
that something was wrong as soon as he was elected a direc-
tor, and the shareholders had to thank him for the part he
had taken in the matter.

Mr. Frank B.4iley, as an original shareholder, and as one
whose official connection with the company ceased five years
ago, said he was disappointed with the compromise put for-
ward by the committee, which did not seem to be accom-
panied by sufficient evidence as to its utUity. If the com-
mittee thought that Mr. Tuckett, I^ord .A-vebury, and Sir
James Pender did right in resigning their .seats on the board,
they had a right to expect something more conclusive than
the report which had been issued. The least the committee
could have done was to have made some public recognition
of the services of those gentlemen.

On a show of hands the amendment was negatived by a
large majority, only nine voting for it, and the report of the
committee was adopted.

Mr. A. W. Tait, Mr. George Balfour, and Mr. George Veiity
were then elected as directors of the company in accordance
with the recommendation of the committee, and a further
resolution was agreed to directing the committee to place at
the disposal of the board the reports of the experts employed
by them.

On the motion of Mr. A. S.amuel, a cordial vote of thanks
was accorded to the chairman for the services he had ren-
dered to the company in that position during the past 17
years, and a similar vpte was accorded to the shareholders'
committee.

The report for the year ended March
Escher, Wvss 31st. 1916, of the A.G. der Maschinen-
& Co., Ltd. fabriken Escher, Wyss & Co., of Zurich
and Ravensburg, the majority of whose
shares passed again into Swiss ownership some tune ago,
states that the effects of the war were felt considerably less
than in the preceding financial year, as a more active demand
set in gradually for the company's specialities. It was, however,
only possible to take advantage to a moderate extent of this
favourable state of aft'airs owing to the increasing difficulties
which arose from the enormous rise in the prices of almost
all raw materials and intermediate products, and in obtaining
delivery of them. A further hindrance to business lay in the
low level of the rate of exchange with individual countries,
which in many cases caused contracts to be no longer remu-
nerative. It had therefore been necessary to work other
markets to a greater extent, and the hope was expressed
that the new business connections therebv obtained would
also be maintained after the conclusion of peace. The fre-
quent changes in the workmen and staff' in consequence of
military requii-ements and the migration of skilled workmen
Viqd p'l unf?'"-"rp''ie effect on the n'oduction. Notwithstand-
ing these difficulties, it was possible to raise the dearee of
activity in most departments almost to the normal level of
tbe last year of peace. During the year the hydrauhc turbine

386

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW. [Voi. rs.. Xo. -',ul>^, ocouek c, mid.

plant fpr the Baicfloiia Li^rht A- l\i\v.'r Co. was s.l in riprja-
tion with very favourable results, iind the financial settlement
of this great transiiotion was now proceeding satisfactorily in
every respect. The delivery of machinery to dilVerent coun-
tries, particularly Russia, suffered from great dilficulties,
especially in the steam turbine deiiartment, which con.'se-
quently did not develop quite as had been expected. In the
meantime the demand for steam turbines hail increa.ied. ami
was very active at the present time, .\fter placintr t:W.iiiKl
to the depreciation fund, as compared with i'"21.(KH)in lill.'j-ll>,
the accounts show net profits amomitint; to A'17,II00, as
against £13,tK.X) in the previous year. It is proposed to pay
a dividend at the rate of 4 per cent, on the ordinary share
capital of i;'2t)0,(K)0, being the same as in 1915-16.

Calcutta Electric Supply Corporation, Ltd. — Interim
dividend on the ordinary shares at the rate of 7 per cent, per
annum for the hall' year ciHU-d .lime iiOth.

Cuba Submarine Telegraph Co., Ltd. — Interim dividend
on th.' ordinary .shares tor the liall-year ended .lune, 1916, at
the rate of ."> per cent, per annum.

.Montreal Lif<ht, Heat & Power Co. — Inlerim dividend at
the rate of M per cent, per annum for the quarter ending
(Jctober 31st.

STOCKS AND SHARES.

Ti'ESDAv Evening.

St(xk Exchange markets have had an abrupt check to their
previous vitality and strength. It was not supposed that the
(Government would issue any new form of borrowing to come
into direct Competition with existing securities, .so that the
offer of three-year tj per cent. Exchequer Bonds has come
as a surprise and a disappointment. Critics blame the Gov-
ernment for this new departui'e, and complain that holders
of the existing 4i per cent. War Stock have been badly
tieated, in that their option to exchange into a new loan is
once more rendered nugatory by the tact that the latter is
in the shape of Exchequer Bonds, into which the proprietors
of the War Loan cannot make a direct exchange.

The defenders of the short-term policy point out that the
I) per cent. Exchequer Bonds are likely to prove very tempt-
ing to foreign investors, whose money will be useful at the
present time in keeping steady the rates of exchange. But
for this advantage, it may be wondered whether the Treasury
IS not paying an extravagant price, and whether, a .straiglit-
out 5 per cent, longer-term loan would not have achieved an
enormous popular success.

The immediate consequence is that all fixed-interest securi-
ties have become unstable, and their prices have dwindled.
Indeed, for the moment it is difficult to .say upon what basis
stocks and shares can be valued. Obviously, the 0 per cent.
Exchequer Bonds set up a new standard — at all events, for
the time being. Severe falls in Consols, the War Loans,
Colonials, and similar stocks have been the natural corollar.\'
to the Treasury's offer, and no doubt, in course of time,
markets will settle down again, just as they did after the
advent of the 45 per cent. War Loan .some 1.5 months ago.
But until the investor becomes familiar with the new bonds,
and with the standard of comparison which they set up, we
are not likely to see any noticeable improvements in the
purely inve.stment descriptions.

Home Railway stocks have suffered acutely in that the
depression caused by the 6 per cent, issue comes at a time
when further Labour trouble among coal miners begins to
manifest it.se!f. It was only a fortnight ago that the railway-
men were given a substantial increase of wages, and every-
body hoped that the Labour world would be content to carry
on under present conditions, at all events through the winter.
The coal miners, however, think otherwise, and, in the cir-
cumstances, it is not surprising that proprietors of railway
stocks should feel somewhat despairing of their inve.stments.
The flatness has extended to electric railway varieties, and
Districts, Metropolitans, and Underground Electric are all
lower on the week. I^ondon &, North-\\'estei-n Cons<ilidateil
dropped below par, in spite of the .start which has been made
with its electrified suburban .sy.stem. L'nderground Electric
Income Bonds pave way to 88.

The meeting of the Metropolitan Electric Supply Co. passed
oft with no more ruffling of the waters than might have been
anticipated, having regard to all the circumstances of the
case. The resolutions were duly carried : and, as we have
said before, the thanks of the shareholders are due to the
committee which spent so much time and energy upon the
affairs of the company since .spring. No change has occurred
in the price of the shares, and the Electric Lighting list is
steady throughout. The reversion to w inter-time had no effect
upon prices. It may be recalled that the dulness which
occiured in this market upon the introduction of summer-
time was recovered in less than a month, so that the success
of the scheme was not tinged bv so much as a .shrinkage in
the prices of the .shares of the illumination companies.

.\nglo-.\rgentine Tramways begin to show a better ten-
dency. The first preference are up 1/lG, this being the first
advance which has occurred for many weeks. Brazil Trac-

tions, however, are a weak market; there appear to be several
lines of shares about, which have a dilhculty in finding perma
nent homes. British Columbia stocks continue to advance.
the preferred and the deferred both showing gains ot a
point on the week. Mexicans are weaker, though the I'lam-
way Co.'s u per cent, first mortgage bonds have re.dvei.il
their recent .siiuill lo.ss. The lionds of tlie Electric Light and
I'ower Co. fell "2 points, tliis nolwithstanding distinctly rnorv
encouraging reports from .Mexico than we have been accus
tomed to nl late. Bond)ay Electric preference are in demand.
The New York financial papers <hvell ujiou the lemarkalile
way in which .some of the Mexican railroads are recovering
from tlx'ir misfortunes muler llie recent chaotic Tcgimc.
Stocks and shares in the Canadian-.Xmerican power com-
panies are mostly firm, though the spirit of .speculation, which
lias reached boiling point in New York during the past fort-
night, has been concentrated upon railway and munition
is.sues, to the exclusion of the more humdnim I'tilities
Canadian (leneral Electrics have risen lour points to Vl\.

Marconis reacted to IS, but recovered most of their loss.
.\mericans are quiet at 18s. 3d., and Canadians at 10s. (id.
' .-Vmongst the Indu.strials, something of a reaction lias
occurred in armament shares, as well as in the iron and steil
department. British Westinghouse preference eased olV to
'1\ . on the other hand. Telegraph Constructions are g(Xiil iil
:!'.).!, and Electric .Constriu-tions at ISs. 9d. are Is. 3d. up
.■\ctivity in the rubber share market has been checked to no
small extent, although prii'cs on the whole keep firm, there
having been little .selling. The various impo.sitions of excess
pr<)fits tax in Colonial and .\llied countries are exerci.sing
their natural effect upon prices of shares in companies con-
nected therewith, and a slight dulness in .some of the copper
companies' issues is due to this cause.

SH.\RE LIST OF ELECTRICAL CoMP.WIES.
Home Electbioitt Companieb.

Dividend Price

, " » OLt.3, Rise or (all

1914, 1916, 1916, this week.

Brompton Ordinary ,. .. 10 10 6g —

Charing Cross Ordinary . . 5 6 a,", —

do. do. do. i\ Pref.. 4i 4) Sft —

Chelsea B 4 3 —

City of London 9 8 lai —

do. do. 6 per cent. Pref. 6 6 lOg —

County of London . . . . 7 7 10},^ —

do. 6 per cent. Pref, 6 6 lOg —

Kensington Ordinary .... 9 7 66 —

London Electric 4 8 Ig —

do. do. 6 per cent. Pref, 6 6 4,^i —

Metropolitan 8* 8 '2| —

do. 4J per cent. Pref. 4} 4) Si —

St. James' and Pall Mall . . 10 8 6i —

South London 5 6 2|S —

South Metropolitan Pref. . . 7 7 l.^ —

Westminster Ordinary .... 9 7 6 j —

Teleobafhs ahd Telephones,

Anglo-Am. Tel. Pref 6 6 103 —

do. Det 30/. 33/6 aSJ + i

Chile Telephone 8 8 7 —

Cuba Sub. Ord 6 6 8* —

Eastern Extension .... 7 8 14g —

Eastern Tel. Ord. . . . . 7 8 146.J —

Globe Tel. and T. Ord 6 7 12gxd —

do. Pref. .. 6 6 10,'xd —

Great Northern Tel 22 22 42 —

Indo-European 13 13 49 —

Marconi 10 10 3^ —

New York Tel. 4J .... 4i 41 100 —

Oriental Telephone Ord. ..10 10 2,';, —

United R. Plate Tel « 8 HiJ —

West India and Pan 1 — lA —

Western Telegraph .... 7 8 14| —

Home Rails,

Central London, Ord, Assented 4 4 73 —

Metropohtan li 1 28* —11

do. District .. .. Nil Nil 17 —1

Underground Electric Ordinary Nil Nil IJi? .—

do. do. "A" .. Nil Nil 6(i — Ci.

do, do. Income 6 6 8H —

FoEEioN Teams, 40.

Adelaide Sup. 6 per cent. Pref. 6 fi 4}S —

Anglo-Arg. Trama, First Pref. 6J 6i it;;, —

do. 2nd Pref. .. BJ Bj 8 —

do. 5 Deb, ..5 6 76 —

Brazil Tractions 4 4 59* -H

Bombay Electric Pref 6 6 10* —

British Columbia Elec. Rly. Pfce. 5 5 75 —

do. do. Preferred— Nil 61 -H

do. do. Deferred — Nil 60 -tl

do. do. Deb. 4i *i 67 —

Mesico Trams 5 per cent. Bonds — Nil 44 -t- 1

do. 6 per cent. Bonds — Nil Bt! —

Mexican Light Common . . Nil Nil 18 —1

do. Pref Nil Nil 83 -2

do, 1st Bonds .. Nil Nil 42 —3
Mancfactuhinq Companies.

Babcock & Wilcox . . . . 14 16 3^., —

British Aluminium Ord. .. 6 7 29;- -hl/-

British Insulated Ord 15 17i lijxd —

British Westinghouse Pref. . . 7i 7J 2* — ,"s

CaUenders 15 20 12| —

do. 5 Pref 5 6 4i —

Castner-Kellner 20 — 83 —

Edison & Swan, £3 paid . . Nil — 10/- —

do. do. fully paid ..Nil — IJ —

do. do. 5 percent. Deb. 5 6 62i —

Electric Construction .... 6 7J f,^ -I- i^i

Gen. Eleo. Pref 6 6 10 —

do. Ord 10 10 143 —

Henley 20 25 16| —

do. 4* Pref 4J 4J 4} —

India-Rubber 10 10 12 —

Telegraph Con 20 20 881 — i

* Dividends paid free of income-tax.

6 IB 4
6 10 8
6 15 8

•6 10
•5 11
6 11

tf 14 6
6 14 8
6 13 1

Vol. 71). Xo. 2.(i2,s. October G, linil.l THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

387

METAL MARKET.

Fluctuations in September.

Sept. 1 4 5 6 7 8 11121314 15 18192021222526272829
£31

AMERICAN VIEWS ON THE DESIGN AND

MANUFACTURE OF ELECTRIC

COOKING STOVES.

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Refining Zinc by Electrolysis. — A good ikal of expeii-

meutal work has been carried out durin<r the jiast few years at the
works of the Consolidated Mininpr and Smelting: Co. at Trail, in
tlie Rossland Division of British Columbia, in connection with the
refining' of zinc by electrolytic means. Spelter of g'ood quality
haviugf in this way been produced to the extent of about half a
ton per day, it was, some time ag'o, decided to establish a special
plant capable of turning: out up to 35 tons per day. The installa-
tion, which includes departments for frrinding', roasting:, leaching:,
electrolysing:, and melting', an electric power station, and a special
dust-collecting: plant, is now rapidly approaching: completion. The
experiments have, so far. been practically confined to the ore
obtained from the company's own mines, and thus it is not possible
to say whether the same process is capable of dealing: with the
prevailing: zinc-lead ores of the district.

The Electrolytic Coating of Silvered Mirrors. — The old

method of coating' mirrors by the mercury jirocess is a long:.
♦ tedious, and unwholesome operation, which has been nearly univer-
sally replaced by silvering:. The latter method is. however, by no
means perfect ; the very thin film deposited by reduction of a
solution of nitrate of silver is neither as white nor as brilliant as
that of tin amalg:am ; it is deficient in streng:th. being: detached by
the slightest friction, and tarnished on exposure to sulphurous
fumes. These faults are only very imperfectly overcome by a
backing; of varnish, of itself often a source of deterioration. Long
ago an electrolytic deposit had been considered as a substitute, but
experiments in this field yielded only mediocre results, whose
irregularity was mainly due to the extreme thinness of the silver
coating. Indeed, in the electrolytic method, it is this metallic film
which constitutes the kathode, whose very minute ^ross-section is
a poor conductor. When the contact is made around the periphery
of the silvered glass, the electrolytic deposit takes place almost
entirely in its immediate vicinity, and at points remote from the
edges the thickness of the deposit diminishes rapidly, so that at
the centre there is scarcely any deposit.

This drawback has been cleverly overcome by Delere, Gresy and
Pascalis, whose method is in actual use in Paris by the Compag'nie
des Glaces de Saint-Gobain, The process consists in multiplying
the number of current-carrying points of contact on the silver
k,athode by means of flexibly supported metallic combs. These
combs have brass teeth, to each of which is attached a globule of
tin. a soft metal which avoids scratching the silvering. All parts
of the electrode immersed in the electrolyte are covered with an
insulating layer of paraffin, with the exception of the points in
contact with the silvering. The anodes consist of bands of pure
copper supported between the contact points. The mirror to be
coated is laid, silvered side up, in a shallow tray containing the
electrolyte, the latter being kept of uniform strength by forced
circulation. During the plating the current is interrupted every
few minutes, and the contact points are shifted a short distance.
The electrolytic action is thus uniformly distributed over the entire
surface, resulting m a very homogeneous deposit of copper. Mirrors
so protected resist the action of sulphurous fumes under the most
unfavourable conditions, and possess the unexjiected advantage of
increased reflecting power. — Juin-mil of the Franklin Institute.

The report of the Electric Range Committee at the recent
Cliicago Convention of the National Electric Light Asso-
ciation contained, amongst other things, an instructive
summary of American central station opinion as to design,
manufacture, &c., of electric cooking stoves.

Although great progress is being made in electric
cooking in the States, it will be noted that the conditions
affecting design and production are not unlike those which
prevail here.

As regards design, a summary of answers to questions addressed
to 46 operating companies shows that types of ranges sold up to
the present time have been the products of flve manufacturers, all
but one of whom have been making various electric appliances for
some years past. There were -4,659 ranges reported sold, the
majority of those apparently giving good satisfaction both as to
operation and number of burners and sizes of ovens. The principal
mechanical complaints were burning out of elements, slowness of
operation, and fragile construction. There seems to be a variance
of opinion regarding the relative merits of the open coil and
enclosed burners, the former apparently being the more popular.
The type of electric range most desired seems to follow the lines
of the popular gas ranges. There should be four three-heat burners
on the top (one 1.500-watt, two 1.000-watt, and one 750-watt).
The side and upper ovens are by far the most popular. Ovens
should be at leaSt 12 by 15 by 18 in., and should contain a broiling
element and a baking element. A warming oven above or below
the baking and broiling oven is a desirable adjunct. The doors on
side ovens should open down.

It -will be noted that the gas stove has set the fashion in
America as here, although the arrangement of the stove is
quite different from that favoured on this side, being much
less compact.

Apparently those undertakings which have comiected the
gi'eatest number of ranges are doing all the wiring in
connection with the installations. The costs for installing
vary from $-1 to $30, and average $124, and cost price is
usually charged.

The demand of the American consimier is for a cooker
costing from $30 to $40, but apparently many of them pay
another $10 to get " just what they want."

These prices presumably include control switches, which
are, we believe, usually attached to American stoves,
although frequently forming an item of additional cost in'
this country.

The majority of the sujjply undertakings hold the -view
that a durable and efficient stove, with at least three hot-
plates and a side or upper oven, should, under present con-
ditions, be obtainable at as low a price as $30 to $35, but
some concerns fear that low price may mean a sacrifice in
quality, which will do harm in the future to electric
cooking.

Such a price for an efficient and durable stove of the
kind indicated is low, judging by English prices even before
the war, but presumably there are reasonable grounds for
believing that a stove which will satisfy the consumer can
be made at the price in America, 'whatever may be the case
here.

We note that it is recoijimeuded that rotary snap switches con"
trolling the service to various heaters should have a distinctive
feature, either in colour or position of indicator, or both, when
current is oif. The distinctive feature at the present time on most
of these switches is the reading of the word '" off." but in a dim
light, or ■when the eyesight is not of the best, reading is not
always easy. A distinctive colour for the lettering of the word
" oflt," or the uniform or distinctive position for the indicator, will
quickly convey the idea to the operator whether or not the circuit
is disconnected, even if only a hasty glance is given.

British practice for large installations appears to favoiu'
the use of pilot lamps as indicators, but very small pilot
lamps are open to objection, and, in any case, are an extra
'\vhich one would rather dispense with, if some satisfactory
distinctive feature could be incorporated in the switch ;
possibly self-luminous lettering might answer the pm'pose,
as in the case of the numerous luminous dial watches for
night use.

We note that a large number of ranges have been placed
on short-period deferred payments not extending beyond a
year ; simple hiring-out of stoves does not seem to be
practised — at any rate, it is not mentioned.

3.SS

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW. [Voi. 7;..txo. 2.02s, octohkr n. i-.m...

A very interest iiitr section of the report wliieh we ]iar-
ticularly coinnieiul to the attention of British central station
enpiieers, is that jrivinir the ideas, of some of the snpply
conipiinies on dealintf with maiuifactnrers in order to olitain
an ideal electric range at the lowest jHissihle j)ricc : these
confirm the views previonsly expressed in our pas;es*, and
are summarised as follows : —

"The manufacturer should be willim; to stand Ix-hnul his
prmluct with a proper jruarantee. and willing to defer some of the
profits from the business until a future date, and not hope to make
all on the first few ran-rcs sold, but bringr the price down ivs low as
possible, and let the central station have an opportunity to put out
more ranpres."

"Standardise requirements of the central stations, so as to limit
the types of ranjres made by different manufacturers, and thus
reduce their overhead expenses. Also show manufacturers that
increased output dejiends primarily upon lower-priced ranges."

" Develop hot water attachment and durable elements."

■■ It seems as if a canvass of number contemplated to be used
would allow jfreater numl)er to be made, and this would allow cut
in price, or manufacturing company could sigrn tentative contract
to sell at certain reduced price if specified number were ordered by
entire trade."

" Power companies to combine, in order to secure quantity
prices."

" Standardisation of types should reduce production costs. Some
method of collective bargaininfr between repre.sentatives of the
manufacturers and central stations to establish standartl desijrns
for a pre-determined period might work to the mutual advantage
of all concerned. '

" Standardise and cut out novelty idea."

" A maximum production to lower unit cost."

"'Through increased output, central stations could club together
and order a certain number in advance."

■" Dispense with nickel and frills, unless especially ordered.'"

" Standardise, so as to cut down manufacturers' cost."

" Study the gas range closely, and capitalise its experience."

" Let the electric manufacturers make the element and the stove
manufacturers the stove.'"

" .Ship complete line of repair parts to the distributor."

"Manufacturers should be more particular in details and
• mechanical construction."

■" Do not load the development costs on first shipments."

" Better insulation in oven on cheaper ranges."

" Standardise on design and equipment. Reduce number of
types of ranges, and talk quantity to the manufacturers."

We again take the opportunity of urging those interested
in promoting electric cooking in this country to - abandon
the haphazard systems of the past in regard not only to
design, but also to manufacture and marketing of the
electric stove.

It is useless to attempt to grapple with an immense
business, such as electric cooking has a good prospect of
becoming, on any but commercially-organised lines, the
logical essentials of which are quantity production on
standardised lines, interchangeability of parts which may
have to be replaced Ijy the user, and mutual guarantees as
between manufacturers and supjily authorities as regards
price and disposal of output.

Only in some such way as this — with present electric-
heating niethods — can we hope to place electric cooking on
a really competitive ba-sis and to achieve real success
with it.

THE BRITISH ASSOCIATION— V.

Address to the Economic Science and Statistics Section.

By Prop. A. W. Kirkaldy, M.A., President of the Section.

(Abstract.)

{Concluded from page ,3(54).

Industrul Orgakis.wion.

The industrial anny of labour force of this country includes
all those who either organise industry or take any part, how-
ever important or however humble, in its -n-orkiug, from the
captain of industry down to the humblest •n-eekly wage-earner.
In connection with this force we now have two sets of organi-
sations whose interests some people consider to be antagonistic.
I would emphasise the fact that these two are really one
force, their main interests are iderrtical, and they can best
serve those interests by striving to minimise differences and
by doing all that is possible to work in harmony.

British trade unions have a fairly long history behind them,
and may be said to be in advance of any similar unions the
world over. But the fact that of recent years there has been
a tendency for small unofficial sections of given unions to
kick over the traces and disregard the policy and agreements

* Electrical Review, January 14th, 1916.

(if their leaders sliow's that perfection of organisation has by
no means Ihth attained.

Eniployoi-s' assixiations are of more recent formation, nor
have they .so far attained to anything like the same complete-
ness. Both organisations, especially the employers', are in
need of further development. The economist can point to
imperfections and make suggestions — only those conversant
with practical working facts can formulate a practical policy.
The individual British business man is unexcelled by the busi-
ness man of any other country. In times of rapid transition
and cri.sis he has again and again .shown his leadership. He
know^s his business thoroughly, and as a working unit he has
taken a very high place. But one of the most marked deve-
lopments of modern trade is a growing interdependence of
industries. Hand in hand with this we have become familiar
with another phenomenon, the amalgamation of businesses
of various dimensions into one great company or corporation.
This phenomenon is common to both commercial and manu-
facturing interests. It is as marked among banks as among
steel and iron companies. The comparatively small manu-
facturer or business man is giving place to bigger and inclu-
sive organisations. These two and somewhat parallel deve-
lopments are making a new demand on the individual. He
and his predcces.sors exemplified individualism; the new stage
upon which we have entered demands- a modification of the
old policy. Business, like everything else, is subject to evolu-
tion, and evolution on healthy lines can only be obtained by
grasping fundamental facts and applying experience in
accordance with economic laws. There need be nothing revo-
lutionary about the required changes in our business organisa-
tion. We merely have to note what has already occurred,
mark healthy tendencies, and clear away or prevent obstruc-
tions to natural growth. Our past history amply justifies us
in pursuing this policy without uncertainty as to the result.
Our entire industrial history is one of the best examples of
steady and, on the whole, well-ordered evolution. We have
shown our ability to adapt ourselves to the needs of the
moment. As a race ■n'e are healthily conservative without
being reactionary — that is to say, we know how to preserve
what is good in the old and amalgamate it with the new. In
other words, our organisation enjoys that useful quahty of
elasticity which enables us to keep abreast of the times.

Our business man's qualities emphasise his defects. ■ For
generations our business men have worked as units, and
individualism has become almost second nature. The call
now is that the individual shall sink a part of his personality
and become, so far as one side of his activities is concerned,
a member of an association. We have had employers' alU-
ances, federations, and associations. Some have failed, some
have managed to keep afloat, others have had a certain
amount of success. None have hitherto quite attained to
what is required. To the onlooker it would appear that when
our employers meet as an association there is a lack of sym-
pathy among the members, and if this should persist it
would be fatal. Each individual knows his own business; he
does not know, and perhaps it would be true to say he does
not care to know, his neighbour's concerns. At any rate, as
a result there is a lack of cohesion, there is a lack, too, of
that co-operation which is required if the association is to be
really successful and acc.ompli.sh the objects for which it has
been formed. This working in co-operation, the large
organisations of capital, and the working together in associa-
tions, are comparatively new things to our business com-
munity. Time and experience will put things right ; at pre-
sent we have not accustomed ourselves to a newly-developing
condition of affairs. Our business men, then, need to focus
their attention on these early ailments of the movement and
get them removed as soon as possible.

A second group of defects arises indirectly, but almost
inevitably, from that which has just been considered. Some
alliances, rings, and associations have failed and come to an
end. And in certain cases the cause has been unmistakeable,
for there has been a lamentable want of loyalty, and even
in some cases it must be .said honesty, to the agreements
entered into by the association.

Only to mention one group as an instance of this — the new
trades combination movement, which caused quite a consider-
able stir during the late 'nineties of last century, especially
in the Midlands among the metal trades. Articles appeared
in the journals, and a book was written explaining the move-
ment, and great hopes were entertained that a new era had
opened out before both Capital and Labour. But all ended
in a failure. There was for a time a kind of syndicalism — a
syndicated industry enabling employers to increase their
profits, and the workpeople to earn abnormally high wages.
So long as competition could be kept out of the market,
things went swimmingly, and a specious pro.sperity developed.
But the consumer was being exploited — the increased prices
* charged for such goods as metal bedsteads gave would-be
competitors and unscrupulous members of the alliance their
chance. The cheap wooden bedstead, however, made its
appearance on the one hand, and on the other there were
such things as secret discounts and commissions, and this
special alliance ended in failure. The history of that short,
but industrially instructive, movement has yet to be written.
Its cardinal facts should be known to those who now have an
opportunity for shaping the industrial future of this country.
Three lessons stand out from this experience : —

1. We must learn to work together in association.

No. 2.(.2S. October fi. 1916.] THE ELECTRICAL KEVIliW.

389

•2. All members of an association must be absolutely loyal
and honest to their engagements, either written or implied.

3. Such associations must be regulated or the community
will be exploited.

Nor is it impossible to suggest a method by means of which
this may result. \Vhen employers' associations have justified
themselves it should be possible to obtain State recognition
for them, and it would be practical pohtics, when both
employers' associations and trade imions have developed to
the point at which both merit State recognition, to enforce
under penalty agreements made between them on all those,
either employers or workpeople, who wished to work at the
industry within the area under the recognised organisations.
Thus it would cot be necessary to make membership com-
pulsory ; self-interest would be the extent of the pressure.

Turning to workpeople's unions, we also find defects which
require removing. The policy of union has been practised
among the workers for upwards of a century, and for at
least half that time with well-marked success in certain
directions. In the first instance it was the aristocracy of
labour that realised the advantage of collective action, but,
notably since the late 'eighties of last century, efforts have
been iuade to extend the policy to all grades of labour.
Hence the ailments which have to be noted are rather more
mature than those affecting employers' associations. Success
in certain directions has perhaps led some of the more
ardent spirits to expect more from their unions than working
conditions allow. The experience of old and tried leaders has
led them to adopt a more cautious policy than the young
bloods are inclined to accept. Henc« there has been a want
of loyalty, different, it is true, from that met with among
employers, but equally disastrous if persisted in to the object
in view.

All the men in a given industry should be members of the
union, provided that the union is weU organised and ably
administered. This should, however, be the result of self-
interest and a regard for the good of fellow-workers, rather
than of compulsion ; how that may be attained has been sug-
gested. Perfection of organisation will come when work-
people not only realise the real possibilities of collective action,
ijut are prepared to follow loyally leaders who have been
constitutionally elected. The leaders are in a better position
to know the facts of the case immediately under review, but
if their leadership has been found faulty there should be
adequate machinery for replacing them with men who com-
mand the confidence of the majority of the members. When
'agreements have been entered into, the terms should be im-
plicitly observed, even though they may turn out to be less
advantageous than was expected. Periodical revision would
make it possible to rectify mistakes or misapprehensions.
But it cannot be too strongly emphasised that for both sets
of organisations the great factor making for smooth and
satisfactory working is absolute loyalty to the pledged word.
A large employer of skilled labour writing to me on this
point said : "In my opinion no industrial hannony can exist
between employers and employes until trade unions through
their executives can compel their members to adhere to and
honourably carry out all agreements entered into with the
en.ployers. ... In fact, until a more honest code of morals
exists on both sides no improvement can be looked for."

Further, there is a need for a more complete and authorita-
tive central authority, both for individual industries and for
federated trades. The machinery for this exists; it merely
requires development. When the local and central machinery
has been perfected, the right to strike, which, in common
with the right to lock out as a final resource, should be
jealously maintained, would be carefully regulated, and would
only be resorted to as the considered judgment of the most
experienced men on either side. It should be impossible for
either an individual association or a section of it to order a
strike or a lock-out on its own responsibility.

What, then, do I consider should be the main outline of
industrial organisation'? Employers should be organised
into : —

(a) Associations of one trade in a given district.

(6) National associations of one trade.

(c) Local federations of trades.

(J) National federations of trades.

Of these, b and d should be organised under a system of
representation.

Workpeople should have unions and federations correspond-
ing to those of the employers, and in both cases the national
federations should be carefully organised councils who would
enjoy a large measure of authority, tempered by the necessity
to win and preserve the confidence of their electors. From
these two representative bodies there could be elected an
industrial council as a court of appeal, i-epresentative of the
whole industrial activity of the country, and so far as these
various bodies were approved by the State they would enjoy
far-reaching powers.

.\pproval by the State should depend on the observance of
moderation and working in conformity with carefully devised
regulations. For the State in this matter would be the repre-
sentative of the consumer and of the national interest. With-
out this you get something not very far removed from syndi-
calism, but under careful regulation abuses might be avoided.

.^t the head of the organisation there would be a real
industrial council representing the industry of the country.
The Industrial Council established in the vear 1911 has never

had a fair chance to show its mettle. It was estabhshed at a
critical tune ; perhaps the Government did not feel justified
to throw a great responsibihty on an untried body. Never
theless, it exemplified a very wise poUcy, and one regrets
that it has not been tested, for even now both employers and
workpeople feel that some such council is preferable to State
interference, and there is a clearly articulated distrust on
both sides of official arbitration.

We do not need at the present juncture to attempt a new
expeiiment. Our old system, whatever its failings, has been
tried and proved sound. Its elasticity has been its salvation,
and it is capable of still further evolution without calling for
drastic changes. The improved organisation that is now
suggested would contain nothing that is new or untried. It
would consist of natural developments of what already exists.
Employers and workpeople have organised themselves into
associations and unions, some of these have developed federa-
tions of similar or even of unconnected interests; and both
parties have their national congresses, or at any rat6 the
germ of them. The deman.d now is that the organisations
already in existence be perfected, and that those perfected
organisations shall in all their agreements be loyally and
honestly supported by their members. Success depends on
absolute loyalty to the pledged word.

Here we have a practical policy suited to the needs of this
critical stage in our history. The ideal organisation has yet
to be formulated, but what is here proposed would form a
definite step in advance, and the very elasticity of the system
would be a good augury for the future.

Among the innovations recently introduced into this coun-
try, and one calculated to have important effects on our
industrial wfell-being, is automatic and semi-automatic machi-
nery. We have been accustomed to the use of labour-saving
machines — indeed, this country was the birthplace of many of
them. The re-equipment, however, of our factories for war
purposes, both in tools and workpeople, has wrought a revolu-
tion comparable with that effected by the introduction of the
steam engine.

From the point of view of craftsmanship our old system
had much in its favour. Our mechanics in certain trades had
to be highly skilled, for the description of work turned out
made considerable demands on the operative. In America and
Germany standardisation has been carried very much further
than in this country, and consequently repetition work was
much more generally practised than with us.

One may grieve over the passing of our old methods, as
one is sometimes tempted to regret the days of cottage indus-
tries. Neither, however, is compatible with modern condi-
tions, and an important part of the work of reconstruction
and reorganisation will be connected with standardisation and
the further introduction of repetition work. This will call
for the exercise of careful and experienced industrial states-
manship, if trouble is to be avoided, for agreements wiU have
to be framed which will in the long run work equitably and
satisfactorily to all the parties concerned.

A Committee of this Association has been investigating for
the past two years into the extent to which women have
recently replaced men in industry. A certain amount of
exaggeration exists as to the number of women who have
entered our factories or undertaken services left vacant by
men who' have joined the Forces. The total nimiber is in
round figures about 600.000, as against five million men who
have joined either the Navy or the Army as a consequence of
the war.

The entry of large numbers of women into industry has
been viewed with a certain amount of alarm by the roen,
and trade unions have naturally stipulated, where possible,
that these women shall receive the same rates of pay for the
same work as the men. and that when the men return the
women shall give place to them.

That there was little ground for alarm as to the influx of
women can be realised by a consideration of a few facts and
figures. The majority of men who enUsted were workpeople
of one sort or another; of these, unhappily, some have been
killed in battle or have been rendered incapable for work.
Even so. the majority will come home requiring occupation.
What opportunities will they find'?

To answer this question at all satisfactorily it is necessary
to consider .some determining factors. Thousands of men
have left indoor occupations and their accustomed town life
and have been trained, drilled, and disciplined under open-air
conditions. They have lived, worked, and fought in the open
counti-y in some cases for many months. The new experience
has had potent eft'ects. Physique has improved, the outlook
on life has changed, in many cases new hopes for the future
have been formed. Inquiry shows that there is a division of
opinion as to the extent to which disbanded members of the
Forces will decide on making a radical change in their mode
of life. Yet the experience of what occurred after the South
.African War warrants us in assuming that considerable num-
bers will only return to indoor occupations and town life if
there be no alternative. It is too soon yet to form an opinion
as to what opportunities there will be for land settlement. .
But it is known foat offers will be made both at home and
in various parts of the Empire. A. moderate estimate of
those accepting the.«e offers, and of our losses of killed and
permanently disabled, would be at least one million.. Then
we .shall undoubtedly require, at any rate for some years, a
much larger standing Aimy. Even on a peace footing this
at a moderate computation may be put at a million men.

aoo

THE ELECTRICAL KEV1E^\. |v,.!

No. L'.n2S. Orroiiicii Ci. r.Ui

Ihese two figures, and neither of theiu errs on the side of
^aggeration. will absorb two million men wha will be perma-
nently lost to the old occupations.

Moreover, there is good ground for anticipating that if the
war concludes before our resources are unduly strained, and
there is every prospect that it will, there will be a period of
good trade. We have to restore our own depleted stocks of
goods, our mercantile marine demands a large amount of new
tonnage, railways and other transport sor^ces will require
nnich new equipment. Turning to the Continent, parts of
France, Belgium, and other of the entente countries will need
reconstruction works of considerable proportions, and in this
work we shall play a great part. \\'orld markets, too, have
been kept short of many manufactured goods. We shall be
in a position both to tinanoe and carry on a greatly extended
system of industry and commerce, for not only is our banking
sjstem prepared to face this, but our man force has been
gieatly improved, and our industrial equipment to a great
extent remodelled.

Reverting to the somewhat thorny question of the women
who have been engaged on what were men's occupations, I
see no cause for alarm. Many women came forward from
motives of patriotism and will gladly resume their former
state. The question, I believe, will rather be bow can we
obtain the labour necessary to cope with the post-war demaiid.

The new equipment of our factories will place us in a posi-
tion to increase very greatly our output, and this should
enable us not only to face a possible labour shortage, but if
the recommendations made by this Section of the Association
n<oet with a favourable response, our labour force should
«nter upon a new period of prosperity consequent on a re-
modelling which has been rendered possible by a^ reorganisa-
tion of our industrial machinery. This new epocH for labour
would include higher wages, shorter hours, and better work-
ing conditions. To effect these salutary advances both em-
ployers and employed need to exercise sanity of judgment,
frankness in mutual discussions, and a recognition of the fact
that the prosperity and material well-being of each is bound
up in a common effort to maintain and develop our industrial
and commercial position.

Electricity in the Chemical Industries.

Is the course of his address as President to the Chemical
Section, Prof. G. G. Henderson, F.R.S., stated that many of
the more striking results in the field of modem chemical
industry had been obtained by taking advantage of the powers
we now possess to carry out operations economically both at
very high and at very low temperatures, and by the employ-
ment on the manufacturing scale of electrolytic and catalytic
methods of production. Thanks largely to the invention of
the dynamo, the technologist is now able to utilise electrical
energy both for the production of high temperatures in the
different types of electric furnace and for electrolytic pro-
cesses of the most varied description. Among the operations
carried out with the help of the electric furnace may be men-
tioned the manufacture of graphite, silicon, and phosphorus;
of chromium and other metals; of carbides, silicides, and
nitrides; and the smelting and refining of iron and steel.
Calcium carbide claims a prominent place in the list, in the
first plac« because of the ease with which it yields acetylene,
which is not only used as an illuminant, and, in the oxy-
acetylene burner, as a means of producing a temperature so
high that the cutting and welding of steel is now a compara-
tively simple matter, but also promises to sei-ve as the starting-
point for the industrial synthesis of acetaldehyde and many
other valuable organic compounds. Moreover, calciiun carbide
is readily converted in the electric furnace into calcium
cyanamide, which is employed as an efficient fertiliser in place
of sodiiim nitrate or ammonium sulphate, and as a source of
ammonia and of alkaU cyanides. Among the silicides car-
borundum is increasingly used as an abrasive and a refractory
material, and calcium silicide. which is now a commercial
product, forms a constituent of some bla.sting explosives. The
Serpek process for the preparation of alumina and ammonia,
by the formation of aluminium nitride from bauxite in the
electric furnace and its i-ubsequent decomposition by caustic
soda, should also be mentioned. Further, the electric furnace
has made possible the manufacture of silica apparatus of all
kinds, both for the laboratory and the works, and of alundum
ware, also used for operations at high temperature. Finally,
the first step in the manufacture of nitric acid and of nitrites
from air, now in operation on a very large scale, is the com-
bustion of nitrogen in the electric arc.

Electrolytic methods are now extensively employed in the
manufacture of both inorganic and organic substances, and
older processes are being displaced by these modern rivals in
steaddy increasing number. It is sufficient to refer to the
preparation of sodium, magnesium, calcium, and aluminium,
by electrolysis of fused compounds of these metals: the refin- '
ing of iron, copper, silver, and gold; the extraction of gold
and nickel from solution ; the recovery of tin from waste tin-
plate; the preparation of cau.stic alkalis (and simultaneously
of chlorine), of hypochlorites, chlorates, and perchlorates, of
hydrosulphites, of permanganates and ferricyanides, of per-
sulphates and percarbonates; the regeneration of chromic acid
from chromium salts; the preparation of hydrogen and oxygen.
As regards organic compounds, we find chiefly in use electro-
lytic methods of reduction, which are specially effective in

the case of many nitro compounds, and of oxidation, as for
instance the conversion of anthracene into anthraquinonc. At
the same time a number of other compounds, for example
iodoform, are also prepared elcctrolytically.

Referring to the training for chemists supplied by the uni-
ver.siticjs and technical colleges. Prof. Henderson said that the
facilities for practical instruction with respect to accommoda-
tion and equipment were generally adequate, but the per-
sonnel could with advantage be largely increased, and at least
the junior members of the .staff's were miserably underpaid ;
if the best brains in the country were to be attracted towards
science, as they ought to be, some greater inducement than
a mere living wage should be held out. Hence no opportunity
should be lost of impres.sing upon the Government the neces-
sity for increasing the grants to the scientific departments of
our higher teaching institutions, and for the provision of
research scholarships. Wealthy men in this country should
acquire more generally the habit of devoting some part of
their means to the endowment of higher education. The
private donations for science and education made in the
United States during the last 43 years amounted to the magnifi-
cent sum of d6U7,0OO,0OO, and recently the average annual
1 •.'nefactions for educational purposes totalled nearlv
.*!i 000,000.

The chief difficulty which confronted those who were eager
for progress in educational matters was that so many of our
most famous schools were still conducted on mediaeval lines,
in the sense that the " education " administered was almost
wholly classical Consequently, " though science enters into
e\ery part of modem life, and scientific method is necessary
for success in all undertakings, the affairs of the country are
in the hands of legislators who not only have little or no
acquaintance with the fundamental facts and principles signi-
fied by these aspects of knowledge, but also do not under-
stand how .such matters can be used to sstrengthen and
develop the State. Our administrative officials are al.so mostly
under the same disabilities, on account of their want of a
scientific training. They are educated at schools where science
can receive little encouragement, and they do not take up
scientific subjects in the examinations for the Civil Service,
because marks can be much more easily obtained by atten-
tion to Latin and Greek ; and the result of it all is that science
is usually treated with indifference, often with contempt, and
rarely with intelligent appreciation by the statesmen and
irembers of the public .sei-vices whose decisions and acts
largely determine the country's welfare. The defects of a
system which places the chief power of an organisation which
needs understanding of science in every department in the
hands of people who have not received any training in .scien-
tific subjects or methods are obvious." * The remedy was
also obvious.

Female v. Male Labour.

At a meeting of the Economic Science Section of the British
,\ssociation at Newcastle-on-Tyne, on September 8th, the
report was considered of the committee appointed to investi-
gate the replacement of male by female labour in consequence
of the war. The official abstract of the report follows : —

The activity of the Ministry of Munitions, the schemes for
the " dilution of labour," and the scarcity of skilled male
labour have brought about in the second year of the war a
marked development in the demand for female labour. At
the present time (July, 1916) over half a million women have
replaced men who have left their occupations for more urgent
national seiTice.

The women who have taken the men's places have for the
most part had previous industrial e'xperience, though seldom
(in industry proper) of the kind of work they are now doing.
Many of them are married women, or single women trans-
ferred from other occupations. Generally the supply has been
drawn from the neighbourhood, but some of the munitions
estabhshments have attracted women from a wide geographi-
cal area, not always limited to the British Isles.

Besides the employment of women on tramways and railways,
in banks, and as po.stal servants (positions open to the public
view), replacement has occurred through the whole of iindus- ■
try. Few women are to be found taking the place of highly
skilled men ; but large numbers have released the unskilled
and those tenned, in engineering, " semi-skilled." But when
the work of the men involved a degree of skill and experience
which women seldom possess, new machinery of a more auto-
matic kind has been introduced (sometimes to such an extent
as almost to transform an industry), and subdivision of pro-
cesses has changed highly skilled work into a series of repeti-
tion operations which cas be accomplished by relatively un-
trained workers. This has to be borne in mind when women
aie stated to be doing the work of skilled men.

The success of the women on these repetition processes is
marked. 'They learn quickly; Ihey are good timekeepers;
they have, so far at least, stood the strain of long hours
extremely well, and their manual dexterity enables them to
achieve good results in the way of output on repetitive pro
cfsses. On wor': demanding greater judgment and adapta-
bility the evidence of their succe.ss is not so great; but their
industrial training has been short.

For some time the employment of women on men's pro-
cesses was opposed by trade unions, which still in some in-

* \ature.

Xo. 2..I2S, October ,i. linn] THE ELECTKICAL REVIEW.

391

dustiies bring forward strong objections to replacement. But
in the most important industries agreements have beeii reached
between men and employers as to the conditions on which
replacement may be carried out during the period of the war.
Those conditions usually include an agreement as to women's
wage-rates and a guarantee of the re-employment of the men
replaced.
* u^^^ wages of women in war-time have been influenced by
the fixing of a minimum for certain kinds of munition workers
in certain classes of munition establishments; by the compe-
tition of mimitions with other industries in the demand for
female labour; by the pressure of the trade unions; and by
the general rise in prices. The fact that even in districts
where the competition of munitions is keenest the wage-rates
for women in other industries, on processes involving similar
skill and exertion, have not always risen to the munition
level, suggests that the withdrawal of the minimum regula-
tion, twelve months after the war, will lead to a fall in
women's wages. But it is unlikely that they will fall to
their general pre-war level.

The fact that not a great proportion of the women war
workers were previously occupied suggests that after the war
the problem of a large surplus of women may not be so
serious as has been feared. The married women are for the
most part in industry only for the period of the war ; and
inquiry among women workers generally shows that many
of them have no desire to remain in competition with men.
But this involves the question of the increased demand for
women on repetitive pi'ocesses; and if, as seems likely, the
subdivision of processes and the highly automatic machinery
introduced owing to war conditions have come to stay, there
may be a change in the relative demand for skilled and for
unskilled labour to the disadvantage of the former.

Prof. Scott (Chairman of the Committee) said women were
stated as yet to be deficient in the higher industrial qualities,
but they had, however, shown that they excelled in those
operations which required deftne-ss of touch, and in those
operations that were of a comparatively routine character.

Gaseous Explosions. — The interim report of the Committee
(Dr. DnG.\LD Clerk, Chaii-man) stated that during the ses-
sion most of the members of the Committee were engaged
on work in connection with the war, and no Notes were
submitted for consideration. Consequently the grant of foO
made to the Committee at the Manchester meeting of the
.\ssociatiCn in 1915 was not drawn upon by the Chairman.
The Committee recommended that it be reappointed, and
that a sum of ^-50 be granted to it for the ensuing session,
.so that should the war come to an end during that time the
work of the Committee could be resumed without delav.

CORRESPONDENCE.

Letters receired hy us after 5 P.M. ON Tuesday cannot appear iintil
the following weelt. Correspondentti tilunihl for ward their commiml'
catioits at the earliest 2>o!isible moment. ^\i letter ran be jfuhlished
unless we have the writer's name and address in our jjossession.

'War=time Generosity.

We all know that many people are badly hit by the war,
but one w'ould hardly be so venturesome as to suggest that
firms carrying out Government contracts are short of cash,
hence their "response" to a recent appeal for donations
sent out by the Professional Classes War Pvelief Council,
which is doing such a large and, unfortunately, necessary
work, is all the more significant. iT.OUO of such firms were
appealed to at a cost of £216. The result of the appeal was
the magnificent average contribution of 4.9d. each (i.e., the
total receipt from this source w'a^ i;546). •

For purposes of comparison, it may be stated that the same
appeal was sent to 14,000 Justices of the Peace, who con-
tributed £1,044, or an average of Is. 6d. each, while 10,000
directors of public companies contributed i£99o, an average
of 2s., which, to say the least of it, makes the manufacturers'
4.9d. look small, and leads me, as one of them, to sign myself

Shylock.

September '2Sth, 191(5.

Munitions Work Wanted.

May I, as the founder of the Amateur Ordnance Volunteer
Association, which aims to find munition work for home •
workers who are debarred from any other form of national
service, ask the favour of your kind interest in making our
wants known to any of your readers who can find us any
repetition work, fine screw-bolts and straining eyes, taper
pins, or any small munition components? We are at present
on shrapnel sockets for the Ministry, but these are a little
too complicated to employ all our workers. We have been
doing shell bases, which we can do well up to the 6-in. sizes.
Both Messrs. Armstrong and the Ministry speak well of our
work, and it seems a pity for thousands of pounds' worth of
precision tools and workers trained on model making to
work within fine limits, to be standing idle at this crisis.
We only want to be helpful, not cuuipetitive, and we make

no personal profit. Should. any of your readers see an open-
mg^tor us, would they be kind enough to communicate with

r , „ , ,, , (Rev.) -W. M. Vf. Pitchford.

Lampprt Kectory, Northampton, September -lltli.

Tiie Institution Wiring Rules.

■ ^^^f ^^^^ '■^'"i with.interest Mr. Smeatou Munro's remarks
m the Electrical Review of September 2yth, particularly

■ of "^Pnf""?^ V\^''}? ^?' ''"'? ^'^■^'^ "'"e ''""'^t tliat some
01 them leter to the Henley wmng system.

We thmk some comment is de.su-able in reply to his re-
marks as to the "special metal" sheathing to which he
refers. It is true that it was, and still is. considered necessary
to specify a high percentage of pure lead for cable covering
generally This is to ensure that the lead is refined and free
trom deleterious matter, whereas the " special metal " sheath-
ing in question is composed of an alloy of pure lead and
other metals which, are mixed with it in certain predeter-
mined proportions for specific purposes, which is quite a
ditterent thing from using impure lead.

Mr. Munro may also be 'interested to know that we have
supplied considerable quantities of om- "special metal"
situati "'"'''^ covered with compounded tape for special

We are pleased to see that Mr. Munro considers that lead-
covered systems are better than some of the other systems
that are permitted more freedom under the rules "Lead-
covered wiring has been used for very many years, but
tailed to grow in popularity owing to the absence of suitable
fittings and means of earthing until the introduction of the
Henley wiring system some five or six years ago

We can assure Mr. Munro that the host of contractors and
even consu Hants, to whom he refers do not regret having
what he calls ' risked the experiment," but we suggest that
It can hardly be called an experiment now, in view of the
length of time and the large amount of work that has been
carried out under the system.

T , „ ^- ^- Henley's Telegraph "Works Co., Ltd.

London, E.G., October 2nd, 1916.

Closing Down The Eiectrical Co., Ltd.

With reference to the closing of enemy businesses, I was
extremely glad to note in the paper some considerable time
ago that the Electrical Co., Ltd., was to be clo.sed, but until
I received a notice regarding the sale of their stock I was
not certain whether this was not another case of closing an
enemy busmess and keeping it warm until such time as the
enemy was able to come back to it, in a similar manner to
that of the Sanatogen Co.

I note on the advertisement sent me a foot-note, which
states: "The Controller, Mr. Maurice Jenks, is prepared to
receive offers for the trade and business connections as lately
carried on by the above company," and I am of opinion that
this is directly opposed to the question of closing the enemy
concerns down, as it simply leaves a. loophole for the present
owners to purchase the business and keep it going until
such time as the war is ended.

There seems to be a good deal of explanation required by
the public with regard to this so-called closing of enemy
businesses, as if the authorities are serious in saying that the
business is closed, this should mean that the whole concern
ig done away with and the stock sold.

Contractor.

To Go— or Not to Go?

In reply to " North-East Coast," I am not " fed up," nor
am I ■' one of those young men perpetually permeated with
the spirit of discontent," nor even "one who has come
to pick up all the Information they can in order to better
their positions," and in support of this, if " North-East
Coast " will guarantee me a decent living wage with pro-
gression according to abiUty after the war, I shall stop where
I am; in fact shall be glad to do so. I do not want what
some North-East Coast officials call a "living wage — it is not
so long ago since a certain one highly-placed in that quarter
made the statement that £1 per week was enough for any
single man to live on. "Ye Gods! "

He goes on to refer to the speeches made before the British
Association, and makes the statement that only semi-skilled
labour is necessary for the operation of power stations and
systems; if so, I don't want a system engineer's position.
" N.E.C." will find plenty of women nowadays to undertake
semi-skilled and repetition work. As for the combination of
mechanical with electrical experience, I should like to know
in w-hat manner does " N.E.C." find where it lies. Does
he expect it to show itself from the man on the switchboard
with full leave to inspect his oil rings hourly, or maybe to
replace a burnt-out lamp?

In turn. I refer " N.E.C." to a paper read by Mr. E. P.
Sloan before the B.A., in which he states that the present
high-class state of electrical affairs on the Tyne has been
brought about bv utilising .... to the best advantage
with the aid of a highly skilled technical staff (Electrical
.Review, p. 334). Yet skilled labour is not needed.

Perhaps if I did stick it for so long as there are volts on

392

THE ELECTRICAL KEVLEW.

II2S. OcTOIlKlt ti. I'tKi.

the system I might be able to keep myself. I think if the
young pian of to-day between IS anil '24 years of age cannot
keep himself without aiil from home to the extent of half
his wages it might be as well if this war should see the" end
of the world. Balanced Up.

lu reply to your correspondents "Unsettled," "Balanced
Up," " North-East Coast," and " Industrial Conscript," my
advice is to clear out of station cuj,Mneering as quickly as
possible, as the prospects do not compensate for the trouble
and time taken to become a station engineer. Fortunately,
the war cannot last for ever, and as soon as things are normal
again, with no controlled fiims to hamper your movements,
and decide how much work you have to do. for the "salary "
they choose to offer you, I say look out for something else;
there is not umch fear of its being any worse. I, for one,
will never again take a "starred" employment, and when
I get my discharge from the Army, after the war, if England
is not once again a free country, as of yore, it will never
fiee me again.

My own experience is very similar to that of " B.U.," inas-
much as I have been associated with the North-East Coast
for a number of years, but, fortunately, I am now out of
station engineering of from 1 to 20,000 volts, and most fer-
vently say, " Never again ! "

" N.E.C." rather gives me the impression that he is closely
•associated with some of those patriotic employers who regard
nearly all their employes (on pay days) as semi-skilled, and
themselves as benevolent teachers. Let us, for their sake,
hope that after the war is over the process of " unbadging "
will take a few days, as they otherwise might find their
staff reduced to a few old hands, without interest or pros-
pects in life. !

Safely Out.

NEW PATENTS APPLIED FOR, 1916.

(NOT YET PDBLISHBD).

FOREIGN AND COLONIAL TARIFFS ON
ELECTRICAL GOODS.

KIOAEAGUA.— -The Board of Trade have received a copy
of the Nicaraguan Law of July 7th which provides for a
general increase of the Customs duties leviable on goods {with
<;ertain exceptions) imported into Nicaragua, by 33J per cent.
[not 38J per cent, as originally reported by H.M. Consul at
Managua — see the Electrical Review of August 18th).

The Law, which came into force on the date of publica-
tion, viz., July 17th), authorises the collection of import
duties at the rate of 80 cents to the peso of the Tariff, in
place of 60 cents, as hitherto, the effect being that the duties
are increased by one-third. This increase is the same for all
goods, with a f6w specified exceptions.

TRANSIT OF GOODS THROUGH FRANCE.— Certain
amendments have been made in the official statement pub-
lished on May 11th— see the Review of June 9th— giving
particulars of the arrangements for transit through France
of goods sent from the United Kingdom to Switzerland, Italy,
and Spain via France. Full information on the subject can
be obtained from the Commercial Intelligence Branch of the
Board of Trade.

SWITZERLAND.— A list of articles in respect of which
licences for export to Switzerland are only granted if the
goods are consigned to the Societe Suisse de Sui-veillance
Economique has been issued by the Contraband Department
of the Foreign Office. The list includes electrical and allied
goods as follows : — Accumulators, electric, and accumulator
plates; batteries, electric and parts; cable, insulated; carbons
(electric) — carbons for electricity (except electrodes) and car-
bon brushes for dynamos can be sent under the small parcel
scheme (see below) ; copper wares, including carbons for elec-
tricity containing copper, and including all metal articles
containing 10 per cent, or more of copper and its alloys;
perforated copper plates ; copper leaf ; copper cables, insulated
and non-insulated; insulated electric copper wires; copper
cables with lead sheath, or iron fittings; electrical cables of
all kinds containing copper; electrical appliances adapted for
use in war, and their component parts; electrical fire lighters;
electrical insulated wire cables; electrodes, piles, and com-
ponent parts; gloves, rubber; electrical machinery, electric
dynamos, and motors; magnetos and their parts; metal, anti-
friction; mica, crude or in sheets; mica splittings, ground
mica and mica wares; rubber, viz., balata. gutta-percha.
rubber wares, rubber-proofed and rubber-mixed goods, and
rubber preservatives; rubber, vulcani.sed, in sheets; search-
lights; shoes, rubber; telegrapli and telephone apparatus,
parts of; telegraph and telephone materials; and wire, insu-
lated.

The articles printed in italics are allowed to benefit under
the special scheme for small parcels, i.e., they may be ex-
ported to Switzerland without an acceptance certificate being
previously obtained from the S.S.S. Parcels thus exported,
whether by post or otherwise, must nevertheless be con-
signed to the S.S.S. for the account of the ultimate con-
signee via. the International Postal Parcels Bureau, Pontarlier.

[It should be noted that articles or substances composed
wholly or partially of products named in the list must them-
selves be consigned to the S.S.S.]

Compiled expressly for this
Electrical Pal'ent .\gcM
Liverpool and ISradford.

..1 bv .MtssKs \V. P. Thompson & C<
, High Holborn, London, W.C, .-ind

13,198. " Electrical fuses or cut-outs." H. \V. Cox. September 18lh.

13,£2I. " Method of .-iJaptin^ tungsten, &c., for contacts in m.iunctos "
G. A. RlCNox. September 18th,

13.235. " Incandescent electric lamps." C. E. J. Brandt. September IStli.
(France, September 18th, 1915.)

13,237. " Telephone systems." R. C. M. Hastings. September 18th.

13,251. " Telegraphy." J. S. Withers, K.C. (Cox). September 18th.

13,269. " Electrical signalling." L. \V. Austin. L. Cohkn & G. O
SmiER. September 19th.

13.277. " Telegraphy," L. \V. Austin, L. CoiiEs & G, O. Squikr, Se|>-
ten-ber 19th.

13,279. " Production of electric currents." J, F. Sepulchre. September
19lh.

13,294, " Electric ignition systems employing magneto-elcctric machines."
British Thomson-Houston Co. & A. P, Young. September 19th.

13.302. " Ignition magnetos." L, Bigno.v & ]. C. Rousset, Septemb .
19lh. (France, September 21st, 1915.)

13.303. " Transmitting apparatus of radio-telegraph and radio-tckphoii
stations." F. G. Slmfson. September 19th.

13.304. " High-tension electric current collecting and transmitting or con
ducting devices." Etablisscments de Dios-Bouton Soc. Anon. Septembi r
lilth. (Fr.ince, November 8th, 1915.)

13.314. " Ships' stokehold. &c., telegraphic apparatus." V\*. Ch.\ddurn anu
\V. K. CiiADSUKS. September 20lh.

13.342. " Electrically depositing metal." E. H, Jones. September 20th.

13,,S43. " Method of forming nietal electrodes used in electric-arc soldering
and deposition of metals." E. H. Jones. September 20th.

13,,?6(i. *' Automatic and semi-automatic telephone systems." T. M. Inm,\n
an. 5 T«E Relay Automatic Telephone Co. September 20th.

13.383, " Vacuum tubes," M. O'Gorman & R. Whiddington, Scptemb.T
20ih.

13,390. " Electric pocket lamps, torches, &c," E. A, Bellow, September
2Isl,

13,422, " Electric laqipholdcrs of the Edison screw type." B,T,H, Co. *Nr>
A, N, BuNX, September 21st.

13,439, " Production of electric currents." J. F. Sepulchre, September
21st,

13.443, " Dvnamo-electric machines." ANSCHtn-2 & Co. September 21st,
(Germany, September 22nd, 1915,)

13,458, " Electrical warning apparatus," J, Bein. September 22nd,

13,483, "Storage battery plates." A, E, White (U,S, Light & Heat Co] -
poration), September , 22nd.

13.486, " Electrically-heated soldering boll or bit," F. Hl'5B.\nd & A, 1..
WcoDHOusE, September 22nd.

l:i,487, " Galvanic batteries." J, E, Presion, September 22nd,

13.488. " Automatic telephone systems." B, B. Johnson, September 22nd.

13.489, " Automatic telephone systems," L, C. Bvgrave, H, j, Herink.
Th^- Reuv Automatic Telephone Co, S: F, .M. Ward, September 22nd.

PUBLISHED SPECIFICATIONS.

X8X4.

24,629. Regulating Means for Electrical Installations. Soc, Anon, de,
Etablissements L. Bleriot. December 24th, (December 27th, 1913,)

19I.S.

519, Polyphase Generator for High-frequency Currents with Polyphase
Tuned Sp.\rk Gap. L, Rouzet, January 12th. (January 12lh, 1914.)

8,334, DVNAMO-ELECTRIC PoWER TRANSMISSION APPARATUS OF THE UnIPOLAK

Type. M, Ereslauer. June 4th. (June 4th, 1914.)

8,451. Printing Telegraph Systems. A, D, Cardwell, June 7th,

11,412, Spooling Machines specially applicable for the Winding of Coils
Fr)R Electrical Apparatus. Walter McGee & Son, Ltd., and A, G. Walls,
August 7th, (Cognate application, 14.994/15,)

12,644, Electric Testing Apparatus. J. C, Crozier & W, C, Wheller,
September 3rd,

12,781. Electric Lighting of Vehicles. P. F. Smith & V, S. Robinson,
September 7th,

12,792, Electric Incandescent Lamps, British Thomson-Houston Co.
(General Electric Co.. U,S,A,), September 7th.

12,936, Washing .Apparatus for use in connection with Secondary
Storage B.vtteries, O. Oldham. September 9th.

12,984. Electrical Cooking .Apparatus and Switchgear therefor. F. S,
Giogan & E, \V. B, Burder. September 10th,

13.283. Means for Regul-ating the Output of Dynamo-electrical
M.^chines Dru'en at Variable Speeds. N. E. Dufty, September 17th,

15,057, X-RAY Apparatus, E. E. Greville. October 25th, (Addition to
21.609/14.)

15.222. Combined Electric Lampholder and Detach.able Shade Support.
G. St. J. Day. October 28lh,

15.427, Combined Electric Switches and Plug Couplings, J, B. Mcln^doe.
November 2nd. (Cognate application, 6.258/16.)

16,471. Method for Producing Durable Primary Galvanic Battery Cells
with Zinc Anodes and Alkaline Electrolyte, J, N, Bronsted & Hellcsens,
H Enke & V, Ludvigsen (firm of). November 22nd,

16,516, Electric Batteries. F. J. Beaumont, November 23rd.

16,731, Portable Battery Lamps, C, A, Vandervell, November 26th.

17,480. Construction of Cord Gripholder for use in connection with
Elpctric^l .Apparatus, G. .Markt, December 14th.

19 le.

The numbers in brackets are those under which the specifications will be
piinted and abridged, and all subsequent proceedings will be taken,

412 Switching Devices for Starting Internal-combustion Engines. R,
Bosch (firm of). January 11th, 1915. [100,017.]

3,758. M\chine Switching Telephone Systems. Western Electric Co
.March 19th. 1915, [100,198,]

6 044 Method of and Means for Assembling and UNrriNc or Connectinc.
together Accumulator Plates. A, Allegranza. April 27th, 1916. [101,321,]

7,258, Call Distributing Telephone Systems. Western Electric Co, May
22nd, 1915, [100,535,]

8 211, Printing Telegraph Systems, A. D, Cardwell, June 7lh. 1915.
(Divided application on 8,451/15,) [101,329,]

8.285, Portable Electric Lighters for Gas, R. W, Sanders, June 12th,
1910, [101,330,]

TXIE

BLEOTK/IG^LL I^E'7"IE"W.

YoL. LXXIX.

OCTOBER 13, 1916.

No. 2,029.

ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

NATIONAL ELECTRIC POWER SUPPLY.

Vol. LXXIX.]

CONTENTS ; October 13, 1916.

N'ational Electric Power Supply

Industrial Harmony

Pig- Lead

Hydro-Electric Works in France...

The Employment of Disabled Sailors and Soldiers {illiix.')

National Electric Power Supply (il/i/x.)

New Electrical Devices, Fittings and Plant (i7^«.«.)

Correspondence —

The Reform of Electricity .Supply

Precedence for Disabled Men .:

Closing' Down the Electrical Co

Ozone in Military Surgery

Domestic Electric Openings in India

War Items

Business Notes ... ... ...

Notes

City Notes

Stocks and Shares

Electric Tramway and Railway Traffic Returns

Market Quotations

Electricity Supply in Bethnal Green Qllus.)

The British Association — VI

The Influence of Pressure on the Electrical Ignition of
Methane, by W. M. Thornton (i7/(/s.)

The Calculation of the Capacity of Radio-Telegraph An-
tennas, by Prof. G. W. 0. Howe (/7/«.<.)

The Woods-Gilbert Rail Planer and Grinding Machine (iHws-.)
German Rules for Pocket-Lamp Batteries

Trade Statistics of Brazil

New Patents Applied for, 1916 ...
Abstracts of Published Speciiicationa

3!).S
.S34

3115
Xn'i
3117
401

402
403
403
403
403
403
40.5
409
412
413
414
414

417
418
419
419
420
420

Contractors' Column

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On Tuesday last, as though by pre-arrangement, but
doubtless as the result of pure coincidence, We re-
ceived a number of documents relating to the reform
of electricity supply in this country-, which must be
regarded as of the first importance to the industry.
Particulars will be found elsewhere in this issue of
the Memorandum which the Joint Committee ap-
pointed by the Incorporated Municipal Electrical
Association and the Incorporated Association of
Electric Power Companies has addressed to elec-
tricity supply undertakers throughout the country,
and of the Interim Report of the Committee for the
Interconnection of Lancashire and Cheshire Elec-
tricity Supply Systems — the first body to take action
in the matter; another paper, to which, for want of
space, we cannot do justice in this issue, and which
is, therefore, deferred for the moment, is the presi-
dential address of Mr. R. A. Chattock to the Bir-
mingham Association of Mechanical Engineers, in
which the author discusses the present position of
the engineering industry, and advocates the erection
— under compulsion by the Government if necessary
• — of " super-stations " for the generation of elec-
trical energy from coal under the most economical
conditions.

These several communications clearly prove that
the electricity supply industry is now very wide
awake to the defects of the existing system, or,
rather, negation of system, on which it is working,
and is determined to inaugurate a new era as quickly
as possible The activity of the Lancashire and
Cheshire Committee merits the highest commenda-
tion; with the start gained by its own initiative, and
the impetus imparted by the energy of its leaders,
it has already shot ahead, and appears to be well on
the way to the fomiation of a provisional Joint
Board of Control without awaiting the formal ap-
pointment of a Board on' the more leisurely lines of
a Government Department. The splendid field in
which it operates — embracing undertakings capi-
talised at over eight millions sterling, generating
plant rated at 260,918 kw., and an annual output of
421 million units — affords magnificent scope for the
adoption of co-operative methods on the largest
scale, and the economy foreshadowed as regards the
consumption of coal alone, a matter of £82,000 a
year at 17s. 6d. per ton, but far greater at pre-
sent export prices, amply justifies the capital outlay
involved, to say nothing of the 30 per cent, increase
in effective capacity, and the many other advantages
presented by the scheme. A feature of the Com-
mittee's report which is of the .first importance is
the statement that the Treasuiy will be prepared to

[393]

394

THE ELECTKICAL 1\E\ lEAY. [voi. -d. no. 2.o2!>. octoher in, linc.

find the money necessarj' for the sclieme of inter-
connection. W'e note, too, with satisfaction, that
the inckision of the power companies in the scheme
is regarded as essential. We trust that in this signi-
ficant phrase we see the end of the old-time jealousy
and distrust with which the municipal authorities
viewed the activities and advances of the great com-
panies which, in the face of innumerable obstacles,
have laboured to establish their undertakings firmly
on what often appeared to be barren soil.

Once more we may draw attention in this connec-
tion to the crying need for compulsory wayleaves.
Now that the ruling powers have set their minds on
the development of connecting links between the
different districts, surely 'they will realise the abso-
lute necessity of providing -the facilities required for
that purpose, as well as. for the ordinary develop-
ment of any supply undertaking.

Let it not be thought that, because we give pride
of place to the speedy Northerners, we do not ade-
quately appraise the value of the important step
that has been taken by the Joint Committee. In a
sense, the work of the latter covers that of the
former, just as the greater includes the less; the
Joint Committee, in fact, is calling upon all dis-
tricts to do that which the Lancashire and Cheshire
districts have already done, and is providing the
necessary machinery to facilitate the work. The
IMemorandum which it has issued is admirably con-
ceived, and well backed-up with practical illustra-
tions of some of the advantages of interconnection.
Much of what we have said regarding the concrete
scheme applies equally to the abstract recommenda-
tions of the Joint Committee, and we heartily wel-
come the evidence of its activity and practical
methods of operation. Of the proceedings of the
allied Committee — that of the Institution of Elec-
trical Engineers — we have no information as yet,
but we have no doubt that it is making progress
with its part of the work.

In conclusion, we have one word to say with
regard to the Borough of Eccles. It is stated in
the Committee's interim report that that borough
withheld the information required for the purpose
of the investigation. No reason is given for this
action, or inaction, but the natural inference is that
Eccles wishes to have nothing to do with the
scheme. So much the worse for Eccles — but we do
-not hesitate to say that to oppose a scheme of
-national economy such as this is to strike a blow
for the Germans. At such a time local interests,
even if apparently threatened, should not be placed
before those of the nation, and we trust that the
patriotism of Eccles will yet be manifested by its
•entry into the scheme.

However long the war may last
Industrial it is important that measures be
Harmony. taken in good time to secure indus-
trial harmony after Peace ■ is de-
clared. All the articles and correspondence that

have been appearing in the newspaper I'rcss, and
all the speeches that have been delivered from public
platforms, will avail us little unless they lead to
action. The search for a basis for negotiations has
occupied many men of eminence in public life dur-
ing the past few weeks, and we sometimes note with
feelings of regret that there is a disposition to ask
for practically a new heaven and a new earth in
exchange for a truce. We sympathise deeply with
the demand of Labour for better conditions, but it
will be a pity if the prospects of peace and pros-
perity are spoiled by arguing for more than industry
has it in its power to give. Some of the things that
are sought will, we believe, prove to be matters for
the legislature and the nation as a whole; others it
will be within the power of industry to confer by
direct negotiation and agreement with the autlio
rised delegates of the industrial workers. In order
that these matters may be exhaustively investigated,
affording a basis for a reasonable policy in which
the nation, the industries, and the workers shall
recognise and carry their own peculiar responsi-
bilities, it is necessary that machinery should exist
capable of handling the problems with intelligence,
experience, and authority. We therefore extend
our hearty good wishes to the new department
which Air. Arthur Henderson, M.P., the Labour
Adviser to the Government, has now brought into
full operation. We gather from a reference thereto
in the Times that one of Mr. Henderson's prime
objects is to lay the foundations for a regular and
definite system of co-operation and communication
between industry and the Government. This is
most essential if we are to proceed on sure lines,
and it is satisfactory to learn that consultative com-
mittees of employers and trade unionists have
already been appointed, a separate committee being
set up to deal with the subject of women's labour.
There will also be colonial and international com-
mittees which will assist the Department as may be
found necessary. One of the great virtues of the
foregoing arrangement is that the Department will
give all the interests concerned an opportunity for
being heard before particular conclusions are arrived
at. The industries affected will be" able to make
their representations from both the employers' and
the workmen's standpoints whenever material points
are at issue. Mr. Henderson and those associated
with him in this very important undertaking are
anxious to have the co-operation of all sections of
the industry, and the invitation given through the
Press to employers and workpeople alike to submit
information as to important points of principle to
which they desire consideration to be given, will
doubtless be accepted. We hope that this is no hap-
hazard or casual invitatibn. If it is to meet with
the response that is necessary it should be brought
directly under the attention of at least all the
organised bodies that it may concern; probably
steps have been taken to that end. Given a proper
co-operation on the part of everybody who is eager
for the plans of our industrial future to be correctly
drawn up, the efforts of the new Department,
assuming that its personnel is rightly chosen,
should have at hand before long just the very
material out of which the new basis can be chosen. ■
When such a basis has been decided upon, however,
everything will depend upon the spirit in which all
parties enter into the deliberations leading up to its
general adoption. The spirit of compromise and
sweet reasonableness should fully possess all
parties, so that we may avoid the abominable waste
of dissipating energies which industrial strife would
bring if Peace within our borders were broken when
Peace between the nations returned. Utopian

No. 2,020, October 13, 1916.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

305

dreams of Labour will be as out of place as will the
old obduratie spirit of an unbending Capitalism.
All things will have to be subject to searching
analysis which economic conditions and actual prac-
ticalities will inevitably impose, but there will also
have to be applied a considerable share of sympathy
and regard for fair dealing toward the worker, who
will require to give efficient service in exchange for
adequate compensation. The difficulties are £,n-eat,
but, given a continuance of the present atmosphere,
they should not be overwhelming. Again, we wish
success to the new Department, for its work is really
the beginning of a national effort toward securing
industrial harmony — perhaps by settling the terms
upon which a truce for a period of years may be
arranged. We are not concerned so much with
whether that truce shall be for three or for five
years; all that is necessary is for it to be sufficiently
lengthy for us to see what the new world conditions
during the period of readjustment are going to be
and to bring, and what the actual effects of the truce
itself will be upon our industries, our workpeople,
and our national life, as well as what will be the
consequences of those effects upon our relations
with our Colonies, our Allies, and the world at
large.

There has been a deadlock in
Pig Lead. trading on the Metal Exchange for
some weeks past. The slackness of
business in the open market, indeed, has been such
that the transactions arranged could almost be
counted on the fingers of one hand. Official quota-
tions practically throughout have been nominal, and
though showing hardly any alteration, there is no
mistaking the fact that consumers have experienced
considerable difficulty in covering their needs in one
direction or another. For one thing, early delivery-
has been hard to secure, as testified by the compara-
tively high prices which have been paid privately by
consumers, up to about £.2i~- Complaints have been
frequently heard of from consumers in that respect,
who should bear in mind, however, that the Metal
Exchange official quotations cover only shipments
in the current and next two months. There can
be no free market under present conditions, while
the situation is more than ever under the control
of the authorities. Operators are, in any case,
under restraint inashiuch as persistent efforts are
understood to be made to keep down prices. There
is probably not much metal coming in that is not
earmarked for special requirements, and holders of
uncontrolled lead have doubtless no difficulty in
finding buyers privately practically on their own
terms, regardless of the official prices. This state of
affairs is not unlikely to continue until a better sup-
ply comes to market. Meanwhile, it is generally
recognised that the position is tight, and that any
important relief can hardly be brought about unless
metal from controlled sources comes out. As to
whether this will be realised shortly remains to be
seen. There is a confident hope that a change to-
wards easier or more comfortable conditions can-
not be delayed much further.

Ordinary' manufacturing needs in this country -are
probably comparatively small, bub there is doubtless
a constant big outlet in other directions, so that cur-
rent output is being rapidly absorbed. It had been
hoped for some time past that American lead would
again come on offer on this side, but there is as yet
no sign of this, for the price quoted in New York
is still at a figure the equivalent of which repre-
sents many pounds a ton over London parity. The
market there is apparently under strong control,
the Trust showing no indication of undercutting

outside producers for the present. The margin there
for export is at present small, while the domestic
outlet has undoubtedly increased. The output,
nevertheless, is hea\'y, and it is quite on the cards
that prices in America will eventually be lowered to
a less extravagant level, and possibly result in a
renewal of shipments to this countrv'. Spanish lead
is coming- in in rather limited quantities, due to the
continued heavy tonnage sent direct from Spain to
France, the total thus dispatched for the first seven
months of this year being 38,324 tons, as compared
with 17.394 tons in 1915. The total imports by
France for that period represented 46,509 tons,
against 31,684 tons in the previous year. It is
utterly impossible to form an idea of the statistical
position in this country so long as returns of the
tonnages coming in are incomplete, and chiefly
represent metal which is not under control. In the
, absence of offers in the open market, buyers have
lately come to the conclusion that it is almost use-
less to bid for supplies, which tends to keep prices
down.

At a time when the prices of coal
Hydro=Electric in France have reached a very high
Works in level, special interest attaches to the
France. development of the hydro-electric

works in that country, particularly
as the consumption of coal annually jncreases in a
greater proportion than the native production.
Unless, therefore, a new and extensive coal basin is
discovered— which is considered to be improbable
—France will always be largely dependent upon
supplies qf foreign'coal, aided by the use of the
existing water powers. Fortunately, progress m
the latter direction is being made, as is indicated by
the information recently published by M. Levy-
Salvador, chief of the technical ser\^ice of the
Department of Agricultural Hydraulics at the Mmis-
try of Agriculture. According to a census taken
in regard to the situation at the end of 1915. the
power utilised in the French Alps alone amounted
to 738,000 H.P., and was divided among the follow-
ing' industries : —

Industries.

Lighting and power

Metallurgy

Electrochemistry

Traction

Saw and paper mills

Various (chalk, cement, weaving

mills, &c.) 6,000

Horse-power Percentage

installed . of the total.

... 291,000 40

... 2.55,000 34

... 147,000 20

... 16,000 2

... 2.3,000 2

Total

738,000

99

The great development which has taken place m
the course of years is shown by a comparison of the
preceding total h.p. with the state of affairs at the
close of 1910, when the h.p. installed only reached
473 000 The number of works has grown m the
same period from 126 to '205, those of a capacity
exceeding 10,000 h.p. having risen from 13 to_ 28.
Included in the increase is .also a number of stations
of an individual capacity of less than 500 h.p., thfte
being mostly used for local lighting purposes and
in connection with ironworks, textile mills, cement
works, and paper mills. Apart from the works
already in operation, many important schemes are
at present either in course of being carried out or
under consideration. The demand for the supply
of energy is increasing to such an extent that the
distribution companies are quite unable to meet it,
and they are preoccupied with the question of draw-
ing upon further water^ powers to cope with the
requirements, whilst at the same time many manu-
facturers are also seeking locations for the erection
of generating plant so as to overcome the difficulties
incidental to the high prices of coal. •

390

THE ELECTKI-CAL EEVIEAV. v„i. t... n„. -.'.ooi,, octobkr n, I'.nn.

THE EiMPLONiMENT OF DISABLED SAILORS
AND SOLD1ER5.

We iL'tTiiilv (Ic'si-iik'd (Elec. Rev., Aiiirust 4th, lyic)
the exeellciit work that is Imng done, uiiilfr the legis of
the Institution of Eiettrical Engineoi's, by the Northampton
Polvteehnie Institute towards the training of disiililed
fighting men for employment in electricity supply under-
takings. AVe are glad to draw attention in this connection
to the admirable arrangements which have been made at
Queen Mary's Convalescent Auxiliary Hospitals at Roe-

JIoTOi! AM) Lathi; Room.

hampton, with similar ends in view. In this case, the men
enter the hospital primarily for the purpose of being
provided with artificial limbs, and as the process of fitting
and testing these appliances occupies two or three weeks,
advantage is taken of their presence to impart to them
the rudiments of various trades, such as the installation
and care [of electric lanijjs, motors, bells, telephones, &c.,
the management of
motor-car mechanism,
wood woi'king and
c-abiuet-making, fancy
leather work, basket
making, and commer-
cial occupations such
as book-keeping, short-
hand, and typewriting.
By the courtesy of Mr.
J. M. Andrew, super-
intendent of the de-
partment, we were
recently enabled to pay
a visit to the work-
shops, the technical side
of which has been oi'-
ganised by Major Ro1)t.
Mitchell, Director of
Education at the Poly-
technic, Regent Street.
The cost of" the build-
ings and the original
equipment was de-
frayed by Lady Wan-
tage, and a good deal of
additional equipment

has been provided by manufacturers, but there is still
need of more apparatus, especially in the electrical section.
New and saleable apparatus is not essential ; there must
Ije hundreds of old and neglected instruments, machines,
tools, &c., lying about the premises of manufacturers
and contractors, a few of which would be most heartily
welcomed by the of the electrical workshops, who would
repair them and put "them to good use. All kinds of
accessories such as small switches (especially two-way

tumbler switches) and fusi's, iisid wire and cable, lengths •■
of conduit and fittings, bells and telephones, are accept-
able, for reasons which will lie obvious later; but the
most pressing re(|uirement is a small generating set con-
sisting of an oil engine and dynamo for country-house
lighting, up to .') ii.i>. We may ]ioint out that the loan of
such a set for the duration of the war would serve the
purixise (luite as well a-s the gift, and we can iussure any
reader who is willing to assist in this way that he will thus
confer a great benefit ui>on many of those men whom we
can never adequately re]iay for their sacrifice.

The worksho])s are situated in a range of substantial huts'
at the rear of the hospital, in plea.sant surroundings, and, at,
present, provide acconnnodation for alKuit 100 men ; exten-
sions are being adiled as circmustances allow. The men,
whoso' attendance is entirely voluntary, and who select a
trade to suit their own inclinations, normally attend from
!).30 to 12.1.') daily : they may also spend the afternoon
from 1.31) to :iAh in the sliops if they like, and many take
advantage of the opportunity. It is interesting to note
that electrical work is very {wpular, some '2b per cent, of the
men who attend the workshojjs going in for it. The work
is somewhat interrupted liy the re(iuirement that men newly
fitted with ai'tificial limbs shall jiarade for insiKiction at
1 1 a.m., I)ut, ;us this is the main rciuson for tjieir presence '
at the hospital, no complaint can be made on this score.

All the shops containing machinery are provided with
electric motive ])ower from the electrical shop, which affords
opportunities for the care and maiuigement of motors to be
studied : in the carpenter's shop there are power lathes and
saws, and in the motor shop a complete chassis is driven by
a small motor, this having been found an excellent method
of demonstrating the working of the engine and gearing.

In theelectrical workshop a motor supplied with alternating
curi-ent from the Barnes public mains drives, through
belting and countershaft, a direct-current generator, which
supplies current for power and lighting to the work-
shops ;■ this plant is, of course, a valuable item from'
the educational point of view. The men work in small
groups, aiid receive personal tuition from the instructors.
First they spend a few days on be41s, indicators, burglar
alarms, &c., making all the usual connections ; then
they connect up three lampholders with 'single, two-way
and intermediate switches, on the bench, and after-

Interior of Electrical Workshop.

wards do this in tubing — which they find a much more
difficult task. A three-light fitting with loop-in wires
and two switches is the next exercise, after which, on
the demonstration boards seen in our illustrations, they
connect up six circuits, all different, with two bus-bars,
ammeter and voltmeter ; the circuits include a circuit-
breaker, D.p. switch and fuses, a wall socket, &c., and a
pressure of 100 volts is finally applied to the installation,
sometimes with interesting, if unexpected, results. The

Vol. :;'. No. 2,029, October 18. 1916.] THE ELECTRICAXi REVIEW.

397

circuits wired on the wall in tubing are dismantled and
completely re-erected : the main switchboard was fitted
up by the men : simple jobs in the lathe and soldering are
taught ; a small armature is taken apart and rewound ;
telephone connections are studied — wisely deferred towards
the end of the course — and all the usual comiections
are made for simple circuits. Later on, a set of

'three interphones will he introduced into the course,
and some ideas about alternating currents also will be
inculcated. Excellent wiring diagrams have been pre-
pared by the iustructore, and we must congratulate
them upon the skill and aseiduity with which they have
devised, and are carrying out, an admirable system of
tuition.

Many ot the men go on for furthei- instruction to the
Eegent Street Polytechnic, where they ai-e given free
tuition : assistance towards their maintenance is provided
from private sources, pending arrangements by the London
War Pensions Committee. At the Polytechnic they
are instructed in the management of the bioscope, an
occupation which is obviously admirably suited to their
circumstances.

It is interesting to observe that of the total
number of disabled men passing through the hospital,

about 50 per cent, are able to return to the

posts they occupied before eidisting : 2.3 ]ier cent, are

trained and provided

with employment at

Roehampton, and

the remainder are

passed on to the care

of local committees in

their own districts.

, Me u partially

trained as wiremen are
rapidly taken up, and

are paid 32s. 6i a

week, plus food. Mr.

Isidore Salmon is

specially mentioned in

this connection, as

working hard to place

the men, and taking

many of them in his

own business. Certifi-
cates are awarded to

those who attend the

workshops regularly^

stating the number of

hours during which

they have received

instruction. Every

effort is made to assist

the men to obtain

satisfactory employ-
ment, and to settle

their personal affairs,

and the work that is being done by the Hospital

appears to us to be worthy of the most cordial

commendation and sujiport.

to the secretaries and engineers of company supply under-
takings, together with a letter suggesting that the addressee
sjjould attend a general meeting of all the undertakings
situated in the group or area in which it is suggested that
that pai-ticular undertaking should be included, with a
view to discussing the Memorandum and ajipointing a local
Committee as indicated therein.

The problems to be considered by the local Committees
include : —

1. The consideration of the areas shown on the accompany-
ing map with a view to theii- better division if considered
desirable ;

2. .The best methods of inter-linking the existing generating
stations with a view to their more economical operation, and
to the better security of the supply ;

3. The best means of providing the capital required for the
plant and mains that are necessary,' and for the equitable
allocation of the same ;

4. The best methods of payment between undertakings for
any current supplied or interchanged;

5. Any special local arrangements that are considered desir-
able.

The Memorandum, after referring to the importance to the
electric supply industry of the Board of Trade cuTular letter
of May 2.5th, 1916, and to the forming of the Joint Com

NATIONAL ELECTRIC POWER SUPPLY.

Interconnection of Generating- Stations.

The Joint Committee's Memorandum.

We have received from the Hon. Secretaries of the Joint
Committee appointed by the Incorporated Municipal Elec-
trical Association and the Incorporated Association of
Electric Power Companies to consider the cjuestion of the
linking-up of electricity supply undertakings, a copy of a
Me;norandum which has been sent to the various tf)wn
clerks and engineers of municipal sujiply undertakings, and

View in Electrical Workshop, showing Dk.mon.-<tratiux Boards.

mittee to consider the question of liuking-up in all its aspects,
states that the importance of Unking-up several large sta-
tions, and equally of linking-up lai'ge stations with small ones,
where such ■ Unking-up can be carried out without undue
capital expenditure, is now becoming more generally reaUsed.
The Joint Committee has arrived at the following conclu-
sions with regard to the suggestion contained in the Board of
Trade letter : —

1. That linking-up is important for the purposes of saving
fuel, saving labour and increasing the security of supply, and,
in the future, making for economy of capital.

2. That the question of linking-up should be considered
broadly from the national point of view, and having in mind
not only the saving of fuel but the interests of consumers in
obtaining a cheap supply of electricity for all purposes.

3. That while the generation of electricity as distinct from
its distribution must be considered broadly and irrespective
of the present areas of electricity supply undertakings, clearly
all existing rights must be respected and existing areas must
not be interfered with as regards distribution.

4. That the linking-up of many existing stations could be
carried out immediately without further legislation.

.5. That in order to arrive at a better understanding of the
problem, committees of engmeers representative of local elec-
tricity supply interests should be appointed in various parts
of the countrv.

398

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW, [voi. t.. xo. 2.021., ocom:.. 13, um.

To facilitate the formation and work of the local committees
the accompanying map has been prepared showing a provi-
sional sub-division of the country into areas, but if local
circumstances (known better to engineers) in any area make
it desirable to alter the definition of these areas, it is, of
course, open to them to suggest any such alteration.

A local committee has already coiiinienced work in the
Lancashire area, and the schedule appended shows the infor-
mation that the committee decided to obtain.

If the local committees will communicate from time to time
to the Joint Committee the results of their labours, the
experience gained by each local committee can be made avail-
able for the use of all. and the Joint Committee is prepared
to assist in every possible way.

An Appendix " A " gives two examples showing advantages
which m practice have been realised bv linking-up, and an
Appendix " B " contains a diagram and description illustrating

National Electric Supply : Map showing si-ggested sub-divisiox into Areas.
Industrial Areas Shaded.

an arrangement likely to be found applicable to many actual
cases.

tt'^^® Memorandum is signed by the following :— Messrs. J.
H. Bowden W. A. Chamen (Chairman), E. A. Chattock, -J. S.
Highfield, \\. W. Lackie, Charles H. Merz, S. L. Pearce
Th9s. Eoles^ D. A. Starr, W. B. Woodhouse ; Hon. Secre-
taries H. Faraday Proctor, The Exchange, Bristol; A. de
iurckheim, Caxton House, Westminster, S.W
^u^? explanatory note attached to the Memorandum states
that the first public distribution of electricity was carried out
by companies working under Provisional Orders granted
under the Electric Lighting Acts, 188-2 and 1888. Under these
Acts their plant and mams are subject to compulsory pur-
chase after 42 years from the date of the Order, and thereafter
after recurring periods of 10 years.

The practicability of the business having been proved many
municipal corporations entered the field, supplying in their
municipal areas under Provisional Orders, and in other cases
they bought up the undertakmgs of local companies under
agreement or arbitration.

Since the year liXIO si'veral companies have been authorised
to supply electricity under Special Power Acts, their areas
covering the greater part i>f the industrial districts of the
country, and these undertakings are not subject to compul-
sory purchase.

These thiee groups provide all the public electric supply in
the country, but there are still various tramway undertakings,
railway companies, and other industrial concerns providing
their own electric supply from independent power stations.

Suflicient time has elapsed, and sufficient experience is
available, ' to show the defects of the original legislation
Experience has shown that the comparatively small areas of
the companies and local authorities working under Provi-
sional Orders are, in many cases, insufficient to enable advan-
tage to be taken of modern improvements in plant. It is
also evident that the liability to compulsory purcha.so impose. 1
upon the undertaking.s of companies working under Provi-
sional Orders has restricted enterpri.sr-
and retarded the development of elec-
tricity supply. Since some of the com-
panies operate in very important dis-
tricts, immediate measures should be
adopted to deal with this difficulty.

One of the most important problems,
both at the present time and in the
future, is the better utilisation of our
coal supplies. .An exten.sion of this
problem con.si.sts in utilising the coal in
such a way as to avoid the waste of
its valuable constituents and by-pro-
ducts. This object can be attained in
a very satisfactory way only by treat-
ing the coal at central points on a largo
scale. Electricity offers by far the most
economical and convenient method of
distributing the power from these centres.
The following is the schedule of
information desired by the Lanca-
shire Local Committee : — (1) Name
of authority; (2) area of supply;
(3) system of generation and transmis-
sion; (4) voltage of generation and
transmission; (5) periodicity of system:
(6) capacity and type of generating plant
installed; (7) total plant capacity in kw.
installed, (a) a.c, (6) c.c. ; (8) capacity
of boiler plant in.stalled, expressed iii
KW. ; (9) coincident maximum load on
system in kw. 1915-16, (a) generated.
(6) purcha.?ed; (10) expected coincident
maximum load in kw. 1916-17, (a)
generated, {h) purchased; (11) effective
generating plant capacity in kw. when
plant on order is completed, giving date
of latter; (12) facilities for future ex-
tensions on existing site; (13) contem-
plated extensions on new site; (14)
maximum Sunday load in kw., (a) in
winter. (6) in summer; (15) total kw.-
hours for last completed financial year,
(a) generated, (6) purchased; (16)
general remarks.

Appendix ".■!."— (Actual Results of
Linking-up.) I.— Two power stations,
each carrying about 7,000 kw. of load,
were linked up at a cost of £3,000,
the link having a capacity of 3,000 to
4,000 KW.

By shutting down one station each
night (12 midnight to 6 a.m.) and week-
ends (from noon Saturday to 6 a.m.
Monday) :_ (1) The plant load factor at
each station has been increased from
67 to 72 per cent ; (2) the total saving of
coal per annum in both stations has
been 2,000 tons, and it is anticipated
that this saving will be increased to
3,000 tons,
n. — A power station having a maxi-
mum load of 2,000 kw. was linked up with another power
station haying a maximum load of 15,000 kw.

(1) During the second year of working " linked up " the
coal consumption of the smaller station was reduced by 2i lb
of coal per unit on all units generated bv that station; (2)
the combined saving of coal, due to interchange of current,
m the second year of working, amounted to 5.500 tons.
iL /?f,^'''°° *° ^^'^ saving of coal, linking-up has resulted in
the toUowmg further advantages :—(l) Greater security of
supply, (2) reduction in the number of shifts run and wages
paid, (3) reduced maintenance charges due to fewer plant
hours run (4) facility for carrying out repairs when stations
are shut down, (5) a saving in future capital expenditure
owing to reduced amount of stand-by plant and the use of
larger generating sets.

Appendix " B."— (Linking-up Proposal.) A power station

(A) having a maximum load of 3,000 kw. links up with an-

otner power station (B) having a maximum load of 20,000 kw.

(A) runs for 8 hours (one shift) a day only (and possibly

not at all on Sundays), (B) taking the load during the re-

Vol. 79. Xo. 2.029, October 13, 191ti.] THE ELECTEICAL REVIEW,

399

maining 16 hours. During the 8 hoars when (A) is running,
which would inciude (A's) peak load, (B) would transfer to
(A) sufficient load to keep (A) at a uniform load of •2.800 kw.
except at the hours when (A's) own load is -IfiW KW. and
over. Such a division of load would result in maintaining
(A's) output at 5{ million units while increasing his plant
load factor threefold, (B's) load factor reiiiaining unaltered,
while the units delivered from (\) to (B) during the H hours
when {\) is running would he returned by (B) to (A) during
the remaining 16 hours.

Advanlages. — (1) Fuel saved; because (A's) load is always
-ufficient to enable all machines running to be run at most
.'conomical load, and (B) gets a better load during the slack
liours. A saving of 1 lb. of coal per unit on oi million units
is equivalent to ^.-SUO tons per annum, or, at present prices,
say. ^1,500 to =63,000, depending upon the locality.

ii) Wages saved; because (A) works one shift instead of
three, thereliy saving more than half his wages bill and
ledncing his maintenance charges (because of fewer plant
hours).

n-\]\m\:iii;\\\\\mmm

^.

It will be seen that such ai langement would not only result
in a saving to the nation of '2,.500 tons of coal per annum,
but a saving to the two electric supply undertakings of, say,
±'3,(K10 per annum, including wages, Ac, which would give
a return of 10 per cent, even if it cost d£30,0(X) to connect up.

Laxcashire and Cheshire Scheme.
Ill connection with the same subject, we have received
from Mr. .J. A. Robertsou. hou. secretary of the Committee
for the Intercomiection of Lancashire and Cheshire Elec-
trii-ity Supply Systems, a copy of the Interim Report of the
I'ommittce, whicli forms very interesting reading. It is
dated September. 1910, and after discussing the question of
economy and the needs of the existing situation generally,
details tiie proceedings of the Committee since its inception
on May 9th, 1916. Various recommendations are made
with a view to co-ordinating the electrical sup]jlies in the
districts concerned, and in a numlier of a|)pendices a mass
of data and statistics is set forth. We reproduce on page 400
a map which accompanies the report, showing the generating
st itions. existing e.h,t. mains, and proposed new mains in
the areas included in the scheme. It is interesting to note
that the economy anticipated in coal consumption alone, as
the result of interconnection of the generating stations, is
estimated at £82,000 per annum at 17s. Cd. i^er ton.

The report, after drawing- attention to the necessity for conserv-
ing- the nations resources and increasing its producing capacity
during and after the war, which has made the subject of electricity
supply one of vital and immediate importance, states that it does
not profess to deal vrith questions of general policy, nor does it
advocate any comprehensive scheme of centralisation. Its object is
rather to indicate the means which can be adopted at once for
utilising existing facilities to the fullest extent, so as to meet the
present abnormal conditions, and to prepare for the situation which
will arise after the war.

Certain conditions arising out of the war have an important
bearing on the question : —

(a J The restrictions imposed by the Government on capital
expenditure, and the consequent postponement or abandonment of
extensions to existing sopply undertakings.

' l/j The increased price of fuel and other materials, and the
scarcity and high price of labour,

I <■ ) The increased adoption of electricity for power purposes, and
the necessity for cheapening its production to meet industrial
requirements after the war.

To cope with these conditions, the Committee has drawn up a
scheme for the tuterconuection of existing electrical undertakings
in certain districts in Lancashire and Cheshire, as a result of
which it is believed that the following immediate benefits will be
derived : —

< aj The supply from existing stations could he greatly increased,
as the generating stations in each district would to a considerable
extent act as a reserve or .stand-by to each other, thus reducing the
amount of reserve plant which has to be kept in rea<.liness in each
station in ease of emergency. It is estimated that if the generating
systems in the areas under review were interconnected the aggre-
grate maximum demand on the whole system could, under normal
working conditions, be increased by :^0 per cent.

(/<) The risk of interruption to supply would be materially
diminished in the event of an accident occurring to the plant in one
station, as the supply could be maintained from one or more
stations in the same district.

0) By making the fullest use of the eflScient plant on each
system, and only running the less efficient plant at times of heavy
demand, a considerable saving could be effected in fuel, and to a
lesser degree in wages, repairs, and other items of expenditure.

(,(/) A number of the generating stations in each district could
be shut down at week-ends, and at times of light load, thus
improving the general efficiency of the system, and permitting
necessary repairs and overhauling of plant to be carried out with
convenience and economy.

(/•) The interconnection of electrical undertakings by reducing
the amount of stand-by plant would greatly conduce to economy of
capital expenditure in future.

The Committee was formed on May 9th. some weeks before the
Board of Trade circular on interconnection was issued, held its
first meeting on May Kith, 191(>, and decided to consider the
problem in the first place fiom its engineering aspect. For the
pui-pose of the scheme the undertaking^ in the area were divided
into sis groups, namely : —

GROUP A,
Altrincham Electric Supply Co. ; Eccles Corporation : Lancashire
and Yorkshire Railway : Middleton. Manchester, »nd Salford Cor-
porations : Sale and Stretford F.D.C.s : Stockport CoriMratiou ;
Tratford Power and Light Supply. Ltd.

GROUP B.
Bolton and Bury Corporations ; Heywood U.D.C. ; Lancashire
Electric Power Co. (Radcliffe) : Leigh Corporation : RadcUffe
U.D.C. : Rochdale Corporation ; South Lancashire Tramways Co.
(Atherton) : AVigan Coi-poi-ation.

GROUP C.

Ashton-under-Lyne Corporation ; Glossop S-upply Co. : Oldham
Corporation : Stalybridge. Hyde, &c. (joint board).
GROUP D.

Accrington, Blackburn. Burnley, Cjlne, Darwen, and Xelson
Corporations : Preston Coi'poratioh Tramways ; Preston Electric
Light Co. : Rawtenstall Coi-poration.

GROUP E.

Birkdale and District Electric Supply Co. : Birkenhead and
Bootle Corporations : Hoylake and West Kirby U.D.C. : L. A: Y.
Railway (Formby) : Liverpool Corporation : Liverpool and District
Co. : Liveiijool Overhead Railway Co. : Mersey Railway Co. ;
Mersey Power Co. (Runcorn) : Ormskirk (Company) : Prescot and
District Lighting Co. ; St. Helens, Southport, Wallasey, and
Warrington Corjwrations.

GROUP F.

Alderley and Wilmslow Electric Supply Co,, Ltd. : Crowe and
Chester Corporations ; Macclesfield Electricity Co., Ltd. : Xorthwich
Electric Supply Co.

A technical census of these imdertakings has been made, and the
results are tabulated in an appendix. The map oa page 400 shows
the position of the generating stations, and the extent to which
extra-high-pressure mains have already been laid in the area of
supply under consideration.

At an early stage in the proceedings the Committee came to
the conclusion that no useful purpose would be served by the inclu-
sion of the five undertakings of Group F, and consequently these
have been dropped out of the scheme,

Extra-high-pressuie mains have been laid to a much greater
extent in the districts included in Groups A, B. and C than in the
others, and a scheme for interconnecting the undertakings within
these groups could be carried out at a comparatively small cost and
with little delay. The majority of the undertakings included in
Group D can also be conveniently linked up with each other, but
the interconnecting of this group with Groups A. B. and C is not
provided for at present. The district within which the under-
takings included in Group E are situated is a very wide one. and to
interconnect all these undertakings at the present time would
entail a capital expenditure out of proportion to the realisable
savings. This does not. however, rule out the possibility of
adjacent undertakings in this district linking up by mutual
agreement.

400

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW. [Vol. 79. No. 2,029, October 13, 191B.

The Committee, .ifter careful consiileration. therefore, has
ilecideil for the present io coiitine its proposals to the four Groups.
A, B, C, and D. comprisin^r 32 undertakinjrs. In Grou|> A. the
cost of linkinj< up Sale and Altrinoham with the other under-
taking's iu the CJroup could not lie justified at present, and this
also applies to the two Preston undertftkiufrs in (irouj) D. There
remain, therefore, 28 undertakintrs. which include the Lancashire
and Yorkshire Rjiilway Co.'s 2J-cycle system and the undertaking;
of the borough of Eccles. The Committee nuikes no proposals for
dealinsr with these two undertakings iu this report, the first
nanietl on the g-round of expenditure involved, and the last
named on account of the necessary information heing withheld.
Of the remaininff 21! undertakinjrs, the majority are operatintr
on the three-phase alternatinff-curri'nt supply system, with 6,000
volts as the pressure of jreneration and transmission, and ,")0 jieriods
as the fre<|uency of the system.

Six apiiendices trive informatit)n rejrarding- the undertakings

(li) For stand-by purposes, i.e., for emergencies.

(c) For bulk supplies, i.e., in case of a shortage of plant or for
economical reasons.

The Committee, after careful consideration, has come to the con-
clusion that if the undertakings in (iroups A, B, C. and U are
interconnecteil, the average coal consumption i>er unit generated,
viz., 3'24 11)., civn be reduced by not less than Ti lb. of coal jK-r unit.
With coal at I's. (id. ])er t<m, this reducticm repivsents an annual
saving on the present output of the undertakings of about ^sl'.ikki.

Having arrived at these preliminary conclusions, the Couiuiittce
considereil it desirable to ascertain more definitely the views of the
Government departments concerned on this question, and after
correspondence, a deputation consisting of Mr. Pearce, Mr. Purrett.
Mr. Welbourn, Mr. Robertson, Mr. Watson, and Mr. Wheelwright,
on July 13th, was received by representatives of the Board of
Trade, the Local Government Board, and the Treasury.

The deputation, in the first place, fully explained the steps that

Generrting Stations
EH TWAINS

., ofL8>Y, Rlx C°
Proposeo
TRAFfORD Park

Lancashire and Cheshire Scheme : Map of Area, including Groups A, B, C, and D.

included in Groups A, B. C, and D. under the following
heads : —

Capital expenditure and plant capacity.

I'nits generated and coal consumption.

The estimated capital expenditure involved.

Xew mains and transfoi-mers to be provided for interconnecting
purposes.

Principal featmes of the returns from the undertaking;s.

Lancashire and Cheshire Electricity Supply Systems — tabulation
of technical data.

The estimates in Appendix 3 are based on the abnormal prices
now ruling for materials, and, with one or two exceptions, allow a
section of not less than 01.5 sq. in. of copper on all new mains, and
sufficient capacity of transforming plant to enable any undertaking
to receive not less than 3,000 Kw. from the adjacent undertakings
with which it is connected.

Interconnected stations would enter into arrangements to give,
receive or exchange electrical supplies for one or more of the
following objects : —

(a J For the purposes of economy only — i.e., to avoid the in-
efficient ruaning of plant or to facilitate the shutting-down of
stations during the week-ends, at night, and at all other times of
light loads.

had been taken, and advanced the view that, as the whole scheme was
part of a national effort to effect economies, and as the return
on the outlay involved was so substantial, the Government might
favourably consider the question of providing the necessary capital
to effect the interconnection proposals on such terms as would
prove a strong inducement to the several parties interested to pro-
ceed with the scheme. A representative from the Treasury said
he waj authorised to say that the Treasury would favourably con-
sider the expenditure of moneys required for the scheme, provided
that the Local Government Board and the Board of Trade were satis-
fied with the proposals which might hereafter be submitted to them.

With regard to the coal saving, a representative of the Board of
Trade pointed out that, viewed from the national standpoint, the
annual saving to the country would be substantially greater than
the sum of £82,000 estimated by the Committee, as the present-
day export value of coal was 45s. to oUs. per ton.

Considerable discussion ensued with regard to the procedure
which would be necessary to give effect to the Committee s
proposals.

The deputation considered that powers should be given to a Joint
Committee or Joint Board, with a view to co-ordinating the electrical
supplies in the various districts on the following lines : —

(a_j To raise capital from time to time for the provision of

Vol. 79. Xo.

OCTOBER 13. lyic] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

401

linking:-up mains, transformers, and snch other works as may be
required for interconnecting- purposes, and to allocate all expendi-
ture on the joint scheme on an equitable basis between the under-
takings participatrng in the joint scheme.

(bj To adjust the running- hours of the existing' generatin"^
stations in such a way that the maximum fuel saving might be
effected This would entail the shutting-down of certain stations
dm-ing the night or week-ends, or at times of light load, the
supply being furnished by the stations possessing the more
economical plant.

( c^ To lay down general rules for determining the charges to be
made for : —

1. Reciprocal supplies.

2. Stand-by supplie.s.

3. Bulk supplies.

fifj To act in an advisory capacity in regard to future extensions
of plant ; that is to say. to recommend where such extensions could
be carried out to the greatest advantage.

' ej To appoint from time to time such officials as may be neces-
sary to act in an advisory capacity to the Board, and to carry out
the instructions of the Board, under powers which may hereafter
l>e conferred by the Government.

The representatives of the Government Departments recognised
that some measure of control should be vested in such a Joint
Committee if the best results were to be obtained from the
scheme.

As a result of its investigation the Committee is satisfied that
very substantial economies can be effected by the interconnection
of the various electrical undertakings comprised in Groups A, B, C,
and D. as indicated above.

I II I In order to bring the scheme before the local authorities and
■ others concerned, the Committee recommends that a conference
should be held at an early date of all the statutory supply autho-
rities included in Groups A, B. C, and D. Such conference to be
presided over by a Government otiicial.

( h ) That, subject to general approval being given to the scheme
by the authorities concerned, an application should be made to the
Board of Trade to set up a Joint Committee or Board, under
Section .'i of the Electric Lighting' Act. 19U9, with general powers
on the lines recommended in the report, and with the addition
of further powers, if required, to enable agreements to be entered
into with the power companies, whose inclusion in the scheme is
regarded as essential.

( (■ I That pending the appointment of such a Joint Committee
or Board, undertakings favourably situated may enter into
voluntary arrangements for joint working. Provided that where
existing works or works to be laid down for the purpose of inter-
connecting are suitable and sufficient to form part of the whole
co-ordinated scheme at a later date, the capital expenditure on such
works, or the annual charges on same, shall be recoverable from
the Joint Committee or Board.

< il ) In order to ensui'e that any local scheme for interconnecting
shall be carried out in such a way as to conform with the require-
ments of the scheme as a whole, the Committee recommends that
if the proposals contained in this report are adopted, the local
authorities interested should temporarily appoint a Joint Com-
mittee, to which all proposals for the provision of mains or other
interconnecting works shall be submitted for approval or otherwise
before such works are commenced.

The report is signed on behalf of the Committee by Mr. S. L.
Pearce (chairman) and Mr. J. A. Robertson (hon. secretary).
The estimated expenditure is as follows : —

(1) Estimate of cost to interconnect existing

systems in Group A £58,839

(2) Estimate of cost to interconnect existing

systems in Group B 31.37')

(3) Estimate of cost to interconnect existing
systems in Group C 23,900

(4) Estimate of cost to interconnect Group A

with Group B and Group C 83,783

(5) Estimate of cost to interconnect existing

systems in Group D 83. .500

Total £281,397

The new mains required average 22.000 yards per group, ranging
from 8.800 to 48.-400 yards ; with 20,t;80 yards for interconnecting
the groups, the aggregate length is 109.550 yards, or about 62}
miles. The total capital expenditure and other details regarding
the groups are given below ; —

Generating

Boiler

Coal

plant'

plant

consumed

Capital

capacity.

capacity,

per unit

K\V.

KW.

gen., lb.

£4,383.748

131.968

123.680

295

2.112.015

65.636

5.s.;iiio

3-60

895,728

33.0>;5

23.5311

3-39

954,097

30.229

22.600

4-0

Total ... £8.345.588

260.918

.710

The total miiximum demand of the 26 undertakings scheduled
last winter was 138.429 Kw. ; next winter it is expected to be
160,862 KW. The total units generated in the last completed year
amounted to over 421 millions, and the average coal consumption
of all the stations was 3'24 lb. per unit generated.

NEW ELECTRICAL DEVICES, FITTINGS,
AND PLANT.

Convertible Electric Fires.

The Birmingham Electrical Accessories Manupactubinc
Co.. Ltd.. of Whitmore Street. Hockley. Birmingham, has recently
introduced a series of low-priced heating devices, amongst which
attention may be drawn to the patent convertible electric fire,
which can be used either as a decorative fire or as a heater for
cooking and kettle boiling". Figs. 1 and 2 show the firm's Xo. 1

Ftcj. 1.— Cox'^'ertible Fire. Fia. 2.— Fire used eor Water

Heating Pattern.

(1,000-watt) pattern in the two positions ; the framework is of
vitreous enamelled cast iron, with the heater cai'ried in a steel
box and protected in front by a grill.

The firm also supplies a little torpedo radiator for putting vmder
office de.sks or tables, -with a loading of -J to 1 KW., and the
"Smootha" electric iron — a neat little appliance, at a very moderate
price. All elements are guaranteed for 12 months, and spare
elements are stocked and can Ije forwarded for the consumer to
efl:'ect his own replacements.

"Lightning Bug" Electric Lantern.

We undei'stand that Messrs. W. Young. Robinson ic Co., of
Windsor House, Kingsway. W.C have placed on the market a new
type of electric lantern known as the '"Lightning Bug. "

Fig. 3. — "LiGHTMN

Lantern.

A special three-volt battery is supplied with the lantern, which
is claimed to give twice the volume of light and to burn three and
a-half times as long as a single-cell battery. The lantern will
accommodate a standard single-cell battery if desired : it is fibre-
lined, and finished in back enamel, with nickel-plated trimmings.

The Ediswan Esco Buzzer. /

A neat and efficient buzzer has been placed on the market by the
Edison Swan Electric Co.. Ltd., of Ponder's End. and is illu-^-

FiGS. 4 and 5.— "Ediswan" Buzzer.

402

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW, [voi. 7... no. 2.02;.. octobku u. v.,u

trated herewith. This biizzor oiierates with from 2 to 10 dry colls.
aud is providetl with a screw adjiLstiuent outside the ojuje. by menus
of which 12 different tones can be obtained ; the adjustinsr device
is shown on the side view. Gold-silver contacts are employed, and
the resistance is about two ohms : the finish is black japan, with
nickel-plated co\-er. and the instrument measures 2 J x Ij x J in.
overall. The buzzer is useful in .substitution for a t)ell in many
situations, ami would be suitable for si^'nallin;,' sets, with whicii
many Volunteer sifcnallers provide themselves.

Liquid Starting Gear.

Messrs.- Sasdvcrokt. Ltd.. of Chester, have extendetl the variety
of their enclose<l liquid startiujr switches to meet additional re-
quirements. A lar^e three-phase starter is provide<l with worm-
jrear operation to ensure slow motion : the startin-r time recom-
mendeil is from !."> seconds for motors up to 7.") H.i". to 'M seconds
for motors up to liOO H.P.. the motor starting aprainst one and one-
half times to twice full-load torque three times per hour. The

Fig C— Three-phase Liquid Starter Isterlocked with D.P. Oil

I.M3IERSED StATOR REVERSINO SWITCH.

standard three-phase starter can be combined and interlocked with
a D.P. oil-immersed stator reversing- switch, as in fi"-. (i. and a special
type having four coupled resistance xmits on one base-plate, is made
for use with the firm's ■'Cascade' motors. The device is suitable
also for haulage motors and automatic control gear for air com-
pressoi'S, kc.

CORRESPONDENCE.

Letters receired by iia after 5 P.M. ON Tuesday caniint appear vntil
t he fvUuir'i ng week. Correxpondents s/wuldfuricard their eummiuii-
cations at the earliest possible moment. A'o letter can be published
unless tve have the writer's name and address in our possession.

The Reform of Electricity Supply.

In the discussion which is proceeding on the proposals for
the reforni of the electricity supply of Great Britain, the
issues, which were originally fairly clear, are becoming in-
volved due to misconception and misunder.standing. Partisan-
ship— that Ijarrier to refomi, if tending to grow must be
checked. It is very unfortunate that the word nationalisa-
tion has been mentioned, for in the paper I had the honour
t'j read before the I.E.E. on this subject there is no prupo.stil
for the nationalisation of our electricity supply, to which I
am opposed.

We are practically unanimous that reform is needed, and
the proposals advanced by me were that we should attain
that reform by (a) co-operation, and (b) co-ordination of
control.

We must co-operate where centralisation w'ould produce
the best results, as, for example, in many instances in the
generation and bulk distribution of electricity, hut should
remain independent where no advantage would accrue from
centinlisation, viz., in the distribution and apphcation of
electricity.

We aheady hare Government control of electricity supply
in a not very sati.sfactory form, viz., the Home OiSce, Ixical
Government Board. Board of Trade, and Pariiament itself.
There is no co-ordination of control, no live connection be-
tween the supply undertakers and the Government, and no
scientific plan for the electricity supply of the country as a
whole.

The proposal in the paper was to take this exi.sting Govern-
ment control and vest it in a professional public board, which

could watch o\or the industry as a whole, both in the inter-
ests of the pubhc aud the legitunate interests of the supply
undertakers.

In so far as the powers of this board would be contained
in a I'arliamentary Bill, it would really be what might be
termed a quasi-Ciovernmeut Board, which is very ilitTerent
to a (lovernmcnt Department. The Board wo\ild have Gov-
crnMient authority through its Bill without many of the
restrictions of Cioveniment departments. The Port of London
.\uthority is a somewhat similar organisation, and the remark-
able success of its administration is its justification. Again,
the Public Trustee Ofhce is run on less_ restricted lines than
an ordinary Government department, and is .self-supporting,
and its success is shown in the rapid rise of this oihce.

irnder this Board enterpri.se woul<l be extended, and it was
to be part of the Board's duties to encourage private enter-
prise to the maximum extent. The Board would operate in
conjunction with existing undertakers when this was to the
interests of all, and would operate in such
districts as were imiudvidcd for. and for
which no private or mimiiipal enlcipri.se
sought powers.

Shareholders of companies should realise
that if reforni can be effected in which their
interests are protected, and in which their
further enterprise is encouraged, then they
have everything to gain by it. Tho.se com
panics in particular whose powers are not in
perpetuity would be given a new lea.se of life
under the .sc-lieme.

Another point made in the paiier was that
drastii- alterations and the immediate sweeping
away of exi.sting generating stations were not
prt)pos<>d. The pioposed Board would lay out
plans for the supply of this country to meet
its requirements, say, 15 years hence, and then
.see that all new plant, new stations, new
intercomiectmg nuiins, Ac, &c., were devised
to form part of the final scheme. The neces-
sity for, and value of, a transition period was
in.sisted on, both for economic and ailminis-
trative reasons.

To sum up — reform by co-operation ami co-
ordination was to take place on the basis of
protecting and advancing the interests of
existing undertakings and those who had in-
vested their money in them, whether shaic-
holders or corporations. It is possible to do
this and at the same time benefit the country
as a whole, because the electricity supply in-
dustry is rapidly growing. The .savin" in coal
alone under the .scheme would amount to
seveial millions sterling per annum. The owners of the
undertakings, as well as the general public, would participate
in this beneficial result.

Moreover, it nmst not be lost sight of that if the .supply
industry is not reformed from within it will be taken that
the indu.stry is not capable of effecting .such much-needed
reform. This leaves it open to attack from without, when
jirobably more dia.stic and less equitable action would result.
A|iart from this, it is the duty of all to look at the problem
from the standpoint of the national need, and seek to attain
the desired end.

It is useless to expect to achieve this result by taking a
.short and narrow view. Any particular series of proposals
if looked at from the standpoint of the immediate results
might not be considered advantageous, but .studied with a
view to the ultimate result, for which all undeitakings would .
be W'orking on a preconceived and scientific plan, would
cei'tainly be carried out. In this connection, the establish-
ment of the Public Electricity Board would inspire confidence
and justify the broader view being accepted by individual
undertakings.

There is no reason to fear that because powers are vested
in a public board .sympathetic to electricity supply, personal
interests will suffer — we may reasonably expect the opposite.
So long as these interests are adequately protected in the
Bill, and we can be assured tho.se responsible will see to
this, then the shareholders should W'ork for the reform as
lieing in Uieir interests and the interests of the whole country.
Finally, let us not make the fooli.sh mistake of distrusting
those who represent the indu.stry in positions of infiuence.
The recommendation (2) of the Council of the I.E.E. to the
Board of Trade means, I take it, neither more nor less than
it states, and the Council of the I.E.E. deserves the thanks
and encouragement of the indu.stry for all the trouble it has
taken in this matter. _ t

When we read the names of those who constitute the com- ".
mittees dealing with this reform in electricity supply we can
be assured, by their past and present achievements, that they
will only take such steps as they are satisfied will be steps
of true progress, which includes the interests of the industry
itself as well as those of the greater public.

I ho)je the time may not be far distant when the Council,
with the support of the whole industry and shareholders,
may be able to "boldly approach the Government and ask for
the Parliamentary authf)risation of a comiilete scheme some-
what as outlined in the paper discussed by the Institution.

Ernest T. Williams.
London, N.W., October ^rd, 1916.

Vol 79. Xo. 2,02!). October lA. i:.l6.] THE ELECTEICAL REVIEW.

403

Precedence for Disabled Men.

I must apoloyisp for the delay in tendering my thanks for
the Electkical Review, which continues to arrive regularly.
Owing to the fact- that we have been engaged in the recent
"strafe" here, postal arrangements have been .somewhat
upset, and the arrival of six copies at one tune meant some
concentration to get into touch again with current events.
I need hardly say — since others in like case have already ex-
pressed their views — that your valuable paper is the great
barrier between us and "rust" in matters electrical.

Those of us who were serving with the Territorial Force,
other than in a specialist unit, at the outbreak of war have
perhaps had occasion to regret the difficulties of getting trans-
ferred to a unit where we could u.se our technical knowledge
in the interests of the country. We hope the time is past
^> ben technically-trained men will be debari'ed from leaving
a "fighting" unit for a "specialist" unit.

Surely it is as essential to " run " the human element on
as efficient lines as the mechanical?

It is gratifying to read the accounts in your columfts of
what is being done in training disabled soldiers and sailors
Uir power-house and sub-station duties, &c. .\\\ honour to
those who are wilHng to do so much for those who have
;.'iven .so much, and it is to be hoped that the disabled mem-
bers of the Services who are now filling the gaps in elec-
trical staffs may be able to continue to do so permanently.
In your issue of .\ugust 18th Mr. Killingworth Hedges,
writing on this subject, raises a point, along with that of
jvnsions, which to my mind is of as much importance as
the pension question. I quote the pa.s.sage : " As the disabled
men will probably in some cases lose their jobs when the
large number of mechanics now in the Army return to work."
It must be painfully obvious to mo.st thinking people that
the struggle we are now engaged in will not cease with
" cease fire." We shall have as great a duty after as now,
and we rau.st have as fit armies industrially then as military
now.

In four years' experience as attendance in sub-station and
pnwer house, I formed the conclusion that they are not the
places to bring out the best in a man who wants to go
further — rather, there is a tendency to " rest on one's oars"
and be content to see that the kilowatts are delivered to those
who are keeping the great industrial machine going. At the
-■line time, this class of job is capable of providing a very
l:iir living for a disabled man (or pair may be the latest
pathetic combination), whether or no he (or they) is over-
burdened with his disablement pension.

Can there be no guarantee given to such men as prove suit-
able to be able to continue in the billet they have been fitted
lor, many of whom will perhaps have insufficient technical
knowledge or practical experience outside what they have
specialised in, to enable them to compete in other directions"?
Such of ^is as return from this " strafe " physically sound
should make it a point of honour to keep out of such jobs
as our less fortunate comrades can fill, b'iit who are, on
account of their honourable disabilities, debarred from greater
efforts.

.\s we are comrades in arms now, so let that camaraderie
lontinue, and let the fittest be in the "first line" as -a.
lonimon duty in the struggle to come.

Perhaps station engineers and others in choosing their staffs
liiter on will see the justice of giving preference to the dis-
abled.

We have been told as " Tommies," " Your sufferings and
privations will not be forgott-en by a grateful countiw," but
we -sometimes argue whether there will be time for senti-
ment later on. Let us give the unfit a chance fir.st.

Maybe there is sufficient point in this argument to induce
you to give pubhcity to a question liable to be overlooked,
but which is a very real question to many men who have
been through the war-mill and emerged " unfit for active
service." Thanking you for your interest,

A. P. Holloway (Sergt.).

Egyptian Expeditionary Force.

[Those who are " willing to do so njuch ' for our wounded
heroes know well that they can never do enough for them:
hi)W can a man be adequately compensated for the sacrifice
ol a limb, or — worst of all — of sight? When all is done, we
shall remain their debtors, and we heartily endorse Sergeant
Holloway's appeal to station managers to give preference to
the disabled, and to their comrades to make way for them. —
Eds. Elec. Eev.]

Closing Down the Electrical Co., Ltd.

Referring to the note headed " Closing Down the Electrical
Co., Ltd.." and .signed " Contractor," appearing in your last
issue, your anonymous correspondent is disturbing himself,
and those of your readers who pay any attention to his views,
quite unnecessarily. I am in a position to assure you that the
Board of Trade, to whom all controllers are accountable,
exercises the greatest possible care to see that any sale of a
business as a going concern under the powers of the Trading
with the Enemy Amendment .Act, is a genuine sale to bonn-
fide new owners of British origin, and there is no possible
" loophole for the present owners to purchase the business
and keep it going until such time as the war is ended," as
your correspondent suggests.

I should not have thought it worth while to refer to the
matter had it not been for the criticisms that have been
appearing in other journals recently regarding the Board of
Trade's handling of the Trading with the Enemy Amend-
ment .Act, and I am, therefore, glad to take this opportunity
of stating that in my opinion the .■^ct is being administered by
that Department in a most efficient and practical manner,
and without any avoidable delays.

Maurice Jenks,
Controller to the Electrical Co., Ltd.,
and other German-owned businesses.
London. E.C.. fMnher 9th, 1916.

Ozone in Military Surgery.

I notice in the current number of the Review a note on
"Ozone in Military Surgery," in which you speak of "a
novel method of treatment." Surely you remember Dr.
Stoker, of the Oxygen Ho.spital. Doctor, now Major, Stoker,
Ii..\.M.C., is the one responsible for this treatment, but you
create quite an erroneous impression by speaking of it as
" a novel treatment." Major Stoker has been practising it
and advocating it for years, and for more years than that it
has been in regular use on the Continent. It is quite true
that it is only I'ecently that it has been possible to use it on
such an extensive scale, but probably if there were a little
more enlightenment on these subjects, and a little less official
fipposition, it would not take 1'2 or 15 years to introduce such
a wonderful treatment, and at the end of the 12 or 15 years
to have it lirought under one's notice as " a novel method
of treatment."

Ozonair, Ltd.
Edward A. Joseph, Director it General Manager.

[We recollect nothing of the Oxygen Hospital, but we feel
certain that the use of ozone as described in our note is a
real innovation in military sui-gery. Can Mr. .Joseph show
that the treatment has ever before beeii applied to wounds
received in warfare?

If the process itself is old, and yet unknown; "surely"
that is Mr. .Joseph's fault ; various articles on the uses of
ozone have appeared in our pages, but this particular treat-
ment has never been brought to our notice. — Eds. Elec. Rev.]

Domestic Electric Openings in India.

I shall be glad if you will kindly publish the following in
your paper, for the purpose of showing the various electrical
firms the domestic requirements in the Indian Bazaars : —
There appears to be gi'eat demand for small domestic grind-
ing mills suitable for grinding wheat, grain, and maize, for
domestic purposes, driven by small electric motors of '2'2S) volts
D.c. The machine should he capable of adjustment for grind-
ing coar.se or fine flour of the various kinds. It should also be
caiwble of grinding not more than 10 lb. an hour. Anything
larger than this would not be a saleable article. The machine
is intended for purely domestic use for grinding the house-
hold requirements, as the Indian, owing to his caste, prefers
to have the wheat ground on his own premises.

Particulars are solicited from various electrical firms, and
should be addressed to

H. C. Greenwood,

Chief Electrical Engineer.
Municipal Committee, .Amritsar, September loth, 1916.

WAR ITEMS.

Another Committee to be Appointed. — .According to Mr.
Percy .Alden, M.P., the Government is appointing a Social
and Economic Committee.

Wages in Railway Shops. — It has been a.greeti that all
men employed in the railway workshops shall receive a war
bonus of 5s. a week, and all boys (under 18) similarly em-
ployed 2s. 6d. a week.

Tramways and Munitions. — The Ministrv' of Munitions
has intimated to the South Shields Corporation that the Cor-
poration tramway undertaking is a certified trade, as it is of
importance in connection with the carrj-ing on of munition
work.

Trading With the Enemy: Black List. — The Foreign
Trade Department has issued a new consolidating list, con-
taining the names of over 2,000 persons and finns with whom
persons in the T'nited Kingdom are forbidden to trade under
the Trading with the Enemy (Statutory List) Proclamation,
1916. .Although the list las now been in existence for seven
months, cases still come to the notice of the department in
which firms are cori-esponding with persons whose names
appear in it. It is important, the department points out,
that everyone engaged in foreign trade should realise that
he is under obligation to make himself familiar with the
statutory list, and to observe it in his dealings. Failure in
this respect renders him liable tcr heavy penalties, — Daily
Telegraph,

■104

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW. (Voi. I'x xo. o.oi;., octobkr is. nufi.

Waste. — The Lor^l Mayor of Birmingham sirvs that the
war has taught us that there was tremendous waste in busi-
ness through insane competition— competition hetween capital
and capital, labour and labour, and capital and labour. All
must work in harmony. — Times.

\ Swiss Trade Forecast.— The I'.S. Consul at Berne
quotes the following views e.xpressed by a leading Swiss firm
respecting the present end future economic conditions in
Europe : — " We presume that the war will introduce great
changes in American trade relations, and that many Euro-
pean agencies now lodged solely in the hands of German
hrms will be better transferred to neutral ground. On the
other hand, a great many articles, which America in the
past was unable to send to Europe in successful competition
with Eiiropean products, will come to the front in vi^w of
.Vmerica's greater financial supremacy and the dissipation in
all the belligerent countries of all competitive power."

Electrical Trade After the War.— The Woolwich B.C.
has received a lettt^r from the Council of the LUf.E.A. stating
that it has appointed representatives to give evidence before
the Electrical Tiades Committee appointed by the Board of
Trade to consider the fjuestion of British trade" after the war.
It is proposed to draw the attention of the Committee to
.several matters of special importance in the trading interests
of municipal \mdertakings, and to emphasise the fact that
•■such undertakings are especially concerned in the develop-
ment of British trade after the war. In many towns, con-
tinues the letter, large capital outlay has been incurred in
order to meet the demand for power required for the manu-
facture of munitions, and unless, after the war, there is a
great development of British trade to absorb the power so
provided, there will be a large amount of capital not bring-
ing in adequate return. Such being the case, it is desirable
that the representatives of the I.M.E.A. should be able to
give the Board of Trade Committee some idea of the amount
ot capital which has beep expended for war purposes, and
the As.sociation a.sks ithe B.C. to let it have approximate
liguies for such expenditure in connection with the Wool-
wii-h undertaking under the u.sual headings of land, build-
ing>. rnachmery, mains, &c... the figures to include all work
111 hand or about to be put into execution, as well as that
already carried out. The B.C. has authorised the electrical
engineer to furnish the Association with the desired informa-
tion, and to bring to its notice the importance of maintain-
ing lor general manufacturing purpo.ses the various muni-
tion factories established in the country during the war.

The Financial Results of Continental Companies in War=
tirae.—The accompanying table represents a list of a number
01 the investments held by the Bank for Electrical Under-
takings, of Zurich, and shows the financial results of each
as far as ascertainable, for the past three years. The figures
given are percentages on the ordinary shares: —

DivinEXD Percenwge on Ordin.^ry Smres.

1913 or 1914 or 1915 .

Oflicine Elellriclie Genovesi, Grnor

Socicl.^ .Meridionalc, Naples '.'.

ninamo, Milan _

Idroelettrica Ligure. Milan

Society Adriatica, Venice

Sur. Elelt. Riviera di Ponenle (R. Negri), Miia
Soc. Idrocletlrica Valle d'Aosla. Milan

Compania Sevillana. Sevilla

i;.iz el EleclricitS, Lisbon

Strasjburg Eleclricitv Works
Kheinfelden Power Works
r;erman Transmarine Electri.Uv
Mm Electricity Works, l-'inland ,,.
Silesian Gas and Electric

1913-11. 1914-15. 1915-16.

Mj.rk Ele

Works. Berlin

10

lish' Power Works
(Prussia) Electricilv and 1

Works, Hochst ' ...
city Works. Augsburg

Supply. Gotha-
.■Vlton.1

10

Si

Berii)

Ippe

Konigsburg

.Main Powe

I.ech Klecli

Thuringia El , ,

Lower Elbe Electricity Works,

Electricity Supply Co., Berlin

Havarian Supply 'Co.. Bavreuth ...

IVtrograd (1886) Lighting' Co.. Petrogr

Electrica, Bucharest

Tompagnie Cenlrale d'Energie. Paris

tVntral Swiss Power Works, Lucerne

Iniona Italiana Tramways, Genoa

Herlin Elevated .-.nd Underground Rail'

Silesian Light Railway, Kattowilz

Bitterfeld Electrochemical Works ...

Hrandenburg Carbide and Electrit

Bavarian Nitrogen. Munich ... n — _

Brown, Boveri & Co.. Baden ... ..'. c - „

Fnlten & Guilleaume. Mulheim ... . 8 S 1?

Motor Applied Electricity. Baden ... ,. " ''

Walt Electrical Lnderl.akings, Glarus ... '" 61 V T

Societc Cenlrale. Paris «' j!' _

Soc. Impresa Elettriche. Milan ... 7 7 7

Berlin Electrical Industry Bank . 4 i

Electro-Trustee Bank. Hamburg ... ." 51 5. r,_

Electricity Co. (late Lahmeyer). Frankfort-on-ilain '.'.'. ?' 6^ 7°

It should be mentioned that in a few cases where no per-
centages are given for last year the financial results have not
yet been published.

Exemption Applications.— At the Shoreditch Tribunal, Mr
L. Davis (trading as the Reliance Wire Co.). of Curtain Road,
h.C, appealed for G. W. Hardy (37), mechanical fitter. The
firm were stated to be doing a large amount of electrical work
for contractors who were working for the Ministry of Muni-
tions. The work was of such a nature that thev believed they
were entitled to a badge, and had applied to the Ministry of
Munitions for one. They Tiad been told that the matter 'was

under consideiation, and were advised to app(>al meanwhile.
They had a turnover of 4:.l7,OlX» a year, and had 100 machines
running by power, which were looked after by Hardy. Mr.
Weber sjiid it was rather obvious the Ministry of Munitions
, had decided that it was a case for the Tribunal to settle, and
not them. The Tribunal decided to grant four months'
conditional on joining the V.T.C.

.\t Boston. Mr. R. W. Sanders, electrical engineer, applied
for the retention of C. E. Clare (30). electrical case-maker, nn
the ground that he was indispensable. Mr. Sanders stair. I
that the man was the only one he had on this class of work.
anil he was voluntarily biidged. Major Bell replied that tins
class of badge had " run out." Clare said that he was the
only man in the town why could di> llus class of work. The
appt^al was refused.

At Oxford, conditional exemption was sought by Mr. 11. (i
Watson (28), electrical engineer and fitter, sole owner and
manager of an electrical business. He stated that all his
capital was invested in the concern, that he had large lighting;
contracts, had lost the whole of his stalf, and now had lu
carry on the business single-handed. The Military Ripiv-
.sentative suggested that, having lost all his stall, ap|ielhiiil
should go into the Army, where he would be very uselnl,
but it was pointed out that the business was an old-cs(;ili
li.shed one. that he had contracts with eight colleges, aii'l
that his last man was joining up on October 11th. Condi
tional exemption was allowed on appellant remaining in tlir
O.V.R.

.Vpplication was made by Mr. F. G. Curel, engineer and
manager of the electric light department of the Witney
TJ.D.C., for extended exemption for Victor Brice (19), ele.
trician. Mr. Curel stated that it was quite impossible i^
replace Brice. He had advertised three times, but had le
ceived no replies. He had been passed for garrison duty at
home. The Tribunal allowed two months in which to obt.Tin
a substitute.

Mr. Trivett. electrical engineer, Seaton (Devon), appealed
for Herman Cawlev, and he was given until November lidlli
to get a substitute.

At Reigate, Mr. Makov.ski, of Messrs. Tainplin & Makovski.
electrical engineers, appealed for W. H. W. Peachey (lH).
liiis.sed for home garrison duty. The Military Representative
said they were anxious to get hold of home sei^vice mej\ to
release others. The appeal was dismissed, the calling-up to
be delaved until October 25th.

At Chelm.sford, Messrs. Christv Bros. & Co.. Ltd., appealed
for A. TTrquhart (33) and Frank Hart (3(3), highly-skilled
erectors of electrical machinery. With assent, the appeals
were allowed.

Before the West Kent Appeal Court, exemption wa.';
claimed for C. E. Stow, electrician to Mr. .f. Russell, at Hal-
stead Place, near Sevenoaks. Appellant said that he suffered
from a dilated heart, and was only lit to do light work. The
Military Representative intimated that there would be an-
other medical Examination when applicant was called up,
and if he was a clever electrician he would probably be put
in a part of the Army where he would be useful. The appeal
was rejected.

At Maidstone, Mr. Lambert, manager of the Corporation
tramw-ays, appealed to the West Kent Tribunal for the chief
clerk, Mr. F. Bryan (27), and asked for time in which to
train a woman to do the work. ITie Court refused aii\
exemption.

At Holyhead, the nninicipal electrical engineer (Mr. P.
Williams) appealed for a fireman, previously exempted until
September 2.3th. He stated that all efforts to replace the
man had failed, and, in the interests of the community, it
was essential that .someone .should do the work. The Tribunal
conceded two months.

On appeal to the Epsom Rural Tribunal, Mr. O. Williams,
electrical engineer, of Downside Mill, Cobham, has obtained
three months' exemption.

■\t Southend-on-Sea, Messrs. H. Garon, Ltd., High Street,
appealed for an electrician, aged 25, and he was granted
until the New Year.

At the Middlesbrough Tribunal, a firm of electrical engi-
neers applied for exemption for the manager of the electrical
department, who had been passed for service abroad, but not
for general service. The employer said that if exemption were
given the man. a badge could be obtained for him. Exemp-
tion until January 1st.

.-U the Winchester Tribunal, the Mayor and .A.ld. Stopher
did not adjudicate in an application by the Corporation elec-
tricity department for the exemption of a shift engineer in
the power .station, aged 19. The engineer said that this was
a certified occupation, and although he had been willing to
release the man, who was in Group 1, if he could obtain a
quahfied sub.stitute, he had been unable to do so. He had
applied to the barracks to see if he could get a di.sabled sol-
dier, but without result. He asked for exemption until he
could get a skilled substitute. The Tribunal found that the
man was engaged in a reserved occupation, but intimated
that they would be pleased if a substitute could be found.

At Ilfracombe. the Electric Light Co. applied for the re-
tention of Mr. H. J. Stewart, resident engineer and manager,
certified occupation being claimed. On the same ground,
exemption was .sought for Alfred .lames Rudd, stoker. Each
was granted conditional exemption.

\t Bath, Messrs. R. Kendall & Sons applied for the re-

Vol. 79. Xo. 2,029, October 13, 1918.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

405

moval of a condition for exemption that an electric fitter
named A. C. Brackstone (39), should obtain munition work
within 14 days, on the ground that another of their employes
had been taken for munition work. General Bradshaw inti-
mated that if the man was in the C Class he would probably
not oppose the application. For this purpose a medical
examination was ordered.

At Eyde (I.O.W.), a letter was read from Mr. A. F. Braith
«aite (39). electric power station engineer and local manager
(i{ the Eyde electric supply system, stating that in conse-
quence of 3 serious illness, including an operation, he was not
.-.iiQiciently strong to undertake military duties. A medical
rt-rtificate enclo.sed stated that he was totally unfit for military
service, and conditional exemption was granted.

Mr. A. L. Duncan, of Knossington Grange, appealed to
the Melton Mowbray Tribunal for Edwin Stableford, his
electrical engineer. Final exemption until January 1st was
conceded .

-\t Maidstone, Messrs. Oswald Jones & Co., electrical engi-
neers, appealed for Mr. E. W. Sells (33), their business
iiKinagcr. Mr. -Jones stated that Mr. Sells was originally
rejected, but had now been pas.sed for general ser\-ice. They
had lost 12 out of IG men. Exemption was refused.

At Barking, Mr. W. E. Kidnor, acting electrical engineer to
the I'.D.C. appealed for J. J. White, motor-man. He .said
that the Ministry of Munitions was not issuing badges, but
intimate^d that men who were exclusively engaged in tramway
work were in a certified cx-cupation, and that appeal must be
made to the local tribunal. Two months were allowed, with
leave to appeal.

At Brighton, an electrical engineer who appealed stated that
he had charge of four electric lifts, and of a firm's electrical
appliances to enable all the hands to make munitions, .^sked
if a month's exemption would meet the case, appellant re-
plied in the negative. Conditional exemption was given on
appellant joining the Volunteers.

Before the Gloucestershire Appeal Court, the Bourton-on-
the-Water Electric Light & Power Co.. T,td., appealed for
the retention of an employe, aged 19. having the entire charge
of the plant, and who could not be replaced, as a .sub.stituto
could not be found. The Chairman expre.ssed the opinion
that a sub.stitute could be found if the company offered
higher wages. The appeal was dismissed, and the calling-up
delayed for a month.

Maidenhead Tribunal has given exemption until January
l.'-t. on his joining the V.T.C.. to George P. I^ovegrove (33),
electric fitter with Mr. Jonathan Bond.

Before the Herts. Appeal Court, the North Metropolitan
Electric Co. claimed exemption for Thomas George Brook-
well (20), junior charge-engineer, claimed to be in a certified
occupation. It transpired that Brookwell was only engaged
on approval last July, and the Chairman observed that the
company would have to put up a ver>' strong case. The
representative of the company said that the man was passed
for sedentary work at home only. Mr. E. J. Gape (military
representative) : In that case. I don't want him. If you had
taken the certificate before the City Tribunal you would have
had exactly the .same treatment. The appeal was dismis.sed,
with right to appeal when Brookwell is called up.

.Xt Shipley, an arc lamp trimmer, employed by the District
Council, applied for exemption. He was given until Nov-
ember 1st. but was toH to get work of national importance
in the meantime.

BUSINESS NOTES.

Japanese Porcelain. — The U.S. Consul at Yokohama

savf that a considerable increase in the demand for Japanese
porcelain, as a substitute for European products, in the United
States, Canada. Australia. India and the South Seas is reported by
the Jiipan Chronicle. Before the war. the yearly exports amounted
to about Sl.994.000 in value, but this year more than S2.492..i0ri
worth has already been exported in the first six months. '' In
Owari. Mino. Kyoto. Kvoshu and other porcelain -producing centres
in Japan, manufacturers are almost suspending the manufacture
of goods for domestic use. and are throwing their energies into
articles for export. According to merchants here. .Japanese porce-
lain goods, especially insulators and other articles for industrial
purposes, shipped to India. Australia, and the South Seas compare
quite favourably both in price and quality with European pro-
ducts, but table utensils exported to the United States, Canada and
other places are inferior to German goods in many respects, and it
is expected that the Japanese articles will find it difficult to main-
tain a place on the markets ojiened to them by the war."

Trade Combinations in Russia. — The U.S. Commercial

Attache at Petrograd in reporting, states that there has been
legislation in Russia against combinations in restraint of trade,
similar to anti-trust legislation in the United States. For instance,
in Russia it is not possible for one company to hold stock of
another company. The Russian Government, however, has not
restricted the formation of community-of-interest organisations,
which are not incorporated companies, but are associations of
individuals with common meeting places. The Government does

not interfere with the holding of such meetings, and requires no
official scrutiny of the records. .\t the meetings of such societies
prospective orders from the Government and from private railways
and other interests are discussed, and schedules are drawn up
showing the capacities of the various works. Prospective orders
are then apportioned to suit conditions, at prices common to all.
In consideration of this apportionment of orders, the fitness of
certain works to manufacture special classes of articles, such as
cars or locomotives, or to furnish certain sections of rails, or
structural material, or certain qualities of steel, is given careful
attention at the meetings. Prominent among the community-of-
interest organisations are the Prodamet. a combination of more
than 30 big steel concerns ; the Prodoparovoz. a combination of
seven locomotive makers : and the Prodovagon, a combination of
12 car builders. The central committees of these organisations act
as both selling and purchasing agents. They are opposed to pur-
cha.sing in foreign countries any goods that can be produced in
Russia. There is no record that any member of these organisations
has contravened the letter or the spirit of the agreements.

Book: Notices. — The Fnradaij House Journal for the

Michaelmas term contains the first of a series of " Notes on Elec-
trical Engineering," by Dr. Alexander Russell ; a biographical
sketch of J. K. Stothert ; and obituary notices of Second-Lieuts.
F. R. Hoggett and J. H. Parr-Dudley, as well as additions to the
lengthy Roll of Honour of Faraday House.

"Journal of the Manchester Municipal School of Technology,"
Vol. VIII. Manchester : The Education Committee.

" Proceedings of the American Institute of Electrical Engineers."
Vol. XXXV. No. 9. September. 1916. New York ; The Institute.
Price $1.

"Scientific Papers of the Bureau of Standards." No. 281. A
study of the inductance of four-terminal resistance standards.
Washington : Department of Commerce.

" Science Abstracts. A and B. " Vol. XIX. Part 9. September
28th, 1916. London: E. and F. N. Spon, Ltd. Price (each copy)
Is. 6d. post free.

We have received a copy of the first number of Clieap Sfeani,
which is a magazine published by Messrs. E. Bennis & Co.. Ltd.,
of 28, Victoria Street, S.W., for establishing closer personal contact
with the firm's friends, and as a medium for discussing questions
arising in connection wdth boiler-house practice. There is a
biographical article, with photograph, on the founder and managing
director of the company, Jtr. Edward Bennis, and other contri-
butions deal with plant supplied to a Japanese paper mill, self-
starting and self-stopping elevators, the performance of mechanical
stokers on a fluctuating load, atmospheric pollution, the care of
mechanical stokers. &c., as well as a number of articles of interest
to the commercial man.

" British Opportunities in Russia." By L. A. Rojansky. London :
The Anglo-Russian Translations Bureau, Ltd. Price 2d.

" Electrical Measurements and Testing, D. and A, c." By C. L.
Dawes. London : Chapman & Hall. Price 3s. net.

" Engineering Applications of Higher Mathematics. " By V.
Karapetoff. London : Chapman & Hall. Price 3s. net.

" Eclipse or Empire .' " By H. B. Gray and S. Turner. London :
Nisbet & Co. Price 2s. net.

Electric Lamps for Argentina.— A circular, issued in

September by the Compania Argentina de Lamparas Electricas Z,
says : — " We have the pleasure to announce that this company has
already received 328 cases of machinery, apparatus, and material
for the manufacture of metallic-filament electric lamps. The-se
cases have been imloaded from the Spanish- ss. Leon XIII. and
constitute our first consignment from Europe. For mid-October
we expect to receive another consignment from the U.S.A. The
manager of the company. Senor Eugenio Carrio. and the technical
and mechanical staff, arrived on the Leon XIII. When circum-
stances become normal again, a commencement will be inade on our
great works at Longchamps. F.C.S. In the meantime our factory,
workshops, and offices will be situated in the large building pur-
chased by the company, situated at Avenida Alvear and Coronel
Diaz, Nos. 2740-50-60. and Cervino. 3227-31. which will permit us.
before the end of October, to offer the lamps of our manufactvu-e to
the public . . . implying an important departure in favour of
national industry." — Rcriew of the Biver Plate.

Trade Announcement. — Messrs. Mason & Brown ha\ e

removed into their new works— Volta Works. Vestry Street.
Leicester — and all communications should be addressed to them

there.

Electrical Imports into Pernambuco. — The imports of

electrical machinery, supplies. Arc. into Pernambuco in 1914 and
191.') were : —

1914. 191.5.

Insulators £2,043 £243

Machinery 39.991 8,048

Electric motors 2,529 300

Telegraph, telephone posts, bridge

and fence material ... ... 13,552 4

Lighting apparatus 6,059 1.257

English Porcelain. — It is amiounced that Messrs.
DoiLTOX. of Lambeth, have, after lengthy experiments, succeeded
in producing laboratory porcelain, which was, prior to the war,
practically a German monopoly. Another development of the
Lambeth business is the production of the special porcelain
required in connection with the manufacture of sparking plugs.

400

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW. v,.i. t;.. no. l'.^-"... o<t..rkr in, inir..

The Electrical Position in South Africa.— I" the

course of a recent artule. the ■"<r>«/// Afrhnn Mining ,/nurniil says :
— ■" In i-eviewinj.' the ineseiit posi'io"' » buyer remnikeil, the war
is anything hut over, therefore stocks must be kept up to provide
for all eventualities. As resanls values, there have not lieeu any
fluctuations of any moment fluring the past month. There is a
little weakeninjr of electrical y'oods. particularly those which
copper larjrely enters into, otherwise there is no sijin of the jreneral
run of milling material weaken iufT, as freiirht seems rather inclined
to harden. The foundries are all well cniploye<l with new work
and repairs from the mines, which are srivinfr work out quite
freely, as many thinffs cannot Ix- obtained for certain from oversea,
and that is where the local makers come in. In this connection
the Qunsi-.Vrc system of electric weldinjr process is makinjr much •

heiulway in Johanneshur^r At the lje)rinninjr of the

year, electrical materials were scarce : but since then stocks have
jrradually increasctl ; therefore. Johannesburfir is to-day well supplied,
and. with a few exceptions, all every-day lines are available.
However, the demand is anythinjr but gnod. as the mines have
lartre stocks on hand and the ordinary to\^^l business is exceptionally
dull. Electrical bells of the larjrer kinds in pre-war days came
from the Continent, and when those were absorljetl considerable
inconvenience was often caused in jrettinsr the rijrht thing : but
now British supplies are coming forward to fill up the gap. lu
connection with electrical spares, quite a lot is lieing done in
Johannesburg in fixing up cord grip-holders as well as parts for
electric torches. It is probable that this industry will continue
even after the war. There may lie an advance in the price of
lamps through increased costs in the manufacture : however, as
the stocks in South Africa arc at present on the big side, nothing
of importance is likely to happen for the next few months."

Catalogues and Lists. — Engixeerink and Arc Lamps.

Ltd., Sphere Works, St. Albans. — Leaflet giving particulars and
prices of the "Nevaknot" adaptor for use with electrical apparatus
using flexible connections, such as electric laundry and other irons,
electric drills, &c. It obviates the difticulty of tangling and ulti-
mate breaki^e of flexibles. Also an illustrated list concerning
fittings for "Half-watt" (nitrogen filled) and metal-filament
lamps.

SIessrs. Drake & Gorham. Ltd.. of 66. Victoria Street, London.
S.W.. in issuing a pamphlet giving prices and illustrations of a
number of their half-watt lanterns, half-watt and one-watt lamps
of various makes, bowl fittings, ic, have included a feature which
is of special interest to most of us at the present time. It consists
of illustrations, executed in their appropriate colours, of ribbons
of honours conferred for distinguished naval, military and civil
service, by Britain, France, Russia. Belgium, Prussia and Turkey,

Electrical Esgixeerixg and Eqiipment Co.. Ltd.. 109-111,
Xew Oxford Street, London, W.C. — Forty-page catalogue (No. AB 1),
giving illustrations and tabulated prices of carbon materials for the
electrical and allied industries — cinema carbons, arc lamp carbons,
carbon brushes, battery rods and plates, carbon electrodes, i*cc.

Messrs. W. Saxdebs ^t Co.. Falcon Electrical Works, Wednes-
bury. — Circular containing an illustrated description of their new
type of fuseboard, in which the use of all-china and slate bases is
obviated.

''Z" Electric Lamp Maxufacturixg Co.. Ltd., Southfields,
S.W. — Advertising blotters have been prepared for free distribution
to the trade, and numbers can be over-printed with the dealer's
name if required.

Bankruptcy Proceedings. — In the com-se of the public
examination of Mr, Tojias Makix.sox .Saxders, civil engineer, of
Throgmorton Street, E.C.. whose gross liabilities are returned at
£27,412, against assets estimated to produce a surplus of £91.627,
the debtor said that in 1910 he contracted to purchase, for £.3,50.000.
an option for the supply of hydro-electric current in bulk to
undertakings in Mexico. Cpmpanies were formed, in one of which
he received a shareholding of £.3,000,000. and" arrangements were
made for a bond issue of £6.000,000. Owing to the disturbed state of
jNIexico. the issue had not yet been successful, and in May. 1912, he
assigned his interest. At the time he went into that business he '
was worth a million of money, but he came out of it with only
£100.000.

Morse Silent Chains. — RefeiTin;; to the description in

our last issue (p. 380) of a large chain drive employed to transmit
.5,000 H P., and furnished by the Morse Chain Co.. of Ithaca, Xew
York. U.S.A., the Westinchoi'.se Brake Co.. Ltd., of 82. York Road,
King's Cross, inform us that they are the sole licensees outside of
the American Continent for the manufacture of silent chains under
the Morse patents, and that such chains are manufactured at their
works in London,

E.C.C. Hospital Fund. — The employes of the Electric
Cosstrcctiox Co.. Ltd.. Wolverhampton, have contributed
£88 10s. to the Wolverhampton and Staffordshire Hospital this
year against £ 70 last year.

For Sale.— Messes. Dexyer A- Rujiball -n-ill sell by
auction on October 17th the -svireless plant, tools, patents and land
at Norman's Bay. Sussex, of X'niversal Cheap Cables, Ltd., by order
of the liquidator. Particulars may be found in our advertisement
pages.

The Electrical Co., Ltd. — Messes. Wheatley Kiek,

Price & Co. have issued a bulky catalogue of the stock of the
Electrical Co., Ltd,, for which tenders must be delivered by

Tuesday ne.\t. There is a large variety of acce-ssories, inchiding
motors" and motor parts, small motors, fans, heating and cooking
apparatus, dial fuse gear, conduit fittings. Sunshine arc lami>s,
meters, instruments. Siemens carbons, flame and other carbons,
Ncrnst material, .\egma lamps, miniature carbon lamps, A:c.

Condensing Plant Contracts.— The Mirrlees Watson

Co.. Ltd.. Glasgow, have recently nxxivcd orders for 'M sets of
condensing pitmts of varying steam duties up to 130,000 lb. steam
[K'r hour.

LIGHTING AND POWER NOTES.

Aberdeen. -I'liii'ic Lkuiti-m:. — A inovciuLiit is on

foot for an improved scheme of street lighting, and Mr. Bell, city
electrical engineer, and Mr, Forbes, inspector of lighting, arid to
report to the T.C, as to the cost, kc. It is proposed to have electric
lamps in the principal streets connected with the police office, so
that on warning being given the whole of these lamps can be
extinguished simultaneously. The difliculty of dealing in the same
way with the gas lamps precludes any extension of the public gas
ligliting.

Australia. — -^ public meeting; of Glen Iiincs, N.S.W.,
residents has condemned the action of the Municipal Council in
rejecting the electric lighting proposals, and a resolution to obtain
a report for further consideration from Mr. J. F. Donoghue.
electrical engineer, was carried.

The South Brisbane (Queensland) JIunicipal Council has
endeavoured to obtain an electric supply for lighting and power,
in addition to that supplied by the Brisbane Tramways Co. An
Order in Council has now befti made, granting powers to the City
Electric Light Co. to stipply electricity to South Brisbane, The
Council has the power to take over the supply at the end of five
years, and also to ask the Government to appoint a Committee for
the purpose of reviewing the charges ma<le for the supply for
lighting and power. All mains and lines arp permitted to be above
grotind.

The North lUawarra Council has received offers from the South
BuUi and the Corremal-Balgownie Collieries to supply electricity
for lighting in the municipality. — Tenders.

Ballyconnell (Co. Cavan).— Street Lighting.— The

R.D.C. has accepted the tender of the Ballyconnell Electric Co. to
light the town until March next.

Barking. — Loan Sanction. — The U.D.C. has received

sanction to a loan of £4,250 for mains extensions and plant for a
supply of energy to the Cape Asbestos Co.

Bentham. — E.L. Scheme. — The new electric liirhtiiitr

installation was inaugurated last week. Owing to new applica-
tions, the works have had to be enlarged, and a new supply feeder
has been erected from the generating station at Low Bentham,

Bolton. — Street Lighting. — The Electricity Com-
mittee has suggested a joint meeting of the Gas and Electricity
Committees to discuss the question of the control and supervision
of the street lighting arrangements.

Burton-on-Trent. — The electrical engineer reports that

during the past month the number of imits sold for lighting,
motors, heating, kc. was 322,511, and for traction 50,659, showing
an increase of 60,042 in the former instance, and a decrease of 1 ,lfiS
for traction, as compared with the corresponding month last
year,

Carrickmacross. — The Lighting Co. ha,s increased tlie

price of electricity by 2d, per unit.

Colchester. — In view of alleged smoke nuisance, it has
been decided to give each stoker at the electricity works a bonus.
conditional on satisfactory stoking.

Edinburgh.— Public Lighting. — The Lighting Qom-

mittee has recently held a demonstration of modified street lighting,
using a 50-c.P. metal lamp on each post and alternatively a 100-c.P.
lamp on alternate posts, and the former arrangement is favoured.
If approved it will be adopted on all car routes where electricity
is the illuminant.

Gillingham (Kent).— Phice Revision.— From Novem-
ber 1st, the price of current is to be increased from |d. per unit.
■ plus 10 per cent., for heating, to Id., plus 10 per cent., and all
accounts (except in case of contracts) will be increased 15 per cent.,
in addition to 10 per cent, already added. The 10 per cent, charged
for meters, radiators, cookers, and other hired apparatus is to be
discontinued.

Hull. — ^E'n- Plant. — The Electricity Committee, in
view of the growth of the load, has decided to purchase an
additional boiler and to apply for sanction to the necessary
expenditure.

Vol. 7:1. Xo. 2,02;), October IS, Ifll.;.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

407

London. — Bbr.M(ixdsey. — The B.C. has decided to
increase the eharpes for electricity by a further .1 per cent. Coal
anrl cartajre account for an extra expenditure of i 4.922 for the year.

Manchester. — Profits and Taxes. — At last week's

meeting' of the City Council, Alderman Ashton moved the followiug;
motion : — " That, havingr regard to the present high rate of
income-tax. and to the liability thereto of the profits of the trading
departments of the Corporation, a Special Committee of this
Council be appointed to review the basis on which the Electricity.
Tramways and other Committees have hitherto made annual
contributions out of their profits in aid of the city rate, and to make
such recommendation in regard thereto as they may consider
desirable" The motion was deferred to another meeting of the
Council.

Newcastle-under-Lyme. — Price Increase. — The price

of electricity for lighting is to be increased to 7id. per unit, less
5 per cent, discount.

Newport (Men.) . — Market Lighting, etc. — Ncsjotiatinns

are in )irogre.ss with a firm on the east side of the river for taking
a supply of energy estimated on a maximum demand of Hoii kw.
The Council is recommended to approve a draft agreement with
Messrs. Smith's (Newjjort), Ltd., for a bulk supply. The Markets
Committee is to ask the electricity department to install in the
Market Hall 12 (iOO-c.P. half- watt lamps, in lieu of the existing
arc lamps which the Committee decided should be removed, the
hire of the new lamps to be .58. per lamp per quarter, and the
charge for current and maintenance to be l^d. per lamp per hour,
such lamps, however, being intended to be a stand-by in case the
lighting of the stalls fails at any time.

New Zealand. — The Public Works statement, presented

last month to the New Zealand Parliament, shows that the Lake
Coleridge hydro-electric power scheme has attained results beyond
anticipation. Three units of generating plant capable of an output
of 5.000 H.p. were originally installed. The demand for electricity
warranted the installation of two further rmits. which would bring
the output to 16.000 H.P. Arrangements are in hand for utilising
the energy for tramway traction and for the operation of machinery
in meat works, flour mills, tanneries, dairy factories and other
established industries in and around Chrislchurch. The total
expenditure to March 31st was £.S29.71!t. Survey and investigation
for a comprehensive scheme to serve the North Island has been in
progress, and several schemes are under consideration. — Australian
Mining anil Eiiijineeringlterieti:. ■ .

Ripon. — Prov. Order. — The T.C. proposes to apply to
the B. of T. for a prov. order for electric supply in the city and
adjacent parishes.

Rotherham- — New Loans. — Application ha.s been made

to the Treasury for sanction to the T.C. raising £7.5.000 for addi-
tional electrical plant. The L.G.B. has sanctioned the borrowing
of £7.'?.5 and £.S.020 for the purchase of a motor-tipping wagon
and a coal and ash conveyor plant respectively for the electricity
department. The Electric Light Committee is recommending the
Conned to purchase land and buildings in Rawmarsh Road, for the
extension of the electricity works ; the present owners are willing
to postpone the completion of the purchase until 12 months after
the termination of the war. The Committee proposes to enter into
an arrangement with the Great Central Railway Co. for the jiro-
vision of a railway siding at the electricity works.

Stockton-on-Tees. — Loans. — The L.G.B. ha.s sanctioned

the borrowing of £80.5 for electricity mains, but is not prepared to
sanction loans in respect of mains. £685, and services, £202.

Swansea. — The electrical ensrineer reported that durintj

the month 1.212 applications for current for hea,ting had been
received, which he attributed to the new electrical sfiowroom.

The Harbour Trust is be asked on what terms it will take a bulk
>up]il y lor dock lighting. &c. ; the Trust has its own generating plant.

Stockport. — Application has been made to the B. of T.

for consent to the extension of the generating station in Millgate.

It is anticipated that in addition to the new turbine which has
just been ofBcially tested, further provision will be needed in the
near futme. The engine room at the electricity work has
been so designed that two further turbines can be installed when
necessary.

Tasmania- — Electricity from the Great Lake scheme wa.s

supplied to the Hobart City Tramways and for street lighting on
August 13th. and general use of the energy for power and lighting
commenced on August 11th. The city is 65 miles from the power
house, and the scheme is working satisfactorily. — Tenders.

Wadebridge. — Street Lighting. — The U.D.C. has

decidril tri ixt.iiil the contract for public lighting with the electric
lighting rnnipaiiy for three years. provided, on account of restricted
lighting, the price is reduced by 15 per cent, whilst the present
conditions are in force. The company had offered a 10 per cent,
reduction.

Waterford. — Suggested E.L. Schejie. — At a Coi-pora-

tion meeting, the Mayor stated that Mr. W. F. Peare, acting on
the borough surveyor's suggestion, had communicated with several
companies as to the installation of a public electric lighting system
in the city, and one of the largest companies had sent a representa-
tive, who had inspected the whole area, and had stated he was
prepared to recommend an offer. This gentleman was told, the
Mayor added, that the Corporation had no mofley to spend on the

scheme, and the company should be prepared to finance it on tehalf
of that body,

Wigan. — Breakdown Report. — The Special Committee

appointed to inquire into the breakdown at the electricity works
last De9ember, has submitted its report. It concludes that the
boiler failures were due to the use of canal water for feed purposes,
the unsuitability of which had been demonstrated to the Electricity
Committee from time to time during the past eight years ; to the
iuefBcient or non-cleaning of the boilers ; and the insufficiency of
the boiler-plant capacity. The only remedy adopted had been a
water-softening plant, and an expert report on this seemed to show
t'nat it was inadequate for the work, and that lime and magnesia
were getting through-it to the boilers. A series of recommendations
are made, including one regarding the use of towns water. The
Committee apjiears to place all the blame on the ex-chief engineer,
although it seems evident from the report that the Committee was
equally to blame.

Worcester. — Severn Fishery Board and Water Power.

— Plans have been submitted by the Corporation in connection with
the development of the Powick water-power plant, to the Severn
Board of Conservators. The Board is opposed to the suggested
further development as being prejudicial to the fishing, and is to
ask the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries to withhold its consent
to any raising of the weir, and otherwise to oppose the scheme.

The Electricity Committee recommends the T.C. to pui-chase ten
liO-KW. transformers and switchgear for same, and to apply for
sanction to a loan of £ 1 ,000 for this purpose. It was intimated
that the great increase in power demand rendered this necessary.

TRAMWAY and RAILWAY NOTES.

Australia. — The Bill to sanction the constrnction of a

high-level cantilever bridge across Sydney Harbour has passed its
second reading in the N.S.'W. Parliament. It will be possible to
carry out the preliminary work in conjunction with the city rail-
way, but the bridge will not be built under existing war
conditiops.

Melboirxe ScBrRBAX Railways Electripicatiox. — Mr.
Jones, the Railways Commissioner, in co-operation with Mr. Merz,
the consulting engineer, has cabled that arrangements have been
made for the supply of certain switchgear and sub-station converting
plant which Messrs. Siemens Bros, are unable to supply within
the prescribed time, and for the acceleration of the deliveries of
plant tmder ^ther contracts to enable the Sandringham-Essendon
line to be operate<l in January. 191S. — Anxtralian Mininij.
Standarii.

Bacup. — ill"- JIcElroy, general manager of the Manchester

Corporation Tramways, has been appointed by the B. of T. to act
as Referee in the differences between the Bacup and Rawtenstall
Corporations regarding tramway fares and stages.

Birmingham. — Female Labocr. — The Watch Com-
mittee has decided to sanction the application of the Tramways
Committee that girls of 18 years and upwards should be licensed as
conductors. Previously the age had been 21.

Another stoppage of the tramway service occurred recently owing
to shortage of steam at the power station ; fortunately the cars
were only held up for half-an-hour.

Birkenhead. — Annual Report. — The year's working of

the Corporation Tramways to March 31st shows total receipts
amounting to £73,820, an increase of £7.035 : total working
expenses to £38,833. and a gross profit of £33.987. After deducting
sinking fund and other charges amounting to £23.417. a net profit
remained of £10.570, an increase of £6,070 on the previous year.
The balance has been allocated as follows : — In aid of rates.
£4,000; reserve fund, £2,000 : renewals fund, A4. 570. The credits
to reserve fund now stand at £3.040, and to renewals fund at
£27.397. The number of car-miles run was 1,176,951, and the
passengers carried numbered 16,676,022, The total income per
car-mile was 14'849d, War allowances to employes on active
service amounted to £1.589. and war bonuses to £884.

Blackburn. — The nnniber of passengers carried on the

Corporation Tramways during the week ended October 4th was
234,875, and the receipts amoimted to £1,221. Compared with the
returns for the corresponding period last year, these figures show
a decrease of 16.864 persons and £86 in receipts.

Darlington. — It has been decided to curtail the tramway

service, owing to the shortage of men and difficulty of operating in
dark streets. It was mentioned that the receipts were £350 up
for the half-year, as compared with the corresponding period
last year.

Edinburgh. — Tramway PuRCHASE.^The Tramway Com-
mittee has adopted the recommendation to refer all matters in
dispute with the Tramway Co. ±0 the arbiter under the lease. The
principal point in dispute is the repairs required by the city engi-
neer and the condition in which the lines should be left on the
termination of the lease in 1919. The report by experts recom-
mending the electric system of traction has also been before the
T.C. With regard to the present difficulties, one of the unfortunate
factors of the situation is already in evidence in the shape of an
extensive relaying of tramway lines. The company refuses to go

408

THE ELECTRICAL EEVIEW. ivoi. in. no. 2,020, octobkr is, ioi«.

beyond the letter of its a^-rooment in this matter, and is only layinp
the kind of rail which is necessary for its own system. Heavier
rails, it is pointed out. are required for an electrical system, and it
woald have been an easy matter to have laid the heavy rails forth-
with on some arranjiement for repayment of the extra cost. The
prospect at present is that rails which have only been id use for
some three years will, on the expiry of the lease, have to be taken
up a?ain.

Liverpool. — Free Passes. — The Corporation Tramways
Committee has issned 8.546.067 free passes to soldiers. 240.200
to officers and 153,410 to nurses, representing an expenditure of
£41,.WS.

Halifax. — The T.C. has decided to consider a suggestion
that, owinpr to the severe lig-hting; restrictions, the tramway service
be curtailed late in the eveninjr.

Newcastle-on-Tyne. — Assessment. — At tlie last meeting

of the City Council it was announced that the proposal to advance
the assessment of the tramway undertakin? had been abandoned,
the figures to remain at i;40.Ci(H).

At the Quarter Sessions it was mentioned that the Tramway
Committec^'s appeal had been withdrawn.

Oldham. — Female IxsrECTORS. — The manager has been
authorised to appoint four women tramway inspectors, who will
check tickets, supervise women conductors, but not regrulate traffic.
At present lOfi women are employe<l.

Rotherham. — The whole of the sanctions necessary to

enable the Corporation to carry out the work of doubling the tram-
way track in Westgate have now been received. Application is to be
made to the B. of T. for sanction to the Corporation payingr the
cost of purchasing 12 cars from the Oldham Corporation out
of the tramway capital accoimt over a short term of years.

Sheffield. — New C'ARS.-^The City Council is recom-
mended to authorise the tramway manager to obtain tenders, at
an early date, for 2.i additional tramway-cars. The city architect
and t he freneral manager are to prepare plans and estimates for
ad<litional tramway passenger-shelters.

Stretford.— The U.D.C. is applying to the B. of T. for

a further extension of the period limited for the construction of
the tramways referred to in Section .SI of the Manchester Corpora-
tion Act, IStll.

West Hartlepool. — In response to the L.G.B.'s inquiry

as to works likely to be undertaken after the war, the T.C. has
decided to include the relaying of the Foggy Furze section of the
tramways and the laying of a line on the south side of the municipal
buildings.

York. — Restricted Services. — The Tramway Committee
has decided to curtail the evening tramway services, and proposes
to discontinue Sunday services of buses during the winter. This
is due to the difficulty in staffing the cars and shortage of labour.

TELEGRAPH and TELEPHONE NOTES.

A Lonely Cable Station, — In Telcfimph and Tdephonp Agp,

Mr. C. W. Person describes life on Midway Island, a landing station
for the American cable between San Francisco and Manila. The
distance between terminals is 7,.3O0 miles, necessitating relay
stations at Honolulu, Midway Island, and Guam : the island is
1.200 miles from Honolulu and 2,600 miles from Guam Island.
Midwa.y Island is " a patch of. coral sand. S ft. above the water
and 1 i miles in length and | of a mile in width." surrounded by a
coral reef 5 ft. high and 15 miles in circumference — to which it
owes its existence. The island was barren when the first operating
staff landed there 12 years ago : the invaders have transformed it
into a garden of verdure, have introduced domestic fowls, pigeons,
and cattle.and have erected buildings which provide accommodation
and recreation rooms, libraries, &c.. for a population of 20 men, one
woman, and a baby. Garden soil is being gradually imported, the
sand being useless for cultivation. The island is lisited l)y a supply
ship four times a year.

Automatic Telephony. — An automatic telephone exchange

has been opened at Dudley, with accommodation for 5110 lines.
which can be ultimately increased to 5,000.

Cable Steamships. — The new cable repair ship Lord

Kelrin. of the Western Union Telegraph Co.. said to be the most
completely-equipped vessel of her class, with oil-fired boilers, has
arrived at Halifax, X.S., after effecting a repair in transit. The
c.s. Miniii. belonging to the same company, has been damaged by
fire. — T. ami T. Aife.

Colossal Figures. — On .July 31st, the Bell telephone
system in the United States ownexl 19,122.921 miles of wire and
)i.2;Hl.s26 stations.— y. and T. Aijc.

Guatemala. — A LT.S. Consul rejiorts that the Telegraph

Bureau handled 1,626,866 telegrams and 7.263 cablegrams during
1915. an increase of 267.240 telegrams and a decrease of nearly
2.000 cablegrams. The wireless station at Guatemala was recon-
structed and its radius increased, messages being exchanged with

.\rlington. C.S. A., and plans were discusse<1 as to the possible
erection of additional stations at 8an .lose de Guatemala and at
Puerto Barrios.

Russia. — -^ wireless station hiis lieen established on
Dickson Island, at the mouth of the Yenisei, for the purpose of
sending meteorological telegrams to the phy,sical observatory in

Petrograd. \,it>in.

Storm Breakdowns.— iconic particulars arc given in tli.

Tfleqniith and Telephone .Journal of the effects of the great storm
of March 27th in the Cardiff district. Out of 133 trunk circuits
working into the Cardiff trunk exchange, the only circuits left
were 16 Newport lines, irliirit oerr iindert) round. New underground
cables to Swansea and Pontypridd were on the point of completion.
and the.se were brought into use. The total faults in the district
were : -Trunk ends, 34S ; junction ends. 572 ; subscriliers' line
faults. 5.311, Out of 7,346 lines working into 10 exchanges
(mainly Cardiff ivnd XewjiortX 3,826 were working after the storm,
and 48 of the small exchanges were temporarily shut down. Of the
imles 316 were broken, and 4,766 overt u rne<l ; 1.290 miles of wire
were down. The la.st subscriber's circuit was restored on August
I9th. but a numl)er of faulty trunk and junction circuits are still
awaiting the re-erection of routes, there being only a small number
of gangs available.

Telephone Operators* Courage.— An article and vari<ius

notes inthe Trln/rn/ili and ye/f>/iAe»<',/<i«c«o/bear witness to theheroic
devotion to duty of the telephone staffs at exchanges in distriets
visited by Zeppelins ; even when the buildings shook with the forceof
explosions near at hand, the service was maintained without inter-
ruption, and there was no need to use calming words to induce the
girls to remain at their positions. At an exchange on the North-
Ejust Coast the windows were blown in, but the service was
carried on.

Train Dispatching. — There are now about 1.3.") railway
6y.stems in the United States and Canada which have adopted the
telephone method of dispatching trains, there being 780 circuits
in operation, with 95,<)(10 miles of wire.

Trans-Pacific Wireless.— In the course of a preliminary
test direct wireless communication has been effected between the
wireless station at San Francisco and the Japanese Government plant
at Ochiishi.

i

CONTRACTS OPEN and CLOSED.

OPEN.

Australia. — Sydney. — .January 22nd. 1017. Electrical

plant (converter, battery, booster, and switchboards) for the
Castlereagh Street sub-station, for the Municipal Council. Specifi-
cation from E.L. Department. Town Hall.'

Melbourne. — October 31st and November 8th. Deputy P.M.G.
Telephone parts ; switchboard ; instruments, &c. Schedules Nos.
1.363, 1.364. and 1.368.*

December 11th. City Council. Supply and erection of coal
transporter plant. See "Official Notices" September 15th.

Perth. — November 8th. P.M.G. Accumulator parts (Schedule
527 W.A.).*

South Australia. — November 1.5th. P.M.G.'s Department.
Automatic switchboards and all associated apparatus, for telephone
exchanges, Brighton and Glenelg.

Dublin. — November 2nd, (ri-eat Northern Railway Co.
(Ireland). Contracts for general stores for 12 months (including
several electrical items). See " Official Notices " to-day.

Johannesburg. — Municipal Council. Twelve gross of

carbon brushes for electric motors. (Contract No. 178.)*

November 13th. S.A Railways Administration. 71.778 tungsten
drawn-wire lamps, 19,741 solid-drawn tungsten lamps, and 2,412
carbon-filament lamps.*

Leeds.— Electric lighting installation for slaughterhouse,
&c.. of Leeds Industrial Co-operative Society. Ltd., Gelderd Road.
Secretary. 10, Albion Street.

Rochdale.— October 18th. 20,000 tons of gas coal, for
the Gas and Electricity Committee. Chairman of Gas and Elec-
tricity Committee.

Spain, — November 2ith. Construction and working, for

60 years, of an electric tramway in Saragossa. — B. of T. Journal.

Specifications for the items marked * can be seen at the Board
of Trade Commercial Intelligence Branch in London.

CLOSED.

Australia. — Commonwealth P.M.G. : —

300 accumulator cells, £681.— Unbehaun & Johnstone, Ltd.

Apparatus for telegraph power board, £124.— Edison Swan Electric Co., Ltd.

Victorian Railways Department : —
Motor-generator, &c., for battery charging of baggage trucks, £195 ; switch-
board and connections, £233.— Electric Construction Co., Ltd.
Fuse distribution boxes and fuses for electric equipment, Ballai-at and
Bendigo workshops, during a period of five years. — W. Lucy & Co., Ltd.
Electric lamps for signal system.— Edison Swaii Electric Co., Ltd.
Lampholders for ditto.— Aust. General Electric Co.

Vol. 7!.. No. 2M'.K OCTonF.H 13, MMH.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

409

N.S.W. Public Works Department : —
Installation of electric passenger lift, Newcastle Hospital, £978.— Standard
Waygood-Hercules, Ltd.
The following- tenders have been received for power-grenerating-
plapt for the Queensland Government workshops, S. Brisbane : —
Gardner, Waern & Co., ;e3,935 (Diesel engine).
Engineering Supply Co. of Australia, £4,975.
Norman. Bell & Co., £6,950.
Brisbane Electrical Co., £7,441 and £7,091. —Tenieri.

Barking. — U.D.C. Accepted tenders : —

Siemens Bros. & Co.— Cable, £1,914.

General Electric Co., Ltd.— Switchgear, Ac, £888.

British Electrical Engineering Co.— Transformer, £611.

Babcock & Wilcox, Ltd. — Chain-grate stoker, superheater, Ac, £602.

Croydon. — T.C. High-tension feeder cable to connect

the srenerating: station with Southbridge Eoad sub-station :
Callender's Cable & Construction Co., Ltd. (estimated cost of cable
and laying. £1,425).

Manchester. — Electricity Committee. Accepted tenders ;

Cable. -Callender's Cable & Construction Co., Ltd. : B.I. & Helsby Cables,
Ltd. : Pirelli General Cable Works, Ltd. ; Livei-pool Electric Cable.
Co., Ltd. ; Western Electric Co., Ltd. ; C. Macintosh & Co., Ltd. ;
.lohnson & Phillips, Ltd.

Potential transformers.- British Westinghouse E. & M. Co., Ltd.

Current transformers. — Ferranti, Ltd.

c.c. amp. -hour meters. — Chamberlain & Hookham, Ltd. ; Ferranti, Ltd.

A.c. single-phase meters.— Ferranti, Ltd.

c.c. watt-hour meters. — G.E. Co., Ltd.

A.c. polyphase meters. — British Westinghouse E. & M. Co.

Motor starters.— Veritys, Ltd.; Ferranti, Ltd.

Motors. — Electromotors, Ltd. : British Westinghouse E. 4 M. Co., Ltd.

Fuse boxes.— B.I. & Helsby Cables, Ltd.

Switchgear.— B.T.H. Co., Ltd. ; FeiTanti, Ltd.

Electrically-driven circulating water pump.— Matlu^r k Pl.itt. Ltd.

Extension switchgear. — Ferranti, Ltd.

Switchboard.— B.T.H. Co., Ltd.
Gas Committee : —

Electrical equipment for No. 1 retort house. — Messrs. Drakes, Ltd.
Tramways Committee : —

Lifting jacks.— Equipment & Engineering Co.

Rotherham. — Tiiu Ministry of jMunitioiis havins arranged

io release a .5, .500 turbo-alternator, the Clerk has been in.structed
to place a contract with the British W'estinprhouse Co. at £23,700.
The tender of the British Niclausse, Ltd., for two water-tube
boilers for £l.S,2oO has been accepted. The Committee has decided
not to ent«r into contracts for tramway stores, and has authorised
the manager to purchase such goods as are required during the
year, also to enter into no contracts for cable during the year ; the
engineer is to purchase cable as required.

Sheffield. — Electric Supply Department. Dewhurst's
Engineering Co.. Ltd., for a supply of steel boiler tubes.

The City Council is recommended to accept the tenders of the
undermentioned firms for the supply of .spare appai^atus necessary
to maintain the constant running of the whole of the auxiliary
plant required to operate the generating machinery at Neepsend : —

Fuller Electrical & Manufacturing Co.— Motors, £2,373.

Siemens Bros. Dynamo Works, Ltd.— Motors, £664 ; transformer, ■£2,329.

British Westinghouse Co.. Ltd. — Motors, £135.

Dick, Kerr & Co., Ltd.— Motors, £280.

.1. P. Hall & Co.— Motors, £70.

Igranic Electric Co. — Motor starters, £210.

The above apparatus is absolutely necessary for the proper working
of the plant under present abnormal conditions, and as it is not
possible to obtain sanction to a loan on capital account for its
purchase, the cost is to be charged to the renewal and special
expenditure fund.

, The Electricity Supply Committee has accepted the tenders of
Messrs. A. Reyrolle & Co., Ltd., for 12 h.t. switches, at £209. and
the Chatteris Engineering Co., Ltd.. for the electrification of the
20-ton overhead travelling crane at Neepsend power house, at £902.

The Council is recommended to instruct the general manager of
the Electricity Supply Department to place an order for 50 tons of
electrolytic copper wire bars to be made up into cables as and
when required.

The general manager of the Water Department has purchased
from Mr. Fred. Spivey a 12-in. electrically-driven pump for £.55,
and from Messrs. T. Oxley. Ltd.. a 100-h.p. motor with starter,
cables, &c., for £215.

Sunderland. — T.C. Electricity and Lighting Committee :

.loseiih Thninpson & Co. — Creosoted redwood troughing.
Evt^rett, Eili;cnmbe & Co. — Surge arresters.
W. T. Henley's Telegraph Works, Ltd.— Cable.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS.

Walsall. — Electricity Committee.

coal, Messrs. William Harrison, Ltd,

j\Iid-(.'Hiiiiock slack

Waterford. — Messrs. W. F. Peare, Ltd., of Waterford,

have received a contract for switchboards and wiring for an
extensive electrical installation at a national cartridge factory.

Wolverhampton. — T.C. Accepted tenders : —

Gibbons Bros., Ltd. — A new steel roof to the boiler house at the electricilv

works, £383.
Melville, Dundas A Whitson. — A new crane gantry, £811.

Electro-Harmonic Society.— Friday, October 1.3th. At 8 p.m. At Holborn

Restaurant (King's Hall). Smoking concert.
University College, London.— "^Vednesday, October 18th. At 5.30 p.m. Public

lecture on "Long-distance Telegraphy and Telephony," by Prof. J. A.

Fleming. F.R.S.
Junior Institution of Engineers.— Wednesday, October 18th. At 7.30 p.m.

At 39. Victoria Street, S.W. Paper on " Industrial Lighting by Electricity,"

by Mr. F. H. Taylor.
Belfast Association of Engineers.-Thursday. October 19th. At 7.45 p.m.

At the Mimicipal Techn-cU Institute, College Square. Presidential

address.
Institution of Mechanical Engineers.- Friday, October 20th. At 6 p.m.

At the Institution of Civil Engineers, Great George Street, Westminster,

S.W. Paper on " Trials on a Diesel Engine, and Application of Energy

Diagram to obtain Heat Balance," by the late Lieut. Trevor Wilkins, to

be presented by Professor Burstall.

NOTES.

Foreign Trade. — The September Figures.— The official

returns of imports and exports during last month contain the

following electrical and machinery figures : —

Sept., Inc. or Xine months. \9\G.

Imports :— 1916. dee. Inc. or dec.

Electrical goods, &c. £132,579 + £25,210 -)- £424,665

Machinery 590,947 - 214,640 - 581,429

Exports : —

Electrical goods ... 397,281 -f 135.19.3 -f 924.613

Machinery 1.765.218 -1-153,768 -I- 254,631 /_

Electric Vehicle Committee.— At the last meeting of

the Electric Vehicle Committee, Mr. E. S. Shrapnell-Smith, repre-
senting the Commercial Motor Users' Association, was unanimously
elected Vice-Chairman of the Committee, and it was resolved to
issue an invitation to the Institute of Cleansing Superintendents
to nominate a representative to sit upon the Committee.

It was decided to send a circular letter to the British auto-
mobile manufacturers and another to the British electrical manu-
facturers, suggesting that they should consider the question of
taking up, after the war. the manufacture of electric vehicles in
the case of the first-mentioned, and electrical equipments for the
same in the case of the second.-mentioned class of manufacturers.

Upon the basis of a communication received from the Recorder
of the Standards Committee, Society of Automobile Engineers of
America, stating that breakages of charging plugs and receptacles
made according to the present standard had indicated the necessity
•of increasing the length of the outer metal protective casing of
the receptacle, and that the American standard design had accord-
ingly been altered by increasing the length of the said outer casing
by \\ in. (IS mm.l, the Committee decided to suggest to the
British Engineering Standards Committee the desirability of
altering the British standard in a similar manner. It may be
mentioned that the said lengthening of the shell involves no
alteration to the plug portion or to the contacts or moulded insula-
tion of the receptacle.

It was mentioned that the loan for the three Bradford vehicles
had been granted for a period of only four years, and the Secretary
was instructed to write to the L.G.B., asking it, after the war, to
consider evidence that the useful life of an electric vehicle is such
as to warrant the granting of loans for a longer period than four
years.

The question of better charging facilities on the route London to
Birmingham was again under consideration : the Secretary was
directed to write to the managers of the electricity supply under-
takings at Coventry and Northampton, in order to enlist their
assistance in this matter.

The Gilbert Club. — A general meeting of the Gilbert

Club will be held on Wednesday, October 18th, at 3„30 p.m., the
Eight Hon. Lord Moulton. F.R.S., in the chair, for the purpose of
winding up the club, the object of its formation having been
attained, which was the translation, and issuing to the members, of
William Gilbert's " De Magnete." The inaugural meeting of the
club was held on Xovember 28th, 1889, under the presidency of the
late Lord Kelvin, then Sir William Thomson, and there has been
no general meeting of the club since that date. The lamented
death of Prof. Silvanus Thompson. F.R.S.. the principal founder of
the club, renders it advisable to wind up the club, and to settle its
affairs as soon as possible.

Using the Canals. — The Mamhester Daily Dispatch

says : — "The old canal packet-boat system, whic'u came into being-
long before the railways, seems to be enjoying a revival. Govern-
ment demands, shortage of labour, and other factors have interfered
with the expeditious handling of railway goods traffic, and traders
have had to put up with repeated and vexatious delays. Many of
them have consequently had their goods sent by water. An
example of this is to be found in Lancashire, where the canal traffic
between Manchester and Wigan is gradually increasing. The pro-
ducts in cloth and yarn of the Wigan factories are collected each
night, and early the next morning are in the streets of Manchester
being delivered to warehouses. On their return journey the boats
carry general merchandise. ' We can beat the railways by days,'
said a carrier, ' and there is every indication that, with increased
facilities, the trade will develop largely.' "

The limes, in a recent comment, says : — " A substantial revival
of our inland waterways would be one of the most curious results
of what, as far as transport is concerned, is essentially a railway war.'' ,

410

THE ELECTEICAL REVIEW, iv.-i- :;•■ no. 2v2i>. octohkr n, i9ir,.

Legal. — WooLLKv /■. AVatsox, Maksh a- Co., Ltd. —

At Lambeth County Court, before Judjre Parry. Thomas WooUey,
electrician, claimed, under the Workmen's Compensation Act,
compensation for injuries sustained in the course of his employ-
ment, the respondents being: a firm of electrical engrineers. of
Brondesbury. X.W. It was stated for applicant that he was a
skilled electrician, and on May 4th he was workinjr at Pike's
Circuit Cinema. Chariufr Cross, which w.is in course of reconstruc-
tion. He wa.s running steel tubinjr throuorh the buildin<r to carry
the wires, and requirinfr some tubin-r. he went to^ret it from the back
of the premises. On the way. he met Wilson, the foreman, who
.'topped him to jrive some fresh instructions to run three in.stead of
five points. .\s they were talkinjr. a man lame alony: witli a barrow
of cement, and as he p.assed where they were standing, the barrow
slipped, and a batrof cement fell on applicants knee, knockinjr him
down. He was picked up )>y the foreman, and taken by Mr. Marsh
in a taxicab to the hospital. He had l>een unable to work since,
and could neither kneel nor climb laflders. His wajres averaged
£2 4s. 2d. a week. He had been sent Os. lOd. for the time he
worked up to the day of the accident.

Evidence for the plaintiff havintr been given, the case for the
respondents was stated. They said that applicant had left off work
for them when the accident happened, and was assisting the
labourer, who was working for another firm, with his barrow, and
therefore the accident did not arise out of or in the course of his
employment.

Judge Parry said he accepted the plaintiff's account of the
accident, as he did not think he was helping with the barrow. Had
he been doing so. the respondents could have called the man in support
of their story. He deprecated all these quibbling points that were
so often raised in cases of this kind. He made an award for the
applicant of £ 1 a week from the date of the accident, with costs.

XORTHERN CnlNTIES ELECTRIC SlPPLY Co., LTD.. r. STEEL. —
At Morpeth County Court on ilth inst.. David Steel, carrier, was
sued by the Northern Counties Electric Supply Co. for £2 13s. 3d.,
for damage alleged to have been caused to a lighting standard at
.ishington. — Mr. W. S. Burton, for the plaintiff company, said the
claim arose out of a collision between a petrol wagon bslonging to
the defendant, and driven by him, and an electric light lamp-post.
The defendant's wagon ran against the post, damaging it. and so
causing it to become " alive " ; a boy. who came into contact
with it, received a shock. — Fred. Beattie. chemist, .\shington. said
he saw the wagon collide with the post, and bend it. —The defen-
dant said he never knew until afterwards that he came into
contact with the post, but he now "accepted Mr. Burton's state-
ment. -Judgment was entered for the amount claimed.

Electricians Fined. — At the Belfa,st Munitions Com-t. on
Monday. W. R. Kubler and Lennox Morton, electricians, and
E. Dalzell. apprentice electrician, ^yere charged with playing cards ,
and neglecting work during working hours. The defence was a
denial of the chai-ges. The Court, however, convicted the men,
and fined Kubler 50s., Morton 40s.. and Dalzell lOs.. the amounts
to he deducted from their wages.

lostitution and Lecture Notes. — Association of Super-
vising Electricians. -The following is the progr.arame of meetings
for the coming session ; —

Tuesday, October 31st.—" Electric Heating and Cooking," Mr. A, F.
Berry.

Tuesday. December I2th.— "Electric Meters," Mr. J. Rennie.

Tuesday, January 16th, 1917.— Half-yearly meeting and informal dis-
cussions.

Tuesday. February 27th. — " Modern Power Cables." Mr. H. Savage,

Tuesday, .\pril 23rd.—" Wiring Rules of the I.E.E.," Mr. W. R. Rawlings.

Tuesday, May 8th.—" Motor Control Gear." Mr. J. T. Mould.

Tuesday. -June 26th. — Annual general meeting.

Belfast Association o( Engineers The programme for the

1316-1" se.ssion includes the following arrangements :--

October I9th. — Presidential .\ddress. Mr. Stanley .Johnston.
December 2Ist.— "Water Power in Ireland," Mr. A. W. Brown.
.January I8th, I9I7.—" Electric Lifts for Land and Shipboard," Mr.C. G.
Major.

February 15th, I9I7.— " Liquid Air," Mr. E. A. S. Swinson.

March loth. — " An Anticipating Governor for Marine Engines," Mr.

A. Kerr.
April 19th. — "Engineering Notes on

Chambers.

in the Antipodes," Mr. J. H.

Association of Municipal Authorities. — At the fifth annual
Conference of the Association, in Belfast, last month. Mr. P. J.
M' Andrew read a paper on the development of the water power of
Ireland for industrial purposes, stating that they had only to
utilise their water power to supply power cheaply to factories.
railways, tramways, farming, and other purposes, in order to place
Ireland amongst the leading manufacturing centres of Europe.
Having studiai the economic conditions prevailing, he had decided
to bring before the public bodies of Ireland the necessity of putting
pressure upon the Government to grant facilities for passing the
Irish hydroelectric schemes through Parliament. He had prepared
a report on the water-power available on the Rivers Shannon and
Erne, which contained the approximate cost of harnessing the
powers in those rivers, as well ,is the approximate revenue to be
derived from the supply of power for lighting and industrial
purposes. That report had been investigated by one of the
strongest financial groups in London, and their expert had recom-
mended the scheme to them. Application had been made to the
Treasury for permission to register a company to make the necessary
detailed survey; and a large sum of money had been spent on that
survey by a large staff of engineers. His report had not only been
proved correct, but the result of the surveys proved the scheme to be
considerably better. He could not give details of the scheme, for
obvious reasons, but he could tell them that there was .50,000 h.p.
available in each of the Rivers Shannon and Erne for eight

mouths of the year, and th.at it varied from 20.000 to 40.000 h.p.
each for the remaining months. I'nfortunatcly. they had
been debarred fi-om proceeding with the Bill last Session,
in con.iiequence of an order made trt- the Board of Trade stating
that no private Bill would be allowed to proceed. In contUisiim,
he impressed ujion the representatives present the absi>luti>
necessity for a determined effort to bring the " Irish hydroelectric "
into being.

Junior In.stitutlon of Engineers. -The activities of the winter
session commenced on Friday last, when Mr. E. Eade o|iened the
series of Friday evening "informal discussions," taking for his
subject, "Stability and Fse of Cranes under Working Conditions "
During October, similar lecturettes will he given on " Principles
aiul -Application of the Oil Engine." by Mr. W. H. .\brahams ; and
" Time-saving as a Science, " by Mr. A. H. Stanley. The ordinary
monthly meeting will be held on Wednesday. October ISth. when
Mr. F. H. Taylor will reatl a paper on " Industrial Lighting by
Electricity." .\ special series of five lecturettes will be given on
alternate Friday evenings, from October 20th. by Mr. E. F.
Etehells. on " .\ Common-sense Notation for Engineers": "The
Practical Use of Units in the Evaluation of Formula' " ; " How to
Memorise Formula; " : " Logic of the Differential and Integral
Calculus"; "Practical and Illustrative Examples of the Applica-
tion of the Xewer Concepts."

Australian Science Meeting Abandoned. — Acconlinjr to

an .\ustralian exchange, it has been decided, owing to the war, not
to hold the Hobart meeting of the Australasian Association for the
Advancement of Science, which had been arranged for January,
1017,

Registration of Firms Bill.— Tlif WIh.IismIc Traders'

As.i;ociation held a conference yesterday with a view to urging the
Board of Trade to secure early dealing with the Registration of
Firms Bill in the Commons. It will be remembered that the House
of Lords passed a Bill some months ago.

Volunteer Notes. — First London Enginker Volun-
teers,— Orders for the week by Lieut.-Col. C. B. Clay, V.D., Com-
manding.

Mdiidaij. Outnher 16///. — Technical for Platoon No. H. at
Regency Street. Squad and Platoon Drill, Platoon Xo. 10. Sig-
nalling Class. Recruits' Drill, ii.25 — S.

Tiiexdtn/, Octoher \lth. — School of Arms, H — 7. Lecture, T.!.").
" Duties in Camp and Quarters," Company Commander Hynam.
Range Practice.

W'ednc.iflai/. Oi-toher 18///. — Instruction Class, 5.4.5. Platoon
Drill. Platoon No. 2. Range Practice.

T/iiirxiliii/, Ortnher 19///.— Platoon Drill, Platoons Nos. .5 and i>.
Range Practice.

Fi-idaij. Oefcber 20///. — Technical for Platoon No. 10, Regency
Street. Squad and Platoon Drill, No. 9. Signalling Cla-ss. Recruits'
Drill. (;.25— 8.25.

Saftirdaij. Octnhrr 2\st. — N.C.O.'s Class. 2.30; Company Com-
mander Hynam.

Siindai/. October 22////. — Entrenching. — Parade Victoria Station
(S.E. & C. Railway). Booking-office, 8.45 a.m.

MACLEOD Yearsley, Adjutant.

Octnher 14///. 1916.

3rd (Old Boys' Corps) Batt. County of London Volunteer
Regiment. — Battalion Orders by Major R. J. C. Eastwood (Com-
mandant), Thursday, October 12th, 1916 :—

Week-end Parade. — There will be no Entrenching duty on Satur-
day and Sunday, 14th and 15th inst. Members will receive instruc-
tions from their Company Commanders for Simday duty.

Heeruits and Atte.itation. — The Officer Commanding will be
at Headquarters. Lord's, on Mondays, Wednesda.ys and Fridays, to
enrol Recruits, at 6-7 p.m., and also to attest any members who
have not already attested.

The Commandant will be present at Lord's Cricket Ground on
Saturday, I4th inst.. at 3 p.m.. to examine Recruits, with a view to
dismissing those who are efficient from Recruit Drill,

Recruits will parade at Lord's Cricket Ground on Saturday, at
2.45 p.m., and on Sunday, at 11 a,m, and 2.30 p.m.. for Recruit
Drill.

G. H. F. Dcncas, Aetinij Adjidanf.

Appointment Vacant. — Temporary station superintendent
for Redditch U.D.C. electricity works (£3)* See our advertisement
pages to-day.

Prohibited Exports. — A supplement to the Bmi n/ of Trmk

dm/ mil I oi October 12th contains complete lists of articles which,
according to the latest information received by the Board of Trade,
are prohibited to be exported to various destinations from British
India; Canada. New Zealand. South Africa, Newfoundland. Egypt.
Malta, Cyijrus, Mauritius, and Ceylon. The Supplement may be
obtained from the usual sale agents for Government publications,
price 34d., post free.

Educational. — Northampton Polytechnic Institcte.

— Classes for engineer salesmen and other technically-trained men
on the commercial side of Electrical Engineering have been
arranged for the coming session. Particulars will be found in our
advertisement pages to-day.

Vol. 79. No. 2,029. October 13. 1910.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

411

British Chemical Industry. — Sir Charles Bedford, general

secretary of the Association of British Chemical Manufacturers,
opened the session of the Edinburg'h Section of the Society of
Chemical Industry last week with an address on the " Organisation
of British Chemical Manufactures." He said the necessity for
combination for mutual protection and extension of the chemical
industry hail been increasinjfly realised of late years ; in view of the
recent combination of all the German chemical firms, with the
object of wajfin^- such an industrial war after the war as would
suffice to recover, consolidate, and extend their hold over the world's
chemical industries, it was necessary to counter such plans,, and in
other ways to develop and protect the industries of the British
chemical industry. It was for that reason that the Manufacturers'
.Association had been formed. Most of the leading 'chemical firms
in the country were already members of it. and a strong council
had been formed. The members were selected on grounds of
personal fitness, and in no way a,s representative of the largest
interests alone. A quite mistaken impression had got abroad in
certain parts of the country that this new Association was a large
capitalist combine, and that smaller firms were not particularly
wanted. Xothing bould be further from the truth. Assistance to
new industries and a large increase in productiveness of essential
and " key " industries was a feature of the Association's work, and
they would also take concerted action regarding legislation affecting
the industry, including patent law reform. Co-operation between
the manufacturers and the Universities and the technical institu-
tions would be another sphere of theii- activities. — Mmniiig Post.

Science at Oxford.^In Convocation at Oxford, on

Saturday, Dr. T, B. Strong, the Vice-Chancellor. said that about
lu.SUU members of the University were serving in the Army aud
Navy, and nearly .5uO were in Government employment in other
ways. Referring to the statute concerning the Honour School of
l.'hemistry, he said it was an attempt on the part of the Universit.v
to meet one of the educational needs which the war had brought to
notice. They had neglected sadly the claims of natural science in
education, and they must in some way remedy this. It was not
merely that they wanted to produce more advanced students of
natural science : they wanted everybody, including the average
people, who would now be advanced students of anything, to be
aware of, or in some degree to understand, the scientific point of
view. He did not think this would be easy, because it would mean
in the end a great psychological change in the nation : they would
have to give up the profound distrust of expert knowledge which
prevailed so widely among them. At the same time, it was.
perhaps, legitimate to express the hope that if they set out on this
adventurous course of reform, they would proceed on their own lines,
and not attempt to import German methods and German rigidity of
type into their system of education without serious and delilierate
criticism. The knowledge that was -most necessary of all. if the
Empire was to continue and prosper, was the knowledge of men. —
Tlie rimts.

Trade Policy for After the War.— Questions were

asked in the House of Commons on Tuesday concerning the
arrangements to be made to carry into eilect the recommendations
of the Paris Economic Conference. Mr. Bonar Law said that the
Expert Committees which had been appointed to advise the Board
of Trade had made considerable progress with their investigations,
and Lord Balfour's Committee on British commercial policy after
the war was sitting, and would be able to issue an interim
report in a "very moderate space of time." Progress had been
made with a view to safeguarding important key industries, but
he was not yet in a position to make an announcement on the
subject. Sir E. Carson asked whether any legislation would be
introduced to prevent, in the event of' peace, the dumping of
German goods. Mr. Bonar Law, in reply, said that he had not
looked into that matter. It might be necessary, but that particular
point had not j-et been considered,

Sunday Labour Stopped. — Recent investigations into

the question of " Industrial Fatigue," a report on which was pub-
lished last week, have shown that Sunday labour and overtime
generally are detrimental to output, owing to the lack of oppor-
tunity to recuperate from fatigue. The Minister of Munitions has,
therefore, decided to prohibit Sunday work where possible.

Board of Trade Reorganisation. — Jlr. Runciman

informed the House of Commons on Tuesday that he had decided
to combine the existing Commercial Intelligence Branch of the
Board of Trade and the Exhibitions Branch in a new and enlarged
Commercial Intelligence Department. The reorganisation is now
proceeding.

OUR PERSONAL COLUMN.

The Editors iiifite electrical engineers, whether connected with the
technical or the commercial side of the profession and indnstrij,
also electric tramway and railway officials, to heep readers of the
Electrical Review posted as to their movements.

Central Station and Tramway Officials.— Hartlepool T.C.
has decided that the .salaries of the two station superinten-
dents be increased to £17.5 10s. per annum, inclusive of war
bonus, and that an additional sum of Is. weekly in the way
of bonus be made to the employes of the Electricity Com-
mittee.

Mr. E. Grime, of Leyton, has been appointed station super-
intendent at the Barking U.D.C. electricity works (in the
place of Mr. \V. Eraser, who had obtained the position of
chief electrician of the National Shell and Projectile Fac-
tories), at i'ltJO per annum.

Mr. BuLLPiTT, who was shift engineer at the Barnes U.D.C.
electricity works, has been gazetted second-Ueutenant.

Mr. John B. Moro.4n has resigned his post of electrical
engineer to the Horsham U.D.C. having accepted the post
of w'orks manager to Messrs. H. & E. Lintott, electrical and
njeehanical engineers and ironfounders, of Horsham. He
will take up his new duties on January 1st.

Mr. A. M. Simpson, A.M.I.E.E., has taken over the man-
agement of the Malta Tramways, which are owned by
Messrs. Macartney, McElroy & Co., Ltd., and he will be glad
to receive li,sts from firms dealing in tramway supplies. His
address is Tramway Building, Porta Reale, Valletta, Malta.

General. — At a receni board meeting of the British Thom-
son Co., Ltd., electrical engineers and manufacturers, of
P.ugby, Mr. J. F. N-AIHEIM retired from the chairman.ship as
fi(im September 30th. 191(5. The managing director. Mr.
H. C. Levis, was appointed chairman of the board, and also
retains the managing directorship of the 'company.

Mr. \Y. .A.. TooKEY, M.I.Mech.E., has changed his address
from 'il-a, I'pEer Thames Street, E,C,, to 39, Victoria Street,
Westminster, S.W.

Coun. James J.ackson has been appointed chairman of the
Bolton Electricity Committee for the remainder of the cur-
lent financial year.

On September 'iSth, at Newhaven, Second-Lieutenant W,
S. Browne, R.E. (T.), London Electrical Engineers, of the
electrical department. Central .\rgentine Railway Co., was
married to Miss Kathleen Spencer, daughtei' of Mr. and Mrs.
B. Spencer, of London and Newhaven.

Roll of Honour. — Lieutenant M. McNay, a member of the
firm of McNay & Sons, electrical and general machinery mer-
chants, of Middlesbrough, has been wounded.

Captam W. A. DoruLAS, Royal Scots, who was killed in
August, was an electrical engineer, and a member of the firm
of Messrs. James "Giay & Son, ironmongers -and electrical
engineers, Edinburgh. He was 26 years old.

Mr. E. J. Lee, who was formerly in the employ of the
Woolwich B,C. electricity department, has been awarded the
Military Medal.

Lieutenant S. H. Bill, who up to joinin" the Navy a few
months ago was electrical engineer under the Ilkley Di.strict
Council, has been wounded.

Corporal W. Bellamy. Bedfordshire Regiment, who en-
listed in September. 1914. whilst with the Western Electric
Co., has fallen in action in France, aged -20 years.

Second-Lieutenant T. P. Wilson, Bedfordshire Regiment,
who enlisted in the .Army Service Corps in December, 1914,
whilst at Faraday House, London, has fallen in action in
France at the age of '23.

Private .A.. Parker (27). Border Regunent, who has been
wounded, was formerly employed in the accountant's depart-
ment (electricity) at the Manchester Town Hall.

Lieutenant Frank A. Eve, Canadian Infantry, who died of
wounds on September 1.5th, was, according to the Times,
engaged for a time in telephone construction work in Canada,
When the war broke out he joined the Canadian Infantry,
and he served for a year at the front.

The War Office announce that Second-Lieutenant W.
Reginald Goffe, Oxford i-nd Bucks Light Infantry, who had
been missing since July 30th last, was killed in action on
that date, aged 29 vears. He w-as on the start' of the St.
James's and Pall Mall Electric Light Co., Ltd., and was a
promising eagineer. His father. Mr. Edward Goffe.
A.R.I.B.-\., a partner in the firm of Henry Dawson & Son.
architects and surveyors, 122, Cannon Street, E.G., also passed
away on the 24th ult.

The Tiniest states that Captain Keith Lucas, Sc-.D., F.R.S.,
of the Roval Flying Corps, who died as the result of injuries
received iii a collision of aeroplanes on October .5th, was a
director of the Cambridge Scientific Instrument Co, He was
37 vears of age, and was elected F,R.S. in 1913, being mvited
to 'give the Croonian Lecture to the Society even a year
before his election. Before the war he was fully en-
gaged in both teaching and research work at Cambridge, but
he put aside all his interests in order to devote his rare
instrumental skill and inventiveness to the .Air Service. He
is described as one of the most promising physiologists of the
vounger generation.

Private W. Lissamer, Oxford and Bucks Light Infantry,
aged 23, who has fallen in action, was with the British
Thomson-Houston Co.. Ltd., Rugby.

Private Reg. Bartlett, who was with the British Thomson-
Houston Co.. Ltd.. has fallen in action. He had been pre^
viou.slv wounded four times.

Lance-Corporal G. W. Bentlev. formerly an inspector for
12 years with the Potteries Electric Traction Co., aged 46,
has' fallen in action. He went to Brisbane in 1912, and
joined the Australian Contingent in -August, 191o.

412

THE ELECTKICAL REVIEW, ivoi. 79. No. 2.02!., octobkk u. v<u

Private Chas. W. Tew. Clivnaiiicr Guinds, who eulistoJ
whilst a stutor wimlcr with Mossrs. Siemens Bros. Dynaiiio
Works Co.. StalToid, has heeii woiiiuleil.

Sergeant \V. B. llil.l., Ijondoii Keuinient, who was prior
to the war ou the stall' of tlie City of U>n(<on Electric Light
Co.. has been wounded in action.

Corporal E. F. \V(>odl.axi), of the Ilford U.D.C. electricity
works staff, reported missing, is a prisoner of war in Cer-
niany.

The Military Medal has been awarded for gallant conduct
on the field to Private Charles Lkau. Devonshire Regiment,
who enlisted whilst a conductor on the tramways at Torquay.

Private J. A. Scorr, South Staffs. Regiment, formerly a
(I'iver on the Dudley and Stourbridge Tramway, has gained
the Military Medal for bravery and devotion to duty.

Sergeant H. W. Atkinson, Duke of Wellington's Regiment,
aged 44. who has been killed in action, was employed by the
Inited Electric Car Co.. Preston.

Private Hahkv (iiiEENWooi", of the Lancashire Fusiliers,
aged •2L who has died from wounds received in action, was
formerly employed at the Back o' th' Bank Electricity Works,
■ Bolton."

Obituary. — Mh. Percv Webberlry. — We regret to record the
death of Mr. Percy Webberley at his home at Tjongton,
Staffordshire, on 0th inst., at the early age of 37. Mr. Web-
berley was the assistant electrician in the Board of Trade
Electrical Standards J^aboratory from August. 19(18, until
June, 1915, when he retired through failing health. He was
educated at Mason Univensity College. Binuingliam, 189t)-
1899, where he took the Electrical Engineering Diploma. He
was an improver at Messrs. Belliss A- Morcom, and acted for
some time as assistant in the electrical engineering depart-
ment of the Northampton Institute, Clerkenwell. .\fter this
he was employed in the Westminster Electric Supply Coi--
poration for four years in testing and maintaining in.stru-
ments in the generating station, under Mr. C. O. Orimshaw,
during which time he took first place in laboratory work in
the electroteehnics examination, and second in the theoretical
work at Finsbury Technical College. He matriculated at
the London I'niversity in 190'i. He was selected from a
considerable number of candidates for the post in the Board
of Trade on account of his knowledge of electric meters and
of electrical measurement and testing. He was a careful and
accurate worker and a genial and attractive colleague.

Mr. Tom Dickinson. — News has been received from Aus-
tralia of the death of Mr. Tom Dickinson, consulting elec-
trical engineer. Deceased s«rved his apprentice.ship with
Messrs. Armstrong. Whitworth & Co., at Elswick, and, emi-
grating to Australia in 1888, was appointed manager of the
Melbourne Hydraulic Co. Two years later he became secre-
tary and engineer of the Sydney and Suburban Power and
General Engineering Co., a position which he resigned four
years ago to take up consulting work. He was 56 years
of age.

Ald. J. M. RENNOLD.SON. — Aid. J. M. RennokLson, "Father"
of the South Shields Corporation, died on Sunday in his 69th
year. Deceased was chainuan of the Electrical Committee, a
position he had occupied since the establishment of the
undertaking, '20 years ago.

Will. — According to the Times. Captain High McKean,
Manchester Regiment, of Norwood Hill House, Surrey, late
general manager of the Ceara Tiamway, Light & Power Co.,
Fortaleze, Brazil, who was killed in actioa ou Julv 7th, left
£■36.3-14.

NEW COMPANIES REGISTERED.

Celynin Electric Light Co., Ltd. (144,994).— This com-
pany was registered on October 4th with a cipital of ^£500 in £1 sliares. to
take over tile business of producers and suppliers of electric light and power
cairied on bv the Rev. D. T. Davies, M..\., H. Evans. R. F. Jones, J.
Jones. R. Jon^, ami W. Lloyd, all of Lhvyngwril, Merioneth, as the Ele

; Rev. D. T. Davies.
Evans. Brynawel,
The School House,

Supply Co. The subscribers (with one share each)
M.A.. The Hectorv. Llwyngwril, Merionethshire;
Lhx.vrgwril. .Merionethshire, signalman; R. V. Jo
Lhvyngwril, certified teacher; W. Lloyd, Glanafon, Llwyngwril, contractor.
Private company. The number of directors is not to be less than two or
more than six;' the first are Rev. D. T. Davies,' M..A., H. Evans. R. ]■.
Jones, \V. Lloyd, J. Jones, and R. Jones (all permanent). Oualification, £2(1.
Solicitor: A. J. Hughes, lirei-on House, .AbervslwUh. Registered bv Jordan
and Sons. Ltd., ll<i-117. Chancery Lane, W'.C".

OFFICIAL RETURNS OF ELECTRICAL
COMPANIES.

" Z " Electric Lamp Manufacturing Co., Ltd. — Mortgage

dated September I»th. 191(!. to secure £10,1)00, charged on the company's
maiiufarture<i stock of lamps at factory, and present and future stock of
materials at .Southfields, and company's oth.r assets. Holders: H. F. Brown.
A. Simpson, and W. H. Cheetham, trading as Kilburn, Bi-own & Co. at
w Broad Street, E.C.

Liscard Battery Co., Ltd. — .\ iiKinor;indum of salisf;tc-

lio-i to the extent nt i'lo on September 11th, I'.llli, of dcuentures dated .\piU
IKlh, U)U, s.vuring 12,00(1, has been tiled.

Exchange Telegraph Co., Ltd. (6,152).— Capital, ;e9C,4:fi)

in l(,02a ".V" shares of ilU each and H),20U "U" shares of t] eaili
Return dated .August Uth. lUIti. .All shares taken up; £10 per share call..!
up on «,000 "A'' and £2 per share on 3,023 ".A"; £04,046 paid; £32.:IM1
considered :is paid: being £« per share on 2.02.') " A " :ind £1 per share .n
1B.200 "B" sh.ires. Mortgages and charges: .Nil.

Birmingham District Power & Traction Co., Ltd.

(I'.l.orri. lapilal, £1,U5U,U00 in £10 shni-es (35,011(1 cum. prel., ,1S,(HH) pr.-l.
urd.. and ^la.OlIU def. ord.). Return dateO June 1st, 1(110. 2U.!)|8 cuui. pre(.,
35.000 prel. old., and 35,000 def. ord. shares taken up; £10 per shaie called
up on 20.978 cum. pre!., 27.000 pref. ord., and 35,000 def. ord; £li3!»,780 paid;
£(10,000 consi.l,-red :is p.iid on 8,0(«l pr.-f. ord. shares. Mortgages and charges:
£4ii:t.lH2.

CITY NOTES.

The report ot the Bank fur Elektrisclie
The Zurich Bank T nternehmungen, of Zurich, which is a
for l:lectrical groat German - Swiss investment and
Undertakings. underwriting company having a com-
bined .share and loan capital of i(),.'iO(1.0(MI,
has just been i.ssued for tht' year ended witii .June 3Uth, lllld.
Bearing in minil that the company's interests exteiul over
many countries in Europe, the report .states that the influ-
ence of the war upon the economic life and trade of nations
had become accentuated, particularly through the lack of
shipping capacity and the various difliculties in the obtaining
of raw materials. The electricity works had without trouble
accommodated them.selves to the conditions brought about
by the war, and were able to meet the increased power re-
(juirements of the war industrie.s. In this way, as well its
through an augmentation in the number of connections for
lighting, a larger consumption and greater receipts hail t;ikrii
place, but, on the other hand, the expenses had consiili'i;ilil\
expanded, especially in the case, of coal. Under thi'sr ni-
cuinstances the advantages of hydro-electric works had for the
liist time been shown to the full extent. The introduction
lit summer-time in some countries hail already tended to
reduce the consumption of energy for lighting purposes. In
the case of electric tramways a revival of traffic had been pei'-
leived almo.st everywhere, and the scarcity of drivers and
conductors had been gradually almost entirely overcome. .'V
movement had taken place in most countries in favour of
laising the passenger fares, and many tramways had already
been compelled to do so owing to the growth in the working
expenses. The works of the companies in which the bank is
interested had not suffered any noteworthy damage througli
the war. The report remarks that the amount of the advances
made to foreign electricity undertakings in so far as these
are not established in Swiss francs, as well as the foreign
banking credits, had been valued in the accounts at the rate
of exchange prevailing on the day when the accounts weii'
closed, whiLst the inventory value of the shares had been
carefully ascertained on the basis of the Stock Exchangf
cjuotations and rates of exchange on the closing day. ."Ipart
from the considerable depreciation thereby rendered neces-
sary, the general re.sults were unfavourably influenced , bv
the great loss in exchange on the receipts of foreign ili\ iili-nds
and interest, as well as through the non-inclusion of dixideuds
tleclared but not distributed by a number of foreign cciiii
panics. The accounts .show the following figures : —

1913-14. 1914-15. 191.5-lG.

Share capital ... ... £3,nOO,000 dE3,O00,00n iE3,00(l,0U0

Loans ... '2.996,fl0n 3,36n,(«)0 3,390,(10(1

Gross receipts 513.00(1 483,000 4.58.0ilO

Net profits 3.'Hll.(¥10 265,000 2.58,000

Dividend 300.000 240.000 240,000

Dividend per cent. 10 8 8

The report concludes that the situation of the electricity
works in the future also will have to be regarded with reserve,
as after so long a period of war the return of national
economy to normal conditions will not be accomplislied with-
out friction and obstacles arising.

A. Simpso
Orient Ho

The directors of the Trlephon Vahrih.
German Me J. Berliner, of Hanover, recoififiiend

Electrical the distribution of 25 per cent, foi; 1915-

Companies. 16, as compared with 18 j^er cent, in tin-
previous twelve months.
The accounts of Gdrbe.-Lalnneiier li Co.. of Aix-la-Chapelle,
indicate gross profits amounting to £82,000 for 191.5-1(;, as
contrasted with -t'OII.OlKI in the previous year, the net profits
being £aS,ll(K(, as against i"20,(H10. A dividend of 5 per cent,
has been declared, as in 1914-15.

The A. E.G. VnierneSiinunyen. of Friiiihfitrl-oii-Main, whose
various investments include i;'20tl.O(Hl in shares of the Felteii
and Guilleaume Co., report net profits of f33,000 for 191:)-lli,
as against i.32.000 in the preceding year. It is propo.sed to
pay a dividend of 6 per cent, on the ordinaiy share capital ot
£500,000, being the same rate as in 1914-15.

The report of the Isaria Zahlcr Wer.ke, of Munich, states
that many difficulties were experienced in 1915 in the produc-

Vol. 79. Xo. 2,029, October 13. 1910.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

413

tion and export of electricity meters. As net profits the
accounts show the sum of i''21,(X)0, as contrasted with i'iO.tHX)
in 1914, and a dividend of 10 per cent, is proposed, as in the
preceding year. The share capital is to be increased by
±1.5,1)00 to "i;l'2.5,00O ; the orders on hand are said to be satis-
factory, although those for Army requirements do not reach
the capacity of the works.

The Klek-trizitats A.G., late H. Pnyc, of Chemnitz, reports
gross profits of f 1(57,000 in 1915-10, as compared with ±'7G,0iX)
in the preceding year. After defraying general expenses, in-
terest charges, and placing £'2'2.01H) to depreciation, as against
jE16,oa) in 1914-1.5, the accounts .show net profits of £88,000,
as contrasted with ±'21,000. It is proiX).sed to pay a dividend
at the rate of 1.5 per cent., this comparing with 1\ per cent,
in the previous year. The directors state that the orders on
hand represent an increase over the corresponding period in
1915.

The report of the Kahelwerk Rheiidt A.G.. of Rheydt, states
that the company was well occupied in 1915-16, particularly
in the rolling mill works. It could, however, not be foi'eseen
whether the present still satisfactory state of activity would
continue. The stocks and debts owing had been very care-
fully estimated, as the conditions which would arise after the
war were uncertain. The accounts exhibit gross profits of
±■•255.000, as against ±175,000 in 1914-15. After providing for
general expenses. &c., and allocating ±61,000 to depreciation,
as contrasted with ±25,(X)0. the net profits are returned at
±184.000, as compared with ±140.fHK». The dividend is 30
per cent., as again.st 18 per cent, and 12 i>er cent, in the two
previous years respectively.

Quebec Railway, Light, Heat & Power Co., Ltd. — The

gro.ss earnings from all sources for the year ended June,
1916, were $1,968,601, an increase of $1.S4,.5'27. The operating
and maintenance expenses were $1,029,7.50. an ■ increase of
$104,934. The fixed charges and taxes were $72:3,447, leaving
a net surplus of $215,403, W'hich added to the previous sur-
plus, leaves a total surplus to date of $.562, 9(B. There was
expended on maintenance during the year $220,603.

Monterey Railway, Light & Power Co. — At a meeting of

5 per cent, first mortgage debenture stock holders in London,
. last week, resolutions were passed appointing a committee to

protect the interests of the bondholders, and assenting to the
creation and issue of prior lien charges to the tune of 10 per
cent, of the existing debenture stock.

Mexico Electric Tramways, Ltd. — .\t a meeting of the
holders of the 5 per cent, first debentures, held on Tuesday
in London, a resolution was passed deferring the interest due
at July, 1916, and January, 1917, until July, 1917.

Indo-European Telegraph Co., Ltd. — Interim dividend
for the half-year to June 30th at the rate of 5 per cent., per
annum, free of income-tax.

Stock Exchange Notice. — The following securities are to
be quoted in the Official List : —

Uiderground Electric Railways Co. of London, Ltd.— £15,000 additional

6 per cent, income bonds o( ilUi) each, Nos. 30,072 to 30,221.

Oriental Telephone & Electric Co., Ltd. — Interim divi-
dends declared ; — 'i per cent, on the 6 per cent. cum. pref.
shares for the current year, less income tax ; 4 per cent, on
the ordinary shares, free of tax.

STOCKS AND SHARES.

Ti'ESD.w Evening,
The first effects of the offer of 6 per cent. Exchequer Bonds
may now be said to have worn oft'. Investors are familiarised
with the new rate of interest; and the competition of this,
and of the French National Loan, is fully recognised in all
of the investment departments. Further falls have taken
place in the market for Home Railway prior charge stocks.
Metropolitan 33 per cent, preference of both classes, for in-
stance, is 2 points down on the week. The three Central
London assented stocks — ordinary, preferred, and deferred —
have fallen to the common level of 70, showing declines of
1-3 points.

Much talk is in the air of raising the military age limit,
and this in itself is a deterrent upon commercial enterprise
so far as the Stock Exchange is concei-ned. At the same time,
the Board of Trade returns for September ntade a wonder-
fully good showing. There ie plenty of money awaiting in-
vestment, and hints which have all the appearance of inspira-
tion have begun to peep out in the Press concerning the
probability of the public being able to exercise the option
which they were given through the purchase of the 4J per
cent. War Loan — an option extended to the new Exchequer
Bonds.

The opening of Parliament this week was expected to pro-
duce some sort of statement on the^ point, so the cat may be
out of the bag before the.se lines are in print. If the Chan-
cellor of the Excliequer or the Prime Minister, whoever may
be the responsible party, fulfilled the obligation afforded in
the i.ssue of the 4i per cent. War Loan, he would give a
big impetus to subscriptions to the present Exchequer Bonds,
and would imnart a greater feeHng of confidence to other
markets as well.

The drop in the price of Central London stocks we have
already mentioned. It seems a little curious that preferred,
deferred, and ordinary stocks should all be standing at the
.stme price; and the obvious inference is that, so far as the
security is concerned, there is little indeed to choose between
the stocks. .\i the present level, the return is still under
() per cent, on the money. The market in the Steam stocks
is inclined to harden up a little, except in that section devoteit
to the gilt-edged issues, which is overshadowed, of course, liy
the competition of the Exchequer Bonds. The optimist
points to the recent statement that the Government will take
the responsibility for the additional war bonus granted to the
railwaymen, but it cannot be pretended that there is any
public demand for railway stocks at present.

Metropolitans and Districts improved, and the latter retain
their advance. Metropolitans, however, sagging back to their
previous price of 23i. Underground Electrics are rather
better, the 6 per cent, income bonds gaining i, and the
shilling shares hardening to 6s. In the prior charge group,
Metropohtan 3^ per cent, preferences have gone back to 60.

The shares of electrical companies working at home are
disposed to improve. County of London are good at 11, and
St. James's have ri.sen to 6^. On the other hand. Metro-
politans are a tritle down at 2|, notwithstanding the amicable
arrangement reached at the recent meeting. There is a
.steady demand for the principal shares, and this, of course,
is the season of the year in w'hich all investments connected
\\ith illumination usually receive a little favourable attention.
The trouble is, as we have pointed out so frequently on pre-
vious occasions, to get any adequate supply of shares to satisfy
the demand for them.

The telegraph market is weaker on the whole, there being
falls in Great Northerns, W'estern Telegraphs, Eastern Exten-
sions, and Anglo-American Telegraph preferred. So far as
the American stocks are concerned, these have weakened in
consequence of the latest outbreak of submarine activity off
the coast of New York. This has given rise to uneasiness in
American circles, being an unexpected development in the
situation, and most .securities connected with the other side
of the " pond " have given way.

In regard to the dulness in other parts of the cable section,
this would appear to be due to a shght pressure to sell on
account of executors; while the issue of the Exchequer Bonds
and the French National Loan naturally weigh against such
purely investment stocks as those in the Telegraph list. It is
worth pointing out, how-ever, that the returns on Eastern
Telegraph, Eastern Extensions, and Western shares, averag-
ing about 5J per cent, on the money, are equivalent to 7^
per cent, yields paid less tax.

In which connection it may be useful to remind holders of
stocks and shares, the dividends on which are paid tree of
tax, that this does not preclude them from claiming leturn
of the tax in such cases as those in which they are entitled
to do so. For instance, a holder of ±UX) Eastern Telegraph
ordinary stock, who receives ±8 per annum, has the right to
reclaim about ±2 10s. in respect of this dividend, supposing
that he is not liable for income-tax at all. With income-tax
standing at a reasonable figure, of course it is scarcely worth
while to go to the trouble of reclamiing a portion of the tax :
but when it comes to ys. in the £, the investor who is liable
for less than this rate naturally feels inclined to take advan-
tage of whatever rebate he is entitled to. The vouchers
attached to the dividend warrants are accepted by the InlantI
Pevenue authorities in claiming in this manner, while as
regards Underground Electric Income Bonds, the bankers
will give a certificate at the time the coupons are cashed
which will have the ,same effect,

Brazilian Tractions have been a particularly weak market,
principally because of the further fall in the exchange and
the growing fear that the Republic may have to extend its
funding scheme on the Government bonds for a year or two
after the date at which it was timed to expire. There have
been a good many .shares in the market lately; and, with
the disfavour attaching to most Brazilian securities at the
moment, sotne of the sellers had to .slaughter their holdings.
The price touched 5oJ, but recovered to o7i, at which it still
shows a loss on the week of 2 points. Bombay Electric pre-
ference have fallen J. The Mexican group is weaker. British
Columbia Electric issues retain most of their recent big
rises; an advance of 2 points has occurred in the 4i per cent,
debenture stock, this attracting attention by reason of the
good return which it yields and the character of the -security;
Calcutta Trams at 61 are better. Rio Trams second mortgage
bonds gave way to 78, and Sao Paulo. Tramway and Electric,
bonds are lower.

British Aluminium ordinary recovered their dividend of 9d.
per share, and are quiet at 29s. ex dividend. Other indus-
trials are steady ; the dulness in iron and steel varieties is
somewhat noticeable. Marconis have lost i at 2 15/16.
Americans and Canadians have been depressed with the
parent shares.

The rubber share market is firm and active, the outstand-
ing feature still being the large demand from the provinces,
which demand London does its best to supply. The price of
the raw stuff improved to the level half-a-crowu per lb. on
the report that some of the boats torpedoed by the U. 53 were
carrying a -good deal of the commodity.

414

THE ELECTIUCAL REVIEW. [W.l :■... No. SOl-O. October is.

Amongst copper sliares, the tone is decidedly good ; and dur-,
ing the past few days a brisk rise in the price of tin, the
metal, has attracted attention to the shares of companies
deahng with it.

SHARE Ll.sT OF ELECTRICAL (OMrA.MK;

HoMB Blsctrioitt Companiks.

Brompton Ordinary
Chartiig Cross Ordii

do. do.

iry

do. ii Prcl/,

Chelsea

City of London

do. do. 6 per cent. Pref,
County of London

do. 6 per cent. Pref,
Kensington Ordinary
London Electric . .

do. do. 6 per cent. Pref,

Metropolitan

do. 4* per cent. Pref.

St. James' and PaM Mall
South London
South Metropolitan Pref.
Westminster Ordinary . .

. 10, Rise or tall Tield

6 18 4

6 10 8
e 16 8

4i';i

64
6J

6 10 6
6 11 4

5 14 a

TSLEORAPBS AMD TkLKPHONES.

6 6 UO

Chile Telephone 8

Cuba Sub. Ord 6

Easitem Extension . . . . 7

Eastern Tel. Ord. .. .. t

Globe Tel. and T. Ord 6

do. Pref. .. 6

Great Northern Tel 23

Indo-European 13

10

84

_

HBO

l>i

— i

•6 1-2 6

414

-1

•6 10 9

lajiid

—

•5 11 0

10;

—

5 11 7

40

-2

6 10 0

Mar.

New York Tel. 4^
Oriental Telephone Ord.
United R. Plate Tel.
West India and Pan,
Western Telegraph

Central London, Ord. Assented

Metropolitan

do. District
Underground Electric Ordinary

m

- A

- i

Home Rails.

do.
do.

do.
do,

Income 6 6

FoBEiON Trams, &c

Adelaide Sup. 6 per cent. Pref,
Anglo-Arg. Trams, First Pref.
do. 2nd Pref. . .

do. 6 Deb.

Brazil Tractions

Bombay Electric Pref

British Colombia Elec. Rly. Pfce.

do. do. Preferred

do. do. Deferred —

do. do. Deb.

Mexico Trams 5 per cent. Bonds

6 per cent. Bonds

674
lOi

4i ii

— Nil

Mexican Light Common

Nil

Nil

18

_

NU

do, Pref

Nil

Nil

83

^

Nil

do, 1st Bonds

Nil

Nil

41

-1

—

MANcyACTuanvQ Coupanibs,

Babcock & Wilcox

14

IS

3A

—

4 18 0

British Aluminium Ord.

5

7

29;-xd

-i-Qd.

6 10 4

British Insulated Ord

15

17*

12i

—

7 0 0

British Westinghouse Pref. . .

74

74

24

—

6 0 0

Callenders

15

20

12»

_

8 0 0

do. 6 Pref

5

6

sf

^

6 17 8

CastnerKellner

20

—

—

6 6 8

Edison & Swan, £S paid

Nil

—

10/-

—

Nil

do, do. fully paid

Nil

—

13

—

Nil

do. do. 4 percent. Deb.

6

5

624

—

8 0 0

Electric Construction . .

6

74

H

—

H 0 0

Gen. Elec. Pref

6

6

10

—

6 0 0

do. Ord

10

10

»l

—

h 15 7

Henlsy

20

26

165

—

7 9 2

do. 4* Pref

44

44

4i

—

6 6 0

IndiaRuDDer

10

10

12

—

•8 3 4

Telegraph Con

ao

20

894

—

•6 3 0

• Dividends paid free of

income-tax.

ELECTRIC TRAMWAY AND RAILWAY
TRAFFIC RETURNS.

Month

Receipts for

o "

.

Route

Looality.

ended

the

- »

Total to date.

miles

(4 wks.)

month.

i

2i»

open.

*

M

£

e

i

Bristol (Trama) . .

Sept. 29

21,358

+2,619

39 j 191,960

+ 8,037

80-6

Cork

„ 28 2,199

-1- 62

39 1 19.981

+ lue

9-K9

Dublin

„ 2J 36,493

-h 874

3'.) 236,178

— 2,443

54'2e

Hastings

,. 29

5.881

+ 671

39 ' 4J.314

+ 2,715

lS)-«

Lancashire United

., 27

8,400

V 366

39 71,246

+ 2,873

42

Llandudno-Col. Bay

„ 29

2,421

h 606

434! 16,575

+ 989

6-6

Anglo- Argentine ..

„ 30

205,844

+8,491

89 1,977,833

- 2,792

Auckland ..

.. 22

20,831

1- 613

12 62,858

+ 663

26 'fH

Calcutta

., ao

18,657

+ 1,719

39

+ S,7o7

KalgoorUe, W.A. ..

July

2,621

- 254

31 17,458

— 496

20.5

Madras

Sept. 80

4,422

+ 479

39 37,986

+ 2,781

Montevideo

August

S6,044

- 449

43 292,382

+ 1B,9J6

Dablin-Lnoui Rly,

Sept. 29

686

+ 75

IS 2,463

+ 202

1

"

MARKET QUOTATIONS.

It should be remembered, in making use of the figures appear
in the followinjr list, that in some cases the prices are only gem
and they may vary according to quantities and other circumstam

Wednesday. October llth.

CHEMICALS, ^bc.

Acid, Oxalic per lb.

Ammoniac Sal per Ion

Ammonia. Muriate (large crystal) ,,

Bisulphide of Carbon . . . . ,,

Borax „

Copper Sulphate ,,

Potash, Chlorate per lb.

,, Perchlorate . . . . ,,

Shellac per cwt.

Sulphate of Mfignesia . . . . per Ion
; Sulphur, Sublimed Flowers .. „

,, Lump „

Soda, Chlorate per lb.

,, Crystals per ton

Sodium Bichromate, casks . . per lb.

METALS. &c.

: Brass (rolled metal 2" to 12' basis) per 1

: ,, Tubes (solid drawn) .. „

: ,, Wire, basis „

: Copper Tubes (solid drawn) , . ,,

J ,, Bars (best selected) . . per t

t ,, Sheei ,,

t „ Rod

/ ,, (Elecurolylic) Bars .. ,,

/ „ „ Sheets .. „
/ .. .. Rods

/ „ „ H.C. Wire per I

■ Ebonite Rod

=■ „ Sheet ,

1 German Silver Wire .. ,, »,

1 Gutta-percha, fine „

I India-rubber, Para Hne .. .. ,,

Iron Pig (Cleveland warrants) . . per t
„ Wire. galv. No. 8, P.O. qual.

r Lead, English Pig ,,

J Mercury per 1

• Mica (in original cases) small . . per 1

r „ ,, „ medium „

! .. M .. Urge .. „

/ Siiicium Bronze Wire .. .. per 1

■ Steel, Magnet, in bars ., . . per t
r Tin, Block (English) .. .. „

I „ Wire, Nos. 1 to 16 ., .. per 1

Latest

Fortnight's

Price.

Inc. or Deo,

IW

f7S

^'64

£■23

eat

£bl

2/6

a/-

122/-

£16

£i .1. ,-.

1-17

£14 10

1/-

120/-

i/ai, to i/3i

liJ

1/4* to l/4j

+d

l/sj to 1/4

^1

1/74 >o 1/72

ti.lo

£168

*■«

£166

*-9

£166

fit

£142

i-4

£160

i't

£151

£5

6/10

3/1

Nom,

£36

£32 6

£17 12 Btofn 16

6d. to 3/-

8/6 to 6/-

7/6 to 14/- i up

1/9

£95

£182 to £1S3

2/10

Quotations supplied by-

a G. Boor i Co.
c Thos. Bolton & Sons, Ltd.
d Frederick Smith i Co.
e F. Wiggins & Sons.
f. India-Rubber, Gutta-Percha and
Telegraph Works Co., Ltd,

g James & Shakespeare.

A Edward Till & Co.

I Boiling & Lowe.

/ Richard Johnson & Neph(

n P. Ormiston & Sons.

r W. F. Dennis & Co.

Companies Struck Off the Rej^ister. — Tlu' fdllowiiii.
]i.inies have been .-itruck oti tlie Kffji.'^tfr. aiul aiv aoioi
di-ssolved ; —

Acoustic Patents.

Brilish Motobloc Svndicite.

British Tungsten Lamp Co.

Bullough's Adjustable Rail joinl Support CV

Compagnie G^n^rale Electr
Didelon Regulators.
Dor.caster Electrical Co
Electrical .advertising Co.
Electric Safetv Boiler CIca
Ernest Scott & Mountain.
Glamorgan Tram & Cotis
J Defries & Sons.

de la Champagni-

Elei

: Co.

M.-.chine Drying & Peat Fuel Co.
Mica Manufacturing Co.
Xational Lighting Corporation.
Platinum Corporation.

Mexican Light & Power Co.— .\t a meeting of the hoklers
of the 5 per cent, fiiiit inortaage gold bonds, held in London
b.st week, resolutions were passed pivin;; effect to the polic.v
approved in .Julv in conjunction with the bondholders of the
Mexico Tramwavs Co. and others in the group. TJie chair-
man .said that, after a year's experience, they were more than
ever convinced that the policy of central control of all tw
group of companies, pooling of their resources, and showing
a united front, was undoubtedly the right one and. iiuleed,
the only one.

National Telewriter Co., Ltd.— The directors report that
the results of the company's operations for thj? year ended
.Tune 1916. which operations are very considerably hamperea
bv the war, show a slight improvement upon those ot tue
pievious vear, the net profit, after paying interest on deb-n
tures. being £1.02(1. as against £737 for the fonner peri.-i
The annuar meeting was held on Monday.

Direct United States Cable Co.. Ltd.— Interim, dividend.
•Is per share less income-tax at .5s. iu the ±. making a total
of 4 per cent. ft>r the half-year ended September.

Shanghai Electric Construction Co.. Ltd.-lnterim dM--
dend at the rate t.f 4 per cent actual (.-s. per share) on tlie_
share capital, less tax.

vou 79. No. 2,020, octobeh 13, 1916.] THE ELECTRICAL EEVIEW.

415

ELECTRICITY SUPPLY IN BETHNAL GREEN.

On Friday iiftemoon, last week, the eleetricity supply under-
taking of the Bethnal Green Borough Council was formally
inaugurated, the Mayor (Mr. Councillor W. J. Lewis)
performing the opening ceremony of the New Tyssen Street
and Digby Street sub-stations, which, together with the
distribution system, constitute the initial equipment of
what haa long been the only London borough which had no
public electricity supply. The undertaking is^inoteworthv_.

E.H.T. Control Board, New Tyssen Street Sub-station.

in other ways, being the first " all three-phase system " to

be laid out on the lines recommended by Messrs. Merz and

McLellan in their 1914 report on London Electricity

Supply, although this particular scheme was based on the

earlier recommendation of Sir .John

Snell to the Bethnal Green Council in

1912 ; it is also of interest to note that it

is a purely bulk-supply scheme, fed from

the Stepney Borough Council's electricity

undertaking, and that the, control,

management, and maintenance of the

distribution is, by agreement, being

undertaken by the Stepney authorities.

The Council obtained a provisional
order for electricity supply in 18',)!).
and subsequently the late Mr. Robt.
Hammond prepared a scheme for a com-
bined destructor and electricity station,
which, however, was not carried out.

Sir John Snell's 1912 report recdui-
mended the Council to obtain a suyipiy
in bulk from some neighbouring author-
ised distributor, and ultimately the
tender of the Stepney Borough Council
was accepted, and an agreement entered
into for the purchase of electricity in
bulk for a period of years, the agree-
ment being subsequently supplemented
with a view to the Stepney Council also
taking over the management of the
undertaking. In the summer of 1914,
Mr. H. W. Couzens wiis appointed consulting engineer
to carry out the scheme as suggested, and the work was put
in hand, but owing to the outbreak of war and conse-
quent dislocation of business, it has only now been com-
pleted.

The contractors for the whole of the cables were the
British Insulated and Helsby Cables, while the British

Westinghouse Co. sui)plied the complete sub-station elec-
trical equipment. The bulk supply at 0,000 volts, three-
phase, :)0 periods, is delivered to the Stepney Borough
l)ouudai-y in Brick Lane by duplicate cables, from which
point '05 sq. in. tliree-core, lead-covered cables, laid solid,
run to £he New Tyssen Street sub-station, and continue
thence to the Digby Street sulj-station ; when the load in-
creases in the noi'thern area, it is pro^Ktsed to construct an
additional sub-station in that district.

The sub-station buildings have been designed and con-
structed under the supervision of the borough engineer, Mr.
A. E. Darby : an identical electrical e(|uipnicnt is provided
in each, consisting of two oil-cooled transformers — one of
500 K.v.A. and one of 250 k.v.a. — together with the neces-
sary E.H.T. and L.T. switchgear, on opposite sides of the
liuilding.

The switchgear is of standard pattern, the e.h.t. cubicles
and oil switches, which are hand-operated, being on the
floor with the control switchboard on a gallery above ; the
i)oard is divided into two halves, coupled by means of an
interconnector switch, and each half contains an incoming
and outgoing E.H.T. feeder panel and a transformer panel,
the interconnector panel being in the centre.

The feeder and transformer panels are equipped with
relays in connection with the Merz-Price protective gear,
which has been fitted, and provides for the instant isolation
of a faulty feeder, the supply, of course, being maintained
through the duplicate cable.

The L.T. switchboard contains two transformer panels
and three outgoing L.T. feeder panels, as well as a station
lighting panel, fed back from the distribution. The feeder
panels are fitted with ammeters and power factor meters iii
e;ich phase. Each sub-station is equipped with a 7^-ton
hand-operated crane, supplied by Messrs. Higginbottom
and Mannock.

Distribution cables have been laid through the main
streets of the borough, but only on one side of the street,
except in the case of Bethnal Green Road ; the l.t. cables
•are of the foiy-core lead-covered type, laid solid — the supply
to consumers being at 415 volts between phases for power,
and 240 volts between each phase and neutral, for lighting.
Although Bethnal Green has had no authorised supply in
the past, yet a considerable number of consumers on the
Shoreditch and Stepney boundaries have received temporary
supplies of electricity from those boroughs, pending the
availability of the Bethnal Green supply. It is therefore

Interior of New Tvssen Street sub-station, Bethnal Green Electricity supply'.

e\'ident that so soon as these consumers' installations can be
transferred (unfortunately, in this case, the change being
fro]n direct current to three-phase supply, will necessitate
the replacement of motors, &c.), the Council will obtain a
considerable business. It may be added that Bethnal Green,
contains a large number of small power industries, to whom
a supply of electricity will be a great boon, i

41(3

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW. [Voi. ts.. no. 2,029. ocTn»,;u i:i. ivu

EiKTi^v ill luilk is >u|i|iliL(l liy the Stojniiv autlwiilius al
£3 jxn' K\v. of maximum ilt'inaml, jiliis jd. jilt unit ; the
priniaiT charge is based on " maximum demaiul in any one
hour,'" and a coal clause provides for the secondary charge
increasing with the cost of coal : the agreement also con-
tiiins clauses defining power facttir aiidhalancing e'onditions.

As previously mentioned, the Stepney Klei-tricity DejKn't-
ment, of which Mr. W. C. V. Tapjier is the engineer and
mimager, will midertake the inaniigement of the concern
for a jx-riod of years.

In conclusion, we are indebted to Mr. H. W. Couzens,
consulting electrical engineer to the Council, for his
assistance in connection with this description.

THE BRIT15H ASSOCIATION.— VI.

The Influence of Pressure on the Electrical Ignition of Methane.

By W. M. Thornton, D.Sc, D.Eng.
(Section G. Abstract.)
The present experiments on the influence of pressure on
gaseous ignition have been made with methane, in the mix-
ture 9.5 per cent, in air. which just gives perfect combustion.

There are four kinds of single spark which may be used
for experimental ignition, each of which has characteristic
features, and all but one of which are in practical use. These
are : (1) A transient electro-magnetic impulse, (2) the dis-
charge of a condenser placed across the gap, (3) the short
arc formed at the point of breaking a continuous-current
circuit, (4) the same with alternating current. The last two
differ so much in some of their effects that they have been
examined separately. In each of these groups there are
sparks which do not ignite the most inflammable mixtures
of highly combustible gases and air.

Although an impulsive or jump spark starts by ionisation,
usually across a fixed gap, its igniting power has been shown
to follow a different law from that of rupture alone. Con-
denser discharge passes just before metallic contact of two
terminals which are being brought together, and when the
charging voltage and the poles are the .same throughout
occurs at the same spark length. It is, however, an exceed--
ingly rapid effect, and it is probable that the ionisation with

for this is two-fold. In the first place the steps, either up
t)r down. cK'cur in mixtures in which the proportions of the
atomic volumes of the two gases can be represented by whole
numbers.

The occurrence of the steps in soma gases with one kind
of spark, in others with another, clearly depends on an inti-
mate, but at present unknown, relation between the physical
or chemical properties of the molecule, possibly on its strur
ture, and the nature or duration of the spark.

Secondly, direct evidence that the steps are due to sell.
tive absorption is given by the ignition of hydrogen with
alternating-current break sparks. In a mixture of 25 per
cent, of gas in air and at a pressure approaching 40 lb. to the
sq. in. a step is obtained having the well-known form of
fig. 1. This type of change occurs in nature wherever there
is selective absorption.

In the present experiments with methane, at pressures
lower than atmospheric, the least igniting impulsive, spark
is measured by the primary current of the induction coil,
which, when broken, causes a single secondary spark just
giving ignition. This varies with the pressure, as in fig. 3.
The two curves given are with gas prepared by different
methods and are seen to agree singularly well when the
difficulties of obtaining the same conditions for every spark
and precisely the same gas mixture are known. The fact
that the steps are so clear is a proof that the selective action
is definite and capable of quantitative determination. Thd
colUsion frequency between combining molecules, or atoms
when there is dissociation, can be changed by varying eitlirr
the total or the partial pressures,' that is, either the prosMii.
in the explosion vessel or the percentage of combu.stible g;is
in the mixture. The latter has been shown to give rise to
sjeps, and in fig. 3 they are al.so found by change of total
pressure. The reduction of the total pressure by one-half
has the same effect on colHsion frequency as halving the per-
centage of gas in a mixture at atmospheric pressure.

In fig. 3 it is shown that steps arise from change of pres-
sure at successive' multiples of an atmosphere. In the sanif
way they are to be expected at .sub-multiples of an atnii-
phere, i, h. J..., and there is evidence for each of these.

The interpretation of these steps must by the nature of
the case be tentative. After consideration of every possible
cause this appears to be the only one capable of explaining
the facts.

When the mixtures are compressed before ignition there
are also steps in the least igniting current curve which are
very suggestive. The pressures at which they occur are
1. 2, 3, 4. and 5 atmospheres, absolute, as shown in fig. 3,
the abscissae of which are, however, pressures above atmos-
pheric.

~Nj

\

\

I

'

\

1

V

—

Fig. 1. Fig. 2.

Fig. 1. — Change with Pressure of Least Alternating
Current Igniting at Break a 25 per cent. Mixture
of Hydrogen in Am.

-which it starts is masked by the intense activity of the dis-
<;harge, so that the ultimate ignition is proportional to its
energy or power.

The two circuit-break sparks are less simple. They are
streams of electrons following a path which becomes more
difficult as the gap opens. The momentum of the electrons
of this stream is comparable with that of the molecules of
gas around it. The latter, therefore, penetrate the arc, and
.are exposed to the dissociating influence of its high tempera-
ture. The conditions of ignition arise from the collision of
the gas with the ions in the arc. The action is no doubt
partly thermal and partly ionic ; in some cases ignition is
proportional to the current, in others, its change is propor-
•tional to the current squared. The extraordinary variety of
the reaction between pas and spark, indicated by the limiting
electrical conditions of ignition, is not to be accounted for
on a .simple thermal basis.

Ignition by Impulsive Coil Discharge. — Ignition at atmos-
pheric pressure has been shown to have steps which appear,
as the percentage of gas is varied, in certain well-defined
mixtures. The precise origin of these steps is still obscure,
but there can be no doubt that they are examples of selective
action which occurs at certain frequencies of collision between
ihe molecules of combustible gas and oxygen. The evidence

Fifi. 3. ■ Fio. 4.

Fig. 2.— Ignition of Methane in .A.ir by Impulsive Sparks,

Platinum Points.
iFiG. 3. — Impulsive Sparks, Nickel Points.
'Fig. 4.— Condenser Discharge, 150 volts. Platinum Points.

From this there can be no doubt that the steps are caused
by the collision frequency reaching successive multiples of
that at atmospheric pressure. It is, therefore, a physical
effect, and will be shown to support the conclusion that in
gaseous explosion, collision mechanics of the simplest kind
are of importance.

The pressure most favourable to ignition by impulsive
sparks is between two and three atmospheres absolute. There
is reason to believe that the steps continue to much higher
pressures, and this is now being investigated.

Ignition btj Condenser Discharge differs from the above
in two important features : (1) The least igniting spark is
independent of the pressure from the lower limit at half an
atmosphere to just above one atmosphere, and so forms one
step. (The value of the least igniting capacity was 6 mfd.
charged to 150 volts, at every pressure down to 0.5 atmos-
phere, below which ignition by condenser sparks failed com-
pletely.) (2) As the pressure is raised ignition becomes easier
and there are steps, but now down, as 30 lb., 60 lb., and 85 lb.
per sq. in. are approached. In fig. 4 there are steps at 1, 3,
5, and 7 atmospheres, but not in this case at 2, 4, or 6.

Apart from their physical interest these results are of some
practical importance. The curve of fig. 3 is for ordinary
magneto ignition ; those of fig. 4 correspond to the Lodge

Xo. 2,029, October 13, 191G.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

417

ignition by condeniser discharge, the high effectiveness of
"nhich is well known, especially in poor mixtures highly com-
pressed, which cannot be readily ignited by magneto sparks.
Electro-magnetic jump sparks and condenser discharge, there-
fore, proceed in opposite directions, one becoming easier as
the pressure is raised, the other more difficult. The former
are examples of the relatively .slow process of ionisation by
collision, which is more difficult at high pressure. Condenser
discharge, on the other hand, is one of the most sudden
phenomena in natui'e, and the spark is, in addition, of high
enough temperature to pit platinmn freely. Most of the
energy of the charge is dissipated in the spark. This is equiva-
lent to the combustion of a definite mass of the gas^ and the
heat of the spark is rapidly communicated to the gas around.
If the mass of the latter heated to ignition temperature is
equal to or greater than that whose combustion would set
free as much heat as there is in the spark, self-ignition can
proceed. A short calculation from the observed least igniting
capacity will serve to show that there is miare than sufficient
energy for the purpose, the remainder being absorbed by the
poles or radiated, but the ratio of division cannot at present
be measured.

Compression increases the mass of gas in contact with a
spark of a given magnitude. It follows that at the higher
pressures a smaller spark, provided that its energy is given
to the gas as heat, should cause ignition.

On this view the product of least igniting capacity and gas
pressure would be constant as a first approximation. The
occurrence of steps rising as the pressure is lowered is a
ixtodification of this by selective collision. The next two kinds
of ignition illustrate- a smoother type of charge.

Ignition by Continuous-current Circuit Break Sparks. —
Below atmospheric pressure the least igniting current is found
to increase, so that the product of the current and pressure
is approximately constant, until at half an atmosphere there
is a sudden and most remarkable increase of inflammability.

I

i

i^

j

CH.

CH,

«,

\

N

j

l\

"-

.__

\ll

\

^

Ui

\

^

^

._,

*""

-^

>--

«o.

n.

JB.

«ic

•Uf

a,=

t,*

■~]

--

Fio

Flu. 6.

Pig. 5. — Continuoos Current, 100 volts. Crossed

Platinum Rods.

Fig. 6. — Continuous Current, 240 volts. Platinum Points.

Fig. 7. — Continuous Current, .Electro-magnetic Break.

The curve of fig. 5 dips sharply and rises to the lower limit
at a third of an atmosphere. The simple.st explanation of
this is that it is a continuation of the selective action which
gives rise to the steps at higher pressures. Every gas
examined exhibits this effect ; in hydrogen it is so great that
at the dip the igniting current falls almost to zero, the mix-
tures being those for perfect combustion. If, however, the
break of circuit is made slowlj/ the dip is entirely wiped out
and the curve is hyperbolic.

When the break was relatively slow the lowest of the* three
curves of tig. 6 was obtained; increasing the speed of break
caused the least igniting current to take the form of the
upper curves, each of these having the same rate of break
throughout. ^

There is, therefore, a critical relation between the collision
frequency and the spark duration necessary for the observ-
ance of this effect. Above atmospheric pressure there is the
singular re.sult that the least igniting current is almost inde-
pendent of pressure, falling slightly at the highest pressures.
This is obtained at all voltages from 50 to 180, as shown in

fig- 7.

Continuous-current spark ignition is, therefore, midway be-
tween impulsive and condenser ignition ; that is, it is not a
simple energy effect, for this w^ould cause a falling curve
with or without steps, nor does it work by ionisation alone.
It would appear to be a very fair mean between ionic and
thermal ignition.

Ignition by Alternating-current Break Sparks at the lower
pressures follows the type of continuous-current slow-speed
ignition; that is, the thermal action of the spark predomi-
nates, and at the higher pres.sures it remains nearly con-
stant in value up to pressures approaching 80 lb. per sq. in.,
when it suddenly becomes easier.

This kind of spark has not been used in practice, but where
break spark ignition by a movable tongue is still in use it
nught have some advantage. It is, however, better, if pos-
sible, to use continuous-current ignition with some inductance
added to the circuit.

The influence of small changes of gas pressure upon elec-
trical ignition is important in coal mining. Apart from the
effect of pressure on the presence of gas or the dryness of
the mine, a change from a low barometer of 28 in. to a
normal 30 in. somewhat increases inflammability by impul-

sive sparks, as shown in fig. 2, but has little effect on that by
condenser or circuit break spai'ks.

The compression of an explosive mixture increases its in-
flammability by condenser sparks, and lowers it when the
sparks are impulsive. Circuit break sparks have the same
igniting power over a long range of pressure. In every case
there are mixtures in which ignition is abnormal, giving rise
to steps or sudden changes in the form of the curves of
observations.

The Calculation of the Capacity of Radio-Telegraph Anteanx.

By Prof. G. W. O. Howe, D.Sc, M.I.E.E.
(Section G. Abstract.)
I'ntil quite recently the calculation of the capacity of radio-
telegraph antennEE, except in the simplest cases, was looked
upon as an impossibility, and one of the leading text-books
on the subject stated that, " In the case of multiple-wire
aerials, the only way to determine the capacity is to measure
it " This is no longer the case, however, and it is shown in
this paper that, even for aerials of complicated design, it is
a relatively simple matter to predetermifie the capacity and
to calculate the effects of the earth, the masts, and anything
else in close proximity to the aerial. The accuracy obtain-
able is more than sufficient for all practical purposes.

The principle of the method employed by the author has
already been described 'before the British Association. It is
assumed that the charge is uniformly distributed over the sur-
face of the whole antenna, and the average potential of the
antenna under this fictitious condition is then calculated.
Formulae have been worked out by means of which the aver-
age potential can be easily determined even in the case of
complicated antenna. The assumption is then made that this
average potential difl'ers but little from the actual potential
which the antenna would have at every point if the same
total charge were no longer uniformly distributed, but
allowed to have its own natural distribution.

In the original paper, read before the British Association at
Sydney, formula and curves were given for flat multiple-wire
artennae with any number of wires from 1 to 12, for four-
wire aerials with the four wires at the comers of a square,
and for wires meeting at various angles ; the effect of the
earth on 'both horizontal and vertical wires was considered,
and some numerical examples of the application of the method
to actual antennae were given. In September, 1915, the
author published formulae and curves by means of which
aerials of the umbrella type can be readily calculated.

In his "Principles of Electric Wave Telegraphy," Prof.
Fleming gives a number of measured capacities of actual
aerials ef various types to serve as a guide in estimating
thr? capacity of any other aerial. Some of these measured
values agree fairly well with the calculated values, but others

Fig. 1.

show a wide divergence; it was in seeking to explain these
discrepancies that the author was led to devise a method of
calculating the effect of masts and buildings.

In the paper it is shown that the use of a horizontal sus-
pension cable tor the antenna wires may increase the capacity
of the aerial by 20 per cent. The presence of a mast in-
creases the capacity of the aerial; the eft'ect of altering the
distance between the wire and the mast is shown in fig. 1.

The capacity here considered is that which would be
measured by electrostatic or low-frequency methods, and is
not necessarily the same as the effective capacity at radio
frequencies. The latter will depend 6n the wave-length
employed and on other factors. To electrostatic measurements
a wooden mast will act as an earthed conductor, whereas at
radio frequencies its high resistance will considerably modify
its effect on the capacity of the aerial. If the masts be of
iron or steel and not insulated, and if, as is now common,
the wave-length employed is considerably greater than the
fundamental wave-length of the aerial, the effective capacity
will agree closely with that calculated by the method
de,scribed.

The neighbourhood of a building also increases the capacity
appreciably. All these cases are covered by the author's
fotmulffi, and in addition crucial tests were made to deter-
mine the accuracy which one might expect. For this purpose
wires were stretched between insulators so that the distance
between the wires could be adjusted, and the separate wires
could be insulated, earthed, or connected together as desired.
All the dimensions were accurately mea.sured, and the capa-
city was determined by a bridge method.

it was found that, under a variety of conditions, the differ-
ence between the calculated and the measured values .did not

418

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW. [V„l. T<i. Xo. 2.02;.. October 13. I'.lt;.

exceed 4 per cent., except in the very extreme case where
the wires were only 7.45 mm. apart. Considering the diffi-
culty of measuring such small capacities, the uncertainty
introduced by connecting wires, and the diflKult.v of accu-
rately determining the dimensions when stranded wires 113 ft.
long are suspended in the open at distances of 1 cm. or 2 cm.,
the agreement must be considered very good.

The results of measurement are sufficient to show that, even
in extreme cases, the author's method of calculating static
capacity gives results of greater accuracy than is usually
obtained in technical measurements of such small capacities.

THE WOODS-QILBERT RAIL PLANER AND
GRINDING MACHINE.

The recent Municipal Tramways Association Conference affordal
many manajrers the opportunity of observing the Woods-Gilbert
Rail Planer Co.s grinding and milling machine at work on the
Bexley tramways — to the chief engineer and manager of which,
Mr. H. P. Stokes, we are indebted for the following particulars.

This is the latest type of machine, and is designed so as to readily
eliminate corrugations from rails, regardless of vertical or lateral
rail distortion and differences in elevation of the rails.

The machine is composed of what might be termed the power
unit and the working unit. The former is a substantially-built
truck carrying a GO-H.P. motor, coupled through friction clutches,
countershafts. &c., so as to provide an extremely mobile and flexible
power unit.

The motor obtains its ciu-rent from the overhea<l line, and is

to proceetl. The side tracking is operated by chain drive on to
massive spindles which. <m being rotated, bring the road wheels
into contact with the road, taking the entire weight of the
machine from the tramway track.

When this operation is completed the operating clutch is thrown
t>ver in the opposite direction, and the machine at once commences
to side track. The whole operation is capable of being performed
in one minute. The machine can be side tracked in either
direction.

The working unit, which is either the grinding head or milling
head, as the case may be. is connected with the power unit by
means of a pair of connecting links and a massive cant.ilevt-r,
pivoted so as to provide the necessary lift for removing the working
unit entirely clear of the rail for fast travelling.

When the machine is fast travelling the interconnected links
l)etween the two units are locked together, so that neither truck
moves out of relation to the other. The working unit is divided
into two halves, each of which is dovetailed into the other, with
a trunnion pin. so as to allow each side of the carriage to deal
independently with the rail on which it is at work. By this means
both vertical and lateral inequalities of the rail are automatically
dealt with.

The grinding wheels also have hand-operated vertical and lateral
adjustments.

Resting upon rails to be dressed, and supjxjrting thereon each ol
the two sections of the divided fore carriage, are four sets ol
multiple rollers. Each set has seven rollers fixed in staggered posi-
tion, which by this means eliminate all possibility of reproducing
the corrugated surface of the rail during the grinding operation.

The two individual halves of the truck provide substantial
weight, so as to give an effective cut to the abrasive wheels.

Each rail can be treated independentl,v. or both can be dealt with
together, the method of drive in each case being entirely free and
independent of each other, thus allowing all possible variations
and adjustments.

The Woods-Gilbert Kail Pi..\.ner .\nd Gki di a Machink. showing the Gkimjino Head attached.

capable of propelling the machine to the required situation at a
speed of 20 miles per hour, in either direction.

The main power truck is mounted upon four track wheels pro-
vided \vith substantial tearings and springs, each pair of wheels
being connected to the motor by a silent chain drive. This provides
the fast travelling gear.

The motor, which is fitted with an extended shaft, is also
provided with a large diameter bejt pulley driving through a
countershaft on to a pair of friction cones controlled by hand
levers, which may be ojierated from either side of the machine.

The drive is transmitted from these cone wheels through
worm gearing, which propels the machine slowly diu-ing the
working operation, at the same time driving the working luiit —
i.e.. grinding head or milling head, as the case may be.

The friction cones are very substantial in design, and provide
both forward and reverse travel, giving perfect sweetness of action
without any abnormal strain on the machine. The power unit is
further provided with four heavy mad wheels for the purpose of
side tracking the machine — namely, removing it entirely from the
tramway track on to the side of the road to allow tramway traffic

The milling head, which is attached for the purpose of deepening
the grooves, cutting down projecting guard lips or other re-modelling
work on the rails, is operated in a similar manner to the grinding
head.

An indicator is provided in order that the depth of the cut and
the dressing tool may be accurately regulated. This indicator is
also provided in order that variations in the width of the track
may be observed, and lateral adjustments in the dressing tools
effected accordingly. It is sometimes found desirable, when milling
rails, due to the rail being loose and showing a tendency to vibrate,
to increase the weight upon the rail in order to effectively carry
out the work.

This is readily provided for by operating the cantilever,
which, when depressed at its outer end, will, by reason of links
between it and the carriage sections, cause a<lditional pressure
to be exerted upon the working carriage in addition to its own
weight.

In the case of the grinding carriage, suspension chains are
provided instead of links, as it is not necessary to exert the pressure
above referred to when grinding.

OcToBiou 13. mil

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

419

It will be seen thiit the main feature.s of this machine are : —
The provision of a separate working carriage built in two sections
providing for universal adjustments. Each half of the said
carriage being driven independently, the utmost efficiency is
obtained from each. '

The method of connecting the working unit to the power unit
provides ready means of lifting and locking into fixed position
both carriages, so as to enable the machine to proceed rapidly to
other points where work is required to be performed.

The ingenious method provided for side-tracking the machine
enables it to work efficiently with the least possible loss of time
under all conditions of traffic.

The machine has now been in operation on the Bexley Council
Tramways for approximately one month. There is still a con-
siderable amount of work to be accomplished, after which a large
contract is to be carried out at Bolton.

Two other machines belonging to the same company are also at
work in the coimtry. one at Cardiff and the other at Wigan.

The company is an Australian concern, and has already carried
out very extensive contracts in Melbourne, Sydney. Brisbane and
Adelaide, whilst work has already been completed on the Oldham,
Ashton and Hyde, Isle of Thanet. Cardiff, Wigan, and Bexley
Tramways, other large contracts already beicg in hand.

The capacity of the machine when surface grinding is approxi-
mately 12.000 lineal ft. of single track per month. For milling
work, approximately H.UOO lineal ft. of single track per month.

The work is usually carried out at night, so as not to interrupt
traffic.

The machine travels at up to 20 miles per hour when not engaged
in remodelling work, and only requires three operators ; it will
operate on a 1 ft. Si in. gauge, but can also be readily adapted for
other gauges.

Mr. J. W. Eunson, the chief engineer of the company, is at
present in this country supervising the putting to work of new
machines.

GERMAN

RULES FOR POCKET-LAMP
BATTERIES.

The standard lules recently prescribed for 3-cell " flash-
lamp " batteries by the Verband Deutscher Elektrotechniker,
in conjunction with the Union of Pocket-lamp Battery Manu-
facturers, should be of interest to those British firms who
have taken up, or contemplate taking up, this important
branch of industry. The rules pre.scribe that the standard
3-cell battery made up in rounded rectangular fonn shall
have the following overall dimensions excluding contact
springs : — Length 62 mm. (2.44 in.), breadth 21 mm. (0.827
in.), height 65 mm. (2. -56 in.). The variations permitted are
I mm. (0,02 in.) in length and breadth and 1 mm. (0.039 in.)
in height. Contact strips are to be of rust-proof, springy
metal and 7 to 8 mm. (0.275 to"0.815 in.) in width; the shorter
strip is to be 18 to 20 mm. (0.709 to 0.787 in.) long, and the
loiiger strip 40 to 45 mm. (1.575 to 1.772 in.). The top of the
battery must be covered or run-in with a suitable material,
and each battery mu.st bear a mark permitting its origin to
be traced, as well as the week and year of manufacture.
The latter date is to be in plain figures (not code), and both
marks must be incapable of easy removal. On delivery from
the works the e.m.f. of the battery should be at least 4.5
volts, and should not exceed 4.8 volts. Provided the battery
be stored and handled carefully its E.M.F. should not fall
below 4.2 volts during the first 14 days after delivery, but
it cannot be held to be unsatisfactory if it falls below this
value after four weeks, the e.m.f. being measured by a D.c.
precision instrument having a resistance of at least 100 ohms
per volt of range. The internal resistance of a new battery
must he so low that on connecting the terminals through a
resistance of 15 ohms the e.m.f. falls by not more than 0.6
•volt below the initial value of 4.5 volts. Every battery must
be marked with the useful burning hours on continuous dis-
charge and on intei-mittent discharges; these figures should
refer to a temperature of about '20 deg. C. and to the battery
as freshly delivered from the maker. When testing con-
tinuous discharge the battery is to be connected to a resist-
ance of 15 ohms, and discharge is to be taken as complete
■when the terminal p.d. has fallen to 1.8 volts. The actual
life on continuous discharge (to the nearest i hour) may
be increased by 40 per cent, to arrive at a value for the life
/ on intermittent discharge.

The prescribed dimensions apply only to the normal
arrangement of three cells side by side and with top contacts;
they are not intended to hinder or discourage any modifica-
tion in arrangement of cells or contacts which may appear
desirable. On manufacturing grounds, battery cases may be
dat-ed ahead by eight days, but not by any longer period, and
both trade mark and date of manufacture should be die-
stamped. The best method of indicating w-hether a batteix
has been used or not is to place a guarantee-strip over the
longer contact (and possibly over the other as well), so that
the battery cannot be used without tearing away this strip.
A notice should be printed on the strip that the battery must
be tested (by voltmeter) before the strip is removed and
provision must be made, by a hole or otherwise, so that test-
ing is possible. Electromagnetic voltmeters of the watch type
are quite unsuitable for testing dry cells, owing to their

inaccuracy and high current consumption. A higher initial
E M.F. than 4.8 volts may easily be attained, but it is of no
advantage, because it will soon decrease, and whilst it en-
dures may burn out the laihp filament; an initial e.m.f.
higher than 4.9 or even 5 volts is very undesirable. The
minimum of 4.5 volts is prescribed for final works tests, and
batteries which just pass this test will not yield 4.5 volts when
received by the purchaser. If the latter is at a distance he
should take care that batteries are received and tested within
two weeks from the date of the works test, otherwise it may
be impossible to get claims for defective cells admitted by
the works w-ithin the four weeks specified as the longest
period within which a battery may be expected to yield an
E.M.F. of 4.2 volts. Batteries should be stored in a cool, dry
place, and neglect to do so frees the manufacturer from res-
ponsibility for rapid deterioration.

The low pressure drop which accompanies low internal
resistance of the battery results in more light being obtained
from the lamp and a longer useful life from the battery.
Purity and correct mixture of the battery materials are, how-
ever, more important than low internal resistance, which is
no more than a contributory indication of excellence. The
measurement of intei'nal resistance by determination of volt-
age drop gives sufficiently accurate results, does not injure
the battery, and is a test which can easily and quickly be
made in practice. The telephone bridge method is doubtless
more accurate, but is too tediou.-i where many thousands of
cells have to be tested. Formerly reliance was placed on the
current developed by a battery on short circuit as an indica-
tion of the excellence of the cells; this test should be
abolished, because the result is of no value unless a very
accurate instrument is used, and even then the very defects
of a badly constructed battery may enable it to develop a
very high current on short circuit. Also, a short-circuit test,
unless completed very quickly, does permanent damage to a
battery. As regards the hfe test, discharge through a con-
stant "resistance of 15 ohms is approximately equivalent to
running on a 3.5-volt, 0.2-amp. metal lamp, and gives more
definite results than would be obtained by actual discharge
through a lamp, since the resistance of the latter is not known
accurately, and varies with the state of battery discharge.
An average life figure for a batch of batteries of the same
type, and made from the same lot of materials, may be
obtained by taking the mean result of tests on three or five
batteries. About one in 1,000 batteries delivered is generally
tested for burning hours. The test is made on cells perhaps
three days old, and the life then indicated cannot be ob-
tained J\hen the batteries are three or four weeks did In
marking the life on the battery case, it should be riven as
the hours of continuous burning for a 3.5-volt, 0.2-amp.
lamp, since this basis of reference is understood more gener-
ally than the meaning of 15 ohms. In actual service pocBet-
lamp batteries are almost invariably used intermittently, per-
haps for a total of five to ten minutes per diem with long
periods for recovery. Numerous tests show that under such
conditions the total useful life is at least 40 per cent, longer
than on continuous discharge, say BJ hours as compared with
2^ hours.

TRADE STATISTICS OF BRAZIL.

The following figures show the imports into Brazil of elec-
trical and similar goods during the year 1915. The figures for
1914 have been added for purposes of comparison, and notes
of increa.ses or decreases, as the case may be, are given : —

1914. 1915. Inc. or dec.

Electric cable. — Dollars." Dollars. Dollars.

From United States
Great Britain
Germany
Other countries

80,000

127,000

77,000

51,000

•203,000 -f
1,000 -

5"^00 -

1^23,000

126,000

77,000

46,000

Total
Insulators. —
From United States

Germany

Other countries

.. 335,000

32,000
41.000
17,000

90,000

686,000
.. 272,000
.. 4-21,000
.. 123,000
.. 118,000

209,000 -

24.000 -
4,000 -
5,000 -

126,000

8,000
37,000
12,000

Total

ElectiHcal viachinery. —
Prom United States
,, Germany
,, Great Britain

France
,, Other countries

33,000 -

461,000 -
•22,000 -

137,000 -
'29,000 -
42,000 -

57,000

2-25,000
250,000
284,000
94,000
76,000

Total
Electric motors. —
From United States
Germany ^ ...
Great Britain
Switzerland
Other countries

.. 1,6'20,000

99,000
55.000
40.000
22.000
7,000

691,000 -

40,000 ■-
7.000 -

13,000 -
5,000 -

14,000 +

929,000

59,000
48,000
27,000
17,000
7,000

Total

2^23,000 79,000

144,000

420

THE ELECTKiCAL KEVIEW. [v„i

I'll, OcToni:!! i::, liili

Stationary engines. —
From United States

„ Great Britain

,. Gennany

„ Other countries

Total
Industrial machinery. —
From United States
Great Britain
,, Gennany
„ France
,, Other countries

1!1IL
Dollars.
•21 .WK)
39,tX)0
37,000
46,000

143,000

158,000
398,000
309,000
•206,000
94.000

1915.
Dollars.

Inc. or dec.

Dollars.

•21,000

39.000

- 37,tX)0
46,000

111,000
361,000
13,000
19,000
47,(X)0

- 143,000

47,000

- 37,000

- 296,000

- 187,000

47,000

Total 1,165,000 551,000

Hails, fish plates, and railway accessories. —
From United States ... 92-2,000 '249,000

Belgium
,, France
,, Germany
,, Great Britain

Other countries

Total
Lighting apparatus. —
From United States
,, Germany
,, Great Britain
,, Other countries

425,000
365,000
•215,000
166,000
1'2;3,000

13,000

52,000

2,000

614,000

673,000
4'25,000
365,000
202,000
114,000
121,000

2,216,000 316,000 - 1,900,000

29,000
74,000
39,000
17,000

32,000 +

6,000 -

23,000 -

11,000 -

Total 1.59,000 72,000

Other machinery (except agricuUxiral). —

From I'nited States
Great Britain
Germany
France

Belpiura

Italy

Switzerland.

Holland

Other countries

Total

909,000
1,269,000
782,000
488,000
44,000
61,000
66,000
533,000
107,000

551,000
371,000
37,000
123,000
1,000
21.000
37,000
96,000
92,000

3,000
68,000
16,000

6,000

87,000

358,000

898,000

745,000

365,000

43,000

40,000

29,000

437,000

13,000

4,259,000 1,329,000
and

Telegraph and telephone posts, and bri
fence material. —

From United States ...' 62,000

Belgium 92,000

Great Britain ... 337,000

Germanv 197,000

France 39,000

Other countries ... 17,000

41,000

91,000
1,000

5,000 -

- 2,930,000

21,000

92,000

246,000

196, ono

39,000
12,000

Total
Copper wire. —
From United States
Germany
Great Britain
,, Other countries

Total
Iron and steel wire. —
From United States

,, Germany
. ,, Belgium
,, Great Britain
,, Other countries

Total
Rubber manufactures.—
From United States

,, Germany

., Great Britain

,, France

,, Other countries

744,000 138,000

12,000
18.000
13,000
iO,000

57,000 +

8,000 -
3,000 -

606,000

45,000

18,000

5,000

7,000

53',000 68,000 + 15,000

70,000
390,000
16,000
65.000
68,000

607,000 +
17,000 -

51,000 -
63,000 -

537,000
373,000
16,000
14,000
5,000

609,000 738,000 + 129,000

25,000
58,000
79,000
47,0(X)
47,000

71,000 +

3,000 -

67,000 -

'58,000 +

50,000 +

Total 256,000

Hydraulic pumps and accessories. —
From United States ... 51,000

,, Great Britain ... 63,000

Germany 56.000

Other countries ... 46,000

249,000

42,000

25,000

5,000

13,000

7,000

9,000
38,000
51,000
33,000

Total
Scientific insiruments.-
From United States

,, Germany

,,' France

,, Great Britain

,, Other countries

Total

216,000 85,000 - 131,000

61,000
101 .000
50,000
27,000
13,000

252.000

NEW PATENTS APPLIED FOR,

iNOT YET PUBLISHED).

Compiled expressly for tliis journal bv Mkssrs, W. P. Tiu
ElcctriMl P.ilenl .Xtjc-nts, 283, High Holborn, Lon.lon,
Liverpool and Bradford.

1916.

13.564.

13.S85.
23lh.

13,591.

13,593.
25th.

13,G17.

13.631

' El^

water heaters." J. F.
Means for carrying electric cab

Septc

iber 25th.

[Aux. September

' High-tension discharge apparatus." E. Wilson. September 25th.
' Electric resistance furnaces." J. C. Landimeters. September

' Electric fire and stove." H. S. Soutter. September 26th.
' Attachment of magnetos to power units of motor cycles." C. T.
B. Sancster. September 26th.
13.659. " Controllers for electric motors, &x." G. Ellison. September 26th.
13,661. '* Electrical apparatus for_transmitting movements at a distance."
September 26th. (France, Sep-

liRiLLie Freke:

H. .\. Rice. September

H. R. VAN

Soc

ten.ber 28th, 1915.)

13.664. " Combined electric stove.s and toasters,
26th (U.S..\., September 22nd, 1915.)

13.665. " rgnition mechanism for internal-combustion engi
Drventer. September 26th. (U.S.A., October 28th, 1915.)

13,671. " Dynamo-electric machines." The British Thomson-Houston Co.
ANLi A. P. Young. September 2Cth.

13,707. •' Electric switches." A. Crawford, VV. Preston, and VV. San-
ders & Co. September 27th.

13,725. "Combined switch and plug boxes for electric circuits." J. Scott.
September 27th.

13,727. " Electric heating and cooking apparatus." G. Pate & A. R.
Wood. September 27th.

13,746. " Electric signalling systems." R. Lambourne. September 27th.

13,754. " Electric cooking, &c., apparatus." A. F. Berry. September
27th.

13.756. *' Dynamo electric machinery." M. Latour. September 27th.
(France, September 7th, 1915.)

13.767. " Electric switches." V. Hope. September 28th.

13.768. " Electric overhead tramway trolley-pole attachment for preventing
flash at breaking points in cable." G. T. Theobald. September 28th.

13,803. " Electric motor control." The British Thomson-Houston Co.
(General Electric Co., U.S.A.). September 28th.

13,805. •' Automobile electrical apparatus for welding, searchlight, ic."
P. F. Smith & Messrs. Tilling-Stevens, Ltd. September 28th.

13,812. " Electro-magnetic engine." E. Bachelet. September 28th.

13,814. " Magnetos for lighting automobiles and starting internal-combus-
tion engines." J. Bethenod & E. Girardeau. September 28th. (France,
December 2Dth, 1915.) .

13.816. " Systems of distribution." British Westinchouse & Electric
Manufacturing Co. September 28th. (U.S.A., October 7th, 1915.)

13,820. " Automatic shifting devices for magnetos." L. BlCNON. September
28th. (France, October 2nd, 1915.)

13,825. " Portable electric lamps." O. Hoffmann & C. Wolter. Sep-
tember 28lh. (Germany, September 25lh, 1915.)

13.839. " Improving voltage regulation on alternating-current sub-stations,
feeders, rotary conveBfers, &c." A. M. Tavlor. September 29th.

13.840. " Sparking' plugs." A. E. Tonks, Messrs. E. Tonks S: Sons, C.
W. Tonks, E. Tonks, and G. A. Tonks. September 29th.

13,874. " Means for ventilating and cooling electric generators and motors."
P. F. Smith & Messrs, Tilling-Stevens, Ltd. September 29th.

13.887. " Apparatus for electrical transmits!
P. Schilowsky. September 29th.

13.888. " Magneto dynamos." P. C. Rust
tembcr 29th.

13.899. " Sparking plugs for internal-cijmb
and T. Crosbee & Sons. September 30th.

13.905. " Cooling and ventilating system
submarines." M. F. Hay. September 3Dth.

" Electric train-lighting, &c., systems, and regulation of el
H. Leitner. September 30th.
" Telephones " F. L. Cork. September 30th.

of rotary motion or signals,
(Bosch Magneto Co.). Sep-
on engines." H. R. VXilks
for electric storage batteries in

13.942.
ircuits."
13,943.

PUBLISHED SPECIFICATIONS.

Apparatus.

,E. C. A.

1915.

8.508. Electric Heaters and Electric Hi
Marks (Landers, Frary & Clark). June 8th.

12,730. Bipolar Electrode Euectrolysers. G. G. Hepburn. September 6th.

12.798. Incandescent Electric Lamps. L. Simonotti & E. Simonotti. Sep-
tember 7th.

12,810. Controllers for Electric Motors. H. E. Dey. September 7th.
(September 29th, 1914.)

12.993. Apparatus for Determining the " Critic^ " or " Conversion '*
Pc/in.- of Samples of Iron or Steel by Measuring the Electrical Resistance
OF A Test Pieci; of such Metal whilst Heated to a High Temperature.
H. J. C. Simson (Saldau). September 10th.

12,999. Searchlights. E. A. Sperry. September 10th. (April 16th, 1915.>

13.033. Means for Transmitting Signals Electrically. G. B. Reeve.
September 11th.

13.079. Means for Regulating .'Vrc Lamps. J. Brockie, and Johnson and
Phillips, Ltd. September 13th.

13.080. Projector Arc Lamps. J. Brockie, and Johnson and Phillips, Ltd.
September 13th.

13,216. Electrical Methods of Sounding of Church and other Bells.
T. L. Southgate. September 16th.

13.481. Electric Motors. F. A. Heys (Nculand Patents, Ltd.). Sep-
tember 22nd.
13.587. Electric Transformers. C. H. Thordarson. September 24th.
16,.550. Telegraph or Telephone Line Insulator. J. B. Alexander. Nov-
.eniber 23rd.

:. B. Burdon (Siemens & Halsko Akt.

17,474. Electro-magnetic Re
les.). December 14th.

i9ie.

numbers in brackets ar
and abridged, and all

174,000

those under which the specifications will be
ubsequent proceedings will be taken.
1,246 Electric Circuit Controllers. Igranic Electric Co. (Cutler-Hammer
Man-.:f.acturing Cp.). January 26th, 1916. (101.362.]

1 821 Automatic Telephone Systems. Relay Automatic Telephone Co.,
Ward. F. M. Bryant, G. M. & T. M. Inman. ■ August 11th, 1915. (Divided
application on 11,600/15. Cognate application 1,868/16.) [101,047.]

3,059 Holder for Carrying Two Separate Electric or other Wires or
Cables. J E. Grocott. March 1st, 1916. [101,372.]

THE

BLEGTI^/IO-A-L I?/E^IE]"W.

Vol.

OCTOBER 20, 1916.

No. 2,030.

ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

TRAVELLING SCHOLARSHIPS.

Tol. LSXIX.]

CONTBNTS : October 20, 1916.

[No

2,030.

Page
. 421
. 422
. 423
. 423
424
425

Travelling' Scholarships ...

Rubber

Coal Ecouomy

American Prosperity ... ... ' ...

Electrical Trade in India after the War. by G. E. Drummond

The Present Status of the American Electrical Industry

New Electrical Devices, Fittings and Plant (Jllu.i.') ... ... 427

The British Association— VII 428

. Standardisation and the Engineering Industries ... ... 428

Some Characteristic Curves of a Poul.sen-Arc Generator,

by X. W. McLachlan 42!l

Pressure Oil Film Lubrication, by H. T. Xewbigin ... 42!'

Correspondence —

To Go— or J^ot to Go .' 430

Linking-up Electricity Works ... .\.. 430

Legal 431

War Items ... 431

Business Notes 433

Notes 438

City Notes ." 441

Stocks and Shares 442

Air Filters 443

Electricity in the Spelter Industry 444

Industrial Economies ... ... ... ... ... ... 445

Engineering Apprenticeship ... ... ... ... ... 446

Industrial Electric Heating ... ... ... ... ... 447

Foreign and Colonial Tariffs on Electrical Goods 448

New Patents Applied for, 1916 44S

Abstracts of Published Specifications ... ... ... ... 448

Contractors' Column Advertisement page xx

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THE UNIVERSAL ELECTRICAL DIRECTORY

(J. A.. :Bez>l3r's).

1916 EDITION.

H. ALABASTER, GATEHOUSE & CO.,
4, Ludgate Hill. London, E.C.

The building up of substantial and lasting trade
connections is not, in ordinary times, a matter of
weeks or months. In war-time, when supplies from
some directions are cut off and markets are in need,
orders can be obtained practically for the asking
if we are in a position to execute them; and it may
be that some of these orders given in a hurry, will
by reason of satisfactory service, and perhaps by
reason of allied sentiment, be followed by others
from the same sources after the return of Peace. In
normal times, however, and speaking generally, for-
eign trade connections, save for quite specialised
lines of trade, are a plant of slow growth.
We survey markets, prepare literature, advertise
the goods we make, and, if we are wise, nurse
periodically the ground we seek to cultivate;
but these are only part of the effort, an irn-
portant part undoubtedly, but we have to go
deeper, for after we have done all these and other
things along ordinary commercial lines, we may find
that we have not built upon the best or most reliable
foundation. The foundation that we must put in
very substantially, and which does not He in one
country alone, but in both that in which we manu-
facture and in that in which we desire to sell, must
be made up of as complete a knowledge as we can
obtain of the character and the consequent require-
ments of the people of the market, and of closely
cemented relationships and friendships or under-
standings imparting a complete confidence in the
seller on the part of the buyer. This foundation is
education. Not education of tlie ordinary school,
college, pr university type, but education of
specialised types, one kind for the buyer and an-
other for the seller. In the main, it is to be ob-
tained by mutual interchanges of visits; taking a
particular 'case for the purpose of illustration, the
entertaining of Russian engineers and business men
in England, and the deputation of British engineers
and manufacturers to the markets of Russia. Much
success has been known to follow organised visits
of such kinds, and private parties on their own
initiative and at their own expense have also found
their efforts to be well rewarded. Not once, nor
twice, but many times have we referred to the way
in which British and German traders have educated
the rising generation of engineers in non-manufac-
turing, and therefore purchasing, countries, and
created an atmosphere and conditions congenial to
the growth of trade. This lesson is not likely to be
overlooked as we lay our plans for the future. The
opening of our works to young foreigners whom we
expect to be ultimate buyers is only one half of the
matter. What we also need is the opening up of
facilities in their countries for our own potential
business men to learn most thoroughlv, as the result
of extended sojourn, observation, and education, and
of intimate converse and relationship, the language
and character of the people, their ccuntr\\ and their
requirements. Those of our readers who took the
trouble to read the Government Committee's report
on a British Trade Bank will have noticed that one
of the most important matters dealt with therein
related to the need for encouraging suitable young
men to leave these shores and take up residence and
business interests in markets where we desire to
strengthen the British commercial hold. When we
nationally hold that after the war we must aim first
at peopling the Mother Country and the Ernpire.

[421]

422

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW, rvoi. m. xo. 2.(130, octohlch 20, v.<u

we shall not fail to see the necessity for assisting a
numlier of suitable men to yo to other countries in
the interests of British commerce and industry, and
therefore in the interests of the Empire as a whole.
It may be that our young men will find it good policy,
as German agents have often done, to arrange
even their affections in subordination to trade
interests, marrying one of the foreigner's daughters,
but that we are quite prepared to leave to them— the
details we need not enter into. What we must do is
to make the opportunities for the young men to
go to these potential markets, making it worth
their while to do so, because they are the represen-
tatives of a. Greater British industry. The. British
electrical and engineering manufactaner knows
many ways in which this can be done, but it is our
purpose on this occasion to describe briefly the steps
that are beir.g taken by another great department of
British induijtry as the result of organisation of its
different firms, as the scheme is considered by some
to afford an example which nug"ht be profitably
studied, and perhaps followed, by British electrical
and engineering organisations. The Bradford Dyers'
Association has offered to give 10 travelling scholar-
ships to cover the cost of a year's residence in Russia
— the gift is valued at £2,000 per annum. The pro-
posal is made in recognition of a great and urgent
local and national need, and the only stipulations
attached are that candidates for the scholarships
must be either connected with, or intend to be con-
nected with, the piece goods trade of Bradford or
Manchester, and that thev shall have acquired an
elementary knowledge of the Russian language.
This language difficulty has long been one of our
obstacles to Russian trade. Geographically, Ger-
many was in such close proximity to Russia that
commercial people intermingled, and a Russian
need had only to be known and measures were taken
to meet it. The people and their language were
known, and a trip into Russia was nothing more
than a run into the provincial districts here
for an Englishman. Whether those relations
are resumed again or not, bhe goodwill of the
Russian people toward their Allies in this terrible
war will alter matters in our favour if we can meet
the needs of the situation, and w^e are more likely
to meet those needs if we learn the language in
order to understand them and fraternise with
them either here or on their own, soil. The
Bradford Dyers' Association was fortunate, in
this respect, in securing the co-operation of the
Bradford Education Authority so as to give a
stimulus to the study of Russian. It is stated that
arrangements are now in process for the selection
of suitable candidates to proceed to Russia, for the
provision of their comfort and accommodation
w;hile there, and for their training and supervision.
The services of the Russian Embassy and of our
own Consuls in Russia have been sympathetically
placed at their disposal. Students will go to univer-
sity cities, such as Petrograd, Moscow, Kharkoff,
Kieff, and possibly Odessa; they will atte'nd courses
of lectures, with a strong commercial bias, at uni-
versities and commercial institutions, and in a hun-
dred ways they will be enabled to acquire an inti-
mate acquaintance with Russia and with the habits
and customs of the people, also to investigate
Russian industries, securing introductions to busi-
ness centres, and so forth. Of course, every stu-
dent has to familiarise himself with the elements
of the Russian language before he goes out. and
the Educational Authority will assist to that end
so that six months' stu'dv shall make him suffi-
ciently "fit." Now only the blindest man can fail
to see the most excellent possibilities contained in
such a scheme: it is conceivable that in the course
of time, almost incalculable benefit to British tex-
tile industries would result. And if this applies in
the case of textiles, why not in electrical manufac-
tures? It seems to us that electrically we are up

against very much the same difficulties — the language
and the need for knowledge of the peculiarities of
the people and their country. .\s we hope to lia\c
am[)le electrical manufacturing capacity after the
war we need to be far-seeing in our measures, and
perhaps another £2,000 a year from the electrical
industries, organised, say, from London, or Man-
chester, or some other big engineering centre,
aloi^g very similar lines to those adopted in the case
of the Bradford Uyers, might prove to be a most
profitable investment for the industry in the long
run as well as assisting in opening up very favour-
able relations with our Russian electrical friends
during the remaining stages of the war if, as appears
likely, it lasts much longer.

The Council of the Lord Kitchener National
Memorial Fimd is founding a number of commercial
scholaiships for the sons of deceased and disabled
officers and for young men who have served with
the Forces, for the purpose of enabling them to
gain experience in France. Russia. Italy, Japan,
Eelt;ium, Roumania. Portugal, and Serbia. Is it
altogether out of the question to prepare one grand
national scheme by which the textile, engineering,
and electrical trades could co-ordinate their efforts
in co-operation with the Kitchener Memorial
Council ?

I

There has been a little more life
Rubber. in crude rubber within the past fort-

night or so, and the market has
occasionally shown improvement, though no impor-
tant advance has to be recorded on balance. The
more active demand which has been experienced is
chiefly attributed to the misgivings which have been
aroused through shipping uncertainties. There has.
under the circumstances, been more readiness to
cover short contracts outstanding on the part of
dealers, but otherwise no eagerness to buy has been
seen, consumers being apparently still of opinion
that a hand-to-mouth policy is quite in keeping with
the hea\'y stocks now in existence on this side.
Stocks, indeed, have grown very considerably the
last few months, the total returned at London and
Liverpool combined on ■ October ist being 10,408
tons, which shows an increase of about 4,000 tons
and 5,000 tons respectively compared with the same
date in the previous two years. There is not much
doubt that the accumulation of unsold supplies will
proceed further in the present rather indifferent
state of the market, for abnormally heavy quantities
were shipped from the East in the past month, -while
the aggregate for the nine months represents 44,302
tons, comparing witlr30,657 tons in 1915 and 21,550
tons in 1914. The output of the plantation estates
will doubtless continue progressive, although the
latest advices from that quarter suggest that opera-
tions are now to some extent hindered by labour
scarcity, and other adverse causes. The labour
problem, at any rate, is causing some apprehension
in the Middle East. Therefore, the increase of out-
put in various directions is hardly likely to be as
large as originally anticipated, unless the short-
comings referred to can soon be remedied.

The market at about this time last year became ,
extremelv sensitive through shipping uncertainties,
and delayed arrivals, chiefly because the unsold
stocks were comparatively reduced, and the United
States were buying freely. At that time a large por-
tion of the rubber arriving here was already sold,
and the balance was thus easily taken care of by the
additional orders coming on the market for spot
rubber. Conditions now are practically reversed.
Through the short-sighted policy of the estates in
refusing to sell ahead, forward positions have been
left rather unprotected, and the result of this policy
is that very considerable quantities of the plantation
product are arriving unsold. This naturally has a
subduing effect upon demand, while manufacturers

Vol. 79. No. 2,030, October 20, 1916.] TELE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

423

already carry fair stocks, and are not keen about in-
creasing their commitments. The prices asked for
forward rubber are still considered too high to in-
duce fresh interest. No great reliance can be placed
upon America increasing her takings to any impor-
tant extent until after the- Presidential Election, in
view of political uncertainty. j\Ieanwhile, however,
it may be mentioned that according to the latest
advices from that quarter reserve stocks in manu-
facturers' hands have been eaten into considerably
within the last few months, and that the progress of
operations at the American mills is quite satisfactory
in spite of the recent labour disturbances. Export
of rubber goods are in excess of all previous records
and manufacturers of tires are doing a very large
business, while rubber goods are being introduced
as a substitute for leatlier soles for shoes, &c. There
is no doubt that buying power is accumulating for
the raw product, which must eventually lead to more
active American buying from the East direct or
from this side.

Elsewhere in this issue we pub-
Coal Economy. Hsh an abstract of an address by
Mr. R. A. Chattock to the Birming-
ham Association of Mechanical Engineers, in which
the author, after touching upon various aspects of
the engineering industry as affected bv the war, on
lines with which we are in hearty agreement, took
up a subject which for many years has been with
him a favourite study — the refomi of our methods
of generating and distributing electrical energy. In
view of the national movement in this direction, and
of the fact that he is Chairman of the I.E.E. Com-
mittee on Electricity Supply, Mr. Chattock's re-
marks are particularly interesting and timely.

It will be observed that, with other leading elec-
trical engineers, the author advocates the more com-
plete and eflicient utilisation of coal by the one
method that is at present open to us — gasification of
the crude fuel, and recovery of the products of its
distillation which are more valuable in themselves
than as sources of heat. Commenting on the enor-
mous amount of coal required to provide sufficient
combustible gas by distillation, and the large area
that would be occupied by the generating station,
Mr. Chattock suggests that some of the boilers
should be fired with the coke resulting from the
former operation, thus achieving the double object
of reducing the amount of coal to be handled, and
avoiding the production of excessive quantities of
coke " or other form of fuel " — the solid product of
the low-temperature distillation of coal being con-
siderably different from what is known as coke. As
^n alternative, the " coke " might be gasified in pro-
ducers ; this would have the advantatres of uniformitv
in firing the boilers, and avoidance of the difficulties
that are met with in burning coke in boiler furnaces,
against which must be set the difference between
the cost of suitable grates and that of the producers.
It is interesting to note that the big gas engine is
not so much as mentioned in the address — so com-
pletely has the steam turbine established its superior-
ity as a prime mover.

Mr. Chattock includes amongst the benefits
derived from the adoption of some such scheme the
conservation of our coal supplies, the elimination
of smoke from the atmosphere, and the supply of
electrical energy at very low prices — all most desir-
able results. Also, by siting the generating sta-
tions at coal mines and transmitting enerev elec-
trically, he proposes to relieve the congestion of
traffic on the railways, and in order to hasten the
change he advocates the adoption of compulsory
measures by the Government. To discuss the pros
and cons of the last-named course would require
more space than we can spare to-dav: but with
regard to the economy of power supply we may
sav a few words. It has been fullv realised in cer-

tain industries that the cost of power in itself is a
mere trifle compared with the total costs of produc-
tion and marketing, and while we would not under-
estimate the importance even of " mere trities," we
wish to point out that the saving of labour, com-
bined with increased output, resulting from the
liberal employment of electric power in industry is
of far greater moment, and should be given
greater prominence in discussing this subject. The
importance of this point was marked before the war;
iu the future, it will be of still greater significance.
In connection with heating operations on the other
hand — domestic and industrial — the cost of energy
is certainly the paramount consideration, and the
same is true of electrochemical work, which is
likely to come more extensively into vogue.

The electrical station engineer may view with
some concern the prospect so frequently displayed
before him — that he will have to add to his many
accustomed activities the functions of a gas engineer
and chemist. We sincerely trust that opposition to
reform will not be based upon this ground. There
is no inherent reason why he should shrink from
such a fate. In any such large undertaking as Mr.
Chattock foreshadows there is bound to be a staff
of expert chemists, and the engineer will be con-
cerned mainly with the utilisation of the gas sup-
plied by the coal-consuming department, as at
Brighton. But it would be well if electrical engi-
neers who hope to attain eminence in electricity
supply would take time by the forelock, and make
themselves familiar with this branch of the subject
— for the chansT^ is bound to come.

The article on the present posi-
Amerlcan tion of the electrical industry of
Prosperity. the United States, which we quote
in full from our American name-
sake in this issue, will be read with interest — not,
perhaps, unmixed with envy — by British manufac-
turers, who, with all their energies absorbed in the
gigantic task of maintaining the cause of a free
and beneficent civilisation in Europe against the on-
slaught of a barbarous and Vandal foe, are for the
present unable to take due part in the feast of in-
dustry spread out before their confreres. " Feast "
— it might rather be called an orgy ! It must be
admitted, however, that no small part of the trans-
Atlantic prosperity is due to the manufacture of
munitions of war, which, by the force of circum-
stances, of which the British Navy is th€ predomi-
nant factor, can be supplied only to ourselves and
our Allies, and to that extent our neutral friends
are supporting the cause of justice and freedom.

Whether that should be the limit of their military
activities it is for them to judge — ^we have our own
opinions on the matter. What mainly concerns us
is not so much the present as the future, in this con-
nection. The fact that our manufacturers have, in
spite of the most adverse and difficult conditions,
succeeded in raising their exports for the last two
months to a higher monetary value, if not a greater
volume, than in the corresponding- months before
the war, is of good augury. Our workshops are
crammed with machinery, much of which should be
capable of adaptation to the requirements of trade
after the war, and a new spirit has been inculcated
into our industrial armies, from which we hope for
great results. The big American firms are clearly
quite unable to cope with the volume of business
that is now offered them, and when peace looms ■
ahead undoubtedly the world's demand will be re-
doubled, while the establishment of a preferential
regime throughout the Allied nations must prove a
vital factor in determining the course of trade. We
therefore have no fears for the future, provided that
no efifort is spared to meet the new conditions w'ith
the utmost efficiency and determination.

424

THE ELECTIUCAL REVIEW. [Vol. :v. No. 2m:w. October 20, I1M(

ELECTRICAL TRADE IN INDIA AFTER
THE WAR.

Bv G. R. DRUMMOND, M.I.E.E., M.I.M.E.

Thk tiiiijority of electrical firms in Enirhun! iit present
hardly realise the immense possibilities and importance of
electrical progress in India. Up to a very few years before
the war very little competition was offered at all by English
firms, with the result that many very large ordere were
placed on the (_^ontineiit and in America, resulting in
foreign firms obtiuning a footing in tills country, and, in
my opinion, it is " up to " British manufacturers to con-
solidate their present position, and to considerably extend
their activities in India — that is, of course, if they wish to
compete with foreign firms in this direction. Now I do not
wish to imply in the least that what has been mentioned
regarding orders being placed abroad was due to weak repre-
sentiition, but to earnestly impress on firms that there
appears to be no reason whatever why after the war England
should not supply the bulk of electrical goods for India,
and that, apart from home orders, their works can be
fully employed to cope with this increased business, pro-
vided they tackle their Indian export trade in the correct
manner. What is the best way to ac;hieve this result .' I
remember, when I was in London in, I think, 1905, I was
talking to the managing director of one of our leading elec-
trical firms, and in the course of our conversation he men-
tioned that his firm had agents in India, but orders were
few and unimportant, and he inquired if, in my opinion,
more business would result if direct branches were
established and the agency abolished. My reply was em-
phatically yes, provided you send out the right men and go to
work correctly, always remembering the va-stness and possi-
bilities of the country. The firm in question took my
advice and have done fairly well, but not so well as they
might have done, or as I anticipated. Firms operating in
India should remember that, generally speaking, business is
carried out on completely different lines to those obtaining
in England, and that certain points should be carefully
observed, of which I will detail what are, in my opinion,
the most important : —

Workmanship. — This should be of the very best always;
in fact, more attention and care should be given by works
to orders for India than for home orders. Not, as I am
afraid is sometimes the case, machinery pushed through the
test house with the remark, "Oh, it's good enough ; that
machine's for India ; we'll not be worried or 'hear about it,
once it's shipped." No ; they would possibly not hear
much about it, or their firm about repeat orders. Any
plant, even if only a little doubtful under test, should be
kept back, and, if necessary, scrapped. Firms' reputations
have been completely damned for certain classes of work,
owing to indifferent workmanship and their test house passing
the stuff through as good enough for India. I remember — it
was, I think, in 1908 — I was mspecting and reporting on
an electric scheme in a large Native State, and had been
told that the scheme was being changed from d.c. to a.c,
and a steam 3,300-volt alternator, with switchboard, had
just been installed. I was looking forward to seeing this
plant, as it was from old-established English firms with
good reputations for d.c. boards and machines, but firms
who had up to then manufactured little, if any, a.o. plant.
On arrival at the power house with the engineer, some d.c.
sets only were in operation, and on my inquiring if the A.C.
set could not be started up for my inspection, the engineer
replied, " Well, as a matter of fact, we're rather afraid to
run it. We have had no luck at all with board or set."
On its being uncovered for my inspection, I understood why.
Without going into details, I will only say that I recom-
mended the engineer to return the plant to the makers as
useless, and on no account to try to operate it. The firms
in question possibly heard little about this, for various
reasons, but from that date to this I have seen no more of
their A.c. plant, nor have I heard of any, being installed in
India, and in all probability this has also seriously affected
theirsale for other electrical" material, without the heads of
the firms understanding why. This is only one case of

many 1 couhi i|ucitc from my own experience out here. Firms
nnist understand that jobs in India are some 8,0n0 miles
from their works, and engineers out here cannot 'phone up
works to send men to inspect, overhaul, itc, itc, or to rectify
any fault that may occur, and if any trouble is exjierieuced
with plant no repeat orders to that maker are going home, and
such news travels. On the other hand, if the plant is really
good, many repeat orders result, and, when new works we in
progress, engineers invarialily specify jilant of which they
know examples are running satisfa<-torily in other parts of
the country. Another [xjint is, makers should realise that
plant whi('h is excellent for England may not always give
satisfaction when installed in India, and that plant which
would run well, say, in Bombay, would give troulilc if
installed in Delhi. Extreme climatic variations must
always be taken into consideration, and in certain parts of
India the prevalence of dust storms have to be considered.
Firms should also bear in mind that in all proinability the
plant will be entirely operated by cheap Indian lalmur, and
they should design same accordingly. Efficiency for home
practice is an important factor, but in many cases engineers
in India would prefer reliability at the expense of a little
efficiency. One other point \», firms must standardise more.
Possibly many of my readers will say, "We do standardise."
To a certain extent I admit, but they should standardise
whenever possible, and work strictly to standards, until, of
course, the design changes, and then it should always be
possible for a machine to be made — if required — to an old
pattern to match machinery already installed. Nothing is
more annoying than to receive plant which has been specified
to be exactly similar in every respect to a previous order
arrive out with different fittings, and to be obliged to stock,
say, a different size of brush for same, to say nothing of the
break up in the uniformity of the station. In my opinion,
firms would do well to have attached to their export
department a good reliable engineer with a special know-
ledge of India, whose duty should be examination and
passing (jf all goods for India.

Rejtresrntatires. — Representatives should preferably be
engineers who have had a good varied home training, with
also experience in India. T'hey should have plenty of tact,
the full confidence of their firms, and, above all, they must
be " pucca sahibs," able to move in society, and eligible for
memliership to any of our clubs.

During my 13 years' experience in India, I have at
different times met a good many representatives of firms,
who have called on me at my different stations, and of these
I suppose there were few indeed who were really suitable
men to represent their firms here in India. It must be
remembered that at least .50 per cent, of the business is
negotiated with Indians, the majoi'ity of whom require very
tactful handling. Ninety per cent, of these have not seen
England, and, therefore, must judge firms, to a certain
extent, by their representatives. I will mention here that
iio one is quicker to observe whether a man is a " chota
sahib" (little man, literally subordinate) or a " bara sahib "
(biff man, literally oflScer) than an Indian, and be imjjressed
accordingly, or otherwise.

In India there are observed two classes — i.e., the club
man (officer class) and the subordinate, and the distinction
is most marked. Representatives must, of course, belong
to the former (it would be fatal to the interests of their
firms for them to drift into the latter), and it is essential
that they should belong to the local club and mix in
Society. Possibly my readers will say — " Oh, that's alisurd^
We want a man to push business, not to go into Society."
I can assure them that much more business is secured by
the man who has entry into the clubs and Society than the
man who, say, grinds hard at office all day and talks about
having no time for such frivolities. The ideal representa-
tive is the man who combines both work and social life,
and it must be obvious to my readers that when orders are
being handed out — other things, of cour.se, being equal — -
it is the man one knows and meets at club who generally
secures the work. Some representatives of firms, although
eligible, cannot belong to clubs, because their pay does not-
permit. This is a great error on the part of their firms,
who, I take it, are ignorant of the country, or they would
not handicap their men before they really get to work.

Living in Presidency towns is expensive. For instance^

Vol. 79. Xo. 2,0.30, October 20, 1916.] i'HJi ELECTKiCAL REVIEW.

425

in Calcutta a suitable house cannot be had under Es. 500 a
month ; servants and living expenses run away with
another Rs. 500, and then one has club and other expenses,
and last, but not least, "if the representative is married,
comes the yearly expense of wife and family going away to
the hills during the hot-weather mouths.

The above is not by any means exaggerated. One of the
many duties of the representative is, at times, to receive
and put up clients who may be down on business, and to
entertiiiu them. To do this it is essential for him to have
a house in a good locality, and, generally speaking, to look
after the client, and treat him as well as if he were in his
own home. I wonder how many firms there are who pay
their representatives only Rs. 7.50 or under a month, and are
under the impression that they are treating their men well ?
Apart from the fact that good sound men cannot be had for
that pay, their men cannot possibly live as they should do,
and as is their duty to their firm.

Some years ago I was asked to install a complete modem
electrical equipment for a large theatre in a State for which
I was then consultant. I was extremely busy at the time
with oUier schemes, so sent full particulars with drawings
to a certain firm which I knew had carried out similar work
in India, asking for a detailed estimate for the supply of all
the material. After a very long wait and some corres-
pondence, the representative stated he would not send the
estimate unless I deposited a sum of money with his firm,
which would be forfeited if he did not get the work !
Needless to say, I placed the order elsewhere, and intended
sending the correspondence to the head of the fii'm, only I
realised that it was more the firm's mistake in sending out
such a man than that of the representative, who, no doubt,
thought he was doing the correct thing.

Representatives should at least once a year tour India,
njaking j)ei"sonal calls on all clients, and paying visits to all
native States and towns where electricity is, or is likely to
be, installed. This is essential, and it should not be neces-
sai'y for the representative, on his return to his centre, to
have to work at nights to pull up his arrears of office work
accumulated during liis absence. How many times have
letters been forwarded to clients, stating that the repre-
sentative was " up to his eyes in work, and could not jxissibly
get away before such and such a date." This is altogether
wrong, as the representative should so arrange his office
routine as to leave himself free to take a trip anywliere at
a moment's notice, without feeling worried at the thought
of work piling up for him against his return. He should
remember that he is not serving the best interests of his
firm by becoming an office fixture.

To conclude, I will add that in the firet five years after
the war, it is certain some millions sterling will be spent
on electrical work in India. Apart from the innumerable
smaller schemes pending, two great industrial schemes are
to be launched by, or through, the agency of Messrs. Tata,
Sons & Co. First of these is a hydi'o-electric scheme with
a capital of 2^ crores of rupees, and the second an
extension of Messrs. Tata's steel works, at a cost of
85 crores of rupees. The activities of Sir Thomas Holland
and his Commission will do much to stimulate trade, and
altogether the future holds out vast possibilities for
electrical enterprise in India. I sincerely trust our
English firms will take full advantage of them, and that
these few notes will be of some little assistance to them in
this direction.

THE PRESENT STATUS OF THE AMERICAN
ELECTRICAL INDUSTRY.'

The vast volume of business now being handled by the
Westinghouse Electric & Manufacturing Co. and the General
Electric Co. has never been paralleled in the history of these
manufacturers. The two companies are taking orders this
year at the rate of $225,000,000 per annum, which is
$90,000,000, or 65 per cent., in excess of any other year in
their corporate existence. According to a statement in the

* Electrical Review and Western Electrician, September 23rd .

Wall Street Journal, the Westinghouse Co. will manufacture
during the fiscal year to March 31st, 1917, including its shell
orders and other munition orders, aside from rifles, between
$90,000,000 and $100,000,000 of finished products.

Those who have studied the condition of the electrical in-
dustry in the United States dui-ing recent weeks have been
amazed at the sold-up condition of great concerns hke the
Westmghouse and General Electric. It is understood that m
the turbine departments of both these big producers no
deliveries of turbines short of 18 months are being promised.
In fact, some very large contracts have been taken this week,
calling for IS months' delivery. In other Unes Westmghouse
is sold ahead at capacity for seven and eight months, and the
same statement is true of General Electric. These two com-
panies have orders in hand for 20,000 to 25,000 motors alone.

Because of the immense pressure which incoming orders
are exerting, Westinghouse Electric has purchased 500 acres
of land on the Delaware River, and will use it as the nucleus
of a new manufacturmg centre. The physical possibihties in
its East Pittsburg location are so clearly exhausted that it
was imperative that a new centre be started if the company
is to continue to hold its normal proportion of the industry.

Indicative of the prosperity of the manufacturers of elec-
trical equipment and the entire electrical industry, but teem-
ing with the difficulties encountered by manufacturers, were
addresses made by G. E. Tripp, chairman of the board of
directors of the Westinghouse Electric & Manufacturmg Co.,
and E. W. Eice, Jun., president of the General Electric Co.,
before the Association of Edison Illuminating Companies, at
its 37th convention at Hot Springs, Va., September .5th/7th.
The excerpts from these addresses serve admirably to show
the conditions now existing in the manufacturing branch of
the industry.

Abstract of Mr. Tripp's Address.

In order to get a comprehensive view of present manufac-
turing conditions m the electrical industry, it is necessary to
review for a moment a httle of its past history. When the
electrical industrv began it was something more than the
mere selhng of a'manufactured product. It was the applica-
tion of scientific knowledge to practical uses, and reqmred
close co-operation between the manufacturer and the pioneers
in the pubhc utdity field. , . , , • ^u

The tremendous unportance of mdividual genius was the
predominating feature of this period, and manufacturmg was
largely confined to the development of the particular appa.
ratus which some far-seeing man had mvented or developed.
A.S a natural consequence, the same man became an mdis-
pensable factor in the appUcation of his conceptions to the
pubhc use- and from this condition arose, not electrical
manufacturers, as they are now constituted, but organisa-
tions standing sponsor for and producing goods according to
systems developed bv the gieat chiefs of the electrical science
Through these agencies there sprang up a great number ol
smaU mstallations of street railways and electric hght com-
panies serving the routine local wants of the ordinary citizen
in his' daily life. This was the first step m the evolution of

the mdustry. .1, i. • ^Uiiv.

Perhaps the next stage may be described as that in whicH
the various svstems were sifted out, not, however, by the pre-
dommance of" one or the other, but as is usual m such circum-
stances by a combination of the best pomts of all ot them,
until the "manufacture of electrical apparatus and the^ appli-
cation of it became more or less standardised Ihat is to
say while invention and research went on, and is stdl gqmg
on ' and important improvements were from time to time
made and are being made, it is a fact that the large manu-
facturer of electrical apparatus can and does produce macm-
nery and apparatus that is adapted to any kind of electrical

°^When the manufacture of electrical apparatus had reached
this stage it made possible the new era of central-station
development, which resulted in a great expansion of the uses
of electricity, the history of which has b^f . ^ .m»"er of
comparativelv few years. The isolated electric hght plant
which had no power business and gave a local individual
service which had no great fluctuations, has passed away and
has been replaced by huge central-station organisations which
sell a great percentage of their output for uses m all fines ol
industrial activity, and whose business will more and more
tend to rise or faU with the general tide of mdustry.

The demand for large generating units has been greatly
increased, due to the more intelhgent and energetic conduct
of the electrical business under concentrated control, tor it
is an undoubted fact that scientific management^ keeps pace
with concentration. I believe that the tendeix-y lor combina-
tion and consoUdation of public utiUties is hound to go on
from a purelv economic standpoint, and that this irresistible
tendencv will pre.sent many political problems for solution,
but I have referred to them solely for the purpose of enabhng
• vou to better understand that the demands from the manu-
facturer, brought about by the sudden and tremendous
impetus given to almost every branch of industry m the
United States on account of the European War, was the
combined result of these great aggregations and the large use
made of them bv industrial enterprises. That is to say,
manufacturing industries of all kinds, which have bw»n re-
cently taught to use electricity as a power, called for an
increase m ser%ice, the magnitude of which was as unfore-
seen as it was abrupt.

426

THE ELECTKICAL REVIEW. [Voi. 7it. No. 2,030, octobeb 20, isic.

The experience of our company will sen-e to illustrate how
sudden and unexpected was the deiuand wade on the manu-
facturing industries of this country during the latter part of
1915. The war began August 1st, 1914. At that time we had
unfilled orders on our books of about $8,tKX),000. This was a
small amount, and represents about two mouths theoretical
full output of our shops. The outlook was anything but
encouraging. On February SSth, 1915, which was the lowest
point we reached, we had on our books approximately
$5,600,000 of unfilled orders, a falling off of 30 per cent. Our
shops were running at not over 50 per cent, capacity, and the
total number of men on our pay roll was about 14,800.

While February, 1913, was the low period, there was not
great improvement for several months afterward. In fact,
the real upward movement did not begin until November 1st,
1915, at which date we had on our books $S,9U0,000 of unfilled
orders. In order that you may have these figures more
clearly in mind, let me recapitulate. On August 1st, 1914, at
the beginning of the war-, we had on hand $7,9tK),000 orders.
On February '28th, 1915, which was our low period, we had
on hand $5,580,000. On October 31st, 1915, or 14 months after
the beginning of the war, which marked the real beginning
of the avalanche, we had on hand $8,900,000. From that
time on there was no cessation of increases. Notwithstand-
ing we increased our forces from the figure of 14.800 to
nearly 30,000, and ran our factories to the fullest possible
capacity, we have on hand to-day unfilled orders for electrical
goods amounting to considerably over $30,000,000.

In all these figures I have given I have taken no account
whatever of orders for war munitions. I am referring to
our regular product, in which, as you have seen, notwith-
standing the very large output of our shops during the last
eight months, our unfilled orders have increased over the low
point of February, 1915, by almost 600 per cent.

I have no figures at hand giving statistics as to the 'demand
for labour upon the munition industrv, but I should hazard
a guess that 1.50.000 or 200,000 new jobs would not be exces-
sive; and, as the number of men we have emploved on
munition work amounts to about 4,500 in Pittsburgh, it is
fair to say that our labour conditions would have been just
as serious had we never taken a war order. Our greatest
task is to find a sufficient supply of the two extremes, viz.,
the highly skilled and the common labourer. The first is
practically unobtainable, and the latter is becoming scarcer,
more expensive, and less efficient. It is not difficult to hire
enough men, but they will not stay.

Up to this point I have endeavoured to outline some of the
conditions under which we are now working, but I should
like to add something from the financial and profit side, and
to say at the outset that, under normal conditions now and
m the future, so far as I can foresee, an electrical manufac-
turer will not be able to earn any more than a fair return
upon tlie actual cash invested in the business ; that is to say
no cash returns are to be expected upon patent rights, good'
will, and other intangibles of that nature. It may be possible
for a concern to do it for a few years, but it will be because
an insufficient amount is being expended in research and
development work, and that policy carried on long enough
will eventually put any electrical manufacturer out of busi-
Si*^ A-u''-, ^^P*'°<l*'d last year in research and development over
$1,000,000. and that amount, of course, comes bodily out of
net earnings, because it is an expenditure that cannot bear
unmediate fruit, and it would onlv be warranted on the
expectation that the general law of averages over a period of
years would in a thousand ways add that and more to the
money value of the company's business.

The profits in the business are undoubtedly close. I think
our shops are operated with reasonable efficiency and I think
our sales department gets as high a price for the product as
possible, but until last year, which included war profits
there has never been a year in the last ten years that the
\\estinghouse Electric & Manufacturing Co. made as high as
lo per cent on the selling prices of its output. The figures
have ranged from 8 per cent, minimum to 14 per cent with
an average of, say, 12.5 per cent.

This is a close operation, and requires that, for safety a
manufacturing company should turn its capita! over once a
year, and where it has not yet reached that desirable stage
it IS undoubtedly wise policy to constantly increase its
reserves until the goal has been attained, and the Westings
hoiise Co. has pursued, and will pursue, that general pohcv
80 far as it is able to do it. ° i- .

ABSTR.4CT OF Mr. EiCE'S ADDRESS.

The situation in regard to general manufacturing condi-
tions IS, from a production standpoint, extremely unsatis-
tactorj-. Stocks in the hands of manufacturers and dealers
m metals and machinery, which were allowed to become
depleted, owing to the abnormal reduction in business were
qmckly exhausted upon its revival. AU manufacturers and
dealers m such materials and appliances soon became over-
whekned with orders and consequently there has been for
the past year, and still continues to be, the greatest difficulty
in obtaining raw materia s and equipment, particularly those
of a special nature. The demand for copper and brass
matenals, iron and steel, sheet steel, castings forgings &c
has for some tune greatly exceeded the capacity of the pro-
ducing concerns in this country. Promises made by producers
of raw matenals and machmery and tools, of every deacrip

tion, have been found, by sad experience, to be extremely
unreliable, and this naturally interferes with our schedules of
manufacture of finished goods. There is little, if any, evidence
of a change in the situation in the inuuediate future, and we
anticipate that difficulties will continue to be exiwrienced in
obtaining raw materials. As a result of over-sold conditions
prices have lieen advanced to unprecedented figures.

The increase in prices of raw materials and machinery has
not been permitted to directly affect production unfavourably,
as these prices have been met. The fundamental difficulty
which has con.stantly interfered with pro<iuctiun schedules has
been the inability to get machinery and materials, either on
time or in sufficient quantities to keep our factories operating
in an efficient manner. In some instances materials and
machinery which heretofore have been employed have been
unobtainable, and new materials, machinery, and methods
have been substituted, all of which has involved delay in
production. Even after we had succeeded in purchasing our
raw materials, and .shipment had actually taken place at the
point of manufacture, there was no assurance that the
material would arrive on time. The railroads, as is well
known, became .so congested that deliveries were slow and
uncertain, and complete embargoes were frequently placed
upon the delivery of important materials, and always, it
would seem, at the most unfortunate time for ourselves and
our customers.

The manufacturer, however, needs something more than
buildings, machinery, and raw materials in order to fill the
orders of his cu.stomers. He must have labour of good quality
and of reasonable and reliable supply, and, manifestly, it is
impossible to cope with the increased volume of business
without an increase in the efficiency of labour, or an increase
in quantity. In spite of all our efforts the labour situation
for the last year has been, and still remains, in a very un-
satisfactory condition, especially with reference to high-grade
skilled employes and low-grade common labourers. There
does not seem to be a sufficiency of either class to meet the
demands of production in this country. As is well known,
the scale of wages of such employes is abnormally high, which
condition has been intensified by comi^etition among the
manufacturers themselves.

The increase in the price of labour would not in itself affect
production adversely ; it might, in fact, under proper condi-
tions, lead to a stimulation and improvement of production.
However, unfortunately, there is every evidence that the
efficiency has, temporarily at least, declined, and the output
per man is lower than it has been heretofore at a time when
it is to the interest of all men engaged in the industry, as
well as the employers, to obtain the highest possible output.

The large contracts which have been taken for war muni-
tions have unquestionably affected the general manufacturing
situation. They have created a demand for enormous quan-
tities of brass, copper, and steel, and are largely responsible
for the condition in which the producers of such materials
find themselves, viz., almost complete inabihty to fill orders.

As to what extent, if any, the manufacture of munitions
by our company has interfered or may interfere with
deliveries of our regular products, I frankly admit at once
that .such contracts as we have taken for munitions have inter-
fered, and will, until completed, interfere to a relatively
limited extent with our regular business. I may further con-
fess that if we had anticipated the prompt revival of business,
to say nothing of the phenomenal increases in our regular
business, we would never have undertaken the manufacture
of any munitions.

At this time it is difficult to express a definite opinion as
to the deliveries on 1917 contracts. We have taken large con-
tracts for delivery in 1917, and in some cases even for 1918.
We are contracting for important materials as far in advance
as seems to be necessary, in order to ensure deliveries. In
order to be assured of a supply it seems to be necessary to
place orders for some materials well into 1917. In such cases
we have not hesitated to take the risk.

The great increase in the cost of raw materials and labour,
as well as other items of expense, have made it necessary
for us to increase our prices. We have not, however,
advanced our prices more than necessary to cover increased
cost of manufacture. In some classes of apparatus, through
the skill of our engineers in re-designing, without sacrifice
of quality, we have effected economies off-setting, in part, at
least, the normal increase cost, and in such instances our
prices have not been increased to the extent that otherwise
would have been necessary.

As to future prices, we are so completely dependent upon
the prices which we must pay for raw materials and labour
that ,it is impossible for us to express an opinion which would
be of special value. It would almost .seem that the high-water
mark, with respect to prices of raw materials and labour,
has been reached, and, if so, with a continuance of such
conditions, future prices of our materials would naturally
remain substantially unchanged. Of course, upon any ex-
tended reaction in business, which some authorities assure us
will take place upon the cessation of hostihties, prices would
naturally decline.

It' has been suggested that the large profits on munition
contracts have established a precedent which may have a
bearing upon the electrical business. I do not share in this
view, as the electrical business is highly competitive, and in
normal times the volume of demand is less than the combined
faciUties of all the manufacturers.

Vol. :y. xo. 2.030. ocTOBKu 20, 1910.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

427

NEW ELECTRICAL DEVICES, FITTINQS,
AND PLANT.

Sanders Fuseboards.

Messrs. \V.m. Sanders .^ Co.. of Falcon Electrical Works. Wed-
n^sbury. are intrwUicin^ a new skeleton tj'jie of fuseboard, the
constmction of which does away with the usual china or slate base.
The contacts are supported direct by bus-bars and insulated bars
which carry the terminal contacts : the contacts are clamped direct
to the bus-bars by the firm's patent clip system, the terminal con-
tacts being- mounted on a bar insulated with moulded mica.

is pronded with a clear glass container. A ; a porcelain base B.
fixed in position with melted bitumen, fonns a support for the sack
c. and for the zinc cylinder D, keeping them always the correct
distance apart, yet so close together that the internal resistance is
very low. A rubber ring E. is a further safeguard ag-ainst acci-
dental contact. Above the sack is a porcelain ring F, slipped over
the carbon rod G. and supporting a waxed cardboard washer H. on
whidi the sealing compound is poured. A fibre tube passing
through the compound and closed with a cork, enables the cell to
be filled with water and a small glass tube provides an outlet for
the gases generated when the cell is in use. A lead connection
strip J is soldered to the zinc cylinder, and a brass cap K forced on
the carbon rod. carries the screw terminal. Ammonium chloride
crystals L are placed in the cell at the time of manufacture. Pro-
vision can he made on the label for recording the visits of inspectors,
and the cells, when worn out. can be recliarged by the makers.

Fig. 1. — Arrangement of Santsebs FcsiIs axd Terminals

Fic. 2. — Sanders Fcseboard and Case.

The bare— terminal and bus -are supported at their ends by a rigid
iron frame, being insulated from the latter : the main terminals
(on the patent clip system) can be clamped anywhere on the bus-
bar between the contacts. Figs. 1 and 2 show the skeleton con-
struction of the fuse frame and the latter fixed in a case.

It wUl be noted that the panel can be wired up without dis-
mantling and that the cables oan be run up and down direct to
the terminals without any bend. The live parts are all mica insu-
lated, and the construction is claimed to be practicallv unbreakable
and therefore ideal for transit.

Ediswan H.,0 Cells.

The Edison Swan Electric Co.. Ltd.. of Ponder s End. has
brought out a new and improved type of its ' HjO " cell, which
^* -J. small and compact cell turned out dry and made active by the
addition of water only. Fig. 3 is a cross-section of the cell, which

— Carrox Dog Fire with Electric Heaters.

Carron Electric Fires.

Amongst the various designs of electric stoves, fires, ic con-
tained in the recently is3ue<l pamphlet E.F. 4. of Carron Co.,
may be mentioned a series of fire interiors specially designed to
take the place of the ordinary coal fire grate, but which do not
require building in. All these fires are fitted with three or four
standard patent Carron radiant electric fire bars, each of 1 KW.
capacity and controlled by a separate switch. The design is such
as to heat the air which circulates through the fire ; the stoves
can be supplied in art black, armour bright or electro-brass or
bronze finish, and be fitted with trivets. Several patterns of
independent electric fires are also listed, of which fig. 4 represents
a typical design, with tliree heating elements separately controlled
and giving a total loading of 3,000 watts ; smaller 2.o6o-watt fires
are also made. The elements are all interchangeable and guaranteed
for two years.

1-28

THE ELECTEICAL REVIEW, ivoi. t-... no. -csu. onouK..

Another int^-rostin- acsi-n is the No. 2.;3 do? grate shown in
fi- .-. which it will be noted is also fitted with four standard
Carr«n l.nOO-wntt heaters, which are remote control let! Die
do-s art- line examples of turnery and can be supplied in old bra«8
or "bronze with wron-ht iron scrolls and back irons The company
has over a huudreii different types of doj; srrates, .lesifrned to suit
all periods, which can be lulapted to electric heatintr.

Canon Co. also supply a neat little stove of 1,500 watts loadiiift.
?pe.irtllv desitnied for medium volta-je, .\.c. circuits in crane cabins
and similar positions, and another stove of lesser loading' (8O11
wattsX made iu cast iron, for heating' on shii)S. trains, cars, ami in
:.;aras-''C5.

The "Wilkinson" Bralie.
\i I he Cou?ress of the Tramways and Li^ht Railways .\ssociation
on .Tune 30th last, reference was made to a new brake which has
been introduceil bv Mr. R. H. Wilkinson, general manajier ot the
Iluddersfield CorpoVation Tramways. This brake is a band brake
attachefl to the extended armature shaft, actuated through levers
from the usual platform brake spindle.

The brake drum, which is of cast-iion and keyed on to the
armature shaft, is of ojien section, the arms creating a draught
which assists greatly in keeping the drum cool, also reducing to a

PI AN L-J

J■^^; r,.— The Wilkinson Tr.^mwav Band Brake,

minimum the mass of the drum wheel to facilitate rapid
coolS^ The brake band is of mild steel lined with terrodo, and
S^ in Sue len-th. attached at the ends to a bell crank lever by
nea" s of riveted lugs, one end being fitted ^-ith an adjusting
screw! The band and 'levers are supported ^Y an angle iron and
fit bar frame attached to the motor suspension bar and to tne
.notor shell at the axle bearing. A pull-off spring, and '^^'^''^^
screws for regulating the clearance between drum and band, aie
fitted to the frame as shown.

The force applied' to the brake-band levers is equalised by a
differentiating chain gear. A chain passes freely through two
fixed pulleys attached to a cross frame, and two pulleys attached
to a .hort lever which is fixed to the main •• pull lever as shown,
•aid moves with it. The " pull" lever is placed on the under side
ut the cross frame, owing to lack of clearance above and is con-
nected bv a gudgeon to the short "pulley- lever «'t"atM above
the. franie. The ends of the " puir lever are connected up to the
platform brake spindlfe in the usual way, a hand wheel being used
in preference to a lever. , 1, ,

The brake is quickly applied, there being practically no slack t«
take up, as with wheel brakes. Braking through the S^ars. it i«
similar in action to the electric brake, and has proved very efficient.

We are indebted to the Journal of the Tramways and Light
Railways Association for our particulars and illustration.

TMH BRITISH ASSOCIATION. VII.

Slandardlsallon and tlie Engineering industries.

I.s a paper read before Section G by Mr. C lb Maisthe,
General Secretary of the Engineering Standards Committee,
the, assistance rendered by standardisation to the engineering
iudnstrie.-i was discussed. The author, after reternng to the
necessity tor the adoption of order and system in methods ..1
Dioduetion and the consequent movement towards co-ordina-
tion and <'ollcctive efl'ort in place of our former iiidivuhialistic
methods, pointed out the importance of contmuous progress
and of avoiding any tendency towards cry.stalhsation ot
design by constant revision of the standards. Satistactory
ivsults have been arrived at not by one section of the com-
munity iraijo-sing its opinions on the other, but rather as tlic
result "of co-operative action, mutual ctmcession and ii ImiMle
agreement between all the interests concerned Ihe ailnptioii
ol standards agreed on in this way undoubtcHlly promotes
nniformitv of practice, avoidance of waste, elmimat.on <.l
harsh and unnecessary conditions, reduction of manutatau -
ing costs and la,st, but by no means least engenders a Idl-
ing of mutual confidence betNveon user ami in'oducer such as
could not be secured by isolated action on the part of eithe
couKi ^^^_ .^ MaLstro outlined the growth of the

Engineering Standards Comnnttee from the
inception of the movement by Sir ,lohn VNollc
Barry in 1807. to the present organisatmu
ot (i4 committees and sub-committees, am
numerous panels, including in all over ..i«
members. He paid a tribute to the work nl
his predecessor. Mr. Leshje Kobertson. I"
whom the success of the Committee \\:is
largely due. , , ,,

As stated in the paper, not only are, all
parties concerned with any particular subject
consulted before a decision is macle, hut also
in some ca.ses expeninentai investigations aie
can-ied out at the instance of the Committee
bv the National Physical I.aboratory. .

'The British standard specifications, wliieli
are confined to the main technical clauses
necessary for the purchase of the product to
which the specification relates, arc being m^
creasiugly adopted throughout the country, m
home and export trade m general, and are also
being largely substituted for the vaiiuus and
differing ■Government and municipal s|ieeilie;i- ^
tions formerly employed. They are pr,.vmg nl
increasing value to the Crown Agents lor the
Colonies and the self-governing Dominions
and arc, iu large numbers, being sent abroad
for use in the supply of engmeermg material

"'oiie^'of the first objects in the formation of
the Committee was to sunphfy the rolling o
steel sections for engineering structures and
rails as well as shipbuilding material, so a.s
to save unnecessary cutting of a variety ot
rolls for no good reason, and also to tacilitate
the making to stock during slack times, ibat
the work of the Committee. in this direction
has been amply rewarded i.s «lw^7 ''^."'1;
fact that the number ot rolls in use by Biiti.sii
manufacturers has been largely reduced As
an instance, whereas there were formerly dl
sections of tramway rails, there are now only
five The same is true of all ordinary mei-
chan table sections, such as angles, tees, and
channels and rolled joists. The Percentage 0
British standard tramway rails to the total
tonnage rolled during the year ending March,
1915 was 75 per cent., which is an indication
that' the numlwr of standards recommended
is adequate to meet all ordinary requ'repents A consider-
able reduction has similarly been effected in regard to lailway
rails The railway companies. Government Departments the
London County Council, and other ^P^--'?"* ^odj^,';'" f.j?
home and abroad, have adopted many of the Committees
standards. . . .

Tnrnlne to the electrical side of the -Committee s activities,

l-oopeiatim^ British manufacturers through then

official organisation. ,„„♦,.,.

^'^^li-rSrf a^^erlfSnt-r^ol^^^ng^ ^

^^^^^^^^ -'O «^[/^^fi-\.-rre°nU^heS
competition with, one atiother "°J^.^,'/ 0 /"°'Xrds Corn-
both in London and >n New \ork ^f^ f^J^^i^j^'^'^f^^^^^^^^ have

Vol. 70. xo. 2..C0. OCTO...KH -jn. ,fl„-,.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

4-29

in tho United States of Americii or Groat Britain, the rules uf
both coQutrios being now in agreement on all essentials.

Much also has been accomplished in one ol the most difli-
cult of tasks, the standardisation of small o>.lectvie fittings
with due regard to liberty in de.sign. This work, in which
again the masters' association has been most helpful, has occu-
pied a great deal of time, and the difficulties and prejudices
to he overcome have been great. -Ordinary household wall
plugs and sockets have at last been standardised as regards
interchangeability. A specification to secure interchange-
ability between any charging plug and any socket of the type
reconunended by the Electric Vehicle Committee of the In-
corporated Municipal Electrical A.ssociation, should be of
material assistance in promoting the u.se of electric wagons
and runabouts. A specification for electric supply meters has
recently been evolved after much labour, and although some
modifications may still be requii'ed, it is hoped that it may
eventually prove satisfactory to both producer and pui'chaser
alike.

.\ system of British standard graphical symbols for use in
flectricyl engineering plans is being drawn up, and in this
^^ork the Committee has the co-operation of the American
iiml Canadian Electrotechnical Committees.

The ramifications of the Committee are extremely wide-
.-pread, and the commerce of the world being largely inter-
national, it is natural that the Counnittee should be forced
to envisage co-operating internationally. The Sectional Elec-
trical Committee, with a different chairman, is, ipso facto..
tlie British Committee of the International Electrotechnical
Commission, which has branch conmiittees in 1-5 to 20 dif-
r.rcnt countries.

The problem of the rating of electrical machinery is, pos-
-i)>ly, more intricate than the standardisation of any simple
I'l.ces of mechanism, electrical or otherwise. The conduc-
tivity of the copper, the permeability of the iron, the
mechanical strength of the materials, can be estimated with
sufficient accuracy from the results of definite and easily car-
ried out tests on samples. Owing to their inherent properties,
the insulating materials employed at present come into an
entirely different category. They are governed by no well-
defined laws, as in the case of the copper and iron, then- pro-
perties are variable and alter largely for very small changes
in the conditions of manufacture as w'ell as those under which
they are employed in the completed machine. One of the
important problems, therefore, is the settling of the limits
which it is considered necessary to impose in order to ensure
that the principal cau.ses of destruction of the insulating
materials, the heating combined with the time element, shall
be kept well within safe hmits. •

A clear distinction exists also between an " international
standard of quality" and an "international rating." The
intcrtiational acceptance of the former has already been
brought about by the adoption, by the I.E.C. at ^its BerUn
meetmg in September, 1913, of certain limits of observable
temperature applying to the materials in general use to-day.
But these limits do not offer a means of comparing directly
machines from various sources, since they would not neces-
sarOy have the same temperature rise. The fact, however,
that American and Briti.^h electrical engineers are at one
on this point of immense commercial importance, will doubt-
less have a great influence on the electrical industry of the
world.

Every effort must be made to ensure that the British stan-
dard specifications are readily available to foreign purchasers
as well as to those in the British Empire. A few of the
specifications have already been translated into French, and
it is hoped that satisfactory arrangements may be made to
' r:inslate them all into French as well as Spanish. In regard

. Russian, the question is somewhat complicated, but in

liis case also the matter is being given the most careful con-
.sideration.

The work which has been effected by the Committee should
veiy materially assist in keeping the trade of our great
Colonial Empire in the hands of British manufacturers. As
legards the immediate future, so pregnant ^-ith vital issues
to our trade, both home and export, the influential position
of the Engineering Standards Committee as the central body.
with its unique expert knowledge of standardisation, holds
vast potentialities for good to the industry.

Some Characteristic Curves of a Poulsen-Arc Generated'.

By N. \V. McLachi.an, B.Sc. Eng., A.M'.I.E.E.
{Section G. Abstract.)
With a carbon-copper arc burning in hydrogen, without a
magnetic bla.st. having a conden.ser (the capacity hot exceed-
ing a certain limit) and a variable inductance shunted across
its terminals, there is a certain inductance and. therefore,
frequency, for which the shunt current is a maximum. The
present investigation was undertaken to determine whether
this condition is applicable in the case of a Poulsen-arc gene-
rator : (1) When energy is absorbed in the shimt circuit by a
variable non-inductive resistance ; ("2) when the ' energy
iibsorbed in the shunt circuit is as small as possible. In both
these cases there is a loss in the lilo.scicki condensers, this
being unavoidable, unless air condensers are used.

Frequencies between 1.3 X 10' and 8 X lO'' cycles per sec.
ivere employed, the range of frequency in any experiment

dciiending on the magnitude of tlie capacity. The resistance
used varied from 70 ohms to 6 ohms, and the capacity from
0.01)00 mfd. to 0.009 mfd.

The current in the shunt circuit was analysed; for the
various capacities tested the most prominent harmonic was
the second, other harmonics being I'omparatively small.
\\ ith a capacity of O.OOQiU mfd. the r.m.s. values of the
second and third harmonics were, respectively, 30 per cent,
and 9 per cent, that of the fundamental when the frequency
was 3 X 10' cycles per sec.

Full details of the experiments were given in the paper,
and the author arrived at the following conclusions: —

1. With fixed capacity and frequency there is a certain
resistance giving maximum power absorbed in the shunt cir-
cuit. There is also a certain resistance for which the efficiency
of the arc is a maximum; but the resistance corresponding
to maximum power is smaller than that corresponding to
maximum efficiency.

■2. With fixed capacity and fixed resistance in the shunt
circuit there is a certain inductance, and therefore frequency,
for which the power obtained from oscillations of funda-
mental frequency is a maximum.

3. With given resistance and frequency, the power obtain-
able in the shimt circuit (both total pow-er and that due to
o-scillations of fundamental frequency) and the efficiency of
the arc increase with the capacity ; but with larger capacities
(of the order of 0.0036S mfd. and upwards) the l)urning,
especially with small inductances, is apt to be irregular and
noisy — i.e., when the ratio l/c is small.

4. WTien the power absorbed in the shunt cii'cuit is veiy
.small, the capacity being fixed and not exceeding a certain
limit, there is a certain inductance, and therefore frequency,
for which the shunt current is a maximtmi. For capacities
beyond a certain limit there does not appear to be any defi-
nite maximum value.

5. .A diminution in the strength of the magnetic blast does
not cause anj" appreciable alteration in the maximum power
and maximum efficiency. The maximum power occurs at a
lower frequency, and more power is obtainable at lower fre-
quencies than with a stronger blast.

6. -A diminution in the strength of the magnetic blast does
not cause any appreciable alteration in the fundamental fre-
quency of the oscillations in the shunt circuit ; but there is a
tendency for the second harmonic to increase with capacities
of 0.00368 mfd. and upwards.

7. The most prominent harmonic in the shxmt circuit is the
second, thereby showing the existence of an asjTnmetrical
current wave. This hannonic for any given capacity in-
creases with decrease in inductance, and therefore increase
in frequency. For a given frequency the second harmonic
increases with the capacity.

S. The insertion of resistance in the shunt circuit causes
the burning to be less regular than it is without resistance.
The irregularity of the burning increases with increase in
the resistance.

In order to ascertain whether the loss in the Moscicki
condensers had any considerable effect on the power obtained
in the shunt circuit, an air condenser was arranged to have
the same capacity at high frequencies as one of the Moscicki
condensers. It was found that the loss in the Moscicki con-
denser was sufficient to cause a diminution in the power
expended in the shunt circuit in some cases exceeding 1.5
per cent. ; but this did not invalidate any of the conclusions
given above. The capacity of the Moscicki condenser at high
frequencies -was found to be 21.5 per cent, less than the
capacity found by ballistic experiments.

Pressure Oil Film Lubrication.

By H. T. Newbigin, A.M.I.C.E.
{Section G. Abstract.)
Without lubrication a bearing will not run without ex-
cessive wear, and without artificial cooling no bearing with
oil lubrication will run continuously if the temperature rises
al)ove 150 deg. F., because at about this temperature most oils
begin to carbonise. The efficiency of a bearing must there-
fore be such that the temperature due to the heat generated
by its friction, minus that dissipated by radiation and con-
duction, does not exceed this figure.

The action of a lubricant is twofold; it first of all alters
the nature of the rubbing surfaces, thereby reducing friction
(and this is the coimuonly accepted justification for its use),
but under favourable conditions it goes much further than
this and automatically generates a high-pressure oil film be-
tween the surfaces, entirely eliminating metallic contact and
thereby enormously reducing the friction. This is what is
now called " pressure oil film lubrication." It occurs to a
limited extent in most journal bearings, but does not occur
in ordinary collar thrust bearings.

The phenomenon of pressure oil film lubrication was first
noticed by the late Mr. Beauchamp Tower. Polloning on Mr.
Tower's experiments, the late Prof. Osborne Reynolds, P.R.S..
showed that the friction under the circumstances was merely
that due to the viscous flow of the oil. Prom the practical
point of view the most important things that he showed
were: —

First, that in order. to obtain a pressure oil film between
lubricated surfaces tho surfaces must have a slight inclination

430

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW, [voi. to. xo. 2.o;w, ooTomcu 20. nun.

to each other, with the opening at which the oil enters
preater than that at which it leaves. Or, in other words,
that the oil film must be wedge-shaped.

Secondly, that in the case of a journal bearing the wedge
form of the oil film occurs naturally, due to a slight shifting
of the centre of the shaft in relation to the centre of the
brass.

Thirdly, tliat such a wedge-shaped oil film cannot occur in
a collar-thrust bearing; hence their inefficiency and low carry-
ing capacity.

It was left to an Australian engineer and mathematician,
Mr. A. G. M. Michell. of Melbourne, not only to complete
Reynolds's theory, but also to show how its teaching can be
applied in practice. On the assumption that the thickness of
the oil film at the entering edge is twice as great as at the
leaving edge, he showed how lines of equal pressure within
the film can be plotted and liow the centre of resultant pres-
sure can be determined for plane rectangular surfaces of vary-
ing proportional cross dimensions. He also demonstrated
practically that a rectangular block pivoted at its point of
resultant pressure will automatically assume an angle to an
opposing lubricated surface, dei>ending on the speed of
rubbing, viscosity of the oil and pressure. On this principle
he founded his now well-known thrust bearing.

Tlie result of Mr. Michell'si work has been to enable lubri-
cated thrust and journal bearings to be designed with the
principles of oil film lubrication a^a basis, in the same way
as ball and roller bearings are designed with the ball or roller
as a unit, and as distingui.shed from the mere application of
oil to the primitive foiTDs of these bearings. The essential
feature of the Michell liearings is the subdivision of the
stationary surface into a number of blocks or pads, each
pivoted at its back, and so free to assume a slight angle with
its contacting surface. Bearings designed on this principle
differ radically from the primitive forms of journal and thnist
bearings, but the results obtained in practice have fully
justified the change.

Taking the case of the thrust bearing first, the Michell
thrust bearing differs from the older type in having only one
collar, the multiplicity of collars in the older type having
been necessitated by the low carrying capacity of parallel
rubbing surfaces, as distinguished from the high carrying
capacity of those in which the fixed sui-face is subdivided and
made free to assume the angle to the opposing collar neces-
sary for the formation of oil pressure within the film.

The Michell thrust bearing has a coefficient of friction of
about 0.0015 as against 0.03, and carries 200-300 lb. per sq. in.
with a much greater factor of safety than the primitive form
has at 50 lb.

The subdivision of the fixed surfaces into a number of
segmental tipping blocks or pads is the essential feature of
all thrust bearings made on this principle, but there are many
variations in the design of the housing and method of carry-
ing the tipping blocks, depending on the particular use to
which the bearing is to be put.

In the .case of the thrust bearings in steam turbines the
blocks are symmetrically disposed around the faces of the
collar, and each series is mounted on a ring partly spherical
on one face, the convex surfaces of which are outward and
rest on correspondingly spherical seats for the purpose of
automatically distributing the load among the blocks. The
blocks are mounted on the faces of the rings next the two
sides of the collar against which they pivot, either along
radial lines or on rounded pins.

This type is entirely enclosed, and is supplied with an oil
circulation by means of an independent pump. The oil
passes through an oil cooler on its course, thereby removing
the heat generated by friction from the actual surface of its
origin. The mean rubbing speed sometimes exceeds 100 ft.
per sec. Slow-speed bearings are made on the same prin-
ciple, with grease lubrication.

Upwards of 800 Michell thrust bearings are now running
in this country alone, in .sizes varying from 1 to 15 in. dia.
of shaft, and larger sizes are in course of construction. The
use of them is rapidly becoming standard practice in steam
turbine work. The same principle is now being applied to
journal bearings

In lubricated journal bearings of the primitive type the
phenomenon of pressure oil film lubrication is much less
marked in the case of bearings of large diameters, probably
owing to the greater oil clearance that is neces.sary in large
sizes and to the extreme thinness of the oil film" For ex-
ample, a journal bearing of 2 or 3 in. in diameter will run
satisfactorily under a pressure of 300 to 400 lb. pressure per
sq. in., but it is not found advisable to load large bearings
above 100 lb., even with a forced oil circulation.

The pressure oil film only occurs along a narrow strip in
the primitive type, and the remaining surface merely forms
a brake on the rotation of the shaft, so that the designer
IS again restricted and can only reduce the pressure to the
limit found safe in practice by increasing the length of the
bearing. But by subdividing the circumferential surface into
a number of segments, each of which is pivoted at its back,
and thereby free to form an independent pressure oil film
between its rubbing surface and the shaft, the number of the
pressure oil films can be increased, so that the full projected
surface of the bearing becoines effective for carrying load,
and the brake surface is eliminated. Tlie friction is thus
reduced, the load carrying capacity increased, and the bearing
shortened.

.\ series of tests has recently been run on a Miihell journal
bearing by Messrs. Cammell, Laird & Co., Ltd., Birkenhead.
The bearing surface is divided into 12 segments, each of which
is pivoted on a rib at its back, so that it is free to lift at its
leading edge to allow the necessary wedge-shaped oil film to
form. The faces of the segments or blocks are lined with
wliite metal, each surface being 2 in. square, giving 48 sq. in.
of rubbing surface, the equivalent projected area of each half
of the bearing being 16J sq. in.

In addition to the segments being free to tilt, the seat on
which they rest is partly spherical, thereby making the bear-
ing also a. swivelling one. .\ circulation of oil was passed
through the bearing; each nm was continued until the oil
temperature ceased to rise. The ingoing and outgoing tem-
peratures of the oil were also recorded, together with the
weight of the oi' pas.sing, and the h.p.m.

The following are the results observed, together with tlie
friction calculated from the heat taken up by the oil. Tlii>

Test of E.xpkrimentai, "Michell'
May, ISlItJ.

Journal Bearing.

Bearing
pressure.

Revs, per
min.

Surface
speed.

Oil supply.

Fric-
tion

H.l>.

from

beat to

oil.

Duration

of test.

Rise of 1 Flow

temp. of

F. 1 oil.

of

friction.

(Mins.
10.5

Lb. per

sq. in.

145

t;20

Ft., min.
1,9.50

Deg.

20

Lb.,
min.

14-8

2-8

O'OOyO

4.T

52U

005

1,900

IG

190

29

0'0029

:{o

itOO

620

1,950

25

22-7

5 4

0-0031

(JO

14o

1,320

4,140

22

2G-4

5'5

0'0O91

i;o

.-.20

1.303

4,100

35

330

10'9

0-0051

30

!)0()

1.320

4.140

41

33-0

12-7

0-0034

friction is that for the two halves of the bearing presx.l
together. To get the coefficient of friction these figures re*
(|uire to be divided by twice the load.

CORRESPONDENCE.

Letters received hy its after 5 P.M. ON Tuesday cannot appear viitil
the following tceei. Corre.ipomleiitx shoiilil foriraril their comnnini-
cations at tlie earliest possible moment. i\o letter can he puhlislied
unless tee hare the writer's name and address in on r possession.

To Go- or Not to Go?

Referring to the recent correspondence on station engineerinj; as
a profession. I am sure I do not agree with some of your corres-
pondents' views. " East Coast " regards all electrical plant-running
as child's play, his sole reason being that machinery is now so
standardised and perfected automatically that any unskilled
labourer can operate it. May I ask. has " East Coast " ever had
anything to do with the operation of generating- station or sub-
station ji-ear, especially some of the older systems .' The reason 1
ask. is that I have usually found that the men who decry such
work as " easy '' and " unskilled," are the first to do damage when
they do get the chance of operating a little on their own. I have in
mind a very recent instance.

Again, another correspondent says he cannot expect to find much
technical ability in a switchboard attendant — " a man who inspects
his bearings every hour, and occasionally replaces a bm-nt-out
lamp. ' Xo doubt, this gentleman is suffering from the same
delusion as " North-East Coast." unless the switcliboard he was on
(if any) was one of those volt-pushing and " let-the-shift-engineer-
do-it " affairs on which we find women feeling so proud of them-
selves. It is true we do find many of the so-called practical men
about — men who close a switch because someone else told them it
was right to do so ; but let some of them be put in charge of a
type of plant with which they are unfamiliar, and they will soon
be all at sea.

Very true, there is. unfortunately, nothing much in station work
as a permanent profession ; but why run it down as useless, merely
because it is no good financially .' For my part. I admire the
" young man who goes from job to job trying to pick up all he
can. " How can he get his experience otherwise .'

My opinion is that a man who hashad a few years about the stationa
has learned discipline, self-denial, patience, alertness, nerve and
resourcefulness — not to mention many technical points other
lieginners might miss ; and even if he has had to do with a meagre
wage, he has a better electrical knowledge with which to get a
Kood job than some of the other so-called electrical engineers and
electricians.

D. F. B.

Linking-up Electricity Works.

In the memorandum published by the Joint Committee appointed
by the I.M.E.A. and the I.A.E.P.C. to consider the question of
the linking-up of electricity supply undertakings, Appendix B con-
tains a diagram showing the average working day load curves of A,
a power station having a maximum load of 3,000 KW., and B, a
power station having a maximum load of 20.000 KW.

The curves showing the distribution of load after linking-up
these works are not what would be obtained in actual practice : A

v4

Vol. 79. No. 2,030, OCTOBER 20, i!ii(5.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

431

is shown as takiu? up 2,800 KW. at 1 p.m.. and di'oppino; this again
at 9 p.m.. and B as dropping this load at 1 p.m. (2,800 KW. sudden
extra drop in the dinner-hour " valley "), and then on a rapidly
fallin? curve doubling its load at 9 p.m.

In actual working A would pick up about 500 KW. at 1 p.m.. and
gradually work up to 2,800 KW. by 2 o'clock ; this would materially
assist B by making the after-dinner " load-climb " rise at an easy
angle. In a large station this after-dinner climb is one of the
most trying periods in the day's running. Then at- 8 p.m. A would
commence to regulate its supply off with the falling load until it
could shut down at 9 p.m.. the load on B remaining stationary
between 8 p.m. and 9 p.m. instead of. as shown in diagram, falling
from 7,000 to 3,000 KW., and rising again to 5,800 KW.

J. Y. M.

LEGAL

P.O. TiBE Railway and Compressed Air.
Xt the Surveyors' Institution. Westminster, on Monday, Jlr. Alex-
.inder Ross, as Arbitrator, heard a case in which the parties were
the Great Eastern Railway Co. and the Postmaster-General, which
raised an important point as to the use of compressed air in a
portion of a tulie railway which will riui under the hotel and
part of the general offices at Liverpool Street Station, and which is
being constructed from Paddington to Whitechapel, on liehalt of
the Post Office, for the carrying of mails. The Great Eastern
Railway contended that compressed air was necessary as an addi-
tional safeguard. On behalf of the Postmaster-General, it was
submitted that compressed air was quite unnecessary.

Mr. G. M. Freeman. K.C.. appeared for the Great Eastern
Railway, while Mr. A. F. 'Walter. K.C., and Mr. Rowland Burrows
represented the Postmaster-General.

In opening, Mr. Freeman said the Railway Co. desired the use
of compressed air as an additional safeguard by reason of the
peculiar nature and character of the projjerty concerned. It was
peculiar because of its enormous public importance and its physical
constraction. Enormous pressures were brought to bear uix)n the
supporting column?, and at one end the whole was carried on one
continuous girder, so that if anything happened the consequences
might be disastrous. Not only would there be tremendous
pecuniary loss, but also gTcat public inconvenience, and possibly
danger.

The first witness was Mb. Basil Mott, who said that, in his
opinion, this was exactly one of the cases where compressed air
ought to be used. If a movement began in one of the pillars, it
might be a very difficult matter to check.

In cross-examination, Mr, Mott. replying to a suggestion that the
clay at the spot in question was extremely hard, and some of the
finest clay to he found, said, in his opinion, it was exceedingly
difficult for anybody looking at clay to say whether it was liable to
give movement or not. The clay was not exceptionally good under
Liverpool Street Station ; in fact, bethought it was of a bad character,
and he had used compressed air there himself. He had carried
out tunnels in close proximity to Liverpool Street, and had had
movement. Then he had put on compressed air and the movement
had ceased. He had come into "pockets " in the London clay at a
depth of 10 ft.

Mr. Horace Wilmer, chief engineer of the Great Eastern
Railway, said the portion in regard to which the use of compressed
air was desired was 462 ft, — about one-third of the whole inter-
ference with the company's property. The height of the hotel
was about 100 ft. above rail level, and the height of the offices was
about 95 ft, above rail level. If the tube did any damage the
Postmaster-General was responsible, but in Witness's opinion this
was a case in which the railway company ought not to be exposed
to any sort of risk. Xo compensation would pay them for the
ilriving away of passengers and general dislocation of business.

In cross-examination, the 'WlTN'ESS said he understood that the
Postmaster-General's view was to save a few thousands and damn
the consequences. The buildings in question cost the railway
company nearly half-a-million. At one point on the spot in
question the weight was I'3 tons to the sq. ft. The Central London
Railway under Liverpool Street Station was carried out w-ith
compressed air.

Mr. C. L. Morgan, chief engineer of the London and Brighton
Railway, said, in his view, the tube under the area in question
should be constructed with compressed air. The total load of the
buildings was 10,000 tons. It was well known that the work could
be carried out much more safely with compressed air than without
it. Blue clay gave as soon as the air got to it.

This was the case for the Great Eastern Railway.

On behalf of the Postmaster-General, Mr. Dalry.mple Hay.
the engineer of the work, said the railway at present had reached
a point between Blomfield Street and Xew Broad Street — a distance
of about 400 ft. from the southern face of the hotel. He produced
samples of clay taken that morning on the Whitechapel side and
the Finsbury side. Having had to do with some 45 to 46 miles of
tube railways, he thought he could say these were very hard
samples of clay. They were constructing tunnels varying from 7 ft.
to 29 ft. diam. They had used' compressed air on no part of the
railway where the tunnels had been wholly in the London clay. They
had used compressed air in the neighbourhood of Mount Pleasant,
where the material was the worst he had ever seen — what was
called redeposited clay. They had successfully gone under King
Edward's Buildings, and the proposed work was child's play com-

pared to this. In his view, compressed air would not serve any
useful purpose.

In cross-examination by Mr. Freeman, Mr. Hay said a firm of
contractors had estimated the cost of compressed air at £10,000 to
£12,000. He did not see why the public should spend £12,000
when it was not necessary.

Evidence was also given on behalf of the Postmaster-General by
Mr. J. D. Middleton, chairman and managing director of Messrs,
Walter Scott A; Middleton, contractors for public works, and Mr.
Elliott Cooper, and. on the termination of the inquiry, the Arbitrator
arranged to visit the station and the workings.

The Arbitrator will annotmce his decision in due course.

Workmen's Compensation Cases.

At the Westminster County Court, when a wireman sought com-
pensation on the ground that he could not do his work, it was
stated by Major MalcolmNicholls, a consultant to St. Bartholomew s
Hospital, that the man had only lost the ring finger of the left
hand. He could certainly do work ; indeed, men like him were
needed for hospital work, and they could not be found. He could
get him employment at once at from 30s. to 35s. per week.
According to the Duilij Teleijraph , Major XichoUs said that he had
seen men who had lost three fingers working well in hospital.
'" We cannot get the men, and, if we are to win the war, evcryboily
must help. The loss of a finger will not prevent a man doing
some woi-k. Men have gone back to the Front after losing even
two fingers or an eye."'

In the Supreme Court (Appellate Division), Cape Town, on
September 12th. judgment was given in a case in which the
dependents of a workman named Schurmann claimed £500.
Schurmann was an employe of the Victoria Falls and Transvaal
Power Co.. Ltd.. and his death occurred while he was working in a
live chamber at Rosherville pow-er station, last April. The company
repudiated liability, on the ground that the accident was attributable
to deceased's own serious and wilful misconduct.

The Chief Justice, in a very lengthy judgment, came to the
conclusion that the accident was attributable to the serious and
wilful misconduct which had been brought home to the deceased.
His injuries were sustained through his entering and working in
the live chamber in contravention of the regulations. In giving
judgment for the company, the Chief Justice said the company,
having been vindicated, might well award suitable compensation :
but he could not allow his strong sympathy for the dei)endents to
lead him to strain the law in their favour.

Wheatstone-Morse Translating Machine. — Petition for
Prolongation op Patent.
The petition of F. G. Creed. Wm. A. Coulson, and Creed, Bille
and Co., Ltd,. Telegraph Works, East Croydon, electrical engineers,
the beneficial owners of a patent granted to Messrs. Creed and
Coulson. was mentioned to Mr. .lustice Sargant. in the Chancery
Division, on Tuesday, on an application to fix Wednesday. Xovember
1st. for the hearing of the petition. The invention for which the
letters patent were granted consisted of " improvements in or
relating to means or apparatus for operating or controlling type-
writing and type-setting mechanism by means of perforating tape. "
The object of the invention was to reproduce telegraphic messages
in ordinary readable printed characters, and the system of
telegraphy to which the invention was applicable had long been
known as the Wheatstone-Morse system. Mr. Austen Cartnell,
for the Board of Trade, said the proposed date would suit all parties,
and his Lordship acceded to the application.

WAR ITEMS.

Technical Instruction of Women Workers. — The Highor
Education Committee tor Wimbledon and District has decided
tn utilise its new engineering department at the Technical
Institute solely for the instruction of women for munitions
work. — Tint ex.

Employment of Women in Electricity Works. — The

Marylehone Electricity Committee reports that for .some time
past it has engaged women to carry out the following duties :
— .lunior engine drivers, volt regulators, storekeepers, clerks,
lamplighters, meter testers, prepayment meter collectors, and
maintenance attendants.

Tramways as Certified Undertakings. — The Ministry ot
Munitions "has placed the Colchester Corporation tramway
undertaking under the head of certified undertakings.

The Ministry has also issued a certificate that the supply
of tramway facilities by the L.C.C. tramway department
is of importance for the purpose of carrying on munition.'!
work. The effect of such a certificate is that the undertaking
will be subject to the provisions of Part I of the Munitions
of War Act, 1915, which prohibits strikes and lock-outs, and
the provisions as to leaving certificates will apply to employes
in the tramway department. Under Section 4 of the Muni-
tions of War Act, 191-3, the Minister of Munitions may declare
certified undertakings to be controlled establishments. The
j\Iinister has stated, however, that. «s at present advised, he
does not propose .to take tbis course in the case of the
Council's tramways.

432

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW. .v.,i. v.k no. 2^m^. octobkr ■>«, mr,.

Ministry ol Munitions. — It is annoumx-d that as a conse-
quence of the new anaugoincnts in tlic Employment Depart-
ment of tlie Biwrd of Traile, the, following appointments have
l><?en made by the Minister of Munitions : Mr. Stephenson
Kent to be Director-General of Munitions Lfibour Supply ;
Mr. U. Wolff to be Deputy Assistant General Secretary to the
Ministry.

Australian Metal Industry: Hneniy Influence. — Tlic
Siiiliuii Morning Herald states that in order to prevent the
efforts of the Ministry in regard to enemy control of the
Commonwealth's output of metals being rendered nugatory
by the iusidioua devices of the enemy's agents, Mr. Hughes
submitted, at a specisil meeting of the Federal Executive
Coimcil. in August, the following regulations under the War
Precautions Act : —

" That no contract or agreement for the sale of any mining
or metallurgical company or business, or any .share or interest
in any mining or metallurgical company or business, to any
person other than a natural-born Briti.sh subject, residing or
carrying on business in some part of the British Dominions,
or to any person on behalf of any person other than such
British subject, shall be entered into unless the consent in
writing of the Attorney-General has first been obtained."

A company will be required to refuse to register the trans-
fer of a share or interest in any such company unless it is
satisfied that the provisions of these regulations have been
complied with.

Army Lij^ht and Power Work. — ^The Army Council has
made the following Order : —

The provisions o( Section 7 o( the Munitions of War Act, 1915, as amended
by Section 5 of the Munitions of War (.Amendment) Act, 1916 (which relate
to the prohibition of the emplbvinent of persons who have left munitions
worlt), shall apply :

1 To any establishment, being a barracks or hutted camp, so far as con-
cerns the construction, alteration, or repair thereof, or the supply of light,
heat, water, or power lor the purpose of such construction, alteration, repair,
or supply.

2. To any establishment the work of which consists in uholc or in part
of such construction, alteration, repair, or supply, as aforesaid.

It any case in which any such worli is executed under the direction of the
Koyal Engineers or the riirector of Barrack Construction.

The following Certificate has also been issued : —

Whnrca!.. in pursuanc-.- of S. 20 of the Munitions of W.ir |Am,-n.l,ii.nl)
All. lOllj. the Minister of Munitions has made arrangements with the Armv
l'ounii| for the exercise hy the .Army Council of the power of the .Minister
to certify the supply of light, heat, water, or power to be of importance for
the construction, alteration, or repair of any barracks or hutted camp, now,
therefore, the Army Council, in excrcisi- of the power-so delegated to them,
certify that the supply of light, heat, water, and power is of importance for
the construction, alteration, or repair of barracks or hutted camps in all
cases in which such light, heat, water, or power is supplied for the purpose
of such construction, alteration, or repair as aforesaid.

Property and Trade Protection After the War. — With a
view to securing united action among property owners and
traders for the protection of their interests after the war, a
meeting, under the auspices of the Council of the Liberty
and Property Defence League, was recently held at the
League Offices, 2-5, Victoria Street, Westminster, Sir Richard
Temple, Bart., in the chair. \ committee for the purpose
of drafting a scheme of procedure and organisation was
appointed, and it was resolved that the scheme should pro-
vide for the formation in every borough in England, Wales,
and Scotland of a local Joint Standing Committee represent-
ing prtiperty owners, traders, and manufacturers for the pur-
pose of taking action (1) with respect to attempts that may
be made to resume the unnecessary, extravagant, and waste-
ful pre-war activities of governmental and municipal bodies.
("2) w'ith respect to proposals for town planning, housing, and
other "social reforms" at the public expense, the adoption
of which would necessitate the expenditure of enormous sums
of money, (.3) to ensure that all restrictive war emergency
legislation affecting trade and indu.stry shall cease at the
irrniination of the war, and that the business of private
citizens be left free to resume its nonnal course.

Experts to China. — The " London Gazette " for October
17th contains a further list of names of persons, &c., to whom
exports for China and Siam may be consigned.

Herr Rathenau's Department. — In its most interesting
eclumn, "Through German Eyes." the 'fhnes contains tiie
following reference to Rathenau's raw materials department :
— Merr Ernil Ludwig eontrilnites to the Zukunit a remark-
alili; article on 'he work of Herr Rathenau, who .seems to
have retired .some time ago from the control of the Raw
>Iaterials Department of the Prussian War Office. The article
is obviously a controversial glorification of the Jewish indus-
triaUst at the expense of the ordinary Prussian bureaucrats,
but it contains interesting statements about the original
oiganisation.. It is stated that Herr Rathenau was called in
by the War Office on August 8th, IDU.'nnd on the following
day General von Falkenhayn. who was then Minister of War,
gave bim plenary powers. He was sworn in as an official,
and allowed to fonn the "Raw Materials Department." with
the assistance of a major. The department began with five
officials. There are now 600, " working in houses which
fill a street front." and the department is the largest in any
Prussian Ministry. Rathenau had difficulty in obtaining
adequate assistance, and was strongly opposed bv permanent
officials, professors, and Reichstag denuties. Rathenau's first
business was to form an estimate of available supplies, ami
he is said to have reached the conclusion that in the mo.st
important cases the supply would not meet the demands of
the Army for more than a year. The organisation at first

dealt with only six classes of materials, but now deals with
over 100. Rathenau set him.self to obtain control of all avail-
able raw materials, to stop all unnecessary production, to
concentrate in Germany everything that could be bought
abroad or conli.scatetl in occupieil territory, to promoti> new
methods of |u'oductii>ii in dermany, and, wherever jxissililc,
to invent sul)stitutes. In face of great opposition Rathenau
avoitled simple confiscation of metals and other raw materials,
and (\stablisheil the principle that the Government should
merely prevent the supply fiom being u.sed for other than
military purposes. It is daimetl that the "conversion ol
German inilu.xtry " was complctetl in two months, and that
in eight months Rathenau reported to General von Falken ^
hayn : "The war is now independent of the pnwision of
law material. Everything is being providetl to the extent
that is necessary. Nothing now crosses our frontiers excejit
what is hurled across them by our guns. liloyd George's
scheme, the- blockade, has become ineffective."

After. the- War Trade. — In one of the committer rooms of
the Hou.-^e of Commons, on Thursday (>vening last week,
nearly foO manufacturers and employers of Tottenliain
and neighbourhood attended, with the approval of tht^ Board
of Trade, a conference for the purpose of con.sidering the
question of Briti.sh trade after the war. No fewer than ri'2
(iiiTerent trades were represented, the following electrical
engineers being present: Mr. A. E. Wheeler (the Acme Elec
trical Co., Ltd.), Mr. P. Abraham (the Sunlight Mannfaetin-
ing Co., Ltd.), Mr. C. H. Smith (Messrs. Belling & Co.).
Kindred interests, such as engineering and lamp manufac-
turing, were also largely represented. This was the first
gathering of the kind held in this country, the precise object
being to organise the manufacturing resources so that Great
Britain would be prepared to compete successfully with other
countries after the declaration of peace, in capturing the
extensive trade formerly carried on by Germany. The con-
ference was regariled with considerable importance, and nn
doubt other centres of industry will follow Tottenham's lead.
The chair was taken by Mr. .'\. E. Broadberry. engineer and
manager to the Tottenham and District Light. Heat k Power
Co. Mr. Percy ,-\lden, M.P., and Mr. J. R. Pretyman New- m
man. M.P., local Members of Parliament, gave addres.ses, H
and a sub-committee was appointed to submit a scheme ftu- S
the formation of a Tottenham and district trade organisation. Jf
It is anticipated that when the po.st-war boom in trade comes s
along Tottenham will be prepared to take its full share. ^

Exemption Applications. — At the Godalminj,' Tribunal,
G. H. Avern (40), a meter inspector, was api'lied for by the
Urban Electric Supply Co. He had been passed for C '2, and
since making the application had passed his -list birthday.
Six months' exemption was given.

At Hebden Bridge, W. A. Harwood, single, an electrical
engineei'. applied for exemption on the ground that there was
not another man within IG miles engaged in the repair anil
maintenance of electrical machinery. He was short of men,
and had to work as hard as any of his men to try to cope
with the situation. He was put under "certified occupa-
tions."

Cranbrook (Kent) Tribunal has refused exemption to Lewis
Hopperton ('2.i). electric light attendant' at Sissinghurst.

Sheffield Trilnnial granted exemption until October 31st to
Mr. B. Hudson (33), electrical engineer, who appealed on the
ground of serious hardship.

' Before the West Kent Appeal Court, Mr. B. W. Sells (:«).
chief engineer for Messrs. Oswald Jones & Co., eln 1 1 i.mI
engineers. Maidstone., was appealed tor as being indi p. m:,
able. The Hon. H. A. Hannen, chairman of the We^l Krnl.
Hospital, wrote stating that Mr. Sells's .services at the hos-
pital with the X-ray installation were of greater value than
his services would be in the Army. Several firms testified as
to the value of his work, and Mr. Jone.s said that he did
not believe that another firm in the town had an electrician
who could do the skilled medical work which Mr. Sells did.
It transpired that Mr. Jones himself was qualified to do the
work, and that Mr. Sells was paid £1 15s. per week, with
tree premises, &c., equalling £'2 5s. per week. The ^lilitary
representative observed that in the dockyards no electrician
was paid less than £1 6s. per week. A month only was
allowetl.

At Berwick-on-Tweed, Mr. J. Shanks. Eenwick. electrician
on the Haggerston estate, was appealed for by the land agent,
who said that he could not be replaced, and that the Castle
was now occupied by 50 convalescent soldiers, none of whom
could undertake the work. The appeal was rejected.

On the appeal of the Electric Traction Co., Peterborough
Tribunal have granted three months' conditional exemption
to E. A. Sewter (.30), electric .car fitter and turner.

Before the Totnes Rural Tribunal, an electrician (.32), en-
gaged on an estate at Haberton, was applied for as absolut<'ly
indispensable. He was rejected in December, 1915, and is
now passed for foreign garrison duty. Exemption was allowed
until January 1st.

Cuckfield Rural Tribunal has refused exemption to a Ijjnd-
field electrician and fitter, appealed for by the electric hght
company. The manager said that the pre-war staff numbered
44; now he had 17, and 33 of the staff had enlisted. The man
appealed for was indispensable, being in charge of the over-
head cables.

A Nutley (Sussex) electrical engineer who appealed on
medical grounds, said he suffered from a very weak heart, but

No. 2.030, ocTOBEH 20. 1916.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

433

had lioon pat^sed foi' labour abroad. He was directed to go
before the Medical Board in London.

Exemption given to a lijjhtinp fitter at Lydbrook Electric
Pnlile Works was appealed against liy the Military at the
I .Icuicestershire Appeal Court. It was stated that the com-
pany employed 2-50 persons, including 175 women, and were
t ngaged making field telephone wires. The cable made was
fr>r imjiortant purposes, and the man appealed against
had been at the works for eight years, and was well skilled
in all branches of the manufacturing work. If he was taken
the ni^'hr .■^liift would be stopped, and this would considerably
(lfla\ tlu' output of the heavy cable so urgently needed. The
ChaiiMian (.\Ir. P. A. Ilyett) said he thought the case was
one where the Military should supply a suitable substitute,
and time would be allowed for this to be done.

Eastbourne Tribunal has given conditional exemption to
two leading stokers at the Corporation electricity works, and
eight weeks' exemption t« the personal assistant to the elec-
trical engineer (Mr. J. K. Brydges), the latter being advised
in the meantime to obtain a lady assistant.

The Clerk to the Aldershot U.D.C. appealed, on October
Srd, for the retention of Mr. S. Alder (34), engineer in charge
nf the electric power station at the sewage works, passed in
( 'lass B 1 after rejection on attestation. It was stated that
lie was an expert engineer and fitter, and was in charge of
the electric pumping plant, &c. The station was working day
and night, and it w'as essential that Mr. Alder should be
retained in the .'nterests of public health. Two months were
conceded.

.\t Aldershot, on October 3rd, the Aldershot and District
Tiaction Co. appealed for two drivers, who were ordered to
be called up in a- month; another driver, appeal dismissed;
two other drivers, put back for medical examinations; a fore-
man coachbuilder, given three months; a driver, given a
final month; and two other employes, who were refused time.
An electrician (33), in business at East Street, Prittlewell,
appeah'ng for further exemption, stated that his partner and
six men had joined up. He himself had very bad health, and
fur 10 or 12 years had been strictly dieted. Col. Newitt said
that garrison duty abroad would just suit the applicant. The
Fiibunal gave until January 1st, with a further medical
1 xamination before that date.

At Ha.stings, further exemption was .sought by Mr. E. H.
Pattenden (36), electrical engineer. A firm for whom appel-
lant does all their electrical work supported the claim. Appel-
land, who is passed for garrison duty abroad, was giveti con-
ditional exemption, without time limit, on joining the Volun-
teers.

At Southend-on-Sea, the Corporation applied for exemption
for a tramcar driver (30), who had been on the staff for nine
years, and an inspector (33). with 11 years' service. Both
were exempted as being in certified occupations, and ordered
to drill twice weekly.

Ilfracombe Triljunal have given certificates of conditional
cxemiition to Mr. H. J. Stewart (33), resident engineer and
manager of the Electric Light & Power Co., and A. J. Eudd,
a member of the staff, both being held to be in certified
incupations.

.\t a sitting of the Broadstairs Tiibuual, on October 10th.
the Isle of Thanet Electric Tramways and Lighting Co., litd.,
applied for 15 employes, the manager and secretary. Mr,
l'"orde, stating that before the war there were 270 employes,
and now, with females and boys, there w-ere only 119. Those
ajiplied for were two inspectors and drivers, a storekeeper, a
steam-engine driver, seven drivers, and four men in charge of
sub-stations. Asked if women could not act as drivers, Mr.
Foj-de said he lielieved the Board of Trade would not sanction
Miili a |)i()|Misal for their system. If the Mihtary could pro-
\i(l.' siili-titiites he would withdraw the appeal. Pour drivers
wrvv given conditional exemption, one three months, and the
other two were refused; the' inspectors were conditionally
exempted ; the storekeeper was allowed six months, one sub-
station man was conditionally exempted, and the other three
allowed three months each; and conditional exemption was
ronceded to the steam-engine driver.

M Oxford, Mes.srs. W. Lucy & Co.. manufacturing elec-
trical engineers, appealed for David G. French (19), brass
titter and finisher. The case had been put back for a badge
to be applied for, and the finn's manager (Mr. Magin) said
that the Ministry of Munitions had badged the man. Captain
Fox remarked that the Tribunal would find that French would
lie called up, although badged. The Town Clerk explained
that men for munitions were equally as important as men
lor the Army, and the badge was dated September 12th. Mr.
Magin ixiinted out that French was only passed for home
labour. The Tribunal decided that they had no jurisdiction
in the case.

The Lancashire Electric Power Co. appealed, at Swinton,
lor the retention of an overhead linesman, aged 21. The
company's representative said that 11 out of 13 overhead lines-
men had enlisted, and if any more were taken he did not
know what they would do. Exemption was refused.

.\n electrical engineer, aged 38, appealing at Eastbourne,
said that his only assistant was a boy of 13. His solicitor
mentioned that at Enfield .six njonths were given to the
owners of one-man businesses, but the Chairman said that
they were not bound by what other Tribunals did. Appellant
was given until December 31st, with no further appeal with-
out leave.

.\t Eeigate, exemption was claimed for Chas. Morgan (29),
.shift engineer at the Corporation electricity works. Mr. W .
S Ro.ss, electrical engineer, said they now had only three ehitt
engineers, and they had not had a single reply to advertise-
ments for a man to take the place of Morgan. Temporary
exemption until January 1st was granted.

At the Atherton (Lanes.) Tribunal, a mill electrician was
granted temporary exemption on condition that he joined the
local V.T.C. He" explained that he was working late each
night and could not attend drills very regularly. He was
instructed to attend at lea.st once a week.

.\t Dewsbury, on Oct. 11th, an electrical engineer, whose
IKirtner is in the Flying Coi-ps, was given conditional exenjp-
tion.

At Sheffield, on Monday, exemption until March 31st was
granted to H. J. Burdett (40), electrical engineer, appealed
for by Messi-s. W. Johnson & Co.

At Bath, on Mondav, A. C. Brackstone (39), electric fitter
with Messrs. R. Kendall & Sons, passed for C3. was condi-
tionaUv exempted subject to his joining the Volunteers.

The Aysgarth (Yorks.) Tribunal granted conditional exemp-
tion to the manager of the electrical generating station at the
Hawes Wen.sleydale Dairy so long as he remains in his pre-
sent occupation.

BUSINESS NOTES.

The Australian Market.— The electrical position of affairs

in Australia, as it ap|iears to American eyes, is explained in the
following extracts from a recent report by U.S. Consul \V. ('.
Magelssen. at Slelliourne : —

■• While the motor field presents the most apparent attractions at
the present time, it is also typical of other industrial lines. Victoriit
is now in process of electrifying her metropolitan railway system,
is considering, in common with the other States, a scheme tor the
bulk handlmg of grain on the State-owned raUways, and is rajiidly .
developing a system Oi electric tramways in all the suburban areas
of Melbourne. "and the principal country towns. In addition, elec-
trical machinery and equipment are requu-ed for the lighting of
provincial towns, and contracts are pending for the extension of
irrigation works, the locking of the river Miurray. Australia's longest
river, which is the boundary between Victoria and New South
Wales, and water conservation works in various parts of the
country, requiring concrete-making machinery and .steel rods foj-
the construction of dams and conduits.

"Although the whole value of the Commonwealth's' imports from
Germany in the year before the war did not greatly exceed
S.^4. 065.500, great inconvenience has been caused by the cessation
of imports from Germany. The chief trouble has been experienced
in the electrical and engineering trade. Lately steel production
was begun at Newcastle. New South Wales, where the Broken Hill '
Mining" Co. has established modern smelting works, getting the
necessary ore largely from the Iron Knob, near the headwaters of
Spencer's Gulf in South Australia ; but prior to the war the whole
output of this concern was practically bespoken for various rail-
iwad extensions under the States' (governments, and for the great
trans-Continental line now being constructed by the Commonwealth
Government through the States of South and Western Australia,
to link up the two sides of the continent. '■

"This leaves Victoria once more dependent on the outside world
tor supplies of railroad and constructional steel, and for all chasscs
of machinery, implements, tools of trade, &c., except such as are
manufactured in Melbourne from imported metal. In the manu-
facture of electrical goods the State had not made much progress
before the war- began, and great dependence was placed on German
firms to keep the workshops supplied with the goods necessary for
the extension and maintenance of electrical plants of all kinds.

■ The railroad electrification scheme, which is expected to cost
approximately $2;M9!».000 complete, has been mainly entrusted to
British engineers to execute, but the war work in England h,is
left them in no better position as to supplies than it has left others,
and. as a result, the enterprise has been retarded, and there is at
time of writing no definite conception as to when it may be finished.
Lack of material is the reason for the delays. Bent on a policy of
economy, the Government has taken the opportunity to stop tem-
porarily some of the regrading and other work associated with the
electrification scheme, l)ut inability to get supplies is the root cause
of the reduction of energy in this important public enterprise.
Since the energies of Europe are concentrated upon the war, and
will be afterwards directed upon the rebuilding of shattered towns
and industries, the Victorian electrification scheme is likely to
drag, unless the required equipment can be brought from .
America.

" As all public services in Victoria are in the hands of the Govern-
ment or the Municipal Councils, the initiation of new works rests
with them, and not with private corporations. A notable excep-
tion existed in the Melbourne Tramway Co.. which has now come
to the end of its :i0 years' lease of the central metropolitaii roads. . . .
Its system of cable ears, now out of date, radiates from the centre
of the city to all the suburbs. The lease is falling into the hands
of a public trust, which will carry it on as at present imtil the war
is over, and then adopt electric traction. Linking the outer
suburbs is a 'ring of municipally-owned electric trams, and these
will be joined with the central cable tracks, and the whole will be
controlled by the Public Trust.

434

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW, v,.i. ;•... n... ''.oso. octobek i-n, nuc,.

"The miinicipalitirs fmin whom the roads «cre oripriiially
chartered will lx> strmi^lv ivpreseiiti^l on the trust, ami on their
credit it is ex}>eote<l the future funds will l)e raised for the electri-
fication of the cent nil system and the extousiou of the outer
suburban routes ulreailv operated by electric imweT.

'■ In other directions municipal control is now beinsJ slrenjjth-
encd. With a iKipuhition of (JnO.ddii inhabitants. Melbourne is
divided under the control of 21 t\)uncils. but the central City
Council is now procecdin;; to absorb the inner suburbs piecemeal.
Controllinjr the jjreater part of the tram lines, and bavin}.' its own
electric plant, the central body has the jwwer of lar;;e expenditure
on municipal services. No imixirtant contracts are offerinsr at
present, but works in view will entail importation of electrical
and tramway ei|nipnioiit."

British Manufacturers and .Australian Tariffs on

Electrical Goods. .\ deputatimi truni the .Australian .Vs!>ix;iation
of Hritish Manufacturers and their representatives waited npon
the .Minister of ('ust<nns at .Melbourne in Au-rust respectinjr tai-iff
matters, .\cconlinsr to the Milboiinir Aijr. Mr. M. C. Coates. presi-
dent of the .Vssociation. sulmiittod a number of reiiuests and
sutrsrestions for increa.seii preference ti> Britain. On electrical
l^'oods he askeil for an all-round preferenc»> of at least Id jier cent.,
and sujrtrestoil that all forei;rn invoices sluiuld Ix^ loaded 25 per
cent, tor duty pur)xi.ses. and then preference of lo jx?r cent, driven
on British ;ro(x'.s. With rejrard to metal-filament lamps, he sufr-
frestcd that the duty should be based on watts, hifih-wattajre lamps
to be counte<l as two. thi-ec or more lamps, according to power.
The present preference of 10 per cent, on lampware, brass tubing
and pas mautles. and .") yicT cent, on electric jrlobes, hrassware and
oil engines, was considered insuHicient.

Mr. J. K. Jlerritt. M.Ij.C, said it was necessary, after winninpr
the war. that an effort should be made to build up the tra*le and
industries of the Empire. Whilst British manufacturers were
engasred in making munitions, the Americans and .lapanese were
capturing the markets. They were not to l)e blamed, of course,
but their activity was creating greater difficulties for the future
from the British manufacturing standpoint. American manu-
facturers were dumping goods in .Vustralia at cheaper rates than
thase prevailing for the same articles in America.

The Minister, in reply, said that the first duty of the Government
and the Parliament was to see that .Australian industries were
effectively protected. Although the first duty of the Government
was to watch over Australian duties, it would not lose sight of its
second duty towards the Empire. As a result of the war the
Empire ha<l been di-awn much closer together, and the need for
Imperial preference would not he lost sight. Regarding
the need of blocking enemy goods, his experience was
that it was almost impossible to sell enemy goods at the
present time. Enemy goods oondemneil by the Prize Court ha*l
come into [xis.session of the Custonis Department, and they had to
lie sold in accordance with the Act, but ho was afraid that they
would realise a very poor price. People would not buy goods when
they knew that tlu y wimt of enemy origin.

National Insurance Act. — Chrrki tion. — In the article

by Mr. J. .1. H. Slansfield, which a))jn>ared on p. :iii!i of our issue of
October tith, Xo, 1,7.1.") decision should have appearerl in the pre-
ceding section dealing with cla.sses of em)iloyment for which
contributions nrr payable.

Catalogues and Lists. — I'hi; Paterso.v Exgixkering

Co.. Ltd.. Windsor House. Kingsway. London. W.C- Htlti edition of
the Paterson Red Book on water purification for industrial purposes.
The book deals with the following mattei-s : Sources of water
supply ; rapid filtration ; water softening ; and oil elimination. An
abridged list of users is given. Some exceJlent pictures in half-
tone and in colour show the Paterson filters, softeners, A:c. The
Government has requisitioned the company's premises, India
House, Kingsway, Its temporary address is,' therefore, Windsor
House, as atrove. Copies of the catalogue can be obtained by all
interested in these appliances.

IxTEBX.VTiox.vi, Time Recordi.no Co.. Ltd.. .57, City Road.
London, E.C.— Folder pamphlet, giving illustrated particulars and
prices of their various models of time recorders.

British Westixghoise Electric axd Maxcfacturisg Co..
Ltd.. Trafford Park. — Instruction Book Xo, .'lSOO (152 pages),
relating to the installation and operation of the British Westing-
house rotary converters.

Dissolutions and Liquidations. — Resisto Electrical

JlAXiFACTiRiNc; Co.. Ltd.— This company is winding up volim-
larily. with Mr. De Westley Layton. I(i7. Fenchurch Street. E.C..
as liquidator. A meeting of creditors is called for October 20th.

Derby Electrical Co.. Ltd.- A meeting is to be held at the
offices. Woods Lane. Derby, on Xovember 18th, to hear an account
of the winding up from .Air. .1. Perry .Tones, the liquidator.

Chas. H, Blc.me (.an enemy subject).— Creditors of this business
must send psirticulars of their claims to the controller, Mr. J. W.
Barrett. 1".)a. Coleman Street, E.C.. by Xovember Kith certain.

Charles Cooper, plumbers and electrical engineers. 2, King
Street, Stratford. Manchester.— Messrs. H. & P. Cooper have dis-
solved partnership. Mr. H. Cooper attends to debts. &c.

SwiTCHGEAB CoxsTRUCTiox Co., LTD.— Creditors must send
particulars of their claims, ice, to the controller, Mr. J. H. Stephens.
6, Clement's Lane. Lombard Street, E.C., by Xovember loth.

Trade Announcements. — Messrs. James Scott, Ltd..

electrical and mechanical engineers, of Bootle, have opened
branches at 317, Victoria Dock Road, London, E.. and 27, West
Bute Street, Cardiff, under the management of their 'Mr. E. J.

Ivimmer and Mr. T. W. Plunkett resixctively, who have had
lengthy exix-riencc in electrical work alxiard ships. The firm will
keep a large stock of electrical ships' re(inin'ment6,

SIR. L. Darlev, of Messrs. Hopkins A: Darley, electrical engi-
neers. St. Alljan's Road, Watfonl, having left for military 8ervict\
announces that the business will be continued under the manage-
ment of his wife.

LIGHTING AND POWER NOTES.

Australia. — 'I'lic t^iU'ciislund (i(i\crniiiciii lias uiiprnxcil

of an irrigation scheme for Inkernnin, near liowen. at a cost of
*;l:il.Oilo. The estimates for the scheme are : — Preliminary work,
i:i(>..">Oii ; lifting appliances. .t.'iO.OOO ; power station. £HH.S(I0 ;
distributing network, CHS, 100,

Tumut (,X,S.W,') has decided to install an eloclrio supply plant. -
(\tiiiiiiiiiiirviilfh Hiiijiiiirr.

The .Albury electric lighting schunio. designed by Mr. W. Corin.
chief engineer of the N'.S.W. Public Works Department, is nearly
completed. Electricity will be generated at H.OOO volts, three-
phase, and stepped down to supply a 4 1 5-2 lO-volt. four-wire dis-
tribution system. The distributing cables total about 80 miles,
and are of aluminium. an<I street lights will be controlled by
automatic time-switches. The original estimate of cost of the
scheme was £ll,t100. but. owing to war conditions, it is estimated
that the cost will be about *: 20,000.

Barnsley. — I" connection with the jiroposed supply of

electricity to hotises in Mount Verniui Road, the Electricity and
Lighting Committee has recommended that negotiations be o]ii'neii
with the Electrical Distribution of Yorkshire, Ltd.. for its sanrtion
to the issue of a Fringe Order tmder Section 11 of the Elertric
Lighting .Act. 100'.), or alternatively for the supply of electri-ity in
bulk at the borough boundary on suitable terms.

Birmingham. — CooltnCt Tower Plant. — Tiic Electricity

.Supply Committee reports that it has not been found possible to place
the cooling towers for the Xechells temporary generating station on
the site originally proposed, and they are to be erected on a portion
of the land intended for the permanent station. The total extra
cost is estimated at :— t") Cooling pond and tower foundations,
extra. il.'iO ; (A) alterations to railway sidings, it.'i.'io ; (/■) pipe line,
valves and supports, including supporting bridge across the River
Rea, ffi,8.S0, The Committee recommends that t he alteration be
approved, and that application be made to the L,(;.B. for sanction
to the necessary loan,

Bradford. — Progress Report. — In n lepoit on the

work of the electricity undertaking during the municipal year
ending this month, the Electricity Committee mentions that the
total output for the year was 33,tiO,'),lS{> units, an increase of
.1,161,418 imits on the preceding 12 months, being the highest
increa,se so far recorded. Bulk supply accounted for 3. 157. .521
units and motive power and heating l,8S7,(i(il units of this increase.
Private and public lighting and night supply to the tramways fell
off. but these decreases were practically counterbalanced by
additional day supply to the tramways. The income for the
period was £167,177. an increase of £19,438 : but, due to increa.sed
expenditure and additional capital charges, the net profit was
£15,988, or some £3.000 less than in the previous year. Out of
this, £7,500 was placed to rate relief, the remainder being applied
to depreciation. Early this year it was considered necessary to
extend the steam and electrical plant at Valley Road, at a cost of.
roughly, £50,000 in each case ; only the extension to the boiler and
cooling plant was approved, and a subsequent application for
sanction to the raising of £100,000 for additional generating plant
and transmission extensions were also refused by the L.G.B.
During the year a 5.flOo-KW. tiu-bo-alternator has been put to work,
also two 1.500-KW. rotary converters, while an older rotary has been
replaced by a modern 1,500-KW, set.

The boiler house and cooling tower extension is progressing, and
although it will not be complete for three months, it is hoped to
use one l)oiler during the coming heavy-losul periods. The Thorn -
bury sub-station has been extended in connection with the supply
to the Yorkshire Power t'o.

In onler to relieve the congestion at the works caused by horsed
vehicles delivering coal, the coal in some weeks amounting to 50
per cent, above that required in the corresponding period last year,
two 5-ton electric tipping wagons are being procured : for ash disposal
a 3i-ton electric tipping wagon is also in use. Ten additional trans-
former chambers have been equippetl. making a total of 45 ; 65
transformers of 10.9O9 k.v.a. are in use in them. A total of 67
miles of underground and 3 miles of overhead e.h.t. transmission
is in use. Seven new bulk agreements and three renewed agree-
ments represent a total of 6.851 Kw.. mostly new business obtained ;
the half-year to September 30th showed an increase of 5.000,000
units sold on the corresponding period of 1915. being equal to the
increase of the whole of the previous year, and it is anticipated
that the rate of increase will he maintained.

Bury. — Loan Saxction. — The L.G.B. has sanctioned
the borrowing of £600 for the cable required to give a supply of
current to a local works.

Canada. — The fifth annual report on the working of the
Toronto hj-dro-elcotric system (for the year 1915) shows a gross
inccire of $1,620,187, whUe working expenses amounted to 8979.208,

Vol. -9. No. 2.030, October 20, lOKi.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

435

leaving: a gross surplus of S64M,'.t7S ; ileducting intere,st and
sinkinpr fund and depreciation payments amounting to $(524, 067.
and sundry other charges amountiuf; to $18,773, there remained a
balance for the year of $3,137. The surplus shows a large
reduction compared with 1914, which is accounted for by the con-
siderable reduction in the scale of chartjes which took place in
January, 1915, under the advice of the Ontario Hydro-electric
Power Commission, from whom energ'y is purchased in bulk. The
consumers numbered 3.S,834, as ajjainst 31,, TOO in 1914 ; the
meters in use were 39,284, as asrainst 33,97t; : the street lanterns
numbered 43,411, as compared with 40,,59K,

Durinjj the year, 109„501,981 units were sold, a.s compared with
82,927,01.") units durinfr 1914. the connected load amountinif to
1 11,413 H. p. and the ])eak load to 40,18(1 h,p. The average price
obtained for KW. -hours sold for the year shows a reduction of over
1 7 per cent. During the year, two sub-stations have been constructed.
one of them having a branch store attached where accounts can be
paid and the latest appliances can he obtained. New mains have
been laid, bisecting the existing ring mains from which the whole
supply in the city radiates. Half-watt public lighting has been
introduced into Toronto Street and part of Richmond Street ; this
type of lighting was offered to the city in 191.5, but the alterna-
tive— a reduction of the rate w-ith the old type of lighting— was
accepted by the Council. Roughly, the output sold has increa.sed
by an average of 25 million units a year for the last four years.

The report contains a declaration by the Commissioners of their
financial policy, which is interesting ; the Commissioners set aside
each .year, (1) interest on debentures ; (2) sinking fund sufficient
to pay off debentures at maturity ; f3") depreciation — such sum as
will amount at the end of the lifetime of the plant of an amount
sufficient to replace same. This indication of policy is, it is stated,
made because a proposal by the Finance Commissioners of the city,
in future to issue debentures limited in term to the life of the asset
for the purcha.se of wivich they are issued, has led to an impression
that a depreciation fund can therefore be dispensed with. The
Commissioners regard their allocation to depreciation as an obliga-
tion of sound policy and finance, designed, inter nliu. to prevent the
accumulation of city indebtedness for hydro-electric construction
to such a level as might injuriously affect the credit of the city.

This view of the matter is not exactly that held in this country.
where the same subject wa.s discussed at great length some years
ago, and it was for the most part agreed that posterity could fairly
be allowed to undertake its own financial obligations, especially if
a prosperous business were handed over to it.

Chesterfieid.^ — The L.O.B. has intimated that it is ihl-

pared to sanct ion the borrowing of K 20,fi00 for the extensions at
the electricity works, when certain particulars have been furnished
regarding the proposed turbine plant, and the work being put in
hand at once.

Continental.— Norway. — The Christiania nmniripal

electricity installation completed the twenty-fifth year of its ex-
istence in August. The city draws its electric supply from four
waterfalls, which it has successively acquired and partly developed,
the aggregate output of which is reckoned at 59,200 KW. delivei'ed
in the city. The progress of the undertaking has been steadily
upward, the first year's actual working (1893) showing current
delivered to 9,930 glow lamps and 21 motors, compares with, to-day,
470,861 glow lamps, 1,965 arc lamps and 5,140 motors of private
consumers, and 62S glow lamps and 21 7 arc lamps for public lighting.
Receipts in 1893 totalled .160.000 kroner, and working surplus
42,000 kroner, against 3,750.000 kroner, and a working surplus of
1,340,000 kroner at la.st account. Lately an agreement has been
come to with the Government for the joint development of the
municipality's waterfall of Solbergfos and the States waterfall of
llorkefos. the chairman of the Committee being electrical engineer
Thome, one of the municipality's representatives.

A hydro-electric station is under construction at the Mesna Falls,
near Lillehammer, to supply an additional 1,000 H.P. to the cartridge
and powder factory situated at the Raufos. The contributory com-
munes of Gjovik, Faaberg, &c., are to be supplied from the s'ame
source.

It is stated that a Franco-American syndicate is arranging to
establish a large elect rotechnical establishment in Telemarken.
The water power required will be at least 100,000 H.P. It wa.s at
first intended to acquire a site in Swedish Xorrland. but the
unfavourable political situation in the Gulf of Bothnia disposed of
the idea.

The municipal authorities of Stavanger have decided to obtain a
loan of 6,000,000 kroner for the electric development of the waterfall
of Dargefos.

Spain. — La Sociedad Electrica de Mora la Nueva is the name of
a new company which has lately been formed to establish a small
central electric lighting station in the town of Mora la Nueva, in
the Province of Sarragossa.

A concession has recently been granted for the establishment of
a plant to utilise the water power of the Rivers Lobaras and
Landro in the generation of electrical energy forlighting and power
purposes in the Ferreira district of the Province of Lugo.

The Sociedad Minera y Metalurgica de Penarroya intends to
establish two generating stations, one at Puertoblano of 20,000-H.P,
capacity, and the other at Belmez of 12.000 H.P., using low-grade
coal as fuel. The equipment will be that of the old Sociedad de
Gasification Industrial, now defunct. The current generated will
be partly utilised for the Society's own railways, and partly sold to
other industries. — Indu.it rin e Invencimies.

Italy. — La Societa Consorzio per Elettrotrazione is the name of
a new undertaking which has recently been organised in Milan
with a capital of i;60,000, to develop projects for the establish-

ment of electric power stations in the country, more especially in
connection with the supply of power for railway operation.

Ealing. — Davlioht Saving. — A decrease in sales of

energy by the electricity undertaking of 22'4 per cent, is traced to
the operation of the Daylight Saving Act.

Hereford. — Plant E.xtensions. — The T.C. has been

authorised to carry out extensions estimated to cost £2,310 for
buildings, £1,700 for a railway siding. £16.307 for machinery,
switchgear, A:c., and £3.213 for mains, for the electricity under-
taking ; as this is £5.530 in excess of the sum applied for last
June, the L.G.B. is to be asked to sanction the surplus.

Horsham. — • )ffers are to be invited for the maintenance

of the storage battery at the electricity works for a further jieriod
of 10 years from the expiration of the existing contracts with th(!
Tudor Accumulator Co.

Liverpool. — Proposed Extensions. — The question of

enlarging the city generating station will shortly be considered by
the City Council.

London. — Bethnal Green. — The B. of G. has received

a report from the chief engineer on the possibility of running the
laundry plant Cat present hand-operated) by electric power or gas.
owing to the shortage of labour. He estimates the cost of motor-
driven plant at £200andof gas-driven plantat £227. and an annual
saving on the working of £85 if electricity was adopted as a
motive power and £41 if gas was used, as compared with the costs
at the present time.

The Committee recommends that subject to the sanction of the
L.G.B., steps be taken to run the plant by electricity,

M.\BY1,EB0XE. — The general manager's report on the working of
the electricity department for the June quarter shows that
3,177,038 units were sold, representing a net increase of 3'57 per
cent, over June. 1915. The net revenue from the sale of electricity
and meter rentals amounted to £31,948, being an increase over last
June of £1,605: improvements in sundry revenue bring the in-
crease up to £2,480, The total expenditure for the quarter
amounted to £ 1 7,281 , an increase as compared with the June quarter,
1915, of £408, The total average costs per unit sold were r30.5d.,
as agamst r318d. for the previous June quarter. The result of
the quarter's working shows a net improvement in the balance
available for capital charges of £2,072, making a total of
£17.94,5.

The Electricity Committee reports that after aliout three years'
running of the two Oerlikon turbine sets (described in our issue of
December 5th, 1913) these turbines have been opened up for
examination ; Xo. II was found to be in good condition, and the
low-pressure wheels of No. lu were found to be slightly corroded.
During the three years these machines have run 27,009 hours out of
a possible 50,352 hours, and have generated 56,032,(i84 units, or
84(16 per cent, of the total units generated. They have cost for
repairs £ 45 and for oil £ 1 36. very low figures, amounting to ■00078d.
per unit generated.

The Electricity Committee recommends that, owing to ex-
ceptional circumstances prevailing, an increase of wages varying
from Is, to 3s, per week be made to all male employes of the elec-
tricity supply department other than the clerical staff.

Hackney. — The Electricity Committee recommends the granting
of an additional bonus of 3s. (making 5s. in all) to the men
employed in the electricity undertaking and refuse destructor works,
the total wages, including war bonus, not to exceed 45s. per week.

IJnliinij-up Srheme. — The Committee also recommends that, sub-
ject to the North Metropolitan Electric Power Supply Co. agreeing
to the terms and conditions of an agreement to be approved by the
Electricity Committee, on behalf of the Council, and subject to the
approval of the B. of T. and the L.C.C.. the necessary steps l)e
taken to proceed with the linking-up of the two undertakings, at
an estimated cost of £ 6.500.

Itpii.iinn itf Chnrfiex. — The Electricity Committee further recom-
mends the following additions to the present scale of charges for
electricity for lighting and power, a« from the reading of the
meters for the December quarter, a fixed minimum charge of 7s, 6d.
per quarter for lighting, and 10s. per quarter for power ; a per-
centage increase for electricity for lighting from 17i per cent., less
•2h per cent, to 20 per cent., less 5 per cent, for prompt payment,
and for power a percentage increase of 30 per cent, above normal
rates, less 5 per cent., in lieu of 17i per cent, less 2J jjer cent.

The Committee recommends that, in view of the high cost of
fuel and the difficulty of obtaining labour, the official test of the
5,00(i-K\v, turbo-alternator be carried out on the town load, instead
of an artificial load, the contractors being willing to make a
deduction of £ 1 20 if the test is so carried out.

An explosion and fire occurred at the Smithfield Markets Electric
Supply Co.'s premises on the lUh inst., which resulted in both light
and power being cut off in the market and cold storage. The
Meat 'friii/ex' .Jiniriinl comments on the absurdity of depending on
a single source of electric supply, but probably the movement in
favour of linking-up electricity undertakings will remedy this in
the near future.

Luddenden Foot. — Provlsional Order. — The York-
shire Electric Power Co, has notified the U,D.C, that, as the B. of T.
is now prepared to consider the granting of provisional orders for
public works, the company proposes to proceed with its orginal
scheme of applying for a lighting order fox the district.

Nuneaton. — -The T.C. has decided to extend the mains,

at an estimated cost of £500. which will be met out of the pro-
ceeds of the sale of a generator ; the present revenue from the
extension will be about a £100 a year. From October loth the
charge for current for power is to be increased by 10 per cent.

m)

THE ELECTRICAL EEYIF^W. rvoi, :•... nv -,,13.,, (htomku 2m, p.mc.

1

Radcliffe. — Bt i.k Sirri.Y. — The U.DA'. luis notififd

the Bury (Corporation that it intends to exercise its option of
renewin',' the aprreement in respect to the supply of electricity in
Imlk for a further period of five years.

Redruth. — Pnti-ic LiRHTiNr;. — Tliu Lifrlitiii!.' Cimi-

raittee reported that a further concession of i'XJ has been obtained
from the electric supply company in consequence of reduce*!
lifhtin?. makinjr £174 in all. The total contract was for «;."i.")2
jier annum.

Salford. — Daylight Saving. — Tlie electririty dopiirt-

ment estimates that the Summer Time .\ct has led to a reduction
of £2.."iOO in the value of the current consumed for lijihting' pur-
poses ; this represents a savinj; of l.loo tons of coal. With coal at
1 "s. 8d. a ton, the estimate*! net loss to the departnumt is about
i:i..">(lil. but the increase in the demand for power more than
counterbalances the loss of revenue due to daylijrht savintr.

Southend-on-Sea. — It lias Wvu ajirced to allnciiii;

i; 6.110(1 from the electricity undertakinjr for the relief of the rates.

Stafford.— PurcE Ixcreask.— The T.C. ha.s decided to
increase the price of enersfy for lighting to 7Jd. per unit, less
." per cent, for prompt payment of accounts, as from October 1st last.

Sunderland. — Proi'o.^kd Loax. — The T.C. lias decided

to apply to the L.G.B. for sanction to the borrowinjr of .t4.i.24(; for
plant extensions at the electricity works. It is proposed to add a
7..")00-KW. turbine unit, bringing the plant capacity up to 14,200 KW.

Tasmania. — Hydro-Electric Developments. — In

view of the increased demands which it is expected will be made
by metallurgical undertakings upon the Government Hydro-
Electric Department for power, it is understood that steps are
being taken to obtain data respecting Lake St. Clair, situated some
2o miles westerly from the Great Lake. Lake St. Clair, it is stated
has a surface area of about 30 miles, and varies in depth to tiOO ft.
If anticipations are realised, a fall of approximately 1,000 ft. will
be obtainable when this supply is harnessed. The general pro-
gramme of the Tasmanian Government in connection with hydro-
electric power for industrial purposes has been outlined In Minis-
terial statements already published. Unofficial estimates have been
made giving the present nominal capacity from the existing works
at the Great Lake as equal to some In.oOO HP., and the approxi-
mate total which may ultimately be developed a,s up to 100,000
HP.— liiifixli Aii.ifrala.siiiii.

The Commonirealth Eiirfineer recently published a letter from
Mr. J. H. Butters, chief engineer of the Hydro-Electric Depart-
ment, which, amongst other things, stated that the department has
so far entered into the following contracts only :— H.-iOO, rising to
10,000 H.P.. to the Metallurgical Co. : 30,000 h.p. to the Amal-
gamated Zinc Co. ; and 2.000 H.P., plus normal development, to
Hobart and suburbs. The Government has made no contract with
the Mount Lyell Co., but has under consideration the supply of up
to .^0.1 lOO H.P. to it, not from the Great Lake scheme, but from
other sources. Data collected in connection with the Great Lake
dam shows that the figure of 3.5.000 H.p. (all day and night) is con-
servative and oO.OOO H.P. continuously could be obtained, or, with
subsidiary power, 55,000 H.P.

Wakefield. — Loan Sanction. — The L.G.B. has sanc-
tioned the borrowing of £3.000 for the provision of an economiser at
the electricity works.

Watford. — No LiNKiNG-iTp. — The Electricity Committee
is of opinion that no advantage would be gained by way of linking-
up. and that it should take no part in the conference being called
to consider the matter.

Winchester. — The T.C. ha,*; sent out circulars to small

consumers of current, inviting them to increase their consumption
to the value of £2 6s. 8d. per annum, so as to avoid the necessity of
enforcing the minimum charge which the Corporation is entitled
to make.

TRAMWAY and RAILWAY NOTES.

Australia. — The financial statement of the Adelaide

Municipal Tramways Trust for the half-year ended July 31st last,
for which we are indebted to Mr. W. G. T. Goodman, the chief
engineer, shows that thei-e was a gross balance after meeting
working expenditiure on the Adelaide and Port Adelaide systems
of £65, 40;t, which, with the balance of £3.164 brought forward.
made a total of £68,573 for appropriation. From this £9,069 was
taken for renewals, £27,071 for interest, £24,251 for sinking fund
and other amounts for interest, leaving £3.876 to be carried
forward.

The gross revenue was £10,506 better than in the corresponding
period of 1915.

The renewals account now amounts to £107,581, the sinking
fund account to £203,683, and the insurance reserve to £8,985.

Electrification- of Cable Tramways.— The Melbourne City
Council has adopted the recommendation of the Public Works
Committee that the Government be urged to provide for placing
electrical equipment underground if it is decided to electrify the
cable tramway. The Lord JIayor stated that any suggestion to
install the overhead system of electric traction would meet with the
Council's strongest opposition. — yfelbo'/rne Aye.

The \ictoriaM (lovennuent lu'iiposes shortly to introduce a Bill
for the permanent control of the metroiiolitan tramwa.vs, both
cable and electric : the Bill will also provide for ]>ayment of com-
pensation to the Railway Commissioners for the loss of revenue
on suburban railways affected by the competition of tramways.
The proiwsed new authority will also take over the electric supjily
and control of parks and gai-dens.

The SIclbourne City Council has decided toop]>osi' any Hill of this
nature.

Birmingham. — rhe Incal ]ia|)ers refer at consideralile
leiiLLtli to the i>o.ssible stoppiigc of the tramways during iicriods
when the city power stations are uueiiiuU to the great demand
being nuide upon them at the present tinu'. The lilectric Supply
Committee, in a report, states that in a year the nuiximum demand
rose by 12.000 KW., thus exceeding the 10,0(Ki kw. of new iilant
brought into use. The coal conveyors at Summer Lane station
were provided for 26,500 kw.. but 3li,500 KW. of plant is now
installeil. and the conveyors, due to the heavy duty, are in need of
substantial repairs. A larger proportion of better-class coal is to be
employed, and an order has been placed for new conveyor parts, an
additional chimney and economiser, and for increasing the areas of
the grates. The tramway stoppage of Wednesday, last week. « as
due to a turbine breakdown at the Nechells station, which it is
now stated will be put right within 10 days. The tramway
dcjiartinent has made arrangements to provide conductors witli
" bi'fakdown" tickets to exchange for tho,se held by ps^ssengers in
cars which are held up, such tickets being available for the
nnuainder of the journey at a later date.

Burnley. — Free Tickets. — 'I'hc Tiannvays Coiuiiiitlee

has decided to recommend the T.C. to provide special free tickets
for wounded soldiers, entitling them to travel either singly or in
parties on any car, at any time, and from or to any point on tlie
.system of the local tramways.

Canada. — It is stated that die ('anadiaii i'acitii' liailway
will electrify its line between Kingston and Renfrew in llw near
future, and that a power plant will lie installed on the Mi--.i--i|iiii
river at Sharbot Lake to develop power for this project as wi 11 as to
supply current to Kingston and vicinitv. fn/iiii/iri/i J-:i( ,1 nml
yni:-.'.

Continental. — Italy, — The Central rmiirian iiailway.

opened provisionally with steam traction, will next year be con-
verted to electric working, the current being supplied by the
Societa dei Carburo di Calcio. Energy from the station at Pajiigno
will be transformed at Marsciano to single-phase current for the
supply of the contact lines, which will be on the catenary system.
The traffic will be worked by locomotives, each equipped with four
single-phase motors of 90 h.p. each. — I.' Infienrvin Ferroriar'ut.

Norway. — It is proposed to start a compan.y to manufacture
electric automobiles. The share capital required is estimated at
800,000 kroner, working expenses at 270,500 kroner, and the
receipts at 420,000 kroner per year. Output is estimated pro-
visionally at 160 motor-cars yearly. Later the building of auto--
mobiles lie lii.iv is projected.

It is under consideration to convert to electric working the rail-
way line from Bergen to Xestun, the power to \x drawn from the
Bergen municipal station.

The plans are being prepared for the construction of an electric
railway to connect Trondhjem with Fjeldsseter. the scheme having
Government approval. I

Spain. — La Socidedad Tranvias de Zaragoza has drawn up ttM
scheme for the construction of a further line of electric tramway"^
in the town of Saragossa : in accordance with the usual plan in ,
that country, the carrying through of the project is being put up
by the Government to public tender.

A new company is reported te'be in course of formatiion at Aviles ■
with the object of constructing a new electric tramway to connect
the towns of Villalegre, Aviles and Castrillon,

Dublin. — The receipts of the Dublin United (Electric)

Tramw,ays Co. for the half-yearly term show an aggregate to
October 13th of £219,786, as against £251,240 in the corresponding
period of last year, a decrease of £1,454. The weekly receipts ,
have shown a steady increase of late, and there can be no doubt
that the half-year will conclude with a substantial balance to
credit.

Ealing. — As a re.su It of necfotiations, the Council has

agreed not to press the London United Tramways Co. in regard to .'
reconstruction of tracks after the war. if the necessary work of
improving the condition of the track is carried out now. '

Glasgow. — Through dissatisfaction with the attitude >

taken up by the management, the position of the engineers in the •
employment of the Tramways Committee is again expected to be '
brought before the local Munitions Tribunal, Failing an amicable
settlement, the probability is that the men will, under the terms of''
the Sheriffs award, make apjilication for their clearance certificates.
Close upon 1 ,000 men are affected. ,

Lanarkshire. — Women car conductors in the employment j

of the Lanarkshire Tramways Co. are threatening to resign in
batches, owing to the prevalence of hooliganism in the districts ,
tapped by the system. The company has issued posters threatening
to discontinue the early morning service and all cars after dusk, .
unless the rowdy element immediately disappears.

Oulton Broad.— Bulk Supply.— The Lowestoft T,C.

has decided to continue on the same terms the supply of current in
bulk to Oulton Broad,

Vol. 7!.. xo. 2,030, OCTOBER 20, i9i(i.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

437

Southend-on-Sea. — The cnirineer has ivix>rted on the

difficulty ot dealing' with rail corrutration under present conditions,
and of keeping- the cars in repair — due to the restricted supply of
material. Arrangements are to be made, if pos.sible, to permit of
the rail corrug^ation machine being- used when traffic is suspended.

It has been decided to allocate £3.300 from the tram-vray funds in
relief of the rates.

Wages. — The Tramways Committee has resolved that male
drivers, conductors, and inspectors with 12 months' service be
granted a war bonus of 2s. per week, additionni tn the existing
\\ ar bonus of 2s. per week.

TELEGRAPH and TELEPHONE NOTES.

Australia. — The Government has completed the purchase

(it the Shaw Wireless. Ltd., works for £55,000. The founder of
the concern, the Re?. A. J. Shaw, died in Melbourne on
August 2t)th.

The plant is said to be capable of producing most of the require-
ments for wireless equipment. The wireless system in -iustralia
is now controlled entirely by the Navy Department. The works ot
Shaw Wireless. Ltd.. will become a naval establishment, but work
will also be performed for the postal and defence departments. It
is also probable that the system of wireless telegraphs in Australia,
now confined to the coast, will be extended inland.

Mr. Balsillie. the wireless expert, who has been making experi-
ments in the matter of causing rain by wireless waves, states that
he has proved conclusively that rain can be stimul.ited by electrical
means. His experiments have proved that at least 3H per cent, of
the stimulation can be maintained. He emphasises the point that
he does not claim to produce rain — only to stimulate light
showers. — Aiirl;linul Weelihj Xetcs.

Manchester, — There was a large attendance of the

telegraph and telephone workers ot Manchester and the surround-
ing districts at a meeting, on Simday. at which a resolirtion
demanding arbitration respecting their claim for wage increases of
">.. 4s„ and 5s, was passed. The resolution further declared that
t he advances offered by the Government were quite inadequate.

New Zealand. — The Auckland wireless station, which
has been closed since May, 1915, has been reopened.

The Government has decided to erect a wii-eless station at
Rarotonga, which will constitvite another link in the Empire, as
many islands of the Pacific, such as Samoa and Fiji, will be
brought into closer touch with New Zealand, and, consequently,
with other portions of the Empire, The work will be carried out
by the Post and Telegraph Department.

The Government is to enter into an agreement with the Eastern
Extension Cable Co, with regard to a proposal to remove the cable
station from Wakapuaka to Wellington. — Auckland Weekly .Vi?h>'.

Russia. — The Russian (TO\ernment has requested the
. Great Northern Telegraph Co. to recall all the Danish operators
employed at the company's stations in Russia, including Petrograd,
for the duration of the war, and replace them by Russians. No
foreigners are to be employed in futiu-e in the Russian Postal or
Telegraph Service.

Spain. — It is reported that the S]ianish ilinistrv of Posts

and Telegraphs is contemplating the purchase of a steamer specially
equipped for the repair of the -iilimariiie telPL'-rnjih fables owned
I'v the Spanish Government.

CONTRACTS OPEN and CLOSED.

OPEN.

Australia. — Svdxey — .January i'2nd, r,)17. Elerirical

plant (converter, battery, booster, and switchboards) for the
Castlereagh Street sub-station, for the Mimicipal Council. Specifi-
cation from E.L, Department, Town Hall.*

January Sth. Jlimicipal Council Electric Lighting Department.
33,0U(i-volt switchgear. E.L, Department, Town Hall. Specifica-
tion Ids. (id.

Melkourne.— October 31st and November Sth. Deputy P.M.G.
Telephone parts ; switchboard ; instruments, &c. Schedules Nos.
I,3ti3. l.SCt. a.yu\ 1.3(i.S.*

December 11th. City Council. Supply and erection of coal
trans.iorter plant. See " Official Notices " September 15th.

Perth.— November Sth. P.M.G. Accumulator parts (Schedule
527 W.A.).*

South Australia.— November loth. P.M.G.'s Department.
Automatic switchboards and all associated apparatus, for telephone
exchanges. Brighton and Glenelg.

Dublin. — November 2iid. Great Northern Railway Co.
(Ireland). Contracts for general stores for 12 months (including
several electrical items). See " Official Notices " October 13th.

Johannesburg. — November ISth. South African Rail-
ways Administration, 71,778 tungsten drawn-wire lamps, 19,7il
solid-drawn tungsten lamps, and 2,412 carbon-filament lamps,'

November 20th, Corporation, 500 or 1,000 trolley wheels for
tramcars (Contract No, 181),*

November 27th. Corporation, 1,000 sets ot single-pole, ironclad
lioitse-service cut-outs (Contract No. 187).*

Manchester, — (October 2-tth. Corjwration Tramways.

Hard-drawn copper trolley wire. Mr. .T. M, McElroy, General
Manager, 5."i. Piccadilly, Manchester.

New Zealand, — Dusedix. — .January 24th. 1917. Motor-
generator, accessories and spares. City Electrical Engineer, Market
Street, Dunediu.*

Specifications for the Items marked * can be seen at the Board
of Trade Commercial Intelligence Branch in London.

CLOSED.

Glasgow. — The Tramways Committee reeommends for
acceptance the tender of Messrs. Edgar Allen & Co., Ltd., for special
trackwork,

London. — The Metropolitan Asylums Board reports that

the agreements with the Tudor AccumtUator Co, for the main-
tenance of the batteries of electric vehicles Nos, 2 and 3, at Queen
Mary's Hospital, expired on September 26th. The assistant
engineer states that the present is a very unsatisfactory time for
entering into new contracts of this description, ovriug to the high
cost of materials, and he advises that the existing agreements
should be extended for a period of 12 months, which the company
is willing to agree to. The agreements provide for the payment
of Ud. and lid. per mile nm respectively for the two vehicles, one
of which is 25 cwt. and the other 30 cwt. The Committee recom-
mends that the ag-reements be so extended.

L.C.C. — The Stores and Contracts Committee reports that the
current contracts for the supply of general stores, including
electric cables, lamp fittings. iV:o., will expire on December 31st
next. For the supply for 1917 the Committee proposes to continue
the present practice of purchasing some classes of goods at the
current market rates or under special quotations ; in other cases
new forms of tender and schedules are being prepared. The
tenders will be received early in November, and, a.s the
number will he comparatively large, the Committee recommends
that it be authorised to open the tenders to be received for the
supply of goods included in the general stores section, 1917,

M.\RVLEB0NE, — The Electricity Committee reports that, owing
to the fluctuations in the prices of materials and the abnormal
conditions generally, it is not possible to obtain satisfactory tenders
for goods or to enter into acceptable contracts. The Committee
has therefore authorised the general manager to purchase such
goods as aie required in the open market on the best terms obtain-
able, and to report all such purchases to the Committee.

Malvern. — U.D.C. Coal (.500 tons of Highley slack) for
tlip electricity works : South Wales A: Cannock Chase Coal Co.

Paisley.— Corporation. Tenders for new hiorh-tensiou

switchboard : —

British Thomson-Houston Co., Ltd £2,862

British Westinghouse Electric, &c„ Co,, Ltil 2,85*

Siemens Bios. Dynamo Works, Ltd 2,693

It was agrreed to accept the offer of Messrs. Siemens^ Bros., as being

the lowest, delivery to be made within 18 weeks,

Spain. — La Compania Electrica del Urumea, of 8an

Sebastian, has just placed a contract with Messrs. Piccard, Pictet
and Co,, of Geneva, for the con.struction of a 2,300-H.P. hydraulic
turbine, designed to work under a head of about 600 ft. and to run
at a speed of 500 R.P.M. A 1.600-KW. three-phase alternator to nm
in conjimction with the same machine has also been ordered from
Messrs. Brown, Boveri i!c Co.. of Baden.

Wakefield. — Corporation :

E. Green & Son, Ltd.— Foundations and brickwork for an additional

economiser at the electricity works, £624.
Sturlevant Engineering Co. — New chimney, X890.

Walthamstow. — U.D.C. l.')2 time switches for street

lighting : Venner Time Switches. Ltd.

Wednesbury. — T.C. .iOO-k\\'. rotary con\'erter, with

transformer, starting and switch gear, duplicate main and venti-
lating gear : British Westing-house Electric & Manufacturing Co..
Ltd.. £,•5.1 90.

FORTHCOMINQ EVENTS.

Institution of Mechanical Engineers.—Friday. October 20th. .\i 6 p.m.
At the Institution of Civil Engineers, Great George Street, Westminster,
S.W. Paper on " Trials on a Diesel Engine, and Application of Energy
Diagram to obtain Heat Balance," by the late Lieut. Trevor Wilkius, to
be presented by Professor Burstall.

Institution ot Electrical Engineers (Western Local Section).— Monday,

October 23rd. .At 5.10 p.m. At Merchant Venturers' Technical College,
Bristol, -\ddress by the chairman. Prof. D. Robertson.

Institution of Civil Engineers.— Tuesday, October 21th. At 5. .30 p.m. At
Great George Street, Westminster, S.\V. James Forrest Lecture, '* The
Development of .-ippliances for Handling Raw Materials and Merchandise
at Ports and other large centres of traffic," by Sir ,T, P. Griffith.

438

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

I Vol. 711. X,i. i.D-M). OrTiiiiKit 2(1, litlt!.

NOTES.

Engineers' Wages. — A Ccmffix-na' of re])resenfati\es of

the Enjrineers Employers' Fe<teration and the Amaljramated Society
of Enfrineers and kindre<l allieii trade organisations was held at York,
when the question of increases in wajfes was discussed. The pro-
ceedin;rs lastetl all day, but no satisfactory result was arrived at. The
application of tlie enjrineers was for an advance of !is. per week.
It is believed an offer of (!s. per week was made, but this was not
acceptable to the meu"s representatives. The question will now be
referred to the Government Productions Committee.— ,¥»(■/;;««
/>»../. ■'

Memorial to Sir Wm. Ramsay. — A uuitiiitr to consider

the stops to be taken to raise a memorial to the late Prof Sir
William Ramsay. K.C.B.. F.R.S.. will Ix- held at University CoUeire.
London, on Tuesday, October Slst. After the meetinfr. the Director
of the University Collejre Chemical Laboratories. Prof. J. Xorman
Collie, F.R.S., will deliver a memorial lecture on '■ The Scientific
Work of Sir William Ramsay."

Copper Prices. — The AVekk's Changes. — Messrs.

F. Smith A; Co. report, Wednesday, October 18th :— Electrolytic
bars rose from iHa to £U3 ; ditto sheets, from .£lf>0 to AUU :
ditto rods, from 1 1.51 to .£152 ; ditto H.c. wire, no chang-e.

Messrs. James A: Shakespeare report, Wednesday, Octolxir 18th :-
Copper bars, sheets and ro<is(he.st.selecte<l) rose from £l(!r> to £16S.

Strength of Copper Wire Splices.— The U.S. Bureau of

standards has recently made a number of special transmission line
studies in attempting to prescribe suitable sags in line conductors
which would at once meet the requirements for proper unit stresses
under the maximum assumed loading conditions, and also provide
reasonable assurance against their blowing together in the wind

Tests wer« made on the mechanical strength of Western Union
and sleeve splices, and an investigation was made to determine the
relative hardness of the surface and interior of different grades of
copper, as well as their ability to withstand injurv and vibratiou.

Specimens of Xo. (i medium wire broke at 1.13.1 lb,, or ."il.KKi lb.
per sq. in. A Western Union splice without solder broke at 44!l lb
showing very little strength unless the splice is soldered. Two
Western Union splices were made up very similariv, but one was
heated in the soldering process to a very much higher temperature
than the other ; one broke at 7.il lb. at a point close to the splice
where the effect of the heat had annealed it. The other wire was
not heated to such a high temperature, and went to 1,077 lb nearly
the full strength of the wire. A sleeve splice failed at about the
same as the soldered splice, 1,03.5 lb., which is practically the full
strength of the wire.

Hard-drawn wire or medium wire will anneal at about 250° C
or, perhaps, something under that temperature, if held there for
1 o!?-^ p ™%, ^°^'^'^'^ ''''" ''"^ somewhere in the neighbourhood of
. o ^ . ""^r*" '■' ^ margin which is not very great, some 50 or
M) C., in which soldering can be done without any serious injury
to the wire. ' '

The faUure of a soldered joint occurs not in the joint itself, but
usually just outside of the splice where the wire has been over-
heated. If this weak section is kept below the annealin"
temperature, a strong splice will result, even though the middle
region of the splice be heated to a much higher temperature It
the soldering can be confined to the middle region of the
wire, and not extended to the end turns, which contribute
little or no strength to the splice, a stronger joint will be
obtained with less injury to the leading-in wires, as well as with
a saving of time and material.

All of the soldered splices tested were made up with a blow
torch. Pouring from a ladle, however, is not so likely to overheat
the wire, and this method is exclusively used bv some companies

.\o_4 medium wire broke at 1.632 lb., or 49.800 lb. per sq in
Iwo -nestern Union splices went to 1.428 and 1,465 lb. In one of
these the wire broke about 1 in. outside of the splice, which may
have been due to some injury there. Neither was injured verV
much by the high temperature. A sleeve splice failed at 1.540 lb
or about 95 per cent, of the full strength of the wire. It requires
trom three to three and one-half turns in the sleeve to secure this
high per cent, of strength. It was found that in every case where
tbe wires were sandpapered before inserting them in 'the sleeve a
greater strength was obtained, particularly on greasy bare wires '

In the small sizes it is very easy to overheat the wires, and Treat
^re must be exercised. The larger wires conduct the heat away
better, and are not so liable to be overheated. Sleeve splices with
proper care, can be made to develop practically the full strength of
the wire, or within a few per cent, of the full strength

Some tests were made to determine the effect of reducing the
section of the wires. A Xo. 6 wire, which was etched down with
acid from 165 to 143 mils, broke at 63,200 lb. per sq. in The
corresponding figure for the full section is 02.000. so that it had
sbowinl'^"^ \T '^-■*""' ^ "^--'"^ by taking off the outer shell,
thro/fh f o' '^"strength of the core is a little greater than
Xo Orf trolW """''"l- 7^^' «Periments were continued on
Xo 00 trolley wire, hard-drawn, where similar results were
obtamed. From these tests it appears that the core of the
^ ttf^ f if hard as the shell. To substantiate this. Dr. Merica,
of tie Metallurgical Dmsion, made some microscopic examinations
^Li^sirr- ''f^''' '^"^ absolutely no difference in the

d,^il f . ? '"'"ul '''^ "''^*""' °* ^°y °°e ^ii-e- but widely
diilerent structures between wires of different sizes and grades

a llr^nJ *" ^'^^^""'"'^ the effect of injury and vibration on wires,
a vibrating machine was built, and some vibration tests were made

on a number of wires. Kiom thes^e incouipUle experiments it
would appear that, for simple vibrations, the harder the wire the
better it will stand up. Soft wire seems to crystallise very quickly.
It is not always the simple vibratiou that (leterniines the life of
the hard-drawn wire. If a hard wire is kinked, and an attempt is
made to remove the kink, the wire will break, while soft wire will
not.

While hard and medium wire may in some respects be objection-
able for general line use, it is bL-lieved that the experiments here
recorded demonstrate that there are no serious limitations to its
use. It has fewer disadvantages, and soft cop]>or more dis-
advantages, than have generally been recognised. -E, R. Siii;i'AKD,
in the Kl,;-trh;il World. (.Abstract.)

" Ha ! — -a Rat ! ! " — How iinich duinuire i-m \h- done in a

moment by a rat lienton exploration a succi-^<lul .|iir-i, il rurrnits
were the object of it— is well shown in the .ir. .,iii|,aii\ m- Ulu-ini-
tion. for which we are indebted to a lady suit. Iil.nanl atinidiuit,
Jliss E. H. Smith. The tragedy occurred in I he Okibiny sub-
station of the Shropshire, Worcestershire and Staffordshire Electric

Power Co. The rat climbed into the cubicle of the truck gear and
got across the high-pressure conductors, tripping every breaker and
causing a complete shut-down for an hour, last Friday. The
damage done was estimated at about £30.

Nitrogen from the Air. — In a letter recently addressed
to the Thill's. Mr. J. Orchiston. M.I.E.E.. chief engineer o'f telegraphs,
Wellington. X.Z., points out that the South Island of Xew
Zealand is richly endowed with magnificent water powers, many
of them coming right down to the water's edge in the sounds on
the south-west coast. Water powers ranging up to 40,000 h.p. can be
obtained at an expenditure of from £5 to £10 per H.P. for the
hydraulic development, and in many cases no transmission lines
would be needed, as the power station could be located alongside
deep water. Heads ranging from 500 ft. to I.OOO ft. or o\er are
procurable, so that the conduits, piping, water-wheels, foundations,
A:c.. need he only of minimum dimensions for the output developed.
In some cases less than a mile of piping is all that would be
required to utilise a head of 1,000 ft. with a constant flow
ranging up to 500 cb. ft. per second, fed from glaciers.

By the construction of a tunnel about five miles in length,
mostly through granite, the whole of the discharge of the Te
Anau Lake, covering an area of 135 sq. miles, could be diverted to
one of these sounds, gi^nng an effective head of nearly 600 ft., and
a constant discharge exceeding 12,000 cb. ft. per second. Few
countries can so easily provide a power of such dimensions
(approximately 700.000 H.P.) at the edge of a deep-water harbour.
There are numerous other water powers available inland, ranging up
to IOo.OOOh.p.. which could be developed at very low cost, but they
are at present not conveniently located for transport purposes, and
would involve fairly long transmission lines.

These waterfalls are located on Crown lands, and before action
could be takeu for their utilisaation a permit would have to be
obtained from the Dominion Government, who would no doubt give a
willing ear to any proposal which would be the means of bringing
capital to the countr and the development of new industries.

Vol. 79. No. 2.030. October io. l-iu;.] THE ELECTRICAL EEYIEW.

439

Fatalities. — Xb;wcastle. — An inquest lias been held upon

the body of a boy named Georsre W. ArrastrOntr. who was killed by
an electrically-driven wheel at the Elswick Works of Messrs.
Armstrong'. Whitworth & Co.. Ltd. A work-mate said he saw
deceased with his head under the 2 ft. 9 in. fencing' round the ropes
driving the wheel. The lad then suddenly slipped or over-
balanced, and fell on to the ropes. All that witness saw after that
was jMrtions of his body ilying about. The motorman in charge
said it took the wheel seven or eight minutes to come to a stand-
still after the current was shut off. The Coroner observed that
deceased was the victici of boyish curiosity, and the jury returned
a verdict of '' Accidental death."

AcTO.N". — According to a weekly newspaper Walter Permain.
thirty-nine, an electrical engineer, of Acton, was killed by electric
shock while at work on overhead electric wires at an Acton
factory. Verdict. " Accidental death."

RoTHBRHAM. — A verdict of "Accidental death" was returned
in the case of G. E. Smith, forty-three, an electiician of Rother-
ham. whose death followed biu'ns sustained at the works of
Messrs. Thomas Firth i: Sons on October 3rd.

Sheffield. — An inquest was held on October 12th into the
death of B. F. Theaker, aged twenty, labourer to an engineer's
fitter, who was killed while working" upon the fitting of a new
brake on an electric crane. It appejired from the evidence that
Theaker's forearm came into contact with 20u-volt live wires while
climbing down into the cage containing the operating handles.
When the current was cut off he fell li ft. into the cage below.
The medical evidence showed that death w.is due to electric shock.
The works superintendent said that the current should have been
switched off before Theaker went up to do the work.

B.iRiiOED. — S. H. Chester, aged sixty-two, an assistant at the
P.D. Colliery. Bargoed, was killed last Sunday week while at work
on a giixler 22 ft. from the ground. He lost his hold and fell
backwards. There were three ,S, 000- volt power lines passing in
proximity to the girder ; the wires were on china insulators and
insulated from the girder. They carried power to the motors
which drove an aerial ropeway. The medical evidence showed
that there were no signs of Chester having been bui-nt by electric
wires. Verdict. " Accidental death."

Bell Signalling in Mines. — The Chief Inspector of

Mines. Dr. R. A. S. Redmayne. has issued a circular drawing
attention to the report of Dr. Wheeler and Prof. Thornton on
electric signalling in mines (abstracted in our issue of August
11th). and stating that in mines to which Regulation 132 applies,
steps must be taken without delay to bring into compliance with
the Regulation any existing installations which do not already
comjily. Xo new apparatus may be installed except such as
complies strictly with the Regulation., The maximum pressure of
25 volts allowed for a signalling circuit is unchang'ed. provided
that wet Leclanche cells (quart size) are employed. Systems using
dry cells or accumulators, or in which D.c. or A.c. generators are
employed, can be made safe if. in addition to the use of anti-sparking
devices, sufficient non-inductive resistance is permanently installed
in the circuit. Bells and relays should have flame-tight covers
(preferably locked), and should be so constructed and maintained
that when included in a circuit with a battery at 2.") volts, the
break-flash produced when bare signal wires are separated after
giving a signal is incapable of igniting an S par cent, methane-air
mixture.

Legal. — At the Manchester City Police Court recently,

according to a local paper. W. P. Theermann. a German subject,
managing director of W. P. Theermann A: Co.. Ltd., electrical engi-
neers. Manchester, was fined £10 for constantly using the telephone
on his premises since the outbi'eak of war without obtaining a
permit.

The Decimal System. — Supporters of Decimal Coiucige

and the Metric System recently decided to form a " Manchester
and District Decimal Association." and a meeting was called by the
Lord JIayor. with a view to ascirtainiug whether the time was
ripe for such a movement. The following resolutions were
unanimously adopted : —

1. That steps be taken forthwith to form an Association to be
called " The Manchester and District Decimal Association." with
powers to examine relevant questions, and. if thought fit. to advo-
cate, either independently or in conjunction with others, the early
adoption by the British Empire of a suitable system of decimal
L't^ins. weig'hts and measures.

2. That the Lord Mayor be the first president of the above
-\siociation. and that Messrs. Soton Barclay, Astbury, Cowan, and
.VUcock he. and they are hereby appointed, a nucleus Committee,
with powers to add to their number, for the furtherance of the
above objects.

Mr. Harry AUcock. M.I.E.E., was elected hon. secretary, and is
now compiling a list of local supporters, and the Committee
hopes to proceed with the work of organising the Association in
the immediate future.

British Department of Minerals. — Last month a pro-

porition to form a central Department of Minerals and Metals
was laid before the Advisory Council for Scientific and Industrial
Research by the Councils of the Iron and Steel Institute, the
Institute of Metals and the Institutions of Mining Engineers and
Mining and Metallurgy. The proposed department would push
forward mineral surveys of the Empire, collect and co-ordinate
information on the occurrence and uses of minerals and on mining'
laws, kc, and atlvise the Government on all questions within its
purview.

National Electric Power Supply.— Orkater London

Area. — At a meeting of the Joint Committee of Engineers
appointed by the Engineers' Committee of the Conference of Local
Authorities in Greater London owning electricity imdertakings.
held at the Institution of Electrical Engineers on Friday, 13th inst.,
Mr. .1. S. Highfield (Metropolitan Electric Supply Co.) stated that
the National Power Supply Joint Committee did not propose to
convene a Committee for the Greater London area, as it was hoped
that the Committee appointed by the Conference would act in con-
junction with the National Committee. It was resolved that : —
" A formal notice be sent to the secretaries of the National Com-
mittee stating that a conference had been formed of representatives
of private and public interests, to consider the best method of
linking-up generating stations in the Greater London area. "
The Joint Committee is constituted as foUo'n's, viz. : —

COMPAXIES.

The Charing Cross. West End and City Electric Supply Co.. Ltd.

The City of London Electric Supply Co.. Ltd.

The County of London Electric Supply Co.. Ltd.

The Kensington and Knightsbridge Electric Lighting Co.. Ltd.

The London Electric Supply Corporation. Ltd.

The Metropolitan Electric Supply Co.. Ltd.

The Westminster Electric Supply Corporation. Ltd.
MfNICIPALITIES.

Mr. G. G. Bell. Hammersmith. Mr. A. C. Cramb. Croydon.

Mr. F. A. Bond. Battersea. Mr. L. L. Robinson. Hacknev.

Mr. E. Calvert. Finchley. Mr. W. C. P. Tapper. Stepney.

Mr. C. A. Baker (London County Council).

Mr. E. T. Ruthven Murray (^orth Metropolitan Power Supplv
Co.. Ltd.).

Mr. H. W. Firth (Great Eastern Railway), with Messrs. F. J.
Walker (St. James' and Pall Mall Co.) and Fred. Tait (Poplar) joint
honorary secretaries.

A Large Searchlight. — The General Electric Co., of

Schenecta<ly. N.Y.. has lately completed, for the U.S. Navy, a
searchlight with a 5-ft. mirror, the rays of light from which can,
it is claimed, be seen at a distance of 200 miles.

Coal Research. — In his capacity as one of the largest

coal consumers in the coimtry. the central-station engineer must
henceforward take keen interest in the efficient utilisation of our
great national asset. Whilst it is too much to expect that the
electrical engineer should also be an expert fuel technologist, the
" chief " must be able to appreciate and utilise the services of a
trained chemist on his staff. Much has yet to be learned con-
cerning the products derived from the distillation of coal by
various processes, and Germany has paid more attention than we
to this matter in the past. The Kaiser Wilhelm Institute for Coal
Research, inaugurated at Mulheim a.d. Ruhr shortly before the
war. has just issued a report presenting the following information : —
(1) By washing coal with liquid sulphuric acid at room temperature
a thick golden yellow mineral oil is obtained, having a not
unpleasant smell. From 1 kg. of ordinary coal about 5 gm. of this
oil are obtained. Using benzol under pressure, about (!0 gm. of
material can be extracted, but this contains only a small propor-
tion of oil. By the separation of this component, the coal loses its
tenacity and falls to powder. (2) By distilling coal with sujjer-
heated steam, a tar is obtained which contains petroleum-like
optically active oil, lubricating oil, and paraffin. (3) By treatment
with ozone, over 92 per cent, of coal can be converted into a brown
mass smelling like caramel, soluble in water, and of unknown com-
position. (4) By a new process about 20 per cent, of ozokerite can
be obtained from lignite, instead of 12 per cent., as heretofore.

Institution and Lecture Notes. — Textile Associa-
tion. — At the seventh annual congress of the Textile Asso-
ciation, which was opened at Leeds University, on Friday last. Dr.
S. A. Shorter, of the University, and Mr. Howard Priestman
delivered a paper and demonstration on " The Electrification of
Textile Fibres." showing the conditions under which wool, silk,
cotton, flax. A:c., may become electrified, and the use of certain
methods of de-electrification. Dr. .Shorter pointed out the ele-
mentary principle that electrification was most pronounced in the
case of bad conductors, on which the energy generated was retained,
and added that as water was a good conductor, it naturally followed
that moisture in any substance tended to diminish electrification.
Silk was the most readily electrified of fabrics, owing to its low
conductivity, but all textile fabrics became electrified. The mere
drying of substances was sufficient to produce electrifica,tion to
some extent. The energy might be discharged in various ways —
by radio-active substances, X-rays, ultra-violet light, and the con-
nection of points.

In a later lecture and demonstration on " The Scientific Prin-
ciples XTnderlying the Process of Textile Scouring." Dr. Shorter
showed, by experiment and demonstration, that whilst the first
principle in the washing of an object or material was the emulsi-
fication of the grease which acted as a binder for the dirt particles,
produced by a lowering of the surface tension between the water
and grease, it was a negative electrical charge which prevented the
oil droplets and the dirt pai-ticles from coagulation, this negative
electrical charge being increased by the presence of alkali.

Amongst other various demonstrations at the Congress were
those in speed and power consumption recording, by Mr. A. Yewdall,
showing the value of employing the tachograph for registering the
regular or irregular running of textile machinery, and the
dynamometer for registering power consumption.

Repeated reference was made, in the course of the proceedings at
the Congress, to the important scheme of research into the electri-

440

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW. [v,.i. :;., No. 3.030, octobku 20, v.nr.

fication of fabrics whicli is beinjr coiuUioted at the University,
iimler the aeg'is of the Textile Institute, by Dr. S. .V. Sliorter. It
was throiiirh the interest of I'rof. W. H. Urajr;.' (Quain Profe.ssor of
the I'niversity of London) in electriail phenomena in the wool
minufaoturinsr processes, that the Institute was fed to inausrurate
anfl maintain at Leeds University a research worker, in the person
of Dr. Short<>r. into this question. Prof. Brafry; himself, in a general
add«ss at the o)>euintr of Congress, quotiil wireless teleirraphy ;is
an illustration of the fact that scientific research was a series of
utter surprises and discoveries, bit by bit. of thing's which made
the extension of onr ))owers possible, and not merely the fore-
i-iitinjf of wonderful thiujrs in the future, baseii upon extension of
1 'lilies which we knew at present. He ur-rwl all entraged in
uianufacturin;.' of any kind to encouraire pure and applied science
by every means in their jmwer.

At the openinsr proceedimrs on the second day of the Con-rress,
the chairman (Mr. Frank Warner. President of the Silk Association)
drew attention to the two main obiect.s of the Institute, which
were, first, to spread and increase knowledge of existing methods
and operations ; and. secondly, to ailvance the general interests of
the industries by means of scientific research. This latter work,
he said. w;is now coming very much to the fore, and one of the
most important researches already proGee<ling was that in Lee<is
by Dr. Shorter on the electrification of fibres. Though no report
was yet available, he was informed that there had been a good deal
of enlightenment already on many hitherto obscure points in the
application of electricity to textile fabrics.

For these researches, tlie Textile Institute has a special fund.
The figure up to the time of the Lee<ls Congress lia»l reached i:24S.
but it is estimated that .iCl.WXl, spread over a jK'riod of three years,
will be required for the research, and it is confidently expected
that that sum will be secured. Several of the subscriptions already
are annual ones.

Society of Engineers. - At the ordinary meeting of the Society.
to \ie held at the apartments of the Geological Society. Burlington
House. Piccadilly, AV.. on December 11th, at 3 p.m.. two papers will
be presented for discussion dealing with the sourtes of minerals
and mineral ores reciuired in the engineering industry of the
United Kingdom. The first paper will be presented bv Prof. W. G.
Fearnsides. JI..i.. Sorby Professor of Geolog.v at the University of
Sheffield, and will deal with the minerals required by the iron and
steel industries. The second will be presented by Prof. C. G.
CuUis, D.Sc, M.I.M.M.. Professor of Economic Mineralogy at the
Imperial College of Science, and will deal with non-ferrous ores.

As the subject for discussion is of exceptional interest at the
present time, and a large number of eminent engineers and
metallurgists will be invited to attend, the Council has decided to
throw the meeting open to the public by tickets, which may be
obtained (gratis) on application to the Secretary. IT. Victoria Street.
S.W. Tea and light refreshments will be pro\-ided at about '> p.m.
Manchester Association of Engineers. In the course of his
presidential address. Mr. F. AV. Reed said that the sudden change-
over of our manufacturing resources from war work to civil work
would be a task of considerable magnitude. A great quantity of
additional machinery and new works which had been forced into
existence by the war would be available, and could, no doubt, be
largely utilised for civil work. The Government would be well
advised, when adjusting war taxation, to see that our industries
were not impoverished. It was necessary to come to a general
understanding with reference to apprentices in all the various
branches of the engineering trades. They did not pay sufficient
attention to the matter of the encouragement and training of
apprentices. They must consider how to make the best use of
adult and other labour- trained in mechanical operations diuing the
war. Arrangements might be considered for the rewarding of
individual effort. Mr. Reed suggested the formation of a Central
Engineering Board, composed of representatives of employers and
labour, whose business it should be to arrange rules and regula-
tions to govern employment to suit modern conditions. It would
be the means of preventing misunderstandings, would tend to
ensure continuitv of work, and might form a final court of appeal
for the settlement of labour and wage disputes.

Institution of Electrical Engineers. — The opening meeting of
the session l'.)l()-17 ^vill take place on Thursday, November !ith. at
H p.m.. when the premiums awarded for papers read or published
during the past session will be presented, and the eighth Kelvin
Lecture. '" Some Aspects of Lord Kelvin's Life and Work," will be
delivered by Dr. Alexander Russell, vice-president.

Wire Lamp Patents. — It is stated tluit tlie (TtTinan

Imperial Court has just given a decision in favour of the Siemens
and Halske Co. in the matter ot the dispute with the A.G. Julius
Pintsch. which rai.=ed the question whether the latter company
was justified in speaking of its glow lamps as having wire
filaments, and in designating its lamps as wire lamps or Siriuswire
lamps, although the filaments were not ])roduced by the drawing
process. The decision is founded upon the finding of the Lower
Coiut that in interested trade circles something special is understood
by ■' wire. " namely, a product obtained bv drawing which has been
proved to possess si)ecial tensile strength. If the Pirtsch Co. did
not produce its filament liy drawing, the Court held that it could
not be characterised as wire under the special conditions prevailing
in the electrical industry.

Educational. — Uxiversity ( 'oi.LKiiF, Loxdox. — A

course of six lectures on •Long-Distance Telephony" will be given
by Prof. J. A. Fleming on Fridays, at o p.m., commencing
October 27th; applications fin- admission (fee IJ guineas) to be
made to the Secretary.

Volunteer Notes. — ^Fiust liCixnox Exoinkku Yoi.un-

TKKRS. -- Headquarters. Chester House. Ecoleston Place. S.W.
Onlers for the week by Lieut.-Col. C. B.Clay, V.D., Commanding.

Muiiiliiij. October •i'liiil. — Technical for Platoon Xo. 9, at
Regency Street. Squad and Platoon Drill, Platoon No. 10. Sig- ,
milling" Class. Recruits' Drill, (1.2')— 8.

Tiirxihni. Oi-tuher 24^//.— School of Arms, (i— 7. Lecture, 7.).'>,
" The -Meaning of, and Necessity for. Drill." by Company Com-
mander Fleming. Range Practice.

U'fil iiixiIn 1/ . Oetoher i'tlli. — Instructional Class, :">.l"i. Platoon
Drill. Platoon No. S. Range Practice.

y/uirxilin/. t)ftober 2(i//(. — Platoon Drill, Platoon No. 7. Range
Practice.

Fridini. Or/iiher ilt/i. — Technical for Platoon No. 10, Regency
Street. Svjuad and Platoon Drill, No. '.). Signalling Class. Recruits'
Drill, (i.2.'-.— 8.2.->.

Siilitrdiui. Ottuher 28^/(.— Genenil Parade. 2.4.'>. Uniform, for '
Drill. Recruits" Drill, 3.0.

Suiulni/, October 29t/t. — Entrenching at Otford>— Parade Victoria
Station (S.E. & C. Railway). Booking-office, 8.4. ■> a.m.

(By order) Maclkod Yearsi.ev, Atljiitant.

October 21.v/. lUlii.

Appointments Vacant. — Resident ukrtiit-al i^'iiiriiifur

(t:2on) for the Atherton L^.D.C. : resident electrical engineer (£220)
for the Horsham U.D.C. : general ;issistant (£2) for the St. .Vlbaus
Electricity Works ; switchboard attendant iHi) for the Battersea
B.C. Electricity Department. See our advertisement pages to-day.

Prohibited Imports. — Tliu Bumd of Traih Joiinial of
October l!1th contains a complete list of articles the importation of
which into the United Kingdom has been prohibited, except under
licence, by Royal Proclamations of February l.'ith. lUKi. and subse-
quent dates, and in respect of which applications for licences
should be addressed to the Controller. Department of Import
Restrictions. 22. Carlisle Place. Westminster, London, S.W.,
together with a revised list of ' Interpretations " made by the
Department.

OUR PERSONAL COLUMN.

The Eilitors inrite electrical engineers, whether coiinecteil icilh the
technical or the commercihl side of the profession and indiistnj.
also electric tramway and railway oJHcitiU.to Iteep readers of the
Electrical Review posted as to their movements.

Central Station and Tramway Officials. — Oban T.C. lias
appointed the assistant engineer, Mr. 0. N. S.\duington, as
burgh electrical engineer, in room of Mr. D. McLennan,
who has received an appointment in London.

Donca.ster Corporation Tramways Committee has appointed
chief inspector A. W. Baker to .succeed Mr. Strachau, re-
signed, as tramway superintendent.

It i.s proposed to increa.se tlie salary of Mr. \N'hv.';all, elec-
trical engineer at Greenock, liy .i'50.

General. — The Canadian Elccliical Xeivs states that Mr.
Geoiuie K. Ahchde.acon has been appointed general manager.
of the Canadian Hart Accuinidator Co., the head office of'
which i.s .situated at St. John's, Quebec. Mr. Archdeacon
lias had over 15 years' engineering experience, and was for- ]
meriy upon the staff of Messrs. Ferranti, Ltd., and theV
Chldi'idc Electrical Storage Co., Ltd. Mr. Archdeacon hagj
travelled extensively in Europe and South America, and has
only recently returned from China.

London Gazette Notice. — Territorial Force., Royal Bngiji
nters. Tyne Electrical Engineers.' Corpoial C. B. EbLlcraH
to be Second-Lieutenant (on proliation).

Roll of Honour.— Lieutenant E. A. Godson, of the Roya
Irish Fusiliers, a director of the Electrical Apparatus Co,,
Ltd., has heen awarded the Military Cross.

Captain .Tulian Xorth. wlui died at Dar-es-Sakm, BaBt
Africa, on October 14th, after a severe illness, aged 3-5 years^i
was, according to the Moniiny I^int, before the war ani
a.'-si.stant superintendent in the Indian Telegraph Department.J

Second-Lieutenant RoY 1,eslik Box, R.E., ' who has beenjj
killed, aged 21, was, says the Times, when war broke outr
a iiiemher of the Electrical EngiiKH'rs' Corps at the City andjj
Guilds C'ollege, London. ]Ic joined up with other studenljj

Saddler .1. Partinhtox, Royal Engineers, has died frOj
wounils. He was employed at tlie electricity work.s,
Road. Bolton, prior to tlie war.

Private A. Parker, Border Regiment, already reported
here as wounded in action, has since died at a NVooIwich
Hospital. He was 27 years of age, and previous to joining up
had been in the accountant's department of the Manchester
Corporation electricity department for ten years.

T>Iince-(Jorpoi-al G. Farns\\orth. King's Royal Rifle Coriis.
who has fallen in action, Avas previously a dynamo attendant
at Woolley CoUfery, Mapplewell (Yorks.).

Vol. 79. No. 2,030, October 2.>. 1916.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

441

Private Thos. Dawes, Grenadier Guards, who fell in action
on September 23rd, at the age of 20 years, was an employe
of Messrs. .Johnson & Phillips, Ltd., Charlton, S.E.

Gunner W. Marsh, E.F..A.., who was with Messrs. Dick.

Kerr & Co., Ltd.. of Preston, has been wounded in the right

, thigh. ^ In October, 1914, he was wounded in the side, and

was discharged from the Army, but again volunteered, and

went to Prance a year ago.

Mr. Alkrkd Holmes, formeily of the electricity staff of the
\\'arringt()n Corporation, who joined the Army as a private
ill .^ugu.st, Ji)14, has been givci\ the warrant rank of. Sub-
Conductor in the .Vniiy Ordnance Corps.

Sergeant Nolan Bottwood. Signal Company, R.E., who
was apprenticed at Canning's Electrical Works, at Birming-
ham, has been awarded the Military Medal for conspicuous
service in France.

Sapper .1. Slattery, who has died of wounds, was an em-
ploye of the British Westinghouse Co., at Manchester.

Private J. Letts, Lincolnshire Regiment, who has died at
the Front, was formerly employed at the Lincohi electricity
works.

Second-Lieutenant A. F. E. Prescott, King's Liverpool
Regiment, who has been killed in action, aged 22, was a
mechanical engineer in the Liverpool Corporation electricity
ililiartment.

Private A. Hayes, Lancashire Fusiliers, who has died of
wounds, was with Messrs. W. & T. Glover, Ltd., Trafford
Park, before the war.

Lieutenant A. R. Courtexay, untU recently acting manager
of the publicity depai-tment of the General Electric Co., Ltd..
has been promoted to a full lieutenant. Lieutenant Courtenay
has had nearly nine months' .service in Egypt and Salonika.
He was invaUded home wdth dysentery, but is now in good
health once more, and hopes to return, before long to his
former sphei'es of activity, whenever the Government notify
that they do not require his services any longer.

Obituary.— Father Shaw. — On August 26th the Rev. \. 3.
Sliaw, known throughout Australasia, and in wireless circles
everywhere, as Father Shaw, died in Melbourne. He became
interested in w'ireless telegraphy some ten years ago, and
established workshops, which led to the erection of a wireless
station at Randwick, N.S.W. He was in Melbourne nego-
tiating the sale of this installation to the Commonwealth
Giiveriiment when he died, at the earlv age of 42.

OFFICIAL RETURNS OF ELECTRICAL
COMPANIES.

Walter's Electrical Manufacturing Co., Ltd. — Charge on

249 and 251, Kens.nl Ro.id, P.ndilington, dated September 29th, 191«, to secure-
all moneys due or to become due from company to London Countv & West-
minster Bank, Ltd., Harrow Road. W.

Torquay Tramways Co., Ltd. — A memorandum of .satis-
faction to the extent of £800 on October 4th, 1916, of charge dated March
8th. 1911, securing £60,000, has been Sled.

Re$isto=Electrical Manufacturing Co., Ltd. — Issue on

October 3rd, 1916, of £100 debentures, part of a series of which particulars
have already been filed.

Brilliant Arc Lamp & Engineering Co., Ltd. — Memor-
andum of salislaclion in full on Seplc-mh. r 2:ipl. I'llii. ..f charge dated Sep-
i.-niber 25th. 1916, securing all moneys du- - : , ,Uie from company

I., bankers has been filed'.

CITY NOTES.

Mr. H. R. Dexisox presided at the
Amalgamated half-yearly meeting of this company.
Wireless held at Sydney in .August. According to

(Australia), Ltd. a Sydney newspaper, he .said that the
operations of the company had been
(■nnsi(leral)!y hampered by the war. One of the principal
iteuis in the revenue account had always been the return
from its ships' message traffic; but this had been seriously
restricted by the regulations that no wireless messages could
be .sent except under certain conditions. In spite, however,
of this falling away, the profits had been well maintained in
other branches of the business. The company had now 90
ships et^uipped with its in.stallation.s — practically every ship
on the Australian and New Zealand registers which was
suitable for wireless purpose.s — and its revenue from these
.ships showed a continuous and gratifying increase. The
iliicctors had been endeavouring to secure some additions to
their business in order to use their spare working capital, and
for that' purpose had sent their technical manager (Mr. Fisk)
to England and Anierica. Unfortunately, owing to the war.
practically all the large electrical, engineering, and motor
businesses in Great Britain were engaged in making arma-
ment and munitions, and it was found unpossible to do any-
thing in tlie nature of arranging agencies m that connection
until the war ended. Tlie board, therefore, were looking

round for some other means of utihsing the spare capital
leferred to. and were negotiating for the purchase of cer-
tain intere.sts, which they hoped would have the effect of
liringing increased returns to the .shareholders. Mr. Denison
went on to express surprise at the " a.stounding purchase"
proposed by the Minister for the Navv, of the plant, machi-
nery, &c., of the Shaw Maritime Wireless Co. for i'57,U(XI.
The reason given by the Minister, which Mr. Denison
described as "farcical," was that it was needed to make the
wii-eless plant required by the Commonwealth Government
lor land and marine stations, and to prevent the profit from
the same going to foreign manufacturers. Mr. Denison added
that the position was briefly as follows :—" Practically all
the wireless stations required on the coast of .Australia have
already been erected, and the whole of the mercantile marine
eipiipped with in.stallations. There is, therefore, little or
nothing for such an elaborate plant as this to do in connec-
tion with wireless manufactm-e. Furthermore — with the
exception of a very few instruments, the manufacture of
txhich locally would be economically unsound by reason of
the cost — all the requisitions of the various shipping com-
panies in Austraha and New Zealand, as also those of both
Governments, since the war began (excepting for militarx-
sets), have been fully met by the supply of apparatus manu-
factured in Australia and by Australian workmen. The
machinery necessary for doing all this work stands in our
balance sheet at less than £3,000. Where, therefore, is the
necessity of a purchase involving a huge amount such as
.■f.57,000? I may say," he said, "that the plant, machinery,
and patent rights in question were offered to this company
two years ago by Ftither Shaw, and also by Mr. Whiting
(representing Sir Rupert Clark, who is the virtual owner) ;
but after examination by our technical manager (Mr. Pisk)
the olfer was declined on the ground that it would be impos-
sible to profitably employ such a needles.sly expen.sive plant
on wireless manbfacture in Austraha, and the patents were
practically valueless to us."

' The profits earned during the vear ended
Dick Kerr -^^^^ ^Oth. 1910, were £71,740, plus £18,347

& Co!, Ltd. hrought forward, making £90,087. After

paying debentm-e interest and trustees'
fees, and the sum required to provide for
the premium payable on the redemption of the present deben-
ture stock, the balance is £79,297; the preference dividend
(e per cent.) absorbs £18,S00. a dividend of 6 per cent, on the
ordinary shares will require £15,600 ; £25,000 is to be set aside
to supplement special leserve for contingencies, and the
lialance of £20,397 is to be carried forward. The directors
feel that though it is difficult to foresee the po.sition of the
business in the future, they are warranted by thffTresults of
tlie year in recommending the above dividend on the ordi-
nary .shares. During the past year, in addition to extensions
of contracts for the supply of war material, the Government
entrusted the company with the construction, equipment,
and management of one of the national factories, which was
now approaching full output. During the year control of
Messrs. Willans it Robinson. Ltd., has been acquiretJ, anil
the directors anticipate that this will be of considerable value
in the future expansion of business.

Bogota Telephone Co., Ltd. — The directors report a con-
siderable increase in the number of .subscribers connected to
the systeiu during the year ended .Tune. 1916. The plant has
been maintained in an efficient condition, and the service
lendered continues to give evei-y satisfaction. In order to
meet the increasing demands for telephone service, the com-
piiny's premises at Bogota have been extended so as to pro-
vide accommodation for a much larger switching equipment,
which is now in course of manufacture.

Parsons Marine Steam Turbine Co., Ltd. — The directors
have not been able to complete their accounts for the year
ended June 30th, 1916, but they recommend a dividend of
2.5 per cent, for the year, free of income-tax, of which an
interim dividend of 10 per cent, has already been paid, less
income-tax.

United River Plate Telephone Co., Ltd. — Inl<?riiii divi-
dend of 3 per cent. (3s. per share) on the ortUnary shares
(free of tax), for the half-year ended .June 30th.

Dartmoor Electric Supply Co., Ltd. — A petition for re-
ducing the capital from £4,bfXi to £2.(100 if to be, heard at
Exeter on November fith.

Callender's Cable & Construction Co.. Ltd. — Interim divi-
dend (111 (inlinary shares, os. per share, being at the rate of
10 per cent, per annum, less tax.

United River Plate Telephone Co., Ltd. — Interim dividend
of 3 per ctmt. (3s. per share) on the ordinary share capital
free of income tax, for the half-year to ,lune .SOtli.

Electrical Utilities Corporation. Ltd. — Dividend of \\ per
cent, on the preferred stock for the quarter to September 30th.

Rio de Janeiro Tramway, Light & Power Co.— Dividend

of li per cent, on the capital stock.

C 442

THE ELECTKICAL REVIEW. [Voi,

Xo. 2,o;u), October 20, 1916.

-DivUlond

Sao Paulo Trani»ay. Light & Power Co.. I. til.

of -JJ poi- cent, en the issued coininon stiK-k.

Bell Telephone Co. of Canada. — Ou.nrit-rly Jivldend of 2
per cent, lor the three months ended Sept. 30th.

Calcutta Tramways Co.. Ltd.-

ordiniiry .-ihare-. :il thr nite ..I .i p<

-lull rim divid«i)d
r rent., less l;l\.

STOCKS AND SHARES.

Tii-si>.\Y EvKXiNn.
UkuinkSs has crept ink) nuwt of the stwk Exclianse mar-
kets. The principal rea.son given lor thi.s, m Stcx'k Exchange
circles, is money; in other words, people are liKiking lor
higher rates of interest on their investments than they have
been content to take hitherto. .\s we noticed earlier, the
i-sue of the (5 per cent. Exchequer Bonds, coming contem-
poraneouslv with the French National l^ian, lias set up a
pew .standard, which has made it ditVicult to justify a good
many of the prices still current in the markets. Holders of
the existing stocks have therefore been trying in many cases
to exchange from tli.-sc latter into some of tlie newer forms
of horrowing: and their efforts to realise suili securities have
resulted in general depreciation. • , ^ , ,

\\ hen such lir.st-class investments as those in the telegraph
and cable market begin to give way, it is obvious that the
investor is reea.sting his ideas as to the interest which his
monev ought to produce. This is going on in .ill tlu' iiiaikets.
and the new loans are taking the money which m the ordi-
nary course of things would have travelled into StiK-k Ex-
change directions. Another reason for the hesitation of the
investor in eniploving his present money in stocks and shares
is to be found in the answer of the Chamtellor of the Ex-
chequer to the question put to hiui last week with reference
to the ih per cent. War Loan, when he stated that proprietors
of this security would probably have the opportunity to
exercise their conversion rights, an announcement which was
naturally read as indicating the advent of another popular
war loan before long.

Home Railway stfK-ks have suffered severely in the depres-
sion. Nearly all the Steam issues are down on the week,
and with them have gone the Undergrounds. The^ only
firm spots are the (1 per cent, income bonds of the Under-
ground Electric Railways and the guaranteed st(X-ks of the
Central J/Ondon Railwav. The la.st had their fall just lately,
but have .steadied at the lower levels. Metropolitans and
Di.stricts are decidedly weak. The prior charge lists have
once more been revised in the lower direction. Metropolitan
preferences again being put down. London Electric deben-
ture and preference stocks are also lower.

The average return on Home Railway debenture stocks is
now about .5 per cent, on the money, clear; while the prefer-
ence issues pay about oi per cent. The fact that these are
irredeemable scarcely counts for the moment, in view of the
competition of the national issues, the cheapness of the latter
being obvious, while,, in. the case of the former, the present
liuyer will find it necessary to wait for some years before
he can hope to see such appreciation as will compensate him
for accepting the lower rate of interest, as compared with
that offered by our own and the Flench Governments.

This consideration applies also to the Telegraph market.
.Tobbers candidly confess that they have sufficient stock on
their books, and they are not anxious to load up with any
more at present. At the .same time, the holders of the stocks
are pressing to .sell, regardless of the fact that, in the cases
of the best-cla.ss companies, the dividends are paid free of
income-tax and the companies occupy a position of great
financial strength. Prices are put down with very little
stock changing hands; and the man who wants to buy tele-
graph is.sues at the present time may find that he is able
to get on even at the lower figure of the two quoted huu as
the nominal price of the sttx-k.

The weakness has spread to speculative shares, such as
Marconis. these having given way 3/f() to '2^ ; the market
explanation is that .shareholders are getting tired of waiting
for their expected big dividend and bonus; while the general
air of diilne.ss throughout the markets has not been conducive
to bullishness over speculative shares. Eastern Exten.siuns
and Eastern ordinary stock, both ex dividend, are decidedlv
lower allowing for the deductions. The only firm spot is
Indo-European, buyers having come forward "for the shares
and raised the price £2 to 5i: Henlevs weakened to 16i and
Telegraph Constructions to 39.

. ^" '.'^^ ^'/* ^f home electricity companies the only change
IS a slight fall in County of London preference. The 'ordinary
shares, however, retain their rise of last week. The new
lighting orders are not expected bv the market to have anv
ellect upon the amount of current consumed There is
rather less disposition to buy shares than there has been of
late, and the market on the whole is a trifle easier

Brazil Tractions, after being very flat at S-dJ, recovered to
OS on the declaratiori of the u.sual quarterly dividends on the
shares of the Pao Tramways and the San Paulo Companies
Rumour had been_ busy m advance with the po.s.sibilitv of
these dividends being passed; but this is getting to be such

a hoary quarterly that it is surprising to find that it has any
ellect upon prices. Nevertheless, the Rio Tramways Bonds
have been a weak spot — the Seconds in particular. The recent
strength of British Columbia electric descriptions has oozed
out of their prices; the preference shed 3 points to T-, anil
some are asknig whether the corning report is going to In-
less gooil llian lliev had been led to expect a montli or so
ago. The deferred is al.so 3 down, and the preferred 1. News
from Mexico is not sufficiently definite to tempt enterprise
in any of the stocks aiul shares connected with the country;
prices are .steady to dull, as they say in the Stm-k Exchange.
.\nglo-.\igentiiie Tramways have weakened; the first prefer-
ence eased olT to 3i and the 5 per cent, debenture stock, at
7'J, is 3 |h>iiits down.

liidusliials are dispo.sed t<i give way. Babcoc-k & NVilcox
lost 1/bi. going back to the round .&. British .Muininimu
ordinary shed its rise of last week, (leneral Electrics gave
way to 1-1.1. The same tendency is noticeable in most of the
varieties connected with industrials. The rubber market has
In-en depressed by reason of the discovery of a law passed in
Tfollanil as long ago as last .lune. whereby excess profits tax
i^ to be levied on the coin])anies olierating in Diiti-h ti-rritory.
The iron and steel group maintains a fairly firm front, but
biisini'ss on the whole is quiet, and shares in consei|uenee
have given way to .some extent for the time being. There is
a ccMtaiii amount of disap|Kiintment at the way in which
develoiMiKMits have shaped in Roumania. and the o|)timism
ilisplaycd at the time that Roumania ranged her.self upon llie
sitle of the .Mlies appajently led to more buying than tile
purchasers were ju.stilicd in undertaking. ]''rom the elfecti:
of- this, together with tin- iimiietary position, the markets
are siilTeriiig now.

SUARI-: r.IST OF ELErTRICAL f'OMPAXIES.
HoMK Electricity Companies,

Dividend Price

/ ■ V O.-t. 17, Rise or fall

1914. 1916. 1916. this week.

Brompton Ordinary .... 10 10 fig —

Charing Cross Ordinary . . 6 B 3,*^, —

do. do. do. 4i Pre!.. 4J 4) 8,';' —

Chelsea B 4 :i —

City of London 9 8 12i —

do. do. 6 per cent. Pref. 6 6 102 —

County of London .... 7 7 11 —

' do. 6 per cent. Pref. 6 6 IC3 — J

Kensington Ordinary .... 9 7 6g —

London Electric 4 8 Ij! —

do. do. 6 per cent. Pref. 6 6 4,^ —

Metropolitan 8* 8 2J — i

do. 4J per cent. Pref. 4) 4) 8J —

St. Jamfs' and fall MaU . . 10 8 6» + J

South London 5 6 2JS —

South Metropolitan Pref. . . 7 7 Isi —

Westminster Ordinary .... 9 7 6i —

Teleobafhb and Telephones.

Anglo-Am. Tel. Pref 6 6 99 -1

do. Def so;. 33/6 asj — i

Chile Telephone 8 8 7 —

Cuba Sub. Ord 6 5 8Jxd —

Eastern Extension . . . . 7 8 13; — 7/-

Eastem Tel. Ord. .. .. 7 8 141* —1*

Globe Tel. and T. Ord 6 7 ISJ — J

do. Pref. ..66 10^ — i

Great Northern Tel 22 22 40 —

Indo-European 13 13 51 +'2

Marconi 10 10 22 — ,',

New York Tel. U . . . . 4J 4J 100 — '

Oriental Telephone Ord. .. 10 10 2Axd 49d.

United R. Plate Tel 8 8 6' —

West India and Pan 1 — 1 —

Western Telegraph .... 7 8 14* —

Hour Railb.

Central London, Ord. Assented 4 4 70 —

Metropolitan li I 21 — 9

do. District .. .. Nil Nil 17 —1

Underground Electric Ordinary Nil ^ Nil 1],^ —

do. do. "A" .. Nil Nil Oi- ' —

do. do. Income 6 6 89 -f *

FosEiaN Trams, &o,

Adelaide Sup. 6 per cent. Pref. 6 6 4>.^^ —

AngloArg. Trams, First Pref. 6i 64 St — i

do. 2nd Pref. . . 6 j 5J 22 —

do.' 6 Deb. ..6 6 IS -8

Brazil Tractions 4 4 58 + >,

Bombay Electric Pref 6 6 lOJ —

British Columbia Elec. Rly. Pfce. 6 6 72 -3

do. do. Preferred — Nil 57 — 4

do. do. Deferred — Nil 56 —3

do. do. Deb. 4i 4} 69

Mexico Trams 5 per cent. Bonds — Nil iH —

do. 6 per cent. Bonds — Nil 85 —

Mexican Light Common .. Nil Nil 18 —

do. Pref Nil Nil 83 —

do. 1st Bonds .. Nil Nil 41 —

Mancfacturino Companies.

Babcock & Wilcox .... 14 16 3 — ^

British Aluminium Ord. ., 5 7 28/3 — 9d.

British Insulated Ord 16 17* 12i —

British Westingbouse Pref. . , 7i 7i 2i5 —

Callenders 15 20 12J —

do. 5 Pref 6 6 4i —

Castner-Kellner . . .... 90 — 8^

Edison & Swan, £3 paid . . Nil — 10/- —

do. do. fully paid ..Nil — Ij —

do. do. -1 per cent. Deb. 6 6 62* —

Electric Construction .... 6 7* JS —

Gen. Elec. Pref 6 6 10 —

do. Ord ID 10 14J — J

Henley 20 26 i6i — *

do. 4i Pref 4i 4i 4i —

India-Rubber 10 10 12 —

Telegraph Con 90 30 89 — i

* Dividenils paid free of income-tax,

6 18 4
6 10 8
6 16 8

6 10 6
6 U 4

6 14 8

6 19

n

7 10

H

6 14

5

6 8

6

•6 15

li

•6 13

1

»6 12

0

6 14

3

6 10

11

6 1

H

a 19

9

4 10

0

6 19 0

6 18 0

6 17 3

6 19 0

Vol.79. No. 2.0:w. October 20. 1910] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

443

AIR FILTERS.

[Communicated.]

The importance of thoroughly cleaning the air used for
€ooliug turbo-generatore is recognised by all central station
■engiueei's, but apart from Mr. Christie's pa{ier, read at the
annual convention of the Incorjiorated iluiiicipal Electrical
Association in 1913, little has been published on the subject
in tliis couuti'y. Mr. Christie expressed the opinion that cloth
filter's were very unsuitable for central-station service, as
they occupied considerable space, required frequent cleaniug,
and owing to the combustible nature of the (doths, involved
considerable fire risk. His experience with a water spray
filter' as used in connection with the Plenum ventilating
system for large buildings led him to conclude that such
an arrangement was far preferable to a cloth tilter, for not
only is the air thoroughly purified, but it is also cooled.
The water spray filter, moreover, is easily cleaned, does not
involve the renewal of cloths, offers constant resistance to
the passage of the air, involves no tire risk, and in the case
of large filters, the spsice occupied is only one half of that
occupied by a cloth filter of equal capacity. The fact
remains, however, that a very large numlier of cloth filters
have been installed. One firm, for instance, between the
years 1900 and 1909 built no fewer than 1,264 of these filters
with an aggi'egate capacity of 16,100,000 cb. ft. of air per
minute. But, of course, the use of wet filter's for electrical
purposes is a comparatively new idea. The scheme will
undoubtedly be extensively adopted in due course, although
there ai'e at present a number of engineer's who favour
cloth filters, mainly because they believe that water spray
and other wet filter's are liable to charge the air with
moisture.

Dry filters are still very popular on the Continent, and
various types are in use, most of which have been designed
by Germans. These filters usually consist of frames fixed
in a suitable structure, and the number of these frames
depends upon the quantity of air to be dealt with. Over
each frame a cloth pocket is stretched for the purpose of
catching the dust and preventing it from entering the gene-
rator. Owing to the comlnistible nature of these pockets,
cloth filtere should always be placed within brick or concrete
walls, and where possible the air should be di'awn from
outside the building or from somewhere where the atmosphere
is reasonably clean. There is no doubt that some dry air
filters do involve considerable fire risk, especially when the
cloths are dirty. Impregnating the cloths with a view to
making them fireproof does not entirely overcome the
difficulty, for it has been found that when coated with dirt
they will burn more or less freely. .
I It is to be remembered that the conditions under which
i' these filters operate are very conducive to fire. Large
volumes of air are drawn through them, and a spark may
easily set the whole filter ablaze. The fire would, of course,
be drawn up into the interior of the alternator, where a
great deal of damage might be done. Still, it is possible,
with certain arrangements, greatly to minimise the fire risk.
In some cases a trap-door or damper has lieen fitted in the
air uptake between the filter and the turbo-alternator.
Normally this is held open by a fusible metal cord attached
to a heavy weight, but in the event of a fire occurring in
the filter-chamber, the cord melts and the damper closes
under the action of gravity.

Those who condemn the dry filter on the score of fire risk
should remember that these filters are not all built on the
same principle. Filters with cloth jiockets are, it is true,
very commonly used in this country, but other types of dry
filter are also made. In one case the cotton wool filtering
medium is in the form of tubes enclosed in wire gauze,
which keeps out flame in the same way as the gauze used
on a Davy lamp. So far as the writer is aware, however,
this filter has not been tested in any central station
iu this coiuitry, and it is not possible to say
anything definite about its performance. The makers claim,'"'
however, that the fire risks are insignificant, and that it is
superior to pocket filtere in other respects. Another dry
filter which is claimed to be practically incombustible is
made by a French firm. In this case the filter is composed

of perforated steel plates, between which cotton wool is
placed. But the initial cost of this filter is considerably in
excess of that of the ordinary cloth pocket filter, and up to
the present it has not made much headway in connection
with electrical work. Cotton rope filters are also matle.
The ropes ai'e mounted iu frames iu such a way that when
the frames are assembled in the filter the spaces between the
ropes in one frame are covered by the ropes in the adjacent
frame, and it is said that even when the filter is dirty, the
resistance offered to the passage of air is slight and the
dangei' of the filtering medium rupturing is avoided.
Further, it is claimed that these filters, which are made in
vertical and horizontal types, occupy less space than other
dry filters. Rupture of the filtering fabric in cloth jwcket
filters is liable to occur if the filter is too small for its work,
for when the cloths get dirty the resistance to the pa.ssage
of air increases and the air pressure rises. Generally, it is
customary to allow an effective area of "2 sq. ft. for each
cubic foot of air dealt with per minute, and the air velocity
is in the neighbourhood of 6 to 10 ft. per minute, according
to the quantity of dirt that has to be dealt with. With
the surrounding air at normal temperature, some 5^ to
Ti cb. ft. of air per KW. must be forced tlu'ough the
windings of the machines every minute. It is pretty well
agreed by those who have had experience with cloth-pocket
filters that the work of cleaning them is not, on the whole,
a congenial form of occupation. Some advocate chemical
cleaning, but the experience of most engineers is that the
process destroys the filtering properties of the cloths, and,
further, that the pockets shrink. The most common and the
most satisfactory method of cleaning is to use a vacuum
cleaner. The air resistance offered by pocket filter's after
cleaning is always higher than the resistance offered
after a previous cleaning, and it is therefore necessary,
(juite apart from the cloths weariug out, occasionally to
renew some of the pockets, so as to keep the resistance
within permissilile limits.

As regards wet filters, a type that has recently made
considerable headway in this country, and which un-
doubtedly gives excellent results, is the Heenau wet-surface
filter. As is well known, the air" in this case passes over
large wet surfaces. Thin gahanised plates ai'e wound on a
cast-iron centre, and Vjetween each layer a space of about
one-sixteenth of an inch is left for the air to pass through.
The lower part of the drum revolves in water, and the
air passes through the upper jiart. In the opinion of the
wi'iter this type of filter requires a lot of beating. It
not only effectively cleans the air, but it also cools
it, and there seems to be no doubt that the air lea^■es
the filter entirely free from loose moisture. The plates
are revolved in the water at a low speed by a small .
motor geared to the shaft, and the amount of jxiwer
required for driving the drum is not by any means a serious
item. Within the last few yeare a considerable number of
these filters have been erected in central stations, especially
in stations where large sets are in use. Filters of the type
used by Mr. Christie are generally known as air washers.
Miiny kinds of these filters or wa.shers are now built, but the
fundamental principle is the same in each case. The air is
lirought into contact with the water in the form of spray or
mist, with the result that any dirt that may be present in
the air is saturated with water, and its weight increases.
On its way to the generator the air passes through baflSe
or eliminator jilates, but the water and particles of dirt
having greater weight than the air, strike these plates, and
ai'e washed down into a settling tank.

The air leaves the washer clean and free from un-
evaporated moisture. Moreover, the temperature of the air
is reduced. In the case of Mr. Christie's air washer the
water screen, which consists of a series of small nozzles
spaced 6 in. apart over the entire area of the filter, is placed
about 2 ft. inside the air inlet, and at about 6 ft. beyond
the screen the baffles are fixed. The base of the filter
chamber forms a fresh water tank, which holds about 300
gallons, and is fitted with a ball cock to keep the level
constant, and so compensate for evaporation. A 2-h.p.
motor-driven centrifugal pump circulates the water at a
pressure of about 2a lb. per sq. in. through the nozzles
which project it in the form of a finely atomised spray
directly against the incoming air. All solid matter in the

444

THE ELECTEICAL REVIEW. [Voi. ::k Xo. -i.oHo. octobeh 20, 1916.

iiir is cauf;lit by the liatHes and prwipitiited in the tank.
Auy beads of moisture or p-it carried-tlii-»ni!,'b with t)ie air
are effectively trapped by tlie baffles, and nothinsj but pure
cool air is carried into the maohine. During the w inter it
may be necessary in certain localities to lit a small steam
coii in the wat<,n' tank, otherwise the watei- may freeze.

It has been suirirested on scveial occasions that if a refrige-
rator were used to co<il the ventilating air considerable over-
lojids might k' carried by the generatoi-s, but so far no one
seems to have adopted this plan. The iilea hiis been more
seriously considered since the intniducticm of wet filters into
central statinns, wliirli is attriluitalilc U> tlie fact that experi-
ence with these lilters lias shown tliat cool air gives a distinct
advantage in the Avay of overloads. It is clear, however,
that the type of filter does not in any way determine whetlier
the refrigerator scheme is practicable. Dry filters could be
used in conjunction with a refrigerating plant just as well
as wet filters, but whether the additional cost and compli-
cation can be adequately compensated by the additional load
that can be got out of the machine remains to be demon-
strated. It is to be distinctly understood that the main
function of all filtere is to cleanse the air, and that the
cooling effect of wet filtei's is only incidental. In tropical
climates the cooling effect due to these filters may l>e very
apprecial)le, but in normal climates the advantage may be
much less marked : hence it is inexpedient to increase
the rating of a generator, because it is to be worked in
conjunction with a wet filter. An accident — a breakdown of
the circulating pump for example — may put the filter out
of action, and the same applies, of course, to refrigerating
plant**. The additional load permissible with the cool air
could no longer he carried, and in the absence of reserve
plant, difficulty might arise. It has been found that if the
same water is circulated through an air washer, and only
enough added to compensate for evaporation, the tempe-
rature of the water and air mingled with it will be within
a few degrees of the wet-bulb temperature of the air : but
if the whole of the water is continually renewed, the air
can be cooled to the temperature of the water, and where
water is plentiful, the latter scheme may possilily be adopted
with advantage.

There are, as already stated, many types of air washers
on the market, especially in America : but the fundamental
principle is the same in each case. The variations in the
different types are confined mainly to the design and
arrangement of the nozzles. Into the details of the various
types of washers it is unnecessary to enter, for information
of this kind can be derived from the manufacturers'
catalogues. What is more important to central-station
engineers at the present time is a consideration of the merits
and demerits of the wet and dry types. Some of the wet filters
now at work in central stations were not originally designed
for this class of service at all, but for use in connection
with the ventilation of large public and other buildings,
textile mills and factories. Practically all central
station engineers who have adopted them praise the
simple way in which they can be cleaned. In this respect
all wet filters are undoubtedly far superior to dry filters,
and, quite 'apart from any other advantages which wet
filters offer, this feature is a decided boon. Cloth filters
are often much more easily cleaned in the summer than in
the winter. When the weather is dry the dirt may be
removed by beating or with a vacuum cleaner, but in some
places it has been found that when the weather is wet or
damp the cloths are very difficult to clean indeed. The
cloth pockets absorb the dirt to such an extent that after a
short time it is necessiuy to scrap them. Everything seems
to indicate that sooner or later the orthodox pocket filter
commonly adopted in this country will be replaced by wet
filters of some kind, unless, of course, it can be shown that
some of the comparatively new dry filters mentioned are
distinctly superior to those commonly employed. For small
sets it is possible that dry filters may continue to be used,
but in large stations wet filters are rapidly being adopted.
Whether the wet surface filter will meet with greater
favour than air washers remains to be seen. Both have
given very satisfactory results wherever they have been
tried, although, so far, wet surfiice filters have been
more e.\tensively used in this country than abroad. In
America they use spray and dry filters, whilst on the Con-

tinent wet filters of any kind have mu, u|> to the present.
made any appreciable headway. Some American powerhouses,
the power house of the Detroit Edison Co., for instance,
have air wiushers placed on the roof, and air is drawn
through the washere into the turbine room by means of a
fan.. The turbine room is thus supplied with cool, clean
air, and all parts of the plant are, iis a result of this arrange-
ment, kept, comparatively speaking, clean. On leaving the
washer, howe\er, the air is heated by passing it over warm
surfaces to ensure tliat when it comes in contact with the
machine wimlings, it is (piite dry. Cooling effects are,
ilici'cfoi'c, ni>t obtained, imt the power house has the benefit
of clean and moderately cool air.

The cooling effect that has been obtained with wet filters
installed in generating stations in tiiis country has led to
an interesting suggestion, namely, that electrical ther-
mometers might replace ammeters for determining the
permissible output of electrical machines. Since the load
which an alternator can safely carry is determined by the
permissible temperature rise, this appears to be a good
idea. But tiie main drawback to the scheme ■ is that
it is very difficult to get the temperature of all parts
of a generator. Unfortunately, it is possible for an
alternator to ha\e hot spots, and uidess the tempei'ature is
meiisured at these places troul)le is liable to arise. Some
day this scheme of measuring the temperature of the wind-
ings instead of measuring the current may be adopted, but
until a satisfactory method is .found of arriving at the
maximum temperature, it is, in the opinion of the writer,
unwise to depart from the ])ractice of Ijiising' the safe output
of a generator on the actual current it supplies.

I

ELECTRICITY IN THE 5PELTER INDUSTRY,

At the recent meeting of the Institdte of Metals, the subject
of the extraction of zinc from the ore and its subsequent
refinement, by various methods, received attention. We
abstract the following references to electrical methods from a
paper by Mr. Ernest A. Smith, A.R.S.M.

In the treatment of zinc-bearing complex ores, development
has been rapid in recent years; mechanical dressing and mac-
netic and flotation processes of concentration have done much
towards solving the problem. Much progress has been made
in magnetic s-eparation, and many machines have been intro-
duced. Electro-static methods for the separation, by electric
repulsion, of good conductors (such as certain metalhc sul-
phides, magnetite, and hematite, &c.) from poor conductors
(such as silicates, carbonates, oxides, and sulphates, includ-
ing zinc blende) have been applied in practice by several
inventors. Hurt discarded the electrostatic generator of the
\\'iinshurst type, and employs a dynamo current of suitable
intensity. The separator is thus capable of adjustment to
any required strength of electrical field, and is less liable_ to
interference from climatic conditions. Magnetic separatioD
of blende and pyrite may be accomplished without prelimin-
ary roasting by the use of high-intensity magnetic separators
of the Wetherill type, the zinc mineral being lifted out of
the mass. The more usual practice, however, is to givethe
mineral a magnetic or " flash " roast, rendering the iron
magnetic, after which it is separated from the mass by separa-
tors of the low-intensity type, such as the Dings. The limiting
factor of electric separators appears to be their inability to
handle fine powders, and their liabibty to dust trouble, unless
the dust be first removed.

In 1901 C. P. G. de Laval erected the first electric zinc-
smelting furnace on a commercial scale, and four years later
works were erected in Scandinavia to carry out his process.
Since that time a considerable amount of attention has been
given to electric furnaces for smelting zinc ores.

The electric furnace is not intended to replace the retort
furnaces in the smelting of zinc ores, but to be used for the
tieatment of ores not suitable for the distillation process, or
po.s.sibly as a substitute in localities where fuel is dear but
bvdro-electric power ea.-?ily available. Early experimental
work by W. R. Ingalls. at McGill University, confirmed the
opinion that, if electric smelting is to offer any advantages,
the process must be continuous, and all modem furnaces are
constructed on this principle. In many of the electric fur-
naces now in use the energy is applied with great ingenuity
and high efficiency is obtained, whilst efforts are made to
reduce the electrode consumption to a minimum. The reduc-
tion in the electric furnace appears to take place more rapidly
than in retort smelting, but the reaction between the carbor
and carbon dioxide does not appear to occur to such an extent
as in the retort. Hence the electric furnace contains an
atmosphere comparatively rich In carbon dioxide, so that a

Vol. :;.. No. 2,030, October 20. 1916.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW,

445

larger amount of fume (blue powder) is foiined than when
the retort furnace is employed.

While progress has been made, the discovery of some means
of avoiding oxidation of the zinc deposits, as formed under
the conditions prevailing in electric smelting, is still the
problem which metallurgists have to solve in connection witli
this method.

The continuity of operation in the electric furnace appears
to imply discharging the residue as a slag that will run, and
theie has consequently been a tendency for inventors of
electric zinc furnaces to render the charge fusible, so that
f5uid slags may be tapped as from cupolas. This condition,
however, prohibits any great excess of carbonaceous material
in the charge, and accounts for the higher percentage of
carbon dioxide frequently found in continuously operated
furnaces.

The de Laval process, carried on at TroUhattan, in Sweden,
develops heat by means of the arc. current being generated
from water-power at prices variously given as from 38s, to
50s. per electrical H. P. -year. The works are equipped fo^
' 18,000 H.p. The furnaces are of the resistance type, with
one large vertical carbon electrode passing through the roof,
the other electrode being a carbon block in the bottom of the
furnace. Each furnace has a capacity of about 3 metric tons,
and smelts nearly 3 tons of ore in 24 hours.

The complex ore is roasted to about 7 per cent, to 8 per
cent, sulphur, mixed with anthracite or coke and flux, and
charged through a hopper into a closed "melting" furnace,
where most of the zinc fnd some of the lead are volatilised,
and condense chiefly as crude spelter high in lead, and
partly as blu& powder, which has to be re-treated. The other
part of the lead is reduced to metal and is tapped out with
the slag. It contains a considerable proportion of the silver.
Some matte is formed, and this and the slag contain some of
the lead, zinc, and silver. The crude leady spelter passes to
the refining furnace, where the zinc is distilled, producing,
on condensation, spelter of high purity and a further quantity
df zinc dust, leaving the balance of lead and silver as base
bullion. Two melting furnaces supply one refining furnace.
The company owning these Scandinavian works reported
recently that it-, smelting operations have not yet proved
commercially profitable ; considerable progress has, however,
been made, and it is hoped that things will eventually turn
out well.

The Cote and Pierron process is carried on, on a small
scale, at Pau, in Prance: experimental work was also carried
on in 1914 at Ugine. in Savoy, and Quenean, in Belgium. An
important feature of the process is the smelting of blende
in the raw state. Whilst simplifying the metallurgy of the
process, this method increases the difficulties of operation of
the electric furnace. "The process* is based on the fact
that iron replaces lead in lead sulphides at a comparatively low
temperature, and zinc in zinc sulphide when the temperature
is increased. It is claimed for the process that by its means
zinc and lead can be completely separated. The furnace is
^circular, with sides and bottom lined with graphite, the top
being a low dome of fire-brick, A. carbon electrode, which
can be raised or lowered, pa.sses through an opening in the
centre of the top, the other electrode, a cone of graphite,
projects from the hearth. The furnace is charged through
the roof, and the lead, slag, and iron suliihi(^e are tapped
through an aperture in the side. The volatilised zinc passes
through an outlet in the upper part of the furnace to the
condenser, which consists of a cylindrical shaft-like chamber
of fire-brick filled with coke nr anthracite, and provided with
a taphole at its base for the discharge of the condensed zinc,"

The charge, consisting of a mixture of blende, iron, and
lime, is introduced into the hot furnace, and the first reaction
of iron on lead sulphide is effected at a relatively low tempera-
ture. The resulting lead is then tapped. The temperature is
then raised and the decomposition of the zinc sulphide by the
iron brought about. The zinc distils over, and is condensed'
in the condenser, the carbon in which is kept at a red heat,
to diminish, as far as po.ssible, the formation of zinc fume.
Finally, iron sulphide and the slag are run out.

In .\merica considerable experimental work has been done
with .Johnson's electric furnace at Hartford, Conn., and it is
stated that arrangements have been made to erect a 100-ton
commercial plant at Keokuk. Iowa. This is a continuous pro-
cess, with furnace of the resistance type, in which the charge
carries the current. The charge is heated to about 900 deg. C.
in a continuous pre-heater before reaching the furnace. To
prevent the formation of blue powder, the carbon dioxide
formed in the smelting zone is rendered innocuous by passing
the gases from the furnace through an electrically-heated
carbon filter, whereby the carbon dioxide is converted into
harmless monoxide.

Electric zinc smelting has now passed the mere experi-
niental stage and become a commercial process. It is not
correct, however, to say that it has emerged altogether from
the experimental .stage, since it is being continually experi-
mented upon by those interested in this method of smelting
zinc ores.

Recently hydro-metallurgical processes have been devised in
which the zinc, after having been obtained in solution, is
precipitated in the metallic state by electrolysis. Electrolytes
of zinc chloride solution are said to be more economical in
electric current than solutions of zinc sulphate, the electro-

• Gowland, MetalUirgy.

motive force necessary for the decomposition of the former
being less than for the latter.

The Nahnsen process has been employed at Lipine, Silesia,
from 1893 till the present day, the electrolyte used being a
solution of the double sulphate of zinc and magnesium. The
Hoepfner process has been commercially successful in Ger-
many, Austria, and England. A modification of the process
is in use at the works of Brunner, Mond & Co., near North-
wich, Cheshire, for the production of a fine zinc w'hich is
now made in considerable quantities for the manufacture of
biass for cartridge cases and other articles requiring a highly
ductile alloy.

The zinc ores are leached with waste calcium chloride in
the presence of carbon dioxide; the resulting zinc chloride
solution on electrolysis gives a zinc of 99.96 per cent, purity
(known as Mond zinc), and chlorine gas, which is used in
making bleaching powder. The anodes are of lead or carbon,
and the kathodes rotating disks of zinc, partly immersed in
the electrolyte. The intensity of the current is KW amp.
for 10.8 sq. "ft., with an electromotive force of 3.3 to 3.8 volts.

The Hoepfner process is in operation at Duisburg, Ger-
manv. Two plants were also erected in 1914 at Kristiania and
Balestrand (Norway) for the treatment of Broktn Hill flota-
tion concentrates.

The Dieffenbach process is applied to Westphalian iron
pyrites containing 8 per cent, of zinc, which is extracted by
a'chloridising roast of the crushed ore, following by leaching
with plain water. The residue, which is said to contain only
0-5 per cent, zinc, is smelted for iron, whilst the aqueous
solution of zinc chloride is electrolysed in double-compartment
1-ats, the anode compartment being completely closed. The
libeiated chlorine is employed in the manufacture of bleach-
ing powder.

The processes which are being tested in American plants
are based on sulphuric acid leaching an 1 subsequent elec-
trolysis of the zinc solution, using lead anodes. The well-
known Anaconda Copper Co. is now completing a 25-ton
riant in which flotation zinc concentrates, after a sulphate
roasting, will be leached, with barely .sufficient acid to extract
the zinc, the resulting liquor being purified by the addition
of zinc oxide. This plant when completed will, it is stated,
pioduce some 3.5, 0(X) tons of fine zinc per annum.

At the BuUv Hill mine (Shasti co., Cal.) the zmc sulphate
lic,uor is precipitated with lime," and the precipitate of zinc
hydroxide and calcium sulphate is suspended in the electro-
Ivte to neutrahse the acid as fast as it :'s formed. For the
same purpose the Reed Zinc Co. (Pala Alto. Cal.), m the
recovery of zinc from bag-house dust, use a spongy lead anode,
which IS converted into sulphate. By reversing the current,
sulphuric acid and lead are regenerated.

At Silverton, B.C., thi ore 's leached with bisulphate of
scda and electrolysis carried out, with the addition of man-
ganese sulphate. The anode become; coated with manganese
c'ioxide, which is ledissolved and used over again.

In view of the increasing demand for electrolytic zmc,
l>dro-metallurgical methods of extraction are recei-.ing
renewed attention.

In a note on " Cadmium in Spelter," Mr. W. R. Ingalls
remarked that the electrolytic process of zinc extraction
afforded an casv means for the separation of cadmium. It
should be borne distinctly in mind that the electrolytic pro-
fess was going to be commercially applicable only under some
limited speciallv 'avounible conditions, and was not going
to drive zinc smelting out of the world's arts. However, the
ekctrolvtic zinc production that was likelv to Endure should
go a long way toward meetinft the demand for high-grade
spelter, and esnecially spelter low in cadmium. Furthermore,
iLasmu:h as the elect-. Ivtw- kathodes had to he remelted in
large furnaces, the slabs cast therefrom should be more uni-
form in composition than those coming from the small tapping
kettles of the retort furnace.

INDUSTRIAL ECONOMIES.

Ix the course of his presidential address to the Birmingham
Association of Mechanical Engineers, on October 17th, Mr.
R A. Chattock said that the enormously increased outputs
and altered conditions of working that had been imposed
upon the engineering industry would undoubtedly have a
gieat effect in establishing a new conditioj of affairs in
engineering after the war was over There would probably
be a large amount of industrial disorganisation when the pre-
sent enormous production of munitions of war ceased, but
he did not think it would be of any great duration, because
it was evident on all sides that it was the intention of British
manufacturers to develop the trade of the country on much
belter lines than formerly. They ought to take the fullest
advantage of any economies that were pointed out to them
by scientific research, and ought themselves to inaugurate
research of this character, in order to equip themselves tO'
meet the keen competition that was bound to come.

Research work was very expensive work : industrial com-
binations would be very useful by enabling groups of manu-
facturers to obtain valuable results for the conduct of their
businesses. It would be the wrong policy for a great number
of research laboratories to be installed; central research

446

THE ELECTlilCAL Kii, \ ij^ W . [voi. tu. No. 2,o:w, Octohkr 21), litio.

laboratories should be established, each dealing with suliie
special branch of the manufacturing industry, where the best
brains available for the purpose could be concentrated. Most
liiiely these laboratories would have to be placed under Gov-
ernment control, but they should be maintained by the firms
interested in the results to be obtained from them, possibly
by some form of annual contribution proportionate to the
turnover of such firms.

During the present shortage of men, women had been em-
ployed to a large extent in engineering works; whilst a cer-
tain number of these might remain, he did not think that
this would be so to any very great extent.

The high wages ruling at present in engineering works
would probably continue to a large extent, and he did not
see any objection to this if the workmen would do good work
for the money they received. Unfortunately, in the past,
many workmen had seemed to strive to do as little as they
cotild for what they earned, and if this spirit were allowed
to continue there was no doubt that effective competition
with foreign countries, where tuch conditions did not obtain,
would be almost impossible.

In addition to this, manufacturers must exercise greater
economy in their methods of production. I'erhaps the most
important economy that could be effected was in connection
with the supply of power required to drive their works.

In a report of the Eoyal Commission on Coal Supplies in
1905, an average figure of 5 lb. of coal per h. p. -hour was
given as being the consumption obtained by industrial con-
cerns in connection with the production of their own power.
In the most modern electric power stations this figure could
be reduced by about one half. An economy of 50 per cent,
in the coal used for driving our manufactories should fully
justify strong measures being taken to make it obligatory
upon manufacturers not to waste coal in the way that had
been going on to a large extent up to the present. A Com-
mittee of the British Association had been appointed to report
upon this particular question, both with a view to econo-
mising the use of fuel and for the prevention of smoke. The
deliberations of this Committee indicated that the greatest
economy in the use of coal could be obtained by gasifying it
and recovering its valuable by-products. This must be done
on an enormous scale to be really effective. It was impos-
sible for individual manufacturers to do this with anything
like the economy that could be obtained if the whole of the
coal used in the country were so treated at certain convenient
centres. The number of processes involved was very con-
siderable, and the handling of each by-product would practi-
cally be a business in it.self. The capital cost involved would
be heavy, and could only be made remunerative by working
the process on a very large scale. He thought, however, that,
if only for the proper conservation of the available coal sup-
plies in the country, such a scheme should be developed.

The transformation of the energy in the coal into electrical
energy was the one link that rendered a scheme of this kind
possible, because if all the coal consumed in the country were
so treated at certain centres, the energy produced would
have to be transmitted all over the country for use wherever
it was required. The only way of doing this with a reason-
able capital expenditure was electrically.

The plants would have to be installed as near to the great
coal centres-' as possible, having due regard to a sufficient
supply of water being available for condensing purposes.
This was a very important consideration, and might necessi-
tate placing them within reach of the sea or on tidal rivers.
If cooling towers were uiied, roughly 3,000,000 gallons of water
per day were evaporated per 100,000 kw. of plant installed,
BO that a station of 800, 0(X) k^. would evaporate all the water
that came into Birmingham from Wales each day if it could
be made available. From this it was evident that an in-
exhaustible supply of water was a prime necessity.

A commencement had already been made in this direction.
In Yorkshire coal was being gasified at the pit; the gas was
being used for firing steam boilers and producing electrical
energy; sulphate of ammonia was being recovered, and coke
was being produced. The Corporation of Brighton was con-
sidering a somewhat similar scheme, although in this -case
the by-products were to be handled by a company which was
proposing to sell the gas to the Corporation for use in its
generating station.

Energy in an electrical form could be economically trans-
mitted at high pressure over very great distances by means
of overhead trunk lines, transformed to a lower pressure,
and distributed wherever required. It must not be forgotten
that electrical energy could now be efficiently applied to prac-
tically all purposes for which coal was u-sed.

If, therefore, energy could be produced and transmitted in
this way at a figure that compared favourably with what it
at present cost the consumer to supply himself, the justifica-
tion for such a scheme was fully made out.

Experience in the past bad shown that large modem gene-
rating stations employing the most economical apparatus
obtainable had been able to supply electrical energy at a
figure considerably below what obtained ten years ago, and
one that was still being reduced from year to year as the
stations continued to grow, and as the load factor of the
stations increased. The largest stations in this country had
approximately 100,000 KW. of plant installed in each. If
stations were to be built to supply electrical energy for
practically all purposes for which coal was now being used,
they would require to be probably five times this size, or.

.say, oU0,U00 KW. capacity of plant mslallcd. in stations of
this size it would be quite ixjssible to arrange for some of
the boilers to be fired by means of gas, and lor others to be
tired by coke or other form of fuel produced from the distilla-
tion of the coal. At the same time, the valuable by-products
in the coal could be recovered and disposed of, thus reducing
the cost of the supply of electrical energy to the consumers.

A scheme of this kind would lend itself admirably to the
utilisation of the poorer quality coals which in normal times
it hardly paid to work. In the report of the Royal Commis-
sion on Coal Supplies referred to above, it was estimated
that this unworkable coal amounted to about 25 per cent, of
the total coal raised from the pits. If such an enormous
quantity could be beneficially utilised for the production of
electrical energy instead of being wasted as at present, that
alone should go far to justify the adoption of a scheme such
as the author had outlined.

Coal could be ga.sified in two ways— either by high-tem-
perature or low-temperature distillation. High-temperature
distillation was used for the production of ordinary town gas,
and certain by-products were obtained such as coke, coal,
tar, &c. A number of products were, however, destroyed in
this process.

Low-temperature distillation produced a fonn of smokeless
fuel, different to coke in that it would burn in an open fire
grate. In addition to this, a number of other valuable by-
products were produced. In order, however, to obtain the
same amount of heat energy in the forai of gas by this pro-
cess, a very much larger quantity of coal had to be treated.
Something like six to eight times the weight of coal had to be
handled to produce a fixed quantity of electrical energy as
would have to be handled if the coal wore burned to destruc-
tion in the boiler fires. This pointed to the ncces.sity for
converting the heat units in the gas, and in the coke or other
fuel produced as well, into electrical energy, otherwise there
would probably be difficulty in disposing of all the fuel on
the outside market.

A scheme of this kind would occupy an enormously greater
area of ground .than the ordinary electric generating station.
The production of electrical energy from a scheme such as
he had outlined, at a cost far below what obtained at the
present time, would make it possible for all users of coal to
use electrical energy economically in substitution therefor.
Owing, however, to the consen'ative nature of the average
man, it was very doubtful whether such a change could be
brought about quickly enough to justify the erection of these
larger super-stations, and to make them pay for themselves
within a reasonable time, without some special steps being
taken for the purpose.

The very slow development of the electric supply business
that had gone on in the past in this country did not hold
out much hope of any real progress being made by natural
development, and in order that the public might obtain
quickly the benefits that would be afforded by such a scheme,
it would appear that some form of compulsion should be exer-
cised in bringing it about. Such a course would, in Mr.^
Chattock's opinion, be fully justified, having regard to the
national importance of the results that would be obtained : —

1. By the proper conservation of the coal supply of the
country.

2. By the elimination of smoke from our atmosphere.

3. By the possibility of giving a supply of power to manu-
facturers and other users at a figure so low that it would
Represent a saving in their cost of production, and conse-
quently a most valuable asset to the commercial prosperity
of the country, and a weapon to fight foreign competition.

4. By relieving the congestion on the railways owing to
the reduced traffic of coal which at present had to be delivered
all over the country, and under this scheme would only have
to be delivered by special lines to certain fixed centres.

Compulsion could be exercised directly by Government
control of the coal supply of the country, or indirectly by
putting a tax upon all users of coal who consumed it in an
uneconomical manner. Such a tax should be utilised for
financing a scheme of the kind indicated until it became self-
supporting.

In pressing for the adoption of this method, by which such
an enormous economy could be effected, he knew that there
was bound to be very serious opposition from many existing
interests; it was obviously impos.sible to inaugurate such a
change without, interfering to perhaps a large extent with
those interests, but if the great benefits to be derived from it
were proved by searching inquiry to be obtainable, then, in
his opinion, the Government ought to take the matter up and
deal with it in the national interests. Now was the time to
act if they were to place British industries upon a basis firm
enough to meet successfully all foreign competition.

ENGINEERING APPRENTICESHIP.

For the subject of his presidential address to the Assocutiok
OF Supervising Electricians, on September 26th, Mr. A. P.
Trotter took up the system of apprenticeship for the elec-
trical trade. After pointing out the distinction between
"education" and "technical training" for the purpose of
making a lad a skilled workman, he referred to the extreme

xo. 2,030, ocTouEB 20, 1916.] L ilE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

447

subdivision of trades under modern conditions, ^hich tended
to make every skilled workman a specialist. The introduc-
tion of" machinery into the textile industry was one of the
causes of the break-up of the old apprentice system, and the
loss of the personal element in the modern business firm put
an end to the direct relationship that formerly obtained be-
tween master and apprentice, thus rendering it uncertain who
should undertake the important duty of teaching. Employers
should consider whether it was worth their while to take
such steps, both during the ordinary working hours of appren-
tices, and by allowing them to attend trade classes, to secure
young men tiained to do good and intelUgent work in the
stjle of the firm, and well vensed with its special hues.
Appienticeship would secure these. The inevitably wasters
would drift in. but a probationary period of not less than one
month, but not more than six, woidd give them the oppor-
tunity of drifting out again.

Evening classes relating to the work on which a lad had
been engaged all day were not desirable. They had their
uses in certain cases. They required not only grit, but a
good physique. They were a valuable means of improving
and widening the knowledge of those who had not had the
benefit of a regular apprenticeship, or who had an ambition
to rise higher in their trade, or to follow some other branches
of their daily occupation.

The apprentice should be bound to attend, and the em-
ployer should see that he did attend, the chosen trade or
handicraft day classes (without loss of wage.s), for periods of
at least two or three hours per week, or two mornings or
afternoons every week, thus making a minimum of six hours'
weekly instruction in the theoi-j' and practice of his trade.
For technical classes to be successful, it was desirable that
the teaching should be in close touch with the trade, and
employer.s should be invited to take an active interest in the
scope and method of the training.

This instruction should not be a mere extension of the daily
work, carried on under the supervision of a teacher, but in
the case of most trades it ought to consist of a study of
general or scientific principles, illustrated or demonstrated by
examples taken from the practice of the daily work.

In a science class a teacher avoided spoon-feeding, because
he was using science for an educational purpose, and wished
his students to think out problems for themselves. He illus-
trated general principles and theories which constituted any
particular science by experiment. In a trade class much of
this was reversed. The experiment, whether the tinning of a
soldering iron, or the charging of an accumulator, was the
starting point, the main thing to be understood, and the prin-
ciples and theories were brought in to explain it. The im-
portance of systematic work .should be taught. One man
would fumble for an hour or more with a detector, sorting
out circuits in a tangle of wires; another would finish them
off in a few minutes because he worked on a method.

Mathematics were absolutely essential for the higher
branches of electrical engineering, and in the more simple
departments, such as fault locahsation, mathematics enabled
. a trained man -to take wonderfully short cuts. But a
thorough grasp of the subject from a common-sense point of
view would often enable a plain man to " get there."

An apprentice should come so grounded in simple arith-
metic that he should not have to be taught it, but only have
to exercise his knowledge of it in the trade cla,=:ses.
The demand for trade classes in any special subject must
. precede the supply. The City Guilds had done a great deal
for higher scientific teaching ; it would be appropriate that
help should come from this quarter to revive apprenticeship.
which was originally in.stituted as the carefully guarded en-
trance to the Guilds, and that they should aid in the develop-
ment of the guild spirit — a pride in craftsmanship of the
highest quality. Course.^ of instruction were already pro-
vided in London by the London County Council at day
schools, to a greater extent than was generally known ; and
since these were by no means centralised, but were widely
distributed, they could be carried on in the same way not
only in other cities, but in the smaller towns.

Seeing that the London County Council was prepared to
provide trade classes for apprentices, and that it controlled
iir was in touch with a large number of polytechnics and
trchnical institutes, no special organisation of the electrical
trade seemed necessary. It only remained for fii-ms to put
theuiselves in touch with the facilities which already existed.
The main advantage to the electrical engineering industry
in encouraging the apprenticeship system was that it secured
sood workmen thoroughly in.structed in the craft. In the
rase of electrical contractors engaged in wiring, sound work-
manship became a matter of public importance. Ironmongers
and decorators, who had succeeded in putting up electric
hells, had gone on to try their hands at wiring for electric
light, with disastrous results.

The old period of apprenticeship of .seven years was too
long in the.se days of competition and higher pressure. An
apprentice who received sound training in trade classes, and
thus learnt to understand his work intelligently, would master
it sooner than a boy coming straight from an elementary
schofjl to pick lip a trade by simply working at it. The period
of modern apprenticeship should not exceed five years, and
in some cases of simple repetition work, might be reduced to
thi;ee. In general four years seemed to be a suitable period
for electrical contractors. If there was a variety of work.

the apprentice might not have a chance of seeing it all
during a period of less than four years.

Mr. Trotter deprecated the payment of a premium. In the
absence of a premium, relations became simpUfied, a smaU
wage was paid, and this placed the master in his proper
position.

He recommended those who wished to receive apprentices,
or to obtain more information on the subject, to communicate
with the Secretary of The National Institution of Apprentice-
ship, as, York Place, Baker Street, London. \y. It had
arranged, apprenticeships in 81 cases for electrical fittings
makers, electrical fitters and turners, electrical instrument
makers, electrical brass workers, and armature and coil
winders, and in 14'2 cases for general electrical engineers.

There was another institution. The Apprenticeship and
Skilled Employment Association, with an office at 53, Denison
House, Vauxhall Bridge Road, London, S.W., with a con-
siderable number of affihated local committees.

INDUSTRIAL ELECTRIC HEATING.

In a paper read recently before the Xational Electric Light Asso-
ciation, by Mr. E. F. Collins, the author discusses the progress
made in industrial electric heating in recent times aud the advan-
tages, in improved quality of product and. in many ca-ses, decreased
cost, which have resulted ; his remarks in abstract are as
follows : — .

A decision as to whether electric heat may be employed to
replace other means of heating cannot safely be determined by
comparison, simply on a b.th.u. basis of cost of electric heat as
against heat for fuel. The heating eng-ineer must consider the
advantages : control of temjierature, ease and directness of appli-
cation. incre«.=e of production, reduction in fire risks, decrease of
labour of attendance, decreased cost of up-keep. freedom from
smoke, jrases, and excessive heat lost to the room creating discom-
fort to the operators in hot weather, saving in floor space, increased
quality of production.- and saving of lost heat due to fuel being-
burned uneconomically through the carelessness of operators in
adjusting fires, burners, ice. A kilowatt-hour in an electric heater
must create 3.412 B.TH.r. ; on the other hand, the writer has seen
cases where the operator used double the fuel oil that was required
for certain heating, simply because he did not have the skill or
care to adjust his mixtures at the burner for perfect combustion.

It is intended in this paper to deal only with the application of
electric heat in industrial processes that require 9.50" F. or less.
Three general types of heating units have been developed by the
manufacturer to cover industrial heating derices not requiring
more than 9.50° F. These units are the air heater unit, the hot-
plate or cast-in or embedded unit, and the immersion type unit.
These units are generally of the metallic resistance type, this
resistance being of the nickel-chrome combination, which is free
from corrosion in the air at temperatures much in excess of their
normal operating: temperatures. These imits are designed so that
they may be used singly or in combination to take care of standard
voltage such as 5.50. 410. 200. 110 alternating or direct current.

The air-heater type of unit consists in general of a framework
of steel or cast iron carrying insulators made from mineral com-
X:ounds such that they afford high insulation resistance even at the
fusing point of the metallic resistance which fhey carry. This
resistance, in the best designs, is of the nickel-chrome-type alloy,
and is non-corrodible in air at a temperatui-e of 800° C. or higher.
Where a number of these heaters are connected together in air. an
oven, or other heating chamber, it has been fotmd best to use steel
bus-bars and connections mounted upon insulators having the same
characteristics as the heater insulators. In addition to high
insulation and refractoriness at high temperatures, this compoiuid
has practically no expansion and contraction, aud is not affected
by moisture even at high temperature.

Air heaters have a very wide application. When used in heating'
ovens, they are usually units of capacity ranging from 3 to 10 KW.,
which may be distributed to give uniform heating- results and the
desired oven temperature Standard control panels both for hand
, and automatic control through the medium of an oven thermostat
are available, and are, in fact, a necessity for most installations.

The hot-plate cast-in. or embedded type of unit, consists generally
of a metallic resistiuice properly insulated and clamped between
metal plates, or it may have the resistance wire suitably insulated
and cast in a metal plate or container as an integral part of such,
or the same type of wire may be embedded by rolling, swaging,
welding or other method in metal plates or other cari-ying parts.
Such units are usually employed 6y clamping them In contact with
the parts to be heated, and are suitably lagged to prevent loss of
heat from external surfaces in contact with the room. These units
are likewise designed for use in standard voltage circuits, either
individually or in combination, and in many cases are wound to
give three heats thi-ough the use of a three-point snap-switch.

The immersion type of unit is. in general, of such form that the
resistance itself may be immersed Ln the body of fluid it is to heat,
or it maj- be protected from direct contact with the fluid by an
intervening- insulated and protecting sheath. One end of the
sheath protrudes from the fluid, and cairies the heater terminals.
In the application of the immepion heater to industrial uses, the
writer favours automatic regulation of temperatures, and to this
end recommends the use of a thermostat and automatic switch to
control and prevent overheating, and yet allow the most rapid
heating.

448

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW. [Vol. 79. No. 2,0H0, October -'o, i-.ifi.

The foUowinjT table shows some of the more common iudustriul
applications of the foregoing heatingr units and the particular type
of unit usually employed : —

Process of

Temp.

T^pe of heating

Metliod of heat

device.

deg. F.

unit.

control.

Baking of japan

300^00

Air

Hand or automatic

Baking of varnish and

paints

100.300

.\utomatic

Baking colour enamels

100.300

Baking bread A pastry

150.600

Baking foundry cores

350-500

Baking insulations .

20O-50O

Annealiug copper

350-700

,.

Annealing aluminium

500-800

Annealing glass

900-1.000

Tempering steel

200-1,000

.\ir and hot plate

Melting lead . .

620-700

Melting tm

450-500

. ,, „ „

Melting babbitt

450-700

Wax and compounds

150-500

Air, plate and im-

Heating coils

100-1,000

Plate and immersion

Heating water. .

32-212

Air, plate and im-
mersion

Hand or automatic

Making steam . .

212-500

.\ir and immersion

Automatic

Heating metal moulds

200-1,000

Air and plate

Hand or automatic

Lumber drying kilns .

100-200

Air

Automatic

Boiling varnishes . .

100(?)500

Hand or automatic

Heating buildings ...

0-80

Hand

Soldering

400-650

Plate

,,

Glue pots

100-200

Cartridge

Hand or automatic

Melting type metal,

linotype machines...

625-700
650-7(K)

,, ,, ',

Sherardising

Hand

Those heating- proce.sses emplovinfr the air heater have, during-
the past two years, yielded the central stations a larse KW.-hour
output. Very g-reat success ha,s attended the use of the air heater
in baking-ovens whose temperatures t-ang-e from 800 to "lOO" F. A
specific use is that of japan baking. It may be said that already
more than 40,000 KW. of connected load in air heaters has been
installed for this purpose. The writer does not know of a single
installation changed to electric heat which has not been so satis-
factory that it has worked to extend the use of electric heat for
baking purposes.

FOREIGN AND COLONIAL TARIFFS ON
ELECTRICAL GOODS.

FRANCE AND ALGERIA.— In reference to the issue, by
the new French Customs Office in London, of licences autho-
rising the importation into Prance and .\lgeria of goods of ■
British manufacture which are included in the list of articles
prohibited to be imported into those countries, it is pointed
out by the Board of Trade that it -n-ould prevent delay in
the issue of the licences if British fii-ms would specify in
their applications the value of the goods (expressed in Eng-
lish currency), and the weight of the packages in kilogrammes
(kilogramme = 2. '2046 lb.), as well as in English units. Ex-
porters desiring to obtain licences should apply to the French
Customs Office, King's House, Kings-way, W.C. Forms of
application may be written, typed, or printed, so long as
they are strictly in accordance with the model printed in the
Board of Trade Journal of September 7th.

FR.\NCE. — A Presidential Decree prohibits as from Sep-
tember 17th the exporta.tion and re-exportation of electrical
material suitable for use in war, and any detached parts
thereof.

GERMAN NEW GUINEA.— A new Customs tariff has
been issued by the Administrator under the British Mihtary
Administration, with effect from May 18t]i last. All goods not
specifically tariffed and not included in the free list are duti-
able on importation at the rate of 10 per cent, ad valorem.
Besides Government requirements, the free list includes, inter
alia, scientific instruments, motor cai-s, machinery (all parts),
and samples.

EGYPT. — Revised Tariff valuations for use in assessing
duties on metals imported into Egypt have been issued with
effect from September 1st to October 31st. Duty is leviable
on these valuations at the rate of 8 per cent.

MEXICO. — The Board of Trade have received a copy of
a Mexican Decree, dated July 31.st, by which extensive altera-
tions are introduced into the Mexican Customs Tariff, and
a translation of the complete tariff, as amended, is
published as a Supplement to the Board of Trade Journal
of October 19th. The Decree abrogates the general surtax of
10 per cent, of the import duties, established in 1912, The
general rules for the application of the tariff, the explanatory
notes, and the tariff index are to be revised by the Ministry
of Finance in conformity with the new Decree, -which is to
take effect as from November 1st. Goods imported in vessels
■which arrive at the Mexican port of importation after 12
o'clock midnight on October 31st will be object to the new
rates of dntv.

NEW PATENTS APPLIED FOR, 1916.

(NOT YET PUBLISHED).

Compiled expressly (or this juurn.il by Mbssus. W, V. TnoMi-sON & Co.,
Electric-il Patent Agcnu, 285, High Holborn, London, W.C, and at
Liverpool and Bradford.

13,972. " Thermostats." Kerranti, Ltd., i- R. Weaving. October 2nd.

13,984. " Magnets for magnetic ignition appar.ntus lor explosion or internal-
con bustion motors." C. A. Hult & O. w. Hult. October 2nd.

14,012. " Electric heating devices." R. K. Hkakn. October 3id.

14,027. " Magnetic compasses." F. Bakkkk & Son and E. W. Bahkbr.
October 3rd.

14,0211. " Means for connecting electric lines for telephony, 4c." L. C.
Uvr.RAVE AN3 The Relay Automatic Telephone Co. October 3rd.

14,031. " Wireless electric circuit-controlling app.-iratus." M. Inoub. Octo-
b-^r 3rd. (J.ipan, May 11th).

14,041. " Electrical apparatus." BuiTisn Thomson-Houston Co. (General
Electric Co., U.S.A.). October 3rd.

14,057. " Apparatus ,
and directing electrical
b.T 4th.

nd solu

and

14.064. " Electrolyt;
Ottcber 4th.

14.065. " Electrolyt;
without other metals.

U.OIiS. " Repairing electric
ground linos." J. A. Husebvi
' Electric arc lamps.

by m
facturc of magne;

14,081.
14,111.

& W. Heape. October 4th.

' Reflectors for electric bulb lamps." T. H, A. McQulN. Octobci

4t.i

14,113. " Electric conductors." J.^ D. Shaw. October 4th.
. 14,1()3. " Circuit-interrupting systems." British Westikchouse Electric
AND Manufacturing Co. October 5th. (U.S.A., October 9th, 1915.)
14,169. " Electricilly-propelled vehicles," F. W. A. Radford. October 5thr
' Electrolytic cells." J. W. Walker. October 6th.
' High-tension magneto machines for ignition systems of internal-
engines," G. N. Fell (Bignami). October 6th.
' Ignition apparatus for internal-combustion engines." K. E. L.
October 6th.
' Ignition apparatus for internal-combustion engines." K. E. L.
October 6th.

' Non-SQOting sparking plug for internal-combustion engines." C.
October 7th.
cuit interrupters," British Westinghousb Electric & Manu-
FAC'iuRiNG Co, October 7th.

14,390. " Spears for current-testing apparatus for electrical appliances."
W. J. D.wis & C. E. Hunter. October 7th,

14,291. *' Recording altachmcnt for electric current measuring and testing
apparatus." VV. J. D.AVls & C. E. Hunter. October 7th.

14,293. " Means for supporting lengths of wire, particularly applicable to
line insulators." Bullers, Ltd. October 7th.

14,215.

14,218.
onibustit

14.246.
5UIKNESS

14,247.

11,262.
;. Harp
11,276,

PUBLISHED SPECIFICATIONS.

f

XS15.

12,039. Electric Signalling Apparatus, j. W. M
Kehrhahn, of U.S.A.). August 20th.

13,110. Portable Electric Lamp fo-: Writing Purposes. P. Si
Scftcmber 14th.

13,129. Arrangement for Producing

(Otto G, H. E

Cur

Impulses. W. Otto. September 14th.

.Unidirected High-

13,287. Dynamo- electric M
13,480. Dynamo-electric Machin
September 22nd.

13.482. DVN A MO-ELECTRIC MaCHIN

September 22nd.

13.483. Dynamo-electric Machines.
September 22nd.

13.484. Dynamo-electric Machines.
Stpttmber 22nd.

13.561. DVNAMO-ELECTRIC MACHINES OF

September 23r(t-

13.562. DyN A MO-ELECTRIC MACHINES OF

Scf tember 23rd
16,207. Telephone Transmitters. E.
16,469. Portable Electric Lamps. (
10,502. Electric Switch Appliances.

Lawrencf. November 23rd.

H. Neuland. September 17th.
F. A. Heys {Neuland Patents, Ltd.).

F.' A. Heys (Neuland Patents, Ltd.).

F. A. Heys (Neuland Patents, Ltd.).

F. A. Heys (Neuland Patents, Ltd.).

the Commutator Type. G. Schrocder.

he Commutator Type. G. Schrocder..

A. Grahame. November 17th.
H. Hefford. November 22nd.
Mavor & Coulson, Ltd., and W.

X916.

those und<

■ill be

4,901.

appHcati

5.163.

The numbers in' brackets
irinted and abridged, and all subsequi

3,299. High-tension M
^nrch 4th. 1916. [101,439.]

4.190. Process for the
Lisselt. March 21st. 1916. [101,440.]
Electric Heating Devices.
on on 14,405/15.) [100,230.]
Electricallv Indicating the Presence of Saline, Alkai
Imilkities in Feed-water used for Steam Generators and foi
poses. W. C. Crockatt & Bromell Patents Co. April 8th, 1916.

5,391. Continuous-current Dynamo-electric Generators. All
sk.i Elektriska Aktiebolaget. May 5th, 1915. [100,394.]

5.526. Dynamo-electric Machines. A. H. Neuland. September 17lh. 1915.
(Divided application on 13,287/15.) [101,447.]

7.-291. Refillable Electric Fuse Plugs. J. G. Clemens. May 22nd, 1915.
[100,538.]

9,332. Magnetic Compass. J. J. Steward. July 3rd, 1916. [101,466.]

9,937. Dynamo-electric Power Transmission Apparatus of the Unipolar
Type. M. Breslnuer. Julv lOlh. 1914. (Divided applicatior
[100,894.]

which the specifications
proceedings will be taken.
i. Midgley and Vandervell & Co-

OF Alkali Chlorides. R. van

Heller. July 16th, 1914. (Divided

IE. OR Acid
other pur-
[101,387.]

8,334/15.)

THH

bxjEotK/IOJLIj -^^■Bi'VTsrw.

Vol. LXXIX.

OCTOBER 27, 1916.

No. 2,031.

ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

THE AUSTRIAN ELECTRICAL
INDUSTRY.

Vol. LXXIX.]

CONTENTS: October 27, 1916.

The Austrian Electrical Industry 449

The Industrial Worker and the War Funds ... J-in

Workmen's Compensation ... ... lol

The Prevention of Bribery ... i'>l

A Department of Commercial Intellig'euce ... ... ... -151

Industrial Fatigue ... 452

The Use of Ionised Air in Agriculture, by I. Jorg-ensen (iUiis:.) -452

The Production of Small Dry Batteries in the U.S.A -15i

The Xational Insurance Act, 1!U 1 ... ... -455

New Electrical Devices, Fittings and Plant (!7ii«.) -155

Correspondence —

Centralisation of Electricity Supply 4.56

Coal Economy 45l>

The British Mannesmann Tube Co 457

Transformers in Parallel ((7/tf.v.) ... 457

Industrial Lighting by Electricity ... 457

Industrial Fatigue ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 45S

War Items 459

Legal an

Business Notes ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 462

Notes 465

City Notes 469

Stocks and Shares 469

Market Quotations 470

Exports and Imports of Electrical Goods during Sept.. 1916 ... 4 71

French and Italian Electrical Industry and the Russian Market 472

The Use of Coke-oven Gas under Boilers iilbis.') 473

New Patents Applied for, 1916 ... ... ... ... ... 476

Abstracts of Published Specifications 476

Contractors' Column ... ... ... Advertisement page xx

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[440]

It is now quite a year since we referred to the
situation of tlie electrical industry in Austria, which
even at that time was declared by a Vienna corres-
pondent of the E.T.Z. to have overcome the initial
difficulties which arose on the otitbreak of the war.
In the meantime, many events have taken place,
and it may be of interest to inquire into the
state of the industry as set forth in the columns of
the leading newspaper in Vienna at the beginning
of September. Although optimistic in tone, the
report is free from the boasting strain which gener-
ally characterises the statements made in Germany
in relation to Teutonic industries in particular. In
the first place, the Vienna newspaper remarks that
the state of the electrical manufacturing industry is
ver^'- satisfactory, as there is no lack of activity
owing to the great part played by electrical engi-
neering in modem warfare, and the works are in-
tensively occupied on the production of dynamos,
motors, transformers, searchlight projectors, lamps,
carbons, batteries, &c., together with cables and
wire, and telephone and telegraph apparatus, for
army and naval purposes. The question in this case
concerns not only the meeting of the increase in the
requirements, but also the renewal of worn-out and
exhausted stocks. On the other hand, the demand
on the part of private customers has receded largely
to the background; but it has not come to a com-
plete standstill, as many works and other establish-
ments which are engaged on army contracts have
been compelled to make extensions, and have had
recourse to a greater extent to the use of electric
power in consequence of the rapiditv of execution
of the work and the scarcity of labour. These
developments have brought plenty of orders
to the electrical works, although not yielding full
compensation to the latter through the reserve
manifested, except by some hydro-electric works
engaged particularly on the production of artificial
fertilisers, in the construction of new electricity
works and tramways for the account of both muni-
cipal authorities and private companies. Yet even
this deficiency has been equalised by more skilful
adaptation and the assumption of new branches of
manufacturing by embarking upon the production
of munitions and allied war requirements.

It is under these circumstances, the report' con-
tinues, that the difficulties have been surmounted
and the results have been shown in the financial
statements of the works. At the same time, it is
admitted that a scarcity of skilled workmen has
existed at times, owing to the calling of men to the
armv. and that raw materials became short and in-
creasingly costly. But these obstacles are declared
to have been overcome by the introduction of
female labour and by technical ingenuity, which re-
sulted in the provision of cheap substitutes for the
raw materials in sufficient quantities.

The same conditions which influenced the manu-
facturing works are reported to have also applied
to the electricity supply works, where there were
a dearth of labour and a contraction in the deliveries
of such materials as coal, lubricating oil. &c., and
a display of reserve and economy in the use of
artificial lighting, which was accentuated by the
introduction of "summer-time" and the earlier clos-
ing of the shops. On the other hand, the supply of

450

THE ELECTltlCAL KEViEW. ivoi, :'.>. xo. i.oin. Octohkr 27, iiut;.

electrical eneryy for power purposes has generally
increased, so that the total consumption has not
shown any considerable reduction. Apart from
this development, both the manufacturing and
the supply works are devoting themselves to the
problems which have matured in consequence of the
war. In the case of the former, for example, the
idea of a syndicate has to some extent become a
matter of special attraction, as such a combination
would place a limit on irregularity in prices and
conditions of sale, whilst at the same time it is
thought that it would strengthen the idea of an
economic connection with the German firms and
groups, and so smooth the path towards the estab-
lishment of a common economic policy between the
Central Powers in the electrical industrj-. This con-
tention, in the opinion of its advocates, is supported
by the argument that the intellectual and technical
work as between Austria and Germany has always
shown the most intimate points of contact, whereas
the importance of the Customs duties from the
standpoint of the expansion of the Austrian elec-
trical industry has frequently been over-estimated,
as was set forth statistically by E. Honigmann some
time ago. In contradistinction to this view of the
question, which is opposed by a number of firms, it
is submitted that intellectual community is suffi-
cient, owing to the apprehension that the powerful
German industry would overthrow the Austrian
trade.

A further factor in the situation relates to the
supply branch of the industry, w'here the question
of the institution of a Government electricity mono-
poly and the scheme for the imposition of a tax on
consumption have been seriously brought forward.

Thk longer the war lasts the
The Industrial more important will become the
Worker and financial burdens that, as a nation,
the War Funds, we have to carry on our own
behalf and on behalf of our Allies.
The necessity for husbanding our resources,
therefore, should command increasingly the serious
attention of all of us who remain at home. Our
brave Forces are doing magnificently in their parti-
cular spheres, and those w^ho remain behind should
be putting every ounce of their strength into efiforts
for keeping up the supply of inunitions and conserv-
ing certain interests so that we may be able to carry
out the AUies' fixed determination to dictate the
terms of peace, and so that the Home Fires may be
brightly burning for the boys when they come back
to us. The horrors of war are being brouglit home
to all to-day, but the poignancy of personal loss is
being mitigated by the consoling knowledge that
self-sacrifice is now the almost universal contribu-
tion to the winning of the Victory of the Freedom
of Europe. But such contribution, magnificent as
it is, and often so proudly and cheerfully borne, is
by no means our only responsibility. Another and
a very important one is represented by the War
Savings movement. Many of our readers, no
doubt, are professional men with fixed incomes
who know only too well how the shoe pinches in
these days of heavy taxes and increased expenses.
They have been learning the lesson of doing with-
out. Such, however, is by no means the case with
millions of industrial workers, including hundreds
of thousands of young women and lads who are
handling w'eekly more money than they ever had
before. Observers in certain factories state that
the tendency towards extravagance spends itself
after a few weeks, when the novelty of possession
passes off, but in too many cases, unfortunately,
this is not so, and monev is expended freely upon
what in war-time must be described as luxuries.
What w-e have to do is to bring home to all indus-
trial workers that they are rendering a distinct dis-
service to the nation if they purchase unnecessary

things which tend either to occui)\ labour which
ought to be free for national service in some
other form, or which occupy transport and
increase our import indebtedness to neutral
countries. The nation needs the assistance of the
millions in finding the money for the war as well
as in actual fighting and munition-making. In addi-
tion to this, inasmuch as nobody can predict with
certainty what the state of general employment will
be after demobilisation, it is in the interests of the
workers themselves that they should be putting tlieir
surplus earnings into a stocking in preparation for
possible rainy days. Expert observers note with a
certain measure of apprehension the industrial
revolution which is taking place, and they luge
upon us the necessity for doing without now in order
that we may obviate serious deprivation then.

It may be imagined that, at first blush, this matter
is of no concern to an electrical paper, but a careful
study of the subject will, we are sure, show that it-
is a national matter, and is one which concerns all
who are comiected with our own industries. The
establishment of War-Savings Committees in all
parts of the kingdom is serving to bring the import-
ance of the question home to the minds of the
people, but we think that the various industrial
Inisinesses which we as a journal represent, employ-
ing hundreds of thousands of workers, may find it
possible to assist the movement very materially. In
the main, we believe that the spendthrift tendency
could be checked by educating the people on points
such as we have mentioned, and it is for those res-
ponsible for the manageinent of our factories to
devise means suited to their own particular cases
for securing a patriotic response either by schemes
of their own or by co-operation with the Govern-
ment War-Savings Committees. There may still
remain some workers, particularly among the junior
classes of both sexes, whose appreciation of the
responsibilities of life is so light that they will
prefer to " eat, drink, and be merry " unless by
some form of peaceful suasion they can be induced,
in their own and in the Allied interest, to take all
above a certain necessary proportion of their earn-
ings in the form of War-Savins^s Certificates. The
very last thing that we should care to advocate
would be excessive infringement of personal liberties
in days when we are fighting the oppression of Prus-
sian militarism, but in times when we have conscrip-
tion of man-power we sometimes hear the cry also
for the " conscription of wealth." To ask the
"wealthier" wage-earners to lend their surplus
wages to the State at a high rate of interest falls a
long way short of conscription, and, to our mind,
it would be quite as justifiable a proceeding as to ask
the investor to hand over American securities for
the financial convenience of the nation. Perhaps it
might be as well for directors and, managers of our
companies and businesses to consider what further
steps thev can legitimately take financially to assist
the AlHed cause without occasioning untimely fric-
tion among their workpeople.

i

I

1

Workmen's
Compensation.

The case of Woolley v. Watson,
Marsh & Co., Ltd., which was
reported in our issue of October
13th, at p. 410, appears to deserve
some further notice. The applicant claimed com-
pensation for injury occasioned by an accident aris-
ing out of and in the course of his employment. He
w^as a skilled electrician working at a kinema palace
which was being reconstructed. It was alleged by
the respondents, on the testimony of two witnesses,
that at the time of the accident the applicant was
assisting a labourer employed by another firm also
working on the job. The applicant denied this
story, and his denial was accepted by the learne<l
judge on the ground that " the respondents could
have called the man in support of their story." In

No. 2,031, October 27, 1916.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

451

our necessarily brief epitome of the case as it was
presented to tiie learned judge, we were unable to
set out all the facts. In so far as he decided a ques-
tion of fact in favour of the applicant we should
not venture to criticise his decision, but, according
to a letter which we have since received from the
respondents, the judge is said to have ruled that
" where there are numerous contractors working on
a job together, and one fimi's man goes to the
assistance of another man who is not under the
same employer, and an accident occurs by so doing,
although that man is not actually in the course of
his employment, his employer is responsible."

If this is an accurate version of what the judge
said, it is open to two objections. In the first place,
it appears to be directly contrary to numerous deci-
sions of the Court of Appeal, and, in the second
place, it was a mere obiter dictum, that is to say,
an expression of opinion which was unnecessary
for the decision of the case, because it was open to
the judge to find as a fact that the story about the
barrow was untrue. That some such point was dis-
cussed is clear from what the judge (according to
our report) said in his judgment: " He deprecated
all these quibbling points that were so often raised
in cases of this kind." We venture to deprecate
any such general expression of opinion as calcu-
lated to bring the administration of County Court
justice into disrepute. Whether he be a workman
or an employer backed by an insurance company,
every litigant is entitled to bring his case before the
Court and have it decided according to law. If a
legal point appears to be a quibble, that is the fault
of the legislator who made the law, not the fault
of the lawyer who raises the point in the interests
of his client. If County Court judges go out of
their way to make obser\'ations of this kind they
have only themselves to blame if an impression gets
abroad in some districts that when there is a dis-
pute between workman and employer the scales are
weighted in favour of the workman.

We have received from the
The Bribery and Secret Commissions

Prevention Prevention League an interesting
of Bribery. communication summarising the
work achieved during the war in
the direction of stamping out this detestable prac-
tice, with which of late the public has become only
too familiar, ihey point out that, in order to obtain
the necessary evidence to convict, in almost every
case, one side has to be allowed to go free, and to
give evidence against the other; in fact, to be bribed
to do so with a free pardon.

Until recently, it appears, the view has been taken
by the judicial authorities that it is the man who
betrays his fiduciary position who must be punished
in those cases in which the conviction of only one
of the parties is possible. Only in a single case has
a contractor been convicted for attempted bribery.

For years we have endeavoured to distinguish
clearly between bribery and blackmail; and we are
still of opinion that blackmailing is the commoner
offence of the tw-o. No man offers a bribe to an-
other, unless he is convinced that bribery affords
the only method of doing business in that parti-
cular quarter; in other words, that the purchaser's
agent is a blackmailer who must be " squared "
either to give the order, or afterwards to "pass the
goods.

Mr. Asquith stated in the House of Commons the
other day that the Home Secretary would introduce
a Bill at an early date to deal with contractors who
bribed or attempted to bribe public servants. The
League is also at present promoting an amending
Bill in Parliament, which has for its object the re-
moval of the Attorney-General's fiat, which is now
necessary before a prosecution can be undertaken.

We are by no means in agreement with this pro-

posal, as we think it would open the door to false
accusation and persecutions of a particularly ob-
noxious character. All the same, we would support
any amendment of the Bill which would make it
more effective against the evil, which, we fear, is a
great and growing one.

Our faith in legislation, however, is limited; and
we venture to suggest to the League that much
more propaganda work might be undertaken with
advantage. For instance, a lectiire describing exactly
the nature of the offence (on which many people are
extremely vague in their ideas) ought to be carefully
prepared and issued to all schools and colleges to
be read out by the headmaster to the assembled
school at stated intervals.

If the tradesmen who have the privilege of sup-
plying school books, stationery, and other articles
to the pupils could attend at the reading it might
also be useful.

A short declaration describing the offence in clear
terms should be submitted to and signed by every
official of the Government or of the municipalities
before appointment, and a similar printed declara-
tion might with advantage be adopted in private
firms.

A definite question should be introduced in all
Civil Service examinations, and also in those of the
great engineering societies. Law examinations
should also not omit such an important subject; as
we fear even solicitors occasionally take a little
consideration from insurance societies and mortgage
brokers to whom they recommend their clients, or a
'■ negotiation fee " when arranging a loan. The
same men generally carry their righteous indigna-
tion to excess when some wretched traveller, acting
under secret instructions from his principals, gets
caught offering to share his own commission with a
buyer, when the living of himself and his family
may depend on getting the order. Finally, and
most important of all, as urged by Lord Cromer,
reasonably adequate salaries should be attached to
responsible positions.

The announcement that the
.\ Department President of the Board of Trade
of Commercial has decided to amalgamate the
Intelligence. Commercial Intelligence Branch
and the Exhibitions Branch of
the Board and to call the combined department the
Department of Commercial Intelligence will be wel-
comed by traders generally. The two branches
liave both performed excellent service to the trading
community, and their activities have been particu-
larly marked while w^e havx been at war. In normal
times their operations have, of course, been handi-
capped by certain limitations, and a good deal of
criticism has been offered, not always, we fear, be-
cause of their want of merit, but sometimes because
it has been the habit to judge them as the offspring
of the Board of Trade. We have frequently stated
here that our own experience of the Commercial
Intelligence Branch has not been by any means un-
satisfactory. Our relations with those responsible
for its conduct have always been of the most cordial
kind. Thev have placed themselves at our dis-
posal time and time again with all the willingness
and courtesy that anyone could desire, and they
have never found us lacking when opportunities
have arisen for us to co-operate with them in
matters calling for any information that it _ lay
in our power to give. We are particularly anxious
to pay this tribute to the Department on the
occasion of the retirement of Mr. Thomas Worth-
ington, who has had its doings under his supervi-
sion as director right from its initiation, and has
now retired under the age limit. Exactb' what the
amalgamation of the two departments will_ mean in
regard to detailed workinc experience will show,
btit Sir William Clark, K.C.S.I., C.M.G., who will

452

THE ELECTKICAL EEVIEW. [v.-i. rx n,

1:1 1, Octoi!i;r 27, I!I16.

be Controller-General of the new department, is a
young man with a wide experience of both diplo-
matic and industrial affairs, and he takes the helm
at a time when it is intended " to improve the
organisation for assisting British trade by collect-
ing and disseminating commercial information."
The change is a sign of Government movement in
the interests of national trade, and we must be
thankful if only for that, but it comes at perhaps
the most important parting of the ways that has
ever occurred in connection with British trade, and
if Sir William is able to sort out from the floods of
trade suggestions that have overwhelmed us all
during the past two years a few of the best, and
apply them, our industries will reap great benefit
during the period of his office. We offer him and
his department our hearty good wishes in the large
and difficult undertaking upon which they now set
out. No doubt many questions will arise for revi-
sion under his guidance as he meets the Commercial
Intelligence Committee from time to time, and
among these there will inevitably be the matter of
publicity. It may be necessaiT to consider whether
the present manner of handling trade and consular
reports, the form of the Board of Trade Journal.
and even the constitution of the Committee of the
Department, are all that the needs of to-day call
for, and it may be that it will be found possible to
secure more active co-operation from the trade
Press, now too often prone to scoff; but in regard
to these things we must at present wait and see.

The second interim report of Dr.
Industrial A. F. Stanley Kent on industrial

Fatigue. fatigue, which we summarise else-

where in this issue, is a valuable
addition to our knowledge of a subject which has
been far too long neglected, and affords an interest-
ing example of the application of scientific method
to industrial conditions. In other words, it illus-
trates the importance of measurement and system as
opposed to guesswork and superficial reasoning, for
the author establishes by experiment the fact that
the output of the human organism, unlike that of a
machine, is not proportional to the hours of labour,
but may even show a material increase when the
working period is shortened. • Hence he concludes
tliat the working- of overtime, and particularly Sun-
dav labour, is generally detrimental to output, as
well as to the health and well-being of the worker,
and is both physiologically and economically extra-
vagant. It is not clear, however, that these con-
clusions apply without modification to workers who
may be classed as " machine-minders," and whose
output is not dependent upon their manual dexterity
and physical effort, though the qualitv of the work
in this case may suffer from the relaxation of their
attention or the lessened acuity of their senses.

The process of recovery from fatigue is not con-
fined to periods of rest, but is constantly in progress
even whilst fatigue is being produced, and the
author points out the difficulty of isolating these
antagonistic effects; he remarks' that only the resul-
tant is of importance, but it would seem that if
more detailed knowledge could be obtained regard-
ing each of these factors the information would be
very helpful in organising the programme of work.
It has been shown by previous investigators that
by a proper allocation of the working time to suc-
cessive periods of work and rest, extraordinary re-
sults can be obtained, and if we only knew the laws
which govern the physiological processes it might
be possible greatly to increase output without im-
posing any additional strain on the worker. It is
evident also from the observation of Dr. Kent and
his assistants that greater attention should be paid
to the feeding of the factorv worker, by the dis-
semination of sound ideas as to diet as well as the
provision of well-managed canteens at the factories,
the cost of which would be abundantly repaid.

THE USE OF IONISED AIR IN
AGRICULTURE.

By INGVAR JOKGENSEN.

DuKiNf; the last 10 to 1.') years some interest has been
aroused both in agricultural and teehnical circles in regard
to the application of ionised air (produced l>y an electric dis-
charge from a system of thin wires) in agriculture and other
]>laiit industries.

It is iiniKissihlc to deal with llic history of llic subject
. briefly, as it is one of the oldest branches of elec-
trical science, and the literature is very volnniinous. It
will be sufficient to state that interest in the subject in this
coiuitry mainly dates from the publication of Prof,
licinstrom's book in 1904.t Subsequently Mr. J. E.
Newman started some experiments, and developed, in
conjunction with Sir 0. Lodge, a new method for
generating the nceessiuy high-tension electricity, and
a new arrangement of the overhead network ; this
a|iparatus is sold by the Agricultural Electric Discharge
C';i., of Gloucester. It has been described so frequently in
recent years in various technical and agricultural journals,
that it is unnecessary to enter into a detailed description
here. Sir O. Lodge gave a fairly complete account of the
experiments undertaken by the Agi'icultural Electric Dis-
charge Co. in his Kelvin lecture to the Institution of
Electrical Engineers in 1914. J The technical information
given was, however, \ery meagre, and on many ]uiints not
very helpful ; I have therefore attempted in the i)rescnt
paper to state some of the fundamental principles invohed
in the method, in the hope that electrical engineers may
lie jiersuaded to take some interest in the matter, for the
resulting technical research should lead to the replacement
of the present system by a cheaper and more efficient one.

The methods employed by both Prof. Lemstrom and Sir
0. Lodge were very jirimitive, and it is to be regretted that
these two eminent physicists have not attempted to inves-
tigate the physical questions involved in the scientific
application of the method. TJie entire absence of quan-
titative measurements is a striking feature of their work,
although it is clear that, without such measurements,
satisfactory progress is not possible.

If the subject is to be advanced from the position in
which it has remained now for 200 years — that of an
amusing pastime for electrical amateurs — an extensi\e
series of researches is required, and close collaboration
between electrical engineers and agricultural scientists
becomes necessary. The results of the investigation which
has been carried out for the Board of Agriculture in the
last foiu' years seem to indicate that such a research might
be profitable.

The chief features of the Newman-Lodge system are as
follows : —

Alternating high-tension current is generated by an
induction coil (mercury turbine bi'eak, condenser in parallel
with the primary). One terminal of the secondary is con-
nected to earth : the other isconnectedthroughaseriesof Lodge
rectifiers II to the discharge network. The construction of
this network will be seen from fig. 3. The wire system is
carried on insulators of the type used in high-tension power
transmission, which are mounted on poles. The wires
nowhere touch the insulators, but are held taut at some
distance from them liy means of paraffined cord. The
distance of the network above the ground is \U ft.

The apparatus provided by the Agricultural Discbarge
Co. is generally supplied with an ammeter in the primary
circuit and spark gaps (1-iu. balls) before and after the
rectifiers. If the apparatus is started, the ammeter will

" The information contained in this article is derived from
experiments carried out by the writer in Copenhagen (at the
Government Agricultural Experimental .Station) and in this country
under the Board of Agriculture, in conjunction, first, with Prof.
J. H. Priestley (University of Leeds), and, later, with Prof. V. H.
Blaokman (Imperial CoUege of Science and Technology).

t S. Lemstrom, ' Electricity in Agriculture and Horticulture,"
1904.

X 0. Lodge, Journal Inst. Elect. Eng., March 2nd, 1!I14.

li A description of this valve will be found in P/iil. Mnif., 1!)11,
Vol. XXII. page 1. ,

Vol. 7i». Xo. 2,<W1, October 27. IHlt;.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

453

jirohablj show that 2 — 3 amperes are used in the primary
of the coil, and the sparking distance at the field spark gap
(indicating the potential difference between the wire net-
work and earth) to be 4 in. — | in. These are the facts
available from Sir 0. Lodge's experiments : what further
liapix-ns he describes in a manner which is not -^erv
helpful scientifically.

" Leakage immediately begins, and the charge fizzes otT
from the wires with a sound which is sometimes audil)le.
and with a glow sometimes visible in the dark. Anvone
walking about below the wires can sometimes feel the effect
on the hair pf the head as of a cobweb on the face. They
are then feeling the stimulating action of the electrifi-
cation."

This reminds one strikingly of another worker on
the subject of electro-culture. Garolla (1892), who sent
a ciu-rent from galvanic cells through the soil of some
[wt cultures, and used a current of such a strength " that
it burns the tongue."

^j^-However, some information may be obtained from
measurements in the high-tension circuit. To illustrate thi.<.
I may refer to some experiments of my own,* where a wire
{galvanised iron) was suspended 1 metre from the ground.
The length of the wii'e was 10 metres. It was charged

Fig,

. — ShoWIXO the LoDOE-XeWMAN APPARATUt

From left to riffht : Mercury turbine treak with gas-bag for coal
gas, induction coil, spark gap, five Lodge valves, and field
spark gap. From here the wave is carried to the iield through
the window at the top of the picture ; insulated cable such as
is used in X-ray work is employed between the spark gap and
the first pole (surrounded' by a piece of quartz tubing where
the cable passes through the window).

from an ififluence machine re\olving at a constant speed.
By using wires of different diameter it will be observed
that both the current passing through the discbarge wire
and the potential to which it can be charged vary con-
siderably : —

Diameter of

wire.

Voltage

OSi; mm

27,000

04.5 ,,

30,000

0-8.5 ,,

30,000

215 „

.SG,000

Similar big

' variations

2-G
2-()
1-5

Current.

X 10~' amperes

diameter of the wire constant

obtained by keeping the
and varying its distance

from the ground. The nearer the wire is to the ground, the

* I, Jorgensen. Tidsskrift for Viudelektricitet, Copenhagen,
May. 1910.

bigger is the current and the lower the \oltage to which
the wire can be kept charged. Also it is noticed that the
current is bigger when the wire is charged negatively (up to
1"5 times as much as when it is charged ix)sitively).

All these facts are, of course, only confirmation of what
would be expected from pure physical principles (see, for
instance, J. J. Thomson : " Conduction of Electricity
through Gases ").

A cotton-covered wire will give a stronger discharge than
a bare wire of the same diameter if the atmosphere
is dry.

Such measurements in the high-tension circuit (or earth
circuit) are necessarily very approximate, and when high
\-oltages are used, as in the Lods;e-Xewman apparatus, they
re juire rather special apparatus for measurement.

The following facts are disclosed by such crude measure-
ments : —

For a definite source of high-tension electricity the
strength of the discharge depends on : —

1 . The sign of the charge.

2. The diameter of the discharge wire.

.">. The distance from ground of the discharge wire.

To this may be added if more complicated systems of
discharge wires are used : —

4. The physical structure of the elements (wires, &c.) of
the discharging system.

.'i. The number of discharge wires employed, and the
distance between them.

A comparison between the system used by Lemstrom and
that of Lodge- Xewman will make clear how impossible it is

_^_A.a

1

Fig. 2. — Showing a Pole with Insulator.
Distance, 15 ft. from ground. To the right a screen of i-in. wire
netting, which was used in some preliminary experiments to
prevent the discharge from reaching the " control. " This
screen did not prove any good, as it was considerably lower
than the discharge wires.

to judge the relative merits of the two systems when
technical measurements are not at hand

Lodge-Newman

06 mm.,
but with
discharge
points
every metre.
0'6 mm.

Distance P'!l.™'Jf Spark length Sign

from ji,',,^r?o ' between net of
ground. ^5^"^^^ i and earth, charge.

Oo— 2-5
mm.

10 m. 10— 20mm.

It will also be understood that the measurement of spark
length is not very helpful in attempting to get an absolute
measure of the discharge.

Still more comjilicated than the laboratory conditions are
the conditions under which the discharge takes place in
the open air. Jleteorological factors ob\iously play a
much more important part, and cannot be controlled as in
laboratory experiments. It becomes imperative to obtain an
absolute measm'e of the current actually pa.ssing through
the air. The writer has made an attempt to develop certain
methods of measm'ement of the electric air currents. These
measurements were not imdertaken from the point of view

454

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW. [Vol. I'X No. 2.031. October 27, 1916.

of physical researcli, hut in order to c>l)tain (|uii'k and oasy
nietliods wliidi could Iw.' conveniently ein])loyed in the
agricultural ex]ieriiuents.

Let us consider the physical processes concerned in the
discharge. What happens is that neutral gas molecules
acquire a charge. + or — . According to the working
theory of modern physics, the structure of the atom can be
represented by assuming the presence of one or more posi-
tively charged nuclei. round which revolve negatively charged
electrons. Thus the hydrogen atom, which is the simplest
built atom, consists of one nucleus and one electron. The
charge of the nucleus and the electron is the same with
opiX)site sign {:■> x 10""" electrostatic units). ■

If an electron is removed from an atom or molecule, the
latter will assume a positive charge : if an electron is added
to a system it will apjiear with a {xisitive charge.

In the ciise of a dischm-ge of electricity from a thin wire
charged to a high ix)tential — positively, for example — it can
be imagined that the charging of the wire consists in the
withdrawal of electrons from the metal molecules, these
electrons being replaced by electrons from the ga.s molecules
in the neiglilioiirliood of the wires. The charged atoms or
molecules (ions) will move towards earth under the influence
of the electric forces (potential difference between the charged
wire and ground) : from neutral molecules in the plant or soil
they will acquire electrons, and thus become neutral, &(■.

GALV. IRON No u.

CUm

a

Q.

^, o

P

0 10 50 100 YARDS

Fig. 3. — Diagram showing Arrangement of Discharge
Network.

In the discharge in atmospheric air the ions will not
be simply atoms or molecules, but a charged atom or
molecule surrounded by a cluster of neutral molecules.
The number of molecules determines the speed with which
the ions travel under the influence of an electric field, e.g.,
the ion is characterised by its mobility, the velocity of an
ion in a field of an intensity of 1 volt per cm.

A general expression for the current passing thi'ough the
air is the following : —

•/ = w u e,

where / is current density, « the number of ions, ;/ the
velocity of the positive ions, and e the charge of an ion
(.5 X 1 0~" electrostatic units) ; if both positive and nega-
tive ions were fonued the expression would have been —

/ = ?/, w, e + n^ v^ e ;
but measurements showed that with the , ires charged
positively the current was carried only by positive ions.

The formula may also be written i = n . e . ffrjdx . r
where the velocity of the ions has been replaced by the
product of potential gradient drj//.r and the Specific velocity
of the ions. The product >/ e r is called the specific con-
ductivity of the air.

On the determination of these two quantities, the
potential gradient and the specific conductivity, depends
the measurement of such small electric currents in the air
as are produced by the Lodge-Newman system.

Space does not permit of a lengthy description of the
apparatus employed for the measurements and the pre-
cautions which must be taken in order to obtain reliable
results ; the reader is referred to a text-book on atmospheric
electricity — Mache and Schweidler,* for instance — where
measurements of a somewhat similar nature are described.
(To he concluded.)

* Mache imd Schweidler : " Die Atmospharische Elektrizitat."
Braunschweig. 1909.

THE PRODUCTION OF 5MALL DRY
BATTERIES IN THE U.S.A.

In a paper recently read before the American Electrochemical
Society. C F. Bursress called attention to the remarkable jrrowth in
the production of dry cells, despite developments in the telephone
field, signal work, and {jas-enjrine ignition, which have been pre-
dicte<l as factors to reduce trrcatly the demand for dry cells. The
author stated that if 50,000,000 represents the annual output of
standard, or so-called No. (),dry cells in the United States, this fiifure
may be multiplied several times to represent tlie i\umber of small
dry cells used for flashlight and miscellaneous other purposes.
Hij,'h-efficiency miniature tungsten lamps and improved quality of
the battery have been important factors in stimulating the fla.«h-
light industry.

Considerable information was given in the paper on efficiency,
output, and other characteristics of small dry cells, based on a

TABLE

I.— Rating of Dry Cells fob Flashlights.

Flashlight
bulbs.

Volts.

Amperes.

Type of battery
to be used.

Ohms
resistance
per cell.

Clear

Opal back...

27
3-8
29
4 0
2-.')
38
25

0-35
0-35
0-35
0-35
035
0-35
0-25

2-cell — tubular type
3 cell — tubular type

2 cell — tubular type

3 cell — tubular type

2 cell — case type

3 cell— case tyiie
2 cell — case type

Average

3-84
3-62
414
381
3-57
362
5-00

394

summary of tests made on about 4,000 cells. The two most
important characteristics by which the value of a flashlight battery
may be determined, according to the author of the paper, are
ability to furnish light over a period of time, or its capacity, and
its ability to withstand deterioration when not in use, or its shelf
life. Other characteristics of importance are voltage, recuperation,
uniformity, size, and cost. An accompanying table gives data on
flashlight lamps as now standardised by manufacturers.

The data in the table indicate that about 4 ohms is the
average resistance of the common sizes of lamps, and this is
adopted as the standard. It is the resistance recommended by the
committee on standard methods of testing dry cells, as outlined in

TABLE II. — Capacity or Hours of Burning for Small
Dry Cells.

2J X 11

lifx j«

Size of eel
2Jx 1

Brand.

Hxi

1AX&

lix A

A

13-25

3-5

3-75

1-9

56 min.

70 min.

B

3-6

4-2

1-7

•

C

lOo

2

—

-85

13 min.

D

13-25

5

4-2

20

63 min.

66 min

E

13-75

4-1

—

1-4

40 min.

F

9-25

3-1

2-5

1-25

34 min.

45 min.

(i

8-75

3-2

2

1-1

•

H

1325

4-3

i

1-9

40 min.

75 min.

the transactions of the American Electrochemical Society. A voltage
of 0-5 across the cell terminals when delivering current to the
4 ohms resistance is taken as the point where the current has fallen
so low as to give a non-useful light. The standard method of
capacity test consists in connecting an individual cell to a resist-
ance coil of 4 ohms, and discharging continuously until its
voltage drops to Q-o volt. Most of the flashlight cells will drop to
O'S volt during an eight-hour period. The larger cells will run

TABLE III. — Durability or Shelf Wear for Small Dry
Cells.

Expressed in monthly percentage reduction in flash.

Brand.

Size of (fells— inches.

2ix IJ

IfSxJg

a X 1

lixi

13, X 8

lix*

A

3-66

8-3

9-2

9

12

9-3

B

r.55

6-45

91

10

—

—

C

1-87

3-83

—

5

25

—

D

2-40

5-7

5-0

81

66

10-5

E

510

7-5

—

9-6

14

15-3

F

14-3

11-2

141

250

—

140

G

10-8

12

10

22-0

25

H

10

12-5

91

15-0

27

13-3

beyond this, giving some chance to recuperate before the beginning
of the following test period.

The author states that, from long experience and a great many
tests, the best method of determining the deterioration going on
within the cell is by measuring the short-circuit flash which the
cell gives when connected momentarily to an ammeter. A cell
which gives a flash current of 8 amperes when new may drop

vni. 79. xo. 2.031. OCTOBER 27. iHifi.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.-

455

to 4 amptTf-s after six months, and this indicates roujrhlT a depre-
ciation in capacity of 50 per cent. While the decrease in flash is
not strictly proportional to the decrease in ampere-hour capacity,
it is nevertheless a far better indication than is the drop in open-
circuit voltage.

Dry cells vary in initial voltage far less than they do in other
chai-acteristics. The author pointed out that g-rades of materials
snpplied as well as the methods of manufacture influence the
voltage to a small degree. Likewise the ability of a battery to
'" recujierate " can be given to a cell by certain variations in the
methods of manufacture. Thus a coarser grade of manganese will
show a higher recupeftitive ability than will a very finely powdered
more active grade. In general, it may be considered that high
recuperative ability is inconsistent with ability to deliver current
constantly without serious dropping in voltage.

TABLE IV.

-PEBKORMASCE that SH0L"LD be E.'iPErTED FRO .1

A Dry Cell or Good Qcality.

Capacity,

Per cent, monthly

minutes.

deterioration.

-, X I-2."> in. (r>7-2 y 388 mm ) ...

HfiO

Under 4

1-12.1 X 0-!137.">in.(-l61 x 238 mm.)

300

Under 6

212.i X O^.T in. (.54 x 191 mm.) ...

250

Under S

r875 X 0625 in. (477 x 15"9 mm.)

120

Under 10

1-5625 X 0-5625 in. (3!r7 X 143 mm.)

'' 65

Under 12

1-S75 X 0-o625 in.(47-7 x 143 mm.)

70

Under 12

The data in Tables II and III give results of tests on different
brands of dry cells purchased in the open market. The capacity
tests show that the best cells have a capacity of about ItlO percent,
above the poorest, and from the durability tests the differences are
much greater. The performance that should be expected of good
quality dry cells is shown in Table IV. —Klfi-ii-irul Wur/il.

THE NATIONAL INSURANCE ACT, 1911.

I'XE.MPI.OYMEST IXSlIiAXCE. — FrRTHKli I)E('ISIO-N>
-|HE U.MI'JUK.

wholly or mainly in repairs to the electrical machinery or
switchgear.

1.962. Workmen described as out-door erectors ani. engage!
wholly or mainly in the installation of accumulators.

1.967. Workmen employed in crushing blast furnace slag for u=e
as material for road-making.

Notice is given that the Umpire has received an application for
a decision as to whether contributions are payable or not in respect
of stablemen emploved in onufcion with any insured trade
(.476 X).

Any representations were to be made in writing to the Umpire by.
or on behalf of. any workman or emplo.yer. and forwarded to the
Registrar. Office of the Umpire. 47. Victoria Street. London. S.W.,
on or before Ojtober 2iith. I91(>. A decision on this application
will be given on or after October 30th.

NEW ELECTRICAL DEVICES, FITTINGS,
AND PLANT.

G.E.C. Rotary Converter Traction Equipment in Barcelona.

The accompanying views show the electrical etjuipment of the
Coello sub-station of the Barcelona Tramways Co.. aggregating
1.500 KW. Three-phase power is received at (J.oOii volts, reduced to
450 volts by oil-insulated air-cooled transformers in the basement
and is situated between the machines. To gain access to each trans-

The following additional decisions have been published :--
CoNTRiBrxioxs are P.wable for

1.946 X. Warehousemen, storekeepers, caretakers, timekeepers or
watchmen employed wholl.y or mainly l>y way of nianual labour in
factories or workshops, or in yards or stores immediately connecteil
therewith, when the aforesaid factories or workshops are engaged
wholly or mainly in mxmitions work, or in any of the trades insured
under the National Insurance CPart II) (Munition Workers) .\ct.
1916.

1.947 X. Porters, packers, messengers, cleaners, or weighmen
employed in factories or workshops, or in yards or stores imme-
diately connected therewith, when the aforesaid factories or work-
shops are engaged wholly or mainly in munitions work, or in any of
the trades insured under the Xational Insurance (Part II) (Munition
Workers) Act. 1916.

1.948 X. Engine drivers. boUermen. firemen, stokers, cleaners,
oilers and other workmen engaged wholly or mainly in tenting,
driving or minding engines or machinery, or in stoking boilers
for the production of power, light, or heat for use in connection
with munitions work or in any of ■ the trades insured under thi/
Xational Insurance (Part II) (Munition Workers) Act. 1916.

1 This decision does not relate to workmen employed by separate
c^impanies or authorities who sell electricity or power for general
purposes.)

1.960 X, Workmen engag id in assembling cycle and motor repair
outfits intendei for use in war.

1 963 X. Workmen engaged wholly or manly in vitreous
iiuimelling upon metal,

1.961 X. Workmen engagjl in repairing machinery belting in an
establishment which is eng i.ujd wholly or mainly in munitions
work or in any trade which is insurable under the Xational
Insurance (Part 11) (Muuition Workers) .4ct. 1916.

1,965 X. Workmen engaged in making metal patterns as described
in Decision B 1.13S {Boint nt Tnulv Joiiriird of October 24th
1912) or in makin.' pitterns of other materials, if the patterns are
for use in the maurfacture of metal goods.

Xote.— Decision B 1.138 reads as follows :—

Workmen engaged in making metal patterns (other than cast-
iron patterns) not b?ing for the use of iron, steel, brass or other
foundries which are engaged" wholly or mainly in making castings
for use as parts of the products of a mechanical engineering
establishment.

COXTRIB.UTIOSS ARE XOT PAYABLE FOR

1.954. Workmen engaged wholly or mainly in the manufacture
of porcelain insulators or of porcelain parts of electrical switches,
lampholders or other fittings, unless such insulators or switches.
i:c„ are intended for use in war.

1.961. Colliery electricians engaged wholly or mainly in the
maintenance of electric light and power installations in or about
the colliery (but not in colliery buildings or shops) and not engaged

Fic. 1. — Tin: C iello Si-e-statiu.v

WAYS Co., SHOWING ''WlTTOX"

OF THE Kai:i;i;lu.\a Ti
Rotary Coxx'ERTErs,

former, a lemovable checquer plate is let into the floor, whic'i
cm be lifted when'the transformer needs attention or inspection.
The converting equipment comprises three 500-KW. shunt -
wound Witton rotary converters i-unning at a speed of .750 u.p.M.,

Fitt. 2. — A.c. Side of Rutarv Coxveuteiw a.nd ' \Vrno>
Feeder Switchboard,

fitted with interpoles, and generating direct cui-rent at GOO
volts. The energy so produced is -used entirely for traction
purposes.

Each rotary converter is provided with a slip-ring starting motor
for running up to sx)eed, synchronising being effected by operating

D

450

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW, [voi. 7i>. No. 2.031, octo„,.;u •n. loi.

1

the rotor rhwstat of the alip-rin<r motor. The motor is carried on
an extension of the converter ihaft. Suitable pillars for control 1 in-/
the re^'iilators are mounted near the sn-itchtward, as shown in tg. 1 .
In addition, each rotary may 1h- run up from the continuous current
side Ijy mean.* of a chan?e-over switch and startinsr resistance,
which is similarly operatetl from a handwheel pillar. On the
front of the boaixla double-pole chan-re-over switch is also provide*!
to i-everse the shunt coil of the reverse-current trip when startin};
in this way.

.V portion of the main switchboanl controlliufr the low-tension
-iclc of the station is also seen in fi^'. I. In ti^'. 2 a view of the
A.c. side of the rotaries and the feeder switchboard is shown.

C»n the controlling: switchboard each rotary converter A.c. panel is
litteil with ammeter, power- fact ofmeter. and switch and fuses for tin-
startinj; motor. Adjacent to each .v.i'. panel is the correspondinj;
D.i'. panel, on which is mounted a circuit -breaker havintr overload
trips !is well as a trippinjr coil operatinjr in conjunction with an
over-si^eed device for each converter, in addition to the chaufre-over
switch and the single-pole main switch for starting from the con-
tinuiins-eurrent side.

.\ synchroscope with machine and bus-bar voltmeters is carrieil
on a swinjjinjr bracket at the end of the board. The feeder panels
are each fitted with a sintrle-pole cii-cuit-breaker. main switch, and
ammeter.

The complete installation, as described, was supplied by the
Gkxkral Ei.kc'tric Co., Ltd.. of London.

Small Commutators.

An ingenious method of constructing- small commutators from
round bar material is disclosed in a patent No. l.lH.i.861. -granted
to Edward F. Smith, of Cincinnati. Ohio. Copper in the shape of
a cylindrical block is formed with a central bore, having- counter-
sunk recesses in its opposite flat sides and radially arrangred cuts
which extend in from the periphery toward this bore. These
cuts are all of practically equal depth and terminate so as to leave
;in intact annular zone of metal around the bore, so that a blank
results as shown in fig. 3. This blank is then placed in a cylinder,
and dieleetrioal material, in plastic condition, is placed upon the

Fig. 3. — Section of Commutator Bl.\xk. Insulating M^vterial
IN Place, and Section op Completed Commutator.

blank within the cylinder. By means of a plunger this material is
forced against the blank so as to enter all open parts of it, the
object being to fill these parts completely. The blanks are then
removed from the cylinder, surplus material, especially that which
fills the bore and recesses, is removed, and the blanks are set aside
to permit the material to harden. Xext the blanks are rebored to
remove the metal within the bore, from which action finally a
structure results, composed of segments all insulated from each
other by the binding material. A bushing forms a Ijearing for the
commutator. — Elect ricul M'urU.

Improved Pocket Lamp.

The best battery and bulb fail to make up a satisfactory pocket
lamp, unless a convenient and reliable switch is provided to control
the connection between the two. The sliding or in-.and-out switch
liutton and spring generally provided at the side of the battery
case is not above criticism. Either it fails at times to make con-
tact with certainty, or it goes "on" unnoticed and quickly ex-
hausts the battery. Both of these failings are particularly serious
in the case of lamps to be used for military purposes ; delay in
obtaining light, and. worse still, the involuntary showing of a light
may be fatal. To overcome these difficulties. Schneider & Co.
(,Frankfurt-on-Maiu) have patented the "'Disco" lamp, in which a
rotary switch is operated by a serrated ring mounted concentrically
with the lamp bulb and lens on the front of the battei-y case, the
latter being fitted with one or other of the strap .attachments now
usual for military lamps. The switch ring improves the appearance
of the lens mounting, and is used only when the lamp is required
to biu-n continuously. For momentary illumination or flash-
signalling, a spring contact is provided "at the top of the battery
case. The switch ring carries a pin. which, according as the lamp
is "on" or "off." engages in the recess at the corner of one or
other of two springy strips at the point where the strip bends
from the horizontal to the vertical. After going vertically for a
short distance, the strips again turn horizontally, one below the
other, thus forming the press-switch which is in parallel with
the rotary switch and is used for momentarv completion of the
circuit.— f./'.^

CORRESPONDENCE.

Letters irceiced by us after u r.M. ON Tuesday cannot npjwur imlil
the folloicinil week. Correspitnilents shoiild/orworil their commimi-
ctitloH.i at the earliest possible moment. .Vo letter can be publislnd
unless- tre hare the writer*s name anil ailtlress in anr possession.

Centralisation of Electricity Supply.

We all believe that Mr. Williams's suggesticnis are made in the
interests of the indirstry. and most of \is think that much more may
be done than now is lieing done to imi)rove our position. \'el
Mr. Williams will pardon us for examining his scheme belore
we give it our support.

First of all. Mr. William:* hopes to abolish the iiresent contic^l
wielded by the Home Oftice. L.G.B.. B. of T.. and Parliaiiuni
itself. But will all these authorities :u;cei)t a JJill which iiiviti >
them to expire and to bequeath their manifold powers to a mw
authority .' Is it not far more likely that Parliament will huti li
out a plan wherebv the new governing body will, in its turn. In-
controlled by the ii.O.. L.G.B.. and B. of T.. and that things will
be worse than ever.' Above all things, Parliament is not likely
to delegate its own powers to any commercial body. We nm-l
bear in mind that a large number of candidates are even now pre-
paring to have a shot at the £400 per annum, at the electi.m
which will come after the war, and many of them have no know -
ledge of business at all. Not a few of them believe that Pari i;i-
ment should manage all business in the interest of the State. ;inil
they feel convinced that the said management can be carried mit
by a liody of Members of Parliament who neither know nor eare
anything for the principles which govern business transactinns.
Now the.=e gentlemen will work hand-in-hand with our Govern-
ment officials to secure that no existing powers shall be abate 1
one whit. Rather they will take advantage of the controlling- liiU
to take over the whole electricity supply industry.

Let Ui not forget the fate Of the telephone. It began with many
independent companies, which were eventually taken over by the
National Co. According to Mr. Williams's idea, no doubt the
thing should have stopped there. But it did not. The Govern-
ment took it over for the benefit of the State. (It would be
interesting to read some of the then Postmaster-General's speeches in
the light of the present fiasco.) The State has not received benefits
from the change. It has lost the rich royalties it used to get, it
has raised charges to subscribers in a wholesale way. and is losing
subscribers also in a wholesale way. According to the news-
papers, it has lost 4,000 in London alone. Think of what
that would mean to the nation if it should happen to the
electrical industry. We shall do well not to tempt the next
Parliament by putting any such Bill before it until we have reason
to think that the members of the House are to be trusted with the
responsibility.

But if we should be assured that Parliament would accept Mr.
Williams's Board of Control, are we sure it would be the best
thing for the industry .' Mr. Williams quotes the Public Trustee
as being a great success. (There are contrary opinions even oi'
that point.) The Public Trustee is just one of those cases whei
the department may be run strictly on rule and red tape, and
have no doubt that all the Trustee's actions are so regulated. But
the electrical industry is different. By the time the Board had got
out its series of f ules and regulations many of them would be out
of date, and one cannot imagine a dignified Permanent Boa) "
varying its rules immediately just because some young unknown,
engineer, in a distant part of the land, had desired it 1 The Boardj
after 10 years, would become like a bench of bishops, wondering
how new men dared to have ideas of their ovni, when they ought
to take their opinions from the great and recognised authorities.

If we are to have a Board of Control, let us have a live one
which will automatically shed its fossils and barnacles. A Board
selected from the existing Councils of the large Institutions con-
cerned, with an etficient paid staff and a laboratory, might dO;
useful work indeed. But do not let us make the mistake of putting-
into its hands too much power at first. It will be far better to add
to its authority when it has proved itself worthy of the confidenos
of the whole industry.

M. H. 0.
October Hi///. IWIl!.

ut
raB

■dja

Coal Economy.

One does not have much time nowadays to wade through long
papers, speeches and addresses, and the pithy summaries you are
accustomed to give of these are extremely valuable. In one of your
leaders of this week, under the above heading, you make a note on Mr.
Chattock's valuable address to the Birming-ham Association of
Mechanical Engineers, pointing out that he suggests " that some
of the boilers in a large pit-mouth generating station should be
fired with coke obtained from the distillation of coal, or, as anj
alternative, that coke might be gasified in producers, the advan-'j
tage of the latter being uniformity in the tiring of boilers and th« 1
avoidance of the diSiculties met with in burning coke in boiler
furnaces."

The gre.at advantage, however, of gasifying coke, instead of
burning it, is that from 30 to (JO lb. of ammonium sulphate can be
recovered per ton of coke gasified, because it contains from } to
1 per cent, of nitrogen. It is true that if we distil coal and hum
only coke and gas, we have gone a tremendously long way in pre-
serving the by-products of coal, but in big power stations, where
large quantities of gas would be required, there is no doubt what-
ever that it would pay to gasify coke in ammOnia recovery

Vol. 79. No. 2.031, October 27, \nr,] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

Wt

producers, About 120,000 cb. ft. of gas is obtained per ton of fuel,
with a calorific value of about 120 B.TH.tr. per cb. ft.

The producer offers a superior method of firinof boilers to the coke
furnace. There is a lower percentage of carbon left in the ash,
and the eificiency of the gas-tired Ixjiler must also be greater than
that of a coke or coal-fired Ixjiler, because the admixture of gas ami
air is under much better control, and air leakage is more easily pr(>-
vented. so that a gas-fired boiler ought to work under laboratory
conditions almost continuously.

I have recently seen some accounts of gas-fired boilers where
efficiencies have been obtained much higher than anything that can
be done with coal-firing, even when the latter is carried out under
test conditions ; the boilers were si)ecially designed for gas-firing,
and not coal-fired boilers, adapted to gas-firing — the latter method
will not give a better efficiency than coal-firing.

A. Hugh Seabrook.

St. Maryleboue Electricity Supply.
Ortnh<-r23r<l, Ullli".-

[We are glad that Mr. Seat)rook finds our summaries useful, but
may point out that his summary of our remarks (between inverted
commas) is not a verbatim quotation. In his address. Mr. Chattock
did not mention gas producers fed with coke, which were the
subject of our own comment. We quite agree with Mr. Seabrook's
remarks, and in this connection the article on gas-firing, which
appears elsewhere in this issue, will be found of interest. — Eds.
Elec. Rev.]

The British Mannesmann Tube Co.

1 desire to draw attention to the above matter, in order to
illustrate one instance where the presumalJly good intentions of
the Public Trustee in transferring German-owned concerns into
British hands have apparently miscai'ried.

The British Mannesmann Tube Co. was the property of German
interests resident in Germany, and these interests have recently
been sold by the Public Trustee to a British financial group, the
first directors of which are given in the Press as follows : —

Mr. Richard S. Guinness (chairman ).

Sir Robert Balfom-. M.P..

Sir Hugh Bell, and

Mr. G. Hethey (managing director).

The announcement in the Press wa,s doubtless intended to
convey the impression that this previously well-known German
concern had now become British ; but the real facts disclose a
state of affairs quite different. In other words, whilst the owner-
ship of the business has passed into British hands, the actual
management of the business remains in the hands of individuals of
German bii-th.

On patriotic grounds it is to be regretted that the board of this
British syndicate should have appointed as one of their colleagues
and managing director an individual of German birth, whose
commercial career as head of the German Mannesmann interests in
this country has been entirely associated with, and supported by.
(Tennan interests : and that they should further allow two im-
portant positions in this company to be occupied by two sons of
the said individual, of military age. born in Germany of German
parents.

In other words, here we have an instance of the Public Trustee
selling the German-owned company to a British financial syndicate
the members of which, whether for want of knowledge of the
business themselves or other motives, allow the business to be con-
tinued imder the previous Gerraan-insiiired management.

Apart from the question of patriotism and of the obvious
desirability of cleansing our industries of German influence, it
seems to me almost incomprehensible that the Public Trustee, who
is apparently empowered to negotiate by private .treaty for the
disposal of these German-owned concerns, should not be required
to satisfy himself that the sale' will have the effect of converting
the previous German concern into a British concern i/i tuto.

E. J. Fox.

London, S.W., Octohei- Wh. UUO. ■

[Our correspondents solicitude for the protection of British
interests, especially in this particular branch of industi-y, is
readily intelligible ; but. in this instance, he appears to be
'■ barking up the wrong tree.' as the Public Trustee, we believe,
has nothing to do with the per&onntl employed by the concerns
which he has transferred to British ownership. As regards the
nationality of the managing director. Dr. Macnamara stated in the
House of Commons, on October ISth. that he was a naturalised
Biitish subject of German origin, and was assisted by his two sons,
who wore the badge " On war service " issued by the Admiralty. —
Eds. Ele<'. Rev.]

TRANSFORMERS IN PARALLEL.

and adjacent leads connected together, as in fig. 1. Looking at the
connections from the outside of the transformer, it would appear
as' though the two sections of the winding were short-circuited,
l-Hit the diagram'showsthat the right-hand terminals of both sections
are connected together, also the left-hand terminals. This is just
what is done in connecting batteries or other direct-current
elements in parallel — like poles are connected.

Transformers to operate in parallel should be of the same voltage,
frequency and size, and possess the same characteristics, which mear s
that they should be of the same make. In connecting transformers
in parallel, it is only necessary to observe the same rules as aje used
for connecting two or more pieces of direct-current apparatus in
parallel ; namely, connect like poles to like poles. The question
now arises which are like terminals on two or more transformers.
This is easily determined in most cases. After the transformers
are arranged symmetrically, as in fig. 5. connect the right-hand
terminals together and the left-hand terminals together and bring
out a lead from each junction point, as indicated.

There is, however, a chance that one of the transformers may
have its leads brought out in such a way as to cause a short-circuit
when the transformers are cnnnected as shown in the figure. Tn

LfoTJ^^^ffl

Eius. 1

-Tr.\ssfobmek.s in Par.\llel.

guard against this a piece of small fuse wire may be connected, as
indicated at f. If the connections are correct, the fuse will not
blow when the transformers are made alive without load ; otherwise
the fuse will blow. In case of a wrong connection it may be remedied
by crossing either the high or low-voltage leads on one of the
transformers, as indicated in fig. 6. A better way would be to
test the transformers and find out which has wrong polarity and
correct it.

The polarity may be tested as represented ia fig. 7. Connect
the high-voltage terminals to the line and one terminal of the
low-voltage coil to the high-voltage winding, as indicated in
the figm-e. Measure the electromotive force at Ej, and e'. If it is
greater at e' than at E,,. the transformer has the correct polarity ;
if less, the polarity is wrong and either the high or the low-voltage
leads must be crossed inside the transformer. The test may be made
with 110 pr 220-volt current. — Pairer.

INDUSTRIAL LIGHTING BY ELECTRICITY.

The simple distributing transformer usually has two high-voltage
leads and tour low-voltage leads coming ont from its windings, as
indicated in fig. 1. The schematic diagram of the windings and
the way the leads are brought out are shown in fig. 2. It will be
seen that the two centre leads of the low-voltage coils are crossed
inside the transformer before they are brought out through the
case. This does not make any change in connecting the two
sections in series on the outside of the transformer, as indicated in
fig. .S, which is the same as connecting two batteries in series.
When the coila are connected in parallel, care must be exercised

The tendency of the present day, in arranging schemes of
artificial lighting, is, as in many other matters, to endeavour
to crystallise the whole matter as much as passible, and in
the case of lighting into three points; that is, height of lamp
or Ughting "unit"; spacing distance; and the candle-po'wer
ol the unit employed.

\Vhilst useful enough and easy of application in' new
buildings, in old buildings the points mentioned commonly
have to be the subject of part consideration only, in order
that other influencing conditions may have the necessary
consideration.

A point one would specially draw attention to in this con-
nection is the need of "general" as well as "local" or
"individual" lighting in most, if not all, of the premises
which the mechanical and the civil engineer have to deal
with. Individual or local Ughting of sufficient intensity for
machine tools, benches, desks, &c., is necessary if each
operator is to properly perform his duties. " General " light-
ing, on the other hand, is equally necessary, for by this
proper supervision and discipline is possible and the safety
of those persons secured who have to move about through
passages and gangways. \Yhere individual lighting is pro-
vided the value of the former is considered sufficient if of the
nature of about 1.5 ft. candles

The essentials of satisfactory illumination may be summed
up as comprising :^

1. Adequacy; that'is to say, the degree of illumination pro-
duced on the working surface must be sufficient for the work
or operation to be propeidy carried on.

•Abstract of paper read before the .Junior Institution of
Engineers by Frederick H. Taylor.

i-3s

TUii ELECJIKICAL KtiVii^W. iV„i.

2. The lightiug unit or source of light must be so placed
that the light does not strike directly upon the eye of the
operator either when he is engaged in his work or when
looking horizontally across the workshop or room.

3. The lighting units should be so placed as to prevent
shadows on the work or heavy shadows about those parts of
the promiM's to which the workpeople have access.

4. Constancy, so far as the degree of illumination is con-
cerned, is alxi necessary.

The value of retlectiou and colour in artificial illumination
is commonly overlooked. The experiments carried out at
the National Physical Laboratory by the Home Office Depart-
mental Committee, in a room specially fitted out with dif-
ferent methods of lighting, may here be cited.

Three systems of lighting were tried : — Direct, indirect,
and shielded. With the walls blackened instead of whitened,
the reduction in illumination at the centre of the rcxim was
approximately -io per cent, for direct lighting; 7 per cent,
for indirect lighting, and negligible for shielded lighting. The
influence of colour in artificial lighting is also often over-
looked.

The eft'ect of mental depression on remaining under blueish
light for any length of time in some persons is most notice-
able. Mercury vapour lamps when used for general lighting
have been noticed to give different results with dilferent
people, where all other conditions were equal; one man, for
example, insisted on the addition of an ordinary glow-lamp
in order to carry on his work, whereas other workers con-
sidered this quite unnecessary.

Obviously for either "direct" or "indirect ' lighting the
most important item is th'» reflector, or, as it is more often
called, the " shade." By the choice of a reflector either of
the "extensive," "intensive," or "focusing" type, and with
the spacing distance arrang'^d with regard to height, it is
easily possible to obtain any desired illumination, and with
the source of light well screened from the eye.

With the use of tungsten lamps, ventilation of the reflector
or lamp-fitting becomes necessary owing to the high tem-
perature of the filament.

The details of fittings, apart from reflectors and shades,
still l°ave room for improvement : lampholders in particular
might well be more substantially made, and with more area
of contact in the electrical parts.

Flexible cords for pendant fittings are frequently either
poor in quality or deficient in section, or both, and frequently
a good cord is used in an unsuitable position.

Proper systematic maintenance of electric lighting installa-
tions is a matter which, in this country, has received but
the scantiest of attention. If considered prop-^rly, the lighting
is virtually a tool, one of the tools necessary to the work
going on, and this work cannot be properly and econo-
mically done if this t(iol is to be allowed to fall into utter
deterioration. Tli- co.st of lighting conmionly bears l)ul a
very small proportion indeed t<. the total stand-by. or "dead-
rent " charges of the establishment, and this cost could only
be increa.sed by an inappreciable amount when the cost of
syst-^matic maintenance is added

Maintenance contracts when carried out by general elec-
trical contractors should include a half-yearly test and report
upon the insulation resistance of the job, a point by point
test of the earthing of all m-^tal work, checking of the supply
company's meter readings an(l_ quarterly charges, and might
also, in many instances, justly provide for a guaranteed mini-
mum illumination in foot candles to be maintained in speci-
fied areas or places. From a t-^st published concerning a
factory in.stallation, the deterioration in lighting due to dust
and dirt over a period of 48 days was as follows :— Starting
from an initial illumination of 4 ft. candles, at the end of six
days this had become 2.8, at 18 days 2.2, at 36 days* 2.1, and
at 48 days 2. Glass reflectors were used.

The opportunity is sometimes presented of choosing be-
tween a D.c. supply and an a.c. So far as the ordinary work-
ing voltages are concerned, there is little to choose between
thena, if metal filament lamps, either of th-^ vacuum or the
gas-filled type, are used. If .small candle-power lamps of the
^-watt type are essential, and alternating current is available,
a static transformer may be used to convert down from a
higher voltage to, say, .50 volts when lamps of the 30- and
(Vi-watt sizes' become available for parallel operation, but
such cases require careful consideration if the runs of the
wiring are of considerabl- length, as the voltage drop may
necessitate unusually heavy conductors. For arc lighting one
generally prefers a l>.v. supply. With low periodicities fluc-
tuations in light are well known in A.c. arc circuits.

Proper switch control of lighting is a matter well worthy
of more careful consideration than it usually receives, and
this would result in added convenience and economv. The
points one has in mind are :— (a) A more liberal use of
switches, (b) better location, and (c) the use of two or three
point control.

For individual or local lighting, the switches should be as
conveniently near as possible to the lamps controlled. These
can be further controlled by a master-switch or switches
placed conveniently for use by the shop-foreman, who would
also control the "general lighting." In some cases it is a
great convenience to be able to control one or more lights
from two or more positions.

Switches in factories commonly suffer from lack of adequate
mechanical protection. Where conduit wiring is adopted,
iron switch boxes which absolutely protect the switch and

only leave the knob projecting are to be preferred. Owing
to its light construction, the ordinary " 5-ampere " switch,
even if only loaded to less than half this amount, ia, at
modern voltages, liable to rapid wear. The author has often
found it pay well to adopt switches rated at 10 ampa. for 2- or
3-amp. circuits on this account.

l-"or factory use, screwed tube is very largely used, as afford-
ing M good mechanical job as well as a sound one electrically.
I'rom a fire risk point of view, it is obviously beyond ques-
tion.

It shonUl preferably be kept clear of all other metal work,
be made electrically and mechanically continuous through-
out, and properly earthed at least at one point.

When placed well out of reach, and in dry situations, open
cleat wiring may often be used very successfully to form a
cheap job.

With a view to maintaining efficiency in the lighting,
attention may well be given to the following details in the
circuit wiring : —

1. " tieneral " hghting to be circuited separately from the
local lighting, and, where possiblp, alternate units to form a
circuit.

2. .\ more liberal allowance in tln' iiuinlici- of I'iicuits or
" way.s " per distribu'i'" !■ ■•■>^ >hi)iil(l be adoptcil, thus in-
suring a minimum of the lighting units being out of action
in the event of a circuit fuse blowing.

3. Motor circuits to be entirely distinct from those supply-
ing lighting, both as regards wiring and the fusing at uinin
or sub-main distributing boards.

INDUSTRIAL FATIGUE.

In continuation of his investigation of industrial fatigue by
physiological methods, Dr. A. F. Stanley Kent recently sub-
mitted a second interim report to the Chief Inspector of Fac-
tories, which is of great interest and value to the managers
of manufacturing and allied concerns. The experiments,
which included a variety of simple tests designed to indicate
the condition at any moment of the acuity of hearing and of
sight, the blood-pressure, and the general response of the
worker's organism to an external stimulus involving a " com-
plex reaction," were carried on at seven factories during
the past year, the industries employing both male and female
labour, and covering a wide range of operations, including
light and heavy engineering. The observations were directed
primarily to the attainment (jf the maximum efficiency and
output of munition factories. I'onsistently with the niainten-
ancf of tlie health and energy of the workers, but obviously
apply generally to mamifacturing industries.

Dr. Kent' lays special stress on the progre.s.sive develop-
iiii-nt of fatigue throughout the week, and on the concomitant
diniinution in the power of recovery, the disadvantage of
working overtime on consecutive days, and the development
uf fatigue during day and night shifts, and discu.sses also the
process of recovery from fatigue under different conditions.
The variation in rate of output of repetition workers through-
out the day and the week, as shown in curves and charts,
piesents remarkable features, particularly in connection with
the effect of overtime, which always appears to be accom-
panied by a marked fall in the rate, besides a remaining
effect which reduces the rate on the following day ; in fact,
evidence is adduced to show that the working of overtime
may lead to an actual diminution of the aggregate output.
The very important influence of home conditions upon the
development of fatigue and upon the output is clearly demon-
strated, and the value of rest intervals is proved.

The author draws from his observations a strong argument
against the practice sometimes adopted of working on Sun-
day ; whereas in normal times the lessened efficiency found
towards the end of the week is remedied by the rest obtained
on Saturday afternoon and Sunday, if Sunday labour is intro-
duced the rest period is inadequate, and the fatigue becomes
permanent and cumulative, .so that eventually the worker
either breaks down under the strain, or, con.sciously or other-
wise, slackens his efforts until equilibrium between fatigue
and recuperation is once more attained. In either case the
result is disastrous from the point of view of output, and
often from the point of view of health also.

The effect of daily overtime is less marked than that of
Sunday labour, though the rate of output during the over-
time period has been proved to be far less than during the
hours of normal labour, due, in Dr. Kent's opinion, to fatigue.
.Again, in factories where the output depends mainly upon
the number of hours that the machinery can be kept running,
and the direct influence of the operatives is small, it may
be desirable to pre.serve overtime, though the introduction of
a fresh shift would be preferable.

-\nother point that is brought out is the importance of
taking food before going to work in the early morning, as
regards the output obtained.

The work of investigation, which has been in progress for
some years, is still going on, and now occupies the whole
time of three investigators. Amongst the more important
corclusions with regard to fatigue as a result of overtime are
the following : —

Existing industrial conditions lead to an increase of the

Vol. Tit. No. 2.031. October 27. lOlC] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

459

normal development of fatigue and to a diminution of the
normal power of recovery. Members of the office staff may
show signs of fatigue and over.strain equally with the factory
hands. Ordinary tests give the resultant of these two pro-
cesses, which is useful practically, as indicating the existing
state, or " fitness," of the worker.

Development of fatigue preponderates during labour, re-
covery preponderates during rest. During the day fatigue
accumulates. During the night the accumulation' is dissi-
pated. Since production is greatest and recovery is least
towards the end of a period, day, and week, fatigue accumu-
lation is then at its maximum. A lengthening of period,
day, or week leads to increased fatigue accumuiation. The
distribution of overtime days affects the result.

Under present conditions, production of fatigue becomes
progressively more rapid from day to day; recovery becomes
less rapid. Thus fatigue accumulates, and "balancing,"
which tends to diminish fatigue by diminishing application,
is introduced. Production and recovery are restored to the
normal, and accumulated fatigue is dissipated, by the week-
end rest. Where the week-end rest is suspended, fatigue
will persi.st. Residual fatigue, resulting from inadequate rest,
leads to lowered efficiency and lessened output.

Overtime labour, when performed by a tired worker,
results in an amount of fatigue out of proportion to the
length and severity of the labour. Fatigue production is
increased and recovery, is lessened by overtime. The fatigue
which follows a period of overtime is influenced by the pre-
vious condition of the worker. An increase in the amount
of overtime woi'ked in a given period will produce an in-
crease of fatigue out of proportion to the increased time.
t)vertime periods worked on consecutive days produce more
fatigue than if .separated by days of ordinary length. Over-
time introduced late in the week produces more fatigue than
if introduced earlier. Overtime, even when not leading to
injurious fatigue, is deleterious to health as necessitating
long hours spont in the atmosphere and surroundings of the
mill, interference with meals, sleep, relaxation, and exercise
in the open air. The effect of overtime is not confined to
the days on which it is worked. In the great majority of
casi*h investigated, overtime was not desired by the workers.
The harrnful effect of overtime may be accentuated by the
jiresence of unfriendly supervisors. Overtime labour is
physiologically and economically extravagant. It frequently
fails in achieving its object.

Labour performed at night may be regarded as analogous
to overtime labour. It is performed at unusual hours. Its
pffect in producing fatigue may be greater than that of a simi-
1:1 r task performed during the day. This effect appears to be
modified after the night work has been in progress for some
days, owing to an adaptation of the noniial diurnal varia-
tions of the worker to the new conditions. For this reason
a weekly change from day shift to night shift and vice vergi'i
appears to be unduly frequent. The difficulty of obtaining
satisfactory sleep by day affects the result.

These conclusions do not relate to excessive overtime, but
to two hours added to the normal day on two or three days
a week — Sunday being a rest-day. Remarking that the fatigue
manifested indicates that overtime labour is more harmful
to the worker than labour performed during ordinary hours.
Dr. Kent points out that it is physiologically extravagant: it
is also economically extravagant, for higher wages are paid
for overtime, though even higher wages are not sufficient to
make it universally desired by the workers.

Comparing day and night work, it was observed that the
degree of fatigue developed was greater during the night
shift than during the day. This is largely due to the in-
iiclequacy of the rest obtained in the day time, all the men
examined .stating that they slept well by night but badly
by day. as might be expected in view of the difficulty of
.'ecuring favourable conditions in a workman's home. It
appears likely that, as there is a gradual adju.stment of the
organism to night work, tending to lessened fatigue, the
period over which the day or night shift is worked by indivi-
dual men might with advantage be lengthened.

It is interesting to note .that, despite the Sunday re.<-t.
Uvually at the start on Mondav the rate of output is dis-
Unctly low. apparently due to the temporary loss or weaken-
ing of the habit of working, and the necessity for an effoit
nil the part of the worker to overcome the disinclination to
work ; the same phenomenon has been observed, in lesser
degree, in the early morning of each day.

A mass of detailed data is included in the report, showing
some remarkable facts. For instance, the output of four
workers was tabulated for each division of the day over a
period of four w-eeks; one of the.se had found for herself that
by working only eight hours a day .she could work .so much
more quickly that she could easily make up for the last time.
Tlie other three were first-class workers, working 12 houi's
11 day, until overtime was aboli.shed and the working day
was reduced to 10 hours. It was ascertained by strict ob.ser-
vation that the output of the S-hour worker was greater than
the average output of the 1'2-hour workers by more than 8
p(.-r cent. ; moreover, when the 12-hour workers were put on
a 10-hour day, their total output increased by more than 5
per cent.

The results of unsatisfactory feeding were found to be very
niarked, particularly in the early morning when no breakfast
had been taken ; increased resistance to fatigue follows im-
proved feeding, and Dr, Kent severely criticises the diet

affected by many of the workers, especially the women. The
inference is that the estabUshment of canteens at the works,
supplying wholesome food at a low price, is highly desirable,
unless it is possible for the worker to obtain a satisfactory
meal at her own home. Such canteens should be provided
with separate tables, and should be managed by a committee
of the workers.

-A.S the output of a factory depends upon many considera-
tions, including the nature of the operations and the influ-
ence of the individual worker upon the volume of output,
the nominal length of the working day, the actual hours
worked, ttc. Dr. Kent lays down no rule as to the method
of attaining the maximum output, but states that this is a
liiatter of the accurate adjustment of the factors concerned,
ba.sed upon exhaustive investigation and patient experiment
--particularly in connection with the actual time worked, and
llie actual rate of working. .\s for the effect of overtime upon
the general health of the \\'orkei-. a difficult subject foi-
investigation, an estimate has been formed by comparing the
results given by the same individual at different periods,
under different conditions, thus avoiding the very unreliable
course of comparing the health of one person with that of
another. During a period of .several weeks, whilst the work-
ing hours were changed from 12 and 10 to eight hours, in
each case that was examined, the suspension of overtime was
followed by a measured improvement in the general condi-
tion of the worker, and in nearly all cases the reduction of the
working time from 10 to eight hours by omitting the early
morning period brought about a further impi-ovement, but
of much less magnitude. Similarly, it was found that the
loss of time by workers during their working hours was
materially diminished when the working hours were short-
ened, being reduced from 19. .5 per cent, to 15 per cent, on
the suppression of overtime in the case of a group of work-
people, and further to 13.3 per cent, on reducing the hours
to eight per day.

WAR ITEMS.

Prohibited Exports. — .\ Proclamation has been issued
adding the following, among other headings, to those already
included under the Exportation Prohibition Acts : —

Copper wires and cables containing copper.

Rubber, gutta-percha, or balata goods made wholly or partly
of (except rubber hose, armoured or reinforced with steel or
iron wire).

A, E.G. Shipbuilding. — .According to the Berne correspon-
dent of the Morning Post, a German newspaper says that the
object of the Hamburg Shipbuilding Yard, founded by the
Hamburg-Amerika Line and the .\llgemeine Electricitiits
("Jesellschaft, is mainly the construction of a series of fa.st
cargo boats, all of the same type, and such as have hitherto
been a monopoly of Enghsh shipbuilders. Shipbuilders, in-
dustrialists, and financiers are collaborating in providing
means for the resumption of peace work.

A Metals Committee, — The President of the Board of
Trade has appointed Sir Gerard .Albert Muntz, Bart, (chair-
man). Mr. Cecil Lindsay Budd. Mr. Olive Cookson, Mi'.
Charles William Fielding. Lieut. -Colonel A. J. Foster. Mr.
Andrew Wilson Tait. and Mr. .Alfred Harold Wiggui. J. P..
to be a committee to consider the position after the war,
especially in relation to international competition, of the lead,
copper, tin, and such other of the non-ferrous metal trades
as may be referred to the Committee, and to report what
measures, if any. are necessary or desirable to safeguard that
position. The .secretary of the Committee is Mr. James F.
Ronca. to whom all communications relating to the Com-
mittee should be addressed at 7. Whiteliall Gardens, S.W.

Sale of Enemy Goods in Australia. — .An .Australian news-
paper states that the Attorney General (Mr. Hughes) decided
la.st month owing to his having been unable, through pressure
of business, to receive the proposed deputation from mer-
chants regarding the sale of goods of enemy origin, to extend
for one month, in each case the time within which, as already
announced, such goods may be offered for sale. It was
pointed out that the last dates within which sales mav be
made are therefore as follows : — In the case of sales by whole-
sale houses, October 31st ; in the case of sales by retaOers.
December .31st. This announcement was not to be taken as
in any way permitting the sale at the present time of goods
bearing enemy trade marks which have been suspended.

In reply to a deputation representing the Australian Asso-
ciation of British Manufacturers and their representatives,
the Minister of Customs (Mr. Tudor) said that regarding
enemy goods, commercial men said it was impossible to sell
articles if they were known to be of enemy origin. The Gov-
ernment had a quantity of German goods which had been
seized at the outbreak of the war, and he was told that only
a very low price would be obtained for them. Th« depart-
ment was doing all in its power to prevent dumping by the
Americans, and was sending two men to the United States
to verify invoices. He was strongly in favour of ad valorem
duties, believing that the most expensive articles should pay
the highest rate. He promised to consider the requests of
the deputation when the tariff was being considered.

460

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW. [Vol, --.. No. 2,031, October 27, 1!>1G.

To be Wound Up. — The Board of Trade has issued
orders under the Trading with the Enemy Amendment Act
requiring the following to be wound up : —

Kami)e & Co., 2, Sandland Street. Ked Lion Street, High
Holborn. London, W.C, machinery merchants. Controller :
T. A. Fox, 79, Mark Lane. E.C.

Burstinghaus & Co., Ltd., 41, Eastcheap, London, E.G.,
ayencv and hardware business. Controller : A. J. Foster, 37,
Walllnook, E.G.

Tnited Carborundum & Electrite Works, Ltd., Apollo
Works, New Southgate, London, N., agents for the sale of
machinery. Controller : C. Eves, 62, New Broad Street, E.C.
Books for British Prisoners of War.— The Coniniittee of
the Board of Education which deals with this subject has
sent us a classified list of books, each item of which repre-
sents an actual request received from some British prisoner.
The following are included in the engineering sections : —
Submarine Cables; Cable Testing; Electric Brake (Westmg-
house) ; Electric Currents (Fleming) ; Dynamo-Electrical
Machinerv (Thompson) ; Modern Electric Practice (Maclean) ;
Handbook of Electricity; Electrical Engineering (Slingo and
Brooker); Alternating-current Machinery; Country House
Electric Lighting Plant; Hydro-electric Power Transmission;
Electric Tramways; Technical Electricity (Davidge); Magneto
Ignition (Hibbert) : Electrical Engineering Applied to Mining;
Internal-combustion Engines; Diesel Oil Engines; Principles
of Electricity (Campbell); Gyroscopic Compasses and Stabi-
lisers; Telegraphy and Telephony (Herbert); Telegraphy
(Morse); Wireless Telegraphy (Fortescue and Stanley); Post
'Office Technical Book (Herbert). Any of our readers who
can supply one or more of these books are requested to cqm-
inunicate with Mr. A. T. Davies, Board of Education, White-
ball, S.W., but not to dispatch any books until notified that
they are still required, as they may have been received from
other sources. Donations to the funds will be welcomed.
Those who have books to spare which are not named above
should send a list of them, with their name and address
written at the top.

Women Tramcar Drivers. — The question of the substitu-
tion of female labour for that of men in driving tramcars
arose at Keighley Tribunal last week, when Mr. H. Webber,
the borough electrical engineer, appealed for five tram drivers.
ilr- Webber agreed that it would be possible to train women
for the work, but he expected they would have the same
trouble as had occurred in London, where there had been a
strike on the question, because the Tramway and Vehicle
Workers' Union were opposed to the substitution. In Keigh-
ley women could be trained in about a fortnight. Keighley,
he said, was about the simplest place in the country in which
to run a tramcar. They had been in communication with
the men's L^nion, having interviewed a seci'etary about a
month ago. The Chairman pointed out that each of the five
men was under 30 years of age, but Mr. Webber' said they
had all been medically rejected. Personally, he would be
quite prepared to introduce women drivers if the LTnion
would agree, though, of course, he could not say exactly
how his Committee would feel about it. He believed there
were women drivers at Blackpool, and in some parts of Scot-
land. He would be prepared to recommend the Tramways
Committee to fit glass fronts on the cars if they were con-
sidered necessary for the protection of women drivers in
winter, though at Sheffield an experiment of the kind had
been withdrawn at the request of the drivers themselves.
The cases were adjounaed. At the same hearing, Mr. Webber
appealed for a clerk in the electricity department, who said
•he only weighed seven stone, and measured 27 in. round the
. chest and 29 in. expanded. It seemed he had been rejected
twice, and he did the whole of the clerical work with the
assistance only of a boy and a girl. A fit clerk had joined
•the Army, and the removal of this man would impose serious
extra wirk on the engineer. The clerk was measured before
the Tribunal,- and his chest was found to be 32 in. expanded
according to the Military PLepresentative's measurement.
Exemption, to .January 1st was given.

Investments in Belligerent Countries, — .A fresh example
cit the inconvenience resulting from the holding by non-
belligerent countries of electrical investments in_ countries
.which are now engaged in war is afforded by the Bank fur
Elektrische I'nternehmungen, of Zurich, although it has to
be remembered that the bank was formed originally by the
Berlih,A.E.G. At the recent general meeting of this institu-
tion the xhaimian. stated that the Italiaa Government had
"just placed. the Officine Elettriche Genovesi, of Genoa, and
the tnione Italians Tramways Electrici, of Genoa, under
State supervi-sion, which represented an easy sequestration,
and the Government official was continually informed of the
course of the business and would prevent any payment to
hostile countries. The bank had asked for the diplomatic
intervention of the Swiss Federal Council against this
measure, because both of the Genoa undert-ikings were essen-
tially of an Italian^Swiss character. Out of the 80,000 shares
issued by the Officine Elettriche, the chairman remarked that
-30.(XH3 were in. Italian possession, 19.950 were in the hands of
the bank, 26.000 in other Swiss ownership, 2.000 in countries
which are friendly towards Italy, and only 1,200 in Geiman
hands. The Teutonic holding in the Unione Italiana was also
inconsiderable, and the GeiTnan members of the directorates
.of both, companies retired from the boards prior to the war.
Proceeding to discuss the, situation of the. Eussian .invest-

ments, the speaker stated that the suspicion that the Petro-
grad Electric Light Co. of lS8b was a German undertaking
had been removed, but the work of clearing up the matter
had to be again commenced, owing to. the frequent change of
ministers. The hope, however, was justified that the com-
pany would overcome the present difficult period. The presi-
dent also referred to the Imatra Co., and said that the erec-
tion of the works was impossible under existing circumstances
in Pussia. The Roumanian undertaking — the Electrica of
Bucharest— liad been placed under Government supervision;
its area of supply was " not yet " included in the zone of
war. In conclusion, it was mentioned that large reductions
in the yield on the German investments were not to be ex-
pected, whilst the Swiss undertakings were in a very satis-
factory position.

Exemption Applications. — The .Smith!ield Markets Elec-
tric Supply Co., Ltd., appealed at the City of London Tiibunal
on l)chalf of 16 of their employes. The men in question were
.7. .\nthony, 29, married, wireman's mate; W. H. AUcmande,
shift engineer, 22, single; .L I. Biggam, shift engineer, 29,
single; E. A. Copelin, driver, 20, married; W. H. Harper,
shift engineer, 34, married ; F. H. Tutt, foreman and meter
reader, 25, single; T. P. Austin, installation and fuse atten-
dant, 36, married; T. G, Deller, assistant driver, 40, single;
II. J. Lazenbury, driver, 39, married; P. F. Roberts, shift
engineer, 27; J. Richardson, wireman's mate, 27, married;
C E. J. Stevens, wireman, 29, married; E. W. Warren, 33,
married; S. Hidson, 36, married; A. E. Bonsor, 23, and J.
O'Connell.

Mr. James (Clerk to the Tribunal) said that there had
been a fire on the company's premises, and this had thrown
the whole thing into confusion. Mr. Powell, for the com-
pany, said the fire had wrecked their station. They appealed
tor these men because they were engaged on work of public
utility, and every man was absolutely necessary for the carry-
ing on of that business.

The Chairman (Mr. Cole) said that these men were of
military age, and in this eombing-out process the company
must get .some men who were not of military age.

Mr. Powell said that they had tried to get shift engineers
by advertisements and other means, but really could not get
men. The only way they could get shift engineers now was.
apparently, by taking them from other stations, who would
then be placed in the same position. The electrical papers,
he said, contained thousands {sic. — Editors) of advertiseruents
for shift engineers. The company employed three drivers,
but they had lost one who had unfortunately been killed by
an explosion in February, and another had been away owing
to an accident. As a result of the fire, Mr. Powell said,
Smithfield Market was now practically in darkness.

Mr. Davis (a member of the Tribunal) said that if the
place was wrecked they could not possibly be employing
these men.

Mr. Powell said it was a question of getting a reinstate-
ment of all the electrical part of the business, and he could
not say how soon it would be possible to do all this. He
was afraid he could not get any definite promise of delivery
at all. Every one of these men were employed in -the station.
They could be doing work and the actual delivery of some
of the goods might possibly be postponed some time, but as it
was now, the station was in such confusion that the men
were employed not only in the day time, b'.it at night as
well so far as it was physically possible. The company made
their own power. They had five oil engines more or less
constantly running, and they also had a reserve supply, which
was called upon by means of four motor generators, through
which they could get supplies from other companies.
It was their object to restore the station as far as
possible and as soon as possible, and if the Tribunal would
give them time they would in all probability be aide to re-
place every one of those men. Practically everything had
been destroyed except the engines themselves. Continuing,
Mr. Powell said that all these men had their separate work
at the pre.5ent time, and the Chairman said that, might be
so when the machinery ^^as" iiinning, but not when they
were trying to put the, place in order.

It was stated that the recommendation of the Military
authorities was that seven of the men should be postponed
till March 8th, one for two months, and that the rest should
go. The Ti'ihunal, however, decided to adjourn the case
for a month, the Chainnan remarking that possibly half of
these men might then have to go.

. At Sheffield, the Wolf Safety Lamp Co. applied for exemp- ,
tion for J. L. Conway, 34, works manager: R. S. Harvey, 25,
married, and W. Robson, 28, single, electricians. Exemp-
tion until December 31st was granted to Conway, to Harvey
until November 30th, and Eobson's application was dis-
allowed.

-■Vt Farsley Tribunal, the Morley Electrical Engineering
Co., Ltd., appealed for Harold Moor (25, married), Leonard
Mag.son (30, married), John Hartley (36, single), and P. H.
Platts (37, married), on the ground that they were in certified
occupations. In reply to an observation by a member of
the Tribunal that Moor, at 25 years of age, was rather young
to be a foreman, Mr. W. Summerscales, representing the
company, reminded the Tribunal that the electrical industry
itself is young. There was, he said, no picking up of men
of 45 years of age. A workman who learned the industry
under the old regime was little use now, as the methods and

Vol. -y. No. 2.031. ocTOBEK 27, i!.ui.] THE ELECTKICAL EEVIEW.

461

.-ilmost everything had completely changed. Conditional
exemption to December 31st was granted in each case.

At Shipley Tribunal. Richard Lindley, electrician, said he
employed four men. all of whom were ineligible. He had
attested for the Navy, but his papers had been returned.
They had .said there must have been some misapprehension,
as there was no right of appeal for men attested for the
Navy. He said he had tried through the Labour Exchange
to secure direct exemption because of the nature of his trade,
and had been recommended to apnly to the Ministry of
Munitions. After two applications there he was told it was
no use asking for badges when he had an appeal pending.
T'ntil he got the appeal .settled the request would have to
lie refused. Postponement to February '28th was allowed.

Sheftield- Tribunal has granted exemption until Decemher
Ust to Mr. A. B. (iutt (35), electrical engineer, who appealed
nil bu.siness grounds.

\t Folkestone, an appeal was made by P. O. Cox, elec-
trician at the Pleasure Gardens Theatre, it being urged that
it was essential for the safety of the public that a skilled man
should be in charge. He was engaged when the installation
was put down, and had been in charge ever since. A month
was granted.

Tlfraconabe Tribunal have granted exemption until March
Ist to Mr. -A. H. Friend, electrical engineer, who is passed
in Class 01.

At Torquay, the Corporation electricity department ap-
pealed for an employe passed for C2. Mr. Keenan, assistant
electrical engineer, said that the man was of much greater
value to him than he -nould be in the Army, on account of
his physical condition, and he urged conditional exemption.
r)n the recommendation of the Military representative exemp-
tion was given until January 1st.

Before the Surrey Appeal Court, the Military appealed
aaainst exemption granted at Godalming to A. G. Mitchell
(•21), shift engineer with the Urban Electric Supply Co., Ltd.,
on account of age and the man not being in a certified
occupation. Mr. Robertson, for the company, said that he
had been unable to replace the man. Mr. Skeet : Have you
tried at the various polytechnics? Surely there are a lot of
young men in training there. Mr. Robertson : No; we are
not allowed to employ anyone under 16 yeans of age. He
added that Mitchell was paid 24s. per week and the bonus.
Ml'. Poulter : And do I undenstand that this man is doing
what is generally done by two men? Yes. The Chairman
and Captain Gerahty both expressed the opinion that if
better wages were offered another man could be found, but
•Mr. Robertson said if he offered £S a week he would not
get anyone. Captain Gerahtv : If you advertised for a C 3
man who is no use as a clerk, and offered proper wages, you
■nld get someone. The appeal of the Military was allowed.
The Chiswick Electric Light Supply Co. appealed at Abery-
tivyth for exteiided exemption for E. R. Chamberlain, shift
engineer. It was stated that before the war five men were
engaged at the Aberystwyth works; now there were only two
besides the mana.ger. and if Chamberlain was taken it would
be impossible to .supply the town with current. The two men
worked from 8 a.m. to midnight. The two apprentices they
had could not possibly undertake the work, .\bortive efforts
had been made to find a substitute. The application was
refused on condition that the calling up is not before January
1st.

Mr. G. Hitt-hens, of Holloway, appealed at Bath for his
brother, F. J. Kitchens (38), e'ectric fitter. On account ot
the classification, the appeal was withdrawn without pre-
iudice, subject to Kitchens joining the St. John Ambulance
Brigade.
Conditional exemption, owing to his being in a certified
vupation. has been granted to Mr. W. A. Harwood, elec-
'ira! engineer, of Hebden Bridge.

At Rueby. exemption was claimed by Mr. \V. H. Linnell
fui H. W.' Gilbert (23), electrician and wireman, passed for
labour at home. He was, it v.as stated, the only man left
in the electrical department, which would have to be closed
down if he went. The Chairman obsers'ed that the firm had
done very well, and exemption until January 1st was allowed.
\ Military appeal against temporary exemption allowed to
Mr. Linnell. jun.. was withdrawn, as he is entering the .\nny.
An appeal was made to the East Sussex Tribunal against
exemption refused to Chas. Winter (41 in January), elec-
trician at the Albany Hotel, Hastings, who, it was said, could
not be replaced. The Court directed that the man should
join up at the end of a month.

Temporary exemption until March 1st has been granted
by the Barnstaple Tribunal to G. W. Branch (29), electrician,
wlio is passed in Class C 3.

Gloucestershire Tribunal have withdrawn an exemption
1 ■■itificate granted at Cheltenham to a driver, aged 28, en-
tjHged with tlie Light Railway Co. The company has given
up R4 out of 92 men, and the man was one of eight left who
could be trusted to drive a car up Cleeve Hill. The Chairman
suggested that there should be fewer opportunities for the
public to ride up Cleeve Hill.

Gloucestershire Tribunal has refused exemption to the work-
ing partner (28 and single) in a Gloucester firm of electricians.
At Rawmarsh, Mr. Brown, manager of the Mexborough
and Swinton Tramwavs, appealed for two motor-men, aged
resnectiv«ly 24 and 39, and a brake repairer and general
assistant in the car repainpg depot. The two potpr-meli
were conditionally exempted, as they are not passed for

general service, and the other man was put back for nine
weeks for a medical re-examination.

At Weston-super-Mare, ab.solute exemption was claimed by
Mr. A. J. Kettle (33), electrical engineer, of Churchill. A
month was allowed.

At Axbridge, the Winscombe Electric Light & Power Co.,
Ltd., appealed for Mr. W. Hill Reed (38), engineer and secre-
tary and general manager. The company, it was stated, sup-
plied about 130 customers in five parishes, and the concern
was run not for private profit, but in the interests of the
public, no dividend or directors' fees having been paid. Mr.
Reed took night duty, and looked after the engines and plant
in alternate weeks. The Tribunal allowed six months' exemp-
tion.

Exeter Tribunal has refused extended exemption to Mr.
C. K. Steele (38), electrical engineer, and Western represen-
tative for a cable construction company.

At Oxford, the Electric Tramways Co. appealed for exemp-
tion for four drivers. The Military representative pressed
for two of the men, and this course was adopted, two being
conditionally exempted and two being refused any time.

At Exeter. Mr. W. J. Hall, electrician, engaged at Exwich
Laundry, was allowed only 13 days' grace for his place to
be filled. The Mihtary intimated that they had five substi-
tutes available.

At Hastings, Mr. F. Wordley, electrical engineer, appealed
for R. Merrifield (39), electrical ^fitter, clairned to be in a
certified occupation. He w'as given conditional exemption
without time limit.

Before the Hants Appeal Court, on October 19th, the Mih-
tary appealed against conditional exemption allowed to 0. W.
Spencer (20), with the Isle of Wight Electric Light & Power
Co., at Shanklin. Lieutenant Ward contended that a man
of 20, who was an apprentice, could not be considered the
hub of any business, and the concern could surely be carried
on without him. The manager of the works urged that
Spencer was in a certified occupation. The certificate was
cancelled, and three months' exemption granted.

At Ryde (Isle of Wight), Messrs. Ash ton & Holt, electrical
engineers, appealed for W. White (24), electrical wdreman,
the only man left with the firm. He was given until January
19th, with leave to appeal again.

At Gloucester, on October 18th, a firm of electricians ap-
pealed for the only electrical wireman (40) left, who was
an original memljer of the Volunteer Training Corps. Seven
men had enlisted, and the firm had several Government jobs
in hand. Conditional exemption was allowed.

Teddington Tribunal on October 17th granted exemption
until December 16th to E. Eddey and W. Brandon, elec-
tricians, appealed for by Mr. Langston Jones.

At Walthamstow, on October '20th, Mr. G. R. Spurr. elec-
trical engineer to the U.D.C., appealed for a trolley-head
cleaner, aged 23, and said that he was extremely short-handed,
and could possibly train a man to do the work in six months.
Asked if it was liot pos,sible for discharged soldiers to do the
work. Mr. Spurr said that he had tried three, and the result
had been most unsatisfactory. The work was actually over-
hauling. Exemption was refused..

.At the Deeside Military Tribunal, the Marquis of Aberdeen
asked for exemption for Alex. Gordon, electrician. The Lodge,
Tarland. In the opinion of the Advisory Committee this wa.s
not work of national importance. The Factor said they had
tried a man who took funk at the engine and gave up the
job. This was the only man round about the place. There
was great danger in doing the work with a new and inexperi-
enced man. He asked for temporary exemption. The claim
was dismis.sed.

LEGAL.

Remv Magxetos Dispcte.
A DISPUTE with regard to the sale iu this country of the Eemy
magnetos manufactured by the Remy Electric Co., of America, was
settled before Mr. Justice Darliug in the King's Bench Division.
Mr. Walter H. Johnson and the Imperial Motor Industries, Ltd..
were sued by Smith it Sons (Motor Accessories"), Ltd.. for an alleged
breach of a" contract by which Smith i: Sons were to have an
exclusive agency for the sale of the Remy magnetos in England.
It was alleged' that the defendant company had induced Mr.
Johnson to break his contract with the plaintiffs, and conspiracy
was alleged. The contract was disputed and the conspiracy denied.
Jlr. Gordon Stewart. K.C., and Mr. Charles Doughty appeared for
the plaintiffs, and the defendants were represented by Sir John
Simon. K.C., Mr. Ernest PoUock, K.C., Mr. Xeilson and Mr. Douglas
Hogg.

In the course of the case Mr. STEWART stated that one result of
the defendants' action was that on certain magnetos purchased by
the Mechanical Transport ■Department of the War Office the
plaintiffs would have made a profit of £11,775, whereas the
defendants' margin of profit was .€2.5,000.

At the conclusion of the plaintiffs' case his Lordship held that
thsre w-as no evidence of conspiracy, and that there was no case to
go to the jury against the Imperial Motor Industries.

On that holding the parties agreed that judgment should bo
eateWd for the plaintiff c'oVn'pany ntrainst Mr .ToViVijon for nn
egree'd sum.

462

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW, [voi. :•.>. No. ism. Octohku jt. hug.

ElECTRIC.M. C0MP.\XIEs' LiTir.ATION.
The action by tlie British Thomson-Houston Co., Ltd., ayaiust tlie
A. anil .\. Electrical Co., Ltd., which stood third in the list of ca.ses
to be heard by Jlr, Justice Sarjrant in the Chancery Division, was
mentioned to his Lordship on Thursday. la.st week, on an aviplication
to fix a day for the hearing. Counsel for the defendants applied
that the case shonld not be taken before November ."^th. the reason
beinjr that Mr. Dane, the solicitor for the defendants, had been
called up on military service, and it was necessary for some one to
take up the ease; and that Mr. Russell Clarke, counsel for the
defendants, was at present on Admiralty service, and hoped to be
free in three weeks" time.

Mr. Grav. for the plaintiffs. as.sentcd, and his Lordship acceded
to the application.

WoUK.^ .M.\.S.M,i:U I'lNEI).

We reail in a provincial pajier that at a northern town, on Satur-
day, the manairer of a works enfra^red on the production of war
material wius fined C 10 and costs for failing: to have a responsible
|«'rson in char-re to receive official mcssavres. The chief constable
said the firm promised to comjily with the conditions attached to
exemption. On a particular nijrht no reply wa.s received to tele-
phone calls to the works, which were later found to be closed.
The ne^'li^'ence of the defendant in not informinjr the police mijrht
have led to endless confusion.

ilB. I'lMnHN said no word of a settlement liad reached the
other side.

Sii! J. Si.MOS. who had just come into Court, said an arrange-
ment hail been come to by the parties, for which none of the"!
counsel in the case could be charfjed with any responsibility. They
Itad arranpred. subject to his Lordship's approval, that the action
should be disposed of by an order, such as the motion a-sked for,
staying: all proceedinjrs on terms atrrced.

An onler was made as asked.

Tampeuini; with a Fise Bo.x.
At the Hig'hg'ate Petty Sessions last week, before Jlr. Walter
Reynolds and other majristrates, Frederick John Beaumont was
summoned for wilfully injuring: a fuse-box and other electrical
fittin<rs belonsring: to the Hornsey Corporation.

JIr. Tatham. for the Hornsey Borouo:h Council, said that about
eio:ht o'clock on the ni<rht of the 2nd inst. Mr. Staniland. the
borouirh electrical eng:ineer. noticed at his private house that the
lig-ht was "jumpy." and. thinkiny something- mig'ht tx' wrong, he
telephoned to the works. The same thiu'T had been noticed there,
and the staff were on their jruard. .\bout 9.40 p.m. defendant rang'
up to say his fuse had "" frone. '" and h^ asked that a man might go
round to put it right. Having regard to the fact that there was
something wrong with the light, he was told that a man could not
be sent that night but that one would call iu the morning. On the
following day an inspector called and found the Council's fuse-box
had been broken open. There were two fuse-boxes : a consumer
might touch his own but not the Council's. There was a red notice
stating that this was the property of the Council and mu,?t not
be interfei-ed with. To do so might cause very serious damage ; it
might put out the electric lighting of that part of the district, and
some hours might elapse before it could be put right.

Giving evidence in support of this statement. Mr. Stanilaxii
said that on the following day he called on Mr. Beaumont, who
admitted he had put a fuse in the box. which was badly knocked
about and burnt. Explaining what occurred, witness said that
defendant's fuse had " gone. " and then apparently the Council's.
The latter was of fine wire for safety's sake, but defendant had put
in a dangerously thick wire and actually soldered it. When the
fuses went defendant, would have no supply, and he tried to restore
it. The variations of the pressure on that circuit were due to his
inexperienced manipulation of the fuse. The cost of repairs, &c..
had been 1 2 7s. T^d.. and that of keeping an engine running and
extra time of the staff — as it was thought there was mains
trouble — £1.

Mr. R. Moritz. chairman of the Electricity Supply Committee
of the Council, said they had had several of these cases during the
six years he had held the position, and they were reluctantly com-
pelled to bring a case to court.

The Chairman : We feel that this is a serious matter, and we
must inflict the full penalty of IC5.

The Clerk doubted whether the magistrates could also order
the payment of the £3 7s. 7-ki. on that summons.

JlK. Tathaji said that as the penalty would go to the Council
he was content, and he did not ask for solicitor's costs. — Hornxc ij
■ Jmirnal. _

A Deal is Marconi Shares. — Litigatid.v at an End.

An action which has been pending for a long time in the Chancery
Division over a deal in a large block of shares in the Marconi
Wireless Telegraph Co. of America was settled on Jlonday. Mr.
Justice Sargant was to have heard a motion on that day. in which
the defendants to the action (.Mr. Godfrey Isaacs. Mr. G. Marconi,
and the directors of the Marconi Wireless Telegraph Co.. Ltd.)
were to apply to the Court to strike out the statement of claim in
the action on the ground that it showed no reasonable cause of
action. The jilaintiffs who were respondents to this motion were
Mr. Locker-Lampson. M.P.. and Lieutenant Wright, suing on behalf
of themselves and all other .■shareholders of the English Mai-coni
Co.. except such as were defendants. The object of the action was
to secure to the shareholders the benefit of the "" deal."" Among
counsel briefed in the case were Mr. P. 0. Lawrence. K.C.. Mr.
Upjohn. K.C.. Mr. Romer. K.C.. for the plaintiff respondents ; and
Sir J. Simon, K.C.. M.P.. Mr. Gore-Browne. K.C.. Mr. F. Russell.
K.C.. Mr. Tomlin. K.C., and Mr. Maugham, K.C., for the defendants
and applicants.

Mr. Gore-Browne had just opened the motion in his charge,
stating that there were several others all exactly the same, when
he was interrupted by a communication, and he broke off his state-
ment, and told the Judge that the case had been settled bv the
partie.s outside the Court,

Stchbs r. British Et-bctrical Fedkr.vtion, Ltd.
The British Electrical Federation. Ltd.. were on Monday defendants
in an action by Mr, John Stevenson Stubbs, an advertising con-
tractor of LiveriK)ol, heard liefori' Mr. Pollock, one of the High
("ourts Official Referees, in which he claimed a balance of commis-
sion upsn certain advertising contracts obtaintd by him for the
Federation. He also asked for an account of moneys received on
account of advertisements up to the date of the iletermination of
his contract. The terms of the plaintiff's contrivct with the
defendants were that he was to receive a salary of £40() a year and
commission at the rate of .i per cent, upon receipts up to £ t,OUO a
year, above C l.OOO and up to .£7.000, f percent., above £7,000, and
up to £10.1111(1. n per cent., and over £10.000 2i per cent. The
employment came to an end in l!fU. and plaintiff alleged that he
had not been paid the full commission as agreed. Since the action
was commenced the account claimed had been furnished to the
plaintiff, and the question between the parties was whether con-
tracts made during the three years of engagement continued
chargeable to commission after the three years had expired.
Evidence was called on both sides, and. in the result, the Referee
found that the plaintiff had received all the money due to him,
and gave judgment for the defendants, with costs.

BUSINESS NOTES.

Catalogues and Lists.— British AVestixghocse Elec-

TRfi- AND .MANtiACTrRiNG Co., LTD., Trafford Park, Manchester.
— Three new publications : Supply List No. 1.50/P gives particulars
and prices of electric cooking and heating apparatus and " I'tility"
motors: Supply List No. 181/2 contains illustrated descriptions
and prices of electric vacuum and suction cleaners C" Premier."
"Imperial," "Little Briton." "Simplex," and "Briton"): and
Control Catalogue No. 76/lB. dealing with resistance units for
alternating or direct current circuits.

General Electric Co., Ltd.. ti". Queen "N'ictoria Street.
London. E.C. — Folder, giving illustrations and prices of a series of
the "Good Citizen " anti-Zepp. lamp shades, The.se shades are
of cardboard, and instead of being fixed to the lampholder. are
held by cords, which are tied to the flexible wire above the lamp at
the height necessary to screen the rays from the window. They
are made in various sizes and shapss, and in various tints. The
shades have been designed to meet the lighting regulations without
shutting off more light than is absolutely necessary.

"Z" Electric Lamp Manufactcring Co., Ltd.. Southfields.
London, S.W. — New season's catalogue (llj pages) of a wide range
of " Z " drawn-wire lamps, from a pocket -lamp bulb to a l..iOO-
watt " half-watt." Prices are tabulated of one-watt lamps, plain
and twisted candle lamps. " Zedlite " candles, traction lamps, train-
lighting lamps : also half-watt lamps, motor-car type lamps, sign
and illumination type, flashlight type, and '' Penlite " pocket torches.
Copies will be sent to anybody in the trade on application.

The Endolithic MANrFACTURixc; Co, Ltd,, 6U, Fore Street,
E.C. - List of articles made by the company, and coloured leaflet
illustrating examples of metal and other labels for machinery,
switchgear. and other purpose?.

Credenda Conduits Co.. Ltd.. Chester Street. Aston. Birming-
ham.— Two folders giving brief particulars and prices of ( 1 ) special
lines in domestic electric heating and cooking apparatus ; (2)
Credenda conduits and fittings.

Crompton ^: Co.. Ltd.. Chelmsford. — 20-page Projector list (PI),
giving full particulars of their standard searchlight projectors of
\-arious types and sizes. The list is excellently illustrated.

Bankruptcy Proceedings.— A. F. Hawdon, electrical

engineer. Gosforth. Third and final dividend, Is. jd. in the £.
payable Octolier 2(Hh. at the Official Receiver's Office, ;!0, Moslcy
Street. Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

Patent Restorations. — An order has been made restoriiii:

Letters Patent No. 1:^.719. of 1!I08, granted to J. C. B. Ingleby fur
" Improvements in or relating to squirrel-cage rotors for induction
motors and alternators."

Orders have been made restoring the following Letters Patent
granted to Carl Eloessei' : —

No. 22.472, of 1907, for "Improvements in power transmission
gearing."

No. 18, Hi!), of 1908, for " Improvements relating to endless
metal driving-bands.'"

No. 18,1 70. of 1908, for " Improvements relating to endless metal
driving-bands."

Dissolution. — Richards & Rhodes, electrical engiineers.
station Buildings. Keighley.— Messr.''. S. Richards A: J. S. Rhodes
have dissolved partnership. Mr. Richards will attend to debts. *:«.,
and continue the business under his own name.

Vol. Tfl. Xo. 2.(«1. October 27, V.uc,.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

463

Trade Announcements. — IMkssrs. Sherrington, elec-
tricians, have opened new sho^n■oom premises at 221 A, Lord Sti-eet.
Sonthport.

The Mica MANiTEAcruRiNc; Co.. of Volta Works, Cazenove
Road. Stoke Newington. N., write to point out that the Mica
Manufacturing- Co., which, as stated in our issue of October lilth.
has been struck off the register, is a concern which ceased to
exist many years ago. The Ipresent company was in no way con-
nected with that business.

Mr. Sherard Cowper-Coles. who has severed his connection
with the Homogeneous Lead Coating Co., announces that ■ he is
eari-ying on his business at 1. French Street, Sunbury-on -Thames.

Book Notices. — " Income-tax in Relation to Local

Authorities." By F. Ogden Whiteley and VV. Whittingham. Brad-
ford : W. Byles & Sons. Ltd. Price 10s. lid.

Jl>;im,i J,mr„„l. No. 4. Vol. IL October. litUJ. London :
Oakley House. Bloomsbury Street. W.C. Price Is. net.

" How to Make Low-pressure Transformers.'' Third Edition. By
Prof. F. E. Austin. London : E. and F. N. Spon. Ltd. Price 2s.

"Telegraphy." By T. E. Herbert. London: Whittaker i: Co.
Price iis. net.

A Trade Bank in Spain. — A Bill is to lie preseiiteil to

the Spanish Cortes for the establishment of a bank for foreign
trade. To be known as the Banco Espanol de Commercio Exterior,
the objects of the new institution are to be : — The granting of
credit to facilitate the export of goods of all kinds and the import
of raw materials and accessories for agriculture and the national
industries : the discount, purchase and sale of iuternatioual drafts
in any currency ; the opening of credits in foreign money for
operations abroad : the nationalisation of acceptances and drafts
resulting from the importation of foreign merchandise, warehouses
and of free zones : the formation of information luireaus and com-
mercial museums ; the granting of loans for guaranteeing vessels :
and maritime insurance. The capital is to be not less than
il,. 500.000. to be subscribed by the banks and the public. —
F'lmini'iiil Times.

Switching Examination. — Messrs. A. P. Lixdberi!

AND Sons have just got ont a new edition of their Exam. Folder,
affording particulars of their free examinations in electric-light
switching. The unsolicited expressions of opinion from examinees
given therein make interesting reading, and a reference is male to
the goil opinions of central-station chief engineers, and prjfessors
and teachers, which appear in other of the firm's publications,
which go to show that the subject of electric-light switching ha?
fully justified its claim to be an important branch of electrical
installation work.

For Sale. — Llandilo U.D.C. is offering a d.c. steam
generating set for sale. Messrs. Shirlaw Allex lV: Co. are shortly
to sell by auction certain plant, material, <S:c.. under the winding-
up of the Ph(j?nix Electrical Co. and the Caledon Electrical C^o.
Particulars will be found in our advertisement pages to-day.

LIGHTING AND POWER NOTES.

Accrington. — Wages. — The Electricitv Committee has

granted increased wag-es to certain employes, representing an
. average increase of 20 par cent, on pre-war rates.

Barnes. — Loan Application. — The U.D.C. is to apply
to the L.G.B. for permission to borrow £2,000 for house services, on
acaount of the .£.5,000 sanction for this purpose in January. I!tl4.

Bingley. — Power Charges. — At a meeting of the

District Council, last week, attention was called by Mr. Turner to
the higher charges for electric current for motive power at Bingley.
K< compare 1 with those at Keighley. the neighbouring town. He
complained that, though £8.000 had been spent in equipment, all
the department seeiiied to cater for was household consumers. It
•was iiltimated that the matter would be put before the Electricity
Committee for consideration.

Bognor. — The Electricity Co. has intimated its decision

to charge every consumer for a minimum of 20 units per quarter.
The matter ha? come before the U.D.C. which has referred it for
consideration to the Legal Committee.

Bradford. — Linking-up. — The Eleefricity Committee has

authorised Mr. T. Roles, the engineer, to attend the meeting to be
, -held in Leeds, for the purpose of appointing a local Committee
for the area in connection with the scheme of linking-up electric
supjily undertakings.

Continental. — Geriianv. — It was officially announced in

.T'.dy that the Rheinisch Westfalisches Elektrizitatswerk had been
g'ranted permission by the Government to construct three 100,|IOO-
volt overhead mains in different districts. Although no reference
to this matter is contained in the annual report for litlo-Ili of this
great undertaking for the supply of electricity and gas, it is stated
that the 100,000-volt iron main leading to the district of Crefeld
has been constantly in service since October. 1915. and it may.
therefore, be assumed that the three new mains for the same
voltage will also be of iron or steel. The report mentions
that the tital connections of the company's works and its
associated works of Berggeist. of Brnhl. the Bergische Worlds, of

Reisholz, and the Bergische Works, of Lenner. increased from
S57.0U0 KW. in 1914-15 to 400.000 in 19L5. of which 212.1ili0 kw.
.api)lied to the Rhein. Westf. Woi-ks. The number of glow lamp
connections rose from 1,400,000 to 1,500,000, and the motors from
H7.000 to .58.000 in the two years respectively, whilst the sales
advanced from 293.000.0(10 KW.'-hours to 388.118.000 KW.-houis. In
addition, the sales of gas. which was supplied through a long-distance
network of 127 miles, increased from 2(). 8)5. 000 cb. metres to
33.945.000 cb. metres, and 5,019,000 cb. metres of gas were also
supplied by the gas works managed by the company. The net
profits realised in 1915-16 reached £222.000. or approximately the
sa-Jie as in the preceding year, and the dividend at 8 per sent, on
the ordinary share capital of £2,50O,ti0O {^apart from loans of
£1.820.000) is the same as in 1914-15. A less important uuder-
takiug — that of the Elektrizitatswerk Westfalen. of Bochum — also
hid a larger turnover in 1915-16. the sales having risen from
43.776.000 KW.-hours in 1914-15 to 55.1.50,000 KW.-hours last year.
The net profits amounted to £26,000, as compared with £25.i)no in
1914-15. and the dividend is 6 per cent, as in the preceding year.
The sales of the Hamburg Electricity Works increased to a still
greater extent— namely, from 43,453.000 KW.-hours in 1914-15 to
Ii3.447.(i00 KW.-hours last year, but the net profits declined from
£lii7.0tlO to £88.000, and the rate of dividend on the ordinary
capital of £1,100.000 (exclusive of preference shares and loans of
;i;5i.Mi.ooO) receded from 11| per cent, in 1914-15 to 6 per cent, last
year.

Russia. — According to the '' Pravitelstvennei Vyestnik,'' a large
electrical undertaking is being founded in Southern " Ester-
bothuia, " in which three towns and 28 rural districts are concerned.
It is intended to forin a company for carrying oivt the project, and
to set up four stations for tlie generation of electrical power, viz..
at Sturo. Ilistaro, Kurikka and Alavu. It is proposed to absorb all
the small electrical undertakings at present existing in these dis-
tricts. In the region covered by the operations of the new com-
pany there are many waterfalls and extensive peat deposits which
will make it possible for power to be generated at a moderate
price. — hoaiii of Trade Journal.

Eastbourne. — Bonuses. — The wliole of the Corporation

electrical staff is to receive an additional war bonus of a Is. per week.
This will entail an additional expenditure of approximately £88 per
annum, and a total Increase under this heading since the com-
mencement of the war of approximately .£250.

Elland. — Price Increase. — The U.D.C. has inti-
mated that the price of electric current will be increased to 5d. per
unit for lighting .and for power purposes by 74 per cent., making a
total advance of 20 per cent.

Glasgow. — Plant Short.mje. — The chief eng-ineer of the

electricity department reported that the position of the department
was getting serious, owing to shortage of plant to meet the con-
tinually increasing demand. The load this winter would call for
the simultaneous use of practically the whole of the generating
pl.-int belonging to the Corporation, including the Pinkston powei-
station. The installation of additional boiler plant in Pinkston
station would enable the department to get through the winter of
1917-18. but generating plant of the size which must now be
bought would take at least two years to get installed and running.
The Committee was aw-are that in November. 1911. a site for a new
generating station was purchased at Dalmarnock Bridge. It was
agreed thiit this new station should be proceeded with in the
beginning of 1914. with a view to having the new works running
during the winter of 19ir,. In March and August. 1914. offers were
accepted for clearing the ground and for foundations for part of
the works. On the declaration of war the Corporation decided that,
beyond completing the contracts which had already been placed,
the erection and equipment of the works should be postponed. The
department had now. however, arrived at a stage when it appeared
to him that the Committee must instruct him to stop connecting
new consumers, or empower him, if new consumers were to be
connected, to withdraw the supply from them during the winter
months, or proceed with a portion of the new generating station at
D.ilmarnock. Mr. Lackie appended a statement showing the
maximum demand, plant capacity, and amount of spare plant in
other undertakings, municipal and company-owned, whic'v. were
comparable to Glasgow, as follows : —

Maximum Plant Percentage

Name of town. demand, capacity, KW. Spares. of spares.

Glasgow .50,000 54,550 4,550 9 %

Birmingham ... 33.000 41.505 8.50O 25 '?'o

Edinburgh ... 11.400 20.390 8.990 80%

Dundee 7.iil I 16, .500 9,486 120%

Leeds li;.7uo 26,60o 9.900 60 %

Liverpool 23.511 44.600 21.089 90%

Manchester ... 49.897 57.300 7.403 •■ 17 %

Sheffield 23.618 26.000 2.382 10 %

Comiiitnh'x.
Charing Cross
Central
Chelsea ...
City of London

The Committee has been empowered to proceed with the fourth
part of the Dalmarnock scheme, representing an addition of about
40,000 H.P. of plant.

Halifax. — Wages. — The T.C. has been recommended to

grant a war bonus of 4s. per week, on certain conditions, to em-
ployes of the electricity department.

12.i;64

26,480

13.816

100 %

10,443

1 9,695

9,252

90%

19.739

30.0tl0

10.261

50 %

13,700

20,300

6,600

50 %

404

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEWo [Vol. 79. No. 2,031, October 27, 1916.-

High Wycombe.— I'lBLic Ligutin<;. — The Ek-otrii-ity
( ommiitee has accepted the offer from the T.C. of £100 per quarter
for public lijrhtin;.' (owingr to the restrictionsX and Lis. per lamp
p.ir quarter for each lamp lijrhted. subject to the present contract
Ijeinp renewed for not less than seven years from the date of the
removal of the restrictions. The Council has decided not to con-
sider the question of renewing' the existinjr contract at the present
time.

Huddersfield. — I'uit t; I.siukask. — The Coiiwiatiuii

electricity department has intiniatetl an increase in the price of
electricity to alt consumers of a further 12* per cent, on pre-war
rates for the quarter expirinfr at the end of the present year.

India. — l>efiiiiti' prosrress has now ht-eii niaili- with tht-
electrification of the pnmpinyr plant at Hesserj>hatta, so far as the
Han^alore City side of the scheme is concerniid. It is understood
that the present steam apstein will be replaced before the end of
the ofRcial year. A return on capital otitlay of as much as HO per
cent, is anticipated, that is. havin<r re>;ard to the saving on wood
fuel, or a savin? all round of fully (iO per cent., if, and when, the
Station Municipality joins the scheme. — Jiidiun Engineefiiifi.

Keighley. — -^ leuomniendation to expend £2,000 on the
provision of E.H.T. cable for the electricity supply undertaking- is to
be made to the T.C.

Kilmarnock. — Extexsiox of Supply. — A number of

applications have been received by the Corporation electricity
department for a supply of electricity for lig-hting- from intending
consumers in Troon, and the nianaj)rer is neRotiatinpr for an over-
head line extension.

London. — St. Paxcras. — The Electricity Committee

has declined to share the exijense of changiin": over the University
CoUegre supply from 1 10 to 220 volts. f

The Committee has authorised the substitution of further arc
lamps by 100 half-watt lamps, at an estimated cost of iiZ2'>.

Application is to be made to the L.C.C. for sanction to the
borrowin-r of .* 1 l.UHl. the estimated capital expenditure on the
electricity undertaking: to March 31st, iyi7.

The Committee has a^rreed to a general increase in wage-s of the
electricity employes for the period of thew'ar.

SoiTHWAHK. — The boroujrh engineer is to purchase a new motor
for the crushing plant at Manor Place depot, at not exceed-
ing '.;i.-)0.

Manchester. — Daylight Savixg. — The returns of the

electricity department on the effect of the Daylight Savings Act
show that for the quarter ended September HOth. the actual con-
sumption for lighting purposes increased by (i per cent, on units
supplied. The consumption for power purposes increased to an
enormous extent. The fact that more electricity should be used
for lighting purposes despite the extra hour of daylight as compared
with the same period of 1915 is interesting, rnd it is difficult to
account for it unless it is due to an increase in the number of
householders using electricity for lighting purposes only.

Morocco. — The plant at the central station in Tangier,
of the Compania Trasatlantica. has recently been increased by the
addition of a 2O0-n.p. Sulzer-Diesel engine and a 13.>-K\v.
generator.

Perth. — BoxrsES. — The Corporation Electricity Com-
mittee has granted a war bonus of 2s. per week to the employes at
the electricity station.

Southampton. — Proposed E.xtexsioxs. — The borough

electrical engineer has drawn attention to the necessity of
preparing a scheme of boiler extensions, and has baen authorised
to prepare such a scheme. In view of experience as to the heating
of stored coal, a drift had been cut through the large heap,
which was found to be in good condition. The Council has in stock
about tour times as much coal as in normal times.

Swansea. — The manager of the Municipal ]\Iarkets is to
confer with the borough electrical engineer as to the fitting up of
lights to the stalls at present without lights. The chairman of the
Electricity Committee, with the borough officials, is. if necessary, to
interview the L.G-.B. to obtain sanction to expenditure essential to
carry out an extension of plant at the generating station.

Tynemouth. — The electrical engineer has advised that it

was not necessary to take any action in regard to linking-up. in
view of the existing agreement with the Newcastle Electric Supply Co.
with regard to bulk supply. In view of the demands on that com-
pany, it has been considered desirable to prepare the Corporation's
plant for running.

Walkden. — Electric Pumping Plant. — An electric
plant having been installed at EUesmere Colliery, Walkden, the
Koughfield Colliery, a short distance away, which has been used
for pumping purposes for over 20 years, is now being dismantled.

Weymouth. — Peici; Increase. — The T.C. )^ iiicreased

the price of energy from 5d. to 6'd. per unit, aa from October 1st.

TRAMWAY and RAILWAY NOTES.

Accrington. — .VctlliKNT. — liust week a eoUisioii oeeuried
between a Blackburn car and a single-deck bogie car, causing the
service between Accrington and Church to be disorganised for some
time, though no one was injured.

Blackpool. — [•'ignres jilaceil lirlnrr tin- 'i'liiiuwiiys (V)ni-

niittee show that the receii)ts are still on the up-gradi' as compared
with last year-. For the period from Septeml)er l.")th to October
12th. the receipts were ilH.OiiS. an increase of (;l,2()H over the
c-jrresponding period twelve months ago. The aggregate for the
year to date was i;71..'>7T. against KGl.lSi) last year, an increase of

'x.\i:iw.

Bolton. — Wages. — The Tramways Connnittee lias
declined to accede to an a]»filioation liy the employes for an advance
of '.d. per hour in wages.

Bradford. — Wages. — The recent decision of the Brad-
foiil Tramways Committee to refer to the Board of Trade, under
the Munitions Act. the demajid of the tramway emiiloyes for
advanced wages, wliich would involve an adilitional charge of
about J:21.00i) a year to the department, was opposed at last week's
meeting of the City ('ouncil, and the chairman of the Tramways
Committee agreed to the minute being referred back for further
consideration. It now transpires that the matter is being left for
the new- Committee, which will be appointed next month, to deal
with.

The tramways Committee, in view of the shortage of labour and
other conditions of the time, has recommended that the general
manager (Mr. C. .1. Spencer) be given liberty to curtail car
services as he may think fit.

Edinburgh. — Trolley System Recom.mkxded. — The

Sub-Committee appointed by the Corporation Tramway C'ommittee
to consider the system of traction to be installed on the expiration
of the present company's lease in 1910, has reported in favour of
the overhead trolley system as the best, most reliable, convenient,
and economical solution of the city's transit reiiuirements.

Leeds. — ^Iineral Traffic. — In coimection with recent
negotiations lx>tween the Tramways Committee and the Leeds Fire-
clay Co. in respect of a proposal that the tramways should convey
material between the company's Cardigan Pit and its works at
Wortley, the Tramways Committee last week appointed a Sub-
Committee to conclude arrangements with the company for the
construction of a light railway and the conveyance of material
between the points concerned.

A B. of T. arbitrator, to whom was referred the question of
wages and war bonus tor tramway workers — particularly the
women conductors — has decided against the application of the
women to be placed on the same sliding scale of wages as the men,
the Councils decision here being upheld ; but in regard to war
bonus, which the Council refused to the women, the women are
awarded half of the 3s. per week now paid to men. so far as con-
cerns women of three months' service, and the full bonus for
women with 12 mouths' service. The payments are to be retro-
spectrive from the time of qualification. The Corporation's refusal-
was based on the standix)int that the women were temporary
employes.

Rochdale. — ^^'INn Screens. — The Tramways ComniitfceC'|

has decided, after consideration, to take no action at present in tllB*
matter of fixing screens on the cars for the protection of the •
drivers in bad weather. The Committee has, however, expressedj]
its willingness, as an experiment, to have, later on. screens fixed \
one or two cars on the Bacup section.

Swansea. — The agreement has been completed betweeij
the Tramway Co. and the Corpor.ation relative to the"supply of
electrical energy by the Corporation to the tramways worked by
the company. The Electrical Committee states, in regard to
linking-up. that by the arrangement with the Tramway Co. it has
already done much in this direction, and is endeavouring to make
similar arrangements with other large indepsndent customers.

TELEGRAPH and TELEPHONE NOTESJ

Blackburn. — The chauge from the mainial to the aut

matio telephone system was accomplished at Blacklnirn Last w<
in the quick time of 70 seconds. There is now inter-area exchang
with Accrington, and this is the first instance of two towns beir
thus put into automatic telephonic communication.

Mauritius. — The telegraph money-order ser\'ice will
extended to Mauritius on November 1st. ■

Russia. — Xegotiations are reported to be iu progre
bstween the Russian Post and Telegraph Department and the
Swedish-Danish-Russian Telephone Co. with regard to the purchase
by the State of the telephone exchanges in the Moscow district,
the concession for which will shortly exT«ire and is not to l^e
ren'ewed. ; . . . -

Vol, 7!». Xo. 2,031, October 27, 1916.] THE ELECTRICAL EEVIEW.

465

The King's " Our Day " Message. — In connection with

■ "Our -Day " (.October Utth) the Eastern Telegraph Co. circulated
the King's message from the Red Cross headquarters free of all
cost to every place where the " Eastern " flies its flag. The AVcsteru
Union and Commercial Union Cable Companies acted in a similar
spirit in connection with the circulation of the message to the
dominions. Colonies, and dependencies served by their lines, —
Fiiiiinriiil Timi's.

The Telegraph and A.C. Traction. — In the A/imiIrs dfx

J'dxtus. Ti-li'-i/ni/i/icx et Tiir/i/ioiie». M, Marius Latour describes the
.■system which lie proposed in 1912 tor overcoming the disturbances
produced in telegraph lines in the neighbourhood of A.C, railways,
and which ha* been installed on the system of the Compagnie du
Chemin de Fer du Midi, with the collaboration of Messrs, L^
Boucher and Delpy, The essential features of the system are : —
Shunting the receiving apparatus, preferably in fi-ont of the key.
with a resonating circuit capable of side-tracking the disturbing
currents, in combination with the insertion in series with the
receiver of an impedance of suitable value to increase the efifect of
the resonating shunt circuit ; putting in series with the telegraphic
line a suitable impedance capable of reducing the disturbing
currents and permitting the passage without deformition of the
signalling currents ; and distributing the latter impedance along
the whole length of the line in order to reduce the maximum
jiotential difference between the telegraph line and earth, — ^fV«;c
fin/.

CONTRACTS OPEN and CLOSED.

OPEN.

Australia. — Sydney January '22nd, r.)17. - Electrical

plant (.converter, battery, -booster, and switchboards) for the
Castlereagh Street sub-station, for the Municipal Council. Specifi-
cation from E.L. Department, Town Hall.*

January Sth. Mmiicipal Council Electric Lighting Department.
33,(i00-volt switchgear. E.L. Depirtment, To\vn Hall. Specifica-
tion lUs. Od.*

Melbourne. — December 11th. CityCouncil. Supply and erection
of coal transporter plant. See " Official Notices" September 15th.

Perth. — November 8th. P.M.G. Accumulator parts (Schedule
527 W.A.).*

South Australia. — November 15th. P.M.G.'s Department.
Automatic switchboards and all associated apparatus, for telephone
exchanges, Brighton and Glenelg.

New South Wales. — Time for sending in tenders for 50-ton
electric overhead travelling crane for Yarra Street power-house.
Newcastle, extended to January .Ird,*

Bradford. — November 11th. Stores for the Tramways

Department, Tramway Offices, 7, Hall Ings, Deposit i 1 Is.
I returnable").

Dublin. — November 2nd. (rreat Northern Kailway Co.
(Ireland). Contracts for general stores for 12 months (including
several electrical items). See " Official Notices" October 13th.

Glasgow. — -October. 28th. Corporation. Six months'

electrical material for the Cleansing Department. Particulars
from Jlr, W. Cireig, Superintendent. 20. Trong.ate.

Grenada. — Government. Time for sending in tenders
for electric supply at St. George's and suburbs is extended to
.December 31st. Tenders to Colonial Secretary. Grenada. British
■yVest Indies.

Johannesburg. — November 13th. South African Kail-

wa,ys .Administration. 71,778 tungsten drawn-wire lamps, 19,741
solid-drawn tungsten lamps, and 2.-112 carbon-filainent lamps.*

November 2Uth. Corporation. 500 or 1 ,000 trolley wheels for
tramcars (Contract No, 181),*

J^ovember 27th. Corporation, 1,01)0 sets of single-pole, ironclad
house-service cut-outs (Contract No, 187).*

Manchester. — October 50th. Low-pressure water and

■ exhaust-steam pipes and supports at Bloom Street generating
station. Specifications from Mr, F, E, Hughes,- Secretary, Elec-
tricity Department, Town Hall, - .

Newport. — November fith. Corporation. Kotary con-

\c-rtcr.-i and switchgear. See " Official Notices" to-day.

New Zealand. — Duxedix. — January :.'-lth, 1917. Motor-
generator, accessories and spares. City Electrical Engineer. Market
Street, Dunedin.*

Walsall. — -November ith. Corporation. Stores for the
Tramways Department. Particulars from the Tramway Manager.

Wolverhampton. — October 30th. Wiring installation
(400 points), Bushbury, for Messrs. Macfarlane & Robinson, Stafford
Street. Returnable deposit of tl Is.

Specifications for the items marked * can be seen at the Board
of Trade Commercial IntelligeiMie Branch in Loniion.

CLOSED.
Glasgow. — The Electricity Committee has empowered

M?ssrs. Train & Taylor to proceed with the construction of the
outfall culvert at the new electricity generating station at
Dalmarnock. at a cost of -C 8,51)0,

Government Contracts. — List of new contracts placed

iluring .Saptember, 1916 : —

War OrricE,

Bridge meggers. — Evershed & Vignoles, Ltd.

Klectric cable and wire.— B.I. & Helsby Cables, Ltd. ; Connolly Bros.,
Ltd. ; W. T. Henlev's Telegraph Works Co., Ltd. ; Hooper's Telegraph
and India-Rubber Works, Ltd. ; Johnson & Phillips, Ltd. ; St. Helens
Cable & Rubber Co., Ltd. ; Siemens Bros. & Co., Ltd.

Electric cells.— J. C. Fuller & Son, Ltd. ; Siemens Bros. & Co., Ltd.

Conduit fittings for electric light plant.— Simplex Conduits, Ltd.

Generating sets.— .\ustin Motor Co. (1914), Ltd. ; Norris, Henty and
Gardners, Ltd.

Switchboard indicators.— Automatic Telephone Co., Ltd.

Electric lamps. — British Thomson-Houston Co., Ltd. ; Dick, Kerr A Co.,
Ltd. ; " Z " Electric Lamp Mfg. Co., Ltd.

Switches. — Sperryn it Co., Ltd.

Tramway track. — W. Jones.

Works sei-vices. — Extension of switchboards at Farnborough : General
Electric Co., Ltd.

H.M. Office of Wouks.

Electric wiring, Kew. — Insurance Office : C. Cooper & Co.
Post Office.

Telegraph apparatus. — Gell Telegraphic Appliances Syndicate, Ltd.

Telephone apparatus. — Siemens Bros. & Co., Ltd.

Telegi-aph pole-arms (tubular). — Bullers, Ltd.

Telephone bells.— British L. M. Ericsson Mfg. Co., Ltd.

Submarine cable.— Siemens Bros. & Co., Ltd.

Telegraph cable.— B.I. & Helsby Cables, Ltd. ; Connolly Bros., Ltd. ;
Fuller's Wire & Cable Co., Ltd. ; General Electric Co., Ltd. ; W. T.
Glover & Co., Ltd. ; Hackbridge Mfg. Co. ; Henley's Telegraph Works
Co., Ltd.; I.R., G.P. & Telegraph Vl'orks Co., Ltd.; Johnson and
Phillips, Ltd. ; London Electric Wire Co. & Smiths, Ltd. ; New Gutta-
percha Co., Ltd. ; Siemens Bros. & Co., Ltd. ; Telegraph-Construction
and Maintenance Co., Ltd. ; Union Cable Co., Ltd. ; "Western Electric
Co., Ltd.

Dry cells.— Siemens Bros, it Co., Ltd.

Insulators. — Bullers, Ltd.

Eltc ric lamps and fittings.— General Electric Co., Ltd.

Cable distribution plugs.— B.I. & Helsby Cables, Ltd.

Insulator spindles. — Bullers, Ltd.

Test-hole terminals. — L. Herve.

Bronze wire.— T. Bolton & Sons, Ltd. ; B.I. & Helsby Cables, Ltd. ; Shrop.
shire Iron Co. ; F. Smith & Co. (incorporated in the London Electric
Wire Co. & Smiths, Ltd.).

Copper w-ire. — Shropshire Iron Co., Ltd. : F. Smith & Co. (incorporated in
the London Electric Wire Co. & Smiths, Ltd.).

Galvanised-iron wire. — Dorrirau, Long & Co., Ltd. : Johnson & Nephew,
Ltd.

India Office Store Department.

Accumulators.— Pritchett & Gold. Ltd. ; J. Stone & Co., Ltd.

Bells.— Peel-Conner Telephone Works.

Cells.— General Electric Co., Ltd.

Tape.— Johnson & Phillips.

Salford. — Electricity Committee. A 10-ton overhead

travelling crane : Messrs. Herbert Morris, Ltd.. £151.

Southampton. — The British Electric Transformer Co.,
Ltd., wrote to the T.C. stating that the present market prices of
50 and 20-K.v.A. transformers were £(i4 5s. and .-£34 10s. respec-
tively. The prices in the contract to supply the Council were
£ol 5s. and £27 10s. respectively. The company asked that they
should be met in the matter. The T.C. resolved that 50 per cent,
of the increased cost be paid on future deliveries.

Taunton. — T.C. Russell's new black vein washed beans
coal, 2,600 tons, for the electricity works : Cory Bros., Ltd., Cardiff.
£1 9s. 2d. per ton, delivered at the works.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS,

Physical Society of London.— Friday, October 21th. At 5 p.m. At the
Imxierial College of Science, South Kensington, S.W. Papers on "The
DeteiTuination of the Saturation Values for Magnetism of Ferromagnetic
Metals, Compounds and Alloys, by means of the Kerr Elect," by Mr. S. G.
Barker ; " The Influence of the Time Element on the Resistance of a Solid
Rectifying Contact," bv Mr. D. Owen; "On Diffusion in Liquids," br
Mr. B: W. Clack.

Boyal Society of Arts.— Fridays, October 2Tth, November 3rd and 10th. At
5.15 p.m. At .John Street. Adelphi. Chadwick Lectures on " Fatigue and
its Effect on Industry and E.liciency." by Professor Stirling.

Association of Supervising Electricians.— Tuesdav, October 3lst. At 7.15
p.m. At St Bride's Institute, Bride Lane, E.C. Paper oii "Electric
Cooking and H-^ating," by Mr. A. P. Berry.

Llvcpool Engineering Society.— Wednesday, November 1st. At S p.m.
At the R^yal Institution, Colquitt Street. Inaugural address hy the
President.

Cbemical Society.— Thursday, November 2nd. At 8 p.m. At Burlington
H^Mise, Piccadilly. Ordinary scientific meeting.

Greenock Electrical Society.— Thursday, November 2nd. At 7.45 p.m. At
'22, West Stewart Street. Ordinai-y meeting.

Saturday, November 4th. Visit to Glasgow Corporation Dalmarnock
electricity station.

Institution of Mechanical Engineers.— Friday, November 3rd. At 6 p.m.
At the Institution of Civil Eogiueers. Great George Street, S.W. The
Thomas Hawksley Lecture on " The Gas Engineer of the Last Century,"
by Mr. H. E. Jones.

NOTES.

Export Prohibitions. — A supplement to the Board oj

Trade Journal of October 26th contains complete lists of articles
which, accox-ding to the latest information received by the JJoardof
Trade, are prohibited to be exported to various destinations from
the Straits Settlements, Hong-Kong, Kigeria, Gold Coast. Jamaica
Baxbados. Trinidad and TolJago, and British Guiana.

466

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW. [Voi. :;.. xo, -j.o.u, cvtobku 2;

Inquiries. — The in;ikors of tin- " Wiiutt " Lkrtrii- tire

iu-f askod for.

Flash-lamps in the I'.S.A.— A imti' in tlie Klnliind

W'liilil states that the trade in lliv<h-lamps hastrrown to a ti-emendous
total. ;rri'ater than ever before. J[nch of this has been for foreijrn
consumption, althoufrh there ha.s been an extiaoniinarv demand from
tlie dome.stic markets. A considerable part of tlie export business
was to supply the soldiers in the trenches in Enrope with lamps.
and also for distribntion in the British Isles. The air-raid defence
rc^'ulations curtailed electric lijrhtinjf to such an extent that there
has developed a flourishing' demand in Enjrland for Hash-lamps.

The sale of flash-lamps in the I'nited States has been laru-e
for more than one reason. Almost every hardware shop, electrical
dealers store, drytroods store, dru^ store and many others handle
and push flashl-amps. The secret is undoubtedly a rejrular
list price, which is well lived up to, and an enormons discount.
The profit, is in the neijrhbourhoofl of lOo per cent. Also, the
manufacturer now stands behind his ^'oods. and if a battery proves
defective the customer -rets from the dealer a new one without cost,
and the dealer in turn obtains one free from the manufacturer.

Raw materials are hard to obtain, and for that reason prodtiction
has been curtailed to some extent. The Ciuses are for the most part
made of brass with a nickel finish, and these materials being: in the
war order class are about the most difficult of the raw products to
obtain. Fibre is also used to a considerable extent for cases, aud
this. too. is 'way behind on delivery. Considerinfr this condition in
manufacturinpr materials, and also considerin;: the labour situation
that has prevailed and the volume of business that has developed,
deliveries are excellent.

With one or two exceptions, producers haje not as yet raised
their prices to the domestic coBsumer in spite of the heavy increase
ill cost of materials. It is their aim to try to keep prices down by
increasinsf the volume of output. For the export trade, however.
it is understood that there have been advances in price. The l!)lli
output of batteries for flash-lamps have been conservatively
e.stimated at 1 30.000.1 lOO. of which it is estimated liiii.iioii.iiud wiil
b3 taken by the domestic trale and HO. 000,000 by the export trade.
Since the majority of these batteries are for renewal purposes, these
fi^rures give no indication of the number of flash-lamps that will be
turned out this year.

There is always a large demand for this class of goods at
Christmas time. Should the demand this Christmas come up to
expectations, it is estimated that the supply of batteries will
amount to not more than T.") per cent., and of cases to not more
than 110 par cent, of the demand. For that reason, manufacturers
urge the trade to place their orders early, so as to be sure of a
sufficient supply.

B.E.A.M.A. Notes. — Rhsthictio-x of Imports of Ixsu-

L.\TIN(; Materials. — The B.E.A.M,.\. announces that the Depart-
ment of Import Restrictions (Board of Trade) has granted to the
Association a special licence to import insulating materials in cer-
tain classes which are included iu the list of prohibited imports.
Electrical manufacturers, whether members of the Association or
uot. can avail themselves of this licenca by making application to
the secretary of the Association. The Department of Import
Re.strictions desires it to b3 known that the granting of a licence is
a temporary measure to meet present urgent needs. This licence
extends to January Kith. I'.llT, at which time the necessities of the
situation will be again reviewed.- It is expected that firms in the
meantime will make every effort to obtain in this country the
supplits of irsulatiEg materials which they requite.

New Members. — The B.E.A.M.A. announces that the following
firms have been elected Members of the Association : —
Ashton Frost & Co.. Ltd.. Blackburn. Marsdens' Engines, Ltd., Heckmond-
Bever Dorling i Co.. Ltd.. Bradford. wike.

Buckley & Taylor, Ltd., Oldham. Newton, Bean & Mitchell, Bradford.

Clayton, Goodfellow & Co., Ltd., PoUit & Wigzell, Ltd., Sowerhy

Blackburn. Bridge.

Davy Bros., Ltd., Sheffield. Robey & Co., Ltd., Lincoln.

Fullertou, Hodgart & Barclay, Ltd., Scott & Hodgson, Ltd,, Maachester.

Paisley. S. S. Stott & Co., HasLingden.

Galloways, Ltd., Manchester. Simplex Conduits, Ltd., Birmingham,

(ilenfleld & Kennedy, Ltd., Kilmav- Tyer & Co., Ltd., London.

nock. " Woodhouse & Mitchell, Ltd., Brig-

Lilleshall Co., Ltd., Salop. house.

Vates & Tliom, Ltd., Blackburn.

E\"CE.ss Profits Dltv. — Concessioxs to the Electrical
Trade. — The Board of Referees have issued the following Order,
dated October Hth. under the Finance (Xo. 2") .4ct of mi."). Part III.
Excess Profits Duty (Section 42 (1) ) :-

"The British Electrical and Allied Manufacture'rs' Association
having made application under the Act to the Commissioners of
Inland Revenue tor an increase of the statutory percentage as
respects the trade or business, or classes of ti-ade or business,
hereinafter defined, that is to say. the business of manufacturing
in the United Kingdom all or any of the following complete
machines and/or apparatus used in the generation and/or application
of electric power, viz. : —

" 1. Electrical generators of current for commercial purposes.

" 2. Electrical motors for the same.

" 3. Electrical switches or controllers for electric lighting or
jKiwer.

" 4. Electrical arc lamps and/or incandescent lamps.

■' .5. Electrical cooking stoves and/or radiators.

" li. Electrical meters for measuring or indicating electricity for
light or power.

" 7. Electrical transformers for lighting or power purposes.

" 8. Electrical lampholders.

" And the Commissioners of Inland Revenue having referred the
case to the Board of Referees appointed for the purpose of Part III
of thi.s X<A by the Treasury, and the Boarcl having heart! the

applicants and the Commissioners of Inland Revenue by their duly-
appointed representatives upon the merits of the said application,,
and having clealt with the case :

" The Board doth Order that as from the commencement of this
-Vet the statutory percentage as respects the trade or business or
cla.sses of trade or business hereiuliefore defined shall be increased
to 7 per cent, in the case of a trade or business carried on or owne<l _
by a company or other boily corporate, and to 8 per cent, in the case ..ii
of any other trade or business."' Vj

This means an all-round advantage of 1 per cent, to the electrical
industrial concerns to which the decision relates, and in the
aggregate it must amount to a substantial sum. We congratulate
the B.E..V.M.A. officials who have been responsible for handling
the luatter upon the success of the negotiations. The increase
is an acceptable recognition of the essential national service that is
being rendered by the electrical industry.

Appointments Vacant. — Assistant flt'i-tiicinii f'(ir Sk'nford

elect ricily works; litter-driver (.i.l) for suction ga.s plant for the
Shi'llii.'ld l'or)iiiration Waterworks. See our advertisement pages
for particulars.

Accident. — A correspondent states that Francis McDonald,

an engine ilriver at the Aberdeen electricity works, was seriously
injured on Saturday Ijy being caught by a revolving shaft.

Wireless Men Wanted. — Electricians and instrument
repairers are wanted for the Wireless Section. R.E. A notice
regarding the matter appears in our advertisement jjages to-day.

Empire Industrial Policy.— The Prime Minister of
New Zealand, the Right Hon. W. F. Massey, has promised to speak
at a luncheon of the British Empire Producers' Organisation at the
Waldorf Hotel on Tuesday next, when Sir Henry Birchenough,
K.C.M.Ci.. will preside. The guests will also be addressed by Mr.
F. R Davenport, chairman of the British Electrical and Allied
Manufacturers' Association. We are informedUhat it is the aim of
the British Empire Producers' Organisation to co-ordinate the
efforts of sectional trade associations and further the gradual
formation of a practical Imperial economic system under which
British national resources and manufactures will be developed for
th" benefit of the whole population.

Juvenile Workpeople. — A Memorandum (No. IM) on the

subject of juvenile employment, recently issued by the Health of
JIuilition Workers' Committee, contains valuable information on
this important matter ; we are glad to note that the necessity of
supervising the conditions of living, not only in the factory, but
also at home, is insisted on. It is recommended that the hours of
labour should not exceed 60 per week, that Sunday lalinnr and
night work should be avoided, and that the periods of continuous
lal)our should be short. The importance of " Welfare Supervision "
in the case of boys jind girls is particularly emphasised, and
detailed instructions have been issued by the Ministry for the },
guidance of supervisors. Xot the lea,st serious subject is the
demoralising effect that may be produced by the high wages now
commonly earned 4)y yoimg boys aud girls, and the urgent import-
ance of encouraging thrift is pointed out. The Memorandum is
o" immediate interest to all employers of juvenile labour.

Cutting Cable Trenches by Power.— A recent issue of the

Eleftiiciil Wiii-hl mentions that the Utah Power and Light Co..
Salt Lake City, is employing a pneumatic jack hammer, operated
from a portable air compressor, for cutting trenches in pavements
to lay electric cables. Based on (i70 ft. of 4-in. trench cut in
concrete 4 in. thick, the energy consumption was '182 KW.-hourper
lineal ft. of trench. The same equipment has been used on railroad
work for cutting a 6-in. by 10-iu. trench in concrete for relaying
tracks, and it was estimated that the labour of 10 men was
eliminated.

Educational. — Last week the Associatiox of Technical

Institutions passed a resolution instructing the Council to consider
and issue a statement to the nation dealing with the immediate
necessity of the further development of technical education,
subject to the statement receiving the approval of the Association,
A further resolution was carried calling upon the Government to
prevent any child leaving school before the age of 1 4 , and to compel
employers to allow their employes to attend continuation day classes
up to the age of 17. for six hours per week.

American Electrical Range Production. — Tlic Elntiirnl

]Vii/-lf/. in reviewing the question of electric cooking range produc-
tion in lOlti. which it had been expected would be valued at a
ni:l'ion dollars, based on manufacturers' selling prices, now con-
sic'e:s that it will exceed two million dollars in value. Prices are
tending to increase owing to the increased price of metals and
insulating material ; resistance wire is diflicult to obtain, due, it is
said, to difficulty of obtaining suitable diamond dies for drawing
the wire. It is remarked as strange, in view of central station
clamourings for cheaper ranges, that the greatest demand appears
to be for .stores retailing at about $100. and this it is con.sidered
argues well for the permanency of electric cooking, and few people
would care to scrap a SI 0(1 equipment.

Legal Matters. — The Privy Council, on (.)ctoljer 2::!rd,

gave judgment in the case of the Toronto Electric Light Co., Ltd.,
r. the Corporation of the City of Toronto, which was argued before
the Long Vacation. The appeal of the company was dismissed.

At the City of London Quarter Sessions there is now being heard
an appeal by the Metropolitan Railway Co. against certain quin-
quennial assessments of their properties in Kensington, Paddington.
and the Holborn Union. Our reports of these matters are heW
over owing to pressure upon o\xr space this week,

i
4

Vol. 7!». No. 2,0;il, OcTOBKi;

.] THE ELECTIUCAL HE VIEW,

■J (37

Institution and Lecture Notes. — Greenock Electrical

Society. — The follon-iQir is the projiramme for the session, which
opened on Thursday last week with a paper, by Mr. A. Xorwell. on
" Steam Turbines " —

November 2iid, Thursday. — Open night for discussion.

November 4th, Saturday.— Visit to Glasgow Coi-poration, Dalmarnock,
electricity station.

November IBth, Thursday.— "A Criticism of the I.E.E. Rules." by H.
Piggott.

November 2;^rd. Thursday — Visit to Ovei*ton Paper Mills.

November 3nth, Thursday!- " What is Electricity ? " by J. L. Hogg.

December 6th, Tuesday. — Visit to J. Drummond"& Sons.

December 14th, Thursday.—" The Art of Wiring," by J. Nichol.

December 21st, Thursday. — Open night- papers by junior members.

.lannarj- Uth, Thursday.— " Factory Instullatioii-'," by R. T. Paterson.

.lanuarV 25th, Thursday — Open niglu fa- ilivcuvsi.-n.

Februai-y 8th, Thursday.— "H.T. CoiuUm S\~t. ms," by H.J. Roberts.

February I7th, Saturday.— Visit to Dellin.'bmii piwer station

February 22nd, Thursday.—" Electricity Supply Costs," by F. H. Whysall.

March 8th, Thursday.— " Notes on tlie High-Speed Engine," by S. V.
Thorp.

March 22nd, Thursday.—" F.Iectric Welding," by Duncan Angus,

March 24th. Saturday.— \'isit to Gateshide Colliery. Cambuslang.

Liverpool Engineering Society. —The new session opens at the
Uoyal Institution. Colquitt Street. Liverpool, on Wednesday next,
November 1st. with the presidential address of Mr. T. M. Newell.
The programme for followinjr meetings is as under :

November loth.— James Glover, "The Civil Engineering Profession and

some Economic Problems."
November29th.— T. L. Norfolk, _" Notes on the Construction of Modern

Dock Gates."
December 13th.— H. Shephard, " Works Costing Systems."
January 9th, 1917. — Arthur Brooker, " Screw-measuring Apparatus."
January 24th. — Tom R. Thomas, " The Education of Apprentices to

Engineering and Allied Trades."
February 7th.— W. Hemming Jones and W. A. Oglethorpe, "The Glad-

!.tunc Dock."
I^.-liiu:av 21st. — Discussion on above.

Miiuh 7th.— Prof. S. W. Perrott, "Some Problems on Railway Curves."
Mitrcli 21sl.— L. Leighton, "Equipment of King George Dock, Hull."

(Joint meeting with Manchester Section of the Institution of Electrical

Engineere.l
.\pril 4th. — J. Hamilton Gibson, "The Michell Thrust Block and Journal

Bearing."

Belfast Association of Engineers.— This Association held its

opening meeting for the session in the Municipal Technical

Institute. Belfast, on October 19th. when the new president. Mr.

Stanley Johnston, delivered an address. Mr. Johnston referred to

the fact that during the term of office of the retiring president.

IJr J. W. Kempster, D.L,. M.I.E.E.. the status of the Association had

been raised enormously. The subject of Jlr. Johnston's address

was scientific an! industrial research. Mr. Kempster and Mr. V<.

Pleasance. A.M.I.E.E.. have been added to the Committee, and Mr.

H. Fildes. A.M.I. E.E.. is secretary. The new president is also an

electrical engineer. The programme for the session is as under : —

November 16th. — "Cement Manufacture," F. W. Davis.

D3cember21st.—" Water Power in Ireland," A. W. Brown.

Januai7 18th, 1917. — "Electric Lifts for Land and Shipboard." ('. (i.

Major.
February IJth.— " Liquid .-Vir," Ed. A. S. Swinson.

March loth. — ".\n .\nticipating Governor for Marine Engines," .\ndrcw
Kerr.

J. H.

Institution of Civil Engineers.— In addition to the Awards

announced in Ajiril for papers read at meetings, the Council has
made the following Awards for papers published in the Pnii'reiliiiii.--
without discussion during the Session 191.")-16 i^ —

Telford Premiums to Messrs. Hubert Mawson (Liverpool), T. W. Keele
(Sydney), R. W. Holmes (Wellington, N.Z.), W. Fairley (London), J. M.
Greathead (Johannesburg), T. C. Hood (Manmad, India) and J. R.
Ball (London);
The Wanbv Premium to Mr. W. C. Cushing. Pittsburg, U.S.A.
The Crampton Prize to Major C. E. P. Sankey, D.S.O., R.E., London.
The Ii>dian Premium for 1916 has been awarded to Sir John Benton,
K.C.I.E., Eastbonruc.

Institution of Electrical Engineers Western Local Sec-
tion.— The opening meeting of the session was held on Monday
evening at Bristol. Mr. D. Roberts, the retiring chairman, installed
his successor. Prof. D. Robertson, w'no proposed a vote of thanks
to Mr. W. Collins, the retiring hon. secretary. Mr. W. A. Chamen
and Mr. H. Farraday Proctor warmly supported the resolution.
which was cordially accepted. (Mr. C. P. Spai'ks (president I.E.E.)
was present, and gr.v; a brief address on the work of the Insti-
tution : he stated, in connection with the scheme for training dis-
abled men. that 10 men had already been trained and placeci. and
it was hoped to place another 40 by Christmas. Applications had
been received for 10 to lii more, and local Committees were to be
formed to extend t le scope of the work. The number of members
serving with H.M. Forces was 1..5o0, of whom 71 had lost their
lives, and ill hiul gained distinction. Prof. D. Robertson then
delivered his iraugural address, dealing with industrial problems
aud the necessity of enciuraging scientific training in schools a '.d
research in indu~t y. P.ssible new sources of energy w/re also
discussed .

Tiie British Fire Prevention Committee. — The Com-
mittee enters its twentieth winter session this month, and, to mark
the event, it hns prepared a list of the collection of " Red Books."
''Warnings." Kc that have been issued by the Committee since its
formation. The list is obtainable upon application to the Com-
mittee's Rrgstrar. at 8. Waterloo Place. London. S.W. The Com-
mittee's "Red Eooks " number 20 1. and of these 'i'> deal with
general subj?ols, mainly such as fire-resisting construction and
notable fires. The quarto Jaui unh generally deal with the fire
preventive organis.ations of foreign countries, notalily in France.
Russia and Italy. No other such collection of publications dealing
with fire protection exists in Europe, and complete files of the Com-
mittees reports have been recently obtained by American Govern-
ment Departraeiils and by the great Universities and technical
lilraries of the United States.

Future Advances in Lamp Efficiency.— At the tench

annual convention of the Illuminating Engineering Society, at
Philadelphia, Dr.^Steinmetz read a pre.sidential address on "Present
Aspects of and Future Prospects for Lighting Sources." in the
course of which he pointed out that comparatively small fiu'ther
progress in lamp efficiency was to be expected ftom incandescent
sources, but that the greatest promise of approaching the theoreti-
cally possible light production of Soo to 4i)0 lumens per watt, lay
in the direction of the luminous flame arc and of some form of
electro-luminescence. Already an etficiencyof loO lumens per watt
(about s c.P. per watt, or o'12 watt per candle) had been achieved
ill the laboratory with high-power luminous arcs on the one hnn<l.
and on the other there had been demonstrated the \-ery high efli-
ciency of luminescence in the case of substances like Willeniitc. as
measured from energy input to light output. Any attempt to im-
prove the etficiency of a light source must centre upon the radiating
element which transformed the received electrical energy intr
light. Here, as elsewhere in physics, if the energy transformation
proceeded from a high form of energy to a similar form or to a lower
foi-m. extremely high efficiency was possible. On the other hand,
transformation" from a low form, like heat, to a high form, like
mechanical energy, must always bs attended by inefEciency ; while
transformation between two energy forms of similar degree, like
magnetic energy and electrical energy, took place easily.

Efficiencies approaching the theoretical limit of HOO to 4oo
lumens per watt were to be expected ultimately from the unex-
plored field of electro-luminescence. Willemite. for example, under
cathode bombardment exhibited a luminescence closely approaching
the firefly's light, showing a broad band entirely in the visible
range of the spectrum. Here, in this electro-luminescence, the
physicist had an energy conversion of the highest efficiency, as
measured from input to output, but some efficient method of
applying the exciting energy to the luminescent body remained to
be discovered. It was. however, in these luminescence phenomena,
as well as in the direction of the luminous arc —rather than in
incandescent sources, said Dr. Steinmetz— that future radical
advances in efficiency might be expected. — Electrical Wvi-Ul.

Tlie Shares of Siemens Bros.— Accorcling to the news-
paper Press, Mr. Pretyman says he is considering, in consultation
with expert advisers, the British firms, or classes of firms, to whom
it is desirable, in the interests of the electrical industry of the
country, that the shares of Siemens Bros. & Co. should be sold. He
hopes this will shortly be decided, and the Public Trustee will then
be in a position to deal with the shares which have been vested in
him.

Volunteer Notes. — First London Engineer Volun-
teers. — Headquarters. Chester House, Eccleston Place. S.W.
Orders for the week by Lieut. -Col. C. B. Clay, V.D.. Co nmanding.

Monihni. October :Wfli. — Technical for Platoon No. I». at
Regency Street. Squad and Platoon Drill. Platoon No. 10. Sig-
nalling Class. Recruits' Drill. ii.2.'j— .S.

Tiii-sii,!,/. Oc.'filier H I. vr— School of Arras, (i— 7. Lecture. 7.1.->.
"The Duties of the N.C.O." by Company Commander Hynam.
Range Practice.

\\'et]nes(hiii. Xoremher Ut. — Instructional Class, i;.l.=i. Platoon
Drill. Platoon No. 1. Range Practice.

Thiirxdnij. Xoremher 2«rf.— Platoon Drill, Platoons Nos. .i and (i.
Range Practice. Lecture by Medical Officer, 6, ' Marching and the
Care of the Feet."

Friday. Xofeiiiber ?,rd. — Technical for Platoon No. 10. Regency
Street. Squad and Platoon Drill, No. 9. Signalling Class. Recruits'
Drill, 6.25— 8.2.';.

Saturday, Xoreiiiber itii. N.C.O.'s Glass, 2.30. Company Com-
mander Fleming.

Siinda y, Xoremher Uh. — Entrenching at Otford: — Parade Victoria
(S,E. & C. Railway Booking-office), 8.4.") a.m. Uniform, haver-
sacks, water bottles. Mid-day ration to be carried. Railway
vouchers will be provided.

(By order) Macleod Yeaeslev, Adjvtant.

(l.-toher 2S//,. iniG, ' "

.^rd(Old Boys' Corps) Batt, County of Lovdos 'Volunteer
Regiment. — Battalion Orders by Major R. J. C. Eastwood (Com-
mandant). Thursday. October 2ilth. IIIUJ : —

\\'eel:-eiid Piirad'e.i. — ^ilurdoy. The Battalion it'ill parade at
Liverpool Street Station, at 8.4o' a.m.. for Entrenching Duties, or at
1.20 p.m.

Sunday. — TheBallalion will parade at Livei})ool Street Station
at '.h'.M) a.m.. for Entrenching Duties.

Hittalioii r.inide. The Battalion will parade at the London
Scottish Drill Hall. Buckingha:n Gate. S.W.. on Thursday. 2;'.th
inst.. at 7.30 p.m.. for drill under the Commandant. Order : Mufti,
without arms.

Recruits will parade at Lord's Cricket Ground on Saturday.
28th inst.. at 2.4.') p.m., and on Sunday, at 11. a.m. and 2.30 p.m..
tor Recruit Drill.

G. H. F. Dunca:n, Adjutant.

An Interrupter Interrupted.— The Niagara and Erie

Power Co. has obtained an injunction restraining the Seneca Iron
and Steel Co. from employing a device to interrupt the electric
supply, and thus, by avoiding the provisions of an agreement, to
obtain energy at a" minimum rate. Under the agreement the
Steel Cj. -n-a's to piy for the average of the highest daily dne-
ininute peaks occuriing during the month ; greater demands lasting
less than a minute were not to be considered. The company, how-
ever, installed a derice to interrupt the circuit every ,"iO seconds, so
that no peak of one minute's duration occurred, and this the Court
has decided against. — Electrical World.

-168

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW, [Voi. 79. \o. 2.031. octobku 27. 1916.

Metropolitan Association of Electric Tramways

Managers. -A iiuctin>.'ot the members of this Associiition wus helJ
at the -Mimiciinil ami County Club. Whitehall I'ourt. Whitehall.
S.W.. on Friday la.it. when there were present ;— Me.«srs. VUinann
(East Ham), SchofieU (.Leyton). Harvey (.nforil). Williams (Krith).
Hamraond (.Met. Elect.). Maekinnon (L.U.T.), Mason (South Met)..
Slattery (.West Ham), and Goodyer (Croydon), Mr. UUmann was
re-elected chairman. Mr. W. E. Hammond was elected vice-
chairman, and Mr. T. B, Gooilyer was re-elected hon, secretary.
Letters of inability to attend were received from Mr. Bruce
(L.C.C), Mr, Murray (Walthamstow), and Mr, Stokes (Bexley),
Wirious matters of interest were discussetl.

Grant to a Tram-Car Driver.— The Leeds Traniwav

Committee has made a •rrant of t.") to Sam Clayton, in recojrnition
of meritorious conduct whilst ilrivintf a runawav cur in Beestoii
Hill.

OUR PERSONAL COLUMN.

The Editor/! inrite electrical engineers, whether connected with the
technical or the commercial side of the profession and indnstrij,
also electric framwatj and railway qthcials. to keep readers of the
ELKcrRlc.\L Rkview posted as to their morements.

Central Station Officials.— Mr, C, T. .\stbury has relin-
quished the ix),st of resident electrical engineer to .\therton
U.D,C,, having been appointed burgh electrical engineer at
Wishaw, in place of Mr. S. \Yillianis, who has resigned on
taking up a position in the Navy. Mr. A.'itbury lias been at
.■^therton 11 years.

General.— Lance-Corporal H, Perki.ns, wlio pieviou.s to the
outbreak of war represented Messrs. Falk, Stadehnann & Co..
Ltd., electrical department, on the East Coast and the Mid-
lands, and joined the Eoyal Engineers as a motor dispatch
rider, has been made a full corporal,

Mr. D. G. E. B.4RRIE has relinquished his connection with
Me.ssrs. Hogau k Wardrop, and has taken up an appointment
with the Enterprise Manufacturing Co., of Gun Street Elec-
trical Works, Bishopsgate, E,C.

.\ notice of interest to "John Taylor {an electrician) " will
be found in our adverti,sement pages to-day,

London Gazette Notices.— Territorial Force. Royal Garri-
son Artillery. London Electrical Engineers : Second-Lieu-
tenant (temporary Lieutenant) R. H. Smith, O.T.O., Un-
attaclaed List, T.F., to be Second-Lieutenant. Tyne Electrical
Engineers : H. S. W.wsox to be Second-Lieutenant (on pro-
bation) ; E. R. Brigh.im to be Second-Lieutenant (on proba-
tion).

We regret to learn that Mr. A. C. Swales, who has been
Secretary of the Junior Institution of Engineers since 1911,
has retired from that po.sition owing to ill-health.

Col. Sir Lf. C. Tv. Holdfx, Director of Mechanical Transport,
has been elected the Upper Warden of the City Guild of
Guumakers.

Roll of Honour. — Private John Fexneix, \\ho has been
killed in action, and Private Ch.irles Whitles, who has been
wounded for the second time, and is in a London hospital,
were employees of the Keighley Corporation electricity works.

Private J. P, K.\cklin, York and Lancaster Regiment, re-
ported killed in action, aged 36, was employed in the Hull
Corporation electrical department.

Sapper J. Clark, R.E., killed in action, aged 27, was an
electrical engineer in South Africa,

Gunner H, Mason, R,G..\,, who has been awarded the
Military Medal for gallantry in the field, was previou.sly
employed as an electrician at Messrs. Rowntree's, at York.

Private J. Atherton, Lancashire Fusiliers, has won the
Pi.C.M. It is stated that when the telephone wire was cut.
and, owing to smoke from bursting shells, visual signalhng
was impossible, he went out and rejiaired the broken wire
in two places.

Second Lieutenant (Temporary Lieutenant) Gains Davt,
R.E., has been awarded the Military Cross for conspicuous
gfdlantry during operations. He remained for many days at
the exchange, and, by his energy, kept up the communica-
tions in spite of the wire being frequentlj* cut by shell-fire.
<-^ne night he remained out relaying and repairing wires under
shell fire.

Sergeant .Albert Clarksox, Royal Flying Corps, reported

missing, was an electrician with Mr, Calverley, of Burnley.

Sergeant Reginald Baldwin, who was on tire staff of the

Tunbridae Wells Corporation electricity department, has been

wounded.

The D.C.M. for gallantry in the field ha.s been granted to
Corporal P. Rogers, South Staffordshire Regiment, who was
with the Electric Construction Co.. Wolverhampton.

Sergeant D. S. Greenhill, Grenadier Guards, who has died
of wounds received in action, was on the Rugby staff of the
British Thomson -Houston Co.. Ltd.

Corporal L. Davies. R.B., who has fallen in action, was
engaged in the chemical laboratory of the British Thomson-
Houston Co.. Ltd., Rugby.

Bombardier Robert Henry Sanderson, who joined the
Cumberland Artillery whilst on the staff of the Carlisle Muni-
cipal electricity department, at the outbreak of war, has
received from the King of Serbia a gold medal for services
rffrfrlered in Gallipoli.

Ki:

stores Dept.
Lamplighter
Cost OfBee.

under British control, and accordingly (a) no
of the principal officers of the company, [b)
truat for, or under the control of, any alien
roiporation under foreign control, (r)

bo

ctor

sha

irii His Majesty the King

the

■ Alif

porat

rish-born subject, or who was no
to June 30th, 1905, and " foreign (
than a corporation established in sc
ha\ing its principal place of busir
control " includes (<j) a corporation
aliens, (')) a corporation in which
the board of this company, may g
aliens or foreign corporations, or person
them, and (c) a corporation he execul
I'orporation, The number of directors i;
the following companies may nominate o
ated Smellers Propi

Private K. Clarke, Lincohishire Regiment, formerly at
Stamford with the Urban Electric Supply Co., who has been
missing for more than a .j'ear, is now ofl'u-iallv presumed to
be dead.

Lance-Corporal E. C. Ryles, Royal Fusiliers, who has fallen
in action, was engaged with Messrs. Bullcrs, Ltd., of Hanlcy.

Private W, Sheuwin, Royal Fu.siliers, who was with ,
Messrs. Taylor & TunniclilTe, of Hanley, has been killed in \
action.

Lieutenant W. H. Kembeh, South Tiancashirc Regiment, is
reported wounded. He wai^formerly engaged at the British
Westinghuuse Works.

Private A. Coui'LAND, RoyalFn.siliers. has been wounded,
and is now in the Hurdsfieid House Hospital, Macclesfield.
He was employed with Messrs Ferrauti, Ltd., at their meter
testing depot in Clerkenwell.

Sergeant-Instructor LIope Travis and Company-Sergeant-
Major Joe Holmes, employes of the Oldham tramways, have
been recommended for the D.C.M.

With reference to the death at the Front of Private J,
I.KTTS, reported in this column last week, we are asked to
state that this does not refer to Mr. .\rthur Letts, who is
station superintendent at the Lincoln Corporation electricity
works, and is the only person of the same name that has
been employed there.

Second-Lieutenant John Seeah Gibson, .\,M,I.E.E., aged
.3'2 years, has died of wounds.

The following is the Roll of Honour of the St, Marylebone
electric supply department down to date. 130 members of
the stall' have joined LI.M. Forces, equal to 45 per xent. of
the total male pre-war staff : —

Pte. k. H. Bowen, 24th Co. of London Regt. ..
Pte, C, F, Lewis, 10th Gloucester Regt,
Ritiemaii .A, J, Scott, 21st Co, of London Regt,

. . Died on Service.

Pte, A, P, Grover, 18th Co. of London Regt Oenevating station

Prisoner of War in Gkumvsv.

Pte. A. J. Snow, 13th Co. of London Regt Sales In pi.

Wounded or Broken in IIkai.th.

♦Lanco-Corporal F. Boyall, 3rd Essex Regt Lamulighter,

•Driver W, Curtis, 72nd Brigade R,F, A. ., ,. Lamplighter,

'Rifleman \. Gamble, Bth King's Royal Rifles , . . . (lenerating station.,

"Pte. G. Gill, 10th Middlesex Regt Sales Dept.

Sergeant W. Gregory, 1st East Surrey Regt Lamplighter.

'Rifleman B. C. Hartopp, 18th Co. of London Regt. ., Generating station j

•Sergeant T, Hayes, Army Ordnance Corps Mains Dept.

Pte. W. Higgins, 3rd Middlesex Regt. .. Mains Dept.

•Sapper G. Lobb, Royal Engineers (Royal Naval Division) Sales Dept.

•Driver G. A. Oliver, 26tb Brigade R.F. A Mains Dept.

Pte. G. Rolf, 3rd Co. of London Regt Sales Dept,

Rifleman F, G. Saw, 9th Co. of London Regt. . . . . Sales Dept.

Corporal G. Sell, 21st Co. of London Regt Stores Dept,

RiHeman A, W, Turner, 2nd Battalion Rifle Brigade .. Mains Dept,
' Since discharged.

Obituary. — Mr, Walter Hancock. — The Times "Deaths"
Column announces that Mr. Walter Hancock, M.I.E.E., died
on October 17th, in his 86th year, at his residence, 10, Upper
Chadwell Street, Myddelton Squai-e, E.C,

Wills.— The late Mr, George Keith, of the Cuba Sub-
marine and Amazon Telegraph Companies and of the Chile,
Telephone Co,, Ltd., left ie60,452 gross and £59,726 net per-.
sonalty.

The late Mr. Leslie S. Robertson, who with Lord Kit-
chener was lost in the Hampshire , according to the Times,
lett £10.945.

NEW COMPANIES REGISTERED.

Zinc Producers' Association Proprietary, Ltd. (1,528f);i'

•Somerset House particulars of the Australian Company. Particulars of the"]
Zinc Producers' .Association Proprietary, Ltd., were filed at Somerset House
on October 19th, pursuant to Section 274 of the Companies (Consolidation)
,Act, 1908. This company was registered in Victoria, Australia, on May 30th.
191G. with a nominal capital of £100,000 in £1 shares (no shares beyond the
first £50,000, and no debentures, to be issued without the prior consent of
the board). It is a cardinal principle that the company is to be and

; may be held by or in

■ign corporation, or any

)se country of origin is

y hold office in this company or

cans any person who is not a

ised in a British Possession prior

n " means any corporation other

of His Majesty's Dominions, and

th-u-ein. ** Corporation under foreign

which a majority of the directors are

h voting power as, in the opinion of

in the hands of
who hold directly or indirectly for
e of which is a foreign-controlled
not to be more than 15. E.nch of
lay nominate one director, viz. :— Broken Hill .Asso-
•V. Ltd.; Amalgamated Zinc (De Bavav's). Ltd.:
Broken Hill South Silver Mining Co.; Broken Hill Proprietary Block 10 Co.,
Ltd • Broken Hill Proprietarv Block 14 Co., Ltd. ; Junction North Broken
Hill Mine; Broken Hill Proprietarv Co., Ltd.; Mount Lyell Mining & Railway
Co, Ltd.; Sulphide Corporation. Ltd.; British Broken Hill Proprietary Co..
Ltd.; Zinc Corporation, Ltd. The Burmah Corporation, Ltd., is also men-
tioned as having power to nominate a director if it become a member of the
companv There is to be a London Board, an advisory member of which
mav be appointed by the Imperial Government. The directors at October
18th 1916 were : W. L. Baillieu, \V. M. Hvndman. M. Cohen, G. A. Grant,
A. Campbell, B. Kelly, and 7. L. Wharton, all of Melbourne; F. C. Howard
and B A Moulden, both of Adelaide; D. E. McBrvde, North Road, Brighton;
F. A Govett 30, Coplhall Avenue. E.C; F. A'. Keating. 22. Bishopsgate.
E.G.; and W'. H. Woodhead, Hyes, Rudgwick, Sussex. The British address
is at Pinner's Hall, Austin Friars. E.C. where W. S. Robinson is authorised
to accept service of process and notices on behalf of the company.

Vol. 79. xo. 2,031. ocTOBKu 27. lOK!.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

469

Universal Electric Supply Co.,^ Ltd. (145,102).— This

company was registered on October 17th, witli a capital of j£3,U0O in i'l
shares (600 (i per cent. cum. pref.). to take over the business of a dealer
in electrical novelties carried on by J. H. Ward, iM. H. Goldstone, A. A.
Goldstone, and L. B. Goldstone. carried on at 87. Great Ducie Street. iMan-
chester, as the Universal Electric Supply Co. The subscribers (with one
share each) are: A. Hitner, 7. Linden Grove. Fallowfield, Manchesur,
provision merchant; T. iMilligan. 4. .Ambush Street, Higher Openshaw, Man-
chester, book-keeper. Private company. The number of directors is not to
be less than two or more than live; the first are A. Lowe and T. Milligan
(both permanent), and A. Hitner (general manager). Solicitor ; G. P.
Haiiorlh. 19. Chapel Walks. Manchester. Secretary : A. Hitner. K.'gisi,r..il
„ffi. .■ : I'l, Ch.ipel Walks, Manchester.

OFFICIAL RETURNS OF ELECTRICAL
COMPANIES.

Manaos Tramways & Light Co., Ltd. (101,081).— Capi-
tal. £300.000 in £-1 share's. R.-turn dated September loth, 1916. All shares
t.iken up: £100 paid; £-299,900 considcreil .is paid. .Mortgages .<nd chorgrs,
£-J!ll,000.

Llangollen and District Electric Light & Power Co., Ltd.

(7j,384i.— Cpital. £(i.000 in £1 shares l2.."iO0 pre!.). Return dated October
irtlh, 1910. ;;,114 shares i.iken up; £2.110 15s. paid, leaving £3 5s. in
an ears. Morlg.-.ges and charges. £-2,800.

Birmingham District Power & Traction Co., Ltd. — Con-

veiance. dated October 2nd. IDIO, as collateral security for £30,000 advanced
to' the Birmingham & Midland Oiiinibus Co., Ltd.. char.sjed on certain free-
hold premises' at Tividale, Staffs. Holders : Halifax Permanent Benefit
liuilding Society, -Princess Street, Halifax.

Bullers, Ltd. — Deposit on September 27th,- 1916, of doetls

of lands, buildings, and hereditaments known as Downfield Side F..irra and
land lorming part of a field known as Horse .Moor, both in Norton-in-the-
Moors, Staffs., to secure all moneys due or to b<;come due from the companv
to Barclay & Co., Ltd.. 54, Lombard Street, E.C., not exceeding £25,000.

Carville Site & Power Co., Ltd. — Issue on October 14th,

IMS, of £10,000 .Icbs., part of a series of which particulars have alrea.ly
been filed

CITY NOTES.

Companies Struck OH the Register, — The followint* com-
panies have been struck off the legistt^r, and they are accord-
ingly dissolved : —
Atlas Anti-Frietion Metal Cn.
Domestic Engineering Pivss.
Eclipse Rail-Track Co.
Electric Ozone Syndicat.-
International Asbestos Cd.
Traffic Indicators.

T'nited Lighting & .Maiiitfiiaiu-c ('n.
Wireless Electric Light f'o.

Western Telegraph Co., Ltd. — Tlic dinctors ;in iians-
ferriug ±TlX),0(W towards the re'duction of the amount of
capital expenditure in excess of the share capital and deben-
ture stock issued, ilW.OiK) to the general reserve funti, ±'30,U()0
to the land and buildings depreciatirm fund. flOd.lIlO to the
provision on atxount of mvestment fluctuations, and they
recommend a final dividend of 3s. per share, making the
total 0 per cent, for the year ended .June, 1916, also the pay-
ment of a bonus of Is. per share, both free of income-tax.
The balance is to be carried forward.

Consolidated Diesel Engine Manufacturers, Ltd. — In the
Companies' Winding-up Court, on Tuesday, Mr. Ju.stice
Neville heard an application by Mr. Ellis, a shareholder, for
an order against the litiuidator of the above company to pay
him a first return of lOd. a share on 4,617 shares. The sum
mons was dismissed.

City of Buenos .4ires Tramways Co. (1904), Ltd. — Divi-
dend of Is, 3d. per .share '|at the rate of 5 per cent, per
annum), less income-tax, for the three months to Septem-
ber 30th.

Trafford Park Estates, Ltd. — For the year fiidcd .funo
last the profit was 3630.173. .A. dividend of 4 per cent, is to
be paid, and £60,353 carried forward, as against £45.(W
brought in.

Norwich Electric Tramways Co. — Dividend, 3 per cent.
(Cis. per share) for the vear. placing it'o.Olin to reserve and
i'1,000 to 1914 Act account, carrying fl^g forward.

Kaministiquia Power Co. — Dividend of S1.7>> p<*r share
(at the rate of 7 per cent, per annum) for the ijuarter ending
October 31st.

J. P. & U. Harris, Ltd. — The net profit durin.tj the period
ended ,Tune. 191(), was i419. The full preference dividend
has been paid, aud f 43 is carried forward.

United Electric Tramways of Caracas, Ltd. — Dividend of
7 per cent. (Is. 4 4/.5d. per share), less tax, for the year,
carrying i'2,4'28 forward.

Anglo-American Telegraph Co.. Ltd. — Interim dividend
for the quarter ended Septendjer 30th. 1.5s. per cent, on the
ordinary stock and 30s. per cent, on the preferred stock, less
iacome-tax at 5s. in the £.

Marshall. Sons & Co., Ltd. — Interim dividend at the rate
of 5 per cent, per annum, less tax, for the half-year ended
June 3iith.

Brazilian Traction, Light & Power Co., Ltd. — Dividend of
] per cent, on the issued ordinary capital stock.

Bahcock & Wilcox, Ltd. — Interim dividend of 6 per cent.,
free of tax. for the half-year ended June 30th.

Hurst, Nelson & Co., Ltd. — According to the " Times,"
the gross profit for the past year has been £73,426, against
±'61,.S19. It is proposed to place to general reserve account
.i'i5,000, against i'1.5,0(KJ, to pay a dividend on the ordinary
share capital at the rate of 10 per cent., free of tax, also a
bonus at the rate of '2J per cent, free of tax. There is to be
carried forward, subject to payment of excess profits duty,
€14,9.S9. For the preceding year the distribution was 10 per

STOCKS AND SHARES.

TUESD.AY EvliNlNG.

Stuck Exchange markets continue to show a good deal of
iriegularity, but business is returning to some of the markets
froui which it was divei-ted by the issue of the 6 per cent.
Exchequer Bonds and the French National Loan. The prin-
cipal factor is Roumania, and the character of the news
received from Bucharest 'helps to govern the prevailing senti-
ment from day to day. There is a certain amount of dis-
appointment in the City at the way in which matters have
developed in the land of our latest ally, but the increasing
pressure of the British and French on the Somme must
obviously have its effect in the number of troops which the
enemy is able to employ against Roumania, and, after all,
the ultimate end to the war is perfectly patent to everyone.

Were the news from Romnania to take a favourable turn —
as, of course, it is likely to do at any moment — there would
probably be a quick resumption of the buying movement
which lifted prices so substantially last month. Meanwhile,
the markets as a whole are walking warily, with prices in-
clining somewhat to the duller side.

The prior-charge stocks of the Home Railway companies
are still very depressed. Holders seem anxious to exchange
them for one or other of the Government forms of borrowing,
with the result that there has been a further shrinkage in
debenture, preference, and guaranteed stocks during the past
few days. Some of the ordinary stocks, on the other hand,
have rallied. The weakness which was so pronounced in the
case of low-priced i.ssues, such as Metropolitans and Districts,
is less acute. The speculative buyer, however, is not keen
on Home Rails at present. Central London assented ordinary
is "2 lower. The Underground Electric Railways of London
group is steady. Business in the market a.^ a whole remains
;inything but brisk. District 4 per cent, debenture at 71i is
3 points down, and the Sixes at 106J are '2 lower. Metro-
politan 3^ per cent, preference has dwindled to 60.

Electric lighting shares tend to shrink from their recent
prices. County of London ordinary have w'eakened i ; there
are falls of J in City Lights and St. James's, and of 1/16 in
Westminsters. The market has hardly started to discuss divi-
dend estimates in respect of the current six months, but it
is safe to as.sume that the declarations will reflect still further
the increased cost of coal and the more stringent lighting
regulations. On the other hand, the electric supply concerns
which number amongst their customers large users of pow-er
will probably be able to give a good account of themselves.

The West-End undertakings are likely to be badly hit by
the various restrictions, although in their cases they have the
increased consumption by Government offices by way of par-
tial compen.sation. The order to close shops at seven o'clock,
which comes into force nest week, can hardly haTe a favour-
able eft'ect upon lighting profits. Rumour in the City went
one better, aud declared that it was the official intention to
enforce the closing of all offices at five o'clock during the
winter; the .sex of the originator of this rumour is not known.
Brazilian Tractions have once more become an active spot,
the price fluctuating considerably between the limits of -59
and 5.5. the latter being the price this. Tuesday, nicht. The
apprehensions as to a possible reduction in the dividend are
laid to rest for the time being, and currency has been given
to the idea that Brazil may he able to resume cash payments
of interest on her bonds — at all events, to some extent —
when the moratorium expires in July next. This had a
strengthening effect upon most of the securities connected
with Brazil, but, apparently, after the first blush of strength
had worn off, profit-takers who had bought Brazil Tractions
cheaply, ha.stened to take advantage of the rise, and the
price reacted abruptly.

Nothing fresh of note has occurred in Mexico, but prices
(if the utility companies are flat, all the same. Stocks in the
various railway companies — which are trken as an index of
the Mexican position— have given way a little. The .\rgen-
tine group also continues dullish, though evidences are be-
coming stronger that the Republic has nt last got over the
consequences of the .shock produced by the outbreak of war,
and is regaining its former .sound financial position. Canadian-
American utilities are, on the whole, rather better, the move-
ments, however, being narrow. The fall in British Columbia
Electric Railway stocks has made further progress; the 4i
per cent, debenture stock shed '2J points.

Marconis have come into prominence as the most lively
share in the indu.strial market. From 2L the price of the
ordinarv rose to 3 1/10; and although the fraction was lost
later, the market continues to show a good deal of strength.
There are vague rumours that the amount of compensation
to be paid to the company by the Government is being
settled, but in reliable quarters this is considered as being

170

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW. [Voi. 79. No. 2,031, octobkr 27, vm.

at any rate unlikely. With the piiee of the parent shares.
Americans have recovered to IS.*., and Canadian Marcouis
are once more close to half-a-sovereijjn.

The Telegraph market further receded, hut during' the last
few busine.« davs huvers have come in. Ea.stern Extensions
fell to 13i. and at i:!J they still .sh<.\v J decline. .\nglo-
.\niericiin Telecrai>h deferred dropped another point. Thi'
remainder of tlie group is noticeably steady. Telegraph Con-
.structions are £1 down, and the yield on the shares lias there-
fore risen to (> guineas per cent, .\lliiwing for tlie fact that
the dividend is paid free of tax. the return on the money is
equivalent to over S per cent., with a .5s. tax deducted.

The shares in other manufacturing companies are fairly
finn. British Insulated preference at .54 are 10s. lower. Bab-
ctx-ks are steady at M. .\ few of the British tramway shares
are easier. London A Suburban Traction prefeience, for in-
stance, eased off to .Ss., and York.shire West Riding preference
at 43 are about '2s. (id. lower.

The armament group is inclined to waver a little, and the
rubber share market has been sharply upset bv the announce-
ment that the excess profits. tax will lie applied rather more
stringently than the market had expected. Probably this
would not have had nuich effect had it not biHMi for the
general atmosphere of dullness round the Stock Exchange
engendered by the news from the Near East. Prices, how-
ever, have given way sharply, and with this reaction business
contracted to a considerable extent. It is possible that some
people bought them.<!elves rather more rubber shares than
they could afford comfortably to carry, with the result that
this stock — or, at any rate, some of it — is being marketed
under conditions anything but favourable to the sellers.

MARKET QUOTATIONS.

SH.\RE LI.ST OF ELECTRICAL CO.MPAXIES.
Home Electrioitt Companies.

Dividend Price

. ■ ^ Oct. 21, Rise or fall

1914. 1915, 1916. this week.

Brompton Ordinary .... 10 10 t| —

Charing Cross Ordinary . . 5 6 Sp, —

do. do. do. 4J Pre(.. H 4) 8^

Chelsea 6 4 3' —

City of London 9 8 lai i

do. do. 6 per cent. Pret. 6 6 irj — J

County of London .... 7 7 iOl — J

do. 6 per cent. Pret. 6 8 loj . —

Kensington Ordinary .... 9 7 68 —

London Electric 4 B I^ —

do. do. 6 per cent. Pref. 6 6 ifi^ —

Metropolitan 3J 8 2§ —

do. U per cent Pref. 4j 4} Si —

St. James' and PaU Mall . . 10 8 6* — J

South London 5 6 2}^ —

South Metropolitan Pref. ..77 lA —

Westminster Ordinary . . . . 9 7 gj^, _ -^•-,

Trlboraphs and Tklbpbones,

Anglo-Am. Tel. Pref 6 6 9S - i

do. Del 80/- 33/6 2i —

Chile Telephone B 8 7 _

Cuba Sub. Ord 6 6 8J.xi —

Eastern Extension .. .. 7 8 13i — k

Eastern Tel. Ord. .. .. 7 8 14!* —

Globe Tel. and T. Ord 6 7 12) —

do. Pret. ..6 6 lot —

Great Northern Tel 22 22 4u" —

Indo-European 13 13 .51 +

Marconi 10 11 3 +1

New York Tel. 4J . . . . 4J 4J 100 —

Oriental Telephone Ord. . . 10 10 2Axd +

United R. Plate Tel 8 8 6i§ + ,',.

West India and Pan 1 — 1 ''

Western Telegraph .... 7 8 14J ~

Ho»E Rails,

Central London, Ord. Assented 4 4 68 ~ 2

Metropolitan li I 22^ — +

do. District . . .. Nil Nil li J —i

Underground Electric Ordinary Nil Nil M —

do. do. "A" .. NU Nil C- ' -

do, do. Income 6 6 89 —

FoBBlON Trass, 40.

Adelaide Sup. 6 per cent. Pref. 6 6 4J5

Anglo.Arg. Trams, First Pref. 6J 6J 8t —

do. 2nd Pref. . . 6J sj 2J -

do. 5 Deb. ..66 70 - 2

Brazil Tractions . . .. ..4 4 5i _a

Bombay Electric Pref 6 6 10^ —

British Columbia Elec. Rly. Pfce. 5 6 7/

do. do. Preferred — Nil 66 —I

do. do. Deferred — Nil 6) —I

do. do. Deb. 4J 4* (6* 2*

Mexico Trams 5 per cent. Bonds — Nil 40 —3

do. 6 per cent. Bonds — Nil B3i — u

Mexican Light Common . . Nil Nil 17 — i

do. Pref Nil Nil 61 - 2

do, 1st Bonds .. Nil Nil 40 _|

Manctacturikg Companies,

Babcock & Wilcox .... 14 15 3

British Aluminium Ord. . . 5 7 2813

British Insulated Ord 15 171 j-A __

British Westinghouse Pref. . . 7J 7* a* —

Callenders 15 20 121 _

do. 6 Pref, .... 5 6 4I _

Castner-Eellner . . .... 20 bI

Edison & Swan, £3 paid . . Nil lu/.

do. do. fully paid . , Nil — ij

do. do. i per cent. Deb. 5 B 62* _

Electric Construction .... 6 7i Is _

Gen. Elec. Pret 6 6 10 _

„ f°- Ord 10 10 144 _

Henley 20 26 lel _

do. 4J Pref 4J 44 4i

Indla-BuDDer 10 10 12 _

Telegraph Con 2x 20 88 _ 1

• Dividends paid free of income-tax.

7 1 4

6 6 4

6 18 4

6 12 0

6 17 1

6 10 8

6 17 1

6 4 5

6 10 6

6 11 4

6 14 3

•6 17 6
•6 IS 1
•5 12 0

5 113

6 10 0
6 I 8

It should lie ieineiiil>ei'ed. in m.tkiiig use of the ligure* apiiearing
in the following list, that in some cases the price? are only general,
and they may vary according to quantities and other circumstances.

Wednesday. October 25tb.

CHEMICALS. &c.

a Acid, Oxalic per lb,

a Ammoniac Sal per ton

o Ammonia. Muriate (large crystal) „

a Bisulphide of Cation . . ,,

a Borax . . . . „

a Copper Sulphate „

a Potash, Chlorate per lb.

a ,, Perchlorate . . „ |

a Shellac per cwt. j

a Sulphate of Magnesia . . per ton

a Sulphur, Sublimed Flowers . . ,,

a ,, Lump „

a Soda, Chlorate per lb.

a ,, Crystals per ton

a Sodium Bichromate, caaks . . per lb.

METALS. &c.

Brass (rolled metal 2" to 12" basis) per 11

,, Tubes (solid drawn) .. ,,

„ Wire, basis

■ Copper Tubes (solid drawn) ,. ,,

r ,, Bars (best selected) .. pert

r ,, Sheet ,,

. „ Rod

/ „ (Electrolytic) Bars . . „

f „ „ Sheets .. „

( „ I, Bods .. ,,

/ „ „ H.C. Wire per 1

■ Ebonite Rod „

■ „ Sheet ,

1 German Silver Wire .. .. ,,

1 Gutta-percha, fine ,,

I India-rubber, Para fine . . . . ,,

Iron Pig (Cleveland warrants) . . per t

' „ Wire, galv. No. 8, P.O. qual. „

f Lead, English Pig ,,

f Mercury per 1

; Mica (in original cases) small . . per 1

> ,, ,, ,1 medium „

! „ M .1 large .. „

i Silicium Bronze Wire .. .. perl

• Steel, Magnet, in bars . . . . per t

, Tin, Block (English)

1 „ Wire, Nos. 1 to 16 .. .. perl

Latest

Fortnight's

Price.

Ino. or Deo

1/8

£75

i-M

£23

i'3l

£5.^

£2 inc.

2/6

•il-

12 /.

£16

£H

f 1 dec.

i1^ 10

£1 inc.

lifJ to 1/85

iHi to l/.i

Jd. inc.

lIH to 1/4

1/7* to 1/8

il6S

£3 inc.

£lGd

£2 inc.

£W8

£2 inc.

£144

£2 ino.

£162

£2 ino.

£153

£2 Inc.

1/6

8/-

2/6

2/8

6/10

3/4

Nom.

£86

£3! 5

£17 12 titofn 16

6d. to 3/-

8/6 to 6/-

7/6 to 14 - 4 up.

1/!'}

}d. inc

£!li

£181 to £n5

£3 inc.

a/10

Quotations supplied by-

a G. Boor 4 Co.
c Tu.is. Bolton & Sons, Ltd.
d I'Vcderick Smith & Co.
e F. VViggins & Sons.
f Imlia-Rubbor, Gutta-Percha and
Telegraph Works Co., Ltd.

g James 4 Shakespeare.

h Edward Till & Co.

I Boiling 4 Lowe.

/ Richard Johnson 4 Nephew, Ltd.

n P. Ormiston 4 Sous.

r W. F. Dennis 4 Co.

Industrial Harmony. — Sir AVilliaui Lever, Bt., speakinfr

at the Manchester Athenieum on " Harmonising Capital and
Labour," said that it must be admitted that, in spite of better con-
ditions of employment and higher wages, the present position
occupied by labour was not acceptable to the workers. The work-
man was no longer a " hand "; Labour to-dsiy was an educated man.
and his wants were growing and his outlook was extending. Labour
would not ba brought to work side by side with and to harmonists
with Capital merely by ever higher and higher wages, shorter and
shorter hours, combined with better and better welfare conditions.
The lesson for the capitalist was that high wages, short hours and
good healthy conditions by increasing intelligence and efficiency,
increased output and actually reduced costs. And the lesson for
Labour was that increased output stimulated consumption and. con -
ae(iuently. demand for production and distributive labour, the fact
being that consumers of all classes supplied themselves where they
muld be best and most economically served. Only by entranc.'
into CO- partnership together could Capital and Labour be lirougiit
tt) pull together, and only by co-partnership could they lie har-
monised.— Dad 11 'I'elcrimph.

L.S. Central Stations. — On the luusis df the caniin,i;s I'.ir

til? first half of the current year, llllti should be a very prospi'idiis
year for the U..S. electric light and power industry, .\ccordini;'
to a compilation made by the Eli-ctr'ifu} Mnr/il from reports receive!
from over (il_) per cent, of the industry, the earnings from tin- sale ut
energy during the first six months of 1!)1B amounted to. s2o:i..MXi.OOii.
as compared with §176,300.0(10 for the first half of 1!»1.">. The
increase was 1.j'(; percent. The output for the fir.st half of IHlii
increased 21 per cent, over the first half of 191.'), beinjr
10.,S7.5. 000.000 KW.-hrs., as compared with 8.775,000,000 KW.-hrs.
for the fir.st half of 1915. Returns for the month of June were
particularly good. Throughout the first half of the current year
the factor that stood out most prominently was the remarkable
growth in the power load. The motor market was swamped with
orders, and many of the motors ordered at this time will not come
into use until late in the current year ; consequently the demand
for power will continue to increase considerably for some time to
come. The big increase was from new customers, who had formerly
been running under their own power. The flood of orders came
with such a rush that there was no time to enlarge private plant,
and central station service at once became very popular.

Vol. 79. xo. 2,031, ocTOBEK 27. 1916.] THE ELECTKICAL REVIEW.

471

EXPORTS AND IMPORTS OF ELECTRICAL GOODS DURING SEPTEMBER, 1916.

The September returns of electrical exports and imports show a
considerable increase in value in comparison with the August
totals ; the exports, in particular, maintain the relatively high
level of the past few months.

The total value of the exports was £573.314. as compared with
£5.53,957 in August. £487,575 in July, and £603,510 in June.

Of the individual sections, cables, machinery, and telephonic
materials made a good showing, while business in the miscellaneous
sections, such as accessories, fittings, meters, ic. was above the
level of the previous month.

The August telegraphic exports were exceptional in amount, which

accounts for the considerable reduction shown in the September total.
The- imports reached a total value of £237.032. a considerable
increase on the August total of £183.151. traceable to the increased
amount of American material which entered this country during
the month. Holland, due to its lamp industry, again occupies the
second place in the list of importers into this country, and it is
significant that Japan figures for over £10.000 worth of electrical
material sold to us. India was our best customer during the
month, while our Australasian colonies and the friendly European
countries were also good customers — France in particular, but South
American business wa.s on a small scale.

Registered Exports of British and Irish Electrical Goods from the United Kingdom.

§ «•

1 = 1

2c s

P

si

1 S

D&

pE* >i

is

m

g|.§ i

•|'§§

Destination of exports and country consigning

-ns

'o'c'S

!ii II SI!

Ill t jir

^?i

5§

■r ^-«

11

1 ll'^ ' sit

1

imports.

C d d
.III

i1

11

1!

■3 g« t<

B

a

^5

5 , 1 .2

in

f^ §

£

£

£

£

£

£

£

£

• £

£

£

£

£

Russia. Sweden, Norway and Denmark ...

7,407

1,790

67

3,011

5,449

13,514

1,051

690

272

86

4,111

37.448

Netherlands, Java and Dutch Indies

833

17,314

1,284

62

33

5,011

93

62

1,980

720

27.392

Belgian Congo

153

8

47

208

France

11,642

"786

293

661

212

22.072

7,207

165

846

8,787

4,293

56.964

Portugal

340

1,276

82

239

341

347

132

493 451

3.701

Spain. Canary Isles and Spanish N. Africa...

1,486

368

145

830

16.166

2,488

275

'31

6.53

1,530

23,972

Switzerland. Italy and Austria-Hungary ...

884

260

34.

6,178

7,454

134

14,944

Greece. Roumania. Turkey and Bulgaria ...

138

34

172

Channel Isles, Gibraltar. Malta and Cyprus...

93

68

"is

32

125

76

17

ll.'3'91

11,820

U.S.A., Philippines and Cuba

372

51

126

3,437

22

50

4,058

Canada and Newfoundland

1,110

993

597

1,934

700

1,519

"i'05

6,9.58

British West Indies and British Guiana ...

39

26

. 99

147

185

7

19

74

596

Mexico and Central America

67

97

20

28

28

240

Peru and Uruguav

13

'446

" 90

325

1'67

609

"'24

1.674

Chile

510

3,204

248

357

'is

867

2,274

325

31

'25

"12

269

8.140

Brazil

588

582

86

136

20

, 777

1,.338

149

247

3,923

Argentina

1,270

3,270

336

■ 19t

'i'6

1,504

1.198

2,854

941

95

798

176

12,649

Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador and Bolivia...

175

21

10

353

240

10

2,640

26

15

275

3,765

Egypt. Timis and Morocco

518

757

3

170

71

1.856

217

928

15

3,479

640

8,654

Briti.sh West Africa

74

1,424

53

55

22

3,000

57

141

4,826

Rhodesia. O.R.C. and Transvaal

2,444

2,931

148

950

279

1.698

237

646

131

68

5

9,537

Cape of Good Hope

1,405

11,362

492

761

3,008

19

523

45

7.179

177

24,971

Natal

9,782

752

259

252

3,554

8,.V23

21

253

226

23.622

Zanzibar. Brit. E. Africa. Mauritius & Aden

386

372

176

280

12

37

32

259

760

2,314

Azores. Madeira and Portuguese Africa

409

299

87

87

530

5

346

1,763

French African Colonies and Madagascar...

224

36

17

277

Persia

1,219

2.226

3.445

China and Siam

2,223

6,068

2,251

1,008

'i'2

1,377

4,'3'75

1,965

i"33

160

"20

i.'i'oo

20,692

Japan and Korea ...

91

182

37

98

1,070

3,.555

3.S57

45

8,935

India

4,634

23,190

4,447

1,879

'34

1,538

25.871

3.355

4,429

356

4*726

1,234

75.693

Ceylon

406

1,914

231

162

120

97

70

213

1,336

179

4,728

Straits Settlements. Fed. Malay States and

Sarawak

945

1,564

504

524

31

446

2,112

1,621

251

47

1,578

130

9,753

Hong Kong ...

73

2,488

526

686

1,516

59

438

904

6,690

West Australia

189

578

494

28

309

715

73

15

1,118

3.519

South Australia

242

2,681

161

175

1.824

357

765

29

861

32

7,127

Victoria

2,317

36,459

5.737

604

652

10.151

797

746

28

•1,987

497

59,975

New South Wales

1,561

20,647

2,101

1,445

2,061

6.023

1,135

3,016

186

2,972

805

41.952

Queensland

397

3.591

109

116

15

371

U33

939

1,512

105

8,088

Ta-smania

328

700

19

29

60

1,136

New Zealand and Fiji Islands

1,094

10,914

2,105

1,062

277

2,926

1,568

1,670

'21

2,830

2,526

26,993

Total. £

48.008

168,675

24,983

14,351

1,784

21,. ■564

143,869

39,729

23,032

2,575

51,083

33,661

.573.314

Registered Imports into the United Kingdom of Electrical Goods from all Countries.

Russia. Norwav,
HoUand...
France ...
Switzerland

Italy

United States ..
Japan ...

Additional imports

.Sweden and Denmark

721

250

1.683

14,730

884

1.695

1,020

135

25,737

7,651

57

654

160

251

311

755

,,260

50

4.838

3.196

3,304

2,404

18

121

2,463

7,368

1,182

96

1,060

11,383

10,932

5,431

3,031

296

1,452

10,540

68,597

10.669

8,900

2.460

3,555
9,139

3,090

695

617

18,028

14,356

32,480

10,636

4,670

32,838

70,770

18,569

13,156

867

2U.S30

35,254

2,008

11,769

102

14,532

3,586

6,943

138,174

10,417

Total. £ 18,028 14,356 9,139 32,480 10,636 4,670 32,838 |T0,T70 18,669 i3,ioU 9,920 234,562

-Spain, carbons, £1,316. Hong-Kong, electrical goods. £114. Canada, glow lamps, £ 24 8j electrically-driven

machinery, £l24 ; batteries and accumulators, £106 ; telephone and telegraph appliances, £562.
Registered Re-Exports of Foreign and Colonial Electrical Goods from the United Kingdom.

Various countries, mainly as above ... 1,229 1,376 ... j 4,062 ; 177 ' 3,870 5,175 ... 380 207 I 2,120

18,596

Total E.xpoets: £573,314 Total Re-Exports : £18,596 Total Imposts : £237,032

Note.— The amount? appearing under the several headings are classified according to the Customs returns. The first and
third columns contain many amounts relating to "goods" otherwise unclassified, the latter, doubtless, consisting of similar
materials to those appearing in ad;acent columns. Imports are credited t3 the country whence cjnsigned which is not necessarily
the country of origin.

THE KLECTKICAL KEViiiW. [Voi. t;.. xo. 2,nsi, octobkr 27,

FRENCH AND ITALIAN ELECTRICAL
INDUSTRY AND THE RUSSIAN MARKET.

Ix no hnuK'h of industry did the Russian niarki't depend
so nuicli oil iinixirtation as in the eleetrieal : an<l tus our
ruadei's an aware, with the cessation of the normal im-
portation, the Russian clectroteehnical market experienced
sevi<ius difficulties. The question as to where ijuickest
and cheapest to procure tlie necessary electrotechnical
gjoods will become still more difficult until the conclusion
of j)eace. owins; to the preoccupation of the electrical
industry in all countries with war reiiuirements. In many
cases, too. the works that are free to cater for the private
market are workintj only for immediate requirements,
because of the dearuess of raw material, the hick of laboiu',
and other circumstances. Therefore all stocks are com-
pletely exhausted, and in order to replenish them, whilst
satisfyiuiT current requirements, which will i^M'ow inunenscly
after the war, ijreat quantities of clccti'ical iroods will be
required.

In a previous article in the Elvkliiihestrn, last year, from
which we quoted very fully. Entrineer P. Gurievitch con-
sidered to what extent Russian buyers of electrical goods
might rely on the English electrical industry for supplies.
Using the official statistical data entitled " Tableau General
du Commerce et de Xavisration de la France " and the

eleclroU'chiiical work, chielly electrodes which are sent
mostly into Switzerland, .Sweden and Norway, where the
demand for electrodes for the highly developed electro-
chemical and electro-metallurgical industries is very great.
For Russia, however, with its hitherto feebly-used water
l)ower, and the absence of inqiortant electrochemical
factories, French electrodes cannot serve as an article of
importation.

i?ut all the remaining French electrotechnical articles
have iieeii exported hitherto only in very limited quantities,
so that it is useless to count upon them ])articiilarly, the
more so a.s one-sixth of the total French export of electrii-il
manufactures has gone hitherto to the French Colonies,
Algiers, Tunis, and Indo-Chiua. The balance of the exports
was naturally distributed amongst countries contiguous ti'
France. The principal customer for French electro-
technical goods wa.s Belgium : then Switzerland, jiar-
ticularly the Western French Cantons : then Spain. The
exportation of electrical goods into Russia was so insig-
niticant that the French official statistics specified it only
in regard to electrical apparatus a:id ixccumulators.

The exportation of meters into Russia is, however,
sjiecially mentioned ; but in the Trench statistics it is
registered in a group including gas and water meters, so
that is difficult to say what part is played in this group by
electrical meters. The total exportation of meters of all
kinds from France made the important sum of 14,087,000 fr.

Electrical apparatus

Carbons for electricity

Dynamo machines ...
Armatures for electrical machines
parts for electrical apparatus ...

Incandescent lamps

Arc lamps

Conductors and cables
Porcelain groods for electricity

Class ^oods

Accumulators ...

18,892,000 ; 14,585,000

i,or,r,.ooo 8,564,000

9.052.000 4,116,000

4,011,000

2,622.000

80,01 Itl

1,017.000

2,461,000
2.230,000
248,000
3.421,000
612,000
450,000
523,000

Export to Export to
French other

Colonies, countries.

2,853,000

33,000

1,475,000

258,000
548,000
112,000
705,000
198,000
133,000
162,000

11,732,000
8,531,000
2,641,000

Expoits to various countries in quintals.

1,330
8,695 10
4,120

'2,203,0001 1,037

1.682.000 1 96
136,000 ! 17

2.716.0001 '7-'*06
414,000 1 207
317,0001 —
361,000 1 2.58

ill

a

1

1

758

336

220

13,916

3,389

1,966

—

871

3,005

322

—

_

■454

106

_

"

112

13

316

176

—

-

567

-

-

-

811

497

2,871
2,012

945
25;i

3,849

So
14 II

" Movimento Commerciale del Regno d'ltalia " for 1913,
he now^ in the same journal dwells on the electrotechnical
industry of two other countries allied to Russia — namely,
France and Italy — showing their jjosition in the world's
markets and their exportation into Russia. The French
importation and exportation of electrical goods in 1913 are
shown in Table I.

II. (iurievitch says that if we consider the data of
the table submitted from the point of view of the possi-
bility of Russia receiving some electrical goods from
France in greater quantities than before the war, we must
observe that ;ts an exporter of electrical goods France stood
far behind Germany, England, and the United States, as
can be seen in Table II, which shows the export of electrical
products from these countries in 1913 : —

tion
ooda

lion
ma-

B

a £

3

■i

3

•CSB

a ■

11

a

2 .

Exporting

i^i

114

"

H

^

°g,

f sP

"8S

§

0)3

Si

§ s

«

o".-

0

H °-

° 0 u

I

B °

s

H

&

Germany

407,550,000

79,248,000

24

48,496,000

11-9

42,614,000

10-5

England

188,890,000

56,736,000

■m

90,165,000

47 0

2,435,000

1-3

United States..

146,340,000

32,680,000

21-7

6,536,000

4-4

(?)

(?)

France

37,210,000

4,116,000

111

3,421,000

91

1?)

m

Switzerland . .

30,162,000

20,353,0(K)

K7-.T

1,403,000

4 6

3,682,000

122

10,294,000

2,855,000

2T7

7,028,000

68-0

34,000

0-3

Whilst in the case of other countries by far the most
important articles exported are either electrical machines or
cables, in France the export of these two groups plays only
a sul)ordinate part, making only about 10 per cent, of the
total exiwrtation. In the French exports the most important
position after electrical apparatus is occupied by carbons for

in 1913, whilst the total of meters of all sorts exported into
Russia made approximately 790,000 fr.

Thanks to a . large export of carbons for electro-
technical work, the French exportatioii of products of the
electrotechnical industry only about ec[ualled the level
of the ini])(irtation of such goods. The French electrical
industry therefore has, first of all, to see to it that it can
supply the requirements of its own market, before thinking
of exporting to Russia.

As to Italy, its electrotechnical industry is still too
feebly developed for it to compete on the Russian market
with other countries. As an exporter of electrical goods, the
Italian industry began operations only five years ago. The
first position in the Italian export of these goods, of a total
value of 10,294,000 lire, in the year 1913, was taken by
electrical conductors and cables, the exportation of which
reached 7,028,000 lire, or 68 per cent, of the total export
of electrotechnical goods. As, however, was observed by
M. Gurievitch in reviewing the English exports, Russia is
least of all in want of cables. The second place in the
Italian export of these goods is occupied by dynamo
machines. Already in the year 1910 the export of these goods
Wits valued at 139,000 lire ; in 1911 it rose to" 1,2C."),000
lire ; in 1912 to 1,865,000 lire ; and in 1913 to 2,04(;,0o0
lire. The exportation of heavy dynamo machines, of which
the Russian market stands particularly in need, was, on the
other hand, particularly small — no more than 205,000 lire.
Italy exported transformers to the value of 231,000 lire in
1913, and parts of electrical machines to the value of
373,000 lire. But to Russia she exported only small
machines and motors to the value of 32,000 lire. The
chief foreign market for the sale of Italian electrotechnical
goods was South America (Argentina and Brazil), where
Italy sent electrical machines and transformers to the value

Vol. 79. Xo. 2.031. October 27. 1-UG.] THE ELECTRICAL EE^aEW.

iTd

of 1,U8.UU0 lii-f. The export of other electrical goods ■
from Italy was iusigiiiticant. Her exportation of electrical
apparatus amounted to only 166,000 lire, and of accumu-
lators to 38,01)0 lire.

Of machines used in the electroteclmical industry, Italy
exported in 1913 to the value of 4,758,000 lire, internal
combustion motoi-s, including 594,000 lire value for Russia :
to the value of 553,000 lire, (of which 41,000 lire for
Russia) in steam engines, and to the value ttf 144,000 lire
(of which 15,000 lire for Russia) in water motois.

It is necessary to observe, however, that Italy, to a
greater extent even than Fraiiee, depends on imiwrtatiou for
electrical goods, which were valued at 31,955,000 lire in
1913, thus exceeding Italy's export of such goods by three
times. With the increase in the development in Italy
of byth'o-electrical installations, the demand for elec-
t'ical gwds gi-ows there at a great rate, and cannot be
' sitis'ied by the Italian electrical engineering shops. Of
elec-trical machines and trausformere alone Italy imijorted in
1913 to the value of 13.501.000 lire, of electrical apparatus,
4.988,000 lire, and of incandescent lamps 9,094,000 lire.

It remains to be said, in conclusion, that French
industrial circles, even more than the English, consider the
high Russian Customs duties to be an insuperalile obstacle
til successfully reaching the Russian market. Not hoping
by their own strength to struggle with the competition of
nther countries in Russia, they would like to have a special
exemption tariff for themselves that would^give them a pre-
ference over other coimtries. Such measures do not tind
supporters in leading Russian circles, and the Russian Com-
mercial Attache in Paris, being at the same time the Presi-
dent of the Russo-French Chamber of Commerce, in his
reports to the Special French Committee of Economic
Inpiiry and the Committee for Encouraging Franco-
Russian Business Relations, showed more than once that
French industry, with goodwill and sufficient energy,
may operate on the Russian market on conditions identical
with those of other countries. Evidence of this will be
found in the powerful invasion of the Russian market by
German industry, although it had not an advantage in
Customs duties, and certainly no preferences. coini)ared with
other countries. All dejieuds principally on the energy of
the exporting coimtry and its readiness to meet the Russian
buyer by offering him low prices and concessions.

Besides energy and the will to meet the requirements of
the l>uyers. a cardinal part is played in export, however,
by the productivity of the exjrorting industry, and its
power to throw on the world's market a great quantity of
goods at low prices. In this respect French electrotechnical
industry, unfortunately, lags far behind its competitors.

Even for its own market, in France, it is not in a position
to supply all the requirements. Whilst a large importation
of these goods into England may he explained by the fact
that the absence of import duties did not sufficiently pro-
tect the English industry from German competition, the
imjx)rtant importation into France caimot be so explained,
a^ France, after Russia, is one of the most protectionist
countries. It is undoubted, therefore, says M. <iurievitch.
, that France camiot think of playing an important part in
- the supply to Russia of electrical goods.

As has, however, been more than once shown in the
Commercial and Indmfrial Gazette and in the Govenmetif
' Gazette, issued by the Ministry of Finance, with the new
trend of Russian trading policy after the war, we must first
(says the writer) see to the development of the productive
power of Russia : but in the sphere of electroteckuics we
must deal with the eai'liest possible use of the water power
of the country, which is an essential factor in view of the
chronic scarcity of coal. In the .second plac'C, from the
financial point of view, we must endeavour to reach a favonr-
al)le trade balance. The questiou. however, with whom
we shall trade, plays only a subordinate role of third-class
importance, and it should be referred to a back position
dejK'uding on whether any particular trade is profitalile or
unp'iititable for Russia. The goods of one country may.
ami should be, exchanged with our own or with the goods
of another country, only if such is profitable to the
e 'onomic pro_gres.s of Russia. The refusal of any goods
only because they are of one or other origin caimot be a
healthy principle for a trading {wlicy in time of jieace.

THE USE OF COKE-OVEN GAS UNDER
BOILERS.

.\t the present time a great amount of attention is being
given to the more efficient utihsation of our national fuel
resources, a subject which so far as it affects central station
practice, points very strongly to the future use of gas firing
for boilers.

Some of the features of present-day practice in this cormec-
tion were outlined by a coke-oven manager in an article
which recently appeared in the Iron and Coal Trades Review,
the fuel in question being coke-oven gas. He pointed out
that by-product ovens are of two general types, waste-heat
and regenerative. In the former the gas. after the by-
products have been extracted, is conducted to combustion
chambers between the oven retorts and mixed with air of
atmospheric or slightly higher temperature, the products of
combustion escaping to the chimney through a waste-heat
flue, the internal appearance of which serves as a guide to the
working of the ovens, as it indicates whether correct com-
bustion is taking place. While with the waste-heat oven the
hot gas passing to the chimney is first conducted through the
flues of a boiler for steam raising, in the regenerative oven,
the heat of the gas is retained or stored in chequer brick-
work (in the regenerator), and the escaping gases are, or
should be, at so low a temperature that no valuable heat is
lost.

The regenerators are, of course, used to preheat the air
before it enters the combustion chamber, being used alter-
natively to store heat from the gas and deliver this heat to
the air, by means of flue dampers which give the required
flue connections.

With the latter arrangement only 4-5 to 50 per cent, of the
gas is reqiured for oven heating, as against 85 to 100 per cent,
with the waste-heat oven, and consequently a considerable
amount of gas is available for other use, Some 80 per cent,
or more of the coke-oven gas is used for steam raising.

Fig. 1.— W.4STE-HEAT Bend.

.\t first glance the simpler and cheaper waste-heat oven
would appear to be most suitable for this pm-pose, but owing
to the necessity of avoiding heat losses from long flues, it is
necessary to place the boilers close to the ovens, which may
be disadvantageous in other ways. With the regenerative
oven the cool gas, with by-products extracted, can be con-
ducted any distance, and steam generated where it is re-
quired. Some steam is required on every coke-oven plant
tor its cnn use, and in practice a certain nmnber of waste-
heat and a proportionate number of regenerative ovens are
installed, to meet both lequirements; a method now often
adopted with waste-heat ovens is to obtain aU the steam pos-
sible on the site and convert it to electrical energy for distri-
bution where required.

The waste-heat flue usually passes across the front of the
boilers below ground, and flue connections are provided to the
fronts of the boilers, being either fixed or movable. These
connections are of steel plate fined with firebrick. A typical
fixed connection is provided with a damper, to cut off the
waste-heat flue, and is of sufficient size to receive a grate so
that sofid fuel may be used in emergency, fire and ash doors
being provided in the casing, also a hole for the introduction
of five gas. This arrangement renders the boiler front in-
accessible, and presents a large surface for heat radiation.

A more compact arrangement is the movable waste-heat
bend shown in fig. 1, designed by the Koppers Co., which is
mounted on wheels and can be entirely withdrawn. As in
most waste-heat ovens 10 to 15 per cent, of five gas is to
. spare, tiiis is introduced through a Bunsen burner mounted
vertically on the bend. When in position the joints are
luted up with fireclay. The use of live gas for boiler heating
presents a more difficult problem in maintaining high effici-
ency and at the same time avoiding explosion.

The fight and heat of a burning gas flame depend upon the
conditions under which combustion takes place. There are
but few cases nowadays of heating boilers with a lighting gas

474

THE ELECTEICAL KEV1E^V. [voi. ::». No. 2,o:n, octobkk

flame, i.e., ijjnitins the (jas escaping from the burner with-
out previously addiug air to it, but old works still retain
examples.

An improvement upon the old arrangement is shown in
fig. 2, where the gas is introduced through a series of 2-in.
pipes direct into the furnaces; the gas pipes a are held in air
channels b, and cover d regulates air admission. A fire is
maintained on the grates to keep the gas ignited if its supply
is not absolutely constant.

The modem method of burning gas is on the Bunseii
system, giving a non-lighting flame; the principle is well
known, but the original Bunson arrangement has been fur-
ther developed, and the Mcker burner i.s an improved form
in which the efficiency of the burner as an injector is largely
increased, so that it draws through more numerous and en-
larged air holes a greater amount of air as compared witli
the ordinary type, and yields greater heat. The Meker

resembles in many ways the Mi^er burner. The mixing
pipe a of the burner is tapered and reduced in diameter to-
wards its delivery end in order to reduce the tendency to back-
fire. The gas is supplied by means of an angular piece 6,
and the primary air is supplied partly by tube c, and partly
by means of a series of inlet ports formed around the end of
the mixing tube, and further by a series of slots arranged
on the outer side of the burner practically in line with the
end of the gas-inlet pipe b. Near the delivery end of the

Fig. 2. — H.^nd-fired Boiler with Ordinary G.4S-jet
Attachment.

burner gives a homogeneous mass of flame at practically the
same temperature throughout, and at a higher temperature
than the hottest portion of the ordinary Bunsen flame.

The most common form of Bunsen burner for boilers is
shown in fig. 3, where c is the gas nozzle, passing through
a bell-shaped end d, with adjustable primary air slots e:
/ is the mixing tube, which where it joins the" furnace front
is provided with additional slots, for a secondary air supply
at the point of ignition. This burner is in use on a number
of water-tube boilers, but it has in common with the ordinary
Bunsen burner the disadvantage that the mixing tube is
rather small in diameter, and offers great frictional resistance
to the gas, so that its action as an air injector is somewhat
checked, and by not drawing in sufficient air for combus-
tion its efficiency is comparatively low and its gas consump-
tion high.

The type shown is unsuitable for a Cornish or Lancashire
boiler if hand firing has to be provided for, as the horizontal
burners interfere with stoking, and where provision for hand
firing is essential vertical Bunsen burners as shown in fig. 4
are used.

This mainly differs from the previous form in the air

Fig. 4. — Bunsen Burners on H.4nd-fired Boiler.

burner the admission of the secondary air is provided for by a
series of slots with a movable ring with corresponding oi)en-
ings. Fig. 5 represents the type of burner suitable for Lanca-
shire and Cornish boilers; fig. 6 shows the construction as
adopted for use in connection with water-tube boilers.

This form of construction gives the advantage that the
mixing tube does not offer much frictional resistance owing
to its comparatively large diameter. Consequently the injec-
tor effect of the burner is a good one, and back-firing does
not take place even with an excessive amount of primary air
added. The makers claim that an efficiency of 80 per cent,
can easily be obtained. Pig. 7 shows an installation of these
burners.

In the Terbeck burner the Bunsen system of forcing in
gas through a nozzle and drawing in air is reversed ; a great

Fig. 3.— Bunsen Burner for Boiler.

Fig. 5.— Altenhein Burner for Lancashire Boiler.

chamber a ; the end of the gas nozzle c just passes the air
holes d, which can be adjusted by a loose ring e. The mixing
tube / connects the air chamber to a bend g which reaches
the furnace above the fire doors. A horizontal internal air
inlet pipe h provides the secondary air for ignition ; a slide
i at the end of the inlet pipe allows of adjustment and
the inspection of combustion in the furnace. A somewhat
similar burner is shown on the bend in fig. 1 ; such a burner
in an inverted position is very apt to back-fire, and great
efficiency cannot be expected. In connection with waste-heat
bends, however, it is so placed to avoid protruding too far.

With the general preference given to the regenerative oven
it was a natural result to endeavour to construct gas burners
with a much higher efficiency than could hitherto be attained.
Among the many attempts which have been made in this
direction are the Altenhein, the Terbeck, and the Wefer
burners, so-called after their respective inventors.

The Altenhein burner (fig. 5), made by Messrs. Altenhein
and Wilson, of Maryport, is of recent construction, and

number of these burners are working satisfactorily on the
Continent, and some are in use at the Old Silkstone Colliery,
The Wefer burner, fig. 8, is designed to prevent an accu-
mulation of explosive gas in the mixing tube, which with
Bunsen burners, if they have not been lit up carefully, may
cause serious explosions or tendency to back-fire. In the
Wefer burner the gas enters a distributing chamber a which
on its front end is closed by an incUned door 6, hinged from
the top. The door acts as a safety valve, as in case of back-
firing or explosion the pressure is reheved by the door open-
ing and no harm done. To keep a gas-tight joint, a lead
strip is fastened to the frame of the chamber against which
the inner face of the lid is pressed by its own weight. In
the distributing chamber are a number (generally 25) of
pipes c, through 'which the gas travels to the boiler. The
front plate of the boiler holds a carbon block d, which has a
hole for every gas tube c, provided in such a way that the
tubes are completely surrounded by an air space. The tubes
c only reach three-quarters of the way into the carbon body d,

Vol. 79. No. 2,031, October 27, 1916.] THE ELECTEICAL REVIEW.

476

the last quarter being used to. form small mixing chambers
for air and gas. The space between the gas chamber o, and
the carbon body d, is taken up by an air chamber e. This
is provided with a circular row of slots /, surrounded by a
loose ring by which the air supply to the burner is regulated.
Above the burner two inspection holes g are arranged, below
is a hinged door h for the removal of flue dust. While the
gas travels through the pipes c, the air coming from the air
chamber meets it at the outlet of the tubes in the last
quarter of the carbon channels. On the end of the latter
the mixture is ignited. As the velocity of the gas in, this
burner is naturally slow, the gas flame burns immediately
en the end of the carbon block, which gets hot at the end.
The carbon is not a good heat conduc*<ir, so that the rest

Fig. 6. — .Altenhein Burner for W.wer-tdbe Boiler.

i'l the carbon block remains comparatively cool. The carbon
■ also so fire-resisting that it does not burn away easily.
I In the other hand, should the gas supply not be quite con-
.staut and short interruptions take place, the heat of the
burner mouth is suflScient to reignite the gas and thus avoid
explosions.

There is always a certain amount of danger connected with
boilers solely heated by gas. The greatest danger is an inter-
mittent gas supply due to variations in pressure or water
accumulations in the supply pipes. In case of frequent varia-
tions of pressure, a governor should be provided in the gas-
supply pipe to the boilers. With too high a pressure on a
Bunsen burner, the air supply of which is suitable
for a normal velocity of the gas, it easily happens that
not sufficient air for combustion is injected, and the gas flare
is suddenly extinguished through lack of air. If this happens
to a whole series of burners at the same time it is not so
serious. One has only to turn off the gas, wait a while until
the gas mixture is drawn away by the chimney, and then
the burners can be lighted again. But if only one part of
the burners are extinguished and others kept burning, or if
hand-fired boilers are in the same range, the combustible
mixture from the extinguished burners may be ignited in
the back flues and cause a serious explosion.

Great attention must be paid to the regulating of the air.
■especially the primary air supply, as with too little air part
of the gas leaves the boiler unburnt. and besides the waste
of gas through this cause, explosions in the flues at the back
of the boilers may result. With too much primary air most
Bunsen burners are apt to back-fire, so that the gas bums in
the mixing tube.

In case of the gas having accidentally been extinguished
m the boiler flue, in some boilers a little gas flare is kept
Durning, receiving its gas from an independent gas su{)ph-
which aet.s like the small by-pass flame in a street lamp and
rehghts the gas If the gas goes out for want of air for
combustion, this flame will also go out, and for such cases
the arrangement cannot he calleil reliable. Undoubtedlv the

safest way is to keep a small fire burning under the burner,
if possible.

The cornbustion of live gas in waste-heat boilers as shown
in fig. 1 is safe, as the live gas is always kept ignited.

Experience has shown that the Bunsen flame has a cutting
effect on tubes, and these are generally protected by a brick
baffle, which gets very hot and will rehght the gas "flames if
not too long extinguished. The indirect heating of boilers

Fig. 8. — The Wefer Burner.

has led to the introduction of the Bonecourt surface com-
bustion boiler, which has been described in our colimins, but
which, owing to its short body and tubes, is not available
for alternative hand firing, and for this reason is not used
on coke-oven plants.

While, no doubt, much may be learned from present prac-
tice in gas firing of boilers in coke-oven and similar installa-
tions, it is probable that the adoption of this system of

Crushfd Fnbrick ' V~'S?ioncl^''^iT ''/ '

Fig. 9. — Dutch-oven Gr.ate for G.^s-firing.

generating steam for electrical purposes will result in a good
deal of experimental work to meet the pecuUar conditions
of central-station practice. An instance of the kind was
recently recorded in our American contemporary Poiver,
which discussed the steps taken by the Toledo Eailway and
Light Co. in adopting coke-oven gas as fuel at its Water
Street station. Due to lack of boiler capacity it was decided

Fig. 10. — Combined Gas .4KD Ccil-firing on Chain Grate.

to develop a scheme for burning the gas which would give
flexibihty in operation, maximum capacity, and efficiency.

The gas was to be burned under six Stirhng boilers with
Green chain grates The first arrangement, which did not
give the high capacity and flexibility desired, consisted in
covering the grate with sheet asbestos, except for a space

470

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW, [voi.

No. 2,ii:il, OcToBiiK 27. Il'lt;.

left as a secondary air port ; crushed brick, egg size, was
spread over the asliestos varyin>; from '2iin. at the front to
7 in. at the hack of the grate (at the bridge wall) in depth.
This deflected the flaane so as not to strike the tubes directly.
The burners consisted of a 6-in. air miser, 1-1 in. long,
swaged down to 5 in. at the outlet. Gas was delivered to
the burner through a l§-in. pipe capped at the end and
projecting into the air mixer about i in. In the face of the
cap seven J-in. holes were drilled, one in the centre and six
equally distint round it. This arrangement being found
unsatisfactory, the grates were removed in one boUer and
the Dutch-oven arrangement show^n in tig. 9 was adopted.
It was then ea.'iv to get 1,250 H.P., or 263 per cent, rating,
and the boiler has been operated continuously at 210 per
cent, rating ever since; the arrangement, however, was
absolutely inflexible, and was not extended.

The most satisfactory plan offering was to burn the gas
directly above the coal and in combination with it. A special
tile w^th a 5-in. hole was developed, and set so that the gas
v/hen introduced into the fire-box was directed down against
the coal. This tile was placed in the ignition arch next the
grate; the gas was introduced through a n-in. pipe and cap
drilled as previously described. All primary air was shut
off and the gas introduced into the furnace, useing the secon-
dary air coming through the fuel bed for combustion. The
boiler used for this experiment was a 425-h.p. Heine boiler
equipped with Green grates. It was on the low-pressure end
of the plant and could be spared. No attempt was made to
determine ratings, but the gas was accurately metered and
the flue gases were analysed.

Depth of fuel bed, in 4J

With of chain grate, ft 10

Chain speed, ft. per hour ... 16

Grate surface per hour, sq. ft., 160 225 250

B.TH.D. in gas 600 600 600

Gas used per hour, cu. ft. ... 38,400 32,300 25,500
When the gas was fired above the coal the entire firebox
was completely filled with flame so intense that it was
impossible to see through it even with the aid of a blue glass.
As the gas runs high in hydrogen its combustion is rapid,
so that it is an ideal fuel for combination burning. Another
successful feature of this combination is the fact that there
is practically no combustible in the ash, even when the
chains are running at maximum speed.

On the strength of the results obtained from this boiler,
equipment has been ordered and is now being installed in
the 16 Stirling boilers comprising the high-pressure end of
the boiler room. Fig. 10 shows the new arrangement adapted
to a Stiriing boiler. It is considered this design will give
absolute flexibility of boiler operation, added capacity by
burning the gas in addition to the coal, and higher economy
because no combustible reaches the ashpit.

Upon the completion of this work, evaporation tests will
be run and the more complete data will be published later.

4J

4

10

10

22.5

25

NEW PATENTS APPLIED FOR, 1916.

(NOT YET PDBLI3HED).

Con.piled e.'ipressly for this journal by Messrs. VV. P. Thompson & Co..
Electrical Patent Agents, 283, High Holborn, London, W.C, and at*
Liverpool and Bradford.

W,312. " Plug for telephone switchboards, &c." P. P. Craven. October
9th.

14.323. " Protecting devices for multiphase alternating<urrent apparatus."
J. R. Be.\rd & Messrs. Electrical Improvements, Ltd. October 9th.

14,345. " Electric machines." H. Chittv. October 9th.

14,348. " Processes for electro-deposition of lead." S. O. Cowper-Coles.
October 9lh.

14,331. " Coating metallic sheets, &c., with lead." S. O. Cowper-Coles.
October 9lh.

14,335. " Sound-operated circuit controller." Submarine Wireless Co.
October 9th. (U.S..-\., May 19th.)

14,371. " Preparation of material applicable for varnish insulating, &c."
W. T. ROBISSON-BINDLEV & A. W. Weller. October 10th.

14,383. " Device for collection of electric currents from revolving appa-
ratus." B. A. .M. BoYCE & The Brisk Electric.il Engineering Co. October
10th.

14.416. " Electric condensers.' G. Giles. October 10th. (Switzerland,
October 13th, 1913.)

14.417. " Electric motors." C. W. Durnford & The Submersible and
)• L. Motors, Ltd. October 10th.

14.422. "Combined pumps and electric motors." C. W. Durnford and
I'liE Submersible & J. L. Motors, Ltd. October 10th.

14.423. " Electric motors." C. W. Durnford and The Submersible & J. L.
Motors, Ltd. October 10th.

14,439. " Electrodes for storage batteries." R. S.iviLLE. October 11th.
14,46«. " Electric furnaces." J. W'. Moffat. October 11th.

tions." F. E.

14,509. " Electrical connections." A. F. Berrv, The British Electric
Transformer Co. & E. Ellwood. October 12th.

14,518. " Electric ship propulsion." The British Thomson-Houston Co.
(General Electric Co.). October 12th.

14.521. " Electric commutators." SvKEs Interlocking Signal Co. & R. \V.
Tairant. October 12th.

14.322. " Electric commutators." Svkes Interlocking Signal Co. & R. \V.
TAi:R.\NT. October 12th.

14,524. " Apparatus for electrically sterilising foods." J. Hanssen. Octo-
ber 12th. (Norway, October 12th, 1915.)

14.34<i. " Duplex circuits." Western Eleciric Co. October 12th. (U S \
October 13th, 1915.)

14,566. " Magnetic controlling devices." C. Marshall. October 13tli

14,593. " Sparking plugs." W. C. Matthews. October 13th.

14,629. " Electro-magnetic separator." A. F. H.uximond. October 14th.

14,631. " Electrical treatment of organic and inorganic substances." G
Caraccio. October 14th.

14,643. " Electric incandescent lamps filled with argon." .^llcembikb
Elektkiciiats Ges. October 14lh. (Germany, November 11th, 1913.)

PUBLISHED SPECIFICATIONS.

XSIS.

'^:.U4. Means for Producing and Deflecting a Jet of Liquid and for
.Macnifving and Utilising such Deflection. A. F. Sykes & S. Ford June
2oth. (Cognate applications, 11,885/15, 635/16, and 1,001/16.)

12,193. Insulators for Electrical Resistances and Conductors. A. E.
Woodhouse. August 24th.

12,404. Telephone Systems. E. V. Datzevitch. August 28th. •

13,614. Electric Selective Devices. A. H. Morse S: Indo-European Tele-
graph Co., Ltd. September 24th.

13,801. Regulation of Dynamo-electric Machines in Continuous-current
^Lrl•LV Systems for " Series " Oper.(Tion. R. Thury. September 28lh
(Convention date, June 16th, 1915, Switzerland.)

13,902. Thermic Telephones. Naamlooze Vennootschap de N'ederlandsche
Thermo-Telephoon Maatschappij. September 3()th. (Convention date, April
26th, 1915, Germany.) "^

14,043. Electric Bath Blanket. H. D. -Parker. October 4th.

15,471. Apparatus for Adjustably Holding X-ray Tubes. E. H. Hansoi>
and Harry W. Cox & Co. November 2nd.

16,694. Electric Arc Lamps. A. H. Railing & A. E. Angold. November

17,185. Thermo-electric Couple. C. E. Foster. December 7th.
17,330. Sparking Plugs for Internal-combustion Engines. S. A. N^wniaD
(H. C. Newman, British Expeditionary Force). December 9th.

X9I.6.

The numbers in brackets are those under which the specifications
printed and abridged, and all subsequent proceedings will be taken.

1.724. Electrical Resistances. Clarke, Chapman & Co. and R. C. Harris.
February 4th, 1916. [101,498.]

3,817. Explosion Engines coupled to Dynamo-electric Machines. Soc.
Anon, des Etablissements L. Bleriot. April 10th, 1913. (Addition to
11,366/15.) [100,268.]

7,100. Telephone Systems. Automatic Telephone Manufacturing Co. July
19th. 1915. [100,941.]

8,754. Means for Controlling and Regulating Electric Motors. Igranic
Electric Co. (Cutler-Hammer Manufacturing Co.). January 28th. (Divided
application on 1.374/16.) [101,523.]

■ill b»

Electrolytic Treatment of Zinc Ores.— The Queensland

(to rem me lit Miniitij Jminitil (Brisbane) of August 15th reports in
the local Press an announcement to the effect that works are to be
erected at Bowen. Queensland, for the electrolytic treatment of
zinc ores. It is understood that the company concerned has for
some time past been considering the advisability of putting up
such works at either Townsville or Bowen. Evidently the decision
has turned in favour of Bowen, and an application has been made
to the Lands Department for the lease of an area of land at that
place suitable for the proposed works.

The Operation of Electric Excavators. — ■'^ome mmsual

and interesting,' schemes have been developed in connection with
the utilisation of enersry for operating excavators in the Little
River drainage District near Cape Girardeau. Mo. The excavators
are being used to construct a 30-mile diversion channel and levees
along the system. When the project was first started each ex-
cavator was supplied with energy from two HIO-KW. transformers,
carried on wide-tired trucks alongside a transmission line parallel-
ing the channel route. Wet and muddy paths that hindered moving
the trucks were encountered so frequently, however, that it was^
decided to transport the transformers on small barges built on
the job. The high-tension lines leading to the barge are held
above the ground and at the proper distance apart by insulators
attached to the top of posts. The vertical jiunpers connecting
these lines with the transformers are supported at intermediate
points by insulators attached to a short cross-arm and to the barge
railing. To permit moving the transformer barge without adjust-
ing the branch line tap each time, it is connected with the line by
an ingenious roller-contact device, consisting of two ordinary sash
pulleys attached to a piece of sheet steel bent to form a rider
similar to a barn-door hanger. From the rider is suspended an
insulator attached to a rope which is employed to move the rider
along the line when the barge is moved. When the end of a span
is reached the transmission line is de-energised long enough to
permit setting the rider on the adjacent span in the direction of
excavation.

Energy at the voltage required for operating the excavator
motors is conducted from the transformers to the machines
through flexible insulated cables. Since these are allowed to lie
on the earth between the barge and the excavator, the.y have to be
dragged on the ground when the excavator is moved. To facilitate
performing this operation without receiving shocks through insu-
lation which may be worn thin, shovel handles are provided with
hooks bolted to the end. On one of the dredges electric fans have
been used with satisfactory effects in the daytime to keep mos-
iiuitos from annoying the operators. At night, however, the damp
draughts produced by the fans are almost as unbearable as the
mosquitos. — Electrical World.

THE

BLEOTK/IO-A-Xj I?,E]"V"IE'W.

Vol. LXXIX.

NOVEMBER 3, 1916.

No. 2,032.

ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

ON MAXIMUM EFFICIENCY.

Vol. LXXIX.]

CONTBNTS : Novt-mber 3, 1916.

On Maximum Efficiency ... -477

Tlie Future of Japanese Electrical Industry 478

Construction Contracts and the War 479

The Present Position of Electroculture ... 479

A New Universal Shunt, by H. W. Brown (illiis.) 480

Electric Vehicle Development ... ... ... ... ... 480

Powdered Coal as a Fuel ((7?«.«.) 481

Burning: Coke Breeze (/7/v'i.) 483

New Electrical Devices, Fittings and Plant (illu.i.} 484

WilLans Surface-Condenser Tests ((7/«.«.) ' 485

Legal 485

Correspondence —

Electrical Market in India . ... 487

Cost of Daylight '■. Electric Light 487

War Items ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 487

Business Notes ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 488

Notes 492

City Notes 495

Stocks and Shares 498

The Use of lonLsed Air in Agriculture, by I. Jorgensen l^iUiisJ)

iconclii/ieil') .". 499

The Institution of Electrical Engineers 501

Diesel Engine Users' Association 502

Trade Statistics of the Straits Settlements ... 503

Foreign and Colonial Tariffs on Electrical Goods 503

New Patents Applied for, 1916 504

Abstracts of Published Specifications 504

Contractors' Column Advertisement page xi

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THE UNIVERSAL ELECTRICAL DIRECTORY

1916 EDITION.

H. ALABASTER, GATEHOUSE & CO.,
4, Ludgate HiU, London, E.C.

Under the stress of the present unprecedented
emergency our national life is being shaken up from
top to bottom. Not only does the situation increas-
ingly demand that every man and woman shall be
ill that position where they can contribute the right
kind of service to the Allied effort for the successful
prosecution of the war; it equally demands that
when we have found our right place' we shall contri-
bute the utmost that lies within our power of that
right kind of service. We need not refer to the part
that is being contributed by the actual fighting
forces, nor to those who behind the lines or at the
base are rendering non-combatant service of dif-
ferent kinds; we do not pretend to be in a position
to say whether the places of the latter could be filled
with equal effectiveness by others while some of
these are released for actual fighting, for the point
lies beyond our particular scope. But we are directly
concerned in the efficient utilisation of the non-
combatant forces at home.

Two events of the past week have again brought
very emphatically to mind the importance of every
worker and every machine being utilised in such
a place and in such a way as to contribute
inaximum efficiency. There is" no room for either
idle men or idle machinery to-day; the principal
difficulty in the way of securing the maximum from
all lies in the reconciliation of the different interests
which contribute to the success of our Arms. It
has been one of our great problems ever since the
demands for men and munitions first began to reach
unexpected dimensions, but to-day the problem is
more acute than it has been at any previous stage
of the war^ and readjustment of our national re-
sources demands of us all that we shall be prepared
to seriously consider our own. personal relation to
the world-conflict, whether we are masters or men,
whether we are professional classes or workmen,
whether we are brain-workers or tradesmen, tech-
nical, commercial, or clerical. Personal interests
are to be subordinated to national, whether we like
it or not, and the only door at which we can fairly
lay the blame is that of those who aimed at the
Prussian Domination of the World. We agree abso-
lutely with the Army Council in its very definite con-
viction that this is a young man's war, and we be-
lieve that it has the great bulk of the nation behind
it in its efforts to secure the right men for the fight-
ing line by drawing off the millions from work
which can be performed by' others. But we believe
that this process would be more easily carried
through if every worker recognised the pressing
need for him to do his best work when he has found
out what that work is. Mr. Asquith told the repre-
sentatives of the coal-nrining industry that by aban-
doning what is euphemistically called avoidable
" absenteeism " we could increase our coal output
by 15,000,000 tons per annum. Coal is one of the
vital factors in the war, necessary for the Fleet, for
the mercantile marine which brings in our food, for
the tens of thousands of factories making muni-
tions and manufactured exports; it is a vital neces-
sity for our Allies, and its exportation to them is
essential on financial grounds. But those require-
ments cannot all be properly met because there is
5 per cent, avoidable " absenteeism." Situated
here, at the hub of things, and eagerly following
each development of the war from day to dav, we
ordinary mortals may think that it should only re-

[4"]

478

THE ELECTEICAL KEVIEW.

^Vol. T'.i. X.i. L'.ii:i2. NovicMMi-i! :i. I'.Mii.

quire every colliery worker to be apprised of the fact
for him conscientiously to examine himself and
solemnly resolve that, inasmuch as he believed in
the righteousness of the Allied cause and wished
his children never to come under the terrible heel
of the Hun, he would produce more coal per hour
than ever before from now imtil the end of the war.
^\'e trust that the representatives of the men who
gave Mr. Asquith an undertaking will be able to
secure the hearty co-operation of the men them-
selves.

But is it only to workers in the collieries of the
land that the urgent counsel to abandon avoidable
'"absenteeism" should come? Are there not some
other departments of essential activity in which the
same warning should be given for the sake of the
allied cause ? Are there not many of us in many
vocations who, by only a slightly increased effort,
could increase Our individual production, and so re-
lease part of a worker for something else ? We
need not particularise, but there are still forces or
influences at work amongst us which stand in tlie
way of a general contribution of maximum efficiency
ail roimd. And the things that hinder must be put
aside, whatever they be. if the emergency is as
great as our advisers represent it to be. The
Mmistry of Munitions and the Military authorities
are exercising their powers by searchingly scruti-
nising our industries and our occupations, and the
Board of Trade decides what may or may not be
imported. We certainly cannot afford to have our
labour, our ships, our railways, and our factories
occupied with things that we can do without, and
we shall be little the worse if we put hindrances in
the way of those who want to spend recklessly their
unaccustomed riches, oi" if we generally simplify our
standard of requirements for the period of the war.
Measures to these ends may not be very pleasing,
but we must blame the situation in which the nation
stands, when it is still necessary to concentrate all
our efforts on securing the defeat of an embittered
enemy who finds his cherished ambitions frustrated
and his chances of victorv almost gone.

Engineers are accustomed to think much of
" efficiencies," and they know only too well that
neither machinery nor individuals can be expected to
produce their maximum output continuously. Over-
load capacity of machine and man has very defi-
nite linuts. The experience of the war has taught
us many lessons regarding overtime, fatigue, Sun-
day labour, the importance of rest periods, holi-
days, and so on, but when these matters have been
carefully taken into account in developing our
measures, " avoidable absenteeism " on the part
of anybody to whom the State is looking to-day
for his best is an unpardonable sin. We may be
suffering from the physical and mental consequences
of war-weariness, but this is no time for lessening
our efforts, and we have to utilise the industrial
ability of man and machine to the full in order to
keep the Forces supplied with munitions, to keep
our Allies supplied with coal, and to maintain our
fii:ancial credit as far as is reasonablv possible by
exportation of goods and materials which occupy
the minimum of labour in proportion to their value.

As part of this matter there is the need for the
utilisation of the whole of the suitable machinei-\-
that is within these islands. Any machine that is
lying idle represents so much waste, if in the hands
of the Ministry of Munitions it could be turned to
good account for the purposes of the war. There-
fore, we cannot but welcome the announcement
issued by that Department concerning the mobilisa-
tion of idle machinery. It hag established a central
clearing-house organisation for the pui-pose of
tracing and registering machinery which is idle or is
about to become idle. It will be the object of the
organisation —

(a) To PDSure that contracts placed by the Ministry are
directed towards any unoccunied manufacturinp capacity
which might exist in the country.

(6) To place eiigineeiint; coutractois who have suitable
facilities for particular supplies in touch with the Ministry
and with other (Jovernment departments requiring these sup-
plies, and to help contractors who are able to undertake addi-
tional or more suitable work now or at a future date to niain-
tuin continuous employment of their machinery and labour.

An invitation is given to manufacturers possess-
ing idle resources and desiring to be placed in touch
with Government Contracting Departments to com-
municate with the Central Clearing House, Ministry
of Munitions, 8-9, Northumberland Street, W., when
further particulars will be sent to them.

r\Ianufacturers who know the state of tiie mar-
kets of the world, and want to do something to
retain their hold on foreign trade, maintaining con-
nections, as far as is reasonable, to serve the national
interests, will, we are sure, recognise the need for
co-operating' with the Ministiy of Munitions in this
matter. As the financial aspects of the war change
as it is more and more prolonged, the imffortance
of exports does not grow less, but we have reaizhed
that pass when we must all see that everything in
reason should be done to bring the war to an
entirely victorious issue at the earliest possible
moment. Whatever effort on the part of skilled or
unskilled labour the national cause demands it must
have, whatever dilution or substitution the situation
really demands in order that we may put the best
men in the Field, must be accorded, and we must
adapt ourselves to the altering conditions as readily
and conveniently as we can. But after all the re-
adjustment and all the mobilising, much will still
depend upon the efficiency of the individual. Let
Labour and Capital, man and machine, all alike give
" A long pull ; a strong pull ; and a pull all together "
to bring about the Victorv.

We have on several occasions
The Future of referred to the enterprising" deve-
Japanese Elec. lopment of Japanese electrical in-
trical Industry, dustry. This enterprise is not a
new growth, for there was a full
appreciation of electrical possibilities among- engi-
neers in Japan before the war; but the condition of
affairs consequent upon the state of war has given
our alert Ally an opportunity that she was not slow
to recognise. The cutting' off of German supplies
from various world markets led Japanese electrical
works to pursue energetically those particular lines
of manufacture for which .the available labour and
supplies of material were most readily adaptable.
Manufacturing facilities have been established which
might not have been considered necessary so long
as Germany was able to send her manufactures
abroad pretty well as she pleased. But after the
war, what about this manufacturing capacity? — will
it have scope when — if ever — Germany resumes her
old Hunnish duniping practices in markets for
which Japan is now catering? This and other con-
siderations have led electro-industrial authorities to
see what steps they must take in order to be pre-
pared for future possibilities, and there, as here,
organisation^ — if need be combination — is found_ to ;
be one of the main essentials. Industrial banking
and credit facilities are other essentials of the situa-
tion if Japan is to secure a firm hold in markets
where Gerrnany in her past days has exercised those
privileges to the utmost of her power. The future
financial position of Germany is so uncertain and
hazardous a problem that one wonders how far
her firms are likely to be able to use the old financial
weapon; if we mistake not, that weapon is failing in
her hand, and must inevitably do so more and more
until the end comes. But whatever happens in res-
pect of Germany, Japan, like ourselves, appreciates
the need for better financing arrangements for in-
dustrv', especially in China where, from all that
one hears, the German contract-getting menace is
already showing an activity which is remarkable

Xo. 2.0M2. November X llUC] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

479

considering the state of affairs in Europe. The
Japan Weekly Chronicle quotes from the Mainiclii
some interesting comments on the proposals
regarding the future of electrical industry which
have been advanced by Mr. Munasuye, the Director
of the Electric Bureau in the Department of Com-
munications. This gentleman has several times
summoned representatives of the Shibaura, Mitsu-
bishi, Sumitomo, Hidachi, Kuhara, and other
manufacturers of electrical machinery and appa-
ratus, and urged upon them the advisability of mak-
ing a combination to promote their mutual inter-
ests. Mr. Munasuye says: — "It is true that since
the outbreak of the European war, Japan's export
trade in electrical machinery and apparatus has been
increasingly satisfactory, but nevertheless it is
necessary that measures should be taken to ensure
the development of the industry. This object may
te attained along the lines of establishing a combi-
nation of manufacturers, as has been done in Ger-
many, in order to avoid fratricidal competition
among themselves, to unify the industry, and to
secure more financial facilities than are possible
under the present plan. The manufacturers should
not only sell their products, say, in China, but
should also undertake installation and all other
works necessary for the commencement of electric
"business. In this case, transactions will be neces-
sarily on long credit, and the manufacturers should
get into special relations with bankers." Mr.
Munasuye goes on to say that in Germany, bankers
accord the most complete facilities to two large
combinations of electrical manufacturers, and have
thus largely assisted them in realising their world-
wide development, and he puts his finger upon a
characteristic that has also been touched nearer
home when he says: "Japanese manufacturers,
however, are too individualistic and not amenable to
co-operative combination. This failing should be
overcome in order to promote Japan's export trade
in electrical machinery and apparatus, and to that
end I shall exert myself with further consultation
w^ith the leadine manufacturers."

A CASE which illustrates in a re-
Construction markable way the effect of the war
Contracts on contracts of construction was
and the War. decided recently by Mr. Justice
Bray. Some time before August
1st, 1914, Messrs. Dick, Kerr & Co. had undertaken
to erect certain waterworks for the Metropolitan
Water Board at a cost of £673,000. The contract,
it may be presumed, contained the usual clauses
vesting material brought on to the site in the em-
ployers, and giving power to the employers' engi-
neer to extend the time for completion. The work
was discontinued in accordance with an order by the
Ministry of Munitions, who also decided that cer-
tain plant and materials on the site should be sold,
"both parts of the order being duly carried out by
the contractors. In these circumstances the Metro-
politan Water Board brought an action claiming a
declaration that the contract was still valid and sub-
sistmg; that they were entitled to the plant and
tools on the site in so far as they had not been sold
pursuant to the above order; and that as to the
tools, &c., sold, the contractors were bound to
account to the Board. Mr. Justice Bray held that
the order of the Ministry not having made the per-
formance of the contract illegal or commercially
impossible, having regard to the engineer's power
to extend the time, the plaintiffs were entitled to a
■declaration to this effect. He also held that they
were entitled to the tools, &c., on the site but that
the defendants need not account to them for the
tools sold.

It would seem that the result of this decision is-
that when that dim and distant epoch "after the
•war" commences, Messrs. Dick, Kerr & Co. must

needs collect their scattered workmen and carry out
this formidable contract. It is to be observed, how-
ever, that the engineer having, by operation of law,
been forced to extend the time, he will also be com-
pelled (if the contract is drawn upon customary
lines) to make due allowance to the contractors for
the altered conditions which must obtain when work
is resumed. Such, at any rate, would probably be
the result of a forced suspension of a building con-
tract drawn in the form sanctioned by the Royal
Institute of British Architects, clause 25 of which
provides that: "If in the opinion of the architect
the works be delayed by force majeure .... the
architect shall make a fair and reasonable extension
of time for completion in respect thereof." We say
"probably" because even that elaborate fonn of
contract makes no provision for alteration of
schedule prices in the event of delay. But it could
be argued with great force that by reason of the
enforced delay, and as a direct consequence of the
intervention of the Ministry of Munitions, the whole
substratum of the contract was altered, and that in
law, as well as in equity, the basis of remuneration
must be changed. We anticipate that when the war
comes to an end the time of the judges will be fully
occupied in considering questions of this kind.

In the present issue we publish

The Present the conclusion of an article on the
Position of use of ionised air in agriculture by

Electroculture. Mr. Ingvar Jorgensen, who has
for some years devoted consider-
able attention to. the investigation of the subject.

If Mr. Jorgensen's brief survey does nothing el^e,
it at least indicates that great possibilities lie ahead
of a thorough investigation of the subject, which
in common with a good many other branches of
scientific research has been neglected in the past.

Previous to the war, some half-doaen experi-
mental areas were in use in England and Scotland,
but none of these, so far as we are aware, were
regarded as really of sufficient extent to justify
commercial conclusions being drawn from the re-
sults obtained.

The results, in themselves, appear to be most
promising, the experimental electrification of grow-
ing oats," by Miss Dudgeon in 1915, resulting in an
increase of grain by 30 per cent., and of straw by
58 per cent., while this year, we understand that
even these increases have been doubled — the value
of the e.xtra crop so obtained being about £6 per
acre. When it is remembered that an installation
of the most recent type indicated in the article
should not cost more than, say, £100 for 20 acres,
it will be conceded that there is a very profitable
side to the question.

The recent report by Mr. Middleton of the
Beard of Agriculture, on the comparative position
of German and British agriculture, contained a re-
commendation that the farmer should be induced
to "speed the plough" if greater productiveness
of the soil was essential to our well-being. This —
shall we say — old-fashioned advice may in the near
future give way, in favour of the more scientific,
recommendation to adopt electroculture.

It is the usually accepted idea that, the apparatus
required for electrical discharge purposes is_ too
costly for the farmer, and in any event too intricate
for him to handle.

■ While there may be some truth in the latter- sug-
gestion, it can scarcely be contended that the cost,
in view of what the farmer is prepared to spend on
motor ploughs and tractors, is prohibitive: more-
over., we understand that efforts are now being
directed to the production of simple, robust, and
less costly apparatus specially designed for farm
use.

4S0

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

A NEW UNIVERSAL SHUNT.

ELECTRIC VEHICLE DEVELOPMENT.

liv HARRY W. BROWN.

The acconipanyinsr sketch of a new tyjie of shunt which I
have designed will, I think, interest your readere. Figs. 1
and 2 show the principle and develoimient of it. The
principle of it is hascd on the Wlieatstone tjridgo. as shown
in fig. 1. Supjx)se a, b, c. and u are stretched, resistance
wires of equal lengths and of uniform and equal resistance.

tlu'ii if the galvanometer leads are moved together, either to
the right or left, there will he no deflection on the galvano-
meter, hecause a : B : : o : D.

Now in fig. '2 such is not the case, as there is only one
neutral point, which is at the centre ; moving the galvano-

FiG. 2.

meter leads, either to the right or left, will cause a deflec-
tion, and this deflection will be increased until the leads
reach either extreme. This is due to the cross-connecting
of the coils.

Fig. 3 shows the shunt complete, with the exception of
the movable switcrh connecting the respective segments to

their various contact studs. This galvanometer switch
will, of course, be double-pole, actuated with one handle.
The advantages of this shunt are, first, that the only moving
contacts are in the galvanometer circuit ; secondly, that the
main current is kept constant, no matter what shunt is
being used. This shunt-box can be used with any galvano-
meter, and I think that it can be rightly called a constant-
current miiversal shunt.

.\ DKi-iNrrK I'oi.iiv ix \'ikxna.

Sufficient devotion to the development of electric vehicles
has hardly figured amongst our achievements of the pasl
two years, but the latest petrol restrictions have coinpellcii
attention to the advantages and possibilities of the
'•electric." the manufactui'c of which in this country
c^'rtainly deserves to rank amongst those industries second
only to munitions. The enemy has been entirely dependent
on internal sources of supply for motor fuel. From tlu'sc
sources immense quantities of benzol and alcohol have been
<)btained. but the electric vehicde. which can store and
utilise energy derived from central stations, has Ix'cn
utilised extensively in its own particular fields of applica-
tion. According to the E.T.Z., the German and Austrian
estimate of the useful limits of electric ^-ehiclcs corresponds <
to a journey of ,')() miles at lo to 1!) m.p.h. on a single
charge, assuming level roads in good condition. Tlii>
applies to service in and near towns, and covers commercial
and industrial vehicles to an even greater extent than
private cars. Evidence of lively interest in the de\elo]>-
ment of the electric vehicle in this chiss of work is to be
found in u motion brought before the Vienna City Council
a few months ago to the following effect : — " The war, whii'li
has changed the standard of practice and economy in so ni:niy
directions, can, and mu.st, also effect reforms in automobile
traffic within the town. At present most of our petrol cars
are being used by the military in the war area, and they
should not return in their former numbers to contaminate
the city air. Vienna has electricity works and an overlaml
station at Zillingsdorf, equipjjed and operated on the most
modern lines, so that there is no excuse for conveying
jiersons and goods within the city and its subm-bs by other
than electrical means. By erecting charging stations at
tramway termini, in garages, and at other selected points.
it will be possible to use electric vehicles in a zone extend-
ing at least 12^ miles beyond the city boundaries, jiartien-
larly if Austrian manufacturers will adopt a standard
type and size of battery, so that exhausted batteries may
simply be exchanged for charged batteries at charging-
stations. The city would benefit by the cleanliness,
smooth rumiing, and safety of electric vehicles, which are
smaller, lighter, and of better appearance than petrol cars,
liesides being cheaper to operate. It is reconmiended that
no more licences be granted to peti-ol cars for service in the
city area, fresh licences being gi-anted only where cars are
to be used in long-distance work. Simultaneously with
the adoption of this policy, a sufficient number of charging
and battery-changing stations must be erected, and manu-
facturers of cars and batteries must be persuaded to arrange
for the use of standard battery units. Finally, the
municipal electricity station is to report to the Town
Council on the practicability of the contemplated charging
stations and on the general and economic advantages of
electric road vehicles."

The principal points to be borne in mind when estimating
the importance of the definite and progressive policy adopted
ill this matter by the Viennese authorities, are the bearing of
electrical vehicles on national economy, on central-station
development, and on public health. In German and Austria
(as in this country) large sums ha\e been placed annually
to the national debit by importing petrol. The total energy
consumption of automobiles is now so considerable that, to
provide it wholly, or in part, from native sources (p.//., from
coal-fired or hydro- electric central stations), has quite an
appreciable efl'ect on national credit and the rate of exchange.
As frequently pointed out in these columns, eleetric
vehicles represent an admirable " off-peak " load for central
stations, and their extensive use is bound to reduce the
average price of energy and lead to all-round benefit to
sup]ily midertaking and consumer alike. The siqieriority
of electric over petrol cars from the hygienic point of \iew
is obvious.

The number of electric vehicles now in use in America is
variously estimated at between 80,000 and 100,000. At
any rate, the number is enormously, and quite disprojwr-
tionately, in excess of the number used in Europe, and it is

xovEMBER 3, loi.i] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

481

iiitt-restiiii!: to note tliat jirivatf electric cars greatly uut-
iiumber commercial vehicles in the States : due, doubtless.
to the fact that most private cars are used in and near cities
in America, whereas the shorter distance between towns in
Europe encourages touring. A German estimate of the
number of electrics in Europe, at the end of 1914, i.e.,
prartically the latest pre-war figures, shows 3,172 vehicles,
distributed as follows : —

Germanv, 1,631 ; France, 318 : England, 288 : Austria-
Hungary. 26.5 : Italy, 238 ; Switzerland, 200 : Holland,
1 l.T : Denmark, Sweden, Russia, Belgium. Eouniania
and Spain together. .")?. These figures include electric
"buses and 366 three-wheelers, and are, roughly, equally
divided lietween passenger and commercial vehicles. The
applications of the commercial vehicles include transport
.4 goods and materials, fire-engines and escapes, street-
rli'uning and refuse-collecting, hospital and jxsstal service.
Ac. There has been a marked increase in the number of
heavy electric vehicles in use in this country during the
past few years, and an even greater increase in the number
of light electrics for delivery service in town and surlnirban
areas. About 700 electric veliicles are now in service in
this country, and conditions are very favourable for
phenomenal development in the innnediate future, if only a
vigorous jjolicy is adopted by central stations and manu-
factiu-ers. There is no longer any ix)ssible justification for
hesitancy. At the beginning of 1914, there were some
52,000 electrics in use in the United States (18,000 being
commercial vehicles), consuming energy to the value of
£1,520,000 per annum, and the hope was expressed at a
meeting of the National Electric Light Association that
tliere would be 10 million electrics in the States by 1924.
That this figure should be reached is hardly possible ; but
the numlier of American electric vehicles has, roughly,
doubled during the past two years, and there is every
]irobability that future development will be more rapid.
In any event, the electric vehicle is certain to be a powerful
factor in central-station development, whilst its effect on
IHiblic health is far from being a mere " talking point."

POWDERED COAL AS A FUEL.

FitOM time to time we have referred in these columns to the
use of powdered coal for boiler tiring. Up to the present
but little real practical work has been accomplished in this
direction, but its use for metallurgical furnace heating and
cement burning appears to have made considerable progress
in the United States. The only steam-i-aising powdered fuel
plant which has made any progress in this country, so far
as we are aware, is the Bettington boiler and apparatus,
which has been desciibed in our columns.

In the past it was not appreciated that the coal had to.
burn while floating in the air in the form of dust, and
although it was soon found that a flame of intense heat could
be obtained, this led to difficulties in connection with the
melting down of furnace linings. A paper recently read
before the Mining and Metallurgical Section of the Journal
of the Franklin Institute, by Mr. C. J. Gadd, which discussed
modern metallurgical practice as regards the burning of
powdered fuel, pointed out that it is the best method of obtain-
ing perfect chemical combination of the air and coal, and
enables the highest degree of perfection in combustion to be
obtained ; its control, however, requires great precision.

Mr. Gadd mentions as essential features (1) that the coal
should have a high volatile content, low in ash, ('2) that after
pulverising, the moisture in the fuel should not exceed three-
fourths of 1 per cent., (3) that it be pulverised so that at
least 95 per cent, will pass through a 100-mesh sieve and over
83 per cent, through a 200-mesh sieve, (4) that the dehvery
of the coal to the furnace be uniformly controlled, regardless
of the quantity required, (-5) that it be delivered in a
thoroughly atomised state, and that combustion be completed
while the coal is in suspension, and (6) that in the applica-
tion of this fuel the personal equation be eliminated as far
as possible.

Powdered coal fuel requires the use of efficient crushing,
drying, pulverising, conveying, and distributing equipment,
and ample storage room for coarse coal.

In a paper touching generally on the use of powdered coal
fuel, read by Mr. Joseph Hanington before the American
Society of Mechanical Engineers in May, the author, refer-
ring to objections and difficulties, points out that early
experimenters did not appreciate the necessity for fin£ grind-
ing, nor the influence of furnace design upon the temperature
of the resulting gases. The blow-pipe effect of the high-

velocity jet melted the brickwork on which it impinged; a
layer of melted lava — fused ash and brick — accumulated in the
bottom of the combustion chamber. Later on difficulty arose
from the minute particles of liquid slag carried in suspension
and deposited upon the water tubes, etc., thus closing up
flame space and putting the boiler out of action.

On the other hand. Mr. Harrington points out that only
in the case of powdered coal is the actual solid fuel both

Fig. 1.— IxTEKiOH oi- Bom.f.i! House, using Pulvkkiseo Coal.

gasified and completely consumed directly within the chamber
desired to be heated. With perfect pulverisation the entire
mass is burned in suspension, and in actual practice but a
small fraction of 1 per cent, is actually lost in the flue dust
or slag pan. In the gas producer there are a series of losses
which reduce the available heat considerably, while the
mechanical stoker has unavoidable losses due to incomplete
combustion. With powdered coal, definite control of the
amount of air per unit of coal, due to the method of bummg,
pennits of the most perfect adjustment.

This author does not appear to be very hopeful as to the
extensive use of powdered fuel for steam generation, pomt-

FiG. 2.

ing out that while with powdered fuel the loss in the ashpit
and flue does not exceed 1 per cent., with the best mechanical
stokers this loss will not exceed '2 per cent, of the coal fired;
moreover, a possible advantage of 2 or 3 per cent, in combus-
tion efficiency may be off-set by the cost of coal preparation.

As regards this latter, w^e may quote the previously men-
tioned paper by Mr. Gadd, who says : —

From the time the coal leaves the dryer to its dehvery in
the furnace the whole system between these points should
be dustproof and the greatest care should be taken to pre-
vent leakage. This shotild be guarded against systematically,

482

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW. v..i

No. 2.ip:iL>. N'ovKMHKi! :(. i;iii;.

as leaks, however small, may pt'imit the surrounding air iu
the room to become impregnated with coal dust to such an
extent that a serious explosion may result.

Coal, after pulverising should be handled in bulk. All
types of aerial propulsion and transfer in the form of dust
clouds should be avoided, for the reason that accidental igni-
tion may at any time wreck the whole system.

Screw conveyors and bucket elevators equipped with dust-
proof casings are best adapted to handling powdered coal in
bulk. Screw conveyors of 9 in. and 12 in. diameter should
not exceed "250 and 300 ft. in length, respectively, if the best
results are to be expected. Where transmission lines of greater
length are necessary they should be divided.

The storage of powdered coal in large or small quantities

Fig. 3.

for any length of time is not advisable, owing to its tendency
to fire, collect moisture, and pack

Powdered coal in storage, containing about three-quarters
of 1 per cent, moisture and 1 per cent sulphur, will invari-
ably fire within six days. If the moisture be increased to
over 1 per cent, and the sulphur to 4 or 5 per cent., spon-
taneous combustion may occur within 24 hours. Probably
the temperature at which powdered coal is delivered to the
storage bin, and the sulphur content of the coal, influence the
rate of spontaneous combustion rather than moisture.

Owing to the hygroscopic nature of diied powdered coal,
long storage is not desirable.

In its nonnal state powdered coal is light and fluffy; after
43 hours' standing in storage, however, the physical arrange-
ment of the particles produces a dense packed mass. So dense
does the fuel become that one's fingers cannot make an im-

FiG. 4.

piession even one-half inch deep. To meet ideal conditions,
powdered coal should be kept in motion.

With properly designed machinery and storage bins, having
12 hours' supply placed at each furnace, the coal may be
kept in motion and repairs and adjustments made before the
si.pply becomes exhausted.

The dryer for preparing the coal before pulverising is gener-
ally of the revolving cylinder type, with an external furnace
and automatic stoker; the power consumed by a complete
unit including feeder, fan, stoker, &c.. for a 10-ton dryer is
about 1-lJ KW. -hours per ton of dried coal. The pulveriser
is frequently a type of ball mill; its power consumption for a
capacity of about 4i tons per hour will amount to lOi
KW. -hours per ton of product.

In a plant having an average output of 200 tons of pow-

dered coal ivr day the cost per gross ton of coal produced
(according to Mr. Gadd) is 0.6 dol., the figure being an inclu-
sive one — coiil in car to furnace, but with no allowance for
overhead and depreciation expenses. Shrinkage iu the coal
must be allowed for; it amounts to 150-270 lb. per gross ton.

Mr. (iadd goes on to describe the two best known types
of {x>wdored coal feeders for furnaces, i.e., the mechanically-
operated screw or flight conveyor having variable feed, and
the siphon tyjie using low or high-pressure air; some of these
arc shown in figs. 2, 3, and 4.

On the question of burners, Mr. Harrington says it is
generally conceded that the vohune of the air should be just
sufficient to supply the oxygen necessary for complete com-
bustion; the velocity of the entering jet must. be greater than
the rate of flame propagation to prevent burning back. The
mixture of air and gas, being explosive, must be made close
to the furnace ; this is also desirable in order to secure unifor-
mity of mixture. The screw feed tends to give pulsating
delivery of fuel, and devices have been tried to smooth out
the delivery : a constant density of the fuel cloud is impor-
tant. Mr. Plarrington gives tabulated data as to cost of pul-
verising coal varying from 96.3 cents per ton for 10 tons per
day to 30 cents i>er ton for 250 tons per day, inclusive of
interest and sinking fund charges; exclusive of these, the
figures are 48.2 and 2;3.4 cents respectively.

In the discussion on Mr. Harrington's paper, the pulverised
fuel installation serving ten 250-h.p. boilers at the Parsons
(Kan.) shops of the Missouri, Kansas, and Texas Railway
was described; this installation is the largest of the kind, and
burns low-grade coals, including lignite, the method being
considered the most suitable in view of the ash and moisture
content of the raw fuel. The ten boilers will consume about
158,000 lb. of coal in 24 hours, assuming a boiler efiiciency
of TO per cent, operating full capacity for ten hours, and half

RETURN I.INC lO

□iSTRiairriNs main

nm

Fig. 5. — Di.agr.4m of Holbeck Powdered Co.al System.

capacity for 14 hours. The coal is dumped into a hopper and
passed through a 20 in. X 24 in. crusher, to break down
lumps, then conveyed by belt to a pair of 24 in. X 18 in.
corrugated rolls, the crushed fuel being elevated and dis-
charged through a screw conveyor into a 40-ton bin, allowing
five hours' storage for the drier and mills. From the bin a
screw conveyor feeds the coal to an indirect-fired rotary drier,
from which it is led to a 45-ton bin, serving two pulverisers.
The pulverised coal is elevated and carried by a screw con-
veyor to the boiler house, the conveyor extending the full
length over the bins in front of the boilers, a distance of
216 ft. One bin serves two boOers, a separate feeder being
provided to each of the latter; each half bin with its hopper
bottom holds 10 tons of pulverised coal, or sufficient for 20
hours running at full capacity. Each bin is filled through
three separate gates and spouts from the conveyor.

Under the bin, between the hoppers, is placed a motor-
driven fan, supplying air through twin 7-in. pipes, each lead-
ing down to a burner nozzle (see fig. 1). The fan supplies
the air needed in feeding the coal (4,200 cu. ft. per min.) at
3 oz. static pressure to a burner nozzle in front of each boiler.
The hopper bottoms each contain a 4-in. screw feeder, to feed
the fuel to the burner, through a 3-in. down pipe. The
burner consists of a 14-in. cylindrical pipe, projecting into
the furnace: the 7-in. blast pipe projects into this from 12 to
IS in., and is fitted with a cone forming a valve to regulate
the air. The powdered fuel is introduced directly over the
discharge end of the blast pipe, allowing thorough mixing of
the air and fuel ; the burner will induce a large quantity of
air in addition to that supplied by the fan.

At normal rating on a basis of 70 per cent, efficiency, and
with feed water at 208 deg. F., these boilers will each con-
sume 985 lb. of coal per hour, requiring 3,200 cu. ft. of air
per min. ; half the fan capacity is utilised through the blast
pipe, and the remaining air induced through the burner.

The furnace in use consists of a Dutch oven, of 6 cu. ft.
capacity, liuilt in front of each pair of boilers, with verticaJ

.:iL'. xuNKMBKu H. i,.!.;.] THE ELECTRICAL liEVIEW.

483

baffles. No slag is formed, and the ash is readily blown off
the floor of the rear chamber with an air hose once a week.
No part of the refractory lining is subjected to an excessive
temperature even at overload, and it is stated that the opera-
tion is' quite flexible, and that highly gratifying results are
being obtained.

Our view, tig. ], of the interior of tlii.s boiler house using
powdered coal, is from Mi talluifiiciil aiul Clicmical Engineer-
ing, which journal also luihlished the diagrammatic scheme of
a powdered-fuel plant .shown in fig. 5. This is the Holbeck
svstem, made by the Bonnot Co., of Canton, Ohio.

Hituminous crushed, nut or slack coal is stored in a bin,
jirefcrably made of steel or concrete. The coal passes froui
the bin and an automatic feeder regulates the amount of
c(inl fed to the pulveriser, shown at the extreme left. As the
1 oal becomes pulverised it is thrown up into the vacuum
si-p.u;itor 1 by the action of the pulveriser. This .separator
si'paiates the fine particles of coal du.st from the coarse, the
finest being drawn into the exhau.ster 'i, and the coarse falling
down into the pulveriser.

From the exhauster '2 the powdered coal is blown into the
collector 3. The expansion of the air as it enters the collector
l)ermits the coal dust that is cai'ried in suspension to fall to
tlie bottom of the collector and into the coal storage tank 4.
The air that enters the collector returns through pipe 5 to
the pulveriser to be used over again.

The coal dust is taken from the storage tank 4 by the feed
screw 6. and delivered into the suction side of a high-pressure
blower 7. It is then blown into the distributing main 8, and
carried to the furnace through the distributing pipes 9.

The coal which is not used is returned through the return
line 10 to the collector 3. where it is extracted from the air
and falls into the coal storage tank 4 to be used over again.

The air after the coal is extracted is returned to the suction
side of the blower through pipe 11.

BURNING COKE BREEZE.

.\t the present time considerable attention is being given to
the utilisation of coke for steam raising, and in one or two
cases encouraging results have been obtained in connection
with central-station boiler plants.

The subject is allied to that of gas firing, as the coke or
semi-coke resulting from the gasification process will have to
lie disposed of in some way.

Similar efforts have been made in the States to utilise coke
breeze, and the followin" description of a sy-stem of coKe
tiring for boilers, with coke breeze obtained from coke ovens,
recently appeared in our contemporary Power : —

The average coke breeze produced contains from 2.5 to 3.5
per cent, of .sand, sulphur, and fire-clay, leading to consider-
able clinker formation, and to handle this material an over-
feed stoking system was developed.

The principle of the stoker system is that the fuel flows
through the hopper (fig. 1) by gravity on to a pu.sher plate.

Fig. 1.

whence it is precipitated into an impelling chamber by the
pusher, which is operated by a rocking arm in contact
with a cam, or from an eccentric attached to the rocking arm.
The impelleis distribute the fuel over the fuel bed at any
required amount up to that necessary to operate the boiler
greatly in excess of its normal i-ating. Fig. 2 shows a front
view of the stoker. ^

To handle the clinkers produced in burninc coke-breeze
fuel, a specially designed rocking, cutting, and dumpinc grate
is used (fig. 3). The fuel bed is carried about 8 in. thick at
the front of the furnace, and as the grates are pitched, a

depth of 18 in. is carried at the bridge wall. At intervals the
grates are operated for shaking; that is, the points of the
grates are dropped about 3 in., and as the clearing space be-
tween the bars remains the same, nothing but fine ashes is
sifted to the ashpit. The shaking movement is so slight that

Pig. 2.

the fire bed is not disturbed to any great extent. This move-
ment also prevents the amalgamation of clinker-forming
nnpurities.

The fuel bed as carried by this system is divided into three
zones (fig. 4). The first is about 5 in. thick at the front to
1;) in. at the back. This residue formation diffuses the air
over the grate area and prevents blow-holes in the fire that
would be caused by an unequal air pressure. The second
fuel zone is carried about 3 in. thick all over the giate surface,

FiQ. 4.

and is composed of the incandescent particles of carbon in
the fuel. The third zone is the green fuel that is continually
sprinkled over the second zone. The m.oisture in the fuel is
evaporated by the heat from below and by reflected heat
from the arch above. During the process of combustion the
impurities are separated from the combustible and work
■ their way through the layer of residue foi-ming the first zone,
where they come in contact with the cold air and are chilled

is 4

THE ELECTRICAL RE\TEW rv,.i n. x,.

\i>\ i-.Miii.:i: :j. lull

lii-loie they become fused in large quantities with one an-
other.

- With thiskind of fuel it is necessary to operate the cut-off
ii:nvoment of the grates about every two hours, which re-
moves about 1 in. from the bottom of the residue at each
stroki'. In this way the fires are cleaned without disturbing
tlie fuel bed and without the use of fire tools. The grates
u^-t'd liave a 40 per cent, air space, and suflScient steam is
used under them to in.<;ure the chemical decomposition of the
iliiiJier-forining properties.

With by-product oven breeze a turbo-blower is used, be-
cause it is not necessary to saturate the air with steam to the
same extent as with beehive breeze. Tests showed that o.Ofi
lb. of water were evaporat<>d per lb. of fuel, from and at
'2I"2 deg. 'F. ; the efficiency of the boiler and furnace averaged
5-iAS per cent. The intensity of the fire is governed by tlio
stoker speed and steam jet, and an intense heat is obtained.

NEW ELECTRICAL DEVICES, FITTINGS,
AND PLANT.

Woodhouse Patent Automatic Clutch.

While the .squirrel -cifre motor iH)SSC.*ses many advimta^es iiver
the D.c. motor, and over the A.c. motor with a wound rotor, it ha-i
always laboured under one <rreat handicap — the difficulty of starting-
with a load, and the very heavy startinjr current takeu. However,
if the motor can be run up to full .speed before the load is thrown
on it. this difficulty disappears ; the motor is then runuinif under
efficient conditions, and can exert a large torque without taking' an
excessive curi'ent. To carry out this plan, a new type of automatic
clutch has been devised by Mr. A. K. WoonHOUSE, and is supjilied b.v
the VicTORi.\ Dynamo i: Motor Co., of Craven House. Kinjrsway.
W.C. This clutch, which is- i11ustrated| herewith, is characterised

I'm:. 1. — Woodhouse Clutch ai'Pi.iei
TO Motor Pulley.

by extreme simplicity and reliability, small nucnber of parts, ami
smoothness of- operation.

Fijr. 1 shoyrs the clutch combined with a pulley, fisr. 2 shows the
parts in position with the cover removed, and fig. 3 is a part
section through the clutch, in the position assumed when running
at full speed.

The essential features of the device are four cast-iron blocks A
turnetl on the exterior to a cylindrical surface, and on the interior

\\'lien the motor is at rest, the four lihicks are drawn radiall.v
inwards by the pressure of the collar on tlieir coned surfaces, and
the rotor is free to lun up to speed without loail ; when a
pRHletermineil speed is attained the centrifugal force of tlie
l)locks overcomes the action of the sprin;r and the collar .slips off
the cone, allowing the blocks, which slide on radial studs, to Hy
out and apply themselves to the casinj;, with sulticienl friction to
lirin;: the latt«r and the driven loa<l up to sjjeed in a few revolu-
liims, yet without any shock. The frictional isvi\i of the clutch
enables it to carry a load 50 per cent, in excess of full load, and
there is no perceptible slip between the parts, hence no heating
and very little wear, except Avhen taking up the loaii. The
accuracy of adjustment is such that the clutch can be rejrulaled
to o|>erate at a tew revolutions below full sjiivd, and,, once set,
the nut can be fixed in ]K)sition with a jfrub screw. When
the cuirent is shut off the motor, the clutch does not relea-se
until the motor is on the point of stopping : the steeper cone,
shown on the blocks in fiu'. 3. then comes into play, the collar
draws the blocks inwards and slips on to the inner cone, restorin;:
the clutch to its normal position ln'fore the rotor comes to n-i.
-Ml parts of the clutch are perfectly balanced. ,so that no ribration
i-^ set up. It can, be use<l either as a pulley or coupling, or Ixitli ;
and as >lip-rings, commutators, and an expensive starting' switch arr
dispeuscil with, the cost of the motor with this clutch is less than
that of the apparatus otherwise retjuired : moreover, ah(a\\ Lnd
can lie staited up with a smaller motor. We understand (Ikii -nnn
of these clutches have been running' for three years wiili -.iii--
factory results.

I.oopjng-in Oistrlbuting Mains.

The localisation of faults in di.stributinsr cables is a troublesome
matter, even when disconnecting boxes are provided in the net -
work, and visually involves a good ileal of inconvenience to con-
sumers whose supply has to be cut otf while the fault is found and
repaired. To obviate this trouble and to provide a read.y means nf
running a fault "to earth" quickly and with the minimum nf
■annoyance tii consumers, Mr. F. _E. Frampton. engineer to the
Paignton Electric Lig-ht iV Power Co.. in cim-
junction with Messrs. CAlle.nder's Cable a.nh
Construction- Co., Ltd.. of Hamilton Housr.

>^^. ■ Victoria Embankment, W.C. has patented ;in

>N, ingenious method of looping the ma'ns into con-

' \' sumers' premises, where the.v can be disconnected

and tested with ease, and with little interference
with the supply. As .shown in the ascomjiany-
infr fig-ure, which applies to a three-wire system.

• BV "'^'^ "'^ *'^^ outers is cut at each distributing point

BJ or service box and the ends are connect jd to a

M. pair of terminals ia any suitable house, lamp

pillar or similar fuse box : these terminals a e
connected together by a removable link whicli
forms one terminal of the circuit supplied, the
other terminal being connected to a service lead
in the ordinary way. By disconnecting the link
from one of the loop terminals, the distributinj;-
cable can be cut. whilst the supply —if connected
to the sound side of the cable — to the consnniin;;'
IH tii\ i:k circuit is maintained, and by repeatinj.'' the jiro-

Cess at the next service taken off the same cable,
the intervening- portion of cable can be isolated
and repaired at leisure, whilst the suppl.y is m.ain-
tained to all the consumers (if the cable is fed from both ends), ■
If desired, the links can be constructed to act as fu.ses, so that
a fault on the distributing cable will be automaticall.v isolate<l.
By graduating- the section of the fuses the length of cable thus
isolated can be i-estricted to the minimum. Obviously, with the

Frc:. 3.— Section through Woodhouse Clutch used as a
Coupling.

to the shape shown at D in fig. .S : a collar K is pressed asrainst the
blocks by a spring E, controlled by an adjusting nut c on a
screwed sleeve which is secured to the shaft, the pulley, of course,
running loos3 on the sleeve. The ]niUey carries an overhung
I ylinat-ienl •■■.\<iw B lined with " Ferrr..!.. -"a.- indicated at G.

Frampton-Oallender System or Loopixg-in Services.

aid of the links, any part of a distributing system can be isolated
and tested at any time. The invention is applicable to Systems
other than the three-wire system, and should prove useful to stq^ply
station engineers.

Catalogues Wanted in Italy.— Messrs. Alu.xaxdkr

Ha.mii.tox & Sons, of Messina, who have been established in ftal.y
since 18H0. are askin«r for catalojjues and price lists of British
engineering and electrical manufactures.

Xo. LMi:iL'. NilVEMBE]!

] THE ELECTHICAL KEVIEW.

485

WILLANS SURFACE-CONDENSER TESTS.

LEGAL

The following' test results were obtained on one of fire surface-
condensing plants, embodyinw the Willans & Robinson rotary air-
pump system, and recently installed at the London and South-
western Railway Co.'s Durnsford Road power station.

The station contains five identical plants, each of the same
capacity, in addition to two similar plants of smaller size.

The main feature of this system is that the circulatin'r water is
passed throug'h an ejector, which is shown on the accompanyinj^-
drawinsr at B, and takes the place of the ordinary air pump. A
separate pump c is provided to withdraw the condensed steam
from the surface-condenser, and to return this to the hot well. An
automatic non-return valve A is placed between the air ejector and
the main condenser body, so as to prevent water being- drawn into
the condenser in case of failure of the ejector.

There are three common forms of application of the system
known as the "' series," the '' shunt," and the " sepai-ate pump "
tyi)es respectively.

In the case of the " series " type oT plant, the whole body of the
circulatinjr water is passed through the air ejector before entering
the condenser ; that is to say, the circulating pump is designed for
the normal quantity of water required by the condenser, but allow-
ance is made in calculating the head for the necessary drop across
•the air ejector.

In the case of the second, or " shunt " system, the cooling water
for the condenser and the ejector water are
delivered in parallel, and the ejector water is
returned to the source of supply or to the
circulating water suction. In other words.
the circulating pump is designed for the
normal head required by the lay-out of the
plant, with allowance for condenser friction,
' and the quantity delivered is that needed
"for the condenser itself, plus the nece-ssary
water for the air ejector.

The third, or "sepai-ate pump" type, of
which the L. A: S.W. installation is an ex-
ample, differs from the "shunt " system only
in that a separate pump is provided for
delivering the air-ejector water, apart from the
main circulating-water pump which supplies
the condenser in the ordinary way.

In the present installation, both the main
circulating pump and the ejector pump draw
their water by means of a common suction
pipe from the main suction culvert, which
runs the full length of the engine room.
The water coming from the condenser itself
is, of course, heated and passed to the de-
• livery culvert, but the air-ejector water is
/returned to the suction or inlet culvert.

It will be noted that in this instance the
circulating pump is driven by means of a
continuous-current motor, whereas the ejector
pump D and condensate extraction pump c
are driven by a small steam tur'bine.

The tests show that the vacuum attained
is substantially above that guaranteed^ and

particular attention may be drawn to the very low difference
between the circulation-water outlet and vacuum temperatures.

.\.SSEbSiIEST APPEAX BY THE, METROPOLITAN" 11

At the County of London Quarter Sessions, at ('leik.i.m II.
Sir Robert Wallace (the Chairman ), began the hearing of an apjjeal
by the above company against certain quinquenuial assessments nl
their properties in Kensington, Paddington, and the Holborn Union.

Mr, Waltei- Ryde, K,C,. and Mr. E. M. Knnstam represent i^. I
tlie appellant company. Mr. Page, K.C., and Mr. Cecil Whitelc>
were counsel for the Roval Borough of Kensington, while
Jlr. Clavell Salter, K,C„ "M,P„ with Mr. Betlume and Mr.
W, J, Jeeves, represented the Borough of Paddington and tin-
Holborn Union,

In opening, Mn, Walter Ryde said that in Kensington a rateable
value of -til, 000 was appealed against, and the Railway Co. claimed
that the amount should be .£3,7r)U. In Paddington ' it was con-
tended that the figures, instead of being £7.314, should be .i;3.732
and in the Holborn Union iei6,000, instead of £21.SI10.
Dealing first with the Kensington case, counsel said the railway
was worked generally by means of electric traction, and for tin-
purpose of supplying electricity the company had erected from
time to time, and now used, a generating station at Neasden, lo
electrical sub-stations, and other large and extensive works. All
these works were not directly productive of profit, and all of them,
with the exception of a sub-station at Gloucester Road, were out-

Trial numbe
Duration of test

60 minutes 60 minutes

;i2° F.
N7° F.

Load. lb. of steam per hour 68.1 7(i

Vacuum at steam inlet to
condenser, corrected to
30" barometer .., ... 2.S'73"

Corresponding steam tempe-
rature ,S(j-6° F,

Condensate temperature ... .S2° F.

Difference between conden-
sate and vacuum tem]>era-
tures 4-(i° F. 3.".° F. .">° F.

Circulating water inlet tem-
perature .-,8-5° F. ."iS'."i° F. r,."." F.

Circulating water outlet
temperature ...• ... S0'K° F. sn" F. .S3° F.

Difference between circu-
lating water outlet and
vacuum temperature ... 5'8'^ F. C'.i" F. ;i° F.

Cooling water, gallons per

liour 318,000 317,600 3ilC.(;oO

The test was can-ied out after the plant had been in service for

a considerable period, in the presence of the representatives of the

consulting engineers, Messrs. Kennedy & Doukin. and of Mr.

Herbert Jones, chief electrical engineer to the Lomlon and South-

Xyestern Railway Co.

Germany's Iron and Steel Production. — The Amsterdam

correspondent of the Mominy Pust says that at a meeting of the
trerman Stahlwerksverband, held recently at Diisseldorf, it Was
stated definitely that the export of iron and steel to neutral
countries had been stopped until further notice, home reciuirements
and the demands of the German army and the Prussian railways
bemg so great that only very small quantities were available for
external trade.

\ri!.\N(:emext ok Willans Condensing Plant : L. \ .^.W.R. Poweu Station.

side the borough. A^ppellants contended that the assessment, so
far as it consisted of dii-ectly-productive portions of the imder-
taking, was excessive in proportion to the value of the whole
undertaking. It was submitted, further, that the value of the
property had diminished, and was diminishing, owing to the
increasingly severe competition of other railway companies, tram-
way and motor-omnibus undertakings, and other methods of
transit. Moreover, working expenses had largely increased during
recent years, and that increase was likely to continue. They
submitted that the rateable value of running line in Kensington —
of a total length of 1 mile 7.5 chains — should not be more thau
.£.594, and that the rateable value of other hereditaments, consisting
of station, booking offices, and refreshment rooms at Xotting Hiil
Gate, and portions of the Stations at Kensington High Street,
Gloucester Road, and South Kensington, should not be more thau
£3.156. That would make a total assessment of £3,750, againiit
the £!l,000 at which it had been assessed. As to the property in
Paddington, where the appellants submitted that the rateable value
should be £3,732 instead of £7,314, much the same arguments
applied as in the Kensington case.

The CH-4.IRJI-4N : There is no question of stations in Paddington .'
Mr. Ryde : No ; but I observe, on glancing at the respondents'
case, that they say the assessment in force in 1915 was £4.440 for
lines, and £3.700 for stations and sub-stations. Counsel went on
to say that the case in the Holborn Union concerned an area in
Clerkenwell. and included part of Farringdon Road Station.
Appellants contended that an assessment of £21.800 should be
reduced by £5,800. He believed the Metropolitan Railway Co. had
the unfortunate distinction of having the smallest receipts .per
train-mile of any considerable line in the country, and that, of
course, was brought about by two important causes. In the first
place, there was the enormous percentage of third-class traffic ;
and, secondly, the enormously high percentage of workmen's
tickets. The year 1913 was the last complete year for which gross
receipts earned and train -miles run could be ascertained by actual
calculation, owing to the Government having assumed control of
the railways, but counsel submitted that on evidence he should
call, it would be seen that in 1915 there had been a drop of 9'76
per cent, in the traffic over the three districts in question. It was
said on the other side that they must adhere blindly to the accounts

481'.

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW, [wi. rw. No. •-...;,,., n„vkm.<uk x i:n,

for I'.'ia, but appellants contended that they must look to what
had happened since.

The first witness was Mr. R. H. Selbie, the general manag-er of
the Metropolitan Railway.

On behalf of the appellants, it was contended that the railway
lines which were used wholly for electric titiction should be treated
as a minus quantity, or capable of only nominal assessment. Sur-
veyors who grave evidence on appellants' Ix-half stated that they
hall made their eulouUitions on the basis of the published accounts
for the year lit 13. but amended to include the extra cost of waj;es
and materials as between the years 1!U:! and l!>ir>. In Kensinjftou,
it was submitted, the net rateable value should be iH.T'jO
instead of £!'.0tiO fixed by the Assessment Committee ; in
Patldin^ton, .<;:(.732 instead" of .t7,S14 : and in the Holborn
Union a redtiction of over £8.000 was sujjffrested in an assessment
of £21,800.

Amontr the witnesses for the appellants were Mr. W. A. Atrnew.
chief mechanical enpjineer of the District Railway ; Mr. Theodore
Stevens, consulting' enjrineer. of London House. E.C. ; Mr. G. \V.
Partrid-re. chief engineer ot the London Electric Supply Corpora-
tion : Mr. William Willox. permanent way enjiineer of the Metro-
politan Railway ; Mr. C. L. Mortran, chief ensfineer of the London.
Brisrhtou and South Coast Railway : and Mr. Crister Peter Sand-
berg-, consultinj;- and inspecting- engineer, of Westminster.

Mr. G. W. Partridgk said he had examined the motors of the
Metroi)olitan Railway at their works, in conjunction with Mr.
Theodore Stevens. The stock was worth 8.") per cent, of the total
replacement co.st. or more than that. He agreed with Mr. Stevens
that if they spent l'> per cent, on it they would have a stock ui> to
the 100 per cent, standard.

The case on behalf of the Kensington Assessment Committee
was opened first, and Mr. P.\6E. K.C, submitted that it was
ridiculous for the other side to suggest that the running lines
should bear no part of the local burdens.

Sir Robert Wallace : I observe it said that the rateable value
of line in Kensington is a minus quantity of about £3.000.

Witnesses called in support of the Kensington assessment based
their calculations on the local receipts of £.52,.">0B for 1913, and
arriveil at a margin of rateable value of £5,000 and £0,000.

Sir John" Snell, who had been retained by the various Assess-
ment Committees concerned, next gave evidence. Examined by
Mr. Clavell Salter. K.C. M.P., Sir John said he had made a
careful examination and inspection of the generating and sub-
stations and rolling stock of the Metropolitan Railway, excluding
the Great Northern and City, and submitted a mass of figures deal-
ing with estimated cost of repairs, maintenance, renewals, and
various other matters. He estimated the total renewals and main-
tenance of rolling stock at £03, .511 : the annual repairs and
maintenance at £23,513, and the average life at lOJ years. The
result of his calculations was to allow the railway .£86,000 a year
in respect of electric current, instead of the £(j-1.000 which the
company actually spent in 1!)13. The electric installation
generally was comparatively new. and on that ground he had
allowed for repair and renewal a much larger sura than was
actually expended in 1913. The company were entitled to claim
what would prove to be the average on the year. The working
expenses he had increased from .£73,000 to £95,000. The com-
pany's abstract gave locomotive running expenses as ItiJ per cent,
of the tralBc receipts : he had changed that to nearly 19} per cent.
The agreed replacement-cost of electric rolling stock was .£875,842.
He put the annual depreciation at £39,998 ; the average age, 7'47 ;
amount of depreciation, £300,773 ; value at December 31st, 1913,
£575,070.

In cross-examination by Mr. Ryde, K.C. Sir John Sn'ELL said
he believed .£80.000 worth of stock was added in 1914.

Mr. Ryde : If I give you the life of a machine you have never
seen, you could ascertain, as you have done here, the depreciation
])€r annum .'

Sir John Snell : Certainly.

Mr. Ryde : Although you had never seen it .' I could not.

Sir John Snell : Why not .' Because you are not an engineer.

In further cross-examination. Sir John said they could not take
the renewals of rolling stock by themselves or maintenance by
itself, and if he could prove the amount he had allowed to cover
both those items, then he met all the points upon which counsel
was trying to cross-examine him. He, personally, made a valuation
of Neasden power house, and was actuall.v in the power house for
an hour. He made an inventory some years ago. and only had to
see the additions. In his calculations he had taken steel rods at
£7 aton. which was the 1913 rate.

Mr. Ryde : Is that likely to be the ruling rate after the war is
over .'

Sir John : That is an awkward question. I cannot say.

At the conclusion of. Sir John's cross-examination. Sir Robert
Wall.^ce said he did not want to hear any further evidence. He
was perfectly satisfied that the rateable value appealed against -nas
lower than its true value. His Lordship added that in all the
years he had sat in the Court he had never heard an appeal which
was more unjustifiable than this one. The appeal would be
dismissed, with costs.

The hour for the rising of the Court had been reached, and Mr.
Clavell Salter inquired if Mr. Ryde proposed to go on with the
appeals in respect of the property in Paddiugton and the Holborn
Union.

Sir Robert Wallace said he did not think Mr. Ryde ought to
be asked that question. He thought the better way would be to
give counsel an opportunity to confer together in regard to the
remaining cases.

His Lordship subsequently fixed the next Court for November
14th.

ToRoN'ri> Eli;<-thic hiuHT Co.. Ltd., r. Chui-cihation m- -i-me

City of Toronto.
In the Privy Council, on October 23rd. judgment was given in this
case, which was argued just before the Long Vacation.

The Board consisted of Viscount Haldane and Lords Atkinson.
Shaw and Parmoor.

The action was broutht by the appellant company for an
injunction to restrain the Corporation from interfering with the
appellants' plant by cutting down, removing, or otherwise
interfering with their ])oles and wires upon the streets and other
public plates in the city.

Sir John Simon. K.C. Mr. Hcllmuth. K.C. and Mr. Auglin,
instructed by Messrs. Blake and Redden, appeared in support of the
appeal ; Sir Robert Einlay, K.C, and Mr. G. R. Geary, K.C,
instructed by Freshfields. for the respondent Corpm-ation,

Lord ATKrNsoN. in delivering the considered opinion of the
Board, said that the appeal was from a judgment of the Kirst
-Vppellate Division of the Supreme Court of Oiitarin. wlicn-liy a
judgment of the trial judge in favour of the plaintilf company was
set aside, and it was ordered that, subject to certain dcclai-atioiis,
the action should be dismissed with costs. The case was not free
from difficulty, for some important transactions which took place
between the parties were not in writing. The company was
incorparated by Letters Patent in 18S:'>. by an Act whicli ]mr|piirlcil
to confer the power, inter (ilia.ot manufacturing cU ri i-ic lijlji
and power, and the erection of plant and all miu-hin.iy in-r.-s>:ii y
for lighting the streets and houses of the city. In exercise of tliis
power the company established an extensive system for the distri-
bution of electricity over almost the entire City of Toronto. It
supplied current to private customers and to the respondent (.'or-
poration for the lighting of the street lamjjs. The system in 1912
was a composite one — partly overhead, partly underground -but
intercommunicating. Much the larger part was overhead. It then
covered 370 street-miles, the wires being carried on 15.705 poles
erected on the streets and public places of the city. These poles
carried 1,450 miles of wire. The underground system then con-
sisted of about 350 miles of single conduit laid in 28 to 30 street-
miles. The two systems were so " interlaced '' that if the over-
head construction were removed, the underground in some instances
would have no connection with the terminal stations or sub-stations
of the company, or with any source of power. It was not
disputed that the cost of constructing underground conduits .so far
exceeded that of carrying wires overhead on poles that, having
regard for the prices obtained for the current, the former system
was only commercially possible of adoption in a limited and
favoured area in the city where customers were both large and
numerous.

In this state of things the Corporation on February (>th, l:H2,
passed a resolution denying, among other things. (11 the right of
the company to lay any underground conduits outside the limits of
the city as they existed in November, 1889. when an agreement
was entered into between the company ami the Corporation ; and
(2) its right to construct pole lines within the city, save for the
purpose of implementing its contract with the Corporation for
street lighting. They followed this up about the middle of
October. 1912, by preventing by force the company from erecting
additional poles and wires, and also removed certain poles, part of
the company's overhead system which had been in actual use some
three years.

The action was then instituted by the company, claiming an
injunction, damages, and further relief.

As stated above, the injunction granted at the trial was set aside
on appeal.

His Lordship then referred to the various agreements wliirli
had been entered into between the parties. In reviewing thi-si-.
their Lordships thought that the provision touching the purchase
of overhead plant contained in the agreement of November, 1889,
meant no more than this : that the Corporation should be entitled .
to purchase, when they purcha.sed the underground systems, such
poles and plant of the overhead system as might be then found
lawfully erected on the .streets and public places of the city. No
estoppal arose in this case, as there was no evidence whatever that both
the contracting parties were not fully aware of their respective legal
rights. It might well be that the company never anticipated that';
the respondents would insist upon the removal of the poles carry- ;
ing wires erected with their implied consent, but not in pursuance
of any formal agreement. With the hardships (if any) or the
moralities of .the case, the Board had no concern. It dealt alone
with the legal rights of the parties, and having regard solely to them,
their Lordships were, on the whole case, of opinion that the
judgment appealed from was right, and should be afKrmeil. and
this appeal of the company dismissed with costs.

British Thomson-Hoi'ston Co., Ltd., /•. Duraji. I/n>.
Mr. Jl'.stice Astbury in the Chancery Division, on the appli-
cation of counsel, fixed December 4th next for the hearing of this
action.

Counsel said the case -n-as a heavy one, and the defendants-
as much as the plaintiffs wanted time toget it ready.

Bayonet Key Switch Holders.— Thi: Electrical

SliPPLlE.s Co., of Tottenham Court Road, inform us that they
have brought out a patent key switch holder, with shade carriei
and cord grip, and are carrying extensive stocks at their London"
stores.

Vol. rv. N„. -,032.XovK.MBER3. u.ii;.] THE ELECTRICAL EEVIEW.

487

CORRESPONDENCE.

Letters receiied by us after 5 p.m. ON" Tuesday cannot appear until
the/iillowing iceei. Corrrspmnfents should/orward their comtnuni-
catiom at the earliest possible moment. Ko letter can be published
unless tee hare the writer's name and address in our possession.

The Electrical Market in India.

At present there are several hig cities in India beinsr electrifietl'
and this has created a verv bifr demand for electrical goods in
that country. I believe that if the British manufacturers let this
opportunity slip, the whole Indian market will go to the Americans
for ever.

After a long stay in Amei'ica and in this country. I am {roinjr
back to my country. India, where I am intending to take up elec-
trical business. I shall be pleased to be brought into touch with
British manufacturei'S of small ice-making machines, small wheat-
meal grinding machines, small printing machines and pumps, to be
driven by continuous cm-rent, and other electrical sjiecialities.

i. Khanna, B.Sc, E.I;.

12. Highbury Hill. London. X.,
October -Ihth. 1916.

The Cost of Daylight v. Electric Light.

There is so much misapprehension about daylight costing nothing,
that I wish you would give me sufficient space in your columns to
publish the following letter by Mr. M. Luckiesh. of the National
Electric Lamp Association Laboratories. Cleveland, in a recent
numberof the IJi]litinfi .Jnnrnal : —

" In lighting discussions, it is not uncommon to hear such state-
ments as this : ' A great virtue of daylight is that it costs nothing.'
Outdoors this is usually true, but in the vast field of human activities,
where artificial light aids and competes with natural light, such a
statement is absurd. From the standpoint of construction, openings
such as windows and skylights are not costless. In other words,
interest upon a permanent investment as well as a maintenance
cost must be charged to the day lighting, and therefore at once it
ceases to be tree from cost. Furthermore, when the value of land,
especially in large cities, is considered, a light court in the middle
of a multi-storied building adds to the cost of daylight. In such a
case a large area of rental space is sacrificed for the purpose of
admitting daylight, and it appears that the cost of daylight would
not be inconsiderable. Of course, light courts provide ventilation.
but it seems possible that ventilation could be provided without
such a great sacrifice of space."

r. Willcox.

London. E.C.. (htuher ■liifh. l!)l(i.

WAR ITEMS.

Exports to China. — riie "' London Giizttto " for OctoU'r
■JTth i(Piitain.- a further list of person.* and bodies to whoni
exports til Chin;i and Siam may be con.signed.

Lord Balfour's Committee. — The Prime Minister has
appointed Mr. Richard Hazleton, M.P.. Sir William McCor-
inicli. Mr. A. McDowell, and Mr. .John O'Neill to be members
of T.ord Balfour of Burleigh's Committee on Commercial and
Industrial Policy.

Air=raid Warnings. — The Highwav.s Committee of the
1 .C.C. reports that, at the request of the Commissioner of
Police of the Metropolis, it has arranged a. scheme for warn-
ing drivers and conductors of tramcars of po.s.sible hostile air
raids. The expenditure involved is estimated at ±'624.

The Time.1 says that tramcar drivers will receive a signal
lioiu the power stations, when they will at once slow down
iind shut off on approaching certain points where flashing
would ordinarily be produced by crossing.

Enemy Interests in British Companies. — In uplv lo a
question asked in the House of Connuons by Sir .John Lons-
dale. Mr. Pretyman .said that the returns made by British
conjpanies to the Public Trustee showed a total nominal
amount of i'31.691.7'24 of ordinary, preference, and debenture
capital held by enemies. This total, which included a con-
siderable amount of capital in companies registered in the
Dominions, was estimated to represent not more than i per
cent, of the capital of British companies as a whole. These
enemy .securities were not as a general rule being sold, except
where the particular company -nas within the provisions of
Section 1 of the Trading with the Enemy .\mendment Act,
191G, when the company was dealt with either by winding up
I'r by the alternative method of vesting the .shares in the
custodian for the purpose of sale.

Dilution and Man Power. — The " Times " publishes the
following statement issued from the office of the Labour
-Adviser to His Majesty's Government after the conference
held on October '27th : —

" .\ conference of representatives of skilled trades connected
with the engineering and shipbuilding industries was held.
The Right Hon. .\rthur Henderson. M.P., who presided, said
the conference was one of several to be held in connection
with the office of the Labour .\dviser, at the request of the
Man-Power Distribution Board, to consider their proposal
that dilution should be extended to private and commercial
work in controlled and non-controlled establishments. Hither-
to such dilution as had been secured had been limited, speak-

ing generally, to war work. It was now essential that substi-
tution and dilution should become much more general. This
was called for by the urgent need of securing for general
military service all the men available and eligible up to the
limits of the Military Service .■\cts. by the great demands for
.skilled workmen for the technical units of the Armw, and for
the production of munitions and ships, and by the vital im-
portance of continuing our export trade in order to maintain
the financial strength of the British Empire and our Allies.

" The present unsatisfied demands of the technical units of
the .\rmy and of munitions, skilled and unskilled, are 160,000,
and the .skilled requirements alone were .3'2,0O0. It was the
de.sire of the Government, as recently stated by the Prime
Minister to the engineering trades deputation, that the skill
of the workmen should be utilised to the best interests of the
nation. Tliis could not be secured without further dilution,
and thi.s conference had been called to con.sider the best means
of securing this.

"After a full discussion the conference decided to adjourn
in order to obtain from the Man-Power Distribution Board
information as to the best means of preventing the enlistment
(if skilled men. which still continues, and of securing better
Uiethods of debadging, and to await a report as to the local
machinery contemplated by the Man-Power Board for giving
efl'cct to dilution on private and commercial work."

Exemption Applications. — .At Bermondsey. Mr. W. E. J.
Heenan. engineei-in-charge of the Bermondsey Borotigh
Council electrical works, applied for the exemption of a boiler
cleaner and repairer. He stated that the man was in the
en.ployraent of the Council before the outbreak of war, and
joined the Expeditionary Forces at the commencement of the
war, serving about 14 months in France, and was discharged
as a time-expired man in February. They could not get men
to do this kind of work. They had 11 boilers, and 700 joints
had to be made on each boiler. He had applied for a badge
for the man, but it had been refused. This was the orily
man he had appealed for. Aid. Wills : You had a complaint
from consmners that the voltage was low, and that was due
to labour difficulties? Mr. Heenan : It was due to boiler
difficulties. .\t present we have two boilers down. Coun.
Sbearring said that the man was doing work of national
importance. Six months' temporary exemption was granted.

At the Aberdeen Military Tribunal. Messrs. Bell & Lyon
asked to retain the services of David L. Mitchell, electrical
engineer. Conditional exemption was given while badged.

At the Rhvl Tribunal. Mr. E. H. Wright, the electrical
engineer, secured three months' exemption for D. Kingston.
;W. married, engine-driver and switchboard attendant at the
electricitv works, and T. .T. Parry. 41. married, cable jointer.
Both were considered absolutely indispensable to the elec-
tricitv department, and Mr. Wright added that in other dis-
tricts' there was no difficultv in retaining such men altogether.

M the Brighton Tribunal, the West Pier Co. applied for
their electrician and their blacksmith, who had been given
time previously. It was explained that a man engaged in
pier repair work has to be somewhat of a sailor as well as
an electrician, because the action of the water was apt to
make him dizzy. Repairs had to be done to the pier, amount-
ing roughlv to a large sum of money, before the spring, and
these men' could not be replaced. They could not get men
to work under the pier. The electrician was given two months,
final, and the black.smith three months.

At the Dundee Tribunal. Prof. Peddie. of the Chair of
Physics. Tniversitv College, made a statement with regard
to J. Robinson ('22). instrument maker. He said that Robin-
son's u-ork was fundamentally necessary in the work of the
college. He was engaged in the making of optical, electrical,
mechanical, and other scientific instruments, to w-hich he had
served seven vears apprenticeship before he came to the col-
lege, and since then he had had three years' experience of
construction work, and had acquired special scientific train-
ing. .\11 the departments would suffer if Robinson was taken
away. He was the only skilled mechanician in the college,
lord Provost Don siiid that in view of what the Tribunal
was doing with some other cases they must sustain the mili-
tarv appeal that Robinson should go to the .Army.

The manager of the Darlington tramways, when appeahng
for the exemption of a mechanic, single, aged 33. -n-ho had
been passed for general service, said the man was the only
skilled per.son on the system. If he had to go into the .Army
it would mean that graduallv the trams would come off. and
there would be no .service. Exemption to the end of the yeai
on the ground of public utility.

\t Maidenhead, the electrical engineer (Mr. Milton) ap
pealed for E. G. Pink (3-5). shift engineer: G. A. Cos (32),
shift engineer: W. T. Shervell (25), engine-driver and fitter:
\ R Mills (20). driver and stoker: W. J. Mundy (•231. cable
fitter; and W. L. Chubb (32), foreman. The Tribunal's in-
vestigator reported that there were only 14 skilled men en-
gaged at the works, which revealed the fact that the works
were much understaffed. He deprecated young men being
emploved in highly technical work, and he hoped that those
who had been passed for general service would be released
as soon as possible. He recommended conditional exemption
until February 1st. the manager to do his best to release
those classified " .\ " from tmie to time as he was able. Mr.
Milton said it was possible they might be able to carrv on
with less men after Christmas, The recommendation of the
investigator was agreed to.

488

THE ELEC'TKIC'AL REVIE^V.

Vol. ::K Nil. 2.0:12. XoVK.MHKIi :). I'.Ml

At Dartfoiil. on October iSiil, the Traimvay authority ap-
pealed for four drivers, and it was pointed out that although
substitutes could not be found, the Military authoritio.s wished
the service to be kept in a state of fullest efficiency. Two were
exempted as being in a certitied occupation, being over 30
years of age, one was conditionally exempted with the right
of a further appc^il, and the fourth was refused exemption.

Whitehaven Tribunal has refused exemption to an elec-
trical titter (ii), applied for by a local firm of electrical -con-
tractors, and who could not be replaced.

.\t Weston-super-Mare, conditional exemption was claimed
by ^rr. W. .1. Badman (.37). of Messrs. W. J. Badman & Co..
electricians, Bristol and Weston-super-Mare. He said that he
attendeil to work at the Weston Hospital, and had^ no part-
ner. He had been thrice rejected, and was now passed for
garrison duty abroad. If he had to go. the Bristol business
would have to be closed, and all the out.sidc work at Weston
droppet^. Exemption until March 1st was allowed.

At Bath, the Electric Tramways Co., I>td., appealed for
H. J. Whitniore (-36). wireman. The Military representative
did not contest that the man was certified and indispensable,
and three months were granted. In the case of two fitters
passed for C 3, the appeals were withdraw-n without prejudice
until they are called up, one of the two being directed to
join the Volunteers.

-Vt Stoke-on-Trent, on October 2.5th, Mr. W. Thorn, general
manager of the Potteries Electric Traction Co., appeared, and
the Chairman staled that, after careful consideration, they
had come to the conclusion that out of 68 eligible men under
the age of 30 years the Tribunal must have 38. They did not
propose to a.sk the company to release all the men at once,
but would be satisfied with 20 immediately, and the rest in
six wTeks' time. Mr. Thorn said that if the Tribunal insisted
on that number the company w-ould have to close part of th«
business. The men were all experienced, and were distributed
over the different departments. A large proportion of the
men w'ere skilled engineers, and if released would not go into
the infantry, but would be sent into munition works or be
placed in units of the Army where their special qualifications
would be utilised. The Tribunal decided to take the 20 men
immediately, and gave the company two months for each of
the remaining IS.

Two further appeals were made at Aldershot, on October
2Ith, by the Aldershot & Di.strict Traction Co. for two drivers,
aged respectively 31 and .30. It was stated that the diffi-
culties of the company were now more acute. The younger
man w\as given a final month, and the other case was put
back until November 14th, when the Tribunal will con.sider
how many men are necessary to keep open the trunk lines.

Mr. F. H. Rippon (30), electrical engineer, of Newquay,
appealed to the Cornwall Tribunal against the local decision
limiting exemption to January 1st. Colonel Buchanan said
that had he been present when the appeal was heard locally,
and Mr. Rippon had been given exemption, he should nist
have said a word. He was as much entitled to exemption
as any man in Newquay. The Chaii-man said that as all his
men had gone, Mr. Rippon deserved every consideration. The
appeal would be allowed, the case would be reconsidered in
January, and he might or might not be sent on then.

Messrs. E. J. Philpot. electrical engineers, appealed at
Canterbury, on October 23rd, for exemption for A. S. Fassum
(31), wireman, and S. Kingham (29). fitter. Mr. H. Philpot
stated that the firm were responsible for the maintenance of
the electric light and power installations at the Kent and
Canterbury Hospital, and other hospitals, schools, hotels. Sec..
and they were negotiating for a contract with the Militarv
authorities. Skilled men were es.sential. and Kingham was
the. only skilled mechanic left. The Military had offered a
sub.stitute, but the man was useless. Three months were
granted to each.

, .\n appeal was made at Canterbury for E. E. Walters (32),
in charge of an electrical plant for Messrs. Saunders & Co!
Two months were allowed, with the intimation that probably
this term would be final.

.\t a sitting of the East Kjnt Appeal Court, on October
2-lth. exemption was claimed for A. E. Couley (37) in char'^e
of the electrical plant at Sellindge for Major Ga'lway, who
IS at the Front. It was stated that the efforts to get someone
to attend to the plant had failed. Three months were allowed.
•- -A.n appeal by the Military representative to the East Kent
,^J^ Court against exemption allowed to W -H Harriott
(oS) electrician to the Margate Cinematograph Go-., has been
withdrawn, respondent having joined up. '- ■ . -

Brentwood Tribunal, on October 23rd, gave four months'
exemption to G. Heam, attendant of the electrical plant at
Coombe Lodge Hospital.

_ .\n Ash.ote.ad rSurrey) appellant, engaged on electric storage
batteries, stated to be doing work of national importance, has
been siven conditional exemption.

Kiddermin.ster Tribunal has granted three months' exemp-
tion to Mr. J. A. Mitchell,, electrical engineer
_ At Folkestone, the Electricity Supply^Co., Ltd., appealed
fou the retention of an articled nupil, E. Lepper, on the
grounds of national expediency and education. The managinc
engineer. Mr. T. He.sketh, .=^.id that there were five single
^?,?f^ r*'i ^-u^*" eranlnyed at the works. The Chairman
sa!d that the Tribunal felt that lads of this ,soi-t were an asset
to the country, .and ^that Lepper s education should go on
mere would be conditional exemption. .;

At Sheffield, the Wolf Safety Lamp Co. appealed for two
electricians, W. Robson (28) and R. S. Harvey (2.5). The
former, who is unmarried, was allowed no time, and the
latter was given until November 30th.

The City Tribunal heard an appeal by the Corporation for
an electrical engineer and engineer-in-charge under the Public
Health Department, and the claims were disallowed. Two
months' postponement was given to a foreman electrician.

.According to the Surrey Herald, at the Weybridge Tribunal
last week Mr. S. H. P. Wolferstan, the resident engineer
and manager of the Urban Electric Supply Co., Ltd.. Wey-
bridge and Walton, referred to various statements mado at
the previous sitting. He ob.served that the statement con-
cerning employes of electric generating stations being auto-
matically badged was entirely inaccurate. As far as the
Weybridge electricity works were concerned, and the sub-
stations in the Walton area, he could say, without fear of
contradiction, that not one man was, or ever had been,
automatically badged; any badges which had been issued by
the Ministry of Munitions had only been so issued after
inquiry into the special duties of each individual man. Me
believed this was the case with all electricity works, and the
fact that the Weybridge electricity works had been certified
as a munition works by the Ministry of Munitions did not
alter the case in any single respect. The idea had gained
wide currency that electricity works in general were swarm-
ing with badged men eligible for sei"vice. In the case of the
Weybridge works there was likewise in this respect also not
the slightest truth in the supposition. The total number of
men in the W'eybiidge and Walton works who were eligible
for service, and who were badged, was only^six, out of a staff'
of about 30. Two of these badged men were only just 18
years old, and were, therefore, not yet eligible for military
seivice. This left a total of four badged men eligible for
military service in the Weybridge and Walton W'orks. of
whom three were married. Mr. Wolferstan went on to refer-
to the work that was being rendered to the national cause by
the undertaking. In order to maintain an efficient supply,
to attend to repairs and breakdowns by day and by night,
and in order to carry on the private contracts, there was a
staff of electricians consisting of one foreman and three wirc-
iiien. Their area of supply was very wide, extending for
many square miles.

With reference to the company's appeal for a wireman
named Gale, Mr. Wolferstan said if the Ministry of Muni-
tions had considered it necessary to certify the Weybridge
electricity works, it was submitted that the carrying on of an
efficient and uninterrupted supply was of primary importance.
The. Military Representative (Lieut. -Col. Phayre) said he
had received a letter from the Weybridge Advisory Committee
reporting with reference to certain allegations made in a
communication, received by the Clerk, concerning a man
named Newman, in the employ of the company. They re-
ported that every facility was afforded by Mr. Wolferstan
to the Committee, who satisfied themselves by inspection of
the company's books and other documentary evidence that
the statements on w'hich the company received a badge and
certificate for Newman were absolutely correct. There was
no doubt that Newman was a highly skilled man doing
skilled work. The Tribunal granted conditional exemption
to the wireman, Gale.

Last week the City of London Local Tribunal heard an appeal
on behalf of an electrical fitter. His employer stated that the
man had charge of the telephones and other electrical appa-
ratus, as well as of the burglary alarms, of various firms in
the City, and his expert knowledge was essential to the work.
He was the only electrician left to the firm, and it was im-
possible to get others. The application w-as jxistponed for a
week for inquiries.

On the- application of the private secretary of the Earl of
Suffolk. Charle.s Harvey (31). married, chauffeur and in charge
of the electric light plant, has been exempted until Ajiril 1st.

Controlled Establishments. — Tho number of establish-
ments now controlled by the Mini.stry of Munitions is 4,390,
74 having been added .since the last announcement.

BUSINESS NOTES.

Trade Announcements. — On account of the retirement of
llR. J. Rhodes, the business ot Messrs. Richards it Rhodes,
electrical engineers, of Station Buildings, Keig-hley, wiU be carried
on in future by Mr. Stephen Richards.

Mr. Harry Moss, of Bradford, announces that, consequent upon
the decision of the Military Tribunal, he is making arrans-emeuts
to settle his business affairs, and is unable to accept any more
contracts or orders for work. The following firms, who are mem-
bers of the Electrical Contractors' Association (Inc.). have under-
taken, as far as lies within their power, to carry out any work that
would otherwise have been placed in his hands ; preference, of
course, being given to munition work and breakdowns :— CoUinson
Bros., Bradford ; A. R. Farrar & Co., Bradford : Gath Electrical
Engineering Co., Southgate, Halifax ; Jessop & BoyHell. Ltd..
Bradford: Richard Lindley, Shipley; Geo. Jfewby. Bratlfoid ;
.Smith iV Croft, Bradford. -

w xov,,.,bkk:;. iiMr.i THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

489

Book Notices. — " British Oppcirtunities iu Russia." By

L. A. Eoj.insky. London : Anjjlo-Riissian Translations Bureau.
2il. In tliis pamphlet the author refers generally to the large
extent of the Russian market and the possibilities of trade. A
table is given of imports to Russia from Germany, Austria-Hungary
and the X'nited Kingdom.

'■ Principles of Alternating-Current Machinery." By R. R.
Lawrence. London : Hill Publishing Co. Price 18s. ild. net.

"Principles of the Teleuhone." Part 1. Subscribers' Apparatus.
By C. M. Jansky and D. C. Faber. London : Hill Publishing Co.
Price tjs. 3d. net.

" Post OlBce Electrical Engineers' Joinuuir Vol. IX. Part S.
t)ctober. 191B. London: H. .\labaster. Gatehouse ic Co. Pricels.net.

The Institution of Electrical Engineers has issued a "Supple-
ment " to the List of Members. It gives the names of the Council
and officers for the session, the Committees of Local Sections and
(jentres. the local honorary secretaries abroad, names of new
members, and a list of former members who have ceased their
membership under Article 41.

" The Joiininl of the Tramways and Light Railways Association "
lor October contains a notice respecting the obtaining of certificates
from the Ministry of Munitions before purchasing steel, the con-
clusions (and map) of the National Electric Power Sujjply Joint
Committee, and other matters.

" Scientific Papei-s of the Bureau of Standards." Xo. 2S.t.
".Summary of Experiments on the Silver A'oltameter at the Bureau
of Standards, and Proposed Specifications." Wa.shington : Depart-
ment of Commerce.

"Circular of the Bureau of Standards." No. 60. "Electric
I'nits and Standards." Washington : Department o'f Commerce.

For Sale. — IIil' Mam-liester Corporation Electricity Com-
mittee has for disposal one 1 .800-KW. D.c. generator, direct-coupled
to a vertical cross-compound steam engine, and one 3,7r>0-KW.
three-phase \.c. alternator, direct-coupled to a vertical triple-
expansion steam engine.

The Borough of Salford Electricity Committee has for dispo.'sal
a quantity of low-pressure cast-iron piping.

Messrs. Shii-law, Allan & Co.. Keith Street, Hamilton, the agents
for the Controllers appointed by the B. of T.. will sell by auction on
Friday, November lOth, at Glasgow, the stock of electrical machinery,
office fittings, &c., of the Phtenix Electrical Co.. and the Caledon
Electrical Co. Particulars appear in our advertisement pages to-day.

Dissolutions and Liquidations. — United CARBORrxDi m

.\ND Ei.ECTRlTE WORKS. LTD. — Creditors must send particulars of
their debts, .'cc, to Mr. C. Eves. ii2. New Broad Street, E.C.. the
controller, by November 27th.

Electko-steel FoUaNDHies, Ltd., Darlaston. — Liquidator (H. E.
Burges.s) relea,sed October 19th. 1916.

General Engineering Accessories, Ltd. — This company is
winding up voluntarily, with Mr. H. Chapman, 2, Farley Road.
Catford. S.E.. as liquidator.

Liverpool Liohtino & Heating Co., Ltd.— This company is
winding up voluntarily, with Mr. E. J. Butcher, 3+4, Gray's Inn
Road, W.C.. as liquidator.

Western Lighting and Heating Co.. Ltd. — This company is
winding up voluntarily, with Mr. E. J. Butcher (as above) as
liquidator.

Kingston Lighting Co.. Ltd.— This company is winding up
voluntarily, with Mr. Butcher (as above) as liquidator.

Electrical Oil Refining Co.. Ltd.— A meeting is to be held
on December 4th at 29. Great St. Helens. E.C.. to 'hear an accoimt
of the winding-up from the liquidator. Mr. .1. E. Frost.

Jlessrs. R. Stephenson. A. Drewer and C. R. Curtis, carrying on
Viu-iiiipss as electrical consulting and contracting engineers at
27, Chancery Lane. London, as Drewer. Stephexbox 4: Co., have
dissolved partnership. Mr. Stephenson retires from the firm.
Debts, fcc will be attended to by the remaining partners, who will
continue the busine-^s under the same style.

Catalogues and Lists. — British Thomsox-Houstox

I'll.. Ltd. . Rugby. -New list (No. 4.."i91)of 16 pages, in the com-
pany's standard style and size, giving particulars. price.s. shipping
diagrams and dimensions. Jcc, of instrument transformers for
circuits up to 12.0tn) volts.

WESTiNGHOUSE COOPER HEWITT Co.. LTD.. 80. York Road,
King's Cross. Loudon. N. — Nos. 1 and 2 of a well-produced
pamphlet, entitled " Lighting in Photography." The articles con-
tained therein 'deal with "Lighting the Subject iu Portraiture. '
' Light Source for Enlarging." ''Artificial ' lUuminants for use in
Practical Photogi-aphy." "-Control of Expression and Attitude." all
going to show the important part played by illumination iu
photographic art.

General Electric Co., Ltd.. 67, Queen Victoria Street.
Lonilon, E,C. — New Osram folder price list (No. OS 2.061) for
enclosure with correspondence or for carrying iu the pocket,
(.'orrespondence post-cards (in which a small-sized elephant success-
fully tries a balancing trick on a large-sized Osram, illustrating, of
course, the latter's strength), have also been issued for use by the
company's customers.

Pope's Electric Lamp Co.. Ltd., Hythe Road, Willesden, N.W.

-New booklet, entitled " My Life." in wh:'ch their mascot, " The

Elasta Man." is seen in all sorts of situations, each situation

pointing a moral to the virtues of " Pope's Elasta British-made wire

lamps. " Contractors can l>e supplied with printed copies upon request,.

Messrs. Belling 4c Co. have issued a handy pocket pamphlet,
entitled. " Coal Economised : All Drudgery Housework Saved," in
which they give small illustrations and prices of a number of
patterns of their electric fires, of which over 30.000 have been
supplied for ordinary domestic us« during the last four years.

Messrs. Credend.\ Conduits. Ltd.. Chester Street. .Vston.
Birmingham. — Folder, giving illustrations and price particulars of
a number of their designs of electric fires, heaters, convectors. and
heating and cooking appliances.

Electrical Imports of the Argentine Republic. — The

value of the electrical goods imported into the Argentine Republic
diu'ing the first half of the current year is officially returned at
itS.'iS.OOO. practically the same total as during the first six months
of UH.'i.

Australian Inquiries. — The B. of T. Dei»rtment of

Commercial Intelligence (73. Basinghall Street, E.C.) has received
information respecting firms in New South Wales who desire to
take up agencies for British makers of porcelain insulators,
insulator pins, electrical fuses, cut-outs, switches, and other
accessories : also arc lamps and accessories, miners' safety lamps,
smokeless furnaces, air compres.sors. air-lift pumps, *:c. ' The
reference numbers ai-e 370 and 376.

LIGHTING AND POWER NOTES.

Argentina. — The Municipality of Viedraa (Capital of Hid

Negro Territory) has decided to install a service of public electric
lighting, and has placed the order for the equipment with the
-•Vnglo-Argentine General Electric Co.. Buenos Aires.

Barking. — Year's Workixg. — For the year ended

March 31st last, the revenue of the Council's electricity under-
taking amounted to £12.663. the working and management
expenses were 1 11,217. and. after meeting all financial charges,
there was a deficit of £2.998 on the year. A total of 1,263,944
units were sold, being 160,390 less than in 1914-1.'3.

Belfast. — Proposed ExxEXsioxs.^The Tramways and

Electricity Committee at its'last meetinij considered the increasing
demands being made on the electricity department, and the steps
to be taken to meet the same. After full consideration, the Com-
mittee recommended that the Council should authorise the Com-
mittee to take up again the matter of the extension scheme, part
of which could be put iu hand as spon as the necessary Treasury
sanction to'the expenditure can be obtained.

Bradford. — The Guardians are to extend the electric
mains for the purpose of lighting the whole of the laundry and
garage block.

Christchurch. — Price Increase. — With reference to the
demand of the Bournemouth and Poole Electricity Supply Co. for
an increased charge for current, the B. of G. has decided to pay iu
accordance with the terms of the contract only.

Continental. — Italy. — Volcaxic Heat Statioxs. —

Although, in view of the high cost of coal in Italy, there exists a
great stimulation to search for other and more economical sources
of energy, it is novel and interesting to learn that the internal heat
of the earth in a volcanic district is now being utilised for the
generation of electrical energy. From the Rtissegiia Minerariti. of
Rome, we learn that a thermo-electric generating plant is already
in operation at Larderello, about 12 miles from Volterra. The idea
of utilising the available volcanic heat was first put into practice
iu 1903 by Prince Ginori Conti. At Larderello the heat Issues from
the earth in the form of jets of steam, which the Prince first
attempted to utilise by causing the jets to impinge on bucket
wheels. Later, arrangements were made to use the steam directly
in a reciprocating eng'ine coupled to a dynamo. Encouraged by
the results, he made use of a small part of the steam issuing from
one of the largest jets at a pressure of T."i lb. per sq. in., and by this
means" obtained some 40 h.p. The steam from the jet in question
issues at a temperature of about 160° ('.. and at the rate of 1 1 .000 lb.
per hour. The general results were ([uite satisfactory, except that
it was found the acids present in the steam had a corroding effect
on the eng'ine. In the meantime, while these experiments were in
progress, prospecting operations for new sources of steam were also
in progress, with the result that several giving good results were
found, including <uie which furnished steam at a pressure of from
30 to 45 lb., and at the rate of .5,5,00(1 lb. per hour, this being-
utilised to operate a 300-h.p. turbine and alternator, which fur-
nished current to light the borax works at Larderello. This was
the position at the commencement of the war. which, owing to the
resulting greatly increased cost of coal iu Italy, gave an iinpetus to
the further use of the volcanic steam. Indeed, so successful had
the experiments been that the Prince placed an order with the
well-known Italian engineering firm, Messrs. Tosi v^c Co.. for three
steam turbines, each of 5,000-h.p. capacity, coupled to 3,000-kw.
alternators. Two of these sets are ah-eady installed and in operation,
while the third will shortly be added. In this case, however, the
steam is not utilised directly, but is used to heat multitubular
boilers. The current generated is transformed up to a pressure of
36.000 volts, at which it is transmitted by five different Imes to the
towns in the neighbourhood.

Russia. — The " Donetz Basin " Co. has commenced the erection
of an electric station near the Loboff Kopy station of the Ekate-
rininsk Railway, to supply current to the mines, factories, towhs
and industrial centres of the Donetz Basin. The station will serve
a r.idius of 100 versts. and develop 20,000 KW,

France. — TheSoci^teHydroelectriqueDrac-Komancheisthe style
of acompany formed at Grenoble to develop morepArtioxilarly ahydro-

400

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

VdI. 711. Nil. -.'.ii:!-.'. Nii\KMiii;}( :i. I'.ilC,

tl'^ctrii' staliiiii t'l li- erected almve tlie wntenneet of the Drac ami
the RomaiK'he. The capital of the company is ti.OOO.dOii fr.

The capital of the Society Frauv'aise des Forces Hydraiiliqvies dii
Rhone ha# been increased from 4.0cHi.<MUi to «,00(i,0(IO fr.. in con-
seqnence of certain finaiicia! arranjrements with the Socicte
Fi'anco-Suisse pour I'lndustrie Electrique,

Norway. — .\ new carbide manufacturing company, with a
capital of "(iO.OOOkr., to be eventually raised to l,20<).0(K("kr.. under
the style of the A/S. Kvina f^arhide Smelteverk. is announced in
the register of new firms. Its works are to be situated l)etw(>en
the Fede and Flekke fjords, but power is to l)e derived from the
Trivlands waterfall. The output is estimated at first at li.OdO tons
vearly.

Dewsbury. — PL.i.\T E.xtexsions. — Tliu Eleftricity iiiul
Tramwa.vs Committee has submitted to the Council an estimate of
work to be carried out after the war. prepared by Mr. R. H.
Campion, the electrical eutrineer. and ainountinsr to tlH.'i.NiMi. The
principal items are : two 2.0()(l-K\V. turbo-alternators and condensers.
£14.000; two .iOO-KW. rotary converters. £4.0011: two l'.'iH-kw.
ditto, i;i.2.'.li; switchboard. jEI.tiOO ; cables, i:S,4tH). Mr. Camjiioii
also states that when the load exceeds 2.000 KW. an extra lioiler
will be required at a cost of fS.OOO; an additional cooliu^r tower.
£2.000 : and coal conveyors. £l.."iOO.

East Ham.^VKAR's Wokkini;.— Mr. W. ('. Ullniaiin,

the Corporation electrical eufrineer and manager, in his anal,vsi.« of
the electric lifrhting- accounts for the year ended March :ilst. UIHi.
shows a total revenue amounting to £2l>.70!i. total oporatinpr costs
.amountins: to i:20.0.')H. and a frross profit of £li..').5(i. After meeting:
interest and special charfres. t;4..S7."i. ami sinking fund, ■.tc. £.").70.").
there is a deficit on the ,vear's workintr of £S,424.as compared with
a profit of £l.l.iO in liil.%. The total numbsr of units sold was
4,lt)2.750 : fuel cost. (Ud. per unit, as compared with 'i'td. per unit
in the previous year. The total operating- costs were lliid, per
unit sold, as compared with ■!i7d. in litl.5. The maximum load was
I.Siiii KW., and the load factor 27(1 p?r cent.

Epsom. — The r.O.C. li.us imllinriswl fclit; oluctrifal

enpineer to exp3rinient with tar oil for the Diesel engine, owing- to
its becoming- increasingly difficult to obtain American oil.

Glasgow. — Dalmakxock Extensions. — In comiection

with the decision of the; T.C. Committee to proceed with a portion
of the new generating- station at Dalmarnock. the chief engineer
(Mr. \V. W. Lackie) reported that in 1914-l.J. the maximum
demand for electric power was oS.OOo HP., and in Ifll.'i-U)
Gl.OOO H,P. : that for Hil»;-17 he estimated the maximum demand
at (i7.0()0 H.l'. ; that the normal rate of increase in demand was
l)etween 7.00ii and tl.omi h.p. per annum ; that the limit of the
capacity of the boiler and turbine rooms at the existing stations
had been reached : and that it was absolutely essential to put down
additional plant, which plant would take two years to construct
and erect, to meet the demand for the winter of lOIS-l!). He
further reported that the department had on its books 20u appli-
cations for supplies not yet connected, which represented an aggre-
gate of 17.000 H. P.. ami that l."> of these were from very large
engineering and shipbuilding works, who asked supplies represent-
ing over 8.110(1 h.p. He thereafter referred to the plans submitted
showing the lay-out of the station, and stated that arrangements
should be made forthwith for erecting and installing the following
works and plant ;— (l) Buildings, consisting of toiler house, part
of turbine room and switch house, together with concrete work in
connection with coal storage yard and coal tipping chute, the esti-
mated total cost being £10.5,000, (2) Machinery for (a) generating
station — the first installation of boilers and boiler room accessories,
two 20,001 i-KW. turbo-alternators, relative switchgear. travelling
crane and coal-conveying and ash-removing plant, the estimated
total cost being £2.").5,100 : ih) sub-stations— transforming plant to
the extent of 1S,000 kw. for six sub-stations, the estimated total
cost being £72.000 ; total. £432,100, In addition to the foregoing
buildings and plant, the engineer mentioned that it would be
necessary {n) to put down H.T. mains and cables between the new
Dalmarnock Works and the two existing generating stations at
Port Dundas and St. .Andrew's Cross, at an estimated cost of
£fi0.o0u ; (*) to put down low-tension mains during the next
three years at an estimated cost of £1.5i 1,000, and branch
mains during the next three years, at an estimated cost of
£21,0110; and (<•) to purchtise meters for new consumers
during the next three years at an estimated cost of £13, .500;
total. £244. .500. He further stated that the major portion
of the foregoing expenditure would not be due for payment
nntil the year 191. s, and that the unexhausted borrowing powers of
the department at May 31st, lill6. amounted to approximately
£100,11011, The Town Council was authorised to apply for the
necessary authorisation for the Coqjoration to construct the fore-
going works, and for authority to borrow £.500.000, which, with
the present unexhausted borrowing powers, will meet the require-
ments of the department for the next three years,

Hej-wood. — Tlie Hleitricity and Tl■amway^^ Cimimittef

has decided to grant an extension of the supply of energy from
November )st to February 28th to the Albert New Mill Co,, Ltd..
and is also in negotiation with the Roe Acre Dyeing and Felting Co!
for supplying extra-high-tension energy to its premises.

Kilmarnock. — Report. — Sir A. B. 'U'. Kennedy ha?
reported to the T.C. on the advisability of developing the electricity
undertaking to supply the area. He confirms the charges made for
power, and suggests the advisability of ordering a 3,000-KW.
turbine plant, in view of the delay which may occur in obtaining
delivery of plant,

Kingston-on-Thames. — In (•(inncrtiim wiili tlit'-failiiri'cf

the compressor of uneuf the Diesel engines at the elect ricit.v works,
the insurance comjiany has agreed to pay £40 a week compensation,
dating from seven da.vs after the accident until the plant is in
running order.

Leek. — Thf I'.D.C. liius antlinrised tlii' k'vyinjruf a snppie-
nientary general district rate of tid, in the £ to defray that portion
of the cost of the new plant of the electricity generating station
which has to be paid during the current financial j-car,

Leigh. — In vic\V(irtli(']H(siti(in wliicliit itiplacod inljyivason
of the refusal of the L,(i,B. and other controlling authority to sanction
a loan for t he extension of the electricity works, t he ( 'orporation has
decided to inform the B, of T, that it reluctantly gives its eimsent
to the Lanes. Klectric Power Co. supplying the West Leigh Collieries
with elect rieitv, subject to the order proposed to be made by the
Board ln'ing in the terms set forth in the model form which hius
bicMi subniitted. "

London. — Islinotiw. — In coiiswinL'nco of tlif cniiiloycs

111 I he electricity undertaking being dissatisfied with a suggested
increase in wages, the men are appealing to the Munitions Com t
for leaving c<!rtificates,

Hammkrsmith,— Bri,K Scpplv, — The p;iectricity Committee
reports the receipt of the B. of T,'s formal order permitting the
B.C, to supply electricity in bulk to the Chiswick Electric Supply
Corporation.

L,C.C, The Finance Committee reports that it ha« agreed to
make loans in accordance with the terms of the sanction of the
Council of £3, 72s to the Battersea B.C. for electricity purposes,
and of £i'i.'.0 to the Hammersmith H.C. for the pnrcha.se of a site
for electricity purposes.

Luton. — LiNKiN(;-ri'. — Thf Imrnni^di elfi-triral eni^iiieer
is to act as convener for the South Midlands area in regard to
arrangements for interconnection of electric supply undertakings.

Richmond (Surrey). — The B. of 0. has considei-ed the

proposal of the Richmond Electric Light and Power Co.. Ltd., to fix
4 id, as the new standard rate for the lighting supply. It wjts
decided to take no action in the matter.

South Africa. — 'I'he Rand -Mines Pdwer Snpiily Cn. li;is

made application to the Extraordinary Water Court of the Rand
Water Board, to be heard at Johannesburg on Monday. December
nth, for authority to store, and/or use, up to (150 million gallons
of water in the storage accommodation to be created by the barrage
about to lie built by the Rand Water Board,

Stockport.— Boxes. — The manual u-mivers at tlie ek'--
tricit.v works and in the trainwa,y department, whose wages do
not exceed 35s. per week, are to be granted a bonus of 2s. a week
for the period of the war.

Todmorden. — The alistract of accounts of the Coi--

poration's trading undertakings for the year ending March 31sl —
issued last week —shows that the departments have not, as a whole,
experienced a particularly good year ; the electrical undertaking
showed a deficit of £1.5S0. The department which has saved the
situation on the .year has been that of the motor-'buses. whose
surplus is £ 1 ,898, and the net profit on the undertakings, as a \\ hole,
inchtding gas. water and markets, is about £70,

West Bromwich. — Ash Plant. — The Eleetricity ('oni-

mittee has had under consideration the present method of dealing
with removal of ashes, and has decided in favour of a runwa.y
being erected in the boiler house, on which the body of a side-
tip wagon could be carried. This w^ould be filled with ashes
in the boiler house, placed on a truck outside, and carried on a
light railway to the ash mound, thus obviating any rehandling.
The estimated cost of the scheme, complete with second-hand tip-
wagons and light railway, is £25li. The Committee has fu'Mher
decided, ^iiliipi-t to the usual sanction, to purchase the materials,

Wimbledon. — Tlie Electricity tVimniittee has reconi-

niendi'd th.-it the B, of T, be asked if it considers there is a ^'cimff
fin-it case tor the promotion of the application for a prov. order
empowering the Council to supply electricity within the parish of
Cuddington.

The electrical engineer has been instructed to keep the Elec-
tricity Committee informed of any action taken in reg-ard to the
interconnection of electricity supply undertakings which might
affect Wimbledon.

Worksop. — The Special ("oniinittee appointed to ime-sti-
gate the staffing of the electricity works, reported that the staff
now engaged was the minimum number which could be employed
to carry on the works efllciently.

TRAMWAY and RAILWAY NOTES.

Aberdeen. — Electric Coal-tippin& Wagon. — At a

meeting of the Corporation Electricity Committee, the question of
purchasing an electric coal-tipping wagon was remitted to a Sub-
Committee. It was reported that during September 90.820 more
units had been generated, as compared with September last year.

Blackburn. — The T.C. has invited the Acci-ington T.C.

to discuss the rate per car-mile paid to Blackburn Corporation in
respect nf Blackburn cars running on the Accrington section, with

X,.. 2,h:«. xnvoiBER :^. i!.ir,.] THE ELECTKICAL KEVIEW.

491

tlip susrtrestion that the piesent rate should he increased l>y a
reasonable amount. The Accriuisrton Tramways Committee has
jfiveu instructions for tlie preparation of a report on the cost and
revenue concerned.

Croydon. — As it is nnt ])os.sii)lt' to iret new rails until

some time next year, it has been resolved, having' regard to the
condition of the ti'araway track in a jxirtion of the Selhurst Road.
to take up rails from the Whitehorse Road section and utilise them
in constructing a double line between Selhurst Xew Road and
Selhurst Railway Brido-e. The oiijrinal cost of the work when it
wa*; believed new i-ails could be obtained was £2.1.50.

East Ham. — Thu tramwiiy inteiTuuniiijr agreement witli

\Vest Ham teinj.' about to expire, it has been arranged that, peud-
iti;r the execution of a new a<rreement. the present throu^h-
lunninjr an-an^'ement shall be continued between the L.C.C. the
\\'est Ham Corix)ration. the East Ham Corporation, and the Leyton
U.D.C. Women conductoi's are to be enjraged at HUs. per week net.
Ye.\rs Working. — The analysis of the Cor{)oration's tramway
accounts by Mr. AV. C. Ullmann. the eufriDeer and manairer, for the
yrar ended March Hist, shows a total revenue of .i'tjl>,SS4, total
operatinij costs amountino- to it:.5S.48.5. and a gross profit of t IH.SIIH.
After meeting interest. £4,905, and sinking fund charges, i;(«,.i42.
there was a credit balance of £1.9.i2. a.s compai'ed with a deficit of
i:H,.">2i in the previous year-. The total car-miles run was l.lJiti.HM,
an increase of Sfl.l2il miles : the passengers carried numbered
211,127. :M1, an increase of 1..t1II,!I7(I.

Glasgow. — Fn reply to complaints by workers as to

inadeiiuate car ser^'ice. the general manager has informed the
, Tramways Committee that additional cars were being put into
service.

Hull. — The tramway manager (Jlr. McCoiibe) rei)nrte<l
that the receipts from April 1st to October 21st amounted to
i;91,ii4.i, an increase of sEI.fliS over the corresponding period of
last year, .\ motion that during the winter months the cars cease
running from Vincent Square, on week-days, at 10.45 p.m., and on
Sundays at \n:Mi p.m., was referred to the manager for report,

Newcastle-on-Tyne. — Ykar's AVorkixc;. — The report

ol Mr. E. Hatton, the general manager of the Corporation Tram-
ways for the year ended March Hist last, shows that TH.OOU.lKio
passengers were carried, being an increase of 7-' millions over
l!tl4-t."). The gross receipts were £321.4118. as compared with
£2!U.19.") ; working costs amounted to £ISS.12t<. as compared with ^
£l.")rj.l77. and the net surplus was £2H.St;o. which has been carried
to reserve and renewals fund, which now stands at £77.4114.

Since 1!IU7 to the present year the city rates have I)eeu relieved
by £74.164 directly, and £14.1iH4 indirectly, from the tramways.
The female staff in the trafhc department now- numbers H42. Up
to the date of the issue of the report 12 employes had lost their
lives in the war. and H7o had enlisted. During the year £13.144
had Ijeen provided for war allowances, an increase of £8,.")00 on the
prt'vions year.

South Africa. — The Pret<iria (T.) Mnnieipality ran a
trancar for coloured persons only, on all routes for two months.
The results showed that the takings had not amounted to one-fifth of
the operating cost or one-eighth of the total cost, and instead of
increasing they were decreasing. The rate of loss was £2.00i) per car
per annum. Under the circumstances the serrice has I)een
discontinued.

\ report from the general manager of tramways dealing with
the working of the new system of fares, states that the loss due to
the altered fares and stages is over £7.(iOo per annum.

Wolverhampton. — Electric Vkhicles. — For tlie pur-

jxisp of providing a moi-e efficient means of transit over the tram-
way system lor breakdown work, repairs, testing and supervision,
the manager has been authorised to purchase an electric lorry and
car at an estimated cost of £370 and £217 los. respectively.

trouble and delays in cabling to Russia. These instructions, which
may be useful to others, are : —

1. Make your messages absolutely cleai'. so that a perfect stranger
can make sense of them.

2. Do not use too many figures in comparison with the amount
of text. A cipher story can be told in figures.

3. Do not send anonymous telegrams. Sign your full name or the
name of your firm.

4. Do not be laconic. Short messages sound very mysterious to
the censor. Spend a little more money, and make the story
com])]ete.

5. Do not use highly-technical terms — i.e.. words not generally
known or which cannot be readily found in the dictionary.

Spain, — A wireless service lietween (iermanyand Spain
has been set up from the central station at Aranjuez to Koenig-
wusterhausen. The rate charged for messages is 025 peseta jier
word, the same as the ordinary telf graph rate. Messages will be
accepted for transmission at any of the Spanish wireless and
telegraph stations. Wireless communication has also been recently
estaldished between Budapest and Madrid.

Sweden. — It Ls repirtccl that some of the crew ol a
tierman submarine operating in the Bothnian Gulf landed on a
lighthouse, and. seizing the telephone, tried to find out the move-
ments of several vessels from Finnish jiorts. but without success.
The iJujeii-f .yi/liffrr comjilains that the Royal Decree of September
liist forbidding to foreign vessels the use of wireless apparatus
while in Swedish territorial waters is not l)eing strictly obeyed.
German merchantmen have lately reported the movements of passing
Finland traders to submarines, with the result that the ships were
immediately caught and sunk. — .Mir/iinti Pint.

TELEGRAPH and TELEPHONE NOTES.

Cape-to-Cairo Wire. — British East Africa is now directly

connected with South .Africa by wire through German East Africa,
'■'« General Xorthey- route. One link is the German line from
Kilossa to Irangi.

French Colonial Cables. — Tlie French Government has

laid before the Chamber a Bill to approve an agreement concluded
with the Compagnie des Cables Tek'graphiques with the object of
prolonging the convention of September 30th. 1880. in relation to
the Guyane ((Juiana) cable. The convention lapsed on August Hrd,
lUIii, but. under existing circumstances, it has been impossible to
consider the establishment of a wireless combination, and the con-
vention has consequently been extended to December Hist, 1924.
This date, according to the preamble to the Bill, is also that upon
wliich will expire the convention signed on June 7th. 1889. for the
West Indies, so that the three French Colonies of Guadaloupe.
Martinique and Guyane will simultaneously be released in
relation to the company which provides their telegraphic com-
munication.

Rules for Cabling. — An American Commercial Attache

has received from the Russian War Censor of Telegraphs a state-
ment containing iitstructions to Amerieatts who wish to avoid

CONTRACTS OPEN and CLOSED.

OPEN.

Australia. — iSvuxEV .January L'2nd, 11U7. Electrical

plant (converter, battery, booster, and switchboards) for the
Castlereagh Street suVj-statiou. for the Municipal Council. Specifi-
cation from E.L. Department. Town Hall.*

January 8th. Mimicipal Council Electric Lighting Department.
33.0(Mi-volt switchgear. E.L. Department. Town Hall. Specifica-
tion 10s. (id.'

Melboiune. — December 11th. City Council. Supply and erection
of coal transporter plant. See " Official Notices" Septemlwr 15th.

Perth. — November 8th. P.M.G. Accumulator parts (Schedule
527 W.A.).*

N'EW South AV,\les. — Time for sending in tenders for 5(i-t(in
electric overhead travelling crane for Yarra Street power-house.
Xewcastle. extended to .January Hrd.'

Bradford. — Xovemlier llth. Stores for the Tramways
Department. Tramway OIBces, 7. Hall Ings. Dejiosit £1 1-.
treturnable).

Durban. — January :ird. Corporation. One o.(hio-kw.

steam turbine, alternator, and condensing plant. Specification
No. S. 2H8 ; drawing No. P. 597. both at the office of the Borough
Electrical Engineer. Municipal Buildings. Deposit £2 26.

Grenada. — Gfivernment. Time for sending in tendeis

for electric supply at St, George's and suburbs is extended to
Decemlier Hist. Tenders to Colonial Secretary. Grenada. British
West Indies.

Johannesburg.— November ISth. .South African Rail-
ways Administration. 71.778 tungsten drawn -wire lamps, 19,741
solid-drawn tungsten lamps, and 2.412 carbon-filament lamps.*

November 20th. Corporation. 500 or 1 .000 trolley wheels for
tramcars (Contract No. 181).*

November 27th. Coiixiration. 1.000 sets of single-pole, ironclad
house-service cut-outs iContract No. 187).*

Novemlier 27th. Coiporation. 250 field coils for tiamcar motors
(Contract No. 192).*

December 20th. Corporation. Automatic pressure rtgulators for
the A.c. turbo-generatoi s at the power station.*

January Hid. Coiporation. lion axles and bushes.*

December !)th. C.jiporation. A.c. and D.c. electricity meters
and time-switches. Specification (,21s. deposit) from Mr. E. T.
Price. General Manager's Office. Electricity Supply and Tramways
Department. President Street. Johannesburg. W.

Manchester. — Xo\ember 8tli. Coiijoration Electrii-ity

Committee. Spec. (14 : Valves. i:c.. for Bloom Street station.
Spec, (ill : One hydraulic wagon tipper at Stuart Street station.
Specifications. Secretary. Electricity (Committee. Town Hall.

November 14th. Corporation Tramways. A steam disinfectur.
Specifications. Mr. J. M. McElroy. 55. Piccadilly. Manchester.

Newport. — November 6th. Corporation. Eotary con-
verters and switchgear. See " Official Notices" October 27th.

New Zealand. — Dcxedix. — .January 24th. 1917. Motor-
generator, accessories and spares. City Electrical Engineer, Market
Street Dunediu.*

Rotherham. — November lOth. Tramways Committee.

Six electric double-deck, top-covered cars. Sec " Official Noticcfj"
to-dav.

402

THE ELECTKICWL i{EVli:^V. x..

Nov i;Min;i: :i, I'.ili

Stalybridge. — i'mnnvavs aiul Elcctru-ity Bdanl. \\ atiT-

tube boilei-s. nuchanical stokers, anil cooling' towers. See "Official
Notices" to-ilav,

Stretford. — N'ovemU-r :*Ist. •Ci>r|M)ratioii Electricitv

Works. Twelve months' supply of be.<t Lanca.^hirc rouyh slack
coal, .\pproxiniate annual consumption, li.ooO tons. Tenders to
Chairman of Electricity Committee. Council Offices. Old Trafford.

Walsall. — Xovemlior 4tli. Corporation. Stores for thu
Tramways Department. Particulars from the Tramway Manajrer.
S|ifcilicatii>ns for the items maikeil ' can lu> seen at the Boiiril

■ il Tinl.' (■i.nini.T.I:.! li\i..lli.^',Micc Dii.iii t nicnt in T.iinil.ni.

CLOSED.
Glasgow. — Til*-' Traimvavs ('oniniittce has rLroimneiiileil

acceptance of otfers from the British We.sting'house Co. and the
Manchester .\rmature Repair Co. for motor armature coils. The
Thomson-Knox Co. have secured theTjonlract for bells and tele-
phones at the new tlovanhiil baths and wash-houses.

Ilford.— r.D.C. Cromptoii .\:- Ci>.. I,til., f(i7 lis..
U'-H.i'. motor and starting; i)aiiel.

London. — L.C.t'. Durinu; iIk' ilirw iiionili.< vwM
SeptenilH'r i^oth. the Fire Brifrade Committee accepted the offer
of the Chloride Electrical Storaire Co.. Ltd.. to supply a battery for
use in connection witli electrically-propelled fire appliances, at
£2.52 : also that of Woulnoufrh. Lantr, Ltd., for two motor-
irenerators, at f IS. and that of the Jackson Electric Stove Co.. Ltd.,
for 2ti radiators, at *.')S.

The Highways Committee purchased about 33,893 tons of
coal for use at the Greenwich generating' station, at a cost of
i.il.O.S?. during' the quarter ended September 30th.

The Committee has accepted the offer of the British Westing-
house E. i; M. Co.. Ltd.. for the alteration of existing low-tension
wiring, and the provision of a portion of the switchgear for the
third additional turbo-generator at the Greenwich generating
station, at *2.l>91 ; also the tender of the Morgan Crucible Co..
Ltd.. for the supply of carbon brushes (Class T items, Nos. 1 and 2)
during l!lll>-17.

Hammersmith. — Electricity Committee. 2.5-H.p. motor: Pooley
and .\ustin. C 123.

Newcastle-on-Tyne. — <'iiy Council! ' Hadfield's, Ltd.

Tramway junction at Northumberland Street. Blacket Street and
Pilgrim Street. £2,250.

Salford. — Corporation. Elt'ctririty l)c'i)artnifiit : —

.1. Wolstenholme & Son, Ltd.— Steam-exhaust and feed-water piping.
Tramways Committee : —
■ Halley's Industrial Motors, Ltd. — A Halley two-ton chassis, ±'558.

Briggs, .Jones & Gibson, Ltd. — Uniform clothing for inspectors, motormen,
and male conductoi-s for 12 months, £'2,104.

Shanghai. — Tlie Miniicipal Council of the International

Settlement has ordered Osram lamps for use for street lighting
throughout that .Settlement, and the agents of the General Electric
Co.. Ltd.. have ju.*t secured this year's contract from the Municipal
Council of the French Settlement also.

Walthamstow. — U.D.C. Venner Time Switches, Ltd.,

72 10-arap. switches at £4 each, and SO Ij-amp. switches at £2 4s.
each.

Wolverhampton. — Electricity Committee : —

Ferranti, Ltd.. and Rcyrolle & Co.— Extra-H.T. switchgear, ZilO and £170

respectively.
Herbert Morris, Ltd. — Crane rails, sole plates, &c., £136.
Reyrolle & Co.— 5.000-kw. generator switch-panel. £550.
Gitibons Bros., Ltd.— .\dditional steelwork for the roof of boiler house, £'J0.
W. Harrison, Ltd.— Coal and slack to September, 1917.
Tramways Committee : — ,

K. Allen'& Co. — Special steelwork for the track in Queen Square, £338.

FORTHCOMINQ EVENTS.

Royal Society of Arts.— Fridays, November 3rd and 10th. At 5.15 p.m.
.\t John Street. Adelphi. Chadwick Lectures on "Fatigue and its Effect
on IndustiT and Efficiency,'* by Pi-ofessor Stirling.

iDStitution of Uechanical Engineers.— Friday, November 3rd. At 6 p.m.
At the Institution of Civil Engineers, Great George Street, S.W. The
Thomas Hawkslev Lectme on " The Gas Engineer of the Last Century,"
by Mr. H. E. Jones.

Salford Technical and Engineering Association.— Saturday, November
Jth. At G.:Wp.ra. At the Royal Technical Institute. Short papei-s by
uif-mber? in competition for the gold medal offered by Mr. W. O. Larmuth.

Society of Engineers-— Monday, November 6th. At 5.30 p.m. At Caxton
H.iil. Westminster. S.W, Pax^er on " Heating and Ventilating Private
Dwellin-hou^fs," by Mr. C. T. A. Hanssen.

Institntion of Civil Engineers.— Tuesday. November 7th. At 5.30 p.m. At
(ireat George Street, Westminster, S.W. Address by the President, Sir
Maurice Fitzmaurice, C.M.G., and presentation of medals awarded by the
Council.

Bontgen Society.—Tuesday. November 7th.- At 8.15 p.m. At the Institution
ol Electrical Engineers, Victoria Embankment, W.C. Presidential address.

Institution of Automobile Engineers.— Wednesday, November 8th. At
8 p.m. At the Royal Society of Arts?, John Street, Adelphi, W.C. Paper
on " Electrical Car Equipment," by Mr. A. Ludlow Clayden.

Faraday Society.— Wednesday. November 8th. At 5.30 p.m. At the Institu-
tion of Electrical Engineers. Victoria Embankment, W.C. General dis-
cussion on " Refractory Materials."

Institution of Electrical Engineers.— Thursday, November 9th. At 8 p.m.
At Victoria Embankment, W.C. The Eighth Kelvin Lecture, "Some
Aspects of Lord Kelvin's Life and Work," by Dr. A. Russell.

'Yorkshire Local Section*.— Wednesday, November 8th. At 7 p.m.
At Hotel Mctropole, Leeds. Opening meeting.

NOTES.

By-product Steam Boiler.— We lunc nctivnl tiom Mr.

Oeor^re Wilkiiisiui. Ijoroiij;!! electrical entriiieor of Harrotrate, a
letter, the contents of which appear to be of .'inch >rcneral interest,
that we have olitaijied his permission to publish the essential
portions.

Mr. WilkinsDO. after explaining tliat the Hairojrale electricity
works are situated in a :U)U-acre farm, a portion of which is likely
to come into the buildiujr market after the war. govn on as
follows : -

■' The larjre chimney at the electricity works is an eye-sore to the
e.state. and if tliis is removed it is rea-sonable to assume that the
value of the land will appreciate an average lid. |>er sq. yd., which
represents over tSO.HOO. Under these circumstances, the Corpura-
ti<m some time asro reiinested me to devote attention to smokeless
combustion, and as a result of careful in vestiffation ami experiment.
I have been able to design a t)oiler with the foUowinjr charac-
teristics ;

" 1. The coal is distilled, tar and amniduiacul lii|uiir beinjr
exlnocted as by-products.

'2. The coke obtained from the coal while incandescent
srravitates into the furnace, and is there consumed without smoke.

" 3. The gas after being denuded of the by-products is also passed
into the furnace under considerable pressure with the necessary
air. and burns with a smokeless flame until it enters the retort
Hue, where it is transformed into radiant heat. This radiant
heat is absorbed partly by the retort and partly by the water in
the boiler.

" Thus very active steaming surfaces are produced not only in
the furnace but upon the whole flue surface. On an average I
expect to get from 20 to '2ri lb. evaporation per sij. ft. of heating
surface. The boiler is automatically fed with coal, which passes
through the various stages of distillation and combustion auto-,
miitically.

" It is expected the boiler will fiu-nish superheated steam by
reason of a special arrangement inserted in the boiler itself. The
boiler makers' opinion of the boiler is favourable, especially as
regards its simplicity and cheapness of construction.

'■ I have little doubt when the boiler is built and successfully
tested, the Corporation will be quite prepared to put in two boilers
in place of the large Lancashire boiler which we have recently
sold. I calculate tliat twice or three times the amount fit steam
produced by thcordinary shell-type boilers per sq. ft. of boilci ll.xir
will be furnished by my boiler. Due to the smokeless comhustidn,
no chimney stack will be required : induced draught fans will be
employed instead of a chimney stack.

" I am aware there are schemes spoken of for the distillation of
(Jbal in large power houses, but under the present methods the
capital outlay necessary to provide plant which is now in the
market is absolutely prohibitive, having regard to the commercial
aspect of the question.

■ Electrical and mechanical engineers, as a rule, know little of
the subject of the distillation of coal, while gas engineers, who are
skilled in the art, know little of boiler-house practice. Thus it
comes about that there is no plant at present available for coal
distillation and steam raising at a reasonable price or of convenient
and efficient design.

■■ Furthermore, the pnivailing idea that coal distillation and
steam production can be economically carried out successfully on a
very large scale only.,, will be dispelled when closer attention is
given to the problem, provided the power-station engineer is wise
enough to dispose of his crude products to firms who prepare the
various useful commodities therefrom for which there is a ready and
increasing demand.

" When this possibility is realised, there will be less fuss made
about * linking-up.' which is the fashionable subject of the hour,
and which is largely based upon the assumption that super-stations,
preferably estaljlished on the coalfields themselves, are alone able to
produce economical results, by-products of coal, and low costs of
production. "

Linking-up of Electrical Undertakings. — A meetiug of

I'epreseutatives of municipal and private electrical undertakings
of Yorkshire, in connection with the B. of T. interconnection
scheme, was held at the Leed.* Philosophical Hall on Wednesday
last week. Mr. Thos. Roles (Bradford) presiding ; 38 of the 40
Yorkshire unde'-takings were represented, and of the 40. 30 are
municiiiaUv managed. The County Committee appointed consisted
of M<>ssrs.E. Cross (Rotherham)."S. E. Fedden (Sheffield), C. Jf.
Heiford (Leeds). Jewell (Y'orkshire — West' Riding — Electric Tram-
ways. Wakefield). S. D. Jones' (B.'itley'): H. A. Xe.vill ' (Wakefield).
E. S. Uayner (Doncaster. also representing Barusley). T. Roles
(Bradford). H. Webber (Keighley). Geo. Wilkinson (.Harrogate).
W. B. Woodhouse (Yorks. Electric Power Co.), and Mr. ■\V. M.
Rogerson (Halifax) as hon. secretary. The Leeds and Bradford
Corporations favour the scheme ; the Shipley Council has signified
its inability to see any advantage to Shipley, but was represented
at the ineeting."

Inquiries. — Makers -of »W ebonite rcid ure asked for.

Copper Prices. — Messrs. F. Sniitli i Co. and Messr.-.
James A: Shakespeare report : — November l«t : \o change in prices
quoted last week.

I

xo. 2,032. NOVEMBER 3, 1916.] THE ELECTRICAL REYIEW.

493

Some Switching Problems.— Messrs. A. P. Liindbergand

Sons. Liverpool Road. Holloway. London, X.. send us the following
interestintr problems in electric-light switching. Any of our
readers who care to work out the answers, and post copies of them
to Messrs. Lundberg at any time during this month, will be
informed by them as to the success or failure of their efforts.

The answers may be worked out with the help of any book on
lighting or wiring that bears on the subject ; and over-sea readers
may send in their answers at any time.
Problems.

1. A single-way switch controls four lamps -1, 2. 3 and i. What
alteration would you make to enable either 1 and 3, or 2 and i, or
all the lamps, to he switched on .'

2. A pendant lamp hangs from a rose in the centre of the ceiling,
and is controlled by a switch in its holder. It is now desired to
dispense with the holder switch and operate the lamp from two
pendant two-way switches. In thus converting the control from
single-way to two-way. it will be necessary to alter the ceiling-rose.
No other "disturbance of the fixed wiring will be necessary, since
the two switches are to be connected by flex, allthewayto the
rose, the flex, passing through insulated screw-eyes. Sketch the
circuit. ;

3. Two three-light pendants are controlled by a '" Twinob "
switch. One arm of the switch turns on a lamp in each pendant.
The other arm lights the other two lamps in each pendant. .\11
the lamps are alight when both arms of the ''Twinob" are on.

('/) Sketch the connections in a simple diagram.

( l>) Show the same connections in the plan of a room.
I . A lamp .V is controlled by an ordinary or single- way switch,
.\ s, and another lamp B by a similar switch, B s. It is required to
replace A s and B s by two-way switches, so that A and B can be
t urned on and off together at either switch point. Make a diagram
showing how you would effect this alteration in the control with
the least possible alteration of the original wiring.

.'i. In the adjacent sketch of a hall and stairway, ss represent
switches and L L lamps. What different arrangements would be

l>ussil)le with these switches and lamps, and what would be their
relative advantages .'

i;. A contractor once wrote saying' that, though he had connected
the wires at an intermediate switch both crossed and uncrossed, he
was unable to get it to work properly. Explain carefully what
mistake was made.

7. When an ordinary two-pin plug connection is fixed low down
on a wall or on a skirting board, why is it better to place it with
the pins and sockets in a vertical line, instead of in a horizontal
line .'

.'i. A room with a door at each end is to be fitted with two-way
intermediate control from three points. A switch is to be fixed by
each door, and a pendant switch midway. Map out the wiring
between the switches on the assumption that it is preferred to have
the pendant switch two-way instead of intermediate.'

The Smithfield Fire. — Our reporter who attended the

sitting of the City of London Tribunal when the applications of the ■
Smithfield Markets Electric Supply Co., Ltd.. for exemption of a
number of members of the stall were heard, was apparently hard
of hearing, or else he confused his shorthand signs for "dozens"
and " thousands." In our last issue he'led us to credit Mr. S. M.
Powell, the manager and secretary of the company, with saying
that the electrical papers contained "thousands" of advertise-
ments for shift engineers. We. of course, were aware of central
station chiefs' difficulties when the military authorities have cast
envious eyes at the robust figures of their staffs, and we recog-
nised that large numbers of them were wanting experienced men
whom they could not secure, but thinking that "thousands" was a
little extravagant, unless you added all the journals for a year
together, we ventured parenthetically to express our unbelief. Of
course, we were quite prepared to hear that we were not the only
pebble on the beach, and that we had overlooked the small adver-
tisements appearing in our contemporaries — it is so easy to do so at
any time, and particularly in these days when one is busy. How-
ever, we learn now that neither was Mr. Powell's statement
extravagant, nor were we guilty of " overlooking. " for what Mr.
Powell really said was " dozens." and not " thousands ' at all. As
he, in writing to "us, says : — " The word used was dozens, a number
obviously as true as the larger one is absurd." Of course, dozens is
far nearer to the mark, and we regret that Mr. Powell should, in
days when deaf men are in demand for the Army, have been
misheard. Mr. Powell also asks us to correct the statement rnade
in our issue of October 20th respecting the fire at the station. We
stated that an explosion occurred, but we are now informed that
that wa* not so. Our information was based on the statements
appearing in the Meat Trades Journal, from which we quoted.

Excess Profits Duty. — The Londun Gazette for October
3l9t contains a number of Orders issued under the Finance (No. 2)
Act, 1915, Part III, Excess Profits Duty (See. -42 (1) ). One relates

to the application of the Tramways and Light Railways .Associa-
tion for an increase in the statutory percentage as respects the
trade or business of tramways and light railways in Great Britain
and Ireland where such tramways or light railways are running
wholly or in large part over public roads or streets. The Com-
missioners of Inland Revenue order an increase to 74 per cent, in
the case of companies or other bodies corporate, and 8J per cent, in
the case of any other trade or business. In respect of two appli-
cations made by the Melbourne Electric Supply Co., Ltd., and
another respecting electricity supply and tramways in Victoria, the
same figures — 7i per cent, and 8.i per cent.— are conceded ;_ and in
the case of electricity supply and electric traction in India (Mr.
Sydney Morse's application), the figures are increased to 7 per cent,
and 8 per cent, respectively.

As already notified in these columns, the electric supply com-
panies of the country are appealing to the Board of Referees on
the ground that, as a chuss, they are entitled to special consideration
on account of the lim'itations and restrictions under which they are
working, and the fact that in the early stages of the undertakings
it is impossible to earn an adequate return upon the capital ex-
penditure involved, it being necessary, in fact, at all times to
expend money in advance of adequate return. The petitions claim
an increase in the statutory pei'centage allowed under the Finance
Act. The interlocutory meeting was held recently before Sir
Charles Renshaw. chairman of the board, at which the course of
procediu'e and certain principles were settled. Mr. H. B. Renwick
is representing certain London electric supply companies and a
large number of provincial undertakings, and Mr. W. F. Fladgate
is representing other London undertakings ; together practically
the whole industry will be represented. The result will be awaited
with great interest by the industry, as a tnatter of important prin-
ciple is at stake, and one which cannot but affect the financial
position of supply undertakings in the future.

The Concordia Electric Wire Co., Ltd.— We karn from

the Concordia Electric Wire Co., Ltd.. that they have received an
anonymous communication with reference to their advertisement
in our issUe of last week, in which the writer suggests that the
" place is being kept warm for Germans after the war." The com-
pany stated in their advertisement that the concern was now
composed entirely of British shareholders, the enemy shares having
been acquii-ed from the Board of Trade. They now ask us to state
that, far from their being " kept warm for the Germans." they are
preparing for taking their place amongst other British companies
to fight the German competition when the war is over. A retm-n
is being filed at Somerset House which should convince anyone
who cares to make the usual search, that the shareholders are
entirely British. " The w^hole of the present directorate and
managing staff are absolutelv British born."

. A National Gas Council.— A National Gas Couneil, com-
prising the governing bodies of all the existing organisations in the
gas industry (including the British Commercial Gas Association),
has been established to deal, as they arise, with matters of import-
ance and urgency that concern all sections of the industry, and
call for united action on its behalf. — Tlie Tini€,<.

Our Commercial Intelligence.— The Dnili/ Telei/raph

states that Mr. Runcimau hopes to be able to make an announce-
ment shortly on the question of the improvement of our existing
machinery for the collection of commercial intelligence, and for
promoting British trade over-seas.

The Electrification of Wool.— An important discovery

has laeeu made by Dr. S. A. Shorter, who is conducting the research
into the problem of the electrification of wool and other textile
fibres, at Leeds University. It appears that the friction to which
the fibres are subjected is not. as was supposed, the only cause of
the electrification of wool ; electrification is also caused by drying,
followed by lowering of the temperature. This entirely new dis^
covery is one of the first results of the research instituted under
the auspices of the Textile Institute.

Appointments Vacant.— Engineer (Rs. 800), for the
Lahore Electric Supply Co. ; three assistant electrical engineers for
the Government of India ; temporary chief clerk (.4140). for the
Aberdare U.D.C. electricity and tramway department ; tramcar-
shed foreman for Rhondda Tramways Co. See om- advertisement
pages to-day.

Fatalities. — W- H. Connor, a wire-jointer's mate, aged

.53. was killed by falling through a trap-door on to a concrete floor
9 ft. below, while engaged on an electrical installation job in King-
Street. Warrington. Verdict, " Accidental death," with a rider
that a fence should be put around the trap-door. •

John Hall tl.'il, Parker Street, Brierley Hill, was killed on Jtonday.
last week, at Earl Dudley's Old Level Works. Brierley Hill. The
evidence at the inquest showed that the lad was playing with other
boys, after supper, when he caught hold of an electric lamp-post,
with the result that his clogs'became f.astened in the wires, one of
which he held by his hand. The current was immediately switched
off. and the Ixjy released. Artificial respii'ation was resorted to, but
without avail. The voltage was 100 volts A.C.-n'hereas, according to
the Home Office Regulations, a Voltage of 125 was safe. Yerdict,
" Accidental death."

■104

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW. [V.-l. 7V. No, 2.o:!2.Nnv,:Mi.,:,i ;;. HU,

Kinema Operators.— I'ln' incivasiii<r lemiciu-v it> i'm|il<iv

yuiithfnl )>ersoiis a< operators ainl mere ohildren as assistant
ni)erators in I.dmidii kiiiematotrraph theatres has been reported
upon by the Theatres and Music Halls Conimitteo nf the L.C.C.
The Committee says : — "In view of the extent to which the safety
of the jniblic attending: a kinematojjraph display depends on the
skill and presence of mind of the operator, we think that the
employment i^f youthful operators should he prohibited by the
terms of the Council's licence, notwithstanding the dilliculty now
Ijeiu'T experienced in obtniuinj;' suitable adult employes. The
employment of boys and srirls over (say) U years of "age for
i-e-windinjr films iuid for a.ssistin}r the operator, does not involve so
miieh risk, either to the audience or to the individual, provided
that the responsible chartre 0|>.>rator is always present in the
opi'ratinjr enclosure, and that the re-windiufr room adjoins the
nperatinjr enclosure : but such persons could not be entrusted with
certain of the electrical apparatus (such as motor ■reneratoi's on
hifrh-volta^'e circuits) without risk to themselves and to the installa-
tions." The Committee recommends :—" That all licences granted
by the Council in future under the Cinematograph Act. 19(19. be
subject to a condition as follows :- -That the operating enclosure
shall be in the charge of a competent operator, who shall be nut
le.»s than l.f vears of age. and shall be present in the enclosure
during the whole time that the machine is being operated. "

Institution and Lecture Notes. — University College

(University of London). On Friday last Prof. ,1. A. Fleming coni-
menc.'d a series of lectures on " Long-distance Telephony. " After
a brief (iroliminary explanation of the use of the operator .;' in such
expressions as cos H + / sin 8 = eJ", he discu.ssed the nature of
sound-waves, illustrating the production of a sinusoidal wave-form
with the aid of a simple harmonograph. The nature of the
vibrations of a telephone diaphragm was next discussed, and it was
shown that the natural frecju-ncy of its fundamental vibration
was in the neighbourhood of l.oOli per second ; as the frequency
of speech vibrations adopteil as a stamlard in telephony was 800. it
was obvious that the frequency of the diaphragm was incon-
veniently close to that of the vocal standard, as the natural period
of the diaphragm affected the wave form. The nature of the
waves produced in a telephonic circuit by the human voice was
demonstrated by means of oscillograms, which showed that in the
case of vowel sounis the vibi'ations were periotlic and continuous,
but the consonants produced "explosive" oscillations which were
strongly .affected by the natural period of the diaphragm. Hence
it would h^ a great advantage if the diaphragm frequency were
nearer S.oiio than .SOO. and in the human ear this condition was
fulfilled, the fundamental vibration frequency of the diaphragm of
the ear being about .5.00(1, so that the ear could dlstingniish very
fine differences in sounds.

.■\fter explaining the harmonic analysis of complex periodic
curves by Fourier's theorem. Prof. Fleming said that Lord Rayleigh
and Konig were of opinion that the ear was more sensitive to the
l>hase differences of the components of a sound-wave than to
differences of amplitude ; the lecturer, however, believed that the
amplitudes of the components were the more imjMrtant factors.
Rayleigh found that an amplitude of vibration in air of sirs'stRfth
mm. was just audible, and this was confirmed by Max Wien : the
latter also showed that the least audible motion of the diaphragm
hiid an amplitude of H'S x IQ-l" cm. — far smaller than the wave-
lengtli of light (.5 x I0~5 cm., green), and comparable with the
dimensions of a molecule.

After touching upon the- qualities of carbon which made it
particularly suitable for the construction of transmitters. Prof.
Fleming passed on to explain the effect of the line on the wave-
form of a telephonic ciu-rent. showing that, as the shortest waves
travelled fastest and attenuated most quickly, they tended to dis-
appear and leave only a sinusoidal wave. The four primary
qualities of the line which were in operation were the inductance,
capacity, resistance, and leakance. in .addition to which thei'e were
four secondarv qualities the vector impedance and admittance.
the propagation constant, and the line impedance. The lecturer
illustrated the mode of propagation of ain electromagnetic wave
along a line with diagrams, showing' that in the case of a wave
reflected at the end of an open line the mag'netic force w'as
reversed, whilst when reflection took place at a closed end the
electric force was reversed. He then dealt with the mathematical
expressions for the voltage and current in a line, which provided
the necessary means of calculating precisely what would take place
at the receiving end. obtaining the equations —

rf-v/rf.c- = (b +J/)-l) (s +./j>C) V = p'-v.
v = A c^^ + Bf~'*,
and similar etiuatious for I. in which four equations, he said, the
whole theory of telephony was embodied.

Institution of Electrical Engineers. The following arrange-
ments are announced for the London meetings of the Institution : —
November 9th. — The eighth Kelvin Lecture, " Some Aspects of
Lord Kelvin's Life and Work.' by Dr. A. Russell.

November 23rd. — "The Parallel Operation of Electric Power
Stations." by J. S. Peck.

December Itth'. — ■ Colonial Telegraphs and Telephones." by
R. W. Wightraan.

January 11th. — " Principles Involved in Computing the Deprecia-
tion of Plant."

Arrangements for the meetings of February 8th. March 8th, and
April 19th will be announced later.

Institution of Automobile Engineers. — At the meeting to be held
at the Royal Society of Arts, on \\'ednesday next, at 8 p.m., a paper
by Mr. .\. Ludlow Clayden. entitlefl " Electrical Car Equipment." will
be read. The chair will Ije taken bv the President. Mr. L. \.

Legros. Cards id' invitation to the meetiuj; may be obtained on
application to the Secretary. Institution of Atitomobile Engineers, ^
28. Victoria Street. 'Westminster, London, S.W. 7i'

Institution of Mechanical Engineers.- On October 20lh a papiM-
on trials of a Diesel engine, by the late Lieut. F. Trevor Wilkius,
was reail. The experiments were carried out at.the University of
Birmingham, and Prof. Burstall's energy diagram was used to
enable a heat-balance to be struck. A special form of diaphragm ^

optical indicator, in which the diai>hragm was maintained at a
constant temperature, wa-s employed. The thermal efficienc.y
obtained by the energy-diagram method ranged from 47'T per cent, ►

at half load to ti'.'i per cent, at full load ; the heat lost to the i.

jackets was 21 to 2."!'.'! per cent., and tlie heat lost to exliaust was 1

28'!! to :>2'2 Jier ctmt. »

OUR PERSONAL COLUMN.

'J'/ie Editors inrite electrical engineers, whether connected with the
technical or the commercial side of the profession and industrij,
also electric tramway and railway officials Jo hcc/i renders of the
Electrical Kkvikw jntsted as to their moirmcuts.

Central Station and Tramwav Officials.— The S|Miial
I'iiKiiuM- Coiuiiiittee of \Valthain.stinv IT.D.C. has decided in
iaMiur uf a miiuber of iniTriisi's nf salary and wages, includ-
ing the following: — Klirlii'ilN 1 ii partiiient ; (!. .1. Hoi,LVHH,
^40 per annum; A. E. 'I'imimin, I'l") per annum; T. F. Ia'MN,
£25 per annum; (i. \V. SnuuiMis. i'lO per annum; 'VN'. (1.
fi.'MvDNER, ±'10 per annum. Tramways Department : J. 'W.
BAhEii. .i'7 per annum; (1. F. TjI'c:()TT, £10 per annum.

The Todniorden Corporation has granted an advance of ^'25
in the salary of the electrical engineer, Mr. .Joseph Boyce.

The Ilforti tramways manager's salary is to be increased
from £4(50 to £480 a' year.

Eight candidates were selected from among the 106 appli-
cants for the position of electrical engineer to the \Vigan Cor-
poration. The final selection is to bo uuide this week.

The Hammersmith B.C. Electrii'ity Committee recommends
that Mr. .1. Huhsbcugh be lu-omoted to be engineer-in-charge,
in place of Mr. Buchanan, at £175 per annum, ri.sing by two
annual increments to £'200, plus the bonus; that the salary
of Mr. F. G. MrxTZHH be increased to £175 per annum,
rising to £'200 by two annual increments; and that Mr. F. Tj.
FllCH be appointed temporary cnginori-in-cliaige at a .salary
of £3 5s. per week.

General. — Mr. .T. H. Wlbn. who has been with the Lanca-
shire Dynamo it Motor Co.. I/td.. Trafford Park, Manchester,
since it .started, severed his connection with the comiiany
on October 31st, 1910, and on the following day joined the
electrical department of Messrs. Vickers, Ltd. His address
is now; c/o Messrs. Vickers, Ltd., Electrical Department,
Vickers House, Broadw'ay, Westminster, S.W.

London Gazette Notice. — Territorial Force. Royal Engi-
neers, l/mdon Electrical Engineers. Sergeant F. GoBLE to
be Secoml-I .iiiit.'iiMnt (on )irohation).. Sergeant R. Francies
to be Second I .iriitiiiMnt dm jirobation). Acting Lance-Cor-
poral C. S. SiLV.A tu be Second-Lieutenant (on probation).

London Gazette Notice, October 13th, 1916.— Army Ord-
nance Department. Temporary Inspector of Ordnance
Machinery, third class, and Hon. Lieutenant C. F. D. Sug-
G.ATE to be Temporary Inspector of Ordnance Machinery,
second class, and Hon. Captain while holding a special
appointment, dated from May 27th, 1916.

.Vlderman .1. Miles, J. P., Chairman of Bolton Corporation
Tramways Committee, has been appointed vice-president of
the Municipal Tramways Association.

Mr. E. A. L.AMBERT, of Walton-on-Nazc. electrical engineer
to the Coast Development Corporation, who is a member of
the U.D.C., has been gazetted Second-Lieutenant in the In-
land Water Transport Section of the Royal Engineers.

Mr. .Alfred Ho.uiE, of Messrs. Hoare & Co.. bankers, has
been elected on the board of the Notting Hill Electric Ijight-
ing Co.. in the place of the late Sir Richard B. Martin. Bart.

Mr. M. Short, of the Newcastle-on-Tyne Electric Supply
Co., Ltd., has been re-elected president of the North-East
Coa.st .Association of Chartered Secretaries.

The Council of the Institution of Electrical Engineers have
elected Prof. George Carey Foster, LL.D.. D.Sc, F.R.8..
past president, to be an Honorary Member of the Institution.

Roll of Honour. — The General Purposes Committee of the
li.C.C. reports the names of the undennentioned employes^
of the Council's tramways department who have lost their
lives on war service : —

Priv.ite C. H. Barnes, East Surrey Regt. (rotary assistant); Corporal G.
Bull. E.-ist Surrey Regt. (conductor); Lance-Corpora) H. A. Cole. Dorsetshire
Regl. (filter); Private E. J. Davies. Royal Welsh Fusiliers (conductor); Cor-
poral G. Dormon. Hatfipshire Regiment (conductor); Gunner W. C. Howard,
■ R.F.A. (motorm.-in); Driver M. Humphrev, R.F.A. (conductor); Gunner E. C.
Laver, R.F.A. (conductor); Private F. Pearce, Roval Welsh Fusiliers (motor-
man)- Sergeant F. C. Pocock, Worcestershire Regiment (motorman); Rifleman
W. C. Walter, Rifle Brigade; Private S. V. .Scott, Royal Welsh Regiment
(conductor); Sergeant J. E. Si.nons. East Surrey Regiment (conductor); Cor- .
poral C. A. W. Walpole, R.F.A. (point adjuster).

The T/nics " Deaths " Column contains the following
notice :—" Whitley.— On May .31st, of illness contracted
abroad. Philip Harold Whitley. Private, E. Surrey, late of.,
the Stafl of Electricians, G.P.O."

Vol.7!., xo. 2.032. xovEMBEu :). i;u.;.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

■i'JS

Riflemau Berth.aii O.-iKLEY, London Eegiment, killed in
action, aged 28, was engaged with Messrs. Siemens, of
Charlton.

Rifleman H. E. Listek, Rifle Brigade, who was at Rugby
with the British Thomson-Houston Co., Ltd., has been '
a\\arded the Military Medal for gallant conduct in con-
tinuously carrying messages under heavy fire on September
4th and 5th last.

Second-Lieutenant Arthur Scr.\gg, attached to the Rifle
Brigade, who was before the war an electrical engineer at
Rugby, is in the Bristol Royal Infirmary wounded.

Private Hr.NT!Y Coulter, West Yorkshire Regiment, who
has died from injuries received when a trench fell upon him.
was engaged in the Hudderstield Corporation tramways jiffice.

Private Hakrv Gladwin, who was in the electric wire de-
partment at Messrs. Patchett's Sedburgh Mills, Plalifax, has
been killed in action, aged 19.

Private Thom.as Goodm.\x, of the Manchester Regiment,
killed in action, was on the staff of Messrs. Siemens, of
Stallord.

Private A. S. Dobbs, of Liverpool, who has been killed at
the age of 22, was in bu.siness as an electrical engineer.

Sapper G. Cook, who has been wounded, was employed at
the Bath electric light station.

Private W. J.icksox. Loyal North Lanes., who has been
killed, was employed at the works of Dick. Kerr & Co., Ltd.

Private Harry Liohtfoot, who was employed in the Leeds
Corporation electricity department, has been killed in action.

The death, in action, of A. D. J. Greqson, Gordon High-
landers, at the age of 19, is reported. He was employed by
the Automatic Telephone Co., Ltd., at Liverpool.

Second-Lieutenant A. P. E. Prescott, Machine Gun Corps,
who has been killed in action, was employed in the Liverpool
Corporation electrical department.

Private Eric Pearce, of the King's (Liverpool) Regiment,
lias been severely wounded. He was employed by Me.ssrs.
Bottoinley A Prampton, electrical engineers, of Blackpool.

Private A. S. FnssEY, of the King's Own Scottish Bor-
derers, who has fallen in action, was with the British L. M.
Ericsson Telephone Co., of Beeston.

Sergeant H. \V. Atkinson, Duke of Wellington's West
Riding Regiment; who has fallen in action, enlisted whilst at
Halifax with the Ignited Electric Car Co., for whom he had
travelled for nine years. He was 43 years of age, was gassed
in Flanders in May, 191.5, and on recovering .served at the
Dardanelles, later returning to Prance.

News lias been received that Rifleman W. E. Mitchenall.
London Regiment, formerlv on the general office stafi' of the
India-Rubber, Gutta-Percha & Telegraph Works Co., Ltd.,
Silvertown, was killed in France on September ISth. A good
number of " Silvertown " men are serving in the various
theatres of war, and many old employes have fallen in action.

Sapper Georoe Howi.ett, who was electrician at Kelloe
Colliery, has died from wounds received in action.

Obituary. — Mii. Charle.s Harrison. — By the death of Mr.
Charles A. Harrison, at Hexham-on-Tyne, on October '2Sth, a
well-known North Country engineer, has been removed. Mr.
Harrison was a native of India, being born in Madras in •184f<.
His uncle, the late Mr. T. E. Harri.son. was chief engineer
to the North-Eastern Railway Co., and was associated in the
work with Robert Stephenson, and upon leaving college Mr.
C. A. Harrison entered his uncle's office to be trained as a
civil engineer. He later became intimately connected with'
the N.E.R. Co., and was resident-engineer at the Hartlepools
for about ten years, during a pei-iod when important develop-
ments were made. Upon the death of Mr. T. E. Harrison,
'in 1888, the company's directors decided to divide the system
into two divisions, and Mr. C. A. Harri.son was appointed
engineer of the northern divi.sion. Many very important
works were carried out under Mr. Harrison's guidance and
from his schemes, and these included the electrification of
the coast line. Mr. Harri.son had been living in retirement
about a year prior to his death, but maintained his connec-
tion with the N.E.R. Co.. as consulting engineer.

Sir .Icseph Beecham. — Sir .Toseph Beecham. who passed
away last week at the age of 68 years, was a director of the
Lancashire Ijigbt Railway Co., the Lancashire United Tram-
ways. I,td.. the South Lancashire Electric Traction A- Power
Co., Ltd., the South Lancashire Tramways Co.. and the West
Cumberland Electric Tramways Co.

Mr. a. H. Howard. — We i-egret to learn of the death,
which occurred at ('4. Victoria Street, S.W.. on Wednesdav,
of Mr. Albert Harris Howard, .\.M.I.C.E., M.I.E.E.. secre-
tary of the Cable Makers' .\ssociation. Mr. Howard was .54
years of age. He had been a sufferer for many years, and
liad been confined to bed for some time. .\ month previous
to his death he had relinquished his position as secretary of
the above -\ssociation. Mr. Howard was associated with Mr.
Henry Edmonds and the late Mr. Glover, of the firm of W.
T. Glover & Co., in the early cable-making days. After the
death of the late Mr. Glover and the conversion of his busi-
ness into a limited company, Mr. Howard became one of the
first directors. It was during this period that the Cable
Makers' .Association was foimded, and he became its fir.st
secretary. .After Mr. Howard left the board of W. T. Glover
and Co., Ltd.. and entered into practice as a consulting engi-
neer he remained secretary of the .Association, and for .some
years past he has devoted all his time and attention to its
growing work.

NEW COMPANIES REGISTERED.

RussO'British Chamber of Commerce in the United King-
dom, for the Promotion of Commerce Between the British
and Russian Empires (Incorporated). — This companv was

reyisl.-rcd on Oclobcr. 23rJ ..s an a>si,i i,.[ion Innin-il by guar.inn.i. not
formed for the purpose of profit, tlie word " limited " being omitted from the
title bv licence of the Board of Trade. For the purpose of registration, the
number o( members is declar.-d not to CNceed i.OOO, each being liable for £3
in Ihe event of winding up. The general objects are as indicated by the
title. .Among other means menlioned are Ihe collection and dissemination of
sralislirs, the promotion of the interests of Russian subj.-cts in the British
limpir.- and vice vcrsu. and arbitration in settling comnterc^.d disput,-s between
Hritish .ind Russian subjects. All questions of parly politics, general or local,
are rigidly I'xcludeil from the scope of the Chandjer. The annual subscription
for indiviuual m.-mbers is not less than two guineas. The subscribers to tlio
men.or.indum and arliiirs of association are : .Sir Algernon 1'. Firth. Bart..
Holme House. I-ightcliffe. Y'orks. ; I.. A. Martin, 20, Heme Hill, .S.E.. sugar
refiner; A. Hevking. Imperial Russian Consul in London; V. H. Barker,
Lowndes House, Lowndes Place. .S.W.. director of Vickers, Ltd.;\V. A.
Robinson. 36, Tooley Street. S.E., managing director of Anglo-Continental
Produce Co.. Ltd.; T. [)oilkhovel-ki. il, Ihe Waldrons, Crovdon (Petrograd
Telegraphic .Agencvl ; N. \. WenevitinofT, (11, Ridgmount Gardens, W.C.
In;anager. The Tn.iling Co.. ..uccessor to Alex, fioohkin. A. KoonelzofI & Co.,
33---. Kasicheap, E.G.;; L. P. Rastorguefl. 8(1, iMarchmont Street, W.C.
Russi.in b.irris.er; A. P. Poliakolf. 3(i,~ Park Drive. Oolder's Green, N.W.
(n'anagcr. Tea Trading Co., Kn. C. Popoll Bros., 21, iMincing Lane, E.C.);
V. \'. .Srhaposchnikolf. Broom Warren. Broom Road. Teddington, general
mcrch.int; S. l.ojrie. il8. Great Tower Street, L.C. (manager of Luralda. Ltd.);
W. S. Guild (Mather S: Piatt, Ltd., Oueen Anne's Chambers, S.W.); D.
Gl-ambashidze. (il, Mark Lane, E.C.. merchant. There are to be separate
British and Russian sections. The management is vested in an executive
council, to consist of il) the patrQn or patrons, the honorary prgsident. rhe
four honorary \ice-presiderils, the president, ihe vice-president, and the chair-
man and vice-chairman of the British and Russian sections, all ex ojfulo
members, anj (21 eight British and eight Russian elected, members. Until
(he first general meeting, the above subscribers are to form the council. The
hon. president is to be the Russian .-Vmbassador for the time being, and th.>
four hon. \ice-presidents are to be the Russian Consul-General in London,
the Russian Commercial .\ttach^ in London, and the president of the .Associa-
tion of Chambers of Commerce of the United Kingdom or their nominees ei
substitutes, and one other to be elected at the annual meeting. The pVesideni
and vice-president are to be elected bv the executive council, provided that
if the president is of British nationality the vice-president must be Russian,
and vice versa. There is also lo be a gen.ral council, to consist of the Rus-
sian Stale Consular Officers in the United Kingdomjnd such other honorary
or subscribing members as the Council shall elect. The members of .such
general council .are to have the ordinary privileges of members, but (;is a
council) no control over the Chamber. The solicitors are C. Urqiihart Fisher
and Co., Cecil House, Holborn Viaduct, E.C. -Secrelary : D. Ghambashidze.
The registered office is at Inlernational Buildings, Kingsway; W.C.

New London Electron Works, Ltd. (145,161). — This com-
pany was registered on Octobir 2eth. with a capital of £15.000 in £1 shares,
to take over. the business of the London Electron Works Co., Ltd.. to carry
oi the business of iron, steel, lead, brass, and metal masters, makers and
corverters, smelters, founders, metallurgists, electrical and electrochemical
engineers, &c., and to adopt a contract between A. Taylor, F.C..A., receiver
for the debenture-holders of the said old company, and Cieo. Cohen, Sons and
Co . being a tender bv the latter and acceptance bv the former. The sub-
scribers (with one share each) are : B. Cohen, 600, Commercial Road East,. F..,
nev and old iron merchant; J. B. Batchelor. 2. Pancras Lane. E.G., solicitor.
Private companv. The number of directors is to be six; Ihe first are B.
Cohen (Chairman). M. G. Cohen, L. Lew, J. B. Balchelor. H. \V. Robinson,
an I C. T. Batchelr/r. If either of the Iliree first named v.acate office. Oeorg.-
Cohen, Sons & Co. mav appoint :i successor. If eitlier of Ihe three last namrtl
vacate office, Balchelor S: Co., Llil., mav ajpoinl a successor. Remuneralion -
as fixed by the companv. Th,- cuslomari .l.claralion Id Ihr eflecl thai Ihe
company is "not formed for Ihe purpose or with Ihe inlenlion of acquiring all
or pari' of .anv business, the boolis and documents of which are liable t,>
inspection under Ihe Tr.ading with Ihe Enemy .\ct, h.as been filed. The
Men-orandum of .\ssociation contains various provisions for safeguarding the
British character of Ihe company. .Solicitors : Harris, Chelham & Cohen. 2.'i.
F'insbury Square, E.C.

British Miniature Electric Vehicles, Ltd. (145,135). — This

companv was registered on October 23rd, with a capital of £5,000 in £1
shares, "to carrv on the business in. Healed bv the title, and thai of engine, rs,
contractors, &c. and to adopt an agreement with W. Bleaklev and S. W.
Coplev. The subscribers (witli one sh.are each) are: C. \V. Coplev. 50, Corn-
hill, E.C, pastoralist; J. S. Jeffries. 50. Cornhill, E.C. cashier. Private com-
panv. S. W. Copley is permanent managing director, and may act with or
wi'fidut ordinary directors. Qualification of ordinary dire.ctors, £100; none
required for governing director. Remuner.-ilion of governing director as fixed
by the rompan> . If S. \V. Copley die while holding the office of governing
director, he m;iv appoint a successor by will, or, in default, his exors. ini\.
while holding one-uuarter of Ihe issued capital, appoint :i successor. S.)li.i-
lors: Lawrence Websler. Messer .l N'ichulls, 14, Old Jewry Chambers, E.C;

London Lorries, Ltd. (145,1.37). — This companv was

regisleriil on October 23rd, with a capilal of £5,000 in £1 shares, lo carrv
on the businej- of builders and repairers of steam or electric motors, loiri.s,
and cars. Jtc, ih,- subscribers (with 10 shares each) are: C. J. H. McRea.
N'ideen. Mill Hill. Middlesex, inerehant ; F. C. Bradshaw. 87, Si. Gabriel's
Road, Brondesburv. N.W.. merchant; R. Tozer, 1, Granville Road, Slr.iud
Green, \. m.-rchanl. Priv:,te companv. The number of dirisrtors is not In
be less Ihlin two or more than five; 'the first are C. J. H. McRea. F. C.
Bradshaw, and R. Tozer (all permanent). Qualification. £10. Remuneralion
.as fixed bv Ihe board. Registered office; Bush Lane House. Cannon Street,
E.C.

OFFICIAL RETURNS OF ELECTRICAL
COMPANIES.

Willans & Robinson, Ltd.— Morttsaf^e dated October 16th,

191tj. to secure floating balanc: nol exceeding £12.700. iharged on money*
due lo the companv under a contract with the Keighlev Corporation. Holders.
Lloyd's Baik. Ltd'.

CITY NOTES.

For the vear ended .Tune. IflG. the

Auckland Elec= total revenue was ^'280,876. The traffic

trie Tramways receipts were i"274,784. an increase of

Co., Ltd. ft'i.99n. After providing for all expenses

chargeable to revenue, including .£'21,056

for debenture and other interest, the rental and percentage

of profits payable to the Auckland City Council amounting to

406

THE ELECTIUCAL REVIEW. v.,i. :•.. n,

!

£5,0-15, and sottiii;^ aside i;.25,tX*t to the renewals aud depre-
ciation account, there is a surplus on the year's working of
Jt'54,570, plus i'l.ltoo brought forward, making ±'59,'2-26. After
paving the preference dividend, transferring to reserve
jfliMm) (making it £iy'2,5W)), and paying a total of Is. 7d.
per share on the ordinary shares, ;£4,0Ui is to be carried for-
ward. £lj,'M5 first mortgage debenture stock was bought and
cancelled, the average cost to the company being approxi-
mately Sl-M per cent. The capilal expenditure during the year
was ±'l(i.{s<l. chieHy for the now practically completed Upper
Queen Street extension. .\ poll taken regarding the running
(il cars continuously during Sunday evenings showed a large
majority in favour thereof, and the service has since been
maintained with .siitistactory results. The route miles open
have increased from •JA.ii to 'iCi. .">!); the passengers carried in-
creased from ■Jl,;375.i>S"( to 4-2,;!.ri,5:)l ; the average receipts per
passenger advanced from 1.55d. to f.Ot'id.; the average ex-
penditure was .i)9d., the proportion of expenditure to receipts
64 per cent., and the number of cars lOci, for both years.
The annual meeting was held in I^ondon on Tuesday.

The revenue for the year ended June,
Western JlUti. was .i'98'2,'24S, and the working ex-
Telegraph pens»'s were i;3t'>'2,295. After providing
Co., Ltd. i'.i'2.717 for debenture stock interest and
.i'l:W.3'.)7 for income-tax and excess profits
duty. ±'448,809 remains, plus ±'85,880 brought forward.
±100,000 has been applied towards further reduction of capi-
tal expenditure in excess of share capital and debenture stock
issued, .±'l(iO,(K)0 transferred to general reserve fund, ^30,000
to the land and buildings depreciation fund, and £100,000 to
the provision on account of investment fluctuations. A final
dividend of 3s. per share makes a total of G per cent, for the
year, and a l)onus of 2 per cent, (both free of tax) is to be
paid, leaving ±"38,34-5 to be carried forward. Shareholders
are to l)e asked to vote the directors' remuneration free of
income-tax. .\nnual meeting : November 8th.

For the year ended June, 1916, the
Cape Klecfric profit was £72,498, and after providing
Tramways, Ltd. for debenture interest, redemption of
debentures, and adding the balance
brought forward, the net credit balance is ±'31,404. The
re.serve fund has been credited with £5,000, a dividend of .Si
per cent, on the ordinary shares is to be paid, and ±7,983 is
to be carried forward. During the year the tramways carried
'22,477.306 passengers, earning ±212,792, as against 21,680,070
passengers, earning £206,123, in 1914-15. The traffic receipts
again show a small improvement, but this 'S H'O'c than set
oiV by the higher cost of operation. This i.' "uies increased
labour charges and the allowances granted to employes with
the Forces. The London expenses have also grown, owing
to the excess" profits duty and increased income-tax charges.
Mr. J. iV. Barkley, the general manager at Cape Town, re-
.signed his post in November la.st owing to ill-health. Mr.
W. F. liOng, formerly the municipal electrical engineer at
Cape Town, entered upon his duties with the company in
February la.st. Shortly after Mr. Long's apixiintment, labour
trouble broke out, which culminated in April in a most un-
justifiable strike on the part of a considerable number of
motor-men and conductors. This la.sted about four weeks,
and during the whole of the time, with but few exceptions,
the system was kept running full time. Eventually many
of the employes Vvbo had joined the movement returned to
work on the terms laid down by the company, and the strike
collapsed. 'There is every reason to hope that the company's
relations with its employes are now established on a satisfac-
tory basis, a result which speaks most highly for the energetic
action and tact displayed by Mr. Long and the local direc-
torate in dealing with the situation. Annual meeting : Nov-
ember 15th.

Tire directors regret delay in the pre-

Nairobi Electric sentation of the accounts for the year

Power & Lij^htin.^ 1915 due to war conditions at Nairobi.

Co., Ltd. Tlie table shows the progress of the

undertaking : —

1913, 1914. 1915.

TTnits generated 723,8-52 1,020,0.38 1,122,744

Motors connected, b.h.p. ... 373 422 431

Lights connected (8-c.P.) ... 15,745 24,808 32,176
\n auxiliary steam plant was erected at Nairobi and became
available for .'lervice in May, 1915, since when a second steam
plant has also been installed and is now- available. These have
been paid for partly by the issue of further shares and partly
out of revenue. Owing to the late arrival of the steam plant,
delayed by war conditions, causing a temporary shortage of
supply during the months of January, February, and March,
when there was an unprecedented season of drought, an
allowance amounting to ±969 was made to consumers.
It was necessary to send out the consulting engineer
to Nairobi to advise what steps should be taken to
meet the difficulties- of the sitnofion arising out of
till- enforced postponement of the Thika River installation
on account of the war and its effects. This involved a lengthy
stay at Nairobi, and expenses connected with this visit, amount-
ing to £.'^.50. appear as an unusual item in the revenue
account. Stamp duties on the increa.sed capital of the com-
pany amounting to ±.55 are also written off. The net revenue
account presents for the first time an item of excess profits
duty amounting to ±885. As the directors were aware of the
unavoidable delay in the dispatch of the yearly accounts from

Nairobi, they (as siX)n as the appiuxmiate nsults were known
to them) declared an interim final dividend making altogether
10 per cent, paid for the >ear on both pn lerencc and ordinary
shares, less income-tax.

Mr. Claod T. C.AYi.Lv (chairman) pre-
Dick, Kerr & sided, on October 26th, at the Cannon
Co., Ltd. Street Hotel, E.G., over the annual meet-

ing of this company. He said that the
year had been a strenuous one for everyone connected with
the management of the company. .M th'' la.st meeting he indi-
cated, as far as ho thought advisable, the nature of the work
which they were then employed on and expected to be engaged
in during tliu year, but, as the figures of the balance .sheet
showijd, the w'ork actually undertaken by them had been of
greater magnitude than the directors then anticipated. Again
he was not permitted to give details, but both the manufac-
turing department and the contracts department were deal-
ing with a larger turnover than ever before, and it was, in his
opinion, greatly to the credit of the stall that this should
be the case in view of the extent to which it was depleted
by many members having joined His Majesty's Forces.
Capital expenditure at the works, including goodwill and
patents, had been reduced. To those who knew the works
this would apjx'ar misleading, in view of the material exten-
sions which were in evidence. The explanatiiin, however,
was found lower down in the balance sheet in the item
" contracts due for works, stock of materials. Sec." It was
considered, for the purpose of comparison, better to keep
separate as far as possible the expenditure in connectimi with
abnormal works, and this had been done by dealing with them
as separate and independent contracts. Of course, they would
understand that when they returned to normal times there
wfiiM of necessity be an adjustment between this item and
thai 111 "capital expenditure at works." Therj was no u.se
attempting to make this adjustment at the present time as,
under the Munitions Act, the Government would have a very
considerable .say as to how it should be carried out. The
reduction in "capital expenditure, &c., at works" of over
±18,01)0 represented therefore, roughly speaking, the amount
written off this item for normal depreciation. It would be
noticed that the auditors in their report stated that " No
provision has been made for the shrinkage of assets due to
the present exceptional circumstances, imt the usual charges
for depreciation have been made." This was, of course, cor-
rect as far as the balance sheet was concerned, but he would
draw their attention to certain words in the profit and loss
account, namely, " After setting aside reserve for extra depre-
ciation." Everyone w'ho had any experience of manufactur-
ing knew that depreciation of machinery increased with the
time it was at work, but not in direct proportion. The more
continuously machinery was operated the less time there was
to carry out nonual repairs; consequently, the life was
shortened out of all proportion to the actual amount o'f time
worked, and the directors considered it necessary to provide
amply against this exceptional wear and tear. The profit
earned for the year, added to ±18,346 brought forward, gave
them ±79,296 available for appropriation. Out of this sum
it was proposed to add ±25,000 to the special reserve for con-
tingencies, w'hich would bring the total of this reserve up to
£5(},000. As he indicated last year would be the case, the
work on which they were now engaged was abnormal in
great part, and a transition period was bound to come during
which all their energies would have to be directed to re-
establishing normal conditions. It was a matter of sound
policy, therefore, to build up a reserve to help them over this
transitional period, and this they were doing by means of
the reserve he had just mentioned. With regard to the ques-
tion of war taxation, it w'as impossible to say much about
this matter at present, except that a sum had been reserved
in the accounts which the directors considered sufficient to
meet any claims which might be made against them. Advan-
tage was taken during the year of an opportunity to acquire
a controlling interest in the shares of Messrs. Willans_ and
Robinson. Many of them knew the large amount of business
which they had done together, and the pleasant relationship
which had always existed, and while it w-as not propo.sed to
make any alteration in the present directorate and manage-
ment of Messrs. Willans & Robinson, it would be realised
that there was now no obstacle in the way of cementing that
relationship by a closer combination of working interests,
leading eventually to material benefits for both. It had been
a great satisfaction to them all on the board to see the mobile
manner in which the members of the staff threw themselves"
into the work of reorganisation to meet an entirely new class
of manufacture, and with no httle success under very adverse
circumstances. He attributed the success attained, both at
their own works and at the new factory mentioned in tlie
report, to the fact that they were able to provide the nucleus
from old emploves, and in this connection he wished to iii.-
clude not only the members of the staff, but foremen and
workmen alike. In these times, when so much was said
about slacking and loss of time, it was pleasant to be Jible
to state that the time lo.st by the workers at their Pre.ston
works from all causes, illness included, over a period of. 12
months now under review, was under 1.4 per cent. This in-
cluded men and women, forge and machine shops. As to -the
future, he was no more inclined to prophesy than he was
two vears ago. when thev met just after the outbreak of war,
but he was prepared to say now that with such a stall as
their's had proved itself to be, given reasonable protection ot

No. 2..«2. XOVF..MBER B. uMr,.i THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

497

a permanent nature against unfair competition from outside
the Empire, there was every reason to look to the future with
confidence.

Mr. R. H. Prestwich seconded the motion.

Mr. Lacey complimented the board and Mr. Walter Ruther-
ford, the managing director, on the improved state of atlaiis,
and .said he understood the chairman to refer to the control
eXercisiHl liy German tinancial houses all over the woi'ld \\hen
he spoki- oi' unfair coiupetition. He did not think at present
that they saw any evidence of this matter being dealt with.
There was a lot of talk about banking, but he thought they
had better leave their banking system alone, for it was the
best in the world. He suggested that it was the industrial
trust cduipanies who had done them the harm, and the.se
companies seemed to be controlled by the very people who
had trird to break down the Briti.sh Empire.

Replying tii questions, the Chairman said the organisation
of the coiiipany had been carried out and approved by the
hoard as proposed by the managing director. A management
.onmiittee of sis was appointed, and each of the.^e six gentle-
inrii presided over a different department, and was respon-
sihlc to Mr. Rutheiford, whilst Mr. Rutherford was resjion-
silile to the board.

The rojiort was adopted, and, on the motion of the Chair-
man, seconded by Mr. Dickinson, a hearty vote of thanks was
passed to the managing director and staff.

The report for the year 1915, as pubhshed
Barcelona Trac= in the Financinl. Times, states that the
tion, Li$<ht & company was organised for the purpose of
Power Co. developing hydro-electric power in Spain,
with the intention of serving the very
large market for light and power, and also developing the
electi-ic railway and tramway system in the city of Barcelona
and the surroiinding district. For the purpo.se of constructing
and operating the hydro-electric works in Spain a subsidiary
(oinpany, called the Ebro Irrigation & Power Co., I^td., was
f.imied, and all the capital stock and bonds of the Ebro Co.
are owned by the company. For the purpose of developing
the electric railway and tramways a Spanish company, en-
titled the Ferrocarriles de Cataluna, S.A., was also organised,
the entire capital stock of which is owned by the company.
Owing to developments unforeseen _at the time of the original
issue of the 5 per cent, first mortgage bonds of the company,
the management came to the conclusion that it was desirable
to secure control of the chief electric light and power com-
pany in the city of Barcelona, known as the Cia. Barcelone.sa
de Electiicidad, as well as of a number of other small light
and power companies in the neighbouring towns. .\rrang(^-
ments which provided for the additional money required were
made with a group of French and Belgian bankers, but owing
to the outbreak of the European war these ai'rangements
(•ould not be carried out, the result being that the tonstruc-
tion work under progress in Spain had to be suspended. At
the beginning of 1915 a bondholders' committee was consti-
tuted with the object of considering the situation, and the
recommendations of the committee for reorganising ^ the
finances of the company and completing the hydro-electric
works were ratified at a meeting of 5 per cent. 50-year first
mortgage bondholders in June last. The amount of the 5 per
cent. 50-year first mortgage l.ionds outstanding on December
Sl.st, 1915, was f 7,505,000, and the interest on this and on the
various securities to that date to be satisfied in 5 per cent.
10-year notes amounted to $3,445,663. The Ebro Co., in addi-
tion to operating its own hydro-electric business, operates and
controls the electric undertakings of the various subsidiary
companies which the company controls through share hold-
ings. The surplus earnings from the undertaking as a whole
for 1915, after providing for interest on the prior lien " A "
bonds, amounted to ^'2.50,669, as against a surplus of ;fi'266,750,
which it was estimated would have been realised if the works
had been restarted at the date contemplated. The board
consider the enterprises which the company controls in Spain
are developing in a sound and satisfactory manner, and if no
unforeseen difficulties arise during the present year the result
of the year's working should, notwithstanding the delay and
adverse conditions referred to above show a very satisfactory
increase over the results of the year 1915. The market for
power is a remarkable one and indicates an increasing demand,
and in order to meet the growth the distribution system has
been, and is being, considerably extended and strengthened,
and it is contemplated that a large part of the surplus earn-
ings for the next two years will be applied in carrying out
this work. The growth of the business will probably necessi-
tate the extension in the near future of the hydro-electric
development, and the board have this matter under con.sidera-
tion, so that when the necessity arises the work can be pro-
ceeded with without delay. The following summary of the
1914 and 1915 results from the operation of the ' combined
enterprise shows the progress made : —

1915. 1914.

Pesetas. Pesetas. Pesetas-.

Cross earnings ... 16,804,2-23.27 15,466,207.91 -H,338,015.36
Operating expenses 7,202,839.94 8,881,734.85 - 1,178,894.91
Net earnings ... 9,601,383.33 7,084,473.00 -f 2,516,910.27
The results from operation for the first seven months of 1916
show a considerable increase over the above figures, and are
as good :is was anticipated in making up the' financial pro-
gramme for the year, notwithstanding a general strike in the
textile industry during June and July, which adversely affected

the earnings for thpse months. The whole of the plant, both
steam and hydro-electric (with the exception of the turbines
at Tremp, which are being reconstructed), is in good working
condition.

The directors report that for the year
Drake and ended June, 1916, after payment of all

Uorham, Ltd. charges, including bonuses due to staff,
allowances to those who have joined the
National Forces, and making provision for contingencies,
there remains, a net profit of ^8,.5'27 (as against £3,817 for
1915), plus £1,623 brought forward, making £10,150 (as against
£5,748 last year). A dividend of 4 per cent, (as against 2^ per
cent.) requires £5,000; there is put to writing down good-
will £3,000 (as against £1,000), and £2,1.50 is to be carried
forward. ' The net profits, although below the pre-war aver-
age, were more than twice those given in the last balance
sheet, and there has been a considerable increase in turnover.
Contracts in connection with Naval and Military requirements
constitute a large portion of the company's operations. A
power station of about 4,500 h.p. erected by the company is
jiractically complete, and will .shortly be put to work. The
wholesale department has further expanded, and shows satis-
factory results. The output from the company's works has
largely increased, and exten.sions of this branch are under
consideration. The department dealing with electric vehicles
propelled by Edison batteries has made good progress. Up
to .the present 90 men have joined the National Forces, and
the difficulty of obtaining necessary labour is increasing. To
June 30th £1,733, including directors' fees, had been paid to
absentees. Heavy taxation is stated to make it increasingly
difficult to finance the extensions which should be made to
provide for trade after the war.

Annual meeting : November 9th.

The report for the twelve months ended
United Electric June 30th states that, -after adding the bal-
Trarawavs Co. ance forward, the net revenue shows a dis-

cf Caracas. posable balance of £14.328. out of w'hich

the directors recommend a dividend for the
year of 7- per cent., less tax, leaving £2,428 to be carried
forward. The profits of the local company were again ad-
versely affected by the war, but during the last months of
the year they exhibited a tendency to improve. The internal
conditions of Venezuela are satisfactory, and the directors
consider that the traffic receipts for the current year are more
likely to increase than decrease. The gro.ss receipts amounted
to Bsl.426,975, an increase of B.s296 as compared with 1914-15.
while the operating expenses were Bs757.806, an increase of
Bs24.792, leaving net receipts, at the exchange of 25.25, of
£20,.501. a decrease of £970. The local company, after pro-
viding for the mortcage interest, pa.yable to this company,
and setting aside Bs.50,000 to reserve and renewal funds, and
paying as dividend the whole of the balance of the profits for
the year, carry for^-^'ard the same amount as in the previous
twelve months — namely, Bs539,809. — Financial Times.

Prospectus. — FeUoivs ,Magneto Co., Ltd. — With the per
mission of the Treasury an issue of 50,000 8 per cent, cumu-
lative preferred shares in this company is being offered for
subscription. The company is to take over the business of
Fellows & Co., magneto manufacturers and repairers, Horse-
ferry Road, Westminster, and Willesden. The company has
Government orders in hand valued at £22,443, and the War
Office promises a running order of 400 magnetos per month
and spare parts, the value of the order being given at about
£84,000 per annum. The company is extending the works
and machinery to give a greatly increased output. The
capital is £75,000 m 50,000 preferred (8 per cent, carrying
also 20 per cent, of the net profits thereafter) and 5(),000
ordinary .shares of 10s. each.

Companies Struck Off the Register. — The following com-
panies have been struck off the register, and they are dis-
solved : —

Anglo-German Wireless Syndicate.

.\tkins Filter, Engineering & Water Softening Co.

Blanchard Lamp Foreign Patents Co.

nridlington Electrical Engineering Co,

Hclis Cell & .'\ccumuliitor Co.

Improved Railway Signals.

International Filaments.

Lighting & Heating Trust.

New Century Arc Light Co.

New Ignition Syndicate.

Paris .'Vccumulator Co.

Power Transmission Syndicate.

.Smoke Consumption (Cowper-Coles Patents).

United Electric Light & Power Supply Co.

Warner Engineering Co.

West India & Panama Telegraph Co., Ltd; — .V dividend
for the half-yeai' ended June 30th of Od. per share on the
ordinary shares (free of tax) is announced.

Russia. — The Westinglwiisc Co. made a profit of 1,041,488
roubles in 1915, and announces a dividend of 12J per cent.,
against 8 per cent, for 1914.

The Moscow Elektroperedaich {Electric 7'fiii(SH//s.s(M/i) Co.
made a loss of 71,623 roubles in 1915.

Tlie Ne.zhinsk Electric Co., Neziiiii, has been formed : capital
300,000 roubles.

The General Electric Co. made a profit of 2.2.38,370 roubles
in 1915, and pays 10 per cent, dividend, as for the preceding
year.

The Russian Electric Co., " Diinaiiio." made a profit of
1,368,316 roubles in 1915, and pays a 7 per cent, dividend,
against 4 per cent, for 1914.

V.)S

THE ELKCTRTCAIi REVIEW. [Voi. n.. Xo, 2.o:tL>, n..vkm.u:h

The I'ltroiirjti Eltctric Equipment Co. made a profit of
l.'262,:3AS roiihlos in 1915. and pays a dividend of 7.3 per cent.,
again.-t 10. 2 per cent, for 1914.

Lisbon Electric Trarawcys Co., Ltd.

ill he paid on the ordinary sbares.

-Xo intoriiTi dividend

West African Telef^raph Co., Ltd. — Interim dividend .nt
the rate of 4 per cent, per annum (Is. per share), free of tax.

Westinj^house Brake Co. — Int<rim dividend of o i>er
eeiil. (liK. por share). U'.s.s tax. on tlie ordinary shares.

STOCKS AND SHARES.

TrKsnw EvicMNi-,.
This week has seen a further diminution in the amount of
lightin}! permitted, and. in the circumstances, it is natural
enoufili to find the market for electricity supply .«hares lean-
ing' to the lower side. The .same applies to that for stocks
and shares in the jias companies; and if there is anythinu
surprising in the situation at all. it is that the fall should not
have been more noticeable. The earlier closing of the shops
is another factor whicli militates against the lighting con-
cerns; and notwithstanding the modification in the hour, from
seven o'clock to eight, the restriction is. of course, .something
of a bear point from the standpoint of the investor in illumi-
nation companies.

.Markets generally are recovering from the depre.s.sing tone
set by the news from Koumania la.st week. t)ur latest ally
seems to be making better progress, and this has set tree
more money for investujent. Next in the financial pro-
gramme, we shall probably have expectations of a new popu-
lar war loan of considerable magnitude, which will furnish
the text and the excuse for quietude throughout the Stock
Exchange. Bu.siness has certainly fallen on restricted lines
for the time being, and this notwithstanding the fact that
from October to March the Stock Exchange markets ought
to be sufficiently active to furnish members of the House
with" ample employment.

Tlie sentiment in the Home Railw.iy department remains
lumpish. The trouble of the matter is that nobody wants
to buy Home I^ailway stocks with the Liibnur outlook so un-
settled and obscure as it is at the present time. Were there
any prospect of Labour being sati.sfied with a definite rate of
wages during the war. we might .see attention teamed to the
Home Railway market; but with every settlement liable to
be upset within a month or two after its having been fixed,
investment money declines to have anything to do with the
.stocks.

Therefore Metropolitans and Districts are lower. South
\\ esterns have given way. and most of the preferred issues
are down. The thi-ee Central I^ondon assented stocks have
all reverted to the same level of 67J. Fre.sh falls have taken
place in the debenture stocks of the Di-strict Eailw'ay. Under-
ground Electrics maintain their prices well, w'ith the excep-
tion of the G per cent, income debenture stock, which has
fallen two or three points to 10'2. and the shilling shares, now
back to .IS. fid. The bonds, however, are steady at 89.

Brazil Tractions are amongst the few shares exhibiting
strength on the week, ^^'hy they should have fallen to .51
was something of a mystery, in the face of the declaration
of the u.sual quarterly dividend of 1 per cent. The recovery
to .5(5 seems to be a natural reaction. Some people point out.
however, that for purpo.ses of comparison, the fi per cent,
income debentures of the I'nderground Electrical Railways
.Tre more tempting that Brazil Traction common shares, see-
ing that the yield on the foniier is fij per cent, free of tax —
equivjilent to 9 per c^ent. less tax — while that on Biazil Trac-
tions is 71 per cent. In the ca.se of the latter, of cour.se. there
is the probability that with any sub.stantial recovery in the
Br.nzilian exchange. Tractions mieht rise 10 points or more.
while the Undergrounds remained stationary.

Brazilian investments, by the way, are generally better,
in consequence of the semi-oflTicial statement to the effect tli't
Brazil will be able to resume ea.sh payments on her funded
debts when the funding scheme expires next -Tuly — on which
point, perhaps, the cautious observed will do well to keep
an open mind.

Mexicans again exhibit a yielding tendency. Once more
there is little or no definite news from the country, and in
its absence nobody wants to buy. The Latin-Canadian group
as a whole is steady, and it is of interest to set out a .short
table showing to-day's prices as compared with those current
at the beginning of the month : —

Common Stock.
Canadian General Electric
Cons. Gas & Electric of Baltimore

Kaministiauia

Montreal IJght, Heat A- Power ...
Pennsylvania Water & Power ...
Shawinigan Water & Power

Price

Price

Oct,.'?1.

Oct. 2

T25

125

130

117

]-27fxd.

]31J

235 xd.

240

87

82

139

141J

or fall

Yield

week.

p.c.

_

£7 11 0

—

7 1 4

_

6 6 4

—

8 18 4

_

6 12 0

—

6 17 1

—

6 10 8

- i

6 18 B

6 4 5

6 10 B

—

6 11 4

-i

6 0 0

Most ol the business initiated in these shares comes from
New York. The rise in Pennsylvauias occurred this week, and
is based upon expectations of an increase in the dividend.

The telegraph market is harder, and except for Great
■Northerns, which have been offered down to 'M\, a fall of
.SOs., what movements have occurred are in the upward direc-.'J
tion. The Eastern group is steady, with Eastern Extensions
J better at Vii. Indo-Europeans gained 12s. Gd. United River
Plate 'Telephones recovered mo.st of the dividend deducted
last week. .Marconis have receded to 2J- on the falling away,
of business, which induced profit-taking and caused the price
to slacken. Reuters are good, the present price of SJ com-
paring with 7 at the beginning of the week. It is announced
that th'e directors have received a tentative offer for the wdiole
business (jf the company on terms which would entitle each
shareholder to receive a sum of not less than .£'10 per share
in cash. The circular advises proprietors not to pait with •
their shares at the present time. It is interesting to recall
thit earlier this year the price of Reut(Ms fell to 4 1/10.

Electric Constructions have risen to their par value of £\.
and Telegraph Constructions regained half their lo.ss of last
week. On the other hand. Babco<k Ot Wilcox are weaker
at H ex dividend, and British .Muminium ordinary eased off
to 2'7s. 9d. Except for these changes, the manufacturing hst
is unaltered, but it continues very firm. In the rubber share
market, a better tendency is noticeable, due partly to a rise
ill the price of the raw material to half-a-crown per lb., and
partly to the consideration that the excess profits duty may
not iiave so much effect upon dividends as it was at first
feared would In- the case. 'The iron and steel group is some-
what heavy, and there is not much doing in the shares of
the coppei- companies.

.Slf.VRE LIST OF ELECTRIC.VL f'OMP.

HOHK ElEOTBlCITT COMPANIEP.

Dividend Price

, • ^ Oct.:tl, Ris(

1914. 191f. 1916. thi!

Bromptnn Ordinary .... 10 10 66

Charing Cross Ordinary .. 5 6 3,v.

do. do. do. 4J Pret.. 44 4) 8,;.,

Chelsea B 4 3

City of London 9 8 13i

do. do. 6 per cent. Prel. 6 6 lej

County ot London .. .. 7 7 lOJ

do. n per cent. Pret. 6 6 lOJ

Kensington Ordinary .... 9 7 66

London Elprtric 4 8 1?

do. do. 6 per cent. Pref. 6 6 4^".,

Metropolitan 3* 3 21

do. 4i percent. Pret. 4J 4) 3J

St. .Tames' nnd PaU Mall . . 10 8 6J

South London 5 6 2}3

Sonth Metropolitan Pret. ..7 7 lA

Westminster Ordinary . . . . 9 7 61',,

TsLEaKAPHS AMD TeLBPHONES.

Anglo-Am. Tel. Pref 6 6 99

do. Def 30/- 8S/6 2?i

Chile Telephone 8 8 7

Cuba Sub. Ord 6 5 H

Eastern Extension 7 8 l.S '

Eastern Tel. Ord 7 8 141 J

Globe Tel. and T. Ord 6 7 12J

do. Pref. ..6 6 lof

Great Northern Tel 22 22 88>

Indo-European 18 13 Sl-^d

Marconi 10 10 2J

New York Tel. 4i . . . . 4i 4i 100

Oriental Telephone Ord. . . 10 10 2A

United R. Plate Tel 8 8 6|xd

West India and Pan 1 — 1

Western Telegraph .... 7 8 14*

Home Rails,

Central London, Ord. Assented 4 4 67J

Metropolitan li I 2aj

do. District .. .. Nil Nil 16

Underground Electric Ordinary Nil Nil 1|.^

do, do. "A" .. Nil Nil 5,G '

do, dc. Income 6 6 89

Foreign Trams, &c.

Adelaide Sup. 6 per cent. Pref. 6 6 4\;:

Anglo-Arg. Trams, First Pret. 5* 6i 3t

do. 2nd Pret. .. 6J 6J 2;

do. 5 Deb. ..6 B 70

Brazil Tractions 4 4 5i;

Bombay Electric Pret 6 6 lOJ

British Columbia Elec. Rly. Ptee. 6 6 72

do. do. Preferred — Nil 65

do. do. Deferred — Nil f4

do. do. Deb. 4i 4* 66J

Mexico Trams 6 per cent. Bonds — Nil 40

do. 6 per cent. Bonds — Nil PSl

Mexican Light Common .. Nil Nil 17

do. Pref Nil Nil 80

do. 1st Bonds .. Nil Nil 40

Mancfagturimo Companies.

Babcock & Wilcox .. .. 14 16 2sxd

British Aluminium Ord. .. 6 7 S7,9

British Insulated Ord 15 17J 12i

British Westinghouse Pret. . . 7S 7j 2j

Callenders 16 20 12Ud

do. 6 Pret 5 6 4J

Castner-Kellner 20 — s|

Edison & Swan, £3 paid . . Nil — 10/.

do. do. fully paid ..Nil — 15

do. do. 4 percent. Deb. B 6 62J

Electric Construction . . . . 6 7* I

Gen. Elec. Pref 6 6 10

do. Ord 10 lu Ui

Henley 20 25 1( i

do. 4i Pref 44 4* 4i

IndiaRubber 10 10 13

Telegraph Con 30 30 88)

* Dividends paid free of Inoometaz,

_

7 10

a

—

6 14

5

—

6 »

6

+ 4

•6 16

6

•6 13

1

•6 12

0

—

B 14

»

-u

e 10

n

■t i

6 1

H

- i

8 9

8

- k

- i

- i

B -1 4

6 1> 4

7 0 0
6 U 0

8 0 0
6 17 B

6 6 8
Nil
Nil

8 0 0

7 10 0
6 0 0

6 1; 0

7 13 in
6 6 0

•8 3 4
•8 4 7

Vol.7;.. No. 2,032, November 3, 1916.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW,

499

THE USE OF IONISED AIR IN
AGRICULTURE.'

By INGVAR JOKGENSEN.

(Concluded from page 454.)
The current density in the discharge as obtained with the
Lodge-Newman system described in the beginning of this
article was found to vary between 10~" and 10~" amperes
per sq. cm.

It will be readily understood that the ions moving down
towards earth will be influenced by two forces, a vertical
force caused by the potential gradient and a horizontal force
due to the wind ; the consequence is that part of the ions
are carried outside the area covered by the wires, and the
effect of the discharge is thus not limited to the ai'ea under
the wires ; this dispersion is, of course, very marked in the
Lodge-Newman system when the wires are 1§ to It! ft.
from the ground.

Details of the distribution of the discharge were given in
a papert by Prof. Priestley and the writer in 1914. As
regards the meteorological factors, it can be stated that any
metereological process which will decrease the mobility of
the ions, i.e., increase the number of molecules, will
decrease the current density of the discharge. Particularly
condensation processes have an important effect, as will be
seen from fig. 4, which records the potential gradient

-^

M

V

'v~.

1

A

j

lA

^^

V

/

TIME

Fig. 4.

-Showino Effect of Rain on Discharge.

■during the change from fine weather to rain. It will also
be seen that is possible to maintain an appreciable discharge
during rain.

The influence of meteorological factors can be sum-
marised then by saying that the current density of the
discharge decreases with increasing wind velocity and with
decreasing mobility of the ions.

It should also be observed that many atmospheric
impurities will move under the influence of the potential
irradient under the wires. This, in industrial districts, will
lead to the precipitation of many harmful substances on
plants. Also radio-active disintegration products possessing
a charge will, in many cases, be precipitated, and cause
considerable diiticulty and error in the measurements.

In regard to the disturbances caused by the abnormal con-
ditions of atmospheric electricity in industrial districts,
reference must be made to a paper by Mr. Steuart and the
writer. I

The difiiculties met with in attempting to confine the
discharge to the area under the wires necessitated the per-
formance of a number of experiments, in which the experi-
mental area was separated from the control by vertical
screens of wire netting connected to earth. The smallest

* The information contained in this article is derived from
experiments carried out by the writer in Copenhag-en (at the
Government Agricultural Experimental Station) and in this country
imder the Board of Ag-riculture, in conjunction, iirst. with Prof.
J. H. Priestley (University of Leeds), and, later, with Prof. V. H.
Blackman (Imperial College of Science and Technology).

t I. Jorgensen and J. H. Priestley : Jnurnal of Afjfiniltural
Sfience, Vol. VI, Part 3.

t D. W. Steuart and I. Jorgensen ; Notes on the Atmospheric
Electrical Potential Gradient, in the Industrial Districts Around
Leeds. Proc. Boy. Sue, Edhihurg/i, 1914.

mesh obtainable commercially is, however, ^ in., and even
this is rather expensive for large scale experiments.

It is necessary that the screen should extend to a height
several feet above the level of the discharge netting.

The amount of ionised air carried outside the experimental
area can thus be considerably reduced, but not to zero.
Even enclosing the area in a wire cage does not stop the
ionised air completely ; in one case an experiment was
carried out by Miss E. C. Dudgeon with a crop of potatoes
growing in such a cage 100 yds. from an electrified area ;
measm-cments showed, however, that, with the wind in the
proper direction, as many as 10^ ions per cb. metre were
found in the cage (the air under the discharge netting con-
tained about 10^).

The cage is shown in fig. .5. It must be emphasised
that such a cage also alters a good many other conditions,
particularly as regards light and humidity.

Fi'j- .">.— Showing Cage ok Wire Netting (i-iN. Mesh)

COVERING AN AREA OF -^TH OF AN ACRE.

The writer is indebted to Mr. William Low, of Bal-
makwan, Montrose, for opportunities of taking part in
some experiments with a large wire screen insulated from
earth. By charging this screen to a suitable potential of
the opposite sign to that of the discharge netting, it seems
possible to obtain an effective screen.

In the later experiments by Miss Dudgeon, at
Lincluden, Dumfries, the distance of the discharge netting
from the ground has been considerably reduced. In 1915,
the distance was 12 ft. ; in 1916, about 7 ft. ; and in the

P^G. r,. — Measurement of Potential Gradient.
Flame collector on ebonite rod connected to Exner electrometer.

latter csise, the amomit of ionised air carried outside the
area was very small. At the same time, a stronger <iischarge
is obtained, and the spreading of the discharge diminished.

The writer would like to draw attention to a simple and
con\-enient method for investigating the distribution of the
discharge, which will idso give c<im])arati\e measurenients
of the strength of the discharge. The apparatus is shown
in fig. 6, and consists of a flame collector on an ebonite

5( )!:)

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW, v,

y.\-2. No\ KMiiKu :!. i'.iii'..1

roiliiiul an aluiiiiiiinin leaf ek-elioinuttT (the so-calleil Exner
type).

The colleet<ir is nsetl in order to obtain thi juiteutial of
the air at tlie heiirht of the flame. (It is well known that
fianies bring al)out ionisaiion of the air, and any other sub-
stance— P.;/.. a radioactive substance — which will inipm-t
conductivity to the air can be used.) The candle is pressed
by a sprinsr apiinst the collai' of a metal tube, and thus
kept continually burning at the sjime level. This metal
tube is surrounded by a glass chinuiey, and a wire gauze
Ciige affonis protection against the wind. The metiil frame
of the collector assumes the potential of the air just
alM-ive the franie, and if connected to the electrometer

Fk;. 7.— Showing Arrangement for Alteration of

THE Height of the Discharge Network ox the Left.

A reel can slide up and down the iron rod attached to

the pole.

this jKiteiitial can be detenniiied. The deflection -of
the electrometer leaves is a measure of the potential, to
which the electrometer is charged, but the rate at which
the leaves are deflected can be used a-s a mejisure of
current (this is a method much employed in radioactivity
measurements).

If a current of / amperes charges the electrometer of
cap<u'ity r in f seconds to v volts, then the current may
be determined from the equation —

/ = ('/(O X 10") . rjl.

In practice it was generally arranged that the leaves
deflected until they touched the sides of the earth-connected
electrometer cage. They would then lose their charge, and
return to the zero position. The number of times the
electrometer thus discharged per minute would thus give a
rough measure of the strength of the discharge. This
method has been used by Miss Dudgeon with much success
in her e.xperiments.

In the foregoing I have indicated some of the technical
problems involved in the method, but the practical
engineer will, no doubt, ask whether the results
obtained are of sufficient economic importance to
justify the expenditure of money on technical research ?
and what, at present, is the balance between the cost
of electrical energy supplied and the increase in crop
production ?

The first question is extremely difficult to answer.
Agi-iculture is an old industry, but its methods have not
changed a great deal through the ages. Indeed, things
have altered proliably less in agriculture than, for instance,
in the V)uildin<r and shipwright's rnnles, in which the per-

manence throiiirh the aires of the- [fundamental principles
has been emphasised by Kipling." ^JJ^'^^t-'^Jl

Thus U]i to the present day the efforts of agriculture
have iieen limited to attem]its to control the factors which
operate through the soil. But it must not be forgotten
that jilant growth is dependent both on material and on
the radiant energy of the sun, and a large ])art of the
material is obtained from the air (carbon dioxide), t No
attempt has been made to increa.se either the gaseous com-
]iomid nor the radiant energy, although there can be no
dtuibt that in many cases a hwk of carbon dioxide or of
radiant energy limits the growth of crops. The methods
dealt with in the present article form an attempt to supjily
energy artificially, thus constituting a new dei)arture which
deserves attention, and so the possibilites and limitations nf
llie methcid should be fully investigated.

Certainly results obtained so far seem to indicate great
possibilities; but they must be accepted with a certain
anioinit of reserve, remembering that technique in agri-
cultural ex]ieriments is far from jierfect.

l''(ir accounts of earlier work, the reader is referred to
Lcinstrom's book, where many cases of remarkable results
are recorded. It may also be interesting to c(Uote some
of the figures given by Sir Oliver Lodge in the jiaper
ali'cadv referred to. Experiments with wheat were carried
out at Mr. Bomford's farm at Bevington, which showed
in l'.)0() increases of 39 per cent, and 29 percent. : in I'JOT.
an increase of 2!) per cent.; in 11)08, 24-:i per cent. ; in
r.iOl), 23 per cent.: in 1910, 22 per cent.; in 1911
(drought). 0 per cent. ; and in 1912. an increase of 20 ]ier
cent.

It is mainly due to the energy and euter]irisc of Miss
H. ('. Dudgeon, of Lincludeii llonse, Dumfries, that the ,
experiments are Ijeing continued in this country, and it has
become possible to start a scientific investigation of tlie
jtroblem with the support of the Board of .\griculture.J
The writer records with pleasure his indebtedness to Miss
Dudgeon for her collaboration in pioneer work in this
subject.

In the crop experiments with oats, carried out by
Miss Dudgeon in 1915, the following increases were
obtained I : —

Grain 3iJ percent.

Straw .58 per cent.

Still lietter results were obtained in 1910.

It will, of course, be understandable that if such results
are obtainalile under all circumstances, particularly if the
present high prices of cereals in thiscountry should continue.
it would pay to employ the method on a very large scale.
The actual current used at present is small : thus in
Miss Dudgeon's experiments this year 3 amperes at ho volts
were used in about 800 hours. If this current had been
;i\ailalile from a power station the actual expense would
have been negligible, compared with the increased value of
the crop.

However, the area employed by Miss Dudgeon in the
Lincluden experiments was only about one acre. The
power consumed in the primary of the induction coil
(about 150 watts) was badly utilised, as only 10 — 20 watts
were discharged from the overhead network.

Thus we are again reminded of the fact tliat the network
is a very essential part of the installation (as important as
the anteinia in a wireless station). Upon the construction
of the network depends the efficiency of the installation.
It will be i5een that with the same energy used in the
]irimary of the induction coil, a much larger area could be
provided with ionised air. The writer has not had an

* R. Kipling : "Rewards and Fairies," London, 1910, page 5.5.
For in.stance, Pharaoh the Great, addressing- the bricklayer
engaged on building flats near the Marble Arch, says : —
'■ Your glazing is new and your plumbing's strange.
But otherwise I perceive no change,
And in less than a month if you do as I bid,
I'd learn you to build me a Pyramid."
t For a general account of this subject, see the articles by
I.Jorgensen and W. Stiles on Carbon Assimilation in the ''New
Phytologist," 191.5-16.

I This is at present being carried out at the Imperial College of
Science and Technology under the general direction of Prof, V, H.
Blackman,

II For details see Journal of flie Boaiil of Agriculture, October, 1916.

Vol. 7!i. NO. 2.032. xovEMBER s. liu.;.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

501

oppiirMinitv (if takiiiif ineasurfinoiits in an installation
wliei-e the network eoveved more than 12,000 sq. metres ;
lint in all eases the diseharge has been proportional to the
area covered by the network, the current used in the
primary of the induction coil being approximately constant.
Presumably this was' not appreciated by Dr. Breslauer
(the German agent of the Agricultural Electric
Discharge Co.*), who measured the cun-ent passing into
a network covering 30,000 sq. metres and one covering
60,000 sq. metres. In the first case, a current of 0'3y
niilliampere was obtained (at 60,000 volts), and in the
secdud case, 0-51 railliampeve. It is difficult to see why
he should assume that the difference between these two
measurements (0'13 milliampcre) should be the true value
of tlie discharge current in the network covering the area
(if 3(t,000 sq. metres.

A disadvantage of the Lodge-Newman system is that
tlie Lodge valve will not stand a strong current ; for the
same reason it has not found very extensive application in
X-ray work.

It might, perhaps, interest readers of this journal to ha\-e
an estimate of the cost of an installation similar to the
Lodge-Newman ; the figures are, of course, only approxi-
mate, and ai'c not those of the Agricultural Electric Dis-
charge Co. : — One induction coil, £30 to £40 ; one mercury
break, £10 ; and five Lodge valves, £10.

The cost of the wires in the network is quite negligible ;
spei.-ial high-tension insulators are not required unless the
discharge is wanted dm"ing raiu and in damp air : it is
suHicient to use ebonite rods between the netting and the
]iole.

Thus neither the installation nor the cost of operation
should prevent its application on a lai'ge scale, if future
experiments confirm the experiences gained so far, and it will
be seen that in this case an entirely new field is opened
for electrical engineering.

THE INSTITUTION OF ELECTRICAL
ENGINEERS.

Western Local Section.

OiN' Monday, last week, Prof. D. Eobertson, as chairman,
delivered his inaugural address, of which the following is an
abstract : —

A century ago the inventive genius, of itself, had a fairly
free scope, but in the industrial world of the present day it
must be coupled with a much higher degree of scientific
knowledge and technical training, and have behind it much
greater material resources than formerly, if it is to make its
influence felt. In the early days of industry the problems to
be solved were mainly mechanical, speeds were low, the choice
of materials was comparatively small, and the duties put upon
them were moderate, while prices were high enough to per-
mit the use of sufficient material to give a good big factor
of safety. Only the simplest calculations had to be made,
and little scientific knowledge was necessary beyond that
acquired in the daily routine of the shops. Consequently,
many important advances were made by men having but the
slightest theoretical knowledge.

Nowadays, competition required the utmost to be got out
of each ounce of material; higher speeds may cause extra
material to be a source of w-eakness rather than of strength,
and introduce phenomena whose control requires the keenest
tools that theory can supply. The advent of electrical trans-
mission has brought into being an entirely new branch of
engineering, ever extending its bounds, involving enormously
more theoretical knowledge than the older branches, and
requiring, in addition, a clearer insight into abstract things.
On all hands, calculations mu.st be more exact, and side issues
of little importance in the old days have now to be closely
taken into account.

We have every reason to be proud of the advances made,
and being made, by our own countrymen in the domain of
science, but at the same time I do not think we put into this
work a sufficient number of men of the right sort, the right
training, and the right temiJerament. Further, I do not
believe we shall ever get them until we offer them prospects
comparable with those open to the other learned professions.
It is not sufficient to depend alone on the favoured few
whose circumstances enable them to pursue their own ideas
without having to worry about the cost or about their bread
and butter. To keep up the prosperity of our country we

* K. Breslauer : " Zeitschrift fiir Elektrochemie," 1910, p. 357.

must put the best brains from all classes to those tasks which,
are most likely to increase the common good.

Although legislation can help but little in raising science
to its rightful status, still it can do something. It might,
tor instance, encourage the study of science in our public
schools by insisting on a certain minimum of scientific know-
ledge in future generations of public officials. Another thing
which the Government could do is to make the value and
number of the scholarships open to the science boy some-
where about level with those given for classical studies.

By thus making the way to a large number of the lucrative
positions lie through a study of science, we should very
quickly find every school running a real scientific side, and
our universities would then be able to pass away from the
condition of having to make their scientific alumni pass their
first year in learning elementary work which they ought to
have had at school.

But we must mainly look to our own men of eminence to
bring about a better state of things by continually keeping
the needs of science before the proper influential quarters.
The war has focused attention on scientific work with an
entirely new force. Never again must public opinion be
allowed to forget how- much is owed to the often-time obscure
Worker in the research laboratory. In particular, our leading
men mu.st .see that their magnificent rally to the assistance of
a Government, whose " neglect of science " has been their
perpetual lament, .shall not be misconstrued by the politician
and official, and confimi their notion that scientific men are
merely theorists wlio.se ideas can usually be neglected, and
who are too setherial to require any encouragement or any
visible means of support, but whose as,sistance can alw-ays
be obtained, on tho.se rare occasions when it is useful, with-
out any reward and. indeed, almost without the trouble of
having to ask for it. In short, our best men must make the
Government appreciate the value of their .services, and the
only way to do that is to see that they are paid for.

The true research worker must possess an infinite patience,
a fertile imagination, a wide knowledge of the Iqws of nature,
and an unbounded faith in the possibihty of accomplishing
the task on which he is engaged. He must refuse to be
diverted from his goal by any reputed impossibility, and. if
necessai'y, he must be prepared to overthrow accepted ideas
when they stand in his way. The advances of the genius are-
made by accomplishing the impossibilities of his fellows. In
1900, Bremer improved the arc light by doing exactly what
everyone would have said w-as the w-rong thing ; before Mar-
coni's experiments, in 1901. it was perfectly easy to demon-
.strate that tran.s-Atlantic radio-telegraphy must for ever be
impossible: in 1910 Coolidge succeeded in drawing tungsten
into the finest wires that were ever made, in spite of the
knowledge among the experts that this metal was far too
brittle to be even formed into a rod; in 1913 Langmuir pro-
duced the gas-filled lamp, when we all knew perfectly w-ell
that the best possible vacuum was absolutely necessary for
an efficient lamp.

And so it will always be. He is not worthy of the name of
pioneer who regards even the laws of gravitation, and of the
conservation of energy, mass and momentum as dogmas
which may not be attacked and overthrown when they block
his way.

Research is best dealt with in bulk, so that workers in
different fields may come into daily intimate contact. A man
w-ith a new ideawOl develop it more rapidly and carry it
further if he discusses it over a pipe with a fellow spirit,
even though the latter can do no more than listen to the
exposition. If the subject borders on his ow-n in any w-ay,
the cross-fertilisation of the sciences produced by such a dis-
cussion may lead to enormous results. But the research-
worker must also come into clo.se touch with the industrial
side of his own subject. The man in the factory meets many
problems for w-hose .solution he possesses neither the time
nor the knowledge. The scientific man, however willing and
competent he may be. would never meet these problems by
hiniself. Keep these two men apart afid the problem remains
for ever unsolved, but bring their experiences together and
progress is sure to follow.

For the success of this co-operation, mutual respect and'
confidence are required betw-een the manufacturing and
scientific sides of industry. This co-operation has been greatly
developed with marvellous results in several directions in
Amei'ica, where its reaUsation has been facilitated by the
aggregation of capital into huge trusts. To some extent the
difficulty can be overcome by insisting that the research
workers should periodically spend some time in the factory.

Each industry has its own problems which are more or
less recognised by those engaged in it. I wish to direct your
attention to one rather big problem of the utmost importance-
for the future welfare of our own country. I refer to our
supply of energy. Past ages have placed vast stores to our
credit in the great coal bank, but as we are draw-ing our
cheques upon it with ever-increasing prodigality, and nothing
is now being paid into it, sooner or later we shall find our
cheques returned marked "no funds." It wn'U not likely
occur in our time, but, historically speaking, the exhaustion
of our coal supplies is not remote. It seems fairly certain-
to come w-ithin three centuries, and may even occur_ within-
one. If our country is not to decline into a very inferior
position by that time, we must, in the interval, either dis-
cover new sources upon which we can draw, or else we must
contrive to live within our income.

50-2

THE ELECTRICAL REVIE^V. [Voi. ti.. No. 2.032, novkmbku h. hh.

Our auuual consuuiptiou of coal is about '200 million tons
per annum. Since the energy of one ton of coal is almost
exactly 1 KW.-year. we are drawing on our energy capital at
the rate of about 200 million K\v.

We have, of course, other sources of energy of which we
are aware, and possibly many others still unknown. The
energy of disintegration of the atoms is enormous; when this
is brought under our control we shall have an ample supply
for a few ages more, and may even be able to ward off the
approach of the next ice age, which is due in some thousands
of years.

.•Another large store of energy, mainly derived from the
kinetic energy of rotation of the earth, is made available to
us through the tides. To raise the level of one square mile
of sea by one foot involves the expenditure of about 340
KW. -hours. Under ideal conditions of admitting all the water
at high tide, and releasing it again at low tide, this amount
of energy would be available eaih half-tide of, say, 6J hours.
The tidal power is thus equivalent to about 55 kw! per square
mile per (foot rise)=. Ideal conditions could not be reahsed,
and there would be losses in the turbines, and so we probably
err on the high side if we take 10 kw. per square mile per
(foot rise)" as the maximum we might expect to be able to
utilise. This would give 10,000 kw. per square mile with a
double tidal amplitude of 31.5 ft., and 500 kw. for one of 7 ft.
The Bristol Channel is by far the most favourable place
in this country for the large scale utilisation of the tides, and
I think the Firth of Clyde stands next because of the large
area which could be enclosed within a comparatively short
dam. We shall not be far out if we take the 10,000 kw. per
square mile as applicable to the fir.st, and the 500 KW. to the
second of these areas.

A dam across the Bristol Channel from Brean Down to
Lavemock Point, taking the Flat Holm on the way, would be
under eight miles long. It would enclose well over 100 square
miles of water, and would give, say, a million kw. One
built across below Ilfracombe would be nearly 30 miles long,
•n-ould enclose quite 10 times as much, and might be expected
to give us about 10 million kw.

The only possible place for a dam across the Firth of Clyde
is the shallow bar somewhere about the Girvan-Kintyre line.
It would be in somewhat deeper water than the' Bristol
Channel ones, would be just over 30 miles long, and would
enclose much about the same area as the lower Channel one.
But. owing to the much smaller tides, it would probably give
us no more than half a million kw.

We have other estuaries which could all be made to contri-
bute their quota, but when all are harnessed I think we shall
still be very far short of the equivalent of our present con-
sumption of coal. The tides will never do more than replace
a quite small part of our coal consumption.

The intensity of the sun's radiation as it falls on the
■earth's atmosphere is .somewhere about five million kw. per
•square mile of noi-mal surface, which would mean about three
million KW. per square mile of land at our latitudes at the
«C|Uinos noon. Averaging it out throughout the 24 hours
and throughout the year we mav call it one million kw. per
square mile here. Over one-half of this is absorbed by the
atmosphere, but what is left is ample for our needs, and we
must find a method of turning it to our own ends before our
coal supply is exhausted.

For the economical utilisation of the sun's energy on a
large scale it will be necessary to keep the size of the" power-
house within reasonable dimensions, and to provide for keep-
mg It running throughout the whole 24 hours. The direct
apphcation of the rays for driving a heat engine, which has
actually been done at Meadi, in Egvpt, would thus scarcely
meet our needs, even if our climate were suitable, which it
js not.

Storage of the energy in some inteiTnediate form is thus
necessary to enable us to concentrate it and to level up the
•discrepancies between the curves of supply and demand
ISature provides us with such storage in several forms. First
we have gravitational energy in the shape of water raised
irom the oceans up into the clouds, and this has the especial
merit that it makes some use of the areas covered by water
But the smallness of our island makes our share" of this
bountiful supply somewhat meagre. Other countries are more
tavoured in this respect than ours, and every development
ot the electrical transmission and utilisation of power in-
ciea.ses the advantages -which their industries consequently
possess over ours.

The winds give another means of temporarily storing the
energy received from the sun. partly in the kinetic form and
partly m the compression of the air. Here, again, difficulties
anse from the uncertainties of the winds, and from the enor-
mous size which a large-power windmill would have Still
research must not dismiss anything as impossible. The rapid
advances in the size of steam and water turbines and of
electric generators should teach us not to dismiss wind-power
as utterly hopeless.

The last form of storage which I .shall consider is chemical
energy, to which class, mdeed, our coal itself belongs. The
only way in which the solar energy is taken up chemically
in nature, so far as I am aware, is through the agency of
plant life. Failing other means, tve must grow nur fuel.
I therefore offer to our agnculturists the problem of produc-
mg a plant having a high calorific value, which shall utilise
as high a proportion as possible of the energv falling on the
areas devoted to its cultivation, and which shall be suitable

for use as fuel, cither directly or by distilling alcohol or other
spirit from it.

.\t the same time I ask our electrochemists to find a method
of taking up that energy electrically from the plant, or its
products, without tirst converting it into heat, so as to avoid
the large thermodynamic losses inherent in the heat engine.

Or, better still, I ask our chemists to devise some reaction
which will occur with the absorption of energy under the
action of sunlight, and which can be reversed, under control,
with the return of that energy in the electrical form. In
short, give us a storage battery which is charged by sub-
mitting the active materials to sunhght, and which is dis-
charged in the ordinary way.

As a last resource, in case these should fail, let our ultra-
physicists combine with the biologists and produce between
them a sufficient number of Maxwell's sorting demons to
emancipate us from the second law of thermodynamics.

DIESEL ENGINE U5ERS' ASSOCIATION.

The first of the autumn meetings of the Diesel Engine Users'
Association was held on October 20th. After the election as
members of the association of several engineers having the
control of Diesel engine plant, certain resolutions wore passed
providing for alterations and additions to the rules. From the
end of the current year an entrance fee of one guinea is to
be charged to all new members elected.

To meet the demand which has arisen in many quarters
for copies of the reports of proceedings and of the general
information and data circulated by the Association, provision
has been made for a class of " subscribers." Such " sub-
scribers," who must be duly accepted by the committee,
would consist of individuals or firms who are not qualified
for full membership, and w-ho would be entitled to receive
the particulars circulated on payment of a sum of one guinea
per annum. They would not be entitled to attend the meet-
ings of the Association (except by special invitation of the
committee), neither would they have any voice in the control
of the Association. " Subscribers " may at any time send
communications to the honorary secretary, and, if in the
opinion of the committee they are of sufficient general in-
terest, such communications may be read and discussed at
a meeting of the Association.

Air Cotnpressor Explosions and Troubles. — The committee
presented a report on the subject of explosions in air com-
pressors and on the various troubles experienced with air
compressors, having special reference to the accident which
occurred at the generating station of the Smithfield Markets
Electric Supply Co., Ltd., in February last. After discussion
on certain points this report was adopted by the As.sociation,
and it is in due course to be printed and circulated among
the members.

Tar Oils as Fuel for Diesel Engines. — Mr. Napier Prentice
gave further information in connection with the application
which had been made by the Suffolk Electricity Supply Co.,
Ltd., for the avoidance or suspension for the duration of the
war of the Konrad Aust patent in connection with the use
of tar oils as fuel in Diesel engines. He considered that on
national grounds such action should have been urged or sup-
ported by a Government department. Since the application
had been made, however, his experience in the use of tar oils
in Diesel engines without the fitting of any pilot ignition
apparatus had been so satisfactory that he did not think it
would be advisable that bis company .should incur any costs
in connection with the adoption of the method of working
covered by the patent. He was now effecting a saving of
about 50 per cent, in fuel costs by the partial use of tar oil.

Mr. Geoffrey Porter (president) gave particulars concern-
ing a pilot ignition apparatus which had been fitted to a
Diesel engine at W'orthing. The saving in fuel costs obtained
by using tar oil in this manner with about 10 per cent, of
crude oil for the ignition charge amounted, up to date, to
about 47 per cent. The only trouble experienced had been
in connection with the formation of a deposit which choked
the pulverisers. No trouble had been experienced with the
exhaust valves or with the needle valves. He also stated
that he had tried on another engine a mixture of three parts
of tar oil to one of crude oil. The engine had knocked rather
heavily, but at three-quarters of full load, and with fairly
continuous ninning, no further troubles had been experi-
enced. He, however, did not favour the u.se of mixtures of
tar oil and crude oil. There was some risk of misfiring, and
there was a difficulty in securing complete mixture of the
two cla.sses of fuel oil.

Mr. W. .\. TcRNBDLL stated that he had worked a Diesel
engine on tar oil with a slight alteration to the flame-plates.
and he had obtained a saving of about 50 per cent, in fuel
costs. He had not noticed any corrosive effect by the tar
oil on the copper pipes or brass fittings.

Further information on the subject of actual experience in
the use of tar oils was given by Messrs. F. W. Strickland,
J. Broadhurst, and W. Fennell.

Mr. Napier Prentice stronclv urged that on national
grounds, as well as in their own interests, Diesel engine users
should continue tn endeavour to make use. of home products
of fuel oil to the greatest possible extent in preference to
fuel oil imported from abroad

Vol. 79. No. 2,o;«, xovKMBEH :i. 1 :>!.;.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

503

TRADE STATISTICS OF THE STRAITS
SETTLEMENTS.

The following statements, showing the imports (not for tran-
shipment) of electrical and other materials into the various
Straits Settlement ports in 1915, is taken from the recently-
issued olficial trade statistics. In compiUng these statistics
the first port of shipment is generally accepted as denoting
the country of production. The values for 1914 are added for
purposes of comparison, with notes of any increases or
decreases.

IMPORTS INTO SINGAPORE.

Telegraph and telephotK
From United Kingdom

,, Belgium

,, Germany

,, Other countries

Total

1914.

Dollars.

ynaterials. —

145,000

3,000

1.000

10.000

1915.
Dollars

Inc. or dec.
Dollars.

389,000 ■+

16,000* +

... 159.000
* Austraha $-2,000.
Tramway and railway materiaU. —

From Belgium 65,000

Germany 6,000

„ United Kingdom ... 200,000
,, Other countries ... 6,000

Total

277,000 255,000
* United States $165,000.
Electrical machinery. —
From United Kingdom

,, Germany

,, Italy

,, Sweden

,, Belgium

,, United States

,, Japan

,, Other countries

Total 26:3,000 287,000 -t-

* Netherlands $17,000.
Engines, boilers, and parts. —
From United Kingdom ... 325,000 266,00(3 -

,, Germany 3.000 —

United States ... — 8,000 +

,, Other countries

Total 342,000 301,000

* Denmark $5,000.
Machinery, other {except sewing machines). —

Total

243,000 116.000 -
Holland $18,000.

IMPORTS INTO PENANG

Electrical machinery. —

From United Kingdom ... 128,000

„ Germany 20.000

„ Denmark 5.000

„ Other countries ... 20,000'

Total 173,000 52,000 -

* Holland $7,000, and United States $9,000
Machinery, other {except sewing machines). —
From United Kingdom ... 183,000

„ Belgium 3,000

„ Germany 10,000

,, United States ... 16,000

,. Other countries ... 18,000

244,000
3,000
1,000
6,000

405,000 -t- 246,000

—

-

65,000

—

—

6,000

77,000

—

123,000

178,000*

+

172,000

22,000

209,000

219,000

-h

10,000

17.000

2,000

—

15,000

6,000

5,000

—

1,000

3,000

—

—

3,000

1,000

—

-

1,000

8,000

13,000

-t-

5,000

2,000

8,000

+

6,000

17,000

40,000*

+

23,000

24,000

59,000

3,000

8,000

14,000 27,000* -I- 13,000

41,000

From United Kingdom

671,000

502,000

-

169,000

Austraha

4,000

36,000

-f

32,000

Belgium

16,000

—

—

15,000

,, Germany

33,000

—

—

33,000

„ Holland

2.000

—

—

2,000

„ United States

60.000

65,000

+

5,000

,, Other countries

125,000*

116,000

9,000

Total

910,000

719,000

191,000

* Selangor $55,000.

Lamps and lampware. —

Erom Belgium

8,000

—

-

8,000

,, Austria

6,000

—

—

6.000

,, GeiTnanv

125,000

17,000

—

108,000

United Kingdom ...

76,000

45,000

—

31.000

„ United States

9,000

6,000

—

3,000

,, Japan

4,000

15,000

+

11,000

,, Other countries

15,000

33,000*

-1-

18,000

127,000

44,000 -

84,000

—

20,000

2,000 -

3,000

6,000 -

14,000

121,000

Tota

230,000

88,000

-

95,000

—

—

3,000

—

10,000

18,000

-1-

2,000

8,000

10,000

114,000

116,000

Engines, boilers, and parts.'
From United Kingdom

,, Australia.

,, Germany

,, .Belgium

,, 'United States
Netherlands
Other countries

Total

Lamps and lampware. — -

From Belgium

,, Germany

United Kingdom
,, Other countries

Total

1914.
Dollars.

328,000

60,000

5,000

2,000

16,000

39,000

8,000

1915. Inc. or dec.
Dollars. Dollars.

163,000
33,000

5,000
4,000

165,000
27,000
5,000
2,000
16,000'
34,000
4.000

458,000 205,000 - 253,000

2,000
27,000
36,000

6,000

2,000 -
28,000 -
U.OOO* -f

71,000
* Japan $5,000.
Telegraph and telephone materials. —
From United Kingdom ... 1,000

Tramway and railway materials. —
Irom United Kingdom ... 13.000
Belgium 8,000

Holland
Total

21,000

41,000

2.000
1,000
3,000

2,000
25,000
8,000
5,000

30,000

1,000

11,000

8,000

-I- 1,000

IMPORTS INTO MALACCA.
Telegraph and telephone materials. —
From United Kingdom ... 12,000 2,000 -

Engines, boilers, and parts. —

From United Kingdom ... — 5,000 -H

Elcctrical machinery. —

From United Kingdom ... — 1,000 +

Machinery, other {except sewing machines). —
From United Kingdom ... 37,000 18,000 -
,, Other countries ... 10.000 11,000* +

Total 47,000 29,000

* Federated Malay States $10,000.
Tramway and railway tnaterials. —
From United Kingdom ... 3,000 —

N.B.— Dollar = 2s. 4d.

18,000

10,000

5,000

1,000

19,000
1,000

18,000
3,000

FOREIGN AND COLONIAL TARIFFS ON
ELECTRICAL GOODS.

BRITISH DOMINIONS AND POSSESSIONS.— A Supple-
ment (Part I) to the Board of Trade Journal of October 12th
contains complete lists of articles which, according to the latest
information received by the Board of Trade, are prohibited
to be exported to various destinations from British India,
Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, Newfoundland, Egypt.
Malta, Cyprus, Mauritius, and Ceylon. A further Supplenient
(Part nj, issued on October 26th, contains similar lists for
the Straits Settlements, Hong-Kong, Nigeria, Gold Coast,
Jamaica, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, and British Guiana.
The information given in these two Supplements supersedes
that given in the Supplement published on July 13th last.
Copies of the Supplements may be obtained, price 3d. each
(post free SJd.), from Messrs. Wvman & Sons, Fetter Lane,
E.G.

UNION OF SOUTH AFRICA.— Instructions have recently
been issued by the Union Customs Authorities in regard to
the invoices of goods for importation into the Union, and the
necessity of clearly distinguishing thereon the home con-
sumption prices from the export prices of the goods.

Under Section 7 of Act 26 of 1914. the value of goods
.subject to ad valorem duty in the Union shall be taken to
be the "true current value" for home_ consumption in the
open market of similar goods in the principal markets of the
country from which, and at the time at which, the goods
were imported, including carriage to the port of shipment
and the cost of packing and packages, but not including
agent's commission when such commission does not exceed
5 per cent.; provided that in no case shall the value for pur-
poses of duty, as above defined, be le.ss than the cost of the
goods to the importer at the port of shipment.

The Commissioner of Customs has pointed out that a fruit-
ful source of trouble in connection with the invoices is the
practice of many suppliers invoicing goods at c.i.f. or f.o.b.
prices, and making a declaration that these prices are the
home consumption prices, and then adding a further state-
ment at the foot of the invoice that these prices include cer-
tain charges as detailed, for packing, railage, freight, &c.
Such a declaration is obviously wrong.

In order to conform to the requirements of the Customs

504

THE ELECTIUCAL iiEViEW. LVoi. :•... xo. -ao^, Novkmhek s. lou;.

Aulhonlk-.-. ll.M. iiiulc Ci.)iuuii.-.-iouer iu Smith Africa su^.'-
gests that tiiins should reserve oiu' part of their iuvoice forms
for the ordinary "true invoice." and supplement this by a
statement that the subjoined statement of values and costs
is accurately given in conformity with the requirements of
.the Union Customs Tariff : —

1. Home market value £ : :

Less home trade discounts : :

■Not value
Tacking
Railage
Shipping chart

Total

2. Actual cost of goods at port of shipment to importer in
South Africa (i.e., actual f.o.b. cost).

BASUTOLAND, BECHUAK.\TAND PROTECTOEATE,
AND SWAZILAND.— Proclamations dated .\ugust 14th pro-
^^de for the introduction of amendments in the import duties
in force similar to those recently made to the Fnion Customs
Taril! by .\ct No. 37 of 191(>— see the Revikw of September
1.5th— aiid have the effect of br)ngiu« the Tariffs of these
Toiritories into Une with the (nion Tariff.

SWEDEN.— Since October Ist the exportation of copper
ore and nickel ore has been prohibited by the Swedish
authorities.

FRENCH COLONIES.— The provision of the Decree of
February '24th last, in ^irtue of which tungsten ore was
allowed to be exported from French Colonies and Protec-
torates (other than Tunis and Morocco), without special
authorisation, when consigned to the T'nited Kingdom, the
British Dominions, &c., has now been abrogated by a Deci'ee
of the Minister for the Colonies.

TUNIS.— By a Decree dated September 8th the importa-
tion of various articles of foreign origin, or coming from
foreign countries, is prohibited. Tlie list of goods is the same
as that prohibited to be imported into France and Algeria by
the Decrees of May 11th and July ISth. (The full list was
printed in the Board of Trade Journal of -July 27th and Sep-
tember 14th). The prohibition is, however, not to apply to
goods which are proved to have been dispatched to Tunis,
or declared for warehousing in that coimtry, prior to the
date of publication of the Decree (September 16th). Relaxa-
tions of the prohibition may, as an exceptional measure, be
authorised under conditions to be fixed by the Tunisian
Director-General of Finance. .Applications for import licences
must be addressed by Tunisian importers to the local authori-
ties.

CHILE. — A translation of the New Customs Tariff Law, to
which reference was made in the Review of August 18th, has
recently been issued as a Parliamentary Return [Cd. 8,364],
copies of which may be purchaised (price Is. ex postage) froni
the usual sale agents for Government publications. In addi-
tion to the translation of the new Law, a translation^ is in-
cluded of a series of general rules respecting the application
of the Tariff.

NEW PATENTS APPLIED FOR, 1916.

(NOT YET PUBLISHED).

Compiled expressly for this journal by Messrs. W. P. Thompson & Co,
Electrical Patent Agents, 285, High Holborn, London, W.C., and at
Liverpool and Bradford.

14.658. " Electric cables and electric protection schemes." F. B. Whitaker.
Oclcber 16th.

14,660. " Sparking plugs." M. Favero & H. ]. Blanch. October 16lh.
14,663. " Sparking plugs." A. E. Tonks. Tosks & Soxs, C. \V. Tosks.
E. ToNKS, G. A. ToNKS. October 16th.

11.666. " Telephones." S. Simpson. October 16th. _

14.670. " Electrical continuous-ringing ship's telegraph alarm." .\. M.
BcoiH. October 16th.

14.690. " Elcctrolvsing apparatus." R. J. ]. .Mceller & The I'nivers.il
OxiCES Co. October 16th.

14.699. " Electric welding." S. Z. DE Ferr.inti. October 16th.
14.703. " Combined electric lampholder and movable-jointed bracket." H.
•C. G.\aELL. October 16th.

14.717. " Therapeutic electrical chair." W. BlLLOCK. October 17th.
14,721. ** Improving voltage regulations in alternating-current sub-stations,
•feeders, rotary converters, &c." A. M. Taylor. October 17th.

14,739. " Variable magnetic-opposed reaction-coil ek-ctric circuit." I. E.
.\SKE. October 17th.

14,743. ".Apparatus (or electrocuting animal-." .\. D. Clarke & E. G.
F/ll HOLME. October 17lh.

14,767 " Vacuum-type inverted converters." British Westinciiocse Elec-
TRIC Si Ma,suf.\ciurisg Co. October 17th. (U.S..\., November 29lh, 1915.)
14,768. " Separators for electric batteries." O. Oldham. October 17th.
14.784. " Bayonet cap switch lampholder for electric lamps." P. J. Morris.
October 18th.

14,807. " Sparking plugs for internal-combustion engines." H. W. F.
IrFiAND. October 18th.

14,812. " Electrodes for secondary batteries." E. H. Navlor & S. F. Tyler.
.October 18ti.

14.819. " .Miners'. &c., electric battery lamps." F. J. Ti;rqland. October
18th

14.825. " Voltage or intensity regulators." A. J. JCLLIN. October 18th.
14,827. " Securing internal-combustion engine sparking plugs." Sir \\'.
Beapdmore & T. C. W. PlLUisuER. October 18th.

11. M^. ■ likctiiv.il ..pparatus cunlrollcd from a di,-tance." .\ltiKoruLli,i\
Carkuce, W.iGON S: FiN.iNCK Cc, D. K. MORRIS, \V. V. TBirrON, anu W. G.
WiisoN. October 19th.

14,849. " Gland for passing electric cables through bulkheads or decks."
J. H. CoLLlE. October 19th.

14.859. " Electricity multicorc cable dividing boxes or apparatus." R. \V.

BUDEb AND rilE BRiflSII INSULATED & HeLSBY CaBLES, LtD. OctobcT 19th.

14.886. " Dynamo-ok-ctric machines." A II. Midcley & C. A. N'andervell.
October 19th.

14.9'27. " Electrical cutK>uts and distributing boards." R. W. Bill. Octo-
ber 20th.

14.930. " Controlling electric arcs." D. F. CoMSTOCK. October 20th.
(U.S.A.. October 20lh, 1915.)

14,946. " Magnets for magneto-electric machines." G. F. Cookb. October
20th

14,949. " Transmitting apparatus for "electric signalling." S. Oulianine.
October 20lh.

l.J,957. " Electric lelays." S. Oulianine. October 20th.

14.960. " Aulumatically-controUcd relay commutators." S. Oulianine.
October 20th.

14,975. •* Conductive hearths for electric furnaces." H. Etci^ells & H. .\.
Graves. October 17th.

14,983. " Electrical signalling systems." A. W. Sharm.w. October 21st.

15.007. " Ek-ctric motor controllers, &c." J. .Anderson & G. Ellison.
October 21st.

15.008. " Apparatus for regulating volt.tge of dynamos." A. J. Jullin.
October 21st. (France, June 9th, 1914.)

15.009. " Apparatus for regulating voltage of dynamos." A. J. JtLLlN.
October 21st. (France, June 16th, 1914.)

15.010. "Apparatus for regulating voltage of dvnamos." A. J. Jlllin.
October 21st. (France, July 28th, 1914.)

PUBLISHED SPECIFICATIONS.

1915.

13,568. Means for Minimisisi; Sparking at Break of a Circuit containing
Inouctance and Cap.xcitv in Series. T. F. Wall. September 24th.

13.806. Electric Bells and the like. R. E. H. Lovelace, C. E. Ford and
Edison S: Swan United Electric Light Co. September 28th.

13,904. iiicH-FREouENCv Dynamo-electric Machines. British Thomson-
Houston Co., Ltd. (General Electric Co., U.S.A.). September 30th.

13.912. Electro-m.\cnetic Power Transmission Apparatus. A. H. Neul.ind.
September 30th.

14,047. S.\FETY .Attachment for Synchronisers. P. E. Means. October
4th

14.160. Dynamo-electric M.khines. A. H. Neuland. October 6th.

14.216. Dynamo-electric .Machines of the Commutator Type. M. Walker.
October 7th.

14.232. Portable Telephone and Telegraph Instruments. International
Electric Co., Ltd., and R. G. le Noir. October 7th.

14.233. Telephones. - International Electric Co., Ltd., and R. G. le Noir.
October 7th.

14,65». ALTERN.mNO-cuKRENT ELECTRIC .MoTOKs. J. G. Shaw, C. R. Shaw
and H. G. Sharp. October 16th.

15,143. Pressure Die for Insulator Pressing Moulds. P. Simonscn.
October 26th. (November I'th, 1914.)

16,721. Vehicles. British Thomson-Houston Co. (General Electric Co.,
U.S.A.). November 26th.

17,533. Electrical Indicvting Devices to be used on Taxi-cabs and the
LIKE. H. Richardson 8: H. E. Gill. December 15th. (Cognate application,
6.095/16.)

17.833. Systems of Electric Welding. D. H. Wilson, J. M. Andersen and
K L. ITurtis. December 31sl. (December 31st, 1914. U.S.A.)

1916.

The numbers in brackets are those under which the specifications will be
piinted and abridged, and all subsequent proceedings will be taken.

894. Current Limiters or Electric Interrupters. K. Pettersen. Janu-
ary 30th, 1915. [100,048.]

4,413. Electric Flash-lamp Att.achmenis. T. V. Unwin & British Ever-
Ready Co. March 24th. [101,585.]

5,240. Sparking Plugs. A. E. Lamkin. April IDth. [101,592.]

5,673. Railway Signalling Appak.wus. J. P. O'Donnell. April 18th, 1916.
[101,595.]

6 735. Electrolytic Cells. C. Churchill & Co. and E. Geeraerd. May
nth, 1916. [101,598.]

7 347 Means for Earthing Electric Conductor Conduits. G. Rushton
and L. R. Lacy. May 23rd, 1916. [101,604.]

8 521 Fittings for Prevenhno Theft of Electric Incandescent Lamps.
J. Harrington. June 16th. [101.607.]

8.577. Railway Sion.u.ling Apparatus. J. P. O'Donnell & H. S. Knox.
June 17th, 1916. (Addition to 8,328/15.) [101,608.)

8,698. Method and Apparatus for Varying the P«^""«V«^wn'
macIneticallv-operated Carbon Pressure Regul.^tors. Akt. Ges. Brown,
Boveri et Cie. June 25th, 1915. [100,788]

9 745 Electric Couplings. Allmanna Svenska Elektrlska Aktiebolaget.
July 21st, 1915. [100,948]

10,554 Electric Cable Joint Boxes. C. Vernier. [101,614.]

wii'^^iiN^^ r j;^^""- ~s. '^:;^r-rrH°v^fJing:. T^t l^s;

1915. [101,343.]

British Trade with Canada— The Ottawa correspondent

of the Vnrnino I'oxt states tiat Mr. O'Hara, Deputy Mmister ot
Commerce for "the Dominion, giving evidence at the sittmg ot the
Royal Commission, said that, the sale of British-made goods was
not pushed with sufficient vigour in Canada, whereas American
exporters advertised widely, besides having the advantage ot
re«)rt^ as to trade openings for American goods all over the
D^inion. He suggested that the British Trade Commission
service should be extended throughout Canada, representati% M
being appointed in aU the large centres. Furt^her, he recommended
that the sister Dominions should also send trade agents to Canada.

THE

BLEOTK/IO-A-Xj i?,e^ie]-w.

Vol. LXXIX.

NOVEMBER 10, 1916.

No. 2,03S.

ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

LINKING-UP AND WAYLEAVES.

Vol. LXXIX.]

C0KTENT8: November 10, 1916.

[No. 2,033.
Page

... rMr,

Linkins'-up and Wayleaves

Dublin's Electricity Supply ... ... ■')U'>

Dick. Kerr Purcha,se A.E.G. Interests -507

X.E.C.A. Activities ■">ii'

The Successful Manager .508

A Lar<re n.c. Station ((7/».0 -"'08

New Electrical DeTices, Fittings and Plant ()7fa,s.) -"JlO

Correspondence —

" Summation Watt " Capacity of Field Rheostats and the

Like ... ... Sll

The Prevention of Bribery ."1!

Between two Stools '"jIS

Legal "'12

Dublin Electricity Supply ... "12

War Items ... ■''15

Business Notes ... ... ... ... ... ... ... "'l''

Notes 521

CityJ^otes 524

Stocks and Shares 52"!

Electric Tramway and Railway Traffic Returns 520

Market Quotations ... 52ii

Metal Market — Fluctuations in October 527

Wayleaves. by ■' An Interested Onlooker " ... , 527

Electric Cooking- and Heating, by .\. F. Berry 530

Electric Vans for Laundry Work 531

The National Insurance Act, 1911 ... 531

Electrochemistry in Norway 531

New Patents Applied for, 1916 532

Abstracts of Published Specifications 532

Contractors" Column Advertisement page xi

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THE UNIVERSAL

ELECTRICAL

H.. lBei?ly's).

DIRECTORY

1916 EDITION.

ALABASTER, GATEHOUSE & CO.,
4, Ludgate Hill. London, E.C.

From time to time we have drawn attention to the
great importance of the wayleave problem to the
development of electricity supply in this country —
a problem which, at all times thorny and difficult,
has lately become of the greatest urgency in view
of the national movement towards the linking-up of
isolated electricity supply undertakings. It is one
of the undesirable results of our highly complex
civilisation that the rights of ownership of land in
this old country, which formerly were properly
regarded as held in trust for the community to
which they really belong, in course of time have
become entirely vested in the individual, who can
dispose of them as he thinks fit; and unfortunately,
only too often he is inclined to fix an outrageously
exorbitant price upon the very moderate concession
of the right to carry electric cables across his pro
perty, through the air or in the subsoil, although
the loss of user or the inconvenience to which he
is subjected by their presence is infinitesimal. And
this is true, whether the owner be a private person,
a public company, or even — save the mark! — a local
authority. Moreover, the victims of this grasping
policy are not only " limited companies," wliich are
so commonly regarded asfair game for plunder, but
include also individuals and public bodies. The
extortion thus attempted is usually a manifestation
of greed combined with utter indifference to the
public welfare. One can understand the position of
an owner who, for aesthetic reasons, flatly forbids
the suspension of wires over a picturesque tract of
country which he claims as his property; but the
attitude of the ordinary extortioner is merely con-
temptible, and frequently involves the unfortunate
supply undertaking in heavy and unjustifiable ex-
pense to circumvent the obstacle.

From these conditions there appears to be but one
avenue of escape — the power of T^arliament. as the.
representative of the State, in which all ownership
is ultimately vested, to override the eccentricities
of the private owner, either by granting compul-
sory wayleaves or by compelling the owner to sub-
mit to arbitration and to accept a fair return for
the small concession involved. Only by a quick
and easy procedure at small cost can the due deve-
lopment of electricity supply in sparsely populated
districts, and the linking-up of neighbouring supply
svstems, be brought about, and now is the time for
the electrical industry to bestir 'tself with this end
in view. The opportunity is particularly favourable
in view of the declared intention of the Board of
Trade to back up the supply undertakers in the
direction of co-operation, the general weakening of
individual- rights and privileges under war condi-.
tions, and the national demand for economy and
industrial reform. In view of the great importance
of the subject we commend to the notice of our.
readers the article on " Wayleaves " printed else-
where in this issue, the writer of which is not only.
" an interested onlooker," but is also intimately
acquainted with the situation and its needs. As he
points out, " it is essential to the electricity supply
authorities that simplicity of procedure, combined
with speed and a definite time-limit, should be
secured." Our contributor outlines a course of pro-
cedure calculated to attain these ends, and the time
is ripe for action on the part of the Institution,
which has already recommended the formation of a
Government tribunal to control the supply of elec-

[505]

•300

THE ELECTIUC'AL KEVIEW.

Ni>. J.li:).). NoVK.MBKli 111, lUlfi.

tricity, to \\ liicli the necessary powers might be
g^iveii. This would be preferable to placing the
matter in the hands of the Board of Trade, which
is already overburdened with powers and duties of
the most diverse and, possibly, incongruous descrip-
tions. Surely it is high lime that the various
branches of Government departments which at pre-
sent deal with electrical matters were brought to-
gether as a single organisation under one head; the
distribution of Messrs. Trotter, Ram, Nelson, and
other officials amongst the different departments is
adverse to the attaimiient of the highest efficiencv,
and though these gentlemen, thanks to their per-
sonal qualities, have hitherto succeeded in co-
operating harmoniously and effectively, we cannot
dcubt that their more intimate association would
tend to the welfare of the electrical industries.

DUBLIN'S ELECTR[CITY SUPPLY.

TftE fact that all was not well with the electricity
supply undertaking of the City of Dublin was not
unknown to anyone acquainted with the history of
its constitution, equipment, and administration; our
own colunms have bonie testimony to the troubles
with which it has been beset, when from time to
lime the curtain has_ been partially raised and a
glimpse of the inner working of the department has
been obtained. But who, outside the staff itself,
could have surmised that its affairs were in so un-
happy a condition as it revealed by the remarkable
report of Mr. P, W. d'Alton. of w'hich we give the
gist elsewhere in this issue ?

That serious defects in the administration of the
'undertaking were suspected or known to exist was
■dearly shown by the action of the City Council, in
appointing a Special Committee in April, 1915, to
inquire into the conduct of its affairs; and the
Committee was fortunate in its choice of an expert
to carry out the exhaustive inquiries that were neces-
sary, and to advise it as to the best course to pursue
.in order to remedy such diseases as he might
diagnose. Few men in this country can have had a
more varied or comprehensive experience in the
erection and management of steam and electrical
plant than Mr. P. W. d'Alton, who, moreover, pos-
sesses the quality, invaluable in dealing with Irish-
men, of being of that nationality himself and able to
understand the temperamental peculiarities of his
fellow-countrymen. His \erdicti mav be acceptc!
without hesitation.

The report possesses two distinct aspects, largely
independent of one another: it deals on the one
hand with the actions of the City Council and its
committees, and on the other with the work of the
technical staff. That the fonner were influenced
only to a moderate extent by the advice of the staff,
and were sometimes decided upon in direct opposi-
tion to the views of the engineers, is shown bv the
report, and is also known from the history of the
undertaking. We may especially draw attention to
tfie followin.g incidents : the determination of the
Council to adopt the Pigeon-House Fort site for the
power station in 1899, in spite of advice to the con-
trary and of its obvious disadvantages, together
with the refusal of the Council to rectify its error
iiT 191 1, when an admirable opportunity' offered to
build a new station in a more favourable position ;
and the persistent placing of the contract for coal in
the hands of one fimi, at a price which. Mr. d'Alton
says, is very high. It is difficult to conceive of cir-
cumstances which could justify such actions, but it
is only too easy to imagine cogent reasons for them.

.\s for the technical staff of the department, which
appears to be somewhat over-manned — for which
tfie Council and not the engineers are responsible—
\i is difficult to account for its methods of operation.

except on the basis that economy was a secondary
consideration. Apparently the regular practice has
been to run the most extravagant plant
the station as much as possible" and to use
the modern economical boilers and turbines only on
the peaks ! How anyone can hope to justify so
extraordinary a system of procedure we cannot
imagine. No better method could be devised if the
object were to consume as much coal as possible.
It will be obsei-ved that Mr, d'Alton adversely
criticises the system of dual control which obtains
at Dublin: in this we cordially agree with him. We
have repeatedly urged in these columns that if the
best results are to be obtained from a commercial
enterprise such as public electricity supply, it is
essential, first, to select an able man as engineer and
manager, and secondly, to give him a free hand,
with full authority over his subordinates. We be-
lieve we are correct in saying that Mr. Mark Ruddle,
the city electrical engineer, has never been given
a free hand; his recommendations have been de-
liberately ignored by the Council, and he has not
even been permitted to select his own staff, still less
to dismiss those whom he found unsatisfactory. A
committee should never attempt to run a depart-
ment; its function is to see that the department is
properly conducted by the manager whom it appoints
for the purpose, and it should never on any consider-
ation act behind his back or undermine his authority.
In this instance we believe the Electricity Supply
Committee is not to blame so much as the Council,
which has repeatedly flouted the Committee's advic-'
when the latter supported the engineer. In pass-
in.g, we mav point out that though Mr. Ruddle has
for many years carried out all new construction,
thus saving the cost of a consulting engineer's
advice, he has never been awarded a farthing' by
way of remuneration for his special services. 1

Since writing the foregoing comments, we are
glad to see that the Committee, by a majority of
eight to one, has recommended the Council to
invite Mr. d'Alton to take entire charge of the
imdertaking for a period of three years^ — the only
course that offers a reasonable prospect of restoring
prosperity to the undertaking'. Of course there is
another side to the question — will so busy a man
as Mr. d'Alton, with his manifold professional
engagements, including important functions in the
service of the State, find it compatible with his own
interests and those of his other clients to devote
the whole of his time and energy to the service of
Dublin City? It seems, to say the least, unlikely;
Ijut possibly some middle course mav be found,
which will enable him to supervise the reorganisa-
tion of the undertaking and to place it on a new
basis without serious interference with his activities
in other directions. Another question that arises is
whether he, or any other eminent engineer, would
care to take the risks involved in the attempt to
pull the undertaking out of the difficulties in which
it is entangled, at a time when the local and national ',
circumstances are so unfavourable to a successful
result. How'ever, that is a matter for Mr. d'Alton
to decide, and we hope that he will find it possible
to come to the rescue of this ill-starred under-
taking.

To eliminate German ownership
Dick, Kerr from businesses in Eneland during
Purchase the war is of the utmost import-

A.E.G. Interests, ance, but in the interests of
British trade after the war it is
most essential that such ownership should be trans-
ferred to British concerns which are not only entirely
above any suspicion of having enemy connections,
but are best fitted by experience and in other way?
to derive the fullest possible industrial advantage
from whatever they take over. We feel, therefore,
that the British electrical industrv should find occa-

Vol. 7;.. Xo. 2.033, November 10. Ifll.i.] THE ELECTEICAL REVIEW.

507

sion for self-congratulation in the announcement
which is reprinted in our "War Items" to-day con-
cerning the taking over of the British staff, stock,
trading connections and records, also the " good-
will " of the A. E.G. Electric Co., Ltd., from the Con-
troller appointed by the Board of Trade, bv Messrs.
Dick, Kerr & Co., Ltd. The activities of this parti-
cular A. E.G. branch were very extensive in the
carrying out of what is best understood as indus-
trial installation work, such as colliery, shipbuild-
ing, and works equipments, a department of the in-
dustry in which it was possible for Continental manu-
factures to be introduced without receiving the
same publicity as municipal contracts involved.

Messrs. Dick, Kerr & Co. have had a wide ex-
perience of work of this kind, and are pre-emi-
nently suited to complete the contracts which were
in the hands of the A. E.G. interests. The British
stafif of the latter will no doubt gladly welcome the
change-over to purely-British employment, and, if
we mistake not, their past experience and the busi-
ness records of one kind and another that pass over
with the " goodwill " will be of considerable value
in the new owners' future trading and contracting
operations. No questions relating to patents arise
in connection with the transaction, as this parti-
cular A. E.G. concern wa;S purely a contracting
company. It is a moot point what is the value of
the goodwill of a German company ordered to be
wound up under the Trading with the Enemy
Amendment Act. Such value varies according to the
character of a business, and the mind of its valuer,
in normal times; the profits, past and reasonably
prospective, are really the only true criterion. That
being so, what are the prospective profits of any
A. E.G. company in the British Empire? If senti-
ment be a controlling factor, profits and goodwill
will be very negligible quantities for some time.
But the matter of winding up companies under the
Trading with the Enemy Acts seems to be a very
complex one, and if it be correct that winding up
in such cases does not necessarily mean liquidation,
then the Acts hardly seem to carry the matter as
far as national sentiment desires. Nothing would
please the enemy better than to feel that in spite
of all our attempts to extirpate his influence from
our industries, the way was, for want of firmness
on our part, left open for an early resumption of
his activities. The action of Messrs. 'Dick, Kerr
and Co. in making this purchase is an indication
that some of our firms recognise that the present
situation demands appropriate individual initiative
from within in organising the industry, and that too
much dependence must not be placed on measures
which the Government may introduce.

Organisation is not generally
N.E.C..4. considered to be a predominant

Activities. characteristic of the British race.
Rather have we allowed the Prus-
sians to claim unchallenged the palm for that
accomplishment. This being so, it was with pleased
surprise that one read in Mr. Cribble's articles
describing his experiences in Ruhleben Camp of
the amazement of the Germans- at the genius for
organisation which the interned prisoners had
shown. From a state of chaos, they so quicklv
organised themselves into a self-contained, self-
governed community that the Germans were forced
to express their astonishment and admiration, and
to remark that, under similar conditions, they them-
selves would have been as helpless as babies.

The explanation of this seeming paradox would
appear to be that, owing to a long period of mili-
tary dominance, the Germans are now very amen-
able to discipline, or compulsory) co-operation,
whilst the British, with their love of freedom from
restraint, resent any form of interference with their
liberty of action, but will voluntarily co-operate for

common objects when the necessity or advantages
of such co-operation are appreciated. It is largely
because of this difference in national characteristic?,
and on account of the necessity of a prolonged
period of education before the benefits of co-operat-
ing for the attainment of improved conditions are
appreciated, that associations of contractors, manu-
facturers, &c., take so long in this country to be-
come- firmly established, and to attract sufficient
members to justify an association in claiming for
itself that it is representative of any particular sec-
tion of industry.

The National Electrical Contractors' Associatiur,
for example, has now been in existence for over 15
years, yet it could not be claimed either from the
point of view of numbers or the amount of capital
represented, that it is anything like representative
of the whole electrical contracting industry of this
country. There is still a very great amount of mis-
sionary work to be done before the great majority
of electrical contractors become educated up to the
idea that unity is strength, and that results may be
achieved by co-operative effort which are impossible
to the individual.

Among the objects of industrial associations are
the raising of the status of their members, the im-
provement of the standard of work, the elimination
of questionable practices, the obtaining of better
prices, and so on. By far the most attractive of the
objects are those which aim at improved financial
conditions, and success in this direction generally
outweighs, in the opinion of the majority, all other
advantages. Thus we gather from a recent issue of
The Electrical Contractor that the value of the
E.G. A. cable rebate is appreciated far more highly
than " the other less tangible, but (in the Editor's
opinion) far more valuable assets derived from
membership."

It was possibly with this knowledge, and with the
object of enlarging its powers in the direction of
developing the financial side of the Association, that
it has now blossomed out into the N.E.C.T.A.
Ltd. The formation of the limited company was
necessary in order to put into force the Guaranteed
Work scheme of the Association, as, according to
its Charter of Incorporation, the Association was
prohibited from doing any act which would give to
it.s own members advantages not possessed by con-_
tractors outside its membership.

By the Guarantee of Work scheme customers will
be indemnified against faulty or defective installa-
tions and the Association will have power to compel
members to "make good," should an installation
be proved to be defective. The scheme is not
exactly an insurance scheme, as no premium is pay-
able" i't is in effect, an agreement between the Asso^
ciation and the individual members that work proved
to be defective shall be put right by the original con-
tractor free of expense to the customer or, fail-
ing compliance, at the expense of the Association.
Now that the limited company has been formed,
no doubt manv other directions will open for its
activities, such 'as the negotiation of trading treaties
with other associations, bv which members only will
benefit; trading arrangements with supply authori-
ties' the handling in bulk of employers habilitv
and other insurance matters: collective buying and
distribution of goods; the organisation of exhibi-
tions and co-operative showrooms, and so on._

We should like to see among the leading items
in its programme the formulation of a definite and
satisfactory form of apprenticeship, coupled witli a
final test examination, which shall confer as defi-
nite a status on electrical wiremen as is now pos-
sessed by the " registered plumber." Now that the
Association is in touch with the City and Guilds ol
London Institute this is a matter which should not
be difficult to bring to a satisfactory issue. We
shall follow with increasing interest the develop-
ment of the Association's useful work.

508

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW. [Vol. 79. No. 2.033, November 10, 191G.

THE 5UCCES5FUL MANAGER.

[COXLSIUXICATEU.]

It is tlif Ainerii-'an .advertiser wlm lias started apjK'aling U>
that desire possessed !)}■ imiltitudes of risinj; to llie top of
the tree. The advertisement seuerally runs down the idea of
workiiisj at a bench or behind a eonnter. and rejiresents the
man who jroes in for the course of tniinin<r advocated as
sitting at a desk on whidi stands a portable telephone,
laying down the law to some servile looking workinan. We
have heard a lot lately alxnit " the will to power," and the
Gennans have shown us ]ilenty of illustrations of that
determination to be eflicieiil which merits success.

A love of work and a determined character will tit a man
to lie made a foreman.

To these add a good education and technical ability, and
one is fitted to be in charge of a dejiartment.

To the above add commercial ability and as many of the
qualities enumerated below' as possible, and any jKisition is
attainable.

The following catalogue of talents, natural and acquired,
is chosen as suitable for a man occupying a very res])onsiblc
()f)sition, and in charge of large number of men.

A superior quality of character and intellect are neces-
.sary. This will give a natural leadership over the average
man. A sense of superiority will giye a manager con-
fidence. He will feel his dignity, and be proud of his
position, and there is no harm if he is slightly puffed up
with a sense of his own importance, provided he does not
carry it too far, and suffer from swelled head. This would
make him ridiculous, and no one in authority can afford to
have those under him sniggering at hini behind his back.
His character and abilities must be such as to command
their respect.

To be too intellectual is not desirable. Such a man is
apt to look too far ahead for the best method, quite for-
getting that it is the connuon-sense, practical method,
adopted quickly, that is wanted. A very intellectual man
is apt to become a recluse, a student of books rather than
of human nature, and while such tastes may benefit a pro-
fessional man, what we are considering is the best type of
man to manage other men. It is better for a manager to
leave the study of technical details to an assistant, whose
duty must be to keep him informed of new improvements,
•and where to get the Ijest information quickly. A strong
will is absolutely necessary, and also the ability to put up a
good fight if required. A jjeace-at-any-price man will
always be imposed on. A reputation for being able to hit
hard, and keep it up. will prevent other firms or employes
from interferiug in a manager's pr(5Jects without good cause.
A continual fighting attitude is, of course, bad. It will
repel any thought of offering help from other managers,
and drive away good assistants. The employe must feel
that the manager's interests and his own are similar, if
not identical, to ensure satisfactory and harmonious work-
ing. Firmness without despotism and the insistence
of orders being carried out is what is wanted. The
willingness to accept responsibility must go with a strong
will. Unless he has this pluck a manager will be afraid to
take any risks for fear of a venture tiu'iiing out badly. Big
successes are mostly obtained through taking risks. There
is the strong temptation to throw the blaiue on a subordinate
for an unsuccessful ventiu'e, To blame when the failure
is due to the subordinate disobeying orders or showing lack
of skill is just, but if this is not the case it is bad policy.
If done repeatedly the best of the- assistants will either
leave to obtain fairer treatment or refuse to take an interest
in their work.

A magnetic pei-sonality is a gift which is invaluable in
dealing with directors, conmiittees, or employes. If one is
deficient in this res]iect a jjersuasive eloquence must be
attained to take its place. The art of speaking well and in
such a manner as to convince your hearer that your desires
or plans of ai-tion are the correct thing and what should be
(larried out, is worth a good deal in business. The person
may realise afterwards that you are wrong, but meanwhile
he has agreed to what you want.

A mean, petty spirit is to be avoided. The minute

attention to details will probably rrsuli in tln' liiin sa\ iiii:
pence and losing imuuuIs. It is right and [iroper that tin-
rank and tile should exercise econmny in the use of material.
but the seeing that they do so siiould be left to an a.ssistaui,
and only occasionally receive the attention of the manager.
The lidgeting over trifles irritates the stall' and prevents thr
manager attending to tlie big things in business life, lie
should niit suffer from a chronic bad temper, or be perpetually
on the go. The former will breed indifference amongst
the em])loy(''s, whilst the latter gives him no time for llu'
ijuiet planning which is necessary. Both are signs nl
nervous tension which should be imjjroved either by a
holiday or by a changed method of living. .\ manager
must have a " thick skin." A sensitive man who is hurl
by pin-pricks is no gocid for a high jiosilion. The higher
the jiosition the more one is suijject to attacks, and U> be
liadly affected by them impairs one's efficiency.

A good memory is a valuable asset, and anyone may
make considerable improvements with or without the use cit
any special system. Thought control is a great helii tn
efficiency. It gives one the power to exclude all other
matters except the one requiring immediate attention, and
when away from business to forget all about it, thus giving
the mind a necessary rest.

Nothing absolutely ideal is to be expected in this woi'lil,
and no man possesses all the ijualites that have been
enumerated. This, however, does not prevent any managei'.
or would-be manager, from glancing through the list,
noticing something that he is well aware that he is ratlur
lacking in, and determining to acquire, as far as possible, this
aid to elficiencv.

A LARGE D.C. STATION.

The generating- station at the Detroit Works of the Ford Motor
Co. is said to be the larg-est purely direct-current station in the
■B'orld, having a maximum rating- of 6.5,000 KW. at 2.50 volts, and
embodies many novel features in design. When complete, it will
contain 14 reciprocating engines of 6,000 H.P, and one of 4,000 H.P..
driven by gas and steam, and one 1,.'500-H.P. steam engine. These
engines are coupled to Crocker- Wheeler generators of 4,000, 2,.'>0(i,
and 1.000 KW. respectively, running in parallel on a two-wire .system
at 2,50 volts, 80 E.P,M, Turbines were not used on account of the
inadequate water supply ; and the cost of the extra apparatus required
for A.c, transmission was considered to balance the cost of the
additional copper for the D.C. system. The installation was
recently described by the electrical engineer to the company, Mr.
Fred Allison, in a paper read before the American Institution of
Electrical Engineers, and abstracted in the Elect riciil World, from
which we take the following particulars : —

The operation of the composite gas-steam sets raises some novel
points. In the interest of economy, it is desirable that the propor-
tion of the load on the steam side be held to a minimum, consistent
with proper governing in response to load variations, as the thermal
efficiency of the gas side is greater than that of the steam side.
.Since it is almost impossible to make gas of a constant quality, -
the performance of the gas side of a given engine will vary some-
what according to the quality of the gas, the conditions of the
igniters, &c. Therefore, if this side of the engine shows unfavour-
able symptoms, the load of that unit is automatically taken over by
the steam side. In operating such large units, it is of great
importance that the watch engineer shall have full control of the
load on his engine. . It will be seen, therefore, that the division of
the load between units operating in parallel must within certain
limits be handled between the engines and the switchboard, so that
the control of the load is handled at the engine. Safety considera-
tions as to the governing make it desirable that the sudden loss of
the working load consequent upon the opening of the circuit-breaker
shall instantly stop the production of power on the gas side. This
end is attained by interrupting the ignition circuit coincidentally
with the opening of the circuit-breaker by means of a switch pro-
vided for that purpose, and functioning with the circuit-breaker.
Another device controlled by this switch is the gas-throttle control
magnet, the de-energisation of which results in shutting off the
gas supply.

The generators are of the commutating-pole type, with com-
pound-wound magnets ; the armatures of the 4,000-KW. machines
are 15'5 ft. in diameter and carry IJ tons of copper windings each,
while the commutator is 9'5 ft. in diameter and contains over two
tons of copper.

The brush bus-rings, with the interpoles and field windings, add
another 1 J tons of copper, making in all over 5 tons to each
machine. The armature shaft is 34 in. in diameter, and the
journals are 50 and 60 in. long.

The gas engines are of the two-cylinder 4-cycle type, with
cylinders 42 in. in diameter and a stroke of 72 in. The piston rods
are chrome-vanadium-steel forgings 13 in. in diameter and 16". ft.
long. One gas engine weighs 250 tons, and has an output of

Vol.79. No. 2.033, November 10, 1916.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW,

509

3,300 H.P. at full load : it is believed that this is the hif^hest output
per ton achieved up to the present. Water cooling' is applied to tte
cylinders, housing's, piston rods, valve boxes, and main bearinjrs.
and the water, leaving- the engine at about 17."i°F., is used for boiler
feed and for the hot water supply to the factory. The exhaust
gases have a temperature of 1.100° F., and pass through a super-
heater situated in the steam line between the high and low-pressure
steam cylinders. Afterwards the esJiaust gases pass round the
steam cylinder jacket, and finally through an economiser before
ilischarge to the stack.

Ignition is provided by a double set of plugs to each cylinder, of
the make and break type. The ignition leads pass through a
switch, which is automatically operated when the equaliser switch

One op the R.OOO-h.p. Gas-Steam Sets at the Ford Work:

is closed, and. as indicated above, provision is made to open the
ignition circuit if the main circuit-breakers open, thus cutting
off.the power on the gas side, while the governor takes care of the
steam side. The make and Vjreak is effected by electromagnetic
devices, to %vhich the current is distributed in proper sequence by a
simple commutatiiig device, the mechanism being so timed that
when the brush leaves a segment the correspondinff igniter is at its
maximum opening. Excellent results ate obtained by this method
of ignition.

The steam engines are of double-expansion Corliss-valve design,
with cylinders in tandem on the piston rod. The diameter of the
high-pressure cylinder is 36 in., and that of the low is 68 in. The stroke
is 72 in . Steam at 700° F. enters the high-pressure cylinder at 1 80 lb.
per sq, in.

The condensing water is cooled with sprays over cooling
ponds.

Coal bunkers, stokers, and boUers are located on the third floor ;
the boilers are rated at 4,000 H.P. each, and are to be 14 in number,
consuming 2,000 tons of coal per day of 24 hours, and evaporating
22,000 tons of water. The second floor is occupied by the main
■steam piping, the vacuum ash-handling mechanism, oil filters
handling 3.000 gallons per hour, and the exhaust gas economisers.

The I.T.E. cii-cuit-breakers are triple-pole and double-throw, con-
trolling the positive, negative, and equaliser leads, and providing
connection with either of two sets of bus-bars. They are equipped
for remote control, but can be closed by hand ; overload time-
limit and reverse-current devices are provided. The poles of the
circuit-breakers are closed in the order equaliser, positive, and nega-
tive, interlocking gear being employed to ensure this sequence,
I.T.E. motor-operated field rheostat mechanisms are installed,
enabling the voltage of all the generators to he regulated from a
■central control board. In view of the importance of putting gene-
rators in parallel tvith others already on load without disturbing
the regulation, where the generators are so large, this operation is
effected with the aid of I.T.E " gyrostatio voltage balance de-
tectors," which control the circuits of the motors closing the nega-
tive poles of the incoming generators. The detector consists
primarily of a pair of switches in series witli each other, and con-
nected in circuit with the motor : the movable members of these
switches are controlled by gyrostatic governors mounted upon a ver-
tical shaft rotated by a motor immediately below it. Whilst in use
the field winding of this motor is connected across the mains of the
2.J0-volt control circuit, while its armature is at the same time
subjected to the potential difference which exists between the
associated generator and the bus-bars. The direction of rotation of
this armature depends, therefore, upon whether bus or generator
voltage predominates, and its speed in either direction depends upon
the voltag-e difference. By means of a specially designed clutch
placed between the motor and the governor shaft, the motion of
the former is transmitted to the latter only when the direction of
rotation is that caused by a predominance of generator voltage over
bus voltage. When rotating in the opposite direction the motor
runs free. Close to each voltage balance detector is an automatic
cut-out, which interrupts the motor armature circuit should the
voltage difference attain such a magnitude as to produce a danger-
«usly high speed of rotation. The lower right hand, or ■' low-

speed " contact, is normally open, and the upper, or " high-speed"
contact, normally closed. The circuit-breaker, the closing of which
this apparatus controls, has three separate poles, closed in pre-
determined sequence. The equaliser pole is closed first, and with it
auxiliary contacts which control the field and armature circuits of
the gyrostat motor. Before it is called upon to function, the motor
has time to assume the speed of rotation corresponding with the
voltage impressed upon the armature. When the motor armature
is energised in the (firection corresponding to generator voltage pre-
dominating over bus voltage, the governors, which are under the
control of calibrated springs, will a-ssume positions corresponding
with the particular speed of rotation, the action of the governors
being independent up to a certain speed, teyond which, as the result
of links connecting them with a slight lost
motion, they act as a unit. It has already
been stated that the rotation of the governors
only occurs when the direction of voltage
difference is favourable to paralleling ; when
the magnitude of this voltage is such as to
give the governor shaft a certain speed of
rotation, then the low-speed contact is closed.
The minimum voltage difference necessary to
accomplish this is, in the case of the par-
ticular apparatus in question. 2 per cent, of
the normal bus voltage. Should the voltage
difference, however, amount to 2i per cent,
or more, the upper, or high-speed contact, is
opened.

Tne switchboard is 424 ft. in length, and
consists of 222 marble panels, each equipped
with circuit-bri^aker, ammeter and 1.000-
ampere double-pole double-throw knife switch,
except a number of panels set apart for
special purposes. The switchboard cost about
S 80,000, or .£200 per foot run. There are
30 copper conductors from each machine,
each consisting of a bar 6 in. X J in. : these
are led to the circuit-breaker panels through
a special runway, where they are secure
against interference. Special precautions are
taken to support these conductors finnly and
to guard against buckling due to a short-
circuit. All the copper is run at a working
density of 750 amperes per sq. in. Alxjut 165
tons of copper was required for the whole installation.

The Ford factory has a covered floor space of 47 J acres, housing
8,000 power-driven machines. There are 178 feeders, distributing
current by cables of 1 sq. in. section. Provision is made on a rack
over the top of the machine shops for 1»0 pairs of 1-in. cable, of
which 50 pairs have been installed. An elaborate signalling system
has been jjrovided. including a 200-pair telephone switchboard,
connected with every distributing centre throughout the works,
and with various points in the generating station. A signal board
is installed consisting of four panels, each carrying 300 sijfnal

Section of Badenhausen!4,000-h.p. Boiler.

lamps, a green lamp showing on the board when a feeder circuit
is in operation, and a red light when it is not.

The prime movers were designed and constructed under the
direction of the Ford Motor Co.

Xo information is given regarding the gas supply, but further
particulars of the boiler plant are given in an article by Mr. J. P.
Badenhausen in Puaer. iZ^

The author states that the problem was to obtain the highest
possible output from a given volume of boiler-room space. The

r)10

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW., (voi. ?!.. xo. 2,o:w.xovE.MnKu lo. un.^

existintr boiler room wa* ilesitrneil with 1 1 bays, each containin}r
two boilers of 400 h.p.. representinsr (at 50 per cent, over nonnal
load') one H.P. per 3544 cb. ft. of volume; the large boilers now
heinjr installed are expected to jrive 4,000 H.p. per bay. or 1 h.p.
per lO'ii cb. ft., representinsr a saving in cost of buildings of
£140.000. in addition to the saving in space occupied. A reduction
in coal consumption of 14 per cent. .equivalent to £40,00t) per annum,
is also anticipated. [The .\merican " boiler horse-power " represents
an evajwration of 'M'7t lb. of water per hour from and at 212° F,]

The design of these boilers, the largest ever installed in the
Vnited States, was a difficult problem, involving many studies and
sketches by the author.

The type considered throughout was the Badenhausen water-
tube boiler, with various modifications ; the design finally adopted
is illustrated on p. oiiil. The objects aimed at were as follows : —
(H Minimum floor space. The boiler has a width of 24 ft. and a
depth of Ui ft. at the floor level. (2) Maximum heating surface in
available space. The boiler has 2.5,00(1 sq. ft. of heating surface.
(H) Large furnace volume. (41 Xo soot locks. (.5) Continuous un-
restricte<l circulation, (ti) Accessibility in the sense of permitting
ingress into the setting, so that every tube and every baffle can be
touched. cleane<l and replaced by human hands. C") Good support
and susjiension. (8) Dry superheated steam at any rating.

The design consists essentially of the boiler proper with an addi-
tional feeil-water preheating section. Owing to the fact that the
heat is absorbed more rapidly the greater the difference in tempe-
rature, it is good engineering to preheat the feed water at one stage
and bring this feed water into another boiler stage where it is eva-
porate<l. The third and final stage is to superheat the steam.

Referring to the figure, the water enters drum X'o. (i. flows down-
wardly in the rear bank and enters the forward bank of tubes con-
necting drums Xos. a and 6. The gases flowing from the precetling
heating surface touch one half of the tube bank and then the other ;
and as there is a difference of temperature in each half of the tube
bank, there is also a positive circulation owing to such difference.
This gravity circulation in the preheating section is an excellent
feature.

After the water is heated, it passes through the horizontal tubes
from drum Xo. fi to drum Xo. 3, then drops down through the ver-
tical tubes at the left of the bank into drum X^o, 1. entering from
here into the general circulation. From drum Xo. 3 the steam
flows through the tubes at the top of the setting into drum Xo. 4.
All the moisture is thus eliminated, and the steam is slightl.T super-
heated. From drum Xo. 4 the steam goes into a Superno super-
heater, in which it is expected that a superheat of from 2.50° to 3.50°
will be obtained.

The stoker is of an extra-heavy Taylor design, the grate surface
approximating 21 ft. wide X 11 ft. deep.

Since the first four units were installed, orders have been received
for three more boilers, all of which will he built in the plant of the
Batlenhausen Co.

NEW ELECTRICAL DEVICES, FITTINGS,
AND PLANT.

The " Kantark " Patent Ironclad Fuseboard.

The Midland Electric Mancfactdring Co., Ltd., of
Stafford Works. Barford Street. Birmingham, have introduced a
new type of distributing board under the above title, for which
many advantages aie claimed. As shown in fig. 3, it consists of a
cast-iron box in which the bus-bars are fixed behind a protecting

and a detatliable fuse-carrier which carries the fuse wire and bhuli'
contacts. The shield is hollowed out to fonn the outer wall of the
arc chamber, and scalloptnl at the sides to form ventilating slots
leading from the arcing chamlier (shown in section in fig. 5). Tin
contacts in the base are covered with detachable protective shields
so that the live parts cannot be touched even when the fuse bridgi^
are removed ; the contacts themselves are solid brass blocks
provided with double set screws which clamp the circuit wires ami
ensure a low-resistance contact. The blade contacts are double ami
of ample section, and the fuse wire is fixed under a single washer
and nut at each end. The arcing chamber is lined with absorbfnt
material, and the fuse may blow repeatedly without damage. A
sp<.'cial feature is the small number of connections between thi'
supply cables and the circuit, the fuse being attached directly to
the bar. as shown in fig. (>. which also illustrates the main cable
lug, which is reversible to allow the cable to enter from the top or
the bottom of the board. The outer case can be made watertight
with a gasket, and the door can lie fitted with a glass panel it
required. Teak cases are also made, but only in one size, whereas
the iron cases are made double and triple pole for 2 to 10 ways,
and 10 to 50 amperes, at 000 volts. Simplicity and cheapness an-
included amongst the merits claimed for this device,

B.T.H. Instrument Transformers.

In a recent list (Xo. 4,5!)1) issued by the BRITISH TnOMiSON-
llousTON Co.. Ltd.. of Rugby, full particulars are given of theii
instrument tr.ansformers for circuits up to 12,000 volts.

The range of current transformers includes air. porcelain, com
pound, and oil-insulated types in eight different forms for varyinjj

Fig. 1.— B,T,H, Cirrent
Transformer,

Fig. 2.— B.T.H. Potential
Transformer.

currents and pressures. All transformers of the same ratio an^l
form are interchangeable, and transformers of the same form Imi
of different ratios may be interchanged if the instrument i-
re-scaled. the secondary windings being uniform throughout.

We illustrate in fig. 1 a type C, form R. compound-insulated
current transformer, suitable for primary currents up to 3i«i
amperes, where the voltage between phases and earth does mit
exceed 4.000. The core and windings are assembled lin a cast-iron

Fig. 3.— ■• Kantark ' Iron-clad Fijseboard

BAR Connections.

shield, and the individual fuse elements are secured directly to the
bars at one end, the body of each element being supported on teak
bridge battens, which allow plenty of underspace for the main and
branch cables. Each element (fig. 4 ) consists of a porcelain base
carrying the fixed contacts, and provided with an arcing chamber.

case, which terminates in porcelain cones, through which the
primary terminals project. The secondary leads are bi-ought
through bushed holes to special terminals.

Fig. 2 is a type VS, form A A. single-phase, oil-insulated,
potential transformer, one of the series of such transformers

Vol. -i». -\o. 2.033. xovEMBER 10. i!.i6.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

511

suiiiilioil b.v the compauv. Air-insulated transfovnver.s ai'e supplied
for pressures up to 0,000 volts, iu sheet-metal casings, and oil-
insulated transformers for pressures of 5..50II volts and upwards.
These are in cast-iron cases with the core and windings suspended
in oil. The tenninals are mounted on porcelain insulators iixed to
the cover. The transformers are listed complete with cartridge
fuses ; but for 5,500 volts and above, clips are prorided to allow-
the substitution of expulsion-type fuses. Transformers without
fuses can be supplied if required.

A Sparkless Signalling System.

Messrs. John Davis A; Sox (.Derby'). Ltd.. of All Saints Works.
Derby, have brought out a system of signalling for use in mines,
in which, it is claimed, the sparking danger is entirely overcome.
The bell is of the makers' patent " solenoid " type, with no contact
breaker, the gong being struck by an iron plunger which is
actuated by a solenoid through which an intermittent D.c. or an
alternating current is passed. Means are provided for adjusting
the ]iusition of the gong with regard to the striker, enabling the
bell to operate with a battery current or with D.c. or A.c. supply at
any reasonable voltage or frequency. Obviously there can be ho
question of sparking at the bell. When direct current is used to
actuate the 1-iell an interrupter is provided, in the shape of a relay
in a water and flame-proof cast-iron case, the lid of which fits on
wide machined faces. The relay is fitted with special devices to
(lamji the sjiarks at the contacts, and has a special winding to
rt'<luce sparking on the line, so that reliance is not placed on the
flame-prouf case for safety. The line circuit and relay can be
worked off a 4-volt supply, so that dangerous sparking is prac-
tically impossible.

Main Regulators.

Main regulators manufactured by the GENERAL Electric Co..
Ltd., of London, which we have previously described, have been
hand-operated, but the present example, forming part of an impor-
tant contract fora large municipality, is driven by a small " Witton
electric motor ; this is mounted on the top of the regulator,
and is controlled from the main switchboard by means of a pair of
small push switches, forming one unit, and so arranged that they
cannot be left in the "on " position. There is one switch for each
direction of operation and an interlock prevents both switches

Fig. 7, -Electric \li \

Main Reoulator

being operated at the same time. To preclude damage to the motor
when the main regulator control has come to the end of its travel,
either at the top or the bottom, a resistance is inserted in series
with the motor, and, in atldition, a flexible coupling is provided
between the motor and the worm driving the gear wheel. This
construction avoids limit switches- and is very simple and effective.
The regulator itself is of the Witton rectangular pattern with grid
resistance, one of a wide range of types which are manufactured by
the G.E.C.

Excess Profits Duty. — As stated in mir last issue, the

Board of Referees have now given their decision iu the appeal of
the Melbourne Electric Supply Co.. LtiL. and the Electric Supply
Co. of Victoria, Ltd., under Sec, 42 of the Finance (No. 2) Act, 1!U.").
and have increased the statutory percentage from (i per cent, to
T-i per cent. The Grown were represented by Mr. Ernest Clarke
and Mr. W. C. Stamp ; Mr. W. Allen, instructed by Mr. Sydney
Morse, appearing for the appellants. Evidence in support of the
appeals was given by Mr. R, Percy Sellon (managing director of
the Melbourne Co.), Mr, G. Sales (secretary of the Victoria Co.) and
Mr. Arthur D. Bird, of Messrs. Humphreys-Davies & Co.

CORRESPONDENCE.

Letters received by v$ after 5 P.M. ON Tuesday cannot appea.r until
tlie foUcnving week. Correspondents should forioard their'c&mmnni-
cations at the earliest possible moment. No letter can be published
unless we Itave the writer's n-ame and address in our possession.

" Summation Watt " Capacity of Field Rheostats and the Like.

Jfy attention has been drawn to the reference in Dr. C. C.
Garrard's book. " Electrical Switch and Controlling Gear," /r the
" Summation Watt " formula ativocated by me in the Electrical ■
Review, page 2,')7, February 13th. 1914, as compared with his
formula.

Dr. Garrard's formula " square the mean of the maximum and
minimum field ami)eres multiplied by the resistance of rheostat, " is
only true if the curve plotted between amperes and rheostat ohms
is a straight line. Only for extremely short ranges is this true,
and the greater the range between maximum and minimum
amperes, the greater the inaccuracy of his formula.

Referring to my letter in your issue of February 20th. 1!I14. I
showed that with .a rheostat resistance of Si times that of the
field his formula gave a rheostat size 07 per cent, greater than that
actually required.

He points out that my formula, viz. : — '' Rheostat ohms x max.
amps. X Tnin. amps." with " V," very large, becomes approximately
equal to \,„„j: x v = constant, which he states is absurd, Now.
the greatest possible current range is obtained in a potentiometer
rheostat where l,„i/. is zero. In an article dated March 20th,
1915, in the Electrical Review, I gave the correct formula for
such a potentiometer rheostat as I,,,,,, X v, plus the constant
watt loss due to resistance being across excitation circuit. How-
ever, in an ordinary rheostat the constant watt loss does not exist,
therefore the original formula holds good.

In practice a designer may be limited to a relatively small
number of resistance units. This is particularly the case if oi>en
wire spirals are used. Then to obtain a very large " R " compared
with field ohms, a much larger rheostat would be re(iuired than
one wherein the unit range was not so limited ; this, however, is
not the fault of the formula but of the facilities at the disposal of
the designer, and is no reason for advocating an incorrect formula.

Stretford. Xnremher 2nd, 1910. L. Boothman.

P..S. — I have sent a copy of above to Dr. C. C. Garrard.

With reference to Mr. Boothman's letter of November 2nd. I
would point out that the various formula; discussed are all
empirical ; none of them are strictly correct. When I first saw
Mr, Boothman's formula I w,as impressed by it and endeavoured to
use it : I, however, came up against the difliculties I have men-
tioned in my book, and therefore reverted to the formula I had
jireviously used. Mi-, Boothman h.is, with considerable ingenuity,
worked out different formuUe giving the summation-watt capacities
for the various t.vpes of rheostats. I venture to think, however,
that the simple formula that I have recommended, which can be
applied to any form of rheostat, is the best for all-round practical
liurjxises. It must be Ixjrne in mind that the I„i„.c. and the I,,,,,, iu
the formula are the maximum and minimum cm-rents flowing
in tlie rhmsfut itself.

I am not sure that I follow the argument that Mi-. Boothman
gives in his letter. Taking, however, his result as given foi- a
lX)tentiometer regulator, he gives —

Summation-watt capacity = Imox" x V -f v^/r.
Now. Iiiiax is constant independently of the rheostat :" V is also
constant. Mr. Boothman's formula therefore says that the higher
the resistance of a potentiometer regulator, the smaller is the
summation-watt capacity. Now, as I use the term summ.ation-watt
capacity, I mean a figure of comparison of the size and the cost of
the regulator. In this sense I do not think the result, deduced
above from Mr. Boothman's formula, is correct. There can be no
doubt that there is a certain value of rheostat ohms which gives
the most economical form of potentiometer regitlator, less and
higher ohmic values being both worse ; but Mr. Boothman's
formula says that the higher the rheostat ohms, the less the
summation-watt capacity.

I also do not think Mr, Boothman has answered my argument as
regards his formula for ordinary shimt regulators. He re-states my
argument in his letter, but I cannot see that he answers it.

I do not wish to deny the utility of Mr. Boothman's formula',
and have no doubt that when used properly they give very useful
results. I have merely wished to point out that they are not
universal, and, in my opinion, must be used with caution.

To sum the matter up, the figure for the summation-watt
capacity should only be used for comparing one rheostat with
another ; the figure has no vei-y precise physical meaning. In my
experience, the formula I have recommended gives perfectly satis-
factory results, and. by i-eason of its simplicity and adaptability to
any kind of rheostat, is to be preferred to more complicated ones.

Charles C. Garrard.

Birmingham. \o rem her 6th. 1910.

The Prevention of Bribery.

With reference to your leaJing article on this subject. I wish to
say that the League has always attached more importance to
propaganda than to prosecutions, and it has been very active during
the last ten years in its efforts to create and maintain a healthy
public opinion. In one direction which you mention something
has undoubtedly been accomplished — in a conference with head-

il-2

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW, [voi.

Xo. •2^>^^^^. N'ovk.miucu m, r.Mi;.

masters. The trouble is tliat so niuiiv in n'S|K)iisible positions, and
persons who are ti-aininjr yoim;r i)et>i>le -to say nothinf!' of tire
clergy anil ministers of all denon>inations jmiss hy on the other
fiile. I'nquestioiiahly the Leas;'ue co\ilit do more, but not without
additional supjwrt, which 1 shoidd very much like to see come
from the electrical branch of the enyineerinsf industries to the
same extent as from other branches.

With rejjaril to the fiat, this is undoubtedly a hindrance to the
enforcement of the Prevention of Corruption Act. Thei'e is lu)
more ilanjfer of blackmail in this connection than in reiaraiil to any
other crime. Without the fiat the jmblic is amply proti'cted, for
it does not seem to be generally inown that a summons conld in
no ca,se be jjrantetl by a majristrate except on a sworn information
(.though the Attorney General, who can stop prosecutions, is not,
judginsT by his s)H'ech in Parliament, aware of the fact) ; next, it"
the umjfistrate commits, before a jfrand jury and a petty jury, then
an api)eal may lie to the Court of Common Appeal ; ami lastly,
proceedings may be instituted for malicious prosecution under the
Vexations Indictments .Vet.

The Secretary uf the

Bribery and Secret Commissiuns t'reventlun

League, Incorpurated.

London. E.C.. Xviemb>-r 6th. 19IG.

part ot Liverpool Street Station under which tile intended works
will be executed, and also the works on each side now beinjf
executed by the Postmaster-General, he affirms and awards that it
is not necessary to used compressed air in carrying out the works."

Between Two Stools.

Having lieen the victim of circumstances arising out of my
acceptance of a post within the Greater London area, I feel it to be
my duty to warn those of your readers who. if tempted to transfer
their services from one certifietl establishment to another, may find
themselves similarly involved.

I wivs privately offered a more remunerative and equally im-
portant position (my previous one being a badged occupation in a
certified establishment which I had held for a number of years)
which I accepte<l. subject to being able to obtain a leaving certi-
ficate.

This, due to the magnanimity of my chief, I obtained, but within
a short time of taking over my new duties, I received a curt notifi-
cation from my futiue chief, that owing to possible complications
in which he might be involved as a result of the transfer, the en-
gagement must be considered oft'.

Let it be clearly understood that no fresh facts had been dis-
closed or altered circumstances arisen between the date of my
acceptance of this post and the receipt of the aforesaid curt
cancellation.

I leave it to the imagination of your readers to supply the details
to complete the picture, and offer them my advice : Don't be
tempted by private offers unless completely assured that you are
dealing with persons alive to the responsibilities vested in the
higher commands, and not with those unscrupulous enough to
s.icrifice the career of a subordinate on the altar of their own
irresponsibility.

VIctimus.

LEGAL

HlOH-SPEED TeLE&RAPH PATENT E.XTENDED.

In the Chancery Division, on Wednesday, November Ist, Mr.
Justice Sargant heard a petition for the prolongation of a patent
granted to Fredk. George Creed and Wm, Arthur Coulsou for
improvements in high-speed automatic telegraphy, with the object
of reproducing telegraphic messages in printed characters.

Mr. Creed gave evidence that since 1890 he had devoted him-
self to the problem of making high-speed telegraphy automatic,
with the object of dispensing with the skilled telegraphist. About
190(), the late Lord Kelvin became interested in his keyboard
perforator, and used his influence with Lord Stanley, the then
Postmaster-General. Witness gave a demonstration at the Post
Office, with the result that they gave him an order for ten printers
and six receivers. The witness described the different steps which
led to the introduction of the latest machines.

The Solicitor-General (Sir George Cave, K.C., M.P.) said he
was not there to oppose the petition, but merely to assist the
Court. In these cases it was of the greatest importance that
petitions should not be extended beyond the statutory period.
He thought that this was a very special case. The petitioner must
show that his niveution was a meritorious one. and that he had
not been sufficiently remunerated owing to no fault of his own.
But he recognised the merit of this invention.

His Lordship said that, owing to circumstances over which he
had no control, the patentee had not been able to push the inven-
tion in the way he might have done. He proposed to grant an
extension of seven years, not to exceed five years after the termi-
nation of the war. As the patent had exjjired on October I71h lie
granted a new one for the period mentioned.

Tube Railway and Compressed Air.— The .Arbitrator's

Award.

Mr. Alexander Ros.s, President of the Ijistitution of Civil

Engineers, as arbitrator, has issued his award touching a difference

between the Postmaster-General and the Great Eastern Railway Co.

The matter was reported in our issue of October 20th.

The Arbitrator, in his award, states that "having heard
counsel and witnesses for both parties, and having examined that

IJiuTi^sii Power, Traction and LuiiiTiNc Co., Ltd.. r.

HODOSON.

On Monday last. Mr. Justice Peterson, in the Chancery Division.
concUided the hearing of a summons in this action, by which the
plaintiff' company askinl that the defendant. A. E. Hodgson, might
lie orilered to pay into Court the siun of ,t!7,.')t)3. in accordance with
the certificate of the Ma.ster dated July 20tli, 1900.

The case. ;»s stateil by Mr. HiUiHEs, K.C.. for the plaintiffs, wiis
that the defendant wa-s a promoter of the company, chairuuin
of directors, and a managing director, and without the knowledge
of his co-dircclors or other members of the company entered into
contracts which amounted to fraud or fraudtilent breach of trust.
The action was started in 190H, alleging, amongst other things,
that at defendant's suggestion the company paid commissions to a
syjulicate, whereas the defendant himself was the syndicate and
benefited by the commissions so paid, and that he negotiated a
contract in France for the company while he had himself a con-
tract on more favourable terms. Judgment was given for the
plaintiffs in the action by consent on May 2nd, 1905, Mr. Hodgson
having become a bankrupt iluring the course of the proceedings.
He had now obtained his discharge, and the present summons was
issued, alleging that as the finding of the Master was based on a
judgment in an action for fraud or fraudulent breach of trust,
he was not protected by his bankruptcy in respect of the amount
tounil due by the Master's certificate.

Mr. To.\ilin, K.C, tor the defendant, argued that he only con-
sented to judgment on the understanding that all charges of fraud
were withdrawn, and that the plaintiffs' rights should be to prove
in his bankruptcy for any sum that might be found due under tlu'
order. If the judgment was one based on fraud, he said the
defendant would take steps to have it set aside, on the ground of
mistake on the part of his legal advisers, as he had all' through
refused to settle the case unless all charges jf fraud were
withdrawn.

In reply to the contention, Mr. Hughes ixiinted out that the
receiver in bankruptcy had taken no steps before the Master, but
the proceedings hacl been attended by the defendant personally.

His Lordship held that the judgment, in the action was based
on fraud, and nothing else ; and that, therefore, the defendant was
not protected by his bankruptcy. He accordingly ordered him to
pay the amount found due into Court, and the costs of the action.
The order would, however, be stayed i)ending an appeal and a
summons the defendant .might issue for further time, in view of
his taking proceedings to set aside the order of May. 190.-i.

DUBLIN ELECTRICITY SUPPLY.

I.\ a report of the Special Coniiiiittee apiKiintcil by the Dublin
Corporatiou to inrjuire into the aduiinistialidii of the Elec-
tricity Committee and matters relating thereto, it i.s .stated
that, having con.sidered the report of Mr. Patrick W, d'Altou,
M,Iiist.C.E., the expert consulting and inspecting engineer
aipointed to examine and report upon the questions involved,
it has been resolved, by eight votes to one, to recommend
that the Town Clerk write to Mr. d'Alton asking him upon
what terms and conditions he would undertake the entire
management of the undertaking during a period of three
years.

The Special Committee wa.s appointed as far back as April,
1PL5, and on August 7th requested Mr. d'Alton to make a
thorough inve.stigation of the Dublin electricity undertaking
froni its inception to the present time, and to report on ways
and means of rendering it more profitable to the city. In
December last, after making an exhaustive study of the his-
tory and constitution of the undertaking, Mr. d'Altou sub-
mitted liis views to the Council in a very full report, parts
of which were published in the local Pre.ss in February, with-
out the authority of the Corporation.

Ml', d' Alton's report, and replies thereto by Mr, Ruiltile, city
electrical engineer; Mr. Kettle, deputy engineer; Mr. F. Allan,
.secretary of the Electricity Committee; and Mr. Mangan,
city accountant, are now ofilu-ially published. In a supple-
nuMitary report, Mr. d'Alton states that he lias now an oppor-
tunity of bringing his original report " into truer peispective
than that into wliich it apjiears to have drifted as a result
of premature and incomplete publication," and of the prema-
ture and also incomplete publication of other reports written
with, he doubts not, perfectly sincere motives to" discount his

(■nlJclllsiollS.

The (piestions to be re]X)ited upon were, be.sides adminis-
tration, the prices charged for light and power; the iiiiinbei
of engineers and workmen employed and paid out of ic\eiiiii-;
the .salaries and wages paid out of revenue; the pi.icr.lur.-
adopted with regard to inirchasing coal ; ibiiiges fov iiitrrK>t
and repayment of moneys borrowed; anil tin .|ii. ^limi (.1 :hMi-
tional borrowing. The following is an abstnu I ol tin; ir|icjj t : - -

Referring to the difficulties with which all electrical uuder-
takings had to contend in the early days of electricity supply,
Mr, d'Alton remarks that no useful purpose would be served

No. 2,033, xovEMBEu 10. i-JKi] THE ELECTlilCAL REVIEW.

513

by de;ilinti; with the troubles experienced at Dublin prior to
till- cTi'ctiiiii of the generating station at Pigeon House Fort
iiiiil the adoption of a three-jAase system of distribution to
snip ^liitidiis iit 5,000 volts, under the advice of the late Mr.
Kdbnt Ihuiiiuond.

Till' l'ige<^)n House Fort site was adopted, " possibly for
pulitiial reasons," against the advice of the city electrical
enyini-cr, Mr. Mark Ruddle, and of Sir Alexander Kennedy,
ami its .■^election, says Mr. d'Alton, cannot be justified; it
was :i mistake of great magnitude, for which the economy of
tile undertaking must suffer throughout its existence. It has
ii;\olved much additional capital expenditure, increasing the
cost per imit, and has caused losses in transmission, in time
spent liy the staff in traveUing to and from so inaccessible a
place, and in money spent in transport of material, besides
duplicating centres of control and necessitating an increased
stall of workmen. The mistake might have been retrieved
when the installation of modern generating plant was being
ccisidered. but the opportunity was not taken, and Mr.
dWlton does not regard the question of changing the position
of the power house as falling within the scope of his inquiry.
Reviewing the conduct of the undertaking, the author
liighly commends the enterprise, ability, and loyalty of the
si'cccssive Electric Lighting Committees which have so well
.served the undertaking: under their guidance the output has
increa.sed from 3,0(X),000 units .sold in 190(1 to more than
H.dOO.OOO in 1914-1.5. But the distribution of the sales over
tlir day has not been equally satisfactory, and unless the
motive power and long-hour lighting connections are deve-
loped, the load-factor cannot be so improved as to enable the
engineering staff to generate electricity at a reasonable cost.
Large numbers of gas engines are used in the city which
sliould be replaced by electric power; the curve of power
output itself indicates by its steepness that there is plenty
of scope for development of the motor load, provided that
expert engineers are employed as canvassers. At present the
undertaking is controlled by a chief engineer who is not a
manager, and a manager who is not an engineer; Mr. d'Alton
holds that the engineer of .such a system should be manager
a.5 well, and as such should be held resiMnsible for the suc-
ces.sful conduct of the business from start to finish.

The average price charged for electricity in Dublin (2.66d.
per unit) is ea.sily the highest of the 14 undertakings which
have an output for private supply and pubhc lighting only
(no traction), exceeding 6.000,CKIO units a year (1.7Gd. per unit).
Mr. d'Altou points out that the rates for private supply in
Dublin are unduly high, and that a reduction would increase
the demand, improve the load factor, and benefit the service
with profit to the city; "it is generally the case that the
revenue from new consumers under a reduced rate counter-
balances any loss by such reduction to old consumers in any
given year."

Turning to the power station, Mr. d'Alton says it is difficult
to understand how*, even 15 years ago, so large a scheme
should have been provided with a power house incapable of
adequate extension and equipped with so little generating
plant ; the result has been heavy expenditure on alterations
and reconstruction. Tlie Stewart engines originally in.stalled
were probably of a type as good as any then availalile, but
were a constant .source of trouble, and were not taken over
for several years after their installation. No .steam consump-
tion figures were asked for or taken, but the engines were
condemned on defects of construction, and were partly re-
constructed by the Oer!ik9n Co. A Belliss-G.E.C. set of 1,500
K\v. capacity was added in 1906, but does not seem to have
turned out to be an economical steam unit. With the original
generating sets were installed four Babcock and six Lanca-
shire boilers; Mr. d'Alton cannot under.stand why the latter
were included, and says they mu.st have cost the ratepayers
a large sum of money for repairs, maintenance, stand-by
losses, and steam for forced draught. The city electrical
engineer was in no way responsible for the situation or equip-
ment of the power house, which apparently, w'hen he took
charge of it at the end of Mr. Hammond's connection with the
job, he considered to be little better tlian a scrap heap.

In 1907 a Richard.son.s-Westgarth-G.E.C. turbo-alternator of
1,5(X) KW. was installed, which until 1911 was by far the
most economical unit in the station. This set was ordered
|p\ the ( '.)! poiation in defiance of the recommendations of the
I lt;litiiiti ('(iiiiiiiittce and the advice of the engineer, neither
of the makers having previously built machines of that type
and size.

The set, however, though economical, was used only to
carry tlie peak loads until 1912, when the new portion of
the power house was placed in conuiiission. Two Oeilikon
set!» of 3.00fl-KW. capacity were installed, one at the end of
1911, and the other last year. Mr! d'Alton states that the
low-pressure guide disks of the first of these turbines are in
very rougli condition, and the metal may later on have to
be changed to prevent loss of efficiency.

Tnilicntor diagrams from the reciprocating engines show that
tlie liitjli steam consumption is due not to wear of parts, but
to imprTfections of design, and to the extremely low vacua
obtainable from the defective condensers. The latter " are
wrong, all wrong, and have been so ever since 1906."

The tubes have been subject to a curious-corrosive action,
which has resulted in leakage so seriouB that the condensate
cannot be used for feed water, thus adding to the coal con-
sumption, alreadv excessive on account of the low vacuum,
Mr d'.Mton has had tubes examined and the water analysed

by experts, and beheves he is on the point of success in dis-
covering tho caus» of the trouble, to which he ascribes great
importance. He regards the Oerlikon sets as generally excel-
lent. The switchgear consists of Ferranti cellular gear, which
has done, and still does, good service, and modern cubicle
switchgear of satisfactory design, but, unfortunately, the
latter has had to be fixed at odd angles and levels owing to
the design of the building. The control gear in the new sta-
tion is well schemed on modern lines.

The boiler houses " contain a miscellaneous collection of
steam makers, planted apparently without any regard to con-
siderations of keeping steam ranges within rational limita-'
tions, of economy in the disposition of feed pipes, of coal-
carrying apparatus, or of the evacuation of ashes." The plant
comprises four B. & W. boilers of 10,000 lb. rating, six Lanca-
shires of 3,500 lb. capacity, one B. & W. of 20,000 lb. capacity,
and a YaiTow boiler, of which little use has been made, and
which appears to partake of " the qualities and reputation of
the white elephant." There are also four new B. & W.
boilers of efficient and up-to-date design. Why the Lanca-
shires were installed in a station designed for a peaky light-
ing load, Mr. d'Alton is at a loss to understand; their use
has led to .serious loss due to the quantity of coal wasted.

In 1905-6 the consiunption of coal was 7.98 lb. per unit
generated, suggesting an over-all consumption of "no less
than 40 lb. of steam per KW.-hour. a wretched result." The
loss due to the bad vacuvmi (less than 20 in.) implies an in-
creased steam consumption of at least 20 per cent. The
Belliss 1,500-KW. engine is much more economical than either
of the 1,000-KW. Stewart sets, and ought to be worked
always m preference to the latter, but has not been used
nearly so much as it should. Similarly the Richardsons-
Westgarth-G.E.O. set, which is far more economical than the
Stewart sets, was used only for 40 to 50 hours weekly during
the first two years.

Mr. d'Alton is "at a loss to understand why the staff cout
tinues to show preference for the old Stewart sets." which
have been u.sed consistently, winter and summer, for many
years, with grave prejudice to the coal bill and the running
cost. He points out that the modern efficient plant, in both
boiler and engine rooms, ought to be employed on the daily
load and the old machinery only, if at all on the peak
or in' "emergency. The practice that has been followed of
using extravagant plant most of the time, and saving the
efficient plant for emergencies, is one of the primary reasons
for the high cost of production. For the year ending March
31st, 1913," the following ratio resulted :—

Units, old plant to new 2.46 : 1

Coal used, old plant to new 3.47 :1

The total steam consumption of the Oerlikon sets is very
much less, even at one-third load, than that of the best of
the older sets at its maximum rated output, and, had they
been fully utilised, the saving in coal would have amounted
to nearly i'3.000 in the year above mentioned. A considera-
tion of the results obtainable by using the most eflicient of
the boilers and generators leads Mr. d'Alton to the conclu-
sion that an annual saving of no less than 7,974 tons of coal,
costing at present prices . £9,000, could be effected.

"The operation of the boiler house is characterised by the
same curious policy as that which lias be^n evident in the
engine room, viz., the cor\stant use of extravagant plant
while efficient and economical boilers are held in reserve for
peak and emergency loads." The 24,000-lb. Babcock boiler,
which is equal in output to three or four Lancashires, is
apparently used only for about one day per w'eek on the
average. The steam used for forced draught alone for the
Lancashire boilers is said to have cost some foOO a year.

No fault is found with the constitution of the running staff
in point of numbers, though Mr. d'Alton noticed evidence of
slackness on the part of the shift engineers, particularly in
the boiler house, and the wages paid, except in the case of
the deputy works superintendent, are adequate. Mr. d'.\lton
con.siders." bow-ever, that the pay allotted to the engineer in
cliarge of generation and the deputy works superintendent is
insufficient to attract such a class of engineer as is required
for the satisfactory operation of so large a system. The old
plant requires a larger staff than will be necessary when the
turbines are being fully utilised, and it should not be woiked
merely to give employment to men who w'ould otherwise
be unnecessary. In other respect-s economies in labour are
foreshadowed. . .

The total wages at the power house (excludmg the engineer
in charge) amount to more than £10,000 a year, an outlay
which Mr. d'Alton considers exceedingly heavy for such a,
station. The generating engineer is handicapped bythe want
of adequate power and authority over the employes, and is
unable to clear out hangers-on.

As regards the distribution system, Mr. d'Alton regards the
plant as satisfactory in all respects, except that about twice
as many sub-stations have been established as would apjiear
necessary. Unfortunately, the mains are not utilised as fiillv
as they should be. The occurrence of serious discrepancies
between the official returns for units generated, units sold.
&c., and the actual figures recorded at the power hou,se in-
duced Mr, d'Alton to have the watt-hour meters at the sta-
tion tested at Trinity College, and led to the discovery that
some of them were in such bad condition that their indica-
tions were unreliable, the errors amounting in ,some cases to
as much as 30 per cent, low, .so that the actual output could

514

THE ELECTEICAL HEVIEW. :vni, m. xo. i.u.w, novmiu:., ii

only be jjuessed at. Makiiifl a|>i>i'oxiiiiatt' lonections, it
appeals that the units unaccouuteJ lor aiiioiint to nioio than
three millions, or about i5 iH-r cont. of the units dolivercd to
the feeders. The loss would have been less but for the exies-
sive multiplication of distributint; points. The sUilT engajied
upon distribution and installation work appe;us, to Mr.
d'Alton, to be unduly large compared with the duties dis-
charged. The sy.stem sutlers severely from the lack of a
highly qualified sales engineer. The permanent eniployi^s
number tJ9 persons, with a total pay roll of £5,8CK) per
annum, and .iid tomporai-y employes, at .£'2,87.5 per annum,
making a total of .fS,ti7o a year; including the .stall' and
clerical workers, the total is nearly j;l'2,(KHl a year. Of this
about .i;4."3<):i is charged to revenue, and about ^7,740 to
capital account. The wages of the .secretarial section amount
to about i;3,3H0 per annum.

The coal supply seems to have become a monopoly, as for
u>any years it has been in the liands of one lirm of contrac-
tors. The price, says Mr. d'.'Vlton, is very high, and he com-
ments on the surprising fact that, in spite of widespread
adverti.s<Mnents in the Press for tenders for a possible .52.(KKl
tons for 1911-15, only one finn .submitted an offer. Eflorts
should have been made to en.sure competition in a matter of
such vital importance. Moreover, the specification did not
adequately define the class and (luality of coal to be supplied,
and the fuel has .shown wide variations in calorific value.

The undertaking has been burdened with heavy charges for
interest and repayment of loans u)x>n an exceptionally large
capital outlay per kilowatt. Whereas the , average capital
charges in the cases of the 1) undertakings previously men-
tioned are O.Sd. per unit, in Dublin they amount to 1.3d.

In order to prevent a deficit on the working of the system in
the current year (191fi), Mr. d'.iMton says that strenuous effortK
will be necessary to reduce the costs of production. All the
generating sets should be put in i>erfect order before the
autumn, and an additional turbo-alternator should be put on
order if it were possible. Extension plant will be necessary
for the winter of 1917, costing probably £50,000, and the next
generating set should be of greater output than any as yet
in.stalled.

Mr. dWIton concludes his report with a summary of the
conclusions at which he has arrived on the "basis of the in-
vestigations which he has made.

Asked to comment on Mr. d'Alton's report, Mr. Mark
EuDDLR, City Electrical Engineer, says that none but those
responsible for the conduct of the undertaking can realise
the difficulties which have had to be surmounted in the
daily working of the plant. He refers to Mr. Kettle the
parts of the report dealing with the working of the generat-
ing plant, but claims that the Lanca.shire boilers are as
economical as the water-tube types, and states that as the
Yarrow boiler was specially installed as a stand-by in ca.se
of emergency, it would have been absurd to u.se it in the
regular working of the .station. The comparison between
Dublin and other places is, in his opinion, fallacious owing
to the differing local conditions; moreover, the units sold for
power have in six years increased four and a half times, but
the load factfir has only increa.sed from 13.4 to 14.5 per cent.,
and while the power output is 47 per cent, of the total, it
produces only 2'2 per cent, of the total income, whereas the
lighting load, 5 per cent, of the total, produces 78 per cent,
of the income. He disagrees with Mr. d'Alton's suggestipn
that the units used on the works should be deducted from the
total units generated before estimating the percentage of
units lost in-transmi.s.sion, but endorses his statement that
the city electrical engineer should have full responsibility
for the selection and control of the .staff. He holds that the
rates of charge for private supply are not excessive, citing a
report by Mr. Pearce in 1911 in support, and disputes the
figures given in the report as expended in wages for distribu-
tion. Objecting to a more rigid specification for coal as likely
to inflate prices and limit competition, Mr. Ruddle urges the
necessity of procuring an underfeed stoker already asked for,
and approves of the immediate pi'ovision of an additional
generating .set. Finally, he does not agree with tlie swcciiiii^;
condenmation of the Stewart engines, or the ivc(jinii]i-nil;i-
tion to use the large water-tube boilers for the daily load and
to hold the remainder in reserve.

Mr. H. Manoan, City Accountant, says he fears that the
conditions of supply in Dublin mu.st be inherently unfavour-
able to any remarkable development in the load factor, which
has remained persi.stently low for many years, but concurs
with Mr. d'.Mton's .suggestion that potential consumers .should
be canvassed by competent technical as.sistants. Piegarding
the prices charged, he demurs to their reduction below cost
in the hope of developing a better class of supply, and points
to the effects of high prices of coal. &c.. upon the costs of
production; if the savings indicated by Mr. d'.-Mton mate-
rialise, a reduction in price should not anticipate, but follow
them. He criticises the comparison drawn between Dublin
and other cities as worthless and misleading in the absence
ol details as to the relat-'ve proportions of the power and
lighting supplies, but refers to the reluctance of the Elec-
tricity Department to allow a fair price to the Main Drainage
Department, whereas a much cheaper rate has recently been
allowed to a Oovernment Department for a much smaller
supply. He had already (in 19f»9) drawn attention to the high
i^ost of coal per unit, and supports Mr, d'Alton's criticism
of this item. The Bo.ird of Trade form provides no spare
for " lo.sses in transmission," but these can be shown in

ruliirc. He deprecates the practice of paying the .salaries of
licrmanent officials engaged on extension works out of loans
instead of out of revenue, and again reconuuends that loans
for meters should be short-term loans in view of the short
lives of the apparatus.

.Mr. F. J. .Al.l.AN, Secretary to the Electricity Supply Com-
mittee, complains that Mr. d'Alton did not visit his depart-
ment before preparing his report, and claims that there has
been no lack of effort on the part of the sales otfice to spread
the use of electricity, pointing out that Mr. d'.-Mton fully
acknowledges the rapid ilevelopment of the load, wbich dat.il

from the inauguration of thi' Cm ercial Sales Departnirnl

in liNl7. He gives figures illustrating the steady improve
iiK'nt in the output for lighting and power respectively, and
states that the former unbusinesslike methods of dealing with
the public have been completely removed. The " bittci
prejudice which existed for years against the Didilin Coi
poration electricity undertaking " has at last been brought
down to comparatively narrow limits. Complaints are best
dealt with by an official in constant touch with the Com-
mittee. There is no dual control, and the departments co-
operate in a whole-hearted manner; the account clerks and
meter readers mu.st work together, and with the canvassers.
No alterations in prices have been made without careful con-
sultation with the Committee and Mr. Ruddle, and the rates
are not excessive for Dublin. The number of power u.sits
near the lines of mains still miconnected is very small. The
number of meter readers cannot be reduced, an<l it is dil'll-
cult to see where a .sieving in the.co.st of the secretarial depart-
ment can be effected.

Mr. Li. J. Kettle, Deputy City Electrical Engineer, in a
lengthy i-eport on the points concerning the generating works,
ihaus attention to the improvement in coal con.sumption in '
l'.l(l(i-7, for which he claims the credit as the result of long
hours of work; he was engaged to effect certain economies,
and considers that he more than made good his guaranti'c.
The 3,000-KW. set could not have been run in 191'i-l:i, as
suggested, owing to the lack of a steam-pipe connecting the
old and new stations, there being a coal .store betwifn the
two; there was only one feeder between the new plant and
the city supply, and the nrw suit.l)gear had not been in-
stalled, while the two new ILibcoik builers could not be iiin
continuously owing to a mistnke jn design. Even if the plant
could have been run, the economy suggested by Mr. d'Alton
would not have been realised, as the set could not have been
kept fuUv loaded, and the old plant could not have been
completely shut down. At a load of 5(10 or 1,0(K) KW. the old
engines are more economical than the 3,(KK)-KW. turbine. Mi-.
d'.Mton's figures for steam consumption, he says, are wrong,
and the low load factor is the main cause of the high genera-
tion co.sts. Even if up-to-date plant were in.stalled, the costs
could not be reduced "in a dramatic and sweeping manner "
if the external conditions were not radically improved. If
an additional 6.0(10-KW. set and new boilers are installed and
the 3,H00-KW. sets overhauled, they can .shut down the old
plant and .show a con.siderable reduction in the costs. Con-
tinuity of .supply is more imjxirtant than a small economy
with risk of interruption. He was hampered in laying out
the plant by the limited ideas of the authorities. He defends
the method of running the boiler plant, and points out that
Lanca.shire boilers are unsuitable for getting up steam in
emergency, whereas the Yarrow boiler can be put in sertfiee
in one hour. Corliss engines compare very favourably with
turbines in point of economy and reliability ;- those they in-
stalled were not the be.st of their kind, but were good value
for the money, and haa saved the .situation more than ome.
The Belliss A: Morcom engine needs overhauling, and the
giea.se extractor should be removed; the Richardsons-West-
garth turbine may be reconstructed when more plant is avail-
able. No great loss has been incurred through the faulty
condensers, and the figures Mr. d'Alton gives for increase of
consumption of stt>am per inch of vacuum lost relate to tur-
bines, not to reciprocating engines. The meters are not
inaccurate, and should have been tested in situ. With regard
ti> the coal supply, he is anxious to increase the competition,
and to install a furnace which will enable a wider range of
coal to be employed, but he disagrees with Mr. d'Alton as
to the quality of the coal .supplied, and as to the adoption of
a more rigid specification.

In the supplementary report submitted by Mr. n'Ar.TON at
the request of the Committee, he states that he has no inten-
tion of defending in any way the views which he put for-
ward in the original report, and .sees no rea.son to depart
from the conclusions then attained. He is satisfied that the
administration is capable of improvement, and that economy
is practicable without prejudice to the efficiency of the ser-
vice. He stands by his comparison between Dublin and
other places, and is convinced that only the lighting most
important to the consumers has yet been connected, while
the lighting most important to the undertaking (that of the
long-hour consumer) has 'not been encouraged as it should have
been. He did not make the .statement that the wages spent
on distribution amounted to ±'12,000 per annum: with the
exception of what was paid for public lighting, the charges
under the head of distribution were not unduly high, but
there is no sufficient iustification for the large proportion
charged to capital. He fails to see how a more rigid coal speci-
fication could produce a more limited competition than at pre-
sent, when the number of competitors for the Dublin con-
tract amounts to one. The reduction in coal consumption

NOVEMBER 10, 1.1,; ] THE ELECTEICAL REVIEW.

515

in I'.KIG and VMl dul Mr. Kettle credit, but emphasised the
bad enpineering of the station as he found it. Mr. d'.^lton
insists that the turbines are greatly superior in econom.v to
the old engines, and maintains that " the sacrifict' of eliici-
ency on the altar of superprecaution is not the highest practice
of a responsible engineer " ; in many municipal stations engi-
neers have overdone security and sacrificed economy. The
merits of the turbine cannot be questioned ; Corliss engines
are never installed nowadays, and those in the power-house
gave endless ti'ouble. The condenser trouble at the Pigeon
House, if not absolutely novel, 'is not a common one; Mr.
Kettle's views on condensers will not find many supporters,
and Mr. d'.\lton states that he was not thinking of turbine
practice when discussing the vacua on the Corliss engines.
Tlie ( )erlikon turbine was run for ^.SOtt hours, showing that
the ab.-ience of a steam-pipe and the availability of only one
feeder were not insuperable obstacles to its employment; he
is siitislied that the turbine could have been run on a load of
I.IRKI KW. for a much longer [leriod than Mr. Kettle states.
and that the question of load factor has no bearing on the
ca.se. If the Yarrow boiler is used only for peak loads and
emergencies it may have a long life, but not a useful one.
He did not advocate the employment of the Lancashire boilers
for emergency work, and cannot accept the view that this
tyjie can compete in efficiency with the water-tube type. Mr.
Kettle's comments on the difficulties put in his way in the
attempt to improve the boiler-house plant confirm Mr.
d'.-\lton's views, and demonstrate the bad conditions under
which the plant is operated. The size of coal should be speci-
fied, and the coal ilelivered should be tested; various sizes
of coal from the same seam will not yield the same b.th.u.,
and 10..5<)0 B.TH.T'. is too low for " washed single nuts"; the
sliick should give that value, and a pure washed " single "
will give 1.0(10 B.TH.l". more than the slack from its own
seam. Moreover, the specification does not name any colliery
fir district, and both the heat value and the price vary con-
siderably with the district of origin.

Mr. d'.\lton describes Mr. Mangan's report as courteous,
interesting, and helpful, though he cannot agree with all
that he .says. He is informed on good authority that an active
forward policy would double the present output in a .short
time, and the gas company has, in fact, adopted .such a
policy with success. He is well aware of the amount nf work
done by Mr. .\llan and his " live " department, but is none
the less convinced, tliat such an undertaking must be adminis-
teied by an engineer. By way of comparison. Mr. d'.^lton
cites the case of Poplar, where the output for 1914-15 was
about 30 per cent, greater than that of Dublin, but the expen-
diture on salaries and commis.sions. under the management
of an engineer, was i'1.1.59. whilst that of Dublin was £'7.802.
He cannot understand Mr. Allan's reference to the " bitter
prejudice " existing against the Dublin electricity under-
taking.

The various report.? and the Special Committee's recom-
iT.endations with regard to the offer to Mr. dWlton were
expected" to come before the Municipal Council at its meeting
on Monday last, but were not mentioned, and it is now
supposed that they will be dealt with at a special meeting.-

WAR ITEMS.

Exports to China. — The " London Gazette " for Novem-
ber 7th contains further names of persons and bodies to whom
exports to China and Siam may be consigned.

Enemy Businesses in India. — The " BoanI of^ Trade
.lo'urnal " for November '2nd contains a list of busine.s.ses being
carried on in India by hostile firms which the Governor-
General in Council has ordered to be wound up.

Belgian Power Plrnt Sent Into Germany. — " Les Nou-
velles." the Belgian paper published in Holland, reports that
the (jermans continue to take (possession of factories on the
Meuse. All the machines belonging to one power company
have been sent to Germany. — Times.

German Trade Unions. — Since the beginning of the war
the German trade unions have lost 60 per cent, of their mem-
bers. In .lune. 1914, the membership of the unions amounted
to 2,482.046, but bv the end of 1915 this number had dropped
to 982,86:3.— rim ('.■i'.

To be Wound Up. — The following further companies
have been ordered to be wound up under the Trading with
the Enemv .\mendment Act : —

Bosch Magneto Co.. Ltd., '204, Tottenham Court Road, \Y.,
manufacturers of magnetos. Controller : A. E. Woodington,
5. Philpot Lane, London, E.C.

British Incandescent Mantle '^'ork?, Ltd., Ravensbury
Road, Earlsfield. manufacturers of incandescent gas mantles.
Controller ; T. Wise, Bassishaw House, Basinghall Street,
E.C.

Enemy=o\vned Electrical Shares. — In the House of Com-
mons, last week. Mr. George Terrell asked whether the enemy-
owned .shares in the Enfield Electrical Cable Manufacturing
Co.. Ltd.. had yet been sold by the Public Trustee, and. if
so. to whom and for. what price. Mr. Pretyman rephed that
the Public Tru.stee informed him that he was carrying on

negotiations for the sale of the enemy-owned shares in this
conjpany. but he had not yet effected a sale.

Government Order Regarding Motor Construction Work.

— The Minister of Munitions announces that as from Nov-
ember 15th, he prohibits until further notice any person,
firm, or company engaged in the manufacture or repair of
any vehicle designed for mechanical transport or traction,
or any part of such vehicle, from carrying out in any factory,
workshop or other premises, w'ithout a permit is,sued under
the authority of the Admiralty, the Army Council, or the
Minister of Munitions, any work consisting in the manufac-
ture, assembling, or erection of any new or unused motor
internal-combustion engine, designed or adapted for mechani-
cal traction, or of any new or unused motor cycle, motor
chassis, motor wagon, or of any tractor or other motor
vehicles of any kind proi>elled by mechanical means, subject,
however, to the exception of work required to complete con-
tracts placed by the Admiralty, the War Office, the Minister
of Munitions, or an .\lhed Government, on or before the date
of this order.

The Manufacture pf Copper Wire and Cables. — The
Minister of Munitions announces that, in exercise of the
powers conferred upon him by the Defence of the Realm
(Consolidation) .\ct,.1914, the Defence of the Realm (.Amend-
ment) No. 2 Act, 1915, the Defence of the Reahn (Omsohda-
tion) Regulations, 1914, and all other powers thereunto, en-
abling him, he hereby prohibits as from the date of this
Order, the manufacture of any copper wire or any ca'ble con-
taining copper, except for the purposes of any of the follow-
ing contracts or orders for the time being in existence,
namely : —

1. A contract or order to which there shall have been allo-
cated by the Priority Branch of the Ministry of Munitions a
reference nundier and priority classification within Classes
" A " or " B " of circular L. 33 as to control of output issued
by the Minister of Munitions on March 31st, 1916, or :

2. A contract or order with and bearing the reference
number and identification letters of any of the following
departments, namely : The .Admiralty, the War Office, the
Ministry of Munitions, and the Post Office.

Messrs. Dick, Kerr Purchase A. E.G. British Interests.
— We reproduce the following from the Timrs. We comment
upon the matter in our leaderette pages : —

"We, learn that the business of the A.E.G. Electric Co.,
one of the three subsidiaries in this country of the Allgemeine
Eltktricitats Gesellschaft, of Berlin, has just been sold by
the controller appointed by the Board of Trade to Dick, Kerr
and Co., Ltd., whose electrical works are at Preston.

■ The .\.E.G. Electric Co. was the most important of the
three subsidiaries, and had offices and depots in London, New-
castle, Cardiff, and Birmingham. It had undertaken large
contracts for leading colliery and shipbuilding companies, and
one of the reasons advanced for the continuance of its opera-
tions after the outbreak of war is understood to have been
the importance of the work it had undertaken for firms en-
gaged on British Government contracts. The contracts varied
in value from ±'1,0(X) to about £40,IN1*I, and the liquid assets
held in this country amounted to well over £100,000. It is
understood that as these assets are now transferred to the
Public Trustee, practically all that was saleable, apart from
stock, was the goodwill, and that as the company's profits
have naturallv fallen off during the war. the price paid was
not large. Before the war the company employed an army
.of German mechanics, and the whole of the capital was held
" by the parent company in Berlin. During the war the Ger-
man staff is stated to have been replaced by a British staff,
and the latter is now- taken over by Dick, Kerr & Co.. together
with a number of uncompleted contracts. The Controller,
Mr. Maurice .lenks, of 6. Old Jewry, E.G., was apiwinted by
the Board of Trade on July 7th last, and now. having effected
the transfer of the German business in its entirety to a
British firm, he ceases his connection with the company,
except, it is undeistood, for the collection of certain debts.

" The controller for the Electrical Co., Ltd., one of the two
other subsidiaries in this country of the German concern,
wa.'? appointed by the Board of Trade on March 9th : an order
was issued at the end of July for sales to cease : and on Octo-
. her 17th the residue of the stock was disposed of by Messrs.
Wheatley Kirk. Price & Co. Its head office was in the
Charing Cross Road. , r, ,

" The third subsidiary is the .A.E.G. Electric Co. of South
Africa. Its business here is stated to have been confined to
arranging contracts for electrical apparatus with the South
African mines. The controller was appointed on July 7th,
and the intention is to close down the business in this country
very shortly. The stock in South Africa is beiiig dealt with
bv the T'nion Government under recent legislation."

'The Electrical Co.. Ltd.. the A.E.G. Electrical Co. of South
Africa, and the A.E.G. Electric Co.. Ltd.— Notices appear in
the London Gazette for November 7th to the effect that these
businesses having oow' been sold and disposed of, or the com-
panies having ceased to carry on business in the Lnited
Kingdom, creditors who have not yet sent particulars of
their claims. &c.. to the controller. Mr. Maurice .Jenks, 6.
Old Jewry, London, E.C, must do so by November 30th. In
each case a paragraph is added to the notice intimating that
ail persons having in their possession any property or effects
belonging to the companies must deliver .same to the con-
troller forthwith, and all debts due must also be paid to him.

516

THE ELECTRlCAXi KEV1E^Y. [Voi. 7;i. No. 2.(at, novkmhkk lu, iitic.

Tramway Service or the Factory? — Before the H udders,
field Mi\nitions Tiilninal, last week. Henry Oldham, a local
tram coiuinctor. claimed that the Corporation were unreason-
ably withholding his leavinj^ certificate. He had taken on
the condiKting work temporarily, havinp been a fini.sher'.«;
cutter at a local factor}-. wl)ich he had had to leave owinp to
shortace of work last November. lie had since been twice
asked by the firm to po back, and about a month ago he gave
the Corporation a fortnight's notice and went back to the
factory. lie had only been there a .«hort time when, owing
to correspondence between the factory-owners and the tram-
ways manager, he covdd not bo kept by the finn. He held
that he would be doing work of greater national value by
going back to his old job. as conductor's work could be done
by women. Mr. Proctor (Deputy Town Clerk) said the man
could not be spared. The department had S'2 male and f>4
female conductors, but IS of the men were to be taken into
the Army in a few' days, and the male conductors also formed
the reserve from which to draw drivers. Mr. Wilkinson
(tramways manager) said he had had only one application
from a woman as conductor within the past month, and it
was now impo.ssible to get women. When the IS male con-
ductors went to the Army the tramway service would have
to be reduced. Mr. Proctor .said a doci.sion by the Tribunal
was important. a.s several other men similarly placed desired
to leave the tramways department. The Chainnan said the
question was whether it would be in the national interest
that the" man .should work in the factory or remain in the
public service. The Tribunal must refuse the application.

Exemption Applications. — .\t Wolcln.!:; Tribunal, the
Woking Electric Supply Co. asked for leave to appeal for
.T. S. Fowler ('23). single, an electric wireman. The Clerk
.said the application was out of date, and the Tribunal re-
fused to hear the application. Mr. E. 0. Nicholson, the
secretary of the company, pave notice of appeal.

At the Yani'iouth Tribunal, an ironmonger and electrician
appealed for his only electrician (.36), without whom, he said.
he could not carry on his business. He was the only man of
military age in his employ in this department, five having
gone. Conditional exemption was continued. "

At Dover, on November 1st, the Town Council applied for
the retention of the driver of an electric scavenging vehicle
(.3-2). A month only was granted.

Eleven niotornirn and one inspector were appealed for at
Brighton by the Corporation. Mr. Marsh, in reply to a
question, .said that women could be employed as drivers on
the Ijewis Road route, but not on the hilly route. Now only
ra men were employed, and if ]2 went it would be a serious
matter. Sir .John Blaker, the Military Representative, .said
it was a bad example to see such a large number of eligible
men employed on a Corporation undertaking. .'Ml the men
appealed for were under 33. and two of them were unmarried.
It might mean a less frequent tram .^enice, but this the
inhabitants would be quite willing to put up with. Twenty
years ago they did without trams, and now. in this crisis, he
thought that all the men should go. Mr. Marsh replied that
'214 men had cnli-sted from the depot, a percentage of 72 of
the whole staff, and no tramway service in the country had
a better record ; Torquay coming second. Two single motor-
men and the inspector, also single, were each given a final
two months, and the others three months each.

.-Vn electrician at Lindfield was appealed for by the Crawley
Electric Light Co. at a sitting of the East Sussex Tribunal,
exemption having been refu.sed locally. The man. it was
stated, was resiwnsible for overhead cables, and was neces-
sary for the public tafety. Although deaf, and having a
defonned chest, he was passed for general service. Exemp-
tion was not allowed.

Before the Surrey Appeal Court, on October 28th, the Mili-
tary Representative appealed against exemption given to Mr.
Morgan, of the Reigate municipal electric liglTt .staff, who
had been given until .7anuai-v' 1st by the Reigate Tribunal.
Tlje Court made the exemption allowed final.

At Worthing, an electrical engineer, who was for a tune
a voluntary munition worker, appealed, and stated that he
was released from the work because he was liable for mili-
tary service. His appeal for exemption w-as rejected.

A Hove electrical engineer, left with only one man, and
who said that the business could not continue if he had to
serve, has been given two months' exemption.

At_ .'\yle.sbury, a firm of electrical engineers, with premises
at King.sbury, applied for the retention of their electrician
and confidential clerk. The fonner, passed in Class CI, was
given six months, and the latter, fit for general service, w'as
directed to be called up on December Lst^

At Kidderminster, the Tramway Co. appealed for two
motormen and a car-shed foreman, , and five months were
allowed to each.

Warwickshire Appeal Court has given exemption until a
substitute is found by tlie military to Mr. A. L. Smith (27),
electrician, appealed for by the S"tratford-on-Avon Electricity
Co., Ltd. ■ ■

■ At Ea.st Ham, the Broadwav Cinema Co.. Ltd.. appealed
for their electrical engineer. S. C. Potter ('26), who works
the generating plant, but the appeal was dismissed, and a
jnonth's delay granted.

. At Pontefract. Mr. J. L. Brown (2.5), appealed as theonly
qualified electrician left in the town, and he was exempted
until .January 1st.

Clcobury Mortimer Tribunal has refused exemption to A
}'". LightJoot, electrician at Ilighley Picture Theatre, and
notice of appeal was given on the ground that appellant is
imfit for foreign service.

.•\t Chester le-Street, on October 30th. the Comity of Durham
Electric Power Distribution Co. appealed for a meter fixer
and tester and aicount collector (:^7). He was put back until
called up. with the right of appealing again.

Before the HollaTid (Liincs.) Appeal Court, on October 27th,
Mr.. R. W. Sandeis, of Boston, appealed tor the retention
of C. E. ('lare (311), electrical ca.se maker, but the appeal was
rejected.

Castleford Tribunal has refused exemption to F. P. Smith
(18), electrician to the Victoria Picture Co., the only ,man
left to attend to the electrical apparatus at three pictme
halls.

The East Kent» Appeal Court, on October 30th, granted six
months' exemption to Mr. Colin Campbell (111), managing
dirertoi- and secretary of the Whitstable Electric Light Co.
Mr. Campbell ha<l previously been given until January l;">tli,
and against this the Military Repres<>ntative \nisuccessfully
appealed. It was stated that Mr. (lampbell had been trying
to get capital for debentures to prevent the winding up of
the company, and that in ten months he had been successful
ill raising and getting promi.ses for about £iJM for this
imrpo,se.

At Folkestone, on October 21st, Mr. A. R. P. Thorn (23),
electrician, was granted one month's exemption.

At Bexhill-on-Sea, Messrs. Bruce & Co., electrical engi-
neers, appealed for W. R. Chapman (29), but the Military
opposed, on the ground that a discharged man from the Royal
Engineers should be employed, Mr." Bruce stated that he
had tried without success to replace Chapman, who had
been with them for 1.5 years. l4e added that he could do
with six electricians. Three months were allowed.

Battle Rural Tribunal have granted conditional exemption
to Mr. C. D. Geer (31), electrical engineer.

Shoreham (Sussex) Tribunal, on Monday, granted two
months' exemption to an electrical engineer, aged 40, passed
in Cla.ss Bl, and who has four brothers serving.

A Brighton firm of electricians appealed, on Monday, for
an electrician ('26) and a wireman (33), and stated that they
liiid lost 63 men. The electrician was allowed a final 14 days,
;nd the wireman two months.

At Douglas (Isle of Man), on October 31st, Mr. Edmond-
son, of the Manx Electric Railway Co., appealed for B. A.
Robinson (18) and W. A. Cowan (18), electrical engineering
pupils, both of w-honi are in the third year of their training.
Bach wa.s exempted until they attain the age of 19.

At Douglas (Isle of Man), on October 31st, Mr. W. J.
Fargher appealed for the retention of W. S. White (35), elec-
trician, the only man left to do the electrical repairs, and
who was essential to the business. Conditional exemption
was granted.

BUSINESS NOTES.

Catalogues and Lists. — SxoxEBRiDfiE Elkctrical Co..

Lto., Windmill Road. Hampton Hill. Middlesex. — KJ-page price list
of drawn-wire metal filament lamps.

- Spray Engineering Co., Boston. U.S.A. — Bulletin describing
their "Spnico " paint gun.

The. Foreign Trade Representative. — In tbe articles

which we have published from time to time by exjiert observers in
different markets abroad regarding the spirit and measures that will
be most likely to operate iu favour of British trade, the writers
have attached great importance to the social standing, habits and
presence of the representatives who are sent out by our manu-
facturers. Our contributors in Egypt, India and China in par-
ticular have laid emphasis upon the matter. An American Consul
has just put such points very plainly before U.S. traders in con-
nection with efforts in the West Indies. He says that it will
depend largely upon the representatives the.y send to win this
market how far American firms are successful there. In the jiast
poor impressions sometimes made by salesmen have been unsatis-
factory and anything but factors in the promotion of trade. In
more than one case prejudice has remained for a long time, and it
has been hard work to remove it and restore confidence. " The
day of the noisy, self-atlvertising commercial traveller has long
gone by, at least in these countries, and the cultured, courteous
representative is the type wanted. The merchants of these Colonies
are men who have built up their firms through years of thrift and
close attention to business, and who hold the respect of the com-
munities in which they live. As in most tropical countries, their
people have a leisurely way of doing business. They like to ' take
it easy,' to talk things over. Often the ability to afld social courtesy
to business efficiency is the surest method of getting business, and
the commercial traveller who may be introduced to their social
clubs or to their homes is not unusually the man who will book
the most orders. A representative of one large American house
closed in a half hour, ' over the teacups,' a contract on which he
had been working unsuccessfully for days at the business office.
Many an order obtained on the cool veranda of a tropical club-
house after limch would not- have been given elsewhere."

Vol. 79. No. 2,033. xovember 1(1, iflir,.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

517

Private Arrangement. — Thk Tvlkr Apparatis Co.,

Ltd.. Bannister Roarl, Killmrn Lane, N.W.. electrical eng-iueev.«.
&c. — A conterence of creilitors\va.s held last Friday, at the In.stitute
of Chartereil Accountant.s, Moor<ratc Street, E,C., for the purpose
of considerinnf a proposal by the company for the ultimate pay-
ment in full of the un.secnred creditors. The chair wa-s occupied
by Mr. P. Houstoun, of Messrs. Corfield and Cripwell, accountants
and auditors, who said that the conference was the outcome of
negotiations which had taken place. The company was formed in
1912, with a nominal capital of £10,000, and received f 3,,o00 for
shares, which were subscribed for in cash. Shares of the face
value of £5,000 had been allotted to the vendors. An approxi-
mate balance sheet had been prepared as at October l.Sth last, the
dat« when a receiver wa,s appointed. That showed that the total
liabilities of the company were ,£22,8U, made up as follows : —
Issued capital, £8, .505 ; debimtures, £2,950 ; cash and trade
creditors and bills payable, £9,188 ; and further ca«h claims,
£1,871. On the other side of the balance sheet it appeared that
up to January 1st of the present year there was a loss on the
trading of £5,8fi5. while since that date there had been a loss of
£38(j. The assets were as follows : — Cash, £34 ; furniture, .£200 ;
premises accoimt, £400 ; constructional works, £469 ; pattern
.account, £122 ; tool accoimt, £532 ; plant and machinery, £2,t>56 ;
(jfoodwill, £5,000; stock, £1,553; and sundry debtors and bills
receivable. £5,571. Some time ago. a creditor in the North of
England levied execution, and in order to protect the assets, a
receiver was appointed. The execution creditor had" since filed a
petition for the compulsory winding-up of the company. In
September, 1913, a debenture for £0,UOU was issued to the parent
company to secure a cash advance. There were &ve other affiliated
companies who had money advanced to them by the parent com-
pany. At the same time, the parent company issued a debenture
for £25,000 to the bank, and all the sxibsidiary companies executed
a declaration and admission of trust in favour of the b.ank. They
also gave an undertaking to the effect that they would not. without
the permission of the bank, pay off any of the debentures which
had been issued in favour of the parent company. The manager
of the present company knew nothing about that declaration, and
it appeared that over £4.000 of the original debenture had been
paid to the parent company. A receiver had been appointed in
connection with the parent company, and that gentleman had a
claim against the present company, not for the balance of the
debenture of £1.400. but for the original amount of £t;,oOO. Of
course, the present company had a claim against the parent com-
pany for the £4,000 odd which had been paid off the debentiu'e,
hut that might be a bad debt. Second debentures in the company
were held by a Mr. Powell, who only advanced his money during
the present year. The manager of the company (Sir. Pearson) had
also advanced considerable sums, and guaranteed the accounts of
some of the creditors. When the bank advanced money to the
parent company, the amount was guaranteed. The guarantors
proposed to settle with the bank, and te transfer the balance of
the first debenture of £1,400 to the second debenture-holder. The
latter would then advance the company a further sum of £1.000 to
]irovide it with the necessary working capital. The amount which
the company had repaid off the debentiu'es would be wiped out.
Certain of the book debts were charged. Ijut the debenture-holder
was agreeable to the remaining book debts being released and collected
for the benefit of the unsecured creditors. From the book debts
it should be possible to collect sufficient to pay the creditors at
least 2s. or 3s. in the £ on the amount of their claims. After the
book debts had been collected, the company would pay over £50
weekly for the liquidation of the creditors' claims. The smaller
creditors would be paid in full within a reasonable time. It had
to be remembered that unless some scheme was adopted, the
unsecured creditors would get nothing. Under the present scheme
the creditors would certainly receive 2s. or 3s. in the £. and they
stood a sporting chance of receiving a good deal more.

In answer to questions, Mr. Houstoun stated that the company
had always been hampered for want of capital. In 12 months a
considerable sum was paid for accommodation. If the company
was wound up, the creditors would not get anything. There was a
considerable number of suing creditors.

Several creditors expressed the opinion that there was a good
future before the company, and that every effort should be ma«.le to
continue it. The matter wa,s discussed at some length, and
eventually resolutions were passed in favour of the acceptance of
the scheme, and it was decided that the petition for the winding-up
of the company should be opposed. Mr. G. E. Corfield was
appointed to act as trustee for the creditors in the matter, and it
was stated that the Court would be asked to approve of the scheme,
and a further meeting of the creditors would then be called.

Car-lighting Devices in Australia.— Although several

tenders were sent in in response to the Melbourne Tramways
Board's invitation for devices for car illumination, none proved
entirely satisfactory, the fault in most cases being the expense of
working, but in some the delay entailed in procuring the plant.
Fresh tenders are. therefore, being invited, and it is stipulated that
tenderers who cannot supply plant must state the cost of the plant
that will be required. The Board now has 1.014 cars, but the plant
must be capable of meeting the requirements of 1.250 cars with
lights of approximately 100 c.P. to each car. Tenderers must
also state the cost of maintenance, and whether they are prepared
to install the plant and give a fortnight's trial of their system on
One of the cars. The Board offers in various ways to assist
tenderers in the experimental stage of their work, and will also
give a premium of £100 for the most suitable design, with
specifications, whether it is adopted or not. — Australian Mining
Standard.

Boolf Notices. — "Walford's Tea, Coffee aiifl Rubber
(Juide." London : Martin Walford & Co. Is. 6d. net. This
pamphlet gives a list of about 300 dividend-paying rubber shares
and their yields.

■'Joiinml of the Rdntgen Society." No. 49, Vol. XII. October,
191(5. Loudon ; Percy Lund, Humphries & Co. Price4s.net.

" Science Abstracts." A and B, Vol. XIX, Part 10. October 25th,
191(i. London : E. & F. N. Spon, Ltd. Price Is. 6d. each.

" Elenco dei Fabbricanti in Italia di Materiale e Macchinario
Elettrico. Milano : Stabiliniento Grafico Stucchi, Ceretti e C.

" Scientific Papers of the Bureau of Standards." No. 289. " The
Damping of Waves and Other Disturbances in Mercury." No. 291.
" A System of Control for an Electric Testing Laboratory." Wash-
ington ; Department of C!ommerce.

" Prnreedinr/s of the American Institute of Electrical Engineers."
Vol. XXXV, No. 10. October. 1916. New York : The Institute.

•' Engineering Industry in War and Peace." The B.E.A.M.A. has
published a pamphlet C(5ntaining verbatim reports of the .speeches
delivered at the Mansion House meeting in Septemljer. together
with photographs of the speakers.

" Business— and Bribery after the War. " By R. M. Leonard.
Twelve-page pamphlet issued by the Bribery and Secret Commissions
Prevention League Inc.. 9. Queen Street Place. E.G.

Britisli Travelling Exhibitions.— Replyint; to a Parlia-
mentary question, the other day. Mr. Runciman said that he was
considering the possibility of arranging for an exhibition of British
manufactures which would visit the principal commercial centres
in the Dominions. He was in communication with the Secretary
for the Colonies on the subject. Extensive preparations would
have to be made should an exhibition of the kind prove practicable.
He did not contemplate attempting to include in the present scheme
exhibitions in neutral countries.

Liquidation. — General Accessoriks Co.. Ltd. — A

meeting of creditors is called for November 7th, at 120. Black-
friars Road. S.E.

Bankruptcy Proceedings.— R. E.Connold, electrician •

Canterbury. — November 17th is the last day for the receipt of
proofs for dividend. Mr. G. E. Corfield, trustee. Balfour
House. E.G.

LIGHTING AND POWER NOTES.

Aberdeen. — The Electricity Committee is supporting the
recommendation of the electrical engineer that tenders be obtained
for the erection of a sub-station at the east end of York Place, at a
cost of £2,800 ; the continued additions of load in this area,
together with a recent application of a further 700 H.P. for a
shipbuilding yard, make it imperative to proceed with the work at
once.

Accrington. — Linking-up. — At a recent T.C. meeting,
Alderman Higham favoured the proposed interconnection of the
Lancashire electricity supply systems. The interlinking of
Accrington with Rawtenstall. and probably Blackburn, would be
beneficial, especially during temporary breakdowns.

Aldershot. — Price Revision. — The D.C. has cleci(ied
to increase the charges for electricity as follows : — A flat rate of
(id. per unit, in lieu of 4J-d. per unit, plus 10 per cent. ; power and
heating, 3d. to 2id., instead of 2d. to Ud. plus 20 per cent. ;
Messrs. Gale and Polden to be charged for power consumption
Ud. per unit, in lieu of Id. per unit, plus 20 per cent. : and a
rental to be-made for consumers' meters of Is. 6d. to ;2s. Od. per
([uarter. according to size.

Ardsley. — Sewage Works Supply. — The Electrical

Distribution of I'orkshire. Ltd.. has been asked to guarantee a
supply of electrical energy at Brodilley Sewage Works for a period
of five years, with the option of a further five years' extension.

Australia. — The Huntley Shire Council (Victoria) has
been requested by the ratepayers to consider the erection of a
municipal plant to supply Elmore with electric light and power, or
alternately, that the Council should forego its right in favour of ti
company. A report on the project has been prepared and forwarded
to the Council for its information.

The Renmark (South Australia) electric lighting plant has been
taken over by the Council. The consulting engineer. Mr. F. Coote,
has recommended an increase in the power plant by 100 h.p.

In connection with the Inkerman (Queensland) irrigation
scheme. Messrs. J. Hargreaves (hydraulic engineer) and H. Eklund
(assistant engineer), Queensland wajer supply department, have
recently returned from a visit to the Lower Burdekin dist rict. The
scheme embraces an area of 25.000 acres. It is estimated that
(i,0(.)0 acres would be ready for planting cane when the scheme is
available to supply water, and with the system of rotation 2.000
acres will be dealt with at a time. Distribution will be controlled
by electricity. Though pumping is the most important feature, it
is expected that before long the pumping demand will be secondary
to that for general use. A steam generating set is proposed for
the work, with 'a distribution at 6.6(.>0 volts to the pumps. —
Tenders.

518

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW. v„i. ;:.. x.. 2,o:ax..vKMBER in, foifi.

Bacup. — lUi.K SriM'i.v. — Tln' TX'. has iiitinuitwl to tliu

Rawtonsta\I Cor)Miration its innbility to njjree to terms for supply,
unless iiiforiue<l of the terms frranted by RawteustfiU ill the case of
the llasliM^riicn supply.

Baildon. — E.L. Proposal. — With regawl tn tlie (|instiiiTi

of electricity supply, -the Councir has informcil the Shipley D.C.
that it does not at present favour the suiJtrestion of grantinj;
•reneral jKiwers to distribute electricity in the Baildon area, and
that the matter may be considered in abeyance until the conclusion
of the war.

Barnsley. — Ykar's AVorkino. — Tluw \v;i.s a dotirii of

£3l>H on the working of the Corjioration electricity undertaking'
durin-r the past year.

Belfast. — A doimtatioii iv|ivcscntin<r llie clwtrM-al trades
of the city recently \vaite<i on the City t'ouncil to ur^re the necessity
of procee<linjr with the erection of the new electricity station at
the Musurave Channel, and installing- the first set of not less than
.").0()(l KW. as quickly as possible. It was nrsred that the present
station had now reached its maximum output, and that the
members of the electrical trades felt that their business was likely
to suffer unless suitable provision for electric supply was made.
The LonI .'\Iayor assuretl the deputation that the subject would be
taken up afresh and discussed seriously, but he could Inot promise
anythinjr more than that.

At a recent meeting: of the Council, Mr. Caufrhey pointed out
that the city electrical enjrineer reported that he estimated the
demands upon the station would leave a margfin of about II per
cent, on the plant, based upon the assumption that the whole of
the plant was simultaneously available at its full normal rating.

Birmingham. — Several times during the last week the

Cor)X)ration tramway service was suspended owing: to shortag^e in
jxiwer supply. The Electricity Committee, at a meeting: on Friday
last, s|iecially considered the matter ; the question was whether it
was wi,se to notify the public that between certain hours the cars
would be definitely stop|>ed, jiending- the repair and extension of
the plant at the Xechells power station, or whether it would be
better and more advanta<reous that efforts should be made to run
the cars as often as possible. Mr, Chattock. the chief electrical
engineer, and Mr. Baker, the tramways manager, had discussed the
matter, and the conclusion arrived at was that it would be better
not to issue any definite notice as sug-grested.

.\nother matter which occupied the attention of the Committee
was the freneral question of the supply of current throug:hout the
city. The output of the department has increased from 80 million
units to ITiO millions during: the last two years, and efforts have
been made to increase the eng-ine power in a corresponding degrree.
Deliveries of plant, however, have been frequently delayed, and
this, with a depleted staff, is larg:ely the cause of the inability of
the dejiartment to coijB with the demands made upon it. Steps
are being- taken to secure the installation of plant, which should
have lieen in working: order by the end of September, before the
middle of December, and when that has been accomplished it is
hoped the output will be materially increased and that the diffi-
culties of the Committee will come to an end.

Canadian Water Power. — The High Commissioner for

Canada has received the following- information by cable from the
Hon. W. J. Roche. M.P.. Minister of the Interior at Ottawa : —
Apart altog-ether from the Xorthern Territories, practically all the
Yukon Territory and the northern and eastern jwrtions of Queljec,
where the resources are not yet exploited, some I7,746,H»3 H.p. are
available in water powers in the Dominion of Canada. Developed
water powers ag-g-reg-ate 1,712,193 H.P., of which Xova Scotia has
21.412 H.P. ; New Brunswick, 13,390 H.p. ; Prince Edward Island,
.500 H.P. ; Quebec, .".20.000 H.P. ; Ontario, 78!l,4(i6 H.P. : Manitoba,
.5fi.7.SO H.P. : Saskatchewan, 4.5 H.P. : Alberta, 33,305 H.P. ; British
Columbia, 265,345 H.P. : and the Yukon Territory, _12,000 h.p.
Eig:ht million H.P. are available within rang-e of the present
markets, and within 15 years will be in use.

Clyde Valley. — Xew Power Station. — On November

Ist the new Cambuslang power station of the Clyde Valley Elec-
trical Power Co. was formally opened. The plant is situated' at
Clyde Mill, the river water being available for condensing purposes.
The first generating set installed is a VVestinghouse 5,000-KW..
25-cycle. three-phase turbo-alternator, supplied with steam from
Babcock & Wilcox boilers, each evaporating 34,000 lb. of water per
hour at 20ii lb. per sq. in. For coal supply the wagons are tipped
hydraulically into a hopper, which suppl'ies the conveyors passing
over the bunkers ; the ash and soot are removed by a suction plant.
The buildings are steel framed with brick filling, and a portion of
the old mill dam has been rebuilt in concrete. It is interesting to
note that woman labour has been employed with success on the
works.

Continental — Ger.mant. — According to the " Mnenchner

Xeweste Nachrichten." the electricity supply works on the Isar
have been enlarged in order to supply the new Krupp works with
electric light and power. In consequence of the impossibility of
providing the required hydraulic machinery, recourse has been had
to steam power, and a steam turbine of between 5.000 and 6.000 H.P.
has been installed.

X'ORWAY. — The Hitterdal Divisional Council has decided to
:c|uire the Omres waterfall in Sauland, with a view to the erec-
tion of a-hydro-electiic station at a cost of either 455.000 kroner or
5!Po.ii0o kroner, according- as it is decided to develop 1,400 H P or
2.S00 H.P.

The Stadsraad on October 14th approved of a resolution of the
authorities of Rygge to»raise a loan of lOo.onO kroner for ex-
tensions of the Communal electric station.

With a view to power production, the Trondhjein Municipality
has deeidini to build a dam across an inlet of the sea opimsite
Xeadal. enclosing an area of 20 kilometres, and creating a
I5.ft. fall.

Darlington. — 'I'he rcjinrl <<( ihc c-h-cirirjly ili-iiarlinriit
shows an increase of 22 jier cent, in the number of units generated
for lighting' and jiower piirjiosea since April last. The accounts to
the end of March last showefi a net profit of £2,!I18, and^the Com-
mittee recommends that this be placed to the reserve account.

Folkestone. — Prk'k Increase. — The Electricity Siqiiily

Co.. Ltd., has notifie<l the T.C. that from the meter readings at the
lieginning of the December quarter, the charge for current will be
increa.5ed by a further 5 jier cent., in addition to the 10 ])er cent,
already enforced.

Harrogate. — Year's AVoRKixfi. — Tlic ammal accoiint.s

for l!n5-16 show a total revenue of £20,202 ; working expenditure
amounted to £il,437. and the gross profit to £10,765. From the
latter, after meeting interest and sinking fund charges, £I,7S4 was
placed to reserve and £1,000 to relief of rates; the balance,
together with £289 from reserve, making £819, Wius expended on
works of a cikpital nature. The reseiTc balance anionnts to K l,o2'.i.
During the year 1,474,234 units were sold, the maximum load
amounting to 800 KW.

London.— Hackney. — The Electricity ("ui ittcc rccmn-

mends the extension of the distributing main in High Street,
Kingsland, in order to supply electricity to a factory, the firm
guaranteeing a minimum of £100 per annum for five years. The
Committee also recommends that application be made to join the
I.M.E.A.

Woolwich.- At the meeting of the B.C. the Electricnty Com-
mittee reported having completed negotiations for supply with one
large company. Negotiations are proceeding with an important
authority whose representatives had applied for terms for a
stand-by supply. The terms accepted in the one case, and the
terms offered in the other, are such as will safeguard the Council
ajrainst any large capital expenditure or loss on revenue account.
The Works Committee reported having entered into an arrange-
ment in regard to the lighting of certain roads

I.SM.NGTON. — E.VTRA Waoes. — The B.C. has granted an addition
of Id. an hour to the wages of the employes of the 'electricity
depiirtment.

Lowestoft. — I'iist week Mr. R. C. Ma.xwcll, inspector of

the L.G.B.. held an inquiry into the application of the T.C. tor
sanction to various overdrafts, including j; 4,000 on the tramways
account and £6,000 ou the electric lighting account.

Newport (Mon.). — The Electricity Committee has con-
sidered the memorandum circulated by the Joint Committee in
connection with Xational Electricity Supply, and has passed a
resolution authorising the borough electrical engineer, Mr. A.
Xichols Moore, to take part in the proposed Committee for that
area of supply, and to report as to progress made with the scheme,
without, however, pledging the Committee to any course of action
until it has had full opportunity of considering it.

New Zealand. — According to the JVeir Zfiilaiid (tiizelle,

as a result of a jioU of the ratepayers of the Borough of Stratford
(Xorth Island), it has been decided to borrow the sum of £16,000
for street lighting, electric power supply, &c., purposes.

Oulton Broad. — .Street Lighting. — The local electric

lighting company has informed the IT.D.C. that it does not see
its way to make any further reduction in the contract prices for
street lighting. The matter has been referred to the General
Purposes Committee.

Reig^te. — At the meeting of the T.C. it was stated that,

for the half-year ending September 30th, which included the five
months covered by the Daylight Saving Act, the undertaking had
lost in revenue from lighting £594. The reduced demand had
enabled the staff, for the first time in the history of the under-
taking, to shut down the whole of their steam plant, and run
entirely on oij. thus saving 93 tons of coal. If they could con-
tinue to run through the winter without the aid of steam, as
there was reason to hope they might, the loss of revenue would, in
a measure, be compensated for by the saving in consumption of
coal.

Ripon.^E.L. Schbjie. — The T.C. has decided to apply
for a provisional order for electric suppl.v : the approximate cost
of the scheme is £20.000. The site selected by a Committee for
the generating station did not meet with the approval of the
Council, and in order to give the Committee the opportunity to
select another site the matter was adjourned.

Rotherham. — Plans ha\e been passed for the Rotherham

Forge and Rolling Mills Co.. Ltd.. for an electrical sub-station ;
the Corporation electricity department is to carry an overhead
electric cable across the River Don to these works. Xew electrical
air compressors are to be put in at the sewerage works, and towards
the cost the Electric Light Committee will contribute £500.

I

Vol. 7;t. Xo. 2,033, November 10, 1916.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

519

Sheffield. — Proposkd Xew Power Station. — The

Electricity Committee reports that the generating station at
Xeepsend is unequal to supplying- all the'power required by con-
sumers, and recommends that a new generating station be provided.
The Committee recommends that Sir Alex. Kennedy be asked to
advise on the matter, and that steps be taken for obtaining the
necessary jKiwers, either by the promotion of a Bill in Parliament
or otherwise, to carry out any scheme that may be decided on.

The Finance Committee approves of the recommendation of the
Electricity Committee to acquire land and erect a sub-station at
a cost of .,K 8,000 exclusive of the cost of the land, subject to
Government approval,

Swinton (Yorkshire). — Street Lirhting. — A question

ha.s arisen between the Swinton XJ.D.C. and the Mexborough and
Swinton Ti-amway Co. in regard to the matter of payment by the
Council to the company for current for public lighting, which,
under the restrictions of the present time, has teen discontinued.
The company has insisted upon full payment of the rate per lamp
which it is entitled to under its Act, and has held up the pay-
ment of rent to the Council as security for settlement of the
lighting account.

Wolverhampton. — Price Increase. — The charges for

electricity are to be increased temporarily by 10 per cent., in order
to i)ut the electrical undertaking on a sound financial basis.

The Electricity C^ommittee. in its annual report, states that,
notwithstanding the increased prices of material and labour, the
costs of production per unit sold show a decrease, compared with
the year previously, under every heading excepting that of coal.
Dm-ing the year it was found necessary to make preparations for
additions to the generating plant, and the L.G.B. sanctioned loans
amounting to J-.")1,I1(> for this purpose. These extensions cover the
addition of two Ixiilers with all auxiliaries, one .">,000-KW. turbo-
.alternator set with the necessary switchgear. iVc alterations to the
buildings of the boiler and engine houses, new converter plant, and
sub-stations in the town, together with e.h.t.' mains. The steady
increase of output from the works has been maintained, as will be seen
from the fact that for the year under review the increase in units
sold was 2.1,"'4,42l'>. Negotiations have taken place with several
important outside industrial undertakings who have under con-
sideration the question of building new works, with a view to their
taking electricity supply in Wolverhampton, and it is hoped good
results will follow.

TRAMWAY and RAILWAY NOTES.

Bacup. — AmuTRATiox. — Mr. McEh'oy has appointed

November 2iith for the arbitration between the Bacup and Rawten-
stall Councils on the question of alteration of the tramway fares
between the two towns, if necessary ; the arbitration will he
continued on November 22nd,

Blackpool. — Year's AVorking. — In his annual report,

Mr. Chas. P\irness states that the total income of the Corporation
tramways was £S(i,()()tj and the working expenses were i;4."i.ii.So.
The gross profit of £35,02.5 was divided as follows : — Intoicst ;md
sinking fund charges, £18, 7K0 ; reserve fund, £3,27."i ; permanent
way renewal fund. £8,000; and contributed to rates. £."i,000. The
net profit constituted the third best in the history of the depail-
nient. The year's receipts were £3,!M!1 more than in the previous
year, though up to the end of September the increase only stood
at £S4(). The winter months showed an approximate increase of
£2. Will. The number of passengers showed an increase on the year
of !H!1, 337, and the mileage a decrease of U;,132. The passengers

-carried numbered ll,,i85,8.'jl.

" Seventy employes are on war service, three have fallen in action,
whilst a number of othei-s have sustained injuries. Referring to
the employment of female conductors. Mr. Furness says they have,
on the whole, acquitted themselves creditably.

Blackpool — Lytham. — Storm Damage. — Owing to a

sudden gale on the Fylde Coast, on October 30th. the tramway
service on the Blackpool. St. Annes and Lytham route was impeded.
owing to the wires being blown down. The cars were held up for
some time during the evening ; those on the Promenade route
found it impossible to run to time.

'; Bradford. — Our correspondent writes that the (|ueue

system has been in operation for a long time on certain of the
tramway routes, but in Forster Square, the centre of a wide dis-
tribution of services, there has been dilficulty in establishing a
satisfactory queue method, owing to the fact that the Heaton,
Frizinghall, Baildon Bridge, Saltaire, Bingley and Cross Flatts cars
run over the same route for considerable distances out of the city.
Their starting point, too. is at a most congested corner. Recently
an al tempt was made to establish some sort of order in the unruly
mob which has been in the habit of rushing the cars, by posting
notices threatening penalties if a queue were not formed, but these
had little or no effect, and last week three separate queues, with
barriers, were fixed. The result is not altogether a success, because
inspectors and policemen have still to keep order, and the congestion
at the two comers now in use is probably worse than ever.

Continental. — Spain. — The Garctn do Mmhid publishes

a notice authorising the Compania Nacional de Tranvias de
Barcelona to undertake the extension of the electric tiamway to
Sans. — Board <if Trade. fa in- mil.

Darlington. — Traffic Results. — The tramway revenue

for the past six months shows an increase of £432. The Com-
mittee recommends that the salary of the traffic superintendent be
raised to £ 1 70 per annum, but a request by male employes for an
increased war bonus has been referred to the General Purposes
Committee.

Halifax, — The Corporation has applied to the B. of T.

for a further Order under the provisions of the Special Acts (Ex-
tension of Time) Act, 191.5, to extend until August 18th, 1!I18, the
period for the completion of the following tramways authorised by
the Halifax Coqioration Act, 1911, viz. ; — Nos. 1. 2, I, 7, li. 15. IC,
17, 18, 21, 22, 34, 30, 37, 38 and 39, wholly situate in the Ixirough ;
Nos. 19 and 20, wholly situate in the urban district o'f Queensbury ;
Nos. 23 and 21, wholly situate in the urban district of Shelf ; and
Nos. 25. 2() and 27, wholly situate in the borough of Brighouse.

Huddersfield. — The queue system of loading tramway ('ars

was put into operation for the first time in Huddersfield last week.
Though, owing to the narrowness of the causeways, no barriers
have been erected, the system is said to work satisfactorily.

Rochdale. — Tramway Accident. — An accident occurred

on Thursday, last week, to a Corporation car travelling between
Whitworth and Bacup. 12 passengers being injured. The car got
out of control on a gratlient and jumped the points ; it was put
back on the line and ran backwards, and again jumped the metals,
finally colliding with an electric standard, and overturning in such
a position that it hung balanced on a low wall overlooking a
valley.

Rotherham. — New Cars. — Owing to the rapidly-
increasing traffic on the tramways, tenders are to be invited for
the supply of six new double-decked cars, Mr. Edward Cross, the
tramway manager, reported that it would take from six to eight
months to obtain delivery.

Sheffield. — The number of passengers carried on the
Corporation tramways during Octoljer was 11,493,379, as compared
with 9,771,602 for the corresponding period of 1915 ; the receipts
were £43,341, as compared with £36,755.

The Tramways Committee recommends the purchase of land at
Pickmere and Fitzgerald Roads, at a cost of £ 1,065, for a depot.

U.S.A. — On Wednesday a Boston car left the track and
fell over the bridge at Fort Point Chauuel, 54 passengers being
drowned.

Winchester. — Electric Vehicle. — The Electricity

Committee has had under consideration the desirability of pur-
chasing a small electrically-driven van, which, while serWng as a
demonstration car, could also be used with advantage by the depart-
ment in th? delivery of stores : before, however, coming to a deci-
sion the Committee is causing further inquiries to be made as to
whether such a vehicle could do all the work required as cheaply as
by the present method. The Mayor stated that up to the present
aiiout a dozen vehicles (ten tractors and two private) had been
recharged at the works.

Wolverhampton. — Year's Working. — TJie report of

the year's working of the Corporation tramways to March 31st last,
shows a gross profit of £24,893, which, with £1.459 added on
motor-omnibus account, makes a total of £26,353 ; after meeting
charges for interest and sinking fund, there remained a net 'profit
of £13.271. The reserve and renewal account now stands at
£56.598. The Tramways Committee give the following statement
of traffic receipts for the first six months of the financial year
commencing April 1st, 1916 : — Car-mileage, 590,685 ; passengers
carried, 7,516,858 ; receipts. £33,259, being 13'.5d. per car-mile. The
figures for the same period of last year were : — Car-mileage, 585,614 ;
passengers carried, 6.1)17.064 ; receipts, £29,525, or 12"lld. per car-
mile.

TELEGRAPH and TELEPHONE NOTES.

Long Submarine Telephone Cables. — A 12-eonductor

telephone cable was ii'Cfiitly laid across Vineyard Sound to connect
Martha's Vineyar.l Island with the mainland of Massachusetts, and
a six-conductor cable was laid at the same time to connect the
island with Nantucket Island, a distance of nearly 20 miles. The
latter island was previously without telephone connection.

The large size of the Vineyard Sound cable — 2'69 in., and
weighing 10'6 lb. per running foot — wa-s necessitated by the strong
tides prevalent in that body of water. It is one of the heaviest
ever handled by a power, telephone, or telegraph company. The
Nantucket cable is about 5 lb. to the foot. In the former cable
each conductor is wrapped in double paper insulation, with a
similar wrapping on the core, around which is a lead sheath Jj in.
in thickness. Around this are three layers of 100-lb. jute
roving, bound by 23 armour wires 0'203 in. in diameter, also
enclosed in two layers of jute roving, and finally bound in an outer
armour of No. 4 steel wires, the final wrapping being two thick-
nesses of No. 16 three-ply jute yarns.

The Nantucket cable has double insulation, a lead and tin sheath
^1, in. thick; and three layers of 100-lb. jute roving bound in steel
wire armour of 18 strands, 0'23S in. in diameter.

520

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW. I wi. ::.. No.i',.ra.NovK,MKK>< k. i;m,;.

The Vine.vanl .Sounrt cable ren<'hed the point of departure from
the niainlanil in four reels, weifrhinsr resjiectively 71,41)0. 7I,50(i,
72,300, and 3t>,8oO 11>., these beinff amon^ the heaviest reels on record.

The laying of the cables was done by the Western Tnion Tele-
jrraph t'o,'s cable ship Ctmirij.

The Xantncket cable is the lonjrest electrical conductor under
water in the United States. Its total weight is 361 tflns. — Elect riail
Jleriew mill II'. Klectrician.

Telegrams by Telephone.— Tn view of the difficulty in

inakinjr prompt doliverv of telegrams by messengers on account of
the jrrowinfr rlearth of Imy lalxmr. the Post Ollice authorities jioiut
out that the delivery of telegrams by telephone, with delivery liy
post of confirmatory copies, provides a g^ood alternative. It would
b^ of great assistance to the Post Office if the public would make
greater use of the arrangement under which telegrams may tic
directe<l to a telephonic atldress. as. for example: "Smith,
Alidland :.'4.">. Birmingham." Subscribers are recommended to
print their telephonic addresses on their notepaper. and to sidvi.se
their regular correspondents to address thiur telegrams accordingly.

CONTRACTS OPEN and CLOSED.

OPEN.

Argentina. — Novenilier :iOth. Buenos Aires Muiiici-

jiality. Electric carbons required during 1!)17. Oficina de Licita-
eioiies. Intendencia Municipal de la Capital. Avenida de Mayo, 52'r.
Buenos Aires.

Australia. — Sydney January 22iid, 1917. Electrical

plant (converter, battery, booster, and switchboards! for the
Castlereagh Street sub-station, for the Municipal Council, Specifi-
cation from E,L, Department, Town Hall,*

January Sth. Municipal Council Electric Lighting Department.
33,000-volt switchgear. E.L. Department, Town Hall. Specifica-
tion 10s. tid.*

Mei^boi'RSE. — December 11th. CityCouncil. Supply and erection
of coal transporter plant. See " Official Notices " September 1.5th.

New South Wales. — Time for sending. in tenders for ."iO-ton
electric overhead travelling crane for Yarra Street power-house,
Newcastle, extended to January 3rd.*

Bradford. — No\eiiibcr lltli. Stores for the Tramways

Department. Tramway Offices, 7, Hall Ings. Deposit il Is.

Cape Town. — .January 5th. Electric motors and starting

jianels. for the Corjxiration Electricity Department. Dock Roa<i,
Cajje Town,'

Chatham. — November 15th. T.C. Annual contract for
electric lamps, stores, &c. Borough Surveyor, Town Hall,

Durban. — .January 3rd. Corporation. One :3,<iO()-kw.

steam turbine, alternator, and condensing plant. Specification
No. S. 238 ; drawing No. P. .5H7. both at the office of the Borough
Electrical Engineer, Municipal Buildings. Deposit £2 2s.

Enniskillen. — December 1st. pligo, Leitrim & Xortheiu

Counties Railway Co. Twelve months' supply of telegraph mate-
rials. Mr. J. Duff. Secretary to the Company.

Grenada. — Decemlier 31st. Government. Electric

supply at St. George's and suburbs. Tenders to Colonial Secretary,
(Irenada, British West Indies.

Johannesburg. — November 20th. Corporation. 5iiii oi'
1. 000 trolley wheels for tramcars (Contract No. 181).*

November 27th; Corporation. 1 .000 sets of single-pole, ironclad
house-service cut-outs (Contract No. 187).*

November 27th. Corporation. 2.50 field coils for tramcar motors
(Contract No. 192).*

December 20th. Corporation. Automatic pressure regulators for
the A.c. turbo-generators at the power station.'

December 9th. Corporation. 1,427 A.c, and D,c. electricity
meters and 100 time-switches. Specification (21s. deposit) from
Mr. E. T. Price, General Manager's Office. Electricity Supply and
Tramways Department. President Street. Johannesburg. W.

January 3rd. Corporation. Iron axles and bushes.*

Liverpool. — Novemlier 2;?nd. Cheshire Lines Committee.

General stores, including («) telegraph materials and carbons,
during 1917, Stores Superintendent, Warrington.
. Middleton. — November 11th. Corporation. 4,000 tons
washed or dry slack steam coal for the Electricity Department.
Particular? from the Borough Electrical Engineer.

New Zealand. — Duxedin. — .January 24th. 1917. Motor-
generator, accessories and spares. City Electrical Engineer, Market
Street Dunedin.*

Oldham. — November 13th. Electricity Committee.

Steam coal for 8 or 12 months during 1917. Mr. F. L. Ogden.
Gi-eenhill Electricity Works.

Rhondda Valley. — November 20th. Electrical installn-

tion in screwed lulling for Messrs. David John & Co., brewers.
Pentre. See " Official Notices" to-day.

Rotherham. — November 16th. Tramways Committee.
Six electric double-deck, top-covered cars. See " Official Notices "
November 3rd.

Salford. — November 13th. Covering steam piping,

valves, i:c. Borough Electrical Engineer, Frederick Road.

Stalybridge. — 'rramways aiul Klectricity Bnard. Wuter-

tubr boilers, mechanical stokers, and cooling towers. Sep "OITioial
Notices' N.ivrmhcr 3rd.

Stretford. — November 21st. Corporation Klectric'lly

Works. THclve months' sup))lyof best Ijancasliire rough slack
coal 12, tons. Tenders to Council Officejs. Old Trafford.

Wakefield. — November 2oth. Supply of coal lni- ibc

.•leclricltv works. Caldcr Vale, for a vear. Citv Elect rie;d Engineer,
t)ld Town Hall.

Wlgan.--N'ovenibfi- I.Mh. 'rwehc Mmnths' supply of
firing slack for the electricilv works. ,Mr. W. II. Tyivr, 'I'mu n
Clerk, >luiii<-ipal Offices, King'Stri'et West.

York. — November 23rd. North-Ea.stcni Kiiilway <'".

six and twelve months' supply of telegraph apparatus, telegraph
wi)-e and line stores, See '' Official Notices" to-day.

Sjiecificat ions for the items marked ' can he seen at the Board
of Trade ('ommcrcial Intelligence Department in London.

CLOSED.
Australia. — A'icUu'iaii llaihvays Deiiurtment : —

i».r. motors for pumps for State coal mine. — Aust. General Electric Co.
N.S.W. Public Works Department :—

.S,onO->..Ii ■,;;. |.i,..it-I, II..i,i. I.ii .1, ;il.,,il,,;i , ri.r.:!. a. T. Carter* Co.

8uh-l,, .• , .;.: I I ;..| ,1 , rlT^I ■•, i:i,llMnl-v, I,td.

6-ten i . L'l ■•:•• '■ , lliiii.n ,i( Slmnnoii.

The 'I'-iii. iii'M ( \ > W iCniirJ Uj- .nv. |ii ,-,1 the tender oC llie
Common weiiUii Electrical Con.slrucliou A: Snpiily Co. f(ir tlic
inslallation of electric lighting in the town. '/i/n/n-.-i.

Manchester. — Electricity Committee : —

Calilf, H.I. ,<i ll.lsliy Cables, -Ltd,; Western Electric Co.; Callciulci-'s

C.ilili- A (. onstniction Co,, Ltd,
Turbine teed pump.-G. & J. Weir, Ltd.
Sub-station switchgear. — Ferranti, Ltd.
Tramways Committee : —
Copper trolley wire.— F. Smith & Co., Ltd.

Rotherham. — District Council. Accepted tender : —

Cbadwick & Co (Rotherham).— Extension of the boiler-house buildin{,'.s at
generating station, for the additional two water-tube boilers.

Salford. — Lighting and Cleansing Committee : —

Lancashire Dynamo & MotorCo. — One No. .5 d.c. motor and accessories, i'fw.

Sheffield. — According to a Sheffield paper, Ihe Eleclricity

Suiiply t'ommittee is authorising the general manager to obtain
tenders for the purchase of certain obsolete plant at the Sheaf
Street and Neepsend genei'ating stations, and to accept the (piota-
tion of Messrs. C. A. Parsons & Co., Ltd., amounting to < 19,01)0,
plus an allowance of 5 per cent, for contingencies, for two turbo-
alternators, switchgear. and alterations to pipewoik in replacement
of the plant referred to, to be erected at Neepsend for working
with the existing condensers.

Woolwich. — Borough Council. Accepted tender : —

G. & J. Weir.— Feed pump (capacity 10,000 to 12,000 gallonsi, i32r..

FORTHCOMING EVENTS.

Royal Society ol Arts.— Friday, November 10th. At 6.1.5 p.m. At .foha ■

Street, .\delphi. Chadwick Lectures on "Fatigue and its EtTect on

Industry and Efficiency," by Professor Stirling.

Wednesday, November 15th. At 4.30 p.m. Opening address, "The ■•

Stability of Great Britain," by Dr. Dugald Clerk, F.R.S.
Physical Society ol london.— Friday, November 10th. At 5 p.m. At the ■".

Imperial College of Science, South Kensington, S.W. Ordinary meeting.
Chief Technical Assistants' Association.— Saturday, November 11th. At -

3 p.m. .'Vt the Tavistock Hotel, Covent Garden. Discussion on " Coal an^ '; .f

Ash-Handling Plant," to be opened by Mr- J. T. Baron.
Association of Mining and Electrical Engineers (West of ScotlaiKii '

Branch).- Saturday, November 11th. At 4.30 p.m. At the Royal Tecll-

nical College, Glasgow. Lecture on "Friction Surfaces," by Mr. J. ■

Oswald ; demonstration of oxy-acetylene, by Mr. W'. L. Brown.
City of Nottingham Industrial Development Committee. — Monday,

Novemlier l:!(li. At K.IIH p.iri. .\t t i.- ExchauKe, Noftiii^-haLii. Address

on " War an.) In.lustrial Revival," l.y Mr. T. C. Elder.
Institution of Electrical Engineers (Birmingham local Section).^ -

Wednesday, November l.?th. At 7 p.m. .\t the University, Edmund' .'.

Street. Kelvin Lecture, " Some Aspects of Lord Kelvin's Life and Work,"

by Dr. A. Russell.

(Manchester Local Section).— Tuesday, November 14th. At 7..30 p.m. ,

At the Engineers' Club, Albert Square. Chairman's inaugural address.
(Scottish Local Section).- Tuesday, November 14th. .At 7.30 p.m

At 207. Bath Street, Glasgow. Chairman's inaugural address.

iNewcastle Local Section).— Monday, November 13th. At 6.45 p.m.

At the Mining Institute. Chairman's inaugural address.
Liverpool Engineering Society.— Wednesday, November 15th. At ttietf^'

Royal Institution. Colquitt Street. Paper on "The Civil Engineering;"'

Profession and some Economic Problems," by Mr. J. Glover. ■ - -'^

Greenock Electrical Society.— Thursday, November 16th. At 7.45 p.m. At v

22, W, St st.uurl Street. Paper, "A Criticism of the I.E.E. Rules," by- '

Mr. H. Pi;.-K"tt. ^

Chemical Society. Thursday, November 16th. At 8 p.m. At Burlingtont,^-'

Housi', l'ir(.-ii(lilly. W. Ordinary scientific meeting.
Institution of Mechanical Engineers.— Friday, November 17th. At 6 p.

At till- iDstiiiitiou of Civil Engineers, Great George Street, S.W. . Gene

meeting. Research Committee : Report on the Hardness Tests.
Batti-Wallabs' Society.— Friday, November 17th. At 6.30 p.m. At Victoria,

Mansions Restaurant, Victoria Street, S.W, Informal Reunion. Dinntsjr?

at 7 o'clock, Mr. W. Wyld presiding. Members are asked to communicate ^

with the secretary stating whether they will be present and the number

of guests.
Junior Institution of Engineers.— Friday, November 17th. At 8 p.m. At

39, Victoria Street, S.W. Paper on " How to Memorise Formulte." by Mr.,,

E. Fiander Etchells.

"*§

xo, 2.o;w. xnvEMBER 10, i,,i6.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

521

NOTES.

To Engineering and Allied Contractors. — The Ministry

of Munitions is desirous of extending' the output of : —
Castinpr and Stamping- Fuse Bodies and Sockets.
Casting and Rolling Brass Rods for the Components.
Firms pos.sessing suitable machinery and capable of undertaking
such work, are requested to communicate at once with the
Central Clearing House for Engineering Resources. Ministry of
Munitions, S-ll. Northumberland Street. Northumberland Avenue.
W.C.

Lighting in Picture Theatres. — The Middlesex County

Coimcil Licensing Committee proposes to insert in the licences for
kinemas a requirement that the building shall be so lightfd that it
shall be possible to see clearly over the whole of the auditorium
throughout the whole of the performance. — The Times.

" Callender's Staff Service Gazette." — We have

received a copy of No. 8 of CMen/lev's Staff Serxiee Ginette
(October, liUti). in which the full list is given of st«ff and employes
of Callender's Cable and Construction Co. who are with the Colours.
The editorial notes contain a great deal of very interesting inform-
ation regarding the movements and experiences of the men who
have been wounded or laid down their lives in the service of the
country. Many letters from the men are published. A Supplement
• shows an eicellent portrait of the late Mr. W. O. Callender. the
founder of the company.

Appointments Vacant. — Boiler house sujierintendeiit for

K<ii.lid;ilr ; charge engineers for a public supply undertaking
(rertilifd). *! 130 -4- 7 J per cent, war bonus. See our a<:lvertise-
iiient iKiges to-day.

Siemens Bros. & Co., Ltd. — Mertoxs axu TriE'MARcoxi

(_'ii. — In reply to a Parliamentary question, on Wednesday, Mr.
Pretyman said that Mr. George Chauvin was the managingdirector of
Siemens Bros.. Ltd.. but Mr. Carl von Siemens was no longer a
director. The firm was a controlled establishment doing Govern-
ment work, and wa« under a supervisor. " It is greatly to the
national interest that this business should be acquired by those
British firms who can make the best use of it for the future
development of the electrical industry of this country. Active
steps to that end are now in progress, and in the meantime it is
clearly necessary that the business should be fully maintained."

Mr. Pretyman also stated that Messrs. H. R. Merton & Co.
had appliecl to be reinstated on the ground that the German
interest was now eliminated.

Mr. Runciman. in reply to a question, says that he is informed
by the JIarconi Co. that certain of their directors were before the
war on the Board of the Deutsche Betrisbsgesellschaft fur
Drahtlose Telegraphic of Berlin, in which the Telefunken Co. holds
the majority of the shares. He was infonned by the Marconi Co.
that they had not considered it in their interests to publish in
their yearly accounts lists of their holdings in other companies
since 1913, but that the information was at all times available to
their shareholders. The Marconi Co. in 191.S concluded an agree-
ment of a commercial nature lietween them and the Telefunken
Co., which dealt in some matters with Australia. New Zealanil. and
Spain, but did not em'brace the United States. This agreement
has not been oparatetl since the beginning of the war.

Electrical Goods in South Africa. — The l<ovth Afiimn

Kr/iort (Hi:ette says that electrical goods made in Japan are
now being sold in South Africa. " The factory prices are even
cheaper than similai- goods of German origin in the pre-war days."
Our contemporary says that electrical goods are arriving in South
Africa from the United Kingdom more freely now. but contracting
work has not improved.

An Industrial Truce for Three Years. — With referente

to the proposal that Capital and Labour shall through their respec-
tive rejjresentative organisations adopt an industrial truce for three
or five years, to which we have alluded on several occasions, the Timesi
in its " Political Notes " states that a short time ago the Parlia-
mentary Committee of the Trades Union Congress asked the Em-
ployers' Parliamentary Committee to meet them in order to consider
the resolutions on post-war problems passed by the Congress at
Birmingham in September. It has nqw been arranged, says onr
contemporary, that representatives of the two Committees shall
meet in London next week to survey the ground. " If they can
arrive at a preliminary understanding the full bodies will, no
doubt, hold a joint conference without further delay. The move-
ment is of the first importance. The resolution of the Congress on
which the Parliamentary Committee are acting instructed them to
approach the Government and the employers with the object of
discussing terms that would secure industrial peace for three years
after the war."

Banks and Industry. — Speaking at the meeting of the

Russian ( 'orporation recently. Mr. A. W. Tait, the chairman, said : —

"We have read a great deal recently about the necessity for
financial assistance for the development of British industry after the
war. I do not think we need infer from this that the industrial
interests of this country have not received proper banking facilities
or support from the existing joint-stock banks, because I believe
they have been admirably supported in this connection. There is.
however, a feeling that .something more than this is necessary,
particularly in financing the development of railways and public
works in the various countries of the world, in which British

enterprise, ability, and experience are well able to take their part.
Dealing for the moment with Russia. I am inclined to think that
the existing institutions are able, in a verv large measure, to suppl.v
the financial assistance required, and they are able and willing to
grant facilities for the development of trade between the two
countries. This might he further increased if there were a greater
measure of reciprocity and co-operation, thereby preventing a
considerable amount of overlapping and unnecessary competition,
A great deal has been said about the necessity for Government
assistance to financial institutions, but, personally, I do not see the
necessity for this, particularly with regard to Russia, liecause the
institutions are already in existence, and any step which might be
taken either as regards assistance to or recognition of one institution
would be manifestly unfair, and woidd have a prejudicial efl^ect on
the activity and usefulness of the other institutions which are
probably quite as favourably situated to carry out business. The
British Government could be of more real help to these institutions
by instructing its Ambassadors and Consular representatives in the
various countries to assist, when required, the British institutions to
enable them to obtain the business in competition with the financial
institutions of other countries which have in the past obtained this
supjxirt. By this means there would be not only profitable
employment for British capital, but proper safeguards could be
made whereby such capital as might be required for the purchase
of materials and plant would be utilised a« far as possible for the
benefit of British Industry. In the past many issues have been
made in this country where the British investor has been asked to
subscribe the capital and the proceeds have been spent in foreign
countries — notably in enemy countries. We must, therefore, benefit
from the lessons of the past, and see that in future where this
country supplies the money the interests of British industry are
properly safeguarded. If proper regulations are made and the
various banks and financial institutions of Great Britain insist on
their being carried out where loans are granted and when new
enterprises are financed, this would be a most effective means of
counteracting the hold which certain enemy institutions and
industries had upon the greater part of the trade of the world."

Mr. Pretyman. in reply to a Parliamentary question, hopes that
active steps will lie taien to set up the British trade banking
organisation suggested by Lord Faringdon's committee.

Volunteer Notes. — First London Engineer Volun-
teers.—Orders for the week by Lieut.-Col. 0. B. Clay, V.D.,
Commanding.

Monday, Xoremher 13f/i. — Technical for Platoon No. 9, at
Regency Street. Squad and Platoon Drill, Platoon No. 10. Sig-
nalling Class. Recruits' Drill. 6.25—8.

Tiiesdai/, Xoremher Hth. — School of Arms, 6 — 7. Miniature
Range. 5.30-7.30. Lecture, 7.15, "The Service Rifle," Platoon
Commander A. Gerard.

Wednesdaii. Xoremher lot/i. — Instruction Class, K.15. Miniature
Range. 5.30—7.30. Platoon Drill, Platoon No. 3.

Thiirsdai/, Xoremher \C\fh. — Platoon Drill, Platoons Nos. 5 and li.
Ambulance Class, ti. Miniature Range, 5.30 — 7.30.

Fridai/, Xoremher nth. — Technical for Platoon No. 10, Regency
Stieet. Squad and Platoon Drill, Platoon No. 9. Signalling: Class.
Recruits' Drill. 6.25—8.25.

Sufurdinj. Xoremher liith. — N.C.O.'s Class, 2.30, Company Com-
mander Castell.

Sunday. Xoremher \%th. — Entrenching at Otford. — Parade Victoria
(S.E. & C. Railway Booking-office), 8.45 a.m.

Iiixjiection. — The Coqis will be inspected on November 25th by
Sir Desmond O'Callaghan. A full muster is highly important.
Parade. 2.20. Uniform.

(By order) Macleod Yeakslev, A<^utant.

3rd (Old Boys' Corps) Batt. County of London 'Volunteer
Regiment.— Battalion Orders by Major R. J. C. Eastwood (Com-
mandant), Jlonday. November 6th, 1916 : —

Entrenehitdj /'///)« will be performed on Saturday and Sunday
next, 11th and 12th inst.

Recruits' Drill, under Company Sergt. -Major Bretterth. will be
held on Mondays. Wednesdays and Fridays at the Royal Exchange.
E.C.. at 5.30—7 p.m.

Tuesdays.— 1 .\a~~%.\:^ p.m.. .at the London Scottish Drill Hall,
Buckingham Gate.

Thursdays.— -:M)~^:ii) p.m.. at the London Scottish Drill Hall.

Daily recruit drills at Lord's Cricket Ground, under Sergt. -Major
Alexander, as follows :^-9.30 a.m. — 10.30 a.m. : 11 a.m. — 12.15 p.m. ;
3 p.m. — 1 p.m.

Evening recruit drills at Yeomanry Hall, Henry Street. St.
John's Wood, under Sergt.-Major Alexander, on Tuesdays and
Thursdays. 6 p.m.

Enrolment of Beeruifs.~The CO. will be at Headquarters. Lord's,
on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays to enrol recruits, at 6 — 7 p.m.,
and to interview any men who wish to see him.

G. H. r. Duncan. Adjutant.

The Hardship of Premature Call-up Notices. — At a

meeting of the Military Service Committee of the London Mercantile
Chamber< held at 44. Bedford Row. W.C. on the 2nd inst.. the
following resolution was carried unanimously : —

That tlie War Office be petitioned to make such regulations as will relieve the
financial hardships incidental to men who have been notified that they may he
called up (but who are not to understand that they will certainly be called up.
and are asked to continue their civil employmentsi', when such men, after the
final decision of a Tribunal, are exempted for a certain time only, and sell
their businesses or in consequence of their position leave their empl'pyments to
hold themselves in readiness for their call and are obliged to live on their
capital. If not eventually called up, such men can, under present regulations,
have no allowance made them for their wives and children, and this Com-
mittee respectfully submits that great handship ensues, and that steps be at
once taken to remedy the grievances indicated.

522

THE ELECTRIC AIj REVIEW. iv..i

L'.IIHii. NilVI-.MIlKH ll

Wages in Australia. — Aironliiijrtoiin Austniliiin Govitii-

nirnt nnurii just nvpived in London, the followinjr arc the wastes
fixed liy Awanl (nurts for adult male electricity supply, kc.
workei-s for a ls-hour week :

Sydney. Electrical insinuation. -Armature winders. 72s. : cable
jointers. 72s. ; fitters. 74s. ; linemen. 66s. : mechanics, 6l)S. : wire-
men. Ills. ; other adults, ,>7s. Electrical .><upply. Armature
winders. 72s. : cable jointers. 74s.: carboner(arc lamp atteudant).
.Ms.; instrument makers. 7us. : linemen. (;6s. : meter fixei-s. 6iis. :
meter testers. 70s. : patrolnen (nijrht). 6(is. : shift electrician, 74s. :
switchboai-d attendants. Htis. : other adults. .■)7s. Electrical Trades.
- Fitters, 71s. ; mechanics. 66s.: wiremeu, 64s.

.Melbourne. Armature winders. 66s. : cable jointers. 69s. ; fitters,
tJl'is. : linemen, 63s. : mechanics. 6:!s. : jratrolmen. 63s. ; wiremen.
6Xs. : wireman's assistant, .•)6s. : other adults. .■.6s. Electrical
Supply.- -Armature winders. .".Is. .ind 6Hs. : cable jointers. 63s.:
carljoner (arc lamp attenilant). .".48. : instrument makei-s. 63s. ;
linemen, 60s. ; meter fixers, ."..".s. 6d. : meter testers. 63s. : jmtrol-
men (niyht). 6r.s. : shift electrician, 66s.; sub-station attendants.
60s.; switchbo.trd attendants. .54s.; switchmen, Q-2e. 6d. ; other
adults. .-.Is. Electrical Trades. Fitters, 66s.: mechanics, 63s.:
wiremen. 63s.

Uriskine. Electrical Installation.— Armature winders, 63s. ;
cable jointers, 6!)s. ; fitters. 6!ls. ; linemen, llos. ; mechanics. 60s. ;
wiremen. 60s. Electrical Supply. Armature winders. fi.Hs. : cable
jointers. 6')s. ; carboner (arc lamp attendant). .57s. : instrument
makers. 61ls. : linemen, 606. : meter testers, 6!»s. : shift electrician.
63s. and 76s..: sub-station attendants. ">4s. Electrical Trades.
Fitters. 6!ls, : mechanics. 69s. : wiremen. 60s.

Adelaide. Electrical Installation.— Armature winders. r.6s. ;
cable jointers. 60s. : fitters. 66s. : linemen. 60s. ; mechanics. CDs. ;
p.atrolmen, 60s.: wiremen, .51s.: other adults, 48s. Electrical
Supply. Armature winders, C.lis. : cable jointers. 60s. : carl.ouer
(arc lamp attendant). 4,Ss. : instrument makers. 60s. ; linemen.
60s. : meter fixers. 51s. : meter testers. 60s. ; p:itrolraen (nifrht).
603. : switchboard attendants, 48s. : switchmen, o4s. : other adults.
4Ss. Electrical Trcides.- Fitters, 66a.: mechanics. 60s.: wire-
men, .51s.

Perth.- Electrical Installation.— Armature winders. 72s. : fitters.
.2s. : linemen. 63s. ; mechanics, 72s. ; wiremen. 6(;s. ; other adults.
.51s. Electrical Supply.— Armature winders, 72s. : instrument
makers. 72s. ; linemen. 03s. Electrical Trades.— Fitters, 72s. :
mechanics. 72s. : wiremen. 66s.

Hobart.— Electric In.stallation.— Armature winders. fi3s. ; cable
jointers. 60s. ; fitters, 63s. ; linemen, 54s. and 57s. : mechanics. 63s. ;
patrolmen. 60s. ; wiremen. 57s. : wireman's assistant. 51s. : other
adults. 51s. Electrical Supply.— Armature winders. 63s.: cable
jointers. 60s. : carboner (arc lamp attendant). 54s. : instrument
makers. (i:!s. : linemen. 54s. and 57s. ; meter fixers, 51s. ; meter
testers. 60s. : patrolmen (ni^'ht). 60s. : sub-station attendants. 63s. ;
iwitchboard attendant. 51s. Electrical Trades- Fitters, 63s.:
mechanics. r;3s. : wiremen. 57s.

Electro-Harmonic Society,— The iiLxt Comeit (Ladies'

Xifrht) will be held at the Holboru Restaurant (Kinfr's Hall), on
Monday. November 20th. commencing at 6.15 p.m. The artistes
will l)e as follows :— Soprano, Miss Olive Sturgess : contralto. Miss
Dorothy Georsje : bass-baritone, Sapper Joseph Farrinjrton (by
desire) : solo violin. Miss Mary Law : lijrht-comedy entertiiiner.
Miss Mabel Adeane ; Canadian entertainer, Mr. W. V. Robinson ;
entertainer at the piano, Mr. Harrison Hill ; solo pianoforte and
accompanist, Mr. Bernard Flandefs. A.R.A.M. Evenin? dress is
<.ptional.

Institution and Lecture Notes.— Birmingham and

District Electric Club.-Mr..T..T. Richardson read a paper on "Sand-
blasting' and Sand-blast Machines ■' at a recent meeting of the club.
llo said that the sand-blast process was in\-ented in 1870 by Mr. B. C.
Til^'hman. of Philadelphia. The abrasives used in the process include
ordinary inland silicious sand, sharp builders' sand, powdered frlass,
emery from fine to coar.«e, chilled iron sand, and steel shot, and the
streams of these " sand-blasting- " mediums are forcibly projected
through variously formed nozzles by means of steam, and by cunents
induced by exhaust air or compressed air. The action is extremely
rapid ; a momentary application depolishes glass over any space
that can be covered by one stroke of the sand shower, instantly
changing the previously bright surface to obscured. Stone, marble,
slate and granite are equally amenable to its .action. Iron, steel
and other metals have their surfaces easily reduced and smoothly
or coarsely granulated, according to the force .and abrasive used;
but all these materials, being less brittle than glass, take rather
longer time.

The sand-blast process was first used in connection with glass
marking and obscuring, and is to-day largely employed in the glass
trade. It is in constant use for obscuring or producing a uniform
granulation known as ground glass, on sheet glass. lamp and ^as
globes, the bulbs for incandescent electric globes and the like ; also
for the decoration of sheet or objects in glass with ornamental
designs in which the pattern or the field may be left bright and
transparent, of which there are numerous varieties, one beino- a
glass of two or more thicknesses of different colours, to leave 'the
design cf one colour on a field of another, for jierforatin"- sheet and
plate-glass for ventilators, or otherwise engraving and markin<.-
glass, bottles, advertising tablets. Aic.

In using the proce.ss for engraving, lettering, or perforatin<' glass
stone. &c.. the parts of the surface which are not to be acted upon
by the sand-blast are protected by various elastic and tenacious
substances, varying in thickness and durability, accordinff to the
depth of the cutting required and the brittleness of the material
under operation. The more elastic this 'protecting substance the

le.ss will be the impression made upon it by the sand-bla.st. For
engraving table glass, bottles, lamps, glolies and chimneys, and small
articles in sheet-gla.<s. a stencil is usually made of thin sheet-iron
or steel, worked to the proper shape, and fitted on the article during
the op?ratioii. These stencils, with care, last a long time, and
about 2.000 impressions can be made with one stencil. For enir raving
advertising tablets, door panels and sheet-g'lass. an adhesive in.itrriiil
is pressed upon the glass through atinfoil stencil. For al. -tic r cl:is<
of work the glass is covered with prepared paper, uiion whioli the
design is sketched, and then cut out by hand.

The sivnd-blast process is also applied to the cleansing and finish-
ing of new files, and is now found in nearly all the large file works
in the country. In the metal trades the sand-blast is used for the
removal of the hard scale so destructive to cutting tools, from
castings, forgings. stampings, .tc, also for the removal of the
scale from sheet-iron and steel prior to enamelling, galvanising,
nickellingf tinning. &C.. the cleaning- of tubes and brazed joints
largely used in cycle works, and the reduction to- clean melal
surfaces of larg-er jiarts. For large work in metal, say. for tin-
removal of scale from armour plates, it is generally necessary 1"
take the .sand-blast to the work. The jiortable plant is used a Nu
for clenniug the ends of electric tramway rails before wcldinv
ill xifll. tec.

Such work as the cleaning of the brazed joints of cycle frani. -
twist drills, and hardened ste;! parts, frosting the inside nl
cigarette cases before gilding, and frosting such things as i-iir-
bui-ettor bodies before plating, is done in sand-bla.'t chamlH-rs.
Tlicsp vary in size according to the work required to be done. The
o)iiTat(.r stands, ontside the chamber, and passes his arms through
suitable openings, directing the blast on the articles to be cleani'd,
and oKserving the results through the window in front of wlii.-li
he stands. Special types of sand-blast m.achines are made for
many purposes, including the cleaning of the inside of shells.

University College, London. — In the second of his series of
lectures on " Long-distance Telephony." on Friday last, Prof. ,T. A.
Fleming de.alt with the conditions governing the flow of alter-
nating-current waves through a cable and the methods of effecting
the calculations involved. A brief explanation of the nature and
mode of use of vectors led up to a demonstration of the vectm--
calculating rule devised by the author (described in the Jniirinii
I.E.E.. Vol. 52, Xo. 2.?6). which greatly facilitated veclur
calculations for preliminary purposes, though not so accurate a-;
the detailed and laborious calculations otherwise necessary.
Pointing out that the formuhe could be simplified by the use ..I
ex]iouential expressions. Prof. Fleming proceeded to explain tlic
nature of the hyperbola and hyperbolic functions, and substituting
the latter in the fundamental equations, arrrivedat the final loriiis
Vi = \-i (cosh vl + v.\v.r . sinh P /), li = 1-2 (cosh p / -F /,/z . sinh v 1 1.
with which the values of V2 and 1-2 could be obtained from those id
Vl and li, I being the length of the line and r.r the impedance of the
receiving apparatus. The factors between brackets tieing complc.'c
quantities, the calculations must be made vSctorially, and cosh p/,
for instance, had to be converted to the form cos-h (a / + ./ ji /),
leading finjiUy to the form cosh a //cos fit + sinh a / sin ft I, a beiim-
the "attenuation constant" and f) the "wave-length constant.
In dealing with these expressions, tables and curves published I'v
the lecturer in the I,E.E. paper above mentioned were useful.
TTnless a /, the attenuation length, .was less than 4 J, speech
through a cable was not possible. It was shown that a increased
with the frequency, and (i also increased, l^it much faster than
a ; the former indicated the rate at which the potential was
attenuated in a long cable, whilst the latter determined the interval
(2 Trlii) at %vhich the value of the potential recurred (except as
attenuated) in the same phase throughout the length of the line.
The nature of the trsuismission was aptly illustrated by a model
consisting of a spiral row of radial rods, with lengths in geometrical
progression, attached to a rotating spindle. As the frequency of
the alternations increased the wave-length (X = 2 wjji') diminished,
and the velocity of the wave 'increased, tending to a maximum
value ; a also tended to a maximum. ."Vs the short waves travelled
faster than the long waves and attenuated more quickly, the waves
were distorted in their passage along the cable, the harmonics dis-
appearing, with the result that speech eventually became unintelli-
gible. Heaviside hiid shown that if L s = c R. or r/l = s/c. the
formulfe for a and /3 reduced to the simple forms a = \/ s K.
fi = j> v'l c, so that all the waves attenuated at the same rate
and travelled with the same velocity ; such a cable would be dis-
tortionless, but in ordinary cables, while r/l was of the order 88,000,
s/c was about 100. The late Prof. S. P. Thompson had suggested
increasing s. but this, unfortimately. increased a. c was decreased
by the invention of dry-core cable, and R could be reduced by
increasing the copper section, but commercial and technical con-
siderations set a limit to this. Finally L could be increased, and
the method of accomplishing this had received close attention
during the past 15 years. Iron wire could be wound over the cable,
but tended to increase c and the effective value of H. The work of
Pupin. published about 1899. afforded a solution to the problem by
atlding inductance to the line at intervals.

Royal Society of Arts The following are among the meeting

arrangements announced in the session's programme : —

November 22nd, at 4.30. — Leslie Urquhart, " The Economic Development of
Russia and Britain's Share Therein."

December 6th, 4.30.— C. M. Whittaker, B.Sc., '■ The Coal-Tar Golour . -iV.
Industrv."

December 13th, at 4.30.— H. Wilson Fox, "The De/elopment of Imperial .i'
Resources."

December 20th, at 4.30.— A. C. Benson, C.V.O., "Classical and Scientific
Education."

At an after-Christmas meeting. Mr. J. H. Vickery will deal with
'- German Business Methods."
The Howard Lectures on Xovember 27th. December 1th and 1 1th

ILVol. 79. Xo. 2.033. November lu, iPir,.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

623

Caftemoon), will be deliverea by Prof. J. S. S. Brame. ou "Coal
and its Economic Utilisation, " and Prof. W. Ripper, on April 23rd.
30th, and May Tth. wUl u:ive three lectures ou " Works Org-anisation
and Efficiency."

Institution of Electrical Engineers (Birmingham Local Section).
— The provisional prograninn- tor this .St-ction contains the foUo-n-iny
it-ms. one meeting per month liein;r an-an^ed fur : —

November 15th.— Dr A. Russell's Kelvin Lecture.

December 6th.— Mr, J, S, Peck, on "The Parallel Operation of Electric
Power Stations."

.lanuary 13th.— Messi-s. F. Gill and W. W. Cook on "Principles Involved in
I iniputing the Depreciation of Plant."

Tlie meetings are to be held at 7 p.m., at the University. Edmund
.street.

Institution of Electrical Engineers (Manchester Local Sec-
tion).— The programme for the first half of the session, which
opens on November Ifth with an address by the chairman, Mr,
A. E. McKenzie, has been issued. The definite fixtures are : —
, Niveniber28th,— J. S. Peck, "The Parallel Operation of Electric Power
Stations."

D^cmher 12th. — A. P. M. Fleming, illustrated lecture, "Some Aspects of
Industrial Research, with Special Reference to American Research
.\ctivities."

Januai7 17th.— F. Gill and W. W. Cook, "The Principles Involved in Com-
putmg the Depreciation of Plant."

January 30th. — J. Drummond Paton and ,J. Frith, "Fuel Economy."

Institution of Electrical Engineers (Scottish Local Section).—

Tlie programme for the session has been issued as follows : —

November 1-lth. — Glasgow. Chairman's Inaugural Address (J. K. Stothert).
December l'2th. — Glasgow. J. S. Peck, " Parallel Operation of Electrical

.Jiiiinarv 9th.— Edinburgh.

Kflinuirv Itith.— Edinburgh. Kelvin Lecture, Dr. A. Russell.

Mar.ti l.lth.— Edinburgh.

.\pril 3rd, — Glasgow.

.Vt the Glasgow meeting nest Tuesday Mr. C. P. Sparks, president-
will be present. The Students' Section will not meet this session.

South African Institute of Electrical Engineers.— At the meet-
ing of the Institute ou September 2oth. Prof. \V. Buchanan, who
presided, announced that the Council had decided that enemy
subjects were ineligible for membership of the Institute. Any
known enemy subject who might previously have been admitted
had been removed from the roll of members. Aftei wards Mr. C. J.
Everett, on behalf of Major Dobson, read a paper on the main
switchboard of the Johannesburg municipal electricity supply
system.

Association of Mining Electrical Engineers.— The new session
of the West of Scotland Branch opened at Gla-sgow ou October 28th
with the adtiiess of the president, Jlr. J. B. Thomson. The syllabus
for the session is as follows : —

November 11th, — Lecture on " Friction Sm-faces," by J. Oswafd; demon-
stration of oxy-acetylene welding, by W, L, Brown.

December 16th. — Social evening,

January 20th,— "Modem Switch and Fuse Gear: its Defects and Some
Suggested Remedies," by A, M'Phail,

February 17th. — " Electrical Converters," by C. S. Buyers.

March 17th.—" Maintenance of Underground Plant." by M. Baird, jun.

Royal Institution. — At a general meeting of members held on
Jlunday. Dr. H. E. Armstrong. Ph.D., F.R.S.. was elected a manager
ill jilace of the late Prof.' S. P. Thompson.

Legal. — Victoria Falls and Transvaal Power
sippLV Co., Ltd., c. Brakpa.v Mi.ves. Ltd.. a.nd The Coxsoli-
iiATED Mines Selection' Co.. Ltd. — In the Rand Division of the
Supreme Court in September, Mr. Justice Ward delivered a lengthy
judgment (12~'. type- written pages) in this case. The action, as
reported in L« . issue of October (Jth. lyiG. relate*! to contracts for
the supply c^ ^jwer. In the result judgment was entered for the
lilaintifi's tor t692. and costs.

Electkic A.mbulan'CB- or Motoe-Car .' — An interesting case
came before the Hampstead Magistrates on Wednesday morning
last, when Mr. Geo. Elieson. the inventor of the handy little elec-
trically-propelled bath chair, which was described in our issue of
March 17th last, was summoned for driving this little carriage
without a registration plate attached, and for not holding a driver's
licence ; and Mr. Thompson, manager of Messrs. Carters, the well-
known surgical engineers, makers of the Elieson-Carter electric
invalids" carriage, was summoned for aiding and alietting him.

The evidence showed that the carriage was on a trial run. with
Mr. Thompson walking beside it, and that no permission to use it
hal been obtained. For the police, it was stated that in a previous
fiase. a motor tricycle capaljle of being propelleil by steam had been
deemed a motor vehicle within the meaning of the Act.

Counsel, representing defendants, said no doubt this was so.
but the question was ■svhether an invalid chair was the same
thing : he also jxiinted out that the Local Government Board had
\i-ritten stating that a decision in the matter could only be
determined by the Courts.

Evidence was given by Mr. Thompson as to the construction of
the carriage, which could be drawn by hand, if desired, in the
ordinary way. He pointed out that his firm were anxious to have
s ime decision on the matter, and had had considerable corres-
pondence with the Customs. Local Government Board, and the
L.C.C., and this was summed up in the reply received from the
Local Government Board mentioned above. The carriage had on
previous occasions made similar runs with a maker s registration
plate.

Counsel, addressing the Bench, pointed out the novelty of the
apjiliance. Acts were passed to deal -with the state of things exist-
i ig at the time, and it was never contemplated at the time the
particular Act was passed that a harmless little vehicle of that
kind would come within the Act. If they had to decide between
calling it a motor-car and an ambulance, all bounds of reason were
on the side of the ambulance, and if they decided so, then it was

not subject to any duty. The carriage only required i H.P. to drive
it. and for it to be regarded as a motor-car it would have to 1"'
presimied that it was of a H.P. exceeding (jj and imder 12 (aocor'i-
iug to the Act), which was an absurdity.

The Bench decided that it was not an ambulance, but inflicted
nominal fines, as they regarded it as a test case. They also agreed
to state a ca^e.

Fatalities. — Coroner Graliani held an inquest at Dunston-

on-Tyne on November 3rd on the body of John Ratclitfe. aged :17.
an electric wireman in the employ of the Electro-Flex Steel Co. at
Dunston. The evidence was to" the eft'ect that on the 1st inst.
Ratcliffe was engaged in taking down some disused wires when he
was found by James Wood, a craneman. in a sitting position, appa-
rently dead. Mr. J. A. Anderson, engineer, said that on examination
he found that a fuse had been left in. which, iu his opinion, was
the cause of the accident. He regarded it as a terrible mistake on
Ratcliffe's part. The jury found that death was due to asphyxia
the result of an electric shock, receivetl while attempting to cut a
"live " wire.

Mr. T. Dowdall, who was accidentally killed during his employ-
ment at Queensferry, on Saturday last, was partner \vitli his
father. Mr. J. Dowdall. as an electrical contractor, at Gloucestec
Street. Dublin.

Sergeant-Major Reginald Dutchman. R.F.C. (T). an electrical
engineer holding a position in a Government works, was examining
his automatic pistol, when it exploded, and he received the charge
just below the heart. He died in hospital.

Thomas Sullivan (26) was killed on the L. \; Y. Railway, near
Crumpsall, Manchester, on Friday afternoon last. He was an
electric cable jointer employed by the railway company, and
apparently he had touched a live rail whilst at work.

Society of Engineers (Inc.). — A paper on " Heating and Venti-
lating Private Dwelling-Houses " was read by Mr. C. T. A, Hanssen
on Monda.v last.

King's College, London On Wednesday, last week, Mr, James

Swinburne, F,R.S.. read a lecture on " Science and Industry." dealing
specially with the relations between academic and applied sciencf .

Gas on Trains. — Reporting on a collision between two

passenger trains at Warminster, on the Great Western Railway,
on September 2nd. Major Pringle. the Board of Trade Inspector,
stated that it .afforded a further illustration of the risk of gas as an
illuminant. The ignition of the gas on the Bath train was caused
by a passenger striking a match.

Electrical Men's Wages at Dublin.— The Dublin Cor-
poration, at its meeting on Monday, refused to suspend the
standing orders on a motion by .\lderinan Byrne, 5I.P.. for the
puqiose of considering a joint report of the Electricity Supply
Committee and the Municipal Workshops Committee with respect
to the application of the members of the A.S.E.. who are employes,
for an increase of wages.

Mr. J. Kelso, secretary to the Society, had intimated that if the
wages were not increased, so as to bring them up to the scale paid
by the city firms, the men would be withdrawn from service.

The Council's law agent stated that, as requested, he had made
inquiry in the matter, and found that the rate paid by emjiloying
firms was 38s. 3d., with a war bonus of fs. for a 51-hours week.
The Corporation was paying, before an award by Sir John Griffith.
38s. tid. imder the Workshops Committee, and 38s. 3d. under the
Electricity Committee, with a war bonus of 3s. per week. These
figures were raised after the award to 4Us. !id. and 40s. 4Jd.. with
3s, war bonu;, for a ,".(i-hours'-week. The Electricity Committee
was. in addition, paying a walking allowance : and Coiiioration
employes had certain advantages which were denied to Trade
fnionists outsider-such as permanent employment in the case of
the majority ; no insurance payments ; the latter, under a scheme
entei-ed into by the Corporation under the Insurance Commis-
sioners, and applying both to health and unemployment insurance :
payment in absence "through illness on a generous scale, with
pension on disablement ; annual leave, one week or two weeks
according to term of service, with pay ; and double pay for bank
holiday work, or payment for bank holiday when ofl:' duty. The
Agent therefore advised that if the members in Cor]X)ration
employment based their claim on the A.S.E. scale, as arranged
with the Employers" Association, they were not entitled to any of
these benefits.

The Corporation decided, on the Law Agent's report, not to con-
sider the joint report.

Linking-up of Electricity Undertakings.— At a ineetiiiir

held in Glasgow on November 3rd. when representatives from fifteen
electrical undertakings in the West of Scotland attended, it was
decided to appoint a Committee to discuss the question of linking-up
electricity undertakings. JLr. C!eo. Balfour (Scottish Central Electric
Power Co.) was elected chairman and Mr. Wuysall (Greenock)
vice-chairman and secretary ; all those invited to the meeting weri'
appointed to the Committee, and the following Sub-Committee was
nominated, with the chairman and secretary, as members, c.r
»/A'c;».'- Messrs. Lackie. Starr. Chiirchward. Parkinson, Bexon.
Brown and Wishart.

Foreign Trade.— The October Figures. —The official

returns of imports and exports during last month contain the

following electrical and machinery figures': —

Oct., ' Incur Ten iiio)iflis,\'.)\('>.

Imports : — 1916. i/ec. Inc. or dec.

Electrical goods. A:c. £1.35,5B6 4- "£ 48.7!»- . -f se473,4<;2

Machinery .5.j1,639 + 30,ti.-.7 - 5.'")0,772

Exports : —

Electrical goods ... .304,788 -f 11S.!)4S -t-1.043,5«l

Machinery I,82U,!I29 + 31«,'.t4;i + n71,J8U

D'li

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW, .voi. r;.. Xo. 2.o:«. novembku lo. i9U!.

U.S. Power Company's Wireless Plant. —'I'li^^ .Moiit;ina

Powf r Co. has iustiUleii a wireless stution ut its Kiiiiitiow plant,
near Great Fulls, as an auxiliarv means of eommnniuotion when
telephonic service is interrupted. It is expecliHl that u considerable
sum of money will be savetl on lontr-distance tolls when the private
lines are down.- AVrt'^Wcrt/ Wurlil.

Use of Coke-oven Gas Under Boilers. — With reference

to the article on the alwve subject which appeared in our issue of
October 27th. we are asked by Mr. Wilson, of the Cumberland Gas
Kurner Co., in order to avoid any miscouoeiition, to state that tlic
burner referreil to by us as the " Altenheiu burner " is known and
sold in this country as the " Cumberland burner." and that Mr.
Altenhein is not concerned in the nianaffement of the company,
and lives in America.

OUR PERSONAL COLUMN.

The Etiitiirs hirite eleclrirul eng infers, whether cunaeeted with the
. techiiinil ar the coinmereial niile vj the ju-u/e.isiuit ami iiuluMnj,
also elect r'le tramwui/ tiiid railwai/ officials, to keep readers »/' the
Electrical Review j/osted as tu their mueements.

General. — Accordint? to the Times, the Vic*-Chaiicellor of
Caiiiliiid^e I'liiveisity has appointe«l Mr. R. T. Gl.azebrook.
C.B., Fellow of Tiinity Collejie. Director of the National
Physical l.aboiatory, to the otiice of Reader on Sir Robert
Kede's foundation for tile ensuing year.

Mr. Henry Tekkv, Jan., electrical engineer, of Coventry,
has been admitted a Freeman of the city.

The many friends of Mr. H. J. Hawkins, who a few years
ago resigned the appointment of liorough electrical engineer
to the Salford Corfwration, will l)e pleased to know that he
has accepted an appointment at Karachi as chief engineer to
a London firm. Mr. Hawkins sailed for India, on October
•«)th.

The following Civil Service appointment is announced in
the GaseUe : — .-Vdmiralty : First assistant electrical engineer
in H.M. Naval Establi.shments, E. E. Benham.

The maniage took place at Manchester, on the 3rd ult., of
liivate William Town. A.S.C. (late of Portsmouth Corpora-
tion tramways) and Miss Lucy Glynn, of Brooklands, Cheshire.

Roll of Honour.— The Times states that Captain Hamil-
ton S. Harris. Sherwood Poiesters, reported killed on July
1st, was the youngest s<m of the late Mr. H. Cirahani Harris,
of the late firm of Bramwell A- Harris, consulting engineers!
He was employed in Canada by the Canadian General Elec-
tric Co. at the outbreak of war. His brother, Second-Lieu-
tenant H. Lionel Harris, died of wounds last December.

The death is reported of Private T. W. Newman, Middlesex
Keginient, an electrician, and .son of a Hornsey electrician.

Private Thomas Dawes, Grenadier Guards, who was an em-
ploye of Mes.srs. .Johnson & Phillips, Ltd., of Charlton, has
fallen in action.

Quarter-Ma.ster-Sergeant C. Eaton, .\.0.C., who was on
the postal telephonic staff at Enfield, N., has been awarded
the Meritorious Service Medal in recognition of valuable ser-
vices rendered dininc the war as a volunteer.

Sergeant \V. Beckett Hill, lat<- of the .staff of the City of
I ondon electric light station, has died of wounds.

First-Class P.O. J. Saunders. R.N., and Corporal S. Parish,
4th Queen's Royal Surrey Regiment, of the Croydon elec-
tricity works staff, and Privates W. S. Rudkin and H. Bldn-
Dell, 4th Queen's, and Private J. E. Karn, Army Service
Corps Motor Transpor-t, qI the tramway staff, have fallen in
action.

Bombardier E. H. Emery, R.F.A., who was on the Rugby
staff of the British Thom.son-Houston Co., Ltd., has been
accidentally killed at Salonika.

Second-Lieutenant H. E. Britton, R.F.A., who was in the
engineers' department at the Rugby works of the British
Thomson-Houston Co., Ltd., has died of wounds, aged 34
years.

Sergeant M. P. (J. Brown, Oxford and Bucks Light In-
fantry, who was in the foundry department of the British
Thouison-Houston Co., Ltd., of Rugby, has fallen in action.

Lance-corporal E. P. KlTTI.E. Oxford and Bucks Light In-
fantry, who has been killed in action, was with the British
ThoMi.son-Houston Co., litd., at Rugby.

Private A. .7. Smith, Oxford and Bucks Light Infantrv,
who enh.sted from the British Thomson-Houston Woiks,
Rugby, soon after the outbreak of wai'. has fallen in action.

Private E. May. Royal West Kent Regiment, for nine
yi-ars on the staff of the Exoter Corporation tramways, has
fallen in action, aged id years.

Sapper Percy C. GAV.'lxindon Field Conipanv, Roval Enai-
neers. who has fallen in action on the Somme, was on the
GP.O. telegraph department engineering staff.

Private A. E. Griffiths, London Regiment, killed in action,
was prior to the war engaged with the Telegraph Construc-
tion and Maintenance Co., of East Greenwich.

Corporal W. Thornton, of the West Yoiks. Regiment, who
has been killed at the Front, was on the clerical .staff of the
Bradford Corporation framwavs denartment. He was 27
years of age. and the son of a Drir-hlington contractor.

Sergeant A. E Irvlng, an employe of the Burnlev tram-

wavs, who won the D.C.M., and was iccentlv awarded the
medal of tlic thiid cla.ss of the Order of St. George of Ru.ssin,
has been wounded.

Private GEORciE Bahwell, who recently won the D.C.M.
in East .\frica. is an <MiipIoyc of the Railway Electric Light
Department. Cajv Town. He is a native of Essex, and uerit
out from England early in I'.KKI.

Privati' Harvev .Moss, of the South .\frican Scottish, who
recently <lii'd of wounds received in France, was an appren-
tice with Messrs. iidward \. Shaw A Co., electrical engineers,
of Cape Town.

Kirteman .1. M'Geagh, Ro.val Irish Rifles, of l'..ir:ist. killed
in action, aged 19, was in the electrician's drp;ii tiiu nt iit
(Juc^en's Island before enli.sting.

Cnptain W. E. Downev has been proniotc<l to the rank of
Deputy .Vs.sistaiit Director, Ordnance Survi'v Snvirc. He
was formerly electrical engineer at the Pigeon House Fort,
, Dublin, and is now serving in Salonika.

Lieutenant E. R. Wilmshiirst, Royal Fusiliers, son of Mr.
T. P. Wilmshurst, chief electrical engineer to Derby Corpura '
tion, is in hospital at Rouen suffering fmm a serious gunshot
ivound in the head.

Obituary,— Mr. G. A. Ogan.— We regret to record the
death, which (x-curred suddenly on Novendier 1st, of Mr. G.
.\. Ogan. who was chairman of the Hackney Borough Council
Electricity Committee during the initial stages of the scbenn-,
when the late Mr. Robert Hamnumd was acting as consult-
ing engineer.

Will.— The late Right Hon. Ei.ward AiiCHOALE. P.C. of
Ca.stle .^rchdiile, Irvinestown, co. Fermanagh, described as
formerly a civil engineer, who laid submarine cables in various
parts of the world, left un.settled iier.sonal estate in the Ignited
Kingdom valued at .fl73,69S.

NEW COMPANIES REGISTERED.

Milton Manufacturing Co., Ltd. (145,183).— K

October 28ih. I.x I i,,,,. n-, II, M.-iiden L:inc, E.C. C.-ipilal, iini
shares (10,0«l» \nv\ , nl,,..i.: To carry on the business of ni. . '
electrical engin.eis, in.niulu. lunr.s of and dealers in all Ihin^-
connection with electrical installations, electrolytic procrsN.'^, i I,.
chemical bleaching, and other appliances and app.-iratn^. ni.inul
chemicals, chemical products and by-producis, &c. The sijh-.i ? lini
share each) are: P. VV. B. Tippetls. II, Maiden Lan. . II. -
Martin, 7, Church Road, Brixton Hill, S.W., secretary. IVivat
The first directors (to numb<r not less than three or more than st
be appointed bv the subscribers. Directors must be British
free from foreign influence. Qualification. £100. Rcmuneratii
per annum (chairman £150). Solicitors: Tippetls, 11, Maiden Lane, E.C.

Leabank Manufacturinj^ Co., Ltd. (145,180). — This com-
pany was registered on October 2Slh, with :. capit:d of £!l,.'iOO in 7,500 pr.-f
shares of £1 each and 8,000 ord. shares of 5s. each, to take over, with ih,
authority of the Board of Trade, the business carried on at Hoddesdon,
Herts., and elsewhere in England, by P. & F. Do.>rwaldt, as the FlenJei
C'o. (being a business the books and documents of whfch are liable to inspec'
tion under the Trading with the Enemy Act), and to carry on the busini-s?
nanufacturers of and dealers in wooden and metal pulleys, and oihii

L-ven) a.
ubjects
, £100

for

machinery and appliances
makers, 'engineers, timber i
character of the company a
The subscribers (with one si
I'laistow, architect and
bu\er ;ind manager. Private
Broad Street House, E.C,

veyt

chants, &c.). Clauses for assuring the Bri
included in the Memorandum of Associat
I- each) are: C. W. Kent, 521, Barking Road, >'
r; C. F. Tipple, 585, Barking Road, Plaistow,
inipany. The first directors are C. J. Mortimer,
""■ Kent, Broad Street House, E.C; and

C. H. Tipple, 583, Barking Road, Plaislow. Qualification (except fin

tors), .500 shares. Solicitor : A. Bockett, Amberley House, Norfolk Street,

W.C.

OFFICIAL RETURNS OF ELECTRICAL '.'
COMPANIES.

liiie

Bourton-on^the'Water Electric Lij^ht & Power Co., Ltd.

■l-ssue of October 24th. 191(1. of £20 debentures, part of :i series of which
irticulars have already been file.l.

Notable Electric Co., Ltd.— Particulars of £\,m) deben- >,

ns, created October 9lh, litld. filed pursuant to Section 9i (3) of the Com- ■'
jnies (Consolidation) Act, 1:108, the amount of the present issue being £150. -K
roperty charged: The comp;iny's property, present and future, includinft-"^
ic;iiled capital. No trustees. ' ^^

Derby Lamp 'Works, Ltd. — A memorandum of satisfac-.^

1-1 in full on October 20th, 1916, of debenture dated March .%th, I91(i, secur- -;
B £2.000. has been filed. Second mortgage debenture dated October 20lh, >
ged on the company's undert;iking and prtipertv, present and future, '.
luding uncalle.l cai-lal, to seiiire £5.000. Holders: 'W, L. T.. Arkwright';

H.

.■?t^

CITY NOTES.

Mr. C. G. Tegetmeier, presitling i.t th'e-:^
.4uckland Elec= annual meeting at Electrical Federation.fjj
trie Tram ways Ofliies. T;ondon, on October 31.st. .said that^
Co., Ltd. in spite of the adverse conditions the-^

tiaflic receipts increased by ,£fi,flS9. They ^
were at the rate of over .i'10.(¥)fl per route mile, and .£2 1.5s. _
per head of the w-hole population.. The increase in passengers
was nearly a million. The completion of the Upper Queen
Street extension was anticipated at an early date. They had 'i
no further capital in view, beyond that for this extension. ^.r.

Vol. 7!i. \o. 2,033, NovEMBEK 10. ii,i,;.] THE ELECTEICAL REVIEW.

525

Thoii- capital expenditure in the future must be influ-
fiiced liy a conisideration of the fact that their conces-
.sion from the Auckland City Council expired in 1932. whi'ii
the Council had the right to purchase about nine miles of
route line. The concessions from the various subui'ban
authorities expiied at different dates from 1934 onwards. The
terms of purchase of both the city lines and the suburban
lines were favourable to the company, being ba-^ed iiimn
going-concern value, buf the position would In- iiii-:ili-lac -
tory if the undertaking had to be' split up into ih\i(lril nwnci--
ships. With the great rise in the price of all material.^, that
had taken place during the year, in .some cases rangnig be-
tween" 50 and 1(10 per cent., they had been fortunate iii pos-
.sessing large stocks which were purchased under contracts
maile before the adviuice in price. That .satisfactory position
was one of the many adv.-uitages they derived from their
a.ssociation with the British Electrical l-Vderation, which,
amongst other services, arranged for tlic i n n|iei;iti\ c inn-
chase of stores on behalf of the federated i>iiiip;iiiirs. Ahliougb
they had run an increased car mileage, then actual working
expenses showed a substantial decrease. Great credit for the
lesults obtained was due to Mr. Walklate, the general
manager. Mr. de (iuerrier, the engineer, and the rest of the
Ntatf. An item in the expen.ses over which they had no
rontrol was New Zealand income and land tax, which, at
t'13,9S4, was .£9,041 more than in the previous year. The
liability of the company's profits to incmme-tax both to the
New Zealand (nivernment and to the Imperial Government
pres.sed very heavily, and very unfairly, upon the share-
b(]lders. The matter has been before the Government, and
Slime measure of relief has been provided in the Impeiial
finance Act of 191G. The Government had also promised to
Sit up a committee after the war to inquire into the working
111 the Income-tax Acts and the question nf diajMe income-
tax. The report was adopted.

Anglo Portuf^uese Telephone Co., Ltd. — Interijn divid<nd
of 3 per cent., less income-tax, on account of the year to
Det'ember 31st, 1911!.

Intlian Electric Supply & Traction Co., Ltd. — Interim
dividend, '2J per cent., being at the rate of 5 per cent, per
annum.

Edison Swan Electric Co., Ltd. — .\ccording to a lengthy
notice appeawng in the Ldiuhni (iazette, the petition of the
company for the confirmation of alteration in its objects
alieady approved by shareholders in meeting in July last, is
to be heard on Dex-ember l'2th.

Dartmoor Electric Supply Co., Ltd. — .\t Exeter County
Court, on (illi iiist., coinisel petitioned for the reduction of the
capital of this company, which was incorporated in 1910, with
an authorised capital of ±'4,000, divided into 4,000 shares of
^1 each. Shares to the number of '2,(i90 were issued and
fully paid, and debentures were i.ssue. There was an over-
draft of £800. C'ounsel .said no profit had been made. Owing
to depreciation in macliinery and other causes, the company
had lost its capital to the extent of ^1.389, and it desired to
reduce its capital by .£'2,000 by cancelling paid-up capital by
]()s. per share, and writing down issued capital to the same
amount. The shareholders had approved of the .scheme. The
Judge granted the order.

West India & Panama Telegraph Co., Ltd. — The report
states that the amount to credit of revenue is J£45,230, as
compared with i'86,4.54 in the coiiespmiding hnlf-year of
191.5; the expenses have been £.33.(mI . against £'27, '22.5. After
paying the first and sec(md preference dividends, a dividend
on the ordinary shai'es at 6d. per share (free of tax) for the
half-year is to be paid, and i'2,2S0 carried forward. The
traffic receipts for the half-year show an increase as com-
pared with tho.se of the eiiriesponding period, bu.siness in the
West Indies having been ;n li\e ,it prices remunerative to the
planters. Similar coiulitiiiiis lia\e so tar rided during the
current half-year.

Norway. — Tin- Ais Norsk Kahdftihr'iU, Itx-ated at Drainraen,
recently decitled to increase its capital from 300,000 to
l.OOCtWO kroner. The new capital has been wholly taken np
by the old shareholders. The objei'ts of the .augmented
capital is an enlargement of tln' works, the .site for which has
already been acquired at Drammen.

France.— r/ic ,S'oc/r/r ije Dunilinuiii lias incieased its capital
from '200,000 francs to 1,800,000 francs by the issue of lli.OOII
100 franc shares, the new capital being allotted to the So<-iete
Aiionyme d'Aluminium Franijais and the Societe d'Eleetro-
Metallurgie de Dives in varying' proportions as consideration
for. the lease for terms of eei'tain alloy smelting works, the
properties of the two latter companies,

STOCKS AND SHARES.

TUESD.^V EVRNINCl.

Thk outstanding feature of the past few days has been the
^iolent ii.se in the price of the 45 per cent. War Loan — a rise
due mainly to the anticipation that the stock will be avail-

able for subscription to a forthcoming loan, the advent of
which is expected at an early date; while there is also a
certain amount of .speculative buying in the stock. This
advance had the effect of .strengthening the li.sts for Home
Railway prior-charge stocks and of checking the downward
eiiuise which they had been pursuing for the past three

Weeks.

The American Presidential election has only aroused a languid
anil tiansitory interest, so far as the Loiulon Stock Excliaiige
is eoneerneil. The days are gone, for the time being, when
this conti'st caused keen excitement in Throgmorton Street,
aiul when the effect of the result was felt upon issues far-
removed from those of the American railways, which were,
of coui'se, most appreciably inllueneed.

The Home ■ Railway sectrmi ii.iitiinies in a state of drill
stagnation, although the wiakne,,- is scarcely .so prononnced
as it was. The prices of the Steam companies' ordinary
.sttK-ks, however, are mostly lower, and the dulness is reflected
m a fall of a couple of points in Central London assented
ordinary. On the other hand. Underground Electric 0 per
cent, bonds are better, although the company's G per cent,
income debenture stock is still heavy at 101^. The interest
on the former, of course, is paid without deduction of tax.
From that on the latter the tax is knocked off, which makes
a very considerable diff'erence in the flat yield. The stock,
of cour.se, is much the better security, qiin security, of the
two; but, having regard to the competition of the Govern-
ment i.s.sues, it seems to be .sufficiently high-priced at lOlJ.
Threats of a strike on the London & South-Western, and a.
jiossilile exten.sion to other lines, make the latest light litera-
tuie lur tho.se who hold Home Railway stocks.

Irritation has been aroused by the non-receipt of some of
the letters of allotment in respect of the new issue made by
the Consolidated Gas, Electric Light & Power Co. of Balti-
more. The latest day for dealing in tliese was last Friday,
as letters could not be shipped later than Saturday if thev
were to be in time for -allotment. British holders of tlie
stocks were told, as usual in such cases, that dealings in the
new shares would not be, permitted by the Treasury, but
that these holders could sell their rights if they wi.shed to
do .so. This, of cour.se, many did, because the price was lJ-2
premium ; and the irritation arose because of the fact that
not all of those entitled to the rights received them in time
for them to sell.

We understand, unofficially, that any belated arrivals will
probably be accepted, although the final date for application
has not been altered. Anyway, tho.se who have the right
to claim the new issue should imiuediately take steps to dis-
pose of their letters. The company, we know, values its
Briti-sh proprietai;y, which is a fairly extensive one, and the
directors are anxious that these holders should receive every
consideration. '

.\iiglo-American Telegraph ordinary stock shed 3 points,
and the preferred is al.so down i- at 9<1 The dulness has
nothing to do with the position of the company, but is due
to a little stock which has come on the market for deceased
accounts. Cable stocks on the whole are "firm, the principal
favourite of the moment being Western Telegraph, the shares
having risen 5s. to 14i. Eastei'n ordinary is up a point, but
Globes shed J and Great Northerns continue on the down
grade, being quoted lOs. lo\yer at 38. There is nothing much
doing in Marconis, and at '2| the price .shows no change.

The only change in eleifrie li.u'liting shares is a fall of J in
City of liondon ordinarv, wlmli reduees the price to llj.
The electric supply cmiipaiires nl the eiurntry, it seems, are
appealing to the 'Board of Relerees m rvspect of the excess
pidfits .tax. cliriming special consideration on account of the
hrrritations and restrictions under which they are working
and the fact that in the early stirges of the undertakings it
is impo.ssible to earn an adeipiale return irpon eirplt.il expendi-
ture involved. 'We .should ima,urrie that sliarehulders in the
liOndon electricity companies will ob.serve this with a some-
what pale smile, because the amount of excess profits on
which they- are Ukely to be called upon to pay duty may
partake of something of the nature of a minus quantity. So
far as the provincial undertakings formed of recent years are
concerned, no doubt there is more to be said for the com-
pirnies; but if the percentage is raised, it will, we should
think, have only academic interest for proprietors of shares
in the London electricity .supply companies.

Brazilian Tractions have gone back to 55. losing their rise
of last week; and weakness in the Briti-sh Colmrrbia Electric
Railway gr'oup is still pr-onounced. Mexican Light lueferied
shares are up a point. Vigorous rises have occirried durirrg
the past few days in the .shares of a number of Canadian-
American industrials, although up to the present the is.sues
of the electric- power companies have .scarcely been aft'ected.

Ellison & Swan ,£3-paid shares, fell J to 7s. fid., and,
arrrorrgst the big shares. Henleys are lower at Ifi, British Insu-
lated at 12, .showing a fall of 5s. each. The brisk demand for
investments which was noticeable in .Tune and July has given
plaue to a more cautious rate of progress, and this, ineiderrt-
ally, forms the principal handle of those who contend that
the Chancellor of the Exchequer inLssed his market in not
floating a big popular loan during the summer.

The rubber- share market is mending rapidly. There is
much keener apnelile 1, ,r shares than there was a fortnight
ago; anil tin- . lie, i i,l (li. di-api-iointment felt with regard
to tire e\. e - piiilil- iliit\, ;is aii|ilied to rubber coinpanies. is
quickly wearing off. The iron and steel gr-oup is firm; in

1

ViC.

THE ELECTRICAL REVIE^V.

\n\i:MltKU 10. lull"..

fact, inanufactutiii;,' shaiv.- all rouml ait* hoUlin^ tlu-ir i»iKr>
with remarkable strenjith; wlnle in the copper market, most
of the shares eonnecttnl with the inetal are quietly improvin^r.

SHARE LIST OF ELECTRICAL COMPANIES.

Hous Elbotricitt Coupaniib.

Dividend Price

„— >— s, Nov. 7, Rise or fall

1914. 1916. 1916. this week.

Brompton Ordinary
Charing Cross Ordinary

do. do. do. 4i Pref..

Chelsea

City of London

do. do. 6 per cent. Pref.
County of London

do. 6 per cent. Pref.
Kensington Ordinary . .
London Electric

do. do. 6 per cent. Pref.

Metropolitan

do. 4J per cent. Pref.

St. James' and Pall Mall

South London

South Metropolitan Pref.
Westminster Ordinary . .

Hi

10*

31

TeLSGRAFHS AMD TELEPHONES.

Anglo-Am. Tel. Pref. ,
do. Def. .

Chile Telephone . .
Cuba Sub. Ord. . .
Eastern Extension
Eastern Tel. Ord.
Globe Tel. and T. Ord. .
do. Pret.

Great Northern Tel.
Indo-European . .
Ma

7

8

142i

7

121

«

6

104

W

22

38

lit

13

51

10

10

2i

M

*i

98.1

111

10

?

8

8

7

8

Ui

Rome Rail8,

4

4

ess

1*

1

aaj

Nil

Nil

16

Nil

Nil

lia

NU

Nil

5;ti

G 2 -I

7 10 a

e 14 5

6 8 G

•6 16 B

•B 12 1

•6 13 0

6 14 3

New York Tel. 4J
Oriental Telephone Ord.
United R. Plate Tel.
West India and Pan,
Western Telegraph

Central London, Ord. Assented

Metropolitan

do. District
Underground Electric Ordinary

do. do. "A" ..

do, do. Income

Foreign Trams, &a,

Adelaide Sup. 6 per cent. Pref. 6 6

Anglo-Arg. Trams, First Pref. 6^ 5k
do. 2nd Pref. .
do. 6 Deb.
Brazil Tractions . .

Bombay Electric Pref 6 8 lOJ

British Columbia Elec. Rly. Pfce. 5 5 llj

do. do. Preferred — Nil Si

do. do. Deferred — Nil 6J

do. do. Deb. H ii mi

Mexico Trams 5 per cent. Bonds — Nil 40

do. 6 per cent. Bonds — Nil B3J

Mexican Light Common . . Nil Nil 17

do. Pref Nil Nil 81

do. 1st Bonds . . Nil Nil 40

MANUFACTimiNO COMPANIES

Babcock ft Wilcox . . . . 14

British Aluminium Ord. . . 5

British Insulated Ord 15

British Westinghouse Pref. . , 7J

Callenders 15

do. 5 Pref 5

Castner-Kellner 30

Edison & Swan, £3 paid . . Nil

do. do. fully paid . . Nil

/do. do. 4 per cent. Deb. 5

Electric Construction ., .. 6

Gen. Elec. Pref 6

do. Ord 10

Henle; 20

do. 4i Pref 4i

India-RuDber 10

Telegraph Con 30

7^

12

lit

'A

12»

62i

1

10

14i
16

H

1 6

10

6 0

II

8 0

(1

fi 17

H

e 6

H

Ni

Ni

8 0

0

7 10

0

C 0

II

6 18

II

7 16

3

6 6

II

•8 3

4

•6 4

7

Dividends paid free of income-tax,

ELECTRIC TRAMWAY AND RAILWAY
TRAFFIC RETURNS.

Month

Locality, ended

(4 wks.)

Beoeipts for

the

month.

II

Total t3 date.

Route
miles
open.

Bristol (Trams) . . O.t. 27

Cork W]

Dublin 27

Hastings . . . . „ 27
Lancashire United ., 23
Llandodno-Col. Bay „ 20
Tyneside . . 1 „ 18
Anglo-Argentine .. : „ 28
Anokland .. .. „ SO
Calcutta .. ..1 „ 21
Kalgoorlie, W.A. . . I August
" Vladras .. .. Oct. 15
Montevideo . . October

Dablin-Luoan Rly, Oct. 27

£

20,146
2,14

56,11-2
8,805
7,941
1,388
2,5t6
212,710
805

18,702
8,021
2,153

28,729

601

X

+ 1,833
-1- 93
1 1,898
f 253
f 1,167
^ 2)8
f 218
f 7,548
1- 22
1- 611

-H S05
H,64i

■1- 37

43
43
43
43
43
4t>t
16
43
16
43
46
41
53

17

X

217,1C6
22,138

262 291
46,122
79,272
17,5 ;2
11,247

2,190,643
84,286

20.179
41', 139
317,712

3,070

X

I- 9,830
1- 289
- 936
^ 2.970
f 4,073
+ 1,089
I- 835
+ 4,144
f- 1,160
+ 8,651

f 2,966
+ 17,171

+ 239

80-6
8-89
54-26
19'3
42
6-6

•26'69

-i6.5

7

1

MARKET QUOTATIONS.

It shoulil \ie remembered, in makinsr use of the figures a)i])i':ii-iii^'
in the following list, that in some eases the prices are only ^^encial
and they may vary aecoiiliny to quantities and other oircuiiistaiii:i -

Wednesday. November 8th.

CHEMICALS, Ac.

Acid, Oxalio per lb.

Ammoniac Sal per ton

Ammonia. Muriate (large crystal) „

Bisulphide of Carbon . . . . ,,

Uorax

t'opper Sulphate ,,

! Potash, Chlorate per lb,

,, Perchlorate . . . . „

Shellac percwt.

Sulphate of Magnesia , . . . per ton
I Sulphur, Hublimed Flowers .. ,,

,, Lump „

Soda, Chlorate per lb.

,, Crystals per ton

Sodium Bichromate, casks . . per lb.

METALS. &.C.

c Brass (rolled metal 2" to 12" basis) per

c ,, Tubes (solid drawn) .. ,

c ,, Wire, basis ,

c Copper Tubes (solid drawn) ,, ,

g ,, Bars (best selected) . . per

g „ Sheet

g „ Rod

d „ (Electrolytic) Bars . . ,

d „ „ Sheets .. ,

d „ „ Rods .. ,

d „ „ H.C. Wire per

f Ebonite Rod ' .. ,

f „ Sheet

n German Silver Wire ,

A Gutta-percha, fine ,

h India-rubber, Para fine . . . . ,

I Iron Pig (Cleveland warrants) . . per

/ „ Wire, galv. No. 8, P.O. qual. ,

f Lead, English Pig ,

g Mercury . . per

e Mica (in original cases) small , . per

e ,1 ,, I, medium ,.

<r „ „ „ large .. ,

if Silicium Bronze Wire .. .. per

r Steel, Magnet, in bars .. .. per

» Tin, Block (English) .. .. ,,

n ,, Wire, Noa. 1 to 16 .. ,, per

Latest

Fortnight*

Price,

Ino.'or De

1/8

X76

XGI

X2i

£31

X55

£i inc.

2/6

a/-

is;/.

10/. inc.

£16

£18

£'i in.-.

*16

10/- inc.

i/flA to \mi
1/4* to 1;.'.

1/3^ to 1/1

1/7A 10 1/8

il6S

£163

£168

£144 to

£162 10

£153 lU

iin

3/-

2/6

2/3

6/10

8/53

Nom.

£36

£31 5

£17 12 6 to £17 16

6d. to 3/-

8/6 to 6/-

7/6 to 14/- & up

l/9i

£185

£95

^d. inc.

Quotations

supplied by—

a G. Boor & Co.

g James & Shakespeare.

c Thos. Bolton & Sons, Ltd.

A Edward Till ft Co.

d Frederick Smith ft Co.

I Boiling ft Lowe.

e F. Wiggins ft Sons.

/ Richard Johnson ft Nephew

, Ltd.

f India-Eubber, Gutta-Percha and

n P. Ormiston ft Sons.

Telegi-aph Works Co., Ltd.

r W. F. Dennis ft Co.

Books and Examinations. — Wbatevor some pedplf may

say to the contrary, we cannot get on -without these thinj;s ;
and many of our readers have probably at some time sat for, or
thought about sittinsc for, one of the various excellent electrical
examinations conducted by the City and Guilds of London Institute.
Though the examinations are excellent, the same can hardly be
said of the lists of -works of reference g-iven in the " Protframme "
of the Institute under the syllabus of each subject. One reason is
that some of the books are unobtainable, havinjf been out of
print for years ; another is that some are obviously very much out
of date. Our contemporary, Eleiiririti/, takes up arms, not for the
first time, asfainst this rather absurd state of things, and asks it*
rejulers to inform it of one or more Ixioks which they have found'
useful in working- up for an examination, stating the ^raile for
which they worked. From the replies, our contemporary proposes
to publish representative lists, and these should certainly prove
Vioth interesting- and useful. Our own readers could help this frood
work by sending- in their opinions to Elect ricitij, at iiil, JIaiden
Lane, Strand, London, W.C. We are in cordial sympathy with the
scheme, the results of which will be of use to ourselves also, as
hardly a week passes witiiout our receiving inquiries as to the best
books for specified subjects. The only criticism we have to offer is
that where a reader's experience is confined to the perus.al of unlij
oiif book on a particular subject, he is not in a position to express
an ojiinion ;is to the hfst book on that subject.

Manchester Engineers' Wages. — The tlemand of the

engineers in the Manchester and South-East Lancashire District
fur an advance of wages came before the Committee of Production
at Westminster, last Friday, when Sir George Askwith and Sir
George Gibb met representatives of the masters and delegates from
the Amalgamated Society of Engineers. Mr. H. Mansforth (of the
Westinghouse Co.) was the principal representative on behalf of
the Engineers' Employers' Federation, and the case for the
engineers was put by Mr. W. H. Hutchinson and Mr. J. Binns.
There were five groups of claims on behalf of the engineers and
allied trades, and the increases asked for ranged from is. to !ls. a
week. The proceedings, which were private, lasted for over two
hours. Decisions will be announced in due course. — Mnriiiiii/ Punt,

Vol. 79. Xo. 2..m November in. lOlfi.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

527

METAL MARKET.

WAYLEAVES.

Fluctuations in October.

5v " An Interested Onlooker."

Oct. 2 3 4 5 6 9 10111213161718192023242526273031
£35

LtAU lC.INljL.IC3n

)

.

175
174

119
118

1

/'

\

s

k

k

/'

_;

y

V

/

-

y

•^

/

/

<-

COPP

1 I i-i — 1 — 1 — 1 —

ER (G M B's )

1 y

<^^.

_ y^TT

^

aZ

t .

z

^

□:

Oct. 23456 910111213161718192023242526273031

German Machinations in China. — We qnote tbe following

comments on the present activity of Germans in China from
Eastern Engineerinfi : — "In spite of the war German activity has
by no means ceased in China. On the contrary, a lively propafranda
is beinjf carried on there, not only by German tratlers themselves,
but by officials of the Leg'ation at Peking and the various Consular
officers throuprhout the country. Xot content with making' every
preparation for resuming business after the war. we learn that
Germany is actually supplying- machinery to China through firms
in Sweden and the United States either owned or controlled by
Germans. As an instance of the underhand tactics that are employed
to gain their ends, we may mention that German ajrents in China
tell the Chinese that Great Britain is blockaded by the Crerman
fleet and submarines, and that, therefore, it is impossible for them
to obtain machinery or anything else from that quarter. The fact
that would-be Chinese buyers have written to British firms respecting
the placing of orders, and have received replies to the effect that
they are so full up with work that it is impossible for them to take
further business, has lent some colour to the German campaign of
lying. There can be no question that German traders have got
their eyes fixed on China for exploitation after the war. and they
are leaving no steps nntaken to enable them to realise their object.
Thus, it wa-s recently stated that German prisoners are being taught
the difl'erent dialects of the Chinese, and although at the present
time Germany's trade with China is more or less at a standstill, she
ia retaining men of military age there to maintain her connection,
and keep the market open until she is again able to enter into
competition. It is also reliably stated that German merchants in
China have secured sufficient contracts during the war to give them
a good commercial standing immediately the war is over. These,
it is true, have mostly been secured by graft and sharp practice.
A traveller recently returned from China stated that at the
lieginning of the war the Germans refrained from quoting on any
large contract, but lately most of the largest contracts have fallen
into German hands, When the specification for any large contract
is now given out they invite the head Chinese concerned to a
magnificent dinner — most Chinese deals are settled over food, a
point the Germans have been quick to Recognise — convince them
that the war will be over in a few weeks, make them a handsome
present, and secure their permission to insert a clause in their
quotation that the material is to be supplied a certain time after
the conclusion of the European "War. The British firm, not knowing
what has transpired, quotes price for the material to be supplied at
the present time. The German in this way secure,s good ' face.' as he
has been able to quote lower than his competitors, and has secured
the goodwill of the Chinese officials by a little ' cumshaw' or present,
which in no way comes out of his pocket, as his price is higher
than the after-war price would be. These and similar tactics are
being freely employed in China by German traders, who are aided
on the political side by the publication of pamphlets in Chinese
spreading the most fantastic lies about Great Britain and her Allies.
We trust, therefore, that adequate steps are being taken to counter-
act this pernicious propaganda in China, and that British traders
L^t-nerally will be on the alert to defeat German machinations there,
-nch as those indicated above."

Ix \'iew of the attention wluch is being directed to
the various aspects of electricity supply in the
United Kingdom at the present time, especially
from the point of view of linking-up, it seems to be
a favourable time to consider the question of way-
leaves as affecting the problems connected with the
transmission of electricity, both by overhead lines
and underground mains.

It is well known that the development of the tele-
phone and, to some extent, the telegraph under-
takings has been hindered by the difficulties
attendant on the procuring of wayleaves, and fur-
ther reference will be made to this later.

In this article, we are mainly concerned in con-
sidering the subject of wayleaves viewed from the
standpoint of the power companies and municipal
undertakings, and it is useful to consider how far
we can learn from the troubles of the engineers of
the G.P.O. and the late National Telephone Co.
Most supply engineers have met with the wayleave
difficulty, and much has been written on the subject
from their point of view during the past few years.

The educative campaign among landowners
and others was well begun by the passing of
the Telegraph Acts of 1863, 1878, and 1892,
and continued under the auspices of the Insti-
tution of Electrical Engineers when Mr. Adden-
brooke read a paper in 1905.* Later, in 1913,! Mr.
Vernier devoted a considerable portion of his
Chairman's Address to the Newcastle Local Section
to the subject, and freely drew on his extensive
experience arising out of his transmission work for
the Newcastle Electric Supply Co. Mr. W. B.
Woodhouse. chief engineer of the Yorkshire Power
Co., has also enjoyed more than one tilt at it.f
Attention was, however, particularly focussed on it
by the I.E.E. paper on " h.t. Transmission Lines,"
which was contributed by Mr. Welboum in I9i4,§
and which was discussed in London and at most of
the local centres. In this paper, Mr. Vernier's
remarks on the inconsistent state of the law of way-
leaves for overhead lines only were condensed as
follows : —

1. The Postmaster-General possesses powers for
erecting telegraph and telephone lines, but the pro-
cedure to be followed is so cumbersome as to be
almost useless. Even these powers are denied to
electric supply authorities.

2. Under the Electric Lighting Acts, the consent
of the local authoritv must be obtained by a statu-
tor\- undertaker previous to the erection of overhead
wires, whether these are in the public street or on
private land.

3. Non-statutory undertakers can dispense with
the consent of the local authority, and both erect
wires on private land and cross public roads so long
as the wires cause no obstruction above the road-
way.

4. Non-statutorv- undertakers may erect overhead
lines without compliance with the Board of Trade
Regulations, but the Board has power, if it thinks
fit. to order such compliance.

Mr. Welbourn suggested that a strong case had
been made out to justify the Council of the Institu-
tion in making representations to the Board of
Trade for the benefit of the electrical industry with
a view to removing the inconsistencies referred to.
but no action appears to have been taken. Follow-
ing up the progressive policy recently adopted, it is
hoped that the Council will take the lead in this
matter, and also arrange to .give one evenin.g during
the session of 1916-1917 to a full discussion, and

• 'Journal, I.E.E., Vol. 34. p. 511—1905.
\.JouTnal. I.E.E. , Vol. 62, p.l7— No. 223.
UouTvaJ. I.E.E.. Vol. 44. p. 80-3— 1910.
%.Jo-nTnal. I.E.E., Vol. -52. p. 177— Nos. 226, 227, 228, ^30

528

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW. [Voi. rw. n... juit:). novkmhku i,m:m„.

then follow ii up by appointing a committee to
examine tlie points brought out and prepare a Bill
in consultation with the I.M.E.A. and the I.A.E.P.C.
The success attending the discussions in London
and Manchester on Mr. E. T. Williams's paper this
year should be of good augury ! The suggested
Bill should, inter alia, pro\nde for: — ■

1. A curtailment of the absolute veto on the con-
struction of overhead wires by a local authority.

2. The local authority's refusal of consent should
be made subject to an appeal to the Board of Trade.
At present, such an appeal is only allowed to power
companies in rural districts.

In the discussion on Mr. Welboum's paper, Mr.
(now Sir) William Slingo referred to the uphill
struggle which the Post Office engineers had faced,
and were overcoming by the help of the various
Acts of Parliament already mentioned, and he re-
marked that they would like the procedure to be
more certain and expeditious.

The interest aroused in the question appears to
have led to the passing of the further Telegraph
(Construction) Act, 1916. Under this Act, the Post-
master-General has the right to have a "difference"
between himself and the owner, lessee, or occupier
who refuses or fails to give his consent to the plac-
ing of a telegraphic line under, in, upon, over,
along, or across his land or building, within two
months after being required to do so by notice,
settled under the procedure laid down in Sections 3,
4, and 5 of the Telegraph Act, 1878.

This marks an advance, but the procedure re-
ferred to is still too clumsy. Something more
expeditious is required in these hustling days than
a delay of two months, then a hearing of the case
by a magistrate, county court judge, or sheriff,
whose decision can be appealed against before the
Railway Commissioners. Just fancy a man wanting
a telephone installed in a hurry in "the country and
having to await the result of all this legal proce-
dure! And think of the possible cost to the
CP.O. ! This, of course, takes no account of war
telephone work, which may be carried out imme-
diately and without wayleaves under the Defence
of the Realm Act.

At this stage it will be well to set out some of the
principal wayleave difficulties and hardships which
are met with by electricity supply authorities, and
then to consider what procedure might be followed
in order to ensure a speedy and equitable settle-
ment of differences.

I. Cost of Wayleaves. — Some landowners have
altogether extortionate ideas as to the value of their
agricultural land compared with the value of the
electric line to be taken across it and the benefit
to the community. One case came under notice a
few years ago where it was proposed to cross a field
in the open country with six wires, without any
poles being planted in it. The owner demanded £1
•per wire per annum for the use of the air above his
field. Needless to say, no business resulted.

There seems to be a general agreement in Eng-
land that the average capitalised value of the way-
leaves for an overhead transmission line is rather
more than £100 per mile of route, and it is con-
sidered that this is fully three times their real value.
One power company has calculated in a number of
cases that if it bought a strip of land 70 yards wide
over the whole route, it would come to less than the
■capitalised value of the rents paid for what is only
a very partial occupation of the land. Could any-
thing illustrate the grievance more clearly than
this?

There is not much e.xperience in regard to way-
leaves for cables across fields. In view of the pos-
sible and considerable shortening of routes for
linking-up and other schemes, this" method is likely
to receive considerable attention in future. The
shortening of a route by some 30 per cent, compared
with a road route is often possible, and its adop-

tion would lead to a considerable saving in lirst
cost. Also, the wayleave charge should be very low
for a cable, as it would be laid sufficiently deep so
that it would not interfere with the tilling of the
fields.

Occasionally, a wayleave is required from a neigh-
bouring supply or other authority to enable a"short
cut" to be taken. A case in point was brought
under the notice of the present writer, recently,
where a supply authority desired to save aboi '
£6,000 by going for 50 yards through the road ot
a neighbourmg authority. The blood-money de-
manded for the concession (in war-time, too) was
half the savings. Again, no business resulted !

Another supply authority's experience is that
County Council charges are usually heavier than
those of private owners, the conditions imposed are
more stringent, and the negotiations take longer to
complete. In one instance, it was desired to lay
a connecting main between two portions of a dis-
trict, and, without more than trebling the expense,
this could not be done without running for a short
distance under a public footpath alongside a county
council school. A private owner would usually
have taken an acknowledgment of is. to 2s. 6d. per
annum, but the Council demanded £1 per annum,
plus legal charges. On pointing out that this was a
public utility main to feed the system from which
the school was lighted, as well as the residences in
the immediate neighbourhood, and that the land
was owned by the community, and so a smaller
sum would be in keeping with the easement granted,
a peremptory reply was made to the effect that these
were the only terms, and discussion of others was
useless. In addition, the burden of keeping the
whole of the footway in repair was thrown on the
supply authority.

2. Delays in Negotiations. — Mr. Vernier has
pointed out some of the vexatious delays which
occur through local authorities having the right of
absolute veto on overhead wires. He has also in-
stanced a case of a landowner going to shoot in
India and hanging up negotiations for six months.

The delay iii Government action imder the powers
granted by the Electric Lighting Acts for com-
pelling owners to come into line has made this
method of procedure of very little general use. It
is only when a delay of months can be allowed for
that any hope of success can be entertained, and the
speed with which the Government now rushes
through any concessions required when Govern-
ment war-work is at stake only makes the leisurely
procedure of peace-time more exasperating.

In a certain case, permission was refused by an
owner to the laying of a cable across partly waste
open land, surrounded by disused coal pits,
which was not likely to be of much use to anyone.
Negotiations were opened with the Board of Trade,
and a plan and full particulars were supplied
showing the need for using this route. The owner's
solicitors raised one point at a time, which meant
a letter to the Board of Trade, a copy from them to
the owner's solicitors, and the waiting for their
reply, which was not unduly hurried.

Correspondence lasted for three months and
showed no sign of terminating, and as the cable
had become extremely urgent, a longer route had
to be found, at an additional cost of £400.

3. Delays from other Public Utility Authorities. —
Some railway companies are not disposed to give a
wayleave across their railways for more than three
or six months. This is objectionable, because rail-
way companies are always promoting Bills, which
sometimes have to be opposed by the supply autho-
rities, who are thus exposed to the possibility of
unfair pressure.

It is an anomaly that public utility services
should be denied the use of bridges in some
districts without having to pay exorbitant charges
A sum of 5s. per annum would be ample

Vol.7!.. No. 2,033, November 10, 1-J16.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

529

compensation for the keeping 'Of records of
the cables and pipes passing over a bridge, but
the usual charge, in some districts, is £i per bridge
if the structure of the bridge is not affected, and
with increased rentals up to £5 per bridije if the
structure is affected. Owing to the -way in which
many bridges have been built, it is impossible to
effect a crossing without removing and rebuilding
a few bricks at either end. Heavy wayleave charges
are the result.

In some districts, also, water companies are fre-
quently exempt because they were in existence
before many of the bridges were built, but elec-
tricity supply authorities, not being in existence at
the time, have no protection, and are entirely at
the mercy of the bridge owners, although the bridge
forms part of a public road, and the cable to be laid
is for the public convenience.

4. Permits from the G.P.O. and other owners of
Telegraph and Telephone Lines and Road Authori-
ties.— Under Section 20 of the Electric Lighting
(Clauses) 'Act, 1899 (62 and 63 Vict., ch. 19) the
G.P.O. and other owners of lines may require an
undertaker to adopt such precautions as they may
specify to prevent any injurious affection of exist-
ing lines or lines afterwards erected for telegraph,
telephone, or electric signalling purposes.

It is true that the requirements may be disputed,
and resort had to arbitration, as provided in the
Act, but in the case of new lines this leisurely
method of procedure is of little or no use to supply
authorities who have consumers waiting to be coa-
nected up.

In practice, therefore, the G.P.O. imposes its
own term-s, which amount to a prohibition of all
wires crossing the Department's wires if the pres-
sure on the proposed lines exceeds 3,000 volts. The
result is that crossings have to be effected by under-
ground cables in series with overhead power lines,
in most instances, as the addition of capacity, by
cabling the telegraph or telephone lines, is objec-
tionable at their higher transmission frequencies.
The cost of making these special crossings may
easily add 20 per cent, to the total cost of a power
line.

Frequently, also, crossing a main road bv cabling
is insisted on by county council and other road
authorities, and it may result that, when everyone's
claims are met, there is not much advantage in first
cost in having an overhead line at all.

This is not the way to encourage the development
of electricity supply. Most engineers now recog-
nise that in the next few years we must deal with
the transmission of electricity on such a huge scale
that the raising of pressures is inevitable, and with
the present restrictions this pressure is limited to
that for which cables can be successfully and econo-
niically built. There is some uncertainty on this
point, but probably no British cable makers w-ould
undertake in connection with overhead lines to build
three-core cables for hieher working pressures than
40,000 volts and single-core cables for higher than
60,000 volts A.c. on the star system.

It seems to the writer that it should not surpass
the ingenuity of British engineers to devise some
method of providing absolute protection for the
Department's wires against injury from power
wires worked at any voltage. The writer sees no
particular difficulty in doing all that is needed by a
combination of electrical protection for future power
circuits in the form of, say, the Merz-Hunter split
conductor system, and of mechanical protection in
the form of a substantial earthed metal guard which
might completely or partially surround the power
circuits for the requisite distance, and which would
he earthed to the satisfaction of the G.P.O. If the
I.E.E., I.M.E.A., and I.A.E.P.C. are in earnest
■on this matter, there should be no difficulty about
setting a round-table talk with the G.P.O. engi-

neers, and the assistance of Mr. Trotter should cer-
tainly be requested.

The road authorities may have to be met in an-
other way. The writer thinks that supply authori-
ties should have the right given to them, where no
other wires exist, to cross all roads in rural districts
with wires unless the road authorities appeal to the
Board of Trade and successfully demonstrate that
there are real objections in particular cases. Such
a real objection might be a definite intention to
build on the adjacent land within, say, five years.

Suggested Procedure.— It is well-nigh impossible
to suggest any procedure which will satisfy every-
body ■and, at the same time, ensure that wayleaves
may be obtained speedily for overhead lines or
luiderground cables. It is an indispensable condi-
tion that full justice shall be done. to both parties
to a wayleave dispute, and some machinery must be
devised to secure this and, at the same time, to
ensure that all avoidable delays in effecting a settle-
ment shall be short-circuited.

Most Britishers prefer to compromise rather than
to fight, unless some vital principle is at stake, and
with this in mind, it is suggested that supply autho-
rities shall have the prima facie right to go with
their mains practically everywhere within their area
subject, where necessary, to the owner's consent,
in order to carry on their business to its fullest
extent. This would be subject to the reservation
that where an owner objected, and failed to come to
terms with the supply authority within, say, one
month of receipt of notice of intention to proceed
with the work, the supply authority would have the
right to lay the whole matter before the Board of
Trade, who should be placed under a legal obliga-
tion to inquire fully into the case of both parties to
the dispute within, say, one month, and give a deci-
sion within, say, a further two weeks.

The Board of Trade should have, conferred on it
the right to give a final decision as to the route to
be followed, and to determine the amount to be
paid to the owner or tenant for rent and by way
of compensation for damage done during construc-
tion, &c. In order to be quhe fair to our gas coin-
petitors, the writer would^not oppose similar facili-
ties being granted to them.

The plan outlined above could easily be elaborated
with the goodwill of all the interested parties and
the assistance of the Board of Trade into a work-
able one. It is essential to the electricity supply
authorities that simplicity of procedure, combined
with speed and a definite time limit, should be
secured.

The present writer would like to see a further
trial given to the -so-called "voluntary" principle
for a period of, say, three years, and working on
the amended lines suggested above. If this failed
in practice, we shouW automatically pass to " com-
pulsory " methods, to which the nation is so rapidly
becoming accustomed.

The Electrical Review has, from time to time,
called for compulsory wayleaves without defining
exactly how this could be brought about, and it is
hoped' that these notes may be of some assistance
in focussing pubhc opinion on what is desirable and
practicable. The urgency of the question can be
measured from the fact that there are alreadyabout
1,500 miles of high-pressure overhead lines in the
United Kingdom, apart from the numerous low and
medium-pressure lines. Many supply authorities
are expecting a big increase after the war as the
result of the boom which electrical driving, &c._, has
enjoyed during the past two years. The electrifica-
tion of railways, and the application of electricitv to
chemical and metallurgical processes will also bring
much additional load. The transmission system for
dealing with these loads and for enabling linking-up
schemes to be carried out must not be unduly
delayed by antiquated wayleave methods.

530

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW ,v,.i

N... L',ii:!:i, NoM:Mr.i;n lo, I'.Mi

ELECTRIC COOKING AND HEATING.

By A. F. BERRY.

(ivjinids jrom paper read before the AssocuTlON of
SopERVisiNG Electricuns.)
A LARGE number of individuals have gent in to me. from time
to time figures showing the savings effected by the introduc-
tion of "Tricity" cookers in their ostabhshments. The
majority of the figures relate to private houses, but some
relate to canteen and school equipments. It is clear that the
butchers' bills in private houses that used to be over Jt'50 per
annum are reduced to ±'40 per annum ; that a plate of meat
in a nmnition workers' canteen is reduced in the ratio of 5d.
to 4d., that the weight of meat used in a term in a school of
KK) is reduced in the ratio of i.HX) lb. to 1,950 lb., when the
older methods of ccxiking are discarded and " Tricity " cookers
are fully employed. It will be seen that the retention of the
old methods of cooking means that approximately 25 per
cent, more meat is being purchased than need be. There is
an economy also in making jam, marmalade, i^-c. I found,
for instance, that the additional weight of marmalade when
made on an electric hotplate instead of on the coal fire was
of sufficient value to pay for the total cost of cooking any
way many times over.

My experience of the cost of many thousands of Tricity-
cooked meals leads me to tell you that you must expect that
a gooil square meal will cost oile quarter of a unit per person
—that is, for a number of people. In the case of schools,
where one may take it that the meals served are the equiva-
lent of two heavy ones daily, it has been found that rather
less than one-half of a unit per day per person is required.
In piivate houses, where the numbers are less and, perhaps,
the meals more numerous, something like one unit per day
per person will be required.

In making jam, I find that the cost works out at about one
unit for each 8 lb. of jam ; marmalade will cost more than
this. If there are two boilings it will mean that 4 lb. can be
produced for each unit of electricity consmued.

I do not think that those who do not use electricity in
their homes for cooking, even though they are electrical engi-
neers, can ever hope to convince others of the full advantage
of electric cooking. They are certainly not in a position to
express a personal opinion in regard to all the advantages of
electric cooking if they have not made use of it themselves.
The glib way in which nine persons out of ten will tell you
that electricity " mflst be expensive" for cooking is a testi-
mony to the slack way in which suppliers of electricity have
talked about there being no heat with electric light, and it is
also an equal testimony to the efficacy of the publicity of
" the opposition."

The reliability of electricity for cooking purposes should
be one of the first considerations. I think, however, the
remembrance of early ti'oubles accounts in a great measure
for the apathy of some electrical engineers towards electric
cooking. My experience has been that ordinary users of elec-
tric cookers are even more enthusiastic regarding them than
many supply engineers and contractors.

The improvements in detail apparatus, such as fuses, indi-
cators, contacts, terminals and switches have all helped to
make electric cooking the solid proposition it now is. To the
householder it did not matter what stopped the cooking — a
faulty accessory or a faulty " boiling ring." The meals must
be ready at the right time — excuses do not " feed the brute."
The use of indicators to show when hot plates, &c., are
" on " is a great help in the direction of economy. The latest
in combined fuses and indicators combines in a most cheap and
practical form the fuse and indicating device we have found
it necessary to pro\ide. This is only one detail of many
that have been brought up to a high state of perfection. If
you will consider that in this small apparatus you combine
a pilot lamp and fuse you will appreciate how much more
robust, more easily replaceable and economical, both in con-
sumption and space, electrical accessories have become.

I would like to' impress upon you that electric cooking is
here to stay, and that the sooner the whole electrical frater-
nity make the utmost use of it, the better will it be for them-
selves and for the community. Pray do not let anyone retain
the impression that electric cooking is for the rich. I have
personally been more than interested to find that the Tricity
cooker is the friend of the artisan's wife. It goes to the
palace and cottage too.

Turning to electric heating, the electric lamp radiator is
■with us still and is undoubtedly popular. It is an unfortu-
nate fact that many of those who use a four-lamp radiator
expect to get from it much more heat than they are entitled
to. I venture to predict that when the lamps are so made
that their filaments are run at such a temperature that the
shorter wave-lengths of their radiant emissions pass through
their clear glass surrounds readily and the filaments are
screened from direct vision by suitable reflectors, then we
shall find that our dwellings are waiTQed and lighted in a
manner approaching most nearly that in which we receive
light and warmth from the sun. This method of lighting
and heating will be as near perfection as possible if we can
also arrange, as I hope shortly to show that we can, to
destroy the monotony of the lamp radiator as well as increase
its efficiencv.

The importance of good radiating effect from an electric
fire and its capacity to hold your attention is considerable.
You may have noticed that the only time a lamp radiator
interests you suthciently to hold your attention is at the
moment of being switched on. A good log fire or a clearly
burning coal fire interests you all the time. They are condu-
cive to steady thinking, and the contemplative frame of
mind that brings calm and the solution of one's little prob-
lems. For many years I and those who are working with me
have endeavoured to introduce into electric fires more com-
fort and some features of interest that will hold one's atten-
tion sufiiciently to make "sitting in front of the fire" a most
agreeable occupation.

To-night I am able to show you for the first time what is
generally considered by those who have seen it privately an
effect of great value. As you arc aware, a great deal of the
life of a fire is indirectly due to the differing refrangibilities
of the various vapours and heated air through which you see
the burning fuel, and also to the varying degrees of redness
caused by the play of air upon the fuel. I have endeavoured
to combine these effects naturally in the " Tricity " Flame
Fire w'hich you see before you. .The result gives a breadth
of effect, and simulates in a perfectly natural manner the
apiXMrance of a coal fire at its hottest.

'fhere are certain points in connection with the develop-
ment of this side of our industry which should always be
borne in mind when discussing the subject of electric heat-
ing. In the first place, electric heaters of small capacity
should not be put forward to work miracles. A small fire
is quite good and economical for heating ordinary black flat-
irons, boiling water (not too rapidly), and warming small
rooms or taking the chill off larger ones, &c. It is, however,
a great mistake that has been made by many to install heaters
that are too small. The next thing is that an electric fire
must have a big radiant surface if it is to give a sense of
comfort. It must also be sufficiently hot and powerful and
attractive to draw one towards it. and then drive one back
from it.

Another feature that should be borae in mind is that ordi-
nary convector types of heater, and I am afraid some other
t>pes, have been designed in such a way that they would
be most useful to us if we were flies and could sit with our
feet on the ceiling. Warmth is wanted low down in the
room, not high up. Just as one could appreciate electric
slippers, one cannot imagine anyone wearing an electrically
heated hat. Keep your head cool, but don't get cold feet. A
judicious combination of radiant and convected heat is most
welcome, and with electrical fires can be arranged for.

The fourth point is that electric fires should be designed to
look like electric fires. The earlier samples were either made
to resemble obsolete fires or else appeared to bear no resem-
blance to anything at all. Electrically, we are free from
troubles due to fumes and, therefore, our originality canhave
full play in design. There is no need to make an electric
fire look like a fireplace. It must be remembered, however,
that the fireplace is the natural place in which to stand a
powerful electric fire. It is useless to talk about the heat
going up the chimney ; steps must be taken to prevent it.
We have sat round the fireplace for too many generation to
ge.t out of the habit. The design and arrangement of a room,
too, the placing -in a room of our household gods in the way
of pictures, vases, &c., to say nothing of the timepiece on the
mantelshelf, have been regulated by the fact that we shall be
sitting round the fireplace. We must, therefore, bow to tlie
inevitable, and for certain rooms make up our minds that
electric fires will be wanted in their tens of thousands for
putting into fireplaces. I do not think we shall need to
follow- the gas companies in their endeavour to pull out the
coal grate, as we have no difficulty with recard to fumes.

It must not be ex|)ected that the economy alone of electric
heating for rooms will force it upon householders in the way
that electric cooking will do. Thf actual coal consumption
of a private house for the various living rooms is small com-
pared with that used in the kitchen. The economy in the
consumption of coal, therefore, is vei'y little worth. It is on
the score of general convenience, cleanliness, and comfort
that electric fires are making their way into the homes of the
people. It is difficult to say how far the consumption of
elA'tricity can be reduced and the comfort of the individual
maintained. I have come to the conclusion that for personal
comfort the heating effect of one-fortieth part of a unit applied
directly to the hands and feet of a wai-mly clothed individual
would .suffice to keep one warm when at woi'k during very
cold weather. It would appear that we may in time hope
for something less than 100 times this amount, namely, 2i
units, to be ^ade sufficient to warm a room efficiently.

New Zealand Trade.— ili'. H. W. Dalton, H.M. Trade

Commissioner in New Zealand, states that when certain German
companies were proclaimed enemy concerns, their liberal advertise-
ments in Kew Zealand papers naturally ceased. Articles similar
to. or better than, those which they formerly advertised are made
by British firms, but such firms have not adopted any advertising-
campaign to make their goods known. One result of this may be
that after the war present enemy concerns will have an opportunit.v
for booming their goods again, and their real origin will be
f o^got^ten .

Vol. 79. NO. 2,033. November 10, U-l.i.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

631

ELECTRIC VAN5 FOR LAUNDRY WORK.

With the steady progress iu popularity of the electric vehicle
iu this countfy, it is surprising that laundries appear to be
entirely unmeutioned iu the lengthy List of electric vehicle
uters which forms such an interesting feature of our quar-
terly contemporary, The Electric Vehicle.- This is obviou.sly
a direction offering considerable possibilities, and it, may be
of some interest to refer briefly to American experience in
this matter. As a result of an interview, Mr. Jackson M.^r-
SHALL, the energetic secretary of the Electric Vehicle Section
-of the N.E.L.A., records the opinion of the. manager of the
Brunswick Laundry, New Jersey, that as soon as the all-
round efficiency of the vehicle is realised by the laundry
industry, most laundries will use the " electric," well-nigh
to the exclusion of all other means of collection and delivery.

The daily load average of the Brunswick Laundry is approxi-
mately 1,500 lb., and at least 6-5 horses are necessary to do
this work, allowing for emergencies. Under the saflie con-
ditions 33 electric vehicles are sufficient, and during incle-
ment weather the only extra preparation neces-sary is the
addition of chains, and each driver can equip his car with
non-.skid chains in 15 minutes. The simplicity of the " elec-
tric " enabled the men who had been driving the horse to
learn to operate the new vehicles very successfully in a few
hours.

The comparative operating cost and upkeep of the electric
vehicle and the horse are as interesting as the facts concern-
ing the dependability of each.

The investment for a horse-drawn equipment, including
stable room, was $1,515; for an electric delivery car complete
$2,.500. The extra investment necessary for the "electric"
v\as, therefore, approximately $1,000.

The monthly cost of 65 horses and wagons totalled $1,713 ;
while the monthly cost of one electric delivery car, including
interest at 6 per cent., amounted to $'29, representing a total
for 33 cars of $957.

The depreciation of the car is balanced by the depreciation
of the horses, wagons, harness, &c. Thus the "electric"
shows a saving of over 40 per c«nt.

The "electrics" of the Brunswick Laundry average 25
miles per day, visiting all the outlying suburban districts.
Some of the best drivers deliver as many as 900 bundles per
week, and make an average of 32 miles per day. At an aver-
age of 25 miles per day, and a current cost of $4 per month,
the current cost per mile is about six-tenths of a cent on this
ba.sis; figuring 900 bundles delivered per week, the energy
co.st of each bundle dehvered is about 1/100 of a cent.

Repair bills are a negligible quantity in electric vehicle
operation. Every week an "electric" is taken down, care-
fully looked over, cleaned, and put in first-class order; thus
every 33 weeks each car goes through a thorough overhaul-
ing.

The average life of the tires on the gasoline cars for long
hauls is about three to four months, while those on the elec-
tric vehicles last from a year and a half to two years.

The advertising value of the electric must be con-
sidered, also the safety element should be mentioned. Colli-
sions are very rare things with these cars, even in congested
traffic, as they are started and stopped so easily.

The bodies of the delivery cars which the Brunswick Laun-
dry use are 4i ft. X 5 ft." X 7 ft. behind the driver's seat.
The garage of the Brunswick Laundry is 50 ft. X 140 ft., and
this is now being duplicated, which will provide space for
about 45 electric vehicles

The Keystone Laundry Co., one of the largest in Pittsburg,
recently decided to use the electric truck, and as a result
ordered five vehicles. One of these " electrics " on a test-run
oyer the famous hills of Pittsburg showed 63 miles on a
single charge of the battery. At all times during the run
the car carried a load of 642 lb., in addition to the driver and
an official observer. The cost of the electric current for this
mileage was but 49 cents, or four-fifths of a cent per mile.

The Sanitary Laundry, of Hartford, on September 6th, 1913.
installed one electric vehicle, and between that date and
Oct<iber 23rd of the same year the car had covered 1,545
miles. Before purchasing this " electric " the Sanitary
Laundry was operating four horse-drawn wagons and
400 miles per week, or lOO miles for each wagon per week.
Two teams were disposed of when the "electric" went into
service, and the two remaining horses at that time were
covering 70 miles per week, in.5tead of 100 miles which they
foimerly covered, the difference representing additional work
satisfactorily discharged by the electric vehicle.

The Charity Organisation Society, of New York City,
reports that the three electric vehicles in the service of its
laundry have reduced the cost of delivery at least 20 per cent.,
and the general results are much better.

The Salem Laundry installed one electric delivery car, and
within six months an order was placed for six more cars
of the same type. In four months after its first in,stallation,
the J. Arthur Anderson Laundry, of St. Louis, put four
additional cars in service. Both the Pilgrim and Crystal
Laundries, of Brooklyn, are operating three electric vehicles,
repeat orders having been given for two cars each, after
the first car had- been well tested.

THE NATIONAL INSURANCE ACT, I9II.

The following additional decisions have been published : —
Contributions are Payable for

l.li.'<l X. Armature and coil winders employed in the repair of
electrical machinery.

1,!IS2 X. Workmen engaged wholly or mainly in ; —

(1) The manufacture (including generating and compressing)

of acetylene gas.

(2) The manufacture of cylinders for holding the gas.

(3) Examining cylinders and filling them with porous material.
1.9!I7 X. Workmen engaged wholly or mainly in the manufac-
ture or repair of arc lamps.

Contributions are not Payble fob

1.985. Workmen (other than sawmillers, machine woodworkers,
metal or leather workers) engaged in making small switch boxes or
fancy boxes, whether covered with leather, cloth, velvet or similar
material, or polished, and not intended for use in war (application
40,S X).

1.986. Workmen engaged wholly or mainly in the preparation of
non-conducting compositions for covering boilers, pipes and other
parts of heating or refrigerating apparatus. (Application 403 X.)

1.988. Workmen (other than sawmillers and machine wood-
workers) engaged wholly or mainly in repairing crates, casks
barrels, which are not intended for use in war.

1.1193. Casual labourers employed on or about docks or wharves
and engaged in loading and discharging cargoes and not employed
continuously by the same employer on premises which are used
mainly for the purpose of any insured trade.

2.000. Workmen (other than metal workers) engaged in making
silk shades for electric light and gas fittings.

• 2,019. Workmen engaged wholly or mainly in washing slack for
coke ovens.

ELECTROCHEMISTRY IN NORWAY.

A KE\IEW of the situation of the electrochemical industry in
Norway during the past two years has just been published in the
French Jouynal du Four Electriqite, which has now reappeared
after a temporary suspension caused by the war. The review is
written by our contemporary's correspondent at Chi-istiania, who
states that the electrochemical works were sui-prised by the war in
full execution of orders for nations of the belligerent Powers, as
the whole of the Norwegian production is exported. Certain of
these contracts were broken by the force of circiunstances, particu-
larly owing to the impossibility of procuring ores and other raw
materials which are indispensable to the industry, for almost all
raw materials are pvu-chased from abroad.. The works had con-
sequently to exist on their stocks, the impending exhaustion of
which rendered the companies really apprehensive. But the war
was then taking a new turn, and about the beginning of 1915 it
became clear that, as hostilities were likely to last a long time, an
important part would be played by those raw materials which
served for the manufacture of munitions. The Norwegian works
which produce nitrates, carbide and cyanamide. ferro-alloys and
aluminium, then found themselves approached from various
quarters, and the output was vigorously resumed. The difficulties
of obtaining raw materials continued to be considerable, and prices
and wages still moved upwards ; hut as sale prices also advanced,
the final result has been that inost of the electrochemical works
realised large profits last year and are also doing so in the cm-rent
year.

The dominant fact in Norway, from the economic and financial
standpoint, during the past two years, is the constitution in the
banks and private safes of monetary reserves having no precedent.
Indeed, the war has enriched Norway, or at least every one con-
cerned with armaments, shipping, and international trade in
general. The current accounts at the banks have grown to such
excessive dimensions that certain institutions have refused to
accept further deposits. It is under these circumstances that the
shipowners have turned their attention towards the indu.stries, and
this represents the great change which has taken place in Norway
since the outbreak of the war. As is known, it was formerly
almost impossible to raise a shilling in Norway for industrial
undertakings, which had to be established mth foreign capital,
although it has to be explained that if no native money was forth-
coming it was due to the absence or scarcity of capital for invest-
ment. Now, however, '" a gale of industrial nationalism " is
blowing over the country, and many undertakings have been
established solely with Norwegian capital — as, for instance, ship-
ping lines, and concerns for the utilisation of waterfalls and the
production of wood pulp, chemicals, &c.

The correspondent proceeds to refer to certain works of the
Nitrogen Products & Carbide Co., although a portion of his state-
.,ments has been apparently eliminated by the French military
censor. This company, which owns these works and the majority
of the shares in the North-Western Cyanamide Co., has established
a great industrial undertaking at the bottom of the Oddafjord,
where over 70,000 H.P. are utilised in the production of ammonium
nitrate, nitric acid, and perchlorates. The power is supplied by
the Tyssefaldene A.S., and new works are also in course of con-
struction at Aura. Among' new installations mention is made of
the extension of the aluminium works of the Norske Nitrid at
Eydehavn, whilst the company is building a second aluminium
works at Tyssedal, in the Oddafjord. In the case of ferro-alloys, a

r,:]-!

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

Xii\ i;Miii;ii III, i;ili

eoiisidorable inciiuse iu the proiluctiou has been made by the
Hafslund Elect rooheinical Works, as well as at the Pors^runds
Works ; and the Flafshmd Co., which owns the Hafslund water-
falls and supplie.s the electrochoraioal works with power, has now
passed entirely under tlu' control of Xorwosrians. who have pur-
chaseil the shares (three-fourths of the capital") which were held
by the iGerman Scliuckert Co. The nickel refinery at Christian-
sand has expandetl its production, and ii new works for ferro-
chrome has been erected at Tyssedal. But the industries which
have to depend upon the im|x)rtation of foreign ores are far from
liarticipalin;; in the treneral prosperity, owinjr to the comparative
.-carcity of raw materi.'vls and the hijrh freifrht rates which prevail.
The activity of the trroup of the Elektrokemisk Indiistri ha.s
been applied to its branches— the Arendal Sveltverk. wliich pro-
duces carbonmdum and ferro-silicon. and the Bjolvefo.i;sen Works,
which is erecting' a larjre carbide and cyanamido works in the
fjord of Hardanjr. \ further national undertaking is the Iloyantr
Faldene or Xarck .Vluminium Co., which has been formed explu-
sively with Korwejrian cai)ital amountin;: to .£ti8(>.000, and which
has commencetl to utilise the falls in the Sognefjord and the con-
struction of an aluminium works, the raw materials for which will
be obtained from Trance. In conclusion, the correspondent refers
to the formation ol the Florli A.S.. which proposes to lay down
plant for the electrical production or refinin<r of steel.

PUBLISHED SPECIFICATIONS.

Ini^ic^

ASD LiC.IITINi

\. Blackmorf. Oclo-

14,209. .Automatic Glass-blouinc Maciiimbs. British Thomson-Houston Co.
(Gcncr.nl Electric Co., U.S..^.). October 7th.

14.310. Process roK the Productios ok Citrocs Oxide Elkcirolviicallv.
H, Hunt. October Plh.

14,3lH. Fluid-prbssI're Valves. British Thomson-Houston Co • {Gcner.il
Kleciric Co., U.S.A.). October llih.

14,377. Dvnamo-elkctric Machines. A. H. Neul.and. October 11th.

I4,40il. ELECTklCALLV-llEATED CooKlsc L'tensils. I,. HclUr. October 12lh
(Convention date, July IGth, 1914.)

14,4(>8. Electric Arc .Solderinc. E. H. Jones. October 13th.

14..''>33. MoCNTlKc OK Electric.il .\i'i'Ari.\Tes is Frames or Cases. H. B.
Prentice. October 14lh.

l.'i.824. CcNSTRUcnoN OF Grids roR .SECONiv\ny Baiteries. G. A. Smith.
November 9th.

I(!,395. Electrical Switches. A.' C. Wynne. November 20th.

li;,4CG. Electric Contact Thermometers. R. P. Costello. November 22nd

17,366. Electric II bating and Cooking Devices. J. Snvers. December
11th.

17,844. Starting and Liciitinc Sets for .Automobiles. British Thomson-
Houston Co. (Gener.-il Electric Co., U.S.A.) December 21st.

18,l'37.. Dynamo-electric .Machines. S. H. .Mnrtin. Decembc'r 29ih. (Con-
vention d.ite, J.inu.iry 2nd, 1915, U.S.A.)

NEW PATENTS APPLIED FOR, 1916.

(NOT TET PnBIiISBBD).

Con piled expre
Electric.-il 1
Liverpool and Bradford.

this journal by Messrs. VV. P. Thompson & Co.,
Agents, 28.5, High Holborn, London, W.C, and at

ts." W. Lawrence & Mavor

15,027. " Mechanical appliance for switching off gas and/or switchini
current of electricity at any desired time." D. Broucher. October 23ri

15,033. '* Contacts for electric switches, &c., and mount
same." A. Crawford, W. Preston, and \V. Sanders & Co. "October'^23rd.

15,036. " Electrical distributing and/or intensifying svstem." W. A. Clark,
H. G. Longford, VV. W. Longford, T. Morris & The Sphinx Ma
Co October 23rd.

off

supporting

'ith walking-stick.

15,041. *' Electrical illuminating device in conjun
umbrella, &c." E. J. Whiddon. October 23rd.

15.053. " Electric candle fittings." H. Garde. October 23rd.

15.054. " Control switches for electric measuring apparatus." O Ander-
son October 23rd. (Sweden, November 11th, 191.i.)

15,072. " Vacuum tubes of the Audion type. J. BiGUET. October 23rd.
(France, October 23rd, 1915.)

15,076. " Overload electric switches or cut-outs." P G van VV'iik Octo-
ber 23rd. (Holland, June 15th.)

rking, &c." C. E.

15,095. " Electric flashlamps." C. R. Hall. October 24th.

15,121. " Searchlight." J. Thomson. October 24th.

15,123. " Automatic electric plug and switching contrivance." D. M.
!:DnARDS. October 24th.

15,137. " Electrolytic cells." F. G. Wheele
October 30th, 1915.)

15,153. " Electric radiant-heat fire." H. S. El
ber 25th.

October 24th. (U.S.A.,
& J. C. Petersen. Octo-

Co.

15.236. " Electrodes for electrical furnaces." \V. B. Hamilton' & I Hol-
land. October 26th.

15,242. " Electric heating and melting furnaces." V. Stobie. October 26th.

15,232. " Process of uniting metals or allovs bv electric welding." H L
T. Wolfe. October 26th. ' 6 -

-ing instruments." C. Coleman, E. I. Everett
■ 2f •

15,269. " Batteries for electric pocket lamps." HollanD-SCHE Elementen-
fabriek Juliana. October 26th. (Holland, October 5th.)

15.274. " Generation of sustained electric oscillations for wireless telc-
^'J'P.l.^"^ telephony." J. Bethenod. October 26lh. (France, November

Trent rectifiers." H. Wade (Mills). October 26th.
and carriage of electric flashlamps." E. Nuttall.

15.339. " System for multiplex wireless telegraphv." B. I. Cordek
October 2/th. or. j

(U.S^%'oSr1"n5!l91.?.) ""■ "• ^'''"" '''■ '■■ """''>■'■ """"^ 2?th.

3n?i''^»-, /;'«"-'""" ^■""■""•" f^- T. MAsiN. October 27th. ,U.S.A.. June

■H Thomson-Houston Co.

for Icindlinf*." R. K. Hearn. October

5th. 1915.)

15,290.

' Electr

15,310.
October 27

.'h^-'^^-^

15,358. " Wireless signalling systems." E
(General Electric Co., U.S.A.). October 27th'.

ling ele

13,359. " Electi
27th.

15,36,1. '■ Trolley heads for electric tramcars." C. Svombo. October 27lh

^15,366. " Electric accumulators." W. H. Exlev & H. Leitn

October
G. L.

15,398. " Ignition devir
Markham. October 28th.

15,401. "Adjustable marks or scales for aeronoids, air speed-indicators
magnetic compasses, &c. Aeronautical Instrument Co. October 28th.

15.419. " Ferrule or sleeve for braided w

i8ie.

The numbers in brackets are those undet which the specifications will be
printed and abridged, and all subsequent proceedings will be taken.

1,103. Radio-active Sighting Devices for use with Firearms. B. Solaro
del Borgo. January 30th, 1915. [100,050.]

2,068. Electro-magnetic Driving Gear for Clocks. J. I.anieris. Febru-
ary 11th, 1916. [101,652.]

2,556. Electrode Holders for use in Electric Soldering and Welding
WITH Fusible Electrodes. Quasi-Arc Co. & .A. P. Strohnienger. February
21st, 191.6. [101,655]

2,704. Manufacture of Electric Incandescent Lamps with Metallic In-
candescent Bodv. Deutsche Gasgluhlicht .Akt. Ges. (Auerges). May 4lh,
1915 [100,387.]

3,745. .Alternators FOR" the Production of Higii-^reouency Electric
Oscillations. Soc. Francaisc Radio Electrique. March 13th, 1915. [100,184.1

5,628. Electrolytic Method for Removing Oxide or Rust from the
Surface of Iron or Steel. P. Marino. October 7th, 1915. (Divided applica-
tio.i on 14.230/15.) [101,667.]

7.517. Sparking Plugs. A. E. Lamkin. .May 26th, Idlti. (101.67l».]

— .^..u,,. V,, 311 ,:ve lur ur:iiueo wire coverings on flectric ci
Powell & Hammer, W. A. Shepherd & F. E. Wiison. October 28t

28th.

Amending the Corruption Act.— The following clauses

are included in the new Bill which has been introduced by the
Home Secretary for the prevention of bribery in connection with
(Government contracts : —

1. Any person convicted on indictment of a misdemeanour under
the Prevention of Corruption Act, 190(), or the Public Bodies
Corrupt Practices Act, 188il, shall, where the matter or transaction
in relation to which the offence was committed was a contract or
a proposal for a contract with His Majesty or any Government
Department or any public body, or a sub-contract to execute any
work comprised in such a contract, be liable to penal servitude for
a term not exceedin<r seven or less than three years. Provided that
nothing; in this section shall prevent the infliction in addition to
penal servitude of such punishment as under the last-mentioned
Act may be inflicted in addition to imprisonment.

2. Where in any proceedinjrs ajrainst a person for an offence
under the Prevention of Corruption Act, \'M)6. or the Public Bodies
Corrupt Practices Act, 1889, it is proved that any money or other
consideration has been paid to or received by a person in the em-
ployment of His Majesty or any Government Department or a
public body by or from a contractor, or agent of a contractor,
holdintr a contract from His Majesty or any Government Depart-
ment or public body, the, money or consideration shall be deemed
to have been paid or "riven and received corruptly as such induce-
ment or reward as is mentioned in such Act unless the contrary
is proved.

Electric Transport on the Rand.— The extent to which

electric locomotives have been .adopted for underffround ore haulagre
— SI) of one make alone beiny in use— shows that their advanta^res
are already quite widely appreciated. Main haulaj^e w.ays, designed
for large tonnage, are in most instances best served by the over-
head trolley type of locomotive. This generally involves the in-
stallation of a conversion plant for transforming alternating
three-phase power direct current of suitable voltage C250 or .500
volts). For other levels, and especially those handling smaller
tonnage, and from which several cross-cuts run off to the face, self-
propelled locomotives, equipped with storage batteries, offer great
advantages. Machines of this type are running successfully or are
about to be put in use on several Witwatersrand mines — notably,
Crown Mines. East Rand Proprietary, Kleinfontein and Govern-
ment Areas. Such locomotives require for their charging com-
paratively small and inexpensive conversion plants. Electric
lorries have also proved their worth for surface deliveries of mine
stores — such as d.vnamite, coal and heavy stores. Large electric
trucks, equipped with Edison batteries, are in use on the East
Rand. Knights Deep, Simmer Deep and Crown Mines, and are
effecting great savings of time and money. It appears, therefore,
that economies of money and native labour can be effected by the
further introduction of electricity in transportation. — Saufh
Afi-icin Minhifi .hmi-mil.

ttxie:

E]ijE]cm?/io-A_ij K/E"vi:e3'W-

Vol. LXXTX.

NOVEMBER 17, 1916.

No. 2,034.

ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

ITALY'S ELECTRICAL AWAKENING.

T»l. LXXIX.]

C0KTBKT6 : November 17, 1916.

pjo. i.oa.

Page

... 533

... 534

... 534

... .535

... .537

... 53H

Italy's Electrical Awakening

Is a Trnce Possible .'

Science and Industry

Linkinfr-up Electric Power Stations

Electric Winding Plant at a Yorkshire Pit (illn.s.') ...

Lord Kelvin's Life and Work

Correspondence —

"Final-Grade" Classes in Electrical Installation Work ... 54(i

Between two Stools ... ... ... ... ... ... 540

More about Discounts ... ... ... ... ... 540

" Summation Watt " Capacity of Field Rheostats and the

Like 540

Science and Industry, by J. Swinburne ... ... ... ... .541

War Items 542

Legal 54 1

Business Notes ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 544

Notes 549

City Notes 553

Stocks and Shares 554

A Dual Method of Machine-Firinp- by Coal and Gas Qllui.) ... 555

Reviews ... 556

Ministry of Munitions of War 557

American Exports of Electrical Goods ... ... ... ... s>'>X

New Electrical Devices. Fittings and Plant ((7A«.«.) 55!l

The Rontjren Society 55y

Foreign and Colonial Tariffs on Electrical Goods 5t;o

New Patents Applied for, 1916 560

Abstracts of Published Specifications ... ... ... ... 5Bif

Contractors' Column Advertisement page xx

The electrical REVIEW.

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THE UNIVERSAL ELECTRICAL DIRECTORY

(J. A.. BepIy>sV

1916 EDITION.

K ALABASTER, GATEHOUSE & CO.,
4, Ludgate Hill, London, E.G.

On several occasions, since the outbreak of the war,
we have referred to the industrial awakening of Italy
as a result of the difficult conditions created through
the European conflagration, and to the revelation of
the magnitude of the past dependence of that coun-
trj- in various directions upon Gemian firms for the
supply of different classes of manufactures. Men-
tion has been made in particular of the determina-
tion of Italian electrical engineers to emancipate, if
possible, the countr\- from the domination of the
Teutonic element, and attention has also been drawn
to the important part which the Associazione Elet-
trotecnica Italiana, whose central offices are
situated at Via S. Paolo lo, Milan, is endeavouring
to play from the commercial point of view of the
problem. A further step has now been taken by the
Association, whose Ufficio Centrale has just issued,
at the sole expense of the Society, a pamphlet of
130 pages containing a new and complete list of all
firms who manufacture electrical machinery and
apparatus, and giving technical and financialinfor-
mation concerning each of the 175 firms incor-
porated in it, as well as showing the origin and
national character of each. It is stated that ro,ooo
copies are to be circulated for the purposes of pro-
paganda among members of the Association, the
Government offices, provincial and municipal autho-
rities, technical and industrial associations, schools,
&c., whilst other copies will be distributed abroad
to the Italian Embassies and Consulates, chambers
of commerce, &c. We believe that in their study of
tiie Italian electrical position our manufacturers and
traders will receive considerable assistance from
this director}-.

The Association is also moving in other direc
tions. At a conference held at Florence, on Octo
ber 29th, the question of organising professional
schools was discussed at some length, and a resolu-
tion was adopted in favour of establishing museums
and laboratories in connection with the technical
schools, of introducing technical apprenticeships,
and of forming a more concrete connection be-
tween the schools and the country. Of greater im-
portance to circles outside of Italy, however, is the
question of future Customs tariffs, which was raised
by Engineer Gatta at the same conference. A reso-
lution was eventually agreed to in principle asking
that the new tariff system should be prepared as
soon as possible. It was suggested that a maximum
and a minimtim tariff should be introduced, and the
former be twice the scale of the latter; that certain
items concerning machinery shotild be abolished or
modified, and that a protectionist tariff be framed
against foreign competition. The conference fur-
ther had under consideration the question of the
institution of a closer connection between the Gov-
ernment and manufacturers, and the president was
requested to approach the Government with a view
to the Association being consulted in respect of all
legislative schemes concerning the electrical indus-
try in general, and particularly in the case of pro-
jected utilisation of public waterways and the erec-
tion of telegraph and telephone installations.

It will he observed from the foregoing that Italy,
like ourselves, France, Russia, and Belgium, has its
own peculiar electro-industrial problems arising
from the war situation. The electrical men of all
these countries are possessed by the same inflexible
determination to secure their emancipation from
Teutonic influence. Each of the Allied countries

[5381

)34

THE EloECTRlCAL REVIEW. [Voi.

No. 2,oni, NovKMBBR 17. lau;.

wili desire to be sclt-dependent, utilising to the full
its own resources and abilities wherever it is econo-
mically practicable to do so, but possibly, almost
certainly, there will be directions in which Allied
co-operation may fill in some of the gaps, mutual
interworking rendering the Allies in the future in-
dependent of Germany and Au.stria for lines which
without such co-operation might need again to be
obtained from what are now obnoxious sources. It
seems to us that there ought to be some way for
the electrical authorities of all of the Allied coun-
tries that we have mentioned, who know thoroughly
their own national electrical situation, facilities and
possibilities, and also can speak with intimate know-
ledge concerning the schemes that are actually
developing for meeting the situation, to confer to-
gether, putting their information, it need be, into
a common pot. enabling the electrical activities of
the Allies to be developed for the good of them all
along the most intelligent, because the best in-
formed, lines. We throw out the suggestion for
what it may be worth, feeling that unless something
in the wav of personal conference is arranged, the
Allied countries will fail to reap the fullest advan-
tage from the many discussions and investigations
that have taken place separately, and without any
co-ordination, since the war began. There is noth-
ing to be lost, but everything to be gained, by the
cultivation of the closest possible relations between
the electrical men of the Allied nations. Many of
them, most of them, in fact, are mainly occupied
with war activities at present, but it is not too early
for somebody to take the lead, if only by way of
preliminaries. What about the I.E.E. and the
B.E.A.M.A. ? -,^^^^^^,..,^,.^,^^^^.^:r^

We gather from the newspaper
Is a Truce Press that a preliminary meeting is
Possible? being held some time this week at
which employers and Labour dele-
gates will together consider the question of a basis
for an industrial truce. It is understood that this
will be quite a preliminary gathering attended by
only a few representatives from either side, but it
is expected to lead to larger conferences when
both employers and employed will be repre-
sented by properly authorised delegates. We
sincerely hope that this means that actual nego-
tiations of a very definite character will soon
develop. The atmosphere will not be improved if
the matter be allowed to hang fire too long. We
have evidence to this effect before us as we write.
first, in the form of a report of a conference held
last week-end at Leeds with the object of securing
a fusion of all the existing Unions in the engineer-
ing trade " with the ultimate object of securing
complete control of the industry.'' Mr. Tom Mann
is reported to have declared that the Union officials
were waiting for the rank and file to give them a
mandate to "move towards obtaining the control
of the industry." The resolution passed urged such
control for the purpose of securing "the complete
abolition of the wages system." and there was
talk of the usual kind about "idle share-
holders and capitalists." We fear that confer-
eiices of such a kind and resolutions of this nature
will not help to create an atmosphere suited to
the cultivation of industrial harmony. The other
piece of evidence consists of a memorandum issued
by the Employers' Parliamentarv Council on " mat-
ters relating to the future of industry and the
interests of employers." Here, again, there is a
good deal of hard-hittine at the other side. No
doubt much of it is justified. We quite agree
that if the future is to be successful there
must be workbig and not shirking, and that if
higher wages are to be paid thev m'ust be earned:
also that restriction of output and other curses- of
the past cannot be permitted unless we are going
to court industrial suicide. But we are bound
to recognise that the Government, wisely or un-

wisely, made a bargain with Labour involving the
reinstatement of the old rules after the war; also
that there has been wrong on the side of the em-
ployer as well as on that of the employed. The
Leeds report and the Employers' memorandum
seem to us to prove that, whatever the spirit of the
trenches may be, labour and Capital at home, if
these two examples are to be regarded as typical
of the feeling of the whole of the countrj', are still
very far apart, and there is urgent need of a
conference in which, with as little use as possible
of the cudgels, they may seriously strive after that
greatlv-needed basis for a truce.

Elsewhere in this issue we print
Science and abstracts of two interesting lec-
Industry. lures: one, on the life and work of.
perhaps, the greatest scientific tech
nologist that these islands have ever brought foi-lli.
by one of his most gifted pupils, Dr. Alexander
Russell; the other, on the relations between science
and technology, or, as the author prefers to put it.
between " academic science " and technology, from
the pungent pen of one, aLso a scientific technolo-
gist of high attainments, whose witty comments on
men and things are now unfortunately only too sel-
dom heard — Mr. James Swinburne. Widely diver-
gent as are the points of view and the subject-
matters of these two essays, there is nevertheless
much in common between them. Mr. Swinburne
delights in exposing the fallacies and delusions
which we mortals hug to our breasts, and in attack-
ing views which, by reason of their popularity, are
generally regarded as orthodox, and in pursuing
these aims he is apt to overshoot the mark, like
most reformers; but we doubt whether he e.xpects
or intends all his remarks to be taken quite seriou.sly.
The career of Lord Kelvin, however, affords a strik-
ing illustration of some of the contentions which he
puts forward. The early training of William Thom-
son was highly " academic " in the sense in which
Mr. Swinburne uses the term, but the soundness of
the solid foundation thus laid was abundantly
demonstrated by the superstructure of technology
which he erected upon it. As a teacher he achieved
but a qualified success in imparting information;
his energy and enthusiasm soon carried him far
beyond the bounds of the subject chosen for the day,
and his lectures sometimes ended on a topic very
remote from- that with which he commenced. But,
on the other hand, as Mr. Swinburne remarks,
he kindled in the hearts of his pupils a desire for
knowledge and an appreciation of the delights of
original research which far outweighed his defici-
encies as a mere teacher of facts, and aroused in
themi an affectionate admiration which was reflected
in the triumph of his jubilee at Glasgow. More-
over, we would emphasise the fact that many of his
greatest achievements were the fruit of the untiring
application of his mathematical genius not only to
the practical ends of " technologv," but also to
what appeared to be the most abstract and unprac-
tical problems of "academic science."

With some of Mr. Swinburne's remarks on the
manufacturer and his problems we cannot wholly
agree: that the British manufacturer, when he is on
his mettle, is the equal of, or superior to, any in the
world, we do not doubt, but the fact that he has
problems to solve, and knows it, has been fully
demonstrated during the war. As a case in point
we may cite the electrification of textile fabrics,
which isi at present the subject of research at Leeds
L'niversity, and this does not stand alone. The diffi-
culty attending the publication of researches under-
taken at universities has already been clearly recog-
nised, and means are being devised to cope with it.
As for Mr. Swinburne's child-like faith in the truth
and virtue of economic theory, we can only say that
in view of his iconoclastic tendencies in other rela-
tions, we are surprised at him. Is this his one weak
point ?

Vol.79. Xo.2.034,NovEMBERi7. 1916.] THE ELECTEICAL REVIEW

LINKINQ-UP ELECTRIC POWER STATIONS.

[COilMlINICATED.]

It is now pretty well agreed by everyone who has taken the
trouble to investigate the matter, that material benefits are
to be derived from linking-up electricity supply stations ;
but while there has been some progress in this direction, a
great deal remains to Ije done before the full advantages of
the scheme are realised. The difficulties involved in inter-
connecting the London elei'tricity supplies are much more
formidable than daily newspaper writers seem to imagine, for
their idea, apparently, is that it is simply a question of
joining together a few cables or wires, when a thoroughly
reliable supply of electricity for London will be assured.
Unfortunately, however, the problem is much more difficult.
Had it been realised in the early days of the electrical
industry that the coupling-up of electrical systems would, in
time to come, lead to marked economy, as well as greater
reliability and a reduction in the total amount of plant, it
is more than likely that greater uniformity in voltages
and frequencies would have been aimed at. As it
is, stations have been erected with frequencies ranging
from 25 to 100 cycles per second, and there is also con-
siderable diversity in voltage. Even the frequencies of some
of the larger and more recent stations which might advan-
wgeously be interconnected are not by any means in
conformity.

In America, where coupling-up has been practised on a
much greater scale than it has been here, very similar con-
ditians prevail. The frequencies of the American stations are
2.5, 33, 40. .50, and (iO cycles. In the pa.st,there were 125
and 133-cycle stations, but these have now practically dis-
appeared. The two frequencies most commonly used at the
present time are 25 and GO cycles, and there appears to be
no very logical reason why any other values should be
adopted in future. It is claimed that modern rotary con-
verters will work quite well on (iO-cycle circuits, so that
there is no need to adopt 40 or .50 cycles on this score.
The lower frequencies were originally adopted mainly with
a view to facilitating the successful operation of rotary
converters, for it is well known that the early 60-cycle con-
verters were very troublesome machines. Some American
engineers maintain that 60 cycles might now be adopted for
practically all classes of service, apart from single-phase rail-
ways, but this, of course, is a matter of opinion. The lower
frequencies impose limitations upon designers, especially
in connection with speeds. Small two-pole, 25-cycle
motors cannot run at a higher speed than 1,500 r.p.ji.,
whereas 3,(500 k.p.m. and intermediate speeds are permissible
with 60 cycles. Twenty-five-cycle motors and transformei-s
are also more costly to build than those designed for 60-cycle
circuits ; moreover, they are heavier. Transformers and
motors of given output increase in cost and weight as the
working frequency decreases. What applies to motors and
tran8formei"s also applies to turbo-generators, especially those
telow 10,000 KW. capacity.

S(5 far as America is concerned, there appeal's to be a
distinct tendency to adhere in future to 60 and 25 cycles,
and to eliminate other ■ frequencies as occasions arise. To
link-up American systems many frequency-changers have
been built, and when similar work is seriously commenced
in this country there will undoubtedly be a big demand for
these machines. Having equipped oiu' stations with com-
plete disregard to the jxissibility of linking-up, we are in the
unhappy jxisition of having stations working at 25, 33, 40, 50,
60, H3, 85, '.10, and 100 cycles per second. Moreover, there
are many different voltages, and some stations supply single-
phase current, a few two-phase current, and the bulk of the
large and most modern stations tlu'ee-phase current. There
are also, of course, some three-wire continuous-current
stations which may eventually be converted into sub-
stations and fed from larger plants, or be interconnected
with them, as in the case of other stations. In linking-up,
the particular kind of current supplied to consumers need
not be considered, unless it happens to be the same kind of
current that is generated, for linking-up is done between
station bus-bars and not between distributing systems. If
it is merely a question of dealing with different voltages, no
great difficulty is involved. By the aid of static trans-

formers, switch-gear, and cables, stations having different
voltages can readily be conne(;ted together. Two- and three-
])liase stations iiaving the same frequencies can also be
interconnected by using transformers connected in accord-
ance with the scheme devised by Scott ; but when it comes
U) coupling-up single-phase stations with two- and three-
phase stations and coupling stations of different frequencies,
the task is less simple.

The conversion of single-phase current to three-phase
current, or vice versa, cannot be accomplished with static
transformers, even if the frequencies of the two stations are
the same. A single-phase load represents power which is
pulsating or varying periodically from zero to a maximum
value, whilst a balanced polyphase load represents con-
tinuous power of constant value. Obviously it is not
feasible to transform from continuous power to pulsating
power, or vice versa, without some method of storing and
returning power. This result cannot, of course, be achieved
with static transformers. True, attempts have been made
to do this, and in some ca.ses it hiis been possible to obtain
equal current* on the thi-ee phases, but balanced currents do
not necessarily represent balanced power loads. Equal
currents in the tlu'ee phases have been obtained by causing
part of the current to lead and part to lag, but the resultant
reactions and unbalancing effects of these lagging and lead-
ing currents have the same effect on the generating system
as the single-phase load would have. To maintain a proper
balance on the three-phase side when transforming from
three-phase current to single-phase current a rotating
machine mu<t be used. The difference between the energy
delivered by the three-phase system and that taken by the
load is stored as part of the momentum of the set,
and this stored energy is delivered as electrical
energy at the proper moments. The inverse trans-
formation from single-phiise current to polypluLse
currents is, for the same reason as stated, impractical)le
without a revolving macliine. A motor-generator consisting
of a thi'ee-phase and a single-phase machine mechanically
coupled together will, of course, give the desired trans-
formation without any trouble at all, and where periodicity
transformation is desired as well as phase transformation, a
machine of this kind is absolutely essential. The single-
phase and polyphase loads are then quite independent. But
where transformation from single-phase to polyphase current,
or vice versa, does not also involve a change in periodicity,
it would appear that part of the single-phase load could he
delivered directly from one phase of the three-phase system,
whilst the other part of the load could be dealt with by a
phase converter. Phase t-onverters, as used on the loco-
motives of the Norfolk and Western Eailroad, might be
employed for the transformation of three-phase current to
single-phase current, or ince versa, but their suitability for
interconnecting systems has not yet been demonstrated. In
a paper read before the Association of Edison Illuminating
Companies in 1914, Mr. B. U. Lamme discus.sed the
question of using these converters for obtaining single-
phase loads from polyphase systems. The growing demand
for single-phase current for working single-phase railways,
electric furnaces, and so forth, has led American engineers to
look into this question. As, however, the suitability of this
tvpe of converter for coupling-up purposes has not as yet
been demonstrated, and as single-phase and polyphase
stations having exactly the same frequencies are not often
met with in this country, this particular kind of phase
converter need not at the present time be further
considered.

Synchronous motor-generatora — i.e., sets consisting of two
synchronous machines mechanically coupled together —
provide a positive coupling between the two interconnected
stations ; that is to say, if the speed of the steam sets in
one station increases, that of the sets in the other station
increases correspondingly. An induction-motor-geuerator,
on the other hand, gives a certain amount of slip, and the
coupling between stations is, consequently, not so rigid.
This slipping property of the induction-motor-generator
is an advantage in that aU increase in the speed at one
station is less liable to result in a large transference of
load which may prove too much for the motor-generator.
Owing to this difference in the characteristics of syn-
chronous and induction-motor-generators, it is advisable, in

536

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW. [Voi. -m. xo -.'.oiuxovKMnER 17, ifir,.

the interest^ of tyift'ty, to use syiiclironous iitoMr-ijeiK'niUii's
of sufficient capacity to cope witli tlic full load of citlier of
tlic iutercoriiiectetl stations. Evidently iiotliin<; serious can
then hapi)en, even if one station l)e completely shut down.
The flexible coupling; which the induction-motor-iienerator
provides would appear to be its principal advantas;e, but it
is to h& noted that when an intentional transference of
load is made, quite an appreciable difference in the speeds
of the two interconnected stations is necessary. An
induction motor that has, siiy, :! per cent, slip when
runninu at full load, will have to run 3 per cent, above
sjTichronous speed before it will give full load as an
asynchronous generaUir, so that if such an induction motor
were used on a motor-generator, the transference of full
load from one direction to the other would involve a
difference in s{jeed between the two stations of as much as
6 per cent. One sUition might, of ('ourse, run 3 per cent,
liigh, and the other ;5 per cent. low. A synchronous motor-
generator set, on the other hand, will transfer full losid
from one direction to the other without any difference in
speed at all.

It is sometimes claimed that iuducbion-motor-generators
are superior to synchronous motor-generators on the score of
Civsy starting, but, in the light of modern practice, there does
not appear to be nnich in this argument, for with a rotor
on one side of the machine wound in the same way as the
rotoi' of an induction motor, synchronous motor-generator
sets can be started without a special starting motor, and it
is only necessary to synchronise on one side. Such miu^hines
are started at reduced pressm-e with the aid of a com-
pensator or auto-transformer, and when the machine comes up
to speed, exciting current is suj)plied to the slip-rings. But
when the machine is running in synchronism on the motor
side, the generator voltage may, or may not, bear the proper
relation to the voltage of other units, and before the machine
can be paralleled at the generator end it may be necessary
to slip the poles by reversing the motor field current : in
fact, one or two reversals may be necessary before tlie
corrcTt relation is secured. When operating synchronous
frequency changers in parallel certain small difficulties are
met with which do not manifest themselves when running
other kinds of machines in parallel. For instatice, if one fre-
quency-changer is carrying load, and it is desired to synchro-
nise another frequency-changer with it, the switch should
not be closed at the instant when the synchroscope indicates
perfect syuclirouism. The load on the working machine
ac-ts like a mechanical drag on the rotor, with the result
that there is a corresponding angular displacement of the
revolving fields. To parallel two such sets satisfactorily,
the switch should be closed when the synchroscope needle
deviates by some angle from the exact synchronism murk,
the angle depending upon the amount of load the working
machine is carrying. When, however, the frequency-
changers are both in the same station, the effect of closing
the switch when the synchroscope indicates exact syn-
chronism is not, as a rule, serious. But if the machines
are in different stations, and it is necessary to parallel them
over a transmission line or cable, the disturbance may be
more pronomiced. Tlie resistance tends to lower the syn-
chronising power.

In order that synchi-onous frequency-changers may operate
satisfa<.'torily in parallel they must either be made with
extreme accuracy, both mechanically and electrically, or
means must be provided for adjusting the stator of one of
the machines composing a unit. The latter arrangement,
which is provided on modern machines, enables the operator
to obtain the desired division of load between different sets.
The stator of either the motor or the generator is mounted
in a cradle, so that it is capable of being rotated through
a small angle. By the aid of a small motor geared to the
movable stator and connected to a control switch on the
swit<;hboard, any desired division of load can be obtained
with the greatest ease. If the steam sets in two inter-
connected generating stations are to run at their exact
speeds, the combination of jwles on a synchronous frequency-
changer may result in the use of a frequency-changer
running at only 300 revolutions per minute. In the case
of small and medium-sized macliines, this is a troublesome
limitation, since it hinders economical design. In the
following table, some pole combinations are given, from

which it will be seen that 25- and tiO-cycle sUitions call for
a motor-generator running at this low speed.

Froqncnoy.

Poles.

Speed.

Motor.

Generator.

Motor.

Generator.

25

62-5

4

10

7.50

4' 17 per cent. high.

25

625

8

20

375

4'17 i)er cent. hi;.'h.

25

60

10

24

300

Exact. .

25

-.8-3

6

14

.50(1

2'7S per cent. low.

25

5C.3

8

18

375

G'18 per cent. low.

BO

2«-7

18

8

400

(i"8 i>er cent. hiph.

KO

25-7

H

(i

514

2'8 i>ercent. hijrli.

liU

2")

24

10

300

Exiu'.t.

tiO

L'J

20

s

3(;o

4 i)or cent. low.

rto

24

10

4

720

4 per cent. low.

If it be simply a (juestiou of changing from one perio-
dicity to another, and no ■interconnection between stations is
involved, a iwriodicity on the generator side, which is
slightly above or below the actual value lequired, may not
in some ca.ses be a very imj)ortant matter : lint when it comes
to coupling-up generating stations, the i-onditions are, of
course, different. With induction motor-generators greater
flexibility can be secured, for with a little i)ermanont resist-
ance in the rotor circuit the slip r:ui be adjusted, and
the correct frequency on the generating side .so obtained,
although, unfortunately, permanent resistance in the rotor
circuit involves a reduction in eflicicncy. Further, it is to
be remembered that an induction motor cannot work as a
generator unless it runs in parallel with a sync^hronous
machine, for it always must take its exciting current from
the line, and it always draws a lagging current, irrespecti\e
fif whether it is generating or motoring.

Load cannot, of course, be transferred from one station ti >
another by adjusting the field rheostats of the steam-driven
generators. Such adjustments will simply give rise to a flow
of wattless current. The manner in which the stations
share the load depends on the setting of the engine or turbine
governors, and not upon the exciting currents of the
generators. With the goxernors in the two stations set for the
same drop in speed from no load to full load, each station
will automatically deal with its proportionate share of the
load : if, on the other hand, the governors in one station
give twice as much speed-drop as those in the f>ther station,
then, assuming that the capacities of the two plants ai'e
equal, the station with the closer regulation will take up
automatically twice as much load as the oth(?r station.

Engineers must decide for themselves which of the two
types of motor-generators will best suit their re(iuirenient«.
Of cour.se, when it is desired to shut one station down com-
pletely, and feed the bus-bai's of that station through the
motor-generator, the induction-motor machine is useless,
unless the motor happens to be on the running station side.
Since an induction motor can oidy act as an asynchi'onous
generator when it is rumiing in parallel with synclu'onous
machines, it follows that if the genei'ating station' to which
it is connected be shut down, the motor-generator cannot
take over the load. The synchronous machine, on the other
hand, being excited on both sides with direct current, will,
of course, supply current in either direction, irrespective of
whether it runs in parallel witli other machines or
not. Moreover, it is possible, with synchronous
motor-generators to correct the power factor on both
of the interconnected stations. Hence, although there
are, as shown, certain small difficulties in operating
synchronous frequency-changers in ]iarallel, these machines
are, nevertheless, pretty extensively used.

When linking up continuous-cuirent stations with alter-
natir^-current stations, rotary converters or motor-con-
verters are employed. Motor-generators would, of course,
answer the purpose, but since they are less efficient than rotaries
or motor-converters, they are not, save under exceptional
circumstances, likely to be adopted. The connections for
the rotary correspond with the usual sub-station connec-
tions ; that is to say, the slip-rings are connected to the
alternating station through static transformers, and the
commutator end is connected through suitable switches and
circuit-breakers to the bits-bars of the continuous-current
station. When the machine is transferring load from the con-

XO.2.0H4.XOVEMBER17, i;u>;.] THE ELECTRICAL EEVIEW,-

537

tmuoiis-L-un-ent station to the alteniating-current station the
xoltagc generated by the rotary on the direct-current side mnst
he a h'ttle below that on the direct-current bus-bars. To a
certain extent the interchange of enei-gy between the two
stations is automatic, the two stations sharing the load
according to the adjustment of the governors : but, as a
rule, a certain amount of iield adjustment is necessary.
(^f coui-se, when the rotary is connected through the trans-
. formers to the alternating-current bus-liars, it runs as a
synchronous machine and its speed is fixed, but if the alter-
nating-current station be shut down and current is still
drawn from the alternating-current side of the rotary it
runs as a direct-current motor. The speed then depends
ujwn the field strength, and if from time to time there is a
material change in the power factor, caused, for instance,
by the starting of induction-motors, the speed of the rotary
may, as a result of the demagnetising effects of the lagging
currents, vary considerably and attain a dangerous value.
For such conditions the makers of motor-converters claim
superiority. The best machine for these conditions is the
motor-generator, since the generating and motoring sides are
entirely independent of one another, but rotary converters
have been used under these conditions by exciting the field
with a separate exciter driven by an induction-motor taking
its current from the slip-rings of the rotary. A small
increase in speed results in a rapid in-
crease in the exciting current, which
compensates for the demagnetising effects
of the lagging currents.

In connection with linking-np con-
tinuiius-current stations with polyi^ha.se
stations, an interesting suggestion has
been put forward by Mr. J. S. Peck. It
is well known that it is not easy to
build large continuous-current turbo-
generators, and in order to avoid the
use of continuous-current generators
rnnning at tiu'biue sjieeds two schemes
are practicable. One is to gear a com-
paratively slow-speed dvuamo to the
turbine, and the other to couple a turl)o-
altcrnator to the turbine, and electrically
connect the alternator to a, relatively
slow-speed rotary converter. If the
latter scheme be adopted, then }X)lyphase
stations can be coupled up with con-
tinuous-current stations with very little
trouble or expense. The current from
the poly])hase station would be trans-
formed down, so that the pressure
corresponded with that across the ter-
minals of the alternator, and the mesh-connected secondaries
would lie connected, after synchronising, to the leads
between the turbo-alternator and the rotary converter.
With the transformei's disconnected from the turbo-
alternator, continuous current would be sujiplied to the
bus-bars, of the continuous-current station in the ordinary
way : for, of course, under these conditions the i)oly-
phase station is not coupled up. If, however, the trans-
formers were synchronised with the alternator and the
rotary converter disconnected from the alternator, the latter
could supply polyijhase current through the transformers tn
the jiolyphase station : or with the alternator in the con-
tinuous-current station still disconnected from the I'otary.
current could either be supplied from the polyphase station
through the transformers and rotary converter to the
continuous-current station bus-bars, or ciu-rent from these
bus-bars could be supplied tlu-ough the rotary and trans-
formere to the polyphase station. Under the latter
conditions, the rotary would work inverted.

When larger power systems are interconnected, the
possibility of very heavy currents flowing in the mains at
times of short circuits must be kept in view. The use of
current-limiting reactances demands, under these conditions,
very careful consideration, especially when the stations
<»ntain large turbo-alternators. When the stations are at a
considerable distance apart, the transmission lines or cables
interconnecting them provide a certain amount of pro-
tection ; in fact, in the case of some of the large intercon-
nected water-power schemes, nothing beyond the transmission

hnes has been uecessary to keep the shoit-circuit currents
within permissible limits, for the lines act in a similar
way to reactances connected between sections of station
bus-bars. But it is to be I'emembered that manv
of these water-power stations contain large low-speed
generators with comparatively low short-circuit currents.
Much depends on the sizes and characteristics of the plants
and the distances lietween stations. On some of the intei--
cormected systems in America, current-limiting reactances
are used pretty extensively, and there is little doubt that as
the capacities of stations in this country increase, and as
one by one they are interconnected, this "practice of using
reactance coils in generator leads, between sections of
station bus-bars, and in feeder circuits, will liecome more
general than it has been hitherto.

ELECTRIC WINDING PLANT AT A
YORKSHIRE PIT.

Messrs. Newton, Chambers & Co., Ltd., of Sheffield,
have recently introduced an electrical ly-di-iveu winding
plant at their Staindrop Pit, Skiere Spring, near Wentwortli

CONTROLI.IXO GliAK OP WlNDKK.

Station, for the following particulars of which we are in-
debted to the British Westinghouse Electric and Jlann-
facturing Co., Ltd., who supplied the equipment.

The plant has two steel winding drums, 10 ft. in dia-
meter X 4 ft. 3 in. wide, and is gear-driven by a 220-ii.H.P.
slip-ring induction motor.

The drums are capable of holding 420 yards of I'ope in
one layer. One drum is loose on the shaft, and is connected
thereto by means of a clutch, the clutch and lirake gear
being suitably interlocked. The engine is designed to raise
and lo\\;er men from a depth of 35/) yards, the assumed duty
beins: as follows : —

Weiofht of cage and chains . . .

Weight of men per wind ...

Circumference of rope

Winding time

Decking time...

Distance between headgear sheaves

2 tons.
.S.400 lb.

3 U in.
60 sec.
30 sec.
.-> ft.

Distance between centre of drum and centre of

headgear sheaves, not le.ss than ... ... .SO ft.

The equipment is also suitable for use for sinking with
a total unbalanced load, including the weight of the rope,
of 5,220 lb., and for coal winding with a total unbalanced
load not exceeding 5,220 11). At ]>resent the winder is being
used for sinking purposes, and is accordingly fitted witli
one of the drums only : as soon as the shaft is com|)Ieted
the second drum will be fitted, and the winder will enter
into full winding service with two cages.

There are two brake paths, arranged one on each drum :
the drum shaft is 13 in. in diameter, and runs in three

.33S

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW. LVoi. ::-. n.. 2...;m.novkm.!kk ir. i,m.

12-in. X la-iii. l)earings, supimrtecl on a contiiuunis
uliannel-iron bedplate, whicli is extended to eairv the
motor.

r-^Tlie pinion is inounteil on an independent sluift, runninir
in two hearings, and is coupled to the nintor \>\ means of a
flexible coupling. The brakes are of tiie post type, weight-
applied, and controlled by means of an air-brake engine :
they are arranged to come into operation automatically in
case of overwind, overload on the motor, or failure of sujjply
voltage. There is also an emergency lexer included with
the driver's control lever.

\ An auxiliary niotur-driven air <'onipressor, with receiver
pi|)ing and fittings, is provided.

The depth indicator is of the vertical screw type, gear-
driven from the drinn shaft, and fitted with an overwinding
trip.

-'The chief feature of the overwind limit-switch, fitted by
the IJritish Westingliouse Co. to all their winders, is the
al)solute safety obtained : also, the switch is so arranged
tliat a seeond, or even a third, overwind can be deill with
should the drixer *• -identally start tin- wiiulci- in the wrong
direction aijain.

governed by the height of the weir over which tlic solution
has to fall before flowing back into the bottom tank. The
weir is arranged for operation with the same lexer as the
reversing switches. The rate at which the to]! tank fills,
and therefore the rate of acceleration of the motor, is adjust-
able by means of a stop valve on the delivery side of the
])unip. The cooling system is of the condenser tyjie, with
straight tubes, arranged so that the tubes can be cleaned
by removing one end-plate of the system ; or the whole
system may be removed from the controller fortius purpose.
Any tube is easily replaceable if necessiu'y.

Tlie main switch-pillar is of the t.otally-eaclosed type
"S" design. It is fitted with a three-pole oil circuit-
breaker, with two overload trips, two trifurcatiug boxes, and
u meclianitvil attachment, by means of which the circuit
may be ojiened in case the brake should be applied under
any emergency condition. A hand-trip swit<-li tv put on
the emergeticy brakes, if it should he necessaiy, is also pro-
vided, and is mounted on the jilatform in a convenient
situation. The I'onnections to the transformer are taken
from the machine side of the main switch, the bu.s-har
chamber being fitted with interconnecting bus-bars foi' this

Westixghouse 220-b.h.p. Motor driving Windkk.

The driver's jilatform is sufficiently elevated to gi\e the
driver a full \iew of the winding engine, and carries the
necessary control and brake levers, with (piadrants and
latches.

The motor is nominally rated at 220 H.r., and runs at a
sj)eed of 360 r.p.m., taking three-phase current at .00 cycles
and 3.(100 volts. It is arranged with the shaft extended to
take a flexible coupling, and a trifurcatiug box is fitted on
the motor frame for the stator connections. The motor is
of specially roljust construction, and is capable of dealing
with overloads momentarily up to, and even exceeding,
2, times full-load tt)rtpie.

The controller is of the liquid type, with motor-driven
circulating pumps and mechanically-operated reversing
switches of ample capacity ; the primary connections are
fitted with trifurcating boxes. The controller consists
essentially of two wrought-iron tanks, one mounted on the
top of the other, a motor-driven circulating pump, electrodes
for the rotor circuit, and two oil-immersed reversing
s\vitches. The bottom wrought-iron tank contains the
- lution, and is fitted with a cooling system ; the solution
- pumped from tLe bottom tank into the top one, flowing
past the electrodes. The height of the solution in thi's
tank, and therefore the area of the electrodes immersed, is

purpose. To control the low-tension circuits to the sole-
noid controller, pumj) motor, and compressor motor, there
are provided two sets of three-jiole enclosed switches and
fuses.

The auxiliary apparatus, also sn]iplied liy the British
Westinghouse Co., comprises : —

1. A 10-K.v.A. three-phase, oO-period, 3,000/440-volt oil-
insulated self-cooled transformei'. to supply the solenoid
controller, pump motor, and com])ressor motor.

2. A '■ no-volt " solenoid arranged to be operated by the
emergency trip-gear for the brakes in case of failure of
voltage, or through the action of the ovei'load trips on the
main circuit-breaker on overload, also by liand on emergency.

3. A set of driver's instruments, ammeter and \oltmeter ;
these are of the illuminated dial tv|)e. with large opeu scales,
and are mounted on a suitable bracket on the depth indi-
cator, so that the driver can keep in view the instruments
and the depth indicator simultaneously.

4. A squirrel-cage motor of 5-b.h.I'. capacity for driving
the air compressor.

5. A Westinghouse over-speed device, w-hieh can In;
arranged in conjunction with the other emergency gear to
operate the brakes and cut off the supply of power to the
motor in the event of a predetermined six;ed being exceeded

Vol.;;.. No. LUW4. xovKMBEH 17. H.i(;.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

639

during any part of the wind, either acceleration, full-speed
run, or retardation. This device consists of a small direct-
current series-wound generator, dri\en Irom the shaft of
the winding drum or motor, and arranged to operate in cnii-
jiiuction with a rheci.'ilat cinitrolled b}; the depth indicator
in such a way tliat a I'lTiaiii \oltage is never exceedi'il. pm-
vidt'd the acceleratiiiu ur the sjK'od is kejtt within a
predetermined limit. In the event of the jti'edetermined
acceleration or speed being exceeded during any jiart of
the wind, the voltage of this small luacliiiic rises, and .so
oiMi-ates a relay in conjunction with Ihu (•ircnil-liri'al<cr ami
the emergency brakes.

The meciiMHical parts for the winding engine were
supplictl liy Messrs. Robey & Co., of Lincoln, and the steel
headgear in connection with the shaft was manufactured by
Messrs. Newton, Chambers it Co. at tlicir Tiidi-nciitfc
Ironworks.

The current for the winding engine is generated al I lie
Rofkingiiam Culiierv, wliich is about lucj miles awav.

LORD KELVIN'S LIFE AND WORK.

Tn the eighth Kelvin leotiire before the Institution oI'" liwc-
TRiCAi, Enginkkrs last week. Dr. Alexander Russei.i, reviewed
the life and work of Lord Kelvin, drawing freely upon his
own note.s and recollection.s of the great scienti.'st.

William Thomson's first important paper — written at the
age of ]G, just before he entered Cambridge University —
related to an analogy between the flow of heat in a con-
ducting .solid and the problem of the electrostatic field in an
insulating medium. The lines of flow in the heat problem
are coincident with the lines of force in the corresponding
electrostatic problem. From the mathematical point of view
the problems of thermal conductance, electrostatic capacity,
and electric resistance are the same, and Dr. Rus.sell points
out that Thomson's work helps us to study how the resistance
of the " earth " of an earthed conductor varies with the
shape of the conductor which is in contact with the ground.
In 1844, being .second wrangler and first Smith's prize-
man, Thomson devoted himself to the investigation of physical
problems with the help of mathematics. s|jecially studying
the |]r(il>lem of the distiibution of electricity on two spherical
cnnihictDrs when near one another. Sir W. Snow Harris in
ii^M lind made careful experiments on the attractions between
cliaiged spherical conductors which seemed to throw doubt
on the accuracy of Coulomb's law. Thomson therefore
attacked the problem and obtained a complete solution, using
the method of "electric images" with which his name will
always be a.s.sociated. This method is useful in the theories
of heat, hydrodynamics, sound, &c., and also in pure mathe-
matics. Thomson proved that the behaviour of electrified
conductors a.s described by Snow Harris was in exact accord-
ance with theoretical deductions from Coulomb's law, though
he did not publish the solution of the i)roblem until 1853.
Similarly, in 1846 he gave the solution of the problem of the
distribution of electricity on a spherical l)owl — one of his
greatest achievement.s — but did not publish the method of
solving it until 23 years later; during this period no other
m.athematician had been able to supply a proof. By weigh-
ing the attraction between the spheres the voltage between
them can be readily found, and Dr. lius.sell points out that
this method can easily be applied to measure the voltage of
high-pres.sure transfonmis'; the voltage is completely defer-
■' mined when the dimensit.ns ,,( the spheres and the force of
attraction between them ;ire uivcn. and in standardising ;i
voltmeter of this kind no electrical measurements are neces-
sary.

By ISol Thomson had found that all the effects of electro-
niagnetic and electrodynamic induction could he explained by
• the principle of the Conservation of Energy, and in that year
he published a remarkable paper on the application of the
principle of mechanical effect to the measurement of electro-
motive forces and of galvanic resistance in ah.sohite units, in
which he determined the e.m.f. of a Daniell cell approxi-
mately from the dynamical equivalent of the chemical action
in the cell. He also pointed out that knowing the heat
developed in a wire, and .Joule's equivalent, if the current
in the wire were measured in ab.solute units (with a tangent
galvanometer, for instance), the resistance of the wire and
the electi-omoti ve foi'ce could also be deternu'ned in ab.solute
units; up to that time experimenters' results could only be
expres.sed in terms of apparatus, cells, and wire in the pos-
session of the observers. Tn m.iny cases, therefore, it was
impossible to compare their results. The idea of measuring
resistance in ab.solute units was due to W. Weber, and Kirch-
hoff made the first determination in 1849. Thomson was the
first, however, to show how the fundamental electric units
could be determined from the principle of energy.

In 18;")?! Thomson read an epoch-making paper on the
oscillatory discharge of a Leyden jar, explaining the reason

why, as Helmholtz had observed, a steel needle magnetised
by the discharge cuiTent from a Leyden jar had its north
pole sometimes at one end, .sometiirres at the other. Thomson
proved mathematically that the discharge was oscillatory
in certain cases, and suggested that his conclusion might be
experiuientally verified by means of Wheatstone's revolving
mirror, which was done by Eedder.sen in 18");!. The invention
(jf the o.scillograph bus enabled us to .study these discharge
currents in detail and prove that Thomson's theory is very
approximately correct. The great practical importance of this
paper lies in the fact that it led many physicists to .study the
problems of oscillatory discharge most carefully, and wireless
telegraphy was the direct although unexpected outcome of
their labours. It has to be remembered, however, that Thom-
son's theory is not complete. Of the energy oiiginally stored
in the jar we know that some is radiated into space. In
many cases this amount is negligibly smaU,iand Thomson's
theory is directly applicable. But he did not show how the
radiated energy could be taken into account or state tbi-
limitations of his formulae.

In 183'' Thom.sonpubli.shed a paper on the " peri.staltii'
induction " of electric currents. The phenomena observeil
when testing submarine cables proved to him that the capa-
city effects between a wire and the sheath, oi; between nei^ih-
bouring wires, were most important. In this paper lie
neglects the effect of electromagnetic induction, as this i> ju r
nnssible for slow signals. Thomson had very clear \ lew ,
about the electrostiitic coefficients of neielil,o\irint; .mh.Ii].
tors. His work on the forces between eleetrilied -plieie
proves this. He .saw that when we have several wires jn a
cable and they have .static charges the potentials dl eai li wire
can be lound by means of these coefficients. Ihis rs .still
true when the charges are in motion. " Tliey rire.sent a very
peifect analogy with the mutual influences of a number of
elastic tidjcs bound together laterally . . and surrotmded
and filled by a liquid which is forced through one or more
of them." Borrctwing a medical term he called this " jwri-
staltic " induction. As the electricity was in motion it seemed
to him illogical to talk about " electro.static induction." He
gave the solutions for cables containing two, three, four, and
six wires, and Dr. Rus.sell diaws attention to the fact that
the solutions of the.se problems are also the solutions of three-
phase, single-phase, two-pha.se» and six-phase power-trans-
mission">;ysteras. He left out of account the leakage conduct-
ance and the electromagnetic coefficients; but for a firet solu-
tion of the problem it is wonderfully complete. Thomson's
equations can easily be made rigorous and give the complete
solution of the electric transmission of power in a polyphase
system. The resulting equations are only a slight extension
of the equations Thom.son .solved in 18.^1, the outcome of his
tlmrough mastery of the problem of the electrostatic induction
between two .spheres.

After referring to Thom.son's woik in connection with the
early Atlantic cables, and the invention of the mirror gal-
vanometer and the siphon recorder (which was the prototype
of the moving-coil galvanometer), Dr. -Russell de.scribes his
investigation of the e.m.f. required t« produce a spark in air
between parallel metal plates, with the aid of his ab.solute
electrometer, carried out in the cellars of the Old Glasgow
College. His paper on sparking distances was the fore
runner of many by other physicist.s, showing that the voltage
at which the disruptive discharge occurs or a corona first
appears depends on the maximum value of the potential
gradient, provided that the electrodes are farther apart than
about one-tenth of an inch. This question has become of
importance from the engineering point of view in connection
with the corona oi- brush discharge between overhead wires.
the less in watts per mile of single main being proportional
to the square of the excess of the effective pressure between
the mains over the pres.sure at which corona first appears.

Dr. Russell next discusses Thomson's work on the motion
of vortex rings in a liquid or a gas, which he |ierceived was
analagous to the magnetic forces due to an eleetiie , nriiMit
flowing in a ring or to the magnetic foree- .Ine In a small
m.agnet, and passes on to the theory of the eendiulinn nt
heat, as handled by Thom.son in 1881-'2. Two \.ai- latei lie
read a paper on the efficiency of elothing^ fm minntiinime
temperature, and show'ed that under certain eonditmn- tlie
eft'ect of clothing mav be to cool a body. This leads to a
consideration of the ca.se of an insulated (covered) wn-e carry-
ing a current, which has a less rise of temperature than a
bare wire under otherwi.se similar conditions. Dr. Russell
suggests that insulating overhead tran.snii.ssion wires with a
.suitable material would not only prevent the losses due to
the formation of a corona, but would allow more power to be
transmitted without overheating the wires.

Thomson devoted his best energies to determining the age
of the earth and .sun, and estimated that it was about a
hundred million vears since the surface of the earth was
molten; but the di.scovery that a small mass of radium can
emit spontaneou.slv an enormous quantity of heat ha.s made
i', probable that his conclusion will have to be mcxhhed. He
was unable to accept the view that the energy of the radumi
(90 calories emitted per gramme per hour) could be derived
from the element itself, and held that the energy was sup-
plied lay ethereal waves from outside. .

Another subject dealt with by Thomson was the variation
in the density of a high-frequency current m a cylindrical
conductor over its cross-section; he pointed out that at very.

540

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW, [voi, rn. Xo. 2.031, xovkmbkr w. i!)i.;.

high frequencies the current was practically confined to the
surface of the conductor, and gave a formula for the eflective
iesistanct> of the conductor, with tabular data which have
been found useful also in other physical probleihs. The
problem of the high-frequency resistance and inductance of
:t concentric main has been disi'ussed by Dr. Russ<'ll (in tin'
lines laid down by Thomson, and in an appendix to tlie
lecture the solution of the problem is given. These solutions,
however, neglect the effects of capacity.

Various other examples of Tbomson's activities are men-
tioned, such as his advocacy of the generation of electricity
■■ in bulk " as long ago as 1878, of the u.se of the electric arc
for street lighting in 1879, and of the development of the
storage battery in 1881. The wonderful series of electrical
measuring instruments which Thomson invented is aiso re-
ferred to; Dr. Rus.sell states that three of his aicipere balances
have been in use practically continuously at Faraday House
for the last 27 years under ordinary counnercial conditioijs,
and are as accurate and u.seful now as when they were
bought.

The first pnbli.shed tests of lamp efficiencies were publi.ibed
by Sir William Thomson and Mr. .T. T. Bottomley in Js.sl,
and in this connection the author draws attention to interest-
ing phenomena observed in testing the new gas-filled .series
lamps. In certain lamps, when . rotated, the candle-power
continually increases with the speed of rotation ; at 180 revo-
lutions per minute the light may be about 15 per cent,
greater tiian when the lamp is stationary, and the current
1 or 2 per cent, less at constant voltage. These results are
due to the effect of centrifugal force on the convection cur-
rents of gas inside thei bulb and the rise in resistance of the
hot tungsten filament with temperatun^

The mathematical processes used by Thomson nearlv
always had a physical significance ; he solved problems in one
branch of physics by methods .suggested by other branches,
much of his success being due to his abihty to grasp quickly
the analogy between such problems. With pure mathematics
he had httle sympathy; he regarded it merely as a tool.

In conclusion, the author points out that he has dealt
only with a few aspects of Lord Kelvin's life and work which
are of general interest to engineers; as an imaginative
thinker, a powerful reasoner, and a skilful inventor, Kelvin
was probably unique.

The lecture was accompanied by a number of appendices
relating to the subject-matter.

CORRESPONDENCE.

Letters received by »« after 5 p.m. on Tdesdav cannot appear vntil
the foUoicing'wee'h. Correspondents should forward their commniu-
cations at the earliest possible moment. A^o letter can be piMiahed-
■unless we hare the writer's name and address in mir possession.

FinalGraile Classes in " Electrical Installation Work."

(dancing through a reprint of Mr. A. P. Trotter's I'ecent
paper before the Association of Supervising Electricians, we
read that " elementary and advanced evening classes for elec-
trical wireraen are held at the Northampton Institute,
Clerkenwell, and at the South-Western Polytechnic, Chelsea."

This subject (formerly termed "Electric Wiremen's Work,"
and now much more appropriately called "Electrical Instal-
lation Work ") is, of course, of fundamental importance, and
is sought after by many other kinds of student besides- wire-
inen.

While we know that Grade I classes, are held at .seveial
different centres, it seems that we are to gather from Mi'.
Trotter's remarks that there are only t-wo places in London
where the Final Grade is dealt with.

If this be so, it is not too much to say that the authorities
at other polytechnics and institutes 'appear to bo rather
neglecting an extremely necessary feature of their electrical
side. Under its old name, the subject has been in the City
Guilds' programme for the last ten years.

" Electrical Installation Work" is going on in practice in
every district in London ; and advanced as well as elementary
instruction in the subject should certainly be available at
every polytechnic and technical institute. We are not think-
ing here of the junior evening technical cla.sses held at
various Council schools. In their case it is obviously only
possible to give very elementary instruction.

We venture to disagree with a previous statement in Mr.
Trotter's paper: "The demand for trade classes in any special
subject must precede the .supply." As Mr. Trotter was
addressiug supervising electricians, we presume he was not
thinking of " soap manufacture," or "leather tanning," or
"cotton spinning," but of "electrical installation work."
Kow, why should this be looked upon as a special subject,
when the work is going on all round us? Not one person
in a hundred would trouble to ask for the establishment of
a class that didn't already exist at his nearest technical insti-
tute. One obvious reason is that the applicant would think
to himself that by the time the class was established, he would
have learnt what he wanted some other way, or grown too '
old, or died. You might almost as well expect a person to
ask sorneone else to open a shop because he wanted to buv
something.

It surely stands to reason that classes in electrical installa-
tion work, in plumbers' work, in plasterers' work, and in
other work which is common in every community should
be conducted as a matter of course in every technical college
in the country.

.\|icilogising for trespa.s.sing .so much on your space,
A. P. Lundber}( & Sons.

London, N., November iOth, 191C.

(Referring to the last paragraph in Messrs. Ijundberg'g
letter, we think our correspondents have in mind " trade
Schools" rather than "technical colleges," which do not,
and should not, concern themselves with handicrafts. We
agree, of course, that electrical installation work is an im-
portant subject, and ought to be taught in the advanced as
widl as the elementary stage. — Ens. Elec. Rev.]

Between Two Stools.

My attention has been drawn to the letter of " Victimus '
in the current issue of the Review. It would be extremely
interesting to your readers, and necessary for their complete
protection, to have the names of the per.sons concerned; they
appear to be afflicted with the same species of moral hydro-
phobia as the Prussians, and it may prove to be equally
desirable that they be isolated accordingly until such time as
they may see and acknowledge the error of their ways.
Ergo, full names and addre.s.ses, please !

Australian.

More About Discounts.

Some time ago a correspondence took place in the RiiVit.w
re the needlessly complicated discounts in use. The Tungsten
Lamp Association afterwards brought out their simple scale
of discounts, which has proved a great boon, but, unfortu
nately, the cable makers .so far have not followed their good
example. The following account for B.C. cable, stupid though
it is, is only a sample of thousands of accounts now being
sent out. The account reads as follows : —

To Cable t2 In II

IjCss 20 per cent 11 1(1

Phis 2.5 per cent.

.t2 7 ]
11 10

The result of calculations is tbc original

figure £'2 18 11

In other words, clerks are working overtime at night wink-
ing out calculations like the above, when all they had to do
was to put down the list price with the word " net " opposite.

In our school days we used to laugh at Chinese methods of
working, but siirely the Chinese niustr grin at us for employ-
ing staffs of clerks in war-time to work out discounts, when
there i^ not any discount on the invoice. With our scrap-
heaps of weights and measures, and absurd system of coin-
age, we have in some respects taken the place which the
Chinese used to have, but which they are leaving behind.

The; rea.son given for all the unnecessary complication jn
discounts, whereby we add so much and then deduct so much,
is that sellers should know how to charge their customers.
But this difficulty could easily be obviated by the use of a
rubber .stamp reading as' follows : —

Note. — The retail selling price of these goods is ... per cent,
above list.

The figure could be filled in by pen. This would ensure
that all sellers were charged on the same basis. If this
simple expedient were adopted by wholesale dealers, the
.saving of labour would bo so great that quite a. number of
clerks could be relea.sed for the war. One feels that the
matter only needs to be broutfht before, the notice of those
in authority for the change to be made. Perhaps tho.se in
touch with the accountancy departments of our CM. A. firms,,
(and many others also) will draw their attention to the prob-
lem, and point out that not only do they waste their own
time, but also that of the overworked clerks in \he offices
of buyers.
y Simplex.

" Summation Walt " Capacity of Field Rheostats
and the Like.

Referring to Dr. Garrard's letter of Novernber Cth, unless
such, formula are based on a- physical meaning, i.e., on the
area enclosed by a ctlrve plotted between (rheostat current)"
and rheostat ohms, it seems to me to be of little use advocat-
ing any formulae for universal benefit, as the limitations of
diiferent designs vary very considerably. In other words,
unless so based a formula has. no meaning except for com-
parison of an individual manufacturer's rheostats.

On this theoretical ".summation watt" basis their relative
accuracy can be tried out by those of your readers interested,
and without further discussion.

To obtain a very large "R" in an ordinary rheostat com-
pared with field, or other external constant re.sistance, increas-
ing the resistance beyond a certain point does not materially
increase the actual " summation watt " capacity required.

The greatpv the resi.stance in a potentiometer the less the

Vol. 7i). Xo. 2,(1S4. November 17. lOir,.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

r>n

actual "summation watts." as the only variable (i.e., con-
stant watt loss) will be less.

Whether either above will in practice appreciably increase
the size of rheostat (not the " summation watts ") will depend
entirely on the design and the particular case involved.

L. Boothman.

Stvetford. Xomnber mii . 19ir,.

SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY.

By J. SWINBURNE, F.E.S.

A lecturer on this subject is expected to discuss the depend-
ence of industry on mathematics, physics, chemistry, bac-
teriology, botany, and to a less extent a few other branches
of science, such as biology, geology, and astronomy ; and he
is expected to show how the universities can .help the indus-
tries of this country in two directions. The first is training
men in the different branches' of science, so that they can
go into industrial work and be of the greatest value; the
second is helping manufacturers directly by the advice of
university professors and by carrying out technical research
at college laboratories.

Many branches of industry are the direct application of
scientific knowledge or discovery, made without any idea of
its practical value. The foundation principle of wireless
telegraphy is a good example of this. Again, few students of
Routh's rigid dynamics would have thought of making a
gyrostat serve as a compass. Problems of eapillarity seemed
to have only scientific interest, yet Elmore's process for the
separation of complex ores and its various modifications,
which have been worth hundreds of thousands to those con-
cerned— except the inventor — depends on differences of sur-
face tensions. In short, every industry in the country has
its technology, or applied science, and the better this is
understood by those in charge the better it is for the industry
and for the country.

It is not my duty to discuss science as the root, or even a
branch, of education in itself. To my non-expert mind,
education ought to have four main objects. First, to enable
one to earn his living, because if he cannot make his living
nothing else is much use. Second, to let one know enough
about his health to secure it. It is no use making a living
or anything else if, owing to your own ignorance, your
health is wrecked and you are prematurely buried. Third,
to make one a good citizen. Fourth, to enable one to enjoy
his well-earned leisure properly. These principles appear to
be wrong, for they do npt in the least fit .education as com-
monly inflicted.

iVU the same, I will assmme that under the first head there
is a question of university teaching of science, with the
object of its connection with industry. The main question
is, then ; How can universities best fit students to make their
living by science in industry? To make the discussion com-
plete, we ought also to discuss the question : How can busi-
ness men make the best use of universities and of the men
trained by them? This last question need not be discussed
here, except in so far as the attitude of business men must
react on universities attempting to work in conjunction with
them.

In discussing its relation to industry, we must understand
what we mean by science. Mathematics is the science of
quantities and their relations. Pure mathematics is a study
by itself. Mathematics may be apphed to solve problems in
astronomy, physics, mechanics, chemistrj', and statistics. We
thus have pure mathematics and applied mathematics. Some-
times the same man. Newton, for example, makes advances
in both pure and applied mathematics. In science generally
we have the same distinction. Science itself is a compli-
cated fabric of organised knowledge of Nature. The man of
science devot-es his life to extend this fabric of knowledge in
new directions, the object being to make the w-onderful
fabric complete in all its parts. In a sense this is of no u.se;
but surely it is the noblest exercise of the human intellect.
This is cdled pure, as opposed to applied, science, because it
has no direct ulterior purpose. The term is bad, as pure and
apphed are not opposed, and all kinds of science are quite
pure. I -will, therefore, use the word academic to specify
science pursued as an end in itself, without any regard to
any external or ulterior use. the object of the pursuit being the
attainment of knowled'ge and the development of the intellect.
The word also fits as this kind of science is developed mainly
by teachers. • _

Nearly all great advance in academic science is, and has
lieen, made by profes.sors in universities and colleges and
their assistants— or in short by teachers. It might be sup-
posed that a body undertaking the education of young men
would choose the man best able to explain matters to
students. This is not the practice, however. A university
gets the most eminent scientific man available, or chooses a
young man who promises to become eminent. He is given

• Ab.stract of a lecture delivered at King's College (Univer-
sity of London) on November 8th, and forming one of a
series which will be published by the College in due course.

every assistance to make himself as famous as possible as a
scientific discoverer; and apparently scientific distinction is
his sole aim, the education of the students being of no
account. This curious arrangement seems to work splendidly.
It secures men of gi-eat ability, and they do good work,
v.hich would hardly be done otherwi-se at all; and instead of
the students being neglected, they get fired with their leader's
enthusiasm, and become assistants and co-workers, and even-
tually cariT on the great work themselves. -

We have thus academic science; we also have utilised
science or technology. The technologist, as such, is not inter-
ested in the fabric of organised Nature knowledge, or
academic science. He takes bits of the knowledge and uses
them in manufacture. Sometimes the technologist is first,
and his work is fitted into its place in academic science after-
wards. Academic science generally develops it, so that the
technologist is helped further forward. The technologist
generally studies the branches of science wliich concern him
till he knows more about them than those who have the
more balanced knowledge of academic science. But this is
not all : he has to look at raatt-ers from a different standpoint.
He has always to consider prices and costs. He has to mnki'
his works pay.

Academic science thus does not cover technology. Tlu'
knowledge is not there in the right form, and it is not in the
right proportion, and it is entirely independent of all ques-
tions of cost, which are fundamental in technology. Here
we have the great difficulty. The science teacher and the
general pubhc confuse academic science and technology, and
think that the science taught at school or at the university is
what is wanted in industry. This is a serious mistake.

The idea that academic science includes technology does
barm in several ways. It prevents the science teacher under-
standing technology or realising what the manufacturer
wants. It leads to his looking dow-n on manufacturers as
ignorant people, because they have not his particular kind
of knowledge.

The question is, what ought universities to do? The
obvious answer is that they should drop academic science and
cultivate only techeology. When a course seems quite obvious,
and is not at once followed by competent people, it is
generally wrong. If we dropped academic science we would
drop technology, too, and lose all. Academic science depends
afmost entirely on universities, and great technological ad-
vance is possible only in conjunction with academic progress.

The spirit of academic science does not necessarily render
a man less useful as a technologist. Quite the reverse. As
long as it does not lead him to look down on technology, or
to think, he knows all about it without any spec^ study, it
helps hun.

Whether it is possible to teach technology 'satisfactorily in
college courses is an open question. A professor of academic
science can be in the van of his subject, as he is himself
taking part in it. A professor of any branch of technology
must be behind his subject, as he has to learn from what is
going on in works, which in many cases are not open to him
at all. ..."

I hold that the training at the university should be on
thoroughly academic lines, because those are the lines on
which the teachers are able to go far and well ; and the
whole of a student's available time is not too long to be
devoted to a good groundwork of systematic coherent know-
ledge on which he can raise any desired suj^erstructure of
technology. The point I would insist on again is that he
must not confuse the foundation with the superstructure.
Many think that professors and schoolmasters are experts in
education. You might as well say that a shunting engine is
■ an expert in locomotion. It goes back and forwards along
the lines for which it is designed. Those who take interest
in the community want to get the locomotives off the old
• lines on to tracks suitable for the times, and such changes
can be made by outside influence only against the bitterest
conservatism.

Universities do now train men to earn their living by prac-
tice in law, and more especially in medicine and surgery.
Nothing analogous is available in industry. Imitations of
engineering and chemical workshops ha?e always the draw-
back that they are only imitations. The elements of time and
price do not come in, and they are vital.

Technical schools, unlike universities, have the definite
object of training students to make their livings in industry ;
and they make their course as practical and as little academic
as possible. A technical school is sometimes connected with
a university : and we cannot in any case 'consider university
training for industry without taking technical colleges into
account. It must be admitted that if the best type of science
training, even for industrial use, is the academic, the tech-
nical colleges are on wrong lines, and as technical colleges are
doing splendid work, the idea put forward appears to be
wrong. But it is not urged that the academic training is thtt
best in every way ; but that, on the whole, it is best be-
cause, first, the professors are able to effect it best; second,
because a student has so little time to spare that it can best
be laid out in acquiring a good, sound foundation; thirdly, a.
well trained mind with the academic can easily acquire the
technical outlook, too; and, fourth, because academic .science
trains the mind to reason rather than to memorise, and deals
with the facts of nature instead of the ideas or doings of other
men just as foohsh and illogical as ourselves. More than this,
if the universities conVe'rted themselves into technical col-

r,A-2

THE ELECTRICAL llEVIEW. [Voi. 79. No. i.oiu, novk.mbkk 17, i.-n

legfs. acadeuiic science and with it tecbnology would get
moribund. \\'liether toohnical colleges are on the best lines
is another Question.

Kecently we have heard a preat deal about universities
helping in scientific research. JResearch in academic science
has little to do with national industry. All such research is
published, and technologists all over the world utilise the
results wherever the research is carried on. Research in
academic scienco has no direct effect on national industry ;
hut it has a great influence in i-ousing .scientific enthusiasm,
which is most jmportant. But the outcry for scientitic re-
search for the benefit of industry is made chiefly by people
W'ho have no clear idea of the ditVercuce between academic
and technical research, or of their circumstances. It is largely
due to science teachers backed up by newspajier writers.
The idea behind it is that manufacturers are ignorant and
unscientific, and science teachers could put them right if
allowed the chance. For example, we are told repeatedly
that we are wasting coal, first, by burning it in badly-
designed furnaces; secondly, by refusing to extract the valu-
able hydrocarbons and ammonia ; and that it will soon be
used up at present rates, and England will be ruined. The
technologists kTiow infinitely more aliout coal distillation than
the .science masters, and they know what can be done com-
mercially now and what cannot. If the .science masters made
some discoveries that could be utilised, vi'ell and good; but to
tell technologists that they are extravagant and ignorant is
quite useless.

Can industrial research be carried on in teaching labora-
tories'.' During the war excellent work has been done, more
especially in connection with such matters as dyes, di'ugs,
and glass. In these cases we were merely taking substances
that had already been made, and finding out how to make
them. Finding out how to produce an exi.sting dye is little
in cmnparison with inventing the dye. •

The vague idea seems to be that manufacturer.'! have a
number of definite problems they want solved; but they are
too ignorant to solve them. They ought, therefoie, to seek
the advice of the universities, who would jiut them rigHt.
Manufacturers have no such problems. Half or more of the
merit of an invention is realising that an improvement is
wanted in any particular machine or process. One of the
greatest difficulties the inventor has is to discover the " long
felt want."

Take the question of recovery of hydrocarbons and am-
monia from coal ; students may carbonise coal in Ijits of gas
barrel, distil tar, and fractionate the distillates and investi-
gate them ; but everything will be on a small scale except
the mess. It is not the least likely undergraduates would
find out anything in this way, and teach it to manufacturers;
and they would be merely wasting time, and learning practi-
cally nothing.

But even if a research on tar distillation, for example, could
be carried out satisfactorily in an educational laboratory, it
could not be carried out in connection with an industrial
distiller, because he would not work in with the laboratoiy
unless he was to have a monopoly of the result. If the work
is for publication, the tar distiller is not in the least inter-
ested, as it concerns his rivals here and abroad as well; .so he
will give neither intomiation nor help. Results which are
to be the common proix>rty of all. Biitish or foieign. do not
appeal to the individual manufacturer.

There is also a confusion between research and invention.
It is not the least use turning a rnan or a group, and, least
of all, a committee, on to invent. Industrial progress depends
on invention, and we are the mo.st inventive people in the
world; not because we are the cleverest, but because we are
the most individualistic, and the least benumbed by educa-
tion. Inventions may be divided into two classes — improve-
ments in machines or processes which can be made only
by those in . close touch with them inside the woiks ; and
broad inventions, which are generally made by complete out- '
.siders whose minds are not in conventional grooves. In
neither case can the imiversity help.

Nothing is said about the shortcomings of the manufae
turer, because I am not addressing him. He will not employ
scientifically trained men, and he will not think very much
of science generally until he finds that the technically-trained
men come to the front. English manufacturers are. I main-
tain, the most competent of all. Eventually they may be
lietter and they may employ science more ; but to get them t<i
do so .science mu.st adapt itself to industrial application.

Industry does not by any means depend alone on the
types of .science we have discus.sed. As a whole, it may be
helped by the members of the community knowing something
of economics, and acting on their knowledge: and it can be
obstructed very effectively bv the well-intentioned interfer- '
ence of those who know nothing of economics.

Economics is a curious science. Though it is broadly about
wealth, it does not help the individual to become wealthy.
To an engineer the skilful application of the knowledge of
the various physical sciences means success in manufacture,
which is good for him, and, being good for him, is good for
the country. But a study of economics will not help him
directly in his busine.s.s at all ; it is useful to him only as
helping to make him a sensible citizen. He becomes a "unit
of sound opinion on labour problems, and on the action of
Government in connection with indn.stry. Unless, therefore.
a man has the peculiar bent of mind which makes .such a
Bubject interesting in itself, he has no motive to lead him to

reail economics, until he recognises it as a duty he owes to
society.

Economics is peculiar in another way. But a uian who is
sublimely ignorant of economics is quite unconscious of his
blind spot, lie will lay down the law on such subjects as
the relations of Capital and Labour, the birth rate, old age
pensions, and, especially, international and colonial trade,
with a cock-certainty, and a wealth of catch-words and cir-
cumambient balderdash that is almost good enough for a
leading article in a daily paper. More than that, he will
insist on acting according to his darks, and he is one of the
units that determine the acts of the nation.

That economics is not taught efficiently is abundantly clear
not only by the nonsense talked by what we call educated
men on questions involving it, but more esix-cially by the
fact that people do not seem to realise that there is any
such science. . .\8 to politicians, they do not limit their ignor-
ance of .science to economics; they make hay of all sciences
and all facts with impartial irresixmsibility.

Not only the indu.stry of the country, but the happiness
of our people may deix-nd on economics. At juesent we have
practically the whole of the hand-working das.scs dissatisfied,
and, therefore, unhappy. The sixial problem is the most
important in the world at present. Its solution must depend
on economics. Is it not worth while to study economics with
such a purpo.se. instead of trying all sorts of schemes which
are economically i>ernic)ous? It may be true that economics
has not so far provided any cut-and-dried way out; but until
people realise that the science which ought to shed light on
this path exists, and that it ought to be studied and deve
loped, drawing the best intellects to it, there is no hope for
any end. or even alleviation, of the miseries of civilisation. I
would urge that the first .step is for the universities to teach
economics, in which I include closely related branches of
.sociology, with the vigour and insight the subject deserves.

There is a impular delusion that business has to do with
economics, and that business men under.stand economical
matters in a pecnliarly practical way. In fact, the business
man is the most dangerous of all, because he knows no more
of the subject than other people ; and he is not only uncon-
.scious of his ignorance, but he is. if pos.sible, more certain
he knows all about the matter. The opinion of, .such a body
as a chamber of commerce on after-war trade conditions is
most dangerous. It wiU be accepted as authoritative, it will
be stated without any alleged reasons, and it will almost
certainly be wrong.

Such a calamity as the war is not broadly somebody else's
fault. It is the fault of all of us. but especially the fault of
education, of which universities are at the head, in not
educating us in such a way that such a catastrophe is out of
the question.

Broadly, the great change wanted is in public opinion.
I'ntil peopl9 consider knowledge of the woild we live in and
the economical, sociological conditions of our life, as coming
first, and the study of the sayings, doings, aijid languages of
other men. especially of those that lived when the knowledge
of everything except human nature was in its babyhood, as
quite secondary, we will no doubt go on with all the miseries
of poverty, disease, discontent, and war.

WAR ITEMS.

Exports to Liberia. — The " London CrAzeHe. " for Nov-
ember 10th contains a list of corrections in the names of
persons and bodies of persons in Taberia to whom exports
may be consigned.

Japan and Hnemy Trade. — A Tientsin dispatch in the
Weglmiiixlrr (Itruitr. .states that the forthcoming .lapanese
enemy trading legislation is very dra.stic, and provides penal-
ties for indirect trading with the enemy similar t<> those
imposed by the French system. Pi'onnilgation of the new
laws is expected shortly.

Foreign Trading Prohibitions. — The " London Gazette "
of November fOtli contains further lists of per.sons and bodies
of persons with whom trading is prohibited, under the Tiading
with the Enemy .^ct, in the following countries : — .A.rgentina.
and I'ruguay. Bolivia, Brazil, "Chile. Colombia. Denmark.
Ecuador, Greece, Ja|ian, lyiberia, Morocco, Netherlands.
Netherlands East Indies. Norway. Persia, Peru. Portuguese
East Africa. Spain, Sweden, Venezuela. .\ number of re-
movals from, and variations in, previous lists are al.so given.

To be Wound Up>-The Board of Trade has ordered the
following companies to be wound up under the Trading with
the Enemy Amendment Act : —

Piadium. Ltd., 93, Mortimer Street, London, W,, dealers
in radium preparations. Controller : C. R. Beebv, C6, Ba.sing-
hall Street. E.G.

Comer & Co., Ltd., 83, St. Paul's Churchyard, B.C.,
transfer manufacturers and dealers, and luminous and glass
sign makerfi. Controller : P. I.«ask, St. Mildred Court,
Bank, E.C.

Milnes Daimler Mercedfes, Ltd., 135, Long Acre. London*
W.C, motor-car company. Controller: F. G. van de Linde,
4, Fencburch Avenue, E.C.

1

xo.2,oH4.xovKMBEKi7. i;Mr,] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

543

Leaving Certificates Refused. — At the Newcastle Muni-
tions Tribunal, a tester's assistant in electrical apparatus
\vorks applied for a leaving certificate on the ground that
her present occupation was detrimental to her health, and
that she had a better position to go to. She did not put in
a medical certificate, and the application was accordingly
refused.— At the same sitting an appUcation for a leaving
certificate by an assistant driver with an electric supply com-
pany was also refused.

Hard Labour for Restricting; Output.— Accofdinjj to the
.\loniin(i Post, George Morns, local Secretary of the Workers'
I'nioii, was prosecuted at Coventiy by the Ministry of Muni-
tions for an alleged attempt to restrict the production of war
material. The work of three men was affected. The Justices
convicted, saying that the machines were idle because of the
defendant's action. They felt the penalty mu.st be substan-
tial, and sentenced Morris, to three , months' hard labour.
Notice of appeal was ^iven.

Lord Balfour's Committee. — According to a statement
imbli.'^hed in the Duilii Chronicle, Lord Balfour of Burleigh's
Committee has had before it an interim report which will
" probably be found to favour the prohibition of all imports
from enemy countries for a period after the war." It is added
that some members favoured a one-year period, and others a
shorter term.

The Times, commenting on the same matter on Tuesday,
said that there was some disappointment- with the slow pro-
gress which had hitherto been made by Lord Balfour's Com-
mittee. "It is understood that the Committee- will meet
more frequently in future. The first and most urgent
need is an Imperial trade policy, and the demand for the
as.sembling of an Imperial Conference becomes steadily more
insistent."

The Union Cable Co., Ltd. — In the House of Commons,
ou November 9th, Mr. Geo'-ge Terrell asked the President of
the Board of Trade whether approximately 96 per cent, of
the share capital of the I'nion Cable Co., Ltd., was owned by
the Deutsche-Kabelwerke Co. of Berlin, and whether this
company was still continuing to carry on its private trade in
competition uith British firms under the direction of its pre-
war manager. According to the Financial Times, Mr. Prety-
iiian replied that the share capital of the Union Cable. Co.
was held as stated, but the Public Trustee had now nego-
tiated a sale of the shares to British subjects. The tenders
inadc In the company to the Corporation of Coventry were
investigated by the supervisor of the business last March, aud«
he reported to the effect that, the tenders were at a price
which showed a fair trading profit. Tlie cornpany was sub-
ject to the same provisions with regard to income-tax and
'excess profits tax as any other company carrying on business
in this country.

Exemption Applications. — At the Southampton Tribunal,
the cases of between .30 and 40 tramway employes of the
Corporation were considered. Aid. F. A. Dunsford, the
Chainuan of the Tramways Committee, told the Court that
out of 350 men originally employed by the Tramway Com-
mittee, 1.50 had joined the Colours. The men were dealt
with in groups, according to their occupations. On behalf
of the chief clerk at headquarters, it was urged by Mr. Eob-
son. the tramways manager, that his w'ork w^as of the most
intricate character, and it had taken hiru 15 years to acquire
his knowledge of tramway methods. Three months' final
was given. Pleading the cause of 19 motormen of military
age. all married. Aid. Dunsford explained, accordmg to the
local Press, that they were all men of tried experience and
many years' service. Young and less experienced men in
the darkened streets at the present time were a danger to
the public and themselves, and he appealed most strongly
for exemption, if they were to keep the service going, and
take the munition workers to their work. If these, men y,i-\e
taken, the service would have to be curtailed. — Eleven of the,
men. all over ;i3, were granted conditional exemption while
in their present occupation, six were given three months'
extension, with leave to apply again, and the leraaining two
were given till .January 1st. final.

At the Barnes Tribunal, the renewed application by F. H.
Filord. electrical engineer, was considered at some length, it
being the view of some of the members of the Tribunal that
if applicant was called up there would be no one in East
Sheen available to do electrical work in lases of emergency.
Exemption for two months.

At Nuneaton, on November 7th, Mr. P. H. Howe ('28),
electrical engineer, asked for exemption beyond November
1st, and stated tlrSt he had a number of motors to attend to.
He was allowed until February 1st.

At Maidstone, Mr. Oswald .Jones, electrical engineer, asked
the Tribunal to reconsider their decision witii respect to two
men recently appealed for, but the request was refused.

At Canterbury, on November 6th. Mr. 0. A. Blascheck,
chief engineer at the city electricity works, appealed for Mr.
Tapsfield, shiit engineer, and stated that, including himself,
the staff now numbered 17. Before the war they had five
shift engineers; now there were only three, and he had no
Btand-t)V men at all. Mr. Arrowsmith (Military Eepresenta-
tive) : I do not think we can reduce the staff of the electricity
works any more. The point is whether, instead of granting
a conditional, it would not be wi.ser to grant a temporary
certificate. The Mayor : That is what we have done. Three
months were allowed, Mr. BlaschpcV beins; a-^ked to do his

best to get a substitute— The Military apphed for the with-
drawal of a conditional certificate granted to G. B. Pearson,
late of the electricity works staff, and who has taken a similar
position at Marylebone. London. Mr. Pearson wrote stating
that he had tried to get a commission in the Royal Engineers,
and into the Air Service. Mr. Arrowsmith stated that exemp-
tion was granted because at Canterbury they were short of
men. but they did not know anything of the circumstances
prevailing in London. He asked for the cancellation of the
certificate, and let the matter be dealt with in Loudon. The
conditional exemption was withdrawn.

At Lewisham, an electrical engineer (35). passed in Class
CI, apphed for exemption, and said that there was a great
demand for .skilled electrical engineers. The Military Repre-
sentative said that they could do with applicant for electrical
engineering work in the Anny. The appeal was refused, and
applicant s;iid that he should api^eal.

At WoLstanton (Stalls.), the Bra dwell Joint Isolation Hos-
pital Committee applied for the retention of their electrical
engineer, and three months were conceded.

At Oxford. Mr. J. H. Grant appealed for E. G. Syratt (36),
electrician, engaged ou work at Cowley Barracks. The Mili-
tary Representative said that the work at the Barracks could
be allowed to slide. The Tribunal refused exemption on
condition that the man was employed by the Anny as a fitter.
Mr. Grant said he should appeal.

The North Metropolitan Electrical Power Supply Co., Ltd.,
appealed at St. Albans for further exemption for A. Brown
(25), senior clerk and cashier, passed in Class B 1, but the
appeal failed.

An engineer in charge of an electrical pumpmg plant was
applied for by Mr. \. U. Kemsley, of Shoeburyness, and he
was allowed until December 14th.

Before the Newcastle-under-Lyme Tribunal, on November
3rd. a fitter and an engine driver were appealed for by the
Corporation electricity department. The MOitary Eepresen-
tstive suggested that the electricity and gas works might
verv well be merged into one, instead of being worked sepa-
ratelv. The Mayor said that they were working the elec-
tricity works with the minimum of labour, and the engmeer
stated that the demand for current w as double what it was
before the war. He could not keep the works going with a.
less staff. Col. Heath suggested women labour. The Mayor :
Is it possible for you to substitute a woman for one of these
men'? The Engineer said that he would try and substitute
the encine driver by a woman. Each was given exemption
until the end of the year. , „ ,

At Stony Stratford, a Swiss firm, contractors for the elec-
trification "of railwav trains, applied for an employe at New-
liort Pagnell. The Military Representative urged that the
new electric trains were not a necessity, and that the war
was of more imiK>rtance than a foreign company's work. The
firm's manager said that thev were winding up for the tmie
being until after the war. Asked if they imported all then-
material, he replied, "One-third of the .stuff we use comes
from Switzerland. All the raw material is bought on the
English market." A member: It's a mystery to me how
the thins is ever allowed to go on— stuff like that commg m
from Switzerland ! The appeal was dismissed, with a month's

" Before the Farnham Rural Tribunal, the Electric Lirfifc
Co. appealed for three members of the staff— an improver yM),
■ a junior shift engineer (21), and a night cleaner and switch-
board attendant (24). The Chairman intimated that the
companv could not be permitted to retain men of such age.
and the appeals were respited for a month for them to be
replaced. , • , ,, j

An electrician at Cuckfield (Sussex), who is nearly 41, and
has just received his calUng-up notice, has been given 14
davs' exemption only.

.4t East Ham. three mouths' exemption has been allowed
to A. Oughton (411. a pii'ture palace electrician.

At Folkestone. W. R. Variey (39), electrician at the Play-
house, passed for labour abroad, has been conditionally
exempted. .

Two motormen with the Mexborough nnd.Swinton Tram-
wav Co. were appealed for at Rawmarsh. One was given
nine weeks, then to be medicallv re-examined, and the other
was directed to go before the Medical Board forthwith.

At Sheffield, the India-Rubber Co. appealed on business
grounds for the retention of H. S. Harrison (37), electrical
assistant, and he was given until tbe end of January.

Colchester Corporation Electricity Committee appealed, on
November 6th. for a stoker, on the staff for a year, but fully
competent- Exemption was allowed until the end of the year,
with the hope that the stoker will be replaced by that time-
. Mr. T. Anderson- (21). partner in a firm of electrical enm-
neers and armature winders, appealed at East Ham for condi-
tional exemption. ./Appellant's brother, who is the senior
partner, said that he himself had been rejected on rnedic.i!
arounds. The firm had a. number of large contracts, includ-
ing one for the 'War Offi'-p. Exemption was refused.

Xt Walthamstnw. the Fuller EV'-trical ^- MannfacturiPT
Co.. Ltd-, appealed for P. Smith (?9). electrical enmneer; S
F.ekett '29). electric motor winder; and C. H. Gould
(27) and A. Gardner (29). fitters. The fi-m. it was
stated, were euMged on important work- The Chairnian said
they reco'mi.^ed the importance of the undertaking, but
thought that the finii should get ineligible men to do th'-
work The firm's repi'e=ont.Ttive said that the number of

bU

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW, [voi. t-j. no. -^Mi. novkmhkr 17. ilk;.

skilled men was limited. If one man wns taken it would
stop tbe whole department. Capt. Eve said that if the autho-
rities thnucht men should be exempted they would be badped.
The firm's representative replied that no badfies were being
issued at the present time. The Tribunal reserved its decision.

At Redruth, the Electric Power Co. appealed for nine mem-
bers of the staff, eight beinj; tramwaymon. Mr. Hards, for
the company, stated that they had lost aliout 70 men. They
had before the war 2'2o men ; now they had about 180. Two
of the appeals were refused; the others were each exempted
for three months.

Whitstable Tribunal, on November tth. conceded condi-
tional exemption to Mr. E. C. Spray MO), electrical engineer.

The West Kent Appeal Court, on November Tth, allowed
a Military appeal apainst exemption granted to F. W. Bobins,
electric wireman, of Bexley, and granted one month's post-
ponement.

.^t Southowran (Halifax), the ca.se of H. V. Richardson,
electrical engineer, in the employ of Messrs. Barraclough
Bros., electrical and mechanical engineers, Brighouse, was
brought up for review at the request of the Military Repre-
sentative. Besides being badged, Ttichard.son also held an
exemption certificate. It was resolved that the certificate be
cancelled, and that he rely upon the badge.

Dorset Tribunal has given conditional exemption, on his
obtaining work of national ininortance. to G. W. Loveless
(34). electrician at the Winton Picture Theatre, Poole.

Hereford City Tribunal has given exemption until .January
_lst, with no leave to further appeal, to Mr. E. E. Walker,
electrical contractor.

.\t Barrow Military .\ppeal Tribunal, a Special- Military
Pepresentative objected to a number of exemption certifi-
cates which had been granted to men under 30 years of age.
Included in the objections were H. Hotchkiss (22) and W.
Edmunds (20). in the emplov of the BaiTow Corporation
electricitv denartment. Mr. H. R. Burnett, the borough
electrical engineer, contended that both men were essential.
He also referred to one of his employes who had been sent
back from the Army to work in munition works, where he
was not doing as useful work as when he was at Barrow.
The Tribunal decided to withdraw the exemption certificates
as from January let.

\t the Scarborouch Tribunal, the Military Representative
asked that the certificate of conditional exemption granted to
a tramwav foreman, aged 26. should be W'itbdrawn on the
ground that another man in the employ of the company
could do the work, and also act as inspector. Temporary
exemption was granted until January 1st. but the Tribunal
thought the company should try to get another man.

LEGAL

Crypto Electrical Co. r. C. & S. CiooDJiAN.
Os November 9th, before his Honoiu- Sir W. Lucius Selfe, in the
JIarylebone County Court, the plaintiffs, of Willesden, sued Messrs,
C. & S. Goodman, of the Gem Theatre, Gillingham (Kent), for £30,
being the amount of the unpaid due instalments of the price of a
hired electric motor.

3lR. E. 0. B. Laxe. counsel for the plaintiff company, said that
in December last the plaintiffs supplied to the defendants an
electrical machine on a hire-purchase agreement, the price (£ 7.5) to
be paid in weekly instalments of 2,is. Plaintiffs had previously
fitted the Gem Theatre with a three-phase motor of 100 volts,
■50 amperes, and the new motor was to be of the same type and
power as the former. On December 2ith the motor was sent
to Gillingham and fixed. A number of small complaints followed
as to its efficiency, and these were remedied ; it then ran satis-
factorily. So far as he (counsel) was aware the machine was, in
every respect, quite sxiitable and as efficient as that already in the
defendants' kinema. which had been made and supplied by the
plaintiffs. Application had been made for payment of the instal-
ments, but there was no response, and he (counsel) was not aware
of ,iny cotmterclaim being made.

A Witness for the plaintiff said that there was no mention of
■ horse-power in the agreement. They made a general arrangement
that the new machine waa to be similar to the previous one. When
it had been fixed, a suggestion was made that some one should be
sent down from the works to adjust it, as " it was not running
.satisfactorily." Hobbs, the electrician, was sent, and on his return
he reported it '' all right."

Mr. S. Goodjiax. for the defence, said that the new machine was
of (lA H.P.. and when it was in use it increased the weekly current
bill by l.i s. He was quite prepared to pay the instalments so soon
as the plaintiffs adjusted the machine eo that it used no more
cun'eut than the old one. He held that using more current was
not ■■ running satisfactorily."

His HoxoL'B : It could, not be satisfactory if it wa,s using 15s. a
ueek more current. Can it be adjusted yet .'

Mb. Eichardsox : Certainly it can.

His Ho.socR ; And have the same consumption as the first
machine .'

Mp,. Ricuahdsox ; Exactly. We are quite willing to take the
machine back to our works and adjust it.

His Honour : Well, do so. Meantime, there will be judgment
for the plaintiffs for £15. and costs.

British Tuomso.n -Houston Co.. Ltd., r. A. \m> A. Electrual
Co., Ltd.— Infringement of ELECfRic Lamp P.\tent.

The plaintiffs claimed before Mr. Justice Sargant, in the
Chancery Division, on November !lth, an injunction to restrain
defendants from infringing their patent for improvements in incan-
descent lamps. Plaintiffs complained of the sale by the defendants
of six half-watt lamps. Mr. A. J. Walter. K.C, with Mr. Colefax,
K.C.andothercounsel. appeared for the plaintiffs, and the defendants
did not appear. The case for the plaintiffs was that their invention
gave an efficiency of '5 watt per c.P., wherea-s if any previous
lamp was run at that efficiency it would be destroyed in,a short
time ; that the filament could be raised to a much higher tempera-
ture than was practicable in'a vacuum lamp without vaporisation or
deterioration or excessive shortening ^ of useful life ; that by
adopting their invention, lamps could be manufactured to be run
at a greater efficiency than anything done before ; and that it had
resulted in a reduction of the consumption of electricity by mori!
than 'M ])er cent.

His Lordship granted the injunction, with costs, and made an
order for the delivery up of any infringing lamji.

PE,MiiiioKE Urban District Council
Engine Co., Ltd,

rilE UlESEI,

According to the Freeman's Jotimnl, an application was made
before Mr, Justice Kenny, last week, to have a consent made a rule
of Court. The Urban Council brought the action against the
defendant company for damages for breach of a contract for the
supply of a 180-KW. Diesel genej-ator set and fittings at a cost
of £2,977. In the course of the trial working of the engine, it
proved defective.

Mr. James Lardner. M.P.. for the Pembroke Urban Council,
moved to make a consent settling the action a rule of Coiu-t. The
settlement provided that judgment should lie entered for the
Council for the sum of £1.901 6s.. with costs of the action, including
costs of discovery ; and that on the counterclaim judgment was to
be for the Council also, with costs, the amount lodged by the
plaintiffs with their defence to be paid out to them,

Mr, Justice Kenny received the Consent, and made it a rule of
Court,

BUSINESS NOTES.

Australia, — ^Tbe Board of Truile Jvinnal iiieutioiis the
following inquiries :— A Perth firm desires to obtain agencies hi
Western Australia for three-phase motors,, incandescent electric
lamps, and electrical material generally, .Another Perth firm
wishes to represent British makers of A,c, and D,c. generators,
motors and accessories. A third Perth firm desires to represent a
British maker of high-class metallic filament lamps.

The Commercial Intelligence Department.— It is

announced that an Inter-departmental Committee, presided over
by Mr. Harcourt, has now arranged the respective spheres of work
and co-operation, in dealing with commercial inquiries, of the new
Commercial Intelligence Department of the Board of Trade and
the Imperial Institute, which in recent years has become a
central department for information and investigation respecting
the sources and uses of the raw materials of the Empire. In
future, the Technical Information Bureau of the Imperial Institute
will answer all commercial inquiries respecting the sources of
supply, technical uses, and value of raw materials within the
Empire, and will be responsible for supplying all information
required in order to bring the producer overseas in touch with the
manufacturer at home. Inquiries as to immediate supplies may be
addressed either to the Board or to the Institute, as may be most
convenient, but the Commercial Intelligence Department of the
Board of Trade will, as a rule, be prepared to deal with inquiries
for immediate supplies of well-knowu raw materials which can be
obtained at once through ordinary trade channels. In answering
those inquiries in which special statistical or trade information is
required in addition to technical information, the Board and the
Institute have arranged to co-operate. Investigations of the
possible industrial uses of raw materials wiU, as heretofore, be
dealt with by the Imperial Institute, The arrangement proposed
by the Com'mittee has now been accepted by the Secretary of State
for the Colonies, the President of the Board of Trade, and by the
Executive Council of the Imperial Institute.

For Sale.^The Leeds Corporatioii Electricity Deinnt-
raent is offering sui-plns lengths of unused cable for sale. Particu-
lars appear in our advertisement pages to-day.

Trade Within the Empire.— Tlie Council ot the Sydney '

Chamber of Commerce has affirmed the principle that all Govern-
ment departments, municipalities, and other public bodies spending
public money should purchase Empire-made goods, and place all
contracts with British firms where ■possible.— Tenders.

A WorliS Canteen at Leigh.— In the presence o! the

directors and about 1,000 of the workpeople, a canteen was opened
on Tuesday, November 7th, at the Anchor Cable Works. Leigh, by
Mrs, James Callender, wife of one of the directors.

Vol. 7;t. N,.. L^w;^^.^u^K.^^BEKl7, i-iit,] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

54.^

Catalogues and Lists.— JIbssrs. SiEjrEss Bros. & Co.,

Ltd.. Woolwich. — SuiJl'lement Xo. 9 ooutains a very fullv illus-
trated description of the " Skiafixi" au apparatus designed for
fixing: and holding patients durinjr radioscopy.

Messrs.- t>iuPLiiX Conduits, Ltd.. Garrison Lane, Birmingham. —
Leaflet Xo. 644, giving illustrated description and prices of their
L'niversal girder clamp. ' -

Messrs. Wji. Wadsworth.^ Sons. Ltd.. Bolton. — Twenty-four-
page attractively illustrated pamphlet showing representative
examples of their electric passenger and goods lifts, transporters.
jib cranes, ice.

The Sceando Lamp Co.. Ltd... 7, Blackfriars Street, Salford.
Manchester. -Folder giving prices of their ' Sceando" drawn-wire
metal lamps. "Axial" lamps, and standard type lamps.

Book Notices. — The Air Supply to Boiler Rooms. By
H. \V, Allen. M.Inst.C.E. From the Author. Queen's Engineering
Works. Bedford. — While this work relates specifically to the boiler
rooms of modern ships of war. it contains much matter of interest to
engineers engaged in other branches of construction. The author
deals with the whole of the subject, from the top of the air trunk
to the stokehold, and as he has made a special study of the matter.

' the data which he gives will prove very useful, especially in view
of the scarcity of reliable information on problems of ventilation.
The book comprises 14 short chapters, giving particulars of the
pressure required to set air in motion at given speeds, the air
speeds recommended in the trunks, the effect of sudden changes in
the area of the air passages, the design of the eye of the fan. inlet
rings, and casings, the usew of deflectors to prevent interference
between adjoining fans, the amount of air required for the com-
bustion of oil fuel, and progress in the design of fans, besides many
details relating only to naval practice. Eemarkable improvements
in efficiency, output, and economy are demonstrated as the results
of the application of scientific principles to the subject.

"Scientific Papers of the Bureau of Standards." No. 29ii. "A
Variable Self and Mutual Jnductor." No. 292. " International

■ System of Electric and Magnetic Units." Washington : Depart-
ment of Commerce.

"General Cargo: au lulroduotion to Salesmanship," By R. E.
Go<ldard. London : Constable & Co, Price 4s, Bd. net.

Italy. — The liiseration of the Italian electrical imlusti'v

from the pre-war dominance of German enterprise has taken an
important stride forward by the constitution of the .Societa
Xazionale per Imprese Elettriche — an Italian company formed
with lO.OOO.tiOO lire capital for the purpose of buying out German
participation in Italian undertakings, and notably that of the
.Siemens-Schuckert group. -\s an actual fact, the purchase will
not be made directly, Siem3ns-Schuckert, foreseeing the inevitable,
having already disposed of their interests to a Swiss consortium.
The interest of the German group in the various Italian electrical
concerns amounted to some 2O,000,u00 lire.

Trade Announcements.— Mr. S. T. Jolley has retired

from the Diamond Accumulator Co.. accumulator manufacturers,
of Bournemouth Park Road. Southend-on-Sea; and the business
will be continued by Messrs, E. \ L. Tickett.

.Messrs. T. Reynolds & Co,, Ltd., electrical engineers, of
I iventry. have repioved their showroom premises to over their
.-tablishment at 19. High Street.

I n connection with the arrangements which British firms are
nuikiug for extension of business to cope with orders that are
likely to mature when the war is over; we have received from

, Messrs. Creed i Co. particulars of arrangements that have been
completed for a general expansion of their business. They have
purchased the patents in wireless telegraphy, plant, ice, of the
Indo-European Telegraph Co. and the Galletti Wireless Telegraph
and Telephone Co. The Indo-Europeau and Telegraph Co. have
subscribad for a considerable number of shares in Creed & Co.. and
two of their directors — Sir ^\■illiam R. Broyke. K.C.I.E.. formerly
Director-General of Telegraphs of India, and Mr. T. W. Stratford-
.\ndrews, the managing director of the Indo Co.. have been elected
to the board. Mr. Stratford- Andrews has taken over the managing
directorship of Messrs. Creed & Co. Mr. Creed, who is known to
all telegraph men, remains chairman of the company, and will
advise the board on technical matters. Mr. Donald Murray, whose
systems of printing telegraphy are well known, has sold his
patents and business to Messrs. Creed i: Co.. and has
joined the board. The company has also secured the services of
Mr. H. H, Harrison, whose knowledge of telegraph matters is
very extensive. The technical staff of the company has been

, added to. Amongst others. Mr. Rivers-Moore will devote his services
to technical research, and Mr. Morse will look after the wire-
less side of the undertaking. The company ha,s already started a
research department, and there will be showrooms, where
specimens of the various apparatus manufactured by the company
can be viewed under working conditions. We hear that the Indo-
European Co. had already achieved very considerable develop-
ments in the design and construction of wireless sets of com-
paratively low power, and these sets are now undergoing the
important process of standardisation.

On Xovember 18th, the offices of both the Worihixgtos Pcmp
Co.. Ltd.. and James Simpson & Co.. Ltd.. will be temporarily
transferred to Queen's House. Kingsway. This change is due to
the fact that the War Office have requisitioned the present offic'es
of the two companies at India House.

LIGHTING AND POWER NOTES.

Accrington. — A resolutioo was introduced at Acoringtoii
Trade and Labour Council, on November 9th. that a protest bf
made against the financial loss in the electricity undertaking, and
urging the need for an expert to be called iu to ascertain whether
the concei'n could become a profitable one ; and, in the event of
the loss being attributable to the geographical position of the
electricity works, that immediate steps be ta^en to have them
removed to a more suitable site. Eventually, however, the matter
was referred to the Executive Committee for consideration, and it
will be brought before the next meeting for discussion. Mr.
Emmett (Weavers' Secretar.v) said a grievance existed, and so far a-
the weavers were concerned, they were having a lot of trouble.
Two mills in the town were nm by electricity, and the workpeoplf
were being sent home constantly. .Sometimes in one week they
had lost nearly half a week's work. The result was that the weaver*
were demanding compensation at the Weavers' Offices. If :i
local manufacturer were to blame for this state of things, they
would call upon him to remedy it, or the mill would have to
be stopped ; but they could not go to the electricity department
and tell them to stop the concern until everything was made right.
It was decided that the Executive should discuss the situation and
draft a suitable resolution for the next meeting.

Australia. — The Sydney city electrical engineer has

reported, after experimentally using locally-made earthenware
pipes in place of the fibre conduit, suggesting that the shipment of
fibre conduits on order be proceeded with.

The Electricity Committee recommends that a supply of elec-
tricity be given to Messrs. Kilbourn & Willicks. the firm guaranteeing
a minimum payment of £2(50 per annum for five years. With
reference to the supply of electricity to the Australian Electri<-
Steel Co.. .Alexandria, the Committee recommends that the company
be permitted to use electricity for auxiliary machinery during the
hours in which it is not permitted to use electricity in its furnaces,
at the same rate as for the main supply, provided that the maxi-
mum demand in K.v.A. of the auxiliary machinery shall not exceed
10 per cent, of the maximum demand in K.A'.A.of the furnaces, and
subject to the condition that 2 per cent, of the total supply esti-
mated as the energy consumed in ' prohibited hours be charged at
the higher rate of" lAd. per unit. The arrangement to be for a
period of six months.

With regard to the report as to the question of providing addi-
tional plant at the power house, the Committee recommends that
consideration be deferred for six months, but that the specification
for the supply of a 12,U0O-KW. turbo-alternator be approved for use
if the same Ije required.

The Committee recommends that an underground duct system be
constructed to connect to the six additional submarine H.T. cables
to be laid across Darling Harbour, at a cost of £5.811.

The Committee has considered the question of the rate of hire
for electric motors, and strongly recommends that .the increased
rates remain in force.

The Kandos CX.S.W.) Cement Co. has obtained permission from
the Shire Council to install electric lighting in the township.

The Tweed Shire Council (N'.S.W.) has decided to borrow £1,300
for the purposes of an electric light distributing system tor Tweed
Heads, — 'J'en(ie)!<.

Bettws-y-Coed. — The village was in temporary darkness
on Fridiiy evening last, owing to a large eel causing an obstruction
in the water-]X)wer plant ; the water is derived from Elsie Lake,
several himdred feet above the works,-

Bognor. — Price Increase. — The U.D.C. has received

from the Gas Co. an intimation that the charge for electricity will
be increased from (id. to 7d. per unit, with a charge for a minimum
number of 20 units pel' quarter whether consumed or not. Tlu-
r.D.C. has decided to send a protest to the B. of T.

Bo'ness. — Plant E.xtension. — The T.C. has agreed to
borrow, on the security of the burgh general assessment, .£12.000
for the piu-pose of defraying the capital cost of the extension of
the electricity works. The money is to be advanced by the Treasury
at .5 3 per cent. The loan is repayable in 20 years. The contract
price of the extension is £12,300.

Caiiington. — E.L. Scheme. — The U.D.C. has decided to

apply for a L.G.B. inquiry, with reference to the purchase ui
Frogwell Miljs in connection with an electric lighting scheme.

Continental. — Fkance. — In order to conserve for national
purposes an adequate supply of gas and electricity, the Prefect of
the Police of Paris has from W^ednesday, Novemljer l.ith. forbidden
the lighting of shoiis and stores in Paris, and the. Department ol
llie Seine, after (1 p.m. by either gas, electricity, petroleum or
siiirit. Nvith the exception of grocers', bakers', druggists', and hair-
dressers', shops which may be lighted as usual. The shops are not
compelled to close at six, but if they remain open they must find
some other means of illumination,

Norway. — The Commune of Biri, near Lillehammer, has decided
to raise a loan of 250,000. kioner for providing an electric lighting
service.

The Ormsetfos Kraftaktieselskap is the style of a company
formed on October 26th, with a provisional capital of 200,000
kroner, to develop the water power of the Malde River in the
Verrec district. The water-pbVer station is estimated to cost
2,006,000 kroner.

546

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW, fvoi. t;.. n... 2,n:f,,NovKMBKK it. umr.

Tho Kvina Carliid otr Siiu'ltcverk is iiiui-casiiij; its ciipital from
Tilii.cKMi kroner to I.2i"i,00(.i kroner, with a view, it is said, to make
new departures in the electrocheniiciil industry.

The Aktieselskab Norske Elektrodevi-rke is a coui|Miny iJiout
to start the inauul'ncture of trraphite electrode.s. and thus render
Xorwa.v independent of (iernian im|K>rt.s. It is intended to build a
larife t'actor.v capable of turnin.i; out from l.ililO to S.OUli tons. A
waterfall in Westland. yieldintr 10,o(IO-I2,iiihi n.p.,has been secured.
The minimal capital of the uonceru is fixed at l.OSO.OOn kroner,
.secured by the Xorske Credit Bank's jruarantee ; the maximum
capital will he l.."iiiO.0OU kroner. It is cxpoctod to start working'
next year.

Epsom. — I'UICK IncUKASK. — Tlie I'.U.C. Ims lixeil llu'
following: new scale of charges for enor|,'y from December Isl : —
Lifrhtinp Hat rate. 7d. p«'r unit ; power and heatinjr, .Tjd. jjer
, unit.

Halifax. — Axxuai, Kkpoht. -Tlio iwiew of tin; ywii"s

workinirof the Corporation departments shows a record of steady
liro>;-ress in the electrical undertakin>r. The total units sold
(13..583.(i3:i) WJI.S an increase of 2..")ii7.740 on the previous year. The
outstandin^r feature had been the heavy increase in the supply of
power for industry. The private li;rhtin^ supply was much below
the nuiinal. clue lartrely to the Daylijjht Savinj;r Act. and street
litrhtiiiK sujiply had been practically nil.

Huddersfield. — Anxi ai. Kki-ort. — The (le])ait mental

leports for the past year show that the electricity department has
had a Imsy year, particularly in meeting larpe demands for )K)wer.
The coal supply has ^iven y:reat trouble, and necessitates a further
increase in price for enerjry of 12.1 per cent, on pre-war chartres.
after the current half-year. The thi-ee-phase motors oonnectetl
diirin;r the year were equal to 1,0.50 H.r.. bringing: the total of
three-phase to 12,756 H.P.. whilst the sinjrle-phase motors con-
nected diu-iujj the year e<iualled '.i.t h.p., brinnrinpr the total to
2.723 H.P.. a total for both systems of 15,I7!t H.P. The number of
consumers was reported as 6.051).

Ipswich. — Yeak'.'; Workikg. — Tlie aimual repoit of Mr.
.Vyton, chief engineer, on the working of the Corporation elec-
tricity undertaking during the year ended jMarch 31st last, shows
that the units sold advanceil from 2,Wi7,lKX) in UI15 to 3.73i.l5R
la,st year, the great increase being in power units, while public
lighting fell to insignificant projxirtions. The total revenue
amounted to *: 33.9611, while working expenses were .£23.030. and
after meeting interest and sinking-fund charges, also jt 1.022
revenue expenditure on capital account, a deficiency of £2,086 re-
sulted. Although the units sold increased by 26 per cent., the cost
of coal increased by 84 per cent., to partly counterbalance which
the price of energy was raised. The working of the power station
was rendered difficult owing to the lack of coal-handling facilities.
the provision of which was hindered by the L.G.B.. but, owing to
the intervention of other authorities, ha-s since been sanctioned.
Mr. Ayton draws attention to the high ash content of the coal.
20 to 23 per cent., and suggests that as this uses up railway accom-
modation and fuel tor haulage, the Committee dealing with coal
saving might be better employed in looking into the working of
collieries rather than adjuring electricity supply undertakings to
reduce their consumption by methods which will not produce in
practice the result aimed at. Early in the year a turbine broke
down, and has had a new set of blades. The report refers to the
increasing use of electric vehicles, and the charging facilities
])rovided.

Kirkheaton.— E.L. Proposals.— Tlie B. of T. ha-s inti-
mated its inability to entertain aj)plications from the Huddersfield
Corporation and the Electrical Distribution of Yorkshire for an
Order for the supply of electricity within the urban district.

Leeds.— Prospective Kxpenditube.— In reply to an

inquiry from the L.G.B. as fo the execution of works after the war,
the electricity department estimated that there would be an urgent
need for the expenditure of £41^,000 and the tramway depart-
ment of * 150.000.

London. — The L.C.C Finance Committee recommends

the sanction of the Council to the borrowing of .£4,236 by the
I'oplar B.C.. for electricity mains.

The metropolitan .Vsylums Board has agreed to a 10 per cent,
increase in the charge for electricity supplied by the South Metro-
pjlitan Electric Tramways and Lighting Co. to the Queen Mary's
Hosjiital and the Downs Sanatorium.

The L.C.C. has entered into a fresh agreement with the Erith
U.D.C. for the supply of electricity to the Southern Outfall Sewa"-e
Works.

New Zealand. — As a resnlt of a poll of the ratepayers
of the Borough of Pukekohe (Xorth Island), it has been decided to
Iwrrow the sum. of £12.000 for, amongst other purposes, the in-
stallation of electric lighting in the borough.— .fiuffj-rf of Tvnde
Joiirna!.

Newport (Mon.).— Year';. AV'orkixg.— The amiualreport
on the Corporation electricity undertaking for the year ended March
31st last shows that the receipts amounted to £51,275 and the work-
ing expenditure to £30,339, leaving a gross profitof £20,935, which
was rather less than the previous year's figure, £21,607. Allowing
for accrued interest, ic, and deducting interest and sinking-fund
charges, war allowances for two years, and other items, there
remained a deficit of £993, as against a profit of £744 in 1914-15.
The energy sold for all purposes amounted to 5.015,074 units as
compared with 4.789.240 units in I'.tl 1-15. The maximum load was

2.961 Kw. and tlie loail factor 26'3 per cent. : 4 J lb. of coal woiu .
used i)er unit generated. During the year a breiikdown occxirred '
with the 3.O00-KW. turbo-alternator plant ; the Mill Parade sub-
station was loni|Hirarily completed, and the new rotary converter
]>lant put into o)H'ration. \ steady increase has i>ccurre(J in tho
demand for healing and cooking puriioses, which it is expected
will exce<Hl one million units during the current year, at Id.
jier unit plus 20 per cent. Very little benefit was derived from
the large factories which have Ijeen coi\necled up during the period
under review.

Pl,.\.ST E.XTENsiON. — The borough electrical engineer has been -
instructed to prepare a specification and invite tenders for additional
plant at Mill Parade sub-station : also to dispose of a 150-kw. motor,
As a result of a conference between the Chief Constable and the
borough engineers, the street lighting has now been extended.

Southend. — War Honis. — All male eiii))loyes at tiic

electricity works who have been in the service of the Corporation
for 12 months, are to be granted a war Ijonus of is. a week, com-
mencing November 23rd ; employes already receiving a war bonus
arc to hnvc the sum nanieil as an additioi'.

Sheffield. — Nkw (tenerati.m; St.\tiox. — The City

Council has adopted the recommendations of tho Electric Light
f'ommittee to erect a new generating station, and has agreed upon
a site. The present Xeepsend iilant is unable to meet the
demand.

Wadebridge. — I'um.ic ivitJUTiNti. — The Klectnc Supply
Co. having received an application for current from Clapper, has
asked the U.D.C. whether, if the cxteusion is made, the public
lighting will be extended to the locality after the war. The
(Council has replied that at present it Ik not in a |>osition to give a '
definite rei)ly.

Walsall. — Uwintr to the se<-onil turho-alternulor for the
new generating station having been recjuisitioned. it will be neces-
sary to keep the Wolverhampton Street station fully manned and
running nntil a second set is installed at Birchills. The Corpora-
tion will in due course make a claim in respect of the loss sustained
bv reason of the commandeering of the second turbo-alternator.

TRAMWAY and RAILWAY NOTES.

Accrington. — Electric Vehicle. — The Ueneral I'lir-

]tnses Committee has consideretl a pro])osal from the Health Com-
missioners to purchase an electrically-driven wagon, at a cost of
about £1,000, for the collection of the refuse of the borough. It
is claimed that a motor-wagon will effect a saving of 10 per cent,
to 15 per cent, compared with the hire of team labour at the pre-
s 'ut price.

Continental. — Frakce. — A<Tordintr to the Fiinnir'Kd

Tiiiirs. a movement has been started in France for the creation of a
great trans-European railroad to link up the Atlantic coast of France
with Italy and South Russia. The line will commence at Bordeaux,
and pass through Lyons. Turin. Milan. Venice. Trieste. Fiume and
.Vgram to the banks of the Danube, traversing Serbia and Roumania.
and terminating at Odessa. It will he 2.500 km, in length, and will
closely cling "to the southern slope of the great mountain ranges of
Europe. The numerous waterfalls and the character of the countr,y
will admit of the line being electrified throughout its entire
length. The line will link up Switzerland directly with the French
.\tlantic seaboard, and greatly facilitate trade between Italy and
the West of France : for this reason the Italian Government is said
to favour the scheme, and the Swiss are keenly alive to the advan-
tages of the French ^section, as it would enable them to link up
Switzerland and Swiss products directly with Bordeaux. Xante=.
La Pallice, aud other Atlantic seaports.

Halifax. — Year's AVorking. — Re\ie\viiig the year's
work of the various Corporation departments, the Mayor of
Halifax, on re-election, said the income during the year on the
tramways had been £112,937. an increase on the previous year of
£1,115. There had been a satisfactory net surplus, which had
enabled them to give £6.240 to the relief of rates. The car-mileage
had been 2,195,980. and the numberof passengers carried 21,024.003.
the latter an increase over the figure of 20,707,071 last year. The
revenue from the motor-'buses was .£2,430, or 9'252d. per 'bus per
mile. There were now 88 women conductors on the system

Huddersfield,— Traffic Statistics. — The departmental

reports for the past year show that the total receipts on the tram-
ways from November 1st, 1915, to September 30th. 1916, amounted
to £136,612, an increase on the corresponding period of the pre-
vious year of £12,325. The towns tramway track within and
without the borough now covers 56 miles, and further extensions
have been prevented by the war. The car-mileage, including the
running of coal trucks, was 2,611,967, an increase of 25,754, and
the number of passengers carried was 26.328.482, an increase of
2,899.229. The total number of employes of the department now
on military service i^ 160. and there ai'c now 6.i women
conductors.

1

Vol.79. X0.2.03I.N-OVKMBKK17, 1916.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

547

Glasgow. — At the firet meeting of the T.C.. a fiiidinjr ot

the Tramways Committee will -be considered, asking' that all female
employes in the tramway department work under the same terms
and conditions and be paid on the same scale of wajres a.s the male
employes.

Ipswich. — Yeak's AVorking. — The annual report on the

working of the Corporation's tramway shows a total revenue
amounting to £28,287 ; working expenses amounted to i;i9,I79,
war service allowances to .£.187, and, after meeting interest and
loan repayments, there was a profit on the year of .t 2.757. which
compares with a loss of £2.10.5 in the previous year. The passengers
carried numbered H, 798, 589, and the car-miles 1520,115. which com-
pare with 5,610.332 p.issengers and 642.092 car-miles in 1915. The
reserve, or renewals fund, now amounts to £19,970. Mr. Ayton.
the manager, refers at some length to repairs and maintenance :
much of the track requires renewal, and in one section the subsoil
will require drainage. Wheu the time comes for relaying the line
in Norwich Road the question of abandoning the distant section
running into AVhitton should be considered, this having always
involved a dead loss : the same applies also to Burrell Road and
Bath Street. If the war lasts long, Mr. Ayton suggests that rails
in these streets should be taken up for repairing busy routes.

Leeds. — Wages. — The overhead equipment staff of the

city tramways have been granted • increases of wages from a \<l. to
a .}d. per hour, with overtime at the rate of time-and-a-quarter.

London. — Wages. — The Highways Committee of the
L.C.C. ha* received an application from the women employed at
the central car repair depot for an increase of wages of 6s. per week.
The Committee has decided that an increase of id. per hour, or 2s.
]ipr week, should be made to thcise women over 21 years of age ;
this has been declined, with a request that the matter be referred
to the appropriate Conciliation Board. The Committee recom-
mends that the advance of Jd. an hour be approved, the question
of a further advance to be refetTed to the Conciliation Board.
The war bonus of 3s. per week to car examiners and car washers
is to be increased by Is. per week, as from March 1st last.

Newport (Mon.). — Year's Workixg. — Diu'ing the year

ended March 31st last, the Corporation tramways carried 10,017.515
passengers and ran 921.133 car-miles, these figures comparing with
9.410.109 passengers and 964.895 car-miles in the previous year.
The total income amounted to £45.141, and the working expense^
to £30,461, leaving a gross profit of £14,680, as against £ 1 1,748 in
the previous year. After meeting interest and sinking fu id ,
charges. &c., there remained a net protit of £5.409, as conpaod
with £2.417 in 1914-15.

A serious street car accident on the Stow Hill route, due to a
collision, was the subject of a report by the electrical engineer. He
said there was little doubt that the collision wa.s occasioned
through the absent-mindedness of the motor-man. ali^o to the tact
that the slipper-brakes on his car were not down in accordance
with regulations. Although there were no serious casualties except
to the motor-man. whp had both his legs broken, the cost of
repairs will be heavy. Arising out of the coUisioil the electrical
engineer had given consideration to the question of improving the
present arrangemsnt of the track, so as to prevent, if ]X)ssible. a
similar accident, or reduce- the possibility of serious consequences.

Northenden. — A year's extension of time for completing
the tramways in this parish ha.s been applied for by Manchester T-.C.

Stockton. — The T.C. has appointed a Suh-Cominittee to
inquire with regard to the power of the Corporation under the
\arious Acts relating to the Imperial Tramways Co. for tramways
in the borough.

Stretford. — The clerk has been instructed to commuiii-

oate with the Manchester and Salford Corporation tramways
department, with a view to effecting an improvement in the
Trafford Park serviceduring the busy evening hours. During the past
month 112.936 units were sold for traction purposes, as compared
with 100,278 ixnits in the corresponding month of the previous year.

Walsall. — The Tramways Committee has under cor-

sideration a memorial from the Workmen's Union asking tor an
a<lvance of -Ul. an hour. In order to deal more satisfactorily with
the question of missed fares, instructions have been given that
the fares of all passengers who propose to travel on the top deck
shall be paid to the conductor when the passenger Iwards a car.

TELEGRAPH and TELEPHONE NOTES.

Africa. — There is now direct communication across
French and British territory in Africa, with posts on the Atlantic
and Indian Oceans. The French authorities in the region of Lake
Tchad are contemplating the establishment of regular commu-
nication between Egypt, the Eed Sea. Cameroon, and Nigeria. —
The Times.

Cable Telegraphy. — A new invention, devised by Mr.

Thomas B. Dixon, has been in practical oparation on certain of the
Atlantic cables, and is reported to have given remarkable results,
the speed ot operation in the commercial handling of cable
messages having- bwn increased upward.s of 125 por cent., while in

tests far greater speeds have been attained. The gain in speed is
due to the use of selenium cells to amplify the signals received,
and to the use of means for obtaining, from one or more sources of
illumination, a very large number of light beams, concentrated
coiucidently upon selenium cells, and deflected by a line galvan-
ometer across the surfaces of the selenium cells, the effect l)eing
that a very intense illumination of the selenium cells is obtained.
It is found that the practicable speed of operation increases as the
intensity of illumination increases. The selenium cells operate a
siphon recorder or a relay. There being no physical connection
between the recorder or relay and the line galvanometer, the
inertia and frictioniii- losses present in the older magnifying and
recording apparatus are largely eliminated, the more so as in the
new system the amplitude of vibration ot the galvanometer coil is.
in general, much less than in the case of the older apparatus.

It is stated that Mr. Dixon employed 45 separate light teams, all
derived from one 4(tO-c.P. tungsten lamp, and all concentrated on a
thin galvanometer mirror 5 in. long and s in. wide. These light
beams were reflected from the galvanometer mirror, in one case, a
distance of 7 J ft., and were then re-reflected a further distance of
7.i ft, to the selenium cells, the light beams being concentrated
coincidently upon the cells.

With this apparatus, working over one of the trans- Atlantic
cables, the normal rate of operation of which is less than 200
letters per minute, speeds of 450 letters per minute and higher
Avere obtained in the regular commercial handling of business, and
still higher speeds have been obtained on test, with signals fully
readable as to size and character.

.Vn interesting feature of the invention is a new balancing
arrangement, which greatly facilitates the obJ.aining of a balance
on the cable for duplex working, and also aids materially in
shaping the signals so as to render them readable.— T. und T. Aye.

Pacific Cable. — The report of the Pacitic Calile Board

for the year 1915-16 shows that the total revenue was £310,516.
and the" expenditure £205,896, leaving a surplus, after allocating
£74,000 to the renewal account, of £104,620; of this sum.
f 77,545 was paid to interest and sinking fund, and £9,150 to the
renewal fund as interest and sinking fund in respect of money
Vx>rrowed from the renewal fund for the Auckland-Sydney cable,
leaving a surplus of £17,925, which goes to reduce the debt.
The excess of receipts over expenditure was £25.934 greater
than in the previous year, and this is the first occasion on which
there has remained a surplus from revenue after payment of the
sinking-fund annuities. The net traffic receipts \vere up by
£88,749, The expenditure included special appropriations to the
renewal accormt of £30,000 in respect of depreciation of securities
and £14,0110 in payment for a new schooner; after deducting
these it€ms, there is an increase of £15.537 over the preceding
ye.ar. due to various causes arising out of the war. The renewal
fund on March 31st, 1916, stood at £271,460. The section Norfolk
Island -.\ucklaud was interrupted on February 12th, owing to a
fault near the island ; it was repaired on February 19th. traffic in
the meantime being diverted to the Southport — Norfolk cable. .\11
the cables have been worked continuously at high pressure, the
long sections carrying far more traffic than was originally
expected ; they are novr occupied day and night throughout the
week.

During the year, nearly 85 million paying words were trans-
mitted over the cable, much more than double the traffic during
the last normal year (1913-14), There was also a considerable
quantity of non-paying matter. The Board also carried .nearly
two million paying words between Australia. New Zealand, and
the Pacific Isles. The deferred traffic was more than doubled,
and the week-end traffic more than trebled, as compared with the
previous year, but ordinary traffic decreased 30 per cent., owing to
the restricted use of codes. The cheap services had to be stispendcd
on certain occasions owing to interruptions in the Atlantic cables
and congestion of traffic, and the outward week-end and deferred
Press services are at present in abe.yance. but wUl be reinstated as
soon as possible.

The Board has established a public office for international
business in Melbourne. A new schooner is being built, in place
of the Sh-iitUconci. to maintain a lioat service with Fanning
Island. Sir G-eorge H. Held, having retired from the position of
High Commissioner for the Commonwealth, has been succeeded on
the Board by Mr. ,4.ndrew Fisher.

South-Western Railway Electrification.— The electrih-

cation of the Claygate Branch has been completed, and a half-
hourly service of electric trains between Claygate and Waterloo,
covering tlie journey in 29 minutes, is announcetl to conuuence on
Monday.

Telephone Charges. — According to the Times, the Post
Office Telephone Department is alxjlishing all unremunerative rates,
which are the result of telephone competition in the past, and the
intention is to have one fixed charge in every place.

The Marconi Co. and Germany.— A letter has been

circulated to the Press by Marconi's Wireless Telegraph Co., Ltd..
with regard to an attempt which, it is said, is being made to oreat«
uneasiness in the minds ot -the public in respect of the relationship
which has existed between the Marconi Co. and the German Tele-
funken Co.

Mr. Godfrey Isaacs, managing director, states that the Belgian
company to which reference has been made was formed in the year
1901. and secured from the Marconi'Xo, the mercantile marine
rights of certain countries in Europe, including those of Germany
and Austria. The comjiany wa- purely Belgian, and the shares
were held in Belgium and England. The Belgian -coinpany pro-

549

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW. I v..i. r... xo. L-MnixovEMBt;.. i-. hmg,

ceeded to install and operate apparatus ou all the principal shijw
of the mercantile marines of Germany and Austria, but in the year
1910 the Gennan Government made it known that they would no
longer sanction the installation or operation of any wireless system
on board any German ships other than the German system, under
German control. In these circumstances, the Belgtian company
was threatened with a considerable loss : it. therefore, came to an
atrreement with the German Telefunken Co. for the formation of a
oimpany in Germany, the Belgian company, together with the
Jlarconi Co.. retainin^r a 45 per cent, interest in the German com-
pany, while the Germans held .5.". por cent. The Belgian company
and the Marconi Co. appointed members on the board ot the new
German company. Subsefjuently the Austrian Government took a
similar action, and the Belgian company thereupon agreed with
the German company that the Austrian ship stations should be
transferred to the Gierman company. In return, however, it was
agreed with the German company that their sphere of action
should be strictly limited to ships of Germany and Austria.

The Belgian company was reconstructed and the capital divided,
the Belgians holding one-third, the Marconi Co. one-third, and the
Germans one-third.

At the outbreak of war. two Germans in the employ of the
Belgian company were immediately dismissed. The business of
the Belgian company was promptlv taken in hand by the English
directors and transferred to Marconi House, and has been under
the complete control of the English directors ever since.

AVith regard to Australia, owing to the Australian and New
Zealand Governments having placed large contracts in the hands
of the Germans for the construction of powerful coastal wireless
stations, the Germans were in a position of considerable advantage.
The Marconi Co. commenced proceedings for infringements of
patents against the German company and the Australian Govern-
ment, but subsequently a settlement was arrived at with the
Germans, under which it was agreed that an Australian company
should be formed, which should purchase the interests both of the
Marconi Co. and of the German Telefunken Co. This company had
a capital of it UO.OCK). of which the Marconi Co. held one-half, the
Australians some £62.000, and the Germans' about JES.OOO. Thus a
complete control of wireless in Australia passed into Australian
and English hands.

With regard to other countries, the nature of the agreement w iis
l)urely commercial, and was brought about as a result of the
strength of the Marconi Co.'s patent position. It served to prevent
the German company ousting the Marconi Co. from every country
in the world by reason of the ruinous prices which the German
company was quoting at no matter what financial loss, no doubt
with the German Government behind it, for the pui-pose of obtain-
ing German wireless stations throughout the world. Under such
conditions it was impossible for the Marconi Co. to compete. Tt is
only in consequence of this agreement that British wireless stations
now preponderate throughout the world.

Whilst the Mai-coni Co. was interested in the German company,
and had directors on the German company's board, the English
Marconi Co. has never had any German director upon its board, nor
has the German company at any time held any interest in the
English company.

On Wednesday questions were a*ked in the House of Commons
with regard to the agreement, and Mr. Pease undertook to inquire
into the matter.

Trans-Pacific Wireless. — Yesterday the Japanese Goven'i-

ment and the Marconi Wireless Telegraph Co. of America
inaugurated a commercial wireless service between California.
Honolulu, and Japan.

CONTRACTS OPEN and CLOSED.

OPEN.

Argentina. — November 30th. Buenos Aires Munici-
pality. Electric carbons required during 1917. Oficina de Licita-
ciones. Intendencia Municipal de la Capital, Avenida de Mayo. 525,
Buenos Aires.

Australia. — Sydney — January 3rd. X.S.W. Raihvays

and Tramways Department. 50-ton electric overhead travelling
crane for Yarra Street power-house. Newcastle.*

January Sth. Municipal Council Electric Lighting Department.
33,000-volt switchgear. E.L. Department, Town Hall. .Specifica-
tion lOs. 6d.*

January 22nd. Electrical plant (converter, battery, booster, and
switchboards) for the Castlereagh Street sub-station, for the Muni-
cipal Council. Specification from E.L. Department. Town Hall.*

Melbolkne.— December nth. City Council. Sujjply and erection
of coal transporter plant. See " Official Notices" September 15th.

Cape Town.— January 5th. " Electric motors and starting
panels, for the Corporation Electricity Department, Dock Road,
Cape Town.*

Durban. — January 3rd. Corporation. One 3,000-KW.
steam turbine, alternator, and condensing plant. ' Specification
No. S. 238 ; drawing No. P. 597. both at the office of the BorDugh
Electrical Engineer, Municipal Buildings. Deposit £2 23,

Ennisl{illen. — December 1st. Sligo, Leitrim & Northern
Counties Railway Co, Twelve months' supjily of telegraph matt •
rials, Mr. >I. Duflf. Secretary to the Company,

Grenada. — December 31st. Government. Electri''
supply at St, Geor.ge's and suburbs. Tenders to Colonial Secretary,
Grenada, British West Indies.

Johannesburg. — November 20th. Corporation. 500 or
1.000 trolley wheels for tramcars CContract No. 181).*

November 2"th, Corporation. 1.000 sets of single-pole, ironclad
house-service cut-outs (Contract No. 187); 250 field coils for tram-
car motors (Contract No. 192).'

December 9th. Corporation. 1.427 A.c. and D.c. electricity
meters and lllO time-switches. Specification (21s. deposit) from
Mr. E. T. Price, General Manager's Office. Electricity Supply anri
Tramways Department. President Street. .lohannesburg. W.

December 20th. {'orporation. .\utomatic pressure regulators lor
the .\.c. turbo-generators at the power station.*

January 3rd. Corporation. Iron axles and bushes.'

London.— H.M. Office of AVorks. — November 27th.
Twelve months' supply of electric cable and wire. See 'Official
Notices " to-d.ay.

Liverpool. — November 22nd. Cheshire Lines Committee.
Genei'al stores, including (6) telegraph materials and carbons,
during 1917. Stores Superintendent. Warrington.

Newcastle-on-Tyne. — November 23rd. The Tyne
Improvement Commissioners. Six and twelve months' supply of
incandescent lamps, and arc lamp carbons. Commissioners' Offices,
Berwick Street.

New Zealand. — Duxedin. — January 24th, 1917. Motor-
generator, accessories and spares. City Electrical Engineer, Market
Street. Dunedin,'

Rhondda Valley.— November 20th. Electrical installa-
tion in ,'icre«ed tubing for Messrs. David John k Co.. brewers.
Pentre. See " Official Notices" November lOth.

Sheffield. — November 21st. Cast-iron pipes and loruiini:
\alve chamber. November 17th. — Reinforced concrete carrying
bi-idge'over G.C. railway at Neepsend power station.

Specifications for the items marked * can be seen at the Hoard
of Trade Commercial Intelligence Department in London.

CLOSED.

Australia,— i'.-M.'i.'s Department, N.S.W. :—

Telephone equipment in connection with the installatiou of an automatic
private branch exchange at Cockatoo Island, £*l,8i3. — Automatic
Telephones (-Australasiai, Ltd.
.One accumulator batterv, 2,500 amp.-hours capacity, for Sydney City

Exchange, tSoS.— T. K, Steanes.
P.M.G.'s Department, Queensland : —
One power board, i;l-52,— Edison Swan Electric Co., Ltd.
300 accumulators. 80 amp'.-hours capacity, i'518.^Warburton, Franki, Ltd.
Victoria Railway Department : —
Incandescent electric lamps for 12 months.— Edison Swan Electric Co., Ltd,

— Tendfi's.
• Impregnating electrical apparatus with insulating varnishes, spare partb,
Ac, £2,231.— Gibson, Battle & Co., Ltd.

— Au.it. Milling Standard.

The Electricity Committee of the Sydney City Council has
recommended that, in connection with the contract with Standard
Waygood-Hercules, Ltd.. for the supply of consumers' meters,
a payment of 75 per cent, of the price of the meters in England as
they are shipped be agreed to. — Tender:'.

Bradford. — The B. of G. has accepted the tender of
Messrs. Smith Sc Croft, at .■£211. to provide a cable for the lighting
of the-laimdry and garage.

London. — L.C.C. — - Asylums and Mental Deficiency
Committee. Electric lamps for five months : Pope's Electric Lamp
Co.. Ltd. •

Metropolitan Asylums Bo.\rd.— Accepted tenders :-~

Lund Bros. & Co. — Rearrangement of electric lighting, Mead Station, j£42 ;

wiring Eastern, North-Western, Western, and Brook Stations, £66.
Crypto Electrical Co.— Four electric motors, Eastern, North-Westeni,

Western, and Brook Stations, £49.

Marylebone, — Electricity Committee : —
Cables (contract extended for a further six months to March 31st, 1917). — -
. B.I. & Helsby Cables, Ltd.

The Committee recommends the acceptance of the offer of the
British 'Westinghou.se E, & M. Co.. Ltd.. to supply a liiilancing
attachment for a rottiry converter, at ,t;i65.

Sheffield. — Town Council. Electricity Department.

- Ac ;epted tenders : —

-A. RevroUe & Co., Ltd. — 20 panels h.t. two-phase sub-station switchgear,

£2,709.
Btavelev Coal & Iron Co., Ltd.— 10,000 3-in. cast-iron cable pipes, £7 lOs.
a ton.
Tramways Department : —
Dawson & -Jones, Ltd. — Alterations and additions to Town Head Street
Dep6t, to convert it into a motor-'bus garage, £3,619.

■ West Bromwiph. — T.C. Coal for the electricity works

T, Boston k Sons ; W, H. Bo-srater, Ltd, Field i: Bradley.

NOVEMBER17, 1916] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

549

FORTHCOMING EVENTS.

Institution of Mechanical EnClneers.— Friday, I

At the Institution of Civil Engineers. Great Ge
of the Hardness Tests, Research Committt'e.
Association of Mining, and Electrical Engineers 'Notts and Df^rbysbire
Brancbi.— Saturday, November 18th. .\t 3,30 p.m. .\t the University
College, Nottingham. Paper on " Some Electrical Troubles and their
Remedies," by Mr. T. .\nderson.
Electro-Harmonic Society. — Monday. November 20th. At 8 p.m. At the

Holborn Restaurant (King's Hall>. Ladies' night.
Institution of Civil Engineers.— Tuesday, November 2l6t. At 5.30 p.m.

Paper on " Keady Bridge," by Mr. J. B. Ball.
Royal Society of Arts.—Weduesday, November 22nd. At 4.30 p.m. At John
Street, .\delphi, W.C. Paper on " The Economic Development of Russia
and Britam's Share therein," by Mr. Leslie Urquhart.
Institution of Electrical Engineers.— Thursday, November 23rd. At 8 p.m.
At Victoria Embankment. W.C. Paper on "The Parallel Operation of
Electric Power Stations," by Mr, J, S, Peck.
Greenock Electrical Society.— Thursday, November 23rd. Visit to Overton

Paper Mills. Members to meet at 7.30 p.m.
Physical Society of London.— Friday, November Hth. Al 5 p.m. At the
Imperial College of Science, South Kensington, S.W. Ordinary meeting.

NOTES.

General Accessories Co., Ltd. — Correction. — The

name of the company mentioned in our last issue under " Liquida-
tions " was incorrectily given, owing to the omission of the word
".Engineering:" The meeting of creditors held at 120. Blackfriars
Road, S.E., on Xovember 7th, was of General Engineering Acces-
i5ories. Ltd.". whose winding-np was announced in the Electric-^l
Review for November 3rd, page 489. The General Accessories
Co.. Ltd.. of Worship Street. E.G.. makers of electrical accessories,
are in no way connected with the matter. ^Ve regret the error. ■

Car-motor Defects. — The following experiment with the

hnish gear of a tramcar motor has proved succsssful in saving
endless trouble : — 90 per cent, of switch-blowing on tramcars is
flue to the brush gear either not being in its proper position, or
being spaced out wrongly ; this was a grettt trouble on the cars
under the supervision of Mr. E. Mercer, of Castleford. iintil he
adjusted all the brushes to their proper ijositions. The diagram
shows a simple method of finding out the brush positions : Place

an ordinary steel square in the position shown in the diagram,
with a level on top ; see that the square is touching both side and
top of commutator, .\djust the square until the level is reading
correctly, then mark the commutator at the end B of the square ;
then place the square at the other side of the commutator, and
mark the commutator at C. Find the centre A between c and B,
and count equal numbers of bars down lx)th sides to set the
brushes.

A Fact. — A joiner employed by a northern electricity
supply department in fitting-up a cupboard over an electricity
meter, kc. in a small shop, had put a small porcelain insulator to
act as a door-knob ; when the foreman came round to inspect the
job he was told by the shopkeeper that he would not have that
y incubator in his shop.

Development of the Turbine. — At a meeting of the

Xewcastle-on-Tyne Chamber of Commerce. -Mr. Gerald Stoney pro-
posed that the Chamber should draw the attention of the Engin-
eering Committee of the Advisory Couucil of the Privy Council for
Scientific and Industrial Research to the importance of a full and
complete research into the methods by which the steam turbine
could be improved in efficiency and reliability. In view of the
success of the steam turbine in the mercantile marine, and its
lirobable larger adoption in the future, this was of the greatest
importance to' the shipping industry. Mr.' Stoney had not been
able to get the exact expenditure on coal used on merchant ships,
but had received various estimates ranging from .£30.000.000 to
£60.000,000 a year as the value of the coal. If they took 5 per
cent, of that as the saving that might te effected by the develop-
ment of the turbine, it would amount to from £1.500.000 to
£3,000.000. Thus the sura of £10,000 to £1.5.000 which might be
spent on research would be a mere bagatelle. The cost of fuel
used on land amoimted to about £50.000.000 a year, so that they
would see that a saving of 5 per cent, effected there would amount
to a very large sum annually. The use of turbine engines was
rapidly increasing at sea. Up to the present they had been chiefly
used for war vessels and passenger steamers, but now they were
:oming mto use for tramp steamers, and iu that connection he
aentioned that Messrs. Cairns & Xoble, Newcastle, had built the
iirst large tramp turbine steamer on the Tyne. The firm was, he
inderstood. very well satisfied with the venture. The motion was
'arried unanimously.

Novel American Coal-Handling Plant. — A recent issue of

P'licer described the ]ilant extension of the West Penn Traction Co.,
of Connellsville, Penn. Three new independent water-tube boilers,
each of 13,710 sq. ft. heating surface, and each equipped with a
It-retort underfeed stoker, and provided with an 8.2f0-sq. ft.econo-
miser and independent stack, are installed. The boilers are built
for a working pressure of 250 lb. per sq. in., and will supply steam,
superheated 100-120 . to an 18,000-K\v. turbine unit. The boilers
are of the Stirling type, with three upper drums and one lower
drum ; they are set higher than usual to provide a large combustion
space, and the baffling is of the four-pass type. The grate gives a
ratio of 51'2 sq. ft. of boiler heating surface per sq. ft. of grate
area. The coal displaced by each stoker piston movement is 18 lb.,
and the stoker can handle 16.000 lb. of coal per hour. A forced-
draught fan of 6(1.000 cb. ft. per min. capacity against 6-iu. w.g.
pressure supplies air to each furnace, and an induced-draught fau
discharges the economiser gases into the lnfi-ft. stack.

The ash-pits are under the combustion-chambers, and dischargt^

into cars hauled by an electric locomotive the ashe^ being dumped
into a 320-ton storage pit at the end ot the boilei house.

There are no overhead coal bunkeis mlwav cars ai'e run into
the boiler house, on a track passing along the boiler fronts, beneat/i
icliich is a 2,100-fvii coal storage j/it extending the full leiigth vf the
hoi lev room.

Spanning this portion of the building is an electrical travelliug
crane with a 2-cb, yd. bucket, which delivers fuel to the stoker-
hoppers, either direct from the railway car. or from the pit. Each
of the stoher-hopperx has a caparitg of ai> toiix. If run-of-mine coal
is received, it is unloaded by the crane into a travelling crusher
(capacity 100 tons an hoiu-, with a 15-ton hopper), and then hoisted
to the stoker-hoppers. The crane also travels over the ash storage
pit and hoists the ashes into empty railway cars for removal.

The crane (on which, it will be seen, the operation of the plant
depends) is equipped with a 25-H.p. lifting motor, a 35-H.P. motor
for opening and closing the bucket, a 5-H.p. trolley motor and a
25-H.p. bridge motor, and has a hoisting speed of 150 ft. per min.
The crane is equipped with a recording and weighing scale. The
design and erection of the plant were carried out by Messrs. Sargent
and Lundy. of Chicago.

Electricity on a Duck Farm. — At the Tauglewood

Ranch, near ^iTew York. 20,000 to 25,000 ducks are raised each
year for table use.

Hatching continues from January 1st for eight or nine weeks,
and the electric incubator plant in use has a capacity of 9.600
eggs, the incubation period being one month. The incubator
lamps are run on a 10-volt circuit operated through a transformer
from the 110- volt general lighting circuit. Central station energy
at 2,200 volts, 60 cycles, is received and transformed down to 110
or 220 volts at suitable points. Three 30-watt tungsten search-
lights are located so as to illuminate the area occupied by the
fully -grown ducks, and all can be operated from the owner's house,
superintendent's house, or watchman's house ; they serve as a
burglar alarm and to prevent panic at night.

In addition, 60-watt lamps on brackets are distributed over the
farm, atid the dwelling and brooder houses are electrically lighted.

The use of electric power has effected a considerable reduction in
expense over the ordinary source of energy — a jjetrol engine. Ten
thousand ducks of all ages require a variety of food, and many
meals a day. About 20 bushels of green stuff are cut up twice a
day and mixed by machinery with other food, such as meal, the
mixer being in fairly constant use.

Three pumping plants are installed. one being driven byawindmill.

Ne'w Primary Cell. — It is reported iu the Wesfem

J/i/j«;'«i/ -V('»!.v that Mr. W. Skinner, a member of the mechanical
staff of that journal, has invented a new primary battery, which is
claimed to be cheaper to manufacture and maintain than any
other, absolutely immune from polarisation, free from local action,
and of very low internal resistance. The kathode consists of carbon
impregnated with a substance to which hydrogen cannot adhere,
and is somewhat analogous in its action to the platinised silver
kathode of the Smee element. The anode is of zinc, and the electro-
lyte consists of a strong solution of common salt and water, one
pint of which will keep a miniature lamp glowing for 40 hours
continuously before the solution needs renewing. The oell has an .
E.M.F. of 12 volts. ^

ooO

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW, i voi. :•... xo.-mku.n„vk.miu:k i:. mn

Institution and Lecture Notes. — University College,

London. — In lli^' thinl lecture on " Lim^-Distiinee Teleplmnv " on
Friday last. Prof. J. A. Fleming: continued the discussion of the
forniul;!' relating: to the transmission of electric waves throiiffh
cables. The expansion cosh (.a / + J (i I) = cosh a I cos /i I + j sinh
n / sin ,-i I (which was incorrectl.v printed in our last issue) can be
simplified if a / is greater than 3, as then cosh n / is practically
equal to sinH a ! : therefore cosh P / = sinh r /, and substitutinj,'
we sret

A 1 = \i cosh V I A/.r + Z)//,-
li = I> cosh V I .Vir + Z~)//.,
and c>'' = 2 cosh p /.
In a long cable with voltjige Vi at the sendinji end. the voltape
V at a distance /is v = v, t- '■' = Vi/(2 cosh P /) ; and with ter-
minal apparatus of impedance z, at /. the voltatre at the end Vj.
from the forea:oinj; ojuation (if n / > :!) is found to be —

v.,= V' .-lis.

•1 cosh p /, z, + z

an.1 I., = - J'. - . -^ 2 .
i cosh p / /,. + z
T f t wo cables of characteristias z and z' are joined together, t he
second may be regarded as a receiving instrument of impedance z'.
and we have -

_ ^^ 2z' _ V, / /.I - z\

*' ~ 2 cosh p7 ■ z' + z ~ 2 Cosh p/ V "*" z' + zj
which shows that part of the wave is reflected at the
juuctiou. represented by the fraction fz' — zV(z" + i) of the
incident wave, while the remainder passes on ; this ratio is called
the coefficient of reflection, while the ratio 2 z'/(z' + Z) is known
as the coefficient of transmision, the phenomena, as demonstrated
by the lecturer, being analogous to those exhibited by light waves
passing through a transparent body. Owing to the occurrence of
t hese reflections, the interposition of underground cables in circuit
with overhead lines produces a great increase in the attenuation,
and is highly detrimental to the transmission : it is of the utmost
importance to keep the z of the line unchanged.

The effect of an impedance coil inserted' in a line was shown to
be similar to that of a change in the character of the line at a
junction, and this fact made Heaviside's proposal to insert induct-
ance appear undesirable ; but in IDl.S Pupin discovered that if the
coils were spaced at short intervals compared with the wave-length,
the reflection losses would be negligible. The necessary condition
was that fl/2 should not differ sensibly from sin tf/2, where 6 - ■>ir i!j\. \
being the wave-length and il the interval between successive coils.
The " loadin.g " increiises the wave constant ji and diminishes the
attenuation constant n. In practice the loading coils are double
wound on circular cores of very fine iron wire, the coils being
inserted in the go-and-return leads in such a way iis to assist one
another in magnetising the ring ; the ratio of effective resistance
to inductance is as small as from .Ml to 2.i. and the coils are
inserted at intervals of <? miles such that c L rf does not exceed 2.">.
where c is the capacity of the line in microfarads per mile and I,
the inductance of the coil in millihenrys. Various examples of
such coils were shown, and the methods of in.stalling them on o.H.
and V.a. Post Office lines were illustrated, heavy loading requiring,
say. 2.5(1 M H. at Ij-mile intervals, and light loading, say, .jH M H.
at 2i-mile intervals, on an underground cable, while in aerial lines
the coris were spaced about .s to 12 miles apart. The physical
aspect of the subject was illustrated with an apparatus devised by
Dr. Fleming, showing stationary waves in rotating cords, unloaded
and loaded, with beads representing the coils. In calculating the
characteristics of loaded lines, as a first approximation, the
inductance is assumed to be uniformly distributed. When this
method does not give results sufficiently siccurate, a special formula
is employed. Where it is necessary to change the character of the
line, the inductance must be tapered off. to prevent a sudden change
of impedance.

Institution of Civil Engineers — In the course of his inaugural
address last week, the president. Sir Maurice Fitzmaurice, touched
upon the subject of the training of engineers. He himself had
been brought up on compulsory Latin and Greek to the age of 10,
both languages being taught in such a way as to develop the
minimum amount of interest in his mind ; on the other hand, he
W.IS taught mathematics and experimental science by a num whose
te iching was alive, and who made commonplace things interesting
- -one could not help learning from him. He wished to draw .atten-
tion to the fact that, whatever educational programme might lie
ilevised. a great deal ilepended on the teachers. While he was ex-
tremely keen on a radical alteration in our teaching, so that
scientific education should be kept all the time in the foreground,
he insisted on the importance of a good general education, and
suggested that a knowledge of one or more modem languages
should be made obligatory. In addition to technical training,
experience on works was indispensable — preferably on large works
-and the capacity of -getting on" with people and still holding
one's own was of very great value. After some years' work at
home, a young engineer should spend a few years abroad.

Dealing with the necessity of improved relations between em-
ployers and workmen after the war, which can only be brought
about by increasing our trade, the president remarked that it would
be well if the Institution gave more consideration to questions of
industrial and commercial policy, with which many of the members
were well fitted to deal. The speech of the Prime Minister on
August 2nd could only mean that the whole power of the Govern-
ment would be placed at the disposal of our trade, and that the
Empire would be united for purposes of peace as well as for war.
Still greater weight attached to the spirit which at present ani-
mates our commercial leaders. Sir Maurice expressed the hope

that those who were dealing with the development of our foreign
tratle would not fail to include full consideration of the important
(iuestit)n of the adoption of the metric sys-tem of weights and
measures in this country. This .system wa.s obligatory in 34 countries,
with a population of 137 millions, and the Government of the
United States had issued a report tliis year, in which it was
stated that international business required international weights
and measures.

Institution of Electrical Engineers, on Thur.sday. la«t week.J
the opening meeting of the session was held. Premiums awarded!
for papers were presented, and Dr. .\. Russell delivered the KelviuJ
Lecture, which is abstracted elsewhere in this issue.

The ojioning meeting of the M.\N<HEsrKH L<h Ai. Skction w«
held on Tuesday last, when the Chairman. Mr. A. K. McKenziei
read his inaugural siddress. dealing with the organisation
engineering industries, the linking-up of jmwer stations, thfl
Summer Time Act, and various other matters.

The first ordinary meeting of the session of the .SriiTTisii LocA^
Section was held at Glasgow on Tuesday last, when the inaugiu'a
afldress was given by the chairman (Mr. J. K. Stothcrt), who spok
particularly of the jrasition of the industry aft«r the war in refer^
ence to the educational and apprenticeship ijroblcms. It was ex-i
pected that Mr. C. P. Spark». President I.E.E.. would be presentj
but it was intimated that on the previous morning Mr. Spark
ha<l sustained an accident in London, which had prevented hin
from travelling North.

The meeting of February 16th will be held at Glasgow, not Edii^
burgh, as stated in our last issue.

The first meeting of the Newcas^le-on-Tyni; Local SectioI
was held at Newcastle on the 13th inst., when Mr. H. W. Clothiea
the new chairman, delivered his inaugural address. Before con
mencing his address, he announced that the Section was forming i
roll of those memljers who were ferving their King and coimtry
either in the Navy or the Army, and it was the Committee's intention
to send, with the members' approval, a letter of encouragemcnttoeach
stating " that the opening meeting of the Session resolved that an
expression of gootlwill be s6nt to members on active service at
home and abroad, wishing them God-speed and a safe return,"
This was agreed to. on the motion of Mr. P. V. Hunter.
■ The Faraday Society. — "Refractory Materials" were discussed
at the meeting last week. Sir Robert Hadfield, F.R.S.. the president,
stated that the subject had not received in this country the atten-
tion it should have had. There had been considerable importations
from abroad of refractories, when, without doubt, equally good
material was available in our own country. Much research was
required in addition to that which was carried on at the works of the
manufacturers.

The Royal Society. The Council has awarded the Copley Medal
to Sir James Dewar. F.R.S.. for his researches on the liquefaction
of gases ; the Rumford Medal to Prof. W. H. Bragg, F.R.S., for
his researches in X-ray radiation ; the Davy Medal to Prof. H. L.
le Chatclier for his researches in chemistry ; and the Hughes Medal
to Prof. Elihu Thomson for his researches in experiijicntal elec-
tricity. The Council recommends that Sir .1.. T.Thomson be elected
president at the anniversary meeting on November 30th.

Electrical Association of Australia. -At a meeting held in
Melbourne, on September 28th, Mr. F. W. Chambers read a jjaper
on " Scales of Charges in Relation to Electric Supply," and Mr,
J. H, Butters one on " A Description of the Tasmanian Government
Hydro-electric Scheme."

South African Society of Civil Engineers. At a meeting held in
Cape Town in September, a paper by Prof. H. Bohle, entitled
"Small Electric Power Stations; with Special Reference to the
Worcester Hydro - Electric Scheme," was read. Prof. Bohle
remarked that in that country municipalities were separated by
great distances, and a supply in bulk was out of the queetion.
except in a few isolated cases. Wherever electric light was desired,
a power station had to be erected, resulting in a somewhat large
capital expenditure per Kw. installed, and, consequently, a high
charge for energy sold. By carefully designing the plant, it was
usually possible to keep the working costs within, such limits that
the cost per unit sold for lighting purposes did not exceed Is.
maximum. The author went ou to describe the principal features
of the plant erected for the Worcester Municipality, which had
cost approximately £15,000. The total annual costs would amount
to about £2.400. so that an average income of £20o per month
would be required to make ends meet. Of this sum £5.5 per month
would result from street lighting, leaving an amount of £U5 j
month from private consumers. The system had not been officia
opened many weeks, and the income had already reached
required sum. At Stellenbosch, a town somewhat similar '
Worcester, the scheme cost only £10.900. The figures for the I
year showed working costs amounting to .£48s, the income be8
from public lighting £500, and from private consumers -£1,68
The whole profit made during the first year had been put
depreciation and sinking fund. The figures showed that, wffl
judicious working, even a small power station might ho madei
very profitable undertaking.

Copper Prices. — The Week's Changes. ^ Messj

F. Smith i: Co. report, Wednesday, November 15th : — Electroly^
bars rose from -£144 lOs. to £147 lOa. ; ditto sheets, from £162 10
to £165 10s. ; ditto rods, from £153 10s. to £156 10s. ; ditto BJ^
wii-e, from Is. 6Jd. to Is, 6id. ; silicium bronze wire, from Is. I
to Is. lOd.

Messrs. James k Shakespeare report, Wednesday. Noven
15th :- No change in prices quoted last week.

The Nobel Prizes. — The Academy of Science luis de^udSl
to reserve the sums appointed for the physics and chemistry priwl
for a future occivsion.

Vol, 7-1. xo. 2.US4. xovEMBEu 17, i.i.-..] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

651

Manchester Engineering Wages Advance. — According

to the Manchester Dnilij Di's/infc/). time workers in the engineering
and allied trades in South-East Lancai-hire and Manchester are to
receive an advance of 3s. per week. The decision was announced
by the Committee on Production, which has been investigatinor the
men's application for an advance of 9s. pei^^week. The new con-
cession, which is not intended to apply to or to affect piece prices,
13 to be regarded as war wages, and recog'nised as due and dependent
Bpon the existence of the abnormal conditions now prevailing in
consequence of the war. Engineering workers in Manchester.
Ashton-under-Lyne. Xewton-le- Willows. Stockport and WaiTington
are affected. The men wei-e given Ss. advance some time ago. so
that a large number are now receiving 6s. per week more than in
pre-war times.

Dublin Electricity Supply. — ili'. W. ^[. Mmpliy. tliair-

nian of the Dublin United (.Electric) Tramways Co.. who has been
the keenest critic of the management of the Dublin electricity
concern, has. in an interview, denietl a statement attributed to
Mr. Ti. Sherlock. ex-Lord Mayor, and ex-chairman of the Electricity
Committee, that he opp05e<l the obtaining of the money necessary
"for providing what Mr. D' Alton now regards as ab.solutely
necessary."

"What I did oppose, at the inquiry in 1911. when the Corpora-
tion were seeking sanction for a large sum to extend the buildings
and plant at the Pigeon House, was." said Mr. Murphy. ' the
spending of money on the Pigeon House site — ' the mistake of
gi-eat magnitude.' as Mr. D'Alton calls it — and time has fully
justified the advice I tendered. I had then absolutely no interest
except that of the ratepayers and electric current consumers, being
the largest representative ratepayer in Dublin, and I was at the
time contributing to the Electric Department one-fortieth of their
whole income from jirivate consumers. The Corporation, however,
chose to treat me as a hostile witness, and would have none of my
advice, as it did not fit in with their pet scheme.

" My intervention did not consist of mere criticism. I brought
them an offer from the owners of an ideal site for a generating
station on the quays which could be indefinitely extended, and I
showed them how the new plant could Ise erected there, and how
such of the Pigeon House plant as was worth retaining could be
transferred to the new site."

In Mr. Murphy's opinion. " the excuses for not making the
business pay are simply childish." " A monopoly of the electric
supply of Dublin could." he declared. " be a magnificent property
and a valuable concession ; but I do not think that any solvent
man or company could be found to-day who would take a present
of the undertaking with an obligation to discharge its liabilities, "

Educational. — Uxiversitv of Bristol " Sandwich "

Scheme, Dr. Wertheimer. the Dean of the Faculty of Engineer-
ing of the University of Bristol, has proposed a modified " sand-
wich " system of training for engineering students. A student on
leaving school will enter the University, and will spend a session
there, passing the intermediate examination for the BSc. Degree in
Engineering at the end ; if his record is good and he is a promising
student, he will Ije recommended to a firm, which will allow him
to enter its works for a period of It months. This will enable
the student to judge to what extent he is fitted for an engineering
career, and will also enable the manufacturers to form an impres-
sion a-s to his suitability. He will then return to the University
for a further period of two years, in some cases spending the
Long Vacation in the works ; after that he will return to the
same works, if he has given satisfaction, for another period of
li months. A number of firms have already agreed to take part
in the experiment, including the Electric Construction Co„ Ltd,.
Wolverhampton : Jlessrs. R, A. Lister & Co.. Ltd.. Dursley : and
Messrs. Mather .V Piatt. Ltd.. Manchester.— 7V(p Time.i.

The BO-iRD OP Edccation last year announced its intention to
discontinue lower general examinations in Science and Technology,
but in a circular recently issued states that it hopes to be able to
hold the higher general examinations in I9I7. in accordance with
the regulations and syllabuses which governed the conduct of
those examinations in 1915and Ifllii. After 1917 no higher general
examinations will be held in Pure Mathematics, Theoretical
Mechanics. Heat. Magnetism and Electricity. Organic Chemistry.
Coal Mining and Jletallui-gy.

Lundberg " Batch Exams."— -'^s the present Avar time is

not very suitable for embarking on one of their periodical switch-
ing competitions, Jlessrs, Lundberg i: Sons have hit upon the idea
of " batch exams. " This means that anyone applying for par-
ticulars of the next competition is given the opportunity of working
an examination paper without delay, and that when a certain
numljer of such pajjers is in hand, the batch is examined, and
certificates are awarde<l to those who acquit themselves well. The
results of the first of these batch exams, are as follows, the names
in each grade appearing in order of merit- : —

MraiKed.—H. Hanks iBinuinghara' ; T. C. Hodges (London) ; S. Frankland
(E. Morton, Yorks.i; L. Thomas iRugby); T. Doyle ( London > ; H. Cunnick
(Swansea) : J. \V. Hiron (London).

- Inttrmeniale.—U Grimshaw iGolborne, Lanes.); ■«'. A McCall (Blackburn! ;
W. E. FairchUd (Newark! ; C. R. Gunn (Liverpool) ; R. Mavnard ^Cleethorpes) ;
J. J. Rogers iDundalki ; K. G. Ferguson (London:: A. Hoiroyd (Port
Clarence).

Prtliminan.—A. Doyle (Bexhill) ; J. Moran (Storting, near Buryl ; " Winnie "
(London) ; C. G. Ovens (Manchester) ; P. Carroll (Diumcondra) ; J. C. Gale
(Eastbourne); C. H. Bull (Blaina, Mon.l Xxtra.—A. V. Hanis (Waltair,
India).

Information concerning the above exa ns. can be obtained on
writing to the firm at 477-489. Liverpool Road. Loudon. X. Those
who are interested in the subject may be reminded that we pub-
lished a set of simple problems relating thereto in our issue of the
3rtl inst,

Dublin Fire Incident. — While eiipcaacil in tlie extinction

of a fire which had broken out in a furniture store at Harrington
Street. Dublin, a member of the City Fire Brigade got in contact
with a live electric wire, and seizad hold of a colleague who was
near by. Both men received severe shock*, and fell from the first
window of thj buil ling to th; street. Th 'v w,>re subsequently
attended to in the Meath Hospital.

Signalling with Dare Wires.— Tlie West ..f ^^,(!ilui 1

Branch of the Association of .Mining Electric.vl Engineers, which
is in January next holding a display of all the various typ?s of
bells that comply with the recent repjit on electric signalling
with bare wires, is inviting manufacturers who desire to exhibit, tn
get into touch with the secretary. An announ03ment on the
subjectappears in oiu' advertisement pagess to-day.

Heating Appliances. — On October l.")th, the licence

schedule of prices on heating appliances under the Marsh patent
for nickel-chromium resistance elements went into efl^ect in the
United States. The Marsh patent is owned jointly by the Hoskins
Manufacturing Co. and the General Electric Co.. and almost all of
the responsible heating-appliance manufacturers have been granted
licences imder the patent. Under the terms of the licence each
appliance carries a minimtim list-price and a maximum discount.
The manufacturer, however, may charge a price higher than
schedule, which is being done on some lines. — Electrical Wurhl.

Volunteer Notes, — First London Engineer Volux-

TEEES. — Headquarters. Chester House. Eccleston Place. — Orders
for the week by Lieut. -Col. C. B. Clay. V.D.. Commanding.

Monday, \iiieiiiher 20t/t. — Technical for Platoon Xo. 9, at
Regency Street. Squad and Platoon Drill. Platoon X"o. 10. Sig-
nalling" Class. Recruits' Drill, G.25— S. Lecture. "On Tele-
phones," 7.3(1.

Tiiesdaji, Xviember 2\.it. — School of Arms, 6 — 7. Lecture.
7.1.1. "Squad and Platoon Drill." Company Commander Fleming.

Wednesday. Xoremher 22iid. — Instructional Class. I). 15. "Platcron
Drill. Platoon Xo. 2.

TliiirsdiDj. y»remher 23/-(/.— Platoon Drill, Platoon Xo. 7. Am-
bulancse Class by M.O.. (>.

Fridaij. Xurember 2it/i. — Technical for Platoon Xo. 10. Regency
Street. Squad and Platoon Drill, Xo. 9. Signalling Class.
Recruits' Drill. ().25— 8.2.5. Lecture. " On Telephones, " 7.30.

Safiirdatj. Xorember 2')th. - Parade, 2.20. Uniform, for inspection
by the County Commandant, at 3. As a full muster is important,
every member should attend.

Siiiidai/. .Xiiremhcr 2lW//. — Entrenching atOtford. — Parade Victoria
(S.E. & C. Railway Booking-office). 8.45 a.m.

(By order) MACLEOD Yearslev. Adjulunt.

Xm-enihei- 19M. 191li.

Appointments Vacant. -^'haiire engineers for the
Xorthern Command power station. See our advertisement pages
to-day.

Large British-Built Pelton Wheel.— On WeiJnes(iay la.st

we were able to insi>eet a large Pelton wheel which has recently
been constructed in this country by Messrs, James (Jordon ,.\: Co..
the well-known water-power engineers, for the extension of the
British Aluminium Co.'s hydro-electric plant in Scotland. The
wheel will develop a maximum output of 3.3(iO b.h.p. at 300 R.p.ii..
and is. therefore, far larger than anything of the kind previously
attempted in the country, and, indeed is. in point of comparative
size, a very large wheel. The plant, which we hope to describe in
an early "issue, is equipped with special governing gear, and is
intended to drive a three-phase generator.

Electric Steel Furnaces Worked from Town Supplies. —

A writer in a French journal suggests the installation of electric
furnaces in towns, in order to utilise the plant lying idle at the
power station during slack times. He saw the first installation of
this kind about eight years ago in a suburb of Turin. There were
two small Stassano furnaces of 100 H.P. each, and two of l,O0O H.i".
each, taking their current direct from the town supply. In
France the idea is making headway. Outside Limoges, a Keller
furnace has just been installed, capable of melting down 3o tons of
iron turnings and other cheap scrap per day, and producing 25
tons of high-priced cast metal, in conjunction with dephos-
phorisation or without it. or turning out ordinary cast-iron of
high quality when the current is obtainalile at a low rate. The
furnace occupies a very small space in the tramway depot, and
requires little attendance owing to the provisicm of ample labour-
saving appliances. The current in this case is transmitted from a
hydraulic power station tQ. Limoges at 30,000 volts.- where it is
transformed down to 10,(XiO. and then again to 110 volts to suit
the furnace. The consumpton of energy is about 700 to 800
KW.-hours per metric ton of metal produced. The first heat would,
it is presumed, have to start about midnight, or soon after the
peak-load was passed at the power-station. — CuUiery Gnardian.

U.S. Census of Electrical Manufactures.— A pre-
liminary statement on the manufacture of electrical machinery.
apparat"u3. and supplies, for the year 1914, compared with the year
1909, has been is.eued by the Bureau of the Census. The summary
shows that- the capital employed in 1914 was §355.725.000. an
increase of 32'8 per cent, as compared with 1909. and the value of
the products wa= SSS5.17(i.noii, an increase of M'l iw cent,—
r. and T. A<j^.

552

THE ELECTRICAL lUiYIEW. [voi. t;.. Xo.2.(i:u.n,.vi:.m..ku it. ioki

Colliers and Flash Lamps.— A collier at 0\vm<iiin was

fine<l '2i^i. for havinjr in his )x>cket whilst in the pit nn elcctrii'
Hash lamp. Me liad procMre<i the lamp in onler to sruide him on
his way to tho (lit in the ilark mornings ; and it was stated that he
flashed his lamp on his way out of the colliery. The prcsccutinjr
solicitor jwinted out that it vva.s distinctly provided in the Act that
no apparatus for producinufa lijrht should be employed underground
except a safety lamp of approvetl pattern : and the mana^'ement of
the colliery took a serious view of this offence, desirinsr to stop
this sort of thin'„'' at the beyinnin;;'. — Cotlin-ij (iiKinlinn.

Accumulator Manufacture in America. — Tln' ciini]iimiit

of the new works of the Willanl .Stora;.'c Battery Co.. which are
approaching' completion near Cleveland. .U.S.A.. will include
apparatus usinjr alternatinir currejit at 2t.iiO(ivolts. for the testinjr
of battery jars, by means of which the smallest holes or thin spots
can l)e detected. Incorjmrated in the new factory is also a refri-
?eratin>r test-room, in which it will be possible to test motor-car
engines fitted with electric starting and car-lighting motor-
generators, battery. A:c.. at low temperatures. The engine unit
with the starting and lighting equipment will be mounted on a
trolley, which runs on a track into the refrigerating room, where a
temivrature of 20° F. below zero can be maintained. Arrangements
are provided for controlling the engine from the outside, and by this
means it will be possible to check the behaviour of the batteries
used with the engine - starting and car- lighting sets under
extremely low temperature conditions.

OUR PERSONAL COLUMN.

The Editors invite elertriciil emjineers. wliether connected willi the
technical or the commercial .vide of the profession, and industry^
also electric tramway and railwai/ ojficials.to keep readers of the
Electrical Review posted as to their movements.

Central Station Officials.— Mr. G. B. H.\llam, shift engi-
neer at the Hackney electricity works, who met with a severe
'bus accident in January, last, has now resumed his duties
after being detained in hospital for ten months. Before
returning to work he led to the altar Miss Tuffle, of Sunderland.

The Marylebone B.C. Electricity Committee recommends
thr Council to grant leave of absence during the period of
the war to Mr. H. H. Holmes, sales manager, who has been
ottered an appointment in the Army with a conuuission.

Mr. T. K. RiCH.ARDsoN, station superintendent at the Maryle-
bone electricity works, has. resigned his position owing to
failing health.

General. — Mr. W. H. Allen, who relinquished the position
of borough electrical engineer at Loughborough in August
last, joined Messrs. Chance & Hunt, Ltd., at Oldbury, in an
advisory capacity for the whole of their works at Oldbury
and in various other parts of the country. The reason for
Mr. Allen's appointment was the recognition by the fiiTU of
the need, in their particular business, of -an engineer to give
the whole of his attention in the first instance to the applica-
tion of current in all possible ways to chemical production,
and secondly, to generate jjower on a high annual load factor
at the lowest possible cost, as electrolytic methods of produc-
tion result in much greater purity.

Mr. Christopher Young,' formerly of the electrical .staff of
the Farnham Gas & Electricity Co., who joined the Eoyal
Flying Corps, and who recently obtained his " wings," has
been married to Mi.ss Phyllis Lake.

Aid. G. Weeks, of Messrs. Weeks & Son, electrical engi-
neers, has been re-appointed Deputy-Mayor of Bromley (Kent).

London Oaxette Notice. — Territorial Force. Royal Engi-
neers. Tyne Electrical Engineers : Lieutenant (temporary
Captain) C. M. Campbell to be temporary Major.

■The undermentioned Second-Lieutenants (temiiorary Ijieu-
tenants) to be temporary Captains: —

H. O. Rogerson: H. Sherlock; C. F. Scott: D. Mylea; F.
B. C. Sutthery; T. T. Tucker; W. H. James; J. liawther;
R. H. Rooksby.

The undermentioned Second-Lieutenants to be temporary
Lieutenants : —

H. G. Campbell; E. V. Baldwin; E. Harrison; O. W. E.
Hedley ; W. W. Wilson ; C. B. S. Micklam ; W. Fox ; J. B.
Murray; C. Graham; J. L. Batev ; D. E. Ro.ss; A. S. Burdis;
J. R. T. Emerson; F. T. Hamilton.

Mr. W. Newton Weston, M.I.Mech.E., has been appointed
a director of Messrs. Herbert Morris, Ltd., of Loughborough,
lie- will continue to hold the position of secretary, wliich he
has occupied for the past nine years.

Roll of Honour.— The West Ham Corporation tramway
tiaffic staff have lu-esented an inscribed silver t-ea service to
Regimental-Sergeant-Major J. R. Jones, Royal Welsh Fusi-
liers (London Welsh), who enlisted whilst a motorman, in
commemoration of his bravery in action by which he gained
the Military Cross.

Sapper (Corporal) A. J. Towlson (London Field Company)
has been presented with the Military Medal for executing'a
most important survey successfully under heavv fire. Sapper
Towlson was a draughtsman in the employ of the India-
Rubber Co., Silvertown, and he has been on service in France
for ivfa Vfears.

Corporal B.\.sil 0. D.awtrey D.\wson, Canadian Battalion,]
who was for several years a pupil at the Corixiration clec-y
trie light works at Folkestone, has fallen in action.

Sergeant L. Pavne, R.B. (Signalling Section), who has been
awarded the D CM. for gallantry on the field of action, was]
a Leeds tramcar dri.ver. Gunner H. Long, R.P.A., who has]
earned the Military Medal for excellent work as a signaller,!
was a Leeds tramcar conductor.

Corporal Alan Wai,kf.r, West Yorkshires, who is roporteil
killed in action, was an electrician in tho c^inploy of Mr. RJ
Fal.shaw. of Harrogate.

Privati- John Smith, West Yorkshire Regiment (Machipe
Gun Section), who' has been awarded the Military MedaiJ
was employed at the Leeds Corporation electricity w'orks.

Gunner W. Rh.ey, R.F..\., employed in the Manchester
Corporation tramways department, lias been awarded the
Military Medal.

Sergeant J. W. Wood, 4th Tjondon Field Anibiilanoe,|
R..\.M.C (an employe of the Marylebone electricity depart
nient), has been awarded the D.C.M.

Private T. A. Jones, of Runcorn, who has won the V.0,3
was previous to the war in the employ of the Mer.sey Power|
Co., Ltd., as fitter in the power .station at We.^biii I'
Single-handed, he captured 10-2 Germans. He is ii. \r.\i
age. The local Press contains copies of many im ->nui
congratulation, and his native place has iiaturalh' iliil\ ci'lc-
brated his magnificent exploit.

The .sudden death at the Wimereux Hospital dl I'livale
Robert Donaldson, Royal Irish Rifles, who was ;\ssistant
electrical engineer to the Corporation of Halifax, is rciiorteil;

Second-Lieutenant J. R. Ireland, Argyle and Sutherlanil
Highlanders, killed in action, was 19 years of age, and was
a student in mechanical and electrical engineering at Edin-
burgh.

Private Reid, H.L.L, killed in action at the age of 'll years,
was employed as an electrician with Messrs. .Vllan .■Arthur
and Ure, Glasgow.

Sergeant W. D. Barron, Canadians, has been missing since
October 8th. He was employed with the Winnipeg Electric'
Car Co., and was '26 years of age.

Private W. E. Dunn, 11th Hants. Regiment, who has fallen
in action, was employed in the Burton Corporation electricity
department.

Sergeant P. J. Burk, who prior to enlistment was eiu-
ployed at the Accrington electricitv works, has won the
D.C.M.

The Military Medal has Ijeen awarded to Lance-Sergemit
Bert Mee, of the West Yorkshire Regiment, who joined the
Forces when only Ifi. Formerly he was in the tramways
department at Bradford.

Corporal J. Thompson, East Kent Regiment, formerly
driller, permanent-way section, of the L.C.C. tramways
department, has been killed in action.

Private W. Hazeldine, East Lancashire Regiment, who
enlisted whilst with Messrs. Bullers, Ltd., Hanley, has died
of wounds.

Private J. Goodwin, Leicestershire Regiment, killed in
actioii, was an electrical engineer formerly engaged at Belton
Park, Grantham.

Second-Lieutenant A. Jackson, Border Regiment, killed iii
action on November 3rd, aged 25, was an electrical engineer
with the British Westinghouse Co., Ltd.

Gunner J. Henderson, R.P.A., who served his apprentice-
.ship with Mr. J. Ell wood, electrician, of Whitehaven, has
died of beri-beri whilst on service in Mesopotamia.

Lance-Corporal E. Richardson. East Kent Regiment (The
Buffs), who is reported from France to be missing since
October 7th last, was for 14 years on the .staft' of the Maid-
stone Corporation electricity works.

Company-Sergeant-Major Herbert Sai,ter, Rifle Brigade,
who was at the outbreak of war an electrician at Manchester,
has fallen in action, aged 34 years.

Private Leonard Rowley, Royal Fusiliers, who has been-
killed in action, was on the staff of the Potteries Electric
Traction Co. •

Private Harry Thqiifson-, York and Ijancaster Regiment, (^
the Rotherham Corporation tramway staff, has been awarded
the Military Medal. • _

The Military Cioss has been awarded to Lieutenant 11. B.
B.wran, R.F'.A., and Second-Lieutenant S. R. Butler,
R.F.A., for laying telephone wires under heavy fire, kv.,
at the end of September.- Military Medals have been won,
al.so for specially hazardous telephone work, by Gunner .V.'
Driver, R.F.A., Acting Bomliardicr C. E. Brayshaw. R.F.A.,'
and Private C. Twixeham. West Yorks.

Obituary.— Sir W. Vai'ghan Morgan.— We^ regret' th
record the death, which occurred on Sunday in his 80th
year, of Sir Walter Vaughan Morgan, who many yeara agff,
together with
Ciucible Work
known trade pape
Drugginf. , , .■

Mr. S. W. Maddick.— We regret to announce the death,
which occurred on November .5th, of Mr. S. W. Maddicfc
(retired), late electrical engineer. H.M.O. Works, at the age
of 72. Mr. Maddick's name has been identified with electrical
engineering since its infancy. He became as.sociated with thl>
Heating, Ventilating and Lighting Department at the House*
of Parliame'nt as far back as 1869.

Salter \ aughan Morgan, who many years agff, j

five of his brothers, founded the MorgaH'i

is, at Battersea, and established two now well' ,4

papers — The Iroiniioiijitr and The Clipiiii.it and\

I

'Ml

Vol. 7<x xo. 2,o3(. xovEMBER K, v.m.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

553

NEW COMPANIES REGISTERED.

Traction Development, Ltd. (145,2.%).— This rompaiiv

w,is registcrol on N'ovembor filli. witli .n capital of £30,000 in fl sh.m's
(10,000 75 per rent. pref. or.l.). to carry on the business of m.-mufarlutrrs of
locomotives, traction engines, motor cars, aeroplanes, and all heavier-than-air
(lying machines, anj fittings for the same, mechanical and electrical engi-
neers. &c., and to .tdopt an agreement with R. K. Macfic and Macfie & Co..
Ltd, The subscribers (with one pref. ord. share each) are : A. Smeed Prall,
40, Swanage Road, Wandsworth. S.W.. solicitor; H. N. Letts. !f)fi. i-".:rnhead
Road. Maida Hill. W., solicitor's clerk. Private company. The number of
directors is not to be less than wo or more than five; the first arc F. Macfie,
40, Talbot Ro.ad, \V,. and H. F. Smalman-Smith, Hampden House, Kings-
«'av, W.C. Qualification, one share. Remuneration as fixed bv the com-
pany. Solicitors: CorboukI, Ellis & Mitchell. 1. Church Court,' Clement's
Lane, B.C. Registered qflfice : Hampden House, Kingsway, W.C.

Tele-Dis Services (Pounders' Company), Ltd. (145,270).

—This company was registered on November 9th. with a capital of fl.OOO in
LOOO founders' shares of £1 each, to acquire and turn to account any inven-
tion for improvements in hygienic appliances relating to telephone apparatus,
sound-recording instruments, &c.. and to carry on the business of manufac-
turers of and dealers in hvgienic apparatus. lotions, polishes, pastes, patent
medicines, and chemicals of all kinds. &c. The subscribers (with one share
e.ach) are: Millicent Roberts, 74. Sussex Street, Poplar, E., clerk; V. F.
Mepham, 197. Felsham Road. Putnev. S.W., accountant. Private company.
The number of directors is not to he less than two or more than seven; the
first arr n.it n:.nic,l. S,-,ii, it,-,; ■ W. ,\ r,,h,T, 1, Cl.-m.-nl'. Inn, SirMn^l, W.C.
S.-.:r.'t,..\ W. s. <rn.,, R,.^ lit,-: . ,1 ,,ffi,-, :ir, i,_lu. . n \i,l,,ii., Mi.,;, K.C,

General Engineerin;^ & Export Co., Ltd. (14.5,240). —

This company was regUlcr.-l on N,.v. mli.r Till, with :, capital of £5.000 in £1

brokers, commission agents, nianuf.icturers ol me. iKinie.il and electrical plant,
machinery, and hardware. &c. Tlie subscribers (with one share each) are :
\V. C, Gurnev. 112, Chestnut .Avenue. Wallhanistow, clerk; A. T. Freeman,
21), Marquis Road, Stroi;d Green, N.. publisher's assistant. Private company.
The number of direcloi= i- not to h,- less than two or more than five; the
subscribers are to ,(.|.,,o s„i,citor : C. Crowther. 23. .Abingdon

Street S.W, Rec. o ^ I Ltd., llti-17, Chancerv Lane, W.C.

OFFICIAL RETURNS OF ELECTRICAL
COMPANIES.

Rangoon Electric Tramway & Supply Co., Ltd. — A

memorandum of satisfaction to the extent of £5,750 oii February 2nd, 1916.
and to the extent of £82fi on October 4lh. 191(5. of deb. stock dated February
Isi, 190(5, Deeemhri 22n.l, 19(18, and Nlivember .^ith. 1913. securing £2.')0.fJO(l,
has been filed.

A. Hirst & Son, Ltd.— -V memorandum of s.Ttisfaclion in

full on Septemtier 7th, 191(5, ol debs, dated February 11th, 1910, securing
£3,600, has been filed.

CITY NOTES.

Mr. Bernard Drake presided at the
Drake & annual meeting, held on November 9th.

Gorham, Ltd. He .said that the net profit of f8,.5'27
compared with f3,817 in the previous
yi^ar, and considering the proportion of their men who were
with the Forces, the shortage of country-house installations,
and the allowances they weri^ making to absentees, they had
been able to very satisfactorily adjust their organisation to
meet the altered conditions. Goveniment contracts included
work on a. number of camps in all parts nf the country, and
\vork for various branches of the Services, as well as at the
works of big engineering, shil>liuilding, and other companies.
The large electric generating station for the United Alkali
Clo. had been satisfactorily put to work, and he had every
hope that when the results were ascertained it would lead
ti) further work of the .same character. The speaker gave the
names of important works at which power and lighting in-
stallations had been carried out, also of eminent privat<^
clients. The factory had done well, and very great credit was
clue to the works manager, who had increased his output by
nearly 75 per cent. The wholesale department, the opera-
tions of which were naturally curtailed by the lighting restri(>-
tions and cessation of building work, had been al)lf> to apply
its energies to the execution of Government ixiwer and light- .
ing orders, A-c, with the result that both the turnover and
profits had increased considerably during the twelve months.
Every effort was being made to organise this and other
departments with a view to trade after the war, as they looked
forward to receiving expoit orders in connection with the
reconstruction work which would be necessary in Belgium,
France. Russia, and elsewhere. Their electric vehicle depart-
ment had been able to demonstrate on an extended scale
the economy and convenience which could be obtained from
electric haulage. Vehicles had been supplied to the Chester
Corporation, the Manchester Corporation. Broughton Copper
Co., Ford Motor Co.. Brunner Mond & Co., Deakins. Ltd.,
•T. & J. M. Worrall, Ltd.. Ainsworth ct Son, and others. They
had also repeat orders from Messrs. Richard Johnson and
Xephew. Messrs. Greenall, Whitlej' & Co., and Mes.srs. Levin-
stein. Ltd. As Edi.son batteries Were reported to haVe run

over 60,000 miles in this country without renewals it was
clear that battery-propelled vehicles would play an important
part in the world's carrying trade. As he was compelled last
>ear to refer to the disappointing results of the branch in
]\Ianche.ster. he was pleased this year to congratulate the
staff on the improvement which they had been able to show
both in turnover and profit. As regards the future, there
might well be hard times ahead, and the Labour problem
was very acute, but they had made a good start for the cur-
rent year, and although it was unfortunate that it had been
found neces.sary by heavy taxation to curtail trade exten-
sions, and con.sequently earning capacity in the near future,
they might rest a'ssured that they would all do their best to
meet whatever difficulties might be in store for them.

The report for the year ended June
Tlie Edison Swan SOth, 1916, states that after providing
Electric Co., Ltd. for interest on both classes of deben-
ture stock, and depreciation upon free-
hold properties and plant there is a net profit of ifi'34,147.
plus £4.879 brought forward. The directors propose to
transfer to reserve account .£'25,000, carrying forward £4,02.").
The capital expenditure during the year, before providing for
depreciation, has amounted approximately to £16,000, the
major jwrtion of this having been expended upon additional
plant and machinery. The company's trade has shown a
further considerable improvement during the year. ^In conse-
rjuence of this expansion all avaihilile cash is ret^uired in the
business, and cos.siderable further sum.s- could have been
profitably employed. Under the.se circumstances, the direc-
tors regret) that they are not in a position to recommend the
payment of a dividend upon the shares. ' The high cost of •
labour and materials has again seriously affected the profits
derived from the manufacture and sale of drawn-wire lamps,
it being impracticable to increase the selling price of the.se
to meet such extra cost. The engineering sitie of the works
has been almost wholly employed upon special work. The
export business shows a still fm'ther expansion, and this
branch of the company's trade being now established upon
a firm basis, it is hoped that when normal times come still
better results will be obtained. Annual meeting : November
2'2nd. , ■

After providing for all charges in Monte
Monte Video Video and London, and making, provision
Telephone for income-tax and excess profits duty, the

Co., Ltd. net profit for the year ended July 31st,

1916, was £'2.5,985, as against £'2i5.776
for the previous year. £8,000 is put to depreciation of pro-
perty and plant, £9,000 is transferred to reserve for renewals,
and after paying a final dividend of 2i per cent, on the pre-
feience and one of 3 per cent, on the ordinary, making 5
per cent, on the preference and 6 per cent, on the ordinaiw
for the year, £5,694- is to be carried forward, as again.st
£.5,394 brought in. There has been a moderate increase in
the number of subscribers. Owing to pressure of business
engagements Mr. li. Phillips has retired from the board, and
his brother, Lord St. Davids, has been elected to fill the
vacancy. Mr. Albert Anns, formerly secretary of the National
Telephone Co.. Ltd.. is recommended as an atiditional director.

Sir .1. Wolfe Bap.ry, presiding at the
Western Tele= meeting last week, said that although- the

grapll Co., Ltd. receipts from. messages were less by some-
what over £1-5,000, the interest from in-
vcstraeiits, ttc, almost balanced this amount, resulting in a
net decrea.se of slightly 'over £1,000 in revenue. In 1914-L5
the message revenue was the highest in the history of the
company. ■ Not only were a smaller number of messages
transmitted, but a larger proportion of the total were " de-
ferred " at .half rates. The net profit to the company was
less than for the previous year, but an unusually large bal-
ance of nearly £86,000 was brought forward from .June 30th,
1915. and in view of the satisfactory condition of the com-
pany's financial position the directors felt justified in recom-
mending the payment of a bonus of 2 per cent., instead of
the 1 per cent, paid in past years, making a total distribution
of 8 per cent, for the year, free of income-tax. With regard
t(^> the revenue since June 30th last, the traffic receipts for
tlie three month's to the end of September showed scarcely
any variation as compared with the corresponding period
last year.

For the year to June 30,th the profit.
Eraser & after providing for all expen.ses and dtjpre-

Chalmers, Ltd. elation on buildings, plant and machinery,
was £24,668, as compared with £12,0,58
for the previous year. This profit has been arrived at after
making provision for war taxation.. The results show a con-
siderable increase over tho.se of the previous year, notwith-
standing the increase in the co.st of labour and materials, the
dil'ficulty of maintaining a sufficient labour force, and also
the large increase in rates of freight and insurance to South
Africa and elsewhere. The merchandise business in South
Africa has shown substantial improvement during the year,
and the prospects for the cun-ent year there, as well as at
the other branches of the company, are good. The dividend
of 7J per cent, on the preference shares was paid in July
last. The directors have decided to carry forward the bala-nce
of profit to the current year in order to conserve the re-
sources of the company required to provide for the large
increase in Values of stoeka and work in progress.

•3 -.4

THE ELECTlilCAL llEVIEW. [Voi, th. Xo 2.(iS4. xovkmbkk i:, ntiK.

British Uralite (1908), Ltd. — For the year ended June,
1916, the profit was i'6,30S. After paying 5 per cent, divi-
dend, and puttinf,' f-2,tXX) to reserve, fl,197 is carried for-
ward. The outstanding debentures, which participated in
the profits, have now been paid off.

Yates & Thorn, Ltd. — The direclors annnuncc ilial, in
conse(]iienie of an adjiistiiient not having' boon arrivoii at
with the authorities in respect of the pro|H)rtion of profits
jMiyablo to the revenue, it is inipo.'i.'<il)U' at the present time
to issue a correct balance sheet for tiio year ended Aujiust
I'ith. The directors, however, feel justified in rocoinniendiiiR
a 10 per cent, dividend on the ordinary shares. — Fhtaiuiitl
Times.

Cleveland Trust, Ltd. — .\t the annual nicetint;, licKI al
Mid<llcshii>ut;li last week, Mr. \V. H. Hustlkr, who presiili'd,
said the Trust liad been very stn-erely hit by the hoklin;,' of
land and the electric lisht undertaking at Saltlnirn-by-the-
Sea. In regard to the latter, he was afraid there was no
possibility of any improvement so long as the lighting restric-
tions and the greatly increased cost of oil fuel la.sted, but. so
far, the dirtntors had not thought it advisjible to meet tlie
position by increasing the price of current to consumers in
the special circumstances obtaining at Saltbum. They hail
confidence, though, that the undertaking would give them
a fair return as soon as the restrictions were removed.

\ divitU-nd of 3^

]v-r

nd

Cape Electric Tramways, Ltd.

cent., less tax, is annouiiccii.

R. Hornsby & Sons, Ltd.^Dividends, G.; p<r cent
a bonus of 33 per cent, on the ordinaiy sliares are recom-
mended, carrying forward f43,7o4.

Castner^Kellner Alkali Co., Ltd.— A dividend of 13 p,r
cent, for the past six months makes a total of "i'i per cent fur
the vear.

STOCKS AND SHARES.

TuF.SD.w Evening.

Markets round the Stt>ck Exchange exhibit a very fair
amount of steadine.ss, and the finn manner in which Consols
and other gilt-edged issues are maintained is a useful buttress
to other investment securities. Here and there some slight
yielding is taking place, though this does not become notice-
able until a would-be seller tries to realise his .stock, when
both he and his stockbroker may be surprised to find that
the transaction is le.ss facile than they expected to find it.
This is moie particularly the ca.se with stocks in such markets
as those touched upon here, because in a large majority of
the stock.s and shares the market is at the be.st of times some-
what limited. To-day, the position is that in many cases
dealing has become a matter of negotiation.

The rea.sons are several-fold, and have been alluded to on
various occasions here. Summed up, they embrace the advent
of a new Loan, the disappointment over Roumania, and the
modification of the undue optimism which .saw, last .July, a
termination to the war by the end of the present year. But
the fine news of this week has helped to cheer up things
generally.

Amongst electricity supply shares, a dullish tone prevails.
It is not that there is much stock on offer, but rather the
absence of inquiring buyers, that gives the market a heavy
tendency. City Lights have been lowered i, and .so have
Metropolitans and London Electric preference, the last-named
looking reasonably-priced on a basis of 6^ per cent, return.
But with Exchequer Bonds paying 6, an industrial prefer-
ence— even allowing for its being irredeemable — fails to
attract at less than 7 per cent., unless it boasts .special
reasons to make it tempting.

The re-election of President Wilson, after >such a lot of
fuss, is read for the moment as a bear-point in regard to
Mexican affairs. The argument is that Mr. Wilson's policy
ill Mexico has been a weak and vacillating one, fomenting
disorders in the country in.stead of restraining them. Mexico
Tramways 5 per cent, bonds are li down, at 38J, and the
Sixes, at 29i, have lost 4 points. Mexican Light and Power
issues remain unchanged. Some say in the Stock Exchange
that Mexico cannot possibly get into any worse a situation
than prevails now, and that any change must therefore be
for the better. But all the same, these people do not buv
Mexican stocks.

Marconis have gone back to 2 13/lR. The vigorous defence
of Mr. Godfrey Isaacs in regard to the Marconi Co.'s con-
nection with the German Telefunken has had no effect in
helping the price of the shares, but if has been studied with
keen interest. American Marconis and Canadians have
scarcely moved; interest is very spasmodic, but there are
many who hold that Marconis at the present price will one
of these days provide the holders with substantial profits and
dividends.

The Anglo-American group of cable stocks is dullish, Anglo-
American preferred slipping back to 95; but there has been
a sliahtly better inquiry for the deferred stock on the basis
of 2:^. Great Northerns, at 375. have receded a further 10s.
Eastern Extensions show i rise, and a fall similar in extent
has occurred in Globe preference. West India and Panama
Telegraph ordinary shares are unaltered on the dividend

announcement of 6d. per share, free of tax, for the half-year
to June 30th last. Last November the dividend was 9d. per
share.

Underground Electric Income bonds show especial strength,
having rogani to the prevailing depression oi otlier stocks in
till' Home Railway market. The price has advanced to 90,
and ihc buying this time has ccime fioin the North. The
strenglh (jf these bonils communicated it.self to Metropolitans,
wliiili wi'Ot up to "23, but reverte<i to 'i'ii. A .slight improvc-
miiit hiis (Kcurrcd in Metropolitan deferred stix'k, wfiich h.is
hardcni'd to IHj. It may be recalled that this stock was
given to holders of the Great Northern it City Railway in
exchange for their shares, and ranks level for dividend pur-
poses with Metropolitan ordinarv from the first half of
in-2tl. Districts are lower at 1.5i, while the i'lO shares of the •
Underground Electric Co. arc .steady, although there has been
free buying of the Is. shares, raising the price to Gs. Gd.

Brazilian Tractions weakened to .'54. and .'Vnglo-.'Vrgontine
Tramways '> per cent, debenture stock dropped to 69. Tlie
.slump in British Columbia Electric Railway stocks .shows no
signs of abatement, and further falls have taken place rang-
ing from 2 to ii points, the 4i per cent, debenture stock
being the chief sufferer.

Callenders are 'on. better at 123. .India-Rubbers ro.se 1,5s.
to 123. Electric Constructions rose to 1 3/32, and the prefer-
ence are better at 1 1/lG. The Edison & Swan shares are
unchanged on the Ls.sue of the report, and industrials as a
wholi' are steady, with the exception of a few cases in which
pitference shares have given way a little for the reasons
mentioned above. The rubber .share market keeps good, and
several excellent dividend declarations have played their part
in stitlVning confidence and prices.

SHARE LIST OF ELECTRICAL COMP.WIES.
Home Eleotsioitt Coupanixb,

Dividend Price

». * 's Nov. 14, Rise or fall

1914. 1916, 1916. thiaweeli.

Brompton Ordinary .... 10 10 6g —

Charing Cross Ordinary ..55 ij^ — j'.^

do. do. do. 4» Pret.. 4i 4) B^,. —

Clielsea 6 4 a —

Citv of London 9 8 llj - J

do. do. 6 per cent. Pref. 8 6 If'J —

County of London .... 7 7 10} —

do. 6 per cent. Pref. 6 6 lOi —

Kensington Ordinary .... 9 7 68 —

London Electric 4 8 Ig —

do. do. 6 per cent. Pref. 6 6 4,'a — J

Metropolitan 8J 8 28 — j

do. 4J per cent. Pref. 4} 4i SJ —

St. James' and Pall Mall . . 10 8 6i —

South London 6 6 SfS —

.South Metropolitan Pref. ..77 1^, —

Westminster Ordinary . . . . 9 7 6?^ —

TlLEORAPHS AND TKLEPBONEa,

Anglo- Am. Tel. Pref 6 6 95 id -1

do. Del 80/- 83/6 aSJ —

Chile Telephone 8 B 7 —

Cuba Sub. Ord 6 6 81 —

Eastern Extension .... 7 8 132 + ^

Eastern Tel. Ord. . . . . 7 8 142} —

Globe Tel. and T. Ord 6 7 12| —

do. Pret. ..66 10| — J

Great Northern Tel 23 22 874 ~i

Indo-European 13 18 51 —

Marconi 10 10 S},'; — j^.

New York Tel. 41 . . . . 4i 4J 98 —

Oriental Telephone Ord. . . 10 10 2A —

United R. Plate Tel 8 8 6| xd —

West India and Pan 1 — 1 —

Western Telegraph . . . . 7 8 143^ —

Home Rails,

Central London, Ord. Assented 4 4 6.0J —

Metropolitan li 1 32i —

do. District .. .. Nil Nil 16i — i

Underground Electric Ordinary Nil Nil If^ —

do. do. "A" .. Nil Nil B,(i 41/-

do. do. Income 6 6 90 + i

FoREioN Trams, &a.

Adelaide Sup. 6 per cent. Pret. 6 6 4JJ _

Anglo-Arg. Trams, First Prel. 5J 5i Si —

do. 2nd Pref. . . 5i 6| 2] —

do. 5 Deb. ..5 6 f9 -I

Brazil Tractions 4 4 64 - 1

Bombay Electric Pref 6 6 lOJ —

British Columbia Elec. Rly. Pfce. 6 5 69 —2*

do. do. Preferred — Nil 51 —2'

do. do. . Deferred — Nil 60 —2

do. do. Deb. 4i 4} 6a - 4),

Mexico Trams 5 per cent. Bonds — Nil 3S4 — U

do. 6 per cent. Bonds — Nil 29* — T

Mexican Light Common . . Nil Nil 17' —

do. Pref Nil Nil Bt —

do. 1st Bonds . . 'Nil Nil 40 —

MANCFAGTUaniO CoUPAHlBS.

Baboock 4 Wilcox .... 14 15 2| —

British Aluminium Ord. .. 6 7 18/ -^8d.

British Insulated Ord 16 17J 12 —

British Westinghouse Pret, . . 7i 7J 2A — A

Callenders 15 20 ISJ ' + i

do. 6 Pref 6 6 i* —

Castner-Kellner 20 — B| —

Edison & Swan, JE3 paid . . Nil — 3/8 —

do. do. fully paid ..Nil — 15 ' —

do. do. 4 per cent. Deb. 5 6 62^ —

Electric Construction .. .. 6 7i 1/g -f -^n

Gen. Elec. Pref 6 6 10 — '

do. Ord 10 10 Ui —

Henley 20 25 16 —

do. 4i Pref H *i 4 — 4

India-Bubber 10 10 12| + I

Telegraph Oon 20 20 88$ —

' Dividends paid free of Inoome-Wx,

£7 11

0

7 2 10

6 6

6 18

6 16

6 17

6 10

6 18

« 4

6 10

6

6 15

4

6 8 6

•6 15 6

•6 I'i 1

•6 13 0

5 15 8

6 17 4
6 7 8

> 4 4
. 14 4
I 6 10
; 3 0
17 0

; 17 8
; 6 8

Nil

Nil
1 0 0
I 16 4
I 0 0
I IB 0
f 16 3
; 19 6
f 17 n
i 4 7

Toi. 7'... No. 2.03i, NOVEMBER 17, 1916.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

555

A DUAL METHOD OF MACHINE-FIRING
BY COAL AND GAS.

Am intereeting example of boiler furnaces which are machine-
fired by the dual application of gas and coal is found in the
installation carried out by Messrs. E. Bennis & Co., Ltd., at the
South Staffordshire Mond Gas (Power and Heating) Co.'s works

Boiler Plant with Dual Coal a.\d GA^ Firing

at Dudley Port, Tipton. The plant comprises eight producers,
each capable of gasifying 20 tons of fuel per day of 24 hours,
and generating sufficient gas to drive gas engines of 2.000 H.P.
continuously. The total capacity of the present section is thus
equal to 16,000 H.P.

The fuel, brought by boat or by rail, is loaded into bunkers,
which automatically
feed two conveyors, each
having a capacity of 40
tons per hour, which
convey and distribute
the fuel into the storage
bunkers over each set of
producers. The bunker
over each producer will
hold 40 tone, i.e., suffi-
cient to keep the pro-
ducer working for two
days.

The gas, after leav-
ing the producers, is
thoroughly washed in
mechanical washers, and
after passing through
the ammonia recovery
and gas-cooling towers.
is further purified by
large centrifugal fans
and then passed through
the scrubbers and the
meters before being
compressed and sent
through the mains for
distribution.

Some time ago it was
decided to substitute
mechanical firing for
hand-firing and machine
stokers arranged to bum
either coal or gas were
installed. These are of
the well-known '" Ben-
nis" sprinkler type, of which an integral feature is the self-cleaning
compressed-air furnace. The boiler plant of the South Stafford-
shire Mond Gas Co. consists of three Lancashire boilers, each
i> ft. X 30 ft., with extended flues, working at 120 lb. pressure.
They are fitted with superheaters, and the ga«es discharge
through an eoonomiser.

-i definite guarantee was given by the stoker makers that tht-
evaporation of each boiler should not be less than 12,000 lb. of
water per hour, with an overload evaporation of 15,000 lb. per
hour, when desired, for short periods, and an efficiency of 72 per
cent, was also conceded.

The qualified staff of practical chemists employed by the South
Staffordshire Mond Gas Co. were entrusted with the task of taking
tests which should establish the results of the work actually done by
the boilers. The tests showed not only that the guarantees were main-
tained, but that an appreciable
increase on the figures had been
achieved. For instance, an over-
load evaporation of 17,000 lb. of
water per hour from each boiler,
instead of 15,000 lb. per hour,
was obtained.

The South Staffordshire Mond
Gas Co.. prior to the installation.
had found no little inconveni-
ence owing to the fact that
steam was required both during
the night and from mid-day
Saturday imtU Monday morn-
ing, when it was desirable that
labour duties should stand at a
minimum.

To meet this condition the
mechanical stoker plant was
arranged so that it could be coal-
fed in the ordinary manner at
ordinary times, and the boilers
gas-fired during the hours of
night and at the week-ends.

A reference to our views will
show the gas ducts let into the
top flange of the stoker front, and
secured by means of a gas-tight
joint. The baffler plates, which
are situated behind the front,
are arranged with a passage,
the outlet being over the grate ;
the gas thus passes from the
ducts to the furnace. There are
two ducts to each flue : that is.
of course, four to each boiler,
each pair containing a breeches
pipe placed immediately behind
the hopper, and passing thence
to the gas supply, constituting
an extremely simple and satis-
factory arrangement. It is, of
course, essential that air should
.have access to the gas ; a valve is. therefore, placed on the
furnace front with ah adjustable cover to regulate the amount of
air supply. The air is conveyed into the furnace through a separate
air duct, and does not mix with the gas until it reaches the inside
of the flue, whez-e ignition takes place.

The results have been such as to justify the firm in applying the

Sectional Views Showing Doal Boiler Firing ARRANGEMEST,-i.

idea to all their extensions of boiler plant since the method was
first adopted. The fact that repeat orders have been placed for
machines of the same pattern to those already supplied for their
new installation of boilers, is in itself sufficient evidence of the
efficiency of the method and its satisfactory solution of the problem
it was designed to meet.

556

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW. [Voi. 79. No. 2,034, novkmukk n, ini.

lu a letter received from the South Staffonlshire iloml Ga-s
(Power and Heatinu-) Co.. the secretary states that the thermal
efficiency obtained diiriupr a six months' run under all conditions
anil variations of load, inoludinsr times when paits of the plant
were otf for cleaninsr and inspection, was 73 per cent. The
avera^'e quantity of water eva)iorated per boiler per hour for a
month's run was 14,.'!80 lb. Durin;.' this period the boilers were
fired with slack durinj; the day and tras-fired durinfr ni^'hts and
week-ends.

REVIEWS.

liuonie-Tiij- in Ilelation !>• TauuI Authonfies. By F. OonKN

Whiteley and Wll.i.i.^M Whittinc.ham. Bradford : \Vm.

Byles & Sons. Price lOs, (!d.

There is room i'or a work on the dry-as-dust and unelevatins-
subject of income-tax. which is, perhaps, as imperfectly com-
prehended by some of those who profess to discourse on it as
it is by the greneral public, who seeminfrly have some of the pro-
fessional classes, such as the lawyer-politician, the lawyer, the
accountant, that singular atom known as the "official mind." and
other srenerally self-seekinfr and nebulous entities to thank for much
of the difficulty and mystery that pervades it, and the anomalies
in which it abounds.

The book before us is one that presents to the reader much useful
information in an admirably concise form, and should be read by
those who are interested in the g-eneral workinj? and finance of
Municipal Corporations.

There are twelve chapters dealinof with income-tax prenerally
within the limits of the title of the book in relation to local autho-
rities. Chapter XIII treats briefly of the excess profits duty, and
the book contains by way of an appendix a memorandum which
was issued by the Institute of Municipal Treasurers and Accountants
explaining' the application of the provisions relating' to excess
profits duty in connection with the tradinpr undertakings of local
bodies, and sets forth statements illustrating the methods to be
idopted in computing the liability.

The sections and matter which concern us in particular, how-
ever (iu addition to excess profits), are those covering the ground
of the assessable profits of tramway undertakings and electricity
undertakings, as well as those discussing the important subjects of
wear and tear and obsolescence. These appear to have received due
consideration, are presented in succinct expression, as the follow-
ing example shows, and, on the whole, we are glad to recommend
the work.

t^liiteiiient .ihowing Allowiincefor Wear and Tear fur tlir
lerir i-Mliii;i April bth. \dn.
(Based on accounts for 1915-10.)
Periiiiinent !!'«// —

Miles run ' 6,250,000- -. o,,., -i ^ i i

„ , . — ■■ = .i.j.Sll.^ miles per track mile

1 rack mileage 112
{i.e.. length of
single track)

therefore the allowance for rec^wal of permanent way is based
on an estimated life of 1 4 years.
Itvneiriih —

t4 401) r cost of reie-sals ■]

— \ of one mile of > X 1 12 miles (as above) ... t35.2l"i

'4 years [ single track ' J

Track

lifpa

Year ended March 31st. 1912
Year ended March 31st. 1913
Year ended March 31st. 1914

102

314

Cost of
repair.
£9,.374
10.637
9,H32

£29,»43

Average for the three years. 1:95 per mile.

€95 X 112 track-miles (as above) t;i0.64n

Instead of three years, the average cost of
repairs may be based on five years, but if
five years is taken, this period must lie
adhered to in the future. In the present
case, the average of £95 per mile was first
adopted in respect of the assessment for
the year 1914-15, and the same average will
be applied for each year to April 5th. 1919 C 45,840

Cables

(In this undertaking the power is supplied by
the electricity undertaking, and the cables
are the property of that undertaking. In
those districts where the cost of the cables
for tramway power has been borne by the
tramway undertaking an allowance should
be claimed of 3 per cent, on the written-
down value.)
Workxhop. Tools and I'lunt —

Written-down value last year...

Expended during the year 1915-16

At 5 per cent. ...

(The written-down value to be carried
forward to next year will be £6,150, less
£307 or £5,843.)

.,800
3.50

£6,1.50

S'lindard" and liriu-h, .

Written-down value last year
Ivxpendetl during the year I9ir

C40,.500

.Vt 5 per cent.

Trolley wiring and connections

Cars and other rolling .stock ...

No allowance for wear and tear is made in
respect of either of these items, the ex)>endi-
ture upon renewals being charged in the
workingexpensesas.and when, it isincurred.
Where, however, the jimfits of the under-
taking are so small as not to cover the cost
I if renewals, the authority may make a
claim to be allowed for ' wear and tear,
and the Commissioners may allow 7 ]ier
cent, on the written-down value.

Power station ...

Where the power station is part of the
tramway undertaking, allowances for

■ wear and tear should be claimed in respect
of the various items of expenditure, in
;u;cordance with the scheme a]>plicable to
electric lighting undertakings.

Total allowance for wear and tear in respect,
of the year ending April 5th, 1917

LoctiliKutiott of Faults in Electric Liylit and I'ouir Mums,

with chapters on Insulation Testing. By F. OharLks

R.'\PH.4Eij. Ijondon : FArrtrician Printing and Pwhlishing

Co. Price 8s. 6d. net. Third edition.

This well-known work has been out of print for some time.

and we are glad to welcome its reappearance in a new

(.'(\'tion.

The author points out in the preface that, although iin-
proveineots have taken place in the manufacture of cables,
and changes have occurred in the methods of laying anil .
piotecting feeders and distribution networks, faults still,
develop and have to he tested for and localised. Whereas the
main principles of the testing of cables in situ and of the
locali.sa'tion of faults remain the same, the particular methods
in which they have to be applied under modern conditions
have altered, and it has accordingly been necessary to re-
write the descriptions of the methods to be employed in '
carrying out the tests in almost every case.

Beyond the rewriting of much of the matter of the earlier
editions, a con.siderable amount of new material appears in
the present edition. Thus, in Chapter VIII. w-hich devils
with " Discontinuities and Short Circuits," a good many in-
structions for localising the results of bum-outs are introduced
for the first time. A short chapter has been added on faults'
in tramway feeders, and in this .some interesting methods
are given for employing the trolley w-ires to form part of the
loop or to replace the slide wire in the localisation test^

Another fresh chapter is devoted to the means which have
I een so largely introduced in recent years for providing
duplicate fi-^ders with automatic devices for the prf>tection of
the mains, such as the Merz-Price system, the core-balancing
and split conductor sy.stems. ,and the Ferranti-Walters and.
Callender-Waters protective systems.

The main part of the book is taken up with careful and
detailed instructions for carrying out localisation tests for
faults under various conditions and by the various known
methods. The author has driwn extensively on his own
experience 'n describing the methods to be employed, the
special precautions to be ob.served. and the limitations in the
application of each. It is for the actual u.ser of the tests that
he writes, and not for the more general reader, who mightr
desire to gain a more comprehensive insight into the prin-
ciples of cable testing. It is the method of conducting the
test, rather than the principles on which it is based, that
the author sets out to explain, and he does it very well. The
underlying principles are given also, but their interest is
secondary, and many special precautions or devices of a
pmctical nature are mtroduced with little or no exrllanation
of the theory underlying them. In saying this, the reviewer
intends no adver.se criticism ; the author has a particular
object in view, and he quite legitimately pursues that object,
and omits what he considers to be not es.sential to its attain-
iToent. Thus, on page .51. he is .satisfied to state that "a
well-insulated concentric sy.stem has its outer main at a com-
paratively low potential, owing to the effect of capacity."'
without stopping to explain why the capacity produces this
result.

In connection with the diagrams Nos. 68 and 69, whicht
show transformers connected in series for breaking down ft
fault, it might have been desirable to explain the .simplifica-
tion in the connections which would re.sult from the use of a
single transformer capalile of giving the required pressure.
One piece of advice we are glad to see, emphasistnl by Mr.
Raphael in more than one connection, namely, that it is
wrong to wait for the development of a fault before making
preparations for localising it. As f.ar as po.ssible, the best
method to be adopted on the particular system in question,
any special apparatus which may be required and calcula-
tions of " equivalent sections," &c., for the circuits, should ;
he carefully decided upon and prepared beforehand. It is not

•iA:

Vol. 71. xo. 2.034. xovEMBER 17. ii.i6.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW

557

the least of the good points of Mr. Raphael's book that it
\Kill be of material help in making such preparations for the
day of trial.

Readers of tho earUer editions of this book will probably
need no fresh assurance of its utility ; to any others who have
charge of installations where fault localisations may have to
be made we can cordially recommend it.

In concluding his notice of this useful and practical work,
the reviewer ventures to make one criticism of a general
character. He would like to suggest that if the printed
matter had been more frequently divided into paragraphs,
with fairly numerous sub-headings, and if the diagrams had
been provided with titles, the book would have been rendered
more convenient for purposes of ready reference. Such a
subdivision would alfe have made it easier to give greater
prominence to matters which are common to a series of
tests, and which are at present in some danger of being
buried amongst the details of the description of some parti-
cular measurement. It is only fair to add that by the provi-
sion of a good index the author has deprived this criticism
of some of the force which it might otherwise have had.

MINISTRY OF MUNITIONS OF WAR.

Procedure Affecting Supplies of M.4Teri.4ls.
The Ministi-y of Munitions" is desirous of informing manu-
facturers, merchants, and exporters that the arrangements
that have been in force for controlling supplies of steel, tin-
plates, &c., are to be extended to other materials, and for
the convenience of the public an explanation of the above-
mentioned arrangements and their extended application is
.set forth below.

To obtain, whether for home use or export, supplies of
copper wire, cable containing copper, bessemer and open
hearth steel, corrugated sheets, tinplates, tinned sheets, teme
plates, blackplates and lead-coat«d sheets, it will be necessary
either to quote a Government contract reference and number
if the materials are required to execute a Government con-
tract, or to procure a permit reference number and priority
classification from the Ministry of Munitions, Priority Branch.
28, Northumberland Avenue, W.C. In applying for such a
permit, full particulars of the requirements and purpose
should be given. This Government contract reference and
number, or pennit reference and number and priority classifi-
cation, as the case may be, must be quoted to the suppliers,
who are forbidden to deliver any of the aforesaid materials
without being furnished with a Government contract number
or reference number and priority classification covering the
material ordered.

Where one of the following can be quoted to the suppliers
no permit reference number and priority classification from
the Ministry of Munitions are needed : —

1. Admiralty contract reference and number or .\dmiralty
Priority Section permit reference and number.

2. War Office contract reference and number.

3. Ministry of Munitions contract reference and number.

4. Commission Internationale de Eavitaillement or Com-
mission Francaise sanction reference and number, with
Ministry of Munitions priority classification.

•5. Board of Trade (Marine Department) (in the case of mUd
steel only) permit reference and number declaring merchant
shipping to be munition work.

6. Post Office contract reference and number (in the case
of copper or copper alloys only).

In the above cases (1-6) suppUers on receipt of the con-
tiact or permit reference numlser and a declaration by the
cnstoraer that the materials ordered are required solely to
fulfil the orders covered by the reference number quoted are
entitled to deliver on the basis of priority classification A/4
(war work). If a higher grade of priority is requii-ed, appli-
i-ation must be made to the Priority Branch of the Ministry
lit Munitions, .stating the ground of special urgency.

The reference, date, and' grade of contract permit or
priority classification should be passed on to sub-contractors,
if any, so that they, like the main contractor, can quote the
necessary particulars referred to above on any orders that
may be plated with the merchant, stockholder, or the manu-
facturer of the materials. This means that once a permit
has been granted for a certain plant, such permit covers all
parts and materials necessary for completing the plant un-
less instructions to the contrary are entered on the original
pennit.

-\s a general rule, the customer should make the applica-
tion for permit and priority classification, and not the stock-
holder or manufacturer of the materials.

References need not be insisted upon in the case of urgent
.Admiralty telegraphic instructions for immediate repairs to
ships.

In ca,se of machine tool firms and electrical firms, the
order can be covered by quotation of the reference and date
of permit accorded by the Machine Tool Department or the
Electrical Branch of the Ministry of Munitions respectively.
for the machinery or parts for which the material is ordered.

None of the aforesaid materials can be suppUed, except for
orders or contracts coming within Class " A " or Class " B " :

only shell discard quality steel and iron are allowed to' be
supplied in Class " C " or Class " C " Priority Instruction 6.
If requii'ed for use within the United Kingdom, shell discard
quahty steel can be obtained without any permit. If for
export, shell discard quality steel can be obtained only where
the orders have been classified by the Priority Branch, and
the reference number of the classification certificate and
specific particulars of destination must be quoted to suppliers
and the War Trade Department.

In all applications full particulars should be given under
the following headings : —

1. A precise description of the articles or materials required.

2. The exact quantities thereof. If required for different
orders or purposes the quantities required for each order or
purpose respectively. If required for stock, or " running
account," the minimum quantities needed for a period of
three months and the respective quantities in hand at present.

3. The name of the firm or firms with whom the order or
orders are or are to be placed, respectively.

4. The respective war, national, or other object to be served,
and proof of urgency and importance.

.\ priority certificate is required even though the goods are
merely to be transferred from one branch of a firm in the
United Kingdom to another branch of the same firm in a
foreign country or British possession.

Merchants, manufacturers, and the general public are
earnestly requested to assist the Ministry of Munitions in
particular and the nation in general by refraining from apply-
ing for permission to obtain the materials mentioned herein
unless the same are required for war or other urgent national
objects. It is essential that supplies should be conserved for
direct war work and work of urgent national importance.

Notice in Regard to the Export of Copper Wire, aud Cable

CONTAINING CoPPER, BESSEMER AND OPEN HE.UITH StEEL, OK

Corrugated Sheets. Tinpl.ites, Terneplates, Blackplates,
Tinned Sheets, and Lead-coated Sheets.

1. With a view to conserving supplies of copper wiie or
cable, Bessemer and open hearth steel, eoii'ugated sheets, tin-
plates, tei'neplates, blackplates, tinned sheets, and lead-coated
sheets, the Director of the War Trade Department announces
that it has been an'anged with the Ministry of Munitions
that export licences will not be granted vmless a Ministry of
Munitions priority certificate (Class " A " or Class " B ")
pei-mitting manufacture or sale from stock has been obtained,
or unless the reference and number of an Admiralty contract
or permit or War Office contract for the completion of which
the copper wii'e or cable, steel, tinplates, &c., are required
can be quoted. Export licences will not as a general rule
be issued in respect of copper wire or cable, steel, tinplates.
&c., for which a Class " C " certificate is quoted.

2. In the case of allied countries (Fi'ance, Russia. Italy,
Serbia, Portugal, Roumania, Belgium, .Japan) priority certifi-
cates are only given in very exceptional cases by the Ministry
of Munitions, unless the apphcation is supported by the Com-
mission Internationale de Ravitaillement, whether the consign-
ment is intended for a Government contract or not. Application
should, therefore, be made direct to the Commission Inter-
nationale de Ravitaillement, India House, Kingsway, London,
W.C. which, if prepared to support the ca.se. will communi-
cate with the ilinistry of ilunitions, and arrange for the
issue of a priority certificate. It the copper wire or cable,
steel, tinplates, &c., are for Government work and export is
allowed, the permits for export will be issued by the Com-
mission Intei'nationale de Eavitaillement. If the goods are
not for Govei-nment work, and the applicant is in a position
to quote a priority certificate ("A" or " B ") or contract
reference and number, he should make an apphcation to the
War Trade Department for the grant of an export licence, and
if the exjwrt is allowed a licence will be granted by that
Department.

3. In the case of Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Holland, and
Switzerland, apphcation should be made in the first instance
to the War Trade Department, which, if there is no irnme-
diate reason for refusal, will arrange direct with the Ministry
of Munitions for the issue of a priority certificate. The apph-
cant should not communicate direct with the Ministry of
Munitions, and the priority certificate will be forwarded to
the apphcant by the Wai' trade Department with the export
licence. This exception does not apply to bessemer and open
hearth steel nor to coiTUgated .sheets.

4. In the case of all other destinations, including British
possessions, application for a priority certificate should be
made direct to the Ministry of Munitions. Priority Branch.
28. Northumberland Avenue. S.W. No application for an
export licence can be considered by the War Trade Depart-
ment, unless the number of a Ministry of Munitions priority
certificate under Class " A " or " B " (or, alternatively, an
.\dmiralty or War Office contract number) is quoted.

5. A. priority certificate is required, even though the goods
are ah'eady manufactured, and even though the goods are
merely to be transferred from one branch of a firm in
the United Kingdom to another branch of the same firm in
a foreign country or British possession.

6. Applicants are wai-ned that the issue of a priority certifi-
cate by the Mini-stry of Munitions is not a guarantee that an
export Ucence will be issued by the War Trade Department.

7. If exporters have any doubt as to the reliabihty of the
proposed consignee, they are recommended before proceeding

558

TilE ELECTIUCAL KE\'iE\V. LVoi. td. No. 2.ii:u. sovkmbkk 17 mii

to mannfacture to consult the War Trade Int<-lligence Depart-
ment, Broadway House, Tothili Street, S.W. (as regards
foreign countries in Europe), and the Foreign Trade Depart-
ment, Lancaster House, The Mall, S.W. (as regards foreign
countries outside Europe).

AMERICAN EXPORTS OF ELECTRICAL
GOODS.

Tta following figures, showing the exports of electrical goods-
irom the United States dunng the year ended June, 1915 are
IqiluC^ recently-issued trade statistics; figures for
1^1 t ■''''''° *'*''*"* i°'' purposes of comparison, and
notes of any increases or decreases given :

Dollars. Dollars.
1913-14.

Telegraph instruments. —
To Denmark

„ Canada

,. Central America

„ Mexico

,, Colombia
,, Argentina

„ Cuba

,, Brazil

,, Other countries

Total
Telephone instruments. —
To United Kingdom
„ Canada
,, Central America
,, Mexico

„ Cuba

.. Brazil

,, other S. America

,, Japan

„ Australia

,, Other countries

Total

16,000
14,000
9,000
6,000
1,000
1,000
29,000
61,000

1914-15.
11,000
14,000

8,000
17,000

1,000

1,000
1,000
23,000

+

137.000 76,000

Dollars.
Inc. or dec.

+ 11,000
2,000
6,000
8,000
5,000
1,000

28,000
38,000

61,000

... 1,553,000 1,149,000
X)lher electrical instruments and appliances.

To Canada

,, Mexico

„ Panama ...

„ Cuba

,, Argentina

,, Brazil

,, Japan

,, Philippine Islands

,, Australia

,, United Kingdom

,, Other countries

Total

Gas engines, stationary. —
To Canada

,, Argentina

,, Australia

,, Europe

,, Other countries

3,760,000
326,000
566,000
374,000
358,000
947,000
483,000
244,000
516,000
574,000

2,292,000

2,253,000
244,000
300,000
211,000
191,000
255,000
306,000
159,000
623,000
1,950,000
1,660,000

404,000

- 1,507,000

82,000

- 266,000

- 163,000

- 167,000

- 692,000

- 177,000

85,000
+ 107,000
+ 1,376,000

- 632,000

10,440,000 8,152,000

144,000
26,000
13,(TO

111,000
89,000

83,000
3,000
21,000
51,000
262,000*

2,288,000

- 61,000
23,000

+ 8,000
60,000

+ 173,000

Total

Electric motors. —

To United Kingdom

„ Canada

„ Panama

,. Mexico

„ Cuba

., Argentina

^. Brazil

„ Chile

„ British India

,, Japan

,, Australia

,, Other countries

Total

Petrol engines, stationary.
To Canada

Argentina

Australia

Mexico

United Kingdom

Other countries

Total

• ■ 383,000 420,000
■in-Asia, $197,000.

461,000
a33,000
221,000
264,000
131,000
109,000
179,000
93,000
99,000
829,000 '
268,000
1,055,000

292,000

514,000

40,000

81,000

136.000

30,000

55,000

87,000

83,000

303,000

634,000

664,000

+ 37,000

169,000
319,000
181,000
183,000
5,000

79,000

124,000

6,000

16,000
526,000
366,000
491,000

4.542,000 2,819,000 - 1,723,000

1,009,000
200,000
290,000
34,000
89,000
709,000

608,000
19,000

180,000
18,000

125,000

250,000

401,000
181,000
110,000
16,000
36,000
459,000

Dollars.
Steam mgincs, stationary. — 1913-11.

To Canada 190,000

Cuba SS.im

Mexico 10,000

Brazil 4,000

Philippine Islands ... 29,000

Other countries ... 437,000

Total ...

Electric locomotives. —
To Canada

,, Panama

,, Mexico

,, Bolivia

„ Chile

,, China

., Other countries

Dollars.

lOM-lu.

103,000

60,000

8,000

6,000

121,000

Dollars.
Inc. or dec.

87,000
-1- 22,000

32,000
+ 2,000

29,000
- 316,0(.Xi

738.000 298,000 - 440,nO(i

28,000
354,000

5,000

4,oa)

34,000
12,000

110,000 +

158,000 -

10,000 +

14,000 +■

15,000 -I-

17,000 -f

Total
Dynamos and generators.-
To Canada

,, United Kingdom

,, Panama

,, Mexico

„ Cuba

,, Brazil

,, Peru

,. .Japan

,, Australia

., Spain

,, Other countries

Total
Fans. —
To Canada

,, Argentina

.. Brazil

,, China

,, British India

,, Japan

,, Australia

.. Uruguay

,. Other countries

Total

Arc lamps. —

To Canada 35,000

„ BrazU 14,000

,. Other countries ... 28,000

437,000 324,000

397,000
333,000

43,000

26,000
235,000
136,000

12,000
869,000

92.000
182,000
309,000

2,634,000 2,013,000

246,000 -

832,000 -f

52,000 -I-

36,000 +

35,000 -

3,000 -

35,000 -f

301,000 -

76,000 -

397,000 +

70,000
S7.000
26,000
27,000
47,000
25,000
10,000
17,000
124,000

433,000 2.58,000 - 175.00()

17,000 -

18,000 -

7,000 -

49,000 +

44,000 -

19,000 -

12,000 +

92,000 -

10,000 -

2,000 -

19,000* -

Total 77,000 31,000

* United Kingdom, ,$10,000.

Carbon filament lamps. —

To Argentina 4,000

„ Canada 7,000

„ Mexico 98,000

., BrazU 10,000

,, Other countries ... 53,000

8,aK1 -f-

11,000 +

23,000 -

5,000 -

55,000* -f

Total 172,000 102,000

•United Kingdom, $10,000.

Metal filament lamps. —

To Russia —

,, United Kingdom ... —

,, Canada 26,000

.. Mexico 31.000

„ Cuba 18,000

,, Argentina 13,000

., BrazU 25,000

,, Au.straUa 13,000

,, Other countries ... 93,000

26,000 -I-

35,000 +

62,0(» +

20,000 -

74,000 -t-

31,000 -f

39,00r) -f

25,000 -I-

161,000* +

82,000
196,000
10,000

9,000
11,000
34,000

5,000

113,(X10

151 .(«KI

499,0l.X)

9.0(10

]0,0(Hi
200.0(Ki
IXi.OOO

23.000
568.0<JO

16.000
182.000

88,000

621.000

53.000

69.000

19.000

22,000

3. OCX)

6.000

2.000

17.000

32,000

Total 219,000 473,000 -I-

* Italy, France, and Spain, $10,000 each.

Static transformers. —
To United Kingdom

., Spain

,, Canada

,, Panama ,

,, Mexico

,, Cuba

,, BrazU

.. Chile

.. Japan

., Australia

,. Other countries

35,000
422.000
106,000
137,000
99,000
55,000
148,000
38,000
23,000
47,000
345,000

37,000 -t-

1,000 -

73,000 -

19,000 -

32,000 -

46,000 -

36.000 -

10.000 -

1,000 -

54,000 -f

315,000* -

2,331,000 1,200,000 - 1,131,000

Total 1,456,000 024,000

•Italy, $37,000; India, $99,000.

25,000
12,000
9,000

46. aX)

4.000
4,000
75.000
5,000
2,000

70,000

26,000
35,000
36,000
11,000
56,000
18,000
14,000
12,000
68,000

254.000

2.000

421,000

33,000

118,000

67,000

9,000

112,000

28,000

32,000

7,000

30,000

831,000

Vol.79. No. 2,034. November 17, 1916.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

559

Dollars.

Dollars.

Dollars.

Insulated wire and cable

s'.— 1913-14.

1914-15.

Inc

. or dec.

To United Kingdom

133,000

272,000

H-

139,000

,. Spain

... 11-2.000

36,000

—

76,000

., Canada

•267,000

137,000

—

130,000

., Panama

... '273,000

195,000

—

78,000

., Mexico

100,000

43,000

—

58,000

,. Cuba

... 215.000

166.000

—

49,000

. Brazil

... 323,000

143,000

—

xSO.OOO

., .^u.stralia

121 .(XK)

64,000

—

57,000

.. Other countrie.s

448,000

8.57,000
1,912,000

-1-

409,000

Total

... 1,992,000

80,000

NEW ELECTRICAL DEVICES, FITTINOS,
AND PLANT.

Substituting Paraffin for Petrol.

A device has been recently invented by Mr. F. A. Wilkinson, of
Hatfield, Herts, whereby motor-cars, and internal-combustion
engines nsed for driving electric liuhting' pl.ants and other purposes
desiiTned for running- on petrol, can be run entirely on parailin
without alteration to the enjrine or carburetter. At the existinff
prices of petrol and paraffin, a saving of about two-thirds the cost
of runnings can be effected.

The chief attractions of Mr. Wilkinson's invention, which is
known as the " By-pass '" paraffin attachment, are that it is by no
means expensive to purchase, and can be fitted up in a very short
time, and that the enpfine can be instantly converted to run on
l).araiiin or petrol by simply openin<f or closing: a valve. In order
to vaporise the paraffin to enable a start to be made from cold, an
electrical heater is provided which is wound for a suitable voltage,
the power consumption beinjr 196 watts for 2i minutes. After the
en<f ine has started, the paraffin and air passing' from the carburetter
are heated by the somewhat revolutionary method of introducing-
a small percentagre of the exhaust gTises direct into the inlet pipe,
which, mingling- with the paraffin and air, enters the cylinders for
a second time.

The attachment has been fitted to stationary engines and to
many motor-cars, including Mr. Wilkinson's own car. a four-
cylinder Overland, which has now been running entirely on
paraflin for the last seven months and continues to give him
great satisfaction.

Fig. 1 shows the attachment, in which the electrical heater A is
mounted alongside of the earbm-etter, beSng held in position by
means of a pipe connecting the float chamber with the bottom

Fig. 1 .— " BY-P.4SS " P.ar.^ffin .Attachment.

' mtlet of the heater ; this connection ensures that the level of the
paraffin in the heating receptacle is always kept the same as that
111 the float chamber of the carbiu-etter. Above the heater A is a
valve c. connected by means of a small copper pipe to the T-piece n.
which is connected to the induction pipe of the engine. The two
openings of the valve D are connected respectively to the T-piece
and the exiauet pipe : the function of this valve is to by-pass a
*mall portion of the exhaust gases direct into the inlet pipe of the
engine in order to heat the incoming charge of paraffin and air
from the carburetter. When the attachment is fitted to a motor-
car, these two valves are controlled from the dashboard by means
of steel wires run in brass tubes, but in the case of a stationai'y
engine the dashboard controls can be dispensed with. For con-
trolling the electrical heater a switch and pilot lamp are pro\ided.
the second terminal Ijeing tisnally earthed when applied to a
motor-car.

.V great advantage of the '' By-pass " paraffin attachment is that
no petrol whatever is retiiiired for its operation, as the electric
heater, which is only used for starting purposes, enables the engine
to start from cold on paraffin.

Klaxon Factory Signals.

The displacement of steam power in so many of our factories by
electricity has led to a demand for a powerful electric alarm
operated from the existing supply, and the Klaxon Co.. Ltd.. of
1, King Street. St. .Tames's, S.W., has introduced a high-voltage
type ot the Klaxon horn, which can be employed on either u.c or
-\.C. circuits at usual voltages. The sound can be heard .at a
distance of two to four miles, and overpowers the noise made by
machinery, while it is .so distinctive that it cannot be confused
with any other .sound. For factory signals, fire alarms, time and
danger signals, engine-room signals, burglar alarms, and code
signals for calling particular employes to the telephone, .^c. the
Klaxon is said to be particularly useful.

Reyrolle Combined Switch and Wall-Plug.

Figs. 2 and 3 show the combination ot a w.atertlght-patti'rn
switch with a corresjKinding wall-plug. The switch is of box form,
and is made to operate by a rotary action of the lid : it is of a
design due to Messrs. Foote i: Milne. The wall-plug is of a

Fig. 2. Fig. 3.

Combined Watertight Switch and Wall-Plcg.

metal-clad type as made by Messrs. A. Reyrolle & Co., Ltd.. of
Hebbum-on-Tyne, and an interlock between the two is provided so
thatthe plug cannot be withdrawn when the switch is "on."

Fig. 2 shows the s-witch in the "on" position, and fig. 3 1 in the
■ off " position.

THE RONTQEN SOCIETY.

The presidential address from the chair of the Eontgeo
Society was delivered on November 7th by the ne-w President,.
Captain Thdrstan Holland, M.R.C.S.,'of Liverpool. He
devoted himself to discussing the status of the radiologist-
and the need for organised teaching of X-ray work and electro-
therapeutics in the universities and medical schools. Aa-
showing the progress which had been made in apparatus, he
mentioned that his first radiograph of the hand, taken nearly
20 years ago, required an exposure of li hours, and now
he was able to obtain pictures of the internal structure even
of the deeper parts of the human body in a single flash. In
the early days the chief desideratum was to obtain a good
X-ray negative, but to-day a good negative could be obtained
by anybody with modern apparatus, and it -nas not the photo-
graphic technique which was so important now, as the
interpretation based on the photographic result. This inter-
pretation could only be carried out by a medical man of
exceptional professional attainments, and here Captain Hol-
land made a protest against the placing of lay persons in
control of X-ray departments, and against the practice, -n'hich
he said was a gro-wing one, of surgeons and physicians sending
their X-ray -work to unquahfied people. To his certain know-
ledge this was done by eminent and even titled members of
the medical profession. He claimed for the X-ray depart-
ment that it -n'as the most important single department in a
hospital, and that the cessation of its work would paralyse the
hospital's activities. The man who had charge of it must have
a thorough knowledge of physics, chemistry, and electricity ;
he must be to a certain extent an electrical engineer, and
he must be well up in medical and surgical diseases, and
have more than a little knowledge of certain special diseases
as well.' While there could be no objection to lay assistants
helping in the work of the department, he insisted that no
opinion on matters of diagnosis or interpretation should be
given by such assistants, no treatment carried out by them
on their own initiative, and that the medical head of the
department should hold the strings very firmly. He was of
opinion that many of the smaller hospital X-ray installations
up and down the country, in the hands of untrained medical
men or equally untrained non-medical persons, were a con-
stant source of danger to the community, and that the good
they did in some cases was" far more than counterbalanced
by the mistakes they made in others. The time had come to
enter a strong protest against the continuance of methods
which allowed such anomalies to exist. As to electro-
therapeutics, he said that this was becoming more and more
important in every direction, and he urged the proper rocog-
nition of radiology and electrotherapeutics and the teaching

560

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW,

No. 2,034, NOVEMIIKK 17. IDlii

of these subjects at the huspitals and universities. In many
countries this teaihiii;: had heen orfianised already, and was
being carried on aUmn proi>er lines. We must not lac behind.
America in particular was moving stronply from the X-ray
point of view. Here we ought to liave a regular sy.stem of
instruction in X-rays and electricity, both for medical
students and post-graduates. He hoped to live to see the
time when these subjects would be taught at all the univer-
sities and medical schtx)l.s. their teachers having a recognised
.status.

FOREIGN AND COLONIAL TARIFFS ON
ELECTRICAL GOODS.

MEXICO.— The translation, recently published by the Board
of Trade, of the revised Customs Tariff of Mexico — noted in
the Electrical Review of October '29th— gives the following
as the rates of impoit dutv now pavable on the under-
nientioned goods:- " g^^^^f

import duty.
Bronze, brass, and white metal, in ingots Pesos. Cts.

or granulated kilog. gross 0 00

Copper in ingots or granulated Free.

Wire of common metal, insulated, of any

diameter ". ,, 0 15

Wire of copper or copper alloys; not

covered, up to '2 mm. in diameter ... „ 0 15

Wire of copper or copper alloys, of more

than 2 and up to 10 mm. in diameter ,, (i 12

,\rticle.s of copper or its alloys, not.

specially mentioned —
Weighing more than 10 kilogs. per .

article kilog. legal 0 30

Weighing not more than 10 kilogs.

per article ... ,, 0 60

Bars of copper or its alloys kilog. gross 0 15

Armoured and insulated cables and wire ,, 0 05

Cables of insulated common metal, not

armoured, and uncovered cable of

copper or its alloys ,. (1 In

Pipes and tubes, sheets and plates, of

copper, bronze, brass or white metal .. (i 2(i

Tx>ad in bars, pigs, or ingots .. II 0.".

Zinc in ingots, filings, or grains, and wire Free.

Jjead in sheets, in tubes, or piping, and

glaziers' lead .. 0 0,^

Zinc in sheets, not specially mentioned ... .. 0 10

Zinc in perforated sheets, for treating

ores Free.

Iron or steel w-ire covered with cotton,

linen, wool, silk, or paper kilog. legal 0 30

Iron or steel wire more than 1 and up to

10 mm. in diameter kilog. gross 0 09

Iron or steel wire 1 mm. in diameter or

less .. 0 12

Iron or steel wire cables .. 0 02

Talc and mica 0 05

Insulators of glass, china, and porcelain.

not specially mentioned .. 0 02

Bulbs for the nianufacture of incandes-
cent electric lamps, commutators,

switches, contacts and their keys.

fusibles, circuit closers, rings, and

detents ., 0 15

.\utomatic toys operated by spring, steam

or electricity kilog. legal 1 .50

Electric arc lamps and separate parts

thereof kilog. gro.ss 0 10

Incandescent electric lamps .. 0 25

Machinery of all kinds for industrial pur-
poses, and parts thereof ,, 0 02

Belts for machinery, of rubber, and of

tarred cotton or hemp ,, 0 20

Rubber footwear ... kilog. legal 1 00

Rubber in sheets of all kinds ,, 0 12

Gross weight is the weight of the goods with all receptacles
and wrappings, both interior and exterior. LefiaJ weight is
the weight of the goods, together with the receptacles, wrap-
pings, bottles, and boxes of cardboard, wood, or tin in which
they are packed inside the exterior cover containing them all.
100 centavos = 1 pe.so = 2s. (par value).

PHILIPPINE ISr.ANDS.-Regulations in regard to the
admmistrative procedure to be followed in dealing with
articles imported into the Philippine Islands through the
mails.are contained in a recent Customs .Administrative Circu-
lar (Xo. 737). the text of which can be seen at the Department
of Commercial Intelligence, 73, Basinghall Street, E.C.

ARGENTINE REPUBLIC— By a recent decision of the
Customs Authorities, cardboard tubes for posting catalogues,
&c., are dutiable on importation at the rate of 27 per cent!
of the declared value.

NEW PATENTS APPLIED FOR, 1916.

(NOT YBT FCBLISHBD).
Compiled cxpr.>sh lor this journ.nl by Messks. W. P. TrroMl'.soN Hi Co
Electric.ll Patinl Agents, 285, High Holborn, London, \V,C. nn.l .ii
l.ivor]i.iol nnd Bradford.

l.i,44.1. •■ B^iltcry coils." W. I.. Wvlkkk. October 30lh. (U..S..\., March
17lh, 191J.)

l.~.,448. '• Improvements in olectricallv-propclled r,iil and Toad vehicles,
;ipplicable also to stationary driving purposes." ]. S. Wilson & J. M.
Wm.son. October 30th. '

la,4ei. " .Separator (or m.igni!lic ores." W. Freciisvilui:. October 30th.

Iii,464. "Igniters for internal-combustion engines." J. F. .Alvord & W
1! THOMfSON. October 30lh. (U.S..\., October 28lh, 1915.)

l.'i.ifJS. " Wireless tirlephone svstems." The British TiiomscSn-Houston
Co. (General Electric Co., U.S.A.). October 30th.

1,^.500. " Dynamo-clcctric m.ichinc5." R. L. CLE.wrn & H. K. Potts, and
SiNDVCROFT, Ltd. October 31st.

15,516. " Portable telephones." H. W. Scorr. October 31sl.

13.,'iir. " Electric heat radiators." A. F. Berry. October 31sl.

1,5,541. " Electrographic methods and devices." J. Shearer. October 31st.

13..543. " Electric circuit controlling devices." Soc. Francaisb Radio-
IJ.KCTRiauE. October 31st. (France, November 11th, 1915.)

15.546. " Drv batteries." British Evkr-Ready Co. Jt A, 11. Siiki'pakii.
October 31sl.

15.547. " Radiotelegraphy and radiotolephonv." Soc. Francaisb Radhi-
la ixTRiQUE. October 31st. (France, December 8th, 1915.)

l.'"i,.555. " Morse signalling apparatus." H. S. Dickson. November 1st.
13,561. " Electric arc lamps." A. E. Ancold & A. H. Raiuni;. Novem-

15.596. " Fi

es for elei

V. n. Ho

i- H. Sm

M. All

15.597. " Commutators for dynamo-electric machines.
November 1st.

15.598. " Processes of making laminated articles." British WESTlNCiioist
Electric & Manufacturinc Co. (Westinghouse Electric & Manufacturing Co .
L'.S.A.). November 1st.

15.623. *' Terminal attachment lo counterbalance sparking-plug electroile
against centrifugal force on rotary aeroplane engines." H. HuypHREYS.
November 2nd.

15.624. " Electrolytic manufacture of metals and/or alloys." E. X. Asii-
. croft. November 2nd.

15.043. " Magnetic separators." O. C". Jones. November 2nJ.

I.">,661. " Electrolysis of fused electrolytes." E. Ashchoft. November 2nd.

15,675. " Wireless telephone systems." British Thomson-Houston Co.
(General Electric Co., U.S.A.). November 2nd.

15,680. " Locking device for magneto-electric machines." G. W. Barnes,
H. Kjtox 8: G. Weston. November 2nd.

15.712. " Sparking plugs." C. Wilcox. November 3rd.

15,723. " Production of electric light." J. F. Sepulchre. November 3rd.

15,730. " Electrostatic induction machine." W. S. Frost. November 3rd.

15,733. " Electric heating and tempering." Snead & Co. Ironworks.
N, vembcr 3rd. (U.S.A., June 14th.)

15,738. " Electric welding." S. Z. he FERR.wrl. November 3rd.

15,742. " Dynamo-electric machines." A. H. Midcley & C. A. Vandkr-
\KLL & Co. November 3rd.

15,773. " Electrical device for giving warning when gas pressure is re-
duced." T. G. Moore. November 4th.

15.780. " Switchboards, and manufacture thereof." W. N. RlNCROSE.
November 4th.

15.781. " Protective devices for electric circuits." British Thomsov-
Houston Co. (General Electric Co., U.S.A.). November 4th.

13.802. " Telegraph key." C. N. de Hoedt. November 4th.

15.803. " Magnetos." Soc. Anon. Appareill.^ge Electrique Gkivolas.
Ninember 4th. (France, December 27th, 1915.)

13,805. " Unspillable electric batteries." P. D. Hollincs S: Accumulators,
Lri). November 4th.

15,807. " Insulators for sparkins plugs." J. F. BoTioMLEV & I.. Sample.
Novrmbcr 4th.

PUBLISHED SPECIFICATIONS.

[1914.

13.961. SioN,u.LiNr. OS Railways by Detonators. Compagnie de Sig
Electriques Pour Chemins de Per. June 9th. (France, June 27th, 1913.)

16,340. System of Connections for Telephone Installations in w
THE Work of the Operators is Supervised from Special Observation Pl.
E. C. R. Marks (Siemens & Halske). July 8th.
19X5.

ANSFOKMINC. AlTERN

Currents,
DotreLE-
4th. (January 2nd, 1914,

103. Dynamo-electric Machines for Tr,
into Continuous Current or vice versa,
Cirrent Generators. J. la Cour. Ja
Sweden.)

14.482. Protective Devices for Electric Distribution Systems. British
Thcmson-Houston Co. (General Electric Co., U.S.A.). October 13th.

14,490. Process for the Manufacture op Hollow Shapes from Phenol
ANJ Formaldehyde. F. Pollak. October 13th. (Convention date not
granted.)"

14,498. Time-limit Electric Circuit Breakers. Akt. Ge>,. Brown, Boveri
el Cie. October 13th. (November 30th, 1914, Germany.)

14,503. Interrupters for Inductive Electric Circuits. Harry W. Cox
and Co. & J. P. T. Bruggenkate. October 13th.

14,553. G.iLVANOMETERS. H. W. Sullivan. October 14lh.

14,633. Dynamo-electric Machines. F. A. Heys (Neulami Patents. Ltd.,
U.S.A.). October 10th.

14.643. Dynamo-electric Machines. F. A. Heys (Nculand Patents, Ltd..
U.S.A.). October 16th.

14.729. .Arrangement op Circuits for the Transmission of Aether Waves,
eg . those used in Wireless Telegraphy. A. W. Long. October 19th.

14,851, Magneto-electric Machines, British Thomson-Houston Co. & G.
J. Ralph. October EOth.

14,885. Dynamometers. Hecnan & Froude, Ltd., H. Hcenan & C. H.
Walker. October 21st.

15,142. Press for Moulding Eikthenware Telegraph Insulators and
SIMILAR objects. P. Slmonsen. October 26th. (Novcmb r 13th, 1914. Den-

15,633. Protective Devices for Electric Circuits. British 1 homsoii-
Houston Co. (General Electric Co., U.S.A.). November 5lh.

^

TXIE

BLEGTE/ICJLIj K/E'VIE'W.

Vol. LXKIX.

NOVEMBEE 24, 1916,

No. 2,035.

ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

ELECTRICITY SUPPLY.

y«i. Lxxix.]

COWTHNTS: November 2-1, 1916.

[No. 2,035.
Page
... 561
... 562
... 562
... 563

Electricity Supply

The EfUnbnrfrh Tramway Report

Trouble with A. E.G. Turbines

The Walsall Extensions ((7/«.0

The Institution of Electrical Engineers 565

Legal 568

War Items 570

Correspondence —

Electricity in Agriculture ... ... ... 571

"Final-Grade" Classes in Electrical Installation Work ... 571
■'Summation Watt'' Capacity of Field Rheostats and the

Like 571

Stolen Goods ... 571

. Between two Stools 572

The New Copper Restrictions ... ... ... ... 572

.Stretching- Three Line Wires at Once Ulht.s.) 572

Business Notes ... 572

Notes 576

City Notes 579

Stocks and Shares 5S1

Market Quotations ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 5S2

Exports and Imports of Electrical Goods during October. 1916 583

Power Station Design 584

Our Overseas Electrical Trade 585

Trade with Russia ... 586

Edinburgh Tramways Report ... ... ... ... ... 587

New Patents Applied for, 1916 588

Abstracts of Published Specifications 588

Contractors' Column Advertisement page xx

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1916 EDITION.

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[5611

The inaugural address of Mr. A. E. McKenzie,
Chairman of the Manchester Local Section of
the Institution of Electrical Engineers, deals with
a number of the topics with which the electrical
industrs- is at present preoccupied, and contains
some information of exceptional interest. The
rapid development of the Manchester electrical
undertaking, which is unable under present condi-
tions to keep pace with the demand, presents a re-
markable record, and it is interesting to observe
that the 3,750-KW. generating sets— the finest in the
counti7 when they w.ere installed— are giving place
to 15,000-Kw. turbo-alternators. Such is the march
of progress. Mr. McKenzie recalls the opinion of
a well-known central-station engineer at that time,
that the 3.750-k\v. sets were more than twice too
big; we did not think so, however, and in describ-
ing the great e.xtensions which were then taking
place at Manchester (July, 1903), we expressed our
confident belief that, although the huge scheme of
public lighting by electricity had fallen'through, and
the new plant was therefore for the moment super-
fiuous, the industrial area served presented such
magnificent possibilities that the output would
" very soon increase to an enomious amount, suffi-
cient to tax the resources of the whole of the plant "
— a prediction which has been abundantly justified
by the event. Since then the capacity of" the plant
has been further increased, from 30,000 kw. to
73,500; KW. now, shortly to be raised to 93,000 kw.,
and while the output during the past twelve months
was 196 million units, an output of no less than 300
million units is expected within the next five years.
The results already attained are excellent, and Mr.
Pearce and his staff are entitled to our congratula-
tions.

The proposal to install electrochemical works irt
conjunction with public supply systems is sa
obviously a desirable policy that it has often been
advocated, but, unfortunately, rarely carried out.
There are some instances where it has been adopted,
as on the Tyne, for example. The first requisite is
a cheap supply of electrical energy; the second,
enterprise and the will to collaborate on both sides;
and the third, the necessary capital. While the last
two items are not restricted as to locality, the first
can be realised only where electricity is generated
on a vast scale, and thus progress in this direction
has taken place at few British centres up to the
present. The fact that a consumer whose demand
for electrochemical purposes will exceed that of any
other consumer, not excluding the tramways, has
just been connected to the Manchester Corpora-
tion's mains is highly significant; it will require no
extension of plant, the demand being kept off the
peaks, and therefore the capital charges per unit
will be minimised, to the great advantage of the
undertaking and its ordinary consumers. The ex-
ample is one worthy of imitation wherever circum-
stances render it possible, and in the increased atten-
tion which isi now, and still more in the future will
be, devoted to the production at home of chemical
compounds for which we have hitherto been depen-
dent mainly upon Continental sources we see the
opportunity to develop this type of load on a large
scale.

We are glad to see that Mr. McKenzie recognises
the great importance of economy in the boiler-
house, which he ri.ghtly regards as the department

56-2

THE ELECTliiCAL REVIEW. [Vol. -n. NTr2,035. Novembers*, i;>ir.

of a power station wliere, at present, there is the
widest scope for improvement. Ilie boiler-house is
uMiallv a dirty, yloomy place, from which the engi-
neer is glad to escape to the palatial engine-room ;
out of sight, out of mind — it is the old story, with
the inevitable consequences. We do not accuse
station engineers of deliberately neglecting their
duties with regard to the plant which constitutes
the very foiis ct origo of the energy which they dis-
tribute; but we do hold that as it is a more con-
genial occupation to study every possibility of in-
creasing the efficiency of the handsome plant which
adorns the engine-room, where an engineer feels
that he is in his own element, rather than to potter
about hot and dusty boilers seeking for air-leaks,
criticising coal, examining ashes, and analysing
smoke, the former has naturally had the preference.
It is in the boiler-house that great changes may be
looked for in the near future, and elsew'here in this
issue w'e have endeavoured to focus attention upon
certain features of design which appear to us to
cry out for amendment. Cleanliness and light are
amongst the foremost requirements, but there are
several other particulars in which the modern boiler-
house is far from ideal. As in other walks of life,
"fashion" here plays a great part- in moulding
design and hindering progress; nowadays, how-
ever, new ideas are more readily taken up, as in-
the case of the rotar\- pump and the geared turbine.
and we see in the AValsall power station the evidence
of enlightened ideas on coal storage and boiler-
house construction. Further comments on this sub-
ject will be found in the article above-mentioned,
which w-e commend to the notice of our readers ;
but, returning to Mr. McKenzie's paper, we wel-
come his reference to the future adoption of gas-
firing for boilers and the installation of by-product
recovery plant, which will not only reduce the waste
of valuable materials, but will also go a long way
towards the evolution of the bright, clean, and effi-
cient boiler-house that we have in our mind's eye.
We have not forgotten that gas-firing implies pro-
ducers, but the conditions under which the latter
operate are so widely different from those of steam
boilers that they stand upon another footing alto-
gether.

It is somewhat of a novelty at
The Edinburgh the present day to find an important

Tramway city in our midst discussing what
Report. svstem of tramway traction it shall

adopt, and under the circumstances
considerable interest attaches to the up-to-date
review of the situation contained in the expert re-
port, prepared jointly by Messrs. Brodie, Hamilton,
and Horsburgh-Campbell to the instructions of the
Edinburgh Corporation on the future of the tram-
ways in that city.

To be sure, Edinburgh has been wrestling, cir-
cumspectly, in Scottish fashion, with this question
for many years, so much so, in fact, that one has a
feeling that Edinburgh without a tramway problem
would be equivalent to Edinburgh without a Princes
Street, which is probably an accurate statement of
the case. For to the jealous eye of the City Father
Princes Street is. to all intents and purposes, Edin-
burgh, and to secure the amenities of this admittedly
charming thoroughfare against the real or imagined
depredations of those who had overlooked this fact,
the city has been condemned to an obsolete tram-
w'ay system long after it had outgrown its possi-
bilities for passenger transport.

It is, therefore, to be hoped that the latest report
will assist the city authorities to a final decision ; the
expiration of the lease of the present "cable system in
Tune, 1919,-barely leaves themtime, judging by past
experience. As might be expected, the report views

imfavourably any system of street traction other
than the overhead trolley; it even discusses the
possibilities of the motor 'bus, although this was
not specifically asked for by the Corporation and,
in deference to the already mentioned sentimental
piejutlices of the latter, considerable pains are taken
to.' explain that the overhead trolley system is in
operation in, dare we say, equally charming locali-
ties, without, so far as we know, suicidal results.

It is unfortunate for Edinburgh that the Princes
Street line forms a sort of wasp-waist for the whole
tramway .system; had there been alternative con-
necting routes across the centre of the city, it is
probable that the exaggerated views as to the im-
portance of this one-sided shopping thoroughfare
— from the utilitarian standpoint — would for econo-
mic reasons have been dispelled. The idea that a
motor 'bus service could be constituted to provide
the whole of the public street transit requirements
of a large city has not, we believe, found accept-
ance in any responsble quarter as yet, though,
doubtless, irresponsible admirers of such a project
exist, and it is therefore well that this hypothetical
alternative has been considered in the report. Ad-
mirers of the motor 'bus appear to forget that its
nimbleness is mainly due to its restricted carrying
capacity, which latter is precisely the cause of its
rejection for the situations where rush-hour traffic
has to be dealt with.

Of course, we do not know what the futine may
bring in the way of more efficient propelling machi-
nery, but it is at least certain that the bulk of the
average passenger will remain fairly constant, and
that, therefore, any attempt to increase the carry-
ing capacity of an individual 'bus must result in a
vehicle as imwieldy as the 'bus enthusiast alleges
the tramway car to be, and in the sacrifice, to a large
extent, of the mobility and nimbleness which are
claimed as its attractive features. Nevertheless, a
self-contained vehicle, such as the 'bus, whether
driven by petrol, steam, or electricity, can perform
\aluable functions as an auxiliary traffic carrier, and
this is duly recognised in the report.

Of course, it may be that the " amenities " of the
citv — the name " Auld Reekie " comes to mind
though, no doubt, this was before the days of elec-
tricity supply — coupled with recent developments in
aviation, will be sufficient to influence a further post-
ponement of the question, which during, say, the
next 25 years, should offer endless possibilities in
the way of expert reports, discussions by City
Fathers, and last, though probably by no means ,
least, municipal by-elections.

I

Trouble with
A. E.G. Turbines.

The report of Mr. T._ H. U.
Aldridge, engineer-in-chief tc
the Shanghai Electricity Depart-
ment, on the breakdown of a
5.000-Kvv. A. E.G. turbo-alternator in the Riverside
station, which we abstracted in our issue of July
21st. has called forth a reply from the local agents
of the makers, who advance various possible
reasons for the disaster; all their excuses, however,
are easily refuted by Mr. Aldridge. Referring to
this and other A. E.G. turbines, he remarks that
" the turbine plant is most unsatisfactory," whereas
the six British machines, although from five to nine
years in service, are in excellent condition. For
want of space we must defer detailed reference to
the subject to a later issue, but may add here that
at Melbourne and Sydney also A. E.G. 5,000-KW.
turbo-alternators have revealed similar defect;^
which have led to serious trouble. Numerous other
cases of failure of German turbo-alternators, trans-
formers, and switchgear were recently reported in
the South African Mining Journal, and it would
appear that German plant is rapidly earning a very
evil reputation, not owing to the war, but to its-
own bad qualities.

Vol.79. No. 2,03,^ November 24, 1916.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

563

THE WALSALL EXTENSIONS.

On October 31st the new Birchills generating station
of the Walsall Corporation was formally opened by Mr. D.
Hayward, chairman of the Electricity Committee; the
extension scheme as a whole, including the above plant, has
cost some £75,000.

The first public supply of electricity in Walsall wiis com-
menced in 1895, the "O.xford " system being adopted, with

example of modern power-station dusigii, incorporatint;
certain novel features of great interest. The present
buildings are intended to accommodate 12,000 Kw. of
generating plant in three sets, and this is etpiivalent to
10 K\v. per sq. yd. occupied, which, it is interesting to note,
as indicating the progi'ess being niiwle, compares with 5 kw.
per sq. yd. in the case of the Radcliffe station of the Lanca-

^Ym^V^V^^^(W\^v^JL'^kl ^ ' >.^W;ifLk,'^

Fig. 1.— Views showing Arrangement of Self-contained Boiler Units.

H.T. direct-current generation at 2,000 volts and motor-
generator sub-stations supplying a Kiy-volt, two-wire
distribution.

Five yeai-s later, a 2 10- volt distribution was commenced
to outlying portions of the borough, and plant was installed
for supplying the Corporation tramways. In 1 !)10 and 1911
the first move in the direction of modern
industrial supply was (nade, two oOO-KW.
turlw-alternators being installed in the
old Wolverhampton Street- station, f( r
the supply ofthree-pliase energy at 3,S0(i
volts, 50 cycles, in the Bloxwich district.
a central rotary converter sub-station
being also installed in Darwall Street.

Apparently it was then appreciated
that the old station and system of supply
handicapped the progress of the under-
taking, being quite unsuited for the pro-
duction of cheap electric power, and. in
view of the necessity of further exten-
sions, expert advice was obtained, and
the present scheme put in hand.

The complete scheme, which includes
the generating station : a three-phase
transmission system at 6,600 volts to
various sub-stations ; rotary transforming
plant at the latter to supply the direct-
current areas, and the changing-over of
the latter from the original two-wire U<
a three-wire system, with double the pres-
sure across the outer conductors : also the
laying of a h.t. network for the supply of
large power users, was recommended to
the Council in 1913 by Mr. E. M. Lacey, who had been
called in to investigate the situation, and that gentleman
has acted as consulting engineer in connection with the
work.

The Birchills station, comprising boiler and engine
houses, with switch annexe, tank room, &c., is constructed
in steel and brickwork, and may be regarded as a typical

sliire Power Co., which was designed for 6,000 kw
capacity, and, going further back still, only 1-6 kw. per
sq. yd. in the case of the original reciprocating engine and
Lancashire boilered station of the Salford Corporation,
which was also designed for 6,000 KW'. plant capacity.
The boiler house is designed to accommodate si.x" boilei

Fig. 2.— Interior of Boiler Hoise, showing Small Overheao Bunkers.

units, tliree on either side of the central aisle ; foui- boiler
units have been installed, each comprising a marine type
Babcock boiler with integral superheater, a superimposed
cconomiser, induced-draught plant driven by a 30-H.p.
motor, and steel chimney of the Venturi type, also a chain-
grate stoker. Each of these steam units is designed for a
normal evaporation of 26,000 lb. of water per hour from a

56i

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW, [Voi. 7-). Xo. 2,o,r,,NovEMi,BR 21, u.ifi.

feed UiinjKTatni'e of 100" F. entering tlie eeonomiser, to lio|i|)or and measuring apparatus in the ehutes leading from
steam at 185 lb. pressure, with a total temperature of the l.unkers to the stoker hoppers.
C)3C° F. ; on high dutv 30,000 lb. of steam jier hour ean
be raised.

The arrangements for coal handlinsj are also somewhat

Fig. 3. — Arbanoement of Coal-handling Plant.

Fig. 4.— E.H.T. Switch Control Panels.

novel, and, in addition to being much less costly than the
usual larger capacity overhead bunker construction, they
enable plenty of daylight to penetrate into the boiler house.
a feature which, in the past, has not
always received the attention it deserved :
it may also be here mentioned that at
the Birchills station the whole of the
boiler house is glazed with wired gliiss.
Coal is delivered in barges on the neigh-
bouring canal, being transferred by an
electric jib crane having a 40 cb. ft.
capacity gi-ab, to Uie hopper of a bucket
conveyor, which runs for a considerable
distance on an elevated structure over a
coal -storage yard, then passes along the
roof of the boiler house, and returns over
miniature steel bunkers holding some
10 hours' supply, finally being led down
the end wall of the boiler house and under
the storage yard.

The yard, which will accommodate
some 3,000 tons of coal, is suitably
formed with concrete flooring sloping to
chutes, under which a travelling filler
can be placed to feed the conveyor, thus
providing for the alternative handling of
the coal either direct or from storage to
the boiler house. The capacity of the
conveyor is 30 tons per hour, and it is
driven by a 10-h.p. motor. An Avery
weigher is provided at the receiving

The coal ts South Stafl'onlshire unwashed slack, of I l.ooo
11. Til. f. cal. value.

Two Weir 8,000 gallons per hour, steam turbine-dri\en
centrifugal boiler feed jmmps are installed, these exhausting
into a lioiler feed heater.

The engine house is designed to acconunodate three
■l.OOO-KW. Belliss-Siemens turbo-alternators ; two such sets
have been ordered, but only one has been erected. The
turl>ines are of the comiwuiid horizontal im]julse type, ex-

FiG. 3a. — Grab Cuane and Conveyor Hopper.

liausting direct into the contraflow surface condensers in the
basement ; a rotary air pump, ejector and centrifugal circu-
lating pump set driven by a 95-b.h.p. three-phase motor is
pro\ided to each condenser. It may be added that the
canal will supply the necessary circulating water for up to
n,000 Kw. maximum demand.. The turbines, which operate
at 3,000 R.P.M., are coupled to three-phase G,600-volt,
50-cycle alternators, the rotor fans of which draw cooling
air from outside through a drv filter and connecting ducts,

Fig. 5. — View of E.H.T. .Switcugeak.

Vol.79. No. 2,03-., November 24, 19U!.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

565

and discharge it into the engine room. Tlie alternators
have a normal full-load rating of 5,000 k.v.a. and an
overload rating of 6,250 k.v.a. for two hours, and are direct
coupled to their excitere.

The E.H.T. switchgear, of the Reyrolle ironclad tv'pe,
situateil on a gallery, consists of three generators and seven
1,500-K\v. feeder panels : duplicate l)us-l)ars are provided
with a non-automatic interconnecting switch for coupling
them. The Merz- Price system is employed for generator
protection. The system is earthed thi-ough an earthing
transformer direct connected t(3 the bus-bars, and duplicate
I latteries are a\-ailal)le for operating the e.h.t. trip gear.
A new system of e.h.t. cables, designed for Callcnder.
Waters earth leakage protection, has been laid down l)y
Messrs. Callender, linking up several sub-stations in A-arious
pai-ts of Walsall.

The mtary-converter plant, consisting of two 500-K\v. and
three l'."i(i-kw. machines, was supplied by Messrs. Siemens
1 >ynanio AWirks.

Five 500-KW. static transformers, and the whole of the

Not only has considerable space economy been effected in
the new station, but its initial cost (£7 12s. per kw.. which
will fall to under £7 when 12,000 Kw. are installed) is
low — a feature of particular importance in au industrial
area, where cheap electricity is essential to prosfjerity.

In conclusion, we are indebted to Mr. H. A. Howie, the
borough electrica-1 engineer and manager, and to Mr. E. M.
Lacey, in accordance with whose designs and specifications
the scheme has been carried out, for the particulars here
given ; also to Messrs. Babcock & Wilcox for drawings
of the boiler and convevor arrangements.

THE INSTITUTION OF ELECTRICAL
ENGINEERS.

Fig. 6. — General View of Switch Gallery.

E.H.T. and L . T .
switchgear for nine
sub-stations, have
been supplied by the
British Westing-
house Co.

Two transformers
installed in the
Birchills power sta-
tion convert three-
phase curient from
t;,600 to 375 volts
for use in motors
driving the station
auxiliaries ; two
others are used to
step up a 3,300-volt
supply from the 500-
Kw. turbo-alternator
sets in the old power
station to G,600-volt
supply for use on
the new extra-high-
tension distribution
system, while a fifth
similar transformer

is installed to convert from 0,(500 to 3,300 \olts to feed an
existing switchboard and distribution network. All the
transformers are of the, oil-insulated type, designed with
ample overload capacity.

The E.H.T. sub-station switchgear is of' the sheet-iron
cubicle type ; the panels are fitted with red and green
indicating lamps, amperemeters, contacts for voltmeter and
synchronising plugs, and suitable relays affording automatic
protection to rotaries and feeders, and in the event of a
feeder being cut out through excessive overload, preventing
interruption of supply to other feeders ; the oil-break
-switches are of large breaking capacity.

Ox Tuesday last week. Mr. A. E. McKenzie. Chairman of
Ihe Manchester Local Sfction, read his inaugural address.

dealing with several
general topics, the
more or less direct out-
I'ome of the present
war. His remarks are
abstracted below : —

Organisation of Engi-
neering IndiisMes. —
Much has been written
in the daily Press, and
iu every technical jour-
nal, regarding the re-
organisation of British
industries. One asso-
ciation alone which
lias been recently
formed represents firms
having an aggregate
capital of over 150
uiiUions sterling. Such
■I powerful association
cannot fail to bring
considerable influence
to bear in many direc-
tions upon the trading
conditions of the Em-
pire. We know that

-t.oi:o-xw. Belliss-Siemens Turbo-Alternator Set.

the six leading Engineering Societies of the German Empire
have amalgamated expressly for the purpose of recapturing
their foreign trade which, through the invincible British Navy,
has been cut off from them as it were by the stroke of a knife.
It is the duty of each and every one of us to see to it that no
effort is spared to prevent them recapturing this trade. It has
been abundantly proved that the engineering firms of this
country can supply all our requirements of equal, if not better,
(juality than our Continental neighbours could supply, from
a turbo-alternator to a lamp. If the purchasing engineers of
this Empire, as distinct from those engaged in manufacturing,
remember after the war the sentiments that most of us now
feel, there is no doubt that the British engineering industry
will soon attain that position to which it is justly entitled.
This is not said to imply that British manufacturers have

566

THE ELECTRICAL REVLEW. LVoi.;;.. xo. 2,onr.. xovf.mhkk 24,

in the past done all that they should to cater for the require-
iiiVnts of, say, the electrical engineering industry. To cite
one case only, that of turbine rotor disks. Practically all
these came from abroad before the war, mainly because the
steel makers of this country would not adapt themselves, or
lay their works out, for this class of business. The particular
case cited is an important one, for if the British st<?el makers
after the war will not take up this line it is bound to have
a marked effect in determining the type of turbine to be em-
ployed in the future, especially for large units.

The Linking-up of Power Stations. — It seems to be the
general opinion of the members of this Section that the int^er-
connecting of most of the existing stations should precede
the building of a few large super-stations, from which bulk
-supplies would be furnished.

The personal factor is very important in cases of this kind,
where negotiations have to be carried out. Some engineers
are more easily converted than others, who may be afraid
of loss of prestige, and even of iw.'iition, through the associa-
tion of their undertakings with larger ones. The latter view
is not really a sound one. Whilst the distribution of elec-
tricity remains in the hands of each existing undertaking,
there will still remain scope for the services of an engineer-
manager. The advantages of any Unking-up scheme are by
no means confined to the larger undertakings.

It is to be hoped that the Government will assist to some
extent in the raising of the capital necessary for the carrying
out of the work, seeing that the estimated annual saving
therefrom is approximately 30 per cent.

Thf Summer-Time Act. — Although as a result of the opera-
tion of the Summer-Time Act the output from many supply
stations has been considerably reduced, there can be no doubt
\vhat.ever that, from the national financial standpoint, it has
l)oen an unqualified success. In Manchester the Act has led
to marked benefits to domestic users. .\n examination of four
residential districts reveals a saving of some 15 per cent. On
the other hand, in certain industrial and shopping districts
a similar examination reveals an increase of some 8 per cent.
In the latter case the increases are due to war-work and
revival of retail trading.

It is estimated that the reduction in lighting output from
the Stuart Street station for the period covered by the Act
was equivalent to 1 per cent, of the total output, while the
consequent saving in coal was about 600 tons. .\t the other
Manchester Corporation stations the reduction was approxi-
mately 14 per cent, of the output, with a saving in coal of
about 400 tons.

Supplies of Electricity for H'nr Purposes. — The past year
has been a strenuous period with all supply undertakings.
The output from the various stations situated in all the large
manufacturing centres of the country has gone up by leaps
and bounds.

The following figures relating to the Manchester electrical
undertaking are doubtless typical of what other large under-
takings are experiencing. The total plant capacity installed
at the three stations to date is 73,500 kw., and when the
plant now under construction is completed will be 93,000 kw.
Included in the latter is another 15,000-KW. turbo-alternator
for Stuart Street station, and a 10,000-KW. ditto for Bloom
Street station. The.se sets will displace reciprocating units of
3,750 KW. and 1,800 kw. respectively.

I remember a well-known central station engineer remark-
ing to me about 12 years ago, when the 3,750-kw. sets were
being installed, that it was a mi.stake to put down such large
units, and that additional 1,500-kw. sets would have been far
better.

During the year ending March last the present 15,000-kw.
set at Stuart Street station generated some 90 million Kelvins.
The total number of Kelvins generated during the year end-
ing September last was 196 millions. This was an increase
of 27 millions, or 16 per cent., over the quantity generated
during the previous year. This increase, however, will be
greatly exceeded during the cun'ent year, as the increase of
power demands has already exceeded all previous records.

It can safely be predicted that the annual output from the
Manchester stations will within the next five years reach 300
million Kelvins.

Electrochemical Demands. — The establishment of electro-
chemical plants in this country is essential, and steps are
already being taken to secure the independence of the country
in these essentials. Many of these plants can be adapted to
take a restricted-hour supply during the winter months of the
year, thus furnishing an ideal load for central stations. One
such consumer has just been connected to the Manchester
undertaking whose demand will far exceed that of any other
on the system, not excluding the entire tramway demand.
This supply will be given by the Corporation without the
latter having incuiTed any capital outlay on plant to supplv
it, becau.se over the peak of the winter load, viz., from 3.30
p.m. to 5.30 p.m., and at any other times of severe atmos-
pheric conditions, the consumer has arranged to reduce his
load to zero if required. Otherwise the demand will be con-
tinuous night and day. There are several other large con-
suiners on the system taking a restricted-hour supply. Such
desirable consumers are, of cour.se, rightly entitled to the
lowest possible rate per Kelvin.

Fuel. — Great difficulty has been experienced by both gas
and electricity supply undertakings during the past year in
obtaining their necessary supplies of fuel, even where it could
be proved that practically the whole output was for war work.

There is no doubt that additional legislation is required to
enable our electricity stations to obtain coal in sufficient quan-
tities for their needs and at reasonable prices.

The fuel that is procurable to-day is inferior to that obtained
before the war from the same pits, because of the greater
percentage of the dirt content. A large proportion of the total
fuel now t)ffered was until recent years unsaleable. During
the late coal strike more than one large electricity undertaking
was only enabled to keep running by burning fuel which had
been thrown on the rubbish tip in preceding years. To burn
such inferior fuel called for conditions different from those
previously obtaining in most stations, but higher draught and
modem grates suggest that frequently the lower grades of
fuel can be u.sed economically.

The high prices now obtaining for all classes of fuel un-
doubtedly call for the more efficient management of our
boiler houses, where more can be done to inipiove the econo-
mical working of a supply undertaking than in any other
department. The man in charge of the working of a. large
boiler-house should be an engineer of exceptional ability and
should be well paid. The salary of such a man is a very small
fraction of the siiving he will effect. To him should fall the
duties of seeing that combustion is obtained as perfectly as
circumstances w ill allow ; also that coiTect gas, water, and
.steam temi)erature are maintained.

The indispensability of the analytical chemist in electricity
undertakings of any magnitude is not yet .s\ifficiently recog-
nised. Only by regular testing can one ensure getting fuel
of anything approaching constant quality irom most collieries,
and the knowledge that such tests are made is usually suffi-
cient to make contractors careful in sending supplies to w-orks
where this practice is followed. Nor should the chemist's
efforts be confined to raw fuel te.sts. He should be respon-
siljle for .the correct treatment of the feed water, and for
seeing that scale and corrosion in the boilers are prevented,
and the hke.

Power Stations of the Future.— The large station of the
future will, I believe, have a proportion of boilers gas-fired,
the proportion being based upon the load factor in such
manner that the extra capital incurred by the installation of
by-product recovery plants will be remunerative, and the by-
products of the bulk of the fuel used recovered.

Skilled analysis and extensive experience tend to show that
with improved forms of producers the aggregate value of by-
products recoverable from coal by conversion to gas equals
or exceeds the original coal value, and when extra capital
and labour charges are taken into account, the procedure
leads to a .substantial rebate on fuel costs.

There were isolated cases on record, in the days when
.slack could be bought at 6s. or 7s. per ton, where large boiler
installations were fired throughout the year substantially for
nothing, and as the value of the various by-products fluctuates
largely in sympathy with coal values, one might expect a
net saving by the system of between 4s. and 7s. per ton of
coal consumed.

Gas filing has not yet had its fair chance, in that practica'ly
every trial has been conducted with Lancashire or water-tube
boilers converted. There is a fine field open for the invention
of the large and highly efficient gas-fired unit. The researches
of the late Prof. Nicholson might be pursued in this connec-
tion .

Obvious advantages incidental to gas firing will be the
utilisation of poorer grades of coal, and clean, comfortably
controlled, .smokeless boiler-houses, involving low maintenance
charges.

It seems not improbable that British engineers will aim
at increasing the .size of individual boiler units in the future,
whilst decreasing the number to be installed. It is, however,
a moot point whether American engineers have not gone too
far in the direction of the size of unit employed, and the
duty expected from it. The higher efficiency of American
boiler plant is by no means established. A compromi.se be-
tween the two somewhat conflicting views would appear to be
the correct line on which to develop the new stations that
are planned in this country. The proposed use of large gas-
engine-driven generators is now clearly a thing of the past.
Their manufacture was never taken up very seriously in this .
country. Turbine plants undoubtedly hold the field, and in
the near future one may confidently anticipate seeing units
of 20.000-25,000 KW. installed in some of our large British
.stations.

Electrification of Railways. ^-During the last year or two
most of the large railways have converted portions of their
suburban traffic from steam to electric operation, and there is
no douljt that many similar conventions will be tried before
electric traction is generally adopted for the main-lino traffic.
I believe that no two of the recent schemes are identical,
and I cannot help feeling that in the light of our present
knowledge it is perhaps just as well that it is so.

Without doubt standardisation is desirable, but to stan-
dardise an article or .sy.stem whilst almost daily radical im-
provements are being made would seem to be a great mistake.
If each system is developed and given a fair trial, the best
will soon demonstrate its superiority over the others; then
let the Government legislate to enforce the adoption of this
particular system in the future, to ensure through running on
all railways.

Rate Relief. — The war has served to bring into prominence
again the vexed question of rate relief from the trading
departments of municipalities. In these days of a 58. income-

I

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567

tax, and with the ix)ssibility of an increase even on this
figure, surely the time has come for a drastic revision of the
methods followed by many municipahties of exacting large
sums of money by way of rate relief from the trading depart-
ments. SO' staunch a supporter in the past of the -principle
lit rate-aid as the Accouiitaiit, in a recent issue wrote as fol-
Idws : —

" Our own view is that ratepayers are entitled to be re-
in unerated for their financial guarantee; but we would put
-IK h remuneration on a basis of a sum not exceeding i per
cent, tipon the outstanding loans for the time being. .'\Ve
think that any municipality applying profits in excess of that
amount towards the relief of rates is abu.sing its position."

This extract is, I .submit, .significant of the change in public
opinion. Most engineers are agreed that the nearer elec-
tricity supplies are furnished to cost price the better for the
community at large.

An an alternative, it would not be unreasonable for the
ratepayers at large to stipulate that the supply undertaking
should, in addition to providing for debt redemption, at the
.siune time make some provision over an extended period of
years for a renewal of the assets of the undertaking when
worn out, so as to avoid recourse to borrowing. To place a
tlt^ure on this " extetided period of years" is a question that
requires very close consideration, as obviously it would not
lie fair to burden piesent consumers fur the benefit of
posterity.

In the course of his inaugural ififdre.ss as Chairman of the
Ni.wc.ASTLE Local Section, Mr. H. W. C'lothiei! paid a tribute
t 1 tho.se men who had nobly answered the first calls from
the .^rmy and Navy at the commenceuient of the war, and
said that the way in which the majority of the manufactur-
ing industry had to fight at the pre.sent was to multiply their
output and to develop for the future. The .stigma of a selfish
motive which in pre-war days seemed to hover round the
manufacturer who spoke of his productions was, or should be,
now removed. The increase of output from every place was
now the conunon national cause. The perfection of British
productions, both now and in the ftiture, affected the life of
the nation, and so he thought he need make no excuse for
selecting as the subject of his address the Development of
Aimour-clad Switchgear of the "Draw-out" Type. He sug-
ge.sted that this tyj>e of gear was not only of Briti.sh origin,
but an embodiment of British characteristics, and that the
demands of tho.se who set the standard had as much claim
.upon what credit there was in the development as the manu-
facturers themselves.
The leading features in the development had been : —

1. The oil-jjreak switch.

2. The ironclad enclosure of conductors.

3. The "draw-out" principle.

Each nf these three features was of very early British
oii;;iii. Witii the aid of lantern slides he illustrated an oil
switch attributed to Mr. Partridge, which was u.sed on cable
mains in 1S92. Another was used Ijy Mr. Ferranti on power-
station switchboards irr 1S04-3. The use of ironclad pillars for
generators was introduced by Mr. Raworth about the same
time, and .shortly afterwards the " draw-out " principle, or
tlie easy detachment of complete w-orking parts, was initiated
on the Ferranti slate-cell gear. Ten years afteiwards these
main features were a.s.seml)led on the gear- then known as the
" ironclad " type, and at the same time a further feature.
vi?.., the enclo.sure of bus-l>ars run in solid with compound, '
first publi.shed by Highfield, made possible a more completi'
enclosure, each conductor or limb of the apparatus lieing
Screened l>y armoui'.

lie indicated the progress that had l)ecn made in the last
iln-iiile. sliiiwing designs pre|)arcd in this country by several
manufacturers, including \Vestinghouse, Siemens, B.T.Tl..
II. limes. Switchgear it Cowans, Epstein Heap, Electrical
Apparatus, and P^eyrolle.

\ll the designs might be said to have one common purpose,
\iz., to meet the demand for apparatus .solid and substantial
in its con.struetion, and reliable in operation: and, thnnt;h
|ierhaps more expensive than some other tyiws of switchgear,
it had the humane feature of affording the maximum protec-
tion to life. As there was a similarity of purpose, so thei'e
was a similarity in designs, and though standardisation might
be too ideal to consider at the moment, he thought it was not
an impossibiUty, particularly for 3-phase 440- to S.fKMI-volt use.

It had been said in a recently-pulilished book that ironclad
" draw-out " gear was " suitable for mining and sub-stations,
but with control-board requirements of a central station the
arrangement no longer possesses the advantage of simplicity."
He did not agree with this statement as. in cases where a
control board was requisite, the design of the control board
(iresented no more difficulties with armour-clad gear than
with any other form of gear; in fact, in .some instances the
control board had been considerably simplified on account of
the use of armoured gear:

Dealing with larger sw'itchgear, Mr. Clothier said he thought
the near future would decide in favour of the use of tlie
armoured principle for all sizes of plant and jiower .stations.
He illustrated examples of large power-station .switchgear,
and said that the chief prolilems were ; —

The necessary .strength of the enclosure of actual circuit-
breaking parts under the heaviest stresses which may occur
due to the breaking of short-circuit currents.

The prevention of static discharge and arcing across con-
ductors.

The perfection of all contacts and their surroundings to
enable every one to carry the enormous currents which might
oLcui- in practice in the event of short-circuits between phases.

The elimination of all conductors which were of insufficient
size to bear the stresses and currents which they might be
called upon to cany imder short-circuit conditions.

lie .saw no limitation to the use of armour-clad gear in these
problems for any size of plant or for any voltage, and there
were no difficulties which experience to date had brought to
light which were not equally applicable to other forms of
switchgear construction.

Delivering bis inaugural address at the opening of the
session of the Scottish Local Section, at (llasgow, Mr. .1. K.
SroTHBRT, the new chairman, said that in the extraordi-
narily quick construction of munition factories too much
eiedit could not be given to the great work that central-
statii n engineers had achieved in meeting the requirements.
Touching upon "after-war" problems which would present
themselves, the fir.st thing that naturally occurred to one's
mind on hearing the words "trade after the war" was the
protection of our industries from competition with enemy
and neutral nations, but this w'a.s not going to the riH)t of
the matter. This subject of .so-called Tariff Refonn. or Trade
Piotection, should not be made a iwlitical football for the
sake of catching votes, but should be treated in all serious-
ness, as free from political bias as the .\rniy or the Navy.

What interested them most of all as an engineering .society
was, pei*haps, the question of technical education and appren-
ticeship. There was hardly any subject which- had been
more discussed. At one time the Trade L'nions endeavoured
to limit the number of apprentices that a firm could bind
in proportion to the number of journeymen employed, which
was part and parcel of the general scheme before the w'ar
which they had in mind, that the restriction of output meant
additional wealth in the foini of wages to them. The em-
liloyer. on the other hand, wanted to employ as many
apprentices as .suited him.

The masters, as a rule, did not give sufficient attention
to the education and technical training of the aiiprentices
under their care, and this nurst be improved. The results
of the war would .see to that; for. not taking into account
the effect which the dilution of labour was bound to have
on the old methods C)f training skilled labour, the traile
unions would see. with so many casualties in their ranks to
fill up. that the restriction of the number of apprentices
would be a fatal policy; and the masters must .see that a
little more care and a little more training for the apprentices
would make them into skilled workmen all the more quickly,
and make produceis for the nation in the shortest possible
time, and that was what was wanted.

In one works in the (llasgow di.strict. .salaried men were
employed whose sole duty it was to teach the apprentices
and bring them on. and it had been found that this was very
beneficial, not only to the jipprentices. but also to the em-
ployers. They hacl piovided facilities for cheap aiul whole-
some food, recognising- that young and growing youths, work-
ing hard and long hours, required perhaps better sustenance
than they would otherwise get. They had also thought out
a system whereby the better educated and brighl.i Imv- .nuld
get .a technical education as part of the apprentir, >lii|i s\-teiii.
but up to the present the success had not bieii altniiither
what they expected, due to the want of receptivity aiul sym-
pathy on the part of the lads, and other causes; but they
were sure that they were, on the right lines, and that in the
end they would succeed. It was possible that technical train-
ing throughout the counti-y. and the apprentice system, would
liave t<3 be taken in charge by a central authority.

They had seen the difficulties that the Allies got into when
they were wanting in co-ordination, which enabled the enemy
to shuttlecock his armies from one front to another, and
either nearly defeat us or, at least, hold us in check. When
we were able to organi.se and co-ordinate all our forces and
to act with one mind, a different state of affairs .soon mani-
fested itself, and what had been true of the fighting on the
Continent would be true in our trade fight after the war.
No longer must each firm fighS entirely for itself. No longer
must thev keep their own experiments and researches secret
for their own individual benefits, but there must be a fri-er
interchange of views, a freer disclo.suie of results, and asso-
ciations in the various trades, so that their research could
be combined and the results of this research sliared. In
fact, any business which refused to act in this co-operative
way" would be avoiding a public duty, with possibly .dan-
gerous results to its continued existence. Here, indeed, was
a duty for learned societies, to help more than ever they had-
done in the past with research work, to do something prac-
tical and useful, rather than shrivel up into societies, debating
only those subjects which practical firms did not desire to
keep to theuLSelves. The Institution was fully alive to thi.s;
it had a Research Committee of its own. It was working in
conjunction with the Committee of the Privy Council and
other bodies, and he toolv it that what they were doing w^as
being done by others. _

Dealing with tlie question of population and labour. Mr.
Stothert remarked that with a million men gone in the war,
and possibly two millions crippled, our power of production

503

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW. [Voi. t;.. no. 2,03r,, novkmbkk .m.

wiiuld be lessened, wlion the war was (iiiislied, and we should
need all the brains and labour— skilled, semi-skilled, or un-
skilled—that were then available. They must recuperate, and
recuperate iiuiikly. if they were to keep their place in the
world, and if they were to compete with neutral nations.
Thev must uprcK>t from the minds of the work<-rs that falla-
c-iiius theory that the restriction of output increas<>d the
w.alth of tiie nation by creatinj; u .si-arcity in conimtKlities,
and therefore re.strictinsi the markets. They must do it by
nsint; brains and inventive faculties for every possible labour-
.siivin;.' appliance which would tend to cheapen manufacture.
Capital and Labour must work hand in hand; there must be
no more avaricious employcjs, no idle or imrea.sonable work-
nu^n. How was a better under.standinfj between employer
and employed to be got at'? How were strikes and lock-outs
to be prevented? These were problems which no one man
could .solve, but about which they must all think, and. every
individual effort to attain these objects woidd be .somethinfi
done to build up the bulwarks of our Empire, and to show
our enemies that even in trade matters, a.s in military matters,
w.> were not indeed a decadent nation.

Po,s.sibly, for the want of re.st>arch, for the want in the
past of (iovernnient support, our industry, which had made
.such wonderful progress even durint,' the lifetime of younger
men than himself, had been o\itstripped by (iermany and
America. Of course, a fireat deal of this lagpinf; behind other
countries had been the result of (iovernnient legislation.
Part of the present Government's proyrainme was to facili-
tate finance for trade pur|>oses, but unless they proceeded on
more ci>uraeeous lines than he understixid they proposed to
do, no amount of re-awakened energy, no amount of organi-
sation, would he of much use. He did not think any of these
results, however, would be attained until a Ministry of Com-
merce, or some such body, was estal>li.-^heil.. A new Ministry
of Commerce, in his opinion, was a necessity. Connected
with the new Ministry there shoidd be a new Consular sys-
tem, more active, more informative, and with more power.
He knew from agents in foreign countries that the routine
necessary to get information from the Foreign Office some-
times took at least two years, while foreigners could get the
same information, which would enable them to grab the
order against ourselves, in two days. That was what they
had been up against, and that was what they would be up
against; and, therefore, it was obviously necessary that one
of tlie bricks of their new fabric must be a re-organi.sed Con-
sular .service.

In conclu.sion, Mr. Stothert said he was convinced that
much of the industrial unrest and discontent was due to bad
housing and miserable environment. Those employers of
labour who would, in conjunction with the Cioyernment and
local authorities, look after the housing of their workpeople,
would attract a better class of workmen, who would pernia-
nentlv stay with them. t<i the .ndvantage of all.

LEGAL

Tklox Co. t'. EiANDr.M Co., Ltd., and
Epandem Co., Ltd., v. Telux Co.
In the King's Bench Division, on November 16th, the Lord
Chief Justice, sitting without a jury, had before him these
combined actions. The plaintiffs, of Hammer.smith, alleged
that their firm was fonned by the defendant company, the
Etandem Co., I^td., of Fallings Park, Wolverhampton, for the
purpose of getting rid of their goods. The defendants are
manufacturers of electric batteries and cases, and the claim
was for £S-yi 15s. 5d. as damages for loss on the re-sale of
goods not delivered. The defendant company counter-claimed
for an account of all goods .supplied and re-sold.

At the outset, Mr. ABiNOiiK, appearing for Mr. T. M. Gordon,
claimed that his client was the sole partner of the plaintiff
company, and that the action had been instituted without
his con.sent or authority. Various litigation had followed the
institution of the action. Mr. (jordon refu.sed to make an
affidavit, and no order was made in an application to commit
him. Mr. Gordon took out a summons asking to be indemni-
fied in costs on the ground that he was not a party to the
action, which had been brought without his authority, and
the Master made no order, costs to be dealt with by the
judge at the trial.

• His Lordship : It seems to me that everybody referred the
tangle to the judge at the trial.

Mr. Abinoer said he intervened because if it was found
that Mr. Gordon was the sole partner the time of the Court
would only be wa.sted by hearing tho case.

Mr. Hugo Young, K.C.. on behalf of the Wolverhampton
Co., said, of course, if Mr. Ciordon was the sole partner,
as he was not bringing the action, the defendants had no
case to answer. If the other parties were partners, then he
had an answer to the case.

Mr. DisTiRNAL, K.C., opening the case for the plaintiffs.
s,iid the defendants were in a large way of business, and had
their works at Wolverhampton, with a London office. The
plaintiff firm consisted of P. A. Cooper, S. Gerald, and T. M.
Gordon, the active manager beinc. no doubt, Gordon, and he
had the main control of the business. Cooper was the sales
manager of the defendant company at their London office.

and Broun was the order clerk. The Telux Co. was formed
in May, I'.M."), for the purpose of selling the defendants' goods
to the retail trade, and, in fact, they had no other business.
It had a short life, and was in fact dissolved in IVcember,
1915. The claim was for breach of contract in failing to
deliver giKids. The defendant conipany was formed in March.
liUl, to take over the business formerly conducted by iinc
Fahn and another, who -had bro\iglit their applianies from
.\merica for the purjxvse of coiomcncinu this business. Mr.
I'ahn was tin- vendor to the company ; lu' was the managing
director of the ctMnpany. and the active moving spirit from
the very beginning. A Mr. Varley joined the board in PJIIi,
and this matter aro.se out of a conflict between the Varley
an(l Fahn groups. Messrs. Cooper and lirown were in the
employ of the vendors. L'p to this time the dcfcruiants hud
made a practice of supplying the very smallest retailers. This
entailed a large amount of work, and a change in the method
was .started by Mr. Fahn in liiU-lo. .lust before May, H)15,
Messrs. Cooper, Brown and Gordon had a small .shop in the
Ilarrow Road, where they did a retail business as " The
C.M.G. Electrical Co." This was not very successful, and
as a result of a discus.sion with Mr. Fahn, they started a
wholesjile business, Mr. Fahn providing the money with
which to open the account at his bank, the Ixjiulon County
and Westminster Bank. Matters went on until the present
difficulties arose, when the defendants said the plaintilfs wimc
acting in competition with them.

The hearing was resumed on I'Yidav

Mr. P. A. Cooi'EH .stated tliat he formerly acteil as London
export Siiles manager. The business of the defendant com-
pany was the manufacture of elwtric hand-lamps and
dynamos. The defendant company were anxious to devote
their attention to the wholesale trade, and to eliminate deal
ings with retailers. The Telux Co. was started at Hammer-
.smith to deal with the retail side, and witness became a
pailner in that business. After the starting of this business
witness was informed by a representative of the defendant
company that he mu.st resign his position either in the Telux
Co. or in the Efamleni Co. Witness was given a month's
salary in lieu of r.otice by the defendant company. He, together
with Mr. Goidon and Mr. Brown, were the partners in the
Telux Co., which was formed with the approval of Mr. Fahc,
who was formerly managing director of the defendant com- .
pany.

On the point laised by Mr. Abinger that Mr. Gordon was
a partner of the plaintiff company, and was not a party to
the action, his loidship i-uled that Mr. Gordon should be
added as a defendant.

Mr. R. Vaughan, of Messrs. Vaughan & Williams, .solicitors
to the plaintiffs, said this action was concurred in by the
three parties.

Mr. Hugo Young, K.C, .said the orders were accepted in
ignorance by Fahn, and the defendants denied the authority
of Fahn, and no .sanction he gave could have any authority
behind the back of the company.

Mr. KRNDiiR'K, one of the directors and chairman of tin-
defendant company, was called, and gave evidence to thf
effect that the defendant company knew nothing about tin
members of the jilaintiff finn being eniployes of their coic.
pany.

Cros.s-examined : Mr Fahn was joint managing directoi- c
the defendant company, and had general management Mi
Varley had been brought up as an accountant in Wolver-
}iampton, and knew nothing special about this cla,ss of bu*'!-
ness. It was common knowledge that in 1915 the orders
were heavy in this trade, and really the trade were unable
to cope with them.

Re-examined : Witness said he guaranteed an overdraft at
the bank for i'20,(K¥l on behalf of the company.

The hearing was resumed on Tuesday, when Mr. T. Vauley,
an accountant, of Wolverhampton, and Mr. Petek Smith.
secretary to the Efandeni Co., gave evidence. The hearing
was adjourned. ^^^

Rating of Electiuc Tramways.
Art'EAIi BY THE IjONDON County Council.
At the County of Ijondon Quarter Se.s.sions, at Clerkenwell,
Mr. A. P. Lawrie (Deputy-Chairman) and other magistrates
began the hearing of an appeal by the London County
Council against the quinquennial asses.snient by the Assess-
ment Committee of the Holborn Fnion of tramw'ays in
Clerkenwell Road, City Road, Gray's Inn Road, Rosebery
Avenue. Old Stree.t, Goswell Road, Theobald's Road, and St.
.lohn's Road. The Surveyor of Taxes was ahso named as a
respondent.

Mr. Walter Rvde, K.C, and Mr. E. M. Konstam appeared
foi the County Council, while Mr. Clavell Salter, K.C, M.P..
and Mr. W. J. Jeeves represented the Assessment Conunittee.

Proceeding to open the appeal for the County Council, Mr.
Rvde explained that the rateable value fixed by the overseers
was £16.9'2i, which was reduced by the Assessment Com
niittee on appeal to £13.818, and the County Council now
elaimed that it should lie further reduced to £'(j,960. This
snm ip'-hided .-^1810 which had been agreed by the parties as
the "value of the Holborn electrical sub-station. The gross
value had been fixed at i£3'2.0.55, and the Countv Council
claimed that it should be reduced to i"25.197. The Countv
Council tramways were no doubt a going concern, but they
had been seriously affected by the competition of motor 'buses

Vol. 79. No. 2,035, November 24, 1916.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

569

ami tube railways, and, as a consequence, in one year there
was a fall of something like a quarter of a million in the net
proceeds. In the year following there was a minus quantity
of .£88,000, so it was quite obvious that at that stage the
motor 'buses had made themselves felt as a most powerful
rival to the tramway undertaking. The year following, how-
ever, there was a slight recovery, or a less adverse balance.
The respondents' case simply stated that in view of the
earning capacity of the tramways the tenant of such heredita-
ments might be reasonably expected to give a rental which
would iu.stify the gross value appealed against. It had been
decided in the High Court — and the decision was vital in
this case — that in arriving at the value the separate earnings
of each distinct route should be divided between the parishes
in proportion to the hneal mileage of each route in each
parish.

The first witness was Mr. Frank Hunt, chief of the Estates
and Valuation Department of the County Council, who Siiid
it was not true that the city termini ends of a tramway were
more remunerative than the others. On a tramway route
there were two thin ends, and what was called "a fat
middle," and the two ends were always less valuable, if "they
had to discriminate from a traffic-earning point of view, than
the average of the route as a whole. In the day-time they
got their "fat middle" in the shopping centres. The value
of the generating station had been agreed at £"207,000, which
was equal to 8.91 jx^r cent, of the gross receipts. The aggregate
capital expenditure to March 31st, 1915, was as follows: —
Peniianent-wav tracks £4,081,718, overhead equipment
i'l-J,179, cables £540,568, ducts £3.51,838— £5,616,303. The
witness submitted a mass of figures in support of the assess-
ment now claimed by the County Council. In the parishes
in i|iKstion he found a total car mileage of 3,444,331, and the
pas.sciiger receipts amounted to £131,712. He deducted
£9;'.,'iS4 for expen.ses assignable in proportion to car mileage
at I'lld. per car mile, and £3'2,928 assignable in proportion to
pa.ssenger receipts at 25 per cent. There remained a rateable
value, plus rates, of £5,500, from which he deducted £1,528
for rates, leaving a rateable value of £3,972. To that sum
he added £810 for the Holborn sub-.station, not in dispute,
making a total rateable viiiue of £4,782. again.st the £13,818
fixed by the Assessment Committee. He arrived at a gross
value of £23,019, compared with the £32,055 appealed against.

Mr. John Welling, permanent-way engineer of the tram-
ways, said his summarisation of the annual cost of repairs
for the ensuing quinquennial period on 279.42 miles of tram-
way was as follows : — Permanent w'ay, at £385 per mile,
£1(17,577; electrical equijnnent, at £42 per mile, £11,730;
cables and ducts, at £13 per mile, £3,632; total, £122,945.
He added £11,833 for increase in mileage of repairable lines,
and i'20,955 for increased cost of labour and materials, making
,iit'>l,733. Dealing with renewals, he said that a 35-years' life
in place of a 60-years' life would increase the annual provi-
sidti for renewals of concrete Vokes, itc, from £7,666 to
£.il,-J.S;-i, or by £26.619. He estimated that the total annual
imivision required for renewals anjounted to £186,3.57, of if
the £26,619 were added the amount would be £212.976. Iii-
ciea.sed acceleration of the ranning of the cars and the rapid
retardation now rendered possible by magnetic brakes not
only caused a great increase in repairs and the shortening of
the life of the rails, but must cause a greatly increased strain
on the cars themselves. The amount that should be put aside
annually by the Council, spread over the capital loan period,
by way of repayment of the cost of reconstruction was
£224,052, apart from any provision for the renewals of short-
lived works. The provision for renewals should exceed the
original cost, since in the first place it was cheaper to con-
struct works simultaneou.sly than to renew any parts ; s?econdly .
it was more co.stly to do work under running conditions and
subject to continual interruptions; and, thirdly, the cost of
laliiiu'- and iiiatciials had greatly increa.sed. The stores of
niat.'iials lor repairs and renewals were valued on March 31st.
1915. at about £100.000, and he estimated there should be an
allowance of £5,000 a year in respect of the stores in stock. It
was necessary to keep those stores in hand. Junctions, cross-
overs, and ail parts required had to be designed and ordered
in ample time before tliey were wanted, and the cost was
reduced by ordering in fairly large quantities. He estimated
the average life of the whole of the Council's tramway system
as llj years, while the lines in the parishes comprising the
Holbom Union had only a life of 10.0 years, owing to the
greater frequency of tram and general vehicular traffic above
the average of the whole system. The costs and estimates for
repairs and lenewals that he had given were averaged over
the whole sy.stem.

Mr. Wigner, technical electrical assistant of the County
Council, and Mr. H. S. May, assistant superintendent of
rolling stock, also gave evidence.

After .sitting for three days the Court adjourned the hearing
of the appeal till November 29th.

bert Lowe, an electrical engineer, for alleged hbel. The
defendant did not personally appear at the trial, which took
place before Mr. Justice Eidley, and upon the verdict of the
special jury, the judge entered judgment tor the plaintiff for
£1,000 damages, with costs. 'The defendant cow appealed,
contending that the damages were excessive.

Mr. PiVRFiTT, for the appellant, in arguing that the damages
were exoes.sive, contended that the letter in the case ought
not to be regarded seriously, as it was written by a man who,
the evidence showed, would say one thing in the morning
and another thing in the evening about the same matter. It
was not a commercial case, but a case of mere tort, and the
damages were quite at large and out of all proportion to any
harm that might have been done.

In reply to the Court, Mr. Parfitt stated that in an action
tried later, brought by Mr. Comins on the same letter, £.500
damages were awarded against the defendant.

Mr. Cotes Preedy, supporting the verdict and judgment,
argued that, having i-egard to the position the plaintill held
as an electrical engineer, and also as an officer in His
Majesty's Anny, at the date w-hen the letter was written, the
damages could not be considered excessive. It must be
remembered that the jury was a special jury, composed of
men in the same position in life as the plaintiff, and with
respect to the defendant, probably in the same position iu
life as he. although not so wealthy.

On Friday, when the hearing was resumed. Lord Justice
SwiNFEN Eady said that one must feel sympathy with a man
like Captain Lowe, who had brought an action to clear hi.s
character, but, as at present advised, the amount of the
damages struck him as excessive for what was, well, an
extravagant letter from an eccentric and irascible old gentle-
man. Was it not a case in which the parties could agree to
reduce the damages to a reasonable figure, and so put an end
to the litigation'?

Counsel asked for time to consider the matter, and his lord-
ship ordered the case to stand over for 10 days.

Apprentices' Wages in War-time.
An apprentice electrician who had been discharged from tlie
Army appeared before Sheriff Fyfe at a Munitions Ti-ibunal
in the County Buildings, Glasgow, last week, and applied for
a clearance certificate in order to go to more remunerative
employment. He stated that he earned only lis. 6d. per
week. His father received 32s. per week, and as there were
three children younger than the appellant, the combined earn-
ings were insufficient to keep the home together.

His Lordship (according to a Glasgow pai>er) siiid he was
perfectly well aw'are of the hardship of the position of cer-
tain apprentices, but the Munition .Appeal Judge had decided
that it was in the national interest that apprentices should
remain at their trade, lis. 6d. was a low wage for a three-
year apprentice, and his lordship inquired if the firm could
not give a little more money. The firm's representative said
that any change would require to apply to all the apprentices.

Tlu' application was refused, whereupon the appellant re-
marked tliat his hou.se was better off when he was in tlie
Ainiy. 'The home could not be kept together, and no matter
what happened he must earn more wages.

Electrical Engineer's Libel Action : Appeal.
In the Court of Appeal, on Thursday and Friday la.st week.
Lords .Tustices S win fen Eadv and Bankes and Mr. Justice
A. T. Lawrence had before them an appeal by Mr. Charles
•Tospph Weld-Blundell. of Ince Blundell Hall, and T,ydiato
Hall, I,ancashire, and Ludworth Castle, Dor.setshire. He was
the defendant in an action brought by Captain William Her-

W. T. Henley's Telegraph Works Co., Ltd., v. British

and Foueign Agencies Co.
Mr. Justice McCardie, sitting with a common jui-y in the
King's Bench Division, on Tuesday, heard an action in^which
plaintiffs sought to recover damages from defendants for non-
delivery of 3^ tons of copper wire. The defendants pleaded
that there was no contract, but only negotiations.

Mr. J. B. Matthews. K.C., and Mr. Tyrrell were for the
plaintiff company, and Mr. Ralph Bankes, K.C., and Mr.
Douglas Hogg were for the defendants.

In opening the case, Mr. Matthews said that the defence
was that there was no actual contract in writing, and
that being so there never was any contract at all. The ques-
tion was really rather one of law than of fact, and turned
to a great extent upon correspondence between the parties.
The plaintifl's, he said, hold very large quantities of copper
wire. The defendant firm was comprised, so far as the plain-
tiffs knew, of two partners— Messrs. Dennis and Pollock. The
plaintiffs had known those gentlemen for quite a number of
years in connection with the copiier trade. Being a young
firm, the defendants were anxious to do business with such
a company as the plaintiffs, and approached them with that
object in view. From time to time they had invited the
Ijlaintiffs to give them orders, and three or four contracts had
been satisfactorily carried out. The contract in question was
entered into in December, 1915, when the plaintiff's gave the
defendants an order for Si tons of .028 plain copper at 12
and 13/16ths of a penny a lb., to be shipped from New York
at the end of .lanuary. c.i.f. in London. The defendants
were to obtain the wire in America, but plaintiffs were unable
to obtain shipment, although they -were ready to postpone
delivery for a time, and ultimately the defendants asked to
be released from their contract. , ,, „

Evidence was given on both sides, and Mr. Edwin J.«ifs
Hawkins London manager of Messrs. Eichard Johnson and
Nephew Ltd.. said that the price of wire might be computed
from the price of electrolytic wiie bars. The price of these

570

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW. [Wi. t;.. Xo.-.a-., Xovkmrkk lm. i-ur,.

on .l;imi;ir\ isl was i'll.K^. the oulv JaU-, liuwtvfi. iu the year
when the "miildle price of bars fell so low. On January 3l8t
it was £l-2-2, on February lOth it was A'WO 10s., and it was
±•130 all through March.

In the result the jury found in favour of the plaintiffs, for
whoiu his lonlship gave judgment for .fl47, with costs.

WAR ITEMS.

A.ii.ti. lilectrical Co. of South .\frica. — The SupervUors
and Controllers apixjiiited by the Trea.sury to wind up the
affairs of the .\.E.(!. Co. are asking for tenders for the pur-
chase of the plant and .stock in the I'liion.

I.ifjhtinf; Restrictions. — In ;i c.ts^ of unobscured lif<hts
.It l.ylbiiiM. the di'i'cnce was .set up that heavy caleudais
hanging i>n the electric switch had been the cause of putting
on the light.

To be Wound Up. — The IJorird of Triule h;is ordered I lie
following ciiiiipanies to be wound up: —

Kuchester Engineering Co., Ltd.. Rochester, Kent, engineer-
ing company making machinery for cement works. Con-
troller : A. bangerfield. 56, Cannon Street, E.G.

Meyer & Co., 47. St. Paul's Square. Birmingham, export
hr.rdware merchants. Controller: .1. W. (!. Hill, S), Bennett's
Hill, Birim'ngham.

Use of Electric Flash Lamps. — On moonless nights, when
it is so dilMcult to navigate the streets of London with safety,
and many tho\i.sands of people aie carrying electric Hash
lamps in their jxickets. it is interesting to note from the daily
Pre.ss that an inquiry as to the legality of the use of these
lamps in the .streets has been addressed to the Home Office
by Mr. W. H. Frankliir,^ .secretary of the Mohawk Cycle Co.
He has received the following reply : —

" I am directed by the Secretary of State to say that the
use of electric |X)cket lamps of low power by pedestrians to
citable them to find their way in the streets is not jirohibited
by the general lights order. There may be local military
orders prohibiting their u.se in some places."

Inside Belgium. — The " Times " publishes an article by
a neutral commercial agent, who has ju.st returned from
Brus.sels. levealing the piesent condition of the countr.v. We
extract the following : —

"The metal and engineeiing triides have suffered worst of
all. The great Cockeiill Works at Seraing were taken over
immediately after the fall of Liege. Since then all the iron,
steel, and electiieal works in the Valley of the Meuse have
fallen into (ierniim hands. M. Renson, director of the im-
p<)rtant Angleui- Steel Works, who lefused to conduct opera-
tions for the invader, w'as made pri.scmer and sent to Ger-
many. The machinery of the Fnternational Electric Co. and
of several similar concerns has been <arried across the Rhine.
.Ml st(K-ks of copper and brass and enormous quantities of
tools have also been commandeered. Thousands of skilled
artisans were thrown out of work in consequence. Many
factories which Belgians were trying to ' keep going have
since been closed, because it is irapo.ssible to obtain lubricating
oils for the engines and machines; and the latest requisitions
of the German tyrant are for all the leather belting in the
country. Idleness has, therefoje, been forced on the people.
The Gennan statement that the workmen prefer to be main-
tained by public charity is not true. The conditions of work
in their own coinitry are made impo.s.sible for them, and then
they are told that there is plenty of employment for them in
Germany."

Important Export Prohibitions. — The Prochamalion pro-
hibiting the exportation of certain exports has been lurtlicr
amended on recommendation of the Board of Trade.

The following heading is deleted : —

Mica, mica chimneys, mica .splittings, micanite, and micu-
nite cloth.

The following headings are added : —

Electrical apparatus and plant for the generation, distribu-
tion, and utilisation of electric power, not otherwi.se prohi-
bited.

Insulating materials as follows: —

ComiHiunds intended for the purpose of electrical insulation.

Lead, oxides of.

Zinc barium pigments made from zinc .salts and barium
.sulphate.

Mic.T. mica splittings, mica powder, micanite, articles made
from them, and insulating materials containing tliem.

Thermometers.

Varnishes not otlierwise proliibited.
_ The Proclamation to which the above additions are made
IS dated May ]Oth, 1916. Class "C" gf)ods— the present
announcement includes the above electrical descriptions in
that class — are prohibited : —

" to all destinations in foreign countries in Europe and
on the Mediterranean and Black Seas, other than Prance and
French possessions. Russia, Italy, and Italian possessions.
Spain and Portugal, and to all ports in anv such foreign
countries, and to all P.u.ssian Baltic ports."

Exemption .\ppIication&. — TIk- Cbel-ci ICKcii iciiv .Supply
Co., Ltd., applied to the Kx'al Tribunal for the exemption of
Mi. p. H. Parstms, heacL clerk, registrar, and accoiinfant.
It was stated that Air. Parsons, who is :fi) years of age, was
passed for garrison service at home, and had been in the
employ of the company for over '20 years. He had acquired a
specialised knowledge of the work of his department. The
company had 5,1X10 customers, and the accounts were nece.-^
sarilv complicated. Out of the original clerical staff of lii.
It had joined the Colours, and the new staff was not abl,> to
deal with the uork in the same miirinei .is the old. I'wn
months' exemption was granted.

Oswestry Rural Tribunal has deferred for fuillu-r imiuirii's
an appeal for exemiUion by Mr. X. E. Smith (:C)), rliirl elei-
trical engineer at J'ark Hall Camp.

At O.swestry, Mr. A. Cartledge (35), who had tiled an iip|>eal.
wrote .stating that he was now an electrician at a munitions
works, and would shortly be badged. The Tribunal dismissid
the appeal.

.\t Ranisgate. the Military asked for a review of condi
tional exemption granted to an electrician, who drives the
niotoi> lire-engine in the absence of the regular driver. It
transpired that the respondent was conducting liis-lati>
lather's business for the benefit of his mother and four littli'
children. The Tribunal adhered to conditional exemption,
and the Military Representative s;iid that as respondent was
only '£i and single, he had no optiop but to appeal to the
(jounty Tribunal.

At Bradford Tribunal, last Friday. .Mr. ('. .1. Spencer, city
, tramways manager, who had applied lor three young friim
drivers, asked for adjournment us, since lodging the appeals,
he had hail an interview with Lord Derby on the general
question of the jiosition of men under 3(1 hi the tramway s<'i
vice, and his lonlship had agreed with his (Mr. Spencer's)
suggestion that certain exchanges .should be made. In tin-
Army there were a number of tramwaymen who were liiiluns
from the military point of view, but were good for tramway
service, and it was proposed to fetch these back to lelea.'^c
Class A men at present employed. He hoped a substitution
scheme would be fixed up very shortly. Of .the three cases
in question only one was in Cla.sR A. and he was married. The
cases were adjourned.

At the Saltburn-by-the-Sea Tribunal, the local electricity
undertaking applied for the exemption of an a.ssistant engi
neer. a married man. aged '2'j. It was stated that the man
was in charge of the repair department, and the running nl
the works ilejjended upon him in ca.se of a breakdown. The
Tribunal considered that this was a proper case for the Sub
stitution Committee, and condititinal exemption was granted
in the meantime.

.\t Chipping Norton, the Military Eepresentative asked for
a review of a certificate of conditional exemption allowed to
Mr. W. H. Hellyer, manager of the Electric Light Co. .The
Tribuniil reserved its deci.sion pending a rejiort by the Army
Medical Boiird.

.\t Cambridge, Me.s.srs. Baily, Grundy A- Barrett appealed
foi P. h. Playford ("27), .said to be engaged on electrical work
of national importance, and for W. O. Pilgrim (3.S), electrical
fitter and electri<ian. engaged on similar work. For the firm
it was stated that both were experienced men whom it was
practically impossible to replace. No time was allovied to
Playford, and Pilgrim was given six months with the Volun-
teer condition.

Before St. Thomas (Exeter) Tribunal, the Committee of
Visitors of the Devon County Asylum appealed for Mr. W.
W. Symons (27). acting chief electrical engineer, passed in
Class .\. Exemption was allowed until .\pril 1st, and the
Committee was advi.sed to get a sub.stitute.

Exemption has been granted at Stowniarket to an elec-
trical engineer, aged 24, appealed for by the Suffolk Elec-
tricity Co.

The* .'Mdershot & District Traction Co. appealed for a num-
ber of drivers, fitters, and conductors. One driver was given
two months' exem.[ition, and two others one month each.
The others were directed to be medically examined. The
company also appealed to the County Tribunal for a driver,
given one month only \>y the Local Tribunal, but further
exemption was refused.

^ Before the Essex Aiipeal Court, the Ilford T'.D.C. appealed
for W. G. (ialley (28), armature winder and .storekeeper at
the electric light works. The Military Repre.sentative. at the
same time, opposed exemption allowed to .1. C. Richards (3S),
chief tramway in.spector, and R. Tennison (26), overhead
linesman. Mr. Harvey said that he would try to di.spense
with Temiison in three months' time if he was allowed to
retain Richards. Conditional exemption was granted to
(iailev and Richards, and a final three months was allowed
to Tenni.son.

Before the ]\Iargate Tribunal, on November l-")th. a local
firm of electrical engineers applied for conditional exemption
for an indispensable employe, aged 38. A month was allowed
for the man to be replaced.

At Chelmsford, on November 14th. Messrs. Christy Brois.
and Co., Ltd.. appealed for Mr. A. B. Wrightman (31). now
engaged on electrical work at Street (Somerset) in connec-
tion with the Mid-Somerset Electric Supply Co., who was
the only man available for looking after the system and dis-
tributing mains. Originally rejected, he is now passed for
general service. Final exemption until March was conceded.

Vol. 79. xo. 2,08.% NOVEMBER 24. 1916.] THE ELECTEICAL REVIEW.

571

.\t Nuneaton, an appeal was made by Mr. F. A. Newdegate,
M.P., for the exemption of W. Mitchell (25), electrician at
Arbury Hall and hospital. The Advisory Committee recoui-
uiended final delay until .January l.st. It was stated that
Mitchell supplied all the litjht and heating for the hall and
ho.spital, and w'as doing the work executed before the war
by three men. Efforts to find a man over military age had
failed. The recdnuucndation of the Advisory Oominittee wa.s
adopted.

.\t Wre-xham. the Motor A El<>ctrical' Engineering Co. ap-
pealed for the exemption of Mr. "\V. M. Wynn (2^). secretary
and assistant manager, claimed to be indispensable to the
bu.siness. He had been passed for home sedentary work.
The appeal was rejected.

Mertford Tribunal has granted a certificate of conditional
exemption to Mr. A. K. R. Sharratt (11). electrical engineer.

The West Dean Tril)unal has granted conditional exemp-
tion to a foreman (;^4), applied for by a finn of electrical
cable makers at f-ydbrook, but allowed a month only to
another foreman, aged 2fi.

.4t Weyiiiouth, exemption was sought by Mr. R. S. Sjiiith
(29). electrician, who was stated to be electrician to several
local hotels and the Weymouth Royal Hospital. He is passed
in Class B 1. and claimed as owner of a one-mau business.
The appeal was refused as from December 31st.

Worcestershire Appeal Court has refused exemption to E.
Taylor (3-5), appealed for by the \\'orcester Tramway Co. as
the only coach painter left.

.An appeal was made to the County Tribunal by Mr. H. R.
Harwood (381. electriiian. of Worcester, refused exemption
locally, but the appeal was rejVcted.

At Bexhill-on-Sea, Mr. H. T. Squirrell. elfectrician. a|ipcali'd
for the retention of .1. V. (libbs (38). electrician. Three months
were granted.

CORRESPONDENCE.

Letters reeeived hi/ vx after 5 P.M. ON Tuesday cannot appear vnt'd
the following weeli. Correspomlents shoulA forward their vommtiiii-
catioyis at the earliext possible moment. J\^o letter can be puhlifhed
vnlesn we hare the torite/x name and address In our possession.

Electricity in Agriculture.

I shall be obliged if you will allow rae to offer a few comments
on the articles by Mr. Jorgensen on the use of ionised ail" in
agriculture, which appeared in your issues of October 27th and
November 3rd.

Mr. Jorgensen does me too much honour in saying that, in con-
j\mction with Sir Oliver Lodge, I developed a new system of
generating h.t.c. current. What I did was to suggest to Sir Oliver
that his method of generating H.T.C. current (known before 190."i,
when my experiments began) was eminently suitable for use in
electro-culture, and to secure his co-operation in the series of
experiments which began in 1906 and continued uninterruptedly
till 1914, since when, owing to my "joining up," they have been
suspended.

Sir Oliver Lodere's account in the Kelvin Lecture of these
experiments Mr. Jorgensen calk '" fairly complete." I should say
it was decidedly brief, and Sir Oliver himself, writhig to me before
he delivered it, said he would only be able to touch on the subject.

The Lodge valves can be arranged to carry considerably more
than the current required. Mr. Jorgensen 's disparaginjr state--
ments appear to be made without sufficient foundation ; possibly
his only experience is from the very small experimental apparatus
described. The Lodge valves for X-ray work will carry the
heaviest currents used, and they are certainly most efficient jn
stoppinff the reverse current. ">

Mr. Jorgensen is somewhat scornful as to the accuracy of some
measurements of Dr. Breslauer. whom he describes, not quite
accurately, as the German agent of the A.E.D. Co. I am not
anxious to defend a German from the assaults of a neutral, but I
would like to sugjrest to Mr. Jorgensen that Dr. Breslauer's
measurements and reasoning are accurate, and that he has confused
his own measurements of the actual air currents with Dr. Bres-
lauer's measurements of the total current delivered to the aerial
network, which includes the leakage over the insulators. The
number of insulators for a network covering 30,000 sq. metres, and
therefore the current flowing into the 30.000-metre network would
be more than half that flowing into the 60.000-metre network. My
own measurements of currents flo%ving into networks of sizes from
90,000 sq. yd. closely agree with Dr. Breslauer's.

With reference to the prices given in the article, it may be as
well to point out, as the figures are likely to be quoted in agri-
cultural papers, that they are very misleading. An induction coil,
a mercury break and five Lodge valves handed to an agriculturist
would be useless to him, and their bare cost is by no means the
total cost of a workable installation. If Mr. Jorgensen were to
go to the Triumph Cycle Co., and say to them, "The price of a
4i-H.p. engine is £10 ; frame, £2; tires. £3 : rims and spokes,
negligible — supply me with a motor-bicycle for £15," they would
possibly tell him that his mathematics were correct, but his
business and engineering ideas curious.

May I also venture on a grumble of my own. When, some four
years back, Prof. Priestley secured a grant from the Board of

Agriculture for the research work which Mr. Jorgensen has
described, I hoped he would be able to discover how the effect was
produced on the plants ; how the growth processes of the plant
were altered. (Prof. Priestley is one of the ''red-hatted" now,
and has been in France s:'ac3 mobilisation, so this criticism does not
apply to him.) Until- we know that, even if we know the current
to the exact ion per hectare, we are unscientific empiricalists, all
of us. Sir Oliver Lodpe and Mr. Jorgensen included.

Possibly Prof. Blackman is working in the direction indicated,
but there is nothing in the article to show it.

In conclusion, I should like to take this opportunity of expressing
my appreciation of Mr. Jorgensen's painstaking interest and
enthusiasm in these experiments, and. on behalf of my com-
pany, to say that we should be pleased to co-operate with him, as
we have done with Prof. Priestley, and no doubt the result would
be equally satisfactory to us both.

J. E. Newman,

General ilamuier^thc Aqrirnl.tnral Electric
Discharge Co.. Ltd.
Gloucester, \nrcnihrr lHth, 1916.

Final-Grade Classes in "Electrical Installation Work."

In your comments under our letter on the above subject in last
week's issue, your reference to " Technical Colleges." " Trade
Schools. " and handicrafts rather minimises the force of our
arguments by raising side issues.

"We think it will he found that most of the London Polytechnics
teach what are generally termed handicrafts, so that in their case
the Technical College and the trade school are combined. The
same is. doubtless, the case at most provincial institutes.

The term "handicraft" is a somewhat indefinite one, for there
are few kinds of work mostly done with the hands that do not
necessitate more or less use of the brains as well. In spite of that
fact, many people would consider the term as applying to subjects
which did not require much other training besides that of a purely
manual sort..

That being so. we venture to think that it does not help,the
cause of electrical installation work to leave it to be inferred that
it is merely a " handicraft. " It obviously is very much more than
that, as a glance through past examination papers will fully
t€stifv.

A. P. Lundberg & Sons.

London. N., .\orcml,er 20th. 191(i.

I quite agree with your editorial note on Messrs. Lundberg and
Sons' letter. Technical colleges should not concern themselves with
handicrafts. My address dealt with trade classes.

I disagree with the writers about demand and supply. Principals
of Polytechnics tell me that they are quite ready to provide the
classes if the students are forthcoming. The ball is now with the
employers.

A. P. Trotter.

London. Xorcmhcr IWh. 1916.

'• Summation Watt ' Capacity of Field Rheostats and the Like.

I think Mr. Boothman and I are really talking about two
different things. I do not deny that his formula- give accurate
results of the summation watts as defined by him in his letter of
the 13th inst. Such figures, however, are chiefly of academic
interest. I do not think that the summation watts, so found, will
be a safe guide a-s a basis of comparison of rheostats, which is the
practical use to which I would put them. For example, Mr.
Boothman points out that the greater the resistance in a potentio-
meter the less are the actual summation watts (based upon his
definition). But beyond a certain value the more resistance
used the greater becomes the size (.i.e.. bulk) of the rheostat ; there-
fore I think it somewhat illogical to say that the capacity of the
regulator does not materially increa.se. My point is that, as a
guide in designing. Mr. Boothman's method will, if precautions
are not taken, lead one astray. As an example. I would point out
that Mr. Boothman has recommended for potentiometer reguliitors
to allow 2 to 4 ohms per volt of supply. According to Mr. Booth-
man's way of looEing at it this would be correct, as the higher the
ohms the less are the summation watts, as defined by him.

I am of opinion, however, that this value of rheostat ohms is too
high, and would result in a needlessly expensive design. In sup-
port of this view, I can refer to Mr. T. Carter (Electrical
Review, Vol. LXX'VI. May 21st. 1915. page 716), who recommends
that a potentiometer regulator should have from two to four times
the resistance of the field coil. Such a rule results in much lower
values of rheostat ohms than recommended by Mr. Boothman,
and confirms the method of calculation which I originally
recommended.

Charles C. Garrard.

Birmingham. Xoremlvr 2Wh. 1916.

Stolen Goods.

During the last week or so there have been several burglaries
from electrical engineers' premises in this district, and during
Sunday night one of the show-cases on our premises was emptied
of its contents, and the following articles were stolen : —

A small motor-generator by the Electrical Co., 200 volts, D.C. -
input, and 8 volts 6 watts output, mounted on combined base-plate,
with starting switch in the base, and flexible coupliui; and V
pulley.

572

THE ELECTRICAL liEVlEW. fVni. 79. No. 2,1135, novembkii 24, inu;.

\ portable hand-larap fitted with two -lO-ampere standard
accumulators, in liprht teak case with leather handle.

Also numerous other sundries which cannot be identified. The
total value is about £ 12.

Apparently the thieves arc not offerin'r these iu the Slanchester
neiffhbourhixxl. kiul we can only assume that they are sendinsr
them to some other town. Perhaps the publication of this letter
in your pajwr will help to find them. There must be more than
one on the job. as one man cannot carry what was taken away
from here, and a frienil who hail a similar exjierience a weeJt ajro
says it wonld take thrti> or four men to e.irry away what w.ifi
taken from his place.

I. 0. Walker & Co.

Manchester. Xfiriiili,;- 2tiHi. mir,.

Between Two Stools.
T have read with ffreat interest the' letters of " Victimus" and
" Atistralin " in the last two issues of your journal, having: been in
a similar cart myself. In all matters of this nature there are
always two sides, and it is possible that there are other facts which
may alter the complexion which " Vidimus " places upon the case
he outlines. Certainly, it is inconceivable that " gentlemen "
holdinjr positions of responsibility can be found to act in this
extraordinary way ; and, if the facts are as stated, I imagine the
Enirlish dictionary contains expressions of far jjreater force and
ajipropriateness than " irresponsibility " to apply to the actions
of such persons. Probably "Victimus" would be well advised to
look for the source of the trouble nearer home, and jjerhaps he
could persuade the Editors to publish the correspondence.

Back Pressure.

The New Copper Restrictions.

The text of the recent order relatinj? to the supply of copper
wire and cable, which appears in the Re\iew for November 17th,
raises some questions of importance to the electric wire and cable
maker. The order is so comprehensive as to leave no loophole for
the manufacturer, and no orders can be executed, either for home
use or export, unless the goods are required for war work by one or
other of the parties definitely set forth in the text. No mention is
made, however, of imports of copper wire or cable, and it would
be interesting to know whether the order applies, for instance, to
cable and wire coming from the United States. We notice that
the United States' exports of insulated wire to the United
Kingdom for lOU-l.'i were over double the figures for 1913-14. We
know that tlie figures include a quantity of wire for Government
purposes, in which copper is not used, but probably only a portion
of the total is made up of such material, and it will be only fair to
the British wire-drawers to bar imports on the same lines as the
home product.

For those who use electric cables in the ordinary way o£ private
business, it will be a hardship to have their supply cut off.
Whether in business in a small way or not. pfeople do not stock
electric cables very largely, with copper at Is. 6d. per lb., and
for ordinary work it would seem to be a case of shutting up shop
willy nilly. For the cable maker, the most serious aspect of the
matter is the stoppage of export orders. Since the advent
of the war. British cable makers have seen an influx of orders
from quarters which were practically terrn incognita in times
of peace for C.M.A. goods. Orders ' rolled in from Norway,
Sweden. Denmark. Holland, and Spain, among others, sonie
of which have been supplied, and others of which, for
very good reasons, have been held over indefinitely, on the
principle of jirevention being better than cure. Up to the present
it has been, at the best, extremely difficult to procure licences for
exiwrting electric wir« and cables, and long delays have occurred
even where goods have been destined for places and people little
suspect. In addition, the calls made by Government requirements
upon the average wireworks have pushed export orders somewhat
into the background, with the result that Colonial and foreign
customers of long standing have had to submit to vexatious delays,
high prices, and the ultimate chance of being let down altogether.

A man just over from India was heard last week discussing the
new order, and he said that as soon a-s our exports ceased the
Japanese would take the Indian trade. " They are always on our
doorsteps." .said he, "and this restriction wi'll throw the Indian
buyer into their hands." That is the opinion of the man on the
spot, which may later be borne out by events. What applies to one
market may apply to others. If the .Japanese get the trade of the
Far East, the United States will take our trade in South America.
South Africa, and Australasia. The circumstance and stress of
war may render this unavoidable ; none the less, the possibility
should be counted on, and the task of our manufacturers in the
much-discnssed after-the-war trade war will not be any easier in
consequence.

Further, if the requirements of the countries named are thus
met, the demand for copper in the world's markets will be just as
before, so that at lea-st the effect of the newTjrder will not be to
reduce prices. Steel is a product made entirely from the resources
ot the home mdustnes. The output is limited while the demand
IS mcreasmg, and therefore its uses should be limited to allow a
maximum for war purposes. For electrolytic copper, however we
are dependent upon outside sources, and so long as they are willing'
lo pay the price our old export cu-tomers can. and will buy else'^
where. They can no longer buy British steel when we stop the
export, and. faUing an efficient substitute, must do without ■ but
( i«;trolytic copper has no special merit in either Britwh wire or

American wire one over the other, and if we do not sell it other
people will. We hope the desired end may be attained by the
Government -namely, to conserve supplies for war work; yet
we may be jTermitted a grumVile at the means employed in the new
order.

Commercial.

STRETCHING THRKf: LINB WIRES
AT ONCE.

Mh. H, H. Fkxton, in the h:irrtiiciil U'lirlil, says that when con-
structing three-phase transmission lilies a great waste of time is
often caused in stretching conductors by the awkwardness of the
block and tackle method. To eliminate this waste of time the
writer employs a scheme which enables a small force of men to
stretch all three conductors of a threo-pha,«e line in one operation.
In other words, the three conductors are strung, stretched and tied
in with one trip over the ground and by climbing up each pole
once. .\ special whiffle-tree constructed as shown in the accom-
panying illustration is used. With this device a crew consisting of
a foreman, four climbers, a team with driver and a helper on the
wagon to watch the reels and fasten the wire grips, can handle line
construction rapidly and without difficulty. The special device is

/c" flagon AmIc

Special Whiffle-Tree for Stretohixg Three Line Wike.s
AT Onck.

attached to the axle of the wagon by a chain, so that it drags about
2 ft. behind the rear wheels. Three reels are mounted upon the.
wagon platform and carry the wire.

When stringing the conductors for a particular line, each con-
ductor is dead-ended at the starting point, and the team driven six
spans for the first pull. Each climber takes his assigned place,
one at a pole, the foreman making the fifth, and each carries the
wires up the pole, the helper meanwhile at the wagon making fast
the wire grips on the conductors, thus attaching the special whiffle-
tree to them. The driver then starts the team and draws the wires
taut. The brake is then applied on the wheels of the wagon lo
aid the team in holding the strain. After the four climbers have
tied-in the line, the grips on the special whiffle-tree are released
and the team is driven up four spans, thus unreeling Avire for
another pull, and the cycle of operations is repeated. Four spans
have been found about the maximum pull on an up grade that can
be made with one team of horses ; however, on a down grade as
many as seven spans have been stretched without any difficulty at
one pull.

This method of construction makes possible a very taut line, does
not produce twisting upon any pole, makes all wires hang alike,
and is considerably faster than the block-and-tackle method. An
average of .3 miles of three-phase line has teen strung, stretched,
and tied-in in one day.

BUSINESS NOTES.

For Sale. — The Sheffield Corporation Electricity Supply
Department is offering a number of generating sets for sale ;
the Woolwich B.C. Electricity Department is offering a 110-KW.
continuous-current set for sale. Particulars appear among our

advertisements to-day.

Publicity Poster. — We understand that the design for
an electric fire poster got out by the Cocnty op London Electric
Supply Co. has quickly achieved a wide popularity. A large
number of supply undertakings throughout the country have
purchased copies of the poster, and by arrangement with the
company Messrs. Belling & Co. have used the design on the
cover of their catalogues, of which about 100,000 have been issued.

Bankruptcy Proceedings. — James Brockie, mechanical

engineer. Forest Hill, Kent.— Second and final dividend. Is. lOjM.
in the £, payable December 4th, at the office of the Official
Receiver. 132, iTork Road, Westminster Bridge Road, S.E.

Book Notices. — Messrs. E. Bennis & Co., Ltd., of

Little Hulton, have issued No. 2 of their house organ, Cheap Steam.
The principal contributions are : — " An Interesting Textile Installa-
tion," "Coal Crushers," "The Commercial Testing of Solid Fuel,"
" The Care of Mechanical Stokers," and " Steam Production and
Machine-Firing,"

Vol. 7!.. Xo. 2.M.S.-.. November 24, Il.K!.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

573

Catalogues and Lists. — British Thomsox-Houston Co.,

Ltd., 77, Upper Thames Street, London, E.G. — List No. 10,480 (44
pages), has been issued, says the company's optimist, " in anticipa-
tion of the coming- demand for improved outdoor lig-htinfr
schemes," when the removal of the temporary lijrhtini? restrictions
becomes advisable. The catalogue is devoted exclusively to the
subject of weatherproof lanterns, street lighting fittings and acces-
sories, ironclad ship and mill fittings, and so on, for use with
standard and half-watt type lamps. Illustrations and details are
given of a number of fittings of new design. Among the new
weatherproof models listed are the "Strela" cast-iron lantern, with
vitreous enamelled reflector ; the " Globa," the " Alahas." the
" Ilstra " street lighting unit, and the " Radial Wave." all of which
are suitable for Mazda half-watts. These provide in every case for
adjustment of the total length, so that lamps of different size may
be employed in the correct position relative to the reflector. The
B.T.H. series incandescent street lighting system provides for the
replacement of arc lamps on series circuits without altering the
existing circuits, (1) a substitutional resistance with automatic
cut-out for each lamp, i2) a constant-current transformer for each
circuit, with an automatic film cut-out for each lamp, or {:\) an
automatic film cut-out for each lamp only, to prevent the extinc-
tion of a number of neighbouring lamps. Many ornamental designs
of British-made cast-iron and ferro-concrete pillars for incandescent
street lighting are listed, as well as watertight lanterns, fittings
and holders for standard iMazda lamps, used in mills, factories,
shop windows and steamships. Copies of this exhaustive catalogue
will be sent to readers interested in street and industrial lighting.

Overseas Engineering Co., Ltd,, 7.5, Curtain Road, London,
E.C. — Leaflet giving an illustrated description, with prices, of their
" Overseas " automatic lighting sets.

Trade Announcements. — The Midlaxd Electric

M.\N-UK.\CTirElNG Co., LTD., announce that Messrs. Higgin, Ltd.,
of Manchester, have ceased to represent them in the Lancashire
and West Riding of Yorkshire district. Until other arrangements
are made all communications should be addressed to the company
direct at Barford Street, Birmingham.

The Paterson Engineering Co., Ltd.. have taken temporary
premises at Windsor House. Kingsway. for the duration of the war.
conseqoent upon the Military Authorities having taken over India
House, Kingsway. Their new telephone number is : " Gerrard.
t;.560." The flr,m have just published the new edition of their Red
Book, which was preparing when war broke out.

The London office address of Messrs. Eraser & Chalmers,
Ltd., has just been changed to Moorgate Hall, Finsbury Pave-
ment, E.C.

Messrs. Wellman, Seaveb & Head, Ltd., state that as the
Government has taken possession of India House, Kingsway, and
the two adjoining buildings, for war purposes, their address is now
King's House, Kingsway, W.C. Telegraphic address and telephone
number unaltered.

Messrs. Tozer. Kemsley & Fisher, Ltd., of 84, Fenchurch
Street, E.G.. have changed the style of the company to Tozer,
Kemsley ct Millbourn, Ltd. Mr. Millboum, whose name is thus
incorporated, joined the firm in 1889, and he has been a director of
the company for many years.

The Fi'ller Electrical and MANOFACTnRiNG Co. announce
that the Government having taken over Canada House, Kingsway,
W.C, they have temporarily removed to Old Serjeants' Inn
Chambers, .5, Chancery L; n', W.C, where all communications should
be sent.

Safety Lamps Approved. — Tlie Home Secretary made

an order on November IGth. approving the following safety lamps
for use in all mines to which the Coal Mines Act. 1911, applies : —

Kingsway miners' electric salety lamp.

Davis-Edison accumulator miners' electric safety lamp.

Cambrian oflflcials' lamp. No. 7.

Pearson's oftioials' pocket lamp.

Western Electric Co.(U.S.A.).— The£'/^*7nV-«? WorM states

that the Western Electric Co.'s gross for the year to December S 1 st
will reach $100,000,000. The previous biggest year gross -vas
ji 7 7, 000,000. This refers to actual shipment of goods to customers.
The incoming orders booked will be very much greater than this
amount. While the Western Electric Co. has no war orders, it has
felt the effect of the war by limitation of raw material supplies on
the one hand, and abnormal demand for its products on the other.
The directors recognise the fact that the present conditions are
entirely abnormal ; at the same time, the pressure is here, and
cannot be entirely ignored. As a result, they have authorised
further plant additions, which —ill call for the expenditure of nearly
SI, 000,000. The Western Electric Co. is employing 23.000 people.

U.S. and tiie Russian Electrical Market. — The

Elccfrieul TI orld contains the following : — '' Much has been
written by writers in this country concerning the opportunity of
the American manufacturer in the Russian market. An article,
however, full of significance to the. American manufacturer of elec-
trical products appeared recently in the Russian electrical journal,
the Elekti-icliesfi-o, in which it was pointed out that imports of
German electrical goods into Russia increased from a value in 1909
of $3,500,000 to a value in 1913 of S8,.500,000. The war, however,
forced Russia to seek other suppliers. As her ally, Russia turned
to Great Britain, but found that country unwilling and unready to
develop the great Russian market. Russia now, the journal states,
is looking to the United States to furnish the Russian nation with
electrical machinery and electrical products. Already the United
States, it is pointed out, has profited by securing orders for con-
siderable quantities of telegraph and telephone apparatus and many
tons of copper wire. There is a strong demand for email motors of

from i to 4 H.P., for educational electric appliances, for X-ray
apparatus, and for every kind of electrical material. A few weeks
ago, it was impo.ssible to purchase a single battery cell in the whole
of Petrograd, and there is a feeling that the Russian market can
absorb huge quantities of supplies in the future. Russia, according
to the journal, wants Americans to take the place formerly held
by the 1.50.000 German merchants. Three-fifths of Russian capital
has been offered American firms if they will contribute the other
two-fifths in order to establish factories in Russia. Continuing,
the journal points out that the large field which Russia offers for
hydro-electric engineers and factories is shown by the fact that in
the European Russia, including Finland, and in the XTral and the
Cauca-sus. the utilisable hydratdic power is estimtited at about
10.000,000 KW., while the amount utilised is less than in any other
country in Europe, In lound figures, around 200.000 kw. is deve-
loped, of which rs per cent, consists of small installations."

Tlie Supply of Railway Wagons. — Tlie Fitiamidl Timea

states that the railway companies are again calling the attention
of traders to the necessity of making' every effort to avoid the
wastage of rolling stock. It is pointed out that the demand for
railway wagons and sheets is extremely heavy, owing to the large
amotmt of urgent Government traffic and material foi- the manu-
facture of munitions which the railway companies are being called
upon to handle specially. The companies, therefore, hope that
they can rely upon the local co-operation oi the traders in the
country in assisting them to cope with the heavy traffic which is
being worked under exceptionally difficult conditions. Two means
are suggested by which material assistance can be rendered : —

1. Traffic should not be loaded in railway trucks until senders
have ascertained that consignees are able to take immediate
delivery, and have obtained confirmation from the railway company.

2. Wagons received with inward traffic should be unloaded and
handed back to the railway company with all possible dispatch.
It should not be overlooked that when wagons are kept under load
after the day of arrival, it is a serious loss to the country, and, in a
sense, is playing into the hands of the enemy.

LIGHTING AND POWER NOTES.

Australia. — As a result of the coal strike, the N.S.W.

Government, acting under the powers conferred by the Emergency
Bill, is assuming control of the electric and gas supplies in
Sydney, with a view to conserving the resources for necessary
industries in case the strike continues. It is stated that tuider
Government control the supplies will last for a fortnight, other-
wise the electrical supplies would have ceased last week. The use
of electricity for lighting purposes is prohibited, except for public
institutions and street lighting. Electric power is also prohibited,
excepting for works connected with water supply, sewerage, and
the manufacture of food-stuffs.

Bangor. — Free- wire lNSTALLATiONS.-7-The Electric

Lighting Committee has had under consideration the question of
purchasing the free-wired electric light installations owned by the
National Electric Construction Co.. and recommends that the com-
pany be offered an annual payment of £110, payable over a period
of 27 years from April l.st, 191(i. This arrangement will result in
the installations becoming the property of the Corporation imme-
diately, thus enabling the Corporation to deal with the property in
such manner as it considers best in the interests of the electricity
undertaking. A resolution to this effect was carried.

Barnsley. — ^The R.D.C. has given its consent to the
Yorkshire Electric Power Co.'s using overhead wires from Beam-
shaw Wood Colliery to Woolley Colliery, and from Woolley Colliery
tT Wheatley Wood Colliery.

Bath. — Price Increase. — The E.L. Committee of the
T.C has decided to increase the price of energy by 10 per cent., as
from January 1st next, making an advance of 20 per cent, since
the war commenced.

Canada. — The annual report of the Canadian Commission

of Water Conservation states that, although there has not been a
large increase in new water-power enterprise during the year, the
following additions are to be noted ; — Winnipeg has added some
13,000 H.P. to its municipal plant atPoint-du-Bois. The Laurentide
Power Co. has inaugurated its new hydro-electric development at
(irand'mere on the St. Maurice River, the ultimate capacity of
which is to be 125,0o0 H.P. The Eugenia Falls plant on the Beaver
River has commenced operations with an initial capacity of
4,500 H,P. The Hawkesbury Electric Light and Power Co. has
completed and put in operation its new hydro-electric plant at
Bells Falls, on the Rouge River, of 5,000 H,P, Among the new pro-
jects proposed during the year may be mentioned that of developing
600,000 H.P. at the Grande Decharge of the Saguenay River, with
the object of manufacturing chemical fertilisers. "

The St. Maurice River, with a drainage area of about Ki.OOO sq.
miles, possesses many important water-power sites, three of the
largest being already utilised at Shawingan Falls, Graud'mere and
La Turque.

The Quebec Streams Commission, realising the great benefits
which accrue from conservation storage of the upper waters of the
St. Maurice, has decided to construct a main reservoir at La Loutre
Rapids, 38 miles north of the National Trans-Continental Ralway.
at the lower end of a long chain of lakes ; the reservoir will l)tj

574

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW. [Vui,:;.. nv •.•.or..x„v,:MHKH ji. iin.

the thirO largest in the norld. lieiii^r exctttUtl by tlie Ast,imn
Reservoir on the Nile, H.7,iO.(X>0 million cli. ft., and the Giitun
Lake at ranama. 183.000 million, as compared with La Loitre.
IfiO.oOO million. The clam is to Ix! 1,720 ft. lon^' in four strai;,'ht
sections, with ,S.'>1 ft. of spillway.

Bet wwn the reservoir and the mouth of the St. Maurice there
are no U-.';^ than IT power siU\<. with a total capacity of apjiroTi-
mntely 3.">0,ihX> n.r. under present conditions, while it is estiniatid
that some jioo.rtio n.r. will lie available when the How is rofrnl.itci
from the reservoir. .\t Shawinigran. firanil'mere and La Tuniuo
alone the [Kitentiality will lie raised from an ajrfriejJrate of 190,000
)i.r. to over 400.0IHI H.r.

The Ontario Hydro-Electric Commission has thveatene<l to cut
off its supply of power to the city of Xiajrara Falls, Ont., if the
City Council insists uiHjn selling' electrical cncr^'y at JIO \h't H,r. to
a new industry which recently decided to settle in the city. The
Commission contends that the minimum rate must lie SU.

Cari^arthen. — Pihlic Lighting. — Willi repii-d to tlic
contract lietween the Council and the Carmarthen Electric Lifrht
Co. for street lijrhtinjr. the L.tJ.B. has written supffestin^ that the
case is one in which the parties should come to an amicable
a^'reenient in the altered lircnmstaiues.

Castleblaney (Co. Monaghan).— E.L. Scekme.— It was

mentioned .at a racetins of the B. of G. that electric lighting- for
imblic pur|ioses would shortly be installed in the town.

Continental. — -Spaix. — [ja Snciedad Eloctra Isaac ^lata.';

is the name of a new concerc which has lately been formed in
Barcelona, with a capital of £4,l>fo, to establish a hydro-electric
^cneratin^' station near El Pasteral, in the province of Gerona.

Crayford. — PrKLic Lighting. — The P.O. has f;i<i;n('(l

an ajrreement with the West Kent EL, Co. for the li^'htinjr by
electricity of the Barnes Cray and X'orthumljerland Heath Estates.
The agreement is for five years at £2 lis. 6d. per lamp per annum.
and at the end of that period the standards. i:c., become the
property of the Council.

Dublin. — FiRB Loss. — At a civic liiiichcoii in Dublin.

the Lord Mayor mentioned that the loss to the Corporation in
resi^ct of electricity in the area destroyed during the rebellion of
Easter Week amounted to i; 8.000, while the loss in rates would be
£li;.000.

Dundalk. — Pisoposf.d IjOax. — A dcjiutatioii from the

Trban Council is to interview the L,G,B, with a view to a further
loan in connection with the electric lifrhtinif undertaking.

Greenock. — Ykar's AVorking. — The annual report hy

Jlr. Wbysall. burfrh electrical enjrineer, on the working of the
Corporation electricity undertaking duringr 191o-lt> show^s that the
totaj output sold amounted to over 19 million units, an iucrea.se of
:iS per cent, on the previous year : Greenock took 15,380,838 units.
Port Glasftow 2,28.5..")S2 units, and traction absorbed the remainder,
I,282.fi21 units. About 2,5 percent, of the increased business was
obtained from Greenock consumers. The total income for the
year was £85,650. while gross profits amounted to £33,038, and
after meeting interest and sinking fund charges, and providing
£4.fi68 for depreciation, there remained a net surplus of £6,998. as
compared with £9.447 in the previous year. The average total
works cost was '659d. per unit, as against ■52d., the cost of coal
having increa,sed from £14. .596 to £27.928. The total connected
load was 24.207 KW. and the maximum load 7.480 KW. ; the load
factor improvetl to przictically 29 per cent. The report refers
to the difficulty of obtaining a sufficient supply of condensing
water : as an emergency arrangement a temporary salt-water
supply scheme from the harbour was inaugurated to provide
make-up. Some 14,000 KW. of A.c. turbo machinery is installed in
the power station, and arrangements have been made for installing
two 30.00U-lb, Babcock independent boiler units, also a large
cooling tower. Some 2.500 kw. of converting machinery is
installed for the Greenock network, and apparently another
2,000 KW. is required, while an additional 1,000 kw. of converting
plant will be required for Port Glasgow. The H.T. scheme now
embraces 17 sub-stations, nine rotary and eight .static : a total of
9.400 KW. is installed in them. Although publicity work has
practically been suspended. 284 motors, radiators, and other
appliances, representing 468 KW.. were sent out during the year
from the departments' showrooms.

Hull.— Plant Extensions.— The Coi-poiation has decided

to make application to the L.G.B. for sanction to the borrowing of
the necessary money to proceed with the scheme for providing a
water-cooling system at the electricity works. The scheme was
dropped in February. 1915, at the request of the Treasury, but,
owing to the increased output, it is considered necessary that the
work should be jiroceeded with at an early date. The original cost
w.is £6.900. but the increased cost of materials will add aljout
30-per cent, to that amount.

Johnstone. — Street Lighting. — The T.C. is to utilise

the electric supply of the Paisley Tramways Co.. and to provide
lamps m the centre of the town.

Kingstown.— E.L. Scheme.— The Council has decided
to pay £100 to Mr. J. B. Tierney. in respect of Ithe preparation
of plans and specifications in connection with the electric lighting
scheme.

London, — ll.vrK.VKV. — Aii|ihcation is in lie iimdc to the

L.C.C. fur a loan of £6,500 in resix>ct of the expenditure to be
incurred in linking-up the electricity undertaking with the North
Metiiipolitan Electric Supply Co.

St. Panchas. Owing to a pit fire at the Newdigate Collieries,
a considerable falling-off in ('oal deliveries to the electricity depart-
ment has taken plB<:e, .and the chief engineer liius )ieo\\ forced to
liny in the open market to replenish the stocks.

IVipr,.\F!. The Council is to sup|)ort the proposals of the
National Electric Power Supply ,Ioint Committee with reference
to the interconnection of electric supply stations.

Lossiemouth. — PiiorosKit Loan. — The T.C is cndcaxdiii-

ing to obtain a loan of £1.660 to defray the balance of the est of
the electricity works.

Mexborough. — Wages. — The Electricity Connnittee Ims

decided to grant a war bonus of 38. per week to its employes ; tlu
a[iplication of the men was for an increiise of 5s. per week.

Midlothian. — The r.l).(Mias heen informed that the con-

trM-l for electric lighting expires on December 3 1st. The manager of
the Electric Lighting Co. hiu^ submitted a proiiosal tQ charge the
('ouncil only for the electricity supplied until a fresh agreement
"Was arrangefl.

Middlesbrough. — At a meeting of the Electricity Com-
mittee it was reiwrtcd that for September there was an estimatid
profit of £863, exclusive of interest and redemption charges, and for
October the estimated profit was £ 1.32s. these figures representing
increases of £44 and £50 respectivel.v. compared with the corres-
p(mding months of last year. The engineer (Mr. Scotson) said tlir
effect of theD.aylight Saving Act had been a reduction of 7 J per cenl.
in the number of lighting units, but there was an increase of £ I5ij
in the revenue for the past six months, as compared with the same
period of last .vcar, due to the increase in the power loa<l. The
engineer was authorised to attend a conference of electrical engi-
neers on the suggested linking-up scheme.

Newport. — Exhihitiox. — At the Trades E.xhiiiition held

la-st week, at the Pavilion, Stow Hill, the Corporation elei^tricity
department had an interesting exhibit of electrical apparatus and
fittings suitable for domestic purposes. Those exhibiting included
(.according to the S. H . Ari/iix) Messrs. Siemens Bros., Ltd., Simplex
Conduits, Ltd., General Electric Co., Ltd.. Chas. Joyner & (:o..
Belling A: Co.. British Electric Transformer Co. (cookers and heaters ).
•Jackson's Electric Stove Co. (cookers and heaters). Ferranti. Ltd..
and many other well-known firms. This winter it is expected that
domestic heating and similar uses will account for well over a
niilliiui units.

Oldham. — Street Lighting. — Witli a view to im-
proving the lighting of the main streets, the Electricity Committci'
jnoposes to suspend electric lamps from the tramway standards.
about 40 yards apart. It is intended to run the necessary cablr
overhead by means of the tramway standards, and to use small
electric lamps of about 60 watts each.

Peterborough. — Year's AVorking. — The report on thr

working of the Corporation electricity department for the year
ended March 31st shows that the output of electricity decrea.sed
from 973,762 units in 1914-15 to 861.050 units last year, entirely
due to lighting restrictions. The net result of the year's working
is a deficit of £470 : just prior to the war, the capacity of the
generating plant weus increased from 840 KW. to 1,310 KW., in
anticipation of a greater demand for electricity for all purposes ;
l)ut this ha-s not yet been realised. — Peterhnri'iiijli Slunihird.

Radcliffe. — Plant Extension. — The plans of the Lan-
cashire Electric Power Co. for the extension of its power station
have lieen apjiroved by the U.D.C.

Rawdon and Yeadon.— E.lj. Proposals.- The Elec-
trical Distriljution of Yorkshire, Ltd., has given notice of its
intention to apply to the B. of T. for a prov. order for electric
supply within the urban districts of Rawdon and Yeadon.

The Rawdon U.D.C. has already given its cansent to the appli-
cation, and the question will come before the Yeadon D.C. at its
next meeting.

Swinton and Pendlebury. — Price Revision.— It was

announced last week that, owing to increased costr of production,
the T.D.C. wa.« revising its scale of charges for electric supply.

Tottenham. — The General Purposes Committee lia>
directed that notice be served on the North Metropolitan Electric
Power Supply Co. to cease lighting all arc lamps, and to provide
.50-0. p. incandescent lamps at J 7 points, as agreed by the Council.
The Committee will re|K>rt further as to the question of the amount
required by the company in respect of interest on capital ex-
]>enditure during the su.sjiension of the lighting, and also as to
further reducing the aecounts respecting unlighted lamps during
the past quarter.

Walthamstow. — Price Increase. — The price of elec-
tricity for lighting is to be further increased by 5 per cent., and
for power and heat by 10 per cent. ; an endeavour is to be made to
obtain an increased price in the case of periodic contracts.

Negotiations are in progress for supplying a firm with from 750
to 1.000 H.P.. and application is to be made for sanction to a loan
of £13,140 and a grant-of £8.063.

Vol. 79. No. 2,03.s, November 24, 19l«.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

575

Wolverhampton, — In consequL-ncc of a temporary break-
down at the Corporation electricity works on Monday morninpr.
there was a dislocation of the tramway service in the borouffh for
a short period.

Windermere. — Subject to the consent of the B. of T..

the r.D.C. has decided to g-ive Messrs. Berwick & Sons a supply of
current bv overhead wires to their works.

TRAMWAY and RAILWAY NOTES.

»

Bradford. — Ajuujins the iiarajjrapli in the ELKCTitifAL
Review of November loth, on the difficulties of the queue system
of tramway loading: in Forster Square, one of the new barriers —
on the narrow causeway at the bottom of Kirkjjate. which is one
of the most conjrested corners in the city — is to be removed after
an existence of about three weeks. The wonder of the public
(according to our correspondent) has been that it wa.s ever erected
in such a position, with a wide and roomy space round the corner
in Market Street. The decision was announced at a meeting of the
Finance Accounts sub-Committee on Friday last.

On all routes the service of cars is to be curtailed by half-an-hour
at the end of the day.

Continental. — Norway. — It is stated that the Norwegian

Government has decided to convert to electric traction the existing
narrow-gauge railway between Christiania and Drammen, and to
transform it to the normal gauge. The preliminary expenditure
was sanctioned by the Storthing a short time ago. It is calculated
that the reconstruction of the line, which has a total length of
nearly 3S miles, will involve an outlay of £1,1.53,000, and the cost
of the electrical equipment will represent a further sum of
£38-t.O()0. It is proposed to erect a power station at the Hakavik
waterfall, which was acquired by the Government in i;il4, and to
install turbo-generators of a total of 17,200 h.p., the first sets to
comprise three units, each of 4, .500 H.P. The scheme provides for
the purchase of 20 locomotives, having a speed of 44 miles per hour.
If further power is required than that furnished by the Hakavik
waterfall, recourse would be had to the Nore waterfall for this
purpose. The beginning of the new service is expected to take
place in 1 920. The que.stion of the transformation to electric traction
of the Ofoten railway, which forms a continuation of the Swedish
frontier railway, and which terminates near Narvik, is also under
consideration. Negotiations for the present are being conducted
with the Swedish mining companies which forward iron ore to
Narvik for shipment. This fi'ontier railway, which proceeds from
the La]iland iron ore district near Kiruna to the Norwegian
frontier, was converted to electrical working a few years a^o.

Huddersfield. — A scheme for traiiiiuj; as motormen

]>ersons with sjiare time has been instituted by the manager of the
tramway department, which is reported upon as very successful.
It is thought that many men of suitable age may adopt this
national service in preference to going into munition shops.

Middlesbrough — Transporter Bridge. — Owing to a

broken cable, the car of the electrically-driven transporter bridge
recently stopjicd halfway across the Tees, but the provision made
for such emergencies proved adequate, the car being in rimning
order again in a very short time.

Newcastle-on-Tyne. — The drivers in the employ of the

Coi'poration have petitioned the Tramway Committee for the cur-
tailment of the night service. The Committee is to meet the
theatre managers with a view to considering the position from the
theatrical point of view. It is expected that the service will be
curtailed.

l^ossendale. — Arbitration. — On the iotli inst. Jlr.

.T. M M.Elroy held an inquiry on behalf of the B. of T. into the
jiroposed alteration of tramway stages and fares on the Bacup-
Rawtenstall tramway system which is operated by the latter Cor-
poration. The Bacup authorities objected to the proposed fare
increases, as they are all in their area, while, on the other side, it
was claimed that Bacup passengers are now in a favoured position.

Walsall. — Owing: to a failure of electric supply the tram-
way service was stopped for two to three hours on Mouda.y. It
was stated that this was due to the necessity of securing the supply
to local factories, which, due to the dark morning, was greater
t'lan usual.

Walthamstow. — The clerk is to communicate with the

Commissioner of Police, pointing out the increasing scarcity of
men suitable for employment as motormen on the tramways, and
urging that women should be licensed as drivers.

TELEGRAPH and TELEPHONE NOTES.

German Wireless. — The rates for telegrams by wireless

from Germany to America have been reduced from Is. Ojd. per
word to 4 id. (Nauen to Sayville.)

Italy. — Inland telegraph rates have been raised by 40 per

cent, for the first 12 words.

Hull. — The Corporation Telephone Committee has
awarded war bonuses of 4s. to males over 18 whose wages do not
exceed 40s. a week, and 3s. a week to males whose wages exceed
40s. but not liOs. a week. Females and males under 18 are to
receive half these amounts.

New Press Telegram Rates.— The Postmaster-General
p-oposes to postpone the operation of the new Press rates until
January 1st, I!I18.

Russia. — The SMr says that on September 18t.h, at the
village of Dudinka. on the Yenisei, 400 versts from the Arctic
Circle, the most northern part of the Turuchati-Dudinka telegraph
line, which is an extension of the Yenisei-Turuchan line, was
opened.

Wireless Station under Censorship.— The U.S. (iovern-

ment has put a naval officer on duty in the wireless station of the
.Yen- i'lirk Herald at the Battery in New York City, with instruc-
tions to prevent the use of that station for sending unneutral j
messages to vessels at sea. This action resulted from the inter-
ception by the Brooklyn Navy Yard of a message sent out by the
Herald wireless station to ships at sea, reporting that the German
submarine IT-.53 was operating off the Nantucket Lightship. —
T. and r. A;ir.

CONTRACTS OPEN and CLOSED.

OPEN.

Argentina. — November oOth. Buenos Aires Munici-
pality. Electric carbons required during 1917. Oficina de Licita-
cione's. Intendencia Municipal de la Capital, Avenida de Mayo, 525,
Buenos Aires. ,

Australia. — Sydney January ord. N.S.W. Railways

and Tramways Department. 50-ton electric overhead travelling
crane for Yarra Street power-house, Newcastle.*

January 8th. Municij)al Council Electric Lighting Department.
33.000-volt switchgear. E.L. Department, Town Hall. Specifica-
tion 10s. (id.*

Januarv 22nd. Electrical plant (converter, battery, booster, and
switchboards) for the Castlereagh Street sub-station, for the Muni-
cipal Council. Specification from E.L. Department, Town Hall.*

Cape Town. — January 5th. p]lectric motors and starting
panels, for the Corporation Electricity Department. Dock Road,
Cape Town.*

Durban. — January Srd, Corporation, One o,000-kw.
steam turbine, alternator, and condensing plant. Specification
No. S. 238 ; drawing No. P. 597, both at the office of the Borough
Electrical Engineer, Municipal Buildings. Deposit £2 2s.

Enniskillen.— I>ecember 1st. Sligo, Leitrim & Northern

Counties Railway Co. TAvelve months' supply of telegraph mate-
rials. Mr. J. Duff, Secretary to the Company.

Grenada. — December 3 1st. Government. Electric
supply at St. George's and suburbs. Tenders to Colonial Secretary,
Grenada, British West Indies.

Johannesburg. — December 9th. Corporation. 1.427

AC and D.c. electricity meters and 100 time-switches. Specification
(21s. deposit) from Mr. E. T. Price, General Manager's Office,
Electricity Supply and Tramways Department, President Street,
Johannesburg, \V,*

December 20th. Corporation. Automatic pressure regulators for
the A.c. turbo-generators at the power station.*

January 3rd. Corporation. Iron axles and bushes.*

London. — H.M. Office of Works. — November 27th.

Twelve months' supply of electric cable and wire. See " Official
Notices" November 17th.

New Zealand. — Dunfdin. — January 24th, 1917. Motor-
generator, accessories and spares. City Electrical Engineer, Market
Street, Dunedin.'

Tai RAXGA. — February 12th. Borough Council. Supply of six
three-phase transformers, 11,000-400 volts. H. W. Clime & Sons
Consulting Engineers. Raetihi.- -T..?. Shipping and Coinmeree.

Trimdon Grange (Co. Durham).— December 3rd. Six

months' supply of electric fittings. Storekeeper, Trimdon Grange
Colliery.

Specifications fur the items marked * can be seen at the Board
of Trade Commercial Intelligence Department in London,

576

THE ELECTKICAL REVIEW. : v,m. n.. no. a.n.r,, novf.mbf.r 24, linn.

CLOSED.
Government Contracts.— l-ist of new contracts placed

during: O.tober. lOl'l : —

War OrricE.

Electric bells.— W. Maxwell 4 Co., Ltd. : Peel-Conner Telephone Workn,
Ltd.

Distributing boards.— Park Royal Engineering Works, Ltd. ; Parmiter,
Hope & Sngden.

Electric cable and wire.— B.I. * Helshy Cables. Ltd : Craigpark Electric
Cable Co.. Ltd. : W. T. Glover * Co., Ltd. : Hoopers Telegraph and
India-Rubber Works ; St. Helens Cable A Rubber Co., Ltd. ; Siemens
Bros. A CV., Ltd.

Telephone cords.— London Electric Wire Co. & Smiths, Ltd.

Electric light fittings.— Cable Accessories Co., Ltd. ; Edison Swan Electric
Co., Ltd. ; General Accessories Co., Ltd. ; General Electric Co., Ltd. ;
C. H. Parsons, Ltd. ; Peyton * Peyton, Ltd. ; Sun Plleotrical Co., Ltd. ;
C. J. Thursfleld & Co., Ltd.

Generating sets.— Austin Motor Co. 119H1, Ltd.; Fyfe, Wilson « Co.;
Keighley Gas * Oil Engine Co., Ltd.

Motors and switchboard, Ac- Electric Construction Co., Ltd.; Siemens
Bros. A Co., Ltd.

Insulating tape.— .Ancoats Vale Rubber C^., Ltd. ; Siemens Bros. A Co., Ltd.

Volt- and ammeters. — Johnson A Phillips, Ltd.

Clipper wire.— F. Smith A Co., Ltd.

Iron wire.— Dorman. Long A Co., Ltd. ; Rylands Bros., Ltd.

Works services.— Electric light installation, Dibgate, Ac. : Ferranti, Ltd.
Electric light services, Yatesbury ; Siemens Bros. 4 Co., Ltd.
India Office Store Department.

.Accumulators.- Pritchelt & Gold.

Post Office.

Telephone apparatus. — Siemens Bros. & Co., Ltd.

Telegraph apparatus.— Creed, Bille A Co., Ltd.

Telegraph cable.— B.I. A Helsbv Cables, Ltd. ; Enfleld Electric Cable
Manufacturing Co., Ltd. ; W. Geipel A Co., Ltd. ; W. T. Glover 4 Co.,
Ltd. ; W. T. Henley's Telegraph Works Co., Ltd. ; C. Macintosh A Co.,
Ltd. ; St. Helens Cable 4 Rubber Co., Ltd. ; Union Cable Co., Ltd.

Telephone cable.— Peel-Conner Telephone Works, Ltd.

Dry cells. — Siemens Bros. A Co., Ltd.

Telephone cords.— London Electric Wire Co. A Smiths, Ltd.

Cable drums.— B.I. A Helsbv Cables, Ltd. ; Western Electric Co., Ltd.

Insulators.— Taylor, Tunnic'lifl A Co., Ltd.

Insulator spindles.— Bayliss, Jones 4 Bayliss, Ltd. ; Bullers, Ltd. ; Guest,
Keen A Nettlefolds, Ltd.

Insulated bronze wire. — B.I. and Helsby Cables, Ltd.

Galvanised-iron wire.— Dorman, Long & Co. ; Rylands Bros., Ltd. ; Shrop-
shire Iran Co. ; F. Smith A Co. (Wire Manufacturers), Ltd. ; White-
cross Co., Ltd.

Battery zincs.— Eyre'Smelting Co., Ltd. ; Siemens Bros. A Co., Ltd.
H.M. Office of Works.

Supply of incandescent electric lamps to August 31st, 1917. — British
Thomson-Houston Co., Ltd. ; Pope's Electric Lamp Co., Ltd.

Walthamstow.— U.D.C. Accepted tenders : —

Babcock 4 Wilcox, Ltd.— Water-tube boiler, i'4,850 ; economiser, ^929 ;

steel chimney, f 1,650 : pipework, £890 ; hotwell tank, f 170 ; pump,

£345 ; induced-draught plant, £950.
Bruce Peebles 4 Co., Ltd.— 1,000-Kw. motor-converter, £3,250.
British Thomson-Houston Co., Ltd.— e.h.t. switchgear, £233.
General Electric Co., Ltd. — l.t. switchgear, £355.

FORTHCOMINQ EVENTS.

Physical Society of London.— Friday, November 24th. At 5 p.m. At the
Imperial College of Science, South Kensington, S.W. Ordinary meeting.

Royal Society of Arts.— Monday, November 27th. At 5 p.m. At John Street,
Adelphi. Howard Lecture on "Coal and its Economic Utilisation," by
Prof. J. S. Brame.

Wednesday, November 29th. .\t 4.30 p.m. Paper on " The Internal-
Combustion Engine," by Dr. Dugald Clerk, F.R.S.

Institution of Electrical Engineers (Manchester Local Section).-

Tuesday, November 28th. At the Engineers' Club. Paper on *' The

Parallel Operation of Electric Power Stations," by Mr. J. S. Peck.
Liverpool Engineering Society.— Wednesday, November 29th. At the

Royal Institution, Colquitt Street. Paper on " Notes on the Construction

of Modem Dock Gates," by Mr. T. L. Norfolk.
Greenock Electrical Society.— Thursday, November 30th. At 20, West

Street. Paper on " What is Electricity ? " by Mr. J. L. Hogg.

NOTES.

U.S.A. National Research Council. — Arrangements have

just been completed in Xew York yyhereby the resources of the
Enirinwrinjr Foundation, under the auspices of the four principal
national engineering: societies, are placed at the disposal of the
Xational Research Council, which -was appointed by the Xational
Academy of Science at the request of President Wilson. The
object of the Council is to co-ordinate the scientific research work
of the country, in qrderto secure efficiency in the solution of the
problems of war and peace. The Council was without funds until
the Engineering Foundation, established to further scientific and
engineering research, offered to place its resources at the Council's
disposal, including the services of its secretary. Dr. Gary T.
Hutchinson, to act as secretary of the Council. The offer was
accepted, and plans for immediate activities have been placed in
the hands of an Executive Committee. — Electrical World.

Largest Generator in the World.— The Electrical World

reports that the Siemens-Schuckert-Werke, of Berlin, Germany, is
now building a 60,000-k.v.a. generator, wound for <5.(J00 volts,
and running af 1,000 s.p.M. The generator is intended for the
Rheinische WestphalischeElektrizitatsWerke.and will be delivered
by April 1st, 1917. which throws an interesting light on the condi-
tions of the German electrical industry in spite of the war. The
fi.600-volt energy will be stepped up to llO.OOii volts for transmis-
sion by a 60.00<)-K.Y.A, transformer.

Educational. — RrssiA. — Tlie Russian I'liivcrsities have

prepared a memorandum with a view to bringing the e<Uicational
establishments of England. Russia, and France closer together.
The memorandum contains the following recommendation.-* : -

1. The study of English should be included as an obligatory
subject in the curriculum of all Russian Secondary Schools and
I'niversities.

2. Young scholars sent abroad by the Ministry of Education for
special research studies should go preferably to Eugliuid. and also
to France.

3. Regular tours of Secondary School and University teachers
and lecturers to England and France should lie orgajiiseil by the
Ministry.

4. A system of exchange of all scientific publications should be
organised between Russian and English educational institutions.

5. Similar exchange of scientitic apparatus and educational
objects. — The Timrx.

The Russian Academy of Science has elected a special bureau,
whose aim it will tie to promote intellectual intprcourse between
England and Russia. It will publish in the English and Russian
languages 'the works of modern scientists, and will organise
lectures to be held by Russian professors in England, also inviting
English professors to give lectures in Russia,

British Money for British Industries. — The Dnihi

Telegraph states that the Trade and Industry Committee of the
Royal Colonial Institute recently submitted the following resolu-
tion to the Governments of the Dominions and Colonial Govern-
ments having power to legislate, a.s well as to Chambers of Com-
merce. Boards of Trade, &c., in all parts of the Empire : —

■ That with a view to encouraging the establishment of new
industries in the British Empire, and giving a measure of confidence
and security to capital to be embarked therein, as well as assisting
the expansion of existing industries, the (rovernraents of the
Empire be urged to make it obligatory on all Government depart-
ments, municipalities, railways, dock and harbour boards, gas,
water, and electric light corporations, and all such bodies spending
public moneys, or enjoying charters from Government or other
public authorities, to purchase Empire-m.ade goods, and to place all
contracts with British firms, exceptions to be made, by special per-
mission of proper authority, only in cases where such a course is
considered to be at variance with public interests."

In forwarding the resolution, it was pointed out that if it were
made compulsory in each part of the Empire that Government
departments and municipal and other public bodies should place
contracts only with British firms, it would prove a very strong
factor in stimulating the establishment of new, and the growth of
existing, industries, as well as consolidating inter-Empire trade.
Chambers of Commerce and Boards of Trade were asked to co-
operate in bringing before their Governments the necessity of
passing the required legislation to give effect to the principle
embodied in the resolution. A large number of favourable replies
was received.

Electric Flour Mill in the Caucasus.— In view of the

continuous rise in price of grain products, the management of the
-Caucasian Railway has decided to construct an electrically-driven
flour mill at Mineralnya Vody, to supply the servants of the
railway with flour.

Engineers and the Question of a Truce. — The Timea

gives a list of the topics which will be brought before the annual
Conference of the Labour Party at Manchester, in January. It
describes the resolution submitted by the Amalgamated Society of
Eng'neers as the most ominous. It reads as follows : —

"That this Conference, believing that the attempt to negotiate
a binding industrial truce between Labour and Capital might well
create more friction than it would prevent, cannot regard the con-
clusion of such a truce as either practicable or desirable ; but that
this Conference would welcome the initiation of negotiations
between Trade Unions and Associations of Employers in each
industry, with a view to the settlement by agreement, wherever
possible, of the serious industrial problems that will arise after the
war.

" This Conference, therefore, realErms its belief in the pre-war
methods of negotiation between employers and employed, and
affirms its opposition to any system of compulsory arbitration in
trade disputes."

The Mormnfi Post states that a meeting of representatives of
the Employers' Parliamentary Association and the Trade Union
Parliamentary Committee was held at the House of Commons, on
the Kith inst., when the possibility of holding a Conference
thoroughly representative of industry and of the Trade Unions
was discussed. The meeting was of a preliminary character, and
another meeting will be held in the near future further to consider
the proposal. It is understood that the Conference, if held, will
deal with the question of industrial peace after the war. .

The Engineers' Club, Manchester.— On Tuesdaj evening

members of this club met to consider the subject " Eclipse or
Empire." the proceedings being opened by Mr. S. Turner, of Turner
Bros., Ltd., Rochdale, joint author of a book with that as
its title.

On December 5th Mr. E. C. Barton will open a debate on '' The
Decimal System." the Lord Mayor of Manchester (Councillor T.
Smethurst) presiding.

On December 19th the subject for discussion will be 'Engineer-
ing Education and Research." introiluccd by Mr. A. P. M. Fleming,
of t.he British Westinghouse Co,

Vol. 70. No. 2,035, NOVEMBER 24, 1916.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

577

Institution and Lecture Notes. — Institution of Civil

Engineers. —In a paper on " Keadby Bridge," on Tuesday last, Mr.
J. B. Ball stated that the Great Central Railway Co. had recently
completed an important bridge over the river Trent, at Keadby. of
which the chief feature was a lifting span, built on the Scherzer
principle, which claimed the distinction of being the heaviest
lifting bridge yet constructed in Europe. The new structure con-
sists of a combined railway and roailway bridge of five spans,
including a lifting span of 160 ft., giving a clear waterway of
1.50 ft. The total weight of steelwork in the lifting span is !>87
tons, exclusive of the machinery and gearing, and the total
weight of the span, together with its counterweight, is approxi-
mately 2.920 tons: The lifting span is worked electrically by
mean.s of two 11.5-H.p. D.c. motors, carried on the leaf itself, the
power Ijeing transmitted through trains of gearing to the main
pinions on each side. The angle of maximum elevation of the
bridge, when fully open, is 8I°.)1. and the time taken to open or
close it by electrical power is less than two minutes.

Owing to the absence of power supply in the neighbourhood, a
gpecial pltint for the generation of current had to be put down,
consisting of two direct-coupled petrol engines driving two .50-KW.
machiue.s, the current being delivered at the switchboards at 220
volts. A large storage battery is provided, capable of supplying
the motors with current for about 30 operations of the bridge
before re-charging is necessary. Two sets of electric brakes are
provided, and at the fore end of the span two heavy forged steel
bolts, worked electrically from the control cabin, engage with
castings anchored down to the pier, so locking the bridge when in
the " down " position.

Electrically-operated gates are provided for the protection of
roadway traiiic. which are interlocked with the raOway signals ;
the latter are three-position signals, and are the first to be installed
as a complete scheme in this country.

Work was commenced in August, 1912,and the bridge was opened
to traffic on May 21st. 1916.

University College, London.- Opening the fourth of his lectures
on " Long-Distance Telephony," Prof. Fleming dealt with " transi-
tion " losses at points of junction between cables of different
characteristics, or between aerial and underground lines, and
.iihowed how they could be calculatetl and expressed in terms of
■' miles of standard cable" (M.s.c). He then returned to the sub-
ject of loading, and explained how the formula for the attenuation
constant could be greatly simplified when, as in a loaded cable, the
ratio r//»l had a small value, for then \/ R^ -h jfl I? = /) L
V^i + n^l/Jl} = j> L + R'/2y'L, and similarly \' s^ + /?'' c^
= /) c + s^/2/>c, for s//)C is always very small. Using these
expressions, the attenuation constant a-= -J v/cl(r/l + »lc), a
very useful formula; in this R includes the resistance and L the
inductance of the loading coils. From this it was shown that the
theoretically best loading — i.e., that which made a a minimum —
was attained when h = RoftR'/i' + s/c), where R„ = the line
resistance per mile and r', l'. the resistance and inductance of the
loading coils, r'/l' may vary from 25 to 50. and s/c from 12 to
S.iO ; hence the best value of a depends upon s/c, which should not
exceed 100 to 150. Generally, however, the "best loading"
requires too close spacing of the coils, and it is not economical to
lo.td to that extent.

"Krarup, " or uniform loading, is effected by winding a fine iron
wire round the insulated conductor of a cable from end to end ; it
increases the inductance, but not so much as coil loading. After
deducing a formula for the inductance of two parallel wires in air.
Prof. Fleming showed how the presence of the iron between them
affected the inductance, the increase being about 110'5 X fjO/ + f)
in millihenrys per mile, where t = the thickness of the iron wire
and li = the diameter of the conductor. Unfortunately, the
iron winding also introduces eddy currents and hysteresis, which
increase the apparent resistance of the copper conductor by an
amount = 8.000 i^l{d + t) ohms per mile. The effective result,
therefore, is that the ratio of the increase in resistance to the
increase in inductance = 72.400 t^, and thus depends only on the
thickness of the iron wire. In practice, t is about 0'012 in., and
the lowest value of the ratio is about 110. This compares with
the value 25 to 50 with coil loading, and cannot be much improved
upon, unless iron wire of very low hysteresis and high specific
resistance can be made.

Reference was made to the article by Mr. J. G. Hill in the
Electrical RE■^^E■w of November 29th, December 6th and 13th,
1912, in which cables loaded with coils and with uniform loading
were fully compared.

Prof. Fleming next explained the method of superposing
"phantom" circuits on ordinary circuits, and showed how the
former could be loaded without affecting the loading of the latter.
Perfect balancing of the circuits in all respects is essential, and
can be attained more easily in the construction of cables than in
aerial lines, which require elaborate schemes of spiralling and
crossing to prevent cross-talk and external interference. Discussing
the details of a large number of important loaded lines, including
the line from New York to Denver, Prof. Fleming stated that the
London-Birmingham cable, recently completed, was the best yet
laid. The 300-lb. circuits, 1095 miles in length, were equivalent
to only 4 '2 miles of standard cable: they had been extended to
Liverpool, and could be extended to a total length of 500 miles.

Physical Society ol London.'— On October 27th a paper, entitled
"The Influence of the Time Element on the Resistance of a Solid
Eectifying Contact." was read by Mr. D. Owen. The resistance at
a solid rectifying contact, and consequently the exact shape of the
resistance characteristic, depends upon the time for which the
testing current is allowed to flow. A series of characteristics are
giv«n correspondinfr to (luration? of contact extending over- the

range one forty-thousandth of a second to 30 seconds. The
following conclusions are drawn : —

1. That the variation of resistance with voltage may be attributed
entirely to thermal effects.

2. That the characteristic obtained by applying the testing
voltage for one hundredth of a second is. at moderate voltages,
materially the same as that which would be found at the expiry of
a period of the order of a millionth of a second.

3. That the sensibility of a wireless receiving circuit (in which
the rectifying contact is used) does not differ very appreciably from
that deduced from a slow period characteristic.

4. That an important fraction of the contact-resistance resides
in a stratum of molecular thickness at the interfac« of the two
elements of the contact ; and th<at it is in this region alone that
rectifying action at very high frequencies is effected.

Greenock Electrical Society. — In a paper on the I.E.E. rules for
wiring. Mr. Herbert Piggott made suggestions with the object of
improving their sphere of application. Several clauses in the rules
were shown to lack conciseness, while in many cases the instruc-
tions embodied left the matter open to discussion. The opinion
was advanced that the rules, to be absolutely binding, would
require to be made more definite, and the intentions more clearly
stipulated than was the case in the 1916 revision.

Mining Electrical Engineers — A joint meeting of colliery
managers and mining electrical engineers, with the staff branches,
was held, on Saturday last, at Birmingham, when Mr. Jones,
A.M.I.E.E.. Chaseto^vn, read a paper on " Colliery Electrical
Installation." A discussion followed, and it was resolved that a
special meeting be held to continue the discussion.

Sabotage at a Munition Factory. — According to the

Leed.<: Meroirti. the work of a factory, engaged entirely on work
for the Government, was delayed and damage to the extent of
£30 was done, apart from the delay which was caused to employ-
ment, by Robert Thompson, a labourer.

The defendant, who pleaded guilty, was an Irishman, and came
over from Ireland with some fellow-countrymen about three
months ago to work at the factory. On the night shift, on
November lOtli, a crane boy saw him alongside a tank which con-
trolled the supply of electricity. There were resistance rods at
the end of the tank, interference with which allowed the whole of
the current to pass through the tank, thus causing waste and
delay. Defendant was Been by a labourer, with a bar of metal,
knocking off two of the rods, one of them being actually broken.

The Bench felt that the case could not be dealt with by a fine,
and sentenced him to 14 days' imprisonment with hard labour.

Central Station Engineers. — AssnriATinx of Elec-
trical Statici.n Engineers. — The present activities of the Asso-
ciation of Electrical Station Engineers are concerned with the
general assistance of individual members — such as legal assistance,
solving members' difficulties due to the Munitions of War Act,
giving general information to members with regard to stations and
station work, ..^:c. The policy of the Association has not altered,
and still remains the same- as stated in the '" Correspondence "
pages of the Electrical Review of January 21st, 1916. It is
regretted that several organisations I have endeavoured to
form special sections to deal with the affairs of electrical station
men. who already have an organisation to protect their interests,
but experience enables the A.E.S.E, to look to the future with
every confidence, believing that now station engineers are_ realising
the necessity for organisation they will join their cotifivres in the
A.E.S.E.. the only organisation devoted solely to the interests of
station men.

Electrical Trades Union (London Power Station Engi-
neers' Branch). — We are asked to state that an inaugural meeting
of this branch was held on Wednesday, last week, at the Surrey
Masonic Hall. An address was given by Mr. Kinniburgh, organiser,
in which he dealt with the objects of the branch, which are to
organise the London power station engineers ; memliership is to be
open to all — London station engineers, electricians and switchboard
attendants who can produce five years' credentials at the trade.
Mr. Kinniburgh mentioned that there were already over 30 mem-
bers in the new branch, and station men in the County of London
who have the necessary qualifications will be welcomed at any of
the branch meetings.

Parliamentary. — Tlie West Kent Electric Power Co.,

Ltd.. has given notice of application to Parliament in the 1917
session for further capital and other powers.

The Nottinghanishire and Derbyshire Tramway Co. is intro-
ducing a Bill for taking over the Ilkeston Corporation tramway
undertaking.

The Aluminium Corporation is applying for powers for cancella-
tion, rearrangement or concession of the participating shares of the
company, and further capital provisions.

The South Metropolitan Electric Tramways and Lighting Co.,
Ltd., is applying for electric supply powers for Ewell and Cud-
dingtou, &c.

The Electrical Distribution of Yorkshire, Ltd., is applying for-
eleotric supply powers for Rawdon and Yeadon, also Clayton and
Queensbury. Penistone, Wortley (rural) and Otiey,

Cable Makers' Association. — At the invitation of this

Association the post of secretary, which became vacant by the
death of the late Mr. A. H. Howard, has been accepted bv Mr.
Llewelyn B. Atkinson, M.I.E.E., A.M.Inst.C.E. Mr. Atkinson is a
director of Messrs. W. T. Glover & Co., Ltd., and has for the past
13 years been closely associated with the work of the Cable Maiers'
Association, of which, in the year 1913. he was chairman.

o78

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW. [Voi. t;.. Xo. 2.im,NovKMMER 24. ilk

Volunteer Notes.— I-'ikst London- E.vginker Aolin-

TEERs.— Headqimrtfi-s, Chester House. Eccleston Place.— Orders
for the week by Lieut.-Col. C. B. Clay. V.D.. Commanding.

.Viiiitliti/. .y'lireiiihrr 27t/i. — Technical for Platoon Xo. 9, at
Reiiency Street. Squml and Platoon Drill, Platoon No. 10. Sig-
nalling" Class. Lecture. "On Telephones," 7.30.

Ttir-tiliii/. yiiifiiiher 2S///.— School of Arras, 6 — 7. Lecture,
7.1.'>. ■ Entrenching." Company Commander Castell.

Wfdiifxday. Xoremher 2U//i.— Instructional Class, 0.15. .Platoon
Drill, Platoon Xo. 1.

Thursdan. .\oreiiiher 3(«/i.— Platoon Drill, Platoon Xos. ft and «.
Ambulance Class by M.O.. •'..

Friday. Decrinber l.^■^— Technical for Platoon Xo. 10. Regency
Street. ' Squad and Platoon Drill. Xo. !•. Signalling Class.
Recruits' Drill. t;.2.-)— 8.2.'). Lecture. " On Telephones. ' 7.30.

Siitiirduij. Dn-emher ind. -X.C.O.'s Class, 2.30. Company Com-
mander Bentley.

Siindiui. Ih'reniher 3/-(J.— Entrenching at Otford.— Parade at
Victoria CS.E. A: C. Railway Booking-office'), 8.4.'> a.m.

Iii.yu-rtiiiii.~-The Inspection by the County Commandant is
unavoidably jiostponed for a few days.

(By order") Macleod Yearslkv, Adjutant.

\„remhfr 23yv/, liHl'..

Fatalities. — B.v the collapse of a .«tafrc whilst workmen
were employed on the erection of a steel chimney stack at the
Bradford Electricity Works, last week, three riveters in 'the
employ of Messrs. Xewton Chambers & Co., Ltd.. of Sheffield,
were thrown to the bottom of the stack, a distance of 60 ft. Edgar
Yeardley. the erector, was killed outright, Richard Gardner, his
foreman, died later from his injuries, and the third man was
injured.

At an inquest into the death of a woman, aged .(i4, at Wolver-
hampton, the driver of a car was exonerated from blame. Great
complaint was ma<le of the darkness of the town, and the jury
recommended, if the authorities could see their way clear, that
there shcmld be a little mure light. They also suggested that
the speed of cars should lie reduced after sunset, and that all cars
should he eqnipppd with hand lamjis and other appliances in case
of accident. The Coroner remarked that this was the third case
of fatal accident which he had inquired into since the intro-
duction of the restricted lighting, and it had struck him that in
each of these cases a little more light might possibly have saved
the deceased. Mr. Howell, the deputy town clerk, undertook to
bring the recommendation.s under the notica of the authorities.

Sterling Telephone and Electric Co., Ltd.— From an

advertisement which appears in this issue, it will be seen that the
Public Trustee is inviting tenders tor the purchase of 2(i,ool pre-
ference shares of < 1 each and 7,41)0 ordinary shares of 1 1 each in
the above company, vested in him as custodian by an Order of the
Board of Trade, dated August 1st. litlH. It is mentioned that the
trading profit for the year endal December. 1111.5. amounted to
£.'i8.!104. before providing for depreciation, income-tax, excess profits
duty. A:c. Tenders must lie submitted by December 8th.

Rifle Match. — A maleh between the " Ediswan " Ritle

club and the 'G.E.C. " Rifle Club was " shot by post " on Saturday
last, under rather adverse conditions. " Ediswan " shot on theirout-
door range at Ponder? End, in wretched weather, while the ' G.E.C. "
were more fortimate in being able to shoot in their indoor range
at Witton, Birmingham. Hence it came as a great surprise to the
" Ediswan ' men themselves to learn that they had won the match
under such "trench-like " conditions.

The " Ediswan " team were represented at Witton by Mr. W. H.
Fletcher, of their Birmingham Branch, and the " G.E.C." team
sent a very popular man to represent them in the person of Lieut.
Ward.

The scores were as follows : —

"Ediswan" : Score, 1,'280; average. 8U'00. Team captain, A. J.
Corbf^tt.

"G.E.C": Score. 1,1'Jl. Average, 74 '43. Team captain. A. D.
Mackay.

Chemistry and Engineering.— Discussing this subject on

Monday last. Dr. Charles Carpenter (President of the Society of
Chemical Industry) said that the future of the chemical industry
could be secured by the cooperation of the two professions. In
the past there had been prejudice between the two professions,
inasmuch as engineers had always kept their operations strictly
secret from the chemists. The need for men with knowledge of
both enffineering and chemistry was becoming a national one.
The engineer and the chemist should take each other into con-
fidence. The engineer should be taught enough of chemistry to
appreciate the chemist's jxjint of view, and the chemist enough of
engineering to know that the engineer might be left to advise as to
what would be good chemical works.

Receiver Appointed. — Shipstox Elkctric Co.. Ltd..

Shipston-on-Stour. — Mr. A. E. Mason, of 193, Wolverhampton
Street, Dudley, has been appointed Receiver for, and on behalf of,
debenture-holders in this company. Future orders will only be
recognised when bearing his signature.

Walsall Electricity Extensions. — In connection with the

illustrated description of the above, appearing on page .563, we
should add that Mr. T. Llewellyn has acted as clerk of the works,
and has rendered excellent service during the construction of the
u dings and plant.

Appointments Vacant.— .\ shift cn^niRfr is rc.|uired for a

Midland jKjwer station (£140"); two switchboard attendants, tor
Rtniditch (3,5s,): chief engineering assistant, for Leeds eUctriiilv
department (£3,50) : demonstrator tor the Northampton Polytcilini.
Institute Department of Electrical Engineering and Appli.d
Physics ( 1 125) ; switchboard attendant (3.5s.) for the Walthamsi..v\
U.D.C. Electricity Works; shift engineer for the Borougli .il
Rcigatc EU-ctrii'ii.v Works. Sec our a<lvertisement pages.

A Curious Lighting Incident.— At Loughboroui^'h I'.iiv

Sessions a curious breach of the lighting regulations was disclosid
in a case against Messrs. H. E. (Jodkin .V Co., hosiery mnnufiictun iv
A constable stated that on a Saturday night he saw a bright IIl'M
shining through the skylight of the factory, Mr, Godkin, atli r
going to see what had liapjiened, said someone must have switi-hi .1
on the light. For thi> defence, it was stated that Mr. E. L. Fiflii r
and an apprentice were at work on the electric light, and win n
they finishetl on .Saturday night the switch was turned off. Sim.
this occurrence Mr. Fisher had made a special examination, an.i
had found an extraordinary state of affairs. There was a leak:i-'
not yet satisfactorily located, which had got into the iron gini. i-
of the roof, and had the effect of lighting this particular huiiii
The switch was undoubtedly off. Evidence in support of this w;ii
given by Mr! E. L. Fisher and his apprentice. ,\ fine of 20s. was
impo.^ed.

Turbine-Driven Ships.— The annual report of Llovd'-;

Register mentions that during the past year three vessels filt.'.l
with Parsons geared turbines and six with Curtis gear.. I
turbines have been built. At the present time 52 vess.U
are in course of construction, with a view to being classed in th.'
Society's Register, of which 25 will have Parsons single-geaif.l
turbines and 27 Curtis double-geared turbines. Two vessels ai.'
being built in the United Kingdom to the Society's classification,
with Ljungstrom tnrbo-electric propelling plant — tme of 1..500 ii.r.
and oneof 5.400 H.r. -SIi'.piiiiKi World.

The Mechanism of Light Production in Animals.—

We referred to this subject in our issue of October lith ; Pro!'.
Harvey has since contributed a further article to Scieiicr. in whirli
he states that the luciferase, and not the luciferin, is the sourci' ..I
the light, and he proposes the new names photogenin and phut.i-
phelein for the two substances. The light-producing powiT ..t
these compounds is very extraordinary. " Ci/jiridiim photogenin

will give visible light with photophelein in one part to l.liou.dud. i

parts water." It takes photophelein from ItiO Cyjiridi/in.i [<i \i«'
up the photogenin from one f'i//)i-idinn. "A water solution ol
I'jf/ir/dinu photogenin preserved with chloroform for 5ti days will
still give light on mixing with fresh photophelein. It should
be borne in mind that photogenin, the source of the light, is not
only a very powerfid substance, but also a stable substance. If
we can see the light from a stable body in a concentration of
1 : 1.600,000,000, what might not be accomplished with the pure
substance .' We have. Iperhaps. in the power of photogenin the
first indication of a really possible utility of ' cold light.' My
work is not sufficiently advanced to state the chemical nature of
photogenin. except to say that it is probably protein."

Telux Co. V. Efandem Co. — As we go to press we learn
that in this case, which is reported in our "Legal " columns in this
issue, his Lordship on Wednesday entered judgment for the
defendants on the claim, the counterclaim being withdrawn. The
question as to Mr, Gordon's interest as sole partner was left over to
be discussed to-day, Friday.

The Scarcity of Platinum. — The steadily inrrcasing
price of platinum is attracting attention to the Ronda lode
in the district between Malaga and Gibraltar, to which public
notice wa-s directed at the beginning of the present year. It is
understood that the Spanish Government has assumed the task of
prospecting the Ronda lode. As is generally known, the Ural
platinum mines, which are the richest known platinum mines in
the world, are gradually showing signs of exhaustion, the output
for 1915 having been le.ss by half than that for lltl4. — i'oiancial
Time.,.

OUR PERSONAL COLUMN.

The Edifiirx iiiritp eleftrirul enifinf'er.i. w/ieffier cnniiected icith the
technical or tlie commercial .side of the profes.sioit and itulii.stri/,
aho electric tramwaij ami railway officials, to keep readers of the
Electrical Review posted as to tlieir morements.

Ccntriil Sfiition and Tramway Officials. — Horsham U.l't'.
has appoiijted Mr. H.\RRi L. Cottam, of Colchester, as elec-
trical engineer, in succession to Mr. J. B. Morgan, resigned.

Mr. J. W. S. CLUX.4S, who has acted as city electrical engi-
neer at Cape Town since the appointment of Mr. W. F. Long
a3 general manager of the Cape Town Tramways Co., has
now been confirmed in that position by the City (Council at a
salary of £900 per annum, with annual increases of £,oO up
to fl,-200.

Mr. Robert Owen, deputy chief electrical engineer to the
Leeds Corporation, has received the appointment of electriral
epgineer to the borough of Wigan, at a salary of i£550 per

Vol. ». xo.2,035.xovBMBERL>i, ivii;.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

579

ajiiiuiii. with house, lighting, and fuel, or, in the alternative,
,1 salary of jt'bOO without those allowances. There were lU(i
candidates.

Mr. C. T. AsTBORY, who has been electrical engineer to the
Atherton (Lanes.) District Council for some yeai's, has left
to take up an appointment in Scotland. He has been pre-
sented by his former colleagues at Atherfon and the respec-
tive chaii-men of the Electricity and Fire Brigade Conimit-
tees, with an antique oak bureau.

tienerul. — The .Salford ni^ectricity Comuiiltee has' re-
np|iiiiiiti(l Coun. BiLLiNGTON chairman and Coun. McDouo.ai.l

ilrpiity-cluiiniian.

Roll of Honour.— The Times .states that Captain H. W.
'riiFiLsis, Ndithaiiiptonshire Regiment, who was killed on
November 7th, aged 34, spent some time in Canada with :i
Uovernment survey party, and then return<;d to England to
study electrical engineering. In 191-2 he was appointed elec-
trical engineer to the Borneo Co., at Kuching, Sarawak, and
he wa.s there when war broke out. He returned to England
in Decendier, 1914.

Biiiiibardier Oliver Wass.all, R.F..\., w-ho has been awarded
the Military Medal, was employed in the electricity depart-
iiicMt (if the (_ila.sgow Iron & Steel Works.

The Military Medal has been awarded to Private .T. Ecticott,
< ixford and Bucks Light Infantry, who was, on his enlist-
ment, employed at the Rugby works of the Briti.sh Thoinson-
llcju.ston Co., Ltd. The award is for gallant conduct by
attending wounded single-handed under heavy .shell fire.

Hoiii'.HT B.1TES, R.P.A., reported badly wovinded, was em-
plnyed at the Blackburn Corporation electricity works befoic
l"'ing called up as a reservist.

The Military Medal, for gallant conduct in taking charge
(li his section after his otScer had been l)adly wounded, and
getting it safely through a baiTage, and afterwai'ds doing
good conscjlidation work, has been awarded to Sergeant II.
Kpur, Royal Engineers, who was an electrician with Messrs.
.Toseph Walker A- Son, electrical engineers, of Whitehaven.

Private A. E. (iRirriTHS, London Regiment, who was an
employe of the Telegraph Constraction >fc Maintenance Co.,
Ivist (ireenwich, has fallen in action.

Able Seaman A. W. HiNSON, R.N. Divi.sion. who has died
ul \\i>iiii(ls in France, v\'as also at the East Greenwich works
lit llii' Til, ^'i:i|ih Construction & Maintenance Co.

I'rtiv iiltii.i .John Cl.ark, R.N. Division, who was in the
ilirtiieal department, at Charlton, of the L.C.C. tramways
\lien he enlisted, is in ho.spital suffering from the ell'ects of

Sei-geant Wm. Beckktt HilIj, reported to liave died of
wiiunds, w-as on the .staff of the City of Ijondon Electric Light-
in,; Co. ,

Privat<> Edw.\rd F.\r7!, West Yoiks. Regiment, reported
killed in action, was in the Leeds Corporation electricity
department.

Private Sidkry Brown, Dorset Regiment, who was on the
-■tiilV of the T,owestoft Corporation electricity works, has died
HI hospital at .\mara, Mesopotamia.

Ohituary. — Mr. J. Cray Scott. — We regret to learn of the
iliMtli, which occurred in Con.stantinople in July last as the
iisiilt (if an electric shock, of Mr. J. Gray Scott. Mr.
<lray Scott wrote a .series of articles on "Combined
Lighting and Traction Stations "' for the Electricai.
Review nearly twenty years ago, when he was on the
Bradford central station staff. He subsequently became
"chief" at Whitehaven, and I^eith, and, later, at Croydon.
In I(HI4 he resigned his position as liorriugh electrical engi-

■ral manager and
i<- tramways, and
I'eturned to Eng-
ne ; he subsequently
])i'ofessor of electrii'al
■ts College thei-e. The
described in a letter

neer at Croydon in onlei- tu bernnir i^i

■. electrical engineer to the I inn^^-Knii;; ili'
on the termination of tb.it iii.L;;it;iiiiiiil 1

, land, where he remaimil for sunn'
pioceeded to Constantinnjilc to lircnnn
and mechaliical engineering at the Hoi
circumstances attending his death art
received by his brother from the president of the College, and
from which we quote : —

" On July l'2th, the current of electricity was a'utomatic'ally
rut oil, and Prof. Scott went to the transformer station to
see why it was interrupted. He was accompanied by a
student, to whom he gave some explanations. He closed the

• switch, which had opened, locked the door, dismissed the
student, and went away. .'Vbont 20 minutes later he re-
turned, opened the transformer station again, and stepped in.
At this station a current of 10,000 volts is received and trans-
formed before sending it on to the College for lighting. In
scime way inexplicable to us, he touched the live wire with
Ins hand, and leceived a .shock which was instantly fatal.
A servant heard a cry. Men ran to draw him out and worked
to revive hiu), with the assistance of two .American doctors,
but there was no sign of life. Our whole conununity is
saddened and shocked beyond measure. Your brother was
so systematic and faithful in the discharge of his duties that
it will be very hard to get along without him. and he was so
kind to everyone that he endeared himself to many, many
friends. We buried him in the historic cemetery at Haidar
Pasha— the Crimean Memorial Cemetery— purcha.sing a lot
for thepm-pose. My own idea is that a sudden giddiness
must have seized him due,, perhaps, to the intense heat of
the day."

Mr. H. Si'LiTDORF.— The death is announced from New
York, at the age of S3 years, of Mr. Henry Sphtdorf, one of
the pioneers in developing the magneto for ignition purposes
of motor vehicles. The deceased was also an active w'orker
in other fields of electrical development. Even up to the
time of his death he was. stated to be engaged on
the developriient of a new type of storage battery : he
was also the inventor of a coil for use in connection with the
bring of explosive charges, a repeating relay for telegraph
lines, and various X-ray coils, while as long ago as the 'fifties
of tlie last century he was associated with Morse in the devc-
lnpment of telegraphic apparatus.

Will.— The late Captain C. S. Wolstenholme, 12th Durham
Light Infantry, a.s.sistant superintendent engineer in the tele-
phonic department of the Leeds Post Office, who was killed in
France in Julv, left £L2>t5.

NEW COMPANIES REGISTERED.

rcgi

Ber,

Accuratact Magnetos, Ltd. (145,287). — This company was

Jislerccl on Nov, nilj.r Kilh. with a capiliil ol i:.;,000 in £1 shares, to carry
n the busin,,, ol nianiiractunrs of anil dialers in patent contact breakers
nd ina|<netos. ,-l.-eirii .,1 eniilneers ami manufanurers, founilers, smiths,
iiachinists. &e., an>l u, ,mI,,,„ ,,n aa,,, ni,i,i uiih A, ['. Hann amj 1-L i).
Mil.Mnti.i. iiinli ,,,,, ,1,,,,, , ,,!,, a, . A. 1'. Hann, Holmlrigh,

Dor^.i, .n-liM,., , II II c, li,a. |.:i,„ (,,ove Road. Darnes.

Suriev, mir.hanl. I'lii,,, ,.,,,,, ll„. I,,,, ,|,,,,a„, ,|,, number not

lis- (hail liv,, ,,i a.,, I. Iliall 111.) are A. |' Haai, ,.i II |1 C.rant (both

ihr.iair, il ,,M, I. 'ti-.ll r,,a p,, .aiauiii. l^iearsKi , .1 ..lla._. .Sulloll< House,
I.at.r.ni. I'ountne) Hill, K.C.

Selson Engineerinjl Co. (France), Ltd. (145,319).— This

LOn.pany was renislerid on November Kilh. «illi a eapital of £3,000 in £1
shares, to carry on the business of mechani. ,1 . . > , „ ,1, and general engi-
neers, manufacturers ol and dealers in in , : , aid tools, appliances,
implements, and instruments, lounders. in m, ...a and steel cable
makers, boiler makers, motor and engine bail I i., .\. 111., subscribers (with
one share- each) are: N. K. Il.nshaw, 85, Uueen \ ictc>ria .Street. E.C., engi-
neer: K. M. Selson, H:"., < )ue.n \ ictoria Street, K.C., engineer. Private companv.
Table "A" inainlv ipplies. .Solicitors: Stephen.son, Harwood & Co., 31,

Lombard

F..C.

OFFICIAL RETURNS OF ELECTRICAL
COMPANIES.

Anglo=Mexican Electric Co., Ltd. (87,403). — Capital,-

£300,000 in £1 shares. Return dated October 18th, 191(i. All shares taken
up; £7 paid; £211!), 9!W considered as paid. Mortgages and charges: £300.1)00.

Europe & Azores Telegraph Co., Ltd. (39,452c). — Capital,

£2011,000 in £10 sliar.s. K.lurn dated June 22nd, 191U. All shares taken up;
£144.320 paid; faa.liSO considered a> p;iid. .Mortgages and charges: .Nil.

E. S. Co., Ltd. (139,230).— Capital, ,£2,000 in ,£1 shares.

Return dated Julv 14ih, 191(i. 1,401 shares taken up; f.WS paid; £898 con-
sid.-ied as paid. .Mortgages and ch.irges : £2.000.

Flather & Co., Ltd. — .\ memorandum of satisfaction in

lull on October 27lh, 191(i, ol debs, registered .November 2Cth, 1902, securing
£0110, has been filed.

Northampton Electric Light & Power Co., Ltd. — Issue

on October 3Ki. IDlli. of £1,000 debs., part of a scri.-s ol which particulars
have alreadv be<.n liled.

CITY NOTES.

Mil. C. Lock, presiding at sthe annual
Monte Video meeting on Tuesday, said that they had
Telephone IkhI over .500 new sub.scribers during the

Co., Ltd. year. There was also an increase in

receipts, and those receipts had been ob-
tained at somewhat less co.st than in the previous year. The
working expenses wei'e ±'55iS less than in the previous year,
pai'tlv because thev had be<>n singularly free from wind
stnrnis. They were' putting f,S,000 to depreciation and f 9,000
to reserve for ivuewals. That reserve woidd be a great stand-
by in the not distant future should they be fortunate entiugh
to obtain a concession for the underground plant. Consider-
able pourparlers had taken place during the year with the
Minister of Industries on the latter point. The company was
not yet within sight of the granting of the concession, nor
could he say that it woidd be granted, biit the atmosphere
was rather more favourable than for some time pa.st. On the
other hand, in the present state of war, there was no great
hurrv to incur heavy obligations for putting down a large
amrtunt of plant. They hoped that the grant would be de-
layed for some little time, and that the terms provided for in
the draft concession for getting approval of the plans and for
commencing operations, and also as to the time allowed for
raising capital, would be of a more liberal character. In other
wortls, while the company was quite ready to take the con-
cession when they could get it, they hoped the actual expendi-
ture of monev thereunder might be deferred as long as pos-
,sible, not only in the interests of the company, but also in
the interests of the Government. One of the terms of the
conces.sion was that the Uruguayan Government should have
the right to expropriate the undertaking at .their convenience
and discretion on terms which, of course, the directors con-
sidered satisfactorv, and the more the company had to pay

580

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW. [Vo1.T9. Xo. 2,03:-, November m, 1»16.

for the plant, lalioui'. A:r.. in installiiit,' thi' systvin the fjieatiT
would be the cost to the Government when they caiue to
expn)priat<>.

Presidin}* at the annual meeting in
Cape Klectric l.onilr)n, on Novemlier loth, Mr. I..

Tramways, Ltd. JJiiEiTMKVKii s;ii(l that in the operations
of the year there had bivn iriereased
expenditure in almost every diret-tion. The tratlic reeeipts
had continued their upward movement, passeniiers havint;
increased by 7tl7.'29<; and receipts by ±'(i,0(>9. After Marili
I'st. however, there was a considerable fallinp off in passeii-
t :'rs, owing to the military forces from Cape Town leaving'
{ '-.■ the German East Afric;in expedition. No marked expaii-
.-•ioii can be expected until the men return to their homes
and Cape Town resume* its normal aspect. The increase in
traffic reeeipts was more than counU'r-balanced by the heavier
o[H»niting expenditure, owing to ri.sing prices of supplies.
.salaries and wages, employes' war :ill<iwances, and .special uai-
bonuses. Colonial income-tax had also increa.sed by ^''i.lG-i.
The liondon expen.ses had grown owing to the excess picilits
duty and higher income-tax charges. Somf of the additional
amount might be recoverable under the allowance by the
Treasury for relief under the double taxation which the com-
pany was paying here and in the colony. The chairmnn
referred to the very creditable way in which Mr. Long, the
gi'neral manager, hnd handled the labour troubles at Cape
Town. The Port Elizabeth system maintained its position
uniler the able management of Mr. \V. H. Fremantle. The
boaril ha<l every confidence in the future of the undei takings
at (:a|)e Town and Port Eli/abi>th. They regarded any set-
back as of a purely temporary character. They regretted tli.it
they could not maintain the former rate of dividend, but any
reduction in the amount carried forward to next year would
not have been prudent, especially as the returns were not
now so good as for the corresponding months of last year.

The Compagnie Francaise den Cablex

French Tclcgrapliiquea, of Paris, proixi.ses to pay

Electrical for 1915 a dividend at the rate of 8s. per

Companies. share out of net profits of i'l-W.fKX), as

compared with 8s. and ;£91,l)0(l respectively

in 1914.

The Socicle Jes Construction/! Electriqiies, of Xanci/, has
decided tu pay a dividend at the rate of £1 4s. per share for
1914-15, and £1 4s. per share for the past year, being a total
of £-2 8s. for the tw'o years.

Tlie Societe IndiistrieUe dcs Telephoitcs, whose manufac-
tures are in special demand for the requirements of the
national defence, reali.sed net profits of f74,(KX) in 1914-15, and
paid a dividend of 12s. per share. The net profits in lOla-lCi
are stated to be considerably greater, and the dividend is to
be at the rate of £1 4s. per share.

The accounts of the Societt' MelaUuriiie dc Dires foi- ]91."i Id
.show gross profits amounting to f3'23,0()0, as compared witli
f-2l)9,(KT<l in the preceding year, the net profits being £2.M.iliHI
and i'l'A'i.flOO in the two years respectively. It is proposed to
pay a dividend of £i 8s. per share, as against £l 8s. in 1914-15.
and to place i''2(l.9<1<) to the reserve fund, thus increasing the
fund to ±'8(I,(XK1.

The directors of the Societe L'Eclairage Elect liqve report
that new' manufactures were embarked upon in 1915-lf). and
tht various works experienced a considerable development,
particularly those at Lyons. The I^orraine \Yorks, at .Tar-
ville, resumed the con-struction of electric motors, an iron
foundry -and steel plant had been added, and an electric fur-
nace was in course of erection. The equipment at the Paris
works in the Rue I^ecourbe had been increa.sed, whilst the
capacity of the wire and cable factory in the Rue Bolivar was
also to be expanded. A large augmentation in the production
Ind taken places at Colombes, where the mannfacture of
electrical apparatus was to be undertaken to meet the requiic-
ments of customers. The net profits are returned at i'14(i.(l(lli.
and the dividend is at the rate of Ills. i>er .share, as compared
with 5s. in 1914-15.

The accounts of the Telephon Fabril-
German A. G. vorm. J. Berliner, of Hanover, show

Electrical net profits, after placing ^31,000 to depre-

Companies. ciation in 1915-16 as compared with
.i'"25.0(K) in the preceding year, amounting
to .tiij,(K'KI, as against j61U0,0(XJ. It is proposed to set aside
,tl5.(XKI, so as to increase the reserve fund to f50,0(X), to
allocate i'10,0()0 to war benevolent funds, and to pay a divi-
dend of '25 per cent., as contrasted with 18 per cent in
1914-15.

The financial statement of the Bergmann Elektrizilats
I'nternehmungen A.G., of Berlin, whose development as (in
investment or financing undertaking was suspended three or
four years ago by the parent comnanv (Bergmann Electricitv
Works Co.). shows profits of i'4,900 for 1915-16, as contrasted
with i£4.400 in the preceding year. As a consequence, the
debit balance has been further reduced to £'21,000 on a paid-
up capital of f300,aiO.

The report of the DeutKche Gnsgluhlicht A.G. [Auer Co.),
of Berlin, which is one of the hcensees for the manufacture
of the Osram lamp, apart from its chief branch of producing
incandescent gas light equipment, states that the principal
scope of activity in 1915-16 was devoted to the output of peace
products. The business in Osram lamps experienced an in-
crease both in the domestic market and in those export
markets which were open to the company, whilst at the

s;imc tiiu.' an augmentation al.so tiKjk place in the incandes-
cent gas light d(|iartment. As net profits, the accounts show
the sum of I'filtj.lKK), including the balance forward, this
comparing with i'2(i9,(KK.I in I914-15. After defraying the
interest on the 5 per cent, preference capital, the directors
reconniiend the di.stribution of 25 per cent, on the ordinary
shares of fl,155,tKXl, being the same rate as in each of the
four preceding vears, and the amount to bo carried forward
is ,i'118,(HI(), as against .fll6,IKKI in 1914-15.

The accounts of the Berliner Elchtrizitats Werke A.G. have
just been issued for the financial year 1915-iC, and they in-
clude for a period of three months the levenue from the
working of the Berlin central stations, which were expro-
priated by the Municipal Council in 1915, together with the
whole of the sub.sidiary works and mains. The net profits
are returned at .i'22(i,0(10, whereas in the previous year, after
deducting the share (}f the Municipal Council in the profits,
they amounted to f3( 14,(1(11 1. It is proposed to pay 4i per
i.nt. on the preference capital of .i'l,0(KI,(HH.i, as in" 1914-15,
and 7 per cent, on the ordinary shares of i;2,205,(l(Kt, this
{•omparing with 9 per cent, in the preceding vear, leaving
.fl4,(KKI, as against i:l7,(KK), to be carried forward. The direc-
tors state in reference to the company's participation in the
Electro Works Co., that working has commenced, but that
the production of lignite is still in course of develnpini-nt
under diflicult conditions, .\lthough not definitely .-i . ilH.

this stutcmeiit implies that the question of supplvni^ Ir

5(l(l.(l(l(»,(Hi(i to T5(),(»UO.00O KW.-hours per aniunn to" the (;n\
ernment electrochemical works for the fixation of atuius-
pheric nitrogen is far from having been solved at the present
time. The official announcement also states that the supply
undertakings controlled by the company have not remained
unaffected by the unfavourable situation of the times.

The report of the Maschinen Fabrik
The Oerlikon Oerlikon, of Oerlikon, for 1915-16 states
Maschinen that the year was one of intense activity
Fabrik, which was not always profitable, but, on

the contrary, was often of an uneconomic
kind, and had chiefly to be directed to the overcoming of
ditticulties. Nevertheless, the final results were satisfactory.
In the department for general electrical machinery and trans-
formers the requirements of customers were restricted to
orders for machines which were only unconditionally neces-
sary, that is to say, almost exclusively to small units. .\
partial compensation for the unfavourable circumstances was
afforded through the scarcity of coal, which imparted a great
impetus to the extension of the use of electric power in in-
dustrial establishments. The result of this was the delivery
of a noteworthy number of transformers and motors of
smaller and niediimi iwwers, so that the company succeeded
in maintaining the production on a normal level, acd even
in increasing it in the case of small motors. Many orders
were received in the department for special drives for the
textile industry, and business in lifting appliances and in
electro-mechanical applications was also very active. In the
turbo-generator department the delivery was effected of a
large number of steam turbines, the forwarding of which
had been formerly delayed in consequence of interruptions
in the transport services, and the demand for turbo-generators
experienced a great improvement as compared with the jue-
vious year. The stock of orders booked for electrochemical
apparatus was the largest on record. Concerning the ques-
tion of electric railways, the report mentions that the elec-
trical equipment for the Solothurn-Bern railway was delivered
during the year, whilst orders w-ere received for the new rail-
ways Biel-Tauft'elen-Ins and Solothurn-Niederbipp, the com-
pletion of which was to be effected next year. The directors
state that the works produced material for the Swiss military
authorities, but declined in principle to deliver any war
material to otlier countries. After allocating ,£43,000 to depre-
ciation, as compared with f34,(XIO in 1914-15, the accounts
indicate net profits amounting to £.39,0(10, as against £37,000.
It is propo.sed to pay a dividend of 7 per cent, on the ordinary
share capital, this contrasting with fi per cent, each in 1914-15
and 1913-14, and 7 per cent in 1912-13.

Delabole Electric Ei^htin^ & Supply Co., Ltd. — The an-
nual meeting was held last week. Mr. MoRius W'ells men-
tioned that the smaller income was due to the lack of street
lighting. The comnany had entered into a contract with the
Parish Council to light the streets, and it was not their fault
that this was not being carried out. He hoped that in a few
days .siane settlement would be arrived at. During the next
year there would be a reduction of expenses that would be
favourable to the company.

• India. — The .Andhra Vallev Power Supply Co. is the name
of a new undertaking w^hich has lately been organised in
Pondiav with a capital of 21.000.0(HI rupees to establish an
electricity generating station in the .'\ndhra Valley.

Edison Swan Electric Co,, Ltd.— .\t the annuid meet-
ing, held on Wednesday, the Chairm.an referred to a scheme
for providing new capital, and at the same time dealing with
the liabilitv upon the ordinary shares. We shall publish our
report of the proceedings next week.

Globe Telegrapli & Trnst Co., Ltd.— Dividend 2s. oer
share on the ordinary shares, income-tax already deducted.

Vol. 79. xo. 2,u35, xovembeu 21. 1'ju;.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

581

International Light &■ Power Co., Ltd. — The report for the
year to June tiUth shows that, after payment of interest on
debentures and I^ondon and Canadian administration charges,
and setting aside i,"2,.50U as a special reserve, the net profit
amounts to i'7,994, plus fl,831 brought forward, making
£9,82(3. During the year Ij per cent, has been paid on the (i
per cent, preference shares, absorbing £3,08"2. . The balance
of .i''i."44 the directors propose to carry forward, so as to con-
serve the company's resources in the present difficult period.
Dividends on the preference shares being cumulative, the
balance due to the shareholders for the pa.st year will be paid
out of the future net earnings of the company. The subsi-
diary companies (excepting Merida) have again placed to
reserves for renewal and general purposes sums amounting,
when converted, to ±'.5,371. bringing up the total of these
reserves to i!'3"2.1(>2. — Financial Times.

Provincial Tramways Co., Ltd. — The report for the vear
ended Septeuiber 'diJth last shows that the net revenue re-
ceived from the local companies has been £.52,288, against
±•■48,789 last year and ±40,297 in 4934. After setting aside
±]2,(XKJ to the reserve and depreciation account and adding
±'4.(»0 to the reserve for third-party insurance there is left
a balance of ±'27..'-!75. The directors recommend a dividend
of lOd. per share and a bonus of t)d., equal to Is. 4d. per
share, on the ordinary, making, with Sd. per share paid in
.June last, 2s. per share, being at the rate of 1(1 per cent, for
the year. This will absorb ±'8,394, and leave ±19.972 to be
carried forward, but out of this amount the excess profit duty
for 1915 and 1916, not yet adjusted, will have to be paid, and
having regard to the possibility of greatly increased taxation,
the directors consider it piiident to carry forward this con-
siderable amount.

Comoanies Strucli Off the Register. — The following com-
panies nave, been struck ott' the register and are di.s.solved : —

.Acton Lamp Co.

farlsbad Electro-Thermal Baths.

Flexible Transmission Gears.

.Manchtster Exhibition Co.

New Motive ' Power.

Superheated Steam Engine tc Generator Syndicate.

Telephone Duplicating Recorder Co.

'ihermo Insulation & (engineers' Supply Co

Warner International & 'Over5C->s Engineerinj; ft,.

Whisperphone Syndicate.

WiKXlhouse Steei Casing Co.

The Constantinople Tramways Co. — It is annouincd th.ii
the ('iinstantini)ple Tramways Co. (Tramways et Electiicite tie
Constaiitiiioiilf). of Brussels, has convened an extraortlinary
meeting to aiithori.se an increa.se in the share capital by the
issue of :itj.(HKl ±10 capital shares. .\t the same time the meet-
ing is asked to sanction the act^uisition of the tramways,
railway, and electricity and gas works taken over by the Con
stantinople syndicate.

Russia. — It is proposed to incre.ise the Russian (".eneral
Electrical Co.'s capital from 12,000iO(X) roul)les to 2I.0()(I,(KK)
roubles.

The Electrostal, a new Russian company, began work on
September 2lith. Its head offices are at M0.SCOW.

The Kussian Electrical Enterprises Co. is being finiiicd
with a capital of OKi.dlTO roubles.

.\mazon Telegraph Co., Ltd. — The gross n venue for (lie
past year aniounted to ±'61..5S7. and the woiking expenses to
±31,707. After providing ±13.25.5 for debenture interest anil
±0,578 for the sinking fund, the directors recommend a divi-
dend of 3 per cent., le.ss income-tax. leaving ±('i.8(l(i to be
cairied forward.

Electric Construction Co., Ltd. — Interim divideml at the
rate of 7 per cent, per annum on the preference shares for
the half-year ended September, less income-tax at 5s. in
the £.

British Ever=Ready Co., Ltd. — Dividend .it the r.nte of 10
per cent. ]iei- annum on the preference and ordinary .shares
for the half-year to September 30th.

Power=Gas Corporation. Ltd. — Divideni
less tax, on the ordinarv .shares.

if 0 per cent.

STOCKS AND SHARES.

TuEsinv Evening.
We suppose that the next thing which the Stock Exchange
will advance as a reason for its slackness of business is the
. coming of Christmas. Speculation as to the advent of the
new loan has rather died down, on the assumption that the
Treasury is not likely to take any active steps until the year
is turned. Nevertheless, business is very quiet, and the re-
fusal of the Stock Exchange Committee to close the House on
Saturil:ivs is accepted in a spirit of resignation by members
who regard the keeping open as an ordinance of self-sacrifice
rather than of necessity.

The feature of the markets with which we are concerned
is the remarkable strength of Underground Electric RaUways
bonds and shares. We have dwelt too often upon the attrac-
tions of the (j per cent, income bonds for the big rise of the
past three weeks to cause any particular surprise to those
who read these notes. The price has ri.sen steadily from 75
until now it stands at 91J ; while the ±10 shares have jumped
to 2J, after touching 45s. The shilling shares hold most of
their recent unprovement at 6s. 9d.

Rumour has revived as to a probable raising of the fares
on the company's systems. Of course, the Underground Elec-
tri,: Railways has little or no competition worth mentioning;
and if the fares were advanced, both on tubes and 'bu.ses, this
would not be likely to make much difference to the number
of passengers carried. We see no particular reason to counsel
a sale to those holders of the bonds who can now take sub-
stantial profits.

Coni:urrently with this big improvement in Underground
Electric Railways has come a fresh forward movement in
Metropolitans and in Districts, the rise in these t\>o being
hung upon that in the former. There is more business doing
in them, too, than there has been for a long time past; ami
the prospects of other electrified companies are being studied
by those who have derived no advantage from the rise in
Undergrounds. North London ordinary has risen a point to.
6(1. The various Central London sttx-ks are steady. Brighton
Railway deferred, after a break to (1IJ, recovered to 62^-. But
the Home Railway market as a whole is not a good one; and
there is ti^Kj much uncertainty felt with regard to the Labour
outlook for the ordinary investor to take a hand in Home
Railways at present.

The electricity supply companies' shares keep fairly steady,
in view of the approach of dividend-time and the iwssibility
which it foreshadows of further reduction in the distributions.
How the companies are likely to fare in respect of the cur-
rent six months it is somewhat difficult to prophesy, and some
of the Stock Exchange authorities decline to commit them-
selves to any advance guesses which the results may falsify.
On the whole, the tendency is .still towards lower figures,
though this disposition is more in tone than in anything else.
Falls have taken place in County shares, in City preference,
and in Charing Cross of both kinds.

Brazilian Tractions experienced another abrupt fall by
reason of the unfavourable rate of exchange and the conse-
quent unpopularity of mo.st things connected with the Re-
public, weakness being noticeable in Brazilian Government,
railway, and industrial issues of various kinds. In spite of
the recent indignant denial that the Brazilian moratorium
may have to be extended beyond the date of its original inten-
tion— that is to say. beyond .luly. 1917 — a certain amount of
uneasiness lurks in the minds of those interested, and this
is reflected in Brazil Tractions as well as in other Brazihan
securities; The price of the preferred shares keeps fauly
steady.

<Jn the other hand, ah euoiinous business is being trans-
acti^-d in Wall Street in the shares of industrial companies
which have any connection at all with the war, the iron and
steel group being particularly buoyant at the moment. New
Yorkers have abandoned railway -shares in favour of indus-
trials as media for investment and speculation ; and the turn-
over amounted last week to the huge total of 9J millions
shares.

The activity and strength are dimly reflected over here in
such shares as those of the electric power companies operating
in the States and in Canada. Consolidated Baltimore Gas and
Electric common rose to 135, Canadian General to 126i, and
the preference to 113. Shawinigan common is finn at 140.
Vancouver Ptjwei- 4^ per cent, debenture stock, however,
although nominally quoted at (56, is really nearer 63, sym)>a-
thising with the 4i per cent, debenture of the British
Columbia Electric Railway Co., which has dropped to 61.
The Argentine list is dullish.

Marconis have been a lively market in the neighbourhood
of 3. Americans being 17s. 3d. and Canadians 9s. 6d. The
next ilividend on the parent shares is not due until January ;
and this year the company has paid 2s. a share, in two divi-
dends of Is. each. The present strength is attributed, aa
before, to expectations of what the Government will give
the company in return for its service since the outbreak of
war. as to which nothing definite is known yet.

Cable shares as a whole are a steadv market. The chief
rise of the week is one of 3/16 in West India & Panama Tele-
graphs, the shares jumping to 23s. 9d. West Coast of
America wer? rai.sed to the same level, the improvement in
their ca.se being 7s. 6d. per share. Nobody seemed able to
explain adequately why these rises took place. A certain
House tip went rountl ; and when the would-be buyers
tried to get the shares, they found no supply available.

The Eastern group is firm, and Anglo-.American Telegraph^
preferred is J better. West Coast of America 4 per cent,
debenture stock attracted a httle attention by reason of the
ri.se in the shares; but as the price stands at 98. there is, of
course, not much scope for improvement; in fact, the deben-
tures .seem to be fully valued, even allowing for redemption.
West India and Panama first preference are a trifle better at
7^ but the second preference remain at ±6. and in the 5 per
cent, debentures no business has been done since the stock
ch^inged hands at 96 three months ago.

Mexican issues are very flat. Heavv fulls have occurred
during the past few days in several of the Government bonds,

582

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW. [Vol ti.. Xo. 2.035. November im. id i,-,.

while the niihviiy stixks also developed weakness. In thor
eitcuiustanceii. of course it is impossible to suppose that the
industrials will he anything but depressed. Reference to the
prices will sliow falls rantring from '2i to 8$ points.

Para Electric ordinary remain at 35. and the preference at
4. the 5 per cent, debenture stock being lUiottd at TJ, ex the
dividend paid u few days ago. Biilisli Columbia Kieclrii-
Kailway .-tcK-ks, .so far from showing recoveiy, havi- fuither
declined. The preferred ordinary has droppecl to ■!!•, and the
deferred to 47.

Home indu.«trial .shares are the iiiarki-t of the moment. The
iron. coal, and sti'i'l group is particularly strong. Disjippoint-
int: dividcnd.s count for nothing; tlii'y liavi- a transitory cITect
upon prices, but in the course of a day or two this is wiped
out. and quotations improve again. One of the lively shares
during the past few days has been British .Muminium ordi-
n.iry. the price rising Is. 9d. to '2!ls. 9d. on optimistic divi-
dend anticipations. British Insulated went back 5s. after
their recent risi>; and (leneral Electric ordinary .shed 10s. to
It. On the other hand. Callenders are better at 12J. Elec-
tric Con.sl ructions have risen to IJ. The Edi.son vt Swan
group is good, and most of the other shares connected with
the electrical industry ai-e diflicult to buy.

Rubber .shares, too, are on the up-grade. The price of the
raw material has spurted, and with this has come another
strong buying movement on the part ()f the public. Copper,
the nietiil. has been soaring, taking with it the prices of most
of the copper .shares. .'Vrmament and ammunition shares are
a giMid market. Otis Steel rose '211 points in the course id
three days, then reacted 8: but money lias ln-cn made in
London out of these meteoric movements.

MARKET QUOTATIONS.

SHARE LIST OF ELECTRICAL COMPANIES.
HoMK ELBOTRiorrr Companies.

Dividend Price

. • V Nov. 1, Rise or fall Yield

19U. 1916. 1916. tbis week. p.c.

Brompton Ordinnry .... 10 10 e| — £7110

Charing Cross Ordinary . . 6 6 8? — ^ 7 8 2

do. do. do. 4J Pret., 4i 4) 8,', - J "110

CheUea 6 4 3 - 6 I'! 4

City ot London 9 8 llj - 6 16 2

do. do. 6 per cent. Pref, 66 10 — J 60Q

County ol London .... 7 7 10* —J « 13 4

do. 6 per cent. Pret. 68 10 — J 600

Kensington Ordinary .... 9 7 68 — 645

London Electric 4 8 1| — fili 6

do. do. 6 per cent. Pret. 6 8 4,', — 6 15 4

Metropolitan SJ 8 31 — 6 6 4

do. 4i per cent. Pref. H *i SJ — 7 • 0

8t. James' and Pall Mall . . 10 8 6* — 6 8 0

South London 6 6 aVJ — 6 16 1

South Metropolitan Pref. ..77 1/, — 6 7 »

Westminster Ordinary .... 9 7 6,!, — 6 13 0

Tblboraphs ahd Tblrphones.

Anglo-Am. Tel. Pref 6 6 9oi + h 6 5 B

do. Det 80;. 83/6 a3i — 7 in 3

Chile Telephone 8 *8 7i + J 6 12 3

Cuba Sub. Ord 6 5 Hi — 686

Eastern Extension .... 7 8 131 — •» 15 6

Eastern Tel. Ord 7 8 142J — '6 IJ 1

Globe Tel. and T. Ord 6 7 12» +J '6 1! U

do. Pref. ..6 6 10} — J 6 n 1

Great Northern Tel 22 22 S7j — 6 17 4

Indo-European 13 13 51 — 6 18

Marconi 10 13 2J5 + i 8 8 0

New York Tel. 4i .... 4i 41 98 — 4 10 0

Oriental Telephone Ord. ..10 10 2,', — 4 6 6

United E. Plate Tel 8 8 61 -t- J '5 16 5

West India and Pan 1 — lA. + ,% -

Western Telegraph .... 7 8 14^ — j *6 9 4

Home Rails.

Central London, Ord. Assented 4 4 65^ — 6 2 2

Metropolitan li I 2'i +1^ 4 2 6

do. District .. .. Nil Nil lej J-1 Nil

Underground Electric Ordinary Nil Nil UJ -I- ,5, Nil

do. do. "A" .. Nil Nil 6;h 4 9a. Nil

do, do. Income 6 6 9U -t-l) •6 114

FoBEias Tbahs, io,

Adelaide Sop. 6 per cent. Pref. 6 6 4{!J — 6 16

Anglo-Arg. Trams, First Pref. 5)51 Si — 8 9 2

do. 2nd Pref. . . SJ SJ a| - J —

do. 5 Deb. ..6 6 68 —I 7 7 0

Brazil Tractions 4 4 Mi - IJ 7 116

Bombay Electric Pret 6 6 nj — B 17 8

British Columbia Elec. Rly. Ptce. 6 6 la — 7 5 0

do. do. Preferred — Nil 49 —2 Nil

do. do. Deferred — Nil 47 —3 Nil

do. do. Deb. *i 4* M I 6 111

Mexico Trams 5 per cent. Bonds — Nil 31^ — 6 Nil

do. 6 per cent. Bonds — Nil 274 —'i Nil

Mexican Light Common .. Nil Nil 1 'j£ — > Nil

do. Pref Nil Nil 21% —84 Nil

do. Ist Bonds .. Nil Nil 32* - 7i —

MANcrAcrcBma Oohpahiks.

Babcock & Wilcox .... 14 15 2{^ + j";, 5 2 0

British Aluminium Ord. .. 6 7 29 y -flyy 5 7 4

British Insulated Ord 15 17} llJ - ^ 7 6 10

British Westinghouse Pref. . . 74 74 2A — 6 3 0

Callenders 15 20 12i + i 7 16 4

do. 6 Pref 6 6 4» — 5 17 8

Castner-Kellner .. .. ..30 — 8| 668

Edison & Swan, £3 paid . . Nil — 3/8 — Nil

do. do. fully paid ..Nil — ij ^t[

do. do. 4 percent. Deb. 5 6 624 — 8 0 0

Electric Construction ., .. 6 74 ij -f ^\ 6 18 4

Gen. Elec. Pref 6 6 10 _ fi 0 0

do. Ord 10 10 14 — 1 7 a 10

Henley 20 26 16 — 7 16 3

do. 44 Pref 44 44 4 — n 12 6

India-Rubber 10 10 12^ — •7 17 0

Telegraph Con 20 30 884 — •6 4 7

• Dividends paid free of infiome-tax.

It should he remembered, in making use of the figures appearing
in the following list, that in some cases the prices are only general,
and they may vary according to quantities and other circumstances.

Wednesday, November 22nd.

CHEMICALS. &c.

r Acid, Oxalic perl

t Alnnioniac Sal pert

Aninioiiia. Muriate (large crystal) ,,

t Bisulphide of Carbon .. .. „

! Borax „

I Copper Sulphate „

> Potash, Chlorate perl

„ Perchlorate . . . . ,,

Shellac per c

Sulphate of Magnesia . . per t

t Sulphur, Sublimed Flowers . . „

I ,, Lump ,,

: Soda, Chlorate per 1

I ,, Crystals pert

Sodium Bichromate, casks .« perl

METALS. Ac.

c Brass (rolled metal 2" to 1'.^" basis) per lb.

c I, Tubes (solid drawn) .. ,,

c „ Wire, basis ,,

c Copper Tubes (solid drawn) .. ,,

g ,, Bars (best selected) . . per ton

g „ Sheet „

g „ Rod „

d ,, (Electrolytic) Bars . . ,,

d „ „ Sheets ..

d „ „ Rods

d „ „ H.C. Wire per lb.

/Ebonite Rod „

f „ Sheet ,

n German Silver Wire ,

A Gutta-percha, fine ,,

h India-rubber, Para fine . . . . ,,

I Iron Pig (Cleveland warrants) . . per ton

/ „ Wire, galv. No. 8, P.O. qual. „

g Lead, English Pig ,,

g Mercury per bot.

e Mica (in original cases) small .. per lb.

e „ ,, ,, medium „

e ,, ,, ,, large .. ,,

J Silicium Bronze Wire .. .. per lb.

r Steel, Magnet, in bars . . , . per ton

» Tin, Block (English) .. .. „

n ,, Wire, Nos. 1 to 16 .. .. per lb.

Latest

Portnlghl'i

Price.

Inc. or Deo

IfS

£76

£64

£28

£31

£60

i'6 inc.

2/6

a/-

14'?/-

10/- inc.

£16

£18

I'4i to 1/49

Id. inc.

1/6;? to 1/64
1/4J to 1/5

UJ IJd in

Id. im-.

1/9J 10 1/93

IJd in.-.

£10 inc.

£178

£10 ini-.

£178

i 10 inc.

£160

£16 lU inc

£178

£16 lU inc

£169

il6 10 Inc

1/8

lid. inc.

8/-

2/6

2/3

e/io

3/4 i J

lid. dec.

Nom.

£36

£32 6

£17 12 6 to £17 16

6d. to 8/-

8/6 to 6/.

7/8 to 14/- i up.

1/104

Id. inc.

£95

£191 to £195

£8 10 inc.

2/U

Id. inc.

Quotations

a Q. Boor & Co.
c Thos. Bolton & Sons, Ltd.
d Frederick Smith & Co.
e F. Wiggins & Sons.
f ludia-Rubber, Gutta-Percha and
Telegraph Works Co., Ltd.

upplied by—
g James & Shakespeare.
h Edward Till & Co
I Boiling & Lowe.
/ Richard Johnson & Ne hew, Ltd.
n P. Ormiston & Sons
r W. P. Dennis .4 Co.

Entertaining Wounded Soldiers. — A paitj of 300

wounded soldiers was entertained by the employes of .Siemens
Dalston Lamp Works on Saturday last. The Charrington Hall, St.
Pancras, was kindly lent tor the occasion by Mr. Hopkins. Xine
motor-buses were provided to convey the men from the various
hospitals to the hall. The entertainment, which consisted of a
concert, tea. and dancing, commenced -at 2 p.m., and we understand
that each wounded soldier had the attentions of a lady from
the Wotan Lamp Works. A gooil proportion of the talent for the
concert was drawn from the Dalston Works staff, but several pro-
fessional friends readily gave their assistance. All the items
provided were highly appreciated by the audience, and tea was -
served at 4 p.m.. after which the hall was cleared for dancing.
At about GA'i the soldiers were conveyed back to their respective
hospitals : incidentally. 2UU of the party were from the King
G 'orges Hospital. It is hoped that this function will be one of
a series of similar entertainments ; it was undertaken at the
initiative of the workpeople themselves. The arrangements
were in the hands of a Si>ecial Committee, with Mr. D. Woollon .".s
secretary.

Electric Steel Furnaces.— A lettiiiv ou •• Electric

Furnace Manipulation ' was given by Mr. Harry Etchells to the
Sheffield Society of Engineersand Metallurgists, on Monday last. The
lecturer, dealing with the cost of smelting, remarked that even at
the present comparatively high prices, which were caused by war
conditions, the electric furnace had proved a good investment to
many users and an immense boon in the economy of steel produc-
tion and the utilisation of wtiste. The war had shown us how to
make ourselves independent of Swedish Bessemer imports and to
convert into valuable steel the accumulation of nickel and chrome
steel scrap. In spite of difficulties of manipulation which still
remained to be overcome, the electric furnace had a part of its
own to play, and had come to stay.

The Pres'ident (Prof. J. O. Arnold) observed that if the electric
furnace h,ad come to stay, they would have to have chea|)er current.
That was one of the greatest olistacles to the develojmient of the
electric furnace in .Sheffield, and it would have to be got over in
some wav.

vo'.yp. No. 2.035. xovKMBER 24, 1916.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

583

EXPORTS AND IMPORTS OF ELECTRICAL GOODS DURING OCTOBER, 1916.

Aftek a series of comparatively excellent months, the export
values of electrical material for October show a considerable
falling:-off, the total of £501.822 comparing' with £573.314 in
September.

The import.s of electrical material, valued at £187,2til. were also
on a considerably reduced scale as comparal with the previous
month-, when the total amounted to £237,032, althougrh still a
trifle above the August total ; and similarly with the re-exports,
which fell in value from £18.596 in September to £11,763 last
month.

The decrease in the export total was mainly due to the faUing-off
in values of cable and machinery exports, the former showing- a
decrea.«e on the month of about £60.111 mi, and the latter of some
i;3<l,000 : other branches of electrical business were similarly

placed, and the falling-off was only partly compensated by
improved telegraphic, telephonic and lamp exports. It is
interesting to note that France was by far our best customer,
although the combined total of business with Russia and the
Scandinavian countries makes a good second. Business with India
and Australia was on a reduced scale.

A considerably decreased value of electrical machinery was
imported into this country : lamp and battery imports remained
nearly stationary, and the only notable increase was in telegraphic
and telephonic imports. With the exception of Japan, all the
countries importing into this country, and. more especially the
United States, did a reduced business. Dutch lamp imports fell
off considerably, but the influx of Japanese -lamps practically
compensate"! for this.

Registered Exports of British and Irish Electrical Goods from the United Kingdom.

^g

B : a a

Russia, Sweden, Norway and Denmark
German West Africa ...
Netherlands, Java and Dutch Indies

France

Portugal

Spain, Canary Isles and Spanish N. Africa...
Switzerland, Italy and Austria-Hungary ...
Greece, Roumania, Turkey and Bulgaria ...
Channel Isles, Gibraltar. Malta and Cyprus...

U.S.A., Philippines and Cuba

Canada and Newfoundland ...

British West Indies and British Guiana ...

Mexico and Central America

Peru and Uruguay

Chile

Brazil ...

Argentina

Colombia. Venezuela. Ecuador and Bolivia. . .

Egypt, Tunis and Morocco

British West Africa

RhcKiesia. O.R.C. and Transvaal

Cape of Good Hope

Natal

Zanzibar. Brit. E. Africa. Mauritius & .-iden
Azores. Madeira and Portuguese Africa
French African Colonies and Madagascar...

Persia ...
China and Siam
Japan and Korea
India

Ceylon

Straits Settlements, Fed. Malay States and

Sarawak
Hong Kong

West Australia

South Australia

Victoria

Xew South Wales

Queensland - ...

Tasmania

New Zealand and Fiji Islands

Total. £

£
5,945

1,408
3.504
48
42
1.027
57
104

852
443
247
50
112

530
815
20

199
1,834

762
1,083

114

145
11

1,582
766

3,675
309

764

388

127

1,274

1,895

150

245

1,555

12,075

2,883

12

1,172

1,172

378

51

17
86
47

"584
164
371

4,930

3,17

213

490

7,616

2,523

7,818
317
282

154
4,750

16,763

877

985
1,368

3,111

918

12,602

14,643

14

5,937

£
568

773

790

57

216

85

265
666
39
87

"i'ss

23

529

13

603

2,898
916

1.22
179

10

628

61

4,201

252

545
1.091

149

261

3,104

2,3.50

99

82

1,118

24,.53;

^0

140
1,031

255

441

662

52

131
101
3,731
664
221
242
107
20

20
938

50

2,195

195

237

501
191
730
774
195
54
i,540

1,940

16.968

. £
2,040

30

68
221

16
327

75

627

923

1,587

285

41
1,515
854
150
56
37

499

612

1,813

14

778
109

414

93

1,466

2,080

934

£
24,606

3,358

13.457

398

4,728

2,033

65

168

335

2,374

191

73

107

613

976

1.95

1.

265

7,698

1.630

7,638

53.-

212

10

460

1,739

692

18,814

106

653
799

1,615

1,243

9,441

11,463

976

249

2,767

18.337 126.196

£
1,562

9,568
965

267
202

731
998
114

536
1,480

1.304
3,440

1,893
27,423

£
156.

105
628

102
2,062

100

58

502

1,233

1.227

248

49

452

302

6.419

281

666

1.176
251
674
652
519

1,529

£

878

237

196

16

19

171

4
929

£

807

1,098

37.146

734

IS

615

13

.553

118

1,072

104

1,634
612
701
36
464
42
19

840
860

122

378

887
828

1,404
804

2,063
2

2,377

£
21,153

69
14.137
2.360
162
4,554
5,518
1,028

157
3,163

226
30

206
76

1,270
296

695
1.53
592
44

90

880

1.150

634

210

462

80
264

1,952

62,992

Registered Imports into the United Kingdom of Electrical Goods from all Countries.

Russia. Norway. Sweden and Denmark
Holland...

France

Switzerland

Italy

Japan

United States ' ...

3,702

2,488

3.417

636

18,722

6,019

585

60

860

' 167

330

48

375

303

96

6,701

1,581

2,973

2.660

34

50

2,987

580

228

1,650

1,740

1,470

9,009

490

611

10,048

14,178

1,630
3,134

4,368

1,632

3,065

14,0.39

33,930

6.195

8,967

14,928

16,838

32,479

11,891

6,427

17,995

34.086

18.012

12,83J

Total, £
Additional imports. — Spain, carbons, £749. Argentina, electrical machinery, £90. Canada, electrical goods. £

and accumulators, £286. i

Registered Re-Exports of Foreign and Colonial Electrical Goods from the United Kingdom.

Various countries, mainly as above ... 660 774 ... 4,616 | 633 405 2,273 1 ... 344 I 138

.3,133

13.376

26.246

9.601

243

8,745

1.040

3,700

13,320

13,021

111,073

17,437

186.061

75 ; batt«r

ies

1,920

11,763

Total Exports: £.501.822 Total Re-Exports : £11,763 Total Imports.- £187,261

Note. — The amounts appearing under the several headings are classified according to the Customs returns. The first and
third colunms contain many amounts relating to " goods " otherwise unclassified, the latter, doubtless, consisting of similar
materials to those appearing in adjacent columns. Imports are credited to the country whence consigned which is not necessarily
the country of origin.

o84

Till': ELECTRICAL REVIEW. [Vol. 70. No. 2,035, November :

POWER STATION DESIGN.

One of tlie satisfactory features of tlie present war [xn-uxl
has Ih-cii the very striking progress made in electricity
supply in industrial areas ; never were the economic advan-
tages of electric power so much appreciated ius during the
piist two yeare, and, in referring to it, one can only regret
that so many non-industrial consumers have been turned
away owing to the prevailing restrictions as to exjx'nditure
and the supply of material.

In some cases it has been possible to extend works, and
oven to build new ones, and amongst the fortunate under-
takings in the latter category is the Walsall Electricity
Department, whase new ]X)wer station is the subject of a
brief description in our present issue.

This station presents several features of interest to the
designer, the most important probably being the arrange-
ment of the boiler house and coal-handling plant, though
the whole design has tended to space economy and low cost
per Kw. of jilant installed — well under £8 for the existing
plant of S,()t»0-KW. capacity, and falling to about £7 wht^n
the complete 12,000 K\v. of equipment is provided.

Power sUition design is, at the best, a compromise based
on the judgment of the engineer, who has to meet efficiently
both present and future reqiiirements ; to a large extent it
is influenced by the standard types of plant available at
the time, although local conditions and improvements in
]>lant design or arrangement may introduce variations in
the result.

In the new Birchills generating station at Walsall, we
have as leading features high-speed turbo-generating jilant
running at 3,000 r.p.m. ; self-contained boiler units, which
include the superheater, a superposed economiser, induced-
draught plant and stack, occupying small ground space ;
and outside coal storage, with only miniature coal hoppers
in the roof holding some 10 hours' supply per boiler on high
duty, which arrangement tends to a light boiler house — a
most desirable featiu-e.

Daylight means additional cleanliness— even in the boiler
hotise — and leads to improved efficiency ; to be consistent,
we should give more, rather than less, attention to the
lighting of an inherently dirty place, than to a normally clean
one. In a great many cases, the boilers and coal bunkers
enclose a gloomy tunnel ; the boilers are essentials, but
the question arises as to whether the overhead bunker is
really necessary at all.

At Walsall, comparatively small roof hoppers are used,
and a well-known Continental authority has stated that, in
his opinion, not more than one hour's bunker coal capacity
need be provided, because of the reliability of modern
conveyors.

After all, one does not lift thousands of tons of coal up
into a roof, and provide an expensive large-capacity storage
there, merely in order that the coal may gravitate down to
its original level, unless there is gra^e doubt as to the
reliability of the conveyor, which, after all these years of
use, is a considerable reflection en this type of plant, and
on our steady perseverance in installing it.

The big boiler plant of the future will Ije free from
cumbrous coaling arrangements, if gas firing is adopted, and
there are possibilities in pneumatic coal conveying which
are worth investigation, as it would seem to offer a much
more compact method of coal handling than that usually
employed. But so long as existing methods of coal firing
persist, as no doubt they will do for some years, coal storage
in bulk and in proximity to the boiler house will be
essential ; and for obvious reasons such storage — equal to,
say, two or three months' requirements — will -usually be on
the ground or in shallow concrete tanks.

Bunker storage capacity can only represent a small per-
centage of the total, and its relative value as a reserve
decreases enormously as the size of the boiler and its coal-
burning capacity increase, unless the overhead structure is
developed beyond all reason, so that it would appear well
worth considering whether the stoker hoppers should be
enlarged to hold several hours' supi)ly, and be fed direct, by
modern crane appliances, from the outside storage, without
the intervention of overhead bunkers.

In our " Notes " last week, we briitly described an
American arrangement which embodies this idea, though
the coal storage is under what nominally 'represents the
firing floor, and coal trucks run right into the boiler house
over the latter, thus jiroviding for the direct transfer of
fuel from truck to stoker ho])per or store. This boiler house
is also e(iui]){)ed with three self-contained boiler-economiser-
chiuHU'y units of large size to supply an 18,000-KW. turbine
unit, and its arrangement presents a considerable contrast
t<i the Walsall design.

Space economy is not necessarily a virtue in design,
thougii desirable if ivccorapanied by e(iual efficiency antl if
it tends to a reduction in the all-in cost of electricity. Foi-
instaiu'c, in discussing Mr. LiR^kie's recent I.M.E.A. pa])er
on boiler house design, Mr. S. L. Pearce said that in con-
nection with the proposed Barton station, he had arranged
the econouiisera behind the boilers, and found that owing
to the lighter steel structural work, despite the fact that
additional ground spat^e was recjuired, there was a saving of
about £8,000 over the triple-storey arrang(;ment withecono-
misers above, and that such a boiler house could be erected
at a cost of about 20 ])er cent. less. It would be inten'stiiig
to know what the further saving would amount to were it
possible or desirable to dispense entirely with overhead
bunkers.

Within the limits imposed by modern priK'tice, the par-
ticular dispasal of plant appears to have only a slight
influence on the relative areas occupied, the assumption
being that the most economical arrangement is adopted in
each case.

.Judging l)y the rough drawings which have been pub-
lished, the relative areas occupied by the Manchester
(Barton) and Glasgow (Dalmarnock) plants — in each case
designed for 1()0,000-KW. capacity — taking the engine
room as unity, are : —

Ensrine Switch Boiler Coal
room. room, house. storag'e.*

Barton 1 -7 VS5 3-2t

Dalmarnock ... 1 t; 20 lj'5

We believe that in neither of these plants is it contem-
plated to use cooling towers, sufficient- water for condensing
purposes being available locally, but the rough plans of the
pro])osed Xecliells plant of the Birniingham Corporation,
the designed rupaeity being originally 1()0,(»(»0 KW., sIkiw
the great influence which the necessity of artificially cooling
the condensing water has on the total space requirements,
which are approximately as follows : —

Engine Boiler Switch Coal Cooliny

house. house. house. storage.* towers.

1 1-67 -3 51 37

Needless to add, the space economy resulting when iki
cooling-tower area is required, may be accompanied and
off-set by considerable expenditure in other directions, as.
for instance, at Barton, where, we believe, the estimated cost
of bringing the circulating water to the site is some £(;0,00(t.
A very large proportion — probably 30 or 40 per cent. — i if
the coal-storage area for a large plant may be utilised for
the railways and canals required for transport purposes, and.
altogether, the coaWiandling and water-supply problems are
the most difficult which the designers of super-stations have
to meet in this country.

The new Walsall plant is, of course, a small one in
comparison with any of the al)0\'e, and the provision
of coal and water is a relatively simple and inexpensive
matter, as the adjoining canal will provide all the facilities
required for both services up to the maximum capacity
of the jirescnt st;ition.

For iiini])ai-is<in, it may be noted that the relative areas
of engine and boiler houses, and coal storage (no railway or
canal accommodation included) are 1 : 1'6 : 2"7, while the
generating plant at normal rating represents Sh kw. per
sq. ft. of engine-room floor area, or about half the estimated
amount in the case of the profxised Barton plant with
20,000-KVV. generating sets.

The coal pile end of the central station has always been
a matter for concern to the engineer, and it seems curious
that the very considerable amount of heat radiated from
boilers and steam pipes should have been allowed to escape

• Includes railway siding's, special canal arms, &o.

t Coal to be stored in silos ; railway siding^s not includeil.

Vol. 79. xo.2.imxovEMBER24, iflir,.] THE ELECTEICAL REVIEWo

585

as a matter of course in the past, when, by enclosing the
whole of the boiler space behind the firing floor, a reservoir
of hot air could be made available for use in connection
■with the furnaces, or left as an air jacket for the lioilers
and pipes.

But if, as we think will be conceded, there is generally
a lack of originality in our boiler-house aiTangements, it
must be atlmitted that the engine-house design through all
the vicissitudes of plant design — open type engines, enclosed
high-speed engines, slow-speed and, finally, high-speed
turbines — presents a remarkable sameness. Originally, in
the days of the opeu-tyjie horizontal or vertical engine, the
enginfe room housed the bulk of the running machinery
which required attention : the condenser wa.s, or. at any
rate, wa« considered, a minor item, and was buried away in
th; basement.

To a large extent, this arrangement is still followed ; the
turbine, despite the comparatively little attention given to
it when running, and its tendency to reasonable dimensions
in spite of increased output, holds the floor of the house in
•almost .solitary state, while the condensing plant, most
essential to the well-being of the turbine and requiring more
attention, is still either -buried or placed in a position of
doubtful visibility.

In a very few years we shall have turbines for driving
the auxiliary plant of large units, equal in power to some
of the main units in smaller stations, and the question will
naturally arise as to whether they should not be given as
much prominence as their big relations above the sacred
datum line of the engine-room floor.

The condensing plant even now exercises a controlling
influence on the area of the engine room, and the disparity
between its space requirements and those of the actual
turbine set will probably become even greater, unless some
unlooked-for and revolutionary development in condenser
design takes place.

So far as one can judge, the surplus engine-room floor
space is mainly used for dismantling machinery, but is not
essential to this purpose, and it would ajipear that the time
has come to make our present basement floor the starting
point for engine-room structures, thus bringing into full
view the whole of the running plant, which will, no doubt,
be supplemented by boiler-feed and other pumps in future
stations.

The necessary attention to a turbine when running can
be given from a comparatively narrow platform, and it
seems (|uestionable whether the huge mono-block foundation
usually adopted is really necessary.

It should, for instance, be possible to develop a self-
contained turbo-condenser of tlie horizontal pattern on the
lines of the 10,000-h.p. LjungstrGm turbo-alternator and
condenser illustrated in our issue of May 12th last, which
would economise in floor space.

If the basement floor were to become the engine room
floor, we should not find recently-installed large turbine sets
situated, and practically isolated, on an elevated concrete
mound in our engine rooms, as the datum line would be
fixed, and the expensive structural" alterations now pre-
^•alent would be avoided. The large open well frequently
provided to contain condenser auxiliary plant is evidence
that we realise the necessity of keeping ruiming plant in
sight, but it is only a half measure, and an extension of the
idea to open up from 50 to 75 per cent, of the basement to
daylight would seem to be a logical development, from an
engineering, if not from an Esthetic, point of view.

OUR OVERSEAS ELECTRICAL TRADE.

Some years before the outbreak of war, we devoted much
attention and a great deal of space to the need that existed
fer our electrical and engineering firms to cover the various
important Colonial and foreign markets with very thorough
business organisations. Our efforts to this end will be well
within the memory of those who at that time were leaders
■on the commercial side of electrical affairs. We did our
utmost to keep the trade fully acquainted with the needs of

those markets, the methods of foreign competitors in those
countries, and published advice first hand from experts
who, together with tis, were eager that British electrical
exportation should grow to very large proportions. We
had very good reason for knowing that our efforts were
■appreciated in the ranks of the industry, and we had con-
siderable gratification in noting the success that attended
the schemes of those firms who had both the courage
and the wherewithal to act witlj a suitable spirit
of enterprise. We say now, without any attemjit at
hiding our light under a bushel when we are in the midst
of all sorts of after-tlie-war trade discussions, that a
number of firms owed the establishing of satisfactory export
trade connections to the Electrical Review". Some
of them have been generous enough to acknowledge the
fact in writing to us, and many others, as our pages show,
have done so in practical ways which mean so much in
enabling a trade journal do assist the industry in whose
interests it exists. After all, actions speak louder than
words in this department of life as in so many others.
Sometimes those who " came to scoff' remained to pray," as
experience showed them that we were in close touch with
the electrical world everyndi'ere, and were able to feel the
pulse of the buying fraternity abroad. We were the better
able to do this because we were read all over the world by
men who wanted to keep in touch with the progress of the
whole profession and industry, and not merely of a part.
And we have plenty of reason for knowing to-day that as an
'electrical trade journal we stand no lower in the esteem
of those who are potential buyers of electrical machinery :
indeed, but tVir our natural modesty, we could a tale unfold
of war-time appreciation of our average issues — without
any earthquake efforts.

To all who quietly went ahead with their efforts altroad,
notwithstanding all the difficulties which foreign competi-
tion produced, the fullest credit for their enlightened policy
and action should be given to-day when we are discussing
how in the years t-o come we are going to secure export
orders enough to enalile us to keep oiu' vasfly-extended
manufacturing capacity and Labour occupied after the war
is finished. The organisations established in Peace and
kept in existence during the war will have little difficulty
in securing business as soon as they are able to execute it
in the factories at home. It is for each firm to say how its
organisation will require adaptation or re-adaptation to
meet the altered conditions consequent upon the war, but
there will be no lack of knowledge and ability shown in
that connection. In the main, no doubt, the existing
machinery will " carry on " upon the broader basis which
trade growth after the war will demand, and, in addition,
we hope to witness the development of co-operati\e
schemes to \\\e same end, such as we have, in one or two
cases, particularised in our pages. In the past, of
course, the dominating feature in electrical overseas trade
has been the activity of lai'ge electrical manufacturing
companies canvassing energetically for business in even
the remotest corners of the earth. The pace is set, so
to speak, by the American and German electrioal combi-
nations, which have enjoyed protected home markets and
other advantages not yet granted to British firms, but
possibly to come before long — we hope so, at any rate.
Competition under such conditions has not been an easy
matter, but it has not been found impossible to " carry on "
in spite of them. One of the concerns here which early
recognised the need for conducting its operations on a
scale as nearly as practicable comparable with that of
the chief rivals abroad, was the Geiieral Electric Co..
Ltd., which set itself many years ago to build up over-
seas companies capable of supplying the electrical
demands of all the cliief mai'kets. These companies,
through their connection with the co-ordinated manufactur-
ing concerns of the G.E.C. in Great Britain, were able to
quote for complete electrical installations. They were, more-
over, provided with staffs capable of erecting the installa-
tions and putting them into operation. This organisation
reached such a Ifcage of development that the overseas com-
panies have not only laid down complete jxjwer plants, but
have actually placed stock orders for electric supply equip-
ments, including power houses, switchboards, transformei-s,
distribution cables, lamps, motors and all accessories. In a

580

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW. [Vol.79. Xo. 2,035, November 24, It-ie.

word, raamifactniiiiir and business-getting facilities have
been correlated in a st<'ady and vigorous growth.

While the world-wide selling organisation directly benefits
the general electrical engineering, the cable, telephone,
instrument, carbon, lamp and other factories of the parent
company, it also brings a gi'eat deal of grist to British
manufacturers allied with the electrical industry. Orders
for turbines and other steam-driven engines, for gas, oil and
other internal-conibustion engines, for ]iroducer-gas ingtalla-
tions. for Ixiilers, condensers, pumps, economises and
numerous other accessories are invohed in contracts for
complete electric jxiwer equipments. Thus the G.E.C.
organisiition acts as a feeder for the manufacturers of
non-electrical items, and has been the means of bringing
orders to British fii-nis from jiaits of the world where they
were not represented.

It may be of timely interest briefly to give some idea
of the G.E.C. overseas organisation and of the kind of
plant it supplies : —

South Africa is covered by the British General Electric Co.,
Ltd., whose headquarters are at Johannesburg, with branches
at Cape Town, Durban, Bulawayo, and other places.

.\ ],tX)0-KW. " Witton " generator located at the iwwer house
of the Durban Corporation, and driven through gearing by a
Parsons turbine, is a typical example of plantsent abroadby
the G.E.C. One of the special lines of activity of the South
African Co. consists of complete town hghting schemes —
Ermelo, Pietersbcrg. and Bethel provide a few examples out
of many. Undertaking to supply the whole of a power plant
and distribution system, the South .African Co. is able to deal
with schemes in a manner far more satisfactory than if plant
and apparatus were ordered piecemeal. Much other impor-
tant work in South Africa has been undertaken by this com-
pany, including, for instance, a pumping plant for the Rand
Water Board.

Austraha.— The British General Electric Co., Ltd., of Aus-
tralia, is actively engaged in the electrical trade of the
Commonwealth. Its headquarters are in Sydney; its branches
are at Brisbane, Melbourne, Wellington (N.Z.), and other-
places. As a typical instance of " Witton " plant supphed to
j^ustralia, it may be mentioned that two 27.5-k.v.a. alternators
have been supphed to Adelaide Cement Works. These sets
are driven by Premier gas engines, and are interesting as
the only gas-driven alternators to run in parallel in Austraha,
and their operation has been entirely satisfactory.

Important work has been undertaken for the municipalities
in Austraha. .\.s an example may be mentioned a motor
generator supphed to the Melbourne Corporation. For this
set a repeat order was given after many years of working.
In addition, con.siderable work has been" done in the smaller
towns.

India is covered by the General Electric Co. (India), Ltd.,
with headquarters at Calcutta, and a branch at Madras. This
company has secured many important Government contracts,
of W'hich a characteristic example is the plant in the Calcutta
Mint, the power plant of which comprises three 270-kw.
;' Witton " c.c. generators driven by Belliss engines; there is,
in addition, a complete in.aallation of "Witton" motors.

China.— One of the most important of the G.E.C. overseas
companies is the General Electric Co. of China. Ltd., which
is_ engaged in the heavy competition for the Chinese elec-
trical trade. Headquarters are at Shanghai, with branches
at Hong-Kong and Hankow.

A considerable number of completed electrical equipments
for Chinese tow-ns— for instance, Fat.shan, Soochow, Ningpo,
and Yangehow— have been undertaken bv this company.
In South .America, the Argentine is covered by the Anglo-
Argentine General Electric Co., Ltd., of Buenos Aires and
Chile, and other territories by Messrs. Huth & Co., of Val-
parai-so and other towns. .Amongst the important plants
installed by the G.E.C. may be mentioned the complete equip-
ment of the power house of the large Chilean Naval Dock-
yard at Talcahuano. and the installation at the Concepcion
Flour Mills, whilst in Brazil, G.E.C. machines are working
in the Manaos power house.

A " Witton " plant in,stalled nearer home consists of a com-
plete rotary converter installation supphed for driving the
Barcelona tramways.

France is covered by the General Electric de France, and
Beleiura by the G.E.C. of Belgium.

The foregoing remarks will give some idea of the overseas
activities of the G.E.C. When, after the war. the home
works are able to devote themselves to the huge volume of
export trade, it is certain that the G.E.C. overseas seUing
organisation will be in an excellent position to handle a very
large volume of the trade.

TRADE WITH RUSSIA.

Patent Restoration. — Messrs. Huntalite, Ltd., have

applied for restoration of Patent Ko. 2.3,979 of 1911, granted to
Christopher Harvey for " Improved incandescent electric lamp
and holder therefor."

Mr. W. H. Beable dehvered an address before the Sales
Managers' Association, on Thursday last week, on his recent
visit to Russia, during which ho made business investigations
on behalf of the Anglo-Russian Trade Commission. He
described the desire of the people of both Britain and Russia
to know and understand one another better as amounting
almost to a craze on both sides. Ho devoted his address
mainly to the subject of commercial relations, and after refer-
ring to the greatness of Russia, her vast territories and popu-
lation, and the magnificent spirit that she is filling in the
Allied tight against Prussian tyranny, he referred to the ques-
tion of the language. He has made a 15,0(X)-uiile hurried trip
through Russia, and as a result he says that some knowledge
of the Russian language is absolutely essential, in order to
travel with any degree of economy or comfort. "It is a
fallacy to .suppose that either French or German is going
to be of much use to the business man in Russia. At the
present moment the speaking of German is prohibited under
the penalties of £3QQ fine or three months' imprisonment ;
and even in normal times, though it may be of some use in
business conversation in Petrograd and the Baltic Provinces,
it is of very little service outside of these districts, and no
u.se at all in deahng with tbe ordinary hapixjnings of life —
the engaging of cabs, buying tickets at the railway .stations,
inquiring one's way. and dealing with domestic .servants.
French, it is true, is understood by most really educated
people in Russia, but this confines it largely to Society, and
not to the business class. It is, however, remarkable with
how httle Russian one can get along very comfortably, and
the very great and sympathetic pains the Russian takes to
understand the foreigner trying to speak in the Russian lan-
guage." Petrograd, the capital of the Empire, has in its
environs some large factories of cotton, rubber, wire, iron,
and other manufactures, but the trade of the town is almost
exclusively confined to its own population. Its trade oppor-
tunities lie largely in the fact that it is from Petrograd that
all the Government contracts are given out, and, of course,
the wants of its population of two millions are by no means
inconsiderable. Taking the whole of the country north of a
straight line drawn from Petrograd to Ekaterinburg in the
Ural mountains, there are very few towns of any importance,
and the entire district is very sparsely populated, and covered
with huge forests which supply the fuel for the northern half
of Russia. The district has only three towns worth mention-
ing : Vologda (lace), Viatka (woodwork), and Archangel, the
only open port to Russia in Europe. Ekaterinburg is a town
of about 100,000 inhabitants, and the centre of one of the
richest mining districts in the world. 95 per cent, of the
world's supply of platinum comes from this district ; it has
gold mines and copper and iron in abundance. The district
offers a magnificent opportunity for the supply of all kinds
of machinery, pumps, and mining requisites. It is also a
splendid centre for almost every kind of article for general
use. Siberia, on account of its distance from Mo.scow and
Petrograd, or any other great centre of European Russia,
needs special consideration and treatment in dealing with
business matters. There is a strong prejudice against buying
through agents at so great a distance, and moreover, agents
at Moscow or Petrograd very seldom do anything like jus-
tice in promoting trade in Siberia-. The author mentioned
Novo Nicolaevsk, at present a little known town, which would
have a great future during the next '20 years, and upon which,
on account of its possibihties, a watchful eye should be kept.
Western Siberia promised a rich harvest in the future for
those who got in now. Moscow is perhaps the most repre-
sentative city of Russia. With the influx from Poland since
the war, its population is now approximately two millions.
It is the centre of a huge manufacturing district of about 200
miles radius, within which are found some 400 factories,
chiefly, but not altogether, devoted to textile industries.
Some of these, like the Mozoroff Cotton Mill, employ as many
as 50,000 hands, and Moscow is the chief trading centre for
this immense district. It is naturally the seat of the move-
ment for the development of Ru.s.sian industries, and of the
agitation for high protective duties. Most of the large dis-
tributing agencies have their centre at Moscow, and several
large British firms, especially those engaged in textile and
agricultural machinery, have well-established businesses here.
It is without question the most important di.strict to be
covered by nearly every British manufacturer who wishes to
get a foothold in the Russian market.

A 12 hours' railway journey ea.st of Moscow brings us to
Mjni Novgorod, the town of the gieat annual Fair. To the
British manufacturer the Fair offers perhaps little of interest,
although an exhibition of Briti.sh-made goods in the retail
section in normal times, when hundreds of thou.sands of Rus-
sians from all parts of the Empire visit there, might prove
an excellent adverti.sement, and even be made to pay its cost
through the sale of goods.

From Astrakan one proceeds by the Caspian Sea about 400
miles to Baku, whii h is very much more than merely the
centre of the Rus.sian petroleum industry and the oilfields.
It is a town of about 300,000 population, and is the highway
to Persia and the East. I^arge quantities of goods are ex-
jrorted, including the cheap cotton goods manufactured in
Russia, aa well as supplies for all parts of the world. Tbe
whole of the Southern Caucasus is perhaps less Russian than

Tol. 79. No. 2,035. November L'4, litui] THE ELECTRICAL KEViEW.

567

any part ol' Russia, and as a rule requires altogether different
ireatment.

Between Rostov and Odessa, and lying a little to the
north, is the great iron and coal district of Southern Russia
with Ekalerinoslav as its centre. Here are found blast fur-
naces and ironworks, employing tens of thousands of men
and forming whole colonies of themselves. It is one of the
richest districts, and full of the greatest potentialities for
British trade.

The Black Sea ports more particularly consist of Odessa,
Nikolaev, and Kherson. Odessa is, of course, the largest and
most important. It is perhaps the most enterprising city in
Russia, and, at the same time, one with the greatest risks
in trade. One-third of its population is Jewish. Shipping
and grain are, of course, it principal industries, and it is the
port of entry for much of the goods that come into Russia
by way of the Black Sea. Nicolaev and Kherson are by no
means inconsiderable rivals, and promise to eclipse the larger
town when the new railway from the . west, through the
Crimea and across the Caucasus, is built, and Odessa will
then be left off the main line. If, however, as is expected,
Russia becomes master of .Constantinople, and controls the
Dardanelles, then there will probably be a tremendous deve-
lopment in all three ports.

Kharkov is a large city about half way between the Black
Sea and Moscow, the centre also of a rich agricultural dis-
trict, and a town from which many agencies could be con-
ducted with profit. Kieff is credited with being the hand-
somest and oldest town in Russia, and is the centre of the
great sugar refining industry, affording ample opportunity
lor business in the machinery and equipment necessary for
such, while its population being generally quit« wealthy, can
purcha.se the hfghest class of British products.

Of the huge factories of Poland and the Baltic Provinces,
Mr. Beable knows very little, as they are in the war region
and did not come under his observation. Most of them not
under German control have already removed further west,
where iron and coal are more abundant, and the tendency
in Russian manufacture is to get nearer the source of supplies
of raw material, rather than nearer the seat of distribution.
The German-owned factories will probably be entirely sus-
pended for a long time to come.

The importations into Russia have been in round figures
100 millions a year, of w-hich, roughly, 60 per cent, is contri-
buted by GeiToany and 10 per cent, by England. TEe demand
after the war will be tremendously increased. The most
pronounced movement in Russia to-day is, and after the war
will be, the development of Russia's own manufactuiing in-
dustries. With practically all its ports closed, Russia is
realising to-day more than ever how much she has been
dependent upon foreign sources of supply, and how thoroughly
she has been exploited by Germany. She will never again
allow herself to be found in the position she is in to-day, cut
off from practically all suppUes, except that of food. The
feeling against Germany is very bitter, but even the friend-
ship for England and France will not be pemiitted to allovp
these countries to exploit her as has been done by the enemy.
The first -and greatest demand after the war will therefore
be the supply of plant, equipment, machinery, belting, and
everything that goes to the creation and maintenance of
manufacturing industries. On thes^ lines there w-ill be an
enormoas demand, and while, at the moment, manufacturers
cannot do very much, they can at least begin to make in-
quiries as to the specific lines that will be wanted, and pre-
pare catalogues and information for after the war. It will
be some years before the new manufacturing industries will
be able to make any appreciable influence, and in the mean-
time the almost entire depletion of stocks of general mer-
chandise and the great inarease in population will offer
opportunities unparalleled for British manufacturers to take
advantage of now. It should be remembered, how-ever. that
there are certain lines of goods which Russia is thoroughly
competent to make herself, and of which she is producing,
snd will produce ample to satisfy all of her own require-
ments. There is a disposition to think that Ru.ssia only buys
cheap and inferior goods. This is by no means the case.
While it is true that the vast nmnber of its teeming millions
belong to the poorer classes, even a .small percentage of the
number represents a rich buying public of some millions. Mr.
Beable did not pretend that it was possible that we should
capture the whole of the German trade. A gi'eat deal,
especially of cheaper varieties, will go to Japan ; America is
taking advantage of her position now to supply large quan-
tities of goods, and is endeavouring to solidify the connec-
tions already estabUshed. He did not think, however, that
America would make a verj- great impression upon Russia
after the war, as the temperament of the American people
.fnd American methods were not at all appreciated in Russia,
any more than the Russian temperament and methods were
adapted to American ideas. " Sympathy is the key-note of
the Russian character, and it applies to business, as every-
thing else in Russia, and the bond of sympathy with England,
created by a common sacrifice, gives this country a great
opportunity."

But what we do must be done in the two years immediately
after the war, and preliminan' preparations, at least, mui5t
be made now. "I insist most strongly that in time of war
we should prepare for peace, and that those manufacturers
who will want plenty of trade after the war to keep their
.factories going should now make some preliminary investiga-

tions, and get into touch with some good people, if they
would reap the advantages that will present themselves imme-
diately after the cessation of hostilities.
{To be concluded.)

EDINBURGH TRAMWAYS REPORT.

Re.^ders of our " Tramway Notes " will be aware that a very
lengthy joint report on the whole question of the Edinburgh
tramway system has recently been presented to the City
Council, on its instruction, by Mr. J. A. Brodie, city engi-
neer, Liverpool; Mr. J. B. Hamilton, general manager of
tramways, Leeds; and Mr. .\. Horsburgh Campbell, burgh
engineer, Edinburgh, to which latter gentleman we are in-
debted for a copy of the report.

Half-a-dozen questions were remitted to the reporters, and
the reply to Question 1, " What methods of traction might be
adopted for tue tramways system of Edinburgh, keeping in
view probable future extensions, with full information as to
the probable cost of installation and working? " forms the
gist of the report. The subject is rendered complex due to
the fact that any works required to bring into operation a
form of traction — other than cable — must be done without
interference with the Corporation's lessees, or with their
daily car service.

Apart from the cable system now in operation, it would
be possible to use electric traction on the (1) overhead, (2)
conduit, or (3) surface contact system; self-propelled cars
driven by (1) petrol or petrol-electric power, or (2) by electric
batt-ery, or motor 'buses.

DeaUng with the first system, the report cites the satisfac-
tory financial results obtained in the case of 17 large under-
takings comparable with Edinburgh, pointing out that of
2,704 route miles of tramways in the Linited Kingdom, 2,475
are oiierated on the ovei'head system. Its supposed dis-
advantages from an aesthetic standpoint are discussed at con-
siderable length, to show- that in practice they are usually
more imaginary than real, while reference is made to the
fact that if the desire of the Corporation in 190.5 had pre-
vailed, the CoUnton, Broughton, and Claremont Street routes
would probably now have been equipped with the overhead
system, and ■ that some of the outlying routes are now
operated on that system.

The steepest gradients in the city streets vary from 1 in 12
to 1 in 17, and are, therefore, less than the gradients already
negotiated bv trollev cars in Leeds (1 in 8.4), Huddersfield
(1 in 9.3), Sheffield (1 in 9.5). &c.

The estimated cost of installing the overhead system, for
permanent way and electrical equipment, is taken at iB16,000
per mile of double track, and this represents some £400,000
for the Edinburgh street system.

The numerous disadvantages of the conduit system (its
only advantage being the absence of overhead wires) are too
well known to need recapitulation from the report. The only
conduit system in the country is that of the L.C.C. (extend-
ing over about 120 miles), and its heavy cost has led to
extensions on the overhead system wherever possible.
■ The report estimates the cost per route mile for street work
only of such a system at i'34,000, or a total of £850,000 for
street work in Edinburgh for the existing cable routes. The
existing cable conduit is only half the sectional area of the
London electric conduit, and the former would probably
have to be broken up and completely reconstructed with a
new foundation for the tramway; on the other hand, it is
suggested that the existing foundation might be largely
utilised for an overhead system.

If the existing cable conduit could be used, the problem
would be simplified, but even this would not enable the Cor-
poration to start the operation of an electric service in July,
1919, along the existing cable routes, for its adaptation to
electric conduit could not be commenced until after that date,
and a complete temporary overhead equipment throughout
the city would be an essential preliminary if the car service
is to continue.

The report deals briefly with the surface-contact system,
the only existing examples of which are at Wolverhampton
and Lincoln ; it is considered unsuited to a complete city ser-
vice. The self-propelled car is discussed at considerable
length ; its disadvantages are stated to be (1) its slow accelera-
tion and low speed on ascending gradients, (2) noise and vibra-
tion, (3) the relative inefficiency of high-power engines
(required for Edinburgh) when running on the level, and its
consequent high cost of operation as compared with the elec-
tric tramway car, making it uneconomical when applied to
the complete service of a great and hilly city. No reliable
working costs of self-propelled cars of the petrol type suited
to Edinburgh's conditions are available, but it is surmised
that the total operating cost would be about 2d. per car mile
above that of electric overhead traction.

A self-propelled car would cost about £1,250, as against
£950 for an ordinary tramway car, and the reporters conclude
that the extra cost of a fleet of such cars over trollev tram-
way cars would-be £96,250, while as a set-off, £55,000 would
be saved on overhead equipment. Such a car, it is suggested,
. might be of use for sectional service, or for through working

58s

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEWo ivoi.

Xo. 2,035. XOVEMBEH 21. lyiC.

on u route already equipped with the cable. The reporters
dismiss the electric battery car in a few lines, although they
suggest the ad\-isability of making a trial of such a car.

l)n the subject of the motor 'bus. the report becomes very
interesting; its use in connection with various tramway sys-
tems and in iLondon is referred to, as well as its advantages
and dis;uiv:>ntages. The latter appear to be the determining
factor, and the report mentions that it is customary to com-
pare the cost of operating motor 'buses with that of tramway
cars at per car mile; when, however, the relative size and
carrving capacity of the vehicles is considered and compared,
it will be seen that this is not equitable. The earning capa-
city of a 'bus does not exceed 50 per cent, of that of a tram-
way car. and it is therefore unfitt*^! to cope with large rushes
of tratKc. After allcnving for a higher effective speed of the
motor 'bus, to provide the same carrying capacity at the time
of maxinniin demand as 335 tramway cars, would require
an increase of about 80 per cent, in the number of motor
'buses.

The working co.sts are taken as SJd. per 'bus mile, and the,
estimalles show a net direct deficit in operation for the first
years of operation of £l6So-2 per annum. Supplementing
this loss by indirect charges due to loss of rates, increased
highwavs "maint<Miance. extra wear and tear of roads — for
which nothing is charged to 'bus operating costs— the total
loss direct and indirect to the city is figured at £39, 4-25 per
annum. No charge is allowed for the general conversion of
the granite-paved roads of the city into a smooth highway
surface such as would eventually be called for.

The report points out that no city in the world deiiends
solely on 'bus tran.sit, and that no comparison can be made
between Txjndon and Edinburgh conditions. It is admitted,
however, that the 'bu.'s may become a valuable auxiliary to
the tramway in thinly populated districts.

The present tramway limits with one exception are fixed
bv the several cable temiini, nearly always on the city boun-
dary. The route length of the present tramway system is
about 25 miles, and it all lies within the city. For various
stated reasons the report-ers consider extensions desirable,
and suggest that about 9 route miles, half within and half
without, should be regarded as immediate, that is, to come
into operation on the expiry of the lease, while a further 6i
miles are mentioned as prospective extensions.

■The advantages of linking-up with adjoining tramways and
the necessity of avoiding duplicating services of 'buses and
cars are referred to.

An appendix to the report contains half-a-dozen estimates
relating to various possible schemes ; it is pointed out that
in comparing " balances available," the high balance from
the. cable system leaves the tramway problem unsolved, subse-
quent reconstruction having still to be undertaken.

A summary of the estimates is as follows : —

Interest
Form of traction and Revenue Operating Capital | and

short descriptit - -
areas of operation.

1. Cable (confined to

present lines) ... 322,908

2. Cable (confined to

present lines) but 1
two extensions!
operated by .lelf-,
jimpelled cars '...\ 3.34,908
'S. Electric overheadi

as in No. 2 ... 340,908
3a. As No. 3 but
with conduit in
Princes Street ... 340,908
4. Electric overhead
throughout (with
8J miles exten-
sions) 356,908

4-<. As No. 4 but
with conduit in
Princes Street... 356,908
•'). Electric conduit
restricted to
existing cablei
routes (with
Queen Street

added) I 328,908

G. Motor-'busesl
(over extendedi
routes as No. 4)1 350,000

costs per expen- demption

diture.

New debt.

228,034 1 256,312

238,130
207,112

211,112

217,007
221,007

342,550
836,7.50

924,250

936,500
995,000

£
26,655

35,088
66,747

72,747
73,665

Annual
balance

available.

+ Surplus.
Minus.

211.639 1,.335.7.50
283,334 j 602,000

82,318

4-68.219

-f 6 1.690
-H 67,0 19

-f57,000

-1-66,236
-1-58,000

-|-17,%i
-1.5,652

The answers to the other questions submitted can be in-
ferred from the foregoing : the reporters find that the over-
head trolley system is the only practicable and reliable .sys-
tem that can be brought into operation immediately on the
expiry of the lease, and advise the use of top-deck double
bogie cars with a seating capacity of 62 to 70 passengers;
that if the cable remains any extensions to come into opera-
tion at the expiry of the lease are restricted in their form of
operation, and that it would be inadvisable to retain the
cable on any part or routes of the system ; that it would be

jiossible eventually to oi>erate the system in the centre of the
city without overhead wires, at extra cost — estimated at
.i'6o,000 for conduit construction alone for 6J miles of track
and an annual charge of £8.tX»-.£10,000 if Princes Street alone
were retained as conduit. The reix)rt further suggests that
as the Princes Street line is common to the whole of the
cit\ routes, if it were constructed as conduit, an alternative
route ('i(i Que<ni Street should be constructed to provide
against the contingency of the conduit being affected electric-
ally, by the influence of storm, &c.. to secure uninterrupted
service in emergency and during the constructional period.
The existing cable sy.stem, the report states, will have valu-
.tble assets in the rails, foundations, paving setts, the four
power stations, the land they occupy, and the power plant,
and the value of the .A.rdmillan to Slateford electrjc lino will
be left intact: these arc valued at aliout .£200,000, to be
deducted from the .£l0O,00f;i unredeemed at the close of the

NEW PATENTS APPLIED FOR, 1916.

(NOT YET PUBLISHED).

i.pilud fxprrssly lor this jojrnal by Messrs. W. P. Thompson & Co.,

Iilectric.nl Tiitont Agents, 285, High Holborn, London, W.C, and at
Liverpool and Br.-idford.

vay tracks," O.
\V.\Tsos & M-L.
:o, (General Elec-
I. Bateman.

l."',824, " Filling nnd ventilating device for electric accur
inders them unspillablc," W. E. Fretwell. November 6th

1.1.83.5. " Longitudln.nl sleepers lor railway and tramw.iy
I'Aitni, November 6th, (lt,dy, November 11th, m.'i,)

1.5,837. " Interrupters (or igrition magnetos." 1
U.\GSETO .Syndicate, November 6th.

15,858, " F.lectric lamps." British Thomsos-Hoc
Tic Co,, L:,S,A,), November 6th.

15.859: " Combined walking-stick, &c,, and electric torch,"
\ovember 6th,

l.'..87L " Electrodes ol electric furnaces." J, O, Bovixc, November 6th,

15,001, " .Magneto-electric machines," G, F, Cooke. November 7th.

15,906, " Electric switches," F, C, Stockel & Fvfe, Wilson & Co, Nor-
L-mber "th,

1.5,926, " Coin-freed or prepaid gas meters, electric meters, &c," \V. ,A
Pu-v.ER, November 7th.

15,932, " Electrical heating elements," J, F. Barr, November Tth.

15,9,34, " Ignition plugs for internal-combustion engines, &c," A, E. Beri'
MAN & Daimler Co, November 7th,

15.966, " Electric flashlamps. &c." E, Nuttall, November 7th.

15.975. "Method of supporting electric hot-plates for cooking apparatus."
v. P. Kletciibr, November 8th,

16.008, " Making magnetic material," British Thomson-Houston C."».
(General Electric Co,, U,S,A,), November 8th,

16,032. " Means for starting engines of petrol-electric vehicles, &c," J.
S.iNKEV & Sons and W, ,.\, Stevens. November 8th.

16,041. " Electric signalling." H. Green. November 9th.

16,065. " Means for supporting electric lamps." Benjamin Electric, Ltd ,
AN.T E. Fowler. November 9th

16,067, " Incandescent electric lamps." H, B, Clapp & W, S, Simpson.
November 9lh,

16,077, " Electric portable high-speed grinding attach
jh.-iping, &:c,, machines," Canadian-.^merican M
Foundry Co.). November 9th.

16,090. " Electrically-op.raled striking device for clocks." M, E. PccH
November 9th,

16,106, " Dash-pot retarding and lime-limit devices for electric apparatus,
&c." Electric Control, Ltd,, & O, Ellefsen, November 10th.

16.144. " Magneto-electric machines," G, F. Cooke. November 10th.

16.145. "Electric contact breakers or interrupters." G. F. Cooke. No»
ember lOlh. '

16,155, " Ignition magnetos for internal-combustion engines," A, H. Boul
TON & J. H, BouLTON, NovembcT 10th.

16,157. " Mechanical .arrangement capable of being applied to any elej
trical meter making it differential," British VVestinchouse Electric ant
RING Co, November 10th, (Italy, December 18th, 1915.)
' Securing internal-combustion engine sparking plugs," Sir V
& T, C, VV, PCLLINCER. November 10th,

' Manufacture of caps or bases for incandescent lamps and appa
for." J, .\. ScouLAR. November 10th,
' Apparatus for the manufacture of caps or bases for
lamps," J. A. ScouLAR. November 10th.
16,175. " Sparking plugs." ]. R. Haves. November 11th,

16.201. " Armatures of magneto-electric machines." (.. F. C
nbcr Uth.

16.202. " Electric contact breakers or interrupters." G. F.
nber 11th.
16.206, " Electrical heating cppliances." C, F, Llmb. Novi

for lathes antf
INERY Co, (Toronto Typr

Manltaci
16,159,

Beardmoi
16,170,

ratus the
16,171,

andesc.:nt

.ORE. Sov-
ber lllh.

PUBLISHED SPECIFICATIONS.

18XS.

12.001, Apparatus for Chancing a Series of Signs of any Length inio
A>OTHER Series of Signs, the Individual Signs op which are arbitrarily
disposed as compared to their positions within a Standard Series. A. 0-
Damm, August 19th.

13,586, Electric Transformers. C. H, Thordarson, September 24lh.

15,008, Systems of Electric Ship Propulsion. British Thomson-Houston
Co, (General Electric Co., U,S,A.). October 23rd,

15,124, Resistance Thermometers, Cutler-Hammer Manufacturing Co.
October 26th, (Convention date, November 30th, 1914, U,S,A.)

15 186 Alternating-current Electric Motors. British Thomson-Houston
Co. IGeneral Electric Co., .U.S. A,), October 27th,

15 267, Automatic and Semi-autom.atic Telephone Systems, Relay Auto-
matic Telephone Co, & W, Aitken, October 29th,

16,0,50, Mine-shaft Sign.allin; and an.u-Ogous purposes, F, Hird, Nov-
ember 13tb, c r f,^„

16,640, DvNAMO-ELECTRic MACHINERY, Electromotors, Ltd., S t, lirecn-
halgh. November 25th.

17,160. .Accessories for use with Telephones. J. G, Statter & E. C, St.
John. December "th,

17,8*4. System of Electric Welding, D. H, Wilson, December 21st.

rrxxEs

EXjEOTIS/IO^Ij K/E'VIE'W-

YoL. LXXIX.

DECEMBER 1, 1916.

No. 2,036.

ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

BREAKDOWNS OF GERMAN PLANT.

Vol. LXXIX.]

COKTBNTS: December 1,1916.

Breakdowns of Ciermau Plant ... ... ... ... ... 58',t

Banks and a New Efficiency ... ... ... ... ... 690

The Clyde Valley Co.'s New Cambuslang Power Station {Ulii.t.) 591

The Royal Dockyard Schools, by P. H. S. Kempton 592

Breakdowns of (Jerniau Plant 593

Trade with Russia («)«c/«rfp(/) 594

New Electrical Devices, Fittings and Plant Qlliis.} 595

Correspondence —

Wayleavea 597

" Final -Grade " Classes in Electrical Installation Work ... 597

'Summation Watt" Capacity of Field Rheostats ... 597

Legal 597

War Items 598

Business Notes 000

Notes 603

City Notes 607

Stocks and Shares 61ii

Pnmpingr Plant at Port Arthur, Canada (i7/«».) ... ... 611

The Parallel Operation of Electric Power Stations, by J. S.

■Peck ((7/«.v.) ■ ... 611

Foreign and Colonial Tariffs on Electrical Goods ... ... 616

New Patents Applied for, 1916 ... ... ... ... ... 616

Abstracts of Published Specifications 616

Contractors' Column Advertisement page xx

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THE UNIVERSAL ELECTRICAL DIRECTORY

(J. A., ^^rly's).

1916 EDITION.

H. ALABASTER, O^TEHOUSE & CO.
4, LudgatelHillJLondon, £.0.

That in the future German competition with British
electrical manufacturers, not only in this country,
but throughout the British Empire, shall be reduced
to the vanishing point, is a sentiment which is
cherished by every patriotic Briton; it is impossible
that anyone of us who has lived through the past
two years should regard the German nation other-
wise than as a race of murderers and. heartless
savayes, with whom friendly intercourse is incon-
ceivaLIe. But not only on the grounds of humanity
and patriotism is German plant taboo— there are
also important technical and commercial objections
to it, of which the evidence has lately been rapidly
accumulating. We have thought it desirable to
bring together a number of instances in which
disaster has resulted from its installation, as a warn-
ing to possible purchasers — for even if our Govern-
n^.ent summons courage to put in force the Paris
Convention and exclude all enemy goods from our
markets, there will still remain a considerable num-
be- of buyers in neutral countries whose orders will
be eagerly sought by the Germans.

We have already reported the series of misfor-
tunes suffered by Mr. T. H. U. Aldridge, electrical
engineer to the Shanghai Municipal Council, as the
penalty for installing Genrian turbo-alternators on
the score of quicker delivery. As Mr. Aldridge has
frankly made public more complete particulars
of the matter than are usually available in such
cases, we have given, first, a resume of his experi-
ence, from which it will be seen that three out of
four German turbo-alternators, in the short space of
three years, have come to grief.

As we briefly mentioned in our last issue, the
local agents of the A. E.G. wrote to the Council
with regard to Mr. Aldridge's report on the failure
of the 5,ooo-KW. turbo-alternator, endeavouring to
discredit his conclusions, and alleging that the tur-
bine must have been run at an excessive speed, that
the faults might have been due to defective switch-
gear, that the supervision was inadequate, that the
set had been allowed to get out of balance and
adjustment, and that the plant was not kept clean.
^Ir. Aldridge, however, in a detailed reply, pointed
out that the agents had had nothing whatever to
do with the contract, and remarked that the stator
coils were loose in the slots, the switchgear was in
good order, and the machine was running on the
test tank with the automatic switches disconnected
when it broke down. He stated also that extra-
ordinarily rapid deterioration had taken place in the
turbine, and that if the speed had been excessive it
would have indicated that the emergency governor
was ineffective; there was, however, no evidence
that it had ever raced. In his opinion, the condi-
tion of the blades was such that their useful life
could not be more than two or three years at the
most, and already, owing to their condition, the
steam consumption of the machine had increased
above the guarantee. The A. E.G. machines were
under the supervision of the same staff as the six
British turbo-alternators, which had done excellent

[5891

590

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW. [Voi. 7!.. nv i.dnc;, dkckmhek i, 191.;.

ser\-ice for five to nine years, and showed not the
least sign of erosion or deterioration of the blading.
It will be noticed that the majority of the failures
and defects described in our later pages took place
in connection with A. E.G. machines, though other
makes are also represented; moreover, in most
cases the faults were due to errors in design, not
so much from a theoretical as from a practical stand-
point. That is to say, whilst the Ciemian designers
apparently knew what should be aimed at. they did
not know how to attain the desired ends without
introducing intricacies and complexities of construc-
tion which, from the user's point of view, as pointed
out by Mr. Bernard Price, far more than outweighed
the siight gain in efficiency or output that resulted.
Now, it is precisely in the possession and use of
"the engineering eye" that the British designer
excels; he knows how far to go in the direction of
refinement, and where to draw the line and effect
a judicious compromise between the theoretically
best and the practically expedient, with a bias, per-
haps, towards durability and simplicity. This trait
is by no means confined to el-ectrical engineering;
it is freely manifested also in connection with civil
and mechanical engineering, and is one of the chief
factors which have" built up the reputation of British
work as unexcelled in point of longevity, solidity.
and reliability. But — and this is most irnportant—
in order to secure these desirable qualities some
sacrifice of efficiency or rating, or both, and some
increase in weight and cost, is unavoidable, and
hence the German machine is enabled, on the face
of things, to appear the cheaper, whereas, in point
of fact, the British machine is a far better bargain,
with a greater margin of temperature rise, reli-
ability, and accessibility for inspection and repair.
That there are exceptions we do not deny: not
every British designer is a heaven-born genius, and
not every workman is competent and conscientious.
But we 'do claim that, taken by and large, British
plant is the better, and the portentous list of failures
of German plant that we have brought together
supports this contention. We have by no iiieans
exhausted the possibilities of the subject; engineers
who have been bitten are not proud of their scars,
and are apt to conceal them jealously. Mr. Aldridge
has set a patriotic example, which others might well
imitate, and we shall be glad to publish additional
illustrations of the clay feet of the German colossus
if they are forsvarded to us.

Owing to the heavy demands
Banks and made upon the newspaper Press

A New Efficiency. by war news, the address of
the president of the Institute
of Bankers, Mr. G. H. Pownall, has not received all
the attention that it merits. It is a review of
" current events of surpassing importance," and
deals in the main with the relation of banking
institutions to trade and industry. In reply to the
demand that there should be substituted for our well-
tried and successful system of banking, which has
acquitted itself so admirably under the unprece-
dented conditions of world-war, another contrived
to meet the dissimilar conditions of Germany, he
contrasts English and German business methods,
and shows that the British system has assumed its
present character and methods according to the
development that has been taking place in our local
and industrial life. The tendency is for all busi-
nesses to become larger, and larger commercial
enterprises demand larger banks. Organised com-
petition, says Mr. Pownall, stands in the way of
success of the small trader: the banker is not to
blame. We have to recognise that manufacturing
processes can only be carried out successfully on a
large scale. " The facts of life compel this, and
not the banker." He goes on to show, what our

readers are perfectly familiar with, that in Germany
large scale and controlled industry is the acceptea
basis of the business world. He tells us that the
larger unit in business has come to stay because
large-scale foreign competition can only be success-
fully met by bodies able to afford to resist the costly
burden of attempts to crush them out of existence. '
" We. like Germany and the United States, are
learning that production on a large scale is often the
only efficient form of production." The German
bank is in the habit of standing by the companies
whose shares it has issued, and owing to its close
connection with the industrial concerns its prosperity
is bound up with that of industries which must suffer
natural fluctuations of depression and inflation. It
is questioned whether English traders and manufac-
turers would be prepared to submit to supervision.
With control by the financial interest in Germany,
the private will of the controlled establishment is
gone. Mr. Pownall holds that it is in the interest of
the community to preserve tlie huge fund of
bankers' credit intact, liquid, but he goes on to
show the possibilities that await skilfully handled
development companies — not purely finance com-
panies— to investigate the claims of new enterprises,
and, without lessening the initiative of individuals,
to secure that contracts abroad financed by British
money are executed by British industry. " Adven-
tuious banking .... is not banking ....
it is utterly alien to the English system, or, indeed,
to any system which involves dealing in deposits
repayable at short notice." Quite legitimately, the
president turns his searchlight upon " our defective
trade methods," incidentally remarks that " now is
the time to ensure the introduction of the metric
system," alludes to our need for better technical
education, and so on.

The address proceeds to dwell upon the vital
importance to us of our export trade. " We must
export to live. The moral is not despair, but a new
national efficiency." We have to broaden our out-
look. Mr. Pownall says that after the war w« shall
have no German competition to deal with in ruined
Europe, but the neutral nations can, and will, com-
pete everywhere, " and if our prices are high, thcv
will do it effectively." Asking whether such a thing
as this "new efficiency" is possible, and how we
are to compete in the neutral markets of the worlJ
with neutrals who do not bear the burdens that we
do, Mr. Pownall says that in the competitive com-
merce of the world efficiency not only in material,
style, terms of payment, mode of touting for orders,
but also in price, counts. " We can look only to in-
creased efficiency in production .... to sucli
improvements as will cheapen cost." Can increased
production be secured without sacrificing the wel-
fare of the working classes? " The economic truth
that the interests of Capital and Labour are iden-
tical may be accepted as axiomatic." Mr. Pownall
states that in foreign trade, prices are international,
and in our competition with America, Japan, and
Scandinavia we shall be hampered by increased cost
of production while higher cost of production, but in
a greater degree, will be true of Germany, France.
Russia, and, possibly, Italy. " We must find a new
efficiency if we are to compete in the free markets
of the world." We gather that, in his opinion, per-
haps the greatest service that a Trade Bank, as sag-
gested by Lord Faringdon's Committee, can render
to the country is to introduce method in our dealing
with our foreign business affairs and to provide
exact and practical information as to what is going
on in the world outside our coasts. Mr. Pownall
naturally looks at the whole matter from the bank-
ing standpoint. There have been so many criticisms
ofthe banks from the traders' point of view that
contributions of the present kind form interesting
reading, and those who are studying national prob-
lems would do well to -ead the address in its com-
plete form.

Vol.79. No. 2.o:w. DECKMBER 1. liiKi.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

591

THE CLYDE VALLEY CO/S
NEW CAMBUSLANQ POWER STATION.

In a recent issue we referred to the opening of the first
section of the Clyde Yalley Electrical Power Co.'s new
power station near Camhuslan? ; the huildiug and equip-
ment of this plant, wliit-h has occupied a very sliort time.
in fact, less than nine months, will enable the company to
cater for the rapidly growing demands of the industrial
area which it supplies. It is situated on the south bank
of the Eiver Clyde, near the village of Carmyle, the
company having acquired by feu charter the old Clyde's
Mill, together with its ancient water rights. Water "from
the river is used for condensing and make-up pui-poses,
advantage being taken of the siphonic action due to the
5-ft. fall between the sealed circulating water outlet and
the river intake to reduce the power required for circulating-
water purposes to a minimum.

The first portion of the generating plant consists of one
turbo-alternator of 5,000 Kw. output at -80 power factor,
running at 1,.500 r.p.m. The turbine is of the Rateau
type, supplied Viy the British Westinghouse Co., who have
already installed five practically similar machines at the
company's power stations at Motherwell and Yoker.

struction, consisting of one panel with syncroscope, volt-
meters, power factor meter, ammeter, indicating or recording
wattmeters. The outgoing feeders consist of 'l.") sq. in.
three-core e.h.t. paper-insulated, lead-covered and armoured
cables. The generator and feeders are controlled by oil-
break switches, with Merz-Price and overload trips, these
switches, together with the bus-bars and isolating links,
being placed in brick cubicles in the basement and close to
the control switchboard.

The engine room bay is served by a 30-ton overhead
electric travelling crane, supplied by Messrs. John Grieve
and Co. The fuel for the plant comes forward on an
elevated railway, the loaded wagons being tipped by a
hych-aulic ram into the coal hopper, or by-passed through a
crusher. The coal is then delivered into a bucket-conveyor,
which supplies the bunkers above the boilers. The company
has under consideration a large coal storage scheme, with
relative coal-handling jilant.

The boiler, economiser and generator house buildings
are of steel framework filled in with brick, a feature being
the general effective natural lighting of the entire plant.

The power company's staff carried out the complete
railway work, river work, and general building construction.
The river work, which comprised the building of the
necessary coffer dams, rebuilding in concrete and extendina:

<..

/

The E.h.t. System of the Clyde Valley Electrical Power Co. (Overhead Tuansmissiox.-* shown Dotted.)

Steam is supplied at 200 lb. pressiu-e from two three-
drum land-type Babcock & Wilcox boilers, each having an
evaijoration of 33,000 lb. of water per hour. The boilers
are equipped with chain-grate stokers, integral superheaters
and Green economisers. A Lassen-Hjort water-softening
plant is also installed, together with two turbine-driven
centrifugal boiler feed pumps supplied by Messrs. Weir,
the exhaust being utilised for the heating of the boiler
feed water in the hot well. Each boiler is fitted with an
electrically-driven " Sirocco " induced-draught fan, and one
steel chimney, 80 ft. high, handles the waste gases from the
two boilers.

The turbine set exhausts into a Weir surface condenser,
operating in conjunction with dual air pumps of the same
make, the circulating water being furnished by a vertical
centrifugal pump made l)y Jlessrs. Drysdale, and situate in
a dry well near the river intake, where a mechanically-
operated water screening plant is provided.

The main generator is of the two-pole star-wound type
with rotating field, and generates tliree-phase currentat 1 1,000
volts anl 25 cycles : a 60-volt exciter is direct coupled to
the main generator shaft. The star point of the generator
windings is brought out and connected to Merz-Price
protective gear. i

An electrically-driven " Sirocco '" fan, situated imme-
diately underneath, supplies icool air to the generator,
drawing its supply from a '" Siiocco " air washer

The control switchboard is 4 present of the simplest con-

the main dam, a,s also the concrete work in connection with
the river intake, &c.. was carried out mider the most
adverse circumstances, the si>ring and summer of this year
having been characterised by heavy floods and exceptional
rainfall. A successful featm-e in the carrying out of the
constructional work was the employment of women labour,
some 20 per cent, of the labour employed on the railway
sidings, foundations, and general work being of this natm-e.
All the sand required in carrying out the building works
was obtained from the station excavations, as also the
puddle clay for the coffer dams ; further, any excavated
material from the foundations was fully utilised on site in
the construction of the works" railway tracks.

All the plant and labour-saving devices used during the
construction were electrically operated from the company's
distribution system ; and, to illustrate the low cost "of
operating such intermittent running plant electrically, it
may be mentioned that the entire power costs of the 10-ton
derrick crane used by the structural engineers in the
erection of the building frame work was under £2 for the
handling and placing in position of some 250 tons of steel
work.

The whole of the work involved in the erection of the
plant was carried out under the personal supervision of the
company's general manager, Mr. David A. Starr. a.ssisted
by the chief engineer, Mr. D. M. Macleod, and staff.

The new power station is located in the centre of the
company's e.h.t. distribution system, and approximately

692

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW, [v,

No. JM'Ml Dei-kmbku 1, 111 16.

lialfway between the present gciieratinjr stations. Already
the company has derived considerable benetit on its dis-
tribution oireuiU'* tbrouirh tlie st^irting-up of thi- new
station, and 5Ir. SUirr and his staff are to l>e contrratulat<?d
on the rapid putting into coniinission of this station, and
it« satisfattorv attendant results.

THE ROYAL DOCKYARD SCHOOLS.

[An Acxx)Unt of the Admiralty Method of Trainino
Dockyard Apprentices.]

Bv p. H. S. KEMPTON, A.R.C.S., B.Sc.

The traininsr of ai)prontic'es by the Admiralty, a report on
which has recciuly i)een issued by the Board of Education,'
has been carried on in H.M. D(Kkyard Schools since 1843.
Reorganisations have, of course, taken place from time to
time ; changes in detail have been suggested by experience
and a clearer realisation of the needs of the future, and
to-day the Dockyard Schools are recognised as among the
foremost technical institutions in the country. But the
system of entry of dockyard apprentices by open competi-
tion and their training in educational subjects in Dockyard
Schools dates back nearly three-quarters of a century.

In issuing the report under review, the Board of Educa-
tion •• realise that among the problems which are at the
present time engaging the attention of employers, rducation
authorities, and teachers, few can compare in importance
and extent with those relating to the proper training of
industrial workers and to the provision of suitable means
for the development and .advancement of workmen of
special ability. These objects have been attained with con-
spicuous success by the Admiralty scheme, which the
Board's InsiJectors have found to be too little known in the
country. The Board are, therefore, glad to be able, with
the consent of the Admiralty, to issue this descriptive
account of the system." The report deals successively,
and in considerable detail, with (1) the aim of the scheme,
(2) it« chief characteristics, (3) entrance examination, (4)
organisation and curriculum, (5) results attained. It has
been prepared for the Board of Education l)y H.M. I., Mr.
G. A. Baxandall.

There are at present seven Dockyai-d Schools established
in our naval ports : at Portsmouth, Devonport, Chatham,
Pembroke Dock, Sheerness, Haulbowline and Rosyth. All
these schools are under the Department of the Director of
Naval Education (Sir Alfred Ewing, K.C.B.), are staffed
by University graduates and technical experts, and are ade-
quately equipped for the instruction of apprentices in
advanced scientific and mathematical subjects. The schemes
of training in all the schools are identical, the examinations
are common to them all, and general lists are issued each
year upon which promotions, rewards, and appointments are

From the inception of the scheme to the present day the
main objects of the Dockyard Schools have been, firet, to
provide men qualified for employment iis draughtsmen and
subordinate dockyard officers ; secondly, to train a body of
men from which to recruit the designers of ships for the
Royal Xavy ; and thirdly, to increase the efficiency of the
dockyard workmen as a whole.

After reviewing the history of the schools from their
modest beginnings, through their complete reorganisation
in 1905, to their present efficient condition, the report
summarises the chief characteristics of the scheme under
the following headings : —

1. Admission by open competition to six-year apprentice-
ship ; choice of trade is dependent on position on entry
list.

2. Compulsory attendance at the Dockyard School for at
least one year ; classification into Upper and Lower Schools

* Educational Pamphlets, No. 32 : " The Admiralty Method of
Traininfr Dockyard Apprentices." Board of Education. Auo-ust
a916. '

iiy jjosition on entry list, U|)^x'r School attending on two
afternoons and three evenings and Lower School on one
afterniKiu and two evenings ))cr week.

3. Annual rejection from the school by a weeding-out
proi:ess, wliiili ])romotes about half the i)U]>ils in ciich year
to the next year of the course and rejects the rest. The
rejwrt enqihasises the inijiortance of the keen competition
arising from this weeding-out process, remarking that : —
"It may safely be assumed that those apprentices in the
Upper School who survive it represent material of first-rate
ability."

4. .\dniiraUy Prizes are awarded for inter-school com-
petition, and sets of valuable t€xt-lx>oks are lent to all
apprentices for their school course, and retained by those
exceeding half marks in the final exaniination.

5. Practical training — each apprentice is placed in the
charge of a competent workman as instructor, and all
students who i)a.ss into the fourth-year school coni-se are
allowed to spend one year of their apprenticeship in the
drawing offices of their respective departments.

(!. Prospects open to apprentices — Cadctsliijis in .N'aval
Construction to Greenwich Royal Naval College, and sub-
secjuent appointment as Mendiers of the Royal Corps of
Xaval Constructors. Two or three such awards are made
each year on the results of the school examinations.

" A))]>renti(!es who fail to win Admiralty Scholarships
usually compete for Royal Scholarships, and Whitworth
Exhibitions and Scholarships, which are awarded on the
results of the examinations held by the Board of Education,
and in recent years they have been remarkably successful in
securing these awards. The successful candidates for such
scholarships obtain leave from the Admiralty to continue
their education at approved institutions— such sis the
Imperial College of Science and Technology, or other institu-
tions of University rank — where, in virtue of their previous
training, they are frequently allowed to omit a considerable
jiart of the three or four years' course and devote part of
their time to post-graduate and research work. They after-
wards return to the dockyards, or find posts in other
Government Departments or private firms ; a few of them
enter the teaching profession."

The organisation and curriculum of the schools is described
in great detail. A good idea of the scope of the work
done can be obtained from the table set out below, which
is taken from the rejjort : —

First Year. Second Yeah.

For Apprentices of all Trailm. For Apprentices of all Trades.

Eng-lish. English.

Practical Mathematics. Practical Mathematics.

Elementary Science. Mechanics.

Mechanics. Heat and Metallurgy.

Mechanical Drawing.
Third Year. Fourth Year.

For Apprentices of all Trades. For Apprentices of all Tradfx.

Practical Mathematics. Practical Mathematics.

Applied Mechanics. Applied Mechanics.

Electricity. Electricity.

Mechanical Drawing. Mechanical Drawing.

Heat and Metallurgy.
Professional Suhjects. Professional Subjects.

For Engine Fitter Apprentices For Fngine Fitter Apprentice.^

and those of Kindred Trades, and those of Kindred Trades,

and Electrical Fitters. g^eam and Heat Engines.

Steam and Heat Engines. General Engineering.

For Engine Fitter Apprentices For Electrical Fitter Appren-

and those if Kimlred Trades. tices only.

General Engineering. Electrical Engineering.

For Sliipirright Apprentices and • For .Shipwright Apprentices and

those if Kindred Trades. those if Kindred Trades.

Xaval Architecture. Xaval Architecture.

The coui-se in English, which (uvers the first two years,
occupies an important place in the training of the young
engineer or shipwright. Besides developing the power of
expressing ideas clearly in writing, it serves to continue the
cultural education of the apprentices (a notable omission
from many otherwise commeudaljle schemes of further
education). The apprentices are introduced to good
literature, and by including; a sjjecial period of History on
the lines of Green's " Short History of the English People,"
a thoughtful study and appreciation of the social, consti-
tutional and intellectual advance of the nation is induced.

Vol.71', xo. 2.030, DECEMBER 1. i;ii,;.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

593

The mathematical work is continued throughout the
whole coui-se, and by the end of the second year consider-
able progress has been made with the calculus. Li the
third and fourth years, both branches of the calculus,
co-ordinate geometry of two and three dimensions, and
differential equations, with applications to physics and
engineering, are studied. To quote from the report : " The
standard attained is exceptionally high, and is probably
not exceeded in any existing educational institution, if
regard is had to the age of the boys and the schools from
which they are drawn, and to the fact that they are
receiving a p;vrt-time training. There can be little doubt
that the excellent mathematical training which the
apprentices receive in the Dockyard Schools accounts for
the rapid progress which they are able to make in other
engineering subjects, and for their confidence and power in
attacking problems."

The scientific work begins in the first year with a
general cottrse, including physical measurements, heat,
light, magnetism and electricity, mechanics, and chemistry. .
In the second year the mechanics course is continued, and
heat and metallurgy are studied in some detail, the latter
subjects receiving further and practical treatment in the
fourth-year course. In the third and fourth years, all
apprentices receive a course in technical electricity, and in
the case of electrical apprentices this develops into electrical
engineering in the fourth year. All apprentices also receive
instruction in raeelianical drawing from their second year
onwards, and trial drawings connected with their respective
trades, and made in the drawing-offices from their own
measurements, form part of the final fourth-year examina-
tions.

The bulk of this instruction is given by the permanent
stafi' of the schools, but courses of lectures are also given
by other dockyard officers on professional subjects — e.(j.,
electrical engineering and naval architecture — and in this
way the instruction at the schools is kept in intimate
connection with the actual working practice of the yards.

The school year extends from early in August till the
middle of Jime, and, during this time, apprentices attend
the Upper School on two afternoons a week for three hours,
and three evenings for two hom-s. They thus receive
12 hours" school instruction a week: six during working
hours, and six outside working hours. The Lower
School apprentices attend on one afternoon a week
for three hours, and two evenings for two hours, thus
receiving seven hours' school instruction a week. The
complete courses in the Upper and Lower Schools extend
over four and three years respectively, and except that the
Lower School work is of a more elementary character, the
two courses run practically parallel. Each Upper School
class spends about two hotu's a week in the school
laboratory ; no laboratory instruction is given to Lower
School apprentices.

It may be confidently claimed that to our Dockyard
Schools must be attributed a very considerable measure of
Britain's present na\al pre-eminence. This scheme, which
is British in origin and democratic in character, has sup-
plied the nation with a large proportion of its distinguished
naval architects and engineers : Sir F. H. Biles. D.Sc.,
Sir A. J. Durston. KC.B., Frank Elgar, LL.D., F.ILS.,
Sir J. B. Marshall. K.C.B., Sir H. .J. Oram, K.C.B., F.R.S.,
Sir Wm. Pearce. Sir Edward Reed, Sir Wm. Smith, Sir
Philip Watts, K.C.B., F.R.S., and Sir Wm. White, K.C.P.,
were all dockyard apprentices, and have all p.issed tlu-ough
one of H.M. Dockyard Schools. And the system which has
produced sttch a galaxy of talent and enterju-ise is still
yielding results which augur well for the future. During
the past few years a remarkable succession of Whitworth,
Royal, and National Scholarahips has fallen to dockyard
apprentices, and it can be prophesied with considerable
certainty that dockyard apprentices will continue to play an
imixDitaJit piu-t in maintaining Britain's supremacy in naval
and general engineering and shipbuilding.

The Board of Education are to be congratulated on
giving to this highly -successful system a wider publicity,
and Mr. Basandall on the production of such a detailed and
accurate account of the scheme. We would heartily
commend this report to tha notice of all who are
interested in the training of apprentices, and especially to

Education Committees and employers of labour, to whom
all matters concerning technical education must now apjx'al
as urgent and vital.

BREAKDOWNS OF GERMAN PLANT.

BtLOW we give particulars of a number of failures of German
plant, to w'hich we refer in our leading columns to-day : —

Shangh.41.— In his report for the year 1915, Mr. T. H. U.
.\ldridge, electrical engineer to the Municipal Council, said that
two2,000-KW. German turbo-altemators that were installed two
years ago at the River.side station were accepted because the
tenders were, on the face of things, the best offers received.
They turned out, however, a very bad bargain, for serious
breakdowns took place, and at one critical period no less than
two-thirds of the plant was out of commission, owing to the
development of serious defects. Unsuitable material had been
used for the blading, and mechanical defects were also re-
vealed, and almost simultaneously wdth the blade troubles
ii .serious electrical burn-out took place. On the other hand.
SIX British turbo-alternators aggregating 4,200 kw., which
had been running for five to nine years, had proved to be so
good that the average cost of repairs was less than £40 each
per annum, whereas the two German sets, which had been
running less than two years, had cost respectively £318 and
£267 p.-r annum for repairs, in addition to the loss of revenue
whilst they were under repair.

German transfonners also showed marked inferiority to
British and .American ones. But worse was to come." In
June last, .>ne of the two 5,000-kw. German turbo-altemators
wrhich were installed last year broke down very badly. Some
of the statoi- coUs were short-circuited or earthed, causing a
very bad burn-out, the copper conductors and iron laminations
bemg entirely fused together, whilst the msulation of half of
thtt end windings was completely burnt off. The damage
would require months to make good, and even then, Mr.
-\ldridge felt, it was doubtful whether the machine could be
retjarded as a reliable piece of apparatus. Thus three out of
the four A.E.G. turbo-generators have broken down. While
the actual cause of the breakdowns is uncertain, there was
no doubt that lapid deterioration had taken place, both in
the stator -winding and in the turbine blading, the latter
being badly eroded. Mr. Aldridge's conclusion was that the
turbine plant was most unsatisfactory, and that the con-
tinuity of the public supply w'as Jeopardised thereby.

Sydney.— In 1913 the City Councd purchased an A.E.G.
turbo-alternator through the Austrahan Metal Co.; it broke
down in the following year, owing to defects in the turbine.
Melbourne.— A .5,000-kw. A.E.G. turbo-alternator was de-
livered to the Melbourne Electric Supply Co., Ltd., just
before the outbreak of war — one of two sets ordered from
Germany for the sake of quick delivery, the second of which
was not deUvered. Within three weeks of the set being put
in service a shut-down took place, and it was found that the
second diaphragm had broken away and fouled the blading
of the rotor. The set was put to work again without this
diaphragm and without the blading of one wheel of the
rotor, but the third and fourth diaphragms also were found
to be in a precarious condition, and are being replaced with
others of English make. The blading was fotmd to be of an
alloy containing an excessive proportion of nickel — over 31
per cent. — a material well known to be unfit for use, espe-
cially with superheated steam. But this was not the end of the
trouble; at any load above 3,500 kw. the disks vibrated later-
ally so far that they fouled the diaphragms on both sides. These
disks were extremely thin — thinner than in British turbines —
and when the machine was standing open they coald be seen
to vibrate violently in sympathy with the imperceptible vibra-
tion caused by other turbines, thus proving the presence of
a high degree of resonance, a well known danger. More-
over, the rotor of the alternator was found to be perma-
nently earthed, and as it could not be rewound owing to the
extreme complexity of the winding, it had to be discarded
and replaced by a spare rotor, which fortunately had been
purchased. The engineer and manager of the company, Mr.
F. W. Clements, states that the behaviour of the set has
shown it to be very considerably inferior to most machines of
British or American manufacture.

Newport (Mon.).— During the year 1915-16 a 3.000-KW.
.\.E.G. turbo-alternator, running at 3,000 R.P.M., broke down
and was out of commission for five weeks.

South .A.fric.4. — The following notes on German electric
power plant in South Africa are taken from a recent address
on "The Power Supply of the Rand," by the President of
the South .African Institution of Engineers (Mr. Bernard
Price), a full report of which has appeared in the South
African Mining Journal ; — •

British engineers, the President said, are no less skilful
than their German competitors, and, in his experience, the
merits of German design have often been considerably over-
rated. It is not uncommon to meet with German plant in
South .\frica which betrays every evidence of scientific know-
ledge from a purely theoretical point of view, but it is hope-
less when viewed from a practical standpoint. The winding
of a large alternator, for example, is complicated enormouslr
merely to gain some slight benefit in rating, but at the sacri-
fice of features which are infinitely more valuable to those

594

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW, iv.i

No. L'O.iii, Decembkk 1, IHlt).

who will operate aud maintain the finished machine. In
this connection the following instances, taken from the experi-
ence of a large electric power supply company, were cited to
show that although two leading German lirms were somewhat
ahead of British lirms in developing electrical plant of the
size and voltage required for large power schemes in South
Africa, the German tirms made many mistakes, and had still
to acquire much experience at the expense of their cus
tomers : —

Six -J.tXW-K.v..*. alternators made by a German firm had to
be entirely rewound, and seven 1'2,000-k.v..*. alternators (in-
cluding a spare stator) had to be entirely rejointed. Tlie
smaller machines were originally wound for 10,0(it) volts, so
as to avoid the use of step-up transfonners, and the design
of these high-tension windings was totally inadequate. Light-
ning made short work of them, but, in any event, their life
could not have exceeded a few years. On the largest sets
the joints between slot bars and end connections overheated
very soon after the machines went into commission, and
caused a long succession of serious and expensive breakdowns.
The design of these joints had to be radically modified, in-
volving a most tedious and costly programme of work.

Numbers of sub-station transformers of 1,000 k.v..*. and
50i) K.v..*. capacity, made by the same firm, proved incapable
of standing the stresses imposed at times of fault on con-
sumers' circuits. The method of clamping the coils had to
be entirelv redesigned.

The high-tension switchgear for 40,000, 20.000, and lO.lXK)
volts proved lamentably deficient when called upon to meet
working conditions on a system of this size and type, and
it would be difficult to exaggerate the seriousness of the con-
sequences which ensued. No scheme in the world had hajt
to face such serious switch trouble, and. wlien approached,
the makers could suggest no better remedy than a duplica-
tion of all important switches at the expense of the power
company and to the profit of the makers. Needless to say.
this course was not pursued. The trouble had been almost
entirely removed by the application of engineering common-
sense to the experience gained in practice. It was quite clear
that in those days this fimi knew very little indeed about the
design of high-tension switchgear for large systems. They
were quite satisfied to proportion up the dimensions of a low-
tension switch.

When asked to advise on the problem of lightning protec-
tion, experts (so-called) were sent out by the German firm to
report, but, despite all their theoretical argument, nothing of
practical value was produced. This problem, like many others
which arise in commercial engineering, had to be solved by
weighing up experience and avoiding fantastic proposals.

Although the turbines were a good job in many respects,
heavy maintenance charges were incurred on account of defec-
tive blading. There was no doubt that the firm had but little
knowledge respecting the materials best suited to stand the
peculiar conditions to which turbine blades were subjected. At
one time accumulation of these blading troubles very nearly
involved curtailment of supply, but it became clear that some
of the defects which were most pronounced originated from
faulty design, and these had now been rendered less acute.

The steam pipes, valves, and laaging were a most shoddy
job. The flanges on the steam pipes were expanded on with-
out riveting, and a serious accident was but nanowly averted
at one power station due to the expansion and consequent
withdrawal of one of these flanges. It had been necessary
to re-expand and rivet-on every flange of every steam pipe at
two power stations, and the whole of the lagging, which had
begun to break away before the pipes were dismantled, had
to be scrapped and replaced by material of better quality.

The arrangement and design of three of the electrically-
driven compressors at another power station was a disgrace, and
involved excessive cost in upkeep. The arrangement of inter-
coolers and pipe-work rendered it necessary to dismantle the
compressor itself before the intercoolers could be cleaned.

Seven 1'2,000-k.v..4. 3-pha.se transformers made by another
German firm had to be entirely rewound. The original wind-
ings were deficient in insulation, ar.d the surface of the copper
conductors had been burned during the process.

The President of the Institution added that while he was
quite ready to admit the merit of much of the German work-
manship and design, and while he could not but admire the
organising power displayed by German concerns, he did not
think they had reason to be proud of the record of the plant
they had installed in South Africa. It was quite certain that
leading consulting engineers and manufacturers in the United
Kingdom would have avoided many of the mistakes which
South African power companies had had to correct.

India.— Not long ago we published a description of the
plant of the Tata Hydro-electric Power Supply Co., Ltd
Bombay, which included four 8,000-KW. alternators built bv
the Siemens-Schuckert Co. When these machines were being
put into commission serious trouble was experienced, owing
to the steel magnet rings of the rotors becoming loose on the
epiders. Considerable delay in starting up resulted from the
defective construction, m addition to much damage to the
windings of one of the generators. Eventually the trouble
-wa-i overcome by inserting a thin liner between the magnet
ring and the spider, and shrinking the ring on afresh.

South Wales —At Messrs. D. Davies & Sons' Femdale Col-
henes, the blading was stripped from an A.E.G turbo-com-
pressor rated at 5,000 cu. ft. per min

Since the outbreak of war, four 3,000-KW., "iO.OOO-volt,
3-phase, -lO-cycle .\.E.G. transformers, with oil-cooled air blast,
which had only been in service for a few years, have had to
be rebuilt and rewound. Four other A.E.G. transformers,
rated at 3.0t.)0 k.v.a., '20,000 volts, 40 cycles, 3-phase, with oil
cooling by forced circulation through a cooler, though quite
new, were found to be so badly designed that the purchasers
decided to have them reconstructed and rewound before even
putting them in service.

Nortu-East Coast. — Tliat German plant installed in North-
country stations has broken down appears to bo widely
known ; we have not, however, been able to obtain paiticulars
regarding these incidents. .\s regards cables, however, some
information is available. The .\.E.G. obtained a contract
for a large quantity of '20,000-volt underground cable, which
it duly .'supplied, but when the cables were laid the makers
were unable to joint them properly. The joints were, in fact,
made three times over without success, and eventually the
puriliasers" engineers had to take the work in hand and
joint the cables, developing improved methods of jointing for
the purpose.

MKTiiopoi.iTAN District Eaiiavay.— Some 12 or 15 miles of
high-pressuic cable were supplied and laid by the A.E.G.,
but here again the makers were unable to make satisfactory
joints, and in the end English jointers had to be employed
for this purpose. A similar trouble occurred when lyahraeyer's
(now .\.E.G.) laid cables in Cardiff some nine years ago.

London. — It is well known, though the facts have n.=,t been
published, that a German company supplied cable and laid
it through London from Charing Cross to Bow; the cable
proved defective, and had to l>e entirely replaced.

Edinuuisgh. — A cable supplied by a German company .some
years ago broke down, owing to the use of unsuitable mate-
rials in its construction.

Kingston-ox-Thames. — Four years ago a number of Diesel
engines, manufactured by the M.A.N., were installed at the
generating station of the Kingston-on-Thames Corporation.
Recently the air-compressor on one of the engines broke down
and put the set out of commission. It will not be available
again till February or March next, and in the meantime,
owing to the necessity of using steam engines, the cost of
production has seriously increased; a new crank.shaft is re-
quired, the cost of which is estimated at £1,000.

TRADE WITH RUSSIA.

(. Concluded from page 587;.

"There are three things that will operate strongly in our
favour. First, the disciiminating duties that will undoubtedly
be levied by Russia in favour of the Alhes. I quite antici-
pate that these will be more favourable to the AUies than
to the Neutrals, and, of course, very much more so than to
the enemy nations. In the second place, there will be for
.some time a very strong prejudice against the enemy in
favour of ourselves. This sentiment will be a very strong
factor, but it will gradually weaken under the stress of com-
petition, and unless it is cemented, will eventually die away
altogether. In the third place, the comi>etition of Germany
aud Austria will be still further lessened by their inabiUty
to give the long terms of credit, which has been one of the
most formidable elements of competition in the past." How-
ever much the Government can do, and they can do a great
deal, yet, after all, our business relations with Russia, and
the success of our efforts, will depend more on individual
initiative and enterprise. All that the Government can do
will be of very little use to any manufacturer who does not
make his own personal inquiries, and use his own efforts.
" Who would be free, himself must strike the blow."

" There is a general feeling in this country that in order
to do business with Ru.ssia we must slavishly follow German
methods. It is thought that we must make inferior goods,
take enormous risks, give long credits, adopt a spy system,
in which the Germans are pa.st masters, and generally do
many things that are repugnant to the English idea of busi-
ness ethics. After a very exhaustive inquiry, I am convinced
that these opinions are to a very great extent wrong. We
must in the first place approach Russia in a sympathetic
manner, entering into her aims and aspirations, convincing
her that we only want to do business on permanently and
mutually advantageous conditions; that we want to help her
develop her own industries, and to supply her with such
goods as she cannot advantageously manufacture herself, at
any rate for the present. There in a sufficient field on these
lines to satisfy all legitimate aspirations. We must be pre
pared to meet Russian conditions to some extent ; we must
be ready to, at any rate, deUver goods to a Russian port,
instead of f.o.b. England. We nuLst print our catalogues in
the Ru.ssian language, and give the equivalents of English
weights, measures, and currency in Russian terms. To the
n.anufacturer who insists that he only wants business with
Russia on his own hues and his own terms, who insists upon
quotations in sterling, and English weights, upon prices at
factory, with cases and packing extra, with cash against
documents in England, I say "Hands off! You will never
do business with Russia, ind it is better for you to spend
>our energies in other diretions." To the manufacturer who

vni. 7!.. xo.ijwi. DECEMBER i.idk;.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

595

is willing to meet, even to a reasonable extent, the require-
ments of Russian trade, -I say, that a safe and profitable
tiade can be done, on comparatively short terms of credit,
if the most elementary precautions ai-e taken in a.^certainiiiu
the hoiin-fiiii's of agents and purchasers.

"The question of credit has been the greatest stumbling
block to trade between this country and Eu.ssia. During my
six months' trip I gave this point closer investigation and
more consideration than perhaps any other. It was alw-ays
very grossly exaggerated ; in many, if not most, cases a ques-
tion of negligence in collecting, and in any event, is alto-
;;<'ther changed by the war. Without wasting time in
ilscussiiig the pre-wav conditions, let iiic give my impression
(.1 the |iiv^i-iit situation. Vivst of all, whatever element <if
. .iiM|iitithiii tliere has l)een in the long credit givei\ by der-
in.inN, ^lii- Hill not, for some time at any rate, bo able to do
Ml, even il .she had the opportunity. It was only possible
by the local German banks financing the manul'acturers, and
th- local banks, in turn, getting their money through the
DiMitsche Bank, which discoutit<^d its bills on the London
n arket. This, I hope, will nut be possible again, and the
German.s will want every penny they can get for their owu
{•urposes. without giving credit. Further, for more than two
years the Russians have now been accustomed to pay in cash
for all their purchases, not only in England and America,
but also between one another. A prominent Moscow cotton
manufacturer told me that after the war practically all busi-
ness from his factory would be done on much shorter terms
of credit than before, and that the precedent created now "
would make them only too glad to buy at three or four
months' credit. The most effective contribution to shorten
credit, however, lies in the abolition of vodka. I am
Iboroughly convinced from what I have seen and heard that
this measure is producing, and will produce, the most mar-
vellous change that Russia has seen for centuries, changes
even greater than the induencc of the war itself. It is not
merely a question of roubles and kopecs, although this alone-
is enormous. The va.stly increa.sed savings in the banks only
tell part of the tale; farms are being restocked with the money
saved from vodka; peasants are demanding and getting more
of the comforts and luxuries of life, and the productive
capacity has been increased two or threefold. Money is, and
will be, plentiful, and the necessity for long credit no longer
exists, except in certain exceptional ca.ses. Three, four, or
possibly even in .some cases six, months' credit will be re-
quired, if. only from the fact that the distances are so great
that it often takes several weeks before the receipt of the
goods shipped. If possible, bills should be obtained for i)ur-
chases. There is no cheque .sy.stem in Ru.ssian as there is in
this country ; payments even for the large.st amounts are
usually made in cash, and the Russian waits for somebody
to come and collect the money. I had some accounts to
collect from 18 months to two years old. These were paid
immediately I asked for them, with the statement that no
one had previously asked for the money, or it would have
been paid long ago. Firms having agents in Russia should
insist upon their prompt collection of accounts, and refuse to
pay commission until the cash has been received. If it is
not considered desirable to trust the agent with the collec-
tions of moneys to be banked at once to the credit of the
firm, then it is necessary that some<3ne should go out once or
twice a year, when, as a rule, he will have no difficulty in
getting in the money due. A good plan would be for a
number of finn.s to combine together, and appoint a re.spon-
sible man entirely for the purpose of collecting accounts,
and I have myself in contemplation the formation of such
an organisation in connection with my own general bureau
r.f infoiTnation.

" The appointment of agents is one in which the greatest
blunders have been made, and through which the greatest

I .ila^tniplhs liave occurred. Briti.sh manufacturers .seem in

II aiiv ca-i-; to have ignored the most elementary caution in
tin- aiiiHiiiitment of the.se agents. They send out their cata-
logues and trade terms to an.v Tom, Dick, or Harry that
writes from Russia, for .them. This, in itself, compromises
them at once, as the man goes round immediat-ely. claiming
to i<^|ircscnt the finn, showing the letter he has received as
lii^ anthoiity. With Gennan goods out of the market, there

III ' tliuiwaiids of people in Russia who are looking out for
liritish agencies, some of them with very high-sounding
names. The majority of them are utterly irrespon.sible and
\ery dangerous to do business with, while others, of course,
are men and finns of the highest reputation and integrity.
The utmost caution .should be taken in appointing agents, or
even in quoting agency tenns. .\nother great mistake is to
give the agency for the whole of Russia to one person,
especially if it is for any definite period of time. It is only
in very rare cases that any agent can begin to cover so vast
a country, and a statement that travellers are sent over the
country, or that there are correspondents in every centre,
should be taken, as a rule, with a very considerable amount
of salt. It is true that in some specific cases, such, for in-
stance, as textile machinery, the ground can be covered fairly
well from Mo.scow, and in dealing 'largely with the Govern-
ment Petrograd would be the nitural seat of the agent.
But as a nile, for anything like ^neral merchandise, there
should be agents at both Petrogrii
or Ekaterinoslav, at one of the ]
iin-Don, in the Ty>wer Caucasus,

r/(7c(o, includes Siberia, this should be borne in mind. No
j agencies should be given for ' any period without some
guarantee of sales, otherwise the firm may find that it ia
simply being nursed for the benefit of German competitors.
Gi nerally speaking, there, are two classes of agents; one is
the firm with ample financial resources of its own, which buys
and pays for the goods in its own name, seUing at its own
prices, and, of course, reserving the .sale of the goods in Russia
or the distribution allotted to it. The other is the purely com-
iiiis.sion agent who sells goods in the name of the firm, which are
invoiced direct to the cu-stomer. In this case, the financial stand-
ing of the agent is not of so much (|Uestion as his integrity and
ability, for these two elements involve lisk and bad debts.
An agent .selling on commission is liable not to take as much
i.-iiition in the financial responsibility of the purchaser aa ho
should do. unless he is made responsible for at any rate part
of the lo.s.ses that mux }•■■ .-iivtnhied. It should, moreover, be
a condition that roiiiiiii,--ii m- are only paid on accounts for
wliich pa.vments have been received. Even in this case. I
think it extremely desirable that a representative of the firm
should go out occasionally, getting into personal touch with
the customers, looking after the overdue accounts, and gener-
ally seeing if he is getting the best service from the agent.
Another excellent plan is to get a bright' young fellow trained
for the purpose, who has at least an elementary know-
ledge of Russian, and .send him to Russia with samples,
piices, Ac. This plan has been worked successfully by com-
pai-atively small manufacturers of saddlery and other goods.
It is comparatively inexpensive, and a bright man can soon,
with a little initiative help from the Consuls, know what he
is doing.

" Still another plan is to send out a traveller, oi- travellers,
once or twice a year; and where the business warrants it
this is, perhaps, the best plan for many trades. He should,
of course, have a very fair knowledge oi' Russian, and should
be a .sympathetic rather than a clever man. In other hnes
of business, local factories can be set up with decided advan-
tage, as naturally, in this way. the heavy Customs duties
arc avoided. Where possible it is, however, better that these
factories should be devot<>il to the manufacture of the heavier
parts, while the more intricate parts are made in this country,
and .sent out to be assembled in Ru.ssia. The Russian Customs
duties are ba.sed almo.st entirely uixin weight, and the heavy
casting Would pay as much per lb. as the smallest part with
a hundred times as much value. The whole question of agencies
and .selling generally is, however, one that has to be decided
by individual circum.stances, and there is no golden rule to
be adopted. It is one of the most essential of the preliminary
inquiries to be made, to consider the best way in which any
jiarticular business can get a foothold in the Russian market,
and this refers also to the distribution of territory and the
methods to be employed."

Mr. Beable refen-ed lastly to the needs for improving our
Consular system in Russia. " We want more and better
paid Consuls, we want men of commercial experience, we
want larger staffs in our chief Con.'tulates, and we want them
more closely alUed to and connect<»d with the Board of Trade,
rather than the Foreign Office. We want a Commercial
Attache or Commissioner independent of the Embassy, and
with an office of his own. Even the Canadian Government
have such an office and representative at Petrograd, whose
sole business is to investigate and report upon trade possi-
bilities, responsible directly to his own Government.

"There are possibilities of bu.siness in Russia beyond the
dreams of avarice, and we can get our share if we approach
the question in the right spirit, and if we adopt the right
methods. "

NEW ELECTRICAL DEVICES, FITTINQS.
AND PLANT.

Siberia. Sine* a contract giving tje agency for Russia, ipso

and Moscow, at Kharkov
ack Sea ports, at Ro.stov-
at Ekaterinburg, and in

Perfecta Boiler Circulator.

The Perfecta Boiler Ciroui.ator. Ltd., nf :v.\ Victoria
Street. S.W., in a recent pamphlet describes its circulating' device
as fitted to an ordinary Lancashire boiler. This apparatus consists
of a hood or covering over the crowns of the twin furnaces, which,
when steam is generated beneath it, creates a fiow of water towards
the back of the Ixiiler over the fines, the water then p.assing- down-
wards and returning along the bottom of the lioiler to the furnaces.
Sncli a circulation obviously tends to a more uniform water and
boiler temperature ; to the deposit of any sedimtnt near the blow-off
cook : the elimination of priming over the grates and reduction of
scale. The fixing of the apparatus does not necessitate the drUling'
of any holes in the boiler or interference with ex.ist.in;,' fittings,
and it can be dismantled in a few minutes. It is claimed that
from 12 per cent, to 15 per cent, increased steam with a minimum
of saturation can Ije obtained, and that from 6 per cent, to 8 per
cent, of fuel is saved. The makers are prepared to prove the
efficiency of their apparatus by a reasonable trial.

Simplex Universal Girder Clamps.

One of the greatest difficulties in present wiring installation
work is the trouble experienced in negotiating steel girders.

The Engineering Standards Committee has done excellent work
hy choosing certain girders for general use. but the number is still
very great. There are section rolled girders, riveted girders. «!=q
channels, angles and Tee-sections in great variety.

501)

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW. [Voi. to. no. 2.03.;. deckmbeu i, i-jk

\ liip'e numlwr of tinlpr clips nrc on the mnrket but nearly all
of 'thera'are made for a particular section of (rinler and even when
a certain amount of adjustment is embodied iu the de«i?n it is only
within small limits that it can b.- used.

The Simplex clip (.supplic<l by .Mks.srs. 8impi,e.x CoxnnT.«. Ltd
of Garrison Lane. Birmintrham) consists of a pair of damps which
fast.ii on to the eilffcs of the ^Mvr and hold a wood piece on to

Fl(i. 1.— Sl.MPI,i:.\ (iHil)Kl! t'l.AMPS.

which a saddle for the conduit, jmiclion bos or other acerssury. can
be fixed bv an ordinary wood suren'.

The clamps are made of toufe^h malleable iron in two .sizes at
present, and are provided with a set screw for drawing- the wood
tijrht up to the under side of the girder, two or three sharp points
beinjr arranged to ensure the wood being securely held.

For angles or odd sections the batten can be placed lengthwise
and two girder clamps spaced along the free edges to securely hold
it in position ready for the conduit erector.

Loop-in Dividing Box and Push-Button Contact Maker
Combination.

In some places— for instance, on boiler-house conveyor plant —
it is required to stop the machinery, in the event of an emergency,
from several positions. To effect this it is necessary to install a

-RE-iTBOLLE DiviDiNfi Box ANu iiiMAcr .Maker.

cable extending fro a the main switch panel to the several points
of control, and at these poinds to attach to. the cable., contact

makers so connected that the operation of pressing the button will
instantaneously release the switch controlling the motor circuits.

Kor such work a simple combination of cable dividing box ami
push-button switch, made by JIkssrs. A. RnYiiOM.K *; Co., Ltd.. "I
Hebburn. is illustratixi in fig. 2.

The dividing box jnovides for looping-in an armoured two-core
cable, and for joining the terminals of the press-button contaet
maker to tlie respective cores. The wliole is of armoured construe-
tion, strongly mmie and capable of withstanding rough usage.

The Prestwich Fluid Gauge.

An ingenious device for gauging articles in course of manu-
facture haji lieen patente<l by Messks. ,1. A. Prkwtwich & Co., of
Northumberland Tark, Tottenham, London, N., and has been used
with great satisfaction iu their own works for three years on
extremely accurate work. It is not subject to wear, and requires
no manual skill in use.

It consists of a Hnid-containiug chamber A (fig. S\ having a flexible
diaphragm B. a glass tube c of fine bore, which is connected witli
the chamber A. means for indicating the dimensions of the i)ieei
and means for correcting for variations of temiierature. Th.
diaphragm ii is provided with a hardened-steel anvil L>. The artiile
to be measuretl or gauged is pa.ssed between this anvil n and tli.
fixe<l anvil K. Any jiressure on the anvil u causes the fluid to ri-i
in the glass tube <-'.

The chamber A is provided with a threatl and micrometer indi x
and pointer on the upi)er surface to indicate thousandths of an
inch (or hundredths of a millimetreX The carrier E is provided

FlO. 3. — PrESTWTCH FlVID GAUliE,

with a scale t; and three adjustable pointers H, J. K. the scale being
divided to indicate ten-thousandths of an inch (or one-thousandth.s
of a millimetre). The two top pointers H, J, indicate the tolerance
limits it is desired to work to. The carrier p is adju.sted liy the
thumli-nut s to keep the bottom pointer K level with the normal
level of the fluid in the glass tube o, and thu.s compensates for
variatifins of temperature.

The instrument is roughly set by rack if and pinion N on the
jiillar I.) to suit the article ; the clamping screw P is then tightened
up, and the final adjustment is made by the micrometer adjustment
to a standard gauge or piece of known dimensions.

A displacement of the diaphragm u causes a displacement of the
level of the fluid in the tube c relative to their respective areas.
Any variation in the size of pieces passed under the gauge is
indicated by the difference in the heights to which the liquid "rises
in the glass tube.

Glass tubes of different bores are used to magnify 500 to 1 .200
times, according to the accuracy required.

By using suitable anvUs or work blocks, a very large variety of
work can be gauged, and besides extreme accuracy, which is always
retained, the gauge has the advautage of saving half to three-
quarters of the time required for gauging with the micrometer.

The Effect of Temperature upon the Alkaline Storage

Battery.- -Tests made by .Mr. L. ('. Turnock on the Edison battery
show that the temiieratuiv at which the battery is used has an
appreciable effect on its performance and durability. At low tem-
peratures the available capacity is decreased : the current efficiency
increases with rise of temp'rature up to .">0° C, above which it falls
off rapidly. The best elec rical efficiency is obtained by charging
at a low temperature andflischarging at a higher temperature.

Vol.70. Xo. -'.030. December 1. lOlG.] THE ELECTRICAL EEVLEW.

597

CORRESPONDENCE.

Letters received by vs after 5 P.M. ON Tuesday cannot appear viUiJ
the following week. Correspondents shouldforward their commiini-
cations at the earliest possible moment. Ko letter can be publi.<hed
unless we hare the writer's name and address in oar possession.

the supply, as this rather plays into the hands ot those who do not
encourag-e the supply. The supply of teaching facilities in a subject
like this cannot he dealt with like an order for g-oods.

Wayleaves.

\\V reail with much interest the article on " Wayleaves " in your
issue ot Xovemher 10th. and had hoped to .see further reference last
week. The article applies, of course, equally to telephone work as
to power supply ; but we note that the writer is "interested."

So. too. we think is the writer of this letter, with a decided
leaningr one way. or oug-ht to so lean, after nearly 40 years In the
trade. At the same time, circumstances alter cases : and our» i?.
we think, an example.

At considerable outlay, our property has been acquired, the
intention being: to buUd on and utilise the surrounding' vacant
jrround. which is pretty considerable: in fact, we are hound i"
build under the terms of the lease. Originally the place was a
larg'e L.C.C. school, the vacant grounds around forming a play-
ground for the children ; but we are transforming the premises.
&c., into a factory — incidentally to captui-e a special German trade.

Now, as a children's playground, there was no objection to some
li I overhead wires, even though they occupy a space some B ft, X (j ft..
about 2.") ft. above the ground ; but we want to develop the site (in
fact, have no option), and these wires are in our way.

After months of remonstration the super-intelligent P.O. officials
write that they are entitled by Act of Parliament to have
them there, which is equivalent to saying that the tenancy was
created by the vendors (represented by a well-known and highly
respectable firm of City solicitors) by misrepresentation, as. accord-
ing to these same super-intelligent P.O. officials, we are debarred
from building, and are therefore bound to commit a breach of the
terms of our lease.

Anyway, when some C4 telephone subscribers in this district find
themselves (as they certainly will) all talking to one another at
once, do you think we are to blame ? We should much like to hear
your views.

The Stannaries Metal Works.
H.S.

London, S.E.. Xoremher -lUt, 1016.

[Our sympathies are with our correspondents. We can hardly
doubt that the law is on their side — either against the Post
Office, which cannot possibly claim free wayleaves in perpetuity
over private property, or if this incredible condition were found to
obtain, against the lessors of the site, who cannot maintain the
terms of the lease. — Eds. Elec. Rev.]

Loudon X., \oicember '2Wt, 1916.

A. P. Lundberg & Sons.

"Summation Watt" Capacity of Field Rheostats.

Referring to Dr. Garrard's letter of the 20th iust.. I would point
out that the various formula advocated by me are in practical
everyday use.

For a current range of, say, TO to !'&. or less, both his and my
formula closely agree with the theoretical basis : however, if a
designer has available a sufficient range of ohmic values and ampere
capacity in his choice of resisters. then obviously he can in practice
closely approach the theoretical size of rheostat required for any
current variation. If the designer is limited to a small range of
resistance, then for such wide current variation the maximum
radiation possible of the resisters in circuit cannot be made use of
throughout the whole range. That is to say. in this respect it is
inefficient, although it is the best that the designer can do under
the circumstances, and. of course, is not detrimental in any respect
except that the bulk would be greater than another, having a wider
choice of resister values. This matter of resisters available is the
whole crux of the question, and as only the individual designers
know of their limitations in this respect. I submit that my formula,
based on fundamental principles, is the correct method of deter-
mining the size of rheostat, the designer applying a correction
factor, if necessary, to suit individual rheostats, as each manu-
facturer has a large number of sizes and various types of resisters.

This question of " summation watts " is only the preliminary
factor that enters into the design.

With reference to Dr. Garrard's remarks on potentiometer
rheostats, the following case may be interesting : — A potentiometer
rheostat was required for a 10-ampere. 20-volt battery-chai'ging
generator having a hot field resistance of 3.200 ohms, separately
excited from a 2.50-volt supply. Obviously 2 to 1 ohms per volt
would not be too high, and alternatively two to four times the field
resistance would entail either an undesirable very fine gauge wire,
or ,1 much larger rheostat than that supplied.

Tlie moral of all this is (to quote the words of Mr. T. Carter),
'■ the use of a formula without care and intelligence is certain to
lead, sooner or later, to disaster ; a formula is a good angel if a
servant, but if it becomes master, it is more subtle in temptation
than Satanus himself. "

L. Boothman.

Stretford, Xomuher ilth. 1910.

Final-Grade Classes in " Electrical Installation " Work.

ilr. A. P. Trotter says he quite agrees with the Editorial note to
our letter (issue of 17th inst.) : and he goes on to say that
technical colleges should not concern themselves with handicrafts '
In your last issue we commented on your Editorial note, and
pointed out that what some people term handicrafts air. as a
matter of fact, dealt with in the London Polytechnics.

If they were not, there are very few other places where instruc-
tion would be obtainable, so we are very sorry to see that Mr.
Trotter opines that technical colleges should leave " handicrafts "
alone.

If we may say so. it is very easy to talk glibly about handicrafts
and trade schools : but. after all. what is a handicraft, and how
many trade schools worthy the name are there in London .'

Siich things as fretwork and clay-modelling are pure handi-
crafts, carpentry and joinery are partly so ; but plumbing is half
handicraft and half a technical subject ; while electrical installation
work is certainly more of a technical subject than a handicraft.

Mr. Trotter will, perhaps, allow us to point out that he does not
say whether we are to infer, from the remarks of his we (fuoted in
our tirst letter, that final-grade classes are. so far as Loudon is
concerned, only held at the two London Institutions he mentioned.
We gather that Mr. Trotter is fully alive to the importance of
electrical installation work : but we think he has been misled if he
really thinks that Principals ot Polytechnics. i:c.. are enthusiastic
al)out doing justice to the subject.

If Mr. Trotter desires to see the matter from the point of view
of the public, we would respectfidly suggest that he slmuld tirsl
read carefullv the City Guilds syllabus of the subject, think of the
hundreds of thousands of individuals that would welcome tuition
therein, and risualise the treatment and equipment necessary. If
after doing this he will take the trouble to walk into the nearest
Technical Institute or Polytechnic, and ask to see the manner in
which the subject is dealt .with, the chances arc that he will be
considerably disappointed at what he finds.

Ii> some places he will pjssibly find that, though electrical
engineering is taught, 'wiring work, " to give it its bad old name,
has been forgotten, kt some big Institutions he will find that
seekers after knowledge are recommended to attend at some other
Institution, perhaps two or three miles away. And we have heard
uf instances where the classes have been temporarily dropped
because of the war. the authorities presumably fearing that they

LEGAL

night have to pay the teacher hii
I mly a few students.

Speaking of teachers, reminds

i miserable pittance for teaching

meted out to them ; but that is ai other story.

We are aorrv Sir. Trotter still t links the demand should precede

us of the treatment generallv

Jaeger Beos. r. Greaves.
Is the Lord Mayor's Court, last week, before the Recorder (Sir
Forrest Fulton, K.C.). and a jury, a claim was made by plaintiffs, a
German firm of electrical cable and fittings merchants. Finsbury.
by Maurice Jenks. chartered accountant, suing under the authority
of the Board of Trade as controller of the firm, against Mr. T. W.
Greaves, of Barnes, to recover £201 lis. 8d.. the price of electrical
goods supplied. The defendant set np an arrangement made
between the plaintiffs' manager and himself in August, 1011. by
which he was to have goods of the value of £200 in satisfaction of
an agreement which he had with the plaintiffs, whereby he was to
serve them as sales manager for a period of one year, terminating
in June. lOlo. Alternatively, he said, if that was not the bargain,
he claimed damages for wrongful dismissal.

Mr. iloreton Smith was counsel for the plaintiffs and Mr. Louis
Green for the defendant.

Coussel. tor the plaintiffs, said that the firm of Jaeger Bros,
was owned by Germans resident abroad and managed in this
country by a tierman. They did business in the sale of electrical
cables and other electrical fittings. The defendant was employed
;is sales manager in that business. Upon the outbreak of war with
Germany the business was closed down. Subsequently the Treasury
sanctioned the business being carried on. the German manager l)eing
interned. At the time the business was closed down the goods, the
price of which was now being sued for. were sold by the German
manager of Jaeger Bros, to the defendant, in order that he should
start in business, and the terms were that he should have the
goods at cost price, paying 50 per cent, down and 50 per cent,
within three months. Defendant made his selection of goods, and
after getting delivery of them declined to pay. contending that
having an agreement for service with the plaintiff firm he was
entitled to compensation. The German manager by whom the
arrangement was made with the defendant requested the return of
the goods if the defendant was not satisfied with the arrangement.
The defendant, however, kept the goods. The defendant had
started business in Oxford Street as the Wholesale Electiic Sup-
plies Co.. which business had since been turned into a limited com-
pany. Mr. Maurice Jenks was appointed by the Board of Trade
first as inspector and supervisor, and subsequently controller of
the German business. It was his duty as a public official to collect
the assets of the firm, and in carrying out his official duties he had
brought that action. The defendant's claim to the goods as a set-
off for compensation for breach of agreement was repudiated.

i)9S

THE ELECTKICAL REVIEW. [Voi. tsl Xo. a.osc. decembeu i.

Mr H G M Oskorn, formerly pi-ovincinl representative of
Jaeger Bros ?ave evidence, and said that ujion the outbreak of
war' the business was closed down, the staff receivintr a J'^oek s
notice terminating their engagements. On September Ibth. 1914.
he (witness-) was appointed manager of the firm bv the (rerman
mana-er who was eventually interned. On September JSrd the
l.nsines* «»< :.ll.nvcl to Iv carried on by the Treiisnry. In
Kebniarv I!"!.".. Mr. Jlaiirice Jeiiks. chartere<l accountant, wasi
appointtHl \<y the Treasiuv. inspector, on March 2nd sui)ervisor,
and on March !tth. litlf.. controller of the business. In August,
I'll I upon instructions from the German manager, an invoice was
made out to the defendant for i:22.-. f.s. 8d.. and of that sum £2:.
had been paid. , ^ . , ,

Mb T W Gre.wks said he had been in the electrical business
for 23 yeais. and in JIarch, liHS. he entered the service of Jaeger
Bros : the agreement was afterwai-ds leuewwl. Upon the out-
break of war the manager said he came to the conclusion it was
best to close the business, aiul he told witness he wa.s entitled to
some compensation under his agreement. He asked lor a cash pay-
ment but as that could not be obtained, it was afterwards arranged
that he should l)e alUiwe<l €2011 in goods at the firms lowest
selling price in settlement of his claim under his agreement. He
was to "o on August l">th. The goods he selected came to .*225,
and the 'i2.-. had been settled. Afterwards he refu.sed to acknow-
ledge the receipt of. or return, the good^ as retiuested by the
German manager, unless he wa.s given some form of security .for
any claim he had against the firm in respect of his agreement.
He had never agreed with Jaeger Bros, to take X.UO worth of
goods at cost price and discharge them from all liability in respect
of their conti-act. The goods were not invoiced at cost price, but
at lowest selling price.

The jurv found a verdict for the plaintiffs.

The Recohdkr directed the jury to return a verdict for tlie
plaintiffs on the counterclaim, holding that the war put an end to
the defendant's contract of service, and so f.ar as the action for
wrongful dismissal was concerned, there could be no claim for
damages. Judgment was accordingly entered for the plaintiffs on
the claim and counterclaim. .\ -^tay of exe<ution fir seven days
was granted.

PEAitMAiN '■. Johnson ,t Vhili.ii's. Lti>.
In the City of London Court, on Xoveniber 24tli, before his Honour
Judge Rentoul, K.C.. this case was mentioned. The widow and
mother of the late Walter Pearmain. electrical engineer. Acton,
claimed .tSou against defendants, electrical engineers. Willesden
Lane. Acton, as compensation for the death of their husband and
son respectively.

JlR. Xewman. counsel for the applicants, said that the widow
was married on September 21st. The husband was killed on
October 14th by electric shock in an accident at Messrs.
Johnson .t Phillips's works. The firm, recognising their
liability, paid i'Mo into Court. The widow and mother of the
deceased had come to an arrangement whereby the widow was to
have K-200 and the mother £100. Previous to the marriage the
mother lived with her two sons, of whom the deceased wag one.
Both were electricians. The two sons allowed the mother 10s. per
week each. On the marriage that payment by the deceased was
still to be paid to her, and intended to be paid. The mother was
living with the other son. who was married. For the last five years
the mother had had £100 invested, so she knew how to take care
of money. The widow was formerly a nurse. Her parents had a
small boarding house at Eastbourne. Both the ajiplicants had
ilecided to start a small boarding house at Eastbourne, and they
would like the whole £30o paid out to them. The parties were in
a lUfferent condition to the average workman's relatives.

JtDOE Rentoul granted the application, but warned the appli-
cants to be very cautious in starting any business during the
present circum.stances, having regard to the uncertainties of
success.

Mining Electrician's Application.

Harry Younu (Hurlford), a mining electrical engineer, applied
for a clearance certificate from Ardeer Co., at a Munitions Tribunal
at Kilmarnock.

Mr. Harry Fletcher, secretary of the Electrical Trades Union,
Stevenston Branch, appeared for the applicant, and pointed out
that to obtain munitions they must have coal, and to get the coal
they must have at the pit a fully qualified mining electrical engi-
neer, which applicant was. At Nobel's he was only employed as a
general electrician. He had a definite offer as a mining electrician,
and then he would be nearer home. He stayed in Hurlford. and
each morning at ."j.lO had to walk to Kilmarnock to get the train
there for Ardeer. If he got the other job he would only have a
distance of .-> miles altogether.

The Ardeer representative said they had a special train from Kil-
marnock. They were so placed that they could not get sufficient
men in the surrounding district.

The application was granted.

Medley r. Dinowall.

£iriO 38. Gd., for supplying and fitting a second-han<l electric gear
to a lift, together with accessories.

Mr. Foster appeared for the plaintiff, and Mr. D. Rowland
Thomas was counsel for the defence.

Evidence was given for the plaintiffs that they entered into the
contract for the fitting up of an electric lift, which they carried
out. The motor, whicli wius fixeil <m a i>ast-iron lied, was com-
plained of . .<o t hey put ill another, but, to save time, they banked
it up with lihxks of wood on the top of the ciust-iron bed. They
left it ill ])erfecl running order.

Mr J. Shearman Wilkerson, foreman bale packer, called for
the defence, saiil that after the new motor was installed the lift
worked so badly that he went and implored the plaintiffs to come and
jntt things rigiit, but things got no better. One fault was that the
sheave did not grij). and left the wheel running, and the defects
were still present. It was fitted to take 10 cwt.. but at times
would not take 5 cwt. If the rope was ))Ulled for it to go up, it
would, at times, go down, ami it lieeame dangerous to work it. as
they never knew when it might deposit the operator and the loiid
in tlie well of the lift. He had told the ojH'rator to put less weight
on. which meant that two journeys had to be taken for one.

Mr. Foster : Do you know it is not possible to reverse without
reversing the armature of the connection .'

Witness : I have seen the rope pnlled for it to go up, and it has
gone down.

Mr. Dingwall gave evidence, and said that a few hours after
the new motor was put in he had complaints. The controller was
the cause of most of the trouble, as it worked so erratically that
when pulled one way, it went the other, As an electric lift it was
([uite a failure.

Four experts. Mr. Ernest Ellison, A.M.I.M.E.. Mr. Bourne, Mr.
Gallon, andMr. Percy H.Arber, A.M.I. ME., were called, all of whom
said the lift would not do its work properly as it was. It stopiied.
reversed, would not start with its full load at times^ and so on.

Mr. Bourne said that to put it in proper working order a,s
an electric lift of good quality would cost £200.

A witness having said it was dangerous to life. Junc.K Cm'er
said it was lucky for them they had not lost a lot of lives, he siq -
posed, and the witness agreed.

Judge Cluer said he went to the factory; he paid a special
visit to view the electric lift : it did not reverse while he was
there. He thought the fault lay in the human operator being
incompetent, as the plaintiffs could work it quite well. The motor
had lieen put on wood blocks instead of cast-iron, which might
cau.se vibration, so he would allow £2 for that, and give judgment
for the plaintiff's for £3.s 3s. 6d. Leave to appeal was granted, on
the amount of the claim being paid into Court.

WAR ITEMS.

In the Shoreilitch County Court, on November 2.'ith. before his
Honour Judge Cluer. the hearing was resumed and concluded of an
action in which Mr. C. P. Medley, the London Hoist and Machinery
Co.. of 103. Worship Street. E.G.. electrical engineers, sued
Mr. T. G. Dingwall, of .">3.\, City Road, EC. packing-case makers
and shijipers. to recover £4ii 3s. (id., the balance of an account of

Black Lists. — The " London Gazelle '" for November
24th contains a further list of isersons or bodies witli whom
trading is prohibited in Brazil, Denmark, Greece, Nether-
lands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, and other countries.

Lord Balfour's Committee. — According to a statement
made in the House of Commons last week, the interim report
of Lord Balfour'.s Committee on the resolutions of the Paris
Economic Conference has been received.

German Electric Lamps for Italy? — An Exchanjje ttls-
patch to the Wetitminster Gazette says "it i.s stated in the Eome
Press that half a million German electric lamps have recently
arrived at a city in Northern Italy.

Sales of Enemy Interests. — The " Times " states that
Messrs. Kuller. Horsey, Sons & Cassell have been in.structed
by the Buai'd of Trade to realise the assets of the Bosch
]\iagneto Co., i,td., and the London Emery Works, Ltd.

To be Wound Up. — The Board of Trade has ordered the
folio-wing eompaiiv to be wound up : —

Sanitas Electrical Co., Ltd., 61, New Cavendish Street,
London, W., dealers in medical electrical apparatus. Con-
troller: James Fraser, :^l, Copthall Avenne, E.G.

WomenWorkers. — Wo read in the " Times " that
women arc to be employed as electric tram drivers in Vienna.
More than 5,n(HI women are already acting as tram conductors
there. Gur contemporary also .states that Saxony has just
permitted the employment of women as stokers for steam
engines ;irul boilers.

Export Prohibitions. — A Supplement to the " Board of
Trade Journal " of November 23rd contains complete lists
of articles which, according to the latest information received
by the Board of Trade, are prohibited to be exported from
Denmark, France (including Algeria), Greece, Italy, Japan,
and the Netherlands. This Supplement also contains the list
of articles (complete to date) which 'are prohibited to be
exported from the United Kingdom.

"War Metals. — The Minister of Munitions has aonointed
a Committee, under the chainnanship of Mr. C. W. Fielding,
to advise him upon the steps which can be taken to secure
the most economical use of 'he metals required in the manu-
facture of munitions of war. The Timex .states that Mr.
Fielding has b.-en chaiiTnan of the Rio Tinto Co. for the past
12 years.

DKcEMBKKi. i!4,i.j THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

509

Austrian Copper Shortage. — Having requisitioned the
ihuivLi bells throughout the country and stripped off the
copper from the roofs of churches and pubhc buildings, the
Austrian .^finistry of National Defence has now announced
the confiscation of the copper on private buildings. — Times.

Air Raids and Electric Flashing. — Major-General Sir

Francis Lloyd states that from observation made, it is inter-
esting to note that sparking from electric trains and trams
tends rather to confuse than to assist hostile aircraft in iind-
in^: their «ay over London.

(ilasgow War Bonus. — At a meetin.i; of the Glasgow Elec-
tricity Coinmittee it was agreed to reconuneud (1) that all
meter inspectors and clerks employed in the electricity depart-
ment, who.se .salaries are ^65 and do not exceed i'25U per
annum, be granted a war bonus at the rate of 4s. per week;
and - ['!) ((() that the female meter inspectoi.s and feinalr
t-lerks, and {h) junior male clerks, who.se .salaries are under
i'fii per annum, be granted a v^ar lioiuis of '2s. i>er week.

Entertaining Wounded Soldiers. — The wholesale and re-
tail electrical trades of Bristol on Thursday, last week, gave a
very enjoyable entertainment to the convalescent soldiers
who are recovering from their wounds in some of the hos-
pitals of Bristol. Some 320 disabled warriors accept-ed the
invitation to the Art Gallery (kindly lent for the occasion by
the Bristol Corporation, and the musical jn-ogramme went
with a good swing, the applause which greeted the vaiioiis
items testifying to the appreciation which was I'elt. Refresh-
ments were provided, 'and the arrangements tor the comforts
of the men reflect great credit on the committee, who were
untiring in their energies. Mr. .\. H. Dowson (chairman),
in a few well-chosen words, welcomed the " boys," and said
it was only a very small way of showing how they all appre-
ciated what they had given for those at home. The National
Anthem concluded a very enjoyable evening. The committee.
«ho in conjunction with the Inquiry Bureau had- charge of
the arrangements, were representatives frouj the Cryjito Elec-
trical Co.. Veritys, Ltd., the Ediswan Co.. the General Elec-
tric Co., Ltd.. Siemens Bros., and several retail firms.

An Australian Law Suit. — Th^e " Melbourne Aije " of
October 17th contains a report of the case Welsbach Light
Co. of Au.stralasia, Ltd.. r. the Commonwealth of Australia.
Plaintifls' case was that it was a company, incoiporated under
the law^ of Great Britain, and was a seller of incandescent
mantles, and sold such goods in Australia. An injunction was
claimed restraining the Commonwealth AtttJiney-Gencral from
taking further action on a notice in the Government Gmefle
that the company was managed or controlled mainly for the
benefit of persons of enemy nationahty, and .£0-5,0(X) damages
were asked for.

For the defence, a demurrer was pleaded on behalf of the
Commonwealth, that the statement of claim was bad in sub-
stance and not sufficient in law for the plaintiff company to
maintain the action.

The Lord Chief Justice, in delivering his judgment, .said
that the statement of claim disclosed no cause of action, and
there mu.st be judgment for the defendant. Justices Barton,
Isaacs, Duffy, and Eich agreed. Mr. Justice Higgins was not
prepared to dissent from the views of his colleagues, though
he had doubt. Mr. Justice Powers <bsagreed with the view
of the inajority of the Court. The demurrer, on a majority
judgment of the Court, -nas allowed, and judgment was en-
tered for the defendant.

The Use of Electric Torchlights. — In Dumbarton Sheriff
Court last week, according to the Glasgow Herald, a number
of prosecutions v^ere made against young men and girls for
having, during the hours in which lighting is restricted m
the streets of Dumbarton, displayed a light by means of an
electric torch, which might act as a signal, guide, or land-
mark. George Connor, caulker. Dumbarton, pleaded guilty,
and it was stated by Mr. H. L. Yeudall, Procurator-Fiscal,
that in the opinion of the authorities this torchlight business
had become a regular danger. In this case, besides being a
real danger, it was a real nuisance. Sheriff Macdiarmicl^ said
that he thought it would be obvious that the restrictions and
regulations would not have been made regarding lighting in
houses if accused and his companions were entitled to walk
about the street flashing torchUghts in the sky and about
the streets. It was a practice which must be stopped. A
i>enaltv of 60s., with the alternative of 10 days' imprisonment,
was irapo.=ed. Penalties of 30s. or 10 days' imprisonment
were imposed on William Kennedy, David Cochrane, Joseph
Quinney, John Hendrv, Catherine Dry.sdale, and Jessie Bon-
nan all of Dumbarton. His Lordship said it must be under-
stood that while a shaded light or faint light, such a.s was
used on moving vehicles, if carefully used would not be inter-
fered with, nothing in the nature of a bright light would be
allowed.

Exemption Applications.— .At the \Vigan Tribunal, appli-
cation for exemption was made on behalf of an electrical engi-
neer emploved at a local picture palace. Exemption was
gi anted on the understandmg that applicant went to work m

a coal mine. , i ,. ^. j t i.v

\t the Bedworth Tribunal, amplication was made tor three
men on the Tehidy estate. in< hiding an electrical engineer
(aged 41. nian-ied)'. in charge
supplv. &c. The electrical en,;

with the whole of the plant,

of the electrical plant, water
j;ineer was the only man left
Sec, whereas there v^ere pre-

viously two. Mr. Shoplaud said they did not want the man
so much as a soldier as a skilled mechanic. The Chainnan ;
The farms cannot do without water. The engineer was ex-
empted to Februar>' 1st.

At Southwark. Messrs. H. Dunn & Son, electrical and
mechanical engineers, of Newington Causeway, S.E., apphed
for the exemption of an electrical titter, 25 years of age, and
aii armature winder, 20 years of age, both passed for general
service. It was stated that the finn was exclusively engaged
on the repairs and oversight of the electrical plant in a muni-
tion factory, where over 3,000 workpeople were employed
on important work. They were also making special machinerv
for this firm. Mr. T. Haynes, J. P. : The difficulty is that
they are both young men fit for general service. Mr. Dunn
said they could not get old men for electrical work. They
had advertised extensively in the technical papers, but got
no replies. He read a letter from the .Auxiliary Anuy Ord-
nance Depot stating that the men were indispensable, and
could not be spared. The fitter w-a.s placed in a certified
iiccupatiou. whilst two months' exemption was granted the
armature winder.

At Weston-super-Mare, the Electrical Supply Co.. Ltd..
appealed for P. W. Paull (27), cable jointer, originally medi
cally rejected, and now passed in Class C 2. He is the only
jointer on the staff, and cannot be replaced. The Military
Representative assented, and conditional exemption was
allowed. The company also appealed for F. F. Spearing (38).
foreman electrician of the installation department, classed in
C 3, after being rejected under the Derby scheme. The Tri-
bunal alliiwed conditional exemption, with the assent of the
Militai-y.

. Evesham Tribunal has granted final exemption to March
31st, with the Volunteer condition, to A. J. Howard (28), in
sole charge of the electrical works of the Evesham Motor
Engineering Co.

At Chatham, the Tramway Co. appealed for four of the
staff', and. on their behalf, Mr. F. F. Smith said that some
time ago arrangements were made by which the working
statf was reduced to an absolut'C minimum. Captain Eeid
suggested that if the four men were fit for service they
should be relieved if suitable substitutes were found by the
Mihtary authorities. Mr. Smith said that Mr. Jensen, the
manager, would be quite agreeable to this, but he pointed
out that 12 men who were medicaOy unfit for military service
had been tried, and they had to give up the work. It was
arranged that the four men and others on the staff should
be released when proper substitutes were found and given a
trial.

Bochdale Tribunal has granted conditional exemption to
Eibuund Holden (31). inotormau in the service of the Cor-
poration tramways department.

The Tribunal at Castleton (Yorks.) has granted conditional
exemption to Mr. J. W. Etherington (36), electric light bulb
mould manufacturer, who is engaged on Government work,
and is passed for general service.

At Weymouth, a certificate of conditional exemption hat-
been granted to Mr. T. H. Escott (28), electrician and mana-
ger for Messrs. Brooking & Co.

Before the Xorthants Appeal Court, Major J. C. Lewis, of
Deriicote Hall, applied for extended exemption for Duncan
Cameron (31). attendant to the electric Ught plant at the Hall.
In reply to a question, he said he thought that a wounded
soldier would not be competent to do the work. A final two
months were allowed.

At Reigate. on November 21st, it was reported that the
Surrey .\ppeal Court had renewed the case of C. Morgan
(29). shift engineer at the Corporation electricity works, and
had. on the appeal of the Mihtary, made exemption until
Januarv 1st final.

At Dover, on November 22nd. the Mihtary apphed for
withdrawal of conditional exemption allowed to G. Hopkins
(32). coal and ash trimmer at the Corporation electricitv
v\urks. and recommended a month's exemption only. Mr.
Vosper said the man was in a certified occupation and. iiTes-
pective of age. was exempted. The Mayor suggested that
the man's .services should be retained until a substitute could
be found by the Military, and this was adopted. Mr. Wood-
man, for the electricity department, pointed out that the
trouble was to get the substitutes to stay. He had had .seven
applications from men of between 50 and 60 years of age,
but the job could only be carried on by a tough man, as he
had to trim over 10 tons of coal and seven tons of ashes seven
days per week on an eight-hour day.

At Romford, seven tramcar drivers, whose ages ranged
from 31 to 36. were anpealed for by Ilford U.D.C. The Clerk
to the Council said that the staff had been considerably re-
duced. Mr. L. Harvey, tramways manager, said that it was
impossible to run the present service with a smaller staff.
Captain Howard suggested that women should be trained a^
drivers, and that women should take the place of conductors,
but Mr. Harvey replied that the Commissioner of Police
would not license women drivers. The Chainnan .said that
the TTribunal was satisfied that some reduction could be
made in the present .staff: the public might suffer some in-
convenience, but it would not be substantial. Two of the
men would be allowed two months, and in the case of the
others the appeals would be reviewed at the end of the same
period.

Before the Stratford-on-Avon Rural Tribunal, Lieutenant
Crosland, of UUenhall, asked for leave to appeal for his elec-

600

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW. [Voi. :•.•. Xo. •.>.(»;. oi:.embkr i. nnc.

trioian, aged 28, he havinjj failed to get a substitute. The
Tribunal refus«.>d leave, considering that Lieutenant Crosland
had had time to make arrangements. t i^ t^ *u

At Eastbourne, an appeal was made by Mr. J. H. iiat^o,
of Alfriston, for the retention of A. N. Gander &), elec-
trician, and exemption to December ;Ust was granted.

\t Strood (Kent), on November 2-2nd. Messrs. Martin, Earl
and Co. appealed for S. Richardson ('27), electnc machine
attendant, and conditional exemption was allowed.

At the Leeds Appeal Court, an electrical engmeer, in apply-
ing for an emplove (married), stated that out of 20 men 11
had joined and four were on munitions. Temporary exemp-
tion was given to January 31st.

At Buxton, an appellant, aged 35. stated that he was the
onlv practical electrical engineer in the town employing
labour, and if he went his business would stop. Conditional
exemption was granted.

At Douglas (Isle of Man), on November loth, exemption
was claimed for \Y. White (35). electrician, by Mr. Fargher,
and exemption until February 12tb was conceded.

At Dnuclas (Isle of Manl. on November 15th, exemption
recentlv granted until their apprenticeship was finished to
R. A, Rnbinson (IS) and W. A. Cowen (18). electrical engi-
npp-ing pupils wi'h the Manx Elei'tric Railway Co.. was
appealed I'CT'inst. The mnnager nf the company. Mr. Edmnnd-
son Slid th<»v did not vvH.'^h to keep the lads for the comoany's
snke, hut thou^'ht it would be better for the country if they
were allowed to fini.'ih their time, and then join. Robinson was
directed to join when called up, and Cowen, passed in Class
C2, was granted time to complete his apprenticeship.

Kidderminster Tribunal has given three months' exemp-
tion to C. J. Middleton (36), electrical engineer, engaged at
the Opera House.

At Preston Tribunal, application was made for 10 Cor-
poration traracar drivers. Mr. .T. F. Simpson (tramway
manager) said he under.stixid the Military were prepared to
substitute these men, and ?11 he asked was for exemption
until the substitutes were forthcoming. If the meti were
taken at once it would mean stopping nine cars. They could
not get men to take their places. He hnd an understanding
with the T.abour Exchange to .send him three men a week to
train as drivers, but during the past three months they had
sent him only one man. The Military Representative
accepted the condition, and it was decided to exempt the
men nntil February 1st. the men to go in the meantime if
sub.stitiites were available.

At Bolton Tribunal, on November 22nd. an electrical engi-
neer, aged 27, applied for exemption. The Assistant Military
Representative strongly urged that the man should be taken
for the .\raiy on account of his age. The man's father said
if he were t.Tken the business, in which all his life's savings
were invested, would be ruined. Exemption until December
31st.

Mr. G. H. Baker appealed at Bexhill-on-Sea for F. W.
Climpson (37), electrician, who attested. Mr. Baker said that
all his other men had joined up, and without Climpson he
■nould be like a ship without a rudder. Three months were
allowed.

Woking Tribunal has granted two months' exemption to
.T. S. Fowler (23), electrician, api^ealed for by the Electric
Supplv Co.. T;td.

.\t Eastleigh. on November 21st. the British Westinghouse
Electric and Manufacturing Co., Ltd., appealed for six men
engaged on work at Eastleiah in connection with the electrifi-
cation of the London &: South-Western Railway Co.'s sub-
urban lines. It w-as decided that three of the men, who are
unmarried, should ioin up at once; the other three were
allowed three months each.

W'antace Tribunal has granted exemption to March 1st
to Mr. W. A. Noble (41), manager of the Tramway Co.. on
his joinincr the Volunteer Defence Corps; the same term to
J. R. Wilkins (.32), fitter and erector, appealed for by the
company: and to .January 15th to R. Skinner (-32), tramway
conductor.

BUSINESS NOTES.

Lamp Manufacture in the U.S.A.— I^icences to manu-
facture tunjrsten filament lamps under the Just and Hanamau
patents are lieintr issued by the General Electric Co., of Schencc-
tatly. owners of the patents, the validity of which has been
recognised by the U.S. Courts. The owners could have shut down
the independent lamp makers, but preferred to issue licences rather
than to destroy the capital invested in their businesses. The
licences permit the licensees to continue to manufacture lamps up
to the .same percentage of the General Electric Co.'s output in aiiy
year a-s they were manufacturing in 1!)15. The licensees are not
restricted as to selling prices, but must not use the triide name
"Mazda." and will not have the benefit of the research work carried
on by th" owners of the patent.

The effect of the decision is to put an end to the importation of
tungsten-filament lamps into the United States. The Electrical
Wiirld states that the Laco-PhUlips Co.. the defendants in the
case, who were large importers of lamps from Holland, have gone
out of business so far as the United States is concerned. Before
the war there was a very appreciable trade in foreign-made lamps,
mostly of the miniature type; but in September. I'JH, the price

of American lanii's was lowereil to a value that couUl not hv mot
by foreign nianulat?nrers.

Book Notices. — '" ProceetHnf/s of the American Institute
of Electrical Engineers." Vol. XXXV. No. 11. November, 191C.
New York : The Institute. $1.

" Soieutilic Papers of the Bureau of Standards." No. 204.
" Freezing roiiit of Mercury.'" Washington : Department of
Commerce.

"Spons El.clrical Pocket Book.' liy \V. II. Moleswortli.
London : E. >V 1'. N. Spon. Price (is. net.

Trade Announcements.— Messrs. Ai,itKur Dickinson,

Ltd., of III. Cpper Mill Hill. Boar Lane, Leeds, have circularised
their customers, stating that owing to the pressure of military
necessity they are compelled temporarily to suspend operations.
They h,ive arranged with Messrs. Wallis A: Watsou, of 20, Park
Row. Leeds, to take over the business j»u tem.

New offices and showrooms for the electricity department, have
been opened at 1 . St. .James's Street, by the Taunton T.C.

To meet the demands of increasing business, the directors of the

ViLCAK Boir.KR AND GENERAL INSURANCE Co., LTD.. have

decided upon certain rearrangements of, and additions to. the
official staff at the head office, which will in future be con-
stituted as follows :— C. Bullock, Wh.Sch.. A.M.Inst.C.E , managing
engineer ; J. M. Dale, F.C.I.S., managing secretary ; Frank H.
Bullock. A.JI.Inst.C.E , deputy managing engineer; G. R Vine,
assistant secretary and accountant ; R. Quinney. assistant
secretary and agency superintendent ; J. Cauthery. chief boiler
engineer ; E. H. Scholes, departmental chief, consultative depart-
ment.

The Indo-European Telegraph Co.. Ltd., announce that the
whole of the radio-telegraphic business hitherto carried on by that
company has been transferred to Messrs. Creed it Co., Lt<l.. telegraph
engineers, East Croydon, to whom should be addressed all communi-
cations on subjects previously dealt with by the company. The
board of directors of Creed 5c Co.. Ltd. (until recently known as
Creed, BUe it Co.. Ltd.") has been enlarged to accommodate, amongst
others, two directors of the Indo-European Telegraph Co., Ltd. A
fuller announcement concerning Messrs. Creed &Co."s developments
appeared in our issue of November 17th, page .545.

Dissolutions and Liquidations.— Shaw "Wibeless.

Ltd. —According to an Australian paper, this company is winding-
up voluntarily, with Mr. L. J. D"Antoine, of T. and G. Buildings.
Elizabeth Street. Sydney, as liquidator.

GoODENOUGU ct Skinner, motor engineers, electricians, &c.. 62,
Hampton Road, Kedland, Bristol.— Messrs. W. D. Goodenough and
,J. B. Skinner have dissolved partnership. Mr. Goodenough attends
to debts. I'cc, and will continue the business.

Leitxer Electrical Co.. Ltd., Maybury, Woking.— December
14th is the last day for receipt of proofs for dividend. Liquidator,
Mr. G, E, Corfleld, 119, Finsbury Pavement, E.C.

Patents and Alien Enemies. — Application has been

made to the Board of Triide by the North British Rubber Co., Ltd.,
for the avoidance or suspension of Patents Nos. II. .530/13 and
11.1)1.5/13, granted to Faibsnfabriken vorm. Friedr. Bayer & Co.
for the vulcanisation of rubber ; the hearing was fixed for
yesterday.

Applications for the grant of licences in respect of Patents Nos.
12,777/13 and 12,(;ijl/14, granted to Newton on behalf of the same
alien firm and in respect of the same subject, have also been made
by the North British Rubber Co., Ltd., and were to be heard
yesterday.

The suspension order dated August 17th, 1915, granted to Messrs.
G. H. Forrester and G. Marsh in respect of Patents Nos. 12,8(58/05,
12,869/05, and 12,870/05, lor the idetinning of tin plates, has been
revoked.

Patent Restoration. — Application has been made by

L. St. C. Brach for the restoration of Patent No. 18,513 of liu'l
tor "Improvements in soldering composition paste."

Catalogues and Lists. — Messes. F, Hisbanh, Ltd.,

Craven House. Kingsway, London. W.C. — Illustrated circulars
giving prices and particulars of Husband-Quead electric fires and
Ensign electric fires.

The B.T.H. Co., Ltd.. of 77, Upper Thames .Street, E.C. have
issued the first of a series of incandescent lamp handbooks. It
gives a great deal of information and data regarding Mazda lamps
of both vacuum and half-watt types, suitable for general illumina-
tion, train lighting, projector work, \;c. There is also a glossary of
technical terms used in connection with glow lamps, as well" as
rules and terms for the sale of Mazda lamps to private consumers,
trade users and re-sellers. The handbijok (56 pages) illustrates to
scale all the forms of standard lightina' lamps falling under the
heading of Group I, and gives detail of size, type of cap, efficiency,
wattage, voltage range, illuminating output in lumens, standard
packing quantities, &c. Readers who have not received copies can
have same on application.

The Sterling Telephone and Electric Co., Ltd., 210-212,
Tottenham Court Road, Loudon, W. — Publication .\o. 254 (eight
pages) containing a description of their- mining bells and relays,
specially constructed with parallel windings for use in fiery mines,
in order to comply with the new Heme Office Regulations.

General Electric Co., Ltd.. ut. Queen Victoria Street.
London, E.C. — k folder (O.S. 2 061) has been issued, giving prices
of Osrara drawn-wire lamps. It bears the coloured " Elephant ""
design "Osram the Strong," a>eady referred to in these columns.
Copies aie beiiifr supplied to the trade, overprinted with their name
and address. The company has also issued to the trade an effective
window bill (20 in. x 30 in.) of th8 same design.

Vol.7!. Xu.j.nM. DK,KMBKRi. iflir.) THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

HOI

LIGHTING AND POWER NOTES.

Australia. — The N.S.^V. Public Works Deparcment is

makintr inquiries in connection with the proposeil electric lighting-
scheme for Wollonpong'. The Department has in hand a compre-
hensive scheme for lightinfr the towns on the south coast, and on
the tabic lands from the power house at Port Kembla, and probably
before lonjr Bowral, Moss Vale. Mittagonfr. and the nouutain towns
may be lighted from this source. The price of materials is chiefly
retarding: the negotiations.

The Melbourne (Tictoria) City Council has been advised by the
Electric Supply Committee that it has been foimd necessary to
install an additional o.ihkj-kw. generatiiiir plant, so that it may l)o
in operation during- the winter of 191 S ; the cost is estimated at
*l22..iOti. The demand for power is increasing at the rate of 20 per
cent, yearly, and it is expected that the same rate of expansion will
continue in the future. Tenders are to be invited for the plant.^-
'J'e/tders.

A deputation recently waited on Mr. H. McKenzie, Minister of
Water Supply, with a vigw to securing extended rights to the use
of the water of the Kiewa River for hydro-electj-ic power. The
)iroposal is to establish on the higher reaches of the Kiewa River
hydro-electric works to distribute electricity in the country districts
and down as far as Mellxjume. t'nder the Water Act the syndicate
could only secure a 15 years" lease, and it is desired to have this
extended to .50 years.

A special Act of Parliament w.iuld be necessary, and the deputa-
tion asked that provision might be made for the (Jovernment to
fix the prices of supply, and for the State to take over the whole
concern if thought fit.

The Minister said the Water Commission had no objection to the
syndicate using the water for power production ; he could not hold
out any hope that a Bill could be introduced this season, but he
would bring the request before the-Cabinet.

The Biunswick City Council is raising a loan of £",.500. of which
t .5,000 will be devoted to extending the electric lighting throughout
the municipality. — Mtlhuiirrie Age.

A representative deputation has interviewed the Victorian
Premier to protest against any proposal to compulsorily take over
the Melbourne City Council's electricit.v undertaking and place it
under the control of a proposed tramway trust. The Premier
mentioned that a Sub-Committee had been appointed to consider the
matter and prepare a draft Bill : no decision had been come to. and
he promised that the representations of the Committee shuuUl be
considered.

BaildoD (Yorks.).— Peov. ORnER.— The B. nf T. lias

agreed to extend the powers obtained by the (.'ouucil in 1913 in
respect of the supply of electricity ; the matter has arisen owing
to a recent proposal to supply electricity in the district.

Bingley. — The D.C. has resolved upon the adoption of

the maximum demand s.vstem as an alternative system of charging
for energy supplied for lighting : also to charge for energy sup-
plied for power £3 per annum per metered H.P. required, plus
Id. per unit supplied.

Birmingham. — In order to enable the Electric Supply

Committee to give the necessary supply of electricity to the tram-
ways, it is suggested that the ]X)wer load should be reorganisefl,
and if the necessary approval can be obtained, it is hoped that the
tramway difficulty will be overcome.

Bury. — LiXKiNG-iP. — The chairman and deputy-chair-
man of the Electricity Committee, the town clerk and the electrical
engineer have been deputed to attend any conferences which might
he held on the question of interconnection of electrical under-
takings in the district, the Committee being in agreement with
the general idea.

Cahirciveen (Co. Kerry).— E.L. Scheme.— A public

meeting decided to urge the Council to adopt an electric lighting
scheme for the town.

Chile. — Permission has been jji-anted to Senor Victor
Leon Nunez to utilise tlie Rio Chilian for the production of power
required in connectiotl with the electric lighting of the town of
Chilian.— -Biwcrf of Trade Journal.

Colombia. — The Municipal Council of Peusihaiiia,

Department, of C-aldas, has been authorised to raise a loan of £3.000
for an electric power plant ; the Municipal Council of Angostura.
Department of Antioquia, to raise a loan of £800 for an electric
power installation ; and the Municipal Council of Venecia, Depart-
ment of Antioquia. to raise a loan of £1,000 for an eleotric power
plant and aqueduct works.^^fwr*/ of Trade Jovrnal:

Continental. — AusTR0-HrNC4ARY. — Owinp to the serious

condition of the Buda-Pesth finances, the JIunicipal Coimcil ha.s
decided to raise the prices of gas, electric light, and water, hojiing
to raise an additional revenue of tSOo.oiiO to £330,000.— Times.

Spain. — La Sociedad Energia Electrica Cataluna. of Barcelona,
has applied to the authorities of the Province of Lerida tor a con-
cession to establish a hydro-electrio plant of about 4,800 H.P. on
the River Xoguera de Cardos, near Tir-via.

FoBirGAL. — Concessions have been granted to fienhor Martinho
Pinto de Miranda Montenegro, of Castelo de Paiva, to use the
Rio Paiva, at two different points in the Aveiro district, for the
generation of electrical energy. Tw4 hydro-electric power stations
are to be established, each ha-nnr tlree sets of ' turbo-gen'eratbrs ;
each turbine ia to be of 2,5'00 ■a.\.—^ciird nf T'ad^ Jon.riuil.

Cork. — The Trafford I'o.. Manchester, a Ijranch of the
Ford motor concern, U.S.A.. is in negotiation for the establish-
ment of works which it is expected will involve an extension of
electric lighting and power.

Dover. — The T.C. has further postponed the question of

installing a new turbine set in place of the smaller sets at the elec-
tricity works. The question was held over a year ago. An addi-
tional loan of £3,SS-1 to meet the cost of laying a new cable to
East Cliff is to be taken up.

Dundee.— Plant Extensions.— The Electricity Com-
mittee of the T.C. reports that the Scottish Office has sanctioned
the expenditure of £27.000 for proposed extensions, on condition
that a contribution of £5.000 towards the cost of the contemplated
extension is made out of revenue, and that provision is made for
reduction of the loans raised under the ijresent sanction by
setting aside annually to a sinking fund not less than 4 per cent.
of the amount borrowed.

Epsom. — Provisional Order. — The South Metro-
pi iiitan Electric Tramways and Lighting Co.. Ltd.. is applying for
a provisional order tor the supply of current in the parishes of
Ewell and Cuddington. in the area of the Epsom R.D.C.

Exeter. — It was reported to the T.C. that the present

stock i.f electrical materials cannot be increased, and that when
it was u=pd up no further E.L. connections could be made.

Falkirk. — Price Increase.— A proposal to increa.se the
price of electricity for power by 10 per cent, is being considereil
by the T.C.

Llandudno. — Price of Electricity. — The Electricity

Committee has considered the statement showing receipts and
expenditm-e during the year ended March 3Ist, and also for the
half-year ended September 30th. and reports that it appears that
the increasing loss on the undertaking is due to the higher price of
tuel; it was therefore recommended that the Council raise the
fiat rate for electricity to 8d. per unit, and other rates in propor-
tion, which, however, the Council declined to do.

London. — Hammersmith. — The Electricity Committee

reports that it is still in negotiation with the Battersea and Fulham
B.C.'s upiiu the proposed linking-up scheme. In the meantime, a
suggestion has been received from the Fulham B.C. that the Ham-
mersmith Council shoiUd take over some of its load for a period of
six months or so, pending the carrying out of certain important
alterations to the Fulham electricity works. The engineer has
reported that this can be done in such a way as to form a part of
the proposed larger and permanent linking-up scheme, by connecting
the ordinary high-tension mains at a sub-station in the Fulham area
near the Hammersmith boundary, the only apparatus to he pur-
chased being two auto-transformers necessited by the difference in
the two pressures of the respective undertakings. This will enable
a temporary bulk supply of approximately 400 KW. to be given to
Fulham, and the Committee recommends that it be carried out.

The Committee reports that the mains laid by the Councils con-
tractors for the bulk supply to the Chiswick Electricity Supply
Corporation are now in position and available for supply at any
time.

Application is to be made for sanction to a loan of £ 2,000 for
the purchase of cable and apparatus on the termination of the
contract.

Stepney. — The B.C. has been recommended that aU charges for
electricity supplied, including meter rentals, except in cases where
there are special contracts, should be increased by an additional
13J per cent., making a total increase on the pre'-w-ar rates of
33J per cent., to commence -with, and include, the accounts to be
rendered for the month of November.

Market Drayton. — The Blore Heath R.D.C. has given its

consent to the Market Drayton Electric Light and Power Co. to
supply electricity to Peatswood, Tyrley Castle and Tern Mill.

Midlothian. — The electrical plant of the Arniston Oil

Co. is lieing duplicated.

New Zealand. — Mr. E-^an Parry, the chief electrical

engineer of the Lake Coleridge (Government hydro-electric)
scheme, in his report on the year's operation to March 31st. 19U;.
states that 4.860.260 units were generated and 3.t>!i4,757 units sold ;
the -maximum load was 1.328 KW.. the average load 555 KW. and
the load factor 41 8 per cent., while the connected load was
6,893 KW. Operating expenses amounted to £9,383. making, with
depreciation and interest (£16.783), a total of £26,166. The
revenue was only £8.255, resulting in a deficit on the yearns work-
ing of £17.!'ll. Three generating units were orig-inally installed,
ecjual to 6.1100 H.P. : 12 months ago the demand for electricity
warranted the installation of a fourth miit of 2.000 H.P., and the
expanding business now necessitates the addition of a fifth unit of
4.000 H.P. Contracts to the extent of 8,000 h.p. have already been
entered into, and when the power under these contracts is supplied
it is expected that the plant will be earning sufficient to pay
interest in full, as well as working expenses, and possibly leave a
small surplus towards sinking fund and depreciation. The total
capital expended to March s'ist. 1916 was £316.757.— C:>'-./."..i-
wealfh Engineer.

Rawtenstall.— The T.C. has received sanction to the

borrowing of £107 for transformers in connection with the supply
of electricity to paslingden; and 4200 for the pirovision of a traiie-
fonner in connection with the supply to a local firm.

602

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW. [Voi. v,.. >„. 2,0:!.;, nw-KMnKK i. unn.

Tasmania.— I 'i' ''"M^nnueiit liiis nlitiiiiR-il a Iomii I'f

i! i:.O.i»Mi, at ('■ iH-r iviit.. from the Commonwealth Bank, for tho
Hydro- Electric Department, to enable it to supply :i..">Oii ii.i>. to the
Hydro-Electric Co.. 4.ii(itt H.l". tothe .Vmalsramated ZinctdcBarny s)
Co.. ami L'.iiiiu H.P. to oonsvimcrs in and around lloliart.
(\imiiiiiiiiiiiillli KHijiiieri:

West Ham. — Tlie ckrtrical cuirimrr is In ivpoii cii tiic
plant capacity at the ■reneratinfr station, and to sujiply certain data
in connection with the linkinsr-up proposals.

Wlllesden. — It is iv|H>rtc'd that tin- Daylisrlit Savins; Act

durintr the midsummer quarter reduced the private linhtiu},' revenue
by Jt.ils as compared with the previous year. Durinjr the two
.summer quarters 2.7S.'>.,S4S units were purchased from tlie Power
Co.. the avermre cost beinjr, for the June quarter. ■72.'>d. per unit :
Jlichaelmas quarter, TlTd. per unit. l)eini,' a retluction as compared
with the previous year.

Application is to be made to the li.G.B. to sanction the borrowiu^r
of £5.000 for mains ejttensions : the Board has sanctioned a loan of
£2.SS7 for certain urjrent work.

TRAMWAY and RAILWAY NOTES.

Australia. — The (|iuirtfrly it'iHut o\ tLc Praliran ami

Malvern Tramways Trust, to Sejitember 30th. shows that tln'
revenuefor the (inarler was Ji:33,(il!l; the pas5en};ers carried weiv
.">.24:f..<75, and the car niilea{;e. ."ViMi..->|."i miles. During the year
endetl September 30th the total number of jiiissenKers carried was .
23.095.+42. and the total revenue from fares was £1.50.444.

Having practically completed arran^rements for the borrowing of
E 100.000. the Footscray (Victoria) Tramway Trust has decided to
make an early start with the construction of four of the five short
lines in the scheme, each of \\ liich has its terminus at the Footscray
Railway station ; the Trust recently obtained an Order in Council
authorising this work. — Tcmh-rx.

A de))Utation from the Municipal Tramways Conference recently
waited on the Premier of Victoria on the question of tramway
control. The deputation jnotested iigainst any proposals to consti-
tute a permanent tramway authority not comjiosed of repre-
sentatives from the Mimicipal Councils, and strongly objected to
the pro|iosal to take away from the Municipal Councils the owner-
ship and control of all tramways in the metropolitan area :
objection was also made to the insertion in the proposed Tramways
Bill of any provision for subsidising the Railway Department out
of tramway revenue.

The Premier, in reply, said that the Government was fighting for
municipal ownership as against nationalisation : the real point at
issue was as to the question of management. He would, however,
submit the views of the deputation to his colleagues in the Cabinet.
.\s regards the subsidy, he was afraid the deputation had not
looked at it from a broad standpoint. The metropolitan area had
been largely developed by the railway system at the expense of the
people as a whole. If by any chance the tramways were going to
compete with that system, it only seemed fair that something
should be paid for the right, to compete. He could not hold out
any hope that the Government was likely to vary the proposals,
which would be thrashed out in Parliament. — Melhotirne Af/r.

The effect of the suburban electric tramway services on the
railway revenue is discussed in the annual report of the Victorian
Railway Commissioners, who estimate the decrease ontheEssenden,
Prahrao-Malvern and Hawthoru-Camberwell lines at £60,945 per
annum. The Commissioners say: — "So long as the existina
principle governing the construction of tramways is continued, the
proposition that the railways should in some way be compensated
from the tramway receipts for the loss of revenue resulting from
the competition of the tramways, though open to criticism, is.
perhaps, on the whole, an equitable arrangement, but they con-
sider that the adoption of such a scheme should not be regarded as
finally disposing of the problem arising from the conflicting
interests of the railway and tramway systems."

The Commissioners express the belief that much of the traffic
lost will be regained after the suburban lines are electrified. —
Comtmmwealtli Enifincer.

Bradford. — Ticket Bo.xes. — The jiracticc of the Tram-

w(iy Department of attaching boxes for used tickets to the cars,
results in the saving of 12 tons of used tickets yearly, which will
sell for £2 per ton.

The Tramways Committee has decided that the tramway service
of the city shall be entirely suspended on Christmas Day.

A Sub-Committee has been appointed to meet the tramway
workers in connection with applications by several sections of the
staff for advanced wages.

Continental. — Spain. — The Gacda tie MaJrhl publishes

a notice authorising the Sociedad Tranvia del Este de Madrid to
undertake the construction and working of an electric tramway in
Madrid from the Calle de Alcad to the Calle de Diego de Leon. —
Bf>ar(^ of Trade Jotirnal.

Dublin. — The Dublin (Eleotiic) Tramways Co. last week

inaugurate4 a new service between Westland Row and Fair View,
linking uj) the Dublin and Syuth-Ea;tern Railway and Great
Northern Railway termini.

Halifax. -'l'ln' 'l"rain\\ays ami \Vali-h ('(iMiniilters iiaxi'
decideil to nnike representations in the jiroper quart*'rs for more
light in the streets and for power to have lH>tter head lights on the
cars, owing to serious nerve strain on the tramcar drivers.

The attitude of the Committees in appealing to the lighting
powers for some moderation of the lighting restrictions, is
endorsed thrt)Ughout the cities and towns of the West Riding,
where an agitation for Ijetter street lighting has recently been
spreading amongst local authorities, the view being that the
restrictions are excessive and cause dangers out of all propcn-tion
to the purposes of the restrictions,

Lancaster. — Elkctkic 'iu'sks. — Tw.i i'lilisdo iiaiiiTy

buses, each to accommodate 22 passengers, and having a speed of
12 miles an hour, have l)een delivered to the O)rporation. The
chassis of a third bus was lost at sea : all the bodies were supplied
by the Brush Co.

Newcastle.— -^s tlic icsuh nf a (■(iiiri'i'cucc hclwcTH liic
Tramways Committee and the managers of the amusemiiit houses
in the city last week, it was decided to stop all cars at lo o'clock.
It wiis exjilained that the strain wyton the tramway emplo.ves had
reached breaking ]ioint.

Rawtenstall.— W-\(.Ks. The T.C nn Thiirs,la\ d.vHlr.l

tliiil in future there should be no war bonus for tramway employes,
anil in lieu thereof drivers and conductors will receive Ul. an hour
moie than at )n-esent and the shedmen l.d. an hour more.

TELEGRAPH and TELEPHONE NOTES.

Bolivia. — -^ radiofiraphic station was inausuratcti last
Saturday at Viacha, which jiermits of wireless communication
between Bolivia and Argentina. — lierieir nf the Rirrr Phitr.

German Wireless. — It is repoitetl that (luring Oi-tnlier
300.000 words were .sent -over the German wireless routes to
America. During the winter, imjjrovements and enlargements of
the princix)al stations will enable the service to be still further
increased.

It is reported that a Dutch company is being formed with the
support of various big shipowners for the manufacture of apparatus
for wireless in.stallations on lx)ard Dutch and other ships, with a
view to being independent of the British JIarconi Co. and the
(iernian Telefunken Co. -'I'Jie Timis.

New Zealand. — The N.Z. (inverninent is negulialin^

with the Eastern Extensiim Cable Co. with a view to the removal '
of the cable station from Wakapuaka to Wellington. The Auck-
land wireless station, which has been closed since May, 1915, has
lieen reopened, and the Government has decided to erect a station
at Rarotonga.- T. nnil T. Aijf.

South America. — The AVesterii Union Telegraph I'n. is

making arrangements to extend its activities to South American
countries, which at present are connected with the United States
only through the Central and South American Telegraph Co.

CONTRACTS OPEN and CLOSED.

OPEN.

Australia. — Sydney — January ;ird. N.S.W. Kailways

and Tramways Department. .lO-tou electric overhead travelling
crane for Yarra Street power-house, Newcastle.'

January Sth. Municipal Council Electric Lighting Department.
33,000-volt switchgear. E.L. Department, Town Hall. Specifica-
tion lOs. lid.*

.January 22nd. Electrical plant (converter, battery, booster, and
switchboards) for the Castlereagh Street sub-station, for the Muni-
cipal Council. Specification from E.L. Department, Town Hall.*

Queensland. — December 12th. P.M.G.'s Department. Caps
and lamps for switchboard, covered wire, benders, sleeves and
tapes. See "Official Notices" to-day.

January 1st. P.M.G.'s Department. Cords, switchboard, jiarts
and accessories, measuring instruments and telegraph instrumf>nts.
See " Official Notices " to-day.

Bingley. — I*-*-'- Electric light installation at Puiilii^

Baths. The Engineer, Coiracil Offices.

Bradford. — December Sth. Motor-di-i\-en or other
mechanically propelled road-sweeping machines. W. H. Inger,
Superintendent to Street Cleansing Department, Harris Street.

Cape Town. — January -Hh. Electric motors and starting
.panels, for the Corporation Eleo|ricity Department. Dock Road,
Cape Town.* _

DF.rEMRER 1, urn.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW

603

I

Durban. — lamuirv 3i'd. Coqioration. One S.OOo-kw.

steam turbine, alternator, and condensing plant. Specifioatiiin
Xo. S. 238 ; drawipw No. P. 597, both at the office of the Borough
Electrical Engineer, Municipal Buildings. Deposit £2 2s.

Enniskillen. — IXvember 1st. Sligo, Leitrim & Xortlieni
Counties Railway Co. Twelve months" supply of telegraph mate-
rials. Mi\ J. Duff, Secretary to the Company.

Grenada. — December 31st. Government. Electric
siijiply at St. George's and suburbs. Tenders to Colonial Secretary,
(JrtMiaila. British West Indies.

Johannesburg. — December 'Jth. Corporation. 1.4l'7

A.r. and n.c. electricity meters and 100 time-switches. Specification
(21s. deposit) from Mr. E. T. Price, General Manager's Office,
Electricity Supply aud Tramwaj's Department, President Street,
Johannesburg, \V.'

December 20th. t_'or]x>riition. .\utoniatic pressure regulators for
the A.c. turbo-geuerator.'i at the power .station.'

January 3rd. C'orjxiration. Iron axles and bushes.'

London. — li.C.C. — The Stores and Contracts Committee

rfoommends that the Committee be aiithorised to open the tenders
tn be received on December 5th for the supply of electric traction
-low-lamps for the Tramways Department under Schedule 17 D.

The Highways Committee recommends that tenders be invited
for the supply of about H.OOO yards of trolley wii-e for tramway
luirjioses.

New Zealand. — Duxedxx. — .January i'4th. Motor-
generator, accessories and spares. City Electrical Engineer, Market
Street, Dunedin.*

T.irR.\XG.\.— February 12th. Borough Council. Supply of six
three-phase transformers, 11.000-400 volts. H. W. Clime'& Sous,
lonsuiting Engineers, Raetihi. — y.Z. Skijijiing nnii Cuiniiierci'.

Spain. — The municipal authorities of Alberique (Pro\'ince

iif Valencia) have just invited tenders for the concession for the
electric lighting of the town during a period of five years. The
I'lectric lighting contract for a period of one year in the town of
Albarda, in the same province, was also lately up for tender.

Trimdon Grange (Co. Durham). — December 8r<l. Six

months' su]>ply ot electric fittings. Storekeeper, Trimdon Gr;uv/c
( ■olliery.

Warrington, — Dcccmlier li'iii. Electricity and 'J'rain-

ways Committee. Twelve months' supply of earthenware conduit.
See " Official Notices" to-day.

Specifications for the items marked * can be seen at the Board
■ 't Trade Commercial Intelligence Department in London

CLOSED.

Australia.— P.M.G.'s Department. X.S.W. --

12/fl miles of paper-insulated lead-covered cable, 100 pairs, J
B.I, & Helsby Cables, Ltd,

P,M.G-'s Department, Victoria : —
One Wheatstone transmitter and one ditto receiver, .£167. — Mess
Bros. (Sydneyi, Ltd.

Trades and Customs Department : —
Wireless apparatus for use of the lightho
G. Weymouth Pty., Ltd.
Home Affairs Department : —
Installation of electric lighting plant at North Head quarantine station,
£426,— Messrs. Sutherland & .\shman Pty., Ltd.

Glasgow. — The Tramways Committee recommends

a'ceptance of the following : —

Chilled brake-blocks (three months' contractu — Miller & Co., Ltd.

Glass (three months' contract). — Pilkington Bros.

Glass (six months' contract K— Chance Bros., Ltd.

Car-wheel tires (six months' contract). — Broivn, Bayley's Steel W^orks, Ltd.

Malleable castings (sis months' contract). — .\lex. Shanks & Son, Ltd,

Iron and steel bars (six months' contract).— P. & W. MacLellan, Ltd.

Springs (six months' contract). — L. Stenie & Co., Ltd.

Oils (six months' contract).— John Murray & Son, Ltd. ; Marks & Johnston ;

and J. & D. Hamilton, Ltd.
Paints (six months' contract).— Blacklock & M'.\rthur ; Hird, Hastie & Co. ;

J. S. Craig & Co., Ltd. ; and Lewis Berger A Sons.
Iron and steel scrap for disposal (six months* contract). — John Jackson and

Co. ; P. & W. MacLellan, Ltd. ; and David Smith.

London. — Hajdikksmith. — The Electricity Committee

recommends that the Main Colliery Co.. Ltd.. be paid the authorised
increase of 2s. 6d. per ton for all deliveries subsequent to June 1st,
liil6, under their contract for the supply of Welsh steam coal, with
the exception of deliveries which should have taken place prior to
that date ; and that their contract for the supply and delivery of
150 tons weekly of Welsh coal be extended for a further 12 months
from November 1st. 1916, at the price of 28s. 2\± per ton i and
that the offer of Messrs. Cory Bros. A; Co. to continue the supply of
too tons weekly for a further six months, from January 1st, 1917.
of Aberclwyd rough small coal, at 27s. pei( ton, be accepted.

■ . Rawtenstall.— Corporation.

«lectricitv works ; J. Morris 6; Co.

FORTHCOMINQ EVENTS.

i.'8<l.5.— Mess;

Salford Technical and Engineering Association.— Saturday, December

•2nd. .At 3 p.m. Visit to Messrs. Lancaster &. Tonge, The Lancaster

Works. Pendleton. At. 6.30 p.m., at the Roval Technical Institute, annual

general meeting.
Royal Society of Arts.— Monday, December 4th. At 5 p.m. At John Street,

.\<U'll')n, W.C. Howard Lecture, "Coal and its Economic Utilisation," by

Pro). J. S. Brame.
Institution of Post Office Electrical Engineers (London Centre).—

Monday, December 4th. At 6 p.m. At the Institution of Electrical

Engineers, Victoria Eml)ankinent, W.C. Paper on "The Western Electric

Co.'s Auto-Tele. System," by Mr. B. O. Anson.
Institution of CivU Engineers of Ireland.— Monday, December 4th. At

H p.m. At 35, Dawson Street, Dublin. Ordinal' meeting.
Engineers' Club.— Tuesday, December .ith. At 7.30 p.m. At Albert Siiuare,

*' Chester. Debate on " The Decimal System," to be opened by Mr. E. C.

Barto

r.th. At -7 p.

Institution of Civil Engineers.— Tuesday, December 5th. At 5.30 p.m. At

Great George Street, Westminster, S.W. Discussion on paper •' Keadby

Bridge," by Mr. J. B. Ball; and paper on "Experiments on Earth

Pressures," by Mr. P. M. Crosthwaite.
Bontgen Society.— Tuesday, December 5th. \t H.15 p.m. At the Institution

of Electrical Engineers, Victoria Embankment, W.C. Ordinary meeting.
Institution of Electrical Engineers (Birmingbam Local Section).—

\\ ednesday, December 6th. At 7 p.m. .\t the University. Edmund Street.

Paper on "The Parallel Operation of Electric Power Stations," hv Mr.

J. S. Peck.
Chemical Society.— Thursday, November 7th. At 8 p.m. At Burlington

House, Piccadilly, Ordinary scientific meeting.

4.00(

tons of slack for the

NOTES.

" Safety First." — A movement is on foot to carry out a

" Safety First " campaign for the London area, and a Conference
will be held at Caxton Hall. Westminster, this afternoon, at
H o'clock, to explain the objects of the campaign and to elect a
Council. The notice convening the meeting is signed by Mr. H. E.
Blain, operating manager of the London General Omnibus Co,,
Ltd.. and London Undergroitnd Railwa.vs. and the main purjxise
of the movement is to reduce the dangers to passengers and
pedesti'ians arising from the existing condition of traffic in the
streets by organising a scheme for the education of the public and
the instruction of employes.

The Marconi and Telefunken Companies. — In reply to

(luestions in the House of ('ommons. im 'fuesday and Wednesday
last, Mr. J. A. Pea.se stated that the Government were satisfied that
there had been no connection between the Marconi and Telefunken
Companies since the war began. He had seen the agreement which
existed Ijetween them before the war, and found that, as the com-
jiany had stated, it .solel.v regulated rival interests, and did not
enable the Germans to obtain information which thev could not
otherwise secure. The operators on British ships were British
Mibjects. iiud in no case of enemy parentage.

The Coal Trouble in Australia. — The Timps states that

it is now a punishable offence in Australia for an.y electric imder-
taking or gas company, without official consent, to supply motive
power to any unspecified industry. Specified industries are those
connected with the public ssr^ices. Coal and coke may not be used
for industrial purposes except by special permit.

Sale of Enemy Holdings. — From an advertisement whicli

appears in our pages to-day, it will be observed that the Public
Trustee is inviting tenders for the purchase of 2.099 ordinary
shares of *: 1 each in the Flottmann Engineering Co.. Ltd., Cardiff,
makers of Flottmann compressed-air hammer drills.

Whist Drive. — The Meter Department of Messrs. Ferranti,

Ltd., HoUinwood. held a very successful whist drive and dance on
Saturday. November 2.ith. at Copster Hall. Oldham. Mr. O. Coupe
presented the prizes. Refreshments were served, and dancing was
afterwards enjoyed. Mr. C. Finch conducted the drive. Mr.
F. Buckley officiated as M.C.. Mr. N. CoUinson proved a capable
pianist. The profit is to be handed over to the Soldiers' Fund.

Export Prohibitions. — A Supplement to the Board of

Trinlr Jininial of Xovember Scth contains complete lists of articles
which, according to the latest information received bv the Board
of Trade, are prohibited to be exported from Norway. Portugal,
Roumania, Russia, Spain. Sweden and Switzerland. This Supple-
ment also contain a reprint of the L^nited Kingdom Contraband
List.

Fatalities. — An inquest was held at Eston, near Middles-
brough, last week, into the .death of a mechanical engineer named
Walker, aged 23, who met his death at the steel works of Messrs.
Bolckow, 'Vaughan & Co.. Ltd. It was stated that deceased was
called to attend to the coupling on the top of the electric crane.
To do so he had to get into the cabin of the crane, and he attempted
to do this by stepping from the platform, as was customary,
instead of getting in by the steps provided for that purpose. He
hung on to a gii-der. but being short in stature, he was unable to
reach the box. He swung his body, and the result was that his
heel came into contact with a live wire, and he fell to the ground,
a distance of 20 ft. Verdict : '' Accidental death."

A workman was killed at the works of Messrs. Thwaites Bros.,
ironfounders, Bradford, on the 22nd inst. His arm came in
contact %vith the feed arm of an electric arc furnace on which he
was engaged, and he died before reaching the infirmary.

ti04

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

iiHi;. Dkckmiikk 1. I'.ili

High-Temperature v. Low-Temperature Carbonisation

of Coal. Our conteni|nirary. the /<■«« mid Ciml Trmhs Itrrnir.
in the course of some notes on by-prwiuct cokinf and to the
publicity which has recently be«n jriven to low-temperature
carbonisation of coal, remarks that : — " .\s far as the electrical side
of the matter is concerned, the proposition resolves itself solely
into one of power- raisinjr. and it can in no sense be regarded as a
vindication of low-temjierature carbonisation i)lants of this or any
other system. An array of fipures has b(>en put forward purport-
inpr to show that on these lines low-temperature carlmnisation will
solve all our fuel problems, whereas, as a matter of fact, either a
Mond sras-producer plant or a coke-oven plant will produce equally
Srood or better results. To the electrical enjfineers it is merely a
question of jrettinir a supply of fuel at a rate sliphtly less than
they are compelleti to pay at jireseut. All low-temperiltiire
carbonisation plants suffer from one great drawback, viz.. they
have in themselves no satisfactory outlet for their iras. and hence
as an alternative to wastinjj it. they can afford to sell it at a very
low price. Carbonisation at srasworks and also at coke-oven plants
is economically a success, but until conditions alter greatly, low-
temperature carbonisation cannot be. At a gsisworks. the revenue
per ton of coal is derived approximately in the following way :
From the coke, three-eighths ; from the gas. a half ; from the by-
products, one-eighth. On a coke-oven plant, the proportions may
be taken as — coke, four-fifths : gas. one thirty-fifth : by-products.
six thirty-fifths, the proportion for gas being almost negligible.
Xow. with a low-temjjerature carbonisation plant, the results
are not comparable with a g.isworks from the point of view
of revenue, because the gas cannot be sold at anything
approaching the figure for town gas. If we allow — and
this allowance cannot be justified as yet — a higher price
for the low-temperature coke, and also a slight increase
from by-products, the total increase by no means balances the
decrease due to the low value of the gas. Hence, from the revenue
point of view, gasworks have nothing to gain by substituting low-
temperature carbonisation for their present system. Again, com-
paring with coke ovens, low-temperature coke has not nearly the
same value as coke-oven coke ; the gas is worth no more than the
coke-oven gas. .and it is very questionable if the by-products are
worth as much as those obtained in a by-product coking plant. It
will be seen, then, that the balance is against low-temperature
carbonisation in this connection also. As a purely carbonising
proposition, then, low-temperature carbonisation cannot compete
with gasworks or coke-ovens."

Referring to the Brighton Corporation proposal, it says : — "From
the i»int of view of the Brighton Corporation, the scheme is
merely one of gas firing. The whole onus of the carbonisation side
is thrown on the Coalite Co.. and all that the Corporation has to do
is to utilise the gas. The gas is to be a mixture of coal gas and
producer gas, and will have a calorific value of approximately
300 B.TH.u. per cb. ft. Approximately 1(1 cb. ft. are required to give
the same heating value as 1 lb. of the coal. According to the
calculations of Mr. Christie, the Brighton electrical engineer, at the
price which the Coalite Co. offer the gas, the Corporation will
obtain for Us. 3d. the same qpantity of heat as they get in a ton
of coal at 20s. It is estinrated that 110 cb. ft. of gas will be
required per KW.-hour. and that, with an annual production of
7i million Board of Trade units, the cost of fuel per unit will be
reduced from 0'321d. when using coal to 0'16.5d. when using gas.
There is also a certain saving in other directions, as with gas-firing
no labour is required for coal-handling, clinkering, &c. The only
factor necessary for the complete success of the scheme is the
successful operation of the Coalite plant, and this apjjears to be the
weak link in the chain."

The Engineers' Club, Manchester. — In addition to thu

events announced in our last issue, the foUowir g further debates
have alsoi been arranged for [Tuesdays, at 7.30 p,m. Dinner
served from 6 p.m. Price 2s. 6d.] :—

January 9th— "The Magneto in Peace and War.' Opened by Lieut -

Commander W. A. Bristow. R.X.V.R.
.January Mrd.— •• The Empires Metal--, and the German Octopus." Opened

by T. S. Bangham.
February 6th.— " Enemy Influences in Great Britain and their Effect ■

Opened by Stafford Ransome, Secretary, the British Engineers'

.Association.
February 20th.— "The Engineers' Club: What It Is, and What it Might

Be" Openedby Edmund L. Hill.
March 6th. -^" Engineering and Imperial Production." Opened by T. C.

March 20th.— "German Banking." Opened by J. Drunimond Paton.

The Edison Battery. — According to reports from

America, the Edison Battery Co. is at work on an improved form of
its nickel-iron-alkali accumulator, which, while being on the
same lines, generally speaking, will have the advantage of a higher
voltage per cell.

Electric Vehicle Committee.— At the last meeting, Mr.
E S. Shrapnell -Smith presitUng, Mr. J. A. Priestley, representing
the Institute of Cleansing Superintendents, took his seat for the
first time.

In the course of an interesting discussion. Mr. Harrison,
borough engineer of Southwark. explained why he had reported
recently against the use of electric vehicles for certain work for
which he proposed using motor traction. This was owing to there
bemg no electric vehicle on the market which complied wi^h the
requirement that the loading raU of the body should not be higher
than i ft. (> in. above the road level. The particular purpose in
view- wa-s the quick and easy removal of street sweepings from the
depdtp or stands in the streets where they a,rc collfec.l«i, apd the
uolleclioD of house refuse. " ' '

In connection with the provision of charging facilities nu the
routefrom London to Birmingham, correspondence was read from the
electric supply liopartment of the City of Coventry, setting forth
that they were unable to give any facilities for charging. and from the
manager of the Northampton Electric Light and Power Co.. piomis-
ing to afford every possible facility for charging vehicles, and stating
that when the amount of business warrants it they will consider
putting down a proper charging plant. They have decided toa«Iopt
the E.V.C. standard tariff.

The secretary was instructed to lay before the Ministry of
Munitions the views of the Committee as to permission being
granted to Britisli electric vehicle maufacturers to continue manu-
facturing electric vehicles for commercial jmrposes.

It was decidetl to invite the Institute of Automobile Engineers
and the British Rubber Tyre Manufacturers' Association to nomi-
. nate a I'epresentative upon the Committee ; it was also decided that
the official designation of the Committee in future should ))e : ''The
Electric Vehicle Committee of Great Britain, formed under the
auspices of the Incorporated .Municipal Electrical Association. "

A communication was received from the Anderson Electric Car
Co., of Detroit, stating that they were arranging to fit the E.V.C.
standard plug to all electric vehicles exported to Great Britain and
France.

It was decided to recommend to the Accumulator Section of the
B.E..\.JI..A.. that in the case of lead-plate batteries on electric
vehicles, the upper and lower limits of sp.g. should be clearly
marked in raised or moulded letters on the battery.

Linking-up Electricity Stations.— An important meeting'

was held on November 21st last at the South Wales Institute of
Engineei-s, I'ardiff. of representatives of the electricity supply
undertakings in the district in order to form a Local Committee
for South Wales and Monmouthshire, and to consider with regard to
liuking-up existing electric power stations, in the national
interest. The meeting was convened by Mr. W. A. Chamen, of
Cardiff, chairman of the Joint Committee dealing with this subject
It was resolved that the Committee shoidd consist of all the repre-
sentatives invited to the meeting. Mr. .-Vrthur Ellis, Cardiff, was electcil
chairman and Mr. Lewis W. Dixon, Merthyr, vice-chairman and lioii.
secretary, and the following gentlemen were elected members of a
Sub-Committee : — Mr. W. k. Chamen (South Wales Power Distri-
bution Co.), Mr. William Burr (Swansea). Mr. A. Nichols Moore
(Newport). Mr. G. H. Thomson (Neath), Mr. J. E. Teasdel (Ponty-
pridd). Mr, J. M. Bowman (Perth) and Mr. J. C. Howell (Llanelly).
The secretary was instructed to obtain necessary information, *;u..
and to arrange a meeting of the Sub-Committee as soon as the
information is obtained, in order to consider further ste])S.

Electrolytic Zinc. — The first of five sections, composing
the new zinc refinery of the Anaconda Copper Mining Co., at Great
Falls, Montana, was placed in operation on September Uth. The
first stripping of the plates netted 2.5 tons of zinc that was sent to
furnaces at .\uaconda for transforming into the commercial article.
The two new .iO-ton furnaces that are to handle the output at
Great Falls are being constructed and, according to the New York
Enijiiiffirinii and Mininij Joui-iwl, would be ready for o]ieration
about Octol)er 1st, By that time it was also expecte<:l that two
additional units would be operating at the refinery, and by Novem-
ber 1st the entire plant, with a capacity of .5,1100,000 lb. to
6.000,000 lb. of high-grade zinc per month, should be in operation.

The first week's trial of the new plant proved most satisfactory.
The zinc is brought in concentrates from the new concentrator at
Anaconda. On arrival at Great Falls it is taken first to the roaster.
where it is changed into calcines. This fine powder carries, in
addition to zinc, copjier, lead, silver and gold. It is next distri-
buted to leaching tanks having a depth of 20 ft. and a diameter of
10 ft. In these it is agitated in acid solution by compressed air
forced in from below. After agitation the pulp passes into Dorr
thickeners, where the lighter solution containing most of the zinc
is drawn off and filtered, the pregnant solution being pumped into
storage tanks in the refinery proper, and sent from there to the
electrolytic tanks. These are arranged end to end with six tanks
in each battery, the solution cascading from tank to tank. Each
tank is .5 ft. long. 3 ft. wide and 3 ft. deep, and contains 28 lead
anodes and 27 cathodes consisting of aluminium plates, upon which
the zinc forms. The zinc is tl9'9 per cent. pure.

Ground for the new plant was broken on January 1st of this
.year, and close on SS.OOO.Oiio has been exjiended in the construction
and equipment of this department. The aluminium cathodes for
the electrolytic tanks alone represent an investment of nearly
S500.000. Each one contains 1 i lb. of aluminium and 1 6 lb. of copper,
and there are 20.000 of these in the five sections of the new plant.
The copper metal for each cathode is worth between .?4 and ?.5. In
addition, there is the expense of manufacture. The plant will use
33.000 H.P. when it is operating at capacity. This power will come
from the Rainbow and Big Falls plants of the Montana Power Co.,
situated w-ithin 10 miles of the new refinery. The concentrator at
Anaconda is completed, and there will be no laek of zinc concen-
trates for the new refinery as soon as the additional units are put
into operation. By November 1st it was estimated that fully 2,U0ii
tons of zinc ores per day ^^•ould be used for this new department. —
FhinncUd l'iinet>.'

Copper Prices.— The Week's Chaxges. — Messrs. F. ,

Smith & Co. report, Wednesday. November 29th : — Electrolytic
bars rose from £160 to £167; ditto sheets, from £178 to £185!'
ditto rods, from £169 to £176; ditto H.c. wire, from Is. 8d. to
Is. 8|d ; silicinm bronze wire, from Is. lOJd. to Is. Hid.

Messrs. James & Shakespeare report, Wednesday, November
29th :— Copper bars (beBt sel'ected), sfcicts and rods rose from Mlii
to£r87. " ■ ■ ••

J36, decembek 1. i9i« ] THE ELECTRICAL EEVIEW,

605

Inquiries. — Makers of the " Eex " electric brush and

■• Barker " electric hair drier, of ball and socket insulating beads, and
of a wrist light, complete with battery and lamp (for ambulance
purposes), are asked for.

Legal.— Winn r. Clark.— In the City of London Court.

on Monday, before Mr. E. B. Tattershall. the Assistant Registrar,
Mr. Edward Winn, of Copthall House, E.C., sued Mr. John H.
Clark, of 144-14(). Bethnal Green Road, for £17 lis. Od. tor electrical
work done and material supplied at his place of business. Instruc-
tions for the work were given by the defendant to the plaintifiF's
foreman, and an estimate was given amounting to £S l.js., but
during the carrying-out of the work the defendant gave orders tor
extra work and alterations outside the items of the estimate, which
necessitated extra labour, time and materials. This increased the
original quotation from the £8 1,5s, to the amount now claimed.
The case had been before the Judge, and the defendant was found
liable, and the question of the amount had been referred to the
Assistant Registrar to ascertain what was due to the plaintiff.
After hearing the evidence, the Assistant Registrar said he thought
the work was properly done, and he could find no objection to the
charges for material, but with regard to the hours of labour and
the evidence as to the fair number of hours, he was disposed to
think 10(1 hours sufficient, instead of the HO charged, and he would
find for the plaintiff for that time. He must therefore submit to
a deduction of ,£2 10s. for the overcharge of 40 hours. Judgment
for the plaintiff for £14 Ifis.. and costs.

Lowe r. Bluxdell. In the Court of Appeal, November 28th.

before Lords Justices Swinfen Eady and Bankes. and Mr. Justice

Lawrence, this case was down for hearing, on the application of

defendant for judgment or new trial, on appeal from verdict and

-' judgment at trial before Mr. Justice Ridley and a special jury in

- March last.

The matter was mentioned to the Court nii \ov<fmher 17th.
when, on a suggestion of the Court, the appsal siucd over with a
view to settlement.

Mr. Parfitt, K.C., now said that since the adjournment of 10
days granted, the parties had had an opportunity of considering
the figures which their Lordships had kindly helped them with,
and the matter had now been settled in terms endoisedon counsel's
brief. The only order he asked for was for payment out to the
respondmt Lowe of £,3.")0. which was part of the £1,000 paid into
Court, and the balance to be paid out to the appellant, Mr, Weld
' Blundell himself.

Lord Justice Swinfen Eady : Out of the money in Court pay
,' £350 to the plaintiff, and the halancv of fl.OiiO to the defendant";
no other order.

Mr. Parfitt : Yes.

Mr. Coles Preedy said he appeared on behalf of Mr. Lowe, who

was grateful to their Lordships for their suggestion of a sum. which

. he felt he ought to act upon. He had no desire to make money, but

, to vindicate his honour, which he hoped he had done by the verdict

of the jury.

Lord Justice Swinfen Eady, in assenting, said it was a wise
.settlement on both sides,

Central-Station Men and Military Service. — At the

Swindtm Tribunal, S. Bowler (29), single, stoker ; Frederick Newey
(22), married, electrical engineer ; George Frederick Lane (22),
single, electrical engineer ; and H, F, Grimes (22), single, electrical
engineer, were appealed for by Mr, A. Dimmack, manager of the
Corporation electricity works. He said he could not spare any
of them. He had to keep the undertaking going, and it would be
impossible to do so if they took these men away. They had to run
the electricity works for 24 hours a day and for seven days a week.
His proposal was that the Army should provide substitutes who
had already been in the electrical trade, and as these men became
efficient the others would be released. Mrs, Whitworth said that
women were filling these posts in London, Mr. Dimmack stated
that in stations where women were employed they would find that
there were shift engineers. The Swindon station had never been
over-staffed as compared with other stations. The.y could not leave
women in charge of a station by themselves. -Mr. Harding said
that according to the Government instructions issued to Tribunals
the previous week these men were exemjjted. Mr. Dimmack offered
to release Grimes and Lane if substitutes were given.

The cases were adjourned for a month and referred to the
Sulistitution Officer.

Appointments Vacant. — Apiilications for the pn.-Jt of

-liitt engineer for Reigate should lie sent in by Wednesday, Decem-
ber ]3th. not 13/Ji, as incorrectly printed by us in the advertise-
ment of last week.

Boiler house shift engineer (£150). for the City of Birmingham
electricity supply department ; junior assistant engineer (38s.),
and switchboard attendant, for the Borough of Wimbledon elec-
tricity department. See our advertisement jiages to-day.

Electrochemical Industries for South Africa. — Tlie

report of a Committee of the South African Institute of Electrical
Engineers (Inc, ) on the possibilities of manufacturing in South
Africa, by the aid of electrical power, several protUicts of com-
mercial importance which are necessary for- the agricultural and
mining industries, which was abstracted ii our issue of March
24th, may now be consulted by British frms interested at the
■ Offices of the Department of Commercial In ;elligence of the Board
of Trade.

The Decimal System. — The Holboijn Borough Council,

on Xovember 32nd, unanimously adopted a i-esolution that it was
not- only desirable, but essential, to aAop a decimal system, of

coinage, weights, and measures throughout the British Isles, to
enable our manufacturers and merchants to compete more easily
and successfully with rival nations. — T/ie Times.

In October a recommendation of the Finance Committee of the
Stepney Borough Council, that the Government be urged to take
immediate steps to adopt the decimal system, was adopted by the
Council, and similar recommendations were made to the Deptford,
Hammersmith, Fulham and other Borough Councils.

The Bradford Chamber of Commerce received a letter from the
Cl.nyton District Council enclosing a resolution in favour of the adop-
tion of the decimal system, and on October 3 1 st discussed t he subject ;
no resolution was put forward, but several members strongly advo-
cated the adoption of the system on the ground that our present
units hindered the development of our foreign trade, some firms
abroad declining to do business with British firms unless they
ado]ited the decimal system.

The Council of the Association of Chambers of Commerce
will consider at the next meeting the question of the adoption of
the metric system of weights and measures and the decimal system
of coinage. — T/ie 7'imex.

As announced in our last issue, a -debate will be held at the
Engineers' Club. Manchester, on the evening of Tuesday, Decem-
ber .5th. at 7.30 p.m., on " The Decimal System," at which many
members of the recently-formed Manchester and District Decimal
Association will be present. The debate will be opened by Mr.
Edward C. Barton. M.I.E.E.. formerly chief engineer to the
Brisbane City Council. Australia, who has made a special study of
decimal coinage and the metric system.

Parliamentary. — Wimbledon Corporation seeks powers

to supply electricity in the Parish of Cuddington.

Ripou Corporation seeks powers to supply electricity within the
Cit.y of Ripon and parts of the rural districts of Ripon and
Knares borough.

The Ebbw Vale U.D.C. is applying for a Bill for various powers.
including further powers in regard to the supply of electricity.

Blackpool Corporation is applying for powers to supply elec-
tricity in certain parts of Carleton and Marton, which it is sought
to include within the borough.

Sheffield Corporation seeks powers to appropriate lands for erec-
tion of new generating station, construct electric lines, &c,

Ashton-under-Lyne Corporation seeks powers to purchase tram-
ways authorised by the Oldham, Ashton-under-Lyne, Hyde and
District Electric Tramways Order of LSHC.

The Electrical Distribution of Yorkshire, Ltd., seeks supply
powers for Garforth, Featherstone, Luddeuden Foot, and Horbury.

The Smithfield Co.'s Employes.— At the City of London

Tribunal, on Tuesday, November 28th, the Smithfield Markets
Electric Sujiply, Ltd.. appealed on behalf of the following 15
men : — J. Anthony (29), married, wireman's mate ; W. H. Alle-
mande, shift engineer (22), single ; J. I. Biggam, shift engineer
(29). single ; E. A. Copelin. driver (2(it, married ; W. H. Harper.
shift engineer (34). married : F. H. Tutt, foreman and meter
reader (25), single ; T, F, Austin, installation and fuse attendant
(36), married ; T, G, Deller, assistant driver (40), single ; H. J.
Lazenbury. driver (39). married ; P. F. Roberts, shift engineer
(27) ; J. Richardson, wireman's mate (27), married ; C. E. J.
Stevens, wireman (;29). married ; E. W. AVarren (33), married :
S, Hidson (36), married ; and A, E, Fyears. Mr, Powell, the secretary
of the company, appeared in support of the applications. It will
be remembered that when the case was last before the Tribunal, it
was stated that there had been a fire on the company's premises,
and this had thrown the whole thing into confusion. The station
had teen wrecked, and the men were appealed for because they
were engaged on work of public utility, every man teing absolutely
necessary for the carrying-on of the business. The claim on
behalf of H. J, Lazenbury was now withdi-awn, as he had been
rejected by the Navy, and that on fjehalf of Fyears was also with-
drawn, as he was now over military age. The Tribunal decided to
postpone Anthony, Allemande, Biggam, and Copelin to January 1st,
and then serve ; Tutt to January 30th, and serve ; and Harper.
Austin. Deller. Roberts. Richardson, Stevens, Warren, and Hidson
to March 8th, with the right to renew. All the postponements were
subject to the ■V,T,C, condition.

Volunteer Notes. — First London Engineer Volun-
teers.—Headquarters, Chester House, Eccleston Place. — Orders
for the week by Lieut. -Col. C. B. Clay, V.D., Commanding.

iloiidatj. Decemhev ith. — Technical for Platoon No, 9, at
Regency Street, Squad and Platoon Drill, Platoon No,, 10. Sig-
nalling Class, Recruits' Drill, 6,25—8, Lecture, "On Tele-
phones,'' 7,30.

Tuesday, Decemler 5th. — School of Arms, 6 — 7. Lecture.
7.15. " The Service of Protection," Company Commander Hynam.

Wediie-tdaij. December dtli. — Instructional Class, 6.15. Platoon
Drill, Platoon No. 2.

Thiu-iday. December Vh. — Platoon Drill, Platoon No. 7. Ambu-
lance Class by M.O., 6.

Fridctij, December Stii. — Technical for Platoon No. 10, Regency
Street. Squad and Platoon Drill, No. 9. Signalling Class.
Recruits' Drill. 6.25 — 8.25. Lecture, " On Telephones," 7.30.

Saturday, December 9t!i. Inspection by General Sir Desmond
O'Callaghan. at 3, in Hyde Park.

Sunday. December lOth. — Entrenching at Otford. Parade at
'Victoria (S.E. & C. Railway Booking-office), 8.45 a.m.

Cvrj)s Supper. — A Corps Supper will be held at the Queen's
Hotel, Leicester Square, on December 8th, at 7.

(By order) MACLEOD yEAKSLBy, 44jufaii/. .

r.( U)

THE ELECTRICAL llEVIEW.

Institution and Lecture Notes.— University ColIe}«e,

London. I'ml. .1 A. Fleming: coiuuioikihI his tilth liotuiv on
•■Loii^'-l>istnnce Telephony " on Friday last with a ilemonstration
of the effect of loadinsr upon the current sent into a 14-mile 44-lb.
cable, and the current received at the far end. Artificial cables
were employed, and it was shown that on switching over from an
unloaded to a loaded cable, the current at the sending end dimin-
ished, but the received current very jrreatly increased. The hijrh-
frequency alternator used for the experiment did not yield a pure
sine wave, but Prof. Fleminp showed that the undesired comiionents
(if the wave could be "filtered out" by connectinjr resonatiiitr
circuits in shunt to the terminals, each such circuit containintr a
capacity and an inductance in series, such that the frequency with
which it would resonate equalled 1/2 tt s/ L c. By windinjr coils
upon the inductance coils, as in a transformer, pure sinusoidal
currents corresiiondinpf to the resonating: harmonics could be
obtained, havin;.'. for instance, frequencies of 1,000, H,000, or 5.0UO
cycles jH-r second respectively. For the study of these high-
frequency waves the Duddell oscillotrraph was not suitable, as its
natural frequency of vibraticm was not sufficiently jfreat— it should
lie 111 times that of the wave under examination. The Braun
kathode-ray oseillojrraph was free from this objection, but the trace
obtained was not sharp enough. However, a rough practical
test could be made with a condenser, voltmeter and ammeter ; con-
necting these with the alternator, if no harmonics were present,
the current i would be = 2 tt n v c X lO"'', or 10" l/« v c -- 2 t =
•i'2s : if, however, harmonics were present, the latter ratio would
always be greater than li'2S, possibly two or three times as great.
For a true sine wave it was best to use a special machine, such as
that designed by Mr. Duddell.

The measurement of the small alternating currents employed in
telephony necessitated the construction of special instruments,
usually dependent upon thermal effects. The lecturer described
such instruments which he had devised, including one using his
oscillation valve. For determining phase difference between
current and voltage the Francke machine was described, as well as
the Drysdale A.c. potentiometer with phase - shifting device.
Methods of measuring small capacities were also explained.
Remarking, in connection with the measurement of s/c, that the
Post Office engineers had discovered that gutta-percha conducted
alternating currents lietter than direct current. Prof, Fleming
described a special capacity bridge which he and his late assistant,
Mr, (i. B. Dyke (killed on active service), had developed for the
investigation of this effect, and showed the importance of the
jihenomenon in the cases of dry manila paper, gutta-percha, and
vulcanised rubber, all of which varied widely in conductivity for
high-frequency alternating currents with the frequency and the
temperature. For ordinary g.p. t^/c = lOU or 120 i for Siemens
special g.p. s/c = 20 or 12. The value of k/l could be measured
with the Hughes bridge, which the lecturer explained in detail.

Smoke Prevention. -Lecturing at the Leeds Luncheon Club on
Monday, last week, on " A Smokeless Leeds, with ,i,iOO,000 a Year
Profit." Dr. S. F. Dufton. H.M. Inspector of Schools in the West
Riding, said the normal coal consumption in the city in a year, in
the gas works, electricity works, and households — but not including
the bulk used in factories and workshops — was nearly 850,000 tons.
Of this amount .''0,000 tons was burnt " raw " in the furnaces at
the municipal electricity works, wasting enormous quantities of
valuable by-product, in addition to pouring out volumes of harm-
ful smoke. He urged the distillation of all coal before burning
it. Everything at the present time combined to make the imme-
diate adoption of the reform practicable, and it would effect a
saving throughout the country of a hundred million pounds a year.
For the future no gas or electricity profits should go in reduction
of rates, but should all be applied to the reduction of capital
<'harges and reduction to consumers of the cost of light and power,
the life-blood of industry.

.Junior Institution of Engineers On Monday, December l Ith.

Mr. r. W. Lanchester will deliver his presidential address on
" Industrial Engineering : Present Position and Post-War Outlook."
The Marquis of G-aham, the retiring President, will take the
chair.

Association of Electrical Station Engineers The address of

this Association has this week been changed to 20. Little Park
(lardens. Enfield.

Society of Engineers.- On Monday, December 11th. two papers
will be read on the mineral resources of the United Kingdom and of
the Empire, by Prof. \V. G. Fearnsides and Prof. C. G. CuUis
respectively.

Science and Industry.— At Leicester, recently. Professor G. Kapp
gave a lecture on electrical engineering before the Literary and
Philosophical Society, one of a course of three lectures on " Science
and Industry " that has been organised by the Society. He stated
that in England electrical engineering was not lagging behind
other nations, and in some respects was ahead of Germany. He
had just examined a new process for the manufacture of nitrates
from the air. which gave great promise.

Royal Society of Arts — On Wednesday last Dr. Dugald Clerk
read a paper on the internal combustion engine, in which he
reviewed the development of this motor, and showed how pro-
minent a part had been played by British inventors.

Sir Charles Parsons drew attention to the universal use of this
type of engine for small powers to-day. and the importance of its
educational influence upon the public in mechanics and engineering.
He mentioned that Dr. Clerk, in the very near future, would
assume a very important Governmental position in connection with
developments in this country.

"Electricity on the Farm" Campaign. -•Vnnnliiiir to

the EUvtrii-iil II .>/■/</, a .systematic co-operative camimign to place
electricity on every farm in the United States is now being
launched by the Western Electric Co. In the past much of the
farm business has not been transacted through the central statiim,
contractor, or electrical dealer, and it is eni])hasised that this is
an effort to market equipment thii>ugh recognised electrical
channels. At the outset a big advertising campaign is to be \inder-
taken with 21 farm papers reaching SA million suliscribers each
month : these are intended to bring requests for a " Farmers'
Electrical Handbook,"' thus furnishing a clue to prospective
business, which will be notified to the local trade, and if necessary
the comjiany will itself endeavour to get the business. The hand-
book is both a catalogue and working treatise of the subject. The
company, while pushing its farm-lighting set, urges preference for
central-station service, if available, and the advisability of con-
sulting the nearest lighting authority in any case. The independent
lighting set is rated "at 32 volts, but only llo-volt fittings, wiring.
A:c.. are supplied, so that the farm can tt»ke the central-station
service when available, only the :V2-voh apiilianees needing to Ix.^
replaced .

OUR PERSONAL COLUMN.

The Editors invite electrical enyineers, whether connected, with the
techniciil or the commercial side of the profession and. iitdiistry,
also electric tramway and railway otHcials, to keep readers of the
Electrical Review posted as to their moremeais.

Central Station and Tramway Oliicials. — West Haiu t'or-
(orufioii luis decided that in consideratiou of the extra res-
ponsibility placed upon Mr, Hopkins, the chief assistatit of
th,^' tramways, duiing the change of managers, he be paid
a gratuity of M'2f).

Mr, (1. H, Dale, late of London, has been appointed mains
as.sistant at the Dover Corporation electricity works.

General. — The ('otiinunumiWi Engineer .states that Mr. 1''.
('.oLDiNCi, formerly a-sistmit oii'ctrical engineer in the Coiii-
inonwealth Postmastci (.loiicrars Department, New South
Wales, has been aijpomted electiical engineer for Victoria, in
sucee-ssion to Mr. A. A. Direks, who lia.s become electrical
engineer of New South "Wales. Mr. P. Faibley, formerly
connected with the electrification sclieme of the Victorian
railways department, ha.s been appointed senior engineer
assistant in connection with the electrical department of the
MtJbourne City Council. Mr. J. Y. Nelson, formerly elec-
trical engineer for New South Wales in the postal service,
was presented with a tea and coffee service and silver salver
by the staff on the occasion of his retirement after 49 years
of service.

Aid. James He.\ld, of the firm of Messrs. Calvert & Heald,
electrical engineers, &c., has been re-elected Chairman of
the Lancaster Coi^ioration Electricity Committee.

Hammersmith B.C. Electricity Committee has appointed
Aid. Johnson Chairman, and Coun. Chamberlain Vice-Chair-
nian, of the Committee for the current municipal year.

Roll of Honour.— Sapper W. Heasman, E.E., of Maiden-
head, has won the Military Cross. He was on the Reserve
A\hen war broke out, in the employ of the Telephone Section '
of the G.P.O. The award was for special and dangerous worlt
in connection with the laying of telephone cables.

We are pleased to record the conferment of the Victoria
Cross upon a fonaier employe of the Western Electric Co.,
Ltd.. Woolwich— Private F." .F. Edwards, of the xMiddle-ses
Regiment, who, at a critical moment when his iiart nf the line
\\as held up by machine-gun fire, all the officers Imd heell
put out of action, and retirement was imminent, on his own
initiative dashed out alone and knocked out the machine gun.
with bombs. This gallant act, at the greatest per.sonal ri.'k,
saved the situation. He joined the Arnjy shortly after the
outlireak of war, and is '21 years of age.

Sergeant W. C. Stevens, Loyal North Tjancashire T!;rf-
ment, who enlisted early in the war whilst with Messrs. Dick,
Kerr & Co., Ltd., of Preston, has been killed in action.-

Private Ehne.st Hall, Scottish Rifles, who is reported-
killed, after being missing since July 16th last, was an em-
ploye of Messrs. Dick, Kerr & Co., Ltd., Preston.

Prri-ate A. Cawthra, West Riding Regiment, fnnnrrly eiii-
ploved in the Bradford Post Office telephone depaidnenf, has
been killed at the Front,

Sapper Ernest Hov.-lett, Royal Engineers, repmted to be
missing, was with Messrs. Siemens, of Stafford.

Temporary-Lieutenant P. A. Robinson, who wiis in Ihe.i
electrical department of the India-Rubber Co.. Silvertowig.
has been awarded the Military Cross for having, as a " Tanl^
officer, displayed gn^.Tt gallantry. After tremendous fightidg,
his Tank became "ditched," and he and his crew dug for 14
hours under heavy fire until they eventually got the monster
out and returned with it to the assembling point. Lieutenant,
Robinson had previously done fine work of the sume <'haraet<
at another point On that occasion his Tank was hit b.Tj
direct shell and damaged, but he got his inen out safely

. M

vui. 79. xo. 2.030, DECEMBER 1, 1916.] THE ELECTHiCAL EEVIEW.

607

iniinediatelj' went into the trenches and worked a machine
gun. Lieutenant Robinson joined the Navj' in the November
following the outbreak of war, entering the R.N. .4.8. In
1915 he got his commission in the Machme Gun Corps, and
having received the necessary training, he went out with the
first of the Tanks to the Front. IJeutenant Robinson is the
.son ot Commander Robinson, R.N.R. (retired), of the Rub-
marine Department of the India-Rubber Co., Silvertown.

Sapper .1 ami s Walkf.r, R.E., has been killed in action, aged
•27. He was employed as an electrical engineer in Glasgow.

Privat-e Edoak Nicholls, East Yorkshiies, who has been
killed in action, was formerly employed at the Leeds Cor-
poration electricity works, Whitehall Road.

Lieutenant T. J. Webster, formerly third class clerk in the
electricity department in Willesden FT.D.C, has been killed
in action. Private B. YorxG, formerly a meter reader, is
reported missing.
-Private .-Xf.BEiiT BiRH. :\Iiddle.sex Regiment, attached to
Queen Victoria's RiHes, who has fallen in action, was an elec-
trician, and prior to the war assisted his fa-ther, Mr. A. E. -
Bird. Hampton, in his liusiness.

Sergeant J. W. Fisher. R.F..'^., awarded the Military
' .|;i I. was employed by the British Electric Plant Co., of Alloa.

^.'.ond-Lieutenant Tromas Forbes Whimster, R.E., re-
I ited killed, was 8.5 years of age. He was head of the test-
jng department of the. Victoria Falls Electric Power Co.,
Germi.ston, near Johannesburg.

Private- .'Vlec Marsh.^ll, Canadian Highlanders (Vancouver),
■who has fallen in action, belonged to Berwick-on-Tweed, and
was on the staff of the Briti.sh Columbia Electric Co., at
Vancouver.

I 'aptain H. S. L.weracu, of the Coldstream Guard.s, an elec-
tik-al engineer, has been woimded.

Private Waltei! J.4ckso.\. of the Loyal North Lancashires,
reported killed in action, aged 38, was employed at the elec-
trical works, Pi'eston.

The Military Medal for gallant conduct in action has been
awarded to Sergeant W. Black, 60th Light Infantry Brigade,
Headquarters Staff, who was before the war on the staff of
the British Thomson-Houston Co. Ltd., at Rugby.

Obituary.— Sir Hiram MA.xnr.— We regret to record that
Sir Hiram S. Maxun passed away on November 24th, at his
residence in London, aged 76 year.s. Sir Hiram's world fame
rested chiefly upon the machine gun, which made his name
a household word everywhere, and upon his association with
the famous concern, Vickers, Son & Maxim, of which he was
a, director for '27 years ; but he was also one of the earliest in-
ventors in the electric lighting field, as can be seen from articles
published in the pages of this Review 35 years ago. Sir
Hiram, who was born in the. United States, came to England,
and made his home here, in ISSl. His arc lamp is described
in the Telc(iiaphic Journal atid FAccfrical Eevirir for .-Xpril
"15th of that year. A demonstration of his incandescent car-
. bon filament lamp, using current from a dynamo-electric
machine of his own design, was given in the following May
at the .Albany Works, in Euston Road, and reported in our
issue of June 15th, 1881. His very fertile brain, with its
wonderful inventive ingenuity, led him to carry his activities
into many other branches of scientific research and practical
engineering application. The gas engine, metallurgy, wood-
turning, and, in recent years, aeronautics, of course, attracted
him, and with good results. Latterly, like many another, he
had taken great interest in the finding of means for dealing
scientifically witli the Zeppelin menace. He was knighted
in 1901.

Sir George White. — We regret to record the death of Sir
George White, which occurred suddenly last week at Bristol.
Sir George, who was 62 years of age. began life in humble
ciicmustances. In 1874 he was appointed .secretary of the
company which opened the fir.st tramway line in Bristol, but
his interests were transferred to stockbroking, and subse-
quently to railway enterprises until 1893. when, in conjunc-
tion with his brother and the late Sir Clifton Robinson, he
secured the control of and developed the systems ot the Im-
perial. Dublin, and Middlesbrouch tramway companies,
which were electrified on the trnlley system and extended.
The interest of the group in the London United Tramways
fM!|.>wed. With the boldness and enterprise whichhad char-
in terised his ejirlier ventures. Sir George took an interest in
aviiition, and this interest took a very practical shape in the
I <t'iblishment of the fir.st aeroplane factory in England. He
was made a baronet in 1904. He was a generous benefactor
to local infirmary and other similar institutions.

.\1r. R. p. Mann.— The Daily Telegraph records the death
of Mr. R. F. Mann, of Han-ow. an X-ray operator at the
Middlesex Hospital for the last 17 years. Mr. Mann was the
first X-rav operator at the institution, and he was working
at a time before modern safety appliances were in use.
Although he was medically advised to give up his work four
years ago he refused to do so. Since the outbreak ot war the
demand on his knowledge and skill had been .so great that it
lin?tened his end. for in addition to his pf)sition at the Middle-
-I'X Hospital he undertook the work of radiographing wounded
-nldiers at the Clacton Branch, and for:the Duchess of Bed-
ford's Militarv Hosiiital at Woburn. ^.'otwithstanding tht;
fact that w^ithin twelve months he had undergone four serious

Mr. H. Todhuxter.— The death is notified of Mr. Hugh
Todhunter, J. P., for many years partner in the firm of
Messrs. Todhunter & Elliot, Ltd., electricians, Douglas. Isle
of Man.

operations, be remained at his post unti
other operation ended his activities, and
ing the pains ot X-ray dermatitis, he has

last July, when an-
ifter manfully endur-
[lied in his 36th year.

NEW COMPANIES REGISTERED.

T.yne Electric Steel Foundries, Ltd. (145,350).— This coin-

p:im w:,s rt-jJisti-r.-.l on November 2l)lh. «iih ;, c.ipital ol £3!l.7.il) In :i.-..0OU
prcl. shares of £1 each an<l 0.5.000 ord. shares of Is. i-ach, to lake over the
business of ihe Elirtro-Flex StocI Co., Ltd. (incorporated in 3911). to acquire
an> pat.nis and inventions relatinjj to flecLric furnaces and the electrical
vin.liin:.; .,( ores ,ind refining of mclals. or to i-lecfric batteries or eleclro-
. heiniv- il or el.-etrol!i.rnial processes, X-c, ami to adopt an agreement between
U. -Swan .and R. 1'. Sloan. The subscribors are: F. S. NeWall Castle Hill
\\>lani. ehemi.-al in.,nufaciurer. 20(1 pref. : R. IV Sb.an. Roval Exchane.'

Ijuildintis. New, a ...n-Tyne. electrical engin,-,-r. 200 pref.; W. H. .McAlpin,

( l>debank. contract,.:. 200 pr.f. ; A. I). C. Parsons. Hindlov House. Stocks!
held NO.. .-nJineer. 200 pref.: R. K. K. Spencer, Walbottle Hall. .N'ewhurn
engineer. 200 pref.; H. .\. Couves. Roval l-;Nell:.ns;e Buildings, Newcaslle-on^
•|'>ne, engineer. 1 ord.: .\1. Short. Rov;,l i:\cban:;e Uuilding», \e«castle-nn.
Ivne. co.np:iny secreti.ry, ] ord. Minimum cash subscription, £100. Tile
fust directors (to number not 1,-ss than two or more th:tn seven) are: F S
Newall. R. P. Sloan. \V. H. McAlpine. .\. I). C. Parsons, and R. E e"
.Spencer. Qualification. l;200. Remuneration as fixed by the company. .Soli-
citors: W:ilson. Burdon 8: Corder. Pilgrim House. Ncwcasllc-on-Tvne.' Regis-
tered office ; l)un.stnn-on- rvne, nurh:,ni.

OFFICIAL RETURNS OF ELECTRICAL
COMPANIES.

Weaverhara Klectricitv Supply Co., Ltd.— Particulars of

£-2,OD0 debenture stock, created bv resolutions of Ivdiruarv 19th, 1915 and
October 2(>th. 191C. and secured bv trust deed dated November 2nd 'l9I6,
file.l pursuant to Section 93 (3) of the Companies (Consolidation) Act', 1908,
the whole amount being now issued. Property charged: The companv's
undertaking and propertv, present and future, and power station, plant, .and
machinery in Weaverham, Ches. Trustees: W. H. ' Burgess, Rose Cott.age.
ami G. H. Dean, Beech Hill, both in Weaverham.

Farad Electrical Co., Ltd.— Debenture dated October

llth, 191f», to secure £150, charged on the companv's undertaking and pro-
perty, present and future, including uncalled capital. Holder : Mrs. F.
Whitehrad, ,'). Warwick Road. Worthing.

Brecknell, Muiiro & Rogers, Ltd. — .\ memorandum of

salislaction in full on June 29th. 191(i, of deb..nlures dated .August 9:h. 1915,
securing £2,500. has been filed.

India Rubber, Gutta^Percha & Telegraph Works Co., Ltd.

—A memor:indum of satisfaction in full on or before August 10th, 19111, of
debentures dated March 27th. lOOli, securing £400,000, has been filed.

James Keith & Blackman Co., Ltd. — -A. memorandum of

satisfaction in full on November llth. 191(). of debentures dated Januarv (3th
i.nd December 8th, 1903. and September 24th and November 13lh, 1913, secur-
in.4 £1.3:-.0, h:is been filed.

Ferguson, Pailin & Co., Ltd. — Mortgage or charge by

resoluUon of November I4th. 191U. r.l.iting to deposit' of deeds, charged on
property in Edward Street. Higher Openshtiw, Manchester, to secure all
moneys due or to become due from company to Williams Deacon Bank, Ltd.,
Mosle'y Street, Manchester..

Bax^ndale Bros., Ltd. — Second debenture, dated Novem-
ber 3rd. 191(1, to secure £945, charged on the company's undertaking and
propertv, present and future, including uncalled capital. Holder: \V. I.
Baxen.ble, 5. I.ingdale Road, West Kirby, Ches.

Pritchett & Gold and Electrical Power Storage Co., Ltd.

—Issue on November 14th, 1910. of £10,000 debentures, part ot :. series of
which p;irticul.irs have already been filed. ,

Glantane Electric Supply Co., Ltd. (112,615).— Capital,

£15.000 in £10 shares. Return dated June 9lh. 191b'. All shares taken up:
£15.000 paid. Mortgages and charges : Nil.

H. T. Boothroyd, Ltd, (99,742).— Capital, .£16,000 in

11,000 ord. and 5.000 pref. shares of £1 each. Return dated Oct. 2nd, 191C.
10,002 ord. and 2.800 pref. shares taken up; £2,802 paid on 2 ord. and 2,800
prel.; 10.000 considered as paid on 10.000 ord. Mortgages and charges: £4,791.

Halifax & Bermudas Cable Co., Ltd. (28,972).— Capital,

£30.0011 in £"> shares. Return dated October 5th, I91(i. All shares taken up;
£50.000 considered as paid. Mortgages and charges : Nil.

New Liverpool Rubber Co., Ltd. (109,933).— Capital,

£150,000 in 98.000 ord. and .52,000 pref. shares of £1 each. Return dated
November 3rd. I'.Hfi. ,"iS..')02 or.l. .,nd 51,410 pref. shares taken up; £58,502
paid on the oid.; t5.41ll considered as paiil on the pref. Mortgages and
charges : £25,705.

Whitchurch and Pangbourne Electric Supply Co., Ltd.

(75.400).— Capital, £lt),000 in 1.700 ord. and 300 pref. shares of £5 e.ach.
Return d;ited October 12th. lOlb. l.tlHO ord. .shares taken up: £5,030 pai.l.
Mortgages and charges : Nil.

CITY NOTES.

The annual meeting was held on Nov-
Edison Swan ember '22nd at the offices, 12:3-1'2.5, Queen
Electric Co., Ltd. Victoria Street, E.C. Mr. C. J. Ford,
who presided, said that the figures in
the balance sheet ran into much larger amounts than last
year, and he believed that the turnover had never been on
sucli an extensive scale since the company started business.
Suiiilry iirilitid^ and credit balances had increased from
£Mi.(i (I til i l-_'"i.nn(i. Stocks showed an increase of from
i'JI I lion to c-JT-J.oiiii. and amounts due from sundrv debtors
from .i'lSii.UiKi to ,i'l(.i3.(H:iO. They had expended about flG.OtXl
on buililings, plant, and machinery, and after providing for de-
preciation at the usual rates the net increase under those head-
ings amounted to ;£7,293. The net profit on trading account
had increased from ;eo6,n00 to £65,000, whilst the general

GOS

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW. Lvoi, t;.. xo. 2,.is«, decemrkh i.

expenses showed a reduction of £'2,100. The profit earned
for the period had been increased from £14,lX'U to i"J4,U00,
which he trusted they would consider under all the circum-
stances satisfactory. The engineering side of the works had
been almost wholly employed upon Uoverniuent work at
moderately i-eiuunerative |)i'ices. 'Ihe lamp side of the works
had been fully employed so far as restricted labour conditions
had permitted, and the s;ile of lamps had been largely in-
creased. It was pointed out last year that the prices of
lamps had remained the same as they were previous to the
war, and had it not been for the increased cost of labour and
raw materials, which might be safely put at between 30 and
•III per cent., the company had done very well indeed in this
department, and the prolits would have shown a still further
improvement. It was only necessary to study the balance
sheet a little in order to becumo aware of the fact that the
company was urgently in need of further capital. He had
referred to that question at previous meetings, but as the
trade increased that shortage of capital naturally became
more acute, and the time had now arrived when the board
felt that the most serious effort must be made to provide
further funds. For this reason, it was much to be regretted
that it had been impossible to recommend the payment of a
dividend, as, although there was a profit of A"34,000, they
had had to employ ±16,(100 of it in additional plant and
machinery to cope with the increased business. If, on the
other hand, they had further adequate working capital, it
would no doubt be possible to distribute a proper portion to
the shareholders in the shape of dividends. For that reason
they recommended the transference to 'reserve of f "25,000,
bringing that up to £40,000, and carrying forward iM,0i5.
The board had been very seriously considering the question of
further capital, and had taken an opportunity of con.sulting
some of the largest share and debenture stockholders with
reference thereto. They were, of course, aware that there
was a sum of £'2 per share uncalled upon 99,000 ordinary
sl'ares, and the usual course for a company with that amount
of uncalled capital would be to call up the necessary amount
required. That, however, was denied to them, as the amount
in question was pledged to the debenture stockholders as part
of their security, and could not be called up without their
consent. Undoubtedly that uncalled liability had a very pre-
judicial effect upon the price of the shares, as otherwise there
was, to his mind, no reason whatever why, with the im-
proved prospects of the company and its profit-earning capa-
bilities, they should not stand at a higher price, and that
reflected itself in great measure undoubtedly upon the price
in the market of the debenture stocks. The board were in a
difficult position, standing as they did between the debenture
stockholders and the shareholders, who had divergent inter-
ests, and any scheme for the raising of further capital had
to be framed to meet the views of both parties, which w-as
not easy. However, amongst many suggestions, a scheme
had been discussed with leading representatives of both those
interests, and he was pleased to be able to inform them that
there was now a fair chance of arriving at a solution of the
difficulty, and, although he could not pledge himself that
it would finally assume the exact form he was about to refer
to, he trust-ed they would be able to achieve something on the
following lines : That f 100,000 7 per cent, preference shares
be issued, participating in further profits up to a further 3
per cent, after the ordinary shareholders had received a divi-
dend, the rate of which had not yet been decided upon.
The board felt that in any scheme for the provision of fur-
ther capital, strenuous endeavours should be made to deal
with the liability upon the ordinary shares, and it had been
proposed that this should be met in the following way : —
They to offer to the existing shareholders the right to sub-
scribe for £1 of preference shares in respect of each ordinary
.share held by them, and if they accepted that offer the
debenture stockholders would be a.sked simultaneously to
agree to the cancellation of the £2 liability in respect of such
shares held by those parties who availed themselves of the
option; shareholders who did not so avail themselves of this
option would be left as they were to-day, with the liability.
Id effect, it amounted to this, that for the payment of £1
per share, for which a shareholder would receive a partici-
pating preference share, he would wipe out the other £1 of
hability, and it was thought that a large number of share-
holders would avail themselves of that opportunity. As a
recompense to the debenture stockholders for this concession,
it was suggested that the two classes of debenture stocks
should be amalgamated into one class, and that the interest
thereon be fixed all round at 5 per cent, per annum ; to-day
the first debenture stock, amounting to f 307,000, bore interest
at 4 per cent., and the second debenture stock, amounting to
f67,000, at 5 per cent. That would throw an additional
burden by way of interest upon the company amounting to
i63,000 per annum, but, under the circumstances, he thought
it was entirely warranted. Further, it was suggested that
after the payment of the preference dividend up to 7 per
cent., a percentaee of the available profits remaining should
go to a sinking fund for redemption of debenture stock, and
the balance would be therefore available for dividend upon
the ordinary shares. In the opinion of the board, apart from
the profits which the proposed new capital should earn, the
additional money would enable the company to enter into
far more advantageous contracts for the purchase of raw
materials and other goods than had been possible for some
time past, which naturally' would go to in'creuse tire profits.

Those were the general lines of the scheme which they had
been considering, and he was ho!)eful that they would be
able to carry it, and if the consent of the dci)enture stock
holders could be obtained, he thought they would agree that
it wa.s oliyiously in the interests of the shaivholders to sup-
port it. They had come to this po.sition in the affairs of the
company, that unless means could be found to enable them
to go forward, they must inevitably go backward, and he was
hop«>ful that after the cessation of hostilities restrictions
would be put upon the free import into this country of elec-
trical goods at the ruinous cut-prices which had hitherto pre-
vailed, and that, with adeiiuate working capital, they would
be able to do a largely increased profitable business, "particu-
larly on the export side. To-day they could, had they the
money, largely increase the sales in Australia, South Africa,
and Irulia. They had during the past two years greatly ex-
tended their operations in those countries, and were building
up a good business there, and it was there they were looking
to the employment of part of the additional capital they were
endeavouring to obtain. There was oiu^ other point to which
he desired to refer, and that was with regard to^ the denomi-
nation ol the present ±'5 shares. A £0 share to-day was
.somewhat unwielily, and it had been suggested to the board
by members of the Stock Exchange that if they were split
into shares of j£l each, they would bi> far more marketable,
and with this he (the chainnan) entirely agreed, and the
board were proposing to deal with this matter. Of cour,se.
the partly-paid £5 shares, that was, any shares upon which
the liability was not cancelled in the manner he had before
referred to, should their scheme go through, would be ]"2s.
paid, with a liability of 8s, thereon.
Mr. Ei,i,ice-Cl.\rke seconded the motion.
Mr. Ravment said that as an old shareholder, who in thi
past had frequently criticised the policy of the board, hi
would like to express his hearty congratulations to the pre,,
sent chairman on the very marked improvement in the coni'
pany's position. He thought Mr. Ford had more than warj
ranted the confidence of fhe shareholders, and they were ver
fortunate in having him at the head of their affairs
shareholders, however, they were keenly disappointed thi
it had again been necessary to allocate all the profits t(
reserve. He did not question the wisdom or the necessit.
of that course, but when it was remembered that since loos'.,
nearly £96,000 of profit had been dealt with in that way it*
made one think that there was not even a remote chance of
the ordinary shareholders ever getting a dividend.

The Ch.\irmax, in reply, said that the object of the scheme
which he had outlined for obtaining further capital was in
order that the profits in future might be divided among the
shareholders. It would not be possible to put the profits to
reserve and ear-mark them because the debenture holders,
had got a charge upon the whole of the assets. When he
became chairman they had a so-called reserve fund of
£40,000, which had been created by showing profits in the
past which really never existed ; and the whole of that had
been written oft'. They must only look at the reserve which
thev had really created since tlien, which to-day stood ai
£40,000.
The report was then adopted.

The report of the directors states that
Societe notwithstanding the increase in the re-

Francaise ceipts in the trans-Atlantic service in 1914>
des Cables the results obtained in 191-5 exceeded those
Telegraphiques. in the previous year by 5 per cent., despite
the absence of normal conditions in the .
lines, especially in the first half of the year. Several rup-'.
tures took place in the trans-Atlantic cables, and the inter-
ruption was simultaneous on both conductors for several
weeks owing to the difficulty of caiTying out repairs, particn-
larly those of breakages localised at depths of 4,700 metres,
which had to be postponed until fine weather prevailed. On
the othei- hand, the company had assured the transmission
free of charge of the official telegrams of the French and
United States Governments, without, however, raising the
rates for the paying traffic. In the case of the network in
the West Indies the receipts experienced a growth of 28 per
cent, over 1914, and the revenue in the republic of Dominica
was also considerably higher. The land lines in the latter
republic suffered less from intcnuptions than in 1914 in har-
mony with the less troubled political situation in that coun-
try, whilst the new cable laid between St. Dominao and
Porto Rico assured communication between the capital and
other countries. Since the establishment of the latter cable,
which had peimitted of the opening of a new i-oute lietween
St. Domingo and Puejto Plata ^'id Porto Rico, the company's
difficulties in Venezuela had ceased, and the situation there
had become regular. The working of the cable lietween Aus-
tralia and New Calpdonia was noi-ma! tliroughout tlie year,
and the receipts increased as compared with 1914, when the
cable was interrupted for three months and a half.^ The sub-
sidies and guarantee-; received amoimted to £i5.fiOO. as com-
pared with £i5.000 in the preceding year. In 1914 the States
of Queensland and New South Wales reduced their subsidy
in consequence of the cable between Australia and New Cale-
donia having been inteiTupted for a period exceeding 30 days,
which was the term fixed by agreement as the maximoin
duration of any stoppage. Since then, however, and thaBKs
to the intervention of the French Government, those States
had admitted that the delay in effecting the repairs was due

Vol.711. No,2.o:w. DKCKMBERi. 101,;.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

009

to a case of force majeure, and had agreed to pay that part
of the subsidy which had been withheld. The subsidy of
Dutch Guyana continued to be paid, whilst the litigation con-
cerning the .subsidies of French Guyana, the Martinique, and
the Guadeloupe was now being settled with the Minister for
the Colonies. The accounts show net profits amounting to
it]34,(XXl, and a dividend at the rate of 4 per cent., or 8s.
per share, has been declared on the ordinary capital of
£o37,0(XI, being the same rate as in 1914. It has al.so been
IMissible to apply ±'71,(XK) towards the reduction of interest
guarantees on advances made bv the Government, which
totalled ilSfi.WK) at the end of li)14.

The report of the directors for 191.5-16
All^emeine states that the inci'ease in the share capital
EleKtricitats which was sanctioned in September, 1915,
Gessllschaft. had been carried out, and the ordinary
capital been advanced by £1,450,000 to
.i'll.-iiid.lKX) bv the exchange of new shares of £1.303,750 for
shares <.f ±l,73,S.00(_t in the Berlin Electricity Works Co.,
whilst the balance of £146, '250 was subscribed in cash, the
preniiiuu realised having partly sen'ed to defray the cost of
the issue. The company also in the past year placed its
plant, which had been adapted to war purposes, at disposal
to a considerable extent for armament works, although the
situation still prevented any details from being announced.
Nevertheless, the provisional transformation of the produc-
tion had rendered its necessary already in 1915-16 to take
into account the extraordinary expenditure, which was re-
quired for the resmnption of peace manufactures and fresh
competition. As a consequence, the valuation of the plant
and stocks, and of property abroad, whether securities, in-
ve.stments, or credit, had been so entered that disadvantages
could scarcely arise therefrom. The business in manuf.-.ctures
for peace purposes, although frequently hindered through
Government commandeering, had received a new impetus in
connection with the war requirements, large orders having
been booked specially for the heavy industries. The branch
for private installations and connections was active and profit-
able, but was rendered difficult owing to the lack of labour.
The turnover in glow lamps, meters, and heating apparatus
at home and abroad exceeded that which obtained in the pre-
vious year. Zinc and aluminiimi windings were introduced
for machines and transformers, and suitable sub.stitutes were
provided for copper and rubber in the ca.se of insulated wires.
The accounts for the past three years show the following
figures : —

litl3-14. 1914-15. ]01.')-1G.

Ordinarv share capital ...

.•£7.750,000

£7.750,000

£9.200,000

Loans

—

5.364,000

5.320,000

Gross profits

i.ina.ooo

1.544.000

1,987,000

General expenses

73.000

72,000

91,000

War grants to employes...

—

230,000

377.000

Depreciation

44,000

44.000

4.-).00ll

Net profits and balance

forward

1144,000

1,004.000

1 ,359,00U

Bonuses

60,000

75,000

1 00.000

Pension fund

.iO.OOO

75,000

10U,00tJ

War benevolenoe ...

—

—

75,000

Dividend ...

TTJ.OOM

8.52..iOO

1 017,000

percent.

lU

11

12

The report proceeds to state that the central station depart-
ment was able to hand over in working order the Zschorne-
witz power station to the Elektro Works Co. last December,
whilst an extension order was leceived for four turbo-dynamos
each of 22,500 KW., together with boilers and other equip-
ment, for the .supply of power to the Elektro-Nitrum Co. An
order for a turbo-dynamo of 20,006 KW. and converters ol'
1,800 and 1,500 KW.'was booked for the City of BerUn, and
one for a turbo-generator of 21,000 KW. for the Silesian Elec-
tricity Co. In addition, a contract was obtained from the
Rhenish-Westphalian Electricity Works Co. for two complete
steam turbine sets and condensers, each for an output of
.5(1, (KKi KW., as well as for a generator for 60,(W0 kw., and two
transformers for a pressure of 100,000 volts and an output of
fJ.OUO KW., and two turbo-generators and condensers each
of 14,0(Xl KW. It is submitted that these orders aie of special
importance because they indicate that the war has not arrested
the further development of the industry on the one hand, and,
on the other, that the erection of power stations has been
placed on a new footing. Dealing with the railway depart-
ment, the reixjrt mentions that the works for the A. E.G.
high-speed railway were advanced, and the tunnel under the
Spree was approaching completion. The electricity works
closely associated with the company yielded in genera! better
results than in 1914-15; the works at Jassy liad l)een under
cnmpulsorv management since the declaration of war on
Roumania. In the case nf the Berlin Electricity Works Co..
whose Berlin undertaking was acquired by the Municipal
Council in October, 1915. the chief scope of activity was now
devoted to the development of the company's other works,
including tho.se in the lignite districts of Bitterfeld, where,
however, working and production were unfavourably influ-
enced bv the conditions of the times.i

The accounts purport to show that llie credit at the bankers,
which totalled ±'4,.531,000 in 19l4l5. nov.- amounts to
£6,7.s5.0iHI. and the investments are . ntered at £2,819.000, as
compared with £2.843,000 in the pievious year: whilst the
reserve fund remains at £3,678,000, fithout any change.

Sir a. p. King presided, on November
West India 15th, at the annual meeting. He said that
and Panama the cost of repairs to cables was £7,633 in
Telegraph excess of that for the half-year to June,
Co., Ltd. 1915, over £2,30O of the increase being due

to new cable being used in repairs, which
was not, in itself, a matter for much regret because the sys-
tem was strengthened to that extent. No opportunity
(KcuiTed for letting out their repairing .ship during the half-
year. The profit for the half-year .showed an increase of
£2,349 over the correspcjnding half of 1915, and they were
able to resume paying a dividend on the ordinary shares.
The traffic receipts, so far, during the current half-year com-
pared favourably with those for the December period of last
year. The hurricane season in the West Indies, which usually
conuoenced in August, was of special severity this year. In
that month Jamaica suffered seriously. Their landlines were
blown down in many places, but communications were
lestored in two or three days. In Dominica telegraphic com-
munication was cut off for sevei-al hours, but for the com-
pany the most disastrous of the hurricanes struck St. Thomas
and the adjacent island of St. Croix, on October 9th, cau.sing
great damage in both i.slands. Their small hou.se and .shed
at Krum Bay, St. Thomas, were totally destroyed, and their
wharf was damaged. The mortgage debentures Lssued 25
years ago would fall due for payment on December 31st. The
issue was only a .small one — namely, £80,000 — the share capital
being £1,275,000. It was their intention shortly to issue a
circular inviting the present holders to renew " them for a
period of ten years. The debentures were a first charge as a
floating security upon the whole of the company's property.
They would be renewed at the same rate of interest — namely,
5 per cent, per annum — but. in view of the state of the
money market, it was felt that the present holders might not
be eager to renew them, at par, at which price they were
issued, and that some inducement in the form of a cash pay-
ment must be offered for their renewal. Coupons for a half-
year's interest, payable on June 30th and December 31st in
each year, would be attached to each bond, and the bonds
would be redeemable at the company's option upon six
months' notice at £105 per bond. Should all the bonds not
be renewed, some would be available not only for any present
holders who might wish to increase their holdings, but also
for shareholders.

The directors do not feel justified in sub-
Castner-Kellner mitting any accounts for the year to Sep-
Alkall Co., Ltd. tember 30th, owing to the fact that they
are not able to estimate the liability for
excess profits tax. The amount payable for tie previous
firancial year has not been settled. The profits have ex-
ceeded tho.se of the previous year, and the business, though
carried on under considerable difficulties, is proceeding satis-
factorily. As soon as the amount payable for excess profits
has been ascertained the directors will submit the accounts.
The auditors have expres.sed their opinion that the profits are
sufficient to warrant the directors recommending that a final
dividend of 13 per cent, be declared, which, with the interim
dividend of of 9 per cent, paid in May, makes 22 per cent,
for the vear.

East India Tramways Co., Ltd. — The gross receiots for
thf year ended July last were £27,104, and the working ex-
penses £19,408; net receipts, £7,696. Five per cent, dividend
is to be paid on the cumulative preference and ordinary
shares, of which an interim dividend of 2i per cent, was paid
May 31st, £2,045 ; 10 per cent, on the deferred shares, nf
which ii per cent, was paid May 31st, £5,000.

Venezaela Telephone & Electrical Appliances Co., Ltd. —

The report for the vear ended June 30th shows a profit, in-
cluding £11,821 brought forward, of £30,076, against £20,401.
After providing for debenture interest, A-c, and £2,399 for
excess profits duty for the past two years, the directors pro-
pose to pay a dividend of 30 per cent, on the preference shares
(thus discharging arrears to September 30th, 1910), to place
£6,(iO0 to resei-ve for renewals and depreciation, and to carrv
forward £\\,i\!^.— Financial Times.

Calcutta Electric Supply Corporation, Ltd. — The number
of units sold to consumers during the five weeks ended Sep-
tember- 29tli, 1916, were 2,699.816, compared with 2,612,755 in
the con csponding five weeks of 1915 ; and during the four
weeks ended Gctolier 27th, 1016. 2.038,767, compared with
], 889,945 units.

France. — La Soci^t^ Francaisc de Metallur£!i<> Electrique
(Procedes Bourgeot) is the name of a new undertaking which
has lately been formed in Paris (106, Boulevard Haus.smann),
with a capital of £24,000.

British Electric Traction Co., Ltd. — The directors have
declared the dividend on the 6 per cent, cumulative partici-
pating preference stock for the half-year ended September 30th.

Canadian General Electric Co., Ltd.— Ouarterly dividend
of 2-J per cent, for the three months ending Slst proxuno,
making « per cent, for the year on the common stock.

Shawinigan Water & Power Co.— Dividend, IJ per cent,
for the quarter to December 31st on the coinmon shares.

(-.10

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW. |v,.i. ;.. nu. lmku;, dkoembeu i, i!n,i

STOCKS AND SHARES.

TrESDAY Evening.
The condition of Stock ExcJiang*" markets is governed almost
rxclnsively for the time being hy the state of affairs in
Ronnianin. Business liere is checked, caution has taken the
place of confi<lence, and everybody — investor and spt>culator
ahki> — elects to adopt a waiting policy pending something
more definite and favourable from Bucharest. Anticipation
has been general that there would be good news this week.
The City has been full of vague hints that such might be
cnntideiitly expected. By tlie bag of two Zeppelins on Tne.s-
ila\ morning, men's spirits turned bnUisli again, and the
■■ raid '* into London aroused surprise innrc tliari any otbei-
feeling.

Prices are mostly dull. There is not much .-iiHing; prices
have drooped by anticipation. In tlie foreign division, Mexi-
can is.sues continue acutely flat. The only market to show
any animation and resistance to the general feeling of un-
certainty has been that for miscellaneous indu.strial shares,
of which Edison A- Swan and British Aluminium ordinary
stand out conspicuously.

The Home Railway group is dull and heavy. Talk of
Labour unrest in the coal districts has chilled any inclination
to take an interest in Home Rails lon the strength of the
.stocks' carrying five months' dividends. The Underground
group is the hrmest, but here, lioth Districts and Metro-
poUtans have gone liack substantially, and the buoyancy of
Underground Electric Railways of London is.sues has given
way to lower prices as people came in to take their profits.

Nothing fre.sh is known as to the possibility of fares being
raised on the Underground and London (General Omnibus
.s\ .stems. The .shilling shares have ea.sed off to (is. 3d., and
at £-2 the A'Kl shares show a loss of 'is. tJd. out of the 6s. :id.
that they gained in the previous week. The income bonds
remain tolerably steady at 91. Steam stocks have weakened.

The United States; are threatened with Labour troubles of
their own, but, notwithstanding this, prices of the American
and Canadian industrials are mostly better on the week.
Canadian Generals continue to improve. The company has
declared a final dividend of ii per cent., making 8 per cent,
for the year. Consolidated (Jas, Electric & Power of Balti-
more went up 3 points to 133. The shares of .steel companies
have been breaking new high records.

Mexican industrials, however, i^pmain very fiat, although
there has been no such repetition of slump as occurred last
week, when Mexican Light preferred, foi' instance, shed .si
points in a single day. .-^s one of the jobbers in the market
observed, this .<ort of thing could not go on for long, for
obvious reasons. British Columbia Electric .stocks are
steadier, and Brazilian Tractions, after dipping to 49i, re-
covered to 51, still showing a fall of 1^ on the week.

The .Argentine Railway market has been infected wnth
acute depression, which has found indirect reflection in thf
bonds of the country and in the .shares of its indu.strial con-
cerns. Rather curiously, the 4^ per cent, debenture stf)ck of
the Anglo-.Argentine Tramways Co. is quoted at 74, while thf
5 per cent, debenture stock stands 7 points lower. Of course.
the .security of the former is decidedlv better than that of the'
latter. There is f 1,710,0(10 of the 4i' per cent, stock and six
million pounds of the Fives. At the outbreak of war the
respective prices were 98i and 96. In favour of the 44 per
cent, issue, it ought to be added that the dividend on thi'
company's second preference shares (due last .Tulv) was post-
poned. The Shawinigan Water & Power Co. has declared
its regular quarterly dividend of IJ per cent, on the common
shares, the price of which keeps steady at 140. Victoria Falls
preference are a fii-m spot at 21s. 6d., the o per cent,
second debentures being 102 and the ordinarv .shares lis

The Briti.sli Electric Traction Co. has declared a dividend
of 6 per cent, on its cumulative participating jJivference stock
for the year ended September 30th last, and the price is a
httle better at 77J. Tlie ordinary stock, which last June
leceived a dividend of £5 in respect of the previous year
.stands at 35; while the debenture stocks are quoted Si' and
60 for the 5 per cent, and the 4J per cent, second debenture
respectively. London & Suburban Traction preference ai(>
a httle better at 8s. 3d., the ordinarv shares l)eing quoted
about hall-a-crown. The H per cent, first debenture .stock
changed hands the other day at 66. London United Tram-
ways 4 per cent, debenture stands about 48

The Telegraph and Telephone list is verv steadv. Great
Northern Telegraphs are 10s. better, but Western Telegraphs
are J down at lli. The speculation in West India & Panama
ordinary turned out to be .somewhat of the one-dav order
n?.n '%h r'."r ^'^^' '°^<''; ^* 22«- ed. Beyond the.se move!
^rferl n tr^ .1 '°\' .^ ^°°'^ ,^^=''. "^ fi^^ess. Marconis re-
acted a trifle, though the market is not by any means a bad

main abouT7:!"6f ^"""'^ '^'^ *^ '''■ 6"- = Canadians rc-

belvr"pifrf1'""T''?J^ f¥'^t"c.an'l gas-continue to be
heavy. City of London Electric ordinary slipped back to in

tWl^^*.r''T'V* ^' •"'' * -Jo^n.' Buyers requi;e
iLrfc 5 tt ^'"h/heap Pnce.^ to induce them to take
Shares; and the next batch of dividends is awaited, as we

have previously observed, with a certain amount of anxiety.
The companies are suffering not only from restriction of
lighting, but also from the complaint common to most indus-
tries nowadays, to wit, shortage of labour, both as regards
the outdoor and the indoor ,staffs.

Edison it Swan .shares have been up to 10s. as a re.sult of
the meeting last week. Tlie chairman, .Mr. C. .1. Ford, dwelt
upon tlu^ improved results which the company has been able
to .secure during the Jiast financial year, and indicated that
the (Uitlook was distinctly bright. He went into an arrange-
ment for the provision of more money, which would enable
the company to take better advantage of the business offered
to it. Oil the s(K>ech, the shares ro.se from 7s. 6d. to 10s.. but
subsequently eased off to 8s. 9d., leaving them with a ri.se of
Is 3d. on the week. The fully-paid shares remain at 13.

Ml itish .\luminium ordinary are another gofKl spot at 3lls
The rise is no more than a I'ew pence, but there is notici-able
activity in the market; and if general conditions were mmc
fnviiurable, the price would probably stand higher. The
Castner-Kellner Co. has declared a balance dividend of 13
per cent., making 22 per cent, for the year — an increase of
2 per cent, as compared with the previous 12 months, ami
the best performance since three years ago. The cninpiinv
pays .f32,fl00 on the quarter of a million shares allc.tl.il >i\
months ago to Brunner. Mond & Co., and receives ±'2"i,iwiri in
exchange. This, however, is likely to be rectified wli.ii
Hiunner, Mond's final dividend for the year is declared. No
change has occurred in Castners. Babcock & Wilcox a if
steady at 2 15/16. although the market for iron and sti.l
shares has developed a certain amount of irregularity-
natural enough in view of the progressive character of the
iiioveiiieiits that have been taking place lately.

SH.VRE LIST OF ELECTRICAL COMPA.VIE.S.
Home ELEOTBionr Uompakieb.

Dividend Price

/ ■ V Nov. se, Rise or fall

1914, 1916. 1916, this week,

Brompton Ordinary .... 10 10 68 —

Charing Cross Ordinary ..66 S? —

do. do, do. 4J Prct,, 4) 4) 8,',, —

Chelsea 6 4 3 —

City of London 9 8 llj — |

do. do. 6 per cent. Pref. 6 6 10 —

County of London .... 7 7 lOJ —

do. 6 per cent. Pref, 6 8 10 —

Kensington Ordinary .... 9 7 6fi —

London Electric 4 8 l| —

do. do. 6 per cent. Pref. 6 6 4,'a —

Metropolitan 8* 3 21 —

do. 4* per cent. Pref. 44 4i SJ — J

St. James' and Pall Mall . . 10 8 6i —

South London 6 6 2}^ —

South Metropolitan Pref, ..77 lA —

Westminster Ordinary . . . . 9 7 6]^ —

TeLEORAPHS AMD TELEPHONES.

Anglo- Am. Tel. Pref 6 6 95 J —

do. Def so;- 33/6 2ai —

Chile Telephone 8 8 7i —

Cuba Sub. Ord E 6 8i —

Eastern Extension .... 7 8 LSI —

Eastern Tel. Ord. . . . . 7 B 1424 —

Globe Tel. and T. Ord 6 7 12» —

do. Pref. ..6 6 10} —

Great Northern Tel 22 22 38 -i- S

Indo-European 13 13 61 — "

Marconi 10 10 aj — •

New York Tel. 44 . . . . 4J 4J 98 —

Oriental Telephone Ord, . . 10 10 2A —

United R. Plate Tel 8 8 61, —

West India and Pan 1 — IJ — i^^

Western Telegraph .... 7 8 14'J — J

HouE Rails,

Central London, Ord. Assented 4 4 e.'ij

Metropolitan IJ 1 2i — *

do. District .. .. Nil Nil 16 —J

Underground Electric Ordinary Nil Nil 3 — i

do. do, "A" .. Nil Nil 63 6d.

do, do. Income 6 6 91 — k

Foreign Trams, An.

Adelaide Sup. 6 per cent. Pref. 6 fi H^

Anglo-Arg. Trams, First Pref. 54 6i 3t' —

do. 2nd Pref. . . 64 64 9J —

do, 6 Deb. ..5 6 67 —I

Brazil Tractions . . .... 4 4 ,f,i _ii

Bombay Electric Pref 6 6 10^

British Columbia Elec. Rly. Pfce. 5 5 cii* ^_

do. do. Preferred — Nil 49

do. do. Deferred — Nil 47

do. do. Deb. 4i 41 H2 -H

Mexico Trams 5 per cent. Bonds — Nil 334

do, 6 per cent. Bonds — Nil 27* —

Mexican Light Common .. Nil Nil 12''

do. Pref Nil Nil 224 —

do, iBt Bonds . . Nil Nil 325 —

MANCPACTtmrao Companies.

Babcock & Wilcox .. . . 14 15 2^: —

British Aluminium Ord. .. 5 7 30,"^ +2d

British Insulated Ord 15 171 113 _

British Westinghouse Pref, . . 74 7* 2,^ _

Callenders 15 20 ISZ" _

do. 5 Pref 5 6 4+ _

Castner-Kellner 20 22 8? _

Edison & Swan, jES paid ..Nil — ^^. + 1.

do. do. fully paid Nil — ij *"

do. do. 4 percent. Deb. 6 6 62* —

Electric Construction .... 6 74 11 _

Gen. Elec. Pref 6 6 lo" —

do. Ord 10 10 14 _

Henley 20 26 16 —

do. 44 Pref 44 44 4 _

India-Rubber 10 10 IS' _

Telegraph Con 20 20 .isjj _

■ Dividends paid free of income-tax.

6 8 6

•6 16 6

•6 12 1

•6 n 0

6 17 1

6 16 4

6 7 8

8 9 6

6-2 0

6 6 8

7 5 lU

6 3 U

7 15 4
6 17 8
6 6 8

Nil
Nil

8 0 0
6 13 4

6 0 0

7 2 10
7 16 8
6 12 6
•7 17 0
•6 4 7

I

Vol. 7a. No. 2.()3.i. December 1, 191(;.] THE ELECTKICAL EEVIEW.

611

PUMPING PLANT AT PORT ARTHUR,
CANADA.

In a paper before the Canadian Society of Civil Engineers,
Mr. L. M. Jones recently described the new water supply
works of the city of Port Arthur.

The intake consists of duplicate pipes, 24 in. in diameter,
extending a distance of 2.3.50 ft. into the lake, and connected
to a pump well at the shore end.

The well is 25 ft. in diameter, and 2.5 ft. deep.

floor above the transfoniiers, all switches being located in cells
made of concrete slabs.

A booster pump, consisting of a motor-driven Allen single-
stage pump for 1,000 gallons per minute against a head of
200 ft. is also installed in another part of the system to
supply the hill section.

THE PARALLEL OPERATION OF ELECTRIC
POWER STATIONS.

By J. S. PECK, M.I.E.E.

Interior of thk Port .\rthur PrMPiNG Station.

The three main pumping units are Escher-Wyss centrifugal,
two-stage, single-suction pumps, having a 12-in. suction
branch and a 12-in. delivery branch, the horizontal lines of
the.se branches being at the same elevation. They are de-
signed for 2,000 imperial gallons per minute when pumping
against a head of 300 ft., the speed being
1,200 R.P.M., and a guaranteed efficiency
of 76 per cent, with a 2 per cent, margin.
The impellers, guide apparatus, and all
parts coming in contact with the water
are of special bronze, a nickel steel shaft
covered with bronze, self-lubricating
bearings of the ring type, and a patent
balancing device are fitted. There is
no necessity to disconnect piping to
gain access to the internal parts. The
pumps operate in parallel or in series, as
may be desired, and when working in
series will deliver the capacity of one
pump at twice the head, or a pressure
equal to a head of 600 ft. can be obtained
if necessary, or a range between 300 and
GOO ft. is available by throttling. They
will discharge their rated capacity with a
suction lift between 19 and 20 ft., and
the power required for the stated condi-
tion is 244 B.H.P.

The motors are of the Siemens self-
starting synchronous type direct con-
nected to the pump shaft, have a power
output of 275 H.P., and are capable of sus-
taining a 25 per cent, overload for a period
of two hours.

Electrical energy is supplied from the
Current River station at 2,20(1 volts and the
Ilydro-electric station, the latter at 25.000
volts, to a sub-station adjoining the pump-
house, where it is stepped down to 2,200
volts.

On the gallery the switchboard and
apparatus is located, there being a panel
for each motor, exciter motors, exciters,
power hne from Current River and the
transformers, while alongside the board is the panel for con-
trolling the 25,000-volt line. At the rear of the board the
switch and bus compartments are constructed of concrete
slabs, there being duplicate sets of bus-bars.

When changing from one source of power to the other, the
400-K.v.A. transformers are paralleled with the Current River
line, thus enabling the load to be changed without interrup-
tion to the service.

In the transformer station is located a bank of three 400-
K.v.A. transformers with one spare, making four in all. They
are "star" connected on the high-tension side and "delta"
in the low-tension side, being oil and water cooled, and
mounted on castors. The switching apparatus is placed on a

{Abstract of paper read before the Institution of Electrical

Engineers.)
Ir is not proposed in this paper to discuss the commercial
questions involved in linking up, but to point out some of the
engineering problems and to indicate what tgpes of apparatus
are available, and the conditions under which they may be
used .

Fortunately the great majority of stations in this country
generate 3-phase current at 50 periods, so that the problem
of interconnecting is relatively simple; but there are a number
of large systems which generate at other frequencies. The
problem of linking-up systems of different frequencies is
much more complicated than that of linking-up systems of
the same frequency, and each particular case requires careful
consideration in order to determine the best method to adopt.

When two alternating-current generators having the same
number of pole-s and the same rating are operated in parallel,
they must, of course, run at exactly the same speed, and, if
they are to divide the load equally, it is essential that the two
engines (or turbines) driving them should have the same
speed regulation, i.e., the same drop in speed from no load to
full load. If one engine should have a regulation of 2 per
cent, and the other of 4 per cent., then (assuming the regula-
tion curve to b? a straight line) with full load on one gene-
ratfu- there would be only half load on the other. Any two
machines may be made to divide the load in any desired pro-
portion by proper adjustment of the steam supply, while
adjustments of the field rheostats simply cause wattless cur-
rent to flow between the generators. The effect of this cur-
rent is to strengthen the field of the under-excited generator

Arrangement of Plant for Series or Parallel Pdmping, Port Arthur.

and to weaken that of the over-excited generator; thus the
voltage across the two remains equal.

The operation of two or more stations in parallel is simply
the operation of two or more groups of generators in parallel,
and the conditions are similar to those involved in operating
two single generators in parallel, except for the fact that
the interconnecting line possesses inductance and resistance.
For all ordinary cases the resistance and inductance may be
neglected.

When the stations to be linked up have the same frequency,
voltage, and phase, the only interconnecting link required is
a cable with the necessary switches, &c., for connecting
together the bus-bars of the two stations. It frequently

61-2

THE ELECTRlCAJj REVIEW. [Voi. ;;'. xo. lm.w. dkckmber i, i9u;.

happens, however, that the voltages of the two stations are
not exactly equal, and it may be required to vary the voltage
of either station ludependently of that of the other. For this
reason it is desirable to have some form of voltage regulator
in at least one of the stations; othervvise, when voltage adjust-
ments are attempted, heavy wattless currents will flow be-
tween the stations and the voltages on the two systems will
remain equal, except for the difference due to the drop ^f
pressure in the cable.

The regulator may be either of the step-by-step or of the
induction type.

Fig. 1 shows a diagram of connections which may l)c used
when a step-by-step regulator is adopted, a, a, are series
transformers for raising or lowering the voltage of the feeders ;
B, B, are shunt transformers, the secondaries of which are
provided with tappings to give different voltages for applying

Interconnector

Fig. 1.— Diagram of Connections for Voltage Regdutor in
Interconnector between Two 3-phase Systems.

to transformers A, a; c, c, are regulating dials; and d, d, are
reversing switches. It will be noticed that only two regulators
are required for the three phases.

In order to determine the sizes of cable, transformers, and
regulator required to interconnect two systems, it is necessary
to know the maximum load which will have to be transmitted
between them, and as this is the most important feature in
parallel operation it will be considered in some detail.

It will be assumed first that the speed regulation of the
two systems is identical, so that each will carry its proper
proportion of the total load on both systems. Thi.s is a justifi-
able assumption, since the engine governor can usually be
adjusted to give approximately this condition.

and the connecting feeder must carry hall the difference in
load.

2. This case will be similar to the preccilinn one, except
that instead of the total load being dividcil equally between
the two stations it will be divided in propi>ititin to their capa-
cities. Knowing the load on the bus-bars and on the genera-
tors of each system, the load on the interconnector is known
»t once.

If the load conditions are known, it is a very simple matter
to calculate the load on the interconnecting line. If the loads
are Rt<>ady the engine governors may be adjusted by hand
to give the minimum or any other desired Uad on the inter-
conneclov, but where violent fluctuations occur manual ad-
juatniiMits of the governor are impossible, and account must
be taken of thi.s fact when designing the interconnecting line.

Where the engine governors of two sy.stems are set for
different sjX'ed regulations, they will divide the total load not
in proportion to tlu'ir generating capacities, but in direct
pro^xiitioii to their ratings and in inverse proportion to their
speed regulation, as.smning a straight-line speed drop. Thus,
if station X has a rated capacity of 10,000 kw. and B 5,000
KW., while .\ drops 2 t)er cent, and B i per cent, in speed
from no load to full load, the two stations will share the
total load in the proportion of (10/5) X (4/2) = 4, i.e., A will
deliver four tilings tlic load of B. If the regulation of A is 4
Iier cent, and that of B 2 i>er cent, then the proportion wo^ild
be (10/5) X (2/4) = 1. i.e., the two stations would deliver
equal loads. This would he a very dangerous condition, as B
would be heavily overloaded before full load was reached on
A. This simply confirms what is well known in operating
machines in parallel, namely, that when the regulation cannot
be made equal on two machines, the larger one should have
the closer regulation.

The same methods may be used where there are several
stations in parallel, and as soon as the loads on the different
stations have been determined the loads on the different inter-
connectors may be found.

In the actual parallel operation of alternators in a station,
the loads are seldom divided exactly in proportion to the
ratings of the different machines, but shift from one set to
ar.other with variations in the external load, depending on the
gC'vemor adjustments. This causes, however, no trouble in
the station so long as the sets share their loads properly at the
full output of the station, and hand adjustment of the gover-
nors is neccssai-y from time to time. In the operation of sta-
tions in parallel exactly the same problems are involved, and
there should be no more trouble than in operating different
generators in the same station in parallel, provided that the
interconnecting link is made of sufficient capacity to take
care of any discrepancies in load adjustments due to governor
peculiarities.

It is becoming .standard practice in all large generating sta-

i

^C-ng Cransformef

Fig. 2.— Diagram of Connections of Transformers and RECrLATORS in 4,000-kw. Interconnector between 2,200- volt
2-phasb Sistem and 11,000-volt 3-phase System in London.

With two stations A and B, the following cases will be
considered : —

1 A and B of equal capacity.

Unequal loads on the two stations.
2. A of greater capacity than B.

Load on B greater than its proportion of the total capa-
city of the stations.
Load on B less than its proportion of the total capacity
of the stations.

1. Since A and B have equal capacities and must run in
synchronism they will deliver at all times equal loads. There-
fore, if the load on B's bus-bars is greater than that on A's
bus-bars, half this difference will be supplied by each station

tions to earth the neutral point of the system. Where the
bus-bars of two earthed .systems are directly coupled together
there may be heavy high-frequency currents flowing through
earth between the stations, and these currents may cause
trouble in telephone and telegraph circuits. There are several
ways of overcoming this difficulty : —

(a) One station only may be earthed. In this case arrange-
ments could be made so that when the interconnector was
opened the unearthed system would be earthed.

(b) An insulated earth cable could be run from one system
to the earth on the other system, i.e., both systems would,
have a common earthed point.

(c) Transformers could be inserted in the interconnecting
line.

fci'

Vol. 79. No. 2,036, December 1. 1916.] THE ELECTEICAL REVIEW.

613

(d) Reactances or resistances could be placed in the earth
connection to limit the earth currents to a negligible value.

Where the stations are of the same frequency but of dif-
ferent phase or voltage, it is necessary to introduce trans-
foimers into the interconnector. The voltage and phase
transfornjation is made, where such is required, in the same
transformers.

Fig. 2 shows the diagram of connections used for the trans-
formers of a 4,000-KW. interconnector between two stations
in London, one generating 2,200 volts 2-phase and the other
11,000 volts 3-phase. For varying the voltage between the
two stations step-by-step regulators are used. A drum-type
sil-immersed regulator is used for changing from tap to tap

Apart from the introduction of transformers, the operating
conditions for stations having different voltages or phases are
exactly the same as when the stations have the same voltage
and phase, except where it is required to link up a single-
phase system with a 2- or 3-phase system. If it is desired
to distribute the load equally on all phases of the 3-phase
or 2-phase system, rotating apparatus is required. This may
take the form of a motor-generator or of what is known as
a phase converter.

Several designs of phase converters have been proposed,
but they all utilise the well-known fact that if one phase of
a 2- or 3-phase machine be supplied with current and the
rotor be brought up to speed, then 2-phase or 3-phase current
can be supplied from the terminals of the motor.

This type of converting plant is used on the Norfolk an-i
Western Railway in America for converting the single-phase
trolley current into 3-phase current for the motors on the
locomotives. When running down grade the 3-phase motors
regenerate and supply single-phase current to the trolley
through the converter. Similar plant is being installed in
the sub-stations of a single-phase railway system for convert-
ing from 3-phase to single-phase for supplying the trolley
circuit.

When two stations of different frequencies are to be linked
up it is necessary to use a frequency changer of the rotating
type. This will usually take the form of a motor-generator,
but in certain cases where continuous current is required it
may be advantageous to use a rotary converter for changing
from one frequency to continuous current, and another to
change from continuous current to the other frequency.
Under this condition it is, of course, possible to use both
rotary converters for supplying continuous-current load from
the two different systems. This condition wiU be considered
later on.

The cost of a motor-generator is comparatively high, and
while it is desirable to keep down its size to correspond to
the load which it is desired to transmit from one station to
the other, its capacity must also be chosen with reference to
the load it may have to transmit under abnormal conditions,
and the choice of the type of converting plant will be governed
largely by this consideration.

The motor-generator for frequency transformation may be
either of the following two types : —

Synchronous motor and synchronous generator — called
" synchronous motor-generator."

Induction motor and synchronous generator— called " in-
duction motor-generator."

Each set has certain advantages and disadvantages.

In the case of a synchronous motor-generator, since each
liiachine of the set must run in synchronism with the system
to which it is connected, the two systems must run at speeds
which are definitely fixed with reference to each other. In
other words, the two systems are locked together through the
motor-generator, which acts as a perfectly rigid coupling, and
it is the strength of this coupling with reference to the loads
likely to be thrown on it which requires careful consideration
in all cases.

Since the synchronous set locks the two systems in step, the
transfer of energy from one system to the other will be
governed by the same conditions as when the systems are of
the same frequency and paralleled by a direct cable coimec-
tion. Thus the loads likely to be thrown on the converting
.set may be calculated in the same way as described above for
Kjstems of the same frequency.

Advantages of Synchronous Set.

1. It is reversible and can supply energy in either direction
without change from the normal speed ratio.

2. The motoring machine can be run at unity jxiwer factor,
or even with a leading power factor, and thus assist in im-
proving the power factor of the system. The generating
machine may be run with an over-excited field, and so reduce
the lagging current carried by other generators on the system.

Disadvantages.

1. The set, acting as a rigid coupling, forces the two sys-
tems to run at a fixed speed ratio, and is therefore subject
to heavy overloads under certain conditions.

2. Each machine must be synchronised with its own sys-
tem, an operation requiring some skill, especially with certain
ratios between the numbers of poles.

3 Where two motor-generators are operated in parallel
special arrangements are required in order to .synchronise an
unloaded set with one under load.

Where an induction motor and a synchronou.s generator are
used the induction motor does not run in synchronism with
its supply system, but runs slightly b«low synchronous speed.

The slip varies directly with the load transmitted ; further-
more, it may be regulated by adjusting the amount of resist-
ance in series with the secondary member. The induction set
u-ay be likened to a slipping coupling between two prime
movers, where the amount of slip depends on the load trans-
mitted, so that they are not required to operate at exactly the
same speed.

The induction synchronous set is a much more flexible link
for coupling-up two power systems than is the synchronous
set, and it is possible to use a set of comparatively srnall
capacity for Linking-up two large systems, for by making
the slip fairly large it becomes almost impossible seriously
to overload the set ; also it requires a large variation in speeds
to give a considerable transfer of energy from one system to
the other. On the other hand, the induction machine always
takes a wattless current and does not permit any adjustment
of power factor on the system to which it is connected.

Advatitages of Induction Motor-generator.

1. It is a flexible link and permits a small set to be used
between two large systems.

2. It is easier to start and put into operation.

3. By using an adjustable secondary resistance, it is pos-
sible manually to control over a considerable range the
amount of energy transmitted by the set, though this in-
volves a certain loss in efficiency.

Disadvantages.

1. A comparatively large difference in speed between the
two systems is required in order that it may transfer its
rated output from one to the other. This large difference m
speed often limits the mduction set to transmitting in one
direction only.

2. The induction machine requires a considerable lagging
current, and no power-factor control is possible on this
machine without introducing some form of phase advancer.

The great advantages which the synchronous set possesses,
of permitting power-factor control and of transmitting energy
in either direction without change in speed ratio between the
two systems, make it desirable to use the synchronous set
in preference to the induction set whenever possible. The
great danger in its adoption is the possibility of overloading it
and pulling it out of step. Of course, it is possible to protect
the machines from excessive overload by means of an over-
load circuit-breaker; but, when the breaker opens, the
machine must be synchronised again, and for a time there is
no interconnecting link between the two systems.

sE:

^^ /7'5i»iCch

Fig 3 —A Method of Interconnecting an a.c. System with
A Combined a.c. and c.c. System.

In general, a synchronoiis set should nob be used unless its
capacity is reasonably large with reference to the smaller of
the two stations which it couples together. Where the sta-
tions are large and th'e changes in load comparatively small
and not very sudden, it would probably be satisfactory to use
a synchronous set havmg a rated capacity as low as JU per
cent of the capacity of the smaller station. Under less
favourable conditions it might not be advisable to use a capa-
city less than 40 to 50 per cent, of that of the smaller station
But where the synchronous set is as small as 20 per cent, ot
the capacity of the smaller station, overload protection niust
be provided and occasional shut-downs may be expected
. Interconnecting two systems of different frequency by
means of rotary converters, in general, is only commercially
feasible where continuous current is required m at least one
of the stations. Fig. 3 shows two alternating-current stations
of different frequency interconnected in this way. il'om tne
continuous-current side of the two rotary converters a con-
nection is taken to the continuous-current bus-bars m one^ ot
the stations. With this arrangement it is possible to teed the
continuous-current bus-bars from either or both alternating-
current stations, or to supply alternating current from the
continuous-current bus-bara to either or both stations ; also it
is possible to supply alternating current from either station
to the other. , , ^ r c

When rotary converters are used the transfer of energy
from one station to the other does not depend upon the spe«d
of the generators, but is controlled by manipulating the volt-
age of the rotary converters, and means must be provided for
accompHshing this result. This may be done by synchronous
boosters or bv transformer tappings, but, in general, react-
ance control "will permit sufficient voltage variation to give
the desired results.

014

THE ELECTRICAL REVIE^V

Veil. 711 No, 2,iiH(;, Dkckmiikr 1, iitn

In many large continuous-current stations extensions are
made at present with turbo plant. Where the units are of
considerable size it is customary to use a bigh-sjieed turbine
and to gear it to a moderate-speed continuous-current t;ene
rator, or else to use a high-speed turbo-alternator and to con-
vert to continuous current through a rotary converter. The
latter arrangement offers a ready means of linking up with
an alt^raating-current station should it ever be desired to
dj so.

With an arrangement such as that shown in fig. 4 it is
evident that there are a large number of possibilities with
regard to linking-up alternating and continuous current sta-
tions.

It is common practice to operate electro-hydraulic systems
of the same frequency in parallel, and on the Continent and

Fig. 4. — A Method of Interconnecting a.c. and c.c. Systems.

in America many large transmission networks are supplied
from stations located long distances apart. In Great Britain
an increasing number of systems of the same frequency are
being operated in parallel, but there has been very little done
towards linking-up systems of different frequencies.

In South Wales a 40-cycle system is operating in parallel
with a 50-cycle system through two 500-kw. induction motor-
generators. One set has a 40-cycle induction motor and a 50-
cycle synchronous generator. The other has a 50-cycle induc-
tion motor and a 40-cycle synchronous generator. These sets
have worked very well in sen'ice, except that the heavy
wattless currents taken by the induction motors limit the
output of the stations and cables. A synchronous condenser
is being installed which may work on either system.

In France and in Italy there are some large systems of dif-
ferent frequencies connected through motor-generators, and
the author is indebted to Mr. T. Prinetti, of the Societa
Elettrica Riviera di Ponente, Savona. Italy, for some parti-
culars of a very interesting installation where a synchronous
set is used for linking up two very large systems — one of 16§
periods and the other of 50 periods. The synchronous set
con.9ists of two 10,000-k.v.a. generators, one having 2 poles
and giving a frequency of 16§ cycles, and the other 6 poles

i>.K(00OltVA 2.IO1OOOKVA I.t(X>OK«A.2-3.OO0KVA I.lOiOOOKVA I.IOOOoKVA

^ 5,300V 5J00V, 2,700V 5,000V, 3,300V 5,300V

vJ6-r~ _^^ 50~ ^. 50~ 50--- 16 7~ SO-v- y

Fig. 5. — System of the Societa Eletthica
Riviera di Ponente (Ing. R. Negri).

and giving a frequency of 50 cycles. Fig. 5 shows a diagram
of connections, from which the magnitude of the system may
be seen. Mr. Prinetti says: —

" Synchronising is usually done by first synchronising the
turbine with the 50-period part of the plant, and afterwards
with the 16.6-period part, the latter operation being very
easy. Only from time to time is it necessary to telephone
to other stations to adjust the speed.

" It was not necessary to apply any special device to the
regulators of the water-wheels. The regulators are of the
' Riva ' oil-pressure type with an hydraulic auxiliary motor."

In this case the two machines are coupled to a steam tur-
bine. The original plan was to use the set for feeding either
or both systems, but as coal is now at an almost prohibitive
price in Italy, the set does excellent service as a frequency
changer.

In two appendices the author shows how to calculate the
effect of resistance and reactance upon the parallel operation
of alternating-current generators, and the method of calcu-
lating the load on an induction-svnchronous frequency-
changer.

Discussion.

Mr. Wiu-iam WoodhoDSE, in aponing the discussion, while
thanking the author for introdin'iiig the subject, said he felt
that he had passed over altogotber tiH> lightly the most im-
portant condition, namely, the regulation of jiower faetor. The
practical problem was the parallel operation of stations
situated some distance apart, usually beyond the economical
limit of their present distribution voltage. The justification
for interconnection was the added security given to each
station or syst-em of distribution and the ability to transfer
load at will. The problem, therefore, was almost entirely
one of transmission, and the governing conditions were volt-
age and power-factor regulation ; hunting, surges, faults, and
other transient conditions must also be considered. The
case of interchange between two systems of different fre-
quency was likely to be of decreasing importance because a
difference of frequency between two stations in the same
area implied that one was non-standard, and, therefore, as
devi'lopment took place the transfer of load would be all in
one direction, the non-standard frequency being eventually
supplied as a consumer. The condition of most general in-
terest was, therefore, the int^-rcoimection of two or more
stations working at the same frequency, and he took the
author's fir.st example of two systems each with a normal
load of 10,000 KW. awd with provision for an interchange of
5,000 KW. If each .station was dealing with the full l(x:al
load, the station voltages would be equal, and the two ends
of the inter?;onnecting main would be at the .same voltage.
On the assumption that each load was of the same power
factor no current w'ould flow through the interconnector.
.'Assuming that it w-as desired to transfer from B to A a load
of 5,000 KW. and of a power factor of 0.75, and that the
impedance voltage of the interconnector was equivalent to
10 per cent, of the line voltage : If B pos.sessed no power of
regulating the .station pressure and transmission was by means
of a main of negligible reactance, the result would be that
B's consumers' voltage would drop 10 per cent. This was
obviously not permissible, as a necessary condition of the
problem was that the consumers' voltage on both systems
was kept constant. The voltage of station B must therefore
l)e raised to the normal, which would produce a result depen-
dent entirely on the nature of the transmission line ; if the
interconnector was without appreciable reactance, the flow
of energy would cea.se ; if the interconnector ix).s.sessed react-
ance, as in the case of an overhead line, they had an interest-
ing condition, which was that power would only be trans-
mitted from A to B in exchange for idle current from B to A;
station B, calling for power, would have to supply (1) Idle
current for the load generated by B ; (2) idle current for the
load supplied by A ; (3) idle current for the regulation of the
transmission line. Assuming that A supplied half the load on
.sy.stem B. and that the reactance and resistance of the trans-
mission line were equal, the iwwer factor of the load being
0.75, B would require steam power to supply 5,000 KW., and
alternator capacity to supply the following wattless k.v.a. : —
First, for half its local load, 4,450 k.v.a. ; second, for half A's
local load, 4,4-50 k.v.a.; third, for transmission line regula-
tion, 5,000 k.v.a., or 13,9.50 k.v.a. of idle current in all, equiva-
lent to a power factor on the generators at the receiving sta-
tion B of 0.33, a figure not only beyond the rating of the
machines in use to supply the power load, but beyond that
necessary to ensure parallelism. Incidentally, station A would
benefit by being relieved of 9,450 wattless k.v.a., and if its
output w-as originally equal to that of B, the power factor of
the load carried by A's generators would become practically
unity. This condition of affairs was equally as unpractical
as the first assumed, and they mu.st consider again from the
transmission point of view what practical steps could be taken
to correct it. There were several ways : First, the reduction
of the percentage voltage drop in the transmission line, by
increasing either the amount of copper or the transmission
voltage; second, the use of regulating transformers or of
boosters; third, the use of synchronous condensers. There was
a definite limit to the improvement effected by increasing
the amount of copper, as it only dealt with resistance drop,
and not at all with the inefficiency of transmitting wattless
K.V.A. from one centre to another. Furthermore, if the inter-
connection was by means of cables, the use of regulating
transformers or boosters or the introduction of reactance be-
came es.sential. The increase of the transmis.sion voltage was
another matter which .should be considered in connection
w'ith the proposed use of existing 6,000-volt mains for linking-
up. The u.se of regulating transformers presented certain
practical disadvantages if frequent changes of load were to
be met; to return to the case just considered, a regulating
transformer at station A giving a 10 per cent, boost would
reduce the call on B for idle current, but would .still involve
transmis.sion at a low power factor; that was to say, the
energy lost in transmission would be 6'2 per cent, greater than
if the load was transmitted at unity power factor. Further-
more, unless the transformer was automatic, the interchange
of idle current on large variations of load such as occurred
regularly in power supply might be unsatisfactory. For large
loads regulating transformers were not strongly to be recom-
m.ended. If existing networks were to be used for intercou-
nection, it was probnble that load would be distributed at
various points along the interconnector. which would limit
the amount of boosting permissible, and would probably re-
quire a transformer at each end. Synchronous boosters in

I

DECEMBEB 1. urn;.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

015

conjunction with synchronous condensers might form an
advantageous alternative to regulating transformers. Syn-
chronous condensers as a means of regulation dealt with
power factor and voltage; it was important to remember that
if the voltages at the two ends of a transmission line were
adjusted to be constant and equal at any load, they would
remain so at all loads, and the power factor would be con-
stant also. Obviously, if station B was being aided, the
synchronous converter should be at B, dealing with the idle
current near its source; if A was being aided, the synchronous
converter should be at A, so that for mutual aid of, say,
5,(Xk3 k.v.a. at 0.75 power factor, they would require two
machines ea<:h of 3,3(.iO k.v..*., a somewhat substantial addi-
tional cost to that of interconnecting mains. Their power
consumption must also be borne in mind, as though efficient
at full load, a synchronous motor had rather high no-load
losses; the running arrangements had, therefore, to be studied
carefully. As an off-set, however, it must be remembered
that the use of synchronous converters would reduce the
K.V.A. loading on the generators, thus not only enabUng
smaller generators to be used for a given kw. output, but
reducing the stresses on them in the case of faults; further,
such machines helped to balance unequally-loaded phases.
Broadly speaking, so far as voltage regulation was concerned
the first condition for a satisfactory solution of the problem
was a high transmis.sion pressure; when national intercon-
nection came, they might look for a transmission system of,
say, 60,000 volts, a power distribution voltage of anvthing
between 10 and 30.000 volts, and the relegation of the'6,000-
volt systems to domestic supply. .\s to power factor, a satis-
factory voltage at the consumers' terminals made auto-regu-
lation at each station a necessity. The use of auto-pressure
regulators for power factor control presented no practical diffi-
culty, as the relationship between power factor and pressure
drop in an inductive line was almost a straight hne. On the
Yorkshire system, as a case in point, they had two stations 14
miles apart running in parallel, each fitted with auto-pressure
control, which effected the desired result for power factor
also. Obviou.'^ly, the interchange of power between any sta-
■ tions should be at as high power factor as possible, so as to
reduce transmission losaes ; with fixed setting of the regu-
lators it was possible to arrange for this within practical
limits. In the ca.se mentioned, the normal condition was that
httle power was interchanged, the interconnectors acting also
as distributors. As a large interchange was infrequent, the
comparative value of low line losses was small and, therefore,
the necessary transfer of power was carried out by power
factor alteration at the expense of the wattless k.v.a. on the
receiving station ; faihng the provision of a synchronous con-
verter, this could be dealt with by running a generator as a
motor. Finally, in this country the case to be met was that
of a number of stations interconnected for the sake of security
and load transfer, but under separate control. No system of
operation would prove satisfactory which involved communi-
cating instructions to all the stations when a change of load
occurred, and the simplest possible alternative was automatic
pressure regulation, station output controlled by steam pres-
» sure, and either central or sectional regulation of wattless
[i K.V.A. by means of synchronous condensers and boosters,
i' Mr. Partridge said he had anticipated that the paper would
have dealt at greater length on the apparatus which might
be used. It was impossible to say what would be the prime
mover of the future, but it must be designed for parallel
working. As regarded transmission, he saw no difficulty in
I- working up to 50,000 volts with underground cables. The
most important question was as to the periodicity to adopt,
and this should be settled once for all. It appeared to him
that it would be bett.er to adopt something lower than 50; a
low periodicity meant less inductance, less chance of coming
out of step, the regulation was much better, and capacity
cunents would be less; pressure rises would also be smaller,
and switching would be easier if oil switches were used owing
to the zero remaining longer. It was necessary to have plenty
of copper in the interconnecting cable. He much preferred
the induction regulator for voltage adjustment, and regretted
that the paper said so little about phase converters. The
induction motor-generator was preferable to the synchronous
machine; his experience of a large set for coupling a S-phase,
25-cycle, 7,000-volt system to a single-phase, 85-cycIe, 10,000-
volt system was most satisfactory despite heavy disturbances
on one or two occasions. He pointed out that while it was
easy to synchronise the first induction machine, there was a
difficulty with the second incomine machine on account of
the difference in slip, and a somewhat similar difficulty arose
with the second synchronous motor generator.

Mr. \. M. Taylor agreed with Mr. V.'(X)dhonEe as to link-
ing-up being more complex than appeared on the surface.
In Birmincham, the old generating station, run with auto-
matic regulation, was coupled to a new plant without such
regulation, and the preliminary difficulties had been over-
come, but he thought the author rather under-estimated the
difficulty of synchronising two large stations, and that he
should have included reactance. The capacity of switchgear
was verv much governed by it, and it was possible that with
two .30.000-KW. stations near and connected that an unsafe
amount of plant would come on to one svstem unless react-
ance was emploved. In regard to the possibility of parallehng
stations through static frequency changers, he was quite pre-
pared to desimi frequency changers of at least 300 KW. capacity.
A "bank" of, sav. 10 such frequency changers, representing a

total of 3,000 KW., could be suddenly switched in as a big
unit. It would not be necessary to synchronise nearly so
closely as with synchronous frequency changers, and probably
an error of 60 deg. " lag " or " lead," or, at a pinch, even
9>) deg., would not be attended with serious trouble. For
this reason it might be possible to put in a 3,000-KW. "bank"
of static transformers, where a 6,000 or 9,000-KW. set would
be necessary with rotating frequency changers. Within cer-
tain hmits the apparatus would be reversible, possibly to the
extent of the capacity of the apparatus. The large " lagging "
current, which was the worst feature of the static transformer,
could be compensated by phase advancers at the station, as
proposed for the induction motor-generator scheme. The
static frequency changer took a perfectly balanced current
from the three mains, and dehvered it to a single-phase system
on the higher frequency. All the above remarks related to
step-up transformation from 25 periods to 13 (or from 16. S
to 50) periods, but he had also obtained entirely satisfactory
experimental results with a step-up from 25 cycles to 50
cycles, for which, however, direct-current excitation would be
required. He had experimentally performed the stepping
down of the frequency from 75 to 25 (or 50 to 16.6) periods,
and probably the same could be done with stepping down
from 50 to 25. If, however, the apparatus was found to be
sufficiently reversible (so long as the 25-period supply did
not entirely give in), there seemed to be no object in
employing special transformers to act independently of that
supply. He thought that the simphcity of the static frequency
changer, and the ease with which it could be switched into
circuit under almost all sorts of conditions, and the fact that
it practically required no attention when once switched in.
being capable of very heavy overloads, and being self-protec-
tive against rises of pressure on either side or short circuits
rendered it almost ideal for use as a piece of interlinking
apparatus.

Sir Charles Parsons, who said he had not intended to
speak, referred to the great interest of the paper in view of
the necessity of facilitating electricity supply for industrial
purposes. He wished the author had said more about Ameri-
can developments, although, probably due to our restricted
aiea, more linking-up .was in prospect here. He went on to
refer to possible developments in prime movers, pointing out
the limitations of the gas engine in this respect.

Mr. Brazil said it was important to consider safety as well
a^ efficiency in choosing apparatus for interconnecting sotirces
of electricity supply. He strongly favoured the synchronous
motor-generator because of the importance of being able to
transmit in both directions. The induction motor-generator
would do this under certain conditions, but not unless there
was synchronous plant running. Rotary converters were more
efficient, but the question of safety came in with them, .^s
regarded earthing the neutral (a) involved using apparatus
likely to go wrong, (fc) was ideal, but expensive, and id) — the
use of resistances, &e., to limit earth currents — was, he
thought, the best arrangement.

Mr. .\. P. Trotter said there were three points of view in
regard to earthing : That of the supply engineer, who con-
sidered the triple-frequency currents if earthing was carried
out at more than one point ; that of the Post Office engineers,
who had charge of telegraph and telephone circuits; and the
question of safety. They must have sufficient current to
trip an overload circuit breaker, or, better still, a protectiTe
device. The frequencies at present in use in this couLntrv were
as follows : —

Electrical Supply Undertakings.
Frequency. Stations. Thousande

of KW.

25 10 93

40 20 156

50 161 760

60 9 17

15

100

33, 68, 75

77, 80, 90, 93 10

Electhical Power Companies.

25 i

40 3

50 8

60 1

78
317
117

36

The commonest frequency in the case of electrical supply
undertakings was 50, and the kw. so supphed exceeded twice
the whole of the remainder. In the case of power companies,
a frequency of 50 was used by eight out of 16, but more
power was supplied at 40 than all the rest put together. Thig
was no argument for the extension of a frequency of 40 out-
side the district known as the North-East Coast ; if this were
excluded, .50 was the most common. It was undesirable that
tees or sub-.stations should be connected in Unking mains;
these should ultimately form a network, and a frequency of
'25 seemed suitable. Regulation B.4 of the Extra-high-pressure
Regulations of the Board of Trade had, for more than 10
years, restricted frequencies to 25 or 50, except in the North-
East Coast district.

Mr. W. M. Mordey said there was no greater bugbear in
power supply work than low power factor, and he had looked
for some improvement in this by the u-se of the static condenser,
to the advantages of which, including decreased loss, lower
cost, and stationary con.struction, he had drawn the attention

016

THE ELECTRICAL IIEVIEW. [Voi, 7-,.. No. 2..«,i, i)t;c...M..ER i. idi.

of the Institution some eight years previously. He was much
disappointed to find that they had not come into greater use,
and su^jgost^d that they were worth consideration by engi-
neers.

Mr. E. T. WiixuMS said a great deal had been said about
interconnection, but he agreed that the matter would require
careful handling, or it would lead to a waste of money. He
felt that they should settle now what should be the standard
frequencies. It was easy to imagine a district trunk main
system with a standard frequency, to which adjacent stations
would be connected, and it was important to fix the fre-
quency and pressure now rather than later.

Mr. J. S. Peck, in replying to some of the points raised,
said he felt that Mr. Woodhouse had over-estimated the diffi-
culties of parallel opt^ration : many stations were operating
successfully in parallel in ordinary work. In regard to the
Manchester district, it hud not been considered necessary yet
to use more than t>.(X)0 volts for interconnecting service.
Low frequency was an advantage as regards transmission,
but the difficulty arose in regard to large generating sets
which were restricted in speed. It was probable that larger
sets would be built for a speed of 3,000 r.p.m. Quite a small
current was sufficient to trip the protective gear for earthing.
If very large sy.<items were interconnected, it would probably
be necessary for the .<iake of the switchgcar to use reactance,
and he did not anticipate any great difficulty in parallel
working. The difficulties in linking-up were over-estimated.

FOREIGN AND COLONIAL TARIFFS ON
ELECTRICAL GOODS.

UNITED ST.\TES OF AMERICA.— In the United States
Revenue Act, which has recently been passed by Congress,
provision is made for the creation and establishment of a
Commission, to be known as the United States Tariff Com-
mission, which is to be charged with the duty of investigat-
ing the administration and fiscal and industrial effects of the
U.S. Customs Laws, the relations between the rates of duty
on raw materials and finished or partly finished products, the
effects of ad valorem and specific duties and of compound
specific and ad valorem duties, all questions relative to the
arrangement of schedules and classification of articles in the
several schedules of the Customs law, and, in general, to
investigate the operation of Customs laws, including their
relation to the federal revenues, their effect upon the indus-
tries and labour of the country, and to submit reports of
its investigations.

The Commission is to have power to investigate the tariff
relations between the United States and foreign countries,
commercial treaties, preferential provisions, economic alli-
ances, the effect of export bounties and preferential transport
rates, the volume of importations compared with domestic
production and consumption, and conditions, causes, and
effects relating to competition of foreign industries with those
of the United States, including dumping and cost of produc-
tion. The Commission is also to have power to investigate the
Paris Economy Pact and similar organisations and arrange-
ments in Europe.

The Revenue Act also contains provisions deaUng with " un-
fair competition," of which the following mav be worthy of
mention : —

ex Section 801.— " That it shall be unlawful for any person
[in which term are included partnerships, corporations, and
associations] importing or assisting in importing any articles
from any foreign country into the United States, commonly
and systematically to import, sell or cause to be imported or
sold such articles within the United States at a price sub-
stantially less than the actual market value or wholesale price
of such articles, at the time of exportation to the United
States, in the principal markets of the country of their pro-
duction, or of other foreign countries to which they are com-
monly exported, after adding to such market value or whole-
sale price, freight, duty, and other charges and expenses
necessarily incident to the importation and sale thereof in the
United States : Provided, That such act or acts be done with
the intent of destroying or injuring an industry in the United
State?, or of preventing the establishment of an industry in
the I nited States, or of restraining or monopolising any part
of trade and commerce in such articles in the United States."

Section SO^. — "That if any article produced in a foreign
country is imported into the United States under any agree-
ment, understanding, or condition that the importer thereof
or any other person in the United States shall not use, pur-
chase, or deal in, or shall be restricted in his using, purchas-
ing, or dealing in, the articles of any other person, there shall
be levied, collected, and paid thereon, in addition to the duty
otherwise imposed by law, a special duty equal to double the
amount of such duty : Provided. That the above shall not be
interpreted to prevent the establishing in this country on the
part of a foreign producer of an exclusive agency for the sale
in the United States of the products of said foreign producer
or merchant, nor to prevent .such exclusive agent from agree-
ing not to use, purchase, or deal in the article of any other
person, but this proviso shall not be construed to exempt
from the provisions of this Section any article imported bv

such exclusive agent if such agent is required by the foreign
producer or if it is agreed between such agent and such
foreign producer that any agreement, understanding or condi-
tion set out in this Section shall bo imposed by such agent
upon the sale or other disposition of such article to any person
in the United States."

NEW PATENTS APPLIED FOR, 1916.

(NOT YET PUBLISHBD),
Compiled expressly for this journ.il by Messrs. W. P. Thompson & Co.,
Electrical P.itent Agents, 285, High llolboin, London, W.C, and at
Liverpool and Bradford.

1G.21S. " Sparking plugs (or internal-combustion engines." W. A. Clakk,
SiiiiNX Mnto. Co., M. G. Loncfokd & W. W. Lonofori>. November 13lh.

16,248. " Sparking plugs." Soc. Clsrcet, Blin ei Ci8. November 13th.
(France, November 13th, 1915.)

16,250. " Rr(;ulating mechanism (or controlling speed o( induction motors."
liKiTisH ■riioM50N-Hoi;sTON Co. (General Electric Co., U.S.A.). November
13th.

16,272. " Electric regulators, &c." H. Leitner. November 14th.

16,284. " Electrical connections and terminals." H. M. Ackbry. Novem-
ber 14th.

10,291. " Reversing switch.". Igranic Electric Co. &■ F. Bsrcuanh.
November 14th.

16,294. " Packing boxes (or electric lamp bulbs." A. Astlbv. November
14th.

16,308. " Secondary electric batteries." T. A. D. Lawton. November
14th.

16.332. " Contact breakers o( magnetos." A. Cox & Electric Ignition Co.
November 15lh.

16,348. " Electric wire gas-lighting appliance." J. H. T. Roberts. Nov-
ember 15th.

16,359 & 16,360. "Electrical contacts, and mounting or supporting same."
A Crawford, VV. Preston and W. Sanders & Co. November 15th.

16,370. " Telegraphy." \V. M. Bruce. November 15th.

16,382. " Electric switchgear." H. W. Clothier and A. Reirolle 4 Co.
November 15th.

16,393. " Electric heaters." T. BuRNEV. November 16th.

16,395. " Electric furnaces." V. Stobie. November 16th.

16,413. " Manufacture of switchboards." W. N. Rincrose. November 16th.

16,423. " Sparking plugs." R. HENRy & E. Herrmann. November 16th.
iKrance, December 2nd, 1915.)

16,427. " Electric arc devices and method of operating same." British
riio.MSON-HousTON Co. (General Electric Co., U.S.A.). November 16th.

16,434. " Signalling by electric lamps." W. S. G. Baker, McKenzie, Hol-
land & Westinghouse Power Sign/\l Co. November 16th.

16.452. " Mercury breaks or interrupters." F. R. Burr & Co. AND F. R.
IkTT & H. F. BiGGE. November 16lh.

16.453. " Protective devices (or electric circuits." W. J. Mellersh-Jacrson
(Baiuch Electric Controller Corporation). November 16th.

16,4.57. " Reflectors for high-speed submarine cable telegraphy." T. B.
Dixon. November 16th. (U.S.A., July 19th, 1915.)

16,461. " Attachment for trollev poles of electric cars." VV. James. Nov-
ember 17th.

16,492. " Spark gaps." L. A. Kcnzman. November 17th.

16.512. " ignition dynamos." C. T. Mason. November 17th. (U.S.A.
June 19th, 1915.)

16.513. " Ignition dynamos." C. T. Mason. November 17th. (U.S.A.,
June 19th, 1915.)

16.514. " Ignition dynamos." C. T. Mason. November 17lh. (U.S.A.,
June 19th, 1915.)

16,518. " Ignition dvnamos." C. T. Mason. November 17th. (U.S.A.,
June 19th, 1915.)

16,621. " Sparking plugs," H. Birkeeck (Thierry & Co.). November 17th.

16,536. " Miners' electric sa(ety lamps." O. Oldham. November 17th.

16,540. " Brush-lifting and short-circuiting device on induction motors,
&e." Brush Electrical Engineering Co. & T. H. Hurst. November 18th.

16,542. " Method of generating combustive forces by electrolysis of water'
111' use in internalK:ombustion engines." G. C. Colona & D. Maitland^
November 18th.

16,563. " Wireless signalling systems." British Thomson-Houston Co.
(General Electric Co., .U.S.A.). November 18th.

16.566. " Apparatus for producing perforated strip by electrical current
impulses." H. H. Harrison and Creed, Bille & Co. November 18th.

16.567. " Apparatus for producing perforated strip by electrical current
impulses." H. H. H.4RRISON and Creed, Bille & Co. November 18th.

16,575. " Pocket or portable electric lamps." E. Bigmore & W. R. CuRTIS.
Vnvember 18th.

PUBLISHED SPECIFICATIONS.

1.91B.

13,952. Measi;ring Instruments, Relays, and the like. Marconi's W«C^
less Telegraph Co. & H. A. Ewen. September 29th. (Cognate appUcalio«i,
3,233/16 and 3,789/16.)

15,092. Dirigible Torpedoes. H. A. Von Post. October 25th.

15,094. Attachment for Miners' Electric Safety Lamps for DETECnHC
Firedamp and other Combusiible Gases. T. J. Thomas. October 26th.

15,237. Wireless Signalling Systems. British Thomson-Houston G>.
(General Electric Co., O.S.A ). October 28th.

15,261. Automatic .Apparatus for Extiscuishing the Light from Portable
Electric Lamps is PHEi>mEJi mined Directions. L. Gaster & J. S. Dow.
October 29th.

15,370. Electric Clocks. H. E. Warren. November 1st. (November
30th, 1914.)

15,759. Cathode for Eucirolytic Cells. F. G, Wheeler. (January 25th,
1915.) November 8th.

17,752. Method and Means of Indicating or Recording ihb Frequency
of Periodic Currents. N. C. I'. Jensen. December 20th.

X9ie.

The numbers in brackets are those under which the specifications will be
prirted and abridged, and all subsequent proceedings will be taken.

18. Vibratory Massage Apparatus. E. Peckham. January 3rd, 1916.
[1(11,890.]

869. Electrical Relay Systems. Siemens & Halske Akt. Ges. April lOtk,
1915. (Patent No. 100,262)

TUTl

EIjE10TI?/I0^Xj I?/E"VIE'W.

Vol. LXXIX.

DECEMBEK 8, 1916.

No. 2,037.

ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

ENLIGHTEN THE BUYER ABROAD.

Tol. LXXIX.)

COKTHNTS : December 8, 1916.

[No. 2,037.

Enlifrhten the Buyer Abroad

The Ministry of Munitions and Controlled Firms

Central -Stat ion Service

Some Chiefs — Verb. Sap. by " Tramp Royal "

The Bonding- and Anchoring- of Electric Cables, by S. G. (i7/j(.

Fuel Economy (villus.)

The Internal-Combustion Engine

Correspondence —

Economics and Trade...

Between Two Stools ...

Final-Grade Classes in Electrical Installation Work

Paralleling- of Electric Power Stations

Power Station Design

"Summation-Watt" Capacity of Field Rheostats...

Breakdowns of German Plant

How Electricity is Stolen in Shang-hai

Legal

War Items

Consumers' Complaints, by A. T. BuUen

Business Notes

Notes

City Notes '

Stocks and Shares

Electric Tramway and Railway Traffic Returns
Market Quotations ...

Metal Market — Fluctuations in November

The Faraday Society

Piston and Small-End Lubrication in Diesel Engines, by G.
Vickers

Scientific and Industrial Research ...

Telephone Troubles

Trade Statistics of Siam

New Patents Applied for, 1916

Abstracts of Published Specifications

Contractors' Column Advertisement

The electrical REVIEW.

Published every FRIDAY, Price 4d.

The Ohlest ti'eekly Electrical Taper. Estahlished ISIS.

to BE OBTAll^D B7 OBDEB FEOU AMY NEWSAGENT IN TOWN OB G0UNTB7.

... 617

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... 618

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.*). 619

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... 622

... 62.S

... 623

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... 623

... 623

... 623

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page XX

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1916 EDITION.

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[«n]

From our reading of the criticisms aud warniugs that are
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very respectable total value every month ; our continued pre-
occuijation with munitions manufacturing as well as the
tonnage position and the necessity for Governmental
regulation in respect of essential materials, prevents us
from doing all that we desire ; and these would-be buyers in
distant lands are apt, as they contemplate their empty stores
or depleted stocks, to charge us with indifference to their
needs. They are imbued with a burning zeal for British
trade progress, are eager to utilise or sell British products,
and only under the sheerest necessity can they compel
themselves to avail themselves of supplies that other
nations are able to offer. They have, iu many cases,
tried to persuade clients — public and otherwise — ^to defer
their orders until after the war ; but sometimes that
cannot be done. We believe that the warnings that they
offer regarding the after-tlie-war effects of the prevailing
favourable opportunity of neutrals are sincerely offered,
and are evidence of a true patriotism ; any irritation or
feelings of annoyance, or any suspicions that they entertain
regarding apparent inditference, will be better understood if
we ungrudgingly recognise that fact. We are waging a war
for the freedom of the whole world from the powers of
darkness, and our friends know that we are anxious to
maintain our exports to assist our operations on the financial
side, but they are prevented from "doing their Int " in that
important connection, and incidentally, perhaps primarily,
they are obliged to offer, or see somebody else offer, neutral
substitutes to clients many of whom they have previously
supplied with British goods. This aspect of the need for
maintaining our export trade is an important one, but our
friends abroad must not think that it has been lost sight of.
either by the Government or by the industry. The diffi-
culty, when the demand is so heavy upon us for all kinds of
material and aeti^■ity. is to reasonably reconcile all these
different requirements, assuring the attainment of efficient
national organisation without in the process causing too
serious a disorganisation of export industry. What seems
to be needed at the present time is some action, whether
united or individual is for the trade to say, to impress the
foreign markets with the fact that we are not leaving
things to take care of themselves until after the war ; to
assm'e them that we shall have almost infinite export
trade capacity when we can devote our greatly increased
energies to it ; aud that we are, or shall be, able to supply
from British factories many lines that before the war
they could not obtain here. We do not know how far
Teutonic competition will count in foreign electrical trade
in days to ctane, but the neutral nations' position may be
strong, though there will be an abundant demand in and
from all countries, which we confide itly be'ieve will occupy

61S

THE ELECTlUCAJj REVIEW, [w.i. th. xo. 2,037, decemrkks, laiti.

all the uKiuufactiiriiig uations with electrical and
engineering work for some years. But while we
believe, taking into account everything iis fur as we
can see it, that our advisers abroad are inclined to take
a sf)niewhat exaggerated and jx'.'wimistic view of the outlook,
we think that it would he as well if organised electrical
niannfacturei-s were to weigh up the situation, and
see whether they caiuiot do something impressive, and
that immediately, to dis(»l wrong impressions as to their
own goodwill, good intentions,- and prospective ability.

If in the early days of the war there was a feeling in some
quarters that economic conditions would decide the state
of things after the war, and that, therefore, no organised
efifort was necessary, we can certainly say that no such
feeling exists in the electrical trade to-day. The weakness
now is rather that we are tempted to conceal what we are
doing, what preparations we are making, and to hide our
light under a bushel. Surely there is room for an impres-
sive and effective publicity, without playing into the hands
of either enemy or neutral trader's. We have good reason
for knowing that the reader abroad is often a far closer
student of his trmle journal than are some readers at home.
In our own case our pages have dealt practically continuously
with such subjects for nearly two and a-half years, and the
schemes for tlie organisation of the engineering and
electrical industries have been frequently dealt with. It
would apijeav, however, that while this organisation move-
ment at home is proceeiling, there is a need for some
speeding-up in the local British organisation efforts suited
to each particular market. But it may be that the light
is hidden from even us at home.

The recent substantial concessions

The Ministry of granted by the Ministry of Munitions to

J ^ i .. J the application made some time ago by
and Controlled , .„ , tt • «. • , ^ • , , ,

Firms. ^"^ irade Union omcials for considerable

a<lvances in wages rates, ranking of women

workers at the same rates as would be paid to men for doing

the same class of work, and other important points, have

resulted in no small amount of criticism from employers in

the electrical and allied industries.

To arrive at a fair and impartial judgment of a matter
of such far-reaching importance, a great variety of interests
and considerations must be carefully reviewed. The heavy
increase in the cost of living obviously necessitated an
increase in the income of the working man. Whether the
increased wages have more than covered, or only partly
covered, the increased cost of living, we can only judge
from official figures, which, in cases of this nature, do not
always present a correct reflex of the situation. In most
cases, however, it may be fairly said that the increase in
wages has not yet exceeded the increased cost of living.

It is not to be supposed, however, that the one considera-
tion should be expected to regulate the other, since it would
be obviously quite impossible to raise or lower the rate of
wages with every rise or fall in the cost of living. The
demands of the workers during the war period for increased
wages to meet the increased cost of living have, we think,
with some exceptions, been generously met by employers, in
consideration of the fact that, for the most part, the
employers have obtained increased prices for their goods.

The point of just grievance among employers is not that
the workers' demands for more money have been unreason-
able, but that too often the increased wages paid have not
resulted in a corresponding increase in output by the
workers. Indeed, it has been asserted frequently that the
output per man in some controlled firms has actually been
less since the increases in wages rates were granted.

Recently several important firms controlled by the
Ministry of Munitions received instructions from Whitehall
to increase further the rates of pay, include the war bonus,
which had been paid as a purely separate item, in the rate
of pay, and pay all women considered to be doing a man's
job a man's rate of pay, regardless of whether or not the
job had ever at any time been done by a man, or whether,
as was more frequently the case than not, it had always
been done by a woman or a girl. The result of the latter
provision is that the employer has been compelled to pay at

one stroke increases of 50 to 00 per cent, for the same class
of work as was done previous to the control of the Ministry,
or equivalent to about 75 per cent, on jire-war rates.

It lias also tube borne in mind that whereas the Ministry
of Jlunitions was, we believe, reluctantly persuaded by
the Trade Union officials into granting these concessions, no
satisfactory safeguards against bail tiinc-kcc{)ing, ca' canny,
&c., a]ipear to have been secured by the Jlinistry. To those
employers who have felt the liad elfeet of the disrespect,
almost contempt, of some workers for the autlnirity of tin
Ministry, this further omission to grasp the o)iportunity to
tighten up the loose parts which are so greatly inq)e(ling
the full -effectiveness of the va.st war machine is far from'
reassuring.

The imposition of fines for bad time-keeping, itc.,.appeam
to have resulted only in benefiting the funds of the Mnni-
ti<ms Tribunals ; indeed, we are of the opinion that the
questionable system of wholesale fining in munition shops,
&(.'., which has been going on for some time past, is far too
prevalent throughout the country.

The result of this somewhat accoinmodating attitude of
the Ministry of Munitions to the Trade Unions will he felt
more forcibly after the war, when the Ministiy I'eleases its
control of the establishments. Then the employers will be
faced with the serious question of wages adjustment. In
consideration, therefore, of the recent important changes
effected by the Ministry of Munitions for its own. immediate
needs, it becomes a matter of vital importance to enqiloyera
and all concerned to be assured that the Ministry of Muni-
tions is fully prepared to accept joint responsibility with
the employers for the readjustment after the war of the
changes made by the Ministry during the period of its control.

To leave the employers and workmen to settle this (pies-
tion among themseh'es after the war would be tantamount
to precipitating the most grave industrial confiic-ts, and,
moreover, it would be equivalent to a serious breach of
trust on the part of the Ministry.

Central-Station
Service.

No one can call in question the
patriotism of the men who, whether a&
managers or subordinates, are responsible
for the maintenance of public electricity supply in this
country ; many of them have made the great sacrifice which
marks the very acme of human devotion, many others are
fighting in the trenches — good luck to them ! — and their
colleagues who are prevented by age or public service from
joining them, are working long hours and doing double
duty to keep the mains alive. But there are limits even
to their elastic capabilities, and now that the " comb " is
being applied more vigorously, but not always more wisely,
the strain in some cases has approached the breaking-jmint.
The supply of electricity is a highly technical undertaking,
which cannot possibly be carried on without an a<ie((nate
number of fully trained men ; for such men substitutes
cannot be found, and in their absence there is no altt^rnative
but to shut down the plant.

The case of Diesel engine stations is particularly hard ;
the Diesel engine is of comparatively recent introduction
into electricity supply, and the number of meu who under-
stand the niceties of its working is extremely limited —
moreover, almost all of them are young, and, therefore,
greatly to be desired of the military authorities. Already '
we have heard of one Diesel station losing its chief
engineer, and we know of another which is faced with the
prospect of an inevitable shut-down if one more of its staff
be taken. Surely such men come within the clause of the
circular issued to the Tribunals last week, which states
that " the exceptions to the 2G years of age instruction
include men urgently required for work of essential national
importance for whom the demand is greater than the
supply " — for the work that these men are doing actually j
includes the supply of electricity for national purposes of s
the highest importance, and there is no Hiijiplij of gwh men
to draw upon at all.

It is not for us, however, to direct the policy of the i
Government ; we only wish to emphasise this simj)le and
incontrovertil)le fact — that if the Diesel ex'jmts are rermved j
from Diesel- engine-driven stations, l/wse stations n.'Ustj
inei'itahli/ shid doirn.

Vol.79. No. 2,OS7. December 8, liUr,.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

619

SOME CHIEFS— VERB. SAP.

By -tramp royal.'

It was the way I was addi-essed that made me take the job.
Not a well-paid ofPer and not attractive work. The
moment the chief entered at the interview I was on his
side ; and I stuck there, going seven years through dismal
days amidst figures, and sunny days amidst manholes and
lattice masts. There was candour and justice written on
the stern face, and the greyish eyes were humanely sympa-
thetic. There was no suggestion of tlie usual chilling remark
warning one that " it will depend upon your own efforts
whether we keep you." before one has had a chance to play
a single card. I always think that remark could be saved
for the day of delinquency. Year in and year out there
were many discouragements when the " firm " did foolish
things, but the anchor at the head always held fast.

Often in trying times an invisible thread will hold us to
the bench, hoard, or desk, and yet it is but a slight trait of
the chief that will, under perhaps more favourable con-
ditions, snap the cord of enthusiasm.

There were other chiefs before and since the erect, gi'ay-
haired gentleman just introduced. My first, after shaking
the filings of the loco, shop off my feet, was a smart, keen
business man, always on the alert, and from whom I received
many useful hints of a diplomatic nature. I might have
been with him to this day, lulled by the whirr — r of Belliss'
and Willans' creations, but for the fact that he went to
the rescue of a seaside corporation. The replacement of
the " old crocks " by modern machinery made breakdowns
an almost unknown quantity, so my giip was packed, and I
crossed to the land of sauerkraut and helmets, to study other
charactere and, incidentally, three-phase mysteries. I had
a succession of three chiefs here before the MoJflie took me (o
New York ; but I won't use up scarce paper in describing
their excital)le ways and close adherence to rules and
regulations. My ears still tingle with " Ach, mein Gott !
dass diirfen Sie nicht, well es nicht regelmiissig ist " — and
there you are ! as Dan Leno so often said.

A big American trust or corporation offers little oppor-
tunity for one " to get a line " on his boss. The man who
" makes use of you " is but the shadow of a chief. It is he
who guides your erring footsteps through the labyrinth of
card indexes, files, code lists, and vault records. Hang on to
him, and he soon " puts you mse to the right dope." He
initiates you into those effort-saving devices that husband
the gi'ay matter and prevent the headache of a London
oflice. You learn that streiiuousness is not efficiency, and
that England is the home of the " hustler," regardless of
who coined the word.

Two visits to the Pacific Slope, with a 13 years' interval
between, give a mental picture of two chiefs, framed in
palms and i»pper trees, eucalyptus and mimosa, sunshine
and earthquake. Snapshot No. 1 is of Southern California,
living with the chief in his ingenious bungalow, on the
bluff, overlooking the Pacific Ocean with its gorgeous sunsets.
He was a Canadian branded with the Yankee spirit, for he
had a keen appreciation of quick methods, jigs, templates.
and other " stunts." We had happy evenings together, and
he did not wear out his welcome by visiting the work con-
tinually. In fact, through that winter I was left for weeks
on end to revel in a continuous blaze of sunshine (0 ye
English winters and defective cables !) what time my little
gang wrestled with tees, channels, and trif urcating boxes, or
balanced tons of machinery on primitive jacks and " horses,"
some miles way back from civilisation. We improved the
shining hours until the evening train was flagged and bore
us home.

The other American, with his gaunt figure, long hair,
and keen hatchet face, was of quite another type, and ruled
with a shrill voice in the city of the great 1915 Exposition.
" He wa.s a wise guy, and some boss, believe me." He
permeated the routine of the oflice with the methods of the
old School. One slid along in cycles of laissez faire, and
being pulled up with a jerk, and t«am work was out of the
question.

Then the war came, and one's own country called.

Two other portraits must be placed in the gallery. We
meet many engineers of the type which seems to have been
weaned with extract of machinery. The cold, phlegmatic
temperament, choking-coil demeanour, and studious appear-
ance are often supplemented by a woeful lack of the
understanding of human nature and applied psychology.
Just such a man was the chief who managed with annoying
persistency to mail me a letter on Fridays, detailing work
for the week-end. How his staff Ijlessed him, and how they
" played him up " over and over again, need no labouring
here. At the close of the contract I returned to the
London office, and eventually my enthusiasm oozed out
and -left an aching void, so for the peace of my conscience
I quit.

The tramway manager with the heavy moustache and
firm, square jaw was a good leader of men, and knew how
to work the gang up to " He's a jolly good fellow " : Init he
had the fear of the Councillors in his soul, and a habit of
interfering at breakdowns while the music was played to
,r = L ff/(rt -I- h). His sense of humour was the balm that
soothed the chafed and jaded spirit.

Chiefs embody every phase and tyjx; of human nature,
and therefore these few reminiscences make but a fringe.

THE BONDING AND ANCHORING OF
ELECTRIC CABLES,

By S. G.

The bonding and anchoring of electric cables did not, until
a few yeai-s ago, receive much consideration ; but since
then the matter hiis been engaging the special attention of
cable engineers, particularly mining engineers.

To the mind of the engineer who deals with " larger
things," such, as engines, generators, &c., tliis bonding and
anchoring of cables would appear a very trifling matter ;
but experience on cable work hiis proved that it is a
subject which requires very cai-eful attention, especially
when the cost of the cable is taken into consideration.

Many are the designs put forward on paper, but few are
adopted. It is not the writer's intention in this article t^^i
boom any particular design as being the most practicable,
neither is it intended to state which manufacturer brings
out the best design. The subject is one on which very
little has, up to the present, been published, and the
illustrations, with their accompanying comments, are for
the benefit of designee, manufacturere, and usei-s alike.
The figures, of course, do not represent every jwssible
design, but only a number of selected examples.

It would- be well to point out that when getting out
designs of this particular class of gear, the designer should
always bear in mind that, for " armour grips " especially.
stmiy/h is one of the main requirements to provide for.
and, whatever method is adopted, he should make certain
that the armouring will be " giipped " properly and a solid
job made of it — not only an electrical job,' but a good
mechanical one, in the very essence of the word — otherwise
serious trouble will be the outcome.

With regard to mining work, one often hears the yarn
about the collier venting his spite on electrical apparatus
and driving his pick into anything electrical that he comes
across. This yarn has almast had its day, and is verv often
" pitched " by persons who like to give one to understand
that they are fully acquainted with " underground " con-
ditions of working, yet have never even been in close
proximity to a colliery. The writer has known of several
instances where this tale has been pushed down the throats
of draughtsmen, and would suggest that the actual designei's
should have opportunities, which are at present mostly
denied to them, of going to the job and ascertaining what is
required.

The writer's experience in mining work is that the con-
ditions are not quite so black as they are painted ; at the
same time, he would emphasise the fact tliat everything

(V20

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW [voi.;;.. no. 2,u:,7. de.kmb™ s, loi^

used in the workings must be designed for strength, and
only the best materials must be used.

Fio. 1.— niustrates, Mrhaps, the oldest method, and one
which is used a great deal at present, of bondinR the lead
sheathing; of the cable to the cast-iron box. The lead or
copper tape is secured to the box between two brass washers
by means of a brass screw. The t,ipe is soldered to the lend
sheathinj; of the cable. This method of bonding is simple
and cheap, but care must be taken to solder it properly.

PiQ. 10. — Illustrates how the lead of the cable is plumbed
on to a brass wiping gland, the gland in question being
secured to the box by means of set-.screws.

Pio. 11. — Illiistrates a similar gland to fig. 10, with the
exception that it is screwed into the box in order to make it
watertight.

Fio. 12. — Illustrates a similar gland to fig. 11, but suitable
for either steel tape or wire armouring, the bulb on the

Fig. 1.

Fig. 2.

Fifi. 10.

Fid. 11.

Fig. 12.

Fin. i:i.

Fig. 2. — Elnstrates an improvement on fig. 1, the bonding
tape being wrapped around the cable and secured at both
sides of the box.

Fig. 3. — Illustrates how the lead sheathing of the cable Is
bonded by means of a cast lead or alloy bush fixed between

Fio. 3.

Fig. 4.

the two halves of the tox. This method of bonding is also
cheap, and is effective provided the lead bush fits the cable
properly and the two halves grip the cable tightly when the
parts of the box are bolted together.

Fig. 4. — Illustrates an improvement on fig. 3. A cast lead
or alloy bush is provided for both the inner and outer wall
of the box.

Fig. 5. — Illustrates a very cheap method of bonding. The
holes in the glands of the box are a httle larger than the lead
of the cable, and are made up with lead tape, as in fig. 6.

gland being an extra precaution for preventing the armour-
ing from being pulled out of position.

Fig. 13. — Illustrates a wire armour grip made of either cast-
iron or malleable iron. The wires are gripped between the
male and female cones. This method is a very good one pro-
vided the cones fit the armour wires properly.

Fig. 14. — Illustrates a similar gland to fig. 13, but the en«l

Fig. U.

Fig. If>.

ot the gland which fits into the box is arranged for a packed
joint, spun yarn or other suitable material being used for
bitumen cables and lead wool for lead-covered cables. This
type of grip is often used in mining work.

Fig. 15. — Illustrates an improvement on fig. 13. The lead
sheathing is bonded by means of a lead cone bond, and the
armouring is gripped between the male and female cones.
If desired, the lead cone grip could be cast solid with the
male wire armour grip.

Fig. 6.— Illustrates how the lead sheathing of the cable is
bonded by means of a pair of malleable or gun-metal cast-
ings. The hole in these " grips " or " bonds " is slightly
larger in diameter than the lead of the cabje. Lead tape
about 1/16 in. thick is wrapped around the cable to such a
diameter that when the bonds are screwed down to the box
the^ cable is gripped perfectly tightly.

Fig. 7.— Illustrates a type of gland which is usually used

' i^^;^?j^

i

^K^P^

K \ \ wH'

Fig. 7.

Fig. 8.

Fio. 9.

for rubber cables. This gland can be used for lead-sheathed
cables if desired, the packing material being lead wool.

Fig. 8.— Illustrates a similar gland to fig. 7, but two glands
are used instead of one.

Fio. 9.— Illustrates a similar gland to figs. 7 and 8 an
adapter being used. '

Fig. 18

Fig. 19.

Fig. 16. — Illustrates how the armouring is gripped on to » '
trumpet cast on the end of the box by means of a pair of
cast-iron or malleable iron clamps. With this arrangement
there is a tendency for the armouring to pull out of place.

Fig. 17. — Illustrates how the armouring is gripped on to a
steel ferrule or tube by means of clamps, as in fig. 16.

Vol. 7H. NO.2.0S7, DECEMBEU8, i9i»;.] THE ELECTRICAL EEVIEWo

621

Fig. 38.— Illustrates how the lead sheathing is bonded to
the box by means of a lead cone gripped with a strong cast-
iron grip. This is a very effective bond.

Pig. 19. — Illustrates how the annour wires are gripped to
the bos by means of a cast-iron ring. With this arrangement
it is not necessary to remove the outer serving of the cable
very far.

Fig. 20.— Illustrates how the end of the cable can be gripped
in the case of a cable which has to be suspended at the pit

Fig. 20.

head. It will be observed in this design that the cable is
suspended by its own armour wires, the wires being bent
over the loose cone piece.

Fig. 21. — Illustrates an improvement on fig. 20. The eye-
bolts can be fairly long to allow for tightening up.

FUEL ECONOMY.

In the Shftfiuld Da'dii Teleyrapk of November 15th the sabject of
electric power supply to meet the city's eDorinously increasing-
demand was discussed, with special reference to the question
whether the generating station should be situated in Sheffield or
in the neighbourhood of the collieries.

Prof. W. G. Fearnsides, of the University of Sheffield, who is
engaged on a study of the coal measures of the district, has devoted
special attention to this problem, and has
suggested two schemes for a central station.

At a meeting of the Sheffield Society of
Engineers and Metallurgists, last April, he
distributed copies of a map (which we re-
produce), showing the location of the
collieries, marking especially those possess-
ing by-product coke ovens of a modern type.
and suggesting a site between Wombwell
and Wath as a very suitable one for a
generating station. He now goes further
than this, and suggests, for the future, the
erection of a great generating station near
Doncaster, which would make its electricity
from the second-grade portion of the Bams-
Icy coal which is now left unworked in the
pits.

In au interview with a representative of
the newspaper, the Professor went fully into
the matter. '' Sheffield," he said, '' is the
capital of the main fuel-producing area of
the North Midlands. It is not in the centre
of that area, but on the western edge. The
direction in which the coal field is being
depleted is from west to east. The zone
of maximum production has now got east-
wards, about as far as Mexborough, and it
is progressing further in that direction
year by year.

"To transport fuel by truck, in my
opinion, costs more than to carry by cable
the electricity which that fuel can be made
to produce. The half-crown which is re-
quired to bring each ton of coal up from
the centre — say, Mexborough — into Shef-
field, were better devoted to paying interest
on the capital required to build the trunk
cable line.

"There are at present two great im-
utUised sources of fuel which ought to
be converted into power. The source with

which I dealt in April, the distribution of which is illustrated on
the map, w the surplus gas produced by coke ovens. The coke-
oven industry ig especially active in the district where the Park-
gate seam is worked, and there are half a score coke-oven plants.

each representing a group of collieries, situated within a five-mile
radius of the ' starred ' site between Wombwell and Wath.

" Wherever by-product coke ovens are worked, there is an evolu-
tion of gas averaging 12,000 cb. ft. per 'ton of coal carbonised.
That gas is equal in calorific value to the best Sheffield town gas.
In ovens of the regenerative type, half of the gas is reiquired to
carbonise another ton of coal, and half is surplus. ; ^

" My sugg-estion was that this surplus gas should be conveyed in
pipes from the ovens to the central power station, where electric
power could be produced from it. I estimate that there are more than
20,000 KW. immediately available from that source. I quite
recognise, however, that that is not big enough for Sheffield. If
linked up with the Yorkshire Power Co. station at Barugh, near
Barnsley, the two, together with the present Sheffield supply,
might meet immediate needs. But the growth of the use of
electricity is enormous. I anticipate that the demand in Sheffield
may rise to a quarter of million KW. within the next decade.

" In order further to meet this demand, I suggest the use of the
inferior portions of the Barnsley • seam, which at its maximum
rate of production is worked fiu-ther to the eastward. Owing to
roof requirements, liability to spontaneous combustion, low selling
price, and other disabilities, this second-class coal, which overlies
the ' hards,' often to a thickness of 4 ft. and more, is seldom won,
and, under present conditions, broken by the accidents inseparable
from deep mining,, is allowed to remain and become buried in the
goaf.

" A characteristic of this coal is that if it is brought up and piled
in a heap at the pit-top, it always heats. If. however, it could be
screened and washed, and then put straight into trucks and taken
to some big central generating station, where it could be used the
same day, it would give almost as great a number of units of heat
per ton of coal burnt as will the best fuel that comes to Sheffield.

" There is in this district, easily accessible, enough coal of this
class to generate electricity in large stations to the extent of
hundreds of thousands of kilowatts. It is not worth whUe to
mine the coal now. because it cannot be got rid of without a great
deal of trouble to the selling departments of the mines. Any big
quantity of it could only be raised by co-operation between the
very large collieries which are working in the area nearer to Don-
caster than to Sheffield. The line of maximum production now
passes about north and south between Conisborough and Mex-
borough. The production east of that line is increasing, and will
continue to increase. West of that line, production is diminishing,
and cannot be increased. Therefore, a central power station to use
this supply of fuel should be located not nearer to Sheffield than
the line of maximum production which we have mentioned, and the
current could be sent, at no great cost per unit, from that station
to Sheffield.

"For the generation of electricity in large units by the only
method which has yet been proved to be perfectly satisfactory on a
large scale—boilers to raise steam which is used through turbo-
generators—much water is requii-ed. For generating sets making
hundreds of thousands of kilowatts, the quantity of water flowing
over the Wicker weir in dry weather is insufficient, and it does
seem necessary that, for the purpose of condensers, a site down

Railway,
Colherif Silti.
CaUifnts wilk hy-^ntliiei cojte evtns of medtm i

Fuel Resources in the Sheffield District.

stream, below the confluence of the Don and the Rother, should be
found. The further we go down stream, the more water becomes
available, and when units grow, this is a matter which will have to
be carefully considered.

THE ELECTRICAL REVIE\V. [v,

Dl'.rKMlii-,!! 8, I'.Mi

'■ Any really eflicieut sohome lor utilisiiii-' the Bariisley coal
would "involve the use of " producers,' which make gas for firinfr
the boilers, and this system has a great deal to recommend it from
the point of view of "national economy. The ammonium sulphate
which is recoverable by washing raw gas with acid before it goes
to the boiler is sufficient to defray the costs which the utilisation of
producers will demand. Gas also is a material which can be fired
in the place where it is wanted, which travels in pipes under
piTCSsurc, and which needs neither a shovel to feed the fire nor a cart
to take away the ashes. The time has come for the use of gas and
the application of electricity to take its proper share in the economic
life of our manufacturing commimity."

THE INTERNAL-COMBUSTION ENGINE.

By DUGALD clerk, P.R.S.

(Abatract of paper read before the Roxal Society of Aets.)
In the development of internal-combustion engines we have
borne our full share of pioneer work. The subject is one to
which I have devoted much attention for the past 40 years,
which have seen a marvellous development of the gas engine,
and an extension of the use of different fuels has caused the
old title " gas engine " to disappear in favour of the more
general term "internal-combustion motor," lately shortened
to " combustion motor," which includes all engines known
86 gas, petrol, and oil motors.

The total power generated by internal combustion in the
United Kingdom in 1907 was: —

Horse-power.

In factories, stationary gas, oil, and petrol

engines ... 680,177

For agriculture, stationary gas, oil, and petrol

engines " 98,785

For motor-cars and cvcles 750,000

1,528,962
In Germany at the same time the total power generated
b} internal combustion was : —

Horse-power.
In factories, stationary gas, oil, and petrol

engines ." 351,000

For motor-cars and cycles 180,000

531,000

The census of production of the United States of America
for 1909 shows that there were in use 1,299,021 h.p. of gas
and gasoline engines for the stationary work of manufactures
and mines.

Nearly 115,000 motor-cars were produced in that year; this,
with the vehicles in use, required engines of a total of about
L2 million h.p., so that the total combustion power for the
United States was certainly not short of 2.5 million h.p.

Allowing for the increase of Britain and Germany from 1907
to 1909, a probable value for the total combustion power of
the three nations in 1909 is five million h.p.

In 1909 France had 46,000 motor-cars in use of an average
of about 13 H.P., or a total of 598,000 h.p.

The power of stationary combustion engines in France is
not available, but the four countries show a total of at least
5,5 milUons in 1909.

This figure does not include oO and petrol engines used for
marine purposes, which probably brings the total up to six
milUons.

In 1909, then, we find at least six million h.p. of gas, oil,
and petrol engines in the world, a truly great development
aince 1876.

In addition to internal combustion, all these engines have
ai;other feature in common— all compress the working fluid
before combustion ; some compress an inflamroable mixture
and fire the compressed mixture, producing a mild explosion
with a strictly limited possible rise of pressure ; some compress
air alone and then mix at the temperature of compression the
inflammable gas or vapour and ignit« as before; and some
compress the air charge so highly that on the injection of
oil fuel in a state of very fine spray the heat of compression
causes the ignition of the spray as it enters the cvlinder—
such engines do not produce an explosion ; the pressure within
the cylinder never exceeds the pressure of compression or the
pressure of the compressed air sometimes used to pulverise or
disperse the hquid oil.

Two mechanical cycles are in general use : in one the motor
piston and cylinder alternately act as pump and motor, so
that four single strokes are necessary; in the other these
operations are performed in two single strokes of a piston;
air or the charge, however, has to be pumped and lightly
compressed by a separate lighter piston or bv the front of
the motor piston.

This feature of compression before ignition is necessary in
order to provide an economical engine expanding the gases of
explosion in the most favourable manner, and at the same
time producing large power for small bulk. This mode of
operation was described in Wm. Bamett's Patent No. 7,615
of 1838.

M. -Mph. Beau do Rochas, a brilliant Fivuchman, in a re
markably clover pamphlet published in Paris in 1862, described
four conditions as necessary in order to obtain the maximum
economy in a compression explosion engine: —

1. The greatest possible cyUnder volume with least possible
cooling surface;

2. The greatest {X)ssiblc rapidity of expansion ;

3. The greatest possible expansion ; and

4. The greatest possible pressure at the commencement of
the expansion.

Beau de Rochas' proposal had to wait for 14 years before
it was put into successful practice by the late Dr. N. A. Otto,
of Cologne, in the year 1876, when he produced the first
commercially successful gas engine utili.sing the idea of com-
piession before ignition, first proposed 38 years before by the
Erglish engineer Barnett, applied by the means of the cycle
of operations due to Beau de Rochas.

Although in 1861, Schmidt in Germany and Million in
France described compression engines with separate com
pressing pumps, no two-stroke engine appeared in public till
1879, when I exhibited my first compression gas engine at the
Kilburn Show of the Royal Agricultural Six-iety of England.

At the time when I was experinieuting with two-stroke
ei'.gines in Glasgow, a Northumberland man, the late Mr.
James Robson, was busily at work on compression in this
district. His first patent is dated 1877, No. 2,334. It describes
an engine of the non-compression tyi>e ; but he produced a
two-stroke engine with compression, under patents dated 187!)
and 1880. Messrs. Tangye, of Birmingham, produced an
engine with Mr. Robson, which was first exhibited in public
by them at the end of 1880.

Messrs. Sterne & Co., engineers, Glasgow, built and sold
large numbers of Clerk type two-stroke engines, and Messrs.
Tangye, of Birmingham, a large number of Robson engines.
The test of use and time, however, proved the four-stroke
engine to be best adapted for most purposes, and by far the
largest numbers of internal-combustion engines in existence
operate according to this cycle.

Many of the larger gas engines in Germany and America
operate upon the Clerk modification of two-stroke compres-
sion engine as adopted by Messrs. Koerting, of Hanover, and
their licensees. In the inquiry made in Germany referred to
already, it was proved that 260,000 brake H.r. was produced
in that country in the year 1907 by four-stroke engines, and
91,000 brake h.p. bv two-stroke engines.

A modification of the Rob.son two-stroke engine was made
in England by Mr. Day in 1891, in which a crank case was
used as the pumping chamber, and the piston, by means of
three cylinder ports, performed all the necessary valve opera-
tions. This form of engine is largely adopted in America for
launch propulsion ; some motor-cars also used it.

Five reports have been published by the British As,sociation
summarising investigations on the gas engine.

Germany has al.so carried out some investigations, and most
valuable French work has been also done; .some American
work has also been performed, but undoubtedly the Eng-
lish work on the nature of gaseous explosions has proved of
vital importance to the science of this subject.

While in Germany engineers paid great attention to larger
cylinder engines, England was bu.sy developing the smaller
types adapted to use heavier oils, such as kerosene and
paraffin. The first engine to attain success as a kerosene or
paraffin engine was produced bv Messrs. Priestman, of Hull,
in 1885. Mr. Stuart Akroyd, in' his patents of 1886 and 1888,
described an engine which, in the hands of Messrs. Hornsby,
has taken a most important position.

One set of experiments made by me at Messrs. Tangyes'
v.-orks in Birmingham possesses special interest. No gas was
added to the air until compression was complete. The engine
was a flame-injection engine in which explosion was avoided
altogether; it ran for six months and many tests were made.
Five years later Dr. Diesel, the distinguished German in-
ventor, began work on an engine in which he injected a fine
oil spray into highly compressed hot air. The spray at once
ignited, and a diagram very similar to the early Clerk diagram
was produced, but at a much higher pressure with greater
expansion, and therefore much greater economy.

The Diesel type of engine, with its high compression and
automatic ignition, used for the first time very heavy oils
in a most effective way. Although it has taken an important
place, and will continue to occupy an honourable position,
its advocates have rather exaggerated its possibilities. For
stationary purposes undoubtedly gaseous fuel prepared from
coal or carbonaceous matter will maintain the leading posi-
tion.

Had coal gas been the only fuel possible for the internal-
crmbustion engine, it could not have attained its position of
to-day. In providing other gases for this purpose England
led the way. Mr. J. E. Dowson constructed a gas producer,
usin" anthracite, which he first exhibited operating a Cross-
ley gas engine in the year 1881 at the York meeting of the
British Association.

England, too, led in the use of bituminous fuel producers;
the late Dr. Ludwig Mond devoted much effort to the
production of large plants (japable of gasifying bituminous
fuels. In the larger plants devices were included for the
chemical recovery of ammonia and the production of sulphate
of ammonia, and many large installations of gas engines are
now in operation up to about 3,000 h.p. using gas from Mond
plant.

No. 2,037, deokmber 8, iiuo] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

023

An English inventor, the. late Mr. B. H. Thwaite, in 1895
made an important experiment in the application of the waste
blast-furnace gas to the pm-pose of jxiwer production. His
first plants were installed at the Tdasgow Iron Works and at
Barrow-in-Furness, and the idea was soon taken up at the
gieat Belgian works of Me.ssrs. Cockerill. There, the large
exliiider gas engine was first developed. The large cylinder
movement has undoubtedly prospered more on the Continent
and in America than in this country. The extent of the trade.
h(jwever, is not very great compared to the trade in small
cylinder engines.

Of the German inventors, Damiler's merit consisted in liis
appreciation of the high-speed four-stroke engine of small
dimensions, and his little petrol motors were rapidlv adapted
by ( lermans, French, and Belgians to the purix.s.- nl iiintm
car propulsion. Englaml, uninrtimately, was liMiiipircil bv
an alj.surd law, which was not repo-aled until bsilti, so that
after that date Britain rapidly gained headway in the con-
struction of the very small cylinder petrol engine, and its
il. viuini'is and M-ii'iitific investigators shared fully in the
111, hI, 111 ilr\ilopiiifiit iif the motor-car and the aeroplane. The
;iiii.|ilMnr bicaiiir piacticable by the genius of the brothers
Wilbur and Orville Wright in the United States in the year
190(1. They «ere the first tri successfully apply a petrol engine
to a mechanical glider.

CORRESPONDENCE.

Letters received bij us after 5 P.M. ON Tuesday cannot appear until
the following week. Correspondents shoitldforwartl their communi-
cations at the earliest possible moment, J\'o letter can he published
viiless we hare the toriter's name and address in onr possession.

Economics and Trade.

In your issue of November 17th you referred in your Editorial
to Mr. James Swinburne's lecture on " Science and Industry," and
expressed surprise at his belief in " the truth and virtue of economic
theory." I have I'ead with pleasure from time to time your
Editorials on the necessity for a new spirit after the war, but how
is this to be realised unless the economic question is squarely faced .'

Free Trade, the great fiscal fallacy of last century, is the fetish
of a chosen few in our country. The rest of the world, and many
of our best here, believe that wealth is du? to production, and that
to buy from abroad what you could produce at home at the same,
or approxiinately the same, price under similar conditions, means
the enriching of a few importers and some manufacturers to the
detriment of the country generally.

The Free Traders" explanation of our inability to meet unfair
competition is lack of education, but rather does this lack of edu-
cation explain the foolishness of the electorate in allowing Free
Traders to dictate the country's policy.

Producer.

Final-Grade Classes in Electrical Installation Work.

Ill tlie middle of our letter in last week's issue your compositor
lade us say that there were '' hundreds ofthousundx" of individuals
aiting for tuition. Our typed letter said " huudnd>,ort/ionxandx."

This unfortunate slip converts our true statement into one of
ross exaggeration, and affects the re.st of our communication : so
e should he obliged if vou would insert this correction.

Drcemhcr \st. 1916. London. N.

A. P. Lundberg & Sons.

[We regret the mistake, a typical "printer's error," but lu)i)e
Kit it was obvious to the reader. — Eds. 13i.ec. Rev.]

Paralleling of Electric Power Stations.

I really am at a loss to understand the necessity of papers being
read on the enormous difficulties in the way of station engineers
who are suggesting linking-up.

Parallelinfj of power stations has been in vogue in America for
very many years without any very terrible disasters having
occurred. For the last 12 years I have been running power
stations in Sheffield paralleled at 2,200 volts, two-phiise, and
for the last five or six years I have paralleled with these a
power station at 11,200 volts, three-ph.ise. The only thing I have
found necessary has been to put in a booster which operates either
positive or negative on the interconnecter between the power
stations, and there has never been any tiouble whatever.

S. E. Fedden,

General Mantujtr.

Electric Supply Department. Sheffield.
December ind. 191li.

Between Two Stools.

" Victimus" is not the only one sufferintr under " The Defence of
the Realm Act." I myself was hauled up before the superintendent
of a tramway company, for whom I had worked for 1 7 years, and
told to my face that he took me for a German spy, and that I looked
like a (Jerman. I retorted that I looked like what I am — a British

North countryman. I produced a copy of my birth certificate, and
he said that was, to him, merely a piece of paper. The superin-
tendant of police was satisfied with my credentials, and wrote him
to that effect. Several infiuential gentlemen in the town inter-
viewed him on my behalf, but he would not withdraw his state-
ment. 1 was discharged without notice. J have now been shift
enunneer at the municipal electricity works, in the same town, for
the last 12 months, badged " On War Service," my employers
knowing why I was discharged from the tramway company. It is
evident that he (the tramway superintendent) has been made a tool
of by some unscrupulous person.

Dunelmian.

Power Station Design.

Referring to your article of Novendjer 24th. suggesting the
direct supply ot cdal to stoker hoppers from outside storage, this
has long been jiractised in small and medium-sized boiler houses.

A simple monorail runs around the boiler house, carrying a
series of suspended buckets, which are filled either from the coal
pile or from outside bunkers, and discharged by gravity to stoker
hoppers of the normal size ; there is no power cost and no obstruc-
tion, and where headroom for overhead coal bunkers is lacking,
this monorail system is both cheap and convenient.

The three-boiler plant illustrated in your ''Notes" for November
17th. and shown more fidly in Power. September 19th, 191G. has
plenty of space for overheail bunkers holding several houi-s' supply,
and thus giving continuous gravity-feed to normal-sized hoppers of
.stokers.

Instead of following this highly-desii-able practice, the method
adopted for this three-boiler plant is to use a bulky travelling
crane, transporting back and forwards a single 2 cb. yard coal
bucket, which probably holds only about one ton of small coal,
and this one bucket has to discharge the coal to three gigantic
hoppers, said to hold 55 tons of coal each. These huge hoppers are
really bunkers in a very undesirable position, close to the fronts
of boilers, with intermittent instead of continuous supply.

Apart from the uudesirability of bunkers in such a iX)sition. it
is clear that the great majority of boilers need front access to
the tubes, and could not possibly store coal in bunkers obstructing
the tube doors.

Scrutator.

y„rrmher mth. Ulir,.

[The American plant referred to was quoted by us as an example
of modern design by such well-known engineers as Messrs. Sargent
and Lundy : if the boiler type had been such as to necessitate front
access to the tubes, no doubt the crane would have facilitated the
dismantling of the hoppers, the arrangement of which was pre-
sumably a<lopted with good reason. — Eds. E.R.]

"Summation-watt" Capacity of Field Rheostats.

I heartily agree with the last paragraph of Mr. Boothman's
letter in your current issue, in which he quotes words used by Mr.
Carter, that " The use of a formula without care and intellijfence is
certain to lead, sooner or later, to disaster." My contention all
along has been in accordance with this principle.

I note that for a lO-ampere, 20-volt machine the figures given by
Mr. Boothman work out right ; I quite agree with this, but would
point out that such a machine is rather an extreme case. I had in
mind, however, a potentiometer resistance used, for example, in
conjunction with rotary converters.

I think if Mr Boothman will check my figures for such a
rheostat, he will agree that they are correct.

Charles C. Garrard.

Birmingham. Dicnnherlnd. li'lt!.

Breakdowns of German Plant.

With reference to your le.ider and the article in the current issue
under the above heading, as you invite additional illustrations of
the failure of German plant, we have pleasure in giving you the
following. This also relates to the Shanghai Municipal Council,
but Mr. Aldridge evidently dealt in detail only with the turl)o-
alternators in making his rei^ort : —

In November, 1913. we secured an extensive contract for the
installation of the extra-high-tension three-core cables (w.r. 11,000
volts) against very keen German competition. The actual
installation of that cable was carried out between April. 19H, and
December of that year, and during the progress of the work we
had to withdraw and re-lay a considerable quantity of German
cable which had yiven trouble. The principal cause of the trouble
was the very inferior method of jointing extra-high-tension cables
adopted by the Germans, and not owing to the construction of the
cables. However, our engineer in charge of the contract, having
an opportunity of esaminiu'^'- the German cables, was of the opinion
that the insulation was trreatly inferior to that of British cables,
and that the "life " of the German cables was not likely to prove
anything near so long as a cable manufactured to the usual Britisb
standard. The jointing of the German cables was carried out solely
with the object of jjettiny- the work through cheaply and quickly.
The joints were made with a clamp fitting and grub screws, and the
sweating of the joint, which British manufacturers consider to be
essential, was entirely absent. The joints were not properly insu-
lated or finished. They were not '" staggered," and there wiis very
little clearance between the cores. The German joints were merely
encased in a cast-iron box of a very inferior design, which was
filled with comiK)und. Consequently the lead sheathing of the

cdi

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW, [voi. -y. Xo. 2,037. decembek s 1..11

calile was only deik-iuloiit upon the stickiuoss of the coiiipomul for
holding it in place ii^rainst the strains of expnn!iion or contraction
or the movement of ^roiinil. The amount of work and skill
required in the construction of such a joint as compared with the
British-made joint is very small.

The following is a description of the usual methml adopteil l)y
the British manufacturer : —

The conductor is first joineil on the telescopic principle. l>y
•which the various layers of wires making up the conductor are cut
to different len-rths. On one lenjrth of cable the centre wire is cut
shorter than the next layer, the wires in each succeedinsr layer to
the outer layer beinir lonsrer than the layer underneath them. On
the other piece of cable the wires are cut in exactly the opposite
manner, so that the centre wire is lontrer than the layers aliove it.
ami each succeetiinjr layer is correspondingly shorter. Tliu.'S the
conductors tit into each other in tlie ni.mner of a pluisr and socket.
The conductor is then tightly bouml with fine wire, and the whole
joint made solid with molten metal. After the conductors have
been joined they are insulated with special tape to a thickness
greater than the orin-inal diameter of the insulated cores.

Before commencinjr to make the joints in the conductoi-s a
sufficient lenjrth of the sheathin;; is cut away to permit of the
joints bein<» "sta?f,'ered "i.e.. made in different ix)sitions. so that
no joint is directly alongside another. This, of course, entails more
work in freeing the insulated conductors, and more material to
re-sheathe the joint. .Vfter the joints have been thoroug-hly insu-
lated, a lead sleeve, which must be of the correct diameter, and
which has been previously slipped over one length of cable, is
brought into position and properly joined by a plumber to the
orisrinal lead sheathing by means of a wiped joint. Insulating com-
pound is then poured into the lead sleeve through a hole left for
the purpose, the hole being afterwards properly plugged and the
joint further protected by means of an iron iirotecting box. This
box is, of course, much bigger than the German box, owing to the
much greater length of joint produced by the British method of
" staggering " the joint.

We think that you are doing a good service to the British elec-
trical industry by giving wide publicity to the flaws that
undoubtedly exist in German plant. The principle of " good
enough " is one which the Germans evidently adopt towards their
customers, particularly customers abroad, so long as that principle
will enable them to cut their prices low enough to get the order,
and also make a much larger profit than their scrupulous British
competitor. The general run of reputable British firms believe in
giving their customers only that which would be good enough for
themselves ; and when buyers are tempted by an offer of some-
thing cheaper from abroad, it would be well for them if they
remembered this fact.

W. T. Henley's Telegraph Works Co., Ltd.
W. Bishop, .V» «'/"»■ --'/'- l>ri„n-tmeiit.

London, E,C,. llecpiiiher itii, 1916.

How Electricity is Stolen in Shanghai.

I enclose the following letter, which is rather a gem in its way.
It is written by an informant notifying this department that the
man referred to in the letter has been stealing electricity for a
number of years. Investigations proved that the consumer had. by
an ingenious contrivance fixed on the door of his house, so connected
the shunt-wire leading to the meter, that when the door was open
the shunt would be in circuit and the meter registering, so that
whenever the meter inspector called to examine the meter it
would appear to be working in order. When, however, the door was
shut, the shunt circuit was broken, and so the meter would cease
to register. He had carefully concealed the connection where he
had broken the shunt-wire behind a partition, and the two ends of
the wire were connected on to a spring contact fixed behind the
door.

In the past I had considerable difficulty and trouble with the
older type of meters with the sepai-ate shunt connection, as the
Chinese soon learnt that by cutting the shunt wire the meter would
cease to register, but for several years now all the meters have had
both main leads taken in and out of the meter with the shunt
connection made inside the meter, which is sealed, consequently
the opportunities for interfering with the registration of the meter
have been reduced to a minimum. The case in ijoint to which the
enclosed letter refers was effected in an installation where the old
type of meter, having an external shunt wire, was installed,
T. H. U. Aldridge,
Enijineer-in- Ch ief and Ma nat/er.

Electricity Department, Shanghai,
y^'ieiiiberi^f/i, lillfi.

\c.OT\-.]

"Shanghai, yoremher ith. I'llii.

•■ Mrs. S. M. E. Dept.

" To whom it may concern.

■■ Gentlemen,— Being informed truly that a Chine.se named F. M.
Tseou Who, who have had stolen your electricity for last 15 years
in his house (F47, Bubbling Koad) ; during that" time the lamp of
his house, about U lamps at 100 c.l. each lamp. They were per-
fectly whole, steal and the wires hid in the cealing ; afterwords he
kiiew somebody against him. thus made him fear to be caught, so
he at once change all the lOu c,l, lamps into .50 c.l,. and asked
you put a watch, but still the lamps of his bedroom (down stairs
east side) without throught pass the watch,

■Every day when night has came the dweeOer will light the
lamp and open the watch cork that was in vain, because he has

put another cork in his sleeping bed (the wire from cealing) must
open steal-cork first then got light. You will find and count his
p,iymeut fee agree the watch or not. They are 11 lamps of .".0 c.l.
each, and every lamp lighting at sun sits time tn next morning;
this is you may inquirthe dweellers.

•■ I am quite sure, he still in in stealing. I ho]ie you will go and
catch it us soon as possible.

■' I am very true,

" Your faithfully servant,

'■Rr'HPos,masn. "

LEGAL

TtlK lUn.N'O OK El.EtTHU' Tlt,V.\l W,\YS.

Appk.\l by the L.C.('.
{CoittiiiKfd J'lwii piKje .If,'.!.)
At the County of London Quai-ter Sessions, at Clerkenwell. .Mr.
A. P. Lawrie, K.C. (Deputy-Chairman), and another magistinf.
resumed the heariug of the appeal by thtj London County Coum il
against the quinquennial assessment by the Assessment Committ. >■
of the Holborn Union of tramway lines in the Boroughs of Holhoi n
and Finsbury. The thoroughfares in which the lines arc situati .1
include Clerkenwell Road, City Road. Gray's Inn Road, Roselicry
Avenue, and Old .Street.

Mr. Walter Ryde, K.C. and Mr. E. M. Konstam appeared for
the County Council, while Mr. Clavell Salter, K,C., M,P,, and Mr,
W. J. .Teeves represented the Assessment Committee.

The facts showed that the rateable value fixed by the Oversei is
was £16,'JH2, which was reduced by the Assessment Committef un
appeal to £13,81(5, and the County Council now claimed that it
should be further reduced to £i;,;tt)0. This sum included <:siii.
which had been agreed by the parties as the value of the Holborn
electrical sub-station. The gross value had been fixed at £32, ii.'i."..
and the Council claimed that it should be reduced to £25,l!t7.

Evidence was now given by Mr, H. Vorlev. accountant lor the
tramways, who admitted, in cross-examination by Mr, Ci.avkj.l
Salter, that in the first six months of the current account year.
down to the end of last September, the receipts showed an increa.se
over the six months ended Michaelmas, 191:"). of £131,937. The
lyio figures, however, included the strike period, during which the
Council lost £100,0110 in receipts,

Mr. Joshua K. Bruce, deputy chief officer of tramwivys, .said
the receipts per car-mile were lower in the Hollx)rn Union than
over London generally. The costs outside would probably be lower.
Slow speed increased the cost of operating cars, and in consequence
of the speed Ijeing much lower in the Holborn LTnion than on the
remainder of the system, 1 7 more cars were required. It was the
almost universal experience that ;is a company or public authority
improved a tram route the more money was taken. The longer
the route the better value per car-mile.

Mr. Donald Dinwiddy, jiresident of the Rating Surveyors'
Association, giving evidence in support of the appeal, said that in
the recent quinquennial valu<ation he advised the Assessment t'om-
mittees of the Boroughs of Stepney, Bermondsey, Camberwell,
Deptford, Greenwich, Lewisham and Woolwich, and agreed the
aggregate rateable value of the lines in those boroughs at X.:A.hM. -
The receipts in those seven boroughs, according to returns given to,
him by the County Council, were just over a halfpenny per car- ■
mile in excess of the average of the whole system. Witness pro-
ceeded on that basis, and he thought that any departure from it ..:'
would letid to unutterable confusion. In regard to the receipts in -;
the seven boroughs, he allowed a prospective increase of u i)er cent, <
because of the reduced 'bus competition. In his valuation of the '
lines in the Holborn Union, he took the total car-mileage for
1914-15 at 3,444,331, and the total receipts at £131,712. He added
to the receipts a prospective increase of '> per cent., equal to ':
£»!,5S0, making a total of £138,298. He calculated working -
expenses — power, traffic, general war bonus. &c., repairs and
renewals — at 7'4o3d. per car-mile, and deducted '049d. for advei'- ,•
tisement receipts, leaving 7'404d. per car-mile, which gave a *]
deduction of £106,258. He made other deductions, usual in such a •
case, and arrived at a rateable value of lines of £4.562. Witness ^
added that on the principle he h.ad adopted there was no danger of '"
a part of the system being rated at a greater value than the whole. "'^
Departure from the principle would mean that the Council would -^j*.
be rated at a greater sum for the whole than the valuation of the ^'
whole showed. ■^'

This concluded the case for the County Council. ■ "S^,

On behalf of the Assessment Committee, Mr. Clavell Saltbb ^
submitted that the parochial receipts in the parishes in question ^;
must be assumed to be considerably in excess of the average of the -r.
system, which was 9'5d. per car-mile. He would call evidence to
show that these routes were more lucrative at their London end
than at their northern and north-eastern ends. Xo rating Court
was ever excused from making the best estimate it could by reason
of the fact that the materials before it were scanty and unsatis-
factory. Rating, he believed, meant estimating : the whole liasis
of the thing was estimate ; and he suggested that the Court should
make such an addition to the figures arrived at by the County
Council as would give what the Court considered to be the actual -
receipts in each parish.

Mr. W. H. Eve. surveyor, of Union Ckjurt, E.C., gave evidence ^
in support of the assessment, and arrived at a rateable value con-
siderably in excess of that fixed by the Asse.ssment Committee.

Vol. 7!.. Xo. 2.0S7. December s. ioi,!.1 THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

('.•25

He had adjeil \hd. per car-mile to the average receipts of each
route, and applied the amount thus reached to the parishes in
question, on the g'round that the eai-ninjfs of the tramways in the
HoUxirn Union were greater than on the routes outside. There
w ere many halfpenny fares in the union on a basis of a higher
late than outside.

The Deputy-Chairma.n : I think it is an important point that
higher fares are paid where passengers are scarce.

Mr. E. M. Lacey, consulting engineer, of Westminster, also gave
evidence on behalf of the Assessment Committee. In' cross-
examination, he said he thought £70 or £80 would be a fair figure
to allow for the repair of a car on the conduit system. The Man-
c-heater and Salforfl systems were the nearest parallel in this
country to the London cars.

Mr. Ryde ; Your renewal fund ia much below what the Council
has actually spent. Here we have rails which have only been down
three or four years, and yet we have largely exceeded your
estimate.

Mr. Lacky : Some years you spend more than in others in
renewals. Most of the rails have some years of life yet. The
witness added that he did not think there was much difference on
the question of lives between him and Mr. AV'elling. the permanent
way engineer of the tramways.

Mr. Ryde : Have you fixed your renewal fund on the basis that
you can renew st«el rails at £7 per ton .'

JIr. Lacey' : £ 7 a ton was much above the average of the pre-
vious seven or eight years, and much above the average the-County
Council have paid for their rails. I am prepared to admit that
.«teel prices may not go back to the normal for some considerable
time after the war : on the other hand, they may. Owing to the
better organisation of our works generally throughout the country,
we may be able to produce at a cheaper rate in spite of increased
wages.

In further cross-examination, Mr. Lacey said he thought the
average life of the rails in the Holborn Union would be about 14
years.

Mr. Rytje : Mr. Welling's figure is 106 years. Do you know
that 5.? miles out of the. 279 miles of track have already been
renewed .'

Mu. Lacey : I don't know whether it is so or not. If one- fifth
has bsen renewed in 1 1 j'ears, it rather supports my average. -

Mr. Ryde : You know all the lines were not laid at the same
time.

The Witness said he had taken the life of the cables as 3.5
years, though he had not had a cable lasting that length of time
in his experience, and probably few people had. He did not know
tlie age of the oldest electrical cable now in existence, but some he
laid in 1891 were still in existence.

Me. Ryde : Then that must be a real estimate on your part.

Me. Lacey : It is an estimate based on this : Tramway cable
laid, as this is. in ducts, is laid under the best possible conditions.
We are in the habit of taking 2j and 30 years for ordinary electric
light cables. If it is fair to do that, it is certainly fair to take 35
years for a tramway cable laid under these conditions.

Me. Ryde : Has a cable laid solid a longer life than if laid in
ducts .'

Mr. Lacey' : Not necessarily. I should give a cable laid in ducts
a longer life.

Mr. Ryde : Isn't the installation much more perfect when laid
solid .'

Mr. Lacey : Certainly.

After sitting for a further three days, the Court adjourned the
hearing of the case till December 12th.

Phaser a; Chalmers, Ltd.. c. Whitecross Co.. Ltd.
Mr. Justice Rowi.att had before him this adjoiu-ned case, which
involved a claim by the plaintiffs for £4.186. as the price of a No. 3
Bettington boiler, two pulverisers (one driven electrically and the
other by steam turbinel, and auxiliary parts sold to the defendants
under contracts of 1913 and 1914, and erected at the defendants'
«ire-drawing works in Lancashire. There was a big counterclaim
against Fra-ser & Chalmers, Ltd., by the defendants for £8,000 by
reason of alleged delay and failure by the boiler to produce the
'.guaranteed results. The case was begun on July 3rd and adjourned,
the arraiigement being that the boiler should be removed pending
the resumed hearing, and it was now announced that the boiler ha<l
in the interim been sold for .£3.0ilii. of which sum .£7.">0 was agreetl
to l)e the minimum profit of the plaintiffs. The plaintiffs now
]iroceeded to call technical evidence in support of the claim. The
lase was of a very technical character, but it appeared, broadly, that
the plaintiffs supplied the boiler to be used in conjunction with a
I Ireen's economiser to evaporate 40,000 lb. of steam per hour, and
there were detailed stipulations as to efficiency. There were many
accidents and difficulties incidental to the experimenting with the
plant, and Fraser A: Chalmers said that ultimately the defendants
declined to allow them to i)roceed further in regard to putting the
boiler into fit working order, and rejected the plant, and called on
the jilaintiffs to remove it. The defendants alle.ged substantially
that the boiler never produced the guaranteed results, and was
useless for their purposes.

Mr. Colefax, K.C., and Mr, Moritz were for the plaintiffs, and
Mr. Leslie Scott, K.C., and Mr. Poddeu represented the defendants.

Mr. Chap.man, of the plaintiff firm, said he had had a great deal
of experience with Bettington boilers, and had held a position for
the firm at Johannesburg. Mr. Chapman subsequently describe<:l
in detail the experiments with the boiler after its erection at
Warrington.

A large body of expert evidence was called on both sides.

Eventually, after a hearing covering several days. Mr. JtsTlCE
RoWL.VTT gave judgment in favour of the plaintiffs. He held
that the iilaintift's were entitled to recover as damages the ilitfer-
ence Itetween the contract price and the net sum received by tlieni
for the sale of the boiler, deducting therefrom the cost of erection,
if it fell on them, and there was also a sum of £4 lis. lid. that was
not in dispute. The parties must agree with the figures, and he
gave the plaintiffs judgment for the simi determined, with costs.

MuniTip.ss Cases.
At a Munitions Tribunal, held at Stockton-on-Tees last I'riday
(,Deceml)er l.-it). two electricians. John Harkness and Hubert Sidg-
wick. employed at a local ironworks, were charged with having
refused to obey the orders of their foreman. T. E. Brannigan, a
foreman electrician, said that on November 2r)th the two defendants
refused to go into the sulphuric acid plant, stating that they had
received instructions from their society not to do so. He a.sked
them if they would do the work under protest, but Harktiess said
they had complained on many occasions, and they were willing to
take the consequences, as they had their Union behind them,
Brannigan, in reply to a Trade Union representative, denied that
the men would come into contact with the acid or the fumes. He
also denied that he had i-eceived complaints from the men about
their boots and clothing being burnt by the acid. The defendants
said the grounds for their refusal were that they asked for a special
allowance for damaged clothes and the dangerous nature of the
work as regards health. The Trade Union representative said the
men had not received any instructions from the Union to refuse to
do the work, and the Tribunal decided that the men had refused to
comply with a reasonable order, and would have to pay 15s. each.

At Edinburgh and District Munitions Tribunal a boiler-house fire-
man employed in Leith Corporation Electricity Supply Works was
charged with having, on November 3rd. at 11.30 p.m.. left his
work in defiance of instructions. It was submitted that the man's
action might have resulted in the total or partial stoppage of the
steam supply for the generating plant. The man said he left hia
work because he had too much to do. A fine of £1 was imposed. —
(rlusffow lieraliil.

British Power, Teactiok, &c., Co.. Ltd., r. Hodgson.
Mr. Justice Peterson, iu the Chancery Division, hatl before him,
on Monday last, the summons in this action, by which the plain-
tiffs sought to enforce a finding of the Master that the defendant
was liable for a sum of .£ 7,000 odd,

Mr, Hughes, K,C., for the plaintiffs, reminded his Lordship that
by a judgment of November fith it was directed that the liability
was incurred by fraud or fraudulent breach of trust, and w'as,
therefore, not liquidated by the defendant's bankruptcy, but
directed that the order should not be drawn up, as there was a
pending summons to extend the time for applying to vary the
Master's certificate. The defendant had decided not to proceed
with the summons, and he (counsel") therefore asked that an order
should go in accordance with his Lordship's judgment, that the
defendant should pay into Court a sum of £7.653, with interest at
4 per cent, from June 2oth, 1909, the date of the Master's certifi-
cate. He also asked that the defendant should be ordered to pay
the costs of the summons,

Mr, Tomlix, K,C,, for the defendant, said that the plaintiff
company was in liquidation, and the action was really by creditors,
and the defendant had issued a summons in the winding-up to set
aside the judgment. The defendant was also intending to appeal
against his Lordship's judgment on the present summons and he
asked for indulgence. It was a matter that had been in suspense
for nine years, and he asked for a stay pending the appeal, at any
rate. Notice of appeal would be given as soon as the order was
drawn up.

Mr. Justice Peterson suggested that some security for pay-
ment of the money should be given.

Mr. ToMi.iN said he was not prepared to give security. All he
asked for now was a little time. It was impossible for his client
at the moment to put his hand on nearly .£8.00o.

His Lordship asked whether the defendant was prepared to pay
a substantial sum into Court.

Mr. To.\tl,lN said he could not make any offer of the kind, anil
must place himself in his Lordship's hands without prejudice to any
apiilication he might make to the Couit of Appeal.

His Lordship said that, under the circumstances, he would give
the defendant six weeks. There would lie an order upon the
defendant to pay the sum found due on the Master's certificate into
Court within six weeks, with interest, and anor<lpr<ui the defendant
to pav the costs of the summons.

British Thomson-Houston Co.. Ltd., c. Duha.m. Ltu.
Tuncsten Wire Patent Litigation.
Mr. Justice Astbury' in the Chancery Division commenced on
Monday the hearing of an action by the British Thomson-Houston
Co., Ltd., against Duram, Ltd,, for an injunction to restrain the
defendailts from infringing the plaintiffs' patent No. 2 1,,") 13 of 1906,
for the invention of a " Process and apparatus for the treatment of
metallic tungsten, and for the manufacture of electric lamj)
filaments therefrom,' anji also their patent No. 1 7,562 of 1911.
which was granted to John Thomas Henry Dempstjer for an inven-
tion of improvements in methods of wire drawing. It was alleged
in the case that the defendants had manufactured wire in accord-
ance with these inventions, and sold three spools of plailuram made
according to the same to the General Electric Co.. Ltd. Defendants

(>-2l)

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW. |v„i r. v,

said the [latcuts wore invalid, and dfui«l infrin^'emout, and said
the processes ami manufacture \isui, since the patent of liHlii, l)een
carried on mainly outside the I'uiteti Kiu'jdom — namely, by com-
panies in America, Germany and Holland.

Mr. A. J. Walter. K.C., Mr. Colefax. K.C.. and Mr. J. H. Gray
appeared for the jilaintiffs. and Mr. Tom Terrell. K.C., Mr. Kerby,
K.C. and Mr. (.' Terrell for the defendants.

Mr. W.\i.teii siiid the patent of liloil was jfenerally known as
relating.' to tuiitrsleii drawn-wire, and that of 191 1 related to
improvements in the drawinfr of the wire. It had been suprirested
that if tunsrsteu could be drawn into the form of wire it would be
of jrreat value, but. until the patent in question in this case
was developed. nolKidy knew how to do it at all. He claimeii for
the i)laintilfs' invention that it treated coherent tunfrsten by heat
during its working; process.

Mr. James Swinburnk, ■the well-known expert, jravc evi<lence.

The case is procetHiinof.

Accident Claim.
Ai the .Manchester Assizes, on November i.sth. .lohn Clilford hteddon.
electrician. Gre.it Lever, Bolton, obtained £ :i 1 H damajf es for injuries
receive<1 in an accident at Woi-sley. near Manchester, when a steam
motor-lorry Ijelonfrinjr to William Hesford. carrier. knocke<l him
otf his bicycle and broke one of his lejjs.

WAR ITEMS.

Cuntrolled K.stablishnients. — The numlxr of cstablish-
ineiit.s now controlled by the Ministry of Munitions is 4,ol"i.

Exports to China. — The " London Gazette " for Decem-
ber 1st lontiiins :i nunilioi- of additions to the li.st of those to
wlioiii exports to China and Siani may be eon. signed.

Lighting Prosecution. — .\ocorilini,' to the " Wostminsler
da/ette," Mr. J. K. Brydges. the borough elcctneal engineer,
wa.s fined at Eastboimie on Reeendier 1st lor having a brilliant
ligbt at his residence. Tlie Mayor i-eprinianded tlie defendant.

Flashlamps and .4ir Raids. — Tiie public in ih*- Keighley
aiid Bingley di.striet are being wained by the police that the
use of electric rtashlani]is in the streets after it has become
known that an air raid is in progress in the country is illegal.

Lost Time. — We re.id in a ]\L-inchestcr paper thai .Sir
William Clegg, in reviewing the doings of the Sheffield Muni-
tions Tribunal, deplor-ed that during November the number
<jf hours lost bv woi'kmen who had been before the Tribunal
was dOMi. as 'compaied with •2;l41-i in October.

Disabled Soldiers and the Post Office. — The Postmaster-
General says that the number of disabled soldiexs anxious to
obtain situations in the Post Office is likely to be greatly
in excess of the vacancies, and he is bound to re.serve places
fo.' Post Office servants now with the Colours. — The Tiuim.

To be Wound Up. — The Board of Trade has ordered I lie
following tii be wound up : —

Vincit Co., Ltd., AixjUo Works, 21, South Road, New
Southgate, London, N., .agents for the sale of carborundum
and electrite machinery. Controller : C; Eves, C'2, New- Br<iad
Street, London, E.C.

Canadian Trade. — The " Morning Post " states that the
Canadian Government is appointing a Commission to con-
duct an investigation into the methods of scientific develop-
ment of Canadian industries after the war. The nuitter is in
the hands of Sir George Foster, the Minister of Trade and
Commerce, \vho has given considerable attention lately to the
apparent need of .scientific co-operation in many of the prin-
cipal Canadian industries. The Comrais.sion consists of nine
members.

Schaffer & Budenberg. — Mr. B;irnes having inquired in
Parliament whether the finn of Schaifer & Budenberg, with
headquarters in Nuremberg and a small works in Manchester,
are on the list of Government contractors, and whether the
agent, " a full-blooded German," is allowed to go in and out
of the Clyde shipyards in pursuit of his business, Mr. Tennant
answers : I am informed that the affairs of this firm have
been investigated by the Board of Trade, that the shares h.nve
been vested in the Public Trustee under the Trading With
the Enemy Anu-ndnient Act. 1914, and that they are .still on
the list of Govemment contractois. The second part of the
question probably refers to the Cila.sgow manager of the firm.
who is of German origin, but was naturalised as a British
subject nearly 40 years ago. — .Woriiiny Post.

The Armorduct Manufacturing Co. — In the Parliament-
.■iry answers last week, says the Hardware Trade Journal.
Mi-. Pretyman said the business of the Armorduct Manufae-
taring Co., Ltd., had not been wound up, because iJie Advi-
sory Committee recommended that, •having regard to the
character of the work being carried on by the company, that
course was inexpedient. Efforts were being made to negotiate
a sale by private treaty to some British purchaser who would
continue the work .satisfactorily, and, pending the result of
the steps which were now being taken to find a purchaser
of the business, he was not prepared to say what conditions
of sale would be imposed. An offer had been made by Mr.
Small, but it had not been accepted.

l-'rom the Inucn Parliamentary I'olumns we U'aru that iMr.
I'retyman, replying to questions asked by Mr. Nield con-
cernmg " the German firm trading as the .'\rmorduct Manu-
facturing Co." and an offer made by " Mr. Small or Schmahl,
the foriner manager and nominee of the German owners,"
said : — The supervisor of the .'Vrmorduct Manufacturing Co
is at pri'sent in communication with several British firms
with tile view of obtaining oilers for the business, and pend
ing the result of the negotiations 1 am unable to say what
consideration will be given to the oiler made by Mr. Small.
'J'he difficulty in offering the business for sale by auction is
that it is neces.sary that the purcha.ser should continue the
business .sitisfactorily. The j\riiiorduct Co. is manufactiuing
article.-, which are required by the War Offici' and .Ministiv
ol Munitions of War in the national interest, and the supply
of which might be diminished by closing the company's
business. Mr. Butcher asked that care should be taken that
the business should be .sold to a British-born subject. Mr.
Pretyman said that consiileiation would be borne in mind.
The business uould be dealt with under the usual regulations,
which luovided that any [)oition of the profits of thi' uiidei
taking which would accrue to enemies would be vested in tlu'
Public Trustee.

l:\eniption Applications. — Th<' .\Ubrshoi Tribiin.il, on
November "iiltli, reviewed cases of employ-s of the Traction
Co., the Militiiry Representative applying for withdrawal of
certificates of conditional exemption. In II) cases exemption
was allowed to stand; in another three months' exemption
V, as substituted; three were granted to .January 1st for sub-
stitution; and in another case two months were conceded.
The company made other appeals, with the result that condi
tional exemption was allowed to an iiLsppctor on the grminil
of certified occupation; three months to a foreman engine
fitter, one mouth each to two drivers for substitution, and to
.January 1st to a fitter and two drivers for substitutes to be
found.

Southend T.C. appealed for four tram drivers, aged respec-
tively 33, 3o, 37, and 40, and a conductor and ixiint.sman (4o),
it l)eing said that it was impos-sible to fill the places. Col.
Newitt intimated that he could not consent to the men being
marked as in certified occupations. Two of the drivers weii'
thus classed by the Tribunal, and the others were given
conditional exemption.

The County Tribunal has given exemption to March 31st
to a charge engineer at the city electricity works at Glou-
cester, passed for general service, and .stated to be absolutely
indispen.salile and impossible to be replaced,

.\t Swinton (Lanes.), an electrician, aged 41, pas.sed for CI,
apjiealed, and .stated that he did work for a munitions firm ;
two of his men had joined the .Vriiiy. Two months' exemp-
tion was conceded.

Mirfield (Yorks.) Tribunal has given six months' exemption
to the manager of a local electric motor works (40).

At Windermere, an appeal for ab.solute exemption was made
by Mr. J. K. Thornborough (34), electrical engineer, who said
that the whole of the permanent .staff, and the junior partner,
had been called to the Colours. The Military Repre.sentative
consented to tliree months' temixjrary exemption, but the
appeal was respited for a medical examination.

At Banisley, on November 30th, the Barnsley & District
Electric Traction Co. appealed for a clerk and cashier (29). a
fitter (31), an armature winder (24), and a tram driver (25).
The latter, the manager said, had left the company's service,
and he had returned the man's exemption card. The clerk
and cashier and the armature winder were conditionally ex-
empted; and in the case of the fitter, the matter was deferred
for two months for the Military Repre.sentative to endeavour
to find a substitute.

Exemption to the end of the year has been granted to Mr.
A. Howard (32), electrician, of Chingford (Essex).

Bromley (Kent) Tribunal has refused exemption to Mr. A.
C. Edwards, electrician, of Widmore Parade, w-ho failed to ,
appear in support of his appeal.

At Gillingliam (Kent), Mr. A. C. Chalmers, borough elec- ,
trical engineer, appealed for C. W. Wharby (28), engine '
fitter's assistant, and three months were granted.

llerts Tribun.il has refused exemption to Mr. W. Meager
(3;-)). electrical engineer, of Potten End, Berkhamsted, ap-
pealed for bv Mr. A. E. Barron. i

At the request of the Recruiting Officer, the Torquay Tri- .
bunal has unstarred Mr. G. A. Binnie, an electrician, passed
for general .service, and who has been engaged on munition
work. . _ . ■

Before the City Tribunal, the Worcester Electric. Traction
Co. appealed for two switchboard attendants, S. A. Stallard
(is) and A. Bullock (3«), on the ground that they were m a
certified occupation. The Advisory Committee assented tn
one being exempted, and Bullock was given a conditional
certificate and Stallard until December 31st final.

At Oxford, further exemption until a substitute is found
was appealed for bv Mrs. Elizabeth Storey, electrical engi-
neer for S A. Stock (24). Mrs. Storey stated that her husband
died' six months after the outbreak of war, and all her staff
had enlisted with the exception of Stock, who had had hve
months' exemption. Lieutenant Whatcoat informed the In-
bunal that there was not much chance of getting a substitute
if Stock was an electrician. Mrs-.. Storev had had eight
months, and it was not fair to nsk the Military at tlie last
moment to get a sid).stitute. Stock said that he did not claim
to be an engineer, but he could do most electrical work. Lieu-

Vol. 71.. xo. 2.037. decemhkk s, i;,!,;.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

(127

tenant Whatwjat said the man would he must useful either
in munition.^ or in the Army. The Chairman : The facts
are that the lady's husband died after the war and this was
the only man left to carry on the business. It was really
an employer's application, and was a hard case. Lieutenant
Whatcoat said that they were nearly all hard cases now. Un- -
fortunately this man was .skilled, and would be useful in
either munition works or the .\rmy. Six months were
allowed.

At Deal, Messr.s. T. I;. Tapper, Ltd., appealed for' M. C.
Strevens (28), electrician, the only skilled man left. The
appeal was out of time, but it was urfied that as Mr. Tapper
had been away on service from the beginning of the war the
firm had a rea.sonable excu.se for not applying before. The
Tribunal decided that the appeal was too late, and that on
i^s Uicrits they would not entertain it.

The Birkdale (Southport) Electric Supply Co. appealed to
the Liverpool Appeal Tribunal against the decision of the
Local Tribunal in the ca.se of D. C. Eeilly, aged 20, single,
and described a.s a switchboard attendant. The Southport
Tribunal had allowed to Decembef 1st only, and the .Appeal
Tribunal, in extending the time for one month, refused leave
for a fuither appeal.

CONSUMERS' COMPLAINTS.

By a. T. BULLEX.

[n a recent issue of the Lkiili/ Mail, the writer was surprised
to find a letter from a well-known society lady, complainin<r
that, in spite of the " Daylight Saving " Act, her consump-
tion of electricity for lighting had increased — or, perhaps,
it would be more correct to say that her bill for electricity
consumed had increased — and she invoked the aid of the
Daih/ Mfiil, first, to expose this incredible state of
affairs ; and. secondly, to search for some cause for the
increase.

The only advice that the paper could possibly give, was
that the lady in question should forward her complaint to
the supply authority concerned, when no doubt an excellent
reason could be given for this increased charge : or if, on
the other hand, the bill proved to be unfair to the con-
sumer, the matter would speedily be adjusted to the
satisfaction of all the parties concerned.

Consumers, however, as a whole, do not appear to ha\e
such faith in the officials of the supply corporation or com-
pany as seems desirable. One of the first principles of
business seems to be to cultivate distrust of everyone with
whom you have dealings, and that is why a dissatisfied
consumer will complain to anyone and everyone except only
those persons appointed specifically foi- the purpose of giving
him the satisfaction he seeks.

Naturally one searches for an explanation for so curious a
condition, and wonders if the real reason is that those
whQ have tbe settling of complaints do not, by their mode
of action, ability, and manner of address, inspire Confidence.
Certain it is that it is quite impossible to deal satisfactorily
with any consumer unless he or she is confifteit tlwt the ^
advice you are giving is sound, and that your knowledge of '
the subject is complete.

Perhaps more dissatisfaction and distrust is created by
advice given l)y incompetent persons, the results of Avhich
have afterwards to lie rectified, than by any other cause.

Generally speaking, people do not mind paying for a
thing if they know that they are getting the genuine article,
liut no consumer likes paying for a qnantity of electricity
until ho is quite sure that he has used it. For this reason
the minimum charge enforced in some places, quite legiti-
mately and even of necessity, never was, and never will be,
popular, and so long as consumers feel that it is possible for
an electricity meter to go wrong, or for a meter reader to
make a mistake, just so long shall we have complaints.

It is quite possilile that the society lady mentioned above
had just cause for complaint, but it is equally probable that
some satisfactory explanation of the increased charge could
have been given had she sent her complaint to the proper
quarter. First, it is more than probable that, owing to war
. conditions and an increased cost of production, the price of
electricity had been raised by 20 per cent. Secondly, it is
likely that this lady's house is usually closed for the greater
part of the summer, but this year being an exceptional year,

may have kept the consumer, or her servants, in residence
for a longer period than usual.

Again, there is the possibility of alterations in the exist-
ing installation ; the substitution of lamps of higher
candle power, for instance. The dates between meter read-
ings may not have covered similar periods last year and
this year, giving in the first case a relati\-ely short quarter
and the second a comparatively much longer quarter. The
system of charging may have had an effect, the maximum
demand, perhaps, being higher, or there may previously
have been in circuit a defective meter, and finally the meter
reader may have made the mistake now of over-reading, or,
at the corresponding time last year, the error .of under-
reading, or the meter may have been o\er-registering.

Surely out of all these possibilities something definite
might have been .slathered, but it could only be done by an
official on the spot, who would have made a personal
investigation.

The investigating official, however, must be very tactful
in his researches, and miist be careful to give only such
information as is necessary and ad^■isable. For instance,
you might get a complaint over a, trifling occurrence which
may happen once in a thousand times, but it would be fatal
to divulge the exact nature or cause of the failure, for you
would immediately be overwhelmed by dozens of others
anxiously inquiring lest a similar accident might befall
them.

Here is a case in point. A certain consumer who has a
thermal maximum-demand indicator on his motor circuit,
noticed one day that after the meter reader had tipped his
indicator it did not conunence a.srain at zero,'because at the
time of tipping the motor was actually working. He
immediately made a complaint to the effect that his indicator
was out of order. The cause of the complaint was, of
course, obvious, but the investigating official could hardly
explain the matter, for he would then have had to make
s]iecial arrangements for tipping the indicators on every
motor circuit in the town. Yet how often would the
meter reader di'op on a motor which was running at its
maximum load ':

Here is another instance which also concerns the
maximum-demand indicator. In a certain town in the
South of England an organist at one church was appointed
to another in a different part of the town. The organs in
both churches were blown electrically, but the first was on
a direct current and the second on an alternating supply.
The organist was surprised ito find that it cost him much
more to blow his new organ than it did the old one. Both
circuits had maximum-demand indicators, and the explana-
tion was, of course, the fact that on the A.C. circuit the
thermal-demand indicator did not allow for power factor.
Conse(|uently the proportion of high-priced utrits was much
more than in the case of the D.C. circuit. Yet it was hardly
possible to explain this to the organist.

The remedies adopted in settling some complaints ai'c
amusing, yet these amusing methods ai'e nsually the out-
come lit ilclii-ate handling and often a keen sense of humour,
which, bv ilii' \\ay, is a very great asset in any coiisumcrs'
department. The following is a really good incident. In
the early days of the metal-filament lamps many consumers
were advised to install small transformers to bring their
voltages down to useful proportions. Some sup]ily autho-
rities went a step further than advising, and themselves
installed these transformers. This was done in the present
instance, but one night for some reason the voltage on one
particular circuit was very low, and an old gentleman, who
himself knew a little of electrical matters, was distressed to
find that his light was poor. After that night he was con-
tinually complaining to this effect, and he fi.xed the respon-
siliility on the traiisfornier which had been installed. Tests
were taken on se\eral nights which proved that the voltage
at the consumers' terminals was well up to standard, but
nothing would convince the consumer that this was .so.
He was therefore advised to do away with tbe transformer,
but when he realised that this meant purchasing new lamps,
he would not think of it. " The transformer," he said,
" belonged to the company, and they must supply him with
ft satisfactory one."

The difficulty ^as sohed liy a near neighbour of his
l'e4]'!o\-ing when MlC' conipinj''a inspector fidoptfcl tlw-i'UBe of

(■.28

THE ELECTKICAL REVIEW, [voi. ts*. No.2,037, decembehs, i-jig.

(■hanging the dissatished lonsiinRi-'s transt'urnier for an
identical one whiili was iustalled in the n»w onijity house.
From that day to this no coniphtint of bad light has heeii
rei-eived from this <|iiai-ter, and even the chief engineer of the
coniiwnv does not know the ultimate means adopted to
satisfy this hitherto dissatisfied consimier.

Jlost complaints originate out of the charges made for
electricity consumed, and most supply authoi-ities now have
proiierly equipjxjd testing departments, under tlie super-
vision of a competent and experienced offitial, in order that
the number of defective meters, and consei)iiently the
number of complaints, may bo kept at a minimum. It is
not sufficient, liowe\"er. for the supervising official to con-
fine his attention to the test-room. He must move among
the consumers, and learn the conditions under which each
one is using electricity.

In dealing with complaints he must be sympathetic, and
ready to hear the consumer's flhole story. He cannot settle
tilings if he is in possession of only half the facts; but, on ■
the other hand, his sympathy with the consumer must be
tempered with common sense, so that he will not raise fal.se
hopes, which will be immediately dashed to the ground
when his re]X)rt reaches the chief engineer.

He should have a sound technical knowledge, but he
should not air it to the consumer, e.xcept in such a manner
as is likely to inspire confidence. It is of no value to talk
over the head of the consumer ; you must rather come down
to his level, and try to explain things to him in language
he can understand. At the same time, you must let him
see that yon have the knowledge to apply at the right time
and in the projier place.

Remember, it is easy to presume upon the electrical
ignorance of the consumer, but it does not pay in the end.

.Vbove all, it Ls necessary to be fair. If the supply
authority is in the wrong, the point should be gracefully con-
ceded, and the matter immediately rectified. Mistakes will
always occur — it cannot be helped : l)ut the method of
correction of these mistakes may mean mucli foi- the future
welfare of electrical undertakings.

The officials of a consumers" department are, in one
res])ect. unlike most other men, for they can serve two
masters. They owe one duty to their employers, the su])]ily
authority : but they owe another duty to the consuiiitrs,
for they are the guardians of their interests, l/ct iliciii
take care that they arc just stewards.

BUSINESS NOTES.

Industrial Developments in Russia. — Some notes on this
Fubject. preparer! by the Britisli Vice-Consul at Moscow, appear iii
the Boari! of Trade Journal. He states that the war has compelled
Russia to develop her own chemical industry, and a certain number
of works have already been erected while many are projected. The
mobilisation of Russian industries in 1915 also affected the glass in-
dustry which was called upon to produce for the military authorities
<roodsthat were formerly imported from abroad, c.c/.. mirrors, lenses,
and other supplies for optical instruments, thermometer tubing'. i:c.
Fair progress was made in the manufacture of insulating- glasses
for electrical purposes. There is a great demand for microscopes,
scientific apparatus, field glasse.s, kc. Russian industry in these pro-
ducts is imdevelopad as there are no specialists or experienced hands
available. .Surgical instruments form quite a new industry in Russia,
and its development has been greatly handicapped by the shortage of
instrument steel and suitable machines and appliances. Cold stores
have a great future in Russia, and after the war there should be an
excellent demand for refrigerating machinery. There is also ex-
pected to be a good opening for peat-pressmg machinery. The
motor-car business is being developed and large ordo-s have been
placed with Russian works to assist to that end. So far the ))ulk
of motor-cars in use in Russia has been imported, imports in 1913-14
being valued at, roughly. £1.300,000.

Electrical Industry in India.— "VVe quote the following

editorial comments from a recent issue of Indian Industries and
Poirer : —

"Of all the varied departments of commercial enterprise in
India, perhaps the one most in need of immediate overhauling is
the electrical industry. British manufacturers of electrical equip-
ment have to realise that if they wish to retain what little hold
they have of the Indian market, they must consider their position
and prospects. Organisation in the full comprehensiveness of the
term is what is needed. Kot a mere associative collection of engi-
aeerB. Organisation which works ob the basic principle of mutual

co-operation. Organisation thak is real and capable of sulxjrdinat-
inp private interests to general ends. As far as we are concerned,
organisation that is able to evolve an understanding of the needs
of India, who is to-day ready to buy what she wants, but not
always ready to take just what the manufacturers have to sell.
One of the first problems that an association, founded on the above
principles, would have to tackle is the question of ' standardisation.'
Electrical engineers in India have long watched, not without im-
patience, the pathetic and half-hearted attempts miule in the past
to handle this proposition. If a firm grip of the market is to bo
obtained this indispensable condition must be achieved, for
'standardisation' is the very soul of organisation. If, as is nmst
probable. jTrivate and immediate interests have to suffer, then they
must go. Nothing should be allowetl to stand in the way of the
accomplishment of this end, which can only be attained by col-
lective co-pper.ation. There are many other jwints in this con-
nection that will readily present themselves to those who are
interested in the electrical industry, not the least important of
which is the question of internal discipline. Pressure should l)e
brought to bear on manufacturers who go out of their way to
ignore trade standards, and spend considerable time in evolving
means of getting behind regulations, avoiding control, and adopting
illegitimate means of getting business. Stern measures must be
adopted to force these men into line, for their ojierations not only
have an adverse influence on the market, but tend to stultify the
natural lievelopment of trade. Although attempts have been made
in the past in India to bring electrical engineers and contractors
into line, no real progress h.as been made, and what may be termed
cut-throat methods have not infrequently been resorted to. This
is good neither for the individual contractor nor for the trade. It is,
perhaps, too much to expect celestial conditions to obtain in India,
but if some such cohesive measure as that indicated could be
adopted by British contractors in India the benefit would soon be
apparent. The Americans and the .Japanese are watching develop-
ments very closely, and although the imports from Japan are very
inferior to the electrical exports of the United Kingdom, they are
finding markets in India by virtue of the pushtulnesa and thorough-
ness of the methods employed by the Japanese agents here. Neither
.lapan nor the United States can hope to hold all the customers
they are now securing, but the British firms will find tlLit it will
lie an uphill fight before they can effectively oust them from the
market. " It seems to us that we are too prone to excuse our inac-
tivity by that ready reference to the war and the procrastinating
cry : ' Wait till the war is over.' The present upheaval should
surely bring us to a reconsideration of this attitude. We have,
now to realise that old conditions have gone, never to return.
What the future holds, none can foresee. We are for the moment,
concerned with the present, for from our present action future
prospects will be determined. In order to keep and increase our
liold on the sale of electrical machinery and accessories, we need
primaril.v to focus all our energy on one object, the most powerful
factor in our armamentarium of trade resource — organisation,"

Catalogues and Lists. — British Westinghouse Elec-

iRic .\SD M.\NUFACTUR]Nr, Co., LTD., Tr.afford Park.— New
t'hristmas Gift Catalogue, entitled '' Domestic Helps." We
suppose that, in keeping with the economical spirit of war-time, a.
far higher percentage than usual of the Christmas and New Year
gifts of the coming month will be of a useful character. Every-
thing that is in any way wasteful must be veiy definitely at a
discoimt in these times. Therefore this catalogue of goods, which
make both for economy, efficiency, convenience, and utility, as
well as, in some measure, making their response to the desire
for novelty, should be very acceptable. It consists of Hi
pages of illustrations, prices, and brief particulars of electric
cooking appliances, from the small disk stove to the large cooker,
hot-bar fires and electric irons, shaving pots, kettles, stoneware
utensils, the Westinghouse Utility motor, fans and hair dyers, and
vacuum cleaners, also electric lamps and table standards.

Messrs. Jensox & Nicholson, Ltd., Goswell Works, Stratford,
London, E, — New pamphlet giving particulaj"S of " Lacwatt " and
"Coilac" insulating varnishes, compositions, enamels, and other
electrical specialties made at their works at Stratford. The firm
have made a special study of the subject of electi'o-insulation.

The Electrical Alloy Co., Morristown. New Jersey, U.S.A. —
Circulars relating to their resistance materials. Monel metal, and
Spark Point nickel.

Trade Announcements. — Messrs. .Jajies (tordon iV- Co.,

water-power engineers, having had their offices in Canada House,
Kingsway, requisitioned by the War Office, have removed to tem-
jjorary offices at Queen's House, Kingsway. Their telephone number
and telegraphic address remain the same.

The address of Messrs, Henry Faija & Co,, Portland Cement
Testing Works and Chemical Laboratories, is li. Earl Street, West-
minster, S.AV. Though notice of • the change was issued a .year
ago. letters continue to go to the old address.

Bankruptcy Proceedings.— E. W. Barton Weight,

electrical therapeutic expert. Acton and Oxford Street. — Receiving
order made at Brentford, November 21th, ou a creditor's petition.

Australian Inquiries. — The Board of Trade Department
of Commercial Intelligence reports the following inquiries
received : —

A firm dealing in electrical goods seeks agencies for British firms
for such goods other than wires and cables, telephones, bells, *:c,.
instruments, ciicuit breakers, accumulators, and switchgear.

A manufaoturers" agent wants to represent British makers of
d'ectrical fittings and accessories.

Vol. :■... No, 2,037. DErKMBER K. i-u,;.] THE ELECTRICAL EE\TEW.

(i29

Dissolutions and Liquidations. — Ideal Batteky Co.,

inannfactiiier.s of drv batteries and electrical appliances, Nursery
Road. Jlitcham, Surrey.— Messrs. B. Pearse. A. M. Foster and .\. R.
Harwood have dissolved partnership. Mr. Harwood attends to
■ lebts. kc.

TCBNER \- BrReER, un, FarriiiKdon Road, l,ondon. B.C.—
( reditors must send particulars of debts, kc. to the Controller,
ilr, J. E. Percival, 6. Old Jewrv. E.G., by January 6th.

Feld Bros, ,!c Co., Ltd.. 32t;, Goswell Road. London. E,C,—
I reditors must send particulars of debts. iVrc, to the Controller. Mr.
J. E. Percival. as above, by .January 6th.

■Dac" AccrMCLATOR SvsDicATE, LTD.— This company is
windintr up voluntarily, with Sir. H. C. Bound. 61 and 62, Lincoln's
Tnn Fields. London. W'.C. as liquidator. A meetinjr of creditors is
• filled for December 15th,

Bachelet Flying Traix Syndicate, Ltd,, Bachelet Shtp-

ILDIXG. EXGrSEEKISG AND OBDSASCE CO,. LTD.. B-A.CHELET

Levitated Railway Syndicate. Ltd.. and Bachelet Shittle
AND Loom Co., Ltd. — Creditors of these companies must send
particulars of their debts. Jcc. to the liquidator. Sir W. B. Peat.
1 1. Ironmongrer Lane. EC. by January 3rd.

i.'Carz-Lampen Gesellschaft, M'.C.H. (ori?inal Quartz Lamp
' ->. I. 62. Red Lion Street. E.C. — Claims must be sent to the Con-
loller (Mr. R. W. Brown. 12. Old Square, Lincoln's Inn. W.C.)
l>y December 16th.

Private Arrangements. — The Tyler Apparatus Co.,

Ltd.. Banister Road. Xorth Kensington. London, \V., electrical
•'ng'ineers. kc. — A circular has been issued to the creditors of the
.ibove, dated November 22nd last, by Messrs. Coriield & Cripwell,
accountants and auditors, of Balfour House. Finsbury Pavement.
E,C,, which states that the petition presented by a creditor
tor the winding- up of the company was withdrawn under an Order
made by the Judge, and the course is thus clear now for the com-
pany to proceed with the reorganisation as suggested. At the
meeting of creditors of the company, on Xovember 3rd, 1916, at
the Institute of Chartered Accountants, a scheme for the reorgan-
isation of the company's affairs and for the payment of its debts
. in full, was laid before the creditors and approved. This has been
' further elaborated and laid before the Court of Chancery in
Chambers, and has been allowed by the Court, in so far that the
.Judge ordered a formal meeting to te called under the terms of
the Companies Consolidation Act, 1908. to formally consider and
adopt the above scheme, and this was held on Tuesday last.

The Electrical Stores will, on December 12th. remove to
^■•'37 and 39. South Sherwood Street, Nottingham,

Booli Notices. — Air is the title of the othcial ortjaii of the

.\fTonautical Institute of Great Britain, of which the first number
has jnst come to hand : its purpose is to arouse public interest in
5 aerial questions, to stimulate study and research, and to help the
development of " British Imperial Aeronautics. " without adhesion
to any clique or party. It is controlled by a council, with Mr.
L. Blin Desbleds as director and hon. secretary, and will appear
monthly. The issue contains articles on the Air Board, our pre-war
neglect of aerial possibilities, the steel construction of aeroplanes,
.Vc. and details of the membership and constitution of the .\ero-
nautical Institute of Great Britain. '\Ve cannot see far into the
future : who can say that the Institute may not eventually rival in
importance the great engineering institutions of which we are so
proud .'

"Manual of Electrical Undertakings and Directory." 191617.
Vol. ,\X. London : Electrical Press. Ltd. 21s. net.

A.E.G. Electric Co., Ltd.: Sale.— Messrs. Wheatley

KiBK, Price &: Co., by order of the Controller in this case, are
~ offering for sale the stock of electric motors, instruments, fittings
and electrical accessories, in one lot by public tender. An
announcement appears in our advertisement pages to-day.

For Sale. — Messrs. P. Huddlestox & Co. will sell bv

au'-tion. on Friday. December 1.5th, at Hammersmith, a quantity of
electrical apparatus. Full particulars are given in our advertise-
ment pages to-day.

LIGHTING AND POWER NOTES.

Accrington. — Ne"" Plavt. — Aid. Higham (eliamnan of

the Electricity Committee) recently stated that the Electricity Depart-
ment had now obtained delivery of the new turbo and alternator.
and the only things they were waiting for were the pumps : they
hoped to be running by the end of the month. If matters turned
out as successfully as was anticipated, they were quite certain to
ha\c a diminution of the troubles they had had for several months,
due to various conditions.

Argentina.— Ill September last the Pedro Mendoza

„ .central power station. Buenos .\ires. of the Compania Italo-
. Argentina de Electricidad. was formally inaugurated, this com-
pleting the present system of the company, which w.is founded in
1911. The work has been carried out with the industrial and
financial assistance of Messrs. Franco Tosi. Pirelli, and Brown
Boveri, the capital involved being hO million francs. The steam
plant at the main station consists of four batteries, each consisting
of two boilers, with economiser, forced-draught plant, and steel
chimney. Liquid fuel is principally used, and a large storage is
provided, fed by tank wagons of road or railway type. Special
turbine p<amping plant is iastalled for the oil fuel. Three
6.(h'JO-k'w. turbin'es sets are installe'd. generating thr'e'e -"phase

current at 6,600-7,000 volts, 50 cycles, and each fitted with a
direct-driven exciter. A further installation of turbine plant has
been contracted for. bringing up the total plant capacity to about
30,000 KW. From the main station, energy is transmitted to five
sub-stations, which distribute direct current within a specified
central zone of the city : these sub-stations are equipped with the
necessary transforming plant, some 10.500 KW. in capacity, and. in
addition, with independent Diesel engine generators — 13 in all —
consisting of 8O1J-H.P. engines driving 500-KW. generators. For a
year and a half this Diesel plant has been supplying consumers
pending the completion of the main plant. For some time 1.600
public arc lamps have been supplied, also about 1,000 arcs in the
port, while 12.000 private installations were also being supplied at
the end of September. — Beiieic nf the Hitfr Plate.

Barrow. — The electrical engiueer (Mr. H. K. Burnett)

has been authorised to assist the Joint Committee in connection
with the proposals for interconnection and joint working of electric
supply undertakings.

Belfast. — Proposed E.xtensioxs. — At the monthly
meeting of the Corporation the question of extending the electricity
plant was considered. The Committee now proposed to place the
matter in the hands of experts, and it was decided to obtain the
advice of Sir John Snell as to any modifications being made in his
report of August, 19H. on the extension question. During the
discussion it transpired that recent applications were very nearly
refused — so narrow was the margin — and that with the exception
of one other town in the United Kingdom, Belfast had the lowest
/ reserve of plant. It was decided to confirm the proposals of the
Electricity and Tramways Committee in view of the seriousness of
the situation. The proposed new generating station may cost up
to £100,000.

Birmingham. — Price Increase.— The Electric Supply

Committee reports that on March 7th. 1916, it increased the
charges to consumers supplied with low-tension electric current,
by 15 per cent, to lighting consumers and 20 per cent, to power
consumers. The Committee has had before it the returns for the
first six months of the present financial year, and it is evident that
the expenses will be even heavier proportionately during the forth-
coming winter. The high-tension consumers, under the Coal Clause
in their agreements, automatically pay an increased rate. The
low-tension lighting and power consumers pay a fixed rate, and th^
Committee considers a further increase should be made in these
rates. In conclusion, the Committee stated that it had decided
that the increase of 1 5 per cent, to lighting customers previously
sanctioned in March be raised to 30 per cent., and that the 2(> per
cent, increase for power, heating and cooking made in March, be
raised to 30 per cent., and that these additional increases take
effect from the December reading of the meters : at the City
Council meeting on Tuesday an amendment was carried, increasing
the price for power, heatin». kc, by 10 per cent, on pre-war prices.
The Finance Committee has reported having obtained the sanction
of the L.G.B. to a loan of £ 7.530 for additional cooling towers and
pipe line in connection with the alteration of the scheme for the
extension of the temporary electricity generating staton atNechells.

Blackpool. — The Finance Committee has agreed to
supply electric light for the soldiers" rest clubs and recreation-
rooms at a 50 per cent, reduced cost, so long as the consumption
doe5 not exceed that of the 191t-15 winter. %vhen concessions of
this kind were first granted : any electricity used in excess of this
amount will have to be paid for in full.

Bolton. — Lixkix(t-i"p. — At a meeting of the Electricity

Committee, consideration was again given to the report on the
interconnection of the Lancashire and Cheshire electricity supply
systems, and the principles of the scheme were approved.

Christchurch. — The Bournemouth and Poole Electricity
Supply Co. has refused the offer of the B. of G. to pay five per cent,
increase on the contract price for current from January 1st, and
the offer has been withdrawn. The Guardians take the "view that
they are liable for the contract price only.

Deal and Walmer. — The B. of T. has granted a year".*;
extension to the Gas and Electricity Co. for laying electric dis-
tributing mains in the scheduled area.

Dublin. — The Electricity Committee has issued a report
protesting against the methods adopted by the Special Committee
of Investigation, which, it says, did not consult the former Com-
mittee or the officials, did not permit the officials to be present at
its meetings, has not made a report as a Committee on any one of
the seven heads of its instructions, and has expressed no opinion
of its own on any of these points. The Electricity Committee
claims to have overcome the very serious difficulties of the present
situation, and to have made arrangements which guarantee the
maintenance of the supply in the future, and demands that the
Special Committee's report be referred to it for investigation, with
the same powers as were conferred upon the latter Committee.

At the monthly meeting of the Corporation, this week, it
was decided, on the suggestion of Mr. L. .Sherlock, ex-chairman of
the Electricity Supply Committee, that consideration of the Elec-
tricity Special Inquiry Committees rejwrt. Jlr. D' Alton's expert
report, the Committee's recommendations, the officials' replying
reports, and the Supply Committee's report in reply and protest,
should stand over pending the summoning of a special meeting.

Year's Woeking. — The. Electricity Supply Committee's state-
ment of accounts for the year ended March Hist last shows
that the total income from the sales of electricity, meter
rentals, public lighting., and miscellaneous sources was £134,555.
and the e'xpe'nditure £7(1.131. lea"ving a balance to te carried to

()3()

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

N... •.•,ii:;7. |)i:,

net nnveniic account of j;t>4,421. The total capital (-.x)ien<litiirc at
the end of the jear was tSoT.Iinil, an increase of i:22..')!l4 on the
l>revious year. The total income for the year wsls £124.883. a-s
iHrainst 1 105,44(1 in the previons year; and the workinjr costs
were i:ij0.461. as against ^:.'>i>.444. The total surplus to lie carried
to next account is £lii.44:i. A sum of tliHT has been transferred
to renewal account. The surplus for the year is driven at .£8.841',
a.s compared with £1.411; in the previous year. The total units
sold increa.sed from ••..■. 1 !>,.•. l.i in I!ll,i to 10,:i38,.'>,-.8. The cost
li?r unit sold increa.sed from 2'2iid. to 2 i>;id. .V^ainst this is the
fact that the average price obtained increased from 2 .">iid. to 2'80d.
The total maximum sujiply demanded durinpr the year was
7.288 K\v., asrainst 7,48i; kw. in llU.i. The e.ip,acity of the dynamos
at the end of the year was I2,iiO(i kw.

The Committee announced that owinp: to the new restrictitms
on the purchase of electrical material, it wsis not in a position just
now to deal with applications for new supplies 'to ordinary
consumers.

Dundalk. — riioi-osKi) IiO.\x. — Tlic Urliaii ('omicil is

apply in;r to the L.Ci.B. for a loan of £5.(MlOto enable it to cany
out such improvements as will allow the Diesel en^rines in the
electric lisjhtiiifr department to consume tiv» oil instead of petroleum
fuel.

Eccles. — I'l'icE Inckk.\sk. — The Kln-tricity Sii|i|ily

fonimittee has decided to further increase the char^'es for elec-
tricity from January 1st as follows : -I'riv.ate and public liirhtinjr.
1.") per cent, to each account, makinjc 2.'j per cent, in all : fjeneral
power, heatinp and cooking. ."> per cent, to each account, making
2.T per cent, in all.

Edinburgh. — 'l"li<^' HlLTtrie LifjlitiiifC ('omiuiLtt'e lias

decided not to insist on the payment of the minimum charge of
Ills, by consumers who are on active service. The Committee
agreeil that before any action was taken in regard to arrears, the
circumstances should be reported to the convener.

Ennis (Co. Clare).— K.L. SrHEiiE. — A inihlic elecfcrir

lighting scheme has been sugge-sted, and it is thought probable that
steps will soon be taken in the matter.

Faversham. — The T.C. lias dei-iikil not to iiicreast' tliu

price of current at present.

Finchley. — A resolution from tlie East Fiiicliley Katc-

[layers' .\ssociation upon the subject of electricity charges ha^ been
referred to the Electricity Committee ; the Association desires the
abolition of the minimum electric light charge, and that the 20 per
cent, aildition recently made be only upon units consumed. An
equitable flat rate, power rate, and street lighting rate, the
increase and decrease of each to be governed by the conditions
jirevailing from time to time, are asked for.

Grantown. — Price TiVcreahe. — Tliei-e wa.s consirlerablo

iliscnssion at a meeting of the T.C. on the explanation by Mr.
.\nderson. electric light contractor, of his action in raising the
price of electricity to private consumers by a Id. per unit. The
Council ultimately agreed to recommend private consumers to pay
the extra charge.

Halifax. — Tlie Elpctrical Distrilnition of Yorkshire,
Ltd.. having decided to apply for powers to supply electricity
within the area of the Luddenden Foot U.D.C.. the Tramways and
Electricity Committee ha-s empowered the Electricity Sub-Com-
mittee to take steps to safeguard the interests of the Corporation.
\ Sub-Committee has been appointed to confer with the Gas Com-
mittee on the question of joint central offices, showrooms, &c., for
gas and electricity ]>urposes.

Harrow. — Street LifiHTiNG. — Tliroii<(h the discon-
tinuance of street lighting, the U.D.C. has saved £520 during the
]iast sis months.

Hornsey. — The T.C. has been asked by the Hackney B.C.

to contribute towards the cost of defending an action brought by
the Gas Light and Coke Co. in respect of a reduced charge made
for electrical energy supplied for lighting purposes to customers
who are power consumers, it being alleged that the charge con-
stituted an undue preference. The communication was referred
to the Electricity Supply and Finance Committees.

Kendal. — The manager of the electricity iindertakin.ij

ha-i Ix'eu instructed to procure samples of electrical heating
apparatus lor advertisement. The charge for electricity for power
purposes to consumers of S.OOO units per annum and iipwards has
been fixed at a fiat rate of 1 }d. per unit.

Leyton. — For tlie destructor \vorks a 30 to iO-H.p, raotor

is to bs purchased, at a cost of from £100 to £12(1, to drive the air-
compressor by electricity when steam is low, instead of burning
coal,

London.— AVooLwiiH.— Plant Extensioxs. — Details of

a further extension of tuibine plant and mains, estimated to cost
£21,ii'iO, have been approved, and sanction is to be asked for the
borrowing of the money. In regard to a former loan of £27,500,
it has been agreed to repay this on the instalment system insteafl
of the annuity system. Application is to be made for sanction to
a loan of £2.442 for mains extensions, and 55 street lamps are to
be fitted with automatic switches, thus economising in labour.

Hackxey.— The accounts of the Council's electricity undertaking
for the year ended March 81st last show a deficit of £7.605.
Owing to increased prioe and poor qualitv of fuel, the cost of
prortuctioii jrn^ceaseii by j;(i,022. loan charges (tlsn increased by

£4,1(15, and allowances to employds on active service aniounti^d to
£I,1IS(;. Owing to the lighting restrictions, the revenue from
private lighting dropped £:i,878, in addition to £54(1 from public
lighting ; the revenue from power showed an increase of £8,73!l.
The sales department made a profit of £772, lus compared with
£120 ill the previous year. The balance standing to reserve
amounts to i'2:t.!lSl. after making allowance for last year's deficit.

Plymouth. — (^iauter's Working. — The eiifrineer"s

report of the working of the electricity undertaking for the
quarter ended September 30th showed a consumption of 1,302,587
units, producing £10,785, as compared with 1,305,317 units sold
and £11,403 in the eorresponiliiig perioil of host year. Added to
the income of the .Tune quarter the total amiuinted to £22,4511. as
against £22.7711 for the corresponding six months of 1II15.

Salford. — Li.vking-up. — The Electricity Cominitteu
approves in principle the scheme outlined in the interim report of
thi' Ccinnuitlee for the interconnection of Lancashire and Cheshire
Elci-tririty Supply Systrms. Five representatives of the Eleetrieily
(_'otinnittcc have been appointed to attend a conference of electricity
sujiply authorities to be convened to consider the matter.

Sevenoaks. — The U.D.C. has <ri\en cimseut to ilic Fid -

tricity Co. to place outside cables for thr supply of current tu
houses in Mount Harry Rojul.

Sunderland. — Plant F.xtensions. — At the iimuial

meeting of the Corporation Electricity and Lighting (lommittee on
Friday last, the chairman said they had passed through a Inisy
year, during which they had added to their list of consumers a
number of works and a steel furnace. Permission had been given
for the purchase of a new- turbine for the Hylton Road extensions,
which were estimated to cost £45,000, and the L,G.B, had autho-
rised the borrowing of the money. Tenders were now beii;g
advertised for.

Woking. — Fire. — Damaife estimated at idiout £l,(nifi

w.as done by a fire which occurred on the premises of the Elect rii
Supply Co. at midnight on Sunday. It is believed that the tire
originated in the overheating of some stored slack. The damage
largely represents burnt cable, which was insured.

Wrexham. — Price Increase. — The charges for encr'jv

have been .advanced by 1 0 per cent., as from .Tanuary 1st, by the T ( .

York. — LiNKiNci-ci'. — Reporting on this question to the

Electricity and Tramways Committee, Mr, .1. W, Hame, the city
electrical engineer, statecj that York was so far from Leeds, Hull,
or Harrogate, where supply stations of importance were situated,
that the cost of labour involved in carrying out a linking-u|i
scheme would make interconnection impracticable at the present
time. The Yorkshire Power Co. was supplying its Selby area, but
there would he no advantage in connecting up there yet. Tin
policy they were adopting was to centralise the power production
in the city and district.

TRAMWAY and RAILWAY NOTES.

Abingdon. — According to the Survei/or. as a result of tlic
action brought by the R.D.C. against the Oxford Tramways Co..
the latter has at once changed the route of its 'buses in the
Abingdon district, which now run on the main roads under the
care of the Oxford County Council.

Blackburn. — Through RuNNiNt;. — As a result of the

discussion with the Accrington Corporation Electricity and Tram-
ways Committee on the question of future through running, the
two Corporations have decided to enter into an agreement for the
future on the basis of an equal car-mileage being run by each Cor--'
poration's cars over the other Corporation's lines. The .agreement
comes into force oh January 1st.

Blackpool. — The T.C. has agreed to ii recommeiidalioM
from the Tramways Sub-Committee that the last cars should leave
the town centre not later than 10.30 p.m. The aggregate revenue
for the year to date on the Blackpool-Fleetwood cars is £42,715,
compared with £37.809 a year ago.

Bolton. — The Tramways Committee has decided not In
accede to an application by the Amalgamated Association of Tram-
way Workers for alterations and increases in the wages of various
classes of tramway workers.

Burnley. — The Tramways Committee has deciilcd not to

entertain the suggestion of the Amalgamated Association of
Tramway and 'Vehicle Workers that tramway traffic should be
suspended on Christinas Day. and the wages paid to the employee's
for the day.

Ilford. — Cable Breakdown. — The tramway manager
reported that on October 21st feeder cable No. 4 broke down. It
was laid in 1012. nearly four years ago, being supplied by the
Standard Cable Co,, an entirely German firm. As the cable had to
be replaced immediately, a tender was accepted from Messrs.
Henley, at *.138 for 440 yards of cable, to be delivered withiij
JO davs, • • .

>s7.de,k.,,bkks, iinr,.i THE ELECTEICAI. REVIEW.

g;u

Keighley. — A statement issued to the Corporation last

week shows that the tramway receipts from April- 1st to November
2:U(1 jrave an increase of £+45. but there was a decrease on the rail-
less trollev vehicles of itSTH.

Women tramcar drivers are now in traininjf in the town, and have
appeared on the streets in company with a male supervisor. The
Keishlev routes are amongst the easiest to be found anywhere in
the country.

Leyton. — Waijess. — Iiiureasus of wages are to lie made to
the employes of the tramway department, at an estimated net cost
of £1.100 per year. The tramway manager reported difficnity in
purchase of rails and tires : the matter has been referred to the
Committee's chairman and the tramway manager to deal with.

London. — I" a lirief iysiidh' of eleetrie railway work
round London, the Ihiiltnnj (i:::elti' mentions that the Central
London extension to Ealing is well under way. though the Gnnners-
bury extension is held uji. Exp:'rimeutal runs have boeu made
with Bakerloo tube trains on the Watford section of the Xorth-
Western line, in connection with the future through service ; the difE-
culty to be met is the ijuestion of platform height, owing to the
tube train floors being considerably lower than the normal railway
coach floors.

Land has been purchased for the Hampstead Railway extension
to Hendon. and on the City and South London Tube an experi-
mental .section of the larger normal diameter has been inserted.
This tube is to be extended from Euston to Camden Town, where a
junction will be made with the Hampstead and Highgate Tube
Railways.

Amongst the lines held up by the war are the Wimbledon and
Sutton Railway, the Piccadilly Railway extension to Gunnersbury
and Richmond, in connection with which a new station is to be
built beneath Hammersmith Broadway, while the further scheme
for providing a deep level line below the District Railway to
relieve rush traffic is stated to have not been abandoned altogether.

L.C.C- -The Siirreijor draws attention to the excellent manner in
which the Council's tramway serrice was maintained during a
recent dense fog. adding that it certainly apjjears that the tramcars
scored on this occasion at any rate, not in spite of. but because of.
the necessity for their travelling along a fixed line of rails.

Woor.wiCH. — The doubling of the tramway track in Plumstead
Road has been urged on the B.C., and it has been suggested that
the L.C.C. should carry out the work as a temporary measure, but
apparently the local Council refuses consent to the work being
done unless certain roarl widening is also done at the same time.

Manchester. — The Workmen's Speeial Committee of the

Council reported that., having regard to the privileges the Cor-
poration grant to its employes as regards holidays and otherwise,
it cannot recommend the Tramways Committee to comply with
the application of the Electrical Trades' Union for treble pay in
respect of Christmas Day and Good Friday for electricians ami
wirem.an in its employ who work on those days.

Mexico. — AccordiiifT to the Mexican Rpvieir. a novel

feature of the excellent electric car system of Mexico City and its
suburbs is the provision made for carrying freight of all kinds,
including live animals, on the same cars with passengers. Each
train is made up of two large cars— the one in front being for first-
class passengers and the one in the rear for second-class, the fare in
the first being exactly double that in the latter. One end of the
second-class car is jwititioned off for freight, and here one can see
chickens, goats, turkeys, pigs, calves and other live stock, veget-
ables, flowers, fruit, wood, aiid all manner of rural products, all of
which ar? conveyed to the heart of the city from distances of ."i to
lo miles and more in the coimtry. This is a very profitable portion
of the company's business.

The electric car lines of Mexico City have been placed in first-
class order again, having been seriously crippled during the
Zapatista occupation in the early part of 191.5. and it having been
difficult to secure the necessary machinery and supplies owing to
the situation in Europe. This has b?en remedied, however, and
now the service is being re-established upon the former very
efficient basis. Prior to the revolution the local transportation
system of Mexico City and its suburbs was noted as one of the best
and most extensive in the world.

Nelson. — Arrangements have lieen made lietweeii the

Nelson and Colne Corporations for a curtailetl tramway service.
During the winter months it has baen decided to discontinue the
last hour service, except on Saturdays.

Rossendale. — Arbituatio.v. — The inquiry regarding

the rearrangement of tares and stages, as between the Rawtenstall
and Bacup authorities, which has been conducted by Mr. .T. M.
McElroy,T)f Manchester, on behalf of the B. of T.. was concluded
last week.

Salford. — EfiECTRir Vkhiclk. — The Eleetrieity Ci'in-
mittee has ordered an "Orwell" tipping wagon, at a cost of £711.5.
the amount to be taken from the renewals fund.

Stockton. — Proposed Tramway Furchasp;. — With

regard to the proposed purchase of the tramwaj- system in the
borough, a letter has been received by the T.C, from the Middles-
brough Corporation, stating that that body had appointed a Com-
mittee to consider the question of the purchase of its local tramway
system, and suggesting a conference between the two authorities,
together with a representative from Thornaby. The Stockton T.C,
has apTiointed a deputation accordingly to meet the Middlesbrough
Commit! ee,

Walsall. — The CorpoFation Tramways Committee recently
decided to run a restricted serWce on Christmas Day : the employes
have been agitating for the discontinuance of the service on that
day. and threaten not to operate the cars.

TELEGRAPH and TELEPHONE NOTES.

France. — The telegraph and telephone t.iritfs have l>een

raised by le^^ing a tax of 2jd. per telegram up to 50 words, in
addition to the normal charge of ^d. a word, and increasing the
annual payment for a private telephone from £lii to i;2ii.

India.— Between April. 1!I12. and March, l!il.">. the
telegraphic network of British India increased bj' 12,833 km. of
line and 5(3.183 km. of wire, the totals being 135.4.Sit and
531,353 km. respectively. The number of offices open to public
service increased by 7,710 to 8.438, and the number of telegrams
handled from 13'84 to 14'92 millions (internaD, but the inter-
national traffic, which rose to I'liK millions in 11»13-14. fell to
r27 millions in 1914-15. The revenue from the telegraphic
service rose from 17'68 million francs in 1912-13 to 20'79 millions
in 1914-15. The number of telephone exchanges at the end of
1914 was I St), with 15,4711 connections. — 'Journal THerjraphiqtfr.

Mauretania. — Two wireless stations have been opened at
Atar and Chinguetti, in communication with the station at Port
Etienne. — Journal Telefji-iiphiqiir.

CONTRACTS OPEN and CLOSED.

OPEN.

Australia. — Sydney. — January -Jind. Electrical jilant

(converter, battery, booster, and switchboards") for the Castlereagh
Street sub-station, for the Municipal Council. Specification from
E.L. Department, Town Hall,*

QuEEXSLANn. — December 12th. P.M.G.'s Department. Caps
and lamps for switchboard, covered wire, benders, sleeves, and
tapes. See "Official Notices" December 1st.

January 1st. P.M.G.'s Department. Cords, switchboard, parts
and accessories, measuring instruments and telegraph instruments.
See " Official Notices " December 1st.

Aylesbury. — Hecemlier Ifith. U.D.C. Electricity De])art-
m?nt. Paraffin oil for one year (800 gallons) ; Diesel lubricating
oil for one year (500 gallons). See " Official Notices " to-day.

Bridgend. — December 15th. Hospital Committee. Elec-
trical wiring at the Isolation Hospital. Cefn Hirgoed. Mr. D. R.
.Tones, Clerk. 10, Wyndham Street.

Cape Town. — January 5th. Electric motors and starting

panels, for the ('orporation Electricity Department. Dock Road.
Caps Town.'

Durban. — January ord. Corporation. One o,000-kw.

steam turbine, alternator, and condensing plant. Specification
No. S. 238 ; drawing No. P. 597. both at the office of the Borough
Electrical Engineer, Municipal Buildings. Deposit £2 2s.

Johannesburg. — December idth. Corporation. Auto-
matic pressure regulators for theA.C. turbo-generators at the power
station.*

January 3rd. Corporation. Iron axles and bushes.*

London. — Exfield. — Electric light installation, Ponder's

End Congregational Church. Rev, J. H. Bennett, pastor.

December 16th. H.M. Office of Works. Materials tor electric
bell wiring. See "-Official Notices " to-day.

L.C.C. — December 19th. 325 tons of rolled-steel bars for mag-
netic brake shoes. Chief Officer, L.C.C. Tramways. (12, Finsbury
ravoment.

New Zealand. — Dusedix. — January L'4th. Motor-
generator, accessories and spares. City Electrical Engineer, Maiket
Street, Dunedin.*

Tacranga, — Febmary 12th. Borough Council. Supply of six
three-phiuse transformers. 11.000-400 volts. Messrs. H. W. Clime
and Sons, Consulting Engineers, Raetihi. — X.Z. fihipjtiiig and
Com men;:

Salford. — December loth. Two electric passenger lifts

(push-button system) at Union Infirmary. Hope, Pendleton, for
the Salford B. of G. Specifications, &c.. fi-om Mr. E. H. Inohley,
Clerk to B. of G.. Poor Law Offices. Eccles New Road.

Spain. — The mimicipal authorities of Soria, in the

province of that name, have lately invited tenders for the conces-
sion for the electric lighting of the town during a period of four
years. The electric lighting contract for the town of Alcoy
(Province of .\licaute) has also lately been tip for tender ; no periofj
wa-s, however, in this i;a,se mentioned,

t;:V2

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW. |v,.i :. n,

Cu. Dki i:\iiu;k S. IVir..

SunderlaDd. — IKcunbcr Htli. Strain turliine. altonuitor.
and condensintr plant, at Hylton Road electricity works. S]iecitica-
lions and forms of tender (£S 3s.) from Mr. A. S. Blaokman.
General Jlana^'er. Electricity Offices, Dunninpr Street.

Warrington. — I>eeeiulK>r 12tli. Electricity hiuI Tram-
ways Committee. Twelve months' supply of earthenware conduit.
See " litfieial Notices " December 1st.

Decemhor 12th. T.Omi tons of slack coal for the electricity
works. Howley. Specifications (jEI Is.) from Mr. F. V. L. Mathias,
Borough Electrical and Tramways Engineer.

Specifications for the items marked * can be seen at the Board
of Trade Commercial Intelligence Department in London.

CLOSED.

Blackpool. — ilcitor-generator for testing purpses, for
the Ek'ctrioitv Department : Electric & Ordnance Accessories
Co.. Lt4.

Luton. — T.C. Electricity Department. Accepted tenders :

British Vacniim Cleaner Co. — Flue-cleaning fiuction plant, X280.

J. Facer & Son. — 5,400 tons of South Ijeicester slack coal, at 17s. 5d. per
ton (16s. .'id. in Corporation wagons) during the winter months, and
17s. lid. il6s. lid. in Corporation wagons) during the summer months
tsame prices as in the previous year).

Newhold A Martell.— 7,000 tons of Whitwick Deep nutty slack coal, at
18s. 9d. per ton (17s. 3d. in Corporation wagons) (same prices as in the
previous year). '

J. Facer & Son. — 6,000 tons of Hucknall Main bright slack, at 17s. lid. per
ton (16s. lid. in Corporation wagons) (same prices as in current year).

W. H. Bowater, Ltd.— 6.000 tons of Ibstock D.S. nuts, at 20s. 7iW. per ton
)19s. Ud. in Corporation wagons), and 2,000 tons of peas, at l5s. Ud. per
ton 1 17s. 7^d. in Corporation wagons). Messrs. Bowater's tender
showed an increase on the nuts of lid. on the current year's prices, and
on the peas of 7W. on the 19s. lid. per ton, and lid. on the 17s. 7Jd.

Manchester. — Electricity Committee :—

Low -pressure pipes and supports. — Alton & Co., Ltd.
Lea recorder. — Lea Recorder Co., Ltd.
High and low-pressure pipework. — Stewarts & Lloyds, Ltd.
Valves. — Blakeborough t& Sons.

Cables.— Pirelli-General Cable Co. ; Western Electric Co. : B.I. A Helsby
Cables, Ltd. ; W. T. Glover & Co., Ltd.

Reigate. B. of G. Electric cable for the laiiudry at
£ 17.5, and for a motor at £20 : Tamplin k Makovski.

Salford, — Trarawavs Committee :-

Electricity Committee : —
Various lengths steam piping at \he electricity station. — NewalVs Installa-
tion Co.
Orwell tipping wagon, JE795.— Mossay & Co., Ltd.

Woolwich. — B.C. Accepted tender: — Reei? Roturlio
JIanufacturing Co., Ltd., i>,000-gal. pump for cleaning the boilers
at Globe Lane Works, £73 10s.

FORTHCOMINQ EVENTS.

Junior Institution of Engineers.— Friday, December 8th. At 8 p.m. Pape^
on " Paraffin and the Internal-Combustion Motor," by Mr. S. C. Sanders.

Saturday, December 9th. At 2.30 p.m. Visit of inspection of the
mechanical plant for lighting, ventilating, cooking, and heating services at
the Holbom Restaurant, Kingsway, W.C.

Monday, December 11th. .\t 8 p.m. At the Institution of Electrical
Engineers, Victoria Embankment, W.C. Presidential address, " Industrial
Engineering : Pi-esent Position and Post-War Outlook," by Mr. F. W.
Lanchester.

Chief TecbDical Assistants' Association —Saturday, December 9th. At
3p.m. -\t the Tavistock Hotel, Covent Garden. Discussion on " Coal and
.\sh-Handling Plant."

Society of Engineers.— Monday, December 11th. At 3 p.m. At Burlington
House, Piccadilly. Papers on " The Sources of the Minerals required by
the Iron and Steel Industries of the U.K.," by Prof. W. G. Feamsides';
"The Mineral Resources of the British Empire as regards the Production
of Non-ferrous Industrial Metals," by Prof. C. Gilbert Cullis.

Boyal Society of Arts.— Monday, December 11th.' At o p.m. .\t John Street,
Adelphi. Howard Lecture, "Coal and its Economic Utilisation," by
Prof. J. S. S. Brame.

Wednesday, December 13th. At 1.30 p.m. At John Street, Adelphi.
Paper on " The Development of Imperial Resources," by Mr. H. Wilson Fox,

Association of Supe)rvising Electricians. -Tuesday, December 12th. At
7.1op.m. At St. Bride'.-i lustitnte. Bride Lane, E.C. Paper on "Electric
Meters," by Mr. J. Reunie.

Liverpool Engineering Society.- Wednesday, December isth. At the
Royal Institution. Col.juitt Street. Paper on " Works Costing Systems,"
by Mr. H. Shephard.

Association of Engineers-in-Charge -Wednesday, December ISth. At
8 p.m. .\t St. Bnde'^ In'titm. , Bride Lane, E.C. Paper on "Solid
Fuels," by Mr. S. G. Martltw .

Institution of Electrical Engineers.— Thursday, December 14th. At 8 p.m.
At \ictoria Embankment. Paper on "Colonial Telegraphs and Tele-
phones," by Mr. R. W. Wcightman.

(Western Local Section).— Monday, December 11th. At 5 p.m. At
the South Wales Institute of Engineers, Park Place, Cardiff. Kelvin
Lecture. ■■ Some Aspects of Lord Kelvin's Life and Work," by Dr. Russell.

(Manchester Local SecUon).— Tuesday, December 12th. \t 7.30 p m
At the Engineers' Club. Illustrated lecture. "Some Aspects of Industrial
Research, w!th special reference to A.merican Research Activities, " by

(Scottish Local Section).— Tuesdav, December 12ih. At 7.30 p m.
At 207, Bath Street, Glasgow. Paper on "The Parallel Operation of

Electrical PoVer Stations," bv Mr. J. S. Peck.

Institution of Mechanical Englneers.—Frlday, December ISth. At 6 p.m.
.\t the Institution uf Civil Engineers, Great Cleorge Street, Westminster,
S.W. Pap.r 1^11 " \ .Ttiable-siH-ed Gears for Motor Road Vehicles," bv

Mr. R. K. riiillips.

Illnminating Engineering Society.— Friday, December l.'ith. At S p.m. At
l)i.' l;..v.il S.iciety of Alts, John Street, Adelphi, W.C. "Suggestions
i.-^;ir,iin.: War Economies in Lighting," by Mr. L.Gasler.

Association of Mining Electrical Engineers (West ol Scotland

Branch'.-Saturday, December 16th. At 4.30 p.m. .\t the Boyal Technical
College, Glasgow. Social evening.

NOTES.

The Motor-Ship " Glenamoy." — Tliis ship, rei ently com-

pletod by Alessrs. Harland A: Wolff, is equipped with two six-
cylinder Burmoistor i: Wain Diesel engines, giving a total of ;-(.()(10
H.P. ; a large electrical plant is provided, all the auxiliaries being
electrically operated, and including 19 eUctrical winches of 7 or
1 tons capacity, electric steering gear and electric cooking.

United Kingdom Manufacturers Represented in U.S.A.

— H.M. Consul-General in New York (Mr. ('. (live Bayley) retiuests
United Kingdom manufacturers who have branches, agents or other
representatives in the United States to forward to him the addresses
of such representatives, as these will be of great assistance to liiin
in dealing with the frequent inquiries he receives from .A^mericiiii
merchants. — Board of Trade Journal.

Essay Competition. — The Dorset Field Club is ottciiiiL'
the "Cecil" 3Ie'lul ,incl prize of £10, to be awarde<l next May. for
the best paper on "The More Recent Applications of Electricity in
the Present War : Especially in the Treatment of Diseases and
Wounds Arising Therefrom.'' An announcement appears in our
advertisement pages to-day.

The " Dacia " Torpedoed. — A Press dispatch from

Lisbon states that the British ship Daciu has been torpedoed and
sunk. Her tonn.tge was 1.473 net and l,8.5(i gross. She wa.s built
in 1868. anil was owned by the India-Ruhber. Gutta-Percha and
Telegraph Works Co.. Ltd. Germiin submarines have raided
Funchal, Madeira, their bombardment being specially directeil
against the English submarine cable station.

Central Station Men and Military Service. — At a

meeting of the Heston and Isleworth U.D.(!'.. on Tuesday evening.
Mr. Palmer said that one of the local Tribunals had publicly
attacked the Council's electricity department for refusing tu
release some of its men of military age and fitness. The Elec-
tricity Committee had tried hard to get men to replace them,
without success, at which he did not wonder, seeing how valuable
the services of electricians were just now.

Mr. Bonnett said they had 13 men tit for the Array, and the
Council ought to release them. The engineer got them badged.
but he did not know that the Council had ever sanctioned such a
proceeding. The Council was being attacked on all sitles for
keeping its employes from doing their iluty to the country, and it
was nothing but a scandal.

Mr. Heath said that he was astounded to hear there were so
many men still retained, for he had always been fighting to get
them into the Army. The engineer had never received sanction to
keep the men out of the Army. They were all married, and their
ages were from 25 to 39, and it was quite possible ti5 substitute
them by women. They knew that women were attending to
switchboards and doing lots of duties that men used to do. He
would move that the names of the men he sent to the Ministry of
Munitions and the military representative, who would soon see
which of the men could be retained.

Lieut. Chapman pointetl out that meter reading and .switchboard
work could be done by women. .4s the street lamps were out.
there was no need for a public lighting attendant.

Mr. Jleyers, chairman of the Committee, assured the Council that
the engineer had done all in his power to find substitutes for the
men. They were willing to go, but there must be others to take
their places. The Council could not get the roadmen or scavengers
to do their work, which was technical, and required a great deal
of knowledge. The engineer had to keep the works going to meet
contracts an(J supply the public demands ; but if the Council would
exonerate him from blame, he would dislodge the men the very
nest day. The engines were running day and night, and the meii
worked in three shifts of four each, and though members had
boasted they could save four of these men, never a one of them hail
shown how it could be done. They must have technical men to
send out at any moment to see to faults or to attend to sudden
calls, and in a district where there w.is much work depending on
both the day and night load, the staff must be kept up.

The discussion then drojiped.

The Local Government Board has forwardeil to municipalities
throughout the country a memorandum prepared by the Home'
Office and Board of Trade dealing with the substitution of women
for men in municipal services, particularly in elertricity under-
takings.

It is stated that at the request of the military authonlitr the
Ministry of Munitions has re'sne'wed the certificates held in con-
nection with war-service badges by employtjs at the Bath Electric
Light Wo'rks. and aS a result has disb'adg'ed three men

Vol. -!>. No. 2,.i37. pkckmber 8, i!.i6.] THE ELECTEICAL BEVIEW.

633

American Capital in Norway. — American capital is tm-

]ilo.yed in building' a factory for the production of calcium carbide
;it Saude in the district of St^vancjer, where there are falls .suitable
for the generation of large amounts of electrical power. Other
electrochemical products are to be turnetl out by this factory, for
shipment to New York and sale in the American market. I<"ir.<t ."hip-
ments should be ready early in IWIS. as the contract calls for the
finishing' of the plant by January 1st of that year. The ne'w com-
pany is regristered in Canada, and is called the Electric Furnace
Products Co.. Ltd. Edg-ar F. Price, an officer of the Union 'Carbide
I 'o.. of Xe'tt' York, is president of the organisation. The powerfor the
tactory is to be supplied by the Saude Falls Co.. a Norwegian cor-
|)oration financed by Nom-egian capital. A lease of 40 to 50 years
for the use of the power has been taken from this corporation by
the Canadian Co.. and the Norwegian corporation already has more
than 2.?il men at work. There are three sources for tlif power now_
to be used, each of which will come from a 1.000-ft. head. In all
they will generate a total of 40.i;)IjO h.p. Later the tail water will
In- carried in a tunnel nearly .5 miles through the mountains to a
place where it will fall into the salt water of the fjord. This will
generate another lU.OOO or 4.5,000 H.P. Although this end of the
t jord is about 70 miles from the sea. the water is so deep that
large ocean steamers can come direct to the company's docks and
take (he goods for shipment to the United States. The Saude
plant will he one of the largest in Norway. — Elprtrical World.

Vehicle Charging in Sydney, N.S.W.— The number of

electric vehicles in Australia at the present time is not very large,
but continual jirogress is being made. In Sydney a garage has been
established by the City Council at Palmer Street, and the charging
station (our view of which is reproduced from the ConimoniL-ealtlt
Engineer) is the first of its kind in Australia. The plant consists
iif two motor-generator sets together with a charging switchboard.
Included in the vehicles that are regularly chai'ged and maintained
_.-it the station are two .5-ton, two 2-ton, two :io-cwt.. two 1.5-cwt.

VtHILXK BaI rEKV-CHAKl.;lNi.i ST,\TIU^■ ol IHK SYDNEY COUKCIL, N.S.W

i>iie 1-ton, one lO-cnt., and ten electric broughams; a number of
"thers are also on order. The brougham and runabout are stated to
til be popular in Sydney; and an exceedingly light runabout has
'ncently been introduced — the Milburn light vehicle, which has
t lavelled a distance of 70 miles on one charge. The City Council's
L'harging station possesses all the necessary facilities for^the care
and maintenance of electric vehicles.

Carbon Electrodes in Germany. — One of the results of

\yar conditions in Ciermany has been the standardisation of carbons
for electric furnaces. According to the new rules, round carbons
for steel furnaces are to be made in sizes varying in thickness from
Illii mm. upwards, by steps of 2.") mm., to 25ti mm. diameter
and by steps of 50 mm. for larger sizes, the tolerance varying from
3 mm. to I) mm., according to size. For rectangular electrodes
used with other kinds of furnaces the standard size has been fixed
at 500 mm. square. The standard length may ultimately be raised to
2'4 m., but for the time being is fixed at 2 m. All lengths,
however, may be varied in multiples of 20 mm., and the tolerance
is to be 20 mm. A table has been published giving the standard
dimensions to be adopted for upper holders with cylindrical
threads screwed into the carbons. — Inm and Coal Trades Heriew.

Hydro-Electric Works in France.— During the past

20 years many efforts have l)een made in the French Chamber of
Deputies -with the object of seciu-ing the passage of a Legislative
measure which would ensure the methodical utilisation of the
hydraulic forces of the coimtry in connection with the production
of electricity. All these schemes, however, have failed to mature,
chiefly in consequence of the difficulty of finding a just interpre-
tation of the right of granting concessions by the State. When
• he question concerned waterways under the control of the Govern-
ment no disagreement arose, but •K-hen the interests of private
owners were affected the harmony euddfenly disappear<Jd. The war.

however, has demonstrated the necessity for utilising to a much
greater extent the extensive water powers with which the country
has been richly endowed by nature. Just as the French cannot
possess too many guns and too much ammunition for the successful
prosecution of the war, so can they not have too many water
powers in use for the production of electrical energy, because the
country is poor in coal resources as compared with its industrial
progress. Prior to the war France was compelled to import
20,000,000 tons of coal and coke per annum, and when peace is
restored, and even if the German coal basin of the Saar, with its
annual output of 15,000,000 tons of coal should be annexed, it is
considered that the industrial expansion would still render it
essential for the French to obtain from 10,000,000 tons to 15,000,000
tons of coal per year from abroad, unless the existing water powers
are drawn upon in a considerably greater measure than is the case
at present.

According to a report prepared a few years ago by M. Pinot,
general secretary of the Comity des Forces Hydro- Electriques, the
water powers capable of being utilised in France represent
5,S50,000 H.P. This power compares with 7,500,000 h.p. in the
case of Norway, 6,750,000 H.P. in Sweden, 6,460,000 h.p. in Austria-
Hungary, 5,500,000 H.P. in Italy. 1,500.000 H.P. each in Spain and
Switzerland, 1,425,000 H.P. in Germany, and about 1,000,000 H.P.
in England. Yet, with such considerable resources at disposal, it
was shown by M. Ader that only 111 per cent, had been brought
Into useful service by 1911. Since that time good progress has
been made, particularly during the course of the present war, and
further works are still being carried out. It is estimated that a
total of £60,(100,000 has been invested in hydro-electric works
throughout the country. Nevertheless, it is believed that falls
representing a further 1.500,000 H.P. could be profitably used, and
that the State should intervene and render assistance in the develop-
ment of the resources.

A Bill has now been introduced in the French Chamber by foiir
private members, with the object of attempting to reach a solution
of the problem. The Bill proposes a form
of nationalisation of electrical energy in the
sense that the right of granting concessions
should be vested in the State. The under-
takings are classified as works of 500 KW,
which do not sell energy, and works' of '
from 500 KW. to 10,000 KW. The former
would be subject to State sanction, and
■ powers in regard to waterways not owned
by the .State would be granted for a period
of 50 .years, and be capable of extension for
a similar term. In the case of large 'works
the concessions would only be given to
limited companies after inquiry by the
Minister of Public Works, in conjunction
with the Ministries of Agriculture' and
Home Affairs, and provision is made
whereby concessionaires would be able to
overcome ohstacles improperly placed in the
way of their undertaking, . It is suggested
that the State should participate in the
profits realised by the first-mentioned class
of works without intervening in the manage-
ment; whilst two representatives of the
State would be appointed to the adminis-
trative council of the large works. The
Bill further exempts existing works, having
no title previous to the edict of .1566, f J om
the proposed law for a period of 75 years,
and until then no extensions would be
possible without authority or submission to
the law. The owners ot those works pos-
sessing the title in question would not be liable to the law unless
their undertakings were redeemed by the State : but they would
have to pay a tax in order to establish equilibrium with the other
works. Excepting the latter class, all the works would revert to
the State on the expiration of the concessions, which could be ex-
propriated by the State after the ordinary period of 30 years. It
is finally suggested that a Government Committee for hydraulic
powers should be created, and formed of officials for one-half of
the members, and of representatives of the electrical manufactur-
ing, electrochemical and electrometallurgical industries, and of
agriculture for the other half, to work in conjunction with the
Ministry for Public Works.

Leeds Engineers' Wages. — An awanl made by the Com-
mittee on Production in connection with an application for an
advance of wages made by the Leeds and District Engineering and
Allied Trades Joint Committee to the Leeds and District Employers"
Association, provides for the time rates of the men concerned, other
than the ironfounders, being advanced 3s. a week. The advances
are to be regarded as war wages, and recognised as due to and
dependent on the existence of the abnormal conditions now pre-
vailing in consequence of the war. — Leeds Mereiirij.

Aluminium as War Material. — The Ministry of j\liini-

tions has issued an Order including various classes of ahiminium
and alloys of aluminium a« war material, and cancelling the pre-
vious Order dated July 21st last. The classes and descriptions are
as follows : — Aluminium and alloys of aluminium, unwrought and
partly wrought, including ingots, notched bars, slabs, billets, bars,
rods, tubes, wire, strand, cable, plates, sheets, circles, strip ; alu-
minium scrap and swarf, aluminium alloy scrap and swarf,
remelted aluminium scrap and remelted aluminium alloy scrap and
swarf ; granulated aluminium, aluminium powder, " bronze,"
" tlake.'' and " flitter." — Aforn-inr/ Pitst.

(VM

THE ELECTRICAL EEVIEAV. |v,

No. :.'.ii:i7, Dkckmiikh

A Birmingham tngineering Federation.— A tWciaiiou

has l)wn formotl in Hirniinvrham of all the craft Unions enjraKeil in
the on-rinoerinf: industrv in the loial area. The federation repre-
sent* over oO.iiiMi .skilled workmen.— /'iii/i/ Tili'ijiapli.

Institution and Lecture Notes.— University College,

London. In the last of his course of lectures on "Lonjr-Di.stance
Teleplionv," Prof. Flemintr discussed the subject of radio-telephony.
After hrietly explaiuinpr the main principles of wireless teletrraphy,
he explained the necessity for usintr a system of continuous
undamped waves for telephony, and described various methods of
obtaining such waves. The first of these was the hiK-h-frequeucy
inductor alternator of Alexanderson. which, by means of hi;;h
6|ieed of revolutiou and a larjje numlxT of J)o1ps, producetl alter-
n.atinK' currents of the necessary frequency up to lno.Oiio oycles
per second ; this maohine was made to trenerate .50 or lilO KW.. but
was very costly. In the Goldschmidt freciuency-raisinji machine
high-frequency-oscillations were produced by internal electro-
majrnetic reactions, the unwanted frequencies beiu'r filtered out
with resonant circuits, and the antenna beinjr tuned to accord with
the highest frequency attained. Machines such as these were
unsuitable for use on iKiard ship, owing to gyrostatic action and to
the excessive wave-length. The Poulsen arc high-frequency
generator, with copper-carbon electrodes in a non-oxidising atmos-
phere, and a simpler arc generator devised by the lecturer, using
copper-carbon electrodes in chambers sealed with oil, the vapour of
which takes the jilace of hydrogen, were described, and an interest-
ing exiieriment with a long helix, showing the production of
stationary waves, and proving that the discharges were inter-
mittent, was performetl. In Dr. Flemings opinion, however,
although the arc generator is generally used by experimenters, it
is not sufficiently developed for practical use ; the more he worked
with it the less he liked it.

The problem of impressing the voice waves on the antenna
current was next discussed, the chief difficulty being shown to
reside in the limitations of the carbon microphone transmitter,
which can carry only a small current. With a liquid microphone
Prof. Vanni had succeeded in telephoning a distance of liOO miles.
The Alexanderson magnetic amplifier, in which the saturation of
iron was utilised to magnify the microphone effect, was described,
and. in Dr. Fleming's opinion, showed much promise. The instru-
ment used in most of the successful experiments, however, was a
modification of his own oscillation valve, which he first studied
in ls8it, and which, he observed in li)li4. could be used as a
rectifier of alternating currents. By a recent legal decision in
the United States this device had been held to contain the essential
features of later oscillation valves, and it could be used not only
as a receiving valve, but also as a generator of coniinuous
luidampad oscillations on either a small or a large scale. Finally,
the-jirinciple of the Brown telephone relays was explained, with
illustrations.

Institution of Mechanical Engineers.— The report of a Com-
mittee appointed in UIH on hardness tests for hardened journals
and pins has just been issued ; it deals mainly with a series of
experiments made at the National Physical Laboratory by Dr. T. E.
Stanton and Mr. R. G. Batson with machines arranged to produce
wear of the surface under rolling and sliding abrasion. The tests
showed that for a given material the resistance to rolling abrasion
was roughly proportional to the Brinell ball hardness number.
With sliding abrasion, however, it was found that the Brinell
hardness numbers of a miscellaneous selection of steels were not a
safe guide in predicting their relative resistances to wear.

Diesel Engine Users' Association.— At the Kovember meeting
of the Association several new members were elected, and a long
list of consulting engineers, manufacturing firms, and others inte-
rested in Diesel-engine work, but not qualified for full member-
ship, were accepted as "Subscribers" to the Association. The
new class of " Subscribers " are entitled to receive copies of the
reports of Prorpeilings and other information and particulars circu-
lated by the Association.

The president (Mr. Geoffrey Porter) announced that the Com-
mittee's report on " Air Compressor Explosions and Troubles."
with recommendations on the subject, had been finally revised,
and that it would be printed and circulated to the members and
subscribers.

The hon. secretary gave particulars concerning several types of
distance thermometers for use on air compressors, which he had
collected from instrument makers, with information concerning
cost of installation, \-c.

Jlr. George B. Vickers read a paper on '^ Piston and Small-End
Lubrication in Diesel Engines," of which an abstract appears else-
where in this issue.

Royal Society of Arts.— The Juvenile Lectures will be delivered
by Mr. A. A. Campbell Swinton, F.R.S., on " Electricity and Its
Applications. " The lectures, which will be fully illustrated with
experiments, will be given on Wednesdays, January 3rd and 10th,
at H p.m.

Bradford Engineering Society At a meeting of the Society

last week, Mr, W, Howard Brown lectured on " The Principles of
Continuous-Current Jlotor Starters."

Royal Institution. — The illustrated Christmas course of
Juvenile Lectures will be delivered this year by Prof. Arthur
Keith. M.D., F.R.S,, his title being "The Human Machine
which All Must Work." The subjects are as follows : — " Living
Engines," December 28th; "Living Levers." December 30th;
"Living Pumps." January 2nd ; "Living Bellows," January 4th ;
'• Living Workshops." January 6th ; " Living Central Exchanges
and Wires." January 9th, The lecture hour is 3 o'clock. The
following are among the lecture arrangements before Easter : —
Prpf , C, S, Sherrington, six lectures on " The Old Rrfiin " ; Prof,

W. K. Dalby, two lectuRS ou "The .Slructure of -Metals " ; Prof,
F. (i, Donuan, three lectures on " The Mechanism of Chemical
Change " ; Prof. J. A. Fleming, two lectures ou " Modern Improve-
ments in Telegraphy and Telephony: (I) Telegraphy ; C2) Tele-
phou.v, " The Friday evening meetings will commence i>n
.Tanuary llHh, when Prof. Sir Jame« Dowar will deliver a dis-
course on " Soap Bubbles of Long Duration. "

Educational. — A Committw lia.s hecn apiMiiiUcil hy ilu,'

Treasury to report upon the system of examin.ation for (lass 1 of
the Home Civil Service, and to submit a revised scheme to suit thi^
recmirements of the India, Foreign, imd Colonial Offices, as well as
the Home Service. Sir Alfred Ewing and Sir H. A. Miers, both
scientific men of the highest eminence, are memlx'rs of the Com-
mittee, their colleagues being Mr, H, A, L. Fisher and Prof. W. (i.
-Adams, representing classical studies, and Mr. Stanley Leathes,
First Civil Service Commissioner, lus chairman,

SwANSK.\ CoLi.Eoi;. — At a meeting held to promote the claims of
Swansea Technical t'oUege to be raised to University status (which
aiiplication is being consi<lered by the Royal Commission on Welsh
T'niversity Eilucation), subscriptions to the endowment fund were
announced amounting to C 7 1,00(1.

CiTV AMI GriLDS OF LuXDON INSTITUTE. — The report of the
Department of Technologj' for the session 1915-16 shows that the
number of students in attendance was 3,'),203, compared with
5.5,996 in lii'13-1-1, .and the number of candidates for examination
was 8,508, compared with 23,119, the number of passes being 5,239,
compared with 1-1,570. Many students after commencing work
were unable to complete their course and come up for examina-
tion, and many registered cla-sses had to be discontinued owing tn
the falling-off in the number of students in attendance. At centres
in one district an air raid, on May 2nd, necessitated the suspension of
the examinations, and the rising in Ireland hindered the holding
of the examinations <at the regular dates. For the first time on
record the examinations were held on foreign soil, 12 candidates
being examined in Telegraphy and three in Telephony at Havre.
A candidate in Telegraphy was examinedon board H.M.S, Quevn Muni.
For the special examination in Magnetism and Electricity which
the Institute holds by arrangement with the Postmaster-Genei-al.
only 385 candidates presented themselves, as against 664 last.yeai'.
Some suggestions and criticisms having been made in regard to tlir
syllabus in Electric Wiremen's Work, a conference was arranged
between Mr. W. R. Rawlings and Mr. W. Ellerd Styles, representing
the Electrical Contractors' Association, and Prof. T. Mather, F.R.S.,
and Mr. Hawkins, representing the Institute, as the outcome of
which a re'vised syllabus, under the modified title of " Electrien 1
Installation Work," has been .adopted, .and now appears in the
programme for the next session. Emphasising the imjx)rtanci'
which technical instruction of artisans will have in the near future,
the report says ; —

"A vague opinion that .all is not well with the technical training
of our working population is, no doubt, widely held, but much
more is necessary, and the time for mere discussion of the problem
is piist. Speaking generally, employers must change their atti-
tude towards technical training, so that those who foster the edueu-
tion of their younger employes should become the great majority
instead of the minority, and so that attendance at continuation
• schools and day schools, or if this be too much to expect, at least
at evening technical classes, should become the rule. Nothing
short of a strong national movement in this direction can prove
adequate to meet the requirements of the case. What has been
said above is sufficient to show that there is need for reform in the
primary school, in the secondary school, in the technical school,
and in the University, not with a view to turning men into
machines, but to provide them with the raw material of knowledge,
which they need for intellectual development."

Fatalities. — Coroner H. Rutherford held an inquiry at
Coxlodge, Northumberland, on the 5th inst., into the circumstances
attending the death of George Soulsby, aged 20, a fitter's appren-
tice, who was employed by the Burradon and Coxlodge Coal Ccp.,
at Hazel,rigg Colliery. The evidence of M. Dickinson, the engine
man, was to the effect that on Sunday morning, the 3rd inst.,
Soulsby went into the engine house, and witness imagined that he
was looking round to see that all was right. Witness went out
for a couple of minutes, and on his return found Soulsby lying on
the floor on his back. The use of artificial respiration was unavail-
ing. On examining the place witness found that Soulsby had been
interfering with the electric controller. He had opened the box
and come into contact with the current. M. Richardson, the
enginewright, stated that he instructed Soulsby to " blow out " the
motor, but he did not intend that the youth should have cleaned
the contacts, because he knew Soulsby would not have time,
although he was quite capable of doing it. A verdict was returned
that Soulsby had been accidentally killed while attempting to
open the electric controller before cutting off the main switch.

Appointment Vacant.— Tramway tratiic .superintendent '

for the Pontypridd U.D.C. (.€150). See our advertisement pages
to-day.

Trade with Italy. — The representative of a firm in

Rome is at present in London with a view to getting into touolt
with United Kingdom manufacturers of the undermentioned goods, '
and arranging to represent them on the Italian market : — Elec-
trical fittings, hardware and tools, kc. Particulars from the
Secretary, Statistical and Information Department, LondoA:/
Chamber of Commerce, 9", Cantion Street, %C,--J[ioiir(1 i\f '()'a<li,A

xu.L'.M.:. i.K,KMK,:.<s. i.ir.j THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

«;35

A New Triangulation Signal Lamp. — Though the general

principle employed in freoik-tic surveys is the same as in the survey of
a railroad, a farm, A;c.. the trreat distance between the points, varyinjf
between lU and luu miles, or over, requires not only the use of
specially larye and refined instruments, but also a special means of
making' the point visible to the observer. This is now done in day
time by retlectingr sunlight to the observer from a mirror plaeed
accurately over the point, and at night by means of a specially
constructed acetylene lam|). Distances of the mag'nitude mentioned
can l)e penetrated by either means only under favourable weather
conditions, and many days during a season are lost even when the
atmosphere is only slightly clouded by smoke, fog. *;c.

The storage cell was studied by the United States Coast and
Geotletic Sun'ey with the view of using electricity as a source of
light. Its cost and weight, and the difficulties connected with its
maintenance, were found to be too great. Electric generators, with
the necessary prime motor, were found to be too heavy for
transporting to difficult stations.

The result of a series of tests of dry cells, which are readily
divisible into loads suitable for climbing different ascents, however,
warranted the design and construction of a new type of lamp, the
use of which will increase the number of ob.serving nights jier
month by at least 2.5 percent.

The main pavt. an ordinary automobile head light, is suitably
mounted for directing in horizontal and vertical planes : the lamp is
provided with an ammeter, a small rheostat, and a switch. The
whole, packed in a strong case, weighs L'3J lb.

In order to obtain most nearly the maximum intensity of the
liglit, it was necessary that the lamp should be provided with a
filament concentrated to a degree not found in those on the market,
A lamp manufacturer was induced to make the necessary designs
artd experimental tests, and submitted a number for trial.

The use of the dry cell was found practicable, and not too costly,
on the assumption that the proposed lamp was to be kept burning
throughout* the night. The trial of the newly-designed lamp, by
comparison with the present acetylene lamp, however, proved the
former so much superior, that it was decided to have the lights
shown only on signal, flashed with one of the new lamps by the_
observer, for the few minutes each time it is observed upon. This
reduces very materially the consumption of current and battery
cost. The lamp, after being provided with two additional bulbs, one
for medium and one for short distances, was tested by the Bureau
of Standaids, with the following results : —

Apparent candle-power, at a distance of H)i> ft.
Lamp with specially concentrated filament, gas

filled, I'l volts, 2'5 amperes 2.'i0,000

Automobile lamp, () volts, rs amperes ,,. ,,. ,")0.o(io
Flash-light lamp, 2'7 volts. "M ampere ... ... (i.ouo

The candle-power of the acetylene lamp now used in the
triangulation carried on by the Survey, measured under the same
conditions, is l.."i(iO. — E. G. Fischer, in iSrieiur.

Glass Manufacture. — A department of glass technology

at the University of Sheffield has been organised with the financial
support of the Advisory Committee of the Privy Council for
Industrial Research, of the Ministry of Munitions, and of the glass
manufacturers of South Yorkshire, An actual .glass factory will
be established, in which operations will be done on a large, semi-
commercial scale. The model factory will be equipped with pot
furnaces and a small tank furnace and a series of experimental
furnaces, including a number of electrically-heated ones and some
heated by gas, — T/ie 7Vmfx,

The Coal Trouble in Australia. — A Renter dispatch from

Melbourne, dated Deceudicr 2nd, stated that manufacturers
throughout .\ustralia were to be supplied with motive power, as
from Monday last, thus enabling- the factories to re-open, condi-
tionally on their closing down for 10 days for the Christmas and
Xew Year holidays. The full train and tramcar services were being
restored.

Electrical Trades Union. — The address of the secretary

of the Luiidon Station Engineers' branch is 7, Levendale Road,
Forest Hill. S.E.

Volunteer Notes. — First London Enginker Volun-
teers,— Headquarters, Chester House. Eccleston Place, — Orders
for the week by Lieut, -Col. C, B. Clay, V.D,. Commanding.

Alimduy. December Wtk. — Technical for Platoon No. 0, at
Regency Street. Squad and Platoon Drill, Platoon No. 10. Sig-
nalling Class. Reci"uits' Drill, (i.25 — 8. Lecture. '' On Tele-
phones," 7, SO, ,

Tiiesdnij. Decemher V2tli. — School of Arras, 6 — 7, Lecture,
7,1 j, "The Service of Protection," Company Commander Hynam!

Weihiesihiy. Dei-cmher I'it/i. — Instructional Class, 6,15. Platoon
Drill, Platoon No. 1,

Tliitrsduy. Decemher Mfh. — Platoon Drill, Platoon Nos, u and (1.
Ambulance Class by M.O.. ij o'clock.

Friday. December \ot/i. — Technical for Platoon No. 10, Regency
Street. Squad and Platoon Drill, No. 9. Signalling Class.
Recruits' Drill, G.25— 8.25. Lecture. " On Telephones." 7.30,

Saturday, December lil^A.-N.C.O.'s Class, 2„'*ii. Company Com-
mander Hynam.

Sunday. December \~,lh. — Entrenching- at Otford, Parade at
Victoria (S.E. & C. Railway Booking-office), 8.45 a.m.

(By order) Macleod Yearslky, Ad'uitaid.

New Finnish Hydro-Electric Company. — Apiilicaticui has

been made to the Jlinistry of Trade and Industry for the approval
of the statutes of a new company formed in order to construct and
exploit electrotechnical works at Imatra-Volchoff under the name
of " Vodopad." The founders are two share companies : the Petro-
grad Electricity Transmission Co. and the F'inland Power Co. The
object of the new company is to exploit the Imatra and Volehoff
waterfalls, and to transmit the power g'enerated to Petrograd, to be
distributed to local factories and for illuminating the capital.
The founders are asking power to expropriate land, and permission,
with an original capital' of 8.000.000 roubles, to issue Government-
guaranteed bonds to tlie extent of nine times the capital named —
that is, 72,000,000 roubles — to bearer. The project has been care-
fully examined by a special Couference. and has now been sent to
the Finland Senate for a decision.

British-made Tungsten. — The shortaire of tungsten

following the outbreak of war owing to our former dependence
on Germany for supplies— rendered it essential to produce the
metal in this country, for use in tlie manufacture of high-speed
steel, and a Committee of steel manufacturers representing some
30 firms erected a factory in Lancashire for the purpose early in
1915. Since July last year the work has been carried on con-
tinuously day and night, and an average output of 3 tons a day has
been obtained. The tungsten powder has averaged 98i per cent,
pure, and much of it over 99 per cent., compared with about
97 i per cent, for the German product. The comp.any, which is'
known as High-Speed Steel Alloys. Ltd.. has purchased a wolfram
mine in Burma, and is improving its plant to deal with all kinds of
low-grade ores. So there is no fear of a shortage of metal
filaments .'

OUR PERSONAL COLUMN.

The Editor.'^ invite electrical eniiliieers, ichether connected with the
technical or the commercial xide of the profes.tion and industri/,
also electric tramway and railway offlcia Is, to keep reader.i of the
Electrical Re^'IEW posted as to their mueewents.

Central Station Officials.— Mr. L. A. Th.un, charge engi-
neer at the Bridlington CoriKiration electricity works, has
resigned, having secured an appointment at Swansea.

.\ proposal by the Barro-n' Corporation Electricity Commit-
tee that the salai'v of Mr. H. R. Burnett, borough electrical
engineer, be increased from £550 to _f6(l(l per annum a.s from
January 1st last, lia.s been referred to the General Purposes
Committee of the Town Council for consideration.

The Aberdeen Electricity Committee has agreed to an ad-
vance of £ih in the .salary of the chief clerk at the electricity
works. The wages of many employes at the woi'ks are to be
advanced as from the date of their applications in October.

The Erith TT.D.C. has advanced the salary of Mr. J. C.
Williams, the engineer and manager, by £.50 per annum ;
that of Mr. \,. H. S.\ynor, departmental electrical engineer,
by £25; that of the chief clerk (Mr. H. A. Mundav), by £16;
and other officials by £1(1 and under.

General.— Mr. Wm. 'Stapleton, as.si.stant electrician at the
power house, Clonmel Asylum, has been appointed to the
charge of the Fethard (Co, Tipperary) electric lighting plant.

The Manchester Daihi Disjmicli states that Mr, F, A, Car-
MICHAEL has lieen appointed Chief Superintendent of Tele-
giaphs in Manchester, and Mr. J,'~ Wads worth superinten-
dent, Mr, C, BiDDOLPH has been promoted to the position
of A.ssistant Superintendent, Class I.

London C!u:icttr Notice. — Territorial Force : Royal Engi-
neers. Tyne Electrical Engineers. Staff-Sergeant G. T. B.
Sci'LLARD and Staft-Sergeaut F. Thompson to be Second-Lieu-
tenants (on probation).

Mr. Alan Williams^ M.T.E.E., has been apiJointed tem-
poi-ary Lieutenant, R.N.V.R., for special electrical engineer-
ing duties.

Coun. W. H. Dawson has been appointed Chairman of the
Woolwich B.C. Electricity Committee.

Mr. G. W. EVRE has been reappointed Chairman, and Mr.
A G. Cho\V[,e Vice-Chairman. of the Plymouth Corjioration
Electricity and Street Lighting Committee.

Coun. Dagnall has been elected Chairman, and Aid.
Walker Deputy-Chairman, of the Manchester Corporation
Electricity Committee; and Aid. Bowes Chairman, and Aid.
Chapman Deputy-Chairman, of the Tramways Committee.

Coun. Mavne has been re-elected Chairman of the Ne'U--
castle Corporation Tram'n'ays Committee, and Coun. A.
MuNRO Sutherland Vice-Chairman.

Mr. H. Sellers has been appointed Chairman of the Keigh
ley Electricity Committee, and Mr. J. Mullen Chairman of
the Tram'n'ays Committee.

Aid. J, P, Smith has been appointed Chairman and Col
Wadham Vice-Chairman of the Barro-n' Electricity Committee,

Roll of HonoiT. — Lance-Corporal Charles Ramsey, Royal
Engineers, who at tlte time of enlisting w'as an electrical,
engineer with the Palmer Iron and Steel Shiplniilding Co,,
Jarrow, has been awarded the Military Medal for bravery
on the field.

Private .John Nugent, E.M.L.I.. killed on active service,
was a fitter at the Britisli We.stinghou.se Works, Trafford
Park.

1586

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW, [voi. :o. No.2.o37.DECEMBF.n8, liur,.

Suh-Lieut.-nant E. A. Gordon Harvik, R.N.V.R., killoii
oil November loth, aped SO years, was, aceorilin;; to the
Timrit. eihuateil at Winclioster, ami trained as an electrieal
eilginit'i at lh<- ('<-iiti-al Teehnieal College, South Kt'nsiiiptoii.

Larjie numhers of eleetrieal men will desire to tender their
s.Nnipathy witli Mr. T. 1'. Wii.mshiikst, hcirongh eleetrieal
engineer at Derhy. on the death of his .seeond .son. Lieutenant
EnwtN Rov Wu.Msiicii.sT, Royal l<'nsilieis, wlio died of
wiiunds on Oeconiber I.st, ajred il. .Vecordin;; to the Tiiiirx,
he was one of thive brothers who enlisted when war broke
out. They were all wounded, and afterj>ards obtained coni-
iiiissions.

The Barrow electrical engineer. Mr. TI. R. Burnett, recently
iijiMitid the ileath in action of aTiotlier niendier of his
slalV. -Mr. 1,. MclvErHNlK. a .switchboaid attendant, and that
Mr. R. Wll.i.uMS, jointer in tlie mains department, had bei>n
awarileil the Militarj- C"ros.s.

Serjeant \V. .1. Bkn'NKTT, of the Royal Enpineers. wounded.
was before enlistment a wireless telegraph instiiiclnr in Liver

p.K)l.

Sapper \V. (1. ScuWKNS, R.R., who has been wounded for
the sj'cond time, is the eldest .son .of Mr. .]. R. Keowens. of
the Folkestone electricity .supi)lv works, lie was first on
the stair of the Electricity Supply Co. at llythe. and later
el.ctrical engineer at the Hotel Metropole, at Folkestone.

Brivato Lkwis Hkn'hv Hounk. who belongs to Exmouth,
and was an electrician in Canada, j.s reported mis.sing since
an engajjement on Si'ptendier J3th la.st.

Private B. Bowihtch. Hants Oycli.sts, attached to the
Dorset Regiment, who was with Messrs. Aish it Co.. elec-
tricians, Bournemouth, has fallen in action.

Rifleman H.MfRV .Archkr, Queen's Westmin,sters. who en-
listed from the staff of Mr. Morton Crouch, electrical engi-
neer. Brondey (Kent), has died from blood poi.soning follow-
ing wounds received in action.

Lance-Corpoi-al R. Croupe. r,o>al North Lancashire Regi-
ment, attached to the Manchester liegiment, reported wounded
and missing since July, was with Me.s.srs. Dick, Kerr & Co.,
1/td., of Preston

Lance-Corporal B. Mii.i.s, Lanca.shire Fusiliers, a.ssistant
electrician at the .\cme Spinning Mill, Pendlebury, has died
in France, aged 'H. of wounds received in action.

The Military Medal for braverv in action has been awarded
to Private A. Duaffin, R.A.M.CV, who enlisted whilst on the
Hull Corporation tramway staff.

Private F. \V. Peterson, Royal We.st Kent Regiment, who
has fallen in action, was a charge engineer at the L.C.C.
generating station at Forest Hill.

The following is a list of casualties, promotions, Ac. of the
staff of the County of 'Loudon Electric Supplv Co., Ltd.. with
the Forces : —

■Kli.LKO.— Riflcnwn .\. Deelh, 21sl Co. of London Rcgliri.iu. nulns .1.-0.1.1-
mcnl. " wnuntled .^^d missinfi."

I.nnct-Corpor.il A. Rose, 5th Roval 'Berkshi:
missing.

l.ancc-Corpor.-il C. Wilson. K.R.R.. m;

Private E. .Alexander, 3rd East Surr
killed in action.

Privat<? W. Amc). Middlesex Regim.'nl, killed in

.Second-Lieulen.-int D. A. I.ardner, 9lli Bcdtordshi
deoartment, killed in action.

T.ance-Corporal O. Tebby, Queen's Ro_v.ll West
wounds on the Somnie.

Rifleman A. B. Watkins, L.R.B., mains depart

The following have been wounded :—

I-ance-Corporal G. F. Ayling, o( the secretarial departine
prisoner of war in Germany.

Rifleman W. E. Dosselt. mains department, wounded.
Corporal \V. Goldsmith, mains depanment, gassed.
Private J. Limlficld. mains departmcni. wounded.
Sergeant H. Clarke, mains department, wounded.
I.ance-Corporai E. Goodv.^ar. mnin^* deparlment, sev.>i.-l\
Rifleman T. E. Maylam,' mains department, wf.un.l.d.
Rifleman S. l>.;rry, mains deoartmcnt. iv<,unded.
Private J. Pulliam. jun.. mains depaOnunl, woun.l.-.!

The following have receivetl commissions : —

H. F. Gill. s.-.retarial department, as S.con.l-I.ienlenanl, R.IC. (Wireless

N. A. Dunk, secretarial department, as Lieutenant, Roval Ordnance Corps
J. J. IJghlfool. secretarial deparlmenl. as .<;econd-l.irutennnl. R.K. fWiie-
less .Sectionl.

The Military Cross has been awarded to H. F. Cjll, li.F, .
of the secretarial department.

Obituary.— Mr. \V. A. Walton.— The death is reported, at
the age of !>1 years, of Mr. William A. Walton, electrical
enaineer to the Cloucester Railway Carriage A- Wagon Co.,
who had been with tli unpany for over 30 years.

Surrey RegvmenI, ilit
killed in ixcunn.

NEW COMPANIES REGISTERED.

Woods Gilbert (British) Kail tirindin); & .Millin}< Co.,

Ltd. (145.-H71.— Ihis company was registered on Noveml..r 39th, with a
capital of i'l(),tK¥l in £1 shares (.5,000 10 per rent. cum. pref.>, to lake i.v.r
the business and undertaking, and all or any »»( the assets. contraeU, an.l
lialiilities in (ir.-al Britain or elsewhere of llle Wixnis-Gillierl Rail Plaiur < n.,
Ltd. (incoipurali-d in Victoria, Australia), and lo carry on llie hnsin.ss ..(
contractor^, electrical and mechanical engint^^rs, patent. 'es, and m-.n.if.i.--
turers of rail grinding, milling, and planing mnchines, tool ntakers, f.niii.l.Ms,
&c The subscribers (with one share e.icli) lire: II. R. Ctillings, c •.. ll..-
("olonial Bank of Australasia, Ltd., 33, Bislmpsgate. IC.U., genll.in.in ; J'.
<';inieron, Colonial Mouse, Tooley Street, S.K., agent. Private rompanv. The
first directors (to number not less than three or mor.* than five) ar
Hon. Sir John Taverncr, K.C.M.G., J. Cameron, and H. M. Collins.
may hol.l office until 1919 unless prcvinuslv removid ih.refrom with th,
sent of the WiKHls-Gilbcrt Rail Planer Co..' I.til., of M.lli.mrne. Qu..lin,
1(10 preference shares. Remuneratio.i (excpt inanr.ging .lir.sior). two «.
each |i..| li,.:.,,l .n.sling all.n.l..!. S,.lilil„l^: Hlvlli, l)uH..n. IL.rd.v .K

The

IIJ

OFFICIAL RETURNS OF ELECTRICAL
COMPANIES.

Micanite & Insulators Co., Ltd. — Particulars of ,£2.5,000

debs., cr.al.d bv resolutions of March 18th, 1908, March 20th, 1912, ami
Ni>vemb.;r 2Uth. l'91(i, hied pursuant to Section 93 (3) of the Companies (C:on-
solidationl Act, 11108, the amount of the present issue being £10,000. Pro-
perty charged: The company's undertaking and property, present ;ind future,
Including uncalled cipital. No trustees.

Cutting Bros., Ltd. — Issue on November lOlh, 1916, of ,

il,.-,.-i0 .I.I.S., |.nic ol a scries of which particulars hare ahe:idy been filed. '

Wakelins, Ltd. — Memorandum of deposit dated Novem-
ber 17th. llllli. charged on moneys payable under certain contracts, to secure
all mone\ •- .jue, or lo become due. from the company to London ,& South-
western B.ink, Ltd.. 170, Fenchurch Street, , E.C.

Bankfoot Power Co., Ltd. — A memorandum of satisfac-
tion to the extent ol i.j.OOO on September 30lh, 19I(i, of debs, daleil M.iv
12th, 1911, securing f.TO.OOO, has been filed.

James Keith & Blackman Co., Ltd. — A memorandum of

satisfaction in (all on November 13lh, lOlfi, of charge d;ited August 19th,
1909, securing £2,1100 has been filed.

Liverpool Electric Cable Co., Ltd. (71,099).— Capital,

£20.000 in £1 shales. Return dated July 27th 1916. All sh.ares taken up;
£7.n:)3 pai.l; £12.107 considcr.-d as paid. ' Morlgag.^s ;iiul charges: Nil.

General Accessories Co., Ltd. (104,464).— Capital, .£;5,000

ill l.rm 0 per rent, pref., 920 .5 per c.:nl. ord., and .MO nrd. shares of £1
.i:.cli. Return il.il.d August 7lli. 191(i. All shares taken up; £1,580 pai.l;
ij,-l20 considei.-d as paid. Mortgages and chaig.:s: Nil.

Salford Electrical Instruments. Ltd. (112, .599). —Capital,

£20.000 In £1 shares (10,000 pref. and lO.Ouo ord.). R.lurn dated September
27th. 1916. All shares taken up. £10,000 paid on the pref.; f 10,000 con-
lered as paid on the ord. Mortgages and charges; Nil.

CITY NOTES.

Amai!on
Telegraph
Co., Ltd.

rious fallinfi

Woir Safety Lamp Co. (Wm. MauriceK Ltd. (14.5 428)

r: ■]'l»vi'"'°""i'"'-i "■"* "Wi^'er.-.l on Novemb.r .tfllh. will, ;, ,:,pil:,l of £6.000
n 2.000 pref. shares o £1 earl, :.n.l 80.000 ord shares of Is. each, to acquire
the business of the Wolf -Safely Lamp Co.. and to carrv on the business of
manufactur.rs ol .-,nd dealers in lamps ol all kinds, maniif.aclurers of, agents
lor, and deal.-rs in accumulators and other bases (or incandescent cl?ctric
lamps, electric lamp fittings, electrodes, batteries, dynamos, motors, trans-
mission systems and eleclrical plant &r. The subscribers (with one share
each) are : \V. Maurice, (ioldthoroe. Mushroom Lane. Sh.-ffield. mining engi-
neer; F. J. Conway. 21. Upper Albert Road. Meersbrook. Sheffield, mechanical
engineer. Private companv. The number of directors is not to be less than
three or more than five. W. Maurice is permanent governing and managing
director and chairman Qualifiction, £50 Registered office: Star Works.
Boston Strtet. Shiffiotd.

Mk. C. W. t'.\nisii presided at the meet-
ing, held on N.^vembei- '2.Stb. lie first
rcfeiTed to the "death of Mr. (i. Keith, the
chairman and managing director. For the
pas-t two years lie had had to refer to a
off in the Amazon rubber crop. In the past
t\'rlv.- yiHiiitlis there had been a slight improvement, the
iiiblH-r i,i.«lii. tiou being increased by 1,365 tons, and greater
lliutiiutioiis ill ihe price had tended to increa.se the company's
business. The ti:illH- i,-.,i|its increased by -63,749, due to an
improvement in im m. - ilmiug the last lialf of the financial
year anil to an iiu i.-;im' ..I 1(1 per cent, in lix^al rates which
aiit-oiiinfii-ally ciiuici into force on April 1st, 191fi, owing to
tlir fall in traffic during 1915. Expenses at stations decreased
by -t'1,'201, partly due to the lower rates of exchange, and
maintenance of cables decreased by .-61.929. The gross profit
\\;is £29,889. as again.st £22,994. Mr. Nosworthy, who had
been elected to fill the vacancy cau.scd by the death of Mr.
Keith, and had been appointed uianaging director and knew
everything Jibont the company's bu.siness and cables bv
rea.son of his control of the system on the .Amazon, seconded
lb.- adoption of the re])ort. In the course of his six-ech. aS
rroortetf in the ./■'i»((iic/n/ 'rimes, he recalletl that the firs
rable worked a vt^ry short time befi>re parts of it became^
interrupted; half its length had to be relaid about 18 months
;illcr\vaTds,- and the new cable also was .subject to rcpeat«l
ii.terruption. The Experience thus gained had enabled tht^m
to overcome many difficulties, and to-day a very good service
«as maintained. The .service wa.s much improved by the
duplication in 1900 of the uppermost .section, .some 76 miles
long, which was mo.st subject to interruption. Experience
showed that the only means of maintaining a satisfactory
.service was to have two cables the whole way between Para
and Manaos, and in 1907 he was instructed to make surveys
to find, if possible, a new route entirely apart from the main
river, or as nearly so as could be. Two years were spent on
the survev, and a suitable route was found. The new cable
had a length of 1,094 miles, of which only 146 miles were in
the main river, the remainder being in lakes and small rivers
where there was shallow- water, perfect bottom, and next to
no curreiit ; and some 28 miles of underground cable was laid,

Vol.79. Xo. 2.037. December 8. 1916.] THE ELECTRICAL RE\1EW,

637

mostly tbrough virgin forest, ilauy of the streams were
never used, except perhaps by canoes, and had become com-
pietcly blocked with floating i.slands, through which they had
to cut tlieir way. Since its completion this cable had been
interrupted 28 times. Of this total, five were due to damage
by natives and five occurred in tlie cable of the 19fl0 upper
stction duplication, part of which was incorporated in the
main duplication. Consequently in six years there had been
only 18 breaks in the 3910 duplication, which was an exceed-
ingly small average, so that the route selected might be con-
sidered successful. It was very rare for through communica-
tion to be interrupti?d. As to their pro.spects, he thought the
worst was pa«sed. The price of rubber, present and prospec-
tive, was remunerative. The States Governments were en-
couraging agriculture, and Brazil generally appeared to be
making some recovery from its financial crisis.

Electrical Securities Trust, Ltd. — The report for the year
to Xovember 14th states that the results for the period, after
charging all expenses and the interest due and accrued on
the debentures, amounting to ^'2,276, show a loss of ±'.564.
No credit has been taken in the accounts for interests, or
dividends which may have accrued and which have not been
paid within the period of the accoimts. The directors regi-et
that they have l)een unable to dispose of anj' of the invest-
ments held by the Trust during the past year, but out of
ca.sh in hand the trustees, on December 23rd, 1915, made a
further distribution of 5 i^er cent, on the debentures. — Finan-
cial Times.

Companies to be Struck Off The following companies

are to be struck off the Regist-er unless cause to the contrary
is shown within three months : —

Electric Stores, Ltd.

Hammersmith Welding, Engineenng & Eleclricil Co., Ltd.

New Electric Rifle & Target Co., Ltd.

Panama Electric Light. Power & Traction Co., Ltd.

Telephone Instalment System Co., Ltd.

United Wire Works. Ltd. — The report for the year to
September 30th states that, after providing for depreciation,
bad debts, and excess profits duty, the profit is £13,702.
Dividend, 7i per cent, on the ordinary shares, free of tax;
i;i,600 to general reserve fund, leaving £'3,302 to carry forward.

Callenders' Share & Investment Co., Ltd. — The accounts
for the year show, after providing for debenture stock interest,
itc, and including £3.010 brought forward, £11,292 avail-
able, as compared with £10,876. A further dividend of 21
per cent, is recommended, making 5 per cent, for the year,
transferring £.300 to reserve, and carrying forward £4,175.

Adelaide Electric Supply Co., Ltd. — Final dividend of 5
per cent., making 10 ]ier cent, for the year, together with a
bonus of 2 per cent., both free of income-tax, on the ordinary
shares for the year ended August 31st.

Dartmoor Electric Supply Co., Ltd. — Notice .ippcars in
the London Gazette of December 1st respecting the reduction
of capital of this company from £4,000_ to £2,000.

Brazilian Traction, Light & Power Co. — ^The directors
have declared a quarterly dividend of I5 per cent, on the
fully-paid cumulative preference shares.

United Electric Tramways of Monte Video, Ltd. —
Interim dirtdend on the pref. shares for the half-year ended
September, 1916, at' the rate of 6 per cent. i>er annum, less
tax at 5s. in the £. No interim dividend on the ordinary
shares for the half-year.

Power Gas Corporation, Ltd. — Profit for the vear ended
September 30th, 1916, £21,192, plus £9,105 brought forward.
Dividend, 6 per cent, on the ortlinary shares, less income-tax.
£11,120 is to be carried forward, out of which excess profits
duty, if any, will lje met.

Chloride Electrical Storage Co., Ltd. — Inlerini dividend.
Is. per share, free of tax, on the ordinary shares.

Melbourne Electric Supply Co.. Ltd. — Final dividend of
5 per cent., making 10 per ce"nt. for the year, free of income-
tax, on tlie consolidateti ordinai-y stock.

Western Telegraph Co., Ltd. — First quarterly dividend,
3s. per share, free of tax, for the year ending .Tune. 1917.
being at tlie rate of 6 per cent, per annum.

STOCKS AND SHARES.

TuKSD.w Evening.
The iX)litical cri.-is has bad a slightly enervating i^ffect upon
prices in the Stock Exchange, although, as business men,
members of the House would welcome any sort of change
that is Ukelv to expedite the conduct of the war and hasten
its tennination. The most immediate .influence is still the
pcsition of affairs in Greece and Eoumania. Havmg regard
to the uneertaintv which still exists at the tmie of writing
in both theatres, 'it is not very surprising that there should
ba a pronounced disinclination on the part of the ijublio in
the direction of investment and speculation alike.

This disiwsition is accentuated by the usual December
desire to indulge in mild window-dressing, which leads capi-

tali.sts, large and small, to postpone investment of surplus
funds until the year is turned. This time they have the addi-
tioiial excu.se that they are waiting for the advent of the new
war loan. Tlie sarcasm that the < ioverninent is likely to defer
the_ next loan till such time as the news is much more than
it is now, carries more acid than point, because, although
it is unfortunately true that the Government missed its
market badly in the autumn, it is equally true that to float
a big loan during the last weeks of the year would be to crab
pretty much its chances of success.

The Home Railway market continues iu a sagging condi-
tion, and day by day the prices of the Steam stocks dwindle.
This tendency has spread to the Undergrounds, where prices
are scarcely so firm as they appear. P,ecent buyers of the £10
shares of the I'nderground Electric Railways are doing their
best to snatch what profit remains to thein ; and the price,
which was 2 5/16 ten days ago, is once more a trifle under 2,
while in the shilling shares, which now stand at 6s., there
is very little doing. The advance in wages conceded to the
miners, and the threat that even this is not sufficient to
satisfy the demand of tliose gentlemen, is the latest restraint
laid upon hopefulness in this department.

The electric hghting market is quiet. What little pressure
to .sell was noticeable la.st week has been relaxed to some
extent, and the assumption is that holders of illumination
securities are looking with subdued expectation upon the
campaign which is being carried out with a view to increas-
ing the lights of Loudon. Having regard to the alarming
number of street accidents, the strong probability that the
Zeppelin raiders are not likely to repeat their costly visits
for some time, and the sentimental feeling that there is some-
thing undignified in Ijondon's still sheltering undei' its pall
of darkness, it is hoped that the authorities may see their
way to modify the stringent regulations at present in force.
Westminsters are 1/16 down ; so are South Londons. City of
London ordinary are offered about llf. But on the whole,
the approach of the end of the year is an inducement to
pioprietors to retain theii- shares rather than to try to sell
them at low prices so shortly before the next batch of divi-
dend announcements. . _

Last week's meeting of Reuters shareholders confirmed the
sale of the company's shares at £11 per share, which is just
double the price at which Reuters were standing not so very
long ago. The lowest touched this year was £4, and last
year the price fell to 3. The last dividend paid by the com-
pany was 8s. a share, iu May, 1914 ; so that, taking every-
thing into account, it seems to us that the shareholders may
heartily congratulate themselves upon having such an excel-
lent price offered them. When the last 10 jier cent, dividend
was paid, in 1912, a certain amount of criticism was launched
at a (hstribution of profits which looked rather extravagant
at the time. However, this is now a matter -of history; and
proprietors are lucky to get out .so comfortably.

Brazilian Tractions again broke severely upon a fall in the
Brazilian rate of exchange to a small fraction below Is. The
price touched 45J, showing a drop of 5 points in less than a
week. Support forthcame at this level, and a recovery ensued
to 47, which still leaves Tractions substantially lower on bal-
ance. The preferred have fallen 3 to 86. Rio exchange firmed
up to Is., but most of the things connected with Brazil are
dull and depressed.

Other issues in the Latin-Canadian group are mostly better.
An extraordinary rise in the price of Otis Steel carried the
shares to lfKl, as compared with the low-water mark of 25
this year and 10 in 1915. The rise is associated with rumours
to the effect that the company is to be taken over by one of
the big corporations in America. Consolidated Gas & Electric
' of Baltimore shares have risen to 134, and from the look of
the market it would seem to be wrong to sell them now.
No recovery lias occun-ed in Britisli Colmnbia Electric stocks,
and the Mexican group remains very flat. Government, rail-
way, and industrial issues all being unfavourably aft'ected.
Mexican Light & Power preferred sliares are 5 points down.

The telegraph market is heavy. Westerns receded to 14,
and the Eastern group is dull with a 2-point fall in Eastern
Telegraph ordinary. The strength of industrials in New York
helps to maintain the prices of the Anglo-American division.
Marconis moved narrowly between 2-| and 3, the fhcker of
excitement which put the price u)i to 31 last month having
died out. Great Northern Telegraphs lost their rise of a week
ago. Globe Preference eased off to lOJ. Telegraph Construc-
tions show a loss of 10s. at 38.

The feature of the miscellaneous group is a rise of 7s. Od.
in the price of India-Rubber shares, taking them, to 13J, at
which the return on the money is still over 7i yiev cent., with
dividends paid free of income-tax. General Electric ordinary
fell 5s. to 134;. Callenders are good at 13. British Alumi-
niums are active, although there was a little profit-taking in
the neighbourhood of 30s. The' prior lien iionds of the
IBritish Westinghouse Co. drooped a trifle to 100, but the
preference shares remain firm nt '^ 7/16. Castner-Kellners
keep strong on the increase iu the dividend ; and Edison and
Swan shares, after their activity about Ss. 6d., have settled
down to a quiet time again.

Armament shires are easier, the report of the Armstrong
Co. apparentlv causing a httle dissatisfaction, in spite of the
big figures which it disclosed. In the rubber market, a rise
to 3s. per lb. in the price of the raw material had virtually
no effect uuon the quotations of shares, sti slack has business
become. Further improvements in the price of copper, break-

THE ELECTRICAL REVIE^V. [Voi. 71.. xo. -'.u:!-, itoKMiums. li.ir,.

ing all records for recpnt years, had little influence, in conse-
quence of the feeling that the luetal market is being manipu-
lated from America, which is taking the fullest advantage of
the needs uf the Allies in the matter of munitions.

MARKET QUOTATIONS.

SHARE LIST OF ELKCTRICAL COMPANIES.

HOUK ElEOTRICITT COUPANIES.

Dividend Priio

, ■ ^ Dec.B, Rise or fall

1914. 1916. 1916. this week.

Brompton Ordinary .... 10 10 69 —

Charing Cross Ordinary ..66 8? —

do. do. do. JJPrel.. \\ 41 8,-, -

Chelsea 6 4 3 —

City o( London 9 8 lU —

do. do. 6 per cent. Prel. 6 6 10 —

County o( London .... 7 7 lOJ —

do. 6 per cent. Pref. 6 6 10 —

Kensington Ordinary .... 9 7 68 —

London Electric 4 8 \i —

do. do. 6 per cent. Pref. 6 6 4."fl —

Metropolitan 8* 8 S| —

do. 4J per cent. Pref. 4} 4i SJ —

St. James' and PaU Mall .. 10 8 6} —

Sooth London 6 6 Sj — ^

South Metropolitan Pref. ..77 1 A —

Westminster Ordinary .... 9 7 6} — ,\,

TsLBOaAPHS AHD TELEPHONES,

AngloAm. Tel. Pret 6 6 96i —

do. Del 80/- 83/6 28i —

Chile Telephone 8 8 7J —

Cuba Sub. Ord 6 6 %\ —

Eastern Extension .... 7 8 I3j — J

Eastern Tel. Ord 7 8 140i -2

Globe Tel. and T. Ord 6 7 12* —

do. Pret. ..6 6 ICJ — J

Great Northern Tel 22 22 8M —J

Indo-European 13 13 61 —

Marconi 10 10 2i —

New York Tel. 4J .. .. 4) \\ 101 -fS

Oriental Telephone Ord. ..10 10 2 A —

United R. Plate Tel 8 8 65 —

West India and Pan 1 6d. Ij'^xd —

Western Telegraph .... 7 8 H — g

HouB Rails.

Central London, Ord. Assented 4 4 65J —

Metropolitan li 1 28i — \

do. District .. .. Nil Nil 16 —

Underground Electric Ordinary Nil Nil IJI — ^^

do. do. "A" .. Nil Nil 6/- — Sd.

do. do. Income 6 6 91 —

Foreign Tbaus, &a.

Adelaide Sup. 6 per cent. Pret. 6 6 4JJ _

Anglo-Arg. Trams, First Pret. 51 61 Sj —

do. 2nd Pret. . . 61 61 2| —

do. 6 Deb. ..66 67 —

Brazil Tractions 4 4 47 - 4

Bombay Electric Pref 6 6 inj —

British Columbia Elec. Rly. Pfce. 5 6 (W —

do. do. Preferred — Nil 49 —

do. do. Deferred — Nil 47 —

do. do. Deb. 4i 4i 62 —

Mexico Trams 5 per cent. Bonds — Nil 3il —

do. 6 per cent. Bonds — Nil 271 —

Mexican Light Common . . Nil Nil 12il —

do. Pref Nil Nil 17* —5

do. 1st Bonds . . Nil Nil 32^ —

MANUFACTTTRINa COMPANIBS,

Babcock & Wilcoi .... 14 16 2J5 —

British Aluminium Ord. . . 5 7 30/- —

British Insulated Ord 16 171 llj —

British Westinghouse Pref. . . 71 71 2j^ —

Calienders 16 20 13 -Hi

do. 6 Pref 6 6 41 —

Castner-Eelhier SO 22 B| —

Edison & Swan, X3 paid ..Nil — ,', —

do. do. fully paid . . Nil — \% —

do. do. 4 per cent. Deb. 6 6 621 —

Electric Construction .... 6 71 li —

Gen. Elec. Pret 6 6 10 —

do. Ord 10 10 ISJ ' — J

Henley 20 26 16 —

do. 41 Pref 41 41 4 —

IndiaRubber 10 10 13J -H g

Telegraph Con 20 20 38 — 1

* Dividends paid free of

£7 11 0

7 8 2

e 11 0

6 18 4

6 17 8

i; 0 0

6 13 4

II 0 0

6 4 6

•6 16
•6 14
•6 19
6 18
6 17

6 2 0

6 6 8

7 6 10

6 8 0

7 13 10
6 17 8
6 6 8

Nil
Nil

8 0 0
6 13 4

6 0 0

7 6 fi
7 16 3
6 12 6

'7 12 4
'6 5 0

ELECTRIC TRAMWAY AND RAILWAY
TRAFFIC RETURNS.

Month Receipts for

n t

Looslity.

ended the

Total to date,

(4 wks.) ' month.

Zi

open.

£

£

e

e

Bristol (Trams) . .

Nov. 24 18,941

- 277

47

231,047

+ 9,613

RO-6

„ S3 1 1,96

-K 161

47

24,091

4- 452

H-HH

Dublin

„ 24 i 24,280

+ 1,767

47

286,684

H 716

54-2o

Hastings

„ 24 1 3,1M

+ 203

47

49,558

f 3,174

lo-a

Lancashire United

,. 22

7,059

t- 812

47

86,392

■1- 4,H76

42

Llandudno-Col. Bay
Tyneside
Anglo-Argentine ..

„ 24

851

h 93

61j

18,>llO

f 1,221

6-6

.',' 25

211,438

-1- 462

47

2,401,981

+ 4,896

Aackland . .

Oct. 20

21,128

*• 697

16

84,286

«- 1,160

96 fi

Calcutta

Nov. 25

18,862

1 2,191

■H1,137

Kalgoorlie, W.A. ..

Sept.

2,783

.19

23,267

90 5

Nov. 15

2,106

■H 143

45

41,307

f 3,145

Montevideo

Nov.

28,401

- 3

Dnblln-Luoan Bly,

Nov. 24

496

^r 68

91

3,566

4- 291

7

It should be remembered, in makiu'r nso of the fijfures appearinjj
i» the following list, that in some cases tlie prices are only general,
and they may vary accordinjr to quantities and other circumstances.

Wednesday. December 6tli.

CHEMICALS. Ac.

a Acid, Oxalio per 1

a Aiiniioniao Hal pert

a Ammonia. Muriate (large crystal) „

a Bisulphide of Carbon .. .. ,,

a Borax i,

a Copper Sulphate ,,

a Potash, Chlorate perl

a „ Perchlorate . . . . «•

a Shellac per c

a Sulphate of Magnesia . . per t

a Sulphur, Sublimed Plowera .. ,,

a i, Lump ,,

a Soda, Chlorate per 1

a ,. Crystals per t

a Sodium Bichromate, casks .. per 1

METALS. &c.

c Brass (rolled metal 2" to 12" basis) per lb.

c „ Tubes (solid drawn) .. „

c „ Wire, basis „

c Copper Tubes (solid drawn) ,. ,,

g „ Bars (best selected) .. per ton

g „ Sheet „

g „ Rod ,,

d ,, (Electrolytic) Bars .. ,,

d „ „ Sheets .. . „

d ., » Rods .. „

d ,, ,, H.C. Wire per lb.

f Ebonite Rod „

f „ Sheet „

n German Silver Wire .. ,, ,,

h Gutta-percha, fine „

h India-rubber, Para fine . . . . ,,

I* Iron Pig (Cleveland warrants) . . per ton

/ ,, Wire, galv. No. 8, P.O. qual. „

g^ Lead, English Pig ,,

g Mercury per bot.

e Mica (in original cases) small .. per lb.

e ,1 ., M medium ,,

e „ „ „ large .. „

d Silicium Bronze Wire . . . . per lb.

r Steel, Magnet, in bars .. . . per ton

g Tin, Block (English) .. .. „

n t, Wire, Nos. 1 to 16 . . . . per lb.

Latest

Fortnight's

Price.

Ido. or Deo,

1(8

£75

£64

£23

£34

£63

f:i inc.

2/6

2/.

14J/.

£16

£18

i:'l6

1/6* to 1/53

Id, inc

1/6J to 1/7
l/S* to 1/6

4d.-ld ii

Id. inu.

IIIM to 1/11

Id Ud ill

£18!)

£11 inc

£189

£11 inc

£189

£11 inc

£171)

£10 ino

£183

£10 ioo

£179

£10 Inc

1/9

Id. inc

8/-

2/6

2/3

6/10

8/6;

Ad. inc

Nom.

£36

£32 5

;i8 12 6to£lB 16

£1 inc.

6d. to 8/-

B/6 to 6/-

7/6 to 14/- & up.

l/lli

Id. inc

£95

£190 to £191

£4 dec

2/11

Quotations supplied by-

a G. Boor & Co.
c Thos. Bolton & Sons, Ltd.
et Frederick Smith & Co.
e F. Wiggins & Sons.
f India-Rubber, Gutta-Percha and
Telegi-aph Works Co., Ltd.

g James & Shakespeare.

h Edward Till & Co

1 Boiling & Lowe.

/ Richard Johnson & Nephew, Ltd.

n P. Ormiston A Sons

r W. F. Dennis 4 Co.

U.S.A. Turbine Business. — Simr tlie licjiinninir of I'.iKi

the demand for steam turbine.^ ha.s far (iuts5tri|i))eil anythiu;;' in tlic
])a.'!t. A compilation made l)y the Ulecfriciil W'urlil from data
furnished by the steam-turbine manufacturers discloses the fact
tliat the volume of steam-turbine business already handled since
the bejrinning of the current year exceeds 2,00(1,(100 K\v. in rated
capacity. At this^ rate the total 191(> business should reach
8,0(10,000 KW. in turbine capacity.

At present tlie best deliveries that it is jxjssible to obtain aie
eijiht months for some of the smaller sizes for pump and industrial
use, a year to a year and a half on larjre industrial and ordinary
central-station sizes, and two years for the very larye sizes. Orders
now on hand are sufHcient to keep the entire manufacturing
facilities in operation for considerably more than a year.

It has been rouj;hly estimated that approximately (j.t per cent,
of the present business is for central-station etjuipment, 2."i per
cent, for industrial phants. including marine installations, averii{iin<f
H(lO-,"iOO KW.. and 10 per cent, for pumping stations averaging
.">0 H.p.

Many Large units have been ordered since the beginning of the
year, the tendency being towards machines of very large capacity.
Notable in this respect have been orders fbr a 73.000-H.P. and a
(j(l,(jOO-H.p. unit, and an order tor two cross-compound units of a
total rating of tt.5.000 KW.

Both labour and material have been hard to obtain in satisfactory
quantity and price, and both have greatly increased in price during
the year. Turbine prices have, therefore, necessarily advanced.

Russia. —The 1886 Company Liqi-id.a.tion Puzzle. —

According to the Xoroie Vremya. in the opinion of V. P. Litvinoff.
who has returned to Moscow from Petrograd after consulting there
on the litiuidation of the ISS6 company, the question has been
definitely decided. It is said that if hitherto the liquidationvhas
not been proceeded with, it is because of the great importance of
the concern and its close connection with work being done for the
national defence, so that great care must be taken in handling the
question of liquidation. The details of a scheme are now being
worked out. It is denied that there are inter-departmental divisions
of opinion as to how the liquidation should be effected, and it is
clearly stated that the liquidation of the is.sd com]i,any is a matter
of the near future.

Vol.79. No. 2,037. decbmbeh s, lOK!.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

639

METAL MARKET.

THE FARADAY SOCIETY.

Fluctuations in November.

1

1 1 J 1 1 1 1 1

LEAD fENGLISH)

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£102
191

190

189

188

187

186

185

18^

183

182
181

180
£162

151

160

149

148

147

146

146

144

143

142

141

140

139

138

137

136

135

134

133

132

131

130

129

128

127

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^ Electricity Supply in Germany. — In Tlndmhie Ekc-

trique is given a summary of a scheme put forward by Prof.
Klingenberg, President of the German Society of Electrical
Enffineers, lor the development on the lartrest scale of the pro-
duction and use of electrical energy and for the discouratrement of
the use of gas, by taxation, in order to further the adoption of
electric motive power. He proposes to build a number of large,
well-situated generating stations, which would distribute energy
to existing stations at a pressure of 100,000 volte, these becoming,
therefore, sub-stations : competition between the new and the old
stations, however, must be avoided, as the latter represented in
1913 a capital of not less than 100 millions sterling. The State
works would cost about 40 millions, and their output in 1926
would reach 400 million KW., while the net annual profit would
rise to about I'G million pounds. The State would derive a revenue
of more than 4'4 millions sterling from taxes imposed upon electric
lighting, gas, hydraulic power, and coal, these taxes being specially
calculated to encourage the use of electricity and to discourag» the
use of rival sources of motive power. The author estimates that
after paying capital charges and taxes, there would still remain
nearly two-thirds of the gross profit, which he believes would
exceed 14 millions sterling per annum.

Inefficiency of Labour in tiie U.S.A.— According to

the Elrctrical World, although wages in the electrical manu-
facturing industry are about 25 per cent, higher than before the
war, about 20 per cent, less work is obtained per man, or for the
same cost only 64'2 per cent, as much work is done. This is the
result of an extraordinary demand for labour, leading to constant
changes of situation on the part of the workmen, as well as to the
employment of inexperienced and partially trained hands. Manu-
facturers who had had the foresight to establish pension and bonus
systems have been more fortunate in keeping their shops full than
their competitors. A company which requires 250 men for full output
has employed 2,250 men during the past 10 months, yet it recently
had only 220 men at work.

General Discussion on Refractory Materials.
The Faraday Society opened its session on November 8th
» with a retaarkable symposium and general discussion on
"Refractory Materials." The President, Sir Egbert Had-
FiELD, P.R.S., who presided over the meeting, said its justifi-
cation was the vital importance of refractories to so many
national industries and the little attention the subject had
received in recent years, as a result of which the scientific
foundation required for healthy development was lacking.
This view is evidently general, for the meeting attracted a
very large audience from all parts of the country, representa-
tive of ever>- interest concerned, whether geologists, makers
of firebricks, iron and steel metallurgists, gas engineers or
chemists. A comprehensive collection of exhibits, native and
colonial minerals, and home-made refractory products, such
as bricks, cnicibles, furnace tubes, and laboratory ware, added
to the attractions of the meeting, the sustained interest of
which may be gauged by the fact of its extending over two
sessions, from .5.30 to 11.30 p.m. It will be impossible here
to do more than indicate in a very general way the nature
of the discussion, for the number of contributions to it, in the
form of paper.s, speeches, and written communications, ex-
ceeded 30, and the material when printed will fill a fair-sized
volume.

The keynote of the meeting was co-ordination, both as
regards workers and as regards knowledge ; closer co-opera-
tion between the collector of raw material, the maker, and
the user on the one hand, closer co-ordination between science
and practice, between the research laboratory and the brick-
maker and steel-maker on the other. A beginning of such
co-ordination was made some years ago when a Joint Com-
mittee on Refractory Matherials was formed by the Institu-
tion of Gas Engineers and the Soc-iety of British Gas Indus-
tries. Dr. H. G. CoLMAN, Chairman of this Committee, gave
a short account of its work, which has consisted in draw-
ing up most useful specifications relating to fire-resisting
goods u,sed in gas works, and also in carrying out investiga-
tions likely to help in improving the materials in the market.
But the reference has been too limited to be of general valile,
and the means for carrying out research have been far too
small for the end in view, although what has been done,
under the skilled direction of Dr. J. W. Mellor, of Stoke-on-
Trent, is known the world over for its accuracy, thorough-
ness, and value. There is hope now that in both these direc-
tions the meeting will have given a great impulse to more
rapid progress.

Most useful, because most fundamental, was the informa-
tion given by Mr. J. Allen Howe on_ the recent work of the
Geological Survey in refractory materials, by Dr. A. Strahan,
the Director of the Survey, and by Mr. T. Crook, of the Im-
perial Institute. These speakers made it clear that not only
is this country well provided with most of the ordinary
raw materials — silica, fireclay, refractory sands, and dolornite
— required by the furnace-brick maker, but that the Empire,
although perhaps not entirely self-contained, is well provided
with resources in the less common refractories, such as
graphite, chromite, magnesite, bauxite, and zircon. All this
information — accompanied by exhibited specimens — was both
helpful and timely, and the promised reports of the Geolo
gical Sun-ey, containing not only details of the locality and
nature of the deposits that have been surveyed, but also the
results of the chemical, petrological, mineralogical, and tex-
tural examinations that have been made of 1,.500 or more
samples collected, will be awaited by firebrick, crucible, and
retort makers with keen interest.

The group of papers with which the symposium opened
dealt largely with the question of the nature and composi-
tion of firefjricks and the relation between refractoriness on
the one side and texture and chemical content on the other.
Three aspects of this side of the subject were discussed : First,
the importance of analysis; secondly, the necessity for
" mechanical " analy.5is, that is, dividing up the material
into its physical constituent parts before proceeding to_ chemi-
cal analysis: and thirdly, the value of an examination into the
texture of firebricks," either microscopically or in other
ways. With regard to the first, mention must be made of
the" most useful series of tables, giving complete analyses of
most of the refractories in common use, which Sir Robert
Hadfield appended to his opening address. On the second
point, we would only mention Dr. E. LtssiNG's very lucid
explanation of how he electriates refractory mixtures into
their component parts in a simple apparatus by means of a
gentle current of water. Mr. A. B. Searle (Sheffield) empha-
sised the secondary importance of chemical analysis to
physical and microscopical tests. Dr. J. W. Mellor spoke
chiefly on the texture of firebricks. He showed how this can
be controlled by the manufacturer, and what texture should
be arrived at for the different purposes in view. To exhibit
the various types of texture, he showed a set of firebricks
cut transversely, and with their exposed faces pohshed. Prof.
Vv. G. Fearnsides, of the University of Sheffield, in^ anex-
tremelv interesting speech, described how he " slices " bricks
for microscopical examination of texture, and how much
can be learned from such study, whether before the_ brick
has been used or after it has completed its life's run in. the
lining of a furnace. Mr. Cosmo Johns (Sheffield), m a

040

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW. [Voi. to. nv 2.037, decemueus, iiuo.

speech of exceptional importance, also spoke on this ques-
tion, particularly as it bears on the silica bricks used by the
steel maker, urging the study of the effect of texture by
varying grain-size, and correlating it with refractoriness and
other properties. He also discussed the changes bricks under-
go under furnace conditions.

Several speakers dealt with the classification of refractory
materials. Mr. 0. P. Page in particular discussed this from
t\)c point of view of their behaviour under furnace conditions.
The usual classification into acid, basic, and neutral materials
is convenient, but arbitrary and inaccurate. The refractory
has two conditions to contend against, heat and chemical
action, and refractoriness towards the one has no relation
to that against the other. So-called acid refractories
are used where it is a case of refractoriness towards
heat because they are plentiful and cheap; basic and neutral
materials arc less widely distributed, and are often difficult
of application. Classification was also one of the themes of
the very interesting speech of Dr. P. G. H. Boswem,, of the
Geological Department. Imperial College of Science and Tech-
nology, particularly with regard to refractory sands, our re-
sources in which were indicated by him. It appears that the
high silica sands (carrying over 99 per cent. SiO,) and the
aluminous sands (70-80' per cent. SiO, up to 1-5 per cent. .'M.,0,).
although largely imported from abroad, are yet plentiful
and accessible in this country. But for the green sands, or
moulding sands, used for casting steel, we must still rely on
o^ersea supplies — largely because ive do not at prcscvt know
the exact properties of this material, a subject on which Dr.
Boswell himself is, fortunately, working.

The point of view of the manufacturer was ably put by Mr.
Albert Cliff, of Stamford, and, by correspondence, by Mr.
V; Donald (Glasgow), Mr. T. Allen (Dudley), and Mr. F.
Deansfield (Oldham). Mr. Cliff made various suggestions
as to the directions in which improvements in manufacture
were possible. One was in the working-up of old material.
Some of the present shortage of supply he was overcoming
by fastening non-corrodible working surfaces, such as chro-
niite or magne.'^ite, on to ordinary firebricks. Finally, he
made an eloquent appeal for co-ordination between the
chemists and the manufacturers, and to the men of science
to come down to the works districts and talk freely to the
young people, and so accelerate a rise of specialised intelli-
gence. Both Prof. Feamsides and Mr. Cosmo Johns told of
the valuable information locked up in works in the .skill and
knowledge of the foremen. The men of science should go
through the works and translate this knowledge into their
own more univer-sal language. Mr. Donald told how he was
endeavouring to approximate the pure Greek magnesite to
Austrian magnesite by adding a small percentage of FcjOj ;
he also criticised the present use of dolomite in conjunc-
tion with magnesite in basic steel furnaces, an 1 iie attri-
buted to this cause much of the trouble in these furnaces.
Incidentally, he npentioned the possibilities of Serbia, with
its minerals and plentiful water-power, as an electrometallur-
gical centre. Mr. T. Allen spoke of the inconclusive character
of laboratory tests, but unfortunately, works tests often took
years to realise. Mr. Deansfield rai.sed an important problem
in the conservation of national resources in drawing atten-
tion to the enormous loss of refractory clays lying under
coal seams due to the winning of the coal only. Some inter-
esting points of practice were given by Mr. Alleyne Rey-
NO[,D.s in his communication. Mr. Pveynolds. as did Dr.
Mellor before him, threw scorn on the ptJssession of so-
called " trade secrets," which impeded progress and, in the
end, were most harmful to any industry. The plea for co-
ordination was also strongly urged by Mr. W. J. Jones, of the
Ministry of Munitions, and Mr. A. A. McDougall DncKHAif.
of the same Ministry, emphasised how much the output of
munitions depended on refractories.

Finally, several papers and speakers touched on certain
specific researches in which they were engaged, and which
promised valuable results in improving the properties of old
materials and in giving to the metallurgist new materials as
a weapon for attacking the new prolilems that he was having
to face. For example. Dr. W. Rosenhain, of the National
Physical Laboratory, spoke about the possibilities of highly
purified zirconia. Bricks made of this material were being
used for optical purposes, and they did not grit until well
over 2.000 deg. 0. Dr. J. A. Harker mentioned that zirconia.
if fine enough, would stand being plnnced into water at a
white-heat temperature. Dr. R. S. Hdtton (Shefiield) and
Mr. E. KiLBURN Scott told of the value of completely shrunk
magnesia; the shrinking, which had to be done at a very
high temperature, could now be economically effected in the
electric furnace. The properties and uses, especially for elec-
tric tube furnaces, of that very useful refractory alundum,
were described by Mr. C. R. Darling. Dr, W. H. Hatfield
(Sheffield) pointed out how research in many directions was
hampered by our not having sufficiently accurate instruments
tD recister hiah temperatures. Dr. W. C. Hancock, who is
working in conjunction _ with Prof. Bone at South Kensing-
ton on coke-oven firebricks, spoke of the application of cer-
tain organic dyes to etch refractory materials as a means
of investigating their structure.

We can refer to one other portion of the discussion only,
and that is the paper of Mr. Ezp.r Griffiths, of the National
Phvsical Laboratory, who has devised a new and most care-
fullv thoueht-out method for measuring the thermal conduc-
tivity of bricks and tiles of commercial sizes. The great diffi-

culty was the attainment of a uniform temperature over the
hot face of the irregular sample, and this was overcome by
the use of a shallow bath of molten metal heated electrically.
A special thenuometer for exploring the temperature had also
to be devised, and with these precautious extremely accurate
results for a very difficult mea.surement have been attained.
The values of the thermal conductivity and its variation with
temperature as given in the paper suggested to several pre-
sent the desirability of saving umch waste heat in furnaces
by lagging them with a highly-insulating substance, just as
steam pipes arc lagged. It appears that Hutton and Beard
suggested this, also, strangely enough, in a paper read to the
Faraday Sixiety as far back as 1905, and yet the idea has
not been adopted. It may be hoped that this interesting
meeting— one visitor said, oyer his cup of tea at 11.30 p.m..
that it was the most interesting scientific meeting he ever had
attended — will be fruitful in this matter also, as it assuredly
will be fruitful in many other directions in a field covering
industrial products of .such vital importance to the nation.

PISTON AND SMALL-END LUBRICATION
IN DIESEL ENGINES.

By GEORGE B. VICKERS.

(AbstracI nf paper read before the Diesel Engine Users'
Assocution.)
For the lubrication of Diesel engines pure mineral_or hydro-
carbon oils are undoubtedly the best; they contain a
much smaller percentage of acid than animal or vegetable
oils. The best test of lubricating oil is on the air compressor.
If the oil causes pitting on the compressor valves and shows
an acid scouring action on the valves in the air bottle heads,
the engineer may expect the main cylinder liner wear to be
excessive. Average liner wear is .010 in. to .012 in. per 1,000
hours' run, when the engine is heavily taxed. For pistons.
an oil with a moderate viscosity of, say, 130 to 180 at 140 deg.
P., gives good results, whilst an oil with a good viscosity of,
say, 400 to 600 at 140 deg. F., is best for small end lubrication.
For enclosed-type engines thicker oil is required than with
the open type, as the temperature inside the crank case is
much higher than on open-type engines. In experiments on
enclosed engines made by Messrs. Hick, Hargreaves & Co..
Ltd., difficulty was experienced in using thin oil which had
a visco.sity of 110 at 140 deg. F. Thicker oil was used, having
a viscosity of 140 at 140 deg. F., in place of the thin oil, and
the fuel consumption, which previously had never been lower
than .45 lb. per B.H.p.-hour, was reduced to .419 lb., effecting
a saving of 15s. in a six-hour trial run.

On average engines the quantity of lubricating oil used is
kept as low as possible by using new oil on the small ends
only, and filtered oil on the other parts. This filtered oil has
advantages, as after running and filtering, the bituminous
matter in the oil is eliminated. Filtered oil should not be
used too often on the pistons, as its viscosity gets too low for
this work. The original method of lubricating the piston by
a single stem leading to a belt encircling the liner, and from
thence through .small holes in the liner, is a poor method.
The belt should be flushed out with paraffin every time that
the pistons are withdrawn, or perhaps even once a week.

The usual method of piston lubrication is through four or
six stems or quills leading through the water jacket to the
liner, and connected by a common feed pipe, past a back-
pressure valve, to the single lubricating pump. Many engi-
neers now insist on having a separate feed to each quill, i.e.,
they have a 6- or 8-feed lubricator fitted for each cylinder.
This is undoubtedly the better plan. The purnps for piston
lubrication are in the majority of cases driven from the cam
shaft, and so are placed much higher than the quill line.
The result is that, after a short stoppage, the feed piping has
been drained, and the piston does not receive any lubrication
fo: a few minutes after starting. A better plan is to have the
lubricators fixed well below the lubricating belt line and
worked off the indicator gear or the vertical shaft, thus
ensuring that the pipes are always charged. The check valve
in the lubricator pipe should be well designed, and periodi-
cally examined to ensure that there is no bituminous matter
holding the valve up and interfering with the supply.

The method of securing the quill is sometimes the cause of
trouble. Some makers prepare a tapered hole in the liner,
and the quill has a rounded nose and is screwed home tight
through a tapped hole in the water jacket. When the parts
get warm and expand, these quills have been found to act
as struts, and have cau!;ed piston seizures. An improved
method is to have the quill screwed into the liner, a plain
hole in the water jacket, and an external joint.

"Some makers have not adopted quills in the liner, but have
relied on the splash sy.stem. This system is really only suit-
able for small engines, and its chief drawbacks are that
lubrication cannot be regulated, is most uncertain, and there
is a tendency to wastage.
Phosphor-bronze bearings are usually adopted for the top

Vol. 70. xo. 2,037. DECEMBER 8, 1916.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW,

641

end bearings. The wear on phosphor-bronze bearings is
seldom more than .001 in. per annum, whilst white metal
bearings, according to the quahty, may show more wear than
this in one week. When a phosphor-bronze split bush is
used, the average clearance is .003 in. vertically and .006 in.
at each side. If the bush is solid, more clearance is required,
usually .006 in. to .008 in. vertically and .008 in. at the sides.
The gudgeon pins should be fully case-hardened, at the ends
as well as on the bearing surface.

A good long skirt is advisable to act as a guide and to
reduce the pressure per unit area due to thrust. The length
of guiding surface on the piston should be 1.4 to 1.6 times
its diameter for low-speed engines, but may be reduced to 1.2
times the diameter for high-speed engines. The scraper
method for lubricating the top end bearings, depending on
collecting the oil remaining- on the liner walls after the rings
have scraped the bulk off, seems a very haphazard method,
but it is quite effective for pistons up to 24 in. in diameter.

In the banjo system, the oil is led into a banjo on the side
of the crank, and the centrifugal force causes the oil to flow
into a small receiver and pass up the pipe leading to the top
end. Without a knowledge of the effectiveness of this sys-
tem, any engineer would be justified in expecting that at
least a special quality of oil, of the " monkey " brand, which
would climb up the pipe, would be necessary for this system.
The most general method of lubrication is to have one or
two slots in the piston which pass over the leads from the
oil supply pipes and holes leading from the bottom of the
slots through the piston to the centre hole in the gudgeon
pin. Several holes lead from this central hole in the pin to the
bearing surface. It is preferable to have two slots in the piston,
one midway between the crankshaft centre hne and the cross
centre line on the front side of the piston, and one directly
opposite, so that whichever side of the liner the piston is
thrust against, one of the slots is able to scrape the maximum
quantity of oil from the liner. The slot is best when V-shape
in section, and the top and bottom should be under-cut at
about 45 deg.. the scraping edges being left moderately sharp;
a sluice should also be cut to connect the top of the slot to
the circular scraper groove cut in the piston to take advantage
of the oil scraped off the walls by this groove. The hole in
the centre of the pin should be at least li in. dia. for a 6-in.
pin, as it acts as a reservoir for the oil. Two holes at least
should be drilled from the top of the pin to the centre, one
close to each end of the bearing surface at 30 deg. to vertical
centre line. These holes should lead into longitudinal grooves
on the top surface of the pin, with well-rounded edges to
assist the oil to escape.

On medium- and high-speed engines a complete service of
forced lubrication solves lubrication diiSculties. Of course,
this means having the engine fully enclosed. The practice of
fitting a lubricating pipe leading from the bottom to the top
end is to be deprecat^-d; it is much better to have the oil pas-
sage up the centre of the connecting rod. When a priming
system of lubrication is not provided, a small ball valve fitted
in a cage in the hole at the bottom end of the connecting-rod
acts as a retaining valve when the engine is shut down and
prevents the oil from draining away from the top end.

Forced lubric-ition has disadvantages. Unless manufac-
turers have taken special precautions, it is probable that the
piston will receive too much lubrication. The oil is thrown
from the bottom-end bearings on to the liner walls, and when
the piston is on its suction stroke, the" slight pressure in the
crank chamber tends to force the oil past the relaxed rings,
the result being that the lubricating oil is burnt and very
peaky indicators cards are obtained, showing a maximum pres-
sure frequently 100 to 1-50 lb. above compression pressure.
The high consumption of lubricating oil has retarded the pro-
gress of the enclosed type of engine. We have overcome the
difficulties, first by guarding the bottom-end bearings to
avoid splash on to the liners; secondly, by preventing the oil
from creeping from the top-end bearing along the 'nidgeon
pin key way on to the piston surface: thirdly, by providing
scraper grooves on the piston with return ducts to the inside;
fourthly, by dissipating the vapour in the crank chamber,
this vapour tending to get past the rings on the suction stroke.
The common method of withdrawing the oil vapour is to
take the air compressor suction, or the main cylinder suction,
from the chamber. This causes dirty valves, is wasteful, and
has proved to be dangerous. We find that the vapour is most-
eiiectively withdrawn by a belt-driven extraction fan, and
we lead the gases to a balHe box where they are condensed,
thus recovering the oil which, by other methods, is burnt.
The vapour is mainly caused by the oil being splashed on the
inside of the piston crown, and if the crown has an oil guard
fitted the vapour is considerably reduced.

A discussion followed, and Mr. W. Fenxell referred to the
increased sulphur contents of certain fuel oils which were now
being used: it was found that these reacted on the lubricating
oil, especially if this was compounded with vegetable oils,
cau.sing a stickv deposit, analogous to vulcanised bitumen,
which destroyed the lubricating properties of the oil. Com-
pounded oils should not be used for cylinder lubrication, but
only pure mineral oil. He expressed the opinion that the
most successful Diesel engine of the future would have a
cross-head. He also strongly advocated separate lubricators
for each point to be lubricated.

In his replv. Mr. Vickers agreed that sulphur would cer-
tainlv have a bad effect on most compounded oils, but said
that it would have no effect on a pure mineral oil.

SCIENTIFIC AND INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH.

(J.\ Friday last, at the Institution of Civil Engineers, Lord
Crewe received a deputation from the Conjoint Board of
Scientific Societies with regard to the financial provision for
research and aUied purposes. He was accompanied by mem-
bers of the Committee of the Privy Council for Scientific and
Industrial Research and the Advisory Council, while the depu-
tation numbered over 120 gentlemen, including many of the
most noted representatives of the scientific and industrial
worlds.

As President of the Royal Society, Sir J. J. Thomson, m an
opening speech, stated that the object of the deputation was
to urge the necessity of increased grants for scientific and
industrial research, on the utihtarian ground that it would
be an excellent investment. Such grants should not be with-
held from pure scientific investigations ; many discoveries
most important to the world had been made in the course
of researches of the most abstract character— such as the
X-rays, for example, which had proved of incalculable value
to the nation during the war in surgical work, but were
really a by-product of research, and would never have been
discovered by beginning at the other end and seeking lor
means to facihtate surgical oi^erations. It was useless to
grant sums of money to individuals, who would feel bound
to turn out some practical result or other every year, instead
of patiently pursuing an apparently unremunerative mvesti-
"ation without regard to appearances; the money should be
allotted to the universities. The cost of pure scientific re-
search, however, was trivial compared with that of industnal
research on the full-size scale. The finances of the Kational
Physical Laboratory were also in a very unsatisfactory condi-
tion, and it could not pay such salaries to its junior trained
assistants as would enable it to retain their services.

Sir M. FrrzM.^nRiCE said that the research scheme put
foi-ward by the .'\.dvisorv Council was essential to the indus-
tries of the country, and should have far-reaching effects. He
had never presided over a more enthusiastic committee than
the Standing Committee on Engineering; but to get the
scheme into a healthy working condition money was indis-
pensable, and that without delay. .

Prof H B. B.4KER, advocating the prosecution of chemical
industrial research, pointed out that sulphuric acid, a funda-
mental necessity to industry, was still made by a process
invented bv a quack doctor at the end of the eighteenth cen-
tury. Surely improved methods could be found, and there
were numerous minor problems awaiting solution. Not only
was research required with specific aims in view but also
pure scientific research. Since the war began academic and
manufacturing chemists had come together, and their coUa-
boration would lead to enonnous advantages.

Replyin-' to the deputation. Lord Crewe said that a great
part of the work in question was of immediate value m con-
nection with the war, and after the war; the fruition of the
schemes for scientific and industrial research was dependent
upon the attainment of a full and complete victory, ihe
Government had decided to establish a separate Department
of Scientific and Industrial Research for Great Britain and
Ireland under the Lord President of the Council ^yith the
President of the Board of Education as vice-president, ihey
had also decided, subject to the consent of Parhament, to
place a large sum of money at the disposal of the new depart-
ment to be used as a fund for the conduct of research for
the benefit of the national industries on a co-operative basis
The Board of Inland Revenue had decided, with the approval
of the Chancellor of the Exchequer, that no objection should
be offered by their surveyors of taxes to the allowance as a
"working expense" for income-tax purposes, of contribu-
tions bv traders to industrial associations which might be
formed 'for the sole purpose of scientific research for the
benefit of the various trades; and the allowance would be
eoually appUcable as regarded traders' contributions specih-
cally ear-marked to the sole purpose of the research section
o' an adapted existing association. In both cases the allow-
ance would be subject to certain conditions, e.g.. the associa-
tion or the research section to be under Government super-
vision and the trader's contribution to be an out-and-out
pavment. made from his trade profits, and giving him no
proprietai-v interest in the property of the association &c^
In order to enable the Department to hold the new fund and
any other money or property for research purposes a hoyal
Charter had been granted to the official members of the Com
mittee of the Privy Council for Scientific and Industrial Re-
search under the title of the "Imperial Trust for the
Encouragement of Scientific and Industnal Research A

substantial gift had already been made to the Trust by two
members of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers for the
conduct of a research in mechanical engineering to be approved
bv the Department, in the hope that this example would be
followed bv other members of the Institution. The Govern-
ment had been impressed by the need of further assistance to
research Svstematic co-operation between the leaders ot m-
dustrv and the Advisory Council was necessary. As it was
impossible to make a close estimate of the annual cost of the
work which might vary widely, the Chancellor of the Ex-
chequer was prepared to devote to it a vei? large sum, esti-
mated to cover the needs of the next five years, on a scale
wliich would enable them to spend four or five times as much
on industrial research alone as the whole scheme had pre-

042

THE ELECTIUCAL REV1E"\V. [Voi. 70. no. 2,037, deckmbkus, i;ti.;.

viously received. It was of no use to deal with individual
(iriDs or persons; he hoped to see the creation 6i new trade
a^oc'iations on a large scale, or the formation of branches of
existing associations to deal with these purposes, with separate
accounts. These associations should be controlled by small
committees composed of representatives not only of industry
and science, but also of the skilled workers. NVith regard to
technical training, the present regulations under which tech-
nical schools received public money were not up-to-date;
local authorities and governors of schools would be consulted,
and more help would be given from the national funds. Sub-
stantial additions would be made to the annual grants to
train technical teachers and provide scholarships to univer-
sities. Besides the lump sum above-mentioned, an annual
vote would be provided to cover the expenses of the Depart-
ment, to assist researchers and societies that were carrying out
researches, and non-remunerative research. The country
owed a great debt to the National Physical Laboratory and
its director. Dr. Glazebrook, and its future would be the
subject of anxious consideration on the part of the .advisory
Council. The Coal Conservation Committee was working m
close touch with the Advisory Council, and a series of re-
searches was to be put in hand, to establish on a scientific
basis svstematic economy in the use of fuel. A chemical
survey "would be made of all the coal measures of the United
Kingdom, and the qualities of the different kinds of coal
would be investigated.

Notice has been given in the Lnndon Gar.eite of the crea-
tion bv Roval Charter of the Official Members for the time
being of the Committee of the Privy Council for Scientific
and Industrial Research a Body Corporate for the purposes of
the said Committee, under the title of " The Imperial Trust
for the Encouragement of Scientific and Industrial Research."

Mr. H. Frank Heath. C.B., has been appointed Permanent
Secretary of the new Department, to whom all coirespondence
should be addressed until December 31st next, at the Offices
of the Board of Education, Whitehall. On and after January
1st, 1917, all correspondence should be addressed to The Secre-
tary, Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, Great
George Street, Westminster, S.W.

THE NATIONAL PHYSICAL LABORATORY.
In an address delivered to the Birmingham and Midland
Institute, on Monday last, Dr. R. T. Glazebrook, F.R.S.,
Director of the National Physical Laboratory, showed how
the Laboratory had assisted in the progress of the past 10
or 15 years, and how by its development we should gain a
powerful instrument to aid us in the future.

The object of its foundation was " to bring scientific know-
ledge to bear practically upon our everyday industrial and
commercial life." In this process three distinct stages might
be observed. We needed : —

1. The work of the man of science in his research labora-
tory.

2. The investigations which go on in an industrial research
laboratory, developing new processes or introducing new
products.

3. The works laboratory proper controlling the quality of
raw materials, finished products and processes.

In the first place, we must have scientific knowledge. To
be successful that knowledge must be pursued for its own
sake. Each of the modern practical applications of science
had its foundations in purely scientific work, and we must
have the student of pure research, the genius who goes on
his way discovering new truths, irrespective of consequences,
laying "bare more and more of nature's secrets and unravelling
her mysteries. In England we had never lacked such men,
our roll of great discoverers had been a glorious one._ The
endowment of pure science was essential; without it the
attempt to apply science to industry failed.

Turning to the third need — the works laboratory proper —
this was necessary, if for no other reason, to maintain the
standard of output, to secure that the proper grade of mate-
rial was supplied to the works, to check the instruments in
use, and to test the product in its various stages of manu-
facture. The days were gone when successful manufacture
could be carried on entirely by rule of thumb, trusting to the
skill of trained workmen. New processes and new products
could be investigated in the works laboratory, and these
investigations and tests must go on in the works themselves
under the eyes of men famiUar with the process of manufac-
ture in its every stage.

Between these two — the man of science researching in his
university or college, and the works chemist toiling in his
shop-;-there was a gap. Some means were needed to make
the discoveries of science available to the manufacturer, to
secure to him the advantages which came from the growth
of knowledge to keep him in the forefront of his trade. This
was the function of a laboratory of industrial research, and
among such laboratories the National Physical Laboratory
should hold a prominent place. The laboratory had another
function to fulfil : it was a great standardising and testing
institution. Industrial research involved a laboratory very
different from the usual works laboratory, and also investiga-
tions of a different type from those employed in a purely
industrial laboratory. It meant a large, elaborately equipped
and heavily staffed laboratory engaged largely on work which
for many years would be unremunerative, and which for a

considerable time after its foundation would obtain no results
which could be applied by the manufacturer. . This work
clearly needed a special house; it could not be done in the
laboratory of a technical institute. The main work in such
a laboratory as that of a technical institute must be educa-
tional. The research laboratory was necessary if progress was
to be made.

For the indu.strial research laboratory the plant, &c., must
be so planned that it was possible to carry out the necessary
operations on a scale comparable with that required in works,
and, moreover, the man who carried through the investiga-
tion must be not only acquainted with the latest scientific
advances in his subject, but must know what was possible
in works, and must mould his solution of the problem to
harmonise with these possibilities. The undertaking was
often more complex than that of the pure scientist. It was
one which needed a special laboratory, a special equipment.
Thus, the task of an institution like the National Physical
Laboratory differed from that of either a university or tech-
nical college laboratory or a works laboratory. The senior
members of the staff joined avowedly with the purpose of
applying science to industry; they were prepared to make it
their life-work. The juniors retained their posts for some
time; thus all acquired a store of experience of the highest
value, with a unique knowledge of the technical a,spect8 of
industry which it was difficult to gain in another way. The
Laboratory had, he trusted acquired the confidence of the
technical industrial world, and problems were brought before
the staff with the knowledge that they would be handled in
a confidential manner by men trained to deal with them.

If they were to have a National Industrial Research Labora-
tory, who was to pay for it? The obvious answer was the
nation, but this in some quarters at once raised a difficulty.
It was claimed that the results of any succe.ssful research
brought profits in the first instance to some particular class,
and that class ought to pay. If a manufacturer came with
a conundrum which he desired to have answered for his own
private benefit, he must pay; but if a competent committee
controlhng an industrial research laboratory concluded that
a research was of importance and likely to lead to knowledge
of benefit to the whole industry with which it was con-
cerned. Dr. Glazebrook held that the cost of such a research
should be met out of national funds.

The needs of the nation at the present time were too
serious, the danger of delay too pressing, and the State might
well devote large sums to industrial research without minute
inquiry as to whether the research was going to benefit
Messrs. A.B. specially and what share, therefore, of the ex-
pense Messrs. A.B. must be a.sked to guarantee. In
America the Bureau of Standards, in Germany the Reich -
sanstalt and the Material-Priifungs-Amt worked thus for the
national good, and this should be the task of our English
Industrial Research Laboratory.

Dr. Glazebrook then gave an account of the N.P.L. and
its work during the past 15 years, and outlined the task that
lay before it in the future. He said that there must be more
than one such laboratory ; in many cases an in(lu.stry could
be best served by a laboratory near its principal centre.
I;arge firms, again, might each prefer to have their own
trade secrets, but a private laboratory on a really sufficient
scale was expensive, and for the smaller firms, at least, the
only way to secure the full advantage of scientific advance
was by co-operation — co-operation in the laboratory, co-
operation, with specialisation in production, in the works
themselves.

Increased funds must be provided, and it was only through
the aid of the manufacturers, and of those who from experi-
ence had profited by the work of the Laboratory, that the
authorities could be induced to do all that was needed to
establish the Laboratory in a secure position.

On Friday last. Lord Crewe, President of the Privy Council
Committee, had announced that a large sum was to be at the
disposal of the Committee during the next five years, and
outlined the scheme for its expenditure. The Lord President
spoke in generous terms of the work of the I^aboratory in
the past, and indicated a sphere of wider usefulness under
less difficult conditions in the future.

In many cases, no doubt, the researches contemplated must
go on in special laboratories arranged and equipiied for the
purpose — laboratories closely connected with the industry it
was desired to help, situated at the great manufacturing
centres; but there were many other researches of wide in-
terest and great importance for which a central laboratory
was the proper house, a laboratory fitted and equipped in an
ample manner, with a trained and competent staff animated
with a love for science, and yet with a keen appreciation of
- the practical side of the question discussed and a real desire
to help our country by the application of science to industry.
The body controlling industrial science research must have
access to a laboratory in which might be studied the many
problems which did "not require for their elucidation appli-
ances of the more specialised "works" character or oppor-
tunities only to be found in particular localities; where a staff
was available, able and experienced, ready to attack under
the advice of men skilled in industry the technical difficulties
met in applying new discoveries on a manufacturing scale
or to develop ideas which promised future success.

Such a role the National Physical Laboratory should be
prepared to play; such was the future which he trusted might
he in store for it.

Vol.7;.. No. 2,037. December 8, 1916.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

643

TELEPHONE TROUBLES.

We have just been re-reading a small booklet issued by the
Telephone Department, which gives suggestions to the pubUc
as to how they can assist in faciUtating the working of the
telephone.

We think it will be generally admitted that the working
of the system is still far from smooth, but if the suggestions
contained in this little booklet were followed there can be
no doubt that great improvement would result. A great many
of them are summed up in the injunction to be courteous to
the operator. The booklet adds: "She has a difficult, nerve-
raoking job, and, apart from chivalry, your consideration will
improve her work."

In calling for a number, many people forget that they
ought to give the name of the Exchange first and the number
afterwards. Subscribers are also advised to be .spai'ing
in the use of the word " Hullo." It is certainly a little over-
worked by most telephone users.
• It is pointed out that the times of greatest pressure on the
telephone are from 10 to 11.30, from 2 to 3.30, and from 4.30
to 5.30. If these periods are avoided a subscriber is more
hkely t<i get through quickly than if he selects the busiest
time of day.

A paragraph headed "Etiquette" says that the ringer-up
should never keep the rung-up ivaitiny. The " Hold-the-
Tine " nuisance is perennial and exasperating.

Th€ booklet concludes with particulars of the facilities for
dispatching telegrams by telephone, and calls public attention
to the fact that if the fire brigade, police or ambulance, or
salvage are required in a hurry there is no need to look up a
number, but all that is necessary is to ask the exchange for
" fire," " police," "ambulance," or "salvage" as the case
may be.

The greatest curse in connection with the use of the tele-
phone by the public is, however, not sufficiently dwelt upon
in this booklet, and that is the habit which rpany firms,
especially the larger ones, have of entrusting their telephone
business to the smallest and cheekiest boy on the premises.
To ring up some of the larger firms in London means the
loss of one's temper, the loss of half-an-hour, and the loss of
all respect for the telephone organisation of the firms in
question.

In answer to the call, the impudent small boy aforesaid
begina by saying "Hullo." The inquirer asks if Mr. John
Smith is in. The small boy, instead of answering the ques-
tion, says "Who are you?" and after faihng to listen for
the reply, presently says "What's your name?" After this
information is given he says, "What's the name of your
firm? " and finishes up by asking what_ you want.

If your language is by this time sufficiently strong to drive
away the smallest boy, the next size of boy kept by the finn
comes to the telephone and repeats the whole perform-
ance. After that he calls a head clerk, and without giving
him any of the information already elicited, leaves the exas-
perated caller to explain all these particulars again to the
head clerk. If by this time Mr. John Smith has not gone
out to lunch, the caller may eventually get through to him;
but. unless his temper is extraordinarily even, he will hardly
be m a fit condition to talk about business.

It is surely time that business firms, however important
they may be, should realise that business worthy of their
attention may arrive over the telephone just as often as
through the post. It is an extraordinary thing that managers
of large e-stabhshments, who would never dream of neglecting
a polite letter, should leave a telephone inquiry to be dealt
with in the manner described.

Troubles enough there are, undoubtedly, in the working of
the system itself, but, in our opinion, these are minor matters
compared with the difficulties due to the failure of business
people to give intelligent attention to their telephone arrange-
ments.

TRADE STATISTICS OF SIAM.

Thb following figures, showing the imports of electrical and
similar goods into the port of Bangkok during the year ended
March, 1916, are taken from the recently-issued official trade
statistics; the figures for the year ended March, 1915, are
included for purposes of comparison, and notes of any in-
creases or decreases are given. Imports stated to be from
Singapore and Hong-Kong are for the most part the products
of other countries shipped vid these two ports : —

1915-16.

Parts of lamps. —
From Singapore

,, Hong-Kong

,, United Kingdom

,, Germany

Uhited States

,, Other countries

Total

1914-15.
Ticals.
9,000
7,000
11,000
5,000
7,000
7,000

46,000
' Japan.

Ticals.
7,000
6,000

24,000

5,000
5,000*

Inc. or dec.

Ticals.

2,000

1,000

+ 13,000
5,000
2,000
2,000

47.000 -f-

1,000

1914-13.

1915-16.

Tn<

. or dec.

l^ainps. —

Ticals.

Ticals.

Ticals.

From Singapore

49,000

13,000

-

36,000

Hong-Kong

104,000

39,000

—

65,000

United Kingdom ...

53,000

17,000

-

36,000

,, Germany

15,000

—

—

15,000

,, United States

10,000

16,000

-t-

6,000

Japan

70.000

83,000

-f

13,000

Other countries

9.000

4,000

:

5,000

Total

310.000

172,000

138,000

Electrical goods and apparat

iS. —

From United Kingdom ...

112,000

146,000

+

34,000

,, Germany

167,000

5,000

—

162,000

United States

64,000

127,000

+

63,000

., Singapore

12,000

5,000

-

7,000

,, Sweden

S.OOO

22,000

-t-

14,000

„ Italy

9,000

28,000

-f-

19,000

Austria

11,000

—

—

U,000

„ Holland

7,000

21,000

-t-

14,000

,, France

6.000

5,000

—

1,000

,, Japan

70,000

• 27,000

_

43,000

,, Other countries

7,U00

25,000

-1-

18,000

Total

473,000

411,000

62,000

Manufactures of brass. —

EVom Hong-Kong

483,000

452,000

-

31,000

,, United Kingdom ...

48,000

54,000

+

6,000

,, China ... ...

76,000

52,000

—

24,000

,, Germany

5,000

—

—

5,000

,, Japan

8,000

42,000

-t-

34,000

,, Other countries

41,000
661,000

32,000

_

9,000

Total

632,000

29,000

Manufactures of copper. —

From Hong-Kong

1,000

1,000

—

,, United Kingdom ...

36,000

7,000

—

29,000

,, Other countries

7,000*

5,000 t

-

2,000

Total 44,000 13,000 -

•Singapore Tls. 4,000. tltaly Tls. 2,000.
Scientific instruments and apparatus. —

31,000

From United Kingdom ..

,, Germany

,, France

Other countries

43,000
24,000
26,000
29,000

13,000
2,000
10,000
27,000

+
+

30,000

22,000

16,000

2,000

Total

Rail locomotives. —

Prom Singapore

,, United Kingdom

,, Germany

,, United States

122,000

4,000
1,000
61,000

52,000

230,000
12,000

70,000

4,000

229,000

61,000

12,000

Total

66,000 242,000

176,000

Prime movers other than road locos, marine, milling

and agricultural machinery. —
From United Kingdom ... 27,000

„ United States ... 1,000

„ Germany 2,000

,, Other countries ... 3,000*

68,000 +

41,000

5,000 +

4,000

—

2,000

24,000t +

21,000

Total

•Sweden Tls. 2,000.

33,000 97,000 -I-
tFrance Tls. 21,000.

Machinery unenumerated, including detached parts,
and not including textile or sewing machines. —

From United Kingdom ... 480,000 240,000 -

, Germany 63,000 3,000 -

„ United States ... 388,000 118,000 -

;; Other countries ... 33,000* 258,000t +

Total

•Italy Tls. 7.000.
Machine belting. —
From United Kingdom ..
,, Germany

Other countries

964,000 619.000 -
{Denmark Tls. 226,000.

Total

62,000
13,000
7,000

82,000 133,0

116,000 +

2,000 -

15,000* +

•Japan Tls. 3,000.
Iron and steei wire manufactures. —
From United Kingdom

Germany
Belgium
Other countries

Total

48,000
12,000
10,000
8,000

78,000

79,000 -f
1,000 -

65,000* +
145,000 +

64,000

240,000
60,000
270,000
225,000

345,000

.54,000
11,000
8,000

51,000

31,000
11, OCX)
10,«)0
57,000

67,000

•United States Tls. 46,000.

64i

THE ELECTRICAL HEVIEAV. [Voi. 79. No. 2,i«7, decembkr 8, idk;.

Hallway maleriah —

From United Kingdom ..

Germany

Belgium

United States

Other countries

1914-15.
Ticals.
529.000
230,000
234.000
. 288,000
3,000

1915-16.
Ticals.
201,000

70,000
62,000*

Inc. or dec.
Ticals.

- 328,000

- 230,000

- 234.000

- 218,000
-f 69,000

Total I,2.'i4,000 333,000 -

•India Tls. 30,000.
Cars or iruchs for railways or tramways. —

Prom Germany 4,000 —

„ United Kingdom ... 233,000 357,000 +

,, United States ... 5,000 —

,, Other countries ... 40,000 —

Total 282,000 357,000

Caoutchouc manufactures, other than tires. —

951,000

4,000

124.000

5.000

40,000

75,000

rom Singapore

55,000

75,000

+

20,000

United Kingdom ...

28,000

30,000

+

2,000

Germany

11,000

1,000

—

10,000

Other countries

7,000

13,000

+

6,000

Total 101,000 119,000 +

Note : £1 = about 13 ticals.

18,000

NEW PATENTS APPLIED FOR,

(NOT YET PUBLISHBD),

1916.

Published espre-wl)- lor this journal by Messrs. W. P. Thompson & Co.,
Electrical Patent Agents, 285, High Holborn. London, W.C, and at
Liverpool and Bradford,

16.588. " Electric flashlamps or torches." W. Feston. November 20lh.

16,591. " Two-way inaster switches for actuating sets of contactor switches
tor reversing motors of planing machines, &c." J. G. Stirk. November 20tfc.

16,600. " Portable electric battery torchlights." E. N'uttall. November
Mil.

16.609. " Speed regulating mechanism for electric motors." British Thom
son-Houston Co. (General Electric Co., U.S.A.). November 20th.

16.610. " Electricil switchge
November, 20th.

16.611. '* Overhead trolleys for tramways and railways.
R. H. Moore. November "20th.

16,633. " Means fc
November 20th.
16,636. " Electric lampholdi

F, Bergmann (Igranic Electric Co.)

Moor

lling with electric lamps." A. J. Ca

s, adapters, &c
high-compressio

A. S. Fletcher

9Ut.

16,641. " Sparking plugs for
November 21st.

16,618. " Sparking plugs for internal-combustioi
A.SD S. Smith & Sons. November 21st.

16,652. " Method of supplying power to electi
out continuous conductors." A. Burns. Novem'

16,661. " Electrodes for welding." M. M. Irv

16.695. " Electric signalling

16.696. " Tram rails." M.
16.708. *' Electric device for stopping railway Irai

signal." W. H. Whiteside. November 22nd.

16.710. " Combined pocket and suspension electric lamp." C. R. Hal
November 22nd.

16,731. " Electric flashlights, torches, &c." J. Farren. November 22nd.

16,737. " Radio-telegraph and telephone stations." F. G. Simpson. No
en.ber 22nd.

16,749. " Brakes on electric tramcars, &c." R. H. Wilkinson & W. }
Ti 1 ner. November 22nd.

16,760. " Dynamo-electric machines for starting and lighting systems, &c,
A. E. White (U.S. Light & Heat Corporation). November 22nd.

16,789. ** Means for attaching and securing electric lamps." H. M

lly-propelled trains
21st.

November 21st.
Green. November 22nd.
Morgan & W. A. Morgan. November
that have run

AlNS-

November 23rd
16,800 " Ohmmeter." B. P. Romain. November 23rd.
16,835. " Relays." W. H. Davis. November 24th.

16,839. '■ Trolley-wheel guide for tramcars." G. Askev. November 24th.
16,841. " Meth x) of attaching ci
battery, torch, &:c." F. C. Tammadi

16.849. *' Apparatus for preventing inverse currents in secondary discharge
of induction coils." C. E. S. Phillips. November 24lh.

16.850. " Electric reflectors." A. Sutter. November 24th.

16,855. " Cooling sparking plugs of internal-combustion engines." A. E
Lamkin. November 24ih.

16.861. " Apparatus for circular grinding of commutators of electrical
machines. A. Norrel. November 24th.

16.862. "Connection for electric leads." P. Clercet & Soc. Clerckt, Blix
E' ClE. November 24th.

16,867. " Dynamo-electric machines." British Westinghouse Electric and
M.anufacturinc Co. November 24th: (U.S.A., December 8th, 1915.)

16.890. "Apparatus for indicating and measuring small electric currents."
A W. Sharman. November 24th.

16.832. "Telephone instruments." International Electric Co. & H E.
R. RoosE. November 24th.

10.897. " Means for aulomalically rendering defective telegrapfc signals
unilorm, and for storing ihcm up pl-eparatory to tr.Tnsmission." A. Eraser
AND Eastern Telegraph Co. November 24th.

..If'^v ■ d" ^'"■"''''S'"' ^?- oP'^'--Hi"g gear or mechanism." W. Chadburn
AND W. R. Chadburn. November 25th.

16.907. "Connection of electric cables to junction boxes. &c." British
IssiLATED & Helsbv Cables. Ltd., AND R. W. Blades. November 25th.

16.908. " .Attachment of electric lamp to holders." S Berrv C H Taixor
ANO O. Grundv. November 25th.

16,944. " Electric switch." G. Ma.!kt. November 25th.

PUBLISHED SPECIFICATIONS.

■rill be

1.91a.

14,111. ELv:cTRO-MAt:NETic PowER Tr.ansmission Ce.arinc. H. Zoclly. Octo-
ber 5th. (Convention date, October 6th, 1914, Switzerland.)

14,742. Telkphone Exchancb and like Plugs. A. Marr. October 19th
(April 19th, 11116.)

15,448. CiFict'iT Connections of Electron Discharge Apparatus. British
Thomson-Houston Co. (General Electric Co.. U.S.A.). November 2nd.

15.579. Telegraph Appar.wus. W. J. Mcllersh-J.ickson (Western Union
Telegraph Co., U.S.A.). November 4th.

15,762. Electricallv-controlled Clutches. W. Langdon-Davics, A. Soamcs
and Naamlooze Vcnnootschap de Nederlandsche Thermo-Tclcphoon Maats-
chappij. November 8th.

16,053. Automatic Protective Gear for Electric Systems. M. Roscbourne
(formerly Rosenbaum) & F. A. Couse. November 13th.

16,056. Lightning Arresters. E. C. R. Marks (Bancken). November 13th.

16,0.W. Electric Supplv Meters. H. O. Merriman & T. Speirs. Novem-
ber 13th.

16.290. Portable Electric Battery Lamps. B. Pordes. November 18th.

16.854. Dvnamo-eleciric AIachines of thb Commutator Type. M. Walker.
November 30th.

17.060. Connection between Ej-ectric Incandescent Lamps and Holders.
S. Fildes. December 4th.

17,138. Electrically-driven Vehicles. British Thomson-Houston Co.
(General Electric Co., U.S.A.). December 6lh.

17,166. Electric Regulating Systems. D. F. Campbell. Dcccmfcer nh. '

17,570. Reversible Electric Step-bv-step Ratchet Mechanism. I. H
Parsons & A. E. J. Ball. December 16th.

X9ie.

The numbers in brackets are those under which the specification
prir.ted and abridged, and all subsequent proceedings will be taken,

3.58. Electric Lighting System or Circuits. H Wriglcy. January 8th.
1916. [101,985.]

951. Electric Indicators. P. M. Lincoln. January 20th, 1916. [101,898.]

1,116. Fluii>-pressure-controli.ed Collectors for Electricity. Vacuum
Brake Co., H. J. Dover & W. P. Walker. January 24th, 1916. [101,737.]

1,628. Electrolytic Apparatus for Laundry and other Hygienic purposes.
E. Rcuss & V. Roberts. February 3rd. (Patent No. 101,820.)

2,242. Telephonic Receiver. A. Williams & L. U. Williams. February
15th. 1910. [101,996.]

2.328. Electric Discharge Vacuum Tubes. S. Dushman. February EOth,
1915. [100.104.]

2.552. Miners' Electric Hand Lamps. A. H. Railing & A. E. Angold.
February 21st, 1916. [102,001.]

2,584. Electric Furn.ace. W. J. Wrighton. February 19th, 1915. [100,093]

2.600. Electric Supply Meters.
1915. (Patent No. 100.109.)

2,986. Electric Cables. T. O. Callcnde
struction Co. February 28th, 1916. [101,914.]

3,062. Sparking Plugs for Internal-combustion Engine
March 1st, 1916. (Patent No 101,828.)

3,084. Electrolytic Production of .Sodium Perborate. . Deutsche Gold
and Silber-Scheideanstalt Vorm Roessler. March 10th, 1916. [100,152.]

4,752. Combined Electric Lampholders and Switches. W. Donovan.
March 31st, 1916. [102,012.]

4,806. Electric Signalling Systems and Apparatus, particularly applic-
able to Automatic Multiplex Printing Telegraphy. A. F. Dixon. April 22nd,
1915. [100,306.]

5,750. Electrolytic Refining or Extracting Process. United States
Metals Refining Co. April 20th, 1915. [100,318.)

6.260. Troughing or Trays for Electric Conductors, Conduits, Pipes,
AND the like. May 2nd, 1916. [102,015.]

7.275. Electric Heating .\pparatus.
[102,020.]

9,139. Switch-operating Mechanism for use with Elect
Starters and the like. W. Barraclough. June 29th, 1!
101,853.)

9.826. Time-limit Electric Relays. British We^tingho
Manufacturing Co. July 12th, 1915. (Patent No. 100,892.>

10,099. Multiple Control Apparatus for Electric Railways
Brown, Boveri et Cle. July 29lh, 1915. [101,023.]

& Gyr Soc. Anon
and Callende

February 22nd,

: Cable & Con-

A. T. Austin.

May 22nd, 1916.

Electrit

Akt. Ges.

A Metric System Ready Reckoner.— A handy audlDgeiiious

ready reckoner for use in convertinof British into metric me.isures,
and rice rerm, has been issued by Messrs. Edward Le Bas & Co.,
of Dock House, Billiter Street, E.G., under the title of "The
Combination " Metric Ready Reckoner. The copyritrht is attributed
to Mr. C. T. Evennette. The tables provide for the conversion of
the units of length, area, volume, and weight in common use, as
well as a variety of compound units, and are conveniently arranged
for rapid computation, advantage being also taken of type in three
colours and two sizes to facilitate reference and prevent errors.
Apart from minor discrepancies, such as that between the values
given for 1 lb. and 10 lb. in kg., and the irregular use of c^ for
cm.^, our main, criticism, as in previous cases, is directed to the
illogical treatment of significant figures. The equivalents for
inches, sq. inches and cb. inches are given in some instances to 3
figures, in others to .'> ; for feet, from 3 to 7 ; for yards, from 4 to
7 ; for lb. to kg., and for gallons to litres, 5 to 6, but for tons to
kg., 8 figures ; on the other hand, in the short tables for conversion
from metric to English measures, and for compound measures, six
figures are generally given. As a matter of fact. /w?<r significant
figures are quite sufficient for almost all conversions involved in
commercial transactions ; at least four should always be given,
even if some of them are ciphers ; if the fifth figure is given, it
might with advantage be in smaller type, or subscript. The point
may be thought of little moment ;-it is, however, of importance —
not only as embodying correct ideas of physical measurements,
but also because an array of G to 8 figures alarms the man in the
street, who naturally associates it with the metric system, whereas
in fact it has nothing to do with the latter at all. The very wide
use of four-figure logarithm tables, and of the slide-rule, indicates
the degree of accuracy which is necessary and sufficient, with few
exceptions. In a foot-note the value of the litre is given in pints
to no fewer than 10 figures I It cannot possibly be measured to
more than 7. with the utmost refinements.

TZXE

EXjEGTK/IC^Xj I^E'T'IE'W.

Vol. LXXIX.

DECEMBER 15, 1916.

No. 2,038.

ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

T«l. LXXIX.]

C0KT1IKT6: December 15, 1916.

[Mo. 3,038.
Page

Demobilisation and Reconstruction ... ... ... ... 64.5

Morals from Germany ! ... ... ... ... ... ... 646

Institution Notes ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 647

Resistance Stepping of Motor Accelerating; Rheostats, by L.

Boothraan iillus.) 648

The Alexanderson Magnetic Amplifier 07/»/.«.) 649

Linking-tTp — and Falling out, by " Rover " 651

The Sperry Searchlight ((7/«.s.) 652

The Parallel Operation of Electric Power Stations ... ... 65.3

Correspondence —

Breakdowns of German Plant ... ... ... ... 654

Trade with Italy 654

The Recruiting of Skilled Engineers 654

The Armorduct Manufacturing Co.. Ltd. ... ... ... 654

Australian Pqstal Contracts ... ... ... ... ... 655

National Insurance (Unemployment) Acts, 191 1 — 1916 ... 655

Legal 655

War Items 657

Business Notes ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 658

Notes 66.3

City Notes 664

Stocks and Shares ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 666

The Use of Low-Grade Fuel (i«)m.) 667

Economic Power Generation and Distribution QUus.') ... 668

New Electrical Devices, Fittings and Plant (illus.') 67o

The Determination of Transformer Losses, by P. A. Borden

(villus.') '. 670

Trade Statistics of Japan, 1915 671

New Patents Applied for, 1916 672

Abstracts of Published Specifications 672

Contractors' Column

Advertisement page xi

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THE UNIVERSAL ELECTRICAL DIRECTORY

1916 EDITION.

H. ALABASTER, GATEHOUSE &ICO.,
4, Ludgate Hill, London, E.G.

DEMOBILISATION AND
RECONSTEUCTION.

While there are indications that we are on the eve
of great events in respect of further national organi-
sation of our resources for the successful prose-
cution of the war, there is no disposition to leave
such matters as demobilisation and reconstruction
after the war to settle themselves. The prime busi-
ness in hand at the moment is the determined prose-
cution of the war to complete victory over the
powers that were mainly responsible for the world
holocaust begun in August, 1914. But we shall
commit a graver disaster than perhaps even the
war itself unless we prepare, as far as practicable,
immediately for some of the things which will in-
evitably ensue when Peace can be definitely relied
upon. Therefore, the publicity which has been
given during the past ten days to reports on de-
mobilisation problems and reconstruction proposals
cannot be considered ill-timed merely because we
are passing through re-arrangements of the Cabinet
and the dull days of the third winter of the war.

The report of the Joint Labour Committee on
Labour Problems expresses the studied conclusions
of a sub-committee representing various Labour
organisations. It is estimated, as far as it is pos-
sible to foresee matters at the moment, that any-
where between 6,000,000 and 8,000,000 persons,
seven-eighths of whom are men, will be discharged
or, may we be allowed to say, removed or trans-
ferred, from their present employment. Some mil-
lions of them are exclusively engaged making what
are comprehensively described as munitions of war;
many of these will, we suppose, find plenty of other
business awaiting them in the same works as soon
as material is available. Other millions are prob-
ably doing more or less ordinary work now in place
of men who will expect to return to their former
positions. -If ever it were necessary to prepare for
an event in advance in order to avoid calamitous
consequences, it surely is so in respect of this "colos-
sal general post in industry," as it has been aptly
described. It is considered by the Joint Committee
that demobilisation will extend over two or three
years, and a number of detailed suggestions are
advanced as to provision that should temporarily be
made available both for the changing munition
worker and for the returning- soldier, disabled or
otherwise. These details will form parts of a policy
which will have to be nationally elaborated in order
that the burden may be spread as equally as possible,
and the State will necessarily have to bear a con-
siderable share in the inevitable cost, for it is as
much a war expense as is the cost of mobilisation.

[645]

lUO

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW, [voi. 7;^ No. 2,038, decembkr 15, 191.;.

There will be need for the srreatest possible con-
sideration, tact, and diplomacy if we are to avoid
widespread grievances, for already the soldier does
not hesitate to show how keenly he feels the un-
equal sharing: of burdens which deprives him of his
all in order that he may fight, while his next-door
numitions-working neighbour battens fat on war
earnings. Whether and what unemployment com-
pensation shall be granted, and the precise nature
of the machiner}- to be set up for finding occupations
for workless men and women, these and many other
like points will require before long to be taken
seriously in hand by the new Government, but for
the present the one really pressing and important
tiling is for the most efficient possible organisation
to be established. For some time past there has
been a Reconstruction Committee of the Cabinet
receiving and considering all sorts of proposals con-
cerning " after the war," but we opine that the
late Cabinet made little advance, its wheels being
heavily clogged with the conduct of the war. We
have so many committees at work that it re-
quires a master mind to remember exactly how all
their different duties are co-ordinated, but the new
Government will find it necessary- to settle seriously
down to consider these reconstruction problems
while the War Council wages war without undue
waste of time in controversial questions.

But while the Joint Committee of Labour has
studied its own special questions, and while the
Cabinet Reconstruction Committee has " received "
proposals, the Labour Adviser's Department and
the Pensions Schemes have not neglected certain
very definite aspects of the anticipated situation.
And beyond all these, and by no means the least
important, the great Federation of British Indus-
tries has been assiduously at work. This magnifi-
cent organisation, a more powerful industrial fede-
ration, we believe, than has ever before been brought
into being here, counts among its .members most
of the great British engineering and industrial com-
panies and works. Formed with many worthy
objects, all of which will receive their share of
attention in due course, it has, and we think rightly,
first concentrated its combined experience and
strength upon certain aspects of internal industry
as they must occur after the war. It has, at a
meeting held in London, of which reports have been
published in the daily Press, adopted a number of
proposals. In the belief that these proposals form
a reasonable basis for timely and profitable reflec-
tion and discussion, we print them in full below: —

1. That the cordial and whole-hearted co-operation of em-
ployers and employed will be the most important element in
the success; of any scheme for dealing with the reinstatement
of the men of the Forces and munition workers in civil em-
ployment, and the general redistribution of labour after the
war, and for handling any subsequent problem of nnemploy-
ment or labour dislocation.

•2. That no machinery now in existence can adequately
deal with the reinstatement in civil employment of the pre-
sent Forces.

3. That powers should be obtained from Parliament to set
up without delay a Central Statutory Board to regulate and
supervise (a) the reinstatement in civil employment of the
present Forces; (b) the settlement in normal employment of
civilian workers now in Government or controlled establish-
ments; (0) any general redistribution of labour arising out of
the war. Appropriate transfers of existing powers and duties
will have to be made by the various Government Departments
to the Central Statutory Board, so that complete authority
shall be vested in the new Board.

4. That not less than two-thirds of the members of this
Central Statutory Board should be representatives of em-
ployers and employed in equal numbers, such members being
appointed by the Crown from associations of employers and

from the Trade Unions of the United Kingdom respectively,
the remaining members of the Board to include representa-
tives of Government Departments, &c.

5. That where a Trade Union, by arrangement with em-
ployers' associations, is capable of placing its members in em-
ployment, it should be competent for the Central Board, if it
deems it to be in the national interest, to delegate to the
Trade Union in question the responsibility of dealing with
the reinstatement of it.s own members.

6. That Ixical Boards .should be established vi'hereTer noces-
.sary to assist the Central Board. Such I-ocal Boards to have
the same proportionate representation as is provided for the
Central Board.

7. All expenses properly incurred by the Central and IxkuiI
Boards should be paid out of moneys provided by Parliament.

The Secrctai-y of the Federation, Mr. R. T.
Nugent, has written to the Press stating that these
are the proposals of the most imjjortant and repre-
sentative industrial organisation in the country,
which comprises among its members numerous large
firms and over 40 associations in the iron, steel,
engineering, shipbuilding, textile, dyeing, brewing,
electrical, chemical, and other industries. These
proposals, he states, constitute the first attempt of
a representative body of employers and Trade Union
leaders to make suggestions for the solution of one
of the great post-war problems on definite and prac-
tical lines. The organisation sees^ as do most
others who have studied the position of Labour as
it has developed in war-time, that unless there can
be far greater agreement between Capital and
Labour in future than there has been in the past,
we cannot " carry on " prosperously and efficiently
as an industrial nation after the war. And we can-
not possibly expect to reach any state of after-the-
war co-operation of Capital and Labour unless we
strain every nerve to secure the redistribution of
Labour in the process of demobilisation with the
absolute minimum of grievance and friction. We
must all agree that " the cordial and whole-hearted
co-operation of employers and employed will be the
most important element in the success of any
scheme " bearing on that matter. The movement
to secure irudustrial harmony, or an " industrial
truce " is, to our minds, one of the most important
next to the conduct of the war itself: another, of
course, to which it is closely related is after-the-war
trade organisation and national policy in regard
thereto. We trust that the Federation and the Joint
labour Committee will be able to so influence the
new Government that the very necessary Organisa-
tion, fully representative of both employers and
employes, which the situation demands, shall get to
work without delay. In our new efforts at national
reorganisation let us mobilise the right men for this
particular national service.

MORALS FROM GERMANY !

I

We suppose that few men in the City of London
will be credited with a shrewder insight into financial
and general commercial affairs than Mr. C. J.
Stewart, the Public Trustee. Prior to the war it
had been 4iis duty to investigate the affairs of many
a business which had fallen upon bad days, and son;ie
large concerns it was his privilege to personally •
take in hand and pilot into happier times. We be- J
litve that there is nothing but admiration for the
ocellent way in which he organised and controlled
the Public Trustee's Department for the matters
which came under its peculiar care in pre-war days.
With the European war, and the necessity for us to
deal with German-owned holdings in companies
operating here, Mr. Stewart's duties naturally took

Tol. 79. No. 2,038, December 15, Vm,.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW,

647

oil an even more complex character when certain res-
ponsibihty in that connection was relegated to him.
Whereas before the war he had occasion to investi-
gate the operations of many a British concern, dis
covering points of weakness which had occasioned
failure, he has during the war had to go most
minutely into the doings of successful companies and
businesses in which German capital and German
influence have been important factors. He could
tell us a great many things to interest us did he feel
free to speak the manifold details that are in his
mind, and we hope that in due course he, ' as
well as those who have had to do with the
supervision, control, ' and winding up of com-
panies, under the Trading with the Enemy Acts,
will be free to unburden himself in the interests
of the- future welfare of British and Allied com-
merce and industry. He has, we are glad to say,
already delivered an address to the City of London
Tradesmen's Club on " The Public Trustee and the
War," and those who have a mind to criticise every-
thing that is done by public departments which have
to handle the war-time difficulties of enemy trade
connections, finance and influence, might do worse
than read that speech in order to understand how
great some of those difficulties and problems are.
Compelled to avoid the detail, we fasten upon two
pieces of counsel that he has given us as the result
of his unique experience. He says that it is no
exaggeration to say that 85 per cent, of the enemy
companies dealt with by his Department were pay-
ing companies. In this respect he felt obliged to
give the enemy his due. But why did they pay?
Partly because it had been the custom of most of
these companies " to write ever\'thing down to the
bene." Goodwill was always written off. as were
big depreciations also. " These companies were in
a very strong position, and it was really a lesson
to some of our own joint stock companies to see
how the German cCmpanies acted in this respect."
We do not forget that Mr. Pownall, the President
of the Institute of Bankers, was careful in his ad-
dress, referred to here a few weeks asfo. to point
out that there were no company promoters in Ger-
many. When we are inclined to sit in reflective
mood remembering some of our modest efforts to
ensure the soundness and stability of British elec-
trical industry, we recall many an occasion when
the Electric.\l Review referred to the readiness
of some British companies to carry the pro-
moter's legacy of goodwill, or to allow patents to
stand at what seemed to us extravagant figures, or
to fail to provide properly for depreciation — who
dees not remember glaring cases of failure to write
down huge stocks to their proper figure, and the
consequences of such short-sightedness? It is to
be hoped that engineering and electrical companies
who are making war profits will use a fair propor-
tion of such funds as are left, after " Excess
Profits " taxes have been taken, to rendering their
balance sheets as clean and healthy as possible.
Mr. Stewart, at any rate, holds up the German con-
cerns as examples as a result of his personal
investigations, and our readers will have learned
from our pages what has been the practice of the
great Teutonic Electrical Trusts. There are some
excellent examples of the same sort of thing where
goodwill and patents have practically disappeared
from British electrical manufacturing balance sheets,
but there are others which may not be free from the
influence of the past so soon as one would wish for
their good. We can quite believe that a student of
the past would blame some of our electrical finance,
as stronglv as others blame some of our legislation,
for the shortcomings of the electrical industry.

Another point referred to by Mr. Stewart, and
one upon which we have frequently laid emphasis,
is the generosity which these German-owned com-
panies displayed in dealing with their staffs. We do

not, of course, say that it is general for British
concerns to be ungenerous, but there are businesses
which are frequently described to us as "notoriously
bad payers." In our opinion, this must inevitably
prove in the long run a '" penny wise and pound
foolish " policy. Englishmen who have worked for
German, or partly German, electrical concerns here
have told us again and again that they certainly had
no sentimental preference for working for foreign
companies, but German fimis, knowing the value of
a good man to them, and observing the British
indisposition to pay electrical men a reasonable
remuneration, did not fail to take advantage of the.
situation. They have undoubtedly, in certain well-
known exceptional cases, paid very high figures in
order to get a British commercial engineer to con-
duct their operations at home or in the British
Colonies. Mr. Stewart says: "They seemed to
think it paid well to give the best treatment to their
men."

There is a growing conviction that skilled and
other factory labour must be better paid if it is to
yield the best results in industry. Is there no room
for improvement in dealing with the man who does
not perform the manual labour of the works, but is
the brains, or the business-getter of the organisa-
tion? We are not suggesting that, taken as awhole,
Germany pays her own engineers better than Britain
dees hers, but she certainly has shown a better
appreciation'..pf the value of the men to whom she
looks to develop her industrial operations, and Mr.
Stewart's remarks will not be wasted if they serve
to remind British traders and manufacturers of this
one detail of German organisation, in which the
Teuton has undoubtedly reaped an advantage.

Institotion Notes.

The current issue of the Journal of the
Institution of Electrical Engineers affords
further evidence of reform in procedure on the part of the
Council, which will be welcomed by all who have the best
interests of the Institution at heart. Very little is known
by the general body of membere regai'ding the work that is
done by the Council, its numerous Committees, and its
official representatives on other bodies : hithert(5, apparently,
it has been the policy of the Council to do good by stealth,
and only those who are enabled to obtain a glimpse of its
inner workings can form an adequate or just idea of the
really enormous amount of work that is performed by the
self-sacrificing Members of Council and their nominees —
not even the personnel of the various Committees, as a rule.
being divulged. However, a long step has now been made
towards a reasonable measure of publicity, by the publica-
tion of a list of representatives of the Institution on 11
external Committees, Boards, &c., ' that are engaged on
" work of national importance," and of a list of members of
1 1 Institution Committees (with numerous Sub-Committees),
together with the names of representatives of other bodies
who are not necessarily members of the Institution. The
publication of these names cannot fail to strengthen public
confidence in the recommendations of the Committees, or to
reassure members as to the activity of their leaders, and will,
we feel sure, prove beneficial to the Institution.

Nevertheless, we are not yet satisfied. To ask for details
of the pi'oceedings of the 2 1 Committees, Sub-Committees,
and Panels would obviously be unreasonable, but need the
Council carry on its deliberations always behind an im-
penetrable veil of secrecy ? We hope that we may yet see
in the Journal at least a precis of the Council's proceedings
and conclusions, and that it will take the members more
fully into its confidence, and concern itself more intimately
with their personal welfare.

In conclusion, our congratulations are due to the lusti-
tution on the fourth list of military honours, the ninth list
of members on active service, and the fifth list of promotions,
&c., all of which show how nobly the members of the elec-
trical profession have responded to their country's call.

648

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW [voi. 7i>. xo. a.oss, deckmbku ir., lyic,.

RESISTANCE STEPPING OF MOTOR
ACCELERATING RHEOSTATS.

By L. BOOTHMAN.

This is rather a iKukiieyod subject, Imt the followinfr, culled
from pnK'tieal exjierieiue, (Uitlini's some ixMuts not mentioned
in the many articles that have been written on this matter.
Iacident«illy, it tends to simplify the determination of the
necessiiry dat^i for the greater number of motor applications
with equally good results to those more elaborately
calculated.

An ideal starting rheost^it, from a smooth acceleration
and current stjibility point of view, would give a straight
line acceleration, i.e., the resistance is decreased uniformly
at a uniform rate. This is so, regardle^ of the type of motor

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or its characteristics, and is practically fulfilled by the liquid
rheostat.

The larger number of rheostats used, however, cut out the
resistance in a definite number of steps, so that a straight
line acceleration is not desirable solely on account of the
variable current, torque, and consequent acceleration
impulses that would result.

For theoretically limiting the current during starting
between a maximum and minimum amount, often the
resistance is stepped out in a geometrical ratio, obtained
graphically, by calculating or setting of the slide rule. In
the case of d.c. or a.c. motors the armature or rotor
resistance is required to be known. With series or
compound- wound D.c. motors the resistance of the series field,
and, in addition, also the saturation curve of the machine,
should be known, because in all commercial motors some
degree of saturation is present, and the increase in field
current strength does not give a proportional increase in
counter electromotive force generated in the ai'mature.

Assume a rheostat that is theoretically ccirrectly designed.
Now if the operator does not pause sufficiently on any contact
to allow the motor to attain its maximum speed for that
step, the current rush on the succeeding step will be higher ;
also if the actual load on the motor is less than the assumed
load taken into account when calculating, then after the
first current increment the remainder are of less amplitude.
The momentary starting torque and current of a motor
imder load are almost necessarily greater, owing to
inertia, than when accelerating. Where the load torque
increases with the speed, as with centrifugal pumps and
ventilating fans, and during the accelerating period of
hydroextractors, the current increases with increasing speed,
and, therefore, the increments are damped. With motors
possessing a series field, the self-induction of the field wind-
ing helps to damp these increments, and the increase in field
strength raises the tonpie more than in the case of a shunt-
motor, therefore the motor accelerates at a quicker rate.

With A.c. motors the choking effect of the windings is
greater than for D.c. motoi-s, and therefore the current in-
crements are still less. Especially is this the case with
small A.c. slip-ring motors having a large number of turns
on the windings, and calculations based on open-circuit
slip-ring volt^ige and current, with the rotor stationary and

full voltiige on the st-;itor, will not allow the assuuied currcMi
to flow.

.V {Kiint sometimes overlooked is that in the case of
constiint-torque niiichines the time required for a<!celeration
is in pro[xirtion of the totiil time to the amount of resisttuicc
cut out at each step ; the capacity of the resistance should
be designed accordingly. On cutting out a section of resist-
ance the rate of ac^celeration is increased, and as the motor
gains in speed, gradually decreases, but the average rat<'
can be taken as constant.

In the tR'tual manufacture of rheostats, use luus to be
made of an available range of standardised resistiince unit*;
which have fixed and definite steps, and which are com-
mercially very good if accurate within a .") per I'cnt. ohmic
variation. Cast alloy resisters vary as much ius 20 percent,
in ohmic value from their designed standard, due to varia-
tions in material, &c. Carbon resistances vary in their
ohmic value from time to time, due to humidity, contiwi
pressure, and other causes depending on their design, in
addition to the inherent negative temperature coellicieni
of carbon, while some metals in use have a juisitivc
temperature coefficient, and thus by the time the
later steps are reached their resistance has alrestdy
changed. This alteration is again a variable i|nantity.
depending on the temperature attained. Even when tlir
resi8tan{^e steps are carefully calculated, especially where ;i
staridard line of starters is developed and kept in stock, a
theoretical source of error occurs immediately if the
machine resistance assumed difl:"ers from that of the actual
motor that the rheostat controls. All this tends to nullify
the nice calculations that have been made, and only in
exceptional cases is there any need for them. Users of
electrical apparatus are more concerned with their practical
immunity from breakdown than with any sujjposedly
theoretical accuracy in design.

In general, the number of starting steps is alresuly fixed,
depending on the type of controller, and the stejjping can
be quickly made by means of the curves here shown, select-
ing one according to the acceleration and type of rheostat
required. The curves ai-e plotted to percentages of total
rheostat ohms and steps, and preclude any necessity for
knowing armature resistance, &c. It is immaterial whether

.57^/¥»ry>t?

the motor is started under load, as the total resistance is
determined by the torque, i.e., current required at starting.
The straight line in fig. 1 is drawn for comparison. The
curves represent the rate of motor acceleration. With
motors exerting a constant torque they also indicate
approximately the speed of the motor in k.p.m. at any point
during starting (assuming the motor has been allowed to
att;iin its maximum speed for that step), the time re((uired
to reach that speed, and the voltage drop across the motor.
This is all expressed in percentage of the normal. For
given conditions the total energy dissipated in resistance
during starting is practically the same for all curves.

Curve A is a typical geometric ratio stepping. For the'

Vol. 79. No. 2,038, December 15, 1916.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

649

fiw?«platc type of rheostat, I do not recommend this, as the
comparatively large voltage drop between the first contacts
i.s liable to create arcing.

Curve B is preferable, and with .series motors it gives a
more uniform acceleration with less current variation than
would Curve A

Many "slow-motion" or "step-by-step" rheostats, either
hand or automatically operated, give an equal time interval
on each step. If geometric stepping is used for these, and
the motor is accelerated to its corresponding speed on the
first contatt, then the succeeding time intervals are in an
increasingly greater ratio than necessary, increasing the
amount of resisters required, and lengthening the total time
for i»cceleration, with greater energy loss in the resistance.
In practice a compromise is often made between this and
equal stepping, as per Curve C. The current increments
that ensue, it is found, present no difficulty, and it is often
more important with starters possessing only a few steps to
have a more uniform acceleration than to have regard to
these increments. Compare this with the auto-transformer,
star-delta, and series-parallel starting of a.c. motors.

For starting large motors it is difficult to utilise to the
best advantage the large capacity, with low ohmic value,
required if using resistance that is first of all in series, and
then cut out in steps. The best plan is to insert a section
of resistance, and then parallel the others with it successively.
The curves shown in fig. 2 for D.c. motors are for a five-
step starter, allowing normal full-load current at starting,
and a six-step, allowing 60 jjer cent, on the first contact,
and attaining full load on the second, using parallel resist-
ances throughout. The resultant resistance in circuit, with
the miit-or at each step, is identical with Curve C in fig, 1.
The a<^'tual ohms (expressed as a percentage of supply
volUige full load current) for each section of resisters is
shown. It will be noticed that the resistance ctirves for the
five a!id six-step starters coincide from one point, and that
the current curve for the first section of resisters in the five-
step is exactly the same as the resistance Curve C in fig. 1 .
The amperes for sections 1 and 2 in the six-step starter,
added together on the various steps, also coincide with
Curve C. Of course, the actual currents on each step, when
ivdded, total 100 per cent, of normal, (>., current incre-
ments are neglected. By these curves it is easy to obtain
the cap;icity of resistere required for any motor and starting
conditions where these numbers of steps and this acceleration
are suitable, and similar curves (or, preferably, tables), can
Iw made to cover a range of apparatus.

THE ALEXANDERSON MAGNETIC
AMPLIFIER.

Thk two fundamental difficulties met with in radiotele-
phony, but not in radiotelegraphy, are : the necessity of
generating a uniform series of continuous or undamped
electrical oscillations at an exceedingly high frequency, and
of adequate power ; and the fact that the carbon micro-
phone, which is still the most convenient and efficient
instrument for the reproduction of atmospheric vibrations
in the form of fluctuations in an electric circuit, can deal
only with very moderate currents and small jwwer. The
problem of generation has been solved in various ways,
inclnding the construction of alternators of very high fre-
(luency to the design of Mr. E. F. W. Alexanderson, of the
General Electric Co., U.S.A. : the same inventor has also
devised an extremely ingenious method of enabling the
small variations of electric power produced by a microphone
to lie enormously magnified, so as to control power of any
desired magnitude, and to reproduce faithfully the vibra-
tions set up by the human voice, on a vastly greater scale.
.\n account of this invention was given in the General
Eledric Review, and as Dr. J. A. Fleming, in his recent
course of lectures on " Long-Distance Telephony," referred
to it as of considerable promise, the following description
may be interesting. The article from which we derive the
particulars was a reproduction of a paper read before the
Institute of Radio-Engineers, U.S.A., in February last, by
Mr. Alexanderson and Mr. S. P. Nixdorff.

The fundamcnt;il principle of varying an inductance by
changing the permeability of an iron core was suggested in
the early work of Fessendcn, as a means of changing the
tuning of a radio antenna ; the magnetic amplifier shown
in its simplest form in fig. 1 was, on the other hand, deve-
loped as an accessory to an alternator, in order to take
advantage of the better mechanical construction of a solid
steel rotx)r, and yet produce the results that could be obtained
by field control in a machine with a completely laminated
magnetic circuit. The combination of the constant-field
alternator with the stationary controlling device produces
the same effect as a machine with variable field excitation.

Fig. 1. — Connections of Sijiplest Form of Amplifier,

as regards not only the proportionality between excitation
and electromotive force, but also such phenomena as self-
excitation and instability.

If two windings are related to one another and a common
magnetic structure, as shown in fig. 1, it is evident that
there can be no direct transformation from one winding to
the other ; for each turn in the controlling or exciting
winding b includes both the positive and the negative
branch of the flux produced by the a.c. winding a, and
hence no resultant electromotive force is induced in wind-
ing B. On the other hand, the current in either winding

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influences the permeability of the common magnetic
material, and therefore changes the inductance of the other
winding.

If a current flows in either winding of sufficient intensity
to saturate the iron, the latter is thereby rendered practi-
cally non-magnetic, and the induct<ince of the other
winding is reduced to the value it would have if the coil
ihclnded only air. If, on the other hand, a current flows
in the other winding which gives a magnetomotive force
equal and opposite to the first, the iron is rendered magnetic

650

THE ELECTlllCAL REVIEW, fvoi. th. No. -j.osk, Dkcember ir., ihki.

again. As the twi) branches of winding a are relatively
opposite to winding b. one branch will oppose the amjiore-
Mirns of winding n on one Imlf-cyde and the other branch
during the next half-cycle. In order to have any large
flux variation in winding A, the op|)osing ainiK're-tnriis
must be at least equal to the ampere-turns in winding n.
The relation of currents is substantially tlie same as in a
transformer between the primary and secondary currents,
although in this case one is an alternating and the oiiier a
direct cuiTent. or a current of ditferent frei|uency. It is

Fic, 3. — Amplifier TJse> f )r Tf,5Ts.

thus obviou, liow current flow in winding A can be
regulated proportionately to a controlling current in wind-
ing R. when the magnetic amplifier is used in shunt to the
alternator, as in fig. 1, it has the immediate object of
controlling the voltage rather than the current : the com-
bined characteristics can be derived from the characteristics
of the alternator when operating on an antenna and at the
same time controlled by a variable shunt across its
terminals, as shown in fig. 2. It is also possible to connect
the amplifier in series with the alternator and the antenna,
but the shunt connection is preferable, because its effect is
the same as if the e.m.f. of the alternator in the antenna
circuit were reduced, whereas in the series connection the
amplifier docs not influence the e.m.f., but changes the
tuning of the antenna, and the working conditions are less
satisfactory. The two a.c. windings can also be connected
either in series or in parallel ; this will be referred to
later. Fig. 3 shows an amplifier used for tests with an
alternator of 72 kw.

While the power expended in the controlling circuit in
varying the antenna circuit is very small, there is a large
amount of magnetic inertia to be overcome, which is equal
to the energy stored by the change of the magnetic field, or
the integrated area of the saturation curve between the
points where the changes take place, and calls for a: wattless
flow of energy proportional to the energy per cycle, and the
number of times per second the energy must be delivered
and returned. The energy of the "controlling field is
not necessarily equal to the energy of the high-frequency
field, but is of the same order of magnitude. The ratio of
amplification is proportional to the ratio between the
frequencies of the radio current and the controlling current.
It is obviously desirable to produce a maximum flux varia-
tion in the high-frequen(;y circuit for a minimum variation
in the controlling circuit, and to reproduce in the antenna
circuit the telephone current in its true shape, and the
authors discuss the conditions that must obtain at consider-
able length.

The parallel connection of the a.c. windings is found
preferable to the series connection, having greater sensi-
tiveness, and being able to carry large currents without
causing instability. In this case the flu.t variations in the
two branches of the core must be identical, because they

produce tlie same teiminal voltage in the two windings,
which are connected together : but the currents in tiie
windings are indeterminate, because a cross-current of
unknown strength may circulate l)etwcen the two coils.
This induced curi'cnt tends to opjwse any change in the
average flux, and thus a telephone current in the controlling
winding would simply cause a corresponding short-circuit
current between the two a.c. coils without producing the
desired flux variations. But at! the a.c. winding need
oiK-rate only at "radio" frequencies, which are very much
higher than the frequency of the telephone current, it is
possible to find a value of a I'ondenser such that it acts as a
short-circuit for the radio-currents, and an open circuit for
the telephone current. Hence a condenser is introduced in
series with each of the a.c. coils as shown in fig. 4.

Without the condenser shown in series with the ainpliticr,
the upper curve in fig. 4 shows the relation between alter-
nator volts and amplifier excitation : this curve approa<',hcs
the axis of ordinate's asymptotically with increasing excita-
tion of the amplifier, and the voltage can be reduced to zero
without using an excessive excitation current, so that the
amjilificr can be used as a controlling devi<;e for radio-
telegraphy. In this form it is not suitable for tele])lioiiy.
on account of the departure fi'oni proportionality. This is
remedied by inserting a series condenser as shown in fig. t.
the sensitiveness of the amplifier being at the same time
greatly increased, so that a much smaller control current
is needed, but a limit is set to the latter effect by the intro-
duction of appreciable core loss due to hysteresis and eddy
currents. The lower curves in fig. 4 show the variations
of alternator voltage that can be obtained by using
different values of series capacity, and the corres-
ponding increases in the sensitiveness of the am-
plifier, as represented by the steepness of the
curves, which also indicate that the increased sensitiveness
is gained at the expense of range of control, or difference
between jnaximuni and minimum voltage. All the curves
show a practically linear pro[)ortionality between excitation
and voltage over almost the whole range available. The
effect of departure from linear proportionality, and the con-

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Voltage Control with Different Series Condensers.

sequent distortion of wave shape, is shown in the oscillo-
grams of fig. 5.

The amplification ratio is defined as the difference
between the maximum and minimum kilowatts output,
divided by the effective alternating volt-amperes supplied to
the controlling winding, and for operation suitable for
telephone control ranges from 100 : 1 to 350 : 1.

A further improvement in sensitiveness can be obtained
l.>y using a combination of shunt and series condensers, the
shunt condenser l3eing so proportioned as to make the
amplifier take leading, instead of lagging, current at low
excitation, and allowing the alternator to assume its full
maximum voltage. Fig. 6 shows an alternator output of
72 KW. controlled by telephone : the two curves on the

DE.KMBER 15. i9ir,.i THE ELECTRICAL EEVIEW.

651

oscillngrams, whicli are relativelv upside down, show tbat
the variation of the alternator voltage is in all details an
almost exact reproduction of the controlling telephone
current.

Apart from telcpliuny, the magnetic amplifier is expected
t(i pro\e of \alue a.s a non-arcing key for telegraphy, and
particularly to make ix)ssible high-sijeed telegraphy at the
same rate and ..ith the same means as high-speed automatic

11- Lack i>v Propuktioxai.itv cpox thk
Wam; Shape.

Fin. G. — Oscillogram .Showing Telephoxe Control.

telegraphy on land lines. Oscillograph records have lieen
taken of telegraphic control from 500 to 1,50(» words per
minute. There ap])ears to be no limit to the power that
might be controlled in this way with apparatus of suitable
dimensions.

LINKINQ-UP— AND FALLING OUT.

By 'ROVER.'

The article, " Linking-np Electric Power Stations." in the
issue of November i7th, reminds me of some operating
ex])eriences in America, in cases where two or three stations
Were connected. There was no question of different
phases or frequencies, these being merely ca,ses of power
houses of similar systems of supply working conjointly.
In all instances there was a three-phase system driven by
water power.

In tlie first ca.se three power houses were interconnected —
one of 6,C00 kw.. one of ;^.,000 KW., and one of 500 kw.
The largest station genei-ated at 4.400 volts, stepped .up to
44,000 volts on the transmission line, and was i5 miles away
from the distriliutiiig sub-station. The second and third
generated at 11,000 volts direct on to a transmission line,
and were respcL-tively 7 and 10 miles away from the point
of distribution. Pre\ionsly the big station had been
supplying an area by itself, but at times of peak load it was
over-loaded, whereas the peak load in the other area happened
at a different time of the day, so it was decided to link-up
the two area.s. Both systems had a frequency of GO.

The interconnecting was done by means of static trans-
fdrmcrs. 41,01X1 — 11,000 volts, with a synchroscope and
oil switch, all situated in a sub-station in the main dis-
tributing area. It should be emphasised that in the big
station there was no opportunity for speed , regulation, as
the governors were sot for 60 cycles at full load, and locked
in that position. In station Xo. 2 a certain amount of hand

regulation of the governors was possible. There was no
automatic voltage re.gulator on the system.

All regulation for synchronising was, therefore, done at
station No. i', the operator at station No. 3 being merely
told to stand by in case of a bad shot. To further compli-
cate matters, the load on the area supplied by stations Nos. i'
ami :i comprised a good deal of mining machinery, includ-
ing various hoists, a 500-h.p. pump liable to start or stop
at ■•any moment, and a 400-h.p. compressor which caused a
variation of load of about 250 kw. every 35 sec. Add to this
the fact that the governovs at station No. 2 acted rather
sluggishly, and you will Uien be able to gauge the state of
mind of the operator in the sub-station trying to get a
phase, 7 miles from the nearest power house. The tele-
]ihone wires were strung on the same poles as the trans-
mission lines, and hearing was not always distinct. Some-
times the operation took a quarter, sometimes half an hour,
liut always the staff were worked uj) to such a pitch of irii-
tatiun and jirofaiiity that it was only the long distaiK'cs
between stations which prevented bloodshed.

The connection ouqe made, things went fairly smoothly,
although a short circuit in the distributing area — no
luiconmion occurrence in a mining camp when surface
blasting is being carried on close to transmission lines —
w;is liable to shut down all three stations : the connectiiip
oil-switch, too, had a maximum relay set for about ],0(Ui
KW., which occasionally opened when the sub-station
operator's back was turned, giving stations Nos, 2 and ;5 a
pretty nasty jar, and temporarily spoiling the harmony
between operating staffs.

Another supply system, of whicli I have more or less
pleasant memories, was also in a mining camp. There was
also a load of 5,500 KW. divided between two power houses
25 miles apart, one station of 5,000-KW. capacity, supplying
4,n00 KW., and a smaller station of 1,800 kw., sujiplying
1,500 KW., both stations directly coupled to the same trans-
mission line. The daily load factor was in the regioirof
90 per cent., and the work of operating consisted chiefly of
booking the hourly readings and cursing the mosquitoes,
which made even that slight task hard work. When the
inevitable ishort occurred — caused by lightning, violent
.wind storms, or air concussion due to blasting — both
stations were brought out. The bigger station went back
on the line first, after five minutes' interval to allow all
workmen to get clear, and then when the oncoming load
had steadied a bit, station No. 2 would connect n\>,
switching in one machine after another.

On this system fairly cordial relations existed between the
staffs of the two power houses, except for the usual mutual
complaint that the other station was running at an unfairly
high power factor. On one occasion, however, relations
got very mucli strained owing to shortness of water.
Low water at the larger station forced the manage-
ment to disconnect some of the load in the camp, and
to run only one 2,500-KW. set instead of the usual two.
The smaller power house, being situated further down on
■the same river, had peiforce to shut down a set as well,
and it was arranged that the larger station should carry
full load on its one set, leaving the smaller station, with a
much less load, to do the voltage' regulation. This the
smaller station either could not or would not do, and
station No. 1 was accordingly sometimes carrying 25 jier
cent. o-\-erload, and sometimes running at three-quartei'
load. The superintendent of the larger power house tlierc-
uixiii decided that No. 2 should be forced to do the regula-
tion, and he had his machine taken off the governor and
placed on hand control, with the gate opened to the full-
load mark. He ran in this condition for about a .week.

The poor operators at No. 2 did not get a moment's rest
during that week, and had to call in assistance to book
their hourly readings. This state of things produced a
good deal of friction between the two stations — No. 1 com-
plaining of the inadequacy of the regulation by No. 2, and
No. 2 cursing at ha\'ing to attempt to regulate a very
variable load on such a small machine.

Providence, however, straightened things out rather
quickly, by sending some heavy rainstorms and increasing the
water supply. But in the meantime our largest consumer
had done his best to stir up further strife by developing a
faulty main switch. This consumer was demanding about

r,ry2

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW, [voi. to. nv i.m^. dkcem..,:,, i.-,, v.m;.

1,000 K\v., iiiul (vcasioiiiilly liis switch opened witliout
warning. Then there was a lively time in both jKnver
houses — 'ine on hand control with the jrate wide ojx;n,
and tiic other carrvini; about 100 K^. Station No. :i k)st
their load eoin]ik'tel_v, and lx>tli machines sjK'eded U|> to a
terrilic extent. Station No. 1 had to close do\ni on their
water-wheel irate — not a very quick or easy ojjeration when
ou hand control — and got everything nicely steadied down
when the consiiuior started up again, luid they had to open
their gate once more. At the end of the week No. i
declared their governor had broken down under the strain,
but by this time the water level had risen sutticiently to run
two machines at the larger stuti<in, and peace was restored.

1 think, therefore, that while the development of the
linking-up of the 38 — or is it 138 ? — London stations will
prove highly interesting from a technical point of view, as a
psychological j)robk'm it should Iw of absolutely absorbing
interest — especially to those operators most ilosi^jy con-
cerneik ~

THE SPERRY SEARCHLIQHT.

Ev the courtesy of the Sparry (iyroscope Co., Ltd.,
we were recently enabled to witne.ss the operation of
the Sperry searchlight, which was described at some
length in our issue of September 8t]i (page 256).
At the present time, searchlight work is of more
than ordinary interest, and the .Sperry lamp particu-
larly so. on account of the enormous advance which
it represents on current practice using the pure
carbon arc.

This advance is not only shown in the more
powerful beam of projected light, but in the in-
genious mechanism and adjustments provided.
"*The lamp, whicli we believe is the only complete

Jiir. !>i-ri;i:v Sr.AiiCHLKiiiT: Sihi: \ij w.

one which has been shown in this country, was the
90 cm. size, giving a maximum c.p. of from 105,000
to 112,000, with a wide angle of high intensity, this
comparing with a maximum c.p. of 44,000 over a
small angle in the case of the ordinary pure-carbon
arc 90 cm. searchlight.

The greater brilliancy of the Sperry arc has been

obtained by making use. in addition to the heated
crater surface, of superheated vapour produced in
the arc, which bmiis in a Hanie above the latter.
'I his result is due to the use of a specially impreg-
nated positive carbon, the core being so propor-
tioned that it burns away faster tha'n the carbon
shell, thus producing a dee[) crater.

Owing to the small, size of the carbons, rapid
burning of the positi\e carl)oni is necessarv to secure

TiiF Sperry SR.VRnu.KmT; 1>"ro\t View.

the necessary supply of vapour, and in the <)o-cr',
lamp, the positive carbon is no cm. long and ;
mm. in diameter, burning" at the rate of 18 cm. pe-
hour, with a nomial current of 150 amps. The neg.i
tive carl>on is 30 cm. long and 11 nun. in diamete-
of solid carbon, copper coated.

The intrinsic brilliancy of the bright vapour in
the positive crater is about 500 c.p.. per sq. nnn..
and the distribution curve is much more uniform
than in the pure-carbon arc.

While the reader is referred to our previoui
article on September 8th for a detailed description
of the lamp mechanism, we mav briefly indicate
some of its features here.

To prevent the carbons being burned in such a
way as to interfere with the formation of a proper
crater, and to protect the feeding mechanism fron-
the intense heat of the arc. a current of air is forcer'
up through the electrode supports, which are narrow
rectangular tubes designed to offer a minimum ob-
struction to the light. The air escaping round the
[)o>itive holder is so directed as to shield the latter
fiom direct radiation and cool it. and also serves to
bold the arc flame in position and carrv off waste
gases.

The electrode sujipprts are carried on a rect-
angular control box, situated underneath the- drinn,
and containing all the essential mechanism for
operating the arc; the cooling air for the electrodes
is supplied by a small motor-driven fan in the control
box, and the latter box. with the electrodes,
etc., can be removed bodily from the drum, if re-
quired, in a few seconds.

The small fan motor, bv means of a suitable gear
train and mechanism in the positive head, feeds the

Vol. Ti>. x\o. 2.038, DECEMBEK 1.-., ioi«.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

653

positive carbon forward ; the same motor also slowly
rotates this carbon in order to maintain the sym-
metry of the crater and prevent the escape of the
bright vapour.

The positi\e crater is kej)! at llie focal jioini of
the mirror either by hand control or automatically
by means of a thermostat and solenoid, its actual
position being ascertained by means of an image of
the arc thrown on to^ a ground glass screeh, on
which a line is drawn to indicate the correct posi-
tion of the positive tip.

The automatic control is a most interesting fea-
ture ; a small focusing mirror inside the drum is so
placed as to direct a beam of Hght through a slit on
one side of the latter, on to the expansion strip of a
small thermostat attached outside the drum, when-
ever the crater moves from its correct position, bv
tlie carbon burning Ijack. This causes the thenno-
stat contacts to open, de-energising the solenoid in
the control box, and enabling' a clutch mechanism
tj advance the carbon the correct amount. This
control system gives satisfactory results, the regu-
lation being closer than that obtained by manual
control.

The negative carbon is also fed through its holder
(but is not rotated), the movement being effected by
the small fan motor, previously mentioned, under
the control of a shunt solenoid connected directly
across the arc. and also placed in the control box.

Bnjhr Vnpou."
Dl.-iGKAMMATIC ViEW Ol' THE SpF.RRV ArC.

The' voltage across the arc can be varied by adjust-
ing a tension spring which opposes the shunt sole-
noid.

The negative carbon is inclined at an angle of 14
deg. to the horizontal, the design of the holder
being such as to cast the minimum shadow on the
mirror; the negative holder and its support can be
swivelled round sufficiently to permit the insertion
of a new carbon from the front, the turning move-
ment automaticallv relaxing the grip of the holder
in order to facilitate this.

The negative holder and support are mounted on
a sliding carriage on the control box, and when the
current is off are drawn into striking position by a
spring: when the arc is struck they are drawn back
into the running position by a series solenoid.

In order to rapidlv disperse the gases produced bv
the arc, which would otherwise form dense clouds
in the drum, thus obstructing the light, and leave a
possibly corrosive deposit on the mirror, and for
other purposes, forced ventilation of the drum is
necessary.

It is also necessary, especially with a short focal
length mirror, to cool the mirror and its supports in
order to prevent it fromi being cracked by the in-
tense heat of the arc. For this purpose, a small
motor-driven extractor fan is mounted in a little
casing on the top of the drum; this draws air down

over the' back of the mirror and up across its face
to the exit situated over the arc. It has been found
that large currents of air can be drawn thi'ough the
drum without affecting the arc, which ip shielded b\
its own ventilating system, and that fume extraction
and ventilation can be effectively combined by tlie
arrangement adopted.

The projector lamp is suspended in trunnions
mounted on a turntable on the base, m the usual
way, and arranged for either hand or power train-
ing the training motors and the series resistances
for stabilising the arc bein,^ mounted m i.ie base.

It may be noted that the arc strikes up imme-
diately it is switched on, and- on switching off a red
glow continues for a short period, during which the
intensely hot carbon tips are cooling; an iris shutter
is, however, fitted by means of which the liglit can
be instantly controlled or obscured.

The Sperry searchlight is built in three sizes, for
60 cm., 90 cm., and 150 cm. projectors; when re-
C(ui'iied a remote control system can be provided to
eriable it to be operated from a distance.

Turning' to our views, it will be noted that the
long positive carbon projects, in a holder, through
the glass front of the drum; on the operating side
of the drum are mounted a small case containing a
combined volt and ammeter, also further back the
thermostat in its case, and above it the ground glass
observaiion screen for the arc. Observation lioles
with dark glasses are also provided on either side
of the drum, also a variable resistance to control the
speed of the fan motor in the control box. The
main switch for operating the arc is situated under
the front of the drum, with a projecting handle, and
the current passes through the two tubular electrode
supports — which are insulated from the control box
— to the carbons, silver brushes beini^- pre •, ided ror
this purpose in the case of the rotating positive
carbon.

In conclusion, it will be seen that the Sperrv
searchlight represents a great increase in range and
target illumination, Hvo factors of great importance
in warfare, where ability to pick up an enemy and.
at the same time^ to 'blind him, at the earliest
moment is essential.

THE PARALLEL OPERATION OF ELECTRIC
POWER STATIONS.

The paper by Mr. J. S. Peck on this subject was discussed bv
the BmMiNGH.^M Local Section op the Institution of Elec-
trical Engineers on December 6th. An abstract of the paper
appeared in our issue of December l.st.

Mr. R. A. Chattock, in opening the discussion, spoke of
the advi.sabUity of Linking-up generating stations, as this con-
tributed to greater over-aU efficiency of the .stations and in-
crea.sed the reliabihty of general supply. He thjhght the
case for linking-up was quite made out by such considerations,
and the practical diffic\iltie3 were not insuperable.

Mr. A. M. Taylor explained by the aid of diagrams that
the use of Tirrill regulators was inadvisable in linked-up
systems owuig to their inability to permit tbe voltage of one
station to adjust itself to variations of conditions in another
station. *'

Mr. R. Orsettich referred to two great, diffitulties in the
]inking-up of stations, namely, that of the switcbgear, which
must be capable of standing the current of the combinod
systems, and the possibility of heavier surges than woulii
occur in the systems when operated .separately.

Dr. G. Kapp said he was not able to agree with tbe
author's definition of "total sj-ncbronising power." Appar-
ently the autlior took this to be tlie sum of the excess [wwcr
given out by th<' lea<linR machine and th<' deficiencv of iX)wer.
in the lagging machine. ffe thought synchronising power
.should be defined .separately for each machine. It was con-
venient to give the synchronising power in KW. per unit
electrical degree phase difference between the two machines.
Dr. Kapp also explained a diagram which he had devised for
finding the total inductance for any ampere load on the
machine. In conclu,sion, he added that when dealing with
the induction motor and synchronising generator the author
had ix)iiited out that by making the .slip fairly large it was
almost impo-ssible to overload the link between two stations.

65-1

THR ELECTRICAL REVIEW. (Voi.

No. L'.llltS, Dkck.miUvK i:., I'.IIC.

and thai a smalifM s.-t mi^'lit he u.-*'d thau if both machines
■xere svnclironoui.. The two di^advanta^'es iiientioiied were
large differences in speed and a bad power factor. These, to
Dr. Kapp, did not seem to be very serious, whilst the flexi-
bility of the system and the freedom from danj^erous over-
loadiup were verv important advantages.

Dr. C. C. Ci.xRK.VKD said that it was probable that the
linkinc-up of the existing generating .stations was the most
immediat-e and practical step which the electric supply in-
dustry might take in the campaign of national economy which
a prolongation of the war would entail. The success of such
linkiiig-up proiHK-^iil.-; would in a large measure depend upon
the control gear, which must be chosen with regard to the
icaximuni valu-; of the short-<.ircuit current which could
occur iu the place where the switches were situated. Even
with the existing supply stations it was very doulitful
whether the breaking capacity of the oil switches which were
available had kept pace with the gro\ytli of the generating
plant. Thev could conceive of two stations whose switchgear
was adequate, having regard to the individual totals of
j)lant installed; the effect of linking them up, however, by
diminishing the inherent reactance of the sy.steiii greatly
increased the short-circuit current and lendered the whole of
the switchgear inadeiiuate. This trouble could bo. partially
guarded against by the introduction of reactance in the inter-
lonnectors: but if they were to go in for large schemes of
linking up it would stion be found that the types of control
gear available were inadequate, and this would prove a limit-
ing feature. The large.st types of oil .-nitclies hitherto made
had probably been developed in .\meiica for overhead Vmen
liaving comparatively large reactance values : it did not neces-
.sarily follow that the sjnne switches would give siitisfaction
when used with underground cables, as would be largely the
cas<> with us. Thi.s question of control gear for very big
supply systeius was one which should be given si)ecial atten-
tion by the Institution. The American Institute had a
Standing High-tension Transmission Committee, which was
called upon to report i)eriodically on the general progress of
high-tension work. The Swiss Soc-iety of Electrical Engineers
also did the .same kind of thing, and he suggested that the
Institution of Electrical Engineers should' take this matter
up. Ko action of the Institution could lie more helpful in the
advance of British electrical engineering than this. The pre-
sent haphazard methotl of leaving it to the individual manu-
facturers and supply companies and conxnatifins \vas very
unsatisfactory, and a co-oi>erative and co-ordinated effort was
required. The V.D.E. had already is.sued a report upon this
very question, but as far as he was aware nothing had been
done in this country. It was e.s.sentially a question of re-
search. Both manufacturers and users would heartily wel-
come any information on this .subject. He suggested, there-
fore, that the Institution be a.sked to form such a committee
with instructions to report, say, every six months. Such a
committee would have to be thoroughly representative, and
would not have to consist simply of a few worthy past-presi-
dents and vice-presidents nominated in London. It would
also have to spend a good deal of money, as experiments
would have to be organised. &c. ; moreover, in order to make
rapid progress it would be necessary to retain the services
of a good engineer to act a.s secretary to the committee. If
such an organisation could be got to work, in a very few
years the problems which were now a source of considerable
anxiety to many supply companies' engineers would be solved
and a great advance made in the reputation of British manu-
facturers of this class of apparatus. In view of recent
announcements hv the Government, it was very likely, if
proper representations were made, that a grant of money
from the Government for such a research might be procur-
able.

Mr. C. Jones, in a- communiration. wrote of the improve-
ment he had been al)le to obtain in the jxiwer factor by the
use of static condensers. In the particular system with which
he was concerned three sets had been installed of 340, 4O0,
and COO microfarads capacity. These had been in use for
twelve months without giving the slightest trouble.

burnt out it."; stiator, the trouble being hiu.\ stator joints which set
the insulation on fire. When No. 3 generator was repaired. No. 5
generator broke down again with a burnt-out stator and the core
had to be rebuilt ; No. .'i generator was back at work again only a
few days when No. 1 generator broke down, owing to the rotor
banding coming a«irtft. The air pumps have also given a lot of
trouble, probably owing to lisrht shafts. The five generatoru are
built by — - . lO.OOO KW.. I.IIOU K.P..M.. .''..000 volts. "

" We have had a good deal of trouble on the cable system, the oil
switches blowing up. and scattering the burniu;; oil.

"At 8ub-.station a transformer broke down and wo* handed

to the maintenance men ; tour of them were working on it. opening
up. when there wa-s an explosion and the men were enveloped in
Hames ; one ran to the pond, but dropped dead a few yards away
from it ; another died diiring the day : of the other two. one may
recover.

" A few days ago an oil switch bui'st at the same sub-station, and
two men were injured. "

The plant referred to has all been installed in a British colony and
l)aid for by good British gold, and the whole of it was of German
manufacture. The various breakdowns referred to in the letters
were reported during a period of only a few months.

J. Shepherd.

T.ee<iK. JJeceinher itk. lltlO.

Trade with Italy.

During the last month we have received many catalogues and
price lists from British engineering and electrical manufacturers :
several of them mention that they had our address from page 484
of .vour Electrical Review of November 3rd. 191().

We have pleasure in thanking you very much for your kindness,
and we can assure you that we. since 1S83, have done all we can
to have machinery from England.

Cav. Alexander Hamilton & Son*.

John A. Hamilton.

Messina, Xo rem her '>si/i, ]91t;.

The Recruiting of Skilled Engineers.

In one of the leading articles of your issue of December 8th yoa
dealt with the calling-up of engineers skilled in the handling of
Diesel engines. In the early days of the war the recruitinjr of
trained men placed the nation in a very awkward position, and. in
a numberofinstances.it was necessary to bring them back iutocivilian
life. There seems to be a danger of these grave errors being
repeated. Last week, before the City Tribunal, two engineers on
the staff of a large insurance compan.v. one an electrical surveyor,
the other on the technical office staff, had their appeals for
exemption rejected, apparently without any evidence being taken.

The importance of electrical work in the war is recognised even
by the layman, and there is no class of men doing better service to the
nation than the engineering staffs of insurance companies. They
must have a wide technical and practical experience, be acquainted
with every make and type of apparatus, and have a unique know- ■
ledge of power plants. Large numbers of controlled establish-
ments, and thousands of firms doing work of national importance,
are covered with insurance companies, and surveyors spend most
of their time in gettinjf these works out of trouble and preventing
them from t;etting into it. As a matter of fact, even people who
do not insure often retain these companies simply for the value of
their inspections, tests and advice. In addition, the statle do a lot
of good work in the testing of machinery, both new and second-
hand, j)reviou8 to pui-chase, and also get out the plane and carry
out the complete electrification of works. It must further be
borne iu mind that the companies themselves are not (retting any
extra premium, although large numbers of machines are workinif
day and night, resulting in an increased number of breakdowns ;
in addition, the prices of repairs are more than doubled, and are
nearly all class A or B.

If these men are to be taken away they should at least be put
into positions where their services could be properly utilised. I
doubt if this was the case as far as the two engineers mentioned
were concerned.

Jaques.

CORRESPONDENCE.

Letters received hy vs after 5 P.M. ON TOESDAY cannot appear until
thefolluwing week. Correspondents shmldforward their communi-
cations at the earliest possible vwmetit. Ko letter can be published
vnless we hare the tvriter's ttame and address in our possessian.

Breakdowns of German Plant.

The articles on German plant contained in your publication last
week have sent me to certain old letters filed away and almost
forgotten, and as these deal in some of their paragraphs with the
matter you are now discussinjr. they may be of interest to you.

I give below extracts from two letters after subjecting them
to such sub-editing as is necessary to make a coherent story, but
strictly retaininj; the sense of the originals whilst doing so.

"At the beginning of August we were informed that no more
breakdowns should occur, so No. 6 generator burnt out its rotor that
evening : a fortnight later it was running again and No. 3 generator

The Armorduct Manufacturing Co., Ltd.

Mr. Nield. in his question in the House Commons on Monday
last, of which you give an account in your last issue, refers to me
as the nominee of the German shareholders. I desire to state that
I am not. and never have been, their nominee.

1 founded this business (at the age of 21). and when its develop-
ment required capital took it from Germany when I failed to
obtain it here, and .your readers will hardly regard that as a crime.
I tried repeatedly to replace this German capital by English
capital, and failed owing to the antipathy with which industrial
investments were regarded in this country prior to the war.

The Board of Trade Parliamentary Committee, with the full
knowledge of all the facts and of my history, invited me to make
an offer tor the alien interests of the company ; I have made this
offer, and. whether it is accepted or rejected. I have acted
throughout in the best interests of the country of my adoption.

W. Ratcliffe-SmaJI.

London. E.G., DeremUr Vith. 1916.

Jl

Vol.::.. .\o. 2,H.ss, decemhkk 1.^, H.n;.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

655

Australian Postal Contracts.

Referring to the parajrraph under this headinfr which appeared
in your issue of September 1st, I beg to ad\-ise you that althoug-h,
after three months' delay, the Postmaster-General's Department
replied to a communication dated October. 1915, yivinor reasons
why an arbitration clause, or its equivalent, should be inserted in
contracts, intimating- that it had been decided not to vary the
conditions of contract in regard to the rejection of material by
making provision for the appointment of a Survey Board,
Clause 10, which provides for a Survey Board, has been inserted i"n
a large number of contracts entered into by the Department with
memljers of., my Committee since this date.

R. H. Butler,

Secretary, the Austrnlian Klertriral niitl Allleil
f 'iiiitrartiir.t' ( 'om ni itter.
Melbourne, ttrtnher 20tli, IHlfl.

Breakdowns ok German Plant. If our other corresjiondent
in Leeds will forward his address, in accordance with the rule
at the head of this section, we shall be pleased to insert his
letter on thi.^ subject. — Ens. Elec. Rev.

NATIONAL INSURANCE (UNEMPLOYMENT)
ACTS, 1911 — 1916.

UXEMPLOYIIEXT INSURANCE.

Decixions htj the f'mpire.

k.. The Umpire has decided that contributions are payable in
respect of :—-

2,072 X. Pointsmen, signalmen and other workmen engaged in
regulating traffic at factories engaged wholly or mainly in muni-
tions work, or in any trade insured under the Xational Insurance
(Part II) (Munition Workers) Act. 1916.

2,07li X. Workmen engaged in the preparation of slate for elec-
trical appliances, tanks, or vats for use in the manufacture of
munitions of war.

2.078 X. Workmen (including stranders and coverers) engaged
wholly or mainly in making telephone cords.

2.079 X. Workmen engaged wholly or mainly in covering metal
wire with silk, cotton or other material.

B. The Umpire has decided that contributions are not payable
in respect of :—-

2.077. Workmen (pother than those insurable under Part II of
the National Insurance Act. 1911") engaged in the repair of bridges
which are built up on the site.

LEGAL

British-Thomson-Houston Co., Ltd.. r. Duram, Ltd.
Tungsten Wire Patent Litigation.
iC'ont ! ntwd from page 626.)
Mr. Swinburne said he had made himself acquainted with the speci-
fications in the case. With regard to Siemens's German specifica-
tion of 1902, that dealt with tantalum, niobium and vanadium. Any
knowledge about those metals would tell them nothing as regarded
the working of tungsten. The same applied to the Abel specifica-
tion of 1900. which also dealt with these metals. The specification
of the British Thomson-Houston Co. of 1900 stated that "difficulty
has been encountered in drawing or rolling filaments from tungsten,
because of its non-ductile character as ordinarily obtained." " We
have discovered that when tungsten is heated it undergoes remai'k-
able molecular changes, and. in fact, becomes so ductile that it may
be easily worked when hot." " The metal becomes so ductile that
it may be hammered into bars, rolled into sheets, or drawn through
dies into wire." The process was described in the specification,
and he had seen the process actually carried out. It was an
important process for lamp filaments, and was practically replacing
all the others, and the metal was coming into use for other purposes
s£s well, such as making electric spark contacts. He had not found
in any of the earlier documents pleaded in this case instructions
which would enable him to work tungsten.

Witness was cross-examined by Mr. Terrell, K.C. with reference
to the meaning of malleability in metallurgy, and also with regard
to the ductility of certain metals. Counsel suggested to witness
that it was found impossible to make tungsten for a lamp unless it
was got coherent. Mr. Swinburne agreed, and also assented to
counsels remark that when it was first made coherent it was by the
same process as osmium. The built-up tungsten filament first got
on to the market about 1907, and the drawn-wire filament much
later.

Can you account for the fact that it was not brought on to the
market between 190t; and 1911-12 ?— From 1906 to 1911 is five
years and that is not out of the way for developing a process like

this into commercial work. It is not that you have to draw the wire
and make a new lamp, to compete with gas, or something of that
sort, you have to compete with an existing lamp ; you cannot get
it into commercial use till you are better than the existing lamp.

On December 6th Mr. Swinburnb continued his evidence for
the plaintiffs.

Mr. T. Terrell, K.C. in further cross-examination, suggested
that there was a difference between ductility and malleability.

Witness said, in his opinion, ductility involved malleability plus
tensile strength. This specification did not talk of malleability.

When yon heat the metal and start hammering it. there ia no more
ductility in the metal than there was before you began in the sense
of differentiating it from malleability .' — I think thei-e is : I think
the hammering generates ductility. Mr. Swinburne also said that,
in his opinion, the word "ductility" was used loosely to mean
workable.

Prof. C.y.Bovs. F.R.S.. said he had read and considered the sjieci-
fication of the plaintiffs, and took part in certain experiments with
reference to the subject matter of the patent. The information on
the subject of tungsten at September, 1906. the date of plaintiffs"
patent, consisted of Moissan's exjieriments. Tungsten powder was
well known at that time, and possibly the squirted filaments of
tungsten ; but he was not sure that they were on the market then.
Asked as to the possibility of investigating the malleability and
ductility of tungsten from the then known materials available for
research, witness said it was possible to repeat the experiments of
Moissan, and to get his result. As to the filaments, they were »
finished product, and owing to its brittleness and hardness he
would never think of drawing it. He did not know of any tungsten
which could be put into the form of rods. Dealing with the
Siemens specification. Counsel asked if there was anything in that
document which would be helpful to a man who was facing the
problem of making tungsten .' — Witness said they could gather
nothing about tungsten from other metals. Thd document told
them nothing in words and nothing by inference.

His Lordship : Suppose you take a fritted tungsten rod and
expose it to further prolonged heating, do you increase its' malle-
ability apart from any subsequent working or heating .' — I think
that is the case : the greater the temperature and the greater the
length of time you maintain it, the more coherent and compact the
metal becomes.

Cross-examined by Mr. Kerry. K.C, for defendants, who asked
what directions the specification of plaintiffs gave, for working
tungsten for other purposes than wire drawing. Witness said they
could roll it into sheets.

You have seen experiments : do you think it can be hammered
into bars, proceeding according to the specification ? — I believe I
can hammer it, working very carefully ; but I think rolling is
vastly better and quicker.

In September. 1906, if you had wanted to get a piece of tungsten
rod, it was the obvious thing to get it from the powder by the
squirting process .' — If you wanted to do it, you could try the
squirting process with tungsten.

In September, 1906. was there a difficulty in producing a built-up
tungsten rod .' — I do not know of its being done ; b\it., if it had
been tried, it would have succeeded.

As to the patent in question, at what stage in the process of
rolling or drawing do you say the slug becomes ductile .' — It may
be that it is ductile before you roll it at all ; I have not tried that :
but -as ductility requires a greater degree of strength and
coherence than mere malleability, and. you roll before you can
draw, the process may be a gradual one.

On December 7th, Mr. Swinburne was' re-examined, his
evidence having been interrupted on the previous day by an
Admiralty engagement.

Mr. Walter. K.C : From all the literature you knew until the
instructions that were contained in this specification, did you
know of any coherent form of tungsten ? — No.

In the treatment of the powder which has been carried up to 1.000
degrees in the manner indicated in the specification, does that
produce a different physical condition in the rod .' — It does.

What is the general character of the change that has taken
place .' — A reduction of the dimensions of the body i that is to say,
it gets smaller, and the particles come together so that they appear
to be quite solid.

Do you know of any method by which tungsten can be obtained
in a molten form, so that it could be formed into rods .' — Xo.

As regards the nature of the operations, rolling, hammering, and
so on. what is the preliminary to work such as Mr. Terrell spoke
of .' — In modern days all the metals used have been melted first.

Could such experiments have been carried out with tungsten up
to the date of this specification .' — Xo ; you could not get tungsten.
to start with, into the regular condition. Witness further stated
that the prior specifications relied on by the defendants, dealing with
the treatment of other metals, afforded no instruction as to the
treatment of tungsten.

His Lordship : Having read plaintiffs' specification from a
scientific point of view, does it convey to you as a metallurgist that
he is disclosing a method for dealing with a molten tungsten \ —
No ; it conveys this idea, that you can take a powder and make it
into a sufficiently coherent and solid form for working.

De. Pass.moke. the well-known chemist, gave evidence as tn
experimenting with tungsten according to the process of hammer-
ing described in the specification. He satisfied himself, he said,
that the coherent product as described when heated to a red heat
only oxidised to the extent of bluing on the surface. All the
tungsten he had hitherto worked with immediately on heating
long below red heat oxidised. That was then his knowledge
of tungsten. As to the effect of hammering, he took a slug made
from the coherent process, and put it on a sheet of thin

056

FHK ELECTRICAL REVIEW, [vm. 70. x,. lmw, nncKMnKR 1.,, iinr,.

flat iron, nvtint' ii on a sheet ot ashestos. and he was ahlo to
flatten it out. He trieri to work tantalum by the process indicated
for the workinfT of tungsten ; he took the tantalum in the con-
dition of powder, miied it with glutinosc, made it into a rod,
heated it to 1,00(1, or thereabout, and then, hanprinij it up,
tried to pass an electric current through it, and could not do it,
the reason being that the metal contained some oxide. Dr. I'ass-
more next gave his views on the methods described by Moissan
with regard to tungsten.

The plaintiffs' case was closed, and Mr. Colefax, K.C, summed
up the evidence on this side.

On December ,*th, Mr. To.m Terbkll. K.C, opening the defen-
dants' case, said the fair reading of the evidence was that there
had never been mode a tungsten rod of anything like three-sixteenths
diameter.

His LoRDSHir said he was not prepared on the ovideuco to say
that making that was not an invented novelty.

5Ir. Terrell said they presented their case on this footing, that
the patentees only put into practice a discover^', which discovery it
was the business of the ordinary metallurgist to make in connection
with either a new alloy or a new metal. That being so, and there
. being no difticulty and no suggested invention in carrying it into
ofieration. there being no special apparatus necessary to do it, the
only invention could be the hare application of the discovery that
was alleged to be made. That discovery was the business of the
ordinary metallurgist and was not invention. The evidericc of Mr.
Swinburne established this, that given a chunk of tungsten, a
metallurgist engineer being told to investigate its properties would,
as a matter of ordinary business, try it cold and try it hot to find
out its properties. He might be' deceived about the tungsten, but
he would find out. as part of his business, that it was malleable hot.
There was no subject matter in the patent, because a so-called dis-
covery could not 1)C subject matter, and there was no invention or
pretended invention in the application of a discovery. All that
was said, to How from the discovery was that which flowed
admittedly from the s:ime fact in other metals.

On December 11th, Mr. Ballantyne, expert chemist, examined
by Mr. Kerhv.'K.C, for defendants, said he had been in a number
of these wire cases, and he had read the specification in this case.
He remembered the proposal for the tungsten filament lamp.
Before that, so far as he was aware, there was no use for tungsten
except in the form of powder. .

Was it known before the success of the filament lamp that wire
mside of tungsten would be a success for lamps ? — That was
believed up to 1004, and in 1904 we knew it when the built-up
filament was a success. The patent became known in 1905. In
September, I90fi, he published in the Journal of Chemixtrij a precli
of a communication in a German paper describing the lamps
generally.

What to you. as a chemist and practical scientific man. does the
specification in this action suggest as an invention .' — I had a little
difficulty at first in understanding what the point of the inventor
was. At first I understood it was in order to get ductility by a
process ot]^ heating, but I gathered afterwards that it was the
working of a metal by melting.

What material did you understand to be referred to ? — I under-
stood it to be tungsten, which had started in the form of powder,
and was converted into the form of a coherent. He added that he
understood that it was necessarily started in the form of a powder,
and if that could be melted it would produce tungsten in a coherent
form. He could not say he knew, as an actual fact, that melted
tungsten was on the market, but he believed tungsten had been
used on the market in a form suitable for making filaments. He
had tested the slugs which were made according to the patentees'
process, and found the density to be in one test 167 and in the
second test 16.

(To he continued.)

.MAYLE r. HORART SlANIFArTURINO t'O.

In the King's Bench Division, on December 6th, before Mr. Justice
Rowlatt and a special jury, plaintiff, a pork butcher, of Harringay,
sued the Hobart Manufacturing Co., of Charterhouse Street,
City, to recover damages for injury to his right hand, caused^ as
he alleged, by the negligence of the defendants' servant. It
appeared th.at on December 7th, 1915, plaintiff visited the Cattle
.Show at tlie Royal Agricultural Hall, Islington, The defendants,
who are manufacturers of sausage-making machines, had a stand.
The plaintiff, on going round the .stalls, was invited by one of the
defenilunts' servants to examine the sausage-making machine, and
the plaintiff put his right hand into it, being unaware of the fact
that the machine was actually working. The result was that the
top portion of the index finger and part of the second finger on the
right hand were cut off. He claimed damages, alleging that no
warning was given to him that the machine Wixs working, and that
he should not place his hand inside it. The plaintiff, as a pork
butcher, w'as permanently disabled in thj use of his right hand,
and he ha<l lost the situation he wjus engaged in at the tinSc. The
plaintiff claimed damages and loss of salary. The defendants
denied that the plaintiff was invited to examine the maohine, and
thc'y said that the plaintiff was negligent in putting his hand into
the machine. The defendants denied negligence.

Mr. Marriott, in opening Jhe case, .said that the machine in
question was worked by electric power, started by a switch on top,
and counsel suggested that the defendants' servant must have
turned on the switch just as the plaintiff put in his fingers.

The Plaintiff, who is 30 years of age. gave evidence in support
of his case. He said he W€ks definitely invited by the defendants'
servant to enter the stall and inspect the maohine. He was pro-
ceeding to inspect the '' worm " to see if it was tight ; the machine
was not working at the moment, but suddenly it started, and off
caine his fingers.

Evidance having been called for the defence, the jury awarded
the plaintiff a total of £60 1.58., and judgment was entered
accordingly, with costs.

A. P. LuNDBEBG & Co. )'. Witting & ^artner.s.
In the King's Bench Divisional Court, on Thursday, December 7th,
Justices Ridley and Avory heard an appeal by the defendants
against a decision of the Judge at Clerkenwell County Court in
respect of a disputed contract for 180,000 mild steel grub screws.

Mr. Fortescue, for the appellants, said the appeal was in
respect of an action respecting an order for 180,000 screws i in.
long — J-in. Whitworth thread — to be delivered by plaintiffs to
defendants at the rate of 22.000 weekly. The action was brought
to recover £42 5s., the price of certain of the screws. In the Court
below the defence was that the screws were not in accordance with
the contract, and defendants contended that they were entitled to
regard them as worthless. There was a counterclaim for loss of
profits and costs of stacking up machinery. The Judge found that
there was a breach of contract, and that the screws were not in
accordance with the sample. But he held that in the circum-
stances the people to whom the screws were to be delivered did not
reject them within a reasonable time, and, therefore, they must
pay the full purchase price of the screws. He also dismissed the
counterclaim.

Me. Palmer, for the respondents, argued in favour of the finding
by the Judge.

The Court allowed the appeal, with costs, and ordered a new
trial. There was no doubt the screws were to be made to a certain
pattern, and that they were not according to that pattern. The
Court said the learned Judge was right in his first finding, but was
not correct in the second.

Hendon Electric Supply Co., Ltd., i: Collins.
At the Hendon Petty Sessions, on Xovember 30th, Miss M. G.
Collins, of Hampstead Garden Suburb, was fined £5, and £2 2s.
expenses, for stealing electric current, value 5s., the property of
the defendants. The company charges IJd. per unit for heating
and 5id. for lighting, and the evidence given for the company
showed that by means of a long flexible cord extending from one
room to another, and a lighting socket attached to the heating
plug, defendant was using heating current for lighting. Mr. J. M.
Lickfold, who appeared for the prosecution, said that the company
was proceeding in a number of similar cases, as this kind of thing
appeared to be ]arg(>ly carried on in the district.

Electricity Works Employes' Leaving Certificates.
Two electrical engineers, employed by the Islington Borough
Council, who appeared before the London Munitions Tribunal,
said that they had asked for their leaving certificates because they
had been refused the 3s. war rate granted to engineers on November
7th. Unless they obtained the extra 3s. or left the employ of the
Council they would be turned out of their Trade Unions. Aid.
Saint stated that each man was getting an average wage of
£2 10s. per week, and the Council desired to pay fair wages.'^ The
Council were supplying electrical energy at Id. per unit, and were
making no huge war profits, ^either did the men have to work
under high pressure. If. the wages were raised, the increased
working costs would mean that the rates would have io bear part
of the cost of running the business. The case was adjourned in
order t,hat the representatives of the men's Trade Union mi^ ht be
caXXei.— Daily Telrrirn.ph.

Edison Swan Electric Co., Ltd.
On Tuesday, a petition by this company, for the sanction of the
Court to special resolutions altering the objects of the company,
was heard by Mr. Justice Neville in the Chancery Division.

Mr. Jenkins, K.C (for the petitioners) said that his clients had
very large and complete plant, and they desired to extend their
powers by entering into arrangements with the Government and
municipal and other authorities, and doing any engineering work
that was submitted to them. They also desired power to acquire
patents tor inventions relating to mechanical engineering,
chemistry, chemical engineering, and anything of a like character
in addition to their electrical patents.

His Lordship granted the petition.

The R,\ting ok Electric Tramways.
The assessment appeal of the L.C.C. was further heard on Tuesday,
and the Court annou^iced its intention to deliver judgment on
December 21.st.

Electrical Eng.ineer Sentenced. — William Edward Milns

(39), formerly holding a prominent position in the Birmingham
Corporation Electric Supply Department, and latterly an officer in
the R.N.'V.R., has been sentenced to six months' hard latjour at the
Crown Court of Birmingham Assizes, on a charge of assaulting
Violet Curtis, aged 14, and to a similar sentence on other charges,
both sentences to run concurrently.

Vol.::.. No. 2,03S, December 15, un.;.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

657

WAR ITEMS.

Appreciation. — .\ cqrrespondent with the British E.\()e(ii-
tionary Force, writing under date December 5th, 1916, says: —
" Tho weekly copy of the Review still reaches me regularly,
and I am duly grateful for your kindness in sending it. .4s
the mean.s of keeping one in touch with everything that is
going on in the electrical world, it is a truly valuabje and
welcouK' link."

Munitions Priority Branch. — The Priority Hr.inch of the

^lillistry III Munitions, whose ollici\s are at St. Ermins Hotel,
xMth }U-. Edgar .Tones. M.T., at the head, will have charge of
Machinery I'ui- controlling the use and di.strihution of metals
under the new coniniittees that have been recently apixjinted
for effecting economies in metals.

A Copper Committee — It is announced that the Ministry
of Munitions has appointed Mr. Cecil Budd. of Messrs. Vivian
lounger i- Co., London, and Mr. R. H. Rucker, of Messrs.
Henry Rodgers, Sons & Co.. Loildon, as a Committee to
advise the Ministry on the purchase and distribution of
copper. Mr. Budd is chairman of directors of the London
iletal Exchange, and Mr. Rucker is chainnan of the Metal
Exchange. Mr. Stroud, of Messr.s. Charles Tennant & Co.,
will aet as secretary to the Committee.

An E.\ample to Follow. — The employes of the Birming-
ham Corporation Electric Supply Department at the outbreak
of the war in.stituted a war relief fund, to which they have
contributed over £1,000. Each Christmas they have sent to
the men on service a Christmas present, and are doing the
seme this year. The men abroad will receive a parcel con-
taining some dainties, and the men on home service will
receive 5s. each. The wives of each of the men will also
receive 5s., and Is. for each child over 12, and a toy for each
child under that age. — Birmingham Post.

Walther Rathenau A^ain. — .\n Exchange dispatch from
Paris quotes the JournaVx special corresfiondent at Zurich
to the effect that in the course of the genera! meeting of the
.\llgenu>ine Elektiicitats Ge.^ell.'-chaft. at Berlin, the chairman,
lleir Walther Rathenau, known as the chief organiser of raw
]i:ateriuls during the war, said': —

" Even those who make no mistake about the reality of the
]iolitical and military situation have now the impression that
for the first time for a very long while a distant glimmer of
peace apjiears, but no hope should turn us from our duty.
\Ve must continue to extend our war factories, and budd
new ones, in order to increase our production. You know that
Hindenburg's strong programme calls for the entire forces of
the country, and the immense tension of these forces should
turn Germany into one great arsenal. It is no longer a war
of one army against another, it is a war of material. Our
adversaries say "that time works for them. No. Time works
for no one; time fights against all."'

Coal Supplies Held Up in France. — While the price of
coal in France, writes the Financial Times Paris correspon-
dent, ranges from £6 to £S per ton, thousands of tons of coal
continue to lie idle in French ports for lack of available trans-
port. .\ccording to the Pctif Parisicn there are 800 barges
containing 3()0,0<Xl tons of imported British coal, unable to
move for want of tugs. At the pit mouths of French collieries
.5(X),00() tons lie waiting for transport, and a. further 3(XI,000
tons lie at various seaports. Meanwhile a number of impor-
tant munition factories are working short hours owing to tpe
lack of coal. The trouble arises in great part from the mili-
tary control of the railways, the military authorities unneces-
sarily holding up large numbers of empty trucks for several
weeks at a time. Speculators are taking advantage of this
disagreeable — and. under existing circum.stances. dangerous —
condition of affairs, and quite recently a large coal dealer was
able to exact the price of £9 Is. per ton for an immediate
si:pply of 250 tons of coal. This price constitutes a record,
even for France.

Germany and After»the=War Trade. — Mr. Gerard, the
L.S. .Embassador to Germany, before leaving .\merica on
his return to Germany, delivered at a Xew York
dinner an interesting speech on enemy after-the-war
plans. .According to Reuter, he said that in Germany,
after the war,, probably no one will be permitted to
purchase anything made outside of Germany. There will
be, in all probabihty. a central buying "committee, which wiU
do the purchasing "from foreign countries for the Empire.
This will permit the Germans to enter the markets in a posi-
tion to say to a certain extent what prices they will pay for
that which they wish to pmchase. . . . If our peace and
, prosperity are to continue couunercially, pennission to com-
bine for the foreign export trade should be given. Mr. Gerard
thought that in every foreign nation after the war there
would be similar central bodies for commercial protection and
to reap commercial advantages, and these were the matters
the States had to meet. .A.t another point in his speech Mr.
Gerard said that if America^ was to give the eight-hour day
they had got to give the manufacturers and the working men
some measure of defence against those countries where the
working man worked 10 hours or more, and where so many
women worked -and had assistance furnished them.

Australia and Munitions. — In a recent speech at Mel-
bourne, forecasting national organisation, the Minister of

Defence (Mr. Pearce) said that they could not continue put-
ting steel and iron into ornamental work when it was required
for guns and shells.

War Bonus. — It was announced on the 9th inst. that a
further war bonus of 3s. a week is to be granted to Sheffield
Corporation women car conductors and other tramway em-
ployes receiving less than 48s. per week, at an annual cost of
£15,000. War bonuses -will now cast the tramways depart-
ment i'3G.()]0 per year.

Tramways and Excess Profits Duty. — The Board of
Referees, in response to an application by .\uckland Electric
Tramways Co.. Ltd., have increased the .statutory percentage
in their case to 7i per cent, in the case of a trade or busi-
ness carried on or owned by a company or other body cor-
povate. and to 8S per cent, in the case of any other trade or
business.

Export Prohibitions. — The list of export prohibitions has
been amended, and particulars of the alterations appear in
the London Ga^cltr for December 12th. The following head-
^ings are to be deleted from the schedule : —

(B) Electric lamps, except carbonlilament lamps and arc
lamps for street hghting. •

(C) Pocket lamp cases and cases lifted with bulbs but not
containing batteries.

(B) Lead, pipe, scrap or sheet, and solder containing lead.

(A) Valves, gas. steam, and water.

(A) Wood screws, made of brass, iron or steel.

(A) Peroxide of manganese.

The following headings are to lie added : —

(A) Manganese, peroxide of, and mixtures and preparations
thereof.

iA) Zirconium compounds.

(B) Electric lamp's, except carbon-filament lamps, arc lamps
for street lighting, and ix)cket electric lamps and their com-
ponent parts.

(C) Electric lamps, pocket, and their, component parts.

(A) Fuel economisers constructed of Cast iron pipes, used as
auxiliary heating apparatus in connection with land or marine
steam boilers.

Metals and ores as follows : —

(C) Iridium, osmium, palladium, rhodium, ruthenium, and
allovs of these metals.

(B) Lead (except pig lead), alloys of lead, solder containing
lead, and manufactures of lead or its alloys, not otherwise
prohibited.

(A) Thorium and its alloys.

(.\i Zirconium and its alloys.

(A) Thermoiiieters.

(C) Valves, gas, steam, and water.

(C) ^^'ood screws, made of brass, iron or steel.

(B) Zirconium minerals.

Exemption Applications?— .\t the Aberdeen Citv Military
Tribunal, Messrs. Bell & Lyon requested exemption for
.lohn Torn, apprentice engineer. It was suggested that
a hand\Tnan might be got for the work being done
by the apprentice. Mr. Bell said they could not get
a' man in the citv. Mr. McDonald said he was told the
Electrical Union was very severe. Mr. Bell said there was to
be a deputation meeting this week .nbout that, because there
were one or two men engaged in .\lierdeen who were not m
the Union, and thev were threatening to call out the rest of
the men. The Chairman : I hope you will make a represen-
tation to the Ministrv of Munitions if they att-empt to carry
out anv threat of the kind. They will not stand any. nonsense
of that sort just now. Mr. Bell: We are entirely m their
hands at the present time. Temporary exemption for two
months was granted. ,

At Stoke-on-Trent, on December 6th, ilr. W. Thorn, mana-
ger of the Potteries Electric Traction Co., asked for recon-
sideration of an order that the company should surrender 38
men in two instalments of 19 each. The first 19 had be^en
released, and if the others had to go it would be impossible
to maintain the whole of the services now running. To pro-
duce the other 19 men would mean drawing a very large
number from running shed repair staffs, which were already
depleted. He added that a high percentage of the passengers
were workpeople and munition workers. The Tribunal decided
to refer Mr. Thorn to the Military authorities, stating that
the Tribunal had no objection to the retention of the men by
the company if the Military were of opinion that they should
be retained in their present occupation.

Certificates of conditional exemption have been granted to
Messrs. A. .A. Gates (26). managing clerk, and H. J. Russell
(25). engineer's turner, appealed for by Messrs. Christy Bros.
and'Co., Ltd., electrical engineers, of Chelmsford.

At East Grinstead (Sussex), an appeal wa.s made by Mr.
.1. H. Movis, ele.'trical engineer, now engaged in making aero-
plane fittings. The Tribunal decided to ascertain from the
Mini.stry of Munitions whether a place could be found for
appellant in munition works, or whether he could be allowed
to remain in the district provided he continues his present
work.

Before the Romford Rural Tribunal, on December .t)th, Mr.
J. W. Millar (39), electrical enpineer to the Barking Chemical
Co., appealed on the ground of national interest and certified
occupation. The appeal was supported by the company, and

GoS

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW, [voi. to. xo. 2,038, decembeh i... i in.;.

tho Tribunal allowod appellant It days in whiih to find \v.>ik
01" urgent national importance. , . ,

At Aldershot. on Din-ember .">th. Mr. A ertue (.3b). electrua
engineer and contractor. pa.-i.-i<-d for general s»'rviiv. ivnewid
his appeal for exemption. lb' said that the cneumstaiues
were similar to when he last appealed, except that he had
now onlv one of his original staff left, who had been rejected.
He had "considerablv more plant to look after per.sonally, and
he had practicallv to conhne his work to the manitenance of
motors in order that the machinery of various tirins might
bo kept running. He contended that it was in the national
ii.terest that he should continue in the busines.s. Exemption
was renewed.

The S<juthainpton Tribunal has refuscnl exemption to the
electrical engintn-r at a l(Kal gunpowder factory, it being
a.siertaiiied that the firm were solely making guniwwder for
sporting purpcses.

The Southampton Cnirporation Tramway Committee ap-
I>ealed for the retention of four inariicd niotormen. all <if
whom had been previously reiect<-d. The Chainnaii : Are the
Committee considering women as drivers? It is being done
ia other places. .\ld. Dunsford : ^Ve do not want to do it.
Tt is not women's work, especially through the .stre<-ts of
Southampton at the pres«'nt time. Each of the men was
exempted for three months. i

The Sali.sbury Electric Light Co. apix-alcd for a chief clerk
and accountant. The manager sjiid that he had made efforts
to find a substitut*'. but without success. Exemption to
March 1st was conceded.

Watford Tribunal ha.s granted exemption t<> February 1st
to G. Wall (30), foreiiiM for the Briti-sh Battery Co., Ltd..
who appealed for his retention.

At Watford, the U.D.C. appt^aled for W. E. Field (:*).
stoker at the refuse destructor. The Militiiry Representative
said the raan ought to be replaced. Three months were
granted.

\t Berkhainsted. Mr. A. E. Barren apix-aled for W. Meager
(;i5), electrical engineer, of Potten End. who sup<>rintends the
boilers and electrical anangements at the house. Exemption
was refused.

The Drilfield Tribunal has granted exeiiii)tion to March 1st
to the electrician at a \ric;\\ picture palace.

Before the West Kent Tribunal, the Krith I'.D.C. defended
six months' exemption to E. ('•. Tapp &). motorman on tlii'
tramwavs. opposed bv tlie Militarv Heprcscntativi', who said
that a, single man in Cla.ss Bl should not be left (.iit of the
.\rmy. The tramway manager (Mr. Williams) saiil that the
police, would not licence a man under "id or women as drivers.
The tramway department had been certified as of importance
for carrying on munition work; 75 per cent, of tlie IS.IKIO
daily jia,ss*>ngers were munition workers. The Chairman :
Why -don't thev badce the.se men'? Mr. .\tkin.son (Clerk to
the Council) : I think there is a scheme on foot. The Tri-
bunal allowed the appeal, and directed that the man should
iiot be called up before December 31st.

.\t Rochdale. Mr. G. fj. Adam.son. electrical engineer, with-
drew an appeal for .1. Heywood, aged 30, an electrical wire-
man, who had been badged.

.\t Rochdale, the Tramways Committee appealed for W.
Bricrley (28), niarrie<l. coach body painter, and F. Travis
(■i!)). married, tramway traffic clerk, both pas,sed for general
service. Mr. G. Webster, the general manager, said Brierley
was now practically encaged in repairing lifeguards, and
Travis was the senior traffic clerk ; all the men in this parti-
cular office had gone except one. Mr. Webster said that, on
the whole, female conductors were satisfactory. Both appeals
were refused, but time to .January 31.st was allowed.

During the application for two Corporation Clerks at Dar-
wen. a. member of the Tribunal said women were doing work
in the town. The head of the department who was inakina
the application obsen'ed. "Last month you said we had
women on the cars. One of them jumped from a car when
it was in motion, with the result that we have to pay com-
pensation." One clerk was exempted, and the other allowed
until the end of .January.

\t Oxford, the Electric J^ight Co. appealed for temporary
exemption for F. E. Talbot (27). chief clerk, who has been
with the company for 13 yeai-s. and was claimed to be indis-
pensable. It was stated that the company- had no desire to
keep men out of the .\rmy. but the financial year ended on
T)ecember 31st. and Talbot was invaluable for that purpose.
Four of the clerical staff of five entered the Army at the out-
break of war. and Talbot himself was anxious to go, but he
was starred. The Substitution Office had franklv owned that
they could not find a sub.stitute. Captain Fox said that
exemption till Febniarv meant a waste of three months.
That was all very well if the war was going on for ever; but
if they were going to finish it up next year three months
was a serious matter. Talbot was a skilled man. and since
Ihe development of the air .service skilled men were reauired.
Mr. F. Gray (for the comnany) : This man is not a mechanic.
Captain Fox : I'm sorry; I thought he was. Cannot his work
h-' done by a woman? Talbot: Not very well. Mr. Eeles,
serretarv to the company, said that Talbot was the on'v
male clerk left. As he was starred they thought thev would
have him to thp end of the war. and that was the reason
they had not trained anyone to take his place. It was agreed
that Talbot should have tempoiary exemption to February 1st.
The West Kent Ai^ipeal Court, on December .5th, granted

exemption until December 31st to Mr. II. Soniers (3(i), elec-
trical engineer, of .\nerley.

Before the East Kent .\ppeal Court, on December hth, the
Military succe.s.sfully appealed against exemption allowinl to
Mr. S. W. Board '{'S^. elivtrician, of Ramsgate, who is an
auxiliary lireman, but he is not to be. called up until Febru
ary (ith.

.\t Wevmouth, the T.C. apiiealed" for the retention ol two
skilled labourers at the refuse destructor. The eldest was
given until March .'tlst, and the other to the end of the year.

Reading Tribunal granted six months' exemption, on ^is
taking up munition work, to J. Picket (38), electrical fitter
with Messrs. Baughan & Co.

.-\n electrician in bu.siness at Epsom applied, on November.
•2!!th for extiMided' exemption on the ground uf business hard-
,ship. He is pa.s.scd in Class C2. and st^(t<-d that every elTort
had been made to disjio.se of the busiiu'.ss, but without suc-
ce.ss. Two months were conceded. /

.\t Manslield. (he Tramway Co. sought conditional exemp-
tion for a motorman named Wa!tt>r .\rbon (27). a skilled
driver on a dilhcult mute, and thi' apival was assented to.

Before the Droituicli Rural Tribunal. Mr. Bruce Ward, of
Westwood Park, claimed the rett-ntion <)f his (>lectrician, G.
M. Trigg (32), pass<-d for general service, and he was giv<'n
until .lanuarv 1st.

.\n appeal bv W. .T. Watkins (2:3). engaged at the ],undoii
Electrical Wire Works, has been respited by the Essex Tri-
bunal for 11 days to allow him to obtain sub.stitution work,
failing which he must join up.

-At Soutliport Tribunal, Mr. -\. S. Black, tho Corporation
electrical engineer, appealed for a wireman, aged 40, mar-
ried. Mr. Black, in reply to the Military Representative, .said
that he had s»>ventt^en who had .special certificates from the
Minister of Munitions; .seven were over military age. The
Military Representative said a strong case would require to
be shown why this' man should not go. Mr. Black said that
if the .stJifF were further reduced, the undertaking would get
into a. dangerous condition. The man applied for was kept
for the maintenance of consumers' installations, and he could
iiiit replace him. Exemption to March 1st.

BUSINESS NOTES.

The " Electrical Review " for December 29th. — In

consequence of the Christmas Holidays our Advertisement Depart-
ment requests advertisers to send in their new advertisement copy
and alterations to existinsr displayed advertisements intended for
the issue of the Electrical Review for December 29th, by
Friday, December 22nd. We shall be frlad if our correspondents
and other contributors will also send in their matter at the earliest
possible moment.

Export Prohibitions. — The London Gnze/tp for December

Rth contains further lists of bodies and persons with whom trading
is prohibited in Arprentina and Uruguay. Brazil. Chile. Denmark,
Netherlands. Portutral, Spain, Greece, and other countries.

Business Prospects in China. — Some notes from a recent

report by H.M. Consul -General at Hankow, appearing in the Simrd
of Trade Journal, show that the value of imports of electrical
materials and fitting's declined by 97,000 Hk. taels in 191.5. as com-
pared with 1914. This decline was not due to a falling- off in the
demand for up-to-date lighting, but to the difficulty in getting
orders filled as well as to the increased cost. When conditions
return to normal there is sure to be a great expansion in the demand
for all kinds of electrical materials from all over China. A decline
in the importation of machinery to the value of 700,0(10 Hk. taels
was also due to the abnormal conditions, and not to a lack of
demand. Many new enterprises in Hankow are contemplated ill
the near future, but the present time is not considered propitious
for making purchases, and deals are beinfr put off to a more
favourable opportunity. There is a good demand for electrical and ,
other machinery, but the hi<rh prices ruling, and the impossibility
of guaranteeing early delivery, prevent much actual business being
done. Before the war a lartre proportion of these and other ;roods
were imported from Germany or Austria. Supplies are at present
being obtained mainly from Japan and the United States.

Bool( Notices. — MciukiI af Ehrirhal Umlerlnkimix and
Directoriiof Ofiii-'>aU. By E. Garcke. Vol. XX. 191()-17. London:
Electrical Press. Ltd, 21s. net. Owing to war conditions, the
production of this work has been delayed beyond the usual date,
but in regard to its contents there is practically no change in thj_
main features, excepting that the delay has made it possible to
include later financial information, which is soraethinvr to be thank-
ful for. Nearly all the customary statistical tables summarising the
profcress of the industry are included, and the " Survey tor the Year"
indicates the ver}' highly-increased service which the electrical
industry has been able to render under war conditions, thoufrh
only a moderate amount of fresh capital has been introduced. The
increase in kilowatts connected by both supply companies and
municipalities is less than in the preceding year, but there has
been an increase in output among the companies of 12.5,000.000
units as com.pared with an increase of 33.000.000 a year ago. The
municipalities also show an increase of 183,000.000 units as com-
pared with 25.000,000 a year asro. These figures indicate the

Vol. :;.. xo. -v-ss, Dm-.MBER 1,-., i:a(;.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

659

extent to which the mar^rinal capacity of supply undertakings has
bsen encroached upon by the necessities ot war. In regard to
electrical manufacturing:, the statistics given show that the
average return of all the undertakings of which returns are avail-
able has fallen from 6'7:i per cent, to (il.'j per cent. ; the companies
included are. of course, in some cases engaged also in non-electrical
work, so that the revenue is derived from both electrical and non-
electrical sources. Particulars are given of 2,650 electrical and
allied undertakings representing capital amounting to 481 millions
sterling. There is a large map of the United Kingdom showing
all the traction, light and power undertaking.s. The account of
the progress of the year occupies 100 pages, and among other
matters dealt with are imports and exports, prices of investments,
and financial information concerning German electi^cal and allied
companies such as have formed a regular feature of our City
columns for many years past, and of which a word later. The
largest section (l.OOU pages) jf the volume is that giving statistical
and general records of lighting, power and traction undertakings ;
telegraph and telephone concerns, manufacturing and mis-
cellaneous, Colonial and British possessions, are also usefully
covered in separate sections ; and. finally, there is the usual
directory of names and addresses of 20,000 officials. The twentieth
edition, as a whole, well maintains the high reputation that
previous volumes of the Manual have won for it. We have, of
course, not examined the contents in detail, but in regard to the
tabular linformation relating to tierman electrical and allied com-
panies, which is reprinted by permission of the Export Department
of the B.E.A.JI. A., who compiled it, it might not have been bad
policy to have asked the Association to. revise the proofs ; however,
the names are sometimes rendered correctly. Obviously, as the
publishers themselves say, the difficulties attending the production
of statistical records have been abnormally great during the past
year.

Gfnernl Carijo : an Iiitvodiiction fo Salesananship. By R. E.
Goddard. London : Constable it Co., Ltd. 4s. 6d. net. The author
of this book is foreign sales manager to Messrs. Humber. Ltd., of
Coventry, and as the result of experience gained in the principal
countries of the world, he has collected the information here im-
parted for the assistance of those who desire to make an effort,
after the war, to get back some of the losses caused by the war.
After discussing the universality of trade, he shows, in a chapter
on the factory, that behind all our foreign trade preparations we
must have a thoroughly efficient factory organisation. The only
way to bring money into the country is by seeking fresh outlets
for foreign trade ; the only way to restore our credit is to redouble
our exports. The manufacturer must not regard his foreign orders
as a windfall, but shoidd make definite plans as to how much of a
given output he intends for export, and should modify the export
portion, so as to produce goods suited for particular markets. This
leads the author on to a consideration, in two chapters, of many
points in regard to the export department. Five chapters discuss
the following markets, and their requirements : — Europe, Asia,
Australia, Africa. South America, the West Indies and the Pacific.
Later the qualifications of the foreign representative are discussed,
also the manner in which he should conduct himself, and his opera-
tions when following his occupation among many very different
nationalities. It goes without saying that any man before trying
to establish connections with races whose manners and customs
and tastes are so different from those of Home, should educate
himself as thoroughly as the available means allow in regard to
these and other local characteristics. The best modus operan'iii for
the permanent representative or agent who is sent out from home
to live abroad receives attention, and in a final summary three
methods of procedure in obtaining foreign trade are stated. First,
foreign traders may be circularised, advertisements may be placed
in foreign journals, and the results awaited ; secondly, arrange-
ments may be ma<:le with some recognised house of export agents
at home ; but lastly, and best, is the sending out of one of the
manufacturing beads, or a good representative, armed with samples,
to study the markets and fix up agencies direct. This method is,
of course, the most expensive, and in our opinion it requires to be
preceded by the first-named method in order that the way may be
prepared in advance, but the ultimate gain from such personal
efficient study of markets will be found to be far greater than in
the case of either method one or two alone. The book is a timely
one. and those who contemplate launching out may find in it many
nseful pointers.

'" Join-nul of the Institution of Electrical Engineers." Vol. XLV,
Xo. 2()1. London : E. i: F. X. Spon. Ltd. Price 7s. — The issue for
December contains the following lectures and papers : — " Some
Aspects of Lord Kelvins Life and Work," by Dr. A, Russell :
'■ Theory of Armature Windings," by Dr. S. P. Smith, and the
iaaugural addresses by Prof. D. Robertson and Messrs. H. A.
Nevill, A. E. McKenzie. and J. K. Stothert ; also a ninth list of
the names of 110 members on military service.

■' Handbook of Machine Shop Electricity." By C. E. Clewell.
London: Hill Publishing Co. Pricel2s.6d.net.

"Applied Electricity for Practical Men." By A. .J. Rowland.
London : Hill Publishing Co. Price 8s. 4d. net.

" Electrical Engineering." By E. J. Berg. London : Hill
Publishing Co. Price 15s-. net.

" Science Abstracts." Vol. XIX. Part 11. (AandB.) Xovember
25th. 1916. London: E. <t F. X. Spon. Ltd. Price Is. 6d. each net.

Hotartj Cunietfers. Issued by the British Thomson-Houston Co..
Ltd., Rugby. — We have often pointed out the educational value ot
the publications of manufacturing firms, including both catalogues
and descriptive pamphlets under this head ; our attention has
again been drawn to this subject by the receipt of a brochure on
rotary converters from the B,T.H. Co., which is really a technical

treatise, in short compass, of great interest and vsilue, representing
a considerable advance upon its predecessor. The principles upon
which the converter depends, the conditions as regards heating in
the armature winding, the behaviour of the machine when running,
fcc, are lucidly discussed, and, in addition, new matter has
been inserted dealing fully with the very important question of
variation in voltage ratio by reactance control, boosters, induction
regulators, and the split-pole system. The starting of rotary con-
verters by various methods, including the convenient self-
synchronising system, is explained, and the details of construction
of the makers' converters are described at some length, the whole
being fully illustrated. The brochure is entitled " Descriptive List
No. 2,420 A " : but this is a misleading title, and does less than
justice to the contents, which contain nothing in the nature of a
catalogue or price list, but are purely technical, and will prove of
the greatest value to engineers who use this type of plant.

We have received a list of new electrical books which have been
added to the excellent library of electrical works issued by the Hill
Publishing Co., including a comprehensive treatise on " Hydro-
Electric Power." by Lamar Lyndon ; "Pole and Tower Lines," by
R. D. Coombs, and a number of works which we have recently
reviewed.

Messrs. Constable 4: Co. will shortly publish an authorised
translation by Mr. J. H. Johnson of "The Range of Electric
Searchlight Projectors." by M. Jean Rev, in order to meet the
urgent demand for reliable information concerning the theory and
practical application of searchlight projectors, their range and
resultant illumination. The whole subject is exhaustively dealt
with, and embodies records of the author's original investigations
and tests, carried out in various parts of the world under actual
working conditions.

Openings in Italy. — The following are selections from

lists of ojienings for British articles in Italian markets. The
lists are issued by the British Chamber of Commerce for Italy,
Genoa : —

No. 1,159.— Agent at Taranto would seU on commission or buy for own
account, electrical articles, ironmongery. T.P.P.

No. 1,163.— Spezia firm wishes to get into touch with manufacturer of elec-
trical and engineering materials. S.U.C.

No. 1,164.— Merchants at Genoa wish to represent manufacturers and
shippers of industrial and marine engineering articles.

No. 1,170.— Agents at Spezia would represent on commission manufac-
facturers of engineering articles, machinery for industries, belting,
wire ropes, &c. S.C.B.F.

No, 1,187.- Monza agent would represent manufacturers and shippers of
engineering articles (leather belting, Ac), M,D.C,

No, 1,189.— Florence firm wishes to get in touch with manufacturer ot
electric lamps, machinery for same, and vacuum pumps. F.A.R.D.E.

No. 1,192.— Genoa importers wish to purchase grindstones, emei7 wheels,
steel files, tools, raachineiT. G.A.P. & C.

No. 1,201.— Merchants at Genoa would handle machinery, electrical
sundries, &c. G.G.H. & C.

No. 1,206.— Genoa merchants wish to be put in touch with manufacturer of
engineering articles and suppiies, lubricating oils and greases, cotton
waste, leather belting, wire ropes, engine packings, machinery and
tools (wood, iron and tinworkingl, &c. G.F.M. & C.

Commercial Electric Trucks.— The British Miniature

Electric Vehicle Cii.. Ltd.. have started business at 10. Hoghton
Street. Southport. for the manufacture of 500 lb. commercial
trucks for use in warehouses and works, provided that orders are
accompanied by a certificate from the Ministry of Munitions.

Bankruptcy Proceedings.— Ch.\rles Hermax Lieb -

BRAND, described as an author, lately residing at Llangolle n.
Felixstowe, who was largely interested in a scheme for supplyi ng
electricity to Suffolk. — At the London Bankruptcy Court, on
December 7th, before Mr. Registrar Brougham, this public exam-
ination was held. The debtor, who is confined in the Stratford
Camp as an alien enemy, was brought to the Court by a military
escort. He has lodged accounts showing liabilities of £1,080 and
assets valued at £6,633. and consisting for the most part of various
claims under agreements. In the course of his evidence the debtor
stated that in or about January, lfU3, he obtained an option
for the purchase of the undertaking and assets of the Suffolk Elec-
tricity Supply Co., but owing to the outbreak of war he was
imable to arrange the formation ot a new company to take over
the option. In fact, he attributed his failure to inability to carry
through his various schemes in consequence of the war, and the
collapse of promises from people upon whom he had relied to help
him through. — The Official Receiver : But. surely, the option for
purchase of the Suffolk electricity scheme expired some consider-
able time before war was declared .' — The debtor thought it was in
June, or perhaps in September, 1913, that the option lapsed. He
agreed that mitil the outbfeak of war he was living at the rate of
£ 1,(100 per annum. He expended over £1.000 in connection with
.the electricity scheme, but was unable to give details of the expen-
diture beyond the items in his bank book. It was not his custom
to keep books of accounts, and not being a trader he was not bound
to do so. The examination was concluded.

Thomas Brookes, electrician at munition works, late picture
house proprietor. Halesowen. — December 27th is the last day for
the receipt of proofs for dividend. Trustee, A. M. Fairbairn,
1, Priory Street, Dudley.

CoxNOLD, R. E.. late electrician, now R.X.A.S.. Canterbury. —
Second and final diridend. Is. Id. in the .£, payable December 30th,
at the offices of Coi-field & Cripwell, 119, Finsbury Pavement, E.G.

Trade Announcements. — Messrs. Belco, Ltd.. Windsor

House. Kingsway, London, W.C.. have issued a circular letter con-
tradicting a statement which is in circulation to the effect that
the company numbers among its shareholders certain persons of
enemy origin, and has on its board German representatives. We
are informed that all the shares once so held have been acquired
by holders British by birth and extraction, and that the
board of directors as now constituted is wholly British. Further.

mo

THE ELECTRICAL KEVLEW. [Vol. -<>. No. 2,038, December 15, km i;.

the articles of association have been so altered that all aliens ar^
debarred from ohtaininjr any interest in the company, direct or
indirect, now or at any future time, without the special authority
of the BoaRi of Trade."

Elkctric Scpplies iXD Enoikkeki.si!. Ltd.. is the name of a
oompany fonnod to carry on the business of Haes k EpRers, Ltd.,
at ItW. t'larence Street. Sydney. X.S.W. Triiiirrt.

Catalogues and Lists.— HASTtAX Ei.kctkic ("o., Ltd.,

|S."i. \V;inl(iur Strri't. l.nndon. \V. " Fourteen-pajre ahridjred list in
a warm atlniclive cover ;jivin;r illustrattnl particulars relatinsr to
thi'ir electric heatinir app.iratus. A sjiecial system of niimlierinpr
is emplo.vwi whereby the onlcrin? of any particular voltajre or
tyiie of ^'lower is simplified. In the case of replacements, the
customerraerelv compares with the catalo^jue numlier the voltaire
stamped on the terminals of the trlowors in his heater. The A and
B type heaters, also " Lantern." " .\dmiralty," " Py;rmy," " Pyro-
rinp," and " Pyro-stove " appliances are included.

ItjRASic Electric Co.. Ltii.. 147, Queen Victoria Street.
London, E.C. Pamphlet Xo. Ii07 contains an illustrated .i.>srripiinn
of their new push-button control system.

LIGHTING AND POWER NOTES.

Aberdeen. — E.xtexsiox.'^. — The Coqioration Elecliicity

Committee has authorised Jlr. Bell, the electrical engineer, to
obtain tenders for the proposed extension of the power station build-
injrs. The estimated cost is about £3.700.

Bath.— Price • I.ntrkase.— The City Council has
incre.-usofi the price of electricity forli<rhtin^ by Jd. per unit.

Batley. — The Tramways and Electricity Committee last

week decided to recommend the appointment by the Corporation
General Purposes Committee of a .Street-Lisrhtinir Committee.

The engineer has been instructed to report., at the next meeting,
on the value of the steam from the destructor used at the electricity
works.

Birmingham. — The Electricity Supply Committee has
beeu ie<) nested to furnish the Council with a summary of the advice
given it by the officials of the department since November, 1911,
as to the probable necessities for extending the generating plant,
and its action thereon. ^Iiirmi»gham Erening Detpatch.

Blackpool. — The Town Council has passed a resolution
in favour of extending the borough boundary, so as to include the
Bispham U.D.C. and the latter's electricity undertaking.

Bradford. — Proposed New Power Station.— The

Electricity Committee is considering the question of a new power
station on the big estate at Esholt. six mUes from the city, which
is the property of the Corporation, and is largely occupied by the
city's big sewage undertaking. The site in V.illey Road offers
little room for further extension, there being practically only
space for one more lO.OOO-KW. machine. At Esholt there is almost
limitless space and plenty of water. It is regarded as likely that
the proposal will figure amongst local contemplated after-the-war
works.

Colombia. — The Municipal Council of Reniedios, Depart-
ment of Antoquia, has been authorised to raise a loan of £.5,360, to
be devoted to electric lighting and water works in the district ; the
Municipal Council of San Jeronimo. to raise a loan of £800, for the
installation of an electric power plant ; and the Municipal Council
of (Juilido. the capital of Ghoco Intendency, to raise a loan of
£2. '. for electric lighting works.— Sutf;<i of Trade Jimrtiul.

Continental. — Uermasy. — .\ccordin<,' to the German
papers, the Federal Council will shortly issue an order prohibiting
any sort of illuminated advertisement, also ordering all shops (with
the exception of those selling drugs and food ) to be closed at 7 p.m.,
and restaurants, cafes, theatres and kinemas at 10 p.m. The
lighting of private houses is to be restricted as much as possible,
and the tramway ser^ces are also to be reduced.

Darlington.— TIiRiNf! Charges.— The rejxjrt of the

electricity department shows an increase of 23 per cent, in the
number of units sold for lighting and power during the period
from April last as compared with the previous year. In regard to
the charges for outside electric lamps used by shopkeepeers, the
Committee has decided that the present annual charge of Hs. per
lamp shall be suspended after the twelfth (juartei'ly payment, pro-
vided the hirer signs an agreement to hire the lamp for a further
three years. Where no agreement is entered into, the charge is
tobeI4s. per annum until the restrictions are removed or for a
maximum period of six years from the date of the installation of
the lamps. — yortli-E'istern Gazette.

Deal and Walmer.— The Board of Trade has extended
the time under the Deal and Walmer Gas and Electricity Co. for
laying mains by one year.

Derby.— Loans Sanctioned.— The T.C. has received
sanction to loans of £5,000 for mains and £4,000 for motors.

Elland (Yqrks.). — Street Lighting. — Efforts are being

made to secure In'tter street lighting. The streets are very largely
lighte<i bv electricity, and councillors find difficulty in seeing any
objection to electric lighting, in view of the ease with which it
can be extimniished at a moment's notice,

Farnham. — Price Increase. — The Gas ami Electricity
Co. has increased the price of electricity for lighting to Sd. per
unit, and for purposes other than lighting to Id. per unit, except
for four hours per day. during which period the charge will be
Kd. per unit.

India. — Electric IIkatixg. — Indlun Kiitjinenimi siaU's

that the Simla Municipal Corporation has decided to offer special
cheap rates for electricity used for heating and cooking pur|X)ses
during the winter months November to March. In hill stations
in India the maximum demand on the power station in the summer
is considerably higher than that in the winter, and if special con-
cessions in the way of cheaper rates are given to the winter resi-
dents, it is hoped to bring the winter demand up to that of the '
summer. .Vs the system is a hydro-electric one, with fixed charges
for maintenance, ^^c. and no fuel charges, there are no financial
difficulties. The demand for electric heating in Simla this winter
is considerably in excess of what it was last year, and when the
cheap r.ites are made [lublic it is anticipated tJiere will be a
grcatl.v increaseddemand.

It has been found that electricity at half an anna a unit com-
pares very favourably in cost with coal and wood fires for general
lieating purposes and charcoal for cooking purposes.

London, — Hackney. — The Finance Committee has
reported on the excess expenditure, be.vond the original estimates,
on the generating station extensions, and recommends that appli-
cation be made to the L.C.C. for sanction to a loan of £10,833 to
cover the additional expenditure. The original estimate was
£140.6.o0. which included work not yet carried out, and the total
cost has been £1 44,51 fi. while the loans sanctioned were for
£134.050. The estimated cost of the buildings. £1(). 400, increased
to £27,233, due to delay and increased price of materials, to.

Malvern. — Stand-by Supply. — The Electricity Com-
mittee has had under consideration the question of the charge to
be made where the supply of electricity is required only as a
stand-by, and has recommended that a charge of 10 per cent, per
annum be made on the last full year's consumption in respect of
the premises ; in cases where a full year's consumption is not
available, a charge is to be made proportionate to the size of the
plant, such charge to be exclusive of any charge for electricity
supplied

Oulton Broad. — The U.D.C. has consented to Lowestoft
T.C. supplying electricity to the new works of Messrs. J. W. Brooke
and Co., Lowestoft having made arrangements to supply energy.

Ripon. — B.L. Scheme. — The B. of T. has refused to

vary its order not to allow the City Council to take further steps
for obtaining a provisional order for the supply of electricity
to Ripon and adjoining parishes. At a meeting of the Council,
specially called last week, it was, however, decided again to
approach the B. of T. with a view to its reconsideration of the
question.

Rochdale. — The GqvS and Electricity Committee has been

instructed to report on the causes of the unsatisfactory conditions
in relation to the supply of electricity, and its proposals for meet-
ing immediate and future demands for supply.

Sheffield. — Prospective Extensions. — The Parlia-
mentary Committee of the City Council has passed a resolution in
favour of promoting a Bill in the present Session of Parlia-
ment to enable the Council to provide a new generating station,
also to extend the city boundaries so as to include within
the city the site proposed to be utilised and certain adjoining land.
In at;cor(fance with instructions, the general manager has sub- ,
mitted to the Electric Supply Committee a statement of estimated*'^
Income and expenditure on revenue account for the years ending
March 2.5th. 1917, and 1918. He put the revenue for the former
at £431.000 and for the latter at £525,250, while the expenditure
for the year ended March, 1917, would be £228,527 and for 1918
£293,812. leaving gross profits of £202,473 and £232.438 respec-
tively. Two extra-high-tension feeder cables are to be laid
between Neepsend station and Carhrook sub-station, a distance of
5.920 yards, at an estimated cost of £23.770. Other extensiens
include the following :- -To Effingham Steam Works and Rolling
Co., estimated cost £567 ; to Sheffield Forge and Rolling Mills Co.,
estimated cost £547 : to Spartan Steel Co.. estimated cost £370;
to Messrs, ,1. Bedford & Sons, estimated cost £237 ; to Messrs. W.
Atkins i*c Co., estimated cost £125: to Messrs. W.Turner Jc Co.,
estimate*! cost £121.

St. Annes-on-the-Sea. — Year's Working. — The Urban

Council's electricity works for the past year show an increased
sale [of 15.734 units, the decrease on public and private lighting
being more than made up for by the increase in motive-power
supply.

St. Helens. — Price Increase, — The charges for elec-
tricity for power purposes are to be increased by 20 per cfint.,
instead of 10 per cent., as from January 1st, 1917.

Vol. -9. Xo. 2,038, December 15, 19ir.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

661

Stockton-on-Tees. — Under the title of the Corporation

Lipflitinsr Committee, a Committee has been appointed to take over
the work until recently carried out by the Electricity Committee
and the Gas Committee.

Torquay. — The Tramway Co. has offered to purchase

the Corporation's electricity undertaking, but the Council has
replied that it does not contemplate sellinfr the rfndertaking.

Walsall.— SHORTAfiB OF Plant.— The Electricity Supply

(Committee reports that the delay in gettinir the plant at the
Birchills station into commission has increased the difficulty of
maintaining the heavy winter loads with the plant at the Wolver-
hampton Street station, and during- the past month several break-
downs have occurred. If necessary, the tramway .supply wili be
shut down or curtailed, to enable the supply to factories to be
maintained.

Wimbledon. — A special meeting of the Council is to con-
sider the proposed application for a prov. order to supply energy in
Cuddington, which has been favourably considered by the B. of T.
The L.G.B. has sanctioned the borrowing of £727. excess expendi-
ture, in connection with the Maiden and Coombe supply.

Yeadon. — Prov. Order.— The Electrical Distribution

of Yorkshire. Ltd., has notified its intention to apply for a prov.
order for the supply of electricity in Yeadon.

TRAMWAY and RAILWAY NOTES.

Accrington. — Waoes'. — The Corporntion has sanctioned

the proposal of the Electricity and Tramways Committee to increase
the wages of car drivers, conductors, and cleaners by id. per hour.
The drivers, who are at. present receiving T^d. per hour, will only
accept the advance as a war bonus, pending a settlement as to
their claim for 8d. per hour.

Ashton-under-Lyne.— Trajdvay PuRtHASE.— The T.C.

has decided to promote a Bill in Parliament to take over the tram-
way system of the Oldham. Ashton. and Ilyde Tramways Co.
within the borough, which will link-up with the tramway systems
of Oldham, thus providing for through running.

Australia. — Messrs. McCarty. Underwood & Co., con-
sulting engineers, have submitted a report to the Richnaond (Vic.)
Council on the proposed electric tramway from Prahran, rid Rich-
mond, to Clifton Hill, a distance of 3'9 mUes. The cost is estimated
at £173,367, the proportional costs to the interested municipalities
being : Collingwood. £(i.=i,934 ; Richmond, £6.5,820 ; Prahran,
£41,623. A new bridge over the Yarra river to carry a double-
track tramway has also b^^en suggested.

An Order in Council has been granted by the Victorian Govern-
ment for the construction of two miles of electric tramway
traversing the municipalities of Fitzroy. Northcote, and Preston.

The Prahrah and Malvern Tramway Trust (Vic), which has
hitherto had its cars manufactured in Adelaide, has now com-
menced construction on its own account. The side frames of the
trucks will be of cast, instead of forged, steel.

Bolton. — ELEexKic Vehicles. — The Electricity Com-
mittee has appointed a Sub-Committee to consider and report upon
the question of purchasing an electrically-propelled vehicle for the
use of the electricity department, and also, if thought desirable, to
confer with the several Committees of the Corporation using horse
or other vehicles as to the desirability of obtaining electrically-
driven vehicles.

Wages. — The Tramways Committee has received a letter from the
Lancashire District Council of the Amalgamated Association of
Tramway Workers, giving 21 days' notice on behalf of members of
the Association in the employ of the Corporation Tramways Depart-
ment, to withdraw their labour unless their recent application for
an advance of wages and better conditions of labour is agreed to by
the Corporation. It was decided that the terms of the letter should
be reported to the Board of Trade Committee on Production.

Bradford. — Wages. — The Tramways Committee is in

negotiation with the workers in respect of an application for
increased wages, which, if granted according to the men's requests,
will cost about £21,000 per year. The men also ask for a revision
of working conditions. It is understood that the Sub-Committee
proposes to offer payment of time-and-a-half for the seventh day of
%vork, in lieu of the men's request for time-and-a-half on Sunday —
the Sub-Committee prefen-ing not to specify Sunday as necessarily
the seventh day. The Sub-Committee also offers to pay time-and-
a-half for time worked beyond the normal day, which may be
llj hours, in lieu of time-and-a-half for all above the 9i-hours'
day asked for by the men. In regard to rates of pay, the Sub-Com-
mittee considered only the drivers and certain shed workers, who,
it is believed, were offered an increase equivalent to half the sarings
which might be effected by them in the consumption of energy
during the next six months. It should be mentioned, however,
that similar proposals to these were, so far as can be gathered,
rejected by the men a week previously. It is unde'stood tiat the full
Tram ways Committee • approved the Sub-Committee's action by a
small majority. ■

Road JL^ixtexanxe. — The Corporation Tramways Committee
and the Finance and General Purposes Committee have, subject to
final approval, come to terms in regard to the division of responsi-
bility and cost for the laying, renewing, and repairing of the tram-

way permanent way. The staff and workmen employed and paid
by the Tramways Committee, but at present under the control of
the city engineer, are to be transferred to the control of the tram-
way manager. The foundations and paving work of roads over
whioh the tramways run will be under the Street and Works Com-
mittee, an agreed sum per annum being paid by the Tramways
Committee for this work, so far as it applies within the rails, and
for 18 in. on each side. This sum would have regard to the present
mileage, and be subject to reconsideration at the end of three years,
and would cover all repairs and renewals, which have now become
tolerably uniform year by year. In the construction of new lines,
the cost of foundations and paving to be the subject of a special
agreement between the two Committees, or fixed as before men-
tioned. All work in connection with the specifying, purchasing,
and laying of metals, eit'her for new work, renewals, or repairs, to
be carried out by the Tramways Committee.

The Tramways Committee has passed a resolution recommending
adequate lighting on tramway routes where electric street lighting
is installed.

No cars are to be run on Christmas Day, as last year.

Burnley. — Service Curtailed. — The T.C. has decided

that the last cars on the Padiham and Nelson routes shall leave
the Town Centre not later than 10 p.m., and on other routes not
later than 10.15 p.m. the change commences on Monday next.

Continental. — Spain. — A new company has just been

formed at Aviles (Asturias) with a capital of £50,000 and the title
La Compania del Tranvia Electrico de ViUalegre a Castrjllon,
to construct and work .an electric tramway between the tbwns
narned.

Darlington. — Fares. — At a meeting of the T.C. last week,

the Electricity and Light Railway Committee recommended that
the id. fares be suspended temporarily on Saturdays after 1 o'clock.
Aid. Starmer. who moved the report, said that at present they
were unable to de.il with the traffic, and the fairest way was to
give those who were going the longest distance the chance pf a
ride. The recommendation was agreed to.

Edinburgh. — Tramway Ferry. — Possibilities of tram-
way extension from the city to Queensferry in , connection with
the" development of Rosyth have been discussed by the Tramway
Committee of the Town Comicil. It is suggested that an electric
system from the city could be extended to Queensferry. and linked
with the Rosyth area' and Fife towns by means of ferry boats, on
which the cars could be taken across the Forth. The matter will
be further considered.

Glasgow. — Half-year's Traffics. — The traffic returns
for the T.C. tramways to the evening of December 2nd, which is
two days more than the six months of the financial half-year, show
that the total receipts during that period have been £623.046, as
compared with £574,254 in the corresponding period of last year,
an increase of £48.791. The number of passengers carried has been
193,800,839, as compared with 179,590,102, an increase^ of
14,210,737. Last week the receipts were £23,346, an increase of
£2.349 as compared with the corresponding week of last year,
while the number of passengers was 7,485,148, an increase of
711,061.

Keightey. — Electric Vehicle. — The T.C. has given

sanction for the purchase of an electric vehicle for the removal
of ashes. The cost, about £1,1 00,. is to be met by the savings on
the estimates last year and this. '

Leeds. — New Route. — By the opening of a- new tram-
way route, the residents of the thickly-populated district of Stoney
Rock will be enabled to get right to the centre of the district,
instead of to the fringe. The route was opened on Tuesday, the
5th inst.

Liverpool. — Mr. Mallins, the general manager of tlie

Corporation tramways, is experimenting with an apparatus for
solving the question of calling out stations. The device, which is
a gramophone arrangement connected with an electromagnetic
route indicator, will announce the names of stations automatically,
and it has been attached to one of the cars for experimental pur-
poses, a demonstration being given last week-end.

Newcasfle-on-Tyne. — Extensions. — At a meeting of

the City Council on tlie 6th inst.. a recommendation of the Tram-
ways Committee was adopted that, in order to deal adequately
with the traffic in Union Road and Miller's Lane at the east end of
the city, a junction be constructed between the lines in the two
roads named, and the rails leading out of the south end of the sheds
in Miller's Lane be joined up with the rails in Shields Road. The
total cost, including land, is estimated at £6,000.

The City Council has approved (December 6th) of a recommend-
ation by the Tramways Committee that laijd two acres in extent
near the Scotswood Suspension Bridge be purchased for tjramway
purposes for .£3,500.

Beginning last Monday, the last cars on all routes leave the city
at 10 p.m. «

Rochdale. — The Tramways Committee has reported
against the application of the Rawtenstall electrical engineer that,
in view of the greatly increased cost of coal, it should consent to
an increase of 10 per cent, on the price of energy supplied for
tramway purposes on part of the Bacup section.

The Committee has declined the request of the men's Union that
theie should be a cessation of the service on Christmas Day, but
with the usual payment. Applications for increased wages are to
be referred to the Committee on Production.

(■.62

THE ELECTRICAL EEVIEW. i vm. 7!i. x.,. 2.038. dkcembkr i.-.. i'..ir,.

Scarborough. — I>iviin.xi>. — At thf annual mcotinir "I

tho Scarlmrouvrh Central Tramway Co.. last week, plea.-^nl surpri.*!'
was expri'Sjied that, under the considerable difficulties which it
had had to face, it was enabled to pay a dividend of Is. Gd. per
share.

Sheffield. — Eniployes in tlio tramway and motor depart-
ment are to receive additional uUowani'es estimated to cost £ l.").r20
a year, makin;.' the total estin)ate<l cost of war allowances trranted
jtiln.tilli per annum. The total estimated receipts from the tram-
ways for the year ended March 2 'ith. lyi", are i;.50y..S57, and for
the year endin^r March. 1!I1S, £.i2:i.tiSS. The total estimatetl
exp^^nditure for the two years is £473.632 and £aU5,!t3t<.

Southport. — Ykar's Working. — The annual report of

the manager of the Corporation tramways shows that the traffic
receipts create<l a rtHXird for the uudertakintf. beinjr £2U,0o.i. the
total revenue beintr £400 more, and practically the same as last
year. Considerili;; the war, and that 12.244 car-miles less were
run. Mr. Kendrew considers the results very (.'ood indeed.

Swansea. — The electrical erigineer rejiorts that the whole
of the euer;.'y for the Tramways Co. is now supplied from the Cor-
l>oration sreneratinsr station.

The list of work to be undertaken after the war includes
tramway extension.* estimated to cost £54.000.

Wolverhampton. — The Tramway Committee proposeil
to jhiy tl.i royalty to the manajrer for each car fitted with the
■■ Silvers' Dynamic Pickup." provided the T.C. had the option of
fittint; any number of cars for £7.iO, less royalties already paid.
The recommendation was referred back bv the T.C.

TELEGRAPH and TELEPHONE NOTES.

Australia. — The i'o.still authorities have decided to intro-
duce into Australia, on trial for 12 months, at the central
exchanfres in the capital cities, a system whereby if any telephone
subscriber is out of call, the telephone operator will take a message
and telephone it to the subscriber as soon as he may be availabl •. —
Mrlhmirne Aijr.

Greece. — It is announced that wireless communication
has been re-established between Athens and Constantinople.

Italy. — Italian steamers aud sailing vessels having more
than .io persons on board (including' the crew) are now required to
carry wireless telegraph apparatus.

CONTRACTS OPEN and CLOSED.

^ OPEN.

Australia. — Sydney — January 22nd. Electrical plant
(converter, battery, booster, and switchboards)^ for the Castlereajrh
Street sub-station, for the Municipal Council. Specification from
E.L. Department, Town Hall.*

February lllth. Municipal Council Meters, maximum demand
indicators, feeder resrulators. Specification from E.L. Department,
Town ilall.

QtEEXSLAND.— Decemljer 12th. P.M.G.'s Department. Caps
and lamps for switchboard, covered wire, benders, sleeves, and
tapes. See "Official Notices " December 1st.

January 1st. P.M.G.'s Department. Cords, switchboard, parts
and accessories, measuring instruments and telegraph instruments.
See "Official Xotices" December 1st.

PKRTffi — January lOth. P.M.G.'s Department. Telephone
in.=truments and parts. See "Official Xotices " to-day.

Aylesbury.— December Kith. U.D.C. Electricity Depart-
ment. Paraffin oil for one' year (800 frallons) ; Diesel lubricating
oil for one year (500 gallons). See " OfBcial Xotices " December Sth.

Bridgend.— December 15th. Hospital Committee. Elec-
trical wiling at the Isolation Hospital, Cefn Hirgoed. Mr. D. R.

Joufs. Clerk. 10, Wyndham Street.

Cape Town. — January Sth. Electric motors and starting

panel.s. for the Corporation Electricity Department. Dock Road.
Cape Town.*

Durban. — January 3rd. Corporation. One 3,000-kw.

steam turbine, alternator, and condensing plant. Specification
Xo. S 238 and drawing Xo. P 51)7. both at the office of the Borough
Electrical Engineer. Municipal Buildings. Deposit £2 2s.

Johannesburg.— December 20th. Corporation. Auto-
matic pres,5ure regulators for the A.c. turbo-generators at the power
station.*

January 3rd. Corporation. Iron axles and bashes.*

London. — Em'iki.d. — Electric light installation, roiidei's

End Congregational Church. Rev. .T. H. Bennett, pa.stor.

December liith. H.M. OHice of Works. JIaterials for electric
bell wiring. See "Official Xotices" December Sth.

L.C.C. — December 19th. 325 tons of rolled-steel bars for mag-
netic brake shoes. Chief Officer, L.C.C. Tramways, 62, Finsbury
Pavement.

New Zealand. — Dcxedin. — .January 24th. Motor-
generator, accessories and spares. City Electrical Engineer, Market
Street. Dunetlin.*

Tai.'H.vnca. -February 12th. Borough Council. Supply of six
three-phase transformers. 11.000-400 volts. Messrs. H. \V. Clime
and Sons. Consulting Engineers, Raetihi. — \.Z. S/iijij)iiig mid
Commerve.

Sleaford. — December 22lld. HeKt liard steam coal (about
250 tons), for the U.D.C. electricity works. .Mr. G. Horry.
Electrical Engineer.

Spain. — The nnmicipal authorities of Santistelnm del
Puerto (Province of Jaen) have just invited tenders for the con-
cession for the electric lighting of the town during a period of
10 years.

Specificatious for the items marketl * can be seen at the Board
of Trade Commercial Intelligence Department in London.

CLOSED.

Accrington. — The Corporation has accepted the tender of
Messrs. W. T. Glover A: Co. for 220 yards of 7/20 S.W.G. cable.

Ardsley. — The U.D.C. has accepted the terms of the
electrical supply company for putting down electrical plant at
the Krtxiilley sewage works.

Australia. — The following contracts have l)eeu j)laced : —
Commonwealth Railways : —

1,200 vards 19,12 S.W.G. stranded copper cables, i'l«).— B.I. it Helshv

Cables, Ltd.
One 25-K\v. generating set for Dam'in Jetty, i'973. — A. H. McDonald & Co.
Victorian Railways Department : —
Electrically-operated hoist for Jolimont car-shed, i'310. — Noyes Bros.

(Melboumel Pty., Ltd.
P.M.G.'s Department, W. Australia : —
Automatic telephone material, £108. — Automatic Telephones (Australasia).

Ltd.
1.049 ft. paper-insulated, lead-covered telephone cable, 600 pairs, foSO. —

.J. R. W. Gardam.
7.915 ft. paper-insulated, lead-covered telephone cable, 800 pairs, ;£4,362 ;

672 ft. ditto, 400 pairs, £240; 2,470 It. ditto, 300 pairs, £664; 1,2.33 ft.

ditto, 200 pairs, £227 ; 3,200 ft. ditto, 150 pairs, £391 ; 600 ft. ditto, 100

pairs, £57 ; 1,320 ft. ditto, 35 pairs, £56 ; 2,640 ft. ditto, 25 pairs, £90 ;

22 sounders, Morse American pony pattern, £21. — B.I. & Helsby

Cables, Jl.td.
2,000 dry cells, rectangular, £358.— Diamond Engineering & Trading

Ptv.^ Ltd.
3 miles of copper distributing wire, £102.— W. T. Henley's Telegraph

Works Co., Ltd.
X.S.W. Public Works Department :—
Sixteen n.c. motors and equipment, £2,688. — Harvey & Phillips, for Brush

Electrical Co. — TeruUrf.

Bath.— Messrs. Chamlierlain & Hookham, Ltd., have
received the Corporation contract for electricity meters for the
coming year.

Bradford. — Tramways Committee : —

Hadfields, Ltd. — 12 sets of manganese-steel points, £588.
Electricity Committee (subject to certificates of the Ministry of
Munitions being obtained) : —

Brush Electrical Engineering Co., Ltd. — One 50-k.v.a. and two 300-k.v.a.

transformers.
Ferranti, Ltd.— One 50-k.v.a. and two 300-k.v.a. transformers.

Bury. — The Corporation has entered into an agreement
with the Electrical Power Storage Co., Ltd., for the maintenance
of the storage battery at the electricity works for a further period
of five years.

Canada. — The Toronto Hydro-Electric System has

awarded to Eugene F. Phillips Electrical Works, Ltd.. Mon-
treal, a contract covering approximately eight miles of 250.000
circular mils, three-conductor, paper-insulated and plain lead-
covered cable tor a working pressure of 13.200 volts, at a cost of
approximately Sloo,000, this being the fourth large order that it
has placed with the Phillips Co. in the last two years for extra-
high-tension cables.

Glasgow. — The Tramways Committee recommends ihe
acceptance of the following : —

Scrap copper.— p. & W. MacLellan, Ltd.

Scrap armature coils, brass, brass turnings and borings, brass dust, copper

and mica turnings, rubber cables, dry ctlls. — R. M. Easdale & Co.
Scrap lead, lead-covered cables. — Trainer & Allison.
Scrap rubber. — Pegler Bros.
Rubber-insulated cables. — W. T. Henley's Co.

Newport (Mon.). — T.C. Accepted tenders : —

British Westinghouse Electric & Mfg. Co., Ltd.— Converting plant, £1,480.
British Thomson-Houston Co., Ltd.— Low-tension B.C. switchgear £152
and extra-high-tension switchgear, £127 8s

Vol. Til. No. 2,038, DECEMBER 1.-;, line..] THE ELECTRICAL EEVIEW.

663

Sheffield. — City Council. Accepted tenders : —

A. ReyroUe & Co., Ltd Twelve 100-ampere, e.h.t., oil-break furnace

switches, £520.
R. White & Sons.— Taking up and relaying train-road track, £487.
A. ReyroUe & Co., Ltd.— 30 panels of three-phase, e.h.t. sub-station

switchgear, £5,1.56.
Bi-ush Electrical Engineering Co., Ltd.— 25 double-decked, top-covered

tramcars without electrical equipment, £1,000 per car, plus 5 per cent.

for contingencies.

Walsall. — T.C. British Tlumisdii-Hdustoii Co., Titd..

E.H.T. switchsear, H'A\o.

Wolverhampton. — Electricity Coiiiinittee. Acccjited

tenders : —

British Thomson-Houston Co.— Steam-turbine-driven boiler feed pnmp,

£421.
Ransf>mes, Sims & Jefferies. — 2i-ton " Orwell *' electric lorry, £630.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS.

Institution of Mecbanical Engineers.— Friday, December 15th. At 6 p.m.
At the Institution of Civil Engineers, Great George Street, Westminster,
S.W. Paper on " Variable-speed Gears for Motor Road Vehicles," by
Mr. R. E. Phillips.

Illuminating Engineering Society.— Friday, December 15th. At 6'p.m. At
the Royal Society of Arts, John Street, Adelphi, W.C. " Suggestions
regarding War Economies in Lighting," by Mr. L. Gaster.

Eiectro-Barmonic Society.— Friday, December 15th. At 8 p.m. At Holborn
Restaurant (King's Halli. Smoking concert.

Association of Mining Electrical Engineers (West of Scotland

Branch). -Saturday, December 16th. At 4.30 p.m. At the Royal Technical
College, Glasgow. Social evening.

(Midland Branchi. —Saturday, December 16th. At 3.30 p.m. At the
Midland Hotel, Mansfield. Discussion on the Report on " Electric Signal-
. ling with Bare Wires."
Faraday Society. — Monday, December 18th. At 8 p.m. At the Institution of

Electrical Engineers, Victoria Embankment, \\'.C. Ordinary meeting.
Institution of Civil Engineers.— Tuesday, December l9th. At 6.30 p.m. At
Great George Street, Westminster, S.W. Paper OB *' Experiments on
Earth-Pi-essures," by Mr. P. M. Crosthwaite.
Boyal Society of Arts.- Wednesday, December 20th. At 4 p.m. Paper on
"Classical and Scientific Education," by Mr. A. C. Benson, Master of
Magdalen College, Cambridge.
Chemical Society.— Thursday, December 21st. At 8 p.m. At Burlington
Hoiisf, Piccadilly, W. Ordinal^ scientific meeting.

At
ei

Belfast Association of Engineers.— Thursday, December 21st. At 7.45 p.m.
At Municipal Technical Institute, College Square. Paper on " Water
Power in Ireland," by Mr. A. W. Brown,

NOTES.

U.S.A. Central Station Output. — In August last, says

the Elect rind WdrhJ, the output of U.S. electricity supply stations
was lartrer than in any previous month on recorij, being
1,880,001.1,(100 KW.-hours— 300 millions in excess of that of August,
1915. The income was well over six millions sterling.

Foreign Trade.— The Novejibeb Figures. The official

returns of imports and exports during last month contain the
following electrical aud.machinery figures : —

,V(/c., Iiii: or Al.iTeiiiiio/if/ixA9ie>

Imports : — 191(i. dec. Inc. or ilec.

Electrical goods, &c. £133,648 + £2,314 -f £475,770

Machinery 628,200 - 124,398 — 675,170

Exports : —

Electrical goods, &c. 309,769 — 90,141 + 947.420

Machinery 1,889.431 + 286.868 -t- 854.44«

Christmas Fire Risks. — The British Fire Prevention

Committee hius issued a free ''Warning"' regarding the dangers
incidental to Christmas entertainments, due to the use of inflam-
mable materials for decorations. &c. Copies may be obtained from
the Committee (.8. Waterloo Place, P,all Mall, S.W. ). on written
application, with the necessary return postage enclosed.

Sentence. — On Deceinher 7th, at the Central Criiiiiuiil

Court. Thomas Absalom Jackson was sentenced to three years"
penal servitude on a charge of having demanded money with
menaces from Marconi's Wireless Telegraph Co., Ltd., and Mr.
Godfrey Isaacs, and with offering to prevent the publication of
certain matters (in the Financial Sews) with intent to extort
money.

Fatalities. — C)n November 25th, as the result of a

" practical joke,'" G. L. March, aged 22, was killed at a workman's
cabin on the L. & N.W. RaUway. near Loudoun Road Station, South
Hampstead. At the inquest it was stated that someone had fixed
an electric wire to the door-handle : the deceased was going to
enter the hut, received an electric shock, and died almost at once.
He was found, on post-mortem examination, to have heart disease
and tuberciUosis. so that a slight shock would suiBce to kill him.
Percy Brown, aged 15. confessed to having connected the door-
handle to the lighting circuit. Such pr.tnks are worse than foolish,
and should be severely punished.

Volunteer Notes. — First London En(Jinefr Volun-
teers.— Headquarters, Chester House. Eccleston Place. — Orders
for the week by Lieut.-Col. C. B. Clay, V.D.. Commanding.

Monday, Decemher IXfh. — Technical for Platoon No. 9, at
Regency Street. Squad and Platoon-Drill, Platoon No. 10. Sig-
nalling Class. ■ Recruits" Drill, tj.25 — 8. Lecture, " On Tele-
phones," 7.30.

Tuesday. Dec.emher V.^th. — School of Arms, 6 — 7. Lecture,
7.15, " Bridging,"" Company Commander E. J. Castell.

Wednesday, December Wth. — Instructional Class, (i.lo. Platoon
Drill, Platoon Nos. 1-2.

'fhnr.iday. December 21,rf, to Thnrsdny. IJecemher 2^t/i. inclusive.
— Headquarters closed.

(By order) Macleod Yearsley, Adjutant.

Absenteeism at Electricity Works. — The case of a man

employed at Xeepsend generating station of the Sheffield Corpora-
tion electricity department, who had been summoned for being
absent from work without lea^'e. was mentioned in the Sheffield
Police Court by the Deputy Town Clerk. The man. he'said. had
paid the money into Court, and therefore nothing more could be
said in that case. But he was instructed to put before the Bench
certain unpleasant facts concerning absenteeism at the generating
station. There was now more time lost by workmen than ever
before, and the man whose case had been mentioned, although he
had only been summoned on account of one day, had been absent
on other occasions. He asked the Bench to give public expression
in reference to what 'sva's a serious state of affairs.

Mr. J. C. Clegg said that absenteeism was a matter of regret and
serious consideration by all in authority. It was undoubtedly of
the highest importance that regular attendance at work must be
ensured It was the duty of those responsible to take suoh steps
as would bring about an improvement in the matter, and he hoped
this public reference to the matter would make the men realise
to the fullest extent what their responsibilities were. — ShejHeld
Telegrnph .

Manchester and District Decimal Association. — At the

debate on the decira.al system at the Engineers' Club on the evening'
of Tuesday, last week, the Lord Mayor of Manchester (the first
president of the Manchester and District Decimal Association) was
in the chair, and the debate was very effectively opened by Mr..
E. C. Barton, M.I.E.E. An animated discussion ensued, and Mr.
Barton replied briefly to the principal points raised in the course of
the debate. At the close of the meeting a practically unanimous
vote (there being only two dissentients in a large meeting), was
given in favour of ; —

(« ) The early adoption of a decimal system of British coinage.

(A) The compulsory use, after a suitable transition period, of the
metric system of weights and measures throughout the British
Empire.

Police Flash Lamps. — A Huddersfield police constable,

Albert J. Cajhmor*. has invented an electric si^fnalling flash lamp
for constables on point duty, and the Watch Committee last week
decided to give the lamp a trial. The apparatus has two lights,
one red and the other green. The red bulb is attached to the inside
of one hand and the green bulb to the outside of the other hand,
both being eonnected with an accumulator on the constable's belt.
The lights do not show until the constable raises his arms. The
inventor claims that this will be a gre<at boon in the darkened
streets, in whieh the point policemen can scarcely be seen.

America's Electrical Week. — Whilst we grope in dark-
ness that may ahiio.st be felt, our friends in the United States have
just been celebrating their great " Electrical Week " with a perfect
orgy of electric lighting. The " Week " opened on December 2nd,
and ended last Saturday ; the principal event, by way of inaugura-
tion, was a reception to President Wilson, who witnessed the
turning-on of the permanent "flood-lighting" illumination of the
statue of Liberty, and took part in a parade of electric vehicles.
The route was brilliantly illuminated and decorated, and was
expected to " present an illumination spectacle unparalleled in the
annals of lighting in America." Elaborate arrangements were also
made for the celebration of the " Week " in all the jji'lncipal
cities of the States.

British Trade Bank. — liiformatidii will be eagerly awaitetl

as to the action to be taken by the new Government in regard to
the British Trade Bank scheme advocated by Lord Faringdon'.s
Committee. The Central Executive of the Employers' Parlia-
mentary Committee last week passed a resolution urging the
Government to take immediate steps to establish such a bank, and
expressing the opinion that the proposed capital. .£10.000,00(1,
would be quite inadequate.

Educational Notes. — The Bradford Technical Education

Sub-Committee has resolved that the arrangement made last session
for assisting the Leeds LTniversity in the matter of tuition in
electrical engineering be again authorised for the present session.

The Russian Laxguaoe. — The Daily Chronicle stjites that
Captain H. Samman, a shipper, has given £10,000 to found
scholarships for teaching Russian to Hull students, his object
being to encourage commercial and other relations l»tween Hull
and Russia. The Hull Chamber of Commerce is to formulate the
scheme. The excelknt idea of establishing travelling scholarships,
suoh as we have alreatly referred to in respect of the textile, elcq-
trical, and engineering trades is also likely to be adopted.

no 4

THE ELECTKICAL REVIEW, [v.,!.:;.. no. 2.038, Df:ckmiu:r i.-,, in ic.

Appointments Vacant.— -Slii ft oniriiieor (£104) t\.r tho

\V;itfonl V.D.C. Eleotricit.v Works: twii shift engineers (iOf. to
i06.) for the Cht^hiiiii EU'ctric Lijrht i; Power Co; electrical
eiijrinet>r Cclerk of works) for the Royal Enjrinet'rs" Office at Ash ford,
Kent (C-t.-i. ) S<"e our u<ivirti?onn-nt pa^'es to-ihiy.

Conference of Electrical Engineers in India.— Tlii'

Pulilic Works Department, (rtjvemment of Bentral. announce! that
the annual Confereuce of Electrical Inspectors will be held in
I)eceinl)er this year, in Calcutta, at the Indian Museum. Repre-
sentatives of the Bengal Chamber of Commerce, the Indian Mininp
.■\ii,«x.-iation, and the Calcutta Trades Association have been invited
to attend. Indian JCiigiiiieriinj.

Trmmcar Passenger Fined. At Doncastcr Police Court,
on Tuesday. John Wilkinson, a filler employed at a colliery, was
summoned for interferinir with the electrical equipment of a
tramcar. It was said that on the nifrht of November 26th
defendant was standinp on the footboard of a crowded tramcar.
and whilst the conductor was inside takinsr fares, the defendant
notice<l a woman runnint: after the car. and deliberately pulled out
the main controller switch, which cut off the current and stopped
the car. Mr. Allen, proaecutiucr. said that this was a most
danireroue thine to do. In defence, the defendant said, the car
jerked, and he put his hand up and accidentally knocked out the
switch. He w.is fineil 15s.

Copper " Permits." — The Minister of Munitions luus

issued the following order : —

1. No person shall as from the date hereof buy. sell, or. except
for the purpose of carrying- out a contract in writing existingr prior
to such date, enter into any transaction or nejrotiation in relation
to the sale or purchase of copper of any class, whether wroujfht or
nnwroujfht. situated outside the United Kingdom unless such per-
•on is authorised by a Special Permit from the Minister of Munitions
to purchase or sell the same.

.\11 applications for Special Permits shall be made to the Director
of Materials, .\rmament Buildings, Whitehall Place. London. S,W,,
and marked "Copper Permit." and all persons to whom such per-
mits are granted shall observe and perform all the conditions sub-
ject to which such permits may be granted.

2. .\11 persons shall, except as below mentioned, not later than
the Ifith day of December, r.*16. send in to the Director of Materials,
Armament Buildings, Whitehall Place, London. S,W,, returns'
of:—

(ff) All unwrought copper at the date hereof held by them
in stock or otherwise under their control.

(i) kW unwrought copper due at the date hereof for future
delivery to them.

(r) AM contracts existing at the date hereof for the sale to or
purchase by them of unwrought copper.

Notwithstanding the above, no return is required from (1) any
manufacturer or smelter of stock in hand or due for future delivery
for the sole purpose of manufacture or smelting at hie works : (2)
any person whose total stock in hand and due for future delivery
does not exceed 2 tons.

The Minister of Munitions has prohibited as from December 8th
the use of copper, whether wrought or unwrought. in any kind of
manufacture except for the purposes of a contract or order tor the ■
time being in existence, certified to be within Classes " A " and
'B" of Circular L33 as to control of output dated March .3 1st,
1916. The order of November 6th relating to the manufacture
of copper wire and cable containinff copper is hereby cancelled.

Institution and Lecture Notes.^The Institution of

Electrical > ngineers.— On Xovember .Sth. the Chairman of the
Yorkshire Loc.\l Section". Mr. H. .\. Nevill. read his inaugural
address, dealing with the supply and use of coal. Referring to the
shortage of labour, which he expected to continue after the war,
he stated that whereas the average loss of time for the whole of
the Cnited Kingdom was 9'9 per cent., in Yorkshire it was 15 to
20 per cent. The use of machinery wa^s increasing at the rate of
10 per cent, per annum, mainly in Scotland, where the seams were
thinner : the over-all efficiency of electrically-operated machimes
was as high as 70 per cent., compared with 20 to 2,t per cent, for
compressed air. Present-day legislation favoured the use of com-
pressed-air machines, and therefore retarded the adoption of
machinery owing to the low efficiency and small power available.
Given a sufficiently high selling price or a cheaper system of
■working, more coal would be produced, even to the working of
seams only two or three inches in thickness. He thought that
modified regulations and more rapid development in the use of
electrically-operated machinery below ground would tend to solve
to some extent the present and future difficulty in the sufficient
prwluction of fuel. It did not seem likely that the cost of coal
would come down to pre-war prices, and therefore station engineers
would have to resort to more efficient plant, co-operation, or more
economical methods of coal consumption than direct combustion,
Linking-up would aid, where it could be adopted, but at first
sight the sa%-ing did not seem sufficient to warrant the very heavy
expenditure that would be necessary to carry it out. It would
increase reliabOity of supply, and thus hasten the scrapping of
isolated power plants in favour of public supply. The centralisa-
tion of power generation under skilled control would lead to
economy, but he did not approve of very large stations. Waste
heat and coke-oven gas should be utilised. Where to^vns were too
far apart for linking-up. carbonisation plant with by-product
recovery apparatus should be installed. As the economy schemes
•would involve hea\'y expenditure, the Government should make

gome provision for granting money on easy terms to electricity
supply authorities : this could be done by way of a small tax on
eiportcii coal.

A fund is being raiseil to purchase the very valuable scientific
library of the late Dr. Thompson, and to present it to the Insti-
tution OK Elkctricwl Engineers as a memorial of his life and
work, the library to be accessible to the public on the same con-
ditions as the Ronalds Library, Information regarding it can be
obtained from Mr, W. M. Mordey. 82. Victoria Strei't, London. S.W.

The I.E.E. Jinirttiil for December announces the election of Prof.
G. Carey Foster. F.R.S.. to be an Honorary Member, and the elec-
tion of Sir W. Slingo as a member of Council, to fill the vacancy
caused by the resignation of Captain E. J, Wallis-Jones,

At the monthly meeting of the Scottish Local Section in
Glasgow, on Tuesday evening last, Mr. John S. Peck's paper on
" The Parallel Operation of Electric Power Stations " was rea<l and
discussed.

The second meeting of the sessiion of the Western Local
Section was held on Monday last at the Institute of the South
Wales Mechanical Engineers, Cardiff, Dr. Alex. Russell delivered
the Kelvin lecture on "The Life and Work of Lord Kelvin,"
punctuating the same with numerous blackboard diagrams. The
lecturer's propounding of Thomson's formula' in connection with
" Vortex Motion " was followed very closely, and would have been
productive of discussion had this been in order Principal Griffiths
(University of Cardiff) in seconding the vote of thanks to Dr.
Russell for his able le«ture, alluded to some very interesting per-
sonal reminiscences which he could recall in connection with Sir
William Thomson's visit to him at Cambridge, The anecdotes
forcibly illustrated Lord Kelvin's kindness of heart and sympathy
towards his fellow scientists.

Tramways and Light Railways Association and the Incorpo-
rated Association of blectric Power Companies. -The Govern-
ment having taken over the greater part of Caxton House, these
Associations have removed their offices to .Sanctuary House.
33, Tothill Street, Westminster (facing Caxton Hou.se).

Wages of Electricity Supply Employes. — Marylebone

Borough Council is calling a conference of local authorities to dis-
cuss the conditions of labour and rates of wages paid to employes
in electricity supply undertakings. — Pall Mall {razetti'.

OUR PERSONAL COLUMN.

The Editors iiirite electrical engineers, whether connected with the
technical or the commercial sitU of the profession anil industry,
also electric tramway anxl railway oJH.cinls, to keep readers of tin
Electrical Review posted as to their mocements.

Central Station Officials.— Mr, W, G, Pickvance, borough
electrical engineer of Wrexham, was injured in a motor-car
collision on Slonday last week. Both cars wei'e damaged and
all the occupants more or less injured.

The Newport Council has granted the following increases
of salary upon the recommendation of the borough electrical
engineer: — Mr, A, H, Felto.n, works superintendent, £166
to i'175; Mr. W. H. Clarke, installations assistant, ;£140 to
±'150; Mr. E. G. Illingworth, sub-stations engineer, £130
to £140; Mr, F, B, Briggs, senior engineer-in-charge, , £T23
10s, to £13.5; Mr. W, A. Borrowdale, senior '"engiiieer-in-
charge, £1'23 10s. to £13.5,

Mr, A. W. Clegg, acting manager of Accrington electricity
works, was one of four candidates selected for the post of
electrical engineer to a Che.shire chemical firm. As the
result of an interview, on Monday, between the. Electricity
Committee and Mr. Clegg, arrangements were made whereby
Mr. Clegg's services will be retained by the Coriwration.

General. — Aid, Duncan W.mson has been re-elected Chair-
man of the St. Marylebone B.C. Electricity Committee. He
has accepted the position with reluctance, agreeing to act
until the new and enlarged Committee has gained experience
of the working of the undertaking.

Colonel A, Sinclair has been re-elected Chairman, and Aid,
G, CoLwiLL Vice-Chairman, of the Swansea Lighting and
Tramways Committee.

The marriage took place, by licence, at Canterbury, on
December 7th, of Mr. Frank Wilfrid Johdan. B.Sc, AvR.C.S.
(Electrical Engineers), and Miss Fanny Bentley, only daugh-
ter of the late Mr, .1. (J. Wood, of Charthain (Kent),

By public adverti.soiiiont it is announced that Mark Albert
Nathan, cjirrying on business as an electrical and scientific
instrument manufacturer as Albert Mason, at Clarence Mews,
Hackney, London, has abandoned the name of Nathan, and
will henceforth be kno\\-n as Mark Albert Mason,

Sir Albert H, Stanley, the new President of the Board of
Trade, is managing director of the Underground Electric
Railways Co, of London, Ltd,, also of the District, the London '
Electric, the Central London, and City & South London Rail-
■"■ays, as well as being a director of tlie London United
Tramways, Ltd,, and the London. & Suburban Traction Co.,
Ltd. His unique experience of the problems of transportation
will be of great value to the nation at the pre.sent juncture.
An article on Sir Albert, together with a photograph, ap-
peared in the Electrical Review for -Tune '26th, 1914, on
the occasion of the liononr of kniglitbiK)(l biiiig eonferrcd
upon him.

voi.-ii. XO.2.038.DECEMBER1.-,. 11.1.;.] THE ELECTEICAL EEYIEW.

065

Roll of Honour. — The current issue of the Journal of the
Iiislitution of Electrical Engineers contains a list of 27 more
in the dilTerent classes of uieinbu#ship who have made the
groat siieritice for their country. .\ further li.st of military
lionours awarded inchides the following : —

l).S.().—Bt. Major B. C. Battye. E.E. ; Major' R. A. Mc-
Clymont, R.P.A. ; Major A. Robertson, R.E. ; Captain fl. C.
Sparks, M.C., Jjondon- Regiment.

Military CVo.f.s-.— Sec.-I,ieut. \V. H. C. Coates, E.F.A. ; Lieut.
R. H. Covernton, South African Engineers; Capt. J. M.
Donaldson, K.R.R.C: Sec.-I.ieut. R. E. Keelan. R.E. ; Sec-
J.ieut. F. .A. Menzies, Indian Infantry; Capt. S.' M. Mohr,
Notts, and Derliy Regiiuent : Sec-Lieut. B. J. Moore, Royal
Flying Corps; Capt. E. H. E. Woodward, Gloucestershire
Regiment.

Ikir In MiliUiru Cross.— Capt. H. R. L. Groom, M.C., Royal
A\'arwickshire Regiment.

Disfiiifliiislicd Service Cross. — Lieut. T. X. Rilev, Divisional
Engineers. R.N.D.

DisHiiuiiislicd Conduct .A/f(J«F.— Sergt.-Major H. M. Kirkhy,
London Regiment.

Crni.r de Guerre (avec Palme). — Capt. II. C. Sparks, D.S.O.,
M.C.. ijondon Regiment.

Sevfnt<>en others have been mentioned in dispatches.

Lanee-Corporal H. Mayes, -Oxford and Bucks I-ight In-
fantry, who wa.s with the British Thomson-Houston Co., Ltd.,
has for the second time been wounded in action.

.Lance-CoriX)ral H. J.\rvis, Grenadier Guards, who has
fallen in action, was for I"2 years engaged at Silvertown with
the India-rubber, Gutta-percha &• Telegraph Works Co., Ltd.

Sap[)er F. Harold Moohe, R.E., who was witk the Marconi
Telegraph Co., has died in a military hospital at Bristol.

Private James Watson, South African Infantry, aged -13,
reported missing in France, was with the Transvaal Electric
Power Co. in Germiston for 14 years, and his post was being
kept open. It is stated that wlien last seeri he was carrying
a wounded man to the dre.s.sing station.

Battery Sergeant-Major C. F. HrxTF.R, R.F.A., an employe
of the India-rubber Co.. . Silveitown, ha.s been awarded
the D.C.M. for gallantry in France. A fire had been
started by the enemy's shells in a gun-pit containing about
5lXI rounds of anmiunition, the charges of some of which were
burning, and with great presence of mind and risk to him-
self. Sergeant-Major 'Hunter extinguished the fire.

Sergeant G. W. H. Beckett, R.F..^., also an employe of
the India-rubber Co., Silvertown, has been awarded the
Military Medal for repairing telephone wires under fire, and
for continued good work in connection with keepuig up
comnumications. He had previously been mentioned in dis-
patches. Sergeant Beckett was a, reservist, and went to
France with the original Expeditionary Force.

The following employes of the Edison Swan Electric Co.,
Ltd., have been killed in action, all in France : —

Private Ernest .\. Fassuin. 4th Br.lt. Ml.Ull.-sex Rogimenl. joinerv shop.
Private Jolin Edw.nril jMarrh, 13th Hatl. Mi.JdIese.x Regiment, jtiinerv shop.
Private Bert PenninHton. Machine Gun Corps, brass shop.
Private .Mbt^rt Cooper. 1st IJall. Glouec-slershire Rei*iment, brass shop.
Lance-Corporal Il.irry Finrh. 1st Batt. Middlesex Regiment, lamp clep.^rl-
ment, stoker.

CITY NOTES.

Tlie profit on trading for the year ended
Ferranti Ltd. June, 1916, was j£.54,377, and after credit-
ing tran.sfer fees, and deducting general
establishment charges, repairs and renewals, legal ex[)enses,
income-tax, bad debts, directors' and tiustees' fees, there re- ,
mains ;fi'21,.5ti3. plus ^1,028 the amount at creilit at June 30th,
1915., From the total, £22,691, there have been il.Mlnrted : —
Interest on first mortgage debenture .stock i'l.'i^l. intinst on
five-year notes ±'2,07C, interest on bank loans i'l.liiin, depre-
ciation reserve account d610,000, leaving to be cairied foiward
£4,574. The, results for the year show a satisfactory im-
provement bijth in output and profit, notwith.standing the
increase in. cost of materials, labour, freights, ami other ex-
pen.iies. Arrangements are being made to increase the output
of the works. During the year £'2,800 first mortgage deben-
tures and i'.SdO five-year notes have been redeemed, and loans
against live-year notes and second mortgagi> debentuies have
been fuither reduced. Mr. O. Winder has been elected a
director, .\nnual meeting : Decemlter 19th, in London.

We read in a Birmingham newspaper
United Electric that Mes.srs. Dick, Kerr A- Co.. Ltd.. have
Car Co., Ltd. circuhiriseil the shareholders in the Fnited
Electric Car Co., Ltd., olVuring to nci^uiie
th • preference and ordinary .shares of the latter company, by
transferring oiu' 0 per cent, cumulative preference share of
£1 e.K-h. fidly paiil in D.l\. A Co.. in exchange for each pre-
ference share in the T'.E.C. Co.. the prefertmce shares in D.K.
and Co. given in exchange to lank for the full .six months'
dividend payable April. 1917. or in the alternative they will
pay 20s. ca.sh. As regards ordinary shares, the price will be
15s. in cash for each ordinary share. A meeting is to be
called to deal with the position, and it is agreed to pay £3,000
to the directors retiring, as compensation for loss of office;
this jiayment will not be made out of the assets of the U.E.C.

Co. The L'.E.C. Co. has also i.ssued a circular stating that
the terras are fair, and recommending .shareholders « ho wish
to dispose of their shares to accept the oiler. -

For the yt>:ir ended SepU^mber 30th,
India-rubber, fyilj, the net profit, after providing for

. Gutta=perchu. doubtful debts, wtis £133,779. .\fter-add-
and Telegraph ing £bS.93w brmigbl rorwanl. deducting

Works Co., Ltd. £12,5(H)II the diviilend on the preference
shares, and £12..")ll(l the interim dividend
o'l the ordinary shares paid in July, there remains a dispos-
able balance of £127. 71(). The directoi\s have restored to the
r€ serve fund the .£5(l.(K)0 which was taken from it to meet
the losses sustained by Persan and the foreign branches, and
recommend that the half-yearly dividend of 5s. per share, or
at the rate of 5 per cent, per annum, lie paid to the preference
shareholders, and that a dividend of 15s. per share, free of
income-tax, amounting to £37, .500, making with the interim
dividend a- total of Itl lier cent, for the year, be paid on the
ordinary shares, leaving £40,21() to be carried forward. No
satisfactory estimate can be giyen rts to the war taxation
which the company will have to pay in resjiect of the profits
made during the year, but the pfKsition is amply safe-
guarded. The debentuies became due for repayment in
March la.st, and uiuler the existing state of the money market
they could iMily lie replaced at £93. anil tit -^ per cent, instead
o< 4 pex cent, interest. This entailed an exiH>iiditure' in cash
of £2.S,0(KI, and an extra liability in intcR'st of £4.(KX1 for
II) years. The directors took the opportunity of the great
demand for tijnnage to sell the cable .ship Silrer1ou-n. which
had little prospect of cable work during the war. The Dacia,
after an ali.sence of more than four months abroad, has been ^
sunk by a torpedo, but all hands have been saved. She was
fully covered by insurance. Col. Weston Jarvis has been
serving with H.M. Forces in Gallipoli and Egypt .since .April,
1915, and is now home. Mr. Hanbury joined the Army, and
is with his regimc^nt in France.

[The net profit for the previous year was £.'^0.404. and the
dispo.sable balance £'.5G,43S.]

.\nnual meeting : December 20th.

For the yiMr ending; .liiiie. LJlii. the ii.>t
Costa Rica earnings in Ct«ta Rica, aft<jr charging all
Electric Light expenses incurred, amount to £19,211, as
and Traction compared with £21,062 for the pievious
Co., Ltd. year, a decrease of £2.451. Tlie net sur-

plus iirofit is £2,790; this is to be carried
to the ci-edit of discount and commission on debenture issue
account. The jujwer plant at El Brazil has worked well
throughout the year. In common with other countries, Costa
Rica is suffering .severely from the European war. and the
business of this company h.as continued to lie prejudicially
affected by the interruption of exports and, the general upset
of trade relations. Not only has its income been curtailed
by the lower purchasing [lower of the jieople. but the co.st of
all .stores and material has greatly increa.sed by reason of war
prices and the high exchange. Everything used in the busi-
ness has to be imported anil paid for in gold, while the eani-
ings are in a temporarily depreciated national currency. The
general manager in Costa Rica. Mr. W. N. Brand, was com-
pelled to resign his position in July last through ill-health.
The chief engineer, Mr. T. E. Zink, has been appointed to
succeed him. Mr. Zink has been in the company's employ
ahiiost from its inception. During the year the gold premium
has averaged 140 per cent., as against 1.50 per cent, for the
previous year.

Victoria Falls & Transvaal Power Co., Ltd. — Dividend
for the year on the preference shaies at the rate of 6 per cent,
per annum. le.ss income-tax. thereby making the cumulative
dividend paid up to December. 1916. ,

Manx Electric Railway Co. — Gross receipts for y«ar
ended September. 1916, £8,1.50 ; exjx^nditure, £8,865 ; -loss,
£734. Adding £9.436 last vear's debit balance, and £9,000 for
debentuie intere.st. the debit balance is £19.170.

Isle of Thanet Electric Trara^\ays & Lighting Co.. Ltd.—

Profit for the year ended September, 1916, £9.742. The work-
ing expenses fell by £2,445. Tlie available balance will cover
all interest charges and leave £389 to carry forward.

Stock Exchange Notice.— .Application has been made to
the Coiiimitt<^i' to allow the following to lie quoted in the
f)fficial i.ist : —

Tnditi-nibber, Gutta-percha ^- TeU>graph Works Co., Ltd.—
£100, (Kill 5 Iter cent, debentures.

J. G. White & Co., Ltd.— The " Financial Times " states
that no interim dividend will be paid on the preference shares
on 1st proximo.

Yorkshire (West Riding) Electric Tramways Co., Ltd. —

Final dividend. 3 per cent, (being at the rate of 6 per cent,
per annum) on account of the dividend tiecrued on the 6 per
cent, preference .shares.

Manila Electric Railroad & Lis^hting Corporation. — Divi-
dend of li per cent. (1..50 dol. per share) for the quarter to
December 31st on the common stock.

East London Railway Co. — 8s. 9d. jier e. m l's< ti\, nn
"B" debenture stock for the-vear.

fiCC

THE ELECTKICAL KEV1E^V. [Voi. -••. Xo. 2,038, Dkckm her i:., ii.u;.

STOCKS AND SHARES.

Tlt.sday Evexint..
C.ABlXET-M.AKiNT. aiul other lioine piilitics lu>vi> I'liniished tin'
Stook Kxoliaii;,'!' witli more topiis fur (liscus.siiiri tliiiii li;is
bu.siiie.'w. the lattor beiii},' oxtrtMiit-ly quift. Tin- <li;m{,vs in
the Cabinet have done » pood deiil to help ennfidonce. but tlu'ir
elTeet so far ha.s b(M>n more sentimental than practical, exc-opt
that they produced improvements in the Consol market and.
therefore, liad a strenRthening influence uix)n pilt-edfled and
other inve.stment inarket.s.

The nearer the appi-oach of the new year, the greater grows
the disinclination on the part of the investor to spend money
that will denude his bank balance at the time when he likes
to i^e the latt<'r on a comfortable l>asis. One of the minor
features has been a revival in the prices of Victoria Falls
shares: the ordinary and preference have both improved,
although the best prices were scarcely maintained.

■Jhe electric lighting market is dull and hmipish, West-
Hiinster ordinary receded to 0, MetroiX)litans to ■2.',, Counties
and Cities to lOJ and llj respectively, and South Londons to
■2], There is some little disjippointment.at the otlieial silence
in regard to the hope that something might be done to turn
up the lights of I^ondon, at all events during the Christmas
week — which, if it had been permitt^'d, might have proved tlx!
prelude to a relaxing of the lighting restrictions generally.

As we have pointed out before, there is in every
market a cerUiin supply of .shares always coming in from
decea.sed accounts, and also from i)eople who, for one rea.son
or another, are obliged to sell. Accordingly, when it happens
that demand proves unusually coy or limited, the. shares
which the anxious sellers want to dispose of have an inulue
elTect upon prices. This is what is hapix^ning at the present
time in the electric hghting section ; and the market looks as
though it were going to wind up the year in about as dull a
state as it has exi)erienced during the whole of the twehe
months.

Gossip runs in the City that one of the directions in whidi
the vigour of the new Cabinet will manife.st itself is an
increase in the income-tax, 6s. 8d. in the £ being already
mentioned as a po.s.sible next step. This rumour is accom-
panied by another to the effect that the excess profits tax is
likely to be rai.sed to 7-5 per cent. ; and reports of this sort
obviously do not lend strength -or stability to markets at a
time «hen fresh investment shows itself shy.

Practically every- day sees further declines in the list of
Home Railway stcxks. The Board of Ti-ade warnings as to
the .strong desirability of curtailing Christmas travel, with
the rider that private journeys are likely to be made as difficult
as p<)ssible, is the latest bear point put forward. The pro-
posal to inciease season-ticket and other rates would no doubt
have had a strengthening elTect in the railway market in the
oidinary way; but when it comes on top of such announce-
inents from the Board of Trad« as thosa already quoted, it
acts in the opposite direction.

In the Underground group, Districts went back to 15| and
MetroiKjlitans to '23; but T'nderground Electric Railways issues
keep finn, the price of the income bonds being well main-
tained at 91 bid. The falls in Steam sttxks are spread over
all the various clas.ses of Home Railways, ami those with
electrified sy.stems have weakened with the lest. The lists
ol' preference and other pre-ordinary securities are lower, aiiil
the whole of the market is in a friendless condition.

British Columbia Electric Railway .stocks moved down on
renewed efforts to sell. Some ass(x.-iat<> the weakne.s,s with the
dull .state of the market for Canadian railways, but this
seems .scarcely sufficient to justify the drop. It niav be that
the previous rise was too rapid, or peihaps foreknowledge
of the next report has .something to do with the steady de-
cline. .\t any rate, there is considerable int^^rest. tinged
wiUi anxiety, as to what that document is likely to show.

The Brazilian exchange is in a more hopeful state, having
kept about Is. to a tritle over for nearlv a week. The .steadi-
ne.ss had a partial elTect in checking "the drop in Brazilian
Traction shares, but the usual quarterlv nervousness expressed
with regard to the maintenance of the 4 per cent, dividend
led to a further fall in the common. The preferred remain
about 85J.

British Electric Traction orclinai-y is changing hands on the
basis of Si, and business was marked the other dav in the
6 per cCTit. preference stock at 70; while a buver of London
t nit<>d Tramways paid 40 for the 4 pei- cent, debenture .stock
.Metropolitan Tramways o per cent, debenture stock has been
nesotiated on the basis of Snj during the past week

>o recovery has occurred in the Mexican industrials, the
shares and bonds of the Mexico Tramwavs and the Mexican
T-il t d'^"*"'" Companies being extrernelv weak. Pachuca
li' >r • t"^ -^ Vcr cent, bonds, which are guaranteed by
the Mexican Light & Power Co., have fallen 3 points to 275

The Canadian-American power issues are mostly good, Penn-
sylvania Water & Power shares at 89i and Shawinigans 140,
but Canadian Generals gave way a little to ]'23J, Victoria
Falls preference rose to •22s, 3d., and the ordinary to 14s,,
before reacting to the extent of a few pence each.

Til." 'lili'graph marki't continues to liiul more sellers than
bii,\ers, and Kasterns dropped a i«iint to 1.3'.).l. Ks a whole,
iiowever, the market is a little ,st<>adier than it was. I'nit<'d
River Plate Telephones eased off to GJ. Marconis have gone
back i to 'li. Americans and Canadians being sympathetically
dull at K'js. 3d. and 9s. Gd. resj)ectively. Globe ordinary and
pieference are a firme;- market, and the industrial shares in
the group are unchanged on the week. American Telejihone
4 per lent. bonds fell G i>oints to lOo, and the li per cents, are
7 lower at 111.

Edison it Swan fully-paid .shares rea<ti(l to IS. and Eli'itric
Con.stnictions at 1 l/Ili are the fraction down. The industrial
market goes .softly. British .\luminium remain active 'and
(inn at 3(ls. The iron and steel group is heavy, consequent
upon the increase of wages granted to the miners in South
Wales, and tin' unceitaiuty felt with regard to the effect of
the Goveinment's taking over the crmtrol of the field. A
.scV(>re shake-out in the .shipping market has not pass(Ml un-
iiotice<l by iiolders in other industrial companies the shares
in which have recently been run up to high prices.

Tlie ruliber market is well maintained, in con.sequenee of
tlie strength of the raw material. The copper group experi-
enced .something of a flurry in New York by rea.son of the
action of the Briti.sh Governnient in restricting cnpiK'r im-
ports, but little elTect was produced upon the prices of shares
in British companies. Speculative enterprise here, as in
other parts, is at a low el)b just at present.

SHARE LIST OF ELECTRICAL COM?
Home Eleotrioitt Companieb,

Dividend Pric

.. ■ s Dec la, Ri9i

1914, 1916. 1916, 1 '

Brompton Ordinary .. .. 10 10 6|

Charing Cross Ordinary ..66 8?

do. do, do, 4JPre[.. H «i 8,^

Chelsea 6 4 3

City of London 9 8 11)

do, do, 6 per cent, Pref. 6 6 10

County of London , . . . 7 7 10}

do. 6 per cent. Pre), 6 6 10

Kensington Ordinary , . , , 9 7 6|

London Electric 4 B Ig

do, do, 6 per cent. Pref. 6 6 4,',

Metropolitan 8* 8 at

do. 4* per cent. Pref. 4} 4) Si

St. James' and Pall Mall . . 10 8 6i

South London 5 6 33

South Mftropolitan Pref, ..7 7 Ift

Westmiuster Ordinary .... 9 7 6

TEt^ORAfHS AND TEI.IPH0NE9.

Arielo-Am. Tel. Pref 6 6 96J

do. Def 301- 83/6 asj

Chile Telephone 8 8 7i

Cuba Sub. Ord 6 6 8}

Eastern Extension .... 7 8 13}

Eastern Tel. Ord 7 8 189^

Globe Tel. and T. Ord 6 7 12*

do. Pref. ..6 6 10*

Great Northern Tel 23 M 37.1

Indo-European 13 13 51

Marconi 10 10 2J

New York Tel. 4J .. .. 4J 4i 101

Oriental Telephone Ord. . . 10 10 2,5,

United R. Plate Tel 8 8 6i

West India and Pan 1 6d. 1,'„

Western Telegraph .... 7 8 14

HouE Rails,

Central London, Ord. Assented 4 4 6.'»J

Metropolitan li 1 38

do. District . . . . Nil Nil 16J

Underground Electric Ordinary Nil Nil !}§

do. do. "A" .. Nil Nil 6/-

do. do. Income 6 6 91

FoREiaN Trams, &a,

AlelaideSup. 6percent. Pref, 6 6 4}S

Aoglo-Arg, Trams, First Pref, 5J 6* 8i

do, 2nd Pref. . . 6J 64 3 j

do. 6 Deb. . . 6 6 67

Brazil Tractions . . . . . . 4 4 4fiJ

Bombay Electric Pref 6 6 10}

British Columbia Elec. Ely. Ptce. 5 6 U7

do. do. Preferred — Nil 46

do. do. Deferred — NU 43J

do. do. Deb. 4} 4} tia

Mexico Traras 5 per cent. Bonds — Nil 33^

do. 6 per cent. Bonds — Nil 27A

Mexican Light Common . . Nil NU ISJ

do. Pref Nil Nil 17*

do, 1st Bonds .. Nil Nil 32*

MANCrACTtJRIMO CoUFANIES,

Babcock A Wilcox . , , . 14 15 2;5

British Aluminium Ord. ., 6 7 30/-

British Insulated Ord 16 17* llj

British Westinghouse Pref. . . 7i 7j SX

Callenders 16 20 13 '

do. 6 Pref 6 5 4}

Castner-Kellner 20 22 8|

Edison & Swan, £3 paid . . Nil ' — ,■.,

do. do. fully paid .. Nil — Ig

do. do. 4 percent. Deb. 5 5 62^

Electric Construction ., .. 6 7J 1,\,

Gen. Elec. Pref .6 6 10

do. Ord 10 10 13|

Henley 20 26 16

do. ii Pref 44 44 4

India-Bubber 10 10 ISi

Telegraph Con 36 30 38

* Dividends paid free of income-tax

?^or fall Yield

_

6 11

_

6 18

- i

6 19

0 0

-}

6 16

6 0

—

6 4

6 10

—

6 16

-i

_

7 10 a

..

6 12 8

6 8 6

—

•6 16 6

— 1

•6 14 6

—

•6 12 0

6 18 6

—

6 17 4

—

6 7 8

- i

3 13 9

4 9 0

4 6 6

-4

•5 18 6

7 16 3
6 la 6

•7 la 4

Vol. 79. No. 2.038. December 15. 1916.] THE ELECTKICAL REVIEW.

667

THE USE OF LOW-GRADE FUEL.

As the result of investigafions by the U.S. Bureau of Mines
into the use of low-grade fuels some interesting, though, of
course, not entirely new, particulars of work carried out
along these Hnes were recently published in one of the oificial
publications of the department. The subject is of some
interest in this country, as was indicated in Prof. Fearnsides'
2em8rk8 quoted on page 6'21 of our last is,sue. ."Attention is

Revol.,..u L^^,,.mkic-grate Producer Ixswllation

drawn to the successful use of certain fuels in Europe and
the complete indifference to the possibiUties of similar fuels
in the United States.

Information was sought in regard to (a) the utQisation of
high-ash coals, (b) the use of wood refuse, (c) recovery of
by-products, (d) recent developments in the preparation and
use of peat, (e) results of low temperature distillation of fuels.
(/) possibilities of the slagging tyjje of gas producer, and {g)
use of powdered coal. Excessive clinkering with high-ash
fuel, leading to interruptions and failure to develop rated
capacity, is the main objection to the use of such fuel.

To handle this and other classes of fuel the revolving eccen-
tric grate producer has been developed in Europe. With it
the a«h is automatically removed, operation can be con-
tinuous, the output per unit area is increased, and a more
uniform quality of gas is claimed.

The degree of eccentricity can be varied to suit the fuel,
the tendency being to grind the coarse ash and prevent
clogging; the speed is also variable to suit conditions of fuel
and output, and usually runs from J to Is revs, per hour, with
1- or 2-H.p. driving motors.

Experience has shown that an important factor in over-
coming clinkering and fusing of the ash with the producer
lining, is water jacketing the l art of the producer shell sur-
rounding the hot zone. In certain designs a variation is
made in the height of the grate to correspond to the clinker-
ing tendency of the fuels.

Either dry or wet bottoms are used, the former being some-
times regarded as desirable for extremely fine fuels burned
with high air pressure, because of the depth of water neces-
sary with the wet-bottom type.

The revolving grate producer is said to gasify two or three
times as much fuel per sq. ft. of fuel bed as the fixed type;
low percentage of carbon in the ash is al.so claimed, while
the steam requirements are placed at about a fourth of those
of the fixed grate jacketless type of producer. The total cost
of a complete plant is said to be in favour of the revolving
grate producer, which is claimed to handle 45 to 5-5 per cent,
of ash with ease. An example is quoted of an English coUiery
and ironworks using an installation of eccentric grate pro-
ducers, for which fuel is obtained by crushing and washing
material from colliery refuse heaps, the fuel as used in the
producers containing about 25 per cent, of ash

Reference is made to the use of refuse fuel in gas producers,
such a« wood refuse, husks, nut shells, tan bark, &c.

We illustrate an up-draught producer with mechanical tar
extract<jr, and a down-draught producer; this type of plant
has given good results, particularly with wood refuse.

Reference is also made to the use of by-product gas installa-
tions to utilise low-grade materials and colliery refuse, but
in England it is considered that the tendency is always to
use the material giving the largest by-product return, even
though the plant was specifically intended to use only refuse
material with a view to selling all high-grade fuel.
The subject of low-temperature distillation is discussed at
some length, but it is remarked that
little disinterested information was avail-
'able.

The original intention of this process was
to obtain a smokeless fuel for domestic use,
and at the same time recover oil, motor
spirit, and ammonia. Cannel coal, shale,
high-ash coals, peat, and even briquetted
sewage sludge were tested as fuels, but the
results are not obtainable.

In a University lecture before a Man
Chester gas association, Mr. P. D. Mar-
.shall, referring to the subject of low-
temperature carbonisation in vacuo, said
that low-tem]>erature distillation could not
be completely successful if carried out
under pressure, as with a te'mperature of
only 900 deg. to l.(X)0 deg. F. the time of
distillation would be too long, and the
valuable oil constituent and the coke would
be ruined. But low temperature, plus a
complete,' or nearly complete, vacuum in
the retorts, enabled them to carbonise in
three or four hours, and so save the light
oils, and at the -same time produce a hard,
dense, easily ignitable coke or fuel contain-
ing 5 to 10 !)er cent, of volatile matter
(probably methane) and over 80 per cent,
of carbon free from all tarry and condens-
able matter.

The density of the coke was due to the
compression of the coal between the annu-
lar spaces — a density which would effectu-
ally prevent the quick evolution of the
gases were it not for the extreme vacuum
employed.

By the time the gases had passed the
vacuvnn pump, everything condensable
under atmospheric and impact conditions
had been removed ; but tailing on to the
vacuum pump was a compressor, in which
the entire gas was compressed under a
pressure of 50 to 60 lb. to the sq. in.
By a mechanical arrangement the pres-
sure was ."-uddenlv released, the result

Two Types of Revolving Eccentric-grate.

being that the gas parted with a vapour which, on speedily
condensing, proved to be a spirit of high value. The yield
from this portion of the plant was approximately one gallon

6C.S

THE ELECTElCAJj REVIEW, [voi. m. No. 2,038, dkcembkk is. uui

of spirit (specific gravity 0.818) per ton of bituminous slack.
Passing from the compressing plant, the gas. at this stage
of approximat-elv 151) B.TH.u., passed through a stripping
plant, which reduced it to about :M) b.th.u. The choice of
the crude oil for stripping purposes was important. The
spirits must not be confused with benzols, as they were prac-
tically paraffins, or paraffinoids. and their boinologues.

The yield of gas per ton of coal was approximately 5,000
cu. ft. from slack and 7,000 cu. ft. from cannel, and was

5^?^

Up-draught Typs Wood-rf.fpse Gas Producer and Mechantcm. Tar E.xtractor

pai-tially consumed under the retorts and for running the
works plant aft«r it had been stripped of its valuable pro-
ducts.

Dr. Young, in a report, is said to have described the process
as one of destructive distillation of coal at low temperature
(900 deg. to 1,000 deg. F.) under a high vacuum ('20 to 25 in.
of mercury), resulting in the formation of products very
different to those obtained by the usual gas-works practice of
distillation at high temperatures. While the general nature
of those products was the same whatever coal might be used,
the amounts in which they were obtained varied with the
class of coal, consisting generally of 70 per cent, of coke or
residue and about 50 gallons of oil from a cannel coal, or 24
gallons of oil per ton from a bituminous coal. The process
resulted also in the formation of ammonium in generally good
amounts, but varying markedly with the coal employed.

The coke, or residue, was a dense but porous fuel ; it was
easily ignited, and could be burned in any ordinary open
grate; it could also be used in the manufacture of suction
gas, with the great advantage of yielding a gas entirely free
from tarry matters.

In regard to their specific gravities, the " tarless fuel"
oils lay between shale oil and gas-works tar. to the former
of which they were much more closely related in their
chemical nature, consisting of paraiSnoid compounds and un-
saturated derivatives. The benzenoid hvdrocarbons, includ-

what ammonia was produced by such a process, and then to
feed the generators with the resultant clean and pure carbon
coke.

The Bureau of Mines investigator finally refers to the use
of the slagging gas producer and the use of powdered fuel, in
regard to which several articles have already appeared in cm-
pages.

In a pa|)er read before the American Peat Society, Mr.
B. F. Haanel discu.ssed the subject of pc:\t for power produc-
tion, lie pointed out that peat in the bog
contains usually 87 per cent, water, 7 per
cent, combustible matter, and a varying
percentage of a.sh, so that more than 10()
lb. of raw material niu.st bo handled in
various ways before 10 lb. of combustible
matter is available. The moisture can be
separated by the application of artificial
heat, hydraulic pre.ssiiig. or .sun heating.
The first method of reducing moisture is
show-n to be impos.sibIe : all efforts to reduce
the moisture below 75 per cent, by means
of presses alone have not met with econo-
mic restdts, and a change in the chemicul
constitution of the peat is required before
a further reduction of moisture can be
obtained. The Ekenburg wet carbonising
process was devised for this, but has not
up to the present proved feasible. The only
successful system has been sun and wind
drying, and several million tons of peat fuel
are manufactured annually in Europe by
this method.

When by-product recovery in connection
with the gasification of fuel is considered
many important factors arise. Peat fuel
cannot compete with reasonably priced coal
for steam generation by means of boilers.
The only large plant of the kind is at Wies-
moor, in Germany, of which the author
gives some data. It is stated that with
peat fuel costing 5s. per ton, the plant
generates steam more cheaply than from
coal costing 14s. 6d. per ton.
In actual service, about 6 to 65 lb. of peat (30 per cent,
moisture) per KW.-hour is required, which represents prac-
tically the same fuel cost as if coal were used. With peat
fuel used in a well designed gas producer plant, it has been
found that 1 B.H.p.-hour can be produced from 2 lb. of peat
containing 25 per cent, moisture ; this compared with H lb.
of coal. The value of peat as a fuel depends on the nearness
to the plant of the raw fuel and the availability of ample
storage.

/J/^^M^^y

ECONOMIC POWER GENERATION AND

DISTRIBUTION.

In an address deUvered under the auspices of the American
Society of Mechanical Engineers, early in the present year,
Mr. Samuel Insuei, dealt at length with the above subject,
taking as an example the progress made in electrical genera-

275

250

* 225
»

° 200

"o n5

o

5 150
a

^ 125
100

DOWN-DKAUGHT GaS PRODUCER FOR WoOD REFUSE.

ing the volatile solids, '^uch as napthalene and anthracene,
which formed such a large proportion of gas tar, were
ertirely absent. Hence the hght oils on a fractionation
yielded solvent naphtha and a motor spirit which resembled
petrol rather than benzol. The total light oils, obtained
partly by fractionation of the condensates and partly by
stripping the gas, averaged 3.5 gallons per ton of coal.

Mr. Marshall Suggested instead of charging generators
with the crude coal direct from the collieries, first to treat
it by a low-temperature plant, recovering the oils, gas, and

n

t

Daf<!.lton.Moy.29,mS ' '
fieather Cloudy

.,

Mean Temp. 2d Pea. Max.K* Av.rw
Total Liqhi-andrdrrer 147^0 W.idO

TalalOufpuf 33

1300

'H

uo

J

\

/

\

\

Toh

\

ffOA

hrDc

/

\

\0

^

\

t

^

/

y

\

7

\

V—

i

\

V

/

\

/

r^

\

\

/

/

\

\^il

way

Jy

J

^

\

\

\

//

^

A

Man

iPoH

^

s

s\

7

,J

V

^

\

//

^

Fig. 1.

-Load Diagram, Maximum Day, Winter, 1915 and
1916, Chicago.

tion and distribution in Chicago. As showing the diversity
qf demand, he pointed out that in November, 1915. on the
day of coincident maximum data, the light and power busi-

Vol. 79. No. 2,0.38, December 15, 1916.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

669

liess took 147,300 kw.: the railways took 190,600 kw., giving
a combined total of 337,900 kw. The non-coincident maxima
for the winter came on December '22nd, in the light and
power business which then took 155,670 kw. For railway busi-
ness the non-coincident maximum was 203,560 kw. on January
6th, 1916, so that they took care of the non-coincident
maxima of the two branches of business (359,230 KW.) with
a total coincident maxima of 337,900 kw., showing a diversity
of 21,330 KW. Chicago doing a wholesale and retail business
combined showed a 43 per c^nt. load factor in 1915 ; the
street and elevated railway demand was 35 per cent, greater
in winter than summer.

Next to the inventions of the original d.c. distribution
sjstem and a.c. system, the development of the large turbine
had had the greatest influence on the industry.

But it did look as though many managers were installing

It was estimated that the company was doing about 46 per
cent, of the total possible business; if it had the entire
business, instead of a load factor of 40 'or 41 per cent., it
would probably have a 50 or 60 per cent, load factor. That
meant that the cost of carrying the necessary investment for
a city of two and a half million people, that was the interest
and depreciation cost, if all the energy was produced by one
organisation would be reduced approximately 33i per cent.

That indicated that it was an economic waste for the
individual to spend money in producing energy in a small
way, and that the true function of the large electric hght and
power companies was to produce all the energy required in
the community.

He was inclined to think that the day would come when
one of the regulating bodies would step in, insist on all
energy being produced from central generating plants, and

1699 801 1903 1905 1907 1909 1911 613 I9IS
Calendar Years

Re. 2. — KW.-HOUBS Produced and Sold, Chicago.

M 1 1 M 1 1

/)// l^a/i/es Based on :-
Sham Pressure 200 1^
Superheat WODeg fahr
Condenser Pressure tin.^so/ufe

.

—

sgopAk-m

3

1 20

\

s

so

ipo'jnr.

-/JffS

^lly

— 1

-^

—

_^

/?

OffO/fie. -/SOf

,

—

-^

--

^MMOjf^

1^14

^

|s

a.

(

)

40

00

8000

12,000

6,0OC

20,000

24,0

Load In Kilowa-Hs
Pig. 3. — Steam Economy Tests of Steam Turbines.

turbines of a size out of all proportion to their requirements
and having no relation to the load to be dealt with. He did
not think it safe to order a unit for much more than 10 to 12,
or, at the extreme, 15 per cent, of the total demand on any
one system. This referred to existing systems, and new
undertakings were in a different situation.

At the present time about 35,000 to 40,000 kw. was the
largest size obtainable; 50,000 kw. had been mentioned, but
before this size was adopted they would need higher boiler
pressures and many experiments with apparatus.

The progress of the next few years would be better made
if it was slower made.

The total business in Chicago in 1915 was almost $21,000,000;
light accounted for $11,000,000, and power and transport

tell people who were guilty of economic waste that they
must stop it.

If equipment was employed unnecessarily, if fuel and labour
were used wastefully, all these things must be harmful to the
general wealth of the State.

If they took all the settled areas of the United States
wherever there was a great density of population, and worked
out the data on the same basis as it was worked out for the
city of Chicago, and assumed that the electricity supply busi-
ness was all put under a series of central organisations, they
found that it took about 68 to 70 million h.p. of non-coinci-
dent demand; that the coincident demand would be about
47 million h.p., and that the diversity would be upwards of
20 mOlion h.p. Capitahsing the labour and fuel saved and

-Financial Chart, Commonwealth Edison Co.,
Chicago.

Fig. 5. — Diversity op Large or Wholesale Light and Powek
Consumers.

halved the remainder. The wholesaling of energy for trans-
portation showed a steady income ; as the business developed
the price dropped in 1906, and that price had continued up
to the present; it was on a lower basis than it was possible
for the local transportation companies of Chicago to produce
energy themselves.

An interesting chart shows the steam economy tests of
various sized turbines installed by the company during past
years; the curve for the 25,000 kw. relates to a "reaction"
type machine (which may be recognised by English readers).

As regards future possibilities, the light and power business
of the Commonwealth Edison Co. was approximately 338,000
KW., that of isolated plants was 264,500 kw., and that of the
steam railroads was 125,700 kw., making a total of 728,200 kw.

the investment cost on 20 million h.p. would result in
staggering savings.

Some people would tell them that such a system would
produce a combination that might be dangerous to the State.
It was not dangerous to the State to let its money go to
waste, to waste its resources and its capital, but it was said
to be dangerous to the State to allow an organisation to double
its size, even though that organisation was regulated by a
Commission of the St;ite appointed or approved by the State
Legislature.

He thought that that kind of danger was to the highest
possible advantage to the State; that it was a real
contribution to the better management of the country's
affairs.

070

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW. Lvoi. r-.t. No. 2,(«8, decemukh ir,, idic.

NEW ELECTRICAL DEVICES, FITTINQS,
AND PLANT.

"Overseas" Small Lighting Sets.

The Ovebsk.\s Engineering Co.. Ltd.. of 7'), Curtain Road,
K.C.. is introducing n small self-contaiueil, automatic electric
tij.'htin'.' plant for supplyinfT thirty 20-C.P. lamps, shown in fipr. 1.

It consists of a 3-in. bore. 4i-in. stroke, four-cycle, water-cooled
[letrol engine, coupled direct to a 7.">0-watt. .'iS-volt motor-frencrator
on a 22 in. by 32 in. base, together with switch box and a 12-cell
storaire battery. The plant is arran)rod to operate either auto-
matically or non-automatically : in the former case the withdrawal
of energy from the battery, due to lamps bein;; switched on, *c..

Pig. 1.—" Overseas '' Automatic Electric Lighting Plant.

automatically starts up the engine (the generator functioning as a
motor until the engine begins to fire) and the recharging of the
battery commences.

With the Bwitching-out of the lamps the plant comes to rest,
ignition circuit open, oil feeding stopped, compression release
latched, kc, and battery completely charged, provided the set has
been working 1.5 minutes or so.

i This particular plant is standardised and known as the " Home
size, being most in demand ; it is especially suitable for houses.
farms, workshops, &c.

Another Mazda Revolving Shade.
About a year ago The British Thomson-Houston Co., Ltd.,
introduced an ingenious advertising novelty in the form of a
revolving shajde. This was intended for use with table, desk, and
other fittings in which the lampholder was in an upright position.
When the lamp was switched on, the shade rotated owing to an
upward current of air, heated by the lamp, impinging upon a fan

having been remove<l from a lampholder hanging from ordinary
flexible cord, it is replaced by a specially designed wire frame,
which is held in place by the shade-can-ier ring. When the frame
has been attached, it is turned upside down, and the flexible wire
threaded through the hook at the apex of the coned frame and two
loops that are formed at the top and bottom of one side. The
frame will then hang vertically, with the holder in an upright
position. The ends of the curved shade of stout coloured paper
are then brought together, a cardboard disk with metal centre to
fit over the lamp tip is inserted near the top of the shade, and the
complete shade is placed on the lamp tip so that it is free.to rotate
within the wire frame. When the lamp is switched on, it illumi-
nates the coloured shade, which immediately commences to revolve,
the effect being both striking and attractive. If the adapted
pendant be placed in a sunny position, its shade will rotate during
the hours of sunlight without the lamp being lighted.

Readers in the Trade who have not received one of these
revolving shades can obtain them upon application to the Publicity
Department, The British Thomson -Houston Co., Ltd., Mazda House.
77, Upi)er Thames Street, E.G.

Mining Bells and Relays.

Mining bcUs and safety relays with parallel -wound coils, made
by the Sterling Telephone and Electric Co., Ltd., of 210-212.
Tottenham Court Road, W.. were tested by Dr. Wheeler and Prof.
Thornton in their recent investigation of the subject of hare-wire
signalling in mines, and found to be safe with all pressures up to
the maximum permitted by the regulations. The company con-
sider this method of preventing dangerous sparking to be the most
practical and efficient of those suggested, and have put on the
market a series of bells and relays of this type, which comply with
the new reciuirements of the Home Office. We illustrate in fig. :<
the relay, which is enclosed in a separate compartment in a cast-
iron case, with a machined-surface flame-proof cover ; the terminals

Fig. 2. — Mazda Pendant Revolving Shade.

disk attached to the upper part of the coned shade and pivoted
upon the tip of the lamp. The company has now produced an
adaptation of the design that permits of its attachment to plain
pendants.

From ,the accompanying illustration it will be seen how 'the
revolving shade api)ears when in position. Any existing shade

Fig. 3.— Sterling Safety Relay.

are fixed in a lower compartment with a separate cover, which can
be removed for wiring without exposing the relay to damp and
dirt, and the wires connecting the relay to the terminals pass
through a trough in which they are sealed with bitumen before
leaving the makers' works. The relays are made with resistances
of 20, 100, and .500 ohms, and, as an example, the 100-ohm relay
with 15 volts works well through an external resistance of 280
ohms. The safety bell is also enclosed in a cast-iron case, gas and
watertight, the motion of the armature being Ix-ausmitted to the
hammer through a metal diaphragm.

THE DETERMINATION OF TRANSFORMER
LOSSES.*

Bi PERRY A. BORDEN.

When determining the efficiency of a transformer by the
method of direct loading, it is usual to read the input and
output on separate wattmeters, the ratio of these slightly
differing quantities being the efficiency of the apparatus. The
actual losses are thus represented by a very small portion of
the scale, and the difference of two quantities both subject
to the errors of the instruments used.

In what follows, a method is described wherein the total
losses taken collectively are directly read on an independent
wattmeter. The apparatus for making the measurements
includes: —

1. A single-phase wattmeter of suitable scale to measure
the losses (say 100 volts, 0.5 amp.).

2. A variable load, preferably of the potentiometer type,
to give full scale on this meter.

3. A polyphase wattmeter or watt-hour meter free from
interference troubles, carefully adjusted to " buck on zero,"
i.e., to have zero torque when the two elements are measuring
quantities of equal and opposite magnitude. The circuits
of the polyphase meter wUl be (usually) 100 volts, 5 amp.

•Prom the EUctTwal World.

Vol. 711. No. 2,(«S, December 1.-,. I!)ir,.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

671

The accompanying diagram shows the arrangement for
measuring total losses in a 10-KW. 2,200/ 110- volt transformer.
The instrument transformers are so chosen that the con-
stants of the two elements of the polyphase meter are equal.
In this case the primary voltage is measured with a 2,000/100
ixitential transformer, while the secondary current passes
through a 100/5 series transfonner, the constant of each phase
of the meter being 20. The polyphase instrument is con-
nected in such a way that while the input gives a positive
deflection, the output tends to oppose it.

The single-phase meter is then placed in circuit as shown,
receiving its potential from the same source as the output
element of the polyphase meter, and its current from any
source approximately in phase with the potential. It the
source of supply for the auxihary current be not electrically
connected to the main supply, the auxiliary meter .\ may, if
desired, be connected to the input element of the wattmeter b.
The adjustable current of meter a passes with the load cur-

looofioo

fhfeni-iaf
Transformer f* '1

^fr/C\

H-W

«^

¥"

.c

a

{i?(?i?(?i?

^£/>!f.

c?:?

Auxih'aru loaii

10 Kn
TransforfTj
7700/110 V

Diagram of Connections for Direct Measurement of
Transformer Losses.

rent through the polyphase instrument in such a direction
a.j to give a small additional negative torque. It is, of
course, understood that sufficient grounding or interconnec-
tion will be made to prevent dangerous voltage between parts
of the polyphase wattmeter.

The method of operation is as follows : With switches D and
E open, the transformer is loaded until the desired input is
read on the scale of meter a. Switch d is then closed, and
the indication falls to the small value representing the differ-
ence between input and output (i.e., losses). Switch E is
then closed and the auxiliary current is carefully adjusted
until meter b indicates exactly zero. The reading of the
auxihary meter multiplied by the metering constant repre-
sents then the total losses in the transformer under test, and
the efficiency may be accurately determined by the usual
formula.

This method is particularly suitable to the testing of large
numbers of similar tranpformers,- and will be found suited
not only to transformers, but to any class of electric apparatus
in which both the incoming and outgoing energy are carried
on two-wire circuits.

TRADE STATISTICS OF JAPAN, 1915.

The following statement, showing the imports into and the
exports from Japan of electrical and similar goods during the
year 1915, is taken from the recently-issued official trade
statistics; the figures for 1914 are given for purposes of com-
parison, and notes of any increases or decreases are added : —

1914.
Yen.

1915.
Yen.

262,000 146,000

1,486,000 39,000

66,000 —

8,000 —

304,000 2,969,000

2,000 21,000

GaXvanited iron, wire. —
From Great Britain

,, Germany

, , Belgium

,, Austria

„ United States
Other countries

Total 2,128,000 3,175,000 -(- 1,047,000

Posli anA. materials for electric lines. —
From Great Britain
,, Germany

Inc. or dec.
Yen.

- 116,000

- 1.447,000
66,000

8,000
+ 2,665,000
-I- 19,000

United States
Other countries

Total

2,000
24,000
580.000

6,oai

612,000

2,000 -

2,000

2,000
. 24,000
578,000

6,000

610.000

1914.

1915.

Tnr

. or dec.

Copper (pipes and tubes).—

Yen.

Yen.

Yen.

From Great Britain

105,000

37,000

_

68,000

Germany

31,000

—

_

31,000

Other countries

16,000
152,000

1,000*

15,000

Total

38,000

114,000

* United States.

Insulated electric wire. —

From Great Britain

160,000

6,000

_

154,0()0

,, Germany

2:35,000

94,000

_

141,000

„ United States

48,000

13,000

—

35,000

Other countries

1,000

—

1,000

Total

444,000

113.000

331.000

Steam turbines. —

From Great Britain

22,000

_

22,000

Germany

139,000

—

—

139,000

,, United States

2,00Q

24,000

-1-

22,000

Total

163,000

24,000

139,000

Cranes. —

From Great Britain

150,000

20,000

_

130,000

,, Germany

124,000

—

_

124 .OCR)

„ United States

35,000

21,000

_

14,000

,, Sweden

24,000

—

24,000

Total

333,000

41,000

292,000

Pumps. —

From Great Britain

209,000

182,000

_

27,000

,, Germany

240,000

9,000

_

231,000

„ United States

182.000

57,000

—

125,000

,, Other countries

34,000

19,000

:

15,000

Total

665,000

267,000

398,000

Gas engines, petroleum engines, and ho

t air engines.

_

F'rom Great Britain

114,000

42,000

_

72,000

Germany

118,000

—

—

118,000

Sweden

31,000

85,000

+

54,000

United States

88,000

35,000

—

53,000

France

2,000

—

—

2,000

„ Italy

2,000

—

—

2,000

,, Other countries

11,000
366,000

1,000
163,000

:

10,000

Total

203,000

Steam engines. —

From Great Britain

244,000

51,000

-

193,000

Germany

181,000

—

—

181,000

„ United States

17.000

3,000

—

14,000

Belgium

10,000

—

—

10,000

Other countries

1,000

—

_

1,000

Total

453,000

54,000

399,000

Steam boilers. —

From Great Britain

654,000

499,000

-

166,000

,, Germany

192,000

17,000

—

176,000

United States

13,000

52,000

+

39,000

Belgium

2,000
861,000

2,000

_

—

Total

570,000

291,000

Dynamos, electric motors, <tc

.—

From Great Britain

667,000

316,000

-

351,000

Germany

808,000

32,000

—

776,000

,, Switzerland

56,000

3,000

—

63,000

„ United States

1,211,000

390,000

—

821,000

,, Sweden

91,000

7,000

—

84,000

,, Other countries

10,000

1,000

_

9,000

Total

2,843,000

749,000

2,094,000

Water turbines and Pelton wheels.—

From Great Britain

9,000

24,000

-)-

15,000

Germany

206,000

18,000

—

188,000

—

15,000

-f

15,000

Switzerland

14,000

10,000

—

4,00'1

, Sweden

81,000

30,000

—

51,000

. 7,000

—

—

7,000

,, United States

—

21,000

-f

21,000

„ Italy

5,000

—

-

5,000

Total

322,000

118,000

204,000

Incandescent electric lamps.-

-

Prom Great Britain

4,000
379,000

2,000
23,000

_

2,000
356,000

" United States

8,000

6,000

-

2,000

,, Other countries

—

11,000

+

11,000

Total

391,000 42,000 - -349,000

672

THE ELECTKICAL liEVlKW. [Voi. 79. No. 2,038, Dkcembkr 15, i9u;.

11

ittmeters. —

1914.
Yen.

1915.
Yen.

Inc

or dec.
Yen.

t'rom Great Britaiu
,, Germany
„ United States
,, Other countries

29.000
117,000
36,000
11,000

8,000

5,000

62,000

43,000*

+
+

21,000
112,000
26,000
32,000

Total

193,000 118,000

Switzerland. Yen 42,000.

Ampere meters and voltmeters. —
From Great Britain ... 7,000

Germany 13,000

., United States ... 57,000

Total

Accumulators. —
From Great Britain
,, Germany

United States

Total

India-rubber and gutta-percha, crude.
From

2.000

43,000

77.000 45,000

',13,000
18,000
4,000

30.000
1,000

115,000 40,000

British India
Straits Settlements
Dut<?h India
Great Britain
Gennany
United States
Other countries

Total

447.000

1,357,000

3,000

319.a)0

2.000

16,000

3,000

i)41.(i00

1,727,000

226,000

394.(KX)

1,000

118,000

25,000

75,000

5,000
13,000
14,000

32,000

54,000
18,000
3,000

75,000

494,00<i
370,000
223,000

75,000

1,000

102,000

22,000

2,147,000 3,432,000 + 1,285,000

EXPORTS.
Electric machines and parts thereof. —

To China

,, Kwantung Province

,, Philippine Islands

,, Siam

,, Australia

,, Honc-Kong

,, British India

,. Straits Settlements

,, Germany

,, Other countries

Total
Insulated electric wire. — ■
To China

Kwantung Province

Honc-Kong

British India

Dutch India

Asiatic Russia

Great Britain

France

Other countries

268,000
130,000
2,000
1,000
15,000
13,000
9,000
4.000
6,000
4,000

2.55,000 -

150,000 +

4,000 +

5,000 +

65,000 +

31,000 +

25,000 +

6,000 +

41,000 +

13,000

20,000

2,000

4,000

50,000

18,000

16,000

2,000

6,000

37,000

452.000 582.000 + 130.000

132,000

191.000

9,000

62,000

399,000 +

193,000 +

61,000 +

9.000 +

10.000 +

43.000 +

160,000 +

13.000 +

12,000 -

267,000
2,000
52.000
9,000
10,000
43,000
160,000
13,000
50,000

Total ' 394,000

Yen = 2s. OJd.

900,000 + .506.000

17,095. "Coat for proteclio.i of X-r.iv norktrs." I- 1 Tkalj-Dokan
Novemlx^r S9lh.

17,111. " Solenoid molor." J. Lane & G. Hknwood. November 29th.

17,161. " Kleclric inclndcscent l.nmps." D. Lklv, 1.. Hamdukgkr & Naam-
L007E VsNsooiscHAP Philips' Gi.Oiili.AMriiS'i'ABHiEKEN. November aSth.

17.170. " High-frequency signalling." Western Electkic Co. November
30lh. (U.S.A., December Isl, 1915.)

17,189. " Troteclion of electric supply or distribution systems in which
split or parallel conductors ard employed." J. O. Caixinoer, Callunobr's
Cable & Consikuction Co. ani> Electricai. Improvements, Ltd. November
30lh.

I'.aXi. "Circuit interrupting system.';."
FACTURiNG Co. (Westinghouse Kli

ember 30th.

17,209. " Electric switches." H. H. 1!kk
30th.

17,212. " .System for controlling electric
sion." E. H. WlDECREN & K. Widecren
cember 20iJi, 1915.)

17,231. " Trolley pole heads for electr
December 1st.

17,242. " Holders for arc lamp carbons,
cember 1st.

17.244. " Non-flashing electric trolley art

TISII WesTINCIIOUSB Ei.BCTRIC
& Manufacturing Co.). Nov-

S. W. J. Ma

Novembei

H. E, Warsop.

17,2(;0,
Decembt
17,201. " Method of

Portable telephone and signalling apparatus.'

D. C. WlixlAHSON. De

D. Branson. December Ist.
C. Crews.

teering ge
en)ber 1st.
17.271. *
17,273. "
17.275. '
17.277. "

IPS & E.
17,286.

itroUing electrically governors, valves, gates, planes,
jrs, &c." T. B. Campbell, .\. J. Campbell & A. Martin. De-

Electric switches."' L. J. Norton. December 1st.
Cells for secondary batteries." G. Pearson. December 1st.
Flashlamps." H. J. Cloakr (C. ,S. Cloake). December 1st.
Electric switches." H. C. Widukk. December 1st.
h for electric circ

Johnson & Phil-
light fit-

of elect

' Make-and-break sw
A. Leopard. December 1st.
' .Appliance for attaching shades to holdei
tings." W. Casbon & J. Doble. December 1st.
17,292. " Electric motors." 'T. L. R. Cooper. December 2nd.
17,321. " Electrical contacts." British Westinghouse Electric & IfANtj-
FACTURING Co. December 2nd. (U.S. .A., January 21st.)

17,334. "Time-limit relays." Akt. Ges. Brown. Boveri et Cib. Decem-
ber 2nd. (Germany, January 3rd.)
17,340. " Polarised relays." M. B. Rodriguez. December 2nd.
17,347. " Treating marble so as to impact electric insulating and weather-
resisting properties to it." W. E. Windsor-Richards. December 2nd.

PUBLISHED SPECIFICATIONS.

S.480. Telephone Transmitters
iih. (November 9th, 1915.)
11.332. Incandescent Electric L
applicable

X8I.S.

and Trans

ilssloN. W. A. Yewen. June

or/a

IN THE

OP UANUFAC-
OF SO-CALLED HaLF-

> Glow Lamps. C. O. Bastian. August 5th.
Displaying Advertisements. Signs, Notices, Otrr-

R THE LIKE, OR FOR COMMUNICATING MESSAGES OR

Darkness. J. P. Naylor & Naylorgraph,

11, .560. Apparatus for
LINE Moving Pictures, or
Signalling both during Lit
Ltd. August 10th.

15,842. Electrically-drivi
.M.vcHiNES. Typewriting Ma'
having Keyboards. J. Dra

15,878. Electric Switchi
trie Co., U.S.A.). November 10th.

15,930. Electric Cells. C. Frey. November llth.

15.985. Electric Lampholders for Vehicle Head Lamps. ]
\V. A. Shepherd and Powell & Hanmer, Ltd. November 12th.

15.986. Electrical Connections for use in the Electric Lighting of
.Automobiles. F. E. Wilson, W. A. Shepherd and Powell & Hanmer', Ltd.
November 12th.

16.112. Ohmmetbrs and like Electrical Measuring Instruments. H. E.
Trent. November 13th.

17.302. Electric Lampholders. E. A. Welch. December 9th. (Cognate
application, 6,867/16.)

17,475. Railway Si<;nallinc. W. R. Sykes Interlocking Signal Co., R. R.
Harper & F. J. Sykes. December 14th.

18,166. Electrical Relays. S. G. Brown. December 30th.

Adding and Listing Machines, Copying
Addressing Machines, or other Machines
November 10th.

British Thomson-Houston Co. (General Elec-

Wilson,

NEW PATENTS APPLIED FOR, 1916.

(NOT YET PUBLISHED).
Published expressly for this journal bv Missrs. W. P. Thompson & ( <
Electrical Patent Agents, 285, High Holborn, London, W.C.. and
Liverpool and Bradford.

16,957. "Telephone systems and apparatus." J.
Kersting. November 27lh.

16,96'J. " Eleclrically-operated bells." F. G. Bi
Telephone & Electric Co. November 27th.

16.990. " Electric tractors." E. C. R. Marks (Mer
November 27th.

16.992. " Electrical controller." E. C. R. Marks
Co.). November 27th.

17.001. " Evacuated electric discharge devices."

Ihe

nbcn

brackets

hose unde

:ury Manufacturing Co. I
(Mercury Manufacturini
British Thomson-Hous

TON Co. S W. T. MuNRO. November 27th

17.003. " High-frequency signalling." Western Electric Co. Novembe:
27th. (U.S.A., November 29th, 1915.)

17.011. " Automatic control apparatus for electric motors." H. V. James
November 27th.

17.048. " Electric heating and gas heating apparatus." J. H. Farthinc.
M J. Railing & F. Winstanlev. November 28th.

17.060. " Latching devices for alternating current electromagnets." .Akt
Ges. Brown, Boveri et Cie. November 28lh. (Swiizerland, January 10th.)

17.061. " Pivotal connection between alternating-current magnet and it:
armature." Akt. Ges. Brows, Boveri et Cie. November 28th. (Switzer
land, January 10th.)

17.068. " Electric resistances." H. Snowdon. November 28th.
17.074. " Electric battery lamp." J. E. Hamilton. November 28th.
17,087. " Electric switches." V. Hope. November 29lh.

which the specification will be

proceedings will be taken,

OR Relays for Telephonic
lary 4th, 1916. [102,067.]
A. H. Taylor (H. Burgess). January

\. F. Berry. February 2nd, 1916.

M. J. Railing S: J. H. Farthing.

and abridged, and all subsequen

139. Microphones for use as Tkans
AND similar purposes. H. Smith. Ja

425. Electrical Heating Apparatus.
llth, 1916. [102,070.]

1,596. Electric Heat Radiators.
[102.077.]

2.615. Electric Heating Apparatus
February 22nd. 1916. [102.084.]

2,915 Railway Signalling. W. R. Svkes Interlocking Co. & R. W. Tar-
rant. February 26th, 1916. [102,087.]

3,099. Electrolytic Production of Sodium Perborate. Deutsche Gold
and Silber-Scheidenstalt vorm. Roessler. March 1st, 1916. (Addition to
3,084/16.) [102,089.]

5 606. Electrical Means for Indicating or Transmitting Movements.
H. R. Wright. April 17th, 1916 [102,104.]

6.031. Electric Devices for Automatically Turning Lights on or off.
E. Stciger. April 28th, 1915. [100.365.]

7,009. Covbined Electric Lampholder and Lamplock. A. H. Short. May
17th. 1916. [102,111.]

9,111. Methods and Apparatus for Heating Liquids. British Westing-
house Electric & Manufacturing Co. June 30th, 1915. [100,796.]

10.234. Telephone Directory. W. H. Aston. July 20th, 1916. [102,127.]

10,297. Devices for Attachment to Sparking Plugs for Automatically
Cleaning and Cooling their Sparking Points. A. E. Lamkin. July 21st,
1916. (Addition to 8,470/10.) [102,128.]

12,160. Vapour Electric Converters. British Westinghouse Electric and
.Mr.nuf.icturing Co. August 28th, 1915. [1111,346.]

15.419. Ferrule or Sleeve for Braided Wire Coveringj
Cables. F. E. Wilson, W. A. Shepherd and Powell & Hanmer,
ember 12th, 1915. (Divided application on 15,986/15.) [102,137.]

Employed on

the:

hiIj:eoti?/IC-a.Ij i?/E1"vie]"w.

Vol. LXXIX.

DECEMBER 22, 1916.

No. 2,039.

ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

Tol. LXXIX.] COKTBNTS ; Deceiuber 22, 1916. [No. 2,039.

Page

The Organisation of Trade and Industry 673

Liphtinff Restrictions in France ... 674

Linkintr-up 674

National Industrial Organisation, by 0. N. Looker ... ... 675

Coal Mining and Electrical Accidents in Mines for 1915 ... 677

Notes from Canada... ... ... ... ... ... ... 678

New Electrical Devices, Fitting's and Plant Cillus.') 678

Legal 680

War Items 681

Electricity Supply 682

Business Notes 682

Kotes 687

City Notes 691

Stocks and Shares 693

Market Quotations 694

Three-Phase Extensions at Wallasey (iW?;.?) 695

Some Aspects of Industrial Research, by E. W. Maxchant ... 696

The Parallel Operation of Electric Power Stations ()96

The Expoit Trade to the Far East 697

Correspondence —

Recruiting Skilled Engineers 698

Breakdowns of Gei-man Plant 698

A War Bonus for the Managerial .Staff 699

The Use of Low-Grade Fuel 699

Foreign and Colonial Tariffs on Electrical Goods 700

New Patents Applied for, 1916 700

Abstracts of Published Specifications 700

Contractors' Column Advertisement page xi

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THE UNIVERSAL ELECTRICAL DIRECTORY

1916 EDITION.

Hi. alabaster, gatehouse &ICO.,
4, Lwdgate.tlill, London, E.C.

We referred in our last issue to the proposals of the
Federation of British Industries respecting the setting-up
of suitable machinery for facilitating the reinstatement of
Labour after the war. We have several times emphasised
the importance of this particiilar problem, because we
recognise that unless we make all the preparations possible
within the wit of man to secure industrial peace within our
own borders, many of our other schemes will come to
naught. But important as is industrial harmony, it is
obvious that we cannot permanently secure it unless we
see to it that ouri industries themselves are placed upon a
satisfactory basis. We cannot have contented employes unless
we have prosperous industry. To secure the best interests
of industry in face of the new situation due to the war, and to
provide for adequate expansion, better organisation both at
Home on the manufacturing and trading side, and abroad
on the business promotion side, is essential. On both sections
of this subject we have written much for many years past,
but since the War we have dealt more particularly with
various aspects of the whole subject of national industrial
organisation as it presents itself to us in considering the
requirements of the future. Whatever may have been the
faults and failings arising from the conditions of the past,
we have now to face a totally new set of conditions, and if
while we try to secure harmony between employers and em-
ployed we can also attain to something like workable harmony
in the troubled ranks of employers, we shall pave the way for
a better state of things. But we must remove giounds for
suspicion and friction, and be rid of all thoughts of a style
of Prussian domination and interference in oiir methods of
dealing with each other, or oiu- efforts will not be successful.
and any element in or connected with associations which
gives rise to suspicion as to motives is harmful, and should
not be permitted. We have repeatedly asserted our convic-
tion that in these days strong and discreetly-managed trade
associations are essential, and in this issue we publish a full
contribution which serves to emphasise some of the points that
must be considered by the electrical industry if it desires to
maintain a world-wide reputation for quality, and to secure
reasonable return on the capital invested. It is not
suggested by us that the writer covers the whole ground,
but we think that only good can ensue from a serious studv
of his arguments.

Organisation at home, however, will not secure the
future success that we all desire unless we also look tf)
organisation and methods for bringing into line with
present-day requirements the machinery wliich assures a
free and constant inflow of business from abroad. It
might be imagined that this matter had been worn thi-ead-
bare in our pages during the last 10 years, but the case is
one that has to be restated again and again. It has Iteeu sum-
marised anew for us in a series of recommendations that have

[67a]

074

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW. [Voi. 70. Xo. 2,on:., pkcemukk 2-', x'.>u

been issneil by the Federation of British Industvies. already
named, in rearnrd to "The Promotion of British Trade
in Foreisrn Countries." We welcome this statement of 16
foolscap pages, Ijeeause it is opjKirtunc to the present situa-
tion, and becansc we agree with tlie Coiineil of the
Association that it deals with a matter of " urgent and
vital iniportjince to the future prosjierity of the country."
Accompiuiying it we find a list of the memlwrsliip of this
jK-)werful Federation. We confess that, from our study of its
development, we hail expected to find elct'trical and engi-
neering organisations in greatei' number and strength. The
wistlom of classing big associations of firms and private
firms side by side as mendiers may not be quite ap])arent
— that is by the way — but the only electrical Associationsi
that we find in the list of " association " meml)ers are the
British Electrical Federation, Ltd., which we believe does
not stand on all fours with the other iissociations. being a
group of connected concerns, really one undertaking, and
the " Elec'tric Detonator Fuse Trade .\ssociatioiis."
Neither the British Engineers' Association nor the
B.E..\.M.A. appears. In the list of " firms and in-
dividuals " we find the names of a consideralile number
of the best known electrical manufacturing <-oncerns,
so possibly those two Associations have left it for their own
membere to decide for themselves whether or not they will
link up in this Federation. The recommendations advanced
by the Federation are those of its Council, on which there
are only two electrical names of any weight, but the value
of the conclusions is not lessened by reason of their being
advanced by some 40 representatives of all kinds of indus-
tries, foi- the case that they set out to study was that of all
British industry rathei' than that of any specialised section.

We have not spai.-e to spare this week to do justice to the
reconnnendations. At the moment we must be content with
briefly indicating their genei'al jjurport. It is proposed
that all (iovernment activities in comiection with the pro-
motion of trade abroad should be concentrated in one
Department— the Foreign Office. The Commercial duties
of this department should direct all services abroad, collect
and distribute suitable foreign industrial information,
prom]itly and vigorously support British efforts to secure
contracts, &c. A large increase Ln funds for foreign trade
expansion will be needed, and the Council sets out a scheme
for the establishment of a large commercial branch of the
Foreign Ofiice which will keep in close and intelligent
touch in various ways with the industrial and conmiercial
community. Connnercial Counsellors are suggested for
each Embassy or Legation, to be in sole charge of com-
mercial work. A large scheme of rearrangement and
increase of the Consular service : the sending of a large
number of technical and commercial experts to investigate
the industrial and commercial conditions and opportunities
in particular countries and markets : and the ensuring that
those who hold any office whatsoever in connection with
the Commercial Organisiition Service advocated shall lie
natural-born Bi'itish subjects, are all parts of the Federa-
tion s<dieme.

Seeing that this programme is so largely in accord with
the s|>irit and character of suggestions that we have made
in these columns during the past ten or fifteen years, we
profoundly hope that the Federation will be able to secure
the sympathetic ear of the new National Government for
its trade expansion propositions, and that suitalile action
will not be long deferred.

the first place, a decree was issued at the mil i<\' XoMuiber
which practically vested in the Stsite the contrcil of the
electricity sujiply works. The first clause prohibited, with-
out the sanction of the Minister for War, the conclusion
of a new contract for supply or an increase in an existing
contract for supply, in connection with all distributing
networks which serve either Oovenunent establishments or
establishments, works, and undertakings working for national
defence. The second clause ])rovided that, in the case of
a network being inadeiinate to assure the simultanco\is
supply of energy necessary for" works engaged on iwiiional
defence, the public services, and privTite consumpticm. ilic
Minister shoidd l)e empowered to impose upon the su|iply
company or undertaking an order of priority among these
chisses of customers, cither coiil innonsly or mdy for ccriain
hours 'of the day. In the cxfiit of tlio .Vlinisler licing
induced to refpiisition one or several of the Sei'tors con-
cerned, all consumers will have to pay a price on the biisis
of the cost price to the State and pro nila to the ;nnount of
energy consumed by them.

As w'e go to press we read in the Tiiiirx that at I'aris on
Tuesday a Council of Ministers decided, in coimection with
its measures for meeting the scai'city of coal, to introduce ii
sweeping change in private and public lighting throughout
France. It is stipulated now that all iniuiii'i|ialities innst
effect a two-thirds reduction on the normal ('onsumption of
the winter of 1913-14. Previous measures restricting
private consumption of gas and electricity are now canc'elled
and each individual will be allowed his normal consumption,
provided it does not exceed daily a cubic metre {^if>\ <'ubit-
feet) of gas and three hectowatt-hours (300 watt-hours) of
electi-icity. Beyond this, minimum the consumption i-*
restricted according to a progressive table.

Ai'AHT from the compulsory closing of

Re'it^rU.ions "^""^ ^•"•"'■^'^°;\F™"^-« ^^^ <' ?•■"•' except

in France. '" ^"^ '"^'^ "' pharmacies and of shops

dealing in food products, further measures

have been adopted by the Government to secui'e a fresh

reduction in the consnmjiti<ri) of electrical energy. In

'I'm: discussions which have taken j)luce
Linking-up. jj^ (^ii^, J J, g_ ^^,j jjj._ pg^.^,g ^jj^g,y p.^^,j.

lia\c revealed the existence of two distinct schools of
opinion, consisting respectively of those who doubt whether
it can be done, and those who know it can — the latter
being fortified in their opinion by the fact that it m. Let
it be granted at once and freely that there are difficulties to
be overcome in operating stations of different fre(|uencies,
\-oltages, and phase in parallel : it is equally indisputable
that there are material advantages to be gained by linking-
up, and we decline to accept the view that the existence of
difficulties is a serious argument ; rather, it should ;«:t as
an incentive to accomplishment, and stimulate elei^trical
engineers, who are always achieving the impossible, once
more to demonstrate their capabilities. Let them t«kc
their cue from the national movement, which has abolished
the " Wait and see " policy in high quarters atid substitut^'d
for it the policy of " Push and go," with results which an-
already becoming manifest. These may be but jxipulai-
catch-j)hrases — they are full of significance for all that, and
there is a weighty moral to be drawn from them. Thos*.-
who "wait" will surely be left behind liy those who ■■g'l"
ahead.

We have no sympathy with the idea that the managers of
the smaller stations will suffer any detriment from eitlier
the adoption of parallel operation or the introduction of
bulk supply. \ATiich is the better, to be at the head fif u
one-horse undertaking barely keeping its head above water,
perluqis even showing a margin on the wrong side, fiaying
inade(juate salaries, and unable to develop beyond its naiTow
limits, or to be in charge of a thriving concern whi(-li.
thanks to a cheap supply of electrical energy, is enaltled to
offei' an attractive tariff, double the number of consumers,
and (|iiadruple its output within a few years, whilst showing
a substantial annual profit which admits of the payment of
good salaries to the staff' ? Surely there is here no rejoin ,
for doulit, and those who endeavour to persuade the iientral-
station mi'U to stand aloof are doing theui an ill service.

Vol. 79. No. 2.039. December 22. 191B.] THE ELECTRICAL EEVIEW.

(J75

NATIONAL INDUSTRIAL ORGANISATION.

By O. X. LOOKER.

Thf war has served to direct our attention to the
marked dififerences in the methods adopted by the
leaders of public policy in Britain and Germany
rt-.'-pectively.

On the one hand we have seen a chivalrous desire
scrupulously to observe the requirements of human-
it\' and of international law (even to our own detri-
m.ent), while on the other we have learned to expect
the callous adoption of any measures — no matter
how reprehensible — which have appeared likely to
Liive our enemies a chance of securing even a teni-
li(;!ary advantage.

Tiiis difference of outlook appears to be funda-
nuntal. since its effects are as marked in our com-
nu rcial as in our militarv^ rivalry, although cindencc
of Germany's unscrupulousness in her trade cam-
paign is naturally less strikingly apparent than in
tlu- activities of her army and navy.

It will be admitted, for instance, that whereas all
the world instantaneously recoiled in horror from
the authors of the Lusitania and other crimes, it has
taken years for us to begin to appreciate at its
proper value the insidious nature of Genuany's
■ peaceful penetration" (!) into our commercial
markets.

Yet it should have been obvious that both these
classes of outrage are but the natural result of a
fixed policy having a common origin m Gfermany's
sinister materialism, although the fact that we are
constantly urged to introduce German methods into
our business life proves that, even now, there is no
widespread recognition of the dangers inseparable
from such a course.

In common fairness to those who advocate our
adoption of German business standards, it must be
ai'mitted that they frequently do so, not so much
fiom any profound belief that German methods are
the best methods, but rather from an acute recogni-
tion of the defects in our own trading liabits, which
thev rightly assume would benefit from an infusion
of more scientific control and organisation.

This awakening to our own shortcomings as a
trading nation is of distinct national benefit, and it
is reassuring to find that, in contrast to our former
apathy, many able minds are to-day focused on
problems connected with trade development and
sec urity.

One of the immediate results of this mental
activity has been the formation of a variety of trade
a.^sociations and federations of manufacturers, all
of which base their proposals on a candid recogni-
tion of the axiom that a united industn,' can achieve
much more as a body than cotild possibly residt
from the individual and unorganised efforts of its
riiembers.

In some quarters there is a tendency to direct
attention to the possibly pernicious effects of com-
bined action by manufacturers, but, however much
or little foundation there may be for such fears,
there is certainly insufficient appreciation of the
benefits which accrue to the consumer as well as to
the producer from the co-operation of manufacturers
for the niaintenance of the quality of their goods.

It must be remembered that from the commence-
ment of competitive industrialism, i.e.. ever since
there existed more than a single source for any one
class of goods, all manufacturers have been con-
trolled by the inevitable law which has forced them
to seek the favour of the potential buyer by con-
stantly reducing their selling prices.

The operation of this law in its early stages is
always highly beneficial to. the community, in so far
as it compels the manufacturer to adopt all avail-
able means of cheapening the cost of production:

but, after exhausting all legitimate methods — such
as the reduction of profits tO' the minimum and the
introduction of improved designs and processes- —
some hard-pressed manufacturers succumb to the
temptation to achieve their object by employing in-
ferior or insufficient materials in the manufacture
of their goods, and at that stage the public suffers.

With uncurbed competition this parting of the
ways occurs, and 'will continue to occur, in every
industn-. There comes a time when the manufac-
turer of any article has to recognise that he cannot
further reduce the selling price of his goods except
bv reducing their quality.

'He has to make tip his mind whether he will
maintain the quality and demand a comparatively
high price, or reduce the price and the quality of his
goods to those of his competitors.

The former course is only possible in verv- few-
trades, and the result is so difficult to foresee that
an incorrect decision would generally mean ruin.

The difficulties inherent to the alternative course
can onlv be overcome by all manufacturers in a
particular trade recognising these inflexible laws and
mutually undertaking that the quality of their manu-
factures' shall not fall below- an agreed standard.

Such arrangements generally lead to agreed
prices, which have been so much feared in the past,
but it is now- recognised that such agreed prices, if
honestly arrived at, are an advantage to the whole
communitv.

Cut-throat competition, with its attendant deterio-
rating influence on quality, is the only alternative,
and such a policv not only ruins the producer and
disgusts the consumer, but also necessarily throttles
progress. Uncontrolled manufacturers become de-
moralised and, in time, lose the art of making reli-
able goods. They, furthermore, have no funds for
the prosecution of research, which is admittedly
more prolific of early results if carried on in the
manufacturers' laboratories than in any purely
scholastic institution yet conceived.

Parentheticallv, it may be noted that the question
of research is nov.- receiving attention at the hands
of the Government. The President of the Privy
Council, when recently announcing the formation of
the Imperial Trust for the Encouragement of Scien-
tific and Industrial Research, laid great stress on the
necessity for the creation of large industrial asso-
ciationsi on the ground that it was futile to atternpt
f) fonvard this important matter by negotiation
with individual firms.

Bearing in mind our opening reference to the
fundamental difference of outlook held by British
and German people respectively, it is not surprising
that British manufacturers have characteristically
striven for quality, whereas their German compe-
titors have striven for cheapness, which — considered
apart from any assistance given them by tariffs,
subsidies, financial co-operation, &c. — can only be
achieved bv low-ering the quality of their goods.

Trade control has'uideed become a sine qua non
of successful British industry-, and it may be said
that no experienced capitalist would to-day enter
into a competitive manufacturing business without
seme assurance that, by co-operation with his com-
petitors, such trade would be controlled.

Consequently, we have to-day in England manu-
facturers' associations arising on all sides for the
maintenance of the qualitv of even,- kind of goods.
c.^., boots, bedsteads, tubes, rivets, nails, machine
tool's, motor-cars, tires, saddler\-, tanks, wire net
ting, ironmongery, jew^ellery, paints and varnishes,
brushes, dynamos', incandescent electric lamps, elec-
tric cables,' accumulators, cast-iron pipes, bird cages,
chains, tinned sheets, steel rails, carriage lamps,
garden rollers, glazed tiles, sporting guns, ordnance
guns, plate-glass, oil, files, &c.

By way of illustrating the widespread recognition
of the good work accomplished by such trade asso-
ciations in maintaining quality and general control,

670

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW. [Vol. 7!>. Xo. I'.im December 22, lOlt;.

it may be mentioned that impartial bodies, such as
the Engineering Standards Committee, tuni to these
associations (and not to indivitlual timis) for infor-
mation and guidance before setting up standard
sptcitications for the various goods they describe.
.Mr. Asquith. in tlie House of Commons on
August 2nd, 1916, wlien dealing with the White
Paper on the proceedings of the Paris Economic
Conference, drew special attention to the extra-
ordinar)- enterprise and resourcefulness shown by
a large number of British industries since the war
broke out, and laid particular emphasis on two ten-
dencies, saying: —

The first is the development of trade associations for com-
mon action at home and abroad, raisinfj the average standard
of pro<liiction.

The second is the recognition of the leeway which we have
to make up as regards scientific research, and the utilisation
of its results and its application to technical and industrial
purposes.

Government departments now negotiate with
associations on points which they will not even dis-
cuss with individual hrms, and the recommendations
of the Faringdon Conmiittee regarding tJie estab-
lishment of a British Trade Bank provide further
evidence that the Government's advisers appreciate
the necessity for co-operation in matters pertaining
to trade.

A penisal of the addresses delivered at the com-
mencement of the Session 1 916- 17 to the members of
the Institution of Civil Engineers and of the Insti-
tution of Mechanical Engineers by their respective
Presidents shows that both of these eminent gentle-
men lay special stress on the necessity for the
encouragement of the " association " movement
amongst all British manufacturers.

Again, the Institution of Electrical Engineers,
when recently giving evidence before the Electrical
Trades Committee appointed by the Board of Trade,
stated that " some combination of British electrical
firms, especially for foreign trade, is desirable.''

It may interest our readers to review the his-
tory of their branch of the engineering industry,
more especially as its entire existence practically
falls within the lifetime of the present generation,
and its evolution provides a concrete example of the
bitter experiences suffered by British manufacturers
before our leading institutions arrived at their pre-
sent appreciation of the advantages of co-operation.
At the close of the 19th century, the electrical
industrv', w'hich, it is generally acknowledged, has
never experienced prosperity adequate to the capi-
tal, enterprise, and ingenuity expended upon it,
reached the lowest stage of its depression, in which
it continued for many years.

It seemed as if the legislation of this country and
the competition from abroad would prevent it from
ever again holding up its head.

The public generally had no experience to guide
them when purchasing electrical equipment, and.
accordingly, the price was the chief and often the
only consideration.

Any manufacturer desirous of improving- the
quality of his goods was further hampered by the
circumstance that in many cases his superior^ and
consequently more expensive, goods differed in
appearance ven.- slightly from those of his less
scrupulous competitor, whose object was to make
immediate profits rather than an enduring reputa-
tion.

A striking demonstration of the disastrous effects
of this policy occurred some years ago in the dynamo
and electro-nKJtor trade, when, it will be remem-
beied, the competing manufacturers were tempted
to starve their machines by cutting down the
weights of iron and copper employed in their con-
struction, thereby increasing the maintenance cost
and risk of failure by breakdown.

The inevitable result was that the manufacturers
were brought to the verge of ruin by their cut-

throat competition, and the consumers slowly came
to realise that the policy of accepting the lowest
])rice was not free from serious drawbacks.

No arguments or experience can prevent such
result. It occurs time after time, to-day in one
trade and to-morrow in another. As long as con-
sumers demand the cheapest, it is only human
r.ature for manufacturers to reduce the quality in
order to reduce the price.

I.^itter!v, the general situation in the electrical
industrv has been improved, owing largely to the
efforts of the British Electrical & Allied Manufac-
turers" Association (B.E..'\.M.A. ). whose members
have learned that, while competition in quality
benefits the maker and user alike, unrestrained com-
petition in price must be disastrous to both.

In addition to its achievements in the above direc-
tion, this Association has done much toward.si estab-
lishing the electrical trade on; an equitable basis by
setting up standard " Conditions of Contract,"
wliich have been formally api^roved by the Institu-
tion of Electrical Engineers and acceiUed by all tlie
principal municipalities and other lai'ge consumers
throughout the countiy.

The B.E.A.M.A. has further i)rovided, in many
instances, for Parliamentary representation for the
redress of different evils, and to-day it is most
active in making preparations for trading after the
war.

So broad are its views in such matters that it is
not working solely in the interests of its particular
members, but on behalf of all British traders.

X'aluable pioneering by . way of maintaining
qualitv w'as years ago accomplished by the cable
makers of Great Britain, who were, perhaps, the
first of all English manufacturers to realise that the
control of quality was absolutely essential to the
welfare of the nation.

In fact, it may be said that the successi of the
B.E.A.M.A. is largely due to its appreciation of
the value of the principles laid down by the Cable
Makers' .Association many years earlier.

The cable makers were particularly susceptible to
the inevitable law referred to above (regarding cost-
reducing expedients) in the manufacture of their
goods, since the quality of a cable is so obscured
that the difference between a cheap and a costly
cable is only ascertained by the life test. i.e.. a good
cable, of course, lasts longer than a poor cable, but
there may be no appreciable difference in their
appearance to giu'de the consumer when they are
both new. Indeed, imder some circumstances,, it
S3 happens that the inferior cable, when new, has a
better appearance than the more costly article.

On the broad question of the relationship between
quality and price, it may be said that once standards
of quality are set up. the adoption of standards of
price is an obvious and necessary sequel, and the
public, accordingly, has for years been able to rely
upon buying goods from any member of the Cable
Makers' Association, at the same price, and of at
least the same minimiun and sufficient standard of
quality.

To-day. thanks to such initiative, there are nc
cables to be found throughout the world to com-j
pare in quality with those manufactured in Great
Britain, and the expression "^Association Grade"
is universally accepted as the hall-mark of quality.
By first organising each section of the engineer-
ing industry on the above lines, and then co-ordi-
nating all these sections in one central association,
it should be possible to bring the combined weight
of the whole engineering industry to bear on any
problem affecting its interests.

Similarly, other industries might form their sec-
tional trade associations and thus pave the way for
the creation of a Federation of United British In-
dustries, on whose governing council representa-
tives from all such organised British industries
could meet and determine w'hatever joint action they

Vol. 7i.. Xo. 2,039, December 22, 1916.] THE ELECTEICAL REVIEW.

677

niii^'ht deem advisable in the general interests of
British trade.

It is admitted that the welfare of the British nation
i.> dependent upon the prosperity of her principal
industries', and all reasonable measures for fostering
and safeguarding the interests of her producers are
accordingly deserving of whole-hearted support.

Once our industries are thoroughly organised and
alive to the urgent needs of the time, we need have
no fear that "Trade After the War" problems will
find us unprepared.

COAL MINING AND ELECTRICAL
ACCIDENTS IN MINES FOR 1915.

The annual report of the Chief Inspector of Mines for 1915,
wliich has just recently been issued, also includes the
reports of the Divisional Inspectors, which hitherto formed
separate reports, and which are very considerably reduced
owing to the war, and hence we are unable to give any
figures bearing upon the use of electricity in mines, or the
amount of coal obtained by machine mining.

In view, however, of the vast importance of mining to
the country to-day, and the very unsatisfactory attitude of
the miners, it is interesting to note the results for the year
1015. In the first place, the total output of minerals is
less by 14,588,210 tons, the amount for the different
districts being : — ■

All minerals, Total output of
including minerals for year
Coal. coal. 1914.

Scotland Division ... 35.596,8o« 39.090,127 43,686,41-1
Northern „ ... 47,030.285 52,122,007 58.431,037
York, and North Mid-
land Division ... 67..504,130 67.983,983 67.374,083
Lancashire and North

Wales 24,923,976 25,110,278 26.445.277

Ireland 84.577 84,579 93,040

South Wales 50,452,600 50,587,907 54,037,575

Midl.T,nd and Southern 27,587,042 28,918,382 29,018,107

Total tons ... 253,179.446 264,479,263 279,085,473

The total output of coal for the year 1914 was 265,643,030
tons. (These figures do not inchide coal obtained in open
quarries, which for 1915 was 26,635 tons), so that the
reduction in the coal output is 12,463,584 tons.

Turning next to the number of persons employed, we find
in 1914 there were 1.133,746 up to the end of July, but in
December of that year this was reduced to 981,264, or
152,482 less. For the year 1915 there were 953,642
jiereons employed, or only 27,622 less than in December of
1914, or approximately 2| per cent, less, yet the output
was 14,588,210 tons less, which is more than 5 per cent,
reduction of output for a 2| per cent, reduction oi personnel.
There have been many serious complaints — and we regi'et
there are yet — of slackness on the part of the miners. South
Wales, the North of England and Scotland being the worst
in this respect. An examination of the foregoing figures
shows a reduction in output of approximately four million
tons for Scotland, six million tons for the North of England,
one million for Lancashire, and three and a-half million
for South Wales, whilst Yorkshire and the North Midland
Counties have actually increased their output, and the
Midland and Southern have very nearly maintained the same
output as for 1914. The pity of it is, there is no sign of
any improvement in those four areas, although every effort
has been made both by the Government and the labour
leaders themselves.

In regard to accidents, we regret to note there was an
increase of 78 in the total number of accidents in coal
mines over the number in 1914, although a less number of
pereons were employed. We also regret that 12 persons
met their death through the use of electricity. Of these,
8 occurred imderground and 4 on the surface. There were
3 fatal accidents underground in the Scotland Division ;
2 underground and 1 on the surface in the Northern
Division ; 2 underground and 2 on the surface in South
Wales Division ; and 1 underground and 1 on the surface
in the Midland and Southern Division.

As to the attcidents themselves, the Inspector for the
Scotland Division says : — " The three deatlis due to elec-
tricity should tiol have occurred. In one case an apprentice,
aged 15, probably from curiosity, opened the door of a
switch panel, where the pressure of the current was 2,750
volts, and touching live metal, was electrocuted. In the
second case, where a fall from the roof had occurred and
covered a cable carrying current to a coal cutter, two men
were set to work to clear the debris, although the current
was not cut off. Such an ordinary precaution does not
appear to have been thought necessary by the officials, if
they thought about it at all, who set the men to work. One
of the men received a shock by way of his shovel which
either penetrated the cable or touched the conductor owing
to the outer covering having been injured by the fall. The
third case was due to the absence of a locking pin to cause
efficient contact between the frame of a coal-cutting machine
and the earth conductor in the trailing cable. As remarked,
it will be seen that each of these three accidents could easily
have been prevented."

Amongst the miscellaneous surface accidents, a manager
was fatally injured when assisting to remove a drum of
armoured cable. He was steadynig the drum on its way
from the store house to the iwwer house down a slight
incline, when he slipped and the drum ran over him,

In the Northern Division and the South Wales Division
no particulars of the accidents are given. In the Midland
and Southern Divisions the Inspector reports : — " Two
fatal accidents from electricity were reported to me during
the year, one underground and one above ground, each
causing one death.

" The underground accident occurred to a haulage corporal,
who received a shock from a current of about 350 volts
through a 6-in. wire nail, which had been driven through
the insulation of an unarmoured three-core cable, and had
come in contact with one of the cores. There was no con-
clusive evidence to show whether he had been inserting or
withdrawing the nail.

" The accident above ground occurred to a boiler smith's
labourer, who was engaged on some repairs on a coke-
quenching machine. He was removing an electric lamp,
which had been temporarily put on' to a circuit carrying a
500-volt alternating current by a fitter's labourer, unknown
to the electrician or other responsible pereon."

In the Northern Division the Inspector reports a singular
accident in connection with the use of electric safety lamps.
" An unusual accident, fortunately not a serious one,
although it involved the loss of considerable property,
happened to a man in charge of the safety lamj^s at the
Easiugton Colliery, Durham. This man was burnt about
the arms while attempting to extiuquish the flames from
the burning celluloid cases of electric safety lamp accumu-
lators. The origin of the fire is not definitely known, but
it is suggested that in the process of charging, liquid may
boil out of one cell and creep down the sides and across
to the outside of an adjacent cell, thereby causing a
short circuit and an arc. As may be imagined, with such
a material as celluloid, unless immediate attention is at
hand, a conflagration of considerable dimensions is soon
inevitable. In this case, the batteries of some 1,200
lamps were rapidly involved ; in fact, the celluloid was
consumed in about 10 minutes or less. The fittings in the
lamp room were chiefly of wood ; the roof was also partly of
wood, so that the whole interior, including the roof, was
rapidly gutted. Work was resumed at the mine after a
stoppage of one day only, as owing to so many men having
left the neighbouring collieries, a sufficient number of oil
safety lamps were available.

" If liquid cells are charged with strong acid, it may
boil out during the recharging process. With proper
attention and supervision, however, it is quite possible to
charge these batteries properly without danger arising in
the matmer indicated above."

In the Yorkshire Division there were no fatal accidents,
but a rather serious fire, with fatal results, broke out,
which is reported as follows: — "On .June 4th an under-
ground fire occurred in a main haulage road, and caused
death by asphyxiatimi of a deputy and a pony driver, whom
it was found iiupossihle to rescue after the fire broke out.
The fire occurred in the main intake, about 1,000 yards

678

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

from the pit bottom. The roadway dipped iu-bye, aiul
W!is about 12 ft. wide and 7 ft. higli : an elec-tiic cable for
supplying current to seven motors of a toU\\ of 1:^0 ii.p.
was suspended to the roof supports, whic-h, for the most
]>art, consisted of sriitlers and coxcrinjr wtwd supp<irted by
]>n>]>s. Tlie coveriuir wood took tire, and it was some liours
bifore the tire couUi be subdued, notwithstanding tliat the
ipply of water was plentiful.

"Investigation showed that at about S.'-W in the iiKHiiiiiir
;i set of 20 full tubs ran away.. through a stop catch beinsr
either put temporarily out of action by being spragged to
allow empties to pass, or by dirt accunndatiug in the catcli-
Ikix, and by damaging the electric cable referred U),> caused
the fire througli arcing. The cable was a twin-core dielite
insulated, armoured with single wire."

" The view of Mr. Charlton, 11.51. Electrical (Temporary)
Inspector of Mines, was that by the accident the cable was
torn ratlier than cut in two : that at first there was not a dead
short : tliat the two conductors were not fused, and an arc
was probably established and maintained, taking a gradually
increasing cm-rent after the metallic covering had been
removed. He was also of opinion tliat had the protective
device been actuated by leaking current, instead, of the
main feeding current, the fire would not have occurred."

"The cause of the fire could not, however, be laid to
contraventions of the Electricity Regulations, and the owners,
on being asked to install a leakage-current protection device,
agreed to do so."

Time after time we have pointed out that most of the
accidents in mines should not have occurred, and it is
satisfactory to note that at least one Inspector quite concurs
with these views. The cause is, undoubtedly, inetiicieut
management — not always, howe\er, on the part of the
colliery manager — who, though legally responsilile, has
neither the time nor the necessary technical knowledge to
thoroughly undertake this work, and too often has to make
the best of such technical staff as his ownere will allow him.
What is wanted, as we have so often repeated, is a certificated
engineer, with direct responsibility. Rules and regulatioiLS,
fool-proof plant, and protecti\-e devices are of no use, unless
there is a trained mind to understand the rules, and direct
the use of the plant in a common-sense way, even if it is
" guaranteed." Fool-proof things have a nasty habit of
going wrong sometimes.

NOTES FROM CANADA.

[From oir own Correspondent.]

Interesting fig-ures showing how this. country is faring during
the war in regard to her trade, appear in a recent issue of the
"Weekly Bulletin " of the Department of Trade and Commerce.

The total value of imports and exports of merchandise, in millions
of pounds sterling, are approximately as follows for the years
-'iven. for the 12 months ending —

Aug., 1913. Aug., 1914. .\ug., 1915. Aug., 1916.

Imports ... 137 no S3 131 £ X W-

Exports ... T'.l 91 101 203

Total 2 Hi 204 181 334

.Canada's exports to Australia have almost doubled in value since
1913, and to the United Kingdom they have increased about 350
per cent., those to France have risen to almost 15 times the value
while those to the United States are of about li times the value of
the same period.

.i,'^°u^"i''^'^ manufacturers the value of the imports classed under
the heading of "electric apparatus" will be of interest, especially
the comparison of figures relating to the United Kingdom and the
United States.

During 1!)15-1C for the twelve months ending August, the total

?, o-.^fnA™^?' ""'^5/1''. ^^^^°" J"^t '•^^^"'^'i t°^^ about
f lo A ;? A^^ V'-'^'^. Kmgdom supplied goods worth about
£42,000, and the Lnited 'Stales .£1,023.000 worth. The ratio
between the values supplied by the two countries named is usually
about I to /, at present it is about 1 to 24. The home firms will
need to be very active after the war is over even to restore the
.rtafui quo.

It seems pertinent to remark here that it is possible that the
Uydro-Electnc Power Commission of Ontario may consider the
question of providing itself with the means for properly approving
of all classes of electrical supplies, materials. &c.. in much the
same manner as is now done by the Underwriters' Laboratories of
Chicago. If th^ be so, British manufacturers should be able to
secure more ready approval of their products than is possible with

the Underwriters' Laboratories, since this is British territory. At
the same time they will have to recognise that, to some extent ;it
least, they will have to cater properly for the market, and that
they cannot fxi^ct reaclily to sell goods of a new and unusual
style, or even to have them instantly ajiproved of, however good
they may be.

Until war broke out (and even at the present tirae^ peojjle here
are assumed to have a preference for articles with a high finish
and plenty of ornamentation, at least one would judge so from
the fact that it is seldom possible to buy perfectly plain, though
good, fittings, iV;c.

Many articles, not merely electrical but of all kinds, plainly
made, yet of good quality and often really much more handsome
in appearance than the uickelled, coppered, or gilded and be-
flowered ones, are obtainable in Europe at reasonable prices,
whereas for a far cheai)er looking article one pays much inorc
here without being able to obtain the less elaborate and really
better ones at all:

Possibly when the war is over, things may be somewhat changed,
and the plainer goods at lower prices will be obtainable, as, if the
cost of living keeps up and the present great wave of trade
prosperity dies down, the public will be compelled to buy tlic
cheaper goods with fewer frills about them.

.Vu illustration may here be given as to what is meant by the
foregoing.

The writer some time ago wished to secure an inverted glass
shade for lighting a small room in a plain house, and looked around
to see what shades were available.

The cheapest to be found were sold at Ills, or 20s. and were m:ide
of thick glass with elaborate patterns on and heavy brass chains ;
finally he bought an ordinary 14-in. conical opal shade of glass
about ^!j in. thick, made some neat small brass clips and suspended
it upside down with neat bra.ss chain. The whole thing cost about
2s. and (except that it had a hole at the apex of the cone) was
perfectly satisfactory and amply good enough for tens of thousands
of homes of people who, though they may possibly buy the far
more expensive articles found in the shops, yet are not really in a
iwsition to afford them.

One of the local (large) manufacturers of electrical glassware
was approached on the subject as to the possibility of supplying a
really cheap article such as has been described, and the reply given
was that it would be quite impossible to sell such a '' cheap-
looking " article which had no fancy work on it at all. Other
instances of this kind could easily be given.

It is open to doubt, however, whether undecorated and lighter
articles at much lower prices than those usually asked, could not
find a fairly ready market, were they on sale.

NEW ELECTRICAL DEVICES, FITTINQS,
AND PLANT.

Large Gear Wheel.

We illustrate in fig. 1 a large split-gear wheel in process of being
cut at the works of the Westinghouse Brake Co., 82, York Road.

Fig. 1. — Gear Wheel for Chain-dkive.

Vol. 79. -vo. 2,039, deckmueu 22. 191,;.] THE ELECTKICAL REVIEW.

679

King's Cross. X. This is destined for the St. John del Rey Mines,
Brazil, and forms part of a 80-h.p. Westinghouse-Morse rocker-
joint chain-drive from motor to air-compressor. The wheel has
126 teeth, is 80i in. in diameter by 8 in. face, and weighs 3 tons.

Electric Cooking at Dursley.

Through the courtesy of Messrs. R. A. Lister i Co., Ltd.. of
Dursley. we are able to illustrate an electric cooking installation at
their works, which supplies lOU mid-day meals and a similar
number at midnight, as well as teas and light refreshments. The
cooking equipment is supplied from a 10-K\v.. 110-volt Lister-
Bruston automatic plant, which, of course, responds automatically
to any demand for energy. When this cant«en was opened, tests
were conducted by cooking in both gas and electric ovens. Two
legs of mutton were cooked simultaneously, one weighing 8 lb. 1 oz.
l:>eing put into the gas oven, and the other, weighing 8 lb., being
electrically cooked. The joints were subsequently weighed, that
lookeil by .sras .showing a loss of lib. l.'oz.. as ag.iin.st a loss of

emitted by a heated body at a point depending upon its thickness
and the temperature ; it is therefore moved so as to intercept more
and more of the light. until the image entirely disappeare, a point
which can be determined closely after practice. The error may.
with experience, be brought as low as UV C., which, at 1,400*, "ii
sufficiently accurate in practice. The distance of the heated body
makes no difference to the reatling. As a workshop instrument it
should prove very useful. It was invented by Messrs. Cochrane
and Co., a well-known firm of ironfounders at Middlesbrough, for
use in their own works, and their expectations were fully realised ;
each instrument sent out is calibrated by the inventor himself.

Reyrolle's Switch-type Fuse Boxes.

Fig. 4 shows an ironclad fuse-box of the switch type manufac-
tured by Messrs. A. Revbolle A: Co.. Ltd., of Hebburn-on-Tyne.
These fuses are of simple and robust construction, special attention
being given to cable inlets, and no sharp bends being required. They
can Ik? supplied for .'Hi or I On amperes, suitable for .iOO volts anil

Fig. 2.— Electiui ('im:>kincj Pl.^nv ai Messrs. R. A. Listers \\i

Fig. 4. — Switch-type Fise Box.

Fii;. 3. — LisTER-BfirsrOj Pl.wt .^;'ppi.vi\ : ELEOTRir Cookixi; lNsT.\i.r..\Tiiix. Fin. .'..—The WEnaK Optical Pvri>.mf.ter.

only 9i oz. in the electrically-cooked joint. The value of the
saving in meat alone in the latter case more than paid for the fuel
used in running the plant, although all the vegetables were also
cooked electrically.

.\s the Lister-Bruston automatic pliint can be connected to any
existing private installation without adding to the number of cells
in use or altering the lighting arrangements, even when a higher
voltage is required for cooking purposes. Messrs. Lister maintain
that it represents the solution of the country-house cooking
problem, which has been hindered in the past owing to the large
batteries necessary.

The Wedge Optical Pyrometer.

The Optical Pyrometer Syndicate, of 182. Temple Chambers.
E.C.. have brought out a simple and convenient type of pyrometer
depending upon the colour of the heated object, when above
."lOO" C. The instrument is calibrated for any range of tempera-
tures desired between this limit and 2.100° C. and tire scale usually
extends over a range of 400- C being divided into intervals of 20=.
It can. however, be ma.le for a range of 800° C. in steps of 50° C.
It consists of a brass tube fitted with a small telescope, which
focuses the image of the heated body on a movable prism inside
the tube. A shield prevents extraneous light from reaching the
eye. At one side of the tube is a milled head, actuating a rack and
pinion, which moves the prism through tht field of vision. The
prism is made of a 6[>ecial dark glass, which cuts off the light

1,000 volts. The cases have fireproof linings, and the fuse wire is
contained in a fireproof tulM. thus enabling short circuits to he
.satisfactorily dealt with, whilst the fuses can be renewed with
ease and safety.

The simplicity of the construction renders them particularly
suitable for wiring installations necessitating quick handling.
This make of switch fuse is also suitable for use as a simple and
effective I..T. isolating switch.

Electrician Sentenced.— For Imviiig inatches in liis

possession whilst in works where explosives were being manu-
factured, John Freeman, a Huddersfield electrician, was sentencetl
to one month's imprisonment in the second diiTsion. Defendant
pleaded guilty. He was in a drunken condition when the offence
was committed.

Board of Trade Changes.— It is understood that the

Board of Trade is being completely reorganised. The Labour
Department should eventually pass imder the control of the
Jliuisterof Labour, who will at once take over important functions
from the Ministry of Munitions. Offices have been set aside for
the Minister of Labour at the Ministry of Munitions in Whitehall
Gardens, — Time/i,

H,S( I

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW. [Voi. ?;.. No. 2,.m.i. deckm»kk22, i-u.;.

LEGAL

Ratim: m- Ei.eotuk- Tramway Lines.
L.C.C. .\pPEAr,.
At the Countj- of Lomion Quarter Sessions, on December I2th,
Mr. A. P. Lawrie. K.t.".. Deputy-Chairman, and another ma^i.strate.
conclnde<l the hearintr of tlie appeal by the London County Council
asain<t the jisses-smenf of their tramway lines in the twrougfh.^ of
Holborn and Fiusbury.

The case for the Assessment Committee of the Holborn Union
terniinateil with the evidence of 5lR. A. L. Ryde. surveyor, of
Parliament Street. S.W.. who arrived at a rateable value of
*:24,.'il.">, compared with the assessment of flS.Slt* appealetl
ajrainst and Jtii.'.MiO claimed by the County Council. In witness'.s
opinion, the earning's of the tramways in Holborn and Finsbury
were ^rreater than on the routes outside, and he had added l}d. per
car-mile to the averajre receipts of each route. There were half-
penny fares in the Holborn Union, but not in the country districts,
and while the maximum penny fare on the system was nearly two
miles, the maximum halfpenny fare was 1130 yards. In cross-
examination. Mr. Ryde admitted that there was a substantial
dilTerence in the amount he hat! allowe<l for repaii"S and renewals
of cars and lines, and the amount which had been allowed by
witnesses for the County Council. It mig-ht be true that 10 per
cent, of the cars had been added within a period of five years, but
he thouffht he had allowed sutficient to enable the Council to go on
renewinsr piecemeal.

Mr. Cr.AVELi, Salter. K.C, M.P.. a<ldressing the Court in
support of the assessment, submitted that there was no comparison
between the central district in question and boroujirhs like Wool-
wich, Camberwell and Lewisham, where the rateable value had
been a^'reed. The Holborn Union was like " the fat middle " of
provincial towns, though in the latter the tramways ran rifrht
through, whereas in London they had to come to a stop. The
County Coimcil officials infonned them that the average number of
passengers per car-mile over the whole system was 9'32. and that
the average takings were 9'.5d. per car-mile, showing a fraction
over a penny per person. People who used tramways and buses
did not ride anything like the full distance ; on an average they
rode about three-quarters of the distance they could go. He sub-
mitte<l that the receipts in the Holborn Union were far above those
outside. Figures given by a witness for the Council showed that
on four services at Holborn Town Hall there was an average of 1 .5
persons, and evidence for the Assessment Committee showed that
at the Moorgate Street termini the numbers were about double the
average of the system.

The DEPfTV-CHAiRMA.s : Assuming thei-e is a larger traffic on
the cars in the Holborn district, has that not got the necessary
result of increasing the expenses of every kind in that district .'
There are more stopping-places, both compulsory and voluntary,
when behind carts and when stopping at ordinary stopping-places.
There is much slower running than one gets in less crowded dis-
tricts, and, consequently, there is more wear and tear. The brakes,
I understand, are some of the most damaged parts. In addition to
that there are more tickets issued and more punches worn out.
The six dead-ends (the termini) also take my eye a good deal,
although the figures Mr. Clavell Salter has quoted show that some-
times they are not as dead as they might be. Then there is the
extra labour which is necessary at the dead-ends for the purpose of
switching on to lines. Taking all those things into consideration,
and there may be a great many more, it would seem to me that in
all probability that would balance, and perhaps more than balance,
the extra receipts taken from extra passengers.

Mr. Cl.well Salter admitted at once that cars running full
and doing a brisk business involved more expense than cars running
comparatively empty. But he should have thought that the addi-
tional expense would be very small compared to the additional
profit, and that it would, in fact, be almost negligible. The case
was one of considerable importance, as provincial centres would
doubtless point to the decision of that Court.

Mr, Walter Ryde, K.C. on liehalf of the County Council, sub-
mitted that the Court could never consent to a departure from the
system which had been adopted in the case of seven south-eastern
metropolitan boroughs in the rating of the County Council tram-
ways. The rateable value of the whole system "must be taken
together, and the various parts when taken together must not
exceed the value of the whole. If the Court was satisfied— though
it was not definitely proved — that Finsbury and Holborn were above
the average, the Court might yet regard the figures as so much
guesswork, and not feel justified in putting a higher value on the
tram-lines in question.

The Depctv-Chairmax : You may leave that branch of the
subject, Ijecause we are agreed upon it. I am satisfied, in my own
opinion, that, assuming there is a larger number of people travel-
ling on the lines in the Holborn Union, that is amply set off by
the additional expenditure necessitated. On the facts put before
us, we are quite clear as to that.

Mr. Ryde. proceeding, urged that it was impossible to ignore the
existence of the war in making a rating valuation. The war had
affected this property enormously, because every contract had to be
made under war conditions. Conditions had altered very materially
for the worse.

The Depl-ty-Chairman : At the same time, if you invest money
to-day you surely expect, when the time comes to realise it, that it
will be appreciative, and not depreciative, unless the war is goin.'
on for ever, "

His LoBDSHiP announced that the Court would g-ive judgment
on the appeal on December 21«.i

British Thomson-Hoitston Co., Ltd.. r. Diiram, Ltd.

TrsosTEN Wire Patent Litigation.

(Concbiileil from paije (i.56.)

On December 12th, Mr. Ballantyne was cross-examined by Mi:
Walter. K.C, for the plaintiffs. Replying to questions, Witness
said he did not believe that drawn wire was easier to make than
sintered filaments. He thought it was largely used because the
metal suitable for squirted filanu'uts was no longer obtainable. a.«
it was made in Germany. He hail hail experience of the lasting
power of lam|)S. Comparing drawn-wire lamps with squirted
lamjjs. he fouml that the drawn-wire filament became brittle in a
few hours a.s compared with the other.

Dr. J. E. Stead, metallurgical and consulting chemist and vice-
president of the Iron and Steel Institute, was also examined, by
Mr. Kermy, who asked : What does the i)atent that we are trying
here tell you beyond what you find in Moissan .' — Nothing at all.

On Wednesday. Mr. Kehhv. summing uj) the defendant^' case mi
the question of validity or invalidity, sai<l thedet'inrcw ;i- i hin-l'iilil :
— (l)thepatent was bad. because the claim was ton »iili> . cj ilncau.-ir
it had been completely anticipated : and (3) in view uf ihr (■xisting
knowledge of the time, there was no subjeet-matter. The existing
knowledge, counsel said, which he relied on. apart from general
metal-working knowledge, was the known jiarallel of osmium,
which had been shown to be pliable, and the Siemens patents of
1902 and 1904. which assumed as common knowledge, as indicated
to any instructed person, everything that was indicated in the
plaintiffs' specification. He also relied on insufficiency. As tohis
point that the claim was too wide, counsel contended that it was
purely a claim for working tungsten hot. He could put it that it
was for working tungsten coherent hot. but that made no differ-
ence, because there was really nothing whatever in the suggested
limitation of coherency. It included the ordinary workshop methods.
In ordinary language, it told one that one had to make the tungsten
hot. Therefore, by implication it told one that the tungsten must
be got into a form in which it could be worked hot. The claim
was too wide, as he had said, because it included the working of
tungsten hot, and therefore it was a claim to a bare principle . and
a claim to a bare principle was generally bad. Then the claim wiis
merely routine ; heating a metal for the purpose of operating on it
was an ordinary everyday proceeding in a workshop, and had been the
ordinary method of dealing with metals since metals were first
dealt with.

The case was proceeded with on December 13th and 15th, and
the defendants were permitted to call certain witnesses before the
plaintiffs' witnesses, as they were engaged on urgent Government
work.

Mr. John Robert Parry, foreman in the employment of
Messrs. .Tames Brown ifc Co.. Preston, wire drawers, described
certain experiments in wire drawing in 1905-1907. He drew steel
wire through a steel die, ha\'ing dipped the wii-e in graphite,

Mr. John Gustav Adolph Rhodin, chief chemist of the Muntz
Metal Co. from 1903 to 1905, gave evidence as to drawing zinc wire
at a temperature of 150° C to 120°.

Mr. John Wade, of Messrs. E. and A. Smith, wire drawers,
Cleckheaton, was also examined.

Dr. Passmore, chemist and metallurgist, gave evidence in
support of the plaintiffs' specification.

Mr. Justice Astbury expected to finish the hearing on Mon-
day, December 18th, but his Lordship was unable to come to
Court that day, as he was suffering from influenza.

His Lordship, on Tuesday, gave judgment. With regard to the
first patent of 190G, relating to an apparatus for the treatment of
metallic tungsten and for the manufacture of electric lamp fila-
ments therefrom, his Lordship said an admission had been made
which rendered it unnecessary to consider the question, except on
a very narrow consideration, and the real question was the validity
of the patent — want of novelty, want of subject matter, and in-
sufficiency being alleged against it. The substantial invention, if
there was one. made by the patentee was the production
of a wire-drawn electric lamp filament of tungsten, but
he had not been content to so limit the claim. The
claim was a wide one for the working of pure coherent tungsten
hot, and was not limited to any specific degree of working to any
defined end provided the working was commercial working for
commercial purposes. The description coherent tungsten included
other forms in addition to that produced by the patentees' process.
The patent was therefore bad for want of subject-matter, and was
invalid. As to the second patent of 1911 for improved methods of
wire drawing, his Lordship said, on the objection of prior user, he had
come to the conclusion that it was impossible to escape the con-
sequences of the user of Messrs. Brown Si. Co., Preston, which was
proved to have taken place in 1905 and 190<>. This patent was
also invalid, and the action must be dismissed.

DUNLOP Rl'BBEK TYRE CO. r. HUMPHRIES.

In the Dublin High Court, before Mr. Justice Barton, Mr. .1.
Humphries, electrical engineer, i:.c., Enniskillen. agree 1 to an
injunction being given against him, at the suit of the Dunlop
Rubber Tyre Co., and undertook that no irregularity would occur
in his sale of the company's tires. It had been alleged that he
sold for 10s. a tire, the standard value of which was lis., and the
company held that the case involved thousands of pounds to them.
Plaintiffs did not ask for costs.

Mr. Justice Barton said the agreement was not in restraint of
trade, and it was only right to warn traders of their obligations in
regard to such contracts.

I

Vol. 7i). Xo. 2,039. December 22, 1916.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

681

WAR ITEMS.

Controlled Works. — The number of establishments now
controlled by the Ministry of Munitions is 4,585.

Allied Conference. — The General Technical Conference of
tlic Allies, the fonnation of which was decided upon at the
Allies' Economic Conference last June, met for the first time
last week in Paris. The object of the Conference is to pre-
pare for unity of legislation in the Allied countries regarding
patents, trade marks, and kindred trade subjects.

Training Disabled Soldiers. — The governors of the Royal
Technical College, Glasgow, at the request of certain donors,
oifer prizes, amounting to i'70, for essays on the best methods
of training and employing in industries, other than agricul-
ture, returned soldiers and sailors, maimed or othemise.
Essays must be sent in by March 1st, 1917, addressed to The
Birect-or, the Royal Technical College, Glasgow.

The Use of Railway Wagons. — An Order in Council has
been issued stating that the Board of Trade may, for the
purpose of making the most efficient use of railway plant or
labour, with a' view to the successful prosecution of the war,
make orders for all or any of the following purposes, namely ;

(a) For enabling the Board of Trade to take possession of any private
owner's wagons and to use tho=e wagons in sucii manner as they think best
in the interests of the country as a whole, on such conditions as to payment,
usf, and otherwise as may be provided by the order.

(&> For enforcing the prompt loading or unloading of wagons, by making
failure to load or unload in accordance with the order an offence.

[c) For curtailing any statutory requirements as to the running of trains
or affording other facilities on certain lines or at certain stations, or for
requiring the disuse of any such line or station, in cases where the curtail-
ment or disuse appears to the Board of Trade to be justified by the necessity
of the case.

(tf) For restricting or prohibiting certain classes of traffic (including the
carriage of passengers' luggage) on railways either absolutely or subject to
any conditions for which provision is made by the order.

{c) For modifying any statutory requirements with respect to the maximum
amount of passenger fares.

Any order may be made so as to apply generally to all rail-
ways or to any class of railways or to any special railway.

To be Wound Up. — The Board of Trade has ordered the
following business to be wound up : —

Decauville & Co., 31 and 3'2, Broad Street Avenue, London,
E.G., late 10, Eastcheap, E.G., makers of portable railways.
Controller : G. S. Pitt, 140, Leadenhall Street, E.G.

Exemption Applications. — At Westminster Tribunal, the
Tudor Accumulator Co. apphed for the exemption of '23 men,
one smgle and 21 years of age passed for CI, and the others
married, their ages ranging from 32 to 4U. The Military
Representative said the Advisory Committee had been unable
to come to an agreement with the firm. Although they were
in certified occupations they ought to be able to let some of
the employes go, for Glass A men were badly wanted. There
were altogether 16 A men in the list. A representative of the
firm said the men were mdispensable to the maintenance of
important London and provincial tramway and electric hght-
ing undertakings. The lighting of London's principal build-
ings, including the Houses of Parliament, tiepended upon
tfie company and its stall. They were all in certified occupa-
tions. The Military Representative said that some of them
ought to be given up now, but there would be great changes
on January 1st in the lists of certified occupations, and they
might be out of them next time. Exemption for a period of
four months was granted.

At the Hull Tribunal, a tramcar driver claimed exemption.
It was stated on his behalf that tram drivers over 25 years of
age and married were in a certified occupation. The instruc-
tions were that the list of certified occupations should be
strictly observed by Tribunals and the Military Representa-
tives, "the Government Department having prepared the list
in consultation with the Army Council. The fact that the
Corporation had decided not to appeal for tram drivers did
not affect the position so long as the men were over 25 and
married. The Tribunal said it was the first time the i^oint
had been raised, and granted the man exemption.

At Bromley (Kent), an appeal was made by Mr. A. G.
Ed'wards, electrician. He said that as he had received no
notice to go before the Medical Board he had not been medi-
cally examined as ordered. The Tribunal decided to treat him
as one passed for general service, and refused exemption.

On the apjjeal of the Military, exemption allowed to Mr.
S J. Nettleingham (24), electi-ician to the Thames Portland
Cement Works Co.. Higham (Kent), has been withdrawn, and
substitution ordered.

Crediton Rural Tribunal has granted six months' exemption,
with the assent of the Military, to W. Drew (40). electrician
to Mr. A. Tremayne BuUer, of Downs, havin'g charge of eight
motors for agricultural purpo.ses.

Reigate Rural Tribunal has granted temporary exemption
to January 15th to W. Adams (29), electrician, of Galton, with
no further appeal without leave.

The West Kent Appeal Court has refused a claim for exemp-
tion filed by Mr. F. G. Jones (39), electrical engineer, of
Gravesend. passed in Class B1.

Before the East Kent Appeal Court, Mr. H. T. A. Curtis (33),
electrical engineer, of Ramsgate, appealed, and stated that he
was . responsible for the running of a public lift. and_ the
maintenance of machinery ' at military and naval hospitals.
The appeal was rejected.

At Bath, Messrs. J. Lambert & Sons sought exemption for
G. Clark (34), electrical wiieman, passed for CI. Clark had
been before the Rural Tribunal, and had received two periods
of exemption. The Tribunal decided that they had no juris-
diction in the case, and referred it to the Rural Tribunal.

Mr. J. Hutt, electrical engineer, applied to the Coventry
Tribunal for renewed exemption, and stated that' he was
engaged entirely on work for local factories, and had had to
refuse private work. In his spare time he had done Special
Police work. It was mentioned that there was a great scarcity
of electricians in the city. Two months were allowed.

At Aldershot, the Traction Co. appealed for eight employes,
with the following results: — Mr. Webster (secretary), two
months; night foreman-fitter, three months; three fitters,
three months each^, works foreman-engineer, six months; tin-
smith, six months; and a driver, three months.

At Worthing, the borough electrical engineer appealed for
a meter reader, and said that he doubted the ability of a
woman to do the work accurately. Three months were
allowed, subject to substitution. Three months each were also
conceded to a cable jointer and his mate, an engine driver at
the generating station, a machine fitter, the assistant electrical
engineer, and a switchboard attendant (final). The permanent
staff has been reduced from 22 to 10.

Exemption granted to Mr. T. H. Escott (28), manager for
Messrs. Brooking & Co., electricians, Weymouth, was ap-
pealed against by the Military Renresentative. The borough
electrical engineer and a number of business men of the town
wrote as to Mr. Escott's .skilled work and indispensability.
The Tribunal cancelled conditional exemption, and gave until
March 31st, with no further appeal without Igave. The Chair-
man intimated that they expected the finn in the interval
to train a substitute.

At Lindfield (Sussex), an electrical engineer in business at
Hurst, aged 41, and passed in Class C2, and who has lost
his manager, leaving him with only a man with a short
exemption and a lad, had his period of exemption extended
for six months.

At Broadstairs, the Military Representative applied for a
review of exemption granted to the chief clerk (41) and a
motor and tram driver (40), with the Isle of Thanet Tram-
ways Co., on the gi'ound that they were no longer in certified
occupations. The company's representative stated that the
former was the only clerk left, and that the driver could not
possibly be spared owing to the great depletion of the staff,
which compelled him to work seven days per week. The
exemptions were confirmed, and will continue whilst the
conditions remain the same.

On the appeal of Sir Wm. Vernon, the Chester Rural Tri-
bunal has given six months' further exemption to his elec-
trician, passed in Class C2, and who is engaged on hospital
work.

.At Lewisham, the Military asked for a review of exemption
granted to P. G. Howard (24), a draughtsman with Messrs.
Johnson \t Phillips, Ltd., of Charlton. Respondent, who had
.stated that he had a conscientious objection, handed in a
badge and a certificate showing that he was engaged on war
work, and the Military Representative said that he should
try to get the badge withdrawn. The application was not
'proceeded with.

The Military applied at Lewisham for conditional exemp-
tion held by an electrical engineer, aged 32, and passed for
general service, to be withdrawn. It was stated that certain
of respondent's employes had been badged. The Tribunal
substituted six months' exemption.

Chatham Tribunal have granted six months' exemption to
A. H. Lararaan (19), electrician, appealed for by the Kent
Electric Power Co., and passed for G3.

Hereford City Tribunal have granted exemption to March
1st to J. Hoskins, fireman at the municipal refuse destructor.

At Sutton-in-.^shfield, exemption on business grounds was
claimed by Mr. A. E. Hough (80), managing director and
electrical engineer for Messrs. Cinevars, Ltd.. a theatre con-
cern. Three months were conceded.

Worcester Tribunal has granted a certificate of conditional
exemption to G. Harris (40), public lamp attendant and emer-
gency man, applied for by the Corporation Electricity Com-
mittee.

AVarwickshire Apjwal Court has refused further extension
of time to a charge-hand at the refuse destructor of the
Rugby U.D.C. It transpired that the man's wages were 30s.
per week, and the Chairman .said it was a disgraceful wage ;
charge-hands at the Coventry destructor were earning £3 IGs.
per week.

Torquay Tribunal has granted exemption to January 15th
(final) to Mr. P. T. Narracott (36), electrician, passed in Class
CI; but has refused time to F. .T. Hammett ('24), electrician
at the Picturedrome. . ■ . .

Mr. D. R. A. Millman, electrician, passetl in Glass-t!)l,
.appealed at Newton Abbot, and a month was granted for him
to obtain a post of national importance.

At Bath, appeals by the Electric Tramways. Ltd.. resulted
as follows : — Body builder (41), three months: coach painter
(37), three months; blacksmith (39), appeal withdrawn with-
out prejudice; engine driver (38), conditional exemption; car
driver (39), three months. It was stated that 202 employes
liad enhsted ; the pre-war staff was 282 men, nine boys, and
21 women ; and now there were 136 men, 23 boys, and 75
women.

6&2

THE ELECTiUCAL liE\ iEW. [Voi. 7:1. Xo. 2,o:w, deckmber 22, inu;.

At Windermere, an appeal was made by Mr. J. K. Thorn-
borough (ij), electrical engineer, partner iu the firm of
Thomborough Bros. He is passed in Class Bl, and his
younger brother is serving. Three months' temporary exemp-
tion was conceded.

At the Aherd.^n City Military Tribunal, the Militan.- Repre-
sentative appealed against conditional exemption grant-ed to
A. B. Gillf.spie. electrical engineer. It was pointed out that
there was a serious dearth of electrical engineers in the city.
The case was continued so as to give the man an oppoitunity
of engaging in work of national importance.

HLKCTRICITY SL'PPI.Y.

Mr. J. .\. RoDKRTsoN, borough electrical engineer of Salford,
gave the opening lecture of the session to the Technical Sec-
tion of the Westinghouse Club. In the course of his address
Mr. Bobertson gave a short summary of the early supply of
electricity in this country, and referred iu detail to the ques-
tion of centralisation and interconnection of electricity supply.
He said : —

We have learned many lessons from the war, but the
greatest of all is that we cannot allow ourselves to drift along
in the .same haphazard way that we have been accustomed to
in the past. It has become evident that if we are to maintain
our position as a manufacturing and commercial nation during
the trying years immediately subsequent to the war, we must
begin at once to organise our national resources in materia!,
labour, and brain power so as to produce the highest possible
dcfiree of national efficiency.

It must always be remembered that primarily we are a
Dianufacturing nation. Our jvjsition in the world has been
earned not so much by military or naval conquest, as by the
fact that we were the first to sell the pixxluct of our skill and
industry in the markets of the w'orld. Cheap supply of power
is one of the first essentials of the manufacturer, and if by
centrahsing its production we can sub.stantially reduce the
cost, it will not only reduce the cost of manufacture, but at
the same time conserve the national supply of fuel. To
achieve this object, no existing interest, be it municipal or
company, should be allowed to stand in the way.

Chiefly as a result of the steam turbine, a modern power
station can be erected and equipped to-day at a cost per KW.
less than one-fourth of what obtained 15 to 20 years ago. At
the same time, the operating co.sts have been reduced by 50
to 60 per cent., or if allowance be made for the increased
price of fuel, it may be .said that the operating co.sts are about
one-fourth of what was achievable in the old reciprocating
plant stations.

Corresponding with the change brought about by the steam
turbine in the power stations, the adoption of high-tension
niultiphase transmission has completely altered the conditions
( f distribution. Whereas with low-tension current an econo-
ii.ical area of supply was .seven or eight .square miles, the
aita which can now be supplied from one station may be
leckoned in hundreds of square miles.

It has been suggested that a national board should be set
up with ]x>wers to erect new super-stations on modem lines,
to sell energy in bulk to existing supply authorities.

Another proposal is that the State might find the capital
to finance a national .supply .scheme, leaving supply com-
panies to operate it. In this way the benefit of State credit
would be obtained without the disadvantages of State admini.s-
tration. Mr. Robertson is of the opinion, however, that .such
a proposal is open to serious objections, and would meet
with the most strenuous opposition from existing authorities.

Mr. Robertsf)n proceedeil to deal with the iDoveinent le-
cently inaugurated in Lancashire, in which he is keenly inter-
ested, for the interconnection of electrical undertakings.

It is not claimed that " linking-up " existing stations
forms a complete solution of the electricity supply problem ;
it is claimed, however, that it.offers an immediate solution nl
lite mure presaiuy proMems and that it can be carried out at
a minimum of co.st in a reasonable period of time, thus
opening up the way for a more comprehen.sive .scheme of
centralisation as soon as conditions become normal.

In the first place, by " pooling " all the plant in the various
stations, the neces.sity for each .station keeping spare plant of
its own would be obviated.

Secondly, "linking-up" would provide within certain
limits a valuable safeguard against interruption (jI supplv.
The value uf " linkirig-up " from this point of vi<'W can
hardly be over-estirnated.

In the third place, considerable saving in fuel would be
efi'ected.

.V further advantage of "linking-up" is that it would
enable a certain number of stations to be shut down at week-
ends and on holidays. f.'nder existing conditions the 20
stations in the Manchester di.strict have 20 staff's working
every week-end: if the "linking-up" project is cftrried for-
ward, four or five stations will suffice for the supply of the
w'hole district during week-ends.

"Abstract, from Tlie Britisti WcstingJioiisc Chit) \cirs, by
permission.

The t^echnical difficulties may be passed over; it is un-
doubted that these can be surmounted. In two cases only
frequencies other than 50 cycles per second have been adopted.
The real dilficulty is that of the " hunuin factor," in which
category certain engineers must be included as well as mciii-
bers of local councils, boards of management, Ac.

It is the opinion of the lecturer that co-operation between
existing authorities can only come about through pres.^uie
from outside; in other words, the assistance of the Govern-
ment will be necessary.

The proposal in regard to the Lancashire and Cheshire
scheuie is that the Board of Trade should set up a district
joint board or committee for the whole district, which would
include representatives of the several organisations concerned
in the scheme, ft would be possible for a single municipal
supply authority, whose aica was situatinl adjacent to .■icvciiil
others, to wreck the whole scheme if it refused to allnu
interconnecting mains to pass through its area. Such a re-
fusal could be indiicctly counteracted, however. The Lucid
Government Board, being the sanctioning authority for ail
moneys spent by local councils, cotdd refuse to sanction loans
to the particular authority refusing to cntn- into the schcnic.
and in that manner practically force it t<> cu-dpi rate with the
other authorities in the district.

In order to obtain the maximum economy, tin- joint boaid,
or its committee, would have powers to determine the running
hours of the stations on the system. The board would, of
course, have power to raise capital to provide mains and
transformers, and would also act in an advisory capacity to
the Local Government Board in regard to exten.sions of exist-
ing stations. That is to say, they would have the power to
decide which stations should be extended, and where^new
plant shoidd be put down, having in mind the question of
maximum economy.

The joint board should have ab.solute authority in settling
prices. Pi'ovided the working costs and load factor of each
station are known, it will be an easy matter for a technical
committee of the board to decide what, under the circum-
stances, is a fair and proper price.

The scheme is for the benefit of *ho district as a whole,
and the very greatest injustice that could po.s.sibly happen
to an individual authority would be a trifling matter com-
pared with the tremendous advantage to be gained by reduc-
iiig the pre.sent wastage.

The principal advantage of such a scheme is that it would
provide an easy road to centralisation. With such a scheme
in operation it would be found beneficial for the small under-
taking to take all its supplies from the common sy.stein and
eventually .shut down its own generating plant. One by one
the inefficient stations would cease to generate electiicity
and wfluld act instead as transforming and distributing
centi'es.

If the scheme is put into operation now, it will probably
be found 10 years hence that the whole of the ai'ea now sup-
plied by 21 stations w'ill be supplied by only four or five
generating .stations, which are favourably situated as legarda
coal supplies and condensing facilities. The authorities who.'-e
generating .stations will be closed down will be able to sell
eniMgy in their distiicts at a price which could nevei' have
been realised if they had continued to operate their own
plants.

This appears to he the direction of future progress in regard
to electricity supply, and the plan offers a comparatively easy
and efficient method of obtaining the advantages of centralisa-
tion without the financial burden which would have to be
supported if all the existing stations were closed at once in
favour of a new system.

Another advantage which the joint board will exercise will
b*:^ the bulk purchase of materials, while standardisation of
price over a large area will also be possible.

In the pa.st we have suffered .severely from an epidemic of
cheapness — cheapness that has cost us, as a nation, infinitely
more than the difl'erence between the piice we. paid and the
price we .should have paid to ensure a fair profit to the inanu
facturer. It is sincerely to be trusted that the price of elec-
trical plant for Briti.sh .stations will never again be fixed in
Germanv or in the TTnited States.

BUSINESS NOTES.

Correction. — Tn the ailvertisenient of the l\i,.\.\(i\ Co..

LiM).. appeai-ing on page 14 of the Supplement of imr last issue,
the words " without flex and jnish " at the side of the block sliould
not have appeared. The horn is supplied with flex and push.

Holidays. — The premises of tlie STERLiNr. Tei.ephoxk
.\N'D Electric Co.. Ltd.. will be closed tor busine.ss from
December •i2nd to December 26th inclusive.

Electrolytic Copper in Germany.— After discussing for

some time past the question of establishinsr a German quotation
for electrolytic copper in substitution for the London quotation, a
recent conference of merchants and consumers held at the Berlin
Chamber of Commerce decided to form an Association especially
for this purpose. Th^ chairman is Iferr Peierls, of the A. E.G.,

Vol.79. Xo.2,0S9, December 2LM!.1H.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

683

and the vice-chairmen are Herr Dietz, of the Xorth German
Refinery. Hamburg. Korbert Levy, of II. Levy & Co., Berlin, and-
Herr Aschaff. of Basse i: Seloe, Altoua.

Private Arrangements.— The Tyler Apparatus Co..

Ltd.. Banister Road. Xorth Kensington. London. W.. electrical

engineers, ic. — In reference to this matter, particulai's of which

have already appeared in our columns, the following are creditors : —

Mont*fiore ±'100 Cable Accessories Co £!■>

Walker. J. F 108 Crvpto Electrical Co. .. 4fi

Bait. Iiisu. A- Htlbhv Cables. Ltd. 139 Canning, W., 4 Co. 74

Walker, J. F 1011 Finnis, Dowuev, Linnell and

Walker. .J. F 11-5 • Chessher -W

Esse.\ Telep-apli ( o 30 Braulik, G •• 20

Walker. .J. F loO Baker, J., i Sons 10

Sun Electrical Co 16 Brit. Isu. and Helsbv Cables .. 22!)

Sun Electrical C.>. , , 10 Brook, E '. ..■ 34

Brown Bros 31 Can, J. W.. i Co 20

Walker, J. F. . . 100 Callender's Cable and Cou. Co. 311

Dickson 212 Seteon Engineering Co 25

Carr, .1. AW 16 Sun Electrical Co 36

JIacnab, J 2.51 Smith, H., & Co 24

Walker. .J F 100 Vacuum Oil Co 22

Macnab, J 200 Walters 4 John . . . . 26

Walker, J. F. . . 100 Robertson's Motors, I,td. .so

Walker. J. F IW Hall & Pickles HI

Walker, J. F. .. 1-20 Willis, X.W. 63

Temple Press 03 General Rates .30

Metro. Mfg. and Ens- <- •>. . - 1" Willesden U.D.C. - 10

Mathews, F. C, * Co. . IKl .\thol Garage, Ltd. -32

Mathews Bros. 21 Brach, W. J .i3

Moss i Gamble Bros 1!) Hart, F G .. 25

North British Rubber Co. .. 2-2 Jee. F. J .. 1,775

Smith, W 29 London United Tramways .. 750

Tyler Industries (Parent Co. .. Stti Nicholas, E. .J ' .. 290

Farmer ,.t Co. . . .36 Pearson, G. W '201

Haywood, W. G., i Co 25 Richard's Anti-Rust, Ltd. . . '20

Norway. — As a braiu'li of their business, the Aktie
Selskab-Elektrisk Industri have decided to set up a factory for the
manufacture of conduits and fittings on the English system. The
machinery ha-s been ordered, and it is expected that the factory
will be working in three months. The output capacity is 6 tons of
pij>e and fittings per day. which is expected to satisfy the whole
retjuiiements of the country.

Sweden. — Mr. Carl Rossander, the chairniaii of the

Swedish Elektricitets-Voerksforening. has advised the municipal
members of his Union not to place their orders for electric cable
and other accessories either in Great Britain or in Germany. He is
obviously an advocate of absolute neutrality. The United States
will, consequently, secure these orders.

Belgium. — H.M. Consul-General at Rottei'dam reports

that an agent at Bergen-op-Zoom. who formerly represented in
Belgium and elsewhere a German electrical firm, desires to secure
the representation in Belgium after the war of United Kingdom
manufacturers of electrical material. — Board of Trade 'Jimrnul.

Book Notices. — ^Ve note with interest in our esteenifd

contemptirary La Lumi'rre Eledririiie. that from January 1st that
journal will combine with La Revue Elect rique. and the two will
appear in future as the Rerne Genernle de V Electricite. The new
weekly review will be the official organ of the Union des S.vndicats
de lElectricite. and will be published at 12. Place de Laborde.
Paris (8e"). the subscription price being 40 fr. a year in France and
oil fr. abroad.

The fourth number of the Journal of the British Science
Guild has now appeared. The Journal contains the recommend-
ations of the Guild -n-ith regard to the establishment of a Xational
Statutory Board of Science and Industry, a Report on the Reforms
necessary in Xational Education, a Memorandum on the Encourage-
ment of Teaching and Research in Science in British Universities.
iV:c. Copies may be obtained from the Secretary. British Science
Guild, 199. Piccadilly. W. Price 6d. each.

Hon- to Aroid Ac-cident.i is the title of a handy pocket brochui'e
issued by the British Dominions General Insurance Co.. Ltd., of
Royal Exchange Avenue. London. E.G.. with the sub-title.
" Instructions to Motor Drivers in Scotland " ; it contains an
excellent detailed set of instructions based upon official regula-
tions and Acts, law cases. A:c., which appear to cover all imaginable
contingencies, and are so clearly worded, together with reasons
why they are necessary, that they should prove invaluable to all
owners of cars, drivers of motor-'buses. and others responsible for
the control of mechanically-propelled vehicles on public roads, and
should afford effective aid in the development of the" Safety-first "
cainpaign which has been inaugurated. A copy of the pamphlet
is issued to the driver of every motor in Scotland that is insured
with the company, and any interested reader can obtain one by
applying to the author (their Edinburgh manager). Mr. W. T. W.
WeU's. 23. Danube Street Edinburgh.

" Piuceediiiijs of the American Institute of Electrical Engineers.'
Vol. XXXV. No. 12. December. 1916. Xew York : The Insti-
tute. Price SI.

" Memoirs of the College of Engineering. Kyoto Imperial Uni-
versity." Vol. I., Xos. 0 and 7. Kyoto : The University.

New Aluminium Works in Bavaria. — It is reported

that negotiations have been concluded which aim at the establish-
ment in Bavaria of a large aluminium works, with the co-opera-
tion of the firm of Giulini. of Ludwigshaven. The undertaking
which will bear the title of the Bavarian Aluminium Works Co..
is to produce one-third of the total German consumption, and is to
utilise the water powers of the Inn. where plant of .55.000 h.p.
will be installed. The expenditure is estimated at £1.500.000, and
the work of erection and equipment will occupy two years.

Machinery Users' Association (Inc.). — This Association

held its annual meeting on Tuesday at the .Windsor Hotel. West-
minster. Sir Algernon Firth presiding. ^ -^ - V

Britisli Industries Fair, 1917.— Application forms for

space at next year's Fair are being issued by the Board of Trade.
The event will be held from February 2iith to March 9th. and as
increased space is necessary, it will take place partly at the Victoria
and Albert Museum, as last year, and partly in the Imperial Insti-
tute Biulding. The Fair wiU be confined to the same trades as last
year. The Glasgow Municipality is. with the support of the Board
of Trade, organising a Fair in Glasgow for the same time, but a
few trades not covered in London will be included there.

Calendars. — From the Srx Electrical Co.. Ltp.. of

1 1-**- 1 21 1. Charing Cross Road. W.C. we have received one of their desk
calendars for 1917. Under the difficult conditions now prm-ailing.
the numljer available is limited, but applications on trade letter
paper from those in the trade, who are not on the company's mailing
list, will be attended to as far as possible. Sets of 1917 refill slips
have been issued for the use of those already having the Sun ba.sc.

The British Thomson-Hoiston Co.. Ltd.. of Rugby, has
prepared its customary large wall calendar, showing three months
on each page, the current month always appearing in larger form
than the preceding and following ones. Each sheet carries a view
of the works at Rugby and a half-tone illustration of some of the
company's plant.

Roller Bearings. — Messrs. Broom & Wade. Ltd., have
received a contract for 350 Hyatt flexible roller bearings for line
shafting, for installation in the new works in course of erection for
the Daimler Co.

Catalogues and Lists. — The British Thomson-

HojL'STOX Co.. Ltd., 77. Upper Thames Street. London. E.G. —
Quotation Xo. 53.210 tabulates and prices a great variety of wiring
accessories, the prices for small and large lots being shown.
Electrical contractors and others who are on the firm's mailing list
will receive these quotations showing the prices ruling at the time
of receipt. Other readers can have copies on application.

Steeling Telephone and Electric Co.. Ltd., 210-212.
Tottenham Court Road. London. W.C. — Publication Xo. 252
(16 pages) contains full descriptions, with illustrations, of the
Sterling shaft signalling systems, with visual indicators, the
apparatus being designed to comply with the new Home Office
regulations in respect to electric signalling e<:iuipment in collieries.

Trade with Russia.— The paiier bv Mr. W. H. Beable

on " Russian Trade Opportunities and ilethods." recently read
before the Sales JIanagers' Association, together with the discus-
sion thereon, is reprinted in pamphlet form (3d.), and copies can be
obtained from the secretary. Mr. S. F. Talbot. 60. Wilson Street.
Finsbury Square. E.C. The paper was fully abstracted in our issues
of Xovember 2-lth aud Decemljer 1st.

Dissolutions and Liquidations.— Electro-Flex Steel

Co.. Ltd. — Creditors must send particulars of their debts. &c.. to
Mr. B. a. Fitzgerald. 82. Collingwood Buildings, Xewcastle-on-
Tyne. the liquidator, by January 31st.

W. W. Oldham it Co.. electrical engineers. 7, Market Street,
Hyde. — Jlessrs. W. W. Oldham and T. Bennison have dissolved
partnership. 3Ir. Oldham will attend to debts and continue the
business on his own accoimt at the same address. Mr. T. Bennison
•ivill carry on business in his own name.

Bankruptcy Proceedings.— J- R. Whitehoise, managing
director of an electrical company. Golder's Green. — Application for
debtor's discharge is to be heard at Barnet on January 23rd.

Trade Announcements. — The sole address of the

Phonopoke CoxsTRixTiox Co., Ltd.. is now Phonopore Works,
Southall, Middlesex. Concentration of the war-depleted staff at
the factory will facilitate ojierations.

The firms of Ratclikf it Co.. of Marble Arch aud Xorth Audley
Street, and Ridoct & Co.. 121. Regent Street, are amalgamating as
Ridout .*c Ratcliff. Ltd.. and will carry on business as electrical
engineers at 42, Upper Baker Street, for the duration of the war.
The firm will remove to larger premises in the West End on the
conclusion of peace.

Owing to the present difficulty in obtaining supplies, it has been
mutually agreed upon by the Waxdswokth. Electric.vl Makc-
FACTCRisr, Co.. Ltd.. Birmingham, and Mr. T. A. XrxwicK. of 4.
Carr Street. Blackfriars, Manchester, to dissolve the agreement
existing between them. This agreement will expire on 3 Istinst.. after
which date Mr. Xunwick will cease to represent them as their
agent in Lancashire and Yorkshire.

LIGHTING AND POWER NOTES.

Arklow (Co. Wicklow). — The Town Commissioners are

making an electric lighting installation on the northern quays ;
a petition has been extensively signed to extend the lighting to the
southern quays. This, if undertaken, will involve the laying of a
cable to bring the current across an arm of the bay.

"Ashton-under-Lyne. — Price Ixcrease. — The Corpora-
tion has given notice that after the current quarter the charges for
electricity for lighting purposes will \k increased by Id. per unit
over the pre-war rates.

6S4

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW. [Vol. 70. Xo. 2,03-1, December 22, lOlfi.

Birmingham. — Plant Extessiox. — The EleiLiic f'lipply
Committee has now inBtalled a further ii,O00-KW, turbine set, and it
is hope<l that the full requirements of ordinary consumers and the
tmmwnrs will in future be met.

Bognor.— The U.D.C. has decided to send to the B. of T.

a protest ajrainst the decision of the Gas and Electricity Co. to
maike a minimum charjre to all consumers of l.'ls. 4d. per quarter,
on the ground that it is a direct incentive to eitravajrance to
chart'e for current whether used or not.

Bray (Co. Wicklow). — The L.G.B. audittn- has reported
that there are considerable arrears in the Urban Council's elec-
tricity department, and he urgres that more stringency should be
observed.

Continental. — Fraxck. — It is reported that the closing

of the shops in Paris at il p.m. has not made ."> per cent, difference
in the con.sumption of electricity. .Vl ready several Paris companies
have warneii their consumers that henceforth the consumption of
electricity and jjas must be reduced by dti per cent. The increased
demands of the factories for electricity tor power will render
necessary strong- measures if these are to be satisfied.

The Minister of the Interior recently announced that the
restriction of public liprhtin? had resulted in a saving in coal of
44 per cent. ; as he regarded this as insufficient, a decree has been
issued imposing on all municipalities a two-thirds reduction in
public lighting as compared with the normal in the winter of
11113-14.

Norway. — The Kamnes District CouncU has decided to expend
2tlO.00n kroner on the establishment of an electric power station.
The Fredrikshald Town Council has decided to develop its recently-
acquired waterfall near Brekke and Krappeto : !i.300 H.p. is to be
generate! at the turbine shaft. The total estimated cost of the
undertaking, including the construction of a canal, is 2,174,000
kroner.

Croydon.— Prick Revisiox. — TheT.C. has adopted recom-
mendations of the Electricity Committee to the effect that all con-
sumers of current for power, whether using a time switch or not,
taking less than 2.4oo units a year, be charged for the first 600 units
consumed each calendar year at 2id. a unit, and all excess units at the
rate of Id. a unit, and that all time switches be removed where the
consumption of at least 2.400 units during the year is not guaran-
teed by the consumer. In this way (the Committee explained) a
hirge number of lime switches wUl be rendered available to meet
the re<iuirements of large consumers for some time to come, and
the work of the department lessened.

Dorking.— Pii ICE Ixckease. — The U.D.C. has received

ail application from Messrs. Edmundson's Electricity Corporation.
Ltd.. asking for the Council's sanction to a continuation of the
111 jier cent, increase in the rates for electricity for the six months
ending June 30th, 1917, and also that for such period a further
increase of 10 per cent, should be allowed. The Finance Com-
mittee recommended a further increase in the rates of 5 per cent.,
making in all 1.1 per cent. Mr. Moore asked if the increa.se would
apply to power users, as they already paid a 20 per cent, increase.
Eventually the Committee's resolution, with the addition of the
words. " for lighting only," was agreed to.

Dublin. — Mr. Andrew ,J. Sargent, in a letter on the Gas
Co.s action in raising the hiring charge of gas stoves, suggests that
the company is influenced by the fact that the Corporation cannot
at present obtain cable for the supply of would-be users of elec-
tricity. In several instances gas stove users have decided to
substitute electric stoves and heaters.

Edinburgh. — The Corporation has been notified that the
Ministry of Munitions is unable to grant permission to proceed
with the electricity extension scheme at Portobello, or to alter the
existing tramways system. — Daily Express.

Featherstone.— P'ROv. Order. — The U.D.C. has con-
sented to a prov. order being granted by the B. of T. to the
Electrical Distribution of Yorkshire. Ltd., for the stipplv of elec-
tricity, kc.

Fort William.— PfBLic Lightixg.— -The Fort William

E.L. Co.. not being prepared to agree to the Councils suggestion
that a rebate of 20 per cent, instead of 10 per cent, should be
allowed on the account for pttblic lighting under restricted con-
ditions, the Council has agreed to the comp.^ny's terms.

Glasgow. — The police stationed at two of the busiest
crossings in the central parts of the city are being provided, as an
experiment, with helmets to which are attached small electric
lamps, energised by a battery carried in the pocket. The lamp
shows the constable's position, and indicates to which of the lines
ol traffic the crossing is clear.

Grimsby.— The Electricity Committee has decided not
to recomraend the Council to insure against loss of revenue from
the Corporation electricity undertaking arising from possible
damage by military operations.

Haslingden.— The tnter-supply of electricity between
Accrington.- Haslingden and Rawtenstall has been inau<'urated
Originally the Accrmgton undertaking supplied Haslingden, but
owmg to shortage of plant, the arrangement has now been
extettded so that Rawtenstall can assist in meeting the demands of
Uasungden.

Hebburn-on-Tyne. — Street Lighting. — The U.D.C.
has decided to discontinue the lighting of the street lamps until
further notice.

Heywood. — Wak Boxes. — A war bonus of 2s. per week

has been granted to the stokers, drivers, and motor and meter
insjiectors in the employ of the Corporation electricity department.

Huddersfield. — Price Increase. — Owing to the increas-
ing cost of coal, the Electricity Committee has increased the price
of electricity by another 12i per cent, on the pre-war rate, the
increase to come into operation on and as from date which the
meters were last read for the current quarter expiring at the
year end.

Kilmarnock. — Proposed Extensions. — The Corpora-
tion electrical engineer repoi-ted that Sir .Alex. Kennedy had pro-
posed installing a further 3.000-KW. turbo-alternator, but he (Mr.
Bexon) advised that a ,5,000-KW. machine be installed, so as to give
a reasonable margin to spare. Mr. Bexon also points out that
there is insufficient boiler capacity to deal with the load, and
recommends that two or three Lancashire boilers be disposed of
and that one Babcock & Wilcox boiler of 2.5,0(10 to 30,000 lb,
capacity be procured. It has been decided to confer with Sir
Alex. Kennedy on the subject.

Liverpool. — The Mersey Docks and Harbour Board lias

acquired tiO,000 sq. yards of land adjacent to the wool warehouses
abutting on Love Lane. It is suggested that electrical works in
connection with the docks may possibly be constructed thereon.

London. — Islixgtox. — The Lighting Committer has
reported that the public street lighting was unsatisfactory, due to
the difficulty of screening the powerful arc lamps. Experiments
■were made in the early part of this year with a view to substi-
tuting high-power incandescent lamps in certain thoroughfares.
The Committee regrets that it will not be practicable to convert
the greater number of the arc lamps in tlie borough, but
steps have already been taken to ascertain whether it would
be possible to use coloured glass shields in conjunction with the
existing globes.

The Electric Lighting Committee has recommended a further
increase of 10 per cent, in the charges for electricity, making a
total increase of 25 per cent, on pre-war charges.

FuLHAM. — The Finance Committee of the L.C.C. has recom-
mended the Council to sanction the borrowing of £11,000 by the
Fulham B.C. for the extension of the boiler plant.

Poplar. — Electrolytic Disinfectant. — The Health Com-
mittee of the B.C. reports having considered the position of the
electrolytic disinfectant undertaking. It appears that 51.120
gallons of the disinfecting fluid were distributed during the period
from January 1st to November 30th, lOKi. Payment was received
in respect of 1,019 gallons supplied to local firms at 8d, per gallon
and 868 gallons supplied to the works department at Id. per gallon.
The Committee does not consider it desirable to interfere with the
free use of the disinfectant by residents, and at the Council Schools
and military guard-rooms, but is of opinion the supplies to the
Poplar Guardians, the baths, the libraries, and the works depart-
ment should be charged at the rate of 8d: per gallon, in order that
the cost may be debited to the appropriate account, and the dis-
infectant account credited accordingly. For the quarter ended
September 30th. the units sold by the electricity undertaking
have increased, as compared wdth the corresponding period last
year, by 170,000, and the net income by i: 2.946. The working
expenses, however, show an increase of £3,442, owing largely
to the higher price of coal. The net surplus of income over
expenditure for the quarter is £1,579. which the Electricity
Committee considers, in view of present circumstances, to be
highly satisfactory.

Loughborough. — Price Revision. ^ The Electricity
Committee recommends that, as from December 31st, a further
increase of 12J per cent, be made to all consumers' accounts,
including consumers under special contracts : the question of
making a special charge to small consumers has been deferred till
the end of the financial year.

Lowestoft.'— The Electric Light Committee recommends
that th« Tramways and Electric Lighting Committee be amalga-
mated, and to include the whole of the. members of both Com-
mittees, under the title of the Electric Works Committee. The
Council adopted the recommendation. ..

Nottingham.— According to the Nottingham Guardian,
the city electricity undertaking was severely criticised recently at
the University College. The Gunrdwn says that the plant is out
of date, and ought to Ije scrapped, but that the Committee is
limited financially owing to having surrendered much of its profit
each year, instead of building up a larger reserve. The cost of
electricity at the present time is said to be a hindrance to the
prosperity of the city, against which the rate relief obtained from
profit has to be considered.

Otley. — E.L. Proposal?. — The U.D.C. has decided to
support the application of the Electrical Distribution of Yorkshire,
Ltd., for a provisional order to supply Otley and district with
electricity, and has instructed its representatives accordingly. One
reason for the sudden revei-sal of the policy .adopted in the past is
said to the poor quality of the gas riciw -BBpiSHed in' the toWrr.

Vol. 79. Xo. 2,039, December 22. 19U;.] THE ELECTRICAL EEVIEW.

685

Paisley. — Year's WoRKixG.>^The accounts of the
Corporation electricity uudertakiner for the year to May 25th last
show that 4.504,593 units were sold, 1.793,000 being supplied to
the tramway company and nearly as much for power and heatinfr.
The maximum observed load was 2.302 KW. The gross revenue
amounted to £31,349. and the gross profit to .£12.223 ; and after
meeting financial charges, there was a siu-plus on the .vear's work-
ing of £337.

PiucE Increase. — The T.C. has decided to increase the charge
for electricity for lighting by Jd. per unit ; a new scale of charges
for power supply has also been approved.

South Africa.— According to the annual report of the

(Government Mining Engineer, the total value of new machinery
and plant introduced during l915 amounted to £606,682. Included
in the chief items are boiler plant, other than that of locomotives,
traction engines, or steam wagons, £7,348 ; electric generators and
engines, hoists, locomotives, and motors. £90,143 ; power lines,
transformers, bells, telephones. cScc. ,£79.180. The most important
items comprise stamp mills and tube mills for the new mines on
the Eastern Rand, winding plants for these mines, electric winders
for other mines, and increases in the electrical plant at central
power stations.

The following table shows the total units disposed of during the
year by the power stations of Corporations and Municipalities, and
by public supply companies in the S.A. Union. The units used for
mining purposes, out of the total shown in the table, amount to
533,546,468 electrical and 147.928.535 compressed air units. The
outputs of the power plants on the mines are not included in the
table : -

Direct. Alternating.

Transvaal 22.820.266 707.212.164t

Cape ... 17.356.043 22.426.823

Orange Free State ... 599jl86 1.834,063

Natal 8.086,758 12.047.005

Total f(jr 191.-.

Total for 1914

48,863,153

46.168,511

743,520,055
603,286,§8ot

Total for 1913 ... 42,490,911 555,181.027"

t Includes 147,928,535 units of compressed air.
t Includes 121.014.096 units of compressed air.
* Tnrludes 123,081,136 units of compressed air.

— South African Mining Jo'irnul .

Sunderland. — Plant Extension. — At a meeting of the
T.C, it was reported that the Electricity Committee had accepted
tenders for the ensuing year for the supply of coal of a much
better quality than they had been using lately, and he believed
that the improvement in quality of fuel would prove a remedy to
the nuisance caused by the emission of smoke. The Treasiu'y had
agreed to the Corporation undertaking an extension of the Hylton
Road works at a cost (estimated) of £45.000, and the Committee
had accepted a tender for the supply of a new turbine set, which
formed part of the scheme. The cost, however, would be sub-
stantially higher than pre-war prices. The report was adopted.
It was also decided to extend the E.H.T. maiHS.

The Electricity Committee has recommended that the T.C. con-
tribute £50 towards the cost of fhe action brought against the
Hackney B.C. by the Gas, Light, and Coke Co. in connection with
the charges for the supply of electricity.

Swansea. — The borough treasurer and the borouglt elec-
trical engineer have been considering the best means of encouraging
the supply of electricity to houses and premises where the occupiers
are unable or unwilling to bear the initial cost of installation, and
have now decided ujion a scheme. It has been resolved that a fee
of 5s. be charged iu the following cases : — (1) Coimecting up a
supply after the same has been disconnected through non-payment
of account ; (2) for testing meters if, when such test is made, it is
found that the meter is coi'rect. The Public Health Committee is
to install at the hospital electrical apparatus for cooking and heat-
ing, at an estimated cost of £20. The installation is expected to
be of great assistance in times of stress and shortage of labour.

Thirsk. — Street Lighting. — The Northern Counties
Electric Lighting Co., in view of the Council's notification that
there would be no public fighting required for the 1916-17 season.
has asked the Council to make an allowance on the basis of a one
year's contract. The Council has pointed out that the three years'
contract was subject to the necessary money being voted by the
parish meeting, which had decided against it.

U.S.A. — The Niagara Power Situation. — With

further reference to this question, which was discussed in our issue
of September 1st last, it is evident from a i-ecent Electrical World
article, that the threatened diversion of Canadian Niagara exported
power from American to Canadian use is coming to pass. The
journal states that about thi-ee months ago the Ontario Govern-
ment was asked for atlditional power by several Canadiiui
factories, and a demand was made upon the Canadian Niagara
Power Co. for a larger supply. The company agreed to furnish
50,000 H.P. after a threat had been made to stop all exportation.
The Canadian Niagara Co. is only supplying 35,000 H.P. , and the
Commission has demanded the additional 15,i'00 H.p. at once.
Already an embargo has been placed on more than 18,000 H.p.
formerly sent to Buffalo and other western New York cities, with
the result that American generating companies have been unable
to fill the iucr'eas'ed demands made upon them. The maximum

supply received in Buffalo is 78.500 h.p., but it was estimated that
some 90,000 H.P. would be demanded this month, and it is expected
that the first unit of the Buffalo General Electric Co.'s steam plant,
of approximately' 25,00fi H.r.. will be operating this month. In
order to meet the immediate demands, the Secretary of the U.S.A.
War Department has authorised the Niagara Falls (N.Y.) Power Co.
to divert an additional 1.400 cb. ft. of water per second from the
river during the peak load hours in the morning and afternoon :
this permission expires on January 1st next. It is stated that
many Buffalo industries have had to close down, and that both
public and private lighting has been restricted.

According to the Central Station, the number of ranges on the
Boston Edison lines is Hearing the l.OOO mark, and the company's
cooking load is approximately 5,000 KW. Many of the finest apart-
ments are being electrically equipped throughout.

Worcester. — The Town Council has decided that.

in order to furnish a local firm with a three-phase supply up
to 250 H.p,. additional mains be laid at a cost of £270. in addition
to the pui'chase of the lOO-KW. transformer at £180. An increase
in revenue of £160 to £200 per annum is expected, and if the
scheme which it was understood was under consideration for
largely increasing the electrification of the works was proceeded
with, the revenue would be increased by £500 per annum. An
application was received from another finn for a considerably
increased supply of electricity, and they have been informed that
the Committee could not spend £2.500 for temporary work, but
owing to the increased demand in other directions, if the firm will
undertake to contribute tl.SoO towards the necessary expenditure,
the Committee would be prepared to recommend the Council to
undertake the work. The proposal was to be brought before the
Council at the next meeting.

TRAMWAY and RAILWAY NOTES.

Australia. — The official opening of the Melbourne,
Brunswick and Coburg electric tramway took pla'ce recently. A
poilion of the system has been in operation for some time, but the
official opening had been deferred until the completion of the
whole scheme. The cost of the undertaking is approximately
£150.00(1, borrowed from the Commonwealth Bank at 4* pel' cent.
The journey from terminus to terminus takes 28 minutes, and a
six-minutes' service will be maintained during the busy portions of
the day.

Birmingham. — It has been decided to give a curtailed
tramway service on Christmas and Boxing Days.

Continental. — Germany. — According to a London daiiv.

all the German tramway lines are to be placed at the disposal of
the War Department for the transport of goods needed by that
department. Hitherto the tramways in practically all the German
cities have stopped running for public use at 10.30 p.m.. and have
been used from 11 o'clock p.m. till 5 a.m. by the War Department.
It is probable that in some of the large cities like Berlin the time
limit will be made earlier.

Norway. — The Committee of Stavanger has issued an instruc-
tion for the laying of a coast railway to start from Hinna and end
with a junction with the Jaider line at Naebo. The line is to be
built for electric driving, and will be undertaken as soon as
possible.

Darlington. — HALFPjiNNY Fares. — Halfpenny fares on
all routes :tre to be susiJended after I p.m. on Saturdays.

Doncaster. — AVages. — The Coi-poration tramway oii-
ployes (members of the Tramways and Vehicle Workers' Associa-
tion) have applied for an advance of Id. per hour ; the offer made
by the Corporation of a slight increase on the minimum rate has
been rejected.

Edinburgh.— According to the GJasf/oir Herahl, the T.C.

has resinned its negotiations for the purchase of the Edinbui'gh and
District Tramway Co.'s rolling stock at the termination of the lease.
The company has now offered to sell its 250 cars tor £50,000, and
to be responsible for the upkeep of the tramway for six months
after the termination of the lease.

Hull. — Halfpenny Fares. — The Tramways Committee
on Wednesday last decided to discontinue halfpenny stages as a
war time economy. The working expenses since the commence-
ment of the war have gone up £20,000 and the bonuses amount to
£ 10.000.

Preston. — Collision. — As a result of a collision between

two cars, through one jumping the rails on Saturday, 10 persons
were injured and required treatment at the local infirmary,

Rochdale. — The tramway workers have been agitating
for a substantial increase of wages for all grades, and notices were
tendered to expire on December 16th. but the men have since
agreed to submit the matter to arbitration by Sir Geo. Askwith.
Similar applications have been made to various tramway autho-
rities in Lancashire and Cheshire, and Rochdale has joined a con-
ference of these in asking the Committee on Production to arbitrate
on the deman'ds.

(>^ti

THE ELECTKICAL REVIEW.

Dkckmhek '.'■.', I'.Ml

Salford.— f^TRiKK.— The apiwintment of wour'H in-

i^oiors oil thf (.'oriMiration tramways has led to a strike nf tirivei-s

■iri inaU- lominitors. wlio tlwideJ to cease work at mi.lniplit on

-itiirvliiv. On Mondav night, after negotiations which lastetl all

ly the men accepted" the Tramway Committee's suppestion that

I., inatter in dispnte should l>e refcrre.1 to arbitration by the

' i.iiiniitt»H^ on Production, and that pending' the deci-sion of tin-

lubitrators the women inspectors shonld he withdrawn from the

cars. The men a?rwd to n'jwrt for service on Tuesday niornnii.'.

and the car service, it was officially announcetl. would be llicii

resnnied.

Sheffield. — Ki-kithu- Vehicle Economy. — Councillni'
i;..>«<rt«. in movinsr the minutes of the Health Committee, stateil
hat the cost iier ton of collecting i-efuse by electric vehicles was
■ - Id., as compared with :<s. M. by horse lalx)ur. FMoctric vehicles
■• .re a preat economy at the present time, especially as the cost
.1 horse-feed had risen consiiierably in price.

Southport. — Wa<;es. — Tlie tnunwity wa-ros (|Ut'.siiiiii liiis

1 ,1 .■.ettled ; the T.C. has agreed to an all-round advance to Inith

iii"tormen niid i*. inductors.

South Lancashire.— The tramway serviceiv in Maiulie!<tiT

.lid surronndinjr districts were greatly disorganised on Triday and
-iturdav. owing to the dense fog which prevailed.

TELEGRAPH and TELEPHONE NOTES.

Johannesburg. — laimarv ;lnl. ('..ipciMtiim. In.n axl.s

and bushes.'

Liverpool. — l>ei"*-'nilH'r :.'Htli. Electrical sni.iilirs fnr
three months, for the Toxteth Park B. of 0. Mf. H. .\..Ian\i.~.
gerk. I.-.. nii:h Park Street.

Manchester. — IV'ccihIht I'sth. Cov|i(iraiiiiii Hlcrtriciiy

Committee. Water-tube boilers and induced-draught plants lor
Stuart Street station. Specifications. iVc, one guinea (returnable I,
from Ml-. F. E. Hughes, Secretary. Electricity Department. Town
Hall.

New Zealand. — Du.nkdin. January 2-ltli. Motor-
generator, ai-cessories and spares. City Electrical Engineer, Market
Street. Dunediu.*

Taihanoa. February ll'tli. Horough ('oiou-il. Supply of six
three-phaio transformers. ll.OOO-lOii volts. Jlossrs. H. \V. Clime
and Son5. Consulting Engineers, Raetihi. .\./. Sliiji/nii;/ mid
Com merer.

Spain. — Tenders have lately been in\ited i)y the nmni-
.scijial authorities o£ Moutejo (Province of Badajo-i") for the conces-
sion for the- t-lec^tric lighting of the town during a fieriod of eight
years.

Wigan. — lannary Mtli. Tramways Connniltee. ;io-n.c.
motor tower-wagon. Jlr. Frank Buckley, General Manager, Market
Place.

Siiecifications for the items marked * can be seen at the Board
of Trade Commercial Intelligence Department in Tiondon.

Glasgow. — At a nieetini: of all >rraiies of postal, tele.ui'apli.
;>nd telephone supervising officers, it wa^ unanimously agreed to
|.i-r-s for a substantial all-round increase of salaries.

Newcastle. — Local shi|X)wners have offered to suijscribe
1. J.I II II I towards the establishment of a school of wireless telegraphy.

Wireless Patents in the U.S.A.— Accord ing to the

i:,i-trie,il Rrriew iiiid \Vr.<tcrii h'lrrtrirln H. on October 12th a per-
I'-tnal injunction was issued against the Marconi Wireless Tele-
_ --aph Co. of America, prohibiting it from infringing the patents
-nned by the De Forest Radio Telephone and Telegraph Co..
L-.ivering the De Forest Audion detector or amplifier. The litigation
involved jiarticularly Claims t and 6 of Patent Xo. 8il,387 for

■ Improvements in devices for amplifying feeble electrical currents." ,
issued .Tanuary l.ith. 1907 : also Claims 2, 3. 0. 14, 18. and 21 of
Patent No. H7H..582. entitled "Improvements in space telegraphy."
and issued on Febniary 18th, i;i08. Both these iiatentswere found
valid and sustained.

Wireless for U.S. Transmission System. — The Soitthern

Metr.'i-i Power Co.. operating in Southern California, has adopted
■vu-cless service between its different generating plants and sub-

■ •. .itions. The company's system extends from Bishop to Calexioo,
H total distance approximating tOO miles ; five hydro-electric power
plants are located in the vicinity of Bishop, with a steam turbo-
generating station of U.OOO-H.P. capacity at San Bernardino. The
northern plants are located in rugged country, subject to severe
« eather condition.s. and causing considerable difficulty from time
U) time in maintaining communication over metallic circuits. Two
-►•ts of radio equipment have been installed in important stations
on the main transmission system with highly satisfactory results,
and it is planned to provide all the other stations -with similar
apparatus, in order that radio communication may te effected
with every necessarv point throughout the system. — Elretrie:il
Wnrlll.

CONTRACTS OPEN and CLOSED.

OPEN.

Aldershot. — .Januaty 2nd. Kmall pea or bean coal ( l.fMio

ton- 1, for the U.D.C. Electricity Department. Mr. F. Garside.
KKc-trical Kngineer, Laburnam Road.

Australia. — Sydney — January i.'nd. Electrical plant

Icrinverter. battery, booster, and switchboards) tor the Castlereagh
Street sub-station, for the Municipal CouucU. Specification from
E.L. Department, To-n-n Hall.*

February 19th. Municipal Council Meters, maximum demand
indicators, feeder regulators. Si>ecification from E.L. Department.
To«-n Hall.

•Tanuary let. P.M.G. s Department. Cords, switchboard parts
and accessories, measuring instruments and telegraph instruments.
See 'Official Notices ' December 1st.

Perth. — January 10th. P.M.G.'s Department. Telephone
mstmmeHts and parts. See '• Official Notices " December 1.5th.

Cape Town. — .January 5th. Electric motors and starting
panels, for the Corporation Electricity Department. Dock Read,
Cape Town.*

Durban. — January 3rd. Cor])oration. One 3,000-K\v.

steam turbine, alternator, and condensing plant. Specification
No. S 2S8 and drawing No. P .i!l7. both at the office of the Borough
Electrical Engineer. Municipal Buildings. Deposit £2 2s.

CLOSED.
Government Contracts.— List of new i-nnirads phd-.-d

during November. I'.llti : —

■ Wah Omct'.
Motor-alternator.— Phcenix Dynamo Mfg. Co., Ltd.
Electric light fuse bases and carriers.— Dorraan & Smith, Ijtil. ; \V. \\ hitc

■ and Co.
Bridge meggers. — Evershed & Vigno>e6, Ltd.
Electric cables,— General Electric Co,, Ltd,; \V. T. Hcnlcv-s Tele^rapli

Works XJo., Ltd. ; Hooper's Telegraph & India-Rubbev Works, Ltd.
Electric cells.— J. C. Fuller & Son, Ltd. ; Siemens Bros. & Co., Ltd.
Motor-convei-ters. — Bruce Peebles & Co., Ltd.
Ebonite rgd and sheet.— Bristol Ebonite Co., Ltd. : I.R., O.P. & Telegraph

Works Co., Ltd. ; Siemens Bros. & Co., Ltd.
Fans (extracting).— Sturtevant Engineering Co., Ltd.
Electric light fittings.— General Electric Co., Ltd. ; 8. Heath & Sons, Ltd.;

C. H. Parsons, Ltd. ; G. Roe & Sons, Ltd. ; Sun Electrical Co., titd. -,

\eritys, Ltd.
Generating sets. -Austin Motor Co. (19141, Ltd. ; Coventry Engineering Co.,

tjtd. : Keighley Gas A- Oil Engine Co., Ltd.
Electric lamps.- British Thomson-Houston Co., Ltd. : Cryselco, Ltil. ;

Dick, Kerr & Co., Ltd. ; Edison Swan Electric Co,, Ltd, ; General

Electric Co., Ltd. ; Imperial United Lamp Co., Ltd.
Telegraph poles.— Cook, White & Co.
Switches. — Berry & Hayward, Ltd, : Park Royal Engineering Works, Ltd. ;

Sperryn & Co., Ltd. ; W. White & Co., Ltd.
Electrical instruments, terminals. — Automatic Standard Screw Co., Ltd. :

Davis & Timmins, Ltd. : D. Gilsou & Co., Ltd. ; Ingram & Kemp, LtJ. :

W. McGeoch & Co., Ltd. ; SperiTn i Co., Ltd.
Electric torches and parts.— British Ever-Ready Co., Ltd. ; Edison Swau

Electric Co., Ltd. ; Efandem & Co.. Ltd. ; Siemens Bros. Dynamo

Works, Ltd. ; C. Twieg dt Co. ; Vulco Battery Co. ; West-nood Electrical

Co., Ltd.
Works services.— Electric light installation at Bramham Moor : O. E. Carr.

Electric light installation at Narborough : Ellis & Ward, Ltd. Electric

lights, i-c, at Turnhouse : A. Arther & Ure.

Indi.\ Office Store DEPARLWENr.
Pots. — General Electric Co.
Superheater parts. — Superheater Corporation.

H.M. Office of Works,
pjngineeriug works, — Supply of engineering labour

period of one year from January 1st, 19t7, in

Electrical Co.
Electric wiring.— P'oote & Milne, Ltd.

- Post Office.
Protective apparatus. — Phceuix Telephone & Electric Works, Ltd,
Telegraph apparatus.— I.E.. G.P. & Telegraph Works Co., Ltd.
Telephone apparatus. — British L. M. Ericsson Mfg. Co., Ltd. ; Peel-Couner

Telephone Works Co., Ltd. ; Western Electric Co., Ltd.
Tubular telegraph arms. — Siemens Bros. & Co., Ltd.
Submarine cables.— Telegraph Construction & Maintenance Co., Ltd.
Pole brackets.— BuUers, Ltd.
Telegraph cables.— B.I. i Helsbv Cables, Ltd. ; Craigpark Electric Cable

Co., Ltd. ; W. T. Glover & Co., Ltd. ; W. T. Henley's Telegraph Works

Co., Ltd.; I.R., G.P. Jt Telegraph Works Co., Ltd.; .Johnson and

Phillips, Ltd.
Insulators.— New Gutta-Percha Co., Ltd.; Taylor, TuuniclitTo A Co., Ltd.
Solder.— E. .\ustin & Sons.

Insulator spindles.— Bayliss, Jones & Bayliss, Ltd.
Stay swivels.- Bullers, Ijtd.
Bronze wire.— B.I. iS Helsby Cables. Ltd.; F. Smith i Co. lincorpoiatcd

with Loudon Electric Wire Co. & Smiths).
Tinned-copper wire. — B.I. & Helsby Cables, Ltd.
Galvanised-iron wire. — Whitecross Co., Ltd. '
Steel wire.— Whitecross Co., Ltd,

Loudon.—t'AMPERM'KLL. — Tile B.C. has cxteiaieil for one
year, from March Slst next, its contract with the Private Telephone
Co. for the maintenance of private telephones.
. Barxes.— r.D.C. Laving 600 yards of cable : Macintosh Cable
Co.. £289.

New Zealand. — Wellington. — Public Service Stores

Tender Board. Accepted tenders : —

2,000 cords i4.conductori for microtelephones, without switch, f 178 ; 1.000
ditto, with switch, ±'88; 3,000 ditto, with switch, £270.— P. R. Baillie
and Co.
1,500 switchhoard plugs, f 212 ; 2,500 ditto, f 346.— B. L. Doune.
2,000 red and 2,500 white conductor cords. ±'609.— P. R. Baillie & Co.
1,IX)0 extension bells, 1,000 ohms, .£406.— B. L. Doune.

— yrir /CeaUind Shippiiiii and ('umiiifrce.

Vol.70. xo.2.o39,DECEMBER22, 1916.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEWo

687

NOTES.

Christmas, 1916. — We have received a specimen of the
prreeting's card which is being sent to all members of the I.E.E.
who are on active service. It leads as follows : —

" The President and Coimcil and the Members of the Institution
of Electrical Eupineers send hearty grreetings to all members of
the Institution on Active Service, and wish them Godspeed and a
Happy Return.

"Christmas, llllti."

The Elkctkical Re\iew also wishes to tender appropriate
pood wishes for Christmas and the New Year to all of its readers
with the Forces on land and sea. far and near, as well as to the
host of munition workers in electrical works who have been
rendering strenuous service to the nation for so lonpr. and have
well eai-ned the few days of rest that the holidays will afford
them.

Visit of Journalists to Liverpool and Manchester. —

The visits of journalists to Leeds and Sheffield which took place in
October, and which were most successful, were supplementeil on
December 1 0th- lUth by visits to Liverpool and Manchester. A recep-
tion of the representatives of the Manchester journalists on the
cvcninir of the luth was followed on Monday, the 11th. by a visit
to the University of Liverpool, where the party were received by
Prof. Herdman (in the absence through illness of Vice-Chancellor
Sir A. Dale), who, in a concise address, enlarged upon the importance
of the work that was being carried on by scientific journalists, and
also stated that the value of research work had been specially
brought to the notice of the Ciovernment, and the latter (repre-
.~ented by Lord Crewe) had expressed great readiness to forward
the views of the deputation. Prof, Herdman laid sjjecial stress
upon the importance of research work with regard to the unfore-
seen results which might accrue from it, the value of which
could not be foretold, but which were Iwund to be important : the
)ielp which scientific journalism could give in the matter was very
considerable. The party were then conducted over the University,
and shown the various technological and other departments ;
that of tropical medicine excited special interest, the bearing which it
liad upon the possibility of carrying out industrial enterprises in
districts, where malaria had hitherto prevented the importation of
labour, being pointed out.

Proceeding to Manchester the same day, the party received repre-
sentatives of the Manchester Press, and next day were received at
tlie University of Manchester by Vice-Chancellor Sir Henry Miers,
and conducted over the buildings, the magnitude and completeness
of which in regard to the scientific subjects dealt with from an
educational point of view were very striking. The party were then
entertained at luncheon by the Lord Mayor, who, in .welcoming
the journalists, stated that the union of scientific journalism with
University technological teaching was to be strongly advocated,
A visit to the Technological School followed. The comprehensive-
ness of the equipment of this .school in reference to the number
of industrial trades dealt with was very noteworthy. The day's
proceedings terminated with a dinner given by the University
authorities.

A marked interest in the proceedings was unmistakably evinced
by the University authorities, and a full recognition of the help
which trade journalism could give to the technological side of the
Universities was shown. Whether the technology teaching is
taken advantage of to the full extent desirable may be questioned,
in view of the fact that the attendance at either Liverpool or
Manchester previous to the war was but little over 1,000,
although the annual fees for a complete course do not exceed .t21.
For the son of a working man, however, this amount may be pro-
hibitive, and at Birmingham something is being done to bridge over
the difficulty. The help which trade journalism may give to the
Universities in enabling increased grants to be obtained from the
(ioverument, so as to enable fees to be reduced, and scholarships
be provided, may be very considerable ;-certainly a good start has
been made.

On Wednesday most interesting visits were paid to the British
Westinghouse Co.'s works, and also to the works of the Ford Motor
Co., the organisation of the latter being especially noteworthy,

A tribute should be paid to the chairman of the party, Mr Leon
Gaster, who is working most energetically for the promotion of
University research and technological work, and who is also
i'uabling technical journalists to know more of each other.

Electrical Music. — The " America's Electrical Week "
Committees included music in the scope of their activities, and
co-operated with manufacturers of electrically-driven musical
instniments in arranging electrical concerts. Mr. E. A, Sperry,
jiresident of the Xew York Electrical Society, estimated that the
connection of the two million pianos in America with the supply
mains would represent a possible demand of some 200,000 H.P,

Industrial Organisation for After the War. — Some

months ago, some 300 firms in the Scottish iron, steel, and allied
industries met in Glasgow, and passed a resolution in favour of
-bringing these industries together in a strong central organisation
to deal with post-war questions " in a comprehensive and Imperial
manner," A Committee was appointed to consider what should be
the nature, scope, and object of the organisation.

This Committee, according to the Timei, has now issued a report.
It points out that increased production will be the greatest factor
in national prosperity after the war, and that it can be attained
only by a more cordial co-operation between employers and work-
-people ; by efficient equipment and organisation on the one hand,
and on the other, by the abolition of all restrictions and practices

limiting output. To secure mutual confidence, some form of
payment by results, with basis rates, will be needed ; and the
workman should have some-security that increased earnings follow-
ing increased production will not be made a ground for rate-
cutting. At the outset, therefore, any organisation of the
industries should be prepared to co-operate with labour. Subject
to these general considerations, continues the Times, the following
are indicated as the objects of any central organisation : —

" To direct the attention of the Government and its Depai't-
iiients, for their information and guidance, to matters requiring
consideration and action in the interests of the industries concerned,
and to initiate and review legislative proposals on commercial,
industrial, and economic matters.

" To deal with questions affecting the labour conditions and
internal organisation and disabilities of the industries concerned,
with a view to securing increased efficiency from an Imperial and
national jwint of view.

"To educate and inform public opinion."

The report sets out many examples of the questions which might
have to be dealt with, among them being the question of means of
giving workpeople a continuing interest in the prosperity of the
industry which employs them, and the question whether some
method of making Associations of employers and employes
responsible for theh- members should be adopted,

The centra! organisation, the Committee suggests, should be a
national advisory Council of Industry, consisting of a body of
elected representatives of employers and a body of elected repre-
sentatives of employes who might meet separately or jointly. The
joint meeting should Ije presided over by a Minister of Industry,

Local Councils, the report states, might be desirable for the large
industrial areas. Finally, the Committee recommends that a further
Committee should be .setup to carry these general principles into
effect, and that it should proceed step by step in consultation and
conjunction with representatives in other districts of the industries
concerned.

Tramway Employes' Wages.— An application put for-

wanl by employes in the traffic section of the London County
Council Tramways for an increa.se of 15 per cent, on all current
rates of wages formed the subject of arbitration proceedings at the
Chief Industrial Commissioner's Department, Westminster, last
week. The claim was based on the ground of the higher cost of
living, and over 5,000 workers were affected, including drivers,
male and female conductor.^, and pointsmen. A concession of 2s a
week, in addition to the existing war bonus of 3s,. and 6d, for each
employe's child under 11 years of age, was offered by the L.CC,
but this offer was declined. Evidence on both sides was heard at
considerable length. The proceedings were conducted in- private.
The decision of the arbitrators will be communicated to the parties
interested after a full consideration of the evidence. — Morninr/
Adn-rtiscr.

Sweden's Electrical Industry.— The rise of Sweden's

electrical industry was the theme of an address by Mr, C. A.
Rossander before a recent joint meeting of the Swedish Elektrici-
tetsverkforening and the Norse Elektricitets-voerkers Foreuing,
The industry, said the speaker, divided itself into two groups —
(B) Electricity works supplying lighting and power within a limited
sphere, and (A) Power stations which generated and distributed at
high pressure over wide areas. At present, of Sweden's 101 towns,nine
only, and those among the smallest, were without an electric
station, and with those the question was even now on the orders of
the day forearly settlement. Dealing with the (B) statistics in detaU, .
the figures for the years 1905 to 1911 show that the works aggre-
gate capacity rose from about 21.000 KW. in 1905 to about 125.000
KW. in 1914': the total installation costs from about 17.000,000 to
about 69,000,000 kroner, or an average of about 550 kroner per KW. ;
the energy production from about 20,000,000 to something over
U0,000,00"o KW, -hours ; while the total gross income rose from
about 6,000.000 to nearly 17.000,000 kroner, or about 24'6 per cent,
of the installation co.sts. In ten selected towns, the consumption
per head advanced from under 20 to about f" KW. -hours. The
latest figures show a tendency to approximate to the possible
maximum of 50 to 55 KW. -hours per head,- One feature in con-
nection with these works is worthy of special mention — the increase
in the employment of water power. Of the 79 electricity works in
the statistics for 19U, only IS did not employ water power either
alone or in conjunction with thermal power, Sweden's leading
municipal power station — that of Stockholm— has hitherto pro-
duced all its energy by steam ; but it is now taking steps to meet
its needs from the water-power installation on the Dal River,

In the period under review— 1905 to 1911— the price charged for
electric lighting fell from about 115 ore per KW,-hour to 315 6re_.
or 17 per cent, ; for motive power, from about 26 ore to below 19'25
ore, or about 26 per cent. At the same time, the receipts rose from
less than 9,000,000 ki-oner to about 16,000,000 kroner.

Passing to the large power generating installations, or "A"
works, the power transmitted, as well as the pressure, increased
rapidly ; 1907 saw an installation at 10,000 volts, and 1909 one at
50,000 volts, and an installation with a pressm-e of 80,000 volts has
been put in operation. Up to 1914 concessions had been granted
for a total of nearly 7,000 kw, of high- and medium-presstire lines,
among which were included lines belonging to electric works not
delivering energy for sale. In 1911 the total plant capacity
installed was about 160,000 KW,, and the annual energy production
was about 165,000,000 Km',-hours, Installation costs stood at about
73,000,000 kroner, or an average of 145 kroner per installed KW.
Taking A and B works together, the figures worked out at — total
installed capacity 285,000 KW, and total energy production
550,000,000 KW,-hours. Most of the energy produced by A works
goes to industries.... .■_■'', , . .'-•■.

688

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW. [Vol. 79. Xo. 2,039, December l'2, 19ir..

Cost of Electric Welding.— The accomiuinyinfr d.ita on
repftir costs due to electric arc weldinj: have been compiletl by the
Westinphousc Electric and Manufacturinp Co. from the shop
records of railroad companies. One i-omi>any which has kept con-
tinuous records of the savinjrs maile by arc weldini.' rei)ort«d that
the total cost of weldinjr by this jirocess during one week was
S1UIV62, while the total cost of the same work if done by other
means would have lieen £1,77901, representinjr a net saving of
$l.672'42 in favour of arc weldinjr- In addition, a great savin-r in
time was made. In another case, where an entire firebox had to
be taken out. the work, including 3.") ft. 7 in. of linear cutting, wius
done in 38 minutes with approximately oOO amperes.

Relative 0)si

>v Ei.ECTBic Weldin«;

■ DOLLAKS.

IN Repair Wukk. i.n

Electric arc

welding.

Old method.

N'atutv of damage
repaired.

Energ;.

Labour.

Mate-
rial.

Total.

liaboiu.

Mate-
rial.

Total.

CrMked door sheet on

firebox

0-08

OW

oia

0'51

3000

2400

54-00

Cracked side sheets

and door sheets in

fireboxes

' —

—

4-23

^_

24-35

Cracked crown sheet

—

Ihr.

0-36

30 hr.

75-00

Broken frame

—

7hr.

—

8-29

12 hr.

14-73

Worn wrist pin

010

0-75

0-15

100

- 35-00

Cracked steel bolsters

0-54

0-42

0.75

671

— 1 54-00

Cracked guide voke .

0-07

0-4o

0-10

0-62

— 47-00

Cracked mud riUK ■ ■

0-27

1-95

0-37

2-59

•16-20

13-00 48-20

Five draw-head stops

1-30

115

018

2-63

— 22-20

Broken cylinder

0-80

0-65

Oil

lo6

9-80

4-00 13-a5

1

— Elect rival World.

Lighting the Statue of Liberty. — The idea of flood-
lighting Bartholdi's .Statue of Liberty. Xew York, was conceived in
1915, and a fund was raised for the purpose by subscription. Mr.
H. A. Magdsick. who was responsible for the flood-lighting of
Woohvorth Building, was entrusted with the task of designing an
appropriate scheme of illumination, and Mr. S. F. Carbutt. of
Henry L. Doherty i: Co., took charge of the structural and elec-
trical designing. The actual work of assembling equipment began
late in October, and it was decided to inaugurate the permanent flood-
lighting on December 2nd. the opening day of America's Electrical
■Week. It was decided to intensify the torch light. It was decided
to transform the dull lantern into a flaming torch effect, and Mr.
Gutzon Borglum was engaged to supervise the remodelling. The
somewhat rude steel work which supported the range light, was
removed, and in its place sheet bronze was used to re-design the
torch in the shape of a "flame " of the form and size originally
intended by Bartholdi. When the restored torch-fiajue was com-
pleted, all the bronze plates were cut out. leaving as a skeleton
riveted lines about an inch in width. These plates were then used
to construct moidds upon which 1300 pieces of glass were bent ;
these pieces, when fitted in place, forming a glass torch held
together by the bronze skeleton.

Mr. Borglum selected three tones of yellow cathedral glass. A
dull surface was preferred, to avid the blinding noon-day glare of a
highly reflective surface. The lightest tint was used to simulate
the tip of the flame, with slightly darker pieces inserted here and
there variously down to the base of the flame, where the darkest of
the tints define the lines of the bronze of the torch against the
glass of the flame. The pieces of glass average about 1 ft. sq..
making a complete glass area in the torch of some 600 sq. ft. The
glass is so fixed to the ribs that any section may be replaced at any
time from the inside. A lighthouse lens is fixed in the torch, and
will contain about 20.000 c.l".

Finally, to put - life " into the simulated flame of the burning
torch, about 15 500-c.P. gas-filled electric lamps will be placed upon
a series of flashers, to produce the unsteady, but constant, flicker of
the torch.

The sources of the flood-lights are 15 batteries of projectors,
the total number of projectors is 246, each being of 250 watts. The
lamps are 35-volt lamps, and each of the projectors has its indi-
vidual compensator to step down the 220-vo]4, current to the lamp
voltage.

AVe are indebted to the Society for Electrical Development for
the foregoing particulars.

Russia: The 1 886 Company : Swiss Protest.— ARf-ordino:

to the .\,T„ii- Vn„ii/u. the Swiss shareholders in the 1.S86 Company
are alarmed to learn that the concern is indeed to be wound up.
and have applied to the Minister of the Interior, A. D. Protopopoff,
with a memorandum, expressing their confidence that the Russian
Government, through the Council of Ministers, will reject the
project of the Committee for Suppressing German Control which
has decided for the liquidation, and that it will not allow any
change in the rules made re the 1880 Company last year. Beside.^,
the Swiss shareholders afiirm, again, that most of the shares are
not in German hands, but are in the hands of Swiss citizens. In
conclusion, the memorandum commends the impartiality of the
Minister of the Interior, who they hope will not permit the
injustice of the liquidation of the company. The memorandum
has been handed to the President of the Council of Ministers.

A Large Battery Installation at Winnipeg.— A special

battery building has recently been constructed by the Winnipeg
Electric Railway Co. to house a 5,0'O'O-ampere-hour storage buttery,

which is to be used for stand-by railway service and for improving
the station load factor. The building is 41 ft. wide x 196 ft.
long and 16 ft. high, and provides space for a fan room 41 ft.
long X 12 ft. wide X 10'."> ft. high at one end. and for a switch-
board room at the other end. The foundations are of concrete, the
roof of doul>le concrete with 3-in. air space and four monitor roof
ventilators, supported by reinforced concrete pillars. The floor is
made of vitrified brick pavement with asphalt um filler laid on an
8-in. concrete base having a fall of 1 7 in. from one end to the other.
The building is ventilated by an indirect steam heating system, air
being forced through steam heated coils into concrete ducts run-
ning longitudinally the entire length of the building, allowing air
to circulate up into the battery room and out through the monitor
ventilators.

The battery is of the Tudor type with a rating of 5.000 ampere-
hours. There are 286 cells, each composed of 85 plates of 18J in. x
ISJ in. in lead-lined wooden tanks, each supported on 10 oil-insu-
lated porcelain supports. The terminal cell connections are made
of lead-coated copper bus.

A compensating and recording hydrometer installed in a lead-glass
case gives a constant record of specific gravity, and .also indicates
by means of a bell alarm to the switchboard ojierator when a certain
cliarging point has been reached.

In conjunction with the battery there is installed a 3. 3U0-aniperc.
1 7.'i-volt. inter-pole type booster set.

The battery is protected by a 6.000-ampere, 650-volt. circuit-
breaker mounted on a reinforced marble board. A single-pole,
double-throw switch allows the battery to bo operated in conjunc-
tion with the booster, or in case of emergency to be thrown directly
across the railway bus.

In case of emergency, such as a shut-down on the transmission
line, the battery is immediately thrown directly across the railway
bus and keeps the cars in oper.ation long enough to allow the
operators to get the railway machines back on the line again. On
one or two occasions when the battery has been directly across the
railway bus, discharges as high as 9,000 amperes have been observed
by the operators.

The battery is kept floating on the line continually, and is of
great assistance on peak loads. The charging of the battery is
done mostlv at night when the cars are not in operation. — Electrical
Worhl.

Sheffield's Future.— The Times states that the Sheffield
City Council, last week, discussed the appointment of an Industrial
Development Committee. The Deputy Lord Mayor said the city,
by the great enlargement of its electricity undertaking, was
making provision for the future, and it was necessary, if they
wished Sheffield to retain its present foremost position, that they
should do all they could to develop its industries. A Committee
was appointed to deal with the subject.

Overhauling a Big Set.— The Commonwealth Edison
Co.. of Chicago, recently performed what must be considered a feat
of speed. The30,000-KW. turbo-generator at the Northwest station
was shut down at midnight on a Saturday tor its annual cleaning
and overhauling, which includes opening, inspecting, cleaning,
renewing worn turbine blades, and replacing practically the entire
auxiliary water-handling system of turbine and pumjjs. The con-
denser had also to be cleaned, and about one thousand tubes
removed and replaced. This was done, and everything replaced,
and the machine made ready for service within 70 hours.

The turbine unit measures 60 ft. in length. 15 ft. in height, and
19 ft. in width. The total weight, including the condenser, is
1.182.000 lb., the low and high-pressure turbine weighing
477.000 lb. There are 10 single high-pressure stages and two
low-pressure stages. The turbine is rated at 45,000 h.p., and
operates at 1.500 R.P..M. Steam is furnished through a 20-in. header
at 250 lb. pressure, and superheated to 625°. Of the steam-
admission valves. 18 in number.. 14 are used up to full load, and
admit steam to the upper half of the first stage, while the other
four are used for overloads.

The condenser is of the two-pass surface type, and contains
11,000 tubes of 1 in. diameter each, constituting a cooling surface
of 50.000 sq. ft. The cooling water in the condenser weighs 65
tons. 52,000 gallons of circulating water are passed through the
condenser' per minute, requiring for this purpose a 650-h.p.
Curtis non-condensing turbine, which operates at 1.500 r.p.m.,
directly connected to a 48-in. double-suction centrifugal pump
working against a head of 15 ft.

Institution and Lecture Notes.— Fuel Economy. — At

!Xottingham University College, last week. Prof. H. E. Armstrong
gave a lecture on a national fuel and power policy, in the course
of which he severely criticised the policy of the Nottingham
Corporation, which was alleged to refuse to supply electric power
to f.actories except on terms that applied to the ordinary small
consumer, with the result that several important firms in the town
were installing electric power plant of their own. He strongly
advocated the establishment of a central Fuel and Power Board,
which should promote the scientific use of coal, and dwelt on the
importance of carbonising coal at a low temperature, so as to
obtain a good smokeless fuel for domestic use. gas for )X)wer, and
all the residuals. A resolution was unanimously adopted urging
the immediate development of a national policy to govern the use
of our fuel supplies. — Xutfingham Guardian.

Leeds Association of Engineers — The annual report for the
past year states that the surplus revenue amounted to £101, an^
the assets were valued at £5,050. Satisfactory progress has beoo
made during the year.

Vol.79. No. 2,039, December 22, 1916.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

689

Inquiries. — Makers of the " Realm "' lamps, and of
" Holeby Tuxham " and " HoumoUer Alpha " marine motors, are
asked for.

Fatality. — Patrick Davis, a Dublin electrician, was
fatally crushed at Amiens Street Railway Station (Great Northern
of Ireland), on Saturday last.

Nitro-Energy. — In this period of stress and strain, the

importance of the Sunday newspaper has advanced by leaps and
bounds. Very few of us are content to wait from Saturday nisrht
till Monday morning for the latest news from the Front. Inci-
dentally, therefore, the immense amount of printed matter which
is now supplied in the leading' Sunday papers has acquired a new
importance. All the more is it to be regretted that such articles as
the one which appeared in a Sunday contemporary recently, headed
"Nitro-Energy," should be dangled before an anxious and unscien-
tific public. The matter that caught our eye was one of the sub-
headings. "Electricity at l/50th the Cost."

Reading the article we find that an American mining engineer
has come to England with an invention for using nitrogen as an
energy-producer in place of coal, at a fraction of the cost ; and he
is generously offering it to the British Government. His estimate
of the total nitrogen in the earth's atmosphere now available for
use in the production of the new power is nearly 4,000 billion tons.
Lest there should te any anxiety, however, that this enormous
supply should eventually be completely used up, we are informed
that, imlike all other fuels, which are destroyed, his method of
using " nitro-power " converts the fuel back into its elemental
state; Obviously, therefore, we have here a source of unlimited
power which will last for ever and ever, without diminution, like
the widow's cruse.

When we had fully taken this in, we were prepared to read
further that this new energy could be used for every purpose for
which coal and crude oil are now used, even to smelting.

This great invention is not only to come in as part of the recon-
struction in that dim and happy future, after the war, but it is
even to be made available for war purposes within the next three
months. "Submarines large enough to mount (i-in. guns can be
driven twice round the world by this energy without re-fuelling."
The difficulties in connection with freight in shipping tons of mere
fuel will, therefore, be entirely avoided. The energy melts away
into the water, or the ether, or somewhere, without causing any
Vjubbles to rise to the surface to betray the presence of the sub-
marine. No batteries are needed, the space occupied by them being
available for torpedoes. The speed claimed for the new submarine
is the same as that of a destroyer of the present day.

No smoke stacks are required, and we are told, further, that
half a ton of nitro-energy on a Ijattleship or a cargo boat would
do the work of 600 tons of coal and leave immense space for war
material in the one and for commerce-carrying purposes in the
otlier.

The inventor, we are told, is producing temperatures of 8.0(iO° F..
and yet the temperature outside tlie generators is the same as that
of the surrounding atmosphere. The action is all automatic.

The inventor concludes by saying that he could, if he wished, form
accompany in the City to work the invention, but that is not his
purpose. "It is an invention of guch stupendous possibilities, that
I want to place it in the hands of the nation."

Many times before we have had occasion to remonstrate with
our non-technical contemporaries over articles, generally in con-
nection with new inventions, upon which they should have sought
expert opinion. In these days it is really deplorable to find that the
powerof the Press can be applied in our own particular field with such
absolute ignorance of the first principles of science. Surely, with so
many scientific men practically out of work, it would not be
difficult for wealthy newspapers to get the advice of one or two such
men before printing matter of this kind — fatuous drivel from start
to finish.

A Siemens Centenary. — In honour of the centenary of

the birthday of their ancestor, Werner von Siemens, the von
Siemens family, says a telegram received by wireless from Berlin,
have established a fund of £50.000 for the construction of houses
for employes and workmen. The Siemens A: Halske Co., Ltd., and
the Siemens-Schuckert Works have each added £.50,000. — Times,

The Tribunals and Diesel Men.^We read in the Ensf

Atif/fian Times that at the Felixstowe Tribunal, last week, the
Electricity Supply Co. claimed conditional exemption for the
following men, viz. : — An electrician and Diesel engine-di'iver in
charge of a power house, married, aged 30, on the ground of
certified occupation and national interest ; the Tribunal gave the
man temporary exemption to March 31st next. A fitter, turner,
and Diesel engine-driver, married, aged 24, on the same grounds :
the Tribunal decided not to assent to the application. An engi-
neer and electrician, married, aged 37, oh the same grounds ; the
Tribunal gave the man temporary exemption to January 31st next,
no further application without leave of Tribunal. An engineer
and electrician, married, ag'e 36, on the same grounds : the Tribunal
gave the man conditional exemption.

Volunteer Notes. — First London Engineer Volun-
teers.— Headquarters, Chester House, Eccleston Place. — Lieut.-
Col. 0. B. Clay, V.D.. Commanding.

From Thursday, December 21sf. to Thursday, December 2iith,
inclusive. — Headquarters closed.

Friday. December 2Sth. — Technical for Platoon No. 10, at
Regency Street. Squad and Platoon Drill, Platoon No. 9. Sig-
nalling Class. Recruits' Drill, 6.25 to 8.25.

(By order) Macleod Teaesley, Adjutant.

Industrial Research in Canada. — The Canadian C4overn-

ment has appointed an honorary advisory council on scientific and
industrial research to advise a committee of the Cabinet on all
matters relating to the extension and co-ordination of scientific
and industrial research.

Self- Luminous Compound for Switches. — One of the

large manufacturers of switches, sockets, and supplies is now pre-
paring to bring out a line of electric light switches and sockets
painted with a self-luminous compound which will render their
position visible in the dark. A "radium" paint will be used,
similar to that already employed on luminous-dial watches, com-
passes. &c. This paint is continuously self-luminous, and, it should
be noted, is to be distinguished from the luminous paints and pull-
chain balls which have been on the market for some years, which
require exposure to strong light to make them luminous in the
dark for a period of several hours.

The base, zinc sulphide, is the same for the new self-luminous
paint as for the older phosphorescent paint which absorbs light
and then gives it out again, shining with a greenish or bluish
glow in the dark. The new paint, however, contains a small
quantity of radium bromide, the alpha particles of which, CMi-
tinuously bombarding the crystals of the sulphide, render it
' luminous in the dark with a pale greenish glow of about the
intensity of a rubbed phosphorus match. By increasing the
quantity of radium compound included in the paint, the more
brilliant can this phosphorescent glow be made. On aeroplane
compasses used by the European armies, the luminous compound
employed is of such intrinsic brilliancy that its glow can be seen
even in contrast with twilight. Such a high mixtui'e of radium
compound, however, rapidly disintegrates the zinc sulphide, so that
the life of the paint may be barely 12 months. In the intensity to
be used on the new switches, which has been found most practical
for average use on watch dials, Jcc, the figures are readily visible
in a dai-kened room, and such paints have an assured luminous life
of 10 to 15 years, if not longer.

It is proposed to tip the switch push buttons with this luminous
compound, so that when entering a darkened room the user can
quickly find the button, press it, and secure electric light.

In. order that ordinary flush switches already installed may be
made luminous, the electrical manufacturer referred to has devised
the ingenious expedient of luminous-head screws which can be
used to replace the present screws, giving . visible ]X)ints of
luminosity by which the switch can be located in a darkened room.

The cost of making and applying the self-luminous paint is. at
present market prices of materials, about |1 per sq. in. At this
rate it is expected that the extra cost of equipping an ordinary
electric light switch will be from 20 cents to 30 cents. — Electrical
World.

The A.C. Arc used in Scrapping Plant. — When the

Llewellyn Iron Co. took the contract of dismantling and scrapping
three compound Corliss engines and the three 800-KW. direct con-
nected generators in an old railroad power house in Los Angeles, it
was discovered that in order to reduce the machinery into pieces
small enough to handle, a great amount of cutting must be done on
the job. It was impracticable to use the oxyacetylene flame, for the
reason that practically all of the cutting was on cast-iron. To drill
and wedge the various pieces apart was a laborious job, and the
following method was tried as an experiment.

Two 50-K'W. transformers were set up in the engine-room and
connected to a single-phase 2,200-volt, 50-cycle main, through fuse
blocks and an oil switch, from the Southern California Edison Co.'s
system. The primaries of the transformers were connected in series
whQe the secondaries were connected in parallel so as to supply
o2-volt service. Two 4/0 cables in parallel made up each secondary
lead, one lead terminating at a movable holder which consisted of
a hollow wooden rod about 5 ft. long, to the end of which was
fastened a metal clamp for holding a carbon electrode 3 in. in
diameter and about 12 in. long.. The other lead was made fast to
the casting that was to be cut.

In order to prevent abnonnal surges on the line, a resistance of
about 30 ohms was inserted in series with the primary. With
52 volts on the secondary it was impossible to maintain the arc.
especially on heavy cutting, so the primary connections were
changed to parallel, giving a transformer capacity of 100 KW. with
the secondary voltage raised to 110.

With one man occupied continually with the cutting, the
energy consumption for about one week's use was approximately
1,000 KW. -hours measured on the primary. With alight cut, such as
the spokes of the fly-wheels, collector rings, foundation bolts, piston
rods, and the like, the normal current in the primary was about
35 amps, with swings to 100 amps. On heavy cuts, such as arma-
ture spiders, bed plates, and wheel rims, the current consumption
was around 60 amps, with swings as high as 150 amps., measured
on the primary.

Since the apparatus used was very crude, the time necessary to
make the cuts was longer than would be needed with a more refined
equipment. To cut a 2-in. foundation bolt required from three to
four minutes, depending on the ease with which it was possible to
approach the work. A cast-iron ring of section 25 in. X li in. was
out through in one hour's time. The carbon consumption was a
practically negligible quantity, except for breakage due to the
cumbersome holder. A 3-in. diameter carbon 24 in. long was
sufficient for aU the cutting that was done in 10 days. It is con-
templated to install an equipment of this kind as a permanent
arrangement, substituting a reactance in the primary in place of
the resistance to limit the primary current to ten times the full load
current of the transforniers. — G. W. Teffeau, Jne., in the
Eiectrical World.

690

THE ELECTIUCAL liEVIEW. [Voi. :!>; xo. 2,031., DKOKMiiKR 1.-2, mi (v

Flood-lighting Policemen.— In ^t. Louis. U.S.A.. tin
truBic-control policemen at busy orossiniis are beinp put " iu the
limeli^'ht " liv means of .">tiO-watt lamps in flood-lisrhting- projectors,
mountetl hi^rh up on adjacent buildingrs. so that the constables can
be plainly seen without daMlingr them or the drivei-s of \-ehicles.

pjpg_ — The Ihiilii Tehijiujih states that a disastrous fire
occurred at Tonbridpe. last Saturday, resulting in the complete
destruction of the telegraphic and electrical stoi-es of the South-
Kastem and Chatham Kailway.

Northampton Polytechnic Institute.— '>n Satunlay afttr-

iKKin l;i<l the annuiil prize distriliution took place, the prizes and
rcrtiticates being- presented by Mrs. R. Mullineus Walnisley, The
pri>seut»tion was prec«led by an organ recutal, and aft«r the cere-
mony the proceedings concluded with the Rumanian and British
National .\nthenis.

Glasgow Electricians' Wages.— The arbiter in tlie dis-
pute between the Electrical Contractors' Association of .Scotland
and the Electrical Tr.ides Union in connection with an application
by the latter for an advance of 2d. per hour for their members
i'mploye<l by firms in the Association in the Glasgow district has,
after consideration of all the circumstances, awarded to the elec-
tricians and armature winders in the employment of the above
firms an increase of Jd. per hour, on the same terms as those on
which thi« increase was granted to the men concerned in the Clyde
district by the award of the Committee of Production <in Septem-
lier 20th la«t, hut with the difference that the increase in the pre-
sent case shall begin on the first day following the issue of this
award. — Ulasijoii: Hrrald.

Captain T. T. Foystkh, K.E.. aged 28, who died of woundR
on December 11th, was, according to the Times, a.ssistant
engineer to the Briti.sh Engine & Boiler Insurance Co., at
Manchester.

Corporal M.auk Bogg, who has been awarded the Military
Medal, was an employe at the T.eeds Corporation electricity
department. He has been wounded four times.

Private .Toh.n .\ri'i.KBY, North Staffs. Regiment, who en-
listed whilst on the .stalT of the Hanley Electricity Works, is
reported nii.ssing.

Sergeant NV. E. RiCKAUD, R.A.M.C. a fonner emplo,ve of
the Iiidia-Rubber, Gntta-Percha i Telegraph Works Co., Ltd.,
has won the Military Medal.

Obituary.— Mb. G, H. Pownall.— Mr. O. H. Pownall, Pre-
sident of tlie Institute of Bankers, to whose address on bank-
ing and trade and industry we recently referred in the ELEr-
TRUAi, Review, passed away last Saturday at the age of (17
years.

Mr. Edwin Hodgscv, — The death i,s announced, at the age
of ()0 years, of Mr. Edwin Hodgson, who had for a long i>eriod
carried on business as an electrical engineer at Northgate,
Cleckheaton,

Sec-Liect. John Sear Gibson, — Sec. -Lieut. .John Sear Gii>
son, attached to the'Trench Mortar Batt^-ry, who has died of
wounds received in action, aged 3'2, was an electrical engineer
at Tunbridge Wells, and an A.M.I.E.E.

Will.— The late Sir James Sivkwkigut left estate of the
value of i'08,784. The bequests include ,i'in,0()(J to the Senatu.s
of the Univer.sity of .\berdeen, and £'.5,000 to the Committee
of Milne's Iiustitute, Fochabers.

OUR PERSONAL COLUMN.

The Editors ineite electrical enijineers, whether connected with the
technical or the commercial xide of the profesxion and indiixtr;/,
also electric tramwai/ and railicatj oficials,to keep readers of the
Electrical Review posted as to their mmements.

Central Station Officials.— Chesterfield Corporation has
advanced the salary of Mr. E. P. Austin, assistant borough
electrical engineer, from i"i'20 to £''2.50 per annum.

Mr. W. M. GiRVAN, who has held various positions in the
electrical department of the Bell'a.st Corporation, has been
apix)inted general electrical suiierintendent at the central
generating station.

Mr. .\. W. Johnson has been appointed charge shift engi-
neer at the L.C.C. Greenwich generating station at a salary
of i-250 a year, rising by annual increments to i£.30O.

General.- Mr. E. Eastwood, who for the past 11 years has
had charge of the electrical repair shops of the London County
Council tramways at their central repair depot, Woolwich
Road, has resigned his appointment with them, and has
accepted the post of manager for the Electrical Repair Co.,
Martin's Yard, Endwell Road, Brockley. S.E., who are
specialising in all types of armature and field coil winding and
repairs.

The .John Fritz medal was awarded in Januarv, 1916, to
Dr. ELiHr Thomson, for " Achievements in Electrical Inven-
tions, in ' Electrical Engineering, in Industrial Development,
and in Scientific Research," and was to be presented to Dr.
Thomson in Boston on December 8th.

Roll of Honour.— The Slafj War Bulletin of the County of
T^ondon Electric Supply Co., Ltd., and associated companies,
including the South London Electric Supply Corporation, con-
tains a Roll of Honour levised to date, and photographs of
men holding commis.sions. Since the la.st issue 54 more men
have joined the Services, making the total to date 408. Inter-
estmg extracts from letters from the Front are given.

The Serbian Military Medal, for services rendered in the
field at Salonika, his been awarded to Sapper J. B. Sullivan,
of the Signalling Section of the R.B., who was formerly in
•he engineer's department of the telephone office at Canter-
bury.

Rifleman J. Elklvoton-, Rifle Brigade, who has fallen in
action, was prior to the war with the British Thomson-Hous-
ton Co., Ltd., at Rugby.

Company Sergeant-Major Allan Corfe, who has died of
wounds, was a draughtsman with Messrs, Mirrlees. Bickerton
and Day. Stockport.

Gunner WIl,I,TA^f Woi.stenholme, R.F.A., who has been
invahded home from France, was employed bv Messrs, Jones
Bros., electricians. Blackpool.

Private Harry Burns, Manchester Regiment, reported miss-
ing, was employed by Messrs. W, T. Glover & Co., Ltd.,
Trafford Park.

I.ance-Corporal Bernard Abrams, Manchester Regiment,
wounded and in hospital, was emploved by Messrs. I. Frank-
eiiherg i- Sons, Ltd., Salford.

Second-Lieutenant Robert Carr, R.E.. assistant manager
of the Ormskiik Gas & Electric Co., has been awarded the
Military Cross.

Private R. Tennant, Machine Gun Corps, aged -26, killed
_in action, was with Messrs. D. Rowan & Co.. of Glasgow, as
an electrician. --....- ^^ ^

NEW COiVlPANIES REGISTERED.

Midland Dynamo & Motor Repairs, Ltd. (145,468).—

This company was registered on December Stii, with .1 Capitol of £2,000 in
£1 shares, to carry on the business of electricians, electrical, mechanical,
motor, telephone, heating, ventilating, and general engineers, belfsiniths, gas
fitters, mainlainers, and repairers of and dealers in .-ill kinds of electrical
apparatus, aeroplanes, airships, motor cycle and car fittings, alabaster, porce-
lai:i, china, and earthenware goods, petrol, benzol, and oils, varnish, and
chemicals of all kinds, &c. The subscribers (with one share each) are: B,
Gill, 49, Winchester Avenue, Leicester, electrical engineer; G. Ward, 420,
Narborough Road, boot and shoe manufacturer. Private company. The first
diiectors (to number not less than two or more than four) are: B. Gill and
C Ward. Solicitor : W. Harding, 14, New .Street. Leicester. Secretary : P.
Havnes. 8a, PocUington Walk, Leicester. Registered by Jordan & Sons, Ltd.,
11()-17, Chancery Lane, W.C.

Midland Electric Co. (Southport), Ltd. (145,444),— This

company was registered on December 2nd, with a capital of £1,000 in £1
shnres to take over the business carried on at Southport (Lanes,) bv T. K.
K. Grcenhalgh. as the Midland Electrical. Gas & Incandescent Co. the sub-
scribers (with one share each) are: T. ' E. K. Grecnhalgh. 99. Hawkshead
Street, Southport, engineer ; A. L. Clough, 85, Liverpool Road, Birkdale,
accountant. Private company. The first directors (to number not less than
two or more than five) are to be appointed by the subscribers. Qualification,
£200. Remuneration as fixed bv the company. Solicitor: J. P. Mitchell.
Southport. Secretary: A. L. Clough. Registered office: 16a, Hill Street,
Southport.

Renter's (1916), Ltd. (145,516).— Regi.stered December

llth by Bircham Sr Co.. 50, Old Broad Street, E.C. Capital, £200,000 in £1
shares. Objects : To take over the telegraphic business heretofore carried on
by Router's Telegram Co., Ltd., to carry on and extend the same, to obtain
and supply wireless, telegraphic, telephonic, and other news and intelligence,
to carry on business as advertisement contractors and agents, to construct,
purchase, hire, or otherwise acquire and work wireless installations, tele-
graphs, and telephones, to undertake and facilitate the collection and remit-
iecurities, and other valuables, merchandise, and property
:n any part or parts of the world, and either by wireless,
e, or otherwise to grant and issue letters of credit and
receive deposits of money and securities, to open credits,
utilise the means of intercommunication possessed by the
purposi^ of granting pecuniary, financial, and commercial
part or parts of the world, to advance money
pecic, produce, and merchandise, and the docu-
elating thereto (particularly in connection with the dispatch or
f between different countries or places), to act as bankers,
jvery description of English and foreign banking business, to
insurance, and other agencies, especially

in, to, and betwe
telegraph, telepho

and generally to
company for the
facilities in and betw
on. and deal with, bull
ments />f title

undertake mercantile, finara
foreign and distant places, :
less, telegraph, telephone, m
signatories {with one share
Gate, S.W. ; Sir Leander S
W. Private company. The
Hght) are' the He

of

Parker,
John Buchai
£2,300 per
divided betw
Jewry. E.C.

Lord Glenconner, 34, Qu

1, Bart.. 2, Great Cumberland Pla

jrs (to number not less than three

.•Marie F. Napier (chairman), the Hon. Edn

The.

Grinnell-Milne, Gerald W. Williams. Roderick Jo
Remuneration (excluding salary of any man.iging director),
um, or such larger sum as the company mav determine,

them. Solicitors : Bircham & Co. Registered office ; 24, Old

OFFICIAL RETURNS OF ELECTRICAL
COMPANIES.

Electro Mechanical Brake Co,, Ltd, (98,276).— Capital.

£30,000 in £1 shares (2,500 pref). Return dated Novembei' 6th, 1916. 1,500
pref. and 22,500 ord. shares taken up; £1 per share called up on 1,500 pre(.
and 16,465 ord. ; £17,965 paid ; £6,035 considered as paid on 6,035 ord. Mort-
gages and charges : £7 ,.500.

Cape Electric Tramways, Ltd. (54,636). — Capital,

£.500,000 in £1 shares. Return dated November 29th, 1916. 491,222 shares
taken up; £91,222 paid; £400,000 considered as paid. Mortgages and charges:
£364,700. .

Vol. 7y. No. 2,039, decbmbeh 22, 1916.] THE ELECTJiiCAlj KEVIEW.

691

Landaulet Co., Ltd. (/ 2,890) (formerly known as Elec-
tric L.indiiulet Co.. Ltd.).— Cnpital. £50,000 in £10 sh.ires. Return dated
June 28th. 1916. 3,928 sh.ires taken up; £39.280 paid. Mortgages and
charges : £6.000.

Frederick Braby & Co., Ltd. (2,53-c). ^Capital, ^400,000

in 37,300 orJ. and 2,500 prcf. shares of £10 each. Return dated .\ugust 3rd,
1916. 27. rm ord.- and 2,500 pref. shares taken up; £10 per share called up
on 24.250 ord. and 2,500 pref.. and £6 per share on 3,250 ord; £287,020 paid,
including £20 on five forfeited shares; £13,000 (£4 per share) considered as
paid on S,250 ord. Mortgages and charges: £55,000.

Electrical Installations, Ltd. — A memorandum of satis-
faction to the extent of £300 on November 30th, 1916, of debs, dated December
5th, 1906, securing £2,000, has been filed.

Held Bros., Engineers, Ltd. — Particulars of j£7, 000 debs.,

credited No\ember 28th. 1916. filed pursuant to .Section 93 (3) of the Com-
panies (Consolidation) .Act, 1908. Ilie whole amount being now issue.l. Pro-
pertv charged : The conipnnv's undertaking and property, present and future,
including uncalled capital. ' No trustees.

Veritys, Ltd. — A memorandum of satisfaction in ftill on

September 12ih. 1916. of mortgage dated .Vpril 29th, 1913, securing £800, has
b.en filed.

Llanelly and District Electric Lighting & Traction Co.,

Ltd.— S.cond supplemental trust deed dated .Sovcmber 30th, 1916 (supple-
mental to trust deeds dateil .August 3rd, 1911, and Novnuber llth, 1912),
s.curing £'4'..00O deb. slock ranking pari passu with, £75,000 like stock issued
under principal and first supplemental deeds, charged on lighting and tr.mi-
way undertakings, leasehold power station, and car sheds, and company's
other assets including uncalled capital. Trustees : Century Insurance Co.,
Ltd.. 18, Charlotte Square, Edinburgh.

Traction Development, Ltd. — Mortgage debenture dated

November lOlh, 1916, to secure £2.000, charged on the company's undertaking
and propertv. present and future, including uncalled capital. Holder . F. L.
Davis. Leadenhall Street,. E.C.

Electrical Contracts & Maintenance Co., Ltd. — Particu-
lars of £1.000 d"benlures. created December 5th. 1916. filed pursuant to Sec-
tion 93 (3) of the Companies (Consolidation) .■\ct. 1908. the whole amount
being now issued. Property charged : The company's undertaking and pro-
perty, present and future, incluiling uncalled capital. No trustees.

W. H. Allen, Son & Co., Ltd. — Mortgage dated Novem-
ber 21st, 1916. to secure £103.980, charged on certain lands and premises in
Bedford, Biddenham. Liverpool, and Westminster, life assurance policy, and
company's undertaking and other assets present and future, including the
benefit of a contract subject to prior charge.

Dixon & Corbitt and R. S. Newall & Co., Ltd.— Deed

dated November 22nd. 191C (supplemental to trust deed dated November Isl,
1904. securing £3.1.000 debs.), extending term and securing an increased
rate of interest on the said debs., charged on certain lands, hereditaments, and
premises and company's undertaking and property, present and future, except
uncalled capital. Trustee ; T. Bowden, Newcastle-on-Tyne.

Venner Time Switches, Ltd. — -\ memorandum of satis-

f.fiion to the further extent of £500 on October 19th, 1916, of debs, dated
Juh 10th, 1911. securing £5,000. has been filed. (Amount outstanding. £2,450.)

Oriental Telephone & Electric Co., Ltd. — .-X memoran-

,luni of satisfaction to the extent of £2.049 on December 6th. 1916. of deb.
stock covered bv trust deed dated June 28th. 1905, and supplemental deed of
acknnwl.xlg.m.nt dalr.l June 12lh, 1907. sicuring £200,000, h,.s been filed.

CITY NOTES.

.\n extriiiinlinary general iiit>etinj3 was
Northampton lield last week to consider the proposal to
Electric Light increase the capital h.v the creation of
and Power 5U.CKX( additional "B " shares of £1 each,
Co., Ltd. which would bring the capital to £'200,UUO.

.•\ld. F. H. Thornton, .I.P., presided, and
said that the authorised capital was £1.50, OUO. Tp to October,
1015, they had issued flUl.OOO, and in November, 1915, the
business had increased so much that they were obhged to call
for £40,000 more to make the great extensions neces.sary for
the developments of their trade. That amount was practi-
cally subscribed, and almo.st all of it had been spent in pur-
chasing a site of 10 acres near Nunn Mills, and in making
extensions which were necessary to meet the very important
requirements of the boot trade during the present winter.
In the present works they had used part of the money in the
erection of a new .set of .5(X) KW.. and they bad also laid mains
extensively in the outlying parts of the town, the object being
the supply of high-tension current at 6,600 volts to manufac-
turers. By that means they had been able to supply current
econoinicaily. There was no loftiii for any more plant at the
present «(irks. and they were now proceeding with their
extensions on the site they had bought near the river. They
intended to erect a generating .statinu where all the current
would be generated at high voltage, and the present works
would become a transforming station. The issue of new
capital had the .sanction of the Trea.sury and the support "of
the Ministry of Munitions. From the point of view of the
company, it was not a good time to make an issue, because
money was dear. He did not suppose that at any other time
it would have been necessary to issue shares, as the directors
proposed to do. at par, because before the war their shares
stood at '25s. 6cl., biit with the competition of Exchequer
Bonds and War Loans generally, it was hopeless to try to get
the money any cheaper. The directors estimated that they
would .save 6.000 tons of coal a year at their present works,
and taking that at 10s. a ton they would have £3.000 a year,
which was 6 per cent, on £-50,000. In the new works they
proposed to ere<'t a 3.000-KW. plant, far larger than anything
they had at present. The resolution was carried unanimously.

In their report for the year ended
Melbourne August 31st, 1916, the directors state that
Electric Supply to provide for future expansion, it is pro-
Co., Ltd. posed to increase the capital by £750,000,
divided into 50,000 preference shares of £5
each, and 500,000 ordinary shares of £1 each, the latter to be
coDverteil, when fully paid, into consolidated ordinary stock
ranking equally with the existing stock. The consents of the
existing preference and ordinary shareholilers in separate
meetings being necessary to the creation of the new prefer
ence shares, such meetings were held yesterday following the
annual meeting. A resolution was also submitted for increas-
ing the borrowing powers by £'2-5O,CKI0. During the year,
£144,405 has been expended on tidditional land, buildings,
plant, mains, iSrc, and the capital account miw stands as
follows: —

Expenditure nxpemlitiire Total written Balance of

to tlitring off at e.xpendituie

Aug., 1915, the year. Aug., lUlB. at Aug., 1916.

Melbottrne .. .. £954,'221 i'137,561 £14,6S0 ' £1,077,108

Geelong .. .. 175,861 6,844 3,775 178,930

(inclttding trarasi

£1,1,30,088 fl44,405 £18,455 f 1,'2.5G,0:J8

The area oC the suburban districts in Melbourne covered by the company's
statutory powers is approximately 74 square miles, with a population of .'^,000,
and a siipply is now available in 566 miles of streets, being an increase of 40
miles during the year ; 4,5*22 new consumers were connected to the mains
during the year, liringing up the total number connected to 27,713, being an
increase of 20 per cent, as compared with the preceding year. The power
supply has increased by 15 per cent., the electric motors now connected being
equivalent to 20,106 ti.p. ; the total connections, including lamps, motors,
heating, and other apparatus, have increased by '22 per cent., the total units
sold by 36 per cent., and the gross revenue by 24 per cent.

The profit and loss account shows that the gross profit
df.ring the year amounted to £142,315, as compared with
£117.677 for the preceding year, an increase of '21 per cent.,
which compares with an increase of 13 per cent, in the pre-
vious year. After payment of debenture interest, and manage-
ment and general expenses at the London head office, and
after making the following allocations, viz., to fir.^t debenture
.stock sinking fund £'2,5(K), to consohdated debenture stock
sinking fund £'2,9(X), to income certificate service fund £1,800,
to general reserve (raising the latter to £ll0,O0O) £20,000, to'
reserve for income-tax antl excess profits duty £15,0(W, there
remains a credit balance of £7'2,476. The dividends having
been paid on the 7 per cent, preference shares, 10 per cent,
for the year is paid on the consolidated ordinary stock, and
there remains to be carried forward £21,366. To this is
added £40,778 brought forward from last year, making a tota'
credit balance of £6'2,144 to be carried forward, subject to any
further demands in respect of excess profits duty. The fol-
ic wing tables .show the progress of the Melbourne and Geelong
undertakings: —

Total con- Total
Number of Lighting Motors in nections units Gross
Date. consumers, in kw. rated h.p. in KW. sold. profit.
Melbourne —
Aug., 1914 19,066 16,816 12,444 '28,759 13,963,300 £93,202

Aug., 191.'i 23,191 19.932 17,609 87,541 17,486,300 £107,515

Aug., 1916 27,713 23,901 '20,106 41.007 23,902,084 £131,673

Geelong —
(including trams)
Aug., 1914 1,839 2,a-.0 2,085 4,136 1,275,'2S0 £11,137

Aug., 1915 2,-290 2,306 2,155 4,401 1,'270,516 £10,162

Aug., 1916 2.573 2.468 2,314 4,782 1,519,944 £ 11,611

The business continues to be well maintained, notwith-
standing the adverse influence of the war. There is an in-
creasing demand for light and power from all classes of the
C( mpany's consumers, including numerous firms m Melbourne
and Geelong engagetl in the manufacture of war munitions
and requisites. The directors deem it advisable to make such
alterations in the articles of association as will enable them, to
capitalise any part of the company's undi\'ided profits and
distribute same to the consolidated ordinary stockholders by
way of dividend or bonus.

The directors in their report for the
British Columbia year ended June, 1916, state that after
Electric Railway making provision for renewals mainten-
Co., Ltd. " ance £102,-237, for in^^'oiue-tax £10,000,
and for addition to capital amortisation
fund £2.6.56, the net'revenue amounts to £134,964, plus £6,667
brought forward and £70.1X10 transferred from the reserve
fund, making £'211.tj.31. .\fter deducting interest on deben-
tures and ilebenture stock for the year, £132,771, and divi-
dends alreiidv paid on 5 per cent. cum. perpt. preference
stock for the year £72.0(10, £6,860 remains to be carried for-
wani. It will be observed that in order to pay the above
di\idend the reserve fund has had to be drawn upon. The
most determined efforts have again been made- by the board
and management to curtail expenditure in every direction.
Operating and. all other expenses have been rigidly controlled.
The capital expenditure of the railway and subsidiary com-
panies during the year amounts to $134,900. compared with
$875,558 in the previous year. The general manager reports
that the property of the company has been well maintained,
and none of the economies effected have in any way im-
paired the efficiency, safety or general upkeep of the com-
pany's plant. The reduction in the population, the reduced
spending capacity of the citizens, the continuance of the un-
fair competition "of Jitney cars, together with the greatly
increased co.st of all supplies, are resptjnsihle for the decrease
in the company's revenue. About 35.000 soldiers have left
British Columbia for overseas service, of whom probably
25,000 have left the territory served by the company, and a

O'.fi

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

ri:(!>, r>Eci:MiiEi! 22. liMCi.

further large number of people more or less directly and
indirectly dependent on them have also left. It can safely
bo estimated that, as compared with the year 1914, the popu-
lation 8erve<l by the company has decreased by 30 per cent.
The railway business also continues to suffer severely from
the competition of Jitney cars. Since .lanuary 1st this com-
petition has been less acute than in the previous year, but it
is estimated that these cars are still depriving the company of
earninjis amountini; to approximately $350,tKX) a year. The
various public services furnished by the company, including'
the railway service, have been fully and etiiciently main-
tiiiied, but" with no improvement in the Jitney situation in
piospcit. the necessity of curtailing the car services has be-
come urgent. The earnings from freight show an encourag-
ing increase during the year, and this class of traffic promises
t) become an increasingly profitable part of the company's
business. The company's financial iHisition remain satisfac-
tory. In spite of the present adverse situation there are
indications of an improvement in commercial and industrial
conditions in British Columbia, and with these the company's
prosperity is closely bound up. The net earnings for the first
four months of the current year show an encouraging in-
crease of over fSO.flCiO. and the directors are not without
hope that the profits of the current year will be sufficient to
cover the debenture interest, and also the dividend on the
5 per cent. cum. pref. stock, without further trespassing on
the reserve fund. The directors think that the company's
financial position justifies the payment of the dividend on
this stock for the cunent year, and a resolution will be sub-
mitted to the stockholders approving of this payment being
made, and authorising the directors to draw upon the reserve
fund, if necessary, for that purpose. The directors are unable
to hold out any hope of the payment of a dividend on the
pref. ord.' or def. ord. stocks for the current year. Mr. E. H.
Sperling, having been granted a commission in the Army,
has retired from the board, to the great regret of his col-
leagues. \Ir. Sperling ha.s accepted the position of adviser
to the board. Sir W. U. Aitken, Bart., M.P., and Mr. John
Davidson have accepted seats on the board. A resolution will
b'-> submitted to the stockholders to increase the number of
(hrectors to nine, and, if approved. Sir William Mackenzie,
who. on the invitation of the directors, has expressed his
willingness to accept a seat on the board, will be elected. Sir
William Mackenzie is president of the Toronto Railway Co.,
the Toronto Power Co., the \Yinnipeg Electric Railway Co.,
and other large public utility enterprises in Canada, and the
directors are desirous of securing for the company the advan-
tage of his wide experience.
Annual meeting : December 22nd.

From the last issue to hand of the
Tata Hydro- Indian Textile Journal (September), we

Electric Power learn that an extraordinary general meet-
Scheme, ing of the Tata Hydro-Electric Power
Supply Co., Ltd., was held in Bombay in
August, Sir D0R.4BJI J. T.\t.\ presiding, at which was con-
iinned an agreement entered into by the directors of the com-
pany with Sir D. J. Tata, Sir Sassoon David, the Hon. Mr.
L. Samaldas. and Mr. N. M. Goculdas, whereby it was agreed,
subject to the confirmation of the shareholders of the com-
pany, that the interest of the company in the concession
granted by the Government of Bombay for the development
of the Andhra Valley in the Maval Taluka of the Poona dis-
trict to the purposes of a hydro-electric scheme, shall be trans-
ferred to a new company to be formed by Sir D. J. Tata, Sir
Sassoon David, Mr. L. Samaldas, and Mr. N. M. Goculdas.
The chairman said that a statement explanatory of the reasons
for the proposed transfer of the concession obtained by the
company from the Government to develop a hydro-electric
power project by the storage of water power in the Andhra
Valley to a syndicate had already been supplied to the share-
holders.

The circular to shareholders stated : "In October, 1915, an
application was made to Government for a concession in res-
pect of the Andhra Valley, and Government has very recently
repUed intimating the entertainment of such application. On
further careful consideration, however, your directors came
to the conclusion that it would not be practicable for the com-
pany to undertake this scheme, at all events in the near
future, and a syndicate was then formed with a view to
taking over the scheme from the- company and forming a
new company to work it. In the month of January last,
■when your directors came to the conclusion, and the syndi-
cate was formed, the company had expended rupees one lakh
or thereabouts uiwn investigations in connection with the
Andhra Valley project, and was confronted with the nexjessity
for payment of heavy fees for surveys, necessary works, and
plant, &c., and it was then arranged that the syndicate
should take up and continue the company's investigations and
should defray all further expenditure in connection therewith ;
and the company's expenditure has stopped short at one lakh,
which will come back to the company if the present agree-
ment is confirmed. The Tata Hydro-Electric Power Supply
Co., Ltd., was formed in November. 1910, as an undertaking
for the supply in Bombay of 30.000 electrical h.p.. and it
was then estimated that a capital of Rs. 17.5 lakhs would be
required, but subsequently the electric plant has been ex-
tfer.ded to 40,000 electrical h.p., and the hydraulic works,
■which are as yet incf)mplete, nave been extended to a capa-
city of up^wards of 60,000 electrical h.p. For the compan-v'a

ucdertaking, which at its present contemplated state of
development is for the supply of 40,000 h.p. in Bombay, a
capital of ruj>ees 'ityl lakhs (including debentures) has been
raised, i)Ut further capital to the extent of approximately
rupees 80 lakhs is required to complete the company's pre-
sent undertaking, both to cover excess expenditure over the
original estimates and to provide some further items not in-
cluded in the original estimates; for instance, the acquisition
of a strip of land beneath the transmission line for its full
length from the power house to Khapoli to the receiving
station in Bombay. The development of the Andhra Valley
project is estimated to require a capital of rupees 200 lakhs.
and if it were to be embarked upon by the company, the
company would have to raise new capital to the extent of
rupees 280 lakhs. One obvious objection to the Andhra
Valley project leing undertaken with capital raised by the
company in extension of its present undeitaking is the fact
that rupees 85 lakhs in the capital of the company is repre-
sented by fir.st mortgage debentures, .and no further deben-
tures ranking equally therewith can be issued. If the com-
pany undertakes the Andhra Valley project, the whole of the
property acquired in connection therewith will merely go to
increase the security of the holders of the debentures referred
to, and the entire capital required for the development of the
Andhra Valley project will have to be provided in shares, as
it will not be feasible to place second debentures. This will
necessarily render it difficult to finance the Andhra Valley
scheme as an extension of the company's undertaking. Your
directors, moreover, are advised upon technical grounds that
it is important to the company, especially if supply is to be
given to railways and tramways, that there should be two
independent installations, interconnected as is now proposed,
so that one may assist the other in emergencies in the main-
tenance of continuity of supply. Your directors, as stated
above, do not consider that it is practicable for the company
to undertake the Andhra Valley project in the near future, or,
in fact, for some years, and, apart from any other reason, the
indefinite postponement of an alternative .supply is, in your
directors' opinion, calculated to be prejudicial to the interests
of the company. It must, moreover, be borne in mind that
the concession granted to the company in respect of the
Andhra Valley scheme will not be allowed to lie idle indefi-
nitely, and that failure to take advantage of the concession
may probably lead to its being withdrawn, and must of
necessity open the door to other prospectors and to possible
competition, which will not exist under the terms proposed to
be entered into between the company and the intended new
company."

The agreement, now confinned, provides, among other
things, the following consideration to be paid and satisfied
to the company for the transfer of the concession : —

npanv annuallv from the date of the

of Rs. 50,000,' and as and when the

ible or capable of being divided amongst

the new company shall pay to the com-

The
registra

company shall pay to the
of the new company the s
: company shall earn profits div
shareholders by way of dividend;

pany annually either
per cent, upon the rema
intention being that th^
company the sum of Rs. 50.000
mainder of the profits of th^
mentioned periodical pay
and deduction

debentures (if any), Ic

against profits, includ

to pay a dividend at tll^e rate of 7 pel

time being of the company paid up or

(if any) as may be required to satisfy

on the preference shares of the new co

deducting a further sum for depi

I sum of Rs. SO.OOO or a sum equivalent to 15

of its profits, whichever shall be the larger, the

pany shall be entitled to receive from the new

i a minimum annual payment. The re-

lew company for the purposes of the before-

nt shall be arrived at after making all proper

from the annual gross earnings for interest

nd deposits, and for working expenses chargeable

and deducting a sum sufficient

upon the issued capital for the

redited as paid up, and such amount

ly arrears of the cumulative dividend

pany for the time being unpaid, and

capital expenditure of the company for the time being upon all buildii
machinery, plant, and other property of the company in respect of which
deduction for depreciation would ordinarily be made in the case of under-
takings of a similar nature. The new company shall enter into an agreement
with the company defining so far as may be practicable the sphere and scope
of the operations of i-.ich company where sucli operations are likeljf to clash,
and for the purpose of promoting co-operation between the two companies and
pi eventing competition, and of preserving and protecting the in<erests of the
two companies.

Your directors consider that these terms are very liberal, and, rlthough
they firmly believe in the economic value of the .Andhra Valley project, yet it
is to be remembered that that scheme is not an established undertaking, and
your directors consider that the present company will be well advised to
obtain a definite and concrete consideration for its present undeveloped interest
in the scheme.

The. Helios Elektrizitais Geselhchaft^ of

German Cologne, which has been in course of

Electrical liquidation- for some years past, has closed

Companies, the vear 191.5-16 with, an unchanged debit

balance of ^419,000. The securities in

portfolio remain of the value of i'69,000.

The Rheinische Schuckert Ges. fur EleUtrische Industrie,
of Mannheim, reix>rts net profits of £45,-500 for 1915-16, as
compared with £45,000 in the previous year. It is intended
to distribute 5 per cent, on the share capital of £5.50,000, being
the same rate as in 1914-15.

The accounts of the Suddeutsche Telefon Apparate, Kabel
vnd Drahtiverke, A.G., of Nuremberg, for the yfear 191.546
show gross profits amounting to £43,000, as compared with
£46,000 in the previous vear, on an ordinarv share capital
of £.50,000. The net profits are £11,000 and £14,000 in the
two years respectively, the method of disposing of which has
not been disclosed for either year.

The liquidators of the Moore Licht A.G. state that several
patents -were disposed of during 1915-16, whilst the remain-
mg patents are to be allowed to lapse. The non-reahsable
debts owing in France, Engla'nd, and Russia, together with

Vol. 79. No. 2,03fl, December 22, 191fi.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

693

claims forming the subject of legal proceedings, had been sold
by auction. So far the return to the shareholders had
amounted to 86 J per cent., and the liquidators hoped that a
total of 100 per cent, would be eventually distributed.

The report of the Bayerische Sticksfoffwerke A.G., of
Munich, states that the demand for nitrogen of lime (cyana-
mide) continued to expand in 1915-16, and that this material
had not only proved to be a valuable substitute for the nitro-
genous fertilisers hitherto used, but results had also been
obtained from it which would ensure to the product a con-
stant market in open competition with other artificial nitro- •
genous fertilisers. The lunximum price in 1915-16 had been
fixed at Is. 5Jd. and then at Is. 5d. per kilogramme of nitrogen
i.r nitrogen of lime, free at consumers' stations, including
bags. The maximum price only slightly exceeded the price
in peace times, and was essentially cheaper than the price of
other nitrogenous fertilisers. It had been po.ssible to bring
into full operation the exten.sions of the plant near Trostberg,
and it was proposed now to begin the works foi- the utilisa-
tion of the power available at Tacherting-Margarethenberg,
on the Alz. The net profits are reported at £73,000, as com-
pared with f 57,000, and a dividend at the rate of 14 per cent,
has been declared, this contrasting with 12 per cent, in 1914-1.5.

Companies Struck Off the Register. — Tlic fcjlluwiuj;

companies have been struck off the register, and are actorrtingly
dissolved : —

Auto-Electrics, Ltd.

Auto-Flash Sign Co., Ltd.

Cable Construction Syndicate, Ltd.

F.B. Two-Stroke Engine Co., Ltd.

Plash Controller Co., Ltd.

Grindell-Matthews Radiophone Syndicate, Ltd.

Holmes Motor Speed Controller, Ltd.

Improved Wheel & Axle Adjustment Co., Ltd.

International Power & Light Trust, Ltd.

Lester Engineering Co., Ltd.

Llanidloes Electric Lighting Co., Ltd.

Pioneer Pump Patents (1918), Ltd.

Hadium Treatments, Ltd.

Sandors Motive Power Syndicate, Ltd.

Scientific Researches Co., Ltd.

Turbiro Engine & Pump Co., Ltd. |

W^ireless Telephones, Ltd.;

Buenos Aires Lacroze Tramways Co., Ltd. — The gross
recii|its fur the past year were $5,Ss3,'2'J'2, a decrease of
$217,389. The working expenses were $3,895,787, an increase
of $135,005. The causes of these results are : the large num-
ber of people leaving the country owing to the war, and the
stoppage of works in general causing unemployment, and so
decreasing traffic, notwithstanding the liljerality of the ser-
vices which the company had continued to give. The work-
ing balance is $1,987,475, and after deducting debenture
interest, amortisation of municipal concessions, paving
accounts, &c., the balance is $644,519, plus .$83,638 brought
forward. $32,225 is put to reserve, $32,225 goes to directors,
$3,222. (i per cent.) goes to the syndicate, and $625,0)00 to the
shareholders, leaving $35,483 to be carried forward.

Buenos Aires City & Suburban Tramways. Ltd. — The

diiectors report that the construction of the line between
Olivos and San Isidro has been completed, but the level
crossing over the Central Argentine Railway Co. at Olivos
has not yet been built, and the line beyond that point has
not been opened. Relations with the municipal and provin-
cial authorities continue to be satisfactory. — Financier.

Blackpool, St. Annes, & Lytham Tramways Co., Ltd. —

The traffic .receipts for the past year were ±'46,893. The
amount paid to the Corporation of Blackpool was i£10,123.
Tiaffic expenses amounted to £7,848, general expen.ses £3,742,
gi-neral repairs and maintenance £7,535, power expenses
£5.0i(;, and rent of leased hnes £2,294, the balance to profit
and loss account being £11,714. The directors recommend
the trustees for the debenture holders to distribute the full
year's interest of 5 per cent, upon the debenture .stock, this
being on account of arrears due to date.

Automatic Telephone Manufacturing Co.. Ltd. — Tlie pre-
ference share and tra'nsfer Ijcxiks are closed from 18th to 25th
inst., for the purjxtse of preparing the dividend warrants on
the 6 per cent, preference shares for the half-yeai-.

Adelaide Electric Supply Co., Ltd. — A general meeting of
this company was held on December 18th to approve the pay-
ment of the usual dividend. The annual meeting will not be
held until the receipt of the duplicate accounts from .Adelaide.

Ferranti, Ltd. — The .annual meeting was held on Tues-
day, at Basildon House ,"E.C. The proceedings were not open
to the Press.

Cordoba Light, Power & Traction Co.— The accounis for
the year ended September 30th, after payment of debenture
interest, show a loss of £230, which reduces the credit bal-
ance of £26,581 brought forward to £26,351. This amount
is to be canied forward.

Cuban Telephone Co, — Dividend, $U per share on the
preferred and common .shares.

Eastern Telegraph Co., Ltd.— Third quarterly dividend,
IJ per cent, on the ordinary stock, free of tax.

Eastern E.xtension, Australasia & China Telegraph' Co.,
Ltd. — Interim dividend for September quarter, 3s. per share,
free of tax.

Tucuman Tramways, Light & Power Co. — For the year
ended June, 1916, the net profit was £7,305, reducing the
debit balance to £35,210.

STOCKS AND SHARES.

Tuesday Evening.

With the close approach of the Christmas hohdays, it was
scarcely to be anticipated that the Stock Exchange would be
in a commercial frame of mind. As a matter of fact, the
unexpected has happened this week ; and in consequence of
the effective leply made by the French at Verdun to the
German peace propo.sals, C(jupled with the conviction that
the proposals themselves were actuated by growing weakness
on the part of the Central Powers, prices have been good in
the markets and business rather more active.

The outstanding feature is the strength of Home Railway
stocks. In their market, prices have i-isen from one to three
points during the past few days, the reason being that the
(rovemment have admitted the taking over of the railways
to have proved a remunerative bargain for themselves. This
was said partly to justify the acquisition of shipping and coal
interests; and the statement was sufficient to revive the jaded
spirits of holders of Home Railway stocks and to make them
feel that, after all, their investments might hold something
pleasant for them, notwith-standing all the rebuffs and checks
to which they have been subjected by Government restrictions
and Labour troubles.

The British Columbia Electric Railway Co. has issued its
eagerly-awaited report, and, judging from the severe slide
that has taken place in the company's stocks during the last
three weeks, it would seem very much that somebody had
advance knowledge of what the figures were going to show
and was trying to get out before the report did. The company
is going to pay the 5 per cent, dividend on its preference
stock, but in order to do this a sum equivalent to that which
i^ required for this service is to be withdrawn from the
reserve, and careful analysis of the report will show that the
company has earned comparatively little more than its deben-
ture interest.

Such a result justifies the falls which have been taking
place during the past month; but that the weakness should
have been apparent .so long before the actual accounts were
published is at least a strange coincidence. The company is
evidently suffering badly from competition ; and while it is
hoped that the present tide of its fortunes will prove to be
the lowest ebb, it is obvious that the management have still
anxious times ahead of them.

Brazilian Traction common shares have recovered to 46J,
moving in sympathy, to a great extent, with the shares in
the American-Canadian companies concerned with munition-
making. These have been undergoing sharp fluctuations dur-
ing the past few days. The peace hopes which make for
strength in Consols and domestic securities naturally have an
oppo.site effect upon those of American munitioneers. Cana-
dian Generals gave way, but recovered a trifle. Other light-
ing and power issues are scarcely mentioned.

The dangers which beset London in con.sequence of its
lighting restrictions were thrown into deeper gloom on Satur-
day night by a thick fog ■nhich involved metropolis and
suburbs. 'Buses and trams had to stop running, means of
communication were I'educed in numbers of cases to shanks's
pony, and innumerable wei'e the tales of minor accidents to
people who lost their way in the darkness.

It might well be thought that on such an occasion the
authorities responsible for the lighting orders would have had
the audacity to brave the Zepps and turn up the light, if
only for an hour or two, in order that Londoners might see
their way to get home — especially when it is considered that,
had danger threatened, all lights could have been extin-
guished or dimmed in so short a space of time. But perhaps
the powers that be were not out in th© fog and paid no heed
to the obvious risk to life and limb.

Meanwhile, shares in the lighting companies continue to
droop, further declines taking place in the shares of the city
and the county companies ; and the market as a whole is as
dull as the weather. Westminsters are 5s. down at 5J, and
St. James' lost a similar fraction at 6. The various peace
hopes circulating round the Stock Exchange have not yet
afforded tlie electricity supply department any support. The
Adelaide Electric Co. is paying the usual dividend and bonus,
making 12 per cent, in all, on its ordinary shares, although
the chairman explained at the meeting the other day that
the audited accounts from .\delaide for the past financial year
had been lost, owing to the sinking of the Arabia.

The Melbourne Electric Supply Co. reports a profit for the
year ended August 31st last of £142,000, being an increase
of £25,000, as compared with the preceding year. The direc-
tors recommend a final dividend of 5 per cent., free of tax.
making 10 per cent, for the year. The meeting is to be held
this *eek, and the directors are seeking powers to alter the
articles of association, with a view to enabling them to capi-

694

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW. :voi. :o. xo.2,on.>. nKOEMnKR22. ion;.

talise any part of tho undivided profits and to distribute the
same to ordinan- stockholders by way of dividend or bonus.
The price of the stock is about 156.

One of the most satisfactory reports that have been issued
for some time past is that of the India-Rubber & Gutta-
percha Co. The profits have l,>apt up from i'SD.tXK) in 1914-15
to fi;iS.8(tl» for tlie year just ende<l. The directors are ri>tain-
ing the ordinary dividend of 10 p<>r cent.. f50,(KKI being used
to buttress the reserve fund, while the carry-forward of
■t'40.(KH> is twice as much as it was a year apo. The price of
the sliares has risen lis. Cd. to 13J.

Henleys an> i better at lOJ, but other manufacturing shares
incline to be slightly easier. British NVe.stingluiuse prefer-
ence. Babcix-k & Wilcox, and Castner-Kellners are all a tritle
down. The Dick. Kerr Co. has made an offer to the United
Electric Car Co. for the purchase of the .shares in the latter
company. The price of Pick, Kerr ordinary is 15s. 'M.. and
the (> per cent, preference stand at 17s.

The telegraph market is dispo.sed to be a little heavy,
althouiih the Eastem" group stands out as e.xcepti(>nal to the
prevailing tendency. Business has sprung up again in Mar-
ci.nis. the parent .shares ri.sing to 2J buyers, while .Vmerican
Marconis at I7s. 3d. are 3s. fid. higher than they were a fort-
night ago. T'nitt'd River Plate Telephones gave way to
6 11/16.

Tlie rubber share market is quiet, unperturbed by the gyra-
tions in the price of the raw material. After being nearly
3s. Cd.. rubber went back to is. 9d., from which it recovered
to 2s. lid. per lb. Ciocxi report^s and dividends from the lead-
ing companies are tlie principal factors which have Iielpt^d to
keep the market firm. Annament and explosive .shares are
mostlv lower on the week, for obvious reasons.

MARKET QUOTATIONS.

SHARE I-IST OF ELECTRICAL COMP
Houx Electbicitt Cohpanikb,

Dividend Price

, • V Dec. 19, RUi

1914, 19IF. 1916. Ihi!

Bromptnn Ordinary .. ., 10 10 63

Charing Cross Ordinary .,66 Si

do. do. do. 4) Prel,, *i 4) 3,',,

Chelsea 6 4 3

City ot London 9 8 ll|

do. do. 6 per cent, Prel, 6 6 10

Connty of London .... 7 1 lOJ

do. 6 per cent, Pref, 6 8 9J

Kensington Ordinary .... 9 7 6|

London Electric 4 8 ig

do. do. 6 pet cent. Pret, 6 8 4,',

Metropolitan 8* 3 at

do. H per cent. Pret. ti H 8j

8t. James' and Pall Mall . . 10 8 6

South London 6 6 8?

SoQth Metropolitan Pref, ..77 1^

Westminster Ordinary .... 9 7 6|

TuLsaBiPHs un> Tn,B?HO!tB8.

Anglo-Am. Tel. Pref 6 6 9Sl

do. Del 80/. 83/6 I'i

Chile Telephone 8 8 7»

Cuba Sub. Ord 6 6 8i

Eastern Extension . , . . 7 8 14

Eastern Tel. Ord. . . . . 7 « l«l)

Globe Tel. and T. Ord 6 7 lajxj

do. Pref, .. 6 6 lOxd

Great Northern Tel 23 aa 37

Indo-European 13 13 49S

Marconi 10 10 2|

New York Tel. 4 J .. .. 4) 4) I'l

Oriental Telephone Ord. . . 10 10 2^

United R. Plate Tel 8 8 &} J

West India and Pan 1 6d. 1

Western Telegraph . . . , 7 8 IJjxd

Baui Rails,

Central London, Ord. Assented 4 4 66^

Metropolitan li 1 Sfij^

do. District . . . . Nil Nil 16*

Cndergroond Electric Ordinary Nil Nil a^

do, do, "A" .. NU Nil 6/.

do. do. Income 6 6 9j\

FOBEIS!) Tkaus, fto,

Adelaide Sup. 6 per cent. Pref, 6 6 4},5

Anglo-Arg. Trams, First Pret, 5i 6t Sxil

do, 2nd Pref, . . ej 6{ 22

do. 6 Deb, .. 6 6 66ix.l

Brazil Tractions 4 4 4tift

Bombay Electric Pref,- .... 6 6 lOJ

British Columbia Elcc. Rly. Pice. 6 5 62*

do, do. Preferred — Nil 42''

do, do. Deferred — Nil 411*

do. do. Deb. 4^ 4i 62

Mexico Trams 5 per cent. Bonds — Nil 324

do. 6 per cent. Bonds — Nil a7il

Mexican Light Common . . Nil NU 12{

do. Pref NU NU 17*

do. Ist Bonds . . Nil Nil 32J

MunrrACTUBtRo Cohfahiss,

Babcock 4 Wilcox . . . . 14 15 2}3

British Aluminium Ord. . . 6 7 so/.

British Insulated Ord 16 17* llj

British Westinghou&e Prel. . . 7J 7J al

Callenders 15 30 13

do. 5 Prel, . . . . 6 6 4i

Castner-Kellner aO 33 &Axl

Edison & Swan, £3 paid . . NU — .^

do, do, folly paid .. Nil — ]g

do. do. 4 per cent. Deb. 6 5 62^

Electric Construction ., .. 6 7* IJ,

Gen. Elec. Pret. . . .. .. 6 6 10

do. Ord 10 10 132

Henley 30 35 ifi

do. 4J Prel 4i 4^ 4

Isdla-Rubbei 10 10 lig

Telegraph Con SO 90 38

I* Dividends paid free o( income.UZi

e or fall

Yield

9 week.

p.c.

£1 11

0

—

7 8

3

«

8 11

II

..

6 18

4

- i

7 0

H

6 0

(1

-J

6 18

H

-J

« 1

fi

6 4

6

—

6 10

6

—

6 16

4

—

6 13

4

—

7 4

0

- }

6 IS

4

7 6

fi

—

B 7

3

-i

B 1

9

6 6

8

+ i

7 10

0

5 12

H

-.

8 B

fi

■I- i

•o 14

4

-n

•6 14

II

+ 2/-

•6 12

n

6 18

n

— \

6 19

(1

-U

6 U

4

+ i

8 19

^,

4 9

II

4 6

fi

-A

•6 19

8

3 4

II

—

•6 16

4

7 12 8

8 12 0
6 17 8

-i

- i

Nil

Nil
I 0 0
' 1 2
> 0 0

r 6 6

13 10

; 13 6

f 6 6
I 6 Q

It should be remembered, in making use of the figures appeariug
in the following list, that in some cases the prices are only geuerai,
and they mny vary ari'onlinjj to quantities and other oiri'iim-itaiioi-a.

Wednesday, December 20tb,

CHEMICALS. Ac.

a Acid, Oxalic p«r lb.

a Ammoniac Sal per ton

a Ammonia. Muriate (large crystal) ,,
a Bisulphide of Carbon . . . . ,,

a Uora.x „

a Copper Sulphate ,,

a Powsh, Chlorate per lb,

a ,, Porchlorate .. .. ,,

o Shellac per cwt.

a ^iulphate of Magnesia . . per ton

a Sulphur, Sublimed Flowers . . „

a ., Lump ,,

a Soda, Chlorate per lb,

a ., Crystals per ton

a Sodium Bichromate, casks .. per lb.

METALS, &c.

; Brass (rolled metal 2* to 12" basis) per lb,

: ,, Tubes (solid drawn) .. ,,

: „ Wire, basis

r Copper Tubes (solid drawn) .. ,,

f ,, Bars (best selected) , . per ton

r „ Sheet

r „ Rod „

{ „ (Electrolytic) Bars . . „

/ ,, „ Sheets .. „
i 1, „ Rods

# „ „ H.C, Wire per lb,
■Ebonite Rod „

■ „ Sheet „

I German Silver Wire .. .. ,,

I Gutta-percha, fine ,,

I India-rubber, Para fine .. .. ,,

Iron Pig (Cleveland warrants) . . per ton
,, Wire, galv. No. 8, P.O. qual.

, Lead, English Pig ,,

r Mercury per hot.

• Mica (in original cases) small .. per lb.

,, ,, ,, medium ,,

! ,, „ ,, large ,. ,,

f Silicium Bronze Wire .. .. per lb.

Steel, Magnet, in bars .. . . per ton

r Tin, Block (English) , , . . „

I „ Wire, Nos, 1 to 16 .. .. per lb.

Latest

Fortnight's

Price,

Inc. or Deo

1/7

Id, dao.

£15

£64

£33

£31

£6:1

3/6

«/-

142/.

£16

i'l»

i.1 inc.

1/10 to 1/lOi

M. dec.

noa

£4 dee.

£186

£4 dec.

£186

£4 dec.

£160

£10 dec

• £178

flu dec

£lO

£10 dec.

1/8

Id. dec.

3/-

a/6

3/3

6/10

8/3*

I'.J. dec

Nom,

£36

£32 6

£18 16

6d. to 8/.

8/6 to 6/-

116 to 14/- i up.

l/ll

id. dec.

Quotations supplied by-

a G. Boor 4 Co.

c Thos. Bolton & Sons, Ltd,

d Frederick Smith & Co.

F. Wiggins A Sons.

India-Rubber, Gutta-Percha and
Telegraph Works Co,, Ltd,

g James & Shakespeare,

h Edward Till & Co

I Boiling & Lowe.

/ Richard Johnson & Nepliew, Ltd,

n P. Ormiston & Sons

r W. F. Dennis & Co;

Test for Moisture in Transformer Oil. — Wliilc ii

thorongh test fur the suitaliility ot oil for transformers ami oil
switches can be made only with high-tension testing apparatus,
very gootl indications of the presence of moisture have been
obtained by llr. J. K. JIackie. superintendent of the Connecticut
Power Co.. as follows : — A sample of the oil to Ije tested is
drawn from the liottom of the transformer, oil switch, or storage
tank. (Samples from the upper parts of the tank are not
considered suitable for the test, as water is heavier than oil and
usually collects at the bottom.) In the sample thus taken is placed
powdered anhydrous copper sulphate. If moisture is present the
copper sulphate will be dissolved, producing a blue colour that will
diffuse through the oil if moisture is in suspension, ^ince enough
copper sulphate is added to ensure a saturated solution, the intensity
of the lilue tint will lie a measure of the amount of moisture present.
As small percentages of moisture have a very deleterious effect on
the dielectric strength of oil. however, the lightest shade ot hlue is
sufficient indication that the oil should be dried by filterin'.r. It
may he pointed out that other substances giving a dee])er tint than
coppor sulphate may be used, the only requirement being that they
dissolve quickly in water but not in oil. — Elfctrinil WnrUl.

Australian Electrolytic Zinc. — .Vccnrdiiii; to tlie Si/ilitpn

Ihiihj Tflftinijili. further jiarticulars were forthcoming in con-
nection with the estatjlishment of the Electrolytic Zinc Co.. of
.\ustralia. Proprietary. Ltd. Speakintr at the half-yearly meeting
of the Amalgamated Zinc (De Bavay"s), Ltd.. in Melbourne. Mr.
\V. L. Baillieu. after indicating the lines of the new company, said
that all the zinc concentrates were now disposed of throutrh the
Zinc Producers' Association Proprietary. Ltd.. which body, through
the good offices of Mr. Hughes, had effected the sale of 100.000
tons of concentrates for immediate delivery to the Imperial Govern-
ment, and was notv settling the details of a post-war contract for
1.000.000 tons at satisfactory prices. A substantial tonnay-e had
also been sold to the Allies. The company would participate in
these sales. The whole of its estimated output for lit Ui had been
disposed of, in addition to a fair percentage of the I'.'IT output.
The company had been much assisted by the Prime Minister's
arrangement that the production for ten years should be taken
by the Imperial authorities at satisfactory prices.

Vol. 70. No. 2,039. December 22, IJU,.] THE ELECTRICAL EEYEEW.

()95

THREE-PHASE EXTENSIONS
WALLASEY.

As our readers may be aware, in the latter ]iart of last year
the Wallasey Corporation put to work a new three-phase
j^eneratiug station, designed on modern lines for cheap power
production, and situated on a site where adequate fuel and
water facilities existed.

Tlie decision to build a new station was adopted in I'Jli
in preference to the alternative of making considerable
extensions to the original one in .Sea View Road, which,
like so many of our original generating plants, was con-
structed at a time when the necessities of the future could
not be adequately gauged.

The municipal supply of electricity — a single-pluise one —
was started in January, 1897, and has been financially
successful from the c(iinmencemeut.

Direct-current extensions to the plant were made in 1900,
in order to supply the tramway undertaking, and at a more
recent date a 1,000-KW. thi-ee-phase turbo-generator was
installed to cope with increasing demands.

The scheme for the new station, which was prepared by
Mr. J. A. Crowther, the borough electrical engineer,
involved the use of a site near the Birkenhead Docks with
suitable railway facilities, and provided
for two 1,500-Kw. turbo-alternators,
with condensers, boilers, &c., and the
conversion of the existing station into
a sub-station, and laying of e.h.t.
<:ables to connect the two ; rotary con-
verters were to Ije provided for trac-
tion supply, and static transformers for
lighting, while a margin would re-
main for three-phase power supply.

This scheme was aijproved by Mr.
( now Sir John) Snell, and subsequently
Mr. Crowther was instructed to carry
it into effect.

In the meantime, however, the de-
mand for energy greatly increased, and
it was decided to install 3,000-KW.
sets instead of the 1,.500-kw. sets
originally contemplated : the station
was in running order last autumn,
but for reasons connected with the war
only one set has been available for use.

The initial equipment provided for
is three Babeock boilers, each of 5,500
sq. ft. heating surface, and rat^d at
L'l'.DOOlb. evaporation per hour, with a
maximum of 30,000 lb., to steam at
200 lb. per sq. in. pressure with 200"" of superheat, also
a similar but smaller boiler of 10,000 lb. per hour evapora-
tive capacity.

The boilers are fitted with integral superheaters and
chain-grate stokers, and three economisers are provided
behind them, each of 3,000 sq-. ft. heating surface, and each
discharging into a Prat ejector type chimney equipped with
a fan with variable speed motor drive. Two turbine-driven
boiler feed pumps are installed, which exhaust into a feed-
heater, raising the feed temperature to over 100° F., liefore
it eaters the economisers. The generating units « ill consist
of two 3,000-KW. Westinghouse sets, delivering ihrec-phase
energy at 6,()00 volts, and equipped with surface ct)ndensing
plant and wet air filters : also a 1,000-KW. B.T.H. turbo-
generator set. The circulating water is drawn from the
adjoining dock, through screens, into a large tank near the
engine room, and is discharged through i-t-in. diameter
cast-iron pipes leading back to the dock. All the pumps in
connection with the condensing plant are of the rotary type,
motor driven, and, indeed, there is no reciprocating plant in
the station.

The E.H.T. switchgear wa.s supplied by Messrs. Cronipton,
and includes three generator, four feeder, and two trans-
former panels, which supply the station auxiliaries and the
small works adjacent to the station.

The E.H.T. feeders, as previously mentioned, coiuiect to the
old station, which is equipped with the necessary converting
and transforming plant ; they also run to large sub-stations

A J on the Dock Road, for the supply of power to flour mills,

&c., one of which is now a consumer of 4^ million units
per aimum, while others will be considerable consumers
when the station is fully equipped.

It is satisfactory to know that the results obtained so far
have quite justified the policy of the Council in building a
new station, instead of extending the old one, where fuel
cartage, and ash removal were considerable problems ; the
railway accommodation on the new site deals with all the
traffic. A recent month's return shows that the new plant
operates on 2^ lb. of slack per KW.-hour generated, showing
a considerable economy on the old station, and similarly the
amount of town water purchased is much reduced.

The buildings are of steel frame construction, filled in
with brickwork, and lined with glazed brick inside : these
buildings cost 32s. per Kw. installed, while the cost of the
turbo-generators and condensers amomited to £2 128. per
KW. installed, and that of the entire station, with the land
(excluding cables), has been £(! 17s. 9d. per kw. installed
— an exceedingly low figure, even low-er than that quoted
recently in the case of the new Walsall plant, which is
apparently of rather larger capacity (£7 12s. per kw., see
Electrical Review, November 24th).

The comparison is only a rough one, in the absence of
details, but it is evident that the carrying out of the work

IPl.\x of New Power Station. Wallasey, showixg Plant Arrangement.

reflects great credit on the borough electrical engineer, Mr.
Crowther. To some extent the Wallasey design lends
point to the arguments advanced in our remarks on power
station design in our issue of November 24th, as the rela-
tively low cost has been obtained with an arrangement of
boiler plant — boilers, economisers, draught plant, &c. — on
the floor level, whereas at Walsall a superposed arrangement
was adopted leading to considerable space economy.

We may mention that the Wallasey authorities possess a
considerable area of land available for extending the plant,
and that there is every indication of additional energy being
required in the near future.

In conclusion, we are indebted to Mr. Crowther for his
assistance in the preparation of these notes.

American Farm-Motor Installation. — The Lilac Hedge

Farm, near Graud Forks, installed electrical equipment for the first
time in UHl for both lij^'hlinj;- and power purposes. Electric drive
has been used ever since for milking and other purjxises (an averagre
of 60 cows are milked twice a day). About 1,000 tons of ensilage
are cut each year ; all the threshin;;. feed grinding, wood sawing-,
water pumping-, &c., is done by electric motors, two of which are
stationary, one for driving- the milkiugr machine and one for pump-
ing water. The rest of the farm work is done by a S.'i-H.p. port-
able motor, so arranged that it can be plugged in at various places
on the farm. The installation has been a very satisfactory revenue
producer for the centra! station, and has more than satisfied the
owner of the farm. - Elfctririil World.

OOf)

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW. [Voi. tk. no. 2,o31'. dkckmbek 22, i9it]

SOME ASPECTS OF INDUSTRIAL
RESEARCH.

By E. \V. MARCHANT.

Thk ikan-iption given by Mr. A. P. if. Flemiiis; in his
leftnre at Maiioliester, on Dw. 12th. of tlie develoiiment of ^
industrial rcseairh in the United States, must cause everyone
interested in the welfare of industry in this country to
realise the ur<rency of the .|nestion if we are to maintain
unimpiiired and stren<ithened our industrial position.

A comment in the Khilrinil World for November ISth,
101(1. on the scheme for industrial research proposed by
Dr. Jlnrray ilutler, of Columbia Univereity, may be of value
jis showins the iH>int of view of the American electrical
industry. It remarks that " we stand fiice to face with a
EunnK' which will In- orsranised with superb efficiency after
the war."' It seems doubtful whetlicr the British part of
the organisiition is really as " superb " as the .\mericans
appear to think it is, but there is no doivbt that, as far as
industrial research is concerned, American industry is far
ahead of anything that has been attcuiptcJ in this country.

Perhaps "the most interesting dexelopment described by
Mr. Fleminir was that of industrial research laboratories in
connei'tion with large firms and manufacturing associations.
It seems self-evident that institutes to carry on the kind of
work done by these laboratories must be established in this
country, either in connection with or independently of
Universities.

It would apix'ar that the best solution of the problem of
industrial research will be the establishment of research
laboratories, or institutes in which all problems in con-
nection with any particular industry can be worked out.
The difficulty of'equipping any Institute capable of carrying
out more than a small fraction of the research work re(iuired
for the manifold industries of this country is insuperable,
and still more difficult must be the task of finding a Fellow,
or a number of Fellows or researchers, who have the neces-
sary knowledge and experience to work out the practical
problems that have to be solved. There are. besides siich
institutes, two other places in which research can be carried
out — i.e. the Universities and Higher Technical Schools
and the research laboratories of the individual works. All
these laboratories would seem to have a place in the scheme
of industrial research which it is hoped may ultimately be
established.

If one may attempt to define the scope of the various
Institutions mentioned, the Universities and Higher
Technical Schools will pi'obably confine their work to the
more general scientific problems which lie at the basis of
the industry, the Research Institutes will deal with the
development of scientific results into commercial processes,
and the works themselves will deal with the technical
research required to bring the operations involved in any
process of manufacture to a high degree of efficiency. It is
• obvious that there are many cases hi which the functions
outlined atove will overlap, but it is in the highest degree
desiralile that there should be some attempt to co-ordinate
the different branches of industrial research. ■

It seems evident from the reply of Lord Crewe to the
deputation on Scientific Research, last week, that the con-
ditions laid down for the expenditure of money under the
Privy Council scheme are such that comparatively little
will be contributed by firms to help it forward. Whether a
different view of the subject will be taken by the new Govern-
ment remains to be seen : but unless the manufacturer is
going to derive some direct benefit from the expenditure of
his money, it seems very unlikely that he will be willing to
spend it on research work. The most hopeful method
would apjjear to be for the manufacturers to take the
subject in hand for themselves, and establish institutions
under their own control to assist their work. If this were
done, Government grants might well be obtained to assist
individual researches. The British Engineers' .\ssociation
has already been formed, and there could be no better liody
to consider the estaljlishment of research institutes for the
engineering industry.

THE PARALLEL OPERATION OF ELECTRIC
POWER STATIONS.

Ar a iiuH'tinji of the NKwcAsTLK.-rrox-Tv.\K Loom, Section
of the Institution oi Ei.kcthicai, Engineers, on December
11th. Mr. J. S. Peck read his paper on this subject. Mr. U.
VV. Clothier presided, and .stated that the Secretary had
already sent their messjige of gixjdwill to the members who
were sc^rviii)' at the Front.

Mr. I'KCK said that hrintjinfj to their notice the question
of the parallel o|>eration of power stations was sometliing like
" hrini»in{; coals to Kewca.stle." but wlicn the paper was
recently discussed it seemed to him that many doubted
whether there was any .such " co;d " in Newcastle. He hoped
the discussion would fjo to prove that sueh operation of sta-
tions was possible and reasonable.

The CiMiRM.^N, in opening the di.scussion, sjiid that when
they read the discussion of t\w paper in London, it did seem
tliat development in the matter of linkinf,'-up power stations
\\as very much greati^r in tlie Newcastle district than else-
where. They really got the impression in I,ondon that there
was no such thing as linking-up. whereas wh<'n they looked
niinid this district they found Hi power stations linked up in
liarallel. Of course, there were difticultics. Mr. Peck had
Slid that one of the chief critici.snis was directed to the power
factor, and he supposed there were lX)wer companies or under-
taking.s which would fight shy of linking-up. but he thought
the difficulty was not so much one of an engineering charactei-
as a financial one. The question had to be settled who had
t ) get the profit and who had to do the- diity work. As to
till frequencies, he was rather .surprised to hear Mr. Peck
sax that a low frequency of 25 cycles was easier for the
sw itch to break than a higher frequency, because of the longer
pei'iod near the zero line at the lower frequency. By linking-
up more power was biwight on to the switchgearj and the
short-circuit cuiTent became heavier. He understood that in
America the practice was to' relieve the switchgear by putting
into ojXM-ation definite time-limit relays. Here we endeavoured
to get our faults out as soon as possible after they were dis-
covered, but were we right in doing that?

Mr. Vernier said that after reading the discussion of the
paper in London he wondered how Tyneside hacl got on at
• ail, for 'linking-up had been adopted so extensively.

Mr. Beard said he thought the best .service they could do
Mr. Peck and the industry generally was to emphasise the
fact that the system of parallel opeiatiou had already been
adopted. People outside that di.strict did not seem to" appre-
ciate the extent to which the system had been developed. At
present there were 15 or 16 power stations, and he thought
the district could claim to be the most complete parallel-
operating system in the country. In 19<14 Carville and Forth
Banks, fairly close together, were linked up; in 190.5 Walls-
end and a station eight miles away were linked up, and he
heard of no special trouble that they met with. In 1910 the
Tees and the Tyne were linked up. although 42 miles was the
shortest route. On the one side they had 0,000 volts stepped
up to 20, (HH) volts, then stepped down to 11,000, and then
to 3,(X)0. In several cases there was a change in frequency.
In this connection, he mentioned the costliness of apparatus,
and said that manufacturers in this country had not done
enough on this subject, and often they had had to go abroad
for it. The maintaining of regulators was a serious matter
according to his experience, and all sorts of trouble arose as
to insulation.

Mr. Jackson said he thought a gcx)d deal of the trouble
with regard to the question they were considering lay in the
matter of the governors. He advocated the use of the syn-
chronous type of frequency changers.

Mr. Longman al.so emphasised the importance of the ques-
tion of governors. Messrs. Tornbull, Carr, Gregory, and
Porter also tcx)k part in the discussion, and Mr. Peck, in
reiily. expressed satisfaction at its character.

At a meeting of the Yorkshire Local Section of the Institu-
tion OF Electrical Engineers, on December 8th, Mr. W.
Lang <x-cupying the chair, Mr. John S. Peck summarised his
paper on " Parallel Operation." adding information as to
tests which had been made on the pi-evious Tuesday by Mr.
Robertson, of Salford, on the paralleling of his plant with
that of the Lancashire Electric Power Co. at Radcliffe. The
Rf.deliffe pressure was 10.(HKJ volts, and the Salford pressure
Cj.GOO volts. They tried conveying 2,0(XI KW. from the Rad-
clitVe .station to Salford, holding the voltage at both ends of
the line normal, and under the.se conditions they got the
power factor on the interconnecting line up to .63. Both
systems were controlled by aut.iinatii voltage regulators, so
that the voltage w-as niaintaimil ;ili,>iilutely constant. The
voltage at Radchffe was raised fioiii 1(1.300 to 10.500, 2 per
cent., and the voltage at Salford remained the same. The
power factor then came up from .6:3 to .87. Then the voltage
at Salford was dropped from 6.600 to. 0.500. keeping the
voltage 2 per cent, higher at RTdcliiTe. and that gave a power
factor of .95. That meant that when they were sending
power from Radcliffe to Salford with a voltage exactly equal
—exactly normal— with 2,000 KW'. flowing into Salford, they

Vol. 79. No: 2,039, DixEMBER 22, 191G.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

697

got a power t'lK'tor of .t>3. As the voltage at Radcliffe was
raised and the other was lowered, the power factor came up
gradually to .9.5, until, when there was a difference approxi-
mately of 3i per cent., they got the best conditions. Radchffe
did not care to raise the voltage any higher, and Salford did
not care to go any lower. That connection was with about
live miles of overhead line, 10,000 volts, and approximately
one mile of underground cable. The next thing they did was
to put another feeder in parallel, the second feeder being
t-ntirely underground, and by rather a roundabout way.
Starting with normal voltage again, ti,600 at Salford and
10,300 at Radcliffe, they got -2,000 kw. with .74 power factor
irstead of .63. Keeping the Salford voltage at 6,600, and
raising that at Radclilfe just 2 per cent., the power factor
came up to unity. Next they raised the load from '2,000 to
3.(X)0 KW., still in the same direction, Radcliffe to Salford.
Vnder normal conditions that would give a worse power
factor. The voltages were maintained as before. First they
had Radcliffe 2 per cent, higher and Salford normal, and the
power factor dropped from unity to .83. Holding Radchffe
still 2 per cent, up, they dropped Salford about 1 per cent,
dow-n to 6,570. and the power factor came back to unity again.
Thus it became quite apparent that by a very small change
in voltage at the two ends of the line it was possible to shift
the wattless cun-ent from one station to the other and get
unity power factor in the line. Readings were taken on quite
a large number of in.struments. and all the readings seemed
to check up quit* well. The next test was rever.sing the flow
of energy, taking power to Radcliffe from Salford, and in this
they got very much the same conditions : w'hen they raised
the voltage at Salford and dropi>ed the voltage at Radcliffe,
and maintained a difference of about 3 to 3j per cent, they
got ^.OOlt KW. tran.smitted at unity power factor, and this
showed that the load could be transmitted in either direction
without trouble.

In the course of the discussion, Mr. R. H. Campion said Mr.
Peck had almost started again the old battle of the systems.
He had noticed in connection with synchronous sets that the
stations which had .synchronous sets and motor-generators
always had the best regulated power factor. The stations he
had in mind were .suiiplying cotton manufactories, and they
got much better power factors than were got in Yorkshire.
He had been interested to see that ilr. Peck now practically
i-ecommended the rotary converter . for changing to the D.c.
supply, and he had noticed that rotary converters worked
very much better with 2-5 periods than w'ith -50. There did
iiot seem to be half the experimental work required with 2-5
periods that there was with -50.

Mr. Christunson said ihe paper seemed to i-aise the whole
question of standardisation of fi'equency, voltages, and phases.
In his view, paralleling would not be. a success until the
question of voltage regulation was dealt with. Under the
majority of the present voltages in this country the oppor-
tunity for parallel runnmg . seemed very limited, and it
appeared that before anything could be done on any large
scale we should have to adopt very nmch higher voltages,
probably of the order of .50.000. There w'ere considerable
difficulties in linking-up with the present voltages which
would be reduced with the higher voltages.

Mr. T. Roles said the chief engineer whose office was a mile
away from the works had httle opportunity of observing the
paralleling ; the sport and fireworks were left to his assistants.
He rememijered the old days when it used to be a question
not only of paralleling the alternators, but also paralleling
the engines. He had never heard of any trouble in paralleling
in connection with the Bradford works. As to the matter of
periodicity, he did not think there w'as likely to be much
trouble in Yorkshire. He did not know- of a single under-
taking in that district which had not 50 periods, and that
would get over a large amount of trouble in the early days of
interlinking. The question of what was to be the periiwlicity
of the super-station which was now talked about was a matter
that should be very thoroughly looked into before any supev
station was put down for any special district. .\s to the volt-
age of transmission, he did not think much could be done
with the present voltage of 6,000. If there was going to be
any linking-up with the larger stations to effect any useful
purpose, such as a saving of plant, a question of .serious con-
sideration would be what was the highest voltage which could
be used with' cables which could be procured. So fai- as he
could find out from the makers, 33.000 was about the highest
voltage they would guarantee. They would make cables for
40,000 volts, but if they did they would want the consumer to
share the risks with them.

Mr. W. M. Srlvey said he had occasion lately to go into
the question of transmission, and he realised the importance
when one was linking-up two stations of ascertaining, to begin
W'ith, for what purpose they were being linked up. The object
of linking-up nowadays was an attempt to increase the
economic factor by supplying a smaller station at such times
as that smaller station itself could not geneiate, and the
cable between them should, therefore, be called a transmitter.
If it was a long cable, they had to consider that transmitter
as if the small station was a consumer. They had to consider
the amount of power they had to send down, and unless they
made use of the transmitter in the same sense that they
would if they were supplying a customer there was very
little economic justification for it. If they w ere going in for
linking-up. it was not a que.stion of linking-up two stations,
but one of linking-up a number of stations, and as soon as

thev got to linking-up more than two there were quite a
number of new problems. The fact seemed to be that the
onlv solution of the question of linking up power stations
was that one main station should do the bulk of the work and
take the responsibilitv, and the smaller stations should run
at 100 per cent, load factor and take practically no resivtcsi-
bUitv at all. On the whole, linking-up was the right thmg,
and there was no doubt the problems would be solved.

Mr Wilson H.-vrtnell said there must be some standard
voltage. He thought also that Mr. Peck should presently
look into the question of cost.

Mr. NoRM.^x Stell said one of the great factors to be taken
into account was the life of the cable.

Mr. .7. E. Stork .said he thought that until they could get
foiward with the higher pressure cable work there would not
be much headway. He thought the cable manufacturers
would have to consider more not what they would make or
guarantee, but what the consumer was going to call for.
With high voltages and some method of correcting power
iaiUn- they would be better able to- deal with the mter-
ccnnecting problem. . , , ,,1.1,^.

The Ch.4IRM.\n said that the pomt might be overlooked that
the cost of interconnecting and the troubles which were
always incidental to it might make it not worth bothenng
with! The monev might, perhaps, be far better used if it
was admitted that, in certain small stations, much better
results might be obtained if they were simply u.sed as dis-
tributing centres rather than to. aim at the 100 per cent, load
factor which Mr. Selvey . referred to. -, . ^ u j

Mr. Peck, replving to the discussion, said that had
been one of the most peaceful meetings he had had, for
contrarv to some of his previous experiences, they all seemed
to thmk that this paralleling business was easy. There seemed
to be two classes on the question, one headed by the Editor
of the Elccfriral Times, 'who seemed to beUeve that there was
some wonderful mv.stery which made it unpossible to operate
in parallel, and the other class perhaps best represented by
Mr. Fedden,* who had a communication in the Electric.\l
Review in which he said he did not see what all this talk
was about, because he had been operating in this way for years
past. As to the higher voltage for linking-up, he thought it
was purely a question of balancing the cost of the extra
copper against the increased cost of high-voltage cable and the
transformer which would be required. Where the power
.stations were kxated long distances apart it would be neces-
sary to go to higher voltages, but in other cases he did not
see' whv the connecting cable of 6.0(X) volts should not afford
a great" amount of relief where stations were overloaded. He
had purposely avoided dealing with the question of costs be-
cau.se that had been done in the report issued by the com-
mittee of which Mr. Robertson, of Salford, was secretary,
and Mr. Woodhouse was a member. This committee had
worked out the cas^ for linking-up in Lancashire, and made
out a verv excellent case. He scarcely considered himself
capable of dealing with the question nf *),? best kind of cable.
The central-station engineers had much more experience of
that than he had.

THE EXPORT TRADE TO THE FAR EAST.

This was the title of a pai>er read to the members of the
Birmingham and District Electric Clcb recently by Mr.
W. G. L. Riddle (President). He said that everyone con-
nected with the Far Eastern business knew that previous to
the war their greatest competitors were the Germans,
although, even at that time, they were, in turn, feeling the
competition of the .lapanese in the low-priced articles of
household commodities and apparel. In his opinion, there
was no doubt that .lapan would become a great power in
trade with China because of her close proximity, which meant
low- freights and ti-ansit charges. Then, again, Japan could
send her travellers to penetrate China, where the standarjl
of living was somewhat of the .same nature as that of Japan.
Before he left China in .April last year. Japan was making
large quantities of electrical porcelain goods, flexibles, and the
smaller sizes of cables. In other words, Japan lay at China's
door, and the needs and peculiarities of the Chinese were
better known to Japan than to any other nation. Some years
before the present war broke out the (General Electric Co., of
Schenectady, built a factoi-y in Japan to manufacture electric
lamps and fittings, and some five years ago, when the
Shanghai Slunicipal Council issued their specification for a
year's supply of metal-filament lamps, the contract was
secured by the Japane.se works at a price that no British firm
could touch. When he w'as in Shanghai, one could go into
any electric sundries store and purchase a lamp for Is. that
one would have to pay 2s. 8d. for in Birmingham, and from
what he was told by one of the Council's engineers the lamps
made in Japan were superior to many of the British makes.
This competition was very hard to fight again.st. They might
also expect increased competition from America in engineer-
ing enterprises in China.

* See also the Electrical Review of October 13th, Novem-
ber 10th, (fee, for the Editors' opinions.— Eds.

cits

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW, [voi. ;;.. No. 2.03;>, dixembkr --, u.ic.

1 lie Cioriuans put a lot of money into the luining business,
..li>r Chinese names, because iinder the Chinese Mining
iit:;4ulations only 50 per cent, of the capital was to be
foreign, and the profits in the same proportion. The Ger-
mans, however, ignored this preposterous stipulation, and got
the Chinese to pose as the capitalists, having an understand-
ing with the Chinese that they, the Oeniians. were to do
the exporting of the mine output, and that they should
inport the machinery for the mine. This opened the way
for the importation of all classes of cargo, the Germans being
established by this means in many important centres in
China. The Germans had also sunk much money in China in
antimony mines, and were beginning to get it back tenfold.
The Germans employed expert^ in every line of business, and
were not content to do business as commission agents in
Shanghai, Tientsin, and Hankow. They sent their men right
into the interior of China, and got hold of the actual pro-
ducer of raw material and introduced to him imported goods
of German manufacture. How could English houses hope to
get the business out in China, or in their Colonies for that
matter, when the English banks and commercial houses here
at home were full of German clerks, humble looking, under-
paid individuals, but who were in the pay of the big Gennan
banks and firms, say in Hamburg, and who knew what busi-
ness was being done by their English employers? These
clerks, as they went home to lunch or supper, dropped a
code telegram to their employers in Hamburg or Berlin, with
the result that the quotations given by the comjx'ting English
and German firms in China wjL^e different by a point or so—
the German firms getting the business. It was the same in
the import trade from China to England : English banks and
Enghsh firms full of Germans. One of the largest German
firms in Shanghai, with a registered head office in London
and swagger offices in Hong-Kong and Shanghai, po.sed before
Britishers m China as " all the same " English firm trading
under our flag, traded on our social advantages, and undercut
ns with Gennan goods at even- turn. Was not it marvellous
that we never saw how we were being bled to death? Why
did the staffs in the German firms in Shanghai always have
to work later than the English and French firms? Because
they had to put in an hour or two extra in drawing up
secret reports to send to their principals, giving particulars
of what they had heard from their English and French friends
at the clubs. The Germans considered anything was worth
lookmg into, and pas.sed business on to one another Not
so the English firms.

British manufacturers should get their goods on the Chinese
market as cheaply as possible, making what the Chinaman
wanted not too good, but something that would last a
reasonable time. As it was quite an expensive business for
an English firm to send a representative to China, he would
suggest that, say, five or six British fiims who made some-
what simdar machinery should combine and send a smart
Bntisher out to China as their representative to work under
a BntLsh firm of merchants in China, who would act as the
conibmes agents, having offices in some principal centre
such as Shanghai, Teintsin, or Hankow. The representative
should not be a pure salesman, but a man who had been
through the shops and knew his business thoroughly. Manu-
tacturers in this countiy, failing to form a combine and
being unable to send out their own representative, should
co-operate -with firms already established in China who knew
the country and the trade routes. Travellers for home manu-
lacturers were not so effective as a locallv established repre-
sentative. The Chinese liked to deal with a Britisher who
hart an established Chine.se Hong name, and they looked with
suspicion upon a .strange foreigner.

He was often asked the question : Will the Germans get the
business after the war? Personally, he did not see that there
was anything to prevent them, especially if thev could under-
sell us and give the Chinese long credits again. Thev probablv
tiad not been able to do much business during the war but
they were • carrying over," so to speak, with the Chinese.
Ihey had kept their staffs going at reduced pav. The
Chinese would be only too glad to take advantage of the
foreign commercial .situation. The Germans had been keep-
ing their trade going by u.sing American firms, and but for
the shortage of tonnage on the Pacific and the congestion of
treights on the Amencan railways, this would have been verv
serious for us. UnUmited capital expenditure was the only
way to capture profits anywhere in the worid, and, after the
war, we should have to face competitors using monev they
tad made out of us during the war, using German methods
ot busmess If Engli.sh capitalists would put money into
development work m Chma, and with our financial whip-
hand at Pekin this was more possible for us than any other
nation, something would be done to keep their trade going
because the developrnent ^vork would give them good faa;
vvith the Chinese and combat the idea that we were short
of money. He had always found the Chinaman a good man
Wh" .'Jr'^'i'^'/,^-. ?'^ ^"r\ ^as practically as good as his
•bond, although that trait of his would die out? and was
probably not so good as it was -20 years ago. A Chinaman
delighted m a bargain, and it was no use, whether one was
huymg or selling with him, one must be prepared for a bar-
gain. Ihe Chinaman knew three classes of cargo; he preferred
the Enghsh if he could afford it. Say it was priced at 75
cents at an English Hong, 60 cents at a German, and 40 cents
at a Japanese. The Chinaman would buy the German article
because, at any rate, it was foreign goods, and though it

might not last as long as the British goods, it was what he
wanted: and, besides, the extra 15 cents might be just beyond
his means, though he would not descend to the trashy
Japanese article. To the uneducated Chinese the Germaii
could always pose as an Englishman, the foreign names con-
veying nothing to the Chinaman. The German used their
language in business in Shanghai, as in other places in China.
To his mind it was extremely probable that German comp<^-
tition would be keener after the war was over, and as it
would require more export business than ever to bring more
money into the country, it was up to Britishers to fight Ger-
rnany on their own ground, using better methods than they
did. They must meet German competition and secure for
British Labour and Capital a fair, share of what must in
time be an important and expanding bu.siness, esix'cially as
China develoi>ed her mining and industrial le.-Joiirces.

British houses who were at present established in China
and could handle engineering and machinery on an extensive
scale could almost be counted on the fingers of one hand,
but they were principally firms of good financial standing
with branches in many parts. China was a huge country,
and in many of the provinces the Briti.sh had not touched it at
all. So Gennauy had had no eomp<Hition to fight except
among themselves, and consequently had been able to secure
full margins of profit. Germany after the war would have
to devote her attention in a greater degree to such neutral
countries as China, where there was no sentiment against her.
and they could only hope that she would be so crippled
financially that her banks and finance houses would not be
able to accord the long credits and the exceptional facilities
to her merchants that wore formerly in vogue.

CORRESPONDENCE.

Letters received by lis after 5 P.M. ON TuESDAV cannot appear until
the fvHowinff tveek. Correspondents slimilit forward tlieir communi-
cations at the earliest possible nwment, Xo letter can be published
■unless we hare the writer's nume a?td address in our jnisscssitm.

Recruiting Skilled Engineers.

I was much interested in your remarks in the leading columns
of the Review of Friday last, re Diesel engine stations, which,
unfortunately. I have had no time to glance through until to-day.
I am not sure whether by chance one of the stations you refer to
is Newoastle-under-Lyme, but. if not, perhaps the enclosed informa-
tion may be of interest : —

Plant. — 0 engines (2 Diesel and 4 gas).

Staff. — Chief engineer, aged 33, married, passed for C3 service ;
senior assistant, aged 33. married, passed tor B2 service ; second
assistant, boy of 17 years of age ; junior assistant, none; jointer
and main assistant, none ; power station fitter, none ; engine driver,
age 40. married, passed for CI service : engine driver, over age ;
general labourer, none.

With the above staff we are attempting to keep things going.
My senior assistant having, fortunately, served his time as a fitter,
is running shift and also doing the fitter's work, and in his spare
( sic) time assisting me with the outside work.

At the last meeting of the local tribunal it was suggested by the
Military Representative that the engine driver could easily and
quickly lie replaced by a woman, and that a woman could also,
with a little training, take the place of my one and only qualified
assistant.

Comment is, I think, unnecessary. I may say that I only suc-
ceeded in getting two months' exemption for each of these men.
which means, of course, that we must, as you state, inevitably shut
down if further exemption is at any time refused to either of the
men in question.

A. J. C. De Renzi,

lloniuijh Electrical Kncfincer.
Xewcastle-under-Lyme.

December VMh, 191(i.

Breakdowns of German Plant.

With reference to your comment on " Breakdowns of German
Plant " in your issue of the 1st inst.. whilst agreeing with the same
I think the end desired will never be attained until our own manu-
facturers wake up to the fact that they owe something more to
their customers than merel.y delivering the goods. Complaints
of faulty workmanship or working should receive prompt atten-
tion, and any alterations found necessary should be carried out in
a speedy manner and not at the expense of the customer ; especially
should that be done where manufacturers have turned their atten-
tion to new types of plant of which they have had no practical
experience. Your mention of Mr. Edgcome's experience is unfor-
tunate : 1 have here two foreign (not German) engines, which
certainly required some alterations made at first ; these were
promptly carried out at no expense to ourselves. On the other
hand, the first English-built engine of this type, which we installed
in October, 1913 (one of the first they made), has given no end ot
trouble, the general reply to our complaints being lack of attention
or suggestions of inexperience ; finally, the engine has been dis-
mantled since May last, and although we (to save expensive law

Vol, 7!l.

No. 2.031., DECEMBER 22. 1916.] THE ELECTRICAL REVLEW.

699

costs) agreed to pay half the cost of the repairs, we are still without
the use of this enjiine.

Wake up our own manufacturers to their responsibilities ; when
that is accomplished they need not fear German competition,

H. L. Alderton.
Electricity Works, Guildford,

December Vith. 1916.

Everyone appreciates your endeavours to forward the interests of
the British engfineering trade by bringing " together a' number of
instances " of faults in German design. One feels an immense
amount of enjoyment at the instances quoted, but the joy is tempered
by the reflection that the full uses of a specification are not yet
appreciated, or we should not see the buying of plant which is
admittedly against correct modern practice and experience. It is
not to be wondered at that " engineers who have been bitten are
not proud of their scars, and are apt to conceal them jealously." if
their scars are analogous to some of the reported instances.

In the account of the breakdown of a .5,000-KW. A.E.G. tiu-bo-
alternator it is stated " the blading was found to be of an alloy
containing an excessive proportion of nickel — over 31 jjer cent. —
a material well known to be unfit for use. especially with super-
heated steam." I submit that by keen carrying-out of a properly
drawn specification such an error would not occur.

In the address on " The Power Supply of the Rand." by Mr,
Bernard Price, and with reference to the complicated winding on a
large alternator, one assumes in such a case that designs would be
submitted with tenders, and " studied " by the intending purchasers ;
or is it merely a case of buying a " pig in a poke," and then
complaining of the badness of the " German pig " '

In the instance of steam pipes, one wonders what — yes — what
ordinary mill mechanic would have installed such pipes ; it is
apparent that the art of combining practice with theory in a
common-sense way is still not understood.

In the case of the four A.E.G. transformers w}iich were found to
be so " badly designed that the purchasers decided to have them
reconstructed and re-wound before even putting them in service."
sui'ely, by the adoption of a proper procedure and scrutiny, such a
drastic series of operations could hove been avoided.

Finally, I submit that British engineers, in accepting the above
examples of German engineering, do not add to our national engi-
neering reputation, and, after reading your account, one is left with
the impression that expensive plant is still bought by some people,
like anyone would buy a pound of tea or sugar,

John Stansfeld.

Leeds,

[With regard to the Melbourne turbine and the transformers
which had to be rewound before use, it should be noted that these
were all delivered just before the outbreak of war, and conse-
quently it was not possible to call the German makers to account
for any departure from specifications.

The excuse offered by the A.E.G. for the excessively complicated
winding of their rotors and the impossibility of rewinding them
outside the makers' workshops, was "that the workmanship and
design were such that breakdowns, and consequently the necessity
for rewinding, were imjinxsibte " !

So far as the record of disaster on the Rand is referred to in the
last paragraph of the above letter, we believe the British engineers
had no choice in the matter : the Germans held the debentures of
the company, and stipulated that the plant should be purchased in
Germany. For this scandalous condition the reluctance of British
capitalists to finance the undertaking was responsible. -Eds.
Elec. Rev.]

A War Bonus for the Managerial Staff.

cl WORTH 12s

LiviNf; 60 PER cent, dearer than before thk war.

Board of Trade figures issued last night show that retail
prices of food on December 1st were about 3 per cent, higher
than a month earlier.

It is estimated that the average increase in the cost of lining
of the working classes between July. 1914. and the present
time, taking food, rent, clothing, fuel, and light into consider-
ation, is about liO per cent. Disregarding increased taxation,
that means that the sovereign is worth 12s. (id.

— From the Duilij MaU. December I6th. 1916.
Is there no room for improvement in dealing with the man
who does not perform the manual labour of the works but is
the brains or the business-getter of the organisation .'

— Extract from page 647, The Electkicaj, Review,
December 1.5th, 1916,

Most of the electrical engineering firms are now controlled
establishments.

Provision has been made in the Ministry of Munitions Acts for
an increase of at least 20 x^r cent, above the average profit) for the
standard period. This provides for an increase in dividends for
the shareholders, whereby they meet the increase in the cost of
living.

Provision has also been made in the Munitions Acts whereby the
Minister can authorise a war bonus for the managerial staff. All
that is necessary is that an application be sent by the controlled
establishment management to the Minister of Munitions for the
permission to pay such a war bonus.

Some applications have been made and granted, so the principle
has been approved.

No doubt it is just an oversight that other applications have not
been made ; but it is just such oversights as give point to the
observation quoted above from The Electrical Review.

Those occupying positions of responsibility feel that on matters
of this kind the initiative should come from the management, and
that there should be a recognition of the fact that the increase in
the cost of liWng has equall3- affected the brain worker as well as
the manual worker.

No doubt the publicity obtained by the insertion of this letter
in your widely-read paper will cause some boards of directors to
wonder why the point did not occur to them before, and they wUI
hasten to rectify the omission.

A Brain Worker.

The Use of Low-Grade Fuels.

There seems to be an impression that, because it is technically
possible to employ high-ash fuels in a water-jacketed gas producer
fitted with an eccentric revolving grate to discharge the ash con-
tinuously, such an indirect firing method should be adopted for
steam boilers.

In the case of the colliery cited in the Reiwrt of the U.S. Bureau
of Mines, there is nothing to show whether the gas is used in
internal-combustion engines or not ; but the fact is very clear, that
while it was technically possible to handle the low-grade fuel for
which the revolving-grate producers were installed, the reduction
of unit capacity was prohibitive.

The low-graide fuel was selected batts. .■)2'12 per cent, ash,
18'37 per cent, volatile matter. 6'99 per cent, moisture, only ."),06.5
B.TH,D. per lb. : but the fuel actually used was crushed and then
washed, producing a fuel with only 24'60 per cent, ash, 28'7.5 per
cent, volatile matter. 5'S6 per cent, moisture. 9,f>69 B.TH.n. per lb.

This actual fuel could obviously be burnt direct to great advan-
tage on mechanical stokers, having not only continuous ash-
discharge, but also continuous coal-feed, thus eliminating the
manual labour of charging to producers.

Prof. Fearnsides' pro])osal to utilise the second-class coal of the
upper Barnsley seam provides for its being screened and washed, so
that it will contain as many heat units per ton as the best coal now-
brought into Sheffield.

As evei'y refuse-destructor plant evidences, there is no technical
difficulty in raising steam from the direct combustion of low-grade
fuel ; but. on commercial grounds, the duty per unit of .' pace is so
small, and the labour cost so high, that even at collieries it pays
much better to screen and wash out excess dirt, rather than to
handle alarge proportion of incombustible matter with the fuel.

A favourite size unit water-tube boiler raises 50.000 lb. super-
heated steam, involving the efficient direct combustion of three
tons of good slack coal hourly; this is easy duty for a 12-retort
continuous-cleaning grateless underfeed stoker. 20 ft. wide, which
can be applied to a boiler of 23 ft. outside width, with depth for
stoker plus boiler from 1 7 ft. upwards.

For an equal duty with indirect firing of the same boiler hy
producer-gas plant of 75 per cent, efficiency, the fuel and ash
would be one-third more, and the space and cost would be
prohibitive. i

The revolving-grate gas-producers with washers, shown in the
Report of the U.S. Bureau of Mines, are 2 metres, say, *; ft. 8 in. in
internal diameter, and occupy a space of 7 metres, viz., 23 ft. wide.
Assuming that each producer can gasify one ton of coal hourly.
this means that four such producer units would be required for the
23-ft. water-tube boiler, raising 50,000 lb, of steam hourly.

Instead of mechanically handling 3 tons of coal hourly by a
single 12-retort stoker for direct combustion, and discharging the
ash continuously, the indirect firing method would involve the
manual charging of 4 tons of coal hourly to four separate gas-
producers, with mechanical discharge of ash alone.

The thermal efficiency of direct-firing with modern mechanical
stokers leaves no scope for improvement ; and stokers assembled
from any number of retort-units permit vinlimited unit-capacity of
boilers.

W' hile the 12-retort stoker for 3 tons of coal, or 50,000 lb. of
steam, is a good example of modern central-station practice, one
plant alone has five double-ended boilers, each with two 15-"retort
continuous-cleaning stokers, two and a-half times that capacity.

It is perfectly possible to burn high-ash coal on such stokers :
but, whether for stokers or for gas-producers, dirty coal means
reduced unit capacity, and therefore it pays far better to screen
and wash out excess dirt at the colliery, and to employ good quality
fuel.

Erith's Engineering Co., Ltd.

London. E.C.. Il,;emhrr Mith. 1916.

Heat Standard for New York Gas.— The Public Strvke

Commission for the Second District of New York has made an
order fixing heat units instead of caudle-power as the standard of
value for artificial gas. Hereafter gas must average 585 b.th.u.
per cb. ft., instead of 16, 18, or 20 c,P,, as heretofore. With the
imiversal substitution of electricity for lighting, the Commission
finds that gas is more and more being developed as an agency for
cooking, heating, power, and other industrial and domestic purposes
where heat value is of supreme importance and illuminating power
of no consequence whatever, — Elecfrieitl Wivld.

7U(l

THE EU^CTRICAL REVIEW iv,

FOREIGN AND COLONIAL TARIFFS ON
ELECTRICAL GOODS.

I Mlt-:i. KINCIDUM AND CERTAIN FOREIGN COUN-
TRIES-A Supplciuent (Part I) to the Board of Trade
Journal of November ^Sril contains complete lists of articles
wMcli. according to the latest information received by the
Board of Trade, are prohibited to he exiX)rted from Den-
,„ark, I<>ance (includins Algeria), Greece. Ita y. Japan, and
Ihe Netherlands. . This Supplement als<> contains the com-
nlet.. li.-^t of articles which are prohihit*-d to be exported from
the United Kingdom. A further Supplement (Part II). issiied
on November ;»th. contains similar h.sts for Norway. Por-
tugal. Roumania. Russia. Spain. Sweden, and Switzerland,
and this Part contains also a copy of the I nited Kingdom
Contraband List complete to date. The inloiiuation given
in these two Supplements supersedes that given m the
Supplement publish.'d ..n August 17th ast. Copies ol the
Supplements may be obtained, price 3d. each (post free
:{}d.). from Messre. Wyman & Sons, tetter Lane, E.C

PROTECTOR.VTE OF SOFTH-WBST AFRICA. -By a Pro-
clamation dated .luly -i-Jth. the Fnion of South .-Unca Act No.
■i7 of I'Ut; is mad.- applicable to the South-\\est .\trica Pro-
tectorate, the effect being to put th.- Customs and Excise
Tariffs of the Union and the Protectorate on a uniform basis.
I The alterations effected in the Union Tariff by the Act
above referred to. .so far as they affect electrical goods were
indicatt-d in the Electric.m. Revikw ot September loth. J

T-VNGA (E\ST AFRICA).— From an official notice pub-
lished' in' the Zanzibar Gazette it appears that an imi»rt duty
of 1(1 per. cent. «</ i-(iiorpiii has been fixed for all goods enter-
ing the Port of Tanga.

•■(;ERM\N" E.\ST AFRICA.— According to a telegram
received at the Colonial Ofhce from the Governnaent of the
East Africa Protectorate, a specified imrtion of the territory
known as German East Africa was opened to traders on
December 1st, subject to local regulations.

FR\NCE.— A Presidential Decree, dated October '25th, pro-
vides that from December 1st, import and export declara-
tions relating to goods dutiable by weight, by number, or
by measure, or to goods which are free of duty, must specify,
for statistical purposes, and in addition to the particulars
required for the application of the Customs Tariff, the value
of the goods at the place and time of presentation to the
French Customs Authorities.

RUSSIA.— It is announced in the official Torgovo Promysh-
hiinaya Gaseta of Petrograd that the importation of all goods
on private account into the Russian Empire, via. Vladivostock.
except those connected with Goverament requirements, is
at pre.sent prohibited. While this prohibition is of a teni-
porarv character, it is impossible to say how long it will
continue, as the period must depend upon the amount of
Government material to be tailed and* on the capacity of
railway conveyances. .AppUcations for permission, in each
St parate case, to import goods for the requirements of the
Government are to be addressed to the Department of Trade
at the Ministry of Commerce, Petrograd.

BR.\ZIL.— Telegraphic information has been received at the
Foreign Office from H.M. Minister at Rio de Janeiro, to the
effect that the Brazilian Budget Bill for. 1917, which has
already been pas.sed by the Chamber of Deputies, but has still
to be "approved by the Senate, proposes that the proportion
o'" all import duties which must be paid in gold shall be
raised from 40 per cent, (the rate fixed by the Budget Lavf
for 1916) to 55 per cent. This proposal would in effect increase
the amount of duty leviable on goods imported into Brazil
by 12J per cent., at the present rate of exchange. Should this
provision be incorporated in the Budget Bill as passed by the
Senate, the new rate will come into force on .Tauuary 1st.
1917, and will apply to all goods not actually presented for
clearance in the Custom hou.ses on or before December 31st.
191(;. irrespective of the date of arrival of such goods in
Brazil.

NEW PATENTS APPLIED FOR, 1916.

(NOT YET PUBLISHED),

Published expressly for this journal by Messrs. \V. P. TiloMrsoN & Ci
EUclrical P.atcnt Agents, 285, High Holborn, London, W.C. and
Liverpool :ind Bradford.

17,301. ."Cooling by means of convection of air c
central electrode of sparking plug for igniting gas
engines," F. Murtach. December 4th.

17,373. "Jointing electric furnace electrodes." V. Stobie. December 4th.

17,388. *' Galvanometers." E. E. FouRNiEt d'.Albe. December 4th.

for mine haulage, winding,
g.^., J ~ ~ _ . ..

17,41.5

f),-i

Ml.

II. A. r.iu. (II..S. Light :<,
. Cin.i. (I'.S. Light & 11.-

17.4.1:1. ■• l-:i.vriic,illv-lKat.il gas j.l." II.

17.450. " Systems of electrical distribuiitm.'
Heat Corporation). December 5lh.

17.451. " Dynamo-electric machines." H.
Coiporation). December 5th.

17.452. " \'ariabU*-speed generators and storage-battery systems." H. .A.
GiLi. (I .S. Light & Heat Corporation). December Slh.

17,4.'>3. " .Sy.stems of electrical distribution." H. .\. Gli.l. (I'.S. Light ami
Heat Corporation). December Sth.

17,454. " Dyiwimo-eli-ctric miK'hines." II. A. Oir u (f.S l.ighi .'i H. n
Coipor.'ilion). December 5th.

17.47t). " .Method for multiplying frequcncx of electric currents." Mak-
ccNi's Wireless Telrcrai'II Co. & I. SiioknbkR(.. December Sth.

17,507. " Electrical discharge devices." Bhitisii Thomson-Houston Co.
(General Electric Co., U.S.A.). December filh.

17,513. " Steering gear lor vehicles." E. C. R. Marks (Mercury Manufac-
turing Co.). December Gth.

17,S3G. " Electric annunciator systems for calling attendand." I-;. E.
Rogers. December 6th.

17.527. " Electrical projecting apparatus." !•'. O. Riah ,\ I.. GiDoiNc.s
December 6lb.

17.528. " Dvnamo-clectric machinery." IC. S. G. KRts & W . Armistead.
DiTcmber 6th.'

17,.'i29. " .Machine for conversion or simultaneous production ot alternating
eu- rents of different frequency." Bkrcmasn i'j.EKTRlciT.\Ts Werke Akt. Ges.
Dctciiber 6lli. (Germany. Dc-cember Sth, 1915.)

17.536. " Current generators for telephonic, &-c.. calls." J. B. Naberes.
DicemU'r 6th.

17,."i3!l. " Electric capacity." G. G
December 9th, 1915.)

17.553. " Electrical switches." R. W. ISli.i.. December 7th.

17,572. " Electrical fire alarm." H. \kknon. December 7th.

17 ,.088. " Electrical discharge tilbes." BrIitisii •riiOMSos-HotsrON
(General Electric Co., U.S.A.). December 7th.

17.590. " Electric filament lamp." A. C. W. Al.uis & F. A. Wanki

(Switzorland,

D,.<

7th.

I7.(iKl. " Dynamo-electric tm.achines." llKirisn 'i'llOMsON-Hoi'ST;oN Co.
(General Electric Co., C.S.A.). December Sth.

17,503. " Appaj-atus for operating door bolts. &*c., by electrical means."
E. C. R. Marks (Suddeutsche Telefon-Apparale Kabel-und Drahuverke Akt.
Ges.). December 7th.

17,603. Detection of earth connections in electric cables." G. Giles.
December 7th. (Switzerland, December Sth. 1915.)

17,626. " Dynamo-electric generators, and reversing mechanism therefor."
J. Stone & Co. ani> A. H. Darker. December 7th.

17.666. " Method of preventing sparking in electrical machines." J. G. P.
Thomas &• Thomas Transmission, Ltd. December Sth.

17,669. " Alloy." Electro Metals Prodccts Co. December Sth. (U.S..^..
September 29th.)

17,68L " Dynamo-electric machines." British 'rilOMSON-HocsTON Co.
(General Electric Co., U.S.A.). December Sth.

17.702. " Electric ovens, hot cupboards, &c." J. S. Langford. flecember
Sth. (New Zealand, Janu.ary 14th.)

17,709. " Electrical instrument for indicating instantaneous pressures or
currents." J. T. Irwin. December 9th.

17,716. " Electric fuses." W. E. Brausiiaw and Callender's Cable & Con-
STRCCTION Co. December 9th.

17,739. " Lighting fixtures." British Thomson-I-Jouston Co. (General
Electric Co.. U.S.A.). December 9th.

17,749. " Wireless telegraph transmitters."' «'. S. Hntwistle & Marconi
WltKLESs Telegraph Co. Deceinber 9th.

17,752 " Electric fire or radiator." H. H. Bekkv. December 9th.

PUBLISHED SPECIFICATIONS.

nd

191S.

12.150. Connector for the Adjacent Portions of Two or more Electricai
Cables, or the like. A. H. Fargo. August 23rd.

12.151. Connector or Coltling for the .Adjacent End Portions of Twc
t MORE Wires, Cables, or other Members. A. H. Fargo. August 23rd.

Electrical Distribution Systems. E. T. Williams. September 22nd

Wireless Signalling .Systems. British Thomson-Houston Co. (Gene

c Co., U.S.A.). October 19th.

Electro-deposition and Extr.\ction of Zinc J. C. Tainton

Ig. November 19th.

Method of and Apparatus for Producing and Distributing "Elec-

:ent Waves. British Thomson-Houston Co. (General Electric Co.

November 22nd.

Dvnamo-electric Machinery. E. C. Eborall f.\kt. Ges. Brown
Cie.). November 22nd.
16,476. Alternating-current Motors. A. H. .Xeuland. November 22nd.
16,846. Electric Switches. E. T. Brook ft G. H. Bishop. November 30th
16.994. Electric Heat Radiators. A. F. Berrv. December 2nd.
18.114. Method of Electric Welding. D. H.' Wilson. December 29th
(Juh 9th. 1915.)

Wi

13.504.

14,769.
ral Eicti

16,336.
J. N. Pr

16,443.
tri: Cui
U.S.A.).

16,464.

numbers in brackets
d and abridged, and
Electkic Street Pil

19X6.

nrc those under
all subsequent pro
LAR Boxes and su

which the specification wit! be

rt;eedings will be taken.

1LAR Electrical Erections. B.

13th.

April 9th,

Welbourn and British Insulated & Helsby Cable:
[102,163.]

679. Mountings for Electric Switches and Conni
Mitchell. January 15th. [102,167.]

1,278.- Electrolytic B.\ttery. MacKav Coppei- I

1915. [100,264.]

2,114. Electric Switches. R: H. Williams. February 12th, 1916. [102,184.]

2,478. Electric Conductor Grips for Relieving the Connection of such
Conductors with Electric Fittings from Pulling Strain. S. I'lldes. 1-eb-
ruary 19th, 1916. [102,188.]

2,696. Electrical Sounders, Hooters, or the like for Telephone ok
other purposes. E. a. Lai.llaw. February 26th, 1916. [101,753.]

6,005. Dry Cells and Batteries thereof. C. F. Burgess Laboratories.
May 28th. 1915. [100,586.] . . „ q i loir

6,329. Telegraphic Transmission Devices. R. d'Antonio. May 3rd, 1911).

'^M83*'' X-RAV* .Apparatus. C. E.Campbell. August 7th, 1915. J101.1«;l

S.S.W. Electric Arc Lamps. British Westinghouse Electric .&
lag Co. (Westinghouse Electric & Manuf-icturing Co., U.S.A.)

1916. [102,221.] „ t, „„ ,^,,^ T,
8,470. Device for Attachment to the Sparking Plugs of I eirol and tj

LIKS Engines for At;TOM.ATicALLV Cleaning and Coolin;c the Sp.ibking Foin
09 s.c.i Plugs. A. E. Lamkin. June 15th, 1916. [102,222.]

factur-
June 13th,

rrzxE

Vol. LXXIX.

DECEMBER 29, 1916.

No. 2,040.

ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

Tol. UXXIX.]

CONTBNTS : December M, 1916.

[No. 2,W0.
Page

... 701
... 703
..'. 70S

GOVERNMENT ASSISTANCE FOR OUR
FOREIGN TRADE.

Government Assistance for our Foreign Trade

The Wire-drawing: Industries

Accounts and Discounts

Electrical Signs of the Times 703

Hire and Hire-Purchase Systems 70i

The Control of Rotary Converters C(H«.«.) ... 706

Legal 707

Colonial Telegraphs and Telephones, by R. \V. AVeightman ... 708

Trade St£^tistics of Xew Zealand 710

War Items 711

Some Sources of Error in Thermometry 07/k-s.) ... ... 712

The Superfluity of Electricity Regulations ... 71.")

Some Notes on Warranties ... 715

Business Notes 716

Variable Speeii Gears for Motor Road-Vehicles ... ... 718

Notes 719

City Notes 721

Stocks and Shares 722

Exports and Imports of Electrical Goods during Nov., 19-16 ... 723

Control Systems for Traction Motors ((7/«.«.) 724

Reviews ' ... 726

Foreign and Colonial Tariffs on Electrical Goods 727

New Patents Applied for, 1916 728

Abstracts of Published Specifications 728

Contractors' Column Advertisement page xx

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW,

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THE UNIVERSAL ELECTRICAL DIRECTORY

(J. A., Reply's).

1916 EDITION.

H. ALABASTER, GATEHOUSE &( CO.,
4, LudgateiHill, London, E.G.

It will be remembered that the late Prime Minister
appointed a Sub-Committee of the Cabinet to consider the
question of reconstruction after the war. The changes in
the Cabinet, we suppose, necessarily involve a change of
personnel in that Sub-Committee, and though the member-
ship of the House of Commons has not materially altered, it
is safe to assume that the conclusions arrived at by those
who advise Parliament concerning reconstruction policy,
will not now be the same as they would have been if the
Lloyd-George spirit had been suppressed. It is universally
understood that the present Cabinet has been formed for
the purpose of bringing the war to a victorious end with the
utmost expedition, but while its members are bound to be
very busily occupied with their individual tasks, they will
not be able to leave Reconstruction measures out of
account ; indeed, the announcement of a great Empire
Conference to be held in February is a proof of their
desire to deal promptly with such subjects. There are
more business and industrial men in the Government
than we have ever had before, and they will not be in the
mood for wasting time in academic discussions. Further-
more, they have in a number of cases already expressed
views on trade policy which will cling to them, and, to put
it mildly, those views are not less advanced than were those
of either Mr. Asquith or Mr. Runciman. The Sub-Com-
mittees that have been, and in some cases still are, sitting,
will send up their considered reports as to ivhat measures
should, or should not, be taken in order to safeguard our
industries after the war, and the conclusions of the Paris
Economic Conference will, together with these, ultimately
settle what certain aspects of our Empire and inter- Allied
trade relations will be, while such matters are almost certain
to find a place in whatever " terms " are eventually made
with the enemy. To our mind, however, none of these
matters need interfere with, or be affected by, measures that
require to be taken for securing long-needed and long-
called-for measures of reorganisation of the machinery
available in certain Departments of the Government for the
promotion of British trade in foreign countries. Therefore,
we do not consider it premature to urge upon the
attention of the Government the recommendations, to which
we only briefly alluded last week, of the Federation of British
Industries.

The Federation lays it down, and e\-erybody in trade
or industry must surely agree with it, that after-the-
war conditions will render it a vital necessity for British
productions to secure a greatly increased sale in foreign
markets in order to assist us in carrying the financial
burdens which may be ours for years to come. In all
probability that necessity will exist for Allied and Enemy
countries alike, though not to the same extent in all cases.
It is reasonable, therefore, to anticipate increased se\-erity
of competition in some markets, though we shall be able to
rely upon larger trading relations with our own Colonies
and dependencies and with some of our Allies. Reorganisa-
tion leading to greater governmental sympathy with, or
encouragement of, foreign trade has Ijeen called for for
many years. The demand has expressed the common
sentiment of business men, but the revelations and con-
sequences of the war have brought it nearer to practical
realisation. All drastic change is not necessarily tcood, but

[701]

ro2

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW, :voi. :•... Xo. 2.010, deckmrku2.m!.i.,.

tliis is one of the alterations which seems to us to call for
exjxMlitious hiindling. The mere criticism of Government
Deimrtment*:, the mere demand for a general (.-lianfre, or the
i-npposition that some new Ministerial appointment or
other will solve our proMems. are only of use up to a
certain [Kiint. They have sometimes drawn the i|Uestion :
•' What, then, do you suggest that we should do that wc
are not doing already ? " That is the official attitude
as we have sometimes met it, and if propositions have been
proffered, there have Itecn some departmental or political
ol>stacles standing in the way of reform. Now. however,
with an altered national attitude toward, and anxiety for,
trade, and with a disposition of the nation to look to
Whitehall and Downing Street for indnstrial encourage-
ment, the atmosphere is a suitiible one in which to consider
detailal proposiils : and this being so, the scheme
elalKirated by the Federation of British Industries, and
the recommendations of the Siwcial Committee of the
Executive Council of the Association of Chambers of
Commerce, have made a most timely appearance. The
Federation suggests certain broad principles which are con-
sidered essential to any successful reorganisjition of
(tovernmeutal Commercial Service. Separation and owr-
lai)ping have been weaknesses which have stared most of us
in the face, and have explained some past inefficicnccs.
Therefore it seems right to suggest that there should be con-
centration of cfintrol in a single department. The situation
reiiuires "a large scale organisation" under "active,
vigorous, and homogeneous central control," and the Feder-
ation favours no measures for tinkering with detailed
reforms of existing organisations, but a " fundamental
reconstruction of the present administration." But how-
ever large an organisation, and however homogeneous, it
will not give the desired efficient service unless it be in the
closest possible touch with the industrial and commercial
community. We have emphasised this point again and
again in our pages, urging that those who go abroad to offi-
cially represent our national trade interests should be afforded
the amplest possible facilities for steeping themselves in our
industries and commerce by practical contact with them in
suitable districts before they go. In a number of cases in
recent years this practice has been followed, but the official
whose days are all spent in Civil Service office life will be
one of the first to admit that he is at a loss when he is met
by the eager, live representative of some industry or other.
In short, there is all the difference in the world between
passing on in official document form some piece or other of
information received from a correspondent, and affording
valuable material as the result of a practical first-hand
acquaintance with the actual parts of an industry itself.
The more closely a new Department comes into touch with
real manufacturing activity the more likely it is to be able
to understand our national abilities, and to practically meet
the needs of the manufacturer in respect of information or
other assistance. The jjoint is so obvious, yet it is none the
less important, because the obvious seems to have been too
long inadequately appreciated.

The Federation holds that foreign commercial policy
can only be successfully conducted as an integral and
important \m% of general foreign policy, and tliat the
Department chargetl with commercial duties should be
the Department in general charge of Foreign Affairs.
There are such questions as railway, loan, dock, and
similar projects, and schemes for the development of
foreign natural I'esources, likely to assume a large place
in our affairs in the future, and these and all cognate
matters should come under one Department of the Foreign
Office. No divided control, no dual element, will do.

The Federation considers that the Foreign Office
should he responsible for the protection and promotion of
all British industrial, commercial, and financial interests
and activities in foreign countries, and for the collection
and distribution of all information on matters connected
with industry, commerce, or finance in those countries.
Prompt and vigorous supjjort of all efforts to secure con-
tracts, concessions, or orders in such countries would be
called for, and in these days of sacrifice the Federation
recognise.s that this support may sometimes " entail the
selection of one of several British competitors." The
Foreign Office m^y here be inclined to advise our firms

to co-ojx;rate in these mattei-s, instead of competing — have
we not lost too many good contnu'ts in foreign fields in
the {last because we have competed against ciK-h other the
while the amalgamated foreigner has apjiroiiriated the spoils !-
It is also urged that only Immi liilc British firms should
l>e accorded such support. " It should be refused to all
firms, whether technically British or not, which are in any
degree under foreign influence." This is excellent in spirit,
but the Foreign Office Department will have to be very
much alive, and will have to be furnished with very different
records from those, if any, which existed in Government
offices concerning either wholly or partly-owned companies
before the war. In war time much valuable information if
this character has been got together, more requires com-
piling, and the black lists of war time will need consUmt
revision, or there may be difficulties in ensuring that only
the purely British trader is siqiitorted. But difficulties or no
difficulties, our factories will call for orders and oiu' workers
for emiiloyment ; that fact must dictate our policy and the
course of our departmental activities. The Federation
suggests that there be left to the Commercial Department
of the Board of Trade, to a Ministry of Commerce, or some
other DepaT'tment, the necessary organisation and control of
industrial and commercial activity at Home, and the collec-
tion of connnercial intelligence respecting the Dominions and
the Crown Colonies, but that the work of such Department,
and of the proposed new Foreign Office Department, should
be co-ordinated, and that there should be free and full con-
sultation between them. Presumal)ly it is regarded as
impracticable to concentrate foreign and colonial commercial
matters in one Department. Short of that, there cerUiiidy
will require to be efficient co-ordination and co-operation.

Of course,' all these and other re-arrangements will
involve large increases in national expenditui'c, but we
have always advocated the generous policy in such
matters, believing that the return will amply justify it.
We need hardly follow the document through all its
propositions respecting the extra staff and accommodation
required, the need for the staff to frequentfy visit
industrial centres, and to accord intelligent interviews to all
British subjects desiring to discuss foreign trade (juestions :
the appointment of representative Committees of Trades ;
the raising of rank of Commercial Attaches ; the
appointment of Commercial Counsellors (we dislike the
term) attached to every Embassy and Legation ; and the
condition of appointment, promotion and training fif all
the officials. The spirit running through most of these and
other parts of the document is t& demand that men of
suitable training and experience should be employed
wherever it is necessary to render British traders assistance
in the foreign markets, and that their status should lie worthy
of the importance of their calling, which is to eusure amjile
and prosperous activity for British factories and for British
workpeople.

We cannot pass without special reference the concluding
proposal, namely, that relating to the provision of a staff of
experts. It is shown that as the knowledge and experience
of the officers of the regular services must be general in
character, it will become necessary to provide means for
securing detailed and expert reports on particular trades,
industries and markets. We have repeatedly urged the
imjxirtance of this, and have noted in our conversation with
Government officials how greatly they are at a disadvantiige,
because they are unable to discuss our o\vn, or any one par-
ticular industry, with a really intimate knowledge. Save in
quite exceptional cases the replies to our requests for
information on the electrical trade situation have \xntn so
vague as to be of little practical value. Yet the officials
themselves can hardly be blamed, for we recognise that " their
regular services," as things now stand, must inevitably " be
general in character." The Federation recommends that
a large number of commercial and technical experts should
be selected and employed on temporary missions, as and
when required, to investigate and report upon industrial
or commercial conditions or opportunities in particular
markets and particular countries. These are so much like
our own words that we need not say how heartily we
endorse them.

We join with the Federation in strongly urging uptm
the Goverimient the vital importance of taking immediate

Vol. 79. Xo. 2,040. December 2'.>. 1916.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

(03

stejw ' to reorganise the preseut services, so as to be a.s
ready as jiossible for future events ; there are things left
undone that ought to be done, and there is overlapping which
ouglit to be avoided.

Whether or not the Feileration scheme, either in part or
in entirety, is adojjted bv the (4overnment, it certainly
forni.s an excellent l)asis for both discussion and action,
and the organisation deserves the thanks of British industry
generally for the full and serious attention that it has
devoted to the matter.

ELECTRICAL SIGNS OF THE TIMES.

[COMMUXICATED.]

The question of German com|)etition
The Wire-Drawing j^^ the wire-drawing industries has received,
Industries. '^

and IS still receiving, the careful atten-
tion its importance merits from the responsible heads of the
leading British firms. Doubtless the question of American
coiniietition after the war, which is becoming one of increasing
importance is also receiving the proper attention it deserves.
The statistics just received from the Board of ' Trade of
American exports of fully-manufactured copper wire, strip,
Ac, exhibit, as they were expected to do, a heavy increase
on pre-war figures. The fact that the war has thus benefited
American wire manufacturers in some measure at the
exjHjnse of British firms, is a circumstance ine^italily arising
from the exigeucies of the situatiou, but. the German wire
manuficturing firms must ha\e suffered, as regards their
hitherto prosjierous export trade, in a still more marked
degi'ee. The positions acquired by the American firms
is now more than ever one of gi'eat strength, and the
comjxitition between British and American firms after the
war is likely to be conducted on very keen lines. On the
other hand, the position of British firms is, we believe, one
of great strength, and the war has opened out for the
immediate future fresh channels of trade for the home firms
hithei'to almost entirely monopolised by foreign manu-
facturers. With increased inter-organisation, and a still
closer co-operation of principles of mutual trade propaganda
interests among the leading British wire manufacturers, the
position for the future may be regarded witii confidence.

In our issue of March Srd last, a central
Accounts an station engineer of a reforming disposition
Discounts. ^. 1. , ,

drew attention to the extraordinary methods

adopted by some manufacturers in rendering their accoimts,
successive discounts such as 20, 10, 5, and 5 per jcent. being
deducted from the list prices, while in some cases, after
several discounts had been deducted, 5 per cent, would be
added to the amount on account of an advance in prices.
It would seem that no business man would permit such a
system to obtain in his counting-house without very good
reasons indeed, and the practice is so common, that there
must be some such excuse for its continuance ; even firms
of the liighest standing make use of the system freely, and
we have before us a recent example of this kind, in which,
moreover, almost every item has both positive and negative
discounts appended. One might think that " 25 per
cent, plus 5 per cent." meant :^0 pei' cent., but it
does not ; neither does it mean 20 per cent. In the worst
cases there are four arithmetical o}3erations — three deduc-
tions and one addition — to be carried out without even the
aid of decimal coinage. Xow, despite the argument that
there surely miLst be good reasons for these manipulations,
we know that they are ;iot indispensable, for on March 3 1st
we were able to state that Messrs. Henley had issued a price
list showing net prices without any calculations at all.
.\gain we commend this excellent example to the notice of
all manufacturers, in the hope that by following it they
will eliminate no small amount of wasted labour, and thus
Jielp to win the war.

Ix these dark days and darker nights, those of us who are
interested in electrically-illuminated signs can only possess
our souls in patience and wait for better times. A glance,
however, through the American technical Press will do
something to raise our spirits : for there we can read, with
sometliing approaching envy, of the progress of the electrical
sign movement in a comitry where lighting restrictions, or,
for the matter of that, any other restrictions, apiiear to be
unknown.

It is permissible to wonder whether the present uuivereal
upheaval will bring about a renaissance of public spirit in
England, and whether our cities, towns, and villages will
develop that spirit of municipal emulation which, judging
from what one reads, is common in America. Will any
English town or city be as bold as so many American cities
have been, where they use electrical signs to prove that
they are more progressive than their neighbours ? and also,
so that no traveller shall be in any doubt in identifying one
town from another, even if he pass through it by night. There
are dozens of towns in the United States which vie with each
other in displaying mighty electric signs blazcni ig forth the
names of the towns, with appropriate mottoes, and with all
the ingenious flashing devices which the trade cin supply.

These town mottoes, or " slogans " as they are called, are
apparently selected by means of local competitions, and
when one reads the winning slogan one wonders, at times,
what the '• also rans " were like. For instance, we read
that the city of Wausau. Wis., has recently dedicated an
electrically illuminated sign 40 ft. x 38 ft., lighted by
076 lamps, reading " Work for Wausau." All the inhabi-
tants of the city turned out to the dedication ; there were
processions, bands and speeches, and doubtless a great trade
in ginger beer and ginger bread iqwn the side walks, for one
feels somehow that so progressive a city must )x in a
prohibition belt. The flashing device is thus lucidly
described : — " First the eagle and ribbons come on, fol-
lowed by the torches, whfch are followed at an interval
of 13 sec. by the wording, then all out, all on at once, all
out, and repeat as before." It reads rather like instruc-
tions to knit soldiers' socks, but is doubtless very effective.

The city of Pottsville, Pa., is apparently not so important
a place as Wausau, Wis., as its sign is only 20 ft. x 20 ft.
The slogan is the inspiring one — " Pottsville, the Best Site
on the Anthracite." One feels that the inventor of this
motto has a genius for rhyme and rhythm, wliich is destined
for a lai-ger field than Pottsville.

Elyria. 0., was, perhaps, more foitmiate in its slogan, and
certainly more ambitious in its sign, for it is .50 ft. x 36 ft.
The lamjis are in five colours, and it "is wired for
" scintillating effect." The slogan in this case is " Elyria.
the 100 per cent, city," which cryjitic words rather leave
one wondering, not only what they mean, but what the other
suggestions in the competition were like.

Goldsmith's " Deserted Tillage." had it but had the
modern advantages of Wausau, Wis.. Pottsville. Pa., or
Elyria, 0., might have been deserted no longer, and so have
increased its sphere of usefulness.

This municipal slogan sign biLsiness is not the only case
in which the American electric sign manufacturer has an
advantage over the English one. Even the chiu'ches out
there do" not object to draw public attention to themselves
through the medium of the electric sign. Trinity Church.
Cincinnati, 0., has an " enormous electric sign in the sliajie
of a cross, 18 ft. x 8 ft., hung 12 ft. above the sidewalk."
There are 2.50 lamps upon it, and in Ifl in. illuminated
white letters on a blue background are spelt the words.
•• Trinity Church." " The completion of the sign was
made the occasion of impressive dedication ceremonies,
attended by special music, and presided over by high church
dignitaries", including several bishops. The sign is lighted
every night."

There are many people in England who maintain that the
Church has fallen behind in its work, and that it requires
rejuvenation. Doubtless the electrical sign manufactiu'ers
will be willinsr to take their share in the great awakening

ro4

THE ELECTRICAL EEVIEW. [Vol. T-j. .\o. 2.010, December 21M9I<;.

when it comes ; it is iMissible tlmt, us usual, we shall l)e io(>
lat*. for as an clectri«il means of publieitv the illuminated
sign, with itsr f|uantitj* of small lamjis and ingenious and
complicated fliuihing devices, is not alone in the field. In
America it is, in fact, just a little juisse. The present rage
is for •• flood lighting " ; jxiwerful lamps, more or less con-
cealcil, are by reflectors made to project a gi-eat fiooil of
light on to the selwted building, which thus stands out
shining from its neiglilKiui-s. Tiie tower of the Woolworth
building in New York is illuminated by the light from (iOO
l.OOO-f.P. lamjis. each mounted in a projector and fixed
uj;K)n adjacent buildings.

Hundreds of municipal buildings up and down America
arc lightctl in this way. Shall we. when the reaction from
our present lighting restrictions sets in. s<|uander the elec-
triiity we have saved by flood-lighting St. Paul's Cathedral
or the Bank of England ? The effect would be somewhat
startling to onr insular ideas. There are jwople who
suggest that many of onr public institutions would be the
lictter for more light ujion them, but probably they are not
thinking of the s;nne thing.

One can conceive that English public taste might have
some re-straining effect upon the kind of building to which
flood-lighting would be applied. For instance, we in
England would probably consider that a public mortuary
might be left in as much obscurity as j^ssible. Even in
these times, few of us are anxious to find our way there,
and those within ])robably desire nothing lietter than to be
left in jieace. In the United States they look at these
things differently. In a recent number of the Ehcfrind
Will-Ill there is an account of the flood-lighting of a
mortuary in Denver, Co. It ai)pears that this mortuary is
the projx^rty of one George Olinger, a Denver undertaker.
AVe are assured that it has long been one of Denver's show
places by day, and that Mr; Olinger desired that it might
be raiule equally attractive by night. It seems a quaint
notion, but in fairness to the proprietor it should be
iwinted out that "at the outset he stipulated that the effect
must not be garish or circussy '" ; one likes the man for
that. -Vpparently several schemes were tried ; the first
one failed,. •• for while the lamps illuminated the building
effectively, the glare was objected to by persons coining
from the building at night."

One hits an idea that the usiial inhabitants of a mortuary,
suddenly finding themselves able to get out at night, might
easily object to the glare from the 56,000 c.i'. of electric
lami)s with Avbich the front of the building was lighted.
There seems something ghoulish about the idea to an
Englislnnan, but Mr. Olinger assured the correspondent
who describes the installation that it was " the best thing
ill the way of advertising he had ever undertaken."

From the above examples it will lie seen that there are in
England vast unexplored fields of usefulness for the electric
sign, if only our local authorities will waive some of their
out-of-date regulations, and if we will take some lessons
from our American cousins.

HIRE AND HIRE-PURCHASE SYSTEMS.

[COMJIUXICATED.]

A 1,1, electricity supply engineers and managers are anxious,
so far as may be possible, to extend their sources of revenue,
and most of them have given attention already to the
imjKirtant question of placing various current-consuming
apitaratus on their mains under some form of hiring or
hire-purchase arrangement.

Certain authorities have supplied motors under such
schemes for many years, whilst other apparatus that has
thus furnished an additional and a remunerative income
includes ventilating fans, heating and cooking apparatus,
and — iu pre-air-raid days — arc lamps.

But if much attention has been given to this form of
revenue, it must be conceded that there is an immense field
yet unexploited, and, in fact, it is not an exaggeration to
say that only a beginning has been made in tbe development
"f what is iMssible and probable in this direction.

While it may lie argued that the present is not the most
!'!"pitious tune lor capital expenditure, shnnld such expendi-

ture lie necessju-y for the inauguration of a scheme, yet m Av-
is the time to go into the matter in complete detail, so that
with the return once more of normal conditions, evcrythini;
may lie in jiroiX'r train for the successful initiation or
extension of one or other of these systems ; this is ].uirticii-
larly the case when it is remembered that very likely the
restoration of peace may be accomi)anied liy a scarcity or :i
iightnes,s of money, than which favourable condition for a
successful hiring scheme there is none better.

The writer ventures to suggest, therefore, a few of die
important considerations and aspects of the subject t.o wbirli
attention may be usefully drawn.

In the firet place, the object of a hiring business being lo
make money, it will be readily seen that it is essential lo
introduce some safeguard agaiivst loss, due to financial
instability <if the jirospective consumer. It is not always
possible to ensure against total loss, nor is it jxissible here tn
lay down any rules to govern such a contingency. It must
be left to each engineer or manager to devise his own
regulations in tlus matter, and these regulations should
obviously be drawn u]) to suit the various classes of con-
sumer, a])]iaratus, kc. iiu'olved. The days are gone by
when the word "hire" carried with it something of a stigma
or an insinuation that the hirer was not overburdened witii
capital, and it is fairly common to find that establishments
of long and sound standing may jircfer to put in quite large
factory installation under this arrangement ; it is, of- course,
entirely a matter of terms and comparisons. The electrical
supply authority catering for this class of business is,
moreover, at some advantage over the canvasser selling
bicycles or sewing machines, in that whilst " these may
lie usefully employed elsewhere by any dishonest " flitter,"
electrical gear has its sphere of employment limited by
voltage considerations, &c. There is the further jxiint thai
the slow payer may be brought to reason liy having his
supply cut off. . However, as already stated, little can be
said upon this as|»ct beyond emphasising the importance of
safeguards.

Then there is the legal c|uestion to consider. While
certain legal jioints must be kept in sight, it is extremely
easy to exaggerate the importance of others : tlw law is
always more or less harassing to the layman, and in draw ing
up a standard form of hiring or hire-purchasing agreement
to meet all contingencies, legal aid should be called in, liut
it is well to see that the lawyer is well chosen, by which I
mean that he should be one specialising in commercial work,
and both willing and able to pay every regard to simplicity
and brevity. These two characteristics are of the. greatest
value in negotiating business under the agreement with
prospective consumers. In most cases an agreement that —

{(t) Insures against loss by fire, theft, &c.

(Ii) Is applicable to a pri\ ate individual or to a limiteil
liability company.

(1) Prevents distraint upon hired machinery or apparatus
for rent or other debt, and at bankruptcy or liquidation.

((/) Prohibits removal of hired machinery or apparatus
froin certain stated premises except by the written consent
of the supply authority, and

{e) Makes suitable provision for periodical payments,
may Ije taken as covering the more necessary requirements,
but the particular nature of the business done by individual
supjily authorities will suggest their owai agreement require-
ments. Thus in a number of smaller concerns, certain of
the foregoing suggestions may be deemed unnecessary, such
as clause («), whilst in the case of a hire-purchase agree-
ment, as distinct from a hiring one, there must be inserted
a clause allowing the customer the option of jmrchase out-
right at a pre-arranged price and at any period of the
agreement. Again, agreements operating under Scottish
law must be drafted accordingly. So far as the foregoing
suggested clauses are concerned, some notes may not be out
of place : —

(//) If this clause is used, an arrangement may be made
whereby the premiums are paid to the insurance company
by the supply authority and refunded by the hirei'.

ill) and (c) Purely a matter of legal draft.

(r/) In regard to this it is as well to point out that the
legal mind variously regards what the layman would term
a " fixture" according to the use of screws or nails. It is
desirable to aflix to all apparatus supplied a namejihitc

Vol. 79. No. oMiK DECEMBER 29, i9i«.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

705

indicating that it is the property of the supply authority :
this namphite to be removed' only when a jnnr/itisc is
I ■( mipleted.

One of the most necessary steps .in the inauguration ol' a
successful scheme is the provision of a showroom electrically
litrhted, heated, and ventilated.

The suitable locality of the showroom is a prolilcm call-
ing for special consideration of the circumstances attached
to the scheme as a whole. Thus, if the business sought be
in the nature of fittings, fans, cooking apparatus, fires or
cither heatint;' a[i[iaratus, the showroom could not lie i.)laced
in a more likely jidsition than in one of the best shopping
streets where the feminine shopping community congregate.
Obviously, such a position may be totally unsuitable for a
pfiwer supply authority looking solely to a motor load : in
such a case the showroom must appeal to a totally ditt'creut
class of customer — the business man, the engineer and the
foreman — and be located accordingly ; a suitable position
for a showroom of tliis description may be in the industrial
part of the town or in close proximity to a railway station
largely frequented by the men it is proposed to attrac't.

The maniger of the showroom must be a man of good
address and personality, a capable salesman and a sound
commercial engineer, fully conversant with the apparatus
he is pushing, and abundantly blessed with tact.

The equipment in the showroonr must be kept constantly
up tn date, and special prominence given to noreUiPx for
lidlli ilnniestic and industrial application : each piece nf
apparatus should be neatly and briefly labelled with : —

(«) Catalogue number or other reference.

{))) Price for hire.

('■) Price for hii'e-purchase.

{(}) Price for sale outright.

(f) Cost price.

Circumstances may not necessitate all this : the cost price
must, of course, be coded, and the others may be, if deemed
adxisable. It is a good scheme to allow the showroom
attendants a commission on apparatus sold, upon the lines
indicated in recent commercial articles in the Electrical

PiEVIKW.

Xe.xt we may discuss the fixing of the rates for hire or
hire-purchase ; every attention and care must be devoted to
this, bearing in mind that while the rates must in them-
selves be financially and commercially sound, the real
raison iFe/ir for the whole scheme is the sale of elecliirilij.
Again, while the hiring rates must. not be so high, that the
l)rospective customer feels he is being " squeezed," yet the
" purchase outright " price must be made attracti\e enough
to encourage this class of sale, more especially in the less
expensive apparatus, where it is infinitely better to keep the
routine and clerical work within the closest limits ; for
example, it will readily be seen that, if it can be avoided, a
flat-iron should not be sold under a hiring system unless,
of course, it is but part of a larger and more remunera-
tive sale. This last remark, - how^ever, would have to be
suitably modified in those districts which afford scope
for an organised " campaign " and where, consec|ucntly, the
•• all-in " cost can be correspondingly reduced. (_)ther
factors to be considered in fixing rates are costs of repairs,
and wiring for new heating circuits, &c., when necessary.
In regard to these, actual experience only can enable a
manager to gi\'e the close estimate necessary, and with
special reference to the cost of repairs, this item is necessarily
uncertain, depending, as it does, so much upon the
class of apparatus, the reliability, or otherwise, of design
and workmanship,"and the conditions of service. Experience
alone is the best guide for the accm-ate determination of
the respective values of the hiring and selling groups, and
therefore of the fixing of the respective rates and prices for
the two classes of business : altogether it is a matter for
nice adjustment.

Having effected a sale, either for cash or by hire, it is well
that the manager should realise that the transaction has not
ended : quite apart from the question of payment, it can
safely be said that it has Ijut begun. The efficient manager
always has it in mind that the new consumer must be a
" satisfied consumer" ; to this end he arranges for periodical
inspection and observation of the apparattis, and its beha-
viour, and for providing the customer with any useful
" tips " there may lie for satisfactory operation. It is pro-

bably well to emphasise that in a hiring business, more so
than in any other, it is essential to supply only apparatus
by well-established manufacturers of repute, and likely to
give a minimum of trouble : this consideration quite
independently of the repairs bill.

We now come to a very important point in all hiring
systems — viz., the necessity of keeping as accurately ;is
possible the life liistory of each individual piece of apparatus.
This may best be done by means of a suitably-indexed card
system. I have already said that it is desirable for all
clerical and routine work and expenses in connection with a
hiring scheme to be reduced to the absolute minimum, and,
at first glance, it may be thought that the suggestion
lierein contained is too cumbersome and expensive, especially
for the smaller lines of apparatus. My contention, however,
is the reverse, and that the system, once initiated, is
remarkably efficient, inex]»nsive, and altogether a com-
mercial asset of considerable value: one which many times
over repays for tiie initial expenditure.

The system referred to can be quickly grasped by a
glance at this reproduction of, a card drawn up for the
occasion : —

Description.

Maker's ref

Corporation ref.

Bought from On.

Date hired. Xame.

Address. Rate.

■

1

■-

.

Insjieoted on

Naturally, this is intended only as a rough guide and may
readily be altered to suit individual requirements : thus, a.
space may be pro\ided for information as to date and cost
of any repairs that may ha\e been nec'cssary. A suitable
cross "index under consumers' names and apparatus under
the supply authorities' serial numbers should lie made.

In conclusion, it only remains to be said that these notes
are not intended to cover all the points calling for consider-
ation : they constitute only a lirief sur\^ey of some of the
more prominent features of the successful hiring business,
and of the possibilities thereof. Mention has lieen made
in these notes more than once of heating and cooking appa-
ratus, and there is little doubt that, marvellous as has been
the growth of this class of business during the last few
years, the next dec/ade should show still greater strides now
that the difficulties inseparable from the development and
application of new designs have been overcome. And in
regard to power, he would be a bold man who would
ventm-e to estimate, the numbers of effete and inefficient
gas engines which have been lately discarded in fa\-our of
electric motors. It is commonplace to say that the huge
output of mmiitions of war has only been made possible by
electric power; and, if it had not done so before, the
electric motor has certainly now come into its own. In
these two classes of apparatus, to specify no others, the
hiring system will undoulitedly reach huge developments m
coming years.

Agricultural Machinery Research.— According to the

TlmeK the Board of Agriculture and the Development Commis-
sioners have been considering the establishment of a Research
Institute to investigate problems relating to agricultural machi-
nery • it is suggested that this should be established at Cambridge
in association with the existing Schools of Engineering and
Agriculture. The principal officers would be a director experienced
in mechanism, and an assistant-director exijerienced in agriculture.
Land for experimental work would be available on the University
farms.

roG

THE ELECTEICAL REVIEW. [Voi. 70. ,Xo. 2,040. decembkr l-mim.;.

SOME

50LRCBS OF ERROR IN
THERMOMETRY.

By E. B. PAUSEY.

It is a curious attrilmtt.' of luiinau iiiiturv that fallacies —
i'S|xrially those whii-h contain a half-tnith — art- ajit to
iiiaintain their hold on the imagination of the majority of
niankiiul with ^reat tenacity. Witness the almost i)athetic
k'lief of the average man in the inherent inability of the
photognijihic camera to record anything more or less tliaii a
trne and complete image of any object or view n|)on wliich
it is exix)sed ; this Ix'lief {lersists even at the present day, in

spite of all the evidence against it daily presented by the
cinemas, where impossible occurrences usually form a "main
feature of the programme. In like manner a ^'ery large
number of engineers appear to hold an equally unshakeable
belief in the veracity of their thermometers, idtliough, as I
propose to show in this article, it -is quite within the bounds
of jiossibility for a thermometer, well made and correctly
caliliraUMl though it may be, to tell the most arrant lies —
lies whicli, in some cases, may cost the owners-of a plant
considei'able sums of money, and in others keep them in a
fool's paradise with regard to the efficiency and safety of
their plant.

E\eryone who is responsible for the oi)eration of plant
for the generation of electrical energy— or, indeed, of any
form of power plant— should he qiiite aware of the fact
that if economical and satisfactory working is to be ex-
pected regular and relialtle temperature records are a
necessity. The common mercury-in-glass thermometer is by
far the most popular instrument for this puipose, and it
must be granted that it is fully entitled to its i»pularity, as
it IS, in itself, capable of very high accuracy. Unfortunately,
however, its reputation for accuracy is itself an indirect
cause of serious errors, which are commonly overlooked, for
It is this reputation that leads engineers to that unquestioning
belief m the infallibility of thermometer readings to which
I have already referred. So far from there being'any ground
ff>r this belief, the temjierature indicated dv the lieii-'ht of
he mercui-y in the stem is simi)lv and sofelv that of the

mercury in the buili, and unless the latter iqiproxi mates
very idosely to that of the Imdy whose temjterature is to lie
meiisured, the records taken cannot be cither useful or
satisfactory. Yet, in spite of this rather obvious fwt,
thermometers are frequently so incorrectly applied, that
their indications diverge from the truth to a surprising
extent ; these divergencies are usually quite unsuspected
by those in charge of the plant, who acce{)t the tenqiei'ature
readings without doubt, utilise them in calculating
efficiency ]x'reentages to, perhaps, two decimal iilaces,
and are often incredulous when the existence of large
errors is pointed out. Considering the importance of
the subject, the amount of thought hitherto given to
the correct apjilication and use of thermometers in ])riictice
is very meagre, and but little information is available either
from text books or the technical Press ; in these circuin-
.'tances, I venture to liojje that these brief notes may direct
attention to this matter, and be of some assistance to
engineers in charge of ])ower j)lant. The lew examples
described in the present article, out of mauy which might
lie ( I noted, are quite sufficient, I believe, to demonstrate the
need which exists for the devotion of greater care to this
matter.

It is cui'iniis. hill nevertheless a fad, that in the niajorily
of cases, thcrmomctric errors favour the manufacLurei' of
plant as against the purchaser. I do not, of course, doubt
that this circumstance is purely accidental, nor do 1 desire
to suggest that manufacturers install thermometers with
any other view than the correct registration of temperature ;
but I do say that it strongly emphasises the need for the
user to assure himself that the theniiometers and ]KK;kets
fitted to his plant are such as will serve their [lurpose in a
satisfactory and accurate manner.

A tyjx; of thermometer pocket as commimly used is shown
in section in fig. 1. In order that the transfer of heat
from the steam or other fluid suri'ounding the jwcket to
the bulb shall be as perfect as possible, the }X)cket is
intended to contain oil or, jireferably, mercury. There
are two sources of inaccuracy in such a fitting, the most
important of which is the effect of its situation — dealt with
below ; the second, which is usually negligible, but which
still merits consideration, is loss of heat by conduction and
radiation. This loss is illustrated by the arrow-headed
lines, \(hich represent heat received by the pocket from the
steam, or other fluid, conducted up the walls of the pocket,
and radiated away from its exterior portion. By making
the pocket reasonably deep, by reducing the thickness of its
walls as much as is consistent with safety, by using a
thermometer such that the bulb is nearly at the bottom of
the pocket, and by using just sufficient mercury to immerse
the bulb completely, and no more, this source of error may
be reduced to an almost vanishing quantity. The aim of -
these precautions is to render the conduction of heat from

DIRECTION JIF_ FLOW_0[_ GASCS^ ^jg|^ _

Tig. i,

the lower part of the pocket to the exterior as difficult as
possible.

When the pocket is fLxed in position, it will really ret^eive
heat, not from the whole of the fluid in the pijie or other
vessel, but from a comparatively small sample thereof, antl
it is, therefore, essential that this shall be a rejiresentatiN'e
sample. This is a most important matter, and want of
attention to it is the cause of very large errors indeed.
The ]iocket .should be fitted in such a position
as to be fully exposed to the direct fiow of
the fluid. Often it is placed in some out-
of - the - way corner, where the flow is sluggish
and the radiation losses possibly high, and in such a case it

V6i. 79. xo. 2,04.., decbmber 20, 1916.] THE ELECTIUCAL REVIEW.

707

cannot jrive a true reading. Fig. 2 is an example of tliis
kind of faulty application, probably about as bad an example
as could 1h? found. The thermometer is supjxised to iiidi-
eale the temjieralurc of the steam al tlie stop valve of a
.steam liH-biiie, and it is, therefore, a most ini|H)rUint item
in the calculation of the efficiency of the machine. The
pocket is screwed into the upper j)art of a hollow cylindrical
projection east on the stop valve body. This arrangement
has the apparent object of raising tlie thermometer to a
jxisition clear of the lagging plates on the valve body ; but
while it certainly serves this ])urpose, one caiuiot altogether
help wondering wliether there may not be any ulterior
objetrt in such a design. So far from the pocket l>eing fully
exposed to the direct flow of the steam a lot of trouble seems
to ha\e lieen taken to jilace it where tliere can hardly be
any flow at all ; moreo\er, the radiation fosses from the
cylindrical projection are liound to be exce.ssive, and, to make
mattei's woi-se. the bulb of the thermometer only reaches
alxiut halfway to the bottom of the pocket. The net result
is that the thermometer reading is from SO" F. to KKI F.
below the actual steam temj>erature. as indicated by a more
correctly applied thermometer close by. Such an enormoiLS
inaccuracy niake.s this one example alone sufficient, proof of
the inijx>itance of more careful attention to these fittings.
If the arrangement had been spec-ially designed for no other
purjjose than incorrect registration of the superheat tem-
|ieralure it could hardly have "been better adapted to
that end.

When the temjjerature of a liquid flowing in a pijje is
required to be measured, it is necessary that the jX)cket
shall not only be exix)sed to the direct flow, Ijut also that it
be not fitted in a place where the liquid is liable to separate
into sti'ata of dilTerent temperatures ; if no attention is
given to this matter, and the fitting is situated in sucli a
place, the natural result will be that the reading of the
tliermonieter will by no means represent the mean tenq^era-
ture of the liquid, but simply that of the stratum in which
the picket happens to be immersed. Fig. 4, which
exemjilifies a case of this source of error, shows a
thermometer pfK'ket as generally fitted to the outlet of an
ordinary econOmLser, for the jnirjjose of indicating the
temj^erature of the feed water supi)lied to the boilers. From
the reading of this thermfimeter, the probable effect of the
economiser in inrreasing the overall economy of the plant is
reckoned. I shall now show that its readings are unrelialjle,
and that any estimates of the efficiency of the economiser
based upon them are erroneous and exaggerated — at the
same time admittiuir that the actual usefulness of the
economiser is unquestiiiiiably so great that it needs no
exaggeration, either thermometrical oi' otherwise.

The thermometer jx)cket, t p, is shown in its customary
position, namely, .screwed into tlie upjK-r main header
immediately over the Ijranch leading from the last top box.
Now, the temj)erature of the water issuing from the top
boxes is not by any means equal throughout the economiser,
but varies in a rather interesting manner, which can be
roughly investigated by feeling the branch pijies with the
liand. Economisers are generally arranged for the watei' to
enter at the end where the flue ga.ses make their exit, and to
leave it at the opposite end where the gases enter, thus, in
in fact, applying the "contra-flo " principle. If the rough
test of the temperatures be started at the water inlet end it
will usually Ik; found that the branch at that end is
moderately warm, and that at first the tem])eratures increase
as the outlet end is api>roached : so far, this is what might
be ex|jected from the decrease in the temperature of the flue
ga.ses' as they pass through the economiser. The maximum
will not, however, as one might sup]X)se, Ix' found at the
water outlet end, but is generally somewhei'e near the
middle, the temperature of the branches thereafter falling off
more and more rapidly as the water outlet end is approached,
until that of the last branch — the one immediately
below the ihennometer jxicket in the illustration — may be.
but little above that of the inlet water, in spite of the fact
that the tubes at this end of the economiser receive heat
from the flue gases when the latter are at their hottest.
This is due to the flow of water in the economiser tubes not
being equal throughout the economiser : it is very
much less at the water inlet end than at the outlet
end, owing to a large proportion of the water

tieing carried by its own momentum past the branches
at the inlet end to those at the outlet end. The
natural result of this is a lower temperature rise in lln-
tiiiies at the outlet end, as the consequence of the largi r
\olunie of water pjtssing through them. Now, the water in
the top main header, owing to its slow rate of flow in tlic
liranch pijjes, does not become mixed to any great extent :
an idea of its Wiaviour is given by the arrow-headed doited
lines in fig. 4, which show how the colder water from the
tubes at the outlet end flows along tho bottoiTi of the headci-.
missing the thermometer pocket altogether. The latter is.
therefore, iminei-sed only in the hotter water in the up]ier
|)art of the header, and thus it gives an utterly fictitiou.s
liigh reading, the error in one case which has come under
my obser\ation ranging from 30^ F. to GO" F. When it is
lememliered that, according to the rough rule of 1 ptr cent,
increase of o\-erall economy for eat-h lo"" F. increase of feed-
water temperature, this error represents a non-existent gain
of 3 per cent, to IS per cent., its iinixirtance needs no further
em])hasising. To olitiun correct readings, the thennometei
should be installed in such a jxisition that it indicates the
tenqx-i-ature of the water after it has pa.ssed through a
mixing chamber or a valve of the globe tyix?.

One field where there is a wide scojje for scientific con-
sideration is the means for taking ttie temperature of altern-
atoi-s.. The usual nietliod of doing this is merely to hold an
ordinary mercury thermometer with its liulli against the core
or coils." This method is crude and unscientific ; it is unlikely
to give the maximum temperature of the windings ; it is
subject to the jiersonal factor of the observer, a very variable
and uncertain quantity ; and it is liable to be applied in a
more or less irregular and haphazard manner. As an
alternator has no commutator to visualise — as one may i)ut
it — heavy loads by sparking and flashing, the extent to
which it'may be loaded is limited by its temperature, and
if this is taken in the usual unsatisfactory manner, there is
bound to be a good deal of doubt as to whether a machine
has a sufficient niargin of safety at heavy loads. Particu-
larly during times of emergency, such as sudden heavy
increases in load or breakdowns, are serious risks likely to
be taken in the way of overloading. On the other hand,
machines are sometimes started up and put on load merely
U) deal with short peaks, which could lie quite safely dealt
with by overloading the machines already on load for a
short time, providetl projx;r and convenient means of
indicating their temperatures were in use. Such a means
would be an ela'trical resistance thermometer, with its
resistance element fitted closely up to one of the coils of tlie
stator winding, in such a pW-e that it would be subjected"
to the maximum temjierature of the mai'hine. The indicator
itself should be fitteil as a switchljoard instrument on the
machine panel, so that the temiieratnre of the alternator could
be easily and regularly taken and recorded on the station
log sheet in the same way as readings of other instrument's.
If some arrangement of this kind were. in general use. there
is no doubt that al! jxiwer stations would be run with
greater reliability, and some, at least, with greater economy.

Readings of "thermometers which are fitted in jjlares
difficult of access — such as sujwrheaters, economiser inlets.
&c., are commonly very unreliable, owing to \ery .serious
errors introduced by the jxn'soual factor of the observer.
Even tlie most conscientious attendants naturally feel some
repugnance to scrambling over dusty, hot boilers and flues.
up dark, dirty trenches or o\er grimy condensers eveiy half
hour or hou"r. e.si«cially in the small hours of the niudit
shift, to take temix-ratures which usually show few im-
jxirtant variations. Human nature is only human nature
lifter all, and its weaknesses must be allowed for. An elec-
trical or any other form of thermometer, capable of indicating
uixm an instrument which can be fixed in any convenient
position the temperatures of apparatus in not easily
accessible places, would ensure that these temperatures
would be taken and reconled as accurately as those in the
engine room itself. As a check on the readings of the dis-
tance instrument an ordinary mercury thermometer ought
to be used occasionally, when a comparison Ix'tween the
readings of the two instruments would discover any crroi-s.
which could then be corrected.

A careful and reliable record of the temperature of the
interior of a coal stack might save heavy loss from fire by

708

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW. [Voi. th. No. 2,u4u, decembkr an. um;.

•riviiii.' tiiiiflv Wiirninir of <'Vi'rlifatin<r. Fires, oiue sUrk'd,
arc vi'iy dirtiiult to kitji iiinler control. cs|)tci!illy in ll>c
case nflaitrc slacks. Il is |Mii.r comfort for the loss ()f
u stjniil-l>y st«H-k of coal from lliis cause to lie aide to claim
compfiisiVtioii under an insnrance {xdicv. since money, even
pajier money, is not an efficient suhstitnle for lioiler fuel,
and, in these times of scarcity, it cannot always \>e i|uickly
exclianjied for it. ('oid-si:u'k temiR^ratures are Ciinniioidy
taken— when taken at all — l>y lowerins!: a thermometer
down a pipe driven into the staek. It is not difficult
to de\ia' an im])rovement on this arraiifrement that is Iwtli
cheap and satisfactory. In lis;. 3 is shown an ordinary
meix-ury thermometer, which should he siraduiited to above
boilin*; jioint — say. ■2-2n^ F. — immersed in water in an
ordinary water trauire-fflass, the ends of which are closed l\v
titrhtly-fitting corks. The lower c-ork should be stuck in
with shellac varnish, so that, in ca.se of over-pressure, it
will remain in its place, and the upper one be driven out ;
otherwise, there would lie a risk of losino: the thermometer.
A small strin-r becket is attached to the uppei- part of the
fjlass by a whipping of fine twine or strong thread, the
whipping being well varnished to prevent it slipping. The
arrangement may be lowered down a pipe by means of a
string tied to the becket. The pipes should lie closed at
the l)ottom, so thiit sufficient water or oil may be put in
them to cover the tube containing the thermometer, and
pointed so as to Ix; easily driven down into any desired part
of the stack. The advantages of this system of taking coal-
stiick temjieratures over the usual method already mentioned
are that, as the water in the tube retains its heat when the
instrument is drawn up to be read, there is no uncertainty
due to the mercury falling rapidly, as is the case
with an ordinary thermometer, and that if the pipe
just contains sufficient liquid to cover the glass tube, the
thermometer Avill indicate the temperature of the immediate
neighlwurhootl of the bottom of the pipe very accurately.
If no liquid is put in the pipe, errors will arise, jiartly from
the bad conductivity of air and partly from the effect of
convection currents in the pipe ; this last source of error
will tje considerably increased if a large excess of liquid Ite
used.

In addition to the foregoing sources of error, which are
external to the thermometer, there are others which lie in
the instrument itself. One. which is extremely annoying
and often difficult to deal with, fi'equently occurs in
tliermometers used in high-temperature mea.surements, say
above 250~' F. This is the " splitting up " of the mercury
column, a more or less rapidly-iucreasing portion of it
taking up a jx>sition in the extreme top of the btire of the
tube, a jX)sition from which it can only be dislodged with
difficulty. The cause of this is probably that the mercury
e^aiKirates owing to the high temperature, fills the vacant
j>art of the bore with mercury vapour, this vapour condenses
in the cooler upper part of the bore, and so forms the " split
off " portion. Some thermometers are made with a small
cavity at the upjier end of the bore ; when this is the case.
all that is necessary is to heat the bulb carefully over a
spirit lamp or gas flame until the break in the mercury
rises into the cavity ; the break will then rejoin, and on
cooling, the instrument wiU be all right again. Great care
must be taken, however, not to overheat the bulb, since if
the glass is softened at all, it will be collapsed by the
pressure of the atmosphere — or burst, if the thermometer be
nitrogen filled. All thermometers for high temperatures —
say over 2oiV' F. — should have such a cavity in the bore ;
if they have not, it is often difficult, and sometimes
impossible, to bring down the split-off portion of mercury.
Swinging or tapping the thermometer may have the desired
effect, but, even when brought down, it is not at all easy
to get the break to join. This is probably due to a small
amount of mercury vajwur between the two portions of
liquid mercury acting as a cushion, aided, no doubt, by
surface tension.

Another case of splitting of the mercury column occurs
when an ordinary thermometer, in which the space above
the mercury is vacuous, is used for the measurement of
very high temperatures. Obviously, in a thermometer of
this kind, the only pressure on the" merciu-y in the bulb is
that due to the head of mercury in the stem, which, in
thermometers of the usual size, about 12 ia. long, is

not above (! lb. ]><■}■ S(|. in. absolute wlien the tli(M'niomctrr
is held vertically. The boiling )H)int of mercury under a
pressure of one atmosphere is GT.'i'' F., but at this reduced
pi'cssure it is lowered to between 55l> F. and GHO F.. so
that if the temi>erature to be measured is higher than this
figure, the mercury in the bulb will boil, and tlie vajiour
given off by il will drive the merciny colnnm right to the
top of the stem : therefore the teiiiperutnie at which the
mercury in the bulb boils forms the highest limit of the
scale. In thermometers which are required to read to more
than (')00^^ F.. the boiling ]>oint of the mercury in the bulb
is raised liy filling the space above the mercury column
with an inert gas — such as nitrogen — at a ])ressure of about
2.") atmospheres. The upper limit of the scale is then
raised to about 1,000 F. It should be noted that, while
nitrogen-filled thermometers furnish a satisfactory solution
of this difficulty, they are just sis lialde as those of the
ordinary \acuous type to the tfoulde of tlie njiiier ))orti()n
of the mercury column splitting off. as describeil in tlie
prei'cding paragrajih. since evaporation from the surface of
the mercury and condensation in the end of the stem goes
on independently of the presence or absence of inert gas in
the s])ace. Moreover, if this should occur, the ]>resence of
high-pressure gas between the two portions of mercury
renders their reunion very difficult, if not iinjwssible.

On occasions when specially accui*ate tenijierature indi-
cations are required, as, for instance, official tests of new
plant, extra precautions ought to be taken with the ther-
mometers, particularly with those which are to be used for
temperatures which have considerable effect on efficiency
calculations, such as those of su{K'rheated steam, feed and
circulating water, exhaust steam and iMudensate. The
ordinary brass-cased thermometers, such .■« are commonly
fitted for permanent use, should uot be used, but should be
replaced by special stem thermometers having a limited
range, and as open a scale as possible. For taking the
steam temperature, which may be expected to lie within the
limits of, say, 500' F. to 550° F., a thermometer liaving a
range of about 450 F. to 600° F. should be used ; it could
easily be read correctly to one quarter of a degi-ee ; the
other iiuportant thermometers should similarly be specially
adapted to their work. A small source of error will be
eliminated if thermometers which are to register high
teiuperatures are kept at approximately their working
temperature for some hours previous to the test, as glass, on
being raised from a low to a high temperature, does not
immediately expand to the corresponding \oluine, Imt con-
tinues its expansion slightly during a considerable time. All
the thermometers should be checked both before and after
the test by comparison with a carefully calibrated master
instrument. In the calibration of thermometers the
whole of the stem and bulb is at an equal tem-
perature throughout, and the scales are made on this
basis. In the case of thermometers for registering
high temperatures this condition is not often approached in
practice, and, as mercury has a much higher coefficient of
expansion than glass, it becomes necessai'y in accurate work
to correct for this error. This is done by means of the
following simple formula : —

Tp = T,. + k n (Tr — /),
where Tf is the apparent temperature as read,
Tc is the corrected temperature,
/ is the mean temperature of the stem,
71 is the number of degree divisions of the scale

occupied by mercury and exjMsed to the tein-

jjerature /,
k is a constant whose value is 0'000O83 for the'i

Fahrenheit scale, and 0'00015 for the ('enti-

grade scale.

The temperature / of the stem cannot easily be olitained
accurately, but a rough approximation will suffice.

In concluding these notes, I trust that they will have
the effect of drawing the attention of the engineering
public to the imiwrtance of giving due care and attention
to these instruments. They are not written from the jwint
of \\evi of an expert, but are the result of practical observa-
tions in everyday working, and are intended to be read in ,
that light.

Vol.79. No. 2,040, December 29, 1916.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEWo

709

THE CONTROL OF ROTARY CONVERTERS,

In a brochure recently issued by the British Thomson-Houston
Co., Ltd., some novel and interesting' particulars are given regard-
ing the methods available for obtaining from a rotary converter a
variable D.c. voltage whilst the A.c. voltage remains constant, and
rice rerm. Normally the ratio of the A.c. to the D.c. voltage is
practically constant for any given load, and in order to vary the
ratio it is necessai'y to introduce reactance on the A.c. side, or to
employ a booster machine, an induction regulator, or split-pole
control. The reactance method is the simplest and cheapest, and
is suitable for use where the voltage variation retjuired does not

the load and voltage. In this case the D.c. voltage is varied by
inserting an induction regulator between the transformer and the
slip-rings, which increases or reduces the A.c. voltage applied to
the rings. The regulator performs exactly the same functions as
the booster, but without affecting the commutating conditions of the
rotary, so that machines can be built of the largest output for a
given size, without com])lioations, and can be made to give a
voltage range of 30 per cent, or more. In the latest practice the
regulator, which was formerly a separate item, is mounted on the

ZLoad— 0

Fig. 1.— Curves Showing Power Factor and Wattless
Current of a Reactance-controlled Rotary Converter.

Fig. 2. — Magnet-Frame and Windings op B.T.H. 250-kw.
Split-Pole Converter, with Commutating Poles.

exceed \f> per cent., which is usually the case in practice. The
effect of the reactance depends upon the excitation of the
machine ; if the field current is i-educed below the value which
gives unity power factor at the slip-rings, a lagging current is
drawn from the A.c. mains, and the
reactance lowers the slip-ring volt-
age, and therefore also the D.c.
voltage, while if the field current
is increased, a leading current is
drawn and the D.c. voltage is raised.
Evidently the jrower factor varies
with the D.C. voltage, but even with
1 h per cent, variation of voltage the
povrer factor at full load is not less
than 90 per cent., as shown in fig. 1 ,
which also shows how the power
factor varies with any given voltage.
how it varies when the voltage is
varied, and the wattless current ex-
pressed as a jjercentage of the full-
load current which will be drawn
from the line under various condi-
tions of load and voltage. It will be
seen that at constant voltage the
wattless current varies only within
moderate limits from no load to no
per cent, overload, and that the
power factor of a system may Ijc
greatly improved by adjusting the
conditions so that a large leading
current is drawn from the line. In

the figure, the uppermost curves relate to tlie maximum voltage
required, and the lowest to a value 1 r> per cent, lower, but pre-
cisely the same curves hold good if tlie conditions are arranged
so that the machine runs at normal voltage with unity power
factor, the top and lx)ttoni curves then representing the perform-
ance with voltages resjiectively 7-i per cent, above and below the
normal.

The use of a booster was one of the earliest methods of varying
the voltage ratio, and enables the power factor to te controlled
iudependfutly of the load and voltage : but with modern rotaries
fiiuip|ied with commutating poles and giving greatly increased
tmtpiit.s, Ijooster control seriously affects the commutation, and is
found inferior to other methods.

Control by induction regulator is free from this drawback, while
it rfitains th« advanta^tf that the power factor ia iudepeudent of

bedplate of the converter, which is then of about the sarae size
and cost as a booster-controlled machine, and is self-contained.
The design of the regulator has been improved, and the combina-
tion, which is illustrated in fig. 3. is useful for correcting a low

Fig. 3.— B.T.H. .WO-kw.
Regulator.

Self-Synchronising Rotary Convekikr with Indu. hd.s
A.C. Starting Motor, and Separate Exciter.

power factor, operating on 90 per cent, leading power factor at full
load, at any voltage.

The remaining method of control—the split-pole device— was
patented by the B.T.H. Co. and developed for 2.''.-cycle work, giving
a D.C. voltage range of 2r> per cent, with constant A.c. voltage. In
this system each of the field poles of the rotary is divided into a
main pole and a regulating pole, the latter being arranged for
excitation either in the same direction as the main poles or in the
opposite direction . As the D.c. voltage is projxjrtional to the algebraic
sum of the fluxes of both poles, while the A.c. voltage is proixjrtional
to the vector sum of the A.c. E.m.k.'s produced by the two fluxes,
and the algebraic sum can be widely varied without greatly afl'ecting
the vector sum. the voltage ratio can be varied over a long range ;
unity power factor can be obtained under any conditions of load
and voltage, and as the control ia effected in the armature of th»

■10

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW. [Vol, TJ. Xo. 2,010, December 2!M;)1G.

c-iuvertfr its.lf, this is the simplest tyjn- ol i-ontmi in which tlie
power factor is reqiiireJ to be independent of the voltape variation.
Fi^. 2 shows the field-mag-net system of a split-pole rotary of
.'■'.' KW., with commutating' poles.

LEGAL

W001.1.KV .-. Watson. IklAiisu \ C». (.H«<>.Ni)K.<itfiiY). Ltd.
At the Lanil)eth County Court, before .Iiidfre Parry, sittin;.' witli
the Medit»l Referee. onDeceniU'r I'.ltli. an application was heard
for the review and termination of an award under the Workmen's
Comiiensation Aet made to Thomxs W(X)Iley. electrician, tlie
employers Ijeinjr electrical cnirineers. of Brondesbury, X.W. The
case has already l)een reporteii and comnient^l upon in the
El-ECTKicAi. Review.

On May Ith. WooUey was workinjr for the firm at Pike's Circuit
Cinema. Charinfr Crass, and he alley^e<l that when (join^ to fetch
some material, a labourer employetl l>y another firm was wheeling
a barrow full of cement up a plank, which tippe<l over, a hag- of
cement fallin-r on his left le)r and displacing' a cartilajre. He had
not lieen able to work since, and the Jud^'e. on October .")th.hel(l
that the accident arose out of and in the course of his employment,
awanlinjf him £1 a week from the date of the accident iis comi>ensa-
tion. which had l)een paid him uj)to tlie week luwtedintr the present
heariu-r.

Mk. Kinosrhry. for the firm, said that in :iskin;; for the review
and terminatiou of the award, they maintaiiuil that the man hail
entirely recovere<l from the effects of the accident on November
Hnl. a month after the award. At the last heariii-!-, mention wa.-<
made of an X-ray photoffi-aph of the injured knee taken at Chariujf
Cross Hospital when he attended there, but it was not produced.
After considerable trouble they hail Ijeen able to procure the
photoorraph. The difficulty had Iweii whether the condition of
the man's leg- was due to the accident or to some old-standinjr
dlscase, and the photojrraph showeil that tlie condition of the lei,'
w.-vs due to arthritis of the knee joint, ami not to the accident.

Ai.KRED R. ToTiiir,!.. medical student in his iiftli year, stated
that he was in charjre of the casualty department at Charin>; Cro.ss
Hospital on the day Woolley met with his accident and was
brought there. He found Ixith knee joints inflexpil, the left
slijrhtly more than the rijrht. There was no swellinj;-. and he
could find no evidence of a fi-:icture or limitation of the joint.
WooUey stood talking to him for about ten minutes. Witness
m.ide an entry that the man hiul strained the knee joint, and
treated him for that. He jrave liim a week in which to recover.
He saw him ajrain that week, hut could find no development. He did
not find any evidence of any loose cartilage, though he sug-yested
to Woolley that that was what he was sutferin<r from, a sujfg-es-
tion he readily accepted as the cause for the pain from w-hich he
was suffering, or said hfe was. Witness came to the conclusion that
he was exatrfrerating his condition. On June 9th he saw him once
more, when he sent him to the consulting- surgeon. Sir. Daniel, as
witness would have nothing more to do witli him. He came to
the conclusion that at that time Woolley had entirely got over the
effects of the accident. He never iirescribed for a loose cartilage,
because he did not Ijelieve it was there. On November .'ird he saw-
Woolley in conjunction with Mr. Cooge. consulting surgeon at the
hospital. The man was able to walk easily, there being no impair-
ment of the movement of the leg. There were then no signs of
a detaclied cartilage. There was a certain amount of arthritis
present in both knee joints, as was shown by the creaking- of the
joints, this being apparently of long standing. In cross-examina-
tion, witness said he never saw any swelling of the knee joints.

Dr. Pastell. resident casualty officer at Charing Cross Hospital,
said he examined Woolley in the hospital on November :{rd. He
was not suffering from any loose cartilage, but from arthritis in
Ixith knees. The X-ray photograph showed the disea.se in a more
extended form, and no evidence of a loose cartilage. There was
creaking in the joints. Witness thought then the man was quite
able to work. He had l)een advi.sed to wear a knee bandage, but
said he had only had it on once or twice. In cross-examination.
Witness said it w.as impossible to say how long the man had
suffered from arthritis, but it was present liefore the accident.

Mr. Bloxham. for Woolley : Do you say that he is capable of
doing the same work now as he diil before the accident .' — Yes.

Judge Parry : Such as climbing l.-ulders and kneeling ilow-n .' —
I think so.

Dr. JI. Dutch, physician at the Lewisham Military Hospital,
said he examined Woolley on August 27th, and found no evidence
of fluid in the joint, or of a movable Ixidy. but he found arthritis
present, both knees suffering from it. He thought the man was
quite fit to do the same work as he did before the accident. The
disease, in his opinion, was of long standing-.

Dr. Ivor Day-ies. specialist, said he also examined Woolley. and
found distinct evidences of arthritis. It was very marked, and
was of years' standing. There was no evidence of an accident to
the knee joint. In cross-examination. Witness said he -was quite
capable of climbing ladders and kneeling.

On behalf of Woolley, Dr. Robert.son. his panel doctor, said he
had attended him for some yeai-s, and he hatl never complained of
not teing able to do his work through arthritis in the knees.
He came to him during the time he was attending hospital, and
found him suffering from a very swollen and inflamed knee joint.
Jle was of opinion that the man had displaced a cartilage, and

rcoemiy recomuiciidwi liim to wear a bandage. He did not yet
think iie was fit for work, and certainly did not think he could
climb ladders. In cross-examination, witness said he thought
it would be some weeks before he could go back to work.

After the Medical Referee had examined Woolley. Judge Parry
aski-<i if he hail made any effort to do any kind of work .'

.VriM.lcANT : No; I have done nothing whatever.

Judge Paruv said the Me<lical Referee hail sixjken very strongly
to Woolley altout getting back to work. Addressing the man, he
said he could work very well on the level if he tried, anfi now was
his time to do something, for men were neede<l. He must get to
work as soon as possible.

WooLl.EY said he did not feel able to go up ladders with safety.

Judge Parry said he could find plenty of work where he
would not have to do that. He could not go on getting his^ll a
week for ever. It was ijuite time he made a big effort to get back
to work. The Medical Referee was of opinion that the condition
of the left knee was due to the accident, and that the arthritis
arose out of it. He suggested to suspend the present order to pay
the man tl a week, and grant him I.")S. a week until February 1st,
in which time he could try and find work, and the result could be
re}K>rteil to him. Addressing Woolley once again, he urged him
to get to work, saying, " You may have a little pain at first, but
you must stick that and do your be.st. "

Secret Process in Ruuhek Manufactuke.
In the Chancery Division Mr. Justice Peterson had opened before
liim on Tuesilay, Deceiiilxn- llKh. tlie action of the Alperton Ruhlier
Co. r. Manning and others, by which the plaintiff company sought an
injunction to restrain the defendant Manning from communicating
to the Belgium Tyre Co., Ltd.. or other persons, certain infor-
mation acquired by him while in the service of the plaintiff com-
pany for tile Ijenefit of the plaintiff company, and also to restrain
the Tyre Co. from taking advantage of the infoi-mation so com-
municateil.

Mr. Hughes. K.C., and Jlr, Hodge aijpeared for the plaintiff ;
Mr. Herliert. K.C., and Mr. Manning for the first defendant ; and
Mr. Tomlin. K.C.. and Mr. Devonshire, holding the brief for Mr.
Deighton Pollock (who was ill), for the Belgium Tyre Co.

Mr. Hughes, in ojiening the case, said : The plaintiff company,
who were originally incorporated under another name, were con-
nected with the washing of rubber, but in 1012 they changed their
name to the Aljierton Rubter Co.. and commenced to manufacture
various rubber comjiounds. Many extremely hard substances now
used were really rubljer productions and were important liecause
of their insulating property in connection with electrical work.
They were used for magneto distributors. The plaintiff com-
pany had a very large number of different formula- for the
mixing of the rublier. The defpndaiit Manning came to their
works early in 11112. There was no written agreement of .service.
One important mixing arose in the following way : — The plaintiffs
did a considerable amount of work for the Bosch Magneto Co.. and
that company used a material called Stabilit, which at that stage
was produced in Germany. After the war began it became
impossible to get Stabilit from Germany ; the Bosch Co. in
England was very anxious to get a satisfactory substitute for it,
and approached the plaintiffs, amongst othei-s, with a view to
getting them to manufacture a satisfactory substance. An analysis
was sent for the plaintiffs' assistance by the War Office. The
works foreman of the plaintiffs was a man named Fisher, and he,
after many experiments, arrivefl at a satisfactory substitute for
Stabilit. This result was attained in the month of June, 1915,
when the product was submitted to the Bosch Co. and passed by
them as satisfactory, and it was also passed by the War Office, who
~ were equally anxious about the matter, as these magnetos were
very largely used lor their engines. There were many other
formula- for mixing which the plaintiffs had, and in some cases
they worked out the mixtures themselves : in others, the customers
would supply the formula for the mixing they required. The
formula would then be kept on two cards, one of which w-ould be
given to Fisher and the other to a man named Drummond, in the
drug or compounding works, where the actual mixing -was done.
The works records, when not actually required, wera kept in the
company's safe, care being taken to prevent people getting at the
knowledge they contained. On June 29th the company gave
Manning a month's notice, suggesting that he should take a
holiday until the expiration of the month, so that from June 2'.lth he
was not on the premises. After he left. Manning invited Fisher
to join him in the formation of a company to work a substance
now known as " Aljierlite, " pointing out that he had obtaiiie<l the
formula from the plaintiffs' loose-leaf Ixiok. It was found that
the formula was not in the book he had left behind, and Fisher
and Drummond were the only jjersons who could know the
formula. The two cards had been removed from the book, and
the plaintiff' comjiany would have no means of ascertaining this
mixture. The defendant stated that he had had an offer of Ji;200
for the formula, but Mr. Fisher, after saying that he would think
the matter over, wrote declining to have anything to do with it.
It would ap])ear that Mr. Manning had removed one of the loose-
leaf books from one of t he company's offices, and he claimed that it
was his own property. Counsel did not see how that could lie,
as it was paid for with the company's money. He hail, however,
offered to return the liook, but that was not sufficient. Shortly
after the termination of his engagement with the plaintiff com-
pany. Manning got into communication with the Belgium Tyre
Co., who were also manufacturers of a certain class of rublier
goods, and it would a]i)iear that as early a§ July. Iiefore his engage-
ment with the plaintiffs had terminated, he was giving theni an

Vol. 7it. No.2,o(o, dbcbmbkrsimiu.;.] THE ELECTRICAL EEVIEW.

711

otder. The defence ^yas a denial that Manning- was making nse
of any knowledfre that he had acquired while in the service of the
plaintiffs, and the Belgium Tyre Co. allegetl that they had acquired
nothintr from Manninjr over which the plaintiff.s had any
rijrhts. They admitted that Stabilit was manufactured in
Germany, but not entirely in that country, and they denied that
any formula used in the plaintiffs' business belonged exclusively
to the plaintiffs.

Witnesses were called for the plaintiffs to prove that Manning
knew the formula of the plaintiffs' Alperlite, and that the
Belgium Tyre Co. were now supplying a substance identical with
it. The success of the eompound depended upon the formula and
not upon the skill of the woi'kman who compounded it, and any
departure from the formula would tend to alter the specific
gravity, the insulating properties, and the flexibility.

At the conclusion of the plaintiffs' case the hi-aring was
adjournetl until next sittings.

Rating ov Elkctric Tramway Lines.
London County Council's Appeal SuccESSFiTr,.
At the County of London Quarter Sessions, at Clerkenwell. Mr.
A. P. Lawrie, K.G. (Deputy-t :h>iirman"), delivered judgment in this
apiieal against the quinquennial assessment by the Assessment
('ommittee of the Holborn Union of tramway lines in the Boroughs
of Finsbury and Holborn.

Mr. Lawrie. in giving judgment, observed that throughout the
hearing the fact had more and more impressed itself upon them
that this case need never have come into Couii:, and that was
equivalent to saying that, particularly at this time, it never ought
to have come into Court. It was a most deplorable thing to see
two public bodies .spending large sums of money in lighting over
matters which should have been easily capable of iuJjudication
without litigation. The Court could but feel that if each party
had approached the other with the earnest desire to settle, a
solution would have been reached very similar to the result they
had arrived at, and much of the ratepayers' money would have
been saved. But while a settlement would have been easy it that
cour.se hafl been adopted, a decision in the case was^ by no means so
simple. When the parties found that the question was to be fought
they Iwth appeared to have shut their eyes to the points telling
against them, and have ojiened them very wide to every point that
even appeared to tell in their favour, with the obvious result that
differences necessarily increased, the valuations of the rival sides
were hopelessly at variance, and both included many obviously
untenable claims, either of additions or deductions. When the
case came into Court they gladly recognised that every assistance
possible was given to them by all concerned, and they could not
sjjeak too highly of the great care and ability with which
the ca!e had been presented. The Court had asked themselves
what a reasonable man would have anticipated at the time in
([Uestion, and in the main they had based their finding on the
accounts of lOH-lo, but there were many variations in those
accounts available to anybod.v in 191.5, both figures of increased
receipts and expenditure already incurred. There were also ten-
dencies which .seemed clearly defined which they had had to con-
sider, and the.y had had to decide which of those would affect a
prospective tenant. They had had to discourage certain ascertained
figures which would not have been anticipated. Any decision in
such circumstances must be largely a matter of speculation. The
result they had arrived at was that the total rateable value in
Finsbury should be £6,527, which was in the neighbourhood of '
two-thirds of the amount of rateable value (£!t,770) appealed
against. The judgment of the t'ourt. therefore, was that the
appeal be allowed, with costs, and that those figures be insei'ted in
the valuation lists. His Lordship merely desired to add that that
decision might be of some assistance to the parties in the effort he
was sure they would make, without any further litigation, in the
outstanding cases in the Borough of Holborn.

In reply to Mr. Rtde, the DEPUTV-CHAinMAN said that, if
<lesired, he could work out the figures for the remaining parishes
in Holborn.

JlR. Clavell Salter : I think, perhaps, it would be more
convenient to see if we can settle in the light of your Ijordship's
observations.

Mr. Rvde : Your Lordship says the result arrived at is two-
thirds of the rateable value apjiealed against. I am content to
take the assessment in the other parishes as two-thirds of the
amount appealed against.

Mr. Clavell Salter : I suppose you are.

The Deputy-Chairman : I suppose Mr. Clavell Salter would
not go as far as that. If you (Mr. Ryde and Mr. Salter) can come
to some arrangement I think it will be best, but if .you cannot I
am prepared to work out the figures for the other parishes on the
same lines as I have worked out these. The figures are before me,
and it will not be an inconvenience to me ; so, failing a settlement
between yourselves, I am prepared to do it.

Counsel on both sides acquiesced in that proposal.

Mb. Ryde also suggested that they should try and agree the
gross values, which, he said, would affect nobody,

JlR. Clavell Salter : I agree that we ought to try and do
that.

The Deputy-Chairman observed that he was rather under the
impression that the gross values had been arranged.

Mb. Clavell Salter said his Lordship would remember that at
the outset of the case he submitted that the appellants had no
/tiriix xtaiidi there on the ground that they hatl not taken the neces-
sary steps as provided by the statute. He would like the matter to
be left open so that it uyght again be mentioned.

The Deputy-Chairman : Certainly.

Mr. Ryde : I understand that the afipeal is allowed with costs
as regards Finsbury. I take it, as your Lordship has not worked
out the figures for th(! other parishes, that the question of costs is
not yet decided .'

The Dkputy-Chaikman said that wius so.

Mr. Clavell Salter : May I take it that the Court would be
prepared to consider whether each party should pay their own
costs ?

The Deputy-Chairman : It is a very substantial reduction, a
very large reduction, and it was necessary for the appellants to
come here before they could get the reduction.

The matter was then formally adjourned until a day in the New
Year, when, it was understood, the result of the conference.betwccii
learned counsel on both sides would be made known.

LkAIIV and OtUBRS r. KERRY ELECTRIC SUPPLY Co.

Before the Master of the Rolls, in the Irish High Court, Dublin,
a settlement was intimated in an action by Mr. C. F. X. Leahy!
and nine others, mcnibers of his family, for an injunction to
restrain the Kerry Electric Supply Co, from selling milling
machinery domi.sed to them at the Fleck Mills, Killarney. The
terms were that the defendants should exjiend iihW on the erection
of a power engine in. the mills 12 months from the termination of
the war, and that they should be at liberty to sell the machinery
in the mill on condition of lodging the proceeds in the National
Bank, Killarney, in the names, jointly, of plaintiff's and defendants.
In the event of defendants failing to ei-ect a power engine, the
money lodged is to l)e the property of the plaintiffs, but compliance
with the condition leaves the money with the defendants. His
Lordship directeil the defeudants to pay the plaintiffs' costs.

COLONIAL TELEGRAPHS AND TELEPHONES.

Jh K. W. WEIGIITMAN, M.I.E.E.

(Abslnut nj impn- read brfure llir INSTITUTION w

Eluctkical Enuineeks.)
Kg review on this subject would be complete without a
reference to the great services the late Sir William Preece
rendered to the Colonial Administrations during his lifetime;
upon the advice he gave the foundations of many of the
Colonial systems were laid, and in many cases the super-
stinctures also wore Iniilt. From Sir William's association
vyith the Colonial services, and with the gradual .standardisa-
tion of materials and plant generally in the Home Depart-
ment, and the publication by the Department of bix)ks of
t<'chnical instructions, the Dominions and Colonies have got
more or less into the way of accepting Post Office practice as
beyond question.

The Administrations of the Dominions send their chief
technical officers around the world to see what is being done,
and to cull from the various systems of the world those
features which appear to them as being most advantageous
for adoption in their own countries. Thus wc find in the
Dominions practice which is a mixture of British and Ameri-
can, and perhaps even a. little Continental. But as the bed-
rock of it all. British Post Office practice is outstanding.

In the earlier days, many of the engineers, and many
oHicers of other ranks as well, appointed in the Dominions
and Colonies, were men who had received their training in
the various home services. This still applies to appointments
in tlie Crown Colonies, but it is only rarely the case now in
the Dominions. We find the youths of dhe Dominions quali-
fying in their respective engineering departments for even
the highest positions in them.

There are, however, several Colonies in the tropics in which
the heat, and the highly electrical condition of the atmos-
phere in some cases, are so trying that Europeans must have
the relief of a change to a temperate climate at frequent
intervals. For the filling of engineering appointments in
these Colonies, the Colonial Office will always look for men
at home. Higher salaries are offered than men in similar
positions in EngUind are paid, but the difference, is often
s\callowed up in the higher co.st of living, in the expense of
trips to England necessary for health reasons, and, if the
engineer be a married man, in the cost of what practically
amounts to maintaining two homes; and so in the" end the
Colonial engineer is rarely as well off financially as he would
have been had he remained here. This is surely a matter
^^l.ich should receive the consideration of the Colonial authori-
ties. Low salaries for men in positions of responsibility are
false economy.

In another direction the Governments of the Crown
Colonies are very .'••hort-sighted. They do not encourage their
engineers sufficiently to keep themselves up to date. A tech-
nical officer, on whose initiative the engineering methods of
a Department depend, should be specially commissioned by
his Government to vi,sit England at least every three or four
years, to enable him to keep in touch with the latest develop-
ments.

With well-tiaincd staffs of European character, the engi-
neers of Canada, Australia, and New Zealand are relieved of

712

THE ELECTRICAL KEVIEWo LVol. 79. Xo. 2,010, December 29, 1916.

mach of the worry whiih falls to the lot of the engineers in
those countries where the bulk of the labour is black. In
Australia there is an Arbitration Court for the investigation
and settlenaent of labour disputes, and any ditiiculties of this
nature that arise between tho administrations and the w-ork-
ing st^jfTs of the telegraph and tK?lephone organisations are
referred to it. In New Zealand there is a Board of Appeal
on somewhat similar lines.

In Canada there is a law under which employes can apply
for a Board of Conciliation to discuss the differences between
themselves and their employeis; but in regard to this, one
high official in Canada remarks: "It is a debatable question
whether it is of any advantage to either employers or em-
ploj'es."

In South Africa practically all skilled work is done, and
all super\-ising positions are held, by Europeans. The rough
work is done by the natives, and many natives are also em-
plojed as unskilled linemen. All departments of industry
ari- hampered by the disinclination of the natives to work.
Where they are employed as hnemen there is not that con-
tinuity of service which is desirable, and their utt«r lack of
sense of responsibility is the cause of much anxiety to the
engineer. Engineers in all the black Colonies have the same
experience in this respect, and in some cases their difficulties
are increased by the refusal of their Governments to provide
ac'equate supervision.

The rates of pay to Europeans in the Dominions and
Colonies vary generally with the cost of living, and any
reference to them would be liable to be misleading, unless
the living expenses and the local conditions in each case
were also stated.

Of all the Dominions and Colonies, Canada is the only one
that has made any headway in the manufacture of apparatus
and material for telegraph and telephone purposes. Practi-
cally all wire, cable, subscribers' instruments, and manual
exchange equipment used throughout the telephone services
of the country are made in the Dominion. Automatic ex-
change apparatus, where this is in use, is obtained from the
United Stat<^s, but even this is now being assembled and
built up in Canada. Copper wire, iron wire, and pole fittings
ar'! also made to a large extent. Telegraph apparatus is
generally got from the States, and also the glass insiilators
so largely used. Porcelain insulators, where these are used,
have been obtained to some extent from the Continent.

In Australia, cast-iron pipes, stoneware conduits, copper
tapes and binders, and certain of the pole fittings are manu-
factured in the country. Prior to 1913, practically all the
insulators used came from Germany, but insulators of both
porcelain and stoneware are now being made within the
Commonwealth. A fair amount of magneto telephone appa-
ratus and switchboard material is obtained from Sweden,
while some of the larger exchange switchboard plant and the
Strowger automatic apparatus now being introduced come
from America. Wire, cable, telegraph apparatus generally,
and material of a kindred nature are obtained almost exclu-
sively from Great Britain. It is the rule to invite tenders
for all supplies and to give preference to goods of British
manufacture.

The other Dominions and Colonies import practically all
their plant. This is largely obtained from England, but
quantities of telephone apparatus, especially, have in the past
been supphed from both the Continent and the United States.

The great distances these countries are situated from their
sources of supply, and the delays in delivery that have taken
place, have been serious drawbacks to the smooth working
<if most of the Colonial engineering departments. The engi-
neer in a colony has to prepare his estimates of expenditure
well in advance, but he cannot send off his indents for
materials until the funds are actually sanctioned by his Gov-
ernment and voted by his Legislature. His estimates cover
new works which cannot be proceeded with until the mate-
rials arrive, and as it takes anything from three to twelve
months to get supphes from British manufacturers, it fol-
lows that in many cases the votes have lapsed to the Treasury
before the materials reach him, the rnoney is no longer avail-
able, and the work cannot go on until the " ins-and-outs " of
the whole matter have been explained to tho Government.
In the meantime the workmen, who have been retained in
anticipation of- the material commg to hand withm a reason-
able time, have had little or nothmg to do, but their salaries
have had to be paid just the same. Strong complaint is fre-
quently made hv Colonial engineers in this connection, and
th-.f author would hke to mipress upon manufacturers of tele-
graph and telephone plant the great need there is for the
more prompt execution of orders from the Colonies. Before
the war. it was no Mm-ommon thing to hear an engineer say
■h-3 would not put up with the dilatoriness of British manu-
facturers, and that he would send his orders to the Conti-
nent, and in some instances orders were actually sent there.

In the Dominions and in some Colonies these difficulties
ajr-i got over by the estabhshing of " reserve stores " in which
ample supphes are kept to meet all ordinary demands This
is, a plan which every colony with any considerable system
should adopt. It involves the sinking" of a certain amount
of capital in the stock, but the convenience and the saving
of money in workmen's wages are worth more than the
amount of interest incurred. Under this sy.stem all materials
are purchased from the stores, and as they are issued the
«tores account is credited with their v^lue from the funds

provided for tho works for which they are required. Delays
in carrying out works are thus reduced to a minimum.

AUMINISTRATION.

The methods of administration throughout the Colonies are
naturally varied to meet the local conditions, but in all the
Dominions (with the exception of Canada) and also in all
the larger Crown Colonies the telegraphs and telephones are
combined with the postal service of the country, and the
Postmaster-General is the officer responsible to the Govern-
ment for the proper management of the organisation as a
whole. In some instances the office of Postmaster-General
is a political one, and in such a case the permanent head of
the department is the secretary, as in England.

In some of the smaller Colonies telephone exchanges have
been established by private companies; but apart from these
the telegraph and telephone systems arc generally on so
small a scale that they do not justify the appointment of a
fully-qualified telegraph or telephone engineer to control
them, and so this duty falls to the colonial pubUc works
engineer, whose responsibilities will include everything of an
engineering nature from harbour works to electric bells.
Under the pubUc works engineer there will perhaps be a
telegraph or telephone inspector, who is often a man of good
experience and who will, at any rate, relievo him of respon-
sibility for the practical part of the work.

In the larger Crown Colonies we usually find an organisa-
tion on the lines of the home Post Office. It is both con-
venient and economical to combine the staffs of the postal
and telegraph and telephone services of a country under the
one administration. Unfortunately, under this system there
i; a tendency for the commercial staff to assume functions
which are liable to bring them into conflict with the engi-
neering section, with a serious loss of efficiency to the latter.
The officer who is responsible for the traffic and operating
sections of the organisation is inclined to see things only
from the point of view of the traffic side, and the views of
the engineer are, therefore, liable to be subordinated to his.
The efforts of the most capable engineering body in the world
may be thwarted and the engineers themselves discouraged
if there is undue interference and a lack of sympathy and
support from the Postmaster-General and his staff.

The telegraph and telephone seiwices of Canada are quite
separate from each other, as in the United States. Sections
of the telegraph system scattered throughout the country,
and including a considerable mileage of submarine cable, are
under the Government, and these are connected up through
the lines of the public companies. By far the larger portion
of the system is in the hands of the great North-Western
Telegraph Co. and the telegraph departments of the two
great railway companies, the Canadian Pacific and the Grand
Trunk. There is no active competition between the different
administrations. Each has its defined sphere of operations,
and adequate communication between the different systems
is provided.

The telephone services of Canada in the Provinces of Mani-
toba, Alberta, and Saskatchewan are controlled and mainly
owned and operated by the local Governments, but there are
also private telephone companies and municipally-owned ex-
changes in operation. In the other parts of the country the
telephones are in the hands of private companies, some of
' them operating over large areas of country. There is no real
competition between the large administrations. Each has
its particular area of operations, and the exchange and long-
distance services are carried on without opposition. The rural
companies are, however, frequently started in competition
witli the ruling company, and intercommimication difficulties
arise.

In the three provinces named each system is obliged by
law to give connection to all the others, and the long-distance
lines of the three provinces are also interconnected.

The construction of rural lines by independent local com-
panies for the purpose of giving telephone service to farmers
is much encouraged by the various Provincial Governments,
and in this respect Canada is a shining example to the other
Dominions and Colonies.

In the great Australian Commnu■^^paltb, the telegraphs and
telephones are a close monopoly under the Post Office. The
PoBtmast.er-Ge.neral is tho Parliamentary head of the Depart-
ment, and the permanent head is the secretary. In each of
the States the local head is designated thfe Deputy Post-
master-General, and all sections of the department, including
the engineering branch, are under his control. The chief
electrical engineer at headquarters is responsible to the secre-
tary, but his position is largely consultative, and there is not
tliat direct line of control over the engineering organisations
of the various States which is usual. He communicates direct
with the head engineers in the States upon all technical
matters, but notwithstanding this, there has not Jseen that
close co-ordination of engineering practice which is possible
under a centrahsed foiTQ of administration.

Lines for public use in country districts -nhich may not be
immediately remunerative to the department may be erected
under a system of guarantee, under which the department
bears 60 per cent, of the estimated annua! Ioeil ; the balance of
th^ loss is borne by those interested in the construction of the
lines.

The fullegt encouragement is given to jpCTsona living in the
countrj^ to erect their own lijies, eitheir indiviiiu'ally, or con-

Vol. 70. Xo. 2,040, December 2P, 1916.] THE ELECTKICAL REVIEW.

713

jointly with tbeii" ueighbouis, for connection with post offices
or exchanges, Rnd the department fuinishes applicants with all
the information they Jiiay require.

In New Zealand the I'ostmaster-General is a political
officer, and the secretar.v is the permanent head of the ad-
K'inistration. In the district.';, the chief officer is styled " The
Telegraph Engineer," and he is responsible to the chief engi-
neer at headquarters, who is again responsible to the se<'re-
tary. The department has a complete monoixily of the tele-
graphs and t-elephones of the country, and it does not encour-
age the foiTnation of private companies for the establishment
ot rural or other Unes. Under the Telegraph Act no person
or persons may construct telegraph or t-elephone lines for hire
or profit, but there is no hmdrance to persons erecting lines
for their own use. Many such lines have been put up by
farmers in the back blocks of the country where the Govern-
ment do not feel warranted in spending money on lines
which offer little prospect of paying their way. Such lines
usually terminate in a Government office or exchange, where
they are given connection with the Government system. They
are usually built as cheaply as possible, and the service is
generally inferior, and faults are of frequent, occurrence. The
Government exercise no supeiTision or authority over, the.se
private installations.

In South Africa, the telegraphs and telephones are also
under the Postmaster-General, who is the permanent head
of the Administration, the political chief being designated
"Minister for Posts and Telegraphs." Of all the Dominions
outside Canada whose telephones are administered by a Gov-
ernment department, South Afric<i is the first to adopt the
" functional ' system. With the advent of the Union, the
separat<^ administrations were merged in the one central
administration and a system closely alUed to the "terri-
torial," which had been in force in the Cape Colony, was
applied to the whole of the Union. The country was divided
into seven districts for administrative purposes. With the
great development of the telephone system, this method of
administration was found to be imsuitable. The " func-
tional " system was introduced about three years ago, and
the Postmaster-General, when in England last year, informed
the author that it was working with the greatest satisfaction.

In practically all the Colonies and Dominions the railways
lielong to the Stat«, and in some of the smaller Colonies a
fratare of the administration is the amalgamation of the
railway telegraph engineering and electrical signalling systems
with the engineering department of the Post Office.

.•\11 electrical signalhng systems are of a cognate character,
and come, naturally, within the scope and training of tele-
graph engineers and linemen, and any Colonial Administra-
tion which may contemplate such an amalgamation need have
no fear for the results provided a capable and well-organised
staff is available.

Under some administrations t-elegraph and telephone engi-
neers are required to carry out the departmental electric
lighting work, and it is a highly debatable question whether
this principle is a good one. The author's opinion is that in
the specialisation which is necessary to-day in telegraphy and
telephony, it is too much to expect an engineer to be expert
also in the lighting and power apphcations of electricity in
the larger sen-se.

(Ti> hr CDidhiual.)

TRADE STATISTICS OF NEW ZEALAND.

The following tiguves. showing the imports of electrical and
allied goods into Xew Zealand in 1915. are taken from the
otScial statistics which have just reached this country. The
figures for the previous year are given for purposes of com-
parison, and increa.ses or decreases noted. In each year the
country named is the country of origin of the goods.

Leather belting. —
From I'nited Kingdom
,. United States . ...
< 'ther countries

Total

lidiiiig, other than Uulhir.—
I'rom Unit-ed Kingdom

.Australia

., United States
,, Other countries

Total

Engiyie packing. —
From United luDjluru

,, Australia

,, United States

,, Other countries

Total

1914.

£

4.IKI0

1 .( N H I
l.fHKI

1915

Inc. ur de

8.000 +

•27.1KM)
I.IIOII

I.IAW

'J-J,(«HI
I.IKKI
'J.IKKI

32,000

25,000

11 .0','*')
1,000
4,000
2,000

11,000

■ 1.000

5,000

1,000

-l.niKi

1 ,000

2,000

1.<«I0

I.UKI
1,W0

7,000

1,000
1,000

Scientific instr umenl.-< . —
From United Kingdom
,, Germany

United States
Other countries

1914.

£
S.OOO
1,400
1,000
1,600

Total 9,000

Telegraph and telephone vires, iron.—
Prom United Kingdom ... 5,000

Generators, motors, and transformers.-
From Unit-ed Kingdom ... 55,000

., France 1.000

., German V 5,000

,, United States ... 23,000

., Other countries ... 2.000

44,000

Inc. or dec.
£
1,000
1,400

aio

3,000
+ 4,00(t

- 11,000
1.000
3,000

+ 3,000

Total

8fi,0<X»

74, (XK)

-

12.000

Electric batteries and rrlls.-

-^

From United Kingdmn
United State.s
Other countriH.,

4.CKXI
1,000

5.000
I.IHTO
1,000

+

1,000
1.000

Total

7,0<XI

i.im

--

Carbons and insulatnig mat

erial. —

From United Kingdom ...

Australia

Germany

Other countrie.-i

6.000
4,000
2,000
l,<3(Xt

4.000
2.1 mo

+

2,tX)0
4.tKX)
2.000
1,000

Total
Other electrical material.
From United Kingdom
,, Germany
,, United States
,, Australia

Other countries

13.000

65,000
7,000

26,000
4,000
3,0(XJ

67,000 -I-

30,000 +

2,000 -

9,000* +

T..tn

... 105,000 T
• Sweden £-l,(.nni

... 12,000
Germany £2,000.

8,000
1,000

9.000 -

23,000

From United Kingdom
,, Other countries

Total

Lamps, electrical.-
From United Kingdom

Germany

United States

Other countries

Total 37,000 41,000

• Holland f2,000.
SIram engines. —

luom United Kingdom ... 15,t«J0 13,<J00

das and oil engines {c.rcept for motor-cars). —

From United Kingdom ... 70.(XK( -iS.m^

.. United States ... 18.IXHI 14,00(1

,. Other countries . . 1.000 l.tXKl

Australia
Germany
United States
Other countries

Total

h'ailway and tramway plant. —

From United EiugJom ... 44,000
3,0(X)

Australia,
Other countries

3,000*

cb.OJO
4,000
1,000

l.tJOO

2.000

7,000
4.000
2,000
6,000

:-! 0(Xi

2,000
1,000

3.000

2,00*1
5,000

7,000
4,000

2,000

27,0(K1
4. (too

Total

89,0(X}

58,000

-

31,000

Boilers. —

From United Kingdom ...

9.1 «X 1

13,0(10

-1-

4. OIK)

United States

—

2.U00

-f

2.00t)

Total

9.U00

lo,(X)(l

-1-

G.IXX)

Insnhilnl ruble and wire. —

From United Kiiigdoui

in.iH.Hi

102,(.IOO

-

i.J,(KXl

Germanv

16,00<J

—

—

16.000

United States

8.(Ki0

3.(.i00

—

o.OlKl

.. P..-lgiiiin

(;.(HHi

.-

(•,,(NX)

(Jlhcr cuiititiics . .

■J.(I(K,1

-'■

•J.(Mk)

Total

147,00iJ

107.000

-

40.000

Mining machinery.^

Prom I'nited Kingilom

2].(HKI

15.(HKI

-

G.OtXI

2J.0IKI

15.(HKI

_

O.OtXI

'J,(«KI

2.01 «i

—

I.OIHI

—

l.(HK)

4.(HXI

1.">.(I0()

+

11,0<X1

2,000

13,000

+

11,0(.)0

30,000 45.000 -f 15,000

Total

18,000 18,000

50,000 61,000

■ United States £3,000.

-f- 12, 000

-f 1,000

2,000

-f- 11,000

ni

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW, [voi. r;.. no.2.o4.m).;<kn.i.i;k 29, i'..n>.

WAR ITEMS.

Prohibited Tradinj}.— Ihc " Ldiuloii l.azelto " for l)c-

iviiiliiT ±Jinl I tiiins fiiitli.-i- li.-t.s <if l)(«lii>s autl poisons with

■nliiiiii traclirij.' is proliihiteil in Ai),'cnliu;i iinil T'lii^jUiiy.
Brazil, C'liilo, (.inrif, Jiipan, l.ihcriii, Spain, ami olhrr ((uni-
trios.

The Sterling Telephone & Electric Co., Ltd.— Ilu ulml,
of till' mfniy sliaros of the St.-rlinj,' 'i'.'li-plninc & Eicctrit- Co.,
I, til.. i>f London and Dagenhani. liavi- U-vu aiiiuirod from tlio
I'uldi.' Trusteo l>y Sir John IMh.dl. liart.. Ml'., who will
aiT as chairman of thr lompany. Sir Thomas Hilliill and
Ml. t'. S. Syrctt havo also htH'ii clivtcd dirt'ttors.

Excess Profits Tax. — In ll\<- lIovrs<' of CoinuKms, Mr.
Jionar Law statnl. in rrply to Mr. \V. Tlionu'. tliat down

to tlip l(;th inst. the : >unt of exct-.'^s profits duty, inchidint;

niiiiiitions levy, paid into tin- Kx<li>'|<i'i' was t'7.i.()',)'.(.(H»l).
That was lurj,'or than thi- rstimatr Inr i\w period. ~l>((//(/
Tclr(inii'li.

The Enemy in Australia. — Mr. Jcnsm. .\iis(r,iliM]i Minis-
t.'i loi- the Navy, has issued a report showing that two months
a^'o the eleetri<- wires of tlie eruiser Hri-slniiir were dcdi-
herately eut hy tniknown piTsons. lie ;iave instructions for
instant dismis.-.al of anv woiknian helonfiiiifl to the Industrial
Workers of the \V.,rhl'.-T/.»e.s.

Ikonomv in Metals. — Th<- Minister of Munilioiis mu-
nMUices tliat th.- .Metals and Materials Kconomv Committee,
recently apix.inteil under the chairmanship of Mr. C. \V. J''iel(l-
in;i. will " consider and suy;;est the action necessary to secuic
economies in metals and materials as reiiards their use in
nnuiitions of war. takin;i into consideiation matters atVectin;,'
de.^i^'n. methods of pureliase. stocks, imporh distrihution and
control; with powers to take such evidence as may l>e neces-
sary lioth from the Departments of the Miriistr\' and fnjm
n.aiiuracturers.- Munihiji /'e.x'.

To he Wound Up.— The BoanI of 1 r;,d. lias onI< red (he
liilliiw ini.' to he wound up: —

Mechanical & Ceneral Inventions Co.. Ltd . II. Lon^' .Vie,
London. W.C. dealers in me<'lianical and ticneral inventions.
Controller: T. D. Haw kin. Whitehall llou-^e. Charing Cross,
W.C.

Salshuiy Co., Ltd., 11. Long .\cre. W.C. dealers in lamps
and accessories. Controller : T. D. Hawkin. as above.

H. Traun & Sons. •2.5. Cioswell Road. Loudon. E.C., manu-
facturers of ehonite an. I vulcanite jiooils. (^mtroller: .1. D.
ratlnllo, (>5, London Wall. K.C;

Exemption AppiiciUions. — .\i,iIk <ilasf;iiw Triliunal, an
■ !• . tiK-iau m one of the city theatres appealed for exemption
• II the yroiind of iiidispeiisahility. The inanaj.'er said all the
assistants had already enlisted, and the principal electrician
in another of their theatres was waiting notice to jyiii the
Naval .Air Service. It required a skilled man to operate the
lights, as in the case of fusinp or anything going wrong a,
panic might ensue and the piililic would be endangered. The
ap|HMl was dismis.sed, but as the man was a skilled elec-
trician exemption was grant-iMl conditional on his undi'rtakiiig
Work of national importance.

Chipping .Norton Tribunal has deferred hir a fortnight an
aiplication by the Military llepiv.sentative for the withdrawal
of a conditional exemption certificate held by Mr. W. Jl.
llellyiy. manager lor the Electric Light Co.

\l the Hor,sbain Tribunal, an eiuplover applied for permis-
sion to appeal tor an electrical wireman in view of consider-
able work m hand. The man was in category B3. It was
suggested that there were only two or three of .such men in
the town. The Military Representative pointed out that the
regulations provided that such men were only to be exempted
when engaged on work of national importance. The applica-
tion was not granted.

The electrician of a Bimiinghani theatre is considered to be
SI necessary for its working that it was stated at the Local
Tribunal last week that if he had to go into the .Army the
theatre would probably have to close down. It wa.s pointed
out that his Work could only be carried out by a skilled man.
and that it was cjuite unsuitable for a woman. He had to
■work at a great height above the stage and on the roof, and
, he was necessary for the safety of the theatre. Exemption
was given until March •Mh.—mniiiviili(iiii Past.

Before Calne (Wilts.) Rural Tribunal, on December l:ith,
Walter Cingell. electrical engineer with Ijord Walter Hervev,
was ap)>ealed for, and was allowed exemption until January
l-' th .

.At Dawlish (Devon), exemption was claimed for Mr. C.
C. Hodges, manager of the Electric Light Co. For the direc-
tors. Dr. C. N. Lovely said that Mr. Hodges was previously
exempted to November ;Wth. Since the last appeal the
directors had advertised in the London technical Press, axid
eight replies were received. Of this number two were con-
sidered to be suitable, but on writing for the neces.sary parti-
culars they heard no more of them. Mr. Leonard Lees, J. P.,
for the military, opposed exemption, on the ground that Mr.
Hodge? could be spared. Dr. Lovely replied that if Mr.

Hodges went they would have to close down; there was no
other alternative. The que.stion of substitution was raised,
ami Mr. Lees exprc.s.sed the opinion that it was a cHse in
which it might be tried. In the end the Tribunal allowed
I'xemption until May 1st, the question of siib.stitution being
left open to the Military.

Mr. (1. C. BiKith. electrii-ian. appealed to the Whitby Tri-
bunal for th(^ retention of .A. M. CJattle (:il), indispensable to
the business. Temporary cxeiuptiou to April '2nd was glilnted,
with V.T.C. condition.

On the appeal of the Military, a certificate of conditional
exemption held by Mr. H. A. Harlow (IS), electrical engi
nci'r. with the ( lodalming Electricity Co.. has been cancelled,
and the )>eriod of exemption reduced to March llth and
made liiial.

.At Oswestry, the Military Kepre.sentativc asked for a review
of the certificate of conditional exemption alloweil to two em-
ployes of the Electric Light Co., aged respectively 10 and ^a,
and stated to be indispen.sable for the carrying on of the
undertaking. (!on(iriiiing the exemption, the Mayiu- iirotcsted
against the ca.se being brought liofore Iheiii after the .Tribunal
had previously decideil it.

At Bedbu'd. the Igraiiic Electric Co. a|ipealed for the reten-
tion of [•'. Morris, who was exempted until June 1st.

-At Winchester, the city electricity department appealed for
the retention of the (!ity Electrical Engineer (:t.)). the assistant
meter tester and inspector ('2-")). a man in c-harge of electrical
installations and repairs (38). the cashier and accountant (:i7).
an engine driver (:)!)). two .stokers (Ij-l and :«!), three electri.al
httcis anil wirenien (:!'.!, '28. and '27). a cable jointer (10), and
a man in charge, of mechanical and cable work (30). 'J'hc,
electrical engineer stated that he had .agreed to spare the
Miiingest wireman. and the other two were necessary to keep,
till- installations going. He felt that the staff had been cut
down as much as was po.s.siblc consistent with running the
rndertaking safely. The Town Clerk mentioned that the
Electricity Committee w'ere of opinion that the electricity
supply to the city could not be maintained unless they had
these men. The Tribunal formally refii.sed the appeal bir
the youngest wireman. but delayed the calling-up for a.
month; granted conditional exemption, whilst jircsent cir-
cumstances continue, to the cashier and accountant; and
exempted the remainder as being in certified occupations.

At Buxton, an electrician appealed for a member of his
staff, aged 33, on the ground that he was indispensable in
(I nnection with running contracts at several public institu-
tions. &c. His stafl' was now reduced to two. one of whom
was unfit for military .sei-vicc. .Aid. Slater : You are not the
only electrician in the town. .A|>pcllant : I think T am the
only qualified practi.-al electrician eiiqiloying .skilled elec-
tricians. Exeuiption to April l-'ith was granted.

The W'itney TJ.D.C. electricity department appealed to the
< >xfordshire Apjieal Court for a. renewal of the certihcate
granted to Victor Brice (19), electrician at the supply station.
When the la.st exemption was granted it was arranged that
Brice should be released if a substitute was offered. Captain
Bailey (Military Representative) said that it was difficult to
find a substitute, and it was no use adjourning the case for
that purpose. Mr. F. C. Curel, manager of the station, .said
that Brice was really a pupil; he liad made every effort to get
a substitute, but electricians were extremely scarce. None of
the four men he had could take sole charge of the generating
station; all of them worked seven days a week. A further
tvMi months were conceded.

I'.elnrc the Oxfordshire Appeal C!ourt. on Deiember I2lh,
the City of Oxford Electric Tramways. Ltd.. appealed for
];. 1>. Price (33), unit adjustor. .At a previous sitting the
case was adjourned to allow the company to arrange with
the Military authorities for the release of a man of '24. tit
for general .service, in lieu of Price, and it was now stated
that the man of '21 had been passed for general service, and
had ioined up. l^ricc was temporarily exempted for lliiee
months.

On the appeal of the Rochdale Corporation tramways de-
lartment. conditional exemption has been given, on the re-
commendatiiin of the .Advisory Committee, tri two motormen,
aged 28 and 30.

Dry Cell with Gelatinous Electrolyte. — A latlier in.

peniuus solution tor obviating the drying-out trouble of the
electrol.yte in dry cells, and the deterioration of the electrode even
when on open circuit, is made the subject of a patent by Edward
MeGall and M. D. Malcomson. of Orange, N.J. It has been dis-
covered that by using a colloidal gelatinous electrolyte of caustic
soda and starch, the ordinary defects of dry cells are largely done
away with, and that when, for example, zinc and oxide of copper
are employed the efiBciency of such cell is greatly increased, being,
in fact, greater than that of a wet primary battery employing
similar electrodes and an alkaline electrolyte. This is due, in part,
to the starch grains or other particles of organic material in the
colloidal solution apparently increasing the iouisation of the
e lectrolyte whereby the capacity and conductance are increased. —
lectrical n'orl'l.

Vol. -9. No. 2,010. dkckmbek 2;.. ii.wi.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

715

THE A.E.Q. AND FUTURE EXPORT TRADE

SOME NOTES ON WARRANTIES.

G.NE of the most reinarkuble facts brougrht to li!,'ht in recent years
relates to the jrrip which the leading electrical enfrineerinjr groups in
(Germany have, or had, olttaineil in different parts of the world. Apart
from the footing gainetl in British Overseas Dominions, which has
probably now been largely removed, these groups have developed
their sphere of activity in China. Japan. Mexico, and in practically
all the Republics in South America. The direct export trade from
Germany to oversea countries has been greatly facilitated by the
form.ition of transmarine supply and tramway companies, which
first expand into installation contractors, and then develop into
general contractors, whether the machinery, plant and accessories
are procured from Germany or elsewhere, or partly made on the
spot. With these introductory remarks attention may now be
directed to the future aims of the AiE.G.. as disclosed by Dr.
Walther Rathenau at the recent annual meeting, and although the
observations specifically refer to this company, it is reasonable to
apply them also to the Siemens-Schuckert Co. and the associated
Siemens & Halske Co. in connection with their transmarine
ramifications.

The principal subject discussed at the recent annual meeting of
the A. E.G. in Berlin, as in certain former years, referred to the
rate of dividend which was recommended for iidoptiou. Several
shareholders suggested that the accounts would jiermit of the pay-
ment, instead of the 12 i)er cent, then projxjsed, of a rate of U per
cent., as paid in years of peace. In opjiosing this contention. Dr.
Walther Rathenau is rejiorted to have stated that without the
possession of the undisclosed . reserves, the undertaking would
probably have suffered very severely in war time. The dividend
rate was carefully examined by the directors, whose fees were
fixed according to the rate, and who, therefore, had a great interest ill
the jiercentage. If, nevertheless, they exercised reserve in calcu-
lating it. that was not due to an ill-intentioned policy, or one of
accimmlating reserves, but it W£is based upon the construction of
the undertaking. Those who were shareholders must know that
Ihey were interested in an undertaking which was certainly well
established, but which entertained no chances for speculative
development, and also had not the advantage of offering a surprise
in dividends. As to the reneT\ed wish for a higher dividend, the
speaker proceedefl to empljasise the dark side of the jiroblem. He
said that above £20.000.UUO was invested in the undertaking, but a
considerable portion of that was employed abroad in the form of
branches, investments and credit both in neutral and hostile
countries. The directors did not know at all how to value that
capital. The Inisiness was international, and over 40 jier cent, of
the work was exported in times of peace. If the export traile
after the war should be lacking, the buildings which served that
pvirpose would be without employment. In order, however, to
maintain the business, a large expenditure of work, energy, and,
above all. of money, woidd he necessary. The reserve fund was
provided for difficult times. Could it not, even once, happen that
the company might not earn any profits .' Then efforts would
he made not to remain without any dividend.

Dr. Rathenau proceeded to state : — '' We arc a peac<' under-
taking ; that is characterised by a great ramification over all
European and ex-European districts. The wmjiany is interested
abroad through branch establishments, branch undertakings, credit
and contracts ; the transmarine, the international business in
L'eneral. claims a considerable amount of our annual turnover. If
we decided at the beginning of the war to undertake a very funda-
mental transformation of working, we did not conceal from our-
selves the danger assumed by us that the question concerned the
subjection of a portion of our proparty to great depreciation, and
the exclusion of a considerable part of our regular business. We.
nevertheless, resigned ourselves to this new form of business with
enthusiasm, under the consideration that it is our duty, as a factor
in German economy, to serve the country's defence, and place our
workshops, machinery, and men unreservedly at disposal for the
great common purpose. In this connection we have been led by
the idea that this war is not a war of months, but extends over
years. On reaching our decision considerable services were rendered
ijy the fact that the reserves — just the reserves — made it possible
for us to raise buildings and plant out of the earth, without the
danger of touching our assets. The liquidity of funds, which is a
costly luxury and which represents over £5,000.000 without em-
)iloyment. has contributed in this direction. The efficac.v which
the company developed is great. The question concerns over
2.i0.000 sq. metres of supercial area which we built over : 30 hectares
( 74 acres) are roofed in. and the war contracts already run into
nine figures.

Dr. Rathenau continued : — "Also, if one does not mistake the
fvolitical and military situation, the feeling cannot he excluded that
now. for the first time, after a long while, a light appears in the'
distance — a peace light — but this situation also cannot relieve us
from our duties. \Ve have also to continue to strengthen our
equipment, even to create buildings and large new works, since it
is known that the Hindenburg programme claims the whole force
of the countrv — that through this mighty strain of lalxiur German.y
has become an arsenal." In conclusion, the speaker stated that " the
auxiliary service law makes every one of us a soldier, and in this the
A.E.G. has to play its part."

[From our Legal Contkibutob.]

Many manufacturers iu differeut parts of the country are at
the present time engaged in nianufa<-turing and selling goods
which are rather outeide their own line. Consequently, it is
the more important that they shall pay attention to the
terms of the contracts which they undertake to fulfil. For
instance, a man accustometl to manufacture and sell a parti-
cular kind of lamp will not concern himself about warranties
of any kind; but when he commences some new manufactme,
those whom he has to supply will probably bind him to the
fulfilment of very .'itrict couditious.

A large number of ca.ses which reach the courts in relatiim
to the sale and purchase of g(KHls depend to some extent ujion
the question of warranty. Was a warranty given? Was
there a breach of that w-arranty? These are questions of
great importance to dealers in go<ids of all descriptions.

It is of the utmost importance that if a warranty is given,
it is carefully carried out. A breach may lead (o consequences
the scope of which it is impoesible to foresee.

At the same time, the macliine. or whatever it is, can only
be expected to do what is required of it if it is properly
elected. If an accident happens owing to improper erection
by the purchaser, the seller is not to blame.

In a case recently heard at Birmingham, a firm of engineers
and founders in Coventiy sued anotlier firm of engineers in
Birmingham to recover damages for alleged breach of warrantv.
The defendants had supplied a crane, to be placed on a cupola
platform, to lift about 1.5 cwt. Soon after the crane was
erecfe<l in its place, it fell over when carrying a weight- less
than it was warranted td carry, with the result that one un-
fortunate workman in the employ of the plaintifTs wa.s killed,
and the accident cost the plaintiffs over £2(M^, pnid under the
W(ukmen's Compensation .^ct. To recover thi.s simi the plain-
tiffs .sued the defendants. It wa,s alleged by the defendants
tliat the crane was perfect in it» construi-ti<ui. and that it
fell owing to careless erection by the plaintiffs, .nnd an undue
strain uixm a particular arm of the crane which was not
placed on a^ level foundation. In this ca.se there was an ann'c-
able .settlement, but ns to the question of breach of warranty,
judgment was entered for the defendants.

A warrantv need not necessarilv be expressly given. If it
annears by the contract that the buyer relies on the vendor's
skill or judgment, and the goods .sold are in the way of bis
business, the vendor is bound to supniy goods rea.sonably fit
for thO; purpose, and there is an implied warranty that tliey
are so. For example : A sbipbrokev gave an firder t<i the
salesman of a coal merchant for bunker coal fnr -n steamship.
and said they had been using "B" coal, and the pnlesman
gaid he could f^unply "S" coal, which ought to suit if "P"
coal suited. Whereupon the broker cave the order for the
"S" co.tI, whii'h proved to bo worthless for bunkering. It
was held that the 5:alesman'.s sfatemenf was tantamount to a.
wavriinty, and that the wari-antv had been broken (C'richton
and Stevenson r. Ijove (1908), S.C. S18).

There is all the difference in the world between the kind of
representation which is generallv made to induce a sale and
that which is a warranty in the .<;frict sense of the term.
Everv seller extols Lis own nicrchandi.-ie. .\. B. tells you his
metallic filament lamps are the finest in the world. Co into
C. D.'s sho)) next door, and his man behind the counter will
tell vou that C. D.'.s ]a;iipiJ are the finest in the universe.

What a. man ,savs by way of commending his own goods
cnnnot be twisted into a. warrant.\. N<ir is a mere expression
of opinion a warranty so us to be part of the contnct.

In a. leading case the vendor put no .i horse for sale by
auction, and the plaintiff bought the hor.se for f'iStl. relying
on the positive a.ssuranre made to him privately the day
before the auction fiat the hort-e was sound It turned out
wrong, and the nurchaser sold it for a reduced nrice and sued
the vendor for breach of warranty. It was finally held on
apnea] that what was said about the horse was representation
onlv. and not a warrantv. and that the vendor could not be
held responsible for a, misrepre.sentation. unless made fraudu-
lently. .An expression of opinion is not a warranty, and is
not. therefore, a part of the contract. A buyer who proves a
broach of warranty is not entitled to avoid the contract and
refuse the goods unless there is an express stipulation to that
effect in the contract.

It must be acknowledged that tlie_ distinction bet.ween »
warranty and a mere representation is in some capes rather
fine. It has been generally held that where a representation
is showMi by the evidence to have been intended to influence
the buver, and. in fact, was intended as a warranty which
would be an essential part of the contract, it will be taken
as a warranty, and where it was not reduced to writing the
warranty, as a part of the contract, will be tested by the
evidence showing whether or not the representation was made
pending the sale, and subsequently accented as a hond-fid'
warranty. .\n interesting illustration of the extent to which
a guarantee and "description contained in a trade catalogue
will be presumed to be a warrantv is found in the case of
Williamson v. Rover Cycle Co. (1 W. R. 615). The plaintiff
bought a machine from the defendants' agent which answered
the descrintion in their catalogue — which he read before buy-
ing—and there was in the catalogue an express guarantee that

riti

THE ELECTKICAL REVIEW. [Voi. 79. No-ooicdkcember -...loie.

the nKiDiifacturers had taken all precautions io sec-iire good
quality of material and worknjansbip. and that they guaran-
teed to make g>«Kl any defects in the^o res|ie<-ts any time
within a year. The plaintiff used the machine fre'iueiitly.
and at last, within a few weeks uf the expiry of the guaranteed
peri'nl, the sttyring part broke, the front wheel was detaclied,
and the plaintiff injured. The plaintiff, aft«r the accident,
.vnt the machine to the manufacturers, who replace<l the
broken partes and threw them away. The plaintiff, relying on
the warranty, ,«ued the defendant's and got a verdict for i£l'20
damage.". In the Divisional Court this decision was reversed
and judgment entered for the. defendant,';, and this decision
was upheld by the Couri of Appeal on the ground that the
accident an<l the appearance of the broken tube were no
evidence of any breach of warranty. Witnesses who ha<l seen
the broken part after the accident .-:aid it was a clean break,
and not the result of defective material or workmanship. The
defendants having replaced them and thrown them away,
their non-production did not shift the burden of proof upon
th« defend.arfj!-

BUSINESS NOTES.

Book Notices. — The December issue of the Britisli

\Ve.5lin>:liuuse Cluh .\eifs is a "Blighty ' number, published for
\Vestin^'hou.=e men with H.Jt. Forces. ' It contains a number of
amusin;,' sketches and notes that will be very interesting to others
besides those for whom they are written, Notliing in the issue is
more timely than the picture, of a stmily British Westinghouse
wdpkman who is going to ".Strike HartI in the Coming Year " at
home, while his light in? comrades do likewise just across the
t'hannel.

Calendars. — Messrs. Sijiple.x Cosduit.s, Ltd., of

(Jarrison Lane, Birmingham, have sent us another of their pocket
diaries w-hich we have found so useful in past years -'just the
thing "—with handy tables and other technical information ; and
a desk blotter handsomely designed and finished in bronze, which
cannot possibly conceal itself under a. pile of papers, as does that
elusive sheet of blotting paper, which is never there when it is
wanted.

Messrs. Dowxes & Da\ies, of Stanley Street, Liverpool, have
issued a calendar for litn. It is a charming study of -'Elaine,"
with the firm's name and a neat little set of monthly slips both
unobtrusively placed.

Messrs. Grindlay. Ross & Co., Ltd., of 47, Waterloo Street,
Glasgow, have issued a wall calendar for 1917, with monthly date
slips.

From the Habt Accumplatob Co.. Ltd., of Marshgate Lane.
Stratford. E.. we have received a desk blotting pad for l'.tl7, with
the calendar for the year neatly placed on each sheet.

France. — La trompagnie Generale de Constructions et
d'Applications Blectromagnetiques is the name of a new company
w-hich has lately been formed at Pantin. near Paris, with a capital
of jfi .52,000. '^

Holidays.— The works of tlic Hoff.m.vxx ilAxuKACTURiNr,
('o.. Ltd.. Chelmsford, are closed until .lanuary 1st for holidays and
stock-taking. "^

Bankruptcy Proceedings.— L. A. Thomson (tiadinfr as

SaviUe A: Walton. MK Victoria Street, S.W., electrical engineers and
conti-actors).-Trustee (Mr. E. S. Gray) released December 18th,

Trade Announcement.— Mr. T. A. Nustwick, of

-t, Carr Street. Blackfriars. Manchester, has been appointed a<'ent
tor Lancashire and Yorkshire by the Midland Electric Manufactur-
ing Co.. Ltd.. of Birmingham, and will represent the firm from
January 1st. This is in addition to the other agencies at present
held by him.

LIGHTING AND POWER NOTES.

Aylesbury. — 'J'he responsible Ministry has informed the
r.D.C. that it is unable to recommend the L.G.B. to agree to an
application for sanction to a loan to give an iulditional supply to a
local firm. The Council hjis decided to meet the ca.se by laying
a larger mam at an e.sti!nat«l cost of £1.50, one-third of which iTs
to Xm paid by the firm, together with not less than 2.5 per cent, of
the total outlay for at least five years by ciUTent used : the price
per unit is to be IJd.. with a special fuel clause. Llovd's Bank.
Ltd., has been asked to increase the electricity loans to £21,000.

Baildon (Yorks.).— E.L. Proposal.— The District

Counc!! has asked tht Shipley Council if it will undertaie to
supply and distribute current in the Baildoa ai-ea on ths same
terms as in ^hipky. The Shipley Council has expressed its willing-
ness to supply Baildon if terms can be arranged, and has instructed
the electrical engineer to prepare an estimate as to probable con-
pumptio'n. and repoH to the next meeting.

Bolton. — I'lblic Lighting. — With a view to minimisiu};

the increasing number of accidents, a conference of representatives
of the Electricity, Gas, Tramways, and Watch Commitlces hius
decide<l to install electric lighting at jxiints to lie .selected by the
Chief (•(instal)lc.

Bedford. — Pkoposki) Extensions. — The T.r. has

iuljoiirned a recommendation by the electrical engineer to carry
out certain extensions costing £34,070, including new turbine
plant, inaius, transformers, *;c., with a view to supplying a large
consumer outside the lx)rough. A minimum revenue of £2,890 jier
year for five years was guaranteed, while the consumer had agreed
to pay towards the cost some £5,119, The engineer pointed out
that the existing turbine had saved 20 [wr cent, in coal, while the
juoposed 1„500-KW. set would save about £2,0li0 a year ailditional,
and obviate the present net>d of falling back on older and less
efficient i>lant to meet increasing demands,

Bradford. — Wages. — Many of the employes of ttie
Bradford CorfK)ration electricity department, through the National
Union of General Workers, are demanding an increase of lOa, per
week on pre-war rates of pay. The resjjective departmental Com-
mittees will first consider the demands, and make recommendations
to the Special War Bonus Committee of the Corporation.

Brighton. — The Lighting Committee of the T.C. has

decided to dispose of a I40-KW. Willans-E.C.C. set for £1,250. The
set was iiurchased in 1S97 for £4,788.

Burnham (Somerset). — Prick Increase. — The Elec-
tricity Co. has informed the U.D.C. that the price of current has
been increased from 5d. to 6d. per unit,

Chile. — Permission has been granted to Senores Francisco
I'udurraga and Ismael Jerez Diaz Valdes to utilise the waters in
the Department of La Victoria for the production of electric power
for lighting and industrial purposes. — Board uf Trade Jmiriial.

Colwyn Bay. — Year's Working. — I'he working of the
(Joiinc I's electricity department, for the year ended March 31 st
last, has resulted in a surplus of £1,21H,

Continental. — Spain. — La Sociedad Electrica Roteiui is
the name of a company which has lately been formed in the
Province of Cadiz, to establish a small centr.al electric lighting
station in the town.

East Ham. — The i[uestion of recoii.sidering the present

scale of charges for electricity supply has V>een referred to the E.L.
Committee.

Hirers of ai'c lamps whose contracts are in abeyance have been
permitted to use them during the Chd-istmas season at specified
hourly charges.

Epsom-Ewell.— E.L. Proposals. — The Epsom R.D.C.

has decided to waive the receipt of the necessary July notice by the
Wimbledon T.C. and the South Metropolitan Electric Tramways
and Lighting Co. in their application for prov. orders for E.L. at
Cuddington. and Cuddington and E well respectively. The view-
taken is that it would be a great help to Ewell to have a supply of
current from a large central station like the C'oimty of London
station.

The Epsom IJ,D,C. has decided to apply to the B, of T. and the
R.D.C. with a view to obtaining protection in respect of the order
of 1912, under which the Council is authorised to supply premises
in Ewe.U with electricity.

The Ewell P.C, after considering the matter, has decided to
submit the following resolution to the B. of T., and to ask for a
deputation to be received on the subject : — " That the Ewell Parish
Council is strongly in favour of a cheap and efficient supply of
electricity being installed at the earliest possible moment. It is,
furthermore, of opinion that one of the greatest needs of rural
parishes in the South of England is cheap and reliable power.
This would do more than anything to keep the village industries
alive."

London. — St, Pancras. — The Electricity Committee, in
view of the restriction of materials, has decided that until such
time as the King's Road new plant is in operation, no application
for current other than for national purposes will be entertained, ■
other than where tenants take over premises already equipped.

Kensington. — The General Purposes Committee has consented
to an application by the Kensington and Knightsbridge E.L. Cc,
for the raising of the charge for electricity for lighting (i.t .. .5d. ]« i
unit). Similar applications by the Xottiiig Hill Co. were grant' ■!
in 1915 and 1916, and it was therefore agreed to raise no objection
to this company increasing the price to 5id. per unit after the
December quarter, and until Jime 30th, 1917.

Londonderry. — Proposed Loan. — The T.C. ha.s author-
ised all application for .sanction to a loan of £4,700 in conmrtiun
witli the electric light and water extension schemes, the estini.-itr.
Iiaving I'eeu exceeded owjng to the increased cost of machinery.

Manchester. — The Corporation electricity department set
up a record one day last week, over 800,000 units being consumed
during the 24 hours. ..- '.

Southampton. — The Borough Electrical Engineer L::.
drawu the attention of the Council to the floe ding of the mains on
the Western shore ; also to the-difSculty of getting spare machinery
parts — a particular case being steel spindles tor the coal conveyor
which are subject to excessive wear. A satisfactory ioeVease in

Vol.79. No. 2,010, December 29, 1916.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW«

717

load on the station has occurred, this now approximating that of the
winter before the war.

Further boiler plant will be required before or when the lighting
restrictions are removed, and consent is to be asked for this new
plant.

The T.C. is to place an order with the Chain Belt Oo. for an
elevator to be installed for a new coal hunker. The price is
approximately t76.

Southend-on-Sea. — Proposed Plant Extexsion. — The

electrical engineer reported that the capacity of the existing plant
at the generating station and in the battery room at Chalkwell
Park was 3,220 KW., and that in his opinion the demand upon the
plant would at the termination of the war, and when the lighting
restrictions had been removed, amount to approximately 3,800 KW.,
in addition to which a margin of .500 KW. would be necessary as a
stand-by, and that consequently it would be necessary t-o take into
consideration at an early date the desirability of acquiring two
7.50-KW. steam generators which could be installed in the existing
floor space available, thus avoiding the expense of carrying out
extensions to the engine room. The Electric Lighting Committee
has referred the matter to a sub-committee for consideration and
report. A recommendation by the Highways and Works Committee
that notice be given to the Southend Gas Co. to determine the
existing agreement for public street lighting was rejected by the
Council.

TRAMWAY and RAILWAY NOTES.

Birmingham. — Tramway ST0PPAf4E. — On Friday last,
owing to the bursting of a, steam pipe at the Nechells temporary
power station, the whole of this plant was shut down temporarily,
and as a result the tramway service was again sn.^pended during
two short periods of the morning.

Bradford. — Wages. — In conneitiou with tlie negotiations
already proceeding in the tramway department for advances in
the wages and revision of conditions of work of certain classes of
workers, the Tramways Committee met again last week on the
matter, and resolved tTiat drivers who have not received an
advance since the commencement of the war be granted Jd. per
hour advance, and that all other male employes of the traffic staff
(including drivers and conductors) be granted Id. per hour increase,
irrespective of scale advances, as a special war wage, on account of
the increase in the cost of living. Overtime is to be paid for at
the rate of time and a half, either on the seventh day or over the
normal time on other days. The men's demand was for Id.
advance.

Continental. — Spaix. — The Sarria-Las Planas section of

the new electric railway of the Compania de Ferrocarriles de
Cataluna, to connect Barcelona with Tarrasa, has lately been com-
pleted and opened for traffic.

A concession has been granted to Messrs. Chavarri Petremont
and Co. for the construction and working of an electric tramway
for goods traffic, from the station of Miravalles (on the Castijon-
Bilbao Railway) into the town. — Board of Trade Jotiriial.

Chile. — A decree has been published grantinu; to Don
Eduardo Heyraud permission to construct and work an electric
street railway between Santiago and Reuca ; the line will be of
metre gauge, and approximately 8 km. in length. — Board of Trade

Journal.

Rochdale. — The Tramways Committee attributes the
recent fatal accidents on its system to the dark condition of the
streets, and the manager is to approach the Chief Constable with a
view to some improvement, either in the lighting of the cars or of
the streets on the main car routes.

Shipley. — The abstract of accounts for the year ended
March 31st last, issued last week, shows that all the trading under-
takings have made profits — even the gas department having con-
verted a former loss into a profit, owing to advanced prices. The
only contributories to relief of the rates, however, were the tram-
way department, £571, and the water department, £729.

Southampton. — Efficiency (?) of Fejule Labour. —

As a result of the ticket stock-taking for the year ended March
3l6t, 1916, it was found that tickets of the face value of £108 were
unaccounted for. It was thought at first that a mistake had been
made on the previous stock-taking, but after full investig.ation the
tramway manager states that he is bound to arrive at the con-
clusion that the discrepancy is at:counted for by the transition
from male to female employes. They first adopted the system of
women conductors in August, 1915, and practically at the same
time the entire ticket-office staff wa-s replaced by girls. Owing to
the work being intricate, and in many cases far beyond the under-
standing of the women conductors taken on at that time, mistakes
in booking were extremely frequent, and were not always detected
by the new and inexperienced ticket-room staff. In his (the
manager's) report of February. 1916, regarding tht control of the
•office "stafi, he made special reference to the stats ot chaos whioh
existed in the ticket room up to that time. G-irls were much more
careless about losing tickets than the men were, although this
faiilt has been greatly remedied of late by adopting stem methods
A tickek error book has now been adopted, which auto'matically

prevents error through this cause. Another point i.s that a great
number of tickets were used in the women's training room, and at
one time a large number of the.se were taken from stock and not
booked up. Before the ticket error book was inaugurated, con-
ductors undoubtedly accidentally kept packs of tickets out instead
of paying them over at night. This may have resulted in many
packs being missing during the stock-taking, and possibly next
year when stock is taken a large number of the tickets short may
be found. The manager is absolutely satisfied that there has been
no monetary loss in this connection, and that the shortage is
purely a paper one.

Southend-on-Sea. — Application is to be made to the

B. of T. for permission to use double-decked tramcars upon the
light railways in the borough. In view of the difficulty of securing
the necessary material required for maintaining the tramways, the
electrical engineer has been authorised to purchase parcels of sxxy
material required, subject to the sanction of the chairman.

CONTRACTS OPEN and CLOSED.

OPEN,

Australia. — Sydney. — January 22nd. Electrical plant
(convertes, battery, booster, and switchboards) for the Castlereagh
Street sub-station, for the Municipal Council. Specification from
E.L. Department, Town HaU.*

February 19th. Municipal Council. Meters, maximum demand
indicators, feeder regulators. Specification from E.L. Department,
Town Hall.

Perth. — January 10th. P.M.G.'s Department. Telephone
instruments and parts. See ''Official Notices" December loth.

Melbourne. — January 31st. Department of the Navy.
Dynamos, switchboard, motors, balancers, and control gear, for
Flinders Naval Base. Sjiecifications from the Director of Naval
Contracts, Melbourne.

Mai-ch .5th. Corporation. One 7,500-K.v.A. turlxi-alternator.
Specification (21.s.) from the Town Clerk.

Bootle. — Corporation. Tramway rails. See " ()tticial
Notices " to-day.

Leith. — January ord. Electricity Uepartment. 6,000
tons of washed singles during six months from January ISth, and
(alternatively) 12,000 tons of washed singles during 12 months
from January 15th. Burgh Electrical Engineer, Great Junction
Street.

New Zealand. — Dunedin. — January 2-lth. Motor-
generator, accessories and spares. City Electrical Engineer, Market
Street, Dunedin.'

Taubanga. — February 12th. Borough Council. Supply of six
three-phase transformers. U.OOO-IOO volts. Messrs. H. 'ft'. Clime
and Sons, Consulting Engineers, Raetihi. — X.Z. Shipjiiiii; and
Commerce.

Spain. — The municipal authorities of Astorga (Province

of Leon) have recently invited tenders for the concession for the
electric lighting of the town during a^jerioii of 15 years. Tenders
have also been invited by the municipal authorities of Pedreguer
(Province of Alicante) for the electric lighting of the town for
two years.

West Ham. — January lltli. Corporation. One water-
tube boiler, one 3,000-KW. turbo-alternator. See '' Official Notices "
to-day.

Wigan. — January 8th. Tramways Committee. 30-h.p.
motor tower-wagon. Mr. Frank Buckley, General Manager, Market
Place.

Specifications for the items marked * can be seen at the Board
of Trade Commercial Intelligence Department in London.

CLOSED.

Australia. — P.M.G.'s Department, X.S.W. ; —

.Additional automatic telephone apparatus, i:i,151. — Automatic Telephones

(Aust.l, Ltd.
M.OOO jointing sleeves, jE236.— Western Elcctiic Co. (Aust.l, Ltd.

- N.S.W. Public Works Department : —

The tender of Harvey & Phillips, originally accepted for the supply of 16
n.c. motors and equipment (see Elec. Rev., December 1.5thl, has been
annulled, and the contract awarded to Wavburton, Franki, Ltd
(Blectric Construction Co.l, £8,948.
Department of Defence : —
. Installation of 18 intercommunication telephones at Victoria Barracks
Melbourne, £189.— T. Draper & Co.
■Victorian Railways Department : —
Signal lighting transformers for power signalling. — Aust. Gen. Electric Co.
Half-watt lamps, lanterns and globes. — Aust. Gen. Electric Co.

— Tenaty:-.

Government Contracts. — In the list of War Office con-
tracts announced in our last, issue, for the name Bristol Ebonite Co
Ltd., read British Ebonite Co., Ltt}.

71S

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW, l v.,i. vx no. 2,040, deokmbek 2;., nm.

Ilford.— I'-l'A'- <'ii;il for the Ela'triciiy Dqwrlnioiit

for t'lUir months ;^

Bradbury, Son A Co., Ltd.— Tamworth small iml*, fiO to 60 tons por month,

at 115s. Id. per ton.
K. Foster vt Co., Ltd.— West Cannock D.S. nuts, ^ in. to 3 in., 50 tons per

month, *27s. lOd. per ton ; also 'JO wagons East Cannix'k -1 ft. U in. nntty

slack. 21s. Id. per ton.
Oaklev, SoUas A Co., Ltd.— Nailstono lAiu. main nuttr slaik, 100 tons i<cr

tiionth, 208. ad. por ton.

London. — -St. I'anckas. — (»\vint:t<ia tiiv at tin- Ntwili-

tratc CoUiorv. the B.C. ha.* hsul to buy other classes of coal.

Rawtenstall. — Coijxnatioii. .Xdditidiuil switcli-iiaiu'ls

at Die cU'i-tricity works. Harcholnu- : Hriti.>;h \Vrstiii;,'houso Co.

VARI.-XBLE-SPEED QEAR5 FOR MOTOR
ROAD-VEHICLES.

Bv KOBEET E. PHILLIPS.

The following i.s an extract from a paper read before thn
Institution ok Megh.\nical Engineers, on the above-named
tiUbjert : —

Electric fransmhmun. — Electric systems, or, as they are
more properly designated, petrol-electric systems, owing to
the prime mover.s employed lieing of the int<»rnal-combustiou
l\pe. may be convouieiitly divided into four groups: —

I. In which the surplus ix)wer of the engine is stored in
the form of electric energy in a battery of accumulators and
is given out ^\hen required to augment the power of the
engine, of vhich the Pieper or Auto-Mixte may be taken as
an example.

•.2. In which the entire power of the engine is converted
into electrical energy, which is absorbed continuously bv an
electric motor driving the road wheels of the vehicle, of
which the Stevens may be taken as an example.

:>. Ill which eUvtric energy is employed to .-itart and
atcelerat^' the vehicle, after which tlie drive from the enghic
U^ the road wheels is tian.smitted through a magnetic clutch,
of wliicli the (iermain may be taken as an example.

4. In which the electric energy is wholly or partially em-
plojed to start and accelerat<' the vehicle, after which the
electric drive is cut out and the |>ower is transmitted to
the road wheels mechanically, of which the Thomas may be
taken as an example.

Although it may Avell be argued that each is best adapted
for a particular class of work, there is no gainsaying the fact
that the second system is the only one which has been used
on a commercial scale for any considerable length of time.
Dealing, however, with these systems in their numerical
order, the points in favt)ur of the first system are that the
surplus power of the engine is being eontinuou.sly stored in
the form of electric energy which is available for use when
th.' iiower of the engine reijuires to be augmented, and that
the. engine and dynamo run at a constant speed, which di-
al les the former to be run to the best advantage and enables
the latter to produce a current of suitable voltage to charge
the accumulators at the proper rate.

The jMjints in favour of the second system are. first, its
.■simplicity, as the whole of the iKjwer of the engine is con-
\frted into electrical energy, which is transmitted direct to
the motor driving the road wheels; secondlv, the small num-
ber o! its parts: and thirdly, as the s-peed of the engine is
independent of that of the vehicle it can be run at the speed
at which it gives its maximum power and efficiency. It is
clauiied for the Stevens transmission that the overall com-
mercial efficiency nuining in nonnal omnibus service is 70
per cent, and that this eflicieiicy arises chiefly from the great
economy both in petrol consumption and in general upke«-p.
The factors which make for economy in iietrol consumption
are the slow speed of the engine as compared with the speed
oi the transmission shaft, and the ability of the vehicle to
fiee-wheel. i.e.. run without propulsion.' for a considerable
part of Its running time; while the factors which make for
etonoiny in upkeep are: (1) The simplicity of the transmis-
sion, in which no gear-wheels, no clutches, and no battery
are employed : (-2) the absence of transmission stresses due to
the elasticitv of the electrical drive; (3) the absence of clutch-
mc and de-dutehing as obtains in mechanical gearing: and
(-1) the non-breaking of any electrical circuits during driving
J bis sy.stem has been used in the Tilling-Stevens omnibuses and
other public service vehicles for several vears. In the London
seivice alone these omnibuses have run over 8,000,000 miles
at an estimated cost of 7.1.3'2d. per mile; while in the run-
ning of over 3,000,000 miles on solid nibber tires in the Lon-
don service of ommbuses an average of 20,148 miles per tire
has been obtained.

The advantages claimed for the third svstem as corapaied
with the first or second systems are, fir.st, that when the load
13 wittiin the capabihty of the engine the drive between the
engine and the load wheels is practically, though not abso-
lutely, mechanical, at which tune the electrical losses are
reduced to a minimum; and. secondly, that the mechanism
can be used for braking purposes. Against these, however

is the serious drawback that mechanical means has to bo
employed for the reverse, in addition to which the double
commutator adds to the comphcation of the control. It is
also claimed for this system that as the electrical equipment
is used solely, or mainly, for st.arting and accelerating, the
equipment ciin be made comparatively smaller, lighter, and
cheaper; but this would seem to be a fallacy, as the output
of the electrical e(piipnient cannot be confined to starting and
accelerating duties only, for the simple reason that (x;ca-
sions niu.st arise when more power than can be obtained on
the direct drive will be cilled for, thus making it necessary
to use the electric transmission. As this is the most severe
duty that the electrical equipment can be called upon to
perform, it mu.«t be of such prop<irtions as will propel the
vehicle during the whole working iH'iiod without overheating
if trouble is to be avoided.

As reganls the fourth .sys-teiii. (his is con.sidered more ecoiio
mical than a direct elwtrical transmi.ssioii. Imt against this
must he set oft' the complications which arise from the intro-
duction of the planetary gear and the clutches. The Thomas
transmission has undergono two trials under the auspices of
th'; Royal .Automobile Club. The tir,st trial was with a ittl-H.r.
l.eyland lon-y over a distance of '2,008 miles, the running
being continuous day and night. The weight of the lorry
HI, laden was i.nfYi tons, and the weight of the load, including
passengers, 0.I8I tons, making a total of 7.683 tons. The
ri.rning speed was not t^) exceed 1'2 miles per hour, and aver-
aged (running time only) 10.47 miles |)cr hour; the fuel
consumption worked out at 7.:w:') miles per gallon, giving
58.046 ton-miles |ier gallon calciilati'd on the gross weight and
24.030 miles i>cr gallon calculated on the net load. During
the trial no work was done upon the transmis.sion with the
exception of lubrication, for which r>i <>/,. of oil were used,
and at the end of the trial the whole of the transmission.
with the exception that the teeth of the double helical planet-
ary wheels were somewhat worn, and two bru.shes, four
•■ijarking tips, and one brush contact jioint were sufliciently
burnt to require renewing, was in gof)d condition. The
second trial was with a ]'2-16-H.r'. Delahaye car fiom London
to Eiiinburgh and back, in which test the fuel consumption
was approximately 3.5 miles to the gallon, giving 67.!) ton
miles per gallon .>\n omnibus fitt^-d with this transmission
and running in a regular .service in London has given from
l(l.i to 11 miles [ter gallon of fuel. It would tlieivfoiv seem
that the claim that this system is more econoniical than the
direct electrical system is well founded.

Petrol-electric systems are without doubt hanilicapped afi
compared with the .sliding type of change-speed gear,s — at all
evfnts. for use in pleasure and light commercial vehicles —
first on account of excessive weight, and secondly on account
of lack of liower of rapid acceleration. .\s regards weigh! .
it does not appear possible to make this compare favourably
with the mechanical types of variable gearing without. -seri.
ously risking its efticieucy, and even breakdown under severe
di;ty. With respect to acceleration, it must be borne in mind
that sudden acceleration of the engine — which in a purely
mechanical transmission is at once transmitted to the road
wheel.s — only results, in a )">etrol-electric system, in an in
CI eased generation of electricity in the dynamo, which is
fullnwed later by increased speed of the electric motor as the
magnetic flux is built up in the generator,. and therefore an
ai'preciable time elapses before the current has had time to
make its influence felt at the road wheels. For heavy coin
mercial work neither the increa.sed weight nor the sluggisli-
iiesb in acceleration is a matter of much serious inomeiit. and
the latter defect may even be, a blessing in di.sguise. as it
afi'ords a means of cu.shioning any shocks that may be .set
uo in th>' ti;ni:-iiii,-sion system by un.skilful or careless driving.
As petr<.l rlrriiK ,\>tems allow of maximum .icceleration with-
out subu'i tiiiu .iii\ )iart of the vehicle to undue strain, they
have, as conii>ared with mechanical gears, the great advaii
tage that it places the most incompetent driver on a par with
the mo.st experienced and careful driver using a mechanical
gear, and it is questionable whether — at all events for com-
mercial work — the inability to accelerate rapidly is not more
than compensated for by the saving in wear and tear arising
from absence of .shocks and undue strain.

Comparing petrol-electric transmission with hydraulic
transmission, there does not seem to be much between them
on the score of being noiseless, of not being affected by the
distortion of the frame of the vehicle, and of giving a smooth
aiceleration and retardation. Theoretically, each seems to
be an ideal transmission for motor road-vehicles.

French National Laboratory of Physics and Mechanics.

-^The Academie des Sciences has resolved to establish a National
Physical and Mechanical Laboratory, for the purpose of scientifie.
research directed towards industrial uses. The Laboratory will he ,
controlled by a Council, of which half the members will be nomi-
nated by the .Academy, one-fourth by State Departments, and the
remainder by the chief industrial asso'iiations. The executive
control will be in the hands of a small technical Committee.
Existing laboratories engaged on similar work will be affiliated to
the Xational Laboratory, and will work in close relationship with
the latter. Substantial funds will have to be provided for the
working expenses of the Laboratory, and for the assistance of the
affiliated institutions. — (rrnic Ciril.

- ^ ^.,^a-.,v..-..v->t->,*^ ■■

— -^'^*'^'^

Vol.79. No. 2,040, DECEMBER 2!., iDic,.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

710

NOTES.

Electric Lighting Provisional Orders.— The following

is the official list of application.s for Provisional Orders deposited
with the Board of Trsule on or liefore December 21st, IStUi, under
the jirovisions of the Electric Liffhtinj:? Acts, 1882 to lltOU : —

Title of Order and descriiv Name of

tioii of area. promoters. Agents.

Clayton and Queens- Electrical Distribn- Torr, Durnford and

bury tion of Yorkshire. Co., 2, MUlbank

Ltd, House, West-

minster, S.W.
Epsom Rural District South Metropolitan Rees & Freres,

CExteusion). The Electric Tram- ."■. Victoiia Street,

Parishes of Cud- ways and -Livrht- S.W.

din^ton and Ewell in^' Co., Ltd.

in the Rural District

of Epsom.
Featherstone, Gar- Electrical Distribu- Torr, Dnrnfonl an<l

forth. Hoi bury. tion of Yorkshire, Co. Cas above).

Luddenden Foot, Ltd.

Otley. Penistone.

Rawdon and Ycidon.

and Wortley.
Wimbledon Electric Corporation of Lees it Co., Palace

Lig-htiny (.Exten- W^imbledon. Chambers, Bridfre

sion) Order. The Street, West-

parishof Cuddington minster, S.W.

in the Rural District

of Epsom,

Volunteer Notes. — First London Engineer Vouin-

TKERS. — Orders for the week by Lient.-Col. C. B. Clay, V.D.. Com-
mandin"'.

Moiuliiji, .hiiiuiii-ji Is/. — Technical for Platoon No. !l, at Reg'ency
Street. Squad and Platoon Drill, Platoon No. 10. Sis'nalling
Class. Recruits' Drill, (j.25. Lecture on ''Telephones," 7.30.

Tueatlay^ Jnuiutfij 2niL — School of Arms. 0 — 7. Lecture, 7.1."),
■ Street Fightinjj," by Company Commander Hynam.

Weil iiexil III/, Jiimiiiri/ 3;v7.— Instructional Class, d.l.". Platoon
Drill. No. 1 Platoon.

T/iiirxi/iii/. .laiiiiiirii \1li. — Platoon Drill, No. 7 Platoon. Ambu-
lance Class, i't.'MK

Friiluy, Jiiiiiiiifii 'ttli. — Technical for Platoon No. lo, at Reg'ency
Street. Squad and Platoon Drill for Platoon No. 9. Sit;'nallintf
Class. Recruits" Drill, G.2.5. Lecture on " Telephones. " 7.30.

Satiiriliiij, Jamiiirt) Ht/i. — Commandinj;' Officer's Parade. 2.45
Oiniform), for drill in Battersea Park.

Siiiidiii/. JiiNiim't/ nil.- Entrenchini;- at Otford. Paradi', Victoria
CS.E. A: C.R. Bookin>j Office). x.V, a.m.

(By order) MACLEOD Yearslkv, Ail.'ivtnut.

Institution and Lecture Notes. — Diesel Engine Users'

Association. At the Decemlier lueetinj;- of the Association. Mr.
Geoffrey Porter, borouyh electrical eng-ineer to the Corporation of
Worthing, was re-elected president for a second year. Messrs. R, W.
Lyle (Messrs. Hoffmann Manufacturing Co., Chemsford) and W.
Fennell (St. Albans) were elected members of the General Com-
mittee, and Mj-. Percy Still (Chelsea) was re-elected as honorary
secretary.

The total membership of the Association to date is 79. being an
increase of 31 Diesel engine users during the year. The total
horse-power repi'esented by the Association has doubled during the
year, being now 4G,108 b.h.p.

A considerable amount of attention has been given during the year
to the subject of the use of tar oils as fuel in Diesel engines. Several
members of the Association have already commenced to use tar
oils in their Diesel engines, either with a pilot ignition apparatus
fitted to the engine, or without, and a considerable amount of use-
ful exjierience has been obtained in the use of this class of fuel .
Further trials are still being made, and certain difficulties have to
be met, liut there appears to be noiloubt that if snch fuel can be
supplied to a suitable specification in various parts of the country
at a reasonable ])rice, Diesel engine users will .soon make the
necessary arrangements for its use, either wholly or partially, in
place of the imi)orted product.

The Committee's report on " Air-Compressor Explosions and
Troubles" has been issued in pamphlet form, copies of which can
be obtained from the honorary secretary.

Mr. Elliott A. Evans will, at the meeting next .Tanuary, re.ad a
paj)er on " Chemistry and Examination of Lubricating Oils. "

Information and particulars concerning the Association can be
obtained from the honorary secretary, Mr. Percy Still, 19, Cadogan
Gardens, London, S.W.

Physical Society of London. .\t the meeting held on Novem-
ber 24th, a paper " On the Measurement of the Thomson Effect in
Wires," was read by Mr. H. R. Nettleton. The paper describes how
absolute measurements of the Thomson effect may be made in
wires. The theory is fully worked out. and the sources of error
likely to arise —especially owing to the smallness of the area of
cross-section are considered. The method is sensitive, consistent,
and very rapid : its ultimate object is to determine the Thomson
effect at different temperatures in a number of metals, both rare
and base, at the same time, and with the same specimens, finding
their thermo-electric jjowers. The preliminary exjieriments of this
paper, testing the method, are with constantan wires of different
lengths, with manganin, and with Geiman silver.

A paper " On the Thermo-Eleetric Properties of Fused Metals,"
by C. R. Darling and A. W. Grace, was read by the former. One of
the authors has for some time been investigating the possibility of
using base metal thermocouples at temperatures above the melting
point of one of the constituents. For this purpose it was necessary
to determine whether any peculiarities in the thermo-electric
l>ehaviour of metals occur at fusion. In the case of lead, tin. zinc
and cadmium there is no perceptible break in the continuity of the
curves obtained. In couples containing bismuth, however, several
cases were noted in which the E.M.F. remained constant for a wide
range of temperature after the fusion of the bismuth. This occurs
with silver, aluminium, iron, or nichrome as the other element.
Fseful applications of this property are discussed.

Appointments Vacant. — .'Assistant electrical engineer

(.t3li0) for the Government Electric Light Department, Federated
Malay States. For particulars see our advertisement pages to-day.

Metropolitan Water Board Employes. — The T'u^i>>^ states

that the Board has adopted increased .scales of pay for workmen
employed in the Engineers' Department, fitters and electricians
being among those affected.

Moscow and Co-operative Electricity. — Recently, in

connection with fuel supply difficulties of industries in the central
district of Russia, including Moscow, an interesting jiroject has
been proposed for constituting a large central electrical station to
supply the factories and works with motive power on a co-operative
l>asis. A report on the question, drawn up by the Association of
IVlanufacturers and Works of the Moscow industrial region, states
that the Moscow industry has to regard dearness of fuel, not as a
passing phenomenon connected with the war situation, but rather
as a permanent factor, even after the war. Certainly cheap
petroleum cannot be expected, and almost as little may one expect
cheap coal. The only sort of really chea]) fuel that would be
constant in price is peat. With centralised production of electrical
energy, the current would be delivered at distant points as required.
The question is only one of choosing a site for the central station
and the selection of fuel. The choice lies between Donetz coal and
jjeat. With Donetz coal the station might be con.structed close to
Moscow. W'ith peat, on the other hand, it would be more profit-
al)le to construct the station on the marsh, as a good extensive peat
marsh is to be found at a distance from Moscow of 120 to 140
versts. The cost t>{ peat fuel will be one-half that of Donetz coal,
even under the most favourable conditions for the latter.

Just recently, as a result of an agitation amongst some Moscow
industrialists, energetically supported by the Association of Works
and Factories, the question of establishing a centr:il elcrtrical
station on a co-operative basis has made consideraliU- ]ircif;ress :
and not long ago, at a preparatory meeting. repiesentativir'S of
industrial concerns were invited to take part in the formation of
an association called '' Electro-Co-operative." This meeting took
])lace on the premises of the Manufacturers and Works Association
of the Moscow District, with N. I. Gutchkoff presiding. M. U. P.
Jozhom acquainted the meeting with the history -of .the question.
The idea arose two years ago, when the question of liquidating
the 1880 Electric Light Co. was debated. The Association of
Manufacturers and Works of the Moscow Industrial Region
addressed in the year 1914 a report to the Ministry of Trade and
Industry, in which was shown the importance to the Government
of facilitating the supply of electrical energy to local industry, and
the analogy of electric power to steam power for the railways.

The proposals in the re]X)rt met with the complete sympathy of
the Ministry, and there the working out of a corresponding project
of law was warmly taken up : it is now completed, and has been
placed before the Council of Ministers, and in the shortest possil)le
time legal effect will l)e given to it. It is proposed to jiublish a
supplementary regulation which will piovidefor a (compensation'
per verst fen- the right of alienating land and using the ground,
where cables are to be laid and posts erected.

The ]u-opo.red Electro-Co-operative should of itself bring about a
mutual alliance of the industrial concerns requiring electrical
j)ower. Trading in electricity for the purpose of extracting profit
is not included in the objects of the promoters. Therefore only a
atirplus alx)ve the Co-operative's requirements can be delivered to
manufacturers who may not be included in the Co-operative
Association. Calculations show that the capacity of the plant
should be 30,oou H.P.

Linking-up Electricity Stations. — -\ lncetin•..^ comcnpd

by Mr. W. .T. Bache, borough electrical engineer of Cheltenham,
was held at Bristol on Decemljer ISth to consider the question of
linking-up electricity works in the West of England area. It was
decided to form a general committee, with Mi. F. II. Corson, of
Gloucester, as chairman, and Mr. Bache iis vice-chairman and
secretary, and a working sub-eommittee was also constituted.

Fatalities. — London. — On December 20th, at the City

Coroner's Court, Mr. Walter Schroder held an adjourned inquest on
Emily Booth, aged 19, lift attendant at .5, Newgate Street, City,
who was fatally crushed in an electric lift theru. She had been
employed for about a month by Messrs. Vicars & Poirson, art
needlework manufacturers. On the day in question she had
brought a junior clerk down from the fourth to the third floor,
where she was to have waited. The lad had scarcely left the lift,
however, when the cage suddenly ascended, and Miss Booth, in
attempting- to jump out, was pinned between the floor of the lift
and the ceiling above. Engineers and carpenters had to be calle<l
in, and nearly an hour elapsed before the girl could be extricated,

7-20

THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW. [Voi. to. no. 2,040. deckmber 29, i9ig.

She was ileail. At tlie first hearin^r, Mr. John Tomlinson f'orliin
U'rii-c J; Belslmin"), a lift ciijrineer. of .'li, Queen Victoria Strc«>t.
.<aiil liis firm had liiui ohartre of the lift for 10 years. It was workitl
liy electricity. conti-oUf)! by a lever in the ca^e. Witness thoujrht
the only explanation to he piven for the accident was that the
deceaised was standintr near the switch, and nneonscionsly moved
the handle.

When the c;ise was resnnieU, Mr. Thoniit-* William (,V)rbin, an
ele<.tric:il enjfineer of the same lirm, stateil that on Tuesday, la.st
Week, lie visited the jjrt'uiises, and found the lift exactly as it h;ul
bi'i-n left after the accident. In conjunction with -a representative
ol Waysrood-Ot is. he examined the lift, and found a leaka;re of
electric current to earth, the result of the leakage beinjr that the
lift would move without the handle bein? operated, and while the
door was open. His opinion was that the lift would move at once,
and that the leakage occurretl just at the time ef the accidejit.
That W!is not a thinsr that could lie (guarded iifrainst, and the person
havinir control and knowleiljre of the workinj; of the lift would not
recognise it until the accident hapjieneil. If the deceaseil luul
remaimil standintr in the centre of the lift ."ihe would have been
<|uite .safe.

By Mr. Verney (.H.JI. Inspector") : He locatotl the leakage close to
the control handle, and stripped off the metal tubinff in which the
wires wi're titte<l. and there discovere<l the leakage. It ocoirred
at a i>oint where the tube went round iv sharp corner. In that bend
one of the win-s had become bared, and was touchintf the tubin-j,
and St) was earthed. The wires did not move in the ordinary
s.'nse of the term, but he imasrined there was a little vibration
every time the lift moved. He saw no reason why they should move,
and, in his opinion, the break was not there when the lift was
orifrinally fitted up. A long-continued, but slifrht, vibration
would account for the break. He thoujrht the abrasion of the
outer coverinjf had probably been ffoingr on fjradually for years.
He did not think it should have been manifest in the workinfr of
the lift, and it was probably made manife.st for the first time when
the accident occurred. He thought the wirinfi: was properly
arransred. As an expert, he did not think the controlling: handle
came into the question of the accident at all. The deceased's body
^'ot in the position in which it was seen because the gate
was open.

Harold Gates, chief engineer to the previous witness, said he had
never heard of a similar accident to a lift. Quite recently this
lift had stopped owing to a dirty contact, which was remedied in a
few minutes.

Mr. John T. Corbin, recalled, said that Messrs: Vicars had always
given him full instructions to do anything necessary at any time.
There was nothing to suggest any defect in the insulation. Wit-
ness was present at the inspection on the Tuesday, and he agreed
with his brother's evidence.

Mr. Charles H. J. Day, a director and engineer of Waygood-Otis,
Ltd., said the lift was put in by his firm 14 years ago, but they had
had nothing to do with it for 10 years. He had seen what had
been discovered, but he did not . think there was a means of detect-
ing the defect by ordinary observation, the wires being in a steel
tube, and beyond the range of virion. He did not know how such
a thing could be provided against. He did not think an insulation
test would be infallible, although it might show it. He agreed
that if the girl had remained standing in the cage she would have
been safe, as the lift would have stopped almost level with the top
floor, and quite clear of the buffers. If an insulation test were
made, a fault might occur an hour or two afterwards. The test
might reveal a weak spot.

By Mr. Verney : He did not agree with the witness as to vibra-
tion, which would be absolutely infinitesimal. He thought the
defect had l)een suddenly produced. He hardly thought the wiring
was defective when it was put in, because it had stood for 14 years.
There was certainly no indication to show that the lift was out of
order.

The jury returned a verdict of " Accidental death. "
DOBLIK. — At an inquest on the body of Patrick Davis, 28, elec-
trician, employed by the Great Northern Railway Co. of Ireland, at
the Amiens Street terminus, Dublin, the evidence showed that he
hail been found fatally injured lying between the rails at the station
after the departure of a train for Howth. Mr. Bannerman, station-
master, said it was not customary for an electrician to go under a
train tefore it started, and he did not know what deceased could
have been doing there. The engine driver of the Howth train,
Patrick Rice, said if anyone was working under the traiu, he should
have got notice of the fact, and a red flag should have been hoist«l.
He received no notice, and saw no flag. John Stanley, electrician,
said he told Davis about a defective light in one of the Howth
carriages, but he did not know that he had gone to work under the
train. John MeWilliam, foreman of the train-lighting ilepart-
ment. deposed to the precautionary measures taken when elec-
tricians were at work on trains. A red flag should be used, and in
the event of an engine being attached to a train the man should
warn the engine driver and have a look-out man. There were lo
electricians employed, but there were no persons specially employed
as look-out men. In 21 years' experience, witness had never known
of an accident of this kind until now. Mr. A. W. Whieldon,
engineer, working under the locomotive engineer, said a man work-
ing under a train must take precautions to see that he wjus pro-
tected. It was not sufficient merely to tell the foreman or charge
hand. The foreman could not supervise evei-y case. Witness had
made a quailer of a million inspections, and that was the first
accident in 21 yeara. The Coroner (Mr, Fiery) said he considered
the company had l.een guilty of negligence in not seeing that the
regulations were carried out. The jury returned a verdict that
death resulted from shock and ha:morrhage, and added a rider
that " there was want of supervision on such dangerous work. "

OUR PERSONAL COLUMN.

Tht Eilitors iiirite electrical engineers, whether connected with the
technical or the commercial side of the profession and industrt/,
also electric tramway and railway officials, to heej> readers of the
ElKCTUIOAL UrvIKW posted as to their morements.

Central Station and Tramway OUicials.— Tlio General
ruiiwso.s Comuiittec of St. Pancras B.(.'. has adopted u
ncoinmeudation of the Electricity Committee that the salary
ol Mr. T. W. Meruy, supcrint<;ndcut at the King's Road
electricity station, be iucrea.'iod from i''208 [ler annum ta
£'JXi per annum, niul furtlicr incroii.sed a year lu>nce to ii'260
per aniin;n. In October last Mr. Merry submitted au appli-
cation to tiie chief electrical engineer asking i'(jr permission
to aiH'l.V elsewhere for a post of electrical engineer which
was vacant, and, after consultation witli his chairman, the
chief electrical engineer replied that he was unable to release
him, but promised to recommend an increase of salary, Mr.
Merry has been in the service for oviir 10 years, and has been
in receipt of his present salary of i,''2ll8 per annum sinca
March, 1910. Since that date the, output from the generating
station under his direct supervision has increased from seven
million units to this year's output of about 12 million units.
1'he chief electrical engineer states that Mr. Merry has put
ill a considerable amount of time at the works on Sundays
and aft.er nornrd hours, particularly since the, war, as the
plant under his control is much overworked and requires
con.stant skilled supervision at all hours for its repair and
maintenance ; that he has proved himself a very capable
assistant, and, imder his supervision, the plant has been
maintained in a high state of efficiency. The following
salaries paid by other boroughs for a similar position were
submitted, namely : — Hsimmersmith ..-£300, Woolwich j6280,
plus house, coal, and light, Leyton £250, Stepney £240, plus
house, coal, and light, and East Ham £240.

Mr. Claude- R. M.^rshall, chief assistant engineer at the
Korth Metropolitan Electric Power Supply Co.'s St. Albans
undertaking, has been granted leave of absence, and permis-
sion to accept a commission in the Inland Water Transport,
Shipping Section, of the Royal Engineers.

The Rochdale Electricity Committee have granted a fur-
ther month's leave of absence to Mr. C. C. Atchison, the
borough electrical engineer, who is still away owing to a
bieakdown in health.

The Southampton Tramways Committee has increased the
salary of the manager, Mr. 'W. T. Robson, from £400 to £500
per annum.

The salary of Mr. H. W. Miles, assistant accountant,
Southampton electricity department, is to be increased from
£210 (which includes £10 war bonus) to £225 by increments
of £10 and £5. The salary of Mr. B. Horne is to be in-
creased from £99 to £115 (which includes war bonus). In the
event of war bonuses being stopped at any time, the maxi-
mum salaries in these ca.ses will be £225 and £100 respectively.

Doncast«r Tramways Committee has appointed Inspector
Fuller as chief inspector, vice Mr. Baker, appointed to suc-
ceed Mr. Strachan as traffic superintendent.

General. — Mr. A. II. Norway will re-sume his duties in the
Oeneral Po.st Office, London, on January 1st, on the expira-
tion of his pei-iod of appointment as Secretary to the Post
Office in Ireland. The Postmaster-General has appointed Mr.
J. MacMahon to .succeed him in Dublin.

Roll of Honour.— The Meiitorious Service Medal has been
a^^arded to Ijance-Corporal J. G. L. Grern, R.E., for services
rendered in France. Mr. Green was with Messrs. Page and
Miles, Ltd., electrical engineers, Brighton.

Private Ernest Mason, North Staffs. Regiment, who was
in the electrical department of the North Staffordshire Rail-
way, is reported missing.

Private J. Newstead, London Regiment, who has fallen in
aition, was an employe of the Telegraph Constrtiction and
Maintenance Co.

Lance-Corporal H. Mayes, Oxford and Bucks Light lu-
fantrv, of the B.T.II. Co., Ltd., of Rugby, has died of wounds.

Mr. C. LiNFORD,' foiTuerly employed in the St. Pancras
electricity department, has died of wounds received in action.

Private J. Prince, of the Lanes. Fusiliens, 'killed in action,
was employed by Messrs. I. Prankenburg & Co., Salford.

Private A. Jackson, Cheshire Regiment, attached to the
IMachine Gun Corps, has been killed in action. He was em-
ployed bv tlK* British Westinghouse Co., Trafford Park. -

Private G. Lewis, Lancashire Fusiliers, killed in action,
\\as employed at the Salford Coriwration electricity works.

Lance-Corporal E. Latham, of the Loyal North Lanca.shire
Regiment, of Preston, who has be«n recommended for the
Military Medal, and is in hospital suffering from wounds, was;
euLployed bv Messrs. Dick. Kerr i\r Co. ,. , ^

Piivate B. Parr, North Staffs. Regmient, who enlisted,
^vhilst with Messrs. Taylor, Tunnicliffe & Co., Ltd., electrical-
lUtin^s manufacturers, Hanley, is reiiorted missmg.

Obituary.— Mr. Arthur James Ireland.— After a brief ill-
ne.ss Mr. A. J. Ireland, of the British Thomson-Houston Co-,
Ltd., Rugby, died on the 22nd inst.. aged Ul. Mr. Ii;elana
had a very "wide circle of friends in the electrical industrfes.

Vol.

No. 2,040, December 29, 1916.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

721

Mr. Harry L. Davis.— The death took place on Decembor
20th of Mr. Harry L. Davis, of Brockley, S.E., who wa.s for
42 yoars with the Telegraph Construction & Minnteiiaiue ■
Co.,' Ltd. He was in hi.s 59th year.

■ Mrs. Jane Davidson Callender. — We regret to note that
Mrs. Jane Davidson Callender, widow of -William Oriniston
Callender, founder of the well-known business now known as
Callender's Oa})le ,t Construction Co.. TJ/l., passed away at
Bourneiiu.utli. on Oi'cendiei- 2-2rul, in her Wth yenr.

CITY NOTES.

The annual meeting was lield on De-
Indiarubber, rember '20th, at 106, Cannon Street,
(jutta=percha, E.C. Major Leonard Darwin, the chaii-
and Telejjraph man, fir.st referred to the loss of their
Works Co., Ltd. cable-.ship Dar.iii. Although an old ship
— she was liuilt in 1807, and acquired in
1S72 from Sir Charles Bright, the pioneer of Atlantic tele-
graphy— slie was still a valuable ves.sel for her work, tlie
cable machinery being as good as, if not better than, that of
any cable-.ship afloat. In her time she had laid cables in the
West Indies, on the coasts of Chile and Peru — in that voyage
she anchored alongside Lord Bras.sey's original Sunheavi in
cne of the land-locked bays in Smith's Channel; she had seen
service in the Persian Gulf, the Mediterranean, the West
Coast of Africa, and North Atlantic Ocean. Fortunately, in
this her last voyage, she had peifornied the principal work
for which she had lieen chartered, and when she met her
fate on the 3rd of this month in Funchal Rcxids from the
torpedo of an enemy submarine, only a few comparatively
unimportant tasks still lay before her. But the chief matter
for congratulation lay in the fact tliat the whole of the crew
were landed safely, without personal injury to a single one of
them. With regard to the Silfertou')/, as there was little
chance during the war of their obtaining a contract for the
laying of a cable sufficiently long to make a remunerative
cargo for her, the directors decided to accept an offer for
her as an oil ship. She was built in 167.3, and her tanks ex-
ceeded in size those of the Great Eastern, which was sup-
posed at that time to be specially fitted for cable work on
account of her large cari'ving capacity. The Silvertovn had
laid cables in all parts of the world, from Senegal to Mossa-
medes on the \\'est Coast of Africa, from New York to
Havana, San Francisco to Honolulu, Sydney to Auckland,
and Manila to Shanghai. They hoped she would .still do use-
ful work during the war as an oil-tank .steamer. The ques-
tion of acquiring another cable-.ship witli all modem require-
ments was engaging the attention of the directors. The board
had put £.30,0(X) to the reserve fund, which now stood at the
same figure as it did immediately before the war. Persan
and the foreign branches did very well during the year under
review. It must be remembered, however, that the French
works were liable to the French war tax. and that this would,
of course, reduce the company's available profits. What that
tax or the English war taxes would amount to they did not
know._ The re-issne of their debentures in March last en-
tailed a considerable ca.sh ex]ienditure, together witli a liability
for additional interest in the future, the present value of
which amounted to about i'SO.IKlO. It was hoi>ed that this
large additional- financial burden, which was entirely due to
the war, would be taken into consideration in making the
assessment for the excess profits duty and the munitions levy.
Their special activities had made it nece.s.sary to limit
their output in other directions. This had entailed a
loss of trade in the only maikets which would be open
to us after the w-ar. Considerable difficulties were likely to
be experienced in re-occupying this lost ground, and this was
a matter which also ought to be held in view by the authori-
ties when imposing war taxation. They felt confident, how-
ever, that they would be justly treated by the Governinent.
and they had no apprehensions whatever on the subject. To
relieve the congestion f>f woi-k at Silvertown and to meet
the increased demands for war material, the directors had
acquired freehold land at Burton-on-Trent, and a shop had
• already been erected there. The land, about All aires in
extent, was nearly level, and was flanked by a railway and
a canal. It was hoped that after the war thi-y would be
able to devote the works at Burton to a great extent to tlie
production of tho.se articles of which, before the wai', Ger-
many bad obtained a practical monopoly.
Mr. C. H. Gray .seconded tlie motion.

Mr. Dry3Dai,f. congiatulated the directors upon the .satis
factory state of the company's aft'airs, and inquired whether
provision had lieeii made for meeting tlieir liability under
the war tax. With regard to the new works at Burton, he
hoped that the forecast of the chairman as to their being able
to capture German trade would turn out to be correct. As
far as his experience went, the Germans had' alwavs been
ke*n on selling a cheap aiticle. whereas too often the Eng-
lish manufacturer would only sell the article which he thought
was best.. lie knew, for instance, that their Silvertow-n jiro-
ducts wi'i- of the very highest quality, but the question was
whether they could produce a cheap article which would meet

the requirements of the merchant and pay the company
e(iually well. Mr. Drysdalc said he took it that the French
war tax would be considered as part of the expenses of the
French works, and that oidy the net amount coming to thia
country would be subjected to our own war tax.

The Chairman, in reply, said the directors had no apprehen-
sion as to being able to meet the war tax. They had a large
carry -i'orward of al)OUt £tO,fXIO, and there was .■f50,0(K) place<l
to the reserve fund, which latter they hoped they wonid not
have to toucli. As to the French tax, the double taxation
ought not to fall upon them, and he did not Ijelieve it would.
Justice would seem to point to their not having to pay war
taxes to both the French and the English Governments.

Mr. C. H. Gray, replying to Mr. Di^sdale, said that in
regard to capturing Gennan bu.siness, the general . policy
wliich the board was going on at present was that they would
not attempt to make anytliing or take anything from the
Gennans which thev could not actually produce and sell at
the pre-war prici»s of the ( lermans. Tliey had already made
sufficient exi)eriments, and they had sufficient knowledge, to
assure them that there were many lines which they could
actually manufactiire at Burton which would fulfil those
conditions. ^

Tb.' report was adopted.

Tlie annual meeting was held on De
Melbourne ceinber '21st, at Fiu.sbuiy Pavement House,
Electric Supply E.C. Mr. J. B. Braithwaite, who pre-
Co., Ltd. sided, said that l'2-2 of the company's

employes w-ere now serving with the
Forces ('2:3 per cent, of the total staff). Dealing first with the
Melbourne undertaking, w-ith regard to the profit and loss
account the figures w^ere in every respect satisfactoi-y, and
the i-esult reflected the greatest credit on their managing
director and staff in Australia. At Melbourne their revenue
from private .supply had risen from f94,791 to £'109,'257; that
from power had increased from f 44 ,393 to '£5''.960; the i-*--
coipts from the tramways supply had grown from ±21,443 to
£■31:389 and the revenue from the bulk supply had risen
from £2 .5-29 to £4,860. Thus every item of the revenue
showed a considerable increase, the total receipts being
i-2'23 1.53 against £179,752. There had, of course, been an
increase in expenditure, the increased cost of coal rendering
that inevitable, apart from the very large number of addi-
tional units sold. The cost of generation had risen from
£'35 012 to £47 004- the cost of distribution was slightly re-
duced ; repairs and renewals were £12,396, as agajnst ^lU^'-^ ;
and general charges had increased from £19,013 to £24,342.
The .sum carried to the profit and loss account was ±13I,b/d,
as against £107,514 in the previous year. It might interest
them to know^ how the increased units sold had been dis-
tributed Thev liad sold practically '24 million units during
the vear ascoinpared with 17,486,3ti0 in the previous twelve
months an increa.se of over 6,000.1X10 units, which he thought
was a very .satisfactory increase indeed. It was more signih-
ciint how'cver, if they analy.sed the figures, and saw where
the increases had taken place. In prn^ate lighting there had
been an increase of 16 per cent., and the public lighting had
increased by ajiout 17 per cent. Power showed an mjrease
of 40 per cent. Tlie power connections had increased during
the vear bv 2 697 H.P.. bringing the total figure up to the
verv .substantial one of between 17,000 and IS.W HP., ex-
cbL^ive of the tramway supply. They had sold 6,10.-) 2'26 units
to the tramwavs, an increase of 39 per ceut. over last year.
An equally important and siitisfactory item in their supply,
although it did not bulk very largely at present in the^r out-
put w-as the bulk supply to outlying municipalities. .Dunng
tlie year thev had agreed to supply two additional districts,
which made'a totnLof six local authorities they were now
svni.vin- Their bulk supply bad mcrea.sed 90 per cent.,
wl i li w7is pr.Hif that the supply was appreciated by muuic.i-
ivlities will) greatly appreciated being able to get their p<->wer
supply ' from them very cheaply ' instead of having to put
diiwn small power-houses of heir own. Last year he told
them that they were doing a small domestic busmess, such
IS supplying toasters, shaving water heaters, heaters lor curl-
in.-' irons &c. The sale of units for those purposes during
the past* year had increa.sed 80 per cent. -a very heathy
development. One of the most gratilying feature^ o that
ncrease was that it showed they were plea.sing the ladies.
Thev were .so pleased with tho.se little domestic uses lor
electricity that thev were not content unless they had Ih.-ir
jiouses lit bv the electric light, and it wa.s ahno.st inq., -iN .^
now to let or .sell a hou.se m the district ol their -ii|i'l\
unless it was wired for electricity. With regard to the :,u, .t
lighting they were now .supplying current m nearly (idil miles
of" streets Last vear he told them they were supplying as
far as from London to Aberdeen. During the year they had
■idded another 40 miles and connected 4,5IKI additional con-
si'iners, so they would .see that the company continued to
make splendid progress, in spite of the drawbacks to which
thev were subjected owing to the war. Those drawbacks were
especially marked with regard to the supply of plant and
machinery. Tliey now had to go through all sorts of for-
malities to get leave to get additional plant. They had to
go to the Ministry of Munitions to get certificates, and when
the plant was manufactured they had to get special licences
to allow it to be shipi)ed for Australia. Fortunately, before the
war thev had always adopted a policy of keeping their plant
just ahead of their demands, and although the 6,00t)-KW.
machine that ought to have been shipped two yeara ago was

imiir-iTijmiif riawimT

THE ELECTRICAL KEVIEW. [v,.i. to. n„. lvm.*. nKOKMnKKS!., i-nfi.

not likely to be out until next May or June, the provision they
had inaiie before the war would, he hoped, enable them to
carrv on, unlets, of course, they had a .-ierious breakdown.
So far they had managed to pull tlirnufih without having to
eut off an.vbo<ly from their supply, and he hoped they would
eontinue to do .-so. There wa.s nioiii for <-on.siderablo finther
plant and exten.siims at their power-luiu.M' at Melliuunie. and
they were making provision for putting in additional plant
and boiler."!. A. time would come, however, when they would
have to eonsiiler where they were going to get any additional
IH)wer they might require, and that matt<n- wa.s engaging
the serious consideration of the director.s. They wt>re not
Icsing sight of the future, but were endeavouring to make
preparations well ahead, s<i that the company might continue
it;, unint<^rrupted eourst> of progres,s and prosperity. With
regaril to Ceelong. that was a shipping port, and the restri<'-
tion on shipping had naturally alTected it. Even there they
had maile an increo.se in every item. The profit had risen
from iMd.ltyJ to .4'11,<WI, and the units sold were nbovit
;ii)0,(Klil lip. It would be seen on referring to the appropria-
tion acet)unt that they were adopting a very conservative
attitude.

Mr. R. P. Ski.i.on seconded the motion, and the report was
adopted.

Subsequently, extraordinary resolution.s were agreed to in-
crea.sing the capital by .^T.W.OOO, divided into .T<),00(1 prefer-
ence shares of .i'") each anil .^(Kl.OdO ordinary shares of £]
each, and increasing the borrowing powers of the directors
by .fii(i,litKI.

W. & T. .\verv, Ltd. — Dividend of 'i inr crnl. pir jinmiiii
(I'ld. per share). 'less income tax. nn ..niinarv sliau-s fm the
hall year.

Chile Telephone Co.. Ltd.— Inlerim .livid.nd, r, p-r cenl.
p<'r annum (."ts. per share), free of ineonu'-tax. mi mdinaiy
shares for half-vear.

STOCKS AND SHARES.

WkDNESDAY MoHNlNd.

The Stock Exchange year draws to its conclusion \\itli
noticeable confidence in the markets, and, at the same time,
noticeable uncertainty with regard to what is going to be
done in the way of distributing man-power. The House is
naturally di.sciis.sing a giMxl deal the question as to how far
it conducts an essential or non-ess<'ntial indu.stiy, but the
an.swer lies in the hands of the powers that be ; and, what-
ever happi^ns, St«k Exchange men are not likely to rai.se
any p-articular grumble if they see that they are really wanted
for .something of more vital urgency to the national interest.

Prices are well maintained. The American Peace Note,
which bad the ettect of producing a violent break in prices
in Wall Street, added weight to the growing volunie of con-
viction that Germany's power is broken, and that Austria,
especially, will be likely to grasp at any op)X)rtunity for bring-
ing the war to a conclu.sion; although the negotiations to this
end mav cau.se the war to drag on for many a long month
yet.

There has been comparatively little doing this week, and,
ii the circumstances, a few compari.sons of present prices
with tho.se ruling a twelvemonth ago are appropriate. Start-
ing with th.> electricity supply list, here are some of the
principal shares: —

Share.

Bi'oniptun

Charing Cross . .

Chelsea

City of London . .
C.iunty or London
Kensington

Business in
throughout Ihi

Price, Pre-

Dec. 31, sent

1915. price.

4

104

Price,

Dec. 31

Share.

191.i.

London Klec.

• • 12

Metropolitan

.. 23

St. .lames'

., «}

South Ljndon

■■ 2^

Sth. Met. Pre!,

- lyji

Pre

C}

■lectric

ligliting .shares has been 'very (piiet
1 consequence of the lighting restric-
tions, the Daylight Saving Pill, and the difficulties as regards
(oal, labour, and material. Only Couuty ordinary and South
Metropolitan preference have managed to secure a iis<! on
balance.
More aittivity has developed in the telegraph market, where

prices have on the whole inipidved.
shows :-

the

li.st

Dec. 31,

Share.

1915.

price

Ang.-.\m. Prd

lOOa

95A

ditto Dtrd

^

m

E. Extension.

14

E. Telegraph.

m-

ItOi

Globs Ord. .

10|

12k

Share.
Gt. Northern .
Indo-European
Marconi
W.Ind. & Pan.
Western

Pre-

sent

price.

P.ise.

37

3*

49S

iS

Marconis proved a lively market during certain parts of
the twelve months, and, aft^r rising above 3, are .still £1
higher on the year.

Railway stocks came into pronounced favour during the
la.st few weeks; and a feature has been the .steady ri.se in
f nderground Electric Incomes for months past, for reasons
which have been indicated fre(|uently in these columns from
week to week, the bonds having been recommended here as

a speculative investment, from 75 upwards.
few comparisons : —

Price. Pre

Share, Dec. 31, 1915. pri

MetiopoUtan 'Hk '2i

We set out a

Ilislriit.
llnilerground Ordinary
,, Income

la

•-'4

3

In the foreign list, the .slump in Mexicans has continued
almixst without interruption, but British Columbia .stocks are
irregular on balance. Brazil Tractions have been as high as
(w during the year, and they close, as will be seen, at 49 : —

Price,
Dec. 31,
Share. 1915.

Pre,
sent
price

Fall,

Price,
Deo. 31,
Share. 1915.

Pre-
aent
price. Fall.

Braz. Tractions... .51
B.C. Elec. Prel... TiO
Do, Detd, . . 40
.\ngIo-Arg. Trams,
1st Pref. . . 4J

49

tm

S5l
3

•2

+ 2.1

n

Mcx, Trams . . 42
Mexico Trains 5

per cent. Bonds 49
Mex. Light Com. :10

Ditto 1st Bonds 47

•iU 174

;W,'. 1C»
7l -224
'M M

Substantial rises

have

taken

place in manv of

the shares

ol the manufaeturing com

p.lnies

as the following li.st .shows : —

Price.
Dec. 31,
Share, 1915,

Pre-
sent
price

Rise.

Price,
Dec. 31,
Share. 1915.

Pre-
senl
price. Rise,

Brit. Aluminium li
Brit. Insulated.. lOA
Britisli Westing-
house Prof, . . 1 ,S
Callenders ... 10.?
Castner . . . . 3

.15

13
Sill

i

Edison fully-paid I
Elec. Con. .. 14'-
Henley . ..!.•«
India-Rubber . . 9?
Tele. Con. . . Ml

li i

l.'.i 7/3
IB ii
13A U

3«' aj

Investment bn.siness has not been bad, taking the year
through. Having regard to the absence of speculation, on
the Treasury prohibition, the volume of Stock Exchange trade
has been reasonably active, and the above price li.sts exhibit
eleail> how investors have taken stock at rising figures.

SH.\RE LIST OF ELECTRICAL COMPANIES,
HoMi Electbioitt Cohfamies,

Dividend Price

> ^— s Dec. 27, Rise or fall

1914, 1915. 1916, this week,

Brompton Ordinary .... 10 10 e| —

Charing Cross Ordinary ..66 8J —

do, do. do, 4iPret., 4J 4i 8,'^ —

Chelsea 6 4 8 —

City of London 9 8 llg —

do, do. 6 per cent. Pref. 6 6 10 —

County of London .,.,77 lOJ —

do. 6 per cent. Pref. 6 8 10 -i- J

Kensington Ordinary .... 9 7 M —

London Electric 4 8 ll —

do. do. 6 per cent. Pref. 6 8 4?, —

Metropolitan B» 8 2* —

do. 4J per cent. Pref. 4^ 44 8J —

Bt, James' and Pall MaU . . 10 8 6 —

South London 6 6 aj —

South Metropolitan Pref, , . 7 T Ift —

Westminster Ordinary .... 9 7 58 —J

TELEO&AfBa AXD TELEPHONES,

Anglo-Ara. Tel, Pref 6 6 96* —

do. Del 80;- 83/8 281 —

Chile Telephone 8 8 74 —

Cuba Sub. Ord 6 6 8J —

Eastern Extension .... 7 8 14 —

Eastern Tel. Ord 7 8 HOJ —

Globe Tel. and T. Ord « 7 ia*sa —

do. Pref. .. 6 8 lOxd —

Great Northern Tel 22 22 87 —

Indo-European 13 13 49* —

Marconi 10 10 2| —

New York Tel. 4J . . . . 4i 4) IDl —

Oriental Telephone Ord, . , 10 10 2A —

United R. Plate Tel 8 8 6}j —

West India and Pan 1 6d, 1 —

Western Telegraph .. .. 7 8 IBJsd —

Home Rails,

Central London, Ord. Assented 4 4 65) —

Metropolitan 'l I ^ — i

do. District .. .. Nil Nil 16J —

Underground Electric Ordinary Nil Nil aj —

do. do. "A" .. Nil Nil 6/6 -tfid.

do, do. Income 6 6 92i —

FOKEIQN TBAH8, AO,

Adelaide Sup. 6 per cent. Pref, 6 6 *}i —

Anglo-Arg. Trams, First Pref. 6) 6) 8xd —

do. 2nd Pref. .. 6J 6J 3} —

do. 6 Deb. ,. 5 6 6a.i,xd -3

Brazil Tractions 4 4 49 +'H

Bombay Electric Pref 6 6 10} —

British Columbia Elec, Rly, Pfce, 6 5 CJj —

do. do. Preferred — Nil 40,C —2

do, do. Deferred — Nil 36J —5

do. do. Deb. 4i 4i 62 —

Mexico Trams 5 per cent. Bonds — Nil 32* —

do. 6 per cent. Bonds — Nil 27* —

Mexican Light Common . . Nil Nil Ik —6

do. Pref Nil Nil 16* -2

do. lat Bonds .. Nil Nil 'M -C

MANDTAenmiHa OoaPAinEs,

Babcock 4 Wilcoi .... 14 16 2H —

British Aluminium Ord. . , 6 7 80/- —

British Insulated Ord 16 174 11| —

British Westinghouse Pref. . . 74 7$ 2| —

CaUenders 16 30 13 —

do, B Pref 6 6 4J —

Caatner-Kellner 90 22 BAid + J

Edison & Swan, £3 paid . . Nil — ,♦, —

do. do. fully paid . . Nil — Ig —

do. do. 4 per cent. Deb. 6 6 624 —

Electric Construction . , . . 6 74 lA —

Gen. Elec. Pref 6 6 10 —

do, Ord 10 10 18| —

Henley 30 26 16 — )

do, 44 Prel 44 44 4 —

India-Rnbber 10 10 134 — i

Telegraph Con 30 30 88 —

* OiTidends i^ald free ol income-taXi

6 16

6 13

7 4
6 13

7 10

0

6 12

H

A »

K

•6 14

4

•B 14

II

•6 19

U

6 IB

6

6 19

0

» II

4

8 19

,^

4 9

0

4 6

K

•6 19

8

; e 9

i 6 8
' 6 10

; 6 4

' 13 10
< 17 8
i 8 7

Nil

Nil
I 0 0
' 1 2
I 0 0
I 6 6
I 18 10
i 12 6

Vol. vx No. 2.040. DECEMBER 2(.. 191.;.] THE ELECTKICAL REVIEW.

723

EXPORTS AND IMPORTS OF ELECTRICAL GOODS DURING NOVEMBER, 1916.

The November returns of electrical export business show a
falling loff ;in value as compared with previous months, the total
amounting- to £438.830. as compared with £501.822 in October and

£573,314 in September. The electrical imports into this country,
on the other hand, reached a'somewhat higher value, amounting to
£198,492 worth, as against £187.261 worth in October. .

'There-exports at £18,367 were also higher, being some £ 7.000
in advance of the previous month's figures.

The decline in export values is appaient in nearly every section
of the table, excepting the lamp and miscellaneous sections, the

former of which shows a considerable advance on the last mouth.
Electrical machinery exports amounted to. approximately. £150,000
in value, while cable exports reached, roughly. £80,000 in value.
In the imports section, the electrical machinery business was on
an increased scale, while lamp and cable impoi-ts fell off in value
considerably.

During the month France was our best customer ; India, our
Australian Colonies. China, and Japan were also prominent in the
list, while of the importers into this country, the U.S.A. — the fore-
most— did a somewhat greater business than in October, though in
other directions not mucli movement was shown.

Registered Exports of British and Irish Electrical Goods from the United Kingdom.

Ij

ables,
other

hting
nd

s

1 i =;

= J

i|

cable

atus
bolls.

bio

nd

Destination of exports and counti-y consigning

■==■1 =« =

?&

C^ oa

s^l il

|g|

■|a~ a'^s

1

imports.

11

Wires an
rubber a

Electric
fitting
accest

it'

I"!

g 1

|'°i

§1

0

&

£

£

&

£

£

£

£

£

£ ■

£

£

£

£

Russia. Sweden, Xorway and Denmark ...

6,253

2,375

116

3,686

5,117

1,191

5,298

2.351

439

978

121

5,768

33,693

Netherlands. Java and Dutch Indies

480

10,432

1,297

55

111

20

901

140

216

.512

184

2,473

16,821

Belgian Congo '

65

65

France ...

3,820

249

774

482

27'5

"73

21.314

4,977

644

'25

20,428

3,223

56.284

Portugal " 1

77

244

69

861

389

93

23

37

304

4,680

6,777

Spain, Canary Isles and Spanish N. Africa...

1.014

52

149

454

3,784

"77

36

44

349

5,959

Switzerland, Italy and Austria-Hungary ...

1,749

200

195

745

9,875

10

55

682

3,765

17.276

Greece. Roumania. Turkey and Bulgaria ...

60

116

176

Channel Isles. Gibralt.ir. JIalta and Cyprus...

314

"39

55

"37

19

89

12,569

13.122

U.S.A., Philippines and Cuba

1,737

170

243

236

21

624

253

3.284

Canada and Newfoundland ...

331

379

95

994

1,621

"4

"11

183

• 64

3.682

British West Indies and British Guiana ...

49

80

24

119

257

21

12

16

578

Mexico and Central America

18

...

18

Peru and Urujuav

ioi

"42

194

337

ChUe ■

.^78

1,008

402

66

■ 623

i.sk

"30

104

16

469

4,482

Brazil .,

500

622

139

382

772

1.180

264

1

407

69

4.336

Argentina ...

881

52

458

357

i'o

1,944

590

154

1.106

42

1,698

806

8.107

Colombia, Venezuela. Ecuador and Bolivia...

35

67

13

214

61

390

Egypt, Timis and Morocco ...

240

82

414

211

15

100

19

976

2,057

British West Africa

107

6,632

19

222

"12

2.128

349

29

20

272

459

10,249

Rhodesia, O.R.C. and Transvaal

1.573

4,544

3.608

3.202

235

180

4.072

1.602

523

138

4.225

1.023

24,925

Cape of Good Hope

1,066

4,244

618

1.269

60

1.155

1,504

2.137

13

394

922

13.382

Natal

876

9,385

1.202

439

156

5,721

1.127

1.303

68

46

765

21.088

Zanzibar, Brit. E. Africa. Mauritius i: Aden

297

302

620

770

144

1.288

49

123

322

107

4,022

Azores, Madeira and Portuguese Africa

154

23

18

133

3+

■ 714

33

^

143

1,261

French African Colonies and Madagascar...

48

92

217

4

60

421

Persia

46

211

6

56

23

60

99

80*

82

110

773

China and Siam

1.676

8,354

794

558

'13

1.889

2,973

390

fl35

'7'2

275

311

18,240

Japan and Korea

3a 6

51

79

1.615

1.441

781

8.763

773

20

13,839

India

4,381

.3,'670

4.100

4,268

35

910

19.354

3,568

2.964

135

Tl3

983'

44.781

Ceylon

4

121

572

50

18

270

37

362

408

1.842

Straits Settlements. Fed. Malay States and

k

.

Sarawak

328

317

■ 352

274

....

19

444

324

231

42

592

349

3,27a

Hong Kong

367

1,043

162

314

174

888

595

74

76

18

888

4,599

West Australia

93

923

665

202

204

418

244

3,207

5.956

South Austr.alia

107

871

1.001

316

188

§56

"93

24

"34

1,821

"72

5.083

Victoria

1.631

7,817

3,029

1,764

1,163

4,919

152

875

32

2,243

770

24.395

New South Wales

1,545

9,500

3,697

1,405

'96

1,441

14,947

3,176

1,733-

135

3.013

395

41,083

Queensland

198

347

297

62

829

17

2,157

3,907

Tasmania

313

1.739

8

125

39

23

2,247

New Zealand and Fiji Islands

911

4,603

1.448

1,655

929

2,963

730
30,958

723

6

1.669

387

16.021

Total, £

33,978

80,078

26,963

23.908

8,079

15,881

110,937

15,728

2,602

45,823

13,905

438,830

Registered Imports into the United Kingdom of Electrical Goods from all Countries.

Russia, Norway. Sweden and Denmark

Netherlands

France

Switzerland

Italy

Japan

United States

2,540

6,102

1.506

144

13.531

7,702

300

260

1,290

241

1.52

12

268

54

880

140

7,307

1.312

1,252

2.786

60

83

1,467

438
1,398

148
415

820

821

398

3,318

7.434

695

...

413

8,923

9,174

1,471
4,861

3,283

8i)2

3,729

5,593

50,068

12,704

13,659

10,958

12.112

24,599

11,853

6,076

13,971

50,871

24,040

15,792

Total, £

Additional imports.— Spain, carbons. £606. Canada, wii-es and cables. £30 ; batteries. £1.296 :

electrical machinerv. £.J6 : electrical goods, £97.

flow lamps. £ 140 :

45

10,411

5,089

4,599

67

12.325

20,992

130,458

21,104

196,257

fittings, £1

0;

Registered Re-Exports of Foreign and Colonial Electrical Goods from the United Kingdom.

Various countries, mainlv as above ... I 2,386 2.518 j ... 4,lV,7 105 ] 3,363 2,818 j ... j 309 123

Total E.xports : £438.830 Total Re-Exports : £18,307 Total Impobts: £198,492

Note.— The tvmounts appearing under the several headings are classified according to the Customs returns. The first and
third columns contain manv amounts relating to "goods" otherwise unclassified, the latter, doubtless, consisting of similar
materials to those appearing in adjacent columns. Imirorts are credited to the country whence consigne<l which is not necessarily
the country of origin.

7-24

THE ELECTEICAL REVIEW. [Voi. tl. no. 2.0.0. D.:jB««Kii

CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR TRACTION MOTOR5.

A recent convention issue of our .\meriean contemporary the
Kkctric Railway Journal contained an interesting review of
nuHlern developments in electric railway and tramway car
cdii^truction, more especially dealing with the trend of .Ameri-
can piHctice.

Of particular interest is the summary of developments in
ctntrol systems, of which the following is an abstract.

Control systems for modern electric railway cars may be
classified as direct and indirect, this division being based on
the method used in performing the switching. Both u.se the
series-parallel method of adjusting the voltage, wherein the
motors, or groups of motors, are arranged first in series and
then in parallel, the " non-rheostat " system for four-motor
equipriients giving an intermediate step with the motors in
two series groups.

In order to effect the rearrangement of motors or the change
from the series to the parallel connections three schemes arc
in use. namely, the shunting-out. the bridge, and the open-
circuit transition. The shunting-out method short-circuits one
motor, or group of motors, while the controller handle is
being moved from the last series position to the first parallel
po.sition on the controller. The decrease in tractive effoit
which occurs when this is done t«nds to produce an un-
pleasant jerk during acceleration, particularly if the cars are
heavy. .\t present this method is largely confined to control
equipments, both direct and indirect, for small and medium
size motors. The bridge system is now widely used with in

S

7<J Lights and Pump'
MU Tripping Snitch
Main Srrifch.., V

Fig. 1.— Co.nnectioxs of Modified Direct Control.

direct control systems for large motors. Direct controllers
equipped with the bridge transition have not proved very
satisfactory because of the time element involved in makin"
the various circuit connections. The connections in this sviJ
tern are such that all motors are working during the transi-
tion period, with the result that a fairly uniform tractive
effort IS maintained throughout the notching-up portion of
the accelerating period. The open-circuit transition at one
time was quite widely used in connection with direct control
tor large motors, but the development of the bridge transition
and the indirect systems of control has rendered it practically
obsolete tor the heavier classes of service. It is still used
however, with some of the modified forms of direct control '

Direct Control Sijstems.—Of the direct control systems the
most famihar is that in which the Type K controller is used
W ithin recent years the most imixirtant developments in con-
'^'^?v.'T w''*° x*°',^ controller have been its adaptation for use
with field-control motors and the many improvements in struc-
tural detaiJs J?or the more recent designs, 600 volts 7.30
':?'",• '""JMOO y.':'"« «'-e the standard voltage ratings. Those
latea at 1,300 volts were designed for u.se on interurban roads
having a trolley voltage of 1,200, but they have not proved
very popular in interurban and all high-voltage services the
tendency being toward the use of indirect control

Direct control was used five years ago on practically all city
an, suburban cars, and on many of the lighter iritemrban
and rapid transit cars. However, in the heavier services this
type ot equipment was rendered objectionable because of the
large size of controller necessary. Its use to-dav is largely
confined to city car equipments where the motors are of less
tnan ou h.p.

A modification of direct iontrol has recently come into
rather wide use; it combmes a number of the advantages of
both direct, and mdirect control. In this system remote-
controDed circmt-breaking or contactor switches are mounted
underneath the car to break the main power circuit These
switches are used in connection with a regular cylindrical
controller, and they relieve the controller fingers of the heavy

arcing and burning incident to the rupture of circuits carry-
ing heavy currents. The controller is provided with an auxili-
ary contact device on the main cylinder, which consists ot
two contact lingers operat<Hl by a pivott^d arm that in turn
is actuat<>d by a cam on the controller drum. The action is
such that when the drum is turned in the " on " direction
the main circuit drum fingers close first and then the control
lingers. The power circuit is thus closed by the coatactor
.switches instead of by the main drum lingers. Provision may
be made for a tripping mechanism which, in case of over-
load, operates the tripping switch and thus permits the con-
tactors to open.

This type of control is not only more reliable than the
standard direct control, but the use of remote-control switches
in the main power circuit makes ixi.ssible the interlocking of
the control system with door opening and closing and other
Kifety devices. In fact, the latter advantage has been very
largely the cause of its popularity.

Indirect control was developed primarily to pemiit the
operation of several cars as a unit fixiin the master controller

Fig. 2.— Con'trol Diagram, .5,0(X)-volt. d.c. Equipment.

Ill the leading car, and up to a few years ago its application
was largely confined to rapid transit cars, suburban cars on
electrified steam lines, and electric locomotives.

Indirect-Control Systems. — Indirect control is now useil
altogether for rapid transit and other heavy sei"vices and quite
widely in intenirban service. In the latter case it is almost
universal where the contact line carries more than 600 volts.
In city service it is being used to a limited extent, largely
\\ithout the multiple unit feature, however, particularly in
connection with some of the low-floor types of car, because
(if the ease with which the various control features may be
!i(.'giegated and mounted in limited spaces and the readiness
with which safety features may be incorporated.

By the addition of a current limiting relay, which opens a
control circuit when the motor current exceeds a predeter-

' © Inspeclion Rec

J— ^Overload Trip

Fig. 3.— Diagram for Type 214 Control.

mined value, and suitable interlocking devices, either elec-
trical or mechanical, automatic acceleration can be secured
with any indirect-control system. Automatic acceleration
ensures against abuse of the motors by the motorman, and
tends to provide a fairly unifonn rate of acceleration. It has
long been used on elevated roads and in other rapid transit
service, and in connection with some of the new light-weight,
indirect-control designs it seems to be gaining in popularity
for city service.

The earlier indirect-control systems were too heavy, and
besides, automatic acceleration was quite often a feature of
these equipments. This was of importance where operating
conditions were more or less unifonn, but did not have so
many advantages when applied to interurban service. There
were the objections, also, of high cost and complexity; for
these reasons simplified types of hand-operated indirect-control
s>stems were developed, and during the last five years they
have found wide application.

Of these systems, the Westinghouse HL and the General
Electric M K are the best known. In both these systems the
arrangement of control handles is similar to that of the Tvpe
K controller, and the energy for the auxiliary control circuit
13 taken through a resistance from the contact line.

I

Yol. 79. No. 2,04iX December 2:., 1916.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

725

The main parts of these systems are the main or motor
controller and a master controller which operates in proper
order the switches of the motor controller. These switches
are closed against springs by electrically-controlled compressed
air cyUnders or powerful solenoids.

The unit switches are equipped with arc chutes and mag-
netic blow-outs. An overload relay is used which either opens
the control circuit and trips out ali the contactors or a remote-
controlled hne switch.

The H L system has been further simplified, and is being
applied to hght-weight cars. The M K system is being super-
seded to a certain extent by a later PC type of control.

Indirect control systems for use in connection with high-
voltage, direct-current motors are essentially the same as those
used with lower voltages. Comphcations are sometimes neces-
sary because the motors are required to operate at low voltage
within cities. In the latter case, to ensure the opening of the
power circuit, two switches connected in series are generally
used to make the interruption.

In connection with the control of alternating motors the
only development of special interest is the control for the
doubly-fed motor adopted by the Pennsylvania Railroad.
This control is an adaptation of the unit-switch system, and
it is arranged for automatic accelei'ation. The motors, which
are connected in series, are started and operated up to approxi-
mately 15 M.P.H., as repulsion motors, with the auxihary or
compensating field, the armature and the main field in series.
With these series connections the armature is also paralleled

11" >• % > 11'- Hi"- HI'"

Fig. 4. — Motor Grouping for " Non-rheost.wic " Control.

b;, a resistance. Resistance is inserted with the motors on
the first step and is cut out on the second. The third step
changes the connections so as to enei-gise the auxihary field
from one portion of the transformer, and the ai-mature and
main field, connected in series from another portion, thus
affording the doubly-fed connection. The armature short-
circuit is removed when the motors are operating with the
double feed. Subsequent steps in the control are obtained by
increasing the motor voltages.

New Control Systems. — The control system devised origi-
nally for the st-epless centre-entrance cars of the New York
railways, known as the Westinghouse P K control, consists
of a dnim motor controller equipped with a power-operated
notching mechanism. This notching mechanism consists of a
pair of opposed air cylinders whose common piston road
carries a rack that engages with a pinion on the shaft of the
motor-controller drum. Electrically controlled valves admit
or discharge air from the cylinders in accordance with the
manipulation of a master controller located on the car plat-
form. The motor controller may be located on the platform
underneath the car or in some other convenient place.

In appearance the master controller is a miniature
platform controller. Manual acceleration is possible,
although a current limiting relay is provided on most
equipments, and the circuits are so arranged that automatic
acceleration will occur in case the controller is moved more
than one notch at a time. The latest form of power-operated
head can be readily applied to any Type K controller. Energy
for the control circuits may be obtained either from the con-
tact line or a storage battery carried on the car.
. A later control system brought out under the trade designa-
tion of Type 214 control is a combination of the principles in-
volved in the PK and the older ABF system. As designed
for the field-control motors of the New York Municipal Rail-
way rapid transit cars, the motor controller box includes the
following parts : Two unit switches acting as circuit breakers,
four unit switches for series paralleling the motors, one drum-
type reverser, one drum-type commutating switch, one
current-limit relay, one overload relay, one main circuit ter-
minal board, and one control circuit terminal board. Electro-
pneumatically operated unit switches, interlocked to secure
proper sequence, are u.sed for making main-circuit changes
while a commutating switch of the drum type, operated by a
PK notching mechanism, is used to cut out resistance. \
line relay cut-out permits feeding up of the control when
power is off the line and the bucking of the motors for emer-
i-'i-ncy braking in case of failure of the air brakes.

The automatic acceleration feature of this control is particu-
larly interesting as the action of the current-limiting relay is

modified by the current passing through an auxiliary winding
of the relay, in such a way as to provide for the same rate
of acceleration for all loads. The amount of current passing
through this auxiliary winding is controlled by a switch
operated in connection with the variable-load brake mechan-
ism. The adjustment of this mechanism corresponds directly
to the deflection of the bolst-er springs, under load. Energy
for the control circuit is obtained from a 34-volt storage bat-
tery, which also furnishes energy for emergency car light,
signal Ughts, door interlocks, and other special circuits. This
control is designed for use with the larger motors, those on
the New York municipal cars being rated at 160 h.p. on 600
volts.

In the P C control equipment, recently placed on the market
by the General Electric Co., the motor controller consists of
a group of switches or contactor units (used for effecting the
series and parallel groupings of the motors and in cutting out
resistance, together with a reverser, a circuit-breaker and
overload, potential and current-limiting relays, all of these
being assembled in a single case. The contactors are closed'
mechanically by means of cams mounted on a shaft which
is revolved by a rack and pinion. The rack is operated by
two air cylinders, whose valves are electrically controlled by
the master controller. .\11 of the contactor arc-chut«s are
grouped in one unit similar in construction to that used in
the ordinary drum controller. The circuit-breaker switches
are also operated .pneumatically and controlled electrically.
The overload relay operates to de-energise the control circuit
of these switches in case of excess current. When opened by
an overload, a reset switch must be thrown to close them
again. The switches are of the unit type, and are readily
removed. The reverser is very similar to the drum reverser
used in a Type K controller, except that it is power operated
by means of compressed air cylinders with electrically-con-
trolled valves.

The master controller is similar in general construction to
that used with the Type M control systems built by the same
company. It is provided with a slip-ring attachment which
closes the control power circuit_ when the handle is movel
from the "off" to the first position, and maintains the cir-
cuit for any forward motion, but opens it if the handle is
moved back.

This type of control may be arranged either for automatic
or hand acceleration, and may receive the power for the con-
trol circuit either from the contact line or storage batteries
carried on the car. As with most modern systems of indirect
control, the power circuit is opened in case the motorman
removes his hand from the control handle, and provision may
be made also for setting the brakes.

Non-rheostatic Control.— From the standpoint of_ ecenomy
and flexibility in speed regulation, the non-rheostatic control
for the four-motor cars of the Pittsburgh railways is of interest.
In this system resistance is used on only two transition points,
the first and fifth, and as there are three running notches the
transition points are used only for very short intervals, so
that there are practically no rheostatic losses.

coHTAaoDsaosiD OHitcmTEf

SUPS

CONThCTORS 1

^"

Ki

Hi

■f3

W

w

F

5

C

isr

•

•

IHO

•

•

•

•

in

•

•

STH

•

-

•

•

UAKS.

•

•

v«

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

5TH

•

•

•

•

•

Fig. 5. — Cont.^ctor Sequence for p.c. Control.

Frequent use is made of the first running notch with all
motors in series, and as low speed can be secured on this
first point, excessive ■ controller operation is avoided, and
savings in the maintenance costs of control equipment,
wheels, and brakes are effected. Tests over an extended in-
terval of time indicate that the energy consumption is from
8 per cent, to 15 per cent, less than with a standard series-
parallel control when used on cars of the same weight operat-
ing in a similar service.

The contactor switches are arranged in two switch group
cases under the low floor of the car. The combinations and
connections provide for interlocks on the contactors to estab-
hsh holding circuits whereby the motors are maintained in
parallel groups while the control handle is being thrown to
the " off " position, thus affording a closed path of low resist-
ance for the discharge of the energy stored in the magnetic
fields of the motors. The use of field control with this system
would, of course, add some complication, but would result in
a speed flexibility practically equal to that of the steam loco-
motive.

7-20

THE ELECTlUCAJj liEVlEW. [Voi. 7i». No. 2,040, deckmuijk2-.i, liut;

Uinni?.— Electrically -controlled brakes, 6j>ecil-coutrol de-
vices, car signal and "door int«rlockintJ circuits result in the
new cars of the Kew York Municipal Railway in the use of
18 train wires, of which only seven are used directly for
control purposes, and the wires are of extra large cross-
seetiou so as to permit the multiple-unit operation of a large
number of cars.

With indirect svsteras, a knife-blade switch of the quick-
break variety connected between the trolley base and main
fuse, is used to disconnect the main circuit so that the motor
controller can be operated for t<?st or insix>ction purposes.
The use of a main fuse box of the magnetic blow-out type
is becoming almost univers;il, the accepted form of fuse con-
sisting of a thin copper ribbon held at the ends between heavy
clamps.

Later practice in car wiring tends toward the use of light
steel conduit that is enamelled, galvanised, sherardised, or
treated in some other way to make it rust-resisting, the con-
duit for some of the later cars having walls only 1/32 in.
thick. In cars designed for very light weight there is an in-
creasing tendencv to use .some of the fireproof non -metallic
conduits now on' the market. Of these one that has been
extensivelv used is made of natural warp cotton yarns woven

REVIEWS.

1 conuaomcoMice

w

K

0

C

D

F

6

«^/

",

«

•

1

•

•

•!•

1

•

•

1

•

•

•

• <•! {

•

•

•

• 1

•

•

•

•

• 1*

•

.

•

•

1

•

•

•JL

i.

• l»l

Fig. 6.— Switch Sequence for " Non-rheoswtic " Controi,.

very tightly to give it strength, and saturated with a water-
proof and "fireproof compound. It is more economical than
metalhc conduit, not only because the price is much less, but
also because no fittings are required, since the non-metallic
conduit can be bent into any desired position. The weight
of J in. conduit in this material approximates 0.13 lb. per
ft., while metal even 1/32 in. thick should weigh 0.25 lb.,
including the fittings.

The arrangement of control details in a few groups has
greatly simplified the control wiring necessary, and there is
a tendency to use multi-conductor cables for the motor and
other current-carrying leads instead of sincle wires.

With regard to "lightning aixesters, the magnetic blow-out
types are still very popular for car service, and a form of
condenser arrester seems to be meeting with some favour.

The aluminium-cell type of lightning arrester has not met,
as yet, witli great favour among operating men; several com-
panies have installed it on their latest tyi>es of cars. There
is a tendency to use larger choke coils than were used for-
merly. The favoured location of the arrester seems generally
to be on the roof of the car.

Control Circuit and Door Inierloc'kino-—ln an effort to pro-
mote safety and accelerat-e traffic, several methods of inter-
locking the car doors and the control system have been
devised. Generally speaking, any of these schemes is appli-
cable, as far as principle is concerned, to any system of in-
direct control as well as to the system of modified <iirect
control. The door apparatus consists of a wooden rod attached
to the door and upon which is a brass ferrule. When the
door is closed this ferrule engages with a pair- of contactors
which form, a part of the circuit energising the contactor, or
line switch in the motor control. In any po.sition oT the door,
except tightly closed, these contactors engage with the wooden
surface of the rod and not with the brass ferrule. Conse-
quentlv. the contactor control circuit is open and the con-
tactor itself cannot be closed, but when the door is shut the
control circuit is complete, and the motors are under the
control of the motorman. This enables a motoiToan to set
his controller handle on the starting position immediately
after a door is opened at a stop. Then, when the door closes,
the car starts ahead at once without any signal from the
conductor. Frequently switches are provided that operate
in connection with the conductors' emergency brake valve.
The operation of this valve, therefore, shuts off the power as
well as sets the brakes, and eliminates the current surge that
would result if the motors pulled against the brakes until the
overload relay tripped.

Such interlockinc devices, by permitting a quick start after
passengers are loaded, have a very marked effect in speeding
up traffic. They eliminate to a large extent the need of a
signal system for the conductor, and by requiring the door to
be shut before the car can be started, reduce the number of
door and step accidents.

Australian Commonwealth Offices. — On December 27th

the offices of the Hiffh Commissioner for the Commonwealth of
Australia were reraoveil from Victoria Street to Australia House,
::^trand. London. W 0

Large Klectric Power Citations. By Dr. G. Kunoenbkko.
Enghsh translation from the German. London : Crosby
Lockwood. Price 25s. net.

The publisher's note to this book states that the tran.sla-
tion supplied by the author was in type some months prior
io the war, and that the proofs have been subjected to
careful revision by an English engineer, and in view of the
importance of the subject it has been decided not to delay
publication further.

The increase in the public importance of electricity supply
is bringing about a change in opinion as to the basis on
which electricity should be produced and distributed.

The fundaiiiental question is whether the generating station
should be a private one, one controlled by a municipal body,
or one managed by a company. Nowadays, unless in a very
isolated area, a private power station would prove unecono-
mical. It also seems impossible for a municipality to manage
•lU electricity supply undertaking on any but what may l)e
called political lines. The engincer-in-charge will be asked
for his opinions on engineering or economic problems, but
tlie electricity committee's decisions are necessarily governed
by the policy of the party to which the majority of its
members happen to belong. On the other hand, the manage-
ment of a supply company presents an entirely different
picture. The policy of ihp company will be controlled by
experts in engineering, in business, and in finance. They
possess entire, control, their decisions are influenced by the
iriterests of the concern only, they can organise and renew
their staff according to the ability of the individual, and are
iKcessarily in close touch with industrial and engineering
(kvelopmcuts. Under municipal control there is not the same
incentive to attain the highest possible economy as with a
dividend-paying company. These are facts that no one can
seriously dispute, and the public is confronted with the ques-
tion whether it is preferable to allow limited liability com-
panies to take control of the electricity supply business — of
course, under proper Parliamentary supervision — or to allow
existing municipal supplies to develop or co-operate with
private concerns. The future only can say what will happen
in this country. The author's views on these and on like
matters are set forth in a lengthy and very readable intro-
ductory chapter.

Chapter I is one of 78 pages. It deals broadly with the
general principles involved in the design of large electric
power stations. The use of the various governing factors,
e.g., the diversity factor, is first illustrated with the aid of
diagrams from various German power stations. This section
of the chapter is decidedly clear and valuable. The engine
room is then discussed. A quantity of information is given,
Ijut the question as to choice of different types of tur-
bines is not entered into at all. The treatment of the selec-
tion of generators' and auxiliary machinery is fairly good.
Some genuinely valuable advice is next given on the design
of boiler houses and their contents, together with some data
that the reviewer has not seen published before. One of the
author's figures appears a little heroic — a steam velocity in
the pipes feeding the turbines of 262 ft. per sec. The re-
viewer would be inclined to think that there would be an
appreciable drop in pressure unless the pipes were very short,
and further, he would expect some vibration in the pipes on
sudden changes in the load. Storage and transport of coal,
ash removal, and switchgear are then discussed in a satis-
factory, though somewhat brief, manner. For example, five
lines only are devoted to protection against lightning in the
switchgear section. The chapter concludes with some very
sensible advice on the choice of the po.sition of a power sta-
tion, and on its architecture. As the author rightly says,
n any power stations resemble theatres more than anything
else, and thj beauty of a power station building — as of
machinery — should be in the simplicity of the design and in its
proper proportions. The fact must not be lost sight of that
a power station is merely a factory, for producing electricity.
At the same time, of course, it should be adapted to the
appearance of the locality as far as is practicable.

Chapters II and III deal respectively with comparisons of
costs of electrical transmission of energy and of the trans-
ix>rt of coal, and with economy and generating costs in rela-
tion to capacity and utility factor. The value or otherwise
of this sort of thing depends, of course, entirely on the
initial as.sumptions made. Some of the costs appear to be
oistinctly on the low side to the reviewer, but the author's
II ethods appear to be .sound, and will serve as a model for
similar calculations with different initial costs.

The first con.structional example of the principles set forth
in the preceding part of the book is that of the Markische
electricity works in Germany. The installation is most
(horoughly described, and illustrated with plates and photo-
graphs. The leading dimensions of es.sential parts of the
plant are given, and also the name of the maker — of course,
in every case a German finn. An analysis of the working
results is given at the end of the chapter. These are not at
. all remarkable, but it is to be remembered that the station
is five or six years old.

The second and last example is that of the Victoria Falls
and Transvaal Power Co., Ltd., in South Africa. The initia-
tion of this enormous power supply scheme and the different

voi.7!>. No.2,o4o,DECEMBEB29, 1916.] THE ELECTRICAL REVIEW.

727

power stations .'nvolved is most thoroughly described, and
also the possibilities of future extensions. The author states,
and probably correctly, that the A.E.G., Berlin, undertook
the engineering of the bcheme and the installation of the
entire plant.

The book consists of 260 pages and a large number of
plates. It bears distinct evidence of most careful thought.
The translator has also done his work very satisfactorily, the
large majority of the units, both money and dimensions,
being given in English measure. The work will undoubtedly
be of distinct use to engineers engaged in power station
design. However, in spite of its merits, '25s. net is a large
sum of money to pay for the book. Possibly the large num-
ber of plates is partly responsible for the price. — H. G. S.

The Mechanical Handling and Storing of Material. By
George Frkderick Zimmer. London : Crosby Lock wood
and Son. Pric« £'2 '2s. net.
Probably one of the most neglected branches of engineer-
ing is that relating to the mechanical handling and storing
of material, and we beUeve " The Mechanical Handling of
Material " first published by the author was the first work
of any real importance on this subject. The present treatise
is a new edition of this work, in which the mechanical
handling of material has been brought up to date, and to
which the various methods of storing material has been added.
The author had an immense field before him, and we must
give him credit for making the most of his opportunities;
though the work consists mainly of data and particulars of
plant gathered from all corners of the globe, it is not the
less valuable on this account. In fact, it is not too much to
say that the engineering profession should be very greatly
indebted to Mr. Zimmer for placing before it a work in-
volving considerable labour in collecting and arranging infor-
mation dealing with so important a subject as the economy
ot labour by applying mechanical means to the handling of
material in works and factories appertaining to practically
every industry.

In an excellent introductory article, the reader is told the
necessity for the introduction of labour-saving machinery,
and the benefit derived not only by the capitalist, but by the
labourer himself is pointed out; as this question may possibly
become an acute one after the war, it is necessary that Labour
should be educated to recognise this fact, and we can fully
endorse the author's statement that " In round figures, it
may be taken that the saving of one man's wages warrants
the investment of fl.OOO in machinery." As an example,
the author cites a modem flour mill in which the wheat may
bo unloaded from an ocean-going steamer, stored, cleaned,
graded, ground, dressed, packed, weighed, registered, and
loaded into a railway truck for dispatch to the consumer
without any manual labour whatever. The view, however,
of the Labour leader is that were it not for this machinery
men vpould be employed and wages paid, but he forgets that
whilst, no doubt, '20 or 30 workmen are released for other
labour, hundreds of their fellow workmen are benefiting by
the lower cost of flour. Are the greater number willing to
suffer, to benefit — which is doubtful — the few? Moreover, as
the author truly jxjints out, the multiplication of labour-
saving appliances is not in the least detrimental to the in-
terests of Labour, but, on the contrary, " experience has
shown that his daily life is thereby made easier, his intel'i-
gence improved, and his wage-eaming capacity increased,"
and in no industry has this been proved to such an extent
as in that of mining.

The work consists practically of six parts, viz. : The con-
tinuous handling of material ; continuous handling of material
by pneumatic and hydraulic means ; intermittent handling
of material; unloading and loading appliances; miscellaneous
installations; and the automatic weighing of material.

The first part claims 18 chapters, and deals with elevators
and conveyors for every imaginable purpo.se; naturally,
among so many designs there is room for very considerable
improvement in some, but to examine critically each design
would take several volumes as large as the present to deal
with them. There is, however, plenty to choose from as a
basis for the design of any particular piece of handling or
conveying machinery. It would seem as though in many
cases the designer or builder of conveying machinery did not
consider it necessary to study the effect of friction as a power
consumer, or thought that the economy effected by the use
of the_ conveyor was such that there was a big margin for
inefficiency — anything would do for a conveyor so long as it
worked. Some that we know of didn't work; not that the idea
of the conveyor was bad-, but sufficient study had not been
given to its construction by the designers to suit the parti-
cular conditions. It is mainly so with all conveyors; a little
thought and study would greatly improve their efficiency.

The next three chapters deal with the handling of material
such as grain, coal, and ashes by pneumatic or hydraulic
means. .Amongst the latter is mentioned the hydrauhc plant
at the Hammersmith Borough Council's electric light installa-
tion, which was estimated to cost f 1.5,600 and to save £1,577
per annum, or practically 10 per cent, on the capital outlay.
As a means of removing ashes from boiler houses the
hydraulic system would appear to have many advantages.
Some of the pneumatic systems described for conveying grain
are both interesting and ingenious, and naturally much more
care and workmanship has to be expended on this type of plant.

The intei-mittent handling of material includes endless-rope
and chain haulage, not, of course, as installed in mines, but
as applied to moving tubs or small wagons for short distances.
It includes all kinds of aerial ropeways, methods of coaling
vessels at sea-, rails and telphers, and the handling of
material in connection with blast furnaces, and coke
from coke ovens; some of these are good, but many are in-
different, and others might have been left out altogether.
Espfecially does this apply to some of the German methods for
deaUng with hot coke from coke ovens.

The last two portions deal with such subjects as the coaling
of railway engines, boiler-hou.se handling plants, storage of
coal, grain, and other materials, and the automatic weighing
of material, and conclude with a table giving the weights-
of materials.

As we have said, the subject is a huge one, and we are
afraid one that has not been .sufficiently studied in this
country, partly because of prejudice, but mainly, we think,
because of our— we hope now obsolete — conservati.srn. ^^'ith
the ever-increasing cost of labour in production, it becomes
more than ever necessary to reduce the producing cost of
the finished article, and to release the labourer, otherwise
engaged in the handUng of material, for more useful employ-
inent, where his services will be more productive, both for
himself, his employer, and the pubhc generally.

If Mr. Zimmer's book, by showing what has" already been
done in this direction, and by giving details of examples of
conveying and other labour-saving machinery, will help the
development of this branch of engineering iii this country it
will have served a useful purpose.

If we have any fault to find, it is in the bulkiness of the
volume, which we think would have been handier had it
been published in. say, two volumes instead of one. Other-
wise, it is well printed and bound, the illustrations are good,
many being folding plates, and the work does credit to author
and publisher.

Dynamo and Motor Attendants and their , Machines. By
Fr.wk Bro.idbent, M.I.B.E. London : S. Rentell & Co.
Ltd. Price '2s. 6d. net.
This is the eighth edition of a work which has long held a
high reputation, and has established its position as one of
those books for which there is always a demand. The text
has been extensively revised, over 50" pages have been added,
and 40 drawings, a new chapter on accumulators has been
icserted, and generally the matter has been brought
up to date. The .chapter on "General Principles" has also
been entirely rewritten. There are a good many misprints,
but these are generally obvious, and the author reasonably
claims indulgence in view of the revision having been done
in strenuous time«. The remarkable scope of the book, the
conciseness and lucidity of the treatment, and the essentially
practical nature of the contents, render it the most useful
guide for the class of readers addressed' that we know of, and
its continued popularity indicates that they concur with us
in regarding it as excellent value for the small price at which
i*! is published.

FOREIGN AND COLONIAL TARIFFS ON
ELECTRICAL GOODS.

gi'oss 0

gross 1

gross 0

legal 0

CHILE. — For convenience of reference, the following parti-
culars of the rates of import duty, now payable on the under-
mentioned gix)ds on importation into Chile, are taken from the
recently-published Parliamentary Return, giving a transla-
tion of the new Customs Tariff Law — see the Review of Nov-
ember 3rd : —

India-rubber : — Pesos. Cts.

Resilient: Raw kilog. gross 0 04

In sheets ... kilog. gross 0 '20

With cloth or metal for
packing machinery, &c. kilog.

^'ulcani.sed, in sheets kilog.

Rubber wa.ste kilog.

Rubber solution kilog.

Manufactured articles of rubber, not

specially mentioned kilog. legal '2 50

Boots and shoes, &c., of rubber, or

with rubber soles ... ~ k'log. net . -2 00

Buttons (pushes) for electric bells ... kilog. legal 1 80
Iron and steel : —
Wire in all shapes (including barbed)

100 kilogs.

Lamps for electric lighting kilog.

Cable or rope of wire kilog.

Meters for electric cuiTent, and parts kilog.
Copper and its alloys : —

Sheets, bars, or ingots

Bars or cylindrical rods for cutting

into bolts kilog.

Pure, for assaying kilog.

Filings (borings) ; solder

Pil^es or tubes not - specially men-
tioned, and accessories kilog. gross 0

gross 0 50

legal 0 70

gross 0 04

gross 0 20

Free.

gross 0 10
net 1 80
Free .

THE EI.KCTHICAL REVIEW. [Voi. ;;.. Xo. 2.04.., dw-kmukh i';.. hm..

Zinc and its alloys:— Pesos. Cts.

Bars, sheets, or plates . Free.

Granulatod. filinRs or boriags ... kilog. gross 0 36

Shtvt-i varnished or with coating of

common metal kilog. gross 0 40

Aluminium alloys; aluminium in .''heets,

plates, strips, or bars Free.

Tin or lead : —

Bars or sheets Free.

Gninulated, fiUngs or borings ... kilog. gross 0 ^3

Pip«-s or tubes and accessories ... kilog. gross 0 OG
Nickel and white metal : —

Bars, sheets or plat<>8 kilog. gross 0 25

Manufactured articles not specially
mentioned, not silvered or gilt ... kilog. legal .3 00
Wire, other than iron or st<>el. of all

shapes kilog. gross 0 01

Babitt's metal and the like kilog. gross 0 15

.\sbestos: —
In the rouph. in powder, or in cords kilog. gross 0 02

In boardri or sheets ... kilog. gross 0 10

Manufactured — gloves. Ac. . . . . kilog. legal 2 00
Mica : —

In sheets ... kilog. gross 0 60

Manufactured articlo> ... kilog. gross 0 75

Oraphite KX) kilogs. gross 1 -50

Talc : —

For industrial uses kilog. gross 0 05

In very thin sheets kilog. legal 1 80

Commercial advertising matter, not
s|iecially mentioned, of cardboard or
papiT. except catalogues and periodi-
cals kilog. gross 1 00

Crmmercial catalogues and periodicals,

Ac. Free.

Telegraph and telephone instruments

and apparatus, &c., not specified. ... kilog. gross 0 05
S|>eci;il machines, apparatus and appli-
ances for use in generating gas and
electric light, not specified ; insulators,
commutators, contacts, interrupters,
extinguishers, cut-outs, fuses, &c.. re-
quired for electric light installations;
arc and incandescent lamps or bulbs,

and carbons kilog. gross 0 01

Machines and apparatus for use in in-
dustry not elsewhere specified ... kilog. gross 0 03
Electric piles or batteries, and jars for

same kilop. gross 0 10

Wire of common metal, of any sectional
foiTD. insulated or covered with rubber,

silk, li-c ■. kilog. gross 0 10

Plans and specifications for engineering,
architectural, and other works ... Free.

Packing cases kilog. gross 0 06

[Gross weight is the weight of the goods with all receptacles
and packings, both internal and external. Legal weight is
the weight of the goods, together with all receptacles (includ-
ing fastenings) with which they are i)acked inside the ex-
ternal wrapping, excluding straw, sawdust, &c., used for dis-
posing the parcels. Net weight is the weight of goods de-
prived of all coverings. 100 centavos = 1 peso = ls.6d.]

Merchandise or products imported into the Magellan Terri-
tory are, with certain specified exceptions, free of duty.

Foreign goods import^-d into Chile are subject to a ware-
hou.sing fee. Goods intended for con.sumption in the country
and subject to import duty must pay 1 per cent, of the amount
of -such duty when cleared during the first four months of
storage; 8 per cent, when cleared during the second period of
four months; and 12 per cent, when cleared during the third
period of four months. In the case of goods free of import
duty, the warehou.se fee will be 10 centavos per 100 kilogs
gross weight when the goods are cleared within the first four
months of storage; 20 centavos during the second period; and
:Vi centavos during the third period.

The duties payable under the new Tariff T.aw are to be
regarded as the minimum rates, applicable to countries which
grant m.f.n. treatment to imports from Chile. The President
is empowered to impose a surtax of 25 per cent, of the duties
fixed by the Tariff, as a maximum tariff, applicable to pro-
ducts from other countries.

NEW PATENTS APPLIED FOR,

(NOT TET PUBLISHED).

1916.

Published expressly (or this journal by Mes.^rs. W P TlloupsoN & Co
Electrical Patent Agents, 285, High Holborn, London, W C and at
Liverpool and Brad(ord. *

17.786. "Electric telephones." L. G. Ham>ier. December llih.

17,798. " Secondary electric batterici." T. A. D. Lawtom. December Uth

Uth'*"' "^'^''T'"'"' niemo-fi.ing receptacle." S. M. Brvdges. December

lUh'*"' " ^"'o-'"'"'"'"'' ""* ■■nJi"tor." W. C. HoRNE. December

J7.820 "Electromagnet (or liding materials." Soc. Cenikale d'Ekti i
I'l.isES .\. D. Riviere er Cie. December Ilth.

17,834. " Mercury-vapour and other incandescent vapour -lamps." K. Uoi
SO'*. December 12lh.

17,651. " Device applicable to electrical machiaos such as motors, »;<i'.
ralors, lr.ms(ormcrs, Ac, replacing commutator or collector." G. Pkstakiv
December 12lh.

I7,8j2. "Trolley heads or collectors (or elcclric tramcars, 4c." R. Bai
December 12lh.

17.856. "Control o( electric motors." J. M. L. Slater. December 12il

17.867. " Manu(acture o( electric insulating materials." W. E. Winds' i
RlillAKLS. December 12th.

17.875. " (■"loctric lamp shade." S. C. Morris. December l?f

17.878. " Sparking plugs (or motors, &c." J. W. Law. Dec, ;th.

17,885. " Sparking plugs or electric ignition devices (or interna .-combii
lioi engines."' W. A. Clark, H. G. Lovcford, W. W. Lonceord & Srliis
MANCEAcniRlNU Co. December 13Ui.

17,916. " Producing alternating elccti
li( csTo.s Co. (General Electric

17,923. " Electric pocket lamps." O. Pletsciier. December 13iH.
(Swilicrland, November 18th.)

17.929. " Rlectrical apparatus having windings." British Electric Trans-
fOHMBR Co. 4 J. GQOD.MA.N. Dcccmbcr 13lh.

17.930. "Protective means (or electrical apparatus having windings."
I>i nisii Electric Transformer Co. & J. Goodman. December 13th.

17,934. " Arrangements (or advancing ignition in internal-combustion
engines." Soc. Anon, pour l'Eclairace Electrique des Vbiiiculbs. Dcccni-
br 13th. (Krancc, December 20lh, 1915.)

17,936. " Energy meters (or alternating currents." Fabriqub d8s Lon-
cinks Francillon & Co. Soc. Anon. December 13th. (Switzerland, April
22nd.)

17 937. " High-(requency alternators." Soc. I^rancaise Radio-Electriqck.
llecember 13th. (France, September IGth, 1915.)

17.950. " Gilvanic batteries." E. A. Ashcroft. December 14lh.

17,972. " Anodes (or electrolysis o( sulphate solutions, and production ol
same." A. COLLEY, W. Hutchinson & A. Hickman, Ltd. December 14th.

17,981. " Method o( controlling, and apparatus (or producing, ionic dis-
charges." D. F. Comstock Si Technicolor Motion Picture (Corporation.
Dcceir.ber 14th.

17,983. " Methods o( producing high vacuum." British Thomson-Houston
C >. (General Electric Co., U.S.A.). December 14th.

17.987. " Ignition dynamos." C. T. M.isoN. December 14th. (U.S.A.,
Jaru.iry 7th.)

17.988. " Ignition systems." J. G. Zimmekman. December 14lli. (U.S.A ,
May 12th.)

17,993. "Collectioi o( currents Irom overhead, &c., conductors." C. C.
HiNKES. December 14th.
17,996. " Selection o( electric currents." A. Pereco. December 14th.

17.998. " Batteries." J. M. Flann^rv. December 14th.

17.999. " Batteries." J. M. Flannerv. December 14th.

18,019. 'Cleansing floors o( tramcars, &c." N. Jamieson. December I'l

18,027. "Portable periscopic electric lamp (or signalling." E. V*. Fv\v
December I5th.

18,046. " .'Automatic telephone systems." Automatic Telephone .Manci ■
TURING Co. December 15th. (U.S.A., February 14th.)

18,049. "Electric switches." J. H. Collinos & M. j. Railing. Deccml'
15th.

18,095. " Systems o( motor control." British Thomson-Houston Co.. I.ii'.
(General Electric Co., U.S.A.). December IGth.

PUBLISHED SPECIFICATIONS.

1915.

10,615. Burglar or Fire .Alarm and like app.\ratus. A. A. Canton. .\ov-
oniber 24th.

16.643. Electrolvtic Cells. H. C. Jenkins & CI. (1914) Syndicate, Ltd.
N'c\ ember 25lh.

16,765. Electromaonetically-actuated Cont.act Makers or Switches. G.
D. Peters & Co.> F. C. Hibberd Si W. King. November 27th.

16.865. Portable Electric Lamps. V. C. H. Gibson & E. G. Benns.
.Vovember 30th.

17,125. Carbon Saver for Arc Lamps. D. F,. Turner. December 6th.
(May 9th, 1916.) '

17,276. Cooling of Electric Motors of the Enclosed Type. G. Schroe-
(I'^r. December 8th.

1916.

2,968. Galvanic Batteries. G. Fuller, L. Fuller & G. J. A. Fuller.
June 12Ui. (Patent No. 102,335.)

5,932. AtrroMATic Photographic Printjng .Machine. Neff & Lumley. .April
24lh, 1915. (Patent No. 100,363.)

6,036. Electric Welding Apparatus. E. Woltmann. May 1st. (Patent

\i, 100.401.1

Further German Substitutes.— In the nornial rules of

the V.D.E., it is recommended that hemp be used in fixin": insu-
lators to their pins ; but hemp is now reserved for Army use. hence-
a Committee of the Electrotechnical Union has been investigating
possible substitutes, and now advises the use of impregnated paper.
Suitable paper impregnated with oil or similar insulating material
has been placed on the market by various German firms. A number
of sheets, determined by trial, are wrapped round the pin and the
insulator is screwetl on slowly, using moderate pressure. It is
possible by this means to fill the space between pin and insulator,
and thus provide a secure but elastic support for the latter. A
little practice is required to prevent the paper from tearing or
creasinsf, and to keep the insulator vertical and central. Sack-
cloth is recommended as another effective substitute for hemp,
The Imperial Telegraph Administration uses scraps of wool, sheets
of paper soaked in carbolineum, and newspaper (not impreprnated).
It is remarked that not all the commercial substitutes offered in
place of linseed oil may be used for impreprnating purposes, because
there are sometimes dang-erous fumes and, apart from the thread
of the insulator, the workmen's eyes might be injured.

The use of oiled paper for this purpose was described in the
Er.Ec-TKiCAL Review of March 22nd. i;i07. page 503.

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